Cotton Textile Exports Up 6.7% Despite Strong Headwinds
Chennai : The export of cotton textiles for fiscal year 2023-24 grew by 6.7 per cent to $ 11,683 million despite the strong headwinds, including geo-political tensions. The growth has been achieved amidst strong headwinds like geo-strategic challenges on account of Russia- Ukraine conflict, Red Sea crisis, high raw material costs, and fluctuating demand, said Sunil Patwari, chairman Texprocil. Timely disbursal of export benefits under RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes too has helped the export industry remain competitive. After a long lean spell, the Indian textile industry had started seeing signs of revival in August as demand from some of the key markets rebounded. However, the industry is still facing a few challenges that need to be addressed at the government level. Some of these include availability of raw materials at international prices; high interest cost; preferential access to key markets. The textile industry is eagerly looking forward to the early signing of the Indo-United Kingdom and India European Union Free Trade Agreement after the elections which will further boost exports in the new fiscal year 2024-2025.
Titanic collapse: Gujarat sink at home against Delhi
CHENNAI: A professional display from the Delhi Capitals enabled the Rishabh Pant-led side to beat Gujarat Titans by six wickets at the Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. First their bowlers, in particular their seamer Mukesh Kumar (who picked up three wickets) helped the visitors to bundle out Gujarat Titans for a paltry 89 in 17.3 overs. Later, Rishabh Pant (16 not out) guided the side home. Chasing a small total can be tricky at times. Thus, Delhi top-order paid the price and lost four wickets. However, captain Pant kept his cool and took the side across the line. Earlier, In a format where power hitting has a bearing on the result, Gujarat failed miserably. None of their batters could force the pace. The run out of B Sai Sudharsan was the turning point as Gujarat lost a player who had the ability to hold fort at one end in the power play. When you lose four wickets inside the power play, it is difficult to recover and Gujarat learnt it the hard way. For Delhi, Ishant Sharma, who might be past his prime but is still effective in the T20 format, gave the vital breakthrough, dismissing Shubman Gill. Wriddhiman Saha was unlucky on Wednesday to be castled by Mukesh Kumar. Immediately, Sai Sudharsan was run out and suddenly the hosts were 28 for 3. Now, a lot depended upon David Miller who has the experience and game to excel in this format. But he too caved to pressure to a peach of a delivery from Ishant with Pant completing the formalities. Pant introduced Tristan Stubbs and the South African offie did not disappoint. He did not have to work extra hard to get wickets as the Gujarat batters were mentally not prepared for a fight. Capitalising on this mindset Stubbs accounted for Abhinav Manaohar and Shahrukh Khan. Rahul Tewatia too perished and Gujarat were reeling at 66/7 in 11.2 overs. At this stage there was a big question mark whether they would cross the 100-run mark. Rashid Khan was their last hope and he managed to make 31 runs as Delhi were eventually all out for 89.
Campaign in TN Comes to a Close
Chennai : The high voltage acrimonious campaign that gripped the entire State for over three weeks, prompting national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make repeated visits, came to an end at 6 pm on Wednesday with all 39 candidates making a last minute attempt to woo their voters and all top leaders holding meetings at various places. Chief Minister M K Stalin went around Chennai in the morning and canvassed for his partys North Chennai candidate Kalanidhi Veerasaamy and then concluded his 22-day campaign with a meeting at Besant Nagar in the evening that drew a huge crowd of supporters of the INDIA coalition, while AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was in Salem campaigning till the last minute. BJP State president K Annamalai was at Coimbatore, from where he is contesting the April 9 election, and Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman was in Chennai, seeking votes for his party candidates. The Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, who met mediapersons informally, said that no campaign would be allowed in form or in any media, including social media channels, after 6 pm when the curtains would be rung in and all outsider who had been canvassing for various candidates would be asked to leave for their own homes. All efforts were being made to conduct the polls in a safe and secure manner with the installation of 44,800 web cameras at various places and a vigil mounted on digital transactions of money, besides the personal watch over the distribution of cash, gifts and liquor bottles by political parties to voters as a form of inducement. Liquor shops all over the State remained closed. However, their sales tripled from the average outtake on Tuesday with the shopkeepers making arrangements for the quick dispensation of the bottle. The tripling of sales was not just due to political party functionaries stacking up liquor for distribution on polling day but also due to black marketers seeing a potential to make quick money during the next three days that had been declared as dry days. The top candidates fielded by the three major political coalitions for the three constituencies in Chennai began their campaign quite early in the day on Wednesday and went around the localities that they might have missed in the last three weeks, lending a carnival aura till the deadline of 6 pm. One of the major issues that candidates broached with the voters was floods. Tamilisai Soundarajan, the BJP candidate for South Chennai told the people that if she was elected, she would ensure zero flooding of the constituency as she had identified 25 lakes that would be desilted to create space for the rain water to flow in. Her DMK rival Tamilachi Thangapandian attended the Besant Nagar meeting addressed by Stalin after concluding her house visits a bit earlier in the day. So did Dayanidhi Maran fighting it out from Central Chennai after hectic campaigning since the beginning of season. Marans rival from the AIADMK camp, B Parthasarathy of the DMDK, too went around the constituency seeking votes by introducing him as a ordinary man. Vinoj P Selvam, fielded by the BJP from Central Chennai, too, was in the field wooing the voters with promises of bringing in a change. R C Paul Kanagaraj, BJP nominee from North Chennai, introduced himself as the son of the soil who would be at the beck and call of every voter. Since he resides within the constituency jurisdiction, the people could access him easily for any help. Many traders bodies in North Chennai had reportedly pledged their support to him. AIADMK candidate from North Chennai, Royapuram Mano, is also a local leader with enormous clout among the people of the region. He too was on his toes on the last day, garnering support from all sorts of people. The AIADMK candidates, including Jayavaradhan from South Chennai, had been saying that during AIADMK rule, Palaniswami had distributed flood relief to the victims generously and that there were plans to start smart city projects that would have prevented flooding. The BJP candidates allegation was that the DMK government did not spend the Rs 4000 crore released by the Union Government to take up measures to prevent flooding. NTKs Seeman was in suburban regions likes Korattur and Ambattur telling them people to give his party a chance since the DMK and AIADMK had failed to discharge their duties, during their respective tenures, properly.
BIS sensitisation programme held in Chennai
TN's Women Assistance Scheme Gets Thumbs Up
Chennai: The DMK governments Kalignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (Kalaignar Womens Rights Assistance Scheme) launched by the DMK government to uplift the economic conditions of women in the state had earned worldwide appreciation from economists and developmentalists, an official press release on Wednesday said. Ever since the government started disbursing Rs 1000 to each of the 1.15 crore eligible beneficiaries, women had come out to openly praise the scheme and also its architect, Chief Minister M K Stalin, calling it a gift of brotherly love. Now touted as an iconic social justice scheme for the entire nation to implement, brought the focus of the nation on Tamil Nadu which had emerged as a pioneer in envisaging programmes that would help women gain more economic power. In the eight months of its implementation, the government had disbursed a total amount of Rs 9,200 crore that had helped in womens empowerment and the State achieving gender equality. The scheme is also seen as a continuation of the plethora of other programmes aimed at uplift of women in the State. The free ride for women in government buses, the 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme that gives assistance of Rs 1000 a month for girls of government schools joining institutions of higher education, and the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme that prepares students of government schools and colleges to face the completion in the job market and also in admissions for higher courses are just some of the women empowerment schemes that had come in for praise. Through those schemes, Stalin, the hero of the Dravidian Model governance, had become a guiding force for the entire nation in devising programmes for womens development in the country, the release said.
DMK plea on poll ads: HC asks EC how it can assume powers of court
CHENNAI: Hearing a plea by the DMK, the Madras High Court has asked the Election Commission of India how it can take away the powers of the court provided under Article 226 of the Constitution. The first bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad raised the query while hearing the petition filed by the DMK challenging the orders of the Tamil Nadu CEO regarding the partys poll advertisements. Senior advocate R Shanmugasundaram, appearing for the petitioner, questioned the rationale behind the ECIs submission that the rule was based on the Supreme Court order passed on April 13, 2004. It was an interim order and it is confined only to the particular case. Final order could have been passed but a copy of it is not available on the SC website. The ECI cannot say its rule is based on such an interim order, he told the bench. DMK steps up campaign as internal survey predicts tougher contest in 13 seats Advocate Niranjan Rajagopalan, representing the ECI, said the order of the Supreme Court has been extended time and again and is in operation to the ongoing polls too; and the rule on appeal is based on it. When the bench asked him to produce the copy of the final order, he said it is not available. Referring to the submission that the appeal against the CEO's order can be made only before the Supreme Court, the bench said, You (ECI) cannot double up with the Article 226 of the Constitution which provides the powers (of writ jurisdiction) to the High Court. It directed the ECI counsel to produce the copy of the SCs final order on Thursday and adjourned the matter to the same date for further hearing.
Help Dispel the 10 Year Darkness: Stalin Tells Cadre
Chennai: Giving a clarion call to his party cadre to defeat the enemies of Tamil Nadu and those who were inimical to the development of the State in the April 19 elections to the Lok Sabha, Chief Minister M K Stalin urged them to continue reaching out to people, without violating the election Model Code of Conduct, and elucidate on the dangers of the BJP returning to power. In an epistle to his brothers and sisters, after the high voltage campaign came to a close on Wednesday evening, Stalin stressed on the importance of standing on the side of justice in the battle to protect democracy and cautioned his party workers against getting swayed by the fabricated poll surveys. Telling the cadre to be alert and be awake till the end, he said they should not only create an awareness among the people on the importance of casting their vote and ensure that they voted, besides keeping a vigil over the ballot boxes till they were kept safe. Recalling the 10 year rule of the BJP in the country that saw the unfolding of the worlds biggest political scam, the electoral bonds, the creation of a false image of a successful Modi with the help of the media, and ruining the entire nation for the personal political gain of Modi, he said the time had come to change all that. The BJP rule had seen an increase in unemployment and corruption and the government failing to honour its promises like doing away with black money, spurring industrial growth, eliminating poverty, improving the living standards of women and ushering in an equal society through social justice, Stalin said. In a letter of motivation to cadre written before the election process started, on March 21, which he recalled, he had enjoined them to use the social justice principles of Periyar E V Ramasamy, the dignity taught by C N Annadurai and the administrative legacy inherited from M Karunanidhi to win the elections that were primarily about who should not win. Pointing out that under Modi rule the State governments were forced to approach the Supreme Court for carrying out their routine administrative responsibility like providing flood or drought relief to the people, swearing in of Ministers, appointing vice chancellors to State-run universities, he called upon the cadre to teach a lesson to those drunk on power. Warning them of a post-election bonhomie between the BJP and AIADMK, he said that the two parties were masquerading as though they had parted ways but continued in a secret relationship. Stalin said the new Prime Minister, who would take charge of the nation after the elections, would respect democracy, the tradition of peoples rule and federal principles and also dispel the 10-year darkness that had engulfed the country to usher in a new dawn. The mask that helped Modi come to power 10 years ago as a champion of development and the architect of the Gujarat Model of development had already been ripped off and the real corrupt persona that misused the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and Income Tax department to run over political opponents had been exposed, he said.
Time was when people announcing boycott of polls used to gain the attention of the media thereby resulting in leaders ending up assuaging the frayed tempers of the voters. Not anymore though. This time around, SOS calls of villagers through poll boycott announcements have been falling on deaf ears. People who are reeling under caste discrimination and atrocities make up 90 percent of the population who have announced that they will not head to the polling booths to cast their votes as their demands remains unheard and unfulfilled. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls in the first phase -- this Lok Sabha election's biggest phase with voting in 102 constituencies spread across 21 states -- on April 19. Remember Vengaivayal? Vengaivayal is the village in Pudukottai district where in December, 2022 human faeces were found inside an overhead water tank supplying water to the Dalit population in the village. Over 15 months later, the people of the village have announced a poll boycott since no action was taken against the miscreants who were involved in the caste atrocity. The worst is that the victims were treated like the accused by the police and the authorities. We could not even travel by bus to another village to attend a function as the police suspect that we're gong to participate in a protest somewhere. Our relatives are unable to enter the village as strict police scrutiny continues. To hold a function, we have to get the permission of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP. We're boycotting the Lok Sabha elections as we don't have any other option left, a Dalit resident of Vengaivayal was quoted as saying in a report. No 'Munnetram' for Dalits in Dravida land: Revisiting Vengaivayal case after 100 days Investigation into the Vengaivayal incident cannot go on perpetually and has to be completed by July 3, said the Madras High Court on Tuesday. While dealing with a PIL seeking speedy probe into the issue, the court also questioned Why is it taking so long to complete the probe. There are several Vengaivayals across the state, points out social activist and writer Shalin Maria Lawrence. Dalits in several villages across the state exist like slaves without basic amenities including potable drinking water, public toilets and a place to bury their dear ones. From Vengaivayal to Radhapuram in Tirunelveli district to Thideer Nagar at Otteri in the state capital, all such places have announced a poll boycott, Shalin said. In Chennai alone, people in Thideer Nagar, Kannappan Thidal, Manali, Ennore and Parandur among other places have announced poll boycott. Usually, in such instances political leaders used to visit the village or areas and try to appease the people by listening to their grievances. This time around, political parties have not paid any heed to the boycott calls, Shalin told The New Indian Express . The oppressed people in the state are disgruntled. They say the ruling DMK has failed to address their problems. People are lately losing confidence even in Dalit outfits like Thol Thirumavalavan's VCK, an ally of the DMK. Shalin pointed out that in the 2019 elections, Thirumavalavan managed to win by a narrow margin of 3,000 votes. The vacuum created by the callousness of Dravidian political parties could give space for the BJP to exploit the situation. This is a huge setback to democracy, she noted.
Passenger arrested at Chennai airport for smuggling animals
On April 12, Customs officials found 484 red-eared slider turtles and nine African spurred tortoises in his check-in baggage
Passenger arrested at Chennai airport for smuggling animals - The Hindu
Passenger arrested at Chennai airport for smuggling animals The Hindu
No one wants to watch Modis horror film: M K Stalin
Chennai : No one in the country was interested in watching the feature film that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to release after the April 19 elections or partake of the elaborate meal that he had planned to serve as they had been put off by the spine-chilling trailer and the soup that the 10 year BJP rule had been, Chief Minister M K Stalin said. Addressing the well-attended final campaign meeting for the Lok Sabha elections at the Besant Nagar beach in Chennai on Wednesday when he introduced DMK candidates Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai) and Tamilachi Thangapandian (South Chennai), he referred to the metaphors used by Modi, who described his 10-year-rule a trailer and as the soup served as part of the meal. Hitting out at Modi for his various acts of omission and commission, he said if the trailer could be so horrific and the soup so unpalatable, impelling people to throw up, no one would want to watch the full movie or partake of the feast in store. Stalin, who had been campaigning for the past 22 days for the candidates of the INDIA coalition across the State, said all the 40 seats in the State and Puducherry would be won by the DMK-led alliance as the people were disgusted by the dictatorial attitude of Modi, who had been crushing the States, dividing the society on communal lines with his hate speeches and behaving like a fascist all these years. As one who wanted no opposition parties to contest him in the elections, he had been vindictive against other parties and the arrest of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Khejriwal were just two examples, he said, adding that a level playing field in the elections would make him bite the dust. Accusing Modi of triggering an extraordinary price hike in the country by his policy to appease big Corporate Houses at the cost of peoples interests and also citing a slew of methods adopted to steal peoples money like the minimum balance in bank accounts, into which he earlier forced the people to deposits their saving kept safely in humble string purses, he said he also took away the financial powers of the State through the introduction of GST. While he extended huge tax concessions to Corporates, he took away the concession given to senior citizens in rail travel, he said and referred to the plethora of corruption charges against Modi, including the electoral bond scam and intimidating business houses to buy the bonds by letting loose the ED, I-T and CBI authorities on them, Stalin said. He also referred to the PM Cares Scheme and described it as a collection made during the Corona pandemic and recalled the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament just because he raised a series of questions on the wide range of corruption indulged in by the Modi government. Stalin referred to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, too, in the speech and called him a habitual betrayer who had backstabbed several people. He also said that come what may, Palaniswami would never criticize the Governor R N Ravi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah or Narendra Modi as he did not have the courage or backbone to take on the BJP.
M.K. Stalin calls on people to remove Narendra Modi from PMs chair
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin said on Wednesday that Narendra Modi should be removed as the Prime Minister of the country. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the last day of campaigning for the April 19 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, CM Stalin said, Narendra Modi should be removed []
Campaigning concludes for Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu
Campaigning concludes for Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu Campaigning for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu ended on Wednesday with Chief Minister M K Stalin, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami and others holding public meetings, roadshows and reaching out to the people in as many ways as possible. The DMK's campaign ended here with Stalin addressing a grand public meeting where he said Modi uses a punchline that his 10-year rule was only a trailer. Addressing Modi directly, he said ''your trailer itself is so worse and unbearable, do you think your movie will be a success? For sure the film is not going to get released.'' Apparently, he meant a victory for INDIA bloc and defeat for BJP and allies. Reiterating a string of his accusations against the BJP including ''cleaning the corrupt through the BJP washing machine,'' he claimed the Electoral bond 'scam' has unmasked Modi, showing PM's face of corruption and tearing his mask of clean image. ''Stalin Kural, Namakkagave, Nammai Kaakkave,'' (Stalin's voice for us, to protect us) the peppy DMK's election song energised party workers all through the campaign trail. The song reflects a fighting spirit asking, ''shall we see if it is us or them,'' and has denouncing references to the BJP like ''Sanghi''. Writing to cadres, Stalin, also the chief of the ruling DMK once again described the 2024 LS polls as the ''second freedom movement'' and reiterated the election is about deciding ''whose regime must not continue,'' rather than who should capture power. The DMK chief alleged Modi ruined the nation for the sake of his ''selfish politics.'' AIADMK general secretary Palaniswami held a roadshow in his home turf Salem and ended his campaign asking the people to repeat his party's election tagline of ''Otrai Viralal Ongi Adipom,'' which means, ''let us beat (political rivals) with a single finger'' (by pressing the AIADMK's symbol Two Leaves in EVM). He blamed the BJP regime at the Centre for ''discriminating'' people on grounds like caste and religion which his party will never accept. The former Chief Minister, citing a leaked audio clip, alleged corruption to the tune of about ''Rs 30,000 crore'' in the DMK regime. He slammed the ruling DMK for ''not fulfilling'' promises made ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls. He recalled the initiatives of the previous AIADMK regimes including provision of cost-free rice to mosques for making gruel during the month of Ramzan. The AIADMK is facing polls alongside its key ally the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and smaller outfits. The BJP, which has so far failed to ensure significant electoral gains in the southern state, is making an aggressive bid to end the drought. This manifested in Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the state at least eight times since January. He has addressed rallies in support of the NDA candidates. Prior to the January Pran Pratishtha of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he had visited holy sites in Tamil Nadu with a Ramayana connect, earlier this year. BJP Tamil Nadu unit President K Annamalai and Saffron party leader L Murugan held high-voltage campaigns in Coimbatore and Nilgiris respectively to convince voters. In a roadshow, Annamalai asserted ''Dravidian politics'' is not needed anymore in Tamil Nadu and assured the people of working hard for them. In a video appeal seeking support from people he described himself as ''Ungal Veetu Pillai'' and ''Ungal Thambi Annamalai,'' their son and younger brother. He expressed confidence of ushering in of a new era of honest, Dharma based politics in Coimbatore. He was confident that the electorate will stand with ''change,'' and vote for BJP and allies. People will shun inducement by dishonest politicians, belonging to the party that ruled the state and by those in power as well. He urged the people to bless with a historic victory for Prime Minister Modi. BJP's alliance parties include the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), former Union Minister GK Vaasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) and smaller outfits. BJP candidate from South Chennai, Tamilisai Soundarajan reiterated her commitment to serve the people and blamed the ruling DMK and main opposition AIADMK for ''doing nothing'' for the people. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose party is contesting nine seats, addressed one election rally along with Stalin in Coimbatore last week. In his campaign, Naam Tamilar Katchi top leader Seeman blamed the Congress and BJP over the Cauvery issue and sought votes for protecting the interests of the Tamil people. Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam seeking his luck from Ramanathapuram, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran who is contesting from Theni, MDMK candidate Durai Vaiko contesting from Tiruchirappalli, were among the leaders who held high-decibel rallies. Meanwhile, with campaigning ending at 6 PM on Wednesday, police inspected lodges and marriage halls to ensure compliance of election norms that mandated no outsiders should stay in the constituencies.
Stalin calls on people to remove Narendra Modi from PMs chair
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin said on Wednesday, April 17, that Narendra Modi should be removed as the Prime Minister of the country. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the last day of campaigning for the April 19 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, CM Stalin said, Narendra Modi should Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Do TN parties election manifestos speak about environmental issues?
Here is what environmentalists think about the environment manifestos of major political parties of Tamil Nadu
There is anti-DMK wave in entire Tamil Nadu, says AIADMK candidate from South Chennai
The News Mill
'CSK don't have a headache about Mustafizur's fitness'
This decision has come as a surprise to Chennai Super Kings, as Mustafizur Rahman has been their most effective bowler this season, claiming 10 wickets in just 5 matches. Bangladesh Cricket Board's cricket operations chairperson Jalal Yunus has stated that the IPL has nothing more to offer Mustafizur in terms of his development as a cricketer. Upon the completion of his IPL duties, Mustafizur will head back to Bangladesh to join the national team for their T20I series vs Zimbabwe, which is slated to take place from May 3 to 12.
Electioneering ends for Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: Campaigning for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu ended on Wednesday, April 17, with Chief Minister M K Stalin, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, and others holding public meetings, roadshows, and reaching out to the people in as many ways as possible. Stalin, also the chief of the ruling DMK Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DMK Leader Dayanidhi Maran Runs Away From Media
The DMKs Dayanidhi Maran, representing Central Chennai constituency, appears to have decided to step away from the limelight temporarily. This move comes after facing severe criticism from both from the The post DMK Leader Dayanidhi Maran Runs Away From Media appeared first on The Commune .
DMK, BJP failed to bring development to TN: Palaniswami
Chennai : AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami...
Make in India will be a feat of 250 km speed, bullet train will be built in India
India has also started the work of making an indigenous bullet train with a speed of more than 250 kilometers per hour. It is being estimated that this train is going to leave all the trains currently running on the Indian Railways network behind in terms of speed. This bullet train is being built on the Vande Bharat platform, whose maximum speed is already said to be 220 km per hour. The design of this high-speed train is also being developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways located in Chennai. What is considered a high speed train: Reports say that according to a government official, the process of making an indigenous bullet train has also been started. Globally, a train with a speed of more than 250 km per hour is called a high-speed train. These include the French TGV and Japan's Shinkansen. India is dependent on Japanese technology: The news says that at present India is dependent on Japanese technology for bullet trains, through this the bullet train is going to run on the Ahmedabad to Mumbai line. Preparations for this are going on. The Shinkansen E5 series bullet trains, which are being planned to operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route in India, can reach speeds of up to 320 km per hour. Focus on increasing the speed of trains: The official says that till now the primary focus has been on increasing the speed of Indian Railways trains. The new variant Vande Bharat trains will now go from zero to 100 kmph in 52 seconds, while the existing Bullet trains do so in 54 seconds. Where will the bullet trains run: If reports are to be believed, the Vande Bharat trains, which are made in India, have been made by ICF. Bullet trains to be built in India will run on the recently announced North, South and East corridors. According to the official, Indian technology and domestic manufacturing is going to be used more in the new corridor. PM Modi Commends Civil Services Achievers, Encourages Resilience in Unsuccessful Candidates 5 Weirdest Things in the World That Will Blow Your Mind From Fried Stones to Fish Eyes: Unveiling the 7 Weirdest Breakfasts Around the World
BJP Accuses YSRCP Government of Financial Mismanagement in Andhra Pradesh - Chennaionline
BJP Accuses YSRCP Government of Financial Mismanagement in Andhra Pradesh Chennaionline
LS polls: Sivaganga to witness three-cornered contest between BJP, Cong, AIADMK; voting on April 19
LS polls: Sivaganga to witness three-cornered contest between BJP, Cong, AIADMK; voting on April 19 The upcoming Lok Sabha Elections for the Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu will witness a high-stakes, three-cornered showdown with the BJP's Devanathan Yadav going up against Congress sitting MP, Karti Chidambaram, and A Xavierd of the AIADMK. Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, is seeking a third term in the Lok Sabha from Sivaganga, a traditional Congress stronghold. The BJP has made an entry through an unconventional candidate, Devanathan Yadav, a Chennai-based businessman who owns the WinTv group. All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will be polled in the first phase of the general elections on April 19, and the counting of votes will be done on June 4 like rest of the country. In 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats. The Congress bagged 8 seats out of the nine contested. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, won only one seat. While Congress candidate V Vaithilingam won the only seat in the Puducherry Parliamentary Constituency. Earlier, claiming that the people were 'unhappy' with the Chidambaram family, the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Sivaganga, Devanathan Yadav said there was an 'anti-DMK wave' across the state. Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader alleged that neither the former Union Minister, who represented Sivanganga in the Lower House over a number of years, nor his son and sitting MP, ever bothered to visit the people of the constituency. We are hopeful of wresting Sivaganga from the Congress by a significant margin this time, as the people are unhappy with the Chidambaram family. Neither P Chidambaram nor his son Karti cared to visit the constituency consistently since 1984. So, we are going into this election with plenty of expectations and are hopeful of winning it by a significant margin, he said. The people are miffed with the Chidambaram family because of their lack of engagement with the households here and their absence from public interactions. They are also not happy over the absence of any factories or industrial units in the Sivagangai district, the BJP leader added. Claiming further that an 'anti-DMK wave' was prevailing across the entire state, he added, If elected, I will strive to set up a major industrial unit here that will open up employment opportunities for thousands. The NDA is well-poised to cash in on the anti-DMK sentiment and anger against the Chidambarams and will this seat comfortably. Meanwhile, Chidambaram said that people are looking for change and the manifesto given by Congress is for change. Karti P Chidambaram, said, They (BJP) have failed on every front. There is distress among the people. People are looking for change and the manifesto given by Congress is for change. We were getting welcome when I said that people will be getting Rs 400 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. (ANI)
DMK and BJP lock horns in this bastion seat at heart of Chennai
In this DMK bastion, former union minister Dayanidhi Maran fights for a fourth term, this time against a younger rival from BJP. The Central Chennai parliamentary constituency is one of the historical DMK-bastions in Tamil Nadu. The party has won eight out of the 11 times it contested there since 1980 with an average vote percentage of 57.8%. Home to 15-lakh voters, the constituency consists of Muslims from Triplicane and Royapettah, North Indian communities from Sowcarpet, labour class population from George Town, Brahmin community in Triplicane, Mylapore and Mandaveli, and also the cosmopolitan crowds from Anna Nagar, Nungambakkam, Kodambakkam and Teynampet.BJP's Vinoj P Selvam, a relatively younger candidate and new entrant, touts himself as Maran's prime challenger as AIADMK, the principal opposition in Tamil Nadu, has given the seat to its ally DMDK which doesnt have a base here. Vinoj, who is party's Yuva Morcha state president, contested unsuccessfully in the Harbour segment in 2021 in the AIADMK alliance. He is now putting up a fighting campaign in the narrow roads of Central Chennai raking up issues on floods and dynastic politics, apart from having an eye on votes from the North Indian community vote from Sowcarpet, that's about two-lakh in number.
what are the top 10 fastest ipl hundreds of all time
In the electrifying realm of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the pursuit of centuries symbolizes the extraordinary power and skill wielded by batsmen. These remarkable feats, achieved within the confines of T20 cricket, highlight the exhilarating spectacle that this format of the game offers. With breathtaking displays of batting prowess, the fastest centuries in IPL history stand as captivating demonstrations of cricketing brilliance that captivate audiences worldwide. Murali Vijay of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicks off our list at number 10. His blistering century against the Rajasthan Royals on April 3, 2010, showcased sheer dominance. In just 46 balls, Vijay amassed 127 runs, including 11 towering sixes, propelling CSK to a formidable total of 246/5. Mayank Agarwal of the Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, takes the ninth spot with his explosive innings against the Rajasthan Royals on September 27, 2020. Agarwal's century in 45 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and seven sixes, showcased his batting brilliance despite his team's eventual defeat. Sanath Jayasuriya, a Mumbai Indians legend, secures the eighth position with his scintillating century against the Chennai Super Kings on May 14, 2008. Jayasuriya's 45-ball century, comprising 11 sixes, led Mumbai Indians to a resounding 9-wicket victory. David Warner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad claims the seventh spot with his breathtaking century against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 30, 2017. Warner's 43-ball onslaught, including eight sixes, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a convincing 48-run win. AB de Villiers, the maestro from Royal Challengers Bangalore, seizes the sixth position with his spectacular century against the Gujarat Lions on May 14, 2016. De Villiers' unbeaten 129 off 52 deliveries, studded with 12 towering sixes, guided RCB to a commanding 144-run victory. Adam Gilchrist's unforgettable century for the Deccan Chargers against the Mumbai Indians on April 27, 2008, secures the fifth spot. Gilchrist's 42-ball 109* laid the foundation for a resounding 10-wicket victory. Travis Head of the Sunrisers Hyderabad enters the top four with his scintillating century against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 15, 2024. Head's 39-ball century, comprising eight sixes, showcased his raw power and precision. David Miller's explosive century for the Kings XI Punjab against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 06, 2013, lands him the third spot. Miller's 38-ball 101* guided his team to a comfortable six-wicket victory. Yusuf Pathan's breathtaking century for the Rajasthan Royals against the Mumbai Indians on March 13, 2010, secures the second spot. Pathan's 37-ball onslaught, featuring eight sixes, remains etched in IPL history. At the pinnacle sits Chris Gayle, the 'Universe Boss', with his monumental century for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Pune Warriors India on April 23, 2013. Gayle's 30-ball 175*, including 17 towering sixes, remains the fastest century in IPL history. His explosive innings propelled RCB to a record total of 263/5, leading to a crushing victory by 130 runs. Amid Legal and Social Complexities, Indian Poker Ventures Thrive Dhoni in Focus as CSK and MI Renew Rivalry in IPL Dhoni in Focus as CSK and MI Renew Rivalry in IPL Rohit Sharma Sets Sights on Future Cricket Glory: World Cups and WTC Finals
Thangalaan team shares special video tribute to Chiyaan Vikram on his birthday - WATCH
Chennai: Leading Indian content studio Jio Studios and Studio Green Films, a premiere film production and distribution company owned by Mr. K.E. Gnanavelraja have joined hands for the highly anticipated and ambitious film THANGALAAN written and directed by Tamil cinemas highly acclaimed filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, starring Indian cinemas iconic actor Chiyaan Vikram. THANGALAAN is currently in post-production and its release date shall be announced shortly. This historical adventure will release globally in cinemas in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi languages in a grand manner soon. Amidst mounting anticipation for the films release, the team commemorated the occasion of Chiyaan Vikrams birthday on Wednesday with a special treat for fans by releasing a captivating video that unveiled some glimpses of the eagerly awaited THANGALAAN, celebrating Vikram's stunning transformation a mesmerising tribute on his special day. Commenting on the tribute video on Vikrams birthday, Director Pa.Ranjith, said, Thangalaan is a vision to present a historical adventure story based on true events, backed by phenomenal effort from Vikram sir and the entire team. I am quite excited Jio Studios, Indias leading content studio is joining hands with our producer Studio Green K.E. Gnanavelraja to present the film. I am confident the film will reach the globe and the targeted audience with the might of Jio Studios. On the occasion of Vikram sirs birthday, this tribute video is to showcase the efforts put in by Vikram sir, which helped the film to get its due attention and create huge expectations. Check out the video: Vikram is one among the top actors of Tamil cinema with a massive fan following and celebrated for his diverse role. Highly decorated Chiyaan Vikram is a National Award-winner, seven times Filmfare award winner and won five awards from Tamil Nadu State Governments for his performances. Highly respected for his commitment and professionalism, Vikram is extremely popular for renowned films like Sethu, Kasi, Dhill, Dhool, Gemini, Saamy, Anniyan, Pitha Magan, I, Raavanan, Deivathirumagal, Iru Mugan, Cobra, Mahaan, Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2. THANGALAAN stars Chiyaan Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathi, Harikrishnan Anbudurai with Music Direction by G.V. Prakash Kumar. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and Mr. K.E. Gnanavelraja of Studio Green Films. Set against the backdrop of the historic Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in the early 1900s, THANGALAAN is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative from real-life events. It is a historical adventure that narrates the erased role of oppressed communities in the exploration of gold in South of India. Since its announcement, the film has garnered immense interest and is among the most anticipated releases in South cinema in 2024.
Pelwatte Dairy, a leading dairy company, announces the appointment of Mr. Mohamed Rizwie and Miss Deepthie Wickramasuriya as Non-Executive Directors to its esteemed board. These appointments mark a significant milestone in Pelwatte Dairys commitment to innovation, growth, and corporate governance excellence. Mr. Rizwie and Miss Wickramasuriya bring extensive experience and expertise to Pelwatte Dairy, strengthening the boards strategic oversight and diversity. Their backgrounds align seamlessly with the companys vision for continued success and leadership in the dairy industry. With over three decades of experience in Consumer/Medical marketing at Nestle, Mr. Rizwie has held senior management roles across Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. His expertise in recruitment, retention, and development of future leaders, combined with a commitment to strong work ethics and quality, makes him an invaluable addition to the board.With a rich educational background in marketing and sales, including diplomas from the Nestle International Training Centre in Switzerland and an MBA from the University of Annamalai in Chennai, coupled with advanced marketing training, Mr Rizwie has ascended to leadership roles across various sectors. He has also served as the Joint Managing Director at Ceylon Lion Confectionery Pvt Ltd, and has garnered extensive experience in executive positions, previously as the Chief Operating Officer-Food and Beverages at Lanka Canneries Ltd, and the Chief Executive Officer at EDNA Group, overseeing Chocolate Confectionary, Pharmaceuticals, and Nutrition. His international tenure includes roles such as General Manager of Operations at Nestle Saudi Arabia, Country Business Manager at Nestle Lanka Plc., and National Field Operations Manager at Nestle Philippines, demonstrating adeptness in managing diverse portfolios encompassing dairy, food, and nutrition. Miss Wickramasuriya brings a wealth of governance and compliance experience, having served as an Independent Non-Executive Director in various companies. Her expertise in treasury management, risk, and business process management, coupled with a dedication to honesty, integrity, and leadership, enhances Pelwatte Dairys strategic oversight and governance. As the Chairperson of the Audit Committee for Vidullanka PLC and Amana Takaful PLC, and a board member of the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation, she exemplifies a diverse array of leadership roles. Formerly the Director of Business Process Management at Expolanka Freight (Pvt) Ltd from August 2015 to July 2019, she oversaw pivotal areas such as Finance, HR, IT, and Security. Her extensive board affiliations and advisory roles span companies across various sectors and countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Fiji. Her involvement in strategic projects, both domestically and internationally, underscores her commitment to organizational excellence. Notably, she played instrumental roles in initiatives such as transitioning NHS General Medical Practitioners in Oxfordshire, UK, and overseeing large-scale migrations of activities. A proud alumna of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, she holds an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK. Mr. Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director of Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited , expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Rizwie and Miss Wickramasuriya to our board. Their diverse expertise and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Pelwatte Dairys values and strategic objectives. As Pelwatte Dairy continues to expand its footprint in the dairy industry, the appointment of Mr. Rizwie and Miss Wickramasuriya reaffirms the companys dedication to delivering exceptional dairy products while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.
YouTuber arrested for breaching Bengaluru airport security, legal action to be taken
BENGALURU: A 23-year-old YouTuber has been arrested and booked by Bengaluru airport police for breaching airport security under the pretext of travelling from Bengaluru to Chennai.The YouTuber uploaded a video on April 12 on his YouTube channel, mocking the security inside Kempegowda International Airport. He will face stringent legal action as entering a sensitive area like an airport is not acceptable, said sources. Bengaluru-based Vikas Gowda has 1.3 lakh subscribers on his channel (@vikasgowda1) and undertakes feats of daredevilry to gain views for his videos. He has put up 60 videos and the views for each of them range between 2.5 lakh to 3.5. This specific video was shot by him inside Terminal 2 on April 7 and uploaded a few days later. It was immediately taken down after he was nabbed. Following a complaint filed by Central Industrial Security Force Inspector Murali Lal Meena, an FIR has been booked against him under IPC sections 448 (Trespassing) and Sec 505 (Statements causing public mischief). DCP North East, Laxmi Prasad told TNIE, Gowda has been arrested and his phone is seized. YouTuber seen inside T2 of Bengaluru airport on Apr 7. He bought a ticket to pose as a flyer to enter the airport to shoot visuals. According to a CISF cop, Gowda has entered the airport premises with the specific purpose of shooting videos on April 7.He had booked the cheapest flight ticket from Bengaluru to Chennai to give the false impression that he was a genuine flyer. After completing the security checks around 12.06 pm, he did not approach the boarding gate. He had some hidden device on his person through which he began shooting visuals in restricted areas too by illegally entering them.He is also heard bragging in Kannada that he would roam around the airport for a full day and prove that the airport security can be breached. Gowda exited the airport by 6.30 pm. The cop added that the action was completely unacceptable. There is no scope for mischief or fun inside a highly sensitive area like the airport. Hence, we will be taking strong legal action. Gowda has also proved to be a liar and has falsely claimed he was travelling. He has illegally entered spaces inside unauthorisedly using a ticket to create a wrong impression that the security inside an airport is not tight. His video claims that he would stay inside the premises for 24 hours as proof finally leave within 8 hours, the cop added. Further investigations are on.
India could absorb more Russian metals after LME ban, say experts
Chennai, April 17 (IANS) Countries like India and several other non-US and European nations could buy more Russia-origin metals following last weeks London Metal Exchange (LME) [] The post India could absorb more Russian metals after LME ban, say experts appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .
Fire in community kitchen damages top floor of a building in Chennai
Police said the fire was caused by the bursting of an LPG cylinder; no casualties were reported; fire-fighters put out the blaze after about an hour
MS Dhoni is still 'leading' Chennai Super Kings - Watch
While Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have passed on the captaincy reins, his leadership prowess remains undiminished. Despite relinquishing the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni continues to provide valuable guidance on the field, directing players to bowl in specific areas and positioning fielders strategically against certain batters.
AIADMK wont support BJP and Congress: EPS
DMK terms BJPs 100 questions as humbug
Chennai: The 100 questions raised against the DMK through paid full page newspaper advertisements by the BJP on Tuesday was a sheer humbug by the party that had refused to answer the plethora of questions, raised at least a 100 times, on its failure to honour its election promises in the past 10 years of rule, the DMK said. Responding to the 100 questions, the DMK, pointing to the BJP's charge that 43 of the promises in the DMK manifesto for the 2021 Assembly elections had not yet been implemented, said that it meant that the DMK government had honoured 462 of the total 504 promises and that the rest would be implemented in the next two years of its tenure. Only after honouring all the promises given in 2021 would the DMK face the 2026 Assembly elections, which the people of Tamil Nadu and all the honest political parties knew about other than the BJP that was not politically honest, the DMK said. It was the DMK that taught the nation about the democratic practice of coming out with a manifesto before an election and then implementing the promises given in it before the next elections, the statement said, adding that the BJP would not be aware of it. Mentioning that the BJP was yet to honour the promises it gave to the people n 2014 despite 10 years of rule, the DMK said that the BJP was only capable of asking questions and not answering questions, reminding one of the character Tharumi in the Tamil film, Thiruvilaiadal. When Lord Shiva appeared before the grumling Tharumi, in the film, and asked him if he would like to take questions or raise them, Tharumi would say that he only know to ask questions and not answer them. The BJP could not answer the questions raised at least a 100 times because it had not done anything, it said and referred to, among other things, the setting up of AIIMS in Madurai, for which the announcement was made in 2015 and the foundation laid in 2019, after which no work was carried out at the site. Only after State Minister for Youth Affairs, Udhayanidhi Stalin picked up the lone brick from the site and went around the State displaying it at meetings to symbolize the neglect of the AIIMS project did some work happen at the site, it said. It asked the BJP government as to why did not respond to demands from the State for relief when floods affected the southern districts and also the northern districts in two instances last year and why it did not even console the affected people when it rushed an assistance of Rs 1000 crore to Gujarat the moment the State was hit by floods and even without the State government asking for it. Was not Tamil Nadu, too, part of India and was not Modi the Prime Minister for the whole of India, the DMK asked, demanding the reply from the BJP that connived at loan defaulters fleeing to other countries after taking loans to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees. The DMK said that the BJPs trickery to divert the attention of the people by raising 100 false questions would not work as it was nothing by total deception.
Eight union ministers, two former CMs, one ex-governor in fray in first phase of LS polls
NEW DELHI: Eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and one ex-governor are among those who are set to test their electoral fate in the first phase of elections on April 19 when 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls. Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is seeking a hat-trick of win from the Nagpur seat. In 2014, he had defeated seven-time MP Vilas Muttemwar by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes and retained the seat in 2019 by defeating current Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole by 2.16 lakh votes. Union minister Kiren Rijiju is contesting from the Arunachal West seat. The 52-year-old has represented the constituency thrice since 2004. Rijiju's main rival is former chief minister and present president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Nabam Tuki. Piyush Goyal, Anurag Thakur, Nitin Gadkari in BJP's second list of 72 candidates for Lok Sabha polls Sarbanada Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is seeking a return to Lok Sabha from Dibrugarh in Assam. Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha member, was fielded from Dibrugarh after Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, was not given a ticket. Muzaffarnagar, known for its intricate caste dynamics, is witnessing a three-cornered electoral battle, with Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan locked in competition against Samajwadi Party's Harindra Malik and BSP candidate Dara Singh Prajapati. INTERVIEW| CAA won't impact Assam's indigenous people; IMDT was discriminatory: Union Minister Sonowal Jitendra Singh, a two-time parliamentarian and a junior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, is aiming for a hat-trick in Udhampur. Bhupendra Yadav, Union minister and Rajya Sabha member who replaced sitting MP Balak Nath, is in a contest with sitting Congress MLA Lalit Yadav, who belongs to Matsya region of Alwar district in Rajasthan and enjoys the support of the Yadav community. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is pitted against former Congress minister Govind Ram Meghwl from Bikaner parliamentary seat in Rajasthan. The Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is witnessing one of the keenly watched battles between A Raja, the incumbent DMK MP, and former telecom minister, and L Murugan of the BJP, who is the Union Minister of State for Fisheries. This will be the first time that Murugan, who was elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, is contesting from here. Fight in Nilgiris between Modiji and 2G, says BJPs Murugan, targets Raja Sivaganga MP Karti Chidmabaram is aiming for a re-election from a seat his father won seven times, competing against BJP's T Devanathan Yadav and AIADMK's Xavier Dass. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is set to take the ballot test in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore where she is pitted against DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK's Singai Ramachandran. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned as governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry to return to active politics, is contesting from Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency. Daughter of veteran Congress leader Kumari Anantha, Soundararajan had contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections against DMK's Kanimozhi, but lost by a huge margin in Thoothukudi. This time, Kanimozhi is seeking a re-election from the seat. Firebrand Annamalais duel in Coimbatore is TN head-turner NDA ally Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) has fielded SDR Vijayaseelan and AIADMK has fielded R Sivasami Velumani from the constituency. Nakul Nath, son of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, is seeking a re-election Chhindwara. The seat has remained firmly with Kamal Nath, who has won the seat nine times since 1980. In the 2019 polls, the BJP bagged 28 seats out of the state's 29, but missed out on picking Chhindwara, where Nakul beat the BJP's candidate by 37,536 votes to emerge as the lone Congress MP in the state. Of the two Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura, the seat of West Tripura that votes in the first phase on April 19 will see a high-voltage clash between former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb and state Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha. Having won Lok Sabha elections twice since 2014 from Kaliabor constituency in Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha and son of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, finds himself as the new candidate in neighbouring Jorhat, where BJP's Topon Kumar Gogoi won in 2019. Gaurav Gogoi's shift to Jorhat came after the impact of delimitation exercise in his 2019 constituency, Kaliabor. Manipur Law and Education Minister Basanta Kumar Singh is BJP's nominee for the Inner Manipur constituency and is pitted against JNU professor and Congress candidate Bimal Akoijam. Singh, who belongs to the Meiti community, is the son of Thounaojam Chaoba Singh who served as the Union Minister of State for sports, youth affairs, culture and food processing in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The BJP stronghold of Churu, in northern Rajasthan, is readying for an interesting match between BJP candidate Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower, and Rahul Kaswan from the Congress. Kaswan is a turncoat who has made the fight for Churu interesting. The two-time left the BJP only in March after he was denied a ticket by the party. Polling for the 543 seats for electing the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases.The votes will be counted on June 4.
Sustainable solutions for summer hydration
Popular modern diets are often seen as a panacea for improving health and promoting weight reduction. The relations between societal, environmental, and economic development are crucial to the integral concept of sustainability. Unlike organic food, which already has a more concrete and regulated concept in many countries, the interpretation of local and seasonal food can vary depending on the context that is being used, and who is using it. The concept of local food depends on and is contextualised through the places and people wherein food is produced and consumed. Moderate consumption of meats such as chicken, pork, and fish in conjunction with an emphasis on locally grown fruits and vegetables can be maintained without adversely affecting the planetary carbon footprint and with the added benefit of promoting good health. Thus, making simple substitutions within each individuals diet can be advertised as an effective approach to collectively lower the environmental impact in tandem with improving health and longevity. Eating local and seasonal food offers multiple benefits such as retaining freshness, flavour and nutrient density, supports the local economy and helps in preserving biodiversity. They are also best options for the summers. Nutrition in summer Good hydration is essential for our health as water is the major component of most of the cells of the body and sustains the equilibrium between them. Dehydration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is an easily preventable condition, but is often overlooked. Public awareness and hydration education are needed to promote healthy habits. Coconut water: The chemical and physical properties of coconut water, including its mineral composition and phytohormones, contribute to its therapeutic effects and health-enhancing properties. Scientific research supports its role in hydration, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidative benefits, positioning it as a promising functional food. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. When added to coconut water, they contribute additional nutrients, making the drink even more nutritious. Buttermilk: It contains electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and sodium, which are essential for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. These electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve impulses, making buttermilk an effective hydrating option. Soups/Rasam: Soups that are packed with vegetables, such as dal soup, rasam, vegetable barley/ragi soup, can also contribute to hydration. Vegetables contain a high-water content, which gets released into the broth during cooking. Additionally, vegetables are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making these soups both hydrating and nutritious. When choosing soups for hydration, opt for options that are low in sodium and avoid creamy or high-fat soups, as these can be heavier and less hydrating. Additionally, be mindful of the sodium content in commercial soups and consider making homemade versions with less salt for better hydration. Soups made without corn flour are beneficial. Fruits and vegetables: Cucumbers, watermelon, celery, oranges, tomatoes, and gourd vegetables contain water along with essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants which are great for the summer. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you stay well-hydrated. Remember to also drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration. Sadhvika Srinivas @sadhvikaaa (dietitiansadhvika@gmail.com) (Sadhvika is a clinical nutritionist who attends to metabolic disorders. She also works towards sports nutrition.)
Tamil Nadu: Modi Wants to Destroy States, Says Stalin
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conspiring to do away with the States by cutting out the revenue flow and appropriating those funds for the Union Government though he had claimed that he knew the problems of the States on assuming the top post in the country after serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat for 12 years, Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Tuesday. Addressing an election meeting at Manimangalam in Kanchipuram district to canvass votes for DMK candidates T R Baalu, contesting from Sriperumbudur constituency, and Selvam, from Kanchipuram constituency, Stalin said that Modis conspiracy against the States was revealed by none other than the CEO of Niti Aayog, B V R Subrahmanyam, recently. Though Modi had claimed that he would be friendly to the States he gave trouble to all the States under non-BJP rule by appointing troublesome Governors who meddled in the affairs of the State governments and he made the States fight for their rights and funds by climbing the steps of courts, he said. While he once said that those in New Delhi should not govern the States, today the Union Government had usurped all the powers of the States, including taxation by reducing the State governments to the level of Municipal Corporations, he said. He ensured that the Delhi State government was deprived of its power to even transfer its officers by bringing in the Delhi Service Bill after the Supreme Court ordered that officers should be under the control of the State government, Stalin said, listing out the frightening things that would happen if Modi was voted back to power in the coming elections. The country would be taken backward by 200 years in civilization, history would be twisted and rewritten, science would be pushed back with retrograde stories gaining currency and acceptance, peoples thinking would be blunted, all rights taken away, social justice buried in a grave and the Constitution would be replace with rules framed by the RSS, he warned. Pointing out the typical doublespeak of Modi, Stalin said that while speaking about womens empowerment in public the BJP government never addressed any real problems faced by women in the country and listed out a series of incidents. First womens reservation was not fully implemented, then when women in Manipur were sexually assaulted, Modi turned a blind eye to it, he said. In Gujarat, when Bilkis Banu, after a prolonged struggle got justice by ensuring that his rapists were sent to jail, the government released them, making a mockery of justice and in Kashmir when a child, Asifa, was kept in a temple of sexually assaulted, the BJP took out procession against the police action on the case, he recalled. Modi was seeking votes by employing cheap divisive politics with a view to creating chasms among people on the caste, religious and culinary lines, which was in sharp contrast to the DMK campaigning in the election by listing out its various achievements. One of the major achievements of the DMK government was to make the State Number One in the country in a wide range of sectors like textile exports, readymade export, leather goods export, electronic export and export preparedness index, he said, adding that the state had also been topping on providing health care facilities for pregnant women and post-natal care. Stalin also told the voters not to vote for the AIADMK as its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami had not yet fully renounced the BJP. Even to an interviewer who asked if his party would extend support to the BJP if it needed its backing, he did not give a definite no, he said.
Upset over ports, Kattupalli Kuppam in Chennai wont vote in polls
CHENNAI: Taking offence to the L&T and Adani Kattupalli ports not reinstating the 10 fishermen, who were earlier booked in a clash case, even after a court acquitted them over two years ago, around 150 families residing in Kattupalli Kuppam near Ponneri have decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections. They will raise black flags on the houses and stage a hunger strike on Friday, the day of polling. These families were relocated to Kattupalli Kuppam by the government to commence construction of the Kattupalli port. The fishermen here were offered employment at the ports. Meanwhile, around 10 fishermen from the village were suspended from work after the police booked them in a criminal case in connection with a clash in the area. Consequently, the port workers cooperative society also suspended the membership of these fishermen on February 24, 2016. On February 25, 2022, the Judicial Magistrate Court in Ponneri concluded trial in the case and acquitted the 10 fishers. Before long, the cooperative society also reinstated their membership. However, the port management is still refusing to recall them for work. We fought the case and have been rightfully acquitted by the court. But, the management is not taking note of this. We are struggling to find odd jobs and make ends meet, said V Udhayakumar, one of the suspended workers. The police department in a letter to the port administration had clarified that there is no pending case against the workers. Following a representation from the workers, the Ponneri sub-collector also conducted an inquiry into the matter. Subsequently, the official recommended the port administration to reinstate the acquitted workers. Kannan, a resident of Kattupalli Kuppam, alleged that the port administration has not responded positively to their request. We were forced to boycott this election as our plight has not been addressed even two years after the acquittal, he added.
First phase of LS polls sees prominent figures vying for seats
First phase of LS polls sees prominent figures vying for seats Eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and one ex-governor are among those who are set to test their electoral fate in the first phase of elections on April 19 when 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls. Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is seeking a hat-trick of win from the Nagpur seat. In 2014, he had defeated seven-time MP Vilas Muttemwar by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes and retained the seat in 2019 by defeating current Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole by 2.16 lakh votes. Union minister Kiren Rijiju is contesting from the Arunachal West seat. The 52-year-old has represented the constituency thrice since 2004. Rijiju's main rival is former chief minister and present president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Nabam Tuki. Sarbanada Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is seeking a return to Lok Sabha from Dibrugarh in Assam. Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha member, was fielded from Dibrugarh after Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, was not given a ticket. Muzaffarnagar, known for its intricate caste dynamics, is witnessing a three-cornered electoral battle, with Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan locked in competition against Samajwadi Party's Harindra Malik and BSP candidate Dara Singh Prajapati. Jitendra Singh, a two-time parliamentarian and a junior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, is aiming for a hat-trick in Udhampur. Bhupendra Yadav, Union minister and Rajya Sabha member who replaced sitting MP Balak Nath, is in a contest with sitting Congress MLA Lalit Yadav, who belongs to Matsya region of Alwar district in Rajasthan and enjoys the support of the Yadav community. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is pitted against former Congress minister Govind Ram Meghwl from Bikaner parliamentary seat in Rajasthan. The Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is witnessing one of the keenly watched battles between A Raja, the incumbent DMK MP, and former telecom minister, and L Murugan of the BJP, who is the Union Minister of State for Fisheries. This will be the first time that Murugan, who was elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, is contesting from here. Sivaganga MP Karti Chidmabaram is aiming for a re-election from a seat his father won seven times, competing against BJP's T Devanathan Yadav and AIADMK's Xavier Dass. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is set to take the ballot test in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore where she is pitted against DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK's Singai Ramachandran. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned as governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry to return to active politics, is contesting from Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency. Daughter of veteran Congress leader Kumari Anantha, Soundararajan had contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections against DMK's Kanimozhi, but lost by a huge margin in Thoothukudi. This time, Kanimozhi is seeking a re-election from the seat. NDA ally Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) has fielded SDR Vijayaseelan and AIADMK has fielded R Sivasami Velumani from the constituency. Nakul Nath, son of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, is seeking a re-election Chhindwara. The seat has remained firmly with Kamal Nath, who has won the seat nine times since 1980. In the 2019 polls, the BJP bagged 28 seats out of the state's 29, but missed out on picking Chhindwara, where Nakul beat the BJP's candidate by 37,536 votes to emerge as the lone Congress MP in the state. Of the two Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura, the seat of West Tripura that votes in the first phase on April 19 will see a high-voltage clash between former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb and state Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha. Having won Lok Sabha elections twice since 2014 from Kaliabor constituency in Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha and son of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, finds himself as the new candidate in neighbouring Jorhat, where BJP's Topon Kumar Gogoi won in 2019. Gaurav Gogoi's shift to Jorhat came after the impact of delimitation exercise in his 2019 constituency, Kaliabor. Manipur Law and Education Minister Basanta Kumar Singh is BJP's nominee for the Inner Manipur constituency and is pitted against JNU professor and Congress candidate Bimal Akoijam. Singh, who belongs to the Meiti community, is the son of Thounaojam Chaoba Singh who served as the Union Minister of State for sports, youth affairs, culture and food processing in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The BJP stronghold of Churu, in northern Rajasthan, is readying for an interesting match between BJP candidate Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower, and Rahul Kaswan from the Congress. Kaswan is a turncoat who has made the fight for Churu interesting. The two-time left the BJP only in March after he was denied a ticket by the party. Polling for the 543 seats for electing the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases. The votes will be counted on June 4.
Polls: Special trains to link Chennai, Kovai via delta districts
CHENNAI: The Southern Railway has decided to operate special trains from Chennai to Coimbatore and Nagercoil aiming to reduce rush ahead of the general elections. Interestingly, the trains to Coimbatore from Chennai Egmore will pass through the mainline covering Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Kumbakonam, Tiruchy and Dindigul. According to an official note, the Chennai Egmore-Coimbatore Special Express will leave Chennai Egmore at 4.25 pm on April 18 and 20 (Thursday and Saturday) and reach Coimbatore at 8.20 am the next day. On its return journey, the Coimbatore-Chennai Egmore special express will leave Coimbatore at 8.40 pm on April 19 and 21 (Friday and Sunday) and reach Chennai Egmore at 10.05 am the next day. The trains will run through Villupuram, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Kumbakonam, Tiruchy, Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi and Podanur stations in both directions. Similarly, the Tambaram-Kanniyakumari Superfast Special will leave Tambaram at 4.45 pm on April 18 and 20 (Thursday & Saturday) and reach Kanniyakumari at 4.40 am the next day. On its return journey, the Kanniyakumari-Tambaram Superfast Special will leave Kanniyakumari at 8.30 pm on April 19 and 21 (Friday and Sunday) and reach Tambaram at 9.20 am the next day. Advance reservations for the trains have opened online, the statement read.
VISTAS: PhD conferred on Chandrayaan-3 project chief P Veeramuthuvel
CHENNAI: The 14th annual convocation of the Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) was held at Velan Arangam, Pallavaram recently. The institute conferred an honorary doctorate on the project director of Chandrayaan-3 mission, P Veeramuthuvel, on the occasion. Actor Ram Charan Konidela, Dr G S K Velu, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, Trivitron Healthcare and Padma Shri Sharath Kamal Achanta, Indian professional table tennis player, were also awarded honorary doctorates. As many as 80 gold medallists and 100 PhD scholars received their degrees in person, while a total of 4,555 graduates also received their degrees on the occasion. Prof T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), took part in the function as chief guest and delivered the convocation address. Founder-Chancellor Dr Ishari K Ganesh presided over the function in the presence of Dr A Jothi Murugan, Pro-Chancellor (planning and development), Dr Arthi K Ganesh, Pro-Chancellor (academics), and Dr Preethaa Ganesh, Vice -President, Vels Group of Institutions.
EPS attacks BJP, says road shows and such gimmicks won't work here
EPS intensifies attack on BJP in Tamil Nadu, questioning Modi's silence. Campaign escalates with Annamalai's response and AIADMK leaders joining. National leadership stays silent, praising AIADMK icons despite long-time criticism of BJP.
Tough fight for DMK scion in backward Perambalur
Perambalur faces intense DMK, AIADMK, BJP battle with challenges in industrial growth and job opportunities. Water scarcity in Lalgudi, Kulithalai. Nehru focuses on water management. Tamil Nadu Human Development Report 2017 highlights low HDI. Candidates represent diverse communities.
Candidates bare their heart and sole to seek votes
R Jagannathan, in Tiruvannamalai, creatively campaigned with a chappal garland for Lok Sabha polls, promising MGNREGA improvements, better services, and helicopter services for Arunachaleswarar Temple devotees.
DMK leaders have Rs 1.34L-cr assets, face jail: Nadda
J P Nadda alleges DMK leaders of corruption, campaigning for NDA candidates in Tamil Nadu. He emphasizes the need for a BJP coalition victory and praises Modi for infrastructure development and empowerment schemes.
INDIA will break apart after LS elections: Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh warns of the INDIA bloc's breakup post-elections, emphasizing national security risks and BJP's focus on development projects in Tamil Nadu while criticizing the Congress-DMK alliance for prioritizing power over progress.
TTV writes open letter to Theni voters
Dhinakaran promises airport, Siddha and Ayurveda colleges, railway connectivity enhancement, Mullaperiyar dam storage raise, central university, IIT, Vaigai dam desilting in BJP manifesto. Reflects on Vaigai celebration despite Cauvery birthplace.
Dont be deceived by symbols: PMK
Anbumani Ramadoss stresses the importance of voting based on candidate merit, not symbols, criticizing Dravidian parties for corruption. He highlights PMK's role in securing OBC reservations and supports M Thilagabama, emphasizing social justice and contrasting PMK with opposition parties.
Buttlers Royal treat at Knight
CHENNAI: When Jos Buttler was batting on 42 from 33 balls, chasing 224, it seemed like yet another anchor innings. At that poiwnt, Rajasthan Royals were 128/6, needing 96 runs from 36 balls. Comparisons started coming in on social media, referring to the Virat Kohli century against Rajasthan that went in vain. And it seemed fair to be honest, with Buttler batting at 127.27 strike rate. But there was a difference. Buttler was doing is job of holding one end while others were going bonkers. Yashasvi Jaiswal 19 off 9 balls. Sanju Samson (12 off 8). Riyan Parag 34 off just 14. Such was the intent from other end that despite losing four wickets, RR were still in the game. However, they had hedged all their bets on Buttler. Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel would fail and it will come down to Buttler and Rovman Powell. That is when Buttler switched on. He belted Varun Chakravarthy for four boundaries and then hit Andre Russell for two sixes. Powell joined at the other end, hitting 16 runs off three balls against Sunil Narine. The West Indian fell, but the Englishman kept going. He smashed Mitchell Starc for a six and a four and then went after Harshit Rana. Another 19-run over and Buttler was on 98 from 54 (181.14). KKR did not help themselves with the extras and tactics, but Buttler got to his century (106 n.o) and took RR home on the final delivery of the match. A record run chase in the history of the league. If Buttler walked back as the shining knight in armour, Narine was that for KKR in the first innings. Up against arguably the strongest bowling attack in the league, he had smashed his first T20 century. Facing Trent Boult, Narine started cautious. It was only when Kuldeep Sen came on, Narine, who was on a run-a-ball 12, cut loose. R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal came on, but it didnt matter. The former was lofted over cover and cut behind point while the latter was sent over the long-off stands. Another six in the same region, this time off Ashwin, brought up his fifty in 29 balls as KKR were 100/1 at the halfway mark. Raghuvanshi got out and Shreyas Iyer followed, but none of it mattered. Narine was going on a rampage, hitting three boundaries off Ashwin in one over and following it up with another 23-run over against Chahal, and in the process, he reached his century in 49 balls. That 63 percent of his runs came against the two veteran spinners is proof of his domination. Narine would get out (109 from 56 balls), perhaps the only way he could have, to a yorker from Boult, but the damage was done. Once Narine fell, Rinku Singh did what he does best, hitting an unbeaten 20 off nine balls, as KKR posted 223/6. Brief scores: KKR 223/6 in 20 ovs (Narine 109; Avesh 2/35) lose to RR 224/8 in 20 ovs (Buttler 107 n.o; Narine 2/30)
After ODI debut, USA eye T20 WC berth
CHENNAI: When Sindhu Sriharsha left for the USA in 2013, after representing India at the U-21 level, the hopes of playing cricket at the international stage were all but packed and put aside. She kept playing the game she loved for the USA colours, but she and many other USA players had to wait till 2019 for those T20s to get recognition as international fixtures. It was a momentous occasion for then 30-year-old, but playing the One Day Internationals still felt like a distant dream. It took five more years before the USA could play their first-ever ODI against Papua New Guinea in Dubai on April 11. When I decided in 2011 to pack up and be done with cricket and move to the USA, I didnt think this is where I would end up, Sindhu told this daily from Dubai. It was amazing. I am definitely thrilled that all 11 of us got a debut at the same time for the USA team. It is something that we all have been working towards. We dont generally play this format. Having said that, getting out there and getting a game in, under lights. It was kind of a dream come true. Obviously, it was quite emotional for some of us. Having waited for many years for this kind of moment to come, particularly for me, its taken 20 years in two different countries to finally have the cap. It was a pretty good feeling, her eyes lit up speaking about the experience of playing the format. Even when the result didnt go their way in the first two ODIs, the second came against Scotland on April 14, Sindhu believes this experience alone has taught them a lot more lessons than the young team would have imagined. It was kind of a historic day for USA cricket to step onto the field to play the ODI even though the results didnt go our way, but I think there was an effort that was put out for the entire time that we were on the field. We worked hard to try and make it difficult for PNG as much as possible. It was amazing to just be under the lights and some of these kids, play some fearless cricket. So all of this also helps them focus on different from of cricket, she added. With ODIs ticked off their box, the next challenge for Sindhus side is to qualify for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh via the Womens Qualifiers. The 35-year-old believes this experience of playing a few fixtures ahead of the qualifiers will play a big role. When we play the first match of the global qualifiers we would have played about six-seven games. At that time,we would have had a perfect runway towards the global qualifiers and made decisions about how we want to play our game, the captain mentioned.
CHENNAI : The poignant pull of Ilyas Yourishs documentary 'Kamay' hinges on the specificity of the misfortunes of its subject just as much as it gains from the essential universality that informs their struggle for justice. The documentary revolves around a disempowered family in remote central Afghanistan. Yourish also contextualises their present-day adversity in Afghan historythe oppression of the ethnic Hazara community in the late 19th century by the tyrannical Afghan Amir, Abdul Rahman Khan. The Hazaras were pillaged and massacred to suppress their resistance to autonomy. In one incident, forty Hazara women were supposed to have jumped off a cliff to escape enslavement and rape by the Amirs forces. Cut to the present. While the Taliban is on the rise to power in contemporary Afghanistan, one such Hazara familythe Khawarisis seeking the truth behind the sudden death by suicide of the elder daughter Zahra Khawari, who had moved to Kabul for higher studies. She was one among the first generation of Hazaras who got access to education without discrimination. But not quite. The seeming opportunity came with accompanying humiliation and harassment at the hands of the empowered professors. Was her suicide an act of protest against the endemic inequities and bigotry? The tragedy is narrated on screen by her sister Freshta Khawari. The Afghanistan-Belgium-Germany-France co-production premiered recently in the international competition section at Visions du Reel. Shot over six years, at one level the film feels like an unwitting ethnographic documentation of a little-known community by the filmmaker who himself belongs to it. First few minutes into the film, what strikes you most about the Khawaris, living deep in the mountains, is the arduousness of daily life at home in Daikundi, be it the toil in the kitchen or the farm. A parallel sense of exhaustion and frustration marks their pursuit of justicebattling the apathetic bureaucracy, legal loopholes and obstacles besides travelling for days from Daikundi to Kabul on treacherous, snow-covered roads with growing danger from the resurgent Taliban, the fear of them lurking in the hills. One wonders if they would have even found time to grieve and process the loss properly. The judicial delays in getting possession of Zahras belongings, with the court acquitting the university and the professor of all charges despite the evidencethese are elements anyone in South Asia would be able to identify with. The toxicity in academia is as relatablethe power play by the professors, their constant rejection of research theses and bullying. Yourish concomitantly lends a poetic treatment to the familys predicaments. Its evident in the way he frames the pristine, quiet mountains against the chaotic, noisy streets of Kabul. Its the love that binds the Khawari family together. A love that extends to the animals they own and even the plants that they use day-to-day. The title of the film itself refers to an herb found in the mountains inhabited by the Hazaras. It was something that Zahra had asked Freshta to collect for her research. And she still treks to the mountains in her search for it. A wild, self-reliant plant, it becomes emblematic of the cussedness of the Khawaris to claim their civil rights. Its tough to not get affected when Freshta, ready as she is to enter the university herself, talks about Zahras last phone call when she spoke to every member of the family. Or when a differently abled brother cries incessantly for her, as though verbalising his loss of and longing for Zahra. However, the most moving portions come towards the end when Freshta talks about how the fate of the two sisters seems aligned. Both were forced to leave things unfinished, because of the toxicity heaped on her, and because of the impending totalitarianism of the Taliban. Incidentally, the Khawaris were determined not to leave their home and mountains but as the film shows, things took a different turn. Their fight for justice hangs in balance for now. Cinema Without Borders In this weekly column, the writer introduces you to powerful cinema from across the world Film: Kamay
Narendra Modi is Indias biggest problem, says M K Stalin
Stalin criticizes Modi for state issues, divisive politics, and neglecting welfare during campaigns in Kolathur and Villivakkam. Accuses Modi of creating problems for people's lives under his rule.
Chennai has 3,726 polling stations, highest in Tamil Nadu - Punjab News Express
Chennai has 3,726 polling stations, highest in Tamil Nadu Punjab News Express
Four cargo warehouse agents at Delhi airport steal iPhones from US-bound shipment
NEW DELHI: Four cargo warehouse agents at the Delhi Airport, who wanted to buy new iPhone for themselves but couldnt due to lack of money, allegedly stole the expensive cellphones from a shipment that was destined for the United States. The accused, identified as Sunil Mishra, Prahlad Kumar, Chandan Prasad, and Vinay Kumar Singh, were c-working in the cargo company for the last five years. DCP (IGI) Usha Rangnani said the facts of the case are that on April 5, an e-FIR was lodged by complainant namely Surender Singh Yadav, CEO, Delhi Cargo Service Pvt Ltd, Terminal -2, IGI Airport, Delhi in which he alleged that a shipment was received at their warehouse and it was sent to Chicago, USA in which 5 pieces of iPhone 15 were stolen from their shipment. During investigation, it was revealed that the mobile shipment belonged to DHL Company and it originated from Chennai and further delivered to its branch situated at Chicago, USA. Thereafter, the DHL Company hired Air India Airlines for transportation. The Air India Airlines lifted the shipment from the office of DHL situated at Chennai and shifted the same at T-2 IGI Airport, Delhi because of its convenience and connected flights. The shipment arrived at T-2 IGI Airport on March 20 and the same was to be sent to Chicago, US on March 25, the DCP said. The shipment was handed over to DCSC Cargo Company at T-2, IGI Airport, Delhi by Air India, being its one of the client and DCSC Cargo company deals in export and import of all cargo items of Air India Airlines. The mobile shipment was kept in the warehouse of DCSC at T-2, IGI Airport, Delhi till March 25 and again loaded in the Air India flight which was on way to Chicago, USA. All CCTV cameras of the Cargo Terminal Airport covering the area where shipment was loaded/unloaded and of the warehouse where shipment was kept, were minutely analyzed. After analyzing many cameras, it was concluded that the articles were stolen from the warehouse, the DCP said. She said details of all the staff of the warehouse, who were on duty in the alleged time period, were obtained and 40 workers/staff of warehouse agents who deals in the loading/unloading and packing etc of the cargo items, were minutely interrogated and ultimately four suspects were shortlisted. On sustained interrogation, they disclosed that they made a plan to steal the iPhones from the shipment. They wanted to get a new iPhone for them but they did not have enough money with them. When they knew about the iPhones in the shipment, they made a plan to steal three of them, the official said, adding the fourth accused Vinay Kumar Singh was bound down in the case for a part of criminal conspiracy.
Modi has run a govt for 10 years against democracy and diversity
Stalin denies national ambition, focuses on INDIA bloc victory. Criticizes Modi's governance. DMK aims to uphold states' rights. Ready for TN poll victory, promotes welfare schemes. Emphasizes Dravidian principles' relevance. Youngsters' political awareness crucial.
Tech warriors, ground intelligence, and social media team work on last day of campaigning in Chennai. Content is distributed to target voters between 6-8pm for maximum outreach.
I believe in ghosts like how I believe in God: Arivazhagan
CHENNAI: It takes courage to make a horror film that does not rely on generic ghosts or jump scares. Director Arivazhagan did not believe in such genre conventions when he made his debut back in 2009, with the horror film'Eeram'.And with his upcoming film'Sabdham', it seems like his beliefs about the genre are intact. I believe that ghosts exist just like how God exists. And I am also a strong believer that ghosts dont go about scaring people but rather have emotions and other human qualities, says director Arivazhagan, as he elaborates on how the project started. 'Sabdham'is the result of me hearing about certain paranormal instances, he reveals that this story prompted him to revisit the horror genre after a gap of 15 years. On his writing process, Arivazhagan says, I dont consider working on a story if it doesnt impact me. While reading a book or about an incident in a newspaper, the occurrence should keep nagging me to be made into a film. The constant clamour to recognise sportspersons of non-cricketing background was what led me to explore the world of basketball in'Vallinam'. When we asked if Arivazhagan is planning to build a horror film franchise including all five natural elements, with'Eeram'(water) and'Sabdham'(wind) already done, he said that these films were not planned keeping that in mind. Ghosts have always been identified as gory-looking creatures. To break away from that template, I thought it would be interesting to see a ghost that takes the shape of water or sound, he quipped. On being asked how he managed to stay true to the genre, in the era of horror-comedies, he says, As a director I believe in telling stories I like, hoping it will also interest the audience rather than stacking up a film with unrelated elements just because it works at the box-office. With that being said,'Sabdham'has Redin Kingsley in the cast to have the comedy base covered, which I did not do in 'Eeram'. But I see to it that the originality of my story is not being compromised in the process. Also,'Sabdham'has a sentimental aspect which will resonate with the audience. Talking about sentiments and emotions, one wonders why the filmmaker would choose to make a horror film with a ghost that doesnt scare. He responds, The idea of having an emotional undercurrent in a horror film excited me after watching Manoj Night Shyamalans'Sixth Sense'. I incorporated the emotional elements in'Eeram',which gave a satisfying result. I hope this aspect works in favour ofSabdhamtoo. In the upcoming project, the director will be reuniting with actor Aadhi, once again for a horror film. I narrated a few stories to Aadhi after'Eeram',but it didnt materialise. But, Aadhi was quick to get on board for'Sabdham'. While the director-actor combination paid rich dividends in the past, we asked if he had made conscious efforts to differentiate Aadhis character from the one he played in 'Eeram'. He replies, Aadhis character in'Eeram'is a cop who discovers paranormal activity while probing a crime scene. In'Sabdham',he plays a paranormal investigator who knows what he is after and uses science to get to the root of the matter. Another combination that is all set to make a comeback, is that of Thaman and Arivazhagan. The music composer was a regular collaborator with the director till'Aarathu Sinam', which was released in 2016. We asked Arivazhagan how he helped Thaman switch sensibilities from making commercial chartbusters to scoring for a genre-specific film, which also has a special emphasis on sounds. The director says, It was not hard on my part, Thaman too wanted to reinvent himself. The film just has songs where necessary and since the ghost takes the form of a sound, I instructed him to make the score complementing the story and leave the audience psychologically impacted after leaving cinemas. The director then goes on to talk about the visual treatment of'Sabdham'. There is something called grammatical shots which has been extensively employed by the legend Alfred Hitchcock. These shots accentuate the drama and tone of a scene and are predominantly used in fast-paced thrillers. In 'Sabdham', I have used such grammatical shots and also changed the colour palette according to the mood. Like I said before, I want the film to impact the audience on a psychological level. Though Arivazhagans films have a good track record, the filmmaker is known to take long hiatuses. When asked if he is taking these gaps voluntarily, he denies it, adding that there are several factors at play. It takes me six months to finish a script and another six months for filming, in total, including other pre-and post-production work, it takes me around 1.5 years to finish a film. But other factors determine the release date for instance,'Aarathu Sinams filming was wrapped in 39 days,'Borrder'in 47 days and'Tamil Rockerz'in 55 days, so a films fate is not just dependent on the speed of my direction. The budget I demand is out in the open but the quality I deliver is not being spoken about as openly. On delays, we broached the subject of'Borrdersrelease date. The team is facing financial issues and we are hopeful that things will be sorted out in two to three months, Arivazhagan signed off.
Parties bet big on digital campaigns
DMK and AIADMK focus on digital strategies, while BJP leverages online campaigning through WhatsApp groups. Sasikanth Senthil highlights the narrative-building power of social media, advocating for traditional house-to-house campaigns for voter connection.
Im now interested in collaborating only with friends: Visakh Subramaniam
Visakh Subramaniams journey from a theater owner to a film producer was one filled with passion, friendship, and a deep love for cinema. Born into a family deeply rooted in the film industry, Visakhs love for the silver screen was instilled in him from a young age. Growing up amidst the captivating allure of movies, he was witness to a transformative period in Malayalam cinema during the 2010s. As he ventured into assisting his father in managing their family-owned theaters, immediately after completing his engineering course, Visakh found himself at the epicenter of this cinematic revolution in Kerala. Back then, young theater owners were few and far between. When I started managing one, there were hardly any peers my age to help me or clear my doubts. My main interactions during that time were with this new crop of successful filmmakers and actors, says Visakh, adding, Before 2010, festival seasons were usually dominated by films headlined by big stars. However, post-2010, a new wave began, and many content-oriented films without star-backing started tasting success regularly. 'Traffic' (2011) marked the beginning of this change, followed by films like 'Salt N Pepper', 'Beautiful' and 'Chappa Kurishu', which all released in the same year. Visakhs previous production, 'Hridayam', was released theatrically in the beginning of 2022 amidst a raging pandemic. It was a time when many big ticket films opted for streaming their films on OTTs directly instead of releasing it in theatres, but the 'Hridayam' team was keen on a theatre release, and the film eventually went on to become a huge success. Cut to 2024, Malayalam cinema is going through a purple patch globally, with back to back humongous hits. It is in the midst of this unprecedented success streak that his latest production venture, 'Varshangalkku Shesham', got released on April 11, which clashed with two other films'Aavesham' and 'Jai Ganesh'. On the growing demand for Malayalam cinema outside Kerala, an excited Visakh says, Now distributors from other industries are calling us directly to acquire our films, which is a significant development considering how we used to pursue them earlier. Previously, negotiating even for an additional show in many places across the rest of India required a lot of effort. But now, without any demand from us, theyre scheduling all the regular shows for our films, including my film 'Varshangalkku Shesham', and that too in their major screens. 'Varshangalkku Shesham' was an idea that Vineeth Sreenivasan had been toying with for many years, which caught Visakhs fancy. It was after making 'Hridayam' that Vineeth was confident about going ahead with developing his idea to a fully formed story, which he narrated to Visakh. I was so engrossed by Vineeths narration, which went on for about 5 to 6 hours, that I forgot it was my wedding the next day. And within the next couple of months, he finished the entire bound script, recounts the producer. Visakh was convincedafter Vineeth locked the scriptthat pre-production is the key to bring this vision to fruition. The film has a grand scale, requiring a large number of actors. A significant portion is set in 1970s Madras. However, finding locations in present-day Chennai reminiscent of that era was impossible. Our main challenge was recreating the old Madras through elaborate set design. Hence, we opted to commence shooting only after thorough planning, spanning approximately 6 to 7 months, says Visakh. It was the production teams meticulous planning, down to the last detail, that enabled Vineeth to complete the shooting of a film with such a vast canvas and numerous location shifts in just about 40 days. 'Varshangalkku Shesham' also sees Visakh marking his debut as an actor, which was nothing planned at all. Initially, someone else was supposed to play the part. I ended up taking on the role to save time. My appearance in the film is limited to just one shot, which you can see in the trailer of the film. Discovering it was a filmmakers role was a special moment for me, as my grandfather used to direct and produce movies. As a child, Visakh grew up hearing about his grandfather P Subramaniams role as the founder of Merryland Studio. One of his grandfathers pieces of advice to his descendants was to steer clear of film production, citing its volatile nature. Reflecting on this, Visakh remarks, I used to joke that if he had been alive to witness my passion for films, he might have encouraged me to carry forward his legacy. It was Suchithra Mohanlal, a close family friend, who casually suggested Merryland Cinemas revival while discussing the possibility of a Vineeth film starring Pranav Mohanlal. Visakh had considerable apprehension about this proposition before changing his mind. People will praise you if the film succeeds, but if it fails, youll bear the blame for tarnishing the reputation of such a well-respected brand. But when Vineeth pitched me the story of 'Hridayam', I instinctively felt that this was the right opportunity to resurrect Merryland Cinemas. Visakhs friendship with Vineeth began after the latters debut as a filmmaker, 'Malarvadi Arts Club' (2010), when it screened in the formers theatre. It grew over the years and evolved into a close bond with Vineeths brother Dhyan Sreenivasan as well. Visakhs foray into film production came with Dhyans directorial debut, 'Love Action Drama' (2019). Adding more about the success of his and Vineeths work relationship following 'Hridayam' and 'Varshangalkku Shesham', Visakh explains, I believe the ideal relationship between a director and a producer should mirror that of a husband and wife, where trust and partnership are paramount. This is the dynamic between Vineeth and me. Its only when such a relationship doesnt exist between the director and the producer that the films budget gets overshot or doesnt go as planned initially. All of Visakhs production ventures were born purely out of friendship. He openly admits that he wouldnt be interested in backing someone elses project without establishing a trust factor. I have access to a certain set of filmmakers and actors, and I can negotiate with them smoothly because of my relationship. If someone randomly pitches a script and insists on a particular actor, I may not be able to secure their dates, leading to a conflict Im not interested in, he explains, while adding, As of now, Im only interested in collaborating with my friends. I have a few subjects written by my friends that Im interested in, and obviously, that will be my first priority.
Finish Vengaivayal probe by July 3: Madras HC
Madras high court orders completion of Vengaivayal incident probe involving human faeces in drinking water tank by July 3. Over 300 statements recorded, CB-CID to finalize investigation.
Delimitation of LS seats a threat to TN, says Stalin
CHENNAI: Terming the BJP governments proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies as a knife hanging over the states head, CM MK Stalin said the exercise is a threat to the states political representation. He accused PM Narendra Modi of plotting to undermine the states influence by reducing its MP seats. In a social media post on X, Stalin urged the people to wake up to the impending threat, stating, If we do not act now, there will be no dawn for Tamil Nadu. Stalin added there would be grave consequences if the BJP was to return to power and that their proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats through delimitation would severely disadvantage Tamil Nadu. He argued the delimitation exercise would unfairly penalise states like Tamil Nadu, which have effectively managed their population growth while rewarding those that have failed to do so. Stalin said Modi, even for the sake of false promises, has not said that he will not reduce the states strength in the Lok Sabha. Lets ignore the BJP and its clandestine ally AIADMK, who are openly trying to destroy Tamil Nadu, he said. Earlier in the day, Stalin campaigned for DMKs North Chennai and Central Chennai candidates Kalanidhi Veerasamy and Dayanidhi Maran respectively at Kolathur and ICF areas. During the campaign, he stopped to watch students playing football in a playground in Kolathur assembly constituency and also went on to kick a ball with them.
DMK accuses central agencies of tapping phones
CHENNAI: A few days after AIADMK lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India accusing the intelligence wing of the state police of intercepting the phones of opposition leaders, the ruling DMK on Tuesday said after the notification of the Lok Sabha elections, the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax authorities and other investigating agencies of the union government have been illegally tapping the mobile phone conversations of party candidates, front line leaders, their friends, and close relatives by using illegal software. In a complaint lodged with the Election Commission of India, DMK organisation secretary RS Bharathi urged the chief election commissioner to initiate an inquiry into the illegal phone tapping to ensure free and fair elections. While no authority can intercept the phone conversations except for the purposes of the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of an offence, with the prior permission of designated authorities, we understand that the central agencies are illegally intercepting the telephones of candidates, our frontline leaders, their friends and close relatives, Bharathi said and pointed out the government agencies can intercept telecommunication only under certain contingencies and after the approval of specified authorities. We cannot be oblivious of the fact that software like Pegasus is said to be used by these agencies against political opponents, he added.
Madras High Court junks plea to stop polls in Nellai
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking a direction to stop the polls in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha constituency alleging that BJP candidate Nainar Nagendran suppressed facts on a pending criminal case in his nomination papers. The first bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad said the court cannot consider the petition due to want of time as the polling day is fast approaching. It is too late in the day, the bench said. However, it added the petitioner can seek remedy through an election petition after the polls. The petition was filed by V Maharajan, a practising advocate from Madurai. He alleged that Nagendran had suppressed the facts of pending criminal case filed under sections of IPC and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act registered at the Nanguneri police station. He also said asset details were also not properly revealed in the nomination papers. The court also dismissed another petition filed by Sekar alleging that his application to contest the polls in Madurai constituency was rejected on the grounds it was proposed by those belonging to another constituency.
Ranveer Singh and 'Jawan' director Atlee's dance spectacle lights up S Shankar's daughter's wedding
At two high-profile weddings, Ranveer Singh commanded attention with his electrifying dance moves. At S. Shankar's daughter's wedding, he stole the spotlight with his energetic performance, captivating the guests with his dynamic dancing skills. Similarly, at Aishwarya's wedding in Chennai, Ranveer showcased his prowess on the dance floor, joined by director Atlee. The duo impressed everyone as they unleashed their moves on iconic tracks like 'Tattad Tattad,' 'Appadi Podu,' and 'Lungi Dance.' Their performances were so captivating that Shankar shared two videos of their dance routines on his Instagram handle, along with several pictures from the wedding ceremony. Among the notable attendees at Aishwarya's wedding were celebrities like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, Nayanthara, and many others, adding to the grandeur of the event.
Petrol, Diesel Fresh Prices Announced: Check Rates In Your City On April 17
Petrol, and Diesel prices in Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Noida, and Gurugram on April 17, 2023
Trichur brothers break traditional bounds to make Carnatic music 'cool'
BENGALURU: Trichur Brothers concerts are always a delightful experience, not just for the beautiful Carnatic music they render but also for their way of involving the crowd with their music. Ramkumar Mohan, one of the brothers, mentions, During a concert, a young boy asked when we were going to do the sing-along portion. It is one of our ways to make Carnatic music sound cool for the younger audience. The brothers, who were recently in the city, are known for their experimentation. Right from 2010 when we started performing, we have done a lot of harmonisation. Since both of us were exposed to choirs and both of us love Michael Jackson, we have incorporated Western-style elements without going outside the boundaries of Carnatic music. We were never purists. I still remember when we started bringing harmonisation elements in our concerts, we faced criticism for breaking the traditional Carnatic mould, recalls Srikrishna Mohan. Adding to that Ramkumar says, I often find that what they call a purist approach is a closed approach, in the sense that it is not about keeping the music pure, it is about not evolving with time. There is a certain amount of evolution that needs to keep happening. Coming from a family of connoisseurs of music, it was their father, veteran Mridangam Vidwan Trichur R Mohan who got them into music. There was a lot of music around us and there were no restrictions on the kind of music we listened to. We grew up listening to all genres. Of course, the most popular genre was light devotional music which was popularised by KJ Yesudas and P Jayachandran. Music in Kerala, be it film music or devotional music, there is a strong Carnatic element to it. So learning was natural in that sense, says Srikrishna. It was not just music that both the brothers excelled at. At one point they also were successful Chartered Accountants, but didnt hesitate to leave their flourishing careers to devote time to music. From 2004 when we finished Chartered Accountancy, we moved to Chennai. Until 2014, we had a hectic life, juggling between our office and concerts. There was a time in 2014 when were doing roughly 90-100 concerts a year. It became difficult for us to do justice to music or the work we were doing, says Srikrishna. To this, Ramkumar immediately adds, The decision had to be made. In fact, Srikrishna quit his job seven months before I did. I didnt even want to quit my job because I liked what I did. But there was this moment while I was listening to some classical music in my cabin that it hit me that there is a bigger world outside that I could explore. Looking back, the brothers wouldnt have it any other way. Soon after they took up music full-time, it got them one of their biggest music projects the Namami Gange which then went on to become the anthem for the Clean Ganga Movement. In the news In a recent controversy revolving around the Madras Music Academy honouring Carnatic musician TM Krishna with the Sangita Kalanidhi, the Trichur Brothers said that Carnatic music is a unifying factor. They said, Mr TM [Krishna] is only being divisive with his narrative, and is unnecessarily making the whole issue political! Leave music out of it.
IIT grad from UP tops civil service exam, 5 from TN among top 100
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu candidates have performed better in Civil Services Examination (CSE) compared to last two years with five of them featuring in the top 100 as per the results declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday. While Aditya Srivastava, a trainee Indian Police Service officer, has topped the exam, Animesh Pradhan, Donuru Ananya Reddy, P K Sidharth Ramkumar, and Ruhani have secured second, third, fourth and fifth rank, respectively. Top ranker Srivastava (27), who hails from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, had completed his BTech in electrical engineering from IIT-Kanpur. A total of 1,016 candidates 664 men and 352 women have qualified in the exam and have been recommended by the UPSC for appointment to various services. Though the state-wise candidate figures are still being awaited, data compiled by former IAS officers and coaching centres show that of the 1,016 successful candidates at least 45 are from Tamil Nadu. The numbers may rise as TN candidates had appeared for the exam from centres outside the state too, they said. Last year, not a single candidate from Tamil Nadu made it to the top 100. Congratulating the successful candidates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said their efforts will shape the future of the nation in the times to come. In his posts on X, the PM also reached out to the unsuccessful aspirants, saying they have chances ahead to succeed while noting that India is rich with opportunities where their talents can truly shine. 39 from state cleared UPSC exam last year While 39 TN candidates had cleared the exam last year, the topper from the state had bagged 107th rank. In 2021, only 27 candidates had cleared the exam and two had featured in the top 100 list. Last year, we had one of the worst performances of the decade as not a single person from the state had bagged a rank within top 100, said Israel Jebasingh of Officers IAS Academy. S Chandru, academic head of Shankar IAS Academy, pointed that the figures are quite encouraging as over the past few years there has been a steady decline in the performance of TN in the UPSC services. Whenever candidates from the state perform well in UPSC or any All India Services examination and their success stories are highlighted, it encourages many more from the state to write the exam, he said. However, he strongly felt that the states performance could be much better. He cited that in 2014, of the 1,126 candidates who cleared the exam, 119 were from Tamil Nadu. Experts said better pay packages and lucrative job opportunities in the private sector have taken the sheen off civil services, but now students are again turning their attention to the coveted exam. S Boominathan, managing director of KingMakers IAS Academy, said that many candidates who have secured ranks this year are already in service and this helped them to put up a better show. TN topper gets 41st rank T Bhuvaneshram, a native of Tiruvallur who bagged 41st rank, has emerged as the state topper. Currently serving as an assistant manager at NABARD in Thiruvananthapuram, Bhuvaneshram has cleared the exam in his sixth attempt. Dr S Prashanth (25), who holds the record for passing out with 36 medals from MMC, has cleared CSE in his first attempt
Tamil Nadu UPSC toppers credit parents for inspiration and support
CHENNAI: T Bhuvaneshram, a native of Tiruvallur, cleared the UPSC civil services examination (2023) with an all India rank of 41. According to sources, he is the top ranker from the state. While this is his sixth attempt, maintaining emotional balance and a well-rounded personality, and believing in the process helped him get through in his long journey. Currently serving as an assistant manager at NABARD in Thiruvananthapuram, Bhuvaneshram started preparing for civil services following his undergraduate studies, at an institute in Bengaluru. My parents instilled in me a passion for public service as part of my upbringing. My father, who is working as an assistant executive engineer in Tangedco, also motivates me to help people. If you want to help people and also get paid for it, civil services is the best option, said Bhuvaneshram. While his parents supported him for five years while he was preparing, he took up work as an assistant manager in NABARD last year. My parents were gracious enough to support me this long. But I couldnt continue to depend on them and took up the job, he added. Meanwhile, he also did an internship at the Tiruvallur collectors office in 2022 which helped him get ground level experience in a few sectors like fisheries. When asked about the challenges of preparing for the last six years, Bhuvaneshram said that his ability to lead a compartmentalised life and trust the process helped him. Like cricketer Dhoni says, it is important to trust the process. I dont believe it is necessary to study a particular number of hours. However, one has to know the syllabus well. It is important to have balance, emotional clarity and also love yourself. I think a well-rounded personality is also essential. While I studied, I also pursued interests such as participating in half-marathons and writing movie reviews, he said.
Construction sans permit: CMDA asks MGM to pay Rs 5L
CHENNAI: After the Madras High Court penalised Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh for failing to act against a construction by MGM Healthcare without plan approval, a notice has been sent to the hospital by the planning agency giving it a 15 day ultimatum to reimburse the fine or pay with interest at the rate of 24% per annum. The high court, while disposing of a petition filed by senior counsel G Rajagopalan on noise pollution caused by construction of a building by MGM Healthcare on St Marys Road in Alwarpet, had come down strongly on authorities for their failure to crackdown on unauthorised constructions and rampant corruption in granting plan approvals. CMDA and Chennai Corporation were penalised Rs 5 lakh each, which was to be paid to Adyar Cancer Institute. According to the legal notice sent to MGM Healthcare, CMDA said that planning permission was granted only on February 23, but MGM commenced construction before that. The planning agency also stated that when the planning permission application, which was received on November 7, 2023, was being processed, piling works and other preparation works were underway since July 2023. MGM, in a letter dated December 12, 2023, had stated it would not carry out any work at the site till the planning permission and building permission were received. It has also requested Chennai Corporation not to take further coercive action. However, MGM continued with the works. The cost (penalty) was imposed only because of your construction activities done without approval and planning permission. Therefore, MGM Healthcare should compensate and reimburse Rs 5 lakh cost imposed on CMDA within 15 days, the legal notice said.
Chennai: Shark attacks fisherman 200m off Marina
Manimaran survived a shark attack off Marina. Neidhal Makkal Katchi advocates for preventive measures as whale sharks, attracted by artificial reefs, shift to the east coast from their typical west coast sightings.
Cinema titan Dwarakish, 'Prachanda Kulla', leaves a legacy of fearless filmmaking
BENGALURU: In the colourful world of cinema, few etch their names with such daring strokes as to become legends in their own right. Such was the tale of the renowned filmmaker affectionately called Prachanda Kulla none other than Dwarakish. With a spirit unbound, Dwarakish fearlessly delved into ventures that only the boldest could dare to dream. Behind the illustrious moniker lay the humble soul of Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakanath fondly known as Dwarakish, a name given by Kannada filmmaker CV Shivashankar. His journey was not marked by mere victories or defeats, but by the unwavering pursuit of what he deemed right in the moment. As we bid adieu to a visionary filmmaker, let us not only commemorate his role as an actor, director, and producer, but also the fearless ethos that propelled him forward, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of cinematic history. Senior actor Srinath pays his respects to Dwarakish who passed away at his residence in Electronics City, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Dwarakish left mark as Prachanda Kulla Born on August 19, 1942, in Ittigegud, Mysuru, Dwarakishs journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of cinema was marked by determination and talent. Following his education, Dwarakish and his brother took on an entrepreneurial venture in Mysuru. Yet, his true passion lay in acting, a flame ignited by his uncle, renowned cinema director Hunsur Krishnamurthy. In 1963, he made the courageous decision to quit the business and pursue a career in cinema. Dwarakish took a bold leap, charting a course towards Madras (Chennai) with Krishnamurthys encouragement, determined to carve his niche in cinema. Bursting onto the Kannada cinema scene in 1964, Dwarakish wasted no time in making his mark, swiftly ascending the ladder of success. His dynamic performances and fearless attitude earned him the illustrious title of Prachanda Kulla among his peers. With an impressive repertoire of over 300 films, Dwarakishs legendary collaboration with Dr Rajkumar in over 23 movies remains a remarkable feat. Equally, he did a good number of films with Dr Vishnuvardhan, and worked with actor Srinath, among others. Dwarakish didnt just dip his toes in the water At the age of 23, he took charge as a producer for Mamatheya Bandhana, marking the beginning of his illustrious career behind the scenes. Four years later, Dwarakish fearlessly ventured into independent production with Mayor Mutthanna, a film starring Dr Rajkumar, already a towering figure in the Kannada film industry. Despite being a newcomer in the production arena, Dwarakishs gamble paid off handsomely, establishing him as a formidable force in the industry. His visionary approach didnt stop there he paved the way for legendary directors like Siddalingaiah and Bhargav, providing them with their first big breaks. He also introduced Vinod Raj in Dance Raja Dance. Regardless of the risks involved, Dwarakish never hesitated to take bold steps forward. In 1978, he produced Singapuradalli Rajakulla, which earned the distinction of being the first Kannada film to be shot outside India. Dwarakish produced over 50 films, each contributing to the vibrant collections of Kannada cinema. Interestingly, Dwarakish, who had already produced several hit films alongside Dr Rajkumar and Dr Vishnuvardhan, envisioned venturing into film production into other languages as well. It was then that he decided to collaborate with superstar Rajinikanth and successfully managed to work with him in movies like Adutha Varisu and Naan Adimai Illai. These films also featured actor Sridevi. Additionally, Dwarakish ventured into Hindi cinema with Gangvaa, starring Rajinikanth. Sandalwood mourns Dwarakishs passing CM Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries offered their condolences while personalities from Sandalwood, including actors Darshan, Srinath, Ramesh Bhat and Sunder Raj, producer K Manju, KFCC president NM Suresh, Bhavya, Meghana Raj, music director Gurukiran, paid their last respects. The demise of my long time dear friend Dwarakish is very painful to me..starting his career as a comedian, he raised himself up to being a big producer and director.. fond memories come to my mind..my heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones.., actor Rajinikanth posted on X. His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Ravindra Kalakshetra on Wednesday from 7.30 am to 10.30 am, and cremation will take place in Chamarajpet.
Tamil Nadu: Forget poll tickets, women not well represented even in parties
CHENNAI: Inadequate number of women contestants is an issue that is raised during every election, but forgotten soon after until the subsequent election. Political parties offer myriad excuses for not fielding enough women and never fail to reiterate their support for swift implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. However, they conveniently ignore the elephant in the room, which is the abysmal representation of women in key party posts, which the parties could address themselves if they are really committed to womens representation. The post of district secretary is important and powerful in most political parties. The district secretaries emerge as leaders of respective regions and climb up the ladder. When it comes to womens representation in these posts, the parties fare poorly. DMK has 72 district units and AIADMK has 82. However, only one district secretary in each party is a woman. Minister Geetha Jeevan is DMKs secretary of Thoothukudi North. L Jayasudha, former MLA, is AIADMKs Tiruvannamalai central district secretary. BJP has the post of district president and of the 66 district units in TN, the national party has women as presidents in four. Among the eight zonal in-charges, one is a woman. The Congress has 72 district secretaries but none is a woman. In VCK, among the 144 district units, 14 are headed by women, including three non-Dalits. In Left parties, there is no woman among the 42 district secretaries in CPM and 45 district secretaries in CPI. In NTK, among the 117 district secretaries, 18 are women. NTK, however, is the only party that is fielding 50% women in all general elections. In the current LS election, the number of women candidates from major political parties is less, barring NTK. Of the 950 candidates in the fray, only 77 are women (including independents). In the past, AIADMK, under the leadership of J Jayalalithaa, gave women significant space in their party apparatus. In 2010, she appointed 66 women as members of executive committee, which has around 300 members. Five years later, Jaya reconstituted the committee and made 73 women as members. Party sources said similar representation still continues in the executive committee. U Vasuki, vice president of All India Democratic Womens Association and central committee member of CPM said, Three important aspects should be taken into account elected representation, party structure and what stance the political party takes on gender issues. As far as CPM is concerned, district and taluk committees make important decisions although the position of district secretary is important. In TN, all committees have 20% women. Similarly, when selecting delegates for a party conference, there should be 20% women, Vasuki said. Asked if a legislation to ensure 33% reservation for women party posts is needed, Vasuki said it may not be possible since each party has their own constitutions and they are primarily voluntary bodies. C Lakshmanan, former associate professor at Madras Institute of Development Studies, said, There is gender insensitivity towards women among male politicians. Like caste, gender is also a mindset. Sensitisation about the need for women to take part in politics should be inculcated in all levels of party functionaries, from top to bottom, Lakshman said. When political functionaries ill-treat women, the leaders of the respective parties should openly censure them. Political parties supporters make sexist remarks against women who express their views boldly, he added. (With inputs from S Kumaresan @ Chennai)
Watch: Suresh Raina supports a limping MS Dhoni
After Chennai Super Kings' triumph against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during their IPL 2024 encounter on Sunday, an intriguing incident captured the attention of spectators. As the cricketers made their way to the team bus, ex-Indian batsman Suresh Raina was observed helping Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who appeared to be having difficulty walking.
Buttler's unbeaten century helps Rajasthan beat Kolkata off final ball
KOLKATA: Jos Buttler's unbeaten century helped Rajasthan Royals chase down 224 and snatch a breathtaking two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. The Englishman hit 107 not out off 60 balls and carried Rajasthan to 224-8 off the final ball. Buttler had earlier watched from the dugout as Sunil Narine (109) smashed his maiden T20 century in Kolkata's strong total of 223-6 after Rajasthan won the toss and elected to field. Buttler, brought in as impact substitute, kept Rajasthan in the hunt despite wickets falling around him as he took the game deep before counterattacking in the last five overs. Spinners Narine (2-30) and Varun Chakravarthy (2-36) strangled Rajasthan in the middle overs as it slumped to 121-6 in the 13th over. But Rovman Powell hit a brisk 26 off 13 balls before he fell leg before wicket in the 17th over in Narines last over before Buttler singlehandedly took the game away from Kolkata. Needing 46 off the last three overs, Kolkatas multi-million dollar signing Mitchell Starc (0-50) conceded 18 runs as the left-arm Australian was scrappy and even gave away five extra runs when wicketkeeper Phil Salt couldnt gather the ball cleanly down the leg side. Buttler smashed six sixes and nine boundaries and raised his century in the final over when he hit Chakravarthy for a six over long-on off the first ball before closing out the game by scrambling for two runs off the fifth ball and then drove the spinner on the on-side for the winning run off the final ball. Earlier, Narine decimated tournaments two best spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (0-49) and Yuzvendra Chahal (1-54) with his powerful hitting as the left-hander clubbed 13 boundaries and six sixes. Fast bowler Avesh Khan had plucked a brilliant one-handed return catch to dismiss Salt (10) after Riyan Parag had dropped a regulation catch at point off Trent Boults second ball of the match. Narine took his time to settle down, but took charge once he completed his half-century off 29 balls. He hammered Chahal for two straight sixes and two fours in an over to complete his century off 49 balls before Boult (1-31) knocked back his leg stump with a perfect yorker in the 18th over. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30) was the next best batter for Kolkata and provided momentum by sharing an 85-run second-wicket stand with Narine before he sliced a catch to third man. Rajasthan is atop the table with 12 points from six wins and one loss. Kolkata still holds the second spot on superior net run-rate over Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad as all three teams are locked on eight points.
Election Express: Chennai's civic woes main focus ahead of polls
Election Express Chennais civic woes main focus ahead of polls
The key candidates for the polls this time are J Jayavardhan of the AIADMK, DMK's Thamizhachi Thangapandian, and Tamilisai Soundararajan from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chennai South will have polling on April 19 in the first round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections
Now, India shooting for home-made bullet trains
India is developing a home-built bullet train exceeding 250 kmph, using Vande Bharat platform technology by ICF, Chennai. The project integrates Indian tech and domestic manufacturing, funded by JICA with completed pier work and land acquisition for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project.
Jaffer Sadiq's remand extended
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