Crowd chasing art or AI's mockery?

Last week, social media platforms were avalanched under instantly-generated images shared by people using the Artificial Intelligence programme ChatGPT to turn their photographs into mock illustrations in Japanese animator Hayao Miyazakis signature Studio Ghibli style. All over the world, celebrities and institutions also jumped on the trend. One Kollywood star shared a photoshoot of generated images. The Israel Defense Forces, presently committing war crimes in Palestine, posted cutesy images of its military. The White House shared one of a weeping person being arrested by an anti-immigration taskforce. Less sinisterly but no less problematically, the Bengaluru Traffic Police used the aesthetic in a new campaign against bike stunts. There are two serious problems with this trend, no matter who is using it. One is about the environment: AI has a proven detrimental effect, due to the huge quantities of water, minerals and electricity needed for it, as well as the waste it produces. The other is about art: it disrespects Miyazakis work and ethical standpoint (anti-fascist, anti-war, pro-nature) both in form and in feeling. By generating in seconds what takes days, weeks or months of execution and years of practice for a human being to put together, the value of art and art-making are themselves cheapened. An incredibly hollow argument that is making the rounds is that AI makes art accessible. Two things are meant by this: creating it, and owning it. Lets be clear that desire as well as physical and cognitive ability are enough to make art, for anyone. Committing to art-making professionally, whether or not one can make a living from it (one usually cannot) is different. Without denying systemic limitations such as, for instance Brahminical gatekeeping of classical dance or music, higher education requirements where applicable, funding constraints on mediums like filmmaking, or location-bound access to certain scenes and industries in principle, artmaking as personal expression with or without external validation has always been accessible, throughout human civilisation, using rudimentary or modern tools or ones own body or mind. With AI, we have an extremely sophisticated tool: but it is one with immense costs. As for the subject of owning art, it may seem like a quaint thought, but only the maker of a piece should actually own it. The rest of us can only care for it, perhaps in the form of merchandise for which the creator is compensated fairly. The concept of ownership beyond that is flawed. Similar to how personal artistic expression cannot be curtailed, neither can art appreciation. The truth is that objects of beauty are also in the quotidian: in curtains, for example, or in mugs. If you care about art, no matter what your level of privilege, it will show in your aesthetic, in your appreciation of pots and the plants in them, of sunrises and moonglow, of music, of anything that stirs your soul. It will be evident in all the small things you surround yourself with, and what you choose to consume ordinary cinemas and government museums offer easy ways to imbibe art, for instance. Disdain for Nature and her keepers and for art and its makers are intertwined. This Ghiblification debacle exemplifies this.

Faces and frames of resistance

There is a rhythm to resistance it echoes in the fiery speeches of Malcolm X, the soul-stirring hymns of Martin Luther King Jr., and the defiant piano keys of Nina Simone. It is the same rhythm that inspired Dr BR Ambedkar as he drafted a constitution for a nation that had long denied its peoples dignity. Oppression wears many faces, so does rebellion. Sometimes, rebellion is not just clenched fists and raised voices it is art, literature, and the unrelenting act of remembering. For the past four years, the Vaanam Art Festival has been carving out space for that remembrance. As Vasugi Bhaskar, editor of Neelam Publications, explains, the festival draws direct inspiration from the Black communitys celebration of February as Black History Month. Worldwide, all the politics have been against supremacy, says Vasugi. In India, Dalits connect with that politics because it is essential for them. The parallels are striking, just as The Black Panther Party emerged in the US, the Dalit Panther Movement rose in India. Both were rebellions against systems that sought to erase them. Why a Dalit History Month? Progressive societies often pay lip service to Dalit upliftment economically, socially but rarely acknowledge their role in shaping history. A lot of Dalits are responsible for the social change today. But because they had an unavoidable power in history, the measures taken to suppress them were ineffective, shares Vasugi. Ambedkar understood this erasure intimately and intuitively. He framed Dalit struggle as a war between Brahminism and Buddhism, a cultural battle as much as a political one. The festival is not just about reclaiming history it is about asserting that Dalit art is art. We have to showcase our art and say that it is no less than any other art form, Vasugi says. The dream is to build something permanent a Dalit museum, much like the institutions preserving Black history in the US. Director Pa Ranjith has championed this vision. But its a big job, Vasugi admits. In a movement like Neelam Cultural Centre, we start with festivals. Maybe one day, a museum. or now, the festival is an act of archival. Dalit records are scarce; the stories, systematically omitted be it from the history textbooks, or mainstream cinema. Whatever we can do by ourselves, we are doing. Re-registering this into history that is the whole months agenda, says Vasugi. Who gets to tell the story? Must artistes be born Dalit? Vasugis answer is nuanced. Dalit art should come from a consciousness, he explains. Solidarity is not just saying, I am with you it is understanding the politics, the perspective. The festival, while centring Dalit voices, also stands against all oppression: Gazas suffering, gender inequality, caste discrimination. There is no criteria that artistes should be born Dalits, he clarifies. This festival is against any form of discrimination worldwide. Self-interrogation is key. What did we do? Vasugi asks, anticipating criticism. Womens contributions are less. Women directors are less. These questions will come. But the festival does not dodge them. Instead, it sits with the discomfort, letting it shape the journey. We arent viewing this as a counteract to satisfy people asking questions, Vasugi says. We place ourselves in their voice. When you think like that, art forms multiply, regions get covered, democratic forces grow. The festivals programming is as expansive as its vision. Historian Ramachandra Guha will speak on Ambedkar and Gandhis contested legacies. Literary panels span five languages; discussions range from gender discrimination to science fiction. There are poetry readings, childrens literature debates, and the Verchol Dalit Literary Award for Sivagami IAS, whose documentary and analytical panel will examine why she is being honoured. Resistance is not always blood-stained protest. It is also the quiet labour of answering the questions within, of insisting on joy amid the struggle. The Vaanam Art Festival is both fight and feast: a refusal to let history forget, and a celebration of all the ways Dalits have shaped it. Oppression spreads like wildfire, so doea the power of creation. As Vasugi puts it, We go on and on about all kinds of oppression. And in that going on, there is power. Event schedule Till April 6: PK Rosy Film Festival Where: Prasad Lab, Saligramam April 4-6: PK Rosy Documentary and Short Film Festival Where: Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, Nungambakkam April 12 & 13: Verchol Literary Festival Where: Muthamizh Peravai April 18: Dhamma Theatre Festival Where: Egmore Museum April 23-29: Curve Dalit Art and Aesthetics Exhibition Where: Lalit Kala Academy, 1st Floor April 23-29: Nitham Photo Exhibition Where: Lalit Kala Academy, 2nd Floor For more details, visit @vaanam_art_festival on Instagram. Entry is free. Registration is available online and at the venues.

When machine art goes viral

In a world that does not need a valid reason anymore to divide and separate, it is puzzling to see acts of unity bringing uniformity within all the chaos. A scroll through social media or your WhatsApp chats would leave you with a sense of oneness. Pause for a minute to look at the profile pictures of those who converse/debate/bombard you with morning quotes and goodnight wisdom. Miraculously, the good, the bad, and the ugly have all been transformed into one singular facade the anime look! Everyone now has cute, round eyes, oozing with innocence and a charm that is so endearing. Technology has managed to tame even the nastiest scowl! For those endangered species among us who do not use a smartphone, this is about the latest trend that has caught on like wildfire The Ghibli trend! Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio, renowned for its incredible hand-drawn animation. Established in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio went on to make some of the highest-grossing anime films in cinematic history, even winning two Academy Awards for Spirited Away in 2003 and The Boy and the Heron in 2024. Drawing viewers into magical universes with fantastical landscapes and lovable characters that captivate a wide audience, including adults, Studio Ghibli films have enchanted the world for decades. What makes them unique in todays world of computer-generated imagery is their commitment to hand-drawn animation. Animator Miyazaki has spent an entire lifetime painstakingly drawing out every single detail, no matter how intricate, to make these stunning movies. The Boy and the Heron took seven years to be completed, and a team of 60 animators worked on the drawings by hand. And along comes OpenAIs ChatGPT with its Ghibli-style generator, which allows users to mimic the studios signature style. All one needs to do is upload a photograph and, with the click of a button, watch it being transformed into something straight out of a Ghibli film. This trend has taken the world by storm because, unlike any other animation, this style has a nostalgic, hand-drawn feel to it. Ever since, debates have been raging about the ethicality of it all. Can a mans vision, his hours of work, and his breathtaking skill that created such spectacular visuals be replaced by technology? Does it not infringe on creative ownership? For many artistes worldwide, these developments have raised concerns and fears about authenticity and its impact on their livelihoods. Miyazaki himself had openly declared his strong disapproval a few years ago, calling it an insult to life itself. He had never allowed computer graphics to be integrated into his films. Digital innovation may be unavoidable. Tools like these certainly make the process of creativity accessible and simple to all. It may also be true that the sacred act of creation has been laid out there for all and sundry, but perhaps, this craze is the perfect tribute to Studio Ghiblis brilliance. Trends are fleeting, and ultimately, no viral moment can ever create an eternal masterpiece. For without human emotions, art can never carry the soul of life in it.

What's your fashion statement?

Growing up, Vogue wasnt just a magazine on my bedside table it was a blueprint. I didnt just admire the glossy pages; I studied them, memorised them, let them dictate the way I saw the world. Because in those pages, fashion wasnt just about clothes. It was about power, presence the kind of confidence that makes people stop and stare. And lets be honest thats all any of us really want. We dont just want to exist. We want to take up space. We want to walk into a room like we own it. We want to be remembered. And if life isnt always giving us main character moments, well create them ourselves starting with our outfits. Thats probably why we plan our outfits like were crafting a movie montage. Thats why we spend far too long curating the perfect airport look, as if the Heathrow paparazzi are waiting (even if its just a budget airline to Bengaluru). Its why we wear sunglasses indoors, blazers to brunch, and heels to the supermarket. Dressing up isnt just about looking good its about setting the scene, stepping into the version of ourselves that feels just a little more cinematic. And no one understands this better than Farhana Bodi, Dubai Bling s ultimate scene-stealer. Farhana Bodi Are we dressing for ourselves or the plot? I asked Farhana whether she picks outfits for herself or for the version of herself she wants the world to see, and her answer was exactly what youd expect from someone who has mastered the art of looking iconic at all times: A bit of both! Fashion is my way of expressing who I am in the moment, but also who Im becoming. I love playing with different styles that reflect my confidence, ambition, and the energy I want to bring into a room. Translation? Your outfit should enter the room before you do. Gitika Trilok, a self-proclaimed fashion girlie from Chennai, agrees. My airport outfit is planned a few days in advance. I dont care if Im flying economy to Hyderabad. In my mind, Im always like what if I run into my future husband? Or worse someone from school? Every look is a statement, a mood, a moment If youve seen Dubai Bling, you know Farhana doesnt do effortlessly chic. Her fashion? Louder than the cheer you hear at the stadiums this IPL season. Every outfit I wear on Dubai Bling is a statement, a mood, a moment, she says. I love high fashion, bold silhouettes, and pieces that command attention. When I step into a scene, I want my look to speak before I even say a word. You know who also thinks this way? Literally all of us when we step into a room and pretend were in a music video. Devansh Kanagaraj, a Chennai-based entrepreneur, refuses to wear just jeans and a tee because, as he puts it, If I look like money, Ill make money. Manifestation through fashion? We need to respect it. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's The power of a Main Character outfit We all have that one outfit. The one that makes us feel like we run this city. The one that instantly boosts our confidence to I-could-sue-someone levels. For Farhana, it was her gold metal corset look at the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. It was powerful, glamorous, and unapologetically bold exactly how I love to feel. For me, its my black strapless ball gown the one that makes me feel like I could ruin a mans career with a well-placed whisper at a gala. For Diya Ramasamy, its her floor-length red trench coat. I have no reason to wear it in Chennais weather, she admits, but I do anyway when its an expected rainy day, because I look mysterious and give off low-key Sherlock vibes. And that, my friends, is the essence of the Main Character Wardrobe. Real life vs. Instagram aesthetic But lets talk about the elephant in the fitting room are we dressing for ourselves, or are we just styling ourselves like a Pinterest board? Farhana believes its about balance. Social media has elevated fashion in an exciting way, but personal style is about knowing how to make trends your own. Its not just about looking perfect in a photo its about how a look makes you feel in real life. Confidence is the best filter! Shes right. But again, lets not pretend we dont mentally caption our outfits before even wearing them. Fashion has never just been about clothes. Its armour and expression, rebellion and fantasy the most immediate way to declare who we are, or who we want to be. Every outfit we put on is a choice: to blend in or to stand out, to conform or to command attention. Think about it when was the last time you remembered what the best friend wore in a film? Or the forgettable love interest? Its always the leading lady who gets the wardrobe. Audreys black dress in Breakfast at Tiffanys . Carries tutu in Sex and the City . Blair Waldorfs endless collection of headbands in Gossip Girl . Because main characters dress like they matter. Like their presence is undeniable. Like theyre not just passing through life theyre owning every second of it. So yes, we wear sunglasses where they arent needed, heels where they make no sense, and coats in Chennais impossible heat all because, in our minds, were striding through the streets of Paris. Is it impractical? Maybe. But isnt that the point? Because at the end of the day, fashion isnt just about dressing for the life we have its about dressing for the life we want. Its about feeling like we could take over a boardroom, break hearts at a party, or be whisked away on a Vespa in Rome at any given moment. So wear the extra outfit. Overdress for brunch. Put on the heels even if youll regret it later. Because if life isnt a film yet, at least your wardrobe will be ready when it is. The world is full of supporting roles just make sure youre never one of them.

Alliance with AIADMK top priority, BJP puts ball in Annamalai's court on continuing as BJP chief of Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: AS talks over an imminent change in leadership of the Tamil Nadu BJP gather momentum, TNIE has learnt that the partys national leadership still prefers to continue with K Annamalai at the helm if he is willing to work in an alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 Assembly elections. The ball is in Annamalais court, a senior leader said, adding that during his recent visit to Delhi, it was made clear to him that the AIADMK-BJP alliance is of utmost importance for the Assembly polls. However, the leadership does not want the alliance to materialise at the cost of Annamalais position. On the contrary, Annamalai has reiterated to the top brass his firm conviction that the alliance is not in the national partys best interests in Tamil Nadu, presenting a micro-level, data-backed analysis to support his stance. He has also indicated that he would rather not continue as state president if the alliance is inevitablea stance he first declared at an internal party meeting in March 2023. His subsequent remarks, perceived as antagonistic towards the BJPs then-ally AIADMK, led to the Dravidian party quitting the NDA in September 2023. AIADMK-BJP tango? After Edappadi K Palaniswamy, state BJP chief Annamalai in Delhi to meet Amit Shah Annamalai met Union Home Minister and BJPs chief political strategist Amit Shah, party president JP Nadda, and national secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh in Delhi last week. His visit followed AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamis meeting with Shah, which signalled the beginning of a rapprochement between the two parties. BJP sources said the top brass has advised Annamalai to reconsider his stance. If he remains unwilling to accept an alliance with the AIADMKa priority for the BJPhe may step down from his position. A senior functionary said that although many were unhappy about the AIADMK alliance collapsing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha electionslargely due to Annamalaithe party leadership had fully backed him, trusting his confidence and leadership. Moreover, 2024 was seen as an opportunity for the BJP to test its own strength, and it could afford to lose the state, being confident of returning to power at the centre. With the 2024 results proving disappointing, despite an increase in vote share in certain pockets, the party does not want to take any risks in 2026. However, the national leadership acknowledges Annamalais contributions and understands the challenges involved in replacing him. The party has had many state presidents, but with Annamalai, BJP cadres and supporters believe they have a leader, another senior leader said. The leader dismissed as baseless the rumours that Palaniswami insisted on Annamalais removal for the alliance to materialise, asserting that the BJP would not entertain such conditions. Moreover, it would enhance Palaniswamis image, allowing him to claim it as his victory and bargaining prowess while demoralising BJP cadres. Why would we want that? he asked. Although there is speculation that Annamalai could be accommodated in the Union Cabinet, the leader noted that he could only be made a Minister of State. Even if it were in an important ministry like Home, it would still be seenat least temporarilyas a demotion and a concession to AIADMKs pressure. 'I wont be problem to anyone': BJP-AIADMK alliance speculation grows after TN BJP chief's remarks Finding a suitable replacement for Annamalai is a challenge the BJP is reluctant to face at this moment, party sources said. They added that the long list of potential candidatesfrom BJP Assembly floor leader Nainar Nagendran to the relatively unknown state general secretary Karuppu Muruganandhamindicates that there is no clear frontrunner. Nagendran, who was a minister and a key leader of south TN for AIADMK in the early 2000s, is a veteran in electoral politics and has an amiable character suited for an alliance. He is seen as a strong contender since he hails from the Mukkulathor community. However, a party leader said that O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran have already proved to be helpful to the BJP in the 2024 elections in consolidating the Mukkulathor votes in south Tamil Nadu. Making Nagendran as president may be a risky bet as the party may alienate the Nadar community, who are also a majority in the south, he said.

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Tamil Nadu assembly: Minister EV Velu says state government will extend full support to Centres Port-Maduravoyal project - Times of India

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'Nearly impossible to breach': Dindigul's famed 200-year-old lock-making legacy

Dindigul town have spent generations perfecting their craft. Made from scrap metal, steel, or brass, each lock features a precision lever mechanism and a unique key code designed to withstand force, tampering with, and time itself. From securing ancient temples to British-era estates, these locks embody a legacy of trust that spans centuries. The origin of Dindigul's lock-making industry remains difficult to trace, but its dominance in Tamil Nadu is undeniable. Archaeologist Narayana Moorthy explains that for over two centuries, temples, traders, and colonial officials relied on Dindigul locks not just out of tradition, but out of necessity. These locks weren't just strong; they were nearly impossible to breach, he says. amindars, traders and even the British East India Company swore by their durability. Even today, century-old mansions are secured using Dindigul locks. The cottage industry of locksmiths thrives in areas such as Begumpur, Nagal Nagar, Sandai Pettai, Nallampatti, Kudai Paraipatti, Yagapanpatti, and Kammalapatti. In modest workshops, the rhythmic clanking of metal fills the air as artisans shape raw materials into intricate locks. G Prakash (45), a fourth-generation lock maker, is one of the many artisans preserving this craft. His great-grandfather, Pattan Arasi, began his career as a horseshoe craftsman in the late 19th century before shifting his focus to locks. Seeing a growing demand for secure locking systems, he started crafting mango locks, also known as mangai pootu. My grandfather, Periyasamy Arasi, mastered the art and by the 1940s, he was one of the most sought-after locksmiths in Dindigul, says Prakash. He handcrafted over 10,000 locks in his lifetime. People lined up outside his workshop to get their hands on one of his creations. The mango lock, named for its distinctive shape, remains one of the most iconic Dindigul locks. Prakash and his family continue the tradition, crafting mango locks in eight different sizes (1.5 inch to 10 inch) from small 300-gram versions used in homes to massive 10-kg models built for securing temple vaults. As a testament to his devotion, Prakash has donated handcrafted locks to temples, including a 9-kg brass lock for the Lord Murugan temple in Tiruchendur and 8-kg locks for the Sarangapani and Chakrapani temples in Kumbakonam. The cost is estimated to be around Rs 16,000-Rs 17,000 for each such brass lock. Many dont realise that factory-made locks have just 100 key patterns, meaning a key bought in Chennai could unlock a lock purchased in Madurai. Mango locks are handmade with unique keyholes that cannot be duplicated. Cheap locks, on the other hand, can be broken easily with a crowbar or iron rod, adds Prakash. While the craft of locksmithery is steeped in history, it is not immune to innovation. S Pradeep Kumar, a third-generation locksmith, has spent years developing unique lock mechanisms that blend security with complexity. My grandfather, Natarajan, was an expert in a rare kind of lock aptly named vichitra lock, Pradeep explains. It required two different keysone to lock, one to unlock. If you mixed them up, you were stuck. This type of lock is extremely rare, weighing between 600 to 800 grams, and priced from `700 onwards. Unfortunately, the only craftsman who could make them passed away, and the technique has been lost. While the vichitra lock is now a relic of the past, other complex designs continue to thrive. Election officers, for example, use double-key mango locks that require two separate keys to open. The Raj Round Lock is another innovationthis lock demands precise twists in a single direction to function. One wrong move, and the lock remains shut. Jewellers prefer lockers as they allow for stacking valuables in multiple layers. The smallest variant begins at 12 inches in height, 14 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth, with most lockers custom-made to meet specific requirements, adds Pradeep. Despite its history and reputation, Dindiguls lock-making industry faces stiff competition from mass-produced locks flooding the market from North India. These factory-made locks, often cheaper and produced in bulk, have made it harder for traditional locksmiths to sustain their business. Recognising the importance of this indigenous craft, the Dindigul Lock Workers Industrial Co-operative Society Limited. was established in 1957 to support local locksmiths. However, many artisans argue that government backing remains inadequate. Reasons for the decline in the lock-making tradition of the region are many logistical challenges, rising material costs, refusal of artisans to adopt modern technology, an unorganised workforce, poor wages, disinterest among younger workers to learn the craft and a lack of substantial government support. The industry received a much-needed boost in 2019 when Dindigul locks were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag primarily helps in providing legal protection to makers of a product unique to a specific location. This recognition formally acknowledged the uniqueness of Dindigul locks and its deep-rooted connection to the regions history. For now, the rhythmic clanking of metal against metal continues in the narrow lanes of Dindigul, where skilled hands shape locks that should not become relics of history.

Teenagers in India get a new ride option with Uber's 'Uber for Teens' launch

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IndiGo expands IndiGoStretch to new route

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Will you give this book a listen?

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The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Rajesh Gopalakrishnan as General Manager

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Bukhara exhibition brings Central Asian suzani and ikat textiles to Chennai

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Mysore-Sandal soap-maker KSDL posts net profit of 416 crore for FY25

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IPL 2025: Samson Set To Resume Captaincy After Clearance From BCCI CoE

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has received clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and will resume his full-time leadership role along with the wicketkeeping duties following a period of recovery. Samson has so far played in the tournament as a sole batter coming in as an impact substitute with Riyan Parag leading the franchise. The wicketkeeper-batter was only granted a temporary go-ahead to play in the ongoing IPL following surgery on his right index finger after sustaining an injury during Indias T20I series against England in February. Samson's clearance comes after a thorough assessment of his fitness by the medical team. Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has received clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to resume wicketkeeping duties following a period of recovery. Samson's clearance comes after a thorough assessment of his fitness by the medical team, the franchise statement read. Samson's first game as captain this will be against Punjab Kings on Saturday at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh In the opening three games of the tournament, Guwahati hometown hero Riyan Parag led the side in the absence of Samson in the field. Samson, meanwhile, only took up batting duties for his team and scored 99 runs across the three games. The franchise is encouraged by Samsons progress and looks forward to having him back in action behind the stumps and leading the side. Further updates, if any, will be shared in due course, it added. The Royals first two home games of the season were played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati against the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings on March 26 and March 30, respectively. Samsons return also marks their shift to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which will serve as Rajasthan Royals fortress for the rest of the home matches. The Royals first two home games of the season were played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati against the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings on March 26 and March 30, respectively. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

Robbery suspect shot dead by police near Cuddalore

CUDDALORE: A 19-year-old robbery suspect from Puducherry was shot dead by police near Cuddalore on Wednesday after he allegedly attacked officers during an arrest operation. According to police, a gang had attacked lorry drivers with machetes and looted them at three locations along the Villupuram-Nagapattinam highway in Cuddalore district in the early hours of Wednesday. Based on a tip-off, police tracked the gang to a cashew farm in M Puthur and attempted to apprehend them. During the operation, one of the gang members, identified as Vijay alias Mottai Vijay from Thilaspet, Puducherry, attacked police personnel with a machete. Constables Gopi and Ganapathy sustained injuries. In response, Inspector Chandran opened fire, hitting Vijay in the chest and hip, leading to his death on the spot, police sources said. Madurai encounter victim's kin allege foul play, say he was killed elsewhere Police stated that Vijay had over 30 pending criminal cases against him in Puducherry region, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts. The injured constables were admitted to Cuddalore Government Hospital, where Cuddalore Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar met them before visiting the encounter site. Vijays body was taken to the same hospital for autopsy. Speaking to the media, SP Jeyakumar said, The inspector shot him in self-defense after he attempted to attack him following the assault on the constables. We are searching for five of his associates in connection with the robbery cases registered at Pudhuchathiram and Thirupathiripuliyur police stations on Wednesday. This is the third police encounter in Tamil Nadu in recent days. On the previous Wednesday, Jafar Gulam Husain, a member of the Irani gang, was shot dead in Chennai, and on Monday, history-sheeter V Subash Chandra Bose was killed in an encounter in Madurai.

Uber launches Uber for Teens in India

The service has been launched across 37 cities in the country, including Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar

Malabar Group Launches 'Uyirp' Scheme for Landslide Victims in Wayanad, Rs. 2 Crore for Higher Education

Malabar Group launches Uyirp scheme for landslide victims in Wayanad, Rs. 2 crore for higher education The Uyirp project was inaugurated by Priyanka Gandhi - MP, in the presence of several distinguished guests. T. Siddique MLA presided over the function. Malabar Group Chairman M P Ahmed delivered the keynote address. Missile Woman of India Dr. Tessie Thomas was the chief guest. Former MLA and Rajya Sabha member MV Shreyams Kumar, former minister and MLA AP Anil Kumar, IC Balakrishnan MLA, Wayanad District Panchayat President Shamshad Marakkar, Municipal Chairman Adv. T J Isaac, Kalpetta Block Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan, Meppadi Panchayat President K. Babu, Standing Committee Chairman Mujeeb Keyamthodi, Malabar Group Executive Director A. K. Nishad, Head of Retail Operations R. Abdul Jaleel, Head of Solidarity and Operations Abdul Yashir Adiraja and others attended the inauguration ceremony. Malabar Group has allocated Rs. 2 crores for the Uyirp initiative, of which Rs. 63.5 lakh has already been disbursed. The financial aid will cover all study-related expenses, including course fees, hostel fees, study materials, examination fees, and travel costs. Additionally, any outstanding fees from previously pursued courses will also be paid by the company. To further ensure the future of these students, Malabar Group has committed to giving them priority employment within its businesses. A dedicated placement cell is being formed to help them secure jobs in other organizations as well, and a finishing school is being set up to provide necessary training for their career growth. Among the selected students, 70 are girls and 64 are boys, pursuing a variety of academic disciplines. The distribution of students across different fields includes 26 in medical courses, 17 in IT-related fields, 24 in science disciplines, 27 in commerce, 26 in humanities, and others in aviation, engineering, and teaching. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with T. Siddique MLA's MLA Care project. Speaking about the initiative, M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group said, Nothing can replace the pain of those who lost everything in the disaster, but we are committed to supporting them. The Uyirp initiative is our effort to help these children build a bright future. As a business, we believe in giving back to society, and this initiative reflects our responsibility toward the community. Malabar Group has a longstanding commitment to social welfare. In 2019, following the Puthumala disaster in Wayanad, the company provided housing for 16 families who had lost their homes. Over the years, Malabar Group has spent more than Rs. 286 crores on various CSR projects across 20 states, impacting over 16 lakh people by setting aside 5 percent of its profits. One of the company's flagship CSR initiatives is the 'Hunger-Free World' project, which provides nutritious food to over 60,000 people daily across 81 cities in 17 states in India. Additionally, 10,000 meals are distributed daily to school children in Zambia, Africa, with plans to expand the program to 1 lakh meals per day across 200 centers in the near future. Malabar Group has also launched the Grandma Home project, which provides free accommodation to needy and destitute women. Currently, homes have been set up in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to establish similar facilities in Kerala, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. All the major CSR activities of Malabar Group are implemented in collaboration with Thanal, a leading voluntary organization working in the field of philanthropy. In the field of education, Malabar Group has established 581 micro-learning centers across the country, benefitting 26,000 street children by providing them with basic education and nutrition, with 8,000 children having already transitioned to formal schooling. The company also offers scholarships to 96,513 girls nationwide to support their higher education. Further strengthening its commitment to public welfare, Malabar Group is formulating a plan to set up medical stores across all assembly constituencies in Kerala to provide medicines at significantly reduced prices. With the Uyirp initiative, Malabar Group reaffirms its dedication to uplifting communities and providing opportunities for those in need. By investing in the education and future of Wayanad's youth, the company is taking a significant step toward empowering the next generation and fostering long-term social impact.

Will severely harm Muslim community: Stalin urges PM Modi to withdraw Waqf Bill

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 . Stalin said the Constitution grants every citizen the right to follow their respective religion and it is the duty of the elected governments to uphold and protect this right. However, the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 have not taken into consideration the constitutional protection given to minorities and are ound to severely harm the interest of Muslim community. The chief minister sought the prime minister's personal intervention on this issue and underlined that the Tamil Nadu Assembly days ago passed a resolution to urge the Centre to withdraw the Bill. Dilute, defame, Divide, Disenfranchise: Congress' 4D attack on Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha The provisions in the existing Waqf Act are time tested and they provide protection to the properties of the Waqf. The amendments proposed to the Waqf Act will weaken the powers and responsibilities of Waqf Boards in the management and protection of waqf properties. The large-scale modifications proposed across wide range of sections in the existing Act will dilute the very spirit of the Act itself. For example, the proposed mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards will undermine the religious autonomy of the Muslim communitys ability to manage its religious and charitable endowments independently. Removal of the Waqf by user provision threatens the status of many historical Waqf properties. The stipulation that the individuals who practiced Islam for at least five years only can donate properties to Waqf will prevent non-Muslims from donating properties to Waqf which will hinder the syncretic culture of the country. Since the existing Waqf Act, 1995 is adequate and has clear-cut provisions to safeguard the interest and properties of Waqfs, it is our view that there is no need for such far reaching amendments to the existing Waqf Act, 1995. Considering all such aspects, the Tamil Nadu Assembly on March 27, 2025 passed an unanimous resolution to urge the union government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Waqf bill: Congress says attack on Constitution's basic structure; BJP says government has powers to regulate it

House of Klothberg, a new cafe in Chennai, also features a boutique and an ice cream parlour

This building on Harrington Road, busy with colours and murals, houses a vegan cafe, boutique, and an ice cream parlour ORR The House of Klothberg, a vibrant building on Harrington Road, is a vegan cafe, boutique, and ice cream parlour all rolled into one

IPL 2025: 'I Was Captain, Now Im Not But Mindset Reamains Same,' Says Rohit On His Role In MI

Chennai Super Kings: Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful players in the history of the IPL, opened up on how his role has evolved over the years within the Mumbai Indians setup, from adapting to new roles to leading the team to glory. He said a lot has changed since he started, but his passion and desire to win games and trophies for the franchise have never changed. Rohit has slumped to his worst IPL starts since 2020. He has failed to put up his best in the first two three of the ongoing IPL 2025, getting dismissed for a duck in the campaign opener against Chennai Super Kings. He failed again in the game against the Gujarat Titans, which MI lost by 36 runs on Saturday, scoring only 8 runs, followed by a score of 13 in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he came as an Impact Sub. Since I started, things have obviously changed. I used to bat in the middle order; now, I open the innings. I was the captain; now, Im not. Some of my teammates from our championship-winning seasons are now in coaching roles. So, roles have changed, a lot has changed, but mindset remains the same. What I want to do for this team has not changed, and that is to go out there and win games and trophies. That is what Mumbai Indians are known for. Over the years, we have won trophies and turned games around from situations no one believed in. That is what MI and Mumbai are all about, Rohit said on JioHotstar's special feature Charcha with Rohit Sharma'. Rohit, who is the most successful IPL captain of all time with five title to his name, further spoke about the new players who have joined Mumbai Indians this season and said, Guys like Trent Boult, who have been here before, bring a lot of experience and understand MIs culture. Then we have Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, who adds both experience and class. Players like Will Jacks and Reece Topley bring variety, while Ryan Rickelton is an exciting young prospect. What I want to do for this team has not changed, and that is to go out there and win games and trophies. That is what Mumbai Indians are known for. Over the years, we have won trophies and turned games around from situations no one believed in. That is what MI and Mumbai are all about, Rohit said on JioHotstar's special feature Charcha with Rohit Sharma'. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

Disability associations urge T.N. govt. to hike monthly allowance to persons with disabilities

Stating that the Andhra Pradesh government provides a pension of 6,000 to persons with disabilities, disability rights activist Smitha Sadasivan said that as living costs increase, PwDs require more support

How this Chennai Rotarian moderated global training meet

Chennai-based Rotarian AS Venkatesh, reportedly the first Indian to be a moderator at a global training programme, shares his experiences

TN Assembly unanimously urges the centre to retrieve Katchatheevu

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union Government to review the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement and take immediate steps to reclaim Katchatheevu Island. The resolution also calls upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with the Sri Lankan Government for the release of imprisoned Indian fishermen and their boats during his upcoming visit to the island nation. The resolution comes just days ahead of Modis official visit to Sri Lanka, adding a sense of urgency to the demand. Though opposition parties AIADMK and BJP raised concerns over the DMK governments renewed focus on the Katchatheevu issue, they extended their full support to the resolution. Before moving the resolution, Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep concern over the persistent arrests, boat seizures, and fines imposed on Tamil Nadus fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, despite repeated appeals to the Union Government. Will make announcement to protect Tamil ethnicity, language: TN CM Stalin in Assembly Citing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars recent statement in the Rajya Sabha, Stalin pointed out that 97 Indian fishermen are currently imprisoned in Sri Lanka, with 530 arrests recorded in 2024 alone. He questioned whether similar treatment of fishermen from other states would be tolerated, criticising the BJP-led Central Government for its lack of action. Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadus fishermen are Indian citizens and emphasised that the only permanent solution to their plight lies in reclaiming Katchatheevu. Addressing criticisms over the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement, which ceded the island to Sri Lanka, Stalin accused the Union Government of spreading misinformation. He clarified that the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, had strongly opposed the agreement. Successive state governments, including those led by Jayalalithaa and O Panneerselvam, have also passed resolutions demanding Katchatheevus retrieval. 3,000 Tamil Nadu pilgrims participate in Katchatheevu church festival Highlighting his continued efforts, Stalin revealed that he had written 74 letters to the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister regarding this issue. Stressing the urgent need to protect the livelihoods of Tamil Nadus fishermen, he urged Modi to take decisive action during his Sri Lanka visit. The resolution states: Retrieval of Katchatheevu Island is the only permanent solution to safeguard the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadus fishermen and to mitigate their sufferings due to Sri Lankan Navy actions. It further urges the Union Government to immediately review the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement and take all necessary steps to reclaim Katchatheevu. Additionally, it calls upon the Prime Minister to negotiate with the Sri Lankan Government for the release of Indian fishermen and their boats on a goodwill basis. Leaders from various parties, including T. Velmurugan (TVK), E.R. Eswaran (KMDK), T. Sadhan Thirumalaikumar (MDMK), S.S. Balaji (VCK), Vanathi Srinivasan (BJP), T. Ramachandran (CPI), V.P. Nagai Maali (CPM), P. Abdul Samad (MMK), G.K. Mani (PMK), K. Selvaperunthagai (Congress), and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, spoke in support of the resolution. Katchatheevu, a view from Sri Lanka

Eight persons hospitalised after eating food from two restaurants in Chennai

Virat Kohli spots MS Dhoni fan at his restaurant in Bengaluru, here's what happened next at RCB party | Watch video

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings might bring the heat on the field, but off it, they are best of friends in the dressing room. A cheerful video of RCB star Virat Kohli crossing paths with MS Dhoni fan is trending high on social media. Check out the full video.

IPL 2025, RCB vs GT: Head-to-head record and winning probability

The bowlers played a big hand in RCB taming two traditionally tough opponents in Kolkata and Chennai but now they face a different challenge at home against the Titans

One-year-old, two others killed as lorry rams car waiting at signal on NH at SP Koil in Chennai

CHENNAI: Three persons, including a one-year-old boy, were killed after a speeding lorry rammed their car which was waiting at a signal in Singaperumal Koil late on Monday night. The family, natives of Madurai, was returning home after attending a function in Chennai. The Guduvanchery Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW) police said a family of six persons Karthick (35), his wife Nandhini (30), their children K Ilamathi (7) and K Sai Velan (1), Nandhinis parents Ayyanar (65) and Deiva Punjari (60) had come to Chennai from Madurai in a sedan driven by Saravanan (35). The family attended the function and was returning to Madurai. Around midnight, they stopped at a signal behind a lorry on the Chennai-Tiruchy highway. In a few minutes, another lorry that was coming behind rammed their car. In the impact, the car crashed into the lorry that was waiting in front of it and was sandwiched between the two vehicles, police said. Saravanan and Ayyanar sustained grievous injuries and died on the spot. Passers-by alerted the police and called an ambulance. The five injured persons were rushed to a government hospital in Chengalpattu, where Sai Velan died. The bodies were sent for postmortem. The survivors suffered serious injuries and are being treated at the Chengalpattu GH. The driver of the lorry that came from behind has been detained, police said, adding that he was also being treated for minor injuries. It is not clear how he lost control of the lorry. We are waiting for him to recover to investigate further, a police officer said. The driver of the other lorry has also been detained.

GCCs waste incinerator in Manali working illegally for last five years

CHENNAI: A fact-finding report by civil society organisations and experts has revealed severe environmental violations and toxic pollution from a Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)-operated waste incinerator in Manali. The 10-tonne-per-day incinerator in Chinna Mathur has been operating since 2020, allegedly without consent to operate (CTO) from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. TNPCB sources confirmed to TNIE that the initial CTO obtained in 2019 was valid only up to March 31, 2020, and the GCC didnt apply for a renewal, meaning the civic body has been operating the facility illegally for the last five years. A TNPCB team will inspect the plant on Wednesday. The investigation, conducted over six months, found that pollution control equipment for air, water and soil was dysfunctional. Residents in the area have long complained of health issues such as respiratory problems, skin diseases, and groundwater contamination, along with black soot deposits on their homes and a persistent foul odour. Despite filing multiple requests under the Right to Information Act, the fact-finding team received no response from authorities regarding compliance details, a release said. During a site visit, the team collected soil samples despite resistance from plant operators. Tests revealed cadmium levels 16 times higher than permissible limits, along with high concentrations of lead and chromium. These heavy metals are known to be harmful to the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems. The findings raise concern as the Chennai Corporation plans to build two large waste-to-energy incinerators in Kodungaiyur and Tambaram, which will burn a combined 3,600 tonnes of unsegregated municipal waste daily. Experts warn that these projects could affect the health of 1.8 million people and contribute 6,120 tonnes of CO2 emission per day, worsening air quality and climatic conditions. On Tuesday, civil society organisations arranged a toxic tour for local residents, visiting the Manali incinerator. The fact-finding team has urged the government to investigate the violations at the plant, take legal action against the operators, scrap the proposed waste-to-energy projects, and implement sustainable waste management solutions such as source segregation and decentralised processing.

TN CM Stalin seeks appointment with PM Modi to press for fair delimitation of LS constituencies

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a delegation of MPs from various political parties to convey their stance on behalf of the Joint Action Committee for fair delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. I have requested a meeting with you, alongside MPs from various parties, to present our memorandum on the concerns surrounding the proposed delimitation. This follows resolutions from the Joint Action Committee meeting for Fair Delimitation held in Chennai. As previously mentioned, we urgently seek your time to convey our united stance on this critical issue for our people. We are awaiting your earliest response, the CM said in his post on the X handle. Hon'ble PM Thiru @NarendraModi , I have requested a meeting with you, alongside MPs from various parties, to present our memorandum on the concerns surrounding the proposed delimitation. This follows resolutions from the #JointActionCommittee meeting for #FairDelimitation in pic.twitter.com/kkSoqgNjmG M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 2, 2025 In his letter to the Prime Minister, the CM stated, On March 22, Chennai hosted the inaugural Joint Action Committee meeting on 'Fair Delimitation' a historic gathering that brought together Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and prominent leaders representing diverse ideologies from across India. The CM further noted that the voices emerging from the deliberations transcended political boundaries, embodying the concerns of citizens from diverse regions who seek fair representation in India's parliamentary democracy. As the issue holds significant importance to our states and citizens, I request a meeting with you to formally submit the memorandum on behalf of the JAC, the CM said. Reorganise states as a way out of delimitation maze

Two years on, TN's Aranthangi bus stand project a non-starter

PUDUKKOTTAI: The construction of a new bus stand in Aranthangi of the district remains stalled despite fund allocation in the 2023 state budget as key approvals are yet to be finalised. With the existing facility in poor condition and struggling to accommodate growing commuter traffic, the delay has sparked concerns among residents. Aranthangi, the second largest town in the district, relies on a 25-year-old bus stand that passengers describe as overcrowded and poorly maintained. The waiting area is too small, there is no proper seating and the drainage system is terrible. During the monsoon, the entire place floods, said K Ramesh, a daily commuter. The existing bus stand, named after former chief minister M Karunanidhi, spans 1.66 acres with 12 parking bays, yet it serves around 140 buses daily. It also houses 43 shops. In the 2023 budget, the state government had announced new bus stands for nine municipalities, including Aranthangi, at a total cost of Rs 10 crore. A 3.5-acre plot within an 8-acre land parcel belonging to Thanjavur municipality was earmarked for the new facility. However, approvals for a lease agreement is still pending with the Commissioner of Land Administration, sources said. The unhygienic conditions pose serious health risks. I have petitioned the Pudukkottai district administration demanding immediate action, said CPI(M) functionary L Alavudhin. Aranthangi MLA T Ramachandran confirmed that while the Thanjavur administration has approved the proposal to use its land, final clearance is awaited. Once approval is granted, revised allocations will be made and work can commence, he assured. With direct bus routes to major cities like Chennai, Tiruchy and Coimbatore, residents fear the project may remain stuck in bureaucratic delays, leaving the town without a much-needed transport upgrade.

CM Stalin seeks urgent meeting with PM Modi over delimitation concerns

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to voice concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise. He has sought to meet the Prime Minister, along with Members of Parliament from various political parties across the state. In a post on the social media platform X on 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 .

Tender to identify airport developer for the 20,000 crore Parandur greenfield project to be out in a month

The Parandur airport would serve as the second airport near Chennai to annually handle 10 crore passengers. It will have two runways, terminal buildings, taxiways, an apron, and a cargo terminal

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin seeks appointment with PM Narendra Modi on delimitation issue

Chief Minister M K Stalin requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present a memorandum on delimitation from recent Joint Action Committee discussions. Stalin emphasized the significance of fair representation for citizens in parliamentary democracy and sought an audience along with select MPs from different parties to formally submit the concerns.

IPL 2025: When And Where To Watch RCB Vs GT, Head-to-head Record

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host Gujarat Titans in the match 14 of the IPL 2025 on Wednesday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB have won both their matches in IPL 2025. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB started their campaign with a seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders and followed it up by beating Chennai Super Kings by 50 runs. They are currently placed on top of the IPL 2025 standings with four points from two matches. After losing their opening game to Punjab Kings, GT secured their first win Mumbai Indians at our home. They are currently sitting fourth in the table. The two teams met on five occasions in the IPL history, with RCB having three wins and GT winning twice. When will the RCB vs GT match take place? The match will take place on Wednesday. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7 PM IST. Where will the RCB vs GT match take place? The match will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Where will the live broadcast for RCB vs GT match be available? The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network. Where will live streaming for RCB vs GT match be available? The match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app. Squads- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara Squads- Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS

Tamil Nadu: 13 fishermen released from Sri Lankan prison reach Chennai - Times of Oman

Tamil Nadu: 13 fishermen released from Sri Lankan prison reach Chennai Times of Oman

Rs 6.3 lakh visited glass bridge at Kanniyakumari in three months

CHENNAI: Minister for Public Works E V Velu on Tuesday informed the Assembly that 6.31 lakh people have visited Indias only glass bridge at Kanniyakumari in the last three months since its inauguration, making it a major tourist attraction. Velu showed an article about the architecture of the bridge published by TNIE on Monday in its second edition of the Pride of Tamil Nadu supplement. The minister also said that about 54.33 lakh people visited the Kalaignar Ulagam and its underground museum in Chennai. Explaining the delay in the construction of a new Tamil Nadu house at `257 crore in New Delhi for which foundation stone was laid in July 2024, Velu said the proximity to the Prime Ministers residence and pollution-related concerns led to the temporary halt of work. However, the work is now progressing well, he added. Highlighting the attention shown to these projects by CM Stalin, including several memorials and museums, Velu went on to draw a parallel with ancient infrastructure of Tamil Nadu under various rulers and said the buildings constructed since 2021 will be remembered as Stalin architecture.

JICA approves Rs 2K-crore loan for TN investment programme

CHENNAI: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has inked a Rs 2,106-crore loan agreement for the third phase of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme. The funding aims to strengthen the states regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and skill development initiatives, according to a press release. The third phase of the programme will focus on sustainable and future-oriented development, particularly in emerging and green sectors. Key components of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme include the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Fund (TNGCF) to support green and climate-smart industrial projects, as well as energy conservation incentives in partnership with Japan, the release stated. Another crucial element is the Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF), which aims to promote investment in startups and high-growth industries, including semiconductors and advanced electronics. The TN World Innovation and Skill Training Hub will also be established to provide cutting-edge, industry-relevant skill development opportunities. The programme further seeks to streamline the business environment for Japanese companies in Tamil Nadu by strengthening the Japan Desk, a collaborative initiative between the state government and JICA. The Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce Department of the Government of TN will oversee the implementation of the programme, the release said.

TN in the grip of Dravidian majors, coalition government not possible: MP Thol Thirumavalavan

CHENNAI: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan on Tuesday said that the time was not ripe for the possibility of a coalition government and that such an argument would gain strength only when one of the two Dravidian majors weakens further in the state. He was answering questions from reporters on whether the VCK would demand a share in power from the DMK as part of the 2026 election negotiations. During the session, Thirumavalavan called an alliance between the BJP and AIADMK unsuitable on the ideological front. While such an alliance may be forged for political reasons, it is not possible for it to sustain. In the DMK alliance, although there may be certain differences between the parties, we are aligned in our basic ideologies, he said. The leader also criticised the BJP-led union government for introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. He accused the BJP of systematically implementing policies against Muslims and other minority communities, warning that such actions could undermine national unity and harmony.

Unit III of fire-hit Thoothukudi thermal plant in TN likely to resume operations today

CHENNAI: Unit III of the Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station (TTPS) is likely to restart power generation from Wednesday, after a fire accident shut down three units each with a capacity of 210 MW on March 15. Units I and II are still under repair, according to official sources. Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) Chairman and Managing Director J Radhakrishnan told TNIE that a team of officials has been working at the site for the past three days. We have started generating power in small quantities, but the unit has not yet reached its full capacity. We hope to resume full operations soon, he said. With electricity demand of TN increasing daily, resuming operations in Unit III will be beneficial, Radhakrishnan added. A senior official said that while the third unit is ready, the first two units are still under repair. Most of the cables and machinery were severely damaged in the fire. Efforts are on to restore full operations, he added.

CM not antagonistic towards AIADMK, had honoured Jayas legacy, says minister E V Velu

CHENNAI: In what appeared to be a tactical outreach from the ruling DMK to pull any fence sitters from the AIADMK towards itself amid ongoing speculations of internal differences within the opposition party and the possibility that it may ally again with the BJP, Highways Minister E V Velu underlined how Chief Minister M K Stalin has not shown any antagonism towards the AIADMK. Speaking during the Assembly session on Tuesday, the minister recalled two particular instances to showcase the DMK presidents magnanimous attitude towards honouring the legacy of late chief minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa. Interestingly, as Velu spoke at length highlighting these aspects as part of the discussion on budgetary demands for his departments, the CM, who generally leaves the House a little early to attend to other important work, sat till the end even as the session got extended later than usual. The CMs presence resulted in most ministers and the ruling party MLAs also being seated in the House till the session ended. Velu first recalled the Tamil Nadu governments renovation of Periyar E V Ramasamys memorial-cum-library in Vaikom in Kerala by the state government last year. He said that when he presented Stalin with an album of images of Periyar with various prominent leaders to be featured in the memorial, the CM spotted that Jayalalithaa was missing and inquired about a photo of her with Periyar. Initially, I said no such photo existed, said Velu, who started his political career with the AIADMK. But the CM insisted that he had seen one and instructed us to find it. After an extensive search, we found an image from a theatre event where Jayalalithaa had shared the stage with Periyar after donating funds. When I showed it to him, he emphasised that she was a former CM and directed us to include it in the memorial, he said, to loud thumping of tables by DMK MLAs in appreciation. The other was about the clearance of `6 crore of funds pending for the memorial for Jayalalithaa at Marina Beach. The minister said he informed the CM about the unpaid amount and asked whether it could be cleared. He immediately questioned why I was even asking him (for approval) and instructed me to release the payment at once, Velu said, to another round of cheers from the treasury benches. Velu further pointed out that the DMK government has not stopped any projects just because they were initiated by the AIADMK. He highlighted how the majority funding for the medical colleges announced during the previous AIADMK government was ensured by the present government. Our approach has always been inclusive, Velu stated. During the discussion, Velu announced various infrastructure projects planned by the highways and public works department across the state.

No partiality, requests of all MLAs accepted: CM Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday said that the Ungal Thoguthiyil Mudhalamaichar (CM in your constituency) scheme, which fulfils 10 key requirements in each Assembly constituency as submitted by the MLA concerned, is being implemented across party lines, without any partiality. During the discussion on the demands for grants for the highways, minor ports and public works departments, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami stated that most of the MLAs gave a list of 10 key works that needed to be carried out in their constituencies and many of the proposals were turned down as not feasible citing huge fund requirements. He also said the alternative proposals provided by the MLAs, including himself, were rejected by the officials. Dindigul Seenivasan (AIADMK) said that when proposals get rejected, the MLAs are the ones who will have to face the publics discontent. PWD Minister E V Velu replied that so far the proposals submitted by 57 MLAs have been fulfilled without any partiality. Some of the proposals have been rejected since they were not technically feasible, he added. Responding to this, the CM said he is personally reviewing the implementation of the scheme once every two months. Former Minister C Vijayabaskar did not provide the requirement list at all but the government got it from him after repeated requests, he said. So, this scheme is being implemented across party lines without partiality. Only when the proposal is genuinely not feasible, it is conveyed to the MLAs. The government is implementing all possible works, he added. Later, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin explained that through this scheme, the MLAs have submitted requests for carrying out 2,437 works and during 2023-24, 784 works were taken up at a cost of Rs 11,000 crore and of them, 367 works have been completed. Rest of the works are going on, he said. Similarly, during 2024-25, as many as 469 works have been taken up at a total cost of Rs 3,503 crore and of them, 65 works have been completed. In all, during the past two years, 1,253 works suggested by MLAs have been carried out at a cost of Rs 14,466 crore. When the scheme was announced, the CM said it would be implemented at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. But now, works to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore are being carried out, the deputy CM added. He also said as far as the Edappadi constituency is concerned, 10 proposals were made by Palaniswami and of them, four were taken up for execution. Three works have been completed already. Five proposals were found to be unfeasible and alternate proposals have been requested, he noted. New Tiruchy library can be named after Kamaraj Chennai: CM Stalin on Tuesday said that it would be appropriate to name the library being built by the state in Tiruchy after former CM K Kamaraj and requested School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi to issue a GO in this regard.

Enforcement Directorate accuses TN of obstructing Tasmac probe

CHENNAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the state government is trying to obstruct lawful investigation into serious allegations of money laundering, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), involving Tasmac officials. This was submitted by the central agency in the Madras High Court in its counter-affidavit filed against the petitions of Tamil Nadu government and Tasmac, challenging the search and seizures by the ED at the latters premises. A division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar ordered notice to the respondents, including the Union government and the ED, and adjourned the case for the final hearing on April 8 and 9. It directed the respective counsels to complete their pleadings and serving of counter-affidavit and rejoinders by April 7. Advocate General (AG) PS Raman told the court that Tasmac was the complainant in the predicate offence but the ED had chosen to search the complainants premises, that too extending to midnight by detaining the officers and employees. The bench countered the AG with a poser, Didnt you (state agencies) conduct searches at midnight? The AG replied, Certainly not at midnight. The ED, in its counter-affidavit, stated that it has proceeded on the basis of the multiple FIRs registered by the DVAC over the high level corruption indulged in by officers in the rank of district managers and senior regional managers. Referring to the state and the Tasmacs allegation that search warrant copy was not served, the central agency said there is no statutory or other obligation to provide a copy of the search warrant. The ED said, The allegations of illegal detention, harassment, procedural violations and unauthorised seizures are factually incorrect, misleading and an attempt to obstruct a lawful investigation into serious allegations of money laundering. Stating that the search was conducted by exercising the statutory powers under the PMLA, the ED said that duration of the search cannot render the search illegal and there is no upper limit for duration of the search in the law. Denying violation of the human rights of the officers, the agency said, Fundamental rights of individuals cannot be vicariously sought to be enforced by a company when such individuals have not come forward with any complaints. The object of the writ petition appears to be motivated to create hurdles in a legitimate investigation initiated under the PMLA. It said all the employees were given adequate rest and no staff, particularly women, were forced to stay. The officers of ED took meticulous efforts for the safety and well-being of the employees of Tasmac (during the search). All woman employees were given the option to leave the premises before nightfall, it stated. The ED also stated that the reasons to believe documentation is an internal, confidential investigative record that cannot be disclosed at this stage of investigation as it would prejudice the ongoing probe and potentially alert the other suspects.

Chennai Police bust gang of eight for stealing mobiles at Chepauk Stadium during IPL match

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Police (GCP) busted a gang of eight that targeted the crowd at the Chepauk stadium on Friday, stealing dozens of mobile phones. The police said that they received more than 20 complaints of mobile theft on Friday during the Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match. The gang of eight, including four minor boys, was from Jharkhand and West Bengal and had arrived in the state specifically for this reason, police investigations found. Three of them purchased tickets on the black market to gain entry inside the stadium, while the rest of the gang coordinated with them from the outside. Rajkumar (22), Akash Noniya (23), Vishal Kumar Matto (22), Gobind Kumar (21), and the four minors were arrested from two lodges in Vellore on Monday. A case was filed against them at Triplicane police station here.A senior police officer said, We received over 20 complaints from the Chennai Singam IPL QR Code system that was launched specially to enhance safety of the public at the stadium in Chepauk during the IPL matches. The system allowed spectators to register complaints during the match by scanning a QR code. Greater Chennai Police recovered 38 stolen mobile phones from an eight-member gang | Ashwin prasath Police said that using the CCTV footage from the stadium, they generated images of the suspects with the help of the information provided by the victims. With the generated photos, the police tracked the movement of the suspects and arrested them in Vellore. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the gang targeted cricket matches, religious festivals and places where large crowds gather. The gang went to the stadium in Bengaluru during the RCB vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match on March 22 from Vellore and stole the mobile phones there. After a few days, they came to Chennai on Friday from Vellore. A total of 38 mobile phones were recovered from them. After an inquiry, the four men were sent to judicial remand, while the minor boys were sent to an observation home.

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Cricket meets commerce

The yellow army is marching towards the stadium, discussing the strategies to win, reminiscing about Dhonis shots from the previous matches, and why the team is tagged Gen Gold these are steps towards their sixth trophy this IPL season. The sea of cricket enthusiasts chant in chorus Chennai Super Kings ku periya whistle adinga (Whistle loudly for Chennai Super Kings), Enga thala Dhoni ku periya whistle adinga (Whistle loudly for our leader Dhoni) and Enga ooru Chennai ku periya whistle adinga (Whistle loudly for our Chennai city), while navigating the traffic snarls. The crowds roar is not the only sound echoing around Chepauk on match days. There is the sound of vehicles vrooming in parking lots. As you move along the lanes, you hear the flutter of yellow jerseys emblazoned with the lion emblem and the lucky number 7 hanging on branches. This is mixed with the announcement from vendors: CSK jersey akka. Anna, Dhoni shirt na, vangikonga anna (buy this Dhoni jersey). You will look beautiful wearing this. The match may be inside the stadium, but a different game is in full swing outside the premises vendors cashing in on Chennais cricket craze. From whistles to caps and pani puri to ice cream, our shopkeepers hit their biggest sixes. I usually take my ice cream cart around the stadium. After the first innings, I tend to increase the price by `5. I have two months to save for my sons school fees. In the scorching heat, people do not mind paying the extra. However, some do not want to pay above the MRP, shares Venkateshwaran, an ice cream vendor. Business bonanza While the heat favours Venkateshwaran and his business, people also gravitate towards hot soups and spicy, tangy pani puri. Rajesh Kumar has five pani puri stalls in the vicinity. He says, Customers like to have pani puri as a snack before entering the stadium. I do not charge extra on match days. It is always `20 for six puris. Match does not have an impact on the business. He came to the city 20 years ago to eke out a living. He worked in IT but found his calling as a businessman. He likes to be his own boss. Since this city has given him his means to livelihood, he supports team Chennai. The flour, potatoes, water, coriander, and oil cost me `1,000 every day for pani puri. This snack is such that people might not want to consume it regularly. I make `1,200 to `1,500, a day. It goes up to `1,700 to `1,800 when Chennai plays in the stadium, he notes. The risk in this business is that the raw materials are perishable and can spoil quickly, especially in the heat. Heat is a major concern for hawkers. They start their business by noon. We come early to find a spot under the shade, and if we are lucky enough, we will get a spot. The police have allotted us a few spaces where we can sell our products. The spaces are allowed, keeping in mind that we do not hinder the parking, points out Jeya J, a whistle vendor. The Avadi resident usually sells books and pens near hotels and signals around Anna Nagar, but on match days, she takes a bus to Chepauk. I have been coming here for three years. I want to help my family with daily expenses. I live in a hut, and it is difficult for my three-year-old to sleep and play in the limited space. My husband and I are saving so that we can shift to a brick house, she adds. Her husband, Jegadeesh, is a full-time auto driver and part-time face painter. To provide for his family, he visits the lanes surrounding the stadium on match days to paint cricket lovers faces. People are conscious of the safety aspect of paints. He says, I use harmless watercolour paint, which will dissolve once you wash your face. It is a craze among fans to paint their favourite teams logo on their cheeks. More than kids, adults are keen on face painting. Sometimes, they ask to paint 7 or Dhonis name or the lion. This one time, a couple requested to paint mom and dad on the kids cheek and I did that. We come here to earn money and live happily; we provide what makes the customer happy, shares Jegadeesh, who has also painted his face with CSK. He says, Porandha mannunga idhu. Jechailum thothalum namba eppavum CSK dhan nga support. (I was born on this citys soil. Whether the team wins or loses, I will always support CSK). Match day, not payday The only worry, he says, is that people continuously ask him for match tickets; when met with rejection, he is judged. I am here, standing under the sun so that I can enjoy tonights meal. How could I afford a match ticket? There have been times when customers have gotten angry and wiped off 10 minutes of my efforts and left without paying, or they have been hesitant to pay the quoted amount, he sighs. Customers not paying enough or not paying at all is a major concern. Latha* says, Customers are not willing to pay but want to mingle in the yellow crowd. I do not source t-shirts directly from the manufacturer. Only after channelling through various hands, I get them at `170 and sell at `200, but people are not even ready to pay that margin of `30. CA Reshma Jain argues, I am going to buy this t-shirt and hardly wear it twice in the whole year. I would definitely want to bargain so I get it at a lesser price. Another customer, Kanaga says, I cannot wear this jersey again next year because the official jersey might change, and I dont want to wear anything outdated. These seller-buyer conversations often go silent in the noise of the CSK fandom. The rush to look at the players in action from afar kicks in, and individuals get their hands on anything yellow to cheer for their team to enter the stadium. They sit at the edge of their seats for every wicket, jump at every four, and dance at every six. Meanwhile, the vendors wait outside, anticipating if they could get a glimpse of their favourite player in their favourite teams jersey. *Name changed

Home-cooked meal for a healthy life

People who cook at home eat higher quality food, consume fewer calories, spend less money on food, and have less weight gain over time than those who dine out and eat packaged foods regularly. Home cooking can have many health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases. Conversely, consuming prepared, ultra-processed foods has been linked to increased rates of cardio-metabolic diseases and overall cancer risk. Start by focusing on foods that will optimise your health. A dietary pattern that is mostly plant-based, and includes lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, has the greatest health benefits. Dietary patterns that are composed of whole foods that are mostly plant based, such as the Mediterranean dietary pattern, have proved to reduce risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain cancers (specifically colon, breast, and prostate cancer), depression, and in older adults, improved mental and physical function. To start cooking healthier, make small changes, such as increasing your plant-based meals by one each week. Try introducing one new vegetable into each days menu in the form of a side dish, snack, or dessert, or replace one serving of a processed grain with a whole grain (switch your white rice to millets). Simple changes will make it easier to optimise your chances for success. Certain plant-based foods lend themselves well to batch cooking because they are so versatile and store well, and they make great additions to so many different meals. Batch cooking Make a plan: Set aside some time during your week to plan what you want to eat for meals and snacks, select some recipes or meal ideas, and create some menus. You dont have to plan the entire week. Start with a few days worth of meals you know you will enjoy and that are easy to prepare, and keep it simple to start. There are several online resources for healthy recipe ideas. When choosing a recipe, be sure to use whole food (not processed) ingredients that are mainly plant-based. Pick a method: There are a few ways to approach batch cooking. You can either double or triple the recipes you select, or you can make batches of ingredients that you will assemble later. Most foods will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or you can freeze them for a longer time. As long as you cook the ingredients with no sauces and little seasoning, you will be able to re-purpose them many times over. Think about re-purposing: The same ingredient can be used for multiple meals. For example, quinoa can be made in advance, and later you can add it to hot cereal for breakfast, add it to a salad for lunch, and serve it as a side dish for dinner. When you begin your meal prep, decide if you are cooking meals, meal components, or some of both to extend the options. Prep wisely Read the recipes before you begin to cook, and look for common ingredients. If you have two recipes that call for the same ingredient, such as chopped onions, keep them ready so that you can save your cooking time. You can even keep the ingredients you know youll use often, such as minced garlic or freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and store them for later use. Putting a little effort really pays big dividends later when you are pressed for time. A mindful planning can help cook fast and heathy, too.

RCB eye smart outing from bowlers against Gujarat

Bengaluru, April 1: Royal Challengers Bengalurus desire to make their home-coming a memorable occasion pivots around an experienced bowling unit maintaining its excellent form when they face Gujarat Titans in an IPL match here on Wednesday. The bowlers played a big hand in RCB taming two traditionally tough opponents in Kolkata and Chennai but now [] The post RCB eye smart outing from bowlers against Gujarat appeared first on The Shillong Times .

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