Reformed Naxals demand probe into Vikram Gowda's encounter

BENGALURU: Expressing doubts over the police encounter in which 46-year-old Vikam Gowda alias Vikram Gowdlu was killed at Hebri in Udupi on Monday night, naxalites turned social activists demanded a probe monitored by a retired judge to ascertain if the encounter was real or fake. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, former naxalites Noor Sridhar and Sirimane Nagaraj demanded registering an FIR and a thorough probe in this matter, like in all other encounter cases. Refuting claims that Gowda was a big naxal leader, they stated that all cases registered against him were fake, which is common for all Naxalites. What was the reason to kill Vikram? Vikram or his team members never attacked the policemen or had killed anybody or even threatened anybody. What was the necessity or urgency of such killing? Who gave the license to kill somebody just because they were having guns? The police department has to answer all these questions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately order for a thorough probe monitored by a retired judge, they urged. Naxal leader Vikram Gowda's encounter planned through local informants Vikrams family had 14 guntas of land. They were given notice to vacate the land in the name of a national park. Vikram then actively participated in protests in the area from 1998 to 2004 as part of the Karnataka Vimochana Ranga. He and his family members were harassed by the forest and police departments. In 2003, Parvati and Hajima were killed near Hebri. After this the police made life hell for Vikram and friends. Vikram was dragged to the police station and tortured. No matter what happened, he was pulled to the station. In the name of inquiry, he was beaten and humiliated. Without finding a way to live a peaceful life, an innocent tribal youth Vikram became a Naxal. The government portrayed him as a big naxal leader by hoisting false cases and finally he was encountered, the reformed Naxals said. They blamed governments policies and harassment by authorities for tribals turning towards Naxalism. It is true that the government has called the naxals to return to the mainstream by surrendering arms. Heeding the call, many came to the mainstream between 2014 and 2018. Civil society embraced us who came first. But what about those who came after us? Adivasi young woman Kanyakumari is in the Bengaluru Central Prison for the last eight years. Her son spent his childhood between the four walls of the prison for six years and now he has come out. There are around 58 cases filed against her by the police. There are no signs that they will end. Another naxal, Padmanabha, has got bail, but for the past few years, his job has been to wander to the court, they added. Vikram Gowda was given chance to surrender: Siddaramaiah After Vikram Gowda, Naxal activity on its way out in Karnataka BENGALURU: A day after Naxal leader Vikram Gowda was shot dead in an encounter by the Anti-Naxal Force, CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he was given a chance to surrender, but he did not. Home Minister G Parameshwara, too, said Gowda was on the wanted list. After some people raised questions over the encounter, the CM told reporters that Vikram Gowda was a wanted criminal. The Kerala government had announced a Rs 25-lakh reward and Karnataka Rs 5-lakh reward to those who helped police nab him, he added. Parameshwara said Vikram had weapons with him, and if police had not fired, he would have attacked them. Vikram was involved in more than 60 criminal cases, including murder. He had a machine-gun, he said. The minister explained that the ANF headquarters in Karkala is constantly monitoring Naxal activities. Last rites performed in Kudlu, sister, locals present UDUPI: The final rites of Vikram Gowda, were conducted at Kudlu of Nadpal village in Hebri on Wednesday. The body was handed over to the family members on Wednesday after the post-mortem at a private hospital in Manipal. The funeral rituals were performed by the deceased Naxals younger brother, Suresh, in the presence of his younger sister, Suguna, and local residents. Security arrangements were in place. However, there was slight panic after the ambulance carrying his body went to the extreme right of the road, since a cattle suddenly crossed the road. The SP clarified that no accident or injuries were reported. Suguna told reporters that though his brother Vikram Gowda had distanced himself from the family after he joined naxal movement, they wanted him to be cremated at their family owned land.

With cases dragging on, many former left-wing extremists question point of rehabilitation package

Kanyakumari has been languishing in jail since June 2017, when she accepted the policy to return to the mainstream. The former naxals regret their decision and argue that the way the government treated them discouraged active Maoists to accept the policy

Weather Alert: School Closures in Tamil Nadu as Monsoon Rains Intensify

Heavy Rains in Tamil Nadu Lead to School Closures in 5 Districts - Safety Guidelines Issued Heavy rains have hit Tamil Nadu as the northeast monsoon intensifies, leading to school closures in five districts. Authorities are on high alert as the state faces continuous downpours, disrupting daily activities. Schools in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tiruvarur districts have been closed today due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Additionally, the Kanyakumari district, including Kanniyakumari and Pechiparai areas, has also seen school closures. Earlier this week, on November 19, school closures were also reported in the districts of Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi, and Karaikal. In Karaikal, both schools and colleges were closed, while in Thoothukudi, only schools were shut down. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain forecast for the next five days, predicting moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning in many regions. The IMD has specifically warned of continued heavy rain in the delta regions and urged residents to stay prepared for any disruptions. Southern and delta districts like Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai have already experienced significant rainfall, which has caused waterlogging on roads and affected daily life. Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution. In response to the heavy rains, district officials have implemented disaster management measures. Relief teams are being deployed to monitor flood-prone areas, and citizens are urged to stay away from waterlogged zones. Residents are also advised to stay updated on weather reports and follow safety guidelines to avoid further disruption. As the monsoon continues to impact Tamil Nadu, it is crucial for everyone to remain alert, informed, and prepared to ensure their safety during this challenging weather period. Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alert for Chennai and Other Districts Heavy Rain Predicted for Chennai and Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alerts Across Districts

KSRTC enhances flexibility for Sabarimala pilgrims with extended ticket validity

KOCHI: Now, Sabarimala pilgrims returning after offering prayers at hill shrine need not worry about missing the KSRTC buses they have booked online owing to late arrival. In a novel initiative, the KSRTC has decided to extend the validity of online tickets from Pampa to various destinations to 24 hours after the departure of the specific service. This means pilgrims can catch another bus of the same category to the same destination if they miss the one they had booked. The Sabarimala hill shrine often witnesses heavy rush of devotees who often wait hours in queues for their turn to have darshan. Even when the temple was opened for monthly poojas last month, there was unprecedented rush, forcing the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to extend darshan timings. Pilgrims often book return tickets as well when they make the advance reservation. However, a lot of them miss the buses due to the heavy rush and queues. This was a regular complaint in previous seasons. Hence, we introduced the extended validity facility from this season, said a senior KSRTC official deployed at Pampa. However, in group bookings, if individual members are travelling in separate buses using this facility, they will have to produce their ID cards KSRTC will soon start interstate long-haul buses from Pampa when the rush increases as the season advances.A super-fast bus service has started operating from Guruvayur. The other long-haul buses, including interstate services, will be announced soon as and when there is heavy rush of pilgrims in another one or two weeks. Weve applied for permits to operate services to Chennai, Theni, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Kanyakumari, the official said. The KSRTC also aims to operate Pampa-Nilakkal (21 kms) chain services at a frequency of five buses per minute during peak hours. The per-head fare is Rs 80 for AC buses and Rs 50 for non-AC buses. 2.26 LAKH DEVOTEES OFFER DARSHAN AT SABARIMALA SABARIMALA: As many as 2.26 lakh devotees have visited the Sabarimala temple this Mandala-Makaravilakku season till 5 pm on Monday. Though the virtual queue slots for darshan were fully booked till November 30, with the average daily online booking capped at 70,000, the actual arrival of devotees showed a marked fall. Spot booking too showed similar decline. The Devaswom Board indicated that the slowdown was short-term and would increase after the pandranduvilakku the first 12 days of the 41-day season. BUS FIRE: HC SEEKS REPORT FROM KSRTC KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Monday asked the KSRTC to file a report on the incident in which a moving bus, which was not carrying devotees, caught fire and was gutted at Attathodu while it was on its way from Nilakkal to Pampa on Sunday. When the suo motu cases relating to the arrangements being made for Sabarimala pilgrims came up for hearing, KSRTC counsel submitted that the vehicle destroyed in the fire was registered in 2016 and its fitness certificate is valid up to 2028. The counsel said the corporation was conducting an inquiry into the cause of the accident. The forensic expert had examined the vehicle and the corporation would file a report in this regard.

Rahul Gandhi says Modi is losing memory like Biden

Mumbai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday continued his attack against the BJP and RSS claiming that the Hindutva organisations are working to destroy the Constitution of India. Addressing an election rally at Amravati, Mr. Gandhi asked whether the saffron party was protecting the Constitution when it stole the state government by purchasing MLAs. He also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is suffering from memory loss like former United States President Joe Biden. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who addressed a rally at Shirdi, challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to publicly commit to conducting a caste census. The Congress party considers the Constitution as the countrys DNA, while for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) it is a blank book, Mr. Gandhi said in an apparent reference to the BJPs allegation that Congress leaders distributed blank books as Constitution of India in Maharashtra during the Assembly election campaign. The Congress leader addressed the rally to campaign for Maha Vikas Aghadi candidates contesting the Assembly election. Maharashtra will vote for 288 Assembly seats in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will take place three days later. Maha Vikas Aghadis campaign that the BJP wants to change the Constitution had helped the opposition alliance during the Lok Sabha election. MVA had won 29 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Reiterating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party has no respect for the Constitution, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said, Nowhere in the Constitution it is written that governments can be toppled by purchasing MLAs as was done in Maharashtra and Rs 16 lakh crore debt of top businessmen can be waived. Taking a dig at PM Modi, Mr. Gandhi said, My sister told me that these days Mr. Modi was speaking about the same issue that I have been raising. I have been saying that the BJP is attacking the Constitution. The PM came to know that the people are very angry about it. So now he is claiming that the Congress is attacking the Constitution. I told him in the Lok Sabha that the 50 per cent cap on reservation should be removed. Now he is saying that I am against reservations. The former President of America used to forget and he had to be reminded from behind. The President of Ukraine came and the President of America said that Russian President Putin had come. He had lost his memory. Similarly, our Prime Minister is losing his memory. I told Mr. Modi to do a caste census. The country should know how many Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs are there. In the next meeting, he will say I am against the caste census. he added. Addressing a public rally at Shirdi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said her brother has been demanding caste census in order to give justice to all communities. She said, The BJP claims my brother is against reservation. This is the same person who walked from Manipur to Mumbai demanding justice. He walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir demanding a caste census. They spread lies because they are scared. How can we allocate reservations effectively without knowing the population composition of each caste? Ms. Gandhi Vadra challenged PM Modi to announce publicly that a caste census conducted and the 50 per cent cap on reservation will be removed. ReplyForward Add reaction

PM Modi, Shah spreading lies that Rahul Gandhi is against reservation, alleges Priyanka

Shirdi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah of spreading lies about her brother Rahul Gandhi that he is against reservation. She said these leaders are scared of Rahul Gandhi because he wants a caste census to be conducted in the country. Addressing a poll rally in the temple town of Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, she said projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore were snatched away from Maharashtra. All of us are proud of Maharashtra. But in this land, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being insulted...you people are being insulted. All these leaders, including Modi ji, take his (Shivaji Maharaj) name, but they do not respect him, Gandhi alleged. PM laid a foundation for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue but later stopped the work, she said, apparently referring to the warrior king's proposed memorial in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai. The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj outside Parliament was removed. The statue installed in Sindhudurg, collapsed as corruption took place in its construction. What is the point of taking the name of the legendary king if you want to insult that person, she said. She challenged PM Modi to announce publicly that a caste census was conducted and the 50 percent cap on reservation would be removed. But they say from the public platform that my brother is against reservation. The person, who traversed from Manipur to Mumbai carrying out Nyaya Yatra, about him you are saying that he is against reservation. They tell lies from public platforms as they know that the person traveled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir seeking justice and seeking caste census. Gandhi added that PM Modi always takes the name of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Yes, our ideologies (Congress and Shiv Sena's) were different...Yes, our political thinking was different... But neither Balasaheb Thackeray nor any leader from the Congress and Rahul ji would tolerate the insult of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, she said.

Heavy rain alert for seven districts in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Chennai has predicted heavy rain at isolated places in Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore districts on November 15. Light to moderate rain is expected in a few places with thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places across Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry until November 20. Chennai can expect moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas over the next 48 hours. Neyyoor in Kanyakumari recorded the highest rainfall at 68.5 mm, followed by Kollidam in Mayiladuthurai with 44 mm and Pechiparai in Kanyakumari with 35 mm on Thursday, according to IMD data.

Step Back In Time As Kanyakumari's Govt Museum Reveals The Region's Rich Past

The museum showcases the pre-independence history of the Kanyakumari district, the history of the Kumari Kandam, the Travancore princely state and rare wartime weapons used at Vattakottai Fort.

Enter sandman

KOCHI: Science recognises that sand can store memories, while life sees it as creative enough for things to thrive upon. These qualities draw artists like Pallichal Rajamohanan to choose sand as a canvas, shaping ideas that spring from their imagination. Rajamohanan, a senior clerk at the Karumkulam grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, dives into this unique medium, creating captivating sand portraits that have won him several accolades, including the Bharatan Smaraka Award. To bring life to sand, Rajamohanan infuses his energy into every grain, handling each step with care. The sand is meticulously collected, washed, dried, and stored as though it were a cherished companion. Each portrait takes immense effort, he explains. The process begins with sketching on cardboard, then applying glue, over which sand is sprinkled. When the sand adheres, I go through various stages until the portrait is complete. A single piece can take anywhere from six months to a year. The sand he uses comes from a wide range of shorelines, each with its unique qualities that lend themselves to his art. From the shimmery silver grains of Lakshadweep to the fiery orange of Shankhumukham, each type conveys a specific mood or story. Lakshadweep sand has a silver hue, Dhanushkodis is bold with a distinct glaze, Shankhmukhams is fiery, and Kanyakumaris has a soft brown tint with a quiet maturity, Rajamohanan says. Other types, such as Azhikkals casual black or Alappuzhas small white grains, add depth, innocence, or even intensity to his work. The red sand from Thoothukudi, for instance, is perfect for depicting sensitive, intense emotions, he notes. Rajamohanans interest in sand art dates back to his school days when he attended drawing classes under his guru, Nemom Krishnan. Watching him create beautiful portraits with sand sparked my interest. I eventually focused on my studies, but I never stopped drawing. Inspired by Krishnan sir, I began collecting sand and making artworks, he recalls. His first portrait was a watermelon split into two halves, and from there, his journey continued. Over the years, he has experimented with his portraits, often aiming for unique expressions. One example is his portrait of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, where he captures two different sides of her one serious and the other joyful. Another powerful piece depicts the effects of substance abuse: one side shows a man consuming alcohol and smoking, while the other side shows his grieving mother. That exposes the grim side of drug abuse, he says. Among his 130-odd works, one portrait holds a special place in his heart that of his friend Captain Jerry Premraj, who was martyred in the Kargil War. Rajamohanan wanted to create a piece using sand from where Captain Jerry had served. With help of a friend in the Army, he procured sand from Dras in Kargil, and from Meerut, where the officer was first stationed. I mixed it with sands of Shankhumukham and Azhikkal to reflect the fiery aspects of his last days and the starkness of what remained after. The work, which was appreciated by the Army as well, took me a year to complete. Some pieces have taken even longer. The most challenging portrait was of Mecca, which took me four years, he says. I used sand from Lakshadweep and Shankhumukham, and applied three layers, as people in the portrait needed careful representation. It was an arduous process, and I almost abandoned it a few times. But the result, he believes, is one of his best works. Currently, Rajamohanan is working on a portrait of children playing on a beach. However, on a closer look, you will see the children are actually hanging from a tree. Its like an optical illusion, he says. Besides this, he is also working on a mural. Its quite a stressful piece, he smiles. Rajamohanan, who has held over 50 exhibitions, is on the lookout for rare sands to expand his work. I would love to have the green sand found in Iceland, he says. As one of the few artists in the region exploring this artform, Rajamohanan says he would be more than happy to mentor aspiring artists. I want to be an inspiration for those who want to follow suit, sharing my passion and skills with future generations. In this way, I feel I can empower upcoming artists to nurture their talents, he smiles.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alert for Chennai and Other Districts

Tamil Nadu, including its capital Chennai, has been witnessing continuous heavy rainfall in recent days, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for Thursday and Friday. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts that while Chennai will experience moderate rain through Thursday, some areas may face heavy downpours. Will Schools in Chennai Be Closed? Despite the ongoing rains and weather warnings, schools in Chennai are set to remain open on Thursday, November 14. There are no holidays declared for schools and educational institutions in the city due to the weather. IMD's Rainfall Alert for Tamil Nadu The latest bulletin from the IMD indicates that 23 districts in Tamil Nadu, including Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakuruchi, Tiruvannamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Villupuram, Sivaganga, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Karaikal, are likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated places on Thursday. In addition to Tamil Nadu, heavy rain is also expected in Kerala, Mahe, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and southern Karnataka. Cause of the Heavy Rain The heavy rainfall is being caused by a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal. This system is moving closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, resulting in increased rain across the central and southern parts of the state. The rain is expected to continue until around November 16. Heavy Rain Predicted for Chennai and Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alerts Across Districts

Will break barriers, ensure equality in temples: CM Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday vowed to establish equality in temples by breaking barriers that prevent archakas of various castes from performing poojas. Expressing happiness over 115 students, including 11 women, successfully completing training for priests and Oodhuvars in HR and CE temples, Stalin, in a poetic post on X handle, said, They said dont enter the street where the temple is. We entered! They prevented us from stepping into the temple. We did! They excluded us from entering the sanctum sanctorum. We enacted laws to ensure all-caste archakas made this possible and started schools to train them as priests. Now, many people are passing out after training. Dravidam rejoices over this! We will thwart all the barriers to stop them and establish equality! In a letter written to party cadre, Stalin said following visits to Coimbatore and Virudhunagar districts, he will visit Perambalur and Ariyalur on November 14 and 15 to assess the progress of projects and review their implementation. Highlighting the governments commitment to welfare measures, Stalin noted that ministers, officials, and he himself are dedicated to ensuring that no one misses out on their rightful welfare benefits. He also said that during his Perambalur and Ariyalur visit, an international shoe company plans to establish a factory in the region. On behalf of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Stalin on Tuesday inaugurated newly constructed panchayat union offices in 17 districts, including Coimbatore, Erode, Kanyakumari, Pudukkottai, Tenkasi, Trichy and others, from the secretariat through videoconference facility. These buildings were constructed at the cost of Rs 64.53 crore.

Silver jubilee of Valluvar statue in Kanyakumari

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.(Twitter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.(Twitter) Chennai: The silver jubilee of the installation of the 133 feet high statue of Tamil poet savant Thiruvalluvar on a rock off the coast of Kanyakumari will be celebrated in a grand manner with Chief Minister M K Stalin participating in it and the government conducting several competition for school and college students to celebrate Thiruvallvurs poetic genius and philosophy. In a video speech on Tuesday announcing the celebrations, Stalin regretted that a group was trying to paint Valluvar, who stood for egalitarian principles, in saffron. Valluvar gave the world the universal principle that all were born equal, he said. The dedication of the statue to the nation in January, 2000 by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was a dream come true for him. He had envisaged the project in 1975 itself but could implement it only in 2000, Stalin said. The height of the statue, sculpted by Ganapathy Stapathy, marked the 133 chapters of Valluvars magnum opus, Thirukural, which was popularized by Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E V Ramasamy, DMK founder C N Annadurai and Karuanidhi, Stalin said. When the statue was about to be installed on the rock, questions were asked on the durability of the statue and the sculptor said that as long as waves and hills existed, the statue would stand and true to his prediction, it withstood the onslaught of the 2004 tsunami, he said. As part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the statue, essay competitions for school children, social media shorts reels contest for college students and painting competitions through AI and digital technology would be held, the Chief Minister announced. A 3-D laser show and plethora of programmes have been planned to commemorate the silver jubilee and in the run up to the celebrations on December 31 and January 1, seminars and symposiums would be organized and prizes would be given away, he said.

Nasiks Vaibhav begins Run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari - Daily Excelsior

Nasiks Vaibhav begins Run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari Daily Excelsior

Nasiks Vaibhav begins Run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 11: Renowned pediatrician Dr. Riaz Sofi flagged off 26-year-old athlete Vaibhav Walmik Shinde from Nasik, Maharashtra, at Lal Chowk, marking the start of his ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for running from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K). Starting at 7:50 am from the iconic Clock Tower, Vaibhav aims to cover 3,600 km in 45-46 days, running 90 km each day. His first destination is Banihal. Vaibhav, who has been getting training for the [] The post Nasiks Vaibhav begins Run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Heavy rain likely for Chennai and other TN districts until Friday

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre on Monday said that heavy rains are likely to lash Chennai and its surrounding districts and parts of delta districts among others till Friday. RMC said that cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a low pressure area within Tuesday causing the rains. As per the forecast, heavy rains are possible in isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Villuppuram districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal, until November 15. This apart, heavy rains are expected in isolated places in Ranipet, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Thoothukudi districts from Wednesday to Friday. The same forecast is given for Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Dindigul districts on Thursday and Friday. In addition, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur districts are likely to receive heavy rain on Thursday, while Vellore is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Friday.

BJP burnt Manipur, attempted to divide people across India on religious lines, alleges Rahul

Lohardaga: In a no-holds-barred attack on the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the saffron party of burning Manipur and making attempts to divide people across the country on religious lines. He also alleged that the saffron party deprived 90 per cent of the nation's population of their due rights and benefits. The BJP burnt Manipur and attempted to divide people on religious lines. It incited Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs against each other. In recently held Haryana elections, the BJP incited Jats against non-Jats...It is the character of the BJP, Gandhi alleged while addressing an election rally in Lohardaga. The Congress leader also claimed that he undertook a 4,000-km padyatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to spread the message of love and to open 'nafrat ke bazar me Mohabbat ki dukan' (to open shops of love in the market of hatred). When I raise my voice for tribals and Dalits, the BJP accuses me of dividing India. I am here to unite and strengthen India. If I am wrong for raising the voice for 90 per cent of India's population, which constitutes tribals, Dalits and OBCs, for their participation in governance, I will continue to do so, Gandhi claimed. He alleged that the BJP waived loans of 25 capitalists worth Rs 16 lakh crore but blamed the Congress for easing farmers' debts to the tune of Rs 72,000 crore during the UPA regime. Did the BJP government waive any loan of Jharkhand farmers?...No because you are tribals, Dalits and OBCs. The BJP will never waive your debts because it waives debts of capitalists, he alleged. This was Gandhi's second visit to Jharkhand after the announcement of the assembly polls. The elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

Whacky wanderers

KOCHI: TNIE meets a bunch of people who, consumed by wanderlust, have taken to travel in offbeat ways from a woman who has been exploring India in her lorry to a stunt rider who pedalled from Kanyakumari to Ladakh on a single-wheel bicycle Exploring the unknown Arunima I P has loved travelling from childhood. Now 25, she has visited 30 countries and has no intention of stopping until she has explored the entire world. Better known by her Instagram handle, @backpacker_arunima, she has been travelling for the past four years. Each day, I feel like a new person. Each day brings a new experience visiting new places, meeting new people, tasting new cuisine, she says. Over the past one-and-half years, she has visited 13 countries in Africa alone. Once, I got to learn about black magic in an African village, she laughs. I stayed with a family for one week and earned their trust. They treated me like family and shared their stories. Ethiopia and Angola are her favourites. In India, its Meghalaya. Arunima says she loves connecting with strangers while on solo trips. I travel by road as much as possible, hitching rides and staying with locals, she adds. I always try to make it budget-friendly, as social media promotions are my only source of income. One unforgettable experience, she recalls, was walking through an obscure rural area in Angola, about 1,500km from the capital, Luanda. Vehicles were rare, and there was barely any network. I was wandering aimlessly when two villagers on a bike came my way. They invited me to their home, Arunima says. Their hut was no bigger than an average Kerala kitchen. Yet they gave me space and shared their food with me. I will never forget their hospitality. Its people like them who inspire me to keep travelling. Where to next? I will soon be going to Indonesia. And then, I want to cover South America. Niharika Pramod Railway Man on road trip If you want quality time with yourself, travel. That has been Suresh Josephs dogma. I was awakened to this fact by my mother who was passionate about travel, says the 66-year-old, also known as the Railway Man for his long association with the Indian Railways. Notably, Suresh had played a huge role in setting up the transshipment terminal at Vallarpadam in Kochi, and is now helping DP World set up a container terminal at Kandla Port in Gujarat. Though he lists The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari as one of his favourite reads in his blog The Railway Man Who Sold His Maruti, Suresh still maintains a demanding job and a lovely family. But they dont curb his wanderlust. We give time to everyone but never to our own self. I do that during travels, says Suresh, who has undertaken several car expeditions, most within India and some abroad. Suresh holds 18 national and international driving records, including being the only person who has driven solo through the four longest highways in the world the Highway 1 in Australia, the Trans-Siberian Highway (the worlds second longest), the Trans-Canada Highway (the third longest), and the Indian Golden Quadrilateral, the fourth longest. His passion was sparked by his grandfather, in whose well-maintained Ambassador he travelled for long. Another memory that he says fuels his car journeys is a family Christmas road-trip from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram. Almost all his journeys have been on four-wheelers. He has driven from Kochi to London and Singapore, on the trans-Himalayan route, and on a Trans-Siberian expedition from Chennai to St Petersburg. When travelling through island countries, I hire a vehicle after reaching there, he says. I have so far done 59 countries, 45 of which I have driven in, he says. He has plans to tick 41 more countries before turning 70 a goal he calls 100@70. Next on the list, he says, is Iceland. Aparna Nair Pedalling against peddlers In what is likely the first ride of its kind, Saneed P P, from Kannur, rode a bicycle without a front wheel the entire length of the countryfrom Kanyakumari to the highest motorable road in the world, the Umling La pass in Ladakh. Nearly 5,000km. A wheelie, Saneed smiles. Thats what todays kids call it lifting the front wheel off the ground and riding on the rear wheel. In my bike, the front wheel was removed, he adds. I did it to spread awareness against the great threat to society today: drug abuse. The peculiarity of my journey turns eyes. Not just towards me, but also to the message. Indeed, throughout his journey, Saneed has been commended for his efforts and even featured in news programmes. However, the highlight was when the Border Roads Organisation invited him as a guest for a ceremony at Wagah. I got a chance to show my skills in front of a crowd there. Along with the soldiers! It is the biggest honour I could have, and I will cherish that memory, Saneed says. But the journey was not without its difficulties. Stiff neck and back pain were constant companions. Also, one time in Hanle, a gust of wind knocked me down and I had to seek medical attention, he recalls. Helping alleviate these pains were the wonders that the 23-year-old stunt rider saw on the road. Among them were the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, Harihar Fort, and the Konkan stretch. During chilly nights in Ladakh, Saneed spotted Starlink satellites and a shard of the Milky Way. What a sight it was! The journey, which began on December 15 last year, came to a close when Saneed unfurled the Indian flag he had been carrying at the Umling La pass milestone. On the way back, he says, The adventure is not over yet. Indeed, the road is long, and there are many more wonders to see. You can follow Saneeds adventures on Insta at @saneed_dbz. Ronnie Kuriakose Where i lay my head is home Some journeys can revive you, filling you with new purpose and excitement. Thats what happened to Chithran R from Kannur when, at 24, he set off hiking on November 1, 2022. Two years later, he is still on the road, having explored every corner of India and parts of Nepal. His only fuel is his love for travel. Mine is an ordinary family that could barely afford trips even within Kerala. But I always had this big dream of travelling, he says. To make it happen, I sold my bike, the only asset I had. I packed just one bag: some clothes, a small camera, a pair of shoes, trekking gear, a small gas stove, a solar panel and battery, and a tent all adding up to about 50kg. My plan was simple: walk wherever I could, hitchhike when possible, no hotel stays, and cook my own food. Chithran says there were days when he walked over 30km straight, sometimes even more. For the past six months, he has been travelling through the remote villages of Nepal, camping in his tent and relying on the hospitality of local villagers. When no other shelter is available, he would spend nights in bus stands, temples, or gurdwaras. He hikes mostly through hilly regions, remote villages, and forests. Once, in a Himachal village named Keylong, I got stuck for nearly a month due to severe cold. All roads were closed. I had to live in my tent, relying on a small gas stove for warmth, Chithran recalls. He dreams of walking through European countries and experiencing new cultures. Alongside this, he seeks to share the sights through his YouTube/Insta channels Travelogue by Chithran. Life itself is a journey. Isnt it better to experience it fully and with joy? I have met so many people and learned so much from each of them. Thats what makes life truly worth living, he says. I often get calls from elderly people who say, Son, we spent all our good years working for money and family. Watching you travel, we feel a deep longing. Now, even with the money, we cant live a life as fulfilling as yours. Such words keep me walking. Parvana K B India tour in a lorry Jelaja Ratheesh has always had a deep-seated desire to travel, especially to explore Indias diverse landscapes. So far, Jelaja has travelled to 22 states and six Union Territories. What sets her journeys apart is that shes done it in a lorry. For the past two years, Jelaja has documented her adventures on her YouTube channel, Puthettu Travel Vlog, named after her familys lorry business. My husband, Ratheesh, is a lorry driver who transports goods across several states. His travel anecdotes spurred my desire to hit the road. He once quipped that I should learn to drive a lorry. That was the beginning, laughs Jelaja, who hails from Ettumanoor, Kottayam. Armed with a heavy vehicle licence, she started her journey in 2022, driving to her dream destination, Kashmir, alongside her husband. Since then, her journeys have taken her across destinations such as Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Nepal, and Bhutan. Now, at 42, Jelaja has just Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur left on her Incredible India list. For Jelaja, what matters most are the people she meets along the way. I have experienced genuine kindness. Strangers have welcomed us into their homes, treating us like family, especially when we are stranded, she says. Jelaja adds that for the past 19 years, she was a homemaker whose life centred around family. I never did anything for myself, she says. To be honest, I started my life when I turned 40. Her grit has inspired her 20-year-old daughter Devika Ratheesh to also get a heavy vehicle licence and join the lorry trips. Mahima Anna Jacob

Ripples of a Tsunami

KOCHI: Twenty years ago on December 26, 2004 deep beneath the Indian Ocean near the island of Sumatra, a 1,300km-long rupture occurred on the faultline between the Burma and India tectonic plates. The Indian plates edge lies beneath the Burma plate. Due to a build-up of tension, a slip occurred on the boundary about 30km below sea leavel. The time was 7.59am (6:28am IST) at Banda Aceh, Northern Sumatra, in Indonesia when this tectonic shift occurred. As is often the case with tectonic movement, this slip triggered an earthquake. It was no ordinary quake. With a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter Scale, it was recorded as the third-largest earthquake since 1900. It lasted for about 10 minutes. Tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including India. Within minutes, enormous waves rising as high as 51m began crashing against the coasts of Sumatra. The ensuing seven hours were terrifying. Like a nightmare. News channels across the world started flashing a phenomenon that the modern world had not heard much of: tsunami. In Japanese, the word means harbour wave tsu meaning harbour and nami, wave. Sounds harmless. But that isnt the case. Within 90 minutes, the waves reached the Indian shores, devastating coastal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Though the tidal intensity had waned by then, the waves were still nine metres high more than enough to wreak havoc on a coastline that, at the time, lacked warning systems and quick-evacuation action plans. It was the day after Christmas. Kerala woke up from holiday slumber to the grim news of hundreds of deaths. The tsunamis global death toll was 2,30,000. Over 10,000 Indians perished. In Kerala, where the tsunamis destructive force swept across the shores of Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, 171 lives were lost, including 132 in Alappad village of Kollam alone. U Ullas, Alappads current panchayat president, was 18 at the time. He still remembers the day that upended many lives and altered the coastline. Suddenly, the sea retreated. Thats the first thing I remember, he says. The retreating sea piqued the local residents curiosity, drawing many, including children, into the now-dry seabed. In some time, albeit late, warnings reached the community. People ran helter-skelter for safety. But the towering waves struck swiftly. We lost more than a hundred lives. The water that lashed the land retreated within 10 minutes, but by then, thousands of houses were swallowed by the sea, Ullas says. The waves also claimed a large chunk of land. We couldnt even distinguish between the lake and the sea, Ullas recalls. He adds that until that day, neither he nor anyone in his village had heard the word tsunami. Now, we can, and will, never forget it, he says. A map showing Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean In Ernakulams Vypeen, the waves hit later that afternoon. Abhilash, a fisherman from Edavanakkad panchayat on the island, was 22 at the time. First, it was just the water level rising and homes slowly getting flooded. As far as I remember, the high waves struck later, he says. Back then, we used to watch films together on Sundays in nearby homes two or three families together. That Sunday, water entered our homes. Fortunately, most people moved to relief camps. We, however, lost about five people when the waves came. It was 20 years ago; the day is like a blur in my mind. Vypeen also lost part of its shore and many homes. Over the years, many residents have moved farther from the sea. The remnants of a few abandoned homes are still visible along the coast, alongside the large sea wall destroyed by the tsunami, still awaiting repair. For India, the 2004 tsunami was a wake-up call, sparking a major project to enable disaster prediction and warning. After the event, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) worked to establish the Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS) to provide timely tsunami advisories, says INCOIS director T M Balakrishnan Nair. At the early warning centre, seismic and sea-level data are continuously monitored. Operational since October 15, 2007, the system detects tsunamigenic earthquakes in the Indian and global oceans within 10 minutes and disseminates advisories to national and state disaster management authorities. Notably, Unescos Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has recognised the Indian unit as a primary Tsunami Service Provider for the Indian Ocean region. Since 2012, the centre has provided tsunami advisories to 25 countries along the Indian Ocean rim, says Balakrishnan. He underscores that while preventing a disaster is impossible, timely warnings, preparedness, effective response, and public education can mitigate its impact. In recognition of this, the world observes Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5, to ensure no one is caught off-guard. Indias situation is particularly concerning. The Indian Ocean is likely to be affected by tsunamis generated by earthquakes from two primary regions: the Andaman-Nicobar-Sumatra Island Arc and the Makran Subduction Zone (a boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates), Balakrishnan notes. These regions are monitored using a real-time network of seismic stations, tsunami buoys, and tide gauges. He adds that INCOIS has also been working on detecting atypical tsunamis (generated by non-seismic sources like unusual weather events). So far, the Indian TEWS has monitored about 730 tsunamigenic events (earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter Scale and higher) worldwide, says Balakrishnan. Now, we can detect any earthquake in five to six minutes and provide timely tsunami advisories. The Indian TEWS has been recognised as one of the best tsunami warning centres in the world. Private weather analyst K Jamshad, better known as Weatherman Kerala on social media, says Indian coasts, including parts of Kerala, are near the Pacific Ring of Fire, the worlds most seismically active region, which holds 90 per cent of the worlds volcanoes. The 2004 Indonesian tsunami and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami occurred within this area. In the event of a strong offshore earthquake particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka, Kanyakumari, or the southwest Arabian Sea Kerala should anticipate a tsunami, he cautions. Indias sea-level monitoring stations are near the Andaman in the Bay of Bengal, Indonesia, Minicoy Island, Kochi, Goa, and Gujarat. However, two near Gujarat and some in the Bay of Bengal (belonging to India and Thailand) are currently non-operational, explains Jamshad, who heads Metbeat, a private weather agency. Despite this, the system still provides warnings by tracking water levels at other locations. In addition to the early warning system, INCOIS conducts regular workshops, training, and mock drills to spread tsunami awareness and build capacity for disaster management. To enhance community preparedness, the Central agency coordinates the Tsunami Ready programme, led by Unesco. Alappad is one of nine villages in Kerala participating in the programme this year. On World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024, Ullas is leading a mock drill in Alappad panchayat. From swift evacuation to rescuing people caught in rising water, the mock drill helps us prepare, he says, after concluding the drill. He and the team from INCOIS, along with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and local agencies, will now analyse each part of the drill to perfect their preparedness. There are more than 200 coastal villages in the state. For now, we have selected nine villages from as many coastal districts, says KSDMA secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose. By 2025, as the first phase concludes, these villages will be declared tsunami-ready.

Caste census to make resources available equally to all sections: Bhatti

Hyderabad: The crucial meeting to discuss caste census survey in Telangana will become a golden letter day in the history of India, said Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu here on Tuesday. Speaking at the meeting to deliberate on caste census at Gandhi auditorium at Bowenpally in Secunderabad, Bhatti said that the decision on caste census was taken after Congress partys beloved leader Rahul Gandhi was convinced during his padayatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by interacting with people from all sections of society. He firmly believed that the caste census was the only way to make available the nation's resources and assets equally to all sections of society and to render justice to all. Bhatti recalled that Rahul Gandhi had predicted before general elections that Congress would assume power in Telangana and announced that the caste census would commence from here itself. From the day Congress came into power in Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the entire Cabinet started working on giving a shape and direction to Rahul Gandhis thoughts and ideas on conducting caste census in the country, he said. The first step was to pass a unanimous resolution on caste census in the State Assembly, then issuing a GO based on the Assembly resolution through the Planning department to bring it into the public domain. Today, Rahul Gandhi is holding discussions with intellectuals, social scientists of Telangana society to decide what questions to be included in the caste census survey to cover all categories of people and what type of information should be elicited through the survey, Bhatti said. He also said that meetings were already held with key leaders of the Congress on caste census at Gandhi Bhavan. As per instructions of PCC President B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the District Congress Committees met and gathered information at the district level. As part of this process, suggestions and views of intellectuals will be taken and Rahul Gandhi's ideas and opinions on the subject will be understood to frame and finalise questions in caste census surveys to collect comprehensive information, Bhatti added.

Sat Sharma, Mahant Rohit Shastri, Prajapati call on LG

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 3: Sat Sharma, President BJP J&K, along with Sunil Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly from Paddar- Nagseni constituency today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan. Mahant Rohit Shastri, President, Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan also today called on Lieutenant Governor. Subsequently, Neeraj Kumar Prajapati, popularly known as The Bicycle Man of India also called on Lieutenant Governor and briefed him about his 4,200-kilometer cycle ride from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to promote millets [] The post Sat Sharma, Mahant Rohit Shastri, Prajapati call on LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Vijay Slams BJPs ONOE Plan

Chennai: The Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, on Sunday criticised the BJP governments push for one nation, one election as anti-democratic and accused the DMK government of evading the caste census issue. In its first executive committee meeting, presided over by Vijay, TVK also demanded the revival of the Sri Lankan Tamils issue in the states political agenda and asserted that the Centre had no authority to interfere in Tamil Nadus matters. The TVK condemned the Centres attempt to introduce one nation, one election, labelling it a direct threat to democracy. A resolution highlighted that while the DMK claims to follow the path of social justice, it has been evasive about conducting a caste survey, blaming the Union government instead. The party insisted on completing the caste survey within Tamil Nadu. Another resolution addressed attempts to saffronise Tamil heritage by misrepresenting figures like Thiruvalluvar and distinguishing between Thamizhagam and Tamil Nadu. TVK emphasised that linguistic rights are paramount for Tamil Nadu and vowed not to compromise on preserving the mother tongue. The party dismissed the Union governments ambition to impose a third language in Tamil Nadu, asserting that such efforts would fail given the regions strong cultural and linguistic identity. TVK called for a referendum among Sri Lankan Tamils to achieve a permanent solution to their issues, aligning with the Tamil Nadu Assemblys unanimous resolution from 2011 during J. Jayalalithaas tenure as Chief Minister. The party urged that the Union governments foreign policy regarding Sri Lanka should be formulated in consultation with the Tamil Nadu government. Addressing local issues, TVK opposed the acquisition of farmers' land by NLC India Limited, demanding employment for the heirs of those who relinquished land and the regularisation of contract workers. The party also criticised the DMK for failing to implement monthly electricity billing as promised, noting that only power tariffs have increased. In a bid to celebrate Tamil heritage, TVK appealed to the state government to build a large exhibition hall showcasing the legacy of Tamil kings from the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties. The party opposed any Union government attempts to establish a mine in Kanyakumari and highlighted that attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy intensified after the cessation of the Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka. TVK stressed the importance of adhering to international laws in handling fishermen crossing sea boundaries. The party also opposed the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2024, stating it infringes on Muslim rights and disrupts the federal structure of the country. TVK accused the DMK of deceiving the public by promising to abolish NEET and urged the Union government to transfer education from the concurrent to the state list to facilitate the removal of NEET in Tamil Nadu. Commending the state governments recognition of Thagaisal Thamizhar Virudhu and appreciating the Union governments establishment of a rocket launch port at Kulasekarapattinam, TVK also called for the initiation of metro rail projects in Coimbatore and opposed land acquisition for the Parandur airport. The party condemned the DMK government for failing to maintain law and order, noting an increase in illicit liquor sales and youth drug addiction. TVK advocated for the closure of Tasmac shops, attributing them to social insecurity and rising crime, and suggested finding alternative revenue sources. Embracing the legacy of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E.V.R. Periyar, TVK committed to policies promoting women's education, social reforms, social justice, and rationalism. The party pledged to uphold the honest administration and secular principles championed by former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj and continue B.R. Ambedkars fight against caste oppression and for communal representation. TVK emphasized its intention to transcend specific identities, fostering unity and social harmony among the people.

St. Josephs University NCC cadets cycle 650 km from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari in 45 hours

The achievement is being touted as a first in the history of the NCC

Court orders Tamil Nadu police officers to appear in Ambalamukku murder case trial

A private nursery employee was murdered at Ambalamukku and her necklace stolen allegedly by a Kanyakumari native

Udhay Unveils 40 TrekkingTrailsinTamil Nadu

Chennai: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched Trek Tamil Nadu, a trekking project that unfolds 40 pristine trails in the State, to create awareness on nature conservation, provide sustainable income to the local communities and support Forest and Wildlife conservation. As part of the initiative, which is a leap towards strengthening ecotourism and showcasing the States commitment toward sustainable and responsible tourism with low carbon footprint, Udhayanidhi Stalin unfurled the logo (# Trek Tamil Nadu) and launched the website www.trektamilnadu.com to enable online booking. Trek Tamil Nadu project, which is a joint venture of Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD) and Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experiences Corporation (TNWEC), a government undertaking formed to organize trekking activities in Forest and Wildlife areas in a responsible and sustainable manner, would involve the local community in and around the forest areas for the trekking activities. The 40 prioritized curated trekking trails are spread over 14 districts / 18 Forest divisions across Tamil Nadu and include popular tourist destinations such as Nilgiris, Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari. The treks are operated in earmarked nature trails approved by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and in compliance with the Tamil Nadu Forest and Wildlife (Regulation of Trekking) Rules, 2018, an official press release said. The trails are divided into three categories, tough, moderate and easy based on the distance, duration and terrain. In Nilgiris district they are Cairn Hill (Easy), Longwood shola (Easy), Karikayur to Porivarai Rock Painting (Moderate), Karikayur to Rangasamy Peak (Tough), Parsonvalley to Mukurthihut (Tough), Avalanche Kolaribetta (Tough), Avalanche (Cauliflower shola) Kolaribetta (Moderate), Avalanche Devarbetta (Tough), Gene pool (Easy), Needle rock (Tough). Among the others are: Manam bolly (Easy), Topslip Pandaravarai (Tough), Aliyar (Canal bank) (Moderate), Sadivayal Siruvani (Moderate), Sembukarai Perumalmudi (Moderate), Vellingiri Hill (Tough), Baraliyar (Easy) in Coimbatore district, Chinnar Check post Kottar (Easy) in Tiruppur district, Kalikesam Balamore (Moderate) and Injikadavu (Moderate) in Kanyakumari district. Some of the rest are Karaiyar Moolakasam (Moderate), Kallar Korakka Nathar Koil (Tough) in Tirunelveli district, Courtallam - Shenbagadevi falls (Easy), Theerthakarai (Easy) in Tenkasi district, Chinna Suruli Thenpalani (Moderate), Karaparai (Moderate), Kurangani Sambalaru (Moderate) in Theni district, Shenbagathoppu - W.Pudupatti (Moderate) in Virudhunagar district, Kutladampatti Falls Thadagai Trail (Moderate) in Madurai district, Vattakanal Vellagavi (Tough), Solar Observatory Gundar Zero Point (Moderate), Zero Point Karunkajam Falls (Easy) in Dindigul district. Guthirayan Peak (Tough) and Aiyur Sami Lake (Easy) in Krishnagiri district), Kurumbapatti Zoo Gundur (Moderate), Kondappanaikanpatti Gundur (Tough), Nagalur - Sannasimalai Peak (Easy) in Salem district, Yelagiri Swamimalai (Easy), Jalagamparai (Moderate) in Tirupattur district) and Gudiyam Caves (Easy) in Thiruvallur district form the rest of the trails. Tamil Nadu, a leading player in the tourism industry of the country, has already gained the reputation as a sought-after destination for nature lovers with its wide network of protected areas comprising five tiger reserves, five national parks, eighteen wildlife sanctuaries, seventeen bird sanctuaries and three conservation reserves.

Cycling enthusiast from Mysuru pedals from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in 10 days and 15 hours

Cyclone Dana Effect: 198 Trains Cancelled on Oct 23, 24, 25

BHUBANESWAR: Due to the impending landfall of Cyclone Dana on October 24-25, 2024, a total of 198 trains95 up and 103 down trainshave been canceled for October 23, 24, and 25. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has issued a bulletin outlining the cancellations, which include major trains such as the Howrah-Secunderabad Express, Shalimar-Puri Super Fast Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Express, and many others. These cancellations affect various trains traveling to and from major hubs like Secunderabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai Central, and Howrah. The full list of cancelled trains provides details on specific routes and dates for both up and down directions. This disruption is a preventive measure to ensure the safety of passengers and railway infrastructure during the cyclones landfall. Passengers are advised to check for further updates and make alternative travel arrangements accordingly. Here is the detailed list of cancelled trains: Down Trains 1. Train No. 17016: Secunderabad to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 2. Train No. 12840: Chennai Central to Howrah 23.10.2024 3. Train No. 12868: Puducherry to Howrah 23.10.2024 4. Train No. 22826: Chennai Central to Shalimar 23.10.2024 5. Train No. 12897: Puducherry to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 6. Train No. 18464: SBC to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 7. Train No. 08442: Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 8. Train No. 20842: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar (VB) 24.10.2024 9. Train No. 22874: Visakhapatnam to Digha 24.10.2024 10. Train No. 18118: Gunupur to Rourkela 24.10.2024 11. Train No. 11019: CSURATM to Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 12. Train No. 22820: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 13. Train No. 08532: Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 14. Train No. 12509: Bangalore to Guwahati 23.10.2024 15. Train No. 12842: Chennai Central to Howrah 24.10.2024 16. Train No. 22808: Chennai Central to Santragachhi 24.10.2024 17. Train No. 15227: Bangalore to Muzaffarpur 24.10.2024 18. Train No. 18046: Hyderabad to Howrah 23.10.2024 19. Train No. 20838: Junagarh Road to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 20. Train No. 22503: Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh 23.10.2024 21. Train No. 22973: Gandhidham to Puri 23.10.2024 22. Train No. 20807: Visakhapatnam to ASR 25.10.2024 23. Train No. 18448: Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 24. Train No. 08534: Palasa to Cuttack 24.10.2024 25. Train No. 08422: Gunupur to Cuttack 25.10.2024 26. Train No. 06095: Tambaram to Santragachhi 24.10.2024 27. Train No. 12246: Bangalore to Howrah 24.10.2024 28. Train No. 12704: Secunderabad to Howrah 23.10.2024 29. Train No. 08444: Palasa to Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 30. Train No. 22888: Bangalore to Howrah 23.10.2024 31. Train No. 03429: Secunderabad to Malda Town 23.10.2024 32. Train No. 12864: Yesvantpur to Howrah 23.10.2024 33. Train No. 18418: Gunupur to Puri 24.10.2024 34. Train No. 06087: Tirunelveli to Shalimar 23.10.2024 35. Train No. 08412: Bhubaneswar to Baleswar 24.10.2024 36. Train No. 02832: Bhubaneswar to Dhanbad 24.10.2024 37. Train No. 12074: Bhubaneswar to Howrah 25.10.2024 38. Train No. 12893: Bhubaneswar to Sonepur 25.10.2024 39. Train No. 22823: Bhubaneswar to New Delhi Rajdhani 25.10.2024 40. Train No. 08441: Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 41. Train No. 09059: Surat to Brahmapur 23.10.2024 42. Train No. 18419: Puri to Jayanagar 24.10.2024 43. Train No. 18304: Puri to Sambalpur 24.10.2024 44. Train No. 12892: Puri to Bangiriposi 24.10.2024 45. Train No. 08428: Puri to Angul 24.10.2024 46. Train No. 08414: Puri to Talcher 24.10.2024 47. Train No. 12843: Puri to Ahmedabad 24.10.2024 48. Train No. 08423: Puri to Daspalla 24.10.2024 49. Train No. 17479: Puri to TPTY 24.10.2024 50. Train No. 18425: Puri to Durg 24.10.2024 51. Train No. 22202: Puri to Sealdah 24.10.2024 52. Train No. 18421: Puro to Sonepur 24.10.2024 53. Train No. 12838: Puri to Howrah 24.10.2024 54. Train No. 18452: Puri to Hatia 24.10.2024 55. Train No. 18477: Puri to Rishikesh 24.10.2024 56. Train No. 12801: Puri to New Delhi 24.10.2024 57. Train No. 12896: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 58. Train No. 18410: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 59. Train No. 20823: Puri to Ajmer 24.10.2024 60. Train No. 08404: Puri to Khurda Road 24.10.2024 61. Train No. 18126: Puri to Rourkela 25.10.2024 62. Train No. 08475: Puri to Nizamuddin 25.10.2024 63. Train No. 20836 (VB): Puri to Rourkela 25.10.2024 64. Train No. 12278: Puri to Howrah 25.10.2024 65. Train No. 18416/18414: Puri to Barbil-Paradeep 25.10.2024 66. Train No. 08432: Puri to Cuttack 25.10.2024 67. Train No. 12822: Puri to Shalimar 25.10.2024 68. Train No. 12875: Puri to Anand Vihar 25.10.2024 69. Train No. 08410: Puri to Khurda Road 25.10.2024 70. Train No. 18417: Puri to Gunupur 25.10.2024 71. Train No. 18022: Khurda Road to Kharagpur 24.10.2024 72. Train No. 08456: Khurda Road to Kendujhargarh 24.10.2024 73. Train No. 08454: Cuttack to Bhadrak 25.10.2024 74. Train No. 08438: Cuttack to Bhadrak 25.10.2024 75. Train No. 18038: Jajpur Keonjhar Road to Kharagpur 25.10.2024 76. Train No. 08462: Paradeep to Cuttack 25.10.2024 77. Train No. 08406: Paradeep to Kendujhargarh 25.10.2024 78. Train No. 08408: Paradeep to Cuttack 25.10.2024 79. Train No. 08446: Paradeep to Cuttack 24.10.2024 80. Train No. 18044: Bhadrak to Howrah 25.10.2024 81. Train No. 08032: Bhadrak to Baleswar 25.10.2024 82. Train No. 08064: Bhadrak to Kharagpur 24.10.2024 83. Train No. 08522: Visakhapatnam to Gunupur 24.10.2024 84. Train No. 07470: Visakhapatnam to Palasa 24.10.2024 85. Train No. 12074: Bhubaneswar to Howrah 24.10.2024 86. Train No. 12822: Puri to Shalimar 24.10.2024 87. Train No. 12844: Ahmedabad to Puri 26.10.2024 88. Train No. 18424: Daspalla to Bhubaneswar 25.10.2024 89. Train No. 12278: Puri to Howrah 24.10.2024 90. Train No. 18418: Gunupur to Puri 25.10.2024 91. Train No. 08522: Visakhapatnam to Gunupur 25.10.2024 92. Train No. 18526: Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur 24.10.2024 93. Train No. 20836 (VB): Puri to Rourkela 24.10.2024 94. Train No. 22896 (VB): PURI to KOAA 25.10.24 95. Train No. 08012: DSPL to BBS 25.10.24 96. Train No. 03229: PURI to PNBE 25.10.24 97. Train No. 03102: RMM to BBS 25.10.24 98. Train No. 08416: BAM to TATA 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 99. Train No. 20892 (VB): PURI to HWH 25.10.24 100. Train No. 22840: PURI to VZM 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 101. Train No. 08442: BAM to BBS 25.10.24 102. Train No. 20895: BBS to ROU 24.10.24 103. Train No. 08430: PURI to JER 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 UP Trains 1. 12703: Howrah-Secunderabad 24.10.2024 2. 12821: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 3. 12552: Kamakhya-Bangalore 23.10.2024 4. 22824: New Delhi-Bhubaneswar 23.10.2024 5. 22603: Kharagpur-Villupuram 24.10.2024 6. 12073: Howrah-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 7. 18045: Shalimar-Hyderabad 24.10.2024 8. 12277: Howrah-Puri 24.10.2024 9. 22851: Santragachhi-Mangalore 24.10.2024 10. 12841: Shalimar-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 11. 12663: Howrah-Tiruchchirappalli 24.10.2024 12. 03230: Patna-Puri 24.10.2024 13. 18478: Rishikesh-Puri 23.10.2024 14. 18409: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 15. 12881: Shalimar-Puri 24.10.2024 16. 12802: New Delhi-Puri 23.10.2024 17. 08011: Bhanjapur-Puri 24.10.2024 18. 12837: Howrah-Puri 24.10.2024 19. 12863: Howrah-Bangalore 24.10.2024 20. 18047: Shalimar-Vasco Da Gama 24.10.2024 21. 12839: Howrah-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 22. 22644: Patna-Ernakulam 24.10.2024 23. 06090: Santragachhi-Chennai Central 24.10.2024 24. 03101: Kolkata-Puri 23.10.2024 25. 12514: Silchar-Secunderabad 23.10.2024 26. 08555: Bhadrak-Daspalla 25.10.2024 27. 22504: Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari 23.10.2024 28. 08415: Jaleswar-Puri 25.10.2024 29. 12891: Bangiriposi-Puri 25.10.2024 30. 18021: Kharagpur-Khurda Road 25.10.2024 31. 12816: Anand Vihar-Puri 24.10.2024 32. 22895 (VB): Howrah-Puri 25.10.2024 33. 18043: Howrah-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 34. 08031: Baleswar-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 35. 08063: Kharagpur-Bhadrak 24.10.2024 36. 08453: Bhadrak-Cuttack 24.10.2024 37. 08437: Bhadrak-Cuttack 24.10.2024 38. 18037: Kharagpur-Jajpur Keonjhar Road 24.10.2024 39. 18303: Sambalpur-Puri 24.10.2024 40. 22839: Rourkela-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 41. 18125: Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 42. 20835 (VB): Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 43. 20832: Sambalpur-Shalimar 24.10.2024 44. 18451: Hatia-Puri 24.10.2024 45. 18117: Rourkela-Gunupur 24.10.2024 46. 22865: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai)-Puri 24.10.2024 47. 18426: Durg-Puri 24.10.2024 48. 02831: Dhanbad-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 49. 08427: Angul-Puri 25.10.2024 50. 08413: Talcher-Puri 25.10.2024 51. 18415: Barbil-Puri 24.10.2024 52. 20891 (VB): Tata-Brahmapur 24.10.2024 53. 08455: Kendujhargarh-Khurda Road 25.10.2024 54. 08405: Kendujhargarh-Paradeep 24.10.2024 55. 18413: Paradeep-Puri 24.10.2024 56. 08533: Cuttack-Palasa 24.10.2024 57. 08431: Cuttack-Puri 24.10.2024 58. 08421: Cuttack-Gunupur 24.10.2024 59. 08461: Cuttack-Paradeep 24.10.2024 60. 08407: Cuttack-Paradeep 24.10.2024 61. 18423: Bhubaneswar-Daspalla 24.10.2024 62. 09060: Brahmapur-Surat 24.10.2024 63. 08521: Gunupur-Visakhapatnam 24.10.2024 64. 07471: Palasa-Visakhapatnam 24.10.2024 65. 22873: Digha-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 66. 22819: Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 67. 08531: Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 68. 20837: Bhubaneswar-Junagarh Road 24.10.2024 69. 18447: Bhubaneswar-Jagadalpur 24.10.2024 70. 18417: Puri-Gunupur 24.10.2024 71. 18420: Jayanagar-Puri 26.10.2024 72. 08424: Daspalla-Puri 25.10.2024 73. 18422: Sonepur-Puri 25.10.2024 74. 12895: Shalimar-Puri 25.10.2024 75. 20824: Ajmer-Puri 29.10.2024 76. 08476: Nizamuddin-Puri 26.10.2024 77. 12277: Howrah-Puri 25.10.2024 78. 20835 (VB): Rourkela-Puri 24.10.2024 79. 12821: Shalimar-Puri 25.10.2024 80. 18021: Kharagpur-Khurda Road 24.10.2024 81. 12073: Howrah-Bhubaneswar 25.10.2024 82. 12894: Sonepur-Bhubaneswar 24.10.2024 83. 20831: Shalimar-Sambalpur 25.10.2024 84. 08521: Gunupur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 85. 18525: Brahmapur-Visakhapatnam 25.10.2024 86. Train No. 20841 (VB): BBS to VSKP 25.10.24 87. Train No. 08411: BLS to BBS 25.10.24 88. Train No. 08443: BBS to PSA 24.10.24 89. Train No. 08441: BBS to BAM 24.10.24 & 25.10.24 90. Train No. 17015: BBS to SC 25.10.24 91. Train No. 18463: BBS to SBC 25.10.24 92. Train No. 22974: PURI to LIMB 26.10.24 93. Train No. 20896: BBS to RMM 25.10.24 94. Train No. 20835 (VB): ROU to PURI 25.10.24 95. Train No. 08429: BBS to DSPL 24.10.24 & 25.10.24

How Agartala Observed Police Commemoration Day, Honoring the Sacrifice of 35,000 Officers

Agartala, Tripura: Police Commemoration Day was observed with respect at the Manoranjan Debbarma Smriti Stadium in A.D. Nagar Police Line, Agartala, to honor the sacrifices of police personnel across the country. Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan emphasized the significance of the day, stating, Since India's independence, nearly 35,000 police officers have laid down their lives to protect the nation's integrity and ensure peace in society. He expressed both pride and sorrow while remembering the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. DGP Ranjan also highlighted the challenges faced by police officers nationwide, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from the Northeast to the Western Coast. We are prepared to sacrifice our lives to address any issues that arise, ensuring peace is restored and society functions smoothly, he said, reassuring the public of the police force's commitment. During the event, attendees reflected on the bravery and resilience of the police force, recognizing their continuous efforts to create a safer environment for all. Chief Secretary JK Sinha also paid tribute, saying, On this Police Commemoration Day, I express my heartfelt tribute to all the police personnel and security forces who have sacrificed their lives. I pray for strength for their families and all members of the police community to endure this difficult time. DGP Ranjan reiterated the importance of the day, stating, Today, we pay tribute to our police personnel. Since independence, nearly 35,000 individuals have given their lives for the nation, society, and the integrity of our country. We honor their memory with both pride and sorrow. He concluded by reaffirming the police force's dedication to maintaining peace and order. As you can see, peace is gradually returning, and everything is getting back on track, he said. Read More.... PM Modi Honors Police Bravery on Commemoration Day Police Commemoration Day 2024: Honoring the Courage and Sacrifice of Indias Police Forces Honoring Heroes: Police Commemoration Day on October 21 at the National Police Memorial

PM Modi Honors Police Bravery on Commemoration Day

New Delhi: On Police Commemoration Day, October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the bravery and sacrifices made by police personnel across the country. In a post on social media platform X, Modi wrote, Today, on Police Commemoration Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of our police personnel. Their unwavering dedication ensures the safety of our people. They exemplify courage and determination. Their proactive efforts and assistance during humanitarian challenges are equally commendable. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a gathering of senior officers, retired personnel, and families of police officers, affirming that the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the line of duty will never be forgotten. We have been able to control terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, but the battle is not finished. We are committed to completely eliminating terrorism, drug trafficking, and other anti-India activities, Shah said. He highlighted the significant toll of police sacrifices, revealing that 36,468 police personnel from various forces have lost their lives while serving to protect the nation, which has contributed to the countrys development. Shah also noted that over 216 police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty in the past year. Observed annually on October 21, Police Commemoration Day pays tribute to police martyrs, with the main ceremony held at the National Police Memorial, typically presided over by the Union Home Minister. Today we all have gathered to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the internal security of the country and its borders. These soldiers are protecting our borders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Kibithu, Shah added. A joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces along with Delhi Police is also conducted to honor the fallen heroes. This day specifically commemorates the sacrifice of ten policemen who lost their lives in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, on October 21, 1959. It serves as a poignant reminder of the courage shown by all martyrs who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Police Commemoration Day 2024: Honoring the Courage and Sacrifice of Indias Police Forces Honoring Heroes: Police Commemoration Day on October 21 at the National Police Memorial

In Kanyakumari, This Group Of Friends Gives Free Clothing And Food To Poor

Near the Malayalam School on Kanyakumari's Main Road, a group of friends has set up a fridge and a wardrobe under an initiative titled Unavay Uravay.

Rose springs from inside glass-cube: Magician Muthukad surprises crowd

Bhubaneswar: Illusionist Gopinath Muthukad on Thursday amazed a crowd in Bhubaneswar by making a rose spring from a glass cube, symbolising his message of breaking barriers for people with disabilities. The performance was part of his ongoing all-India Inclusive India campaign, which promotes social inclusion for those with disabilities. Muthukad, who received the prestigious Merlin Award, emphasises that people with disabilities face physical, social, and emotional challenges, and his magic seeks to bridge these gaps by fostering awareness and empathy. The magicians Bhubaneswar show highlighted his mission to support the marginalized through magic, an art he believes can drive social reform. The performance tied into the goals of Magic Planet, a unique theme park in Kerala founded by Muthukad that showcases public art forms and street performers. Muthukads two-month tour, which began on October 6 from Kanyakumari and ends on December 3 in New Delhi, spans the length and breadth of India. Along the way, he has been spreading messages of national integration, equality, and anti-terrorism. Muthukad's campaign, supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the ministry of social justice, involves 41 events across 36 locations, including collaborations with DEPwDs regional centers. It started on World Cerebral Palsy Day and will conclude on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. Throughout, Muthukad has been using magic to highlight the need for opportunities that showcase the talents of children with disabilities, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. As the founder and executive director of the Different Art Centre (DAC), Muthukad has pioneered magic training for children with disabilities. His efforts have provided professional platforms for disabled performers, and his work continues to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. The final event in New Delhi will feature government officials, ministers, and parliamentarians.

Hyderabad: 52-yr-old Hyderabadi in 3,600-km Cycling Race

Hyderabad : Hyderabad-based endurance athlete Bobba Ravinder Reddy, aged 52, is set to participate in the 2024 Race Across India challenge, an intense 3,651-km cycling race from Srinagar to Kanyakumari. This will be his second time taking on the challenge, having completed it in 2023 in 12 days, 14 hours and 42 minutes, well within the 13-day cut-off for the 50+ male category. Ravinder Reddy, a chemical engineer and manager at GAIL India Limited, began his fitness journey at the age of 42 with a half marathon. Over the years, he has completed an impressive 268 marathons across nine Indian states by the age of 50. In 2021, he set a world record for completing 33 half marathons in one month, earning recognition from the International Book of Records. Ravinder Reddy has achieved major milestones in cycling. In December 2023, he completed a solo 3,700-km ride from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in just 22 days. He followed that with a 6,533-km ride along Indias Golden Quadrilateral, finishing the route in 34 days. He also took on the world-famous Race Across America in June 2024, completing the grueling 4,828-km coast-to-coast race with over 100,000 feet of climbing. His participation in the 2024 Race Across India underscores his dedication to pushing his limits. With his impressive record of endurance and determination at 52 years, Ravinder Reddy is a source of inspiration for many in Indias growing fitness community.

J&K Chief Secretary flags off Kashmir to Kanyakumari Cycle Race edition

SRINAGAR, Oct 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today flagged off India's longest cycling expedition from Polo View Ground that would be culminating at the farthest point of the country, Kanyakumari. The expedition mainly sponsored by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the 2nd edition of Race Across India' participated by 22 teams including [] The post J&K Chief Secretary flags off Kashmir to Kanyakumari Cycle Race edition appeared first on Northlines .

Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajinikanth Back in Mass Avatar!

TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame is back with yet another mass flick, this time with a huge star cast. The film features Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Telugu actors Rana and Sharwanand, and Malayalam actors Fahadh Faasil and Manju Warrier among others. Anirudh Ravichander scored the music for this film while the cinematography was done by SR Kathir. So one could only imagine the magnitude of expectations over the film. Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan (Hunter) hit theatres across the globe today. Does the film live up to the expectations? Let's find out. Plot Athiyan (Rajinikanth) is an honest cop and an encounter specialist in Kanyakumari. He is notorious for indiscriminately killing murderers, ganja sellers, and mafias in the name of quick justice without feeling guilty about it. Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), a government school teacher who learns about his honesty informs him about the smuggling of ganja in her school, ending up in her getting killed and murdered. Athiyan kills a suspect but was he the killer? In the meantime, there is Satyadev (Amitabh), a judge, who fights for human rights. So there are ideological differences. how does the filmmaker tackle this situation? Watch the movie to find out. Analysis In most Rajini films, the eyes are all on him. But in Vetaiyan, the director gives equal weightage to all the characters, even though the story is the hero of the film. Even though the films on police encounters are not new, there are enough scenes to keep fans hooked. The maker takes 30 minutes to introduce all the characters and let the audience settle in before throwing a big blow. Big B, Fahadh, and Rajini steal the show with their performances. Of course, nothing less was expected of them. Anirudh's music is a huge plus. For fans of Thalaivar, there are enough Rajini moments to entertain them. The action sequences draw whistles from fans in the theatre. Rana does a great job, and so does Manju Warrier even though their roles are not very elaborately written. TJ Gnanavel has picked a thought-provoking subject and there are scenes that make people question the system of education, the rich-poor divide, and also the loopholes in the justice system. Verdict: Vetaiyan is a visual feast for every fan of Rajinikanth. Rating: 3.25/5

Karur Vysya Bank inaugurates three new branches in Tamil Nadu

Karur Vysya Bank today inaugurated three new branches, all in Tamil Nadu thereby increasing its total branch network to 844. The new branches that were opened today are: 1. Trichy - Subramaniapuram (842nd Branch) ; 2. Gummidipoondi (843rd Branch); 3. Colachel, Kanyakumari District (844th Branch).

Senthil Balaji made in charge of Coimbatore

V. Senthil Balaji V. Senthil Balaji Chennai ; Recently reinstated Minister for Electricity and Prohibition V Senthil Balaji has been entrusted with the responsibility of expediting district development activities and also monitoring the progress of other welfare projects in Coimbatore district by Chief Minister M K Stalin. In his appointment of Ministers as in-charge of various districts to ensure that the developmental work was carried out without any hitch, Senthil Balaji was given Coimbatore, the region where the DMK is keen on strengthening its base and improving its popularity. Senior Minister K N Nehru has been nominated as in charge of Tirunelveli, E Periyasamy for Theni, E V Velu for Tirupattur and Kallakurichi, M R K Panneerselvam for Dharmapuri, K K S S R Ramachandran for Tenkasi, Thangam Thennarasu for Kanyakumari and M P Saminathan for Nilgiris. The other districts like Krishnagiri will be monitored by R Chakarapani, Kanchipuram by R Gandhi, Perambalur by S S Sivasankar, Nagapattinam by Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Mayiladuthurai by C V Meyyanathan, an official press release said on Tuesday.

From ISRO scientist to cab service operator; man builds 2 cr cab business

Uthaya Kumar, an ISRO scientist, left his job to start something of his own after seven years and launched a cab service business. He hails from Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, India

IREL's Mining Project Faces Hurdles

The PMK has now lent its voice to the protests against the mining of atomic minerals in Kanyakumari.

Shikha Mukerjee | Faith & purity wont help BJP to deliver governance

Purity, in terms of religious practice, is rapidly evolving into yet another instrument in the apparently collective obsession of Indias political class. In the hybrid lingua franca deployed by the Indian political class, the washing machine syndrome is perfectly understood by the public to denote the defection of the corrupt from one party to another, in a transaction whose goal is unholy career advancement. When Ajit Pawar changed sides in Maharashtra and joined the Mahayuti alliance cobbled together by the BJPs successful engineering of splits in two parties, the concept of the washing machine became crystal clear; attacked earlier by the BJP for his alleged involvement in a Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam when he played second fiddle to Sharad Pawar in the Nationalist Congress Party, the man became overnight squeaky clean. He, however, was not doused in a punch of Ganga jal and cow urine to purify him, remove the stains of corruption. Nor did he undergo conversion as a turncoat to emerge as a Sanatani and therefore acceptable, as Congress councillors in Jaipur underwent when they switched sides to join up with the BJP. The bizarre ceremony performed at the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage office was ritual purification turned into a burlesque. Finding the pathways of hitherto uncharted terrain, the BJPs rank and file is now in grave danger of getting lost in an incomprehensible morass. Combining Sanatan, a concept that has no universal written code on what is correct Hindu practice with the everyday routines of power plays in politics is not easy. While it is perfectly understandable that the BJP will use every opportunity to advocate its Hindutva ideology, it is perplexing why it is going to such lengths to make a parody of purity and orthodoxy, Sanatan Dharma style, by deploying cow urine and holy water in what is routine in its politics: engineering defections. That is, unless, the BJP has run out of concepts that can electrify the Hindu masses from way up north in Kashmir to the very tip, Kanyakumari, in the south. It is evidently groping for a word, a sign and a unifying idea to flesh out its agenda in the post-Ram Mandir consecration era. Why else are the masses across India, the vast majority of whom have an apparently insatiable appetite for social media chatter, being invited to flesh out a narrative on Sanatan, a concept that has no icon, no end goal and no antecedents? The leap that the BJP is attempting is in the dark as it searches for the lowest common factor in a narrative around the alleged desecration of laddus produced in the enormous kitchens on Tirupati as sacred offerings to Lord Venkateshwara to Congress defectors in Jaipur, to street food vending carts and roadside eateries in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The purity bug has the BJP in its grip; protecting the purity of the Constitution from further amendments on caste reservation by increasing the quotas for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other socially marginalised communities is also part of the same common agenda. How all this fits into the BJPs story line that Hinduism is in danger is not obvious. If this is expected to revive the mob frenzy of the religious majority as once the Ram Mandir movement had done in transforming the BJP from a small party into a behemoth that claims to be the largest party in the world, then the designers of this segment of the Hindutva narrative seem to be suffering from a drought. There is nothing less inspiring than a call for restoring the purity of the Hindu faith through the routines of political defection. Every voter knows that the purpose of switching political sides is simple; it is to weaken rivals and strengthen the host party. It is about power and showing it off. In election season, these transactions and transfers of allegiance gather speed and then dwindle when the heat of competitive politics fades. The embarrassment and consequently outrage in the Congress Party over the copycat policy announcement by Vikramaditya Singh, its senior minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, is understandable. Having belatedly figured out that peddling soft Hindutva is the worst possible strategy to fight against the BJPs hard Hindutva platform, Mr Singhs policy that required eateries to display the identities of owners, managers and operators of street food stalls and roadside eateries, in line with the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government notification, was a big blunder. With all guns blazing, the Congress leadership, Mallikarjun Kharge and evidently Rahul Gandhi via K.C. Venugopal, his close confidant, have slammed Mr Singh, hauled him to Delhi and delivered a reprimand. To be seen to be emulating the purity-Sanatan spin on the BJPs Hindutva agenda is suicidal for the Congress. It crafted a revival evident in its Lok Sabha election performance by campaigning on secularism, defending the Constitution, joblessness and unemployment, inflation and the cost of living crisis packaged together in its slogan Nafrat ke Bazar mein Mohabbat ki Dukaan . By separating governance from faith and promising policies that prioritise everyday issues, the Congress has created an alternative to the Hindutva politics personified by Narendra Modi. Any contamination of the religious kind signified by the outcry over purity would hurt the Congress and benefit the BJP in the crucial elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and later in Bihar. While the Congress needs to educate its leadership ranks in the states, the BJP is struggling to write up a new chapter to reach out to voters in states where elections are due in the next few months. It is puzzling why the BJP has hit on food, orthodoxy and purity as the pillars of its Hindutva agenda after the Lok Sabha polls, when it is obvious that voters are not willing to be diverted from the crisis of living issues that preoccupy them. Neither the party nor its great helmsman can escape accounting for the impact of the policies and decisions of the Narendra Modi government over 10 years. The accumulation of grievances affecting the largest demographic of voters in the age group of 18 to 35 years on the one hand and the small trader, small manufacturer in the unorganised sector on the other, coupled with farmers and daily wage-earners, cannot be displaced by talking Sanatan and defiled laddus. If the BJP appears to have lost the plot line in its narrative, the Congress has an entirely different problem; its narrative is whimsical and consequently weak.

Second Edition of IndianOil Race Across India to start from Srinagar on October 10

The second edition of India's most iconic and gruelling ultra cycling race the IndianOil Race Across India is set to begin on October 10, 2024, starting from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The race will conclude at the southern tip of India, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu and cover an extraordinary distance of a staggering 3758 km. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) is the proud title sponsor of this prestigious event, reinforcing their commitment to the growth of endurance sports in the country. IndianOil Race Across India is setting new benchmarks for cycling in India, aiming to meet international standards while ensuring a fair and safe race for all participants. Covering an extraordinary distance of 3,758 kilometres, this race will test the endurance of participants as they ride through 12 states, confronting diverse landscapes, climates, and terrain. The race is recognised by the World Ultracycling Association (WUCA) and serves as a Race Across America (RAAM) Qualifier Event (RQ). All finishers of the IndianOil Race Across India will automatically qualify to participate in the globally renowned Race Across America, the most prestigious ultra-cycling race in the world. Jammu and Kashmir Administration and Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council officially support the race. The Challenge: Starting amidst the snow-covered Himalayas, the route will take participants along National Highway 44, Indias longest highway, from the northern mountains to the coastal lands of Tamil Nadu, passing through key Indian states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Riders will experience rapid shifts in climate, from the cold of the Himalayas to the heat of the Deccan Plateau and the humid coastal regions in the south. The race will see participants conquer 18,201 meters of elevation gain as they pass through significant mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Aravallis, Vindhyas, and Satpuras, while crossing major rivers like the Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, and Krishna. With its challenging terrain and weather transitions, this race will push the riders' mental and physical strength to the limits over the course of 1-2 weeks. Participants: This years edition features solo riders, relay teams, and a special team of 4 participants who are especially abled, riding with the inspiring mission of raising awareness through their initiative, Race to Vision. Their participation exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and determination, showcasing that cycling has the power to break barriers. This teams journey is a testament to perseverance, inclusivity, and their vision of a world without limits. The race has also attracted international participants, adding a global flavour to this high-stake event. Notable among the participants are solo riders above the age of 60, proving that endurance knows no age limits. This year, we are proud to announce that defence participants have also registered, with representatives from the Indian Navy, Air Force and Police Department, adding to the diversity of competitors. Their participation reflects the races commitment to inclusivity and national pride. Total Solo Participants -14 and Relay Team of 2-02 and Team of 4- 05 Teams total 21 teams Race Duration The race is designed to challenge even the most seasoned cyclists: Solo riders must complete the race within 12 days. Relay team of 4 have a time limit of 8 days. Relay team of 2 time limit of 10 days. Above 60 + solo a time limit of 13 days. With its grand scale and unparalleled challenge, the IndianOil Race Across India promises to be an extraordinary test of endurance, resilience, and teamwork, taking riders through some of Indias most scenic and diverse landscapes. Race Highlights of Participants 1. 9 International Participants 2. Participants from Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Army 3. From Maharashtra Police Commando Force One 4. Practicing doctors 5. Visually impaired riders A National Journey This race is not just a competition; its a celebration of the strength and diversity of India. From the peaks of the Himalayas to the southern coastline, riders will witness the beauty of Indias varied geography, cultural richness, and the heart of its people. Organizing Team Members: We are proud to introduce our dedicated organizing team members for the IndianOil Race Across India 2.0, who have worked tirelessly to bring this iconic event to life: 1. Jeetendra Nayak Project Director 2. Vivit Walve Race Director 3. Mukul Samarth 4. Dilip Warkad 5. Ravindra Paranjape 6. Manoj Jadhav 7. Bhushan Deosarkar 8. Different Cycling Groups all across the country

TN Governors remarks on secularism sparks row; Oppn demands dismissal

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, while addressing an event in Kanyakumari made a sensational statement saying the concept of secularism is European and India does not need it stirring controversy. What does secularism mean? Secularism is a European concept that evolved after a conflict between the church and the king whereas Bharat is a dharma-centric 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 .

NIA Searches 11 Locations in TN in Hizb-Ut-Tahrir Islamic Conspiracy Case

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday searched multiple locations across Tamil Nadu in an anti-election campaign promoted as part of a divisive conspiracy of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir organisation seeking to establish Islamic rule in the country. NIA teams conducted extensive searches at the houses of 11 suspects in Chennai, Tambaram and Kanyakumari districts, and seized various incriminating materials, including digital devices, unaccounted cash, and literature belonging to Hizb-ut-Tahrir. The case RC-02/2024/NIA/CHE relates to causing and creating disaffection through various social media handles, and campaigning against exercising electoral franchise, voting, deemed by Hizb-ut-Tahrir as un-Islamic/Haram. Hizb-ut-Tahrir is an organization engaged in instigating its followers to overthrow the lawfully established democratic government through divisive actions. Hameed Hussain, a key conspirator in the case, had collaborated with five other accused persons to hold secret meetings for promoting the anti-India ideology of Hizb-ut-Tahrir. The NIA investigations in the case so far have revealed that the accused, along with several groups of people, had carried out campaigns throughout Tamil Nadu to establish Khilafah/Islamic rule in India, and had been involved in activities aimed at dividing the people and disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Investigations in the case, taken over by NIA from Chennai city police in July this year, are continuing, and the material seized during the searches is being examined.

Secularism is 'European concept not Bhartiya': Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi

Secularism is a European concept evolved after a conflict between the church and the king whereas Bharat is a dharma-centric nation and therefore, it was not part of the Constitution, but added during the Emergency by one insecure prime minister, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has said. A lot of frauds have been committed on the people of the country, and one of them was a wrong interpretation of secularism, he said addressing an event in Kanyakumari district on Sunday. What does secularism mean? Secularism is a European concept, secularism is not a Bharatiya concept, he said. Decades later, during emergency (1975-77), one insecure Prime Minister, introduced secularism in the Constitution in order to appease some sections of people, the Governor alleged. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister during the emergency. He further said in Europe, secularism emerged as there was a fight between the church and the king and in order to end this conflict, which went on for a long time, thi

Only 'Sisodia-Kejriwal' duo together can build schools in Delhi: Sisodia

AAP leader Manish Sisodia urged people on Monday to vote for his party in next year's Assembly polls in Delhi while asserting that only the Kejriwal-Sisodia combine can build schools in the national capital. During a foot march in Dwarka, he also said Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP's election symbol room were the eal symbols of honesty. The former Delhi deputy CM launched the padyatra on August 16, days after coming out of Tihar where he was lodged for 17 months in the excise policy case. The aim of the march is to reach out to people in all 70 Assembly constituencies in Delhi. Only Manish and Kejriwal's duo can build schools... Kejriwal and the broom (party symbol) are the real symbols of honesty, he said before beginning the march in the Dwarka Assembly segment. Whenever I see a photo of Kejriwal Ji, the one thought that comes to mind is that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari he is the symbol of honesty. We have worked with honesty... worked with courage... there was a lot of

Secularism a European concept, let it be there: TN guv

A lot of frauds have been committed on the people of the country, and one of them was a wrong interpretation of secularism, he said addressing an event in Kanyakumari district on Sunday.

Award winning film Navras Katha Collage team seeks support in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 11: The team of the 58 International and National award winning film Navras Katha Collage today reached Jammu as part of their ongoing journey to promote the movie across the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Recently, the team of the movie visited Dal Lake in Kashmir valley to interact with locals and share the insights about the film. Directed, produced and acted by Praveen Hingonia, the film that is set to release on October 18, 2024 [] The post Award winning film Navras Katha Collage team seeks support in Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

58 awards winning NKC movie team reaches Jammu as part of K2K promotion

Jammu Tawi: A team comprising of producer-director and some of the actors associated with the Hindi feature film Navras Katha Collage today reached Jammu as a part of its Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K) promotion campaign. The campaign was started from Srinagar on Monday. The team associated with the film including producer director and actor Praveen [] The post 58 awards winning NKC movie team reaches Jammu as part of K2K promotion appeared first on Northlines .

J-K: Shah says only Centre can ensure statehood restoration, dismisses opposition's autonomy plank

JAMMU: Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday dismissed the opposition's attempt to revive the autonomy plank during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls and asked the NC-Congress alliance to stop fooling people by promising statehood as only the Centre can restore the status. Shah assured people about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood after the assembly election, which he said is the first under the national flag and the Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government. At a BJP workers' rally at Ploura in the Jammu North assembly segment, told them that Jammu would decide the formation of government and the National Conference-Congress alliance would ever be able to form a government. Accusing the Congress-National Conference alliance of attempting to revive the old system and pushing Jammu and Kashmir into the fire of terrorism and corruption again, Shah said, The time when someone else was deciding whose government will be formed (in J&K) has gone. Now Jammu will decide the formation of government. The NC and Congress, however, claimed the BJP was attempting to sow confusion and fear among the electorate as it was in a state of panic since the two parties announced a seat-sharing arrangement and asserted that the 10-year BJP rule in the country was a disappointment. Shah was in Jammu on a two-day visit to boost the BJP's election campaign for the assembly polls, voting for which is scheduled on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. He released the party's manifesto on his first day of visit on Friday and also chaired meetings with senior leaders to discuss the campaign strategy. The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are historic because, after Independence, the polls are happening for the first time under our national flag and Constitution, unlike the past practice of two flags and two constitutions. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we have only one prime minister and he is Modi, Shah told the rally before leaving for Delhi. (PM) Modi restored your honour by ending discrimination and injustice faced by you. Ensure (the formation of) a government that will work for you so that you do not have to go to Srinagar with a begging bowl. It is possible by strengthening Modi's hand, he said. Shah started his over half-an-hour speech at the BJP workers' rally by paying tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Baba Daleep Singh Manhas and extended greetings to the nation on Ganesh Chaturthi and the Jain community on Paryushana Parva. He introduced the BJP's candidates from 11 seats of Jammu districts that are going to polls in the last phase and said, We have to not only defeat their opponents but also ensure that they lose their security deposits. This election is being held outside the shadow of Article 370. We have seen a miracle in the Lok Sabha elections when 58. 46 per cent of voters exercised their franchise unlike in the past when 10 per cent voting was being celebrated by the previous governments in Delhi. This is the biggest success of democracy, he said, reiterating that there will be no talks with Pakistan till terrorism ends and peace is restored. On the opposition's poll promise of statehood restoration, Shah said, I want to ask Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi, who is going to restore the statehood. You cannot give it back. Why are you misleading the public? It is the central government and BJP and I have already said inside Parliament that we will restore statehood at an appropriate time after assembly elections. They should hear my speech on August 5 and 6 (in 2019). He also criticised the NC for its promise of releasing stone-pelters and terrorists from jails and alleged that their aim is to revive terrorism in the peaceful Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts of Jammu. Kashmir has borne the brunt of terrorism because there were governments that used to close their eyes and the people at the helm used to flee. If NC-Congress returns to power, consider that as a revival of terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir, especially Jammu has to decide whether they want terrorism or peace and development. Nobody dares to infiltrate when there is the BJP. When the Modi government took over (in 2014), it spelt destruction for those funding terrorism by sending them to jails. They are talking about starting suspended LoC trade, the dividends of which go to terrorism, he said. The BJP-led government has brought down terror incidents in the Union territory by 70 per cent, the home minister claimed. The NDA government would not allow the revival of terrorism, autonomy and injustice with any community, including Gujjars, Pahari, Bakerwals and Dalits who have been granted reservation by the BJP dispensation, he said. Referring to the NC's promise of implementation of the autonomy resolution, Shah said no power can talk about autonomy as more than 40,000 people have lost their lives to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2000, the National Conference government under Farooq Abdullah passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state. It was, however, rejected by the Union Cabinet headed by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I am reading the writing on the wall that NC and Congress will never form a government. They are the people who forced Maharaja Hari Singh to exile and only his ashes could be brought back after his death, Shah said. Shah said it was the BJP that fulfilled the aspirations and long-pending demands of the people of the Jammu region and mentioned the announcement of a holiday on the birth anniversary of the last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh to bolster his claim. Should those who insulted the maharaja and forced him into exile win? he posed while alleging that the NC-Congress alliance has a divisive agenda. Do you agree with changing the name of Shankaracharya Hill (in Srinagar) to 'Takht-e-Suleiman'? This is on their agenda, he asked the gathering. Continuing his tirade against the NC, Congress and the PDP, he accused the three of indulging in mass corruption. The corruption by these families is equal to that in the entire country, the Union home minister alleged. Had the money taken by them been utilised for development of the region, no work would have been left incomplete in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to remind the youth of Kashmir that you gave power to them but Abdullah and his family fled to England in the face of terrorism while the youth fell to terrorism which we wiped out. Vote anyone you want but do not make them win as their agenda will bring back terrorism and stop development, he added. Recounting the Modi government's works, Shah said it has spent over Rs 32,000 crore for the development of the Jammu region alone in the past 10 years. He also referred to the annual Amarnath Yatra and said over 5. 12 lakh pilgrims from across the country offered their prayers at the shrine this year without any fear while crediting the Modi dispensation for it. The Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Raman Bhalla slammed BJP for targeting the NC-Congress alliance and said, The BJP is visibly shaken and resorting to smear tactics against the INDIA bloc, sensing a resounding defeat at the hands of the people. Instead of engaging in meaningful debate on their dismal governance record, they are attempting to sow confusion and fear among the electorate. But let me tell you this, their tactics won't work, he said.

Voice of love is heard in every corner: Gandhi on 2nd anniversary of BJY

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which started in Kanyakumari on September 7, 2022 and was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, concluded on January 30 in Srinagar after covering 3,970 km

'Discovered power to...': Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pens note on Bharat Jodo Yatra's 2nd anniversary

Rahul Gandhi launched the yatra from Kanyakumari on September 7, 2022. It culminated on January 30, 2023, as he capped the ambitious 145-day journey in Srinagar.

Cong lauds Bharat Jodo Yatra on 2nd anniversary, says it united society

The Congress on Saturday hailed the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying the Kanyakumari-Kashmir march was a massive booster dose for the party and a historic mass movement which became synonymous with uniting the society. On the second anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the yatra proved that Indians were inherently loving people and oday our mission remains to ensure that the voice of love is heard in every corner of the country. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the distance covered on foot by Rahul Gandhi and Bharat Jodo Yatris from Kanyakumari to Kashmir awakened an unprecedented public consciousness of love, mutual harmony and brotherhood in the hearts of crores of people. On the occasion of the second anniversary of Bharat Jodo Yatra, I only appeal to the people of the country to continue the struggle to preserve the Constitution and democracy, Kharge said in a post in Hindi. Our .

J-K heading for 'historic' assembly elections under national flag and Constitution: Amit Shah

JAMMU: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday assured restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir after the assembly polls, which he said are the first under the national flag and the Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370 by the Modi government. He accused the Congress-National Conference alliance of making attempts to revive the old system. The NDA government will not allow the revival of terrorism, autonomy, and injustice with any community including Gujjars, Pahari, Bakerwals and Dalits who were granted reservation by the BJP dispensation, he said. Shah is in Jammu on a two-day visit to boost the BJP's election campaign for the three-phase assembly elections, beginning September 18. He released the party's manifesto on his first day of visit on Friday and also chaired two crucial meetings with senior leaders to discuss the campaign strategy. The coming elections in J-K are historic because after Independence, the polls are happening for the first time under our national flag and Constitution, unlike in the past practice of two flags and two constitutions. We have only one prime minister from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and he is Modi, the home told a BJP workers' rally here on Saturday. Taking a dig at the National Conference-Congress alliance, Shah alleged they are trying to push Jammu and Kashmir into the fire of terrorism once again when the government has brought down terror incidents in the Union Territory by 70 per cent. The National Conference and the Congress will never be able to form a government in J-K, be confident about it, Shah told the party workers, encouraging them to ensure the success of the BJP candidates to form the next government.

Mission remains to ensure voice of love heard in every corner of country: Rahul on 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' anniversary

NEW DELHI: On the second anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the yatra proved that Indians were inherently loving people and oday our mission remains to ensure that the voice of love is heard in every corner of the country. The Bharat Jodo Yatra taught me the beauty of silence. Amid cheering crowds and slogans, I discovered the power to tune out the noise and focus entirely on the person next to me - to truly listen, Gandhi said in a post on X. In those 145 days, and the two years since, I've listened to thousands of Indians from diverse backgrounds. Each voice has carried wisdom, teaching me something new, and each has represented our beloved Bharat Mata, the former Congress chief said. The yatra proved that Indians are inherently loving people, he said. When I started this journey I said love will conquer hate and hope will defeat fear, today our mission remains the same - to ensure the voice of Bharat Mata, the voice of love is heard in every corner of our beloved country, Gandhi said, using the hashtag 'Bharat judne tak'. Gandhi launched the yatra from Kanyakumari on September 7, 2022. It culminated on January 30, 2023, as he capped the ambitious 145-day journey in Srinagar. During the march, Gandhi addressed 12 public meetings, more than 100 street corner meetings and 13 press conferences. He had over 275 planned walking interactions and more than 100 sitting interactions. With more than 4,000 kilometres under his belt, Gandhi managed to catch the attention of his supporters as well as detractors. The march witnessed participation from a cross-section of society, including film and TV celebrities such as Kamal Haasan, Pooja Bhatt, Riya Sen, Swara Bhasker, Rashami Desai, Akanksha Puri and Amol Palekar. Besides, writers and military veterans, including former Army chief Gen (Retd) Deepak Kapoor and ex-Navy chief Admiral (Retd) L Ramdas, and noted people such as former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan and ex-finance secretary Arvind Mayaram also participated in the yatra. Opposition leaders such as the National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, People's Democratic Party's Mehbooba Mufti, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Aaditya Thackeray, Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sanjay Raut, and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Supriya Sule also walked alongside Gandhi at various points during the march.

Bharat Jodo Yatra was massive booster dose for Congress, says Ramesh

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was a massive booster dose for the party and heralded a change in the country's politics. Today is the 2nd anniversary of the start of the truly transformational Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra. Over 200 Bharat Yatris led by Rahul Gandhi completed the 4000 km long yatra, overwhelmingly on foot, over a period of 145 days and covering 12 states and 2 UTs, Ramesh said. This yatra led to unprecedented connectivity and collectivity and was a massive booster dose for the Indian National Congress. It heralded a change in the politics of our country as well, he said. It provided the impetus for the Manipur to Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra during Jan-March 2024, Ramesh added. Rahul Gandhi launched the yatra from Kanyakumari on September 7, 2022. It culminated on January 30, 2023 as Gandhi capped his ambitious 145-day journey in Srinagar. During the course of the

Bharat Jodo Yatra Was Massive Booster Dose For Congress: Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi, Sep 7: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was a massive booster dose for the party and heralded a change in the countrys politics. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News Today is the 2nd anniversary of the start of the truly transformational Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra. Over 200 Bharat Yatris led by Rahul Gandhi completed the 4000 km long [] The post Bharat Jodo Yatra Was Massive Booster Dose For Congress: Jairam Ramesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rains Damage Roads in Nizamabad, Kamareddy

Nizamabad/Kamareddy: Heavy rains since last week have left roads in Nizamabad and Kamareddy in a pitiable condition, with motorists demanding immediate restoration works. NH-44 (Kanyakumari to Srinagar) and NH-63 (Nizamabad to Jagdalpur) are the worst affected. The district administration has sent proposals for funds to repair these roads, along with some under the state department and the panchayati raj. In Nizamabad district, 49.72 km roads under the panchayati raj were damaged and officials estimated around `3.15 crore for cost of repair works. Similarly, roads and buildings department sought `39.14 crore for permanent restoration or `2.39 crore for temporary restoration on about 59.90 km of affected portions. NH-44 is riddled with potholes from Ramayampet to Chandrayanpally in Indalwai mandal. The vehicle drivers are unable to notice the dangerous potholes. Construction of flyovers near Kamareddy and Gandhari have affected motorists too. The National Highway Authority of India officials have started repair works at some places but they are going slowly. Rajender, a realtor, said, Why not take up road repair works on war footing when NHAI mandatorily collects toll charges from the people at different places. The bypass road at Arsapally railway gate, Dichpally (NH-44), Nizamabad Road, Nizamabad to Bodhan roads are damaged. District collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu reviewed the situation and directed officials to take up repair works in Nizamabad district.

South Central Railway Cancels 8 Trains, 26 Diverted Amid Heavy Rains

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway on Sunday has cancelled eight trains and diverted 26 trains in view of heavy rains and water logging over the tracks. Two trains were partially cancelled. Accordingly, Vijayawada-Secunderabad (12713), Secunderabad-Vijayawada (12714), Guntur-Secunderabad (17201), Secunderabad-Sirpur Kaghaznagar (17233), Secunderabad-Guntur (12706), Guntur-Secunderabad (12705), Secunderabad-Guntur (17202) and Visakhapatnam-Secunderabad (20708) has been cancelled. SCR also partially cancelled two trains: Tirupati-Karimnagar (12761) train cancelled between Vijayawada-Karimnagar and Visakhapatnam-New Delhi (20805) cancelled between Vijayawada-New Delhi. SCR has also diverted certain trains which are: Visakhapatnam-Nanded (20811) diverted via Vijayawada-Guntur-Nalgonda-Pagidipalli. Visakhapatnam-Tirupati (12739) diverted via Guntur-Nalgonda-Pagidipalli Tambaram-Hyderabad (12759) diverted via Guntur-Nalgonda-Pagidipalli Danapur-Bengaluru (03241) diverted via Kazipet-Secunderabad-Sulehallli-Guntakal-Dharmavaram Nizamuddin-Kanyakumari (12642) diverted via Balharshah-Secunderabad-Sulehalli-Guntakal-Kadapa-Renigunta-Arakkonam-Chennai Beach CST Mumbai-Bhubaneswar (11019) diverted via Secunderabad-Pagidipalli-Guntur-Vijayawada Bhubaneswar -CST Mumbai (11020) diverted via Vijayawada-Guntur-Pagidipalli-Secunderabad Visakhapatnam- LTT Mumbai (18519) diverted via Vijayawada-Guntur-Pagidipalli-Secunderabad Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad (12727) diverted via Vijayawada-Guntur-Nalgonda-Pagidipalli-Secunderabad Ernakulam-Nizamuddin (12645) diverted via Renigunta-Guntakal-Sulehalli-Secunderabad-Kazipet-Balharshah Trivandrum-New Delhi (12625) diverted via Renigunta-Guntakal-Sulehalli-Secunderabad-Kazipet-Balharshah Chennai-New Delhi (12615) diverted via Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram-Raipur-Nagpur Chennai-New Delhi (12621) diverted via Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram-Raipur-Nagpur Kochuveli-Indore (22646) diverted via Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram-Raipur-Nagpur Bengaluru-Danapur (03246) diverted via Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram-Raipur-Nagpur Adilabad-Tirupati (17406) diverted via Secunderabad-Sulehalli-Guntakal-Renigunta Tirupati-Adilabad (17405) diverted via Gudur-Tenali-Guntur-Pagidipalli-Secunderabad Srimata Vaishnodevi Katra-Chennai (16032) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada New Delhi-Visakhapatnam (20806) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada New Delhi-Chennai (12616) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada Ahmedabad-Chennai (12655) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada New Delhi-Trivandrum (12626) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada New Delhi-Chennai (12622) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada Bilaspur-Chennai (12851) diverted via Nagpur-Raipur-Vizianagaram-Duvvada-Vijayawada Nizamuddin-Chennai (12270) diverted via Kazipet-Kacheguda-Gooty-Renigunta-Chennai Korba-Kochuveli (22647) diverted via Kazipet-Kacheguda-Gooty-Renigunta-Jolarpettai

Chennai to Nagercoil in 9 hours: Train route, timings, fare, top speed to be...

Chennai-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express offers the fastest connectivity to Kanyakumari, the country's southernmost tip.

Two Vande Bharat trains for Tamil Nadu

Chennai : Two of the three Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will be beneficial to the certain sections of travelling public of the State for they are operated on the routes with high demands Chennai Egmore and Nagercoil and Madurai and Bengaluru. The train connecting Chennai to Nagercoil leaves at 5 am and reaches its destination at 1.50 pm, which means it takes less than nine hours to cover the distance that the presently popular Kanyakumari Express takes about 13 hours. In return the train leaves Nagercoil at 2.20 pm and reaches Egmore at 11.15 pm. Apart from that, the departure time of the train from both Chennai and Nagercoil is totally different from the present set of trains connecting the two cities that are operated at night, leaving in the evening or early night hours to reach the destination in the morning. So it will help those who are averse to the idea of spending a night on the train and also want to travel fast. The ticket rates of Rs 1760 for chair car and Rs 3240 for executive class, even if they sound high for train travel standards, are nominal when compared to flight charges that can at time touch several more thousands to either Thoothukudi or Thiruvananthapuram, the nearest airports So there is a chance of people travelling between Chennai and Nagercoil by flight to avoid night journeys otherwise preferring the Vande Bharat. Since a flight journey might take, even if the flying time is just an hour, about five hours, taking into account the advance check in, security check, wait for the baggage at the carousel and so on, the train takes less than nine hours. All trains running between Nagercoil and Chennai are fully booked almost all through the year and passengers not getting tickets on those night trains will opt for the Vande Bharat. Similarly the other Vande Bharat connecting Madurai and Bengaluru meets a long felt need to connect the two cities. Since several people working in the IT industry in Bengaluru hail from Madurai and the neighbouring districts, the new train will be a godsend for them as the travel time is just over seven hours. Techies leaving work early to catch the train at 1.30 pm could reach their homes before 10 pm in Madurai. So despite the high rates, the trains might help some sections of people whose needs were not met by the existing train services.

2 New Vande Bharat Trains for Madurai To Offer Connectivity to Chennai, Kanyakumari & Bengaluru, Take Fleet to 54

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate 3 new Vande Bharat trains -- Chennai-Nagercoil, Madurai-Bengaluru and Meerut-Lucknow -- on Saturday

Rahul Gandhi's Martial Arts Sessions Inspire Talk of Bharat Dojo Yatra

New Delhi : Sharing glimpses of jiu-jitsu (a form of martial arts) sessions from his Barat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi indicated that there might be a Bharat Dojo Yatra soon. Dojo broadly refers to a training hall or school for martial arts. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to woo the nation with yoga, Mr Gandhi is betting on the gentle art and on-violent conflict resolution techniques through a harmonious mix of meditation, jiu-jitsu and aikido. During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, as we journeyed across thousands of kilometers, we had a daily routine of practicing jiu-jitsu every evening at our campsite. What began as a simple way to stay fit quickly evolved into a community activity, bringing together fellow yatris and young martial arts students from the towns where we stayed, Mr Gandhi posted on X along with the video of the sessions. In the video, Mr Gandhi is seen holding sessions on martial arts techniques with children. Our goal was to introduce these young minds to the beauty of the Gentle Art', a harmonious blend of meditation, jiu-jitsu, aikido, and non-violent conflict resolution techniques, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. We aimed to instill in them the value of transforming violence into gentleness, giving them the tools to build a more compassionate and safer society, Mr Gandhi said. Sharing his experience with the people on the National Sports Day on Thursday, Mr Gandhi said he hopes to inspire some to take up the practice of the gentle art. He added: P.S.: Bharat Dojo Yatra is coming soon. Mr Gandhi undertook an over two-month-long Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra that began on January 14 from Manipur and ended in Mumbai. It was a hybrid journey that was the second phase of his earlier Kanyakumari to Kashmir padyatra undertaken from September 2022 to January 2023. Insiders claim another yatra is maybe in the offing soon.

In Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari, This Ancient Temple Pays Homage To Hindu Trinity Gods

The temple's architectural design follows the Trimurti concept.

You can dine at Lal Chowk thanks to Modi: Kishan Reddy to Rahul

Srinagar: Union Minister for coal and mines and BJPs election in-charge in Jammu and Kashmir, G. Kishan Reddy, on Thursday took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that he could drove to Srinagars city centre Lal Chowk to have dinner at a restaurant known for its Kashmiri delicacies and enjoy ice-cream at a nearby parlour only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made sincere efforts to bring peace and normalcy in J&K. It is due to the 10 years of work of the Narendra Modi government that he was able to go to Lal Chowk and eat food last night, Mr. Reddy said while speaking to reporters in Jammu. Later he wrote on microblogging site X, The BJP is the party that organized the Tiranga Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to unfurl the Tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. After coming to power, the BJP-led NDA government abrogated Article 370 and has been working tirelessly to restore peace and development in the Valley. He added, As a result of the Modi government's efforts over the past 10 years, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Lal Chowk last night after midnight and personally experienced the peaceful environment in Srinagar. The people of J&K, recognizing the importance of continued development and welfare activities for a better future, have decided to support the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. The Union Minister during his interaction with the media asked the Congress leadership to clarify the partys stand on Article 370 and the National Conferences manifesto which promises that it will work towards its restoration if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly elections. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should tell the people of the country about the resolution of the National Conference. They should also talk about Congress' stand on Article 370, he said. Earlier this week, Mr. Reddy while reacting to the NCs manifesto had said that the question of bringing back Article 370 doesn't arise nor will the Abdullahs or the Congress come to power in J&K. There is no question of either Omar Abdullah or the National Conference or Congress party coming to power (in J&K), then how will they bring back Article 370. Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister, nor will he come to power, so the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise, he had said.

Holiday Rush Spurs Soaring Airfares and Packed Buses

Chennai: A long week-end, ensuring four continuous holidays for those working in five-day week offices if they just took a days leave on Friday, has led to flight charges shooting through the roof, private buses starting from the Kilambakkam bus terminus demanding Rs 3500 for a bus ride to Kanyakumari and the highway leading to the districts south of Chennai clogged with vehicular traffic from Wednesday. The long week-end starts on Independence Day, falling on Thursday, and stretches up to Sunday, prompting people from the districts to avail a four-day off and take off home by flights, trains, buses and cars from Chennai. Since trains were fully booked in advance, even four months ahead of the journey, and the unreserved coaches could not accommodate more than a certain number of people even if they packed themselves like sardines, the crowd spilled over to the long-distance bus stand and the airport. Airlines cashed on the desperation of the people by hiking the fares. As against the average normal rate of Rs 4,301 to Thoothukudi from Chennai, the holiday rate was Rs 10,796. For Madurai it was Rs 11,716 against the normal rate of Rs 4,063, for Tiruchi Rs 7,192 against the usual Rs 2,382, for Coimbatore Rs 5,349 (normal rate Rs 3369) and for Salem a whopping Rs 8,277 against the normal Rs 2715. Even in the Omni buses from Kilambakkam, the rate quote for Salem was Rs 3000 while it was Rs 2500 for Coimbatore, Rs 3000 for Madurai and Rs 3500 for any destination south of Madurai like Tirunelveli, Nagercoil and Kanyakumari. So the maddening crowds were spotted at the bus stand and airport from the evening hours and highways leading to the southern districts of the State also choked with private cars and other vehicles. However, the flight fares to destinations in neighbouring and other States did not show any phenomenal increase. Keeping with the trend of employees leaving home for long week-ends, some private companies even gave an additional holiday on Friday to enable them to have a long holiday without taking leave. Some offices even allowed employees to sign out early on Wednesday, which was evident from the crowds at the bus stand and airport before the close of office hours.

Tamil Nadu Tops in Foreign Tourist Arrivals for 2024

Chennai: Tamil Nadu has become the number one State in attracting foreign tourists with 6,45,296 foreigners visiting the various tourist spots in the State between January and June, the period in which 18,49,10,708 Indian tourists also came calling, State Tourism Minister K Ramachandran said on Tuesday. The Minister presided over a meeting to review the working of the department when it was revealed that the inflow of tourists, both foreign and Indian, had been on a steady rise since the Coronavirus pandemic and was not booming. The figures that stood at 57,622 foreigners and 11,53,36,719 Indians in 2021 rose to 4,07,139 and 21,85,84,846 respectively in 2022 and then to 11,74,899 and 28,60,11,515 respectively in 2023, and official press release said. The meeting also reviewed the various developmental work taken up at various important tourist spots in the State, the release said, adding that Chief Minister M K Stalin had released a policy note to give the tourism industry status. Some of the major renovations and improvements being done at tourist spots include the setting up of a laser lighting facility at the Thiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari at a cost of Rs 12.92 crore, refurbishing the museum at Poompuhar set up by M Karunanidhi at a cost of Rs 23.60 crore and constructing additional facilities at Hogenakkal by spending Rs 17.59 crore and in Pichavaram for Rs 14.07 crore.

Kanyakumari: Devotees offer 'Tarpana' to their ancestors on occasion of Adi Amavasya

Centre approves eight high-speed road corridors at a cost of Rs 50,655 crore

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday approved eight National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects with a total length of 936 km at a capital cost of Rs 50,655 crore to improve logistics efficiency, reduce congestion and enhance connectivity across the country. The approved projects are the six-lane Agra-Gwalior, four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram, six-lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad, four-lane Ayodhya Ring Road, the five-lane section between Pathalgaon and Gumla of Raipur-Ranchi, six-lane Kanpur Ring Road, four-lane Northern Guwahati Bypass and widening and improvement of existing Guwahati Bypass and eight-lane elevated Nashik Phata - Khed Corridor near Pune. In a statement, the government said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the development of eight important National High Speed Corridors and implementation of these projects would generate an estimated 4.42 crore mandays of direct and indirect employment. Following the cabinet approval, Modi said it was a transformative boost to Indias infrastructure landscape. The Cabinet's approval of 8 National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects at an expenditure of over Rs. 50,000 crore will have a MULTIPLIER EFFECT on our economic GROWTH and boost EMPLOYMENT opportunities. It also underlines our commitment to a futuristic and connected India, he posted on 'X'. The 88-km-long six-lane Agra Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor will be developed on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode as a fully access-controlled 6-lane corridor at a total capital cost of Rs 4,613 crore. The project will supplement the existing four-lane National Highway to increase the traffic capacity by more than two times in the Agra-Gwalior section of the North South Corridor (Srinagar-Kanyakumari). The corridor will enhance connectivity to key tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh such as Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and also in Madhya Pradesh like Gwalior Fort. It will reduce the distance between Agra and Gwalior by seven percent and the travel time by 50 percent. 140 crore Indians gave PM Modi a historic mandate. Thanks to them, a government returned to power for a third consecutive term after 60 years... Modi government laid the foundations of growth and infrastructure development in its previous two terms, in continuation of that series today cabinet took major decisions on high-speed corridor development, Vaishnaw said at a press briefing on Cabinet decisions held in the evening. The 231-km Kharagpur-Moregram National High-Speed Corridor will be at a total capital cost of Rs 10,247 crore. It will provide efficient connectivity for traffic between states such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh on one end and North-Eastern part of the country on the other. The corridor will enable reduction in travel time from the existing 9-10 hours to 3-5 hours for freight vehicles between Kharagpur and Moregram, thereby reducing logistics cost. Another project approved by the Cabinet on Friday is the 6-lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor, which is 214-km long. It aims to provide connectivity between two key National Corridors in the state of Gujarat, viz., Amritsar-Jamnagar Corridor and Delhi - Mumbai Expressway, thereby providing seamless connectivity for the freight vehicles originating from industrial regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to the major ports in Maharashtra (JNPT, Mumbai and newly-sanctioned Vadhavan port). The 68-km four-lane access-controlled Ayodhya Ring Road will reduce congestion on National Highways passing through the city thereby enabling fast movement of pilgrims visiting the Rama Mandir. The Ring Road will also provide seamless connectivity to national and international tourists arriving from Lucknow International Airport, Ayodhya Airport and major railway stations in the city. The 137-km 4-lane access-controlled Pathalgaon-Gumla section of the Raipur-Ranchi Corridor is set to enhance connectivity between mining areas in Gumla, Lohardaga, Raigarh, Korba and Dhanbad and industrial and manufacturing zones located in Raipur, Durg, Korba, Bilaspur, Bokaro and Dhanbad. The 47-km 6-lane access-controlled section of Kanpur Ring Road will enable segregation of long-distance traffic on the key National Highways, viz., NH 19 - Golden Quadrilateral, NH 27 - East West Corridor, NH 34 and upcoming Lucknow - Kanpur Expressway and Ganga Expressway from the city-bound traffic, thereby improving logistics efficiency for freight travelling between Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The 121-km Guwahati Ring Road will be developed in three sections; four-lane access-controlled Northern Guwahati Bypass (56 km), widening of the existing 4-lane bypass on NH 27 to 6 lanes (8 km), and improvement of existing bypass on NH 27 (58 km). A major bridge over the Brahmaputra river will also be constructed as a part of the project. The Guwahati Ring Road will provide seamless connectivity to long-distance traffic plying on National Highway 27 (the East West Corridor), which is the gateway to North-East Region of the country. The Ring Road will ease congestion on major National Highways around Guwahati, connecting major cities/ towns in the region -- Siliguri, Silchar, Shillong, Jorhat, Tezpur, Jogigopha and Barpeta. The 30-km 8-lane elevated National High-Speed Corridor from Nashik Phata to Khed near Pune will provide seamless high-speed connectivity for traffic originating from and heading to industrial centers of Chakan, Bhosari on NH-60 between Pune and Nashik. Infrastructure development is the foundation for a country's economic prosperity and is critical for improving the quality of life of its citizens. Every rupee spent on infrastructure development has a multiplier effect of about 2.5-3.0 times on GDP, read the statement. It further stated that realizing the importance of infrastructure in overall economic growth of the country, the Centre has been investing heavily in building world-class road infrastructure in the country over the last ten years.

Tamil Nadu on High Alert for Rains and Landslides in Hilly Regions

Chennai: The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team of the Indian Army has started search operations with the help of dog squads in the flood ravaged Wayanad district of Kerala even as the Tamil Nadu government instructed its authorities to keep a close vigil in the villages along the Western Ghats to prevent landslides. The HADR contingent has formed 10 teams, each with 30 members drawn from the Armed Forces and the Police, to launch the search operations in six zone, identified by them as Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, School area, Chooralmala town, Village area and Downstream, a Defence press release said on Friday. In Tamil Nadu, the district administrations have been told to closely watch the hilly regions during the rains and the revenue, disaster management departments to be alert to prevent any disasters in the districts of Dindigul, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Theni and Tiruppur districts, an official press release said. State Minister for PWD, Highways and Minor Ports, E V Velu, chaired a review meeting ahead of the onset of the rains in the State and told the engineers and staff to inspect the roads and bridges and undertake renovation work wherever it was required. He wanted the officials to ensure that the storm water drains were cleared of all blocks and free to allow smooth passage of water through them. If waterlogging happened on the roads, they should be cleared expeditiously with a view to not inconveniencing the members of the public, he said. Referring to the Namma Salai (Our Roads) app, which has been newly launched by the government, he wanted the officials to make the roads clear of potholes and craters to help people travel safely through the roads. Urging the engineers and staff to undertake road safety work like road markings and also expedite the renovation of roads in the Chennai and Tirunelveli regions that were devastated by floods, he underlined the need of painting black and white marking on the trunks of roadside trees and speed breakers quickly to prevent accidents. Also he wanted the trees and branches on the roadside to be cleared and lampposts and transformers on the side of roads marked for expansion to be shifted. Laying stress on quality control, he told the engineers to not clear the bills of contractors until quality control certificates were obtained for the work undertaken by them

Discover the mystique of Bhagavathi Amman temple in Kanyakumari

Dedicated to Devi Kanyakumari, Bhagavathi Amman Temple is one of the districts most popular attractions. The post Discover the mystique of Bhagavathi Amman temple in Kanyakumari appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Solatium to Fishermen in Lankan Custody Raised

Chennai: The daily assistance to families of fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan jails was raised to Rs 350 from the present Rs 250 and the relief paid for the seized but unrecoverable motorboats has been increased to Rs 6 lakh from Rs 5 lakh and for country boats to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1 lakh. These announcements were made by Chief Minister M K Stalin when representatives of fishermen associations from the districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam called on him on Monday at the Secretariat with a plethora of demands, including the release of 87 fishermen currently in Sri Lankan jails and the 175 boats in custody. The increase in compensation for the 127 unrecoverable boats seized between 2018 and 2023 would cost the exchequer Rs 6.82 crore, an official press release said. Among the other demands placed by the fishermen representatives were permission to meet the imprisoned fishermen, for which the Chief Minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take steps. Stalin also urged the MPs from the State to meet Jaishankar and prevail upon him to find a lasting solution to the problems faced by the fishermen setting out to their traditional waters in the Palk Straits for livelihood. Another demand that the Chief Minister agreed to look into was the desilting of the sea near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram. The Chief Minister also inaugurated from the Secretariat four completed projects of Aavin, costing Rs 43.61 crore, and laid the foundation for a new cattle feed making factory at Thittakudi in Cuddalore district to be set up at a cost of Rs 33 crore. The Department of Rural Development Panchayat Raj, too, had a few of their projects launched by the Chief Minister, which included the flagging off of 391 department vehicles purchased for Rs 35.3 crore. Besides, 19 panchayat union offices, built by spending Rs 71.94 crore, were also declared open. Stalin also handed over the Best Transgender Award for 2024 Sandhya Devi for her service for the betterment of the transgender community. The award instituted by the State government comes with a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a certificate of appreciation. Hailing from Thovalai in Kanyakumari district, Sandhya Devi, who ekes out a living stringing flowers, is interested in the folk art Villisai and has performed over 1000 concerts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, an official press release said.

Govt Not Responsible for Revenge Killing: Minister

Chennai: Asserting that the law and order situation in the State was perfect and that the police were now weeding out anti-social elements systematically, State Law Minister S Regupathy said on Monday that the government could not be held responsible for revenge killings. Responding to the charges of the Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, who alleged that 595 murders had been committed since January 1, the Law Minister told the media at the Secretariat that the State continued to be a garden of peace, attracting industrialists and businesspersons keen on making investments in new ventures. While the police were closely watching the old known rowdies, a younger crop of new criminals had mushroomed, he said, adding that the police were working on eliminating them. Otherwise it was not right to term the State as a murder capital or a violent place, he said. When the government had very well managed to keep the Law and Order situation intact, the State cannot be accused of failing to prevent the murders committed out of revenge or due to previous enmity, he said. The crime rate might have gone up since the population of the State has also grown, he said. In a bid to dispel the wrong image sought to be created by opposition parties with regard to the law and order situation, the Minister pointed out that when they listed out murders they even included those that had happened in the neighboring Puducherry to boost up the numbers. Asked about a prevailing threat perception in the State, he said that anyone fearing attacks could alert the police and get protection and added that there was no fear among the people. However, criticism of the opposition parties on the deteriorating law and order continued with PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss alleging that political functionaries of different parties were murdered in different places on Sunday. In a statement on Monday, Anbumani Ramadoss listed the victims as Padmanathan of the AIADMK in Cuddalore, Selvakumar of BJP in Sivagangai district and Jackson, husband of AIADMK functionary Usharani, in Kanyakumari district. Anbumani Ramadoss urged the police to not cover up the murders saying that they were committed due to previous enmity and also referred to a video of two 17-year-old youth indulging in violence going viral, pointing to an increase in crime due to drug use.