Serial offender involved in over 50 cases nabbed in Chittoor
The accused belonging to Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu has over 50 criminal cases registered in TN and one in Chittoor district, say police
Geetha Iyers Miniature Giants weaves stories and science
Insects are the quiet, unsung heroes of biodiversity. They are small, and so they slip past our notice, but they have always been so vital in maintaining the balance in our ecosystem. While our attention gravitates toward majestic tigers, soaring birds, and towering trees, it is the tiny workers beneath our feet and above our heads who keep nature running like a well-oiled machine. They pollinate flowers, keep pests in check, and feed countless other creatures, forming the invisible scaffold that holds ecosystems together. To overlook insects is to overlook the very heartbeat of the world that hums, crawls, and flutters tirelessly to keep life thriving. Understanding these very insects has, therefore, become not only important but endlessly demanding, and it is in pursuit of this challenge that Geetha Iyer, an author and independent consultant in education and environment, returns once again; now with her third book dedicated to unravelling the world of insects. While her first book Satpada, Our World of Insects is best described as a beginners handbook, her second, The Weavers: The Curious World of Insects delved into the science of how they weave, and use silk in their lives. In her latest work, Miniature Giants: Insect Stories Beyond the Ordinary, she says, she is batting for insects and their reputation. The backyard of her home in the picturesque village of Suchindram, Kanniyakumari, doubles as a laboratory, where she spends hours observing insects and even the village itself, she says, becomes her natural field site. But her observations werent limited to Suchindram. She spent five years at the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, and spent more years surveying moths and insects at Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Western Ghats. The book clubs her observations with discoveries by entomologists and scientists globally, but all weaved into simple and interesting stories. Geetha Iyer Ahead of the books launch by the Madras Naturalists Society (MNS) on Friday, Geetha, also a life member of MNS, shares her concerns for the world of insects. Citing that the number of insects is fast declining, she hopes that the book will trigger healthy conversation. If we want a healthy Earth, we need a healthy insect-friendly ecosystem, she says. Geetha also believes that curiosity about insects grows when fear fades, and she uses familiar examples to dissolve misconceptions. People fear bees and wasps because they sting. But why do bees leave their stings and die, while wasps and hornets dont? Why does the pain linger in our memory? Experience, she adds, is the bridge between science and empathy. If you know their behaviour, then you know how to protect yourself, she says, recalling how she learned to remain still when surrounded by buzzing insects. Wasps, hornets and bees see moving objects well but not still ones slight movement can prove to be painful. These details lie in various scientific publications. I have simplified and converted them into story form, keeping science to a minimum. Beyond learning how to protect ourselves and appreciating these tiny creatures, the author believes we can even learn from them. Across the book, my stories about them have tried to bring home the idea that insects are self-sufficient. They are so self-sufficient that scientists are discovering from their lives, technologies to solve many of the problems humans face, she informs. By reading her upcoming book, she hopes readers will walk away with a new understanding that the world of insects cannot be reduced to the narrow labels of harmful and beneficial as taught in classrooms. Instead, she wants people to recognise them as partners in sustaining a healthy and balanced life. For her, the responsibility remains unchanged: to draw attention to the indispensable role insects play in maintaining the well-being of the Earth. And as she writes in her book, It is my belief that to protect the insects is to protect us humans and many other species from going extinct. Conservation of forests and wildlife will not fulfil its goals if we ignore insects and other invertebrates. The book, published by Penguin Viking, is available on Amazon. Priced at `458.99
Cyclone Ditvaah has caused widespread disruption, leading to school closures in several southern regions. Meanwhile, local holidays have been declared in Tiruvannamalai and Kanyakumari districts on December 3 for religious festivals. Tamil Nadu remains on high alert for further intense rainfall.
Violin maestro A. Kanyakumari honoured with Mudhra Award of Excellence
The Sangeetha Mudhra Awards were also presented during the inauguration of Mudhras 31st Fine Arts Festival
From Italy to Kerala, in search of art and its completeness
The dim-lit stage, with its hand-stitched curtain of bold geometric designs barely concealing the artist, set the mood. The warm hues from the flickering kalivilakku (traditional lamp) added an aura that evoked centuries of aesthetics and a way of life where art was inseparably woven into human existence. It was in such a setting at the Margi theatre in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday that Giulia Tonello debuted her Kathakali performance. It marked the culmination of three months of rigorous training for the Turin-born artist, whose English is still tinged with Italian and whose Malayalam is, at best, pidgin. And the stage became the true test of her learning. Giulia grew up with art all around her grand piazzas, Baroque architecture and classic museums like the Museo Egizio and the National Museum of Cinema that define Turin in northwest Italy. She had found in her city art expressions that spoke silently yet eloquently. Yet, something was amiss, she says. Art was there, but more as part of the whole than as the whole itself. Giulia being readied as Krishna by her guru Sadanam Vishnu Prasad. The 25-year-old came to Thiruvananthapuram in September, seeking that sense of completeness. The eclectic movements and deep, soulful expressions of Kathakali drew her in. Its so complete an art, says the theatre studies student from the University of Turin, who is in Kerala on a scholarship. Here, artists live it every bit. Back home, art is everywhere but not many artists imbibe it in whole. There is no growing into or unison with the art like it is here. Giulia found the wholeness she was seeking in Kathakali, notes Sadanam Vishnu Prasad, who trained her in purapaadu (introduction), mudraparichayam (hand gestures), and kaalsadhakam (adavus or legwork) the foundational lessons in Kathakali. Kathakali is indeed a complete art form, with delicate balances of nritya, nritta, and natya (dance, drama, and body movements) as well as sangeetam and vadyam (music and percussion), he adds. Giulia took stage ahead of a performance of Nalacharitam Third Day by the Margi troupe. We prepared her in 18 classes. It was very intensive, and her determination was exemplary, says Vishnu, seated in the green room painting facial makeup patterns in predominantly green hues and accenting them with other softer colours, all traditionally Ayurvedic blends. Giulias role for the evening was that of Lord Krishna. Purapaadu is the introductory dance, mostly legwork. It is to invoke the gods for their blessings for a bright path ahead, she explains. Final look: Giulia Tonello Back in Italy, Giulia is part of three theatre groups. It was during one performance that my professor told me I should go to Kerala to learn more about theatres ultimate expressions, she says. For this, he suggested that I first gain the balance of mind, body, thoughts, and soul. He had taken up Kalari and Kathakali himself, and recommended the same to me. And here I am, she says, sitting through the elaborate five-hour Kathakali make-up process. As the chutti artist begins, she remains still while strips of paper, cotton, and cloth dipped in rice water are pasted along her face in a semi-spherical frame. One of her friends at Margi opens her notebook kept beside and gestures what the jottings in Italian were. Giulia suppresses a chuckle, and points to her sketches of mudras and expressions on the subsequent pages of the book to give a glimpse into her diligence. Her notebook is filled with drawings of mudras and notes on talam. I wrote down everything so that I could practise after my 90-minute training session every day, Giulia says. Language often stood between Giulia and her guru, as both had only a smattering of English. But there was a language that emerged between us from all this of gestures and the grammar of Kathakali, she adds. Guilia recalls rushing from her rented accommodation in Kamaleshwaram to CVN Kalari for training sessions at 6 am every day. Then she would head to Margi for her Kathakali lessons around noon. I would again go back for kalaripayattu in the evening, and then at home by 6pm, I would practise the days lessons for about 60 minutes. The regimen was difficult at first, but slowly, I got tuned to a discipline and lifestyle that I began to enjoy. Art, as I wanted, began to fill my life, she notes. On her off days, she found time to travel to Kanyakumari, visit temples, and even attend a Carnatic concert. I had googled about Kerala after my Kalari trainer in Paris introduced me to the state in June. But it was very different when I came here, she says. Its been amazing. And I find the penchant for art here so impressive. One does not see this in Italy. Though I loved the food here, I did miss pasta and made it once in a while at home. Vishnu asks her to stop speaking so as to avoid disrupting the facial makeup process. Now she knows everything the way of life. She would come rushing from Kalari for Kathakali lessons and wouldnt have eaten anything. She would then share our food. She adjusted well to everything here. Giulia, who will leave for Italy on December 6, hopes to return next August for advanced training in the various veshams (roles) of Kathakali. Before that, she wishes to host her friends from Margi in Turin with help from her university. The world should know about the hidden talents of these wonderful artists who have given their life for this art. Such involvement is rare, she smiles, before turning still and silent for the chutti.
Nationwide blood donation campaigner reaches Mlaya
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Nov 27: Randeep Batta, who describes himself as the first Indian to embark on a nationwide blood donation awareness campaign, is currently on a mission to promote voluntary blood donation through his Kashmir to Kanyakumari Raktdaan Jaagrukta Abhiyan. As part of this solo journey, Batta is travelling across every state []
TN man dies of rabies, ignored dog bite for 3 months
Tamil Nadu: A 31-year-old from Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari district succumbed to rabies infection on Monday, November 10, after he did not get treated for a dog bite from three months ago. The victim, Ayyappan, was a construction worker and had been working at a site in the Kaval Kinaru area of the district when he 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 .
Tamil Nadu Man Dies Of Rabies After He Refused Treatment For Dog Bite
A 31-year-old construction worker in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district has died of rabies, three months after he was bitten by a dog.
Cyclonic storm over Bay of Bengal may trigger heavy rains from October 27
A fresh low-pressure area formed over southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27 and may cause heavy rainfall across Odisha and some parts of West Bengal for three days starting Monday, officials said. Bhubaneswar meteorological department director Manorama Mohanty said the weather system has moved west-northwestwards over the past three hours and is likely to move in that direction further. It will become a depression over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal by October 25, a deep depression by October 26, and a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27, Mohanty told reporters here. Asked whether the system will make landfall on the Odisha coast, she said, It is too early to predict, but wherever it makes landfall, Odisha is likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from October 27 to 29.The coastal districts are expected to be most affected. The IMD has issued a yellow warning for light to moderate rainfall in 12 districts on Friday, 21 districts each on Saturday and Sunday, and across the entire state on Monday. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state government was closely monitoring the situation and prepared to face any eventuality. October is generally considered a cyclone-prone month. There is no need to panic. The government is fully prepared to handle the situation, Pujari said. The system is also likely to bring heavy rainfall in south Bengal districts comprising North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram and Howrah between October 28 and 30, weather officials said. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely in Kolkata and adjoining Hooghly district on October 28. North Bengal districts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda are also likely to get heavy rain between October 29 and 30, they said. The low pressure has also triggered a fresh spell of northeast monsoon rains in the North coastal region of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai . An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts on October 27, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Parts of Chengalpattu and Ranipet are also expected to receive intense showers during the said period. According to the IMDs five-day forecast, heavy rains are likely in Chennai and neighbouring districts till October 28 with possibilities of waterlogging in low-lying areas. In the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Friday, widespread rainfall were reported across several districts, with Pallipattu in Tiruvallur recording the highest at 15 cm, followed by Nalumukku in Tirunelveli (12 cm) and Oothu (11 cm). Arakonam in Ranipet district recorded 10 cm, while Medavakkam in Chennai received 9 cm. Several parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli, also witnessed moderate to heavy spells. Chennai Corporation officials said field teams have been placed on alert to clear stormwater drains and ensure swift water discharge ahead of the rains this weekend. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as strong winds are likely to prevail along the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coast in the coming days. With the northeast monsoon active, IMD officials cautioned that intense rainfall episodes may continue over the next week, particularly in northern coastal districts. (With inputs from SV Krishna Chaitanya , PTI)
Tamil Nadu: IMD predicts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms in Kanyakumari, other districts
The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in southern Tamil Nadu districts until Thursday morning. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed the Northeast monsoon is active, with potential for heavier rainfall than last year. The state has already seen 16,000 hectares of farmland inundated, with compensation planned for damaged crops.
Millions celebrated Diwali 2025 nationwide. Ayodhya set a Guinness World Record for lighting over 2.6 million lamps. Markets saw a shopping frenzy for festive essentials. Concerns over air pollution led to the allowance of green firecrackers. Families embraced traditions, blending them with environmental awareness for a joyous festival.
Sports Ministry to organize 2-week cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Excelsior Sports Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 17: Fit India, the flagship mission of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is set to organise a two-week cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K) starting October 31. The expedition will cover a mammoth distance of 4,480 kilometres, beginning in Srinagar and passing through the states of Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka before culminating in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on November 16. A total of 150 riders will take part in the [] The post Sports Ministry to organize 2-week cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mysuru Dasara: Hundreds take part in Heritage Cycle Ride
Mysurus ultra cyclist Naveen D.S. Solanki, who has cycled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, says the city provides an ideal environment for cycling
NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind gesture marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday , Union Ministers from his government shared lesser-known and fascinating experiences of working under his leadership. From Rajnath Singh to other senior ministers, video messages titled NaMo Story were released, offering personal insights into the Prime Ministers character and work ethic. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Modi as a blessed one, while Home Minister Amit Shah hailed him as a leader with remarkable foresight and visionary leadership. In his video message, Singh recalled the early days of Prime Minister Modis leadership when he was the national president of the BJP. He shared how PM Modi never panicked when faced with challenges. Singh reminisced about how, during an election campaign, Modi, as the party leader, returned to him and submitted a report on an assignment he had been given, presenting himself as a disciplined worker of the party. He never gets panicked with challenges. This cannot be without a divine grace, remarked Rajnath Singh. He described Modi as a truly blessed individual, possessing an innate and sharp ability to make any campaign highly effective and successful due to his brilliant, grounded, and practical suggestions. Praising the Prime Ministers knack for making sharp and effective suggestions, Singh said, Modi ji ka sujhav sangthmak drishiti se bi prasangik hota hai (Modis suggestions happen to be very much relevant from an organisational point of view). I have seen this ability during travelling with him earlier in 1718 states, and I think this ability cannot be without Gods grace in anyone, Singh added. Sharing a lesser-known facet of Modis personality, the Defence Minister further stated that Modi has an innate curiosity to understand society and other countries. Before being made CM, he had travelled to many countries, he said. PM Modi on 75th Birthday: New India undeterred by nuclear threats, calls for swadeshi surge Recalling the day he first met Modi in Jhansi in 199293, during the Kanyakumari to Srinagar Ekta Yatra led by then BJP President Murli Manohar Joshi, of which Modi was the key organiser, Singh said, There are experiences that shape the course of history. My experience with PM Narendra Modi ji was one such experience. In Jhansi, during his speech, I had seen the brilliance of future leadership. Discipline, dedication to organisation, profound knowledge, and the courage to accept every challenge - these are the qualities that have made him the leader who will take India to new heights. Praising PM Modis dedication and sense of responsibility as a party leader, Singh also recalled an instance after the conclusion of the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaigning, where Modi, as the prime ministerial candidate, visited him at his Ashoka Road residence in Delhi. Modi ji came to give me the report on the task he had been assigned, Singh said. He further highlighted Modis strong level of confidence, saying, Modi-ji is a disciplined political worker. He remains in a jolly mood, and you will not find him to be intense in any situation. He stated that he had never seen Modi become scared or worried about any issue. I think God has sent him to the world after considering all aspects to serve the people, Singh remarked. PM Modi: A Life of Resolve, A Nations Journey Home Minister Amit Shah, on PM Modis birthday, said, The hallmark of strong leadership lies in the ability to take decisions in difficult circumstances. Judged by this criterion, Modi jis leadership is exceptional. I have witnessed him maintain extraordinary patience and clarity of vision, even in the most challenging situations. He cited many examples of hard decisions made by the Prime Minister since he assumed office, such as the abrogation of Article 370, which Shah said would be remembered as a decision that demonstrated not only political courage but also an unwavering commitment to national unity and integrity. He also highlighted the erasure of the social evil of triple talaq as a bold step to protect the dignity and rights of women. Shah termed PM Modis personality as the greatest strength of India. BJP President J P Nadda also praised Modi, stating that the Prime Minister had taken numerous transformative steps to build an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, with the goal of progressing every section of society. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hailed Modi as the worlds most popular leader and wished that India, under his leadership, becomes self-reliant and a vishwaguru, eradicating terrorism and corruption. Trump wishes PM Modi on 75th birthday in first call since 50% tariffs; leaders discuss strengthening India-US ties
Congress hails Rahuls Bharat Jodo Yatra on launch anniversary
New Delhi: On the third anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress on Sunday said it was a transformative milestone in the countrys politics and continues to resonate and reverberate. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Bharat Jodo Yatra began three years ago today at Kanyakumari, with a 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 .
The Congress party commemorates the third anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Jairam Ramesh highlights the Yatra's focus on economic inequalities, social polarization, and political authoritarianism. Rahul Gandhi and Bharat Yatris walked 4,000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir over 145 days. The march included public meetings, interactions, and participation from various celebrities, veterans, and opposition leaders.
New Delhi, Sep 7: On the third anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress on Sunday said it was a transformative milestone in the countrys politics and continues to resonate and reverberate. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Bharat Jodo Yatra began three years ago today at Kanyakumari, with a visit to the Swami Vivekananda rock memorial and other iconic places and finally a public meeting. The Yatra was undertaken to highlight the [] The post Transformative Milestone In Countrys Politics: Cong Hails RahulS Bharat Jodo Yatra On Launch Anniversary appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Karnatakas guarantee schemes now a model from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, says MLC
Khelo India Water Sports: Charting a Pan-India Voyage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
From serene lakes to majestic rivers, Indias youth are poised to make waves on the Olympic stage Dr. Shahid Ali Khan India is steadily making its mark on the global sports map and water sports are emerging as a key avenue for nurturing talent and achieving Olympic glory. The recent Khelo India Water Sports [] The post Khelo India Water Sports: Charting a Pan-India Voyage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari appeared first on Northlines .
