INDIA bloc leaders in J&K hold protest under Save Democracy Week campaign
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Oct 10 (IANS) INDIA Bloc leaders belonging to different political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday carried out a joint protest under the nationwide Save Democracy Week and Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao campaign. For the first time, political rivalries belonging to the Congress, National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday came out together to stage a joint protest here. The protesters attempted to start a protest march from the Congress headquarters on the Maulana Azad Road, but were stopped by police personnel deployed in strength to prevent the march. They were forced to withdraw into the compound of the Congress, where they subsequently staged a symbolic protest within the office premises. The INDIA bloc protesters were carrying flags of the Congress, NC and PDP. Congress leaders accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of undermining the Constitution and democratic institutions. Protesters said they were holding a joint peaceful protest and that there is one united voice from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari that Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister and Home Minister, should go. The leaders also criticised restrictions imposed in Delhi, including curbs on movement and internet services, and alleged that democratic freedoms were under threat. The INDIA bloc leaders urged people across the country to unite in defence of the Constitution and democratic institutions. The Save Democracy Week campaign (also known as the Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao or Save Vote, Save Country campaign) is a nationwide political movement launched by the opposition INDIA bloc, being held from October 2 to October 8, 2026 (with extended regional demonstrations following into mid-October). The protests and rallies target the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following reports that millions of voters faced exclusion or list modifications. The demands include the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, halting or reviewing the SIR process of voter lists, restoring the selection process for Election Commissioners based on the Supreme Court's committee model (comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India), and protecting Article 326 and citizens' universal adult suffrage. Opposition parties organised marches and protests aimed at the ECI and Parliament, demanding institutional transparency. In J&K, joint protests by the INDIA bloc (including Congress, NC, and PDP) took place in Srinagar and Baramulla, featuring rallies and effigy-burning demonstrations outside party offices. Rallies, press meets, and collectorate marches were organised across states including Jharkhand (Ranchi), Telangana (Hyderabad), Assam (Diphu and Karbi Anglong), Haryana (Chandigarh) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
LG interacts with delegation of media representatives from Mumbai
Srinagar, Oct 8:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with a delegation of media representatives from Mumbai at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the rapid pace of infrastructure modernization across the Union Territory over the past few years. He said that the realisation of the dream of Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail connectivity marked a historic milestone in Jammu Kashmirs development journey. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the expansion of railway infrastructure is driving a major boost in the tourism, horticulture, industrial and other economy sectors of the Union Territory. Today, Jammu Kashmir is moving forward with unprecedented confidence towards peace and prosperity, he said. He also noted that strengthening connectivity, especially in the border region, is vital not only for driving local economic prosperity but also for safeguarding national security. The visiting media delegation, accompanied by Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek and senior railway officials, is on a four-day visit to Jammu Kashmir to study the regions rail network and infrastructure.
Connectivity key to J&Ks growth, security: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Oct 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the expansion of railway infrastructure is driving a major boost in the tourism, horticulture, industrial and other economy sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, J&K is moving forward with unprecedented confidence towards peace and prosperity, the LG said, as he interacted with a delegation of media representatives from Mumbai at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the rapid pace of infrastructure modernisation across the Union Territory over the past few years. He said the realisation of the dream of Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail connectivity marked a historic milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's development journey. Sinha said that strengthening connectivity, especially in the border region, is vital not only for driving local economic prosperity but also for safeguarding national security. The visiting media delegation, accompanied by Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek and senior railway officials, is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to study the region's rail network and infrastructure.
Kanyakumari: Church Teacher Arrested Under POCSO For Allegedly Sexually Harassing 12-Year-Old Boy
A 55-year-old church teacher was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Kanyakumari district on Monday, 6 October 2026, for allegedly sexually harassing a 12-year-old boy who attended Sunday Bible classes, as reported in Times of India. The accused, identified as Roslin Vedhakannan, a resident of Palapallam near Colachel, was [] The post Kanyakumari: Church Teacher Arrested Under POCSO For Allegedly Sexually Harassing 12-Year-Old Boy appeared first on The Commune .
Can't defend the indefensible: Priyanka Kakkar quits AAP, joins Congress
AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar on Saturday quit the party and joined the Congress, saying she could no longer defend the indefensible. Kakkar joined the Congress along with former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sunder Sharma and Rajat Rakesh Tandon in the presence of senior party leaders, including Rajiv Shukla, Pawan Khera and the party's Delhi unit chief Devendra Yadav. Welcoming her and others into the party, Congress general secretary Naseer Hussain said Kakkar has been a former chief national spokesperson of AAP, Shyam Sundar Sharma is a former MLA from Uttar Pradesh, while Rajat Rakesh Tandon hails from the family of freedom fighter Purushottam Das Tandon. Today, from Ladakh to Kanyakumari, people are placing their trust in the leadership of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition (in the Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi and joining the Congress. We welcome everyone with open hearts, Hussain said. Today is a day of great joy. Shyam Sundar Sharma, who is .
Gujarat: Ahmedabad railway division cleans around 3,000 km of tracks
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (IANS) Around 3,000 km of railway tracks across the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway were cleaned in a single day on Friday as part of a large-scale Swachh Track Mega Campaign organised on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti under 'Swachhta Pakhwada-2026'. The distance covered in the cleanliness drive is described by the division as roughly equivalent to the distance between Kashmir and Kanyakumari. The campaign was conducted under the leadership of Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash, with officers and employees from various departments participating in cleaning activities across the division. At Sabarmati Railway Station, Ved Prakash administered a cleanliness pledge to railway officers, employees, sanitation workers and members of the Scouts and Guides. Participants pledged to work towards maintaining clean railway premises and tracks and to promote cleanliness and public participation. As part of the drive, station masters and supervisors, cleaning staff and other railway employees participated in cleaning tracks and station premises between their respective home stations and the next stations. Simultaneous shramdaan and special cleanliness drives were also conducted at stations, yards, railway colonies and areas along the tracks. The drive covered several locations across the Ahmedabad division, including Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Viramgam, Maliya Miyana, Radhanpur, Dhrangadhra, Mehsana, Palanpur, Bhuj, Gandhidham, Asarva and Himmatnagar. Cleaning activities were carried out at railway stations, yards, colonies, health units and trackside areas. Railway employees and their families, the Railway Protection Force, Scouts and Guides, voluntary organisations and other participating groups also took part in the campaign. The activities were conducted without affecting railway operations and with prescribed safety precautions being followed while working near running lines. The Ahmedabad division is conducting a series of cleanliness and awareness activities from October 1 to 15 under Swachhta Pakhwada-2026. From October 3 to 5, intensive cleaning drives are scheduled at major locations, followed by cleaning of trackside areas and legacy waste from October 6 to 8. A campaign to remove unnecessary posters and banners and gutkha stains is scheduled for October 9 and 10. Activities focused on awareness and compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, are scheduled from October 11 to 15. The division said the fortnight-long programme is aimed at strengthening cleanliness at railway stations, tracks, railway premises and surrounding areas, alongside creating greater awareness among passengers, railway employees and the public.
Tamil Nadu YouTuber Madhumitha's home theft case cracked, police recover 98 sovereigns of gold
A theft at the house of a popular YouTuber in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu has been solved, with police recovering 98 sovereigns of gold jewellery, weighing around 784 grams. Four people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Swell waves reach west coast; red alert continues along Keralam coast
According to KSDMA, swell waves with a period of 20 to 24 seconds and a height of up to 1.5 metres reportedly hit parts of Kanyakumari on September 26, while precursor waves began reaching the Keralam coast
Smriti, Bholas capabilities will provide direction: Haryana BJP chief
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 23 (IANS) Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Smriti Irani was on Wednesday appointed the partys in-charge for Haryana, while national secretary and MP Bhola Singh has been named co-in-charge, as part of organisational changes announced by the BJPs central leadership. Welcoming the two leaders on behalf of the Haryana BJP, state president Archana Gupta said their experience and organisational capabilities would bring new energy and direction to the state unit. In a statement, she said Iranis extensive experience in national politics, government and the organisation would provide important guidance to the state BJP. She added that Bhola Singhs long organisational experience and ability to work closely with party workers would further strengthen the unit. Gupta said the BJPs organisation is continuously working to expand and strengthen its network from the booth level to the state level, adding that the process would gain further momentum under the guidance of the new in-charge and co-in-charge. Meanwhile, Gupta said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strengthened the countrys unity and integrity while undertaking the historic task of connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari through the railway network, often described as the poor mans mode of transport. She noted that the transformation of Indian Railways over the past 12 years, ranging from indigenous hydrogen-powered trains to the worlds highest railway bridge over the Chenab, has strengthened public confidence in the national transporter. As part of the Kahani Badlav Ki (story of change) campaign under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, which marks 25 years of PM Modis public life of service, dedication, sacrifice and commitment, Gupta travelled by a hydrogen train from Gohana to Jind on Wednesday. Accompanied by members of the BJP state executive, she interacted with youths, women, children and other passengers during the journey and sought their experiences and suggestions. She also discussed issues including womens safety, modern railway facilities, cleanliness and the expectations of young people. She said the hydrogen train introduced in Haryana was not merely a new train but a symbol of Indias progress towards a clean, green and self-reliant future.
Indian Oil board approves Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi gas pipeline
IOCLs Board cleared the investment approval for laying, building and operating KTPL at an estimated project cost of 2,448.70 crore
IOCL to invest 2,449 cr in Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi gas pipeline
The 424.5-km pipeline will have a capacity of 6.84 mscmd and transport regasified LNG from the Kochi terminal to key demand centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Indian Oil to invest 2,449 crore for Kochi-Thoothukudi natural gas pipeline
The 424.65-kilometre pipeline will pass through Kochi, Kanyakumari and Thoothukudi and will have an overall capacity of 6.84 million standard cubic metres per day
Jagga Reddy lauds advocate on padayatra seeking Rahul as PM
Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) working president Jagga Reddy on Thursday, September 17, lauded Venkateshwarulu, an advocate of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, for initiating a padayatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with the objective of seeing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi become the Prime Minister of India. On Thursday, the advocate reached the TPCC district 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 .
Moderate rain forecast in 17 TN districts after heavy downpour
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 13 (IANS) Several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Perambalur, Vellore, Virudhunagar and Dindigul districts, received heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, bringing relief from the prevailing heat. The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate rain in 17 districts on Sunday. Heavy rain lashed Perambalur and surrounding areas, including Arumadal, Kavulpalayam, Eraiyur, Perali and Thuraimangalam. Several parts of Tiruvannamalai district, including Arani town, Kannamangalam, Sandavasal and Sevur, also witnessed intense showers. In Vellore district, rain was reported in Vellore city, Katpadi, Sathuvachari, Ponnai, Vallimalai, Latheri and Gudiyatham. Heavy rain at Pernambut caused severe waterlogging along the State Highway connecting Tamil Nadu with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Rainwater accumulated like a large pool along a half-kilometre stretch, leaving motorists struggling to navigate the road. Sivakasi and its neighbouring areas, including Tiruthangal, Satchiyapuram and Vilampatti in Virudhunagar district, received heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds. Similar conditions prevailed in Vathalakundu, Pattiveeranpatti, Old Vathalakundu and Mallanampatti in Dindigul district. Evening showers in Kodaikanal brought down temperatures and delighted tourists. Moderate rain was recorded in Periyakulam, Allinagaram and Aranmanai Pudur in Theni district. Nagapattinam and nearby areas, including Kilvelur, Devur, Thirumarugal, Nagore, Sikkal and Valivalam, experienced rain accompanied by strong winds. The showers cheered farmers preparing their fields for samba paddy cultivation. Nannilam and adjoining areas in Tiruvarur district also received rain. Residents of Mettupalayam and Kallar in Coimbatore district welcomed the sudden showers after days of hot weather. Udhagamandalam also experienced a noticeable drop in temperature following rain after several unusually warm days. The weather office said moderate rain was likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Sivaganga, Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts on Sunday. Chennai and its suburbs may receive moderate rain during the evening or night. Heavy rain is forecast in the Nilgiris on September 15 and 16, while Coimbatore could experience heavy showers on September 16.
Congress minister threatens to quit if TVK wont back Rahul Gandhi for PM
A Tamil Nadu minister stated Congress will resign if TVK opposes Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister. This declaration comes amid TVK's push for Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their candidate. The Congress party has firmly asserted Rahul Gandhi as their sole choice for the upcoming elections. This stance could potentially create friction within the ruling coalition alliance. The minister's comments were made at an event in Kanyakumari on Sunday.
The integration should be a springboard for active development with push for new projects, speeding up stalled works and ensuring fair budgetary support
17 Tons of Ration Rice Seized Near Kerala Border; Revenue Officer Attacked
Kanyakumari, August 23: Police have launched a manhunt for a gang accused of attacking a revenue officer and threatening his life. This incident occurred when officials attempted to seize 17 tons of ration rice stored in a warehouse within the Kerala border. Authorities reported the details on Sunday. The event unfolded when a flying squad, ... Read more 17 Tons of Ration Rice Seized Near Kerala Border; Revenue Officer Attacked
Indian worker returns from Saudi Arabia after serious site fall
Hyderabad: An Indian worker from Tamil Nadu, who suffered severe head, neck and shoulder injuries after falling from the second floor of a building site in Saudi Arabia, returned to Kerala on Friday, August 14, after three months of treatment. Shiju, a diploma holder in mechanical engineering from Kulasekaram town in Kanyakumari district, was working 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 .
Thousands Perform Ancestral Rites at Water Bodies on Aadi Amavasya
Major holy sites like Rameswaram and Kanyakumari, besides Chennai coastal areas and the Cauvery and Thamirabarani river banks saw huge crowds performing the rituals
Chit Fund Cheat From Kanyakumari Held in Chennai After 2 Years
Paulraj, a resident of Kattavilai, near Kadayalumoodu, had been running Divine Chit Fund, collecting deposits ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50 lakh from people in Kadayalumoodu, Pechiparai, Thirparappu and other adjoining hill areas
This 3,500-km-wide icy cloud band from China to India is bringing rain from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
A giant 3,500-km-wide cloud band stretching from western China across the Tibetan Plateau, Himalayas and into India has been captured by INSAT-3DS. The icy cloud canopy is not one massive storm but the combined outflow of dozens of monsoon thunderstorms, whose high-altitude ice clouds merge and stretch across the region.
A. Kanyakumaris unique year-long Tyagaraja series comes to a close
Delhi P. Sunderrajan brought the curtain down on the Ekaika Raga Kritis of Tyagaraja series, navigating the challenge of a nearly exhausted repertoire.
Three Wardens Suspended at Kanyakumari District Jail Amid Serious Allegations
Nagercoil, July 15: Three jail personnel at Kanyakumari District Jail in Tamil Nadu have been suspended with immediate effect due to serious allegations against them. This decision aims to ensure public interest and a fair investigation. Officials have confirmed that the suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is complete. According to separate orders ... Read more Three Wardens Suspended at Kanyakumari District Jail Amid Serious Allegations
Climate change could transform Tamil Nadus Western Ghats by 2050 | Focus Tamil Nadu
The Western Ghats may still be green in the coming decadesbut they may not be the same forests we know today. A new study by researchers from Anna Universitys Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management warns that climate change could gradually alter the composition of forests across Tamil Nadus Western Ghats, including the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Valparai, Courtallam and Kanyakumari regions. The study suggests that evergreen and deciduous forests could shrink, while drier thorn forests may expand by 2050. Such changes could affect biodiversity, water security, carbon storage and ecosystem stability across the State. In this episode of The Hindu Focus Tamil Nadu, D. Suresh Kumar explains what the findings mean, why scientists are concerned, and what the future could hold for one of Indias most important biodiversity hotspots.
Preparations for International Yoga Day Gain Momentum from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Jammu, June 19: Preparations for International Yoga Day are in full swing in Jammu and Kashmir. In this context, the World Yoga Institute organized a three-day yoga program in Jammu city, where enthusiastic participation was seen from students of various schools and local residents. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about yoga ... Read more Preparations for International Yoga Day Gain Momentum from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
