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.
TN: Heavy rain forecast in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 1 (IANS) Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds is likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Erode districts on Thursday, the Meteorological Department said, as a trough extending across Tamil Nadu is expected to bring rainfall to several parts of the state. The trough runs from south interior of Karnataka to the Gulf of Mannar through Tamil Nadu. Under its influence, the three western districts could receive heavy showers, while several other districts are likely to experience moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. The forecast places Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Erode among the areas expected to receive the heaviest rainfall. Strong winds could accompany the showers in these districts, according to the department. Moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely in Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirupattur, Dindigul, Madurai and Virudhunagar. Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts could also receive moderate showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. The forecast indicates that rainfall will extend beyond the western districts, covering parts of central and southern Tamil Nadu. However, the intensity is expected to vary, with heavy rain predicted for the three western districts and moderate showers for the other districts mentioned by the department. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, light to moderate rain is likely at a few places. Similar conditions are expected in Puducherry and Karaikal, where the department has forecast light to moderate showers. For Chennai, the forecast points to a chance of light rain during the evening or night. The city is therefore expected to see milder rainfall than the heavy showers predicted in Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Erode. The departments outlook for the capital is limited to the possibility of light showers later in the day. It has not indicated heavy rainfall for Chennai in the forecast provided. Thursdays weather outlook highlights differing conditions across the region, ranging from heavy rain with strong winds in western Tamil Nadu to thunderstorms in several inland and southern districts and lighter showers elsewhere. The trough passing through the state is the weather feature associated with the expected rainfall. The department has linked the likelihood of heavy rain in Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Erode to its influence. While rain is possible across several districts, the forecast does not suggest uniform rainfall throughout Tamil Nadu. It identifies particular districts for heavier or thunderstorm activity and predicts scattered light to moderate showers in the remaining areas.
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.
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.
Rahul-led Bharat Jodo Yatra was not to sermonise
New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) The Congress on Monday hailed the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra as a decisive turning point that infused new hope, and said it was not to sermonise a Mann ki Baat but to listen to Janta ki Chinta. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said today is the fourth anniversary of the launch of the truly historic Bharat Jodo Yatra under the leadership of Gandhi, who visited the Vivekananda Memorial at Kanyakumari before embarking on the epic journey with around 120 other Bharat Yatris. This padyatra was a transformational event in contemporary Indian politics
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
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.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Tamil Nadus Western Districts Until August 6
Chennai, August 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the western region, due to a weakened low-pressure system over the coastal areas of the state. According to the weather department, districts such as Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Nilgiris, Theni, and Kanyakumari are likely ... Read more Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Tamil Nadus Western Districts Until August 6
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
