Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa faced criticism after demanding action against a student who commented on his Kannada proficiency during an online coaching launch. Bangarappa's reaction sparked debate about freedom of expression and criticism, with the BJP condemning his intolerance towards feedback.
Bumrah Drops Big Shami Update On Border-Gavaskar Trophy Selection
Bumrah recognised the importance Shami holds in the Indian red-ball setup and admitted the possibility of the right-arm seamer travelling to Australia to be a part of the demanding Test series.
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Agra Man Films Wifes Rape, Blackmails Her With Video For Rs 2 Lakh
When the woman confronted her husband, he showed her a video allegedly of her being raped by a friend. The husband was demanding Rs 2 lakh from her to keep it private
Students body protests 'caste discrimination' at IIM-B
A group of people staged a protest on Wednesday against alleged caste discrimination at the Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru (IIM-B), demanding the removal of its director. However, IIM Bangalore denied the allegations made by the protesters.
COP29: Rich nations oppose but developing world sticks to $1.3tn/year demand
At COP29, developing nations, including India and China, are demanding $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance from developed countries. They argue that this funding is a legal obligation under the Paris Agreement, not charity. Developed nations are resisting this figure and seeking to expand the contributor base beyond themselves.
Odisha HC seeks status of probe in cases regarding Bharatpur PS incident
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Wednesday decided to close and pass appropriate orders and directions on the PIL on Bharatpur police station incident involving an army officer and his fiance after taking stock of the status of investigation in the criminal cases registered in this connection. The state police had come under heavy criticism after the army officer was allegedly tortured and his fiance sexually assaulted in Bharatpur police station on September 15. After public outcry and Indian Armys displeasure over the incident, the state government had ordered a Crime Branch inquiry and a judicial probe. The division bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho fixed Thursday for further consideration of the PIL and directed the state counsel to take instructions, especially regarding the status of investigation on the criminal case registered against the army officer, by then. The high court had suo motu registered the PIL on September 23 on the basis of a letter received from Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding and Colonel of the MECH INF REGT, Madhya Bharat Area.
Ink marks come with BP checks at polling centre in Balmohan Vidya Mandir
Eye on middlemen during paddy purchase across Koraput: Collector Keerthi Vasan
JEYPORE: The district administration will keep an eye on middlemen at mandis during the kharif procurement process across Koraput district, said collector V Keerthi Vasan. He said CCTVs will be installed in border areas of the district to keep a watch on movement of middlemen. Addressing the district-level paddy procurement meeting, Vasan said paddy will be purchased at 111 mandis from around 39,000 farmers from across the district. At least 20 PACS, 20 self-help groups and three pani panchayats will participate in the process. Each mandi will be supervised by a nodal officer and the administration will install CCTVs in border check posts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to prevent illegal paddy transactions by middlemen, Vasan said. Only FAQ standard paddy will be procured in the mandis. The administration will open the mandis for paddy procurement from December 11. Around 21.25 lakh quintal paddy will be procured in the district. Among others, Pottangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam, Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra and chief district CSO PK Panda were present.
Paddy purchase begins amid hopes, apprehensions in Odisha
BARGARH: Paddy procurement for kharif season commenced in Bargarh district on Wednesday. This time, the farmers will be given a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,100 per quintal, which was a key campaign promise of the BJP during the elections. Civil Supplies minister Krushna Chandra Patra performed a few rituals and felicitated several farmers at Kalapani mandi on the day. He assured the farmers that the procurement process will be transparent and their payments will be directly credited to their bank accounts on time. The procurement started in three mandis at Bargarh, Attabira and Godbhaga on the day. It is nothing less than a festival for farmers as we are going to fulfil the promise of procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. Bargarh supplies maximum paddy to the state pool and we are glad to start the procurement from here, said Patra. He said farmers would not face any deduction from their paddy stock this year. Moreover, adequate steps have been taken to ensure that paddy from other states do not enter the mandis. The farmers will get the right price for their produce, he added. Bargarh collector Aditya Goyal said, The paddy procurement began from three mandis on the first day. Adequate infrastructure and testing equipment have been ensured in mandis. A nodal officer will be deployed in every mandi to ensure smooth procurement. For the ensuing kharif season, as many as 1,55,366 registered farmers have been verified for selling their paddy. Target has been set for procuring 23,54,347 quintal of paddy from Bargarh which is considered to be the rice bowl of Odisha. The farmers have been assured that the procurement will be free from the intervention of middlemen and they will not have to face deduction (katni-chhatni) like previous years. The government will procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal including the MSP of Rs 2,300 and a bonus of Rs 800. However, farmers will have to bring FAQ standard paddy to the mandis to get the right price. Grain analyser machines have been installed at the mandis this year to ensure the quality of paddy. However, despite the governments assurance, communication gaps have left some farmers skeptical. On the first day, irregularities in token system were reported from the district. A farmer from Kalapani, Ekadasia Sahu said, We were expecting the minister to listen to our concerns. Though he felicitated us, we did not get a chance to convey our problems. He said several farmers who had come with their paddy did not receive their tokens on the first day. On the other hand, those who are not ready with their produce have already been issued tokens. Such irregularities have become a recurring issue, he said. A large section of the farmers are also suspicious of the grain analyser machine. Farmer leader Hara Bania said, We are grateful to the government for implementing the new MSP. However, the installation of grain analyser machine has triggered uncertainty among farmers in the district. Change for better Farmers to get MSP of Rs 3,100 No katni chhatni during procurement this time Analyser machines to test quality of paddy at mandis Procurement in Deogarh from Dec 13 Deogarh: Kharif paddy procurement in the Deogarh district will begin from Barkote and Tileibeni blocks on December 13. In a meeting, collector Kabindra Kumar Sahoo informed procurement process would begin in the Reamal block from December 20. Sources said kharif paddy will be procured from as many as 19,633 registered farmers this season. The district has three rice mills. For the first time after the formation of the new government, the district has been given an advanced target to procure 5,07,029 quintal paddy. Sahoo assured that the procurement process will be free from intervention of middlemen this year. Stringent action will be taken against middlemen and brokers and they will not be allowed to enter the mandis, he said.
Dalit outfit, VCK plan rally for SC constituency in Kanniyakumari
KANNIYAKUMARI: Demanding an assembly constituency reserved for scheduled caste (SC) in the district, Tamil Nadu Dalit Rights Protection Movement is set to start a march (padayatra) from Kanniyakumari to the secretariat in Chennai on November 26. Though Kanniyakumari was merged with Tamil Nadu 68 years ago, in 1956, it doesnt have an assembly constituency reserved for SC. Tamil Nadu Dalit Rights Protection Movements founder-president Vai Dinakaran said two SC reserved assembly constituencies had been in the district until 1956 when it was part of the erstwhile Travancore state. After the formation of states based on languages, Kanniyakumari district was merged with Tamil Nadu in 1956, and the SC reserved assembly constituencies seized to exist. He urged the authorities to form a new constituency by including Thovalai and Agastheeswaram taluks. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchis Kanniyakumari east district secretary Gobi Perarivalan said his party had staged a protest at Erachakulam recently, demanding to change Kanniyakumari assembly constituency as an SC reserved constituency as the district is home to many people belonging to Dalit communities. Though they belong to different religions, they are all relatives, he said. He alleged representation from the communities in the assembly is necessary for airing grievances. He said VCK is planning to stage a rally from Kanniyakumari Gandhi Mandapam to Ambedkar statue in Nagercoil on December 6 raising the demand. CPI district secretary T Subhas Chandra Bose also said the suppressed communities in the district, who belong to the working class, has no representation in the state assembly. Prominent political parties should come forward by fielding members from the oppressed communities in the assembly constituencies, he added.
First full draft on climate finance today
With the clock ticking at COP29 in Azerbaijan, negotiators remain locked in intense discussions over the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, struggling to resolve disputes over the scale and structure of support needed to aid vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change. Developing countries are demanding $1.3 trillion annually to address loss and damage, adapt to climate impacts, and transition to clean energy systems. However, developed nations have so far offered proposals falling significantly short of this figure. The host presidency has promised to release the first full draft text on Thursday morning, but immediately clarified that it was not the final text but aiming to provide a starting point for resolution. Lead negotiator Yelchin Rafiyev expressed cautious optimism, describing the draft as a clear step forward, though substantial decisions remain unresolved. There are still issues where all parties need to keep working to find a common ground and deliver a balanced outcome. I want to clarify that this text is not final. Based on the inputs from the parties, there would be elements in the final text which are not there in the draft, he said and added that decisions taken in Baku will be essential to guide us from the first to the second decade of the Paris Agreement. Contention is on how much the total amount of finance is needed German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan said: The most critical currency right now is trust trust in the presidency and trust between and amongst parties. She noted that the success of the talks depends heavily on the options presented by the presidency and the willingness of negotiators to overcome entrenched positions. The primary points of contention revolve around three key questions. One, the total amount of finance to be mobilised, the balance between grants and loans, and the contributors to the fund. Proposals from developed nations range from $200 billion to $900 billionfigures developing countries argue are inadequate. Bolivian negotiator Diego Pacheco, who is also the spokesperson of the Like-Minded Developing Countries group criticised these offers, saying, developed countries whose legal obligation is to provide finance continue to shift their responsibility to developing countries. Adonia Ayebare, chair of the G77 plus China negotiating bloc, dismissed the lower figures, calling them a joke and said $1.3 trillion should be the headline target to reflect the scale of the climate crisis. Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, voiced concern over the lack of progress on a concrete figure, stating, There is a clear obligation for developed countries to support poorer countries, but up to now, we dont seem to have a figure.
Tribals stage protest demanding cancellation of pattas issued to non-tribals in Panasalapadu
Palestine condemns US veto on UN resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire
Ramallah: The Palestinian presidency has denounced the US for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire and an end to Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip. In a press statement published by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the presidency said on Wednesday that the US used its veto for the 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 .
Haflong Fire & Emergency Services conducts ring well rescue
HT Correspondent HAFLONG, Nov 20: A dramatic rescue unfolded at Lower Haflong near Sitla Mandir when the Haflong Fire & Emergency Services Station (F&ESS) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel responded to a distress call at 2:59 pm on Tuesday. The operation involved the rescue and recovery of three individuals who were trapped in []
2 CTOs, 2 GHMC Staff in ACB Net
Hyderabad: Two commercial tax officers and two GHMC sanitary field assistants were apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for demanding bribes in exchange for official favours. According to ACB officials, Mahabub Basha, assistant commissioner (ST) of Malakpet Circle, demanded a bribe of Rs.1 lakh to issue a letter to defreeze the complainants bank account. The accused accepted a bribe of Rs.50,000 through Soma Shekar, assistant commercial tax officer. Officials recovered the bribe amount from Soma Shekars table drawer, and chemical tests confirmed the substances. Additionally, Saleem Khan, field assistant (outsourcing) at GHMC Circle 18 in Jubilee Hills, demanded a bribe of Rs.60,000 from the complainant to waive fines on his coffee shop. Further investigation revealed G. Ramesh, sanitary field assistant, had also accepted a bribe of Rs.50,000 directly from his pocket. All four accused have been arrested for misconduct and corruption while performing public duties and will be presented before the ACB special judge.
Kurnool: Newborn Abandoned in Prakasam
The judge found Kalla Srujana and her mother, Malireddy Mahalakshmi, guilty of throwing the infant into a well and causing her death in June 2020. The judge found Kalla Srujana and her mother, Malireddy Mahalakshmi, guilty of throwing the infant into a well and causing her death in June 2020. Kurnool: A newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a jowar field near the Vathepuram bus stop in Santhamaguluru of Prakasam district on Wednesday. Passers-by, alerted by the infants cries, discovered the child and informed local authorities. Anganwadi workers and mahila police personnel promptly provided first aid at a nearby primary health centre and notified district child protection officer P. Dinesh Kumar. The baby was transferred to the special newborn care unit (SNCU) at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital in Ongole for medical treatment. A nurse from Sishu Gruha has been assigned to care for the infant. Child welfare committee member D. Neelima visited the hospital to ensure the child receives appropriate care and treatment. Nandyal Police Hold Awareness Programme on SC/ST Act Kurnool: The Nandyal police organised an awareness programme on Wednesday at the AP Model School in Gadivemula village to educate the public about the legal provisions of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The initiative aimed to combat caste-based discrimination and violence by highlighting the laws stringent penalties for such offences. Officials emphasised that the programme seeks to empower SC and ST communities by educating them about their rights and the legal protections available under the Act. The campaign also focused on enhancing law enforcement by informing officials and the public about effectively addressing cases of discrimination and violence. District social welfare officer Chintamani, CID DSP Basha, Nandyal DSP Srinivasa Reddy, MPDO Vasudeva Gupta, Tahsildar Venkataramana, and the school students actively participated in the event. Cotton farmers protest at Adoni market yard Kurnool : Cotton farmers from across Adoni constituency staged a protest on Wednesday in front of the Adoni Agricultural Market Yard office, demanding that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) purchase their entire cotton yield. The protest erupted after CCI officials stated they would only procure cotton from drought-affected areas, limiting purchases to three quintals per acre as reported by the agriculture department. Farmers expressed concerns over the financial hardships this restriction would impose. Market yard secretary Rammohan Reddy assured the protesters that their grievances would be taken to higher authorities for resolution. In a related issue, former TD MLA Meenakshi Naidu urged the secretary to increase wages for porters working at the Adoni Market Yard. Naidu highlighted that two years had passed since the last labour rate agreement. The porters demands were also supported by leaders of trade commission agent associations.
Climate financing goal: Draft text yet to be finalised
Negotiations on a new climate finance goal are ongoing in Baku. Developing countries are demanding $1.3 trillion, with options proposed for public finance contributions. Developed countries have not yet put forward a figure, leading to criticism. The Azerbaijani presidency is expected to release a draft decision soon.
Patna University students demanding union polls lathicharged
Kharif paddy procurement begins in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Wednesday started the Kharif paddy procurement process from Bargarh district. The paddy procurement process started with Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister KC Patra performing a special puja at Kalapani market yard, a government mandi in Bargarh district. The BJP has fulfilled its promise made during the Assembly election and the []
U.S. vetoes U.N. resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza
The United States has vetoed a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the war in Gaza because it is not linked to an immediate release of hostages taken captive by Hamas in Israel in October 2023
Student plagued by calls after Amaran movie, sues film makers
Chennai student sends legal notice to the movie makers demanding compensation
Team visits hamlets to assess needs of members of ST and BT communities in Puducherry
The members of Scheduled Tribe and Backward Tribe communities in Puducherry have been for long demanding proper housing, community certificate, ration card, voter identity and basic amenities in their settlements. The visit has been undertaken after a recent protest by persons of Irular community
Congress teachers wing stages protest demanding peace in Manipur, writes to HM Shah
New Delhi, Nov 20: Members of the Indian National Teachers Congress (INTEC) staged a protest at Delhi Universitys Arts Faculty on Wednesday to express solidarity with the people of Manipur The association also wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ongoing clashes between two communities. In its letter, the INTEC, affiliated with the Congress, called for an inclusive dialogue involving [] The post Congress teachers wing stages protest demanding peace in Manipur, writes to HM Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nayanthara on how rumours affected her parents
In her new Netflix docuseries, Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale, actress Nayanthara opened up about the toll that false rumors and industry pressures took on her mental health, leading to her temporary retirement from acting in 2011. She also criticized Dhanush for demanding a hefty sum for using brief footage from their film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her documentary.
What Cong will do in 3 weeks, PM Modi has failed to do in last 3 yrs: Cong on Telangana caste survey
New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday claimed that its government in Telangana is set to complete the caste survey in the next three weeks what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed to do in last three years. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that his party's government in Telangana has shown the way and his party would get a comprehensive caste census done at the national level. In Telangana, our government has completed more than 70 per cent of the caste census. Soon the government will have detailed data of the entire state which we will use to formulate policies and strengthen social justice. The caste census is the first of many important steps that will help in planning the overall development over the next few decades. This is the reason why I am repeatedly demanding a comprehensive caste census in the country, he said in his post. The Congress government of Telangana has shown the way, we will also get a comprehensive caste census done at the national level, Gandhi added. Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said around 80,000 enumerators have reached 1.17 crore households across 33 districts to survey the economic, social and caste backgrounds of people. What the non-biological PM's Government has failed to do for three years now, is set to be completed in Telangana within about three weeks. 80,000 enumerators will have reached 1.17 crore households across 33 districts to survey them about their economic, educational, social, and caste background. Its results will inform the Government's policymaking for years to come, Ramesh said in a post on X. The Congress model of governance: justice, empowerment, and execution, he said. The Congress leader claimed the Telangana Caste Survey is an administrative accomplishment of historic proportions. It has required incredible planning, attention to detail and creativity from the Telangana government, led by the Planning Department, he said. Sharing some insights from the survey in Wanaparthy district in the state, Ramesh said the last decadal Census, conducted in 2011, used a rough hand-drawn map of each Enumeration Bloc (EB) which was provided to each enumerator. In Telangana, he claimed that districts like Wanaparthy have digitized each EB on Google Earth. Not only do enumerators now have a digital map of their EB, but authorities can also use satellite mapping to track population and household growth, he said, adding one can clearly see in the images below the growth in the number of settlements in EB 15 between 2005 and 2020. This development of new settlements has necessitated the splitting of the original EB 15 into three new EBs (15, 15A, and 15B). Whenever it is that the Home Ministry finally decides to conduct the decadal Census that it has failed to conduct so far, Telangana and Wanaparthy will be raring to go, he said. Wanaparthy also developed a website that enumerators can use in the place of the physical handbook, he said, sharing the link. The Congress is touting the caste survey in Telangana as one which the party is demanding across the country from the BJP government at the Centre. The opposition party has also made the nation-wide caste survey a major poll issue.
Manipur murders: COCOMI suspends agitation for week, sit-in protests continue in Imphal districts
COCOMI, a civil society organization in Imphal, has paused its protest for a week following state NDA legislators' resolution demanding action against suspected Kuki militants. The resolution urges a mass operation within seven days against those responsible for the deaths of three women and three children in Jiribam district.
PSSI lauds Indonesian team after 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia
Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir praised the Indonesian team for its commanding ...
Can Eicher Motors shares deliver healthy short-term gains? Check technicals, price targets & more
Shares of Eicher Motors gained nearly 2 per cent to settle at Rs 4,964.70 on Tuesday, commanding a total market capitalization of 1.36 lakh crore.
Odisha: Govt employee suspended for demanding bribe from cyclone victims
Bhubaneswar: A Village Agriculture Worker (VAW) from Bhatapada Panchayat, under Chandbali block in Odishas Bhadrak district, has been suspended for allegedly demanding bribes from farmers affected by Cyclone Dana to facilitate government assistance. The Chief District Agriculture Officer suspended the VAW, identified as Bhagabati Kisan, after a video showing her demanding bribes went viral on social media. The suspension order, issued under Rule 12(i)(a) of the Orissa Civil Service (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1962, stated: Whereas a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated for acceptance of an undue advantage in order to perform a public duty Smt. Bhagabati Kisan, Village Agriculture Worker, Bhatapada Circle of Chandbali block, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect. The suspension letter also specified that during her suspension, Kisans headquarters would be at the office of the Agriculture District Officer in Dhamnagar. She has been instructed not to leave her designated headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority. Additionally, Kisan will receive subsistence allowance equivalent to 50 per cent of her pay, along with the usual Dearness Allowance (DA), as per Rule 90 of the Orissa Service Code. This allowance is sanctioned for a period of six months or until her reinstatement, whichever comes earlier. The Odisha government had announced financial relief of Rs 8,500 per hectare for farmers whose crops were damaged by Cyclone Dana. However, Kisan reportedly demanded a bribe of Rs 500 per hectare and Rs 300 per acre to process the assistance applications, according to sources. This incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the plight of cyclone-affected farmers and raising concerns over corruption in relief distribution.
BJP protest against 'Wakf' notices in Karnataka's Belagavi
The BJP is staging protests in Belagavi and across Karnataka against the state government's handling of Wakf property claims. They allege that the Wakf Board is issuing notices and causing distress among farmers and other landowners. The BJP is demanding the cancellation of mutation entries made in land records without proper notice and is offering legal aid to affected farmers.
Tata Harrier: The Premium SUV Built for Power and Performance
The Tata Harrier has redefined premium SUV expectations in India. This car blends power, performance and style into a commanding on-road presence. Since its launch, Harriers aggressive design, rugged build, refined engineering, and tech features have captured the interest of Indian SUV enthusiasts. Tata Motors has positioned the Harrier as a symbol of [] The post Tata Harrier: The Premium SUV Built for Power and Performance appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
UP bypolls: EC takes action against policemen violating guidelines
The Election Commission of India has suspended police officers in Uttar Pradesh following complaints and video evidence of them preventing voters from casting their ballots during bypolls. The officers were accused of demanding voter ID and Aadhaar cards and obstructing specific communities from voting.
Car Flies Off Highway To Roof Of Retired DSP's House in Mandi, 4 Injured
A car fell from the Chandigarh-Manali highway onto a retired DSP's house and courtyard around 1:30 am near Vindravani, 5 km from Mandi
Jharkhand: Maoists torch five trucks in Latehar, hours before 2nd phase of assembly elections
Five coal trucks were set ablaze in Jharkhand's Latehar district by suspected Maoist rebels overnight. The attack, attributed to the Jharkhand Prastuti Committee, occurred hours before the second phase of assembly elections in the state. The assailants left a pamphlet demanding negotiations and threatening further disruption to coal operations.
From Indiras pro-Hindu turn to Modis new phase
KOCHI: In How Prime Ministers Decide, Neerja Chowdhury digs deep into her decades-long career as a political reporter to bring you a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of Indias highest political office. The work featuring the legacies of six pivotal leaders Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, V P Singh, Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh is part biography and part political analysis, and a compelling study of leadership. It was awarded the 2024 Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman (Best Debut Non-fiction) by The New Indian Express Group . Neerja tells TNIE that she was inspired to write the book upon realising that the real story of how decisions were made at the top was very different from public perception. While many believe that the prime minister is the most powerful person and can do anything s/he wants, she explains that this is not entirely the case. The PM has to contend with all kinds of pressures lobbies at work, nationally and internationally, pulls of caste, community, religious pressures from within ones own party. Also, no prime minister inherits a clean slate, she says. Each must navigate the baggage of the past while steering the nation forward. Kitchen cabinets and close coteries play a key role. Sometimes, Neerja says, they include individuals from outside the official system. For instance, Kapil Mohan and Anil Bali of the Mohan Meakin family (famous for their Old Monk rum). They were close confidants of Indira Gandhi, she says. RSS support to Indira One of the books intriguing themes is how prime ministers handled crises. For instance, Indira Gandhis declaration of the Emergency in 1975 was driven by her fear of losing power, leading her to suspend democratic rights and consolidate authority. Yet, she bounced back. Indira adopted a four-pronged strategy. This included winning over former adversaries like Raj Narain, marginalising potential threats, and most interestingly, mobilising support through temple-going and her pro-Hindu turn. She told friends privately she never admitted this publicly that but for the RSSs support for her in the 1980 general elections, she might not have come back to power with such a thumping majority. That was a time when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was secularising his politics and Indira Gandhi was Hinduising her political persona, Neerja says. Raos ultimate non-decision According to the author, Rao inherited a very difficult situation when he took over as PM after Rajiv Gandhis assassination in 1991. The country was aflame with passions over Mandal and Mandir. Jammu & Kashmir was burning, and so was Punjab, she notes. Moreover, the government was on the verge of an economic collapse. Within a year, Rao stabilised the economy, and calmed the political temperatures. He also put into place new initiatives on foreign policy. However, Raos failure to handle issues of caste and religion was his undoing. A year into his term, the Sangh-BJP combine upped the ante on building a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Rao tried to buy time through various means. But he shied away from dismissing the Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh, which was openly working for a Mandir in Ayodhya, she notes. Neerja believes this was because Rao felt that imposing central rule in UP would enable the BJP to throw its net wider politically and give his opponents in the Congress the opportunity to dethrone him as prime minister. Vajpayees flip-flops and advice to Sonia Vajpayee started off as a pacifist in the 50s, having penned a poem on the devastation that had taken place when the nuclear bombs were dropped in Japan. In the 60s, in line with his partys policy, he was a nuclear hawk, after China exploded its nuclear device. In the 70s, he became a nuclear dove again as a member of the government of Morarji Desai, who was opposed to India going nuclear. In 1998, as prime minister, Vajpayee went for a nuclear test, taking India to the global high table. Neerja says Vajpayee was a master at doing flip flops, and yet managed to retain his image as a moderate. Another interesting revelation is Vajpayees unexpected advice to Sonia Gandhi not to accept prime ministership in 2004. This counsel, apparently, influenced her decision to appoint Manmohan Singh instead. Manmohans killer instinct The quiet but firm resolve of Manmohan Singh is another focal point. Manmohans push for the Indo-US nuclear deal faced significant resistance, including from the all-powerful Sonia Gandhi who was half PM and the Left. Dr Manmohan Singh did not yield ground, Neerja notes. He displayed a killer instinct which few thought he possessed. But he did not display this determination or steeliness over any other decision, says Neerja. Centralisation of power This is yet another significant theme in her book centralisation of power with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). Indira Gandhi was the first leader to make the PMO all-powerful, Neerja notes. By the time of Narendra Modi, whose leadership is only briefly touched upon in her book, the PMO emerged as the epicentre of decision-making. Modis centralisation of power, Neerja says, marked the zenith of this trend. Add to this his emphasis on cultural nationalism, and we are looking at a distinct departure from the leadership styles of previous leaders. A new phase in Indian politics.
Assam: Two held for using ULFA-Is name for extortion in Sivasagar
Guwahati: Two men were arrested in Sivasagar, Assam for allegedly demanding extortion using the name of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I). The accused were identified as Pradip Bora and Mukut Changmai. They allegedly demanded money from a businessman using the banned militant outfits name. Also Read: Assam:Elephant radio-collared in Baksa district Based on [] The post Assam: Two held for using ULFA-Is name for extortion in Sivasagar appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Better facilities, connectivity need of hour to cater to rising Kovai IT sector
COIMBATORE: While employees and industrialists have welcomed the move to enlarge office space in IT companies, with over 11 lakh sq ft of additional space created by government and private parks, they emphasise that the development of infrastructure and connectivity should be on a par with rising employment opportunity in the sector. Sources said the citys existing IT spaces will get additional office space following inauguration of the 2.17 lakh sq ft Elcot IT Park. The upcoming project of Elcot Parks will also have an office space of 3 lakh sq ft on Villankurichi road. Apart from this, almost 6 lakh sq ft of office space will be put to use through private institutions such as KPR IT Park at Neelambur bypass, SVB IT Park and L&T Park on Kochi Bypass near Chettipalayam. Employment for over 85,000 is expected to be generated through developing office spaces. R Gokul, an IT employee from Chettipalayam said, The development of office spaces for IT firms definitely helps Coimbatore economically. Along with an increase in workforce in the sector, facilities should be improved. For instance, there is no proper public transportation connectivity for IT employees. Currently, big and small companies are providing work-from-home options 2-3 days a week due to lack of office space. However, with extra office space, work-from-home options will come down in 2025 as most companies, including mine, are prepared to work in the office full-time. Hence, it is a need of the hour to improve public transport. M Karthikeyan, president of Codissia said, We have been demanding the state and central government to increase infrastructure facilities to the city in light of the growth of IT sector. With an increasing workforce, families of employees will also migrate to the city. This should be considered while planning the city for the next few decades. We have also advocated for the development of infrastructure and connectivity during the meeting with the recent finance commission. J Sathish, Director of Kongu Global Forum, said, To improve connectivity, the government of India should expedite the works for outer bypass roads and expansion of airports. Even now, we lack train and air connectivity. Coimbatore Junction, North Coimbatore Junction and Podanur Junction should be improved to accommodate more trains. Also, metro works should commence without further delay.
After alleged deaths due to Covid vaccine, parents seek fast-track and vaccine courts for justice
Parents who have lost young children after they received Covid vaccinations are demanding justice. They allege that the government's reporting system for adverse events is flawed and that the government's claim of not mandating vaccines is misleading. They are seeking compensation and an independent investigation into the deaths, highlighting the lack of training for doctors to deal with adverse events.
Delhi family of woman killed in East London calls for justice
The family of Harshita Brella, found murdered in East London, has questioned the police's protection efforts. Brella's husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the prime suspect and allegedly fled the UK. Brella's family revealed a history of domestic violence, with Lamba hitting her and imposing restrictions on her. They are demanding justice and the return of her body to India.
Treasurer says parties want Rs 100 crore, 20 seats for alliance with AIADMK
TIRUCHY: To ally with the AIADMK, political parties are demanding 20 seats and Rs 50 crore to even Rs 100 crore, making it seem like a business deal, said AIADMK Treasurer Dindigul Srinivasan on Tuesday. While addressing party cadre at Somarasampettai on Tuesday, Srinivasan advised them to strengthen the booth committee and conveyed that the partys general secretary (Edappadi K Palaniswami) will take care of any alliance with other parties. Those coming to form alliances dont come for free. They demand 20 seats, Rs 50 crore in cash, and in some cases, even Rs 100 crore. They talk about it as if they are negotiating the price of rice or paddy, Srinivasan said. Former ministers Srinivasan and K Thangamani attended various indoor meetings here in the district as part of the review committee constituted by the party high command. Highlighting the challenges faced by the AIADMK in coalition negotiations, Srinivasan said, The AIADMK is being treated like a marketplace. While the public speaks only about Edappadi K Palaniswami, some party leaders believe these negotiations are part of political business. If only they would lower their monetary demands, things might be easier for EPS. Thangamani urged party functionaries in Tiruchy to resolve their internal differences, warning that failure to do so could keep the party in the opposition permanently. He also emphasised the need for unity among the cadres.
Madurai court sentences G. Sri Kalpana to life imprisonment for the murder of lawyer D.P. Kamaraj
MADURAI: The Madurai District Court on Tuesday sentenced G. Sri Kalpana to life imprisonment for the 2014 murder of D.P. Kamaraj, a lawyer and son-in-law of former Union Minister Dalit Ezhilmalai. Kalpana, who was the president of Puratchi Bharatham Katchi in Kolathur at the time, had hired Kamaraj to settle a dispute after purchasing 1,400 sq. ft. of land. However, the prosecution alleged that Kamaraj, after gaining possession of the land documents, intimidated and mistreated her while demanding large sums of money. On August 28, 2014, Kamaraj visited Kalpanas apartment around 12:30 p.m., instructing her to prepare the money, while his junior waited in the car outside. An hour later, Kalpana called for help, claiming Kamaraj had fallen unconscious. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. Initially, the police registered a case of suspicious death, which was later changed to murder following an inquest and autopsy. The police subsequently arrested Kalpana, her housemaids husband, R. Anandan, and his associate, S. Karthick. After a Supreme Court directive, the case was transferred from a lower court in Thiruvattar to the Madurai District Court in 2015. Principal Sessions Judge S. Sivakadatcham noted that Kalpana failed to explain how Kamaraj became unconscious in her home or how he sustained the 21 injuries recorded in the postmortem report. The judge found her guilty of murder, sentencing her to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of 5,000. However, Anandan and Karthick were acquitted due to lack of evidence of their presence at the crime scene.
Kadalapparai residents demand safe ration shop as wild elephants threaten dilapidated facility
COIMBATORE: Residents of the picturesque Kadalapparai in Valparai municipality have raised concerns over the dilapidated condition of the ration shop in their area. The structure, which lacks proper walls and doors, is held up only by a few boulders. Since wild elephant menace is also common in the area, the residents want the authorities to either shift the provision store to a safer location or renovate the existing facility. Kadalapparai is surrounded by a private tea estate, where families of over 300 employees reside. The District Supply Department distributes provisions to these families from small shelters constructed by the estates. However, the locals said these shelters were constructed using boulders and had sustained damage over the years owing to elephant attacks. R Nishanth, a local resident, said the shelters walls and doors are completely broken. Despite the dilapidated condition, the staff continue to distribute provisions from here. After distribution, the remaining stock is taken back to a safe place. The only solution is to operate a full-time ration shop here by installing a secure steel container for storing the rations, since the demand for these supplies is high in our region, he added. Recently, residents had got into an argument with officials and ward councillor over the condition of the building. The councilor for Ward 18, P Jayanthi, who manages ration distribution said she had been demanding a safe shop in the region for the past four years. The existing shelters are not safe and could easily be completely destroyed by elephants. Since we have no alternative location, we have been distributing rations from the same building. Steel containers may be the only solution for this issue. We have informed the tahsildar about the situation and requested the official to arrange a safe place to store the rations, Jayanthi said.
Fruit bats destroy Rudraksha yield, Kerala farmer sues forest dept
KOCHI: Fruit bats causing damage to crops is nothing new. But a farmer suing the forest department seeking a huge compensation for the loss he incurred owing to the flying mammals is not something common. C D Adarsh Kumar, whose main source of income were two Rudraksha trees in his orchard, was a successful farmer until recently. He said he earned a handsome Rs 1 crore per year from his four-acre land until a few years back. He used to sell quality Rudraksha beads from the two trees. However, a colony of bats that feed on unripe fruits have left him devastated. The resident of Kallekulam, Poonjar, has been unable to earn a penny from the farmland in the past three years, and landed in a debt trap. Facing recovery proceedings from banks, Adarsh has moved the Pala sub-court seeking a compensation of Rs 2.25 crore from the forest department. However, can the forest department be held responsible for the crop loss caused by fruit bats? Adarsh says the custodian of forest is responsible for the loss caused by protected wild animals that intrude into farmlands outside the forest. I developed a biodiversity park on my four-acre farmland over the past 35 years, where I grow rare and exotic fruit trees. The fruit bats started attacking the trees since 2015-16, and I have not been able to earn even a penny in the past three years. I had to sell some trees to meet my familys expenses in the past couple of years. The Poonjar Cooperative Bank and Kerala Bank have initiated recovery proceedings against me for loan default, Adarsh said in his petition filed on November 14. Adarsh said he used to get beads with four to 20 faces from the Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha tree Forest dept has to pay me compensation Some beads like Gauri-Shankar fetch fancy prices. Beads with five faces are common and are sold for `10 per piece. However, I can grow four saplings from a bead which I sell for `100 each. Besides, there are fruits like Durian, Filosan, Borneo avocado and Rambutan in my orchard which provided me steady income. However, for the past three years, I havent been able to harvest the yield as a big colony of bats is feeding on my crops regularly, he said. He said he has a liability of `1.67 crore with the Poonjar bank and a little over `1 crore with the Poonjar branch of Kerala Bank. I also took a loan of `4 lakh in my wifes name. The banks will attach my property and my family will be on the streets soon. The fruit bats have devastated my life and the forest department has to pay me compensation, said Adarsh. Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) legal consultant advocate Jose J Cheruvil said fruit bats are a protected species categorised under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. If farmers kill them or fire gunshots to scare them, it will be considered an offence. However, wild animals should be restricted in the forest and as custodian of forests, the forest department has to be held accountable for the devastation caused by animals. As per the strict liability principle, the department is liable to pay compensation if wild animals stray into the property of farmers and destroy crops. The compensation extended by the department is meagre and we are demanding that the amount be enhanced considering the value of the crop, he said.
Pradyot demands justice for murdered woman, children in Manipur
HT Correspondent AGARTALA, Nov 19: Tipra Motha founder and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Monday strongly condemned the brutal killing of a woman and two children in Manipur, demanding that the Central government take stringent action by hanging the perpetrators to deliver justice. The victims were among six individuals reported missing from []
Chutia Yuba Sanmilon stages protest in Jorhat for ST status
HT Correspondent JORHAT, Nov 19:Chutia Yuba Sanmilon, Jorhat unit, in association with the Titabor unit, staged a protest in front of the Jorhat District Commissioners Office on Wednesday, demanding ST status. Hundreds of protesters shouted slogans and displayed placards and banners for two hours. We are demanding justice. The government has assured us many times []
X adds Twitch to its advertising boycott lawsuit
Twitch is now on the docket for Xs lawsuit against companies that stopped advertising on the social media site. X amended its lawsuit on Monday to include Twitch as a defendant in its lawsuit in a federal court in Wichita Falls, Texas, according to Reuters . The new complaint claims that the gaming stream site owned by Amazon stopped purchasing ads on X at the end of 2022. X alleges that Twitch and other companies conspired with the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) networks Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) initiative to withhold billions of dollars in advertising revenue from Elon Musks social media company. The plaintiff alleges the boycott violated federal antitrust laws and is demanding a jury trial to settle the matter. GARM also announced its discontinuation two days after X filed its lawsuit. X Corp.s joint lawsuit first filed in August also includes the WFA, the global food manufacturer Mars Incorporated, the drugstore chain CVS and the Danish energy company rsted A/S over the advertising boycott. X also has a lawsuit against the media watchdog group Media Matters for publishing a report showing X displayed ads next to antisemitic content on the platform. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-adds-twitch-to-its-advertising-boycott-lawsuit-215540775.html?src=rss
Curfew eased in 3 Manipur districts, Internet restored
Curfew was relaxed in three Imphal Valley districts on Tuesday and the suspension on broadband internet lifted with conditions, even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh blamed the Congress for the present crisis in Manipur and NDA MLAs called for a mass operation against militants responsible for the killing of six women and children. Peaceful rallies were also staged across the state, with hundreds taking to the streets with empty coffins in Churachandpur district, demanding justice for those killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Jiribam, and members of various civil society organisations bringing out a procession in Imphal West district to protest the reimposition of AFSPA in parts of the state.
Mubarak Mandi Needs a Holistic Approach
Historic Mubarak Mandi complex of Jammu city is again in the news. Mubarak Mandi is a comprehensive collection of palaces that has emerged over the centuries as the seat of power in Jammu region, defining the evolution of the Dogra dynasty as the rulers who shaped the political boundaries of erstwhile princely state of Jammu []
Covid shots: Parents seek vaccine courts to ensure 'swift' justice
Parents of children who allegedly died from COVID-19 vaccine side effects are demanding justice and transparency in public health policies. They are calling for faster legal proceedings and a revamped system for reporting adverse events following immunization.
Telangana seeks to reclaim 10,000-acre unused PSU land to spur industrial growth
Hyderabad :Nearly 10,000 acres of prime land in Hyderabad, allotted by the state government to Central public sector indertakings (CPSUs) decades ago, remain unutilised, prompting the state government to push for the reclamation of these parcels. The estimated market value of these land parcels is over `40,000 crore. According to data compiled by the state revenue department, 11 Central PSUs collectively hold 8,948 acres, of which only 2,313 acres are being utilised. This means 6,635 acres remain unused under eight operational PSUs, while three closed PSUs account for an additional 3,304 acres of unutilised land. Prominent PSUs with significant unutilised land include Midhani, DRDO, and BDL, which together have 1,312 acres lying vacant. Other major unutilised land holdings include Ordnance Factory, Medak, having 2,000 acres unused, BHEL, Lingampally, 2,125 acres, ECIL, Cherlapally, 930 acres, HAL, Balanagar, 214 acres, DRDO and DRDL, Chandrayangutta, 55 acres Additionally, three defunct PSUs Cement Corporation of India (CCI) in Adilabad, Indian Drugs and Pharmaceutical Ltd (IDPL) in Balanagar, and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in Quthbullapur hold 2,290 acres, 891 acres, and 123 acres, respectively. Official sources said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to engage with the concerned Union ministries to reclaim these land parcels. The state argues that these parcels were allotted at nominal or zero cost to support industrial growth and employment generation. With Hyderabad facing a severe shortage of industrial land, the state government intends to repurpose the unutilised parcels to attract new industries. However, discussions with the Centre have hit a roadblock, as Union ministries are reportedly demanding market rates for the land. The state is seeking a compromise, urging the Centre to either return the lands free of cost or sell them at the government-assessed value instead of market prices. While the state government is keen on facilitating industrial development through these lands, it remains unclear whether the Centre will adhere to its request. Official sources revealed that the lands' open-market valuation exceeds `40,000 crore, significantly higher than the government-prescribed valuation of `6,000 crore.
GoC 16 Corps Stresses Comprehensive Operational Preparedness Along LoC
JAMMU: General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armys 16 Corps, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, on Tuesday stressed the need for comprehensive operational preparedness to meet all current challenges along the Line of Control (LoC). GOC White Knight Corps and GOC Ace of Spades division visited forward areas along the Line of Control in Narian sector, [] The post GoC 16 Corps Stresses Comprehensive Operational Preparedness Along LoC appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Man Threatens YouTuber Sourav Joshi, Claims Links With Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
A man has been arrested from Uttarakhand for allegedly threatening and demanding Rs 2 crore from YouTube Sourav Joshi by claiming to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
US NSF director to attend Satya Sai varsity convocation
Anantapur: Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, will be the chief guest at the 43rd Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University) on November 22. The convocation will take place at the Poornachandra Auditorium in Prasanthi Nilayam, Satya Sai district, as part of the celebrations for the 99th birth anniversary of Saibaba.According to sources from the Sathya Sai Central Trust, Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad will deliver the inaugural address. The Chancellor, Sri K. Chakravarthi, will preside over the ceremony, which will see the awarding of degrees to students in undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and doctoral research programs. In the evening, students will present a convocation drama titled Tat Twam Asi , which will be streamed live from the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Mandir on the official YouTube channel. As part of the ongoing birth anniversary celebrations, International Womens Day was also observed at Sai Kulwant Hall on Tuesday, following a tradition established by Baba to mark the occasion on November 19 every year.
France's Gisele Pelicot says 'macho' society must change attitude on rape
Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist icon by refusing to be ashamed and demanding the trial be open to the public to raise awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse
Bank retirees stage dharna demanding pension updation
Increase in welfare fund allocation for retirees, improvements in health insurance benefits and minimum pension of 10,000 for retirees among other demands
Manipur: Hundreds Walk With Empty Coffins Demanding Justice For Those Killed In Violence
The march concluded at the Wall of Remembrance, a memorial for the Kuki people killed in the ethnic violence in the state since May last year.
KOLKATA: Rights activist Irom Sharmila believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention is essential to resolving the crisis in violence-hit Manipur, warning that the reimposition of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six police station areas in the northeastern state could escalate the unrest further. Sharmila appealed to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to take moral responsibility for the unrest and step down, while urging the Centre to hold a referendum to understand the people's aspirations and determine a path to resolve the crisis. In a telephonic interview with PTI, Sharmila, known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur,' stressed the importance of the Centre respecting the diversity, values, and practices of the northeast's ethnic groups. She emphasised that sensitivity and understanding are vital for restoring peace in the region. The approach of the Centre is not right. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting every state, but he has not gone to Manipur. He is the democratically elected leader of the country. It has been nearly eighteen months since the violence started, yet he has not visited. Only direct intervention by Prime Minister Modi can help resolve the crisis, Sharmila claimed. Alleging that CM N. Biren Singh has failed to restore peace, Sharmila stressed that immediate and decisive action is needed to stop the ongoing ethnic violence, which has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands since May last year. The wrong policies of the state government have pushed Manipur into this unprecedented crisis. The chief minister must immediately step down for failing to restore peace since May last year. The BJP must ask him to resign. He has failed the people of Manipur, she said. The Centre first needs to understand the problem and what the people of Manipur want, she said. The Centre must conduct a referendum among the communities to determine how to resolve the crisis. The government needs to understand what the people of Manipur want before taking corrective steps, she said. Forces given free hand, asked to focus on intel-based operations in Manipur The Centre last week reimposed AFSPA in six police station areas of Manipur, including the violence-hit Jiribam, citing the continuous volatile situation due to ongoing ethnic violence. This came on the same day the Manipur Police announced the seizure of a cache of arms and ammunition from the Jiribam and Churachandpur districts. Criticising the Centre's decision to reimpose AFSPA in some areas following the recent spate of violence, the rights activist reiterated her long-standing opposition to the Act, describing it as a colonial-era law that cannot address Manipur's problems. AFSPA can never be a solution. It is a draconian law. It has been in Manipur for so long, yet it hasn't stopped the violence. The Centre must recognise that the northeast is part of India not just in words but in practice. The reimposition of AFSPA would further aggravate the situation, Sharmila, who conducted a 16-year-old fast demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, said. Reflecting on her activism, she said, AFSPA has brought nothing but suffering to the people of Manipur. It's time we moved beyond such colonial laws to find real solutions. Sharmila questioned the double standards in addressing law and order issues in different parts of the country. Congress chief Kharge writes to President Murmu seeking intervention in Manipur situation Can you impose AFSPA or suspend internet services for months in cities like Mumbai or Delhi or any big states like Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh during a crisis? India is a democratic country, and such measures should not be carried forward from the colonial era. In the name of fighting insurgency, crores of rupees are wasted, which could have been used for the development of the northeast, she stated. The ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki groups in Manipur, which began in May last year, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people and rendered around 1 lakh people homeless. The fresh incidents of violence were triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a Kuki tribal woman from Jiribam allegedly by Meiti extremists earlier this month. According to an FIR filed by the woman's husband, she was brutally raped and burnt alive by Meiti militants. This was followed by CRPF and police personnel shooting dead 10 people belonging to the same tribe as the woman, claiming them to be militants. Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo organisations claimed they were village volunteers and demanded a thorough investigation into the killings. A day after, six members of a Meitei family from the same villagethree women and three childrenwere reported missing, with officials saying that they were likely abducted by Kuki militants. Protests led by Meitei groups broke out after the reported recovery of six bodies, believed to be of those reported missing. Defying curfew orders, a Meitei group on Monday took to the streets and locked several government offices in Imphal's West district to protest the recent killings in Jiribam even as the Centre decided to rush about 5,000 paramilitary troops to tackle the volatile situation in restive Manipur after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's review meeting in New Delhi. Curfew was imposed for an indefinite period in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts of Imphal Valley due to developing law and order situation. Sharmila called on both the state and central governments to address the apprehensions and fears of various ethnic groups with love and compassion. The values, principles, and practices of different ethnic groups must be respected. India is known for its diversity, and the Centre must recognise and embrace it in Manipur as well, she said. Sharmila began her hunger strike in 2000 after 10 civilians were allegedly killed by security forces at a bus stop in Malom near Imphal. Her 16-year-long peaceful resistance against AFSPA earned her widespread recognition but did not result in the repeal of the law. She ended her hunger strike in 2016, subsequently married in 2017 after miserably failing to make a mark in the assembly elections, and is now settled in south India with her family, including her twin daughters. 'Completely failed to resolve crisis': NPP withdraws support to Biren Singh-led government in Manipur
Movement Kalkis protest for cow protection completes one month
Jammu Tawi: The ongoing protest led by Movement Kalki, demanding stringent laws for cow protection and a complete ban on cow slaughter, has entered its one-month mark today. Protesters, including activists and community leaders, have been staging a relentless day-and-night demonstration, vowing to continue their struggle until cows are granted full protection. The key demands [] The post Movement Kalkis protest for cow protection completes one month appeared first on Northlines .
SFI stages protest demanding fresh exam for recruiting PDOs
Dhanushs lawyer to initiate legal action against Nayanthara
Mumbai: Days after actress Nayanthara accused Dhanush of demanding Rs 10 crore for alleged copyright infringement involving her Netflix documentary, the actors legal team has issued a strong statement. Dhanushs lawyer has threatened legal action if the contentious content, which reportedly infringes on his copyright of the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, is not removed within 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 .
Heeramandi Actor Taha Shah Badussha Turns A Year Older, Celebrates With Media
Heeramandi star Taha Shah Badussha celebrated his 37th birthday in style. The actor marked the special day with a media gathering, surrounded by cameras and paps. watch this video to know more.
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK founder S Ramadoss, MDMK general secretary Vaiko and many leaders on Tuesday took strong exception to the 'imposition of Hindi' on the LIC web portal. Hashtag #StopHindiImposition is trending on social media as large number of people are opposing the Centre's move and expressing their resentment. Hindi has been made the default language in the LIC portal and if a customer wishes to view the web portal in English, he/she has to specifically select from the language options. However, the options are also displayed in Hindi. Demanding the immediate rollback of this 'linguistic tyranny' with the hashtag #StopHindiImposition in his X handle, the CM said, The LIC website has been reduced to a propaganda tool for Hindi imposition. Even the option to select English is displayed in Hindi! This is nothing but cultural and language imposition by force, trampling on India's diversity. LIC grew with the patronage of all Indians. How dare it betray the majority of its contributors?. The LIC website has been reduced to a propaganda tool for Hindi imposition. Even the option to select English is displayed in Hindi! This is nothing but cultural and language imposition by force, trampling on India's diversity. LIC grew with the patronage of all Indians. How pic.twitter.com/BxHzj28aaX M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 19, 2024 Strongly objecting the move, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, in his X handle said, It is condemnable that the Central government is keen on imposing Hindi in all possible ways. India is a country marked by its diversity in terms of language, culture, politics etc., to impose uniformity is unacceptable. I urge the Central government to change the default language of the LIC web portal to English so that all can use it. Ialso urge it to not indulge in any activity to impose Hindi. LIC - ! LIC (Default Language) . LIC- . pic.twitter.com/8LZQwfphSR Edappadi K Palaniswami - Say No To Drugs & DMK (@EPSTamilNadu) November 19, 2024 MDMK general secretary Vaiko in a statement said, The Narendra Modi government has been brutally imposing Hindi. Sanskrit is being imposed through the National Educational Policy. The BJP government is forcibly imposing Hindi in All India Radio, and Doordarshan, naming the schemes of the union government in Hindi and Sanskrit, and rechristening the criminal laws in Hindi and Sanskrit. Making Hindi the default language of the LIC web portal is strongly condemnable. PMK founder S Ramadoss, in his statement, said that changing the default language of the LIC web portal to Hindi is insulting the Tamil customers. As of now, LIC has around 540 million policyholders and asizeable number of them are from non-Hindi-speaking States.
MVA cries foul as top BJP leader accused of 'cash-dole' in Palghar, oppn seeks action
In a dramatic development, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was allegedly found distributing cash to some people even as the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) raised an uproar demanding action, here on Tuesday. The BJP Central and the state unit have vehemently denied the incident which snowballed into a huge political storm barely 24 hours before the November 20 Assembly elections.
Himachal Bhawan up for auction to repay Seli hydel project dues
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said that the government will review the High Court order for the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi and respond soon. Leader of opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur accused the government of mismanagement, financial irresponsibility and 'complete administrative failure'. The Himachal HC ordered for the attachment of Himachal Bhawan due to the government's failure to return, along with interest, a premium worth Rs 64 crore paid upfront for the allotment of a 320 MW hydel project in Lahaul-Spiti. The court order related to a previous non-payment of dues which have since escalated to around Rs 150 crore because of delays in resolution of dues. The court has also directed the Secretary (Power) to inquire into the matter within 15 days as to identifying which officials have erred in returning the money to the company. State government has moved court against order: CM CM Sukhu said that the government will examine the High Court order and arrive at a decision soon. I have yet to read the order but there is a clause for forfeiture of upfront premium deposited by the power company, return of the Rs 64 crore amount is the decision of an arbitrator and the state government has moved court against the order, said Sukhu. CM Sukhu was closely associated with the formulation of the Hydro Power Policy, 2006, according to which power projects are allotted on the basis of bidding and upfront money is deposited against the reserve price per MW. State is making headlines for the wrong reasons: Leader of opposition Thakur accused the present government of 'completely destroying' Himachal Pradesh. He pointed out that investors were unhappy with the government and have withdrawn investment in the hydro sector due to new policies introduced by the government. Whatever projects we have with the Union Government whether it is with SJVN, NTPC or NHPC, the agreements that we had made with them in the past, have also been questioned, said Thakur. It is the failure of the government when 70 lawyers have been appointed as Advocate General (AG), Additional AG and Deputy AG, and have failed to defend the government. The state is making national headlines for all the wrong reasons and every citizen of the state is hurt by the latest court order of attaching Himachal Bhawan, he said. Thakur added that it will not be surprising if, at this pace, even the Himachal Vidhan Sabha and Secretariat are attached, due to the state government's inefficiency. He also accused Himachal CM Sukhu of gross economic mismanagement of the state after the High Court passed the orders. Financially irresponsible government, claims BJP The leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur and Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajiv Bindal shared a video message alleging that a prestige property of Himachal is on the verge of being auctioned because of mismanagement by the Congress government in the state. This is a matter of shame, said the BJP leaders, adding that the Himachal government has been moving from one embarrassment to another, referring to recent controversies involving samosas, toilet tax, and now, order for attachment of Mandi House Himachal Bhawan. The leaders said the Congress government spent crores to hire lawyers to save its government than to protect the state's interests. Himachal moves SC after HC quashes appointment of 6 parliamentary secretaries Seli hydro electric project case On February 28, 2009, the state government allotted a 320 MW hydel project to be set up in Lahaul-Spiti to Moser Baer. Border Road Organisation had been assigned with the task of constructing a road leading to the power project site. As per the terms and conditions, the state government was responsible for providing required infrastructure for developing the project. Moser Baer approached the court in 2017 after several rounds of discussion with the state government regarding project feasibility. In August 2017, the company sought withdrawal from the project and filed a petition in the High Court seeking refund of the the upfront premium worth Rs 64 crores as the government had failed to provide basic infrastructure. In September 2017, the government terminated the letter of agreement with the company stating that Moser Baer had failed to sign the implementation agreement despite being granted extension. Earlier this year, the HC ruled that the upfront premium should be refunded with interest.
Maharashtra polls: BVA accuses BJP leader of distributing money, Tawde denies
Virar: A major controversy erupted after BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde was gheraoed by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) activists Tuesday for allegedly distributing money in a hotel in Virar in Maharashtras Palghar district. The activists led by BVA legislator Kshitij Thakur got aggressive demanding Tawdes arrest. They threatened that they would not allow []
Manipur: Hundreds walk with empty coffins demanding justice for those killed in Jiribam gunfight
Hundreds marched in Manipur's Churachandpur district. They demanded justice for those killed in a gunfight with security forces. The gunfight happened in Jiribam. Ten suspected militants were killed. The marchers carried empty coffins. They also held placards. The march ended at a memorial. A memorandum was submitted to the district administration.
Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai has called for an emergency meeting with his federal counterpart to address the capital's severe pollution levels. Rai is demanding immediate approval for cloud seeding and criticized the central government for inaction, urging Prime Minister Modi to intervene.
Apple Said to Offer $100 Million to Undo Indonesia iPhone 16 Ban
After Apple submitted its increased offer, Indonesias Ministry of Industry, which last month blocked a permit allowing the sale of the iPhone 16, is now demanding that the technology behemoth alter its investment plans to focus more on research and development for its smartphones in the country, the people said.
Vindication Or Misinformation? 40% Commission Scam Spectre Returns To Karnataka Battleground
The allegations of 40 per cent commission first came to light in April 2022 following contractor Santosh Patils suicide, in which he accused BJP minister KS Eshwarappa of demanding bribes for a government project
Chandrodaya Mandir: The World's Tallest Temple Set to Dazzle Devotees in Vrindavan
A Grand New Temple in Mathura -The grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has already been completed, but the construction of majestic temples in Uttar Pradesh continues. One such temple, the Chandrodaya Mandir in Vrindavan, is rapidly rising in the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura. This temple is set to become one of the tallest in the world, attracting both devotees and tourists. With plans to rival iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, it promises to be a stunning addition to the region's spiritual and cultural heritage. A Monumental Project by ISKCON The Chandrodaya Mandir is being built by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The foundation stone was laid on November 16, 2014, by former President Pranab Mukherjee. When completed, the temple will feature an astounding 166 floors, making it unique in the world of temple architecture. A Towering Height to Rival Global Landmarks Standing at an impressive 700 feet, the Chandrodaya Mandir will be three times the height of the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which stands at 72.5 meters. This remarkable height ensures that the temple will be counted among the tallest temples worldwide. The depth of its foundation will also surpass that of the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, by three times. A Pyramid-Shaped Wonder The temple will be built in a pyramid shape, with the topmost floor named Braj Mandal Darshan. Surrounding the temple will be representations of the twelve forests described in the Shrimad Bhagwat and other scriptures. The total construction cost of the temple exceeds Rs 700 crore, and it is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8 on the Richter scale. Built to Withstand the Harshest Conditions The temples structure is being designed with meticulous care to endure extreme conditions. Not only will it stand firm against earthquakes, but it is also engineered to withstand winds as strong as 170 km per hour. Spread across 70 acres, the temple complex will feature car parking facilities and even a helipad. Visiting the entire site could take three to four days, given its vast expanse. Impressive Features and Modern Technology The Chandrodaya Mandir will be the most modern temple to date, incorporating 4D technology for a unique spiritual experience. A library dedicated to the life of Lord Krishna will be a key feature, alongside a Krishna-themed park where visitors can enjoy a light and sound show. The temple will have the capacity to host up to 10,000 devotees at once, making it a hub for both spiritual practice and tourism. With its grand scale, modern design, and spiritual significance, the Chandrodaya Mandir is poised to become a landmark of global importance. The temples construction is not just an architectural marvel but also a beacon of devotion and cultural pride for future generations. Ayodhya: THESE Reasons Cited for the Three-Month Delay in Ram Temple Completion Yogi Govt Prioritizes Restoration of Historic Temples in Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025
Indira Gandhi was example of love, courage: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: The Congress paid rich tributes to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary on Tuesday with Rahul Gandhi saying that it is from his grandmother that he learnt that real strength is to fearlessly walk on the path of national interest. Indira Gandhi, often described as the 'Iron Lady of India', was born on November 19, 1917 in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to Indira Gandhi at her memorial 'Shakti Sthal' here. Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes at the Indira Gandhi Memorial at 1, Safdarjung Road. Sharing a quote by Indira Gandhi in a post on X, Kharge said crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of the 'Iron Lady of India' for she was the epitome of lifelong struggle, courage and dynamic leadership who selflessly contributed to nation building. We have believed - and we do believe now - that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible. ~ Indira Gandhi Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of Iron Lady of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi for she pic.twitter.com/VBcfTPcEwW Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 19, 2024 She sacrificed her life to preserve the unity and integrity of India. Our humble homage on her birth anniversary, he said. In a post in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said, (My) grandmother was an example of both courage and love. It is from her that I have learnt that the real strength is to fearlessly walk on the path of national interest. Her memories are my strength, which always show me the way, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, My grandmother, Indira Gandhi ji always started her election campaign from Nandurbar in Maharashtra. She believed that the culture of the tribal society is the best and unique because it respects and protects nature. When she became the prime minister, she empowered the tribal society by making many important laws for them. She strengthened the tribals, Dalits, backward and poor the most with her policies, she said in a post on X in Hindi. Today, the Congress is carrying forward the ideas of Indira Gandhi by demanding a caste census and increasing the reservation limit for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, she said. Dadi ji! The lessons of service and culture given by you will always remain with us, Priyanka Gandhi said. Congress general secretary, in-charge organisation, K.C. Venugopal, also paid tributes to Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary. Her life is an inspiration for everyone, as she grew to become one of India's most successful PMs in Indian history. Her instincts to take challenges head on, fight for supreme national interest even if it means risking her life, and her commitment to help India's every citizen makes her a special leader, he said. Even today, crores of Indians reminisce about her tenure and recognise her immense contributions to society, Venugopal said. We renew our pledge to build an India of her dreams, where her vision of a strong, prosperous and progressive society is fulfilled, he said. The Congress, in a post on its official X handle, said Indira Gandhi was an embodiment of strength and resilience. Her transformative leadership propelled India to new heights, breaking barriers and shaping India's future. We pay our heartfelt tribute to Indira ji, whose patriotism and devotion to the nation inspire millions, the party said.
Manipur MLAs Demand Action Against Kuki Militants, Call for AFSPA Review
IMPHAL: Manipur's political scene heated up as several state MLAs recently passed a resolution demanding strong action and specific changes. Amid the ongoing tensions and the National People's Party (NPP) withdrawing its support from the current government led by Biren Singh, the resolution has sparked significant attention. The key demands include a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and swift action against Kuki militants, with a deadline of seven days. This follows recent tragic incidents, including the deaths of six individuals, among them women and children, in Jiribam. The MLAs have called for a mass operation targeting the militants allegedly responsible for these killings. The resolution also urges the transfer of three critical cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These cases involve the burning death of a woman, the killing of six civilians, and the death of a woman farmer. Additionally, the MLAs want the Kuki militants declared an unlawful organization within the one-week timeframe. If these resolutions are not implemented within the specified period, all NDA legislators will consult with the state's residents to decide on future actions, stated a document released by the Chief Minister's Secretariat. It assured that both the central and state governments would take measures to restore peace and stability in Manipur. During the meeting, the MLAs strongly condemned recent violent acts against them, including assaults and property destruction. They emphasized that those involved in looting and damaging property would face legal action based on findings from a High-Powered Committee. Meanwhile, NPP National Vice President Yumnam Joykumar expressed deep concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation. He criticized the Manipur government for ignoring the NPPs recommendations, highlighting a failure to ensure public safety. Joykumar also stressed the need for confidence-building efforts and suggested providing permanent housing for displaced citizens. He called for a neutral administration to help restore peace in the region. In a related development, the Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet and mobile data services across several districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Thoubal, and Churachandpur. This extension will last until 5:15 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. RSS Condemns Brutal Killings in Manipur, Calls for Quick Government Action
BJP-JDS offered 100 crore to our MLAs, says Mandya MLA Ravikumar Ganiga
MYSURU/CHIKKAMAGALURU : Days after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP-JDS combine of offering Rs 50 crore each to 50 Congress MLAs to destabilise the Congress government in the state, Mandya MLA Ravikumar Ganiga further alleged that the BJP offered Rs 100 crore each to Congress MLAs. BJP leaders contacted Chikkamagaluru MLA Thamanna and Kittur MLA Babu. We have information about meetings in hotels, guest houses, and airports. We have audio, video, CD, pen drive, and iCloud proof that will be released to the media soon, he told reporters. He claimed that Opposition leaders offered Rs 100 crore each, as the Congress legislators did not respond to the Rs 50-crore offer. He also accused the BJP of using funds that were looted in the previous government, to topple the present government. He added that a few indulging in destabilising the government are demanding a probe, but those who attempted to lure the legislators are maintaining silence. Our MLAs will not fall prey to the BJPs designs. We are united and the government is stable, he claimed. However, Congress MLA HD Thamanna rejected his party MLAs claims by stating that nobody had contacted him. Nobody has contacted me and I have no idea why Ganiga said it. You should ask him, Thamanna told reporters in Chikkamagaluru, responding to Ganigas claims. Rubbishing it as a rumour, the MLA said he was with the BJP earlier, before the Assembly polls, and he has nothing to do with that party anymore. Meanwhile, Kaduru Congress MLA KS Anand also clarified that none of the BJP leaders had contacted him offering money. I grew up as a loyal Congressman, starting with the student wing of the party, NSUI, and hence, no BJP leaders have dared to call me, he said. Separately, Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil claimed that while he had an offer from the BJP soon after the Congress formed the government last year, nobody so far offered him anything to join the BJP. The BJP has been trying to rope in several legislators of our party for the last one year, but in vain. None of the Congress legislators will give in to the BJPs pressure tactics. We firmly remain with our party, he stated.
Loo chronicles: Digital sanctuary for modern age
KOCHI: Every toilet can be best imagined as a sanctuary for a time-blind person perched on the porcelain throne, scrolling through their phone. Social media is rife with reels and posts poking fun at this universal human quirk: lingering in the loo long after the task is done.In a world that constantly demands performance and adherence to societal standards, toilets may well be the ultimate safe space, offering guilt-free solitude. For some, its a place to escape the real world, while for others, its where they plan their day down to the last detail. A recent study of over 2,000 people in the UK revealed 43 per cent people like to lock themselves away to enjoy the quiet. About 13% responded they do so just to get time away from their partners. There are, in fact, some who proudly proclaim the loo is their fave reading space, or even mini bar. Some term it an oasis or daily sanctuary. To understand this loove story better, we spoke to some self-proclaimed loonatics to uncover their insights. Sanctuary & solitude Ajith K Prakash, a 33-year-old musician, describes himself as a lifelong loover. I used to sing songs inside the toilet and loved the reverb it created I still do. As a child, it was my hideout, offering sweet respite from studying and other responsibilities. Now, its become a habit, and it feels wrong not to spend a specific amount of time there, he says. For many, the bathroom is the ultimate space for random scrolling, guilt-free. Over time, toilets have evolved from being detached outdoor spaces to modern, attached bathrooms with European-style closets, making them far more comfortable for loonatics. When my parents built a new house, I had a toilet to myself with a European-style closet, Ajith recalls. It allowed me to sit comfortably for longer periods. Theres no other place in the world where you can truly be at peace with yourself, even when youre doing absolutely nothing. Theres a certain beauty to it. For 29-year-old businessman Nebu James, the loo is more than just a digital sanctuary its also a place for decision-making. All my major life decisions choosing the Commerce stream in Plus I or deciding to assist my fathers business were made while on the pot, he chuckles. He notes that the move to attached bathrooms represents a paradigm shift in how people interact with their private spaces. Our ancestors relieved themselves on open land, far from living spaces. Today, toilets are accessible in every home, a privilege we take for granted, Nebu says Nebu adds the addiction to using smartphones has created a generation of people who cant attend to natures call without watching a reel or two. For Akhil (name changed), an assistant professor, the bathroom is a haven for solitude. As a kid, I carried comics like Balarama into the toilet. As an adult, this evolved into newspapers and then smartphones, he smiles. But on most working days, I prefer just sitting there in silence, planning my day. Its the only place where you are truly unbothered. I scroll the hell out of my phone on my days off from work! Ladies club Well, though globally men spend more time in the toilet, there is a rising tribe of women loonatics too. Writer Archita Raghu is one of them. During my school days, I would sleepily head to the bathroom and read Harry Potter, Tintin or a newly borrowed library book. It was the most peaceful place to read. I would sit there for ages until my mom starts yelling, she laughs. It became a place where I read best, and stories unfolded. I would be late to school every day, but never compromised on toilet time. Later, the toilet became a space where she studied, revised before exams, found refuge when I fought with my parents, chumma cry a bit alone, or watch films. Archita, however, doesnt share a similar bond with public toilets. That said, loos in pubs have also been spaces of female solidarity, where I have held the hair of strangers as they have puked, or hands of women as they cried, where we have spoken about queerness, done each others lipsticks or tipsily made confessions we would never make outside of that space, she laughs. Shrija G, a media professional, feels toilets are a space where one can be naked, literally and metaphorically. I am a bit hysterical about being observed. I dont have to worry about that in the toilet, she says. Shrija adds toilets are where she contemplates her life. For instance, when I am in the loo I often talk to myself and replay the conversations I have had with people, she says. As I am getting older, my time in the loo is getting cut short, but I stay there for about 20 minutes. Because I cant get out of the loo until Im done with self-reflection. Case for moderation Dr Arjun Ajith, a 29-year-old gynaecologist, says he spends just about five minutes in the toilet due to his demanding schedule. He also warns of the physiological and psychological risks of prolonged toilet use. Spending excessive time on the pot can dilate veins near the anus, leading to issues such as haemorrhoids, he notes. Dr Tony Joseph, a gastroenterologist, elaborates: Prolonged use of European-style closets can alter the anorectal angle, making bowel movements more difficult. This can result in rectal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, anal fissures, constipation, and lower back pain. He adds that using phones or other distractions while on the toilet creates a dependency on external stimuli, making it harder for individuals to defecate without such distractions, reinforcing poor toilet habits. This behaviour prolongs bathroom visits unnecessarily, disrupting daily routines and productivity, says Dr Tony. It can delay personal and professional schedules, and make it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle. That reminds me of a piece of advice from Dr Farah Monzur, assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Stony Brook Medicine on Long Island, New York. You dont want to go [to the loo] with the mindset that you will be there for a long time. Because then youll want to bring something to keep the mind occupied, she recently told CNN. Make sitting on the toilet bowl as uninteresting as possible. Historical haven The association between toilets and sanctuary predates smartphones. Consultant psychologist Prof. Mohandas M points out that men historically used toilets as private sanctuaries. From stashing cigarettes or alcohol to hiding porn magazines, toilets have always been a space for mental and physical relief for some, he says. Today, this behaviour has extended to smartphones. This isnt a gendered phenomenon everyone does it. Theres a term, nomophobia, for the anxiety people feel when detached from mobile connectivity. Taking phones to the loo is an extension of this fear. Toilets may serve as more than just functional spaces, but fans would do well to strike a balance. Whether its for planning, introspection, or mindless scrolling, its time for loovers and loonatics to descend from their ivory towers and healthy efficient bathroom habits. After all, even solace has its limits. Risks & recommendations While the psychological comfort of toilet time is undeniable, its essential to adopt healthy habits to avoid long-term complications Limit toilet time to 5-10 minutes. Avoid distractions such as phones Use a footstool for optimal posture Establish regular bowel habits Seek medical advice for persistent issues A matter of time An online survey revealed that men spend an average of 1 hour and 35 minutes on the toilet weekly nearly 14 minutes a day compared to women, who spend just 55 minutes weekly, or around 8 minutes a day. The survey also showed that 86% of men read everything from politics to porn while on the pot, compared to 27% of women.
Southern Naval Command to lead 'sea vigil' coastal defence drill with CRPF support
KOCHI: As part of a national-level exercise coordinated by the Indian Navy to validate Indias maritime defence and security capabilities, the Southern Naval Command will organise a coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep on November 20 and 21. The Joint Operations Centre of the Navy will coordinate the operation in association with 16 agencies in Kerala including the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and the fisheries department. This exercise is aimed at validating and enhancing measures adopted to bolster coastal defence. Sea Vigil, coordinated by the Indian Navy, is a national-level exercise that provides a holistic appraisal of Indias maritime defence and security capabilities. Similar exercises will be organised by the naval commands at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Andaman simultaneously, which will be coordinated by the naval headquarters, said Captain S Omanakuttan, in charge of safety and security, at a media briefing held at the Kochi Naval Base. The Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in Kochi was set up as the nodal centre to coordinate with all coastal security stakeholders in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. IT is equipped with all facilities to monitor the coastline. The fourth edition of Sea Vigil for Kerala and Lakshadweep will be coordinated by Southern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas. The exercise will provide an opportunity to assess the preparedness of all maritime security agencies and to identify their strengths and weaknesses, said JOC Officer-in-Charge Commander Krishnadas. As the first phase, a coastal defence and security readiness evaluation has been launched, which will conclude on Tuesday, he said. The evaluation will audit infrastructure, assets and standard operating procedures available with each stakeholder involved in coastal security. During the second phase, simulated attacks will be carried out at select Vital Areas and Vital Points on November 20 and 21. The exercise will witness enhanced preparedness, response mechanism, surveillance capabilities and coordination between all the security agencies, Krishnadas said. The 590km-long coastline of Kerala has been divided into four zones for the exercise. Kerala has one major port and 17 minor ports, apart from 204 notified fish landing centres and 43 non-notified fish landing centres. The agencies will use the help of fishermen in gathering intelligence. There will be two forces involved in the operation. The Red Force will be the infiltrators who will try to attack coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, single point moorings, cable landing points and critical infrastructure. The Blue Force will represent the national security force trying to foil such attacks. Both teams will have their own strategy. Numerous meetings and interactive sessions have been conducted to ensure seamless coordination between the Navy and the 21 agencies involved in the operation, Omanakuttan said.
Manipur MLAs pass resolution, demand action against Kuki militants
Manipur MLAs have passed a resolution demanding a review of AFSPA and action against Kuki militants within seven days. They are also seeking an NIA investigation into three key cases related to recent killings. The NPP, which withdrew support from the government, criticized the handling of the law and order situation, demanding confidence-building measures and a neutral government.
Villagers demand bridge across TN's Marudaiyaru to end risky commute
PERAMBALUR: The lack of a river bridge connecting Gudalur and Koothoor makes life difficult for over 400 families in Gudalur village in Alathur taluk of the district. For several years, villagers have been demanding that a bridge be constructed across the Marudaiyaru River. The Marudaiyaru River flows between Gudalur and Koothur villages. Gudalur residents cross the river to go to their agricultural lands, cooperative bank and veterinary hospital. Students cross the river to go to schools. When there is no water, they cross the dry riverbed on foot or on two-wheelers. However, during monsoon, they try to wade across the river or at times take a detour. If the water level is high we have to take a detour of about 7 km to Koothur via Iluppaikkudi and Pilimisai. This results in higher transportation cost and waste of time. For a permanent solution, we had filed petitions several times to the collectorate demanding a bridge across the river. But no action has been taken, rue residents. It is difficult to reach our land or milk the cattle reared in the fields easily when there is water in the river during rains. We cannot transport produce and agricultural products including fertilisers for farming. Our livelihood is affected, S Alex Pandiyan, a resident, told TNIE. Water flows in the river for over a month during monsoon. With no option, we are forced to cross the river every day, despite the danger. We cant take a detour all the time. The transport cost goes up every time. Funds have recently been allotted for the construction of a bridge from Gudalur-Zamin Peraiyur in our village. However, a bridge linking Gudalur and Koothur is crucial, he added. At present, everyone, including school students, are at risk while crossing the river in hip-deep water. The district administration should intervene immediately, said V Ilayaraja, another resident. When contacted, a WRD official in Perambalur said, Bridge works come under the highways department. We will carry out an inspection and provide highway officials with hydraulic information.
17 private college students denied grad certificates in row over tuition fee
COIMBATORE: Students from a private Arts and Science College sought the Collectors intervention in getting their original graduation certificates from the institution as the management refused to provide them their certificates, demanding them to pay their fees. In a petition by 17 students, who recently completed B Com from Nyruthi Arts and Science College at Kariampalayam in Annur Taluk to Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, they said that the college is denying to provide them their original certificates without paying their tuition fee which they already paid prior their exam. They said, When we tried to pay our final year term fee online, there was an error. Hence, all 17 of us from the same department paid the fees to a professor from our department through GPay and incash as he asked us to do it before appearing for the exams. The college principal and administration know about it. Now, after the exam, when we went to collect our certificates, the management demanded us to pay Rs 22,000 including term fee of Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000 as a penalty and when we told them that we had already paid the money to the professor, they said that the professor did not pay the amount to them. We lodged a complaint with the Annur police station as they said that they can issue certificates only on payment of fees. However, no action has beentaken up so far. On receiving the petition, the collector instructed the joint director of college education to investigate the matter. When TNIE contacted K Kumaravel, the principal of the college, he said, Administration did not know about the students handing over the amount to the staff. We allowed the student to write the exam on a compassionate basis with the condition that they pay their fee while receiving their certificates. The staff who allegedly collected the amount from the students has not come to work since August. We could not reach him as his phone was switched off. Hence, we terminated him. His certificates are with us. We have received complaints against him from the students. We are about to file a complaint against him to the police.
Bharatiya Kisan Union leader from UP joins Melma stir on 505th day
TIRUVANNAMALAI: Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Rakesh Tikait joined the protest by farmers from Melma and the 10 surrounding villages, against the state governments Cheyyar SIPCOT expansion project, on Sunday as the demonstration entered its 505th day. Two SIPCOT units are operational near Cheyyar. The TN government plans to establish a third unit by acquiring 3,174 acres of agricultural land across Melma, Manipuram, Thethura, Kurumpur, Narmapallam, Nedungal, Athi, Vadaalappirandhan, Ilanaergunram, Veerampakkam and Kattugudisai. Farmers argue this acquisition threatens their livelihood and have been demanding the cancellation of project. The protest, organised under banner of Melma SIPCOT Farmers Movement, was presided over by its advisor Arul Arumugam. Addressing the gathering, Tikait said plight of farmers is the same across India. Governments prioritise profit over farmers welfare by taking away agricultural land for industrial use. This trend must be resisted collectively by farmers nationwide, he said. He emphasised the importance of womens participation in the struggle and urged farmers across the country to unite against land acquisition policies. He also criticised the Tamil Nadu government for allegedly attempting coerce the regions farmers. If the government files false cases or arrests farmers to grab their land, this protest will escalate into a massive movement, he warned. Other prominent leaders present included Karnataka Farmers Union State President K T Gangadhar, Kerala Natural Farmers Union State President John, TN Farmers Protection Association Founder Eason Murugasamy and the TN Farmers Union State president Vettavalam Manikandan. Over 500 people, including Swamimalai Vimalanathan of Cauvery Farmers Protection Association also took part.
Mango kernel tragedy: One more succumbs at SCB MCH in Odisha
CUTTACK: One of the two tribal women undergoing treatment at SCB medical college and hospital here for organ failure due to consumption of mango kernel gruel, succumbed on Monday. The deceased was identified as Jita Majhi of Mandipanka village in Kandhamal district. Head of Medicine department Prof Dr Jayant Panda said, Despite our efforts, we could not save Jita who was undergoing haemodialysis with ventilator support. She passed away at 2.15 pm in the Medicine ICU of the hospital. Earlier, two persons died and six others fell seriously ill after consuming mango kernel gruel in Mandipanka village. Of the six, Jita and Tuni Majhi were undergoing treatment at MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur. The duo was shifted to SCB MCH after their condition deteriorated on November 2. Both had multi-organ failure involving liver and kidney and were slowly responding to treatment by a team of experts from Medicine and Hepatology departments besides the Critical Care unit of SCB MCH.
Tamil Nadu revenue officials to boycott work from Nov 26
CHENNAI: Upset over the Tamil Nadu governments failure to fulfill their long-pending demands, the Tamil Nadu Revenue Officials Association has announced plans to boycott work and stage a sit-in protest from November 26. The association said they had already staged a protest in May 2023, urging the government to address their grievances. Following this, discussions were held with three ministers and senior officials, who promised that their demands would be met. One of these demands was to notify changes to the nomenclature of junior and senior revenue inspectors in service rules. This particular demand does not impose any financial burden on the government, yet it remains unfulfilled, said a statement from the association signed by general secretary S Sankaralingam and state president MP Murugaiyan. The association also highlighted that they have been demanding the filling of office assistant posts since February 2021. Additionally, promotions to senior revenue inspector posts have been stalled for past two years. The association accused the finance department of attempting to phase out key positions by transferring responsibilities such as urban land tax collection. Despite a decision to halt these measures, certain officials are allegedly trying to implement them, causing widespread discontent among employees. In light of these issues, the association announced its plan to protest starting November 26 which is expected to affect the public in terms of obtaining various documents.
Fresh exercise set into motion for construction of hotel in Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex
Tenders floated for engagement of Transaction Advisor Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Nov 18: A fresh exercise has been started for construction of hotel in historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex with the inviting of tenders for engagement of Transaction Advisor by the Executive Engineer Public Works (R&B) Division-II Jammu on behalf of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A Short Notice Inviting Tender No.06-2024-25 dated November 7, 2024 read: e-tenders are invited for engagement of eligible [] The post Fresh exercise set into motion for construction of hotel in Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SKM to Protest Anti farmer, Labour Policies
Hyderabad: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the joint platform of trade unions have called for a protest against the Central governments anti farmer and labour policies on November 26. They said the new labour codes introduced have made minimum wage, job security, social security and eight hour working day a thing of the past. In a release they said the Centre is raising minimum support prices by two to seven percent while input costs of crops are rising by 12 to 15 per cent. The MSP of paddy was raised by 5.35 percent and fixed at Rs 2,300 per quintal while the farmers are demanding 50 percent price in addition to the input cost as per Swaminathan Committee recommendations. The protest is happening in 500 districts across the country against all these measures. The centre has taken up the digitalization in agriculture to benefit the corporates to encourage contract farming. Putting forth demands it sought cancellation of agreements reached between ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) and multinational companies, rescind giving of ware houses belonging to FCI and Central Ware Housing Corporation and market yards to Adani and Ambani and other corporates. The labour codes are devoid of provision for PF, ESI, welfare board and plans are afoot to bring back 12 hour working days. This will push around 40 crores working in the unorganized sector to slavery. The centre they said has waived Rs 16.5 lakh crores of corporate debts while refusing to even consider the same for farmers as agreed in a written agreement with the SKM on 9 December 2021.
Net curbs extended to 7 Manipur districts as protests intensify
The Manipur government has launched an inquiry and suspended an SSP following police firing in Jiribam. Internet bans have been extended, and a curfew remains in effect. COCOMI, a Meitei civil organization, protested despite the curfew, demanding justice for women and children found dead in Jiribam.
Telangana BC Leaders Complain BC Panel on Denial of Rights
Nalgonda: Leaders of Backward Castes (BC) on Monday expressed their frustrations before the Telangana BC Commission, chaired by G. Niranjan, during a public hearing held at Udhayaditya Bhavan in the district Collectorate. Representatives from Nalgonda, Suryapet, and Yadadri-Bhongir districts submitted memoranda outlining their demands to the commission chairman. Cheruku Mallikarjun, leader of Gouda Sangam, said that there are eight lakh Goudas in Nalgonda district. He requested an increase in the quota for liquor shop allocations from 15 per cent to 50 per cent, stating that the decline in toddy demand has severely impacted their livelihoods. Additionally, he appealed for the state government to raise the ex gratia for families of toddy tappers who die from falling palm trees from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Keshaboina Shanker, leader of MUdiran Association, pointed out that the Mudiraj community makes up nine per cent of the states population and 13 per cent of the BC population. He advocated for a special quota for Mudirajs within the BC (A) reservation category, emphasising their social and economic backwardness. Md Riyajuddin, a Muslim youth, reminded the commission that Muslims are categorised as BC(E) but lack access to BC Study Circles, which provide coaching for competitive examinations. Narem Narsimha, leader of Vaddera Sangam, urged the inclusion of the Vaddera caste in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, arguing that the Vaddera community is more educationally and economically disadvantaged than other BC castes. G. Venkateshwarlu, state president of Besta Seva Sangam, noted that fish hunting is a traditional occupation of the Bestha community. He requested that sub-castes such as Mudiraj, Muthrani, and Tenugu be recognised as Bestha caste in the BC Census Survey. After the public hearing, Niranjan addressed the media, stating that the BC Commission is committed to protecting the rights of BCs in the state. To date, the commission has conducted six public hearings across districts to gather opinions from BC communities. The hearings will conclude by November 26, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the state government. Niranjan also mentioned that 1.15 crore families have been identified for the BC caste survey, with 65 to 70 per cent of houses surveyed. He noted that Mudiraj, Kummari, and Batraj castes are demanding inclusion in the BC(A) category from their current BC(D) status, and these changes will be incorporated into the final report. Commission members Rapolu Jayaprakash, Tirumalagiri Surender, and Tirumalagiri Surender were also present at the hearing, supporting the efforts to address the grievances of the BC communities.
Delhis Air Crisis: A slow murder, Season 2 Why waiting for a 'firefighter' isnt enough
Delhi faces a severe air pollution crisis demanding immediate action. The Supreme Court criticizes authorities for delayed responses and emphasizes their duty to ensure a clean environment. While emergency measures are crucial, a proactive approach is vital to prevent such situations.
Release Lagcharla Farmers Now: Aruna, Etala
Hyderabad: BJP MPs D.K. Aruna and Etala Rajendar demanded that the Congress government release farmers arrested in the Lagcharla incident unconditionally. They blasted the government by saying those who harassed farmers and people in the past have now been confined to farmhouses and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy would face the same fate as his arrogance peaked within 11 months of coming to power. The BJP MPs met the arrested farmers in Sangareddy jail during the mulaqat time. Later talking to newsmen, they advised the Chief Minister to leave his arrogance and withdraw the unilateral decision to set up pharma companies in Lagcharla against the wishes of the local farmers. Aruna said, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had rewarded the farmers by putting them in jail for electing him from the Kodangal assembly segment. The pharma managements turned dearer to him than the people who voted for him. Revanth Reddy is not acting like a local resident but as a migrant to this place. She pointed out that the CM has also been treating the residents of the Musi riverbed in the same inhuman manner. Talking about the sequence of events on the day when the collector visited the village, Aruna said the farmers were agitated on the visit of the collector with a big convoy and they were already in shock as the officials had earlier warned them that the government would seize their lands if they dont hand over. The farmers were staging protests for eight months against the land acquisition and setting up of pharma companies. Charging that the Congress activists who also protested against the collectors visit were not arrested, but innocent farmers, BJP sympathisers and activists were arrested, Aruna said the Congress government developed vengeance against villagers as they have given a majority to BJP in their areas in the last Lok Sabha polls. Demanding immediate release of all farmers arrested, Aruna alleged that the police officers are conducting raids and reining terror in the region in Lagcharla and five other adjoining villages after the incident. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddys elder brother, who doesnt hold any constitutional post, was allowed to visit the area with a large number of Congress activists, but I was denied entry though I represent them in Parliament, she said.
Mango Kernel Tragedy: One more death reported at SCBMCH
Bhubaneswar: A patient who fell critically ill after consuming gruel made from mango kernels passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. This latest fatality brings the death toll from mango kernel poisoning to three. The deceased, identified as Jita Majhi from Mandipanka village, had been transferred to SCBMCH along with another patient from MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) after their conditions worsened. While the second patient remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment, Majhi succumbed despite intensive care measures. Despite our best efforts, we could not save Jita Majhi, who had been undergoing hemodialysis with ventilator support. She passed away at approximately 2:15 PM in the ICU of the Medicine Ward, the hospital stated in an official release. This tragedy follows the earlier deaths of two tribal women at MKCGMCH in Berhampur, who had also consumed mango kernel gruel. Six others who consumed the gruel were hospitalized in critical condition. The incident occurred in Mandipanka village under the Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district. On November 7, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik criticised the Odisha government over the reported deaths and called for immediate action to address the issue.
