Freed Israeli Hostage Mia Schem Says She Was Drugged, Raped By Fitness Influencer
Ms Schem said she met the personal trainer, known for his celebrity clientele, at a Purim party.
Digha Temple Not Jagannath Dham, Clarifies Gajapati Maharaja of Puri
Facing mounting opposition, the West Bengal government has quietly removed the Jagannath Dham signage from the Digha temple premises.
Bhojpuri Star Anjana Singh Abuses, Drags Crew Member Over Hotel Blunder | Viral Video
Bhojpuri star Anjana Singh's film shoot in Basti turned chaotic when no hotel room was booked for her. A viral video shows her angrily confronting a crew member.
Gold Price In Delhi Jumps Rs 550 To Rs 97,350 Per 10 Grams; Silver Declines Rs 400
Gold of 99.5 per cent purity in the national capital also appreciates by Rs 550 to Rs 96,900 per 10 grams on Monday.
Mamata slams 'baseless' neem wood charge; condemns attacks on Bengali-speaking people in Odisha
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee refuted allegations of using stolen neem wood from Puri's Jagannath temple for the Digha temple idols, dismissing them as baseless. She condemned the reported harassment of Bengali-speaking people in Odisha, directing the state DGP to address the issue with his counterpart.
Servitor served notice over 'use' of Puri Jagannath temple sacred wood to make idols in Digha shrine
The notice was issued to Daitapati Nijog secretary and senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra on the charge of creating confusion in the minds of countless devotees and worshippers of Lord Jagannath
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued a show cause notice to a senior servitor, Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, regarding the alleged use of surplus sacred wood from the Puri temple to craft idols for a temple in Digha, West Bengal. This action follows concerns about contradictory statements made by Dasmohapatra and potential tarnishing of the Puri temple's dignity.
Flying squads to keep a tab on drug peddling across Tamil Nadu
COIMBATORE: After Chennai and Madurai, the health department has taken steps to form special flying squads under the drug administration department in all districts across the state. Officials from the department said preliminary work has started to launch the squads, and it is designated to curb drug abuse cases based on intelligence inputs. During the discussion on the Demands for Grants in the Assembly last month, Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced that they would launch special flying squads across the state to prevent the supply and smuggling of sedative drugs. Following his announcement, the food safety and drug administration department has started works to execute the plan. Officials of the department say the inception of flying squads is aimed at tackling drug abuses and also the sale of adulterated, counterfeit and spurious medicines. These squads, comprising drug inspectors, will work with the stakeholder departments such as the police, food safety and others. This strategic move has been approved by the state government to enhance surveillance and monitoring across the pharmaceutical supply chain, especially scheduled drugs. The primary objective of these squads is to conduct regular and surprise inspections, based on intelligence inputs about illegal drug supply through courier services and online services. By doing so, the department aims to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical market, said an official. The squads are functioning in Chennai and Madurai, and are working with a minimal manpower. Once it is expanded across the state, the department must form a team for two districts. In the administration, every zone has two districts. While the department is handling excess workload with minimal manpower, this initiative may add to the difficulties. We have sent the list of manpower availability and shortage to the headquarters when they started the preliminary works for the project. We expect the department to recruit additional manpower for flying squads, the official added.
Six years on, water shortage still a worry at Dharmapuri's Palacode
DHARMAPURI: In 2019, the state government had announced the Pulikarai-Jarthalav project at a cost of Rs 30.38 crore to bring surplus water from the Chinnar river basin to Pulikarai lake through a canal system. The project was aimed at tackling acute water shortage impacting Palacode taluk and improving irrigation area of 432.8 acres. Six years later, this project is yet to be implemented, and farmers, aggrieved by the delay, urged the administration to take steps to hasten the project. Speaking to TNIE, S Selvaraj from Pulikarai in Palacode said, The past few years of summer have been harsh for farmers with temperatures soaring, low pricing for produce and increasing pest attacks. Lack of water continues to remain the biggest concern. The Pulkarai-Jarthalav scheme was a project proposed to tackle water shortage for irrigation and improve cultivation, but there have been multiple delays in the project leaving us with no water for cultivation. We urge PWD(WRD) and the administration to finish the project at the earliest. Another farmer, K Santhamizhan from Erranahalli, said, It is a small project which was proposed to improve groundwater storage. If this project had been completed, we would not be facing problems cultivating our fields. Such projects are crucial for sustaining cultivation and animal husbandry. Officials with PWD(WRD) said, One of the key reasons for delay was the pandemic, followed by legal issues related to land acquisition. Works have been progressing steadily and 90% of the work is complete.
Sudden summer showers, hail hit tomato, mango crops in Dharmapuri
DHARMAPURI: Tomato and mango cultivators in Belrampatti village of Palacode taluk have urged the horticulture department to assess damages caused by summer showers and provide compensation. Last week, the district received a spell of summer showers, giving much-needed relief from the heatwave. However, farmers from Belrampatti in Palacode said that the summer showers have destroyed many acres of tomato and mango crops. Speaking to TNIE, S Chinnasamy from Palacode, said, The rains on Friday and Saturday were accompanied by hail and strong winds. This has impacted areas surrounding Belrampatti village, which has over 50 acres of tomatoes. Strong winds wasted the ripe tomatoes, which has resulted in huge losses for farmers. Therefore, we seek compensation. Another farmer from the village, R Murugan, said, The mango produce was also affected by strong winds. This has resulted in farmers losing profits. A kilogram of mango sold only for Rs 20 due to the winds. It would have otherwise fetched up to Rs 60 per kg. We urge the administration to consider it a disaster and assess the damages. When TNIE attempted to reach out to horticulture officials, they were not available for comment. However, revenue officials claimed there was no large-scale damage as cited by farmers and only a few fields had been impacted. They promised to take necessary steps.
Workers halt cargo operations in Paradip port after 2 die in mishap
PARADIP: Tension prevailed in the prohibited area of Paradip Port after two drivers were killed in an accident on Saturday night. Cargo operations at the port were disrupted for 14 hours as thousands of contractual workers blocked all the four gates following the mishap. Sources said the accident occurred when a dumper deployed by the inter-port transport agency broke down due to air compression failure. Two persons were assigned to repair the vehicle inside the ports restricted area. Ratnakar Swain (35) of Astrang in Puri was maneuvering the steering wheel while Chandan Jena (38) of Sandhakuda within Jatadhari Marine police limits was fixing the vehicle underneath it. All of a sudden, an iron-laden truck rammed into the stationary dumper, seriously injuring both Swain and Jena. The injured duo was shifted to Paradip community health centre where doctors declared them dead. The driver of the iron-laden truck was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Enraged by the incident, contractual workers closed all the four gates of the port. They also staged dharna at gate number 2 of the port, demanding compensation of Rs 1 crore for each of the deceased and jobs for their family members. The agitators accused port officials and stevedoring personnel of negligence in safety protocols. On being informed, a police team led by additional SP Smruti Ranjan Kar rushed to the protest site. Additional district magistrate of Paradip Niranjan Behera also arrived on the spot and held discussion with the protesters. The protest was called off after it was decided to provide adequate compensation to the bereaved families. Paradip Model IIC Kabuli Barik said bodies of the deceased were sent to Kujang hospital for postmortem. The iron-laden truck involved in the accident has been seized while its driver is absconding. Further investigation is underway.
PURI: Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee on Sunday served a show cause notice to the secretary of Daitapati Nijog Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra following his statement after the inauguration of Dighas Jagannath temple in West Bengal. Apart from Ramakrushna, the SJTA chief also summoned the president of Daitapati Nijog Ganeswar Dasmahapatra and questioned the duo. Ramakrushna has been asked to file his reply within seven days. If he fails to give a satisfactory reply, disciplinary action under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 will be initiated against him. Being a senior servitor and secretary of the Daita Nijog, he should not have indulged in these activities. This has shocked devotees, the SJTA notice stated. After the meeting, Ganeswar told the press that he had answered all the questions posed by Padhee and assured to cooperate in the investigation. Notably, Ramakrushna came under scanner after his interview with a TV channel in West Bengal which went viral. In the interview, Ramakrushna reportedly said the Daru (neem wood) that had remained unused during the Holy Trinitys Nabakalebara in Puri in 2015, was used for carving the deities in the Digha temple. Sources said almost all the Nijogs have filed their statements on the issue by 5 pm on Sunday. Members of the Nijogs reportedly informed that they were not aware of any Daru being taken out of the temples storeroom and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. In his letter to Padhee, president of Chhatisha Nijog Janardan Pattajoshi Mahapatra pointed out a major flaw in the temple administrative procedure. He said as per tradition, the surplus Daru should have been stored in a designated room with the keys deposited with the temple administration. However, during the last Nabakalebar, the administration failed to collect the keys from the Daitas, raising suspicion about the removal of the neem wood. Pattajoshi called for an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, activist Jayant Kumar Das lodged a complaint with Singhadwar police accusing Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra of criminal breach of trust, cheating, dealing in stolen property, intentional insult to religious belief and criminal breach of trust. Convenor of Jagannath Sena Priya Darshan Patnaik also filed a similar complaint against Ramakrushna.
NEET 2025 tough, students expect lower cut-off
CHENNAI: A majority of the students who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday described the paper as moderately difficult. While the physics section was considered tough, chemistry had a few tricky questions, and biology, though relatively easy, was time-consuming. Given the overall difficulty compared to previous years, students and coaching centres expect the cut-off marks to drop, at least marginally. According to sources, nearly 1.5 lakh students had registered for NEET 2025 from Tamil Nadu, with around 20,000 appearing for the exam in Chennai district alone. The biology paper was time-consuming, so I couldnt complete it on time. Physics and chemistry were moderately difficult, said a student, who took the exam at Guru Nanak College. Several students and experts noted that the physics section was as tough as, or even tougher than the 2019 NEET paper, which was widely regarded as one of the most difficult in recent years. Students will still need to score above 650 out of 720 to secure admission in a top medical college, even though cut-offs may drop slightly, said career guidance expert Jayaprakash Gandhi. He added that students attempting the exam for the first time struggled more, while repeaters are likely to perform better. Girl denied entry over steel buttons, cop comes to rescue The exam day was also marred by several incidents of confusion and strict entry checks across Tamil Nadu. In Tiruppur, S Kanimozhi, a student from Uthukuli, was barred from entering an exam centre in TM Poondi due to the steel buttons on her dress. However, MR Manimegalai, a woman police constable, who was on duty there, stepped in to the students aid. After securing permission from higher officials, she took the student to a nearby store on her bike and helped her buy a new outfit. Of the 3,212 students who had registered in Tiruppur, 107 were absent. Whereas in Erode, 98 of the 4,162 registered students did not appear. In Dharmapuri, nine students mistakenly went to Salem due to misleading hall ticket details, which listed Government Arts College on Salem Bypass Road without specifying the district. With the assistance of Salem police, seven students reached the correct venue on time, but the other two did not make it. Had the NTA clearly mentioned the district, this stress could have been avoided, a parent told TNIE. At the Tiruchengode Girls Higher Secondary School exam centre, biometric attendance was recorded for around 400 of the 711 registered candidates before the system malfunctioned. As a result, over 300 students wrote the exam without biometric verification. Worried that this might affect their childrens results, parents demanded an explanation and staged a road roko on the Tiruchengode-Sangagiri road, despite staff assuring them that alternative arrangements were made. Police officials later pacified the protesting parents. Government school sends 80 students to exam In a bid to continue its strong record in medical admissions, Keeramangalam Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Pudukkottai district sent 80 students, including 55 freshers and 25 repeaters, for NEET 2025. The school has produced 27 medical students in the past five years, under Tamil Nadus 7.5% government school quota. Further, the school arranged three buses to help students reach exam centres in Pudukkottai, Tiruchy and Gandarvakottai. As we are in a rural area, travel is always a challenge. Staff stayed back till 8:30 pm to ensure all students returned safely, said headmistress Valli Nayagi. In Karur, 42-year-old IT employee Krishnakumar appeared for NEET for the first time, fulfilling a long-time dream. (With inputs from Tiruppur, Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Karur)
Dosa saree, pani puri watch? AI turns food into fashion
An Instagram reel by @hoohoocreations80 showcasing AI-generated Indian street food-inspired fashion has gone viral. The reel features unexpected designs like a dosa saree, ice cream scoop handbag, and a controversial idli shirt. Accessories include pani puri and gulab jamun watches, sparking amusement and slight concern among viewers, with the reel garnering over 48 million views.
May Calendar Manipuri for Year 2025 e pao Tools
May Calendar Manipuri for Year 2025 e pao Tools
Odisha to Bengal: Stop calling Digha temple Jagannath Dham
Odisha government plans to request West Bengal to stop referring to the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, sparking political disputes. Allegations of using Puri temple wood for Digha idols are under investigation, while craftsmen dismiss the claims. Opposition parties criticize the BJP for its handling of the sensitive issue, emphasizing the emotional connection of Odias to Jagannath culture.
SJTA questions senior servitor over use of Puri shrine wood for Digha temple idols
Servitor questioned over use of Puri Jagannath Temple sacred wood to make idols in Digha shrine
Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) of Puri Sunday questioned a senior servitor over the alleged use of surplus sacred wood of the 12th-century shrine in crafting idols in a temple at Digha in neighbouring West Bengal, officials said. The servitor, Daitapati Nijog secretary Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, attended and supervised the consecration ceremony at the []
16 men rescued from bonded labour in MP's Guna district; nine arrested, search underway for three
BHOPAL: At least 16 men from multiple states, who were held captive and forced to work as bonded labourers by powerful individuals, have been rescued by authorities in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district. The men were freed from various locations including private homes, agricultural fields, roadside dhabas, cowsheds, and brick kilns, where they had been kept in inhuman conditions. According to officials, they were subjected to severe abuse, including electric shocks, whenever they attempted to escape or resisted working without pay. The rescued individuals, aged between 20 and 65, hail from several states including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Many of the victims are reportedly mentally disturbed due to prolonged torture, inadequate food, and physical abuse. Some have been admitted to the Guna district hospital for treatment. Once their condition stabilizes, they will be moved to the Apna Ghar shelter home in neighbouring Shivpuri district. Efforts are underway to trace their families, and the men will be reunited with them based on information gathered during the rescue operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about elderly men being held as bonded labourers, joint teams of the Guna district administration, labour department, and police launched a rescue operation on Saturday and freed 16 individuals from captivity in several villages of Chachoura region, including Binaganj, Jaisinghpura, and Chak Patodi. The men had been held in inhuman conditions by powerful local families and forced to work without pay in agricultural fields, cowsheds, and roadside eateries. Many of them were found in tattered clothing and visibly malnourished. The rescued men Among the rescued was 60-year-old Rama from Gujarat, a former schoolteacher who once taught English and Mathematics to Class X students in Ahmedabad. Around two decades ago, he began a religious pilgrimage on foot from Shirdi to Mathura. While passing through Binaganj in Guna district, he was reportedly abducted by a local family and forced into bonded labour on farms and cattle sheds for 19 years. Another victim, 32-year-old Virendra Yadav from Unchahar in Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli district, had previously worked at NTPC plants and even ran his own sweet shop. While travelling through Madhya Pradesh some years ago, he was allegedly abducted by a man named Bhura and held captive in Binaganj. He was forced to work without wages, tending to cattle in a cowshed owned by a powerful family. Also rescued was 65-year-old Vimal Kumar from Fatehpur district in UP. He was travelling from Kanpur to Indore by car when his vehicle broke down. A man identified as Bittu offered him help but instead handed him over to another family. Vimal was then held captive and forced into bonded labour. When he attempted to escape, he was brutally assaulted and subjected to electric shocks. Authorities have initiated legal action against those responsible. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide medical treatment, counselling, and eventual rehabilitation of the rescued men. The middle-aged and elderly men, who had been forced into bonded labour by powerful individuals in several villages for years, have been freed, said Guna District Police Superintendent Ankit Soni. Cases have been registered against 12 individuals under various sections of the BNS, including Sections 127(4), 127(6), 143(2), 146, 115(2), 351(2), and 3(5). Nine of the accused have already been arrested, and a search is underway for the remaining three. In light of reports suggesting that more bonded labourers may still be held captive by influential individuals in other villages, the Guna district administration has vowed to continue its crackdown on such exploitative practices.
'This is a crime': Puri Jagannath temple chief servitor slams Mamata govt over Digha temple
Chief servitor of Puri's Jagannath Temple and other religious figures are strongly criticizing the West Bengal government for naming the newly constructed Jagannath temple in Digha as Jagannath Dham. They argue that this move distorts religious tradition, hurts sentiments, and is a politically motivated act by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as only Puri can be designated as a 'Dham'.
FIR lodged following alleged gun salute incident in Kangpokpi district
GUWAHATI: The Manipur Police registered an FIR in connection with an alleged incident of 'gun salute' in Saikul area of the states Kangpokpi district. The gun salute was allegedly made by a group of people in memory of those killed during the ethnic violence. Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribals observed the second anniversary of the conflict on May 3 by organising various programmes. The police in a statement said local leaders and elders were summoned to a police station in connection with the case of gun salute, while raids had been conducted in different areas to arrest the miscreants. Stating that five single-barrel guns and camouflage uniforms have been seized, the police said the raids would continue to arrest the miscreants and seize the other guns. The organisers of the programme will be dealt as per law, the statement by the police further stated. Meanwhile, five organisations representing Meitei and Thadou communities collectively raised a pitch for the implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. The groups Meitei Heritage Society, Delhi Manipuri Society, and Ningol United Progressive Initiative (they represent Meiteis) and Thadou Inpi Manipur and Thadou Students Association met recently and resolved to call upon the Centre to expedite the implementation of NRC in Manipur. The organisations demanded that the government address the issue of influx of illegal immigrants, saying that their presence threatens indigenous communities and national security. A thorough NRC process is fundamental to preserving demographic integrity and restoring public confidence, they said in a joint statement. Both sides reaffirmed to safeguard the integrity, unity and interests of Manipur as a multiethnic state, and recognise the contributions of the Thadou people for the protection of the interests of Manipur and its integrity. Both parties collectively acknowledged and appreciated the point made by the Thadou representatives that the Thadou is a distinct community and does not fall under the category of the Kuki or Any Kuki Tribes, the statement said. Further, the organisations resolved to appeal to authorities for the deletion of the unconstitutional and ambiguous category Any Kuki tribes from the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur.
Mamata Banerjee's new Digha Jagannath Dham in row over alleged use of leftover timber to carve idols
The Bengal BJP on Sunday attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged use of leftover timber from the Nabakalebara rituals at Puri's Jagannath Temple to carve the idols for the new Rs 250-crore grand Jagannath temple complex ...
Using surplus Puri temple wood to carve deities at Digha against ethics, morality: Suvendu Adhikari
Kolkata: Using leftover timber meant for Puris Jagannath Temple for carving deities in Jagannath Temple in Digha of East Midnapore district of West Bengal, officially referred to as Jagannath Dham Cultural Central Centre, is against ethics and morality, observed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari Sunday. The questionable involvement of Servitors, and the unauthorised use of surplus []
Jagannath temple row: TMC hits out at BJP for 'raising questions on the Pratishtha of Digha temple'
Following objections from the BJP regarding the naming of a newly inaugurated shrine in Digha, West Bengal, as Jagannath Dham, Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP-led Odisha government of hypocrisy. The Odisha government has ordered an investigation into the temple's name and the alleged use of surplus wood from the Puri shrine for idols.
SJTA gets into thick of action, Padhee meets servitor bodies
PURI: The alleged use of surplus neem wood (or Daru) of Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri in the carving of the deities of Digha Jagannath Temple took a new turn with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) swiftly getting into action to find out the truth behind this issue. On Saturday, chief administrator Arabinda Padhee convened a meeting of all traditional establishment heads like Deula Karan, Tadhau Karan, Pattajoshi Mahapatra, Chhatisha Nijog president and Bhitarchhu Mahapatra, and discussed the matter with them. Later in the afternoon, he discussed the issue with Badagrahis (four Daita servitors in charge of each deity during the Rath Yatra), who participated in the 2015 Nabakalebar ritual and recorded their statements. However, only three Badagrahis attended the meeting. They all suggested a thorough probe into this most sensitive issue involving the emotions and religious sentiments of the devotees. The four Badagrahis are Jagannath Swainmahapatra of Lord Jagannath, Haladhar Dasmahapatra of Lord Balabhadra, Ramachandra Dasmahapatra of Devi Subhadra, and Patimahapatra of Lord Sudarshan. They all had participated in the last Nabakalebar ritual. In the evening, the chief administrator met the three Biswakarmas (traditional hereditary carpenters) of the three chariots who shaped the Darus into specific deities during the Nabakalebar ritual in 2015. They stated the shaping of deities forms was done in secret, and no one was allowed to go out of the temple till the work was finished. All the surplus neem wood was kept in the store under the guidance of the Daitapatis. The stored Daru sizes are not suitable to construct Bigrahas with a height of 2.5 ft to 3 ft, said Bijay Mahapatra, the Biswakarma of Nandighosh, to the media after the meeting. The chief administrator issued notices to the president and secretaries of all nijogs (associations of different types of servitors) to submit in writing, by 5 pm on Sunday, positively, if they have knowledge or information on the matter. Ramachandra Dasmahapatra, a senior Daitapati, said it is almost impossible to take out neem wood from the temple store. In case somebody has taken, it should be investigated, he said. According to sources in the temple, the surplus Daru was stored in a room to meet emergencies and contingencies. The Daitas, after placing the unused Daru in the store, lock it and hand over the keys to the temple security chief, known as the commander. There have been instances in the past when Biswakarmas were summoned to carry out urgent repairs to the body of deities secretly in the dead of the night, sources said. The action was necessitated after an interview of Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra, secretary of Daitapati Nijoga, to a TV channel of West Bengal became viral. Ramakrishna reportedly told the TV channel he had brought the idols made of Daru and installed them at the Digha Jagannath Temple. This evoked strong reactions from devotees and Ramakrushna hurriedly organised a press meet on Friday and rebutted the allegations, saying he had used only neem tree logs to carve out four idols. He blamed the electronic media for spreading untruth.
Hanging by the thread: Delhis streetside tailors stitch survival amid fading demand
From Govindpuri to Chittaranjan Park, roadside tailors are essential to Delhi's clothing culture. These tailors fulfill small sewing needs. They are a lifeline for those who cannot afford readymade clothes. Many veteran tailors persist despite challenges. Some tailors like Ram Avadh and Arun Poddar take pride in their work. They see their needle stitch living on in Delhi.
Amit Malviya flays Mamata Banerjee over controversies surrounding Digha Temple
Kolkata: BJP Information Technology cell chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal, on Sunday, lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over multiple controversies surrounding the newly-built Jagannath Temple, officially termed as a cultural centre, at Digha in East Midnapore district. Notably, the Odisha Government has directed the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Puri, 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 .
Two killed, four injured as car hits pole on Chennai-Krishnagiri national highway
KRISHNAGIRI: Two persons were killed and four others injured after a road accident near Bargur in Krishnagiri district. The victims were headed to Hogenakkal from Ranipet by car when it hit a power pole in the centre media early on Saturday. The deceased were identified as A Sekar (44) and J Jana (22) of Kaveripakkam in Ranipet district, while the injured were identified as R Balakrishnan (52) of Tiruvannamalai district and L Lokesh (22), V Thivakaran (24) and V Kanniyappan (70) from Ranipet district. According to the Bargur police, seven persons from Ranipet were heading to Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district early on Saturday. When the car neared Chinna Bargur, driver Lokesh allegedly lost control of the vehicle and hit an electricity pole in the centre medianSekar and Jana were thrown out of the car on impact and died on the spot, on the Chennai-Krishnagiri national highway. The Bargur police reached the spot and sent the bodies of the deceased, and the injured persons to the Government Krishnagiri Medical College Hospital. Lokesh received injuries to his head, while the others were injured on the hands and legs. All victims were daily wage labourers. Another occupant of the car, M Kumaravel (36) of Kaveripakkam in Ranipet district was unhurt, and he lodged a complaint at the Bargur police station. A probe is under way.
Son killed fathers murderer in retaliation in Odisha's Bargarh
BARGARH: The mystery surrounding the brutal murders of two men in Bargarhs Baghapali village has started to unravel with police confirming it as a case of revenge killing. Balangir SP Abhilash G, who was in-charge on the day of incident, revealed that Nepal Bhue (28), son of one of the deceased, was arrested for allegedly killing Tarani Bag (35) after discovering that the latter had murdered his father Magha Bhue (55) over a prior altercation. According to police, on May 1 around 3 pm, an altercation escalated inside the house of Magha, where Tarani barged in while most villagers were away attending a marriage ceremony. Magha was allegedly killed first by Tarani, following which Maghas son Nepal, enraged by the sight of his fathers death and his injured mother, retaliated by assaulting Tarani with a wooden stick, leading to his immediate death. The sequence of events came to light after Nityananda Bag, elder brother of Tarani, lodged a complaint with Bheden police station on Thursday evening. His report stated that Nepal had killed Tarani in retaliation. Based on his complaint, a case was registered under section 103(1) of the BNS. Simultaneously, another FIR was registered under sections 103 (1) and 109 of the IPC based on a separate complaint filed by Bedamati Bhue, wife of Magha, for the murder of her husband. Acting swiftly, police formed multiple teams and deployed scientific and technical teams to manage the tense situation in the village and track down the accused. With the help of local intelligence and phone tracking, Nepal was apprehended on Saturday and was later arrested. According to Abhilash G, investigation revealed that Nepal, who worked as a technician in a water purifier company in Sambalpur, had returned to his village on Thursday to attend the wedding of a relative. Between 2 pm and 3 pm, he received a call about a commotion in his house involving Tarani. Upon reaching home, he met his mother and sister and noticed his mother had sustained a head injury. At the scene, he allegedly found Tarani shouting and wielding a steel rod while standing near his fathers lifeless body, prompting Nepal to attack Tarani fatally. Nepal was produced before court on Saturday and has been remanded in judicial custody. Police continue to probe all angles, including whether the incident was a spontaneous act of rage or part of a deeper family dispute.
Nrusinghnath Temple secures Rs 5.4 crore insurance cover for Baisakha Mela
BARGARH: To ensure safety of devotees attending the six-day long Baisakha Mela, the Sri Sri Nrusinghnath Temple Trust has secured an insurance coverage of Rs 5.40 crore for the festival. This means each participating devotee is covered for accidents and calamities during the event, marking it a first for the temple to have opted for such a social security measure. The Baisakha Mela, hosted at the Nrusinghnath Temple near Paikmal, is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Nrusingha. It will take place from May 7 to May 12 this year. On March 28, the temple trust resolved to get an insurance cover for Baisakha Mela and approached United India Insurance Company for a quote. After several rounds of negotiations, the insurance company offered a coverage of Rs 5.40 crore against a premium of Rs 1,57,648 for the six-day festival. The premium was paid on April 29, and the insurance cover was successfully secured, said sources. Hiramani Bhoi, a local resident and lawyer who negotiated on behalf of the temple trust, said, Every person who steps into the temple during the Baisakha Mela will be covered under insurance during the six days. The coverage will be for Rs 7,50,000 per head in the case of accidental death on the temple premises, regardless of their age, gender, or any other criteria. The Baisakha Mela is celebrated from Triyodasi to Purnima in the month of Baisakha, and includes a holy dip at Gokunda Ghat, believed to absolve devotees of their sins. Devotees from Chhattisgarh, in particular, treat the water at Gokunda Ghat as sacred. The festival is a grand occasion, drawing devotees from across Odisha as well as neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The temple, located at the foothills of Gandhamardan Hill, is expecting more than one lakh visitors during the festival. The temple trust decided to arrange insurance for the event for the first time this year. To ensure smooth operations during the festival, the temple trust has made full arrangements for drinking water facilities and first aid. Local police has been asked to deploy an adequate number of personnel to maintain law and order throughout the event. The decision to insure the festival highlights the growing importance of public liability coverage at major religious events. Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri insures its Rath Yatra, while Sabarimala Temple provides accidental death cover during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Similarly, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram offers insurance for the Pongala festival, and both Lalbaugcha Raja and Dagdusheth Ganapati temples in Pune provide coverage during Ganeshotsav. This initiative by the Nrusinghnath Temple Trust has set a significant precedent for other temples in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of lakhs of devotees attending the festival.
KIIT death: Nepalese students last rites conducted by family
Bhubaneswar: The last rites of 18-year-old Nepalese student Prisa Sah, who died at KIIT, were conducted at Swargadwar in Puri in the presence of her family members Saturday, officials said. According to tradition, the deceased girls father, Shyam Pd Sah lit the funeral pyre at the crematorium in the holy town. Prisas mother, Pinky Sah, []
Farmhouse murders: Cops to trace elderly living alone
ERODE/TIRUPPUR: Following the murder of an elderly couple in a farmhouse in Sivagiri in Erode district, the district police have started surveying elderly persons living alone in farmhouses. Around 100 policemen from Erode district and 100 from Nilgiris, Dharmapuri and Salem districts have been deployed for this task. The police are asking 43 questions to the public, and creating awareness. According to sources, R Ramasamy and Bhagyalakshmi, an elderly couple who lived alone in a farmhouse in Vijayanagaram village near Sivagiri, were beaten to death by unidentified culprits and around 10 sovereigns of gold jewels were looted from the scene. The district police have formed 10 special teams to nab the accused. In an effort to prevent such incidents from continuing, the district police have launched a survey to identify those living in farmhouses, and elderly people living alone in the suburban areas of Erode district since Saturday. A team consists of four policemen led by a local sub-inspector or special sub-inspector. The survey work is in progress, with a particular focus on farmhouses located along irrigation canals. In all 43 questions are being asked by the police, including name, address, Aadhaar number, details of nearby residents, details of vehicles used, if the house has a CCTV camera, whether there are Tasmac outlets nearby and whether people from other districts and states are staying nearby, a police officer said. In addition, the police provide emergency numbers to the public and provided guidance to raise pet dogs, and install surveillance cameras. Speaking to TNIE, Erode SP A Sujatha said, The investigation into the murder of an elderly couple is going on the right track. A survey of elderly people living alone and farmhouses is underway with the intention of preventing crime. Patrolling has been intensified in Tiruppur district.
Vathalmalai coffee growers demand marketing avenues
DHARMAPURI: Poor marketing avenues for coffee beans have proved to be a dampener for its farmers in the hill hamlet of Vathalmalai in Dharmapuri district. They said poor pricing and lack of a market hamper development of coffee cultivation. As a way out they demanded the district administration to set up a local cooperative industry or even coffee board procurement centres in the area. Vathalmalai, which is located 3,000 feet above sea level, is the only area in Dharmapuri where farmers undertake coffee cultivation. A total area of 350 acres is dedicated to coffee production. But because of the lack of local marketing avenues, farmers transport their produce to Yercaud to the Coffee Board procurement centre to sell their produce. Because of the tedious nature of the trade, most coffee producers fall victim to poor pricing fixed by middle men. So to fetch better prices and improve marketing avenues we need a local cooperative or Coffee board of India procurement centre to further boost prices, farmers stated. Speaking to TNIE, R Kaliappan of Palsilambu said, Coffee trees usually flower by May and provide us with fruit by September and by October we would be able to have the beans ready for sales. Usually traders come to our village and procure the beans from us. The price is usually less than Rs 250 to Rs 270 per kilogram. The alternative is to take our produce to Yercaud and sell our produce to the Coffee Board there. We usually do not go there because of the transport expenses and the limited availability of transportation here. Another coffee farmer, M Periyasamy, too echoed the same concern while pressing for a local cooperative or procurement centre. The price has been about the same for over 10 years now. We started cultivating coffee in our hamlet around 2011-12. It was introduced to use by the administration. But the crop fetches a poor price. Because of the limited marketing avenues we have to rely on middle men who fix the prices. S Selvakumar, another farmer said, A cooperative would be the most beneficial as it could create a local brand and promote the coffee and pepper produced here. But we need assistance as we are not very tech savvy or informed about such initiatives here. We urge the district administration to consider our demand and improve coffee production. When TNIE spoke to officials in the district administration they promised to look into the matter. While the cultivation area in Vathalmalai has expanded, there is still limited production. Nonetheless we would take necessary steps to aid coffee farmers, officials said.
Traditional Manipuri Style Showcased at East India Fashion Week 2025 Northeast Live
Traditional Manipuri Style Showcased at East India Fashion Week 2025Northeast Live
Marking the completion of 2 years of Manipur conflict, NEHU Manipuri Students' Union NEMSU observed a minute of silence and paid tributes to martyrs at the North Eastern Hill University NEHU Shillong campus today Meitei teachers, students and members of various other communities took part in the observance held in front of the NEHU Central Library Source The Sangai Express
Kalarippayattu team screened for 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 3: The J&K Sports Council organized the official screening of the Jammu & Kashmir Kalarippayattu team ahead of the 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025, scheduled to take place in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, from May 11 to 13. The selected athletes are Manvi Sharma, Misthi Sharma, Aapurti Saini, Anandika, Adarishta Manhas, Aaidah Nabi, Palak Sharma, Pratham Vaid, Nitin Kumar and Chirag Puri. The screening session was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Baljinder Singh, Divisional [] The post Kalarippayattu team screened for 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nepalese student cremated in Puri
Dhankhar Raises Concerns Over Delhis Pollution, Calls For Phasing Out Of Old Vehicles
Dhankhar also opined that it will be oo much for us to go for air purifiers.
Jagannath Dham row deepens, SJTA begins probe into alleged use of Puri wood in Digha temple
Bhubaneswar: As tensions rise over the West Bengal governments portrayal of a newly constructed temple in Digha as Jagannath Dham, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has launched an official probe into allegations that sacred wood from the Puri Jagannath Temple was secretly used to craft idols at the Digha shrine. State Law Minister Prithiviraj []
Kin of deceased Nepalese student at KIIT University demands `thorough probe`
A relative of the deceased, said that the victim`s post-mortem examination was underway and that the family of the student would cremate the mortal remains in Puri
Tamil Nadu: Dalit teen attacked with sticks, rods for questioning upper caste man
A 17-year-old Dalit boy was brutally beaten and tied to a tree overnight by upper caste men near Thenkaraikottai village in Tamil Nadus Dharmapuri district. Tharun had worked at his attacker, Ramakrishnans, paddy threshing unit for six days before quitting to work with a relative. Ramakrishnan reportedly spoke badly about Tharun to his uncle. This 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 .
15 Best Air Purifiers (2025): Coway, AirDoctor, IQAir
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Collector inspects matchbox manufacturing units in Dharmapuri
Collector holds meeting with landowners for Morappur-Dharmapuri railway project
Sita Navami 2025: Know the date, time, rituals, Puja vidhi and significance
Sita Navami celebrates Goddess Sita, an epitome of purity, devotion, and righteousness.
Odisha CM Majhi Pushes For Fast-Tracking Of Greenfield Airports At Puri And Paradip
Four held for attacking Dalit minor in Dharmapuri
DHARMAPURI: The A Pallipatti police have arrested four people and are on the lookout for one more person involved in the attack of a 16-year-old SC youth near Thenaraikottai village in Dharmapuri. Police said, On Wednesday night, a 16-year-old boy along with his 20-year old relative both belonging to the SC community had gone to a petrol station near Thenkaraikottai village to refuel their two-wheeler. The 16-year-old had worked for the owner of the petrol bunk V Ramakrishnan (66) for a few days in the past and when they met, an argument broke out between them. Enraged, Ramakrishnan allegedly used casteist slurs and attacked the two youths. Ramakrishnan also directed four others to apprehend the 16-year-old boy, tied him to a post, and beat him up with iron rods. The other youth escaped and notified the minor's family, who rescued and admitted him to Harur GH. On Thursday, the boy filed a complaint with A Pallipatti police and a case has been registered under seven sections of BNS and under SC/ST POA Act against five people, of which R Selvam (38), R Senthil (43), V Selvaraj (32) T Senthil (45) have been arrested. Meanwhile, the prime accused, V Ramakrishnan has been hospitalised. Ramakrishnan has also filed a complaint with A Pallipatti police stating that the two youths had attacked him which had resulted in the brawl. We have also booked a case against the two youths and further investigation is on, police said.
Sudarsan Pattnaik seeks CMs intervention over Digha temple Jagannath Dham row
BHUBANESWAR: Eminent sculptor and former Srimandir managing committee member Sudarsan Pattnaik on Friday sought Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhis intervention into the controversy surrounding Jagannath temple at Digha. In a letter to the chief minister, Pattnaik said the use of word Dham by the West Bengal government for the temple has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees across the world. According to sacred scriptures, there exists only one Jagannath Dham, which is located at Puri. Associating any other temple with the title Jagannath Dham may lead to religious confusion and contradicts the long-standing spiritual and Hindu cultural traditions, he wrote. Pointing out that a few sevayats from Puri have reportedly claimed that brahma has been established in the stone idol of Lord Jagannath at Digha temple, Pattnaik said the concept of brahma in Mahaprabhu Jagannaths idol is deeply sacred and unique aspect of Srimandir, tied to centuries of tradition and ritual secrecy. Seeking an investigation, Pattnaik alleged that the findings of government inquiry into Brahma Parivartan (soul transfer) delay in 2015 Nabakalebara is yet to be made public.
Girl, 3, youngest to take Santhara fast unto death
BHOPAL: A three-year-old terminally ill child in Indore became the youngest to embrace death through the Jain practice of Santhara. She passed away on March 21 minutes after the ceremony ended. Santhara or Sallekhana is a voluntary practice of fast unto death, which is undertaken when the end is imminent. But since patient Viyana Jain was just three, she couldnt have taken the decision voluntarily. It was her parents Varsha and Piyush Jain, both techies, who took the call following advice from Jain guru Rajesh Muni Maharaj. Significantly, Santhara was declared illegal by the Rajasthan High Court in August 2015. The court made it punishable under Section 306 of the IPC (abetment of suicide). The order had triggered massive protests by the Jains, who argued that while suicide was a sin, Santhara was a religious practice for self-purification. A month later, the Supreme Court suspended the HC order. Viyana was diagnosed with brain tumour in December last year and underwent surgery in Mumbai in January. After surgery her condition improved, but a couple of months later, it started deteriorating following relapse of the brain tumour. We took her to our Jain guru on March 21. He told us her end was near and recommended Santhara, said Varsha over phone. Varsha claimed that the guru holds a PhD in Santhara and had helped 107 individuals undergo Santhara. We agreed with a heavy heart. Within 10 minutes after the Santhara ritual chanting of mantras, Viyana breathed her last, she recalled. I keep visiting orphanages. She loved feeding cows and pigeons, were continuing it. Its my dream to undertake a major tree plantation in her memory in future, Varsha said.
Gold climbs to Rs 96,800/10 gm, silver too jumps
NEW DELHI, May 2: Gold prices climbed Rs 1,080 to Rs 96,800 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday due to fresh buying from jewellers amid a firm trend overseas, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Thursday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity plunged Rs 2,830 to Rs 95,720 per 10 grams. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Gold of 99.5 per cent purity rose Rs 180 to Rs 96,350 per 10 grams. [] The post Gold climbs to Rs 96,800/10 gm, silver too jumps appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ameesha breaks silence on dating Ranbir and Ness Wadia
Ameesha Patel, who has had her fair share of public relationships, including her long-term affair with filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and a shorter one with businessman Kanav Puri, was once speculated to be romantically involved with Ranbir Kapoor and Preity Zinta's ex-boyfriend and businessman Ness Wadia. She has now addressed two other long-standing rumours about her love life and has now put those whispers to rest.
Spurious liquor consignment of Nagpur kingpin seized in Chandrapur
Nagpurians fume as NMC closes sewer complaints unaddressed
Daru, Dham cause a stir in Odisha after West Bengal CM Mamata inaugurates Jagannath temple in Digha
BHUBANESWAR: The newly inaugurated Jagannath temple at Digha in West Bengal has sparked a massive controversy over the purported use of Daru (neem wood) that had remained unused during the Holy Trinitys Nabakalebara in Puri in 2015 for carving the deities, and naming the shrine as Jagannath Dham. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday ordered an enquiry into the use of Daru in making the deities and the association of Srimandir servitors in its consecration ceremony. While the naming of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has caused a huge uproar, as the Srimandir in Puri finds place among the four Dhams, the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in the country. Taking cognisance of the controversy, Harichandan said, These things, particularly the talks around use of Nabakalebara Daru, are completely unacceptable and have become a matter of great concern for devotees of Lord Jagannath worldwide and the four crore people of Odisha. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has been directed to initiate an inquiry into all the allegations and anyone found guilty will face action under the provisions of law, he added. The Digha temple, built by the West Bengal government was inaugurated by the states chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday. The consecration was done by the secretary of Daitapati Nijog of Puri Jagannath temple, Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra. The temple will be managed by the priests of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). After the consecration ceremony, Dasmahapatra claimed in an interview to a Bengali news channel that it was he who had suggested Mamata to install wooden idols of the three deities and not stone. On her request, he provided the idols of the deities which were made from Daru that was left unused after making the 'bigrahas' (idols) of the Trinity in Srimandir during the 2015 Nabakalebara (the ritual when new bodies are made for the Trinity from carefully selected neem wood as per the instructions of Goddess Mangala of Kakatpur), Dasmahapatra claimed. He, however, clarified later that he never used the term 'Brahma Sthapana' (where the soul of the deities is transferred from the old to the new idols) during the consecration ceremony of Digha temple. As Dasmahapatra drew flak from all quarters, the servitor on Friday claimed that he made no such statements. When I had visited the Digha temple four months back, they had constructed the three idols in stone. Since, Lord Jagannath is never worshipped in any other form than neem wood, I suggested to Mamata Banerjee to make the idols in wood. Accordingly, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, all 2.5 ft-3 ft high, were made in neem wood in Puri and taken to the Digha temple for consecration. No Daru from Nabakalebara has been used for idols in Digha temple, he told the mediapersons here. Meanwhile, Srimandir servitors, Jagannath culture researchers and experts, devotees and prominent personalities have questioned the use of the word Dham by the West Bengal government. The neighbouring state has been advertising the temple as Jagannath Dham which the experts said is not acceptable. Eminent sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik said there are only four 'dhams' in India, and the Jagannath dham at Puri is one of them. The temple inaugurated in Digha cannot be a #JagannathDham. So my humble request to Honble CM @MamataOfficial, please immediately order not to call it as Jagannath Dham as it hurts the sentiments of the devotees of Lord Jagannath and it also creates confusion. It misrepresents established religious practices and will create confusion across the globe for followers of Hindu/Sanatan Dharma, he wrote on his X handle. Vice-president of Bahrain Odia Samaj Arun Kumar Praharaj urged the WB CM to refer to Skanda Purana (Shri Purusottam Khetra Mahatmya) as far as reference to Jagannath Dham is concerned and rectify the mistake. To a query on why he did not protest mentioning the temple as Dham, Dasmahapatra said the Odisha government should take up the matter with the West Bengal government and ensure that it is changed. Immediately after the West Bengal government had announced inauguration of the Digha temple on Akshaya Tritiya, Suar Mahasuar Nijog and Puspalaka Nijog had issued a whip on all their members to not participate in any rituals there. While the Suar Mahasuar Nijog prepares Mahaprasad in the Srimandir, the Puspalaka Nijog dresses the Trinity.
Discover the culinary heritage of Odisha and Southeast Asia at Jaatra, Taj Puri
Dining at Taj Puri Resorts specialty restaurant Jaatra is a , dining isnt just about eating; its ajourney through centuries-old history of trade and culinary transformations
Row over Jagannath Dham at Digha deepens, Odisha govt orders probe
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan Friday ordered the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri to initiate a probe into the controversy surrounding the newly built Jagannath Temple at Digha in West Bengal. The state governments move came after local media reported that some Puri servitors had attended the consecration ceremony at Digha temple and []
Assam Rifles rescues abducted Jharkhand man in Manipur India Today
Assam Rifles rescues abducted Jharkhand man in ManipurIndia Today
Gold climbs Rs 1,080 to Rs 96,800/10 gm, silver jumps Rs 1,600
NEW DELHI, May 2:Gold prices climbed Rs 1,080 to Rs 96,800 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday due to fresh buying from jewellers amid a firm trend overseas, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Thursday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity plunged Rs 2,830 to Rs 95,720 per 10 grams. Gold of 99.5 per cent purity rose Rs 180 to Rs 96,350 per 10 grams. It had depreciated Rs 1,930 to Rs [] The post Gold climbs Rs 1,080 to Rs 96,800/10 gm, silver jumps Rs 1,600 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi HC Rejects Saket Gokhales Plea To Recall Defamation Damages, To Pay Rs 50 Lakh
Puri had approached the high court in 2021, alleging Gokhale tarnished her goodwill and reputation by making reckless and false allegations about her financial affairs.
Odisha devotees demand removal of 'Jagannath Dham' label from Digha temple
The West Bengal government's naming of the new Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has drawn criticism from Odisha's Jagannath devotees, who fear it undermines the sanctity of the Puri shrine. Religious figures, including Sudarsan Pattnaik, are demanding clarification and urging intervention, citing potential confusion and offense to long-standing traditions.
Why Mamata Banerjees Rs 5 Lakh Broom Gift To Digha Jagannath Temple Is Special
In India, golden brooms are used in only a few special religious places. At Puri's Jagannath Temple, a gold broom cleans Lord Jagannaths chariot during the prestigious Rath Yatra
Odisha govt to set up greenfield airport at Paradip, heliports in 14 districts
The Odisha government is set to boost its aviation infrastructure. A new airport will be established in Paradip. The Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri will see faster development. Heliports are planned for 14 districts. These decisions came from a high-level meeting. The state also aims to upgrade regional airports. The Works Department will oversee these projects.
Trinamool MP's Petition To Recall Defamation Order Denied, To Pay Rs 50 Lakh
Former diplomat Lakshmi Puri had sued TMC MP Saket Gokhale over his social media posts alleging that she had purchased certain property in Switzerland disproportionate to her income.
The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected two petitions filed by Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale seeking recall of the verdict directing him to pay Rs 50 lakh damages in a defamation case filed by former diplomat Lakshmi Puri. The single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, while acknowledging that the Counsel representing Gokhale argued [] The post Delhi High Court rejects Saket Gokhale plea challenging order to pay Rs 50 lakh damages indefamationcase appeared first on India Legal .
The Delhi High Court has dismissed TMC MP Saket Gokhale's plea to recall an order requiring him to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages to former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri in a defamation case. The court also rejected Gokhale's application to condone a delay of over 180 days in filing the recall plea, citing his failure to provide justification for the delay. Puri had filed the suit in 2021 over defamatory allegations regarding her financial dealings.
New Delhi, May 2 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to recall its order directing TMC MP Saket Gokhale to pay damages of Rs 50 lakh to former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri for defamation. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav also junked Gokhales plea to condone a delay of over 180 days in seeking the relief. We cant help you. We have to reject both the applications, the judge said. Justice Kaurav said no explanation was offered for the delay in approaching the court. Puri had approached the high court in 2021, alleging Gokhale tarnished her goodwill and reputation by
HC refuses to recall order directing TMC MP Saket Gokhale to pay 50 lakh damages to ex-diplomat
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri had approached the high court in 2021, alleging Mr. Gokhale tarnished her goodwill and reputation by making reckless and false allegations about her financial affairs
HC refuses to recall order directing TMC MP Saket Gokhale to pay Rs 50 lakh damages to ex-diplomat
The Delhi High Court has upheld its decision, refusing to recall the order that requires TMC MP Saket Gokhale to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages to former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri for defamation. The court also dismissed Gokhale's plea to excuse a significant delay in seeking relief, citing a lack of explanation for the delay.
Pandal cultivation acreage goes up in Tiruchy, taken up on 50 acres in 2024-25
TIRUCHY: Bettering its performance from financial year 2023-34, the horticulture department brought about 50 acres in the district under the cultivation of pandal vegetables in FY25 under its area expansion programme. The corresponding figure in FY24 was about 35 acres. Several of the 50-odd farmers who received a total subsidy of Rs 60 lakh under the scheme and commenced cultivation of vining vegetables early this year expect to generate up to Rs 5 lakh per acre for their investment of around Rs 1.5 lakh per acre. The area expansion programme aims to increase the acreage under horticulture crop cultivation like vegetables, fruits, flowers and spices by providing subsidies and incentives to farmers. S Saranya, deputy director of the horticulture department in Tiruchy, said high-density cultivation of native vegetables such as bitter gourd, snake gourd and ridge gourd is being encouraged under the scheme. In an effort to improve the livelihood of farmers in rain-fed areas like Manapparai, Vaiyampatti and Marungapuri, as well as irrigated regions like Thottiyam, we are encouraging them to cultivate pandal vegetables. (Under the scheme) Over 50 farmers received a total subsidy of Rs 60 lakh to procure stone pillars, three types of iron wires for pandal set-up and fencing materials. The subsidy also covers vegetable seeds and labour costs, the deputy director added. The crop cycle for these vegetables is three months. Farmers are advised to sow the seeds in the main seasons falling during aadi, margazhi and thai pattam, a senior department official said. P Vellaisami, a farmer from Manpathai, who previously cultivated paddy and sorghum, has now switched to cultivating snake gourd on his one-acre farmland. Mentioning having sown the seeds three months ago, he said they have now grown to bear fruit. Vellaisami said he received Rs 1.67 lakh in subsidy and spent around Rs 1 lakh from his own funds for the cultivation. Officials from the horticulture department encouraged farmers like me to shift from paddy to native vegetables, which offer returns every three months. Compared to paddy, this crop returns a more reasonable profit. However, market conditions heavily influence our earnings. Currently, farmers receive only about one-third the retail market price. Even a slight increase in that percentage could significantly improve our profit margins, he added.
Dalit boy thrashed by fuel station owner, three others in Dharmapuri district
Illegal liquor factory busted in Shahzadpur; four arrested, massive seizure made
Haryana police in Ambala busted an illegal liquor factory in Shahzadpur, seizing a large quantity of spurious liquor and materials. Four individuals, Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Singh, Sandeep, and Sachin, were arrested during the raid. The illicit operation was owned by Bittu, who is now being pursued. The police confiscated liquor labeled under various brands, empty bottles, packaging, and sealing machines.
Odisha devotees demand removal of Jagannath Dham label from Digha temple
Bhubaneswar: A strong resentment is brewing among devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha over the West Bengal governments portrayal of the newly inaugurated Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, with at least two former members of the 12th-century Puri shrines managing committee demanding the withdrawal of what they call a self-styled title. While many Hindu pundits, []
Dysons formaldehyde-banishing Siri-ready Air Purifier and Fan falls $200, now $550 shipped
Amazon is now offering the Dyson HP09 Cool Formaldehyde Air Purifier and Fan for $549.99 shipped. This unit has been locked at $749 since Black Friday when it fell to $530 for a couple of weeks. This means that todays offer delivers the best price weve seen in more than five months and in all of 2025. The lowest weve ever seen this unit fall $500, which hasnt happend for well over a year now, making this a solid time to strike and take advantage of $200 in savings. Learn more about the features this Dyson unit offers down below. more
The Best Houseplants for Air Purification
Try these charming potted plants for a breath of fresh air.
Aides rise under Hegseth scrutinized in White House, Pentagon
Recently retired Marine Ricky Burias status as one of the few current aides appointed during the Biden era has elicited purity questions from Trump loyalists.
To improve purity of voters' list, EC to seek list of registered deaths from RGI electronically
The EC on May 1 said this will ensure that the Electoral Registration Officers receive timely information about registered deaths and allow booth level officers to re-verify the information through field visits
What Is Khachapuri: A Georgian Cheese Bread That Melts In Your Mouth
If you are in Georgia and looking for a place that does not sell khachapuri, good luck with that. Locals absolutely love it, and it is also a major hit with tourists.
Manipur police arrest accused in sexual assault and murder of 9-year-old in ChurachandpurIndia Today NE
Ranitidine ban deferred despite cancer concerns
Despite concerns about cancer-causing agents in Ranitidine and an expert panel's recommendation to suspend it, India's drug advisory body has decided to form another committee to investigate. Previous tests revealed that many Ranitidine samples contained unsafe levels of NDMA impurities. The ICMR has been asked to conduct a study to assess the drug's safety.
Lord Jagannaths Rath Yatra chariot building process begins in Puri
Puri: The chariot-making process for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri started here Wednesday as part of the Akshaya Trutiya rituals in the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple here. The day also marked the beginning of the Lords 42-day Chandan Jatra as per tradition in the temple in this seaside pilgrim town. The servitors performed special []
Bolster air quailty at home while Govees 1,162-sq. ft. smart purifier is down at $63 (Reg. $100)
GoveeLife 1,162-square-foot Smart Air Purifier Buy for $63 (Reg. $100) Clip the on-page 10% off coupon. What we love When away from home, its sort of a free for all when it comes to air quality. Thankfully, its a different story at home, where you can take extra steps to purify the air you breathe. This model is ready to tackle large areas of your home and can process 1,162-square feet per hour. more
Six dead in Rajasthans Alwar, spurious liquor suspected; villagers to hold mahapanchayat
Deaths reported from two villages over three days; Opposition seeks arrests, compensation
Dalit woman raped in front of 4-year-old child in UP
A 40-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped by two upper caste men in front of her four-year-old son in Uttar Pradeshs Mainpuri district. The Dalit family was suffering from financial hardship. According to her complaint, the crime took place on April 17. She and her son were returning home when the two accused approached her 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 .
Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital Jahangirpuri Delhi Senior Resident Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 12 Posts
Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital Jahangirpuri Delhi Recruitment 2025 for 12 posts of Senior Resident. Candidates with MBBS, Diploma, DNB, MS/MD Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 07-05-2025. For detailed information please visit Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital Jahangirpuri Delhi official website, bjrmh.delhi.gov.in.
Damini was the second of the third collaboration between Rajkumar Santoshi, Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Seshadri, and Amrish Puri with the other two being Ghayal and Ghatak released in 1990 and 1996, respectively. All the three films were critical and commercial successes.
Bengal Polls Next Year, Digha Jagannath Temple Trinamool's Hindu Outreach
The replica of Puri Jagannath temple, built at a cost of Rs 250 crore in Bengal's seaside town of Digha, was consecrated today, marking Mamata Banerjee's outreach to the Hindus.
Man held for murder after body found in Himayatnagar lift shaft
Hyderabad: A 40-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, April 29, for killing a homeless individual and dumping his body in a lift shaft at a bank in Himayathnagar. The accused has been identified as Chepuri Narendar. He had been living on the streets around Domalguda and Chikkadpally since migrating to Hyderabad in 2011. He has 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 .
Right-wing workers sprinkle cow urine after women offer namaz in Maharashtra
Members of the right-wing organisation, Hindu Sakal Samaj, sprinkled cow urine and performed a purification at a park in Pimpri Chinchwad of Maharashtra after two Muslim women offered namaz. It is unclear when the incident took place, but a video of the Hindutva workers sprinkling the urine and chanting Shiv Vandana, a Hindu religious mantra, 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 .
Top 5 mind-blowing temple legends from Odisha that locals swear are true
By Patit Mandal, OP Beyond the grand spires of Puri and Bhubaneswar, a quieter narrative unfolds, one where folklore breathes through fading stone and belief turns the ordinary into the divine. These lesser-known sites may lie off the tourist map, but for locals, these legends are not just tales they are living truths, passed []
Kolkata: The BJPs Information Technology cell chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya Wednesday morning issued a loaded message on the devastating fire at a hotel on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata and asked if the people of West Bengal were bearing the consequences of Mamata Banerjees attempt to []
