Trump, in CBS interview, says deportation policy was too tough
I think it was too tough...I think it might be too tough, Mr. Trump said in CBS 60 Minutes interview
Trump and his Justice Department stand defiant as Democrats ready an investigative blitz
Mr. Trump set the tone, declaring on social media that investigative requests already made by Democrats are extortion at the highest level, and they should be held accountable
News from the world of Education: November 9, 2026
Information on colleges, admissions, scholarships, events, MoUs, and more
19 Indian seafarers stranded in Yemen evacuated, Embassy says
The evacuation comes days after India said 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht involved in an incident off the Yemeni coast were safe
Tens of thousands march in Amsterdam, pressing Dutch government on Gaza, Israel
Organisers of the Red Line demonstration called for stricter trade sanctions, a halt to arms sales, and an official declaration that Israels actions in Gaza amount to genocide
Ayodhya Deepotsav: Over 3.6 million diyas illuminate Saryu ghats in 10th edition
Five Bodies Found In Cab Driver's Alleged Family Murders
Police have recovered two more bodies near Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, bringing the total to five, in connection with a cab driver's alleged serial murders of seven family members over domestic disputes. The accused, Indusekar alias Sekar, reportedly disposed of bodies across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with investigations ongoing into the methods used and the locations of the remaining two victims.
Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, Vijay and Omar Abdullah wish citizens on Diwali
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended Diwali greetings, wishing people happiness, peace and prosperity while emphasising harmony, equality, goodwill and the triumph of good over evil
South Africa's ANC suffers worst election result as decline continues
The once-dominant ANC the party of Nelson Mandela had received around 30% of the vote in Wednesday's (November 4, 2026) local government elections with 99% of ballots counted
WTA Chennai Open: Vaishnavi and Rutuja settle for runners-up finish against Swiss duo
Vaishnavi, 21, and Rutuja, 30, had already created history by becoming the first-ever all-Indian pair to reach the final of a WTA Tour event
Trump vows comeback as bitter showdown with Congress looms
The devastating result leaves Trump politically hamstrung as he enters the remaining two-year 'lame duck' period of his White House tenure
Former CEC SY Quraishi sparks war of words over Bengal assembly election validity
Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has sparked a major political faceoff after questioning the legal validity of the West Bengal assembly elections and alleging flaws in the voter revision process. While the Trinamool Congress and the CPI backed his remarks to target Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the BJP dismissed the claims as an excuse by losers. Watch the full report and political reactions from Kirti Azad, D. Raja, and Shahnawaz Hussain.
Praveen Chakravarty: Scrapping Justice Kurian panel doesnt mean neglect of Tamil Nadus rights
Revanth celebrates Deepavali with Indiramma house beneficiary
Ministers, MLAs asked to spend festival with poor families who received houses; 2.21 lakh houses completed under scheme
Rajajinagar murders: Two more bodies recovered near Chamundi hills in Mysuru
With this development, five bodies have been traced so far in the case, while the search for the remaining two continues
Mekedatu project: Shivakumar seeks TN's cooperation, says it will benefit state more than K'taka
Shivakumar says Karnataka did not require Tamil Nadu's permission but only its cooperation to implement the project
Turkey, Azerbaijan leaders vow unity after tensions
The Turkic-speaking allies describe their relationship as one nation, two states and, despite the friction, remain closely bound by military and energy ties
Train collision in Egypt's Giza kills four, injures 88 others: Health Ministry
Authorities said they had launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred in Giza's Al-Ayyat area, the site of Egypt's worst-ever rail disaster
23 dead in clashes between South Sudan government, opposition forces
Fighting in the Ruweng administrative area has left 23 dead and thousands displaced, officials said, as South Sudan heads towards elections on December 22
It is important to stem the rot before it spreads, all the more so if this book was AI-generated, the economist said in a clarification via e-mail to The Hindu
Fire breaks out at factory in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh; 22 fire tenders rushed
So far, no injuries have been reported.
Assam OIL facility fire: death toll rises to four as another injured dies; four suspended
OIL has instituted a high-level inquiry to probe into the incident
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant relying on generators again after losing external power supply
Zaporizhzhia, which produces no electricity but needs power supplied by two external links to keep nuclear fuel cool, lost its off-site electricity supply after the Ferosplavna power line disconnected, the IAEA said
Watch: Delhi air pollution: Capital sees very poor AQI on Deepavali as GRAP 3 curbs continue
Delhi recorded very poor air quality on Deepavali, with the overall AQI at 383 in the morning and improving marginally to 378 by 3:00 PM. However, several monitoring stations continued to log severe pollution levels, led by Jahangirpuri at 461 and Rohini at 447.
One child dead, 269 treated for burn injuries in T.N. during Deepavali
To manage the festive emergency load, 1,283 ambulances were deployed on active duty across the State.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including former Minister B. Shivaram, raised slogans against district in-charge Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, alleging that he had been ignoring other party leaders in Hassan
A devotee dies while climbing up Deviramma Betta in Chikkamagaluru
Lakshman, who worked for a private company in Bengaluru, came to visit a relative in Huvinahalli. He reportedly travelled overnight and decided to climb the hill early in the morning
Democratic wins in StateAG races give Trump a new headache
Incoming Democratic attorneys general could halt cooperation with federal immigration operations, fortify abortion access and file multistate challenges against the Trump administration's environmental and gun policies
Tamil Nadu's TB care initiative records at least 38% reduction in deaths
Patients identified as severely ill, including those with very severe undernutrition, respiratory insufficiency or poor physical performance, are prioritised for referral to hospitals and inpatient care
Tamil Nadu Greenlights Setting Up PSU For Executing Big-Ticket Govt Construction Projects
Tamil Nadu Infrastructure and Construction Corporation to oversee projects above Rs 200 crore, modelled on NBCC (India) Ltd.
TN greenlights setting up PSU for executing big ticket govt construction projects
The Tamil Nadu Infrastructure and Construction Corporation will be established to undertake government building projects in the state costing more than 200 crore
U.S. launches task force to disrupt land transit routes into Iran
The restrictions would expand on a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports during the two countries' eight-month war, in which Tehran has also restricted passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz trade route, choking global energy supplies
TN Scraps Kurian Panel on Centre-State Relations, Cites Overlapping Role
According to the government's rationale, the panel became redundant following the reconstitution of the Tamil Nadu State Law Commission on August 7, 2026, which was granted a broad mandate to examine Centre-state relations and review existing laws
'Notebandi' devastated economy, 'votebandi' destroying polity: Congress slams PM Modi
On this day in 2016, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation and announced demonetisation of high-value currency notes of 500 and 1,000
J&K: 4 police personnel, including SHO, injured as bus rams police vehicle in Ramban
The accident occurred shortly after the police vehicle joined the escort of BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma as his convoy entered Chanderkote jurisdiction
Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari has denied the allegations made against her, saying she has never done anything illegal
No concrete proof yet from Indonesia for claim over rescued orangutans: Odisha Minister
The Minister said some countries might stake a claim to the animals under international wildlife trade regulations, but they would have to furnish concrete evidence to establish that the rescued animals originated from their territory
Telangana celebrates Deepavali with traditional fervour; Guv visits Bhagya Lakshmi temple
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other leaders greeted the people on the occasion
Taiwan detains Communist Party leader over alleged Chinese sponsorship in election
Prosecutors also alleged that Mr. Lin sought to buy votes by repeatedly recruiting voters to travel to mainland China, where they received hospitality, the report said.
Stock markets begin Samvat 2083 on a firm note in special Muhurat trading
Muhurat trading is a symbolic market session held on Diwali, which also marks the beginning of the new Hindu calendar year
Vijayan demands withdrawal of circular allowing colleges to increase seats without Keralam Govt nod
The CPI(M) veteran said a September 11 circular issued by the Higher Education Department had made prior government approval mandatory for introducing new courses and increasing seats in government, aided and autonomous colleges
Bangladesh Law Minister calls Hasina convicted criminal, says extradition request sent to India
Indian govt previously acknowledged receiving Bangladesh's extradition requests for Ms. Hasina but has not announced any decision on handing her over
Heavy Rain Alert: Essential Exam Travel Tips for Tamil Nadu and Kerala Students
Facing heavy rain during exams? Get the latest IMD alerts for Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Follow our essential travel buffer tips, verify exam postponements, and stay safe with these expert guidelines for November 2026.
Diwali Celebrations | Kamakshi Amman Temple Holds Grand Diwali Street Procession In Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram's Kamakshi Amman Temple marked Diwali with a grand street procession, drawing devotees for the festive religious celebrations. Meanwhile, flower markets across Tamil Nadu witnessed a surge in shoppers ahead of the festival, with buyers making last-minute purchases. The festive rush came even as flower prices saw a drop, offering some relief to customers preparing for Diwali celebrations.
Thane court sentences man to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for raping minor on promise of marriage
Four prosecution witnesses, including the survivor, her mother and neighbour, were examined to prove the charges against the accused
Notes & Chords | Taking Parai Isai to new stages
In this episode of The Hindus Notes & Chords series featuring conversations with seasoned artistes and young practitioners of music we speak to Parai Isai artiste N. Deepan from Chennai. Rescued from child labour, he was introduced to folk art forms, including Parai Isai, as a student. Having picked up its nuances over the years, he decided to pursue the art form full-time after obtaining a masters degree in Commerce. Along with his friends, he founded the Nanbargal Gramiya Kalai Kuzhu in 2011 and has since been working with his colleagues to challenge stereotypes and change perceptions around Parai Isai. In addition to performing at various venues and cultural events, Deepan regularly trains school students and prison inmates in this art form for all seasons, as he puts it. In this conversation, he takes us through his journey, shares his reflections as a practitioner and teacher, and discusses his vision for the future of the art form. Host: Meera Srinivasan Video & Editing: Shivaraj S
Why are the U.S. midterm elections significant?
What do the results tell us about American voters attitudes towards President Donald Trump? What do they mean for Democrats and Republicans? What lies ahead for Democrats? Why are these results so important for the rest of the world?
Conservative activists storm Deepavali celebrations in Seattle
Videos of the storming of the Deepavali celebrations in Seattle went viral on social media.
Punjab records nearly 2,800 farm fires as authorities step up action
Punjab recorded 2,787 stubble burning incidents between September 15 and November 5, with Tarn Taran reporting the highest number of farm fires. Authorities have registered 710 FIRs and imposed fines exceeding 46 lakh. Amid concerns over the rising number of incidents, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed officials to intensify monitoring and enforcement measures.
Japan earthquake: At least 22 injured as 5.7-magnitude quake strikes
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan on Sunday (November 8), injuring at least 22 people. Local television footage showed broken windows at a car dealership in Toyohashi city and books scattered across the floor of a bookstore in Toyota city.
An wins Korea Open for 11th badminton title of year
The 24-year-old beat Japans Akane Yamaguchi 21-12, 15-21, 21-16 in the final in Yeosu to extend an unbeaten run that stretches back to March
Body of Punjab anti-drug activist Jhota brought to Mansa for last rites
Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight at a medical store in a busy marketplace in Mansa town on October 13
Villages near Erode bird sanctuary celebrate cracker-free Deepavali for 21st consecutive year
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) Setting an example in wildlife conservation, residents of more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Birds Sanctuary in Tamil Nadus Erode district celebrated Deepavali without bursting firecrackers on Sunday, continuing a remarkable tradition for the 21st consecutive year. The villagers have voluntarily adopted the practice to protect thousands of resident and migratory birds from the deafening noise and air pollution associated with firecrackers. Their collective commitment has transformed the festival into an annual demonstration of environmental responsibility. Children have played a significant role in sustaining the initiative, willingly giving up noisy firecrackers and restricting their celebrations to sparklers. Families marked the festival by wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings and participating in traditional festivities without disturbing the sanctuarys fragile ecosystem. Located approximately 10 kilometres from Erode town, the Vellode Birds Sanctuary covers around 240 acres and has long served as an important habitat for several species of birds. Established in 1996 by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, it is among the 16 bird sanctuaries included in Tamil Nadus official list of protected areas. Unlike several other bird sanctuaries in the state, Vellode has no adjoining woodland. Instead, its ecological significance centres on the Periyakulam Lake tank, which provides feeding, nesting and breeding opportunities for birds arriving from different regions of India and overseas. The sanctuary traditionally witnesses bird arrivals during the March-October nesting and breeding season. However, villagers said the number of birds currently present is relatively low, with only a handful of resident and migratory species being spotted. Over the years, the sanctuary has attracted thousands of birds, including several migratory species. Among those recorded are the bar-headed goose, black-tailed godwit, Eurasian spoonbill, spot-billed pelican, Western marsh harrier and blue-tailed bee-eater. Residents said the decision to avoid firecrackers has become an accepted community tradition, with younger generations actively supporting the conservation effort. Some families who wished to burst crackers travelled to relatives homes outside the sanctuarys surroundings rather than disturbing birds in their own villages. The uninterrupted 21-year initiative highlights how local communities can contribute to wildlife protection through voluntary action, demonstrating that traditional celebrations and environmental conservation can coexist without compromising festive enthusiasm.
Nithya Raman | The urban planner
Before entering U.S. politics, L.A.s first South Asian Mayor-elect worked among the urban poor in Chennai, where she used data to expose gaps in slum resettlement and public facilities
Suresh Gopi defends E20 petrol, says Karnataka, Kerala free to conduct own studies
Jon Ossoff | Ambition without ambition
While headlines scream Ossoff looks more presidential after his Senate win, he remains focused on his State while attacking Donald Trump and his family
Kremlin hopes U.S. election shake-up won't shift Trump's negotiations on Ukraine
Mr. Peskov shrugged off a question from reporters on whether the new Congress would challenge Mr. Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine. He called it an internal matter for the U.S.
New Zealanders wont know for weeks who won election as neither side secures clear victory
The tightest vote in years delivered a stinging rebuke to the major parties which have long dominated New Zealand politics, Christopher Luxons centre-right National party and centre-left Labour led by Chris Hipkins
Dindigul youth killed in Israel construction site accident laid to rest in native village
Veeramani had gone to Israel two years ago to work in construction. He last visited his village on leave six months ago before returning to work
Muslim community recites Ramayana in Urdu as part of Bikaners Diwali celebrations
FairPoint: A mother's defence cannot hide a son's electoral failures
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) It is not uncommon for a mother to defend her child, whatever the circumstances. It is a deeply ingrained human instinct. So, when Sonia Gandhi says Congress and other Opposition parties have not had a level playing field since 2014, it appears to be little more than a mother coming to her son's defence. She says the BJP has a complete stranglehold over all institutions, particularly the Election Commission. The veteran leader also claims that the mainstream media has been controlled, and that the ruling party is using money power and exploiting religion. No doubt, this is a mother's explanation for her son's inability to gain power despite having been in politics and 'working so hard' since 2004, when Rahul Gandhi took the political plunge. A mother's defence of her son is understandable and, in many ways, even praiseworthy. But the repeated electoral defeats since she and, subsequently, her son took charge of the Congress party raise a much bigger question. Sonia Gandhi became the party president in 1998, several years after the death of Rajiv Gandhi in a major terror attack in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Since then, Congress has seen a steady decline, except once, in 2009, when it went past 200 in the Lok Sabha on its own. No matter whom she blames for the losses, the truth about the grand old party today is that its decline has been gradual, with each successive election taking it further down the political ladder. Over the past three decades, the party has struggled to retain its position as the country's dominant political force. In 2004, Congress won 145 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with a vote share of 26.53 per cent (10,34,08,949 votes). The BJP won 138 seats. Congress, along with its allies, formed the government at the Centre under the UPA banner, with outside support from the Left Front, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Sonia Gandhi became UPA chairperson, while Manmohan Singh took over as Prime Minister. It was also in 2004 that Rahul Gandhi entered active politics by contesting and winning his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He did not hold any ministerial portfolio or formal Cabinet position, but his political standing within the party was already significant. In 2009, Congress won 206 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, gaining 61 seats over its 2004 tally. Its vote share rose to 28.55 per cent (11,91,11,019 votes). Sonia Gandhi continued as UPA chairperson, and Manmohan Singh remained Prime Minister in UPA-II. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, had become the General Secretary of the party in September 2007 and was given charge of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He was appointed Congress Vice-President on January 19, 2013, and, four years later, in December 2017, succeeded his mother as party president. The party lost power in 2014, and when the defeat was repeated in 2019, Rahul Gandhi resigned as Congress president, taking moral responsibility for the party's electoral performance. In a four-page open letter, he stressed that accountability was critical for the party's future and called upon the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to find his successor. Since Rahul began exercising considerable influence over the party's decision-making, particularly from 2009 onwards, Congress has reportedly lost 71 of the 83 Assembly elections it has contested. This is apart from its continued inability to return to power at the Centre. From being in power in 11 states in 2014, the party is now down to four. The success of any political leader is ultimately measured by electoral victories, and Rahul Gandhi's record falls woefully short. Considering his political lineage, his performance so far has been particularly disappointing. His great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress dominated the country's political landscape and ruled more than three-fourths of the states. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, won three Lok Sabha elections, two of them with huge majorities, and under her leadership, Congress ruled over more than two-thirds of the states. Even his mother, Sonia Gandhi, did a commendable job, achieving what had seemed almost impossible. Despite the party being out of power at the Centre from 1996 to 2004, she managed Congress's return in 2004. Rahul Gandhi may no longer be the president of his party, but he continues to remain its principal power centre and de facto chief. No major or minor decisions are taken without his involvement and approval. So, when the party continues to slump, he cannot escape responsibility. Yet, he has failed to find the right strategy or take the necessary steps to arrest the decline, let alone bring about a revival. He has consistently failed to present an alternative model of governance. Instead, his principal political ammunition has been to demean Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launch personal attacks, question Indian democracy on foreign shores, and even hold meetings and parleys with individuals known for their anti-India positions. There has been little in the way of a positive political narrative or a credible governance model that the electorate can look forward to. His politics has largely revolved around attacking the ruling dispensation rather than presenting what a Congress government would do differently. What he has found instead is the SIR and 'vote chori' narrative. He tried hard to make it a major electoral issue in Bihar and West Bengal, but the results did not go his way. Despite the lack of any widespread public acceptance of these allegations, Rahul continues to raise the issue of vote theft. And standing firmly behind him is his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who appears equally convinced that her son is losing elections because of electoral manipulation. The decline of Congress as the country's dominant political party is a fact. Blaming institutions, the media or the ruling party may provide temporary political comfort, but it cannot explain away repeated electoral failures. A political party cannot keep fighting elections on the premise that the system is against it. At some point, it has to look within and ask why voters are unwilling to give it another chance. There cannot be a bigger disappointment than watching a rocket firecracker fail to take off, only to fizzle out near the very glass bottle from which it was supposed to make a grand launch. The excitement disappears, the claps stop midway, and the expected spectacle never materialises. Yet, there are always voices urging another attempt, hoping that the next launch will finally succeed. But merely lighting another firecracker will not change the outcome. Sometimes the entire approach needs to change, and a fresh beginning is required to get the desired result. It is high time Sonia Gandhi understood this. A mother can certainly help her child find the right direction, but she cannot keep defending every failure. In a democracy, it is the people's mandate that decides who governs the country. No amount of street protests, allegations, or political rhetoric can substitute for that mandate. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Tamil Nadu Man Killed In Israel Construction Accident Buried
Veeramani, 31, died after an elevator suddenly descended at a construction site on October 28.
Wanted gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi deported from Ethiopia after 10 month manhunt
Punjab Police, with the assistance of central agencies, has secured the deportation of wanted gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi from Ethiopia following a 10-month international manhunt. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav announced the development on November 8, 2026. The Punjab government had announced a reward of 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Village anti-drug committee member shot in Punjabs Barnala, injured
Dhanaula SHO Baljinder Singh said the matter is under investigation; We are investigating the motive behind the incident, he said, while adding that four people, who are locals, have been identified
Kochi Police Seize MDMA, Arrest Two
Kochi police arrested two men and seized 192 grams of MDMA, valued at approximately Rs 7.5 lakh, following a tip-off. The drugs were reportedly trafficked from Tamil Nadu hidden in a banana bunch and intended for sale in Ernakulam and Aluva. An investigation is underway to trace the source and distribution network.
No Major Rise in Murders, Crimes Against Women in TN During 2025, 2026
Tamil Nadu State Crimes Record Bureau data shows in 2026, till July, 1,510 murder attempts were recorded, at a monthly average of 215
Bombay High Court allows BNS Section 75 charge where complainant identifies as woman
The judge rejected the argument that Section 75 cannot apply because the complainant is a transgender and not a woman
Iran says two tankers caught fire in Hormuz after hitting mines
Since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, Tehran has severely restricted traffic through the strategic waterway, insisting vessels use routes authorised by the Islamic republic
Two women, man found dead in Krakow mass-shooting suspects home, says Prime Minister
A Polish man with far-right views drove into a busy central square in Krakow on Saturday, November 7, and opened fire, killing six people and injuring 15 others before police shot and wounded him, authorities said
One more body pulled out on Sunday, taking the toll to seven; four bodies were recovered on Saturday and two on Thursday; rescue operations continue amid access constraints in narrow lanes
Delhi wakes up to toxic haze on Diwali, close to 'severe' AQI at 383
Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 450, followed by RK Puram at 448, according to the Sameer app.
Israel: Netanyahu rival Gadi Eisenkot gets first chance to form new government
Israels President Isaac Herzog has nominated opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government after the October 27 election left the country without a clear parliamentary majority. While Benjamin Netanyahus Likud emerged as the largest single party, his coalition fell short of a majority.
Apologise to saints, devotees before visiting Ayodhya: Adityanath ahead of Akhileshs visit
The Chief Minister's remark came within hours of the announcement that Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav would visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on December 12
Diwali rush: Over 15 lakh passengers leave Chennai by buses, trains in three days
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) More than 15 lakh passengers travelled out of Chennai between November 5 and 7 to celebrate Diwali in their hometowns, triggering a massive rush at bus terminals and railway stations across the city. Government and private buses transported nearly seven lakh passengers during the three days, while trains carried several lakh more. Thousands of people also travelled in private cars and other vehicles. The exodus gathered momentum on Friday and continued through Saturday, with major transport hubs witnessing heavy crowds as families rushed to reach their destinations ahead of the festival. Government buses alone transported 5.15 lakh passengers over three days. On Saturday, 3,319 buses operated until 8 p.m., carrying approximately 1.35 lakh passengers. The number of passengers using government services stood at 1.4 lakh on Thursday and increased sharply to 2.39 lakh on Friday. Transport authorities had planned 15,659 services to manage the festive rush. The arrangements included 5,743 regular buses, 4,405 special government services and 1,013 private contract buses. Despite the additional services, passengers at the Kilambakkam bus terminus faced considerable inconvenience because of delays and overcrowding. Several buses reportedly arrived nearly two hours behind schedule, raising concerns among passengers travelling to distant destinations, including southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While seating arrangements and passenger facilities received appreciation, delays in departures and the heavy rush created uncertainty over arrival times. Private bus operators also witnessed substantial demand, operating more than 4,717 services and transporting over 1.8 lakh passengers during the three days. Private buses carried approximately 56,800 passengers on Thursday, 75,900 on Friday and 56,000 on Saturday. The railway network handled another major share of the festive movement. Southern Railway operated 132 special trains during the Diwali period, with around three lakh passengers travelling daily from Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram stations. Additional coaches were attached to 22 mail and express trains, while eight unreserved MEMU services were introduced to accommodate passengers. Security arrangements were strengthened at railway stations amid heavy movement of travellers. The Railway Protection Force apprehended five people for carrying firecrackers at Chennai Central and Egmore stations on November 6. The festive rush highlighted the enormous demand for transport services during Diwali, despite extensive arrangements by railway and road transport authorities.
TN: Water shortage hits PAP tail-end farmers in Tiruppur; illegal diversion suspected
Digital Desk | Tiruppur, Nov 8 (IANS) Serious concerns have emerged over irrigation water distribution under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district, with farmers alleging that large-scale illegal diversion of water has disrupted supplies to agricultural lands in the tail-end regions. The controversy has brought renewed attention to alleged lapses in monitoring the extensive canal network, particularly the failure to prevent unauthorised extraction of water. Farmers dependent on the Vellakovil branch canal have demanded immediate government intervention to protect their irrigation rights. The situation worsened following the release of water from Thirumoorthy Dam on Thursday for the projects second irrigation zone. Although water was expected to flow through the distribution network without major delays, it took nearly 70 hours to reach the tail-end areas, where the supply remained inadequate. Agricultural representatives pointed out that water had previously reached these areas within 24 hours of release. The prolonged delay has raised suspicions of illegal tapping through underground pipelines, unauthorised connections and borewells located near the main and branch canals. Farmers organisations said authorities had assured them that 141 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water would be supplied to the Vellakovil branch canal during the second-zone irrigation schedule, compared with the earlier allocation of 131 cusecs. However, the actual inflow recorded on Saturday was only 122 cusecs, considerably below the promised quantity. Farmers demanded an explanation for the shortfall and immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted irrigation supplies. They also accused the joint monitoring committee of failing to take effective action against illegal pipelines, unauthorised canal crossings, and borewells allegedly extracting water from the irrigation system. Following the complaints, Water Resources Department officials inspected the starting point of the Vellakovil branch canal at Illiyampudur on Saturday to assess the flow and identify possible irregularities. Farmers from the affected areas gathered at the inspection site and questioned officials over the inadequate supply. The situation prompted discussions involving revenue authorities, Water Resources Department personnel and Kangeyam police. Officials acknowledged complaints regarding insufficient water flow and said corrective measures were being undertaken. They maintained that the joint monitoring committee had intensified surveillance under the district administrations directions to prevent water theft. The farmers, however, insisted that effective enforcement and continuous monitoring were essential to ensure that the irrigation water allocated to tail-end agricultural areas reached its intended beneficiaries.
Strong earthquake shakes central Japan, shattering store windows, injuring at least 22
The quake, which struck at 1:04 a.m., was located about 40 kilometres below the earths surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Aichi and Shizuoka are neighbouring regions
Heavy rain forecast in 7 TN districts; weather office warns of strong winds
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in seven districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, as an atmospheric circulation over the southeastern Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala coast continues to influence weather conditions across the state. According to the weather department, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall during the day. The prevailing atmospheric system is expected to bring widespread rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Cauvery delta and southern coastal districts. Moderate rainfall has also been forecast for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur and Perambalur districts. Similarly, Sivaganga, Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul and Madurai districts are expected to receive moderate showers. The weather department has also predicted moderate rainfall in Virudhunagar, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts. Other parts of Tamil Nadu may experience isolated light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The weather system is expected to remain active on Monday, with heavy rainfall forecast for seven districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Moderate rainfall is also expected on Monday in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Madurai, Theni and Thoothukudi districts. The forecast indicates that the Cauvery delta region could experience two consecutive days of significant rainfall, with agricultural areas likely to be particularly affected. The continuing rainfall is significant for the delta districts, where extensive paddy cultivation depends on seasonal water availability. While adequate rainfall could benefit agricultural operations, prolonged heavy showers may create difficulties in low-lying agricultural fields. The weather conditions could also affect normal movement in coastal and interior districts if intense rainfall occurs within a short period. The atmospheric circulation over the Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala coast remains the principal weather feature influencing the present rainfall pattern. The latest forecast suggests that rainfall activity will extend across northern, central and southern Tamil Nadu, although its intensity is expected to vary considerably between districts. The weather departments outlook indicates that the heaviest showers will remain concentrated in the delta and southern districts over the next two days.
Tamil Nadu: 7 Injured in Firecracker Shop Blaze in Cuddalore
All seven injured individuals were immediately shifted to the Panruti Government Hospital for first aid and preliminary treatment
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Paraguay's ousted President charged with crimes linked to collapse of major bank
In a farewell message released shortly before he was ousted on Friday (November 6), Mr. Pea expressed hope his departure would spare Paraguay further harm
Singapore-based senior IT executive shot dead over parking dispute in Faridabad
The accused fired several rounds at the victim and his son; the victim succumbed to injuries and the son escaped unhurt
A bridge between past and present
A German publication ranked Bihar Museum among the best in the world.MayankKumarvisits to understand what went into the making of the museum and what visitors think of its contribution to the development of Indian civilization
U.S. military says it disabled cargo vessel in Gulf of Oman
The St. Kitts-flagged cargo vessel tried to depart regional waters after visiting an Iranian port, and a U.S. plane fired precision munitions at its stern after U.S. forces directed the crew to abandon targeted spaces, Central Command said
RJD MP Sanjay Yadav writes to President, seeks action against DU Professor Sangeet Ragi
Mr. Yadav said that Mr. Ragi used the abusive language against Yadav community on behest of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
DMK flays govt.s decision to remit money in lieu of distributing rice to ration cardholders in U.T.
Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan record the submission that the vacancy would now be filled up as per regular process
Locals burn effigy of Christian priests at Basanti in WB
Father Parimal Kanji, the priest-in-charge at Basanti, stated that the alleged perpetrators were outsiders and not local residents and confirmed that a written complaint had been submitted to the police.
Jumbo hustle: the transfer of elephants to Tamil Nadus temples
The unseemly haste with which five elephants from Assam were transported to temples in Tamil Nadu raises pertinent questions about the process of animal transfer, and whether the rules are cheat proof. Here, Geetha Srimathi examines the entire issue threadbare, explaining how elephants are acquired for temples in the State, and the yawning gaps in the rules, and processes that allow humans to trade in pachyderms.
Israeli President picks Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu rival, to try to form government
Mr. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has declined to join forces with Arab parties, with whose support he would have a majority of seats in parliament
