Southern India's Water Storage Falls to 17% of Reservoir Capacity
The Central Water Commission (CWC) recently released a bulletin regarding reservoir storage levels across various regions of India, revealing that the southern region, which includes Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, is facing a significant reduction in water storage compared to historical averages. The southern region's 42 reservoirs, monitored by the CWC, have a total live storage capacity of 53.334 billion cubic meters (BCM), but the available live storage is currently only 8.865 BCM, representing just 17% of their total capacity. This figure is much lower than the storage levels from the same period last year (29%) and the ten-year average (23%), indicating worsening water scarcity and potential challenges for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation in these states. Meanwhile, the eastern region, comprising states like Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal, has shown improvement in water storage levels compared to last year and the ten-year average. In this region, 23 monitored reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM currently hold 7.889 BCM of water, representing 39% of their total capacity. Other regions are also facing challenges. The western region, consisting of Gujarat and Maharashtra, reports storage levels of 11.771 BCM, which is 31.7% of the total capacity of the 49 monitored reservoirs. This is notably lower than the storage levels of the previous year (38%) and the ten-year average (32.1%). Similarly, the northern and central regions also show declines in water storage levels compared to historical averages. Award of 30-Year Management Contract for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Indian-Russian Joint Venture NTA Ends NEET UG 2024 Correction Session Today NIA Arrests Key Figure in Violent Attack on Indian High Commission in London
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TN: School specific committees to prevent corporal punishment
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Those poisonous people must not be voted for. These people even hesitate to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai and sing Vande Mataram, said Mr. Adityanath
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Govts hypocrisy knows no bounds: Congress slams Centre for seeking modification in 2G case verdict
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Lok Sabha polls: Entry granted. Access denied
CHENNAI: It was 19-year-old Saravanans first time casting his vote in the Lok Sabha elections. The resident of Avvai Shanmugam Salai, affected with a rare muscular disability, reached his polling booth 102 at 7 am to avoid any delays and get inked at the earliest. What curbed his excitement was the school entrance, which was a muddy and gravel-laden path. This made it difficult for him to move on his wheelchair. Not one police official or any other staff offered to help. With the help of my parents, I entered. I waited. I was later informed that there was some problem with the EVM machine and we needed to wait further, he rues. After a delay of almost one and a half hours, Saravanan went inside the polling booth. But as the tables were not accessible, he wasnt able to cast the vote by himself and had to seek his mothers help. Working towards easing the process of voting, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the Election Commission of India notified on the availability of the pick-up and drop facility for them from their residences to the polling station through the Saksham App by calling 1950 or by calling the District Control Room. Unfortunately, the services didnt work for Saravanan. It wasnt reachable. My friend told me that when he tried to avail the services, they didnt respond in a favourable way, he adds. Meanwhile, Sathish Kumar, a member of Disability Rights Alliance, refused to opt for the pick-up and drop option as most of the vehicles arent disability friendly. It will mostly be a normal cab, it wont have provisions to fit in a wheelchair, he notes. Explaining in detail about the accessibility issues inside the polling booth, Sathish who voted from SIVET College, Gowrivakkam, says, The buildings are very old and the rooms were very small, unable to accommodate wheelchairs properly. The machine is placed close to the wall; most of us werent able to reach the buttons as the tables werent accessible. While the ordeals for wheelchair users continued this time around too, the situation had improved for those with visual impairment. Raghuraman, assistant professor at Government Arts College for Men, Nandanam, who is visually impaired, appreciated the Election Commission for the efforts taken towards 100% voting experiences for PwDs. Affirming that there is room for improvement, he says, All things should be done well at least a month in advance. Lack of awareness is one fault. Even the minimum standard guidelines are not followed in most of the polling booths. Some places lacked wheelchairs and ramps. EVMs should have stickers indicating the machine numbers, which confused the visually impaired. There should also be audio enabled support to ensure that voting is done through VVPATs. Despite the grievances, some polling booths in the city were disabled- and senior citizens-friendly with volunteers offering help. Ivan Raquinha, a 61-year-old resident who voted in Surapet, highlighted that he had a hassle-free experience. He says, I had suffered a stroke recently and couldnt walk without support. Hence, two volunteers brought awheelchair to the car and wheeled me in. They even took me inside the classroom with the help of a ramp. It was over in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, V Santhanam, a 86-year-old social activist shares that his voting experience was also smooth and the only thing he wasnt satisfied with was how there were no seating for senior citizens. Sources also rued the lack of drinking water or toilets in some booths. While most of the senior citizens who could go on their own didnt try the pick-up and drop facility to make way for others, a few others tried availing it but wasnt welcomed with the promised enthusiastic spirit. Octogenarian P Bhawarlal says, They (officials) told that only people aged 85 years and above could avail the service. So, I had to go on my own. Lessons for the future To make the voting experience inclusive, Tamil Nadus chief election officer had also notified the District Differently Abled Welfare Office, which was eventually helpful to coordinate at district level. However, this announcement reached the public at a much later stage that it could not properly facilitate collaborative access audits of polling stations ahead of polls or free transport services to ferry voters with disabilities to polling stations and back home, mentions the report by Disability Rights Alliance (DRA). The transport service announced by CEO Tamil Nadu at the last moment was unfortunately not usable for voters with disabilities as many had tried the 1950 helpline or Saksham app which did not facilitate their transport requests. This resulted in less than 50 voters with disabilities contacting the GCC control room to access transport arrangements, states the report. Sudha Ramamoorthy, a member of DRA, shares that they had booked Get Going accessible vehicles for PwD for the entire day of the election, in collaboration with Vidya Sagar NGO. We had booked two vehicles for the day and seven people had availed the services, of which six were elderly, she says. After observing the execution of accessible poll facilities the Disability Rights India highlights in the DRA report that adequate, updated and periodic training and dissemination of information must be available to access the request for transport and other services in the future elections. They also suggest uniform training materials and programmes be ensured to police on accessible barricades enabling vehicles of voters with disabilities to enter the polling stations. Access audit teams are to be planned from June onwards to ensure that all polling stations are retrofitted and comply with access standards and are readied for a compliance access audit by January 2025, in the lead up to the assembly elections 2026 in Tamil Nadu. Accessible polling booths continue to be a dream for a majority. Though a lot of facilities are offered on paper, it doesnt translate to reality. Sathish adds, Buildings need to be accessible and officials should be more strict in terms of implementing rules. Sudha concurs, Focus should also be on issues like proper lighting to facilitate people with low vision and employing a sign language interpreter for assisting people with hearing impairment. Concluding their stories, people hope that the electoral process becomes an inclusive one soon.
Kalahandi affected by mass migration
Bhawanipatna: The malady of migration has hit Kalahandi district hard. Every year, thousands from the district are migrating to other states in search of jobs for their livelihoods. Most people migrate to the states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa. Two of the favourite cities for migration are Mumbai and Pune, sources []
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Bad roads, garbage mounds welcome visitors at industrial estate in Guindy
CHENNAI: Pothole-ridden roads and damaged stormwater drains with garbage dumped into them greet visitors to the countrys first model industrial estate in Guindy. The southern phase of the estate, which directly employs more than 5,000 people and indirectly 10,000, paints a picture of neglect. The employees are blaming the lackadaisical attitude of SIDCO towards their repeated complaints on bad roads leading to mishaps, some minor and some major. Twenty-seven year-old Shanti, who works as an accountant, recollects the day when she fell off her two-wheeler trying to avoid a pothole a few months ago. I suffered a ligament injury and was bed-ridden for months. I was advised not to ride a two-wheeler, but I am forced to do so because I have a family to support, she says. A pregnant woman also met with an accident owing to the unmotorable road and suffered a miscarriage. She was psychologically affected and quit, alleges Shanti. Aadarsh, a senior official of a company, says he once fell off his two-wheeler into a pit and suffered an elbow fracture. Employees and firms in the southern phase recently submitted a petition, once again, to SIDCO citing poor condition of a basic requirement motorable roads. Given the importance of SIDCO, south phase, Guindy is a premier industrial park. This issue has been affecting the estate for years and we have taken up the matter repeatedly. Though SIDCO said roads would be re-laid by January 2024, there has been no progress, the plea says. The employees also sent a copy of the petition to Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and top officials. A Guindy Industrial Estate Association member alleges that officials are carelessly sitting on such an important issue. The association has taken upon itself SIDCOs task of clearing garbage in the estate. However, borders of the estate are porous and hotels and other outsiders keep dumping garbage into the drain. A petition was recently sent to MSME minister seeking new stormwater drain in vain, he claims. It may be noted that TNIE carried a report in November last highlighlighting the plight of the estate and officials had assured to take prompt action. Talking to TNIE , an official in Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited says maintenance work of the estate has been transferred to Greater Chennai Corporation and the roads in Ambattur and Guindy Industrial Estates would be be re-laid at a cost of Rs 12.07 crore by the civic body. Work is currently under way in Ambattur estate, he adds.
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South India Stares At Severe Water Crisis As Reservoir Levels Plunge To Mere 17%
The southern region, encompassing states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, has significantly reduced water storage compared to historical averages at just 17 per cent of reservoir capacity.
Salem Periyar University defies Tamil Nadu government, reintroduces M Tech course
SALEM: Periyar University has reintroduced MTech course, despite an assurance given by higher education minister K Ponmudy in the Assembly in April 2023 that such courses would not be offered by arts and sciences institutions. The Periyar university had refrained from offering engineering or technical courses, since they come under the purview of Anna University. The minister had emphasized this in the Assembly, stressing that any attempt to initiate technical programs would be promptly halted. However, defying the directive, Periyar University has advertised the reintroduction of M Tech in Energy Technology during academic year 2024-2025. This decision has reignited tension between the university and the government. Sources said M Tech programmes were implemented at Periyar University five years ago, accommodating a total of 100 students distributed across batches of 20 each. However, a significant portion of the faculty holds only MSc degrees, which disqualifies them from teaching these specialised courses. Further, the university faces a shortage of laboratories essential for hands-on learning, exacerbating the disparity between theoretical instruction and practical application. These discrepancies have spurred calls for the immediate discontinuation of M Tech classes at Periyar university. When asked, Periyar university VC R Jagannathan told TNIE, The M Tech course has been notified this year with the approval of AICTE, and there is no illegality. However, when pressed about the higher education ministers statement in the Assembly, he declined to offer comment. When contacted, minister Ponmudy said he will take action against those responsible for making these decisions.
Cow dung in tank: Medical camp set up in Tamil Nadu's Pudukai village
PUDUKKOTTAI: A day after cow dung was found dumped in the overhead tank supplying potable water to the locality, the district administration set up a medical camp at Guruvandan Street in Sangamviduthi on Friday to attend to residents who complained of uneasiness from consuming the contaminated water. Around 35 Dalit families and five caste Hindu families reside in the locality. Residents said the doctors from the camp checked on them and prescribed them medicines. While neither the district collector nor the superintendent of police could be reached for comment despite attempts, sources said that potable water supply from the tank, which has been stopped, will not resume for some days. Residents have urged for alternative arrangements in the interim period. Meanwhile, samples drawn from the tank have been sent for testing in Tiruchy. Calling the contamination inhumane, PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss in a statement on Friday drew attention to the lack of accountability in previous such cases like the mixing of excreta in the water tank at Vengaivayal. He also called for urgent decisive action against the perpetrators.
Streamline sale of IPL tickets, court tells BCCI, SDAT
CHENNAI: The first bench of the Madras High Court consisting of Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathaya Narayana Prasad on Friday directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to consider the requests for streamlining the sale of tickets for the ongoing IPL T20 matches. The direction was given on a petition filed by advocate A Sathiya Prakash seeking the direction to the BCCI and SDAT to crack down on the illegal sale of IPL tickets and control sales in the black market. The petitioner had submitted that black market gangs are purchasing tickets in bulk and re-selling them at a high price, leaving true cricket lovers in the lurch. He noted that five persons were arrested by police last month for selling IPL tickets at a marked-up price.
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Tangedcos transformer protection bags patent
CHENNAI: The Indian Patent Office, under the union government, has granted a patent to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) for their Flexible External Bellow for Insulation Protection of Transformers on March 30, 2024. This patent is valid for 20 years, commencing from April 16, 2015. As per an announcement from Tangedco on Friday, the external bellow was crafted by the power utilitys research and development wing. Highlighting the importance of this invention, the release stated, Moisture poses a significant threat to transformers. The conventional methods to mitigate moisture prove to be insufficient, expensive and intricate. With this invention, a sealed expandable bellow is connected after the silica gel breather of the transformer. The system would make a transformer sealed, providing complete immunity from external moisture and oxygen. Consequently, the innovation promises to curtail maintenance costs, minimise downtime and mitigate operational failures, the release added. A senior official said, The power utility has so far installed this innovation at 70 substations in various parts of the state. We plan to install this on all transformers gradually.
WhatsApp vs Government | Why exiting India threat bestirs traceability debate
Meta-owned WhatsApp said it will have to leave India if forced to comply with the countrys Information Technology (IT) rules that govern digital platforms. What does the Indian government want from WhatsApp? Why is complying a sticky point? What is platforms policy on data sharing? And why is traceability a double-edged sword?
Tamil Nadu: Water level dips, Mettur maintenance work on
SALEM: Amidst concerns over declining water levels at the Mettur dam, which is one of the major reservoirs in the state, maintenance work began on Friday morning. Official sources said routine work like repairs to sluices and assessing the dams stability for the upcoming rainy season would be carried out. With the current water level at a mere 54 feet, well below its full reservoir level of 120 feet, authorities have started to undertake vital maintenance work in the 16 gates of Ellis surplus sluices. This area serves as a pivotal point for the dams functionality, particularly during periods of excess water discharge. Typically, when the dam nears its full capacity of 120 feet, overflow mechanisms such as the 16 sluices play a crucial role in managing water levels and preventing potential overflow disasters. However, with the current water scarcity exacerbated by inadequate rainfall and Karnatakas reluctance to release water, ensuring the operational integrity of these mechanisms has become paramount. The work encompasses various aspects, including repairs to the iron sluices within the canal area and the application of a cement mixture to fortify the overflow area near the 16 gates of Ellis surplus sluices, which would prevent water stagnation and potential structural deterioration. Officials from the Mettur dam water resources department said the work will be completed within a few weeks and painting would be taken up after this.
Insurer in Coimbatore told to pay Rs 7L to widow of Covid-19 patient
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has ordered an insurance company to settle Rs 5 lakh claim to a petitioner whose 38-year-old husband died during Covid-19 treatment in a private hospital in Coimbatore in 2021. The petition was against the rejection of a medical insurance policy by a private insurer. The petitioner R Sathiya Devi is a resident of Ganapathy in Coimbatore. Her husband T Karthik was admitted to a private hospital after he fell ill due to Covid-19 on May 24, 2021. Karthik, who was a businessman, had purchased Corona Kavach Policy from the Star Health Insurance by paying a premium of Rs 12,955. The policy had a claim value up to Rs 5 lakh from April 21, 2021 to April 22, 2022. He was treated in the private hospital till June 7, 2021 and shifted to another private hospital on the same date for Covid-19 treatment. However, he died without responding to the treatment on June 29. His family had spent Rs 18.55 lakh for his treatment. Despite his wife Sathiya Devi sending all details to the Star Health Insurance seeking claim, the insurance firm refused to settle the sum Rs 5 lakh claiming that the patient was not eligible to claim the sum as he was admitted in hospital within 30 days from the availing of the policy. Thereafter, the petitioner approached the consumer court in Coimbatore. The court found fault on the part of the insurance company and ordered to settle the policy sum Rs 5 lakh to the petitioner. Also, it directed to pay Rs 2 lakh for the petitioners mental agony. K Parameshwari, a counsel of the petitioner said, It was the second case, the court has ordered in favour of the petitioner. In the first case, the petitioner Senthikumar from Punjai Puliampatti was denied a Rs 2 lakh claim by the Star Health Insurance for his Covid 19 treatment. After the litigation, the insurance company was ordered to settle the policy claim. If any person who was denied policy claims for Covid treatment still they have time to file a case against the insurance company.
17-year-old boy among three arrested for killing farmer, burning body in Tamil Nadu
ERODE: The district police arrested three people, including a woman, for the murder of a 72-year-old farmer in Perundurai in Erode. The suspects include a a 40-year-old woman, her 17-year-old son, and her friend of Vannan Kattu Valasu in Mettukadai. According to police, C Palaniswami, of Para Valasu near Pungampadi in Perundurai owns four acres of agricultural land. His wife is Maragatham. The couple has two daughters. Maragatham separated from Palaniswami some years ago and lived with her daughters. Palaniswami lived alone in the farmhouse and cultivated on the land. On April 20 morning, Palaniswami was found dead on the bed in front of his farmhouse. His body was half burnt on the bed. Post-mortem examination revealed that Palaniswami had been hacked to death and his body was burnt. Subsequently, police questioned Palaniswamis relatives. During the investigation, it was revealed that his estranged wifes sister-in-law was involved in the murder. On questioning her, it came to light that her 17-year-old son and her friend were also involved. Police arrested the three on Thursday evening. The woman and her friend worked in a mill. Last year, He needed money and asked her. Without her husbands knowledge, she lent 10 sovereigns of jewels from the house to him but he did not return it. a police officer said. The womans daughter attained puberty recently, and a function was organised on April 21. Due to this, she asked her friend to return the jewels but he sought time. Also, he told her that if any of her relatives died, the function would be cancelled. Subsequently she convinced her son and planned to kill Palaniswami and loot his house, he added. On April 19, the man and the boy killed Palaniswami and took away Rs 2,500 from the house, he added.
Special Drive: Puducherry police arrest 39 history-sheeters
PUDUCHERRY: In a proactive move to address rising concerns over rowdyism and substance abuse, the Anti-Rowdy Squad of the Puducherry Police executed a surprise raid, resulting in the apprehension of 39 individuals for further investigation out of the scrutinised 150 individuals. Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Narra Chaitanya disclosed that among those detained, two individuals faced charges under the Arms Act, one under the NDPS Act, and 31 preventive cases were registered. Additionally, one individual who was subject to a non-bailable warrant was successfully apprehended. The operation targeted known history-sheeters and rowdy elements across various areas. We wanted to catch them early on, hence we marched around 4.30 am with teams of SPs and other police personnel, stated the SSP. During the raid, narcotic substances and weapons were confiscated, including ganja and knives. With directives from the police headquarters, initiatives under the Goondas Act and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, will be intensified to ensure a safer community, emphasised the SSP. The recent murders, primarily involving young history-sheeters, have amplified concerns regarding public safety. Incidents such as a fatal attack during a temple festival in Periyar Nagar on a history-sheeter who came out on a bail and a brawl-related death at a liquor shop emphasise the urgency of law enforcement actions. While police have faced scrutiny over the proliferation of ganja and narcotics, SSP Chaitanya clarified that there is no direct correlation between the recent murders and substance abuse. Following previous rounds of arrests before the Lok Sabha elections, these surprise raids signify a continued effort by the Puducherry Police to maintain law and order and safeguard the community from criminal elements.
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank profit up 4% to Rs 2,349 cr
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu-based Tamilnad Mercantile Bank posted 4% growth in net profit in FY24 to Rs 1,072 crore as against Rs 1,029 crore a year ago. Total income rose from Rs 4,710 crore in FY23 to Rs 5,493 crore FY24. Interest income improved to Rs 4,848 crore in FY24 from Rs 4,081 crore a year ago. Total business has increased to Rs 89,485 crore in FY24 from Rs 85,348 crore a year-ago. CASA rose to Rs 14,676 crore in FY24 from Rs 13,736 crore in FY23. On asset quality, gross NPA as a percentage of total advances stood at 1.44 % (as against 1.39% in FY23) and net NPA stood at 0.85% (against 0.62% in FY23). Total SMA (special mention account) to gross advances has reduced to 3.97% from 6.51%, while stressed assets ratio decreased to 2.70% from 3.18%.
Melma farmers' protest in Tamil Nadu reaches 300th day - The New Indian Express
Melma farmers' protest in Tamil Nadu reaches 300th day The New Indian Express
Engineering education in local language gains momentum in UP, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Organiser
Kerala LS polls: Congress pins hope on Thiruvananthapuram coastal belt
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Brisk voting witnessed in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram in the early hours only gained momentum as the day wore on. Muslim women voters came out in large numbers when the booths opened as the men trooped to nearby mosques for Friday prayers. Christian voters, however, pulled their weight right from morning. This is expected to be crucial for both the LDF and the UDF. District Congress committee chief Palode Ravi and the lone Congress MLA in the district, M Vincent, exuded confidence in their candidate Shashi Tharoor improving on his 99,000-plus victory margin in 2019. At 12:30pm, Vallakadavu LP School wore a desolate look with just a handful of people lining up to vote. Polling booths at this venue were categorised as vulnerable and five policemen from Theni, Tamil Nadu, were posted here from Tuesday. Two of the officers, K Chelladurai and Thaya Ayyarsamy, told TNIE that no untoward incidents were reported. The humidity, which is worse than back home, took a toll. We think its the humid conditions that forced voters to stay away, the two echoed. Thiruvananthapuram City commissioner C Nagaraju visited almost every polling booth in the coastal areas. Everything has been hunky-dory. Polling was brisk till noon. Voters returned in large numbers later in the evening, Nagaraju told TNIE. In the majority of polling booths, women were seen waiting for long hours after voting for the men of their families to arrive. Sameen Abdul Rahim was forced to wait for her son for two hours at St Antonys Higher Secondary School. For Natasha Justin, a second-year BTech student, and her elder brother, Nevil Justin, who has been job-hunting after completing his graduation, the opportunity to cast their first vote was memorable. We are extremely happy to be part of the democratic process. Both of us voted for the candidate who our parents endorsed. We know very well that their choice will not be wrong, both Nevil and Natasha said. The constituencys coastal belt stretches from Pozhiyoor to Pallipuram, and comprises the assembly segments of Parassala, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, and Thiruvananthapuram Central, besides portions of Kazhakoottam. Even if one of the communities votes en masse in favour of the CPM, the votes from the coastal belt will stand Tharoor in good stead, Palode Ravi said. There has been a minority consolidation in favour of the Congress, on the back of the support of the backward communities, he added. MLA Vincent said that as per preliminary reports, close to 65-70% votes have been polled in the coastal belt alone. 65-70% votes polled UDF exuded confidence in their candidate Shashi Tharoor improving on his 99,000-plus victory margin in 2019 As per preliminary reports, close to 65-70% votes have been polled in the coastal belt alone In the majority of polling booths, women were seen waiting for long hours after voting for the men of their families to arrive The constituencys coastal belt stretches from Pozhiyoor to Pallipuram
No big strides: Scorching heat, voters apathy a cause in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Despite efforts of the election commission and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to increase voting percentages in this general election, the numbers did not make strides in Bengaluru North parliamentary constituency, which has the highest number of voters in Karnataka. While many voters braved the heat, some others did not even bother to come out and vote. Segments of voters in slums and apartment pockets opined that voting is a waste of time, as once the election is over, elected candidates would never bother to come and meet the voters and ask about their welfare. Muneer Khan, 77, who brought his 70-year-old wife on a scooter, to a polling station in HAL ward, said it is appalling to see voters not keen on exercising their rights. Mufeeda Begum, another senior citizen, after casting her vote, said she has now the right to question her MP. Aishwarya, a young voter, stated that people can expect change only if they come out and vote. Syed Raheem, a social worker who arranged free autos to pick up and drop voters, said, The scorching heat forced many voters to stay at home and avoid voting. We have arranged over two dozen autos to ferry voters to booths from areas like LBS Nagar, Jyothi Nagar, Gaffar Layout, Reddy Palya, and Islampur in HAL Ward. We also went and asked voters to come out, but the response was poor, said Raheem. Further, S Ramesh Babu, BJP General Secretary, KR Puram Assembly, said, many voters in the North segment also have families and friends in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. With the polling day, falling on a weekend, many decided to take a long break. BJP North Lok Sabha segment president S Harish held BBMP and election commission officials responsible for the low turnout as he listed anomalies like name deletion and transfer of voters to other areas.
IMD predicts severe heatwave conditions over Odisha, West Bengal for next five days
West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu to witness heatwave conditions the next five days, predicts IMD
Decomposed body of Chennai woman found 10 days after murder; man held
VELLORE: THE Pulianthope police on Friday morning discovered the partially-decomposed body of a 31-year-old woman along the foothills of Netteri hillock, 1.5 kilometres from Gudiyatham Railway Station in Vellore, ten days after she was allegedly murdered by a 25-year-old man from Gudiyatham. On April 15, the victim, a divorcee from Pulianthope in Chennai, was reported missing by her parents, who said she had taken a train to Vellore a day before, under the pretext of going to borrow books from a friend. The police registered a case, traced her mobile phone signal, which led them to Hemaraj (25), whom the victim had contacted last. During the investigation, it came to light that the two had known each other since 2021 and were in a relationship. The victim reportedly met him at the Gudiyatham Railway Station on April 14. Sources said that she insisted Hemaraj on getting married, which could have caused a rift. Around 12.30 am on Friday, the Pulianthope police, along with the suspect, searched the foothills, where he had allegedly stabbed the woman to death, and discovered the victims corpse in a partially-decayed state. The police retrieved her bag, identity card, and a knife that was used as the murder weapon. The case was then transferred to the Gudiyatham police station and the body was sent to the Government Vellore Medical College and Hospital in Adukkamparai for autopsy. Only after the autopsy results, the police said, they could conclude whether the victim was sexually assaulted or not. An FIR has been registered under Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code. During the investigation, it was found that the suspect was charged under the Goondas Act in 2022 for attempting to snatch a chain from a woman on a moving train in Katpadi, pushing her onto the railway track. He was jailed for ten months and the case is on trial at the Mahila Court in Vellore.
4 cops in Tamil Nadu get Rs 1L fine for custodial torture
TIRUNELVELI: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) recommended that the state government initiate disciplinary proceedings against four police personnel a police inspector, a special sub-inspector (SSI) and two head constables for brutally attacking two persons detained in a family dispute in 2019. The SHRC also imposed a total fine of Rs 1 lakh on the accused police personnel. The accused were identified as inspector Thillai Nagarajan, head constables M Shanmuganathan and G Premkumar and SSI T Muthuramalingam. The complainant, S Marimuthus wife, Petchiammal, gave birth to a boy at a Tirunelveli private hospital. Marimuthu, his brother Petchi Muthukumar and his parents went to the hospital to visit the newborn on August 28, 2019. A quarrel ensued between Marimuthu and Petchiammals families at the hospital. Two of the accused police personnel visited the hospital and allegedly attacked Marimuthu and Muthukumar. They brought them to Palayamkottai police station, where the duo was brutally attacked by them, the complainant stated. After the hearing, SHRC member V Kannadasan rejected the police personnels response pleading innocence, stating respondents failed to prove their defence with evidence. The state shall pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to each complainant within a month and may recover Rs 25,000 each from the four police personnel. The commission also recommends initiating disciplinary proceedings against them, the order stated.
Tamil Nadu: Now, people can donate artefacts for museum on independence - The New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu: Now, people can donate artefacts for museum on independence The New Indian Express
CB-CID to probe Rs 4cr seizure from 3 train passengers in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: The case concerning the seizure of Rs 3.99 crore by Flying Squad Teams (FST) officials and Tambaram railway police, from three individuals allegedly connected to Nainar Nagendran on a train on April 6, has been transferred to the CB-CID based on orders from DGP Shankar Jiwal. The three men were identified as Sathish (33, a BJP member), Naveen (26) and Perumal (26). On April 14, Tambaram police issued a summons to Nagendran and Govardhan, state president of the BJP Industry Cell. Speaking at a presser on Thursday, Nagendran assured that he will appear before the police on or before May 2 for inquiry and claimed that he was being targeted. Providing details about the summons issued to him by the police, Nagendran further added that as much as Rs 200 crore was seized but only the Rs 3.99 crore is being widely discussed. He further added that since the BJP leadership has requested him to campaign in other states, he might seek permission to appear beforehand rather than on May 2. Seizure of cash from people linked to BJP's Nainar Nagendran doesn't warrant disqualification: Madras HC 'I have no connection with money seized in Chennai': BJP LS candidate Nainar Nagendran CEO reviews state preparedness for vote-counting Chennai: Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo chaired a video conference with district election officers (DEOs) and returning officers (ROs) to review preparations for the vote counting scheduled for June 4. During the meeting, Sahoo enquired DEOs and ROs on the various aspects including the installation of CCTV cameras at counting centres, uploading voting details as soon as they complete each round, webcasting the process and providing adequate training to personnel who are assigned for counting. He directed officials to ensure robust security measures in the strong rooms and to provide essential facilities for counting staff and party agents. He urged them to promptly report any emergencies during the counting process to the ECI.
What does the new State of the Climate in Asia report say? | Explained
According to the report, fewer than half of Asian countries have the tools to mitigate climate change impact
Reservoir levels dip to 10-yr low in South India
NEW DELHI: Southern India faces a grim situation as water in reservoirs dips to a 10-year low. Indias ongoing general election campaign coincides with an excruciatingly hot summer season, compounded by a serious water crisis, especially in Southern India. Major reservoirs in the region hold less water compared to the previous year, during the corresponding time of 2023, and the storage level is even lower than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. According to the latest data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) released on Friday , Southern India faces a water crisis as reservoir levels plunge to just 17% capacity. The storage during the corresponding period last year was 29%, and the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period was 23% of the live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The Southern region has 43 reservoirs, which include the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. As per the latest CWC data, the current water level is 82% of the corresponding time in 2023 in the countrys 150 reservoirs. Last year, there were 64.775 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 150 major water reservoirs, while this year, it is 53.775 BCM as of April 25, 2024. The current water level is 96% higher than the average of the last 10 years. The average of the last 10 years of live storage is 55.523 BCM. Besides the Southern region, water in Western and Central India reservoirs has a larger deficit of live storage capacity compared to the North and Eastern regions reservoirs. In the Northern region, there is a slightly lower water level than the corresponding period last year and is also less than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. In the Eastern region, storage during the current year is better than the corresponding period last year and is also better than the average storage of the last ten years during the corresponding period. Meanwhile, meteorologists foresee the water crisis as temporary, with the El Nino climatic phenomenon nearing its end, while the La Nina phenomenon is expected to bring bountiful southwest monsoon rainfall during June-September. El Nio Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is synonymous with the weakening of the Indian southwest monsoon. La Nina is the cyclic counterpart to El Nino, known for cool phases of a recurring climate pattern across the tropical Pacific, causing good rainfall in India.
Tamil Nadu: Aruppukottai sex-for-gain verdict on Monday
VIRUDHUNAGAR: The Srivilliputhur Mahila court on Friday adjourned the judgment in a case, wherein an assistant professor and two others were arrested for allegedly luring female students into giving sexual favours to higher officials of the Madurai Kamaraj University, to Monday. The judgment was postponed as the primary accused, P Nirmala Devi, wasnt present during the hearing, allegedly due to health issues. According to sources, Nirmala Devi was suspended from Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai in April 2018, and arrested following a complaint registered by the college secretary, who alleged that some girls from the institute were lured by Nirmala into offering sex for gains. The issue gained wider attention as the audio clip of the then assistant professor and the students went viral on social media. The case was later transferred to CB-CID. The then TN Governor, Banwarilal Purohit, also ordered constituting a commission under retired IAS officer Santhanam to probe the issue. While allegations were raised against many others in the case, Nirmala Devi, Murugan, an assistant professor at the Madurai Kamaraj University, and research student Karupasamy were found guilty by the CB-CID.
Can speakers orders be challenged, asks Madras HC
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday questioned a petitioner seeking to revive the alleged 2001 flyover scam case whether the decision of the assembly speaker to withdraw the sanction granted for prosecuting the current CM MK Stalin be challenged in the court, that too, after a delay of about 15-20 years. The first bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad raised the query when the PIL plea filed by a Coimbatore-based activist, Manickam Athappa Goundar, challenging the withdrawal of sanction for prosecution against Stalin and his cabinet colleague K Ponmudy, came up for hearing. The petition was taken up after the petitioner deposited Rs 1 lakh in the account of the courts registry as directed by the bench to test the bonafide intention behind filing the petition. You have to convince us on two aspects. One is whether you can challenge the order of the speaker and the second the delay of 15-20 years to file the petition, the bench told senior counsel MR Venkatesh, who appeared for the petitioner. Further, the bench wanted him to do some research to find any court judgments wherein the orders of the assembly speaker had been challenged. It also stated the merits of the petition will be tested before going into it. The bench adjourned the matter to June 7 for hearing. The petitioner had challenged the 2006 decision of the assembly speaker to withdraw the sanction for prosecution granted in 2005 against Stalin, his father and late CM M Karunanidhi, Ponmudy and another late leader Ko Si Mani, who was a former minister, in the alleged flyover scam.
Rape of minor girl, accused sentenced to 10 years
BP Jain hospital weight loss surgery death: Tamil Nadu Health Minister orders probe - News9 LIVE
BP Jain hospital weight loss surgery death: Tamil Nadu Health Minister orders probe News9 LIVE
Daughter of TN beedi worker beats the odds to clear civil services exam
TENKASI: In an inspiring tale of perseverance and triumph over adversity, the daughter of a single mother, a beedi worker, has cleared the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The success story of S Inba, who got 851st rank in the all-India exam considered to be the toughest, is also a stellar example of how meaningful government interventions at the grassroots levels can produce exceptional outcomes. The public library at Shengottai became Inbas second home for two years and the free books and internet available in the library helped her come up trumps. My mother S Stella is a beedi roller. She also strings flowers at a nearby shop for additional money to run the family. The motivation given by my mother and her confidence in me made me clear the exam though I failed to crack the preliminary examination twice, said the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme beneficiary. Inba studied in Nadar Community Higher Secondary School, Vasudevanallur, in English medium till SSLC and pursued her higher secondary in MKVK Matriculation School, Tenkasi. In 2020, she completed her engineering degree in Computer Science at Coimbatore Institute of Technology. After my graduation, I joined Shankar IAS academy in Chennai for civil services exam coaching. However, due to Covid-19 lockdown, I could not continue there and had to take online classes. Over the next two-and-a-half-years, I prepared for the exam entirely from the government public library in Shengottai where librarian K Ramasamy and other staff made all arrangements for students preparing for different competitive examinations. I would attend online classes from the library from 8am to 8pm by accessing the free WiFi connection. The staff also arranged different newspapers, journals, books and magazines for me, she said. Inba said she later joined the All India Civil Service Institute, a free government coaching institute in Chennai, by clearing an entrance examination in December 2022. I was offered free food and accommodation there. No fee was collected. I also received financial assistance of Rs.25,000 from the hands of Chief Minister M K Stalin under the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme. The money helped me to purchase study materials for the Main examination and take printouts and photocopies. I also cleared the state governments scholarship exam and received Rs 7,500 financial assistance per month offered for those preparing for competitive exams. After clearing the Main examination, I attended UPSC interview in February 2024. Meanwhile, I also cleared the Staff Selection Commission exam and joined as a staff member of the Employee Provident Fund Organisation in March this year. I will soon join a central service post that I will get through UPSCs service allocation, she said. District Collector A K Kamal Kishore and Kadayanallur MLA C Krishnamurali met Inba and congratulated her on the achievements.
Madras HC orders mapping of all wetlands in TN from June
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to carry out mapping of wetlands in all districts of the state from June this year on the lines of the exercise carried out in Tiruvallur district. The court has also directed the state to submit reports on the progress of the exercise periodically to the court in order to preserve these natural resources. The first bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad passed the order on Friday while hearing a suo motu case on conservation of wetlands. The mapping of wetlands, as done in Tiruvallur district, must be undertaken. This process in all the districts has to be undertaken expeditiously and it shall commence by June 2024, the bench said. The court said the mapping of wetlands in other districts must be carried out on the lines of the pilot project implemented in Tiruvallur. The HC had, on August 26, 2022, ordered the state to complete the mapping of wetlands in Tiruvallur based on the mapping done by amicus curiae T Mohan with the help of a technical team and do physical verification of the wetlands to compare them with 2011 data. Court took up suo motu case in 2017 The court had also directed conducting the mapping initially and then to hold physical verification of the wetlands and to seek objections before bringing the maps in the public domain. If there are no objections, the wetlands are to be notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017. The court had given six months for completion of entire process of mapping, physical verification but the state had not done them. The CJ pointed out that the exercise of physical verification of wetland in Tiruvallur has not yet commenced even after one and a half year. The HC took up the suo motu case in 2017 based on the order passed by the SC on April 3, 2017, in a case seeking specific steps for preservation of the wetlands in the state covered by the Ramsar Convention of 1971. The court had also impleaded 32 district collectors to ensure effective implementation of orders on preservation of wetlands.
Tamil Nadu: Dharmapuri farmers on the edge as water level in dams dips
DHARMAPURI: While the harsh summer takes its toll on Dharmapuri district, farmers foresee an intense water shortage in the district as water levels in dams located across the district drop alarmingly low. Data from the PWD (WRO) department shows that presently the district only has a total of 18 % of its total water reserves. Further of the 57 lakes are dry. Dharmapuri district is an agrarian society with over 2,10,300 farmers out of which 1,90,000 are small and marginal farmers. The farmers in the district primarily rely on rain water storage in dams across the district to pursue cultivation and animal husbandry. But a shortfall of over 150 millimetre of rainfall in 2023, has left most of the dams and 74 Public Works Department-controlled lakes unable to replenish water sources. Recent data from the PWD-Water Resources Department (PWD-WRD) shows that the district only has 18% of its water reserves. This has left farmers concerned, as they predict an intense water shortage in May. Speaking to TNIE, R Ganeshan, a farmer from Palacode said, Our region has many small-scale farmers. Usually, they cultivate gourds, tomatoes, brinjal and other crops for daily revenue. But due to the lack of water, these crops which provide daily revenue to farmers have withered in the field. So most farmers are unable to reap revenue. Immediate efforts should be taken to assess the situation and take steps to ensure farmers have sufficient water for cultivation over the summer, he said. Another farmer, M Selavraj from Nallampalli, said, Over the past few days, coconut trees have started to dry out across the district. This means that the groundwater has also been exhausted. So in Dharmapuri, well irrigation, bore wells and dam waters have all been exhausted. So the administration should assess the situation in all 251 gram panchayats and take steps to announce a drought. This would ensure some relief which would aid the farmers in this difficult time. J Prathapan, District Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Agriculturist Labourers Association said, It is not just farmers who are affected. Each farm sustains the livelihood of labourers working in those farms. Right now due to water shortage, they too have lost their livelihood. The Tamil Nadu government must announce a drought and provide relief to these labourers. Usually we get 967 mm of rainfall but last year we had 150 mm shortfall of rainfall in the North-East and South-West monsoons, leading to the present situation. Out of the 18 dams in Dharmapuri, Vanniyar dam is in dead storage, meaning, it has no water reserves, show PWD-WRD data. While seven other dams Chinnar, Nagavathi, Thumbalahalli, Ichambadi, Kesargulihalla, Thoppaiyar and Varattar have less than 20% storage. They provide a total storage of 1,784 million cubic feet (mcft) of water. But presently the level is only 18% of the total storage capacity which is 224.55 mcft. Data also show that of the 74 tanks, over 57 are dry, while the storage level in 13 tanks are below 25% and four tanks have over 25% of water stored. Moreover, there is no inflow in these dams and tanks. When TNIE spoke to officials in the PWD(WRD) they said, Every year the situation is more or less the same, farmers need not be concerned. Summers are usually harsh and there is sufficient water for the peoples needs. However, we urge people to use the water sparingly and not waste water.
Dalits fear eviction after land owner damages their houses in TN's Kangeyam
TIRUPPUR: Dalit residents in Nizhali Post in Kangeyam say they feel threatened about getting evicted after a private individual allegedly started encroaching government land which lies close to his plot close to their settlement and damaged a few houses while cleaning the land. There are 40 houses in the settlement. Speaking to TNIE, S Sayathal (50), a SC resident, said,I am a daily wage earner and we all belong to the Scheduled Caste community. We built small houses at Sakthi Vinayagapuram in Nizhali Post in Kangeyam 20 years ago. A private individual from the dominant community bought vast tracts of land near our locality. A few days ago, he arrived with a group of men along with earthmovers. When we questioned, they claimed they were levelling the land. Within a few days, they started to level the land near our plot. When they began to remove the boundary stones, we objected to their action. The private individual claimed ownership of the land and threatened us. Using earthmovers, they damaged the wall of dalit colonies. My sisters house developed cracks on the wall. We feel threatened by his action K Malliga (42), another resident, said,Every year, the individual used to clean and level his land, since they get covered with bushes and thorny plants. So, we didnt bother when workers along with earth mover arrived on the spot. But, this time, they went further and started to level the areas very close to our locality. When we objected, they issued threats. Since, they belong to dominant community and have political connection, we were forced to remain silent Adi Tamilar Jananayaga Peravai president K Bowthan said, The private individual owns several plots in Sakthi Vinayagapuram. He is planning to develop a real estate plot and he owns 4-5 acres of land on the eastern side of Sakthi Vinayagapuram in Ellapalayam Pudur. He was upset as a dalit colony was nearby. So, in order to threaten them, he encroached on the land measuring 1 acres near the dalit colony. Besides, he levelled government land and crossed over the land, even damaging the wall of seven houses, by removing the soil using earthmover. The land belongs to the government and it is classified as Odai Poromboke (water body). Speaking to TNIE, an official from Tiruppur District Administration said, We have received the petition and will forward it to the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) of Ellapalayam Pudur. The VAO and surveyor will inspect the spot in Sakthi Vinagayapuram and check the records. Based on the outcome, action will be taken.
Implosion in Tamil Nadu BJP over alleged swindling of Lok Sabha election funds - DTNEXT
Implosion in Tamil Nadu BJP over alleged swindling of Lok Sabha election funds DTNEXT
Kathirimalai tribal village in Erode to get electricity soon
ERODE: Electricity will be brought soon to Kathirimalai tribal village in Anthiyur taluk of Erode district, said TANGEDCO officials. Kathirimalai is located at an elevation of 3,600 feet inside the Chennampatti forest range of the Erode Forest Division. In all 82 families belonging to Solaga community reside here. The village can be reached after trekking on foot for four hours from the foothills at Kathiripatti in the Kolathur Block of Salem district. In the absence of road connectivity, people have to reach Kathiripatti and proceed towards Kolathur to purchase essential commodities. Only solar panels light up the households. M Madhesh, a resident of Kathirimalai, said, For us, road access and electricity were the biggest problems. We did not have these facilities from the beginning. These are long-term demands. At first there was only a footpath. Currently, the state government is constructing a macadam road from Kathripatti to our village. These works which have been going on for the last two years should be completed quickly. After that, if electricity also comes, our people will be relieved. Now our houses only have solar panel lights. A house has one light. These lights need to be repaired. So our expectation is permanent electricity connection, he added. VP Gunasekaran, the Coordinator of Tamilnadu Tribal Peoples Association, said, All the government administrations for the village are at Bargur and Anthiyur in Erode. People have to walk 20 km through the hills to reach Bargur. Otherwise they should go to Salem district and then come to Erode district. This is not an easy thing. The village urgently needs a road and electricity. After that, the ration items should be taken to that village. For this the villagers are currently walking for about 4 hours. There is a middle school there. Around 30 students are studying. So houses should be built for teachers to stay there. At present the teachers do not stay there. Speaking to TNIE, Anthiyur MLA AG Venkatachalam, said, An NOC has been obtained from the Forest Department to bring electricity to the village. Currently, the TANGEDCO is engaged in the next phase of work. The NOC is valid for one year. But the work will be completed in six months. Now the road is being constructed to that village. After that, the work of carrying electricity will also be completed. I am in regular contact with the villagers. Their long-standing demands will be addressed soon. Officials from TANGEDCO (Gobichettipalayam SE Division) said, A study is underway to bring electricity connection to Kathirimalai tribal village. Currently, a road is being constructed for that village by the revenue department. Once that work is done we will start our work. Because it is through that road that the poles can be installed and the electricity connection can be carried. At present solar panel lights have been provided to the houses.
According to the EC data, the highest voting percentage in the second phase was recorded in Tripura, which registered 78.53% polling, while the lowest turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 53.80%.
GCC identifies 2,139 bad roads for relaying in city
Truth In Wine: Truth In Wine For Ooty Event | Chennai News - The Times of India
Truth In Wine: Truth In Wine For Ooty Event | Chennai News The Times of India
Mahila Commission chiefs plea for adequate arrangements at polling booths for women
Germany allows India to buy small arms from its firms
It has also significantly simplified the licensing requirements for the sale of military equipment to India
Maintenance work starts at Mettur dam
Traffic delays at Medavakkam due to removal of U-turn
82,000 engg students battle it out at TN Coders Premier League
82,000 engg students battle it out at TN Coders Premier League - The Times of India
82,000 engg students battle it out at TN Coders Premier League The Times of India
