Tamil Nadu to establish One Health and Climate Hub to address region-specific challenges
The challenges include rising temperatures, increased vector-borne diseases, biodiversity loss, antimicrobial resistance and coastal vulnerabilities
Joju George's Pani To Release In Tamil Nadu After Its Success In Kerala
Talking about the choice of actor, the director mentioned that he believes that the role of the villain in the film is not always appearance but character.
Elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Madhya Pradesh government appoints new PCCF
Subharanjan Sen replaces V.K.N. Ambade, who took charge as PCCF (wildlife) just three months ago
Individuals linked to Adani bribery case associated with Cong, alleges AP BJP chief
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh BJP president D Purandeswari on Friday said the allegations emanating from the US against the Adani Group raises serious questions and claimed that all those linked to these allegations are associated with the Congress party. Business tycoon and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts, an allegation refuted by the Indian conglomerate. Recent allegations from the U.S. SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) against the Adani Group have raised serious questions... this situation poses a significant question for Rahul Gandhi, since all individuals linked to these corruption allegations are associated with the Congress party and none are from the BJP, said Purandeswari in a post on X. Referring to the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, erstwhile YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh, previous Congress regime in Chhattisgarh and former BJD government in Odisha, Purandeswari claimed that these political dispensations were close to the Congress. They allege that between July 2021 and February 2022, power distribution companies in Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh signed Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), she said, which are allegedly connected to these allegations. According to the BJP leader, the SEC claimed that there were bribery incidents involving former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and other officials. Further, she alleged that Adani is close to Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, and wondered how he (Rahul Gandhi) can hold the BJP accountable' over these alleged scams.
Bengaluru man loses money via credit card after clicking link to update delivery location
The victim lost 46,139 before he could contact his bank and block the transactions on his credit card
Israel armys says it 'eliminated' five Hamas militants in north Gaza raid
The top two among those killed, reportedly participated in the October 7 massacre
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking their responses on Mr. Sisodia's applications
The Hindu AI Summit 2024: a package
This folder is a collection of stories on the coverage of The Hindu AI Summit 2024
Kerala CPI(M) State Secretariat rejects Opposition demand for Minister Saji Cherians resignation
Law Minister P. Rajeeve says Kerala High Court expressed confidence in State police by ruling out petitioners demand for CBI enquiry. Instead, the court tasked Crime Branch to re-investigate the episode
Netanyahu says ICC warrant against him wont stop Israel from defending itself
The current Minister of Defence of the State, Israel Kaetz called the warrant a moral disgrace, and said that it serves Iran, the head of the snake, and its proxies
Bengaluru civic body releases revised helpdesk numbers for e-khata
Citizens can also visit Bengaluru Once centres to secure the final e-khata
How to Use an EMI Card to Easily Manage Large Purchases Without Financial Worry
Discover the perfect balance between immediate gratification and financial prudence and begin your journey towards smarter purchasing decisions.
IPL 2025 mega auction: When and where to watch live streaming; date and time
IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on November 24-25, with 574 players up for grabs, setting stage for exciting season.
Air India to set up basic maintenance training organisation in Bengaluru Airport City
It will offer an integrated 2+2 years Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programme certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Iran to launch 'advanced centrifuges' in response to IAEA censure
Western powers are asking for a comprehensive report to be issued by the IAEA on Iran's nuclear efforts at the latest by spring 2025
Enumerate enemy properties in Telangana and submit report: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay to officials
Enemy properties belong to individuals who migrated to Pakistan or China and acquired citizenship after events such as the 1962 Chinese aggression and the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. There are 234 such properties in Telangana.
Ullal Srinivas Mallya was a freedom fighter and the first MP from Dakshina Kannada; the exhibition features a detailed documentation of Mallyas ancestral house in Mangaluru along with rare biographical photographs and architectural diagrams.
Angelina Jolie movie Stitches casts Ella Rumpf, Louis Garrel
Anyier Anei, Garance Marillier and Finnegan Oldfield have also come on board for the project
Australia's Cummins-Starc-Hazlewood-Lyon become first quartet to touch 500 Test wickets together
While playing together, Cummins has 130 scalps, Hazlewood and Starc have 124 each and Lyon has 122 wickets.
Bidjara Kumari, a film uniting Australian aboriginal and Indian cultures, was announced at the International Film Festival of India
Manipur minister erects barbed wire fence around ancestral house to protect it from mob attack
The ancestral house of Manipur Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister L Susindro Meitei at Khurai was attacked by a mob on November 16
Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Row over umpires decision to rule K.L Rahul out
Former players question third umpire Richard Illingworth s decision to overturn the on-field umpire Richard Kettleboroughs not out call.
Traffic congestion in Hyderabad with President Droupadi Murmus visit to Madhapur
The junction turned red on Google Maps, with commuters trying to take alternate routes to reach their destination
Maternal uncle arrested for killing three-year-old in Maharashtras Ulhasnagar
The body of the girl was found near a dump yard in the Hill Line Police Station jurisdiction after three days of the incident. Her body was found in a partially burnt state.
Why Indias 6Ghz spectrum dilemma is affecting PS5 Pro console launch in the country
A band of 6 gigahertz spectrum is increasingly being delicensed by many countries for use in WiFi. Indian telcos have bitterly opposed a similar move here
Human Rights Forum demands cancellation of all agreements between A.P. govt and Adani group
The allegations amount to a multi-billion-dollar fraud scheme and include serious corruption and governance concerns, says Human Rights Forum.
Kerala CM set to chair crucial meeting on Munambam land dispute
Meeting to explore legal and political means to resolve communally testy Munambam land issue
Zepto raises $350 mn in domestic funding round
The round included investments from Indian HNIs, family offices, and leading financial institutions
A wedding guest dies of cardiac arrest in Kurnool
The victim ,Vamsi, was employed with the Amazon in Bengaluru and had traveled to attend the wedding of a close friend, according to reports.
Encounter breaks out between security personnel and Naxalites in Chhattisgarhs Sukma
The gunfight started in the morning in a forest within the jurisdiction of Bhejji police station when a team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation
The Yard in Bengaluru is more than just a restaurant, it is a community space
In a post on X, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Amebdkar said his party will be the one to choose power
Three police officers on night patrol attacked in Kozhikode city in Kerala
Search on for two suspects who turned aggressive when they were asked to provide names and address to patrol squad
Students shared their struggle for drinking water and the use of toilets
Column | Verbal grenades in a marriage
And why, according to Phuphee, almost everything that can be broken in life can also be fixed
Sensex, Nifty bounce back in early trade after sharp fall in previous session
The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 506.58 points to 77,662.37 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 162.9 points to 23,512.80
S&P lowers outlook on three Adani units after U.S. indictment of founder
The U.S. indictment could affect investor confidence in other Adani Group entities, as the founder sits on the boards of other companies within the group, S&P said
Tall tales: The evolution of skyscrapers
Towering over cities and transforming skylines, these multi-storeyed wonders are marvels of modern architecture.
Public meeting on Mudasarlova canal today
Official clarifies after video of ambulance packed with people goes viral
World Fisheries Day celebrated at FSI
Collector calls for sustainable fishing to protect fish resources
Need for protection of tribal cultures and customs stressed
Lecture series organised as part of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas and 150th birth anniversary of Bisra Munda
Anakapalli police recover 21.3 lakh ornaments in 9 cases
Manoj Kumar Sahoo takes over as DRM
John Prescott: All about UK Deputy PM who died aged 86
Mr. Prescott, who died on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) aged 86, had a colourful five-decade career in British politics, becoming one of his most recognisable figures
Rama Rao used to deliver The Hindu come rain or shine, recall readers
Vasireddy Rama Rao, who died in a road accident, was conferred with an award by The Hindu around one year ago for his devotion to duty.
Binge-watching Korean drama likely to improve mental health
Global K-drama viewership has exploded in the last few years, industry data shows, with many overseas viewers, especially in major markets like the United States, turning to Korean content during the pandemic
Maharashtra: Congress rule to Coalition Rajya (1947-2024)
Trumps incoming chief of staff is a former lobbyist; shell face a raft of special interests
As Donald Trump prepares to return to power, his victory is likely to embolden those who think they can get his ear
Witches director Elizabeth Sankey on postpartum horrors and subverting the idea of the witch
The British filmmakers sophomore documentary, Witches, casts a poignant, probing eye on the intersections of motherhood, mental health, and the witches of yore cinematic or otherwise
Unable to find draft e-Khata? This is what property owners in Bengaluru should do
Many users are complaining that they are unable to find the draft as their propertydetails are not popping up when their names are entered in the searchcolumn
WhatsApp introduces transcripts for voice messages
WhatsApp is rolling out private transcripts for voice messages sent across the service, with initial support for English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian
Thermal power plants in West Bengal produces 18 times more S02 than stubble burning says CREA
Thermal power plants in West Bengal emit 313 kilotonnes of SO annually18 times more than the 17.8 kilotonnes emitted by burning 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw, the study said
Malis ruling junta appoints Abdoulaye Maiga as PM
NPP's Manipur unit asks members not to attend meetings called by Biren Singh govt
An advisory signed by NPP state president N Kayisii on Thursday (November 21, 2024) emphasised that the party's national president had officially withdrawn support from the Singh government on November 17
With the fleet shrinking, commuters complain that getting a cab in Bengaluru feels impossible
The mass exodus of drivers from the sector is driven by unsustainable earnings and mounting financial pressures
Austin Butler teams up with Edward Berger for time-travel thriller, The Barrier
The project, described as a hybrid of Interstellar and Top Gun, is generating significant buzz and is poised to spark a competitive bidding war among major studios and streamers
People and places | Review of Shmuel T. Meyers And the War Is Over, translated by Gila Walker
The French-Israeli authors crisp characters and sensory storytelling make this translated anthology a work of art
Bitcoin's march to $100,000 brings crypto closer to mainstream
More than $4 billion has streamed into U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds since the election
Jonathan Majors ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit
In December 2023, Majors was found guilty of assaulting Jabbari during an altercation in the back seat of an SUV and was sentenced to domestic violence counseling
Snap seeks to dismiss New Mexico lawsuit over child safety
Snap on Thursday filed a motion to dismiss a New Mexico lawsuit that alleged the tech company enabled child sexual exploitation on its messaging app Snapchat
Kubaba Kuzhimandhi in Kochi offers varieties of this Yemeni dish
The Sabarmati Report made tax-free by Adityanath in UP
The film is based on the tragic incident of February 2002, when a train carrying karsevaks was set on fire in Godhra, killing 90 devotees, which led to widespread communal riots in Gujarat
Love in the time of espionage | Review of The Black Orphan by S. Hussain Zaidi
The crime and thriller writer is best at fleshing out covert details but tired tropes let his new book down
Amazon likely to face investigation under EU tech rules next year, sources say
Amazon will likely face an EU investigation next year into whether it favours its own brand products on its online marketplace, people with direct knowledge of the matter said
Tribal villagers seek road to reach Dharmapuri taluk office
DHARMAPURI: Residents of tribal hamlets near the district urged the district administration to take steps to construct a 1.5 km road connecting Mittakomberi and Kalikarambu village which would give them access to healthcare and education besides improve livelihood opportunities. Kaalikarambu panchayat in Dharmapuri union comprises three villages Kondakarahalli. V Muthampatti, Thippireddihalli. These are isolated hamlets and the only connectivity option is a foot path leading out of the three villages near Mittakomberi. From there, they travel to other areas for basic needs like education, healthcare and public transportation. Hence residents are urging the administration to construct a 1.5 km road in the forest area to provide direct access to Dharmapuri taluk. Speaking to TNIE, K Sureshkumar a resident said, A significant challenge faced by residents of Kalikarambu is the distance to the district collectorate. For the most basic needs like Aadhaar application or other revenue related problems, we have to travel to Bommidi then Kadathur and from there reach Dharmapuri where our taluk office is. The trip is over 100 km. He added that several students from the villages are studying in colleges at Dharmapuri and they suffer most. Right now they are extremely distressed by the long journey daily. For maternity and other services, the Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital provides the best care but because of the distance we cannot access them, he said. R Kaliappan from Kondakarahalli said, We have a road between Kondakarahalli and Kalikarambu. On the other side there is a road between Mittareddihalli and Komberi. In between these roads there is forest area for about 1.5 km. Connecting these two roads will not only benefit our villages but also the entire district. Further this will create bus routes and our villages would gain easy access to Dharmapuri. Revenue officials were not available for comments.
Religious competition and conflict impacted the way Hinduism and the Hindu identity are defined today, says the author
Bringing together the many networks of Bengaluru
Network is not just about telephone lines or the internet. A walk in Cubbon Park, designed by an artist and fungiculturist, unravelled many layers of it
Review of Tanika Sarkars Religion & Women in India: Gender regimes
The author surveys the intersections of gender, religion and politics in India
Tamil Nadu students want old tank demolished, boycott classes
KRISHNAGIRI: A total of 27 students of the Panchayat Union Primary School (PUPS) in Kovalli village near Urigam boycotted classes with a demand to demolish a decades-old overhead tank that is posing a threat to them. There are 27 students studying in a PUPS at Kovalli village in Urigam panchayat. A 30,000-litre overhead tank is located near the school building. The tank, constructed two decades ago, is dilapidated and cement shards have started to fall on the ground. Parents urged the district administration to demolish the tank to protect students lives and staged a boycott. B Venkatachala Moorthy (32) a resident of Kovalli village, told TNIE, Our people petitioned the district administration and school education department about the issue multiple times but to no effect. I spoke with the Krishnagiri Collector KM Sarayu on Monday evening, who assured to send an official to check the issue. On Thursday evening, Thalli Block Development Officer (BDO) N Srinivasamoorthy visited the school and assured to demolish the tank in three days. Moorthys children study in the same school. The BDO told TNIE that the tank would be demolished in a week, and until then, students will have to shift to an alternate location for safety. Steps will be taken to temporarily supply households with water through small tanks and pipe connections as the overhead tank caters to 130 households in the village, he added. When cintacted, Chief Education Officer (in-charge) A Muniraj said the collector assured to demolish the tank and take steps to arrange an alternative space to conduct classes.
Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana approaches US Supreme Court to challenge extradition to India
Rana faces charges for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attack and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the terror incident that hit Indias financial hub in 2008.
Chank divers protest Tamil Nadu Fisheries Dept's jet pump ban ahead of deadline
THOOTHUKUDI: Despite the November 22 deadline for removing jet pumps from country boats, a majority of chank divers have yet to comply with the fisheries department's order. According to fisheries department officials, the jet pumps, used to collect dead chanks and conches, pose a threat to marine life, including the sea bed, coral reefs, and benthic organisms crucial for coral ecosystems. Over 250 fishermen hold chank diving licences, which provide livelihoods for more than 3,000 people, an official said. To protect the sea environment and fishing resources in the Gulf of Mannar, the fisheries department prohibited the use of jet pumps for chank collection in the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, as part of an order issued on July 22. The order instructed those holding chank diving licences to remove the jet pumps from all country boats engaged in chank diving in the district by September 30. Since many divers continued to ignore the directive, the department set a final deadline of November 22, warning to cancel chank diving licences and initiate legal actions under the Tamil Nadu Chank Rules, 1981. However, many chank divers using jet pumps have protested, vowing not to remove the devices from their boats. The divers use the jet pumps to force water into the seabed, clearing the ground to make chank retrieval easier. This method has been opposed by other fishermen involved in crab, octopus, and fish catching, who argue that it disrupts the fisheries. Chandana Selvam, a chank diver from Mettupatti, argued that the jet pumps do not damage the seabed or marine species, but are essential for collecting dead chanks. Without the jet pumps, we would have to paddle through the sandy ground, expending enormous energy underwater, he explained. The divers also noted that they are not operating within the protected area of the Gulf of Mannar, but outside the Gulf of Mannar islands and its buffer zone, and therefore, believe the ban should not apply to them. Mohammed Maideen stated that they would continue to protest the order, as the ban threatens their livelihood. We will demonstrate and raise black flags to show our opposition, he said.
Blitz movie review: Steve McQueens contrived war drama flattens Saoirse Ronans powerhouse
With his latest Apple Original Blitz, McQueen seems caught between his instincts as an auteur and the demands of Oscar-bait war drama conventions
Poor facilities plague Tamil Nadu's Sathanur Fossil Wood Park
PERAMBALUR: Visitors to the National Fossil Wood Park at Sathanur village in the district are facing difficulties due to a lack of adequate facilities including a road, bus and signboards. The park was developed on behalf of the Geological Department on the site where a fossil tree was discovered by geologist MS Krishnan in 1940. A museum and the Sathanur Petrified Tree Education Centre (SAPTEC) were set up at the site in October 2021. Hundreds including students visit the park daily. However, the road leading to this park is in a poor state and flanked by Seemai Karuvelam trees. There are no adequate signboards around the park and the existing ones are rusted or damaged. Also, bus services from Perambalur and Ariyalur to the village are inadequate. No action was taken to improve the park despite several petitions to the authorities, rue residents. G Parthiban, a resident of Sathanur, told TNIE, The fossil wood park is very poorly maintained. The road gets waterlogged during rains and heavy vehicles ruin it further. The bus shelter near the park should be renovated. There is neither water facility for visitors nor any store to buy it. A shop should be set up here through a womens self-help group. R Ravikumar, a visitor said, The lack of signboards confuses tourists on the location of the park. There are not enough benches in the park. All the facilities should be improved. A bus service connecting the Geo Park at Karai, Sathanur National Fossil Wood Park and Kottarai Dam is also required. Pamphlets about the fossil tree and its history should be provided to visitors. The information on the park should be added on the district website. It has the potential to become a big tourist destination, he added. When contacted, a Tourism Department official in Tiruchy told TNIE, Considering the number of tourists coming here, we have provided the necessary facilities including toilets. As the number of tourists increases we will make available other facilities. We are taking steps to ensure that.
Panjappur bus terminus to open in January
TIRUCHY: The new integrated bus terminus in Panjappur is scheduled for inauguration in January, Minister for Municipal Administration KN Nehru said on Thursday. Addressing reporters, the minister stated that Chief Minister MK Stalin has been requested to finalise the date for the inauguration. The chief minister has assured to visit Tiruchy soon to launch various development projects and inaugurate new schemes, he said. On the condition of city roads, Nehru noted that road-laying work would resume after the monsoon season. The tar used for road construction is sensitive to rain, so the work has been temporarily halted, he added. Regarding the installation of water metres, Nehru said, Metres are being installed in areas with 24-hour drinking water supply. The project has already been implemented in Coimbatore and Avadi in Chennai and is now under way in Tiruchy. Metres will also be installed in large commercial establishments. Nehru elaborated on the revised rates, stating that property tax had not been raised in the last 15 years. According to the municipal administration guidelines, no tax will be levied on properties below 600 square feet. For properties between 600 and 1,200 sq ft, the tax will range from 25% to 35%, while those between 1,200 and 1,800 square feet will incur a 50% tax. Properties between 1,800 and 2,400 sq ft will see a 75% tax rate, and those exceeding 2,400 sq ft will be taxed at 100%, he stated. A law has been passed allowing a 6% annual increase in property tax. However, during natural disasters, the government can pause this increment. The chief minister has recently ordered a temporary halt to the tax hike, and further decisions will be announced later, he added. Earlier in the day, Nehru inaugurated completed works worth Rs 18.44 crore and launched new projects costing Rs 46.25 crore. Welfare aid was distributed to 1,576 beneficiaries at the event. Collector M Pradeep Kumar, MLAs A Soundarapandian, Stalin Kumar, Kaduvetti Thiyagarajan, M Palaniyandi, Mayor Mu Anbalagan, District Revenue Officer R Rajalakshmi, and other officials were present.
Madurai Kamaraj University announces election for nominees from senate & syndicate to V-C post
MADURAI: Madurai Kamaraj University announced the election of a nominee by the senate and syndicate to the committee for recommending a panel of three names to the chancellor for appointment of the vice-chancellor. Earlier, Governor RN Ravi appointed a UGC nominee to the search committee. The notification in the gazette calling for nomination by the senate and syndicate was November 13. The last date and time for filing nominations for the senate was December, 2 and for the syndicate was December 3. Academicians welcomed the move but raised questions as to whether the governor will appoint a UGC nominee to the search committee, which would be opposed by the state. However, the issue is pending in court, they said. TNIE spoke to a higher official from MKU who said that as per MKU norms and with the concurrence of the higher education department a notification was issued, and this did not require the governor's nod. After selecting the senate and syndicate nominee for the search committee, the department of higher education will send it to the governor for appointing his nominee, and they are unaware of the governor's decision, he said. TNIE tried to contact officials from the governor's office, but they were unavailable for comment. It is noted that recently, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar made it clear that it was mandatory to have a UGC nominee in the VC selection panel. Election of senate nominee The scrutiny of nominations will be held on December 2. The publication of the list of valid nominations will be done on the same day. The last date and time by which candidates can withdraw their candidature by notice in writing is December 9. The despatch of a final list of candidates validly nominated if there is an election will be on December 9. The election will be held on December 20 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. If the number of persons validly nominated and who have not withdrawn is more than one, an election will be held at the meeting of the senate on December 20 from 10.30 am to 01.30 pm at the Dr Mu Va Arangu in the varsity. Election of syndicate nominee The scrutiny of nominations will be held on December 3 and publication of the list of valid nominations will be held on December 3. The last date and time by which the candidates can withdraw their candidature by notice in writing is on or before December 10. Dispatch of the final list of candidates validly nominated if there is an election is on December 10. The election will be held on December 23 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. If the number of persons validly nominated and who have not withdrawn is more than one, an election will be held at the meeting of the syndicate on December 23 from 10.30 am to 01.30 pm at the syndicate room in the varsity. The counting of votes will be taken up immediately afterwards.
Uruguay readies for polls with left hoping for comeback
Yamandu Orsi of the leftist Frente Amplio (Broad Front) will go head-to-head with ex-veterinarian Alvaro Delgado of the National Party, a member of outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou's center-right Republican Coalition
Tamil Nadu finance firms shame defaulters, deface walls
PUDUKKOTTAI: Two private finance companies in Adhanakottai have allegedly defaced the walls of a house belonging to two loan defaulters, marking it as a pawned property and publicly displaying the outstanding amounts. The victims, B Sakthivel and his brother B Muthukumar, who took loans from different finance companies to manage agricultural and cattle-rearing expenses, said this illegal action by the companies has caused them severe emotional distress and social embarrassment. A complaint regarding this has been filed at Udaiyalipatti police station. Sakthivel had borrowed Rs 7.5 lakh from a company on the condition to repay Rs 14,000 per month. However, due to his mothers ill health, he was unable to repay the amount for the last three months. Sakthivel said The markings on my house have left me ashamed. I havent been able to face my relatives or neighbours for the past month. His brother Muthukumar had borrowed Rs 10 lakh from another company and regularly paid back Rs 17,000 each for over 15 months. I couldnt pay the amount for the past three months. Despite my consistent payment history, they publicly humiliated me, he said. Legal experts have condemned the firms actions, which, they say, violate RBI guidelines on fair recovery practices. Attempts to contact local authorities were unsuccessful. State-level representatives from the finance firms denied the allegations, claiming that such actions were against their policies. They have assured an internal investigation into the matter.
Minor gang-raped near Vellore, 3 arrested in Andhra Pradesh
A 13-year-old girl was abducted and gang-raped by three men in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on November 16 when the girl was alone outside her house. The accused, who were drinking nearby, took her to a quarry and assaulted her. They were arrested on Wednesday and remanded in judicial custody.
Waterbodies brim across western Tamil Nadu, arrival of migratory birds dip in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: According to the Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), which conducted a study of wetlands in the district, the arrival of migratory bird species in Coimbatore is sharply declining. Experts say most waterbodies in western TN, due to rainfall, have a widespread availability of prey, which could be a reason for the birds not to converge at a single place. The study was conducted from November 12 - 17 by a team of 35 members from the society, and it was coordinated by senior bird watcher A Pavendhan. The study has revealed that only 25 migratory bird species were present in wetlands of Coimbatore compared to 47 species observed in January this year. According to the study, migratory bird count declined to 1,060 individual birds from 2,816 recorded during January. Among 25 migratory bird species, eight are water birds and the remaining 17 are terrestrial birds. Migratory waterfowl species are missing in most of the wetlands. In fact, Northern Shoveler was the only migrant duck species recorded during the study. Even waders like Sandpipers, plovers are missing or very low in number. Warblers are the ones who are usually the first ones to arrive but are largely missing and very few. Migratory raptors like Booted eagles, Greater Spotted eagles, Ospreys and Marsh Harriers are missing in most wetlands. Even resident birds like Pelicans, Eurasian Spoonbills, Ibises, storks are very few in number, said G Prakash, a senior bird watcher in CNS. This year, we have experienced very good rainfall and almost all the wetlands are filled with water. This is not just true of Coimbatore, but our neighbouring districts as well. In a year of good rainfall, migratory birds have no reason to congregate in one place and tend to spread out. This could be one reason for less migratory birds. Upcoming January migratory bird estimate is expected to validate this, said A Pavendhan. He added Due to recent tank desilting work carried out in various tanks, the natural vegetation has been removed from lot of tank bunds. Also, the gradual gradient in tanks have been replaced by a steep gradient. This makes wetlands unsuitable for wading birds like sandpipers and migratory raptors like Booted eagles, Ospreys, Greater spotted eagles and Marsh Harriers. The study also revealed how the flow of untreated domestic sewage and industrial sewage into the wetlands has resulted in a decline in fish populations and kept off birds which feed on them.
World leaders split as ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu
The International Criminal Court also issued warrants for Israel's former Defence Minister as well as Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif.
IndiGo to commence flights from Chennai to Penang next month
IndiGo Airlines is launching daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang starting December 21, marking its third Malaysian destination. The new route caters to rising travel demand and strengthens India-Malaysia ties. IndiGo will also resume its Bengaluru-Kuala Lumpur route on the same date, expanding its international footprint.
Rs 2.6 crore cheating case: Four get three-year jail term
CHENNAI: Four men, including a former vice-president of Samsung India, were convicted for cheating a Tirupathi-based businessman of Rs 2.6 crore. They were sentenced to three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 4,000 on each of them. The Special Court for CCB & CB-CID cases in Egmore awarded the sentence on V L Narayan, ex-VP at Samsung India, his wife Jyothi Narayanan, Caroline Eucharista and her husband Soundarajan alias V Franco Soundarajaran. According to the police, complainant Hemanth Kumar of Mylapore ran an electronic goods dealership in Tirupathi. In 2016, Hemanth got acquainted with Narayan as part of business dealings. Hemanth, who had been looking to shift his business to Chennai, was persuaded by Narayan to invest in a firm called i2 Distribution in Thiruvanmiyur to help meet his business goals. The firm was represented by Illankumaran, Jyothi Narayan and Caroline Eucharista. Hemanth said in his complaint that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was entered between them according to which Hemanth would invest Rs 2.6 crores for an interest of 2% per month. Hemanth paid the amount to the firm in several transactions. A few months later, the accused paid him Rs 68 lakh in cash in the form of profit and some post dated cheques which were dishonoured owing to insufficient funds. When he did not receive any more payments, Hemanth lodged a police complaint in 2021 and a case was registered. The case against Illankumaran was quashed by the Madras High Court a while back.
THOOTHUKUDI: In a bid to increase fishing exports, steps will be taken to develop the infrastructure of the Thoothukudi and Trespuram fishing harbours, assured Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister Geetha Jeevan, after taking part in the World Fisheries Day celebrations here on Thursday. Addressing the fishermen at Thoothukudi fishing harbour, the minister said that the state government, acting upon the community's request last year, had launched a bank for fishermen. The fishing harbour spaces and seaward route has been dredged for the mechanised fishermen to moor their vessels, she said, adding that the Trespuram fishing harbour will also be developed and the length of the groyne structure would be furthered with an arch form. As experts from European countries are likely to commence a periodic visit to the fishing harbours to inspect the handling and packing of fish, maintenance of hygiene at harbours, necessary infrastructure to convince the experts will be implemented. While there is a temporary ambulance service for the fishing harbour, the district administration will soon deploy a permanent ambulance with technicians, the minister said. Speaking at the occasion, Collector K Elambahavath said that the district consists of a 163.5 km long coastline with a population of 74,000 fishing families depending on the sea for livelihood. It is indispensable to protect the marine environment. Destructive fishing practices using unlawful fishing nets having banned mesh sizes, illegal and unreported fishing, should be avoided, he insisted. Superintendent of Police Albert John, Deputy Mayor Jenitta, Regional Deputy Director N Chandra, and others were present.
Downpour continues in Ramnad, low-lying areas inundated
RAMANATHAPURAM: For the second consecutive day, rain lashed parts of Ramanathapuram, especially the coastal areas, on Thursday. Though the water has drained off from most parts, some of the low-lying areas are still inundated in Mandabam, Pamban and Rameswaram, which endured a massive cloud burst on Wednesday. District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon inspected the rain-affected places and advised officials to intensify relief operations. According to the IMD reports, the district on Wednesday received an average of 114.6 mm rainfall, while the coastal areas witnessed a major cloud burst (200-400 mm rainfall). On Thursday, the district received an average of 17.92 mm of rainfall, notably the coastal areas, including Mandabam, Thangachimadam and Rameswaram, witnessed 30-50 mm rainfall. The showers receded after 2 pm. The heavy showers on Wednesday led to severe water logging in many residential areas in Mandabam, Rameswaram and Pamban. While the water from areas situated close to the sea got drained off, other low-lying areas remain inundated leaving the residents to face hardships. About a foot-deep water flooded the residential areas in Mandabam. We had made some preparations, but the rain intensity was so fierce that the water breached into houses. We hope the authorities concerned will take measures to drain off the stagnant water, Jesu Backiyam, a fisherman from Thangachimadam, said. On the flip side, M Ramar, a farmer from Korampallam, expressed unbridled happiness as his crops which were on the verge of withering due to lack of irrigation, have now received a new lease of life with the copious downpour. Other farmers in the southern blocks of the district are also a happy lot. District Collector Kahlon inspected the ongoing relief works and interacted with residents. He said that about 150 affected people were accommodated in three special camps and provided with basic amenities and food. Measures are also underway to clear off the water on the NH bridge.
Over 500 villagers in Melur protest against private firms tungsten mining licence
MADURAI: Over 500 residents from 10 villages in Melur taluk gathered at Nayakkarpatti, raising slogans against the centre and demanding the cancellation of the licence granted to a private company to mine tungsten on an area of 5,000 acres. Villagers have sought a resolution to be adopted in the upcoming grama sabha meeting to be held across the state on November 23. They also appealed to Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene and stop the project. Madurai MP S Venkatesan wrote to Minister of Coal G Kishan Reddy, urging the cancellation of the licence granted to the private company. In the letter, he explained that under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the private company had successfully acquired the tungsten mineral block in the 4th auction of major minerals. Venkatesan pointed out the environmental and historical significance of the 2015.51-hectare mineral block acquired by the private company. He referred to the state government gazette announcement from November 22, 2022, when the department of environment, forests and climate change designated 193.215 hectares in Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram of Madurai district as Tamil Nadus first biodiversity heritage site. This area, Venkatesan noted, lies within the mineral block now auctioned for mining. He also highlighted the historical and ecological importance of the region, including relics dating back to 3,500 years and the presence of over 250 bird species in Arittapatti and surrounding areas.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy | India win toss, opt to bat first in opening Test against Australia
Pacer Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will make debut for India
After a health emergency, air pollution foretells an economic one
Air pollution is an economic crisis for its ability to raise healthcare costs and lower productivity through lost work and school days, especially in low-income communities
Murder on Tamil Nadu school campus: Teachers stage stir, want special law for protection
CHENNAI: Teachers associations, on Thursday, staged protests in front of chief education offices in various districts, condemning the murder of Ramani, a 26-year-old temporary teacher at Mallipattinam Government Higher Secondary School in Thanjavur on Wednesday. They called for the enactment of a separate law to prevent violence against teachers and urged the need for improving security measures in schools. We took out the protest as, now, anyone can enter the government school campuses, said a government school teacher protesting in Egmore. The associations also criticised the government for failing to fulfil several promises made in the DMK manifesto citing financial constraints. At the very least, the government should prioritise our safety and lives, the teacher added. Protesters demanded immediate implementation of safety measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the appointment of watchmen in schools. Although the murder took place due to personal reasons, teachers and students are now in fear due to the lack of security measures in educational institutions, they added.
Viksit Bharat Youth Leaders Dialogue announced in Kolkata
The participants will be allowed to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, interact with him, and share their ideas
