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SC to hear arguments on stay of CAA Rules on April 9

Petitioners have pressed for a statement by the Centre that there would not be any citizenship granted under the Citizenship Amendment Act till the next court hearing

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:58 pm

Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G launched with air gesture

Realme Narzo 70 Pro incorporates MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:44 pm

BJP MP candidates from Bengaluru lead protest over assault on shopkeeper in Nagarthpet allegedly for playing Hanuman Chalisa

In his complaint to Halasuru Gate Police on March 17, Mukesh did not mention that the row was over him playing Hanuman Chalisa during azaan. But, on March 18, he told mediapersons that the assault was a result of him playing Hanuman Chalisa

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:36 pm

Indian Premier League 2024 | Navjot Singh Sidhu set to be back to his first love commentary box

After a decade-long stint in the unforgiving world of politics, Sidhu and his 'Sidhuisms' will be back on air starting with the IPL, which precedes the T20 World Cup in June.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:27 pm

South Indian actress Arundhathi Nair in critical condition post-bike accident; friend Gopika Anil calls for financial help

South Indian film actress Arundhathi Nair was involved in a bike accident in Kerala on March 14. While traveling on the Kovalam bypass road with her brother, the 'Saithan' star was struck by a vehicle. Both the actor and her brother were left unattended on the road for nearly an hour. They were taken to the hospital, and Arundhathi is reportedly in critical condition. According to several reports, Arundhathi has sustained severe head injuries. Confirmation of the accident came from Arundhathi's sister, Arathy Nair, who disclosed that the actress is currently on ventilator support. Arathy took to Instagram to share the news and requested followers to keep Arundhathi in their prayers. She wrote, 'We felt the need to clarify the news reported in Tamil Nadus newspapers and television channels. It is true that my sister Arundhathi Nair had an accident three days ago. She is critically injured and fighting for her life while being kept on a ventilator at the Ananthapuri Hospital in Trivandrum.' Additionally, a fellow actress and friend of Arundhathi, Gopika Anil, also shared a social media post seeking financial help from fans and followers. 'My friend Arundhathi met with an accident the previous day and is in very critical condition. As she fights for her life on a ventilator, the daily hospital expenses are becoming too huge to afford. We are doing our part, but that seems insufficient to meet the current hospital requirements. I request you all to kindly contribute the way you can so that it would be very helpful for her family. Thank you so much.' She included bank details in her post for those willing to contribute.

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 2:26 pm

Gang of three arrested from Gwalior for armed attempt to rob Bengaluru jewellery store

One of the accused, identified as Suraj, 30, said to be the prime accused in the case, succumbed to gunshot injuries in the neck

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:24 pm

Kochi-based social enterprise, Oorjja, launches financial calendar designed by differently-abled students

Oorjja, a social enterprise that works for the differently-abled, launches a financial year calendar

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:20 pm

BWSSB seeks CSR funds for innovative water projects in Bengaluru to combat water crisis

One of the major reasons for a severe fall in underground water table levels and drying up of borewells is waterless lakes, experts say

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:16 pm

PM Modi's Dynamic Roadshow Ignites Palakkad

Palakkad, Kerala - Prime Minister Modi led a spirited roadshow in Palakkad, Kerala, signaling the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) burgeoning influence in a region where it has historically struggled to make significant electoral gains. The event attracted throngs of supporters, bolstering momentum for the party's candidates ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Emphasizing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) focus on Kerala in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi orchestrated a massive roadshow on Tuesday to galvanize support for NDA candidates from the state. Historically, the saffron party has faced challenges in clinching electoral victories here. The roadshow, which commenced around 10:45 am from Kottamaidan Anchuvilakku and proceeded towards the Head Post Office in the town, featured the PM standing on an open-roof vehicle adorned with flowers. Arriving via helicopter from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi was accompanied on the open-roof vehicle by BJP state president K Surendran and NDA candidates C Krishnakumar, contesting from the Palakkad constituency, and Niveditha Subramanian, fielded in the Ponnani seat. Despite the scorching sun, thousands of people, including BJP supporters waving flowers, garlands, party flags, and placards of Modi, lined both sides of the approximately one-kilometer roadshow route. Cheers of 'Modi', 'Bharat mata ki jai', 'Modiji swagatam', and 'Modi ki jai' resonated from the crowd as the procession moved along. Modi, sporting a saffron-colored Nehru cap, reciprocated the warm reception by showering flowers on the gathered crowd multiple times. Enduring the heat and crowds, people of all ages gathered hours before the Prime Minister's arrival, creating a festive atmosphere along the roadshow route. Many families expressed their determination to catch a glimpse of Modi, indicating the enthusiasm among the populace. Covering the approximately one-kilometer route in about half an hour, the roadshow concluded, and PM Modi swiftly returned to the helipad. This event follows Modi's recent participation in a public meeting in Pathanamthitta town on March 15, where he rallied support for NDA candidates in southern Kerala constituencies. During his address in Pathanamthitta, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in BJP's prospects, stating that The Lotus is going to bloom in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He also criticized the ruling Left and the opposition Congress-led UDF, alleging corruption and incompetence in their governance. Notably, the BJP's vote share has seen an uptick from the Palakkad constituency in the Lok Sabha polls, with candidate Krishnakumar C securing 21.24 percent of the total votes polled in the 2019 general elections. This marks Modi's fifth visit to the state within three months, encompassing both official engagements and party functions. Top Events of the Day: PM Modi Launches Lok Sabha Campaign, SC to Hear CAA Case, and More LS Elections 2024: PM Modi Addresses Rally in Jagtial, Telangana

News Track 19 Mar 2024 2:11 pm

Explosives found in tractor parked opposite school in Bengaluru

The police suspect that it was used to break rocks or for work in a quarry

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 1:55 pm

Thousands line streets as PM Modi holds roadshow in Keralas Palakkad

Palakkad, March 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modis first roadshow in Kerala after the Lok Sabha election announcement drew thousands of people on Tuesday. PM Modi arrived in Palakkad after a gap of four years, and this time his only engagement was a one km roadshow, after which he left for Salem in Tamil Nadu. Arriving [] The post Thousands line streets as PM Modi holds roadshow in Keralas Palakkad appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 19 Mar 2024 1:30 pm

MrBeasts Beast Games reality show to offer record-breaking $5 million prize

The renowned YouTuber known for his extravagant giveaways, is now venturing into the realm of reality TV with Beast Games, slated to air exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 1:29 pm

Cricket Australia calls off Afghanistan T20 series over women's rights concerns

The teams were scheduled to play three T20 matches in the UAE in August but Cricket Australia said that after consultations with the Australian government it had decided to call off the series.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 1:24 pm

Tamil Nadu: BJP workers put into practice Swachhta mission, clean streets after PM Modis Coimbatore rally

Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai shared pictures of BJP workers clearing the litter on the streets immediately after the rally and heaped praises on them.

OpIndia 19 Mar 2024 1:22 pm

Annamalai Busts Congress Leader Jairam Rameshs Claims On Cyclone Michaung & Textile Crisis In TN

Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis road show in Palakkad, Kerala, and Salem, Tamil Nadu, on 19 March 2024, the Congress, aiming to propagate a negative narrative suggesting The post Annamalai Busts Congress Leader Jairam Rameshs Claims On Cyclone Michaung & Textile Crisis In TN appeared first on The Commune .

The Commune Mag 19 Mar 2024 1:22 pm

Tamil Nadu: BJP and Ramadoss-led PMK forge alliance ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

BJP and Ramadoss-led PMK forge alliance ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

OpIndia 19 Mar 2024 1:11 pm

Inox Green Energy Services arm bags Rs 40 cr order to restore wind turbine generators

Inox Green Energy Services arm bags Rs 40 cr order to restore wind turbine generators Inox Green Energy Services on Tuesday said its subsidiary I-Fox Windtechnik India Pvt Ltd has bagged an order worth Rs 39.5 crore for restoration of 33 wind turbine generators (WTGs) of 1.5MW each from NLC India. The scope of the contract comprises supplies of materials/spares and other activities for the restoration of 33 WTGs within a period of eight months, with a revenue realisation of Rs 39.5 crore (inclusive of taxes) during the contract period, a company statement said. The order is for the restoration of 33 wind turbine generators (each 1.5 MW) of NLC India's wind power plant located at Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, the statement added. ''We are delighted to receive another order from NLC India after securing the contract for comprehensive O&M of 51MW WTGs for 5 years during the last year,'' SK Mathu Sudhana, CEO of IGESL said in the statement. This is another important landmark in the growth journey of IGESL as well as of our subsidiary I-Fox Wind, and the company is progressing well on its targets on all fronts, he added. IGESL is one of the major wind power operations and maintenance (O&M) service providers within India with a fleet size of 3.2 GW. The company is engaged in the business of providing long-term O&M services for wind projects. It is a subsidiary of Inox Wind Ltd with whom it enjoys a synergistic relationship and is a part of the INOXGFL Group. It has a strong and diverse existing portfolio base and an established track record. It has reliable cashflows supported by long-term O&M contracts. Its customers include some of the largest independent power producers (IPPs), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and various retail customers.

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 12:55 pm

Deposit Savukku Medias revenue in court, Madras High Court directs YouTube LLC

The court passed the order following a civil suit filed by Lyca Productions; it also restrained Savukku Shankar from making further defamatory statements against the cinema production house

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:54 pm

It's final, PMK confirms alliance with BJP, Anbumani Ramadoss to share dais with PM Modi at Salem

Ending days of suspense, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) finally announced that it would ally with the BJP-led NDA and face the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.

Web Dunia 19 Mar 2024 12:54 pm

1951-52 Lok Sabha polls | When EC invalidated women voters who enrolled as a mother, wife

Out of close to 80 million women voters in India for the first general elections, nearly 2.8 million eventually failed to disclose their proper names

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:52 pm

Lok Sabha polls | PM Modi leads roadshow in Palakkad in scorching summer heat

This is Narendra Modis second visit to Kerala within a week as part of BJPs Lok Sabha election campaign. He addressed a BJP rally in Pathanamthitta on March 15

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:45 pm

Kiren Rijiju confident of winning fourth term from Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat

Rijiju had won the Arunachal West Parliamentary seat by a margin of 1,74,843 votes in 2019 defeating his nearest rival Nabam Tuki of the Congress

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:44 pm

Kerala: PM Modi holds massive roadshow in Palakkad

Palakkad: Asserting the importance that the BJP-led NDA has given to Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a massive roadshow here on Tuesday to boost support for its candidates from the state, where the saffron party has historically had no significant electoral victories. The PM's cavalcade with Modi standing on an open roof vehicle heavily decorated with flowers commenced the roadshow at around 10.45 am from Kottamaidan Anchuvilakku and proceeded towards the Head Post Office in the town. The PM arrived here in a helicopter from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. On the open-roof vehicle, Modi was flanked by BJP state president K Surendran and NDA candidates C Krishnakumar, who is contesting from the Palakkad constituency and Niveditha Subramanian, who has been fielded in the Ponnani seat. Braving the scorching sun, thousands of people, including BJP supporters with flowers, garlands, party flags, placards of Modi and wearing party hats, lined both sides of the around one km roadshow route. As the roadshow proceeded along the route, shouts of 'Modi', 'Bharat mata ki jai', 'Modiji swagatam' and 'Modi ki jai' were heard from the people gathered on both sides of the road. They also showered flowers on Modi, who was wearing a Nehru cap in the saffron colour of his party. Reciprocating the welcome received from the crowd, the PM also showered flowers on the people on both sides of the road several times. Enduring the rising temperatures, crowds, of all ages, had gathered hours ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival and created a festive atmosphere along the route of the roadshow. Several persons, many of whom arrived here with their families, told TV channels that they will not leave without seeing Modi. The roadshow covered the around one km route in about half-an-hour after which the PM quickly returned to the helipad. Modi's Palakkad roadshow follows his recent participation at a public meeting in Pathanamthitta town on March 15, where he rallied support for NDA candidates contesting in the southern Kerala constituencies. Addressing the gathering in Pathanamthitta, the Prime Minister had said that The Lotus is going to bloom in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and attacked the ruling Left and the opposition Congress-led UDF, alleging that the people of the state have endured hardship under governments plagued by corruption and incompetence. The BJP has seen an increase in its vote share from the Palakkad constituency in the Lok Sabha polls with its candidate Krishnakumar C securing 21.24 per cent of the total votes polled from here in the 2019 general elections. This is Modi's fifth visit to the state within three months. He has already visited the state twice in January, once in February and then on March 15. These visits included both official and party functions.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:41 pm

Kalli Paal-la Oru Tea: Neelam Socials anthology to release on YouTube on March 20

With music scored by Revaa, the anthology has segments directed by Abishaa, Sneha Belcin, Kanishka Chidambaram E, and Sivaranjani

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:36 pm

Delhi excise policy case: BRS' K. Kavitha withdraws plea challenging her arrest from Supreme Court

Ms. Kavitha, who was arrested by an ED team on March 15, is in ED's custodial interrogation for seven days till March 23

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:26 pm

Skull and Bones game review: A swashbuckling adventure set in the golden age of piracy

Skull and Boneseffectively functions as a looter shooter, albeit on the high seas, akin to Black Flag. The absence, however, of dramatic swashbuckling boarding sequences is lamentable.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:17 pm

C-CAMP and Indegene tie up to help early-stage life sciences startups

Will leverage C-CAMPs incubation programme to strengthen the life sciences innovation ecosystem in India and help bring new drugs and therapies to market faster

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:13 pm

Rust movie armorer challenges conviction in fatal shooting of cinematographer by Alec Baldwin

Defense attorneys for Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed filed a request for a new trial and urged a judge to release the defendant from jail as deliberations proceed

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:12 pm

Jonathan Glazers The Zone of Interest Oscars speech faces collective condemnation, over 450 Jewish creatives sign open letter

More than 450 Jewish creatives, executives, and professionals in Hollywood have united in denouncement of director Jonathan Glazers speech at the 96th Academy Awards

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 12:07 pm

BJP, PMK tie-up for LS polls in Tamil Nadu

Shillong, March 19: The Vanniyar political party, PMK, on Tuesday announced that it has entered into a seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP-led NDA and will contest ten Lok Sabha seats. The decision was taken during a meeting at the farmhouse of PMK founder, Dr. S. Ramadoss at Tindivanam,Chennai on Tuesday morning. The agreement was signed [] The post BJP, PMK tie-up for LS polls in Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 19 Mar 2024 11:57 am

Prez Murmu accepts resignation of Tamilisai Soundararajan

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement on Tuesday.It also said that the President is pleased to appoint C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Jharkhand, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry in addition to his own duties until regular arrangements are made. Soundararajan, who was also the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, tendered her resignation on Monday. I resigned of my own volition as my desire is to serve the public directly. I want to involve myself in intense public service, she had said. The resignation came amid reports of her plans to contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu. Soundararajan had contested the 2019 Parliament elections from Thoothukudi seat in southern Tamil Nadu on a BJP ticket and lost to DMK's Kanimozhi.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 11:48 am

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: PM Modi holds roadshow in Palakkad

PALAKKAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a roadshow here as part of the BJP-led NDA's attempt to boost support for its candidates from Kerala in the Lok Sabha polls set to be held in the state on April 26. The PM's cavalcade with Modi standing on an open roof vehicle heavily decorated with flowers commenced the roadshow at around 10.45 am from Kottamaidan Anchuvilakku and proceeded towards the Head Post Office in the town. The PM arrived here in a helicopter from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of people, including BJP supporters with flowers, garlands, party flags, placards of Modi and wearing party hats, lined both sides of the around one kilometer roadshow route. As the roadshow proceeded along the route, shouts of 'Modi', 'Bharat mata ki jai', 'Modiji swagatam' and 'Modi ki jai' were heard from the people gathered on both sides of the road. They also showered flowers on Modi, who was wearing a Nehru cap in the saffron colour of his party. Braving the rising temperatures, crowds, of all ages, had gathered hours ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival and created a festive atmosphere along the route of the roadshow. Several persons, many of whom arrived here with their families, told TV channels that they will not leave without seeing Modi. Modi's Palakkad roadshow follows his recent participation at a public meeting in Pathanamthitta town on March 15, where he rallied support for NDA candidates contesting in the southern Kerala constituencies. Addressing the gathering in Pathanamthitta, the Prime Minister had said that The Lotus is going to bloom in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and attacked the ruling Left and the opposition Congress-led UDF, alleging that the people of the state have endured hardship under governments plagued by corruption and incompetence. The BJP has seen an increase in its vote share from the Palakkad constituency in the Lok Sabha polls with its candidate Krishnakumar C securing 21.24 per cent of the total votes polled from here in the 2019 general elections. This is Modi's fifth visit to the state within three months. He has already visited the state twice in January, once in February and then on March 15.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 11:36 am

Five-layer security cover in place for PMs Salem rally today

Chennai, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a whirlwind tour of southern states, will address a mammoth rally at Salem in Western Tamil Nadu on Tuesday afternoon. Heavy security has been deployed in Salem with more than 5,000 police personnel on duty and a five layer security in place. The PM []

bhaskarlive 19 Mar 2024 11:33 am

Star Wars spin-off series The Acolyte locks premiere date

The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take the audience into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:27 am

Supreme Court issues notice to Ramdev in Patanjali advertising case

Supreme Court took exception to Patanjali Ayurved, its MD not filing a reply to notices on violating undertaking on advertising products

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:26 am

Jharkhand Guv to be in-charge Telangana Governor

HYDERABAD: The Governor of Jharkhand, CP Radhakrishnan, will be the in-charge Governor for Telangana, the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced on Tuesday. The appointment of Radhakrishnan as the in-charge Governor for Telangana comes in the wake of resignation of Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan from her position as the Telangana Governor and the Lt Governor of Puducherry. The President of India, has accepted Dr Tamilisais resignation, the communique said. Radhakrishnan will also hold additional responsibility as the in-charge LT Governor for Puducherry, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a communique. The Rashtrapati Bhavan said Radhakrishnans additional responsibilities will come into effect from the day he assumes charge of the office in Telangana and Puducherry. It may be recalled that Dr Tamilisai resigned from her positions on Monday and has plans to contest from Tamil Nadu in the coming Lok Sabha elections. I am humbled and blessed to be given the additional responsibility to serve as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Radhakrishnan wrote on X. I am humbled and blessed to be given the additional responsibility to serve as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. I thank from the bottom of my heart our beloved most respected Honourable President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, our beloved most respected pic.twitter.com/57hNukHNre CP Radhakrishnan (@CPRGuv) March 19, 2024 I thank from the bottom of my heart to our beloved most respected Honourable President Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji, Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Honourable Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji for giving me this great additional responsibility to serve our motherland, he said.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 11:21 am

Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi holds roadshow in Palakkad

Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi holds roadshow in Palakkad Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a roadshow here as part of the BJP-led NDA's attempt to boost support for its candidates from Kerala in the Lok Sabha polls set to be held in the state on April 26. The PM's cavalcade with Modi standing on an open roof vehicle heavily decorated with flowers commenced the roadshow at around 10.45 am from Kottamaidan Anchuvilakku and proceeded towards the Head Post Office in the town. The PM arrived here in a helicopter from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of people, including BJP supporters with flowers, garlands, party flags, placards of Modi and wearing party hats, lined both sides of the around one kilometer roadshow route. As the roadshow proceeded along the route, shouts of 'Modi', 'Bharat mata ki jai', 'Modiji swagatam' and 'Modi ki jai' were heard from the people gathered on both sides of the road. They also showered flowers on Modi, who was wearing a Nehru cap in the saffron colour of his party. Braving the rising temperatures, crowds, of all ages, had gathered hours ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival and created a festive atmosphere along the route of the roadshow. Several persons, many of whom arrived here with their families, told TV channels that they will not leave without seeing Modi. Modi's Palakkad roadshow follows his recent participation at a public meeting in Pathanamthitta town on March 15, where he rallied support for NDA candidates contesting in the southern Kerala constituencies. Addressing the gathering in Pathanamthitta, the Prime Minister had said that ''The Lotus is going to bloom in Kerala'' in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and attacked the ruling Left and the opposition Congress-led UDF, alleging that the people of the state have endured hardship under governments plagued by corruption and incompetence. The BJP has seen an increase in its vote share from the Palakkad constituency in the Lok Sabha polls with its candidate Krishnakumar C securing 21.24 per cent of the total votes polled from here in the 2019 general elections. This is Modi's fifth visit to the state within three months. He has already visited the state twice in January, once in February and then on March 15.

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 11:15 am

Jharkhand Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan given additional responsibilities of Telangana, Puducherry

Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan resigned as the Governor of Telangana on March 18

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:11 am

Congress ally IUML pleads case against implementation of CAA

Congress ally IUML pleads case against implementation of CAA By Congress Ally Iuml Pleads Case Against Implementation Of Caa In Supreme Court Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader PK Kunhalikutty on Tuesday questioned the 'need' to implement Citizenship Amendment Rules and said that citizenship should be given to everybody, not to certain sections. See, ours is the lead petition in the Supreme Court...Why should the government, days before or hours before the notification, issue such rules, Indian Union Muslim League leader Kunhalikutty told ANI. He further questioned why the government is going ahead with the citizenship order when the case is pending in the court. The case is pending in the court but the government is going ahead with the citizenship order. Why should the government do that? We are raising that in the court. We hope that we will get some relief. We are not opposing CAA, citizenship should be given to everybody, not to certain sections only, he added. The Supreme Court is set to review several pleas on Tuesday requesting the government to suspend the enforcement of the 2024 Citizenship Amendment Rules. The Kerala-based political party IUML, which is an ally of the Congress, filed a petition in the Supreme Court, a day after the government released the regulations under the CAA. Earlier, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the implementation of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In his petition, Owaisi sought directions to the central government not to entertain or process the applications seeking grant of citizenship status under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (as it stands amended by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019) during the pendency of the proceedings. Apart from Kerala, Chief Ministers of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have also announced that the CAA will not be implemented in their respective states. The Union Home Ministry notified the rules for implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on March 11. The CAA rules, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (ANI)

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 11:10 am

Schoolchildren at PM Modis Coimbatore road show | Inquiry begins into poll code violations

The Election Commission of India clearly prohibits the use of children in any political campaign; officials said the violations would be probed and action initiated

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:06 am

Edappadi Palaniswami to launch election campaign in Tiruchi on March 24

Mr. Palaniswami will cover districts in central and south Tamil Nadu, and will wrap up the first phase of his campaign on March 31, after campaigning in Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:00 am

Edappadi Palaniswami to launch his election campaign in Tiruchi on March 24

Mr. Palaniswami will cover districts in central and south Tamil Nadu, and will wrap up the first phase of his campaign on March 31, after campaigning in Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 11:00 am

Amid an economic crisis, Iran prepares for Nowruz festival

Iranians will celebrate the start of the year 1403 at exactly 26 seconds past 6:36 a.m. on March 20

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:54 am

Top U.S. Senator expresses concern over notification of CAA rules

Making matters worse is the fact that the controversialCAA is being pushed during the holy month of Ramzan, said Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:53 am

Top news developments in Karnataka on March 19, 2024

Here are the key news developments to watch out for from Karnataka today

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:53 am

Staff Selection Commission withdraws result for Manipur recruitment days after announcing it

Govt. says the withdrawn result had incomplete data; withdrawal comes after outrage over claims of unfair merit list

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:46 am

Four Naxalites killed in encounter with Police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

An AK-47 gun, a carbine, two country-made pistols, Naxal literature and other items were also recovered, the official said.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:45 am

PM Modi has paid little attention to Tamil Nadu: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that while he has been visiting Tamil Nadu frequently in the last few weeks, he has historically paid little attention to the state. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed questions for the prime minister ahead of his visit to Tamil Nadu's Salem and Kerala's Palakkad on Tuesday. The prime minister is visiting Salem, Tamil Nadu and Palakkad, Kerala today. Some important questions that he must address: While the prime minister has been visiting Tamil Nadu frequently in the last few weeks, he has historically paid little attention to the state, Ramesh said. For instance, he did not set foot there during the Cyclone Michaung crisis in December 2023, he claimed. The chief minister of Tamil Nadu has repeatedly urged for the release of Rs 37,907 crore from the Modi government for rehabilitation and reconstruction after the cyclone, he noted. Does the prime minister plan to fulfil this critical need of the people of Tamil Nadu, Ramesh asked. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Salem, he will hopefully notice the numerous textile factories that have either shut down and disposed of machinery or reduced working hours for labourers, he said. After having single-handedly destroyed India's MSME manufacturing capacities with demonetisation, GST, and the unplanned COVID-19 lockdown, what is the prime minister's vision to rescue these textile factories, Ramesh asked. Prime Minister Modi will address a rally in Salem on Tuesday. Alliance party leaders, including PMK founder S Ramadoss, are likely to attend the public meeting. The BJP has been focusing on the southern state, hoping to win as many of the 39 constituencies as part of its 'mission 400' seats in the coming polls. On the PM's visit to Kerala, Ramesh said, Kerala is the state that the prime minister had infamously compared to Somalia. Kerala's performance on development indicators has been consistently better than all Indian states. Will the prime minister finally apologise to the people of Kerala for his misleading commentary on the state, he asked. Kerala is home to the Western Ghats, an extremely fragile but important ecosystem. In the last 10 years, under Modi's tutelage, there have been continuous assaults on its ecosystem, he alleged. The Modi government has diluted all environment and forest laws to help a few favoured corporates, and perhaps to repay the debts incurred for their purchase of the BJP's electoral bonds. Will the prime minister come clean on what his motivations were when he was diluting our environmental protection regime to favour his corporate friends? Ramesh said and asked the PM to break his silence on these issues.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:33 am

Understanding dialysis outcome patterns in India through a nationwide study

Findings from a nationwide private haemodialysis network show that there is a variation in the survival of patients receiving haemodialysis in India depending on various factors, and stress on the need to standardise dialysis care across centres

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:30 am

Defensive Ukraine digs in for an extended war with Russia after failed counteroffensive

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Kyivs troops were in an ongoing process of building around 2,000 kilometre of defensive lines

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:26 am

Make masala chai with Chef Kunal Kapur

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:22 am

Sensex, Nifty tank in early trade amid weak Asian markets, foreign fund outflows

Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, JSW Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the gainers.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:20 am

Hectic lobbying in TN Congress for nine LS seats

Chennai, March 19 (IANS) The Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu are lobbying hard for their candidature for the nine Lok Sabha seats that have been allocated to it in the INDIA bloc. The DMK and Congress finalised their seat-sharing arrangement on Monday. Out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Congress will []

bhaskarlive 19 Mar 2024 10:18 am

Rupee declines 5 paise to 82.95 against U.S. dollar on firm crude prices

The local currency moved in a tight range of 82.93 to 82.95 to a dollar in early deals

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:07 am

Vijayapura-based BLDE team gets patent for artificial leg

The Intellectual property certificate was issued to a team of two doctors and an engineer

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 10:06 am

PM pays homage to Kovai 1998 serial blast victims, says the bombings can never be forgotten

Coimbatore, Mar 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the 1998 serial bomb blast victims in this Textile city, saying it could never be forgotten and that Tamil Nadu will surprise everyone with the outcome of the Lok Sabha poll results as BJP was emerging as a very strong force across the State.... The post PM pays homage to Kovai 1998 serial blast victims, says the bombings can never be forgotten first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 10:00 am

Its final, PMK confirms alliance with BJP, Anbumani to share dais with PM at Salem

Chennai, Mar 19 (UNI) Ending days of suspense, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) finally announced that it would ally with the BJP-led NDA and face the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu. Though the PMK has been talks with the major Opposition AIADMK, it has finally decided to ally with the BJP and... The post Its final, PMK confirms alliance with BJP, Anbumani to share dais with PM at Salem first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 9:56 am

BJP Seals Seat-Sharing Deal With PMK For Lok Sabha Polls In Tamil Nadu

The BJP on Tuesday clinched a seat-sharing deal with the Dr S Ramadoss-headed Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, allotting 10 seats to the regional party.

NDTV 19 Mar 2024 9:47 am

Lok Sabha elections 2024: PMK gets 10 seats in seat-sharing deal with BJP in Tamil Nadu

Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), Mar 19: The BJP on Tuesday clinched a seat-sharing deal with the Dr S Ramadoss-headed Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, allotting 10 seats to the regional party. BJP state president K Annamalai and PMK founder Ramadoss signed the pact at the Thailapuram residence [] The post Lok Sabha elections 2024: PMK gets 10 seats in seat-sharing deal with BJP in Tamil Nadu appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 19 Mar 2024 9:47 am

BJP stitches up Tamil Nadu alliance, gives 10 seats to PMK party

BJP stitches up Tamil Nadu alliance gives seats to PMK party

India Today 19 Mar 2024 9:43 am

Model code: Rs 21 lakh unaccounted cash seized during vehicle checks in Nilgiris

NILGIRIS : Uncountted cash of more than Rs 21 lakh has been seized during vehicle checks in various places in the Nilgiris till Sunday, a day after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, said District Collector P Aruna on Monday. CCTV cameras have been installed and police personnel have been engaged on duty at four state borders and 12 district borders. Till March 17, a total of Rs 21.11 lakh unaccounted cash has been seized. Anyone carrying Rs 50,000 and more in their hands should carry valid documents. Otherwise, the amount would be seized, said the collector while speaking to reporters after inspecting the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) Cell set up at the collectorate. A total of nine Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and flying squad have been formed. The squads will be on duty on the field in three different shifts, 6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm and 10 pm to 6am. Flying squad vehicles have been fitted with GPS and CCTV cameras, she said. Political banners and advertisements on walls should be removed within the next 48 hours and 72 hours, respectively.Those placed in private properties should also be removed. The collector who is also the district election officer monitored the activities of the flying squad through MCMC cell. She also appealed the public to make election-related complaints (on MCC violation) on the toll-free number 1800-425-2782 and control room numbers 0423-2957101, 0423-2957102, 0423-2957103 and 0423-2957104 round the clock. The Model Code of Conduct for the 2024 general election will be in force till June 6.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 9:32 am

Paarivendhar to contest on BJP symbol in Perambalur

TIRUCHY: Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) founder TR Paarivendhar announced on Monday that he will be contesting the Lok Sabha election on the BJP symbol from Perambalur. Addressing media persons after attending an internal party meeting here, Paarivendhar, who is also the incumbent MP, said he would never go back to the DMK-led alliance. The IJK, which had partnered with the DMK previously, had recently joined the NDA. Accusing the DMK of being a corrupt and dynasty party, Paarivendhar said he was not able to wash away the sins of partnering with the DMK. When asked about DMKs KN Arun Nehru, his potential opponent, the IJK founder said, I dont see him as competition. What background does he have? I hope people will elect me again as I have, in my personal capacity, done five times more for the constituency that any other MPs in the state, he added.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 9:28 am

A day out with original Manjummel Boys

KOCHI: Manjummel Boys, helmed by Chidambaram and starring an ensemble cast that includes Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi, is a survivor-thriller inspired by a 2006 real-life incident. Since its release on February 22, the movie has collected nearly Rs 200 crore at the box office, making it the highest-grossing Malayalam movie to date. This resounding success has invariably put Manjummel, a quaint town on the outskirts of Kochi, and a group of thick friends, on whom the story is based on, into the global limelight. On the day TNIE visited them, the real Manjummel heroes were in conversation with the youth of Amalothbhavamatha Church about the importance of cultivating good friendships. Despite their growing fame and increasingly busy schedule, this group of ordinary men who share an extraordinary story never back away from an opportunity to inspire. According to them, this is their mission. Here, they talk about their friendship, the importance of art and sports clubs, the Manjummel effect on their personal lives and town, the movie and more... How did your friendship take shape? Subash: Right from our childhood, we were a close-knit group. There was no social media then. When we got home after school, we all gathered on the ground to play. We took part in local club activities and swam in the stream nearby. Such bonds last long. Such friendships are a source of strength during distress Siju David (Kuttan): Yes. For instance, after the Kodaikanal accident, we struggled to arrange cash for the return trip, Subashs treatment, etc. None of us was financially stable. Sumesh helped us a lot. Though he could not make it to the trip, he arranged everything in a single night. When we finally reached here, there was no delay for anything on account of lack of funds. Five years ago, we formed a society named Yuva, which helps people in distress. Each week, we set aside some money to attend to emergencies. Werent you guys part of a club here earlier as shown in the film? Siju David: Yes, it was called Darshana. There were about 40 members when it began. It was active for years. Then, it became Yuva Darshana. Later, when the residents associations became more prominent, clubs started to wane. We, however, continue to serve society via Yuva. Is it just your gang? Siju David: No, many from the Manjummel area are part of it. Siju John: It has members of all ages. Whenever people approach us, say seeking assistance for a marriage or a death, our team offers whatever help we can. Todays youngsters are falling prey to vices such as drug abuse. Could you elaborate on the importance of art and sports clubs in this context? Sumesh: Such activities are essential. It is when children dont have any outlet for activities that they fall prey to bad influences. Sujith: We kept each other close, away from harm. After getting back from school each day, we used to head straight to the playground or the club. Sadly, todays kids dont have such avenues. They are confined to their silo. Subash: Back in the day, there were many public grounds. It is from these playgrounds that friendships blossomed. Art and sports clubs were physical manifestations of such bonds. The government should establish public grounds in every locality. [To Siju David] What were the events in your life that helped develop your willpower to take the decision to descend the crevice in Guna Cave? Siju David: I used to hold leadership positions at the clubs here. I guess donning that position as a youngster and coordinating matters helped me. Sujith: Also, when we were kids, there was an incident when Krishnakumar got caught in a current while we were swimming. It was Kuttan who dived in to save him. Kuttan was a natural leader. Sixon: This is true to this day. When we go for tours, etc., we just hand over the money to Kuttan. He is the responsible one and takes care of everything. We dont have to worry. We just chill! Sujith: Our families are reassured when we say Kuttans name. They trust him. Subash: Even if we have to go anywhere else, we just say we are going to Kuttans house. (all laugh) Have you guys always been an adventurous group? Sujith: At that age, we didnt know that what we were doing was adventurous. It just felt like a natural thing to do. Siju David: In Kodaikanal, the fencing at the suicide point was not very tall back then. So we crossed over to click a pic. We were not very aware of the dangers. The same thing happened at Guna Cave. What went through your minds while watching the Manjummel Boys film? Siju David: It was like going on that trip again. We experienced those moments, emotions. We were all in tears. Anil: We would say 95 per cent of whats shown in the film was real. Sixon: Prior to the screening, the film crew had invited us to the set of Guna Cave, which was set up in Perumbavoor. When we reached there, we were overwhelmed. The set designer Ajay Chalissery did an exemplary work. It was as close to the original as it can get. We started trembling as we entered. Siju: They had set up cameras inside the set to capture our reactions. We stood numb. It was as if we were inside the real Guna Cave. Thats what they wanted to know. We didnt have to convey the feeling through words our emotions told them everything. Did they seek references from you while creating the set? Subash: When the Manjummel Boys crew sought permission to study the Guna Cave, the Tamil Nadu officials hoped to replicate what Ordinary did to Gavi. They were right theres now a big tourist rush to Guna Cave now Hence, they got permission. They went in five times to get the structure of the cave right. Ajay went on a sixth trip with his painting team. He wanted them too to get a feel of the cave To be frank, I was scared as soon as I took the first step in. My whole body was shaking I knew it was fake, but fear had taken over. At least three teams had approached you to turn this story into a film. But those projects didnt work out. Finally, how did this one take off? Sixon: Many urged us to see this story turned into a movie. One friend, Shawn Antony (the films co-producer), was keen about it. He met Kuttan and Subash. Then, there was Ganapathi, whom we knew. The films director, Chidambaram, is his brother. He was an up-and-coming filmmaker when we initially met. His first film, Jan-E-Man, had not been released then. They came and discussed the story with us, took a documentary and began work. It just happened. We never imagined that the movie would become this big, such a vibe. Siju David: Initially, we thought Chidambaram was going to shoot a film with Ganapathi as the central character. Later, we learned Soubin was part of the cast and co-producing the film. Sujith: Their team was very committed. They came to our houses and studied everything about us the way we walk, talk our mannerisms. I think they did that for about two years. Their hard work has paid off. The film depicts us correctly. We were surprised. Sixon: They even studied our old photos and got the costumes right. Subash: I had only seen Sreenath Bhasi in films until then. During the pre-production stage, he visited my house. Sujith: Yes, Subashs mother did not even know who Sreenath Bhasi was. She presumed him to be her sons friend. Money is not our priority Were you guys actually passionate about tug-of-war as shown in the film? Siju David: Yes, definitely. We are all crazy about it. We were part of local competitions. Some of us still have scars from bouts of those days We once even participated in a tug-of-war event with an elephant (laughs). [To Subash] What were the childhood experiences that helped you develop the mental courage to triumph over the fall? Subash: I must say, swimming and climbing trees (laughs). Sujith: Subash was adventurous even in childhood. Swimming was his main hobby. Sumesh: Swimming in the stream requires physical and mental strength. He loved swimming, and would catch fish cook and eat it alone! Subash: Also, I was not great at studies. So, I was often made to stand on the bench among girls as punishment. Such torments also helped shape my mental strength (laughs). On a serious note, I survived because a jagged edge of boulder in the crevice pierced through my jeans and prevented me from falling further. Sujith: He is tall; his height was also a factor. Did you ever regret going on the trip? Subash: Yes. But now, I see people are drawing inspiration from my story. I am told it is helping motivate those who are in distress. Also, old-time friends have started to reconnect. Earlier, I used to wonder why I was spared. I see it now maybe to lend hope to others. I am grateful to God for it. [To Subash] You mentioned you used to be an atheist And theres a scene in the film where you question the concept of God... The director and writer were responsible for shaping the conversations in the film. While we did have similar discussions, the way they were portrayed in the film was crafted to engage the audience effectively. I, indeed, used to question the existence of God. But while laying trapped inside the cave, I prayed to all gods in the world [To Prasad P S] Did you return to Kodaikanal after the 2006 incident? Prasad: Yes, in 2009. I took a family on a tour there. After dropping them, I asked at a shop if they knew of the incident. They did. In fact, all of Kodaikanal still remembers the incident. Were there more safety measures at the site when compared to your previous visit? Prasad: There were some changes. When we visited the cave in 2006, there was a board stating that 13 people had perished there. But it was written in Tamil. During the rescue, an official told us Subashs name would be the 14th on that board. The local people, too, initially urged us to leave the place after Subash fell. They warned us that staying there would land us in trouble. They were right. Sixon: We endured much torture, more than what what was shown in the film. Krishnakumar: The local people, however, rallied behind us after they also heard Subashs cries from the pit. Sixon: We were withheld after the rescue. Thankfully, the doctor, who treated Subash at the local hospital, intervened and helped us leave the town without legal hassles. That was one aspect we missed in the film. Are you in touch with the doctor? Siju David: Sadly, no. We had tried. Shes the only one whom we have not been able to reconnect with from that time. We hope to meet her soon. [To Subash] Do you think you have found closure to the trauma with this film? Subash: Yes. The recovery phase was an ordeal. It took me six months to start sleeping properly after the incident. Physically, I spent about 60 days in an Ayurveda hospital. [Physical injuries included gashes, scraped skin across the body.] It took me nearly two years to return to normal life. The focus since then was on moving forward. When the decision was made to turn our experiences into a film, I felt it was important. I wanted the world to see the struggles that my friends underwent to rescue me. They are my fount of inspiration. Sreenath Bhasi played your character at a time when he too was in a tough phase Did that reflect during interactions? Sixon: Yes, very much. During the shooting process, whenever we met, Bhasi would say that he, too, was in a metaphorical pit and that, through this film, he would rise. When did you guys embark on another trip after the 2006 incident? Siju David: Six months later, to Munnar. Subash, of course, could not join. Anil: We returned to Kodaikanal only for the puja ceremony of the film after nearly 18 years. Writer B Jeyamohan made some comments about Malayali boy groups on boozing and raising a ruckus wherever they go. How do you guys view his comments? Siju John: One needs to only read the comments under his statement to know the reaction of Malayalis. We dont have anything particular to add. Anil: It is likely that when Jeyamohan was young, he, too, has done similar things. Siju David: We entered a restricted area, thats true. It was not the right thing to do. The fencing wasnt proper back then. Maybe, safety measures should be enhanced and well-maintained at such sites. After the incident, did any family member of the 13 who had perished in the pit earlier reach out to you? Sumesh: No. However, the first thing the police asked Kuttan was whether he saw any skeleton there. Siju David: I couldnt see anything, as I went in with a torch around my neck and I was using both my hands to hold onto the rope. I grabbed the torch and looked only when the first rope ended. I had to wait till they got another one. I checked around me. All I saw were bats. I immediately switched off the torch. [To Abhilash] In the film, your character is shown as walking away from the gang in the end what actually happened? Abhilash: Yes. I was in shock. It was me who saw Subash falling into the pit. It was a traumatic sight. I cut off from the gang, too. Because of my withdrawn nature, my neighbours presumed I had left for the Gulf. Like how they show in the film, did you return to the cave to give the now-popular Loose adikkada advise? No. I was in shock. Siju took me outside, and I waited there until Subash was rescued. [To Subash] You used to write, right? Have you considered turning your story into a book? Subash: I have thought about it a lot. I have written it in my mind. But Chidambaram has portrayed it better than I ever could. I may write about the before and after of the incident. (Gang-members laugh out, saying he has written three bizarre scripts.) After watching the film, many are inspired by your life. Do you have any message for the youngsters? Subhash: I didnt do anything extraordinary. It was my friends actions that saved me. They inspire me. But I will tell this to youngsters: nurture and preserve good friendships. Also, fights between friends are normal. Dont get hung up on your ego. Now, the original Manjummel Boys have become famous. How are you guys handling this busy schedule and attention after leading a relatively peaceful life? Siju David: The incident took place in 2006. A month later, news of our story started to appear. We were catapulted into the limelight. In 2008, I received a bravery award from the President. We used to receive letters. Many of them. We felt like celebrities then. Today, after the film, everythings different. We dont have time for our personal lives now. We are busy with events, interviews, inaugurations. Our lives have completely changed. Subash: We are all common people. We never wanted celebrity status. But now, can we work for a living? Imagine, you are in your work clothes, which are torn and dirty, and people come to take selfies... Not all of us have white-collar jobs. So its a bit uncomfortable... So, temporarily, I have stopped my work [in the construction field]. Now, we give interviews and that helps the film. When all this is buzz is over, we will return to our normal lives. Have the real Manjummel Boys got any remuneration from the film team Sixon: People have been asking us the same thing. Siju David: They have not discussed anything on those lines with us. There was no such agreement or contract. Subash: Money is not our priority

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 9:25 am

Postal dept to pay Rs 1 lakh for dragging on suit for 38 yrs

CHENNAI: Slamming the postal department for dragging litigations over land acquisition for constructing a post office in Coimbatore for 38 years, a division bench of the Madras High Court, consisting of Justices R Subramanian and P Velmurugan, on Monday imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh and directed the department to pay the amount to the Adyar Cancer Institute. The order was passed while dismissing a contempt of court petition filed by the postal department against Leema Rose whose land was supposed to have been acquired for constructing the post office by a notification issued in 1982 but the project did not take off due to litigations. We direct the postal department to pay a cost of Rs 1,00,000 to the Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai for having wasted the time of this court in various litigations from 1985 to 2023, for nearly 38 years. The cost shall be recovered from the officers of the department responsible for the failure, the bench said in its order. The contempt petition was filed for disobeying the 2019 order of the court but the division bench held that there is no contempt of court since the land owners could not get planning permission for the absence of a public pathway. The bench deplored that if persons who are discharging public functions remained negligent and recalcitrant like the officials of the postal department in the case at hand, even god cannot save this country.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 9:23 am

BJP-PMK join hands in Tamil Nadu ahead of Lok Sabha polls

BJPPMK join hands in Tamil Nadu ahead of Lok Sabha polls

India Today 19 Mar 2024 9:10 am

BJP clinches seat-sharing deal with PMK in TN

BJP clinches seat-sharing deal with PMK in TN The BJP on Tuesday clinched a seat-sharing deal with the Dr S Ramadoss-headed Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, allotting 10 seats to the regional party. BJP state president K Annamalai and PMK founder Ramadoss signed the pact at the Thailapuram residence of the latter here. The PMK is a Vanniyar community-dominated party and has significant influence in some of the northern districts of the state. As per the understanding, ''PMK will fight from 10 seats in Tamil Nadu in the NDA,'' Annamalai later told reporters in a joint press briefing with PMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss. Both leaders insisted that the PMK has been in the NDA for the past 10 years, fighting the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls as a constituent of the BJP-led bloc. Annamalai heaped praises on Ramadoss, saying he wanted to implement ''revolutionary'' ideas for the benefit of the society which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was doing presently. Union Minister L Murugan was present during the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties. Ramadoss could join the PM at a rally slated later in nearby Salem district on Tuesday.

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 9:06 am

BJP & PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss sign seat sharing agreement for Lok Sabha election

BJP & PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss sign seat sharing agreement for Lok Sabha election Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Anbumani Ramadoss signed a seat-sharing agreement in Thailapuram, Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. There is a hatred for the parties which ruled Tamil Nadu for the past 60 years. The people are eagerly awaiting a change in the State. To fulfil that wish of the people, the PMK has taken this decision to align with the NDA. said PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss The PMK has been in alliance with both Dravidian parties in the past and very recently, the PMK was in alliance with the AIADMK in the 2021 Assembly elections, he added. PMK contested 23 seats in the AIADMK alliance in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and won five seats by securing 4.04 per cent. During the 2019 general elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised INC, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats. In 2019, the DMK won 23 Lok Sabha seats with 33.2 per cent vote share, Congress bagged 8 seats with 12.9 per cent vote and CPI won 2 seats in Tamil Nadu. CPI(M) got a seat, IML won 1 seat and independents were elected on 2 seats. The PMK, a political party that mostly represents the Vanniyar minority in Tamil Nadu, was the second main alliance partner of the BJP in the Lok Sabha election 2019, which contested on seven alliance seats. With a vote percentage of 5.42 per cent, it was unable to secure even one seat in the polls. The PMK had a slight increase in vote share to 5.42 per cent over seven seats in 2014, up from 4.4 per cent for eight seats. Anbumani Ramadoss is currently a Rajya Sabha member having being elected unopposed in 2019. Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai and the PMK president will be meeting at PMK founder Ramadoss' house on Tuesday to decide on the contours of the seat-sharing agreement, party sources said. Following this, PMK leaders are expected to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting at Salem. The names of the PMK candidates will then be announced by PMK founder Ramadoss on Wednesday. PMK decided to ally with the BJP. Regarding constituencies and candidates, PMK founder Ramadoss will make an announcement the day after tomorrow, PMK General Secretary Vadivel Ravanan said. The BJP is without a major alliance partner in Tamil Nadu and PM Modi has already made five visits to Tamil Nadu this year ahead of the Lok Sabha election. The state will see voting on all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Phase 1 on April 19. The Election Commission on March 16 announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 9:04 am

24-hr battle ends, tusker sent into Aanai Maduvu forest

COIMBATORE: After nearly 24 hours of struggle, Coimbatore forest division personnel sent back a tusker inside the Aanai Maduvu forest at 6 am on Monday. It had come close to Perur locality on the outskirts of Combatore city. Sources said the tusker, aged between 13 and 15, travelled more than 25 km from Karadimadai, through Theethipalayam, Vedapatti, Perur, Siruvani main road into Aanai Maduvu forest. The animal entered Aanai Maduvu without damage to properties or harming humans en route. Madukkarai forest range officer R Arun Kumar had ensured water availability. The team led by Arun Kumar tried to divert the animal inside Madukkarai forest, but it went in the opposite direction on Siruvani road and reached Aanai Maduvu forest at 6am. It again moved near Maruthamalai on Monday evening. We have engaged more than 20 forest staff to prevent the elephant from getting close to human habitations and NGO members are helping us. Currently, we only plan to divert the animal as it is attracted by food like cattle feed and other vegetable crops. Moreover, age is another key factor as most male elephants behave like this, said source in the forest department.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:57 am

Tamilisai quits, to contest LS poll from TN for BJP

Tamilisai resigns as Telangana governor, Puducherry lieutenant governor. Likely to contest from South Chennai. Sent resignation to President Droupadi Murmu while PM Modi was at Raj Bhavan. BJP considers alliances in Tamil Nadu.

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 8:51 am

Police release picture of two men suspected of kidnapping infant in Thoothukudi

THOOTHUKUDI: After a four-month-old was abducted from her mother when they were sleeping on the roadside on March 9, the Thoothukudi police have released photos of two men, who are suspected to have kidnapped the child. According to sources, one Santhiya of Vellore was sleeping on a footpath beside the Anthoniyar Church on VE road when her infant was kidnapped. Based on CCTV footage, the police are searching for the infant, while Thoothukudii SP L Balaji Saravanan has deputed 10 special teams to search for the accused in Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts. After analysing the footage, the police have zeroed in on two suspects who offered prayers at the Sivan temple on Sivarathri. The men were also spotted at VE Road around 2.45 am, and it is suspected that one of them abducted the infant. According to a press release from the district police office, those with information about the suspects can call +91 94981 19010, +91 95141 44100, 0461-2340651 or 0461-2340700. The identity of the callers will be kept anonymous, and they will be rewarded, the release stated. CCTV footage Police zeroed in on the two who offered prayers at the temple on Sivarathri. The men were also spotted at VE Road around 2.45 am, and it is suspected that one of them abducted the infant

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:48 am

NCB brings Jaffer Sadiq to Chennai for investigation

CHENNAI: Jaffer Sadiq, the alleged mastermind of the Rs 2,000 crore international drug mafia, was brought to Chennai by NCB for inquiry. He has been kept in the custody of the NCB Chennai. An NCB source said, Sadiq was taken to certain places in Chennai and was questioned about the financial trail of the drug trade. We cannot disclose the places where he was taken to. He will be taken to Delhi on Monday night, he said. Sadiq was arrested from Delhi on March 10. His godown at Perungudi was raided on March 14, a day after his aide G Sadhanandhan was arrested in Chennai. A source said Sadhanandhan handled logistics for Sadiq and also managed the packing and distribution. Apart from the Perungudi godown, another godown in Tiruchy was also used by Sadhanandhan. Nearly 10 days before his arrest, the NCB officials conducted a search at Sadiqs house in Mylapore and sealed it. The officials had seized documents but did reveal details. Sadiq, who is also a film producer, was expelled from his post of deputy organiser of the DMK NRI wing of Chennai West district soon after reports emerged about his alleged links to the drug network.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:42 am

Keralas digital land resurvey sets model

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas digital land resurvey is drawing nationwide attention for its accuracy and low complaint rate. Officers teams from some south Indian states visited Kerala to study the innovative technologies used in the process. During their visit, teams from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had interactions with top officers of the Survey department. They also visited survey sites to get first hand experience. Andhra Pradesh government has requested the state to provide software solutions for digital survey and data management. Some other states are in talks for consultation and field visits. High accuracy is a highlight of our digital resurvey. Modern technologies help us to maintain accuracy within 0 to 5 cm. We have built an end-to-end digital land survey solution without any physical touch points. This is the first such solution in the country. Not surprisingly, the complaint rate is low. The rate of appeal land complaints (ALC) is just 0.39 pc, says Survey Director Seeram Sambasiva Rao. Initially, the ALC was about 13 pc and we brought it down through various strategies for community participation. People can view the draft survey map and records during the survey, he added. The digital resurvey will cover the states 1,550 villages in phases. 400 villages were selected in the first two phases. So far, 2.75 lakh hectares (21,72,804 land parcels) have been surveyed. Draft maps were notified for 90 villages and over 90 pc of works are complete in another 25 villages. The notification gives one-month time for the land owners to raise complaints. Next step is to notify the final map under Section 13 of the Kerala Survey and Boundaries Act. Through the digital resurvey, the government aims to create an Integrated Land Information and Management System (ILIMS). Its public interface would be the Ente Bhoomi single-window portal providing all land-related services from the government, a pioneering initiative in the country. They include services from the Revenue, Registration and Survey departments. Under this, a common deed format, including pre-mutation sketch, will be introduced for property registrations. Revenue and survey departments will get real-time information on ownership change from the Registration department. The online services include mutation, tax payment and various certificates. The trial run of the ILIMS developed by the National Informatics Centre is progressing. A three-tier monitoring system at the state, district and village levels is in place for the digital survey. The state-level monitoring team gets information from a daily progress dashboard where live details of the survey, including number of personnel at work, their exact location and even battery level of the equipment are available Personnel 773 government surveyors 1,378 contract surveyors 2,012 contract helpers Progress Draft maps ready for 90 villages 2.75 lakh hectares (21,72,804 land parcels) covered Purely ground-based survey Kerala has adopted a purely ground-based survey. Drones are not used for actual surveys since their accuracy level is 10-15 cm as against the goal of 0-5 cm. Still, wherever a drone is flown, the images are used to create a base imagery

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:34 am

IMD has rainfall warning for these states

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in some places in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand over the next few days. The IMD said that a cyclonic system is located over the western part of Vidarbha, while a trough or disturbance in the wind pattern extends from southern Tamil Nadu to western Vidarbha. Another trough runs from Jharkhand to the northern coast of Andhra Pradesh in the lower layers of the atmosphere. Meanwhile, an anti-cyclonic circulation is situated over the West Central region and the adjacent Northwest Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha in the lower troposphere.Due to these weather conditions, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall is highly probable over Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha from the 19th to the 21st of March. Isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are likely during this period, with the possibility of hailstorms and squalls with speeds reaching 50-60 kmph on the 19th of March, 2024, IMD said. Telangana is expected to experience scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms and lightning from the 19th to the 20th of March, with the possibility of hailstorms on the 18th and 19th. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are also likely to experience similar weather conditions from the 19th to the 21st of March, 2024. Isolated heavy rainfall is also anticipated over these areas on the 20th of March, 2024.Similar weather patterns are anticipated over Jharkhand, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and East Madhya Pradesh till 20th of March, with Bihar experiencing these conditions from the 18th to the 21st of March, 2024. Isolated hailstorms are also expected over Vidarbha, East Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh on the 18th and 19th, and over Jharkhand on the 19th of March, 2024. Thundersqualls with speeds reaching 50-60 kmph are likely over East Madhya Pradesh on the 18th and 19th of March.Weather Forecast for TelanganaExpect light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, with winds reaching 50-60 kmph at some places on the 18th and 19th of March, according to IMD. On the 20th of March, anticipate gusty winds at a few spots, with speeds reaching up to 40-50 kmph. There's a possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places on the 20th of March, along with hailstorms at some locations on the 18th and 19th of March.Weather Forecast for Andhra PradeshSimilar to Telangana, there will be light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places on the 18th and 19th of March. Gusty winds are expected at a few spots on the 20th of March, with speeds reaching up to 40-50 kmph. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on the 20th of March, IMD said. Weather Forecast for OdishaAnticipate light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places, along with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph. On the 20th of March, expect gusty winds at many locations with speeds up to 40-50 kmph, according to IMD. There's a chance of light to moderate rainfall at isolated places on the 21st and 22nd of March. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on the 19th and 20th of March.

The Economic Times 19 Mar 2024 8:33 am

Madras HC upholds dismissal of judge for aiding Kanchi seer in murder case

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has refused to interfere with the dismissal of a district judge on charges of being involved in delinquent activities to influence the trial regarding the 2004 murder of Kancheepuram Varadarajaperumal temple manager Sankararaman, in which, the late seer Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi had been an accused. A division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar passed the orders dismissing the petition filed by the additional district judge, A Rajasekaran, who was removed from service. Rajasekaran, serving as an additional district judge, was part of the group of persons, including Jayendra Saraswathi; T Ramasamy, the sessions judge of Puducherry, where the trial was conducted; B Gowri Kamatchi, chief executive officer of a medical college in Thiruvananthapuram; and N Ramesh, section officer of the Madurai Bench of Madras high Court, who were taped while talking on a phone call about influencing the trial in the case by making cash payments. Following complaints from advocates S Doraisamy and P Sundararajan, submitted along with audio tapes of the conversation in 2011, the High Court administration took cognisance and initiated inquiries and disciplinary proceedings. Action against Sessions Judge Ramasamy was dropped after a probe concluded his voice did not match the one from the audio tape. Rajasekaran was suspended from service on 2013 and was not allowed to retire on superannuation the same year. Later, he was punished with removal from service. Challenging the order, he had approached the HC. The division bench, in its order, said, This court does not find any infirmity with respect to the procedures followed in the departmental disciplinary proceedings. It pointed out the decision to remove Rajasekaran from service was taken by the HCs administrative committee, duly approved by the Full Court, by considering his explanations. Finally, regarding the quantum of punishment, we are of the opinion that judicial officers are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and in the present case, the charges against the petitioner, were held proved. They are grave in nature, touching upon the integrity and honesty of the judicial officer. Therefore, the punishment of removal from service cannot be construed as disproportionate to the gravity of the proved charges. Thus, we are not inclined to interfere with the quantum of punishment, the bench said. The bench also noted that the preponderance of probabilities is established beyond any pale of doubt in the case. Judicial officers must maintain high integrity On the quantum of punishment, we are of the opinion that judicial officers are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and in this case, the charges against the petitioner, were held proved. Therefore, the punishment of removal from service cannot be construed as disproportionate to the gravity of the proved charges. Thus, we are not inclined to interfere with the quantum of punishment, the bench said.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:26 am

Tamil Nadu: PMK To Contest 10 Seats In Tamil Nadu For The Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | News18

Breaking News: PMK to contest 10 seats in Tamil Nadu: BJP and PMK finalize seat sharing deal

News18 19 Mar 2024 8:22 am

Kovai comes to standstill as PM Modi holds roadshow amid 5-tier security

COIMBATORE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Coimbatore city on Monday amid heavy security after an intelligence alert about a security threat and reports of a hoax bomb threat that surfaced just hours before he visited the city. At the end of the rally, he paid homage to the victims of the 1998 serial bomb blast, at RS Puram. A five-tier security cover was given across his travel route in the city, with personnel from the Special Protection Group (SPG), Central IndustriaI Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Coimbatore City Police, and various other units actively involved in conducting thorough investigations. It was the PMs first political engagement in the state after the announcement of the seven-phase schedule of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday. The roadshow started from Saibaba Kovil junction and ended at DB Road-TV Samy Road junction at RS Puram after passing through North Coimbatore, Sindhamani junction, Crosscut junction and East TV Samy Road between 5.45 pm and 6.45 pm. The roadshow organiser, Coimbatore district unit of the BJP, claimed that the event was held so that the PM can meet the people and sensitise them regarding the various welfare measures and schemes provided by the office of the Prime Minister. Also police claimed that it was the first roadshow programme in Coimbatore in which the PM participated. No such program has been allowed so far here. Initially, the Coimbatore city police denied permission for the event citing security threats. But the Madras High Court on Friday ordered the police to allow the roadshow after the party approached it. Following the courts order, the distance of the event was reduced from 4 km to 2.6 km after a joint security assessment by the SPG officials and the city police. The areas adjacent to the roadshow were brought under complete security surveillance and vehicle checks in other parts of the city were also intensified. The shops on the route were shut down after 1 pm. At the venue, RS Puram police asked people to keep their mobile phone in their pant pockets or in handbags, and asked them to avoid holding phones and water bottles in hand. On February 27, during the public meeting held at Palladam in Tirupur district, a cadre mistakenly threw his mobile phone at PMs vehicle while showering flowers on him. A few hours before the event, a private matriculation school at Ramanathapuram in the city received a bomb threat email from an unknown person on Monday morning. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad checked thoroughly and declared that it was a hoax threat. Around 5,000 police personnel from Coimbatore and other districts and 100 SPG officials designated for the prime ministers security took the entire route under their control. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Coimbatore Airport by 5.30 pm on a special flight and reached the venue at Saibaba Kovil by 5.50 pm. The roadshow started at 6.10 pm and he reached RS Puram at 7.15 pm where he spent around five minutes and paid homage to the victims of the 1998 bomb blast. He left the venue at 7.20 pm and moved to Circuit House at Red Fields at night. On Tuesday morning, the PM is scheduled to fly to Kerala by chopper and after attending a program at Palakkad, Modi will reach Salem by helicopter, where he will be addressing a public meeting. 5,000 cops, 100 SPG officials put on duty Around 5,000 police personnel from Coimbatore and other districts and 100 SPG officials designated for the prime ministers security took the entire route under their control.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:21 am

With three ministers in Erode field, DMK aims to wipe out bitter 2014 memories

ERODE: Emboldened by the presence of three ministers in the district, the DMK is setting out to wipe away the bitter memories of defeat in this relatively new Lok Sabha constituency. The year 2014 was the worst for the DMK as the party was relegated to third place. Having allotted the seat to allies in the past, the DMK will be fielding its own candidate in the constituency this time. Erode Lok Sabha constituency was created in 2009 after the delimitation process. Three LS elections have been held here - 2009, 2014, and 2019. In 2009, MDMK candidate A Ganesamurthy, who contested as part of the AIADMK alliance, defeated Congress candidate EVKS Elangovan, who contested in the DMK alliance. In 2014, AIADMK fielded S Selvakumara Chinnayan who defeated MDMK candidate A Ganesamurthy, who contested under the BJP-led NDA. DMKs H Pavithravalli was pushed to third place. In 2019, Ganesamurthy, who contested on DMKs Rising Sun symbol defeated AIADMKs G Manimaran. Even as seat sharing discussions were under way, there was speculation that MDMK would be allotted the Erode seat by the DMK and Ganesamurthy may be fielded again. However, MDMK was allotted Tiruchy seat , and DMK has decided to field its candidate in Erode. The DMK candidate will have the support of Ministers S Muthusamy, M P Saminathan, and N Kayalvizhi. A DMK functionary said, In line with the wishes of party functionaries and cadres, the high command has decided to field a candidate in Erode, which has made the party cadres happy. The victory of our candidate has already been confirmed. He added, No matter who is fielded here, DMKs victory will not be affected because the DMK alliance has won four (Erode East, Erode West, Kangayam, and Dharapuram) out of the six assembly constituencies, which come under the Erode Lok Sabha constituency, during the 2021 State assembly election. Among the four assembly segments, we have MLAs from three constituencies, except Erode East, serving as ministers. This is our greatest strength. We are confident that Ministers S Muthusamy, M P Saminathan, N Kayalvizhi will make DMK win in Erode this election. The two other assembly segments in Erode Lok Sabha, Kumarapalayam were captured by AIADMK and Modakurichi by BJP respectively. According to DMK sources, local strongman and Minister for Housing and Urban Development S Muthusamy had suggested three names to the party high command. Names of DMKs youth wing deputy secretary K E Prakash, Erode South youth wing organiser J Thiruvasakam, partys weavers wing secretary S L T P Sachidanandam are doing the rounds as probable candidates for Erode.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:18 am

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai Holds Seat Sharing Meet With PMK Supremo | English News | News18

Breaking News: Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai holds seat sharing meet with PMK supremo ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

News18 19 Mar 2024 8:17 am

Coimbatore: Sasthri Ground to be converted into hockey stadium, cricketers upset

COIMBATORE : Local cricket enthusiasts are upset over the move to turn the Sasthri Ground at RS Puram in Coimbatore city into a hockey stadium as per the civic budget proposals. For over the past 50 years the 7.02-acre open playground was used by children and youths from across Coimbatore district for sports and games. Sasthri Ground, popularly known as the old burial ground, is in Ward 72 of the West Zone of the city. Being the only available open space in the city centre, youngsters are often seen playing cricket, football, volleyball, shuttle badminton and frisbee among others though cricketers outnumber others. In the 2024-25 budget, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) announced that Sasthri Ground will be turned into an open hockey stadium by setting up artificial grass turf (ASTRO turf), spectators gallery, toilets and other facilities at a cost of about Rs 11.5 crore. It has sent a proposal to the government for funds. The civic body had already planned to set up a turf and turn the RS Puram Boys High School playground into a hockey ground by sending a proposal to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). Most works in this regard were over. And now, the civic bodys latest announcement has sent shockwaves across cricket players in the city. M Soundararajan, Secretary of Coimbatore District Cricket Association told TNIE, Individuals, especially cricket enthusiasts have been playing on this ground for over the past 40 to 50 years. There was also the RS Puram Cricket Club which used to play their matches here. Not just them, but many clubs and players have been playing on this ground for several years. The ground has been the home to several budding players across Coimbatore district. P Mukunth, PR Ramakrishnan and R Mohan among others are some of the notable players who used to play in this ground and went on to represent the Tamil Nadu state team in the Ranji Trophy tournament. We shall definitely not give up the ground for the hockey stadium. Our associations Executive Committee meeting will discuss this matter and then take it up with the Tamil Nadu Government and Sports department in order to stop the project, he added. S Harish, a cricket lover from Gandhi Park, strongly opposed the move. He criticised the civic body for not considering public opinion before announcing such projects. These officials sitting inside AC rooms decide everything on their own with no concern about the people. Cricket has been played on this ground not just for 2-3 years but for over four decades. Without knowing the history of such a place, the civic bodys decision to turn it into a hockey ground is highly condemnable. This is the only free ground for thousands of cricket enthusiasts in Coimbatore. Not everyone can afford to pay and play on turf grounds. The officials can select some other place for the hockey ground instead of the burial ground. Not just young children, but many youths and adults have also been playing on this ground during the weekends and holidays, he added. When enquired about it, CCMC Parks, Playground and Schools Committee Chairperson N Malathi, told TNIE, There will be opposition for every project. Even a few workers who are staying in temporary shelters inside the Sasthri ground will also lose their homes. But we cant stop our work for that. With the wishes and efforts of our sports minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, a world-class hockey ground will be set up despite the opposition. Despite multiple attempts, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran refused to respond to TNIEs calls for a comment on the matter.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:12 am

TN to set up coaching centres to aid pupils in clearing central govt exams

CHENNAI: In a move to encourage more state students to take up and clear central-level examinations, including banking, railways and also those by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Tamil Nadu Skill Developement Corporation (TNSDC) will soon open residential coaching centres in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. The coaching centre in Chennai will accommodate 400 students, while those in Madurai and Coimbatore will coach batches of 300 students each. The centres are set to start operating in three months, will have at least four classrooms, one auditorium, library room, study hall with computers and also separate hostels for men and women. The coaching itself will be split across classroom sessions, doubt-clearing sessions, self-studying and tests. It will cover modules/subjects, depending on the respective exam standards, for a duration of six months. Students usually tend to focus solely on TNPSC examinations and overlook other opportunities due to various prevalent misconceptions. While rigorous preparation is crucial for any competitive examination, Tamil Nadus youngsters are missing out on employment opportunities in these other sectors, and the fact is also backed by statistics. We hope these coaching centres will encourage them to pursue these options, said a TNSDC official. The project is being executed under the competitive exam vertical of the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme that aims to assist Tamil Nadu youngsters succeed in examinations conducted by central recruitment agencies by providing free training and support, thereby increasing the states representation in central services. Candidates for the coaching centres will be chosen through a screening test conducted by TNSDC.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:08 am

Coimbatore: BJP cadre upbeat, vendors upset over loss of business

COIMBATORE: Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the city for a road show on Monday enthused the BJP cadre. But scores of traders, vendors and hawkers who make a living in Anna daily market on the Mettupalayam Road and East TV Samy Road in RS Puram were distraught after losing their days earnings as all shops in the route in which the PMs motor cade passed were shut for security reasons. Sources said business worth `10 crore was affected as a result of the closure of the shops. More than 500 shops. including vegetable markets and hotels, situated on Mettupalayam Road and East TV Samy Road in RS Puram remained closed since Monday morning. They were also allegedly warned against opening. They should have conducted the road show on Sunday when almost all the shops remain closed, It would have spared us the hardship. Daily wage labourers were the most affected, said Rakesh Kumar, a hardware store proprietor on the Mettupalayam Road. Coimbatore Anna market all traders association treasurer K Abdul Samathu told TNIE, Police on Sunday instructed us to keep the shops closed. So, all 476 shops were closed. Even farmers were affected as the majority of the vendors trade in perishable goods. On Sunday, we had to close the shops by afternoon. We threw away the veggies and other perishable goods. Over Rs 2 crore worth of daily trade has been affected in the Anna Market due to the closure of shops. A tea stall owner on East TV Samy Road, seeking anonymity, said Monday is one of the profitable days for him and the forced closure of the shop deprived him of revenue. Apart from him, motorists were irked over the changes in the traffic at several places across the city due to the road show. To reach Town Hall or Ukkadam from Kavundampalayam, we were asked to take a left turn from the Mettupalayam Road to Sanganur Road, reach Gandhipuram via Ganapathy and then reach our desired destinations. This is absolutely ridiculous. Just like a Vijay-Vivek movie, everywhere we went, it was only Take Diversion on Monday, thanks to Modis roadshow, said, G Saranya, a motorist.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:06 am

Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to hold wild animal census

KOCHI: Spurred by the spike in human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala, the state forest and wildlife department, along with the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments, will undertake a simultaneous survey of wild animals to find out the increase in their numbers. While announcing on Monday, Forest Minister A K Saseendran said the current number of wild animals in Kerala are estimated based on the census done in 2018. The last time the survey was done was five years ago. To find out the rise in the number of wild animals and their current status, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have jointly decided to undertake a new census at the same time, Saseendran told reporters in Ernakulam. He said the government has also come up with initiatives to ensure availability of water in forests to prevent wild animals from straying into human habitats. The move aims to avoid human-wildlife conflicts, which have claimed several human lives this year alone. Blaming climate change for the incursion of wild animals into human settlements, Saseendran said, Availability of water will be ensured in forests to prevent wild animals from entering human settlements. A pilot project in Thiruvananthapuram proved the issue could be resolved by spending Rs 5 lakh, and we have decided to go ahead with its implementation. I have directed the officials to identify and submit a report on natural springs and swamps inside the forest within a week and find places where water can be easily supplied, Saseendran said. Around 240 such water bodies have been identified in Wayanad forest division alone. The project will be implemented with the cooperation of local bodies and hotel owners, and using corporate social responsibility funds.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:06 am