Stalin Steps Up Attack On Centre, Announces High-Level Panel On Tamil Nadu's Autonomy
The high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph will examine in detail the relationship between the Union and state governments to ensure state autonomy
Telangana on path to make one crore women crorepatis: Deputy CM Vikramarka
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Theatre meets science in Nilanjan Choudhurys The Trial of Abdus Salam
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Motorola Edge 60 Stylus launched in India: Price, features, availability
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Strike by truckers impacts supply of vegetables in Mangaluru
Some of the traders got their supply through KSRTC and private buses, according to a vegetable vendor
MK Stalin Forms Panel For Tamil Nadu's Autonomy Amid Run-Ins With Governor
MK Stalin forms committee to recommend measures for Tamil Nadu's autonomy amid run-ins with Governor
Two-year-old defeats rare cancer after complex surgery
Three children drown in Cuddalore district
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan blames the deaths on Forest departments lack of zeal in forecasting and mitigating human-wildlife conflict situations
BJP, AIADMK To Jointly Decide Seat-Sharing Formula For TTV And OPS: Tamil Nadu BJP Chief
Tamil Nadu BJP chief said the question of allotting seats to allies for the 2026 Assembly polls would be addressed together by the leadership of the AIADMK and his party
Chinese official says U.S. tariff aims to 'take away Hong Kong's life'
Pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China, said Xia Baolong, one of Chinas top officials overseeing Hong Kong affairs
Samsung pauses One UI 7 rollout worldwide due to bug: Report
While Samsung confirmed the delay, they have not clarified the reason for the pause in rolling out One UI 7
Chinas transformation from courting Trump to never yield tariff defiance
Optimistic Chinese observers even held out hope for a grand bargain with Donald Trump over trade, TikTok and perhaps even Taiwan.
Dhoni becomes first keeper to complete 200 dismissals in IPL history
In his 271st IPL appearance, Dhoni made his 200th and 201st dismissal with a stumping and a catch
Harry Potter HBO series confirms cast for Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Hagrid and more
While the core trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione has yet to be cast, HBOs open call reportedly drew over 30,000 auditions
Chanakya University to host Chanakya Samvad on global geo-politics
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Cord Jakobeit, Dean and Professor of Political Science at the University of Hamburg, Germany, who will present a European perspective on the shifting global order
The Congress claimed that the BJP government has bulldozed forests in the name of development. Over 3 lakh hectares of forests cleared since 2014, and 99% of forest clearance applications approved without rejections
Also starring Emma Stone and Austin Butler, Eddington is described as genre-bending modern Western packed with surrealist undertones
Mehul Choksi owes around 63 lakh maintenance due for Mumbai flat
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Sensex, Nifty surge on global markets rally after Trump's exemption for tariffs on electronics
BSE Sensex jumped 1,750.37 points in early trade. NSE Nifty surged 539.8 points
South Korea unveils $23 billion support package for chips amid U.S. tariff uncertainty
Seoul will also ramp up a financial assistance programme for the chips industry to 20 trillion won, versus the previous 17 trillion won, according to the joint statement from various ministries including the trade ministry
61-day fishing ban begins in TN; fishermen urge vigilance against illegal trawling
Chennai: The 61-day annual fishing ban along Tamil Nadus coast began in the early hours of Tuesday and will continue until June 14. The ban, implemented under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, is aimed at protecting marine biodiversity during the peak breeding season. During this period, mechanised boats and trawlers are prohibited Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Question of accommodating TTV, OPS will be jointly addressed by BJP, AIADMK: Nainar Nagenthran
Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran stated that seat allocation for allies like AMMK's TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam (OPS) for the 2026 Assembly polls will be jointly decided by the AIADMK and BJP leadership.
Accommodating TTV, OPS will be jointly addressed by BJP, AIADMK: Nainar Nagenthran
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran has said the question of allotting seats to allies Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam led by TTV Dhinakaran and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) for the 2026 Assembly polls, would be addressed together by the leadership of the AIADMK and his party. Asked if the BJP would come forward to allot seats to AMMK led by Dhinakaran (TTV) and Panneerselvam, out of the seats to be allotted by the AIADMK to his party, Nagenthran told PTI : Only now, the alliance (with AIADMK) has been formed. Seat sharing will be decided by our Parliamentary Board, our high command. The AIADMK may also set up a panel in this regard and our Parliamentary Board will deliberate. BJP-AIADMK alliance: Will lotus bloom on two leaves in Tamil Nadu? When it was pointed out that his predecessor K Annamalai had, some time before the AIADMK rejoined the NDA, declared that allies like Dhinakaran who had firmly stood behind the party could not be let down, Nagenthran said: Sure, what he had said was true. Already, those who were part of the NDA will continue to be part of the alliance. Asked if the BJP will accommodate such allies by sharing seats from its kitty with them, Nagenthran, referring to Annamalai's remark said that such allies were with the BJP, and our NDA (referring to BJP brass) leadership and the AIADMK leadership together will decide, the matter. Both Dhinakaran and Panneerselvam (OPS) had been in the past, on different occasions, expelled from the AIADMK and the party's General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has repeatedly asserted that the two leaders, besides VK Sasikala, would not be re-inducted. BJP deal continues to rattle AIADMK
Thoothukudi division of highways dept bifurcated, Kovilpatti is new HQ
THOOTHUKUDI: TheThoothukudi division of the state highways department was bifurcated to form a new division headquartered at Kovilpatti. MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi inaugurated the new office at the highways travellers bungalow campus in Kovilpatti on Friday. Thoothukudi district consisted of 2,216.87 km long roads, including 348.95 km long state highways, 327.58 km of important roads, and 1,540.34 km of other roads. Owing to administrative reasons, the division was bifurcated, and the Kovilpatti division was formed. An announcement in this regard was given by the PWD, Highways and Minor Ports Minister Ev Velu in the state legislative assembly recently. According to a government order (GO) issued by the Highways Department, the Kovilpatti division will consist of 1,091.94 km long roads, including 228.88 state highways, 89.84 km of district important roads, and 773.23 km of other roads. Under the Kovilpatti division, the sub-divisions of Kovilpatti, Vilathikulam, Ottapidaram, and the newly formed Ettayapuram sub-divisions will function. The new Divisional Engineer Jegan Mohan took over the charge.
Denied admission, man issues hoax bomb threat to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital
TIRUNELVELI: A 42-year-old man was arrested by the Tirunelveli City police for issuing a hoax bomb threat to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH), on Monday. The man allegedly made the threat after being denied admission at the hospital because the attender was absent. The suspect is identified as Muthu Perumal, a resident of Kunchanvilai, Uvari, and a construction worker. According to sources, an anonymous caller informed the police control room that a bomb had been planted at the hospital and claimed that the entire facility would blow up. The information was immediately sent to Santhosh Hadimani, Tirunelveli Commissioner of police and a search operation was launched by the police along with the bomb disposal squad. However, no suspicious object was found and it was confirmed that the bomb threat was a hoax. Perumal was traced and arrested by the police on Monday. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the call and he always picks up quarrels with his wife and in-laws when he is under the influence of alcohol. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had visited the hospital for some treatment purpose and he was allegedly turned away by the hospital staff. Angered by this, he reported made a hoax bomb call, added the sources.
Womans body with gunshot injuries found in Delhis Shahdara
A police team from GTB Enclave station rushed to the spot and found the woman's body. Upon examination, two bullet wounds were found on her body
Man held for killing neighbour over argument in Tamil Nadu's Sulur
COIMBATORE: A 34-year-old man bludgeoned his neighbour to death, following a heated altercation on Sunday night at Sulur in the city. The accused, Manikandan, a native of Tenkasi, had been living separately from his wife. He had left his two young children under his parents' care at Gandhi Nagar in Pappampatti near Sulur. He regularly visited them during weekends and holidays. Police said Manikandan had arrived in Pappampatti a few days ago to spend time with his children. His neighbour, Sikandar (47), a native of Madurai, was also working as a construction labourer in the area and lived alone in a rented house nearby. On Sunday night, an argument erupted between the two men after Sikandar, allegedly inebriated, objected to Manikandan stacking firewood outside his house. The confrontation intensified when Sikandar allegedly hurled verbal abuses at Manikandan's children, further provoking him. In the ensuing altercation, Manikandan is said to have retrieved a cricket bat from his house and attacked Sikandar multiple times. The victim sustained severe injuries to the face and head. Police believe Manikandan then dragged the wounded man and left him on the Pappampatti-Selakarachal roadside, where Sikandar succumbed to his injuries. After being alerted by nearby residents, Sulur police recovered the body and sent it to Singanallur ESI Hospital for post-mortem. A case of murder has been registered. After a search through the night, police apprehended Manikandan who was found hiding in the vicinity. He is currently in custody and being interrogated.
Ensure male passengers don't occupy women's seat, TNSTC conductors ordered
COIMBATORE: Conductors in the Ooty region of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) have been advised not to allow male passengers to occupy seats designated for female passengers on buses. The TNSTC authorities issued this instruction to conductors after a pregnant woman raised a complaint. Recently, in a letter, the General Manager of the TNSTC Ooty region stated that seats in the corporation buses are allocated separately for male, females and differently-abled persons. Conductors are instructed to ensure passengers sit in their allocated seats on buses. In case passengers refuse to sit in their allocated seats on the buses, conductors shall approach the nearest police station or police checkpost to resolve the issue, the letter states. The directive was in response to a scuffle between a pregnant woman and a man on a bus on the Kotagiri-Mettupalayamroute last month, said sources.The man allegedly refused to vacate the ladies' seat when she asked and tried to push her out from the seat. The woman in her complaint to the TNSTC General Manager urged to ensure that female passengers get their seats on buses in the Nilgiris district, sources added. When asked about it, a top officer from the TNSTC Ooty region confirmed the directive and also told TNIE that Checking Inspectors have been asked to make surprise inspections to see whether male passengers are sitting in seats reserved for female passengers or not. A memo will be issued to conductors seeking an explanation if male passengers are found on seats reserved for female passengers during inspection, he added.
Water pump motor prices to be hiked by 5% soon
COIMBATORE: Industrialists manufacturing water pump motors pointed out that the cost of a motor would go up by 5% in the market soon, due to a rise in input costs. They said that unit operators in water pump motor manufacturing in the district are at a financial disadvantage in comparison to manufacturers in other states, especially Gujarat, as their product prices are lower than those produced in Coimbatore. S Sabarikumar, a unit operator in Arasur said, Motor pumps are manufactured at various horsepower (hp) parameters. Starting from 0.5 hp, this goes up to 30 hp. Normally, 3 hp to 5 hp motor pumps are used for agricultural purposes, while for domestic use, pump motors ranging from 0.5 hp to 3 hp are used. We source raw material such as copper, stainless steel and casting iron from various north Indian states. For instance, copper price has increased to Rs 1,005 from Rs 910 per kg in a six-month period. Similarly, casting iron's price rose to Rs 120 from Rs 110 and stainless steel rose from Rs 130 to Rs 150 per kg. Additionally, due to an increase in operational costs which includes electricity, wages and transportation, the price hike will be unavoidable for us. Compared to our production cost, the product cost for a pump motor is lower in north Indian states by 5-10%. That said, our quality standards are higher, but Gujarat stands to get a leverage due to the hike, he added. KV Karthik, president of Indian Pump Manufacturers Association said, The pump motor industry has market of Rs 22,000 crore per year across the country. Coimbatore produces 50-55% pump motors each year. Back in 2000, Coimbatore had a market share up to 70%. However, due to a rise in price of of raw material and input cost, production volume has come down in the last two decades. The last price hike was in 2023 by 5- 7%, therefore, the present hike is unavoidable. Currently, a 1 hp pump motor is sold for around Rs 7,000, a 3 hp motor for Rs 16,000 and Rs 20,000 for a 5hp motor.
Tamil Nadu and Dixon Technologies Partner to Launch HP Laptop Manufacturing Facility - Machine Maker
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Construction of EB sub-station at Coimbatore's Semmozhi Poonga yet to take-off
COIMBATORE: A long pending demand of setting up a separate sub-station to share distribution load in the core Coimbatore city was expected to be executed at the under-construction 'Semmozhi Poonga'. However, works have not take off for the last three months citing a delay in possession permission for the land from the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC). The CCMC has given 'enter upon permission' for the land to build the sub-station but is delaying in offering possession permission. Hence, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) cannot officially take over the land for development works, said sources from TNPDCL. TNPDCL sources said the demand was considered during the announcement of the Semmozhi Poonga and around 50 cents of land near the prison entrance was allocated. It was planned to share the distribution load from the receiving station at Tatabad. This sub-station is planned to be constructed at an outlay of around Rs 19 crore and it would have 210 power transformers to manage overload issues. Stressing the delay, TNPDCL wrote a letter to the corporation commissioner, said sources. It is to be noted that TNPDCL has proposed three additional sub-stations for the Coimbatore metro circle at Pallapalayam (110/11 kV), Semmozhi Poonga (110/11 kV), and a 33/11 kV substation on the Kalapatti-Kurumbapalayam Road. Of these, department approval was issued to the Pallapalayam station and it is at the fund allocation stage. TNPDCL officials said the construction of the sub-station was initiated three months ago, and a pooja was also conducted. Later, citing delay in obtaining possession permission, work was halted. To manage the growing electricity demand of the core city of Coimbatore, especially the surrounding areas of Gandhipuram, TNPDCL planned an additional sub-station, which has been a demand for over a decade. CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, There is no need for ownership change and possession permission for such special projects. They can start their work as we already gave 'enter upon permission'. We had demanded and brought the plan of the sub-station into the Semmozhi Poonga project considering future needs, then why would we halt the work, he asked.
Tamil Nadu forest department constructs retiring rooms for women staff on field
COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu forest department has constructed retiring rooms exclusively for women staff deployed for fieldwork inside reserve forests. The retiring rooms will be put into use once the finishing touches are given to the facility. Forest sources said 11 retiring rooms have been constructed at a cost of Rs 62 lakh for the welfare of the women staff in the division. A few have been constructed at Pattisalai near Gopanari in Periyanacikenpalayam forest range, near Sembukkarai tribal settlement in Coimbatore forest range, and near the Mulli Checkpost at Karamadai forest range. A senior official of the division said we have allotted five to six lakh rupees for each retiring room attached with toilets. Their construction was necessary as the appointment of women personnel increased in the last couple of years Women are appointed as forest guards, forest watchers and forest rangers. They attend to animal deaths, detecting poaching cases among other duties. Toilets were constructed already for the male staff, and the new retiring room will benefit the women staff. As per the norms, the division has ensured 30 percent of the jobs for the women in the 15 ranges, including territorial forest ranges, as against the total strength of 200 staff in the division, the official said. Another forest official said that a retiring room in Pattisalai of Gopanari Reserve Forest is located more than 35 kilometers from the Periyanacikenpalayam Forest Office, and it will take close to one-and-a-half hours to reach the spot. The women staff will be assigned field visits to the surroundings of Pattisalai in case of the death of wild animals and to interact with the tribal people as part of the efforts to mitigate human-animal conflict. In such situations, the retiring rooms will be helpful to the women staff when they have to attend to nature's call. They can even take rest as the retiring room is equipped with a bed and power connection. The forest department staff need to spend much time outdoors. For instance the postmortem procedure for a wild elephant takes a whole day. We have also constructed a similar retiring room facility for the women staff in the forest range office campus, the official added.
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Overgrown trees in Sholavandan reserve forest snap power lines, cause frequent outages
MADURAI: For the last several months, people living in Alanganallur and Vadipatti taluks have been facing frequent outages, as power lines are damaged by overgrown trees near Sholavandan reserve forest. Former president of Chitravellapati panchayat G Selvarani told TNIE , Our village is surrounded by trees and farmlands. We have been troubled by power outages for several years. The power lines, which pass through trees and vegetation along the Sholavandan reserve, snap whenever a branch falls on them. It takes four to six hours to fix the line, she said, alleging Tangedco has yet to take action on their complaints regarding the issue. Selvarani said, Not just our village, several villages such as Valapatti, A Kovilpatti, Theththur, and Vikkiramangalam are affected. We dont know how to resolve it. Whenever it rains, we are afraid of power cuts, said Valayapatti panchayat former president I Gayathri. If it rains in the evening, we remain in the dark for the entire night. We found out only later that the power lines passing through the reserve forest caused the problem. Some of these bushes are eight to 10 feet high, she said. After we lodged a complaint, Tangedco staff cleared the vegetation near the high-tension lines, but left those near the low-tension untouched, she added. A senior official from Tangedco (Madurai) said, We are aware of the issue. Even small overgrown branches cause outages in all sections. The power lines are passing through trees that are part of the Sholavandan forest reserve. As the lines, for around four to five kilometres, pass through or near these trees, we have sought permission from the forest department to trim the branches. An assistant executive engineer also visited the spot, and the department will resolve the issue soon.
Gale and rain uproot electric poles, disrupt power supply in tamil Nadu's Melur
MADURAI: Strong winds and rain on Saturday night caused massive power disruptions in many villages in Melur taluk. The Saruguvalayapatti, Arittapatti, Aiyappapatti, Oththapatti, Pappapatti, Therukkutheru, and Narasingampatti villages were without power for more than 12 hours. Arun Devi, former president of Saruguvalayapatti Panchayat, said, There are more than 7,000 families in our panchayat. Due to the sudden rain and winds, several trees were uprooted, damaging around 10 electric poles in villages such as Aiyappa Patti, Ariyappatti, Oththapatti, and Pappapatti. As a result, there was a power cut from Saturday night. This lasted for more than eight hours in our villages. However, it was restored by Sunday evening. S Vasuki, former president of Therukkutheru panchayat, said, Strong winds uprooted many trees, damaging more than five electric poles in our panchayat. The power cut lasted for more than six hours. However, it was restored on Sunday morning. Not just our village, but other villages like Sengur, Muthuramalingampatti, Vinayagapuram, Muniyampatti, and Nagalingampuram were also affected. A top official from Tangedco (Madurai) said, Due to the strong winds, several trees were uprooted and around 12 electric poles were completely damaged. Tree clearances were carried out in 10 spots. Though we were able to restore power to all villages by Sunday afternoon, we had to switch to alternate supplies. Saruguvalayapatti panchayat was affected the most, and 10 electric poles under low tension (LT) services were severely damaged.
Meta news ban intensifying Canadians' legacy media break
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No Kavach in Madurai division trains
MADURAI: The Kavach (anti-collision system for trains) has not been installed on trains in the Madurai division, Indian Railways stated in a reply to a query filed by TNIE under the RTI Act. In the quest for safer and more efficient train journeys, Indian Railways had unveiled Kavach, a state-of-the-art Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to provide an unyielding layer of protection, ensuring the highest safety standards for train operations. The ATP is a train safety system designed to ensure that a trains speed remains within the limits set by the signalling system. It continuously monitors the trains speed and automatically enforces compliance with permitted speed restrictions. If the train exceeds the allowed speed or fails to respond to specific signal aspects, ATP promptly activates the emergency brakes to bring the train to a stop. The Southern Railway in 2024 had stated that the Kavach system would be installed in a phased manner for 2,216 km of tracks across the state and Kerala. However, it is yet to be provided in many trains in the Madurai division. A retired staff from the Madurai railway division said that the importance of installing Kavach is being given to other divisions. The railway minister had announced Kavach 5.0 for Mumbai suburban trains, whereas the division has not yet received a single version of Kavach. Recalling the importance of Kavach for the Madurai division, he said, a near-miss accident occurred near Thirumangalam in Madurai when two passenger trains were on a collision course in 2019. Human error is unavoidable, he said adding, the division, though, has many double line sections; it still has single line sections too, like Madurai-Rameswaram, Madurai-Bodi, Tiruchendur- Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli-Sengottai-Kollam, Sengottai-Virudhunagar, Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi-Coimbatore, and Manamadurai-Trichy. The railways should provide funds to the Madurai division, like how they provide funds for other works. The division may take a call and install the Kavach.
TN man electrocuted at temple fest; wife, grandmom die in attempt to save him
VIRUDHUNAGAR: Three of a family were electrocuted to death as a man collapsed after touching a high-tension power line which prompted his wife and grandmother to attempt to rescue him at Kariseri village near Virudhunagar on Monday. The man's wife was seven-months pregnant. According to sources, the deceased were identified as Tirupathi (28), an electrician who rented out audio equipment for functions and events, his wife Lalitha (25), and Pakkiyam (65). The accident happened when Tirupathi was installing decorative lamps for a local temple festival. A wire accidentally came into contact with a high-voltage power line and Tirupathi was electrocuted. On seeing Tirupathi falling unconscious, Lalitha, Pakkiyam, and three others rushed to help him. In the process, Lalitha and Pakkiyam, too, touched the live wire and died on the spot, sources said. Two are still undergoing treatment in hospital Tirupathis younger brother Dharmaraj (20), and Kavinkumar (17), a relative, sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Virudhunagar. The couple has a 2.5-year-old son. Amathur police have filed a case and are investigating.
China accuses U.S. of launching 'advanced' cyberattacks, names alleged NSA agents
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Nilgiris residents resort to kavadi to stall Sillahalla hydro plant works
NILGIRIS: The series of protests against the proposed Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydro-Electric Project continued in Nilgiris district on Monday, with a group of devotees taking kavadi to the Annamalai Murugan temple near Kundha . A large number of devotees from B Manihatty, Balacola, Nunthala and Bembatty, who are directly affected due to the proposed hydro-electric project, took the kavadi and prayed to Lord Murugan to save from them from the environmental impact of the project, and not to allow further construction work. Though several petitions have been submitted to the authorities concerned, the construction work is continuing. As part of our protest, we have now decided to take a divine approach believing that Lord Murugan alone could protect our hills, forests, and future, said a devotee and member of the Save Sillahalla Movement. This deeply spiritual act reflects cultural faith and environmental concern, as communities unite to safeguard the ecological and ancestral heritage of The Nilgiris, said another devotee. Balacola and Ithalar panchayats have passed a resolution against the project, and farmers and tribals sent petitions to the collector during grievance meetings, seeking the district administration to stop the project. The residents have also sought replies under Right to Information (RTI) Act related to the hydro-electric project. We will continue our protest against the project until an official announcement on stopping the project is issued by the authorities, said a member of the Movement. Protest against power project gathers steam
Father joins classroom brawl, attacks SC boy in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri
DHARMAPURI: A fight between two class 8 students - a boy and a girl - of a panchayat union middle school near Pennagaram took an uglier turn after the father of the girl attacked the boy. The 13-year-old boy, belonging to an SC community, is undergoing treatment in a hospital. Following complaint and counter-complaints by the parents of both the children, the Eriyur police have started an investigation. The police said the fight broke out between the boy and the girl (from an MBC community) while the students were cleaning the classroom after lunch on Friday. The girl had allegedly beaten the boy using a broomstick. The boy then retaliated by pushing the girl, causing injuries to her forehead. Later, the girls father, who learned about the incident, arrived at the school along with some family members and attacked the boy. The boys mother filed a complaint with the Eriyur police on Saturday, urging the police to arrest the girls father under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. On Monday, however, the girl filed a complaint with the Eriyur police alleging she had been sexually harassed for over three months and requested action under the Pocso Act against the boy. J Sabapathi, DSP of Pennagaram, said, It is true the girls father attacked the boy but no group was involved. The boy sustained some minor injuries and was hospitalised. Meanwhile, it has been alleged the boy had been harassing the girl for the past few months. We are conducting a detailed investigation because of the sensitive nature of the case. Officials from the School Education department said they would look into the issue when TNIE reached out to them for their response.
Tyre rolls off moving govt bus in Rasipuram; seven TNSTC staff suspended
NAMAKKAL: As many as 20 passengers had a lucky escape when the tyre of a moving bus detached and rolled into a drainage pit on Monday. The bus was en route from Rasipuram to Salem when the incident occurred. In light of this, TNSTC (Salem) suspended seven staff members for negligence. Around 8:20 am, the front left wheel of the TNSTC bus dislodged near Rasipuram RDO office, minutes after it left the bus stand, causing the bus to lose balance. Bus driver Balasundarams experience came into play as he averted danger, and no injuries were reported, said police sources. According to a press release by TNSTC, The regrettable incident occurred due to an issue with the bearing jam, which caused the front left tyre to dislodge from the axle. On March 9, a wheel service was undertaken and on March 23, the wheels outer bearing was replaced and the wheel play was checked. However, we have learned that during a routine weekly inspection, the team failed to check the wheel play and report on whether there was a wheel shake. Had this check been performed, this incident could have been avoided. Four technicians, two supervisors and the branch manager have been suspended from duty, TNSTC stated.
Nageshwar Reddy honoured with Legends of Endoscopy award in Tokyo
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Last-seen theory valid only if time gap is small: Tamil Nadu sessions court
CHENNAI: Though the last seen theory is effective to nail perpetrators in a murder case, it can be used only when the time gap between the point when the deceased and accused were last seen together, and the deceased found dead, is small enough. Using this dictum laid out by higher courts, a Kancheepuram district sessions court, on April 7, acquitted three men accused of murdering their friend, near Manimangalam, around 50 km from Chennai, in March 2013. As per evidence in the case, the court found two of the accused took the deceased on their bike on March 20, and his body was found two days later. The court said the police would have to prove in court that no other person had come in contact with the deceased during the two days, which could justify convicting the accused for the crime. In the absence of such evidence, it is not safe to hand out a conviction on the basis of the theory, the court added. The case pertains to the murder of Suresh allegedly by his friends - Vinayagam, Kathavarayan and Rajesh - sometime in the third week of March in 2013. During the trial, the Manimangalam police said Suresh was murdered as Vinayagam and Kathavarayan had a previous enmity due to a land deal. The duo had picked up Suresh on a bike, and it was seen by the latters wife. Two days later, he was found dead in a forest area nearby with a cut injury on his neck. Though the death was proved to be homicidal, the prosecution could not provide any evidence to establish the motive or produce eyewitnesses to the crime. In fact, though two inspectors investigated the case, neither of them was examined in court by the prosecution. Witnesses who were present during the recording of confession and recovery of the weapons used in the crime had turned hostile. After disposing with these matters, the court took cognisance of the circumstantial evidence available on record, which was that the two accused were last seen with the deceased. However, quoting the Supreme Court verdict in the Dharam Deo Yadav vs State of Uttar Pradesh case and the Madras High Court judgment in Yuvaraj vs State, the court pointed out the last-seen theory could not be used to convict the accused in this case. Evidence As per evidence in the case, the court found two of the accused took the deceased on their bike, and his body was found two days later. The court said the police would have to prove that no other person had come in contact with the deceased during the two days
How governmentality exacerbates the problem of farmers stubble burning
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The Indian Space Research Organisation is currently placing tried and tested protocols in place as it prepares for its maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. While Gaganyaan isnt expected to dock with any space station, its crew will be familiarised with the established procedures for docking
Cash-strapped UoM may cut guest faculty number, maintenance costs
CHENNAI: To tide over the financial crisis, the University of Madras (UoM) has proposed major deductions in its expenses for the academic year 2025-26. From reducing the number of guest faculty to cutting down on the building maintenance expenses in its various campuses by 40%, the varsity has chalked out a detailed blueprint to save money and has sent the proposal to the syndicate members for their remarks. The university has also proposed cut in the revenue sharing between the university and the respective departments running self-financing courses from the existing 50:50 model to 70:30 model, thereby reducing the revenue of the departments. Interestingly, the proposal has come after the delay in tabling the universitys budget for 2025-26. Every year on or before March 31, the budget for the entire year is tabled at the senate meeting. However, this year, the senate passed budget for April alone, amounting to Rs 19 crore. The state governments finance department wants a further reduction in our budget estimate, said a faculty member. The faculty members and students have strongly criticised the move as it will worsen the condition of the varsity and take a toll on its quality of education. Documents assessed by TNIE reveal that the varsity currently has 115 full-time guest lecturers and 46 part-time (hourly basis) guest faculty and it has been proposed to reduce the figure to 75 and 30, respectively. Similarly, the varsity has 221 clerical staff and 106 class IV outsourced employees in its five campuses, which it wants to reduce to 150 and 75 respectively in this academic year. Adding to it, the varsity has proposed a 40% reduction in allocation of funds for maintenance of buildings in its five campuses in the budget estimate of 2025-26, as compared to last year. Likewise, a reduction of 30% towards the expenses of library (which is majorly meant for buying books and periodicals), a 20% cut in the maintenance of computers, laboratories and other stationary heads in various academic departments and a deduction of 30% towards funds spent on organising sports events and maintenance of grounds have been proposed. On the proposed reduction of revenue from self-financing courses shared with departments, a faculty asked, If our share is reduced to 30%, how will the self financing courses grow and upgrade itself as per industry needs? According to sources, the varsity spends nearly Rs 19 crore per month towards its expenses and with all these deductions they aim to bring down the expenditure by at least Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore a month. Reacting strongly to the proposal, a senior faculty said, Against the sanctioned strength of 536, the varsity currently has only 170 permanent faculty. We are somehow functioning with the help of guest lecturers, if the varsity will reduce their numbers also then how will the departments function. Majority of the buildings are old and in dilapidated condition. By cutting down maintenance expenses, we are only inviting more trouble, said another faculty member. Senior officials of the university could not be reached for a comment.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies at landmark US antitrust trial over WhatsApp, Instagram takeovers
Meta chief and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg took the stand Monday in a landmark US antitrust trial in which Meta stands accused of abusing its market power to acquire Instagram and WhatsApp
Governor shedding crocodile tears: Tamil Nadu Minister Chezhiaan
CHENNAI: Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan on Monday said Governor RN Ravi was shedding crocodile tears over the plight of Dalits in the state and blamed him for remaining silent on the atrocities happening against Dalits in BJP ruled states. Citing data released by the centre, the minister said the six BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra accounted for 81% of cases filed for atrocities against Dalits while Tamil Nadu accounted for 3%. The minister was responding to the governors speech at the BR Ambedkars birth anniversary event held at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Chezhiaan alleged that Ravi, who upheld the principles of Manu and Sanatana Dharma, which according to the minister are the fundamental reasons for caste atrocities, was criticising Tamil Nadu in an absurd manner as he was unable to digest the recent landmark verdict of Supreme Court against him. Tamil Nadu leaders pay tributes to Ambedkar; 'plight of dalits in state painful,' says Governor
Pregnant woman delivers on train
The mother and baby were handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) for further medical care and transport
Puducherry Congress flags saffron threat to AIADMK, AINRC; CM unmoved
PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N Rangasamy, the leader of NDA in Puducherry, maintains a stoic silence even as political tempers are on the rise in the union territory following the re-entry of the AIADMK in the NDA. Former chief minister and senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy launched a scathing attack on the AIADMK-BJP-AINRC alliance during a protest against the Wakf Board amendment. He accused the BJP of plotting to absorb All India NR Congress (AINRC) and render the AIADMK politically obsolete in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In 2026, the BJP will swallow AINRC and the AIADMK will disintegrate. This opportunistic alliance will not succeed, Narayanasamy said. He also accused the centre of discriminating against Tamil Nadu through biased fund allocation and imposition of Hindi. In a swift rebuttal, AIADMKs Puducherry state secretary A Anbalagan dismissed the Congress leaders remarks as baseless. The AIADMK-BJP alliance is a national-minded tie-up formed to eliminate the divisive DMK-led INDIA bloc, which thrives on caste, religion and language-based politics, Anbalagan said. BJP deal continues to rattle AIADMK DMK and its allies are shaken. Narayanasamy, a puppet of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, cannot digest our rise. Edappadi K Palaniswami is like a whale in the political ocean and not a fish (to be swallowed), Anbalagan said. While the two camps trade accusations, Rangasamy, despite being a key ally of both the AIADMK and the BJP, has not made any public comment. Interestingly, all of his recent moves have been centered around Vijays politics. Rangasamy purportedly performed a special puja with TVK general secretary Bussy N Anand for the success of Vijays Vikravandi conference, hinting at a growing rapport with TVK. Rangasamy himself had said that AINRC is exploring electoral plans in adjacent Tamil Nadu districts like Cuddalore, Villupuram and Nagapattinam in alliance. This has led to a mild unrest in the Puducherry unit of the BJP. Rangaswamy will lead the NDA in Puducherry in the upcoming election as well. He will be the chief ministerial candidate, Speaker of Assembly R Selvam had said. Sources said PMK might also be worried If AINRC contests in Tamil Nadu, which might attract Vanniyar votes. The DMK too is believed to be wooing Rangasamy into its fold. While BJP leaders assert that Rangasamy will remain with the NDA, the CM remains non-committal.
The Supreme Court judgement settling the dispute between Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and the ruling DMK government over the clearing of Bills speaks volumes about the courage demonstrated by the apex Court. It has thwarted the Governors patently political intent of keeping Bills way beyond a reasonable time. The very next day, the SC []
Tamil Nadu leaders pay tributes to Ambedkar; 'plight of dalits in state painful,' says Governor
CHENNAI: Governor RN Ravi and leaders paid tributes to BR Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In a message on X platform, Ravi said, As the nation celebrates 75 years of our Constitution, it is the solemn duty of every citizen to uphold its spirit as envisioned by Babasaheb and spread awareness to the last man which would pave the way to a #ViksitBharat 2047. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said, On this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society based on equality, fraternity and social justice. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran also posted a message. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan paid floral tributes to Ambedkar. TVK president Vijay also paid floral tributes to Ambedkar at Palavakkam. Plight of Dalits in state painful Governor RN Ravi said he was pained by the plight of the Dalit brothers and sisters when he came to Tamil Nadu, a state where social justice is frequently spoken about, Addressing a function organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar at the Raj Bhavan on Monday, Ravi said while Dalits continue to suffer across the country, the kind of stories one hears in Tamil Nadu, a state that claims to champion social justice, are heartbreaking. Pointing out a few recent incidents of violence against Dalits in the state, Ravi said these were not isolated incidents. He said in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy last year, majority of those who died were Dalits. He also alleged that crimes against Dalits are on the rise in the state, while conviction rate in such crimes is less than the national average. These are facts, not political statements, he said, according to a release from Raj Bhavan.
Three Kasaragod natives arrested with Ganja in Kozhikode
The seized drug had a market value of 8 lakh
Long way to go in building an egalitarian society: Tamil Nadu CM at Ambedkar Jayanti event
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday said that there is still a long way to go in building an egalitarian society based on self-respect. Addressing the Equality Day event organised by the government to commemorate the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the CM said that though he could proudly say that the rule under the Dravidian model government is the golden age in implementation of schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, his duty and journey wont end with that. Stalin said that only a limited success has been achieved in the last 100 to 200 years in eradicating inequalities that have existed for thousands of years, Stalin said that it is his firm belief that politics of love is stronger and effective than the politics of hate. Stressing that progressive and egalitarian thoughts should take root in everyone, Stalin highlighted the need for working hard towards that goal. Prakash Ambedkar asks TN government to enact a law against honour killings Stalin said that only a limited success has been achieved in the last 100 to 200 years in eradicating inequalities that have existed for thousands of years. He said that it is important to identify the enemies and their propaganda in tackling the impediments in this journey. To create a casteless, equal society, a dream for which Jyotirao Phule, Ambedkar, Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar worked tirelessly, change must begin with individuals and reflect collectively in society. Only then can we eradicate the inequalities that have persisted in this land for thousands of years, Stalin said. There is still a long way to go in building an egalitarian society based on self-respect, he said. Stalin inaugurated a slew of welfare projects worth Rs 227.85 cr under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department. These include 18 new hostels, infrastructure upgrades at 46 schools, 19 community halls, study halls at 22 college hostels, and 1,000 tenements for tribal families. He also inaugurated long-range wireless internet connectivity in tribal areas and other welfare measures worth Rs 104.75 crores benefiting 48,436 people. Among the major projects is the MC Rajah Hostel in Saidapet, constructed at a cost of Rs 44.5 crore. The facility, which has ground plus 10 floors spread over 1.01 lakh sq.ft., can accommodate 484 students. Stalin also announced that a full-sized statue of MC Rajah will be installed on the campus of the hostel built in 1961. Stalin listed the various initiatives being implemented by his government for the welfare and empowerment of people from the SC ST communities, which included the Nannilam Land Purchase Scheme to help women agricultural labourers of Adi Dravidar community become landowners, Ambedkar Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, and scholarship for students to study abroad. Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, who took part in the event, urged the state to enact a law against honour killings. He also appreciated the TN governments initiative to translate Dr Ambedkars works - Annihilation of Caste and Riddles in Hinduism - and distribute them among the public.
'Lion of Tamil Nadu': Premalatha recalls PM Modis bond with Vijayakant
CHENNAI: DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant shared a video recalling the warm and enduring bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and DMDK founder Vijayakant. Modi responded to her video on platform X, saying, My dear friend Captain Vijayakant was remarkable! He and I interacted so closely over the years and also worked together. People across generations remember him for the good he did for the society. The warm exchange came after the BJP recently sealed the alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 election. In 2024 Lok Sabha election, when AIADMK exited the BJP-led NDA, the DMDK decided to stay with the Dravidian major. The exchange by both the leaders on Monday is seen as the DMDK and the BJP trying to woo each other. Captain Vijayakanth was not just a towering figure in Tamil cinema and politics, but a man who earned the love and respect of many, including our Prime Minister. Narendra Modi ji always saw him as more than a political colleague. He would fondly call him the Lion of Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/yL12rjgAkQ Premallatha Vijayakant (@PremallathaDmdk) April 14, 2025 The video came days after Premalatha expressed displeasure over being sidelined during the recent announcement of the AIADMK-BJP alliance. She said she came to know about the alliance only through television channels and said that the DMDK was not part of any alliance at the moment. In the video she posted on X, Premalatha reminisced about the genuine friendship shared by the two leaders. She spoke of instances when Modi expressed deep affection and admiration for Vijayakant. Narendra Modiji always saw him as more than a political colleague. He would fondly call him the Lion of Tamil Nadu and check on him like an elder brother during his illness, she said.
BJP deal continues to rattle AIADMK
CHENNAI/TIRUPPUR: A few days after the revival of the alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP, the rumblings within the Dravidian party show that at least a sizeable section of the AIADMK leaders are not comfortable with joining hands with the saffron party. Though no AIADMK leader went on record criticising the alliance, social media is abuzz with messages from long-time supporters that the decision is wrong. On Sunday, in Madurai, when a reporter asked whether the AIADMK would form its government or a coalition government, former minister Sellur K Raju said, The government will be headed by the AIADMK. He added that while BJP could say a lot of things, what AIADMK says would only matter. On Monday, when reporters asked him again about the alliance, Raju said he would respond after 15 days, a reply that has intrigued many. Meanwhile, AIADMK functionary and former MLA S Gunasekaran on Sunday in Tiruppur, at an internal meeting of the party, said though the decision to ally with the BJP was unfortunate, it was done to protect the party and it cannot face election without an alliance. I am not saying that the party cadre are unhappy. I said this alliance is a sad thing for Muslims. But I explained that AIADMK will always be with Muslims, Gunasekaran later told TNIE . Stalin jittery over AIADMK-BJP alliance: Nagenthran slams DMK On Monday, addressing another party meeting chaired by Pollachi V Jayaraman, AIADMK corporation councillor M Kannappan tearfully explained that the AIADMK allied with the BJP to save the party since traitors are planning to break it. Sources said he assured that the AIADMK would not give up the Muslim community. The party leadership should issue a statement saying that it will always support Muslims, he added. However, Jayaraman denied such comments being made by the functionary. Former minister D Jayakumar, who has remained silent for a couple of weeks, denied speculations about him joining another party because of the alliance. He said he would remain with the AIADMK till his death. AIADMK minority wing functionary KS Mohamed Kani from Alangudi in Pudukottai district announced his resignation from the party on Sunday, citing the alliance as the reason. Meanwhile, former AIADMK MLA Pazha Karuppaiah, who was expelled from the party, contended that AIADMK allied with the BJP since its efforts to form an alliance with the TVK did not fructify. BJP-AIADMK alliance: Will lotus bloom on two leaves in Tamil Nadu?
Brace for rain, thunderstorm this week in Karnataka
BENGALURU: Mondays short spell of rain is a harbinger of things to come this week. The formation of troughs and cyclonic systems foretell rain across South and Central Karnataka over the next few days. The IMD said moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in most parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, for the week ahead. Rain, thundershowers and gusty winds will prevail over Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Haveri, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Kolar, Vijayanagara, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Hassan, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapura, Raichur, Koppal, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Dharwad and Belagavi. There is a trough formation from West Rajasthan to Gulf of Mannar across East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and across interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at 0.9km above mean sea level. Also, a trough from southeast Madhya Pradesh to central parts of Telangana across Vidarbha at 0.9km has merged with the above trough. There is upper upper air cyclonic circulation over central parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and neighbouring areas. Rain in Bengaluru In Bengaluru, till 7pm, the BBMP control room did not record any water logging in the city, but a treefall complaint came in from Sampangiram Nagar. Officials said there were no untoward incidents. Till 7.30pm, the IMD head office recorded 3.4mm rain in the city, while 0.2mm rain was recorded at HAL Airport observatory. Trace rainfall (0.1mm) was recorded at KIA weather observatory.
Tamil Nadu gets 292 tmcft Cauvery water in 10 months
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu received 292.58 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of Cauvery water from Karnataka from June 2024 to April 10 this year, far exceeding the 173.08 tmcft directed by the Supreme Court for a water year (June to May). This means the state got an excess of 119.49 tmcft in 10 months of the current water year against 78.39 tmcft realised during the last water year (2023-24). Good inflow and increased water levels have brought the much-needed relief to farmers in the Cauvery delta region. As of Monday, water level in the Stanley reservoir (Mettur) stood at 74.945 tmcft, which is around 80.18% of its full capacity of 93.470 tmcft. With comfortable storage, the state government is planning to release water from Mettur dam in June, as per the regular schedule, for irrigation. Farmers, however, have urged the authorities to create better storage facilities in and around the Stanley reservoir to store water when inflow is higher than usual. G Ajeethan, technical secretary of the Consortium of Indian Farmers Associations, told TNIE , We cannot call this a good or bad year. Karnataka received good rain during the monsoon. Since they lacked storage facility, they released the surplus water. Karnataka is releasing water on a monthly basis as per the Supreme Courts order. But Tamil Nadu farmers have been demanding daily release. Karnataka has no right to store Cauvery water, but TN government has not taken any action on this. V Ravichandran, director of Global Farmers Network, an NGO, said cultivation of paddy and cotton had taken a hit in several parts of the state due to insufficient water shortage and poor soil quality. But, with adequate storage now, farmers in the Cauvery delta region are getting ready for the Kuruvai season. Ravichandran also stressed the need to spread awareness among farmers about rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. This is the right time to educate them. It will benefit those living in the tail-end areas of the delta, he added. Ravichandran also appealed to the state government to ensure the release of Cauvery water for farmers in the tail-end regions. Meanwhile, a senior official from the Water Resources Department (WRD), on condition of anonymity, told TNIE that proposals have been submitted to the state government to desilt the Mettur dam and restore its original storage capacity. With help from private consultants, WRD has estimated that desilting can help store an additional 30 tmcft over the next five years. But the files are still pending, the official said. The government is planning to carry out the desilting works through tenders. WRD will prepare a detailed project report once it gets the approval, the official added.
Tigers lurk in Bengalurus backyard
BENGALURU: The number of tigers in the outskirts of Bengaluru appears to be on the rise. Whether its due to the forest departments conservation efforts or overpopulation in existing tiger reserves, the big cats are now migrating long distances to create their own territory. Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), located closest to Bengaluru, has reported sightings of more than one tiger roaming the landscape. Forest department officials are now assessing the number of tigers in BNP, which is spread across 106.83sqkm. A month ago, a lone male tiger was spotted near the boundary of Bannerghatta zoo, close to the safari zone, which is home to several tigresses. Another tiger was sighted near Harohalli range, an area prone to frequent human-elephant conflicts due to urban proximity. It seems there are two or three tigers wandering in the national park. We have observed multiple pugmarks, but nothing is confirmed yet, a forest department official said on condition of anonymity. This region is not safe for tigers, given its proximity to Bengaluru. With rapid urban development, BNP is turning into a lung space, surrounded by urbanisation. The growing number of leopard and elephant sightings near human settlements is proof of this. A tiger coming into conflict with people could be far more dangerous, he said. Officials note that ecologically, BNP can house tigers as it has a healthy prey base and a connecting strip to Tamil Nadu. However, the increasing threat of poaching and human intrusion continues to make the area vulnerable. The recently released report Status of Tigers, Prey and Other Mammals in Tiger Reserves of Karnataka for the year 2024 also noted a rise in the number of tigers migrating long distances in search of safer habitats and prey. We are currently reviewing camera trap images to analyse the strip patterns of all animals to ascertain the number of tigers. It seems theres more than one. We will also have to check with officials from other tiger reserves and national parks to trace where these tigers may have come from, said BNP Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kajol A Patil.
A.P. Minister warns of strict action against rice millers for troubling farmers
The government is ensuring that paddy farmers receive the price of their produce within 24 hours of procurement, says Manohar
Supporters of MDMK's Durai Vaiko, Satya spar online
TIRUCHY: MDMK principal secretary and MP Durai Vaiko declined to comment on Monday on the alleged rift with the partys deputy general secretary Mallai Satya. The controversy arose from a recent internal meeting in Chennai, where Durai Vaiko allegedly offered to step down from his post in an attempt to settle growing differences with Satya. I do not wish to speak on that issue, Durai Vaiko told reporters in Tiruchy. Tension between the two leaders intensified after Saturdays meeting in Chennai, with supporters from both sides engaging in heated exchanges on social media. Durai Vaiko is said to have told functionaries in Chennai and Tiruchy that he was being personally targeted online by Satyas supporters, who mocked and questioned his leadership. However, they passed a resolution urging him to stay on. On Monday, general secretary Vaiko said, The MDMK executive committee meeting is scheduled for April 20.
Seized beach sand minerals held by private companies in TN to be handed over to IREL
THOOTHUKUDI: Pursuant to the order of the Madras High Court regarding illegal mining, transportation and export of beach sand minerals, the natural resources department has issued an order transferring the entire stock of beach sand minerals, amounting to 1.4 crore tonnes that was hoarded by mining companies, to IREL (India) Limited, which is the only entity in the country having licence to handle beach sand minerals after the union government terminated private licence holders in 2019. The HC while disposing off the suo-motu PIL and connected batch of cases on February 17 held that the findings of Gagandeep Singh Bedi report, Satyabrata Sahoo report, reassessment report and Amicus Curiae report valid and sustainable in the eyes of law, and granted permission to the state government to hand over the entire stock of raw sand, processed or semi-processed beach sand minerals held by the lessees at their godowns, factories, stock yards and mining companies sealed in 2017, to IREL as argued by the state government. According to the order issued by natural resources department additional chief secretary K Phanindra Reddy, dated April 8, 2025, the entire stock of beach sand minerals held by the mining companies in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts will be handed over to IREL (India) Limited upon getting tentative price details, including the cost of security and transportation. The government has constituted a committee comprising commissioner of Geology and Mining, Chief Executive Officer of Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board, and Special secretary of finance department to approve the cost of minerals. The district collectors of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari have been instructed to constitute a multi-disciplinary team comprising officials of revenue, survey, geology and mining, and Atomic mineral directorate and IREL (India) Limited to monitor the transportation process, and to provide 24x7 police protection at the places where the stock is held currently. The collectors have also been told to initiate necessary actions to recover the cost of minerals and royalty of Rs 5,832 crore from private lessees for the minerals illegally mined, transported and exported between 2000 and 2017, said the order. Over 49 godowns in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari were sealed by the Satyabrata Sahoo committee after a court ordered assessment of stock in 2017-18. While Sahoo reported 1.5 crore tonnes of minerals including garnet, ilmenite, rutile,zircon, sillimanite and leucoxene in the stock, the reassessment report in 2023 said there was only 1.4 crore tonnes and the rest had allegedly been stolen. The HC, underscoring the Amicus Curiaes findings, declared that the 1.4 crore tonnes of minerals hoarded at all the godowns and stockyards are illegally mined, as mining was banned in September 2013. CBI raids VV Minerals founder Vaikundarajan's offices and residence in beach sand mining probe
Smuggling of Chinese drones soaring in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: Gold, wildlife, and narcotics have been the usual contrabands seized by Chennai Customs, but, of late, smuggling of Chinese drones into Tamil Nadu from Southeast Asian nations and Gulf countries through airports and seaports is on the rise. This is due to the soaring demand for the equipment in the grey market, sources said. According to a 2022 February notification of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, import of drones is completely banned in fully assembled Completely Built-up (CBU) form, fully disassembled Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form, or partially assembled Semi Knocked Down (SKD) form, barring exceptions provided for Research and Development, Defence and security purposes. Sources said that in the last financial year, Chennai Air Customs had seized at least 200 Chinese-made drones worth more than Rs 2 crore from passengers who arrived by air from Singapore, Malaysia and UAE. Data sourced through RTI show that this is a significant increase from the 67 drones seized in 2019-20 and 30 in 2023-24. This might just be the tip of the iceberg, say sources, pointing to the seizure of 4,240 toy drones worth Rs 2.34 crore by the Chennai Seaport Customs on February 12. RTI data also show that drones are smuggled through Bengaluru airport too, with around 250 drones seized from 2019-20 to 2023-24. Multiple cases have also been busted by the Delhi Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) teams across the country. Most of these drones have been sourced from DJI, a Chinese firm, sources said. Going by the thumb rule that Customs foils just 10% of all smuggling bids, the number of drones brought into the country could be significantly more. Only 10% of drones used in India are of local make Data sourced through RTI shows that this is a significant increase from the 67 drones seized in 2019-20 and 30 in 2023-24. This might just be the tip of the iceberg, say sources, pointing to the seizure of 4,240 toy drones worth Rs 2.34 crore by the Chennai Seaport Customs on February 12. RTI data also show that drones are smuggled through Bengaluru airport too, with around 250 drones seized from 2019-20 to 2023-24. Multiple cases have also been busted by the Delhi Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) teams across the country. Most of these drones have been sourced from DJI, a Chinese firm, sources said. Going by the thumb rule that Customs foils just 10% of all smuggling bids, the number of drones brought into the country could be significantly more. Official sources say that smugglers dismantle the drones and conceal it in their checked-in baggage and declare it as electronics to avoid Customs scrutiny. These are then sold in electronics shops across cities. In Chennai, they are available in Triplicane, but the traders dont issue any sales receipt for them. Drones are now omnipresent and used in weddings and other functions and also pursued as a hobby, apart from official use by government agencies for security and other purposes. L Karthikeyan, a Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) certified remote pilot instructor who offers training programmes for drone operators, said that only 10% of the drones used in India are of local make, while the rest are all Chinese ones, which are officially banned. The ban is largely because the server for all these Chinese drones is based in that country and agencies are worried about the safety of Indian data that could be accessed from these servers. Every drone has to be registered with the DGCA which gives a Unique Identification Number (UIN). This will not be given for Chinese drones, he said, adding that even police units use only Chinese-make drones. Awareness about this is very poor, he said. A police officer in Coimbatore, where the former commissioner V Balakrishnan ordered a review of illegal drone users, echoed Karthikeyan, stating that there were only 80 registered drone users in the city, but the unregistered ones were many more. Most drone users are not aware about the rules. For instance, drones are banned from flying in what is called a red zone, which covers sensitive installations like defence, airports, etc. They can only operate in green zones and in yellow zones with government permission, the cop said. Incidentally, a case was registered in Chennai airport last August when footage of the terminal was captured from a drone and uploaded on Instagram. It was later taken down after it was flagged by the authorities. 200 Drones seized in one year in Chennai Chennai: In the 2024-25 financial year alone, the Chennai Air Customs has seized at least 200 Chinese-made drones worth more than Rs 2 crore from passengers who arrived from Singapore, Malaysia and UAE. Data sourced through RTI show that this is a significant increase from the 67 drones seized in 2019-20 and 30 in 2023-24
Clear bottleneck on Dr Rajendra Prasad Road: Residents urge Coimbatore Corporation
COIMBATORE: With traffic congestion on the rise on a 500-metre stretch on the Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, calls have grown louder to widen the stretch immediately by removing encroachments. The bottleneck is between the 100-foot-road flyover and Nava India junction on Avinashi Road. People proceeding towards the Avinashi Road in the city from Gandhipuram, Sivananda Colony, Mettupalayam Road and Rathinapuri use the 100 ft road flyover on the Dr Rajendra Prasad Road. The flyover was built to reduce traffic congestion and ease vehicle movement at the GP and Avarampalayam signal junctions. However, in recent times, with the spike in the number of vehicles, motorists proceeding towards the Avinashi Road from the 100 ft flyover are enduring tremendous hardships owing to the traffic congestion on the 500m stretch between the end of the flyover and the S-bend on Dr Rajendra Prasad Road. As the stretch narrows owing to numerous encroachments and a couple of High-Tension (HT) electricity towers, motorists often get stuck in bottlenecks. At times, the congestion gets much worse as vehicles line up all the way on the flyover. People have been demanding the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) to take immediate action to remove the encroachments and widen the road. The traffic congestion on this 500m narrow stretch reflects on the flyover. Vehicles start lining up on the flyover on one side. Some irresponsible and impatient drivers start driving on the wrong side due to the bottleneck, creating more problems. The congestion becomes much worse on the weekends. The officials must address this issue immediately, said K Madhusudhanan, a motorist from Sivananda Colony. S Raghuvaran, a resident of Rathinapuri, told TNIE , Many motorists have complained against the rampant parking on the stretch by omnibuses and trucks belonging to the parcel services and travel companies. However, no action has been taken by the officials. Traffic congestion has been rising rapidly as the HT towers and encroachments alongside the Sanganoor Canal on the stretch remain untouched. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is yet to relocate the HT towers obstructing traffic. Speaking to TNIE , a senior official from the Town Planning Wing of the CCMC, said, We're yet to take a complete survey of the people encroaching on the banks of the Sanganoor Canal alongside the 500m stretch. There are over 150 encroachments, including both residential and commercial establishments, on the banks. Last week we served notices to 39 encroachers running commercial establishments, asking them to vacate within 15 days. If they don't remove it on their own, the CCMC along with the police will take them down. The official also added that they are in talks with the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board to provide alternate housing for the residential encroachments and with the TNEB to shift the HT towers. Once they are removed, the canal will be desilted and the road will be widened. A senior official from the electricity department told TNIE that a proposal to shift around five HT towers on Dr Rajendra Prasad Road has already been approved and the works would begin in about a week. The official also added that they are yet to receive an official letter or request from the CCMC for shifting.
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Union government has consistently failed to respect SC orders: Appavu
TIRUNELVELI: Speaker M Appavu on Monday said the Union government has consistently failed to respect Supreme Court verdicts, while reacting to speculation that the Centre may go on appeal against the recent apex court verdict on governors role in assent to bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Addressing reporters after paying homage to B R Ambedkar, Appavu said he learnt through media reports that the Centre was likely to move the SC challenging the verdict. The Centre has never shown respect to SCs rulings. When the court directed the formation of a tribunal for regulating the sharing of Cauvery water, the centre failed to comply and instead constituted a commission. To this day, the authority to regulate water-sharing lies with Karnataka. The Speaker further said the Union government had introduced a bill in Parliament to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the committee selecting the Election Commissioners only because the Supreme Court pointed out the flaws in the selection of a commissioner. He further pointed out that premier institutions such as JIPMER, AIIMS, and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology do not admit students to their postgraduate programmes through NEET-PG. However, Tamil Nadu is being compelled to adopt NEET-UG. This is discriminatory. The State will secure exemption from NEET, he asserted. On a question about the remarks made by forest minister K Ponmudy, he said the DMK has taken action against him, adding that no one, including the DMK president, justified the remarks.
Annual 61-day fishing ban commences in Tamil Nadu
RAMANATHAPURAM/THOOTHUKUDI: The annual 61-day fishing ban commenced in Ramanathapuram on Monday. According to the district administration, the fishing ban came into effect under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulations Act, 1983, to protect marine life during the breeding season. During the ban period, both mechanised boats and trawlers cannot venture into the sea. A total of 1,500 boats would be anchored in the respective jetties. Hence, boat owners can carry out repair works to trawlers and the government would provide financial assistance of Rs 8,000 to the fishermen, officials added. N J Bose (73) from the All Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association urged the state and central government to resolve the Katchatheevu issue before the fishing ban ends. In Thoothukudi district, over 550 mechanised fishing vessels attached to Thoothukudi, Tharuvaikulam, and Vembar fishing harbours will be moored on shore. Fishermen in Thoothukudi have urged the state government to ensure that no other fishermen breach the Thoothukudi coast during the ban. However, the country boats will continue to fish. Pugal of Tharuvaikulam, deep sea fishermen welfare association secretary, said fisheries department officials must stay vigilant to ward off fishermen from Kanniyakumari and Kerala on the west coast. A section of fishermen demanded that the state government increase the compensation as the price of commodities has skyrocketed. The fishermen urged the district administration to also rope in Indian Coast Guard and marine police to patrol the coast and identify the trawlers using their colour codes to protect marine life.
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