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TN CM asks officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply

CHENNAI, April 27: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to the people this summer. Chairing a review meeting with the state government officials here in the wake of heat wave conditions prevailing in many parts in the state, the chief minister said summer []

thehillstimes 28 Apr 2024 1:25 am

Inconsistent Chennai face bruised SRH

Chennai, April 27: Smarting from back-to-back losses, defending champion Chennai Super Kings will be desperate to return to winning ways when they face a formidable but bruised Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match here on Sunday.CSK had a good start to the season under new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad but they have been toppled by the [] The post Inconsistent Chennai face bruised SRH appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 28 Apr 2024 1:25 am

Entrance Exam for B.Tech programmes under way

SHILLONG, April 27: The VIT Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE), the entrance examination conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) for admission to B.Tech programmes of VIT Group of Institutions, viz. VIT-Vellore, VIT-Chennai, VIT-AP (Amaravati) and VIT-Bhopal, recently got under way in 125 cities in India and six cities abroad, viz. Dubai, Muscat, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore [] The post Entrance Exam for B.Tech programmes under way appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 28 Apr 2024 1:21 am

An unconventional solution to water woes of Chennai

In a few years, Chennai is set to emerge as desalination capital of India, with three operational plants in Minjur and Nemmeli and Southeast Asias largest plant, with a capacity to treat 400 million litres of seawater a day, coming up at Perur. Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach towards water resilience, along with desalination

The Hindu 28 Apr 2024 1:00 am

No funds, no justice from BJP-led govt for Cyclone, flood relief: Stalin

Chennai, Apr 27 (UNI) Accusing the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of deceiving the State on grant of funds towards Cyclone and flood relief, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K.Stalin on Saturday said there was no funds and no justice from the Centre. Responding to the Centre allocating Rs 276 crore towards... The post No funds, no justice from BJP-led govt for Cyclone, flood relief: Stalin first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 27 Apr 2024 9:34 pm

Jadeja's Versatility Impresses Michael Hussey

Jadeja's Versatility Impresses Michael Hussey Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey opened up on Ravindra Jadeja's new role as a No 4 batter and backed him for his adaptability to play according to the situation. Jadeja, who is known for playing the finisher's role alongside MS Dhoni, is seen coming out to bat at number four this season, where he has had mixed success. ''He is playing a different role (batting at number four). He has been coming in very late in the last few years. He has done a good job so far at adapting to the situation and playing accordingly,'' Hussey said ahead of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. ''He is in a good frame of mind, hitting the ball well in the nets, and there is no concern. He played a quick innings in Lucknow, and his strength is being able to work the ball around the gaps, use his pace and run between the wickets, picking the right time to attack the right bowlers.'' CSK endured successive defeats in their last two matches, while the high-flying SRH too are coming off a loss against Royal Challengers Bangaluru. Conditions at Chepauk in the last meeting against Lucknow Super Giants were not ideal, with heavy dew playing a part in handing CSK its first home defeat of the season. ''In the last few games, the dew has been really challenging for the bowlers, taking them out of the game. But, we have always had good spinners, and the conditions here have also been friendly,'' Hussey said. The other night, the spinners found it very difficult to hold the ball, and they couldnt get spin on it. The ball was skidding nicely onto the bat, which made it really challenging. But again, there is no excuse it is pretty much the same for both teams, and we have to deal with it as best as we can. CSK's top-order batter Ajinkya Rahane has been dismissed for single digit scores in two of the last three games. But Hussey expressed his confidence in the 35-year-old Indian batter and said a calf niggle may have troubled him. ''We are 100 per cent backing Ajinkya Rahane, he is batting really well. He just got out a couple of times early, which can happen to anyone. ''He did have a niggle in his calf, which probably sent him back a little bit, but overall, we are very happy with what he has done.'' Shivam Dube will again be the guy to watch out for the Yellow Brigade, having been their second-highest run-scorer of the season. Hussey said it's about giving him the freedom to play aggressively and express himself. ''Our conversations have been about giving him the freedom to hit sixes and fours and dominate the bowling. ''We want to give him the trust that even if he misses out, that's the way we want him to play, which has helped him as he has gained confidence,'' ''We don't really talk about footwork and let him be clear in his mind, as he is playing his best when he is not thinking too much. ''He has got unique power and long levers. So, it's more about being nice and stable and using his long reach to clear the boundaries,'' he added.

devdiscourse 27 Apr 2024 9:03 pm

IPL 2024: Fraser-McGurks Sensational 84, Rasikhs 3-34 Propel DC To Ten-run Win Over MI (Ld)

Indian Premier League: In what was a hat-trick of run-fests at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL 2024, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk continued his good showing by slamming a sensational 84 while Rasikh Salam shone with 3-34 in propelling Delhi Capitals to a 10-run win against Mumbai Indians here on Saturday. Under Delhis blazing sun, Fraser McGurk excelled by hitting eleven fours and six sixes at a strike-rate of 311.11 in his 27-ball knock, including getting his fifty in 15 balls. Supporting him was Tristan Stubbs, who struck six fours and two sixes in his 25-ball 48 not out at the back end of the innings. Abishek Porel, Shai Hope and captain Rishabh Pant chipped in with sizeable contributions as DC hit 17 maximums in what is also their highest score ever in the IPL. In reply, Rasikhs 3-34 and Mukesh Kumars 3-54, along with Khaleel Ahmeds 2-45 restricted Mumbai to 247/9 in 20 overs, securing a narrow win for DC. Tilak Varma (63), Hardik Pandya (46) and Tim David (37) gave Mumbai Indians hope of chasing down the target. But in the end, their efforts were not enough. With Saturdays win, DC got their fifth victory in the competition and have jumped ahead of defending champions Chennai Super Kings to now be in fifth place in the points table with 10 points from as many games, while MI are stuck in ninth place. Fraser-McGurk began by whipping off his wrists to take a four off Luke Wood in the gap between mid-wicket and mid-on. With his still frame and beautiful wristwork, Fraser-McGurk smashed two more fours and a six to take 19 runs off the opening over. He welcomed Bumrah by dispatching his slower ball over long-on for six and drilled a drive on the free-hit ball for four. Fraser-McGurk ended the over by swiping Bumrah for a four to take 18 runs off the second over. He would smack Nuwan Thushara for three fours, before getting his fifty in 15 balls with a slog-sweep off Piyush Chawla over deep mid-wicket. After hitting Chawla for another four, Fraser-McGurk hit Hardik Pandya for two fours and as many sixes, before Bumrah conceded only three runs in the last over of Power-play as DC signed off from the phase at 92/0. Hardik was carted for runs again as Fraser-McGurk and Porel struck four and two sixes collectively in the seventh over to bring up DCs hundred. Fraser-McGurks fun came to an end when he was cramped for room on a heave against Chawla and gave a simple catch to mid-wicket, falling for 27-ball 84. After Porel was stumped off Nabi in the tenth over, MI felt they would become successful in applying brakes on DCs innings. But Shai Hope had other ideas, smacking five delightful sixes before flicking straight to deep mid-wicket off Luke Wood to fall for a 17-ball 41. Pant continued DCs attacking tempo by heaving and whipping Thushara for four and six respectively, before pulling Chawla for a boundary and flicking Bumrah off his wrists for six, before pulling a slower bouncer to deep backward square leg, making it the seventh time he fell to Bumrah in T20s. From the other end, after driving a Thushara full-toss for four, Stubbs greeted Luke Wood with consecutive scoops for boundaries. He then brought out the reverse scoop on successive occasions to pick a six and four respectively. Stubbs would end the 18th over by pulling back-to-back for boundaries off slower balls as 26 runs came off it. He and Axar Patel took a pulled six each off Thushara in the final over to take DC past 250. In reply, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma hit five boundaries between themselves four of them hit by the former. Khaleel took out a scratchy Rohit when he got him to slice to mid-off. Ishan soon went back to the pavilion after miscuing a loft to mid-off against Mukesh. Impact player Suryakumar Yadav looked dangerous when he brought out his wristy flick, glance, cut, one-handed loft and slice to make a 13-ball 26, before lobbing a catch to cover off a slower off-cutter from Khaleel as MI ended the Power-play at 65/3, marking it the third time they lost three wickets in the six-over phase of IPL 2024. Hardik kept MI in the hunt by hitting Kuldeep Yadav for three fours and a six to collect 19 runs off the ninth over before Tilak lofted and reverse-swept Axar Patel for six and four respectively in the tenth over. Hardik pulled and sliced Mukesh for six and four respectively, before miscuing a slog to mid-wicket off a slower ball from impact player Rasikh. Two balls later, Rasikh took out Nehal Wadhera, who nicked behind to Pant. Tilak was at his proactive best in taking 21 runs off Kuldeep in the 15th over pulling and lofting for a brace of sixes, before heaving and reverse-sweeping for two fours. Tilak reached his fifty in 25 balls by heaving Lizaad Williams over fine leg for four. With 64 runs needed from the last three overs, David dispatched Mukesh for two sixes over long-on fence and a pulled four. Pant came up to the stumps and it worked as Mukesh had David trapped plumb lbw. But Tilak ended the 23-run over by glancing a Mukesh full toss over backward square leg for six. The equation came down to 41 runs off the last 12 balls, and Rasikh struck by having Mohammad Nabi hole out to long-on in a 16-run 19th over. Tilaks run-out on the first ball of the final over and Chawla holing out to long-on the last ball ensured DC got their second straight win in Delhi. Brief scores: Delhi Capitals 257/4 in 20 overs (Jake-Fraser McGurk 84, Tristan Stubbs 48 not out; Mohammad Nabi 1-20, Jasprit Bumrah 1-35) beat Mumbai Indians 247/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 63, Hardik Pandya 46; Rasikh Salam 3-34, Mukesh Kumar 3-59) by 10 runs

CNMSports 27 Apr 2024 8:50 pm

CSK vs SRH, IPL 2024: Predicted playing XI, live streaming details, weather and pitch report

Chennai Super Kings are gearing up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 46th match of IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 28th at 7:30 PM IST. Currently, Chennai Super Kings are in fifth place on the points table, while Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the third position. Chennai Super Kings have played eight matches this season, winning four, whereas Sunrisers Hyderabad has won five out of their eight matches.

DNA India 27 Apr 2024 8:14 pm

IPL 2024: Rasikh And Mukesh Pick Three-fers As Delhi Capitals Beat Mumbai Indians By 10 Runs

Indian Premier League: Fast-bowlers Rasikh Salam and Mukesh Kumar picked three-fers each as Delhi Capitals secured a 10-run victory over Mumbai Indians to get their fifth win of IPL 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Saturday. In what was another run-fest at the venue, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk continued his good showing by slamming a sensational 84, including getting fifty in just 15 balls, while Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 48 to carry DC to a mammoth 257/4. In reply, Rasikhs 3-34 and Mukeshs 3-54, along with Khaleel Ahmeds 2-45 kept Mumbai to 247/9, despite Tilak Varmas 63, Hardik Pandyas 46 and Tim Davids 37 giving them hope of chasing down the target. With this win, DC jumped ahead of defending champions Chennai Super Kings to now be in fifth place in the points table with 10 points from as many games. Chasing 258, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma hit five boundaries between themselves four of them hit by the former. Khaleel took out a scratchy Rohit when he got him to slice to mid-off. Ishan soon went back to the pavilion after miscuing a loft to mid-off against Mukesh. Impact player Suryakumar Yadav looked dangerous when he brought out his wristy flick, glance, cut, one-handed loft and slice to make a 13-ball 26, before lobbing a catch to cover off a slower off-cutter from Khaleel as MI ended the Power-play at 65/3, marking it the third time they lost three wickets in the six-over phase of IPL 2024. Hardik kept MI in the hunt by hitting Kuldeep Yadav for three fours and a six to collect 19 runs off the ninth over before Tilak lofted and reverse-swept Axar Patel for six and four respectively in the tenth over. Hardik pulled and sliced Mukesh for six and four respectively, before miscuing a slog to mid-wicket off a slower ball from impact player Rasikh. Two balls later, Rasikh took out Nehal Wadhera, who nicked behind to Pant. Tilak was at his proactive best in taking 21 runs off Kuldeep in the 15th over pulling and lofting for a brace of sixes, before heaving and reverse-sweeping for two fours. Tilak reached his fifty in 25 balls by heaving Lizaad Williams over fine leg for four. With 64 runs needed from the last three overs, David dispatched Mukesh for two sixes over long-on fence and a pulled four. Pant came up to the stumps and it worked as Mukesh had David trapped plumb lbw. But Tilak ended the 23-run over by glancing a Mukesh full toss over backward square leg for six. The equation came down to 41 runs off the last 12 balls, and Rasikh struck by having Mohammad Nabi hole out to long-on in a 16-run 19th over. Tilaks run-out on the first ball of the final over and Chawla holing out to long-on the last ball ensured DC got their second straight win in Delhi. Brief scores: Delhi Capitals 257/4 in 20 overs (Jake-Fraser McGurk 84, Tristan Stubbs 48 not out; Mohammad Nabi 1-20, Jasprit Bumrah 1-35) beat Mumbai Indians 247/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 63, Hardik Pandya 46; Rasikh Salam 3-34, Mukesh Kumar 3-59) by 10 runs.

CNMSports 27 Apr 2024 8:04 pm

CM addresses looming water scarcity

Chennai: Chief Minister M K Stalin urged State government officials from across the departments to function in a coordinated manner to ensure uninterrupted supply of water to people in all parts of the State and also to personally visit parched areas to find quick remedies even while cautioning all about the vagaries of summer months that reduced supply but increased demand for water. Addressing a consultative meeting at the Secretariat on Saturday convened to look into the looming water scarcity faced by the State, Stalin said that even if the Model Code of Conduct was still in force despite the completion of polls in the State, there should be no lapse in supplying water to people continuously through regular monitoring of the situation. Since the storage in the States dams were dwindling, efforts should be made to manage the water needs of the people with the scant available resources for the next two months, he said and added that the chances of the South West monsoon bringing good rains to the State was also very bleak, as per the forecast of the Indian Meteorological Department. Though the North East monsoon brought copious rains to the coastal districts and even caused major floods, the other shadow regions of the State, particularly the western districts, did not receive enough rains, leading to the drought like situation, which was explained in detail by the Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena, and other officers, he said. Already 22 districts had been declared as drought hit and Rs 150 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund had been released to provide succor to the people depending on their specific needs with the authorities continuously monitoring the maintenance and functioning of the joint drinking water supply schemes. Besides instructing the officials of the water supply and sewage departments to be alert in ameliorating the water needs of the people, Stalin asked the electricity department to provide uninterrupted supply of power to the joint drinking water schemes and pumping stations. In panchayat areas where the deep bore wells had gone dry, alternative water resources should be identified or water should be supplied to the villages in tankers with the local body representatives and officials taken active interest in ensuring water supply He also told the Chief Secretaries to keep a watch over all the districts and give proper guidance in alleviating the water problems of the people.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Apr 2024 7:48 pm

Indian heart donor gives new lease of life to Pak girl

The 19-year-old girl from Karachi successfully underwent a heart transplant surgery and was discharged recently, doctors who performed the surgery at a Chennai hospital said.

Rediff 27 Apr 2024 7:36 pm

Doctor in Australia who came to vote moves HC after finding name missing from electoral rolls

CHENNAI: Alleging that his name was removed from the electoral rolls of Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, an Indian doctor, currently serving in Australia, has filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to restore his voting right before the counting of votes takes place on June 4. The petition was filed by R Suthanthira Kannan of Nanjundapuram in Coimbatore. He said he came down to India on April 13 to cast his vote in order to fulfil his fundamental duty. However, he was shocked to find that his name and his wifes name were missing from the voters list, but the name of his daughter, who shares the same address, was present. He said he filed a complaint to the Election Commission of India through its online portal and it was duly acknowledged. A number of persons living in his vicinity, who were casting votes in previous elections, have found their names left out in the electoral rolls, he alleged. Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai claims 1L names deleted from voter's list in Coimbatore It is not due to their fault but due to the arbitrary and inefficient way the rolls were prepared by the authorities for the Lok Sabha polls, he said. The names of thousands of voters were not found on the rolls when they went to the polling booth on April 19 to cast their votes, he stated in the petition. Kannan further said that he and his wife had lost their fundamental right to vote and choose their representative since their names were deleted. The deprivation of the voting right during this election amounts to infringement of the fundamental right as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. We have a positive role to play in electing the MP of our constituency for another five years, he said. He urged the court to direct the ECI to provide the voters, who were left out, an opportunity to cast their votes by including their names on the rolls. He also sought a direction to postpone the counting of votes until these voters are allowed to cast their franchise.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 6:32 pm

Doctor working in Australia moves HC after name deleted from electoral rolls in Coimbatore

CHENNAI: Alleging that his name was removed from the electoral rolls of Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, an Indian doctor, currently serving in Australia, has filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to restore his voting right before the counting of votes takes place on June 4. The petition was filed by R Suthanthira Kannan of Nanjundapuram in Coimbatore. He said he came down to India on April 13 to cast his vote in order to fulfil his fundamental duty. However, he was shocked to find that his name and his wifes name were missing from the voters list, but the name of his daughter, who shares the same address, was present. He said he filed a complaint to the Election Commission of India through its online portal and it was duly acknowledged. A number of persons living in his vicinity, who were casting votes in previous elections, have found their names left out in the electoral rolls, he alleged. Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai claims 1L names deleted from voter's list in Coimbatore It is not due to their fault but due to the arbitrary and inefficient way the rolls were prepared by the authorities for the Lok Sabha polls, he said. The names of thousands of voters were not found on the rolls when they went to the polling booth on April 19 to cast their votes, he stated in the petition. Kannan further said that he and his wife had lost their fundamental right to vote and choose their representative since their names were deleted. The deprivation of the voting right during this election amounts to infringement of the fundamental right as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. We have a positive role to play in electing the MP of our constituency for another five years, he said. He urged the court to direct the ECI to provide the voters, who were left out, an opportunity to cast their votes by including their names on the rolls. He also sought a direction to postpone the counting of votes until these voters are allowed to cast their franchise.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 6:32 pm

Chennai is brimming with art and culture: Illustrator Sreshta Suresh - The Times of India

Chennai is brimming with art and culture: Illustrator Sreshta Suresh The Times of India

Google News 27 Apr 2024 5:31 pm

Chennais vibrant chaos inspires me to create art: Visual artist Bhavya Desai - The Times of India

Chennais vibrant chaos inspires me to create art: Visual artist Bhavya Desai The Times of India

Google News 27 Apr 2024 5:25 pm

Reason behind Shruti Haasan, Santanu Hazarikas breakup

Chennai: Shruti Haasan and her boyfriend Santanu Hazarika have recently parted ways after a four-year relationship. The news of their breakup has been making headlines, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind their split. According to the latest report in Hindustan Times, a close source to the actress has confirmed their breakup due to personal 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 .

The Siasat Daily 27 Apr 2024 4:25 pm

Running studios not viable, says Sarathi Studios chairman

When many film studios are downing shutters in Hyderabad, renowned Sarathi Studios, the first film studio established in Hyderabad in 1956, has overcome many hurdles in the last six decades to sustain in the business. I do agree that running film studios is not economically viable and some studios have shut down in Hyderabad and Chennai as well, admitsM S R V Prasad, chairman of Sarathi Studios. We need love for cinema and passion to sustain in the studio industry. When we took over in 2005, we had a lot of doubts in our minds, but we managed to hold our fort and kept the show going, he adds. He admits that it was difficult to hold on to passion when property rates were soaring in Hyderabad. It would have been easier to give it up for real estate development and minted gold. Of course, the temptation was there since ours is a high-value property situated in the heart of the city and we thought of it. However, we overlooked the huge real estate gains and settled for Rs 1 crore earnings per year since our studio is a pride of Hyderabad, he points out. He also goes to say that studios cannot thrive on film content alone and TV and OTT reality shows have kept their studio floors buzzing with activity for many years. Content creation has taken various forms and has helped studios a bit, he quips. The studio also boasts of the first Telugu film being completely shot in Hyderabad and it was Maa Inti Mahalaxmi in 1959. Cut to the present, in 2024, they are providing state-of-the-art post-production facility and the work for the much-awaited film Kalki 2898AD is happening in the studio. From Maa Inti Mahalaxmi to the latest Kalki our studio has a memorable and illustrious journey. In fact, we have installed the latest Dolby Atmos, the latest in sound system, and viewers will enjoy sound effects 360 degrees around them in theatres, he informs. Sarathi Studios also produced classic Telugu movies like Mala Pilla, Raithu Bidda and Rojulu Marayi and they will be back in production. We are thinking about producing films, but nothing is fixed yet. Our studio has dished out some of the most landmark films in the past and associated them with great filmmakers, he says and adds, AI is a new threat to content creation and we have to be quite watchful like in Hollywood.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Apr 2024 3:49 pm

Shruti Haasan and Santanu Hazarika break up and unfollow each other on social media

Shruti Haasan and Santanu Hazarika have reportedly split up. According to a recent tweet from the paparazzo account Viral Bhayani, the two had split up and unfollowed each other on social media. Not only that, but Shruti just posted a mysterious comment on Instagram, saying, It's been a crazy ride, learning so much about myself and about people. However, neither Shruti nor Santanu have published a statement regarding their apparent breakup. Shruti and Santanu have been dating for a long time and were even living together for the past several years. They were frequently photographed together and never hesitated to display their affection for each other in public. Santanu is a well-known doodle artist who also works in other mediums. He has collaborated with some well-known celebrities, including Raftaar, Divine, and Ritviz. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Earlier this year, social media sensation Orry or Orhan Awatramani ignited wedding rumors when he referred to Santanu as Shruti's spouse. Shruti later stated that they were not married. So, I am not married. Why would I hide this if I have been upfront about everything else? LOL. So, folks who don't know me at all, please calm down, she stated on Instagram Stories. Previously, in an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Santanu discussed their love and their constant public appearances. He claimed that it might be demanding and discussed the backlash he received for being Shruti's beau. I get a lot of racist remarks. I mean, which is very unkind and mean. But, I mean, for us, we both are each others support system in a way that we are very supportive. Were very supportive of the work that we do. We are mutual respects art form, and we are each others sounding board. So, whenever we work on anything, we are the first critics of each others work. And, I mean, for us, work, art, and expression are what take priority and everything else is secondary. So that mental space and that focus help us sort of ignore all the negative aspects of being in the public eye, he said. Meanwhile, Shruti Haasan was last seen at work in Salaar. The film also had Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the key roles and was well received by all. Salaar grossed more than Rs 700 crore at the box office worldwide. Also Read : Shruti Haasan announces her next titled Chennai Story; actress shares glimpse on social media

Bollywood Hungama 27 Apr 2024 3:42 pm

CSK vs SRH: 46th Match, Dream11 Team, Indian Premier League 2024

Some big matches are scheduled to take place this weekend in the IPL 2024. One of those games will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday evening. This game will take place at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The defending champions lost their last two games this season, which is not seen usually. CSK even lost its last game against LSG while defending 211. So they need a win here to get back to winning ways. Meanwhile, SRH lost its last game, but their position is still very strong. CSK vs SRH: Match Details Match Date : April 28, 2023 (Sunday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue:MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai CSK vs SRH: Live Streaming Details Fans can catch the live stream of the CSK vs SRH clash on Sunday through the Jio Cinema Mobile app or website, which requires no extra fee or membership. Furthermore, Star Sports Networks will telecast the game live in India. CSK vs SRH: Head-to-Head The head-to-head record between the two teams largely favours CSK. They have won 14 out of 20 games played between the two, and SRH has won six matches so far. CSK vs SRH: Pitch Report The surface at Chepauk Stadium is helpful for spinners, but dew makes a big impact at this venue. Hence, the conditions in the second inning will improve, and chasing can be easy. The toss will also be crucial. CSK vs SRH: Predicted XIs CSK: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana SRH: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, T Natarajan CSK vs SRH: Dream11 Teams Wicket-keeper : Heinrich Klaasen Batters : Travis Head (Captain), Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Vice Captain) All-rounders : Aiden Markram, Ravindra Jadeja Bowlers : Pat Cummins, Matheesha Pathirana, T. Natarajan Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For World Cup Updates Dream11 Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad are playing well, but it will be tough to beat CSK at home. Their record at home is pretty good. As a result, we predict a win for CSK in this game on Sunday at Chepauk Stadium.

CNMSports 27 Apr 2024 3:13 pm

IPL-17: CSK vs SRH | Inconsistent Chennai Super Kings face bruised Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai

CSK had a good start to the season under new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad but they have been toppled by the Lucknow Super Giants twice in the last two games.

The Hindu 27 Apr 2024 3:03 pm

Timings of Kochuveli Barauni special trains revised

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 2:19 pm

Madras High Court disposes PIL to implement rules prescribed under NTDPC for parking in Chennai

The Madras High Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to strictly implement the rules prescribed under the policy formulated by the National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC) with respect to parking of vehicles in public spaces in the City of Chennai. The petitioner also seeks directions against the respondents to formulate rules []

indialegallive 27 Apr 2024 2:17 pm

Two more trains running via Chennai to get LHB coaches

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 1:56 pm

TN: School specific committees to prevent corporal punishment

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu school education department has directed district education officers to constitute school-specific monitoring committees to prevent corporal punishment. The monitoring committees will include school heads, parents, teachers and senior students. The department has directed the committees to ensure that they promptly address any complaints regarding corporal punishments and to find out whether 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 .

The Siasat Daily 27 Apr 2024 1:39 pm

IPL 2024: CSK seek return to winning ways against SRH

Chennai Super Kings will host Sunrisers Hyderabad in match number 46 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).

NewsBytes 27 Apr 2024 1:06 pm

Gold over Rs 70 lakh hidden in passenger's rectum seized at Trichy airport, 1.25 kg gold found in Chennai - The Economic Times

Gold over Rs 70 lakh hidden in passenger's rectum seized at Trichy airport, 1.25 kg gold found in Chennai The Economic Times

Google News 27 Apr 2024 12:54 pm

T. Nagar braces for more traffic chaos as diversions for one year come into effect

Residents say the locality is already busy and crowded, and the diversions, brought in for Chennai Metrorail work, will just add to the clogging up of residential streets

The Hindu 27 Apr 2024 12:43 pm

Can CSK return to winning ways against bruised SRH?

Smarting from back-to-back defeats, defending champions Chennai Super Kings will be desperate to return to winning ways when they face a formidable but bruised Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL match in Chennai on Sunday.

Rediff 27 Apr 2024 12:37 pm

GT eyes collective improvement against revamped RCB

GT eyes collective improvement against revamped RCB In need of a total reboot, Gujarat Giants will be wary of Royal Challengers Bengalurus newfound firepower in the middle-order when the two teams clash in the Indian Premier League here on Sunday. The Giants are now seventh on the table with eight points from nine matches, and they require a victory to float above the growing pile, constituted by Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals who are also on eight points. To begin with, the Gujarat side needs their pacers to step up. Their pace bowling unit has been underwhelming throughout this IPL. Mohit Sharma (10 wickets, economy: 10.35), Umesh Yadav (7 wickets, 10.55), Sandeep Warrier (5 wickets, 10.85) have leaked runs in plenty while backup quicks such as Spencer Johnson and Azmatullah Omarzai too have not inspired much confidence. Their spinners Rashid Khan (8 wickets), R Sai Kishore and Noor Ahmad (6 wickets each) have been steady without being spectacular. The troikas task will be even harder now considering RCB have found a flicker of hope in their middle-order consisting of Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green. They can take consolation from the fact that dew will not be a significant factor in a day game, but tackling Patidar, in particular, and Green need much more than help from conditions. After a modest beginning to the season, Patidar has shown smidgeons of his batting skills, especially against the spinners. He made forceful fifties while tackling Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) and Mayank Markande (SRH) in the last two matches while batting through the middle phase. While his 23-ball 52 carried RCB nearly home against Kolkata, Patidars 20-ball 50 came in a winning cause against Hyderabad. The right-hander, whose strength is his excellent eye-hand coordination rather than innovation, will be eager to make a similar impact against the GT spinners. Green too was impressive during his 20-ball 37 against the Sunrisers that took RCB past the 200-run mark. It has also helped RCB reduce their dependency on Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror down the order for a late thrust, besides freeing opener Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis of the burden of scoring in almost every match. The GT batters would also like to take a cue from their RCB counterparts. Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill have scored upwards of 300 runs in this IPL, making three combined fifties, but the GT middle-order has not really been able to do a follow-up act. The likes of David Miller (138 runs), Shahrukh Khan (30), Vijay Shankar (73) and Rahul Tewatia (153) have had fleeting moments but failed to carry on. The home side will require a heftier contribution from them against the RCB bowlers, who were on the money against SRH while defending 207. Their frontline pacers Mohammed Siraj (4-0-20-0) and Yash Dayal (3-0-18-1) were exceptional against a heavy-duty batting line-up, keeping it guessing with clever variations even on a smooth HCA Stadium surface. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma and part-time pacer Green picked up four wickets equally among them to support their lead bowlers. So, in a day-game they might be hoping for an even more improved show against a vacillating batting unit of GT. Teams (from): RCB: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan. GT: Shubman Gill (c), David Miller, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Manav Suthar, Spencer Johnson, Sandeep Warrier, BR Sharath. Match starts at 3.30 PM.

devdiscourse 27 Apr 2024 12:31 pm

Tambaram: Woman Customer Finds Live Worm in Chettinad Chicken Parcel Bought From Biriyani Hotel

In the heart of Chennai, a shocking incident unfolded when a customer who purchased Chettinad chicken discovered a live worm crawling inside the package. The customer promptly filed a complaint, The post Tambaram: Woman Customer Finds Live Worm in Chettinad Chicken Parcel Bought From Biriyani Hotel appeared first on The Commune .

The Commune Mag 27 Apr 2024 12:30 pm

Gold over Rs 70 lakh hidden in passenger's rectum seized at Trichy airport, 1.25 kg gold found in Chennai airport lavatory

Officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Tiruchirappalli airport in Tamil Nadu seized 977 grams of of 24K Gold valued at Rs.70.58 lakh from a passenger arriving from Dubai.

The Economic Times 27 Apr 2024 12:15 pm

CSK Face Bruised SRH in Battle of Former Champions

CSK Face Bruised SRH in Battle of Former Champions Smarting from back-to-back losses, defending champion Chennai Super Kings will be desperate to return to winning ways when they face a formidable but bruised Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match here on Sunday. CSK had a good start to the season under new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad but they have been toppled by the Lucknow Super Giants twice in the last two games. It was an unfamiliar sight for the Yellow Brigade fans to see the Chepauk fortress being breached as LSG knocked down a target of 210 with ease, thanks to Marcus Stoinis' stunning hundred. With four wins and as many losses in eight games, CSK are currently at fifth spot, tied with eight points with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans and will be keen to find their mojo back as things can quickly go south as the race to playoffs get heated up. Come Sunday, CSK will be up against third-ranked Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have twice broken the record of highest IPL total this season but are coming into the game following a failure of their ultra-batting approach. CSK's batting has hovered around skipper Gaikwad, who pulled off only his second IPL century the other day, and the in-form Shivam Dube, who once again impressed with yet another fifty. While Ravindra Jadeja too chipped in with the bat, the inconsistent form of top-order is a problem. Both Rachin Ravindra and Dary Mitchell's lack of runs is a concern and it has forced CSK to shuffle their batting order. Considering their bowling, the hosts had to toil hard against LSG, given the unexpectedly huge amount of dew at Chepauk that took their spinners out of the game and the visitors made full advantage of it during their 213-run chase. While the CSK pacers managed to capture the four LSG wickets to fell, the spinners struggled to grip the ball, whereas the constant misfields did not help them either. A high-flying SRH, on the other hand, were brought to the ground by RCB when they suffered only their third defeat of the season at home by 35 runs on Thursday. However, it is unlikely to deter the SRH batters who would fancy their chances against an inconsistent CSK. Against RCB, SRH's top and middle-order failed collectively while chasing, forcing head coach Daniel Vettori to admit that the idea of going all out with the bat in the second innings might not be the right thing to do. There is unlikely to be any shuffling in the visiting batting order, but Aiden Markram might need to step up, having been dismissed in singles figures in the last two contests. In bowling, senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only one who could be at the receiving end, having managed to claim just a wicket in the last three fixtures. With the likes of Umran Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Akash Singh waiting in the wings, SRH may think of given a chance, especially to the Jammu pacer, who has the ability to bowl above 150 kmph. Given that SRH won four of their last five games this season while defending, they would love to bat first but both teams will also keep an eye on the unpredictable dew factor. Squads: Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mitchell Santner, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman and Avinash Rao Aravelly. Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Nitish Reddy, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan, Mayank Markande, Umran Malik, Anmolpreet Singh, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tripathi, Washington Sundar, Upendra Yadav, Jhatavedh Subramanyan, Sanvir Singh, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen, Akash Maharaj Singh and Mayank Agarwal. Match stats: 7.30 PM (IST).

devdiscourse 27 Apr 2024 12:07 pm

Watch: Rahul reveals what he secretly admires about Dhoni

KL Rahul's admiration for MS Dhoni fuels his leadership at Lucknow Super Giants, anchoring the team's batting line-up. His impactful performances reflect his cricket expertise and strategic approach to the game. Lucknow Super Giants have beaten Chennai Super Kings in both their matches this season. The host broadcaster shared a video of Rahul talking about IPL and Dhoni.

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 11:42 am

IPL 2024: We Planned To Cash In The Powerplay,' Says PBKS Prabhsimran Singh After World Record Win

Head Coach Trevor Bayliss: Punjab Kings won against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, chasing down a mammoth total of 262 with 8 wickets in hand. It was the highest successful run chase in T20 history that earned the Kings their third win of the season and the crucial two points Opener Prabhsimran Singh, who came on as the impact substitute, hammered 54 runs off 20 balls to give his side a blistering start in the run chase. Speaking after the match, Prabhsimran said there was always belief in the team to get the win. No matter how big the score is, the team chasing always thinks that they want to chase down the total. We planned to just cash in the powerplay and we did that. We are happy to complete the chase and win those crucial two points, said Prabhsimran Singh after the match. The right-handed batter also went on to reveal the masterful advice from Head Coach Trevor Bayliss in the dressing room that helped his side during the run chase. There was a belief in everyone that if we conceded so many runs, then we could easily chase it. Coach Bayliss told us that we do not have to take the pressure of chasing the total, and asked us to bat like our normal selves. We needed to dominate and we were able to do that and get the win. Opener Jonny Bairstow, who came back into the playing squad, brought the goods on the night, smashing an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls. With 8 fours and 9 sixes, and a strike rate of 225, Bairstow's blitzkrieg helped the Kings achieve a target that at one point seemed impossible. Jonny Bairstow is one of the biggest players in the world. He also plays Test cricket and has been delivering for his country for so many years across formats. Everyone knows what he is capable of. In cricket, you can come out of form with just one match. He scored a hundred today and played a crucial knock, Prabhsimran said. The 23-year-old also added that there was no dew factor on the surface during the second innings, but the team was helped in the chase by a clarity of thought on what they needed to do. It was a batting surface. Our minds were clear and we knew what we had to do. There was no dew factor on the surface. But the clarity of minds helped us, he said. Meanwhile, the in-form middle-order batter Shashank Singh, was promoted up to bat at no. 4 on Friday, and he justified the decision with an unbeaten knock of 68 in 28 balls. With two fours and 8 sixes and a strike rate of 242.86, Shashank brought the firepower and stayed till the end to help his side complete the chase with 8 balls to spare. Speaking on the result, Shashank said, When I was in the dug-out, I was just watching the behaviour of the pitch, and I felt it was coming on nicely with good bounce. I just backed myself to hit the other bowlers, while I was happy to take the singles and doubles off Sunil Narine. We planned to play him out, the right-handed batter said. We still have 5 matches to go, we'll take it one match at a time and I believe that we can still qualify for the playoffs, Shashank signed off. Punjab Kings will next face off against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.

CNMSports 27 Apr 2024 10:54 am

Kings rule on record Knight

CHENNAI: On a night where batters made mockery of the boundary ropes and T20 chases, Punjab Kings came out smiling in the City of Joy as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets at the Eden Gardens. When KKR posted 261/6 in 20 overs, they would have thought they have a better chance, but 18.4 overs later, Kings registered the highest chase ever in the shortest format. The cherry on the top was the 42 sixes hit in the match, the most in any T20. With the record chase (262) at the Eden Gardens at stake, Punjab came all guns blazing as impact player Prabhsimran Singh smashed an 18-ball fifty, that too inside the powerplay. His opening partner Jonny Bairstow hit 24 runs in the final over of the powerplay by Anukul Roy to take Punjab to 93 after six overs. Punjab lost Singh, but nothing could stop Bairstow who went on to hit a 45-ball century and kept Punjab in the chase. From thereon, Shashank Singh (68 n.o off 28 balls) and Bairstow (108 n.o off 48) took the team home in the penultimate over. Bairstow's unbeaten century leads Punjab to highest run chase in IPL history Earlier, Punjab won the toss and opted to bowl first. Punjab captain Sam Curran started well and offered only seven runs from his first over, but the opening duo for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Narine, and Phil Salt recovered well to make it to 76 off the powerplay. The introduction of spin via Rahul Chahar slowed down the duo, but they took 22 runs in Kasigo Rabadas next over to make up for it. The opening juggernaut continued as Kolkata reached 137 at the halfway mark with Narine completing a half-century off 23 balls and Salt joining him, with his own half-ton off 25 balls. In the 11th over Chahar broke the partnership with the wicket of Naine. Salt smashed two back-to-back sixes off Curran, but lost his wicket. Andre Russell flexed his muscles as Kolkata posted 261/6. Brief scores: KKR 261/6 in 20 ovs (Salt 75, Narine 71) lost to PBKS 262/2 in 18.4 ovs (Bairstow 108 n.o, Shashank 68 n.o, Prabhsimran 54).

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 10:48 am

Selection commission of India

CHENNAI: The dates are closing in. There is just about five weeks left for the upcoming 2024 ICC Mens T20 World Cup. The turfing of the outfield at Nassau County International Stadium is complete. The venue will play host to three of the four India games in the initial stages of the tournament, including the opener against Ireland on June 5. With teams expected to name their squads by May 1, who will be in Indias squad? How many players will pick themselves? What are the open slots? Lets break it down one by one. For starters, despite the number of youngsters who are lighting up the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the questions about Indias squad arent that many. The top-order, especially the top four, pick themselves with skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav walking into their spots. If there is any question, it is whether Yashasvi Jaiswal will start as an opener. The youngster finally broke the string of bad scores with a century against Mumbai Indians. With match-ups on offer considering Jaiswal is a southpaw, it should not come as a surprise if Jaiswal starts. Not to mention, the backing he has from the captain Rohit was the first to embrace Jaiswal with a big smile after the match earlier this week. As for Kohli, despite the concerns of slowdown in middle-overs, he will still be in the team. The No. 3 could very well be a vital cog in the XI, considering the slower nature of surfaces in the Caribbean (if India do qualify). If there is a problem of plenty or a selection headache, it is in the middle-order. Rishabh Pant has put his name front and centre with his performances as the first-choice keeper. If he walks in at No. 5, then comes Hardik Pandya, whos form at the moment remains a concern. That being said, India do not have a like-for-like replacement for Pandya a pace bowling all-rounder. The only alternative option, albeit not in all three departments, is Shivam Dube. The Mumbaikar has become a prominent spin-hitter but he is not bowling as much and has been used by Chennai Super Kings as an impact player. While both Pant and Pandya walk in at No. 5 and 6, there are other players as well. Rinku Singh, for example, has pushed himself to be the finisher, but his one-dimensional skill could keep him out of the first XI. However, the UP batter should find a place in the 15-member squad. As for backup keeper, Jitesh Sharma has not helped himself with his performances while Sanju Samson and Rahul have. Samson has been consistent, but Rahul might still edge him out as he gives the flexibility of being the back-up opener and keeper. The problem, however, is that both of them bat in the top-order and this is where Dinesh Karthik has thrown his hat in the ring. Whether he will make the cut or not is not clear, but Karthik has expressed his intentions to play and is backing it up with high impact knocks as a finisher. As far as the bowling department is concerned, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav walk into the XI while Ravindra Jadeja might be the safe pick for them at No. 7 despite his poor strike rate in the position. The third spinner could be a toss up between Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi and the formers batting could prove to be the X-factor. The real concern lies in the pace department as barring Bumrah, others have not stepped up consistently in the IPL. The obvious choices would be Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj and the reserve pick might depend on the form in the IPL. When the dust settles and the final squad comes out over the next few days, it might not look that different from the 2022 T20 WC squad, especially in the batting department (exception being Jaiswal). Whether that is a good thing or not, only time will tell. Probable players in contention Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 10:45 am

Over interference concerns, UWW says athletes may be suspended too

CHENNAI: The long pending dispute between the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the sports ministry has been casting serious doubt on Indian wrestlers participation in the upcoming World Olympic Games Qualifier in Istanbul, Turkey from May 9 to 12. Expressing grave concerns over interference of the ministry in the WFIs affairs, the United World Wrestling (UWW) threatened that it would re-impose a temporary ban on the federation and this time even the athletes would be suspended. The letter written to the national sports federation said the suspension would apply to the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May. We have been informed that the Wrestling Federation of India is once again threatened by your Ministry of Sports with the imposition of an ad-hoc committee to oversee its affairs, read the letter addressed to the WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh. Adding further the letter said, Besides our lassitude for this additional affair impacting your federation and its members, we would like to reiterate UWWs determination to uphold the principle of autonomy and independence of its national federations in accordance with the UWW Statutes and the Olympic Charter. Going a step further, the world body said that even athletes will come under suspension this time which could affect their participation in the last Olympic qualifier. In case any decision or order should be made against your federation, and a third party be designated to run the daily affairs of our sport in India in violation of the UWW Statutes, UWW would have no other option than to re-impose a temporary suspension of your federation until further notice, and which, this time, could maybe include your athletes. This suspension would apply to the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May, and will certainly attract the attention of the IOC on this matter, who may also consider further action, said the letter. Earlier in August last year, the UWW had placed the WFI under provisional suspension with immediate effect after the Indian body failed to hold an election in due course. The suspension was lifted on February 13 this year. While lifting the suspension, the UWW asked the WFI to reconvene the elections of its Athletes Commission. The WFI has also been directed to immediately provide UWW with written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events. This non-discrimination includes the three athletes who protested against alleged wrongdoings by the former president. Incidentally, the first mandated condition was fulfilled on Wednesday. Full story: newindianexpress.com

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 10:42 am

Sift chasing her dreams, one win at a time

CHENNAI: When it comes to competition, the sport of shooting in India is as cutthroat as it can be. Ask the bunch who are currently part of the Olympic Selection Trial (OST). The margins are fine with the cream of sport vying for the all-important Olympic quotas. With the stakes as high as ever, the pressure is bound to be immense. All 37 rifle and pistol shooters, who are part of the trials, have mostly abandoned their daily comforts to come this far. It's a very relatable narrative where families from regular households aspire to reach for the stars. Sift Kaur Samra is one of them. Having put aside her MBBS aspirations, the sport is a massive gamble that Sift and her family have opted for. One of the gifted shooters contending for an Olympic quota in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions, Sift's rise was an organic one. With her habit of winning medals and putting up some notable scores, Sift has demonstrated in the last year or so that she has the potential to challenge for a medal in the quadrennial event. And she has lived up to her billing in the OST so far. On Friday, she finished on top for the second time within three days (OST 1 and OST 2 trials finals) and now is in a position of strength ahead of the remaining two trials, which is scheduled to be held in Bhopal from May 10 to 19. Sift's father Pawandeep Singh, who was at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, during the trials is satisfied with the outcome. But he knows the job is far from complete. It's still not over. She has done well so far but anything can happen in the remaining two trials in Bhopal, Pawandeep noted. We have seen some high scores as well. So, let's see how it goes. His assessment is spot on as fortunes can change in no time. Moreover, there are two more shooters who have a fair chance alongside Sift to make a case for Olympic quotas (two quotas available). Ashi Chouksey, who shot an impressive 590 in the qualification stage of T1, and Anjum Moudgil are also within range. This is a fairly new territory for Sift, who hails from Punjab. Ashi Chouksey comes from the famed MP State Shooting Academy while Anjum Moudgil has years of experience and is an Olympian. What drives the Sift family is the fact that they have invested everything in the shooter (not that it is any less for other shooters). Having made the difficult choice of sacrificing sport for studies, that has handed them the natural boost to go that extra mile (look for extra details to navigate the visible disadvantages). Pawandeep is just looking to ensure that he's there beside her, be the ideal support cast and keep her away from all the disturbances. This (shooting) is huge for us. As you know, she chose this over her studies. And the sport is not huge here in Punjab. If this doesn't work, then I'll never encourage anyone to take up the sport, Pawandeep, who's into business in Faridkot, said. I just try to be there as this sport is really competitive. All her coaches have been really supportive and she is someone who tends to get along with everyone well. That also helps, he added. Come May, Sift will be hoping to add to her belief during the remaining two trials in Bhopal and get one step closer to her Olympic aspirations.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 10:32 am

Say no to smoke biscuits

CHENNAI : If you are an active social media user, you would have come across the viral video of a boy consuming dry ice from an exhibition stall in Davangere, a city in Karnataka, and was allegedly reported dead. The clip shows the counter was named Smoke Biscuits and the vendor served the child a smoky liquid. The child screamed immediately after consuming it. Upon fact checking, it has been proven that the boy had consumed smoke biscuits which contain nitrogen and not dry ice which is nothing but frozen carbon dioxide. Liquid nitrogen and dry ice are harmful. Dry ices temperature can drop as low as -196 degrees Celsius and liquid nitrogen to -78.5 degrees Celsius. They get their names from the thick white vapour they produce in your mouth as you consume them at room temperature. Both are freezing agents commonly used in the preparation and preservation of food. Nitrogen causes irritable bowel syndrome resulting in cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, says Divya Sathyaraj, nutritionist and founder of Mahilmathi Iyakkam, an NGO that provides nutritious food free of cost to people in the lower income group. The other harmful reactions of nitrogen in human body are headache, stomach ache, acidity, perioral inflammation (pink patches around the mouth), swelling of lips and tongue, and skin allergies such as rashes, she adds. In the city, an eight-year-old boy visited Divyas clinic with similar symptoms of perioral inflammation, throat itching and other accompanying symptoms. While she treated the kid she notes, Children grab the first bite of any food that looks appetising and tastes yummy. Now that it is time for summer vacation, I am concerned that they might eat anything that looks interesting and exciting. Biscuits are a common snack preferred in any Indian household. As most biscuits are made of maida that can raise cholesterol and obesity, she suggests, instead, parents can give their children a healthy snack. A few of Divyas recommendations are 0% maida and gluten-free biscuits, and ragi laddoo made from palm sugar, ragi dosa, ragi kanji. Ragi is a golden food as it has so many health benefits. As much as it is delicious, it is equally important that parents present the food so that kids want to have it again and again. For example, decorating ragi kanji with pomegranates on the top will attract kids, shares Divya. Murukku made out of red and brown rice, eggs, millet noodles, honey and native fruits such as banana and mango should be added to our diet. Our homegrown food is very healthy. Around 150 ml of banana milkshake is good evening for children and elders, she adds. If you or someone you know has consumed smoky liquid, and if there is no reaction, Divya suggests, Let it go and never consume it again because it can be fatal. If there are reactions noticed, visit the nearest doctor.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:46 am

Short-term care at Athulya for seniors seeking assistance

CHENNAI: Athulya Senior Care is offering short-term stays acknowledging the significance of optimal care and attention for elderly family members. Whether its for post- surgery recovery or to entrust elders to safe hands during the upcoming holiday season as families embark on travel plans, Athulya Senior Care provides compassionate support, ensuring seniors well-being and comfort in a safe environment. Residents are actively encouraged to engage in activities that resonate with their interests. With 24X7 security and surveillance, the safety and well-being of the elders are of utmost priority. A dedicated team of trained and skilled staff members provide round-the-clock care. As the journey to recovery after surgery can be challenging, especially for seniors who may require additional support and assistance, the facility is equipped to cater to individuals in need of post-surgery recuperation. With a team of dedicated caregivers and healthcare professionals, each resident receives personalised care and attention tailored to their specific recovery needs. Assistance with medication management, physical therapy exercises, and providing companionship and encouragement, is also provided.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:42 am

Keep an eye out during summer

Here are ways to protect your eyes this summer Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of outdoor activities. However, along with the fun, it also brings some risks to eye health. The suns intense rays, increased outdoor time, and exposure to various elements can potentially harm your eyes if not properly cared for. As summer has set in, there is a need to protect the eyes from the seasons potential hazards. Longer days, increased outdoor activities, and the intense heat requires special attention to maintain eye health. To ensure your eyes stay healthy and happy this summer, here are some dos and donts to keep in mind. (The writer is CMO & consultant cornea, Sankara Eye Hospital) Dr Umesh Dos Wear Sunglasses Ensure to use quality sunglasses that provide 100 per cent UV protection. UV rays can cause damage to your eyes, leading to conditions like cataract and macular degeneration. Check out for sunglasses labelled as blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Use Protective Eyewear Whether youre swimming, playing sports, or doing yard work, wear appropriate eye protection. Goggles or safety glasses can shield your eyes from debris, chemicals, and other harmful substances. Stay Cautious about Seasonal Eye Allergies Look out for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, usually more common in summer. Symptoms are redness, itching, congestion of eyes along with sneezing. In case you experience such symptoms, avoid vigorous rubbing and consult your eye doctor. Take Breaks from Screens With more leisure time during the summer, its tempting to spend more hours on electronic gadgets. However, prolonged screen time, particularly for kids, can strain your eyes and contribute to digital eye fatigue. Follow the 20-20 rule i.e for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break and look at a distant object for 20 minutes. Also, blink frequently while on screen; the normal blink rate is 15 per minute. Get Regular Eye Exams Schedule comprehensive eye exams with your ophthalmologist at least once a year, even if you dont notice any vision problems. Eye exams can detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, allowing for timely treatment and management. Donts Rub Your Eyes Steer clear of rubbing your eyes, particularly with unwashed hands, as this action can introduce bacteria and irritants, potentially resulting in infections or worsening pre-existing eye conditions such as allergies or dry eye syndrome. Forget Sun Protection While sunglasses are essential, dont overlook other sun protection measures. Wear wide-brimmed hats or visors to shield your eyes from direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours when the suns rays are strongest (usually between 10am and 4pm). Swim with Contact Lenses If you use contact lenses, avoid swimming or showering with them in place to prevent waterborne bacteria from entering your eyes and raising the chance of infection. Instead, opt for prescription swim goggles or contemplate using daily disposable lenses specifically for water-related activities. Ignore Symptoms Be vigilant for any alterations in your vision or eye condition, and promptly seek medical assistance if you encounter persistent symptoms like eye discomfort, redness, itching, or sudden vision shifts. Neglecting these indicators may result in complications or permanent harm to your eyes. Skimp on Sleep Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. Lack of sleep can cause eye strain, dryness, and irritation. Your eyes perform a wide range of tasks throughout the day and need rest. Aim for minimum seven hours of quality sleep each night to allow your eyes to rest and rejuvenate. Risk mid-day sun The suns rays are at their strongest during mid-day, and direct exposure poses a heightened risk to your eye health. Opt for indoor activities or seek shade outdoors to minimise the impact of harmful UV radiation on your vision.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:40 am

Lok Sabha polls: Entry granted. Access denied

CHENNAI: It was 19-year-old Saravanans first time casting his vote in the Lok Sabha elections. The resident of Avvai Shanmugam Salai, affected with a rare muscular disability, reached his polling booth 102 at 7 am to avoid any delays and get inked at the earliest. What curbed his excitement was the school entrance, which was a muddy and gravel-laden path. This made it difficult for him to move on his wheelchair. Not one police official or any other staff offered to help. With the help of my parents, I entered. I waited. I was later informed that there was some problem with the EVM machine and we needed to wait further, he rues. After a delay of almost one and a half hours, Saravanan went inside the polling booth. But as the tables were not accessible, he wasnt able to cast the vote by himself and had to seek his mothers help. Working towards easing the process of voting, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the Election Commission of India notified on the availability of the pick-up and drop facility for them from their residences to the polling station through the Saksham App by calling 1950 or by calling the District Control Room. Unfortunately, the services didnt work for Saravanan. It wasnt reachable. My friend told me that when he tried to avail the services, they didnt respond in a favourable way, he adds. Meanwhile, Sathish Kumar, a member of Disability Rights Alliance, refused to opt for the pick-up and drop option as most of the vehicles arent disability friendly. It will mostly be a normal cab, it wont have provisions to fit in a wheelchair, he notes. Explaining in detail about the accessibility issues inside the polling booth, Sathish who voted from SIVET College, Gowrivakkam, says, The buildings are very old and the rooms were very small, unable to accommodate wheelchairs properly. The machine is placed close to the wall; most of us werent able to reach the buttons as the tables werent accessible. While the ordeals for wheelchair users continued this time around too, the situation had improved for those with visual impairment. Raghuraman, assistant professor at Government Arts College for Men, Nandanam, who is visually impaired, appreciated the Election Commission for the efforts taken towards 100% voting experiences for PwDs. Affirming that there is room for improvement, he says, All things should be done well at least a month in advance. Lack of awareness is one fault. Even the minimum standard guidelines are not followed in most of the polling booths. Some places lacked wheelchairs and ramps. EVMs should have stickers indicating the machine numbers, which confused the visually impaired. There should also be audio enabled support to ensure that voting is done through VVPATs. Despite the grievances, some polling booths in the city were disabled- and senior citizens-friendly with volunteers offering help. Ivan Raquinha, a 61-year-old resident who voted in Surapet, highlighted that he had a hassle-free experience. He says, I had suffered a stroke recently and couldnt walk without support. Hence, two volunteers brought awheelchair to the car and wheeled me in. They even took me inside the classroom with the help of a ramp. It was over in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, V Santhanam, a 86-year-old social activist shares that his voting experience was also smooth and the only thing he wasnt satisfied with was how there were no seating for senior citizens. Sources also rued the lack of drinking water or toilets in some booths. While most of the senior citizens who could go on their own didnt try the pick-up and drop facility to make way for others, a few others tried availing it but wasnt welcomed with the promised enthusiastic spirit. Octogenarian P Bhawarlal says, They (officials) told that only people aged 85 years and above could avail the service. So, I had to go on my own. Lessons for the future To make the voting experience inclusive, Tamil Nadus chief election officer had also notified the District Differently Abled Welfare Office, which was eventually helpful to coordinate at district level. However, this announcement reached the public at a much later stage that it could not properly facilitate collaborative access audits of polling stations ahead of polls or free transport services to ferry voters with disabilities to polling stations and back home, mentions the report by Disability Rights Alliance (DRA). The transport service announced by CEO Tamil Nadu at the last moment was unfortunately not usable for voters with disabilities as many had tried the 1950 helpline or Saksham app which did not facilitate their transport requests. This resulted in less than 50 voters with disabilities contacting the GCC control room to access transport arrangements, states the report. Sudha Ramamoorthy, a member of DRA, shares that they had booked Get Going accessible vehicles for PwD for the entire day of the election, in collaboration with Vidya Sagar NGO. We had booked two vehicles for the day and seven people had availed the services, of which six were elderly, she says. After observing the execution of accessible poll facilities the Disability Rights India highlights in the DRA report that adequate, updated and periodic training and dissemination of information must be available to access the request for transport and other services in the future elections. They also suggest uniform training materials and programmes be ensured to police on accessible barricades enabling vehicles of voters with disabilities to enter the polling stations. Access audit teams are to be planned from June onwards to ensure that all polling stations are retrofitted and comply with access standards and are readied for a compliance access audit by January 2025, in the lead up to the assembly elections 2026 in Tamil Nadu. Accessible polling booths continue to be a dream for a majority. Though a lot of facilities are offered on paper, it doesnt translate to reality. Sathish adds, Buildings need to be accessible and officials should be more strict in terms of implementing rules. Sudha concurs, Focus should also be on issues like proper lighting to facilitate people with low vision and employing a sign language interpreter for assisting people with hearing impairment. Concluding their stories, people hope that the electoral process becomes an inclusive one soon.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:33 am

Koovagam Festival: Divinity in diversity

CHENNAI: The 18-day Koovagam Festival, an annual gathering of transgender women, ended this week. This festival serves as a venue for the community to unite, celebrate their identity, and raise awareness about their issues and rights. A large number of transpersons converged in Villupurams Koothandavar temple for the festival. The last three days are celebrated with great zeal. On the 16th day of the festival, Miss Koovagam fashion show was held, transgender people from across the country gathered on the 17th day to get married to Lord Aravan, a ritual that can be traced back to a tale in the Mahabharatha. As Lord Aravan would be killed on the 18th day, his wives embrace widowhood by wearing a white saree, makeup, and jewellery. TNIE lensman Sriram R brings some frames.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:28 am

Bad roads, garbage mounds welcome visitors at industrial estate in Guindy

CHENNAI: Pothole-ridden roads and damaged stormwater drains with garbage dumped into them greet visitors to the countrys first model industrial estate in Guindy. The southern phase of the estate, which directly employs more than 5,000 people and indirectly 10,000, paints a picture of neglect. The employees are blaming the lackadaisical attitude of SIDCO towards their repeated complaints on bad roads leading to mishaps, some minor and some major. Twenty-seven year-old Shanti, who works as an accountant, recollects the day when she fell off her two-wheeler trying to avoid a pothole a few months ago. I suffered a ligament injury and was bed-ridden for months. I was advised not to ride a two-wheeler, but I am forced to do so because I have a family to support, she says. A pregnant woman also met with an accident owing to the unmotorable road and suffered a miscarriage. She was psychologically affected and quit, alleges Shanti. Aadarsh, a senior official of a company, says he once fell off his two-wheeler into a pit and suffered an elbow fracture. Employees and firms in the southern phase recently submitted a petition, once again, to SIDCO citing poor condition of a basic requirement motorable roads. Given the importance of SIDCO, south phase, Guindy is a premier industrial park. This issue has been affecting the estate for years and we have taken up the matter repeatedly. Though SIDCO said roads would be re-laid by January 2024, there has been no progress, the plea says. The employees also sent a copy of the petition to Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and top officials. A Guindy Industrial Estate Association member alleges that officials are carelessly sitting on such an important issue. The association has taken upon itself SIDCOs task of clearing garbage in the estate. However, borders of the estate are porous and hotels and other outsiders keep dumping garbage into the drain. A petition was recently sent to MSME minister seeking new stormwater drain in vain, he claims. It may be noted that TNIE carried a report in November last highlighlighting the plight of the estate and officials had assured to take prompt action. Talking to TNIE , an official in Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited says maintenance work of the estate has been transferred to Greater Chennai Corporation and the roads in Ambattur and Guindy Industrial Estates would be be re-laid at a cost of Rs 12.07 crore by the civic body. Work is currently under way in Ambattur estate, he adds.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:23 am

50 per cent redevelopment work at Chennai Park station complete, project expedited

CHENNAI: Redevelopment works at Chennai Park station have gained momentum, with 50% completion of the proposed works aimed at facilitating seamless passenger transition between the station and Chennai Central, MRTS, and Central metro station. According to official sources, the station serves as a vital point connecting Chennai Central in the Chennai Beach - Chengalpattu section. During rush hours, the entry and exit points of the station witness huge congestion. As part of the redevelopment project, station approaches are being developed not only to provide seamless movement of passengers but also to improve access for persons with disabilities, an official said. Last year, the station was taken up for redevelopment at a cost of `10.68 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. An official note said that over 50% of the redevelopment works has been completed, including the resurfacing of flooring on platforms 1A, 1 and 2. The works to instal lifts, new canopy and other enhancements are under way, the note added. The redevelopment plan involves the construction of a new booking office with an executive lounge, a new canopy at the entry with waiting space, resurfacing of flooring on platforms, development of a pedestrian walkway towards MRTS stations and Poonamallee High Road entry and new platform shelters. Additionally, the proposal includes the provision of lifts (three lifts) for the foot overbridge and handrails, a passenger information display system, an enhanced public announcement system, modern signage, the statement added.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:22 am

Traffic diversion at Chennai's Madley Junction from April 27

CHENNAI: Due to the construction of a flyover at Madley Junction, the following traffic diversions will be implemented from Saturday to April 26, 2025. Vehicles coming from North Usman Road towards T Nagar bus stand are prohibited from using the Usman Road flyover near Panagal Park. Instead, vehicles can take the service road of the flyover and reach T Nagar bus stand via Prakasam Road, Bhashyam Road, Thyagaraya Road and Burkit Road. Only buses will be allowed to ply from Burkit Road Mooparappan Street Junction towards Madley. Other vehicles can reach T Nagar bus stand via Usman Road, Mooparappan Street, Musa Street, South Dhandapani Street and Mannar Street. From T Nagar bus stand, vehicles have to take South Osman Road to reach Saidapet Anna Road and reach Kannammapet junction, and then take South West Boag Road, CIT Nagar Fourth Main Road, CIT Nagar Third Main Road and reach Anna Road. Vehicles going from CIT Nagar 1st Main Road to North Usman Road should take South West Boag Road at Kannammapet junction and take Venkatanarayana Road to reach North Usman Road via Nageswaran Rao Road. Vehicles from T Nagar bus stand which have to reach North Usman Road from Madley Roundabout have to take Burkit Road to Venkatanarayana Road and turn left at Nageswara Rao Road.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:20 am

AR constable, 2 friends booked for cheating cop in Chennai

CHENNAI: The Triplicane police have booked an Armed Reserve police constable and her two friends for allegedly cheating a traffic police constable to the tune of Rs 7.95 lakh under the pretext of online business. The victim tried to die by suicide in February and is now out of danger. According to sources, P Muniswaran (30) was employed as a constable at Flower Bazaar Traffic Police Station. In November last, he got acquainted with Priya (33), an AR constable, and her two friends Ajin and Anand, through a mutual friend. Promising to invest in their online business and getting a huge return, they made him transfer Rs 7.95 lakh. However, in December, when Muniswaran did not get any return, he lodged a police complaint. The police tried to inquire, but the trio did not cooperate. In February, Muiswaran tried to die by suicide and was admitted to hospital. After conducting inquiry, police booked a case against the three persons on Thursday. They are yet to be arrested. (Those with suicidal thoughts contact helpline 104 and Snehas 044-24640050)

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:18 am

A taste of Asia: Cafe De Bangkok

KOCHI: Inspired by their culinary travels in Southeast Asia, S Sujesh and Santhosh Baby decided to introduce the mesmerising flavours of Thailand to Kochi. The duo partnered up and started a franchise of the renowned restaurant Cafe De Bangkok, a multi-cuisine restaurant two years ago. Before we started the franchise, Thai cuisine wasnt prominent in the city. A few restaurants served the cuisine back then but the places lacked authenticity. Thats when we bumped into Thai chef Ratchadaporn Puthong who runs the Cafe De Bangkok in Chennai. After that there has been noturning back, we brought the business to Kochi, says Sujesh. Now, the restaurant is raising the bar with a pan-Asian food fest, Oishi. This addition to the restaurants repertoire, created in collaboration with Malaysian celebrity chef Kuan Lai, showcases a blend of flavours, especially from Japan, Malaysia, and China. And it is for tasting the Oishi offerings, that I entered the restaurant on a fine Monday evening. Chef Lai greeted me with a warm smile and pointed to the Japanese dishes on the special menu. There has been a surge in all things Japanese lately. From what Ive learned so far, Kochi is no different. The city has many restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine. However, knowing the soul of the food is important. Be it a bowl of Ramen, or Sushi, at the end of the day, Japanese food is an art, he says. Nyonya coconut veg curry The tasting began with the popular Salmon Maki. Unlike other sushi in Kochi, it features two types of salmon. Fresh salmon is placed on top and smoked one is wrapped in sticky rice, crispy seaweed and cheese. Instead of using just a sliver of wasabi with a touch of soy sauce, the chef showed me the proper way to prepare the dip mix a small amount of wasabi with soy sauce on a plate, then dip the sushi into the mixture. A single bite delivered an instant burst of smokey flavour, and the dual layers of salmon added a rich texture. The next on the list was the chefs signature Malaysian cuisine a brief pause from the Japanese dishes. He brought the exclusive Nyonya food to the table. The Nyonya cuisine is known for its mix of Chinese and Malay. It came into being after the descendants of Chinese immigrants started marrying native Malaysians. The cultural fusion is reflected not just in the cooking style, but also in the clothing of the people, explains the chef. The Nyonya coconut veg curry with rice is exquisite. The curry has tofu puffs, cabbage, eggplant, and a lot more veggies cooked primarily in coconut milk. The mix highlights the Malaysian flavour whereas the glass noodles in the curry hint at the Chinese influence. The curry is the standout dish. When served with rice, it is a complete meal, bursting with flavours that leave no need for any other accompaniments. Then came the beef rendang curry served with roasted bamboo jasmine rice cakes. This dish is an occasional one. It takes too long to cook and requires tremendous effort in the making. People are sure to pay a price for it, adds the chef. The beef is cooked in coconut milk and the tender pieces are easy to pull apart. The semi-gravy dish reminds one of Kerala beef, the only difference is that its less spicy. The roasted rice is wrapped in banana leaf and it can be mixed with beef and a special Nyonya achar. Its now time for the much-awaited steaming bowl of Hokkaido miso broth katsu chicken ramen. The broth is what makes the ramen special, it is cooked for almost 10 hours. The noodles are imported from Japan, adds the chef. The rich creamy miso broth with soybeans, mushrooms, sake, mirin and dried fish powder tastes refreshingly mild. Its the texture of the noodle that makes all the difference, it is smooth and slurpy. The noodle is topped with crispy sesame katsu chicken. After a hearty meal, the chef comes out with Mochi. This is a guilt-free indulgence. The dessert wont shoot up your calories. We curated this specifically keeping the concept of wellness in mind, the chef explains. I decided to wind up the session with the soft and chewy mochi. The item is coated in cocoa powder, and once cut in half, you can see the gooey centre of the banana, chocolate filling and lychee fruit. When you take a bite, the bitter taste of cocoa powder dominates for a few seconds, and then the flavour of fruits comes rushing in like a sweet melody.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 9:07 am

**Revised Headline:** **Upcoming Sporting Events**

**Revised Headline:** **Upcoming Sporting Events** Sports Schedule for Saturday, Apr 27 CRICKET: *IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in Delhi at 3:30pm. *IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals in Lucknow at 7:30pm. *Preview of IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. *Preview of IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. *Other stories related to IPL, India and international cricket. FOOTBALL: *Stories related to Indian and International football. SHOOTING: *ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship (Shotgun) in Doha. *National Trials to pick squad for Paris Olympics in Delhi. ATHLETICS: *Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Dubai. GOLF: *Indians on various tour events across the globe. BADMINTON: *Thomas and Uber Cup in Chengdu, China. ARCHERY: *World Cup in Shanghai.

devdiscourse 27 Apr 2024 9:02 am

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' movie review: An underwhelming nostalgia bait

CHENNAI : It is often said that the primary objective of franchise films is to evoke nostalgia in the viewers. These films serve as a reminder of the time when we first met the characters, a time when we had fun and didnt have the adult perspective to over analyse the older filmmaking style. An ideal scenario in such cases, is a sequel that takes a new approach while still retaining the warmth of the original film, thereby providing you with a refreshing yet nostalgic experience. However, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest addition to the Ghostbusters franchise, fails to deliver in terms of novelty, instead relying solely on nostalgia. This fifth addition to the supernatural comedy franchise takes place three years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The Spenglers, including Egon Spenglers daughter Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), her boyfriend, Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), and their close friends Lucky Domingo and Podcast, move to New York City to assist Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) and Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) in reestablishing the paranormal investigation group known as Ghostbusters. The most exciting factor about Ghostbusters are the wacky, thrilling supernatural adventures. However, Frozen Empire is mired down by indulgent dialogues and hardly has any entertaining action scenes. The writing is often repetitive and lacks originality, exposing the evident shortcomings. The attempts at humour and performances also fall short and are just relegated to referencing the previous films. The humour might have worked on paper but due to the poor execution, the jokes dont land as well as they should have. The only line that gets a chuckle out of you is when Kumail Nanjianis Nadeem Razmaadi wrings a joke out of a tense situation towards the end. The biggest shortcoming of Frozen Empire is that it tries too hard to capture the audiences attention and in that pursuit, it meanders through a loosely packed screenplay. The film tries to do too much at once and fails at all of them. While the Ghostbusters are busy with a mission, we are treated to a subplot involving Phoebe, who meets a ghost named Melody and builds an intimate relationship with her. In another instance, when Trevor asks for help from his mother, she replies, Arent you an adult boy?, essentially pushing him to become more mature. While these subplots had interesting potential, the film never truly fleshes them out. All of these different plot threads are crammed together, causing the story to lose its focus and diluting the impact of the story. Towards the end of the final act, struggling to make sense of the many plot threads it opened, Frozen Empire falls flat and fails to establish the antagonist satisfactorily. Since we do not understand or connect with the motivations of the antagonist, the finale becomes forced. Unfortunately, even with all the quirkiness, thrills, and adventures inherent in the franchise, Frozen Empire never truly leverages any of its strengths. It fails to capture the unique charm and appeal that made the original a classic. Nostalgia can be a powerful tool if combined with fresh ideas, but in this case, its a missed opportunity. Just like the ghosts in the Ghostbusters firehouse headquarters, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire fades away and fails to leave a lasting impression. Film: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Director: Gil Kenan Cast: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani Rating: 2/5

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 8:47 am

'Oru Nodi' movie review: Promising premise let down by incoherent execution

CHENNAI : While we almost appreciate debut director R Manivarman for not wasting time in an investigative thriller with a romantic track, he surprises us by doing just that towards the second half of the film. The romance involves an alleged murder accused, and this tangent pulls the focus away from the missing persons case that Oru Nodi opens with. This has been the most predominant shortcoming of the film. It rebelliously wishes to stand out, which it does in some parts, without realising that being different is not the entire purpose of a story. The screenplay takes the attention span of the audience for granted, with the film focusing on two different police cases at the same time. One scene jostles with another, just when we learn who is who and why they behave the way they do. This would have been a well-made film if just one of the two stories was given prominence and the other was relegated to a negligible subplot or a cold case with a yet-to-be-discovered startling truth that could solve both the cases. Unfortunately, this wasnt the case. With a runtime of 128 minutes, Oru Nodi quickly unravels the plot of a missing person, Sekar (MS Bhaskar), who is running against time to settle the dues to get back his mortgaged property from a ruthless land shark named Karimedu Thiyagu (Vela Ramamoorthy). The first 30-odd minutes were brilliant as police officer Parithi Ilamaran (Taman Kumar) has a peek into Sekars habitat, and then a murder case presents itself which we can predict right from the beginning that it will be connected with the missing case. Despite the predictability, we are still engaged because the how is what Oru Nodi is all about. In a film that rests its weight on the narrative flow and not on the characters, there are understandably no remarkable performances. But Taman Kumar ends up delivering a fairly engaging performance. However, actor MS Bhaskar is severely under-utilised and Pala Karuppiahs role ends up becoming unintentionally hilarious. Unfortunately, dialogues too are not a part of the films strength. Lines like Unna nimmadhiya vaazha vida maaten, Vengayatha urikkura maadhri urichiruven, and Unna kaadhalicha un pinnadi dhaane vara mudium are as generic as it could get. Also, even with its attention to detail, Oru Nodi falters with logical loopholes. It is common knowledge that the law does not permit the cremation of a body that is connected to a suspicious murder. But even before the probe is halfway through, we are shown the victims cremation just for the sake of drama. Salt on the wound is a murder that changes the course of the story. It happens with a shaving razor, that too accidentally! The biggest flaw of Oru Nodi, however, is its lack of a coherent screenplay. It becomes an anxious experience to remember each and every detail of one story before we forget it while trying to concentrate on the other story. How the film alternates between the two stories is disturbingly abrupt. S Guru Suriya leaves a lot to be desired on the editing front. The second half is stretched out so much that even a two hour runtime feels like three hours. With all that being said, Oru Nodi has safely distanced itself from indulging too much on the romantic track and also thankfully stays away from a typical Tamil cinema cop song. However, it needs to be mentioned that both the murder story and the missing story had interesting aspects and the potential to operate independently. Oru Nodi, with a few likeable portions, suffers from the directors urge to throw details all around and create surprises, rather than catering to the storys demand. Detailing and purposeful misdirection are essential ingredients to an investigative thriller, but adding these details to an overwhelming extent makes this film unpalatable. Film: Oru Nodi Director: R Manivarman Cast: Taman Kumar, MS Bhaskar, Nikita Krish, Vela Ramamoorthy, Pazha Karuppaiah and Gajaraj Rating: 2/5

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 8:46 am

'Rathnam' movie review: A hyper-violent family drama with an overstuffed screenplay

CHENNAI : Indian mass masala is perhaps the only genre in the world that gets away with chilling violence and still gets labelled as a family entertainer. While we are mostly used to violence in such filmsand have even learned to enjoy them to an extentRathnam manages to out-gore even our most violent commercial film. Rathnam begins with a bandit trio who topple a bus and then steal money and jewels from their half-conscious victims. Devoid of patience and empathy, these criminals even slash the ears to remove earrings, cut off fingers with rings on them, and stop short of beheading them to remove gold chains. But you almost expect that to happen because thats the over-the-top bar we start to expect by then. Rathnam has an acute fascination with mutilation because there are several such scenes. This might have been interesting if it served as a motif or if it is the bad guys (or the protagonists) signature move but no, we see severed limbs as many times as we see a supporting character like Yogi Babu. Ironically, at least the severed limbs make you grimace, which means you felt something, the same could not be said for the comedians scenes. Almost every attempt at humour drains the film of any little charm or energy it previously accrued. The fact that these comedy scenes are awkwardly placed does not help either. For instance, we are shown a squirm-worthy scene that depicts a sexual assault and immediately afterwards we are introduced to Yogi Babu bursting onto the frame to display his comedic shenanigans. However, Rathnam is not devoid of Haris trademark ingenuity, even though they only appear in brief flashes. How the strength of writing and its detailing suffers deformity at the hands of careless staging, is demonstrated well enough in a scene towards the end of the film. Before heading out to face the villain for a final showdown, Rathnam (Vishal) hurriedly helps himself to some home-cooked food made by Malligas (Priya Bhavani Shankar) mother, and who makes a heartfelt appeal to make Rathnam dine at their house. As an orphan who lost his mother at a young age, Rathnam finally feels the warmth of a family at Malligas house, this scene poignantly captures Rathnams yearning for maternal love. This also tells you that he is going to go all-out on the final battle, and is ready to not come back alive. However, such a brilliant demonstration of character depth is preceded by a forgettable exchange of lines between Rathnam and Malliga. That along with the pacing, and the way the scene is staged, makes the last supper scene look like a parody of itself. There are many such tonal transgressions. While Haris signature pace is all over the film, the scenes lack any kind of tension. For example, in a pivotal moment following a lengthy chase sequence, Rathnam and Malliga are surrounded by the villains goons. In every action-entertainer, the lead characters are eventually trapped in an impossible situation, and before the audience realises how they could escape, the story needs to deliver a dazzling, convincing, and a non-generic way for the protagonist to get out of the threat. However, in Rathnam, while we wait with bated breath to see how Rathnam escapes, he just simply takes a gun and shoots them all. Whenever Malligawho almost makes you feel nostalgic for how much of an old-school damsel she isgets into trouble, before you even feel any tension, Rathnam jumps in to save her and kills the scene. Composer Devi Sri Prasad makes sure that the tone of a scene is all over the place. A chilling crime or a gripping action scene has melodramatic TV serial-like music playing over it. The thought behind this is commendable because we understand the composer does not want the scenes to glorify violence, he does not want to give you generic action music. However, the overstuffed music only ends up pulling you out of the scene. Rathnams issues are one of excess. The plot threads, the music, the violence, the tedious action, and multiple expositions that serve little to the overall story, are all excessive. The film rides on a fairly engaging premise but crumbles under the weight of a needlessly dense screenplay. Vishals lack of range does not help either. We see traces of what it could have been: A consummate Hari film. However, Rathnam only ends up enlarging everything we choose to overlook in Haris better films. Film: Rathnam Director: Hari Cast: Vishal, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Yogi Babu Rating: 1.5/5

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 8:44 am

Tangedcos transformer protection bags patent

CHENNAI: The Indian Patent Office, under the union government, has granted a patent to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) for their Flexible External Bellow for Insulation Protection of Transformers on March 30, 2024. This patent is valid for 20 years, commencing from April 16, 2015. As per an announcement from Tangedco on Friday, the external bellow was crafted by the power utilitys research and development wing. Highlighting the importance of this invention, the release stated, Moisture poses a significant threat to transformers. The conventional methods to mitigate moisture prove to be insufficient, expensive and intricate. With this invention, a sealed expandable bellow is connected after the silica gel breather of the transformer. The system would make a transformer sealed, providing complete immunity from external moisture and oxygen. Consequently, the innovation promises to curtail maintenance costs, minimise downtime and mitigate operational failures, the release added. A senior official said, The power utility has so far installed this innovation at 70 substations in various parts of the state. We plan to install this on all transformers gradually.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 8:43 am

Petrol, Diesel Fresh Prices Announced: Check Rates In Your City On April 27

Petrol and diesel prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Noida, and Gurugram on April 27, 2023

News18 27 Apr 2024 8:41 am

Decomposed body of Chennai woman found 10 days after murder; man held

VELLORE: THE Pulianthope police on Friday morning discovered the partially-decomposed body of a 31-year-old woman along the foothills of Netteri hillock, 1.5 kilometres from Gudiyatham Railway Station in Vellore, ten days after she was allegedly murdered by a 25-year-old man from Gudiyatham. On April 15, the victim, a divorcee from Pulianthope in Chennai, was reported missing by her parents, who said she had taken a train to Vellore a day before, under the pretext of going to borrow books from a friend. The police registered a case, traced her mobile phone signal, which led them to Hemaraj (25), whom the victim had contacted last. During the investigation, it came to light that the two had known each other since 2021 and were in a relationship. The victim reportedly met him at the Gudiyatham Railway Station on April 14. Sources said that she insisted Hemaraj on getting married, which could have caused a rift. Around 12.30 am on Friday, the Pulianthope police, along with the suspect, searched the foothills, where he had allegedly stabbed the woman to death, and discovered the victims corpse in a partially-decayed state. The police retrieved her bag, identity card, and a knife that was used as the murder weapon. The case was then transferred to the Gudiyatham police station and the body was sent to the Government Vellore Medical College and Hospital in Adukkamparai for autopsy. Only after the autopsy results, the police said, they could conclude whether the victim was sexually assaulted or not. An FIR has been registered under Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code. During the investigation, it was found that the suspect was charged under the Goondas Act in 2022 for attempting to snatch a chain from a woman on a moving train in Katpadi, pushing her onto the railway track. He was jailed for ten months and the case is on trial at the Mahila Court in Vellore.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 7:59 am

CB-CID to probe Rs 4cr seizure from 3 train passengers in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The case concerning the seizure of Rs 3.99 crore by Flying Squad Teams (FST) officials and Tambaram railway police, from three individuals allegedly connected to Nainar Nagendran on a train on April 6, has been transferred to the CB-CID based on orders from DGP Shankar Jiwal. The three men were identified as Sathish (33, a BJP member), Naveen (26) and Perumal (26). On April 14, Tambaram police issued a summons to Nagendran and Govardhan, state president of the BJP Industry Cell. Speaking at a presser on Thursday, Nagendran assured that he will appear before the police on or before May 2 for inquiry and claimed that he was being targeted. Providing details about the summons issued to him by the police, Nagendran further added that as much as Rs 200 crore was seized but only the Rs 3.99 crore is being widely discussed. He further added that since the BJP leadership has requested him to campaign in other states, he might seek permission to appear beforehand rather than on May 2. Seizure of cash from people linked to BJP's Nainar Nagendran doesn't warrant disqualification: Madras HC 'I have no connection with money seized in Chennai': BJP LS candidate Nainar Nagendran CEO reviews state preparedness for vote-counting Chennai: Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo chaired a video conference with district election officers (DEOs) and returning officers (ROs) to review preparations for the vote counting scheduled for June 4. During the meeting, Sahoo enquired DEOs and ROs on the various aspects including the installation of CCTV cameras at counting centres, uploading voting details as soon as they complete each round, webcasting the process and providing adequate training to personnel who are assigned for counting. He directed officials to ensure robust security measures in the strong rooms and to provide essential facilities for counting staff and party agents. He urged them to promptly report any emergencies during the counting process to the ECI.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 7:45 am

Cervical cancer on decline yet remains 2nd common among Chennai women

CHENNAI: The incidence of cervical cancer has declined in Chennai, according to Tamil Nadu Cancer Registry Project report statistics for the year 2018 by the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and the state health department, which was released by the end of 2023. The Crude Incidence Rate (CIR), number of cases per lakh population, of cervical cancer in Chennai has come down from 29.6 in 1987-91 to 13 in 2018. The CIR in Chennai is lower than the states CIR of 17.7. Dharmapuri had the highest CIR of 36.2 for cervical cancer, followed by Perambalur (36.0), and Ariyalur (29.9). Kanniyakumari had the lowest of 7.2. Figures to compare the long-term trend are not available for other districts since the cancer registry project was implemented in other parts of the state much later. Despite the decline in the incidence in Chennai, cervical cancer continues to be the second most common cancer among the women in the city, after breast cancer. WIAs assistant director Dr R Swaminathan, who is also head of the department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Cancer Registry said, factors such as improved personal hygiene, late marriages, less number of children, and screening are likely to have contributed to the decrease in cervical cancer. Dr P Sampath, assistant professor in the same department said more studies should be conducted to know the risk factors for cervical cancer. Regular screening should be done and awareness and vaccination should be promoted among school students, he added. In contrast, the incidence of breast cancer seems to be on the rise in Chennai, according to the report, with one in 17 people at risk. The CIR for breast cancer in Chennai, which was 16.6 in 1987-91, jumped to 52.1 in 2018. This is nearly double of the states figure of 27. Dr Swaminathan said early menarche, late menopause, no breastfeeding, and first childbirth at a later age are some of the risk factors for breast cancer. He added while cervical cancer is decreasing in all districts, breast cancer is increasing. With a CIR of 35.5, Coimbatore had the second highest incidence of breast cancer, followed by Kanniyakumari (34.3). Ariyalur had the lowest of 12.2. The CIR for all types of cancer for Chennai stands at 145.3 whereas the same is 96.1 for the whole state. According to the report, the state had 77,138 observed cases of cancer, which is projected to have increased to 88,750 by the end of 2022.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 7:32 am

Daughter of TN beedi worker beats the odds to clear civil services exam

TENKASI: In an inspiring tale of perseverance and triumph over adversity, the daughter of a single mother, a beedi worker, has cleared the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The success story of S Inba, who got 851st rank in the all-India exam considered to be the toughest, is also a stellar example of how meaningful government interventions at the grassroots levels can produce exceptional outcomes. The public library at Shengottai became Inbas second home for two years and the free books and internet available in the library helped her come up trumps. My mother S Stella is a beedi roller. She also strings flowers at a nearby shop for additional money to run the family. The motivation given by my mother and her confidence in me made me clear the exam though I failed to crack the preliminary examination twice, said the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme beneficiary. Inba studied in Nadar Community Higher Secondary School, Vasudevanallur, in English medium till SSLC and pursued her higher secondary in MKVK Matriculation School, Tenkasi. In 2020, she completed her engineering degree in Computer Science at Coimbatore Institute of Technology. After my graduation, I joined Shankar IAS academy in Chennai for civil services exam coaching. However, due to Covid-19 lockdown, I could not continue there and had to take online classes. Over the next two-and-a-half-years, I prepared for the exam entirely from the government public library in Shengottai where librarian K Ramasamy and other staff made all arrangements for students preparing for different competitive examinations. I would attend online classes from the library from 8am to 8pm by accessing the free WiFi connection. The staff also arranged different newspapers, journals, books and magazines for me, she said. Inba said she later joined the All India Civil Service Institute, a free government coaching institute in Chennai, by clearing an entrance examination in December 2022. I was offered free food and accommodation there. No fee was collected. I also received financial assistance of Rs.25,000 from the hands of Chief Minister M K Stalin under the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme. The money helped me to purchase study materials for the Main examination and take printouts and photocopies. I also cleared the state governments scholarship exam and received Rs 7,500 financial assistance per month offered for those preparing for competitive exams. After clearing the Main examination, I attended UPSC interview in February 2024. Meanwhile, I also cleared the Staff Selection Commission exam and joined as a staff member of the Employee Provident Fund Organisation in March this year. I will soon join a central service post that I will get through UPSCs service allocation, she said. District Collector A K Kamal Kishore and Kadayanallur MLA C Krishnamurali met Inba and congratulated her on the achievements.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 7:15 am

Madras HC orders mapping of all wetlands in TN from June

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to carry out mapping of wetlands in all districts of the state from June this year on the lines of the exercise carried out in Tiruvallur district. The court has also directed the state to submit reports on the progress of the exercise periodically to the court in order to preserve these natural resources. The first bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad passed the order on Friday while hearing a suo motu case on conservation of wetlands. The mapping of wetlands, as done in Tiruvallur district, must be undertaken. This process in all the districts has to be undertaken expeditiously and it shall commence by June 2024, the bench said. The court said the mapping of wetlands in other districts must be carried out on the lines of the pilot project implemented in Tiruvallur. The HC had, on August 26, 2022, ordered the state to complete the mapping of wetlands in Tiruvallur based on the mapping done by amicus curiae T Mohan with the help of a technical team and do physical verification of the wetlands to compare them with 2011 data. Court took up suo motu case in 2017 The court had also directed conducting the mapping initially and then to hold physical verification of the wetlands and to seek objections before bringing the maps in the public domain. If there are no objections, the wetlands are to be notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017. The court had given six months for completion of entire process of mapping, physical verification but the state had not done them. The CJ pointed out that the exercise of physical verification of wetland in Tiruvallur has not yet commenced even after one and a half year. The HC took up the suo motu case in 2017 based on the order passed by the SC on April 3, 2017, in a case seeking specific steps for preservation of the wetlands in the state covered by the Ramsar Convention of 1971. The court had also impleaded 32 district collectors to ensure effective implementation of orders on preservation of wetlands.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 7:12 am

Truth In Wine for Ooty event

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 5:09 am

Truth In Wine: Truth In Wine For Ooty Event | Chennai News - The Times of India

Truth In Wine: Truth In Wine For Ooty Event | Chennai News The Times of India

Google News 27 Apr 2024 5:09 am

Traffic delays at Medavakkam due to removal of U-turn

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 5:04 am

TN sailor Nethra secures Paris quota

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:56 am

Get ready for a 300-curve metro ride

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:52 am

Bridge to be ready by Nov on highway at Tambaram

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:46 am

Traffic diversions at T Nagar

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:46 am

Ensure uninterrupted power: Tangedco told

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:41 am

Stray cow attacks girl at Triplicane

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:39 am

Mount-Velachery-Beach MRTS misses deadline, again

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:20 am

No end to landgrab at Medavakkam lakes

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:18 am

Armed gang on hacking spree attacks 12

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:17 am

Gold worth `75L found at airport

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:16 am

Shrinking shrimp prices hit Indian marine product exports

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:16 am

Health-tech: Reddys merge Keimed with Apollos unit

The Times of India 27 Apr 2024 4:16 am

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Q4 Results Live : profit falls by 38% YOY

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Q4 Results Live : Revenue decreased by 2.47% YoY & profit decreased by 38% YoY

Livemint 27 Apr 2024 2:47 am

LSG set to clash with RR in high-stakes IPL clash

Lucknow, April 26 (UNI) The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) gear up to take on the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a crucial IPL 2024 fixture at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium this Saturday. LSG, fresh from impressive victories against defending champions Chennai Super Kings, are currently... The post LSG set to clash with RR in high-stakes IPL clash first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 26 Apr 2024 11:43 pm

Woman found dead in Gudiyatham

The Hindu 26 Apr 2024 11:32 pm

Greater Chennai Corporation probes complaint against two contractors over submission of fake certificates

One of the Project Management Consultancy firms claimed that the certificate was fake; the civic authority has issued a show-cause notice to the two contractors on April 16

The Hindu 26 Apr 2024 11:15 pm

Cognizant Faces Bribery Probe in Pune, India

Cognizant Faces Bribery Probe in Pune, India The sessions court here has directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Maharashtra Police to investigate allegations against IT major Cognizant Technologies that it paid a bribe through a contractor to local government officials to secure necessary permits and environmental clearances for its campus at Hinjawadi on the city's outskirts. The bribe was allegedly paid between 2013 and 2014. The order was passed on April 19, on a complaint filed by Delhi-based environmental activist and retired police officer Prit Pal Singh through his lawyer Pratik Rajopadhye. The complaint relied on proceedings of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) of the USA against Cognizant Technology Private Ltd's parent firm Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, USA regarding alleged bribing and violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Singh had requested the Pune court to direct the ACB to register an offence under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act against Cognizant, its Indian construction contractor, and Manikandan Rammurthy, former vice president (administration and real estate officer, Cognizant, India). Additional Sessions Judge S B Hedaoo stated in the order that as the reference to the alleged transaction was found in the US SEC order, there was sufficient material to forward the complaint to the ACB Pune. Unless an offence was registered against the unknown government officers involved the alleged bribery, ''this matter would not move even inch further'', the court observed, adding that without an urgent investigation, evidence in the company's computers may vanish. ''Complaint is forwarded to Anti Corruption Bureau, Pune under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure for investigation. Anti- Corruption Bureau, Pune is directed to investigate these allegations and submit a report,'' the order said. As per the complaint, the contractor firm which constructed the software firm's Hinjawadi and Chennai offices informed it that bribes were required to be paid to government officials at both places to obtain necessary permits and environmental clearances. Cognizant, USA and its Indian subsidiary allegedly agreed to this, the complaint said. In 2013-2014, USD 7,70,000 were reimbursed by the Indian subsidiary company to the contractor firm (which had allegedly paid the bribe of the same amount on its behalf) with regard to the Pune campus, the complaint claimed, citing the US SEC order. ''Some time in 2016, in the internal audit of parent company at U.S.A. this fraud was detected and as against this bribe amount so pumped up to India, some fake vouchers and bills of non-existing work were raised to cover up the bribe transaction. The parent company in U.S.A. conveyed this fact to Securities Exchange Commission, U.S.A. Before this statutory authority, the Department of Justice of U.S.A. prosecuted the parent company and parent company admitted its offence and undertook to pay the penalty of 25 million dollars to U. S. government by entering into a settlement of deferment of prosecution as per U.S.A. law. The order to that effect was passed by SEC, USA on 15/02/2019,'' the Pune court's order stated. When contacted, Cognizant said in a statement that it does not comment on sub-judice matters and it was ''committed to complying with the law''. PTl SPK KRK

devdiscourse 26 Apr 2024 10:30 pm