250 sovereigns, Rs 5L stolen from woman cops house in Tamil Nadu; probe on

MADURAI: After more than 250 sovereigns of gold jewellery and Rs 5 lakh in cash were stolen from the house of a police inspector at Alanganallur in Madurai district, the police have formed special teams to nab the accused, whose identity remains unknown. The incident came to light on Friday when the family members of inspector Sharmila, attached to the Vilampatti police station in Dindigul district, returned home. Sharmilas two children, who stay at the house, had gone to their grandmothers house in Chatravellapatti village on May 8. The miscreants had broken down the door and looted the valuables. Police teams scrutinized CCTV footage, and believe that the incident might have occurred late on May 8. Three special teams have been formed. Criminals with similar modus operandi and others are being investigated. Recently, the family had renovated the house and carried over some carpentry works. Therefore, those involved in the works are also being quizzed, sources said.

Curb accidents at firecracker units, ex-minister tells CM Stalin

MADURAI: AIADMK ex-minister RB Udhayakumar urged the state government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, to concentrate on controlling the fatal accidents at firework units as the total death toll due to such mishaps has increased to 28 in five months in Virudhunagar district in 2024. In a press note, Udhayakumar stated that the deaths at firecracker units were primarily due to violations at the units. Calling the governments directives to follow norms as mere eyewash, he said the government must check if the workers are given sufficient training, and have adequate safety equipment. Five persons were killed in fire mishaps in January, followed by 12 in February, and 10 in May, he said, adding that 26 people were also injured in such mishaps. Even if those who were severely injured survived, they cannot return to a normal life. The employers have risked the lives of workers just for the sake of revenue. What is the point of providing compensation to people after their death? Their loss is irreplaceable to their families, he said.

When will Madurai, Trichy wake up?

Cities in Tamil Nadu, like Trichy and Madurai, are considering implementing stricter regulations for pet dog ownership following a recent incident involving rottweilers in Chennai. The civic bodies are awaiting the lifting of the model code of conduct to enforce these rules.

When will Madurai, Trichy wake up? - The Times of India

When will Madurai, Trichy wake up? The Times of India

High heat, low water; Farmers go coco nuts in Tamil Nadu

THANJAVUR: The coconut fruit buds (kurumbai) are all over the place, on the ground. S Nagarajan, a coconut farmer at Kuruvikkarambai in Thanjavur district, could do nothing but stare at the tall trees in his grove, for he knows the sight is just the forerunner of the heavy yield loss that he would face in the months to come. Blame it on the heat prevailing in the area for the last so many weeks, says a visibly disturbed Nagarajan pointing at the buds. Naturally this will lead to yield loss during the coming plucking time, he adds. Its not just Nagarajans plight. For the farmers through out the Delta, the situation is the same. N Sundararajan, a coconut farmer from Kuruchi near Pattukkottai, adds another reason for the falling coconut fruit buds. Earlier, the breeze from the sea nearby would be cooler and helped retain the moisture in the air, thereby helping the kurumbai stay in the spathe (a curved bract) itself. But, the ocean temperature has now increased and the breeze is no longer cool, says Sundararajan. His claims have been confirmed by a study by the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) which pointed out that ocean temperature hit a record high in February. Another problem faced by the coconut farmers in the delta region has been the depleting groundwater level. The groundwater which was available at 80-100 feet has now gone below 200 feet. I am not able to pump enough to irrigate my entire grove that has 1,100 trees spread over 15 acres, says R Palanivelu, a farmer from Therkukottai village near Pappanadu in Thanjavur district. Adding to their woes, the farmers are facing an erratic power supply. Though the officials claim power supply is being ensured for 12 hours (6 hours in the morning and 6 hours in the night) through the dedicated three-phase grid meant for agriculture purpose, we dont know the exact schedule when the power will be available. At times, it so happens that the power goes off when we were about to water the grove, points out V Veerasenan, another coconut farmer from Ponnavarayankottai village. The president of the East Coast Coconut Farmers Association (EFFA), EV Gandhi, points out that the full impact of the current heatwave on the coconut yield will be known only in another 10-12 months as coconut is a year-long crop. The absence of summer rains is also another factor contributing to the worries of the coconut farmers. Normally, we should have received one or two spells of summer rain by this time. But this year that did not happen, says Nagarajan, pointing out at the importance of summer rains as it will help pollinate coconut flowers. The dearth of summer rains reduces the pollination which will lead to yield loss, he adds. The farmers pluck coconuts once in 60 days, from the trees. We used to pluck nuts from three bunches (kulai) from each tree which usually yields 60 to 70 nuts in total. Now, I could pluck only from two bunches that yields less than 40 nuts in total, says Palanivelu. He attributes the drop in yield to the stoppage of water from Mettur dam from October 10, 2023, instead of the regular date of January 28, due to poor storage level. The prevailing heat conditions will reduce the yield further in the coming months, Palanivelu adds. When pointed out at the recent reports of farmers from Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts felling the coconut trees due to drought-like conditions, Gandhi says the farmers of the delta district would not go to such extremes as the groves here are irrigated either through canal irrigation or using groundwater. R Arunkumar, associate professor and head of Coconut Research Station at Veppankulam in Thanjavur district, told TNIE farmers are advised to undertake sub-soil drip irrigation to manage the scorching heat. The farmers were also advised to spread the coconut fronds around the base of the tree to reduce evaporation of water, he adds. Coimbatore and Tiruppur that have a combined cultivated area of 82,000 hectares are one of the major coconut cultivating areas in the state. Pollachi coconut and tender coconut are well-received in the market. The long-term crop is severely affected by the whitefly attack and the Kerala wilt attack already. Adding to the woes, farmers are suffering due to various problems such as low procurement prices for coconuts, and the failure of both the monsoon last year. Now due to the unprecedented drought, coconut trees are drying up. Currently, the coconut trees are severely affected by the drought in the PAP irrigation belt in Coimbatore and Tirupur district, says Medical K Paramasivam, chairman of Thirumurthy irrigation project committee in Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), adding as most of the coconut trees have dried up, the farmers are cutting down the trees. Therefore, we demand the area be declared as drought hit. Compensation should be given for dried and felled coconut trees, he says. Paramasivam also sought for financial assistance from the government for the replanting the coconut saplings. In Madurai, where coconut is being planted in over 10,000 hectares in areas like Vadipatti, Solavanthan and Kottampatti blocks, the story is no different. Speaking to TNIE, N Arun, a coconut farmer from Kottampatti, says, Usually a single coconut weighs around 400 grams, but this time, nuts of smaller sizes, weighing 200 grams, are seen, resulting in low price for the produce. An average size coconut goes for `8 and smaller coconut would fetch only for `3.5. Though some farmers opt to convert these into copra through which they could get better prices, many who are not used to copra processing are forced to sell them at lesser prices. Farmers also say the increasing temperature is affecting their yield, and is adding to attacks by pests like white flies which could greatly affect the coconut trees. One of the natural remedies for controlling the pest is the summer rain we usually get in May, but this year apart from a few drizzles, there was no rain till now. We fear that the pest attack will increase, as summer saso has just started, they add. (With inputs from M Saravanan @ Coimbatore and MS Thanaraj @ Madurai)

This culinary pop-up in Bengaluru celebrated the delicious flavours of Madurai! - indulgexpress

This culinary pop-up in Bengaluru celebrated the delicious flavours of Madurai! indulgexpress

Tender coconut and ice apple are favourites of Madurai residents this summer

Couple electrocuted near TVS Nagar in Madurai

Madurai and some other parts of Tamil Nadu receive heavy rain

Class 10 board results: 5 out of 10 south districts among TN's top 10

MADURAI: Five out of 10 districts in southern Tamil Nadu feature in the top 10 list of overall ranking with respect to the class 10 board examination. Sivaganga secured a pass percentage of 97.02%, which is 0.51% less than 2023. But the district secured the second rank both last year and his year. Up from rank 12 last year, Ramanathapuram secured the third spot this year with a pass percentage of 96.36% 2.5% more than last year. Kanniyakumari got 96.24% this year 0.25% more than last year, and retained its fourth spot. Virudhunagar district followed next with 95.14%, a dip of 1.08% from last year. It also slipped from rank three to six. Thoothukudi secures a pass percentage of 94.39% is 1.19% lesser than last year. It also slipped in ranking from fifth to ninth this year. Whereas, Madurai secured 94.07 pass percentage this year 2.28% more than last year. This helped the district climb from rank 18 to 11. In Tirunelveli, 93.04% of students passed their exams this year which is 1.15% less than last year. As a result, it dropped to rank 16 from 9 last year. Likewise, Tenkasi secured 92.69 pass percentage this year 1.43% lesser than last year and dropped in ranking from 10th position last year 17 this year. Theni secured 92.63 pass percentage this year 2.37% more than last year and climbed to rank 18 from 27 last year. Dindigul, on the other hand, saw 0.55% jump in pass percentage, to 92.32 this year. But, the district dropped in the ladder, from rank 19 last year to 22 this year. The number of girl students appearing for the exams was higher than that of the male students. The pass percentage for girl students was also higher than that of the boys in each district.

Delivered from heat, citizens land on waste-strewn roads in Madurai

MADURAI: The episode of searing heat in Madurai has concluded, after heavy rain lashed the district on Thursday night. From days recording temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the downpour brought the much-needed respite. Although citizens rejoiced at the sight of shower, they have complained of sewage overflow and garbage-strewn roads. The latest spell of rain came for the second consecutive day in the district. According to the IMD, Madurai witnessed 102 degree Fahrenheit in the day time. After Thursday night, when the district witnessed an average rainfall of 6.2 mm, temperatures have dipped. On Friday, Peraiyur in Madurai witnessed 9 cm rainfall, while other places witnessed decent down pour in the evening. The district has been for almost a month, with temperatures peaking 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Commuting during the day time had become a nightmare. But, the rain saved the day, said G Balamurugan, of Thiruparangundram. Senior agriculture official from Madurai added that the summer rain plays a major role in agriculture. As it occurs, farmers would plough their fields, essential to control pests like fall army worms. Thus, with the rainfall, farmers can begin summer ploughing works, added the official. Even though citizens and farmers heaved a sigh of relief, the downpour has left people concerned about some civic-related issues. Citizens, in particular, stated that areas like Avaniyapuram witnessed sewage overflow into the bus stand, which may cause health hazards. They also highlighted the plight of the commuters who have to wade through the waste. Instances of water stagnation was also reported in several areas. Locals have requested the city corporation to carry out essential works before the monsoon season sets in.

Tamil Nadu: Couple on bike dies of electrocution during rains in Madurai - News9 LIVE

Tamil Nadu: Couple on bike dies of electrocution during rains in Madurai News9 LIVE

Staging togetherness of Madurais Chithirai Tiruvizha - DTNEXT

Staging togetherness of Madurais Chithirai Tiruvizha DTNEXT

Steady rain brings relief to Madurai residents

Russian Centre of Science and Culture holds education fair in Madurai

Madurai district improves from 18th to 11th rank in Class X board examination results

SEBI, along with NSE and BSE, opens investor service centre in Madurai

Kannur Cocktail to Madurai Jigarthanda, what keeps Kochi cool this summer

Cool down this summer with rich, inventive milkshakes blending fruits, nuts and ice creams. We try Kochis most popular versions.

Kannur Cocktail to Madurai Jigarthanda, what keeps Kochi cool this summer - The Hindu

Kannur Cocktail to Madurai Jigarthanda, what keeps Kochi cool this summer The Hindu

Suraksha stable after surgery, trauma counselling suggested

CHENNAI: A five-year-old girl, who was attacked by two Rottweiler dogs near Thousand Lights, underwent surgery on Thursday and her condition is stable now. Official sources said the surgery was over by 6 pm without any complications. The child, R Suraksha, had suffered from a torn scalp along with injuries to other parts of the body after she was attacked by the two dogs near a corporation park . Though she seems to be fine physically, she needs trauma counselling to process the enormity of the incident considering her age and the media attention. Until yesterday, she was constantly crying despite not being in any physical pain. She received little toys and gifts on behalf of the city corporation and other officials. Suraksha was all smiles while receiving the gifts, said an official source. The childs father was employed as the park overseer on a contract basis through a private firm. He stayed with his family in a room within the park. Dogs which attacked five-year-old girl in Chennai shifted to Madurai farmhouse

Rain-battered Bengaluru airport causes 17 flights to divert to Chennai

BENGALURU: Turbulent weather and poor visibility at Bengaluru airport on Thursday night caused the diversion of 17 flights, three of them international ones, to Chennai. Due to gutsy winds and thunderstorms, flights could not land for an hour from 9.30 pm. A spokesperson from airport operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited said, Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds rendered the airport inaccessible for landing between 9.35 pm and 10.29 pm leading to the diversion of flights-13 domestic flights, 3 international passenger flights, and 1 international cargo flight was diverted to Chennai. Flights later returned to Bengaluru after the weather conditions improved at Kempegowda International Airport. Among the hundreds of passengers affected was Suman Paul, a supply chain professional at a private firm. He told TNIE, Our Indigo flight (6e 6251) from Kolkata was going in circles around the Bengaluru airport awaiting permission to land. The captain told us that due to thunderstorms and poor visibility, they were not getting clearance to land. The flight then went to Chennai and refuelled there. We were literally sitting inside the aircraft for three hours in Chennai as we are not getting clearance from Bengaluru due to congestion there. We finally reached at 2.40 am on Friday instead of 9.30 pm (Thursday). I reached home at 4.30 am and was late to work on Friday because of that. However, no one could be blamed as it was an unavoidable situation, he said. The airline staff took good care of the passengers and offered refreshments and water, Paul added. Affected flights: The international flights impacted were KLM flight from Amsterdam to Bengaluru (KL-879) which reached at 2 42 am on Friday from Chennai, behind its original schedule by 3.5 hrs; Singapore Airlines flight (SQ 510) from Singapore to KIA which finally reached Bengaluru at 11.41 pm instead of 9.50 pm and Etihad flight (EY-238) from Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru which reached at 2.09 am on Friday from Chennai instead of 7 35 pm. However, it also departed three hrs late from Abu Dhabi by 5 pm local time instead of 2 pm. Among the domestic flights diverted from Bengaluru to Chennai were four each of Indigo (Pune, Kolkata, Lucknow and Madurai) and Air India Express (Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ranch) and two Air India flights to Delhi and Hyderabad. A Vistara flight to Delhi, an Akasa Air flight to Pune and Star Air to Jamnagar were affected.

Four women across 3 generations of a family die in Sivakasi blast

VIRUDHUNAGAR: Lives of four women belonging to three generations of a family died in the blast at a firecracker unit near Sivakasi on Thursday. Relatives of the women mourned outside the mortuary at the Sivakasi Government Hospital and reminisced the last moments they spent with them. The deceased women have been identified as M Aavudayammal (75), her daughter M Muthu (52), and granddaughters V Lakshmi (47) and K Jeyalakshmi (25). At least 60 relatives gathered outside the mortuary. Recalling the last moments with Lakshmi, her relative T Akkamal (38), a cracker unit employee herself, said, It was only a week ago, when Lakshmi brought her daughter Poomari, who is pregnant and is due in 10 days, to her house after the baby shower. Now, she will never be able to see her grandchilds face. An inconsolable Akkamal added that Lakshmi did not take leaves because she wanted to take care of her daughter after delivery. P Muthalagi (34) said that all her mother, Muthu, wanted was to see her granddaughter, who is on vacation in Madurai now. The same time yesterday, I was speaking to my mother. Even then she was asking me to bring my daughter to her house, but I was unable to fulfil her wish, she said. Even as officials from the district administration and elected representatives jostled in the hospital corridors, assuring measures to prevent such accidents, arrest of the accused, and promising support for the families of victims, the relatives dismissed all of it as mere eye wash. They just want us to collect the body and move on. Is the government taking any significant step to prevent such accidents, the relatives questioned and expressed their disappointment as 19-year-old V Alagujothi, fourth-generation woman of the family and a cracker unit employee herself, stood staring at the mortuary that stored her mother Lakshmis body. 10 workers killed in firecracker unit explosion in TN's Sivakasi

Cleaning of elephant-proof trenches under way in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

NILGIRIS: Officials of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) on Tuesday commenced maintenance of Elephant-Proof Trench (EPT) along the forest boundary to prevent elephants from venturing into villages coming under the Srimadurai panchayat nearby. Based on the request from Gudalur RDO and Police, Deputy Director of C Vidhya engaged a vehicle to remove soil and bushes that have accumulated in the EPT. The cleaning drive was taken up after residents of Srimadurai announced a protest against the forest department for failing to control the intrusion of elephants into village. Srimadurai panchayat president KR Sunil told TNIE that elephants enter villages like Kuniyal, Mulapalli , Eachanvayal, Vadavazal and Odakolli as these are located bordering MTR due to lack of water source and fodder availability inside the forest. Though EPT was laid for ten kilometre, forest department did not carry out maintenance works in the last two years. As a result, animals are able to cross the trench easily and enter into the villages. Ward 3 councillor A Narayanan said though there has been no untoward incident due to elephant movement, the animals are frequently entering into farm lands and damaging banana, arecanut and coconut trees on daily basis. Moreover the animals approach the kitchen, attracted by the smell of rice and damage houses, he added. Councillor of ward 9 Sathyan said that a farmer was injured when he tried to escape from elephant attack recently. He added that people cannot even take a torch light and go for a walk during morning and night since elephants charge towards them when they flash the light at them.

Tender coconuts, ice apples sell like hot cakes in Madurai

MADURAI: Along with the rise in mercury levels, the demand for tender coconuts and ice apples has also gone up. While traders are a happy lot, customers are feeling the heat as the prices of these edibles have also increased. Madurais scorching heat has been giving a hard time for locals, and people are drawn towards refreshing fruits and vegetables to keep themselves cool. As a result, tender coconuts and ice apples, locally known as nongu, have been selling like hot cakes, with smaller shops cropping up to cater to the high demand. Ice apple vendors are a common sight in the citys streets, wielding a machete and cutting open the palm fruit to serve customers. Seasonal fruits like ice apples, which are only available during summers, and tender coconuts are among the best options to beat the heat. As nongu is a seasonal fruit, the prices are constantly high each season. However, the price of tender coconuts, which were being sold at Rs 20 - 30 a few weeks ago, has nearly doubled now. Yet, despite the high prices, there has been no let up in demand, said K Kalirasan, a resident, after he purchased some ice apples. Murugan, a tender coconut vendor stated that they have to purchase stock from elsewhere as local cultivators prefer to sell coconuts rather than tender coconuts as the prices for the latter vary based on the demand and transportation costs. As of Wednesday, tender coconuts were being sold at Rs 50 - 80 a piece based on the size. Another ice apple trader, Murugan, added that it is quite rare to see palm trees within the city limits, and only a few are seen on the outskirts. Vendors procure them from neighbouring districts such as Sivaganga or Ramanathapuram, where palm trees are widely prevalent. Based on its size, vendors sell three to four palm fruits (each containing two to three ice apples) for Rs 50 rupees.

Showers temper heat in Tamil Nadu, rain likely till may 11

CHENNAI: After an intense spell of heatwave, the maximum temperature in many parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, has dropped below normal. The regional meteorological centre (RMC) on Wednesday said heavy rainfall, due to cyclonic circulation, in interior districts and hilly areas of Nilgiris and Coimbatore will continue till May 11. Thunderstorm, lightning and winds with speed up to 30-40 kmph likely over TN, the RMC said. Except Karur, Erode and Madurai, the temperature has dropped significantly across TN due to the rainfall. Karur recorded the highest temperature of 41.2Celsius, which was 4.9C above normal. But Dharmapuri, which was inching closer to 43C till last week, recorded 35C --- about 1.5C below normal. Chennais Meenambakkam weather station, which was breaching 40C mark, has clocked below-normal temperature of 37.1C. P Senthamarai Kannan, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said maximum temperature may fall by up to 2C in next five days over TN, Puducherry and Karaikal region. Temperature to rise in 3rd week of May In interior Tamil Nadu, the temperature will generally be 2-3 degrees above normal. On May 9, heavy rainfall is likely over Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Karur, Erode, Namakkal and Salem district and it will spread to places like Kallakurichi, Theni, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari during subsequent two days. In Chennai, the sky condition is likely to be partly cloudy with possibility of light to moderate rainfall. Maximum temperature will be around 35-36 degree Celsius. In the last 24 hours ending 8.30am on Wednesday, KRP Dam weather station in Krishnagiri and Keelpennathur in Tiruvannamalai received the highest rainfall of 9cm. Till 5.30 pm, Valparai in Coimbatore received 29.8 mm of rainfall. Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, Meteorology and Climate Change, Skymet weather service, said the heatwave spell has ended but the temperature will start to rise again in the third week of May as the current rainfall activity subsides.

118 inmates died in 5 central prisons in TN in 2 years: RTI

MADURAI: Nearly 118 prisoners died at five central prisons Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Cuddalore and Vellore between January 2022 and February 2024, according to a RTI reply obtained by an advocate, KR Raja, in Madurai. The RTI reply disclosed that 28 prisoners died and 99 took treatment for mental illness in Madurai Central Prison, while 35 died and 37 took treatment for mental illness in Coimbatore Central Prison. In Tiruchy, 29 died, while 33 took treatment for mental illness treatment. The RTI reply also disclosed that hundreds of prisoners took general treatment, yet the number of doctors was limited. Raja further said the objective of the RTI was to increase medical facilities for prisoners. Prison authorities took responsibility and arranged appropriate medical facilities. The number of prisoners suffering with mental illnesses has been increasing, and some need further treatment. The prison authorities, in association with the health department, should identify the illnesses among such prisoners and help them recover.

Madras HC seeks legal bodys report on Shankars health

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday sought the Coimbatore District Legal Services Authoritys (DLSA) report on the health conditions of the YouTuber Savukku Shankar. He is currently lodged at Coimbatore Central Prison on charges of denigrating women police officers and possessing ganja. When a habeas corpus petition filed by the YouTubers mother, A Kamala, came up for hearing, the vacation bench of Justices AD Jagadish Chandira and R Kalaimathi directed the High Court Registry to obtain the report of the DLSA, whose four-member team visited the prison to ascertain Shankars health conditions following another petition filed in the local court. Senior counsel John Sathyan, appearing for Kamala, submitted that Shankar had no injuries on his body before imprisonment but an advocate, after visiting him in the prison, stated that he had sustained injuries. The government advocate representing the police, however, told the court that Shankar suffered injuries on his left hand, right foot and lips when the van, in which he was taken to Coimbatore, met with an accident at Dharapuram. The prison doctor had examined him and certified the injuries and Shankar had acknowledged it by affixing his thumb impression on the medical report. The bench adjourned the case to Thursday. Meanwhile, Justice K Kumaresh Babu dismissed another petition filed by T Vignesh, creative head of Savukku Media Private Limited run by Shankar, seeking to restrain the police from invoking the Goondas Act against the jailed YouTuber. The judge said no such preemptive orders could be passed. In a second petition filed by Vignesh, alleging polices interference in the functioning of the Savukku Media, the judge directed the Greater Chennai Police to file a response by Thursday. YouTuber Savukku Shankar 'brutally attacked' by jail authorities, claims his mother; seeks judicial probe Lawyer claims YouTuber Savukku Shankar beaten in Coimbatore jail Advocate P Vijayendran, appearing for Vignesh, said the routine activities of the YouTube channel have been frozen and the employees could not enter the office. Saying that the employees are unable to do their daily duties in disseminating news, the council described the polices interference as a violation of articles of the Constitution that protect freedom of speech and expression. Remanded In another significant development, the Principal Special Court for EC and NDPS Act Cases in Madurai on Wednesday remanded Savukku Shankar in judicial custody till May 22 in connection with a ganja case registered against him at PC Patti police station in Theni. During the hearing, Shankar submitted to the special court judge M Chenkamalaselvan that due to the custodial violence against him in Coimbatore prison, he needed to be shifted to Madurai Central prison. He also requested proper medical treatment. Judge Chenkamalaselvan asked him to file a petition in this regard. Later, he was again taken to Coimbatore prison. Meanwhile, a group of women staged a protest outside the court premises condemning Shankars derogatory remarks. Tiruchy cops also book YouTuber Tiruchy: The district cybercrime police on Wednesday registered another case under five sections against YouTuber Savukku Shankar for making derogatory remarks on women police personnel in a YouTube interview. The case was filed based on a complaint lodged by Musiri DSP MA Yashmin. The police have booked Shankar under sections 294(b), 353, 509 of IPC, section 67 of Information Technology Act, 2000 and 4 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. YouTube channel interviewer G Felix Gerald (48) has been also been booked. Shankar who was lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison, was formally arrested by the Tiruchy police. Many women police personnel have lodged complaint with the Tiruchy superintendent of police. (With inputs from Madurai)

Tamil Nadu government school boys to get Rs 1k college aid from July

CHENNAI: Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena on Wednesday said the Tamil Pudhalvan scheme, under which `1,000 per month will be provided to male students of government schools joining higher education, will be implemented from this academic year beginning July. Meena said this while inaugurating the Kalloori Kanavu scheme under Nan Mudhalvan programme at the Anna Centenary Library on Wednesday. Under the Kalloori Kanavu scheme, career guidance programmes will be conducted across various districts till May 13 to help students make informed decision regarding higher education courses. Last year 30,000 more students joined higher education courses after Class 12 and the number may increase this year, the officer said. While TN has the highest gross enrolment ratio, initiatives like Kalloori Kanavu are essential to ensure that all students get higher education including polytechnic, engineering, law, arts and medicine. Students across the state will be informed about the various opportunities available to them through the scheme, he said. He also added that inter-department teams including education, revenue and local body officials have been formed in the districts to track students who are not pursuing higher education. These students will be encouraged to enrol for higher education. This will help improve the gross enrolment ratio gradually, he added. Last year, out of the 3,3,628 students who cleared Class 12 examinations in government schools, 2,43,70 joined higher education. The career guidance event was held in Chennai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Salem on Wednesday. It will take place in Tiruvallur, The Nilgiris, Perambalur, Myladuthurai, Dindigul, Dharmapuri on Thursday, Chengalpattu, Tiruppur, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Theni, Kanniyakumari, Krishnagiri on May 10, Kancheepuram, Erode, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Tirupattur on May 11, and Ranipet, Thenkasi, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Kallakurichi, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore on May 13. Experts will interact with students in these programmes. This apart, universities will set up stalls at each location to clarify doubts of students on educational opportunities available to them. These stalls will showcase the various programmes offered. The 2022 edition of Kalloori Kanavu benefited over 75,000 students across state.

Cow dung in tank: TN government's reply sought on PIL to transfer probe

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the state government on a PIL filed seeking to transfer the investigation into the case of cow dung mixed in an overhead tank at a village in Pudukkottai, from the police department to the CB-CID. The division Bench of Justices P Velmurugan and P Dhanabal made the direction, while hearing the petition filed by Shanmugam (45), who submitted that a majority of people in Sangamviduthi village in Pudukkottai district belong to SC community. The case of mixing human faeces in a water tank at Vengaivayal, also in Pudukkottai district, is yet to be closed, and another incident of water contamination by mixing cow dung was reported in Sangamviduthi village on April 25. Shanmugam stated that instead of taking action, the police said steps would be taken only after getting the results of water samples sent for testing. Since there is no proper investigation by the district police, Shanmugam stated, he sought to transfer the investigation to the CB-CID.

Chennai: Government Schools to Get 100 Mbps Internet Connection

Chennai : All government schools, starting from the primary to higher secondary level, would be provided with 100 Mbps internet connections with the help of the public sector BSNL in the coming academic year, starting in June, with a view to providing a better learning experience to students and also equipping them to face the future in the hi-tech world. An official press release on Wednesday said that the modern facility had already been set up in 5907 of the total 6023 higher secondary and high schools, 3267 of the total 6992 middle schools and 8711 of the 24,338 primary schools in the State and the rest of the 19,668 schools would be equipped with 10 Mbps internet connection by May end. The State government that was keen on expanding technology to schools had already set up 8,180 hi-tech labs at a cost of Rs 519.73 crore and 22, 931 smart classrooms, costing Rs 455.32 crore benefitting 46,12,742 students, the release said, adding that those schools were getting 5 to 6 Mbps internet connection. Now, by June all the schools would get the 100 Mpbs connection and be equipped with the labs that would go a long way in preparing the students to face the developing technological world and making education easy and enjoyable for them. The ushering in of digital technology in education would help over 46 lakh students to learn their lessons through videos, assess their own learnings online, develop their computer applications skills, improve their English language skills and get career guidance, among other things. Also all government school students enrolling for higher education courses would receive Rs 1000 as assistance from June. Hitherto, only girls who studied from Class VI to XII in government schools were getting the assistance but now it has been extended to male students, too. Announcing that the male students would get the assistance from the coming academic year at a Kalluri Kanavu (College Dreams) event organized in Chennai as part of the Chief Ministers ambitious Naan Mudhalvan scheme, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said four more such events would be held in the coming days at different places to cover all the districts. The Chennai event was for students who had passed higher secondary education in the districts of Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Salem. The rest of the events would be on May 9, 10, 11 and 13, he said.

Dogs which attacked five-year-old girl in Chennai shifted to Madurai farmhouse

CHENNAI: Even as the Chennai corporation was expected to take custody of the two dogs that attacked a five-year-old girl on Sunday evening, the family, after obtaining due permission, took the dogs to their farmhouse in Madurai. Official sources said they had allowed this relocation since the farmhouse is a secluded open area, and not too different from the place the corporation officials had originally planned to keep the dogs in. The civic body, by itself, does not have the resources to take custody of dogs and maintain them, except at the Animal Birth Control facilities where dogs undergo surgeries and are then released back into the areas they come from. The family had taken due permission and they have also been asked to send us photographs of the dogs every day for the next 10 days to monitor any signs of rabies as per protocol, said a senior corporation official. The plan initially was for the corporation authorities to secure the dogs and take them to a sequestered spot for observation. While there is a call for stricter pet licensing implementation in the aftermath of the issue, the authorities said pet licenses only help the city corporation enumerate and keep track of the pets in the city and their vaccination records. While we are revisiting the stray dog population strategies, it is important to ensure responsible pet ownership. Owners should be mindful of the fears of the public and not take any risks as far as safety is concerned. Vaccinations must administered at the right time, the official added. They are also mulling setting up designated spaces for pets like exclusive parks, which may be brought about once the model code of conduct is lifted. Surakshas surgery tomorrow The five-year-old child who suffered severe injuries in the attack, Suraksha, is scheduled for surgery on Thursday. She sustained some injuries to her scalp, but the blood supply seems to be regular. The surgery is due on Thursday and in the meantime, she is not in intensive care. She is recovering well, said sources. The medical expenses of the child are borne by the dog owner.

Institutions cant retain educational papers for any reason: Madras High Court

MADURAI: The educational certificates of a person cannot be retained for any reason and institutions cannot claim lien over the certificates, observed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently, and directed Government Thanjavur Medical College to return the original certificates and documents of a medical student by considering his Covid duty as bond service. Justice GR Swaminathan granted the relief to Wanbor Sungoh, who had completed his PG course at the medical college in April 2022. Sungoh, a non-service candidate when he joined the course, had executed a bond undertaking to serve the Tamil Nadu government for two years after the completion of the course, which was later reduced to one year. However, Suhirth Parthasarathy, Sungohs counsel, submitted the students Covid duty should be treated as bond service. In light of the order passed by the first bench, the HC declared that Covid duty shall be treated as bond service, and added that ones educational certificates cannot be retained for any reason.

Agriculture department in Tamil Nadu refutes claims of poor quality millet seeds

MADURAI: Months after allegations surfaced about the adulteration of barnyard millet (kuthiraivali) seeds provided to farmers, the agriculture department officials, after performing a field test, found that the seeds had no issues. In November 2023, several farmers from Usilampatti raised concerns about adulterated barnyard millet seeds provided at a subsidized price by the agriculture department. Farmers alleged that nearly all the fields where the seeds were planted produced weeds, instead of millet crops. Owing to this, there was a massive decline in the harvest of barnyard millet, dropping from the usual seven quintals per acre to just one quintal per acre. After farmers flagged the issue, seed samples were sent to Coimbatore for field testing, where the seeds would be cultivated in a field and a harvest report would be compiled. Senior agriculture department officials said that the reports from the field test indicated that there were no issues with the seeds as the yield was good. Unseasonal rains and the lack of awareness of weed management may have been the reason, the officials added. Notable, nearly 25 farmers who cultivated the millet variety were provided compensation for crop damage caused by rains. The agriculture department will also raise awareness among farmers during the next season on weed management. Speaking to TNIE, M Kannan, a farmer from Peraiyur said, I cultivated barnyard milled on about 10 acres, and was faced with severe weed infestation issues. Even though we sought a compensation of Rs 17,000 per acre, we only got Rs 1,700 per acre. The cultivation expenses alone were over Rs 70,000. The poor quality of seeds led to this issue. Appropriate action should be taken to prevent such losses in the future.

Rules only on paper: Wholl rein in dogs

Girl mauled by rottweilers, GCC inaction led to dogs not quarantined post-attack. Owner moved them to Madurai. AWBI guidelines ignored. Pet owners charged but not held accountable under weak laws, endangering residents.

FASTag fee collected in cash, NHAI to pay Rs 25K fine

MADURAI: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madurai recently directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to pay compensation of Rs 25,000 for collecting FASTag fee in cash from a user when the system failed to detect his tag. The commission, chaired by its president M Piravi Perumal and member P Shanmugapriya, also directed NHAI to pay an additional Rs 10,000 to the complainant. The petitioner Martin David, vice-principal of American College was travelling to Sivakasi on official duty and passed through the Kappalur tollgate in September 2020 where the system failed to detect his FASTag. Even though his FASTag account had sufficient funds, the toll plaza employees forced him to pay cash, ill-treated him and made him wait, Davids petitioner Dinesh Kumar said. While returning to Madurai from Sivakasi through the same tollgate, the petitioner was subject to the same ordeal again, despite alerting the FASTag issuer bank SBIs helpline about the issue. NHAI submitted that the tollgate was maintained by a private entity to collect toll, and faulted SBI for deficiency in service. It also refused the claim that the toll plaza employees quarrelled with the petitioner. SBI submitted that the fault was due to NHAIs scanner issues and not their issue. After considering the contentions of the parties, the commissions president M Piravi Perumal stated that the petitioner had a valid and efficient FASTag with sufficient balance. It highlighted the road transport and highways ministrys notification that if a cars FASTag is valid and functional, but is not detected by the scanners at a toll plaza, then the vehicle owner need not pay any fee. In such cases, the vehicle owner is exempted from paying the toll and the vehicles can exit the plaza free of cost. In this case, the petitioner should have been allowed to leave without paying, but NHAI employees violated the notification and collected the charge, and also ill-treated the petitioner for raising a grievance. The employees caused mental distress and indignation to the complainant. Moreover, NHAI is liable as the employees and/or the contractor was appointed by them, the commission stated. The commission dismissed the negligence of other respondents, including SBI, and directed NHAI to pay compensation of `25,000 for the mental agony and pain suffered by the petitioner.

Tamil Nadu: Personal tragedies couldn't stop Kokila from passing with flying colours

MADURAI: Though fate played its cruel trick by claiming the life of her father and leaving her mother bedridden, PK Kokila, a higher secondary student hailing from Kanniyakumari, was not ready to accept defeat. Battling odds, she secured 573/600 marks in this year's Class 12 examination, and achieved a centum in four major subjects -- Commerce, Economics, Accountancy and Computer Science. Kokila, who belongs to a marginalised community, lost her father to liver failure in 2019. Two years later, her mother, who had taken up the family's responsibility on her shoulders, met with an accident and got bedridden for over a year. During this time, Kokila's maternal aunt Mariammal came to the rescue, and helped her cope through the ordeal. With Mariammal's assistance, Kokila continued her studies in Government Higher Secondary School, Kotttaram in Kanniyakumari, and clinched success. Speaking to TNIE, Kokila expressed gratitude to Mariammal's family and said, My life turned miserable after my father's death. He was an auto driver and the sole breadwinner of the family. He fell ill suddenly and left us one day. It was my aunt's encouragement that gave me the strength to study further and secure good marks. Currently, my mother and sister stay at my aunt's house in Madurai, and I am also planning to continue my studies there, she said, adding that her teachers also motivated her regularly saying that education was the weapon to overcome all odds. For me, regular study habits, thorough understanding of concepts, and learning during morning hours were the mantras to secure centum in all major subjects, opined Kokila, who now hopes to pursue B.Com and become a bank officer in the future.

Kingmakers IAS Academy achieved its milestone in Civil Service Examination

Kingmakers IAS Academy achieved its milestone in Civil Service Examination ATK New Delhi [India], May 7: The KingMakers IAS Academy in India has achieved the highest ranking in the civil service examination results, as announced by Bhoominathan-Director of the academy. He stated that the All-India Civil Service Examination 2023 results which were published on 16th April were 1016 candidates selected by the Union Public Service Commission for positions such as IAS,IPS and IFS. 10,16,850 applied for civil service examination, in that 5,92,141 has been appeared for prelims.2,855 has been selected for Personality Test, finally 1016 has been selected for civil services 2023 for various positions such as IAS,IPS,IFS..etc. He said, Aditya Srivathsava, KingMakers IAS Academy student has secured the top position in India this year even last year's top performer Ms.Ishita Kishore is also from KingMakers IAS Academy. In the latest results more than 100 students from KingMakers IAS academy have achieved success in the final list. Notable achievements include Aditya Srivathsava secured the first position, Ms.Medha Anand secured the 13th position Kunal Rastogi secured the 15th position, Ayan Jain secured the 16th position. S.Prasanth (Rank 78) from Tamil Nadu secured the 2nd place and Ms.Eshani Anand (Rank 79) secured the 3rd place in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore,students who cleared from Tamil Nadu are R.Venkateshwaran(Rank152),Ms.K.Nehaa(175),Ms.M.Dharani(250),T.A.Vignesh(314),Ms.S.ShahidaBegum(323),K.M.Karthik Raja(329), Ms.SindhuNRaghavan(336),T.AravindKumar(348),R.Mukilan(404),Ms.G.Sathyanandhi(513),U.Vibukrishnaa(528),E.Kathiravan(573),A.K.Karthikeyan(579),G.Subburaj(605),S.Balaji(646),Ms.M.Jayavani(698),Ms.M.Muthuarasi(705),Ms.K.Oviya(796),.AshiqHussain(845),V.Harsavarthan(864),have also trained from KingMakers IAS Academy for their final stage of preparation. Over 50% of Tamilnadu's successful students are from KingMakers IAS Academy. KingMakers IAS Academy has once again proved its excellence in preparing students for India's prestigious civil services examination. This remarkable success highlights the exceptional quality of education provided by KingMakers IAS Academy. The academy's commitment to comprehensive training and expert guidance has consistently helped its students achieve outstanding results in the highly competitive civil services exam. With 1 in top 10 ranks, 6 top 50 ranks and 9 in top 100 ranks,through which KingMakers IAS Academy has once again proven its position as a leading provider of civil services coaching in India particularly in Tamilnadu. KingMakers IAS Academy offers courses for UPSC and TNPSC at our branches in New Delhi ,Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli.For more information, contact 9444227273. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Kumari girl overcomes personal loss to achieve centum in four subjects

MADURAI: Though fate played its cruel trick by claiming the life of her father and leaving her mother bedridden, PK Kokila, a higher secondary student hailing from Kanniyakumari, was not ready to accept defeat. Battling odds, she secured 573/600 marks in this years Class 12 examination, and achieved centum in four major subjects -- Commerce, Economics, Accountancy and Computer Science. Kokila, who belongs to a marginalised community, lost her father to liver failure in 2019. Two years later, her mother, who had taken up the familys responsibility on her shoulders, met with an accident and got bedridden for over an year. During the time, Kokilas maternal aunt Mariammal came to the rescue, and helped her cope through the ordeal. With Mariammals assistance, Kokila continued her studies in Government Higher Secondary School, Kotttaram in Kanniyakumari, and clinched success. Speaking to TNIE, Kokila expressed gratitude to Mariammals family and said, My life turned miserable after my fathers death. He was an auto driver and the sole breadwinner of the family. He fell ill suddenly and left us one day. It was my aunts encouragement that gave me the strength to study further and secure good marks. Currently, my mother and sister stay at my aunts house in Madurai, and I am also planning to continue my studies there, she said, adding that her teachers also motivated her regularly saying that education was the weapon to overcome all odds. For me, regular study habits, thorough understanding of concepts, and learning during morning hours were the mantras to secure centum in all major subjects, opined Kokila, who now hopes to pursue B.Com and become a bank officer in the future.

TN agri department refutes claims of poor quality millet seeds

MADURAI: Months after allegations surfaced about the adulteration of barnyard millet (kuthiraivali) seeds provided to farmers, the agriculture department officials, after performing a field test, found that the seeds had no issues. In November 2023, several farmers from Usilampatti raised concerns about adulterated barnyard millet seeds provided at a subsidized price by the agriculture department. Farmers alleged that nearly all the fields where the seeds were planted produced weeds, instead of millet crops. Owing to this, there was a massive decline in the harvest of barnyard millet, dropping from the usual seven quintals per acre to just one quintal per acre. After farmers flagged the issue, seed samples were sent to Coimbatore for field testing, where the seeds would be cultivated in a field and a harvest report would be compiled. Senior agriculture department officials said that the reports from the field test indicated that there were no issues with the seeds as the yield was good. Unseasonal rains and the lack of awareness of weed management may have been the reason, the officials added. Notable, nearly 25 farmers who cultivated the millet variety were provided compensation for crop damage caused by rains. The agriculture department will also raise awareness among farmers during the next season on weed management. Speaking to TNIE, M Kannan, a farmer from Peraiyur said, I cultivated barnyard milled on about 10 acres, and was faced with severe weed infestation issues. Even though we sought a compensation of Rs 17,000 per acre, we only got Rs 1,700 per acre. The cultivation expenses alone were over Rs 70,000. The poor quality of seeds led to this issue. Appropriate action should be taken to prevent such losses in the future.

Madurai district slips in rank, pass percentage in Class 12 State Board Examination

Plus Two pass percentage dips in Corporation schools in Madurai

Swell Surge in Sea off Kanyakumari Beach Kills Five Medical Students

Madurai: Five medical college students and interns from SRM Medical College Hospital and Trichy Government Medical College Hospital drowned in the sea off Lemur Beach in Kanyakumari on Monday due to a swell surge. The deceased has been identified as P. Sarvadarshith (23) of Parakkai in Kanyakumari district, M. Praveen Sam (23) of Oddanchatram in [] The post Swell Surge in Sea off Kanyakumari Beach Kills Five Medical Students appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Vairamuthu-Ilaiyaraaja Controversy: Lyricist Avoids Question About Music Composer In Madurai

Vairamuthu had reportedly shared some indirect remarks about the music composer at an earlier event.

Consumer panel in TN directs SpiceJet airline to pay Rs 1L compensation for delay in service

MADURAI: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madurai recently directed SpiceJet airline to pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for failing to ensure prompt delivery of passengers' luggage. Acting on a complaint lodged by K Arumugam Krishnan Raja and V Rajendra Pandian Vasupandian, the commission, chaired by president M Piravi Perumal and member P Shanmugapriya, also directed the manager and corporate head of the airlines to pay an additional amount of `10,000 for litigation expenses. According to the complainants, they had booked flight tickets to Dubai on March 18, 2023, and the purpose of their visit was to sign a business deal worth USD 28,000. After landing in Dubai, we were informed that our baggage, which contained our clothes, project report and other essentials, will be delivered to the hotel where we stayed. As we did not receive our belongings on time, we were forced to attend the client meeting in non-executive attires. Moreover, we failed to complete the presentation on time, due to the absence of the project file, which resulted in us losing the deal, stated the complainants. They also pointed out that they received the baggage only on March 21, the day of their return journey. Meanwhile, the counsel of the airline contended that the complainants had travelled on tourist visas, thereby indicating that they were not on a business trip. When the airline officials attempted to contact the complainants, they did not respond to the calls, added the counsel. The commission, which refused to accept that the complainants had gone on a business trip, citing lack of evidence, however, acknowledged the high degree of mental agony faced by the duo, and ordered the airlines to pay the compensation in the interest of consumer justice.

1.55 lakh students appear for NEET across Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Over 1.5 lakh students appeared for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) that was conducted across the state on Sunday. Candidates who attended the test stated that the physics questions were tough while those of chemistry and biology were relatively easier. Notably, the number of state students taking NEET has been growing over the past three years: 1.42 lakh in 2022, 1.47 lakh in 2023 and 1.55 lakh in 2024. This has been the case nationwide. This is due to an increase in public awareness regarding NEET, and also the high number of repeaters, said a teacher from a prominent coaching centre. The 1.55 lakh candidates this year include 12,370 government school students who were coached by the school education department. According to official data, in 2023, 12,997 government students took the test and 3,982 managed to pass. In 2022, 14,979 attended the exam and 4,118 cleared it. As opposed to the overall number, there is no such increase in the number of government students taking NEET, as many of them come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot afford repeating the test, said department officials. Huge crowds of parents waiting outside examination centres and heavy traffic in the vicinity were a common sight on Sunday. My wife and I came all the way from Pursaivakkam to drop our daughter off here. Since the journey is about 20km, we have been waiting here for four hours. The heat is excessive, but we have no other option, said K Ramanan, a parent who was waiting outside an exam centre in Pallikaranai. While there were no untoward incidents during checking or exam hours, female students had to write the test with loose hair as they were not allowed to wear hair bands. I am attending NEET for the second time. I found last years paper much easier. This year, the physics paper was quite tough. We could not attend many of the physics questions due to negative marking, said Aakam Priya, an aspirant. Another repeater, V M Hariharan from Coimbatore, told TNIE, This years paper was easier compared to last year. Chennai saw 23,326 aspirants take NEET, with 999 absentees. In Coimbatore, the test was held across 14 centres, with 7,128 students in attendance and 319 absentees. 6,787 students appeared for the exam across 12 centres in the integrated Vellore district (including Ranipet and Tirupattur), while 255 were absent. About 5,005 students attended the examination in Villupuram. In Tiruvannamalai, there were 3,847 students in attendance, while 255 were absent. 5,006 students took the test across eight centres in Krishnagiri, while 170 were absent. In Madurai, 9,312 candidates appeared at the 12 exam centres in the city. Ramanathapuram saw 2,154 students in attendance, with 75 absentees. Natrampalli police to the rescue! Akshitha, a NEET candidate from Vellore who was about to take her exam at the Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women, Tirupattur, realised she had forgotten her Aadhaar copy. However, Natrampalli SI Ganesh came to her aid and provided her with a copy at the last moment, enabling Akshitha to write the examination. (With inputs from Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Madurai, Villupuram, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai)

BBA, BCA admissions begin at some colleges in Tamil Nadu sans AICTE nod

COIMBATORE: With AICTE and UGC mandating AICTE approval for undergraduate management and computer application courses (BBA, BCA) from this academic year, parents, students and college administration are in a state of confusion as several colleges are yet to get AICTE approval. Till now, AICTE approval was not required for BBA, BCA courses and source said the council sent a circular to colleges last June making it mandatory in a bid to improve the curriculum. While a few colleges have stopped admission to these courses, a few others have started temporary admission without AICTE approval. With class 12 public exam results expected on May 6, students and parents expect the state government to intervene and issue clear instructions to the colleges. An assistant professor from private arts and science college in Coimbatore said they are sending back those who approached seeking admission to BCA course since they have not received any instruction from Bharathiar University on admitting students. Apart from BU which controls over 100 private colleges in Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Nilgiris district, Madurai Kamaraj University and Tiruchy Bharathidasan University also face similar issues. The state government, Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy and higher education secretary should announce that colleges can admit students, he said. Association University Teachers vice-president P Thirunavakarasu said they strongly oppose the AICTEs decision as it would affect rights of state universities. Fees will sharply rise and engineering colleges will not maintain reservation quota, he said According to Ajeet Kumar Lal Mohan, president of the Association of Self-financing Arts, Science and Management Colleges of Tamil Nadu, A total of 67 associations across the country have challenged the AICTE in the Supreme Court. Some state governments have also joined in this and we strongly hope the AICTE will not implement the proposal since the matter is sub judice. It cannot be implemented without the concurrence of the states. It is impossible to get new approval from AICTE which is a technical institution when the existing colleges have been running the course for decades. Three hearings in the top court are complete and the next hearing is scheduled on May 10. A Ponnusamy, Principal of Hindusthan College of Arts & Science in Coimbatore, said they have applied for the approval on AICTE portal. Like us, several colleges offering MBA and MCA courses are also doing so since AICTE is already verifying the facilities and staff strength at our institutions. Despite several states opposing the move, the apex court has not stayed the AICTEs proposal, he said. However, private arts and science colleges in Chennai are not facing any problems. College officials said majority of the private institutions in the city are already offering masters degree in these streams, and getting approval for undergraduate courses will not be an issue. We have all our paperwork ready, furnished all data on our BBA and BCA courses and received the approval, said Archana Prasad, principal, MOP Vaishnav College for Women. Majority of the principals with whom TNIE spoke to said they have got approval from AICTE without any hindrance. Anna University Vice Chancellor R Velraj said he is hoping the state government will react soon. When contacted, Ponmudy confirmed that the issue is in court and promised to make an announcement after holding discussion with education officials. (With inputs from Binita Jaiswal @ Chennai) (For the full report, visit www.newindianexpress.com)

Learn from NCB about probing drug cases: Madras HC to narcotics intelligence

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the (Narcotics Intelligence Bureau) NIB-CID to take note of how the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted investigation into cases filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), and asked it to follow suit. The courts observation came when Justice B Pugalendhi was hearing a bail plea of Parimala Doss, an accused in a 423-kg ganja smuggling case of 2023 investigated by the NCB, and 144-kg ganja smuggling case of 2020 being probed by the NIB-CID. The court denied bail to Doss, and noted the difference in investigations conducted by both agencies. The petitioners counsel argued that neither agency seized any contraband from Doss possession. The counsel further noted that the NIB-CIDs report was based on confession statements. The NIB-CID counsel objected and said that Doss was in touch with one of the suspects and was absconding for three years. The counsel also submitted a list of cases pending against Doss. The NCB counsel submitted statements of other accused persons as well as the cell phone locations that proved that Doss was in nexus with another accused and was aware of the whereabouts of the contraband. Both agencies argued that the investigation is at a crucial stage, and granting bail to the petitioner would impact the probe. At this point, the court observed that though the NIB-CID has filed the final report, they have not collected any material evidence against the petitioner other than the confession statement of the co-accused. The NCB, on the other hand, conducted a thorough investigation and established a connection between the petitioner and the other accused persons. It appears that NIB-CID of Sivaganga district has not conducted a proper investigation, but filed the final report with the confession statement alone, observed the court, and noted the difference between the nature of investigations carried out by different agencies. The court further directed the Registry to mark a copy of the order to the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) NIB-CID for them to identify his unit and impart special training in this regard.

Tamil Nadu traffic police personnel bear the brunt of summer heat

CHENNAI: In the scorching heat of Vellore, one of the hottest places in the state where temperature is now sizzling at 43 degrees Celsius, a 45-year-old traffic police personnel is busy regulating the traffic, trying his best to ignore the exhaustion from the heat. His shift begins at 11 am when the sun is at its brightest best. I am sweating profusely and it drains our energy quickly, he said, adding the concept of splitting the work hours in a day into two four-hour shifts instead of a single eight-hour stretch, has helped in mitigating the adverse effects of this summer to a certain extent. While commuters feel the one-minute wait at traffic signals unbearable this summer, this policeman, like thousands of other personnel in khaki deployed across the state, stands often without a shade to discharge his duty. The policeman said pith helmets, butter milk and water help them manage the heat. Although fans are installed in designated rooms at traffic areas, they often exacerbate the heat, he remarked, wiping the sweat dripping from his brow with a kerchief. Some areas are devoid of such amenities altogether, leaving officials to bear the brunt of the heat. Another policeman, who is aged 55 years, said they had to sacrifice their weekly offs this summer since the model code of conduct is in force for the Lok Sabha election and more personnel are needed for election-related duties like providing security to counting centres and the like. A 42-year-old traffic constable in Chengalpattu said afternoons are difficult in particular. I drink lot of water. My wife calls me on the phone regularly to check on me, he said. When there is minimum traffic flow at the junction he is managing, he stands underneath a nearby tree for some respite. I have to run to my spot and manage the traffic if there is an ambulance or a VIP passes by, he said. Woman cops say they are prone to urinary tract infection due to the unhygienic or non-availability of toilets where they are posted | P Ravikumar A constable in Egmore said, The thick cloth with which the uniform is made makes it unbearable in the heat. When I stand in the middle of the road, it feels as if Im standing next to a fire. In the city, it is not easy to find shade. I stand in front of shops sometimes. However, I feel guilty for not being at the spot and rush back soon, he said. A traffic policeman in Krishnagiri district said though they are used to working in all weather conditions, this summer is the worst he has seen in at least 15 years. Earlier, people will sponsor juice or other cool drinks to us. This year, we were offered buttermilk once, but it was stopped later, he said, adding lack of bathroom facilities was also a key concern. Forty-six-year-old Kala (name changed), a sub inspector in Madurai city, who has been with the department for 26 years, said though the state government announced that police would get week offs, only very few enjoy that benefit. She said it is quite common for the police personnel to suffer urinary tract infection due to the unhygienic toilets or non-availability of toilets. At present, we are on duty at counting centres where no fan is available. Officials can at least allow us to do duty in civilian dress, so that the difficulties that accompany with donning full uniforms could be alleviated, she said. A policeman in Nagercoil said he has made it a routine to have fermented rice with small onions in the morning, which he said helped him in tackling the heat. Muthu Mariappan, a 41-year-old traffic policeman, on the busy Tirunelveli-Madurai NH near Sattur, said since vehicular movement is high and they travel at high speed, cops have to be alert to avoid accidents at the junctions on highways. If the heat wave continues, we may faint on the road, said the policeman who is on the job for 18 years. Considering the hike in prices, he said the daily allowance of `12 provided by the government during summer for buying juices is not adequate. Another policewoman in Virudhunagar said women, who are on their menstrual cycle, find it difficult to be on duty under the sun. Acknowledging all the struggles, S Saranya, a traffic inspector from Erode North, said they continued to work under battling the heat since the public will suffer otherwise. Gloves, caps, etc have been provided. Our higher officials have advised us to stand under umbrellas during off-peak hours, she said, adding while fruit juice was given earlier to beat the heat, it was stopped due to the election. (With inputs from Praveena SA @ Vellore, Gautham Selvarajan @ Chennai, Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam @ Madurai, S Sivaguru @ Krishnagiri, Harini M @ Virudhunagar, M Abdul Rabi @ Kanniyakumari, and P Srinivasan @ Erode) (In this series, TNIE looks at the condition of workers toiling under the sun)

No Paliyar tribal in two TN districts landed government job since 1947: Research report

MADURAI: Owing to deprival of basic facilities including housing and toilets, no member from the Paliyar community, residing in 36 villages across Dindigul and Theni districts, were able to join government services over a span of 76 years since independence, revealed a research report here on Friday. The research paper, which has been published by researcher SJ Aloysius Irudayam of Legal Action, Advocacy and Services (LAAS) centre, a Madurai-based private legal service centre, stated that as many as 1,173 families of Paliyar community continue to live in acute poverty, and many of them do not even possess community certificates, voter IDs, Aadhaar cards or other documents. The research paper, titled Paliyar Tribals in Kodaikanal and Theni Areas, was released by Aloysius Irudayam in the presence of LAAS Director A Sandhanam and Nattai Kappom Federation Founder CJ Rajan on Friday. Addressing media persons, Irudayam said the report focussed on the livelihood status of the community members dwelling in all 36 villages. Soon after the release of the film Jai Bhim, Chief Minister MK Stalin had passed a GO to ensure that the benefits of the governments welfare schemes reached all those regions inhabited by nomads, tribals and other marginalised groups. It directed the district collectors to take appropriate measures to collect data related to peoples livelihood through a Needs Assessment Form. The GO had also instructed to complete this evaluation work by November 25, 2021 and send the report to the state secretariat. However, no such action has been taken so far, said Irudayam. He stated that the chief ministers concern about tribals had inspired him to conduct the research. The research found that poverty and illiteracy have kept the community confined within forests and mountains. A majority of them do not even have access to welfare measures, as they do not possess community certificates, Aadhaar cards among others, Irudayam added.

Fruit sellers and juice shops do brisk business in scorching summer in Tiruchi

Temporary shops have sprung up under trees or near traffic signals along Puthur High Road, Simco Road in K.K. Nagar, Salai Road, and Madurai Main Road in the city

TNSTC operating buses to Kodaikanal from Madurai, Dindigul and Kodaikanal Road railway stations

Corporation installs green nets at traffic signals in Madurai city

Reclassification of land affecting Madurai industries: Ex-minister

MADURAI: Echoing support for the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have suggested changes in the new draft of the Madurai Master Plan 2021-2041, former minister B Udhayakumar has sought for reclassification of industrial land that have been converted into agricultural land. Udhayakumar was addressing reporters on Friday, when he alleged that the new draft plan was detrimental to the development of MSMEs in the district. The Madurai Master Plan 2041 was released by the Local Planning Authority a month ago. Udhayakumar said that the latest plan has garnered objection from the MSMEs, since classifying industrial land for agriculture and commercial purposes could impact the development of several industries. This, Udhayakumar said, defeated the role of the plan, which is aimed at the development of the district. He said that many industrial lands have been converted for agricultural and commercial purposes, and requested the department concerned to establish the purpose of such land and reclassify them as industrial, or agricultural/commercial. Due to the classification of industrial land as agricultural or commercial land, many industries are facing hardships in carrying out operations. Survey numbers of many lands in industrial areas like Kappalur, Nagari and Nallur have been removed in the draft. In total, 1,678 acres of area earlier classified as industrial land has been classified for agricultural and commercial use, added Udhayakumar.

Brick-red, harshest hue

CHENNAI: For brick kiln workers M Karpagam (32) and M Muni (35), the tall tamarind tree near their hut is the only respite from the scorching sun. The couple along with their three children aged 5, 7 and 10, has been residing at a private brick kiln near Anjanchery village in Gingee taluk of Villupuram district for the past three years, and has been working for a daily income of Rs 500 each. We live in a mud hut with thatched roof, for it is better when compared to one with cement roof during summer. But this year, things are different. Its too hot even inside the hut, said Karpagam. Pointing out that it is not just the furnace at the kiln but even the hut that gets red hot, Muni said they pour water around the hut to bring down the temperature. We start our work as early as 3 am, laying clay in the brick shelves and letting it dry for the rest of the day. Since its very hot this year, the clay dries faster. We make several batches in a day and leave them to dry for a day or two and then burn them in the furnace in the evenings, said Karpagam. The duo takes a break for lunch and dinner for two hours. Its just rasam and buttermilk rice along with some fried fish or pickle on the side for most days, they said. Ask them, they would say the only reason that makes them work in the kiln is the money they get. Otherwise, the family would be in deep debt due to the loans theyve taken from local lenders. For a loan of Rs 50,000 we had taken two years ago for my sisters marriage, we are paying monthly and weekly interests to the money lenders, said Muni. Karpagam and Muni are not alone. There are thousands of debt-ridden workers who toil in brick kilns, which are often notorious for exploitation and bonded labour. The workers say the only reason that makes them work in the kiln is the money they get | s dinesh G Chandran (48) from Kandarakottai near Panruti in Cuddalore district works in a brick kiln at Kayathur near Vikrawandi in Villupuram district. He said those at his kiln shift the work to the night during the summer season. In the evening, we prepare the mud and begin brick cutting at night after dinner, finishing the work the next morning. Depending on our workload, we put in 10 to 12 hours, equivalent to what we do during the daytime in other seasons, Chandran explained. G Rajendran(47) has been working in a brick kiln Kuttinaickenpatti area in Alanganallur in Madurai with his family for the past two years. Though his children are studying in college and school, they too work in the brick kiln in their free time. He and his wife Umadevi (37) jointly mix red sand and manufacture bricks together. If we manufacture 1,000 bricks, we will get Rs 900 as wages. During the summer, we used to work from 2.30 am to 7 am, then 3 pm to 7pm. Otherwise, it is very difficult to manage the scorching sun, he said. If their health gets really worse, the owner would give some extra money for treatment. There is no insurance or other benefits. Even the Tamil Nadu government did not include us in the unorganised sector welfare board, he alleged. S Amsavalli from Ariyalur said, We start in the morning and work till evening. As we have to work with dust and smoke, we are likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and cough. Also, it leads to skin problems and allergies. Despite hard work, we do not earn enough to even make our children study. We are forced to bring them into this work with us. K Srinivasan, a brick kiln worker from Vellore, said despite the heat, they are forced to work. During rainy days, we face off-season, with no work available. So, in the summer, we work extra to save money, he said, adding he has never seen such a harsh summer in his 15 years of working in the kiln. (With inputs from Krithika Srinivasan @ Villupuram, Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam @ Madurai, Bagalavan Perier @ Cuddalore, P Thiruselvam @ Tiruchy and Rajalakshmi Sampath @ Vellore) (In this series, TNIE looks at the condition of workers toiling under the sun)

Heavy rush in Chennai airport

Chennai: The hustle and bustle at the Chennai airports domestic terminal has increased of late as more and more people are taking flight from the city in view of the broiling heat with various airlines operating a plethora of special summer services to different destinations like Thoothukudi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Those leaving for destinations within the State like Madurai and Coimbatore are mostly headed to salubrious hill stations like Kodiakanal and Ooty and the others, too, are travelling with families with different places to take a break from the sultry weather that is becoming unbearable day after day. According to airport sources about 40 special flights are being operated from Chennai over and above the regular services, leading to the heavy rush since morning hours at the airport. Apart from the heat, many politicians are also leaving the city with families in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha elections, sources said. Also many families are visiting the hometowns across the State in view of the summer vacation for schools and colleges, adding to the crowds at the airport and prompting the airlines to cash in on the increased demand for tickets. Hitherto, only three onward and three return flights were operated to Thoothukudi, the airport that caters to the people in the southern districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. But now four plus four flights are being operated. Similarly the demand for seats in the flights to Trichy, the city in the central part of the State that connects many towns and villages in several districts, has gone up and six flights are taking off from Chennai every day as against the four before the onset of the summer. To Coimbatore, too, the number of daily flights have been increased from 6 to 8 and for Madurai it is 7 now as against the earlier 5 and many of those passengers are leaving for destinations in the hill stations near them. Similarly, many people are also taking holidays in Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the States of Karnataka and Telangana, impelling the flight operators to raise the number of services. So Bengaluru now has 11 flights as against the earlier 8 and Hyderabad has presently 14 services one way while it used to be 10 plus 10 otherwise. Even people travelling to faraway destinations in the country and abroad has increased phenomenally with a thrice a week direct flights being introduced for Durgapur from mid-May. Similarly, even international airlines like Air France have increased their weekly flights between Paris and Chennai from 3 to 5. Indigo Airlines has also announced the introduction of a direct flight from Chennai to Bangkok, a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world, from May 15 and Air Mauritius has reintroduced its direct flight from Mauritius to Chennai after a gap of four years. Since flights to Singapore, Malaysia, London and other international tourist spots have also increased from Chennai that saw an introduction of about 40 additional or new flights, this May will see an additional 400 flights taking off from Chennai, airport sources said. The increase in number of flights had come as a boon for travelers as they were able to get seats to their favoured destinations and also did not have to cough up huge amounts as premium charges.

Prolonged parole for notorious gangster puts Madurai city police on their toes

Prolonged parole for notorious gangster puts Madurai city police on their toes

Reform GST to boost economic growth, commerce chamber tells union govt

MADURAI: The Agro Food Chamber of Commerce and Industries requested the union government to reform GST, to boost economic growth in the country. In a statement, the chambers founder and president S Rethinavelu stated that GST collection in April 2024 surpassed Rs 2 lakh crore for the first time since its inception. The chambers members opined that the increase in GST collection is attributable not just to the economic growth, consumption and compliance, but also to the higher rates of taxation as compared to the profit margins and heavy penalty and interest, on account of unintelligible and complicated provisions of the act and rules. People have no other option but to pay these heavy indirect taxes, and the rise in tax collection is an indicator that it is time for remedial measures to rationalize tax rates and simplify compliance procedures. Other than tax exemption, only three GST slabs must exist, the statement read. All agricultural food produce in its primary form, either in the hands of the farmers or traders, till it reaches the consumers, and all other essential commodities must be fully exempted from GST. All processed and value-added manufactured food products and other daily necessities must be brought under the 5% GST slab, while other products can be in the 10% GST slab. Luxurious goods should be taxed at 15%, and the benefits of Input Tax Credit (ITC) should neither be denied nor restricted, they stated.

Madras HC refuses to halt link road project

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently refused to halt a link road Rajapalayam - Sankarankovil - Tirunelveli to Tirumangalam - Kollam Road in Virudhunagar district. A division bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan, while dismissing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions filed by NA Ramachandra Raja and PAS Krishnamma Rajha said that the petitioners challenged the notification issued under Section 15 (1) of Tamil Nadu Highways Act for the project, as no prior environmental clearance was obtained as mandated under Clause 7 (f) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. The EIA is required as Rajapalayam is situated near the Western Ghats and has many important water bodies and wetlands which are used for farming. Secondly, the formation of a link road will not serve any purpose, as there is already an existing link road PACR Salai linking SH-41 and NH-744. Since Rajapalayam municipality has been declared and brought under the planning area under Section 10 of the TCP Act, the proposed project cannot be implemented as it does not form part of the roads provided under the master plan, the petitioners submitted. The state governments counsel said that technical experts proposed the link road after a detailed study, considering the importance and necessity of the link road to avoid traffic congestion. Moreover, no prior environmental clearance is required for the road as it is just 2 kilometres long. After the proceedings are completed, the authority concerned would inform the local planning authority before executing the work. Further, the proposed link road does not disturb any waterbody and is built by acquiring lands as per the procedure. A major portion of the compensation has been paid and the land owners have not objected to the project, the counsel said. The court said that as the compensation has been disbursed, the project, initiated in 2018 and approved as early May 2022, has been stalled due to the petitions. Any further delay would adversely affect public interest and may increase project cost. The state can go ahead and implement the link road project, the court said.

Duped investors detain scammer at Coimbatore airport, hand her over to police

COIMBATORE: One year after a woman online trader escaped out of the country after allegedly cheating several investors to the tune of Rs 2 crore rupees, she was arrested at the airport on Wednesday when she arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She was detained by some of her victims at the airport based on an alert from friends in the UAE and handed over to the Ramanathapuram police. The suspect was identified as B Mathumitha (32) of Sreeneha Nagar of Krishna Avenue in Panneermadai near Vadamadurai. She was into online option trading and allegedly collected money from several investors in the property name of her relative Vijayalakshmi, alias Lalitha, between October 2021 and January 2023. After assuring good interest-based returns to the investors, she allegedly collected more than Rs 2 crore from several people. In 2023 she went missing and people came to know that she had settled in Dubai. It was alleged that she moved to Dubai after incurring losses in business. On Wednesday, she returned to Coimbatore by flight and knowing about her arrival from people living in the UAE, a group of investors detained her at the airport and handed her over to the Ramanathapuram police. Based on the complaint from one of the investors, Mini John Pradeep (57) of Sivaram Nagar near Sungam, police booked Mathumitha under sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant had invested Rs 10 lakh and received Rs 6.40 lakh in two months. But after that Mathumitha failed either to give returns or settle the investment. Based on her complaint, police booked a case and arrested Mathumitha.

Tangedco employees bear the brunt amid staff shortage

Tamil Nadu has been setting records in power demand once every few days this summer. Despite the jump in consumption, Tangedco has managed to avoid major disruptions. This has been made possible by the power utilitys workforce which is short-staffed yet kept on its toes round the clock to ensure residents arent inconvenienced by the searing heat. Though legislation demand that 8-hour duty should be ensured, some foremen claimed their work hours get extended by 50%. S Ezhilan (55), a foreman in Chengalpattu, told TNIE, Employees like me work 10 to 12 hours every day due to inadequate staff strength. Nevertheless, we are ready to do it because we have a responsibility, and uninterrupted power supply has to be ensured. Explaining challenges in summer, Ezhilan said working on power lines, transformers, and electricity poles gets tougher. Sometimes, we spend sleepless nights owing to heavy workload. If the power utility fills vacancies, burden on the staff can be reduced by 50%, he said. Some wiremen said they receive a minimum of 15 to 20 calls every day in summer against the usual average of 10 calls during other seasons. R Velmurugan, a wireman from Vellore, said, I have seen some of my friends faint while at work owing to pressure. Nothing can be more nightmarish to a wireman than climbing iron poles when the heat shows no sign of abating. U Muthaiah said he has to climb 10 to 15 poles and a few transformers every day under the blazing sun. Concrete poles are hotter, but we somehow manage it. Climbing iron poles, however, peels the skin off our palms. Power utilisation is significantly higher at night and transformers frequently trip. We have been working till 2 am every day in the recent days to ensure residents sleep peacefully, he said. As part of a series on the condition of workers toiling under the sun, TNIE takes a look at the lives of electricians and AC mechanics R Murali (46), who is working as a line inspector at SS Colony substation in Madurai, said as per norms 15,000 EB services should be managed by five wiremen, five helpers and one line inspector (supervisor). However, only five employees are managing such an area. I went home at 4 am on Thursday after rectifying issues in some transformers, and had to report to duty again at 8 am. A transformer generally receives 11,000 volts power, and a lot of concentration is needed while repairing it. Working under extreme stress makes a person vulnerable to serious accidents. Safety gear supply is also limited. Over 10,000 contract labourers have worked in Tangedco across the state without salaries for over 10 years. They dont receive compensation or benefits including insurance given by the government, for accidents at work spot. The government should come forward and regularise such staff, Murali said. Fatal accidents on duty is not uncommon among line inspectors when they work long hours, R Kalimuthu, who is employed at Tatabad section office in Coimbatore, said. There have been several deaths in the past. If consumers avoid power wastage by switching off electrical appliances when they leave a room, frequent issues in transformers owing to increased demand can be curtailed. This will, in turn, reduce work burden on field staff, he said. Apart from Tangedco staff, even electricians working privately, especially air-conditioner technicians, have been doing overtime this summer. R Sivanesan, an electrician from Chinthamani in Tiruchy for 30 years, said his day starts at 7 am and stretches for 12 hours. Our work is difficult and dangerous. However, until last year, we used to get low salaries (Rs 450 a day). Now we get Rs 550 to Rs 600. Rain or shine, we have to go to work to feed our family, he said. A Balamurugan, a 30-year-old AC technician from Ramanathapuram who resides in Salem, said he has been in this job for 11 years, earning up to `900 a day. Working in summer gets challenging while installing outdoor units at a height without adequate safety gears. However, there are still many AC technicians like M Saravankumar who earn only Rs 300 a day, work without weekly break and also face hostile homeowners. (With inputs from S Guruvanmikanathan @ Chennai, Thinakaran Rajamani @ Tenkasi, Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam @ Madurai, N Dhamotharan @ Coimbatore, K Shakthivel @ Salem, Rajalakshmi Sampath @ Vellore and P Thiruselvam @ Tiruchy)

Not even a drop of water in 10 of 90 reservoirs in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: With summer heat on the rise, water levels in several reservoirs across the state have continued to decline. Shortage of drinking water has led to protests and concerns in some places, and with the southwest monsoon more than a month away, it may be a daunting task to ensure adequate supply. As of Thursday, the combined water storage in 90 reservoirs across the state stood at 51.992 tmcft, which is just 23.18% of their total capacity of 224.297 tmcft. According to Water Resources Department data accessed by TNIE, 10 out of 90 reservoirs in the state are completely dry, while 15 hover between 1 and 9% of their capacity. Barring Tirunelvelis Vandal Odai, none reach their full capacity. Consequently, people living in several rural areas have already begun to bear the brunt of water shortage. Residents of Keezha Puthur in Tenkasi staged a road blockade this week on the Thirumangalam Kollam national highway demanding drinking water supply to their area. About 100 residents of Piranoor near Shengottai gathered at Tenkasi collectorate, alleging they were receiving drinking water only once in 20 days. In Tirunelveli, Congress district president K Sankarapandian staged a protest by sitting on the steps of an overhead tank condemning drinking water shortage in various areas of Palayamkottai zone. Coimbatore has also witnessed protests in different places. The situation in Coimbatore and neighbouring districts led to Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department secretary D Karthikeyan holding a meeting with officials of Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Nilgiris and Erode districts to ensure water supply. While water supply is regular in most places in Madurai city, residents of extended areas of the corporation are facing difficulties with some pockets getting water once in four days. Residents are forced to purchase water from private players for Rs 13 to Rs 15 a pot. Despite the situation, officials from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board have expressed confidence about managing the situation efficiently. Speaking to TNIE, TWAD Boards Joint Managing Director Anand Mohan said, In April 2023, the board supplied 1,949 MLD water across the state. In April 2024, the supply in fact surged to 2,286 MLD. We have intensified water distribution in drought-affected regions, including the western belts and the delta. During a recent meeting held at the secretariat, Stalin allotted `150 crore to districts facing water shortage, signalling the governments acknowledgement of the situation and commitment to address it. Anand Mohan said efforts are on to pump water from the Upper Bhavani dam to mitigate shortage in Coimbatore. In addition, the TWAD Board is collaborating with municipal and panchayat officials in delta districts to ensure uninterrupted water supply, he said. A senior WRD official raised concern on groundwater levels. While 14 districts have seen no improvement in water table, 23 have witnessed decline compared to last March. The groundwater level in Dharmapuri, which stood at 5.51m last year, has declined sharply to 8.85m. (With inputs from Thinarakaran Rajamani @ Tenkasi, MS Thanaraj @ Madurai and M Saravanan @ Coimbatore)

Sub-Inspector of Police assaulted in Madurai

Ninnu Vilayadu - Official Trailer

Watch the Official Trailer from Tamil movie 'Ninnu Vilayadu' starring Dance master Dinesh, Nandhana ananth, Deepa shankar, Pazha karupaiyaah, Pasanga sivakumar, Madurai kumaran, Savithri, Sangavi, Jothi. 'Ninnu Vilayadu' movie is directed by C. Soundararajan. To know more about 'Ninnu Vilayadu' Trailer watch the video. Check out the latest Tamil Trailers, new movie Trailers, trending Tamil movie Trailers and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.

MKU Exam Result 2024 Declared: Check Your Scores Now at mkuniversity.ac.in

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) has recently announced the semester results for an array of courses including BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, and more. The eagerly awaited Madurai Kamaraj University Result 2024 is now accessible online on the official website - mkuniversity.ac.in.

Keep Sanitary Pads At All NEET Exam Centres: Court To Testing Agency

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the National Testing Agency (NTA) to make sanitary pads available near toilets at National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination centers across India.

Gender-orientation course at Kovai college; AUT seethes

COIMBATORE: The Association of University Teachers (AUT) - Zone 7 on Wednesday has urged the higher education department to intervene and stop a private college in the city from introducing a non-major elective paper titled Sogiesc Studies ( Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) as the institution did not get approval for it. The college claimed that it was only a suggestion and that due procedure would be followed to get approval. In a petition, AUT stated that the college is replacing women rights paper with Sogiesc Studies. The college has Sogiesc Studies for the undergraduate course in next academic year. The college has claimed Sogiesc Studies would contribute to increasing awareness about LGBTQ+ inclusion in academia, stated the AUT. The UGC as well as the higher education departments of the state and centre, including the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) or the Bharathiar University,have not prescribed this syllabus, the AUT said. The college has stated it has received some materials from a Madurai-based social activist. No book has been prescribed in the minutes of the general board of studies, mentioned the AUT letter. The syllabus made without prescribed books is against the due procedures prescribed by the university, TANSCHE and UGC. Material received from a social activist, is unacceptable since it is not prepared by an academician and not approved in any of the academic bodies, the AUT stated. The teachers body also suggested that sensitive and controversial papers can be introduced only after make the contents of the syllabus public and known to all stakeholders with the due recommendations by the apex bodies UGC and TANSCHE. A member of AUT, who is a faculty at college, said The college should introduce the course through apex bodies if not, it may do more harm and affect the young minds. A senior official in the college told TNIE that courts had also suggested that educational institutions need to engage with the issues related to SOGIESC to promote awareness, tolerance, and respect for all individuals. Right now, implementing this paper is a suggestion only. We will discuss about it in the meeting of the academic council. After getting approval from the council, we would take steps to offer the paper, she said. Attempts to reach higher education secretary A Karthik went in vain.

In the hot seat: Lifes engine has to continue running for public transport drivers in TN

CHENNAI: Imagine working next to a hot engine, with peak summer heat piercing through the tin roof right above ones head, and having to navigate for space on the roads that are prone to haphazard traffic while ensuring the safety of people travelling with you. That is what drivers, especially those of vehicles used for public transport, go through as they work through the day this summer, likely to turn out to be the hottest summer the state has witnessed in recent history. While drivers of air-conditioned vehicles have it relatively easy, those driving other vehicles, especially government buses, many of which are rickety, have an unenviable task. R Muthukrishnan, an MTC driver from Mandaveli, said though number of trips during noon time have been reduced in a few routes, drivers often face dehydration and fatigue, affecting their concentration during this heatwave conditions. Excessive sweating makes the hands slippery, thereby reducing the grip on the steering wheel, he said. Pointing out at traffic diversions due to the works related to metro rail, he said the drivers now require minimum three hours to complete two single trips (up & down) as against two hours earlier. T Ramachandran, a TNSTC driver from Kovilambakkam, said MTC vehicles are ageing and lack smoothness. He pointed out the Villupuram division of TNSTC recorded highest ever single-day ticket earnings of more than `7 crore due to operation of special buses to Tiruvannamalai for Chitra Pournamani in April. Many of us worked for nearly 22 hours on that hot day without rest. Though drivers of AC vehicles have it relatively easy, those driving other vehicles, have an unenviable task at hand | D Sampath Kumar/ MK Ashok Kumar Muthu (34), an auto driver from Tiruppur, said the seat cover made of rexine generates more heat and is unbearable to sit on for more than 20 minutes. We sprinkle water on the seat covers. This heatwave is unbearable, he said. Ramasamy (37), a truck driver, said there are no tree along national highways including Dharapuram-Dindigul High Road, Avinashi-Salem Road and Coimbatore-Tiruchy road, which make it worse to drive during this summer. To take rest, we park our trucks on the compound of hotels along national highways. But no hotel offers room to sleep for just one hour. We are forced to rest inside our trucks but the engine heat is too much, he said. P Pasuvaraj, a bus conductor said they often had to do 18 to 24 hour shifts. Mururgesan, a share auto driver from Madurai said they have to work from 6 am till 8 pm even during the summer to earn a living. We have loans to repay for the auto and have to feed our family, he said, adding there is no choice of taking a b reak from work despite the heatwave conditions. S Honestraj, another auto driver from Dharmapuri, said the introduction of free bus rides for women has affected their earnings. Stating that the drivers are now dependent on transporting goods for businesses, he however, added even this was affected due to the summer. In Dharmapuri, agriculture and related business form a majority of trade and because of the drought-like situation, entire weekly markets and agri business are affected, he added. (With inputs from B Anbuselvan @ Chennai, MP Saravanan @ Tiruppur, Jevin Selwyn Henry @ Dharmapuri, and MS Thanaraj @ Madurai)

Permit student to appear for NEET wearing adult diapers: Madras HC to NTA

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to permit a 19-year-old woman to appear for the NEET (UG) examination on May 5 wearing an adult diaper and allow her to change the diaper once or twice during exam hours, considering her medical condition. Justice G R Swaminathan issued the order based on a petition filed by the student seeking directions to the NTA in this regard. The court stated that when the petitioner was four years of age, she met with an accident, suffered burn injuries on her face and was scalded by hot oil. The student is being treated for LETM/NMO/Spectrum Disorder/Neurogenic Bladder on an OPD basis. Her doctor has certified that she lacks bladder control,and must wear a diaper continuously, which also has to be changed frequently. The court stated that the information bulletin issued by NTA mentions dress codes, but the clauses do not address the petitioners case. In another NTA notification, it is mentioned that diabetic students will be allowed to carry eatables such as sugar tablets/fruits and transparent water bottles to the examination halls. It It was also laid down that candidates would be frisked and biometric attendance would be taken again on entry after toilet breaks. The court said that the petitioners record clearly states that she has special needs and has to take toilet breaks while writing the examination. If the facilities required by her are denied, she will be unable to appear for the exam, and that amounts to discrimination, it noted. Concerning the dress code, it would be appropriate if the clause specifically allowed girl students to wear sanitary pads. The absence of such a clause is why the student has filed the petition. The exam authorities are directed to bear the special needs of girl students in mind and provide reasonable accommodation, the court said. It further observed that mandatory frisking is sometimes taken to absurd limits, citing the case in Kerala where a girl student was asked to remove her innerwear. Every exam centre must have suitable toilet facilities and a minimum number of sanitary products must be made available. Girls must also be allowed to use restrooms as and when required. Restrooms can be inspected in advance and regularly, to prevent frisking the candidates again. This will save candidates precious time, the judge stated. The high court also recorded the statement, and the NTA, considering the case, agreed to the students request and has undertaken issuing suitable instructions to her examiner.

Three killed in blast at explosive storage unit in Virudhunagar

Villagers had blocked the Madurai-Thoothukudi highway complaining about the lackadaisical attitude of the officials in allowing the stone quarry to operate despite several complaints

Pages of a vintage sketch book

CHENNAI: One fine day, the late Kalaingar Karunanidhi during his reign as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu invited an illustrator to his house. He then explained the storyline of his new novel, Thaenpandi Singam. Draw a ferocious, brave young man, riding a horse swiftly, and add your style of bringing new angles to the picture, he had said. The next day, the illustrator sent in his work drawing of a horse from a top-angle view, a style that was not explored then. Amazed by the detailed portrayal of the protagonist, he generously appreciated the illustrator, S Jeyaraj Fernando. His name is etched for his profound works, and is a well celebrated artist today. On the eve of the second-year commencement ceremony of Chithiraalayam, the Museum of Popular Art, Alwarthirunagar, an interactive session was organised with S Jeyaraj on his 66-year-long career as an illustrator. On audiences request, Jeyaraj enticed them by drawing a scene of Seethapatti chasing Appusamy. Jeyaraj was an illustrator for various Tamil periodicals, and Samacheer school textbooks. He began drawing at the age of three. The self-taught artist said, Many people think an artiste should be able to draw everything when asked to, but an artist can draw only what he sees and can enjoy. In 1958, he got his first assignment to illustrate a short story written by Ra Ki Rangarajan in the Kumudam magazine, where he worked as a freelancer at a time when only in-house artists were part of the work. It was S Jeyaraj who paved way for freelance artists to get a platform to draw, said Maya, a senior artist. He has also designed movie posters and costumes for directors Balu Mahendra and K Balachander, and worked as an art director for Johny. The Blaft Anthology of Tamil Pulp Fiction Volume II records two lakh illustrations drawn for periodicals, textbooks, and movie posters by Jeyaraj by 1980. I used to sketch 45 illustrations per day. One in every 12-15 minutes, to complete the drawings for the upcoming weeks periodical editions, so that I can take a four-week trip with my family, said Jeyaraj. Though he was famous for his glamorous illustrations of women, the character portrayal of Seethapatti and Appusamy from the story written by Backiyam Ramaswamy, was a breakthrough work. He recounts his wife reading out story scenes and finding references for sketching monuments. Jeyaraj recalled a moment when he received an award from the Ladys Club of Madras. When a reporter criticised his drawings of female characters, the women present there quipped that portraying the female body beautifully shouldnt be perceived as vulgar. His drawings contain detailed illustrations of the fingers in various situations in exact dimensions, which is not common among many illustrators, said Pattukotai Prabhakaran, Tamil story writer. His style in drawing objects from different angles and his experimentation with shades of light falling on an object in his black-and-white drawings can be seen in the illustrations of the novel, Pattampoochi. The intricate background drawings in the book Thaenmerku Paruvangal amused the readers, said Maniam Selvan (Ma Se), illustrator. Some pages from Jeyarajs diary were also showcased at the event. We can find his diary pages filled with small illustrations in the page corners. They also contain descriptions of Madurai and places he has visited, said Jayakumar, an artist. Throughout his career, he has seen people being hesitant to showcase their works to him. He addressed his fans and said, Your work is equally good as that of mine. S Jeyarajs works will be arrayed in the museum till May 2.

Madurai corporation takes measures to relieve residents from heat wave

MADURAI: In the wake of the heatwave warnings sounded in the state, the Madurai city corporation has initiated several measures, including the distribution of oral rehydration solution (ORS) powders and the setting up of water tanks at special camps across the 100 wards of the district. According to the meteorology department, the temperature in the state has been soaring for the past few days, crossing even 100 degree fahrenheit much ahead of the dog dog days of summer. In Madurai, the residents have been bearing immense heat for the past couple of days, with the temperature reaching 104 degrees fahrenheit on Tuesday. Considering this, the city corporation is gearing up to take steps to protect the people from falling prey to heat strokes and other exhaustion-related issues, sources said. The corporation had earlier placed nearly 100 drinking water tanks across the city as part of the Chithirai festival. Owing to the prevailing heatwave condition, the corporation has decided to maintain all the tanks in order to aid the people in accessing drinking water. Additionally, the corporation began hosting special camps in all UPHCs and wellness centres to distribute ORS powders to people in a bid to prevent dehydration and heat strokes. The corporation has stocked a total of 35,000 ORS packets in the city for the initiative, said a corporation official. Furthermore, all the medical centres in the corporation has been equipped to handle cases of heat strokes. Immediate medical attention will be provided in case of emergency at such medical facilities, the official added. Speaking to TNIE, G Anbarasan, a heavy vehicle driver from Madurai said, Though the actual temperature seems to be near 39-40 degree celsius only, it feels like the numbers are much higher. Hence, the setting up of water tanks and refreshments outlets are aiding us in bearing the heat. As the temperature is quite high even before the dog days of summer, we are worried as to how high it will get by the mid of summer season in May. He further added that the food safety department could take measures to inspect street vending shops to prevent poor quality refreshments sales.

Blazing sun no bar in building a livelihood in Tamil Nadu

The construction sector, one of the key drivers of Indias growth, is estimated to account for more than 10% of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector is driven not just by investments, but by the workforce that exceeds 7 crore. On Tuesday, K Sekar was at work at a construction site in Thingalur in Erode that has the highest temperature in the state this summer. In an attempt to escape the heat, he wrapped his head with a towel that gets dried up pretty quick. He, however, said skipping work is no option, as it will affect his daily wages. He acknowledged that the workers get exhausted sooner because of the heat. We bring lemon juice and buttermilk from home and keep consuming them often, besides water, to keep our energy high, he said. 68-year-old mason R Ravi dreams of spending a peaceful time at his home near the mangroves-filled Pichavaram in Cuddalore district. However, he rarely gets an opportunity to visit his native. He has been working as a construction worker since he was 18. The apartment construction (in Chennai) I am working on now needs to be finished on time. Therefore I cannot skip work, he said, adding he is being paid Rs 1,000 per day. If I skip work now, what if I dont get work later, he asked. S Murugan, a 48-year-old worker from Kanniyakumari district, says he worked even on Sundays. We work from 8 am to 6 pm even in this summer, he said, adding he has Rs 2 lakh loan to settle and has to support the education of two of his sons since he did not want them to toil in construction work like him. Despite having a drivers licence, he opted to work in the construction industry since there is more work and an assured pay of Rs 800 per day. The construction sector is driven not just by investments, but also by the workforce that exceeds 7 crore | s dinesh/P Jawahar A considerable number of construction workers in Tamil Nadu are migrant workers from northern states. Govind Ram (28), a native of Bihar, came to Chennai three months ago. He is working at the CMRL construction site in St Thomas Mount. He stays with other workers in a makeshift camp at the site. Even in our village it gets unbearably hot during summers. Though I am used to heat, it gets really difficult to work here in the afternoons now. Therefore, we now try to take a break during afternoons and begin again in the evenings, he said. 32-year-old Bharath, a native of Odisha, stays away from his family and works at the construction site of a bridge in Kodungaiyur in north Chennai for the past one year. It is hard to work in the sun, but it is the only work I get. What to do? I need to send money to my family, he said, adding his wife and two-year-old daughter stays with his mother, father and brother in Odisha while he stays away from the family for months. P Jahir Hussian (56), a construction worker from Madurai said the lack of adequate safety measures makes it worse to work in the heat. Sometimes it is a threat to lives. He, however, added the establishment of the Construction Workers Welfare Board in Tamil Nadu has been of help. Now, if the construction labourers lose their lives while at the site, the welfare board gives Rs 5 lakh compensation. On behalf of CITU Construction Labourers Union, will provide all sorts of assistance to our members if they face any accident or any human loss, he said. Leaders extend May Day wishes Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin, leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami and leaders of various political parties have conveyed their wishes to the labourers on the occasion of May Day. Former CM O Panneerselvam, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan, CPI state secretary R Mutharasan, PMK leaders Dr S Ramadoss, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, MDMK general secretary Vaiko, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, also extended their wishes. (With inputs from Srinivasan @ Erode, Subashini Vijayakumar, Sinduja Jane and Gautham Selvarajan @ Chennai, Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam @ Madurai and M Abdul Rabi @ Kanniyakumari)

Tamil Nadu: Nirmala Devi gets 10 yrs RI, Rs 2.4 L fine

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The Fast Track Mahila Court in Srivilliputhur on Tuesday sentenced Nirmala Devi, the prime accused involved in a bid to lure female college students into giving sexual favours to Madurai Kamaraj University officials in 2018, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2.42 lakh on her. Nirmala, the suspended assistant professor of Devanga Arts College, was convicted by the court on Monday. Two other accused involved in the case MKU assistant professor Murugan and research scholar Karuppasamy were acquitted owing to lack of evidence. Following a request from Nirmalas counsel to put forth their arguments over the punishment, judge T Bagavathi Ammal said that the quantum would be pronounced on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Nirmala was sentenced to serve 10 years of concurrent imprisonment under five sections, including seven years of imprisonment under section 370(i), 10 years under section 370(iii) of the IPC, five years under section 5(i)(a) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, and 10 years under Section 9 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, along with three years of imprisonment under section 67 of the IT Act. After the judgment was pronounced, Special Public Prosecutor M Chandrasekaran, while addressing media persons, said The counsel appearing for Nirmala has asked for leniency in the conviction, putting forth several aspects, including that the accused has daughters. However, we have asserted that this kind of crime has to be prevented, and thus no mercy should be shown, he said, adding that the evidence in the case was also strong. Former Tamil Nadu Asst Prof Nirmala Devi convicted in luring students for sexual favours case Meanwhile, at a separate press meet, Pasumpon Pandian, Nirmalas former counsel, alleged that the investigation carried out by the CB-CID was merely eyewash to get former governor Banwarilal Purohit out of the case. If Nirmala was a tool for this crime, what about the accused who used her for their benefit, he asked. While Pandian appreciated the conviction, he alleged the involvement of former ruling party ministers, adding that they would be punished if a thorough investigation is carried out. Due to threats from politicians, Nirmala concealed many truths during the investigation, he said.

Paddy procurement takes a hit as Vaigai water release delayed in Madurai

MADURAI: Cultivation of samba paddy was affected, which ultimately led to a 50% drop in paddy procurement this year, as the release of Vaigai water was delayed in Madurai. Insiders from the paddy and rice trade industry stated that considering the increasing demand for paddy, action has to be taken to increase cultivable areas across the state. According to the agriculture department, nearly 50,000 hectares are used for samba cultivation in Madurai. Owing to the delay in releasing Vaigai water, the paddy cultivation area, as of March, has dropped to 40,832 hectares. Over 90% of the harvest has been completed across the district, while harvest is yet to begin in the remaining areas, where cultivation started after much delay. A senior official from the agriculture department stated that the farmers were able to get a bumper yield, despite the delayed start as an average yield of 1.5 to 2 metric tonnes per acre has been reported in the district. The official added that areas, including Chellampatti, Alanganallur and Madurai West and some areas in Melur are yet to complete the harvest process. A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation department stated that over a couple of months, about 38,000 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured through DPCs to date. Notably, the procurement volume is nearly 50% lower than the previous year, which was well over 80,000 metric tonnes. Currently, 40 DPCs are active and farmers have requested an additional three-four DPCs in the district for procuring samba paddy. The official added that following the final phase of the harvest, another 10,000 metric tonnes of paddy is expected to be procured in the coming weeks in Madurai. Ravi, a farmer, added that comparatively, the demand for paddy is higher in the open market, causing a surge in prices. While DPC prices range between Rs 20 - 21 per kilo, open market prices hover above Rs 23. Meanwhile, farmers have demanded that the procurement price of paddy be increased to above Rs 35 per kilo. Speaking to TNIE, A Anbarasan, MADITSSIA food panel chairperson, said, The demand for rice in the international market has increased in recent years. The open market price for paddy will be higher, irrespective of the price the government sets. Thus, the government must take measures to increase cultivation across the country. Even though the union government has come up with measures to benefit agro-based industries, the state government has not done much over the years, despite giving assurances, he said. Experts have urged the state government to act towards aiding the development of agro-based industries in the state.

Women train drivers step up job change demand after lady guard attacked on duty

NEW DELHI, Apr 30 : Various railway unions representing female drivers have intensified their demand for a one-time option to change job category after a lady guard of a freight train was attacked near Madurai Railway Station in Tamil Nadu on Monday. Rekha, a 28-year-old guard, was assaulted by some goons when the freight train she was deployed in stopped at a red signal ahead of Madurai Railway Station. According to Southern Railway, two juveniles entered the guards cabin with [] The post Women train drivers step up job change demand after lady guard attacked on duty appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Travel tips: IRCTC has brought tour packages to travel to South India, you are getting a chance to visit these places

If you are planning to visit some good place during summer season. In such a situation, IRCTC has brought a very wonderful tour package for you. Under this package, you are getting a chance to visit the famous places of South India. South India has a special importance in Indian cultural history. There are many world famous temples in South India, where every year a large number of devotees come to visit. Apart from this, the dance, art, music and food here are also discussed a lot all over the world. In such a situation, you should not miss this tour package to visit South India. You are also getting many great facilities in this tour package of IRCTC. Let us know about it in detail in this episode - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA. Under this tour package, you will be made to travel for a total of 11 nights and 12 days. This tour package is starting on May 3, 2024. Under this package you can start your journey from Ajmer / Bhilwara / Chittorgarh / Jaipur / Udaipur. Under this tour package you will be taken to Kanyakumari / Madurai / Mallikarjun / Rameshwaram / Tirupati / Trivandrum. This is a train tour package of IRCTC. Under this tour package, hotel arrangements will be made for your food and stay. Under this tour package of IRCTC, if you travel in comfort class with two or three people. In this case, the fare per person is Rs 35,860. Whereas if you are traveling in standard class with two or three people. In such a situation, the fare per person is Rs 30,550. (PC: Istock)

Tamil Nadu: BJP functionary tries to meet CM Stalin with ganja at Madurai airport, arrested - News9 LIVE

Tamil Nadu: BJP functionary tries to meet CM Stalin with ganja at Madurai airport, arrested News9 LIVE

Madurai Kamaraj varsity V-C to resign over health issues

MADURAI: Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) Vice-chancellor J Kumar is set to resign, citing health issues. Kumar assumed office on April 1, 2022, and his tenure is for a period of three years. Even though he has 11 months before his tenure ends, Kumar reportedly wishes to retire before. According to sources, MKU has been facing a financial crisis for over four years. Every month, officials face challenges in obtaining funds from the higher education department. Over 6,000 audit objections prevented the university from getting grants from the state government, accumulated over 15 years during the former VCs tenure. The higher education department has also imposed conditions, including restructuring salaries, reassigning administrative designations in accordance with the ministerial staff and cancelling inappropriate appointments, among others. Even though Kumar tried to implement the conditions, the administrative staff approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and got an interim stay. The court later ordered not to restructure the salaries or reassign the designations. Since the higher education department did not disburse funds to release the salaries as per the court orders, Kumar has decided to resign, sources said. Speaking to TNIE , Kumar said that plans to submit a resignation letter within two weeks, citing his health condition. There is no rule to submit my resignation. However, I have to discharge my responsibilities to the convener committee, he said.

Tamil Nadu: Court convicts Nirmala Devi in Madurai Kamaraj university sex racket case

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The Fast Track Mahila Court in Srivilliputhur on Monday convicted Nirmala Devi, the prime accused in the 2018 case involving a bid to lure female college students into giving sexual favours to Madurai Kamaraj university officials in exchange for marks and financial support. The high-profile case came to light after an audio clip purportedly of the former Devanga Arts college assistant professor attempting to lure the female students was circulated online. After the case became linked to the office of then Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Raj Bhavan refuted allegations of his involvement. While Nirmala Devi was convicted, the court acquitted the other two accused, former MKU assistant professor V Murugan and former MKU research scholar S Karuppasamy. Judge T Bagavathi Ammal said the quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Tuesday (April 30). According to sources, she was convicted under five sections, including sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Nirmala Devi, who was teaching at Devanga Arts college in Aruppukottai, was arrested by Aruppukottai Town police on April 16, 2018 under Sections 370 and 511 of the IPC and 67 of the IT Act following a complaint from the colleges secretary Ramasamy, stating that four female students had complained to him that Nirmala tried to engage them to provide sexual favors to MKU officials in return for marks and financial support. The case was transferred to CB-CID within days and Sections of 9 of Immoral Traffic Act and 4 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act were also included. During the investigation, Murugan and Karuppasamy were also alleged to be involved in the crime and were arrested. TN to appeal against acquittal of two accused Governor Purohit, who addressed a press conference to refute the allegations against him, also set up a one-man committee led by retired IAS officer R Santhanam to probe the matter and file a report to him. Trial in the Fast Track Mahila court began in 2018. On Friday, the court adjourned the judgment to Monday as Nirmala wasnt present due to health issues. After the judge pronounced the verdict on Monday, Nirmala was arrested and remanded in Madurai Central Prison. Addressing reporters, the special public prosecutor M Chandrasekaran said the state would appeal against the acquittal of Murugan and Karuppasamy. He added that witnesses from MKU had turned hostile. One-man panel Former governor Banwarilal Purohit also set up a one-man committee to probe the matter and file a report to him

Tamil Nadu teacher held guilty in sexual favours case

Six years after an audio clip wherein Nirmala Devi, then an assistant professor at a Tamil Nadu college, was found luring girl students to offer sexual favours to senior officials went viral, she was convicted by Srivilliputhur Mahila Court on Monday. Two other individuals accused in the case, namely V Murugan, who is an assistant professor at Madurai Kamaraj University.

Politicians Start Taking Summer Breaks

Chennai: Chief Minister M K Stalin, along with his immediate family members, left Chennai by a special flight to Madurai en route to Kodaikanal for a week-long holiday after a hectic campaign schedule in the run up to the April 19 elections in the State to elect 39 members to the Lok Sabha. Many other leaders, including BJP State President K Annamalai, are also taking breaks as Tamil Nadu has completed the Lok Sabha election process in the first phase of polling itself and is on a long wait for the results that would be out only after June 4. The present eerie silence in the political arena with party leaders and functionaries keeping their fingers crossed for the results to be announced after all the seven phases of polling is completed all over the country and the government finding its hands tied due to the Model Code of Conduct still in force has given an opportunity for many to look for the break with their families. Annamalai, who started visiting temples soon after the polling was over, besides taking up campaign in Karnataka, is now planning a family holiday in Kodaikanal, the same salubrious hill station that the Chief Minister has also chosen. But his party is likely to assign him campaign duties in other States next. Sources said that DMK MP, Kanmozhi Karunanidhi, who contested the elections from her Thoothukudi constituency once again, may also travel to Singapore, where her husband lives, in the interregnum between the polling and the counting of votes. Many other leaders of the DMK are also planning to escape from the scorching heat in Chennai to cooler destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal. Soon they will be all off to such destinations. Some leaders of the DMK, as the grapevine has it, are even taking their families to Maldives in the next few days as they had exhausted themselves working long hours during the three week campaign that preceded the polling in the State. Many top leaders of the ruling party, besides peeved by the soaring temperature in Chennai, feel that they have not much to do now as most of the party activities have come to a standstill and whatever work was left would resume only after the results were out and the new government formed. Though the top leaders of the State BJP too would like to take a summer break and get away from the scorching heat, it is said that they had been assigned election duties in various States that are going to polls in the coming phases of voting. The leaders from Tamil Nadu would be canvassing votes for the BJP among the Tamil speaking populations in the different States and hence they were all gearing up to take up those assignments for the party. Since most of the key political leaders in the State feel that they might have key roles to play once the results are out by June 4 and the new government is formed in Delhi, they want to be back in their turf to meet the demands of the situation before June but fully recharged by the holiday break.

Centre to deploy CISF cover at ED offices amid growing security concerns

NEW DELHI: Keeping in view the recent attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and also based on a recent threat assessment report issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to permanently deploy personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the ED's offices across the country to provide security cover, officials said on Monday. The officials said that initial deployment of personnel of the paramilitary force would focus on select cities, including Mumbai, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ranchi, Raipur and Kochi. A senior MHA official said, High-level deliberations are going on in the Ministry to extend the CISF cover to ED offices in other states, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhance security measures in and around the agencys premises. The agency maintains a robust pan-India presence, operating from 21 zonal and 18 sub-zonal offices spanning 40 cities across five regions - west, east, central, south and north. The headquarters located on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in Delhi already has CISF protection. Officials said the urgency to step up security arrangements at ED offices was felt following the incident on January 5 this year when a mob attacked a team of ED officers from the Kolkata unit in West Bengals Sandeshkhali. Three officers were injured in the attack. This incident served as a stark reminder of the risks faced by officials of the enforcement agency in carrying out their duties. Earlier, on December 1 and 2 last year, Tamil Nadus Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) arrested an ED officer Ankit Tiwari for extortion and then raided the agencys sub-zonal office in Madurai. The agency filed a complaint with the state police chief alleging that sensitive documents from its office were stolen. Later, the Intelligence Bureau submitted a threat assessment report to the MHA about the security needs for the agencys personnel and its establishments across the country, the officials said, adding that following this the ministry sent a note to the CISF to draw up a plan for regular deployment. The CISF is the only paramilitary force deployed at central government establishments on a cost-reimbursement basis. During the past 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, the ED has registered an average of 500 cases every year under various provisions of the the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The cases involved political personalities and also high net worth private individuals. The ED on its part, however, argues that of the total over 5,100 PMLA cases registered in the last 10 years, only about 2-3% are linked to politicians. The agency has attached properties worth Rs 1.21 lakh crore and arrested 755 people in the last 10 years, compared to Rs 5,086 crore worth attachments and 29 arrests during the 10 years of the UPAs rule.

Robbers attack goods train Guard in Madurai, snatch gold chain and mobile phone

CM MK Stalin reaches Kodaikanal with family for summer vacation

MADURAI/DINDIGUL: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin along with his family members including his wife reached Kodaikanal for six days summer vacation. CM and his family members landed in Madurai by a special flight from Chennai at 9 am on Monday. As it was his personal visit, visitors and party functionaries were not allowed to meet him. Over 200 police were deployed in Madurai airport in view of the CM's arrival. Stalin along with his family members reached Kodaikanal via Batlagundu road and will be staying in The Tamara Resort in St. Marys Road in Kodaikanal. Around 1500 police have been deployed in order to provide security to him and his family. Flying of drones and balloons have already been prohibited in the district till May 4. The chief minister is expected to stay in Kodaikanal till May 4. While the CM was leaving in front of the Madurai Airport, BJP functionary Shankar Pandian tried to give a petition along with a ganja pack to Stalin. However, police prevented and detained him before he was taken to Avaniyapuram police station for inquiry. In his petition, S Sankar Pandi allegedly said that there is widespread drug usage in the state, all types of drugs which are prohibited by the international level are also available in the state. Due to this, youths including girl students, children, and daily wage labourers are easily addicted. This addiction of drugs indirectly increases the crime against women and children, thereby increasing social crimes. He urged Chief Minister Stalin to make efforts to prevent the drug usage and supply in Tamil Nadu.

Former Tamil Nadu Asst Prof Nirmala Devi convicted in luring students for sexual favours case

VIRUDHUNAGAR: A private college's former Assistant Professor Nirmala Devi, the primary accused involved in luring students into giving sexual favours for higher officials at the Madurai Kamaraj University in 2018, was convicted by the Fast Track Mahila court in Srivilliputhur on Monday. The other two accused involved in the case including MKU Assistant professor Murugan and research student Karupasamy were acquitted of their charges for lack of evidence. According to the sources, Nirmala was convicted under five sections including the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Following the request made by her counsel to make arguments regarding the conviction, Judge T Bagavathi Ammal said that the conviction details including years of imprisonment will be pronounced on Tuesday noon. In 2018, the suspended Assistant Professor Nirmala Devi from Devanga Arts college in Aruppukottai was arrested by the Aruppukottai Town police in April following a complaint by the college's secretary Ramasamy, who alleged that some girls from the institute was lured by Nirmala into offering sex for gain. Four girls, pursuing their third year in Mathematics at the college gave me a petition stating that Nirmala has been luring them for sexual favours to the MKU officials in return of benefiting students with marks and supporting them financially. Following the inquiry, Nirmala was suspended from the college in March, he said in the complaint further seeking necessary action by the police. Meanwhile, the issue gained wider attention after the audio of Nirmala luring girls went online. Later, the case was transferred to CB-CID and during the investigation, two more persons, MKU Assistant professor Murugan and research student Karupasamy were found to be involved in the crime. Following the arrest, the trio were eventually lodged in the prison and were granted bail later. Following the series of hearings over the years, the Fast Track Mahila court Judge Bagavathi Ammal convicted Nirmala on Monday. Meanwhile, addressing the media persons, special public prosecutor M Chandrasekaran said that they will be appealing against the acquittal of Murugan and Karupasamy. We consider that there are enough evidences for the conviction of the duo, he said. He further added that bystanders from the MKU have turned into hostile witnesses. Order on bail pleas of tainted assistant professor Nirmala Devi, aide reserved

GRT Hotels introduces Grand Madurai, as a part of expansion plan

Chennai, Hospitality provider GRT Hotels & Resorts Group has inaugurated Grand Madurai, its latest property in Tamil Nadu as part of its vision to manage 2 properties by 2025. Equipped with a host of amenities including 120 rooms, Gran Madurai by GRT Hotels is located close to the famous Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, St. Marys... The post GRT Hotels introduces Grand Madurai, as a part of expansion plan first appeared on Hospitality Biz India: Latest News & Analysis . The post GRT Hotels introduces Grand Madurai, as a part of expansion plan appeared first on Hospitality Biz India: Latest News & Analysis .

Retrospective re-fixing of pay, pension post retirement against law: Madras HC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently quashed an order passed by the Registrar of the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) re-fixing the pension amount of a superannuated non-teaching staff. Justice RN Manjula, while quashing the order based on a petition filed by former non-teaching staff R Rajamani, said that he had retired from the MKU in November 1988, but the registrar of the university in March 2024 had reduced the petitioner's pension on the grounds that the scale of pay was wrongly fixed. The local fund audit department raised an objection to the pension amount and said that the pay was on a higher scale. So, the registrar reduced the pension amount, starting from December 2023, and passed an order related to it in March 2024. Moreover, Rajamani was not issued any prior notice about the order. Observing that the petitioner had retired from service by superannuation, the court noted that the relationship between him and the university had concluded. Hence, the university has no authority to re-fix his salary and the consequential benefits of the petitioner, added the court. Highlighting its previous judgement, Justice Manjula said that only the MKU's syndicate has the power to appoint the university's staff and fix their emoluments. The re-fixation of salary and consequential pensionary benefits post retirement, retrospectively, is not in accordance with law, the court noted, and directed MKU to reimburse the due amount to the petitioner, with interest, within 12 weeks.

Corporation begins installing water meters in Madurai, 15k put up so far

MADURAI: The Madurai city corporation has finally kickstarted the process of installing water meters across the city, and has already put up 15,000 meters. The plan of action is to install a total of 2.5 lakh water meters in two phases. About 15,000 water meters have been installed so far in the city, including the majority of areas in zone one. Works are now on in other areas, including Avaniyapuram. The revised charges for the new meters will be fixed by the council in the coming weeks, said an official. The long-pending water meter project will enable the city corporation to monitor water usage, and aid residents in paying for what they consume as against the existing norm of fixed water charges. Several residents have expressed reservations over the possibility of higher tariff based on the consumption of water. Water meters are finally being installed in Madurai after several failed attempts. But, instead of conventional meters, the corporation could have installed modern digital meters, which would directly relay the reading to the control centre. With the conventional meters, people will have to wait for the official concerned to visit and calculate the readings, said Murugesan, a resident from Madurai. A senior corporation official from Madurai stated that there are nearly 2.5 lakh water connections across 100 wards in the city. The city corporation plans on installing water meters in two phases, with about 90,000 meters to be erected in the first phase within July, while the remaining 1.6 lakh meters are expected to be installed in the second phase, by February or March 2025. The installation process is being executed in three stages. Firstly, the primary line (outside property) is laid, from where the individual connections branch out. The second stage comprises the flushing process, which is carried out to check for any leaks, while the last stage sees the installation of water meters inside property-bound lines. Installation of meters in the earlier stages could lead to issues of damaged or missing meters, because of which meters are installed at the end, said an official. Meanwhile, Murugesan added, Water should be provided daily before such meters are installed. Currently, we get water only once in four days. There are 100 wards under the city corporation, with a total population of 20.4 lakh. The corporation provides 74 litres of drinking water per person per day (LPCD). Thus, an average of 150 MLD of water is provided to these wards daily, through various sources, including the Periyar drinking water scheme.

Kerala: NHAI sitting on police proposal for a signal system at Pettah Junction

KOCHI: When the narrow, congested roads at Pettah Junction gave way to wide, resurfaced stretches, thanks to preparatory work for metro rail, it came as a relief to motorists and pedestrians alike. The intersection, however, has failed to cope with increased peak-hour traffic. The situation has been further exacerbated by the fact that National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been sitting on a proposal submitted repeatedly by Kochi traffic police for a signal system at the crossroads. We initially submitted the proposal in 2021 following the widening of the stretch. The plan was resubmitted last year before the tarring of Kundanoor-Madurai NH 85 was initiated. Now that relaying has been completed, there is still no provision made for a traffic signal, said a senior officer with Kochi traffic police (east) station. The junction, where traffic from Kochi city merges with that coming along NH 85 from the Kundannoor end, play a key role in avoiding gridlock in the citys thoroughfares and the suburbs. I joined last year and am not aware of the proposal submitted earlier. Were ready to give the NOC (no-objection certificate) though our policy is to avoid traffic signals wherever possible. They [state government departments] will have to take up the work, said Pradeep P, project director, NHAI, Kochi. As the various agencies indulge in a blame game, residents associations have come into the picture, demanding urgent measures. There is not even a proper median. Often vehicles make a dash in an attempt to cross and enter or leave Pettah-Gandhi Square road, resulting in mishaps or traffic congestion. A traffic signal here is the need of the hour. It doesnt matter who sets up the facility. Even Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) could carry out the work, says V C Jayendran, convenor of the Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations (TRURA). Residents accuse Kochi Metro of not sticking to its civil work obligations as part of metro work. The detailed project report said that such facilities will be provided half a kilometre from the metro line. But no footpath has been constructed along the Pettah-Gandhi Square road. [Tripunithura] municipality, too, has failed to take up the work though it constructed a sidewalk along the left of the stretch before the pandemic, Jayendran rued. KMRL faces heat Residents accuse Kochi Metro of not sticking to its civil work obligations as part of metro work Promises of providing facilities half a kilometre from the metro line as per the DPR have not been fulfilled, residents say