The New Indian Express Chennai - January 16, 2025

In this issue

January 16, 2025

Sue handler of Pannun plot, says top panel

A high-powered committee set up by the government in the wake of a botched operation to bump off Khalistani radical Gurupatwant Singh Pannun on US soil, recommended legal action against an individual who masterminded the plot.

1 min

BJP raps Rahul's claim of fighting Indian state

A rather sharp attack by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday against RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks, drew heavy retaliatory fire from BJP's biggies.

1 min

Deal Reached to Pause Gaza War, Free Hostages

AFTER more than 15 months of grueling war, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal and the release of dozens of hostages, multiple officials confirmed on Wednesday.

1 min

ED Attaches ₹101 Cr Assets of Ex-Minister

The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Chennai zonal office has provisionally attached two immovable properties worth ₹100.90 crore, belonging to Orathanadu MLA R Vaithilingam, in a money laundering case, an official release said on Wednesday.

1 min

'Bullet' turns meek and warms up to mahouts, may be free soon

THE wild elephant Cherambadi Tusker (CT16), which was captured at Ayyankolly in the Pandalur forest range at Gudalur forest division and relocated to Varagaliyar in the Uanthy forest range, has turned less aggressive after completing two weeks in the krall (a wooden enclosure), said forest department officials.

1 min

Record 350 turtles wash ashore dead in 2025, experts alarmed

WITH bulging eyes and swollen necks, carcasses of endangered Olive Ridley turtle have been floating in the open sea, off Chennai. More than 350 dead turtles have beached up ashore between the Marina and Kovalam in just 15 days, marking a record number of deaths in the last two decades, said sources.

2 mins

WHAT CITY URGENTLY NEEDS IS A FIX FOR ITS STORMWATER WOES

I have lived in Chennai for 45 years, and over the years, the rain patterns in Chennai have changed drastically. One of the reasons for this is the increase in ocean heat, which is bringing in short-period downpours.

2 mins

Broken toilets, no drinking water: Courts in city blind to basic needs

The toilets at five court complexes that TNIE visited were found to be poorly maintained. Many of them were locked, in disrepair or extremely unhygienic

3 mins

EB wireman fixing fault sans safety gear electrocuted

A wireman employed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) was electrocuted when he climbed atop an electric pole, without any safety gear, which was connected to a high tension cable at Pudur near Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district.

1 min

Man Arrested for Harassing IIT-M Student

A 29-year-old migrant worker was arrested by the Kotturpuram police on charges of sexually assaulting an IIT Madras student when she was at a tea shop along the Taramani Velachery Main Road on Tuesday evening.

1 min

Bodies of 3 minors recovered from lake in Kanchi

THE bodies of three minor boys were found in a lake near Uthiramerur in the Kancheepuram district on Wednesday.

1 min

Triplicane extortion case: One more cop arrested

THE Triplicane police on Tuesday arrested one more policeman in the case where a special sub inspector and three men from the income tax department robbed ₹15 lakh from a man.

1 min

At Avaniyapuram, tamer gored to death, 70 injured; kin of deceased to get ₹3 lakh

A 22-year-old bull tamer was gored to death by a bull during the Avaniyapuram jallikattu in Madurai on Tuesday. Over 70 persons, including participants and spectators, were also injured.

1 min

PALAMEDU BULLISH ON ITS DATE WITH MIGHT

BULLS leashed through the avenue at Palamedu as the district's second jallikattu event went on smoothly, barring a few minor injuries, on Wednesday.

1 min

Madurai-Thoothukudi project on track; rly says no land issue with TN

Though southern railway says min misheard query from media and took it for Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi line, it has not clearly mentioned the status of project

2 mins

Act on plea for final explosive licence: Court

The Madras HC has directed the Centre to consider a petition, filed by an advocate seeking direction to the government to provide the final explosives licence for running fuel outlets only if the applicant is having possessory rights of the premises for the entire licence period, as a non-adversarial litigation and accordingly take appropriate action.

1 min

Nation's growth outcome of result-driven approach: Min

UNION Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said the nation's remarkable growth is the result of a structured and outcome-driven approach adopted by the government led by PM Narendra Modi.

1 min

CM Presents Annual Awards to Ex-TNCC Prez, 9 Others

CHIEF Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday presented 10 state government awards to recipients, including former TNCC president KV Thangkabalu and VCK general secretary D Ravikumar, at a function at the secretariat.

1 min

Panel Invites Suggestions on State's Amendments to New Criminal Laws

The one-man committee constituted under the chairmanship of Justice M Sathyanarayanan, retired judge of Madras HC, has invited suggestions regarding the state amendments to the new criminal laws - BNS, BNSS and BSA - by all stakeholders.

1 min

6 Safe as Hot Air Balloon Lands 20km Away in KL

A hot air balloon that was flown from Pollachi with six persons on board deviated from its path due to wind and landed in a field in Kerala at Kannimari Mullanthattu, 20 km away from the take-off point, on Tuesday.

1 min

Bull dies in jallikattu in Tiruchy village

INAUGURATING the district's first jallikattu for the year at Periya Suriyur, Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Wednesday also handed out to the organisers the government order on the construction of a multi-sport arena in the village, which is expected to serve as a permanent venue for conducting the bull-taming event.

1 min

Woman killed, ears cut off to steal gold studs

A 42-year-old man and his wife were arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of a 55-year-old woman.

1 min

Assault of univ student: AIADMK seeks probe

THE AIADMK and the All India Progressive Women's Association have called for a judicial probe into the alleged sexual assault of a female student which took place inside the Puducherry Technological University (PTU) campus on January 11.

1 min

Being cared for by relatives' is not a ground to deny old age pension: HC

HOLDING that elderly people may be granted old age pension even while being under the care of their relatives, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently helped an 83-year-old man get pension, after the same was denied by authorities citing that he was under the care of his grandchildren.

1 min

Siddu Not To Table Caste Census Report Today

CHIEF Minister Siddaramaiah, who was keen on taking up the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, often referred to as the Caste Census, at Thursday's cabinet meeting, now seems to be not so sure.

1 min

Kudankulam nuclear reactor on its way to site

THE VVER-1000 reactor vessel for the sixth power unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant designed by Russia is being transported to the construction site.

1 min

Case against former K'taka CM foolproof: State to HC

THERE is a foolproof case against BJP leader and former CM B S Yediyurappa in the POCSO case and the recorded conversation between him and the victim references what happened between them, argued Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Ravivarma Kumar before the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday.

1 min

Erode bypoll: DMK starts campaign, Seethalakshmi is NTK's candidate

AS the Erode East by-elections are scheduled on February 5, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) announced its candidate on Tuesday and DMK started its campaign.

1 min

Formula E case: SC rejects KTR's appeal to quash FIR

BRS working prez could pursue other remedies under law, says court

2 mins

RECOGNISE REASONS FOR OPPOSITION TO NEW UGC RULES

THE University Grants Commission's draft regulations on appointments to higher-education institutions have become another rope between the central and several state governments to tug on.

1 min

CLEAR FUNDING IMPASSE OVER AYUSHMAN COVER

THE Ayushman Bharat Yojana card is a dud in Karnataka the health insurance scheme does not cover treatment costs of the needy and elderly citizens enrolled for it.

1 min

THE BRIDGES INDIA NEEDS TO THE EAST

India can invigorate its engagement with East Asia through the shared cultural traditions of Buddhism and the epics. To do that effectively, linguistic links will be essential

4 mins

THE OTHER WARS WE ARE FAILING TO NOTICE

NEVER before have there been so many armed conflicts across the globe.

3 mins

SC seeks Dallewal's med report from Punjab

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Punjab government for detailed medical reports and latest vitals of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal for an independent assessment of his medical condition by AIIMS, Delhi.

1 min

Centre's reply sought over Cong appeal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice and sought a detailed response from the Centre and Election Commission of India (ECI) on Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea challenging certain amendments made to the Conduct of the Election Rules of 1961.

1 min

3 Combat Platforms Added to Navy Power

PM Narendra Modi says it is for the first time that the tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, submarine was done

2 mins

Meta Apologises for Zuckerberg's Faulty Remarks

META India tendered an apology on Wednesday for company CEO Mark Zuckerberg's erroneous remarks about the outcome of the Indian general election 2024.

1 min

Delhi liquor scam: ED gets MHA nod to prosecute Kejriwal, Sisodia

AMID the high-stake Delhi election campaign, the Centre has given its nod to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute top leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for their alleged involvement in laundering proceeds of crime linked to the liquor scam case.

1 min

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 to be held from Feb 15-24, participants to visit Kumbh

THE third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS), which celebrates the age-old bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, will be held from February 15 to 24, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Wednesday.

1 min

CUET-UG Exam in Computer-Based Mode in May, Result in June: Kumar

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to conduct the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2025 exam in Computer-Based Test (CBT) format in May, and the results may be announced in the first week of June, said University Grants Commission Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar.

1 min

In a first after Hasina's fall as PM, India-B'desh talks to begin on Feb 16

INDIA and Bangladesh will hold a four-day director general (DG)-level talks here beginning February 16 with border fencing and rise in infiltration attempts being major subjects of discussion, officials said on Wednesday.

1 min

MP BJP leader rapes, blackmails politician; held

A ruling BJP leader was arrested for allegedly raping and blackmailing a high-profile local politician in MP's Sidhi district. She also accused the ruling party politician of extorting money from her.

1 min

20-yr-old woman killed by father, cousin for 'honour'

A 20-year-old woman was shot dead allegedly by her father and cousin in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior after she refused to marry a man chosen by them even as police officials were present in the house during the incident.

1 min

Bombay HC panel to phase out petrol cars

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to form a panel to explore the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles, saying automobiles choking Mumbai's roads are a major contributor to the city's worsening air quality.

1 min

BJP Does Caste Arithmetic in Milkipur Bypoll

MILKIPUR by-election is set to be a direct battle of nerves between the ruling BJP and Samajwadi Party.

1 min

Future Tense for INDIA Bloc, Predicts Mayawati

Claims all allies of Oppn grouping have gathered for self-interest

2 mins

7-Day ED Custody for Ex-Excise Minister in C'garh Liquor Scam

A special PMLA court in Raipur on Wednesday remanded six-time Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for seven days in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam.

1 min

IIT Baba in search of Sanatan in Maha Kumbh

He compares himself with Farhan Qureshi, played by R Madhavan in the 2009 Bollywood hit 3 Idiots, as he claims that he left engineering to follow his passion for photography.

2 mins

Govt approves ₹1.6K cr package for Joshimath land submergence victims

THE Centre has sanctioned ₹1,640 crore for rehabilitation in Uttarakhand's Joshimath, where land subsidence displaced over 1,000 residents in early 2023.

1 min

Shah Lauds Modi, Says He Brought Water to Parched North Gujarat

HOME Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for effectively addressing the acute water shortage issue during his tenure as the chief minister of Gujarat.

1 min

Yoon held after 5-hr standoff

Investigators bypass bus barricades, cut barbed wire, scale walls before the prez gave up

2 mins

Millions in Los Angeles on the edge as wind speed picks up

MILLIONS of Southern Californians were on edge as winds began picking up during a final round of dangerous fire weather forecast for the region on Wednesday where two massive blazes have killed at least 25 and destroyed thousands of homes.

1 min

Energy sites in west Ukraine targeted by Russian missiles

RUSSIA launched a wave of missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy facilities at dawn on Wednesday, intensifying a months-long bombing campaign at a precarious moment of the war for Ukraine.

1 min

Lanka, China Sign Series of Bilateral Agreements

SRI Lanka and China signed a series of cooperation agreements on Wednesday following talks between their leaders, one month after Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made India his first overseas trip since winning election last September.

1 min

Trump hails Gaza ceasefire deal, claims full credit for expediting it

US President-elect Donald Trump hailed an \"epic\" ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday and claimed credit for an accord that comes days before he is due to be sworn in for his second term.

1 min

2 Private Lunar Landers From US And Japan Blast Off On A SpaceX Rocket

In a two-for-one moonshot, SpaceX launched a pair of lunar landers Wednesday for US and Japanese companies looking to jumpstart business on Earth's dusty sidekick.

1 min

B'desh court reduces ULFA leader's sentence to 14 years

BANGLADESH High Court has reduced the life sentence of ULFA leader Paresh Baruah to 14 years imprisonment in connection with an attempt to smuggle truckloads of weapons to the hideouts of the separatist group in Assam two decades ago.

1 min

Kalyan Jewellers shares under bear grip; fall 30% in 2 weeks

DESPITE reporting a healthy outlook and strong business update for the recently concluded December quarter (Q3FY25), shares of Kalyan Jewellers, one of India's largest Jewellery firms, have come under a severe bearish grip.

1 min

Zepto triples annual GOV to $3 billion

Quick commerce platform Zepto Co-Founder and CEO Aadit Palicha on Wednesday said that the company has achieved $3 billion in annualised gross order value (GOV).

1 min

TRAI Proposes Cut in Broadband Rates for Public Wi-Fi

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed reducing broadband connection rates for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme.

1 min

EVs will be in focus at Auto Expo

Over 25 car and two-wheeler OEMs are participating in the expo, which will begin on Friday

1 min

Meta to lay off more than 3,500 employees

META, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is planning to cut 5% of total staff this year by terminating staff based on performance and hiring new workers to replace them.

1 min

Kirloskar family feud may prolong as group firm challenges Sebi order

The decades-old feud in the Kirloskar family is set to take longer as Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL) has challenged the Sebi order asking it to disclose the details of the family settlement at the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), which will begin hearing the case from January 16.

1 min

Aditya Birla Fashion to raise $500 million equity through preferential issue, QIP

AHEAD of its planned demerger into two separate entities and their subsequent listing, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail has finalised a capital raising plan of $500 million through a combination of preferential issuance and qualified institutional placement of shares.

1 min

Chennaiyin draw vs Mohammedan

ON their first-ever visit to the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC managed to draw their match against Mohammedan Sporting on Wednesday.

1 min

Sai Kishore to lead TN as Ranji resumes on Jan 23

R SAI KISHORE will lead Tamil Nadu team in the Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh to be held at Salem from January 23 to 26 2025.

2 mins

Joburg Super Kings beat Durban Super Giants

JOBURG Super Kings got the better of Durban's Super Giants by 28 runs in their SA20 encounter in Durban on Tuesday.

1 min

More Major History For Djokovic Down Under

NOVAK Djokovic celebrated a slice of Grand Slam history on his way into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, but last year's women's finalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the biggest shock so far.

1 min

Lesson in defeat for shuttler duo

Malvika & Priyanshu, shuttlers with aspirations, show plenty of grit against high-quality rivals

3 mins

Of shedding fear of failure and helping youngsters

DECEMBER 11, 2024 remains an unforgettable day for Arundhati Reddy. After waiting for her chance in the first two games, the all-rounder took the field for India on a hot day at the WACA in Perth against Australia in the third and final ODI.

2 mins

Record-shattering day in Rajkot for India women

IT was yet another day of shattering records in Rajkot as India women beat Ireland in the third and final ODI to win the series 3-0 on Wednesday.

1 min

Coach Irwansyah good for India, says Christie

JONATAN Christie was clearly operating at his will on Wednesday. The Indonesian singles shuttler was meticulous. Be it in front of the net or near the back line, he was bossing in every nook and corner of the court. Wang Tzu Wei, his Round of 32 opponent, was the one on the receiving end.

1 min

HOLISTIC HOLIDAYS IN THE WILD

LUXURY travel is evolving to offer more than just indulgence, with resorts now combining wellness, curated comfort and safari experiences in the heart of nature.

3 mins

TWO OF KERALA'S BEACHES BAG BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION

This achievement demonstrates God's Own Country's continued dedication to promoting responsible and inclusive tourism.

2 mins

KASHMIR INAUGURATES ITS MOST AWAITED ALL-WEATHER TUNNEL

With this infrastructure in place, Sonmarg is set to become an attractive year-round travel destination, welcoming tourists eager to explore its natural beauty throughout the entire year.

1 min

Read to Lead

Author Sriprakash Nadadhur Sridharan talks to CE about his new book Building Blocks, a handbook on leadership

2 mins

I DIDN'T WANT TO BE BRANDED A THRILLER DIRECTOR

ARVINDH Srinivasan, who is back to the director's chair after the 2022 Arulnithi-starrer Dejavu, reveals that his recent film Tharunam started during a conversation with an old friend.

2 mins

STEEPING DEEP IN STAGE

Theatre artiste R Natana Sabapathy's life of acting is about learning the characters and perfectly emulating even the slightest details on stage

4 mins

YET ANOTHER BALLGAME ON BOARD

Retro Arcade style games are making an undeniable comeback in the thriving indie games niche.

2 mins

Chronic corporate exploitation

Recently, not one but two notable corporate leaders made public remarks about wanting to make Indians work longer hours.

2 mins

The dark world of looted art

THE nation's burglars have long been compartmentalised in a hierarchical system.

2 mins

Dragon to release on Valentine's Day

ASHWATH Marimuthu's Dragon, starring Pradeep Ranganathan in the lead, is slated for a February 14 release, on Valentine's Day, the makers announced on Wednesday.

1 min

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