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Articles by Padmini Sivarajah
How a Turtle Made a Comeback After 30 Years
In April 2021, when the Vennaru River, a tributary of the Cauvery, was at its ebb under the summer sun, a team of researchers searched the waters for the Cantor's giant softshell turtle (Pelochely scantorii), a species on the brink of extinction. It was a year into the pandemic, and fieldwork was slow, but the search continued. Then suddenly, a turtle surfaced, took a breath, and dived back in.
Tamil Nadu governor accuses state of ‘ridiculing’ Mahatma Gandhi, slams Dravidian ideologues over memorial snub
News City News chennai News Tamil Nadu governor accuses state of ‘ridiculing’ Mahatma Gandhi, slams Dravidian ideologues over memorial snub Trending Tamil Nadu governor R. N. Ravi has criticized the state government for allegedly disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi by not holding major memorial events at the prominent Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai. Ravi mentioned persistent refusals to his requests for honoring Gandhi appropriately at this significant monument. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R. N.
Stalin recalls Manmohan Singh’s three major contributions to Tamil Nadu
News City News chennai News Stalin recalls Manmohan Singh’s three major contributions to Tamil Nadu Trending M K Stalin said that the demise of Manmohan Singh is a great loss to the nation. Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin pays his last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Friday. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin paid his last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence in New Delhi on Friday.
Alagiri supporters seek reconciliation with DMK, seek Stalin's pardon and reinduction into DMK
MK Alagiri and MK Stalin with their father M Karunanidhi (File photo) CHENNAI: Nine M K Alagiri supporters, who were expelled from DMK in 2014 along with the former Union minister, have now written a letter to chief minister and party president M K Stalin, seeking his pardon and requesting him to take them back into the party.
Aadhav Arjuna suspended from VCK for six months
Party president Thol Thirumavalavan posted on X a notice for disciplinary action against Aadhav Arjuna. CHENNAI: The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has suspended party deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna from it for six months “for acting in a way detrimental to the interest of the party.” Party president Thol Thirumavalavan posted on X a notice for disciplinary action against Aadhav Arjuna.
Archana Patnaik appointed Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer
News City News chennai News Archana Patnaik appointed Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer Trending The Election Commission of India has appointed Archana Patnaik as the new chief electoral officer of Tamil Nadu. Patnaik, a 2002 batch IAS officer, replaces Satyabrata Sahoo. CHENNAI: Archana Patnaik has been appointed as the chief electoral officer of Tamil Nadu, said an official release from the Election Commission of India on Friday.
Stalin presents Kalaignar award to M Selvarasan
Chief minister M K Stalin presents the Kalaignar M Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil award to Dr M Selvarasan. CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Friday presented the Kalaignar M Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil award to Dr M Selvarasan for the year 2024. The CM presented the award to Selvarasan at the secretariat. According to a statement, the award carries a citation and a cash award of Rs 10 lakh. Selvarasan taught Tamil in the University of Madras.
Tamil Nadu speaker Appavu to visit Australia, New Zealand
Tamil Nadu assembly speaker M Appavu CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu assembly speaker M Appavu is participating in the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference taking place in Sydney, Australia, from Nov 5 to 8. Appavu will participate in a Society of the Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments (SOCATT) meeting that will take place during the conference. The speaker and officials will leave for Australia on Nov 2.
Empowering women entrepreneurs: Tamil Nadu govt customises self-help groups products in Diwali hampers
News City News chennai News Empowering women entrepreneurs: Tamil Nadu govt customises self-help groups products in Diwali hampers Trending Women from SHGs in Tamil Nadu are working diligently to prepare customised 'Diwali' gift hampers under the brand name 'Mathi', an initiative by TNCDW. These hampers include a variety of laddus and murukkus, with eco-friendly packaging, contributing to women's empowerment and livelihood enhancement.
Tamil Nadu political leaders condole demise of Ratan Tata
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi, chief minister M K Stalin, deputy chief minister Udayanidhi Stalin, PMK founder S Ramdoss, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai and others condoled the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata. In his condolence message, the governor said, "Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a great nationalist, an ideal industrialist, and above all, a human being par excellence. His departure is a huge national loss.
Stalin presents Kalaignar Memorial Kalaithurai Vithagar awards to P Susheela, Mu Metha
P Susheela with M K Stalin and others after receiving the award on Friday CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Friday presented Tamil Nadu govt’s Kalaignar Memorial Kalaithurai Vithagar awards to playback singer P Susheela and poet Mu Metha for their lifetime contributions to the Tamil film industry. Susheela, accompanied by her family members, went to the secretariat to receive the award from the chief minister.
Six selected for Tamil Nadu govt’s Kalaichemmal awards
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt on Thursday announced the Kalaichemmal awards for three painters and three sculptors for their contributions to traditional and contemporary painting and sculpture. These awards are presented by the department of art and sculpture. A Manivelu has been selected for the award in the traditional art category. L Balachandran and K Kanniappan have been selected for the award in the traditional sculpture category.
Drugs available in Chennai’s TNUHD tenements: EPS - Times of India
CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday alleged that drugs are available in the tenements of the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHD) in Chennai. Palaniswami said police had raided TNUHD tenements based on reports about the availability of ganja and drugs in TNUHD tenements. There are more than one lakh TNUHD tenements in Chennai, which are inhabited mostly by poor and middle-class people. “Drug peddlers are targeting them,” he said.
Three TN girl students unearth Elam coin while playing
Elam coins were issued for use in Sri Lanka and were in circulation in countries where the Cholas ruled. CHENNAI: Three govt school girl students have found a 1,000-year-old Elam coin, engraved with the name of Rajaraja Chola (985-1012 AD), while playing near their homes in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. Class VIII students K Manimegalai, S Dhivyadharshini and S Kanishkasri are members of the heritage club at the Suresh Sudha Azhaghan Memorial Govt Higher Secondary School.
TN police encounter deaths unacceptable: CPM
CHENNAI: CPM on Tuesday condemned the recent encounter deaths in Tamil Nadu. The party urged state govt to prevent police from killing criminals in encounters. In a statement, CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan said three people had been killed in encounters in Chennai in the last two months. “This is not accidental. Police taking on the authority to punish criminals when the entire world is raising its voice against death sentences imposed by courts is unacceptable,” he said.
Singer P Susheela, poet Mu Metha selected for Kalaignar Memorial award
CHENNAI: Playback singer P Susheela and poet Mu Metha have been selected for Tamil Nadu govt’s Kalaignar Memorial Kalaithurai Vithagar Virudhu awards for the year 2023. The award, instituted in the memory of former chief minister M Karunanidhi , is given to outstanding achievers in the Tamil film industry. It carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a citation. Chief minister M K Stalin would present the award on Sept 30, according to a press note.
Yechury was not the prized possession of CPM alone, but he belonged to all: Stalin
CHENNAI: Sitaram Yechury was the prized possession of not CPM alone, but he belonged to all, said Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, adding that it was the former CPM general secretary who was instrumental in the formation of the INDIA Bloc. Speaking at the memorial event organised to pay tribute to Yechury by the CPM in Chennai on Monday, Stalin said he continued to keep track of Yechury’s health condition while he was in the US.
Village Kids Are Discovering Archaeological Treasures In Their Own Backyards
M Arun and his friends often ran along a narrow path in Dinnur village, Kamanthotti, in Krishnagiri, where a place of worship colloquially known as ‘Gangamma' stood. Arun had never given much thought to the stone structure—until one day in class, when his teacher, M. Jeyalakshmi, introduced the students to the fascinating world of megalithic burial structures. Arun immediately jumped up and told his teacher Jeyalakshmi at the govt high school about ‘Gangamma'.
Tamil Nadu governor, CM and others condole demise of Yechury
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi, chief minister M K Stalin, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran and others condoled the death of CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday. Ravi posted on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Thiru Sitaram Yechury, veteran CPI-M leader. His impactful contributions to Indian politics will always be remembered.
TN governor, others pay tributes to Subramania Bharathi on his 103rd death anniversary
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and others paid tributes to poet Subramania Bharathi on his 103rd death anniversary on Wednesday. "Grateful nation profoundly remembers the great son of Maa Bharathi, Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar, on his death anniversary.
PM Shri schools: Is TN govt trying to fool Centre or planning to sacrifice its own policy on language, asks OPS
CHENNAI: Former chief minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday condemned the Tamil Nadu govt for “maintaining a double standard” on the issue of PM Shri schools. In a statement, Panneerselvam said a committee, constituted to formulate an education policy for the state submitted its report to the govt on June 2. However, before that, on March 15, the chief secretary wrote to the education secretary stating that the state was eager to implement the PM Shri schools.
DMK failed to maintain law and order in TN, political leaders say
CHENNAI: Leaders including, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK founder S Ramdoss, AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran and former chief minister O Panneerselvam have criticised the state govt for failing to maintain law and order, with six murders taking place in a single day across the state. In his statement, Palaniswami said six murders in a single day were shocking. Making murders regular was an achievement of DMK govt.
Will BJP and AIADMK come together again? EPS says his party has never been a slave to dominance
Palaniswami was reacting to a statement made by BJP leader Nainar Nagendran. CHENNAI: AIADMK will never accept anyone who demeans it because self-respect is of utmost importance to the cadre, party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said on Friday. Palaniswami was reacting to a statement made by BJP leader Nainar Nagendran.
Make use of govt schemes, Tamil Nadu governor appeals to tribals
Governor R N Ravi inaugurates a new building at a school run by the Society for Rural Development in Guniganthur. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi on Friday appealed to tribals to make use of govt schemes for their development and to ensure that their children went to school. Addressing the villagers of Vilankuppam on Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai district, the governor said they should all be in possession of basic cards like the Aadhaar, Kissan Credit Card, Ayushman Bharat and others.
Poor teaching in govt schools make most students unemployable, useless: TN governor
Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi on Thursday said the standard of teaching in govt schools in the state is low and below the national average. “We cannot afford to be in the denial mode,” he said at a function in Raj Bhavan.
Stalin watches Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai movie in US, moved by this scene
Stalin watched the movie in the US. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has congratulated film director Mari Selvaraj for his latest movie Vaazhai. Stalin watched the movie in San Francisco in the US. In a post on X, Stalin said, "I watched the film -- which is based on true events and depicts the lifestyle and pain of the working class -- in San Francisco.
Seeman urges TN govt to pass an act to ensure jobs for only Tamils in private firms
CHENNAI: NTK leader Seeman on Friday urged Tamil Nadu govt to pass a special act to ensure that only Tamils are employed in private firms established in the state. In a statement on Friday, Seeman said chief minister M K Stalin has gone abroad to bring investments from foreign firms. Nokia, which came into Tamil Nadu during the previous DMK govt, left suddenly, leaving its workers in the lurch. “Every day, thousands of North Indians are brought into Tamil Nadu for employment.
EPS urges TN govt to ensure hygiene in all govt hospitals
CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday urged Tamil Nadu govt to ensure hygiene in all the govt hospitals in the state, including Chennai’s Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. Citing media reports, EPS said in a statement that unhygienic conditions prevailed in Chennai’s Rajiv Gandhi Govt Hospital, which was surrounded by sewage emitting a bad smell and puttig the patients and the public in danger of contracting diseases.
Stamp paper issued by East India Company found in Tamil Nadu’s Palani
The document measured 10.5 cm x 16.5 cm and was written in 31 lines. CHENNAI: A stamp paper issued by the East India Company in 1818 -- a bond executed by a female zamindar -- has been found in Palani in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Archaeologist V Narayanamoorthy said V Meena of Palani had told him about an old document in her possession and asked him to decipher it for her. The document, which was a stamp paper, had been signed by the Balasamudram zamindar Chinnobalamma.
Give us trash, we give you cash
When it comes to waste management, RJ garbage bank in Virudhunagar district has gone beyond the 3Rs; it believes there are six that are important — refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repair and rot. “You name it, and we can help recycle it,” says Rajavalli Rajiv, the social entrepreneur behind the venture. “We handle everything from plastic bottles to LED screens.We discourage the use of sanitary pads and diapers and promote reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups.
What has happened to funds allocated to buy e-buses in TN, Dhinakaran asks
CHENNAI: AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran wanted to know what has happened to the funds allocated by the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu in the budgets in the last three years for purchasing e-buses as not a single e-bus has been purchased,” he said. In a post on X, Dhinakaran said an RTI reply had found that the DMK govt had purchased only 892 new buses in the last three years. In the 2022-23 budget, it was stated that 500 electric buses would be bought. The same was stated in the next budget.
TN govt says kallar reclamation schools won’t be integrated with school education dept
CHENNAI: The backward classes, most backward classes and minorities welfare department has said that there is no move to integrate the kallar reclamation schools with the school education department. There are 299 kallar reclamation schools in the state. These schools are in Theni, Madurai and Dindigul districts where there is a large population of piramalai kallars.
Congress demands JPC probe into allegations against SEBI, Adani Group
CHENNAI: A probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) should be conducted into the Hindenburg report against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Adani Group, Congress spokesman Sandeep Dikshit said on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Friday, Dikshit said the Hindenburg report was a matter of concern as the allegations made were dangerous for India.
1,500 estate workers stare at uncertainty as Manjolai estates return to woods | India News - Times of India
The Manjolai estate workers face uncertainty as their 99-year lease ends, requiring them to vacate by 2028. This decision affects 2,500 workers, mainly dalits, who have no other livelihood or roots. They request the government to transfer control to the Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited to preserve the ecosystem and their jobs. This means all the workers will be deprived of a livelihood.
‘Declare Wayanad landslides a national disaster’
CHENNAI: The Union govt should declare the landslides in Wayanad a national disaster and extend all possible help to the affected people, CPM Tamil Nadu state secretary K Balakrishnan said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Balakrishnan said Union home minister Amit Shah should refrain from trying to politicise the disaster which claimed several lives. He said, “The IMD is under the control of the Union govt.
TN commissioner of archives invites applications for fellowship
CHENNAI: The Commissioner of Archives and Historical Research has invited applications from academicians who have completed postgraduate courses in history/social science/Tamil/relevant disciplines for a one-year fellowship in Tamil Nadu Archives to promote research studies.
Tamil Nadu State Women’s Commission gets exclusive website
CHENNAI: Minister for social welfare and women empowerment P Geetha Jeevan on Wednesday inaugurated an exclusive portal for the Tamil Nadu State Women’s Commission. The website -- www.tnwomencommission.tn.gov.in -- will provide all required details of the commission, including its organisational structure, contact details, laws for women, concerned departments and how to approach them, according to a statement.
Wayanad landslides: TNCC to donate Rs 1 crore
TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee will donate Rs 1 crore to the Kerala relief fund to help people affected by landslides in Wayanad district, said TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai on Wednesday. The TNCC has constituted an 80-member team to help in the relief operations in Kerala. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Selvaperunthagai said the Centre and the Kerala govt should intensify operations to rescue as many people as possible.
Ancient terracotta pipe found in Keeladi
CHENNAI: A terracotta pipe having cylindrical structures has been found at the Keeladi excavation site. The tenth phase of excavation is under way at the site. Examples for water management during the ancient civilization in Keeladi have been found in the various phases of excavation. These include an open drain, a closed channel constructed using bricks, contorted pipelines, cylindrical pipes and small tanks. In the fifth phase, a perforated filter-like structure was found in the pipes.
Wayanad landslide: Tamil Nadu announces Rs 5crore relief for Kerala
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Tuesday announced a relief of Rs 5 crore for Kerala affected by a landslide which claimed several lives in Wayanad district. Stalin called up Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and expressed his condolences. He assured all assistance to his Kerala counterpart to overcome the calamity. A rescue team led by two senior IAS officers, Dr G S Sameeran and Johny Tom Varghese, was sent to Kerala.
Kanyakumari flower vendor gets TN govt’s best transgender award
Sandya Devi receiving the best transgender award from chief minister M K Stalin on Monday. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Monday presented social welfare department’s best transgender award for 2014 to Sandya Devi of Kanyakumari. The award recognises transgender people who inspire others and actively participate in social causes. It carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Stalin lays foundation stone for new Tamil Nadu House building in New Delhi
CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Friday laid the foundation stone -- through video conferencing from secretariat in Chennai -- for a new building for Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi. The building will be constructed a cost of Rs 257 crore. According to a statement, the chief minister had detailed deliberations for redevelopment of Vaigai – Tamil Nadu House, by demolishing all the existing structures, considering the reclassification of New Delhi as seismic Zone–IV.
Union budget: Congress, Left parties to protest ‘discrimination’ against some states
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee will hold protests in the state on Saturday to condemn the “discrimination” of the Centre in allocating funds to states in the Union budget. In a statement on Friday, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said while the Union budget made allocations of Rs 59,000 crore for Bihar and Rs 15,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other states led by parties in the India bloc were completely neglected.
I was lured with big bribes when I implemented tobacco ban: Former Union minister Anbumani Ramdoss
Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Pasumai Thayagam, an environmental NGO, in Chennai, Anbumani said he had faced a lot of opposition from the international tobacco mafia when he had banned smoking in public places. CHENNAI: PMK president Anbumani Ramdoss said on Thursday he was lured with bribes to the tune of several crores of rupees when he tried to control gutka and tobacco during his tenure as the Union health minister.
‘It’s a budget for NDA ruled states’
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai CHENNAI: The Union budget presented in Parliament on Tuesday by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman seems to be a “budget for the NDA alliance,” Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai said. “There is nothing for increasing employment or reducing the economic inequality prevailing in the society.’’ said Selvaperunthagai. He said it was a regressive budget.
BJP should stop false propaganda against Congress on NEET: TNCC chief
CHENNAI: BJP should stop its false propaganda that Congress is responsible for implementing NEET, said Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Selvaperunthagai said it had been proved that NEET question papers had been leaked. “Union minister for HRD Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday that they were trying to correct the mistakes committed by the Congress in the implementation of NEET.
Congress members appealed to celebrate Kamaraj birth anniversary as a national festival
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai has appealed to party members to celebrate the birth anniversary of former chief minister K Kamaraj on July 15 as a national festival.
Control dog and cattle menace in Tamil Nadu: OPS
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt should protect people from the dangers caused by cattle and dogs, former chief minister O Panneerselvam said Wednesday. In a statement, OPS said many incidents of dog bites had been reported in the state throughout the year. A ten-year-old boy was mauled by a dog in Vannarapettai two days ago. More than 6,000 people had been treated for dog bites in Chennai’s Stanley Medical College Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital in the last one year.
Tamil and Sanskrit enriched each other: Governor R N Ravi
CHENNAI: Tamil and Sanskrit enriched each other, and it is difficult to say which is older, said Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi on Wednesday. He said it is important to revive Sanskrit and ancient languages like Prakrit to learn the preachings of the rishis in the language in which they were written. Ravi was speaking at the valedictory function of the National Prakrit Learning Workshop at Arihanthagiri in Tiruvannamalai.
TNRDLU holds protest in Trichy seeking wage hike
TRICHY: Tamil Nadu Rural Development Labours Union (TNRDLU) affiliated to All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) conducted a protest at the joint commissioner of labour office near Mannarpuram in Trichy city on Wednesday demanding minimum wages for labourers employed in village panchayats. A sit-in protest held at the labour office between 11am and 5pm saw the union demanding that the state government increase the wages of sanitary workers and overhead tank tank (OHT) operators in the panchayats.
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