Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 419

Tata Trusts Denies Affiliation With Controversial India Visionary Leaders Summit And Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025 Honoring Extremist “Engineer” Rashid

By
The Commune
-
Tata Trusts have denied any involvement with the India Visionary Leaders Summit 2025 and the Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025.

Tata Trusts, the philanthropic branch of the Tata Group, has explicitly denied any involvement with the upcoming ‘India Visionary Leaders Summit: 2025’ and the ‘Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025,’ which are set to take place in February 2025. This comes in response to widespread rumors suggesting the Trusts were backing these events, particularly in light of the controversial nomination of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, an independent MP from Baramulla, Kashmir, for the prestigious award.

The statement from Tata Trusts has sent ripples through both the political and social spheres, especially given the high-profile individuals tied to these events and the sensitive political situation in Kashmir. Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, has long been a divisive figure in Kashmiri politics and is currently imprisoned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on charges related to terror financing. Despite being incarcerated, Rashid was selected to receive the Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025 and invited as a guest of honor at the India Visionary Leaders Summit.

In a formal statement, Tata Trusts clarified that they had no association with either the summit or the award, distancing themselves from the organizers and expressing concern over the improper use of their name and that of the late Ratan N Tata, the former Chairman of the Tata Group. Tata Trusts also disclosed that they had initiated legal action to prevent unauthorized use of their name.

“It has been brought to our (Tata Trusts) notice that the ‘India Visionary Leaders Summit: 2025’ and the ‘Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025’ is being organised in February 2025, and claims are being made that the event(s) are being supported by Tata Trusts. The Tata Trusts would like to categorically state that we have no association with either the event(s) or the Award or its organisers in any form, whatsoever. The Tata Trusts have, in fact, served a legal notice on 13th December 2024 to Dr Rajat Shrivastava, Founder, Delhi Today Group, asking him to cease and desist from using the Tata Trusts brand name and/or the name of our late Chairman, Shri Ratan N. Tata, for these events. Refusal to do so shall result in appropriate legal action, as per due process of law,” the statement read.

On 13 December 2024, the Trusts issued a legal notice to Dr. Rajat Shrivastava, founder of the Delhi Today Group—the organization responsible for the events—demanding that he cease associating the Trusts’ brand and Ratan Tata’s name with the summit and award. The Trusts warned of potential legal consequences if these demands were not met, including taking appropriate legal action.

Rashid, who has consistently advocated for Kashmiri autonomy, has been a polarizing figure in Indian politics. His critics contend that his rhetoric challenges India’s authority over Kashmir. Despite facing serious legal charges, his continued influence, even from behind bars, highlights the significant support he enjoys in the region.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

State Cyber Crime DSP Withdraws From Anna University Sexual Assault Case, Cites Obstruction By Investigation Team

By
The Commune
-
DSP Raghavendra Ravi recused himself from the Anna University case, citing interference in his investigations.

State Cyber Crime Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raghavendra Ravi, who was part of the special investigation team (SIT) in the Anna University student rape case, has recused himself from the investigation, citing serious allegations against the handling of the case.

The incident, which took place on 23 December 2024, involved the sexual assault of a student at Anna University in Chennai. The case sparked widespread outrage, and based on the victim’s complaint, the Kotturpuram police registered a case and arrested the accused, Gnanasekaran, a local resident, who was subsequently sent to jail.

The Madras High Court took the initiative to oversee the investigation and formed a special team comprising three women IPS officers, led by Annanagar Deputy Commissioner Sneha Priya, to handle the case. This move was part of the court’s efforts to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

A petition was later filed in the Saidapet 9th Court, requesting permission for a 7-day police custody for Gnanasekaran to facilitate further questioning. The court granted the request, and the SIT began interrogating the accused at the prison office in Egmore.

However, DSP Raghavendra Ravi, who was part of the SIT, announced his withdrawal from the investigation. He alleged that the female IPS officers had obstructed his ability to perform his duties effectively, which led to his decision to recuse himself from the case.

(With inputs from Indian Express Tamil)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

TN Guv RN Ravi Accuses State Of Disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi, Criticizes Dravidian Ideology Over Memorial Events

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has publicly criticized the state government for allegedly showing disrespect to Mahatma Gandhi by not organizing significant events at the Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai. The Governor’s remarks came after he paid tribute to the Father of the Nation and shared his concerns on the social media platform X on the official handle of Raj Bhavan.

Ravi emphasized that Gandhi Mandapam, a monumental tribute to Gandhi built by former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj in 1956, is situated on a large plot of land near the Guindy National Zoological Park in Chennai. He questioned the appropriateness of holding memorial events marking Gandhi’s birthday and martyrdom day at a corner of the city museum, as opposed to the iconic Gandhi Mandapam.

In his post, the Governor stated, “Gandhi Mandapam is a grand memorial of the Father of the Nation built over a sprawling land adjacent to the Guindy National Park, Chennai by K. Kamaraj in 1956. Does it make any sense to do Gandhi memorial events – his birthday and martyrdom day in a corner of a city museum? My repeated requests to the Chief Minister to accord due respect to the Father of the Nation and hold such events in a befitting manner at the Gandhi Mandapam met with stubborn refusal. During his life time Gandhi Ji was vigorously opposed and mocked by the followers of Dravid ideology. But should he continued to be mocked at even today?”

Ravi’s comments reflect his ongoing concerns about the way Gandhi’s legacy is treated in Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that despite Gandhi’s central role in India’s independence movement, his followers continue to face criticism from certain sections of the state’s political spectrum.

(With inputs from Times of India)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Loyola College Found Running Illegal Bible College Covertly

By
The Commune
-

Loyola College, Chennai, is under intense scrutiny following a series of allegations that include operating an unauthorized off-campus recruitment program, misusing government funds, violating academic regulations, and engaging in questionable financial practices.

The Sathya Nilayam (Abode of Truth) Functioning Under False Premise?

There is an institution called Sathya Nilayam campus in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. While Loyola College is affiliated with the University of Madras, it has been found that this extension campus operates under separate conditions that raise legal and ethical concerns. The MA Philosophy program run at Sathya Nilayam appears to cater exclusively to Catholic students, particularly those training for religious missionary work of the Society of Jesus.

This raises the question: How can a university-affiliated institution restrict admission based on religious criteria? Under normal university regulations, courses should be open to students of all backgrounds. Yet, Sathya Nilayam’s own website suggests a clear alignment with the Jesuit order’s religious objectives, rather than a secular academic mission. This is in direct violation of the policies set by the University of Madras, which mandates that accredited courses be open to all eligible students.

Manipulation Of Certification And Degrees

Another disturbing revelation involves degree certification irregularities at Loyola College. Reports indicate that students who complete their M.A. Philosophy studies at Sathya Nilayam receive degree certificates that falsely indicate their enrollment at Loyola College’s main campus, allowing them to obtain credentials under misleading pretenses.

Such practices violate Madras University regulations and constitute academic fraud, raising serious legal implications. Documentary evidence, including an e-Sanad verified certificate from a past student, suggests clear discrepancies in how Loyola College has been issuing degrees over the years.

Furthermore, concerns have emerged that graduates from Sathya Nilayam’s religious-oriented courses are subsequently placed in missionary assignments across India, particularly in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Sikkim—regions known for religious conversion activities. This suggests that students may be funneled into missionary work under the guise of academic training, while simultaneously benefiting from government-funded educational schemes.

Exorbitant Fee Structure And Questionable Financial Practices

While Loyola College claims to be a minority institution serving the Christian community, the financial burden on students tells a different story. Compared to other government-aided institutions, Loyola College reportedly charges exorbitant fees. For instance, courses like B.Com, which could be completed at other government aided colleges like Pachiappas College & Vivekananda College for nominal fees, cost significantly more at Loyola, with additional hidden costs related to hostel accommodation and other expenses.

Many students are reportedly forced to stay in hostels, further increasing their financial burden. Unlike other colleges that maintain transparency in fee structures, Loyola College’s fee policies remain opaque, making it difficult for students and parents to understand the true cost of education.

UGC Scandal

The Commune had earlier published an extensive report on misappropriation of UGC funds by Loyola College.

A complaint to the Chairman of UGC had stated that the two individuals who orchestrated the scam are now in senior positions at Loyola College Chennai, with Dr. M. Selvanayagam being promoted to Head of Research of LICET Loyola I-Cam College of Engineering and Technology and Fr. Francis P. Xavier serving as Rector.

An interview of Rev Fr. Albert Muthumalai, quoted him as saying, “such a great institution meant to educate students, with high ethics and moral values has become a den of unquestionable corruption.”

Legal Challenges And Potential Consequences

The mounting allegations against Loyola College have led to calls for a formal investigation. If found guilty of academic fraud, financial misconduct, and violating university regulations, the institution could face severe consequences, including:

– Revocation of its affiliation with the University of Madras

– Legal action for financial misappropriation and misuse of government funds

– Loss of its minority institution status

– Increased regulatory scrutiny over its foreign funding and financial transactions

Expose By Maridhas

These revelations have been brought to light by Maridhas, a well-known YouTuber, analyst, and commentator on Tamil Nadu’s socio-political issues. He has also referred to Loyola College as a “Den of Wolves,” highlighting the severity of the alleged misconduct. Maridhas has further stated that he will not be intimidated by defamation cases foisted by Loyola College, indicating his commitment to exposing what he perceives as systemic corruption.

Maridhas says that the allegations against Loyola College go beyond administrative inefficiencies—they point to a deliberate misuse of educational privileges for financial and religious gains. Given the serious nature of these claims, an independent investigation is warranted. The Central Government, state government and the University of Madras must take immediate steps to ensure transparency and accountability in Loyola College’s operations.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Dravidian Model Spells Disaster: Tamil Nadu Lags Behind While Uttar Pradesh Outperforms In Literacy And Numeracy

By
The Commune
-

The ASER 2024 report reveals significant shifts in foundational literacy and numeracy levels across India, highlighting both recoveries and disparities in educational outcomes post-pandemic. The data underscores substantial progress in some states, particularly in regions that historically lagged behind, such as Uttar Pradesh, which showed remarkable improvement despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Tamil Nadu, often heralded for its educational advancements, has fallen behind, especially in government school performance.

Despite numerous claims by DMK ministers since 2021 that their efforts have greatly improved access to education, the current statistics stand in stark contrast, exposing the truth behind those boasts. Despite receiving funding from the central government and state allocations, Tamil Nadu continues to lag behind Uttar Pradesh in both arithmetic and reading abilities. Notably, Uttar Pradesh, once considered a weak performer in education, has made remarkable strides, while Tamil Nadu, traditionally regarded as a pioneer in educational reforms, now faces severe setbacks in government school education, a sector overseen by the DMK government.

Comparative Study – Uttar Pradesh Vs Tamil Nadu

Unfortunately, while northern states that historically lagged in educational performance have shown significant improvement, Tamil Nadu, governed under the Dravidian model, lags behind. Despite claims of being a leader in education, with the ruling government often crediting Dravidian ideologue E.V. Ramasamy Naicker for advancing Tamil education, the state still falls behind places like Uttar Pradesh in terms of progress.

Reading Skills

When comparing the literacy levels of children in Standard III between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh in 2024, Uttar Pradesh appears to have made more progress, especially in terms of children able to read at the Standard II level. In Tamil Nadu, 8.6% of children cannot even read letters, 18.2% can read letters but not words or higher, 36.3% can read words but not Standard I level text, 24.8% can read Standard I level text but not Standard II level text, and only 12% can read Standard II level text. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh shows better results: 7.7% of children cannot read letters, 21.5% can read letters but not words or higher, 17.6% can read words but not Standard I level text, 19% can read Standard I level text but not Standard II level text, and 34.3% can read Standard II level text. Despite both states facing challenges, Uttar Pradesh stands out with a significantly higher percentage of children able to read at the Standard II level, indicating that it has made greater strides in improving foundational literacy compared to Tamil Nadu, which has traditionally been seen as a leader in education but still has a considerable portion of children struggling with basic reading skills.

What is particularly concerning in Tamil Nadu, according to the survey, is that 45.3% of children in Class VI, 56.1% in Class VII, and 64.2% in Class VIII can only read at a Standard II level but are unable to read above that level.

(ASER – Tamil Nadu)

(ASER – Uttar Pradesh)

In the long-term progressiveness in tend analysis of maintaining the reading ability, the percentage of children in Standard III in Tamil Nadu who can read at a Standard II level text showed a concerning trend. In 2014, it was at 16.8%, and it slightly improved to 20.2% in 2016. However, there was a sharp decline to just 2.2% in 2022, likely due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite Tamil Nadu’s claims of implementing schemes like Illam Thedi Kalvi to improve foundational literacy, the state could not even reach the 2014 level, despite spending public funds.

(ASER – Tamil Nadu)

In contrast, Uttar Pradesh, which had only 6% of children who can read Standard II level in 2014, managed to maintain a 16.4% level in 2022, even during the pandemic. By 2024, Uttar Pradesh saw a significant improvement, reaching 27.9%, showing consistent progress in literacy levels.

(ASER – Uttar Pradesh)

Similarly, the ASER 2024 report highlights significant gaps in Tamil Nadu, with the percentage of children in Standard V and Standard VIII who can read at a Standard II level dropping to new lows. This suggests that despite the Dravidian model government announcing schemes for government schools during the pandemic, there was little to no tangible impact on the ground, and no real improvement in the performance of government school students.

Arithmetic Ability

In Tamil Nadu, the performance of children in Standard III shows concerning gaps in arithmetic skills. Among these children, 5.9% cannot even recognize numbers from 1 to 9, while 15.2% can recognize numbers up to 9 but cannot recognize numbers up to 99 or higher. Additionally, 51.2% can recognize numbers up to 99 but are unable to perform subtraction, 25.6% can do subtraction but cannot perform division, and only 2.2% can do division.

(ASER – Tamil Nadu)

In contrast, Uttar Pradesh’s performance shows slightly better results. Among Standard III children, 5.3% cannot recognize numbers from 1 to 9, but 23% can recognize numbers up to 9 but cannot recognize numbers up to 99. A smaller proportion, 31.2%, can recognize numbers up to 99 but cannot perform subtraction, while 24.2% can do subtraction but cannot perform division. Notably, 16.4% of children in Uttar Pradesh can perform division, a significantly higher percentage than in Tamil Nadu.

(ASER – Uttar Pradesh)

The trend analysis of the percentage of children in Standard III who can perform at least subtraction from 2014 to 2024 shows a fluctuating pattern in government schools in Tamil Nadu. In 2014, only 20.4% of children were able to do subtraction, which slightly improved to 24.2% in 2016, then dropped to 23.6% in 2018. A sharp decline was seen in 2022, with only 9.3% of children being able to do subtraction, likely due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by 2024, the figure rose to 27.6%.

(ASER – Tamil Nadu)

In contrast, Uttar Pradesh, which lagged behind Tamil Nadu in 2014 with just 6%, showed significant improvement over the years. The state rose to 7.9% in 2016, 11.2% in 2018, and despite the pandemic, it maintained 19.7% in 2022. Remarkably, by 2024, Uttar Pradesh reached 31.6%, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s performance since 2022. This shows that Uttar Pradesh’s progress has been consistently stronger, even outpacing Tamil Nadu in recent years.

(ASER – Uttar Pradesh)

Looking at the trend over time for the percentage of children in Standard V and Standard VIII who can perform division from 2014 to 2024, we see a contrasting performance between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. In Standard V, Tamil Nadu had 25.6% of children able to do division in 2014, but this figure dropped to 20.2% in 2024. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh showed significant improvement, rising from 12.1% in 2014 to 31.8% in 2024.

For Standard VIII, Tamil Nadu saw a decline in division skills, with 39.6% of children able to perform division in 2014, which decreased to 37.8% in 2024.

In contrast, Uttar Pradesh made a notable leap from 30.5% in 2014 to 45.6% in 2024, surpassing both its own previous performance and that of Tamil Nadu in terms of arithmetic ability.

In conclusion, as the old moral story suggests, a donkey worn out becoming an ant symbolizes a struggle for identity and purpose. Similarly, Tamil Nadu has become a state that seems to lack genuine interest in supporting government school students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds who rely solely on government-provided education. Despite the Dravidian model government’s claims of EVR’s legacy in shaping the state’s educational foundation, the data paints a different picture. Poor-performing states have now outperformed Tamil Nadu, leaving the claims of progress looking more like a mockery.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Self-Styled Dravidian Stock Weatherman Pradeep John Derogates Indian Meteorological Dept

By
The Commune
-
Pradeep John criticized IMD for inaccurate forecasts, particularly regarding Cyclone Fengal and the 2023 South TN floods.

Pradeep John, popularly known as the Tamil Nadu Weatherman, has strongly derogated the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in the wake of recent weather forecasting controversies, accusing the government-run body of failing to predict critical weather events accurately. John’s remarks came in response to a statement made by Balachandran, the head of the Chennai Meteorological Department, who had previously criticized private meteorologists for speaking out during heavy rains in pursuit of fame.

Speaking at an event held at Queen Mary College, Chennai, on 29 January 2025, Balachandran criticized private weather forecasters, particularly during the rainy season, for seeking attention and recognition rather than focusing on accurate predictions. He said, “During heavy rains, private weather bloggers speak anything for fame, and no one should pay heed to it.”

He also said that during monsoon season it was necessary to confirm several scientific data and hence the IMD officials take extra care and attention to do it. He also spoke about the aid of ₹2000 crore rupees that the central government had given to modernize the institution. He said, “It is going to come under the Mission Mausam project – they have announce 2000 crores, to help make predicting weather better. More predicting, more data is going to come into the picture, better analysis, otherwise just for popularity you do, it is a different issue.”

However, John, in a scathing response, took to social media to defend the private meteorologists. In what seems to be an edited post, he first wrote, “Work properly for the salary you receive. Why make pointless talk? Weather bloggers who dont expect anything and give interpretation to the public. Public should demand to conduct enquiry on IMD failure on the IMD forecasts of 2024 Cyclone Fengal and 2023 Floods in South TN and make them accountable for all failures – It is our public money they get as salary.”

He later edited it multiple times and the final post read, “Weather bloggers dont expect anything and give interpretation to the public. Public should demand to conduct enquiry on IMD failure on the IMD forecasts of 2024 Cyclone Fengal and 2023 Floods in South TN and make them accountable for failures – It is our public money they get as salary. Accountability Accountability sonna pothathu, they should be made accountable. Road seri illana we ask Water varalana we ask Electricity cut na we ask Weather update seri illaana we wont ask All are our hard earned tax money!!!”

It is noteworthy that the same self-styled weather blogger Pradeep John had justified the stagnation and flooding due to rains in the DMK regime. 

In an interview with Galatta, he said, “We can withstand and manage rain up to 15cm. We can manage somewhat when we receive 20cm of rainfall. Yes, water will stagnate for a day, if we receive 30cm of rain, surely the localities like Pallikaranai marshlands, Pulianthope, Mudichur, Paruthipattu, Thiruverkadu, Mugalivakkam, will see stagnation – all these places have water bodies near them. If we receive 40cm of rain, we will surely see water stagnating for 4 days because we know we have those problems.”

He also said, “People are expecting rainwater to drain out immediately after it stops raining. It doesn’t happen even in developed countries. If you look at intense rains, about 50-60mm rains fall within 30-40 minutes. I have already mentioned that ours is a flat surface. We cannot compare with Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad. If you observe from the TNagar area to the beach, it is very flat. So it takes time for water to drain out. There will be 1-2 hours of stagnation. We cannot call it flooding by any definition. If we receive 150mm of rain, water will stagnate for 6 hours surely. And if we receive more than 200mm, the water will stagnate for a day. Stormwater drains are laid for roads. We cannot lay SWD for cyclones like Michaung where we received 400mm rain. In that case, we have to dig up the roads and make it a drain. That is not feasible. We cannot make SWDs for heavy rains that come once in 100 years.”

In an interview with Karthigaichelvan of News18 Tamil, Pradeep echoed the DMK’s narrative regarding the tragedy at the IAF Marina Air Show, attributing the loss of lives to humidity. He seemed to blame the people for not taking enough water with them and not staying hydrated throught the event. This indirectly downplayed the acknowledged inefficiencies and mismanagement by the event organizers.

Weather Blogger Pradeep John’s Fudged Data During 2023 Floods

During the Michaung Cyclone that caused significant devastation to residents of Chennai, leading to widespread flooding across the city, the private weather blogger Pradeep John appeared at a press meeting with DMK ministers, where he manipulated the 36-hour rainfall data by comparing it to 24-hour data, claiming that the current administration is performing better. It’s important to note that Pradeep rose to prominence during the 2015 floods.

In reality, the city was inundated like no other. Areas that had never been flooded even during the 2015 floods like Annanagar, Madambakkam etc which do not flood during the monsoon season, were all inundated and water had entered most of the ground floor homes by 4 December 2023. Kollywood actor Vishal who took to social media platform X shared his plight from his Annanagar home. He said, “During such rains, we all know what will happen and is happening. First, they switch off the power, then waterlogging starts on the streets and then it enters homes. I am in Annanagar and water has entered my home. If this is the state of Annanagar, then imagine how it will be in low-lying areas. In 2015, we were able to help others as much as possible, but after 8 years, the situation is even worse. They announced a stormwater drain project, I am not able to find anything related to that – when was it started, when did they finish it, I have no idea. This is a request as a voter in the state, all MLAs from Chennai, please come out of your homes and have a look at the city and do whatever your constituency needs. This is not a political remark, this is a remark against the waterlogging problem. Even for a small rain, water gets logged in T Nagar but this time the entire city is waterlogged, and it is a disgusting and embarrassing situation we are in. Please take immediate measures for resolving this.”

“2021 Rains Were Heaviest Since 2015”

In 2021, when the DMK government had just come to power, it was peddled that Chennai, along with 11 other districts, received more than 20 cm of rain. This stage was set by Pradeep John on his weather blog and the same narrative was carried out in 2023 floods as well.

Despite Pradeep John claiming that he worked equally with both the Dravidian governments over the years with respect to weather predictions, it is clearly seen that he buttresses the DMK unfailingly. And he has the audacity to speak disrespectfully about an institution that has been there even he or his parents were born!

(With inputs from One India Tamil)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

National Critical Minerals Mission To Cut Dependence On Imports, Support Net Zero Goal

By
The Commune
-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the National Critical Minerals Mission, approved by the Cabinet, aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic value chains and support India’s ‘Net Zero by 2070’ goal.

Responding to an article written by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), PM Modi posted on X: “Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp elaborates on how the National Critical Minerals Mission aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic value chains and support India’s ‘Net Zero by 2070’ goal.”

National Critical Mineral Mission (NCCM) is being launched with an outlay of Rs 16,300 crore and expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by public sector undertakings (PSUs).

It will encompass all stages of the value chain, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.

The mission will intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas. It also aims to create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects, according to an official statement. Additionally, the mission will offer financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and promote the recovery of these minerals from overburden and tailings.

Critical minerals such as lithium, chromium, nickel, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements are essential raw materials for sectors like electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence and high-tech telecommunications.

Currently the extraction of these minerals is dominated by a few countries such as China which makes the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical uncertainties. India is viewed as part of the alternative supply chain that needs to be developed to break China’s dominance in this crucial segment. India at present relies mainly on imports to meet its demand.

It is also exploring opportunities for mining abroad. The country has entered into a collaboration with Australia, the world’s top producer of Lithium accounting for as much as 47 per cent of the mineral.

A government-to-government agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Mines and DSIR, under which five projects of Lithium and cobalt have been selected where project feasibility is being carried out.

As part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, and recognising the indispensable role of critical minerals in high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense, the government has undertaken several initiatives over the past two years to address challenges in the critical minerals sector.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Country Bombs Exchanged In Court Premises”: Madras HC Orders Directs TN Police To Implement Additional Safety Measures

By
The Commune
-
Madras HC increased security in court campus after country bombs were exchanged among suspects in the Armstrong murder case.

The Madras High Court has ordered increased security inside the court campus following allegations that country bombs were exchanged among accused individuals linked to the murder of BSP leader Armstrong. The court directed the Tamil Nadu State police to implement additional security measures to safeguard the premises, which include the city civil court, family court, tribunals, and lawyers’ chambers.

The CISF manages the security of the High Court building itself, but the broader court complex falls under the purview of the Tamil Nadu State Police. A bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and M Jothiraman issued directions for the installation of baggage scanners and frisking equipment at the court premises, emphasizing the need for thorough security checks.

The court specifically instructed the state police to ensure the security of lawyers, litigants, and court staff by enhancing measures at the entrances and conducting discreet checks. The justices also recommended deploying plainclothes officers to gather intelligence and carry out necessary actions according to the law. CCTV cameras were also suggested to be installed in strategic locations within the court complex to further bolster security.

In a bid to improve compliance with these measures, the court called on lawyers and bar association members to cooperate with security protocols, including scanning and frisking. Lawyers were encouraged to arrive at court in advance to facilitate these procedures without causing undue delays. The court also granted lawyers the right to approach police authorities with any grievances regarding the security measures.

The recent calls for tighter security come in the wake of the murder of BSP leader Armstrong on 5 July 2024, which has been linked to a retaliatory motive involving the death of history-sheeter Arcot Suresh in 2023. The investigation has led to charges against 30 individuals, with several also being detained under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act. However, the preventive detention orders are currently being challenged in court.

During a previous hearing, the Additional Advocate General (AAG) revealed that the accused had allegedly exchanged country bombs within the court campus. This raised concerns about the safety of the individuals involved and prompted the court to order a status report on the investigation.

The court expressed concern over the present state of security, stressing that the High Court premises, as a sensitive area, must be protected to prevent dangerous incidents. “What if tomorrow someone brings in knives or swords? We have to secure the lives of innocent lawyers,” the bench remarked. While acknowledging that security measures may cause some inconvenience, the court emphasized that such measures were essential to instill a sense of deterrence and ensure the safety of all within the court premises.

(With inputs from Live Law)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

‘TNMurasoli’ For A Reason: ASER 2024 Exposes Tamil Nadu’s Learning Disaster, Dravidianist-Leftist Rag TNM Spins It As ‘Progress’

By
The Commune
-

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 has exposed the dire state of education in Tamil Nadu, highlighting a systemic collapse in foundational literacy and numeracy. Yet, The News Minute (TNM), led by Dhanya Rajendran, has shamelessly twisted these alarming findings into a tale of “progress” and “improvement.” This is not journalism—it’s a calculated effort to mislead the public and shield the Dravidian Model from scrutiny. By selectively using the abysmal 2022 data as a benchmark, TNM paints a false picture of recovery, ignoring the harsh reality that Tamil Nadu’s learning outcomes remain stagnant or worse compared to pre-pandemic levels. The truth? Tamil Nadu’s students can barely read or do basic maths, and TNM is running interference to protect those responsible.

Let’s dissect the lies and distortions peddled by TNM.

Framing Decline As Progress

TNM’s article claims there are “improvements in reading and arithmetic skills” since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a blatant misrepresentation. The truth is that learning outcomes in 2024 remain worse or stagnant compared to pre-pandemic levels. Instead of acknowledging Tamil Nadu’s failure to recover, TNM cherry-picks data from the pandemic-ravaged 2022 numbers to create a false sense of progress.

The reality: There is a serious learning crisis in Tamil Nadu. Let’s take a look at the data.

Class 5 Reading Levels

TNM highlights that 37% of Class 5 government school students can read a Class 2-level text, up from 26% in 2022.

What they conveniently omit: In 2018, this number was 46.3%. Instead of progress, this is a failure to regain pre-pandemic learning levels.

The truth: 64.4% of Class 5 students still cannot read a simple Class 2-level text in Tamil.

Class 8 Reading Levels

TNM notes 62.2% of Class 8 students can read a Class 2-level text, slightly down from 62.8% in 2022.

What they ignore: In 2018, this number was 75%. The decline is undeniable. This means almost 40% of Class 8 students are functionally illiterate beyond second grade.

Class 3 Reading Levels: A Catastrophe

  • 8.6% cannot even read letters.
  • 18.2% can read letters but not words.
  • 36.3% can read words but not a Class 1-level text.
  • Only 12% can read at a Class 2 level.

The Learning Crisis In Government And Private Schools

  • 86.8% of Class 3 government students cannot read a Class 2 text.
  • 90% of private school students in Class 3 also fail this benchmark.
  • 63% of Class 5 government students can’t read a Class 2 text, while even 32.3% of private school students fail this basic test.

TNM claims Tamil Nadu has “shown progress” because Class 5 reading levels improved from 26% (2022) to 37% (2024). But they deliberately ignore that this number was 46.3% in 2018. Tamil Nadu students were far better off before COVID, and the state still hasn’t recovered.

Instead of reporting this learning collapse, TNM chooses to compare 2024 data to 2022—a period of severe pandemic-related disruptions—to manipulate the narrative.

Whitewashing The Numeracy Disaster

TNM’s article briefly mentions arithmetic challenges but fails to convey the full extent of the crisis. The ASER 2024 report reveals a steep decline in numeracy skills, showing that Tamil Nadu’s students are struggling with even the most basic math concepts.

  • 80% of Class 3 students struggle with simple subtraction.
  • 60% of Class 8 students cannot solve a basic division problem.
  • 67.3% of Class 8 students cannot even perform subtraction.

The gap between government and private schools is equally alarming:

  • Only 27.6% of Class 3 government students and 28.2% of private school students can perform subtraction.
  • By Class 8, just 37.8% of government school students and 46.8% of private school students can solve a basic division problem.

This is not just a post-pandemic issue—it’s part of a decade-long decline. In 2018, 49.6% of Class 8 government school students could do division. That number fell to 43.5% in 2022 and now stands at just 37.8% in 2024.

Even among private school students, division proficiency in Class 8 is at 46.8%—still far below pre-pandemic levels.

The ASER report also shows a steady decline in Tamil Nadu’s division skills since 2014.

Yet TNM tries to spin this as “recovery”, ignoring the fact that Tamil Nadu’s math proficiency has been in freefall for years. Instead of exposing this alarming trend, they focus on small gains from 2022 while conveniently overlooking how much worse students are compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Selective Reporting on Enrollment Declines

Tamil Nadu is seeing a drop in school enrollment, but TNM glosses over this alarming trend.

  • Enrollment for boys in Classes 1-5 has fallen from 71.1% in 2022 to 62.2% in 2024.
  • For girls, it has dropped from 75.4% to 67%.
  • In Classes 6-8, enrollment for boys has dropped from 76.2% to 71.3%, and for girls, from 80.8% to 75.3%.

Instead of investigating why Tamil Nadu’s school system is failing to keep students enrolled, TNM distracts its readers with irrelevant digital literacy stats. While access to smartphones and digital skills are important, they cannot compensate for the catastrophic failure to teach children basic reading and math.  

Digital Literacy: A Convenient Distraction

TNM highlights increased access to smartphones and students’ ability to browse the internet. But how does that help when children can’t even read or do basic math? What’s the point of knowing how to set an alarm on a smartphone when a student can’t read a second-grade textbook?

This is nothing more than a smokescreen. Digital skills cannot replace foundational literacy and numeracy. TNM knows this but chooses to distract from the actual crisis.

The Bigger Picture: A Decade of Decline

TNM’s article completely ignores the long-term trends highlighted in the ASER 2024 report. For instance:  

– The percentage of Class 8 students capable of doing division has been steadily declining since 2014.  

– Reading levels in Tamil Nadu have consistently lagged behind national averages, with no significant improvement over the past decade.  

By focusing solely on the 2022-2024 comparison, TNM is obscuring the fact that Tamil Nadu’s education system has been in decline for years. This is not just a post-pandemic issue; it is a systemic failure that demands urgent attention.  

Why Is TNM Covering Up the Truth?

Instead of exposing the Dravidian Model’s failures in education, TNM is busy whitewashing the crisis. Why?

Their entire narrative is based on propping up the Tamil Nadu government while demonizing other states.

They downplay the disastrous drop in learning levels since 2018 and instead compare 2024 numbers to the rock-bottom 2022 figures to claim progress.

They refuse to acknowledge that Tamil Nadu’s pre-COVID education system was significantly stronger – is it because someone else other than the DMK was in power?

They completely ignore the fact that even private school students are underperforming, showing that the crisis is widespread and not limited to government schools.

It would do well for The News Minute to change its current named to The New Murasoli as they keep buttressing the DMK’s Dravidian Model time and again.

The Bottom Line: Tamil Nadu’s Education System Is In Crisis

The ASER 2024 report is a wake-up call: Tamil Nadu’s students cannot read, cannot do basic math, and are falling behind year after year. The numbers prove it.

But instead of honest journalism, The News Minute has chosen outright propaganda for their Dravidianist paymasters. They are manipulating statistics to fool the public into thinking things are improving when, in reality, the state’s education system is falling apart.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Maharashtra Govt To Conduct Geo-Mapping Of Waqf Properties To Find Number, Status Of Encroachments

By
The Commune
-
Maharashtra government will soon be geo-mapping Waqf properties to clarify discrepancies in property data.

Maharashtra Minister for Minorities Development & Aukaf, Dattatray Bharane has decided to soon launch Geo-mapping of the properties and lands under the jurisdiction of the state Waqf Board.

This comes amid the parliamentary panel’s move to clear the report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill despite the opposition’s dissent. The Maharashtra government’s decision will hit those illegally occupying the scattered and unmeasured lands across the state.

The Minister has asked the department to soon start the Geo-mapping survey of such properties across the state to know the present status.

A department source said, “Geo-mapping will provide accurate official information about the number of Waqf properties in the state and the extent of encroachment on them, and will put a stop to encroachments. Various organisations and political parties, including the Maharashtra Waqf Board, have claimed there are 23,566 registered Waqf properties in the state and their total area is 37,330 hectares. However, as per the estimates of the Minorities Department, the number of Waqf properties is around 27,000 and their area is 40,468 hectares. Geo-mapping will be done to remove the discrepancies in this data and ensure accurate registration of properties.”

A survey of Waqf properties was conducted in 1997 through physical inspection. However, it was considered to be a rough estimate. Of these properties, 60 to 70 per cent of the plots are encroached upon and thousands of plots are under litigation.

The department source said that many cases of illegal encroachments on Waqf properties have come to light. However, due to discrepancies in the data, no measures were taken to deal with the situation. “Now, geo-mapping technology will bring clarity to the properties and encroachments and official information will be available at the government level. There is still uncertainty about the exact number of Waqf properties in the state. There is no information about the exact purpose for which these properties are being used and what rates are being charged while renting out these lands,” the source added.

The Mahayuti Minister said Geo-mapping will reveal illegal possessions and, thereafter, the government will be able to take necessary action. The Minorities Development’s decision comes at a time when the parliamentary panel cleared 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while 44 suggested by the Opposition were rejected. All the 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were reportedly against the changes planned in the Bill to the Waqf Act of 2013.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

1...418419420...1,704Page 419 of 1,704
TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.