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BJP TN President Annamalai Slams TN Congress Chief K Selvaperunthagai For Defending Katchatheevu Cession As ‘Strategic Maneuver’

By
The Commune
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BJP TN President Annamalai Slams TN Congress Chief K Selvaperunthagai For Defending Katchatheevu Cession As Strategic Maneuver

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has criticized Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai for praising the Congress’s controversial decision to cede the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka, calling it a “strategic maneuver”. Selvaperunthagai recently defended the move in an interview, repeatedly stating that Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s gifting of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka was a “strategic maneuver,” however, in reality, this decision led to a shrinking of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and has caused ongoing problems for Tamil Nadu fishermen, who face frequent threats and arrests by Sri Lankan fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a recent interview, when asked why Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) Chief K. Selvaperunthagai defended the move by calling it a “strategic maneuver,” adding, “I’m saying it is a strategic maneuver, you wont understand.” The interviewer countered, pointing out that while the move may have been presented as strategic, the people, especially fishermen, have faced ongoing problems since the cession.  “If it was a strategic maneuver, the people should have benefited, but since the cession of Katchatheevu, the fishermen have been suffering,” the interviewer remarked.

In response, Selvaperunthagai further explained, “During Indira Gandhi’s time, Katchatheevu was ceded because it was a small island. Do you know the extent of international borders that was occupied from us? Its like you ceeded chennai and attached 6 to 7 states as compensation. I’m telling this as an example. So, if Indira Gandhi took a decision it is not an ordinary decision it has an enormous strategy behind it. Let me repeat it, nobody can underestimate Indira Gandhi. She ceded a small portion and have taken greater portion.”

When the interviewer asked, “So from that What is the benefit for us?” Selvaperunthagai buttressed stating, “these portions has large deposits of natural resources. According to the source of  Bhabha Atomic Research Centre these portion consists of resources that are found nowhere on the earth. This is a huge strategic maneuver. They would say Indira Gandhi have cheated the foreign nations but it is not. Her greates startegic manuevar was to cede a small island and take a massive are for development of India.”  

In a rebuttal to TNCC chief Selvaperunthagai, on 22 January 2025, Annamalai took to his official X account to express his disapproval, writing, “Tamil Nadu Congress President Thiru @SPK_TNCC calls Smt Indira Gandhi’s gifting of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka a “Strategic Maneuver.” He constantly repeats this to emphasize how Indians should be thankful to Smt Indira Gandhi. The DMK & Congress have, for the last 4 decades, led to the loss of lives of our fishermen and put the lives of Tamil Fishermen at risk through their unilateral decision-making by gifting away Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka without even tabling this decision in the Parliament for discussion in 1974. Our Hon. PM Thiru @narendramodi  avl has been working tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and has bridged the gap in infrastructure in J&K and the Northeastern region, which remained neglected during the Congress regime. And here we have Congress boasting with pride that gifting away a critical island that belonged to India was Smt Indira Gandhi’s Strategic Maneuver. Does Thiru @SPK_TNCC realise that Congress & DMK’s strategic maneuver has cost the lives of our Fishermen, many losing their livelihood due to constant arrest & loss of shipping vessels? Is the Congress party not ashamed for trying to justify a haphazard decision? Is TN CM Thiru @mkstalin avl also of the same opinion as his Congress counterpart?”

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The Hindenburg-Adani Controversy: Unpacking the Players Behind The Hindenburg Report

By
The Commune
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The Hindenburg Adani Controversy: Unpacking the Players Behind The Hindenburg Report

Days after Hindenburg launched its first attack on Adani on 24 January 2023, a netizen published an investigation on 4 February 2023, exposing hidden individuals and their connections, but the information seemed to have been missed the people’s eyes at that time.

Now that the Hindenburg organisation is back in the news, let’s take a deeper look into them. Two years later, today, Western media seems to have revealed the same hidden individuals, prompting Indian media to finally talk about it. Let’s start one by one.

Anson Funds, managed by Moez Kassam, had close ties with Hindenburg Research and had previously benefited from their actions.


Moez Kassam operates an NGO, with his wife, Marissa Kassam, serving as a co-founder.

 

It is alleged that 10 days after Hindenburg’s initial attack on Adani, it was uncovered that Mahua Moitra had been vice president at JP Morgan Chase during the same period when Marissa Kassam was also employed there.

It is noteworthy that Mahua Moitra was the first source of the Hindenburg report.

It was also noted that Nathan Anderson’s brokerage firm, ClaritySpring Securities LLC, had served as a hedge fund marketer for JH Lane Partners LP, with JP Morgan Clearing Corp acting as the custodian and broker for this fund. They noted that this entity was registered in the tax haven of the Cayman Islands.

These parties are accused of operating from tax havens to profit by damaging Indian companies and the Indian stock market. It is alleged that certain Indians could also be betraying the country for financial gain and power. Unless legal action is taken, these actions can possibly harm small Indian investors and an Indian company and there are possibilities of similar attacks on other Indian companies and citizens.

This article is based on an X thread by Vijay Patel.

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Hiring In India Up By 31% In December 2024, AI Job Market Booms With 42% Growth

By
The Commune
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Hiring In India Up By 31% In December 2024, AI Job Market Booms With 42% Growth

Hiring activity in India went up by an impressive 12 percent over the past six months, with a 31 percent increase (year-on-year) in recruitment in December, a report showed on Wednesday. The AI job market boomed with 42 percent growth over two years, and the 2025 forecast predicts an additional 14 percent increase, according to the report by Found It, a jobs and talent platform.

The growth is reflected across 22 of the 27 sectors monitored, with consumer electronics, manufacturing and construction and engineering leading the charge with 60 per cent, 57 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively. “The growth in hiring activity across sectors underscores the resilience, adaptability, and dynamism of India’s job market.” said V Suresh, CEO of foundit.

What’s particularly exciting is the explosive growth in AI at 42 per cent in just two years, showcasing the transformation of an important skill set to a core driver of the economy.

“With a projected 14 per cent further growth in AI hiring in 2025, we are witnessing a paradigm shift where AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a fundamental element of India’s present and future workforce,” he mentioned.

In December, job demand rose by 5 per cent month-on-month (MoM), with the hiring index reaching an impressive 334 — a testament to growing business confidence and economic momentum.

Over the last three months, an 8 per cent increase in hiring activity highlighted sustained progress, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Indian businesses in a dynamic market.

This steady upward trend underscored the nation’s commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term employment opportunities through strategic initiatives, said the report. Medical roles experienced a remarkable 44 per cent annual growth, fuelled by telemedicine, diagnostics and specialised nursing, with health tech roles like healthcare analyst also seeing a 12 per cent increase.

Coimbatore led with a 58 per cent year-on-year growth, while Bengaluru and Chennai followed with increases of 41 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, according to the report.

—IANS

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Anna University Sexual Assault Accused Gnanasekaran Admitted To Hospital

By
The Commune
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DMK Worker By Day, Biriyani Seller By Afternoon, Burglar By Night: Report Reveals Shocking Details Of Anna University Sexual Assault Culprit Gnanasekaran

Gnanasekaran, the accused in the sexual assault of an Anna University student, suffered seizures and was admitted to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital on Wednesday morning while in police custody.

Gnanasekaran, a roadside biryani vendor, was under seven days of police custody for interrogation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for sexually assaulting a second-year engineering student from Anna University on the night of December 23, 2024.

According to the victim’s complaint lodged at the Kotturpuram All-Women Police Station, Gnanasekaran physically attacked her male friend, also an Anna University student, before assaulting her.

The complainant alleged that the accused filmed the assault and attempted to blackmail her, demanding that she meet him whenever he called. Following her complaint, the police apprehended the accused. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu.

State BJP President K. Annamalai staged a dramatic protest outside his residence in Coimbatore, flogging himself six times to symbolise what he called the state’s deteriorating law and order situation.

He announced plans for a 48-day fast and a visit to all six holy abodes of Lord Murugan as part of his protest. Annamalai also criticised the Tamil Nadu Police for leaking the victim’s FIR, which revealed her identity — a violation of her privacy.

He alleged that Gnanasekaran, who reportedly has over 20 prior cases against him, was excluded from the police’s rowdy list due to connections with leaders of the ruling DMK party.

Annamalai claimed to have evidence that Gnanasekaran was a DMK functionary and accused the party of diverting attention from the state’s law and order issues by fabricating a North-South divide narrative. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the DMK, has demanded stringent action against those involved in the case.

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“Ailing Mom & Poverty”: Times Of India’s Headline About Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrant Who Allegedly Attacked Saif Ali Khan

By
The Commune
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Instead of condemning the attack on Saif Ali Khan, TOI painted Bangladeshi Shariful Fakir as a victim of poverty.

The Times of India (TOI) has hit a new low with its recent article on the arrest of Bangladeshi national Shariful Fakir, who allegedly broke into Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s home and stabbed him. Instead of condemning the crime and highlighting the dangers of illegal immigration, TOI chose to spin a sob story, painting Fakir as a victim of poverty and desperation.

It is not clear why TOI is trying to paint Fakir as a person of “systemic injustice”. The fact is that Fakir, the man who allegedly stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan six times, is an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant who entered India by paying a trafficker to cross the border. He then proceeded to steal, break into homes, and stabbed a Bollywood actor even! Yet, TOI’s article reads like a sympathy piece, detailing his struggles, his ailing mother, and his love for Shah Rukh Khan. Are readers supposed to feel sorry for a man who armed himself with stolen tools, targeted a wealthy home, and resorted to violence? Is the Times of India glorifying criminal behaviour?

What’s worse, the article glosses over the fact that Fakir’s illegal entry was facilitated by a network of human traffickers—a glaring issue that the publication barely acknowledges. Instead of calling out the truth about illegal immigrants, the article shifts the focus to Fakir’s “hardships,” as if poverty is a free pass to break the law.

TOI’s attempt to humanize Fakir by mentioning his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan is laughable. Breaking into private property and stabbing someone isn’t the act of an innocent fan—it’s the act of a criminal. By framing Fakir’s actions as a result of his circumstances, TOI is essentially saying that illegal immigration and violent crime are excusable if you’re poor.

The media is responsible for reporting facts, not fabricating excuses for criminals. Instead of spinning a tale of woe, TOI should ask tough questions: How did Fakir cross the border so easily? How could he obtain a SIM card and find work without proper documentation? What steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future? These issues matter, not some half-baked attempt to turn a criminal into a tragic hero.

TOI’s article is a disgrace to journalism. Illegal immigration is a serious issue, especially in a country like ours where these illegal immigrants are eating into our resources and causing a steep increase in problems of law and order.

Publications like the Times of India, The Hindu and other media are often seen portraying terrorists as humane, as people with emotions, as coming from “ordinary” backgrounds etc. These are not important stories that need attention, it is the other pressing issues that they are causing that need to be told.

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“Who Are You Man? Who Is Your Dad? Who Is Your Mom?”: DMK’s RS Bharathi Attacks TVK Vijay

By
The Commune
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DMK's RS Bharathi Attacks TVK Vijay

DMK Organizing Secretary RS Bharathi has made headlines once again – this time for responding harshly to actor-turned-politician Vijay for his criticism of the DMK’s alleged hypocrisy. Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had called out the DMK for claiming to support farmers when they were in the opposition but began acting against the same farmers once they came to power. In his response, Bharathi dismissed Vijay, questioning his identity and mocking him as a “small boy.”

TVK chief Vijay recently visited the villagers protesting against the Parandur airport project and took the opportunity to criticize the DMK government. He stated that people would no longer passively watch the government’s actions and mocked the DMK, saying, “It is natural for you to act and deceive the people.” Vijay also called for a reassessment of the airport’s proposed location and questioned the DMK’s inconsistency, asking, “Why was it one stance when you were in the opposition, and a different one when you’re in power?”

In response, DMK senior leader R.S. Bharathi, speaking at a party event in Tirunelveli, fired back, stating, “Today, many people who don’t know anything start speaking of something or the other. They said something about someone. Those who’ve only just sprouted are now challenging us. We are the ones who introduced his father. Let me make this clear—no one who has opposed the DMK has ever succeeded or endured. There’s a long history of this, but let’s not delve into it. To speak, one needs qualification. Yesterday, this little boy was saying that, ‘We were good in acting’. But if asked, can you answer who you are? Who is your dad? Who is your mother? Don’t forget, it was we who introduced you to the nation—not just through acting, but through writing screenplays. And who is your father? He was the director behind the writings of our leaders.”

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Maha Kumbh 2025 Drives Visa Application Growth For Spiritual Travel In India

By
The Commune
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Maha Kumbh 2025 Drives Visa Application Growth For Spiritual Travel In India

A report on Wednesday showed a stupendous rise in inbound travel for spiritual purposes in India, primarily driven by Maha Kumbh 2025.

Visa processing platform Atlys has witnessed a 21.4 per cent increase in inbound travel to the country for spiritual purposes. The surge in applications is largely driven by travellers from the UK and the US, underscoring the global interest in India’s spiritual offerings. The data revealed that nearly 48 per cent of all spiritual travel visa applications are linked to major events and pilgrimages like the Maha Kumbh.

As per data, group inbound travel applications have surged 35 per cent, reflecting a growing preference for communal spiritual experiences. The sacred trinity of Varanasi, Rishikesh and Haridwar continues to dominate destination preferences.

While spiritual travel was once predominantly associated with older generations, millennials now lead the trend, with 66 per cent of this segment being women – indicating a broader move toward female-led spiritual exploration, said the report. Over the past decade, global interest in spiritual tourism has steadily risen, positioning India at the forefront with its rich spiritual heritage and diverse cultural tapestry.

“India’s spiritual legacy has always captured global attention, but we’re now seeing an embrace of these sacred journeys by travellers seeking both adventure and self-discovery,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys.

The Maha Kumbh and similar festivals are no longer just for traditional pilgrims; they’re appealing to a broader audience looking for meaningful experiences. The Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is currently underway and is set to attract more than 40 crore million pilgrims.

According to the latest data estimation by the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 9.24 crore devotees have taken the sacred bath (‘Amrit Snan’) in Triveni Sangam. Meanwhile, around 43.18 lakh devotees visited the Maha Kumbh Nagar on Tuesday (January 21).

–IANS

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Teenage Pregnancy In Tamil Nadu Surges By 36% In 5 Years, Study Reveals

By
The Commune
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Teenage Pregnancy In Tamil Nadu Surges By 36% In 5 Years, Study Reveals

A recent study by the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research has revealed that the teenage pregnancy rate in Tamil Nadu has risen from 1.1% in 2019-20 to 1.5% in 2023-24.

The study, which utilized data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) portal, examined over 49.93 lakh records of antenatal mothers between April 2019 and March 2024. Among these, 62,870 teenagers were identified, leading to a cumulative teenage pregnancy rate of 1.3%. The annual rates of teenage pregnancy in the state have fluctuated over the years, with 1.1% in 2019-20, 1.3% in 2020-21, 1.3% in 2021-22, 1.1% in 2022-23, and 1.5% in 2023-24.

The data indicated regional disparities, with Nagapattinam having the highest rate at 3.3%, followed by Theni at 2.4% and Perambalur at 2.3%. Areas like Salem and Madurai reported over 3,000 teenage pregnancies, while districts such as Kancheepuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Nagercoil, and Chennai had fewer than 1,000 cases each.

Historically, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reported teenage pregnancy rates in Tamil Nadu at 8% in NFHS-3 (2005-06), which dropped to 5% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) before rising slightly to 6.3% in NFHS-5 (2019-20).

The study, authored by Vijaykumar R and Nirmalson J, identified several key factors contributing to teenage pregnancies, including early marriage, social pressures, sexual abuse, lack of education, and poor socioeconomic conditions. The authors stressed the importance of continuing efforts to monitor these trends and implement evidence-based policies.

The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions to educate teenagers about sexual and reproductive health, contraception, and the potential consequences of early pregnancy. It also called for increased access to affordable contraceptive methods to help teenagers make informed choices and prevent unintended pregnancies. Existing programs such as the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) Program, Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY), Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHC), and various awareness campaigns have made progress, but further emphasis on behavioral change, school-based sex education, and community participation is needed to address the issue effectively.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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KA HC Judge Emphasizes Brahmins’ Pivotal Role In Shaping Indian Constitution, Cites Dr BR Ambedkar

By
The Commune
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KA HC Judge Emphasizes Brahmins’ Pivotal Role In Shaping Indian Constitution, Cites Dr BR Ambedkar

Karnataka High Court judge Justice Krishna S Dixit has emphasized the significant contributions of Brahmins in drafting the Indian Constitution, referencing remarks made by Dr BR Ambedkar.

Speaking at Vishwamitra, a two-day convention organized by the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha to mark its golden jubilee, Justice Dixit said, “Dr Ambedkar once mentioned at the Bhandarkar Institute that if BN Rau had not prepared the draft of the Constitution, it would have taken another 25 years to be framed.”

The judge pointed out that Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, and BN Rau, three of the seven members of the Constitution drafting committee, were Brahmins. He noted their pivotal role in shaping India’s legal framework.

Addressing the association of the term Brahmin, he clarified that it should be linked to “Varna” rather than caste. He added historical context, citing figures such as Vedavyasa, who classified the Vedas and was the son of a fisherwoman, and Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, who belonged to either a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

“Have we (Brahmins) looked down on them? We have worshipped Lord Rama for centuries, and his values have been incorporated into the Constitution,” he stated.

Justice Dixit also referred to his past involvement in non-Brahmin nationalist movements and clarified that his current remarks were within the limits of his judicial role.

Justice V Srishananda, who also attended the event, defended the need for such conventions amid criticism about their grandeur during times of socio-economic hardship.

“Many ask why such large events are needed when people struggle for food or education. But these gatherings are essential to bring the community together and discuss its issues. Why shouldn’t such events be held?” he questioned.

(With inputs from Deccan Herald)

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Indian Union Muslim League MP From Ramanathapuram Claims Dargah At Thirupparankundram Temple Hill Belongs To Waqf

By
The Commune
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Indian Union Muslim League member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani, who also serves as the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board chairman, has claimed that the dargah at the Thirupparankundram Temple hill is Waqf property. This statement has sent shockwaves through the region and intensified existing tensions.

Some Islamists groups have been attempting to assert their rights to conduct animal sacrifices at the hilltop, furthering their claims that the entire Thirupparankundram Hills should be recognized as Sikkandar Hills.

The situation escalated on 27 December 2024, when Madurai police intervened to detain a group of Muslims family attempting to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for ritual sacrifice. Syed Abu Dahir, a 53-year-old from Malaiyadipatti in Rajapalayam, arrived with his family and animals for the ceremony but was stopped by authorities at the base of the hill. Police informed them that bringing livestock up the hill was prohibited, which led to a protest by over 20 local Muslims at the foot of the hill in solidarity with the family.

The following week, on 5 January 2025, another large group of Muslim protesters gathered at Thirupparankundram Hills, demanding permission to offer prayers at the mosque located at the top. When the police denied their request, tensions escalated, leading to a brief scuffle and the detention of the protesters.

On 17 January 2025, during the Santhanakoodu Festival at a nearby dargah, social media posts began circulating about an upcoming “Equality Feast” (Samabanthi Bhojan) on 18 January at the hilltop dargah, where goats and roosters were allegedly to be sacrificed. Fearing communal unrest, police set up barricades and conducted searches to prevent the transportation of livestock to the hill. When the dargah Jamath was informed that animal sacrifices were not allowed, protests broke out. Members of the Jamath, along with other Muslim protesters, clashed with the police, causing further disruptions.

The situation was exacerbated by the involvement of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), an ally of AIADMK and a group linked to the banned terror outfit PFI. These elements are believed to be behind the attempts to conduct animal sacrifices at the sacred Thirupparankundram Hill.

Furthering tensions, on 21 January 2025, DMK Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad was accused of conducting an illegal survey around the temple with intentions to gain control of the hill. On the same day, IUML member and Ramanathapuram MP Navas Kani was seen giving an interview near the Thirupparankundram Hills. When asked whether the dargah at the hilltop was under the Waqf Board, Navas Kani confirmed, “Yes, it is under the control of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board,” further heightening tensions in the Thirupparankundram area.

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TheCommune
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