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Yesteryear Tamil Actress Devayani’s Short Film ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ Wins Award At Jaipur International Film Festival

By
The Commune
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Yesteryear Tamil Actress Devayani’s Short Film ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ Wins Award At Jaipur International Film Festival

Tamil Actress Devayani’s first short film as director titled ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ (Handkerchief Queen) has now won an award at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival.

Devayani, who has acted in over 100 films across various languages over the last three decades, recently chose to make her directorial debut with the short film, which has now won the prestigious award for Best Short Film for Children at the festival.

‘Kaikkuttai Rani’, which has been produced, written, and directed by Devayani under the D Films banner, features music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with editing by renowned editor B Lenin.

The film has cinematography by Rajan Miryala and sound design by Lakshmi Narayanan A.S.

With a runtime of 20 minutes, ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ explores the emotional journey of a young girl who faces various challenges after losing her mother, while her father works in a distant place.

The short film beautifully portrays the emotions and struggles of children through a deeply touching narrative. The jury at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival recognized ‘Kaikkutai Rani’ for its exceptional portrayal of children’s emotions, awarding it the Best Short Film for Children.

The film’s cast and crew led by Devayani received high praise for their remarkable contributions.

Expressing her joy over the recognition, Devayani shared, “While I have acted in many films, it is an immense source of pride and happiness that my first directorial project has received an international award. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the senior artistes who were part of this project. We are also working on taking ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ to other international film festivals.”

Niharika VK and Naveen N played the lead roles in Kaikuttai Rani. C. Sethu designed the sound effects, and Antony Bebin A is the DI colourist. Ulaga Cinema Baskaran is representing the film at international film festivals.

–IANS

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Did EPS Copy-Paste Annamalai’s Social Media Post To Condemn DMK Govt Over Murder Of ADMK Worker Who Protested Against Illegal Mining?

By
The Commune
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Did EPS Copy-Paste Annamalai's Social Media Post To Condemn DMK Govt Over Murder Of ADMK Worker Who Protested Against Illegal Mining?

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), faced heavy criticism from netizens after issuing a condemnation post on social media regarding the death of his party member and social activist, K Jagaber Ali. EPS allegedly copy-pasted Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai’s earlier condemnation, with only minor changes to the wording. Ali was killed while combating illegal mining in the Pudukottai district.

The condemnation came in the wake of the suspicious death of the 58-year-old activist, who was reportedly run over by a lorry near Thirumayam on 17 January 2025. Jagaber Ali, an outspoken critic of illegal mining, was known for his efforts to combat such activities in the region. His death drew widespread condemnation from various leaders, who criticized the DMK government for allegedly enabling anti-social elements that had the audacity to kill an activist for exposing illegal mining operations.

While Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai issued his condemnation on 19 January 2025, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the AIADMK leader, followed suit on 20 January 2025. However, his statement was heavily criticized on social media for being largely a copy-paste of previous condemnations with only minor changes, leading to ridicule and mockery online.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami via his official X account stated, “The news that Jagbar Ali, Secretary of the Thirumayam South Union Minority Unit, a former AIADMK Union Committee member, Secretary of the Pudukkottai District Amateur Kabaddi Club, and social activist, was killed by anti-social elements who ran him over with a lorry, is truly shocking. It has been over 15 days since he met with the Thirumayam Taluk Tahsildar regarding the mineral looting, complained several times with the District Mineral Resources Assistant Director’s Office, and even complained with the District Collector, but no action was taken and now the news that anti-social elements have killed him by running a lorry over him has instilled a deep sense of fear among the people. Furthermore, this Vidya government is diverting the case by arresting only the lorry driver and leaving the real culprits – the mineral looter behind this murder. The DMK government has set a very bad precedent by not taking action against the mineral looters and betraying the person who filed the complaint by revealing his identity. We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral looters, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them.” 

Previously, on 19 January 2025, Annamalai via his official X account stated, “The news that Jagbar Ali, the Secretary of the District Amateur Kabaddi Association and a prominent social activist from the Thirumayam area of Pudukottai district, has been killed by mineral resource looters who ran him over with a lorry is very shocking. Jagbar Ali played a major role in the successful conduct of the Modi Kabaddi League matches in Pudukkottai district. He was active in various fields, including natural resource conservation and the prevention of mineral resource theft. Regarding the mineral theft, even after he met with the Thirumayam Taluk tahsildar and complained 15 days ago, raised the issue with the Assistant Director of the District Mineral Resources Department and the District Collector multiple times, but no action was taken. Now, he has been sacrificed. Tamil Nadu is ruled by anti-social elements and looters to the extent that those who work with the noble aim of protecting natural resources are losing their lives. If government officials and social activists who try to stop the looting of minerals are being killed, what can we say except that the DMK government has emboldened them by repeatedly stating that they can loot sand within ten minutes of coming to power? The DMK government has set a very bad precedent by not taking action against the mineral looters and betraying the person who filed the complaint by revealing his identity. We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral thieves, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them. Furthermore, I warn that the DMK government will face very serious consequences if it tries to divert the case by arresting only the lorry driver and others, leaving aside the real culprits, the mineral looters behind this murder.” 

Is It A Copy-Paste Job?

The statements issued by Edappadi K. Palaniswami bear strong similarities in content, structure, and wording, prompting accusations of “copy-pasting” with minor modifications from Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K. Annamalai.

Introduction and Key Details: Both statements begin by describing the shocking death of Jagbar Ali, giving his background, including his role as a social activist, his position in the AIADMK, and his efforts against mineral looting. Both mention that he was killed by anti-social elements who ran him over with a lorry.

  • Annamalai’s Version: “The news that Jagbar Ali, the Secretary of the District Amateur Kabaddi Association and a prominent social activist from the Thirumayam area of Pudukottai district, has been killed by mineral resource looters who ran him over with a lorry is very shocking.”
  • Palaniswami’s Version: “The news that Jagbar Ali, Secretary of the Thirumayam South Union Minority Unit, a former AIADMK Union Committee member, Secretary of the Pudukkottai District Amateur Kabaddi Club, and social activist, was killed by anti-social elements who ran him over with a lorry, is truly shocking.”

The Lack of Action from Authorities: Both statements highlight the fact that despite multiple complaints filed by Jagbar Ali regarding mineral looting, no action was taken, and the activists’ death followed.

  • Annamalai’s Version: “…even after he met with the Thirumayam Taluk tahsildar and complained 15 days ago, raised the issue with the Assistant Director of the District Mineral Resources Department and the District Collector multiple times, but no action was taken. Now, he has been sacrificed.”
  • Palaniswami’s Version: “It has been over 15 days since he met with the Thirumayam Taluk Tahsildar regarding the mineral looting, complained several times with the District Mineral Resources Assistant Director’s Office, and even complained with the District Collector, but no action was taken…”

The Accusations Against the Government: Both leaders criticize the DMK government for failing to take action against mineral looters and betraying the person who filed the complaints.

  • Annamalai’s Version: “I warn that the DMK government will face very serious consequences if it tries to divert the case by arresting only the lorry driver and others, leaving aside the real culprits, the mineral looters behind this murder.”
  • Palaniswami’s Version: “This Vidya government is diverting the case by arresting only the lorry driver and leaving the real culprits – the mineral looters behind this murder.”

Demand for Justice: Both statements demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death and accountability for those involved in his death, including the officials who failed to act on his complaints.

  • Annamalai’s Version: “We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral thieves, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them.”
  • Palaniswami’s Version: “We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral looters, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them.”

In conclusion, the statements made by Edappadi K. Palaniswami closely resemble those of K. Annamalai. Palaniswami’s condemnation is essentially a rephrased version of Annamalai’s statement, with only minor changes in wording and structure. This has led to accusations from netizens of “copy-pasting” and a lack of originality.

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UK’s Richest 10% Extracted Wealth From India Worth $33.8 Trillion Between 1765-1900: Oxfam

By
The Commune
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UK's Richest 10% Extracted Wealth From India Worth $33.8 Trillion Between 1765-1900: Oxfam

Between 1765 and 1900, the richest 10 per cent in the UK extracted wealth from India alone worth US$33.8 trillion in today’s money — enough to carpet the surface area of London in the 50-pound notes almost four times over, an Oxfam global report said on Monday.

According to authors Utsa Patnaik and Prabha Patnaik, of the US$64.82 trillion extracted from India by the UK over a century of colonialism, US$33.8 trillion went to the richest 10 per cent. In the UK, a significant number of the richest people today can trace their family wealth back to slavery and colonialism, specifically the compensation paid to rich enslavers when slavery was abolished, the report stressed.

“The modern multinational corporation is a creation of colonialism. It was pioneered by such corporations as the East India Company, which became a law unto itself and was responsible for many colonial crimes,” said the Oxfam report.

In 1750, the Indian subcontinent accounted for approximately 25 per cent of global industrial output. However, by 1900, this figure had precipitously declined to a mere 2 per cent.

“This dramatic reduction can be attributed to Britain’s implementation of stringent protectionist policies against Asian textiles, which systematically undermined India’s industrial growth potential. US$64.82 trillion was drained from India by Britain over 200 years,” the report’s findings showed. In 2024, globally total billionaire wealth increased by $2 trillion, with 204 new billionaires created. This is an average of almost four new billionaires per week.

“Total billionaire wealth grew three times faster in 2024 than in 2023. Each billionaire saw their fortunes grow by $ 2 million a day on average. For the richest 10 billionaires their fortunes grew by US$100 million a day on average,” the report showed. Last year, Oxfam forecasted a trillionaire within a decade. If current trends continue, there will now be five trillionaires within a decade, it added.

–IANS

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Tamil Nadu Temples Under HR&CE Dept Allegedly Face ₹5,900 Crore Annual Losses, Temple Activists Demand Trustees Take Control

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu Temples Under HR&CE Dept Allegedly Face ₹5,900 Crore Annual Losses, Temple Activists Demand Trustees Take Control

Allegations of severe mismanagement by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department have surfaced, with claims that temples in the state incur annual losses amounting to ₹5,900 crore. The Temple Worshipers Association has demanded that administrative control of temples be handed over to trustworthy and capable trustees to curb the alleged mismanagement.

The appointment of new trustees to the Palani Thandayuthapani Temple has reignited concerns about executive officers continuing to exercise authority over temple administration despite a September 2020 Madurai High Court judgment. The court had ruled that the executive officer did not have the authority to issue tenders or oversee temple management and directed the appointment of trustees. The subsequent appeal in 2021 upheld this ruling, ordering trustees to assume administrative control.

Temple activist TR Ramesh, president of the Temple Worshipers Association, speaking to Hindu Tamil, has questioned the HR&CE Department’s failure to comply with the court orders and called for trustees to immediately take charge of the temple’s administration.

Allegations Against HR&CE Department

The following allegations have been raised against the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department:

  1. Illegal Appointments: Executive officers have been managing temples for decades under outdated and invalid statutes. While their tenure is legally limited to five years, many continue indefinitely without proper oversight.
  2. Revenue Mismanagement: Of the estimated ₹6,000 crore annual revenue generated by temple assets, only ₹100 crore is reportedly accounted for, resulting in losses of ₹5,900 crore per year.
  3. Land Discrepancies: The state’s temples, which once held 5.25 lakh acres of land, now have only 4.78 lakh acres on record, with documentation missing for 1.04 lakh acres.
  4. Audit Irregularities: As of 2023, unresolved audit objections are amounting to ₹1,500 crore.
  5. Diversion of Funds: Temple funds are allegedly used for projects unrelated to worship, such as building swimming pools, memorial halls, and cultural centers.
  6. Stolen Idols: Thousands of ancient idols have been reported stolen, with many yet to be recovered.

The Temple Worshipers Association has demanded the transfer of temple management to trustees who are “faithful, honest, and politically unconnected.” They argue that temple funds and assets must be safeguarded from mismanagement and misappropriation.

TR Ramesh highlighted comparisons with neighboring states, such as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, where temple administration remains autonomous, with religious leaders playing a significant role in decision-making.

The HR&CE Department collects a 12% administrative fee and a 4% audit fee from temple revenues, which critics argue is exorbitant and unparalleled globally. The department has also been accused of depositing ₹3,000 crore in temple funds into the Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation, which is reportedly incurring losses.

With mounting allegations, calls for transparency and reform in Tamil Nadu’s temple management are growing louder. Faith groups and activists are urging the government to address these issues promptly and ensure the proper preservation and administration of the state’s temple heritage.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Paytm Reports ₹208 Crore Loss In Q3, Revenue Down By 36%

By
The Commune
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Paytm Reports ₹208 Crore Loss In Q3, Revenue Down By 36%

The parent company of Paytm, One97 Communications Limited, lost ₹208 crores in the third quarter of FY25, down from ₹222 crores in the same quarter last year.

In Q3 FY25, the company’s revenue declined by 36 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to ₹1,828 crores from ₹2,851 crores in the same period last year. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Paytm’s revenue surged by 10 per cent, supported by a rise in gross merchandise value (GMV), good growth in subscription revenues, and higher revenue from the distribution of financial services.

Paytm said, “We have been able to reduce our indirect costs by 7 per cent QoQ and 23 per cent YoY to ₹1,000 crore. Going forward, we expect calibrated growth in marketing costs and sales employee expenses as we invest in customer and merchant acquisition.” Employee expenses for the first nine months of FY2025 dropped by ₹451 crore YoY, surpassing the company’s annual cost-saving target of ₹400-500 crore,” the company said.

The company’s payment services revenue rose to₹1,059 crore, while its financial services revenue saw an impressive 34 per cent QoQ increase, reaching ₹502 crore. Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) processed through the platform rose 13 per cent QoQ to ₹5 lakh crore. Paytm’s merchant subscriber base for payment devices rose to 1.17 crore, with 5 lakh new additions during the quarter.

The net payment margin reached ₹489 crore, aided by higher subscription revenue and a stable payment processing margin. Paytm also distributed loans worth ₹3,831 crore during the December quarter, versus ₹3,303 crore in Q2 FY2025. Notably, over 50 percent of these loans were provided to repeat borrowers, reflecting consistent demand and strong customer retention.

–IANS

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Former Intel Engineer Is Now BJP Tenkasi District President

By
The Commune
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Former Intel Engineer Is Now BJP Tenkasi District President

From herding cattle and working in fireworks factories as a child to becoming a Director of Engineering at Intel and now serving as BJP’s district president in Tenkasi – Ananthan Ayyasamy’s journey is as inspiring as it is unusual.

Known locally as ‘Tenkasi Ananthan’, he holds multiple patents including a crucial one for CXL link technology used in data center systems. After spending over two decades designing chips for Intel in the United States, Ananthan has returned to his roots in rural Tamil Nadu with a mission to transform his home district Tenkasi.

Reflecting on his motivation to enter politics, Ananthan describes growing up in poverty and witnessing caste conflict and violence firsthand. These experiences, he explains, fueled his determination to seek a better life through education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Now, his focus has shifted to serving the district and bringing hope to those still trapped in poverty.

His connection to politics runs deeper than his recent BJP role might suggest. His younger brother, A Manoharan, previously served as the AIADMK MLA from Vasudevanallur constituency. Ananthan himself displayed remarkable political acumen when he predicted his brother’s margin of defeat in the 2021 elections within 9 votes of the actual result.

Despite his success in America, Ananthan maintained strong ties with his village, regularly visiting and purchasing land there. While others laughed at him for buying village land while investing in Bangalore’s outskirts, he remained committed to giving back to his community.

Today, Ananthan divides his time between grassroots political work and ambitious development initiatives. His trust, Voice of Tenkasi, supports various social welfare activities, from sponsoring sports tournaments to helping students prepare for civil service examinations. He has also launched Startup Tenkasi, inspired by his mentor, Sridhar Vembu of Zoho, aiming to transform the district into a technology hub.
His vision for Tenkasi is comprehensive – from introducing electric trains connecting every panchayat to establishing agro-processing units for local crops like lemons and millets. Drawing from his semiconductor industry experience, he advocates for bringing chip manufacturing to Tamil Nadu, though he emphasizes starting with mature technologies rather than jumping directly to cutting-edge processes.

According to Ananthan, chips have become the new oil, and India cannot progress without developing its own chip design and manufacturing capabilities. He maintains that an economy cannot grow by solely producing lower-value products. Ananthan’s approach combines his technical expertise with political pragmatism. In meetings with students and locals, he emphasizes the importance of software skills while working to address immediate community needs like borewells and school facilities. His office-cum-home in Tenkasi serves as a hub for both political strategy and community service.

The BJP district president has pledged to prioritize Tenkasi’s interests, aiming for comprehensive development that benefits all residents. His goal is to see the district become both prosperous and peaceful. Ananthan’s choice to return to rural Tamil Nadu might seem surprising for someone who could have continued earning six-figure salaries in America. However, he sees it as fulfilling a long-held desire to transform the region that shaped him. He particularly remembers his academically brilliant classmates who couldn’t succeed due to their circumstances, expressing a deep-seated desire to help others overcome similar barriers.

(With inputs from Swarajya)

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BJP TN Chief Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Activist Jagbar Ali’s Murder, Demands Justice Amid Allegations Of Inaction On Illegal Mining

By
The Commune
-
BJP TN Chief Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Activist Jagbar Ali's Murder, Demands Justice Amid Allegations Of Inaction On Illegal Mining

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has criticized the DMK government for failing to take strong action in past cases involving the murders of anti-quarry activists has led to the death of another activist in Thirumayam, Pudukottai district. He warned the DMK government that it would face serious consequences if the case is mishandled by only arresting the lorry driver and others, while allowing the true perpetrators remain unpunished.

On 19 January 2025, Annamalai via his official X account stated, “The news that Jagbar Ali, the Secretary of the District Amateur Kabaddi Association and a prominent social activist from the Thirumayam area of Pudukottai district, has been killed by mineral resource looters who ran him over with a lorry is very shocking. Jagbar Ali played a major role in the successful conduct of the Modi Kabaddi League matches in Pudukkottai district. He was active in various fields, including natural resource conservation and the prevention of mineral resource theft. Regarding the mineral theft, even after he met with the Thirumayam Taluk tahsildar and complained 15 days ago, raised the issue with the Assistant Director of the District Mineral Resources Department and the District Collector multiple times, but no action was taken. Now, he has been sacrificed. Tamil Nadu is ruled by anti-social elements and looters to the extent that those who work with the noble aim of protecting natural resources are losing their lives. If government officials and social activists who try to stop the looting of minerals are being killed, what can we say except that the DMK government has emboldened them by repeatedly stating that they can loot sand within ten minutes of coming to power? The DMK government has set a very bad precedent by not taking action against the mineral looters and betraying the person who filed the complaint by revealing his identity. We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral thieves, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them. Furthermore, I warn that the DMK government will face very serious consequences if it tries to divert the case by arresting only the lorry driver and others, leaving aside the real culprits behind this murder—the mineral looters.” 

Current Case Status

On 19 January 2025, the Thirumayam police arrested four individuals, including a lorry owner, in connection with the suspicious death of activist K. Jagbar Ali. The 58-year-old AIADMK member and outspoken critic of illegal mining was reportedly killed after being run over by a lorry near Thirumayam on 17 January 2025.

Jagbar Ali, a resident of Vengalur in Thirumayam taluk, was well-known for his efforts to combat illegal quarrying in the area. According to reports, on 17 January afternoon, Ali was returning home on his two-wheeler after attending prayers at a mosque when a lorry struck him, resulting in his immediate death.

Ali’s wife, Maryam, filed a complaint at the Thirumayam police station the next day, alleging foul play. She explained that her husband had frequently raised concerns about local stone quarry irregularities and even took legal action in the Madurai High Court against illegal mining operators. Maryam further stated that Ali had previously reported receiving death threats from those involved in the illegal activities. She believes the lorry deliberately ran him over.

Ali’s brothers, who reportedly witnessed the incident, also suggested that the way the lorry struck Ali raised suspicions of premeditation. In her complaint, Maryam pointed out that individuals associated with a quarrying company in Thulaiyanur might be connected to the incident and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

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Hindenburg Research’s Nate Anderson Accused Of Working With Hedge Funds To Manipulate Stock Prices

By
The Commune
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Hindenburg Research's Nate Anderson Accused Of Working With Hedge Funds To Manipulate Stock Prices

According to court documents filed in Ontario, Nate Anderson, the ‘activist’ short-seller behind Hindenburg Research, is under investigation for alleged collaboration with hedge funds in preparing reports targeting companies. The allegations surfaced as part of a complex defamation lawsuit involving Canada’s Anson hedge fund.

Documents submitted to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice reveal that Anson’s head, Moez Kassam, stated his firm shared research “with a wide variety of sources,” including Anderson’s Hindenburg Research. The filings suggest that Hindenburg may have worked with Anson on a report, raising concerns about potential securities fraud. If proven, such undisclosed coordination between short-sellers and hedge funds could lead to charges by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Short-selling involves borrowing shares, selling them, and repurchasing them at a lower price after a stock decline, often triggered by negative reports. The involvement of hedge funds is particularly concerning, as they could place parallel bets, exacerbating downward pressure on stock prices.

The website Market Frauds, which reviewed the court documents, claimed that email exchanges between Anderson and Anson indicated that Hindenburg was effectively acting on Anson’s instructions. “Anderson had no editorial control and was being directed on what to publish,” the website alleged, sharing screenshots of purported email interactions to support its claims.

The documents also reference a 2020 Hindenburg report on Facedrive, a Canadian ride-sharing company, which accused the firm of being overvalued and excessively compensating promoters. Court filings suggest Anson had prior knowledge of the report’s release and communicated with Anderson about it.

These revelations come amid a separate investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and the SEC. In June, Anson Funds Management and Anson Advisors Inc. agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle SEC claims, without admitting wrongdoing, for failing to disclose payments to external publishers of negative research.

Last week, Anderson announced the closure of Hindenburg Research, which gained global attention in 2023 for its reports on billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate. The reports triggered political controversies and significant financial losses. Anderson did not specify a reason for the shutdown but expressed a desire to spend more time with family and friends.

“Nearly 100 individuals have faced civil or criminal charges, in part due to our work, including billionaires and oligarchs,” Anderson wrote in his announcement. “We’ve shaken some empires that we believed needed shaking.”

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DMK Govt Removes Maha Kumbh Mela Banner Glorifying Sanatana Dharma Amid Backlash From Dravidianist Groups

By
The Commune
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DMK Govt Removes Maha Kumbh Mela Banner Glorifying Sanatana Dharma Amid Backlash From Dravidianist Groups

The Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to remove banners displaying advertisements for the “Maha Kumbh Mela” after facing strong backlash from Dravidianist groups. The banners, which promoted the Uttar Pradesh government’s event featuring Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carried the message: “The beauty of Sanātana, the glory of Maha Kumbh Mela. Celebrate the wonderful culture of human society.” The Dravidianist and Periyarists deemed these advertisements unacceptable, prompting the government to take down the banners.

The controversy sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many accusing the ruling DMK of being consistently opposed to Sanātana Dharma. DMK Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed such views publicly on multiple occasions, and his son, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, further escalated the situation by organizing an “Eradicating Sanātana Conference.” In response to the banners celebrating the Maha Kumbh Mela, netizens targeted the ruling DMK, accusing them of aligning with the BJP and helping their narratives in the state.

In this context, the DMK’s unofficial mouthpiece and Dravidian propaganda handle ‘YouTurn,’ has defended the government’s decision in removing the banners. They placed the blame on the previous AIADMK government, claiming it was their responsibility. However, netizens quickly criticized this, pointing out that the current government has been in power for three years and questioning how they could continue to blame their predecessors.

In a post on social media platform X, YouTurn stated, “The advertisement about Sanātana has been removed. During the last AIADMK regime, private companies were given contracts to purchase advertisements and publish them in cinema halls. There is no government involvement in such advertisements. However, these advertisements have been removed after controversy.”

Some of the criticisms expressed are outlined below.

https://twitter.com/SensThamizh/status/1880916997200109631

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DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar babu Makes Insensitive Comments About Devotees Standing In Queue For Long Time At Tiruchendur Temple

By
The Commune
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DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar babu Makes Insensitive Comments About Devotees Standing In Queue For Long Time At Tiruchendur Temple

A viral video featuring PK Sekar Babu, the DMK Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), has sparked widespread backlash on social media. In the video, Sekar Babu appears to insult devotees in Tiruchendur by saying, “He goes to Tirupati and waits 24 hours in queue, but that won’t count,” disregarding the long wait and hardships of the devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, who were struggling in a long queue with inadequate facilities.

The Tiruchendur temple’s beach area is also grappling with severe sea erosion. A large 7-foot-wide crater has formed in the bathing area in front of the temple, prompting authorities to ban devotees from bathing there. This damage to the temple beach has led to calls for the government to address the ongoing erosion issue.

In response to these concerns, DMK Thoothukkudi MP Kanimozhi, HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, and District Collector K. Elam bahavath visited the Tiruchendur temple beach on 18 January 2025. During their visit, a group of devotees, who had been waiting for over four hours on the public darshan queue to see the deity, began shouting slogans at the ministers. They complained about a lack of drinking water, the inability to see the deity, and the crowded conditions, especially with children.

One of the women devotees expressed her distress, saying, “We can’t move in this crowd, and the children are starting to faint.”

Another angry devotee also voiced his frustration, saying, “Look at how many children are crying and shouting here. There’s no milk, nothing, without it they are crying in distress. We are humans too, right?” He pointed out the unbearable conditions after standing in the queue for long hours.

As the ministers walked by, having arrived to inspect the Tiruchendur beach erosion, another devotee, standing on the rail, shouted, “We condemn the HR&CE department!”

In the midst of this, HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu remarked, “What shall we do? If he is in a queue. One should stand in queue if he comes to temple. He goes to Tirupati and waits 24 hours in queue, but that won’t count,” while walking away from the crowd. The exchange, along with the video of the incident, has since gone viral on social media. Members of various Hindu organizations have expressed their anger, accusing the minister of making disrespectful comments towards the devotees.

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