Home Blog Page 453

BJP TN President Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Healthcare Failures Following Death In Ramanathapuram PHC

BJP TN President Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Healthcare Failures Following Death In Ramanathapuram PHC

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has sharply criticized the state’s health department and healthcare infrastructure, accusing the DMK-led administration of failing to appoint sufficient doctors in government hospitals, leading to avoidable deaths. His remarks were prompted by the recent death of an individual named Pandithurai, who died after being electrocuted in Ramanathapuram. The tragedy occurred when no doctor was available to administer first aid, highlighting the shortage of medical staff in the region.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Annamalai expressed his shock over the incident, stating, “The news that Pandithurai, who came for emergency treatment after being electrocuted at the R.S. Mangalam Primary Health Center in Ramanathapuram district, died without even receiving first aid due to the absence of a doctor is very shocking. I express my deepest heartfelt condolences to his family. The number of deaths in the health sector has increased significantly throughout Tamil Nadu. The fundamental reason for this is the failure to appoint enough doctors. It has been revealed through a recent Right to Information Act query that 1,467 vacant doctor posts across Tamil Nadu have not been filled. Despite the fact that vacancies across various government sectors not being filled, the fact that even enough doctors being appointed even in the health sector, who are responsible for the lives of the public shows that the DMK government takes the lives of poor, ordinary citizens seeking treatment at government hospitals as trifle.”

Annamalai further criticized Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, questioning his inaction in addressing the crisis. “We are losing at least one life a week in Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system. Instead of addressing this, what important work is the minister doing in health sector? After lives are lost, will the relief theatrics you perform bring those lost lives back?” he said.

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

North Korea Claims Successful Test Of New Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Missile

North Korea Claims Successful Test Of New Intermediate-Range Hypersonic Missile.

North Korea said on Tuesday that it has successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead, claiming that the weapons system will reliably deter any rivals in the Pacific region.

But the South Korean military said the North’s claimed success of a hypersonic missile launch could be “deception,” raising questions about its flight distance and other specifications.

North Korea said the missile flew some 1,500 kilometres at 12 times the speed of sound the previous day during the testing overseen by leader Kim Jong-un via a monitoring system, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Monday that the North’s suspected hypersonic missile, fired from the Pyongyang area, flew about 1,100 km before falling into the East Sea.

The North Korean leader said the development of such a missile was aimed at bolstering the country’s nuclear war deterrent by “making the weapon system to which no one can respond the linchpin of strategic deterrence.”

“The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state,” Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA. “The system can deal a serious military strike to a rival while effectively breaking any dense defensive barrier,” he added.

The North’s latest missile launch, the first provocation in about two months, came about two weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.

It also came amid political turmoil in South Korea sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched martial law imposition last month and his subsequent impeachment by the National Assembly.

“North Korea probably intended to flex its muscle against the United States. As it said the latest launch was a test-firing, the weapons system does not appear to be completed, pointing to demand (to further develop) in terms of military technology,” an official at South Korea’s unification ministry told reporters.

A hypersonic missile is usually hard to intercept with existing missile defence shields. It travels at a speed of at least Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound — and is designed to be manoeuvrable on unpredictable flight paths and fly at low altitudes. The KCNA said the hypersonic glide vehicle atop the new IRBM reached its first peak at a height of 99.8 km and the second at 42.5 km while making a 1,500-km-long flight as scheduled before hitting a designated target point at sea.

But the South Korean military dismissed the North’s claim as a “deception,” saying there was no second peak. “The flight range analysed by South Korea, the US and Japan was around 1,100 km and (the missile) did not reach a second peak,” JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-un told a regular press briefing, noting the North has a track record of “exaggerating.” North Korea also claimed a new compound of carbon fibre was used in manufacturing the engine body of the hypersonic missile, and an unspecified “comprehensive and effective” method was introduced for the flight and guidance control system.

Experts said the North appeared to fire the upgraded version this week of a hypersonic missile that it launched in April last year. Pyongyang then claimed the IRBM loaded with a hypersonic glide vehicle flew 1,000 km. The South’s JCS then said the missile flew 600 km, calling the North’s claims partially “exaggerated,” although it said Pyongyang appears to have made some technological progress in its hypersonic weapons program.

“As the North has claimed it has acquired technology that is ‘by no means easy,’ there could be a technical improvement of its own. But it is also hard to exclude the possibility of technical cooperation from Russia,” Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said.

North Korea and Russia have been deepening military cooperation under a mutual defence treaty signed in June, with the North accused of sending more than 11,000 troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

Hypersonic missiles, nuclear-powered submarines, spy satellites, and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles are among the sophisticated weapons Kim vowed to develop during a key party congress in 2021.

At a year-end party meeting, the North’s leader said his country would carry out the “toughest” counteraction strategy toward the US and claimed that military cooperation among South Korea, the US and Japan has expanded into a “military bloc for aggression.”

–IANS

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

Second Victim Alleges Forced Sterilization At Tirunelveli Government Hospital, After Hindu Munnani Functionary’s Arrest Who Raised The Issue

Second Victim Alleges Forced Sterilization At Tirunelveli Government Hospital, After Hindu Munnani Functionary's Arrest Who Raised The Issue

Following the arrest of Hindu Munnani’s State Secretary Kutralanathan on 5 January 2025, over a social media post accusing the Tirunelveli Government Medical College and Hospital of implanting contraceptive devices on Hindu women without their consent, another woman has now come forward with a similar complaint of forced sterlization.

In a social media post sharing the letter of complaint, Hindu Munnani, through its official X account, stated, “While Hindu Munnani State Secretary Kutralanathan has been arrested in connection with the forced sterilization issue, a woman who saw the news on television has voluntarily come forward to complain that she, too, was subjected to forced sterilization at the government hospital. After the first woman filed her complaint, a second woman has also lodged a complaint at the police station, causing a significant stir.”

In her complaint letter, the woman recounted her distressing experience, stating, “I reside at the address mentioned above and got married to Saravanakumar on 07/07/2023. While pregnant, I was admitted to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital on 25/11/2024 at 8:15 pm for maternity care. That night, around 11:30 pm, I gave birth to a baby boy via surgery, while unconscious. Upon waking up, I discovered that a contraceptive device (Copper-T) had been inserted into me without my consent or any prior discussion. When I inquired about this with the doctor and nurse who treated me, they informed me that the insertion had been carried out as per the instructions of the Dean, RMO, ARMO, and other authorities at the hospital. They stated that it was a government rule to insert such devices. When I questioned whether they would perform the same procedure after the birth of their own first child, their indifferent response was that they do this to all Hindu women.”

“On 03/12/2024, the doctors advised me to leave the hospital. However, due to improper insertion of the contraceptive device, I began experiencing excessive bleeding and severe health complications, causing great distress and physical suffering. The physical harm I’ve endured is a result of the negligence of the Dean, RMO, ARMO, and the doctors and nurses at the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital. On 27/12/2024, I sought treatment at the Kandiya Peri Government Hospital due to the continuous bleeding. There, the doctors confirmed that the contraceptive device had been improperly inserted, leading to my ongoing health issues. They advised me to return to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment. I went back that day, but the doctors at Tirunelveli did not offer proper treatment or attention, further worsening my condition.”, she stated.

“I have already submitted a formal complaint to the Director of Public Health, Tirunelveli Zone, regarding this incident, and I have attached a copy of that complaint herewith. The doctors and hospital staff’s lack of care and the forced insertion of the contraceptive device have resulted in my current poor health. I urge you to take immediate action against the hospital administration, the doctor, the nurse, the Dean, the RMO, and the ARMO responsible for this grave neglect and violation of my rights.” She added. The woman’s complaint demands that accountability be established for her health issues, with a call for action against those who she believes are responsible for her suffering.

Background

Kutralanathan had alleged that a pregnant woman from Tirunelveli Town was recently admitted to the hospital for delivery, where a copper-T contraceptive device was inserted without her or her family’s consent.

In his post, Kutralanathan demanded immediate action against the medical professionals involved and claimed that the non-consensual insertion of the contraceptive device on a Hindu woman was part of a deliberate effort to reduce the Hindu population through forced sterilization, a statement that quickly stirred controversy.

The hospital administration, facing public backlash, filed a formal complaint at the Tirunelveli Highground Police Station. In response, the police registered a case and arrested Kutralanathan while he was attending a committee meeting at the Hindu Munnani office on on 5 January. Further investigations are ongoing.

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

“Half-Cooked Food, Freezing Nights”: Parents Expose Republic Day Games Ordeal Organized By SDAT Led By Dy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin In Madurai

Parents Expose Republic Day Games Ordeal Organized By SDAT Led By Dy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin In Madurai

Parents of athletes have criticized the sports administration overseeing the 65th Republic Day Games in Madurai, accusing them of failing to provide basic facilities for the athletes participating in the three-day event starting from 6 January 2024. The student-athletes were subjected to poor conditions, including substandard, undercooked food, freezing cold temperatures during overnight stays, and a lack of morning meals. Notably, the sports meet is organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, led by DMK scion and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The Madurai District Physical Education department was sanctioned to conduct 65th Republic Day Sports Meet for the 17-year-old age group, involving men’s and women’s teams, physical education teachers, and coaches for volleyball, football, hockey, and table tennis from 38 districts. Participants arrived in Madurai on the evening before the event began.

Unbearable Conditions

The girls were housed at the KACA Arunachal Nadar School in Jaihindpuram, Madurai, where they faced dire conditions. The classrooms had only two large windows and iron-barred doors, and due to the lack of wooden doors, cold winds blew through the night, making the athletes uncomfortable and unable to sleep. Despite receiving blankets, there was no other provision to protect them from the cold. The students expressed how difficult it was to maintain their sportsmanship in such adverse conditions after training year-round for this competition. The poor toilet facilities also led to health issues, including urinary infections.

Poor Food Quality

During the football and volleyball matches held at TVS Sundaram Higher Secondary School in Madurai, students, coaches, and teachers complained about the quality of the food provided. Breakfast served before the competition was a half-cooked Pongal. Due to the time constraints, the athletes had to buy bread and buns on their own and quickly head to the matches. For lunch, they were served kuska, which was described as resembling clay balls and was inedible. With no time or opportunity to complain, many athletes were forced to spend their own money at nearby hotels for food.

Over 2,000 students participated in these competitions, and most faced similar hardships, including poor food quality. A similar situation occurred in the Vadipatti sports competitions, affecting more than 1,200 students.

Action Taken by Authorities

Upon learning of the issues, Madurai CEO Renuka responded by addressing the complaints. She explained that in some areas, such as Race course, sambar was served with Pongal half cooked, leading to concerns about food safety. An investigation was conducted, and food safety officials inspected the contractor’s food preparation facilities. As a result, the catering contract was terminated, and a new contractor was hired to ensure quality food was served to the students in the afternoon. A special monitoring committee was also set up to oversee the distribution of food moving forward.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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

How ‘Rich, Opinionated & Dangerous’ George Soros’s Influence Is Driving Refugee Flows, Grooming Gangs, & Islamization In The West

Amid the refugee and asylum seeker crisis dominating headlines across Europe and America for years, one man—billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros—has been linked to orchestrating the chaos. Soros has used his immense wealth for years to push policies and fund initiatives that have contributed to the crisis, all under the guise of humanitarian aid. His network of influence is vast, and with billions of dollars at his disposal, Soros has effectively weaponized the refugee situation to create a manufactured disaster, destabilizing both Europe and America.

The Rise Of The Crisis

In 2015, Soros openly called for the European Union to accept over a million asylum seekers annually. With his backing, various NGOs and political groups aligned with his views began to pressure European governments to open their borders. Soros even argued that it would be more efficient and cost-effective to manage asylum seekers close to their home countries—another part of his elaborate plan to reshape Europe’s immigration policies.

But behind the compassionate rhetoric, there lies a calculated effort to exacerbate a crisis and create division.

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban also exposed how Soros ensured that the EU had to accept the refugees and migrants. In a press interaction, he says, “Mr. George Soros published his plan in English in the Project Syndicate publication in 2015. He said very clearly that, quoting again, the EU has to accept at least a million asylum seekers annually. So, this is why the story is not just about migration, but it’s about how this European Union is working and how George Soros was able to capture the main positions inside many institutions of the European Union, buying out MPs and other leaders and in order to execute the plan.”

The vast influx of refugees from conflict-ridden regions like Syria and Afghanistan soon overwhelmed European governments. While well-intentioned in their desire to help those fleeing war and persecution, many European nations found themselves ill-prepared for the flood of asylum seekers. The situation created a perfect storm for political turmoil—citizens in many countries began to feel the strain of unchecked immigration. The social fabric began to unravel as tensions between local populations and incoming refugees reached a boiling point. Soros, however, had already begun pushing his own agenda.

The Soros Agenda

At the heart of Soros’ strategy is a long-term push for open borders and the erosion of national sovereignty. By using his wealth to fund organizations that support these policies, Soros has effectively turned the asylum crisis into a tool for his own political gains. His foundations, such as the Open Society Foundations, fund a wide range of political activities and NGOs that push for policies that weaken national control over immigration.

Critics argue that Soros’ intervention in the European asylum system is a deliberate attempt to sow division within the EU. By making countries feel the strain of excessive immigration and undermining the stability of national governments, he is, according to some, intentionally manufacturing a crisis that weakens European unity.

A Manufactured Crisis?

While Soros claims to be helping asylum seekers, many argue that his interventions have led to a surge in immigration that Europe was ill-equipped to handle. The refugees, often arriving in waves, quickly turned from individuals seeking safety to a politically charged issue that European leaders could no longer ignore.

The debate over refugees has led to widespread unrest, with many citizens in Europe questioning their governments’ ability to protect their own borders. The situation has fueled the rise of far-right parties across the continent, with politicians using the migrant crisis as a rallying cry for anti-immigrant policies. Meanwhile, Soros-funded organizations push for continued immigration, framing the crisis as a humanitarian issue rather than an economic or security concern.

What Has This Manufactured Crisis Led To?

Soros’ influence is not limited to Europe. In the United States, his billions have also been used to fund advocacy groups and political campaigns that support open-border policies. The US, struggling with its own immigration challenges, has seen a rising tide of refugees and asylum seekers making their way across the southern border.

Just a few days ago, we heard of the news of a longstanding problem that came out in the open – sexual grooming by Muslim (in this case Pakistani immigrants majorly) immigrants who raped and assaulted little girls in the UK.

Grooming Gangs In UK

The Rotherham child sexual exploitation/grooming scandal involved the organized abuse of over 1,400 girls, primarily from care homes, by British-Pakistani men between 1997 and 2013. The abuse included gang rape, trafficking, and violence, and was often facilitated by taxi drivers and other perpetrators who targeted vulnerable children. Despite reports of the abuse dating back to the early 1990s, local authorities failed to act, citing concerns about racism and reputational damage. The scandal was eventually exposed by a Times investigation and a subsequent independent inquiry, which found that the council had a culture of covering up information and silencing whistleblowers. The government replaced the council’s elected officers with commissioners and launched new police inquiries, resulting in the conviction of 19 men and two women for sexual offenses. The victims, mostly white British girls, were subjected to horrific abuse, including being doused with petrol and threatened with violence. The Pakistani Muslim perpetrators used tactics such as grooming and manipulation to control their victims, and a network of associates and family members often facilitated the abuse.

Islamization Of The Region

Over the past 20 years, Europe has witnessed a significant rise in both violent and non-violent forms of Islamism. France has been particularly affected, with over 30 terrorist incidents in the last decade, including the attacks on the Bataclan theatre and the Charlie Hebdo publisher in 2015, as well as the beheading of a French school teacher in 2020. Other European cities, such as Brussels, Vienna, and London, have also experienced Islamist attacks, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. The estimated 5,000 individuals who traveled from Europe to join ISIS in the 2010s, with over 2,000 from France, have contributed to the spread of radical ideology and violent acts at home. Knife attacks have become increasingly common, with a nearly 40% increase in Germany alone from 2021 to 2023. Non-violent expressions of Islamism, such as street prayers and pro-Gaza demonstrations, have also become more prevalent, often featuring banned symbols of terrorist organizations and anti-Semitic chants. The formation of “parallel societies” and “no-go” areas in European cities, where Islamists restrict contact with non-Muslims and encourage extremism, has raised concerns about the erosion of Judeo-Christian culture and the spread of Islamist ideology.

Sharia Law In Europe

The rapid influx of Muslim immigrants from outside the EU has led to a significant increase in Muslim communities across Belgium and Europe. As a result, the principles of Islamic extremism and Sharia law, which often conflict with European values such as democratic principles and equal rights for men and women, are becoming more widespread in urban areas. This trend poses a serious threat to European security, as evidenced by the rising number of terrorist attacks targeting European civilians, including the recent incident in Barcelona. Radical Islamic groups, such as the one led by Fouad Belkacem, are becoming increasingly prominent and violent, with some advocating for the imposition of Sharia law in European cities, including Brussels, where they aim to establish their own set of rules.

As of 2024, it was reported that there were atleast 50 million Muslims in entire Europe. In the US, it is reported that there are 2.5 million Muslim voters as of 2024. It is noteworthy that in both Europe and North America, there are “Muslim” localities, for example, Dearborn, a city in the United States, has the highest concentration of Muslim residents relative to its overall population, making it the city with the largest proportion of Muslims in the country.

This pattern can be seen across Europe and North America, if not other parts of the world. 

Let’s take another example – the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar highlighted the growing influence of Islam in Europe. The Moroccan team’s behavior, including brutal tackles and urging people to join Islam, raised concerns about the radicalization of Islam. In Europe, Muslims rioted and clashed with police after Morocco’s wins and losses, including in Paris, Brussels, and London. This violence is seen as a form of karma for European countries that colonized and exploited North African countries.

Many French Muslim youth are well-educated and successful but still prioritize their Islamic identity over their French nationality. This has led to a growing trend of Islamization in France, with many non-Muslims embracing Islamic customs and values. The article suggests that this is a form of revenge for the historical exploitation of Muslims by European colonizers.

The radicalization of Islam became a widespread phenomenon in Europe, with countries like Belgium, Germany, and the UK experiencing periodic traumas and violence. There have been Muslim-led riots, attacks on non-Muslims, and the growing influence of Sharia law in these countries. Some of these instances include:

  1. Riots in Brussels after Morocco’s win over Belgium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where fans smashed shop windows, threw fireworks, and torched vehicles.
  2. Clashes in Paris after Morocco’s win over Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where riot police used teargas to disperse the crowd.
  3. Riots in Paris after France beat Morocco in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where fans clashed with police and set cars on fire.
  4. Attack in Leicester, England, where Muslims attacked Hindus in 2022.
  5. The 2015 Bataclan attacks in Paris, which were carried out by Belgian Muslims.
  6. The 2016 Brussels airport bombing, which was also carried out by Belgian Muslims.
  7. The 2015-2016 New Year’s Eve assaults in Germany, where 200 women were assaulted and sometimes raped by Muslims.

A Global Agenda

George Soros’ grand plan appears to extend far beyond Europe and the US. With his billions flowing into organizations that promote open borders, his influence has spread across the globe. Critics argue that Soros is not merely a philanthropist; he is an architect of a global social experiment, using the asylum-seeker crisis as a tool to push his vision of a borderless world.

As developed countries face mounting pressure from refugee flows, many citizens are asking: Who benefits from this chaos? While Soros may claim to be acting out of humanitarian concern, it is pretty clear that these actions of his are designed to disrupt the existing order and force governments to adopt policies that serve his globalist agenda.

The asylum-seeker crisis was not a spontaneous event. It is the result of deliberate actions taken by individuals like George Soros, who have used their immense wealth to influence governments and shape public opinion. By pushing for open borders, Soros has effectively created a manufactured crisis, one that continues to fuel political and social upheaval across the West.

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

New Glenn Rocket Of Amazon’s Blue Origin To Be Launched On Jan 10

New Glenn Rocket Of Amazon's Blue Origin To Be Launched On Jan 10

Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, said on Tuesday that it is targeting January 10 for the launch of its massive new rocket, New Glenn.

“New Glenn’s inaugural mission (NG-1) is targeting no earlier than Friday, January 10, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida,” the company said in a blog post.

“NG-1 is our first National Security Space Launch certification flight,” it added. New Glenn will carry a payload — Blue Ring Pathfinder, which will test key systems for the Defense Innovation Unit’s Orbital Logistics programme.

The company noted that the mission’s main aim is to reach orbit safely. It also plans to make an “ambitious” landing of the booster in the Atlantic — the company’s first try offshore. “This is our first flight, and we’ve prepared rigorously for it,” said Jarrett Jones, SVP, New Glenn. “But no amount of ground testing or mission simulations is a replacement for flying this rocket. It’s time to fly. No matter what happens, we’ll learn, refine, and apply that knowledge to our next launch,” he added.

In December, Blue Origin announced that New Glenn successfully completed the crucial hot-fire test. It was the first test of the integrated launch vehicle.

During the test, the vehicle remained firmly clamped to the launchpad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. After the hot-fire test, the encapsulated Blue Ring Pathfinder was integrated into the launch vehicle.

The company also received a commercial space launch license for New Glenn’s launch from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Blue Ring Pathfinder integrated. Launch license received. Here we go!” said Dave Limp, CEO, of Blue Origin in a post on social media platform X.

New Glenn’s debut launch was originally targeted for 2020 but delays in the BE-4’s development have postponed it repeatedly. Standing 98 metres tall, New Glenn is the largest and most powerful rocket ever built and launched. It is named after NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, completing three orbits in 1962.

–IANS

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

Adani Stocks Up On Positive Developments, Market Cap Jumps To Nearly ₹12.8 Lakh Crore

Adani Power's Stock Has Upside Potential Of 54.5% In Next 24 Months: Ventura

Adani Group shares saw a bullish trend on Tuesday, as buying was seen in almost all of the group’s stocks, led by Adani Green Energy and Adani Power. At 1.19 p.m., Adani Green Energy gained 2.47 per cent, Adani Power gained 2.33 per cent, and Adani Energy Solutions gained 1.96 per cent.

Apart from this, Adani Group’s flagship company Adani Enterprises stock was up 1.72 per cent. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) stock is trading with a gain of 1.36 per cent and Adani Total Gas stock is up by about 0.3 per cent. The stock of the group’s cement companies Ambuja and ACC was up by about 1.50 per cent.

During this period, the market cap of the group has increased by about Rs 16,000 crore to nearly Rs 12.80 lakh crore. In the recent past, there have been many positive developments about Adani Group’s companies that boost investors’ confidence.

Recently, Adani Petrochemicals, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, announced a joint venture with Indorama Resources named ‘Valor Petrochem’. Adani Petrochemicals will have a 50 per cent stake in this joint venture.

Through this joint venture, the Adani Group plans to take advantage of Indorama’s expertise in the petrochemicals sector. Adani Petrochemicals was established in 2021.

It aims to set up refineries and petrochemical complexes in the country. Indorama Ventures, the parent company of Indorama Resources, is a leading global petrochemical company with operations in over 35 countries.

Thailand-based Indorama is one of the world’s largest producers of integrated polyester products and fibres and a major chemical sector player.

Meanwhile, Sensex and Nifty were trading in the green with a rise of nearly 0.4 per cent. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,724 stocks were trading in green, while 487 stocks were in red.

–IANS

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

“Mini-Emergency In TN, Boomerang Will Hit In 2026”, DMDK Gen Secy Premalatha Slams DMK Stifling Opposition Voices, Backs Governor

Mini-Emergency In TN, Boomerang Will Hit In 2026, DMDK Gen Secy Premalatha Slams DMK Stifling Opposition Voices, Backs Governor

On 6 January 2025, DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth accused the ruling DMK of imposing a ‘mini-emergency‘ in Tamil Nadu. She made this statement after her party was denied permission to hold a protest in Chennai against several issues, including the recent sexual assault of a girl student on the Anna University campus, the rampant availability of drugs, and the ongoing struggle faced by the farmers affected after cyclone Fengal. She also voiced her support for Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and stated that there was no harm in playing the National Anthem twice in the Assembly, as per the Governor’s request.

DMDK supporters, led by party Deputy General Secretary B Parthasarathi, staged protests in front of the Chennai Collectorate and near Maduravoyal, where several party members were arrested.

Premalatha strongly condemned the government’s refusal to grant permission for the protest. “Have we ever caused any violence, damaged public property, or disrupted the public? We applied for permission, and they remained silent until the very end before denying it. The state government has effectively imposed a mini-emergency. The DMK organized numerous protests when it was in the opposition. Why are people now being denied the right to express their views in a democratic country? Opposition parties must have the freedom to voice their concerns and organize protests. No one should have the right to suppress them,” she said.

She also accused the DMK of hypocrisy, pointing out how their behavior has changed once in power. “When the AIADMK was in charge, the DMK criticized the ₹2500 Pongal gift as insufficient. Now, in power, they’re not even offering ₹1000 for the festival. They claim there’s no revenue—where is the revenue?” she questioned.

Additionally, Premalatha defended the Governor’s request to play the National Anthem twice in the Assembly. “Whenever the Governor comes to the Assembly, a similar situation arises. He attends once or twice a year, and what is he asking for? National Anthem be sung with the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, and after all the speech concludes, the National Anthem should be played again. What is wrong with this? you can sing the National Anthem twice. My question is, what are you going to lose by doing what the Governor asks? Shouldn’t the National Anthem be sung twice in the Assembly? He walked out because his request was ignored. The same situation faced by the public. We are asking for our right to demonstrate but they are refusing to grant permission. Today, the Governor walked out, and parties like ours were arrested for protesting—this is happening now. There’s oppression everywhere. Stalin wants to suppress and control everything. There’s no doubt that in the 2026 elections, the people will teach you a lesson, just like a boomerang.”

She strongly asserted, “Our opinion is, singing the National Anthem twice is not wrong. If they try to make an issue out of it, then he (the Governor) is simply exercising his authority and walking out.”

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

“Don’t Ask Me Political Questions”, Says Rajinikanth To Reporter When Asked About Women’s Safety In TN Amidst Anna University Sexual Assault Case

"Don't Ask Me Political Questions", Says Rajinikanth To Reporter When Asked About Women's Safety In TN Amidst Anna University Sexual Assault Case

Actor Rajinikanth dismissed a question on women’s safety as “political” in the wake of the Anna University sexual assault case during a press interaction at Chennai airport, drawing criticism for his tone-deaf response. The actor, who is currently working on the much-anticipated film Coolie, departed from Chennai to Bangkok last night for the next phase of the shoot and met with reporters at the Chennai airport before departing for his destination. Rajinikanth’s tryst with reporters continues, and once again, he has made a very insensitive comment about issues plaguing society.

At the Chennai airport, his fans greeted Rajinikanth with cheers of “Thalaiva”. The actor, however, asked them to remain calm. He briefly interacted with the press, confirming the progress of Coolie. When asked about updates regarding the film he was currently shooting, Rajinikanth cheerfully responded. However, when a journalist attempted to ask a question about women’s safety in Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth’s facial expression changed instantly. He curtly interrupted, reminding them that he had repeatedly requested not to askpolitical questions“.

It is noteworthy to mention that Rajiinikanth had commented on various issues under the AIADMK regime – the notable being the Sathankulam custodial death of Bennix and Jayaraj when Rajinikanth released an angry picture of himself with the caption “Truly, we should not let them (culprits) escape”.

One wonders how a question about the law and order/safety of women in the state where he resides becomes political, especially when the Anna University sexual assault case has been making headlines for more than a week now.

Netizens, mostly fans, who were eagerly awaiting his entry into politics, lashed out at him for making such a statement. Here are some netizen reactions:

In the past few weeks, Rajinikanth has been criticised for his insensitive and ignorant comments to airport reporters.

Actor Rajinikanth faced backlash after a controversial response during a press interaction at Chennai airport. When asked about the first death anniversary of his close friend and fellow actor Vijayakanth, Rajinikanth appeared to misunderstand the question and casually said Congrats.When they clarified that Vijayakanth had passed away a year ago and they were remembering him on his first anniversary, Rajinikanth responded, Oh, is that so? and shifted the conversation to his ongoing film project.

The incident occurred as Vijayakanth’s fans and supporters marked his first death anniversary on 28 December 2024. Rajinikanth’s comment, seen as insensitive given his close relationship with Vijayakanth, drew significant online criticism.

Following the floods that devastated Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts, actor Rajinikanth sparked controversy with his response to a question about a landslide in Tiruvannamalai triggered by Cyclone Fengal, which claimed the lives of seven people. His remarks were criticized as tone-deaf and insensitive, given the severity of the tragedy.

Upon being informed about the tragedy at the airport, Rajinikanth appeared momentarily shocked, asking,When?before offering a brief and seemingly indifferent,Oh my god, I am extremely sorry.Moments later, he shifted the conversation to discussing his films with a smile.

(With inputs from ETV Bharat)

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

Here’s What Official Documents Say About Playing Of National Anthem In TN Assembly

Here's What Official Documents Say About Playing Of National Anthem In TN Assembly

The ruling DMK government is under heavy criticism as it enters the second year in a row of political tensions with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, especially after he walked out of the Assembly for not playing the National Anthem, even though it is a legal requirement under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). While the Dravidianist media continues to echo the ruling party’s narrative, political leaders across the state have sharply criticized the government’s actions.

They accuse the DMK of blatant hypocrisy, pointing out that while it boasts itself as the guardian of the constitution and the law, it fails to uphold these very principles. The latest controversy stems from the Governor walking out of the Assembly after the mandated National Anthem was not played at the beginning and end of the session. Critics argue that the DMK’s ongoing political game with the Governor undermines the rule of law and constitutional decorum, exposing their double standards.

While the Dravidianist media focuses on the narrative of the Governor walking out, the Chief Minister’s social media post criticism, and statements from DMK leaders, another crucial reality is being willfully ignored by these outlets. Playing the National Anthem at the beginning and end of an Assembly session is not a mere formality, but a legal requirement under the SOP related to the National Anthem. This important detail is conveniently overlooked in the media’s coverage of the ongoing controversy.

The official orders regarding the National Anthem of India states, “The National Anthem is to be played or sung on various occasions. Instructions have been issued over time about the correct versions of the Anthem, the occasions on which it should be played or sung, and the importance of showing respect through proper decorum during such instances.” Specifically, it is mandatory for the National Anthem to be played “on the arrival of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor at formal state functions within his State/Union Territory, and upon his departure from such functions.” These instructions underline the formal and legal obligation to play the Anthem at designated times, a requirement that cannot be overlooked.

In this context, Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has strongly criticized the DMK for playing politics with the National Anthem and the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Taking to his official X account, he called out the hypocrisy of the ruling DMK government, Annamalai pointed out that Tamil Thai Vazhthu was never recited before the Governor’s Address in Tamil Nadu’s State Assembly till 1991. 

From the Assembly records, of July 1991 show that when Jayalalithaa was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Tamizh Thai Vazthu and the National Anthem were played at the commencement and the end of the Governor’s address respectively, for the first time.

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