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Dravidian Model: DMK Govt Bans Budget-Friendly Bike Taxis, Revokes Ban Later

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The Commune
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Dravidian Model: DMK Govt Bans Budget-Friendly Bike Taxis, Revokes Ban Later

On 11 December 2024, the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu reversed its decision to impose a crackdown on gig workers operating bike taxis. This move came just hours after the state’s Transport Commissioner, Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, issued an order banning bike taxis and the use of two-wheelers for commercial purposes. However, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar overturned this order, blaming that there was insufficient clarity from the Centre on the matter.

The initial ban, which followed complaints from auto-rickshaw drivers, instructed officials to launch an enforcement drive and submit a report by 7 PM on 11 December 2024. This sparked confusion and panic among bike taxi operators and their customers across the state.

Minister Sivasankar later clarified that the Central government, which is responsible for formulating nationwide guidelines, had not provided clear regulations concerning the use of two-wheelers for commercial activities. He emphasized that the state was awaiting further clarity from the Centre and the courts before making a final decision. “Currently, there is no effective ban on bike taxis, and they can continue to operate in Tamil Nadu,” he stated.

Tamil Nadu is home to over 400,000 workers employed by platforms like Rapido, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Dunzo, and Zomato. The minister added that drivers must have valid licenses and vehicle insurance documents, and failure to comply would lead to action against them.

Jude Mathew of the Independent Rental Vehicles Owners and Drivers Association urged the government to finalize its policy on bike taxis. He pointed out that the lack of clear guidelines since 2019 had left accident victims using bike taxis without access to compensation or insurance claims. The Madras High Court had previously banned bike taxis in 2018 following a petition by the association, but the ruling was stayed on appeal.

Following this, the state was directed to draft comprehensive regulations, which are still awaiting approval from the transport department. The proposed aggregator policy is intended to regulate fares and establish accountability in case of accidents or violations.

(With inputs from TOI)

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11-Year-Old Shipwreck Survivor Rescued In Italy

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The Commune
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A young girl was rescued from the Mediterranean Sea and brought to Italy’s southern Lampedusa island after being found alone in the water, local media reported.

The rescue was carried out on Wednesday by a ship operated by the charity group Compass Collective, Xinhua news agency reported. The girl is believed to be the sole survivor of a group of about 45 migrants who set sail from Sfax, Tunisia, last week, according to initial accounts. Rescuers said they discovered the girl in the early hours of Wednesday.

Thousands of migrants perish each year while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to reach southern Europe, with Italy, Spain, and Greece being primary destinations.

So far this year, 64,021 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Italy via the central Mediterranean route, compared to 153,126 during the same period in 2023, according to Italy’s interior ministry. In total, 185,623 migrants have reached southern Europe in 2024, with over 175,000 crossing the Mediterranean, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

While overall arrivals have decreased compared to the peak years of 2015-2016, the death toll remains alarmingly high. So far in 2024, approximately 2,250 people have been declared missing or dead, following 4,110 in 2023 and 3,017 in 2022, UNHCR reported.

–IANS

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Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Continue To Be Overrepresented As Homicide Victims

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The Commune
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Canada's Indigenous Peoples Continue To Be Overrepresented As Homicide Victims

Canada’s Indigenous peoples continued to be overrepresented as homicide victims, Statistics Canada said. Just over one in four homicide victims were Indigenous in 2023, despite representing 5 per cent of the overall population, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the national statistical agency.

Similarly, in 2022, 27 per cent of homicide victims were Indigenous and this heightened risk is deeply rooted in the ongoing effects of colonisation, including systemic discrimination, poverty and a legacy of trauma, the agency said.

In 2023, police services reported 778 homicides across the country, 104 fewer victims than the previous year. As a result, the national homicide rate decreased by 14 per cent, from 2.27 to 1.94 homicides per 100,000 population, according to the agency.

This overrepresentation translates to a homicide rate of 9.31 per 100,000 Indigenous people, a figure more than six times higher than the rate for non-Indigenous Canadians, said Statistics Canada.

–IANS

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Auto Drivers Who Fleece Passengers With Exorbitant Rates Want Ban On Bike Taxis That Provide Cheap Rides

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The Commune
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Coimbatore witnessed a dramatic protest on 11 December 2024 as over 300 auto drivers gathered at Lakshmi Mills Junction, demanding a ban on bike taxis. The protesters, who removed their shirts and staged a road roko, alleged that bike taxis were violating traffic rules and eating into their livelihoods. Ironically, this protest comes from a group infamous for fleecing passengers with exorbitant fares, refusing to use meters, and disregarding traffic laws.  

The auto drivers claimed that bike taxis were operating without regulation, unlike autos, which require permits, uniforms, and adherence to certain rules. They argued that bike taxis have drastically reduced their earnings, pushing many to the brink of economic distress. Some protesters even went as far as stating that their livelihoods were so threatened they were considering drastic steps like suicide.  

However, their demands reek of hypocrisy. The auto drivers’ statements were harshly criticized by consumers who aired their views on social media platforms.

For decades, auto drivers in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai and Coimbatore, have exploited passengers, charging outrageous rates while refusing to improve their services. With the advent of bike taxis, which provide affordable and efficient transportation, passengers finally have an alternative to these exploitative practices—and that seems to be precisely what auto drivers fear.  

Auto rickshaw drivers in Tamil Nadu have long earned a notorious reputation for overcharging passengers, especially in cities like Chennai. Instances of charging ₹300–₹400 for trips as short as 6–7 km are alarmingly common. Despite state regulations mandating fare meters, many auto drivers refuse to comply, even operating through platforms like Uber and Ola.  

Passengers, particularly women, often report disrespectful behaviour, further cementing the distrust towards auto drivers. While the supply of autos exceeds demand, this excess hasn’t translated into better service or competitive pricing; instead, it has led to aggressive and exploitative practices.  

Bike Taxis: A Game-Changer in Urban Mobility  

A recent study by KPMG on the potential of bike taxis in India showed that since their introduction, they have emerged as a popular alternative to autos, offering:  

  • Affordable Rides: Bike taxis cater to budget-conscious commuters significantly cheaper than autos or cabs.  
  • Convenience: With doorstep pickups and shorter travel times, they address the needs of modern urban mobility.  
  • Employment Opportunities: They have provided jobs to thousands of young people in urban and semi-urban areas.  

KPMG’s research highlights that traffic congestion costs Indian cities billions annually. Bike taxis alleviate this burden by reducing traffic and providing essential last-mile connectivity, an area where auto drivers have consistently failed to deliver.  

The protesting auto drivers argue that bike taxis operate without permits and regulations, but their record of flouting laws is well-documented. Refusal to use meters, overcharging, reckless driving, and a lack of accountability are rampant among auto drivers.  

Their demands, which include increasing base fares from ₹25 to ₹50 for 1.8 km and raising the per-km charge from ₹12 to ₹25, only underline their unwillingness to adapt to a competitive market. Instead of improving their services, they seek to eliminate competition.  

For commuters, the choice is clear. Bike taxis have offered fresh air in a transportation ecosystem dominated by exploitative auto drivers. The protests have only reinforced public frustration with autos, with many voicing support for bike taxis as the more respectful, affordable, and convenient option.  

The protests by auto drivers reveal a stark unwillingness to adapt to changing times. Instead of addressing their exploitative practices, they seek to ban bike taxis—a solution that has gained public favour. The government must resist these demands and focus on creating a level playing field, ensuring that commuters continue to have access to affordable and efficient mobility options.

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Stalin To Meet Vijayan In Vaikom On Mullaperiyar Dam Maintenance Issue

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The Commune
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Stalin To Meet Vijayan In Vaikom On Mullaperiyar Dam Maintenance Issue

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will meet his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday to discuss the contentious Mullaperiyar dam issue. The meeting will occur in Vaikom in Kerala’s Kottayam district, where CM Stalin will inaugurate the renovated memorial of social reformer and Dravidian ideologue EV Ramasamy Naicker.

Kerala CM Vijayan will preside over the event. Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister and senior DMK leader S Duraimurugan said in the state Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that Stalin and Vijayan would hold talks about the Mullaperiyar issue. The issue gained attention recently when Kerala authorities intercepted vehicles belonging to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department carrying materials for dam maintenance. This obstruction delayed critical repair activities, sparking unrest in Tamil Nadu.

The leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS), raised the issue in the Assembly, emphasising that the delays have caused unrest among residents of five beneficiary districts. These residents recently staged protests before the John Pennycuick statue, demanding uninterrupted maintenance work on the dam.

In response, Duraimurugan reminded the Assembly of the Supreme Court’s clear directive that Kerala must not obstruct any maintenance work undertaken by Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiyar Dam. On December 4, two truckloads of M-sand transported by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) were stopped at the forest check post in Vallakadavu, located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The trucks, stranded since 3 p.m., had prior clearance from Kerala’s Minor Irrigation Department and the Periyar Tiger Reserve Deputy Director.

Tamil Nadu PWD officials expressed frustration, pointing out that detailed estimates for 16 maintenance works planned for 2024 had been submitted to Kerala authorities well in advance. Despite this, the works continued to face obstruction. This incident prompted over 100 farmers to stage a road blockade at Lower Camp on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Their protest, aimed at preventing Kerala vehicles from entering Tamil Nadu, was called off after police intervention. The farmers condemned the Kerala government for hindering maintenance work on the baby dam and demanded an immediate resolution.

Several dignitaries, including Kerala Ministers V.N. Vasavan and Saji Cheriyan, Tamil Nadu Ministers Durai Murugan, EV Velu and MP Saminathan, are expected to address the event in Vaikom. Key officials such as Kerala Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Kottayam District Collector John V. Samuel are also expected to attend the event.

–IANS

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Being Overweight Surpasses Smoking As Australia’s Leading Health Risk

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The Commune
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Being Overweight Surpasses Smoking As Australia's Leading Health Risk

Being overweight has become the leading risk factor contributing to disease in Australia for the first time, according to government data.

On Thursday, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) published its annual Australian Burden of Disease Study for 2024. According to Xinhua news agency, Australians lost a combined 5.8 million years of healthy life due to living with disease and dying prematurely in 2024.

It found that 36 per cent of the loss of healthy life, called the burden of disease, could have been avoided or reduced due to modifiable risk factors.

Being overweight, including obesity, was identified by the AIHW as the leading modifiable risk factor.

Tobacco use was previously the leading risk factor, but the AIHW said its burden of disease has declined 41 per cent since 2003.

“This fall is likely due to declines in smoking prevalence,” AIHW spokesperson Michelle Gourley said in a statement.

The study attributed 8.3 per cent of Australia’s total disease burden in 2024 to the risk factor of being overweight, with tobacco use responsible for 7.6 per cent and all dietary risks for 4.8 per cent.

A separate report published by the AIHW in June found that 66 per cent of Australian adults and 26 per cent of children and adolescents were overweight or obese in 2022.

Thursday’s report found that cancer remained the leading group of diseases causing burden in 2024, accounting for 16.4 per cent of the national loss of healthy life.

For young Australians, mental health conditions, suicide and self-inflicted injuries were the leading contributors of disease burden.

–IANS

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SC Grants Anticipatory Bail To Accused In POCSO Case

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The Commune
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Supreme Court Constitutes SIT To Probe Chennai Minor Sexual Assault Case. statehood ncpcr muslim girl marriage free speech

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to an accused facing allegations of molestation and misbehaviour of a minor girl under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A bench headed by Justice Hrishikesh Roy noted that the accused has cooperated with the investigation, and the charge sheet in the case has yet to be filed.

Asking the accused to further cooperate with the investigation, the Bench, also comprising Justice SVN Bhatti, said that in the event of arrest, he will be allowed to go on bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer.

“As the prosecutrix is a neighbour of the petitioner, the petitioner must maintain physical as well as virtual distance from the prosecutrix and other witnesses in the case,” it added.

Disposing of the accused’s special leave petition, the apex court granted liberty to Rajasthan Police and the informant to move for cancellation of bail, if any violation of this condition is brought to the notice of the trial court. The accused, represented by criminal lawyer Namit Saxena, moved the apex court seeking pre-arrest bail which was declined by the Rajasthan High Court.

The case was registered at Gadhmora police station in Karauli for offences under Sections 354(A) 354(B), 504 of the IPC read with Sections 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act against the petitioner. According to the FIR, when the complainant had visited the accused’s house to charge her phone, he allegedly molested and misbehaved with her. Advocate Saxena contended the prosecutrix’s family, motivated by animosity, fabricated a false story and used the prosecutrix to falsely implicate the accused with the intent of putting him in jail.

“The case against the petitioner is completely false and therefore despite investigating for almost two years, nothing has been found against him at all. That there is no evidence on record, nor has any legitimate proof been given by the prosecutrix to substantiate her allegations. That many family members of petitioner’s family were present in the house at the time of the alleged incident, it is highly unlikely that the events occurred as described in the FIR,” said the petition.

–IANS

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Shehla Rashid Calls PM Modi A ‘Fair Administrator,’ Shares Her Journey From Critic To Admirer

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The Commune
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Shehla Rashid Calls PM Modi A 'Fair Administrator,' Shares Her Journey From Critic To Admirer.

Kashmir-based activist and former JNU student Shehla Rashid, once a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has admired his leadership, calling him a “fair administrator” and highlighting his focus on inclusive development.

Rashid spoke about how the Modi administration stands apart from previous ones, especially regarding schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and others that have benefitted a wide cross-section of society. Talking to IANS, Rashid said, “PM Modi is a fair administrator. When he brings out a scheme, it’s for everyone — whether it’s the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, or any other initiative. Everyone gets its benefits, irrespective of their background. Unlike previous schemes, like the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, today everything is digital. There’s no officer sitting in the office; it’s a completely transparent system where people can access these benefits without discrimination or bribery.”

She further highlighted how the digitalisation of government services has reduced bureaucratic interference and opened doors for people across the country, particularly the marginalised sections of society. “Earlier, there was a clear bias, especially against Muslim women. But today, the system has been made transparent, and anyone who needs help can easily access the government’s benefits without middlemen,” she claimed. Rashid also pointed out that while PM Modi is focussed on providing development for all, he does not specifically highlight any religious community in his policies.

“PM Modi never says that he is doing something for Muslims or Hindus. He speaks of doing things for the poor, for women, and for the youth. He does not use communal language, and he doesn’t expect votes from any particular community. He wants the Muslim community to become self-sufficient, to stand on its own feet,” she claimed. She alleged that there are a few parties in India who believe that there will be no development in the country if they don’t come to power.

“The Sachar Committee report showed that Muslims have lagged behind even more than the SC/ST communities in India. The so-called secular parties have failed to bring them into the mainstream. It’s not about waiting for a government to give us something, it’s about self-empowerment. We need to educate ourselves, train our youth, and prepare them for the future,” she said.

Rashid’s message to the Muslim community, and the country at large, was clear: The future lies in education and skill development. “We have to give our children the right exposure and skills to succeed in this rapidly changing world. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, the global economy — these are areas we need to focus on,” she said. “PM Modi’s message to us is clear: Stop waiting for someone to topple the government or give you handouts. Believe in yourself and take responsibility for your progress.” Rashid further asserted what made her become PM Modi’s admirer from being a critic.

“There’s only one reason for this — PM Modi has shown us the dream of a developed India. His focus is on the country’s progress. We are facing external threats, whether it’s from China, Pakistan, or anti-India sentiment in other parts of the world. We cannot afford to be divided by language, region, caste, or religion. We need to unite to build a strong, developed India,” she said. Rashid emphasised that India’s focus should be on fostering unity and putting the country’s development at the forefront, setting aside social divisions that often detract from the larger goal. “The reality is that we need to work towards a cohesive society. The enemies of India are many, but the only way we can confront these challenges is by focussing on building a strong, developed India. That’s what PM Modi has been advocating for all these years,” she concluded.

–IANS

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Theme Park In Kurukshetra Renamed As Keshav Park

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The Commune
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Theme Park In Kurukshetra Renamed As Keshav Park.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Wednesday that the theme park located on the sacred land of ‘Dharmakshetra’—Kurukshetra—will be known as Keshav Park.

This initiative aims to preserve and promote Kurukshetra‘s cultural and spiritual heritage, a place of immense religious and historical significance in India.

The Chief Minister declared Thursday a special holiday for school students who participated in the Global Gita Path here.

He urged the students to utilise this holiday to prepare diligently for their upcoming examinations. Chief Minister Saini participated in the Global Gita Paath — Ashtadashi Shloka programme, which saw the participation of 18,000 children, during the International Gita Mahotsav here. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Tanzania Tourism Minister Pindi Chana, and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj were present.

Extending greetings on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti, the Chief Minister prayed that God may illuminate the lives of residents with the light of knowledge. He highlighted that 5,162 years ago on this day, Lord Krishna proclaimed the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. “Today, the sky has resonated with the Ashtadashi verses by 18,000 students. It is a matter of great pride that the Gita is being recited in numerous countries worldwide.” Chief Minister Saini said this recitation “holds not only religious significance but also a scientific one. The 18 verses recited today embody prayer, song, and a call for peace”.

He added that every shloka of the Bhagavad Gita offers a fresh perspective and new inspiration for living life. “Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not merely a dialogue between Arjun and Lord Krishna but answers all of our questions. The first and most significant message of the Gita is that every individual should follow their dharma and duty in life.”

“If everyone in society fulfils their duties with loyalty and dedication, it will maintain discipline and balance within the community. This teaching encourages us to set aside selfishness and prioritise our responsibilities toward society and the nation,” the Chief Minister said. Pindi Chana, Tourism Minister of Tanzania, a partner country of the International Gita Mahotsav, said Kurukshetra is a sacred place where the Vedas and Puranas were composed.

“In mythology, it is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites. According to the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is regarded as the most significant pilgrimage. This is the very land where, thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna imparted the divine knowledge of the Gita to Arjun.” Minister Chana said the International Gita Mahotsav “is not merely a religious event, but a celebration of culture, heritage, and the fundamental principles of life”. The teachings of the Gita, she said, convey that the highest purpose of human life lies in truth and that the Gita serves as a guiding light in every aspect of life, in the service of both religion and humanity.

–IANS

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Allu Arjun Moves High Court Over Theatre Stampede Case

By
The Commune
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Allu Arjun Moves High Court Over Theatre Stampede Case

Tollywood actor Allu Arjun has approached Telangana High Court to quash a case registered by the Hyderabad Police concerning a stampede at a theatre during the premier show of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ on December 4. A woman died, and her son was critically injured during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premier show attended by Allu Arjun.

Police had registered the case under sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS against Allu Arjun, his security team and the management of the theatre. The case was registered at Chikkadpally Police Station on December 5 on a complaint by the deceased woman’s husband. The police arrested the theatre owner, general manager and security manager on December 8.

As the police reportedly planned to proceed in the case against the actor, he approached the High Court, seeking orders to quash the First Information Report (FIR). The theatre management has also filed a petition in the court, seeking a similar order. According to police, there was no information from theatre management or the actor’s team that they would visit the theatre. The theatre management also did not make any additional provisions regarding security to manage the crowd.

Allu Arjun announced a Rs 25 lakh donation to the deceased’s family on December 6 and said he was ‘deeply heartbroken’. The actor assured the grieving family that he would meet them personally and extend every possible assistance. Allu Arjun also promised to pay the medical expenses of the boy, whose condition remained critical.

“Deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them they are not alone in this pain and will meet the family personally. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extending every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey,” Allu Arjun posted on X.

–IANS

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