Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful

In cyclone prone east coast, Fani may outstrip cyclone Gaja and Titli

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Sunday due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal which could transform into Cyclone Fani, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

''After gaining strength, the cyclonic circulation has finally induced a low-pressure area. The system is formed over Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal,'' it said.

"It is likely to move northwestwards along and off Sri Lanka coast during subsequent 72 hours and reach near north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on April 30," it added.

On Thursday, the IMD had issued a ‘red alert’ for Tamil Nadu on April 30 and May 1.

Weather experts have predicted that Tamil Nadu coast, including Chennai, and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall from April 30 for three days. Kerala will also receive rainfall.

"Strong winds are expected in the state from Friday. A yellow alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Malappuram on April 29," the MET office said.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.

&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Sunday due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal which could transform into Cyclone Fani, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Sunday due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal which could transform into Cyclone Fani, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday. ''After gaining strength, the cyclonic circulation has finally induced a low-pressure area. The system is formed over Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal,'' it said. "It is likely to move northwestwards along and off Sri Lanka coast during subsequent 72 hours and reach near north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on April 30," it added. On Thursday, the IMD had issued a ‘red alert’ for Tamil Nadu on April 30 and May 1. Weather experts have predicted that Tamil Nadu coast, including Chennai, and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall from April 30 for three days. Kerala will also receive rainfall. "Strong winds are expected in the state from Friday. A yellow alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Malappuram on April 29," the MET office said. The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.

Cyclone Fani expected to hit Tamil Nadu coast on April 30

The voting for the second phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections underway across India today.

Kamal Haasan, P Chidambaram and Rajinikanth cast their votes in phase of Lok Sabha polls

Due to the “law and order situation,”The Election Commission on Tuesday deferred polling in the Tripura East parliamentary constituency from April 18 to 23.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

Polls in Tripura East deferrd to April 23

In this segment of WION, we bring to you the polling percentage as of 9 AM and other updates on the 2nd phase of polling in the 2019 General election. Watch full video to know more.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

General election 2019: 9.51 per cent voter turnout recorded till 9 am in Assam

Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Also know which states goes to polls to day.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

2nd Phase of voting in India's General elections today

Voters, politicians & celebrities queue up to vote in second phase

WION in conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya. BJP seeks re-entry in South India? BJP remains organisationally weak in Tamil Nadu. Decoding BJP's plan for Lok Sabha election 2019.

WION's exclusive conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya over BJP's South plan

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 16th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 16th April 2019

In this edition of WION's Know Your Candidate, we feature National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah. Know more about her by watching this video.

India Election Watch: Know Your Candidate, who is Farooq Abdullah?

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 12th April, 2019.

India Election Watch; 12th April 2019

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/five-tamil-nadu-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-198930&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0w08GChxo9oUvMKUPgZR41">Sri Lankan Navy </a>apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

The interrogation of all the apprehended<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/18-indian-fishermen-arrested-for-poaching-in-sri-lankan-waters-208102&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2yVydPNjTYrWZgbfLuducB"> fishermen</a> is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka.

More details in this regard are awaited.

Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said. The interrogation of all the apprehended fishermen is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka. More details in this regard are awaited. Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehends four Indian fishermen

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case.

The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8.

The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier.

The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice.

The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings.

"We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added.

Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1.

He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition.

Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently.

Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court.

Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted.

When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended.

A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case. The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8. The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier. The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice. The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings. "We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added. Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1. He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition. Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently. Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court. Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted. When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended. A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

Plea to restrain Stalin from linking Tamil Nadu chief minister to Kodanad case

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters.

The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol.

Eighteen Indian fishermen were arrested from Tamil Nadu for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters, the Navy said.

Three dhows used by them were also been taken into naval custody and brought to SLNS Uttara in Jaffna, Colombo Page reported.

After a medical test, the fishermen will be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna for further investigation, the Navy Media Unit said.

In January 2018, Sri Lanka increased by over 100 times the fine on foreign vessels to deter them from fishing in its waters, amid the dispute over the frequent entry of Indian fishing trawlers into the country's maritime territory.

The main aim of the move is to prevent illegal fishing activities in the Sri Lankan waters and protect the fisheries and aquatic resources of the country's coastal belt.

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters. The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol.

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters. The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol. Eighteen Indian fishermen were arrested from Tamil Nadu for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters, the Navy said. Three dhows used by them were also been taken into naval custody and brought to SLNS Uttara in Jaffna, Colombo Page reported. After a medical test, the fishermen will be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna for further investigation, the Navy Media Unit said. In January 2018, Sri Lanka increased by over 100 times the fine on foreign vessels to deter them from fishing in its waters, amid the dispute over the frequent entry of Indian fishing trawlers into the country's maritime territory. The main aim of the move is to prevent illegal fishing activities in the Sri Lankan waters and protect the fisheries and aquatic resources of the country's coastal belt.

18 Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport.

AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018.

As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy".

The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi.

"Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel.

The DMK appeared equally confident.

"He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan.

The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state.

DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. 
This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls.

Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly.

The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight.

She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration.

In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness.

"Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR.

Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state.

Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not.

The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters.

A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind.

The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him.

Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties".

The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said.

Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added.

Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share.

"Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said.

After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa. Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport. AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018. As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy". The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. "Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel. The DMK appeared equally confident. "He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan. The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state. DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls. Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly. The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight. She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration. In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness. "Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR. Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state. Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not. The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters. A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind. The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him. Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties". The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said. Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added. Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share. "Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said. After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

In first polls sans Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, battle of legacy in Tamil Nadu

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ttv-dinakaran-floats-new-party-ammk-with-cooker-as-party-symbol-35895">TTV Dhinakaran</a> released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly.&nbsp;

Considering today’s list and the first list released by the party, it has totally fielded 38 candidates to the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, 17 candidates for the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

One Lok Sabha constituency, central Chennai, would be allocated to their ally the Social Democratic Party of India.

TTV Dhinakaran is no stranger in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, as he had earlier represented the state as a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP while being associated with the AIADMK.&nbsp;

He is also the nephew of &nbsp;V K Sasikala, who was the aide and confidant of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. After being expelled from the AIADMK, post the demise of Jayalalithaa and the jailing of his aunt V K Sasikala, he floated his outfit the AMMK (which was not registered with the ECI) and vowed to fight against the AIADMK.

It was in late 2017 that he shot to prominence after winning the prized R K Nagar Assembly constituency, which fell vacant after Jayalalithaa’s demise in late 2016. Contesting as an independent, TTV was able to defeat the candidates of both Dravidian majors, the DMK and AIADMK by a huge margin.&nbsp;

He proved to be a major challenge for the AIADMK when 18 of the party’s MLAs withdrew support to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in September 2017. However, the Assembly Speaker disqualified these dissident MLAs under the anti-defection law.&nbsp;

A long court battle ensued regarding the validity of the disqualification until it was finally upheld in October 2018. This was seen as a setback to the TTV Dhinakaran because if the MLAs had been reinstated to the house, they would have proved detrimental to the strength of the EPS-OPS led-AIADMK.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION after the disqualification, Dhinakaran said that it was not a setback but just an experience.&nbsp;

TTV’s party gains significance in the upcoming polls as they would be contesting sans a major alliance, but in the constituencies of the 18 disqualified MLAs, they could pose a serious challenge for the bigger parties.&nbsp;

TTV also has a major support base in the Thevar community, which is a dominant caste, that is spread across South Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Given that TTV lays claim to the legacy of the AIADMK, the party could cut a chunk of the AIADMK votes, which could in-turn become beneficial to the DMK.&nbsp;

However, TTV also faces a major setback as his party does not have a common symbol and their representatives would have to contest of different symbols, as independents.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 18th, in the second- phase of what is a seven-phase election.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran released his party’s second list of nine candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leader also released a list of candidates for the 18 vacant seats in Tamil Nadu’s Assembly. Considering today’s list and the first list released by the party, it has totally fielded 38 candidates to the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, 17 candidates for the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. One Lok Sabha constituency, central Chennai, would be allocated to their ally the Social Democratic Party of India. TTV Dhinakaran is no stranger in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, as he had earlier represented the state as a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP while being associated with the AIADMK. He is also the nephew of V K Sasikala, who was the aide and confidant of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. After being expelled from the AIADMK, post the demise of Jayalalithaa and the jailing of his aunt V K Sasikala, he floated his outfit the AMMK (which was not registered with the ECI) and vowed to fight against the AIADMK. It was in late 2017 that he shot to prominence after winning the prized R K Nagar Assembly constituency, which fell vacant after Jayalalithaa’s demise in late 2016. Contesting as an independent, TTV was able to defeat the candidates of both Dravidian majors, the DMK and AIADMK by a huge margin. He proved to be a major challenge for the AIADMK when 18 of the party’s MLAs withdrew support to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in September 2017. However, the Assembly Speaker disqualified these dissident MLAs under the anti-defection law. A long court battle ensued regarding the validity of the disqualification until it was finally upheld in October 2018. This was seen as a setback to the TTV Dhinakaran because if the MLAs had been reinstated to the house, they would have proved detrimental to the strength of the EPS-OPS led-AIADMK. Speaking to WION after the disqualification, Dhinakaran said that it was not a setback but just an experience. TTV’s party gains significance in the upcoming polls as they would be contesting sans a major alliance, but in the constituencies of the 18 disqualified MLAs, they could pose a serious challenge for the bigger parties. TTV also has a major support base in the Thevar community, which is a dominant caste, that is spread across South Tamil Nadu. Given that TTV lays claim to the legacy of the AIADMK, the party could cut a chunk of the AIADMK votes, which could in-turn become beneficial to the DMK. However, TTV also faces a major setback as his party does not have a common symbol and their representatives would have to contest of different symbols, as independents. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 18th, in the second- phase of what is a seven-phase election.

Lok Sabha polls: TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK releases second list of 9 candidates

DMK Sunday announced former union ministers Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and T R Baalu and its Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi among its candidates for the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies it is contesting in Tamil Nadu.

Releasing the list of candidates which included another woman, party president M K Stalin said Maran will contest from Central Chennai, A Raja from Nilgiris (SC) and T R Baalu from Sriperumbudur constituencies, which they had won in 2009.

Stalin's sister and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi will for the first time try her luck in the Lok Sabha polls as she had been fielded in Tuticorin constituency in southern Tamil Nadu.

A total of 12 candidates are new faces.

In the April 18 elections, DMK is contesting 20 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state, leaving the rest to its allies, including Congress.

The party had drawn a blank in the 2014 polls when it contested 34 seats while its arch-rival AIADMK romped home winning 37 segments. Congress had gone alone but failed to win a single seat.

Replying to questions from reporters, Stalin said DMK's manifesto will be released soon.

It would be both the "hero and heroine and definitely not a villain," he added.

DMK also named its candidates for by-polls to the 18 assembly constituencies in the state to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls on April 18.

Former union ministers of state S Jagathrakshagan and S S Palanimanickam have been fielded in Arakkonam and Thanjavur constituencies.

Kanimozhi's Rajya Sabha terms end in July this year.

T Sumathi alias Tamizhachi Thangapandian, a noted orator in Tamil, will contest from Chennai South, Kalanidhi Veerasamy from Chennai North and D M Kathir Anand, son of party Treasurer Duraimurugan, from Vellore.

While Tamizhachi is the daughter of late DMK leader V Thangapandian and sister of former state Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Kalanidhi is the son of former state Minister Arcot N Veerasamy.

Similarly, in Kallakurichi, former State Minister K Ponmudi's son Gowtham Sigamani is fielded.

Other candidates are: G Selvam (Kancheepuram-SC), S Senthilkumar (Dharmapuri), C N Annadurai (Tiruvannamalai), SR Parthiban (Salem), K Shanmugasundaram (Pollachi), P Velusamy (Dindigul), T R V S Sriramesh (Cuddalore), S Ramalingam (Mayiladuthurai), Dhanush M Kumar (Thenkasi-SC), and S Gnanathiraviam (Tirunelveli).

Parthiban was a former DMDK MLA (2011-16) and represented Mettur constituency in Salem district.

He had quit the Vijayakanth-led party to form the Makakl DMDK and later joined the DMK.

Stalin released the list of candidates after visiting the mausoleum of his late father and party patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Marina beach here.

He placed the list on the floor and paid floral tributes, symbolising seeking the late leader's blessings.

Stalin also named his party candidate for the by-poll to an assembly seat (Thattanchavadi) in neighbouring Puducherry.

DMK Sunday announced former union ministers Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and T R Baalu and its Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi among its candidates for the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies it is contesting in Tamil Nadu.

DMK Sunday announced former union ministers Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and T R Baalu and its Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi among its candidates for the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies it is contesting in Tamil Nadu. Releasing the list of candidates which included another woman, party president M K Stalin said Maran will contest from Central Chennai, A Raja from Nilgiris (SC) and T R Baalu from Sriperumbudur constituencies, which they had won in 2009. Stalin's sister and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi will for the first time try her luck in the Lok Sabha polls as she had been fielded in Tuticorin constituency in southern Tamil Nadu. A total of 12 candidates are new faces. In the April 18 elections, DMK is contesting 20 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state, leaving the rest to its allies, including Congress. The party had drawn a blank in the 2014 polls when it contested 34 seats while its arch-rival AIADMK romped home winning 37 segments. Congress had gone alone but failed to win a single seat. Replying to questions from reporters, Stalin said DMK's manifesto will be released soon. It would be both the "hero and heroine and definitely not a villain," he added. DMK also named its candidates for by-polls to the 18 assembly constituencies in the state to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls on April 18. Former union ministers of state S Jagathrakshagan and S S Palanimanickam have been fielded in Arakkonam and Thanjavur constituencies. Kanimozhi's Rajya Sabha terms end in July this year. T Sumathi alias Tamizhachi Thangapandian, a noted orator in Tamil, will contest from Chennai South, Kalanidhi Veerasamy from Chennai North and D M Kathir Anand, son of party Treasurer Duraimurugan, from Vellore. While Tamizhachi is the daughter of late DMK leader V Thangapandian and sister of former state Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Kalanidhi is the son of former state Minister Arcot N Veerasamy. Similarly, in Kallakurichi, former State Minister K Ponmudi's son Gowtham Sigamani is fielded. Other candidates are: G Selvam (Kancheepuram-SC), S Senthilkumar (Dharmapuri), C N Annadurai (Tiruvannamalai), SR Parthiban (Salem), K Shanmugasundaram (Pollachi), P Velusamy (Dindigul), T R V S Sriramesh (Cuddalore), S Ramalingam (Mayiladuthurai), Dhanush M Kumar (Thenkasi-SC), and S Gnanathiraviam (Tirunelveli). Parthiban was a former DMDK MLA (2011-16) and represented Mettur constituency in Salem district. He had quit the Vijayakanth-led party to form the Makakl DMDK and later joined the DMK. Stalin released the list of candidates after visiting the mausoleum of his late father and party patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Marina beach here. He placed the list on the floor and paid floral tributes, symbolising seeking the late leader's blessings. Stalin also named his party candidate for the by-poll to an assembly seat (Thattanchavadi) in neighbouring Puducherry.

DMK names Kanimozhi, former ministers Maran, TR Baalu among Lok Sabha candidates

The DMK Friday announced the names of constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the party and its allies will field their candidates for the second phase of the general elections to be held on April 18.

There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry, voting for all of which will be held in a single phase.

DMK president M K Stalin released the list of constituencies allotted to the allies in presence of coalition leaders, including Tamil Nadu Congress chief K S Alagiri and MDMK's Vaiko, at the party headquarters here.

Stalin also named his party-led coalition the "Secular Progressive Alliance."

Addressing a press conference, Stalin said the DMK's 20 seats include Chennai (North), Chennai (South), Chennai (Central), Tuticorin and Pollachi.

Hoping to extend its 2016 electoral success to the parliamentary polls also, the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu opted to field its candidates in 20 seats across the state including the three in Chennai where it has a sizeable number of MLAs.

Pollachi, a relatively quiet town near Coimbatore, is in the news following a sexual harassment case which has created an outrage across the state.

The DMK's other seats are: Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram (SC), Arakkonam,&nbsp;Vellore, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Salem, Nilgiris (SC), Dindigul, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Thenkasi (SC) and Tirunelveli.

The Congress, which has been allotted the lion's share of seats (10) among the allies, will contest from nine constituencies in Tamil Nadu, and the lone seat in Puducherry.

It will also field its nominees in Tiruvallore (SC), Krishnagiri, Karur, Theni, Virudunagar and Kanniyakumari, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli and Arani seats, Stalin said.

The CPI(M) has been allotted Coimbatore and Madurai seats, while the CPI will fight from Tirupur and Nagapattinam, a reserved constituency.

The pro-Dalit VCK has been given Villupuram and Chidambaram, both reserved segments. The Vaiko-led MDMK has been allotted the Erode constituency.

Recalling the seat-sharing agreement with Vaiko, the DMK chief said the MDMK will also be given a Rajya Sabha seat at an appropriate time.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK) will field their nominees from Ramanathapuram and Namakkal, respectively, while the India Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) has been allotted Perambalur seats, he said.

Stalin said in the last couple of years, the coalition constituents had been taking forward various protests and struggles against the "follies" of the BJP-led government at the Centre and the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

That friendship has now transformed into an alliance, he said, adding the coalition partners came together on ideology and the partnership was not based on any 'bargain.'

He claimed that the NDA in the state, headed by his party's archrival the AIADMK, will lose the polls and that coalition led by his party will secure a "grand victory."

To a question, he said the DMK's candidate list will be announced soon.

The DMK Friday announced the names of constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the party and its allies will field their candidates for the second phase of the general elections to be held on April 18.

The DMK Friday announced the names of constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the party and its allies will field their candidates for the second phase of the general elections to be held on April 18. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry, voting for all of which will be held in a single phase. DMK president M K Stalin released the list of constituencies allotted to the allies in presence of coalition leaders, including Tamil Nadu Congress chief K S Alagiri and MDMK's Vaiko, at the party headquarters here. Stalin also named his party-led coalition the "Secular Progressive Alliance." Addressing a press conference, Stalin said the DMK's 20 seats include Chennai (North), Chennai (South), Chennai (Central), Tuticorin and Pollachi. Hoping to extend its 2016 electoral success to the parliamentary polls also, the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu opted to field its candidates in 20 seats across the state including the three in Chennai where it has a sizeable number of MLAs. Pollachi, a relatively quiet town near Coimbatore, is in the news following a sexual harassment case which has created an outrage across the state. The DMK's other seats are: Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram (SC), Arakkonam, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Salem, Nilgiris (SC), Dindigul, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Thenkasi (SC) and Tirunelveli. The Congress, which has been allotted the lion's share of seats (10) among the allies, will contest from nine constituencies in Tamil Nadu, and the lone seat in Puducherry. It will also field its nominees in Tiruvallore (SC), Krishnagiri, Karur, Theni, Virudunagar and Kanniyakumari, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli and Arani seats, Stalin said. The CPI(M) has been allotted Coimbatore and Madurai seats, while the CPI will fight from Tirupur and Nagapattinam, a reserved constituency. The pro-Dalit VCK has been given Villupuram and Chidambaram, both reserved segments. The Vaiko-led MDMK has been allotted the Erode constituency. Recalling the seat-sharing agreement with Vaiko, the DMK chief said the MDMK will also be given a Rajya Sabha seat at an appropriate time. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK) will field their nominees from Ramanathapuram and Namakkal, respectively, while the India Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) has been allotted Perambalur seats, he said. Stalin said in the last couple of years, the coalition constituents had been taking forward various protests and struggles against the "follies" of the BJP-led government at the Centre and the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. That friendship has now transformed into an alliance, he said, adding the coalition partners came together on ideology and the partnership was not based on any 'bargain.' He claimed that the NDA in the state, headed by his party's archrival the AIADMK, will lose the polls and that coalition led by his party will secure a "grand victory." To a question, he said the DMK's candidate list will be announced soon.

Lok Sabha polls: DMK announces list of constituencies allotted to self, allies

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress.

DMK President MK Stalin’s proposal of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate at the Karunanidhi statue unveiling in Chennai was seen as a clear indication of the reunion of the UPA allies. However, an official announcement had been pending.

The announcement was made at the DMK Headquarters in the presence of the DMK high command and Congress leaders. The DMK has allocated nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry for the Congress. However, no specific details were shared regarding the allocation of constituencies and the parties that are expected to join the alliance in the days to come.

While making the alliance announcement DMK president MK Stalin took a dig at the manner in which the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance was finalized in a star hotel. Speaking to reporters Stalin said, “Our announcement has been made formally from the party headquarters and not stealthily from a star hotel like the AIADMK-BJP alliance”.&nbsp;

The coming together of the DMK and Congress is happening after a brief hiatus, as they went it alone in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK suffered one of its worst defeats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, when they contested 35 seats on their own, with the remaining five being given to regional allies. The DMK had refused to have an alliance with the Congress due to the contentious Sri-Lankan Tamils issue.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, both DMK and Congress candidates drew a blank in Tamil Nadu. It was a sweep for the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK which swept 37 seats, and one seat each for the BJP, PMK and NR Congress. However, this election will be different for both the AIADMK and the DMK, in the absence of their respective veteran leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi.

Parties including CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK are also expected to be a part of the DMK-Congress alliance. Be it the 2011 and 2016 assembly election or the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was the AIADMK that emerged triumphantly. Hence, this time the DMK has an opportunity to ride on the anti-incumbency wave.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha election dates haven’t been announced, but the battle has begun in Tamil Nadu. In the days to come, smaller parties will also finalize their negotiations and joins hands with one of the groupings.

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress.

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress. DMK President MK Stalin’s proposal of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate at the Karunanidhi statue unveiling in Chennai was seen as a clear indication of the reunion of the UPA allies. However, an official announcement had been pending. The announcement was made at the DMK Headquarters in the presence of the DMK high command and Congress leaders. The DMK has allocated nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry for the Congress. However, no specific details were shared regarding the allocation of constituencies and the parties that are expected to join the alliance in the days to come. While making the alliance announcement DMK president MK Stalin took a dig at the manner in which the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance was finalized in a star hotel. Speaking to reporters Stalin said, “Our announcement has been made formally from the party headquarters and not stealthily from a star hotel like the AIADMK-BJP alliance”. The coming together of the DMK and Congress is happening after a brief hiatus, as they went it alone in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK suffered one of its worst defeats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, when they contested 35 seats on their own, with the remaining five being given to regional allies. The DMK had refused to have an alliance with the Congress due to the contentious Sri-Lankan Tamils issue. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, both DMK and Congress candidates drew a blank in Tamil Nadu. It was a sweep for the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK which swept 37 seats, and one seat each for the BJP, PMK and NR Congress. However, this election will be different for both the AIADMK and the DMK, in the absence of their respective veteran leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. Parties including CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK are also expected to be a part of the DMK-Congress alliance. Be it the 2011 and 2016 assembly election or the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was the AIADMK that emerged triumphantly. Hence, this time the DMK has an opportunity to ride on the anti-incumbency wave. The Lok Sabha election dates haven’t been announced, but the battle has begun in Tamil Nadu. In the days to come, smaller parties will also finalize their negotiations and joins hands with one of the groupings.

Lok Sabha 2019: Congress seals alliance with DMK, to contest 9 seats in Tamil Nadu

India: AIDMK finalises alliance with BJP

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-ngt-order-to-reopen-sterlite-plant-188983">Supreme Court </a>on Monday set&nbsp;aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned&nbsp;Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's&nbsp;Tuticorin.

The court told Vedanta and the Tamil Nadu government that they could take the issue up with the Madras High Court.

A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the NGT did not have the jurisdiction to order the reopening of the plant.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Supreme Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to&nbsp;conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons.

On&nbsp;December 15, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-government-approaches-supreme-court-challenging-ngt-order-of-reopening-sterlite-plant-187859">NGT had set aside</a> the Tamil Nadu government's order for closure of mining company Vedanta Ltd’s Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin saying it was “non-sustainable" and “unjustified".

The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently" close the mining group’s copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

At least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-vedanta-protesters-killed-by-shots-to-head-chest-half-from-behind-autopsies-185867">13 people were killed</a> and several injured on May 22 last year when police opened fire on a large crowd of people protesting against the plant due to the&nbsp;environmental pollution allegedly caused by the plant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the December 15 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the reopening of the Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. The court told Vedanta and the Tamil Nadu government that they could take the issue up with the Madras High Court. A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the NGT did not have the jurisdiction to order the reopening of the plant. The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons. On December 15, the NGT had set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order for closure of mining company Vedanta Ltd’s Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin saying it was “non-sustainable" and “unjustified". The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently" close the mining group’s copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 last year when police opened fire on a large crowd of people protesting against the plant due to the environmental pollution allegedly caused by the plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Vedanta Sterlite plant: Supreme Court sets aside NGT order allowing its reopening

The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing. And what happens here matters as Tamil Nadu will play a crucial role in 2019 elections.

A question, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, is now doing the rounds: “Is there a political alternative for Tamil Nadu, away from the two Dravidian parties?”

A brief history of Tamil Nadu should be mentioned: Pre-1947: DK Party launched by Periyar. 1947-1967: Congress Party rules the state. 1967: DMK wins assembly elections. 1972: MGR leaves DMK to form the ADMK. 1987: Death of MGR, Jayalalithaa eventually takes over. 1987-2018: Political power alternates between DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating.

That times change, as also the mood of the electorate, is not always appreciated by political parties. Let us trace the evolution of political ideas in Tamil Nadu during the past half-century. From 1947 to 67, when the Congress was the ruling party, the dominant political philosophy was Democratic Socialism. Between 1967 and 1972, DMK gave a new direction with the eradication of the caste system and establishing a strong Tamil identity. 
 
From 1972 to 1987, the ADMK pursued poverty alleviation and social justice. Again from 1987 to 2015, both DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating, continued with further poverty alleviation and social justice. From 2015 till now, the ADMK effected a paradigm shift in the political narrative with the state-wide launch of the Amma canteen, which has been a big, bold attempt at food security in the state.

Coming up with new narratives is a big challenge that calls for imagination and foresight. Clearly, narratives do not drop from heaven. But they creep into the mind that has struggled to understand and cope with major problems. Here is a list of such problems/questions: With a million Indians entering the labour market every month, the country faces a formidable social and economic challenge, aggravated by the relentless march of technology. A problem crying out for an innovative response, such as the Congress Party’s 100-day National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The long-held dream of linking the country’s major rivers. Where do we start and how do we go about it? Is the steady flow of subsidies from the state robbing the average citizen of his will to work? How do we counter this trend, without abandoning the core idea of social justice? Inter-state disputes are on the rise, eg. sharing of river waters. Can we not come up with an approach to such disputes that encourages spontaneous, inter-state cooperation? Should politics continue to be characterised by bitter, inter-party rivalry? Can we not move to an era of mutual respect, cooperation and power sharing? What about the monster of corruption, which seems to have buried its tentacles deep into the body politic? How do we slay this monster?

Tamil Nadu has witnessed much excitement lately with two superstars entering the political arena: Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. That these two titans of Tamil cinema chose this precise, psychological moment to enter politics, after nearly half a century of dominance by the two Dravidian parties, points to a possible paradigm shift in the politics of this state — a discontinuity, if you like, with profound implications for the future of politics in the state.

The two Dravidian parties seem rather puzzled that their old slogans no longer elicit the same response as in the past. They are beginning to wonder whether there is more to political leadership than just organising protest rallies and rushing to the TV camera.

Tamil Nadu is at the crossroads, with a profound political vacuum blurring the vision of most players on the political stage. The state’s two major Dravidian parties seem to be discovering, rather suddenly, that their old slogans and narratives no longer have the same appeal to the electorate as in the past — a problem compounded by the entry of two titans of Tamil cinema into the political arena. Both these parties, as also others in the state’s political arena, need to re-invent themselves, and come up with new narratives, if they are to remain relevant.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-in-search-of-a-new-political-narrative-in-tamil-nadu-2719710">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing.

The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing. And what happens here matters as Tamil Nadu will play a crucial role in 2019 elections. A question, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, is now doing the rounds: “Is there a political alternative for Tamil Nadu, away from the two Dravidian parties?” A brief history of Tamil Nadu should be mentioned: Pre-1947: DK Party launched by Periyar. 1947-1967: Congress Party rules the state. 1967: DMK wins assembly elections. 1972: MGR leaves DMK to form the ADMK. 1987: Death of MGR, Jayalalithaa eventually takes over. 1987-2018: Political power alternates between DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating. That times change, as also the mood of the electorate, is not always appreciated by political parties. Let us trace the evolution of political ideas in Tamil Nadu during the past half-century. From 1947 to 67, when the Congress was the ruling party, the dominant political philosophy was Democratic Socialism. Between 1967 and 1972, DMK gave a new direction with the eradication of the caste system and establishing a strong Tamil identity. From 1972 to 1987, the ADMK pursued poverty alleviation and social justice. Again from 1987 to 2015, both DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating, continued with further poverty alleviation and social justice. From 2015 till now, the ADMK effected a paradigm shift in the political narrative with the state-wide launch of the Amma canteen, which has been a big, bold attempt at food security in the state. Coming up with new narratives is a big challenge that calls for imagination and foresight. Clearly, narratives do not drop from heaven. But they creep into the mind that has struggled to understand and cope with major problems. Here is a list of such problems/questions: With a million Indians entering the labour market every month, the country faces a formidable social and economic challenge, aggravated by the relentless march of technology. A problem crying out for an innovative response, such as the Congress Party’s 100-day National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The long-held dream of linking the country’s major rivers. Where do we start and how do we go about it? Is the steady flow of subsidies from the state robbing the average citizen of his will to work? How do we counter this trend, without abandoning the core idea of social justice? Inter-state disputes are on the rise, eg. sharing of river waters. Can we not come up with an approach to such disputes that encourages spontaneous, inter-state cooperation? Should politics continue to be characterised by bitter, inter-party rivalry? Can we not move to an era of mutual respect, cooperation and power sharing? What about the monster of corruption, which seems to have buried its tentacles deep into the body politic? How do we slay this monster? Tamil Nadu has witnessed much excitement lately with two superstars entering the political arena: Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. That these two titans of Tamil cinema chose this precise, psychological moment to enter politics, after nearly half a century of dominance by the two Dravidian parties, points to a possible paradigm shift in the politics of this state — a discontinuity, if you like, with profound implications for the future of politics in the state. The two Dravidian parties seem rather puzzled that their old slogans no longer elicit the same response as in the past. They are beginning to wonder whether there is more to political leadership than just organising protest rallies and rushing to the TV camera. Tamil Nadu is at the crossroads, with a profound political vacuum blurring the vision of most players on the political stage. The state’s two major Dravidian parties seem to be discovering, rather suddenly, that their old slogans and narratives no longer have the same appeal to the electorate as in the past — a problem compounded by the entry of two titans of Tamil cinema into the political arena. Both these parties, as also others in the state’s political arena, need to re-invent themselves, and come up with new narratives, if they are to remain relevant. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In search of a new political narrative in Tamil Nadu

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain.

Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.

The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy.

Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said.

The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday.

Two Tamil Nadu lads have been selected to train and play for a month in the International Academy of AD Alcorcon in Spain. Lijo Francis and Shyjin, both mid-fielders from Kanyakumari district in the state, were picked during Football Trials 19, a football talent search, which concluded here Wednesday. The participants were assessed by Jose Gonzalez, Director of the International Academy of AD Alcorcon and Nuria Palomo Leon, a coach at the academy. Two players each from Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Maharashtra, apart from Tamil Nadu will be selected and will get an opportunity to play and train in Spain for one month at AD Alcorcon, a press note said. The initiative is a brainchild of David Anand, founder of Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy, who associated with Ad Alcorcon, with an aim of creating world-class players.

Two Tamil Nadu boys to train, play for a month at AD Alcorcon in Spain

The Centre Monday approved the release of Rs 1,146 crore to Tamil Nadu for the people affected by cyclone 'Gaja', which had claimed 46 lives and left a trail of destruction in over 10 districts in the state.

The approval for the financial assistance was given at a high level committee chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The high level committee approved the additional assistance of Rs 1,146.12 crore to Tamil Nadu from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), a statement from the Home Ministry said.

Earlier on December 3, the central government had released Rs 353.70 crore as an interim relief, in order to support the affected people of Tamil Nadu.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Vice Chairman, Niti Ayog, Rajiv Kumar attended the meeting.

Last month, the Tamil Nadu government had sought about Rs 14,910 crore as central assistance towards relief and rehabilitation activities in cyclone 'Gaja' affected districts in the state.

According to the abstract of memorandum submitted to the central government, the Tamil Nadu government had sought a total sum of Rs 14,910 crore towards permanent renovation activities in various areas, including the power sector which has been badly hit.

Over one lakh electric poles had been uprooted and a significant number of power sub-stations damaged, with reports suggesting that many parts are still without electricity.

Cyclone 'Gaja' had crossed the Tamil Nadu coast early on November 16 between Nagapattinam, about 300 km from here, and nearby Vedaranyam.

It had claimed 46 lives and left a trail of destruction in over 10 districts, including Nagapttinam, Thiruvarur, Puthukottai and Thanjavur.&nbsp;

The Centre Monday approved the release of Rs 1,146 crore to Tamil Nadu for the people affected by cyclone 'Gaja', which had claimed 46 lives and left a trail of destruction in over 10 districts in the state.

The Centre Monday approved the release of Rs 1,146 crore to Tamil Nadu for the people affected by cyclone 'Gaja', which had claimed 46 lives and left a trail of destruction in over 10 districts in the state. The approval for the financial assistance was given at a high level committee chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The high level committee approved the additional assistance of Rs 1,146.12 crore to Tamil Nadu from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), a statement from the Home Ministry said. Earlier on December 3, the central government had released Rs 353.70 crore as an interim relief, in order to support the affected people of Tamil Nadu. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Vice Chairman, Niti Ayog, Rajiv Kumar attended the meeting. Last month, the Tamil Nadu government had sought about Rs 14,910 crore as central assistance towards relief and rehabilitation activities in cyclone 'Gaja' affected districts in the state. According to the abstract of memorandum submitted to the central government, the Tamil Nadu government had sought a total sum of Rs 14,910 crore towards permanent renovation activities in various areas, including the power sector which has been badly hit. Over one lakh electric poles had been uprooted and a significant number of power sub-stations damaged, with reports suggesting that many parts are still without electricity. Cyclone 'Gaja' had crossed the Tamil Nadu coast early on November 16 between Nagapattinam, about 300 km from here, and nearby Vedaranyam. It had claimed 46 lives and left a trail of destruction in over 10 districts, including Nagapttinam, Thiruvarur, Puthukottai and Thanjavur.

Cyclone Gaja: Centre approves release of Rs 1,146 crore to Tamil Nadu

The National Commission for Women on Monday sought a report from Tamil Nadu authorities over the case of two women allegedly contracting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hiv-youth-commits-suicide-after-pregnant-woman-dies-of-infected-blood-187479">HIV from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hiv-youth-commits-suicide-after-pregnant-woman-dies-of-infected-blood-187479">blood</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hiv-youth-commits-suicide-after-pregnant-woman-dies-of-infected-blood-187479"> transfusion</a>.

Calling it a matter of "serious concern", NCW chief Rekha Sharma wrote to Tamil Nadu Principal Secretary at the Department of Health and Family Welfare J Radhakrishnan and asked him to probe the matter. The official has been directed to send a report to the women rights body at the earliest.

A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Virudhunagar contracted HIV allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood.&nbsp;

Preliminary inquiry revealed that the blood bank staff had failed to screen the blood properly before supplying it to the private hospital. The personnel who tested the donor's blood had labelled it 'safe,' officials said.

The state government had ordered a probe and an examination of all stocks at blood banks in the state after the incident. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Commission said that a 27-year-old woman had accused doctors at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) of criminal negligence, alleging that she contracted the virus during a blood transfusion procedure in April.

The National Commission for Women on Monday sought a report from Tamil Nadu authorities over the case of two women allegedly contracting HIV from blood transfusion.

The National Commission for Women on Monday sought a report from Tamil Nadu authorities over the case of two women allegedly contracting HIV from blood transfusion. Calling it a matter of "serious concern", NCW chief Rekha Sharma wrote to Tamil Nadu Principal Secretary at the Department of Health and Family Welfare J Radhakrishnan and asked him to probe the matter. The official has been directed to send a report to the women rights body at the earliest. A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Virudhunagar contracted HIV allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the blood bank staff had failed to screen the blood properly before supplying it to the private hospital. The personnel who tested the donor's blood had labelled it 'safe,' officials said. The state government had ordered a probe and an examination of all stocks at blood banks in the state after the incident. The Commission said that a 27-year-old woman had accused doctors at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) of criminal negligence, alleging that she contracted the virus during a blood transfusion procedure in April.

NCW seeks report from Tamil Nadu over alleged transfusion of HIV infected blood to women

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-file-appeal-in-herald-house-eviction-case-sources-185857">The Congress</a> in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal.

TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar said the meetings would be held between January 2 and 12, 2019, in line with a decision arrived earlier in a party's district leaders meeting.

In a statement, he recalled Congress President Rahul Gandhi's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe into the pricing issue relating to the French combat aircraft.

"The Congress has a big democratic responsibility to inform people about this mega scam," Thirunavukkarasar said.

The party also had the 'responsibility' to highlight the 'anti-people' approach of both the BJP-led Central government as well as the AIADMK rule in Tamil Nadu on many issues, he added.

With the Lok Sabha elections "due soon," the party's high command has issued directions to conduct such meetings.

Opposition parties led by the Congress have been attacking the Modi government over the deal, alleging that it was struck at an exorbitant price and benefited an Indian businessman at the cost of the government-run HAL.

However, the charges have been denied by the government.

The Supreme Court had on December 14 given the Narendra Modi government a clean chit on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had recently demanded in the Lok Sabha that Rahul Gandhi should apologise on the floor of the House for "misleading" the country on the Rafale jet deal issue.

The Congress in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal.

The Congress in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal. TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar said the meetings would be held between January 2 and 12, 2019, in line with a decision arrived earlier in a party's district leaders meeting. In a statement, he recalled Congress President Rahul Gandhi's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe into the pricing issue relating to the French combat aircraft. "The Congress has a big democratic responsibility to inform people about this mega scam," Thirunavukkarasar said. The party also had the 'responsibility' to highlight the 'anti-people' approach of both the BJP-led Central government as well as the AIADMK rule in Tamil Nadu on many issues, he added. With the Lok Sabha elections "due soon," the party's high command has issued directions to conduct such meetings. Opposition parties led by the Congress have been attacking the Modi government over the deal, alleging that it was struck at an exorbitant price and benefited an Indian businessman at the cost of the government-run HAL. However, the charges have been denied by the government. The Supreme Court had on December 14 given the Narendra Modi government a clean chit on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had recently demanded in the Lok Sabha that Rahul Gandhi should apologise on the floor of the House for "misleading" the country on the Rafale jet deal issue.

Congress announces meetings in Tamil Nadu on Rafale deal

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The party welcomed the action, saying it showed that the leadership would not tolerate any indiscipline, irrespective of the person's status.

The decision to sack Raja, a former panchayat body chief hailing from Theni district, was announced by Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K Palaniswami.

Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of the state, while Panneerselvam is his deputy.

Raja's sacking came hours after he took over as the district chief of a milk producers' union in Madurai.

The two leaders, in a short statement, said that Raja has been sacked from all posts, including the AIADMK's primary membership.

The action was taken "for going against the party's policies and bringing disrepute to it," they added.

"From today onwards, Raja is being removed from all posts, including the primary membership," they said.

Raja had violated party discipline, the two leaders said and urged AIADMK workers not to have any contact with him.

Meanwhile, Jayakumar said that the action against Raja would serve as a warning to anyone who tries to go against the party, which was a "disciplined" organisation.

"When somebody does anti-party activities in a disciplined organisation like the AIADMK, they have to be sacked. There is no place for sibling relationship here," he said, responding to reporters' queries about Panneerselvam acting against his younger brother.

"It is a welcome thing that action has been taken by (Panneerselvam) despite Raja being his younger brother...This will be a lesson for others too," he added.

The chief minister and his deputy "have made it clear" that anyone who goes against the party would face action, he said, adding, that was evident from today's move.

Jayakumar, state Fisheries Minister, however declined to reveal what kind of alleged anti-party activity Raja had done that warranted his expulsion.&nbsp;

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday sacked its coordinator and Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja from the party for alleged anti-party activities. The party welcomed the action, saying it showed that the leadership would not tolerate any indiscipline, irrespective of the person's status. The decision to sack Raja, a former panchayat body chief hailing from Theni district, was announced by Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K Palaniswami. Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of the state, while Panneerselvam is his deputy. Raja's sacking came hours after he took over as the district chief of a milk producers' union in Madurai. The two leaders, in a short statement, said that Raja has been sacked from all posts, including the AIADMK's primary membership. The action was taken "for going against the party's policies and bringing disrepute to it," they added. "From today onwards, Raja is being removed from all posts, including the primary membership," they said. Raja had violated party discipline, the two leaders said and urged AIADMK workers not to have any contact with him. Meanwhile, Jayakumar said that the action against Raja would serve as a warning to anyone who tries to go against the party, which was a "disciplined" organisation. "When somebody does anti-party activities in a disciplined organisation like the AIADMK, they have to be sacked. There is no place for sibling relationship here," he said, responding to reporters' queries about Panneerselvam acting against his younger brother. "It is a welcome thing that action has been taken by (Panneerselvam) despite Raja being his younger brother...This will be a lesson for others too," he added. The chief minister and his deputy "have made it clear" that anyone who goes against the party would face action, he said, adding, that was evident from today's move. Jayakumar, state Fisheries Minister, however declined to reveal what kind of alleged anti-party activity Raja had done that warranted his expulsion.

Tamil Nadu: Deputy CM O Panneerselvam's brother sacked from AIADMK for 'anti-party' activities

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.41 lakh houses. Over 2.5 lakh people were evacuated by the administration.

For relief and rehabilitation, the state government has sought an assistance of Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre, which has approved release of Rs 353.70 crore.

According to an analysis by the Down To Earth, 14 depressions have already formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea this year, thereby breaking "a 26-year-old record for the most depressions in a single year". Gaja cyclone is the third to hit the Indian mainland this year.

As compared to the western coast, India's eastern coast is more prone to cyclones. For instance, between 1891 and 2000, over 308 cyclones hit the eastern coast, whereas the western coast braved 48.The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) recent 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degree Celsius' has warned that the North Indian Ocean over the Arabian Sea will witness an increase in the frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms owing to anthropogenic warming.

Climate scientists warn that storms are expected to have higher wind speed with more rainfall because warmer oceans/waters feed water vapour to the cyclones.

But, increasing cyclonic activity is just one part of the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu, which has the second longest coastline in the country —- 15 percent of the total Indian coastline is spread across it's 13 coastal districts. There are 591 fishing villages along the state's coastline.

A research study, 'Climate change projections for Tamil Nadu, India: deriving high-resolution climate data by a downscaling approach using PRECIS', by the Centre for Climate Change &amp; Adaptation Research at Anna University, Chennai, has forecasted an average temperature increase of 3.1 degree C by the end of the century along with an overall decline of 4 percent in annual rainfall in the state [as compared to baseline of 1970-2000].

According to A Ramachandran, a climate scientist who is part of the study, interior parts of Tamil Nadu will have reduced rainfall whereas coastal districts will face an increase in rains with Kanyakumari district being the most vulnerable.

An evaluation of the India Meteorological Department's data between 1970 and 2000 reveals a rise in temperature in the state and a decline in its annual mean rainfall.

Ramachandran and the team's study have projected an increase of 1.0 degree C, 2.2 degree C and 3.1 degree C in maximum temperature and an increase in minimum temperature of 1.1 degree C, 2.4 degree C and 3.5 degree C for the periods 2020s (2005-2035), 2050s (2035-2065) and 2080s (2065-2095) in Tamil Nadu.

The researchers have also analysed and projected rainfall trends in the state, with an overall decrease in rainfall of about 2-7 per cent, 1-4 per cent and 4-9 per cent in the same periods.

But, significant exceptions have been noticed over some pockets of western hilly and high rainfall areas in the state where it is expected to increase. "There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season," reads the research paper published in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Climatology.

Authors of the study warn that "future projections clearly indicate an increased probability of extreme temperature spells that would be expected to be very detrimental for public health… Decrease in rainfall over the Tamil Nadu state … may cause severe damage to the agriculture sector with respect to crop productions, water insecurities, species extinctions, etc."

Apart from rising temperature and declining rainfall, scientists are also warning of sea-level rise along the state's coastline, which will directly impact coastal communities and the fishers, and turn coastal lands saline. As per some estimates, over 1.2 million hectare coastal land in India has already turned saline.

Tide gauge reading from four Indian ports shows a sea-level rise of 4.8 cm between 1993 and 2012. The Anna University study has projected sea-level rise between 4.51 cm and 4.94 cm along the Tamil Nadu's coastline by 2025. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-brace-up-for-rise-in-cyclonic-storms-high-temperatures-on-the-tamil-nadu-coast-2694352">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.41 lakh houses. Over 2.5 lakh people were evacuated by the administration. For relief and rehabilitation, the state government has sought an assistance of Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre, which has approved release of Rs 353.70 crore. According to an analysis by the Down To Earth, 14 depressions have already formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea this year, thereby breaking "a 26-year-old record for the most depressions in a single year". Gaja cyclone is the third to hit the Indian mainland this year. As compared to the western coast, India's eastern coast is more prone to cyclones. For instance, between 1891 and 2000, over 308 cyclones hit the eastern coast, whereas the western coast braved 48.The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) recent 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degree Celsius' has warned that the North Indian Ocean over the Arabian Sea will witness an increase in the frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms owing to anthropogenic warming. Climate scientists warn that storms are expected to have higher wind speed with more rainfall because warmer oceans/waters feed water vapour to the cyclones. But, increasing cyclonic activity is just one part of the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu, which has the second longest coastline in the country —- 15 percent of the total Indian coastline is spread across it's 13 coastal districts. There are 591 fishing villages along the state's coastline. A research study, 'Climate change projections for Tamil Nadu, India: deriving high-resolution climate data by a downscaling approach using PRECIS', by the Centre for Climate Change & Adaptation Research at Anna University, Chennai, has forecasted an average temperature increase of 3.1 degree C by the end of the century along with an overall decline of 4 percent in annual rainfall in the state [as compared to baseline of 1970-2000]. According to A Ramachandran, a climate scientist who is part of the study, interior parts of Tamil Nadu will have reduced rainfall whereas coastal districts will face an increase in rains with Kanyakumari district being the most vulnerable. An evaluation of the India Meteorological Department's data between 1970 and 2000 reveals a rise in temperature in the state and a decline in its annual mean rainfall. Ramachandran and the team's study have projected an increase of 1.0 degree C, 2.2 degree C and 3.1 degree C in maximum temperature and an increase in minimum temperature of 1.1 degree C, 2.4 degree C and 3.5 degree C for the periods 2020s (2005-2035), 2050s (2035-2065) and 2080s (2065-2095) in Tamil Nadu. The researchers have also analysed and projected rainfall trends in the state, with an overall decrease in rainfall of about 2-7 per cent, 1-4 per cent and 4-9 per cent in the same periods. But, significant exceptions have been noticed over some pockets of western hilly and high rainfall areas in the state where it is expected to increase. "There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season," reads the research paper published in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Climatology. Authors of the study warn that "future projections clearly indicate an increased probability of extreme temperature spells that would be expected to be very detrimental for public health… Decrease in rainfall over the Tamil Nadu state … may cause severe damage to the agriculture sector with respect to crop productions, water insecurities, species extinctions, etc." Apart from rising temperature and declining rainfall, scientists are also warning of sea-level rise along the state's coastline, which will directly impact coastal communities and the fishers, and turn coastal lands saline. As per some estimates, over 1.2 million hectare coastal land in India has already turned saline. Tide gauge reading from four Indian ports shows a sea-level rise of 4.8 cm between 1993 and 2012. The Anna University study has projected sea-level rise between 4.51 cm and 4.94 cm along the Tamil Nadu's coastline by 2025. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brace up for rise in cyclonic storms, high temperatures on the Tamil Nadu coast

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Tuesday visited districts hit by Cyclone ‘Gaja’ in the state and distributed relief material among the affected people.

Palaniswami, who on Monday announced Rs 1000 crore for immediate relief and rehabilitation works, visited affected areas in Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts this morning.

The cyclone crossed the state coast near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, about 300 km from here, on November 16 claiming 46 lives and leaving a trail of destruction in over ten districts in southern Tamil Nadu with six of them hit badly.

Accompanied by ministers and officials, Palaniswami inspected some coconut groves devastated by the cyclone in Thanjavur district and also distributed relief materials, including rice and other essential articles, to the affected people.

He would later visit Nagapattinam district, which bore the brunt of the cyclone fury.

On Monday, Palaniswami took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting here and announced an immediate cash assistance totalling Rs 8,800 to each family sheltered in relief camps besides, 10 kg rice and four litres of kerosene.

He has also said compensation would be given to farmers and fishermen.

In a statement, Palaniswami had said the toll in the cyclone has risen to 46, while a total of 2,51,674 people were staying in relief camps.

He said Rs 5,000 would be given as immediate livelihood support to each family lodged in cyclone centres, to those who lost their homes and fishermen who lost their boats. Besides, Rs 3,800 per family would be given for buying clothes and utensils, he said.

In addition, people whose huts were completely damaged will be provided with Rs 10,000 assistance while partially damaged houses will get Rs 4,100.

The state will also seek central funds considering the extent of the damage, he said.

He said coconut farmers will get a compensation of Rs 2.64 lakh per hectare while for paddy crops it will be Rs 13,500 per hectare.

On the farm front, 88, 102 hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops had been damaged.

The Chief Minister has also said compensation ranging from Rs 42,000 to Rs three lakh would be given to fishermen depending on the extent of damage to their fishing boats.

The cyclone which crossed the coast with a speed of up to 120 kmph has left a trail of destruction, uprooting 1.7 lakh trees and damaging 88,102 hectares of agricultural land.

It caused severe damage in the districts of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Tiruvarur in the state and Karaikal in Puducherry, besides affecting Dindigul, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Karur and Theni districts also.

Over 1.31 lakh people had been accommodated in relief camps in Nagapattinam district.

Protests were held by residents in parts of Thanjavur and Thiruvarur districts on Monday, demanding early restoration of power and drinking water supply.

Facing flak over alleged tardy relief measures, the state government has said people should not think that only such protests would solve their problems and asserted it was working to reach out to all.

On Sunday, irate people in Kotthamangalam village in Puthukottai district had gone on a rampage, setting ablaze government vehicles and clashed with police, protesting alleged failure of officials to provide them relief.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Tuesday visited districts hit by Cyclone ‘Gaja’ in the state and distributed relief material among the affected people. Palaniswami, who on Monday announced Rs 1000 crore for immediate relief and rehabilitation works, visited affected areas in Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts this morning.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Tuesday visited districts hit by Cyclone ‘Gaja’ in the state and distributed relief material among the affected people. Palaniswami, who on Monday announced Rs 1000 crore for immediate relief and rehabilitation works, visited affected areas in Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts this morning. The cyclone crossed the state coast near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, about 300 km from here, on November 16 claiming 46 lives and leaving a trail of destruction in over ten districts in southern Tamil Nadu with six of them hit badly. Accompanied by ministers and officials, Palaniswami inspected some coconut groves devastated by the cyclone in Thanjavur district and also distributed relief materials, including rice and other essential articles, to the affected people. He would later visit Nagapattinam district, which bore the brunt of the cyclone fury. On Monday, Palaniswami took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting here and announced an immediate cash assistance totalling Rs 8,800 to each family sheltered in relief camps besides, 10 kg rice and four litres of kerosene. He has also said compensation would be given to farmers and fishermen. In a statement, Palaniswami had said the toll in the cyclone has risen to 46, while a total of 2,51,674 people were staying in relief camps. He said Rs 5,000 would be given as immediate livelihood support to each family lodged in cyclone centres, to those who lost their homes and fishermen who lost their boats. Besides, Rs 3,800 per family would be given for buying clothes and utensils, he said. In addition, people whose huts were completely damaged will be provided with Rs 10,000 assistance while partially damaged houses will get Rs 4,100. The state will also seek central funds considering the extent of the damage, he said. He said coconut farmers will get a compensation of Rs 2.64 lakh per hectare while for paddy crops it will be Rs 13,500 per hectare. On the farm front, 88, 102 hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops had been damaged. The Chief Minister has also said compensation ranging from Rs 42,000 to Rs three lakh would be given to fishermen depending on the extent of damage to their fishing boats. The cyclone which crossed the coast with a speed of up to 120 kmph has left a trail of destruction, uprooting 1.7 lakh trees and damaging 88,102 hectares of agricultural land. It caused severe damage in the districts of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Tiruvarur in the state and Karaikal in Puducherry, besides affecting Dindigul, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Karur and Theni districts also. Over 1.31 lakh people had been accommodated in relief camps in Nagapattinam district. Protests were held by residents in parts of Thanjavur and Thiruvarur districts on Monday, demanding early restoration of power and drinking water supply. Facing flak over alleged tardy relief measures, the state government has said people should not think that only such protests would solve their problems and asserted it was working to reach out to all. On Sunday, irate people in Kotthamangalam village in Puthukottai district had gone on a rampage, setting ablaze government vehicles and clashed with police, protesting alleged failure of officials to provide them relief.

Cyclone Gaja: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami visits affected areas

The death toll in cyclone 'Gaja' has touched 33 and left a trail of destruction across six districts RPT six districts of Tamil Nadu with 30,000 electricity poles and over a lakh trees getting uprooted, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Saturday.

He maintained that the impact of cyclone was less as 82,000 people were evacuated to 471 relief centres well in advance. However, 20 men, 11 women and 2 boys died in cyclone related incidents, he said.

As of now, 1,77,500 people have been housed in over 351 camps, the chief minister said, adding food, and medical amenities were being provided to them by the government.

The Chief Minister, speaking to reporters at Vanavasi near Salem, said that cattle, including goats, and wild animals including deer, have perished.

"It has now been estimated that uprooted trees alone were 1,27,000. There is a possibility of the numbers going up," he said.

While 30,000 electricity poles have either got mangled or fallen down, 105 sub-stations (electricity distribution stations) have been affected, he said, adding 10,000 personnel have been rushed to the affected areas to repair them.

Ten out of 26 Combined Drinking Water Schemes in coastal districts have been set right and people were being provided drinking water. Over a lakh people had benefited by medical camps -to prevent epidemics- in affected regions,Palaniswami said, adding he would inspect the storm hit areas Sunday.

On complaints from people in cyclone hit districts that they did not get food, he said there was no such thing anywhere. Food was stocked in advance to make it available for people.

"District Collectors and ministers from the respective districts are camping in affected areas and carrying out relief operations on a war footing."

Milk was sought and it has been despatched, he said, adding five more ministers, including D Jayakumar, and R B Udaya Kumar, have been deputed to cyclone hit districts to oversee relief work.

The navy has also augmented the government's relief efforts, with one helicopter sortie flown from INS Parundu, the Indian air naval station at Uchipuli in Ramanathapuram district, to assess the damage in and around Ramanathpuram.

Two ships "Chetlat" and "Cheriam" were diverted to Karaikal to assist state authorities in relief work, a defence release said.

Three ships at Chennai and two at Visakhapatnam were on stand by to augment relief efforts at short notice, it said.

The navy has also positioned a Dornier detachment at Arrakkonam, about 78 from Chennai, to facilitate damage assessment and any other assistance that may be needed.

The main opposition party DMK expressed grief over the loss of lives while PMK and a farmers' body demanded adequate compensation to ryots, whose crops had been destroyed.

DMK chief M K Stalin, in a tweet, claimed that 36 people have lost their lives in the cyclone and expressed his grief.

The leader of the opposition, who Saturday embarked on a tour of storm affected regions, said the cyclone has caused large-scale destruction in Cauvery delta districts like Tiruvarur.

He said the livelihood of the common people, including farmers and fishermen, had been severely hit.

PMK chief S Ramadoss demanded that the government declare Vedaranyam (Nagapattinam district), Mannargudi (Tiruvarur), and Pattukottai (Thanjavur) as disaster struck regions and implement rehabilitation schemes.

He wanted Rs 50,000 compensation for coconut trees as per a scheme announced by the government for acquiring land for Salem-Chennai expressway.

Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, a CPI(M) affiliated farmers' body, demanded a proper enumeration of losses to standing crops. A compensation of Rs 20,000 for a coconut tree, Rs 25,000 per acre for paddy, and Rs one lakh an acre for plantain were among its demands.

"Coconut trees over thousands of acres of farmland have been completely uprooted, causing irreparable damage to ryots. It will take many years to grow again these trees," it said

Top actor Rajinikanth, extending his sympathies to the affected people, said "relief assistance" by his Rajini Makkal Mandram functionaries should continue.

The Met office, meanwhile, said the Northeast monsoon has been active over Tamil Nadu. Some regions experienced heavy rainfall, with Sivaganga recording 17 cm followed by the hill station of Kodaikanal (14 cm) between Friday and Saturday morning.&nbsp;

The death toll in cyclone 'Gaja' has touched 33 and left a trail of destruction across six districts RPT six districts of Tamil Nadu with 30,000 electricity poles and over a lakh trees getting uprooted, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Saturday.

The death toll in cyclone 'Gaja' has touched 33 and left a trail of destruction across six districts RPT six districts of Tamil Nadu with 30,000 electricity poles and over a lakh trees getting uprooted, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Saturday. He maintained that the impact of cyclone was less as 82,000 people were evacuated to 471 relief centres well in advance. However, 20 men, 11 women and 2 boys died in cyclone related incidents, he said. As of now, 1,77,500 people have been housed in over 351 camps, the chief minister said, adding food, and medical amenities were being provided to them by the government. The Chief Minister, speaking to reporters at Vanavasi near Salem, said that cattle, including goats, and wild animals including deer, have perished. "It has now been estimated that uprooted trees alone were 1,27,000. There is a possibility of the numbers going up," he said. While 30,000 electricity poles have either got mangled or fallen down, 105 sub-stations (electricity distribution stations) have been affected, he said, adding 10,000 personnel have been rushed to the affected areas to repair them. Ten out of 26 Combined Drinking Water Schemes in coastal districts have been set right and people were being provided drinking water. Over a lakh people had benefited by medical camps -to prevent epidemics- in affected regions,Palaniswami said, adding he would inspect the storm hit areas Sunday. On complaints from people in cyclone hit districts that they did not get food, he said there was no such thing anywhere. Food was stocked in advance to make it available for people. "District Collectors and ministers from the respective districts are camping in affected areas and carrying out relief operations on a war footing." Milk was sought and it has been despatched, he said, adding five more ministers, including D Jayakumar, and R B Udaya Kumar, have been deputed to cyclone hit districts to oversee relief work. The navy has also augmented the government's relief efforts, with one helicopter sortie flown from INS Parundu, the Indian air naval station at Uchipuli in Ramanathapuram district, to assess the damage in and around Ramanathpuram. Two ships "Chetlat" and "Cheriam" were diverted to Karaikal to assist state authorities in relief work, a defence release said. Three ships at Chennai and two at Visakhapatnam were on stand by to augment relief efforts at short notice, it said. The navy has also positioned a Dornier detachment at Arrakkonam, about 78 from Chennai, to facilitate damage assessment and any other assistance that may be needed. The main opposition party DMK expressed grief over the loss of lives while PMK and a farmers' body demanded adequate compensation to ryots, whose crops had been destroyed. DMK chief M K Stalin, in a tweet, claimed that 36 people have lost their lives in the cyclone and expressed his grief. The leader of the opposition, who Saturday embarked on a tour of storm affected regions, said the cyclone has caused large-scale destruction in Cauvery delta districts like Tiruvarur. He said the livelihood of the common people, including farmers and fishermen, had been severely hit. PMK chief S Ramadoss demanded that the government declare Vedaranyam (Nagapattinam district), Mannargudi (Tiruvarur), and Pattukottai (Thanjavur) as disaster struck regions and implement rehabilitation schemes. He wanted Rs 50,000 compensation for coconut trees as per a scheme announced by the government for acquiring land for Salem-Chennai expressway. Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, a CPI(M) affiliated farmers' body, demanded a proper enumeration of losses to standing crops. A compensation of Rs 20,000 for a coconut tree, Rs 25,000 per acre for paddy, and Rs one lakh an acre for plantain were among its demands. "Coconut trees over thousands of acres of farmland have been completely uprooted, causing irreparable damage to ryots. It will take many years to grow again these trees," it said Top actor Rajinikanth, extending his sympathies to the affected people, said "relief assistance" by his Rajini Makkal Mandram functionaries should continue. The Met office, meanwhile, said the Northeast monsoon has been active over Tamil Nadu. Some regions experienced heavy rainfall, with Sivaganga recording 17 cm followed by the hill station of Kodaikanal (14 cm) between Friday and Saturday morning.

Cyclone toll climbs to 33 in Tamil Nadu, relief work on war footing says CM

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