&#39;Superstar&#39; Rajinikanth on Friday said the Supreme Court verdict reducing the quantum of water to Tamil Nadu from Cauvery river was &quot;very disappointing&quot; and urged the state government to file a review petition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-haasan-shocked-with-cauvery-dispute-verdict-33065">Kamal Haasan &#39;shocked&#39; with Cauvery dispute verdict</a>

&quot;Since the final verdict by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery water sharing amounts to further affecting the livelihood of the farmers in Tamil Nadu, it is very disappointing,&quot; the actor said in a tweet in Tamil.&nbsp;

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காவிரி நீர் பங்கீட்டில் உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தின் இறுதி தீர்ப்பு தமிழக விவசாயிகளின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை மேலும் பாதிப்பதாக உள்ளதால் மிகுந்த ஏமாற்றமளிக்கிறது.மறு பரிசீலனை மனு தாக்கல் செய்ய தமிழகஅரசு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும்.
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/964482122906976257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The actor, who recently announced his&nbsp;political plunge, said that the Tamil Nadu government should take steps to file a review petition on the matter.

The Supreme Court directed Karnataka would get additional 14.75 &nbsp;thousand million cubic &nbsp;(TMC) water and Tamil Nadu would now get 177.25 TMC water instead of 192 TMC in its verdict on the 120-year-old dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The court said the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a &quot;higher pedestal&quot;.&nbsp;

Earlier, reacting to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-dispute-supreme-court-verdict-33045">Supreme Court verdict&nbsp;</a>in the Cauvery dispute, actor Kamal Haasan said he was shocked at the reduction in the supply of water for Tamil Nadu.

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin

'Superstar' Rajinikanth on Friday said the Supreme Court verdict reducing the quantum of water to Tamil Nadu from Cauvery river was "very disappointing" and urged the state government to file a review petition. Also read: Kamal Haasan 'shocked' with Cauvery dispute verdict "Since the final verdict by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery water sharing amounts to further affecting the livelihood of the farmers in Tamil Nadu, it is very disappointing," the actor said in a tweet in Tamil. காவிரி நீர் பங்கீட்டில் உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தின் இறுதி தீர்ப்பு தமிழக விவசாயிகளின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை மேலும் பாதிப்பதாக உள்ளதால் மிகுந்த ஏமாற்றமளிக்கிறது.மறு பரிசீலனை மனு தாக்கல் செய்ய தமிழகஅரசு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) February 16, 2018 × The actor, who recently announced his political plunge, said that the Tamil Nadu government should take steps to file a review petition on the matter. The Supreme Court directed Karnataka would get additional 14.75 thousand million cubic (TMC) water and Tamil Nadu would now get 177.25 TMC water instead of 192 TMC in its verdict on the 120-year-old dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The court said the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". Earlier, reacting to the Supreme Court verdict in the Cauvery dispute, actor Kamal Haasan said he was shocked at the reduction in the supply of water for Tamil Nadu. (With PTI inputs)

Rajinikanth disappointed with Supreme Court verdict reducing water to Tamil Nadu

In a landmark verdict today, the Supreme Court has reduced the allocation of the Cauvery Waters for Tamil Nadu from 192 TMC, as allocated by the Cauvery Water Tribunal Award in 2007, to 177.25 TMC annually.&nbsp; This thousand million cubic feet of water is to be released from Billigundulu, the last measuring station in Karnataka on the Cauvery, to Mettur Dam, which is the first measuring station in Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery river. It is a historic judgment.&nbsp;

The judgment is historical on two counts: first, it marks the culmination of the centuries-old inter-state water dispute that has been an epitome of hostile hydropolitics. Second, it sent a signal to the agricultural economy to efficiently use water and practise crop diversification. The principle followed here, though apparently seems like &ldquo;robbing Peter to pay Paul&rdquo; (by reducing 14.75 TMC water for Tamil Nadu and providing the same to Karnataka for its burgeoning urban water use), recognises a bigger global phenomenon of intersectoral water conflicts: agriculture versus urban water demand.&nbsp;

In a 2009 paper co-authored with Jayanta Bandyopadhyay in Water Policy, I argued that around 85% of the waters of the Cauvery basin go for agriculture, with paddy emerging as the most dominant crop in the basin. While the Tamil Nadu delta has been historically cultivating paddy, Karnataka started developing their irrigation potential in the 1960s onwards.&nbsp;

The minimum support prices (MSP) of rice between the 80s and 90s were increasing at a faster rate vis-&agrave;-vis the drier alternative crop, namely, Ragi. Farmers, therefore, were incentivised to shift to water-consuming crop, for instance, from Ragi to paddy. However, the data over the last 10 years reveals that there has been an overall decline in acreage in the basin, and more so in the Karnataka part, in response to a reversal in the MSP movement. But, the traditional sugarcane agriculture in the delta regions still continues.&nbsp;

Who owns the Cauvery water?

There are three extreme principles of water allocation based on divergent definitions of property rights: Harmon, History and Hobbes. The Harmon doctrine states the primary rights of water are bestowed on those who own land at the source of the water. History confers primary rights to historical users of water irrespective of their geographical location. Hobbes identifies rights as the final result of awards obtained through negotiations.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu, given the long history of water use especially in the delta regions, has been advocating its position in terms of History. While the basin area&#39;s contribution to the river flow should also be an important variable to be taken into consideration, the principle of prescriptive rights given in the 1924 agreement between the Madras Presidency and the Princely State of Mysore also translates to the principle of prior appropriation or the doctrine of history as the basis of property rights definition.

On the other hand, Karnataka has always maintained that a downstream state cannot make a claim when there is a scarcity of water and inadequacy in the upstream areas. At the same time, upstream development should not be compromised because of downstream concerns. This implies that Karnataka has been exercising the Harmon doctrine for its property rights.

The divergent definitions of property rights are amplified by the fact that the subject of water falls in the State list, subject to the provisions of 56 (i) of the Indian Constitution. Even the provisions of the Interstate Water Dispute (ISWD) Act of 1956 and its subsequent amendment in 2002 merely talk of setting up tribunals for adjudications and declaring awards. In view of global standards on water governance, this is insufficient. One can perceive that Hobbesian modes of negotiations are failing. Besides, it has exposed the failings of a state-led, &lsquo;decentralised&rsquo; approach.

Interestingly, much in departure to this existing thinking of water being State subject, thereby, leading to divergent definitions of property rights, the Supreme Court has observed that water of the Cauvery river was a &ldquo;national asset and no single state could claim ownership over it&rdquo;.

A holistic understanding is needed

The verdict, therefore, presents an unprecedented benchmark in Indian water governance by seeking a departure from age-old policies. There are many solutions for managing agricultural water, such as crop-diversification through minimum support price, regime change in favour of drier crops, promoting water-use-efficiency through technical and institutional measures, imports of agricultural crops from water-rich regions, among others. But, the basic human needs should be met first.&nbsp;

However, there is one more thing that remains to be taken care of, i.e. the cause of the ecosystems. The CWT award in 2007 was thoroughly based on reductionist &ldquo;arithmetic hydrology&rdquo;, and not on holistic eco-hydrology. The arithmetic by way of which this 50% dependability of water is arrived at depends on past precedence of estimates conducted by engineers like K.L. Rao.&nbsp;

The CWT seemed to be oblivious to the challenges by possible impacts of global warming and climate change that can result in variability in water availability. That award reserved the &ldquo;quantity &hellip; for environmental protection&rdquo; and &ldquo;quantity determined for inevitable escapages to the sea&rdquo; as 10 TMC and 4 TMC respectively, none of which adhere to any scientific assessment of the ecosystem-based water usages in the basin.&nbsp;

The present verdict does not have the cause of the ecosystem in its scope. But, ecological scientists must advocate for a more scientific approach for the cause of the ecosystems for life in the basin. The resolution mechanism worked out by the Cauvery Water Tribunal has been based on myopic number-games for sharing the waters, without much consideration about the broader institutions, economics, ecology, hydrology, and holistic understanding of the conflicts. There is a need to correct that.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Much in departure to this existing thinking of water being State subject, thereby, leading to divergent definitions of property rights, the Supreme Court has observed that water of the Cauvery river was a “national asset and no single state could claim ownership over it”.

In a landmark verdict today, the Supreme Court has reduced the allocation of the Cauvery Waters for Tamil Nadu from 192 TMC, as allocated by the Cauvery Water Tribunal Award in 2007, to 177.25 TMC annually. This thousand million cubic feet of water is to be released from Billigundulu, the last measuring station in Karnataka on the Cauvery, to Mettur Dam, which is the first measuring station in Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery river. It is a historic judgment. The judgment is historical on two counts: first, it marks the culmination of the centuries-old inter-state water dispute that has been an epitome of hostile hydropolitics. Second, it sent a signal to the agricultural economy to efficiently use water and practise crop diversification. The principle followed here, though apparently seems like “robbing Peter to pay Paul” (by reducing 14.75 TMC water for Tamil Nadu and providing the same to Karnataka for its burgeoning urban water use), recognises a bigger global phenomenon of intersectoral water conflicts: agriculture versus urban water demand. In a 2009 paper co-authored with Jayanta Bandyopadhyay in Water Policy, I argued that around 85% of the waters of the Cauvery basin go for agriculture, with paddy emerging as the most dominant crop in the basin. While the Tamil Nadu delta has been historically cultivating paddy, Karnataka started developing their irrigation potential in the 1960s onwards. The minimum support prices (MSP) of rice between the 80s and 90s were increasing at a faster rate vis-à-vis the drier alternative crop, namely, Ragi. Farmers, therefore, were incentivised to shift to water-consuming crop, for instance, from Ragi to paddy. However, the data over the last 10 years reveals that there has been an overall decline in acreage in the basin, and more so in the Karnataka part, in response to a reversal in the MSP movement. But, the traditional sugarcane agriculture in the delta regions still continues. Who owns the Cauvery water? There are three extreme principles of water allocation based on divergent definitions of property rights: Harmon, History and Hobbes. The Harmon doctrine states the primary rights of water are bestowed on those who own land at the source of the water. History confers primary rights to historical users of water irrespective of their geographical location. Hobbes identifies rights as the final result of awards obtained through negotiations. Tamil Nadu, given the long history of water use especially in the delta regions, has been advocating its position in terms of History. While the basin area's contribution to the river flow should also be an important variable to be taken into consideration, the principle of prescriptive rights given in the 1924 agreement between the Madras Presidency and the Princely State of Mysore also translates to the principle of prior appropriation or the doctrine of history as the basis of property rights definition. On the other hand, Karnataka has always maintained that a downstream state cannot make a claim when there is a scarcity of water and inadequacy in the upstream areas. At the same time, upstream development should not be compromised because of downstream concerns. This implies that Karnataka has been exercising the Harmon doctrine for its property rights. The divergent definitions of property rights are amplified by the fact that the subject of water falls in the State list, subject to the provisions of 56 (i) of the Indian Constitution. Even the provisions of the Interstate Water Dispute (ISWD) Act of 1956 and its subsequent amendment in 2002 merely talk of setting up tribunals for adjudications and declaring awards. In view of global standards on water governance, this is insufficient. One can perceive that Hobbesian modes of negotiations are failing. Besides, it has exposed the failings of a state-led, ‘decentralised’ approach. Interestingly, much in departure to this existing thinking of water being State subject, thereby, leading to divergent definitions of property rights, the Supreme Court has observed that water of the Cauvery river was a “national asset and no single state could claim ownership over it”. A holistic understanding is needed The verdict, therefore, presents an unprecedented benchmark in Indian water governance by seeking a departure from age-old policies. There are many solutions for managing agricultural water, such as crop-diversification through minimum support price, regime change in favour of drier crops, promoting water-use-efficiency through technical and institutional measures, imports of agricultural crops from water-rich regions, among others. But, the basic human needs should be met first. However, there is one more thing that remains to be taken care of, i.e. the cause of the ecosystems. The CWT award in 2007 was thoroughly based on reductionist “arithmetic hydrology”, and not on holistic eco-hydrology. The arithmetic by way of which this 50% dependability of water is arrived at depends on past precedence of estimates conducted by engineers like K.L. Rao. The CWT seemed to be oblivious to the challenges by possible impacts of global warming and climate change that can result in variability in water availability. That award reserved the “quantity … for environmental protection” and “quantity determined for inevitable escapages to the sea” as 10 TMC and 4 TMC respectively, none of which adhere to any scientific assessment of the ecosystem-based water usages in the basin. The present verdict does not have the cause of the ecosystem in its scope. But, ecological scientists must advocate for a more scientific approach for the cause of the ecosystems for life in the basin. The resolution mechanism worked out by the Cauvery Water Tribunal has been based on myopic number-games for sharing the waters, without much consideration about the broader institutions, economics, ecology, hydrology, and holistic understanding of the conflicts. There is a need to correct that. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Cauvery is a national river, no state owns it

The Supreme Court is likely to deliver the verdict&nbsp;on decades-old Cauvery water dispute between south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

On September 20, 2017, the final day of the hearings in the appeals, Tamil Nadu appealed to the Bench &mdash; comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A.M. Khanwilkar &mdash; to not reduce it to the state of a beggar before Karnataka.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud then reserved the verdict on the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing of water.

Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, urged the court to initiate a &ldquo;fundamental change&rdquo; in the water sharing arrangement. &ldquo;Several years have gone by... the river is perennial, but the litigation should not be,&rdquo; it submitted.

Naphade made it a point to express scepticism about the Central government&#39;s initiative in resolving the decades-long Cauvery dispute. Tamil Nadu said it wanted a judicial order and did not want to depend on a Centre that took six years to publish the Tribunal award in the gazette in 2013.

The decades-old Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection.

The final award makes a yearly allocation of 419 tmcft to Tamil Nadu in the entire Cauvery basin, 270 tmcft to Karnataka, 30 tmcft to Kerala and 7 tmcft to Puducherry.

The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict.

The apex court had in January said the verdict would be pronounced within a month, adding that the matter has already created enough confusion for decades.

The top court during the course of pendency of appeals of the neighbouring states against the arbitral award of 2007, had passed several orders directing Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

On September 30, 2016, the Supreme Court had pulled up Karnataka for its repeated &quot;defiance&quot; in flouting its orders for releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and said no one would know when the &quot;wrath of the law&quot; would fall on it.

Later, Karnataka had moved a review petition in the apex court against its three orders on on the issue and direction to the Centre to create the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB), saying &quot;grave miscarriage of justice&quot; had been caused to it following the three apex court orders of September 20, 27 and 30, by which it was directed to release water.

Tamil Nadu had earlier also alleged that Kerala was drawing water in excess of what has been allocated to it by the tribunal.

The apex court had on December 9, 2016 upheld the maintainability of appeals filed by the riparian states saying it has the &quot;jurisdiction to decide the parameters, scope, authority and jurisdiction of the tribunal&quot;.

The Court had rejected the Centre&#39;s objection that the CWDT award amounted to a final decree and it had no jurisdiction to hear the appeals against the award.

(With PTI inputs)

The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict.

The Supreme Court is likely to deliver the verdict on decades-old Cauvery water dispute between south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. On September 20, 2017, the final day of the hearings in the appeals, Tamil Nadu appealed to the Bench — comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A.M. Khanwilkar — to not reduce it to the state of a beggar before Karnataka. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud then reserved the verdict on the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing of water. Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, urged the court to initiate a “fundamental change” in the water sharing arrangement. “Several years have gone by... the river is perennial, but the litigation should not be,” it submitted. Naphade made it a point to express scepticism about the Central government's initiative in resolving the decades-long Cauvery dispute. Tamil Nadu said it wanted a judicial order and did not want to depend on a Centre that took six years to publish the Tribunal award in the gazette in 2013. The decades-old Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection. The final award makes a yearly allocation of 419 tmcft to Tamil Nadu in the entire Cauvery basin, 270 tmcft to Karnataka, 30 tmcft to Kerala and 7 tmcft to Puducherry. The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict. The apex court had in January said the verdict would be pronounced within a month, adding that the matter has already created enough confusion for decades. The top court during the course of pendency of appeals of the neighbouring states against the arbitral award of 2007, had passed several orders directing Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. On September 30, 2016, the Supreme Court had pulled up Karnataka for its repeated "defiance" in flouting its orders for releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and said no one would know when the "wrath of the law" would fall on it. Later, Karnataka had moved a review petition in the apex court against its three orders on on the issue and direction to the Centre to create the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB), saying "grave miscarriage of justice" had been caused to it following the three apex court orders of September 20, 27 and 30, by which it was directed to release water. Tamil Nadu had earlier also alleged that Kerala was drawing water in excess of what has been allocated to it by the tribunal. The apex court had on December 9, 2016 upheld the maintainability of appeals filed by the riparian states saying it has the "jurisdiction to decide the parameters, scope, authority and jurisdiction of the tribunal". The Court had rejected the Centre's objection that the CWDT award amounted to a final decree and it had no jurisdiction to hear the appeals against the award. (With PTI inputs)

Cauvery water dispute: Supreme Court likely to pronounce verdict today

The opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have unanimously decided to go for a protest tomorrow against bus fare hike in the state.&nbsp;

A decision in this connection was taken in an all-party meeting chaired by Opposition leader MK Stalin at DMK headquarters.

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Opposition parties in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> unanimously decided to go for protest tomorrow against bus fare hike in the state; the decision was taken in an all party meeting chaired by Opposition leader MK Stalin at DMK headquarters
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957512884048637952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The opposition&#39;s announcement comes amid Tamil Nadu government&#39;s decision to partially roll back the price hike.

Under the revised structure, the minimum ticket fare in MTC buses would be Rs 4 against the previous rate of Rs 5 and the maximum fare would be Rs 22 against the old rate of Rs 23. &nbsp;

The government on Sunday announced a partial rollback of bus fares after it came under attack from the opposition and commuters over the January 19 steep hike in fares.

The government on Sunday announced a partial rollback of bus fares after it came under attack from the opposition and commuters over the January 19 steep hike in fares.

The opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have unanimously decided to go for a protest tomorrow against bus fare hike in the state. A decision in this connection was taken in an all-party meeting chaired by Opposition leader MK Stalin at DMK headquarters. Opposition parties in #TamilNadu unanimously decided to go for protest tomorrow against bus fare hike in the state; the decision was taken in an all party meeting chaired by Opposition leader MK Stalin at DMK headquarters — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2018 × The opposition's announcement comes amid Tamil Nadu government's decision to partially roll back the price hike. Under the revised structure, the minimum ticket fare in MTC buses would be Rs 4 against the previous rate of Rs 5 and the maximum fare would be Rs 22 against the old rate of Rs 23. The government on Sunday announced a partial rollback of bus fares after it came under attack from the opposition and commuters over the January 19 steep hike in fares.

Tamil Nadu: Opposition parties to protest bus fare hike tomorrow

After over six years, Tamil Nadu government today hiked the fares of buses under State-run transport corporations and private entities approximately by 20 to 54.54 per cent, saying it was inevitable.

Significantly, the government also announced a fund for accident compensation and prevention, besides a panel to go into restructuring of bus fares in future.

Effective from tomorrow, the fare has been hiked for buses across categories viz moffusil, city, ordinary, express, deluxe, bypass-non-stop, ultra deluxe, airconditioned and Volvo modes, an official release said.

While the minimum hike is in the ordinary category, where the fare of Rs&nbsp;5 for 10 km would now be Rs&nbsp;6 (20 per cent hike), the highest is in Volvo buses, where the fare of Rs&nbsp;33 for 30 km will now go up to Rs&nbsp;51 (54.54 per cent hike).

In town buses, the fare has been hiked from a minimum of Rs&nbsp;3 to Rs&nbsp;5 and the maximum from Rs&nbsp;12 to Rs&nbsp;19.

The government cited a host of factors for the hike, including an increase in fuel price and maintenance, annual increment in salaries, pension and purchase of new buses to increase efficiency.

Defending the hike, it said the last time fares were increased was on November 18, 2011, when diesel cost Rs&nbsp;43.10, whereas the price now was Rs&nbsp;65.83.

The government also cited data to claim that the fares, despite the increase, was lesser than in neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh.

A recent interim direction of the Madras High Court in a transport-related petition was also cited to support the decision to effect a hike in fares.

The government quoted the interim order as saying, &quot;data furnished in the supporting affidavit shows that the present bus fare is inadequate to meet, even the operational cost.&quot;

The court had also said, &quot;with the existing funds and resources, maintenance cost, debt, loss and such other economic factors ...the need to revise bus fare, appears to be inevitable, though it may cause inconvenience.&quot;

The government said that since 2000 to date, Karnataka had hiked the fare 16 times, while Andhra Pradesh and Kerala had done so eight times.

In the past seven years, the Tamil Nadu government gave Rs&nbsp;12,059.17 crore subsidy to State-run transport corporations to help them tackle the fund crunch.

These corporations have so far incurred a recurring loss of Rs&nbsp;20,488 crore, the government said.

&quot;Though the increase in fare was avoided so far, it is now inevitable so as to tackle the fund crunch and to continue to give the people a good transport service,&quot; the release said.

In a significant step, the government said an integrated &#39;Accident prevention, compensation and toll fee fund&#39; would be set up, under which speed governors would be installed in long-distance express buses as part of accident prevention efforts.

Private transport entities will be permitted to establish similar funds.

Unlike neighbouring states, the fare in Tamil Nadu presently does not cover insurance and toll fee components.

Henceforth, the fare will cover an integrated component of accident insurance and toll fee as well, it said.

From a minimum of Rs&nbsp;1 (up to Rs&nbsp;25 fare) a maximum of Rs&nbsp;10 will be levied (for fares above Rs&nbsp;501) for this purpose.

Defending its decision, the government said since timely compensation for accidents was not provided, as many as 652 State-run transport corporation buses were under court attachment proceedings. Also, the state transport corporations spent an average of Rs&nbsp;12 crore per month towards toll fee.

A new accident compensation fund will ensure that victims (or their kin in case of death) would be provided compensation ranging between Rs&nbsp;2.5 to Rs&nbsp;five lakh immediately, it said.

For those injured, it would be between Rs&nbsp;10,000 to Rs&nbsp;two lakh depending upon the nature of injuries and duration of hospitalisation. For those who suffer permanent disability or head injury, the compensation will be Rs&nbsp;five lakh, it said.

The government said restructuring of fares in future would be done by a committee of senior government officials based on a computation involving indices covering fuel price hike, changes in maintenance and repair cost and increment in salaries.

There are eight State-run transport corporations in Tamil Nadu with 22,509 buses, employing 1,40,615 personnel.

Workers of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) owing allegiance to 17 trade unions, including those affiliated to DMK and Left parties, had gone strike on January 4 after failure of talks with the government on wage revision.

While unions wanted a 2.57 times hike, the government offered only 2.44, resulting in a stalemate.

The strike severely crippled public sector bus services, causing immense hardship to the public, including office-goers in cities though the government tried to maintain services by roping in temporary drivers and private buses.

The AIADMK backed union, besides some others, had not participated in the protests.

The unions had called off the strike on January 11 after the Madras High Court appointed an arbitrator to settle their wage dispute with the government.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In town buses the fare has been hiked from a minimum of Rs 3 to Rs 5 and the maximum from Rs 12 to Rs 19

After over six years, Tamil Nadu government today hiked the fares of buses under State-run transport corporations and private entities approximately by 20 to 54.54 per cent, saying it was inevitable. Significantly, the government also announced a fund for accident compensation and prevention, besides a panel to go into restructuring of bus fares in future. Effective from tomorrow, the fare has been hiked for buses across categories viz moffusil, city, ordinary, express, deluxe, bypass-non-stop, ultra deluxe, airconditioned and Volvo modes, an official release said. While the minimum hike is in the ordinary category, where the fare of Rs 5 for 10 km would now be Rs 6 (20 per cent hike), the highest is in Volvo buses, where the fare of Rs 33 for 30 km will now go up to Rs 51 (54.54 per cent hike). In town buses, the fare has been hiked from a minimum of Rs 3 to Rs 5 and the maximum from Rs 12 to Rs 19. The government cited a host of factors for the hike, including an increase in fuel price and maintenance, annual increment in salaries, pension and purchase of new buses to increase efficiency. Defending the hike, it said the last time fares were increased was on November 18, 2011, when diesel cost Rs 43.10, whereas the price now was Rs 65.83. The government also cited data to claim that the fares, despite the increase, was lesser than in neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh. A recent interim direction of the Madras High Court in a transport-related petition was also cited to support the decision to effect a hike in fares. The government quoted the interim order as saying, "data furnished in the supporting affidavit shows that the present bus fare is inadequate to meet, even the operational cost." The court had also said, "with the existing funds and resources, maintenance cost, debt, loss and such other economic factors ...the need to revise bus fare, appears to be inevitable, though it may cause inconvenience." The government said that since 2000 to date, Karnataka had hiked the fare 16 times, while Andhra Pradesh and Kerala had done so eight times. In the past seven years, the Tamil Nadu government gave Rs 12,059.17 crore subsidy to State-run transport corporations to help them tackle the fund crunch. These corporations have so far incurred a recurring loss of Rs 20,488 crore, the government said. "Though the increase in fare was avoided so far, it is now inevitable so as to tackle the fund crunch and to continue to give the people a good transport service," the release said. In a significant step, the government said an integrated 'Accident prevention, compensation and toll fee fund' would be set up, under which speed governors would be installed in long-distance express buses as part of accident prevention efforts. Private transport entities will be permitted to establish similar funds. Unlike neighbouring states, the fare in Tamil Nadu presently does not cover insurance and toll fee components. Henceforth, the fare will cover an integrated component of accident insurance and toll fee as well, it said. From a minimum of Rs 1 (up to Rs 25 fare) a maximum of Rs 10 will be levied (for fares above Rs 501) for this purpose. Defending its decision, the government said since timely compensation for accidents was not provided, as many as 652 State-run transport corporation buses were under court attachment proceedings. Also, the state transport corporations spent an average of Rs 12 crore per month towards toll fee. A new accident compensation fund will ensure that victims (or their kin in case of death) would be provided compensation ranging between Rs 2.5 to Rs five lakh immediately, it said. For those injured, it would be between Rs 10,000 to Rs two lakh depending upon the nature of injuries and duration of hospitalisation. For those who suffer permanent disability or head injury, the compensation will be Rs five lakh, it said. The government said restructuring of fares in future would be done by a committee of senior government officials based on a computation involving indices covering fuel price hike, changes in maintenance and repair cost and increment in salaries. There are eight State-run transport corporations in Tamil Nadu with 22,509 buses, employing 1,40,615 personnel. Workers of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) owing allegiance to 17 trade unions, including those affiliated to DMK and Left parties, had gone strike on January 4 after failure of talks with the government on wage revision. While unions wanted a 2.57 times hike, the government offered only 2.44, resulting in a stalemate. The strike severely crippled public sector bus services, causing immense hardship to the public, including office-goers in cities though the government tried to maintain services by roping in temporary drivers and private buses. The AIADMK backed union, besides some others, had not participated in the protests. The unions had called off the strike on January 11 after the Madras High Court appointed an arbitrator to settle their wage dispute with the government.

Tamil Nadu hikes bus fares after six years

Shortly after late J Jayalalithaa&#39;s portrait was unveiled on Monday in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the opposition DMK moved the Madras High Court seeking its removal.&nbsp;

DMK leaders sought the removal of the portrait stating that the late AIADMK supremo was found guilty on corruption charges.

When the first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose commenced proceedings on Monday at about 10.30 am, DMK&#39;s counsel P Wilson made an urgent mention and requested the court to take up the plea.

According to the petitioner, Jayalalithaa was convicted by a special court on graft charges. Later the same was set aside by the Karnataka high court while the Supreme Court found all the accused guilty of the charges. In view of her demise, appeals against Jayalalithaa were treated as abated, the petitioner said.

Members from the DMK have already filed a plea in the high court seeking removal of Jayalalithaa&#39;s photos. The plea also seeks to remove her name displayed or mentioned in government offices, buildings, public sector undertakings and government schemes.

The plea alleged that the Speaker, P Dhanapal,&nbsp;&quot;arbitrarily&quot; took a decision on February 10 to unveil a portrait of Jayalalithaa in the assembly hall in the presence of the chief minister and the deputy chief minister.

The plea called the speaker&#39;s decision unconstitutional, tainted with illegality, highly arbitrary and unreasonable.

&quot;It is antithetical to standards of morality and probity enshrined in our Constitution and expounded by the Supreme Court of India from time to time,&quot; the counsel said.

&quot;The intention of the then Speakers to display photographs.. inside the Assembly was to serve as an example and reminder to all the members of the august assembly that the elected representatives should live and conduct themselves like these leaders whose life is an example of the highest standards of public life,&quot; the petitioner submitted.

&quot;It could never have been the intention of the then speakers to hang portraits of convicts, culprits or persons convicted of offences involving moral turpitude like corruption,&quot; the petitioner said.

The petitioner has urged the court to direct the authorities to remove the portrait of Jayalalithaa from the precincts of the assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)

The seven-ft high portrait was successfully unveiled this morning

Shortly after late J Jayalalithaa's portrait was unveiled on Monday in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the opposition DMK moved the Madras High Court seeking its removal. DMK leaders sought the removal of the portrait stating that the late AIADMK supremo was found guilty on corruption charges. When the first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose commenced proceedings on Monday at about 10.30 am, DMK's counsel P Wilson made an urgent mention and requested the court to take up the plea. According to the petitioner, Jayalalithaa was convicted by a special court on graft charges. Later the same was set aside by the Karnataka high court while the Supreme Court found all the accused guilty of the charges. In view of her demise, appeals against Jayalalithaa were treated as abated, the petitioner said. Members from the DMK have already filed a plea in the high court seeking removal of Jayalalithaa's photos. The plea also seeks to remove her name displayed or mentioned in government offices, buildings, public sector undertakings and government schemes. The plea alleged that the Speaker, P Dhanapal, "arbitrarily" took a decision on February 10 to unveil a portrait of Jayalalithaa in the assembly hall in the presence of the chief minister and the deputy chief minister. The plea called the speaker's decision unconstitutional, tainted with illegality, highly arbitrary and unreasonable. "It is antithetical to standards of morality and probity enshrined in our Constitution and expounded by the Supreme Court of India from time to time," the counsel said. "The intention of the then Speakers to display photographs.. inside the Assembly was to serve as an example and reminder to all the members of the august assembly that the elected representatives should live and conduct themselves like these leaders whose life is an example of the highest standards of public life," the petitioner submitted. "It could never have been the intention of the then speakers to hang portraits of convicts, culprits or persons convicted of offences involving moral turpitude like corruption," the petitioner said. The petitioner has urged the court to direct the authorities to remove the portrait of Jayalalithaa from the precincts of the assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

DMK moves HC after Jaya portrait unveiled in TN assembly

The Twitterati in Pakistan are furious about the movie being banned.&nbsp;News reports on Saturday said the country&#39;s Censor Board had refused to clear the movie.&nbsp;

The board reportedly said the movie was against the country&#39;s culture and tradition.&nbsp;

A number of people have slammed the decision:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padman</a> and menstrual hygiene. Ban on <a href="https://twitter.com/PadManTheFilm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PadManTheFilm</a> in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. <a href="https://t.co/KpsTL6Rc3a">pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a</a>
&mdash; Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) <a href="https://twitter.com/ammarawrites/status/962294732918489088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Against our traditions &amp; culture&quot; Oh well, coz women don&#39;t menstruate here... What stupid people sitting at Censor Board ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadMan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadMan</a> must be allowed in Pakistan ! <a href="https://t.co/S7PUfBV9ak">https://t.co/S7PUfBV9ak</a>
&mdash; Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) <a href="https://twitter.com/GFarooqi/status/962412837321805824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Banning PadMan in Pakistan is another one of those illogical things that simply affect the business of cinemas in Pakistan. 
Menstruation is a fact of life, and bringing it to mainstream consciousness is neither immoral nor un-Islamic.
&mdash; Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehrTarar/status/962353264074338304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Insecurity, illiteracy &amp; double standards of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> filmmakers who&#39;re okay with dirty raunchy item numbers but consider &quot;unislamic&quot; to film a social awareness topic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/menstruation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#menstruation</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenEmpowerment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomenEmpowerment</a> 
Censor board, ????move<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padman</a> banned in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/MHfDx1zVys">https://t.co/MHfDx1zVys</a>
&mdash; Mona Alam (@MonaAlamm) <a href="https://twitter.com/MonaAlamm/status/962294395033870336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Banning padman in Pakistan just shows how we havent mentally progressed as a nation. Utterly disappointing.
&mdash; Amna Mazhar (@ozilinaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ozilinaa/status/962365366440792064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Government wrote on its official&nbsp; Twitter handle, &quot;The decision to issue a NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film &quot;Padman&quot; as the film has not yet been previewed by the Central Board of Film Censors.&quot;

Pakistani filmmaker Syed Noor, reacting to the incident, said that &quot;not only PadMan but I think even Padmaavat should not have been released as it portrays Muslims in a very negative light&quot;, PTI reported.

Directed by R Balki, PadMan is a biographical comedy-drama based on the life of a social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham of Tamil Nadu.

Muruganantham invented a low-cost, sanitary pad-making machine and is credited with generating awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural India.

PadMan was released in India on February 9.

Pakistan's Censor Board has reportedly banned the movie saying it goes against the country's culture and tradition

The Twitterati in Pakistan are furious about the movie being banned. News reports on Saturday said the country's Censor Board had refused to clear the movie. The board reportedly said the movie was against the country's culture and tradition. A number of people have slammed the decision: Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support #Padman and menstrual hygiene. Ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a — Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018 × "Against our traditions & culture" Oh well, coz women don't menstruate here... What stupid people sitting at Censor Board ! #PadMan must be allowed in Pakistan ! https://t.co/S7PUfBV9ak — Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) February 10, 2018 × Banning PadMan in Pakistan is another one of those illogical things that simply affect the business of cinemas in Pakistan. Menstruation is a fact of life, and bringing it to mainstream consciousness is neither immoral nor un-Islamic. — Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) February 10, 2018 × Insecurity, illiteracy & double standards of #Pakistani filmmakers who're okay with dirty raunchy item numbers but consider "unislamic" to film a social awareness topic of #menstruation on #WomenEmpowerment Censor board, ????move#Padman banned in #Pakistan https://t.co/MHfDx1zVys — Mona Alam (@MonaAlamm) February 10, 2018 × Banning padman in Pakistan just shows how we havent mentally progressed as a nation. Utterly disappointing. — Amna Mazhar (@ozilinaa) February 10, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Pakistan Government wrote on its official Twitter handle, "The decision to issue a NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film "Padman" as the film has not yet been previewed by the Central Board of Film Censors." Pakistani filmmaker Syed Noor, reacting to the incident, said that "not only PadMan but I think even Padmaavat should not have been released as it portrays Muslims in a very negative light", PTI reported. Directed by R Balki, PadMan is a biographical comedy-drama based on the life of a social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham of Tamil Nadu. Muruganantham invented a low-cost, sanitary pad-making machine and is credited with generating awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural India. PadMan was released in India on February 9.

Pakistan Twitterati furious over PadMan ban

In the wake of loss faced in the December&#39;s RK Nagar bypoll, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has expelled over 150 office-bearers.

Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Palaniswami issued a joint statement stating that the move was taken against the party members who acted in &quot;contravention to the party&#39;s policies and ideals,&quot; and for &quot;bringing disrepute&quot; to it.

Former Minister G Senthamizhan and senior leader Parithi Ilamvazhuthi were also among those expelled. The expelled office-bearers belonged to the party&rsquo;s South Chennai (South) and Cuddalore West units.

Both Senthamizhan and Ilamvazhuthi are the supporters of TTV Dhinakaran who won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll.

The members have been expelled from their present posts and have also lost AIADMK&rsquo;s primary membership.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam merged their respective factions in August 2017. The leaders also warned of action against those who would go against the party.&nbsp;

The members have been expelled from their present posts and have also lost AIADMK’s primary membership.

In the wake of loss faced in the December's RK Nagar bypoll, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has expelled over 150 office-bearers. Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Palaniswami issued a joint statement stating that the move was taken against the party members who acted in "contravention to the party's policies and ideals," and for "bringing disrepute" to it. Former Minister G Senthamizhan and senior leader Parithi Ilamvazhuthi were also among those expelled. The expelled office-bearers belonged to the party’s South Chennai (South) and Cuddalore West units. Both Senthamizhan and Ilamvazhuthi are the supporters of TTV Dhinakaran who won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll. The members have been expelled from their present posts and have also lost AIADMK’s primary membership. Palaniswami and Panneerselvam merged their respective factions in August 2017. The leaders also warned of action against those who would go against the party.

AIADMK expels over 150 office-bearers

Tamil Nadu MLA TTV Dhinakaran&#39;s recent remark has sparked a controversy. Dhinakaran on Friday claimed that he can get the Tamil Nadu government dissolved.

&quot;If I want, I can get TN government dissolved but many MLAs are sending me feelers asking me not to do it yet. They said they will throw out those anti-Amma people from the government soon,&quot; Dhinakaran noted.&nbsp;

Dhinakaran also blamed the state government for not taking up the Cauvery issue properly with the central government due to political reasons.

&quot;The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is at the Centre and is going to fight elections in Karnataka, so this Tamil Nadu Government does not want any problems to be created due to the Cauvery issue for BJP in Karnataka. And, that is why they (TN Government) have not taken up this issue properly with the Centre,&quot; Dhinakaran alleged.

Meanwhile, the ruling AIADMK on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-expels-over-150-office-bearers-32323">expelled over 150 office-bearers</a> in the wake of its loss in the RK Nagar Assembly bypoll.

Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Palaniswami issued a joint statement stating that the move was taken against the party members who acted in &quot;contravention to the party&#39;s policies and ideals,&quot; and for &quot;bringing disrepute&quot; to it.

The members have been expelled from their present posts and have also lost AIADMK&rsquo;s primary membership.

(With inputs from ANI)

Meanwhile, the ruling AIADMK on Friday expelled over 150 office-bearers

Tamil Nadu MLA TTV Dhinakaran's recent remark has sparked a controversy. Dhinakaran on Friday claimed that he can get the Tamil Nadu government dissolved. "If I want, I can get TN government dissolved but many MLAs are sending me feelers asking me not to do it yet. They said they will throw out those anti-Amma people from the government soon," Dhinakaran noted. Dhinakaran also blamed the state government for not taking up the Cauvery issue properly with the central government due to political reasons. "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is at the Centre and is going to fight elections in Karnataka, so this Tamil Nadu Government does not want any problems to be created due to the Cauvery issue for BJP in Karnataka. And, that is why they (TN Government) have not taken up this issue properly with the Centre," Dhinakaran alleged. Meanwhile, the ruling AIADMK on Friday expelled over 150 office-bearers in the wake of its loss in the RK Nagar Assembly bypoll. Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Palaniswami issued a joint statement stating that the move was taken against the party members who acted in "contravention to the party's policies and ideals," and for "bringing disrepute" to it. The members have been expelled from their present posts and have also lost AIADMK’s primary membership. (With inputs from ANI)

I can get Tamil Nadu government dissolved: TTV Dhinakaran

Internet giant Google will support Tamil Nadu government&#39;s digitisation efforts.

The government of Tamil Nadu aims to make all government websites mobile-friendly and plans to provide cloud credits for startups in the state.

Google Indis&#39;s Public Policy Director, Chetan Krishnaswamy noted at an event that Google would be pleased to work with the Tamil Nadu government and help it become a digitally empowered state.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government launched the &#39;Internet Saathi&#39; programme today to promote &#39;digital literacy for women.&#39; State Information Technology Minister M Manikandan was also present at the launch.

Krishnaswamy also noted that the expansion of the &#39;Internet Saathi&#39;&nbsp;model would benefit over 600,000 women in the first phase of the programme.

The Tamil Nadu government launched the 'Internet Saathi' programme today to promote 'digital literacy for women'

Internet giant Google will support Tamil Nadu government's digitisation efforts. The government of Tamil Nadu aims to make all government websites mobile-friendly and plans to provide cloud credits for startups in the state. Google Indis's Public Policy Director, Chetan Krishnaswamy noted at an event that Google would be pleased to work with the Tamil Nadu government and help it become a digitally empowered state. The Tamil Nadu government launched the 'Internet Saathi' programme today to promote 'digital literacy for women.' State Information Technology Minister M Manikandan was also present at the launch. Krishnaswamy also noted that the expansion of the 'Internet Saathi' model would benefit over 600,000 women in the first phase of the programme.

Google to support Tamil Nadu's digitisation initiatives

China said on Wednesday that it will attend a meeting on Afghanistan convened by its all-weather ally Pakistan, after skipping a security dialogue hosted by India on the situation in the war-torn country, citing "scheduling reasons".

Pakistan will host senior diplomats from the US, China and Russia in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.

The Troika Plus meeting will be attended by special representatives from all four countries.

Asked whether China would attend the meeting in Islamabad, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here that "China supports Pakistan in hosting this extended meeting of the China-US-Russia consultation mechanism and supports all international efforts conducive to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and building consensus among all parties”.

"Yue Xiaoyong, Special Envoy for Afghan affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, will lead a delegation to attend the meeting," he said.

On Tuesday, Wang said that China would not attend the security dialogue on Afghanistan convened by India due to "scheduling reasons".

He said China has notified the Indian side in reply.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday chaired an eight-nation dialogue in New Delhi which was attended by officials from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

All-weather allies China and Pakistan followed a coordinated policy after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan backing the Afghan militant group and getting international recognition for its interim government.

Meanwhile in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday that Pakistan attaches high importance to the Troika Plus mechanism on the situation in Afghanistan and hopes that “deliberations of the meeting would contribute to the ongoing efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan”.

The meeting will be inaugurated by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

A major fire broke out inside the premises of the shrine last night in which at least 40 shops were gutted.

China said on Wednesday that it will attend a meeting on Afghanistan convened by its all-weather ally Pakistan, after skipping a security dialogue hosted by India on the situation in the war-torn country, citing "scheduling reasons". Pakistan will host senior diplomats from the US, China and Russia in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. The Troika Plus meeting will be attended by special representatives from all four countries. Asked whether China would attend the meeting in Islamabad, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here that "China supports Pakistan in hosting this extended meeting of the China-US-Russia consultation mechanism and supports all international efforts conducive to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and building consensus among all parties”. "Yue Xiaoyong, Special Envoy for Afghan affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, will lead a delegation to attend the meeting," he said. On Tuesday, Wang said that China would not attend the security dialogue on Afghanistan convened by India due to "scheduling reasons". He said China has notified the Indian side in reply. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday chaired an eight-nation dialogue in New Delhi which was attended by officials from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. All-weather allies China and Pakistan followed a coordinated policy after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan backing the Afghan militant group and getting international recognition for its interim government. Meanwhile in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday that Pakistan attaches high importance to the Troika Plus mechanism on the situation in Afghanistan and hopes that “deliberations of the meeting would contribute to the ongoing efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan”. The meeting will be inaugurated by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Madurai Meenakshi temple fire: Hindu outfit seeks action against authorities

The ruling AIADMK today expelled over 90 office-bearers of the party&#39;s Kanyakumari unit, including a former minister, in continuation of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-expels-144-office-bearers-for-bringing-disrepute-30901" target="_blank">action against dissidents since its defeat in the RK Nagar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-expels-144-office-bearers-for-bringing-disrepute-30901" target="_blank">bypoll</a>.

AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and Co-coordinator K Palaniswami announced the expulsion of 93 office-bearers of the party&#39;s Kanyakumari unit for bringing &#39;disrepute&#39; to the organisation.

Those who were shown the door today included former state Minister KT Pachaimal.

In a joint statement, Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said these persons were being expelled from AIADMK for &quot;acting in contravention to the party&#39;s policies and ideals,&quot; and for &quot;bringing disrepute&quot; to it.

They were being expelled from all their present posts, besides from the party&#39;s primary membership, the two leaders said.

They asked party workers not to have any truck with expelled members.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam, who merged the factions led by them in August 2017, had last month warned of action against those who go against the party line, following its loss in the December 21 RK Nagar Assembly bypoll which was won by sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran.

They had earlier too expelled a number of functionaries, while stripping some of the key aides of Dhinakaran of party posts.

Panneerselvam and Palaniswami had yesterday removed 123 office-bearers of the party&#39;s units in Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Vellore and Ramanathapuram.

AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and Co-coordinator K Palaniswami announced the expulsion of 93 office-bearers of the party's Kanyakumari unit for bringing 'disrepute' to the organisation

The ruling AIADMK today expelled over 90 office-bearers of the party's Kanyakumari unit, including a former minister, in continuation of its action against dissidents since its defeat in the RK Nagar bypoll. AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and Co-coordinator K Palaniswami announced the expulsion of 93 office-bearers of the party's Kanyakumari unit for bringing 'disrepute' to the organisation. Those who were shown the door today included former state Minister KT Pachaimal. In a joint statement, Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said these persons were being expelled from AIADMK for "acting in contravention to the party's policies and ideals," and for "bringing disrepute" to it. They were being expelled from all their present posts, besides from the party's primary membership, the two leaders said. They asked party workers not to have any truck with expelled members. Palaniswami and Panneerselvam, who merged the factions led by them in August 2017, had last month warned of action against those who go against the party line, following its loss in the December 21 RK Nagar Assembly bypoll which was won by sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran. They had earlier too expelled a number of functionaries, while stripping some of the key aides of Dhinakaran of party posts. Panneerselvam and Palaniswami had yesterday removed 123 office-bearers of the party's units in Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Vellore and Ramanathapuram.

AIADMK expels 93 office-bearers in Kanyakumari district

The DMK-led opposition today held protests across Tamil Nadu to demand a full rollback of the recent bus fare hike, with police detaining DMK&#39;s M K Stalin and MDMK&#39;s Vaiko for blocking roads in the capital.

Those that participated in the protests included the Congress, the Left parties, DMDK and VCK.

Stalin, DMK working president and leader of opposition in the assembly, was detained at Kolathur here along with scores of party workers and other opposition party members, including from the Congress, police said.

MDMK founder Vaiko and VCK founder Thol Thirumavalavan were detained with DMK workers at Saidapet when they staged protests demanding immediate rollback of the hike effected on January 19.

Warning of protests intensifying, Stalin said the government&#39;s move to marginally reduce the fares was an &quot;eye wash&quot;.

&quot;These protests will not end today... If the government does not withdraw the hike, our protests will intensify,&quot; he told reporters later.

The Tamil Nadu government had yesterday revised bus fares marginally, following protests by opposition parties and the public, especially students, over the recent &quot;steep&quot; hike.

The reduction of fares was between two paise to 10 paise per km for various categories of buses and routes such as city, districts, express and ordinary services, a government release said.

In Chennai city, bus fares have been cut by Re 1 across various stages. The minimum fare would now be Rs 4 and the maximum Rs 18. 
The revision will come into effect from today.

The state government had on January 19 hiked ticket prices of buses operated by transport corporations by about 20 to 54.54 per cent, drawing criticism from all.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation workers, owing allegiance to 17 trade unions, including those affiliated to the DMK and Left parties, had launched a stir on January 4 after talks with the state government on wage revision failed.

While the unions demanded that salaries be hiked 2.57 times, the government offered only 2.44, resulting in a stalemate.

The workers had withdrawn their eight-day strike on January 11 after the Madras High Court appointed an arbitrator to settle their wage-related dispute with the government.

Those that participated in the protests included the Congress, the Left parties, DMDK and VCK

The DMK-led opposition today held protests across Tamil Nadu to demand a full rollback of the recent bus fare hike, with police detaining DMK's M K Stalin and MDMK's Vaiko for blocking roads in the capital. Those that participated in the protests included the Congress, the Left parties, DMDK and VCK. Stalin, DMK working president and leader of opposition in the assembly, was detained at Kolathur here along with scores of party workers and other opposition party members, including from the Congress, police said. MDMK founder Vaiko and VCK founder Thol Thirumavalavan were detained with DMK workers at Saidapet when they staged protests demanding immediate rollback of the hike effected on January 19. Warning of protests intensifying, Stalin said the government's move to marginally reduce the fares was an "eye wash". "These protests will not end today... If the government does not withdraw the hike, our protests will intensify," he told reporters later. The Tamil Nadu government had yesterday revised bus fares marginally, following protests by opposition parties and the public, especially students, over the recent "steep" hike. The reduction of fares was between two paise to 10 paise per km for various categories of buses and routes such as city, districts, express and ordinary services, a government release said. In Chennai city, bus fares have been cut by Re 1 across various stages. The minimum fare would now be Rs 4 and the maximum Rs 18. The revision will come into effect from today. The state government had on January 19 hiked ticket prices of buses operated by transport corporations by about 20 to 54.54 per cent, drawing criticism from all. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation workers, owing allegiance to 17 trade unions, including those affiliated to the DMK and Left parties, had launched a stir on January 4 after talks with the state government on wage revision failed. While the unions demanded that salaries be hiked 2.57 times, the government offered only 2.44, resulting in a stalemate. The workers had withdrawn their eight-day strike on January 11 after the Madras High Court appointed an arbitrator to settle their wage-related dispute with the government.

Tamil Nadu opposition holds protests, demands rollback of bus fare hike

Superstar Rajinikanth who recently entered politics said that he is ready to face the election if it happened in the next six months. &nbsp;The actor also welcomed and wished success to Kamal Haasan on his plans to launch a political party on February 21.

&quot;We will be ready,&quot; Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months.&nbsp;

When asked about Haasan&rsquo;s latest move, the superstar said, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect the announcement&rdquo;.

Rajinikanth also said only time would give an answer on whether the two of them would ally in their political journeys.

&ldquo;Let us see as and when we go forward (in politics). Only time will tell,&rdquo;&nbsp;Rajinikanth said.

Kamal Haasan on Tuesday night revealed his plans to undertake a state-wide tour from February 21, to understand people&#39;s problems and issues affecting them, starting it from his birthplace Ramanathapuram in south Tamil Nadu. In the first phase of the tour, he will also cover and interact with people in Madurai, Dindigul and Sivaganga districts.

&quot;At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,&quot; Kamal Haasan had said in the statement. &quot;Finally, let&#39;s question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance and welfare for the people of Tamil Nadu. This journey is intended towards that goal,&quot; he added.

&quot;Rajinikanth is for spiritual politics. Mine will be rationalist politics,&quot; actor Kamal Haasan told reporters late on Wednesday evening, after participating in a film function in Chennai. 
&nbsp;

"We will be ready," Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months.

Superstar Rajinikanth who recently entered politics said that he is ready to face the election if it happened in the next six months. The actor also welcomed and wished success to Kamal Haasan on his plans to launch a political party on February 21. "We will be ready," Rajinikanth told reporters outside his residence when asked about whether he and his yet-to-be-launched party will be ready to face elections if they were held in the next few months. When asked about Haasan’s latest move, the superstar said, “I didn’t expect the announcement”. Rajinikanth also said only time would give an answer on whether the two of them would ally in their political journeys. “Let us see as and when we go forward (in politics). Only time will tell,” Rajinikanth said. Kamal Haasan on Tuesday night revealed his plans to undertake a state-wide tour from February 21, to understand people's problems and issues affecting them, starting it from his birthplace Ramanathapuram in south Tamil Nadu. In the first phase of the tour, he will also cover and interact with people in Madurai, Dindigul and Sivaganga districts. "At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Kamal Haasan had said in the statement. "Finally, let's question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance and welfare for the people of Tamil Nadu. This journey is intended towards that goal," he added. "Rajinikanth is for spiritual politics. Mine will be rationalist politics," actor Kamal Haasan told reporters late on Wednesday evening, after participating in a film function in Chennai.

Ready to face polls even in six months: Rajinikanth

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-his-63rd-birthday-kamal-haasan-launches-a-whistleblower-app-says-needs-time-to-launch-political-party-23660" target="_blank">Kamal Haasan</a> will announce his political party&#39;s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu&#39;s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/welcome-welcome-kamal-haasan-on-rajinikanth-joining-politics-28154" target="_blank">Welcome welcome: Kamal Haasan on Rajinikanth joining politics</a>

The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.

It will mark Haasan&#39;s official entry into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-win-was-a-purchased-one-kamal-haasan-28524" target="_blank">politics </a>about which he has been making overtures since last year.

&quot;At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,&quot; Haasan said in a statement yesterday.

The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo &quot;that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now&quot;.

&quot;However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people,&quot; he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people&#39;s concerns.&quot;...To truly understand as to what the needs of my people are, what is afflicting them, what their aspirations are,&quot; he said.

Haasan said the tour was &quot;neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour&quot;.

&quot;This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,&quot; said Haasan.

He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to &quot;question mediocrity&quot; and &quot;raise the bar&quot; of governance and welfare in the state.

&quot;This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state,&quot; said Haasan.

&quot;I will see you soon,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram, his hometown, and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai

Kamal Haasan will announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Also read: Welcome welcome: Kamal Haasan on Rajinikanth joining politics The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai. It will mark Haasan's official entry into politics about which he has been making overtures since last year. "At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Haasan said in a statement yesterday. The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo "that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now". "However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people," he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people's concerns."...To truly understand as to what the needs of my people are, what is afflicting them, what their aspirations are," he said. Haasan said the tour was "neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour". "This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people," said Haasan. He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to "question mediocrity" and "raise the bar" of governance and welfare in the state. "This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state," said Haasan. "I will see you soon," he said.

Kamal Haasan to announce political party's name on February 21

One man died at a Jallikattu event in Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday.

News reports said the man, 19, was a spectator. He has been identified as S Kalimuthu of Sanarpatti in Dindigul.

Kalimuthu was gored to death by a bull near the finish point of the bull run where owners collect&nbsp;their animals.

News reports said more than 25 people were injured at the event, of which six people have been admitted to hospital.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Bull-taming sport <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jallikattu</a> performed in Tamil Nadu&#39;s Madurai, earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/PaIzFrLuVW">pic.twitter.com/PaIzFrLuVW</a>
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The reports said some 1,200 bulls were used at the event. And that an equal number of policeman were present.

On the first day of the event, on Sunday, some 79 people were injured.

Revenue minister RB Udaykumar and President of Jallikattu, Peravai P Rajasekar were seen attending the event.

Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, the petitioners had alleged extreme cruelty to the animals.

But after massive protest and campaigns, Tamil Nadu enacted a law to bypass the court&#39;s verdict.

&nbsp;

The man, identified as a S Kalimuthu, was a spectator

One man died at a Jallikattu event in Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday. News reports said the man, 19, was a spectator. He has been identified as S Kalimuthu of Sanarpatti in Dindigul. Kalimuthu was gored to death by a bull near the finish point of the bull run where owners collect their animals. News reports said more than 25 people were injured at the event, of which six people have been admitted to hospital. #WATCH: Bull-taming sport #Jallikattu performed in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/PaIzFrLuVW — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × The reports said some 1,200 bulls were used at the event. And that an equal number of policeman were present. On the first day of the event, on Sunday, some 79 people were injured. Revenue minister RB Udaykumar and President of Jallikattu, Peravai P Rajasekar were seen attending the event. Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, the petitioners had alleged extreme cruelty to the animals. But after massive protest and campaigns, Tamil Nadu enacted a law to bypass the court's verdict.

19-year-old gored to death at Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today made it clear that the southern state was &quot;not in a position&quot; to release Cauvery water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, even as he hoped for a &quot;favourable order&quot; on the long-pending dispute next month.

His remarks come in the wake of a letter written to him by his Tamil Nadu counterpart Edappadi K Palaniswamy demanding the immediate release of 7 tmc feet of water to the state as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

&quot;We do not have water. How can we supply to them? It is not possible to release water to Tamil Nadu,&quot; the Karnataka chief minister said in response to the letter.

&quot;We expect a favourable order,&quot; he said on the hearing of the Cauvery water dispute next month.

Siddaramaiah was in the national capital to attend a meeting called by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Last week, the Supreme Court had indicated that it would deliver within a month its verdict on the decades-old water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, saying enough confusion had been created on it for over two decades.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had said that any forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery basin only after it gave the verdict in four weeks.

On the Mahadayi river dispute, Siddarmaiah said a meeting would be called to resolve the matter at the earliest. The affected states will also be invited, he said.

The dispute over the sharing of water of the Mahadayi or Mandovi river between the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa is over 30 years old.&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah was in the national capital to attend a meeting called by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today made it clear that the southern state was "not in a position" to release Cauvery water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, even as he hoped for a "favourable order" on the long-pending dispute next month. His remarks come in the wake of a letter written to him by his Tamil Nadu counterpart Edappadi K Palaniswamy demanding the immediate release of 7 tmc feet of water to the state as per the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. "We do not have water. How can we supply to them? It is not possible to release water to Tamil Nadu," the Karnataka chief minister said in response to the letter. "We expect a favourable order," he said on the hearing of the Cauvery water dispute next month. Siddaramaiah was in the national capital to attend a meeting called by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Last week, the Supreme Court had indicated that it would deliver within a month its verdict on the decades-old water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, saying enough confusion had been created on it for over two decades. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had said that any forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery basin only after it gave the verdict in four weeks. On the Mahadayi river dispute, Siddarmaiah said a meeting would be called to resolve the matter at the earliest. The affected states will also be invited, he said. The dispute over the sharing of water of the Mahadayi or Mandovi river between the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa is over 30 years old.

Siddaramaiah refuses to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu

Ahead of harvest festival, Pongal, netas in Tamil Nadu passed a bill giving themselves a 100 per cent salary hike and other allowances even as the stalemate in the transport workers strike continues.&nbsp;As per the bill, salary and other allowances will go up from Rs 55,000 to Rs 1.05 lakh per month.

Working President of DMK MK Stalin condemned the salary hike and said that 100 per cent salary hike of MLAs unacceptable.

DMK MLAs will not accept the hike in the salary, he added. &nbsp;

&#39;&#39;Issue of salary of transport workers hasn&#39;t been settled yet. So we condemn it and till their (transport workers) demands aren&#39;t met, all DMK MLAs will not accept the hike in the salary,&#39;&#39; Stalin said.&nbsp;

Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam introduced the bill on January 10 which was opposed by DMK whip R Sakkarapani. &quot;It is not at all necessary. I am opposing it,&quot; rebel AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran and MLA representing R K Nagar told reporters outside the House.

On July 19 last year, Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced the hike in salary and allowances in the state assembly with effect from July 1.

As per the bill, allowances for the Chief Minister, Ministers, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition and the government chief whip have been increased with effect from July 1, 2107.

The Deputy Chief Minister is also now included in the Bill under this category eligible for increased allowances, Pension for former MLAs and members of the now-defunct legislative council has also been increased to Rs 20,000 from Rs 12,000 per month.

Family pension for relatives of late MLAs has also hiked by Rs 10,000. They get 50 per cent of the pension drawn by pensioner-legislators.

The annual medical allowance for retired MLAs was increased to Rs 25,000 from Rs 12,000.

Working President of DMK MK Stalin condemned the salary hike and said that 100 per cent salary hike of MLAs unacceptable.

Ahead of harvest festival, Pongal, netas in Tamil Nadu passed a bill giving themselves a 100 per cent salary hike and other allowances even as the stalemate in the transport workers strike continues. As per the bill, salary and other allowances will go up from Rs 55,000 to Rs 1.05 lakh per month. Working President of DMK MK Stalin condemned the salary hike and said that 100 per cent salary hike of MLAs unacceptable. DMK MLAs will not accept the hike in the salary, he added. ''Issue of salary of transport workers hasn't been settled yet. So we condemn it and till their (transport workers) demands aren't met, all DMK MLAs will not accept the hike in the salary,'' Stalin said. Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam introduced the bill on January 10 which was opposed by DMK whip R Sakkarapani. "It is not at all necessary. I am opposing it," rebel AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran and MLA representing R K Nagar told reporters outside the House. On July 19 last year, Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced the hike in salary and allowances in the state assembly with effect from July 1. As per the bill, allowances for the Chief Minister, Ministers, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition and the government chief whip have been increased with effect from July 1, 2107. The Deputy Chief Minister is also now included in the Bill under this category eligible for increased allowances, Pension for former MLAs and members of the now-defunct legislative council has also been increased to Rs 20,000 from Rs 12,000 per month. Family pension for relatives of late MLAs has also hiked by Rs 10,000. They get 50 per cent of the pension drawn by pensioner-legislators. The annual medical allowance for retired MLAs was increased to Rs 25,000 from Rs 12,000.

Bill passed for 100% salary hike for Tamil Nadu MLAs

As the transport workers&#39; unions strike in Tamil Nadu entered the eighth day today, auto drivers have been called in to drive buses in Coimbatore. The striking workers are demanding wage hike among other things.&nbsp;

Transport strike disrupted normal life across the state for eight days in a row as the workers refused to join works even after the Madras high court on Friday directed them to withdraw their stir or face action.

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Transport workers&#39; unions in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> enters eighth day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Rameswaram. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BusStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BusStrike</a> <a href="https://t.co/LgpFHqnj4a">pic.twitter.com/LgpFHqnj4a</a>
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The striking workers&#39; unions on Wednesday night decided to continue with their agitation as the government is yet to invite them to fresh wage negotiations.

A decision in this regard was taken after the union leaders went on a huddle in the evening to decide on their future course of action.

A lawyer representing the workers&#39; unions told the high court yesterday in view of upcoming Pongal and keeping public interest&nbsp;in mind, his clients were willing to resume works provided the government gives commitment to hold talks with them on their demand for a higher wage.

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Transport workers&#39; unions strike in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> enters eighth day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. Auto drivers called to drive buses in Coimbatore. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BusStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BusStrike</a> <a href="https://t.co/qNgfBvM50h">pic.twitter.com/qNgfBvM50h</a>
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The court, which came down heavily on the striking workers for holding the people to ransom, asked the unions to listen to their conscience while taking a call on the issue.

Justice M Govindaraj and Justice S Manikumar posted the matter for further hearing today and asked the unions to inform their decision on withdrawal of the strike by then. 
&nbsp;

The striking workers' unions on Wednesday night decided to continue with their agitation as the government is yet to invite them to fresh wage negotiations.

As the transport workers' unions strike in Tamil Nadu entered the eighth day today, auto drivers have been called in to drive buses in Coimbatore. The striking workers are demanding wage hike among other things. Transport strike disrupted normal life across the state for eight days in a row as the workers refused to join works even after the Madras high court on Friday directed them to withdraw their stir or face action. Transport workers' unions in #TamilNadu enters eighth day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. #Visuals from Rameswaram. #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/LgpFHqnj4a — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × The striking workers' unions on Wednesday night decided to continue with their agitation as the government is yet to invite them to fresh wage negotiations. A decision in this regard was taken after the union leaders went on a huddle in the evening to decide on their future course of action. A lawyer representing the workers' unions told the high court yesterday in view of upcoming Pongal and keeping public interest in mind, his clients were willing to resume works provided the government gives commitment to hold talks with them on their demand for a higher wage. Transport workers' unions strike in #TamilNadu enters eighth day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. Auto drivers called to drive buses in Coimbatore. #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/qNgfBvM50h — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × The court, which came down heavily on the striking workers for holding the people to ransom, asked the unions to listen to their conscience while taking a call on the issue. Justice M Govindaraj and Justice S Manikumar posted the matter for further hearing today and asked the unions to inform their decision on withdrawal of the strike by then.

As transport workers' strike enters 8th day, auto drivers called in to drive buses

A bill was tabled in assembly, proposing monthly salary hike and other allowances of MLAs in Tamil Nadu by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami despite the strike by transport workers on low wages in the state on Wednesday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bus-strike-in-tamil-nadu-causes-inconvenience-to-local-commuters-28684">Bus strike in Tamil Nadu causes inconvenience to local commuters</a>

However, it was opposed by MLA from RK Nagar, TTV Dhinakaran from DMK opposed the bill.

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Bill proposing hike in monthly salary and other allowances for MLAs tabled by CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami in assembly; DMK &amp; TTV Dhinakaran oppose the bill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950977219093909504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Another DMK leader MK Stalin said that opposing the bill that people will laugh at us for a hike when transport workers in the state are on strike demanding salary hike.

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People will laugh at us for this hike when transport workers in the state are on strike demanding salary hike: DMK&#39;s MK Stalin on bill proposing hike in monthly salary for MLAs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/5i4Z8ORWPi">pic.twitter.com/5i4Z8ORWPi</a>
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Nearly half a dozen transport workers in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike December 30, demanding wage revision.&nbsp;

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Coimbatore: Members of transport unions protest as their strike in the state continues, they are asking for salary hike among other demands. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/U1VhDwDasn">pic.twitter.com/U1VhDwDasn</a>
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The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The transport unions decided to go on a strike after failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things.&nbsp;

The workers of the transport department have been demanding for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000 of which authorities have agreed to pay only Rs 24,400.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Palaniswami has also requested to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/return-or-face-action-tamil-nadu-government-to-striking-transport-staff-28752">withdraw their strike</a>&nbsp;and report to work immediately.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> CM Edappadi K.Palanisamy appeals transport unions to withdraw strike and report to work immediately. (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/RxAsmMKOrX">pic.twitter.com/RxAsmMKOrX</a>
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A bill was tabled in assembly, proposing monthly salary hike and other allowances of MLAs in Tamil Nadu by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami despite the strike by transport workers on low wages in the state on Wednesday

A bill was tabled in assembly, proposing monthly salary hike and other allowances of MLAs in Tamil Nadu by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami despite the strike by transport workers on low wages in the state on Wednesday. Also read: Bus strike in Tamil Nadu causes inconvenience to local commuters However, it was opposed by MLA from RK Nagar, TTV Dhinakaran from DMK opposed the bill. Bill proposing hike in monthly salary and other allowances for MLAs tabled by CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami in assembly; DMK & TTV Dhinakaran oppose the bill. #TamilNadu — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 × Another DMK leader MK Stalin said that opposing the bill that people will laugh at us for a hike when transport workers in the state are on strike demanding salary hike. People will laugh at us for this hike when transport workers in the state are on strike demanding salary hike: DMK's MK Stalin on bill proposing hike in monthly salary for MLAs #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/5i4Z8ORWPi — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 × Nearly half a dozen transport workers in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike December 30, demanding wage revision. Coimbatore: Members of transport unions protest as their strike in the state continues, they are asking for salary hike among other demands. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/U1VhDwDasn — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 × The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu. The transport unions decided to go on a strike after failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things. The workers of the transport department have been demanding for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000 of which authorities have agreed to pay only Rs 24,400. Meanwhile, Palaniswami has also requested to withdraw their strike and report to work immediately. #TamilNadu CM Edappadi K.Palanisamy appeals transport unions to withdraw strike and report to work immediately. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/RxAsmMKOrX — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 ×

Bill proposing salary hike in MLA's salary proposed in assembly, Dhinakaran opposes

The Tamil Nadu government has said it was not responsible for the recent goof-up in smart ration cards, wherein images of actors were reportedly printed in the cards issued by the state civil supplies department.&nbsp;

Speaking in the state assembly yesterday, Food Minister R Kamaraj noted that some people had wrongly uploaded photographs of celebrities from their smartphones, which resulted in the printing of such images.&nbsp;

He was responding to a query by Congress MLA from Colachel, J G Prince, on smart PDS cards.&nbsp;

Kamaraj also informed the House that Tamil Nadu was the first and only state in the country to issue smart cards to family ration card holders.&nbsp;

Ninety-nine percent of the work with respect to issuing of smart ration cards in the state has been completed, he said.&nbsp;

Of the total 1.94 crore family ration card holders, 1.88 crore have already been provided with the smart cards and the same are in use, he told the assembly.&nbsp;

The Congress MLA also sought to know whether the state government had any proposal to emboss images of family members in the smart cards being issued.&nbsp;

&quot;To make things easy for those applying for smart cards, the state government allowed the cardholders to upload the pictures of family heads from their smartphones,&quot; Kamaraj responded.&nbsp;

When the MLA pointed out that in some cases, images of cine actors were reportedly printed in the new cards issued by the civil supplies department, the minister said, &quot;It is not our (government) mistake&quot;.&nbsp;

The issue has been addressed after it was brought to the notice of the government, he said.&nbsp;

The food minister said the government had instructed the applicants to get in touch with authorities concerned to avoid such goof-ups.&nbsp;

On the smart cards yet to be printed, he said the photographs of family heads were yet to be received.&nbsp;

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had launched the smart family card scheme worth Rs 330 crore to replace the existing ration cards in the state, on April 1, 2017.

Food Minister R Kamaraj said some people while using mobile app to apply for smart cards used pictures of actors and this led to mismatch in some cards

The Tamil Nadu government has said it was not responsible for the recent goof-up in smart ration cards, wherein images of actors were reportedly printed in the cards issued by the state civil supplies department. Speaking in the state assembly yesterday, Food Minister R Kamaraj noted that some people had wrongly uploaded photographs of celebrities from their smartphones, which resulted in the printing of such images. He was responding to a query by Congress MLA from Colachel, J G Prince, on smart PDS cards. Kamaraj also informed the House that Tamil Nadu was the first and only state in the country to issue smart cards to family ration card holders. Ninety-nine percent of the work with respect to issuing of smart ration cards in the state has been completed, he said. Of the total 1.94 crore family ration card holders, 1.88 crore have already been provided with the smart cards and the same are in use, he told the assembly. The Congress MLA also sought to know whether the state government had any proposal to emboss images of family members in the smart cards being issued. "To make things easy for those applying for smart cards, the state government allowed the cardholders to upload the pictures of family heads from their smartphones," Kamaraj responded. When the MLA pointed out that in some cases, images of cine actors were reportedly printed in the new cards issued by the civil supplies department, the minister said, "It is not our (government) mistake". The issue has been addressed after it was brought to the notice of the government, he said. The food minister said the government had instructed the applicants to get in touch with authorities concerned to avoid such goof-ups. On the smart cards yet to be printed, he said the photographs of family heads were yet to be received. Chief Minister K Palaniswami had launched the smart family card scheme worth Rs 330 crore to replace the existing ration cards in the state, on April 1, 2017.

Photo mismatch in smart ration cards, not govts mistake: TN minister

As the Transport workers&#39; union strike spilt into its third day, commuters struggled to commute across the state.&nbsp;

Nearly half a dozen transport workers&#39; union went on strike on Saturday demanding a wage hike&nbsp;at par with other states in the country.&nbsp;

The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The union workers are also reported to have met with the state transport minister to voice their issue.&nbsp;

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Commuters face problems as strike by Transport workers&#39; unions in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> continues for the third day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. Visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a>&#39;s Koyambedu bus terminal. <a href="https://t.co/UJEk25cmnp">pic.twitter.com/UJEk25cmnp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949473789221355520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nearly half a dozen transport workers' union went on strike on Saturday demanding a wage hike

As the Transport workers' union strike spilt into its third day, commuters struggled to commute across the state. Nearly half a dozen transport workers' union went on strike on Saturday demanding a wage hike at par with other states in the country. The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu. The union workers are also reported to have met with the state transport minister to voice their issue. Commuters face problems as strike by Transport workers' unions in #TamilNadu continues for the third day, they are demanding wage hike among other things. Visuals from #Chennai's Koyambedu bus terminal. pic.twitter.com/UJEk25cmnp — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 ×

Bus strike in Tamil Nadu causes inconvenience to local commuters

Transport workers&#39; unions in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike from today demanding wage revision.&nbsp;

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Indefinite strike by Transport workers&#39; unions in Tamil Nadu over failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things: Visuals from Coimbatore <a href="https://t.co/nFpbyr9gGw">pic.twitter.com/nFpbyr9gGw</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949107470772793344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The unions decided to go on a strike over failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things.&nbsp;

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Commuters face problems due to strike by Transport workers&#39; unions in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> demanding wage revision among other things: Visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rameswaram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rameswaram</a> <a href="https://t.co/zS7jvEhfB5">pic.twitter.com/zS7jvEhfB5</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949108290541174784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News agency ANI reported that commuters faced problems in Coimbatore and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu due to the strike call.&nbsp;

A Coimbatore school student said that they are subjected to hardship as less number of buses are plying.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&quot;I have been waiting for a few hours now, but the bus is not running. The auto fare is so high, I cannot afford it. So I have called my brother to pick me up&quot;, said Deepika, one of the commuters.

The workers of the transport department have been demanding for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000.

However, the authorities agreed to pay only Rs 24,400.&nbsp;

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We are suffering because of the strike as less number of buses are plying and private buses are overcharging: School student, Coimbatore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/32Vj4kLNII">pic.twitter.com/32Vj4kLNII</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949134078279761920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News agency reported that commuters faced problems in Coimbatore and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu due to the strike call

Transport workers' unions in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike from today demanding wage revision. Indefinite strike by Transport workers' unions in Tamil Nadu over failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things: Visuals from Coimbatore pic.twitter.com/nFpbyr9gGw — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 × The unions decided to go on a strike over failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things. Commuters face problems due to strike by Transport workers' unions in #TamilNadu demanding wage revision among other things: Visuals from #Rameswaram pic.twitter.com/zS7jvEhfB5 — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 × News agency ANI reported that commuters faced problems in Coimbatore and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu due to the strike call. A Coimbatore school student said that they are subjected to hardship as less number of buses are plying. "I have been waiting for a few hours now, but the bus is not running. The auto fare is so high, I cannot afford it. So I have called my brother to pick me up", said Deepika, one of the commuters. The workers of the transport department have been demanding for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000. However, the authorities agreed to pay only Rs 24,400. We are suffering because of the strike as less number of buses are plying and private buses are overcharging: School student, Coimbatore #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/32Vj4kLNII — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 ×

Bus strike hits commuters in Tamil Nadu

Nothing matches an Indian wedding -- everything from the functions to the clothes have a grand feel to it. Perhaps this is what charmed this Japanese couple.&nbsp;

A Japanese couple,&nbsp;Chiharu Obata and Yuto Ninaga&nbsp;got married in a south Indian city Madurai on Sunday for their love for Tamil Nadu and its culture.&nbsp;

The wedding was carried out in a traditional manner -- complete with south Indian wedding attire for both the bride and groom, cards printed in Tamil, food served on leaves, and everything you can think of in a Tamilian wedding.&nbsp;

The couple took wedding vows in Tamil, took &#39;sathapathi&#39; or seven rounds around the wedding fire.&nbsp;

Watch their wedding ceremony:

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfR8aHksubM" width="970"></iframe>

The couple, according to an Indian news channel had gotten married in April last year in a small ceremony in Japan. They, however, got interested in renewing their vows in traditional Tamil style after Obata, who is doing linguistic research in Tamil Nadu since 2014, developed a special love for the state and its culture.

Obata came in touch with&nbsp;V Vinodhini and her husband Venkatesh - a couple from Madurai now settled in Japan. The Indian couple helped Obata and Ninaga to arrange a Hindu ceremony in the temple city.&nbsp;

Speaking to a leading newspaper, Obata said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Many people in Japan desist from marrying the traditional way. Some get married in a church but we decided to do it here. Both sides of the family barely needed any convincing. I&rsquo;m really happy today.&quot;

Obata, who now speaks smooth Tamil, credits the fluency to her research on similarities between the south Indian and Japanese culture.

Her now-husband Ninaga&nbsp;is getting used&nbsp;to the Tamil culture, even as the rituals were foreign to him.

The wedding was&nbsp;attended by their respective families, all dressed in traditional dresses.&nbsp;

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Influenced by the culture of the state, the Japanese couple flew 6400km from Tokyo to a south Indian city to tie the knot in a traditional ceremony on Sunday

Nothing matches an Indian wedding -- everything from the functions to the clothes have a grand feel to it. Perhaps this is what charmed this Japanese couple. A Japanese couple, Chiharu Obata and Yuto Ninaga got married in a south Indian city Madurai on Sunday for their love for Tamil Nadu and its culture. The wedding was carried out in a traditional manner -- complete with south Indian wedding attire for both the bride and groom, cards printed in Tamil, food served on leaves, and everything you can think of in a Tamilian wedding. The couple took wedding vows in Tamil, took 'sathapathi' or seven rounds around the wedding fire. Watch their wedding ceremony: The couple, according to an Indian news channel had gotten married in April last year in a small ceremony in Japan. They, however, got interested in renewing their vows in traditional Tamil style after Obata, who is doing linguistic research in Tamil Nadu since 2014, developed a special love for the state and its culture. Obata came in touch with V Vinodhini and her husband Venkatesh - a couple from Madurai now settled in Japan. The Indian couple helped Obata and Ninaga to arrange a Hindu ceremony in the temple city. Speaking to a leading newspaper, Obata said, “Many people in Japan desist from marrying the traditional way. Some get married in a church but we decided to do it here. Both sides of the family barely needed any convincing. I’m really happy today." Obata, who now speaks smooth Tamil, credits the fluency to her research on similarities between the south Indian and Japanese culture. Her now-husband Ninaga is getting used to the Tamil culture, even as the rituals were foreign to him. The wedding was attended by their respective families, all dressed in traditional dresses.

Tokyo to Tamil Nadu: Japanese couple wed in Madurai for love of Tamil culture

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150" target="_blank">Tamil Nadu actor Rajnikanth</a> who is all set to enter politics, visited DMK chief Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.

Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi&nbsp;is the senior most politician in the country and he&nbsp;took his blessings before entering into politics.&nbsp;

He added that he respects the DMK chief and that they share a very good friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DMK Working President and Karunanidhi&#39;s son MK Stalin was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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He is senior most politician in the country. I respect him a lot. We have a very good friendship. I took his blessings as I am entering politics. I am feeling very happy after meeting him: Rajinikanth after meeting DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/WYhiTgouTi">pic.twitter.com/WYhiTgouTi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948572149580677121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chennai: Rajinikanth met DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai; DMK Working President MK Stalin was also present <a href="https://t.co/APgJ8y7dfB">pic.twitter.com/APgJ8y7dfB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948573077880713216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-politicians-in-tamil-nadu-should-worry-thalaivar-is-coming-now-28175" target="_blank">Tamil superstar Rajnikanth </a>announced his much-awaited&nbsp;entry into politics on Sunday.

The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections.

Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi?is the senior most politician in the country and he?respects him a lot

Tamil Nadu actor Rajnikanth who is all set to enter politics, visited DMK chief Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday. Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi is the senior most politician in the country and he took his blessings before entering into politics. He added that he respects the DMK chief and that they share a very good friendship. DMK Working President and Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin was also present in the meeting. He is senior most politician in the country. I respect him a lot. We have a very good friendship. I took his blessings as I am entering politics. I am feeling very happy after meeting him: Rajinikanth after meeting DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai pic.twitter.com/WYhiTgouTi — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Chennai: Rajinikanth met DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai; DMK Working President MK Stalin was also present pic.twitter.com/APgJ8y7dfB — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Tamil superstar Rajnikanth announced his much-awaited entry into politics on Sunday. The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections.

Rajinikanth meets DMK president Karunanidhi

Taking one step further towards launching a party, top actor Rajinikanth today launched an android mobile application and web page to enable people to become members of his fans association which could be later transformed into a political outfit.

A day after declaring his political entry, the actor launched a mobile app &quot;Rajini Mandram,&quot; now available in google playstore alongside a twitter account &quot;@officialairrm,&quot; and a dedicated web page www.Rajinimandram.Org.

The initiative is to enable his fans and the general public to become members of his &#39;Akila Indiya Rajinikanth Rasigar Mandram&#39; (All India Rajinikanth Fans Association).

In a video clip posted on Twitter, he urged the members of his registered and unregistered fan clubs and those in general public who seek a change in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu to come under one umbrella.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth also thanked those who congratulated him on his political plunge.

He appealed to his fans and general public &quot;desiring a good political change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; to become members of the association.

&quot;Let us all together usher in a good change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; he said.

The actor had said yesterday that after strengthening the various fan clubs by bringing in the general public, the association could be transformed into a political party ahead of the next assembly polls.

 
For enrolling as members, fans or members of the public should register their name and voter ID number either through the mobile app or the web page.

Both the mobile app and webpage featured a message from Rajinikanth found in the clip.

The app, web page and the official letter head of the &#39;mandram&#39; which carried the actor&#39;s audio-visual message in print featured prominently the association&#39;s logo. 
The logo is a &#39;baba mudra&#39; against a blue backdrop encircled by a serpent in black.

The mudra has significance in yoga and it features the ring and middle fingers held by the thumb even as the little and index fingers are in an upright position.

In Hindu spiritual tradition, the serpent is a symbol representing awakened consciousness through yogic pursuits.

&quot;Truthfulness, hardwork, growth,&quot; and &quot;think good, speak good, do good and only good will happen,&quot; are the slogans featured on the letter head, app and web page.

The charismatic actor has said this will be the guiding line for his proposed party.

By launching the app, Rajinikanth has gone one step ahead of his fellow-actor Kamal Haasan.

Amid expectations of Haasan&#39;s political entry, on November seven his birthday last year, he had said &quot;#KH&quot;, an app, will serve as a &#39;digital platform&#39; and &#39;whistleblower.&#39;

He had said it was being tested and he could give a complete picture of it by January.

Haasan had hit out at the AIADMK regime over alleged corruption drawing the ire of ministers.&nbsp;After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31,&nbsp;South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for.&nbsp;

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???????? <a href="https://t.co/jnqZv1iWGz">pic.twitter.com/jnqZv1iWGz</a>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/947792973114220545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With PTI inputs)

Rajinikanth also thanked people for supporting him and welcoming his political entry

Taking one step further towards launching a party, top actor Rajinikanth today launched an android mobile application and web page to enable people to become members of his fans association which could be later transformed into a political outfit. A day after declaring his political entry, the actor launched a mobile app "Rajini Mandram," now available in google playstore alongside a twitter account "@officialairrm," and a dedicated web page www.Rajinimandram.Org. The initiative is to enable his fans and the general public to become members of his 'Akila Indiya Rajinikanth Rasigar Mandram' (All India Rajinikanth Fans Association). In a video clip posted on Twitter, he urged the members of his registered and unregistered fan clubs and those in general public who seek a change in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu to come under one umbrella. Rajinikanth also thanked those who congratulated him on his political plunge. He appealed to his fans and general public "desiring a good political change in Tamil Nadu," to become members of the association. "Let us all together usher in a good change in Tamil Nadu," he said. The actor had said yesterday that after strengthening the various fan clubs by bringing in the general public, the association could be transformed into a political party ahead of the next assembly polls. For enrolling as members, fans or members of the public should register their name and voter ID number either through the mobile app or the web page. Both the mobile app and webpage featured a message from Rajinikanth found in the clip. The app, web page and the official letter head of the 'mandram' which carried the actor's audio-visual message in print featured prominently the association's logo. The logo is a 'baba mudra' against a blue backdrop encircled by a serpent in black. The mudra has significance in yoga and it features the ring and middle fingers held by the thumb even as the little and index fingers are in an upright position. In Hindu spiritual tradition, the serpent is a symbol representing awakened consciousness through yogic pursuits. "Truthfulness, hardwork, growth," and "think good, speak good, do good and only good will happen," are the slogans featured on the letter head, app and web page. The charismatic actor has said this will be the guiding line for his proposed party. By launching the app, Rajinikanth has gone one step ahead of his fellow-actor Kamal Haasan. Amid expectations of Haasan's political entry, on November seven his birthday last year, he had said "#KH", an app, will serve as a 'digital platform' and 'whistleblower.' He had said it was being tested and he could give a complete picture of it by January. Haasan had hit out at the AIADMK regime over alleged corruption drawing the ire of ministers. After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for. ???????? pic.twitter.com/jnqZv1iWGz — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) January 1, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

Rajini goes digital to mobilise volunteers for party

Tamil superstar Rajnikanth today announced his much-awaited&nbsp;entry into politics.

The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections.

&quot;Anyone who runs away from a fight is known as a coward. Now its time to do my bit for the people. I will launch my own party and stand in all 234 Tamil Nadu constituencies in the next assembly elections,&quot; he said.

&quot;Truth, work and growth will be the three mantras of our party,&quot; the superstar said.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth said democracy was in bad shape at the moment and he would feel &quot;guilty&quot; if he did not take his decision to enter politics.

He stated that his aim for joining politics is not name, fame or money and that he got all of that from the people of Tamil Nadu and&nbsp;declared that &quot;spiritual politics&quot; needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency.

The superstar talked about bringing about a change in the nation and further talked about how &#39;politicians are robbing us of our own money on our own land&#39;.

The actor&#39;s remark is seen as a reference to the bitter infighting in the ruling AIADMK, allegations of rampant corruption, perceived political instability, and also the tax raids held at premises in the State including those linked to the ruling establishment, notably a Minister and his associates.

The RK Nagar Assembly bypoll in April was also cancelled following allegations of money distribution.

Stressing that he knew that launching a party, capturing power and governing was not an &quot;ordinary thing,&quot; he said it was akin to extracting pearl from sea.

&quot;This was possible only with the blessings of the God and full support of people,&quot; he said and expressed confidence that he will get both of it.

Quoting a shloka from Bhagawad Gita, which stresses the importance of doing one&#39;s duty and leaving the result to the Lord, he said &quot;this is the compulsion of time.&quot;

&quot;Engage in war, if you win you will rule the nation if you die you will go to heaven. If you go without waging war, they will call you a coward,&quot; he said quoting the scripture amid thunderous applause.

He further thanked his fans, Tamil Nadu police and the media for their support and appreciation.&nbsp;

Fans broke out on the streets in celebration upon Rajnikanth&#39;s announcement.

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Chennai: Fans celebrate after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajinikanth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajinikanth</a> announces political entry <a href="https://t.co/K1Vul6UFCZ">pic.twitter.com/K1Vul6UFCZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947314681923768320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Fellow actor Kamal Haasan had also hinted that he was willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 67-year-old star&#39;s entry into politics has been debated for about two decades.

On an earlier occasion, while addressing his supporters, he had urged them to be &quot;ready for war&quot; when the time came and said the &quot;system is rotten&quot;.

The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party in the next assembly elections and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu

Tamil superstar Rajnikanth today announced his much-awaited entry into politics. The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections. "Anyone who runs away from a fight is known as a coward. Now its time to do my bit for the people. I will launch my own party and stand in all 234 Tamil Nadu constituencies in the next assembly elections," he said. "Truth, work and growth will be the three mantras of our party," the superstar said. Rajinikanth said democracy was in bad shape at the moment and he would feel "guilty" if he did not take his decision to enter politics. He stated that his aim for joining politics is not name, fame or money and that he got all of that from the people of Tamil Nadu and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency. The superstar talked about bringing about a change in the nation and further talked about how 'politicians are robbing us of our own money on our own land'. The actor's remark is seen as a reference to the bitter infighting in the ruling AIADMK, allegations of rampant corruption, perceived political instability, and also the tax raids held at premises in the State including those linked to the ruling establishment, notably a Minister and his associates. The RK Nagar Assembly bypoll in April was also cancelled following allegations of money distribution. Stressing that he knew that launching a party, capturing power and governing was not an "ordinary thing," he said it was akin to extracting pearl from sea. "This was possible only with the blessings of the God and full support of people," he said and expressed confidence that he will get both of it. Quoting a shloka from Bhagawad Gita, which stresses the importance of doing one's duty and leaving the result to the Lord, he said "this is the compulsion of time." "Engage in war, if you win you will rule the nation if you die you will go to heaven. If you go without waging war, they will call you a coward," he said quoting the scripture amid thunderous applause. He further thanked his fans, Tamil Nadu police and the media for their support and appreciation. Fans broke out on the streets in celebration upon Rajnikanth's announcement. Chennai: Fans celebrate after #Rajinikanth announces political entry pic.twitter.com/K1Vul6UFCZ — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × Fellow actor Kamal Haasan had also hinted that he was willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics. The 67-year-old star's entry into politics has been debated for about two decades. On an earlier occasion, while addressing his supporters, he had urged them to be "ready for war" when the time came and said the "system is rotten".

'I do not come for money or fame, as I have enough of it,' says Rajinikanth as he enters politics

Superstar Rajnikanth, who kept everyone under suspense over his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-to-decide-on-political-debut-on-dec-31-meets-fans-in-chennai-27711" target="_blank">political plans,&nbsp;</a>will be announcing his decision on whether he will be joining politics today.&nbsp;

Rajnikanth has spent the last six days meeting over 1,000 fans in Tamil Nadu and had announced that he will reveal his final decision on the last day of the year, December 31.&nbsp;

&quot;I am not new to politics. I&#39;m there since 1996. I got delayed. Entering is equal to victory. I will announce a decision on December 31,&quot; he had said.

Posters have come up in Chennai that say if Rajinikanth decides to join politics, he will be the next chief minister, media reports said.&nbsp;

The iconic actor had earlier said: &quot;I am hesitating about joining politics since I know the difficulties. If we go for a war we ought to win. Valour alone won&#39;t do. We need strategy,&quot; he said.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-to-enter-politics-says-close-friend-27476" target="_blank">&nbsp;Rajinikanth to enter politics? Actor to disclose &#39;plan of action&#39;</a>

Rajinikanth&#39;s wife Latha had also said it was her husband&#39;s decision and she would accept and respect whatever decision he takes.

Fellow actor Kamal Haasan has also hinted he was willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics. 
&nbsp;

Rajnikanth has spent the last six days meeting over 1,000 fans in Tamil Nadu and announced that he will reveal his final decision on the last day of the year, December 31

Superstar Rajnikanth, who kept everyone under suspense over his political plans, will be announcing his decision on whether he will be joining politics today. Rajnikanth has spent the last six days meeting over 1,000 fans in Tamil Nadu and had announced that he will reveal his final decision on the last day of the year, December 31. "I am not new to politics. I'm there since 1996. I got delayed. Entering is equal to victory. I will announce a decision on December 31," he had said. Posters have come up in Chennai that say if Rajinikanth decides to join politics, he will be the next chief minister, media reports said. The iconic actor had earlier said: "I am hesitating about joining politics since I know the difficulties. If we go for a war we ought to win. Valour alone won't do. We need strategy," he said. Also read: Rajinikanth to enter politics? Actor to disclose 'plan of action' Rajinikanth's wife Latha had also said it was her husband's decision and she would accept and respect whatever decision he takes. Fellow actor Kamal Haasan has also hinted he was willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics.

Rajnikanth to announce decision on entering politics today

Indian Cricketer Rajneesh Gurbani on Saturday stepped up for his team Vidarbha by taking a hat-trick to restrict Delhi to 295 in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy Final.&nbsp;

The medium-pacer bowled Vikas Sharma and Navdeep Saini of the last two deliveries of his 23rd over, before castling centurion Dhruv Shorey of the first ball of his 24th over.&nbsp;

With this hat-trick, Gurbani is only the second bowler after B Kalyanasundaram of Tamil Nadu to achieve this feat in a Ranji Trophy final.&nbsp;

The first hat-trick in a Ranji final came in 1972/73 in Chennai against Mumbai.&nbsp;

The best bit about Gurbani&#39;s achievement came from the fact that he suffered an ankle injury on Friday which made him leave&nbsp;the field in the middle of the over for 30 minutes.

But the bowler resumed his play on Saturday and ended the innings with 6 wickets for 59 runs.

This is not the first time when Gurbani has proved his calibre. In the semifinal also, Gurbani took a total of 12 wickets, including seven in the second innings to enforce the win against Karnataka.&nbsp;

Gurbani took 6 wickets in the first innings to restrict Delhi to 295

Indian Cricketer Rajneesh Gurbani on Saturday stepped up for his team Vidarbha by taking a hat-trick to restrict Delhi to 295 in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy Final. The medium-pacer bowled Vikas Sharma and Navdeep Saini of the last two deliveries of his 23rd over, before castling centurion Dhruv Shorey of the first ball of his 24th over. With this hat-trick, Gurbani is only the second bowler after B Kalyanasundaram of Tamil Nadu to achieve this feat in a Ranji Trophy final. The first hat-trick in a Ranji final came in 1972/73 in Chennai against Mumbai. The best bit about Gurbani's achievement came from the fact that he suffered an ankle injury on Friday which made him leave the field in the middle of the over for 30 minutes. But the bowler resumed his play on Saturday and ended the innings with 6 wickets for 59 runs. This is not the first time when Gurbani has proved his calibre. In the semifinal also, Gurbani took a total of 12 wickets, including seven in the second innings to enforce the win against Karnataka.

Rajneesh Gurbani becomes 2nd bowler to take hat-trick in Ranji final

Responding to TTV Dhinakaran&#39;s remarks that the present Tamil Nadu government will fall soon, the state&#39;s deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam on Friday said: &quot;I can not comment on his dreams&quot;.

&quot;He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams,&quot;&nbsp;Panneerselvam said.

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&quot;He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams,&quot; says O Panneerselvam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> Deputy CM on TTV Dhinakaran&#39;s claim that TN Govt will fall soon <a href="https://t.co/BuS7ZBmukE">pic.twitter.com/BuS7ZBmukE</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946678954022248448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, the newly elected MLA from RK Nagar issued a warning to party leaders.

&quot; 5-6 people in the party are working for selfish motives, I warn them, they should mend their ways otherwise what happened in RK Nagar will happen to them as well,&quot; Dinakaran said.

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5-6 people in the party(<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIADMK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIADMK</a>) are working for own selfish motives, I warn them, they should mend their ways otherwise what happened in RK Nagar will happen to them as well: TTV Dhinakaran <a href="https://t.co/hhvw7l7YW5">pic.twitter.com/hhvw7l7YW5</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946669590343380998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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After his victory in the bypoll,&nbsp; TTV Dhinakaran&nbsp;had said that the existing AIADMK government will go in two months.&nbsp;

Dhinakaran fought the RK Nagar bypoll&nbsp;as an Independent candidate and won the&nbsp;bypoll with thumping majority, beating Madhusudhanan, the candidate of the Panneerselvam-Palaniswami AIADMK faction.

Panneerselvam said ' He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams'

Responding to TTV Dhinakaran's remarks that the present Tamil Nadu government will fall soon, the state's deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam on Friday said: "I can not comment on his dreams". "He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams," Panneerselvam said. "He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams," says O Panneerselvam, #TamilNadu Deputy CM on TTV Dhinakaran's claim that TN Govt will fall soon pic.twitter.com/BuS7ZBmukE — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × Earlier in the day, the newly elected MLA from RK Nagar issued a warning to party leaders. " 5-6 people in the party are working for selfish motives, I warn them, they should mend their ways otherwise what happened in RK Nagar will happen to them as well," Dinakaran said. 5-6 people in the party(#AIADMK) are working for own selfish motives, I warn them, they should mend their ways otherwise what happened in RK Nagar will happen to them as well: TTV Dhinakaran pic.twitter.com/hhvw7l7YW5 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × After his victory in the bypoll, TTV Dhinakaran had said that the existing AIADMK government will go in two months. Dhinakaran fought the RK Nagar bypoll as an Independent candidate and won the bypoll with thumping majority, beating Madhusudhanan, the candidate of the Panneerselvam-Palaniswami AIADMK faction.

Dhinakaran is in dreams, says O Panneerselvam

Kavitha Bharanidaran from Chennai holds India&#39;s newest entry to the Guinness Book of World Record.

The yoga expert practised yoga for five consecutive days.&nbsp;

The mother of a three-and-half-year-old started with her yoga practice on December 23 at 7 am.

She broke the previous record at around 2 am on December 28.

The record was previously in the name of Pradnya Patil of Nashik who participated in a yoga marathon of 103 hours.&nbsp;

Bharanidaran continues with the yoga marathon and plans to set a new world record.

Kavitha has decided to observe her yoga practice until December 30 to register it as the longest yoga marathon record in the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The previous record was in the name of Pradnya Patil of Nashik who participated in a yoga marathon of 103 hours

Kavitha Bharanidaran from Chennai holds India's newest entry to the Guinness Book of World Record. The yoga expert practised yoga for five consecutive days. The mother of a three-and-half-year-old started with her yoga practice on December 23 at 7 am. She broke the previous record at around 2 am on December 28. The record was previously in the name of Pradnya Patil of Nashik who participated in a yoga marathon of 103 hours. Bharanidaran continues with the yoga marathon and plans to set a new world record. Kavitha has decided to observe her yoga practice until December 30 to register it as the longest yoga marathon record in the world. (With inputs from ANI)

Chennai woman practices yoga for five days, breaks Guinness World Record

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