<p>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".</p>

<p>Pakistan will host senior diplomats from the US, China and Russia in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The Troika Plus meeting will be attended by special representatives from all four countries.</p>

<p>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”.</p>

<p>"Yue Xiaoyong, Special Envoy for Afghan affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, will lead a delegation to attend the meeting," he said.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Wang said that China would not attend the security dialogue on Afghanistan convened by India due to "scheduling reasons".</p>

<p>He said China has notified the Indian side in reply.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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”.</p>

<p>The meeting will be inaugurated by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.</p>


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

<p>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>.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Those who were shown the door today included former state Minister KT Pachaimal.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>They were being expelled from all their present posts, besides from the party&#39;s primary membership, the two leaders said.</p>

<p>They asked party workers not to have any truck with expelled members.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>They had earlier too expelled a number of functionaries, while stripping some of the key aides of Dhinakaran of party posts.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam and Palaniswami had yesterday removed 123 office-bearers of the party&#39;s units in Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Vellore and Ramanathapuram.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>Those that participated in the protests included the Congress, the Left parties, DMDK and VCK.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Warning of protests intensifying, Stalin said the government&#39;s move to marginally reduce the fares was an &quot;eye wash&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;These protests will not end today... If the government does not withdraw the hike, our protests will intensify,&quot; he told reporters later.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.<br />
The revision will come into effect from today.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>While the unions demanded that salaries be hiked 2.57 times, the government offered only 2.44, resulting in a stalemate.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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;</p>

<p>When asked about Haasan&rsquo;s latest move, the superstar said, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect the announcement&rdquo;.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth also said only time would give an answer on whether the two of them would ally in their political journeys.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Let us see as and when we go forward (in politics). Only time will tell,&rdquo;&nbsp;Rajinikanth said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>&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.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


"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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>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;.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>Haasan said the tour was &quot;neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,&quot; said Haasan.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>&quot;I will see you soon,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>One man died at a Jallikattu event in Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday.</p>

<p>News reports said the man, 19, was a spectator. He has been identified as S Kalimuthu of Sanarpatti in Dindigul.</p>

<p>Kalimuthu was gored to death by a bull near the finish point of the bull run where owners collect&nbsp;their animals.</p>

<p>News reports said more than 25 people were injured at the event, of which six people have been admitted to hospital.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952937565690056704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The reports said some 1,200 bulls were used at the event. And that an equal number of policeman were present.</p>

<p>On the first day of the event, on Sunday, some 79 people were injured.</p>

<p>Revenue minister RB Udaykumar and President of Jallikattu, Peravai P Rajasekar were seen attending the event.</p>

<p>Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, the petitioners had alleged extreme cruelty to the animals.</p>

<p>But after massive protest and campaigns, Tamil Nadu enacted a law to bypass the court&#39;s verdict.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>&quot;We expect a favourable order,&quot; he said on the hearing of the Cauvery water dispute next month.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah was in the national capital to attend a meeting called by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>Working President of DMK MK Stalin condemned the salary hike and said that 100 per cent salary hike of MLAs unacceptable.</p>

<p>DMK MLAs will not accept the hike in the salary, he added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&#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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The annual medical allowance for retired MLAs was increased to Rs 25,000 from Rs 12,000.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951293003791941632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951327082427985920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>However, it was opposed by MLA from RK Nagar, TTV Dhinakaran from DMK opposed the bill.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950977219093909504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950981392791257088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nearly half a dozen transport workers in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike December 30, demanding wage revision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950983248812720129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The transport unions decided to go on a strike after failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950982601568804864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>He was responding to a query by Congress MLA from Colachel, J G Prince, on smart PDS cards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Ninety-nine percent of the work with respect to issuing of smart ration cards in the state has been completed, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>&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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>The issue has been addressed after it was brought to the notice of the government, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The food minister said the government had instructed the applicants to get in touch with authorities concerned to avoid such goof-ups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the smart cards yet to be printed, he said the photographs of family heads were yet to be received.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>As the Transport workers&#39; union strike spilt into its third day, commuters struggled to commute across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>The strike has paralysed the public transportation mechanism in the state with tens of thousands of buses off road across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The union workers are also reported to have met with the state transport minister to voice their issue.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949473789221355520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>Transport workers&#39; unions in Tamil Nadu went on an indefinite strike from today demanding wage revision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949107470772793344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The unions decided to go on a strike over failed negotiations with the state transport department demanding wage revision among other things.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949108290541174784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>News agency ANI reported that commuters faced problems in Coimbatore and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu due to the strike call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Coimbatore school student said that they are subjected to hardship as less number of buses are plying.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>The workers of the transport department have been demanding for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000.</p>

<p>However, the authorities agreed to pay only Rs 24,400.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949134078279761920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>The couple took wedding vows in Tamil, took &#39;<em>sathapathi</em>&#39; or seven rounds around the wedding fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch their wedding ceremony:</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfR8aHksubM" width="970"></iframe></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Obata, who now speaks smooth Tamil, credits the fluency to her research on similarities between the south Indian and Japanese culture.</p>

<p>Her now-husband Ninaga&nbsp;is getting used&nbsp;to the Tamil culture, even as the rituals were foreign to him.</p>

<p>The wedding was&nbsp;attended by their respective families, all dressed in traditional dresses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>He added that he respects the DMK chief and that they share a very good friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>DMK Working President and Karunanidhi&#39;s son MK Stalin was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948572149580677121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948573077880713216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Rajinikanth also thanked those who congratulated him on his political plunge.</p>

<p>He appealed to his fans and general public &quot;desiring a good political change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; to become members of the association.</p>

<p>&quot;Let us all together usher in a good change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><br />
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.</p>

<p>Both the mobile app and webpage featured a message from Rajinikanth found in the clip.</p>

<p>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.<br />
The logo is a &#39;baba mudra&#39; against a blue backdrop encircled by a serpent in black.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>In Hindu spiritual tradition, the serpent is a symbol representing awakened consciousness through yogic pursuits.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>The charismatic actor has said this will be the guiding line for his proposed party.</p>

<p>By launching the app, Rajinikanth has gone one step ahead of his fellow-actor Kamal Haasan.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>He had said it was being tested and he could give a complete picture of it by January.</p>

<p>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;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???????? <a href="https://t.co/jnqZv1iWGz">pic.twitter.com/jnqZv1iWGz</a></p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/947792973114220545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>(With PTI inputs)</p>


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

<p>Tamil superstar Rajnikanth today announced his much-awaited&nbsp;entry into politics.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>&quot;Truth, work and growth will be the three mantras of our party,&quot; the superstar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The RK Nagar Assembly bypoll in April was also cancelled following allegations of money distribution.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>He further thanked his fans, Tamil Nadu police and the media for their support and appreciation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fans broke out on the streets in celebration upon Rajnikanth&#39;s announcement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947314681923768320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>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;</p>

<p>The 67-year-old star&#39;s entry into politics has been debated for about two decades.</p>

<p>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;.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>&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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Fellow actor Kamal Haasan has also hinted he was willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>The first hat-trick in a Ranji final came in 1972/73 in Chennai against Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>But the bowler resumed his play on Saturday and ended the innings with 6 wickets for 59 runs.</p>

<p>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;</p>


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

<p>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;.</p>

<p>&quot;He has completely dreamt it, I cannot comment on his dreams,&quot;&nbsp;Panneerselvam said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946678954022248448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, the newly elected MLA from RK Nagar issued a warning to party leaders.</p>

<p>&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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946669590343380998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>After his victory in the bypoll,&nbsp; TTV Dhinakaran&nbsp;had said that the existing AIADMK government will go in two months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

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


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

<p>Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri has lashed out at his younger brother and party working president M K Stalin for the party&#39;s drubbing in the R K Nagar bypoll, saying it cannot win any election under his leadership.</p>

<p>&quot;Not just R K Nagar bypoll. DMK will not henceforth win in any election. There is no chance for that till this Working President (Stalin) is there (at the helm of affairs),&quot; he said in an interview to a Tamil magazine.</p>

<p>The Madurai-based former DMK strongman, son of party president M Karunanidhi, wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule.</p>

<p>&quot;Such a situation (DMK finishing third in the R K Nagar bypoll) would not have emerged if Leader (Karunanidhi) was active,&quot; Alagiri said.</p>

<p>Alagiri and Stalin had been involved in a long-running feud in the DMK&#39;s first family with both contendings to be their father&#39;s political heir.</p>

<p>A former Union minister, Alagiri had once famously asked if the DMK was a &#39;mutt&#39; where a senior pontiff could appoint his successor, indicating that he was always in the reckoning.</p>

<p>However, Alagiri was expelled from DMK in 2014 for alleged anti-party activities and has largely remained low profile since then.</p>

<p>The ruling AIADMK latched onto Alagiri&#39;s comments to take potshots at Stalin.</p>

<p>&quot;Alagiri has said DMK cannot win (under Stalin&#39;s leadership)... His (Stalin&#39;s) own brother has said so,&quot; senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, without elaborating.</p>

<p>The DMK lost the December 21 R K Nagar bypoll, where its candidate N Maruthu Ganesh polled 24,000-odd votes, which was way below the 57,673 votes secured by the party in the 2016 assembly elections, and lost deposit.</p>

<p>Shimla Muthuchozhan of DMK had then lost to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who emerged the winner with 97,218 votes in the constituency.</p>

<p>Rival AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, contesting as an independent, won the December 21 bypoll getting 89,013 votes. He defeated his nearest rival, AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudhanan, who got 48,306 votes.</p>

<p>Alleging that the victory was due to &quot;money power&quot;, Stalin has claimed that it was &quot;a Himalayan defeat for the Election Commission rather than the DMK candidate&quot;.</p>

<p>The DMK has appointed a three-member committee to look into the byelection outcome and submit a report before December 31.&nbsp;</p>


The Madurai-based former DMK strongman wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri has lashed out at his younger brother and party working president M K Stalin for the party's drubbing in the R K Nagar bypoll, saying it cannot win any election under his leadership. "Not just R K Nagar bypoll. DMK will not henceforth win in any election. There is no chance for that till this Working President (Stalin) is there (at the helm of affairs)," he said in an interview to a Tamil magazine. The Madurai-based former DMK strongman, son of party president M Karunanidhi, wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule. "Such a situation (DMK finishing third in the R K Nagar bypoll) would not have emerged if Leader (Karunanidhi) was active," Alagiri said. Alagiri and Stalin had been involved in a long-running feud in the DMK's first family with both contendings to be their father's political heir. A former Union minister, Alagiri had once famously asked if the DMK was a 'mutt' where a senior pontiff could appoint his successor, indicating that he was always in the reckoning. However, Alagiri was expelled from DMK in 2014 for alleged anti-party activities and has largely remained low profile since then. The ruling AIADMK latched onto Alagiri's comments to take potshots at Stalin. "Alagiri has said DMK cannot win (under Stalin's leadership)... His (Stalin's) own brother has said so," senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, without elaborating. The DMK lost the December 21 R K Nagar bypoll, where its candidate N Maruthu Ganesh polled 24,000-odd votes, which was way below the 57,673 votes secured by the party in the 2016 assembly elections, and lost deposit. Shimla Muthuchozhan of DMK had then lost to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who emerged the winner with 97,218 votes in the constituency. Rival AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, contesting as an independent, won the December 21 bypoll getting 89,013 votes. He defeated his nearest rival, AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan, who got 48,306 votes. Alleging that the victory was due to "money power", Stalin has claimed that it was "a Himalayan defeat for the Election Commission rather than the DMK candidate". The DMK has appointed a three-member committee to look into the byelection outcome and submit a report before December 31.

'DMK can't win polls under him,' Alagiri targets Stalin

<p>India is celebrating National Mathematics day on Friday in memory of the math maestro Srinivasa Ramanujan.</p>

<p>Mathematician Day was declared by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the inaugural ceremony of the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of mathematician genius.</p>

<p>The ceremony was held at the Madras University.</p>

<p>Hailing from Erode, Tamil Nadu, Srinivasa born on December 22, 1887, though he had no formal training in pure mathematics, he made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series.</p>

<p>Ramanujan also developed his own mathematical theorems; he independently compiled nearly 3,900 results mostly identities and equations which have opened new areas of work and inspired vast amount of further research.</p>

<p>Ramanujan was so exceptional that nearly all his claims have been proven correct.</p>

<p>Ramanujan was the youngest Fellows of the Royal Society and only the second Indian member and the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.</p>

<p>The Indian mathematician was a deeply religious Hindu who credited family goddess for his mathematical knowledge.</p>

<p>Though being a &nbsp;lover of mathematics Ramanujan hates going to school and he always tried to avoid attending, it is said that his family enlisted a local constable to make sure he attended school.</p>

<p>Ramanujan has mastered trigonometry by the age of 13 years old and started discovering his own theorems by he was 14 years old.</p>

<p>Ramanujan died at the of 32 in 1920 due to tuberculosis and a severe vitamin deficiency due to the difficulty of keeping the strict dietary requirement of his religion in England.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Mathematician Day was declared by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the inaugural ceremony of the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of mathematician genius

India is celebrating National Mathematics day on Friday in memory of the math maestro Srinivasa Ramanujan. Mathematician Day was declared by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the inaugural ceremony of the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of mathematician genius. The ceremony was held at the Madras University. Hailing from Erode, Tamil Nadu, Srinivasa born on December 22, 1887, though he had no formal training in pure mathematics, he made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series. Ramanujan also developed his own mathematical theorems; he independently compiled nearly 3,900 results mostly identities and equations which have opened new areas of work and inspired vast amount of further research. Ramanujan was so exceptional that nearly all his claims have been proven correct. Ramanujan was the youngest Fellows of the Royal Society and only the second Indian member and the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. The Indian mathematician was a deeply religious Hindu who credited family goddess for his mathematical knowledge. Though being a lover of mathematics Ramanujan hates going to school and he always tried to avoid attending, it is said that his family enlisted a local constable to make sure he attended school. Ramanujan has mastered trigonometry by the age of 13 years old and started discovering his own theorems by he was 14 years old. Ramanujan died at the of 32 in 1920 due to tuberculosis and a severe vitamin deficiency due to the difficulty of keeping the strict dietary requirement of his religion in England.

National Mathematics Day: Srinivasa Ramanujan and his exceptional life

<p>&nbsp;The commission investigating the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jayalalithas-murder-mystery-under-investigation-26906" target="_blank">death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa </a>has summoned Sasikala and Apollo Hospital Chairman Pratap Reddy for investigation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jayalalithaa</a> death probe commission summons <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sasikala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sasikala</a> and Apollo Hospital Chairman Pratap Reddy</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944118300602023936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an earlier statement by an Apollo hospital doctor,&nbsp;Jayalalithaa was brought to the hospital in a critical condition.</p>

<p>He said that the late chief minister had shown significant progress during her treatment but then she later succumbed to her &quot;disease pattern&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Her disease pattern was such and due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away.&nbsp;He said that his team of doctors did best that they could,&quot; said the founder of Apollo Hospital.</p>

<p>Jayalalithaa was brought to Apollo Hospital on September 22, 2016, where she spent 75 days.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The AIADMK chief died in hospital on December 5, 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Apollo hospital staff say she was brought to the hospital in a severe state and was given adequate treatment in the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, controversies over her death erupted after leaders from her party pointed fingers at VK Sasikala, her close aide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


?The commission investigating the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J.Jayalalithaa has summoned Sasikala and Apollo Hospital Chairman Pratap Reddy for investigation

The commission investigating the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has summoned Sasikala and Apollo Hospital Chairman Pratap Reddy for investigation. #Jayalalithaa death probe commission summons #Sasikala and Apollo Hospital Chairman Pratap Reddy — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × In an earlier statement by an Apollo hospital doctor, Jayalalithaa was brought to the hospital in a critical condition. He said that the late chief minister had shown significant progress during her treatment but then she later succumbed to her "disease pattern". "Her disease pattern was such and due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away. He said that his team of doctors did best that they could," said the founder of Apollo Hospital. Jayalalithaa was brought to Apollo Hospital on September 22, 2016, where she spent 75 days. The AIADMK chief died in hospital on December 5, 2016. The Apollo hospital staff say she was brought to the hospital in a severe state and was given adequate treatment in the hospital. However, controversies over her death erupted after leaders from her party pointed fingers at VK Sasikala, her close aide.

Commission investigating Jayalalithaa's death summons Sasikala, Apollo Hospital chairman

<p>&nbsp;Actor Rajnikanth on Friday met Tamil Nadu politician and his close friend Tamilaruvi Manian.</p>

<p>After the meeting, Manian said that Rajnikanth will disclose &quot;his plan of action&quot; regarding his political entry on any day from 26 December to 31 December.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that thereafter there will not be any doubt regarding his political entry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajnikanth will also meet his fans for six days starting from December 26 till December 31.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth met Tamilaruvi Manian at his residence in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/pKDBg6v1y0">pic.twitter.com/pKDBg6v1y0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944168245396848640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajinikanth to meet his fans for six days, from 26th December till December 31 (File picture) <a href="https://t.co/dQvjhimUQD">pic.twitter.com/dQvjhimUQD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944178745560023047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On any day from 26th December to 31st December, he (Rajinikanth) will disclose his plan of action, thereafter there will not be any doubt regarding his political entry: Tamilaruvi Manian, Rajinikanth&#39;s close friend</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944180353337409536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speculations over the Tamil superstar entering&nbsp;politics have been on the rise for a very long time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview conducted in November, the actor had clearly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-joining-politics-right-now-rajinikanth-24876" target="_blank">refused to join politics</a>.</p>

<p>He answered a question by saying that there was no &quot;pressing need&quot; for him to join politics at this moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor had earlier hinted on joining politics. While addressing his supporters in an earlier occasion he had urged them to be &quot;ready for war&quot; when the time comes and also added that the &quot;system is rotten&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


?Actor Rajnikanth today met Tamil Nadu politician Tamilaruvi Manian today

Actor Rajnikanth on Friday met Tamil Nadu politician and his close friend Tamilaruvi Manian. After the meeting, Manian said that Rajnikanth will disclose "his plan of action" regarding his political entry on any day from 26 December to 31 December. He added that thereafter there will not be any doubt regarding his political entry. Rajnikanth will also meet his fans for six days starting from December 26 till December 31. Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth met Tamilaruvi Manian at his residence in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/pKDBg6v1y0 — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Rajinikanth to meet his fans for six days, from 26th December till December 31 (File picture) pic.twitter.com/dQvjhimUQD — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × On any day from 26th December to 31st December, he (Rajinikanth) will disclose his plan of action, thereafter there will not be any doubt regarding his political entry: Tamilaruvi Manian, Rajinikanth's close friend — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Speculations over the Tamil superstar entering politics have been on the rise for a very long time. In an interview conducted in November, the actor had clearly refused to join politics. He answered a question by saying that there was no "pressing need" for him to join politics at this moment. The actor had earlier hinted on joining politics. While addressing his supporters in an earlier occasion he had urged them to be "ready for war" when the time comes and also added that the "system is rotten".

Rajinikanth to enter politics? Actor to disclose 'plan of action'

<p>Former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan&nbsp;made a major blunder on Twitter on Monday, posting a rather bizarre information on what seemed to be about late CM of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman also mixed up the names - addressing the late CM as &#39;Shashikala&#39;, the correct name, of course, is Sasikala, currently lodged&nbsp;in a Karnataka prison in the disproportionate&nbsp;assets case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan&#39;s former World Cup-winning captain said on his Twitter: &quot;Shashikala, a famous South Indian actress turned politician in India&#39;s Tamil Nadu died recently &amp; below her house were discovered gold reserves, jewels &amp; an illegal stash of money! A msg to all &nbsp;corrupt ldrs: the hoarded bns stolen from our impoverished masses will be left behind.&quot;</p>

<p>Former chief minister&nbsp;of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa died on 5 December in 2016 due to cardiac arrest.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Imran Khan&#39;s tweet which he later deleted. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Imran mistakenly named&nbsp;&quot;Jayalalithaa&quot;&nbsp;for &quot;storing gold reserves, jewels, and an illegal stash of money&quot;&nbsp;and also provided &quot;pictures&quot;&nbsp;of the scene.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>One of the pictures posted by Imran Khan showing large stack of gold reserves. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>The other picture shows &#39;illegal stash of money&#39; which Khan claimed was found in the late CM&#39;s house. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>He also posted this picture of heavy gold jewellery which Khan claims belonged to Jayalalithaa. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>The pictures show massive amounts of gold bricks and jewellery stacked in what seems to be a shop or a basement. However, no proof of any &quot;discovery&quot; has ever been&nbsp;made of gold being stashed away either at Sasikala or Jayalalithaa&#39;s residence. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He further went on to call out &#39;all corrupt leaders&#39; claiming that all this large amount of money &quot;stolen&quot;&nbsp;from the impoverished masses will be left behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran, however, discovered his mistake after&nbsp;over 30 minutes after which he removed the controversial tweet.</p>


Apart from the questionable information he posted, he also mixed up the names - Addressing the late CM as 'Shashikala' - who is actually a Bollywood actress.?

Former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan made a major blunder on Twitter on Monday, posting a rather bizarre information on what seemed to be about late CM of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa. The Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman also mixed up the names - addressing the late CM as 'Shashikala', the correct name, of course, is Sasikala, currently lodged in a Karnataka prison in the disproportionate assets case. Pakistan's former World Cup-winning captain said on his Twitter: "Shashikala, a famous South Indian actress turned politician in India's Tamil Nadu died recently & below her house were discovered gold reserves, jewels & an illegal stash of money! A msg to all corrupt ldrs: the hoarded bns stolen from our impoverished masses will be left behind." Former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa died on 5 December in 2016 due to cardiac arrest. Imran Khan's tweet which he later deleted. (Twitter) × Imran mistakenly named "Jayalalithaa" for "storing gold reserves, jewels, and an illegal stash of money" and also provided "pictures" of the scene. One of the pictures posted by Imran Khan showing large stack of gold reserves. (Twitter) × The other picture shows 'illegal stash of money' which Khan claimed was found in the late CM's house. (Twitter) × He also posted this picture of heavy gold jewellery which Khan claims belonged to Jayalalithaa. (Twitter) × The pictures show massive amounts of gold bricks and jewellery stacked in what seems to be a shop or a basement. However, no proof of any "discovery" has ever been made of gold being stashed away either at Sasikala or Jayalalithaa's residence. He further went on to call out 'all corrupt leaders' claiming that all this large amount of money "stolen" from the impoverished masses will be left behind. Imran, however, discovered his mistake after over 30 minutes after which he removed the controversial tweet.

Imran Khan's blooper on Twitter: Shashikala, famous south Indian actress, died recently

<p>&quot;Our rescue efforts will never fall short,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the families of the people still missing because of Cyclone Ockhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Government of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short and we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was speaking in Poonthura, Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gov of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short &amp; we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas: PM Modi in Kerala&#39;s Poonthura <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzxU5aEOSP">pic.twitter.com/jzxU5aEOSP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943088380639789056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi meets families affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> in Kerala&#39;s Poonthura, says, &#39;govt will do everything possible to bring back the missing people&#39; <a href="https://t.co/oqR0Ix35FW">pic.twitter.com/oqR0Ix35FW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943087229496311810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi also reviewed relief operations in Thiruvananthapuram along with&nbsp;Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi reviews relief operations in Kerala&#39;s Thiruvananthapuram. CM Pinarayi Vijayan also present, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zy5PKEi0fI">pic.twitter.com/Zy5PKEi0fI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943098265045626880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi had previously visited Kanyakumari,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-over-180-people-rescued-off-lakshadweep-coast-26206">Lakshadweep</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/the-wrath-of-cyclone-ockhi-at-least-18-killed-in-tamil-nadu-kerala-7117">Tamil Nadu</a> to meet families affected and take note of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi meets cyclone affected fishermen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kanyakumari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kanyakumari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/ak41YOrj4j">pic.twitter.com/ak41YOrj4j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943056253374181376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi met families of victims affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a>&#39;s Kavaratti <a href="https://t.co/Nbgb1Cne1N">pic.twitter.com/Nbgb1Cne1N</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943030486917455872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">PM Narendra Modi reviews <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> relief operations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kanyakumari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kanyakumari</a> . Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also present <a href="https://t.co/dQk1x8N3H7">pic.twitter.com/dQk1x8N3H7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943051382210170880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cyclone Ockhi recently hit the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-at-least-16-dead-several-missing-as-cyclone-ockhi-nears-lakshadweep-sri-lanka-25598">southern half of the country</a>, leaving a number of people dead and several missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771">30 died due to Cyclone </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771">Ockhi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771"> :</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771"> Report</a></p>

<p>A search and rescue operation was launched by the Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.</p>

<p>As of December 14, 700 fishermen had been rescued. They included five Sri Lankan nationals.&nbsp;</p>


"Our rescue efforts will never fall short," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the families of the people still missing because of Cyclone Ockhi. "Government of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short and we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas," he said. Modi was speaking in Poonthura, Kerala. Gov of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short & we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas: PM Modi in Kerala's Poonthura #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/jzxU5aEOSP — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × PM Narendra Modi meets families affected by #CycloneOckhi in Kerala's Poonthura, says, 'govt will do everything possible to bring back the missing people' pic.twitter.com/oqR0Ix35FW — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi also reviewed relief operations in Thiruvananthapuram along with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. PM Narendra Modi reviews relief operations in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. CM Pinarayi Vijayan also present, #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/Zy5PKEi0fI — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi had previously visited Kanyakumari, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu to meet families affected and take note of the situation. PM Narendra Modi meets cyclone affected fishermen in #Kanyakumari #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/ak41YOrj4j — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi met families of victims affected by #CycloneOckhi in #Lakshadweep's Kavaratti pic.twitter.com/Nbgb1Cne1N — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × . PM Narendra Modi reviews #CycloneOckhi relief operations in #Kanyakumari . Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also present pic.twitter.com/dQk1x8N3H7 — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Cyclone Ockhi recently hit the southern half of the country, leaving a number of people dead and several missing. Also read: 30 died due to Cyclone Ockhi : Report A search and rescue operation was launched by the Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. As of December 14, 700 fishermen had been rescued. They included five Sri Lankan nationals.

'Our rescue efforts will never fall short,' PM Modi tells Ockhi-affected families

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

<p>In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas.</p>

<p>The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14.</p>

<p>Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi demanded comprehensive special financial package for, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi. In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas. The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14. Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.

Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, demands special package for cyclone-hit victims

<p>The DMK&#39;s MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the &quot;large-scale distribution&quot; of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency,&quot; Stalin wrote in his letter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK&#39;s MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xAwmtDtyGS">pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341081349238786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK&#39;s MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot;</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341528076161024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK&#39;s candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate.</p>

<p>The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters.</p>

<p>The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The RK Nagar&nbsp;bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.</p>


RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters

The DMK's MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the "large-scale distribution" of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll. In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore. "Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency," Stalin wrote in his letter. DMK's MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says "#TamilNadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency." DMK's MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK's candidate. Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate. The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption. News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters. The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today. On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. The RK Nagar bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters. The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar bypoll: Stalin writes to EC, says AIADMK distributing 'large-scale money'

<p>An investigating team is probing the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, an Apollo doctor stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A doctor from the Apollo hospital has said that Jayalalitha was brought to the hospital in a critical condition.</p>

<p>He said that the late chief minister had shown significant progress during her treatment but that she later succumbed to her &quot;disease pattern&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Her disease pattern was such and due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away.&nbsp;He said that his team of doctors did best that they could,&quot; said the founder of Apollo Hospital.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An inquiry is on. Frmr TN CM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jayalalithaa</a> was brought to hospital in a critical condition, showed significant progress later,but disease pattern ws such&amp;due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away.Our team of doctors did the best they could:Founder,Apollo hospital <a href="https://t.co/XKDiv1p4d4">pic.twitter.com/XKDiv1p4d4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941956942951432192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jayalalithaa was brought to Apollo Hospital on September 22, 2016, where she spent 75 days.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The AIADMK chief died in hospital on December 5, 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Apollo hospital staff have been claiming that she was brought to the hospital in a severe state and was given adequate treatment in the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, controversies over her death erupted after leaders from her party pointed fingers at VK Sasikala, her close aide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An investigation had already been initiated by chief minister&nbsp;Edappadi Palaniswami on the demands of&nbsp;Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


An investigating team is probing the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the founder of Apollo Hospital stated

An investigating team is probing the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, an Apollo doctor stated. A doctor from the Apollo hospital has said that Jayalalitha was brought to the hospital in a critical condition. He said that the late chief minister had shown significant progress during her treatment but that she later succumbed to her "disease pattern". "Her disease pattern was such and due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away. He said that his team of doctors did best that they could," said the founder of Apollo Hospital. An inquiry is on. Frmr TN CM #Jayalalithaa was brought to hospital in a critical condition, showed significant progress later,but disease pattern ws such&due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away.Our team of doctors did the best they could:Founder,Apollo hospital pic.twitter.com/XKDiv1p4d4 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Jayalalithaa was brought to Apollo Hospital on September 22, 2016, where she spent 75 days. The AIADMK chief died in hospital on December 5, 2016. The Apollo hospital staff have been claiming that she was brought to the hospital in a severe state and was given adequate treatment in the hospital. However, controversies over her death erupted after leaders from her party pointed fingers at VK Sasikala, her close aide. An investigation had already been initiated by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami on the demands of Panneerselvam.

Jayalalithaa's death under investigation: Apollo Doctor

<p>On the&nbsp;25th anniversary of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition which stoked communal violence between Hindus and Muslims across India, Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Ayodhya has been put on alert Wednesday&nbsp;and additional security has been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Security heightened in Ayodhya on the 25th anniversary of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabriDemolition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabriDemolition</a> <a href="https://t.co/IyfctuiQpq">pic.twitter.com/IyfctuiQpq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/938268255138877441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Posters seen in Meerut yesterday, ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabriDemolition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabriDemolition</a>&#39;s 25th anniversary. Police say posters have been taken down &amp; one person behind the act has been identified. <a href="https://t.co/tNDC7F2iyI">pic.twitter.com/tNDC7F2iyI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/938308392669589507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 6, 1992, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a rally in Ayodhya involving over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as &#39;kar sevaks&#39;. However, it soon turned violent, and the crowd overpowered the security forces before demolishing the 16th Century Babri Masjid.</p>

<p>The rally saw the presence of senior BHP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi.</p>

<p>The VHP celebrates the demolition day as &#39;Shaurya Diwas&#39; and organises several events every year, claiming that a temple of Lord Ram temple originally stood there and was demolished to construct the mosque.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The church attacked was the Pentecostal Church in Kottaipalayam

On the 25th anniversary of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition which stoked communal violence between Hindus and Muslims across India, Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya has been put on alert Wednesday and additional security has been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident. Security heightened in Ayodhya on the 25th anniversary of #BabriDemolition pic.twitter.com/IyfctuiQpq — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 6, 2017 = × Posters seen in Meerut yesterday, ahead of #BabriDemolition's 25th anniversary. Police say posters have been taken down & one person behind the act has been identified. pic.twitter.com/tNDC7F2iyI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 6, 2017 × On December 6, 1992, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a rally in Ayodhya involving over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'kar sevaks'. However, it soon turned violent, and the crowd overpowered the security forces before demolishing the 16th Century Babri Masjid. The rally saw the presence of senior BHP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi. The VHP celebrates the demolition day as 'Shaurya Diwas' and organises several events every year, claiming that a temple of Lord Ram temple originally stood there and was demolished to construct the mosque.

Church attacked, vandalised in Tamil Nadu, 5 injured

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