Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Articles by The Hindu Bureau

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Railway Protection Force steps up video surveillance on general coaches
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Railway Protection Force steps up video surveillance on general coaches

Amid rising concerns over crimes on board trains, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has intensified surveillance and measures to manage overcrowding. The police have begun recording videos of passengers on general coaches as a step to prevent crimes and identify suspects if any offences are reported. The RPF have been recording videos from general coaches for about a month following an order from higher-ups in the Southern Railway, an official said. “The primary objective of the move is to deter people who board trains with criminal intentions from committing offences. It is expected that such individuals will abandon their malicious plans once they become aware that they are being watched. The number of offences has come down since we put in place this surveillance measure. Video surveillance also prompts passengers to be more alert to potential dangers,” the official added. The videos also help identify history-sheeters and usual suspects, as the footage is shared in WhatsApp groups of officials and squad members. The videos, mostly shot on tablets and mobile phones, are retained for a few days. “Crimes on board a train are usually reported within two to three days, so there is no need to keep the footage for a longer period,” the official said. The RPF initially recorded videos of passengers in general coaches on a random basis, but after finding the practice effective in preventing crimes, it was expanded and intensified across the Southern Railway. Along with this, RPF squads have also been advising passengers in both general coaches and reserved compartments to keep their valuables secure. The RPF has also taken preventive measures, such as restricting the issuance of platform tickets at crowded stations and instructing ticket examiners not to issue extra-fare tickets to passengers boarding reserved compartments without valid tickets during peak hours. In August, the Southern Railway awarded a contract to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to install a video surveillance system worth ₹90.64 crore at 484 stations to enhance passenger safety. The surveillance system includes IP-based CCTV cameras with networking, video monitoring systems, and video recording facilities.

Take part in ‘Bodh Gaya liberation movement’ in Delhi in large numbers: Monk
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Take part in ‘Bodh Gaya liberation movement’ in Delhi in large numbers: Monk

Bhante Vinachayra , a monk who leads the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Mukti Andolan, has appealed to the people of the State to participate in large numbers in ‘Bodh Gaya liberation movement’ to be held in Delhi on February 12, 2026, demanding that the government repeal the BT Act 1949 and hand over the Mahabodhi temple to Buddhist management. He was addressing a gathering at Dhamma-Dhwaj Panchasheel Dhamma Yatra conference here on Saturday. Bhante Vinacharya said that the fight for Mahabodhi was the fight for liberation and justice. It was the fight against brahmanism whose fundamental principles of inequality and discrimination directly posed a threat to the peaceful and equal societies that Buddhism tried to cultivate. Claiming that after Christianity and Islam, Buddhism was the world’s third largest religion, the monk said that unfortunately the Bodhi temple — one of Buddhism’s holiest sites — was managed by a committee that included members from Buddhist and Hindu faiths. Highlighting the uniqueness of the Bodh Gaya, Bhante Vinacharya said that the famous religious structures were solely identified either with the birth or death of saints or holy figures, whereas the Bodh Gaya was the sacred place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating for six years continuously under the Bodhi tree. Recalling the traces of the Bodhi temple liberation movement, the monk said that the fight to “liberate Bodh Gaya from other faiths” campaign was led by Anagarika Dhammapala, a Sri Lankan Buddhist, in 1891. Later Devapriya Valisinha led the Bodhi temple liberation campaign under the aegis of Mahabodhi Society. During this period, he claimed that the Buddhist population was very negligible in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while they were small but significant in States such as Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal. He also lauded the contributions made by the Buddhists from Karnataka during the movement at its initial stage. He said Mahabodhi was the continuous thread in the history of Buddhism not only in India but throughout the Buddhist world. Mauryan emperor Ashoka adopted Buddhism in 263 BCE after the Kalinga war and Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in a ceremony called Dhamma Deeksha at Nagpur on October 14, 1956. Bhante Vinacharya appealed to Buddhists and followers of Ambedkar to join the Bodhi temple liberation movement in Delhi on February 12, 2026. “We need to foster solidarity among Buddhists throughout India for this cause,” he said. Bhante Payyananda from Latur, Maharashtra, Bhante Amarjyothi from Belamagi Buddha Vihar, Bhante Vara Jyothi from Anadur Buddha Vihar, Bhante Yash from Solapur, Bhante Dhamma Deepa and Bhante Sangharakshith from Bidar were present.

Image makeover: Dress neat and exude discipline, Karnataka police chief tells personnel in 18-point directive
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Image makeover: Dress neat and exude discipline, Karnataka police chief tells personnel in 18-point directive

To improve the image of the police department, the Karnataka police chief has instructed personnel “to maintain a neat appearance and proper uniform standards”. This is among the 18-point direction given by him to the rank and file. In a circular issued earlier this week, Director-General and Inspector-General of Police M.A. Saleem said that “a well-dressed officer commands respect in society and reflects discipline and professionalism”, urging ranks and file to take pride in their appearance. In the 18-point circular, Mr. Saleem emphasised on “creating a better perception and showcasing transparency, accountability and courteousness while on duty.” Not force, but service Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Saleem, said, “Police should not be seen as a ‘force’ but as a ‘service’. Every officer part of the service should have discipline, be courteous and transparent while performing his duty,” he said, while adding that the directions are also for the personnel who perform their duties in mufti (plainclothes). “Police personnel should behave courteously with the people visiting station irrespective of their status and redress their issue without delay. The police should have high moral standards even off duty, “ Mr. Saleem said. Treating women The circular, among other things, stated that women and children visiting stations should be treated with respect and care, and in case of inquiries, officials should refrain from summoning women to the station but should conduct inquiry at their residence in the presence of a woman police officer. The accused women should not be kept in the station at any cost beyond 6 p.m., and in case of arrest, she should be handed over to the state home for women. The State police head also reminded the police personnel to wear body cameras for transparency and accountability. Addressing the issue of police often turning away public saying that the complaint lies beyond their jurisdiction, the circular said that in such cases, a zero FIR should be filed at the station before being referred to the one concerned.

Around 50 peafowls found dead in Kuruvikulam; farmer arrested
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Around 50 peafowls found dead in Kuruvikulam; farmer arrested

Peafowls totalling around 50 were found dead at a farm land at Kuruvikulam village in Thiruvengadam taluk of Tenkasi district on Saturday, after consuming pesticide infused maize grains scattered in the land. A farmer from Meenakshipuram village has been arrested in relation to the case. According to an official from the forest department, information about the incident was received on Saturday morning. When they reached the agricultural land which has plantations such as bananas, maize and other crops, they found dead peacocks, peahens and juvenile birds across various portions of the land. The arrested farmer has been identified as K. Johnson, 49. “He had mixed the grains with pesticides and rodenticide and scattered them across the land. The peafowls had consumed the grains, and this was confirmed in the post mortem report,” the official said. The official further added that however Mr. Johnson in his statement noted that he had scattered the pesticide and rodenticide infused maize grains to control rats in the farmland. The forest department officials have arrested Johnson and further investigations are underway.

As Cyclone Montha looms, IMD issues alerts for Andhra Pradesh
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As Cyclone Montha looms, IMD issues alerts for Andhra Pradesh

With Cyclone Montha likely to form on October 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati has issued alerts across the State till October 29. Red alert has been issued for at least 12 districts on October 28 and 29. On October 25 (Saturday), the well-marked low-pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression at 5.30 a.m. and remained over the same region at 11.30 a.m. It is likely to intensify into a deep depression by October 26 (Sunday) and into a cyclonic storm over southwest and westcentral Bay of Bengal by October 27 (Monday) morning. It will then intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 (Tuesday). The severe cyclonic storm is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening of October 28, with a maximum wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, according to the IMD. Heavy rain warning As a result, the State will see very heavy to extremely heavy rain on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (October 27, 28 and 29). A red alert has been issued for six districts on Monday. It has been issued for more than 10 districts, most of which are in the coastal areas, on Tuesday and Wednesday. The districts that may receive extremely heavy rainfall (red alert) on October 27 (Monday) are Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, Annamayya and Kadapa. On that day, an orange alert has been given for the districts of Chittoor, Nandyal, Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema. Except for Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram-Manyam, where there is no warning, a yellow alert has been given for the remaining districts. The 12 districts that are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall (red alert) on October 28 (Tuesday) are Kadapa, Prakasam, Palnadu, Bapatla, Guntur, NTR, Krishna, West Godavari, Eluru, East Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada. Orange alert have been issued for the districts of Alluri Sitharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Nellore, Tirupati and Nandyal on that day. The remaining districts have been given yellow alert. According to the IMD, the rainfall activity will be concentrated in the Central and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 29 (Wednesday), when there is a red alert for the districts of NTR, Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari, Eluru, East Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagram. There is no warning for Rayalaseema on that day. Thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and gales, are likely across the State on October 28 (Tuesday) and October 29 (Wednesday). Squally winds, with speed of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, are likely at isolated places in the State on Tuesday, while on Wednesday gales, with speed of 90-100 kmph, are likely at isolated places in North and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh. There are no rainfall or wind alerts for October 26 (Sunday) and October 30 (Thursday), but isolated heavy rainfall is likely in a few places. On October 25 (Saturday), a few places in Tirupati, Prakasam, Nellore, Parvathipuram-Manyam, and Chittoor districts received light to moderate showers. ‘Set up control rooms’ Meanwhile, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has asked the district Collectors to open control rooms in all the mandals. In a teleconference on October 25 (Saturday), he asked them to ensure that the village-level staff were alert at the field level. He directed the officials to ensure that stocks of essential commodities such as milk, vegetables and candles were kept ready. The Collectors were also asked to monitor power supply and ensure that it was restored immediately during disruptions. He also asked them to coordinate with the telecom operators to ensure uninterrupted mobile signals. It was also advised to shift all pregnant women in the island villages to the health centres as a precautionary measure. People were advised to not travel, or venture into the sea, on October 27, 28 and 29, when red alert had been given for more than 10 districts in the State.

Vision 2031: ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam’ tourism seminar held in Idukki
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Vision 2031: ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam’ tourism seminar held in Idukki

The process of providing start-up modelfinancial assistancefor hotel projects with investments up to ₹50 crore has reached its final stage, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has said. While inaugurating ‘Lokom Kothikkum Keralam,’ a State-level seminar organised by the Tourism department as part of Vision 2031 initiative, at Marian College, Kuttikkanam, on Saturday, Mr. Balagopal said the tourism sector in Kerala must adapt positively to the rapid changes brought out by artificial intelligence (AI). “Whether society likes it or not, AI is significantly influencing our daily lives and jobs.” “The budget for tourism department has been increased by 20%,” said Mr. Balagopal and emphasised the importance of attracting domestic tourists to Kerala. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas presented the Vision 2031 policy document. According to officials, thedraft policy aims to developKerala into a high-quality, vibrant global tourism destination. Some key recommendations in the draft policy include rebranding Kerala Tourism as a high-value destination throughout the year, ensuring an increase in tourist arrivals to pre-COVID-19 levels, implementing efficient and environment friendly tourism projects in the State, using digital systems to manage tourism centres, and promoting local tourism activities to secure jobs and income at the local level. The draft policy also emphasises development projects in tourism centres. “Better roads, airports, airstrips as strengthening of last mile connectivity in hill stations, ports, and waterways will be ensured,” it said. The draft policy includes developing thematic tourism circuits and promoting people-related tourism, which aims to ensure that nearly half of the income generated is shared by women involved in village-level tourism activities. The draft policy also stated that technology-related systems will be adopted to control overcrowding in hill stations during weekends and holidays, ensuring a smooth experience in these areas. In addition, it highlights carbon-neutral green tourism to ensure the protection of biodiversity areas. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine presided over the meeting. Tourism department Secretary K. Biju and Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, among others, attended the workshop.

In digital era, identities are co-authored by algorithms: Sekhar Seshadri
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In digital era, identities are co-authored by algorithms: Sekhar Seshadri

“When introspection is outsourced to algorithms, your sense of authorship on your own life may diminish. The autonomy of the self is challenged by these algorithmic nudges,” said Sekhar Seshadri, well-known child and adolescent psychiatrist. He was speaking at a public talk titled ‘The Screen, self and algorithms’, as part of Our Digital Futures Fest organised by IT for Change, a Bengaluru-based NGO working on research and advocacy in the domain of digital justice. The fest is being held for a week from October 25 to November 1, as part of the NGO’s 25th anniversary celebrations. In the session moderated by author and philosopher Sundar Sarukkai, Dr. Seshadri walked the audience through an analysis of how experiences, behaviours, and even the sense of self are today conditioned by algorithms. Echo chambers “As social beings, our sense of identity, especially during vulnerable developmental stages, has always been constructed and conditioned by our social contexts, socio-economic environments, family networks, peer groups, and other relevant determinants in our ecology. However, with the advent of algorithms, what we see is the conditioning of our thoughts, behaviour, and self-perception by a platform which is only concerned with maximising consumption and user engagement,” he said. The digital screen is no longer a passive window to the world, but an active participant in shaping the user’s sense of self, he added. Throwing light on feedback loops, he pointed out how algorithms monitor the user behaviour, such as scrolls and shares and build a data-driven profile accordingly. This curated version is then reflected to the user through personalised feeds. “This can trap individuals into echo chambers of self-perception where certain aspects of their identity are constantly reinforced while others are neglected,” he explained. Ethical concerns Mr. Seshadri also spoke about how constant exposure to curated, filtered, and amplified images of others’ lives on social media can lead the user, especially children and adolescents, to make social comparisons and have a negative correlation with their self-esteem. “And then there is the ‘quantified self.’ These algorithms encourage a database view of identity through tracking apps that track your sleep, mood, fitness... This reduces a person’s rich, subjective experience to a set of measurable outputs, causing some users to trust the algorithms’ judgment over their own intuition,” he remarked, adding that in the digital era, identities are co-authored by algorithms which go to the extent of suggesting what a person should even think and feel. While Mr. Seshadri agreed that AI systems could provide insight or help in emotional regulation, problems were likely when introspection was completely outsourced to them. “It causes a serious erosion of narrative agency. Events in our life become structured and narrated not through introspective narratives, but through algorithmically created highlights such as Instagram highlights, fitness milestones, digital memory cues, and so on.” According to him, this becomes an ethical issue and its psychological dimensions, profound. “If identity, emotion, and even narrative are increasingly mediated through opaque systems, questions arise about authenticity, authorship and autonomy...What does it mean to know oneself? And if a lot of that knowing is done by machines, who does the version of you that the algorithm is constructed belong to? Can a self be authentic if it is being optimised by invisible code on a previous basis?” he wondered. Social media dependence Noting that individuals need to indulge more in active self-construction to offset the passive exposure to algorithmic feedback, Mr. Seshadri suggested developing digital habits that prioritise reflective awareness, diverse media consumption, and the scrutiny of AI recommendations. Sundar Sarukkai, who moderated the session, added to the conversation by observing that people are extremely dependant on social media in a highly individualised world. “The invisible social is ordering us so deeply in terms of lives and so on. That has completely changed who we are. This is really an invitation to ask ourselves what it is to be human,” he said. Upcoming events The inaugural day of the fest held at the Bangalore International Centre also saw the release of ‘People’s Digital India’, an anthology of essays brought out by IT for Change, and a photo exhibition featuring the field projects of the NGO. The upcoming events include a conference on EdTech for Equitable Education and a discussion on the film ‘Humans in the Loop’ on October 30, a two-day conference examining cutting-edge approaches to AI innovation from October 31 to November 1 and a panel discussion on a new model for AI beyond Gen AI on October 31. All the upcoming events will be held at Infosys Science Foundation, Bengaluru, where the photo exhibition will also be featured on 30–31 October.

State govt. to be blamed for death of students in residential schools: BRS
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State govt. to be blamed for death of students in residential schools: BRS

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has alleged that the continuous neglect of welfare departments’ residential educational schools by the Congress government has resulted in the death/suicides of 110 students since December 2023. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and general secretary of the party R.S. Praveen Kumar, claimed that Srivarshitha, a student of residential school at Vangara, allegedly committed suicide, unable to bear the harassment of the school principal and vice principal earlier this week. Though Vangara, the native village of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao falls in Husnabad constituency, now represented by Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar, the latter had not even react to the incident. Srivarshitha, a native of Huzurabad constituency, had spoken to her parents at 6.30 a.m. on the fateful day and ended life at 7.30 a.m. It was so inhuman that the body of the student was sent to her native place in a tractor, they said. Demanding that the school principal and vice principal be suspended immediately, the BRS leaders sought an ex gratia of ₹1 crore to the family of the deceased student.

Urban Infrastructure Development Fund benefit for 47 ULBs in State
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Urban Infrastructure Development Fund benefit for 47 ULBs in State

The Telangana State government has issued a slew of orders according administrative sanction for developmental works across various municipalities/corporations on Saturday, under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund. Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) was established through ‘Priority Sector Lending Shortfall’ to be used by public agencies to create urban infrastructure in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. This fund will be managed by National Housing Bank. The State government, through the Municipal Administration & Urban Development department, has given administrative sanction for development works worth ₹878.9 crore in 47 municipalities/corporations. The urban local bodies to benefit are Zaheerabad, Wanaparthy, Vikarabad, Tandur, Suryapet, Sircilla, Siddipet, Shadnagar, Sangareddy, Sadasivapet, Ramagundam, Peerzadiguda, Peddapalli, Palwancha, Nizampet, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Nagaram, Miryalguda, Metpally, Meerpet, Medak, Mandamarri, Mahabubnagar, Mahbubabad, Kothagudem, Korutla, Kodada, Khammam, Karimnagar, Kamareddy, Kagaznagar, Jawaharnagar, Jangaon, Jalpally, Jagtial, Greater Warangal, Gajwel, Gadwal, Dundigal, Dammaiguda, Bodhan, Bhongir, Bellampally, Badangpet, Armoor and Adilabad. Each municipality/corporation has been sanctioned ₹18.7 crore under the scheme, of which ₹15 crore will be the loan through National Housing Bank and ₹3.7 crore will be the state government’s share. The number of works to be carried out differed for each ULB.

Farmers cheated: CM urged to order for CID inquiry
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Farmers cheated: CM urged to order for CID inquiry

Congress leader Girish Gadigeppagoudar has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to initiate CID inquiry into a case of alleged police atrocities on farmers in Hubballi or hand over the case to Lokayukta for inquiry. Mr. Gadigeppagoudar who met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Hubballi Airport on Saturday, submitted a memorandum in this regard to him after briefing him about the grievances of the farmers and alleged that few police officials had threatened farmers and forcefully taken money from them. In the memorandum, he has said that the police officials had called Mallikarjun Siddappa Hiremani and other farmers of Halyal village in Hubballi taluk to the police station, threatened them and forcefully taken money to the tune of few crores from them in connection with sale of their agricultural lands. He has said that mediating on behalf of farmer Monappa Nandihalli, two real estate dealers Dilip Sutar and Praveen Sutar had entered into a land deal with noted doctor from Hubballi but after taking money from the doctor, they had duped the Nandihalli family. They had even threatened the farmers at gun point when they went to get their money. What was even worse was that when the farmers went to police station to seek justice, they were harassed and threatened by three police inspectors under the directions of the Police Commissioner, he alleged in the memorandum.

Survey in Dharwad district: Target achieved in rural areas, challenges in urban
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Survey in Dharwad district: Target achieved in rural areas, challenges in urban

The Dharwad district administration has achieved 82% of the target given to it under the Karnataka Social and Educational Survey taken up by the Permanent Backward Classes Commission and data suggests that it has achieved the target in rural areas but has faced challenges in urban areas. According to available data the enumerators have not been able to get information from around 1.5 lakh households and with 3.8 being the size of an average family, an estimated 4.5 lakh people have not been covered under the survey in the district out of the projected number of 22.5 lakh people in the district. Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. clarified that while 1.5 lakh households that have so far not been covered under the survey and the reasons for the non coverage were multiple. “It is not just reluctance or rejection to participate in the survey. There are other reasons as well. Enumerators have not been able to cover some houses that were locked and then there is the problem of people migrating to city on work but have their houses covered under the survey at their native places,” she said. Urban population She said that another challenge that the district faced was with regard to the highest urban population in the district. “Barring the State capital, Dharwad district has the highest urban population in the State. In most of the districts, the urban population is around 10%. Even Mysuru district has an urban population of 25% but in Dharwad district the urban population amounts to 55% of the total population of the district,” she said. She said because of the high urban population, the enumerators faced several changes because of which the percentage was less compared to rural areas, where they had achieved cent percent target. On reports about the district recording more number of rejections to take part in the survey, she declined to comment saying as authentic data on had not been made available to them yet by the State, it would be inaccurate to comment on it. However, she said that the district administration was carrying out extensive awareness on the mop up round and use of online portal to take part in the survey. The teachers had also been asked to identify school children left out from the survey, she said.

Balmoor Venkat seeks action against BRS leaders
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Balmoor Venkat seeks action against BRS leaders

Congress MLC Balmoor Venkat complained to the Narayanaguda police on Saturday, urging them to book a case against BRS leaders for “looting public money.” He also criticised the BRS for its ongoing ‘Congress Debt Card’ campaign, which aims to expose the Congress government’s failures, alleging that the party plundered the State during its regime. According to Venkat, the BRS government’s 10-year rule has led to Telangana’s current financial woes. He claims that the State’s debts can be recovered from the money stashed by BRS leaders. Mr. Venkat demands that the State government take action against these corrupt leaders and recover the looted public funds. Mr. Venkat reminded that MLC and former BRS leader Kavitha too levelled similar charges against the BRS leaders, including former minister T Harish Rao, and former MP J Santosh Rao.

Harish facilitates return of 12 migrants from Jordan
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Harish facilitates return of 12 migrants from Jordan

Twelve migrant workers from Telangana, stranded in Jordan after going there for a better livelihood, returned to their native places on Saturday with the efforts of senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao Before heading to their native places they met Mr. Rao at his residence here and thanked him for helping them to return to the motherland after facing all sorts of troubles in Jordan. Mr. Rao enquired about the problems they faced on the foreign soil. The workers stated that they had made repeated appeals to all political parties in the State and pleaded for help, but it was only BRS that had responded and helped them reach back home. They got emotional while recollecting their ordeal in Jordan and explained that they were not able to have even a square meal on some days. Mr. Rao said the BRS had brought the issue to the notice of the State and Central governments immediately after learning about it and made repeated appeals, but in vain. They were allowed to return to their homeland only after a penalty was paid on their behalf. He stated that a large number of migrants from the State are going to Gulf countries to earn better livelihood and repay the debt made back home but are getting deceived at the hands of agents. He alleged that the Congress government had failed to keep the promises made even to migrant workers to establish a welfare board. Mr. Rao bore the return airfare of all the 12 workers.

Power sector steeped in corruption, allege speakers at CFL round table
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Power sector steeped in corruption, allege speakers at CFL round table

Several issues plaguing the power sector, including the ‘corrupt deals’ involved in the procurement of power equipment worth thousands of crores of rupees, were discussed at the round table meeting convened by Centre for Liberty (CFL), here on Friday. Retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao, who is associated with CFL, flayed the successive governments led by YSRCP and the NDA alliance for continuing to favour a single supplier. He asked if the incumbent government, which had boldly announced to uproot the corrupt practices witnessed in the erstwhile regime, could take on the ‘corporate mafia’ ruling the power sector. Recalling that various arms of the Power department were separated in a reformatory move to reduce losses, he claimed that the process had not benefited the common man in any manner. “Of the 21 lakh connections in the State, a whopping 11 lakh are under the purview of A.P. Southern Discom headquartered at Tirupati, and as such, the corporate mafia started eyeing this company”, alleged Mr. Rao. The A.P. Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) had not corrected a single erroneous decision taken by the power generation or distribution companies in the last 25 years, he alleged. CFL founder Chakravarthy Nalamotu said that the average citizen should be aware of the deals taking place in the power sector. He alleged that the government had favoured a company — Shirdi Sai Electricals — by allowing a meagre bank guarantee, tweaking the contract terms to eliminate smaller suppliers, buying the equipment at an exorbitant rate, relaxing the rules to inspect the quality of the purchased equipment, and finally, tolerating the deviation in quality of the goods supplied. Meanwhile, Irrigation expert T. Lakshminarayana and farmer leader Bhavani Prasad flayed all the parties for being ‘hand in glove’ with corporate entities. CPI State executive member A. Rama Naidu, district secretary P. Murali, CITU district secretary Kandarapu Murali, CPI(M) district secretary V. Nagaraju, CPI(ML) secretary R. Harikrishna, BSP leader P. Anjaiah also aired similar views.

Minister Mano Thangaraj inspects rain-affected paddy fields in Thovalai taluk
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Minister Mano Thangaraj inspects rain-affected paddy fields in Thovalai taluk

Minister of Dairy Development T. Mano Thangaraj on Saturday inspected paddy fields in Chenbagaramanputhoor village of Thovalai taluk, damaged by the recent rainfall in the district. During inspection, he noted that the recent rainfall in the district had submerged crops with around 8.5 hectares of paddy fields in Chenbagaramanputhoor village having been completely destroyed. During inspection, farmers sought compensation for the losses. Responding to their concerns, Mr. Mano Thangaraj said that agricultural department officials were conducting district-wide crop damage assessment, and the issue will be brought to the Chief Minister’s attention for necessary action. Kanniyakumari district Collector R. Alagumeena, Nagercoil Corporation Mayor R. Mahesh, Revenue Divisional Officer S. Kaleeswari and other officials were present during the inspection. Following the inspection, the Minister addressed the media at the Collectorate, where he stated that all departments were actively involved in the northeast monsoon mitigation works. Speaking on the crop damage in the district, he observed that the overall impact had been minimal. He urged the farmers to report losses to respective Village Administrative Officers to ensure proper assessment and compensation. He further highlighted that paddy procurement in the district was proceeding in an orderly manner, with 2,500 metric tonnes procured so far, and exhorted the farmers to report any issue in procurement to the district administration. On infrastructure, the Minister said that officials have been instructed to document all damaged roads, which will be submitted for proposals to repair or lay new roads. He also stated that waterlogging issues were being continuously monitored, particularly for clearing blockages in waterways. Mr. Mano Thangaraj further noted that 59 temporary shelters and 12 evacuation shelters have been established across the district, as part of northeast monsoon preparatory arrangements.

Low occupancy results in cancellation of train services from Mysuru
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Low occupancy results in cancellation of train services from Mysuru

Railway authorities have announced the cancellation of three pairs of special trains from Mysuru due to low passenger occupancy. Accordingly, Train No. 06239 Mysuru-Tirunelveli Express Special will be cancelled on Mondays from October 27 to November 24. Likewise, the corresponding service Train No. 06240 Tirunelveli-Mysuru Express Special will be cancelled on Tuesdays from October 28 to November 25, said the authorities. Similarly, Train No. 06243 Mysuru-Karaikkudi Express Special will be cancelled on Thursdays and Saturdays from October 30 to November 29. The corresponding service of Train No. 06244 Karaikkudi-Mysuru Express Special will be cancelled on Fridays and Sundays from October 31 to November 30. In addition, the services of Train No. 06237 Mysuru-Ramanathapuram Express Special will be cancelled on Monday, October 27, and its corresponding service of Train No. 06238 Ramanathapuram-Mysuru Express Special stands cancelled on Tuesday, October 28. Additionally, Railway authorities in Mysuru have announced that due to Road Under Bridge (RUB) works between Mysuru New Goods Terminal and Naganahalli, train services will be affected and some of them will be rescheduled, regulated, or partially cancelled. Train No. 16552 Ashokapuram-MGR Chennai Central Express, commencing on October 29 and 31; November 19, 21, 26, ad 28; and December 17 and 19; will be rescheduled, and its departure will be delayed by 40 minutes from Ashokapuram, according to authorities. Similarly, Train No. 66554 Ashokapuram-KSR Bengaluru MEMU, commencing on October 29 and 31; November 19, 21, 26, and 28; and December 17 and 19; will be delayed by 45 minutes from Ashokapuram. Train No. 16586 Murdeshwar-KSR Bengaluru Express commencing on October 28 and 30; November 18, 20, 25, and 27; and December 16 and 18; will be regulated by 90 minutes en route. Train No. 06270 SMVT Bengaluru-Mysuru Passenger, commencing on October 28 and 30; November 18, 20, 25, and 27; and December 16 and 18; will be regulated by 100 minutes en route, the authorities added. Train No. 66579 KSR Bengaluru-Ashokapuram MEMU, commencing on October 29 and 31; November 19, 21, 26, and 28; and December 17 and 19; will be regulated by 60 minutes en route. Train No. 66579 KSR Bengaluru-Ashokapuram MEMU, commencing on October 29 and 31; November 19, 21, 26 and 28; and December 17 and 19; will be partially cancelled between Pandavapura and Ashokapuram, with the train being short-terminated at Pandavapura. Train No. 66554 Ashokapuram-KSR Bengaluru MEMU, commencing on October 29 and 31; November 19, 21, 26, and 28; and December 17 and 19; will be partially cancelled between Ashokapuram and Pandavapura. This train will originate from Pandavapura instead of Ashokapuram, as per Railway authorities.

Man gets double life imprisonment for murdering SC farm labourer in Coimbatore in 2020
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Man gets double life imprisonment for murdering SC farm labourer in Coimbatore in 2020

The Special Court for the trial of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Coimbatore on Friday (October 24, 2025) awarded double life imprisonment to a man for murdering a farm labourer belonging to a Scheduled Caste community in Coimbatore in 2020. Judge K. Vivekananthan awarded the punishment to S. Perumal, who worked in a farm near Kuniyamuthur, for murdering Ayyar, also a labourer in another farm on Sundakamuthur Main Road. According to the police, Perumal, who belonged to a Backward Class community, had borrowed ₹5,000 from Ayyar. They had a quarrel over the money at the farm on Sundakkamuthur Main Road on May 17, 2020. Perumal assaulted Ayyar with a sickle, after using casteiest slurs, in front of the latter’s wife Mahadevi. Ayyar died at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital 10 days later. The court found Perumal guilty and awarded life imprisonment for offence under Section 302 (murder) of Indian Penal Code and a fine of ₹1,000. It also awarded him a second life term for offence under Section 3(2)(v) of SC/ST Act read with 302 of IPC, along with a fine of ₹1,000.

87 flood-prone spots identified in Chennai Corporation’s Disaster Management Perspective Plan 2025
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87 flood-prone spots identified in Chennai Corporation’s Disaster Management Perspective Plan 2025

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has identified 87 locations prone to chronic inundation across the city — based on data from the 2024 monsoon season — in its City Disaster Management Perspective Plan 2025. The report showed 26 high vulnerability and 27 medium vulnerability areas, while 34 locations were categorised as low vulnerability. In 2021, there were 561 such locations, and the number came down to 35 in 2023. The plan also included measures carried out by the GCC, such as the use of GIS-based mapping to identify flood-prone zones, digital monitoring of stormwater drains, and real-time coordination through the Emergency Operations Centre. It identified areas of high vulnerability to cyclones, tsunami, and other natural disasters based on geographical and demographic data. It detailed the responsibilities of departments in response and relief operations, communication with the public, and rehabilitation support. The plan also said, along with other service departments, the GCC is involved in the restoration of waterbodies, desilting of canals, and strengthening of pumping stations to improve flood management. It outlined inter-departmental coordination for emergency response, early warning dissemination through the TN-Alert system, and public awareness campaigns. The control room at the Chennai Corporation was designated as the nodal centre to coordinate relief and ensure quick response during any disaster, the plan mentioned.

Heavy rainfall forecast in parts of Telangana from October 27 to 29
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Heavy rainfall forecast in parts of Telangana from October 27 to 29

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall over several parts of Telangana from October 27 to 29, as the current depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Speaking to The Hindu, Dharma Raju, a scientist at the IMD Hyderabad centre, said that the weather system, currently in a depression stage, is likely to strengthen into a deep depression by October 26 before taking the shape of a cyclone on October 27. “We are anticipating heavy rains for Telangana on October 27 and 28,” he said. He added that the southern and eastern districts of the State are expected to receive the most impact, while Hyderabad may experience only light to intermittent rain. “For Hyderabad, it will be mostly light rain and skies will remain cloudy most of the time,” he added. For the next two days (October 25 and 26), the State will see only light to moderate rainfall, mainly in the eastern and southern parts. The situation is likely to change from the evening of October 27, once the depression transforms into a cyclone. “From the evening of October 27 onwards, the weather scenario over Telangana completely changes. The system is most likely to cross on October 28, and that will bring heavy rains,” Mr. Raju said. The IMD scientist also said that the rainfall activity could continue till October 29, though its intensity will gradually decrease. According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining South Andaman Sea is currently active. This system has led to the formation of a low-pressure area in the same region on the morning of October 24. It is expected to move in a west-northwest direction and gradually intensify, first into a depression by October 25, then into a deep depression by October 26, and finally into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27.

Tamil Nadu closes three spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam
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Tamil Nadu closes three spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam

As water level in the Mullaperiyar dam decreased, Tamil Nadu officials closed three of its 13 spillway shutters on Wednesday. According to officials, Tamil Nadu raised 13 spillway shutters of the dam on Saturday after heavy inflow to the reservoir. On Wednesday, the water level at Mullaperiyar declined to 137.90 ft, and Tamil Nadu closed three shutters and 10 shutters remain raised by 150 cm. The water level at the dam at 3 p.m. was 137.90 ft and the tunnel discharge was 1,789 cusecs. Also, 3,187 cusecs is being released to the Periyar. The average inflow to the dam at 3 p.m. was 4,692.56 cusecs. The upper limit of the dam till October 31 is 138 ft. Meanwhile, the water level at Idukki reservoir rose to 2,384.86 ft on Wednesday. The red alert level is 2,398.31 ft and the upper rule level is 2,399.31 ft. The district experienced low rainfall on Wednesday.

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