Rajini extends support to Sterlite protest, slams govt

Superstar Rajinikanth is slowly but steadily making his moves into the political front. Close on the heels of batting for Cauvery Board, he today slammed the government over Sterlite row.

In a tweet, he said that people had been protesting against the Sterlite Copper smelter plant for the past 47 days citing health concerns.

“One can’t understand why the government, which gave the nod for the plant, is not taking any action and is just watching,” he said in a Tamil tweet.

Rajini's remarks have come at a time when protests have intensified in Tuticorin district against Sterlite. The agitation has received widespread support from political leaders and people from other parts of the state.

On Sunday, Rajini's competitor in cinema and politics, Kamal Haasan, who recently floated a party called Makkal Needhi Maiam, will visit Tuticorin to extend solidarity to the protesting people.

Cauvery: TN files contempt of court plea against Centre

Tamil Nadu today approached the Supreme Court seeking contempt action against the Centre for "willful disobedience" in carrying out the mandate of the apex court on constituting the Cauvery Management Board for which the six-week deadline expired on Friday.

In the 49 pages petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government it has been stated that the Central government has insulted the Supreme Court's verdict to constitute the Cauvery Water Management Board within six weeks time and has asked the Court to take action against the Union Ministry of Water Resources' Secretary.

Meanwhile, in its petition, the Central government has sought three months time to constitute the Cauvery Water Management Board.

It said: "Since election has been announced in Karnataka, the code of Conduct is in place. Cavuery is a very emotive issue in Karanataka and in the past the issue has led to avoidable loss of human lives and properties. If the Central government were to constitute a scheme under 6A of ISRWD, ACT 1956 and notify it during the currency of the State Vidhan Sabha election process, the Central government fears that it would lead to massive public outrage, vitiate election process and cause serious law and order problems."

The application filed by Tamil Nadu also wanted the court to direct the Centre to purge the contempt forthwith by framing a scheme in accordance with the February 16 judgment of the apex court by providing for Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee vested with all powers to give effect to the decision of the tribunal as well as the judgment of the top court.

"Initiate contempt proceedings against respondents (the central government) for willful disobedience in carrying out clear mandate set out in para 403 of the judgment passed by the honourable court dated 16-02-2018 in civil appeal number 2453 of 2007 and connected appeals," it added.

Thiruneermalai Arulmigu Neervanna Perumal Ponguni Brahmorshava Festival

Thiruneermalai is one of the ancient sacred Divya - Desams of 108. This shrine has been sung by Boothathu Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar in their divine hymns.  The annual festival of Sri Neervannar Perumal begins on 01.04.2018  and concludes on 11.04.2018

The important festivals are portrayed  here under. On almost all the days in the morning the adorable deity is being taken in the Palanquin.

03.04.2018 - Morning  - Simha Vahanam
Sacred Programme in the Night
03.04.2018  - Hamsa Vahanam
04.04.2018  -  Hanumantha Vahanam
05.04.2018 -  Sesha  Vahanam
06.04.2018  -  Garuda Sevai
07.04.2018  -  Yaanai Vahanam
08.04.2018  -  Thiruther 6 am to 7 am
09.04.2018  - Night - Kuthirai Vahanam
10.04.2018  - Morning - Palanquin Therthavari

All the spiritual  devotees are requested to throng to the Divya Desam Thiruneernalai for all the Festival to obtain the blissful blessings of the Lord Sri Neervannar.

Arrangements for the same  are  being made  by Smt M Annakodi,  Assistant  Commissioner  / Thakkar and Mr P Sakthi , EO.

No withdrawl of strike till our demands are met: Vishal

Tamil Film Producers Council president Vishal said on Friday that the association would not withdraw the ongoing strike if its demands are not met.

"We are staging this for the welfare of producers and the whole Tamil film industry," he told reporters in Chennai.

Earlier, speaking after a marathon six-hour marathon-meeting between TFPC and Theatre Owners Associations, Vishal said that, in all probability, the strike will come to an end within three days.

“I am confident that we are going in the right direction. Theatre owners, distributors have understood as what led to the strike," he added.

It is lhat theater owners have promised to computerize the ticketing system by the end of May.

Vishal asked why theater owners who have their own projectors charge VPF from producers and they couldn’t answer his question.

Bank robbery: Chennai cops seek Centre, Interpol help to bring security guard to city

Though a security guard was arrested in Nepal on Thursday in connection with a robbery in the Indian Overseas Bank's Virugambakkam branch, the Chennai police are finding it tough to bring him to the city, due to extradition treaty between Nepal and India.

Following this, they have sought the help of CBI and Interpol. "Since there are some issues in bringing him to the city due to extradition treaty between India and Nepal, things are being worked out. He will be brought here in a day or two," sources said.

The security guard, Shabi Lal, is a Nepalese national. He had been missing since the bank robbery came to light on Monday morning.

Two others involved in the heist had been nabbed in Bengaluru. Five special teams were probing the burglary.

The police had also zeroed in on a shop in Aminjikarai from where the suspects had reportedly bought gas cylinders for the burglary.

Some Chennai police personnel camping on the India-Nepal border were trying to negotiate with the Nepal police through CBI officials to get the custody of the suspect.

BMW Group India celebrates the 11th anniversary of Plant Chennai

Chennai: BMW Group Plant Chennai celebrated its 11th anniversary today at a memorable event. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and students from the College of Engineering of Anna University, launched ‘SKILL NEXT»’, a technical skilling initiative. Together, they assembled a BMW engine and transmission at the main assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai to commemorate the beginning of the project.

Aiming to act as a major catalyst in developing automotive talent in the country, ‘SKILL NEXT»’ will reach educational institutes and students in every state and union territory in India. Through the initiative, 365 BMW engine and transmission units will be provided for learning purposes to engineering and technical institutes at no cost. ‘SKILL NEXT»’ will present an opportunity for engineering and technical students to get hands-on training on advanced technologies of BMW engine and transmission. BMW Group India will also deliver the engine and transmission units to campuses of engineering colleges / Industrial Training Institutes / polytechnics at no cost by end of 2018.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar said, “I strongly feel that initiatives like SKILL NEXT» will promote development of automotive engineering skills in our country. It is an opportunity for technical students in every state and union territory to get directly trained on BMW engine and transmission. I could have never played cricket by just reading about it, I had to be hands-on with the game. Similarly, SKILL NEXT» will make it easier for the students to understand automotive technology through first-hand experience.”

TSCHE Releases Online Mock Tests for TS EAMCET 2018

Mock tests for TS EAMCET 2018 exam have been made available for
aspirants in order to provide them an overview of the experience of
writing the exam online for the first time. This mock examination is a
replica of the pattern of actual examination, which would include one
paper each for Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy.
Know More about TS EAMCET 2018
Aspirants can check out mock tests available on the website, at
www.sche.ap.gov.in. The mock test of TS EAMCET 2018 is accessible to
everyone and does not require any credentials. Students aren’t required
to enter in any username or password to give the mock examination; they
can directly press the ‘Sign In’ button and write the mock examination
hassle-free.
For time management purposes, a countdown timer will also start as soon
as the mock test begins. It is important for all candidates to solve the
mock test of TS EAMCET 2018 for preparation purposes.
The officials from TS EAMCET communicated that there are plenty of study
material and guidelines available and provided to the candidates well in
advance for the preparation of this examination. However, the sole
purpose of this mock examination is to provide experience and the feeling
of writing the exam online for the first time, as students who are re-
appearing for this exam this year may not be well-versed of the online
technique. Officials said they are also planning to take up awareness
programmes, after intermediate examinations for the same.
Candidates aspiring for TS EAMCET 2018 must take the mock test to
increase your chances to crack the exam. Before taking the mock test, the
candidates must carefully read the instructions and follow them seriously.
The candidates will be allotted 180 minutes or 3 hours to attempt a total
of 160 questions. There is a clock set at the server. At the top of the
computer screen (right top corner), there is a countdown timer, which
keeps on reminding you about the time taken and time left for completing
the test. When the allotted time for the test gets over, it ends the exam by
default. This means that there is no need to end, close or submit the
exam.
Examination pattern for engineering students would include an online
paper of 3 hours duration. The question paper will consist of total 160
questions, comprising 80 questions in Mathematics, 40 questions in
Physics and 40 questions in Chemistry. Objective type or multiple choice
questions will be asked and each question will carry one mark.​
On the other hand, examination pattern for agriculture and medical
students include an online exam for 3 hours as well. The question paper
will consist of total 160 questions, comprising 80 questions in Biology
(Botany – 40, Zoology – 40), 40 questions in Physics and 40 questions in
Chemistry. Objective type or multiple choice questions will be asked and
each question will carry one mark.
The Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture & Medical (Pharmacy,
Veterinary etc.) Common Entrance Test is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University, Hyderabad on behalf of TSCHE. The purpose of
this entrance exam is to provide admission to desirable candidates
obtaining several professional courses offered in university/private
colleges in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is a computer based test for the first time; previously this exam was
conducted via paper-pen test, but for the first time the board changed it
to an efficient and regulated online-based test carried out at various
centres, and those candidate appearing for this examinations must apply
for the academic year 2018-19 before April 04. The exam will be
conducted in two sessions – from 10 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
The qualifying percentage of marks for the TS EAMCET-2018 is 25 per cent
of the maximum marks considered for ranking

Raashi Khanna denies dating Bumrah

Actress Raashi Khanna has refuted rumours which claimed that she is dating Indian cricketer Jaspit Bumrah.

Speaking to the media, she said, "I know that Bumrah is an Indian cricketer, that’s it. There is nothing beyond that."

She said further: "I don’t know him personally and I have even never met him yet. There is no truth in it (news about dating him)."

Raashi added: "It is sad to see such linkup rumors circulating on social media about a woman without any proper information.”

The actress, who made her acting debut in the Hindi film Madras Café, is currently busy in Kollywood with Atharvaa starrer Imaikkaa Nodigal, Adanga Maru and Siddharth’s Shaitan Ka Bachcha.

Recently, reports said Vishal is likely to romance Raashi Khanna in the Tamil remake of Temper.

Vishal will be seen playing a rogue cop which was originally played by Jr NTR and Raashi Khanna has been roped in to reprise Kajal Aggarwal’s role.

Debutant Venkat Mohan will be helming the Tamil remake, which will have music by Sam CS. The project is being produced by Light House Movie Makers and is expected to go on the floors later this year.

Cauvery row: AIADMK announces hunger protest, DMK calls for all-party meet

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) cadre are set to hold a hunger strike on April 2 to urge the central government to form a Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam announced this at a meeting in Madurai and also tweeted: ""AIADMK will hold a hunger fast on April 2 in all the districts, demanding the centre to set up the #CauveryManagementBoard. #CauveryIssue."

The DMK, which convened its emergency executive council meeting on the issue today, passed seven resolutions led by working president M K Stalin.

“All party meeting to be convened to decide on next course of action on Cauvery Management Board formation, a protest will be planned after consulting all opposition parties," a resolution said.

It added: "We condemn state and central govt for not implementing SC order.”

The resolutions also stated that the State government should appeal against the environment clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the Neutrino project.

Strike in Kollywood to end soon?

The president of Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC), Vishal, who is also the chief of the actors body Nadigar Sangam, has hinted that the ongoing strike in Kollywood will end soon.

Vishal, who held hours of marathon meeting with theatre owners associations, FEFSI, producers and distributors, Vishal said that a few crucial decisions have been taken at the deliberation. "We will try to implement them at the earliest."

He said that another round of meeting would be convened soon and a final decision would be arrived at.

Following the strike, over 50 films that were ready to hit the screens are lying in cans. Shootings of more than 75 films have come to a halt.

He said in an interview: "First and foremost we produce over 200 films a year and 80 % of them are small films and the producer finds the VPF to be too high."

He added: "Take my recent film Thupparivaalan; I ended up paying nearly Rs 90 lakhs as VPF as the film was a hit and ran for weeks."

Cauvery Board: AIADMK, DMK to take crucial decisions today

The ruling AIADMK and the main opposition DMK will today take important decisions in the Cauvery row.

According to sources, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam will take a collective decision with the approval of ministers.

It is to be noted that the deadline to set up Cauvery River Water Management Board, set by the supreme court, came to an end on Thursday.

On the otherhand, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will hold an executive council meeting over the Cauvery issue today in Chennai.

The DMK has been pressing the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

Meanwhile, Union minister of state for finance and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, said he is ready to quit from his post if resignations would pave way for the setting up of Cauvery River Water Management Board.

In settling the long-standing Cauvery dispute among the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, the apex court had reduced Tamil Nadu's share in the Cauvery water to 177.25 thousand million cubic feet, and directed the Centre to set up the board.

Rajini, Kamal back Cauvery Management Board

Both superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan today urged the Central government to set up the Cauvery River Water Management Board.

"In the Cauvery row, forming the board as per the supreme court order can be the only acceptable solution," Rajini said and added: "I sincerely hope justice will prevail."

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chennai today, Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan said the Cauvery issue is being politicised and the board should be formed.

He said he will be joining to support the Sterlite Protest at Thoothukudi on April 1. Kamal also said he would meet TN Chief minister regarding cauvery water management board.

Cauvery: CM chairs high level meet, DMK slams AIADMK

Amidst heightened anxiety on whether or not the Centre will constitute the Cauvery Management Board, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami today chaired a meeting of his ministers at the secretariat to decide on the next course of action on the Cauvery issue.

Sources said that crucial decisions were made during the meeting, in which Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and senior Ministers took part. Later, Palaniswami held a separate meeting with the AIADMK MPs.

With the Supreme Court mandated six-week deadline drawing to a close on Thursday, the ruling AIADMK, which has pitched high hopes on the Narendra Modi government, is exploring the options before it in obtaining the Cauvery water.

Meanwhile, DMK principal secretary, Durai Murugan said that Palaniswami and Panneerselvam should personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ask him to set up the CWMB.

The apex court on February 16 had pronounced its verdict on the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. After it was announced, the lower riparian state has been urging the Centre to set up CMB and CWRC to ensure it receives its due share of water.

Meanwhile, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi has come to the support of her All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam counterpart A Navaneethakrishnan, who said on Wednesday that all AIADMK MPs would commit suicide if the Centre fails to constitute a Cauvery Management Board by the March 29 deadline.

Bitter fight between Gautham Menon, Karthick Naren

Director and producer Gautham Vasudev Menon seems to have had a fall-out with young filmmaker Karthick Naren, who is directing the former's production venture Naragasooran.

Initially, Karthick of Dhuruvangal 16 fame tweeted: "Sometimes a misplaced trust may kill you. People should think twice before taking it for a ride. The last thing you want to see is your passion getting butchered from all the directions for a mistake you did not commit. Threshold!"

Following this, Gautham Menon shared a video made by Fully, attacking Karthick with a commonly used sexist phrase - 'grow a pair': "While some young filmmakers whine about their passion getting butchered instead of growing a pair, here's a young team that makes an interesting short about girls, women, cricket, CSK and liberation."

Responding to this, the young director said, "While everybody advised against it I had the pair to trust you & collaborate sir.

In return we were treated like trash & made to invest on our own. I think its better to whine & confront instead of running away. Please don't do this to any other young filmmaker sir. It hurts!"

In an interview to a Tamil magazine, Karthick has alleged that his film was used as bait for Gautham’s other productions. “It all started well. We were supposed to start shooting on September 16, 2017. But we didn’t get any funds until September 10.

We were introduced to Badri sir by Gautham on September 12 and he told us Badri sir would take care. In fact, Gautham sir hasn’t invested in the film. It was Badri sir and our own money that helped us finish production,” said Karthick.

Drunk gang assaults cop, arrested with the help of app

A police head constable was chased and attacked with a sword-like object after he stopped three men who were allegeldly riding a motorbike in a drunken state.

The victim's name is Anbazhagan, who was on beat duty when he was attacked by three men and the cop managed to take pictures of the attackers.

Following the attack, three accused have been arrested with the help of a recently launched app and the victim was admitted to a hospital.

The application has the ability to scan the face of a suspect and look up for the person in the inventory comprising known offenders in a span of seconds.

“While Anbazhagan was busy looking up for matches using the application, one amongst the trio attacked him with a knife, inflicting multiple injuries,” the police said.

The arrested have been identified as Sathishkumar, 31 of Nolambur, Panneerselvam, 24 of Koyambedu and Ranjith, 22 of Thiruverkadu.

Chinmayi joins Rakul Preet Singh in slamming TV anchor

Singer Chinmayi has joined the list of film personalities who have come down heavily on a television journalist who had made demeaning comments against actresses.

"A TV news anchor actually uses a cuss word in Telugu and the channel airs it referring to women in the film industry as prostitutes. 2018. And people ask why do we need feminism and ask for equal rights," she tweeted.

Earlier, Rakul Preet Singh posted: "This guy should be ashamed of calling himself a journalist! Abusive language n categorising actresses? Reallyyy? Is this what we sell in the name of debates ?? This is heights of stooping so low!! #GetALif."

Lavanya Tripathi posted, “Its shameful And disgusting, and not talking abt just this video, been seeing such videos quite a lot these days.. some ppl are trying to find different ways of disrespecting women, this way or the other.."

Lakshmi Manchu wrote: "NO ONE can use such words generalising & labelling women, no matter what. Targeting actresses, will be least tolerated by our fraternity. I condemn this & won’t let this go easy. #GetALife than gaining publicity by speaking derogatorily towards the women of the industry.

Cauvery issue: Last date today, BJP & AIADMK reveal stands

With today being the last date set by the supreme court to set up Cauvery Management Board, all eyes are on the BJP and the AIADMK, the ruling parties in the Centre and the state, respectively.

A committee formed by the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit on the Cauvery water issue on Wednesday met Union minister Nitin Gadkari here and sought the formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

The committee also called for a permanent solution to the dispute by transferring excess water in the Godavari to Cauvery -- a plan already talked about by the Union water resources ministry led by Gadkari.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami has once again expressed hope the Centre will set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) by March 29, a demand persistently made by the state government in the backdrop of recent Supreme Court judgement on the inter-state water dispute.

If not, sources said the Tamil Nadu government will file a contempt of court case in the supreme court against the union government.

Meanwhile, at a meeting with Central government officials in New Delhi on Wednesday, representatives from Karnataka submitted a eight page report and officials from Tamil Nadu gave a two page reply in which they have stressed the Central government to constitute the Cauvery Water Management Board before the deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Simbu's next with Vijay Sethupathi director

Simbu, who is currently shooting for ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, is likely to team up with director Rathina Shiva of Rekka fame.

Sources say that STR is impressed with Rathina Siva’s script but the project is in its initial stages and things can be confirmed only in coming days.

Besides Rekka, Rathina Siva also made a film titled Vaa Deal with Arun Vijay but because of financial disputes, the film’s release looks doubtful.

Meanwhile, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam is expected to release later this year. The film is jointly produced by Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions.

The movie has an ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swami, Arun Vijay, Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh and Aditi Rao Hydari.

In the meantime, Simbu appeared for a reality show recently. He was seen sporting Rajinikanth’s makeover for the upcoming film Kaala. Clad in black, Simbu looked dapper as ever and the pictures have become a hit on the internet.

CM hopeful of Centre setting up Cauvery board, Stalin meets Governor

Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed hope the Centre will set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) by March 29, a demand persistently made by the state government in the backdrop of recent Supreme Court judgement on the inter-state water dispute.

Meanwhile, DMK leader M K Stalin has demanded Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam clarify the state government's stand on India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO).

Stalin said that Governor Banwarilal Purohit had promised him that he would reconsider making visits to various parts of the State, after the DMK raised the issue with the Governor during a meeting at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Purohit had called Stalin for a meeting to clarify the position on appointment of Suryanarayana Shastri as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Stalin said  Purohit had clarified that only a person figuring among the short-listed candidates was appointed Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University.

Stalin said the Governor contended that he had not been conducting reviews but only visiting places to gauge the levels of development there.

"We told the Governor that he can say there is no government in place and then go on reviewing and we would not oppose it," he said.

Suriya upset with Sashikanth's statement

The comments of producer Sashikanth in a recent chat show, criticising the gesture of gifting cars to directors and then, publicizing it in the media, have not gone down well with the team of actor Suriya.

It may be recalled that Suriya has given cars to his directors like Pandiraj, Hari and now Vignesh Shivan.

Rajasekar Pandian, Director & Co-Producer 2D Entertainment Pvt Ltd (Suriya's production house), posted on Twitter: "A producer who has failed to pay the salaries in full of the actor and director of his film is talking about gifts!! What an irony!! Hilarious!”

In the said show, Shashikanth said, "Sometimes we get too emotional. When a film is successful, we should quietly celebrate it at home.

When we do something together and have struggled to make it happen for two-three years, it has to be celebrated when it’s successful. The fact that it should be publicized is wrong.

A lead actor gifted car to his director. How did that become a new item? It has become a habit. I have made 12 films and each film has tasted a different kind of success. There is a lot of pressure in the industry for success."

K'taka polls announced, TN CM assures necessary action in Cauvery

The Karnataka Assembly polls will be held on May 12 and the votes will be counted on May 15, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat announced today.

He also said that the EC has no objection in the formation of Cauvery River Water Management Board.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said in Salem that the Central government would be pressurised to set up the Cauvery Management Board.

In Karnataka, there will be a single phase election for the 224-member assembly.

The notification for the polls will be issued on April 17 and the last date for filing of nomination will be April 24, Rawat said at a press conference. April 27 will be the last date of withdrawal of candidates.

Interesting & important updates on Ajith & Vijay

A photo of Ajith posing with the students of Madras Institute of Technology has become viral on social networking sites.

According to sources, students waited for more than six hours to click a pic with him. Sources say that Ajith wanted to gain knowledge on the quadcopter and hence, he visited Madras Institute of Technology at Chrompet, Chennai.

Meanwhile, , Vijay is likely to croon a song in ‘Thalapathy 62’. If reports are anything to go by, 'Thalapathy 62' will be the first time in which Vijay will be singing a song under A R Rahman’s direction.

However, an official confirmation is awaited regarding the same. Notably, Rahman and Vijay have teamed up in films like Udhaya, Azhagiya Thamizh Magan and Mersal.

Recently, the film was caught in a controversy after special permission was accorded to it to shoot amid the strike by Producers Council strike.

On why the permission was given, the TFPC said the team has hired 30% of stunt members from Hyderabad and they also told us that it’s tedious to get the action choreographer’s (Ram-Lakshman) dates so we allowed them to conduct the shoot for another three days.

Cauvery row: DMK calls for emergency EC meet, AIADMK says anything can happen before March 29

The DMK has convened an urgent meeting of its Executive Committee, an apex body, on March 30 to discuss the Cauvery issue amid strident demands by parties in Tamil Nadu that the Centre set up the water management board.

According to a statement issued by DMK General Secretary K.Anbazhagan , the Executive Council meeting will be chaired by Working President M.K. Stalin.

The meeting, to be held after the expiry of the Supreme Court's deadline of March 29 to formulate a scheme, will see the party evolving a "stand for the state's welfare," after seeing the Centre's response.

The six week deadline given by Supreme Court to the central government to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) ends on March 29, but there is no concrete information from the Central government on setting it up.

Meanwhile, fisheries minister D Jayakumar said that two more days are left for Centre to meet the supreme court's deadline in the Cauvery issue, and anything can happen before that.

"We will wait for three more days to decide our next step of action. But we believe something will happen before that," he said.

Rakul to romance Sivakarthikeyan

Rakul Preet has been signed to play the female lead in Sivakarthikeyan's yet-untitled flick directed by Ravi Kumar of Indru Netru Naalai fame.

Sivakarthikeyan and Rakul Preet will be pairing up for the first time on screen and both are happy about working together. The film has music by Oscar-Grammy winner A R Rahman.

To a question on hether the success of Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru got her interesting projects with Suriya (NGK), Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan the pretty actress said, "I don’t know. Of course, box-office success always helps. Being on top is a combination of luck, timing and interesting scripts offered to you".

Rakul is thrilled with the script work and prep of Sivakarthikeyan’s sci-fi film, she gave her nod and says it’s a dream team to work with.

Rakul's character in Theeran Adhigaram Ondru was much appreciated by the audience. The project is expected to go on floors after Siva completes his current project with Ponram.

Nayanthara engaged to Vignesh Shivan?

Reports are rife that actress Nayanthara has got engaged to her alleged beau filmmaker Vignesh Shivan of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan fame.

The actress recently attended an award ceremony and in her award acceptance speech, she apparently mentioned about her 'fiancé'.

Pictures of the couple’s PDA-filled moments had anyway left little doubt in the minds of their fans.

And before confirming their relationship, the actress has gone ahead and instead confirmed being engaged to him, by thanking her ‘fiance’ at the recent event.

By saying she 'was grateful to her parents, brother and her fiancé for all the support' Nayanthara was actually revealing that she was engaged. But she refrained from naming Vignesh openly.

Meanwhile, Nayanthara's fans are excited and hope that the actor – director duo might tie the knot this year itself.

CM takes on Stalin's challenge, says AIADMK govt can't be shaken

Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said the AIADMK government can not be shaken by DMK working president M K Stalin.

He said this in Coimbatore today, in reaction to Stalin's remarks at the DMK conference in Erode on Sunday that one minute is enough for him to remove the AIADMK government.

"The judicial outcome of the two cases relating to disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs will certainly bring down the Palaniswami government in less than a month and lead to the imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu," Stalin said.

Speaking at the party’s zonal conference in Erode on Sunday, he said that everywhere he went people were asking why the DMK had not toppled the AIADMK government or saying that had his father M Karunanidhi been active he would have done so by this time.

Stalin said the DMK did not want to capture power through the backdoor. In fact, Karunanidhi, being a democrat, was not in favour of toppling any government. Stalin said if he had wished, the government could have been toppled in a minute.

"There is no vacuum in DMK. A vacuum is filled as it is created," Stalin said.

"When there were two strong leaders like Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi, there was no vacuum... Tamil Nadu needs a leader and I have come to fill in," Rajinikanth had said earlier this month.

In December, Rajinikanth had announced he would launch a party and contest all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections due in 2021.

Fire at City Center in Chennai

A fire mishap happened today at City Center shopping mall in Chennai.

Sources said the fire happened at a shop at third floor in the mall. Fire services personnel were alerted. They doused the flames with half-an-hour, sources added.

No one was injured in the incident, though one of the staff members suffered suffocation. All others ran to safety soon after they spotted flames.

Meanwhile recently, the death toll in the forest fire incident in Kurangani in Theni district on March 11 rose to 20 with two women succumbing to burns at two private hospitals in Madurai.

A total of 36 people – 24 in the Chennai team and 12 members from a trekking expedition organised by an Erode-based company – encountered forest fire while climbing down from Kolukkumalai to Kurangani.

On March 19, Chief Minister K Palaniswami told the state Assembly that a forester was suspended and a case registered against a local man, G Ranjithkumar, for leading the trekkers through the reserve forest.

For violations, police were taking action against Chennai Trekking Club and Erode based Tour de India, he had said.

Strict warning from Rajini Makkal Mandram to sulking functionaries

A stern warning was issued to a section of protesting fans of Rajinikanth from Dindigul district by the headquarters of his Makkal Mandram today.

Protesting the decision to suspend S M Thamburaj, the district secretary of the organisation, many office-bearers in the district unit have come forward to resign from their respective posts.

V N Sudhakar, a senior office-bearer of the mandram,

 said today, "It is an opportunity for us to serve people following the footsteps of Rajinikanth. We should overcome the selfish deeds of a few and join hands to usher welfare among people".

"If we stand united and fulfill the ideals of Rajinikanth, it would make him happy", he said.  He added, "After he was appointed as district secretary Thamburaj convened a meeting without those approved by the manram. He was asked an explanation, but he never responded. He was summoned to attend the consultative meeting in Chennai, but he never turned up".

hamburaj, a government staff took VRS to join Rajinikanth's pre-political movement and was made Secretary for Dindigul district on March 15.

However, he was suspended a few days ago. Protesting against this move, the functionaries have threatened to quit their posts.

Court stops Sasikala Pushpa's 'marriage'

A Family Court in Madurai today restrained on the proposed marriage of Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa with Oriental Science University Vice-Chancellor Ramasamy .

The court prononuced the judgement following a petition filed by T Sathya Priya (34) who claimed to be the second wife of Ramasamy.

Sathyapriya, 34, of Manikandan Nagar in Villapuram, who arrived at the collectorate carrying an infant a few days ago, claimed that she had married B Ramasamy of Viswanoor, R S Mangalam in Ramanathapuram district on December 10, 2014 at a hall in Jeeva Nagar.

She said that her father had been looking for a bridegroom for her on a matrimonial site when her family was introduced to Ramasamy, a widower who claimed to have been working as a judge in New Delhi.

"He already had a daughter from his first marriage but we agreed to look after her," she said adding that none of his relatives had turned up for the marriage and he did not seem to mind it.

“We have a one-and-half-year-old daughter and his marriage with Sasikala Pushpa should be stopped,” she said in her petition.

Imman feels pressure from Ajith fans

D Imman, who is for the first time scoring music for an Ajith movie (Viswasam directed by Siva), has said he is facing pressure from 'thala' fans.

"There is tremendous expectations from Ajith sir’s fans — every now and then, I get messages on social media, aksing about the kind of songs in the movie," he says.

He also says, "My focus would be on giving my best — as succumbing to pressure will affect your output."

Meanwhile, Ajith is likely to join hands with actor-choreographer-director Prabhu Deva for a new venture.

According to sources, after having started successfully with Nayanthara starrer Aramm, KJR studios is likely to be producing actor Ajith's next film, which will be directed by Prabhu Deva.

It is said that Prabhu Deva had recently narrated a one-liner to Ajith and the star actor had given his nod to the director.

Meanwhile, Prabhu Deva is currently busy shooting for Oomai Vizhigal. Mamta Mohandas is making a comeback with this movie.

CBI arrests TN accountant general for bribery

The CBI on Friday arrested Accountant General of Tamil Nadu Arun Goyal and three others in a bribery case.

The agency also arrested Goyal's Senior Accounts Officer Gajendran in connection with the case, it is said.

It is alleged that Goyal had demanded Rs. 5 lakh from PWD officer Shivalingam to post him as divisional accountant, they said.

CBI sleuths arrested Goyal and Gajendran, along with Shivalingam and L S Raja. Searches were conducted at the offices and houses of the accused.

CBI team recovered a part of the bribe amount from Gajendran during a search. During questioning, Gajendran told the CBI that he gave the remaining amount to Goyal, who was also taken into custody.

Meanwhile, officials at the AG's office claimed the CBI is interrogating the accountant general but refused to confirm the arrest.

Top 5 Upcoming gadgets in 2018

In this era of automation, when the world is getting dependent on technology, it is quite obvious that the human beings will also get adapted to this trend. Apart from the tech-geeks, there are other people who are also interested in the usage of the gadgets.

These smart devices not only help to satisfy the various entertainment-related desires of its users but they are extremely efficient, however, one cannot rule out the possibility of the high cost which is related to these products and it is not possible for every common man to buy these expensive gadgets.

Why are these gadgets so special?

Undoubtedly, the manufacturers of these gadgets are smart enough to keep up with the upcoming developments in the technology and according to that, they improvise their designed products. Due to this, these gadgets are so attractive from the user’s point of view. Apart from trendy features, there are certain things which are amazing about these gadgets such as, Voice detection, Fingerprint lock, Amazing options for connectivity, picture quality etc.

Another striking feature which is observed in most of the smart gadgets is their subtle or sophisticated appearance which is another reason why almost every person is interested in using them.

What are the top 5 upcoming gadgets in 2018?

If we consider the aspect of the upcoming products, then it is quite obvious that they will be the witnesses to further improvisation due to the advancement of technology. According to resources, one can expect the following top 5 smart gadgets in their hands during the tenure of the year 2018:

 

• Foldable Smart-phones:

 

 

What can be better than being able to fold your smart-phone? Samsung has been working behind this thought process since past few years and they have been successful to materialize their thoughts into the process, a few models and their manufacturing is reported to be in process and the tech-geeks can expect the Samsung Galaxy X model by the end of 2018 only.

According to resources, this particular model of Samsung will be sleeker than the previous versions to support the concept of getting folded into a probable clamp shell-like structure. Reports have also clarified the presence of a good-quality camera as well as speakers on their designated positions. The users will be able to actually fold these smart-phones and some resources have revealed that this product can cost a minimum amount of 40,000 or even more.

 

• Triple Camera Lens:

 

What can be fancier than a triple lens camera? This dream will come true in 2018 with the Huawei P11 series which will be released to leave the users in ultimate awe.According to resources, this particular model will focus on the picture quality of 40 megapixels and it will simultaneously provide an option for 5x zooming capability, additionally, there will also be an existence of a 24-megapixel selfie camera which is another plus point. However, to feel this smart-phone in our hands, we need to wait until the late of March.

The price of this triple camera lens enabled smartphone is expected to be upward of Rs.30,000 and one can get access to this new gadget through most of the leading online platforms. Major Webstores such as eBay will also provide additional dealsto its users, interested in buyingthis newly launched gadget. All you have to do is to apply the eBay coupon codes to get extra benefits like cashbacks, No Cost EMI, exchange offers on your purchase.

 

• Waymo, the Driver-less Car:

 

 

Several movies and commercials have always revealed the innate human desire to possess a car without a driver, this will incorporate such an advanced technology which has been successfully adopted by Alphabet, the popular unit of Google who has spread the good news of the upcoming Driver-less car, Waymo.

This famous autonomous car will be able to handle its way on its own, the users can ride the car and decide their destinations through a mobile app which will let the car know about the way. Apart from this, one will be able to visualize the directions and they can also reach to the support center in a convenient manner. The manufacturers had already announced the test run in the end of 2017, so one can expect to utilize these self-driven cars from the mid of 2018 only.

One can expect a high price while exercising control over these cars which is not yet confirmed officially.

 

• HomePod:

 

 

With the inculcation of the famous HomePod in 2018, Apple will be successful with its integration of Siri with an amazing quality of speakers

According to resources, the HomePod will have extra special features of spatial awareness, touch-related facilities and much more. It will be controlled internally by an A8 chip which is highly developed, apart from this, the ability of Siri will also be enhanced to detect every instruction and music. On the other hand, there will be special features such as a visible LED base which can ensure that the request of the user is being processed.

 

• Tesla Model Y: All Electric Crossover

 

 

This is a fact that one can actually see and experience this practical electric car produced by Tesla towards the late period of 2018. This innovation of Tesla perhaps will contain solar glass on its surfaces, and the car will be completely autonomous in nature, apart from this, there will be several other promising features of this particular Y model of Tesla.

The Final Word

The development of the technology is visible from every aspect because those technologies are being used in these upcoming top gadgets which were once an imagination for a majority of people. It is obvious that the development of these smart gadgets are the end results of tremendous efforts which were being put forward by a large number of geniuses who are the pioneers of the entire process.

Technical Glitches & Tough Data Interpretation Section Troubles Candidates in CAT 2017

CAT 2017 was held on November 26, 2017 by IIM Lucknow in two sessions for the candidates seeking admissions to IIMs. Around 2.3 Lakh candidates appeared for the exam. However, the students furiously reported that there were some technical glitches due to which they could not appear in Slot I at a Delhi center. The server was not working due to which about 200 candidates were not able to attend CAT as per their schedule.

Also, the students pointed that Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section in the paper was the toughest. Many of the questions from this section remained unsolved. However, the Quantitative Analysis (QA) section of the paper was much easier than expected. The students expressed their disappointment with the exam authority as they didn’t expect such sudden and drastic changes in the exam pattern.

Technical Glitches in CAT 2017

CAT 2017 was conducted by IIM Lucknow. About 200 candidates were not able to take the test in Slot I at the Kalkaji center of Delhi due to an unexpected server problem.

CAT 2017 was scheduled to be conducted at 140 test cities in India in two slots - forenoon and afternoon. The forenoon session or Slot I was scheduled for 9 AM to 12 noon while the afternoon session or Slot II was scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Around 250 students were supposed to take the Slot I exam at the Kalkaji center. However, only around 60 students were able to attempt the exam here and the remaining candidates had to appear for the exam in Slot II at some other exam center.

Students complained that this incident deviated their mind and they were not able to attempt the exam with full concentration. They also refer this as an example of poor management by the exam organizing committee. IIM Lucknow, the exam conducting authority, however stated that the test was conducted in a smooth manner.

Unexpected Difficulty Level of LRDI Section

CAT exam is divided into three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) containing 34 questions for 102 marks


• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) containing 32 questions for 96 marks


• Quantitative Ability (QA) containing 34 questions for 102 marks

Candidates were allotted 60 minutes for each section. They could not switch between the sections, so they had to complete one before beginning with the other. Negative marking was also applicable for each incorrect attempt.

The students complained that the test was more challenging than ever expected. They were unable to attempt all questions even after putting up their best efforts. The questions were quite time consuming and even not much clear. The LRDI section of CAT 2017 was claimed to be the toughest this time.

LAll the questions in this section ranged from difficult to very difficult. Some of the questions were even very conspicuous and unfamiliar. In fact, many students said that it was almost impossible to classify and identify the questions related to logical reasoning and data interpretation separately in this section.

Candidates often attempt the easiest section, i.e. LRDI first in order to secure good marks through less time consuming questions. However, the difficulty pattern was absolutely different this time.

Analysis of LRDI Section

We have analyzed and reviewed the LRDI section of CAT 2017 based on the feedback shared by candidates and experts. This section carries the lowest weightage amongst all the three sections in CAT. However, it was found to be the toughest section in the exam as compared to CAT 2016.

The Data Interpretation questions are mainly related to tables, bar graphs, charts, line graph. The Logical Reasoning questions are based on the topics such as arrangements and blood relations. Experts say that all the eight sets of papers in CAT 2017 were not direct at all and were much more time consuming.

Most of the questions in all these sets were reasoning based. The cutoff for this section is expected to go quite down as compared to 2016 and previous years because of the higher level of difficulty. Refer to the following statistics:

• Total number of questions: 32


• Total number of MCQs: 24


• Total number of Non-MCQ: 8


• Overall difficulty level: Difficult

Well, it was a bit disappointing to see the reactions of students on CAT 2017 because of technical glitches at the exam centers and also the differing difficulty levels in various sections. However, consider the fact that the difficulty level even being higher, was similar for all the candidates. And hence in such a case, all the students might have faced problems in attempting the LRDI section questions. So the marking in this sections will be lower for all the students and there would not be much impact on your percentile. Good luck!

Status update on Sivakarthikeyan's next

No, we are not going to talk about the acting venture of Sivakarthikeyan, but about his maiden production venture.

The first schedule of the film has been successfully completed in Trichy. Directed by Sivakarthikeyan’s good friend Arunraja Kamaraj, Aishwarya Rajesh and Sathyaraj are playing pivotal roles in the film.

Aishwarya Rajesh posted on Twitter: Wrapped 1st sschedule @Arunrajakamaraj @dineshkrishnanb @Siva_Kartikeyan #satyarajsir#trichy."

It is to be noted that the Kaaka Muttai and Attakathi actress recently crossed one million followers mark on Twitter.

The yet-untitled film is said to revolve around a young girl, who aspires to become a cricketer. The shooting for the film had been going in Lalgudi, Trichy for almost a month.

The film, bankrolled under his banner Sivakarthikeyan Productions will have music by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, who also happens to be a classmate of Siva and Arunraja.

Raashi Khanna opposite Vishal in Temper remake?

Tollywood top star Jr NTR’s 2015 blockbuster film Temper is all set to be remade in Tamil and it will see Vishal reprising NTR’s role.

According to sources, Vishal, the president of Tamil Film Producers Council and general secretary of Nadigar Sangam, is likely to romance Raashi Khanna in the Tamil remake of Temper.

Vishal will be seen playing a rogue cop which was originally played by Jr NTR and Raashi Khanna has been roped in to reprise Kajal Aggarwal’s role.

Debutant Venkat Mohan will be helming the Tamil remake, which will have music by Sam CS. The project is being produced by Light House Movie Makers and is expected to go on the floors later this year.

Raashi Khanna currently has Atharvaa’s Imaikkaa Nodigal, Jayam Ravi’s Adanga Maru and Siddharth’s Shaitan Ka Bachcha to her kitty.

Vishal awaits the release of Irumbu Thirai, in which he is paired opposite Samantha Akkineni. Vishal is working with director Lingusamy for Sandakozhi 2, which will hit the screens later in 2018.

Vikram almost done with Saamy Square

Team Saamy Square has successfully completed 80% of the shoot. Director Hari has shot the film in multiple locations including Tirunelveli, Yercaud, Delhi, and Jaisalmer.

Chiyaan Vikram and director Hari are once again coming together for a mass entertainer Saamy Square, which is a sequel to the 2003 blockbuster cop film.

The shooting is currently put on hold due to the ongoing strike in the industry. Recently, a video of Vikram having fun on the sets of ‘Saamy Square’ went viral among fans on social media.

Sources say that Saamy Square is a revenge action entertainer. Bobby Simha, OAK Sundar, and John Vijay are playing as the sons of the Kota Sreenivasa Rao, the baddie in the first part of the film.

Produced by Thameens Films, Devi Sri Prasad has given music scores for the film. The makers are planning for a release later this year.

Devi Sri Prasad is composing the music for the film and A Venkatesh is cranking the camera.

Warning from EPS, assurance from OPS

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said stern action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb religious peace in the state.

While Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam informed the state assembly that the government was exerting adequate pressure on the Centre over the Cauvery issue and cited the persistent protests by party MPs in Parliament to drive home its point.

Palaniswami was responding to the opposition DMK and Congress members who raised the issue of some Christian prayer homes being attacked in Madurai, in the state Assembly.

Both Palaniswamy and Panneerselvam charged at the opposition DMK for not not getting the final award of the Cauvery Tribunal notified, despite being in power at both the Centre and State during the Congress government as well as when they were in alliance with the BJP during their previous regime.

When opposition leader, Stalin and other members asked the government to file a case against the Centre for disrespecting the court order, Panneerselvam said, "We still have time to form the CMB. We will come to a decision after discussing it with everyone."

On its last day of the current session on Thursday, the Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with EPS and OPS giving replies to the issues raised by the DMK.

New twist in Jaya's hospital stay: Apollo Reddy makes a shocking claim

Even after than a year after her death, the last days of iconic Tamil Nadu leader J Jayalalithaa remains the subject of intense debate between political leaders who lay claim to her legacy.

During the 75-day hospitalisation of former AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, all CCTVs cameras were switched off as she was the only patient in ICU, said Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C Reddy on Thursday.

"Unfortunately we switched off the CCTVs because we didn't want everyone to watch the treatment being given to her," he told the media in Chennai on the sidelines of an event.

"As soon as she got admitted, the access to the ICU was closed. All patients were diverted to another ICU. This ICU was occupied only by her. Only one out of 24 rooms in the ICU was used. They removed the camera because they did not want everyone to be watching," Reddy said.

Reddy further said that the Apollo Hospitals has submitted all relevant documents to the Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of inquiry probing her death.

Meanwhile, Sasikala -- jailed in a corruption case --  had said Jayalalithaa was videographed in a lucid state four times in hospital and senior AIADMK leaders, including O Panneerselvam and M Thambidurai, had met her. Both leaders have said they were not allowed to meet Jayalalithaa at any point during her hospitalization.

Siddarth slams special permission for Vijay and other films

Siddharth has expressed displeasure over the Tamil Film Producers Council allowing units of four movies, including Vijay's upcoming flick, to carry out shooting during strike period.

The actor, who is also a producer, said, "Every single film is an equal challenge in today's brutal cinema marketplace. If these special permissions to shoot are given to one, please give them to all producers."

He further tweeted: "We are all the same. In the absence of equality and unity, god save us. #TamilCinema #Strike."

Karunakaran and Manobala have also criticized TFPC granting special permission to selected film units, which are Thalapathy 62, Nadodigal 2, Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal and an untitled film of 18th Cross Pictures.

In his statement, producer J Satish Kumar raised questions on TFPC’s partiality for Thalapathy 62 because the film has big names like Vijay, Murugadoss and Sun Pictures.

"Actor #Vijay ‘s shooting is happening now at Victoria Hall. Where is our unity? How can our council give spl permission? I strongly oppose this decision. Don’t split up," he said.

However, TFPC treasurer S.R. Prabhu said four films were given permission for valid reasons.

“We have already explained the reasons behind it. In the case of Vijay’s film, a majority of the crew members are from Andhra Pradesh and they have been staying in Chennai for the shoot. And since only a couple of days remain for the schedule to get over, they were allowed to shoot," he added.

Shoot of Vijay film draw controversy

Amid a total shutdown by the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) in protest against digital service providers, the shooting of actor Vijay’s untitled next venture with director A R Murugadoss, went ahead as planned in Victoria House in Chennai.

As the news spread in the industry and the media, it resulted in criticism of TFPC’s preferential treatment for actors.

In his statement, producer J Satish Kumar raised questions on TFPC’s partiality for Thalapathy 62 because the film has big names like Vijay, Murugadoss and Sun Pictures.

"Actor #Vijay ‘s shooting is happening now at Victoria Hall. Where is our unity? How can our council give spl permission? I strongly oppose this decision. Don’t split up," he said.

However, TFPC treasurer S.R. Prabhu said four films were given permission for valid reasons.

“We have already explained the reasons behind it. In the case of Vijay’s film, a majority of the crew members are from Andhra Pradesh and they have been staying in Chennai for the shoot. And since only a couple of days remain for the schedule to get over, they were allowed to shoot," he added.

Rajini returns, says only God & people behind him

Superstar Rajinikanth, who had declared he would follow the philosophy of spiritual politics, on Tuesday said only God and people were behind him and not the BJP.

Back from his two-week spiritual tour, Rajinikanth has said the BJP was not behind him. "People keep saying BJP is behind me. That is not true. Only God and the people are behind me," the superstar told the media on his return to Chennai.

He also said the State government should put additional pressure on the Central government to set up the Cauvery Management Board.

Rajinikanth also said speculation that he is going to launch his political party and unveil the party flag on Tamil new year -- April 14 -- is not true.

On the Ram Rajya Rath Yatra that has entered Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, he said the state is secular and the government should provide security to it and prevent any communal flare up.

"Tamil Nadu is a secular place and we must spare no effort to ensure communal harmony," he said.

AIADMK fixes March 29 as deadline to Centre to decide on Cauvery Board

All eyes are on March 29 after Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Monday said there is still time for the Central government to set up the Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) as per the Supreme Court order.

He rejected Opposition leader and DMK working president M K Stalin’s suggestion to the ruling AIADMK to vote against the BJP government in the no-confidence motion moved by the Telugu Desam party.

Panneerselvam on the floor of the Legislative Assembly contended that the motion had nothing to do with the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board. It was better to wait for the Supreme Court’s deadline of March 29 for constituting the Board to end.

Stalin said the ruling AIADMK should support the no-trust motion to be moved by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) against the Central government.

He said Andhra Pradesh government is putting pressure on the Central government to secure special status for the state. He urged the AIADMK to support the no trust motion so as to mount pressure on the Central government to set up CMB and CWRC.

Panneerselvam added that he could not agree with Stalin’s argument that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had withdrawn his party’s support to the BJP government and recalled him ministers from the Union Cabinet to uphold the rights of his State.

Meanwhile, jailed and expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala was granted parole for 15 days on Tuesday by the prison authorities in Bengaluru to attend the funeral of her husband M Natarajan who passed away earlier during the day.

Protests against Ram Rajya Rath Yatra, CM says all religions equal

A VHP-backed yatra aimed at mobilising support for a Ram temple in Ayodhya entered Tamil Nadu on Tuesday amidst opposition by DMK, pro-Tamil and some Muslim outfits which claimed it would disturb communal amity.

Pandemonium and uproarious scenes were witnessed in
the Tamil Nadu Assembly over the entry of VHP-backed Ram Rajya Rath Yathra into the State on Tuesday morning, culminating in the en masse eviction of DMK members after the government rejected the Oppositon demand to ban the
Yathra.

Immediately after their eviction, the DMK members led by Working President M K Stalin hit the streets by squatting on the road infront of the state secretariat demanding a ban on Yathra and staged a road roko, leading to their arrests.

Hitting out at Stalin for 'politicising' the Rath Yatra of the VHP, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday said it was allowed in Tamil Nadu since the government respects the sentiments of believers of all religions.

He said that Rath passed five states peacefully already without any problems. Earlier, during Zero Hour, Stalin moved a special calling attention motion and spoke on the issue.

But his remarks were later expunged by Speaker Dhanapal
after leader of the House and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said they were aimed at instigating violence in the State.

Huge Public Meeting was held on 19.3.2018 evening under the Presidentship of Mr S V SEKHAR Ex MLA Mylapore

Huge Public Meeting was held on 19.3.2018 evening under the Presidentship of Mr S V SEKHAR Ex MLA Mylapore, Condeming and Protesting for cutting the POONAL (Sacred Thread) of Brahmin (Part of the Tamil Tradition) at Mylai Maankollai, Mylapore, Chennai

The above meeting was held in the presence of Advocate Mylai Sri S Satya, Founder Mahakavi Bharathiyar Kazhakam with very good gathering from all walks of life.

Mr S V Sekhar started the meeting informing about the speakers who are going to speak on the meeting. He also requested the public to be there till the end of the meeting with discipline.

The following persons attended and spoke on the Meeting

Dr Sri K Krishnaswamy, Founder Pudiya Tamizhagam

Dr Sri T Devanathanyadhav, Founder Indiya Makkal Munnatra Kazhagam

Sri Anbayaganar, Founder Tamilnadu Meenava Peravai

Actor Sri K Rajan

SRI Karuppaiya, President Pasumpan Arakattalai.

Sri Chandru , Sri P John Peter and President of different Brahamin Associations.

Electrifying speeches were delivered by the above dignatories Condeming and Protesting the barbaric activity of cutting the POONAL of Brahmin.

Sri S V Sekhar gave a fit and proper speech in the meeting. He also informed the public due legal help and action will be taken for those affected person. He also informed that he can be contacted at any time for any such help.

He thanked the Police Department for giving the proper security arrangements for the meeting also the Media who have come to cover the meeting. He also thanked Advocate Mylai S Sathya for taking the efforts in organizing the function in all respects.

People who have gathered were well disciplined from the beginning to the end of the meeting.

The meeting concluded with National Anthem.

T Raghavan

வில்லனாக மாறினார் ஐடி ஊழியர்

ஐடி ஊழியர் வில்லனாக மிரட்டும் "முந்திரிக்காடு"

முந்திரிக்காடு 'பட த்தில் வில்லனாக நடித்த நடிகர் சோமுவைச் சீமான் பாராட்டியுள்ளார்.

அண்மையில் வெளியாகி ஓடிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் படம் '6 அத்தியாயம்' இது தமிழ்ச் சினிமாவில் ஒரு வித்தியாசமுயற்சி என்று பாராட்டப்படுகிறது . இதில் ஆறாவது அத்தியாயத்தில் 'சித்திரம் கொல்லுதடி'யில் அழுத்தமான பாத்திரத்தில் நடித்திருப்பவர் சோமு.

இவர் சாப்ட்வேர் உலகத்திலிருந்து திரையுலகத்துக்கு வந்திருப்பவர். இதோ சோமு தன்னைப் பற்றிக் கூறுகிறார்,

"நான் பள்ளி , கல்லூரி என்று படித்து சாப்ட்வேரில் புகழ் பெற்ற ஒரு முன்னணி நிறுவனத்தில் பணிபுரிந்து வருகிறேன். எனக்குச் சின்ன வயது முதலே சினிமா என்றால் பிடிக்கும். அந்தக் கனவு உலகத்தில் நம் காலடி படாதா என்று ஏங்குவது உண்டு. நான் படித்து வேலைக்குப் போனதும் என் ஆர்வத்தை கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகளில் வெளிப்படுத்த ஆரம்பித்தேன். எனக்கு நடனத்தில் அபார ஆர்வம். அலுவலக நடனக் குழுவில் நான் அங்கம் வகித்து ஆடுவேன்.

இப்படிப் போய்க் கொண்டிருந்த போது கலைஞர் டிவியில் 'நாளைய இயக்குநர்கள் 'சீசன் தொடங்கியது அது பலருக்கும் திரையுலகக் கதவுகளைத் திறந்து விட்டதை யாவரும் அறிவர்.

நானும் ஒரு குறும்படத்தில் நடித்தேன் . அது சிறந்த நடிகருக்கான விருதையும் எனக்குத் தேடித்தந்தது. விருதை இயக்குநர் கே.பாக்யராஜ் அவர்கள் கையால் பெற்றேன். முதல் குறும்படத்திலேயே சிறந்த நடிகர் விருது ,அதுவும் திரையுலகில் சாதனை படைத்த பாக்யராஜ் அவர்களால் என் பதை எண்ணிப் பெருமையாக இருந்தது. நடிப்பில் இறங்கலாம் என்று சிறு நம்பிக்கையும் வந்தது. அதன் பிறகு நாளைய இயக்குநாகளுக்கே 5 குறும்படங்கள் நடித்தேன். வேறு மாதிரியும் என சுமார் 15 குறும்படங்களில் நடித்தேன்.

அப்படி ஒரு குறும்படமாக வந்த வாய்ப்பு தான் ஸ்ரீதர் வெங்கடேசன் இயக்கிய 'சித்திரம் கொல்லுதடி'. அதுவே 6 அத்தியாத்தில் ஆறாவது அத்தியாயம். இன்று ஊடகங்களால் பெரிதும் பாராட்டப்படுகிற முயற்சி அது ' அதைப் பார்த்த பலரும் என்னை இனங்கண்டு பாராட்டினார்கள். இது தான் என் திரையுலக அறிமுகக் கதை. " என்று தன் முன் கதையைக் கூறினார் சோமு.

இவர் நடித்து இப்போது மு.களஞ்சியம் இயக்கத்தில் 'முந்திரிக்காடு 'படம் முடிந்திருக்கிறது . வெற்றிமாறனின் இயக்கத்தில் 'வட சென்னை'யில் நடித்திருக்கிறார்.

அந்த அனுபவங்கள் பற்றிக் கூறும் போது "என்னைத் திரையுலகிற்கு முழுத் தகுதியாக வளர்த்து உருவாக்கியவர் களஞ்சியம் அவர்கள் தான் என்று கூறுவேன். சினிமாவில் அவரே என் திரையுலக. தந்தை அவர் 3 மாநில விருதுகள் உள்பட பல விருதுகள் பெற்ற இயக்குநர் பூமணி பூந்தோட்டம் , மிட்டா மிராசு , எதிரும் புதிரும் போன்ற பல படங்களை இயக்கியவர் .அவர் 'முந்திரிக்காடு' படத்தில் நான் நடிக்கும் போது என்னைச் சரியானபடி நடிக்க வைக்க எனக்கு நடிப்புப் பயிற்சியளித்தார். படத்துக்காகப் பெரிய தாடி ஓராண்டு காலம் வளர்த்தேன் அத்துடனேயே அலுவலகம் போனேன். ஐடி துறையில் தாடியுடனா என்று என்னைச் சிலர் அருவருப்பாகப் பார்த்தார்கள். நான் பொறுத்துக் கொண்டேன். அதன் பிறகு படப்பிடிப்பு போனோம். படத்தில் முக்கியமான வில்லன் நான் தான். படத்தின் பெரும் பகுதியில் நான் வருவேன். சுமார் 60 நாட்கள் தஞ்சாவூர் .புதுக்கோட்டை . திருநெல்வேலி என்று படப்பிடிப்பு நடந்தது. முந்திரிக்காடுகளில் செம்மண் பூமியில் இப்படிப ்படப்பிடிப்பு போனது மறக்க முடியாதது .நான் நடித்திருந்ததை அண்ணன் சீமான் அவர்கள் பார்த்து என்னைத் தனிப்பட்ட முறையில் பாராட்டி வாழ்த்தியிருந்தார். அதை மறக்க முடியாது. அது விருது கிடைத்த மகிழ்ச்சியைத் தந்தது.

அதே போல வெற்றிமாறன் அவர்கள் இயக்கத்தில் 'வட சென்னை' படத்தில் நடித்ததும் மறக்க முடியாதது. அதில் நான் சிறிய அளவில் வந்தாலும் அடையாளம் கண்டு பாராட்டப் படுவேன். " என்கிறார் .

"சினிமாவுக்கு என்று வந்த பிறகு என்னை முழுத் தகுதியுள்ளவனாக மாற்ற வேண்டுமல்லவா? அதற்காக நடனப் பயிற்சி , கராத்தே , குதிரைச் சவாரி ,நீச்சல் என பலவற்றிலும் பயிற்சி பெற்றுக் கற்றுக் கொண்டேன். வில்லனாக எனக்கென ஓர் இடம் பெற வேண்டும், இதுவே என் இப்போதைய லட்சியம் "என்கிற சோமு கையில் புதிதாக மேலும் 2 பட வாய்ப்புகள் வந்துள்ளன .

இவர் பந்தயப் புறாக்கள் வளர்ப்பதில் கைதேர்ந்தவர்.

"இந்த 2018 க்குள் உங்கள் மனதில் பதிகிற ஒரு நடிகனாக நான் வந்து விடுவேன்" என்கிற சோமுவின் கண்களில் நம்பிக்கை மின்னுகிறது.