Fire at illegal chemical

factory in Raj kills 7

Bhiwandi: A firefighter tries to
douse a fire at an illegal
firecracker-manufacturing factory
in Khushkhera-Karouli Industrial
Area of Bhiwadi, Rajasthan on
Monday. Officials said seven
workers were burnt alive and two
others were feared trapped.
Gunpowder, firecrackers, and
packing boxes were recovered
from the factory | PTI
CHENNAI � TUESDAY � FEBRUARY 17, 2026 � `9.00 � PAGES 20 � LATE CITY EDITION

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02 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

DON’T WATCH
THE CLOCK; DO
WHAT IT DOES.
KEEP GOING
SAM LEVENSON

SIET College Branch

No. 54, Bharathi Dasan Street, Teynampet, Chennai,
Tamilnadu-600018 Ph: 044 23454304/23454305
��������������������������������
NOTICE TO BORROWER
(UNDER SUB-SECTION (2) OF SECTION 13 OF THE SARFAESI ACT, 2002)
Mrs Revathi V, Residence : No. 1 906 Kalathur Mithiravayal Post Devekottai
Sivagangai Sivagangai,Tamilnadu 630302. Also having Residence at: Mrs
Revathi V, Plot No. 3, Sothern Side, Comprised [Link]. 65/73, Revenue [Link]. 323/2,
Sub Division Patta No. 1077, New [Link]. 323/2A1, Prabhu Nagar, Kalanivasal
Village, Sangarapuram Panchayat, Sakkottai Union, Karaikudi Taluk, Karaikudi
Joint -2, SRO Karaikudi R D, Sivagangai Dist. ����������������������������
C/o. M/s. Innovative Network Solutions, Prop:�����������������������������������
estate 2nd Street Kodambakkam Chennai 600024.
RE: Credit facilities with our SIET College Branch, Chennai.
1. We refer to our Sanction Letter dated 05.01.2024 (Baroda Home Loan)
conveying sanction of various credit facilities and the terms of sanction.
Pursuant to the above sanction you have availed and started utilizing the credit
facilities after providing security for the same, as hereinafter stated. The present
outstanding in various loan/credit facility accounts and the security interests
created for such liability are as under:
S. Nature and type of Limit (Rs.) Rate of O/s as on 08.02.2026 (inc. of
No. facility Interest int. up to 08.02.2026)
1 Baroda Home Loan Rs. 48,27,000/- 8.40% Rs. 50,66,728.53/- + any
(05310600004583) other charges
Rs. 50,66,728.53/- + any
TOTAL
other charges
Security agreement with brief description of securities
Security agreement with brief description of securities : Schedule Of
Property : All that piece and parcel of land comprised at Survey No.65/73
Revenue Survey No.323/2, of Kazhanivasal village, Sankarapuram
Panchayat, Sakkottai Union, Karaikudi taluk, Karaikudi Joint No.2 Sub
registration district, Karaikudi registration district, excluding the triangle shaped
portion on the north-east portion of an extent of 91 cents of Punja Land at the
above said Survey No.323/2, the remaining portion of land was divided into
plots, that it was approved as “Prabhu Nagar” layout, duly obtained planning
permission vide No.3/2000, with Sankarapuram Panchayat President dated
03.11.2000, that in the above said [Link].323/2, at present survey sub-division
with patta No.1077, situated at New Survey No.323/2A1 bounded plot No.3,
of an extent of cents 5.50 cents with east-west, on the southern side imperial
feet 60, east-west on the northern side imperial feet 60, south-north on the
western side imperial feet 40, south-north on the eastern side imperial feet
40, at [Link].2400, that to that, situated on the southern side, east-west on
the southern side imperial feet 60, east-west on the northern side imperial
feet 60, south-north on the western side imperial feet 29, south-north on
the eastern side imperial feet 29, of an extent of 1740 [Link]. 161.65 [Link].
3.39 cents, the plot, and the terrace building thereon, electric connection,
its deposit, bore well, latrine, bath-room, septic tank, vacant site included
and the related all possession. Boundaries to that: On the north : Above
said plot No.3 part, On the south : Plot No 3, On the east : South-north
running 20 feet breadth road, On the west : No.7 plot. bounded to that.
Assessment to the above said property No. 17302, Electric connection No.
05-403-020-2070. CERSAI ID: 400081509597
2) As you are aware, you have committed defaults in payment of interest on above
loans/outstanding for the month ended July 2025. You have also defaulted in the
payment of installment of term loan /demand loan which have fallen due for payment
on July 2025 and thereafter.
3) Consequent upon the defaults committed by you, your loan account has been
�������������������������������������08.09.2025 ��������������������������������
as NPA) in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India directives and guidelines.
In spite of our repeated requests and demands you have not repaid the overdue
loans including interest thereon
4) Having regard to your inability to meet your liabilities in respect of the credit
facilities duly secured by various securities mentioned in para 1 above, and
�������������� ��� ����� �������� ��� �� ��������������� ������� ��� ������� ����� ����
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
��� ���������� ������� ���� ������������ ��� ��������� ��������� ����� ������ ���� �����
upon you to pay in full and discharge your liabilities to the Bank aggregating
Rs. 50,66,728.53 (Rupees Fifty Lakhs Sixty Six Thousand Seven Hundred
Twenty Eight and Fifty Three paisa Only) as on 08.02.2026 plus further interest
from 09.02.2026 and other costs, expenses, charges, as stated in para 1 above,
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
payment of the above amount with interest till the date of payment, we shall be
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
said Act, which please note.
5) �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
above for each credit facility until payment in full.
6) ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
are barred from transferring any of the secured assets referred to in para 1 above
by way of sale, lease or otherwise (other than in the ordinary course of business),
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
above provision contained in section 13(13) of the said Act, is an offence punishable
under section 29 of the Act
7) �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
terms of which you may redeem the secured assets, if the amount of dues together
with all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Bank is tendered by you, at any
time before the date of publication of notice for public auction/inviting quotations/
tender /private treaty. Please note that after publication of the notice as above, your
right to redeem the secured assets will not be available.
��� Please note that this demand notice is without prejudice to and shall not be
construed as waiver of any other rights or remedies which we may have, including
without limitation, the right to make further demands in respect of sums owing to us.
9) Please note that due to unavoidable circumstances we are withdrawing our
��������������������������������������
Place : Chennai; Date : 11.02.2026 ���������������������������������

YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR INSPIRATION.

YOU HAVE TO GO AFTER IT WITH A CLUB
❯ JACK LONDON
 CHENNAI � TUESDAY � FEBRUARY 17, 2026 � `9.00 � PAGES 20 � LATE CITY EDITION

IN A FIRST, U.S. TRANSPORTS SMALL

19%
CAN HELP U.S. MILITARY IN FAR-FLUNG LOCATIONS PUSH BY TRUMP TO PROMOTE MICROREACTORS
NUCLEAR REACTOR ON A PLANE The US departments of energy and defence partnered with private firm
Valar Atomics to fly one of the company’s microreactors on a C-17 aircraft.
■ The microreactor used in Sunday’s Operation Windlord can generate
up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5,000 homes
A microreactor was flown on a cargo plane from “This gets us closer to deploying nuclear power when and where needed ■ The experiment comes amid plans by Trump administration to
California to Utah showing nuclear power can be to give our warfighters the tools to win,” a US official said. Critics have promote the manufacturing of small reactors to meet the growing OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED IN THE U.S.
deployed quickly for military and civilian use highlighted the challenge of handling the radioactive waste generated power demand sparked by artificial intelligence and data centres IN 2024 CAME FROM NUCLEAR POWER

CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI

Shaping solutions for the world Final hearing

TN ECONOMIC SURVEY 2025-26

Growth robust but on cases like

Modi opens India AI Impact Summit; Vaishnaw seeks global consensus on copyrights issue
Sabarimala
R A K E S H K U M A R @ New Delhi Long queues, packed $1 trillion goal may from April 7
be delayed by a yr
sessions on Day One
PRIME Minister Narendra The opening day witnessed long
Modi on Monday inaugurated queues and packed sessions S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y
the India AI Impact Summit, @ New Delhi
across the venue. Heavy traffic
the largest congregation of AI congestion and confusion at the
experts, bringing together entry gates left many T M U R U G A N A N D H A M @ Chennai THE Supreme Court on Mon-
heads of state and government, participants, dignitaries, TN inks MoUs for day said a nine-judge bench
ministers, global technology exhibitors, and speakers stranded WITH f aster economic `6K-cr investments will from April 7 begin the final
leaders, researchers, multilat- outside for extended periods. growth boosting the pros- Chennai: The state on hearing on petitions relating to
eral institutions, and industry Several attendees took to social pects, Tamil Nadu is poised Monday signed `6,000 discrimination against women
stakeholders in Delhi. The five- media to express their frustration. to reach the $1 trillion econ- crore worth MoUs with at religious places, including
day summit from February 16 While some complained about omy mark by 2031, a mile- the Indian arm of the Sabarimala, and on the am-
to 20, will deliberate on the role long waiting times, others flagged stone expected to generate Japanese electronics bit and scope of religious free-
of AI in advancing inclusive the lack of UPI payment facilities better jobs and higher in- major MinebeaMitsumi dom practised by multiple
growth, strengthening public at food counters, poor mobile comes, though a stronger US and Karnataka-based faiths and groups.
systems, and enabling sustain- connectivity, and inadequate dollar may slightly delay the aerospace manufacturer A three-judge bench compris-
able development. signage and instructions that timeline, the Economic Sur- Aequs Group. The pacts, ing Chief Justice Surya Kant
“Inaugurated the India AI Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Sarvam AI stall at the India AI Impact Expo in added to the chaos vey of Tamil Nadu (EST) for signed in the presence of and justices Joymalya Bagchi
Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat New Delhi, as Sarvam’s co-founder Pratyush Kumar looks on | PTI 2025-26 released on Monday CM Stalin, may generate and Vipul M Pancholi, said,
Mandapam. Being here among said. The survey under- around 8,400 jobs | P6 “The nine judge bench shall be-
innovators, researchers and cial Intelligence for human- Speaking at a different ses- Rivkin, the minister said India scored the fact that TN’s per gin hearing the review case on
tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse centric progress. sion, Minister of Electronics is also seeking global consen- capita income growth has April 7, 2026 at
of the extraordinary potential He welcomed the dignitaries and IT (MeitY) Ashwini sus on the copyright issue. He consistently outpaced the term rise in dollar value), it 10.30 am. Re-
of AI, Indian talent and innova- — over 100 govern- Vaishnaw said In- noted that protecting intellec- national average. In 2024-25, may be delayed for a year,” joinder sub-
tion. Together, we will shape ment representa- dia is engaging tual property rights while TN’s per capita income the report, released by Chief missions will
solutions not just for India but tives, including with industry training AI models would re- reached `3.62 lakh, which is Minister MK Stalin, said. be heard on
for the world,” said Modi. more than 20 heads stakeholders to quire techno-legal solutions de- 1.77 times the national aver- The 263-page report, com- April 21.”
In a separate social media of state and govern- identify appropri- veloped through close industry age of `2.05 lakh, making piled from papers submitted In Septem-
post, Modi said the event, ment and 60 minis- ate technical and engagement and international Tamil Nadu the third-largest by 17 research scholars un- ber 2018, a five-
which will be attended by ters and vice minis- legal frameworks consensus-building. state in India in terms of per der 10 broad heads, traces judge Constitution bench lifted
OpenAI founder Sam Altman, ters — along with to ensure that AI V Anantha Nageswaran, In- capita income. the trajectory of the state’s the ban that prevented females
Google CEO Sundar Pichai, more than 500 global AI leaders does not infringe upon the cop- dia’s Chief Economic Advisor, “Tamil Nadu aspires to be- economy over the past five between 10 and 50 from enter-
and others, is themed “Sarva- comprising CEOs, founders, yrights of content creators. said AI adoption cannot happen come a trillion-dollar econo- years. It not only highlights ing the Ayyappa shrine at
jana Hitaya” (happiness for academicians, researchers, During a conversation with by [Link] requires commitment my by 2030, a goal that car- the state’s economic per- Sabarimala in Kerala and held
all), reflecting a shared com- CTOs, and representatives of American media mogul and to aligning tech progress with ries transformative potential formance but also identifies that the centuries-old Hindu re-
mitment to harnessing Artifi- philanthropic organisations. for mer diplomat Charles mass employability, he said. for its 7.7 crore citizens, par- areas of concern that need to ligious practice was “illegal
ticularly the youth seeking be addressed to achieve the and unconstitutional”.
quality jobs and higher in- twin targets of trillion-dol- Review petitions followed.

Controversial `80,000 crore Great comes. The prospect of

achieving the target has sig-
nificantly improved due to
lar economy and per capita
income on a par with devel-
oped countries.
Another five-judge bench head-
ed by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi,
by a majority of 3:2 referred the

Nicobar Project gets NGT green light

the recent surge in economic The EST said TN’s indus- Sabarimala matter to a larger
growth. If TN sustains its trial policies continue to at- bench. However, the order on
Today’s Matches 2024- 25 nominal growth rate tract robust domestic and November 14, 2019 stayed silent
of 16% and assuming a 2% global investments and high- on any stay of the September
RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR it, saying it will cause massive ance granted in 2022. “Consid- 11am: New Zealand vs Canada (medium-term) rise in the lighted other positive aspects 28, 2018 verdict. The majority
@ New Delhi ecological damage and threat- ering the strategic importance (Chennai), 3pm: Ireland vs value of dollar against rupee of the state, such as strong judgment expanded the ambit,
ens tribal communities. The of the project and taking into Zimbabwe (Pallekele), 7pm: per annum, it can achieve international connectivity adding restriction of women in
AFTER a prolonged wait, the Congress called the NGT clear- account the other relevant con- Scotland vs Nepal (Mumbai) the trillion-dollar milestone and first place in manufac- a durgah/mosque as well as
National Green Tribunal (NGT) ance “deeply disappointing”. siderations, we don’t find any by 2031. With 3.5% (short- turing employment, etc. P9 those among Parsis.
on Monday cleared the con- Party leader Sonia Gandhi good ground to interfere,” NGT
troversial Great Nicobar had warned last year that chairperson Justice Prakash
Project worth `80,000
crore, after disposing
o f t h e ch a l l e n g e s
it poses an existential
danger to the island’s
indigenous communi-
Shrivastava said.
The project is expected to
boost India’s presence in the In-
Feasibility report picks Alandur-V’puram line for RRTS
against it. ties and is being insen- dian Ocean Region amid in-
A six-member special sitively pushed through creasing pressures from foreign C S H I V A K U M A R @ Chennai two bustling districts. The re- districts from four hours (via 2.18 lakh by 2032.
bench of NGT found no by the government. powers. The project spans 166 port, prepared by Balaji Rail- public transport) to one hour, The proposed alignment
substantial grounds to in- During the hearing, the sq km and requires the diver- THE final feasibility report for road Systems, has sources said. originates at Alandur and runs
terfere with the mega infra- special bench recorded that all sion of 130 sq km of forest land. the proposed Regional Rapid pegged the estimat- PRESS The Alandur-Vil- via the Chennai International
structure project, observing emerging concerns had been A transshipment port, along Transit System (RRTS) be- ed project cost at CLUSIVE lupuram corridor Airport, Tambaram, Kilam-
that adequate safeguards had examined and addressed by a with several associated projects tween Chennai and Villupuram `75,000 crore, offi- records the highest bakkam integrated bus termi-
been incorporated into its envi- h i g h - p owe re d c o m m i t t e e such as a dual-use civil and mil- has pitched the Alandur-Villu- cial sources said. projected ridership among the nus, Chengalpattu, Maduran-
ronmental clearance. tasked with revisiting the itary airport will be built in the puram alignment as the pre- The RRTS may reduce the alternatives studied, with the thakam and Tindivanam before
Conservationists had opposed project’s environmental clear- Great Nicobar Island. ferred corridor between the travelling time between the two daily ridership estimated at terminating at Villupuram. P9

Expert team to visit

US to finalise legal
text of the trade deal
D I PA K M O N D A L @ New Delhi

CHIEF negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delega-

tion to Washington next week to finalise the legal
text of the proposed India–US trade agreement, the
Commerce Ministry said on Monday.
Following the joint statement agreed earlier this
month, the framework deal is now being converted
into a formal legal agreement, said Commerce Sec-
retary Rajesh Agrawal.
“The effort is to see that we
can finalise and sign the legal What lies
agreement in March 2026,” he ahead
told reporters when asked Per the
about the timeline. understanding
On the proposed reduction in reached between
the reciprocal tariff from 25% the two sides, the
to 18%, Agrawal said the US is reciprocal tariff
processing the matter and that will be brought
India expects it to be completed down to 18 per
soon. “Our expectation is that cent in the interim.
it should be done this week. If The remaining
not, the team will be there next tariff lines will be
week and we can pursue the addressed only
matter and understand why it after signing the
is taking time,” he said. agreement
The US has already removed
the 25% additional tariff that was imposed after In-
dia agreed not to purchase crude oil from Russia.
However, the 25% reciprocal tariff has not yet been
reduced to 18%, as agreed by both sides. Overall, the
US had imposed an additional 50% tariff on Indian
goods -- 25% as a reciprocal tariff and another 25%
linked to India’s oil purchases from Russia. Agraw-
al clarified that Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs
remain unchanged,meaning the effective tariff on
Indian goods will be 18 per cent plus MFN rates.
 ALMANAC TODAY MIN MAX Sunrise 06:31 am
Tuesday: 17/02/2026 Year: Vishwavasu Maasi: Thei Pirai Magh: Krishna Paksha
Tithi: Amavasya till 17.32 hrs Nakshatra (Star): Dhanishtha till21.17 hrs.
180C 310C Sunset 06:15 pm
Moonrise 06:18 am
Moon in Makar till 09.06 hrs. Today is Darsh Amavasya Rahukaalam: 15:00-16:30 FORECAST
Yamagantam: 09:00-10:30 Gulikakalam: 12:00-13:30 WEATHER Sunny Moonset 06:13 pm

04 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

17L to sit for public exam in March ’26 42K houses get piped
EXPRESS READ
Govt doctors to boycott
all work on February 27
CHENNAI: Federation of
Government Doctors Association
49K teachers will be on exam duty, 4,900 flying squad members to prevent malpractice natural gas in 2 districts
has announced a boycott of all
routine work, including emergency E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai B A N B U S E LV A N @ Chennai tions, against a total target of
treatment, on February 27 to put 2.36 crore across the state till
forward various demands such as A total of 8.27 lakh students are ERODE, the Nilgiris and Coim- December 2025. Industry sourc-
posting of doctors on the basis of set to appear for the Class 12 batore districts have topped the es attributed the delay in laying
patient load and review of 2009 public examinations and 9.09 state with the highest number pipelines to delays in obtaining
G.O. 354 which envisages pay hike lakh for the Class 10 examina- of piped natural gas (PNG) sup- road-cutting permissions, shift-
including implementing pay band tions this year. School Educa- ply to domestic consumers. Ac- ing power and sewer lines, and
4 in 12 years as per the order. The tion Minister Anbil Mahesh cording to data presented in the other related issues.
federation said in a statement Poyyamozhi on Monday held a Lok Sabha, the Nilgiris and Union Minister of State for
that if their demands are not met, review meeting with depart- Erode districts together ac- Petroleum and Natural Gas
doctors will begin a fast-unto- ment officials to ensure the ex- count for the highest number Suresh Gopi recently informed
death in March. Emergency aminations are conducted with- of PNG connections, with the Lok Sabha that out of the
treatments will be boycotted to out any complaints. 41,999 households covered out proposed 37,374 km of pipeline
draw the attention of CM MK According to data from the of the targeted 8.84 lakh fami- planned to expand PNG supply,
Stalin, the federation said. ENS school education department, lies as of December 2025. Pipe- 19,080 km (51%) has been com-
of the 8,27,475 Class 12 students line laying in these districts pleted. Of the 2,825 CNG sta-
taking the exam, 27,783 are pri- TESTING TIME has reached 1,205 km, rep- tions planned, 503 have
Guest lecturers’ protest vate candidates. For the Class Class 12 exam (Date: March 2 to 26)
SCRIBE FACILITY
resenting 91% of the been commissioned till
across TN enters Day 7 10 examinations, 9,09,002 stu- planned 1,316 km. December 2025 in Tamil
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF EXAM SCRIBES TO BE
dents will appear, comprising STUDENTS SCHOOLS CENTRES DEPLOYED Following complaints last year Similarly, Coimbat- Nadu.
CHENNAI: Guest lecturers across 26,196 private candidates. about ineligible candidates using ore district ranks next, The data revealed
8,27,475 7,545 3,412 7,465 scribe facility meant for disabled,
Tamil Nadu intensified their The department also said 281 with 39,239 connections that 2.36 crore connec-
agitation on the seventh day of prison inmates will appear for Class 11 arrear exams (Date: March 3 to 27) the department has introduced a against a target of 9.12 tions cover households
protest on Monday, staging the Class 12 examinations and 19,107 3,612 2,615 186 new system of appointing trained lakh households, and residing in 38 districts in
demonstration in front of the 395 for the Class 10 examina- Class 10 exam (Date: March 11 to April 6)
volunteers as scribes, says minister about 2,500 km (81%) of the pro- Tamil Nadu, Chittoor district
Directorate of Collegiate tions. Meanwhile, 25,051 candi- Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozi posed 3,079 km pipeline net- in Andhra Pradesh and Kolar
Education. The protest spans 179 dates will write the Class 11 ar- 8,82,806 12,467 4,219 12,292 work has been completed. How- district in Karnataka. The
government arts and science rear examinations, including ever, in Chennai and Tiruvallur deadline for achieving this tar-
colleges, with lecturers boycotting 5,944 private candidates. scribe facility meant for disa- rithmic table book with larger tive districts, Aadhaar verifica- districts, 4,933 households have get has been set as March 31,
attendance registers indefinitely. Around 49,000 teachers will bled students and to ensure fonts for use in examinations. tion has been introduced and been provided connections out 2032.
Over 7,000 guest lecturers be deployed for examination- teachers are fully involved in Candidates appearing for Ac- details have been uploaded in of a total 33 lakh targeted con- The minister’s reply was in
affiliated to seven registered related duties each day, apart examination duties, the depart- countancy will be permitted to the system, the department sumers. The pipeline laying response to a question raised
associations under the Federation from over 4,900 flying squad ment has introduced a new sys- use ordinary non-programma- said. has reached 2,868 km, or 43% of by DMK MP A Raja. Gopi said
of Tamil Nadu Govt College Guest members who will be on duty to tem of appointing trained vol- ble calculators from this year. Responding to requests from the planned 6,666 km in Chen- city gas distribution (CGD)
Lecturers are participating. “We prevent malpractice. unteers as scribes, replacing To verify the residential ad- teachers to install CCTV cam- nai and Tiruvallur. projects are being implemented
will continue until all demands Poyyamozhi said following subject teachers who earlier dresses of private candidates eras in examination centres, In total, around 1.32 lakh by companies authorised by
are met,” said V Thangaraj, complaints last year about in- performed the role. He also in- and ensure they appear for ex- the minister said the proposal households in the state have the Petroleum and Natural Gas
federation convenor. ENS eligible candidates using the troduced a new A4-size loga- aminations within their respec- would be considered. been provided PNG connec- Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

Life term for pastor in 2022 Pocso case upheld

E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Madurai der the care of the pastor by her yet to overcome the stigma and tioning the natural hesitation a
mother, where she was sexually moral judgment that continue to woman experiences in speaking
THE Madurai Bench of Madras assaulted in May 2022. Though attach themselves to such about the sexual trauma, partic-
High Court has upheld the trial the incident had taken place disclosures. ularly when it’s by someone close
court’s life conviction of a pastor eight days before the offi- “Even when a victim to her family, not a stranger.
on charges of sexually assault- cial police complaint was musters the courage to The court said medical evi-
ing an intellectually disabled mi- lodged, the court also re- speak, she may not al- dence showed no injuries and no
nor girl in 2022 inside the church fused to believe the sur- ways find encourage- evidence of recent intercourse,
in Virudhunagar. vivor was tutored to de- ment or even acceptance but confirmed that the hymen
A division bench of justices pose against the from her own parents, was not intact. The court thinks
GK Ilanthiraiyan and R Poorni- appellant, despite the ap- who may view such dis- that all the discrepancies pointed
ma dismissed the appeal filed by pellant’s claim of previous closure as undesirable or out by the appellant are minor
the convict, Joseph Raja, against enmity and lack of proof for the damaging. To overcome these and do not shake the core of the
the order of the Special Court for sexual assault. The prosecution deep-rooted psychological and case. This court finds no perver-
Exclusive Trial of Cases under had added that the accused ex- social barriers and to ultimately sity, illegality, or misappreciation
the Pocso Act in Virudhunagar ploited her vulnerability. approach the police is neither of evidence warranting interfer-
in 2023. The court, while addressing immediate nor effortless; it is a ence with the well-reasoned judg-
The court said the survivor the delay in lodging the com- process that understandably con- ment of conviction, the judges
was briefly left in the church un- plaint, observed that society is sumes time,” the court said, men- added.
LORD OF THE ROAD

HC tells infra firm to move competent

People participating in Ramanathaswamy temple car procession held in connection with Mahashivaratri on Monday | EXPRESS
Our name misused,
alleges lawyers’ assn

authority in ECR corridor tender case CHENNAI: All India Lawyers

Association for Justice based
in Tirunelveli has alleged that
Acquittal reversed; 7 get lifer for murder
its name has been misused by
E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai ways Authority (TANSHA), the company, it had submitted bids certain persons to send a E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Chennai ing the appeal filed by the state charges were not proved be-
first division bench of Chief Jus- for participating in the tender complaint against a senior against a 2017 acquittal order. yond doubt.
THE Madras High Court on tice Manindra Mohan Shrivas- for construction of the elevated counsel as if he had taken `50 THE Madras High Court on The seven accused have been The state filed an appeal
Monday told the Bhopal-based tava and Justice G Arul Muru- corridor, along with five other lakh to bribe a judge to Monday sentenced seven per- identified as P Saravanan, Y against this acquittal order.
infrastructure developer, Dilip gan directed the companies, but its bids were re- influence him to get sons, including two women, to Appunu, G Gurumurthy, B Five of the accused died when
Buildcon, to approach the com- appellant-company to file the ap- jected, and KNR Construction favourable orders in a criminal life imprisonment by reversing Srinivasan, R Nagarajan, P the appeal was pending in the
petent authority with an appeal peal before the competent au- Limited was declared the suc- revision case. The judge an acquittal order of a trial Lakshmi and A Selvi. The mat- high court and charges against
against the rejection of its bid thority within five days of re- cessful bidder. recently recused from hearing court in a murder case. The ter pertains to the murder of them were abated.
for the tender for constructing ceiving the copy of the bench’s Its writ petition against the re- the case. State coordinator of court has already sentenced Ezhumalai of Thiruvanmiyur Additional public prosecutor
an elevated corridor and widen- order. jection of bids was dismissed by AILAJ U Adhiyaman on two other accused in the case on June 14, 2010, by a gang due A Damodharan appeared for
ing of carriageway to six-lane on It ordered the competent au- a single bench on January 29, Monday submitted a to life sentence. to previous enmity. the prosecution.
ECR from Thiruvanmiyur to thority to consider and dispose 2026, stating that the relief complaint to the registrar A division bench of justices The police registered cases The bench has remarked that
Uthandi. of the appeal within 10 days from cannot be countenanced general of the high court P Velmurugan and M Jothira- against 16 people. Two of them any defect or lapses in investi-
Disposing of the appeal filed the date of submission of the ap- since the tender had not seeking action against man passed the orders declar- died when the case was pend- gation will not affect the case
by Dilip Buildcon against a sin- peal. “The work order shall not yet been accepted. the persons who had ing the punishment as the ac- ing before the trial court. The of the prosecution and found
gle judge’s order refusing to in- be issued until the appeal is de- Challenging this or- misused the AILAJ’s cused persons were already seventh Additional Sessions the evidence deposed by eye-
terfere with the tender process cided,” the bench ordered TAN- der, the company filed name. ENS found guilty by re-appreciation Court, in 2017, acquitted the re- witnesses as cogent, consistent
initiated by the TN State High- SHA. According to the appellant the appeal. of evidence in the case on hear- maining 14 people saying and reliable.

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(Mar 21 - Apr. 20) (Apr. 20 - May 20) (May 21 - June 21) (June 22 - July 22) (July 23 - Aug. 22) (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 21) (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) (Feb. 19 - Mar 20)
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H O L I DAY M AT H I S ������������ �������������� ������������������ �������������������� ������������� �������������� ������������� �������� ������������������
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17th February : Wild Horses We close Aquarius ������������ ������������������ ���������������� ��������� ������������� ����������� ������������ ����������������� ����������� �������������������� ������������ ��������������������
season on this event-filled day featuring a ������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������ ���������������������� �������������������������� ������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������� ��������������������������� ���������������������� �������������������� ����������������������
��������������������������� �������������������������� ����������������������������� ��������������������� ��������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������� �������������������� ��������������������������� ��������������������������� ����������������������� ��������������������������
solar eclipse, a new moon, Lunar New Year, ��������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ �����������������������������
Fat Tuesday and the start of Ramadan. If you ��������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������ ���������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������������ ������������������� ���������������������� ��������������������� �������������������������������
needed another shot at starting fresh, this �������������������� ������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������� ���������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������������� �������������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������������� ���������������� �����������������������������
precipice of the new era is all yours. Celebrate ���������������������������� ������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������������� �������������������������
and meditate. Wave goodbye with one hand ��������������������������� ���������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������� ��������������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������������
and hello with the other. The Fire Horse rides. ���������������������� �������������������������� ����������������������� ����������������������� ��������������� �������������������������� ���������������� ��������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������� �������������������� �����������������������

CROSS WORD JUMBLE UNSCRAMBLE THESE JUMBLES, ONE LETTER TO

EACH SQUARE, TO FORM FOUR ORDINARY WORDS.
BY DAVID L. HOYT
ACROSS DOWN AND JEFF KNUREK
1 Protests expressed 1 Admitted having
in articles (7) had possession (5)
4 Skeleton gets very 2 In France I work on
small part in film (5) broken dray; a hazard (8)
7 Permission denied 3 Draw south by boat (6)
apparently for a recess (4) 4 Flight taken when things get
8 Return to digs for too hot for comfort (4,6)
Solutions to Yesterday’s puzzle

economy’s sake (8) 5 Marian Newman’s middle name (4)

10 Possibly desecrated 6 Troops stepped out
something very private (4,6) in this formation (7)
12 A trading record? (6) 9 Medical service for which
13 Fighting a lawsuit (6) the pay’s too uncertain (10)
15 Uncast replacements? (5,5) 11 I’m coming up in gear that
18 Jolly occasion may be highly painful (8)
long overdue (4,4) 12 Hide article in play (7)
19 Wharf ripe for 14 Ready to throw a line
demolition (4) to one in trouble (6)
SU DO KU ���� 20 Unusually dry round central
Greece - get piping (5)
16 Sprinkle water on
some flowers (5)
TEST YOUR NUMBER 21 Maybe tarry round church 17 Fever but initially less
CRUNCHING SKILL WITH to see the decoration (7) than a pestilence (4)
OUR UNIQUE PUZZLE
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS
� ��������������������������������������������� Across:����������������������������������������������� Down:���������������������������������������� Yesterday’s
����������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������
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 The PM 2.5 level recorded at Alandur NEWS UPDATE FROM TN

89 µg|m3 on Monday. Nitrogen dioxide level

was at 4 µg/m3 against the
prescribed standard of 80 µg/m3
Twitter @ xpresstn
‘TNIE Tamilnadu’ @ xpresstn

05 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

Corpn spent 42% of budget on climate action

DEPARTMENT-WISE Report says efforts expected to deliver an estimated reduction of 4.1 mn tonnes of CO2 equivalent
ALLOCATION
Department Allocation (`cr) R U D H R A N B A R A A S U @ Chennai complete streets and health rise to 27.08 million tCO2e,
walkways initiatives, develop- whereas the Ambitious scenario
Storm water drain 803.19 EVEN as the vagaries of climate ment of sponge parks and rain- could limit them to 12.5 million
Solid waste change threatens Chennai in the water harvesting systems, res- tCO2e by 2050. The Extended
management 350 form of heavy rain and extreme t o r a t i o n o f l a ke s, p o n d scenario adopts more aggressive
Special projects 63.76 heat, a report prepared by the rejuvenation and energy-effi- strategies, projecting a 2% in-
Greater Chennai Corporation cient interventions in school crease by 2030, and thereafter,
Electrical 1.91 (GCC), along with C40 Cities, buildings, among others. reductions of 36% by 2040 and
Buildings 8.54 has revealed the GCC has spent “The quantified actions un- 87% by 2050, compared to 2018
around 42% of its 2025-26 budget der this year’s (2025-26) climate levels.
Bus route roads 80.27
towards climate mitigation and budget are expected to deliver Using the projections, GCC, in
Bridges 22.03 adaptation projects. an estimated reduction of 4.1 the Chennai Climate Action
Mechanical As per ‘Greater Chennai Cor- million metric tonnes of CO2 Plan, has set city-wide GHG tar-
1.50 poration Climate Budge Report Notably, adaptation initia- equivalent (tCO2e),” the report gets of 1% increase in emissions Experts say Kovalam-Nemmeli backwaters function as tidal marsh ecotone
engineering
2025-2026’, released by Mayor R tives constitute the largest estimated. by 2030, 40% decrease in emis- hydrologically connected to Bay of Bengal via Kovalam and Kokilamedu inlets | EXPRESS
Parks and 10

Mamallan dam will

playfields Priya on Monday, GCC has ear- component of the climate Projections done for the prep- sions by 2040, and 92% decrease
marked `3,190.61 crore towards budget at 62.8%, followed by aration of Chennai Climate Ac- in emissions (net zero) by 2050
Total 1341.20 capital expenditure for 2025-26 initiatives under mitigation tion Plan warned that by 2050, compared to 2018 emission
ALLOCATION BY fiscal, of which `1,341.2 crore (37.06%) and resilience if no action is taken (BAU sce- levels.

damage backwater
ACTION IMPACT (42.04%) has been identified as (0.13%). nario), emission of greenhouse GCC is constructing 240 km of
Action impact Allocation (Rs. cr.) climate-relevant spending. Sec- Climate-relevant projects gases (GHG) are projected to stormwater drains to handle up
tor-wise, urban flooding and wa- implemented by the GCC dur- nearly quadruple from 2018 lev- to 72 mm of rainfall per hour. As
Mitigation 497.1 ter scarcity account for the larg- ing the year, as per the report, els, reaching 55.08 million tCO2e many as 44 ponds with a com-

ecosystem: Experts
Adaptation 842.3 est share (62.24%) of climate include the upgradation of by 2050 due to high population bined 1.5 million cubic metre
expenditure, followed by waste stormwater drains and culvert, and GDP growth. capacity are being rejuvenated
Resilience 1.8
management (26.15%) and sus- biomining at Kodungaiyur and In the Existing and Planned to strengthen urban water
Total 1341.2 tainable mobility (9.96%). Perungudi dumping grounds, scenario, emissions would still resilience.

Stalin opens 16 Real estate expo EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

@ Chennai
wetland supports seagrass
patches, mudflats used by mi-

farmer markets set to showcase A group of scientists, ecolo-

gratory waders, and brackish
habitats essential for juvenile

in city, suburbs 500+ projects

gists and conservation experts fish and shrimp. Converting
has urged Chief Minister MK the system into a freshwater
Stalin to withdraw the pro- reservoir could destroy these
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE posed Mamallan reservoir functions within a single
@ Chennai @ Chennai project, warning it could cause season.
irreversible damage to the Ko- The group also flagged hy-
CM MK Stalin inaugurated 16 DEPUTY CM Udayanidhi stalin valam-Nemmeli backwater drological risks, pointing out
Uzhavar Angadis (Farmers’ Mar- is set to inaugurate the 18th edi- ecosystem. the Environmental Impact As-
kets) established at a cost of `2.06 tion of Chennai chapter of the In a letter, the signatories, in- sessment itself attributes flood-
crore in Chennai and its subur- Confederation of Real Estate De- cluding contributors to nation- ing in western villages to drain-
ban areas on Monday. velopers’ Associations of India al and global climate assess- age bottlenecks along Old
He also inaugurated six Inte- (CREDAI) three-day flagship ments, said scientific evidence Mahabalipuram Road and the
grated Agriculture Extension property exhibition, FAIRPRO shows the project would harm Kelambakkam-Kovalam Link
Centres, six Sub-Agriculture Ex- 2026, on Friday at the Chennai one of Tamil Nadu’s impor- Road. The proposed reser-
tension Centres, two seed storage Trade Centre. tant coastal wetlands. voir, they said, does not
godowns, four market complex- Positioned as South India’s The experts stressed address these choke
es, a cold stor- largest real estate showcase, the the Kovalam-Nemmeli points and could create
age facility with three-day fair will feature more backwaters function as a rigid basin vulnera-
a capacity of than 80 CREDAI-affiliated devel- a tidal marsh ecotone ble to overtopping dur-
100 tonnes, two opers and over 500 residential, hydrologically connect- ing cyclones.
Integrated Seed commercial and plotted projects ed to the Bay of Bengal Calling for an alterna-
Certification
and Organic NEW LOOK IN THE OFFING across Chennai. Organisers ex-
pect footfalls to exceed 50,000. Ac-
through the Kovalam and
Kokilamedu inlets, and are not
tive approach, the signato-
ries urged the government to
Certification A roof is being constructed for auction halls at Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in Chennai as part of its modernisation| P JAWAHAR tress Keerthy Suresh is the brand an inland freshwater depres- instead declare the area a pro-
Department complexes, a hostel ambassador for this edition. sion. Restricting tidal flow, they tected la goonal wetland,
for diploma students in horticul- State Bank of India is the title warned, would alter salinity, ‘Mamallan Lagoon’, and pur-
ture, and an Agricultural Engi- sponsor and exclusive banking temperature and circulation sue restoration based on scien-
neering Department Extension
Centre at `53.60 crore.
As part of the scheme to estab-
Fishers clash over temple procession route partner while Apollo Hospitals
will serve as medical partner.
Mohamed Ali, president of
patterns, ultimately limiting
marine biodiversity.
They noted the southern
tific and community
knowledge.
The appeal was endorsed by
lish 100 value addition centres, EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE temple procession route. limits. Peace talks by police and CREDAI Chennai, told reporters stretch near Mamallapuram over 20 experts, including Nity-
allotment orders were issued to @ Chennai Sources said the trouble began revenue officials failed, and a sit- said steady housing demand, remains ecologically healthy anand Jayaraman, Asad Rah-
54 entrepreneurs. The CM also on Sunday when a procession as in protest by over 300 residents supported by infrastructure ex- due to continued tidal inflow, mani, Romulus Whitaker and
flagged off 672 agricultural ma- TENSION prevailed near Kalpa- part of the Mayana Kollai festi- escalated into stone-pelting. pansion, continues to underpin while parts of the Nemmeli Ravi Chellam.
chines, purchased at a cost of kkam in Chengalpattu for the val at the Angalamman temple Sources said a few fishermen Chennai’s residential sector, with stretch already show early
`13.28 crore, to strengthen the second consecutive day on Mon- in Pudupattinam was stopped by and one armed police personnel FAIRPRO expected to drive both signs of degradation because
Agricultural Engineering De- day after clashes broke out be- residents of Uyyalikuppam, ob- were injured. Houses, household buyer engagement and transac- of partial blockage by roads
partment’s machinery hiring tween fishermen of Pudupatti- jecting it passing through what articles and two-wheelers were tion volumes. The prices of home and bunds.
services. nam and Uyyalikuppam over a they claimed as their territorial damaged in the violence. starts from `15 lakh to `15 crore. According to the petition, the

REQUEST FOR CREATING DATABANK /

PROPOSAL FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS /
COMPANIES / COOPERATIVES / ASSOCIATIONS / INDIVIDUALS
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) is a non-statutory body under
the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and it works for the socio-economic development
and welfare of Safai Karamcharis (manual scavengers, hazardous workers, sanitation workers,
rag pickers etc). It’s functions include advising governments, investigating complaints about
the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013,
and monitoring implementation of this Act.
NCSK proposes to create comprehensive data bank / data base relating to the following
in order to seek their insight / support / brainstorming / knowledge for formulation, implementation
and impact assessment of policy / schemes/programmes to ensure welfare and protection
of the targeted group in accordance with the Mandate of the M.S. Act, 2013
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
workers & waste management with their Bio data & past work details.
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������
����������������� ��� ��������� ��������� �������� �������� ���� ��������� ��������� �������� ��
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
used during cleaning for improving the working & safety conditions of safai karamcharis.
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
workers
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
who would like to associate with NCSK and support its activities for creation of National Safai
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
/ Rag picker etc) and their families. Proposal submitted will become the property of NCSK and
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
2. All concerned are requested to provide details in the following format via email on:
Email: [Link]-mosje@[Link]
Name of (Incorporation / Name & Address of the
Mobile
organization / Registration) details office, office Bearer Email id
number
Individual / Qualification and contact person

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
sanitation workers & waste management are required to provide their Bio data & past work
details.
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
effectiveness along with the Prices.
�����������������������������������������������������������
Contact Information:
Ankush Chugh
Assistant Director (R&D),
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
Email: [Link]-mosje@[Link]
Phone: 011-24648921
Website URL [Link]
CBC 38120/11/0011/2526
 CM HONOURS CM MK Stalin on Monday honoured veteran actor MN Rajam (85)
and veteran film director SP Muthuraman (90) with the Kalaignar
FILM VETERANS Ninaivu Kalaithurai Vithagar Award for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The CM presented `10 lakh each and a memento to the awardees

06 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

Farm workers moving to industries TN signs `6,000 cr investment

a positive structural shift: Survey deals in chip, aerospace sectors
Only 25% of population now works in agriculture; managing impact
of climate change next challenge, says state planning commission
Social sector EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Chennai

T M U R U G A N A N D H A M @ Chennai
spending at THE state government on Mon-
day signed investment agree-

STATE Planning Commission

executive vice-chairman Dr J
`1.57L crore ments worth nearly `6,000 crore
with Japan-based electronics
major MinebeaMitsumi’s Indi-
Jeyaranjan on Monday said EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE an arm NMB Minebea India
that the movement of workers @ Chennai Private Limited and Karnataka-
out of agriculture into non-ag- based aerospace manufacturer
riculture industries is a posi- AS per the State Economic Sur- Aequs Group, as the state steps
tive structural shift – a view vey released ahead of the in- up efforts to position itself as a
also endorsed by the Economic terim budget for 2026-27, the hub for semiconductors and The MoUs were signed in presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin at the secretariat on
Survey of Tamil Nadu for the state’s spending on social sec- high-value manufacturing. Monday | EXPRESS
year 2025-26. tor programmes increased According to a release, the
Addressing a press confer- from `1.13 lakh crore (2021-22) MoUs, signed in the presence of facility will manufacture high- crore to develop an aerospace
ence after submitting the Eco- to `1.57 lakh crore (2025-26), Chief Minister M K Stalin at value products such as insulat- and defence manufacturing
nomic Survey to Chief Minis- registering an average annual the secretariat, together envis- ed-gate bipolar transistors (IG- cluster at the SIPCOT industri-
ter M K Stalin at the secretariat, growth of 8.72%. However, a age investments of `5,980 crore BTs), inte g rated circuits, al park in Shoolagiri, Krishna-
Jeyaranjan said that in Tamil closer examination of sector- and are expected to generate motors and electrical compo- giri. The project is expected to
Nadu, agriculture’s share in wise allocations indicates that jobs for around 8,400 people nents. The company also plans create around 7,000 jobs, the re-
the economy has steadily de- this overall rise did not propor- across semiconductor, electron- to set up a research and devel- lease said.
clined – both in terms of output Dr J Jeyaranjan, state planning commission executive vice-chairman, addressing the tionately reflect in key sectors ics, aerospace and defence man- opment centre as part of the The Aequs facility will focus
and the number of people de- media after submitting the Economic Survey to CM MK Stalin | P RAVIKUMAR such as health and family wel- ufacturing sectors. investment. on manufacturing aircraft en-
pendent on it. Only about 25% fare, water, sanitation, housing MinebeaMitsumi, through its Industries Minister TRB Ra- gine components, gearbox parts
of the population now works in while agricultural production Tamil Nadu, a large number of and urban development. Indian arm NMB Minbea India jaa said the investment would and other precision-engineered
agriculture. remains important and certain people are moving into other In the health and family wel- Private Limited, has committed strengthen Tamil Nadu’s preci- products for the aerospace and
He said that although agri- sub-sectors are thriving, slower occupations.” fare department, expenditure `1,980 crore to establish a semi- sion engineering and electron- defence sectors. The company
cultural production may re- growth, climate instability, and Jeyaranjan pointed out that stood at `19,012 crore in 2021-22, conductor and electronic com- ics ecosystem while deepening already supplies components to
main stable or grow in absolute faster expansion in other sec- mechanisation of agricultural but declined to `17,621 crore in ponents manufacturing facility its integration into global sup- global aerospace and defence
terms, other sectors are ex- tors mean farming will play a work is playing an important 2022-23 and `17,773 crore in in Tiruvallur. The project is ex- ply chains. original equipment manufac-
panding faster, reducing its smaller economic role over role in this. The workers are 2023-24. It rose to `20,211 crore pected to generate direct em- Separately, the Belagavi- turers, and the TN investment
relative share. Unlike some time. “The movement of work- moving to non-agricultural sec- in 2024-25 and `20,957 crore in ployment for about 1,400 people, headquartered Aequs Group is expected to expand its domes-
states where people remain ers out of agriculture into in- tors because employment in ag- 2025-26, translating to an aver- the release said. The proposed signed an MoU to invest `4,000 tic manufacturing footprint.
trapped in agriculture despite dustry and services is seen as a riculture is seasonal, and they age growth of only 2.74% over
shrinking returns, Tamil Nadu positive structural shift,” cannot depend on it year- the period.
has seen a healthy shift of
workers to other sectors, reduc-
he said.
Asked whether the
round. Asked whether
food production would
Spending on water, sanita-
tion, housing and urban devel- Trisha slams ‘distasteful’ Jothimani calls
out BJP leader
ing poverty risks, he added. shrinking workforce be affected by this, he opment followed a fluctuating

remark, Nainar says sorry

Jeyaranjan also pointed out for the agriculture denied this and said: trend over the years. It stood at
that agriculture faces serious sector is a matter of “Food production never `17,556 crore in 2021-22, de-
climate challenges, including
erratic rainfall, unexpected
heat, and crop losses during
concern, Jeyaranjan
replied in the negative
and explained: “In many other
goes down because of
this trend. In fact, we are
not able to fully procure what is
clined to `15,894 crore in 2022-
23, fell further to `15,378 crore
in 2023-24, and then rose to EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE sonal lives should never be-
for ‘repulsive’
harvest. While productivity re-
mains high and horticulture
states, while agriculture’s eco-
nomic contribution declines,
being produced.”
He also pointed out that even
`17,198 crore in 2024-25. How-
ever, spending sharply reduced
@ Chennai/Tirunelveli come the subject of public com-
mentary and that those in
comments
shows progress, overall growth people continue to depend on it, though agricultural production to `13,826 crore in 2025-26, for ACTOR Trisha Krishnan ex- positions of authority must ex-
has stagnated. Managing cli- leading to persistent poverty. In and productivity remain rela- which the document offers no pressed shock and disappoint- ercise responsibility and equa- E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Karur
mate change remains a major contrast, in TN, both the sec- tively high, overall growth in explanation. ment over the “distasteful and nimity in public discourse. She
challenge. tor’s share and the number of the sector has almost stagnat- The most significant increase inappropriate” remark requested that her THE Karur Town police have
In this regard, the chapter on people dependent on it are de- ed, and some sub-sectors have was recorded in education, made about her by state name be not drawn into registered a case against BJP
agriculture in the survey un- clining, which reflects a healthy even gone down. However, hor- sports, art and culture, where BJP president Nainar matters that do not con- Karur district president Sen-
derscored the fact that TN’s structural shift. If opportuni- ticulture and fruit cultivation expenditure rose steadily from Nagenthran while at- cern her. thil Nathan for allegedly mak-
economy is transitioning away ties in other sectors shrink and have shown notable progress. `38,678 crore (2021-22) to `54,113 tacking actor and TVK Responding to the ing derogatory remarks against
from farming as its primary en- people are unable to move out The major challenge ahead is crore in 2025-26, an overall in- president Vijay, and backlash from political Congress MP S Jothimani dur-
gine of growth and employ- of agriculture, it would lead to managing the impact of cli- crease of `15,435 crore over the said her name should leaders from across par- ing a party demonstration held
ment. The survey said that serious distress. However, in mate change, he said. years. not be dragged into ties, Nagenthran on earlier this month. The case
matters that don’t con- M o n d ay e x p r e s s e d was registered on Sunday based
cern her. “heartfelt regret” over on a complaint lodged by Karur

Ahead of meet In a statement, dated

February 15 and issued
his comments and said
what he spoke that day
district Congress president
Ramesh under five sections of

with Kharge,
through her advocate, was “a slip of tongue”. BNS including intent to insult
Trisha said she never “In my political career, the modesty of woman.
expected such a remark I have neither allowed In a post on X, Jothimani, a

TNCC chief from a person holding a

high position in the po-
personal attacks on my
life nor attacked anyone
two-time MP from Karur,
shared the

warns leaders
litical space. personally,” he told re- video purport-
Trisha stressed that porters during a press edly showing
she is not affiliated with any meet in Tirunelveli. Senthil Nath-
political party and has consist- Further, Nagenthran said his an making ob-
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE ently maintained a neutral choice of words was inappro- jectionable
@ Chennai stand on politics. Stating that priate and conveyed his sincere comments
she wished to be known only regret if anyone had been hurt ag ainst her
TAMIL NADU Congress Com- for her work, the actor said per- by the remarks. and MP Rahul
mittee (TNCC) president K Sel- Gandhi on
vaperunthagai on Monday cau- Among the detained fishermen, 12 are from Nagapattinam, three from Mayiladuthurai, and 10 from Karaikal | EXPRESS February 10.
tioned party leaders against EXPRESS READ She de-

Lankan navy arrests 25 TN fishers

airing alliance-related matters scribed the speech as “obscene
in public and reiterated that DMK Files: Annamalai EoIs invited for setting and deeply repulsive” and said
strict instructions had been is- cross-examines Baalu up 38 ABCs across state it was made with full aware-
sued by the central leadership ness and intent. She alleged
in this regard. Speaking to re- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE Sources said the Sri Lankan the Sri Lankan Navy at approx- Chennai: Former state BJP Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Animal that reducing women in public
porters at the Chennai airport @ Nagapattinam navy had taken the fishermen imately 11 pm the same night. president K Annamalai on Welfare Board (TNAWB) on life to targets of personal and
before leaving for Bengaluru to to the Kankesanthurai Naval Sources said the second boat Monday appeared before the Monday invited expressions of vulgar attacks reflected a dis-
meet Congress national presi- THE Sri Lankan Navy arrested Camp for interrogation. set sail from Karaikal port on Saidapet court in connection interest (EoI) from NGOs and turbing political culture. “I am
dent Mallikarjun Kharge, Sel- 25 Indian fishermen hailing Among the detained fisher- February 12, with 11 with a criminal defamation case other organisations for the making this public so that soci-
vaperunthagai said the visit from Nagapattinam, Mayi- men, 12 are from Nagapattinam fishermen. filed against him by DMK MP T R establishment and maintenance ety can respond with the anger
was pre-scheduled and would laduthurai, and Karaikal and district, three from Mayi- This vessel was detained Baalu over allegations made in of 38 Animal Birth Control (ABC) and condemnation that men
focus on the prevailing political apprehended two mechanised laduthurai, and 10 from around midnight. With Sun- the ‘DMK Files’. Speaking to centres and animal shelters with such rotten and degraded
situation in the state. fishing boats from Karaikal on Karaikal. day’s arrest, the number of reporters, Annamalai said he across the state. Interested mindset deserve,” she said.
“The AICC has clearly in- Sunday night, for allegedly Sources said that one boat de- Tamil Nadu and Puducherry cross-examined Baalu for nearly organisations can download the Responding to the controver-
structed that no one should crossing the International Mar- parted from Karaikal port on fishers arrested by the Sri three hours, questioning him on application form from www. sy, Senthil Nathan denied mak-
speak about alliance matters in itime Boundary Line (IMBL) the morning of February 15, Lankan Navy since January 1 various aspects relating to the [Link] and submit it to ing any inappropriate com-
public. Party leaders Rahul and fishing in Lankan waters, with 14 fishermen aboard and this year has risen to 62, sourc- charges in the ‘DMK Files’ the Board on or before March 3, ments and claimed his speech
G a n d h i , off Kankesanthurai in Jaffna. the vessel was apprehended by es added. released by him earlier. ENS 2026, a release said. ENS had been misunderstood.
Kharge and
KC Venugopal

CM launches `542 crore TN panel on centre-state relations submits report

have all con-
veyed this
message,” he

higher edu infra projects

said, adding
that both the EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE tion, elections, education,
national and @ Chennai health and the Goods and Serv-
state leader- ices Tax framework.
ship were THE three-member high-level The report presents a de-
firm on ensuring organisation- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE ment Polytechnics in Chennai, committee on union-state rela- tailed assessment of contempo-
al discipline. @ Chennai Coimbatore and Madurai have tions, constituted by the state rary federal challenges and of-
Responding to queries about been equipped with Industry government to examine evolv- fers “concrete and actionable”
certain leaders making public CHIEF minister MK Stalin on 4.0 Smart Centres. ing federal dynamics, on Mon- recommendations aimed at re-
remarks on alliance dynamics Monday inaugurated higher An Integrated Institutional day submitted part I of its re- storing federal balance while
and power-sharing, Selvape- education infrastructure Resource Management Soft- port to Chief Minister M K strengthening cooperative fed-
runthagai said such discus- projects worth `542 crore and ware with a Learning Manage- Stalin at the Secretariat in eralism within the constitu-
sions must be confined to inter- laid the foundation stone for ment System (LMS) was also Chennai. tional framework. Two addi-
nal party forums. Meanwhile, a new academic facilities from launched for government col- The committee, set up on Justice Kurian Joseph-led committee submitting Part I of the report | EXPRESS tional parts of the report, each
letter purportedly written by a the secretariat. le ges and universities at April 15, 2025, is chaired by comprising 10 chapters, are
TNCC member to Kharge has The inaugurated projects in- `198.84 crore. Foundation former Supreme Court judge government after the Rajaman- the last three months, with currently under preparation.
been circulating on social me- clude a new Government Arts stones were laid for new Gov- Justice Kurian Joseph. Its nar Committee (1969-71). Earli- nearly 1,20,000 words, 408 print- “In a first-of-its-kind move,
dia. The letter sought a struc- and Science College for Wom- ernment Arts and Science Col- members include former Indi- er national-level examinations ed pages, and 12-14 hours of the Tamil version of the report
tured and binding agreement en in Mannargudi, academic leges in Aravakurichi, Thurai- an Maritime University vice- were carried out by the Sarka- work every day,” one of the will be released under an open-
ensuring a meaningful share in blocks for colleges in Melven- yur, Anthiyur, Ulundurpet and chancellor and retired IAS of- ria Commission (1983-88) and members of the committee told access framework after it is ta-
governance, a higher allocation gadapuram, Thirukoilur other towns at `180.08 ficer K Ashok Vardhan Shetty, the Punchhi Commission (2007- TNIE. bled in the Tamil Nadu Legisla-
of Assembly seats, and defined and Tiruvottiyur, and ad- crore. Additionally, 437 and former Tamil Nadu Plan- 10). According to one of the Part I of the report, prepared tive Assembly. Individuals and
representation in local body ditional classrooms, lab- classrooms, 19 multi- ning Commission vice-chair- members of the committee, the in both English and Tamil, con- institutions will be permitted
polls and cooperatives. Howev- oratories, workshops purpose halls, hostels man Dr M Naganathan. latest review was necessitated tains 10 chapters covering the to print, reproduce or distrib-
er, several Congress leaders and women’s hostels and related facilities Described as a “non-parti- by significant constitutional, aspects of federal governance, ute the Tamil text from the of-
told TNIE that they were una- across Dharampuri, will be constructed in san” initiative, the exercise fiscal and institutional changes including decentralisation and ficial PDF, provided proper at-
ware of any such communica- Tiruchirappalli, Ma- colleges including Nan- marks the fourth major review that have taken place since state autonomy, constitutional tribution is maintained and no
tion being sent to the AICC durai, Coimbatore and danam, Presidency Col- of union-state relations at the those commissions submitted amendments, territorial integ- alterations are made,” the re-
president and dismissed the Salem. l e g e a n d O o t y at national level and the second their recommendations. “It has rity of states, language policy, lease from the state govern-
claims as unverified. F ive G ove r n - `375.84 crore. such effort taken by the state been backbreaking work over the role of governors, delimita- ment added.
 ‘IT’S DMK VS PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Monday asserted that
the forthcoming Assembly election would be a direct contest
AIADMK’ between the DMK and the AIADMK, and claimed that other
parties would have little relevance in the electoral battle

07 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

Wildlife attack in TN: Quantum of relief City teen first in TN in DMK ALLIES TO CM:
FIX TASMAC ISSUE

higher for crop loss than human deaths JEE (M) session 1
CHENNAI: Leaders of the
DMK’s alliance partners on
Monday urged CM Stalin to
intervene in the long-pending
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE More than 13 lakh candi- demands of over 25,000
Farmers say compensation of `25,000 per acre still inadequate as losses go up to `1L/acre @ Chennai dates appeared for JEE Main contract employees of
Session 1 across India. With Tasmac. In a joint statement,
THE National Testing Agen- Session 1 results declared, TNCC president K
S S E N T H I L K U M A R @ Coimbatore cy (NTA) on Monday attention now shifts to- Selvaperunthagai, CPI state

The Price to Pay declared the JEE ward Session 2, for secretary M Veerapandian,
COMPENSATION for crop Main 2026 Session which registration is CPM state secretary P
damage due to human-wildlife 1 results and P currently open and Shanmugam, VCK president
conflict in Tamil Nadu remains Compensation by forest dept Ajaiy, a Chennai will continue until Thol Thirumavalavan and
higher than that paid for hu- Crop Human resident, has February 25. CPI(ML) leader P Asaithambi
Year said the employees,
man deaths, injuries, and prop- damage fatalities emerged as the The official qualify-
erty damage. Forest depart- state topper for Tamil ing cut-off for JEE Ad- appointed in 2003 on
2023-24 consolidated pay in retail
ment data over the past decade ` 10.7 cr `4.54 cr Nadu, securing an 99.999 vanced will be finalised only
(up to July 2025) reveal a worry- percentile. Twelve candi- after Session 2 results, exam- division, have been seeking
ing trend, with crop losses and 2024-25* `7.04 cr `7.7 cr dates nationwide achieved a ination for which will be regularisation, time-scale pay
compensation remaining con- perfect 100 percentile. held in April. and pension benefits. ENS
sistently high except in a few Compensation for livestock
years. deaths and injuries
The year 2023-24 recorded the 2022-23 `12.04 lakh
highest crop damage and com-
pensation figures in the last ten 2023-24 `14.9 lakh
years, underscoring the grow- 2024-25* `15.44 lakh
ing intensity of the conflict Farmers visiting an agricultural land destroyed by wild elephants at Vaniyambadi in
across the State. Tirupathur district | FILE PIC * Up to July
In the financial year 2023-24,
the department disbursed over Human-animal conflict has evolved as one of the most challenging Farmers, however, allege that
`10.7 crore as compensation for aspects of wildlife management and a threat to conservation compensation remains inade-
crop damage to farmers, while Senior official, forest department quate. “We receive about `25,000
`4.54 crore was paid to the fami- per acre and `500 per coconut
lies of those killed in wild ani- tree, but our actual losses can
mal attacks, including ele- significantly higher in the evolved as one of the most chal- go up to `1 lakh per acre if ele-
phants and leopards. In 2024-25, Western Ghats region —cover- lenging aspects of wildlife phants or wild boars destroy
compensation for human fatali- ing Coimbatore, Nilgiris, management and a threat to the crop,” said T Venugopal,
ties rose to `7.7 crore, while Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, conservation,” the official State president of the Tamil
`7.04 crore was paid to farmers Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and said. Nadu Farmers Association.
for crop losses. Compensation extending to Kanniyakumari Although the department has A senior official stressed that
for livestock deaths and inju- — compared to the Eastern implemented preventive meas- resolving human-wildlife con-
ries caused by wild animals Ghats belt from Sathyaman- ures such as elephant-proof flict requires coordinated ef-
have also remained high over galam to Hosur. “The Western trenches (EPTs), solar fencing, forts among the forest depart-
the past three years. Ghats landscape, with its dense fodder development, and habi- ment, local bodies, Tangedco,
In 2022-23, compensation of forests adjoining agricultural tat restoration within forest ar- revenue, police, district admin-
`12.04 lakh was paid on this lands, witnesses frequent ani- eas, elephants continue to ven- istration, agriculture, and ru-
count and it increased to `14.9 mal movement into farms. ture into farmlands, attracted ral development departments.

SEARING DEVOTION
lakh in 2023-24 and `15.44 lakh Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats by nutritious crops. Besides el- Tamil Nadu has an estimated
in 2024-25, indicating a steady and Coast are the three of the ephants, wild boars, peafowl, elephant population of 3,170
rise in such incidents. Accord- 10 bio-geographic regions in spotted deer, gaur, and mon- and a forest cover of 20.31%, ac- Devotees performed a theemidhi (fire-walking ritual) as part of the annual Kundam festival on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri
ing to a senior forest depart- the country. keys are also responsible for cording to the 2021 Forest Sur- at the Arulmigu Angalamman Black Mariyamman Temple in Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, on Monday | S SENBAGAPANDIYAN
ment official, crop damage is Human-animal conflict has extensive crop damage. vey of India report.

SRIHER inaugurates
EXPRESS READ
‘Stalin best suited to
IIT-M, Finnish Met institute ink deal Youth killed on birthday
centre for cleft care
CHENNAI: The Centre of
Excellence for Comprehensive
consolidate INDIA bloc’
CHENNAI: Senior Congress leader
and former Union Minister Mani
to study atmosphere and air quality after quarrel, two arrested
Cleft and Craniofacial Care Shankar Aiyar on Monday said CM E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @Chennai ing was signed in this regard. ers, eddy-covariance flux tow- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE year-long dispute. On Sunday
was opened at Sri MK Stalin is best suited to VAYYU builds on two major ers, rain radar and sky imagers @ Chennai night, the duo reportedly picked
Ramachandra Institute of consolidate the INDIA bloc at the INDIAN Institute of Technology joint initiatives. The `10 mil- to investigate land-atmosphere up another quarrel, which es-
Higher Education & Research national level. Addressing reporters Madras (IIT-M) has partnered lion CryoSCOPE project, fund- interactions and aerosol-cloud- A 23-year-old painter was mur- calated. During the altercation,
on Monday. According to a in Thiruvananthapuram, Aiyar said with Finnish Meteorological In- ed by the European Un- rain dynamics. dered following a quarrel on Vignesh allegedly brought his
release, it was inaugurated by Stalin has consistently raised issues stitute to establish ‘VAYYU’- Vir- ion, SERI (Switzerland) The collaboration the night of his birthday at friend, B Ravishankar (26), to
Dushyant Prasad, executive concerning federalism over the past tual Research Centre on Aero- and India’s Ministry strengthens Indo-Finn- Thiruninravur in Avadi. Two the spot.
director, Akila Bharatha year rather than resorting to sol-Meteorology Interactions, of Earth Sciences, ish cooperation in cli- persons have been arrested in In the ensuing attack, Vig-
Mahila Seva Samaja in the sloganeering. “He has raised every Himalayan Atmosphere-Cryo- operates a supersite mate science, urban sus- connection with the incident, nesh allegedly assaulted Muke-
presence of Samyuktha single point relevant to federalism in sphere Interactions, and Urban in Kargil to study at- tainability and police said. ndran with a sickle on the head
Venkatachalam, trustee, Sri India.” He added, that makes him an Air. mosphere-cryosphere- environmental modelling. The deceased, N Mukendran, and other parts of the body, till
Ramachandra Educational ideal choice to serve as chairman of A statement said the centre hydrosphere processes By combining IIT-M’s ex- lived in Periyar Nagar in he collapsed in a pool of blood.
and Health Trust and Uma the opposition alliance. Drawing will advance simulations and and aerosol-driven glacier pertise in atmospheric model- Thiruninravur. Police said he The suspects then fled. The po-
Sekar, vice chancellor. It will parallel with former CM K Kamaraj, state-of-the-art atmospheric ob- melt. The Research Council of ling and engineering solutions was heading home after a booze lice sent the body to the Gov-
provide advanced, holistic he noted that Stalin too possesses servations to understand how Finland-funded CO-ENHANC- with FMI’s strengths in aerosol session with a friend to cele- ernment Stanley Medical Col-
treatment for patients with the ability to unify leaders without aerosols influence regional hy- IN project has enabled a `5 science and weather predic- brate his birthday on Sunday lege Hospital for postmortem.
cleft lip, cleft palate, and seeking personal ambition. “He has dro-climate, Himalayan snow crore urban observatory at IIT- tion, VAYYU aims to deliver ro- night. He allegedly crossed On Monday, Vignesh and
complex craniofacial the great virtue that he will not and glacier melt, and air qual- M’s satellite campus in Chen- bust climate-risk assessments paths with S Vignesh, a milk Ravishankar were booked un-
conditions. In over two stand in the way of Rahul Gandhi ity in Indian megacities. A nai, equipped with advanced and policy-relevant tools for vendor from the same locality. der Section 103 (muder) of the
decades, the hospital has becoming Prime Minister.” ENS memorandum of understand- aerosol analysers, lidar profil- sustainable development. Mukendran and Vignesh had BNS and arrested.
done over 20,000 cleft lip
surgeries. ENS

Elderly couple dies

by suicide at home
Chennai: An elderly couple
allegedly died by suicide at
their house in Thiruvottiyur
on Sunday, allegedly
distressed over a personal
issue. The police identified
the deceased as Kumar (76)
and his wife Kamala (73).
The couple had no children,
and Kamala had been
battling with health issues
for the past few [Link]
bodies were found after a
flower vendor of a nearby
shop checked on them. A
suicide note recovered from
the house alleged relatives PUBLIC NOTICE
had cheated them of their
�������������� CHANGE OF NAME
property. (Assistance for
I, Ex Army No:15314086A,
those having suicidal CHANGE OF NAME Rank: HAV,
thoughts is available on
Tamil Nadu’s health helpline My son, I KAARTHIKKEYAN, Name : S Ekambaram,
104 and Sneha’s suicide born on 25th April 2012 Residing at No 2/191,
prevention helpline 044- (District of Birth: Ramar Kovil Street,
24640050) ENS Tiruchirappalli), residing at Rangapuram,
No. 4/262, Perur, Thiruvallur-631302 , I have
Tiruchirappalli - 621 205, Changed my Son’s Name
Minor fire at mall shall henceforth be known
from [Link] . to
in Vadapalani as I. KARTHIKEYAN
KRISHNA E

Chennai: A minor fire broke M. ILAYARAJA (Father) S Ekambaram (Father)

out at a mall in Vadapalani Tiruchirappalli, �����������������������
on Monday morning. Nobody 29th October 2024.
was injured and the fire was DATE OF BIRTH CHANGE
put out within 30 minutes. A I, S. SARAVANAN, Ex-Army
preliminary probe revealed CHANGE OF NAME Service No.15314108N, Rank:
the fire broke out in the I, MD Mohbubur Rahman HAV, Residing at
kitchen of an eatery inside Tapadar alias MD Mohbubur Ramarkoil Street,
the mall. According to Rahman, son of Thiru Monohar Kumarakuppam Village,
sources, the fire was put out Ali, born on 1st June 1970 Tiruttani Post & Taluk,
by the staff at the eatery. All the news. In just a click. (District of Birth: Karimganj- Tiruvallur District
They alerted the fire and Assam), residing at No. F3, Block Pincode 631 209 have
Log to [Link]
rescue personnel who came 1, Hicon Garden, MRG Nagar,
changed my Spouse
to the spot and checked for Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Chennai-
MRS. M. SHOBHA date
�������������������
residue flames. The 600 097, shall henceforth be
����������������
known as MOHBUBUR RAHMAN of birth from 06.06.1979 to
Vadapalani police have been ����������������������� 05.06.1979 Vide addidavit
informed and a probe is MD MOHBUBUR RAHMAN TAPADAR
alias MD MOHBUBUR RAHMAN dated: 04/2/2026
under way. ENS
Chennai, 4th December 2025
08 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

TRY TO BE A RAINBOW IN
SOMEONE’S CLOUD
❯ MAYA ANGELOU

IF I HAVE SEEN
FURTHER THAN
OTHERS, IT IS BY
STANDING UPON
THE SHOULDERS
OF GIANTS
ISAAC NEWTON
 BAIL PLEAS
Madurai Bench of Madras HC on Monday
dismissed the bail applications of the four

REJECTED suspects allegedly involved in the custodial

death of the temple security guard B Ajithkumar

09 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

Action against foul language: HC says it’s smell of soil

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE account while taking discipli- employee, T. Rajeshwari, made amongst the women of the low- that the agency is trying to uplift
@ Chennai nary action. on 11.12.2015 and ordered her re- est strata of the society and the them from those kinds of back-
Justice D Bharatha instatement with 25% smell of the soil that is in the lan- grounds into entrepreneurs and
THE Madras High Court has re- Chakravarthy made the backwages for interreg- guage of the worker, should be therefore, cannot pursue the
fused to set aside an order of a observations recently num period. taken into account along with same language and has to cor-
From left: Charan Sai, Handi Malla and Sharanabasavaraj | EXPRESS labour court that ordered rein- while dismissing the “Though, under nor- the social background, in which, rect herself. He noted, in any
statement of a woman worker of writ petition filed by mal circumstances, it all the workers arise and should event, it can be seen that consid-

3 get death for rape

a company run by self-help Meadow Rural Enter- should be considered as not be considered divorced of ering the overall circumstances,
groups for inappropriate use of prises Private Limited, a serious charge, one has their ground realities,” the judge 75% of back-wages is not grant-
language in the workplace. The Hosur, against the 11.01.2021 to take into account that said in the order. ed and that should also be borne
court said the smell of the soil in order of the labour court which this is an organisation arising However, he added, the re- in mind with reference to

of 2 tourists, murder Report positions V’puram RRTS as

the language shall be taken into quashed the termination of the from a self-help group formed spondent should understand allegations.

EXPRESS READ

of man near Hampi a multi-purpose economic corridor

Incident occurred near the Tungabhadra Left
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 spine for TN, easing congestion tions, positioning the RRTS as a
Bank Canal in Sanapur on March 6 last year along NH-45, enabling multimo- multi-purpose economic corri-
THE proposal also includes a dal integration and supporting dor rather than a passenger-only
R A G H O T TA M K O P PA R @Koppal 6, 2025. They went to the left bank spur linking Puducherry and environmentally sustainable re- system.
canal of Tungabhadra near San- Cuddalore, taking the total net- gional mobility. Officials said the The approach aligns with At-
THE First Additional District apur lake and were sitting listen- work length to about 146 km, in- project would also help manage manirbhar Bharat objectives by
and Sessions court in Ganga- ing to music when the three as- cluding a 64.1-km spur, sources urban sprawl by enabling people strengthening Make-in-India
vathi on Monday awarded death sailants came to the spot and said. Designed as a high-speed to live in satellite regions while supply chains, lowering logistics
penalty to three men for raping created a ruckus with the inten- mass transit system for medium- accessing metropolitan job mar- costs — currently about 13-14%
two women and murdering an tion of robbing the tourists. distance travel of up to 180km, it kets, reducing logistics costs, of GDP — and improving infra-
Indian tourist near Sanapur in When the male tourists resist- has the potential to be scaled up and improving regional connec- structure asset [Link]-
March last year. ed, the assailants, who were to 300kmph. tivity. Chengalpattu has emerged ther, the report proposes a maxi- APAC, Promeritus Sdn MD Malini Vijaya Rajah ( 2nd-L) exchange ‘MOU’ with Principal A
The court found the trio guilty drunk, pushed them into the ca- Within Chennai, the corridor as a major employment and trip- mum operating speed of 160 Louis Arockiaraj during the ‘International HR conclave 2026’ at Loyola College, Chennai
on February 6 and pronounced nal, and raped the two women, is planned entirely underground attraction hub, driven by large kmph, with scope for future up- on Monday. (From L) Loyola Secretary Thomas Alexander, HRCI CEO Amy Dufrane,
the quantum of punishment on an Israeli and an Indian. Two of between Alandur and Kilam- IT parks and tourism-linked grades, subject to design provi- Loyola Int’l Academic collaborations Director J A Charles, CIELHR Group Director Ma Foi
Monday. Justice Sadanand Na- the three who fell into the waters bakkam to address dense devel- travel, while Villupuram’s grow- sions. It cites Delhi-Meerut sec- Pandirajan and Loyola Rector J Antony Robinson are also seen| P JAWAHAR
gappa Naik ordered capital pun- managed to reach the shore, opment issues and right-of-way ing residential, transport, educa- tion, which is indigenously
ishment to Malla alias Handi while the tourist from Odisha constraints. Beyond Kilam- tional, and commercial func- developed under centre’s Make
Malla, Charan Sai and drowned after suffering a severe bakkam, it transitions to elevat- tions reinforce its role as a in India policy, designed for 160-
Sharanabasavaraj. head injury. His body was recov- ed and hybrid sections along regional connectivity centre. To- kmph operations to enable short-
The incident occurred near ered 24 hours later. road medians, roadsides and gether, Chennai, Chengalpattu er commute times. The proposal
the Tungabhadra Left Bank Ca- The murdered tourist was greenfield stretches, broadly fol- and Villupuram form an inte- suggests an eight-car rake with
nal in Sanapur. Five tourists identified as Bibhasha from Odi- lowing the GST Road and the grated urban-economic corridor space for standing passengers as
staying at a homestay in Ane- sha. Daniel, a German national, Chennai-Nagapattinam High- with sustained travel demand. well. It is learnt that the track
gundi had gone for a walk after and Pankaj from Maharashtra way. Strategically, the corridor is The feasibility report also pro- could be designed for high-speed
finishing their dinner on March were injured. envisaged as a southern growth poses night-time freight opera- rail of up to 300kmph.

Three of family TN remained resilient despite global headwinds: Survey A grand appointment order ceremony and celebratory promotion party was hosted
at Bharat University in Selaiyur, near Chennai, on Friday. During the high-profile

die in car crash

gathering, Vice Chancellor M Sundararajan emphasised on the high
standards and comprehensive training provided by the university to ensure its
C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 graduates are industry-ready and capable of meeting global demands | EXPRESS
near Kamuthi THE survey noted that TN’s tex-
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
OF TN ECONOMIC
tile exports faced strain due to SURVEY 2025-26 Two Nigerian nationals arrested with cocaine,
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE the 50% tariff imposed by the US TN contributed 9.4% to meth near Gummidipoondi railway station
@Ramanathapuram as nearly 30% of shipments were national GDP in 2024–25,
bound for that country. While the CHENNAI: Two Nigerian nationals were arrested with cocaine,
GSDP touched 31.19 lakh crore
THREE members of a family India-EU free trade pact and In- methamphetamine and MDMA tablets near Gummidipoondi railway
were killed and three others dia-US trade agreement, which Labour force participation station on Sunday night. The suspects have been identified as I
sustained injuries in a head-on will reduce US tariffs to 18%, rose to 72.1%, unemployment Chibuzor Shedrack (30) and M Nonsojoachin (42). Following the arrest,
collision between two cars near may ease the pressure on export- dropped to 3.5% police recovered 55 g of cocaine, 10 grams of methamphetamine and
Kamuthi on Monday. The de- ers, the state is also diversifying 50 MDMA tablets weighing 23.5 grams from them. Preliminary
ceased were identified as Solai- its export market, and the tempo- Social sector expenditure investigation revealed the suspects are operating a synthetic drug
yappan (67), his wife Vijayalak- rary suspension of 11% cotton rose to `1,57,864 crore in distribution network from Bengaluru, with links in Chennai, Tiruppur,
shmi (60), and their son customs duty has also offered winds, TN remained resilient. the highest among major states. 2025–26 Coimbatore and other cities, under the guise of a textile-related
Solaiselvam (30), of Ramanath- some relief. The survey also pointed out Though both TN and India re- business. The police said they were using foreign-based mobile
Contributions to GSVA in
apuram. The injured have been Noting that post-pandemic re- that TN’s sustained high per- corded an average inflation rate numbers and social media apps to coordinate with associates, while
2024-25 — Primary sector:
identified as Gokila (32) wife of covery coincided with major formance has significantly con- of 5.7% from 2020-21 to 2024-25, most transactions were carried out in cash. The probe further indicated
13.4%, secondary sector:
Solaiselvam and her two policy shifts reshaping global tributed to India’s overall eco- TN ranked 10th lowest in retail local operatives procured narcotics in bulk and distributed them in
33.1%, services sector: 53.6%
children. trade, the EST said that since nomic pro g ress. Despite inflation among 18 major Indian retail quantities, targeting youth. During the operation, police also
According to sources, the February 2025, multiple rounds accounting for only 4% of In- states in 2024-25. Urban inflation TN’s FDI inflows rose to recovered incriminating materials linked to the trafficking network. The
family had travelled to their na- of US tariffs and retaliatory dia’s land area and 6% of its pop- in TN declined from 5.2% in 2023- US$3,681 million in 2024–25 police said in the last few months, nine major cases related to synthetic
tive Thummusinampatti in measures heightened trade ulation, the state contributed 24 to 2.5% in 2025-26, while rural drugs have been registered, leading to the arrest of 36 suspects. ENS
Virudhunagar on Sunday, to of- uncertainty. 9.4% to the national GDP in 2024- inflation fell from 5.8% to 2.1%. Per capita income ` 3.62
fer prayers at their family tem- While the global economy 25. Its Gross State Domestic The survey said at its present lakh in 2024–25, 1.77 times the
ple and the accident occurred grew at 3.3% in 2025, India’s Product at current prices pace of 15.98% nominal growth, national average
while they were returning back economy recorded 6.49% growth reached `31.19 lakh crore in 2024- TN is on track to cross the high- KILPAUK BRANCH
In 32 districts, per capita 703, Poonamallee High Road,
home on the Paralachchi-Arup- in 2024-25, and increased to 7.4% 25, reflecting nominal growth of income country threshold of income exceeded nat’l average Aminjikarai, Chennai – 600 029
pukottai road near Ayyanarku- in 2025-26. Despite global head- 16% and real growth of 11.2%, US$16,122 by 2034-35. Phone : 044-26641505
lam. Police said that the driver
attempted to swerve to avoid REDEMPTION NOTICE
colliding with a two-wheeler
approaching from the opposite
direction and in the process,
UNEP official to attend TN climate meet 1)[Link] Kumar N 2) Mr Balakumar N 3) [Link] Vijayakumar
4) [Link] Balakumar B Residing at [Link].28/1,8th Main Road, Kasturi
Bai Nagar,Adyar,Chennai,Tamilnadu- 600020 .
Dear Sir/Madam,
the vehicle veered into another S V K R I S H N A C H A I TA N YA @ Chennai and replicability. Re: Notice under Rule 6(2) and/or Rule 8(6) of the Security Interest (Enforcement)
Rules, 2002 of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
car, resulting in a head-on Key initiatives include the Tamil Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002).
collision. MARTIN Krause, director of the Cli- Nadu Climate Change Mission, Green Ref :-1. Demand Notice dated 07.07.2025 issued u/s 13 (2) of SARFAESI Act
2002.
The other car suffered dam- mate Change Division at the United Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wet- 2. Possession Notice dated 22.09.2025 issued u/s 13 (4) of SARFAESI Act
ages and no passengers were Nations Environment Programme lands Mission and the TN-SHORE 2002.
injured, the sources added. (UNEP), will be among the key global coastal restoration programme, each ����������������������������������������������������Kilpauk Branch, Adress at
:703, Poonamalle high Road, Aminjikarai, Chennai ����������������������������
Solaiyappan and his son, who voices participating in the Tamil Nadu designed to deliver measurable out- in exercise of the powers conferred u/s 13(2) of the SARFAESI Act 2002 (hereinafter
was driving, died on the spot Climate Summit 4.0, starting Tuesday, comes in resilience, ecological resto- refereed as “Act”) read with Rules 3 of Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules 2002
(hereinafter refereed as “Rules”) issued demand notice dated 07.07.2025 calling
due to the impact. Vijayalak- as the state showcases what it de- ration and low-carbon transition. upon you being Borrowers (s)/ Mortgagor (s) / Guarantor (s) to repay the amount
shmi, who sustained severe in- scribes as a maturing model of sub- Sessions will focus on energy transi- stated in the said demand notice within 60 days from receipt of said notice.
juries, was rushed to Madurai national climate governance. tion, coastal resilience, climate fi- And whereas you have failed to repay the amount, the undersigned in exercise of
the powers conferred u/s 13(4) of the said Act read with Rule 4 and/or Rule 8 of
Government Hospital, where Supriya Sahu, additional chief sec- nance and circular economy path- ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
she later succumbed to her in- retary, Environment, Forests and Cli- ways, while several technical reports, as the said properties) more particularly described herein below Schedule. [Copy
juries. The injured were also mate Change Department, said the including urban cooling guidelines, of Possession Notice dated 22.09.2025 is attached herewith for ready reference]
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������
rushed to Madurai GRH for fourth edition marks a consolidation district climate plans and emission as- �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
treatment. phase focused on scaling, financing sessment tools, are slated for release. the provisions of sub-section (8) of Section 13 of SARFAESI Act, 2002 in respect of
time available, to redeem the secured assets.
Therefore you all are requested to pay the dues as mentioned in possession notice
along with applicable interest, cost, charges & expenses within 30 days from receipt
MARINE TOURISM of this notice and redeem the secured asset as mentioned below. In case you fail
to pay the above mentioned dues & redeem the secured asset within 30 days from

TN’s first coral gallery to come up at

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public e-Auction by publication of e-Auction Sale notice. The date, time of e-auction
and Reserve Price of the property shall be informed to you separately.
Description of Immovable Property :
All that piece and parcel of 653/2610 [Link] undivided share of land in 2610 [Link],

Ariyaman village of Ramanathapuram

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main road, Kasthuribai Nagar, Adayar, Chennai-600020,comprised in survey no
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EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE majority of tourists leave Rameswar- virtual reality will offer curated expe- and the land being bounded on the North By: ��������������������������������������
main road, South by: �����������������������������������������������, East By :
@ Ramanathapuram am region with only a superficial un- rience including ‘Night Dive’ amid Plot No C belonging to Mr C Natarajan, Mr C Perumal and Mr C Nandan, West By :
derstanding of its rich marine habitat, bioluminescent water and dynamic Door No.2,8th main Road, Kasturibai Nagar (New T.S. No.74/1 part) And lying within
the registration district of Chennai South and Sub registration District of Adyar. As per
AS part of its initiative to develop because of the absence of dedicated predator-prey interactions featuring ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Rameswaram as a circuit for marine interpretation facilities. The gallery, species like sharks and groupers. Chennai-600020.
tourism and educate people on conver- which would come up close to the The building design will incorpo- Place : Chennai; Date : 01.12.2025 AUTHORIZED OFFICER BANK OF BARODA
sation of marine ecology, the Tamil iconic Pamban bridge, will attract rate multiple environmental safe-
Nadu forest department plans to es- tourists who pass through the region. guards. The structure will be located
tablish a state-of-the- art corallarium It will also serve as a classroom for stu- around 270 metres landward from the
(coral gallery) at Ariyaman vil- dents and researchers, while High Tide Line, placing it outside the ��� SCAN THE QR CODE TO
DOWNLOAD THE APP
lage in the district at an esti-
mated cost of `92 lakh. Ten-
opening up eco-tourism-linked
livelihood opportunities for lo-
Coastal Regulation Zone’s No Develop-
ment Zone. �������
der for the project was
floated in February 12.
cal fishing [Link]
corallarium would come up
Officials said turtle-friendly light-
ing, salt-resistant materials and pas- �������
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The project is spearhead- on 2,420 sq ft land and will sive cooling features such as a double-
ed by the Wildlife Division of house a live marine aquarium roof system would be used in the
the Gulf of Mannar Marine Na- featuring native species including construction. Traditional Athangudi
tional Park and will function as an im- clownfish, seahorses and lionfish. A tiles have also been included. Forest ���������������
mersive Marine Biodiversity Interpre- separate gallery will display ethically department sources said the project ��������
tation Centre. sourced coral specimens and marine would be completed in 180 days from
According to project documents, a skeletal forms. Augmented reality/ the day of commissioning. �����������
 India does not have a problem of people
grabbing share from a fixed pie. India is one of Arundhati
the few nations where the pie is getting bigger Bhattacharya

10 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

A
S leaders, military scholars, India’s AI Summit is a milestone in preparing for an intelligent future, early detection. Predictive tools can flag
diplomats and industry repre- communities at risk of outbreaks. Tele-
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN sentatives gather in New Delhi
where technology aids decision making, improves quality of life, medicine can extend expertise into un-
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. for the AI Summit, it should not strengthens security and ensures AI benefits the many, not just the few derserved regions, narrowing the gap

INTELLIGENCE THAT
— Ramnath Goenka be mistaken for a conclave of between urban and rural care.
coders speaking a language only Yet optimism must be balanced with
machines understand. For many caution. AI systems can be targeted by

WORKS FOR EVERY

of us, myself included, it can seem diffi- cyberattacks, data can be distorted, and

MISSING HANDSHAKE cult to grasp what will be discussed and

how it affects daily life. Yet AI is no longer
flawed inputs can produce unfair out-
comes demanding strong safeguards.

NEEDLESS DISTRACTION CITIZEN RELIABLY

confined to laboratories or technology There is also a quieter concern that
parks. It’s becoming an invisible assistant rarely enters public debate: the enormous

FROM INDIA’S MASTERY

in governance, security, disaster response, amount of electricity required to run
business and even the household. The real data centres and store the vast volumes
question is not whether India can build of information on which AI systems de-

A
CROSS three hours and change on Sunday, the Indian powerful algorithms but whether digital pend. These server farms consume sig-
intelligence can serve every citizen. nificant power and water for cooling,
cricket team displayed the traits against Pakistan that
At its simplest, AI is about experien- placing pressure on energy grids and the
have propelled them to the top of the world game in the LT GEN SYED ATA Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps;
tial learning. Just as a seasoned com- Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir environment. If AI is to support sustain-
T20I format: role clarity among their batters, gun pacers HASNAIN (RETD)
mander reads terrain or a farmer reads able development, its growth must be
and a superb collection of ultra-consistent spinners. It the sky before rain, AI studies patterns matched by cleaner energy sources and
is why, in a format where results and performances can be in large volumes of data, recognises more efficient infrastructure.
fickle, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side is on course to become trends and anticipates what may come India must therefore invest not only in
the first team to defend the World Cup they won in 2024. next. When woven into governance, it al- capability but also in resilience. Data
The one-sided dominance reflected poorly on the needless lows the State to act early. protection, cybersecurity safeguards, in-
hyper-politicisation and the associated histrionics before India generates vast streams of informa- dependent audits and ethical standards
the game. Not everything under the R Premadasa lights tion—on crops, rainfall, health, transport are essential. Public trust will determine
and markets. AI connects these fragments, success. Without confidence in fairness
was praiseworthy. At the toss, skipper Yadav continued the helping detect distress, trigger timely med- and safety, even beneficial systems will
recent status quo of not shaking hands with his opposite ical response and improve emergency re- struggle for acceptance.
number, Salman Agha. He began this at the Asia Cup in sponse time. The result is not abstract ef- The broader question is whether AI will
Dubai; this is now the fourth time the senior men’s team ficiency, but a smoother daily life. widen inequality or reduce it. If confined
has refused to subscribe to accepted sporting norms and This is where the ordinary citizen be- to elite sectors, it could deepen divides. If
etiquette. What the senior men started, others have fol- gins to see value. When shortages are an- embedded in public services, translated
lowed. Earlier this month, Ayush Mhatre, captain of the ticipated, supply chains are adjusted before into Indian languages and designed with
U19 World Cup-winning team, did not engage with Paki- shelves empty. When disease trends are de- simplicity, it can democratise opportunity.
stan’s U19 captain. There was no elaborate post-match min- tected early, clinics prepare in time. When The technology itself is neutral; outcomes
city services are monitored intelligently, depend on governance and intent.
gling between members of either side. No one is sure
breakdowns are prevented rather than re- The AI Summit in New Delhi should
whether this is an infection anyone would want to spread. paired after causing inconvenience. Intel- therefore be seen as a national conversa-
Do we even know why this step has been taken? The Board ligence becomes a shared national asset. MANDAR PARDIKAR tion about preparedness. It is about un-
of Control for Cricket in India has remained mum, and it In the security sphere, AI acts as a force derstanding how knowledge can be or-
seems unfair that Yadav must answer questions that ought to multiplier. India’s security challenges span visible impact in disaster management. In- ryday life. A farmer can receive advice ganised, analysed and applied to solve
be directed at elected Indian politicians at the highest level. If land, sea, air and cyberspace. Modern sur- dia regularly faces cyclones, floods, earth- based on soil conditions and weather problems faster and more fairly. It’s
this is official government policy, it should be stated publicly. veillance systems generate more informa- quakes and heatwaves. Early warnings al- forecasts. A student in a remote village about converting information into fore-
Yet, 20 minutes after Yadav and Agha went their sepa- tion than human teams can process quickly. ready exist, but AI refines them. By can access lessons in her own language. sight and foresight into action.
rate ways, Wasim Akram and Rohit Sharma—two of the Machine-learning systems help sift through combining satellite imagery, weather data, A local health worker can use AI-sup- Many among us remember the advent of
greatest to have played for their countries—greeted each that volume, identify unusual patterns river levels and historical records, predic- ported tools to detect disease early. Small mobile phones. They seemed expensive,
and highlight potential threats. They do not tions become more local and more reliable. businesses can forecast demand, manage unnecessary and complex. Today, they con-
other, hugged and shared a smile. At the end of last year, replace judgement; they assist it. Informa- Evacuations can be planned calmly rather inventory and grow digitally. For women nect farmers to markets, families to loved
India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar shook hands with tion mapping on geographic information than in panic. Relief resources can be po- managing households or small enterpris- ones and citizens to government services.
the Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq system maps—layer by layer—helps in sitioned before landfall. Structural vulner- es, intelligent systems can simplify budg- AI may follow a similar path. At first, it
during a ceremony in Dhaka. If it is acceptable to them, crisis prevention and management. abilities in bridges or buildings can be eting, marketing and access to govern- appears distant and technical. Gradually,
what prevents cricket teams from engaging? For the forces, this means sharper in- identified before collapse. Quiet prevention ment schemes. Knowledge once limited it becomes woven into daily routines.
Curiouser still, for revenue’s sake—exemplified by this telligence assessments and faster deci- saves more lives than dramatic rescue. by geography becomes widely available. For that reason, awareness matters. We
edition’s boycott call—one team cannot do without play- sions. Equipment can be serviced before AI also has a role in protecting social Education and skills development re- may not need to write code, but we should
ing the other in multi-nation events. Tennis players are failure because predictive systems iden- stability. Misinformation can spread rap- main central to India’s future. As indus- remain curious, informed and open. Just
often cited to legitimise the no-handshake policy, but tify stress patterns. Fire control be- idly in a connected society. AI systems tries evolve, workers must adapt. AI can as India embraced digital payments and
comes more precise through simulation can detect unusual spikes in coordinated track employment trends and suggest mobile connectivity, we must be ready to
there is a difference: they are independent contractors
and learning. Logistics can be stream- messaging, alert authorities and enable training pathways. Learning platforms understand and adapt to intelligent sys-
first. In a team sport, cricketers represent a country. This lined. Yet one principle must remain timely clarification. The objective is not can adjust to pace and aptitude, ensuring tems. AI is not a spectacle for specialists.
policy does not seem to represent one. clear: machines support, but humans censorship but preparedness. In a diverse that those displaced by technological It’s a tool whose value will be measured by
decide. Ethical oversight and human re- democracy, preventing avoidable tension change are not left behind. how effectively it improves ordinary lives.

SAVE CHILD NUTRITION

sponsibility cannot be delegated. is itself a form of national strength. Healthcare offers a similar promise. (Views are personal)
Beyond security, AI may have its most The transformation extends into eve- Diagnostic systems can assist doctors in (atahasnain@[Link])

FROM CASTE PREJUDICE

I FROM TALENT SOURCE TO STUDY HUB

N Nuagaon village of Odisha’s Kendrapara district,
Sarmista Sethi’s forlorn figure at the anganwadi centre,
ready to cook a meal but with no child willing to eat it, will
remain a lasting image of the deeply entrenched caste AI ambition

F
prejudice prevalent in India. For about three months, the OR decades, the story of In- Ref: AI Summit (Feb 16). India’s
23-year-old Dalit woman waited for students to turn up, but dian higher education has real opportunity lies in proving that
barring a couple, the rest from upper-caste families gave the been shaped as much by what technological leadership can be ethical,
classes a miss. The social boycott began when she was ap- happens beyond the country’s inclusive and grounded in public good.
pointed cook in November last year. Villagers protested, borders as by what unfolds JOHN J KENNEDY Former Professor and Dean,
However, ambition without responsibility
within its classrooms. Study- would be a costly mistake. Leadership in
notwithstanding her merit, and asked her not to cook. When Christ (Deemed) University, Bengaluru
ing abroad has come to sym- AI will not come from hosting top global
she stuck to her ground, the village committee instructed bolise aspiration, mobility and success, executives alone, but from investing in
families to stop sending their children. Her pleadings fell often accompanied by immense family and migration opportunities. pacity and workforce participation. In- sovereign computing power, strong data
on deaf ears as pregnant and lactating women also did not sacrifice. From middle-class house- India, by contrast, has struggled to ternational students also bring cultural governance and open innovation.
show up. The matter caught the attention of the media and holds stretching finances to pay over- present a compelling global proposition. and intellectual exchange that enriches Aditya Kamble, email
even Parliament, but the villagers initially did not budge. seas tuition to record-breaking visa Its internationally ranked universities academic ecosystems. India’s failure to
It all appears too commonplace, with such discrimination numbers, sending children abroad has remain limited in number and concen- attract such students at scale means for- Freebie losses
dotting the social landscape—from ostracisation in villages become a benchmark of educational trated in elite clusters. Curriculums of- feiting these benefits while reinforcing Ref: DMK seeks to turn cash aid into election
to discrimination in elite educational institution campuses; achievement. However, this outward ten do not align smoothly with interna- its image as a source of talent rather edge (Feb 16). The freebie culture has
from workplaces to reservations in jobs. Even Constitution- flow masks an uncomfortable reality: tional credit systems or interdisciplinary than a destination for learning. become deeply entrenched in India’s politics.
while India is one of the world’s largest frameworks. Institutional processes can Let’s also not forget the deeper cost It’s an open secret that it is executed to
al guarantees have not made much cut. So deep-rooted is the
exporters of students, it remains a be painfully slow and even fragmented. that we are forced to pay because of this serve ulterior motives of the government of
caste hierarchy that it has left in its trail violence, oppres- weak magnet for global talent. lacuna. Ironically, that is something not the day. In no uncertain terms it’s crowding
sion and economic deprivation. Turn a newspaper page or A close look at the numbers reveals that many wish to talk about. Campuses that out resources for essential infrastructure.
switch on a TV channel, and one story or the other pops up. this imbalance is not just stark but also remain largely inward-looking risk in- Aanya Singhal, Noida
In Uttarakhand, a similar episode took place and even ended persistent. According to the latest Niti tellectual insularity, especially at a time
in reverse ostracisation by the Dalit community. Notwith- Aayog report, for every international stu- when knowledge production is increas- Dhaka’s move
standing this history of discrimination, affirmative action dent who chose to study in India in 2021, ingly global. Today, exposure to diverse Ref: New dawn in Bangladesh (Feb 16).
has helped. In Kendrapara, the district administration and around 25 Indian students went abroad. perspectives, academic cultures and re- A semblance of stability is perceptible
the Odisha State Commission for Women ended Sethi’s or- That year alone, outbound numbers search practices is no longer optional; in Bangladesh with the restoration of
climbed to 11.5 lakh, while inbound enrol- it’s central to competitiveness. And, democracy albeit after almost two years
deal through awareness camps and street plays. Residents
ments hovered at 45-50,000. In fact, stu- without international students, Indian of political imbroglio. But stability’s
were reminded that their discriminatory approach had dent mobility data between 2016 and 2022 universities will struggle to fully inte- sustenance hinges on efficiency and political
brought the village a bad name. Kendrapara MP Baijayant shows little structural change in incom- grate into global academic networks. pragmatism to be displayed by the new PM.
AFP

‘Jay’ Panda shared a meal cooked by her as a gesture. ing numbers, even as outbound figures Of course, none of this is irrevocable. Venkat Desikan, Chennai
However, the administration’s subtle yet stern stance on steadily increased. In 2019, for instance, a There is a troubling imbalance India has the scale, linguistic accessi-
legal action eventually resolved the issue. The incident dem- relatively normal pre-pandemic year, 6.75 clouding India’s pitch for a bility and intellectual resources to Kalidasa’s contributions
onstrates how caste can impede access to nutrition for dis- lakh Indian students left to study over- compelling higher education reposition itself as a higher education Ref: Ujjain’s gems of genius (Feb 16).
advantaged children. The anganwadi exists to feed and sup- seas, while only slightly above 47,000 in- hub. Recent policy reforms, including Kalidasa’s extraordinary mastery of Sanskrit
ternational students arrived in India. destination. While India has the those linked to the National Education is characterised by unparalleled simile,
port those who need it most. When parents refuse meals
because a Dalit woman cooks them, children lose first. So- It’s a troubling paradox. India’s place scale and intellectual resources, Policy and opening up to foreign uni- elegant simplicity and vivid imagery. His
in the global education landscape clear- global branding largely remains versities to operate in India, point in iconic works like Kumarasambhavam ,
cial rigidity undermines efforts to deliver free nutrition and
ly exposes the imbalance. For all its pop- the right direction. Projections suggest Raguvamsam and Meghadootham represent
expand public employment for women from disadvantaged absent. Policy clarity is required
ulation size, English-language advan- that with sustained and coordinated re- the pinnacle of Sanskrit literature blending
communities. Caste-based prejudice remains a blot on In- tage and academic heritage, the country to view international students forms, India can attract 3-11 lakh inter- divine and human elements seamlessly.
dia’s socio-economic progress and must be fought with attracts under one percent of the world’s not just as an afterthought national students by 2047. But incre- R Pichumani, email
strong administrative action and wider conversation. internationally mobile students. Quite mental change will not be enough.
worryingly, this places India far behind The result is obvious. Global branding Internationalisation demands strategic T&C loopholes
major destinations such as the US, the remains weak, with Indian universities investment in infrastructure, regula- Ref: RBI reins in mis-selling (Feb 16). It’s
Q U I C K TA K E
UK, Australia and China. These coun- largely absent from international recruit- tory clarity, curriculum innovation and well nigh impossible to prove deceptive
tries fare much better, not simply be- ment platforms. To make things worse, global outreach. It requires treating in- selling of financial products. Banks hand
IN HOT WATER cause they have strong universities, but student support systems such as housing, ternational students not as an after- over a voluminous booklet with terms and
also because they have coherent strate- career counselling and integration serv- thought but as an integral part of the conditions, which acts as an escape route.

A
passenger’s recent social media post went viral. On an gies that actively position higher educa- ices are uneven and underdeveloped in future of Indian higher education. Though their sales pitches could hide many
Indian airline flight, he asked for piping hot water to tion as a global service sector. most institutions. Above all, internation- In short, in an era of global talent mo- aspects, there is a need for integrity and
soothe a sore throat. The crew politely refused, citing Besides, the destinations Indian stu- alisation has rarely been treated as a cen- bility, India cannot afford to remain in- customer-centric approach.
policy. When he asked how tea was served, there were dents are choosing are revealing. They tral mission—often remaining peripher- ward-looking. Either the country contin- Rajarao Kumar, Bengaluru
blank faces. Ironically, the same boiling water was accept- are concentrated in a small group of al, symbolic or episodic. ues to excel at exporting students while
countries, led by Canada and the US, The consequences of this imbalance remaining largely invisible on the global Neighbourly respect
able when sold as tea. This reminds one of a foreign airline
followed by the UK, Australia and Ger- are not merely symbolic. Every Indian student map, or it commits to building Ref: Om Birla to attend B’desh oath
that abruptly banned cabin crew from using hot water bot-
many. This points to a clear pattern. student studying abroad represents a universities that attract learners from ceremony (Feb 16). India’s representation
tles on long flights for safety reasons last December. After Students are not simply chasing aca- financial outflow of tuition fees, living around the world. How India responds reflects the importance of strong
protests, the rule was withdrawn. Nothing shows the ab- demic prestige; they are responding to expenses and long-term economic con- will shape not only its education system neighbourly ties without compromising on
surdity of rules like turning a cup of boiling water into a education systems that offer interna- tributions. Host countries gain not only but also its place in the global knowledge democratic and sovereign ethos. Continued
sky-high safety menace. Safety is important, but so are tional recognition, predictable aca- in revenue but also through greater economy for decades to come. engagement will further deepen ties.
customer comfort and plain common sense. demic pathways, and post-study work campus diversity, stronger research ca- (Views are personal) Ashwini Narware, Dhenkanal

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia Editor: Santwana Bhattacharya
Resident Editor (Tamil Nadu): Anto T Joseph * Printed and Published by N Gopalan on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., at Express Press, ‘Express Gardens’, 29, Second Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai - 600 058. Chennai: Vol. 96, No. 40. RNI Reg. No. TNENG/ 1002/57.
Phone: 044-23457601, Fax: 044-23457619. * Responsible to decide the matter under the PRP Act. Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.
 Jairam Ramesh @Jairam_Ramesh Aaditya Thackeray @AUThackeray Kiren Rijiju @KirenRijiju
POSTS
OF THE The Commerce Minister has been persistently and con- Which sensible, forward looking government indulges During heavy snow we must prepared for any situa-
sistently misleading the country on the impacts of the in plastering any modern day global city which shabby tion. Personnel of BRO are forever alert for continuous
DAY US-India trade deal on lakhs of farmers. hoardings to welcome leaders of other countries? movement of Defence Forces and Civilians.

11 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

‘5th-gen fighter imports not the answer’ India to firm up def ties
Instead focus should be on weapons delivery range and effectiveness, says Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd) during Modi’s two-day
visit to Israel next week
T
HE Indian Air Force, which wards 2.5% is a reasonable ob- By the time additional aircraft receive 88 single-seat
secured air superiority jective, but such an increase are inducted, the platform is fighters and 26 twin-seat
during Operation Sindoor, needs to be gradual. The pace expected to be in the more ad- trainers. Is this proportion
is at the centre of renewed of budgetary expansion has to vanced F5 configuration, com- of trainers unusually high? JAVA R I A R A N A @ New Delhi
debate over air power, mod- be matched with the capacity pared to the F3 variant current- The numbers must be viewed
ernisation and future capabili- of the Indian defence industry ly in service, representing a in the context of fleet expan- PRIME Minister Narendra
ty needs. Air Vice Marshal to absorb and utilise the alloca- significant enhancement in sion. With two Rafale squad- Modi will visit Israel from Feb-
Anil Golani (Retd), who raised tion effectively. Sustained and overall capability. rons already in service and 114 ruary 25 on a two-day state vis-
and commanded the IAF’s first predictable increases, rather more planned, the fleet could it, during which the two coun-
Harpy squadron, served at the than sharp spikes, are must to There is an ongoing debate grow to around eight squad- tries expected to discuss
Strategic Forces Command, and ensure procurement pipelines, on Rafale acquisitions rons. Typically, each squadron defence cooperation, technolo-
now leads CAPSS, speaks to production capacities and ca- curbing indigenisation. fields three to four twin-seat gy partnerships and regional
Javaria Rana on lessons from pability development progress Your comment. aircraft for training and con- developments in West Asia.
Israel’s largest defence
the conflict, fighter acquisi- in a balanced manner. This debate often presents a version. Importantly, twin-seat Israel Prime Minister Ben-
customer for years
tions, and indigenous capabili- false binary between imports Rafales are fully combat-capa- jamin Netanyahu made the an- According to data from the
ties. Excerpts: Pakistan is reportedly set and indigenisation. Indigenous ble, providing both training nouncement while addressing Stockholm International Peace
to induct the Chinese programmes such as Tejas and depth and added operational the Conference of Presidents Research Institute, India has been
What are the lessons for the fifth-generation J-35 soon. AMCA remain flexibility as the of Major American Jewish Or- Israel’s largest defence customer
IAF from Op Sindoor? Do you think India needs to central to long- fleet expands. ganisations on Sunday, saying, for several years, accounting for
Operation Sindoor, along with import a fifth-generation ter m self-reli- “Parliament address on the an- about 34% of Israel’s total arms
other recent conflicts such as fighter as a stop-gap to deal ance, but they Despite an or- vil. Who’s coming here next exports between 2020 and 2024.
Operation Midnight Hammer with a two-front challenge? operate on long- der for 180 Te- week? Narendra Modi”. He de-
and Operation Rising Lion, has I don’t think so, especially with er development jas Mk1A air- scribed India as an “enormous- Foreign Minister Varsen
reinforced the centrality of air the AMCA already under devel- IAF’s current force levels and timelines. In the craft, HAL is ly powerful” country with Aghabekian Shahin participat-
power in contemporary war- opment. In contemporary war- the phased retirement of lega- interim, acqui- yet to begin which Israel shares a “tremen- ed and hailed India’s position
fare. Beyond-visual-range fare, the platform alone is no cy platforms over the coming sitions like Rafale help sustain deliveries. What is causing dous alliance”. in West Asia.
(BVR) engagements and non- longer decisive. Increasingly, years. The IAF’s fighter squad- operational capability while the delay? The visit comes at a time The visit will be Modi’s first
contact operations are increas- what matters is the range and ron strength is cur rently domestic programmes mature. The primary issue concerns in- when New Delhi is engaging visit to Israel since July 2017,
ingly emerging as decisive fac- effectiveness of weapons deliv- around 29 against a sanctioned The issue is how such acquisi- tegration and compliance with multiple stakeholders in West when he became the first Indi-
tors. There is a need for ery and strength of networked strength of 42.5, making the in- tions are structured. In this stipulated Air Staff Qualitative Asia amid ongoing regional an PM to travel to the country,
sustained investment in elec- operations. The traditional lin- duction of MRFA necessary to case, 96 of 114 aircraft are ex- Requirements (ASQRs). The tensions. India has not yet pub- elevating ties to a strategic
tronic warfare and intelligence, ear kill chain has evolved into sustain operational capability. pected to be manufactured in initial Mk1A batches, fitted licly responded to the US Presi- partnership and expanding co-
surveillance and reconnais- a broader “kill web”, where Inducting more Rafales also of- India with an estimated 50-60% with the Israeli ELM-2052 ra- dent Donald Trump’s invita- operation in defence, agricul-
sance (ISR) capabilities to sensors, shooters and data net- fers operational and logistical indigenous content, alongside dar, have encountered integra- tion to join the proposed Board ture, innovation and technolo-
maintain operational control. works function in an integrated advantages, as the IAF already greater localisation. Also, ac- tion challenges involving weap- of Peace for Gaza, but the issue gy. Netanyahu paid the return
framework, making overall net- operates the platform, ensur- cess to source codes for inte- ons and onboard sensors, is expected to figure in discus- visit to India in January 2018,
What do you think about work integration more critical ing commonality in training, grating indigenous weapons including the Astra Mk1 BVR sions with both Israeli and further widening engagement
the current defence budget than the platform itself. maintenance and weapons sys- such as the Astra BVR missile missile. HAL must ensure all Arab leaderships. across security, economic and
allocation? tems while reducing lifecycle and BrahMos-NG is likely, SQRs are fully met before deliv- Earlier, India stepped up out- technological sectors.
It has seen a significant in- How important is acquisi- costs. It provides a relatively which would provide greater eries commence, as capability reach to the Arab world, host- Defence ties remain a central
crease of around 15% and at tion of 114 Rafale aircraft? quick capability enhancement operational flexibility. gaps at induction create long- ing the second India-Arab For- to ties. According to data, India
present remains in the range of The acquisition needs to be even as indig enous pro- term operational and mainte- eign Ministers’ meeting last has been Israel’s largest defence
1.9% to 2% of GDP. Moving to- viewed in the context of the grammes continue to mature. The IAF is expected to nance difficulties. month, in which Palestinian customer for several years.

Terrorism, insurgency to be wiped ‘Disturbing’: SC junks pleas on Himanta

out of J&K, Northeast by ’29: Shah Notice to Centre S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y
@ New Delhi
ALSO IN TOP COURT

M U K E S H R A N JA N @ New Delhi gent groups and more than THE Supreme Court on Mon-
SC rejects plea against
‘logical discrepancy’
UPSC given 1 wk to file
compliance affidavit
on personal data
UNION Home Minister Amit
10,000 youths have surrendered
their arms and joined the main-
day refused to entertain a batch
of petitions filed by CPI and The Supreme Court on
Monday declined to entertain
The Supreme Court on
Monday granted a week to the
protection act
Shah on Monday said terrorism stream. Referring to the abroga- CPM leaders against Assam
and insurgency would be com- tion of special status granted to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over a plea challenging the ‘logical UPSC to file its compliance E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ New Delhi
pletely eradicated from Jammu Jammu & Kashmir under Arti- a viral video showing him tak- discrepancy’ category in the affidavit on the proposed plan
& Kashmir and the North-East cle 370, Shah said the security ing aim and firing a gun at SIR of electoral rolls in West of action, timeline and THE Supreme Court on Mon-
by 2029. He also reiterated the situation in the Union Territory members of a par ticular Bengal. A bench of Chief modalities for the day sought the Centre’s reply
government’s target of freeing is improving. “Now I can assure community. Justice Surya Kant and deployment and use of on a batch of pleas challenging
the country from Maoist vio- the countrymen that J&K and “Sorry, we are not passing Justices Joymalya Bagchi screen-reader software the constitutional validity of
Drug-free India also in focus and Vipul Pancholi for visually-impaired
lence by March 31, 2026. North-East would be free of vio- any order on the plea,” said a several provisions of the Dig-
Speaking as the chief guest Shah also said the government’s lence by 2029,” he said. three-judge bench of Chief Jus- also questioned candidates in ital Personal Data Protection
at the 79th foundation day event priorities include building a “drug- Praising the Delhi Police, tice Surya Kant and Justices the petitioner for examinations (DPDP) Act, 2023, as the matter
of the Delhi Police in New Del- free India”, eliminating cyber- Shah said the force has protect- Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M approaching the apex conducted by the pertained to “complex and sen-
hi, Shah announced ten new terrorism and breaking organised ed the country on several occa- Pancholi. court under Article 32. commission. sitive issues”.
initiatives, including a “Safe crime networks. He said Special sions. “They successfully han- Refusing to pass any order, A three-judge bench noted
City” project for the city. Cell of Delhi Police is monitoring d l e d c o m p l e x c a s e s l i ke the top court asked the petition- that the new legislative frame-
As part of the project, the gangsters who fled abroad. Parliament attack and recent ers to approach the Gauhati work required a fresh and deep-
Delhi Police Special Cell’s inte- bomb blast near Red Fort”. High Court. It also asked the members of a particular com- while hearing the plea had said, er examination.
grated headquarters will play ing added to strengthen public On the introduction of three Chief Justice of the Gauhati munity. The SC on that day had “The problem is, as soon as While agreeing to examine
an important role in counter- safety,” the minister said. new criminal laws, the minis- High Court to expedite the agreed to consider listing the elections come, part of the elec- the legal complexities of the
terror operations. “Around 2,100 Shah said that before 2014, In- ter said the government aims to hearing in the matter. plea seeking action against tion is fought in the SC. That is Act, the court, however, refused
AI-enabled cameras will soon dia’s internal security faced se- modernise India’s criminal jus- On February 10, lawyer Ni- Sarma at the members of a par- the problem.” to grant an interim stay on the
become operational. These will rious challenges, especially in tice system and increase con- zam Pasha mentioned the plea ticular community. The petition objected to a pub- impugned provisions, and di-
be part of a larger network of Jammu & Kashmir, the North- viction rate to 75 to 80%. “States in the case before the apex Lawyer Pasha had submitted lic speech of Sarma on January rected that the petitions be
10,000 cameras under the Safe East and Maoist-affected areas. like Assam, Haryana and Gu- court seeking action against that the court should hear the 27 as well as a video shared on placed before a larger bench.
City project. In addition, 15,000 He added that in the North-East, jarat have already recorded Sarma over the viral video al- matter urgently, as disturbing BJP Assam unit’s X handle. The The petitioners argued that
cameras that have already been nearly 20 peace agreements conviction rate increases of legedly showing him taking speeches were made by Sarma video of Sarma was taken down the new data regime severely
installed across the city are be- have been signed with insur- over 20 percent,” he informed. aim and firing with a rifle at against a community. CJI Kant, following backlash. dilutes the RTI Act.

AI SUMMIT

Centre mulls giving PHOTO: SHEKHAR YADAV

AI-enabled multilingual tool via

access to AI to students mobile phones for farmers soon
in govt medical colleges R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ New Delhi to operate round the clock, en-
suring uninterrupted access to
AMID growing reliance on ar- information. An AI assistant
K AV I TA BA J E L I - DAT T ing to scale up the initiative in tificial intelligence for creative named Bharati has been inte-
@ New Delhi a gradual manner, he added. and collaborative support grated into Bharat-VISTAAR,
“We are in the pipeline to across sectors, the Centre is set and a dedicated helpline number
THE centre is considering pro- also include the private medi- to launch Bharat-VISTAAR has been made operational.
viding access to e-books and AI cal colleges later on. But since (Virtually Integrated System to The system has been
resources to medical students the budget is coming from the Access Agricultural Resources) According to official sources, equipped with comprehensive
to help them hone their skills, government, we are right now on Tuesday. Bharat-VISTAAR will deliver information relating to ten ma-
a senior Union Health ministry concentrating only on the gov- UK TO LAUNCH THREE NEW INT’L AI INITIATIVES The AI-enabled multilingual guidelines, advisory tips and jor flagship Central govern-
official said here Monday. ernment institutions,” he said. tool has been designed to pro- essential updates, including ment schemes, including PM-
In the first phase, around 57 Building campuses and infra- The UK will use this week’s India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New vide farmers with information weather forecasts and the cur- KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal
government medical colleges in structure is very easy, but build- Delhi to launch three new international AI initiatives, in a bid to in their own languages, acces- rent market situation for agri- Bima Yojana, the Soil Health
smaller towns and rural areas ing up the knowledge material positioning the country at the forefront of efforts to ensure sible via mobile phones or even cultural produce. Card scheme and the Kisan
will be covered, that takes time, he developing countries benefit from the AI revolution. Backed by £58 through a simple phone call. The system will be launched Credit Card scheme.
said B Srinivas, added. million funds through the AI for Development (AI4D) programme, Powered by advanced AI, the by Union Agriculture Minister Union Finance Minister Nir-
Deputy Director The panelists in first launched at the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, the UK, in platform aims to offer practical Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Ra- mala Sitharaman had an-
General (Medical t h e s e s s i o n fo - 2023, the projects will be delivered in partnership with Canada. solutions to farmers’ agricul- jasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma. nounced the initiative in her
Education) at the cussed on how re- tural concerns. The platform has been designed Budget speech for 2026–27.
AI Impact Summit. sponsible AI can
He added that stu- advance health eq-
dents from medical
colleges in remote areas find it
challenging to access e-books
and good technical materials,
uity by improving
access to trusted medical
knowledge, clinical decision
s u p p o r t , a n d wo rk f o r c e
51 startups to showcase AI innovations at WAVES corner
including this AI material. capacity. PA R V E Z S U LTA N @ New Delhi these start-ups have displayed Setu and The Director’s Chair, multilingual voice technolo- present Kathavatar, a curated
“So the government is think- The speakers also deliberated tools for immersive storytell- an AI podcast studio, conversa- gies, gaming innovation, con- showcase of five Made-in-India
ing of using the leverage of AI on bringing together policymak- OVER 50 Indian start-ups oper- ing, gaming, virtual produc- tional humanoid robots, and tent monetisation and respon- AI short films inspired by Indi-
to reach out to these students ... ers, healthcare leaders, clini- ating in the animation, extend- tion, and next-gen content tech- voice cloning. sible AI frameworks. The an folklore. The films—Lan-
in the National Medical Library cians, and industry experts with ed reality and media tech space nologies, all centering around The ministry’s pavil- pavilion also includes a guage of Birds, Migoi, Uttaray-
we have started the process of a focus on trust, transparency, are showcasing AI-powered in- artificial intelligence. ion also features panels, masterclass by filmmak- an, The Barber’s Secret and
securing the e-books and the and governance in health AI. novations at the India AI Im- These innovations include masterclasses, and tech- er Shekhar Kapur on AI- Yappasauras—will be screened
digital clinical material, and we The panel also explored how pact Expo 2026, which is being zero-touch autonomous news- nology showcases ex- powered storytelling. throughout the summit at the
are doing it right now in around evidence-based, explainable AI held in New Delhi. At the room, Bhasha Wall with multi- ploring AI’s transforma- Officials said the min- AI Theatre within WAVES Cre-
57 government medical colleges systems can be deployed safely WAVES Creators Corner in the lingual dubbing and AI sign tive impact on media and istry has collaborated with ators Corner.” The added that a
across the country,” Srinivas and at scale to strengthen pavilion set by the Ministry of language avatars, interactive entertainment, including AI- Adobe. They said, “As part of new generation of Indian film-
said. The government is look- health systems. Information and Broadcasting, experiences, such as Samvad driven production workflows, the collaboration, Adobe will makers will be highlighted.
 INDIA Max Min Max Min

1
Ahmedabad 32 18 Mumbai 29 23
DOG MENACE Bhopal 30 18 Panaji 31 22
The Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission Jaipur 29 16 Patna 28 14
Amritsar 25 12 Lucknow 28 13
has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that a Chennai 28 22 Port Blair 29 27
stray dog attacked and bit an Israeli woman MAULED TO DEATH BY Kolkata 29 17 Imphal 27 11
passenger at Jaipur International Airport. WOMAN LIONESS IN GUJARAT Srinagar 11 01 Chandigarh 26 12

12 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� �

Bhagwat call to work Long queues of

jobless youth at
EC suspends 7 Bengal
officials working on SIR
for larger Hindu society camps to dole
out Didi sops for ‘serious misconduct’
Says Sangh speaks for community as every Indian connected to it S U B H E N D U M A I T I @ Kolkata M U K E S H R A N JA N & S U B H E N D U M A I T I RANCHI
N A M I TA BA J PA I @ Lucknow THOUSANDS of unemployed
@ New Delhi/Kolkata
DIARY
youths have been lining up at THE Election Commission has ordered the im-
EXHORTING people to build a camps to register their names mediate suspension of seven officials of the MUKESH RANJAN
strong and united Hindu soci- under ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ West Bengal government at the level of Assist- Our correspondent
ety, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat scheme, launched by the Mama- ant Electoral Registration Officer (AEROs) for in Jharkhand
on Monday stressed that those ta Banerjee-led Trinamool Con- “serious misconduct, dereliction of duty and mukesh.r@[Link]
who have forgotten their iden- gress government in West Ben- misuse of statutory powers” in connection with
tity should be reminded that gal for a monthly aid of `1,500, the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in the state.
they are Hindus. reflecting the gravity of the un- The commission has also directed West Ben- Separate public toilets
“The Sangh speaks for the employment crisis. Using its powers,
gal chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty to en- for trans in Ramgarh
Hindu community because eve- The camps, which have been the EC has sure that disciplinary proceedings are initiated
In a first in Jharkhand, separate
ry person living in this country open in all 294 Assembly con- placed under against them. Booth-level and electoral registra-
public toilets have been constructed
is connected to it,” the RSS stituencies in Bengal since suspension tion officers and their assistants are state gov-
for the transgenders in Ramgarh.
chief pointed out while speak- Sunday, will also accept new ap- seven officials in ernment employees, who work on deputation for
West Bengal The district administration has taken
ing at a social harmony meet- plications for other welfare the EC to undertake intensive updation of the
with immediate this step to prevent discrimination
ing on completion of 100 years schemes of the state govern- voters’ list and assist in the conduct of polls.
effect against members of the transgender
of RSS in Gorakhpur. ment for women and farmers. “Using its powers under Section 13CC of the
community. These public restrooms
Bhagwat is on a three-day Hindu an adjective describing a way of life: RSS chief All camps, starting from Kak- EC official Representation of the People Act of 1950, the EC
were inaugurated at the Ramgarh
visit to the eastern UP district. dwip in remote southern part has placed under suspension seven officials in
Explaining why the Sangh speaks of Hindu society, RSS chief Mohan District Collector’s Office Park, Sadar
While referring to the existing of West Bengal to Kalimpong in West Bengal with immediate effect,” said an offi-
Bhagwat noted that the term refers to a cultural identity rather than Hospital, and the bus stand. Toilets
caste system, Bhagwat said: Darjeeling in extreme north- cial of the EC. Officials said the authority has di-
“We are concerned about our
just a narrow religious label. “It is a civilisational description of people
ern part of the state, have been
Officers’ rected state Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravar-
can be used by paying Rs 5 rupees
caste which is good but we
who believe in harmony, coexistence and respect for diverse paths
flooded with applications by
role in list ty that disciplinary proceedings to be initiated
and one will have to Rs10 to take
should remember that we be-
leading to a common goal,” he said, while adding that Hindu is “not
PhD scholars and those have
updation against these officials by their respective cadre
bath. According to Ramgarh DC Faiz
merely a noun but an adjective describing a way of life.” Ak Ahmed Mumtaz, the
long to a larger society. There cleared the Madhyamik Exam, Booth-level controlling authorities immediately. This comes
administration is committed to
is complete freedom in Hindu among others. and electoral days after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh
provide the transgender community
society.” “If the nation thrives, said the RSS chief on the sec- Hindu is “not merely a noun An applicant told this paper, registration Kumar and the election commissioners held a vir-
with a dignified life, equal
we thrive. Society is responsi- ond day of his visit. Working but an adjective describing a “There is no scope for jobs in officers and tual meeting with district election officers in West
opportunities, social security and
ble, and the Sangh assists,” he for others, not for personal way of life.” Bengal, and we rush to the their assistants Bengal and other officials on Friday.
self-reliance.
added. Bhagwat stated that gain, is the essence of Indian He stressed that India was a camps to our names registered are state The EC has issued a series of instructions to
Hindu society believed in the culture. Recognising this truth “dharma-pran” nation where for a paltry sum of `1,500 every government the state government, including for the registra-
validity of different paths. brings eternal joy,” he averred. ethical conduct formed the core month under the scheme. We employees, tion of FIRs over if fictitious voter names are
While paths may differ, the goal Explaining why the Sangh of social life, shaped by inter- couldn’t have waited in the line who work on found in the electoral rolls or in case of data se-
remains the same, he added. speaks of Hindu society, Bhag- generational values. The RSS, if we had job opportunities.” deputation for curity breach. The poll panel has also sum-
The RSS chief said that a so- wat said the term refers to a he said, aimed at organising so- Around 13 lakh people have the EC to moned Chakravorty to New Delhi over non-com-
ciety that followed this princi- cultural identity rather than a ciety on the basis of tolerance, already submitted applications undertake pliance with the its orders. The EC has set a
ple was truly Hindu. He added narrow religious label. “It is a coordination and selflessness. for the scheme under which intensive February 17 deadline for compliance.
that the name ‘Hindu’ was civilisational description of Calling India a spirituality- jobless residents in the age updation of Meanwhile, the suspension of AEROs has
linked with India, and through people who believe in harmony, oriented nation, the RSS chief group of 21 to 40 years would be the voters’ list prompted a section of West Bengal Civil Service
this identity, Sanatan (eternal) coexistence and respect for di- said that values and customs in provided with the monthly al- and assist in cadres in the state to believe that the state secre-
consciousness would awaken. verse paths leading to a com- India were cultivated genera- lowance of `1,500 for a maxi- the conduct of tariat Nabanna might have given a verbal clear-
“We must fulfil our purpose,” mon goal,” he said, adding that tion after generation. mum period of five years. polls ance to the EC to take the drastic step.

Rahul steps in
to douse Assam
Oppn ups ante as black Pahalgam attack victim’s Govt steps up fight

box of aircraft carrying

against land grabbing

daughter awaits Maha job...

To prevent land grabbing by land
Cong unit fire mafia, the state government has

P R A SA N TA M A Z U M DA R @ Guwahati
Ajit Pawar in bad shape formed a state-level committee
under the chairmanship of
Additional Chief Secretary Mast Ram

HOURS after resigning from S U D H I R S U RYAWA N S H I @ Mumbai doubts, Rohit said.

S U D H I R S U RYAWA N S H I @ Mumbai
... 14 tourist spots Meena, which will study the laws
and circulars applicable to land
the Congress and holding dis-
cussions with party leaders, in-
cluding Rahul Gandhi, the par-
THE black box from the plane
crash in Baramati on January
“There is no credible progress
in the probe, also. Whether this
delay has been happening to
FOR young Asavari Jagdale, life
has been anything but smooth
since April 22, 2025, when her
closed after April grabbing in other states and submit
a report to the government.

attack now open

According to government sources,
ty’s ex-Assam president Bhupen 28, which killed Maharashtra save the VSR firm that provided father, Santosh Jandgale, a resi- the panel will also explore provisions
Kumar Borah sought time to DyCM Ajit Pawar has been the plane service or to destroy dent of Pune, was killed in Pa- that can be added to prevent such
reconsider their request on found to be in poor condition. the evidence is yet to be ascer- halgam terror attack. cases. If necessary, it will also
withdrawing resignation. This damage is making it tained. There must be some big The promise of a government FAYA Z WA N I @ Srinagar suggest the enactment of new laws,
At the time of going to press, tough for the probe agencies to names that are protecting this job made by top leadership of they said. The committee will also
it was he was expected to make retrieve data that could be cru- firm. However, we will continue Maharashtra initially gave her TEN days after Union Home review the SOP proposed by a
his “family’s decision” known cial for the probe. According to to work to get the final details some solace, but after these 10 Minister Amit Shah reviewed previously constituted departmental
to the party leadership by Mon- sources, the black box compris- and facts about the crash,” Ro- months that hope now seems to J&K security at a high-level committee. This process will also be
day night or Tuesday morning. es the Flight Data Re- hit Pawar said. be a distant dream. During this Asavari with her father, who was killed meeting in Jammu, Lieutenant- reviewed.
Earlier in the day, he had sub- corder and Cockpit NCP MLC Amol period, all Asavari has been do- in Pahalgam terrorist attack | EXPRESS Governor Manoj Sinha on Mon-
mitted his resignation letter to Vo i c e R e c o r d e r s , Mitkari, who was close ing is running from pillar to day announced reopening of 14
the central leadership, sending which are crucial for to Ajit Pawar, has been post to get her files cleared in Corporation (PMC) office and tourist spots shut after the Pa- Family refuses migrant’s
the party into a tizzy ahead of investigating the crash raising several ques- the corridors of power. met the commissioner. He halgram attack. The move is
the Assembly elections expect- by reconstructing the tions over the accident Santosh Jandgale, a resident checked the availability of the likely to boost tourist inflow. body over pending relief
ed in April. The party’s Assam final moments of the of his party leader. He of Pune, along with ten other job and noted that grade II posts Out of the 14 tourist spots be- Family members of 27-year-old Vijay
in-charge, Jitendra Singh, and flight, capturing the said that the black box people from Maharashtra, was are vacant and that they are ing reopened, 11 are in Kash- Kumar Mahto, who was fatally
several other party leaders, in- technical data and is burned out, so there killed in the terror attack. suitable for my education also. mir and three in Jammu. The caught in a crossfire between police
cluding state president Gaurav crew conversations. are difficulties in re- According to Asavari, Union Then, PMC sent my file to Man- 11 tourist spots thrown open in and criminals in Saudi Arabia on
Gogoi, rushed to his house to NCP (SP) MLA Rohit covering the data. He Minister Amit Shah himself tralaya for final approval in the Valley are Yousmarg and October 15 last year, have refused to
try and persuade him to with- Pawar said that since said that the foreign had met her and her family and April 2025. It has been ten Doodhpathri in central Kash- receive his body. Officials say they
draw his resignation. the black box turned out to be in country experts’ help will be promised to extend all possible months, but we are clueless mir’s Budgam, Dandipora Park are demanding compensation from
Briefing the media, he said, a bad shape, it may not help the sought to recover the data from help, including a government where our file is,” she added. in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dub- the private company where he used
“My old colleagues and central probe agencies to fetch the de- the burnt black box, and that job, bravery award and a memo- Asavari said they later sought jan & Padpawan in south Kash- to work in the Arab country. Since it
leaders are at my house. I have tails and bring clarity over the may delay the probe as well. rial for people who lost their the appointments of CM and mir Shopian, Astanpora, Tulip was a bullet injury case, the matter is
always respected them. They crash. He said the way things “Till then, the CCTV footage lives in this brutal attack. She is DCM, but that did not help at all. Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas before a court in Jeddah and the
have given certain suggestions. are unfolding increases suspi- of the airport where Ajit Pa- the only child of her parents NCP SP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Glacier, Hung Park in central final compensation may depend on
I have sought some time.” cion towards the sabotage. war’s plane took off, the road and the sole bread earner. Sule expressed her “surprise Kashmir’s Ganderbal and the court’s decision, they said.
Meanwhile, the Congress ex- It has been more than 20 days where the pilot and co-pilot “Maharashtra CM Devendra and deep regret” that despite the Wullar/ Watlab in Baramulla. Notably, after being hit with the
pressed surprise over Borah’s since the plane crash incident, travelled, footage of the car Fadnavis and DCM Eknath Maharashtra CM Devendra Fad- The three closed tourist spots bullet, Vijay Kumar Mahto had sent a
resignation. “Even last night, but no credible information they used to reach the airport, Shinde also visited the place navis’s personal assurance and thrown open in Jammu are voice note to his wife back to his
he was with us. We don’t know from the state, central, DGCA, and people they met in between, and gave the promise of the job. Asavari’s high educational qual- Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Man- village, Dudhapania, under Dumri
what happened suddenly,” a and its probe agencies has been should be shared to clear the Later, on their instructions, we ifications, the process remains gat in Ramban and Kishtwar’s block of Giridih, informing that he
Congress leader claimed. shared that can clear the air,” Mitkari demanded. visited the Pune Municipal stalled 10 months later. Mughal Maidan. had mistakenly been hit by a bullet.

HOUSE ON FIRE
HC: Elderly parents can’t be forced
Farm protest, sloganeering Uproar in Raj Assembly to suffer harassment in own home
dominate Gujarat Assembly over crop insurance scam M U K E S H R A N JA N @ Ranchi The order was passed while
hearing a petition filed by
D I L I P S I N G H KS H AT R I YA @ Ahmedabad R A J E S H A S N A N I @ Jaipur IN a significant ruling, the 75-year-old Lakhan Lal Poddar
Jharkhand High Court has said and his 72-year-old wife, Uma
THE BJP had a power moment in the Gujarat As- THE Rajasthan Assembly saw that elderly parents cannot be Rani Poddar, who had ap-
sembly on Monday, as it managed to get its candi- noisy scenes on Monday in the forced to tolerate harassment proached the HC, alleging that
date Purnesh Modi elected for the post of deputy ongoing budget session when in their own homes. their son, Jitendra Poddar, and
speaker without any hiccups, despite the opposi- Agriculture Minister Kirori The court clarified that if daughter-in-law, Ritu Poddar,
tion Congress making it a contest by fielding its Lal Meena alleged a scam un- elderly parents are mentally or mistreated them and prevented
own candidate. Otherwise, the day was marred Ruckus der the Pradhan Mantri Fasal physically abused, their son them from living peacefully in
by ruckus over opposition protests on the farm- breaks out Bima Yojana (PMFBY). An- and daughter-in-law cannot for- LAW MATTERS their own home.
ers’ issue around the India-US trade deal. nouncing a probe by the state’s having incurred “zero per cent cibly reside in a house built In 2022, the couple had filed
The two parties placed two separate motions As Governor Special Operations Group, the loss” on official records. The with their own earnings. 1 Children cannot forcibly an application with the Sub-
in the Assembly. Congress leader Dinesh Thakor Acharya minister termed the alleged fraud reportedly caused losses The court acknowledged that reside in a house built with Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
proposed the candidature of Shailesh Parmar, Devvrat’s fraud as the result of an organ- of `128 crore to farmers. the house in question is the old parents’ earnings, it said under the Maintenance Act. On
while BJP leader Jitu Vaghani moved the mo- speech started, ised “insurance mafia” that Meena named Kshema In- senior citizens’ self-acquired November 23, 2022, the SDM or-
Congress MLAs 2 When peaceful coexistence
tion backing Modi. After the voting ended, Modi had been robbing farmers of surance Company, alleging property, and therefore, they in the same home is dered the son and daughter-in-
won comfortably. AAP distanced itself from rose in protest, their rightful compensation. that it was found to be a prima have full rights over it. While law to vacate the house.
demanding impossible, the law stands
both camps and opted for the NOTA option. The minister said a scrutiny facie defaulter. “Kshema In- hearing a petition filed by an with the elderly, it added However, an appeal was filed
The moment Governor Acharya Devvrat’s waiving off of of 32,000 intimation forms— surance Company kept this elderly couple from Ramgarh, against this decision, follow-
speech started, Congress MLAs rose in protest, farmers’ loans. out of 1.70 lakh submitted in amount and earned interest the Court of Justice Rajesh Ku- ing which the Ramgarh Depu-
demanding waiving off of farmers’ loans. As he The treasury Ganganagar district—revealed on it,” he said. An FIR has mar quashed the order of the ance rights are linked to the fu- ty Commissioner, on February
outlined the government’s welfare schemes, ag- benches irregularities. Surveyors alleg- been registered in the case. Deputy Commissioner, who ture; they do not grant immedi- 23, 2024, passed an order in
ricultural push, infrastructure growth and pro- indulged in desk edly forged the signatures of Preliminary findings sug- had reversed the order passed ate ownership of the property. their favour and reversed the
poor initiatives, the treasury benches indulged thumping to farmers and revenue officials. gest the involvement of com- earlier by the SDM, directing When peaceful coexistence order passed earlier by the
in desk thumping to drown the opposition’s slo- drown the In several cases, farmers who pany employees, certain bank the son and daughter-in-law to in the same home is impossible, SDM directing the son and
ganeering. AAP MLAs also raised farmers’ is- opposition’s had suffered crop losses from of ficials, and exter nal vacate the house in 2022. the law firmly stands in favour daughter-in-law to vacate the
sues as they walked into the well of the House. sloganeering 50 to 70 per cent were shown as elements. The court stated that inherit- of the elderly, it said. house in 2022.
 28 killed
Beijing 29 19 SNY Los Angeles 20 12 SNY
Colombo 29 23 TDS Melbourne 17 5 LC
Dhaka 27 16 TDS Moscow 4 2 SNY
GLOBAL Dubai 26 22 SNY New York 2 -3 SNY
WEATHER Houston 30 23 TDS Singapore 27 25 TDS
in drone strike on crowded Sudan LR: Light Rain HR: Heavy Rain LS: Light Snow Istanbul 33 21 SNY Toronto -6 -8 SNY
market as rivals trade aerial attacks TDS: Thundershower LC: Light Cloud SNY: Sunny London 12 8 SNY Washington 3 -2 SNY

13 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� � newindianexpress com

Ukraine, Russia hold Geneva BNP leader says ties with India won’t
talks with little hope of peace be held captive to Hasina extradition
KYIV Yunus steps down as Rahman to take oath today at Parliament’s South Plaza, not Bangabhaban
N Korea builds homes
for war dead families A Ukrainian delegation was
SEOUL: North Korea said on heading to Geneva on Monday Four minority MPs, DHAKA eran BNP leader said.
Monday that it completed a for another round of US-bro- including two Hindus, Alongside BNP Chairman
new housing district in kered talks with Russian offi- win on BNP tickets BNP Secretary General Mirza Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul has
Pyongyang for families of cials, ahead of next week’s Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reached out to political rivals,
DHAKA: Four minority candidates,
North Korean soldiers killed fourth anniversary of Russia’s said that Bangladesh’s rela- including Jamaat-e-Islami and
including two Hindus and two
while fighting alongside full-scale invasion of its neigh- tionship with India will not be the National Citizen Party,
Buddhists, were elected to
Russian forces in Ukraine, the bour. There was no anticipa- “held captive” over the issue stressing reconciliation.
Bangladesh’s parliament on
latest effort by leader Kim t i o n o f a ny s i g n i f i c a n t of ousted prime minister Meanwhile, interim leader
Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Jong Un to honour the war progress on ending the war at Sheikh Hasina, who has been Muhammad Yunus stepped
the Tuesday-Wednesday meet- tickets in the recent general living in India since her re- down on Monday in a farewell
dead. State media photos elections as the party prepares to
showed Kim Jong Un walking ing in Switzerland as both Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moval from power in 2024. broadcast to the nation before
sides appear to be sticking to form the government. Goyeshwar In media interactions, Fakhrul handing over to an elected gov-
through the new street — Chandra Roy and Nitai Roy
Saeppyol Street — and visiting their negotiating positions on ous types at Ukraine overnight. emphasised that BNP will pursue ernment as Tarique Rahman
key issues, despite the United Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Chowdhury won from Dhaka and projects that serve Bangladesh’s will take oath as new Prime Min-
the homes of some of the
States setting a June deadline Peskov said on Monday that the Magura, defeating Jamaat-e- interests and will not be deterred ister on Tuesday after leading
families with his increasingly
Islami rivals. Roy is on the BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
prominent daughter as he to reach a settlement. talks in Geneva will deal with a from deepening development his party to a forceful victory in
The future of Ukrainian land “broader range of issues relat- standing committee, while partnerships with India, The Dai- ment had repeatedly urged In- the crucial general elections.
pledged to repay the “young
that Russia occupies or still ed to the territories and other Chowdhury is a vice-president and ly Star reported. dia to hand over Hasina and Breaking with a long-standing
martyrs” who “sacrificed all to
covets is a central issue. issues connected to the de- strategist. Saching Pru of the “We believe that Hasina has senior Awami League leaders tradition, the swearing-in cere-
their motherland.”
Ukrainian defenders remain mands that we have.” He didn’t Marma community won in really committed serious hu- who fled after the 2024 uprising, mony of the 60-year-old Bangla-
locked in a war of attrition elaborate on the issues. Bandarban, and Dipen Dewan of man rights violations. There is but India has not responded so desh Nationalist Party Chair-
Russian attacks cut with Russia’s bigger army A year of peace efforts by US the Chakma group won in a popular demand to punish far. “America and China have man would be held at the South
heat to 1,600 buildings along the roughly 1,250-kilom- President Donald Trump’s ad- Rangamati; Dewan is often her, and we believe that India many difficulties in bilateral Plaza of the Parliament Complex
KYIV: Around 1,600 buildings eter front line. Ukrainian civil- ministration has failed to stop described as Hindu. Hindus form should hand her over to us. But ties, yet they are working with instead of Bangabhaban.
in Kyiv remained without heat ians endure Russian aerial bar- the fighting. Western officials about 8% of the 170-million not handing over Sheikh Hasi- each other. We should not stick President Mohammed Sha-
Sunday after a barrage of rages that repeatedly knock out and analysts say Russian Presi- population. The Election na to Bangladesh will not be a to just one issue in India-Bang- habuddin will administer the
Russian attacks on energy power and smash homes, while dent Vladimir Putin believes Commission said 79 minority deterrent to building broader ladesh relations,” he said. oath to the new cabinet members
infrastructure, officials said, Ukraine has developed drones that time is on his side, that candidates contested the polls. relation including trade and “We can’t fight a war with In- at the South Plaza of the Jatiya
as Ukraine’s army claimed a that can fly deep into Russian Western support for Ukraine Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP commercial ties. We want to dia. We need to talk. Those who Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon,
strike on a key oil terminal in territory and strike oil refiner- will peter out and that Ukraine’s won 209 seats, Jamaat 68, and build even better ties,” he said. talk about fighting India are state-run BSS news agency re-
Russia. Authorities in the ies and arms depots. resistance will eventually col- the National Citizen Party six. Bangladesh’s interim govern- speaking like insane,” the vet- ported on Monday. PTI
Ukrainian capital say around The governor of western Rus- lapse under pressure.
1,100 residential buildings and sia’s Bryansk region said Mon- G e n Ky r y l o B u d a n o v,
500 other buildings were still
without heat in Kyiv, in the
day that air defenses had shot
down 229 Ukrainian drones in
Ukrainian President Volody-
myr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Rubio backs
Viktor Orban’s
midst of a gruelling winter of the previous 24 hours. No other posted a photograph on Tele-
war. Russia’s recent attacks Russian region has come under gram showing himself stand-
have sparked Ukraine’s worst as many simultaneous drone at- ing next to a train with other
energy crisis, leaving hundreds
of thousands of homes
tacks in a single day, Gov Alex-
ander Bogomaz said. Ukraine’s
members of the negotiating
team, which is due to be led in re-election bid
in Hungary
without heat or electricity as Air Force, meanwhile, said Rus- Geneva by Rustem Umerov,
temperatures fall to -20C. sia launched 62 long-range strike Ukraine’s National Security
drones and six missiles of vari- and Defense Council chief. AP

BUDAPEST

A S I A M AT T E R S US Secretary of State Marco

MALAYSIA THAILAND
Rubio on Monday enthusiasti-
cally endorsed Hungarian
FOOD SUPPLY TEMPLE FIRE Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s
STABLE DESPITE AND WILDFIRES bid to serve a fifth straight term
after upcoming elections in
FESTIVALS RAISE ALARM April, emphasising during a
Food supplies of key A fire and explosion were visit to Budapest the strong
staples will remain reported near Ta Muen personal relationship between
sufficient and stable Thom Temple along the the nationalist leader and US
despite higher demand Cambodia border after President Donald Trump.

WHEN CELEBRATION TURNS FATAL

during Chinese New Year flames likely from forest Orban, who has led Hungary
and the Ramadan period, burning ignited old since 2010, is one of Trump’s
the agriculture ministry ammunition, officials said. Fire performers carry a dragon as part of celebrations ahead of Lunar New Year in Beijing. Authorities reported that a Jiangsu most vocal supporters in the
said. It reported no serious The site was about 80 shop blast killed eight people and injured two after improper fireworks use, triggering ministry calls for stricter supervision of European Union, and has ac-
disruptions, citing close metres from the temple. production, sales and use before the Spring Festival holiday | AP tively curried the US presi-
INDONESIA dent’s favour leading up to the
monitoring from No injuries were reported
April 12 vote in which he will
production to distribution. and authorities are
1ST AIRCRAFT CARRIER
EU to participate in Trump’s ‘Board of
face the toughest challenge of
Authorities are boosting investigating. Separately,
his last 16 years in power.
domestic output,
coordinating logistics and
DUE THIS YEAR severe wildfires are
spreading toward Sai Yok
Rubio was in the Hungarian
capital for meetings with Orbán

Peace’ meet, though not as a member

running direct sales. The navy expects to receive its first National Park, with dense
and his government where he
Chicken, eggs, meat, fish, aircraft carrier, the decommissioned fire clusters in nearby
signed an agreement on US-Hun-
vegetables and fruit are Italian vessel ITS Giuseppe forests and strong winds
garian civilian nuclear coopera-
expected to meet demand. Garibaldi, before the Oct 5 military worsening risks. Special
tion that includes the possible
Under a nationwide sales anniversary. The navy chief said firefighting teams have
BRUSSELS purchase of compact nuclear re-
programme, hundreds of efforts are under way to ensure the been deployed to high-risk Israel land move in West actors — known as small modu-
discounted markets have ship arrives in time for the zones to contain the THE European Union will Bank draws outrage lar reactors or SMRs — as well
been held, offering food at commemoration, marking a blazes and protect forest take part in this week’s inau- as US-supplied nuclear fuel and
10–30% below market milestone for the country’s naval resources. Officials JERUSALEM: Israel has approved
gural meeting of Donald a process to register West Bank
spent fuel storage technology.
prices. capability and defence profile. maintain close monitoring. Trump’s “Board of Peace”, At a news conference in Buda-
land as state property, prompting
but a spokesman insisted Mon- ISRAEL-GAZA: DAY 864 pest, Rubio said US-Hungary
Arab and European criticism that
day that Brussels would not be relations — which both he and
it could speed annexation. The
joining as a member. Orbán described as experienc-

Germany to aid
foreign ministry said the move
EXPRESS READ The European Commissioner
aims to clarify ownership and
ing a “golden age” under Trump
for the Mediterranean, Dubrav- — go beyond mere diplomatic
Syria halts return of Oz families from IS-linked camp address unlawful registrations.
Lebanon after
ka Suica, will head to Washing- cooperation. “I’m going to be
ton to represent the EU at the Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and very blunt with you,” Rubio
Tel Aviv WEST BANK
ROJ CAMP: Syrian authorities on Monday turned back 34 Australian women Egypt called it illegal, while the
JORDAN

meeting on Thursday. said. “The prime minister and

UNIFIL exit
and children who had left the Roj camp in northeastern Syria to return European Union urged reversal.
“She will participate in the the president have a very, very
home. The group from 11 families had planned to travel to Damascus and Jerusalem The Palestinian Authority warned
meeting of the Board of Peace close personal relationship and
fly to Australia, but were told their departure procedures were incomplete GA Z A it marks annexation and
for the specific part dedicated STRIP working relationship, and I
and were sent back. Camp officials said the effort was arranged by undermines prospects for a future
BEIRUT to Gaza. Let me stress that the think it has been beneficial to
relatives, not Canberra. Australian officials were unavailable for comment. Palestinian state. The process
European Commission, it’s not our two countries.” AP
Roj houses about 2,200 people of 50 nationalities, mostly women and ISR A EL applies to Area C, about 60% of
GERMANY moved to assure becoming a member to the
children with alleged Islamic State links. Many are not charged but remain the West Bank under Israeli
Lebanon on Monday that it will Board of Peace,” EU spokes-
in guarded camps run by Kurdish-led forces. Repatriations remain rare as TOLL SO FAR control. Rights groups say it could
support the Lebanese govern- man Guillaume Mercier said.
countries weigh security and humanitarian concerns. dispossess Palestinians, expand
ment even after pulling out Ger- He added the EU executive
man troops deployed as part of
UN peacekeepers along the Leb-
anon-Israel border when their
Nepal launches campaigns for 1st post-uprising polls
was participating as part of
its “long-standing commit-
ment” to the implementation
72,044 settlements and alter the
territory’s demography.

mission ends later this year. JHAPA: Nepali parties began campaigning Monday for next month’s of the Gaza ceasefire and “to between Hamas and Israel. the board.
German President Frank-Wal- parliamentary elections, the first since deadly anti-corruption protests support the reconstruction But its purpose has since “We still have a number of
ter Steinmeier made the an- toppled the government in 2025. A key race in Jhapa-5 pits former and the post-recovery in morphed into resolving all questions regarding several ele-
nouncement during a news con- prime minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, against rapper-turned-mayor Gaza”, he added. sorts of international con- ments in the Board of Peace:
ference at the presidential palace Balendra Shah, 35, who promotes youth-led change. The September The Board of Peace, of flicts, triggering fears the US one concerning its scope, two
near Beirut. Germany’s navy, he unrest that ousted Oli killed 77 people and followed anger over which Trump is the chair- president wants to create a ri- concerning its governance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and
said, is already training Leba- economic stagnation and political elites. Nearly 19 million voters are man, was initially designed val to the UN. three, its compatibility with the Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban
nese troops as they boost their registered to elect a 275-member House of Representatives. Over 3,400 to oversee the Gaza truce and Some EU member states UN Charter,” EU spokesman shake hands after a news conference in
presence in the country’s south candidates are contesting direct seats, many under 40. reconstruction after the war have raised concerns about Anouar El Anouni said. AFP Budapest, Hungary | AP
following the 14-month war be-
tween Israel and the Lebanese
militant Hezbollah group. N O F R E E PA S S F O R B I G T E C H
The mission of the multina-

Starmer draws a red line on child safety in digital world, tightens rules
tional UN peacekeeping force
in southern Lebanon, known as
UNIFIL, concludes at the end
of 2026, nearly five decades af-
ter it was deployed.
“After the end of UNIFIL’s LONDON gate a digital world that is shaped age limit for social media ac- that no platform gets a free tion which allowed non-consen-
mission, Germany will stay by powerful platforms, addictive cess and restrict its harmful pass. Today, we are closing sual intimate images being
by the side of your country to THE UK on Monday unveiled design and fast-moving tech. features like infinite scrolling. loopholes that put children at shared on its Grok AI chatbot.
boost state authority,” Stein- tougher online safety norms to It includes action to shut a “As a dad of two teenagers, I risk, and laying the ground- “I know that parents across
meier said, without elaborat- protect children against the legal loophole and force all AI know the challenges and the work for further action. “We the country want us to act ur-
ing. It remains unlikely Ger- harmful effects of AI chatbots chatbot providers to abide by worries that parents face mak- are acting to protect chil- gently to keep their children
man troops — tasked with and social media. illegal content duties under ing sure their kids are safe on- dren’s wellbeing and help par- safe online. That’s why I
preventing arms smuggling British Prime Minister Keir the UK Online Safety Act, or line,” said Starmer. ents to navigate the minefield stood up to Grok and Elon
by sea and helping the Leba- Starmer warned that no online face penalties. “Technology is moving re- of social media,” he said. Musk when they flouted Brit-
nese army monitor the coun- technology firm will get a free A consultation will also be ally fast, and the law has got to His intervention follows the ish laws and British values,”
try’s sea border — would re- pass as the government acts to launched to determine the ac- keep up... The action we took Elon Musk-led X platform with- said UK Technology Secre-
main in Lebanon. AP keep kids safe while they navi- tion required to set a minimum on Grok sent a clear message drawing a controversial func- tary Liz Kendall. PTI
 Market 650.39 MARKET
Sensex 83,277.15 H1,310
GOLD
24 carat (10 gm) H156,950 H7,000
SILVER
1 kg H268,000
FOREX
Dollar 90.71

Watch 211.65 Nifty 25,682.75 H1,200 22 carat (10 gm) H143,550 H70 10 gm H2,680 Euro 107.64

14 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026

� � newindianexpress com

AI transformation will not happen by drift, requires political will: CEA Micron to start production at assembly, test, marking and packaging facility in Sanand

INDIA SEEKS CONSENSUS ON AI COPYRIGHT FRAMEWORK

Anthropic’s India revenue doubles
R A K E S H K U M A R @ New Delhi

I
INDIA AIMS TO BE
NDIA is engaging with the industry to GLOBAL AI HUB

in 4 months as developer usage surge

identify the right technical and legal
structures to ensure that artificial intel- Collective participation is
ligence (AI) does not infringe upon the key to position India as a
copyrights of content creators, said global AI hub, said Jitin
Minister of Electronics and IT (MeitY) Prasada, MoS, Electronics
Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday. The min- and IT, on Monday. The PA D M I N I D H R U VA R A J @ Bengaluru Anthropic positions AI for enterprise work: CTO
ister, in conversation with American media mo- minister, speaking at the AI
Impact event in Delhi, also Anthropic is positioning its artificial intelligence systems around
gul and former diplomat Charles Rivkin at the LED by rapid growth in devel-
COPYRIGHT mentioned that India’s productive enterprise work rather than consumer entertainment, while
AI Impact Summit 2026, also mentioned that In- oper usage and increasing gov-
CONCERNS ambition is not merely to be expanding into agent-based infrastructure to support more autonomous
dia is seeking a global consensus on the copy- ernment adoption of artificial
1 an AI consumer but to software systems, its chief technology officer Rahul Patil said. He said
right issue. He said protecting intellectual prop- intelligence tools, Anthropic’s
emerge as an AI service the company is “hyper-focused on productive work”, including coding,
erty rights while training AI models would business in India has doubled
Protecting provider to the world. finance, life sciences, biology, chemistry, physics and legal tasks.
require techno-legal solutions shaped through in just four months, according
close engagement with the industry and consen- intellectual to its chief executive officer
sus-building at the global level. property rights Dario Amodei. ing rather than where they
“Would a simple regulation do that? Probably, while training Speaking at Anthropic’s stand today. “You shouldn’t

Need AI adoption aligned

no. That would require a lot of consensus build- AI models Builder Summit in Bengaluru, build for where AI models are
ing and technological tools to be created. … We would require Amodei said, “Anthropic’s busi- now. You should build for where
are closely engaging with the industry to find techno-legal ness, its run rate revenue with- they are in a year or two.” Large

with jobs, growth: CEA

out the right technical and legal structures for solutions, says in India, has doubled over the enterprises, he noted, should
this. And this is something which will have to be Vaishnaw last four months since I last vis- “be imaginative about where
taken up at a global level – this will require a ited.” He added that Claude technology is going to go”.
consensus building across different countries,” 2 Code “may have grown even He said some organisations
he said. Foundational models, including large Engaging with E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi telligence can either reinforce faster with this set of develop- are already deploying models at
language models (LLMs) and small language industry to this vision or undermine it — ers”. Amodei said India stands scale. Within Anthropic, de-
models (SLMs), are trained on existing content find out right AI adoption can’t happen by the outcome will not be acci- out for the depth of developer partments such as legal, finance
such as books, newspapers, journals, and other technical drift and requires a clear com- dental,” he said. engagement. and accounting began using the
published material, some of which may be pro- and legal mitment to aligning technolog- Nageswaran stressed that “One of the most unique underlying “agentic engine” be-
tected by copyright. structures for ical progress with mass em- this transformation “will not things about India is maybe the hind Claude Code even before
In recent years, the rapid growth of AI chatbots copyright issue ployability, said V Anantha happen by drift” and requires technical intensity of the us- newer products were released.
has led to tensions with authors, news organisa- Nageswaran, India’s chief eco- political will as well as strong age,” he said. While the com- Amodei pointed to sectors
tions, and other content creators. Many allege that
AI companies have used copyrighted material 3 nomic advisor, on Monday. Nag-
eswaran, speaking virtually at
state capacity.
He underscored that the re-
pany globally sees “a mixture
of consumer use and prosumer
where don’t move this fast” and
added that India’s “entrepre-
where he expects stronger use
of advanced models, including
without permission to train their models and im- Many content the India AI Impact Summit in sponsibility does not lie with and developer use”, he said us- neurial energy and technical biology, medicine, finance and
prove their competitive edge. creators allege Delhi, emphasised that artifi- the government alone, calling age in India skews heavily to- acumen is unique”. legal work. In software, he add-
Meanwhile, S Krishnan, secretary at the Minis- that AI cial intelligence could either instead for a coordinated “Team wards productivity profession- He highlighted India’s scale ed, models are “starting to do
try of Electronics and IT, on Monday said India’s companies strengthen India’s development India” approach that brings to- als and developers. as a key driver of rapid experi- multi-stage workflows”, ena-
first commercial semiconductor production is have used vision or weaken it, depending gether policymakers, industry Beyond private sector adop- mentation. He said India’s size bling humans to act as supervi-
likely to begin by the end of February. Speaking at copyrighted on how it is implemented. leaders, educators, academics tion, Amodei pointed to grow- allows teams to learn quickly, sors and “accelerate themselves
the summit, Krishnan said US-based Micron will material “With foresight, institu- and society at large. Adopting ing activity within govern- in ways not possible in smaller by a factor of 10x to 100x”.
commence production at its assembly, test, mark- without tional discipline, and AI, he said, must be a ment. He cited the Ministry of markets. He stated the ability Describing the current mo-
ing and packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand. He permission to relentless execution, collaborative national Statistics as an example, saying of entrepreneurs and builders ment as “a very exciting time”,
added that Micron would eventually work on high train their India can become effort involving it is building “a kind of MCP to learn quickly and fail fast ex- Amodei said there is room for
bandwidth memory (HBM), which is key for AI models and the first large soci- the private sector (Model Context Protocol) serv- ceeds what he has seen “dozens of startups” across
and currently faces a global shortage. “Eventually improve ety to demonstrate and academia er to query economic data and elsewhere. large industries as artificial in-
they would be also working on high bandwidth competitive true human abun- alongside the economic statistics”. In his Amodei urged firms to build telligence systems take on
memory, which is so important for AI.” edge dance. Artificial in- government. view, “government bodies else- for where AI models are head- broader, more complex tasks.

TCS’ data centre unit, AMD to develop AI infra in India

E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ Chennai by AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, capacity. They will work with for compute infrastructure. TCS, said, “This collaboration
next-generation AMD EPYC hyperscalers and AI companies With ‘Helios,’ we are delivering lays foundation for AMD’s first
TATA Consultancy Services’ “Venice” CPUs, AMD Pensando to accelerate data centre an open, rack-scale AI plat- Helios powered AI infrastruc-
(TCS) data centre unit Hyper- Vulcano NICs and the open build-outs in India. form designed for per- ture in India. By combining our
Vault AI Data Center Ltd and ROCm software ecosystem. The collaboration was formance, efficiency, and strengths in AI, connectivity,
US chipmaker AMD on Mon- The Helios, combined with announced during the long-term flexibility. sustainable power, and advanced
day announced that they will TCS’ enterprise expertise and India AI Impact Sum- Together with TCS, data centre engineering, we are
co-develop a rack-scale AI in- scale, will accelerate deploy- mit in New Delhi. Dr. we are enabling enter- poised to deliver state-of-the-art
frastructure design based on ment and enhance operational Lisa Su, chair and CEO, prises across India to infrastructure solutions for AI
the AMD ‘Helios’ platform to efficiencies for enterprises. AMD, said, “AI adoption is deploy AI at scale while companies and global enterpris-
help India build its sovereign Both companies will offer an accelerating from pilots to building compute founda- es. we will expand our participa-
AI capabilities. AI-ready data centre blueprint large-scale deployments, and tion of tomorrow.” tion in the AI ecosystem – Infra-
The Helios will be powered that can scale up to 200 MW of that shift requires a blueprint K Krithivasan, MD and CEO, structure to Intelligence.”

Affordable
Goods trade deficit rises to GST notices,
REAL ESTATE

housing sales TVS Emerald acquires low interest rates

decline 17% in
2nd half of 2025
three land parcels in $35 bn; gold import up 350% push up cash use

Bengaluru and Chennai

B E N N KO C H U V E E DA N @ Mumbai
P U S H P I TA D E Y @ New Delhi
SA N A L S U D E VA N @ Chennai INDIA Exports 36.56 36.34 DESPITE high UPI transac-
INDIA’S merchandise trade def- TRADE DATA Imports 71.24 59.77 tions, the currency in circula-
INDIA has seen a sharp fall in E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ Chennai NICE Road, Metro connectivi- icit widened sharply to $35 bil- FOR JAN -23.4 -34.68 Deficit MERCHANDISE tion (CiC) continued to rise,
sale of affordable housing seg- ty and established social lion in January, up from $24 bil- Jan-2026 Jan-2025 reaching a new record high of
Exports 43.9 34.75 Figs in
ment of 17% year-on-year in CHENNAI-based real estate de- infrastructure. lion in December, driven by a $ bn `40 lakh crore in January, an an-
the second of half of 2025. Ac- veloper TVS Emerald has ac- In Rayasandra, east Ben- surge in gold and silver imports Exports to the US Imports 19.6 16.7 nual growth of 11.1% as against
cording to the Knight Frank quired three land parcels in galuru, TVS Emerald has ac- and a 23 per cent decline in ex- dropped by 22% Surplus 24.3 18.4 SERVICES 5.3% rise a year ago. On net in-
India report, the share of resi- Bengaluru and Chennai to de- quired 7.2 acres overlooking ports to the US. in January cremental basis, CiC has more
dential sale in lower segment velop residential projects in the Rayasandra Lake for an apart- Merchandise exports during Gold imports rose by than trebled to `2.76 lakh
Imports from Exports to
stood at 5% in H2 2025 as against two cities. ment project with a saleable January remained largely flat 350% to $12 billion crore from `88,517 crore.
the US rose by China
4% in H2 of 2024. The acquisitions include area potential of about 0.72 at $35.56 billion, registering a The numbers show the fu-
24% during increased by Silver imports were up
The India Real Estate: Office sites in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar million sq ft. The Rayasandra marginal rise of 0.6 per cent tility of the note ban imposed
the month 56% 127% to $2 bn
and Residential Market H2 2025 (RR Nagar) and Rayasandra corridor continues to ben- year-on-year. Imports, however, in November 2016 when nearly
report states that annual sales in Bengaluru, and Kat- efit from its proximity to jumped 19 per cent, led by a 24 Source: Commerce ministry 87% of the money in circulation
in the Rs 5 to 10 million catego- tur in Chennai, with a major employment per cent increase in inbound across `1,000 and `500 rupee
ry fell by 8% YoY. Consequently, combined land area of hubs and sustained shipments from the US. per cent increase from $71.09 $58.0 billion in FY2024–25, notes were pushed out of circu-
homes priced above `10 mn 52.4 acres, the company residential demand. Gold imports during the billion in January 2025. marking a 76 per cent increase lation by the RBI. Amid high
now dominate the landscape, said in a press release. In Kattur, Chennai, month soared 350% to $12 bil- In the first 10 months of the over six years, according to CiC, high UPI transactions, high
leaving a comparatively much In RR Nagar, south the company has ac- lion, compared with $2.66 bil- current financial year (April– Commerce Ministry data. How- currency withdrawals through
smaller footprint of affordable Bengaluru, the company quired 37.4 acres for a lion in the corresponding January), India’s total exports ever, import volumes declined ATMs, declining currency-to-
housing sales across India. has acquired a 7.8-acre land plotted development with a month of the previous year. reached $720 billion, while im- from 982.7 tonnes to 757.1 tonnes GDP ratio, and the currency
The sharpest fall in sale of parcel overlooking the Tura- saleable area potential of ap- India’s overall trade deficit ports stood at $823 billion. during the same period — a 23 with the public (CWP) also
housing units is in Delhi at 9%, halli forest area for an apart- proximately 0.91 million sq ft. — including both merchandise Commerce Secretary Rajesh per cent reduction. reached an all-time high of `39
and the drop in affordable hous- ment-led development with a The location aligns with the and services — also widened Agrawal said, “This year, we “India’s gold import data lakh crore in January, up 11.5%
ing unit sale at 25% YoY. In 2025, saleable area potential of company’s strategy of expand- significantly to $10.38 billion in expect to cross $860 billion in shows a clear structural shift: as against 5.4% a year ago. Go-
the overall sale of houses re- around 0.76 million sq ft. Lo- ing its presence in fast-growing January 2026, nearly doubling total exports of merchandise import value has risen sharply ing by current trends, CWP will
mained at 3,48,207, seeing a fall cated close to the Bengaluru– suburban markets, supported from $5.39 billion in the same and services. In services, we ex- over time, while import quan- surpass the post-pandemic FY21
of 1% compared to 2024, and the Mysuru highway, RR Nagar by infrastructure upgrades, im- month last year. Combined ex- pect to cross $410 billion in tity has stagnated or declined, incremental growth of `4.6 lakh
sale of units priced over `10 has emerged as one of south proved connectivity and rising ports of merchandise and serv- 2025–26.” indicating that price increases crore, says Soumya Kanti
million rose by 14% YoY. Bengaluru’s key residential demand for plotted develop- ices stood at $80.45 billion in Gold imports have risen from — not volumes — are driving Ghosh, the group chief econom-
According to the report, the micro-markets, with access to ments and second homes. January 2026, marking a 13.16 $32.9 billion in FY2018–19 to the surge,” the Ministry said. ic adviser at the State Bank.
slowdown in housing sales dur-

JSW MG Motor to launch 4 vehicles in 2026, raise capacity to 3L units

ing 2025 was largely confined to
the lower ticket segments. As
per the Knight Frank report,
the sale of affordable housing
in H2 2024 was 42,863 units, fall-
ing to 35,897 units in H2 2025. E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi to drive growth, JSW MG Mo- plan talks about growing vol- While the Majestor SUV is do the capacity expansion. At
Whereas, in 2024, the sale was tor, a joint venture between umes to about 3 lakh units…We an internal combustion en- present, the company’s Halol
89,040 units compared to 73,694 TO increase presence in the In- China’s SAIC and Indian con- are also looking to invest any- gine (ICE) powered vehicle, plant in Gujarat has a current
units in 2025. In 2025, the afford- dian market, JSW MG Motor is glomerate JSW Group, would where between `4,000 crore and the remaining three models to annual capacity of 1.2 lakh
able housing sector faced a ma- planning to launch four new also invest up to `5,000 crore to `5,000 crore, which will be to- be launched in 2026 will all be units. The brand recorded a
jor supply crunch as well as de- models, including a plug-in hy- increase production capacity wards plant expansion. It will new energy vehicles and SUVs. 19% year-on-year sales growth
velopers pivoted away from brid SUV, in 2026. The company to 3 lakh units annually, en- be on products, and it will be on Three products would be in at 70,554 units in calendar year
lower-ticket projects, leading to has already unveiled the large- hance localisation, and launch driving localisation. These the MG channel, and one 2025 compared to 2024. With
a 28% YoY drop in new launches sized Majestor SUV, which is new models. three would be essentially would be for the premium 46,735 units sold during the
for units priced under `5 mil- expected to hit the market in “As we are preparing for the where our capex will go,” said chain ‘MG Select’. year, MG Windsor finished
lion and an 9% fall in the `5-10 April or May this year. next phase, we have created a JSW MG Motor Managing Di- Mehrotra stated that it 2025 as the country’s best-sell-
million category. As part of its five-year plan five-year plan. The five-year rector Anurag Mehrotra (pic). would take about 18 months to ing electric vehicle.
 CHENNAI

TUESDAY
17�02�2026

15
GROUP A INDIA PAKISTAN NAMIBIA USA NETHERLANDS GROUP B SRI LANKA AUSTRALIA ZIMBABWE IRELAND OMAN GROUP C ENGLAND WEST INDIES SCOTLAND NEPAL ITALY GROUP D AFGHANISTAN NEW ZEALAND SOUTH AFRICA CANADA UAE

INDIA ITALY AUSTRALIA IRELAND USA

SICKBAY Abhishek Sharma

Played India’s first game against USA
but got sidelined for the next due to
Wayne Madsen
The Italy captain dislocated
his left shoulder in the first
Mitchell Marsh
The Aussie captain picked up a groin
injury ahead of their game against
Paul Stirling
The captain hurt his knee while
completing a catch against
Jasdeep Singh
Pacer suffered a right
shoulder injury while
The T20 WC started last week stomach infection. Was hospitalised in match against Scotland. He Australia and aggravated it further
Ireland. He was back against Sri attempting a catch
but a lot of teams’ plans have Delhi and there was a suspense still is with the team and it while going for a quick single in the
Lanka on Monday but Steve during a warm-up
been disrupted due to over his participation in their remains to be seen whether Smith is already in situ. same match. Uncapped Sam match. Ehsan Adil
injuries. A few were ruled match against Pakistan. he will play in the remaining Topping will replace him in the replaced him in the
out, while others are However, he played on Sunday group matches. 15-man squad. squad.
continuing to battle SRI LANKA Wanindu
their injuries and Harshit Rana ZIMBABWE Hasaranga
illness Sustained right knee injury Matheesha Pathirana The all-rounder NEW ZEALAND
during a warm-up game and
Brendan Taylor
The pacer limped off the sustained a hamstring Michael Bracewell
underwent successful surgery The 40-year-old wicketkeeper field with a left calf strain injury in his first match
for a lateral meniscus tear. He sustained a hamstring injury after delivering just four against Ireland. Dushan Off-spinning all-rounder re-injured his left calf
might even miss the IPL. during the match against balls vs Australia. He will Hemantha was while training. Cole McConchie has been
Mohammed Siraj replaced Oman. The ICC approved Ben undergo scans to assess approved as his named as a like-for-like replacement for
him in the squad. Curran as his replacement. the injury on Tuesday. replacement. Bracewell.

Local touch: Man of Nissanka-rnival for Lanka, Oz on ropes

the hour Ishan’s rise
E N S @ Chennai primarily responsible for the string in his first over, the third
thrilling, fever dream of a night over of the first innings. In his
AND just like that, Australia are was Pathum Nissanka, the next follow up, is hand immediately
on the brink of elimination. Af- in a long line of batting royalty went down to feel his left ham-
ter going down to Zimbabwe a from the island. He had long string. A few minutes later, he
few days earlier, the 2021 World been identified as the man who was helped off by the field by
Practice sessions with state team have helped him thrive at big stage Cup champions needed a pos- would carry forward a legacy his colleagues. They had al-
itive result against Sri bequeathed to him by the ready suffered an injury blow
F I R O Z M I R Z A @ Chennai his India call-up in style. tic season. “He was undergoing Lanka in Kandy. SL likes of Mahela Jaya- in the for m of Wanindu
That rampaging run in the rehabilitation at the CoE in Ben- Sri Lanka, in turn, VS wardene, Aravinda de Hasaranga, who had pulled up
The return of Ishan Kishan is domestic circuit is keeping Kis- galuru when I went there as the knew a win would guar- AUS Silva, Kumar Sanagakka- in the last game.
one of the most read inspiring han in good stead in India col- coach of East Zone for the Du- antee them a place in the ra and Sanath Jayasuriya, they will retain home But they have oodles of be-
stories in recent times. Endur- ours, said Jharkhand head leep Trophy. I met him there as Super Eights stage of the the coach whose smile grew advantage. lief and they will be a handful
ing the worst moments in his coach Ratan Kumar. “That he was announced captain of competition. And they pro- wider every passing minute of What made it all the more in conditions like these.
career, Ishan was forced to go SMAT title was the game chang- the team. He was having an an- duced a win for the ages as they his team’s run-chase. It was at special was that the hosts were BRIEF SCORES: Australia 181 in 20 ovs
back to domestic cricket to er. No doubt he played a crucial kle injury and he told me that he gunned down 182 in front of a its widest when they got over reduced to 10 very early in the (Head 56, Marsh 54; Hemantha 3/37) lost to
stitch his life piece by piece. part in the campaign but as the will join the team once he gets raucous crowd who lived every the line to advance to the next piece as Matheesha Pathirana SL 184/2 in 18 ovs (Nissanka 100 n.o, K
Back then, practice and match- tournament progressed, he fit. We went to Kalyani, West ball of the run chase. The man phase of the tournament where did some damage to his ham- Mendis 51).
es kept him in good stead. As started trusting his teammates Bengal from there and played
times passed, he discarded his and that long run gave him three practice matches of 3-day
maverick lifestyle and concen-
trated on his cricket. There is
maturity in his innings and the
enough matches and opportuni-
ties,” Ratan told this daily. The
former domestic player who
each. He was part of two
matches.”
Ishan injured his ankle dur-
Obscurity to WC stage: Heyliger’s tale ZIMBABWE
new phase is just blossoming. played 22 first-class matches ing his stint with Nottingham- SEEK KO
BERTH
It was evident on Sunday said Kishan’s innings against shire in England when he fell C H A N D R A P R A B H U @ Chennai cricket there,” he told this daily
again. On a R Premadasa wicket Pakistan was played on one of off an e-bike. Once he joined the on Monday. Heyliger felt that
in Colombo where run scoring the toughest wickets. “When no- team, the wicketkeeper-batter GUYANA-born Canada pacer sport, especially cricket, pro-
ON THE BACK OF BEATING
was not easy, India opener body was able to score at the came up with a plan almost eve- Dilon Heyliger’s tale is one that vided a “small escape” from 2021 T20 WORLD CUP
played one of the best knocks of strike rate of 120, he was scor- ry day. “He would request addi- can be quite inspiring. While he daily rigours of life. WINNERS AUSTRALIA,
his career so far, scoring a 40- ing beyond 190. It showed how tional sessions and then we used may not have the magnetic ef- “Cricket is a gateway to get ZIMBABWE HAVE A
ball 77. That proved to be the dif- well prepared he was.” to arrange them. Those were fect of the big names in the out of the region and maybe CHANCE TO STRENGTHEN
ference between the two sides as Ratan said Ishan was deter- not long sessions but around 30 sport, but he is already a hero to move to Georgetown or maybe THEIR GRIP ON A SUPER 8
India humbled Pakistan by 61 mined to play as many matches to 40 minutes sessions. Some the young children in his village to Trinidad. You always find SPOT, WHEN THEY FACE
runs to sail into the Super as possible ahead of the domes- day, he would play sidearmers in the Essequibo region. From kids that are talented, but they IRELAND.
Eights of the T20 World Cup. while on some day he would his humble beginnings in Sud- Born to a restaurateur and don’t get the opportunity to go Muzarabani key
Ahead of that match, the take part in the six-hitting drills. die, where he could not afford an electrician, Heyliger clang to the bigger stage,” he said.
27-year-old from Jharkhand HAPPY RUN We used to add on a few things equipment, he has given back to on to cricket from Day One. That is one of the reasons that Pacer Blessing Muzarabani
hammered a 24-ball 61 against which were missing to his the place he grew up by offering “There was a cricket ground Heyliger is doing his bit to help has been a standout
Namibia in Delhi apart from a Ishan garnered 517 runs in 10 plans,” said Ratan. cricket kits to talented children which was obliquely across the sport grow in the region. performer for his nation.
half-century against South Af- innings during the SMAT and Kishan was not even in the in the region. West of Essequibo from my house. So we just grew After the 2024 T20 World Cup, While his seven wickets in
rica in a warm-up match. Not to that had given him a big lift. scheme of things for the T20 river where he grew up was a up just across the cricket the pacer went back to his vil- two wickets is good, it is in
forget his one century and a He scored two centuries World Cup but the bucketful of subject of political tension due ground. You’re always there in lage to provide cricket kits to the manner he has picked
half-century against New Zea- including one in the final as runs he scored forced selectors to neighbouring country Vene- the mornings and evenings. children in need of them. them. He keeps it tight,
land in the T20I series preced- Jharkhand lifted their to include him in the 15-member zuela’s interference. That’s where I played all my Full story: [Link] something reflected in his
ing the marquee event that maiden T20 title. Besides, squad for the tournament. It economy rate of 4.12. After
brought him into the playing XI. the keeper-batter also was termed a brave call then but keeping it tight against

Kiwis eye knockout spot

And that has been Kishan’s tem- hammered centuries in the Ishan reposed the faith shown Australia, he is expected
plate in the last few months — limited matches he played in him by the selectors with his Afghanistan post to repeat that against
pile on runs — no matter what during the Ranji Trophy and useful contributions so far. Ra- win, Proteas advance Ireland.
the format is. Vijay Hazare Trophy for tan admitted that Ishan was ad-
the state team. He NEW DELHI: South Africa Ireland seek upset
The comeback started with ditionally motivated to reclaim qualified for the Super A S H O K V E N U G O PA L @ Chennai vert them to wins. On Friday in
the domestic season. He carried on the that lost spot. “Bad times teach Delhi, they had UAE on the mat Ireland would be buoyed
momentum Eights on Monday without
scored a hundred in the Ranji you a lot. He was highly moti- playing as Afghanistan’s MITCHELL Santner and Co will at 66 for 4 in a chase of 151, but by their big win vs Oman.
Trophy against playing for India vated to get into the national be keen to seal the second Super they allowed Aryansh Sharma However, Zimbabwe are
slamming a ton and five-wicket win over the
Tamil Nadu and team. Usually, the Jharkhand United Arab Emirates was 8 spot, when they face Canada in and Sohaib Khan to do the res- riding high on confidence,
then took it to another level a fifty against New team is not considered strong a Group D fixture of the T20 cue act. New Zealand were left which leaves little to no
Zealand in the enough to send them
during the Syed Mush- but this time we were better pre- through from Group D. BRIEF World Cup at the MA Chidambar- exposed in all departments in margin for error. Lorcan
taq Ali Trophy top- bilateral series pared. As the season progressed, am Stadium on Tuesday. their seven-wicket loss to South Tucker, who hit 94 in the
SCORES: UAE 160/9 in 20 ovs
scoring with 517 runs before Ishan’s motivation only in- South Africa, the other team Africa in Ahmedabad. Howev- last tie, will be reproduce
(Sohaib 68, Sharafu 40; Omarzai
that included two cen- hitting two creased with the team playing 4/15) lost to Afghanistan 162/5 in in the Group D, have already er, Kiwi all-rounder Glenn Phil- the magic.
turies and as many half-tons good cricket.” 19.2 ovs (Zadran 53, Omarzai 40). qualified for the next phase, lips played down the defeat and
half-centuries help- in the T20 Kishan opened in T20 format having won three games. insisted that there was nothing
ing Jharkhand lift World while came at No 4 of 5 in the Eng survive scare to This will be New Zealand’s alarming. “If we didn’t bowl as Zimbabwe vs Ireland @
their maiden T20 Cup one-day format for his state reach Super Eights first meeting against Canada. well as we did on previous days, Pallekele | 3PM
title. A few days team. That was part of the plan KOLKATA: In what was a Pace spearhead Lockie Fergu- we look at that and (try) to do Other matches
later, he slammed as per the coach. “He always pulsating tie in Kolkata, son has returned home for the better the next day. It’s profes-
125 in Jharkhand’s opens in the T20 format so was England survived a scare birth of his child and is expect- sional cricket at the end of the New Zealand vs Canada
first match made the opener given his im- against Italy to qualify for ed to rejoin the squad for the day. Sometimes you’re good, @ Chennai | 11AM
a g a i n s t pact. In the 50-over format there the Super Eights. BRIEF Super 8s. In Ferguson’s ab- and sometimes you’re not. You
Scotland vs Nepal
Karnataka is no vacant spot in the top-three SCORES: England 202/7 in 20 ovs sence, Kyle Jamieson could get just hope the gap between the
@ Mumbai | 7PM
in the Vijay as far as the India team is con- (Jacks 53, Banton 30; Kalugamage the nod in the playing XI. As for two is a little less each day,”
H a z a r e Ishan cerned. So he batted at No 4 or 5 2/41) bt Italy 178 in 20 ovs (Ben Canada, they had their mo- Phillips said in the pre-match
Trophy to Kishan in the matches he played.” Manenti 60, Stewart 43, J Mosca 43; ments against South Africa and press conference on Monday. LIVE ON STAR SPORTS
| PTI AND JIOHOTSTAR
celebrate Full story: [Link] Overton 3/18, Curran 3/22). UAE but they have failed to con- Full story: [Link]

Padikkal cracks
double century
Vinesh’s name discussed, but yet to get TOPS nod CL: TOUGH
TEST FOR
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
I N D R A N E E L D A S @ Chennai

VINESH Phogat, the multiple

but with just over six months it
seems she might be running
out of time.
It is understood that Vinesh
had approached the Target Ol-
ympic Podium Scheme for in-
Games either. On top of that
the Wrestling Federation of In-
dia has also set its selection cri-
MBAPPE & CO
HAVING scored an unbeaten World Championships medal- Despite odds, she is clusion and her request teria and one such point is par-
148 on Day 1, Karnataka cap- list who created one of the big- training to get back into was discussed during ticipating at the nationals,
tain Devdutt Padikkal went on gest upsets at the Paris Olym- the mat with purpose. the last Mission Olym- which she has not. It needs to
to score a double century (232 pics in 2024, announced her She has kept every- pic Cell meeting. Mem- be seen how long it will take for After a small break, the Champions League returns with the knockout
off 330 balls) on the second day return from retirement in De- thing a secret as of bers attending the her to get back into TOPS. Her stages. Fifteen-time champions Real have an awkward away leg to open
to put his team in firm control cember and since has been now. As usual it’s Olym- meeting said the dis- foreign coach Woller Akos proceedings while there’s also an all French tie. A look...
of the semifinal clash against working towards getting into pic Gold Quest that is cussion revolved around when contacted by this newspa-
Uttarakhand at Lucknow. match fitness. It is understood taking care of all her train- her eligibility. Apparently, per in December had said he
Ravichandran Smaran also that the star wrestler, who de- ing chores because there is her name was not considered would be happy to help her if Benfica vs Real Madrid Monaco vs PSG
scored 121 off 191 as Karnataka livered a baby last year, was tar- hardly any support from other because there was no pathway she sought his assistance. It’s crunch time for Real, who In an all-French affair, PSG, the
were placed at 689/6. Karun geting the Asian Games as well, quarters. for qualification for the Asian Full story: [Link] suffered a damaging 2-4 defending champs, will be
Nair, Kruthik Krishna also defeat against Benfica in the hoping to come out on top.
made valuable contributions. final match of the group However, PSG are entering the
EXPRESS READ stages. Kylian Mbappe, who tie on the back of a defeat
J & K trail by 130 runs has 13 goals in CL so far, will against Rennes. Ousmane
Abdul Samad (58) and captain East Bengal outplay NEUFC Skiier Arif finishes 39th Karan goes down to Michalski once again be the one to keep Dembele will be the key man
Paras Dogra (82) scored vital a close eye on. Vinicius Junior up top and Luis Enrique’s men
half-centuries to give Jammu & KOLKATA: A double strike within six minutes BORMIO: India’s top alpine skiier Arif NEW DELHI: India’s Karan Singh went down will also be looking to step up will be hoping to retrace last
Kashmir a fighting chance in the second half by Youssef Ezzejari and an Mohammad Khan finished 39th in the men’s in a three-set battle — (6-4, 6-7 (5), 3-6 — at Estadio da Luz. term’s run and go all the way.
against Bengal, who finished injury-time goal by Miguel Ferreira guided slalom event after two combined runs in the to seventh seed Daniel Michalski of Poland
with a score of 328, on Day 2 at East Bengal FC to a 3-0 win against Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games here. in the first-round main draw of the 2026 Other matches (1:30 AM unless specified)
Kalyani. BRIEF SCORES: Karnataka NorthEast United FC in the ISL here. Oscar Khan clocked a combined time of 2 minute Delhi Open here. The ATP Challenger 75
689/6 in 180 ovs (Padikkal 232, Rahul 141, Ravi- Bruzon started Jeakson Singh alongside 41.60 seconds to take the last spot among event, now in its sixth edition, is being held Galatasaray vs Juventus (11:15 PM);
chandran 121; Rawat 3/132) vs Uttarakhand. Anwar Ali in defence, with Lalchungnunga those who completed both the two runs at at the DLTA Complex from February 16 to 22, Dortmund vs Atalanta (1:30 AM; IST Wednesday).
Bengal 328 in 97.1 ovs (Sudip 146, Abhimanyu shifted to the right-back position and Jay the Stelvio Ski Centre, to log India’s best-ever with 32 men singles players and 16 doubles
49, Shahbaz Ahmed 42; Nabi 5/87) vs J & K. Gupta starting on the left flank. finish in men’s slalom event at the Games. teams competing for the title. LIVE ON SONY PICTURES NETWORK
16 CHENNAI TUESDAY 17 02 2026
� � THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
 READSHAREFOLLOW
[Link]
Mail us: cityexpresschn@[Link]

17 � 02 � 2026
TUESDAY

Sofa styling for

DAY ’S D I A RY
EARLY CAREER NBA CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Happy Birthday!
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, considered
to be the greatest basketball
Michael was named ‘College Player
of the Year’ in his sophomore and
junior years. He also led the US
His unmatched athleticism
and competitive drive
revolutionised the sport while
In 2009, he was elected to the
Naismith Memorial Basketball
Hall of Fame. Later in 2016, he
your home
player of all time, was born on this basketball team to Olympic gold winning six NBA championships was awarded the Presidential
day in 1963 in Brooklyn, New York medals in 1984 and in 1992 with the Chicago Bulls Medal of Freedom PG 3

‘NO BETTER
PRASAD BHAT RAJESH
NAGULAKONDA The craft:
Bengaluru- The craft: Rajesh worked with publications like
based Illustrator and
Chandamama before discovering his

TIME THAN NOW’

Founder of Graphicurry, Prasad went on to gain art director It is not easy to break free
illustrator global recognition for his caricature series stride in visual storytelling at
from global influences. Yet, I
titled ‘Evolution’. He was commissioned by urge young artists to carve Campfire Graphic Novels. He has
The Walt Disney Company to reimagine out their own identity in shaped titles like ‘Krishna: Defender
Mickey Mouse for his 90th anniversary. storytelling. Dare to make of Dharma’ and ‘Ashoka: The
mistakes. And if you must Mauryan King’. His concept art has NIDHARSHANA RAJU

F
repeat them, repeat them inspired over 150 murals in Ayodhya.
Con and calling: consistently, because what OR many Indian millennials, childhood was shaped by
“Comic Cons happening in Indian cities are begins as a flaw can Con and calling: comics exchanged between friends, purchased from plat-
eventually evolve into your
giving Indian illustrators something very Meeting passionate fans sparks joy form stalls in between train stations, and borrowed from
unique style statement.
important, which is visibility with context. for Rajesh. “I get to share my neighbourhood libraries. They introduced mythology,
Online, your work can travel anywhere, but at original artworks with the audience mischief, and moral lessons in equal measure. Eventually,
events like these, people experience it (visibility) in and explain the ideas and concepts satellite television and the Internet opened doors to Ani-
person. That feedback is immediate and behind them,” he says, adding that me and Manga. What was once dismissed as children’s reading
valuable. It helps creators think beyond such interactions have helped him evolved into a layered pop-culture ecosystem.
just making art and start thinking understand what the audiences are Today, comics are not confined to thin stapled booklets. They
The key is honesty. about sustainability and scale.” seeking. For instance, young readers are consumed in formats such as webtoons, collector’s editions,
Audiences are very of his graphic novel ‘Chanakya’, and indie zines, reflecting how storytelling itself has expanded
sharp. They can Beyond the stage always asked him if it was based on beyond borders and formats. These narratives rarely remain
sense when facts or fiction. “Such interactions confined to comic panels, too. They unfold across series, films,
something is Prasad hopes that people video games, and streaming platforms, building expansive
clearly show that readers are
authentic. At Comic leave Comic Con with a multimedia universes. At times, those worlds even intersect
seeking authenticity rather than

Architects
Con, the creators “sense of ownership,” through crossovers, drawing in diverse audiences.
mere reinterpretations,” he says.
who stand out are knowing that Tracing this evolution over the past decade from the outside
Indian comics are Beyond the stage:

of
usually the ones is Ron Marz, a veteran writer of over three decades, known for
who are “not a smaller his landmark Silver Surfer run at Marvel Comics and for co-
Long after the lights dim, Rajesh hopes
comfortable being version of creating Kyle Rayner during his time on Green Lantern at DC
his art continues to live in small and
themselves. something Comics. Ron has penned major crossovers like Marvel vs DC
personal ways, as a memory for one and

imagination
else”. He adds, and Batman/Aliens, alongside Witchblade and Star Wars.
as a phone screen saver for someone else.
“If they walk “The first time I did a show in India was in Hyderabad, eight
away or nine years ago. Back then, I had the sense
believing that
SAI KEERTHI AKAASH that pop culture and fandom was just
Indian starting to reach the critical mass. I
creators Concept artist, illustrator, Visualize
came back last year to Bengaluru and
deserve a The craft: I am here in Chennai, and the scene
bigger space has exploded. It has been very inter-
Sai is a city-based concept artist and
globally, then
that is a good
When the creative directors and comic illustrator with experience across esting for me to see where it was a dec-
ade ago and see where it is now,” Ron
outcome.” enthusiasts converge at Comic Con, film, television, gaming, UI/UX and
observes at Comic Con Chennai.
publishing. Comfortable moving
inspiration and visibility takes the centre between chaotic chibis to soft Noting this shift and the growing rec-
AKSHARA stage. The artists tell us how. watercolours and anime-inspired ognition that more creators are begin-
ning to receive, he believes the momen-
frames to grounded realism, his
ASHOK tum will only build from here. His
work is defined by versatility and
The craft: NIDHARSHANA RAJU strong visual storytelling. message to those pursuing comics, re-
Freelance

C
illustrator, At Happy Fluff Comics, mains simple: “Make your story. There
Happy Fluff Akshara explores everyday ONVENTIONS like Comic Con are usually is no better time than now. The audi-
Comics life, body image, sex narrated through the eyes of the attendees. Con and calling: ence is here, people are aware, and
Today’s fandom is
education, and mental These narrations often touch upon what the incredibly aware Sai views conventions like Comic Con
most importantly, there are no gate-
health, through simple attendees cosplayed as, the fandoms they and visually as spaces where creators, publishers,
keepers anymore. When I started in
and relatable represented or even the sense of belonging sharp. and audiences converge with
the business, we had to work for some
storytelling. She began that made every self-proclaimed nerd feel at Adaptability purpose, where conversations can
publisher. That was the only way to
in 2017 while studying home. But that’s only half the story. helps artists
turn into possibilities. He has met
get our story out. Now, with the ad-
architecture and has Shift the spotlight, and you’ll find the artists, crea- speak multiple vent of the Internet and digital tech-
visual languages, people willing to fund his ideas, back
since turned comics tors, and writers, who have been powering these fan- his projects and even collaborate.
nology, there’s no one to stop you.”
doms for years, building the very worlds that fans but what truly While he doesn’t downplay the dif-
into a full-time makes you stay “The direct support gives creators
practice rooted in celebrate. While established names draw devoted fol- like me confidence to build original
ficulty involved in carving a niche,
relevant is
honesty and humour lowers, platforms like Comic Con India do more than authenticity. IPs [Intellectual Properties].”
he insists the first step is simply to
that helps break spotlight the familiar ones alone. They nudge casual begin. With conventions serving as visible
taboos. visitors toward comics and offer vital visibility to platforms, he notes consistent effort can open doors, be it find-
creators, both indie and otherwise, who may not yet Beyond the stage: ing a wider readership or landing the next big project.
be household names but whose work is steadily shap- “I hope people remember art, admire Amid this larger shift, he also observes how deeply Indian
Con and calling: ing the comic scene. mythology continues to thread itself through contemporary
it and appreciate it in any form or
Invitation to events like To understand that side of such conventions, CE capacity. Because everyone is comic characters. With more creators reimagining epics and
I have had Comic Con validates the spoke to five artists who attended Comic Con Chen- running and chasing the high. If folklore for modern readers, he sees a huge space opening up
people ask me if works of socially conscious nai — from veterans with over 25 years of experience someone walks away from a Comic for those willing to engage with that legacy.
I can manage to artists such as herself. “It’s a in the industry to fresh voices just finding their foot- Con feeling inspired to create or Ron is also conscious of carving out his own space within it,
make a living out reminder for us that our ing — about their work, what it means to meet the support Indian artists, that means hoping to approach these mythic worlds from a fresh angle,
of art alone. I work matters and there’s audiences face-to-face, and how they hope to be everything,” he asserts. distinct from writers who grew up immersed in them, and to
hope seeing so enough space for all of us, remembered. bring a perspective that feels both respectful and new. Drawing
many artists regardless of our art style parallels between Indian and western heros,
running
successful
and the topics we discuss. It SAVIO he notes, “They are not that far apart. The
helps us put ourselves out MASCARENHAS The craft: Con and calling: sensibilities are the same but the flavours
businesses (at
Comic Con) there where people can see Savio is the long-time artist Having witnessed 25 years of the are different. My sensibilities, for that mat-
that we’re real. This can Tinkle’s hero- ter, are western and to come here and un-
changes that behind ‘Shikari Shambu’, whom he Indian comics industry evolve, Savio
convert into corporate maker and group A genuine derstand Indian sensibilities and flavour
mindset. has illustrated for over 25 years. A says, “Comics have been one of the
art director at creator is one
orders, collaborations, and who strives, is former advertising professional, he most favourite literature for decades while writing mythological characters is
publishing deals,” she hopes. Amar Chitra Katha what I deem necessary. We are all looking
persistent, transitioned into comics under the here. We do have a massive fan
innovates, and mentorship of Anant Pai — the following, specially in the southern to give that epic kind of a story.”
Beyond the stage: evolves. These founder-editor of Amar Chitra states. It’s only because of Comic For him, the real reward lies in
traits will Katha and a pioneer of Indian Con that it is possible for us to meet collaboration — in exchanging
More than being surely help one mythological storytelling through our readers and interact with them, ideas, learning from one anoth-
remembered, she hopes carve their
comic form. get their feedback, and understand er, and building something
attendees leave with the own identity in stronger together. “Getting
the long run. what they would want from us.”
understanding that art is paid is nice,” he admits, “but
a viable career. She hopes it’s the collaboration that
creators use art to engage, makes it fun.” Working with
to question, and to Beyond the stage Indian artists here, he hopes
navigate conversations He hopes his work is remembered as something to continue deepening those
that might otherwise families return to and as stories that keep the child partnerships. “This is start-
feel difficult to begin. inside everyone alive. ing to feel like home,” Ron
concludes. Ron Marz

SPORTS LOCAL

Good response for ICC’S Cricket 4 Good Clinics RESULTS: FINAL: SRMIST, Chennai bt BS
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE fidence, joy and life values ly-abled children, reflecting 23 tournament held at Indore.

T
Abdur Rahman Crescent IST, Vandalur
that sport brings. The sessions the initiative’s inclusive Starting day four at 94/3, MP 69–46. Semifinals: SRMIST, Chennai bt
HE ICC’s Cricket 4 Good reflect the ICC’s commitment focus. were all out for 280 in 84.2 Jeppiaar University, Chennai 89–61.
initiative, in collabora- to harnessing the power and overs. Quarterfinals: SRMIST, Chennai bt SRM
tion with UNICEF, has reach of cricket to create a
Tamil Nadu women lose BRIEF SCORES: Madhya Pradesh 186 & Valliammai Engineering College 76-52.
delivered a series of positive and lasting impact on Vrushali Bhagat’s 53 beat 280 in 84.2 ovs (Chanchal Rathore 57,
cricket clinics during children and families Mumbai beat Tamil Nadu by Anvesh Chawla 52; Sachin Rathi 3/76, Rajveer shines
the ICC Men’s T20 World worldwide. five wickets in the BCCI – Sen- Boopathi Vaishna Kumar M 3/24) lost to Rajveer Lad’s 6/45 helped
Tamil Nadu 574 in 148.1 ovrs (VP Amith
Cup 2026, engaging young In Chennai, the Cricket 4 ior Women one day trophy Mumbai beat Andhra by an in-
Sathvik 38, SR Athish 36, Kiran Karthikeyan
fans across multiple lo- Good programme fea- Elite D League group match 180, Manav Parakh 164, P Vignesh 63, B
nings and 180 runs in the
cations as part of the tured clinics with Af- played in Assam. Sachin 41, Pushkar Vishwakarma 4/75, TNCA-quadrangular invita-
ICC’s global community ghanistan players at BRIEF SCORES: Tamil Nadu 140 in 46.1 ovs Anvesh Chawla 3/84). tional Under-14 tournament.
outreach programme. High Performance Cen- (Roshini Rajasekaran 37, Nirmiti Rane 3/16)
BRIEF SCORES: Hyderabad 313/8 drew
Delivered alongside tre, and with New Zea- lost to Mumbai 143/5 in 30 ovs (Sanika SRMIST bag title with Tamil Nadu 485/7 in 89.1 ovs (R Jatin
the tournament and featur- land and the Netherlands Chalke 32, Vrushali Bhagat 53).
Kumar Yadav 234,
ing teams participating in the players at the MA Chidambar- SRMIST, Chennai defeated BS
Kiran helps TN win R Hema Harish 56, T Varun Karthik 72 not
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, am Stadium. Players from Abdur Rahman Crescent IST, out, Mufadal Hasan Yamini 3/71). Result:
the clinics provided children both teams spent time playing Kiran Kathikeyan’s century Vandalur 69–46 in the final of Match drawn, Tamil Nadu took first innings
with opportunities to engage cricket with children and en- (180) helped Tamil Nadu beat the State level men’s basket- lead; Mumbai 399/6 bt Andhra 110 in 44.3
directly with international gaging in informal interac- Madhya Pradesh by an innings ball tournament, held at BS ovs (P Yashil Vignesh 30, Rajveer Lad 4/21,
players, develop cricketing tions, with the New Zealand and 108 runs in the Col. CK Abdur Rahman Crescent IST, Nishad Parab 3/32) and 109 in 39.2 ovs
skills and experience the con- clinic also welcoming special- Nayudu Trophy men’s Under Vandalur. (Rajveer Lad 6/45).
PHOTO: ICC
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Mail us: cityexpresschn@[Link]
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TUESDAY | 17� 02� 2026 newindianexpress com

THEGREENMANUAL chillies, okra, brinjal, and leafy

greens grow exceptionally well in
home gardens. Spinach, methi and

WHAT TO PLANT THIS

amaranth can be harvested within
weeks of sowing and regrow after
cutting. Root vegetables such as rad-

SEASON IN YOUR
ish and beetroot need deeper contain-
ers but produce reliably. Most of
these plants need 4-6 hours of sun-

KITCHEN GARDEN
Ekta Chaudhary light and regular watering to thrive.
An author, and founder
of Garden Up, a company Climbers and Indian gourds
dedicated to greenifying Gourds are perfect for Indian kitchen
spaces, Ekta is a trusted voice

T
gardens because they love heat and
in the gardening community
HE best way to begin a kitchen Soil preparation [Link]
give high yields. Bottle gourd, ridge
garden is to start with plants gourd, bitter gourd, and sponge gourd
that grow reliably in the cur- Healthy soil is the foundation of a grow vigorously when given vertical
rent season. In most parts of productive kitchen garden. Mix red support. Install trellises, ropes or
India, this is a great time to soil, compost, and cocopeat in equal mesh so the plants can climb. Gourds
plant tomatoes, okra (bhindi), brin- parts to create a loose, nutrient-rich also benefit from rich soil and full
jal, basil, mint, rosemary, and fast- medium. This blend drains well Starting with saplings makes kitch- light. Once seedlings develop two or spreads rapidly and thrives even in sun. Many of them produce edible
growing desi gourds such as bottle while holding enough moisture for en gardening easier for beginners. three true leaves, they can be shifted partial shade, though it is best grown leaves and tendrils, making them
gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (tori), bit- vegetables. Add organic compost eve- Tomatoes, brinjal, okra, and chillies into larger pots or soil beds. Trans- in its own pot to prevent overgrowth. doubly useful.
ter gourd (karela), and sponge gourd ry few weeks to keep the soil fertile. establish quickly from nursery sap- plant gently to avoid damaging Rosemary and oregano prefer well- Starting a kitchen garden in India
(gilki). These plants handle Indian Avoid heavy clay soil, which becomes lings. Herbs like basil and rosemary roots. drained soil and bright light, making is straightforward when you choose
heat well, grow quickly and reward compact and restricts root growth. can also be bought as small plants, them ideal for sunny balconies. Cur- the right seasonal plants and prepare
you with regular harvests. Here is a For pots, ensure proper drainage — while mint is best grown from cut-
Choosing herbs ry leaf and lemongrass are also har- the soil well. With regular watering,
practical guide to preparing soil, sap- use containers with holes and add a tings. If starting from seed, use seed- Herbs are the simplest way to enjoy dy options for Indian conditions. sunlight and occasional compost,
lings, and choosing the right herbs, thin layer of stones at the base. ling trays filled with light soil and fresh flavours from your garden. Bas- even a balcony or terrace can supply
vegetables, and climbers for your keep them evenly moist until germi- il grows fast in full sun and produces
Easy edible vegetables fresh herbs and homegrown vegeta-
kitchen garden.
Sapling preparation nation. Place trays in bright, indirect fragrant leaves for months. Mint Seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, bles through the year.

DESIGN STORY

How to pick the

right sofa?
Sofas are anchors in most spaces, both emotion-
ally and visually. It’s here conversations unfold,
quiet moments become memories, and you
unwind with a cup of coffee. Choosing a sofa is
not just about picking something that looks nice
in a showroom, but something that suits your
space and lifestyle. It is one of the most signifi-
Neeta Jessani
A designer and lover of
cant investments made financially and aestheti-
textures making cally. A decision that can singlehandedly change
functional spaces aesthetic how the space is perceived. Apart from the colour
info and style, there are factors that need to be consid-
[Link]
ered while choosing a sofa that would continue to
@tdesignstorey serve your comfort for years.

MEASURE BEFORE YOU SAY YES

It is easy to love how a sofa looks online or in a
store, but the first step starts on-site. Measure
cealed lighting, while CNC-cut your space, decide where your sofa will sit, and
plywood and solid-surface materials then go shopping. Scale and proportion are often
allow furniture and partitions to an afterthought to visual design, which often
wrap effortlessly around corners. hinders the flow of the space. Selecting a sofa
“What was once limited to iconic ar- that not just fits in your space but also allows you
Curves are no longer decorative details chitecture is now achievable in eve- enough room to walk around and access the other
but design statements, transforming ryday interiors. Technology has areas hassle-free is essential. Making sure a centre
given designers the freedom to be ex- table and side tables, if required, as per your
contemporary interiors into warmer, pressive,” Bhumit says. lifestyle, is accounted for before going ahead with the sofa is equally
more fluid, and deeply human spaces Curves also reshape the way peo- crucial. Consider the proportion of the sofa relative to the room. A piece
ple move through spaces. Corners that is too large can overwhelm the space and make it feel cramped,
interrupt movement; curves guide while one that is too small may look disconnected and underwhelming.
R ES H M I C H A K RAVO RT Y it. In compact urban homes, curved
glass partitions subtly divide spaces

W
ALK into a contempo- without breaking visual continuity,
rary home today and while rounded corridors make cir- PRIORITISE FUNCTION
something quietly culation feel fluid, and expansive.
Sofas should feel as comfortable as they seem.
transformative becomes Bathrooms, too, are embracing the
Consider the usage of the sofa in your household
immediately apparent. shift, with oval mirrors, curved van-
before selecting one. Is your sofa only for
Sharp edges are soften- ities, and arched walk-in showers
entertainment nights or for longer periods of time
ing, straight lines are transforming functional spaces into
and quick naps? In such a case, softer cushions with
dissolving into gentle arcs, and spac- spa-like retreats. “Curved walls act
deeper seats are most ideal. On the other hand, if
es feel calmer, more fluid, more in- as visual guides. They create a natu-
the sofa is only to entertain guests, a harder foam
stinctive. From sculptural sofas and ral flow that’s pleasing to the eye and
with an upright back would work better for good
arched doorways to rounded kitchen the body,” Yashasvi explains.
posture in a formal setting. The availability of space
islands and pebble-like décor, organ- Even minimalism has sof-
and lifestyle also play a role in this; larger families
ic forms are redefining the way we tened in response. The stark,
with bigger spaces can opt for sectional sofas, giving
experience interiors. Curves, it clinical minimalism of the
the room additional seating, while smaller families
seems, are having a moment and past is evolving into a
or apartments can go in for smaller sofas or
this time, it’s far from a passing warmer, more tactile ex-
loveseats that do not take up a lot of floor space.
trend. pression. Curved fluted
For decades, modern architecture wall panels, organic-
and interior design were governed shaped rugs, pebble-
by straight lines and right angles. move hierarchy from a space and like coffee tables, and
From Bauhaus ideals to the rise of make people feel more at ease.” elliptical dining tables FABRIC SELECTION
minimalism, clean geometry sym- Nature, too, plays a defining role retain simplicity while The upholstery you select has a significant
bolised order, ef ficiency and in this design language. Biophilic adding depth and sen- impact on the appearance and longevity of the
progress. Rectangular plans and principles have become central to suality. “It’s not about sofa. The right choice here completely depends
sharp silhouettes dominated homes contemporary interiors, and nature e x c e s s . I t ’s a b o u t on your lifestyle. Certain cotton blends and
and workspaces alike. Today, how- rarely works in straight lines. Waves, warmth, softness, and synthetic weaves are good for everyday use as
ever, a quieter, more sensorial shift pebbles, dunes, and clouds inspire sculptural expression they are stain-resistant and handle wear well,
is underway. “For years, design was the free-flowing forms now appear- — a move away from making them ideal for homes with children. Linen
about control and precision. Now ing in luxury homes. Designers are pointy moder nism,” and cotton are softer and hence require more
it’s about comfort and connection — introducing sculptural feature walls says Yashasvi. care. Leather ages beautifully and makes it the
about creating spaces that feel finished in lime plaster or micro- Ultimately, the rise of ideal option to add sophistication and character
intuitive rather than impos- cement that curve seamlessly curves marks a deeper to a space while also being easy to clean.
ing,” says Bhumit Shah of 18 from wall to ceiling, while philosophical shift in de-
Studiioz. staircases take on fluid, shell- lar display units, creating warmth sign. Organic forms soften architec-
At the heart of this evolu- like spirals. “Organic shapes through depth and shadow play. In tural rigidity, improve circulation,
tion lies a renewed focus on immediately trigger a sub- kitchens, rounded islands with bull- create moments of pause and visual CONSIDER COLOUR
human-centric design. Hu- conscious connection to na- nose edges are replacing boxy intrigue, and reinforce a sense of While it may be tempting to choose a bold colour
man bodies are not composed ture. That connection trans- counters. “Today’s luxury is emo- comfort and well-being. “Curves are that’s trending or an unusual choice to make this a
of straight lines — our move- lates into a sense of calm and tional,” Yashasvi notes, adding, “A about emotion as much as function. statement piece, it is important to be aware that a
ments are fluid, our postures curved, well-being for the user,” says Yashas- curved kitchen island doesn’t just They allow spaces to breathe, re- sofa is not replaced often. Going neutral for the
and our sense of comfort rooted in vi Mehta, founder of Yashasvi Me- look elegant, it allows smoother spond and connect with the people base colour and styling it with coloured cushions,
softness. Rounded forms subcon- hta Architects. movement and feels safer, especially wh o i n h ab i t t h e m , ” B h u m i t throws, and rugs seasonally is always a wiser
sciously feel safer and more welcom- This shift also signals a redefini- in family homes.” reflects. combination. Replacing the accessories is far more
ing. Curved sectional sofas now seen tion of luxury. Where once luxury Advancements in materials and As homes increasingly become affordable than replacing the sofa itself.
in premium living rooms from Mum- was synonymous with sharp detail- construction technologies have fur- sanctuaries rather than showcases,
bai to Milan naturally orient people ing, symmetry, and polished perfec- ther enabled this fluid aesthetic. the embrace of organic forms feels
towards one another, encouraging tion, it is now increasingly defined Curves, once expensive and difficult both timely and timeless. In bending
conversation, and creating a shared by experience — by how a space to execute, are now far more acces- away from the straight line, contem- Ultimately, the perfect sofa is one that fits your space, supports your
focal point. “Curves invite interac- makes you feel. Arched niches and sible. Gypsum ceilings can be mould- porary interiors are discovering a lifestyle, and makes you feel at ease. Ensure to choose frame strength,
tion,” Bhumit explains, “They re- alcoves have replaced flat, rectangu- ed into wave-like forms with con- gentler, more human way to live. cushion quality, and a durable fabric for your long-term companion.