CHENNAI SHOWS HOW NOT TO MANAGE MONSOON

CHENNAI SHOWS HOW NOT TO MANAGE MONSOON

Corparation Handled Rain Damage Better This Time, Say Experts; Residents Say No

Komal.Gautham@timesgroup.com

12.11.2021

Soon after the December 2015 floods, the blame for the devastation caused was placed on encroachments in water bodies, blocks in major canals, lack of storm water drains in many places and the absence of data on critical areas.

Nearly six years later, after heavy rain has caused almost similar destruction, the question is whether Greater Chennai Corporation was better prepared to deal with the crisis. Experts say the city administration did better, but residents, who had to bear the brunt of nature’s fury, feel otherwise.

They say the corporation built drains over 900km since 2018, but when it mattered, some were blocked and some connected to those on elevated roads such as near Inner Ring Road in North Chennai didn’t work. In the central region, the dumping of debris for the Mambalam canal improvement work just ahead of the monsoon led to a disaster, while in the south lakes filled during the southwest monsoon overflowed, flooding homes and entire localities.

Since May, a senior corporation official told TOI, a lot of garbage and debris was removed from road sides and slum. The civic body de-silted 900km of the 2,500km of drains, de-silted 30,000 catchpits. New drains were constructed in Velachery, Nandanam and other areas and a response system was also put in place. This, he claimed, helped keep water away from major most bus route roads.

But, residents say, several localities came under 3-5 feet of water.

KK Nagar, pockets of Alwarpet, Velachery, Ashok Nagar, Kilpauk, Subramania Puram and Aziz Nagar in Kodambakkam, Pulianthope, Broadway, Choolai and Madipakkam were all declared high risk in 2019 and details of how the drains didn’t have enough carrying capacity was submitted to the civic body by experts. Yet, it was in these areas that drain work didn’t take place in the last five years. “We had submitted the proposals. It will be completed in a year,” said an official.

Another reason for the flooding, officials said, was that the November 7 rain had already inundated major areas. This week’s rain only caused more havoc.

M V Ramanamoorthy, director of National Centre for Coastal Research, said there was a lot of improvement in the system. “In 2015, we were not prepared for heavy rain. Earlier, we used to have distributed rainfall over two months. Now, the entire rainfall is received within a few days. It is difficult for any city to accommodate this much water. The administration has done a lot by clearing many bottlenecks. However, a comprehensive plan for the entire city is needed as in the future more such events are likely to take place often,” he said.

NO MERCY: People walk past a flooded stretch at Vijayaraghavapuram in T Nagar on Thursday

ARE WE SAFE : A dog looks over a flooded road in Semmanchery on Thursday

NET EFFECT : A huge tree got uprooted at Saligramam on Thursday

2015, 2021, WHAT’S NEXT?

One important lesson learned this year is that drains require maintenance throughout the year and not just ahead of monsoon

P Sajeevan | PERUNGUDI RESIDENT

Weightage for internal marks in engineering up from 20% to 40%

Weightage for internal marks in engineering up from 20% to 40%

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:12.11.2021

For students of affiliated colleges of Anna University stuttering at 60% overall fail rate, here is some good news. The university’s new regulation for 2021 has doubled the internal assessment weightage for awarding marks from 20% to 40%. The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for getting first class has also been brought down from 7 CGPA to 6.5 CGPA. Just 25% of engineering students cleared all the subjects in the first semester in January 2019, shows data.

The new regulation also allows students to take a study break for up to a year for job or entrepreneurship and has scrapped a 2017 rule that mandated students to compulsorily complete arrears in four attempts. Students can also do up to two online courses in a semester against one course under current rule.

“Earlier, study break was allowed only on medical grounds,” an official said.

Theory courses with lab to have 50:50 weightage

The new changes were part of the plan to impart uniformity in engineering education. While affiliated colleges follow an 80%:20% weightage system for end-semester exams and internal tests, at autonomous colleges and university departments it is 60%:40% and 50%: 50%.

As per the new regulation, theory courses with laboratory components will have 50%:50% weightage for end-semester exams and internal assessment. For laboratory courses, it will be 60% for internal assessment in end-semester exams.

The number of internal assessments has been cut from 3 to 2 per semester. “There will be two internal assessments in each semester, each for 100 marks. An individual assignment or case study or seminar or mini project will carry 40 marks while a written test will be for 60 marks. The candidate’s score for 200 marks will be converted to 40 marks.” End-semester exams will be for 100 marks and the score will be converted into 60 marks.

Anna University vicechancellor R Velraj said, “The new regulations will give more flexibility to students.”

As per the earlier regulation, students must complete arrears in four attempts or redo the course in fifth semester.

The university has also allowed students to appear for arrears in subsequent semesters.

P Deiva Sundari, principal, KCG College of Technology, said, “The increase in weightage for internal assessment including assignment and case studies, mini projects will help students get more active learning. It has given more space for outcome-based education.”

The university also introduced a new grade “C”. “Students who clear the exam with 50 marks will get C grade,” an official said. It has included science club, literary club and fine arts club apart from NCC and NSS to inculcate scientific temper among students.

Velachery, Madipakkam inundated for 2nd time this week

Velachery, Madipakkam inundated for 2nd time this week

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:12.11.2021

The respite from Sunday’s rains was shortlived for residents of several neighbourhoods in Velachery, suburban Madipakkam, Puzhuthivakkam, Adambakkam and surrounding areas as they once again woke up to flooded streets on Thursday. Water entered the ground floor of several houses in low lying areas.

While main roads were not entirely flooded, some stretches along Madipakkam Main Road, Sabari Salai and Velachery Main Road had more than 4ft of water, making commuting in vehicles difficult.

Traffic movement was cut off on a small stretch of Puzhuthivakkam Main Road near the Corporation Zone 14 office and cars from low lying areas in Madipakkam and Velachery were back on the flyover on Thursday.

Interior roads and low-lying residential neighbourhoods bore the brunt of the rain. In Velachery, Ram Nagar, AGS Colony, Dhandeeswaram, Tansi Nagar, Vijayanagar, Selva Nagar, Bhuvaneswari Nagar were completely inundated.

“Some of us took refuge in neighbour’s houses on the first floor. Authorities had stationed boats and rescued the elderly and those willing to move to safety,” said K Ramanathan of AGS Colony.

Residents of Otteri Salai, Nethaji Street and New India Colony Road in Puzhuthivakkam and Ram Nagar (north) in Madipakkam were among the worst affected as water entered the ground floor of several homes. “Authorities did a poor job by not overseeing contractors, who take up storm water drain work. The drains were not deep enough and hence their water carrying capacity was reduced, leading to flooding. There has to be some kind of accountability,” said M Patel, a software engineer who stays in Otteri Salai.

Officials said water from most areas was diverted to nearby waterbodies —Madipakkam lake and Puzhuthivakkam lake, but the houses which are below the road level were inundated. “The problem in these areas is that storm water drains from several areas are diverted through these channels to drain into Pallikaranai marsh. In case of heavy rain, the capacity of the drain is exceeded and water starts seeping out from manholes too,” an official with zone 14 said.

HC: CMRL has no authority to penalise mask-less commuters

HC: CMRL has no authority to penalise mask-less commuters

Sureshkumar.K@timesgroup.com

Chennai:12.11.2021

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) cannot levy ₹200 as penalty on commuters found without masks, as the Madras high court has restrained CMRL from doing so for want of authority.

“The best-intentioned actions, not backed by the authority of law, cannot stand. Though the intention of CMRL is laudable, it lacks authority to impose and collect fines,” the court said on Thursday.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P D Audikesavalu, passing orders on a PIL moved by advocate R Muthukrishnan, said: “…the authority to impose such a penalty could not have been appropriated by the CMRL without the law governing the CMRL expressly conferring jurisdiction on such a body to impose a penalty.”

If at all, the state may have imposed such a penalty, assuming that the ordinance and the subsequent enactment were and are valid by treating a metro station and metro coach as public places.

However, just because the state had the authority to impose the penalty, it would not imply that CMRL could draw therefrom or had the power or jurisdiction to impose such a fine, however well-intentioned the same may have been, the court added.

As to ₹87,000 penalty already collected by CMRL, the court said, “Since the quantum appears to be rather meagre, CMRL is permitted to retain the amount.”

No response on helplines a concern

No response on helplines a concern

Saranya.Chakrapani@timesgroup.com

12.11.2021

Days after the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) released helpline numbers to reach people in inundated neighbourhoods, and appointed senior IAS officers to oversee relief work, complaints are cropping up on how calls are not being followed up on, or responded to.

Rama Prabhakar, a resident of Mandaiveli’s Srinivasan Street, woke up to almost three feet of water flooding the road outside her home on Thursday. It entered the ground floor of their apartment in no time, ruining furniture and electronics devices. The family says they lodged a complaint on GCC’s Namma Chennai app in the morning and called their helpline 1913 soon after that. “They answered our calls and acknowledged our complaint, but didn’t follow up.

“By afternoon, their lines had gone busy and we had to pump out the water ourselves, when the rains subsided,” says Rama.

Several residents also alleged that they were asked to wait until the rain subsided before water could be pumped out of their homes. Angry residents in neighbourhoods like Korattur and Shanmugam Pillai Street in Mylapore said that their homes were inundated with sewage-contaminated rainwater and no action was taken despite persistent calls to the GCC helpline. Yamini Thirumaran, a resident of Perumal Mudali Street in Royapettah said that she had shared photos of an uninhabited bungalow’s compound wall that had broken into their premises and a large broken tree branch that was precariously hanging over their roof, with the local IAS officer, but never heard back. “When we called 1913, our complaint was brushed off,” she said. While the ‘100’ Police helpline too remained busy for most part of the day, in neighbourhoods like Teynampet and parts of south Chennai like Sholinganallur, GCC and supervising officials were appreciated for being prompt with complaints.

The Tangedco helpline 9498794987 too came under attack on Thursday, after residents from various parts of the city alleged that they were unable to reach them throughout the day.

Deputy Commissioner of Education, D Sneha, from the control room, said inundation around distribution transformers prevented them from restoring power in some neighbourhoods. She added that these areas are being prioritised.

RESIDENTS SAID WHEN THEY CALLED HELPLINES, THEY WERE ASKED TO WAIT UNTIL THE RAIN SUBSIDED

Woman cop, who carried sick man on shoulder, is now an internet sensation

Woman cop, who carried sick man on shoulder, is now an internet sensation

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

12.11.2021

Inspector Rajeshwari of T P Chathiram, who was clearing an uprooted tree, received a call about a man lying unconscious at a cemetery at 8.30 pm. She rushed there believing the man would could be saved. A tree had fallen on him during the incessant rain that lashed Chennai.

The cop carried him on her shoulders to reach an autorickshaw which she had arranged for a hospital. In a 2-minute video that has now gone viral, Rajeshwari can be seen running frantically, carrying the man on her shoulders and shouting out to her colleagues there that he should be saved at any cost. She had covered him with blanket.

The man, identified as 28-year-old Udhayakumar, was admitted to an ICU and is said to be recovering well.i

Inspector Rajeshwari’s is no stranger to selfless public service. She had led a team that investigated sexual assault on a 11-year-old girl by over a dozen men in Ayanavaram in Chennai in 2018. In 1992, Rajeshwari received an appreciation letter for her exemplary work for saving lives in the Mahamaham stampede.

Senior police officers remember Rajeswari for her courage and humility. She was the only non-IPS officer to receive an award at a police conference a few years ago in Thrissur. She is known for rescuing destitute women.

A native of Theni district, Rajeshwari has emptied all her savings buying clothes and food every week for destitutes.

“I feel I should have some purpose in life and that would be helping the poor. It is more satisfying than anything else,” said Rajeshwari.

Cab rates up as public transport crippled

Cab rates up as public transport crippled

Ram Sundaram & Ayyappan V | TNN

12.11.2021

Demand for recovery and towing vehicles was high on Thursday as several vehicles got stuck in water-logged areas across the city.

“We received close to 25 rescue calls. But we are able to attend only half of them because of the excess rain. Majority of the calls were from Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Arumbakkam and Taramani areas,” said S Renjith Kumar from OMR Towing Services in Perungudi. It cost ₹1,600 to ₹2,500 to recover a car.

Not just private vehicles, such agencies were instrumental in recovering even autos and taxis, which were the only form urban commute available in interior areas as public transportation crippled.

In some places, autos and cabs charged up to ₹900 for 10-km trips. “We did not have an option as not many were willing to enter our area,” said Inbarajan, a resident of Perambur.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai has suspended services of close to 1,000 buses, according to official data.

MTC managed to operate 1,600 buses to help those leaving for work. But nearly threefourths among them were unable to complete the trips on time and come gor.

Long-distance buses too struggled to reach Chennai as parts of Madurantakam and Tambaram (along Chennai-Trichy highway) got inundated. So, buses had to wait for rain and wind speed to reduce for a safer commute. It extended travel time by at least 90 to 120 minutes on Thursday afternoon.

As far as trains were concerned, suburban services were delayed after tracks got flooded near Ambattur and Avadi along the Chennai-Thiruvallur route. However, railways cancelled only three services and operated the rest of the trains. But many of the services on Tambaram and Gummidipoondi route were delayed.

The Basin Bridge yard was flooded making it difficult for the staff to check trains and get them ready for service from Central. Long-distance express trains were operated as per schedule. As more rain is forecast, railways will operate suburban services on Sunday’s schedule on Friday.

Depression leaves city bruised; low-pressure likely tomorrow

Depression leaves city bruised; low-pressure likely tomorrow

14 Dead Across TN; Several Core City Areas Flooded

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:12.11.2021

The unrelenting showers that battered the city and northern regions of Tamil Nadu all through the night on Thursday slowed down later in the day as the depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the coast near Chennai by evening.

The heavy rain and release of surplus water from dams, about 13,000 cusecs, has transformed several areas in the city into a water body with streets swirling with deluge and trash.

While at least 14 people were killed in rain-related incidents in the state so far, more than 1,000 tenements, mostly huts, suffered damage across Tamil Nadu.

IMD has forecast a new lowpressure over the south Andaman Sea on November 13 (Saturday). It will move northwest and become more marked around Monday. “The depression crossed the north Tamil Nadu coast close to Chennai between 5.30pm and 6.30pm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 45-55kmph gusting to 65kmph. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and weaken gradually into a well-marked low pressure area on Friday morning,” said S Balachandran, DDG, IMD and added that the red alert for Chennai and neighbouring districts has been withdrawn.

The overnight rain left streets flooded in T Nagar, K K Nagar, Alwarpet, Velachery, and OMR, disrupted power supply, and uprooted 267 trees. On Thursday, 523 locations were water logged but only 68 could be cleared. Two roads, R K Mutt road in Mandaveli and Thirumalaipillai road in T Nagar, have caved in. The authorities used 55 boats to rescue the stranded and 570 motor pumps were used to pump out water. Eight subways still remain flooded.

Tambaram registered 23cm, Ennore 21cm, Nungambakkam 16cm and Meenambakkam 14cm. This was the second big spell after last weekend when Nungambakkam registered a record 22cm and Meenambakkam 11cm.

Many aspirants to architecture oppose new eligibility criteria

Many aspirants to architecture oppose new eligibility criteria

Mumbai:11.11.2021

Even as the Council of Architecture made scores in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) mandatory for admissions to non-CFTIs (centrally-funded technological institutions) a few months ago, many students are opposed to it. Earlier, students with JEE (Main) scores were also eligible.

A city college principal, said the National Testing Agency gives percentile scores in JEE (Main), which is relative, and students only have to get a nonzero score to qualify. Whereas in NATA, the general category cutoff is 70 (out of 200) to qualify. It is unfair to larger number of students seeking admissions in architecture colleges through NATA, they said.

While many are opposed to it, principals claimed colleges had to maintain quality of education and the council was authorised to regulate policies on architecture education. TNN

'This Is Not A Circus Or Cinema': Kerala High Court After Man Appears Shirtless On Virtual Proceedings

'This Is Not A Circus Or Cinema': Kerala High Court After Man Appears Shirtless On Virtual Proceedings: After noticing a shirtless man attending the virtual proceedings, the Kerala High Court emphasise

Two blind students graduate with distinction

Two blind students graduate with distinction

Nida.Sayed@timesgroup.com

Panaji:11.11.2021

Sumera Khan, 23, from Margao was born with blindness, but ask her to travel to Santa Cruz for her sessions at the National Association of the Blind (NAB) and she can do so seamlessly using public transport, with only her white cane as support.

The expertise in braille and determination to excel in academics motivated her to score 87% in distinction in graduation, the results of which were announced last week. Dethroning the long lineage of sighted students that came before her, Khan is the topper in her batch, this year.

“It was challenging when we shifted to online classes due to the pandemic. However, once I was able to adjust to the medium, there was no looking back and I was able to complete my studies,” Khan said.

She is now aiming for IAS preparation so that she can uplift people from the underprivileged and rural areas.

“I want to ensure that others get the same opportunities that I did,” she said.

Saish Salkar, 23, a visually impaired student from Old Goa, also graduated with 80% in his graduation course. He is now pursuing a masters degree in English literature at Goa University.

“Shifting to virtual examinations was the toughest challenge since verbally saying our answers on Google Meet was something we had never been exposed to. However, I was determined to excel since I want to further prepare for UPSC,” he said.

The duo’s achievement has made their teachers at NAB extremely proud. Theirs is not just yet another success story to come from the institute, but also an achievement wherein the students have performed against their sighted counterparts in a regular college, instead of a special one.

“They cannot come out of schools as leaders if they do not learn to be a part of regular society early on. We, therefore, follow an integrated regulated programme as part of which students can go to regular schools instead of special schools. Here, the students compete with the sighted students and emerge as successful while overcoming all challenges,” said NAB president Rozendo Mendonsa.

Sumera Khan (left) and Saish Salkar now aim to clear the UPSC exam and become IAS officers

Varsity to offer online course on poll processes

Varsity to offer online course on poll processes

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Panaji:11.11.2021

As the state heads towards the 2022 assembly polls, Goa University students and the general public will be able to learn about the country’s democratic systems and poll processes via a short-term online course introduced at GU’s department of political science by the office of the chief electoral officer, in a collaborative effort.

The course ‘Democracy and Electoral Management in India’ aims to introduces participants to the concepts of democracy and the functioning of the largest electoral machinery in the world. The course will also include hands-on training on an actual EVM.

The total course duration will be 12 hours, spread over four weeks from November 22 to December 22, GU said.

The course has been vetted by the India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management, New Delhi, and approved by the GU Academic Council. It is also open to government officials and those who will be working as presiding/polling officers at the upcoming state elections.

“Certificates of participation to be provided to all completing basic class requirements. All lectures will be available on YouTube, with an opportunity for live interaction with resource persons,” GU said.

Those interested have to register before November 17 and must have a minimum of Class XII qualification.

DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

Med student found hanging in Midnapore college hostel

Med student found hanging in Midnapore college hostel

Sujoy Khanra

Midnapore: 11.11.2021

A 28-year-old postgraduate student of Midnapore Medical College was found hanging in the hostel on Tuesday night.

Mini Ghosh, a resident of Kandi in Murshidabad, was in her second year of MD (Paediatrics). She had cleared her MBBS from Calcutta National Medical College.

Dr Tarapada Ghosh, head of paediatrics, said Mini was a bright student and was preparing for a seminar.

Police have not found a suicide note and are probing the case. The body was sent for autopsy on Wednesday.

Father Binay Ghosh, who arrived here to receive the body, said Mini called them twice every day — at noon and before bed at night. When she skipped routine on Tuesday, her family tried calling her, but she did not answer. They assumed she was busy until the news reached them.

Father Binay Ghosh said Mini called them twice every day — at noon and before bed at night. When she skipped routine on Tuesday, her family tried calling her, but she did not answer

KGMU docs remove baby’s unborn twin in a 2-hour surgery

KGMU docs remove baby’s unborn twin in a 2-hour surgery

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:11.11.2021

A child with his unborn twin attached to his lower back was successfully operated and disjointed from it by a team of doctors at King George’s Medical University’s (KGMU) pediatric surgery department.

The two-hour long surgery was performed on November 3 under the guidance of department head Prof J D Rawat, Dr Piyush Kumar, Dr Sudhir Singh and Dr Anand Pandey.

Doctors performed the intricate surgery and separated the abortive twin, who had two legs, hands and back but no head, from the fully formed child.

“On August 25, a woman in Sitapur had given birth to a child having a mass, legs and hands attached to its back. The family got worried over the abnormal growth and rushed the newborn to the local hospital from where they were referred to KGMU,” said Prof Rawat.

“The MRI showed that the mass was an abortive twin attached to the child’s back over the lumbar spine and spinal cord. The child was successfully freed from the burden of the mass growing on its back and is doing well,” he added.

Karnataka High Court Upholds Centre's Notification Treating OCIs As NRIs For College Admissions

Karnataka High Court Upholds Centre's Notification Treating OCIs As NRIs For College Admissions: The Karnataka High Court has upheld the validity of the Central Government notification dated March 4, by which Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders are not to be eligible for...

கனமழை எதிரொலி: 15 மாவட்ட பள்ளிகளுக்கு இன்று விடுமுறை

DINAMALAR

பொது செய்தி

தமிழ்நாடு

கனமழை எதிரொலி: 15 மாவட்ட பள்ளிகளுக்கு இன்று விடுமுறை

Updated : நவ 11, 2021 06:32 | Added : நவ 11, 2021 06:29

சென்னை: தமிழகத்தில் கனமழை எதிரொலி காரணமாக சென்னை, சேலம், கடலூர் உள்ளிட்ட 14 மாவட்ட பள்ளி, கல்லூரிகளுக்கு இன்று(நவ.,11) விடுமுறை அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. கோவை மாவட்டத்தில், பள்ளிகளுக்கு மட்டும் இன்று விடுமுறை அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

தமிழகத்தில் வடகிழக்கு பருவமழை தீவிரம் அடைந்துள்ளது. அதி கனமழை காரணமாக, தமிழகத்தின் பெரும்பாலான மாவட்டங்களில் நீர்நிலைகள், அணைகள் நிரம்பி வெள்ளப் பெருக்கு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்நிலையில், வங்கக்கடலில் உருவாகியுள்ள காற்றழுத்த தாழ்வு மண்டலம், இன்று கரையை கடக்கும் என்றும், அதுவரை மாநிலத்தின் பெரும்பாலான மாவட்டங்களில், அதி கனமழை வரை பெய்யும் என சென்னை வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் எச்சரித்துள்ளது. இந்நிலையில் கனமழை காரணமாக பல மாவட்ட பள்ளி, கல்லூரிகளுக்கு இன்று விடுமுறை அளித்து அந்தந்த மாவட்ட கலெக்டர்கள் உத்தரவு பிறப்பித்துள்ளனர்.

பள்ளி, கல்லூரிகளுக்கு விடுமுறை:

1. சென்னை

2. காஞ்சிபுரம்

3. திருவள்ளூர்

4. செங்கல்பட்டு

5. கடலுார்

6. நாகப்பட்டினம்

7. தஞ்சாவூர்

8. திருவாரூர்

9. மயிலாடுதுறை

10. ராமநாதபுரம்

11. வேலூர்

12 ராணிப்பேட்டை

13. விழுப்புரம்

14. சேலம்

15. திருவாரூர்

பள்ளிகளுக்கு மட்டும் இன்று விடுமுறை:

15. கோவை

Vegetable prices rise in Kerala as supply from TN dips due to floods

Vegetable prices rise in Kerala as supply from TN dips due to floods

The shortage of supplies from other states, especially Tamil Nadu, which was badly hit by floods, has resulted in a surge in vegetable prices in Kerala.

Published: 11th November 2021 03:53 AM 

The Ernakulam vegetable market | A Sanesh

By Express News Service

KOCHI: The shortage of supplies from other states, especially Tamil Nadu, which was badly hit by floods, has resulted in a surge in vegetable prices in Kerala. In the last three weeks, the prices of vegetables including tomato, beans and drumstick have seen a three-fold surge. Wholesale dealers said that even before the beginning of Deepavali, there was a shortage of supply from Tamil Nadu, from where over 60 per cent of supplies are coming to Kerala.

This has resulted in a sudden surge in prices of vegetables. Schools reopened in the state last week and there was an increase in demand for vegetables. This was also another reason for the price hike.

"There is a 30 per cent dip in overall quantity of loads arriving from Tamil Nadu every week.

The suppliers have informed us that the cultivation in low-lying areas was severely affected due to floods. The volume of cultivation was also low during the last few months resulting in a dip in supply," said Ernakulam Market Stall Owners Association president K K Ashraf. He said that other than Chinese potato (Koorkka,) the prices of all other vegetables have witnessed a surge in the last couple of weeks.

Among vegetables, tomato price in the retail market touched Rs 80 on Wednesday. Ashraf said that in the wholesale market, tomato is priced at Rs 55 and the retailers will add their margin to the actual price, which has resulted in the surge. There are also complaints from consumers that there is no uniformity in price and it varies from shop to shop. "The vegetable vendors/retailers are charging as per their will for vegetables. If we get a kilogram of tomato for Rs 80 from one shop, another shop nearby will charge Rs 75 or Rs 85, as per their will. Most of the shops do not display the price list," said Harikrishnan, a resident of Vazhakkala.

vegetables

 

Depression to cross north TN on Thursday, state on edge

Depression to cross north TN on Thursday, state on edge

With rainfall of over 20 cm forecast for capital, people urged to stay safe indoors

Published: 11th November 2021 03:15 AM 

(Photo | P Jawahar, EPS)

By SV Krishna Chaitanya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: As rains continued in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, two people, including a four-year-old, died in a wall collapse in Thanjavur district, and 55,000 hectares of agricultural fields went underwater. The showers intensifed at night as a well-marked low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression.

Located in the southwest Bay about 430 km from Chennai, it is very likely to near the north TN coast by Thursday morning. It is expected to cross north TN and the adjoining south Andhra coasts between Karaikal and Sriharikota near the north of Puducherry the same evening.

With extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm), forecast in and around Chennai from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon, the regional meteorological centre issued a red alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvanamalai, Kallakurichi, Salem and Tirupattur. Surface winds reaching 30 kmph are also likely over Chennai and its suburbs during the day.

Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said all arrangements were made and people shouldn’t step outdoors unnecessarily. In the 24 hours ending 8.30 am Wednesday, Nagapattinam recorded a whopping 310 mm of rainfall, followed by Karaikal (290 mm). Several observatories clocked over 250 mm. However, through Wednesday, rainfall reduced with Ennore Port receiving 45 mm, followed by Cheyyur 38 mm and Chennai AWS 33.5 mm. Nonetheless, Ashok Nagar, T Nagar, Pulianthope and West Mambalam in Chennai remained inundated for the fourth day.

Statewide, 3,691 irrigation tanks are brimming, while in Madurai, a third flood alert was issued as the flow in the Vaigai reached 5,000 cusecs. Another low-pressure area is likely to form in the South Andaman Sea around November 13.

Madras HC stays order cancelling admissions to dental college

Madras HC stays order cancelling admissions to dental college

The Madras High Court on Tuesday stayed the order of the selection committee for medical admission cancelling admissions to a private dental college in the State.

Published: 11th November 2021 02:55 AM 

Madras High Court

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday stayed the order of the selection committee for medical admission cancelling admissions to a private dental college in the State. The admissions were cancelled since the college exceeded the prescribed distance to a tie-up hospital.

The selection committee on November 2 cancelled the admissions to PG courses at Rajas Dental College in Kavalkinaru, Tirunelveli district, following an order of the Union government dated August 2, 2021, and a consequential order of the Dental Council of India dated October 28, 2021. The orders said the distance from the college to the tie-up hospital is more than 10 km, which violated the amended Dental Council of India Regulations, 2006.

The hospital management approached the Madras HC challenging cancellation of the admissions. It said since the college was established in 1987, and was approved under the 1993 regulations, the provisions of the 2006 regulations regarding location of the tie-up hospital do not apply to it. Staying the order, Justice M Dhandapani noted that prior to the 2006 regulations, it was not contemplated that the distance (by road) should be within 10 km.

Hot pongal, upma from Chennai Corp kitchens keep urban poor full

Hot pongal, upma from Chennai Corp kitchens keep urban poor full

Serving up pongal, rava upma and 10 other dishes at a rapid pace, the city corporation’s common kitchens across 15 zones have kept urban poor from going hungry during the non-stop rains.

Published: 11th November 2021 04:59 AM 

By Omjasvin MD

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Serving up pongal, rava upma and 10 other dishes at a rapid pace, the Chennai Corporation’s common kitchens across 15 zones have kept urban poor from going hungry during the non-stop rains.

While Amma Canteens served free food to affected people during natural disasters in the previous AIADMK government, these kitchens have taken up the role now, serving rain-affected residents food round-the-clock.

According to data shared by the civic body, up to 10 lakh food parcels of various dishes were served by the 15 kitchens over the last three days. “We primarily distribute food to rescue shelters and night shelters. From Kodambakkam kitchen at Ambedkar College Road, about 12,000 people benefitted in the three days,” said an official from Revenue department, which runs the kitchen along with the corporation.

TNIE spoke to workers, who said they wake up as early as 3 am to cook. “By 6 am, the breakfast is ready. After that, it is tasted by health inspectors. Only after that we distribute it,” said a cook. These kitchens are constantly monitored by DMK MLAs, ministers and IAS officials. Recently, during a surprise visit, Chief Minister MK Stalin inspected these kitchens to taste the food.

Officials said the canteens will be offering free food until the rains are over. “Most people who avail the service are from slum board tenements, fishermen colonies and the homeless.” The CM had also recently announced that Amma Canteens too will be serving free food till the rains are over.

12K  people benefitted in the past three days of the food served from the Kodambakkam common kitchen

Man who couldn’t be SI is now in IPS

Man who couldn’t be SI is now in IPS

Srinath.Vudali@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:11.11.2021

Three years ago, when Sirisetti Sankeerth lost the 800 metres race by a few seconds, his dreams of becoming a police officer went up in smoke, or so he thought.

Come Friday and Sankeerth will now march shoulder-to-shoulder with 132 fellow IPS trainees at the ‘dikshant parade’ of trainee IPS officers passing out from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. The 27-year-old failed to realise his dream of getting into the police service and becoming a sub-inspector after he failed to clear the mandatory 800 metres run to check fitness of candidates three years ago.

Son of an electrician, Sankeerth, who hails from Bellampalli village in Telangana’s Mancherial district, had earlier cleared the state exam to become a policeman.

“I was supposed to clear the mandatory 800 metres race in 160 seconds. But I failed in meeting the requirement by a whisker,” Sankeerth told TOI.

Having realised that he had to work hard on his fitness, the young man put his dreams on the backburner and even took up a job as an assistant executive engineer in Mission Bhagiratha, a flagship water project of the government, to help his father’s meagre earnings at Singareni Collieries.

“I used to go to the office by 7.30 am and prepare myself for UPSC. My actual work used to be in the evening and I was lucky to be given a desk job. So, I used to manage time by preparing the whole day,” Sankeerth said.

While working on his fitness, Sankeerth also began taking the UPSC exams, but found it difficult to clear. He, however, did not give up.

“It was on my fifth attempt, I cleared UPSC and during my police training at SVP National Police Academy (SVPNPA) I also did well in sports during my training and won few medals too,” a beaming Sankeerth, who ranked 330 in the latest UPSC exam, said.Sankeerth completed his civil engineering from Osmania University and has now been allotted to Telangana cadre.

“It was my father’s dream to see me as an IPS officer. I am happy that I have done it for him,” he added.

Sankeerth and his fellow IPS trainees will now be sent to France as part of the training programme.

PG admission delay: 2,200 MBBS doctors kept in limbo - The Times Of India

PG admission delay: 2,200 MBBS doctors kept in limbo - The Times Of India

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:11.11.2021

Yash Patel, who completed his MBBS degree earlier this year, is waiting for his turn to get admission in postgraduate doctoral programme at a medical college in Gujarat.

Patel, who has cleared NEET PG, the results of which were declared one and a half month ago, says he had to let go of a job offer from a private hospital that wanted him to join as a resident doctor.

There are about 2,200 PG medical seats in the state that are yet to be allotted as the admissions are running about six months behind schedule due to multiple reasons.

The MBBS graduates who join PG medical courses serve as resident doctors at medical college hospitals. This year about 2,200 doctors are yet to join duty as the admission process is not completed so far.

The NEET PG exams are usually held in April but they got delayed till August this year due to Coronavirus pandemic.

“Last year, the candidates had joined first-year of PG programme in the month of May. These students have finished their first-year studies and moved on to the next year. As a result, about 2,200 doctors who are all ready to join the PG courses and serve in hospitals, cannot do so as the admission process is stuck,” according to a medical faculty in one of the government-run colleges in the state.

The admission committee on Wednesday announced that the online registration process for admissions to MD, MS programmes will start from November 12.

“The admission process is stuck due to an ongoing case in the Supreme Court regarding admission for economically weaker section (EWS) category. Also, the admissions at the state level can only be held once two rounds of admissions are completed under All India Quota,” said an academic expert from the medical field.

Online registration for NEET PG from November 12

The Admission Committee for Professional Postgraduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPPGMEC) on Wednesday announced that the online registration for admissions to MD and MS programmes will be held from November 12 to November 16. Candidates who have cleared NEET PG-2021 are eligible to apply for admissions. On Wednesday, instructions were given by video-conferencing, regarding document verification process and submission of documents. Though the committee announced the date for online registration, experts said that the admissions cannot start immediately due to a case in the Supreme Court in connection with admission to PG medical for EWS category. Also, the admissions at the state-level can only be held once two rounds are completed under all-India quota, according to an expert. TNN

How to talk to the world through free translation apps

How to talk to the world through free translation apps

With Google and Apple revving their machine-learning engines in their translate apps, there’s a whole new world of communication possibilities available at the touch of your fingertips

11.11.2021

Third-party apps may be more indepth — but these freebies can provide a general sense of things and become learning aids. Here’s a quick tour:

Pick your translator

Google Translate is available on the web as a Chrome browser extension and as an Android and an iOS app. Apple released its Translate app last year for the iPhone and added it to the latest iOS 15 update for the iPad.

Google Translate supports more than 100 languages, while the version from Apple handles 11. Depending on the app and language, you may need an internet connection, unless the content is available to download. Audio pronunciation or other features may not be available for some languages. Read the app’s privacy policy if you have datasharing concerns.

Google Translate and Apple’s Translate are fairly easy to use. Just tap open the app and choose the languages you want to translate between. Enter text or say it aloud to get the translation through screen and speaker.

Both apps support a Conversation mode, where you can carry out a bilingual chat (in a supported language) with someone as the app automatically translates. And you can save favourite phrases for later reference in both apps.

See it and read it

Google Translate and the Google Lens visual search tool can use your phone’s camera to scan and translate the text on signs, in books, within photographs and in other printed matter. Just open the camera app, point it at the text you want to convert and tap the ‘Translate’ button.

Apple’s Live Text feature, new with iOS 15, offers similar abilities. Point the camera at text, and when a yellow frame appears around the words, tap the text icon in the bottomright corner of the screen. Select the words to convert and tap ‘Translate’ from the pop-up menu on the screen. You can translate text in photos the same way.

Translating in other apps

You’ll find that the baked-in powers of translation extend to other compatible apps, too. For example, in Google Translate, you can tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner, choose Settings and enable the ‘Tap to Translate’ function. When you find text that you want to convert, highlight the words and tap the ‘Translate’ option in the pop-up menu.

Apple’s Translate converts text in compatible apps on iOS devices (like the Safari browser) and can replace text you’ve typed with a translated version. Select the text you want to convert, and tap ‘Translate’ in the menu above. You may need to tap the arrow at the end of the menu to get to that option. When the full Translate menu appears, you can see and hear the translation and then choose one of several options, including ‘Replace with Translation’.

Use the Digital Assistant

Don’t forget that your virtual assistant can also be of service. The Google Assistant for Android and iOS has an interpreter mode to translate conversations in dozens of languages on demand. Just say something like, “Hey, Google, be my Mandarin interpreter,” and follow along. Apple’s Siri works with the Translate app to provide quick language tips as well; just say something like, “Hey, Siri, how do I say, ‘Where’s the nearest train station?’ in French?”

Typing in translation

To add an alternate-language keyboard in Google’s Gboard for Android or iOS, open an app that accepts text input (like your mail app), tap the Settings icon, then Languages and ‘Add Keyboard’ to select a language. You can tap the three-dot More icon on the Gboard menu to get to a Google Translate option for your typed text.

On an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15, open the Settings icon and choose General and then Keyboard. Select ‘Add New Keyboard’ and choose a language from the menu. Once you have added the new keyboard(s), you can switch between them by pressing the globe icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

Keep in mind that computer interpretation is not perfect. If a native speaker tells you the app’s translation is way off, visit the ‘Help & Feedback’ menu in the Google Translate settings or report it to Apple’s Translate Feedback page.

— THE NEW YORK TIMES

Despite govt order, disabled are forced to pay on buses

Despite govt order, disabled are forced to pay on buses

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:11.11.2021

It has been three months since the state government announced that differ ently abled people will be allowed to travel for free on ordinary town buses.

But some conductors continue to demand ticket fares from such passengers and those who escort them.

The violation has been frequent in Chengalpet, Thiruvallur, Pudukottai and Dharmapuri districts, said S Namburajan from Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC).

G Tamil Selvi, who was escorting Nagaraj (a differently abled person) to Harur in Dharmapuri, said that conductor demanded ₹10 fare from her even after insisting that the government had changed the travel norms in June.

"It was more than enough if they presented their disability ID cards (issued by the government). But the conductors for some reason harass the passengers by asking for photocopies of the same. Failing which, they collect ticket fares" she said. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus conductors in response said that their branch managers insist on proof that differentlyabled passengers actually travel and it actually helps in tallying ticket fare revenue at the end of the day.

“Besides this, there is no mention about this procedure in the handbooks given to us,” say conductors. Guidebooks, which explain the duties and limitations of conductors, have previously been used as evidence in court cases involving TNSTC staff.

Namburajan in his letter to chief minister MK Stalin has requested the state transport department to paste stickers on the bus windshields stating that travel is free for differently abled persons and those escorting them. A senior transport department official has agreed to look into this issue.

For a difference, the government scheme is properly implemented by Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai as there are no complaints against them even when other corporations face allegations.

As a result, there is a 20% increase in the number of differently abled passengers using MTC buses in Chennai. Every month, at least 51,000 disabled passengers are getting benefitted, according to official data.

But only one out of the 3,300 MTC buses have ramps to assist disabled passengers while boarding or exiting. The Madras high court has directed the corporation to ensure that all new buses procured are disabled-friendly. MTC had originally decided that only 10% of the buses procured at ₹694 crore will be disabled-friendly and another 25% will have lift mechanisms with ramps. But activists have rejected it.

Traffic diversion over rain-related issues

Traffic diversion over rain-related issues

Chennai:11.11.2021

The city police have diverted traffic in several areas due to rain-related issues. On MRH Road from Manjampakkam rountana towards Red Hills, as the water is overflowing from Retteri lake and running through MRH Road, anticipating damage, one side of the road has been closed and the traffic is maintained on the other side. On Thirumalai Pillai Road, in front of Kamarajar Illam, due to a road cave-in, vehicles are not permitted towards Valluvarkottam junction from Vani Mahal junction. Police said that traffic is also diverted at Vani Mahal-Penz park junction. TNN

Traffic hit on key road in Perambur

Traffic hit on key road in Perambur

Chennai:11.11.2021

Traffic was disrupted on Perambur Barracks Road as the road cut near Vani Vasanthi theatre left motorists at high risk with many vehicles stuck in potholes and trenches dug up to drain the rainwater.

Rainwater remained stagnated on Demellows Road, Decastor Road restricting movement of bikes and light motor vehicles. This road connecting Pulianthope and Basin Bridge-Washermenpet. Waterlogged Pattalam road also prevented smaller vehicles to ply through. Some residents have dug up across the road near the Conran Smith Road-Perambur Barracks Road junction. TNN