Page 2 - South India

Actress Ranya booked under COFEPOSA Act in ₹12 crore gold smuggling case

Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been charged under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act, 1974, in connection with a gold smuggling case.With the invocation of this Act, she will not be eligible for bail for at least a year. Authorities stated that the move was necessary to prevent her from resuming illicit activities, citing her lack of cooperation during the investigation. Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramchandra Rao, was arrested on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold valued at over Rs 12.56 crore. She is currently lodged at the Bengaluru central prison along with two others Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain who have also been booked under the COFEPOSA Act. The case is being investigated jointly by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the CBI. According to officials, the stringent charges were applied after multiple ...

Chennai launches South India's first AC EMU train on suburban route

South India's first AC EMU chugged along the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu corridor on Saturday, marking yet another significant episode in the suburban rail network that is often hailed by many as the transport lifeline of the city and its neighbourhoods. This is the first such service in southern India, an official said. The Chennai division of Southern Railway operates the service. The train is equipped with more features than the regular EMU rakes, such as automatic doors and passenger information system. The maiden service was flagged off from Chennai Beach to Chengalpattu at 7 am and saw eager passengers enjoying the ride. Many regular train commuters recalled the days of the iconic metre gauge that was phased out in 2004 to accommodate broad gauge rakes with more capacity, and expressed joy over the air conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) being introduced just during the peak summer. According to Southern Railway, the initiative was aimed at providing hassle-free, pleasa

Lead role changes in cinema business: Bollywood makes way for South India

Hindi cinema has lost steam with its share in nationwide film revenue dropping from 44% in 2023 to 40% in 2024

Nainar Nagendran set to be next TN BJP prez, Annamalai for national role

BJP legislator from Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli constituency, Nainar Nagendran is all set to become the next state chief of the BJP, succeeding K Annamalai, who is now all set for a national role that seems to be an apparent reward for his work in the Dravidian heartland. BJP senior and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in the city to review the party's functioning and also discuss alliance related matters ahead of 2026 state polls, said Annamalai had made "commendable accomplishments." "The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji. As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to people or the programs of the party from village to village, Annamalai Ji's contribution has been unprecedented." "The BJP will leverage Annamalai Ji's organizational skills in the party's national framework," Shah said in a social

ED summons 'Empuraan' producer Gokulam Gopalan for questioning on Apr 22

This comes after a six-hour questioning session on Monday, where Gopalan's statements and the documents provided by him and his statements are being examined

Southern states reject population formula, seek GDP-based representation

Southern states reject population-based formula, demand GDP-based representation and legal safeguards against unfair redistribution. Archis Mohan writes

Delimitation meet: Stalin backs legal fight, Pinarayi, Revanth share views

In the first Joint Action Committee meeting of states hosted by the Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK over the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary seats by the Centre, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday made it clear that the fight is likely to be taken forward to the legal realm as well. In the meeting, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the delimitation of LS seats was hanging like the "sword of Damocles," and alleged the BJP government was going ahead on the issue without any consultation. He said "This sudden move is not driven by Constitutional principles or democratic imperatives," but by narrow political interests. Delimitation, if done after Census will lead to an increase in seats for northern states, a reduction for southern states. Such a cut in seats for the south and, an increase for the north will suit the BJP as it holds greater influence in the north. Addressing the meeting here, CM Stalin, favoured setting up an expert panel to draw up the political and legal ..

'Fair delimitation' is now a national movement, says Stalin ahead of JAC

RSS slams attempts to stoke north-south divide

Shops, establishments must display names in Tamil, says Puducherry CM

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Tuesday that the government would issue circulars to all shops and establishments, directing them to display their names in Tamil. Responding to a plea by Independent member G Nehru alias Kuppusamy, who raised the issue during Zero Hour in Assembly, Rangasamy said, "Strict instructions will be issued through the circular, ensuring that shop owners display Tamil versions of their establishment names on signboards." Nehru emphasised that there should be no leniency in the matter and urged the government to issue circulars with strict directions to honour the Tamil language. The CM stated that the government had also decided that all invitations for government department functions should include a Tamil version. "This is out of love and respect for the Tamil language," he added. Earlier, during Question Hour, PWD and Fisheries Minister K Lakshminarayanan informed the House that the government would place boulders along the entire 24-km stretch

Pushpa 3 confirmed! Producer reveals Allu Arjun's film schedule and more

Producer Ravi Shankar confirmed that the 'Pushpa 3: The Rampage' will arrive earlier than expected. He also mentioned that there won't be delays like Pushpa 2

Delimitation based on population unfair to southern states, says Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that if the delimitation exercise is based on population, it will be an injustice to the southern states as it would reduce their representation in the Lok Sabha and urged people to unite against this "injustice." Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the late K H Patil, a former minister, he also criticised the central government, expressing concern over the alleged lack of emphasis on education and the large number of vacancies in educational institutions. "The central government talks about cooperative federalism. If there is cooperative federalism, why are people not receiving the funds they are entitled to? Are cooperatives in Karnataka getting the money they should from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)? It has decreased by 58 per cent," Kharge said. Addressing the gathering, he urged the people of Karnataka to unite and fight against the injustice being done to them. "When the issue conce

Rashtrapati Bhawan to host South India-focused cultural fest from Mar 6-9

An annual cultural festival that celebrates India's diverse heritage by showcasing the unique traditions of different regions is set to be held on the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhawan from March 6-9, the government said on Wednesday. The event -- 'Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav' -- is being inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on March 5 and this year the focus is on South India, according to the Culture Ministry. It will be open to the public from March 6-9 from 10 AM to 8 PM daily, the ministry said in a statement. Key highlights of this edition include over 500 artisans and weavers showcasing traditional handicrafts and handlooms, including Kanjeevaram and Kasavu sarees, Pochampally ikat, Mysore silk, and intricate brass and wooden crafts, officials said. More than 400 artistes will present folk and classical dance and music, bringing South India's cultural essence to life, they said. "Authentic cuisines will feature signature South Indian delicacies such as Bisi Bele Bath, Ke

Delimitation promotes 'Hindia', non-Hindi states at risk: Kamal Haasan

MNM President Kamal Haasan accuses Centre of trying to consolidate power in Hindi-speaking states under the guise of delimitation

Luxury cars, electric vehicles hit fast lane in the South as demand rises

In 2024 alone, South India saw the highest rise in sales in the luxury segment, with Tamil Nadu reportedly registering a 19.3 per cent increase in premium car registrations from 2022-23

Chiranjeevi draws internet backlash over sexist remark, details inside

Telugu star Chiranjeevi spoke about not having a grandson to carry his legacy forward at the Brahma Anandam pre-release event. This has left his fans disappointed and sparked criticism on social media

Interarch bets big on South India; eyes 10% rise in revenue in FY26

Focusing on sustainable building practices, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions, the company is strategically expanding its operations across the region

14 arrested, 5 cases registered in connection with Kerala sexual abuse case

Seven more people were arrested on Saturday for allegedly raping a Dalit girl, who is an athlete, at various locations when she was a minor, taking the total number of those apprehended so far to 13, police said here as the case sparked outrage. The girl, who is now 18 years old, has alleged in her complaint that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals since the age of 13. The police said that they received evidence indicating that the girl was exploited by her sports trainers, fellow athletes and classmates. Calling for immediate arrest of all the accused, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought a detailed action-taken report from authorities within three days and emphasised on a fair and time-bound investigation to deliver justice. The Kerala Women's Commission (KWC) has registered a case on its own and its chairperson P Sathi Devi has directed the Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police to immediately submit a report in this regard, the Commission said in a ...

South Indian film industry lags in women leadership roles, shows data

The fourth edition of the report titled O Womaniya! reveals a decline in the representation of women HoDs in Telugu films, dropping from 5 per cent in 2021 to 3 per cent in 2023

Proposal to name Mysuru road after K'taka CM Siddaramaiah evokes objections

A proposal by the Mysuru City Corporation council to name a stretch of road in the city after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has evoked strong objections. According to official sources, the proposal calls for naming a stretch of KRS Road from the Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy temple to the Outer Ring Road junction as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga'. Based on a suggestion by Chamaraja Congress MLA Harish Gowda, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) took the decision at its meeting on November 22. The matter was first placed before the Mysuru deputy commissioner prior to being tabled in the council meeting. The MCC then issued a newspaper notice inviting views from the public on the proposal within 30 days on December 13, the sources said. Mysuru is the home district of Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term as the chief minister. The JD(S) called the move to name the KRS Road in the historic city of Mysuru as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga' condemnable. Pointing out that Siddaramaia

Pushpa 2 collections day 20: Movie may become biggest grosser in India

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 is the biggest earner of 2024 and it will likely become the highest grosser in India. The movie has already minted over Rs 1200 crore and is only behind Baahubali 2