Latest news with #Jayaraman
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
ITDP takes up study to assess the impact of electrification of private omni buses
The successful rollout of electric buses by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has led to a study by Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) to examine the potential environmental impact and fuel savings the State could achieve if private bus operators switch to electric buses. The report, titled 'Accelerating Sustainability: Electrifying Tamil Nadu's Private Bus sector', prepared in association with the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India and The Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamilnadu, found that electrifying the 8,500 private buses operating in the city and across the State, which play a major role in transporting nearly 48 lakh passengers while competing with State Transport Undertakings (STUs), could help prevent carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the tune of 84 lakh tonnes. It also projects fuel savings of ₹ 24,000 crore in a decade and a reduction of 30%-40% in the cost of operation of the buses. Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman of ITDP said, for the study, surveys were carried out with 153 private bus operators who expressed their willingness to switch to electricity but pointed out several barriers. These include high upfront capital costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, limited financing options, and strict permit regulations. Mr. Jayaraman added that Tamil Nadu, already a pioneer in renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, could also become a leader in clean transport. He said this would require the State to develop an innovative financing model such as dry leasing, build a robust charging infrastructure network, and regulatory reforms of providing subsidy to streamline permits for electric buses. If these mechanisms are created the State can lead the journey in the electrification of buses thereby ensuring a modern, sustainable and efficient public transport system. Bus shortage The report also highlights that Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, faces a significant shortfall in city bus services. As cities continue to expand, the demand for stage carrier buses is expected to rise substantially. At present, the State has only 18 city buses per one lakh of urban population, while the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has set a benchmark of 60 buses per lakh population. According to the study, the demand for urban stage carrier buses across 63 cities in the State is projected to be around 20,300, while currently only 7,909 such buses are available, including both private and public services. With Chief Minister M. K. Stalin having announced the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 and set an ambitious target of achieving 50 per cent renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, the electrification of the private stage carrier fleet is essential for meeting the State's sustainability objectives. The study also notes that the public transport system in the State is not only short of vehicles but also in need of cleaner and more sustainable options, as a significant portion of both public and private bus fleets is overaged. T. Abinesh, a resident of Sholinganallur, said that with the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy in place and the city seeing strong growth in electric vehicles, especially two-wheelers and cars, the government should focus on encouraging private bus operators transporting software engineers to shift from diesel to electric. He said this would help reduce pollution in the IT corridor along Rajiv Gandhi Salai.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Oppam Explained: What is the story of Mohanlal starrer being remade by Priyadarshan as Haiwaan ft Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar?
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Director Priyadarshan is gearing up to begin shooting for his movie Haiwaan, starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles. It is touted to be the remake of Mohanlal starrer Oppam (2016). If you haven't watched the film, here's an explainer that you should definitely check out. Oppam Explained: What is the story behind Mohanlal's action thriller? Oppam features the story of Jayaraman (played by Mohanlal), who was born blind. Owing to his challenges, the man has a heightened sense of smell, hearing, and touch, and is an expert in the martial art of Kalaripayattu. The blind man works as a lift operator in an apartment complex and is the trusted aide of a retired Supreme Court Justice, Krishnamoorthy. Loyal to the former leader of the apex court, Jayaraman accompanies him on a search for someone. While Jayaraman never asks why or who he is searching for, Krishnamoorthy reveals that during his tenure as a judge, he wrongfully convicted a man named Vasudevan, aka Vasu. As a result, the convict's family took their own lives in shock, leaving the convict to go insane within the jail walls. Over the years, Krishnamoorthy fears that if Vasudevan exacts his revenge, it will be a search to confront him before matters turn worse. In addition to this, the former Chief Justice has hidden his own daughter, Nandini, in a convent school, leaving Jayaraman as the only line of communication with her. Soon, we are shown that Nandini's life in school is serene, with Jayaraman being her only father figure. While she wants to learn more about her actual father, Jayaraman often persuades her to believe he will bring her father next time to visit. As days pass, an extravagant wedding takes place in the apartment complex, with all the tenants being part of it. However, as fate would have it, Jayaraman feels something is off, only to find Krishnamoorthy dead in his apartment. Inside the space, Jayaraman feels the presence of a 3rd person, the killer himself. While he tries to capture him, it is revealed that it was indeed Vasudevan who exacted his revenge. Upon learning that the former is a blind man, Vasu makes his escape. Over the next days, the police conduct their investigation with suspicions pointing towards Jayaraman. Despite the blind man trying to convey the truth about Vasu, the police don't believe him and try to pin Jayaraman as the culprit who murdered Krishnamoorthy and stole his money. All this time, an insane Vasu wants to close all ends to him by eliminating Jayaraman as well. What happens to Jayaraman, and are there any more secrets buried? Soon, it is revealed that the money from Krishnamoorthy's home was stolen by the apartment maid Devayani's brother. Even though the truth is revealed, the police still try to close the case by pinning the murder charges on Jayaraman. With no means of escape and Nandini's life likely being in danger, Jayaraman attacks the policemen, using his martial arts skills. Finally, Vasu, who has learned of Krishnamoorthy's daughter, is trying to hunt her down with Jayaraman safeguarding her. As fate would have it, Vasu finds out their location, engaging in a rage-filled fight to end her life. As the tension reaches its peak, it is revealed that Nandini is actually the biological child of Vasudevan. She was taken into foster care by Krishnamoorthy after her mother's death. The truth sends shockwaves around Nandini, but Vasu is unfazed and believes it to be a final attempt to attack him emotionally. With no chance of retribution, Jayaraman tells Nandini that what he told was a lie to fool Vasu. After an edge-of-the-seat fight, Jayaraman finally ends Vasu's life. In the final moments of the movie, Jayaraman and Nandini decide to begin their lives anew, becoming a loving father and daughter. Cast and crew of Oppam Oppam features Mohanlal in the lead role with actors like Samuthirakani, Nedumudi Venu, Meenakshi, Anusree, Vimala Raman, Mamukkoya, Renji Panicker, Chemban Vinod Jose, and many more in key roles. The film, directed by Priyadarshan, has a screenplay penned by him based on a story by Govind Vijayan. There are also reports that the plot and theme took inspiration from the South Korean flick 'Blind' by Ahn Sang-hoon and Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear.
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chaos marks Madurai Corporation council meeting
It was a free-for-all during the first 10 to 15 minutes of the council meeting at Madurai Corporation on Tuesday. Soon after Mayor Indrani Pon Vasanth began the session by reading out a Thirukkural couplet—a customary practice before council proceedings — AIADMK members, led by their floor leader Solai Raja, rose from their seats and shouted slogans demanding her resignation. Dressed in black shirts and sarees as a sign of protest, the AIADMK councillors alleged that the public was outraged by a 'mega scam' (related to property tax computation and collection) allegedly orchestrated by the ruling DMK. They claimed that the Mayor had no moral right to continue in office, as her personal assistant was implicated in the scandal. Rejecting the allegations as baseless, Ms. Indrani instructed the police to remove the protesting AIADMK councillors from the hall and urged DMK members to remain calm. A brief commotion ensued, and after police intervention the AIADMK councillors walked out, raising slogans. Mayor responds strongly Responding to the allegations, the Mayor explained the matter — the alleged property tax scam — was already before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, and a senior police officer of DIG rank was conducting the investigation. She contended it would be inappropriate to discuss the issue during the council meeting. She further pointed out Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had already directed all five zonal chairpersons and two standing committee members involved to step down. She urged the AIADMK to refrain from creating disturbances. Escalating the counterattack, the Mayor questioned the AIADMK's moral standing, citing the case of several crores of rupees allegedly missing from the house of former minister Sellur K. Raju. She also referred to allegations of fund misappropriation during the AIADMK regime in projects such as the Smart City and Underground Drainage (UGD) schemes, demanding an investigation into those cases as well. DMK-CPI (M) clash Soon after calm appeared to return, the meeting again descended into chaos — this time over remarks made by DMK councillor Jayaraman about Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan. Mr. Jayaraman criticised the MP for his recent comments that Madurai city was unclean and that the Chief Minister should intervene. He said such public criticism was uncalled for, especially after the DMK had supported the MP's Lok Sabha candidacy twice. His remarks led to a verbal clash with Deputy Mayor T. Nagarajan of CPI(M) and two CPI(M) councillors. The Deputy Mayor defended the MP, saying it was due to his efforts that the Union Government had sanctioned funds for Madurai. Mr. Jayaraman retorted that as an ally, the MP should not publicly criticise the DMK dispensation. The CPI(M) councillors, in turn, told the DMK member to moderate his tone, especially with Assembly elections approaching. This triggered another round of shouting before order was restored after appeals from both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Background In 2024, then Madurai Corporation Commissioner Dinesh Kumar had filed a complaint with Madurai City Police alleging irregularities in property tax collection. After about seven months, police registered a case and arrested several officials including a retired Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) and Bill Collectors. An AIADMK councillor subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court, which directed the police to form a special panel and submit a report.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UKIBC recommends ways and means for UK to deepen defence cooperation with India
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has released a report, putting out a slew of recommendations to deepen bilateral defence cooperation between the UK and India. Through the report, UKIBC offered suggestions to the UK government to strengthen commercial ties and align strategic priorities with India, including strengthening G2G ties, strategic communication, and industry is a policy advocacy and strategic consulting not-for-profit, with a mission to grow the UK-India trade and also suggested establishing a UK-India defence MSME it suggested that the UK foster co-development, co-production, and custom solutions, besides enhancing technology transfer, co-creating IP and defence R&D collaboration with detailed report, derived from academic case studies, government reports, industry insights and expert interviews, aims to identify opportunity gaps that are hindering UK firms in close this gap, the report provides recommendations for business, government and industry organisations to increase UK engagement in aerospace and defence in India continues to prioritise self-reliance in defence through Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the report identifies concrete steps for the UK defence firms to become meaningful partners in India's defence modernisation agenda It also provided insights into how the UK government policymaking can continue to unlock bilateral trade and innovation in this strategic part of its recommendations, UKIBC encouraged UK firms to be more adaptable to Indian defence procurement systems , while at the same time making recommendations to India's Minister of Defence for further refining the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP).It also suggested that the UK invest in India-based R&D and manufacturing, positioning itself for co-development and IP sharing, forming joint ventures with Indian enterprises, building local value chains, accessing procurement pipelines, and embedding India in UK and global supply it suggested that the UK's strengths in AI, cyber and aerospace tech can be leveraged, aligning with India's strategic Jayaraman, OBE, India Chair, UK-India Business Council, said, "India's ambition to become a leading defence manufacturing and innovation hub presents a timely and strategic opportunity for the UK. As trusted, like-minded partners with shared values and a strong history of cooperation, the UK and India are uniquely placed to co-create the next generation of defence and aerospace technologies.""Through this report, UKIBC aims to provide both strategic insight and practical guidance for UK firms seeking to navigate India's evolving defence ecosystem. The message is clear -- those who invest in long-term partnerships, local capability, and joint innovation will be best placed to succeed," said Kishore is investing heavily in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with several defence hubs being set up. Notably, many global companies have either shared or shown intent to share critical defence and aerospace knowledge with the government's thrust on the Make in India initiative , defence production has surged to historic highs. This rise in defence manufacturing has also led to substantial returns for investors in major defence manufacturing PSUs over the past years.A wide range of items, including ammunition, arms, subsystems/systems, and parts and components, were exported to around 80 countries in the just-concluded financial year, according to the Ministry of Defence Indian government is now aiming for annual exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, thus strengthening its global footprint. In 2024-25, the defence exports were to the tune of Rs 23,622 crore.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Work on culverts to prevent flooding on GST Road in Pallavaram and Chromepet to begin soon
As part of flood mitigation measures on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road in Pallavaram and Chromepet, work to build culverts with wider vents under railway tracks will commence soon. Sources in the Highways Department said tenders for the project had been called for by the railways. 'A total of five projects to construct culverts with wide vents were proposed. Of these, two on Poonamallee High Road have been completed. While the works below the tracks will be carried out by the railways, the lead drains will be built by the Highways Department,' an official source said. Jayaraman of Chromepet said flooding during rain had become an annual affair on GST Road, and heavy rain only worsened the situation. 'Small vehicles struggle to navigate the waterlogged portions,' he added. Activist David Manohar said he had been demanding broader vents and more culverts to increase the volume of water drained during rain. 'You can see water stagnation for over two hours and traffic jams running to a few kilometres on either side of the road. Encroachments in a Water Resources Department-managed canal have to be removed in Pallavaram near Ponds Company to ensure free flow of water. It used to be 80 feet wide. Now it is hardly a few feet wide. In Chromepet near Vetri Theatre, a culvert has been narrowed owing to water mains and and electricity cables running through it,' he added. Highways sources said the general area drawing for both the locations had been approved. 'A total of ₹7.5 crore has been deposited with the railways for all the works. We hope to complete the construction before the monsoon,' the official said.
