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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Depicting Hindu gods in a disrespectful manner can't be justified: HC
1 2 Madurai: Depicting Hindu gods in a disrespectful manner, and thereby intentionally hurting the sentiments of millions cannot be justified, observed Madras high court . "Such actions have the potential to spark enmity, religious outrage, social disorder, and undermine communal harmony. Given the deep-rooted respect for religious symbols and deities, disrespect can lead to social unrest and hurt a large section of society. Therefore, it is crucial to approach such depictions with sensitivity. The govt must ensure that freedom of expression does not translate into hurting religious feelings," said Justice K Murali Shankar on Friday. The court made the observations, while directing the Tuticorin district police to proceed with the investigation and file the final report in a case where a person had made certain derogatory remarks by posting the picture of Lord Krishna on social media. After the judicial magistrate IV court in Tuticorin accepted closure of the case, the present criminal revision petition was filed in high court by P Paramasivan. The petitioner said that one Sathish Kumar posted a photo along with derogatory comments about Lord Krishna on Facebook in Aug 2022. He said Sathish Kumar posted the photo and comments with an intention of defaming Hindu gods and potentially creating a law and order problem, promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds. He, therefore, lodged a police complaint in this regard. Tuticorin cybercrime police registered a case based on the complaint. After completing investigation, the police filed a final report before the court as undetected. The JM court had accepted the final report and closed the case granting liberty to the petitioner to file a private complaint. Challenging the order, the petitioner had filed the present petition. Allowing the plea, Justice Murali Shankar observed that the police had limited its investigation to merely requesting information from Facebook authorities, without undertaking further investigation. While the investigating officer identified the post's potential to create law and order issues and disturb communal harmony, the investigation was not pursued diligently, and the final report appears to have been filed mechanically. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the police handled the case casually, halting the investigation and closing it as undetected. He then set aside the order of the magistrate court and directed the police to proceed with the investigation and complete the same and file a final report within three months. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Blight years: Fungus attack takes toll on Authoor betel leaves in Thoothukudi, farmers worried
THOOTHUKUDI: The renowned 'Authoor Vetrilai' (betel leaves), cultivated along the banks of the Thamirabarani river in Thoothukudi district, is facing a major setback as a persistent fungal disease continues to damage the crops, causing a steep drop in the yield. Despite the application of recommended fungicides, the infection has spread unabated, prompting farmers to demand soil testing and expert intervention from the district administration. They fear that without immediate scientific remedies, the reputation and value of the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Authoor betel leaves could suffer irreparable damage. 'The disease is draining nutrients from the vines, stunting their growth. Infected leaves shrink, yellow, wilt and eventually decay,' said AP Sathish Kumar, president of the Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Viyabarigal Sangam. 'We have tried several fungicides and medicines, but nothing has worked. The infected leaves can't be harvested, and the entire plant gets ruined. We are facing severe yield loss,' he added. According to trader and farmer Murugesan, the daily harvest has dropped from an average of 4,000 kilograms to just 1,500 kilograms. He added that although minor fungal infections are typical during the windy season, the plants usually recover after rainfall- but this year's infestation has shown no signs of retreat. More than 300 acres are under betel vine cultivation in and around Authoor, including villages like Athiyapuram, Valavallan, Sethukuvaithan, Keeranoor, and Senthamangalam. Farmers primarily grow the 'Pacha Karpooram' variety, harvesting leaves every 15 days. The larger leaves, known as 'chakka' and the smaller 'mathu' are dispatched to markets across Tamil Nadu and other states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Despite the prestigious GI tag, the farmers claim they have received little commercial benefit due to a lack of proper guidance, marketing infrastructure and official support. A senior horticulture official from the district acknowledged the situation, suggesting the disease may stem from nutrient deficiency. 'We will soon conduct a field inspection to identify the root cause and advise farmers accordingly,' he said. Veteran cultivators recall that betel vines once flourished in places like Eral and Mangalakurichi over a five-kilometre stretch. However, high maintenance costs, poor drainage systems, and frequent disease outbreaks have driven many farmers to switch to more viable crops such as bananas. 'Betel cultivation is becoming unsustainable for small farmers. Unless support arrives, more will abandon it, and the legacy of 'Authoor Vetrilai' may fade,' said Murugesan.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sports Bill empowers women with greater representation and responsibility
Mirabai Chanu Earlier this year when I got a letter from the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to become the chairperson of its Athletes' Commission, it came as a pleasant surprise. Coming as it did at a time when our sports is in intense need to find the next generation of weightlifters to win global medals for India, I accepted the position alongside Commonwealth Games gold medallist S. Sathish Kumar, who is the vice-chairman of the commission. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! My four-year term will be a big opportunity to express how women feel about weightlifting, where the intricacies of the sport are vastly different from how men play it. Weightlifting hinges on explosive power and every muscle in a woman's body is impacted. So, it is important to build an ecosystem that is favourable for women to take up such a physically demanding sport. The Khelo Bharat Niti and the Sports Governance Bill mooted by the Union sports ministry complement each other. We have had a sports code that has worked well but sport is dynamic and therefore there is a need for policies and laws to change for the better. The good thing is that the Khelo Bharat Niti is aimed at the greater good of the youth at large and the Bill will ensure the ease of sporting business so that there are no hiccups and athletes wishing to excel at the highest level can just focus on their training. The inclusion of women in governance should not be seen as an intrusion. Gender neutrality is at the heart of the Olympic movement and now we have the first woman as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Since Tokyo 2020, the focus on women in global sports has been highlighted. At Los Angeles 2028, there will be more medals at stake for women than men! It is a significant indication that National Olympic Committees and their constituents will need to align themselves accordingly and ensure women get the respect they deserve on and off the field. The Bill mandates that at least four women should be in executive committee of national sports bodies. It's a good start to enable women with international sporting experience to be represented and more importantly, heard. Going forward, I expect 50% participation of women in executive committees. Governance does not mean ticking the boxes to superficially satisfy some rules and regulations. Since the Bill is wholly athlete centric, it also means taking into consideration small details that are often overlooked. Women, by nature, are meticulous and when armed with administrative powers, will surely be responsible and result oriented. At least that's the way I see myself in my new role in IWLF. Having meaningful conversations and creating a strategy that translates into growth and excellence should be the objective. Poll How important do you think the Khelo Bharat Niti is for youth sports in India? Very important Moderately important Slightly important Since 2014, there has been a definitive mindset shift towards sports in India. The Khelo India initiative is now at the fountainhead of sporting revolution in India but what has contributed to growth and excellence is the focus on infrastructure development, sports science and the government's deep desire to back athletes to shine. I have personally seen the transformation at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala. The Sports Governance Bill will only make sure we take rapid strides to win more medals at the continental and global levels without compromising on the tenets of good governance. Since the 2016 Rio Olympics, we have witnessed a remarkable rise in the performance and presence of women athletes on the global stage. This momentum continued with even greater impact at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and now at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Indian women athletes have consistently delivered inspiring performances and carried the hopes of a nation. Their growing success not only reflects the evolving landscape of Indian sports but also highlights the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities. Although I have personally never faced any harassment or abuse, I am keen that the 'Safe Sports Policy' is strictly adopted by national sports federations and their affiliates. We still live in a male-dominated world and protection of the girl child is mandatory. (Mirabai Chanu is an Olympic medal-winning weightlifter) Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Baakiyalakshmi' to go off-air soon; Actor Sathish shares heartwarming picture from final day of shoot
1 2 After a successful four-year run and over 1,444 episodes, the hit Tamil television serial 'Baakiyalakshmi' is set to wrap up its journey with an emotional farewell. One of the most beloved shows on Tamil television, Baakiyalakshmi, starring K.S. Suchitra Shetty, Sathish Kumar, and Reshma Pasupuleti , is reportedly going off-air soon. The serial, which premiered in July 2020, resonated deeply with Tamil households through its strong storytelling, relatable characters, and a progressive narrative centered on women's empowerment. As the show heads toward its finale, actor Sathish Kumar took to Instagram to share an emotional post from the last day of shooting. In a touching story featuring images from the final day pooja, he wrote, 'Baakiyalakshmi serial last day shooting. Started working, thinking of God as always. Thank you. We will meet again. Don't know when. Let's be peaceful.' Here's the post: The show follows the journey of Baakiyalakshmi, a devoted homemaker who finds her voice and identity after years of self-sacrifice for her family. The storyline, laced with emotional highs and realistic family dynamics, struck a strong chord with audiences, particularly for its portrayal of middle-aged women seeking independence and respect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rabat: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo K.S. Suchitra Shetty earned immense praise for her heartfelt performance in the titular role, while Sathish Kumar and Reshma Pasupuleti brought layered emotional depth to their characters, contributing significantly to the show's success. As fans gear up for the final episodes, anticipation is building over how the story will conclude. Sources suggest that a special climax episode is in the works, promising a fulfilling and memorable ending to Baakiyalakshmi's empowering journey. With its departure, Baakiyalakshmi leaves behind a legacy of meaningful storytelling and a strong message on self-worth and resilience, marking the end of an era in Tamil television.
Pink Villa
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Baakiyalakshmi: Here's everything about Tamil daily soap opera which aired for over 5 years and over 1444 episodes
Baakiyalakshmi, starring K.S. Suchitra Shetty and Sathish Kumar in lead roles, has dominated all television screens for over five years now. The Tamil daily soap is an official remake of the Bengali language serial Sreemoyee, which has also been adapted in Hindi as Anupamaa, starring Rupali Ganguly. Baakiyalakshmi began airing on July 27, 2020, on the channel Star Vijay. The Tamil drama is written by Leena Gangopadhyay and directed by Siva Sekar and I. David. To date, the show has aired approximately 1,444 episodes, spanning a total of five years. Baakiyalakshmi has also maintained a strong foothold in terms of TRP ratings, thanks to its well-formed characters and realistic storyline. Cast of Baakiyalakshmi The main cast of Baakiyalakshmi features K.S. Suchitra Shetty as the titular character, along with Sathish Kumar, Nanditha Jennifer, S.T.P. Rosary, Rajyalakshmi, Velu Lakshmanan, VJ Vishal, Diyva Ganesh, Rithika Tamil Selvi, Neha Rajesh Menon, and many others. Some of the notable cameos made by actors across these five years include Siddharth Suryanarayan, Rekha (Sumathi Josephine), Priya Raman, and Anitha Sampath. Baakiyalakshmi's storyline Coming to the storyline of the show, it revolves around the tale of Baakiyalakshmi, a homemaker from a well-to-do family in Chennai. She is married to a man named Gopinath, and they are the parents of three children. The setup of the family drama takes place within a joint family setting, where Baakiyalakshmi resides with her in-laws. The episodes narrate the daily life experiences of the protagonist and the circumstances she faces regarding the other characters. Baakiya is portrayed as a pivot of sacrifice for her family, as she quietly transforms into self-empowerment and surpasses all personal struggles. After successfully running for five long years, the show is set to bid adieu and go off air on July 26, 2025.
