E-pass being verified by officials at the municipal toll gate near Silver Cascade in Kodaikanal on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Expressing dissatisfaction over the implementation of the e-pass system for vehicles entering hill stations such as Kodaikanal and Nilgiris by the High Court, the district administration officials swung into action on Saturday.

As a result of which, vehicles piled up for over five kilometres in Kodaikanal hill station forcing the tourists to stay on the ghat road for over two hours since morning.

The High Court had directed the district administration to introduce certain systems which would not only protect the eco-system in the hills, but also bring in details about the requirements needed for providing better infrastructure and among others.

Following the order, from May 7, the Dindigul and Nilgiris district administration introduced a QR code for the visitors. After downloading and filling-in the information including their names, address, place of stay in Kodaikanal/Nilgiris, they were let in by the authorities.

Initially, the officials provided the details of vehicles entering the hill station, the number of visitors applying for e-pass on daily basis (datewise) and among others. However, over a period of time, citing different reasons, the checks were not done properly or regularly.

When the issue was brought to the notice of the judiciary, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction and directed the officials to submit reports.

As a sequel to this, Dindigul Collector M. N. Poongodi held a meeting and directed the officials from the Revenue, Tourism, Police, Rural Development and other departments to check the e-pass system without fail.

Though a press release stated that the QR code would be popularised among the visitors and that it would be made available in nearby restaurants, petrol filling stations and shops at the plains, there was huge rush at Silver Cascade.

Many passengers were taken aback due to the piling up of vehicles and also by the irritable staff.

Not in a mood to allow any vehicle to go without being checked, the staff, unconcerned over the ‘inconvenience’ caused, took their time to check the incoming vehicles.

A senior official said that they have made arrangements to check the e-pass at the plains itself from Sunday as it would ensure there was no traffic jam at the hill station. All the check post staffs, including the forest department officials, have been sensitised to carry out the screening swiftly, he added.

The District Central Library will conduct model tests on Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) Group II-A Mains and Group IV competitive exams on its West Boulevard Road premises on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

According to a release, the free tests will be held in association with N.R. I.A.S Academy and Rotary Phoenix Club. Portions covered for the Group IV model test will be Class XII Economics (Chapters 2 and 6-11), August 2024 Current Affairs and Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Highest Common Factor (HCF) maths problems. Students will be required to answer questions through the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) method.

The In-Line Baggage Handling System (ILBHS) commissioned at Tiruchi International Airport.

A state-of-the-art In-Line Baggage Handling System (ILBHS) has been commissioned at Tiruchi International Airport.

The system is designed to automate baggage screening and handling, significantly reducing passenger wait times. With the commissioning of the system, passengers would not have to to scan their check-in baggage and can directly drop them at the check in counter.

ILBHS incorporates a comprehensive four-level security screening process, ensuring the highest standards of baggage safety. This enhances both security and operational efficiency, supporting a seamless and faster experience for passengers.

The advanced system, installed at a cost of ₹98 crore, is a major infrastructure upgrade, enhancing both passenger convenience and security, Airport Director G. Gopalakrishnan said.

Terming it a significant milestone for the airport, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said the airport was the 12th in the country to adopt the cutting-edge baggage handling technology.

“The development underscores Tiruchi International Airport’s expanding capacity and its commitment to provide a world-class travel experience for passengers,” Mr. Gopalakrishnan added.

Airport officials have advised passengers to avoid carrying restricted items in the check-in baggage so as to avoid being called to remove them after scanning.

फ्लिपकार्ट बिग बिलियन डेज़ सेल में ग्राहकों हर तरह के सामान पर कोई न कोई ऑफर या डिस्काउंट दिया जा रहा है. किसी को घर के लिए अप्लायंस खरीदना है तो कोई इलेक्ट्रॉनिक आइटम लेना चाहता है. कुछ ऐसे भी हैं जो मोबाइल, गैजेट या फिर कोई एसेसरीज़ को घर लाने की सोच रहे हैं. वहीं अगर आप स्पीकर या फिर साउंडबार लगाने की सोच रहे हैं तो ये एक सही मौका हो सकता है. ऐसा इसलिए क्योंकि फ्लिपकार्ट सेल में स्पीकर और साउंडबार के लिए अलग से बैनर लाइव किया गया है जिसपर लिखा है कि यहां से सेल के तहत सिर्फ 599 रुपये की शुरुआती कीमत पर खरीदारी की जा सकती है.

इसके अलावा खरीदारी करने के लिए अगर आप HDFC बैंक कार्ड का इस्तेमाल करते हैं तो आपको 10% का इंस्टेंट डिस्काउंट भी मिल जाएगा. आइए देखते हैं लिस्ट में कौन से ब्रांडेड स्पीकर्स या साउंडबार हैं जिन्हें आधे से भी कम दाम पर उपलब्ध कराया जा रहा है.

ये भी पढ़ें- साल की सबसे बड़ी छूट पर मिल रहे हैं ब्रांडेड TV और फ्रिज, वाशिंग मशीन के ऑफर देख खरीद लेंगे आप

Zebronics Juke bar 9900 को सेल में से 71% के डिस्काउंट पर खरीदा जा सकता है. इस साउंडबार को छूट के बाद 84,999 रुपये के बजाए 23,999 रुपये में घर ले जाने का मौका दिया जा रहा है. ये डॉल्बी अटमॉस साउंड के साथ आता है.

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ये भी पढ़ें- एक दो की नहीं, इन 4 OnePlus फोन की लुढ़क गई कीमत, सस्ता होने के साथ फ्री में मिल रहा है ईयरबड्स भी

boat Aavante Bar 1550 Pro को फ्लिपकार्ट सेल में से 74% की छूट पर खरीदा जा सकता है. छूट के बाद ये आपको 21,990 रुपये के बजाए 5,499 रुपये में मिल जाएगा.

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Parents of a 15-year-old girl, who raised suspicions regarding her death, received her body after assurances of further action on Saturday.

According to police, S. Monika from Vasuvapatti in Chithode, working at a textile shop, befriended R. Sunil, 22 of R.N. Pudur via social media. On Thursday 7 November, the two were on their way back from Kargekandi in Bargur Hills on a two-wheeler. At 4.30 p.m., while nearing Oosimalai, Sunil allegedly braked abruptly, causing both to fall onto the road. While Sunil sustained minor injuries, Monika was seriously injured. She was taken to the Government Hospital in Anthiyur for first-aid, before being transferred in an unconscious state to the District Headquarters Hospital in Erode, where she died at 9 p.m. Her body was then kept in the mortuary.

On Friday, Monika’s mother lodged a complaint with Bargur police who, after conducting inquiries, registered a case under Section 281 and 106 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and arrested Sunil.

However, the victim’s parents and relatives suspecting foul play in her death, refused to accept the body and demanded a proper inquiry. Police assured the family that the exact cause of death would be established upon receiving the postmortem report and promised appropriate action. The body was then sent to the Government Erode Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy, and on Saturday, after the autopsy, was handed over to the parents.

नई दिल्ली. मधुबाला और नरगिस जैसी दिग्गज एक्ट्रेसेस संग काम कर चुके भारत भूषण ने अपने करियर में कई हिट फिल्मों में काम किया. 60 के दशक में भारत ने 60 रुपए की नौकरी से करियर की शुरुआत की थी. कालिदास, तानसेन, कबीर, बैजू बावरा और मिर्जा गालिब जैसे एक से बढ़कर किरदारों के जरिए उन्होंने अपनी पहचान बनाई. लेकिन अंतिम समय में पाई पाई को हो गए थे मोहताज.

भारत भूषण के पिता रायबहादुर मोतीलाल पेशे से वकील थे, इसलिए वह चाहते थे कि भारत भी एक्टिंग की दुनिया में जाने के बजाय वकालत करे और वकील बने. लेकिन उनकी किस्मत में तो एक्टर बनना लिखा था और वह बने अपने दौर में उन्होंने सालों तक इंडस्ट्री पर राज किया. लेकिन एक गलती ने उनका बना बनाया करियर बर्बाद कर दिया था. बैक टू बैक हिट देने वाले एक्टर का करियर कैसे अर्श से फर्श पर आ गया, सुनकर यकीन कर पाना भी मुश्किल है.

सुपरस्टार पिता ने बेटे का करियक चमकाने के लिए बनाई फिल्म, एक्ट्रेस ले उड़ी लाइमलाइट, फ्लॉप बनकर रह गया स्टारकिड

यूं बनाई इंडस्ट्री में धाक
भारत भूषण ने अपने करियर में कई ऐसे किरदार निभाए हैं, जिनके बाद वह राज कपूर और दिलीप कुमार जैसे दिग्गज को भी टक्कर देने लगे थे. खासतौर पर फिल्म ‘बैजू बावरा’ ने तो उन्हें सुपर स्टार बना दिया था. दिग्गज अभिनेता ने करियर की शुरुआत में छोटे रोल के जरिए की थी. जब इंडस्ट्री में छाए तो ऐसे छाए कि लगातार कई हिट फिल्मों में काम किया.एक्टिंग में हाथ आजमाने के लिए वह मुंबई आए थे. करियर की शुरुआत में उन्होंने काफी संघर्ष किया था. लेकिन डायरेक्टर महबूब खान की सिफारिश पर वह डायरेक्टर रामेश्वर शर्मा से मिले जो उस वक्त फिल्म ‘भक्त कबीर’ पर काम कर रहे थे. इसके बाद रामेश्वर ने उन्हें फिल्म में काशी नरेश का रोल भी दिया और 60 रुपए महीना की नौकरी भी दे दी.

भाई की एक सलाह ने बर्बाद कर दिया करियर
भारत भूषण ने अपने दौर में इंडस्ट्री में धाक जमा रखी थी. वो हिट की गारंटी बन चुके थे. 50-60 के दशक में तो स्टारडम के ऐसे दौर में थे कि कि राज कपूर और दिलीप कुमार को भी टक्कर देने लगे थे. वह कई महंगी गाड़ियों में घूमते नजर आते थे. भारत ने अपने बड़े भाई रमेश की बात मानकर फिल्में प्रोड्यूसर करना शुरू किया. उन्होंने दो फिल्में बसंत बहार और बरसात की रात बनाई जो सुपरहिट भी हुईं. लेकिन इसके बाद उनकी सारी फिल्में फ्लॉप साबित हुई और भूषण कर्ज में डूब गए और पाई-पाई को मोहताज हो गए. भारत भूषण ने जितना कमाया था वो सब गवां दिया. उनके बंगले बिक गए, कारें बिक गईं और लोगों ने कई बार उन्हें बस की लाइन में खड़े देखा था.

बता दें दैनिक भास्कर में छपी एक खबर के मुताबिक साल 1958 की फिल्म फागुन में उन्होंने मधुबाला के साथ काम किया था. दोनों की जोड़ी को उस वक्त काफी पसंद किया गया था. फिल्म की शूटिंग के दौरान भारत भूषण मधुबाला को पसंद करने लगे थे और शादी भी करना चाहते थे, लेकिन मधुबाला ने किशोर कुमार से शादी कर ली थी. उनका इकतरफा प्यार अधूरा रह गया था.

Tags: Bollywood actors, Dilip Kumar, Raj kapoor

A 45-year-old man made an attempt to end his life after murdering his pregnant wife and daughter at Viji Nagar here on Friday night.

According to sources, Selvaganesh, a daily wage worker, reportedly murdered his wife Kalpana, 35, and Sarathibala, 5, by slitting their throat in his house. He thereafter made an attempt to end his life.

The incident came to light in the morning through the neighbours.

Acting on information, Vengamedu police rushed to the spot and removed the bodies to Government Medical College Hospital. Selvaganesh was taken to the same hospital for treatment.

A murder case has been registered against Selvaganesh. The motive behind the crime is yet to be ascertained.

Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Chennai-based Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.

EoM

The District Central Library and its Readers’ Forum will organise a host of activities to celebrate the 57th National Library Week from November 14 to 20 to focus on the importance of books and reading in daily life.

The library will host a drawing competition for school students up to Class VIII on the theme ‘Garden of Knowledge’ on November 14. Two students per school will be eligible for registration. Selected candidates must bring art materials, except the chart paper, which would be provided by the library.

On November 16, a competition in one-act plays will be held for school students of Classes IX to XII, at the West Boulevard Road premises of the library.

Later in the evening, a Tamil debate will be organised for library members.

A story-writing contest will be held for the public to test their creativity and observational skills, on November 17. A picture will be shown for 10 minutes, based on which participants will have to write and submit a story of at least four pages within the next one and a half hours. Those interested can participate from their nearest public library, according to a press release.

A quiz competition for college students will be held on November 19. Each institution is allowed to send two candidates per team for the quiz.

The celebrations will conclude on November 20 with a poetry contest on the topic ‘The effects of reading,’ the release added.

In a humble studio on Davidson Street in Parrys, artist Benitha Perciyal K is immersed in moulding and preserving elements of the earth. Originally from Thiruvannamalai, 45-year-old Benitha arrived in Chennai with a creative vision. With a Master of Fine Arts in painting and printmaking from the Department of Art and Culture in Egmore, she has dedicated the last 22 years to creating unique pieces from natural materials.

“After completing my Master’s in 2002, I spent 10 years at Lalit Kala Akademi before establishing my own studio with my husband,” says Benitha.

During college, accessing materials and tools was easy as everything was available in the studio.

The Mysterious Visitor

“After graduating, I wanted to continue creating art independently without relying on my family. So, I focused on using minimal materials. This eventually led me to natural materials including herbs, wood, bark and seeds and used objects I found nearby,” she says.

She does not call them truly ‘organic’. Synthetic materials are derived from natural elements, but they are processed and transformed. “We often do not know the exact processes behind these materials or the information we have may not be fully accurate. So I started experimenting with these natural materials, which helped shape my distinctive style and not with the output of a beautiful picture,” shares Benitha, reflecting on the inspiration behind her unique approach to art.

Benitha’s works have been showcased at numerous art exhibitions in Chennai and across India. Organisations such as Lalit Kala Akademi support artists like her by offering grants and financial aid. To create her art, Benitha crafts her own materials, sourcing them directly from nature — using elements like bark and leaves. At times, she also sources materials from others or buys them from neighbourhood herbal shops and other outlets, ensuring they are all-natural.

Her pieces often feature religious motifs. Reflecting on her inspiration, she shares, “I was born and raised in Thiruvannamalai, a place known for its temple and mountains. I come from a Christian family that was open-minded, allowing me to experience different cultural and religious influences from a young age, and this often finds its way into my work, both directly and indirectly,” says Benitha.

She has created pieces from materials like cast frankincense, wood, leather, and banana fibre, each carrying a spiritual essence.

One of her notable works is a Reclining Christ sculpture with no arms, created from cast frankincense. This piece embodies spiritual themes and conveys a contemplative, almost meditative quality through its simplicity and natural materials.

Learning from seniors

To learn about artworks and artists, she would attend exhibitions and study art catalogues. Networking involved travelling and face-to-face conversations, with much of her knowledge coming from her seniors. “The insights shared by fellow artists played a major role in shaping us,” she recalls. One of her greatest influences was her teacher Valsan Koorma Kolleri.

Benitha’s studio is her sanctuary, where she spends most of her time, often working through the night. She does not follow a rigid schedule, choosing instead to work on ideas as they come. Her focus is on expressing creativity rather than meeting deadlines. Nature remains central to all her creations, and her work frequently incorporates unique textures and forms. In one piece, she has preserved a bark and the wings of flies using tree gum. She has also created handmade books with banana fiber and wood, sculptures with preserved myna skeletons, and artworks using found items and natural elements.

“I allow viewers to interpret my art in their own way, while also conveying its true meaning. Many viewers, including those who buy my work, share their interpretations with me, and I encourage them to explore the art in their own unique way,” she says.

Material sourcing and preservation are some of her biggest challenges. Natural materials have limited longevity, and preserving them can be demanding. “I do not use chemical binders, so keeping these pieces intact is difficult,” she explains. “I rely on natural gums from trees for adhesion, which take time to prepare, and fading remains an issue. Preservation beyond the artwork’s initial life is very challenging, often requiring costly natural preservatives. I encourage aspiring sustainable artists to be determined and fully aware of these hurdles. I hope to see more artists taking up sustainable art forms,” she signs off.

Her artworks are currently on display at Lalit Kala Akademi as part of the Nature Morte exhibition curated by Ashvita’s. Open to the public until November 17, the exhibition also features the works of four other artists: Nidhi Agarwal, Bassist Kumar, and Parul Gupta.

Inflow into the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur reduced to 9,149 cusecs on Saturday. The dam’s water level stood at 106.59 feet against its full capacity of 120 feet. The storage level stood at 73.64 TMC against its full capacity of 93.47 TMC. Inflow into the dam reduced to 9,149 cusecs from Friday’s inflow of 9,466 cusecs. The amount of water discharged from the dam into the River Cauvery for delta irrigation reduced to 8,000 cusecs from 10,000 cusecs. For canal irrigation, water discharged from the dam continued at 600 cusecs.