Regional

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has accused the Tamil Nadu government of enforcing a discriminatory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political meetings, alleging that the guidelines unfairly disadvantage emerging parties while favouring established ones.

In a statement, TVK propaganda General Secretary K.G. Arunraj said the party had repeatedly faced hurdles in securing permission to conduct public gatherings, including its proposed public meeting in Salem.

He claimed that the authorities were selectively applying the SOP to restrict the party’s political outreach activities.

According to the statement, the party had submitted an application seeking permission to hold a public meeting in Vellore on February 8. However, the request was rejected within days on the grounds that a programme involving the Chief Minister had already been scheduled at the same venue.

Arunraj described the decision as arbitrary and said it reflected a pattern of discrimination against the party.

He asserted that the SOP gives “priority to recognised political parties”, effectively sidelining newer political movements like TVK. Such provisions, he said, undermine the democratic principle of equal opportunity for all parties to engage with the public.

Despite the denial of permission, the party indicated that it was exploring alternative arrangements to ensure its leader could meet supporters.

The statement further criticised what it termed the shifting of administrative responsibilities onto organisers. Arunraj alleged that the government and police were requiring political parties to take sole responsibility not only for the event venue but also for maintaining order in surrounding areas, a duty traditionally managed by law enforcement agencies.

Calling the guidelines excessive and impractical, he also objected to the requirement that parties must seek permission 30 days in advance if a gathering is expected to attract more than 50,000 participants.

He argued that such conditions restrict spontaneous political mobilisation and place an unreasonable burden on parties.

TVK maintained that the SOP was framed specifically to curb its growth and prevent its leadership from directly interacting with the public. The party urged the state government to revise the regulations and ensure a level playing field for all political organisations, warning that continued restrictions would be viewed as an attempt to stifle democratic expression.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said that sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) model strategy is delivering results, as he praised an advanced model released by homegrown startup Sarvam AI.

Last year, the startup was selected to build the country’s first artificial intelligence (AI) foundational model. Out of the 67 proposals, Sarvam AI was shortlisted to build India’s first indigenous foundational model.

“Even the most critical reviewers are praising the technologically advanced model released by Sarvam as a part of our AI mission,” Vaishnaw said in an X post.

He further stated that in parallel, “our smart young engineers are working on innovations in materials science, healthcare and cybersecurity that will be noticed by the world as pathbreaking models”.

Sarvam AI has built best text-to-speech, speech-to text, and OCR models for Indic languages.

In December last year, Sarvam AI Co-Founder Pratyush Kumar showcased multilingual AI systems under the IndiaAI Mission, including India’s first sovereign foundational Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian languages.

In a significant step towards bolstering India’s AI ecosystem, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in 2024 approved the India AI Mission with the allocation of Rs 10,300 crore. This funding, slated over the next five years, is poised to catalyse various components of the IndiaAI mission.

Last month, PM Modi urged startups to leverage AI for societal good. Chairing a roundtable with Indian AI startups at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister urged making AI affordable, inclusive, and transparent.

He also suggested that Indian AI models should be distinct and should promote local and indigenous content and regional languages.

PM Modi noted that India will host the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ from February 16-20, through which the country will play a major role in the technology sector.

—IANS

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Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to accelerate long-pending railway projects in the State, highlighting "delays" in fund allocation and stalled land acquisition that have slowed critical infrastructure development.

In his detailed letter, the Chief Minister underscored that Tamil Nadu has already completed most of the groundwork required for railway expansion but is facing setbacks due to the "delayed and piecemeal release" of funds from the Ministry of Railways.

He requested the Centre to release the required funds in full and on priority to ensure faster project execution and timely compensation to the landowners.

According to CM Stalin, administrative sanction has been granted for acquiring 2,500 hectares of land for various Union government railway projects.

Of this, land acquisition has been completed for nearly 94 per cent of the required area for 19 major projects, and the land has been handed over to the Railways.

However, funds have not yet been sanctioned for over 931 hectares, creating bottlenecks in several works.

He pointed out that delays in compensating landowners have disrupted progress and created uncertainty among affected families.

CM Stalin cited the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari broad-gauge doubling project as a key example, where funds amounting to Rs 289.78 crore for land compensation are still pending, thereby holding up the project's completion.

The Chief Minister also called for the revival of projects that have been kept in abeyance, including the Thoothukudi–Madurai (via Aruppukottai) line and the Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai line.

He further urged the Centre to sanction additional new railway projects in line with Tamil Nadu's growing economic stature.

Describing Tamil Nadu as India's second-largest economy and a major manufacturing and export hub, CM Stalin stressed that improved rail connectivity would significantly boost national growth.

He assured that the State government has established a robust monitoring system and is fully committed to extending cooperation for speedy implementation.

Expressing confidence in cooperative federalism, CM Stalin said timely Central support would benefit both Tamil Nadu and the nation at large.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The air quality in the national capital showed a marginal improvement on Sunday morning, though pollution levels remained a concern across several parts of the city.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 196 at 7 a.m., placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.

This marked an improvement compared to Saturday, when the AQI was recorded at 227 at 4 p.m., falling in the ‘poor’ category. Despite a slight dip in pollution levels, a thin layer of smog continued to linger in many areas, indicating that overall air quality conditions are still far from ideal.

Several pollution hotspots in the national capital continued to record ‘poor’ AQI levels. Mundka registered the highest AQI at 266, followed by Pusa (257), Narela (247), Rohini (247), Ashok Vihar (243), Jahangirpuri (242) and Wazirpur (239). Other areas, such as Nehru Nagar (237), Shadipur (236), Bawana (231), Vivek Vihar (231), Sirifort (222), and Chandni Chowk (220), also remained in the poor category.

On the other hand, some parts of Delhi recorded relatively cleaner air. Sri Aurobindo Marg reported the lowest AQI at 126, followed by IGI Airport (131), Aya Nagar (136), Lodhi Road (139), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (140), IIT Delhi (141) and Mandir Marg (145), all of which fell under the ‘moderate’ category.

Sunday’s readings remained largely consistent with those recorded a day earlier. On Saturday, Anand Vihar had reported an AQI of 260, while RK Puram stood at 237, both in the poor category. ITO experienced a busy morning with an AQI of 223, while Chandni Chowk recorded 232. Other locations such as Aya Nagar (151), IGI Airport Terminal 3 (138) and Pusa (157) were in the moderate range.

As per official classification, an AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for the day. The weather agency has also predicted mist conditions, which may continue to affect visibility and air quality in parts of the city.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) A massive security deployment is being planned in Karaikal, Puducherry, ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit on February 14, with nearly 500 police personnel set to be stationed across the region to ensure tight protection and crowd control during his public meeting.

According to police sources, personnel from the Puducherry Police and allied security units will be deployed at key junctions, venues, and entry points.

Security arrangements will be directly supervised by the Puducherry Deputy Inspector General of Police. Routine and street-level patrols are being intensified, while enhanced vehicle checks will be conducted along the Tamil Nadu-Karaikal border beginning Monday to prevent any untoward incidents.

Amit Shah is expected to arrive by helicopter at Thirunallar before proceeding to the municipal ground in Karaikal, where a large public meeting has been scheduled.

Officials said he may also visit the famous Thirunallar temple before departing the same day. The final itinerary is likely to be confirmed in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the BJP has accelerated preparations for the high-profile visit, viewing it as a key political event ahead of the Puducherry Assembly elections.

The groundwork for the meeting began with a bhoomi puja ceremony held on Saturday for the construction of the stage and pandal at the municipal ground. The ceremony was attended by Puducherry Legislative Assembly Speaker R. Selvam, while Puducherry State BJP in-charge Nirmal Kumar Surana participated as a special invitee.

Speaking to reporters, Surana said the party had stepped up its election preparations and was mobilising cadres across Karaikal to ensure a strong turnout. Local BJP leaders noted that this would be HM Shah’s second visit to Karaikal, having campaigned in the region during the previous Assembly elections.

Thousands of supporters are expected to attend the rally.

Several organisational committees have been formed to manage logistics, crowd coordination, and volunteer activities.

Senior party functionaries said the focus is on securing a decisive victory for the NR Congress-BJP alliance in all five Assembly constituencies in Karaikal, stressing that both parties are working in close coordination and with renewed enthusiasm.

With tight security and political momentum building, Karaikal is gearing up for one of the most significant campaign events of the season.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) In a clear push to wrap up pending institutional appointments before the Assembly election process begins, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified efforts to fill several important statutory posts across commissions and public bodies.

The move comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Model Code of Conduct expected soon. The Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has opted out of participating in a crucial selection committee meeting.

Among the immediate priorities is strengthening the State Information Commission, which handles Right to Information (RTI) appeals and complaints. To improve efficiency and reduce backlog, the government has decided to increase the number of Information Commissioners and fill two additional posts through a formal selection process scheduled for next week. At present, the Commission is headed by the Chief Information Commissioner and six Information Commissioners -- Md Shakeel Akhter, P. Thamarai Kannan, P. Priyakumar, K. Thirumalaimuthu, M.Selvaraj, V.P.R. Elamparithi and M. Natesan. Two more members are expected to be added before election rules restrict major administrative decisions.

A search committee led by former judge Justice K.B.K. Vasuki has already shortlisted candidates. The panel also includes retired IAS officer M.P. Sivanarul and former IPS officer K. Radhakrishnan.

Applications were invited from eligible individuals with administrative or legal experience. As per established procedure, Information Commissioners are appointed by the Governor based on the recommendation of a three-member committee comprising the Chief Minister, the Leader of Opposition and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.

The meeting has been scheduled for February 13 at the Secretariat. Although an invitation was extended to Palaniswami, sources said he informed authorities that he would not attend.

Parallelly, the government has begun the process of appointing a Chairperson for the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission. Applications for the post will be accepted until February 18, and officials expect the appointment to be finalised by month-end.

Additionally, a notification has been issued for the direct recruitment of a Principal for the All India Civil Services Coaching Centre.

Senior officials indicated that the government is keen to complete all these appointments promptly to avoid delays once the election notification and Model Code of Conduct come into force, which would restrict such administrative decisions.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 8 (IANS) Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil has submitted representations to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking approval for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route.

After launching an electronics manufacturing facility in the Hi-Tech Hardware Park at Bagalur on Saturday, the Minister met Vaishnaw at the venue and handed over the representations. The Railway Minister assured him that the proposals would be examined positively.

Describing Bengaluru as the country’s technology capital and Mumbai as its financial capital, Patil said it was essential to connect the two cities through an efficient and modern transport system. He urged that the high-speed rail corridor announced between Mumbai and Pune be extended up to Bengaluru. Vaishnaw responded positively to this request as well.

The State Minister pointed out that the distance between Bengaluru and Vijayapura is around 530 km and that the current train journey takes nearly 15 to 16 hours. He said this travel time should be reduced to about 10 hours. To achieve this, he suggested limiting halts between Bengaluru and Hubballi and operating trains via the Hubballi and Gadag bypasses. He also sought the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on this route.

Patil further requested the introduction of a daily special train service between Bengaluru and Vijayapura. In his representation, he stated that all three proposed services would bring significant social, industrial and economic benefits to several districts of central and north Karnataka. According to Patil, the Railway Minister responded positively to all three demands.

Senior railway officials, including South Western Railway General Manager Ajay Sharma, were present during the meeting.

Earlier, speaking after the inauguration of the manufacturing facility, Minister Patil said the new unit marked a significant strengthening of India’s capability to design, build and deliver high-reliability electronics for mission-critical applications.

He said the facility had been purpose-built to cater to critical sectors such as defence, aerospace and automotive electronics, where quality, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. With advanced manufacturing lines, clean rooms and a world-class environmental stress-testing laboratory, the unit positions itself at the high-value end of electronics manufacturing, he added.

Patil also pointed out that the state is investing over Rs 4,000 crore to extend assured Cauvery water supply to industrial areas in and around Bengaluru. This, he said, is in addition to sustained investments in roads, power and logistics to ensure long-term reliability for manufacturing units.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will address a major press conference on Sunday to reveal what he described as a wider political nexus involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

Biswa Sarma mounted a sharp political offensive against the reported understanding between the Congress and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal ahead of the Assembly elections, asserting that the Opposition alliance has no prospects in the state.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of newly constructed school buildings, earlier on Monday, Sarma said the proposed February 8 briefing would go beyond earlier allegations related to Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged “Pakistan link” and would place before the public what he termed as the “entire network” associated with it. He claimed that the press conference would contain “important disclosures” with political ramifications.

Reacting to reports of a Congress–Raijor Dal tie-up, the Chief Minister said Opposition leaders were free to form governments “anywhere else,” but categorically ruled out their chances in Assam.

Taking a swipe at Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, Sarma remarked that the latter would not be able to form a government in Assam “even in 500 years.” He further alleged that Gaurav Gogoi was attempting to coordinate with Akhil Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi in anticipation of a joint political counterattack following the Sunday's press conference.

According to the Chief Minister, these moves were aimed solely at shielding themselves from the impact of the BJP’s forthcoming revelations. In a pointed message to the Opposition leadership, Sarma said this was the “appropriate time” for Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi to negotiate seat-sharing arrangements, claiming that their political relevance would diminish after February 8.

“They should take whatever political advantage they can now, because after February 8, the situation will change,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks have further heightened political tensions in Assam, with the political discourse intensifying as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 8 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday arrested five members of a sophisticated interstate gang involved in defrauding major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, and seized goods and equipment worth Rs 20.5 lakh.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ramlal alias Romil Gehlot (27), Manoj Kumar Mali (30), Bharat Kumar Sundesha (25), Vishal Panchal (29), all residents of Jalore, Rajasthan, and Vishal Bavri, a resident of Surat.

Two other members, Rishipal Bhati and Vinod, remain at large.

The gang operated across cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Jalore. They infiltrated the logistics chain to replace genuine electronic items with dummy products.

Using multiple fake user IDs and passwords, the gang placed orders for high-value gadgets, which were intercepted by their delivery personnel before reaching customers.

Specialised tools were used to remove genuine products carefully and replace them with identical-looking dummy items.

Orders were then officially marked as ‘cancelled’ or ‘returned’, after which the gang sold the real products in the market for illegal profit.

An official told IANS, “We are currently investigating more directions. These five were arrested as part of the primary investigation. We’ll analyse and reach the root of the case.”

Police have seized eight genuine mobile phones, 25 dummy phones, three dummy earbuds, 12 dummy gaming processors, a camera lens, an electric hair dryer, three glue remover bottles, 14 plastic syringes, two steel tools used to tamper with parcels, packaging material, and a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle used to transport the goods.

During questioning, the accused admitted to previous frauds, including the theft of an iPhone 17 Pro Max and three iPhone 16 Pro devices in Vadodara in January this year, seven mobile phones and 10 Apple Watches in Surat in October 2025, and two Apple Watches in Jalore in December 2025.

The case has been registered at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) Police Station in the city and is being investigated under Sections 61(2)(a) and 316(5) of the Indian Penal Code.

Authorities have urged customers to remain vigilant while shopping online and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in such fraudulent activities.

--IANS

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