April 15, 2026

DHAKA: About 250 people, including children, were feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations said on Tuesday, reports Ahsan Tasnim . “The trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was on its way to Malaysia, reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement.UNHCR and International Organisation for Migration said the promise of better wages abroad, often coupled with misinformation spread by smuggling networks, drives individuals, Rohingya and Bangladeshis, to take significant risks. “This incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement,” said the UN agencies. “We urgently call on the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding to support assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for Bangladeshi host communities,” they said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins
DHAKA: About 250 people, including children, were feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations said on Tuesday, reports Ahsan Tasnim . “The trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was on its way to Malaysia, reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement.UNHCR and International Organisation for Migration said the promise of better wages abroad, often coupled with misinformation spread by smuggling networks, drives individuals, Rohingya and Bangladeshis, to take significant risks. “This incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement,” said the UN agencies. “We urgently call on the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding to support assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for Bangladeshi host communities,” they said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes


About 250 people feared missing as boat capsizes in Andaman Sea: UN

DHAKA: About 250 people, including children, were feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations said on Tuesday, reports Ahsan Tasnim . “The trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was on its way to Malaysia, reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement.UNHCR and International Organisation for Migration said the promise of better wages abroad, often coupled with misinformation spread by smuggling networks, drives individuals, Rohingya and Bangladeshis, to take significant risks. “This incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement,” said the UN agencies. “We urgently call on the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding to support assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for Bangladeshi host communities,” they said.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

New Delhi: State-run Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, through its subsidiary JSC Engineering and Technology Center ‘ETC GET’, has announced a pilot training programme for nuclear industry specialists in India. The programme has been developed in strategic partnership with IIT-Bombay and Bengaluru-based engineering solution company ProSIM.The first trial training session will be held from April 15-17 at IIT-Bombay. The programme will focus on training using simulators and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants, supporting practical learning and operational understanding. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s nuclear energy sector, a statement from Rosatom said.While ETC GET brings experience in simulator and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants and ProSIM contributes capabilities in physics-based modelling and safety analysis, IIT-Bombay brings academic expertise across nuclear science and engineering disciplines, it said.As India’s nuclear energy roadmap envisages significant expansion in installed capacity by 2047, it will require thousands of trained nuclear specialists annually. Current training capacity, however, delivers only a limited number of qualified professionals each year, highlighting a critical gap in workforce availability. “This pilot training reflects Rosatom’s commitment to supporting the development of India’s nuclear workforce. Alongside advanced technologies, building the capability to operate nuclear infrastructure safely and efficiently will be essential for the sector’s long-term growth,” ETC GET representative said.Rosatom continues to develop cooperation with India across the nuclear value chain, supporting long-term partnerships in energy and technology, including the ongoing Kudankulam nuclear plant’s units 3 and 4 project and future small modular reactor collaborations.ENDSEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as Successor123PhotostoriesSanskrit baby names for girls10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

New Delhi: State-run Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, through its subsidiary JSC Engineering and Technology Center ‘ETC GET’, has announced a pilot training programme for nuclear industry specialists in India. The programme has been developed in strategic partnership with IIT-Bombay and Bengaluru-based engineering solution company ProSIM.The first trial training session will be held from April 15-17 at IIT-Bombay. The programme will focus on training using simulators and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants, supporting practical learning and operational understanding. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s nuclear energy sector, a statement from Rosatom said.While ETC GET brings experience in simulator and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants and ProSIM contributes capabilities in physics-based modelling and safety analysis, IIT-Bombay brings academic expertise across nuclear science and engineering disciplines, it said.As India’s nuclear energy roadmap envisages significant expansion in installed capacity by 2047, it will require thousands of trained nuclear specialists annually. Current training capacity, however, delivers only a limited number of qualified professionals each year, highlighting a critical gap in workforce availability. “This pilot training reflects Rosatom’s commitment to supporting the development of India’s nuclear workforce. Alongside advanced technologies, building the capability to operate nuclear infrastructure safely and efficiently will be essential for the sector’s long-term growth,” ETC GET representative said.Rosatom continues to develop cooperation with India across the nuclear value chain, supporting long-term partnerships in energy and technology, including the ongoing Kudankulam nuclear plant’s units 3 and 4 project and future small modular reactor collaborations.ENDSEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as Successor123PhotostoriesSanskrit baby names for girls10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna 0
Last month, when Kamal Haasan drove into Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, to accept the Rajya Sabha nomination from CM M K Stalin, it marked the end of the road for the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder’s promise to provide an alternative to the two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.Haasan launched MNM in Feb 2018, seeking to distil the anger against the establishment. MNM’s first political promo ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections showed the actor breaking a TV set that’s beaming a speech, ostensibly by Stalin. Cut to 2026 and, having accepted a Rajya Sabha nomination, Haasan “magnanimously” surrendered the three assembly seats DMK had offered to MNM as an alliance offering.Why did Haasan, who redefined success in movies, fail to live up to his promise as a politician? The mistakes, probably, started early. MNM, true to its name (‘Maiam’ means centre), sought to be a centrist force, representing diverse sections of society. That positioning itself was seen as lacking credibility, since Haasan was known for his leftist views much before his political entry. Being at the centre of the political discourse also smacked of political ambivalence.In the poll arena, MNM met with successive electoral setbacks. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, it contested 37 seats and drew a blank, with a vote share of 3.7%. In 2021 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 154 seats, won nothing, and saw its vote share dip to 2.5%. In neighbouring Puducherry, it got just 1.8% votes. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, MNM joined the DMK-led alliance.Following the demise of influential leaders such as Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, many saw a new political space in Tamil Nadu, which film personalities like Haasan and Rajinikanth could potentially fill. While Haasan took the plunge, Rajinikanth shelved his political plans in late 2020, citing health concerns.Haasan’s core team comprised people from diverse professional backgrounds — IAS officer Santhosh Babu, retired IPS officer A G Maurya, businessman R Mahendran, entrepreneur C K Kumaravel, social worker Kameela Nasser, actordirector Sripriya, and writer Suka. Though notable in their respective fields, they were all political novices, and Haasan failed to attract veterans from other parties.Anusha Ravi, a lawyer who was MNM propaganda secretary, says she joined the party attracted by Haasan’s call for change. “But, soon, he lost his conviction and I felt demotivated. Haasan is passionate about cinema, but not politics,” says Ravi, who joined BJP in 2024.Some political analysts feel Haasan lacked a coherent political strategy. “MNM has had a weak organisational structure and limited engagement with people,” says political commentator Aazhi Senthilnathan. “Haasan’s appeal remains largely confined to urban voters. Several key members exited the party after the 2019 debacle, some joining other parties like DMK.”Political analyst Priyan Srinivasan says Haasan was unsure of how to deal with setbacks. “Electoral defeat is normal; one must have a plan to take the party forward,” he says. “Look at Naam Tamilar Katchi. It faced several defeats, but its leader Seeman is least frustrated and keeps the party relevant.”Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D Ravikumar says Haasan’s electoral loss to Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin in Coimbatore in 2019 was a turning point. “Had he won, his political career would have been different. Sustaining a political party requires patience, grassroots work, and long-term commitment,” says Ravikumar, who terms Haasan’s migration to DMK fold “pragmatic and regressive”.In cinema, Haasan, called ‘Sakalakala Vallavan (master of all arts)’ is known for displaying intellectual depth and creative assertiveness. However, many of his works struggled to resonate with rural audiences, as his ideas were sometimes ahead of their time. Mentored by legendary director K Balachander, Haasan rose to become one of South India’s most celebrated actors.Yet, the transition from cinema to politics brings a different set of challenges, where individual brilliance must give way to collective leadership and organisational strength.Haasan is not the first big star to fail in politics. Legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan tried his luck with DMK and Congress, before founding Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani in 1988. After failing to make a mark in the 1989 elections, it merged with Janata Dal. For Tamil Nadu’s latest film-to-politics crossover star TVK leader Vijay, Haasan’s journey holds several lessons.CROSSOVER STARSM G Ramachandran | The actor joined DMK in 1953 after leaving Congress. He was appointed party treasurer in 1969. In 1972, after differences within saw him expelled from DMK, MGR floated his party, ADMK. He would serve as a two-term CM, remaining in the saddle for 10 years.J Jayalalithaa | She joined ADMK in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks to become its propaganda secretary by 1983. Known as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’, or ‘revolutionary leader’, she was a five-time CM and was an ADMK colossus who has been the longest-serving general secretary of the party.Sivaji Ganesan | Founded Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani party in 1988 after leaving Congress. But the party failed to win seats in 1989 polls, leading him to briefly join Janata Dal before retiring from politics.Vijayakanth | Founded DMDK in 2005 and served as a two-time MLA from the party. DMDK emerged as the second-largest party in the 2011 assembly elections and Vijayakanth went on to become leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly from 2011 to 2016.R Sarath Kumar | The actor founded All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in 2007. After leading the party for over 16 years, he merged it with BJP in 2024, citing the need for stronger collective action and ideological alignment with PM Modi.About the AuthorNeeraja RameshNeeraja Ramesh is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India. As senior news editor, she heads the Tamil Nadu nation desk and oversees city and front pages of TN editions. With 25 years of experience in journalism, she has in-depth knowledge in cinema, trends, art and culture.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as Successor123PhotostoriesSanskrit baby names for girls10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Last month, when Kamal Haasan drove into Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, to accept the Rajya Sabha nomination from CM M K Stalin, it marked the end of the road for the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder’s promise to provide an alternative to the two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.Haasan launched MNM in Feb 2018, seeking to distil the anger against the establishment. MNM’s first political promo ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections showed the actor breaking a TV set that’s beaming a speech, ostensibly by Stalin. Cut to 2026 and, having accepted a Rajya Sabha nomination, Haasan “magnanimously” surrendered the three assembly seats DMK had offered to MNM as an alliance offering.Why did Haasan, who redefined success in movies, fail to live up to his promise as a politician? The mistakes, probably, started early. MNM, true to its name (‘Maiam’ means centre), sought to be a centrist force, representing diverse sections of society. That positioning itself was seen as lacking credibility, since Haasan was known for his leftist views much before his political entry. Being at the centre of the political discourse also smacked of political ambivalence.In the poll arena, MNM met with successive electoral setbacks. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, it contested 37 seats and drew a blank, with a vote share of 3.7%. In 2021 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 154 seats, won nothing, and saw its vote share dip to 2.5%. In neighbouring Puducherry, it got just 1.8% votes. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, MNM joined the DMK-led alliance.Following the demise of influential leaders such as Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, many saw a new political space in Tamil Nadu, which film personalities like Haasan and Rajinikanth could potentially fill. While Haasan took the plunge, Rajinikanth shelved his political plans in late 2020, citing health concerns.Haasan’s core team comprised people from diverse professional backgrounds — IAS officer Santhosh Babu, retired IPS officer A G Maurya, businessman R Mahendran, entrepreneur C K Kumaravel, social worker Kameela Nasser, actordirector Sripriya, and writer Suka. Though notable in their respective fields, they were all political novices, and Haasan failed to attract veterans from other parties.Anusha Ravi, a lawyer who was MNM propaganda secretary, says she joined the party attracted by Haasan’s call for change. “But, soon, he lost his conviction and I felt demotivated. Haasan is passionate about cinema, but not politics,” says Ravi, who joined BJP in 2024.Some political analysts feel Haasan lacked a coherent political strategy. “MNM has had a weak organisational structure and limited engagement with people,” says political commentator Aazhi Senthilnathan. “Haasan’s appeal remains largely confined to urban voters. Several key members exited the party after the 2019 debacle, some joining other parties like DMK.”Political analyst Priyan Srinivasan says Haasan was unsure of how to deal with setbacks. “Electoral defeat is normal; one must have a plan to take the party forward,” he says. “Look at Naam Tamilar Katchi. It faced several defeats, but its leader Seeman is least frustrated and keeps the party relevant.”Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D Ravikumar says Haasan’s electoral loss to Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin in Coimbatore in 2019 was a turning point. “Had he won, his political career would have been different. Sustaining a political party requires patience, grassroots work, and long-term commitment,” says Ravikumar, who terms Haasan’s migration to DMK fold “pragmatic and regressive”.In cinema, Haasan, called ‘Sakalakala Vallavan (master of all arts)’ is known for displaying intellectual depth and creative assertiveness. However, many of his works struggled to resonate with rural audiences, as his ideas were sometimes ahead of their time. Mentored by legendary director K Balachander, Haasan rose to become one of South India’s most celebrated actors.Yet, the transition from cinema to politics brings a different set of challenges, where individual brilliance must give way to collective leadership and organisational strength.Haasan is not the first big star to fail in politics. Legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan tried his luck with DMK and Congress, before founding Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani in 1988. After failing to make a mark in the 1989 elections, it merged with Janata Dal. For Tamil Nadu’s latest film-to-politics crossover star TVK leader Vijay, Haasan’s journey holds several lessons.CROSSOVER STARSM G Ramachandran | The actor joined DMK in 1953 after leaving Congress. He was appointed party treasurer in 1969. In 1972, after differences within saw him expelled from DMK, MGR floated his party, ADMK. He would serve as a two-term CM, remaining in the saddle for 10 years.J Jayalalithaa | She joined ADMK in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks to become its propaganda secretary by 1983. Known as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’, or ‘revolutionary leader’, she was a five-time CM and was an ADMK colossus who has been the longest-serving general secretary of the party.Sivaji Ganesan | Founded Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani party in 1988 after leaving Congress. But the party failed to win seats in 1989 polls, leading him to briefly join Janata Dal before retiring from politics.Vijayakanth | Founded DMDK in 2005 and served as a two-time MLA from the party. DMDK emerged as the second-largest party in the 2011 assembly elections and Vijayakanth went on to become leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly from 2011 to 2016.R Sarath Kumar | The actor founded All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in 2007. After leading the party for over 16 years, he merged it with BJP in 2024, citing the need for stronger collective action and ideological alignment with PM Modi.About the AuthorNeeraja RameshNeeraja Ramesh is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India. As senior news editor, she heads the Tamil Nadu nation desk and oversees city and front pages of TN editions. With 25 years of experience in journalism, she has in-depth knowledge in cinema, trends, art and culture.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as Successor123PhotostoriesSanskrit baby names for girls10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna 0
As Tamil Nadu heads to polls on April 23, the election campaign is finding a new soundtrack — catchy, hyperlocal, AI-generated songs designed to stick in voters’ minds long after the rally ends. From Coimbatore to the Cauvery delta, candidates are trying to strike the right chord with the electorate through customised campaign tunes, with more than 30 songs produced during the nomination phase alone. And this is no low-budget side act. Parties and candidates are willing to spend anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 a song to sharpen their outreach.The playbook has moved well beyond wall posters and van announcements. Political parties are now blending music, AI and social media algorithms to create a more targeted campaign push, especially on Instagram and Facebook, where advertisements are being fine-tuned to budgets and voter demographics through Meta ads.At the centre of this concoction of music and politics is a growing ecosystem of AI creators. R Loganathan, creative head of Ninth Direction, says he alone has delivered more than 30 AIgenerated songs for 15 candidates, including several in Coimbatore. “Unlike in previous elections, AI is now being used for better public outreach, especially through AI-generated campaign songs,” he told TOI . “There is equal demand from DMK and ADMK candidates, along with some from DMK alliance parties such as Congress and the Left.”His client list stretches across party lines and geographies — from DMK and ADMK candidates in Tirupur, Coimbatore and the delta to DMK alliance candidates in the southern districts. Loganathan says his journalism background is helping him craft better lyrics tailored to individual candidates. “I have even received requests from former ministers for song packages ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Depending on the package chosen, we provide a song to a candidate in different tunes.”But the digital push does not stop at songs. Campaigns are also going global. Sources say DMK’s IT wing is running an intensive social media operation from the UAE, targeting audiences overseas and making use of platforms such as TikTok, which remains banned in India but is active in many Gulf countries. A Dubaibased social media manager confirmed the scale of that effort, saying the DMK’s IT machinery is stronger there than that of rival parties. “To connect with the Tamil audience here, they use extensive SEO strategies,” he said. “TikTok is banned in India, but it is active in many other countries, including the Gulf, allowing them to share Tamil Nadu content and reach the Tamil population abroad.”Back home, campaign professionals say the real transformation came during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the use of Meta ads and algorithm-driven targeting surged. A popular YouTuber, now working as a freelance social media manager for DMK, said this strategy has since become central to every major party’s IT wing.“Meta ads help target demographics and interests, while paid search engine optimisation helps candidates connect better with elite and younger audiences,” he said. “For Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, it is easier because they are already using songs that are trending. But candidates who are new to social media or less active online have to rely heavily on paid promotions, and the algorithms are designed to deliver ads to the target audience in specific locations.”But in the digital campaign space, visibility has a high price tag. The more a candidate spends, the more frequently they appear on voters’ screens, the YouTuber added. “While there is an official cap on poll expenditure for each candidate, many exceed their budgets through third-party services that go unreported.”NOT VIJAY, IT’S VIJ-AIHe waved, held a mic, and seemed to talk to the crowd. As a campaign vehicle of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rolled through Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, for a few seconds, many in the audience believed the party chief, Vijay, had actually turned up in person. Phones went up, heads turned, and the excitement spread quickly. But the crowdpulling spectacle was actually a tech trick : an AI-powered holographic projection of the actor-turned-politician, mounted on the vehicle, with synced speech, realistic gestures and a strikingly lifelike presence that quickly went viral online. And the idea is catching on. Companies behind the technology say candidates from across parties are now making inquiries, with some even seeking holographic recreations of political icons such as M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.Hologram campaigning itself is not new — PM Modi used it in the 2014 general election — but the latest version comes with an AI boost. Better lip-sync, smoother body movement, and easier portability are making these projections far more immersive, even in smaller towns and rural pockets. The Kumbakonam show was reportedly pulled off by a team of just six, including young engineers, using 3D hologram fan display systems for sharper, more dynamic visuals than traditional projectors. However, priced at about Rs 50,000 a day, the tech is not cheap.About the AuthorAnushka JulietAnushka Juliet covers urban development, civic issues, infrastructure projects and local community news in Coimbatore.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian Politics123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

As Tamil Nadu heads to polls on April 23, the election campaign is finding a new soundtrack — catchy, hyperlocal, AI-generated songs designed to stick in voters’ minds long after the rally ends. From Coimbatore to the Cauvery delta, candidates are trying to strike the right chord with the electorate through customised campaign tunes, with more than 30 songs produced during the nomination phase alone. And this is no low-budget side act. Parties and candidates are willing to spend anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 a song to sharpen their outreach.The playbook has moved well beyond wall posters and van announcements. Political parties are now blending music, AI and social media algorithms to create a more targeted campaign push, especially on Instagram and Facebook, where advertisements are being fine-tuned to budgets and voter demographics through Meta ads.At the centre of this concoction of music and politics is a growing ecosystem of AI creators. R Loganathan, creative head of Ninth Direction, says he alone has delivered more than 30 AIgenerated songs for 15 candidates, including several in Coimbatore. “Unlike in previous elections, AI is now being used for better public outreach, especially through AI-generated campaign songs,” he told TOI . “There is equal demand from DMK and ADMK candidates, along with some from DMK alliance parties such as Congress and the Left.”His client list stretches across party lines and geographies — from DMK and ADMK candidates in Tirupur, Coimbatore and the delta to DMK alliance candidates in the southern districts. Loganathan says his journalism background is helping him craft better lyrics tailored to individual candidates. “I have even received requests from former ministers for song packages ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Depending on the package chosen, we provide a song to a candidate in different tunes.”But the digital push does not stop at songs. Campaigns are also going global. Sources say DMK’s IT wing is running an intensive social media operation from the UAE, targeting audiences overseas and making use of platforms such as TikTok, which remains banned in India but is active in many Gulf countries. A Dubaibased social media manager confirmed the scale of that effort, saying the DMK’s IT machinery is stronger there than that of rival parties. “To connect with the Tamil audience here, they use extensive SEO strategies,” he said. “TikTok is banned in India, but it is active in many other countries, including the Gulf, allowing them to share Tamil Nadu content and reach the Tamil population abroad.”Back home, campaign professionals say the real transformation came during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the use of Meta ads and algorithm-driven targeting surged. A popular YouTuber, now working as a freelance social media manager for DMK, said this strategy has since become central to every major party’s IT wing.“Meta ads help target demographics and interests, while paid search engine optimisation helps candidates connect better with elite and younger audiences,” he said. “For Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, it is easier because they are already using songs that are trending. But candidates who are new to social media or less active online have to rely heavily on paid promotions, and the algorithms are designed to deliver ads to the target audience in specific locations.”But in the digital campaign space, visibility has a high price tag. The more a candidate spends, the more frequently they appear on voters’ screens, the YouTuber added. “While there is an official cap on poll expenditure for each candidate, many exceed their budgets through third-party services that go unreported.”NOT VIJAY, IT’S VIJ-AIHe waved, held a mic, and seemed to talk to the crowd. As a campaign vehicle of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rolled through Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, for a few seconds, many in the audience believed the party chief, Vijay, had actually turned up in person. Phones went up, heads turned, and the excitement spread quickly. But the crowdpulling spectacle was actually a tech trick : an AI-powered holographic projection of the actor-turned-politician, mounted on the vehicle, with synced speech, realistic gestures and a strikingly lifelike presence that quickly went viral online. And the idea is catching on. Companies behind the technology say candidates from across parties are now making inquiries, with some even seeking holographic recreations of political icons such as M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.Hologram campaigning itself is not new — PM Modi used it in the 2014 general election — but the latest version comes with an AI boost. Better lip-sync, smoother body movement, and easier portability are making these projections far more immersive, even in smaller towns and rural pockets. The Kumbakonam show was reportedly pulled off by a team of just six, including young engineers, using 3D hologram fan display systems for sharper, more dynamic visuals than traditional projectors. However, priced at about Rs 50,000 a day, the tech is not cheap.About the AuthorAnushka JulietAnushka Juliet covers urban development, civic issues, infrastructure projects and local community news in Coimbatore.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian Politics123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna 0
A Pocso court in Jammu on Tuesday rejected the bail application of an army jawan accused of raping his colleague’s minor daughter, observing the relief plea has “no merit at this stage” considering the survivor’s vivid narration of the sexual assault in her testimony.As per the persecution, when the girl’s mother was hospitalised and her father was out of the residence, the accused, Jaswinder Singh, visited their house on the pretext of collecting a health card and took their daughter to his house where he raped her on Sept 14, 2024.The minor’s parents filed an FIR against Jaswinder three days later.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

A Pocso court in Jammu on Tuesday rejected the bail application of an army jawan accused of raping his colleague’s minor daughter, observing the relief plea has “no merit at this stage” considering the survivor’s vivid narration of the sexual assault in her testimony.As per the persecution, when the girl’s mother was hospitalised and her father was out of the residence, the accused, Jaswinder Singh, visited their house on the pretext of collecting a health card and took their daughter to his house where he raped her on Sept 14, 2024.The minor’s parents filed an FIR against Jaswinder three days later.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes

Vamsikrishna 0