Latest news with #SSaravanan
New Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Nature challenge identifies 1,820 taxa in Coimbatore
Sundar Muruganandhan, Coordinator of CNC 2025, said, "The City Nature Challenge is a global initiative designed to bring people closer to nature while promoting citizen science. It encourages individuals from all walks of life to actively participate in documenting biodiversity, serving as a powerful platform to deepen our connection with the natural world and support conservation efforts." "What made this year's event notable was the vibrant participation of students from schools and colleges. Their involvement reflected a growing awareness and interest in biodiversity among youth. Additionally, BioBlitz offers valuable insight into a city's biodiversity and emphasises the importance of preserving natural ecosystems," said S Saravanan of WWF. This collective effort not only strengthened community bonds but also reinforced the city's commitment to conservation and environmental awareness.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
4 jailed for stealing idols from Jain temple
Trichy: Four people were convicted and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each for stealing 23 idols worth crores from a Jain temple near Thanjavur in 2020. The idol wing police which investigated the case had recovered the idols the same year. The theft occurred at Arulmigu Atheeswaraswami temple in Karanthai on Jan 18, 2020 when a group broke open the gates and stole the metal idols of Jain saints and deities. A case was registered at Thanjavur Town West station under IPC section 457-2 (trespass) and 380-2 (idol theft). The case was shifted to Idol Wing police. On Mar 7, 2020, police found one of the idols being transported in a car during a vehicle check. Four people, S Saravanan, P Shanmugarajan, and A Ravi from Thanjavur, and V Vijayagopal from Nagapattinam were detained during a vehicle check . Police learnt that prime suspect Saravanan had kept the idols at a warehouse near his house. They recovered the remaining idols and arrested the suspects. Trial was initiated at the additional chief judicial magistrate court in Kumbakonam and the verdict was pronounced on Wednesday evening. The judge sentenced all four accused to seven years imprisonment and imposed a penalty of Rs2,000 each on them. They were lodged at Trichy central prison. DGP Shankar Jiwal and ADGP D Kalpana Nayak lauded the efforts of Idol Wing for the investigation which led to the convictions. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
28-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Spl camps, help desks to boost enrolment for higher education
Madurai: School heads and education department officials are stepping up measures to push up enrolment of Class XII pass-out govt school students in higher education institutions. Special grievance camps and help desks/special cells organised by district administrations offer direct guidance and support for these students, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. Last year, Madurai district achieved around 69% enrolment in higher education. District chief education officer A Renuka told TOI that 'Kalluri Kanavu' programme held recently had a good reach. "Teachers are monitoring students who completed Class XII and are helping them in applying for colleges and universities. A special cell/help desk has also been set up at Madurai collectorate and students who face difficulties can approach them. In case of financial issues, we are connecting with banks to provide guidance and solutions," she added. School education department officials said digitization of records helps track students better and ensure no one is missed out. "All students now have an EMIS number assigned during school. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Dark Truth Nobody Talks About! Expertinspector Click Here Undo When they enroll in higher education institutions, they are now assigned unique UMIS numbers which will confirm their enrolment," said the official. In Dindigul, district collector S Saravanan presided over a special grievance camp on Wednesday exclusively for govt school students attempting to go for higher education. "Such special grievance camps will be conducted once in 15 days till October. Students can get guidance on applying for higher education and on availing education loans or solutions to any issues that may hinder them," he said. A total of 245 petitions were submitted at Wednesday's special grievance camp in Dindigul. Nadhiya, a Class XII student from Vellodu who scored 355 marks, said the income her mother gets as an anganwadi cook was far from enough for pursuing higher education. "I applied to study DPharm, a paramedical course, at a private college but the fees was Rs 65,000 a year. The collector examined my petition and assured to help me get a full scholarship," she added. Virudhunagar district, which achieved a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of around 95% last year and topped the state, is organizing a special grievance camp on May 31.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Madurai GRH doctors raise alarm over unauthorised personnel collecting abandoned babies
MADURAI: Doctors at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), Madurai, have raised serious concerns over the increasing instances of unauthorised personnel being sent by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to collect abandoned babies after treatment. According to hospital sources, babies rescued by the DCPU are brought to GRH for examination and treatment before being transferred to care homes. However, in recent months, DCPU officials have reportedly been sending contract workers-often new faces-without proper identification or authorisation, leaving doctors in a difficult position. Speaking to TNIE, Dr S Saravanan, Regional Medical Officer (RMO) at GRH, said, 'Abandoned babies are treated with utmost care in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Department. Once they are medically fit, we inform the DCPU. But instead of sending designated legal or protection officers, they have been sending contract staff, some without proper documentation. This is a serious concern-it's not just about having a letter, it's a matter of a child's life.' He further added that, 'Recently, DCPU counsellor arrived with an unverified letter to collect a baby abandoned in Dindigul. 'The letter had no name, no ID number, no seal or valid signature. We had to contact DCPU officials to confirm the identity, which caused unnecessary delays and discomfort,' he said. A pediatrician at the hospital added, 'Every time a new person comes with just a letter, we have no way of verifying their identity. This has been happening repeatedly, and we were left with no option but to escalate the matter to the RMO and other senior hospital officials.' Responding to the issue, DCPU officer Dharmaseelan said only legal and protection officers are authorised to collect the babies post-treatment. 'In rare situations, we have sent staff from our team or the Childline Division, along with an authorised letter and ID proof. Going forward, we will ensure that only designated officers visit the hospital to take custody of the children,' he assured TNIE. Doctors have urged the DCPU to strictly follow the protocol and prioritise the safety and identity verification process involved in handling abandoned infants.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kodaikanal flower show to begin from May 24
1 2 Kodaikanal: The 62nd annual flower show at Bryant Park in Kodaikanal will be held from May 24 to June 1. The nine-day summer festival will also begin on the same day, with various cultural and recreational events planned to attract tourists during the summer vacation. Dindigul district collector S Saravanan on Sunday inspected arrangements at Bryant Park and the Rose Garden along with officials from the horticulture department and other govt agencies. The collector also held a review meeting with Kodaikanal municipality officials. During the meeting, the collector said that the summer festival will include a flower exhibition, sports competitions, boat races, and cultural programmes. Rural development minister I Periyasamy, agriculture and farmers welfare minister M R K Panneerselvam, and tourism minister K Ramachandran are expected to participate in the inaugural events. A kite festival on the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution" will also be organised near the Mannavanur lake from May 22 to May 25 by the district administration to promote environmental awareness among tourists. Addressing the reporters later, the collector said that the Pepper falls in Kodaikanal is being developed as a new regulated tourist site. Safety assessments are underway at five more waterfalls in the region to allow tourists' entry, he added.
