Latest news with #Viswanathan
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Central and State governments should spend more funds on education, says VIT chancellor
Governments at the Centre and in the State should spend more on education, especially in higher education, for better infrastructure in educational campuses and encourage economically weak students to pursue studies through scholarships, said G. Viswanathan, founder chancellor, Vellore Institute of Technology. In his presidential address during a discussion on 'Empowering Government School Students for Academic Excellence' in Vellore, Mr. Viswanathan said that despite the National Education Policy 2020 aiming to increase the government spending on education to 50% of the GDP by 2035, in the 2025-26 financial budget, spending on education by the Centre is less than three percent. 'Cuba spends 11.5% of its GDP on education, securing the top position among countries spending on education whereas India ranks 155th. Government spending on education should be increased,' he said. The Chancellor added that the North Arcot district, which comprised the present-day Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts, used to be economically and educationally backward many years ago. Public initiatives like scholarships and efforts of the State government have helped reduce this backwardness and increase students' enrolment in schools and colleges. Currently, the gross enrolment Ratio (GER) of Tamil Nadu is over 50% as against the national average of 28%. The discussion, jointly organised by VIT and the Directorate of School Education, was conducted to address the challenges faced in Class 12. On the occasion, S. Kannappan, Director, School Education Department, and V. R. Subbulaxmi, Vellore Collector, also spoke.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Forum seeks LG's intervention to modify norms for appointing Tamil medium candidates in govt service
Social Justice Forum, a Left-oriented organisation, has sought the intervention of Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan in modifying the recruitment guidelines for providing 20 per cent preference for Tamil medium students in government service as done by Tamil Nadu recently. In a memorandum to the Lt Governor, former Minister and founder president of the forum R. Viswanathan said the Tamil Nadu had recently modified the guidelines for 20 per cent preferential appointment in government service. The reservation was made applicable to candidates who did not attend Class 1 but pursued education under the Right to Education (RTE) Act with Tamil as medium of instruction, he said. 'We request Puducherry government to issue guideline as was done in Tamil Nadu for inclusion in all recruitment rules. The new guideline will help those who have studied in UT and other States with Tamil as medium get 20 per cent preferential appointment in government service,' he said.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Consumers complain of long waiting time at fair price shops due to cards being classified as Priority House Hold
People are complaining of long waiting times at fair price shops due to a section of family cards being classified as Priority House Hold (PHH). 'I was asked to place my palm on the scanner twice. The first time was for rice and wheat and the second was for sugar, palm oil, and dal. Since the scanner did not work properly, I had to place my palm a few more times, which took time,' said Viswanathan of Pattabiram, and a PHH card holder. If a PHH card holder needs more time to ensure the biometric data matches what is in the records, other customers are also forced to wait their turn. 'Why is there a need for two bills and scans. All of us get the same items. The government should allow iris scans if the palm print data does not register properly,' said S. Vaidehi, a homemaker. Viswanathan of Chitlapakkam said that at the fair price shop in his area, there were only 100 PHH cards, and if internet connectivity was slow, the shopkeeper would ask consumers to bear with him. 'Since there aren't many PHH card holders, people don't have to wait long,' he said. Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said some other system should be implemented to reduce the waiting time for those with non-PHH cards. 'Even with PHH cards, visiting the local fair price shop is not a very pleasant experience for many. The scanning devices need replacement,' he said. A retired official of the Civil Supplies Department said the Centre was supplying rice and wheat to PHH cards holders, which was why there were two bills. Officials could not be reached for a response.
News18
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
Last Updated: Chandeliers in India are no longer just lighting fixtures, they're timeless storytellers that blend heritage with modern elegance. Once a hallmark of regal havelis and grand palaces, chandeliers have gracefully transcended time and trends to become a defining element in modern Indian home décor. From ornate crystal creations dripping with vintage opulence to sleek, minimalist pieces that accentuate contemporary spaces, the evolution of chandeliers in India tells a story of nostalgia, innovation, and enduring beauty. 'Chandeliers have long been icons of class – from gracing the high ceilings of ancient royal havelis to anchoring the ambience of modern interiors, these showstoppers have never gone out of style," says Ashok Viswanathan, Senior VP, Lighting, TISVA. 'What makes their journey fascinating is not just their endurance, but their evolution." Indeed, what was once reserved for grand drawing rooms and banquet halls is now finding pride of place in urban apartments, bedrooms, and even home offices. This shift is reflective of a larger design movement—one that blends heritage sensibilities with modern aesthetics. According to Viswanathan, chandeliers today 'are no longer just ornate fixtures of the past, but expressive design statements that reflect changing lifestyles and personal aesthetics." advetisement In this renaissance of lighting, variety and versatility have become central. Indian consumers are now embracing everything from elaborate, multi-tiered crystal chandeliers that echo bygone eras to fluid, sculptural forms crafted in matte gold and smoked glass that speak to contemporary tastes. 'Designs like the Aria from SLAMP-ITALY, created by Zaha Hadid, bring graceful movement and architectural flair, while CLOVEL from TISVA, handcrafted using authentic Bohemian crystal glass from Spain, merges old-world charm with avant-garde sensibility," he explains. It's not just about looks anymore—today's chandeliers are smarter, more adaptable, and technologically advanced. With dimmable, tunable LEDs and precise colour consistency ensured by SDCM calibration, modern chandeliers offer both aesthetic and functional brilliance. 'They're as smart as they are stunning," emphasizes Viswanathan. 'Whether in a curated living room or an intimate bedroom, they create mood, rhythm, and visual texture." Complementing this technical and design-driven perspective is a more emotional, almost poetic take on India's continued fascination with chandeliers. Prateek Singh of The Black Steel captures the sentiment perfectly, 'India's love for chandeliers is like a cozy embrace from the past, lighting up homes with a touch of magic. They're not just lights, they're the heart of a room." In Indian culture, lighting has always held symbolic significance marking celebrations, invoking warmth, and bringing people together. Chandeliers, with their cascading shimmer and nostalgic grandeur, add that ineffable something to a space. 'For Indians everywhere, chandeliers scream family, festivity, and flair," says Singh. 'Picture a lively wedding or a quiet dinner; they bring that extra glow." More than just decorative accents, chandeliers have become memory-makers. They are often the centerpiece around which special moments unfold, from festive gatherings to quiet evenings. 'Chandeliers weave our stories, our passion for beauty, our knack for making spaces sing," Singh reflects. 'They're not just décor; they're memories in the making, casting a warm, inviting light that feels like home." In today's design landscape, where every element is carefully chosen to reflect personal identity and aesthetic, chandeliers offer a rare blend of tradition and transformation. Whether it's the sculptural sophistication of a contemporary masterpiece or the intricate sparkle of a classic crystal design, the emotional pull remains timeless. Advertisement top videos View All As Viswanathan sums it up, 'Above all, what remains unchanged is their emotional pull – a chandelier still has the power to transform a space, it draws the eye, stirs nostalgia, and often becomes the soul of the room. It's not just about lighting—it's about stirring the soul to create memories in the right atmosphere, and a connection to something enduring yet ever evolving." In India, where past and present often coexist in harmony, chandeliers continue to cast their spell—illuminating not just rooms, but stories, traditions, and the evolving language of beauty. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cnn-news18 decor Decor ideas home decor Home decor ideas home decor tips latest news lifestyle news18 Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 02, 2025, 10:52 IST News lifestyle India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TVS Supply Chain Solutions narrows net loss by 83% QoQ to ₹3.9 crore in Q4FY25
TVS Supply Chain Solutions narrowed its consolidated net loss by 83.61per cent quarter-on-quarter to ₹3.9 crore in Q4FY25, compared to a consolidated net loss of ₹23.8 crore in Q3FY25. On a year-on-year basis, however, the Chennai-headquartered company swung into a loss in the fiscal fourth quarter that ended March 31, 2025. The company had posted a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹5.4 crore in Q4FY24. For the full fiscal year (FY) 2025, the company's net loss shrank by 83per cent year-on-year to ₹9.7 crore, compared to a net loss of ₹57.7 crore in FY24. TVS Supply Chain Solutions attributed this to its continued cost operational discipline, focused business development initiatives, and 'effective cost optimisation ' activities. The company's revenue from operations remained largely flat on a sequential basis at ₹2,498.8 crore in Q4FY25, compared to ₹2,444.6 crore in Q3FY25. For the full fiscal year, the company's revenue from operations increased by 8.6per cent year-on-year to ₹9,995.7 crore in FY25, up from ₹9,200 crore in FY24. 'We delivered a strong performance this year in a challenging macroeconomic environment. Our consistent focus on deepening engagement with marquee clients has been pivotal in driving our growth,' said Ravi Viswanathan, MD, TVS Supply Chain Solutions. Viswanathan added that the company won ₹1,009 crore of new contracts in FY25, underscoring the effectiveness of the company's business development initiatives. 'Our Global Fortune 500 customer base expanded from 78 to 91, a testament to the trust leading organisations place in our capabilities,' he said. Performance across segments The company operates through two segments: Integrated Supply Chain Solutions (ISCS) and Network Solutions (NS). The NS segment reported revenue of ₹1,078 crore in Q4FY25, up from ₹1,047 crore in the same quarter last year, reflecting a 3 per cent year-on-year growth. For the full year ended March 31, 2025, revenue from the segment reached ₹4,499 crore, representing a robust 13.6 per cent increase over FY24. In the ISCS segment, revenue grew 4.9 per cent in FY25. North America operations remained strong, contributing consistently to the segment's performance. The India portfolio stayed resilient and supported stronger bottom-line margins.
