Heavy security, traffic diversions in Chennai for CSK vs Mumbai Indians IPL match

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chennai, March 23 (IANS) With Chennai Super Kings set to face Mumbai Indians in Match No. 3 of IPL 2025 on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Greater Chennai Police have implemented extensive security measures.

City Police Commissioner A. Arun is personally overseeing the arrangements.

According to sources in the Chennai Police Department, over 500 police personnel will be deployed at the stadium in Chepauk and across key locations in the city to ensure smooth conduct of the high-profile match.

In a move to enhance spectators’ safety, the Greater Chennai Police have introduced a new system called the ‘Chennai Singam IPL QR Code’. This initiative allows fans to instantly report any security concerns to the police by scanning a QR code. The system aims to streamline crowd management and enable quick response during emergencies.

With thousands expected to attend the match, this technology will help ensure a safer match-day experience.

Chennai is set to host seven matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on the following dates: March 23, March 28, April 5, April 11, April 25, and April 30.

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have announced traffic diversions on all match days from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Car pass holders are permitted to park only in the designated areas mentioned in their passes. Private vehicles must use Cathedral Road, RK Salai, Kamarajar Salai (Marina Beach Road) and park along the Marina Beach Service Road, followed by a walk to the stadium using subways.

Taxis, autorickshaws, and chauffeur-driven cars can use Anna Salai. Wallajah Road to drop passengers near the stadium. These vehicles should proceed to Sivananda Salai for parking.

Mini-buses and MTC buses are restricted from entering Wallajah Road. Instead, they will pick up and drop passengers at Swamy Sivananda Salai.

Spectators may access the stadium by walking via Press Club Road. Victoria Hostel Road will allow entry only via Bharathi Salai, and there will be no entry from Wallajah Road. Bells Road will be operated as a one-way street. Vehicles from Ratna Cafe toward Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at the Bells Roa-Wallajah Road junction.

Spectators are encouraged to use public transport for convenience and to reduce congestion. The MRTS Chepauk Railway Station and Government Estate Metro Station offer easy access to the stadium.

To further ease travel, Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses will offer free rides for fans showing valid match tickets. This facility is available three hours before and after each match, although AC buses are excluded from this offer.

The MTC has arranged special buses and shuttle services during the tournament. These are funded in advance by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited. To assist fans returning home, buses will operate from key locations within 500 metres of the stadium which include Anna Square Bus Stand, Madras University Bus Stop, and Omandurar Government Medical College. Additional shuttle services will run between Anna Statue (Anna Salai) and the stadium.

Authorities have urged the fans to make full use of these arrangements for a smooth and hassle-free match-day experience.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) The new Income Tax Bill 2025, scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026, is set to foster a more transparent and taxpayer-friendly environment, representing a historic milestone in India’s tax landscape, industry experts said on Thursday.

The Bill represents a significant overhaul of India’s tax legislation, marking a pivotal shift towards simplification and modernisation of the Income-Tax Act of 1961.

The Bill, which spans into 622 pages, reduces the complexity of the 1961 Act and replaces intricate legal jargons with clear and straightforward language.

“Another notable aspect of the Bill is the strategic use of tables and formulas, which will help simplify interpretation of the provisions. The Bill aims to minimise disputes and litigation while enhancing taxpayer certainty,” said Himanshu Parekh, Partner, Tax, KPMG in India.

Notably, the Bill introduces a “trust first, scrutinise later” philosophy, aligning with the government’s ideology of “minimum government and maximum governance.”

Unlike the 1961 Act, the Bill empowers the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to establish tax administration rules and implement digital tax monitoring systems, thereby increasing efficiency without frequent legislative changes.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.

The Bill will be sent to the Select Committee of Parliament before it comes up for final approval in Parliament.

The proposed Bill seeks to simplify the language by introducing clearer terms, such as replacing ‘assessment year’ with ‘tax year’. It will eliminate various convoluted provisions and explanations to make it easier to understand and reduce the scope for legal disputes. Some archaic clauses are being dropped as part of the simplification process.

According to Rohinton Sidhwa, Partner, Deloitte India, this reform is a significant step towards modernising India’s tax framework, bringing greater clarity and efficiency.

The Bill promises a more streamlined, accessible tax system, making it easier for citizens and businesses to fulfil their obligations while fostering trust in the system, he mentioned.

–IANS

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‘An affectionate son and a visionary leader’: Dhirendra Shastri praises PM Modi

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) In a video shared on Modi Story, a popular handle on X, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, shared his heartfelt reflections about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The remarkable spiritual side of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was evident during his visit to Bageshwar Dham. When he met my mother and presented her with a gift he had brought from Delhi, it revealed the affectionate son within him. It was a truly heart-warming moment. A successful leader like him is a blessing for the nation. May the blessings of the saints always remain with him,” Dhirendra Shastri said.

Last month, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Garha village near Bageshwar Dham, Bundelkhand — a region that has long suffered from economic neglect under successive Congress governments.

For decades, Bundelkhand’s healthcare needs were overlooked, leaving its people without access to essential medical facilities. In stark contrast, Modi’s initiative promises a 100-bed cancer treatment centre offering free care to underprivileged patients — a transformative step that has garnered widespread acclaim.

During his visit, PM Modi’s personal touch shone through as he met Shastri’s mother, presenting her with a thoughtful gift from Delhi. Shastri, affectionately known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, praised PM Modi’s leadership, even remarking, “Since you assumed the position of Prime Minister, Modi ji, even those in Pakistan are saying, ‘Take us back.’”

This bold statement underscored the PM’s growing influence, both domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering of thousands of devotees of Bageshwar Dham made a veiled attack on opposition leaders, accusing them of “mocking” and “ridiculing” Hindu religion, faith and beliefs with the backing of foreign powers, besides ignoring Bundelkhand region for years.

The Prime Minister had said that the leaders, who hate “Hinduism” while living in our country, are “shackled by slave mentality” and attack our culture, traditions, festivals, and progressive philosophy. Prime Minister Modi praised Shashtri for promoting the message of unity and commended his commitment to developing the Bageshwar Dham medical facility, which will now provide both medical and spiritual healing at no extra cost.

While the Modi government continues to champion development and inclusivity, Congress’ legacy tells a different story. The neglect of regions like Bundelkhand and the lack of visionary projects during Congress’ tenure stands in stark contrast to PM Modi’s proactive governance.

Shastri, at the age of just 26, has become a spiritual icon, bridging caste divides and supporting underprivileged communities. Following PM Modi’s visit, even President Droupadi Murmu visited Bageshwar Dham, further highlighting the significance of Shastri’s work. Through his unique blend of tradition and modernity, Shastri inspires millions, while PM Modi’s leadership sets a new standard for inclusive development — something Congress failed to deliver.

–IANS

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72-hour shutdown in Katra against Mata Vaishno Devi shrine ropeway project

Jammu, Dec 26 (IANS) The 72-hour-long shutdown against the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine ropeway project entered the second day in Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district

The protest began started on Wednesday. Shoppers, transporters, hoteliers, Pony and Palki Wallahs in addition to other businessmen have been protesting against the proposed ropeway project from Tarakote to Sanjhi Chhat.

In November, clashes erupted in Katra town between the protesters and the police when police used force to disperse the agitators. Police claimed that the agitators did not have permission to take out a protest march.

The call for the 72-hour-long shutdown has been given by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti against the proposed ropeway from Tarakote to Sanjhi Chhat.

Supported by all the local stakeholders, including pony owners, shopkeepers and transport operators, the shutdown left the town in disquieting silence. All business establishments remained shut and roads wore deserted look, leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded without access to essential services.

The Sangharsh Samiti leader, Bhupinder Singh spearheads the protest. The Samiti accused the government and the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board of ignoring public concerns. “The ropeway project threatens the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the traditional pilgrimage routes. Instead of engaging in talks, the administration is resorting to force, which is unfortunate,” Singh told reporters.

BJP leader and former Minister Ajay Nanda, party leader and ex-Chairman of Municipal Committee Katra Shashi Gupta, DDC Member Katra Nirmala Devi, and DDC Panthal Rajinder Mengi, joined the agitation at Shalimar Park to express solidarity with the protesters.

Protesters claim that the proposed ropeway would destroy their livelihood, and local shoppers, transporters, hoteliers, pony and Palki wallahs are demanding that the Rs 300 crore project be cancelled.

The ropeway, intended to connect Tarakote on Katra’s outskirts with Sanjichhat, just 2.5 km from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, aims to reduce the 14-km trek and bypass the traditional Katra-Ban Ganga-Adi Kunwari route. However, protesters argue it will devastate businesses along the old route.

–IANS

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