Rain likely in South TN, Western Ghats till March 1: IMD

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chennai, Feb 24 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast moderate rainfall in parts of southern Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats region until March 1, following the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

According to an official press release issued by the weather department, a low-pressure area formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining central parts of the Bay on the morning of February 23. The system is expected to weaken gradually as it moves in a north-easterly direction.

Meanwhile, a cyclonic circulation prevailing over the southeast Arabian Sea off the south Kerala coast is likely to influence weather activity over adjoining regions. Under the combined impact of these systems, moderate rainfall is expected at one or two places across southern Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats districts, and neighbouring areas from February 24 to March 1.

The department also released rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall in Tamil Nadu was registered at Sankarankovil in Tenkasi district, which received 40 mm of rain. Several other locations recorded significant showers, including Perunchani Dam in Kanniyakumari district, Sivalogam, Kuzhithurai, Surulacode and Puthen Dam, each receiving 30 mm of rainfall.

Places that recorded 20 mm of rainfall include Kayathar in Thoothukudi district, Palamore in Kanniyakumari, Tirupathisaram, Chittar, Sivagiri in Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi town, and parts of Madurai district.

Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution as squally weather conditions are likely to prevail over the northern parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining southwest, central, and east-central Bay of Bengal.

Wind speeds may reach up to 60 kmph in these areas, the weather office warned.

Authorities have urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the specified sea regions during this period due to rough conditions.

The weather department said it will continue to closely monitor the systems and issue further updates as necessary.

With intermittent rain expected over the coming days, residents in southern districts have been advised to stay alert and follow official advisories.

–IANS

aal/dpb

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DMK parliamentary party to meet today in Chennai, CM Stalin to address

Chennai, Sep 23 (IANS) The DMK will convene a crucial meeting of its Members of Parliament in Chennai on Tuesday, with party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin chairing the session.

The meeting, scheduled at the Murasoli Maran complex in Anna Arivalayam, comes at a significant juncture, as the party begins preparing its roadmap for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs have been directed to attend without fail, as the party leadership seeks to ensure greater coordination and unity among its elected representatives.

Sources indicated that the deliberations will focus on fine-tuning political messaging, strengthening constituency-level presence, and aligning MPs’ work with the party’s larger electoral strategy.

Key issues on the agenda include mobilising central and state-level resources for Tamil Nadu, highlighting the DMK government’s achievements, and addressing projects that require federal support.

The discussions are expected to explore how these issues can be translated into strong electoral talking points ahead of the Assembly polls. The leadership is also likely to review ongoing welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and social initiatives, ensuring that MPs play an active role in communicating their impact to the public.

Another priority will be reinforcing the DMK’s position within the broader opposition bloc while keeping the focus firmly on state-level political dynamics. By bringing all MPs together, the meeting aims to sharpen the party’s campaign machinery and send a clear message that the DMK is entering election mode with an organised and cohesive strategy.

This meeting serves as a precursor to the rigorous groundwork the party intends to undertake in the months leading up to the 2026 Assembly polls in the state.

It may be noted that with the advent of actor Vijay’s TVK and a revived BJP- AIADMK ties, the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are wide open. The DMK is aiming to win a second consecutive term, and in the changed circumstances, the party and the INDIA bloc are facing a tough fight in the state. The DMK leadership is not taking any chances and is galvanising all its armoury to gear up for the Assembly polls, and the meeting of the MPs is part of this move.

–IANS

aal/dpb

Former Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick attacked by unidentified youth outside residence in Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Former West Bengal Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers in the ration distribution scam, was attacked in front of his house in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata on Sunday, police said.

According to the police, Mallick was attacked by an unidentified person.

The attacker punched the former Minister in the face and threw him on the road.

The accused youth was arrested by the police after the incident.

According to police sources, Mallick, who is also known as Balu da, came to his house in Salt Lake from Habra in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday.

He also has an office in his house at Salt Lake.

The former Minister was attacked while entering his office.

A youth came and punched Mallick in the face due to which the latter fell down on the road.

He kept screaming for help.

At that time, a few Trinamool Congress workers, who were in Mallick’s office rushed to stop the youth.

According to Trinamool Congress sources, the youth was eager to hit Mallick that even three or four people could not stop him.

Mallick was finally rescued after more Trinamool workers joined in.

The police were quickly informed about the incident.

After reaching the crime spot, policemen arrested the youth.

The former Minister suffered minor injuries to his face. However, he is currently fine and did not need to be admitted to the hospital.

After the police arrested the accused youth, Mallick inquired about him.

According to sources close to Mallick, the Trinamool MLA does not know the accused.

He also checked the CCTV footage of Mallick’s house.

After examining the footage, the Trinamool MLA came to know that the youth had been waiting in front of the house since 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The accused had disappeared once. However, after some time, he reappeared in front of Mallick’s house and attacked him as soon as he reached there.

However, it is not clear why the accused attacked the Trinamool MLA.

Incidentally, Mallick was recently involved in the ration distribution scam case.

He was arrested by the ED in 2023.

After spending 14 months in jail, he was released on bail on January 15.

Mallick remained in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Cabinet of Ministers for a long time even after his arrest.

Later, he was removed as a Cabinet Minister in the West Bengal government.

–IANS

sch/khz

Gold, silver purchases surge on Dhanteras, festive buying likely to surpass Rs 50,000 crore

New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS) The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) on Saturday, i.e. on the occasion of Dhanteras, reported a surge in gold and silver purchases following a sharp price correction.

The dip in rates has triggered a wave of strategic buying across India, with consumers seizing the opportunity to make meaningful purchases. The association expect that the sales of Gem and Jewellery will cross Rs 50,000 crore this festive season.

“Dhanteras 2025 has seen a 10–15 per cent dip in volume compared to last year, but overall value is up sharply — we expect festive sales to cross Rs 50,000 crore. Despite high gold and silver prices, consumer sentiment is strong, driven by strategic buying and early wedding purchases,” said Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC.

Gold coins are leading demand, with hallmark-certified lightweight jewellery also performing well. Silver items, especially coins and puja articles, have surged nearly 40 per cent over last year, he added.

According to the association, popular buying choices on Dhanteras were hallmark-certified gold, lightweight daily-wear designs, gold coins, and increasingly, silver coins — which are being chosen for gifting, investment, and ceremonial purposes.

Jewellers across the country opened early today, with many stores welcoming customers early to accommodate the festive rush, the association said.

Footfalls began steadily from morning hours and intensified by mid-day, especially among younger buyers who are gravitating toward sustainable and responsibly sourced jewellery.

With Dhanteras continuing until tomorrow afternoon, and jewellery stores remaining open until midnight tonight, GJC said that it anticipates even stronger footfalls through the evening and into Sunday, as consumers take advantage of favourable pricing and extended shopping hours.

“This Dhanteras has revealed a new layer of consumer maturity. Compared to last year, the average transaction value has risen by nearly 20–25 per cent, even as overall volume dipped due to high bullion prices. What’s encouraging is the 35–40 per cent surge in silver coin sales, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where buyers are opting for budget-friendly investments and ceremonial gifting,” said Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC.

We’re also seeing a 15 per cent increase in self-purchase trends, with younger consumers choosing lightweight, responsibly sourced jewellery to mark personal milestones, he added.

All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council is a national trade council. It is a self-regulated trade body.

–IANS

aps/dan