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Mon, 12 December 2016
KAS officer suspended for 'helping Janardhana Reddy convert black money'
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23:20 KAS officer suspended for 'helping Janardhana Reddy convert black money'
Karnataka Government has suspended KAS officer L Bheema Naik for allegedly helping G Janardhana Reddy convert black money to white.
Bheema Nayak, special land acquisition officer (Bengaluru) was arrested by the Mandya Police on Sunday.
His driver Ramesh K C had allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at a lodge at Maddur in Mandya district on December 6, leaving a note in which he has listed out alleged illegalities committed by Nayak and held him and his personal driver Mohammad responsible for his death.
Ramesh had also alleged that there was a threat to his life as he was in the know of the illegalities allegedly committed by the officer and how he got money converted into white for the wedding of mining baron G Janardhan Reddys daughter recently. -- Agencies
Bheema Nayak, special land acquisition officer (Bengaluru) was arrested by the Mandya Police on Sunday.
His driver Ramesh K C had allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at a lodge at Maddur in Mandya district on December 6, leaving a note in which he has listed out alleged illegalities committed by Nayak and held him and his personal driver Mohammad responsible for his death.
Ramesh had also alleged that there was a threat to his life as he was in the know of the illegalities allegedly committed by the officer and how he got money converted into white for the wedding of mining baron G Janardhan Reddys daughter recently. -- Agencies
23:12 UK to cut student visas by half
The United Kingdoms government is finalising plans to cut annual student visa figures by nearly half, from the current 300,000 to 170,000, a media report said today amid a sharp fall in students coming to the country from outside Europe including India.
Some university chiefs are also warning that many Indian students are already being denied visas on minor grounds as part of a wider move to cut immigration into the UK.
They are telling some students there is exactly the same quality of course available in India so why are you coming here. That is outrageous, a UK vice-chancellor was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper.
The move comes despite recent UK Office of National Statistics figures indicating there has been a drastic drop in students coming to the UK from outside Europe.
There was a statistically significant decline in the number of non-EU citizens migrating to the UK to study, from 134,000 in the previous year to 111,000...there was a statistically significant decline in citizens of South Asia, with the number coming to study having almost halved, ONS said in its Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: August 2016.
India is the third-largest category in terms of student visa applications after the United States and China, with 10,664 granted between June 2015 and 2016.
Some university chiefs are also warning that many Indian students are already being denied visas on minor grounds as part of a wider move to cut immigration into the UK.
They are telling some students there is exactly the same quality of course available in India so why are you coming here. That is outrageous, a UK vice-chancellor was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper.
The move comes despite recent UK Office of National Statistics figures indicating there has been a drastic drop in students coming to the UK from outside Europe.
There was a statistically significant decline in the number of non-EU citizens migrating to the UK to study, from 134,000 in the previous year to 111,000...there was a statistically significant decline in citizens of South Asia, with the number coming to study having almost halved, ONS said in its Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: August 2016.
India is the third-largest category in terms of student visa applications after the United States and China, with 10,664 granted between June 2015 and 2016.
22:25
JUST IN: Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres swornin as new UN Secretary-General.
22:15 Rs 1.5 crore in new notes seized from Guwahati bizman
Crime Investigation Department in a search operation seized over Rs 1.54 crore in new currency notes from the residence of a businessman in Guwahati.
"The person and money have been handed over to the I-T department. They will carry out further probe. The source of money is yet to be ascertained," Superintendent of Police Nirmal Vasiya told ANI.
Photograph: PTI Photo
"The person and money have been handed over to the I-T department. They will carry out further probe. The source of money is yet to be ascertained," Superintendent of Police Nirmal Vasiya told ANI.
Photograph: PTI Photo
21:59 Cyclone Vardah: Chennai Airport shut till 11 pm; Rs 4 lakh for kin of dead
Cyclone Vardah update:
Services at Chennai Airport, which were earlier suspended till 9 pm, have been suspended till 11 pm.
Even Bengaluru witnessed light showers after Cyclone Vardah made landfall in Chennai.
Government-aided, private schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur to remain closed tomorrow.
The NDMA says 47 huts have been damaged, 3,384 have fallen out of which 696 have been removed. 3,400 electricity board poles have also fallen.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam announced that Rs 4 lakh will be given to family members of those who died due to Cyclone Vardah from state disaster relief fund.
Representative image. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo
Services at Chennai Airport, which were earlier suspended till 9 pm, have been suspended till 11 pm.
Even Bengaluru witnessed light showers after Cyclone Vardah made landfall in Chennai.
Government-aided, private schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur to remain closed tomorrow.
The NDMA says 47 huts have been damaged, 3,384 have fallen out of which 696 have been removed. 3,400 electricity board poles have also fallen.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam announced that Rs 4 lakh will be given to family members of those who died due to Cyclone Vardah from state disaster relief fund.
Representative image. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo
21:33 Mob attacks Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan
A mob of around 1,000 Muslims on Monday attacked and besieged an Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Punjab province to prevent the members of the minority community from commemorating Prophet Mohammad's birthday, wounding several people.
The Rangers were called in to control the situation after people armed with batons and weapons hurled stones and bricks at the Ahmadi mosque in Chakwal district, some 275 km from Lahore, before storming the building.
According to police, the mob also opened fire and set fire to part of the mosque, injuring several people.
Ahmadis inside the besieged mosque also hurled bricks, wounding some of the attackers.
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Pakistan Punjab spokesman Amer Mahmood claimed that the attack took place after some clerics of the area made announcement from a village mosque asking Muslims not to allow Ahmadis to pray at their mosque -- Baitulzikar -- on the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.
"More than 1,000 people responded to the clerics' call and gathered there and started marching towards the Baitulzikar. The mob opened fire and threw stone," Mahmood said.
During the incident, a 60-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died before getting any medical aid.
Police reached the spot soon after the mob attacked the Ahmadi mosque and dispersed the crowd.
Security forces have taken over the mosque and sealed it.
The Punjab government's home department tweeted that it was following up on the incident.
"The local administration and police are at the spot and handling the situation. As per details, a misunderstanding developed between the two groups. Home Department is vigilantly following up the issue," it said, adding the police and administration are making all out efforts to resolve the issue amicably.
Pakistan's parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974, and they have repeatedly been targeted by Islamic extremists, who view them as heretics. They have also been taken to court on blasphemy charges.
Image for representation only.
The Rangers were called in to control the situation after people armed with batons and weapons hurled stones and bricks at the Ahmadi mosque in Chakwal district, some 275 km from Lahore, before storming the building.
According to police, the mob also opened fire and set fire to part of the mosque, injuring several people.
Ahmadis inside the besieged mosque also hurled bricks, wounding some of the attackers.
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Pakistan Punjab spokesman Amer Mahmood claimed that the attack took place after some clerics of the area made announcement from a village mosque asking Muslims not to allow Ahmadis to pray at their mosque -- Baitulzikar -- on the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.
"More than 1,000 people responded to the clerics' call and gathered there and started marching towards the Baitulzikar. The mob opened fire and threw stone," Mahmood said.
During the incident, a 60-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died before getting any medical aid.
Police reached the spot soon after the mob attacked the Ahmadi mosque and dispersed the crowd.
Security forces have taken over the mosque and sealed it.
The Punjab government's home department tweeted that it was following up on the incident.
"The local administration and police are at the spot and handling the situation. As per details, a misunderstanding developed between the two groups. Home Department is vigilantly following up the issue," it said, adding the police and administration are making all out efforts to resolve the issue amicably.
Pakistan's parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974, and they have repeatedly been targeted by Islamic extremists, who view them as heretics. They have also been taken to court on blasphemy charges.
Image for representation only.
20:36 La La Land gets most Golden Globe nominations
La La Land looks poised to be a darling of this year's Hollywood awards season, getting seven Golden Globes nominations.
Ryan Gosling is nominated for best actor, Emma Stone for best actress, Damien Chazelle for best director, one of its songs for best song, and the movie itself for best picture.
Just behind La La Land are Moonlight -- with six nominations -- and Manchester by the Sea with five.
Ryan Gosling is nominated for best actor, Emma Stone for best actress, Damien Chazelle for best director, one of its songs for best song, and the movie itself for best picture.
Just behind La La Land are Moonlight -- with six nominations -- and Manchester by the Sea with five.
20:24
Schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur to remain shut on Tuesday
20:23 AAI to review situation at Chennai airport at 9 pm
Airports Authority of India would review the situation at the Chennai airport, from where no flight operation has taken place since this morning, at 9 pm to decide on resumption of services, a senior official said.
NOTAM was issued to the airport authorities this morning after strong cyclonic winds and poor visibility hit Chennai and other parts of the state, throwing life out of
gear.
Rail and flight services have been affected by heavy rain and strong winds that lashed the city and other coastal areas of Tamil Nadu due to cyclone Vardah.
Following this, the operations at the airport was suspended, resulting in diversion of 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, to the nearby Hyderabad and Bangalore airports. Besides, nearly 25 outbound flights were delayed.
"As of now, operations at the Chennai airport remain suspended. There is no damage to the runway, But we have shut radars because of the high speed winds. There is some power supply issue at the ATC complex, which the local authorities are trying to restore. But we have all other contingency measures in place," a senior AAI official in Delhi said.
20:21 Kerala film fest: 6 arrested for showing disrespect to national anthem
Indian Express reports: Six delegates, including a woman, have been taken into custody on Monday for not standing up when the national anthem was played before the screening of a film at the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.
On Friday, the organiser of the film festival approached the Supreme Court seeking exemption from its previous order that made it mandatory for everyone to stand up during the national anthem before a film screening.
The organiser cited the sheer number of films being screened at the fest and said that it would cause inconvenience to the 100 odd foreign guests attending the fest. The apex court, however, did not provide relief to the festival organisers.
It is also unclear whether foreigners were among the six delegates booked by police.
Hearing the plea, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy observed that: "Only because certain foreigners are here and they may have some problems, should we recall our order? Why should we recall our orders only to oblige foreigners? If there are 40 movies running in different shows, you will have to, well, stand 40 times."
20:10 2 fishermen go missing off Kakinada; Cost Guard deploys ship
The Coast Guard today deployed ICGS Atulya to search for two fishermen, who have been reported missing off Kakinada even as Cyclone Vardah batters the coastal regions in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The maritime security agency, which has put its resources on standby to deal with an exigency, got a message this morning from the Fisheries Department of Andhra Pradesh that two fishermen have gone missing.
"ICGS Atulya has been deployed to find the two missing fishermen. We have also deployed two more ships in the sea during the night time, in case we receive any distress call.
"Dornier aircraft and Chetak helicopters have been kept on standby at Chennai and Vizag for deployment," said a Coast Guard official.
The India Meteorological Department had warned fishermen not to venture along the coast off Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu owing to rough sea conditions in the wake of Cyclone Vardah.
19:51 Air India re-hires 150 retired engineers to fix its aircraft
Faced with acute shortage of engineering staff, national carrier Air India has re-hired around 150 retired aircraft maintenance engineers for a three-year period on contract basis.
While local airlines are expanding their fleet with the domestic air passenger traffic growing at over 20 per cent for nearly two years, there is a significant shortage of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, the industry insiders say.
Against this backdrop, Air India has started roping in retired AMEs and so far around 150 of them have joined back, Air India officials said.
"I have a shortage of 150-200 engineers and I have employed my retired staff to fill up the gap... I have taken about 150 people on a contract for three years," Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) CEO H R Jagannath said.
There has been no recruitment of AMEs in the last 10 to 12 years, he said, adding currently Air India group has around 750 such engineers including the retired individuals who have been taken on three-year contracts. As a thumb rule, one aircraft requires around seven engineers.
19:39 Trump blasts F-35 fighter jet programme cost as 'out of control'
US President-elect Donald Trump in his latest Twitter screed today blasted the F-35 stealth fighter jet, saying the cost is "out of control."
"The F-35 program and cost is out of control. Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th," Trump tweeted, as Defense Secretary Ash Carter was in Israel to celebrate delivery of the country's first two of the Lockheed Martin fighters.
19:36
2 fishermen go missing off Kakinada in Andhra.
Coast Guard says it has deployed ship for search & rescue operations.
19:35 Ships, aircraft, choppers on standby: Coast Guard
The Coast Guard has kept four ships and six patrol vessels on standby at Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Karaikal to take up rescue and relief works in the wake of cyclone Vardah making its landfall.
"Four Dornier aircraft and two Chetak helicopters are also on stand by... ," an official release said.
Already one Coast Guard ship was deployed for providing rescue operations off the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
Coast Guard officials were in continuous contact with the State Disaster Management authorities for taking up the rescue and relief operations, it said.
A Coast Guard rapid response team along with rescue boats and manpower were also on standby for providing relief operations, it added.
19:11 India ranks 4th most vacation deprived country globally: Report
India has been ranked as the fourth most vacation deprived country globally, as 63 per cent take fewer days of the vacations that they get, according to to a report.
"After Spain (68 per cent), UAE (68 per cent),Malaysia (67 per cent) and South Korea (64 per cent), India is ranked as the fourth most vacation deprived country globally," according to Expedia 'Vacation Deprivation report 2016'.
The report revealed that 40 per cent Indians don't use all vacation days as work schedule does not allow for vacation or don't have enough staff to cover and 32 per cent are not able to take vacation days due to personal schedule.
"Vacations play a critical role in creating work-life balance as it re-energises people to be more focused at work (95 per cent of Indians agree in the survey)," Expedia, India, Marketing Head Manmeet Ahluwalia said.
The report was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar, a globally integrated strategic insights consulting firm online from September 12-29, 2016, across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific.
19:05 Cyclone Vardah: Suspension of Chennai Airport services extended by 1 hr
Cyclone Vardah update:
Services at Chennai Airport have been suspended till 9 pm today.
The National Disaster Management Authority has warned people not to venture out as winds and rains might still intensify.
However, M Mohapatra, ADG Met Department, said that wind speed will gradually decrease to 60-70 kmph during next 3 hours. ANI
Representative image.
Services at Chennai Airport have been suspended till 9 pm today.
The National Disaster Management Authority has warned people not to venture out as winds and rains might still intensify.
However, M Mohapatra, ADG Met Department, said that wind speed will gradually decrease to 60-70 kmph during next 3 hours. ANI
Representative image.
17:52 What will Chennai witness in the EYE of Vardah
The eye of a cyclone is generally between 20-50km in diameter.
The eye is the focus of the cyclone, the point about which the rest of the storm rotates and where the lowest surface pressures are found in the storm.
Skies are often clear above the eye and winds are relatively light. It is actually the calmest section of any cyclone.
A common mistake, especially in areas where cyclones are uncommon, is for residents to wander outside to inspect the damage while the eye passes over, thinking the storm is over.
They are then caught completely by surprise by the violent winds in the opposite eyewall.
17:37
Siddaramaiah's message to Paneerselvam: "In keeping with PM's request to shift to digital technology, we have uploaded your share of Cauvery water to the cloud. Will auto download the next few days."
17:34 Cyclone Vardah: Govt on high red alert; airport terminals damaged
Giving updates on aid operations since Cyclone Vardah made landfall, NDMA, in a series of tweets, says: "The entire government machinery has been geared up to face the Cyclone and the situation is being closely monitored by the state government. 7 NDRF, 2 SDRF, 2 Army columns deployed. Govt on high red alert."
Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam for an update on Cyclone Vardha, and assured him of all help.
Meanwhile Dr S Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai, hsa said that the cyclone's eye crossed the coast near the Chennai harbour and that by 6.30 pm, it will have fully passed overland. Winds of up to 90 kmph can be expected till then. The CM told him that the government machinery was handling the post-cyclone situation on a war footing.
A public helpline has been set up by the state government 044-45969426 for any cyclone related information.
The Chennai airport remains shut till 8 pm, with domestic and international terminals damaged, reports Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, and repair work is underway.
17:15 Cyclone Vardah: SriLankan Airlines cancels all flights to Chennai
SriLankan Airlines today said all its Chennai-bound flights were cancelled till Tuesday morning after authorities issued a red alert due to severe cyclonic storm Vardah which made a landfall in Tamil Nadu.
Airlines Spokesman Deepal Perera said, "There has been a red alert issued. Therefore all flights to Chennai will resume only on Tuesday morning."
Some Chennai-bound passenger flights were diverted to Colombo owing to a storm.
A Srilankan Airlines flight on its way to Chennai returned to Katunayake while a flight heading to Chennai from Dubai also landed in Katunayake this morning, the Colombo Gazette reported.
17:08 Chennai Airport has suspended operations till 8pm
Cyclone Vardah: National Disaster Management Authority says 2 persons have been killed, 24 huts damaged, 8008 people accommodated in 95 relief camps.
Chennai Airport has suspended operations till 8pm. The decision on extending suspension to be taken at that time.
Chief Minister Panneerselvam asks police to ensure people are safe. Urges public to stay indoors
TN DGP T K Rajendran advises people not to park their vehicles near trees.
17:02 Cyclone Vardah: Army begins relief and rescue ops
Cyclone Vardah: Army personnel conduct rescue and relief operations in Chennai as heavy rainfall and strong winds lash the city.
16:54 Rs 58 lakh in new currency notes seized in Jaipur
Rajasthan: Police seize Rs 64 lakh (Rs 58 lakh in new currency notes) from Jaipur.
An inquiry is underway.
16:05 Cyclone Vardah: Be cautious for 24-36 hours, says govt
Union Science and Technology Minister Harshvardhan on Monday said people have to remain cautious over the next 24 to 36 hours as the government counter the 'Cyclone Vardah'.
"We have to remain cautious and ensure that we are vigilant for the next 24 to 36 hours," he said adding that the Centre and Tamil Nadu government, besides related agencies, are on alert.
Harshvardhan added that the storm is likely to strike off the Chennai coast and will affect the northern parts of Tamil Nadu (Thiruvellur district), and the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh (Nellore district) with a wind speed of 110 kilometres per hour between 2 p.m. to 5 pm.
"Minor damages like the breaking of trees may occur. We would advise the people, especially, the fishermen to stop their work near the shore for the next 24 to 36 hours," he said, adding that people near coastal areas should be shifted to safer places.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday reviewed the state government's preparation to counter 'Cyclone Vardah'.The chief minister also requested the people not to venture out of their houses between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.The state government has reportedly evacuated at least 7357 people to 54 relief centres.
"We have to remain cautious and ensure that we are vigilant for the next 24 to 36 hours," he said adding that the Centre and Tamil Nadu government, besides related agencies, are on alert.
Harshvardhan added that the storm is likely to strike off the Chennai coast and will affect the northern parts of Tamil Nadu (Thiruvellur district), and the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh (Nellore district) with a wind speed of 110 kilometres per hour between 2 p.m. to 5 pm.
"Minor damages like the breaking of trees may occur. We would advise the people, especially, the fishermen to stop their work near the shore for the next 24 to 36 hours," he said, adding that people near coastal areas should be shifted to safer places.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday reviewed the state government's preparation to counter 'Cyclone Vardah'.The chief minister also requested the people not to venture out of their houses between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.The state government has reportedly evacuated at least 7357 people to 54 relief centres.
15:45
Complete landfall to take another couple of hours. Conditions to remain severe between Chennai & Nellore: K.G.Ramesh, DG IMD.
15:22 What happens after landfall
Dr S Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai says,
"The centre of Cyclone Vardah is now crossing the coast north of Chennai, some 10 km away. This will last from 3-4 pm, when there will be a period of calm. Between 4 pm and 7 pm, the cyclone's east side will cross the coast, and it will continue to rain heavily 11 pm. After 5.30 pm the cyclone will lose its intensity but strong winds will continue.
"The centre of Cyclone Vardah is now crossing the coast north of Chennai, some 10 km away. This will last from 3-4 pm, when there will be a period of calm. Between 4 pm and 7 pm, the cyclone's east side will cross the coast, and it will continue to rain heavily 11 pm. After 5.30 pm the cyclone will lose its intensity but strong winds will continue.
15:01 Cyclone Vardah makes landfall, heavy rains for next 6-8 hours
Cyclone Vardah makes landfall near Chennai, says Mahesh Palawat, Skymet Chief. Skymet is a private Indian company that provides weather forecast for India. Palawat says heavy rainfall will continue for another 6-8 hours. Coastal areas will see moderate rainfall, interiors will see heavy rainfall. Windspeeds between 130-150 kmph.
Image: Chennai resident Fabiola Jacob tweets this picture of an uprooted tree near her residence. Over a 1000 trees have been uprooted across the city.
Image: Chennai resident Fabiola Jacob tweets this picture of an uprooted tree near her residence. Over a 1000 trees have been uprooted across the city.
14:53 Cyclone Vardah: No electricity, poor cellphone connectivity in Chennai
Just in: Cyclone Vardah slams into Chennai with heavy rain and gusty winds. Wind speeds are near 100-120 kmph. The state government has reportedly evacuated at least 7357 people to 72 relief centres.
As per army sources, seven army columns have been placed on standby to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Meanwhile the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), S. Balachandran, said that the landfall in coastal area are expected to occur at around 2 pm and 4 pm. A landfall is often accompanied by strong winds, lashing rain and rising sea waves that could endanger people and cause damage to property inland. A landfall is when the eye of the storm moves over land.
"Vardah, which is lying 87 kilometres east of Bay of Bengal and moving in a westward direction, is expected to make a land fall close to Chennai between 2 to 4 pm," said Met director.
"North region of Tamil Nadu and South of Andhra expected to receive heavy rainfall and winds," he added.
Navy chief PRO Captain DK Sharma also said that the Cyclone Vardah is expected to make a landfall by 2.30 pm.
"Massive uprooting of trees are being reported, Cyclone Vardah is likely to make a landfall by 2:30 pm," Sharma said, adding that two ships of the Navy, Shivalik and Kadmatt are already deployed in north area to render immediate assistance if required.
'Cyclone Vardah' is centered over west central and adjoining Southewest Bay of Bengal a few km north east of Chennai and Nellore.
Cellphone towers have crashed in several parts of Chennai affecting connectivity.
As per army sources, seven army columns have been placed on standby to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Meanwhile the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), S. Balachandran, said that the landfall in coastal area are expected to occur at around 2 pm and 4 pm. A landfall is often accompanied by strong winds, lashing rain and rising sea waves that could endanger people and cause damage to property inland. A landfall is when the eye of the storm moves over land.
"Vardah, which is lying 87 kilometres east of Bay of Bengal and moving in a westward direction, is expected to make a land fall close to Chennai between 2 to 4 pm," said Met director.
"North region of Tamil Nadu and South of Andhra expected to receive heavy rainfall and winds," he added.
Navy chief PRO Captain DK Sharma also said that the Cyclone Vardah is expected to make a landfall by 2.30 pm.
"Massive uprooting of trees are being reported, Cyclone Vardah is likely to make a landfall by 2:30 pm," Sharma said, adding that two ships of the Navy, Shivalik and Kadmatt are already deployed in north area to render immediate assistance if required.
'Cyclone Vardah' is centered over west central and adjoining Southewest Bay of Bengal a few km north east of Chennai and Nellore.
Cellphone towers have crashed in several parts of Chennai affecting connectivity.
14:24 Navy ready to take on Vardah
Naval aircraft also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations Rajali & Dega to be pressed into action to augment ops. One survey ship has been kept standby to undertake harbour survey in case of requirement. 22 diving teams have been kept on standby at Visakhapatnam for immediate deployment, should the situation warrant. In addition to 10 diving teams embarked on IN Ships Shivalik & Kadmatt, 6 diving teams readied up for immediate deployment
14:24 Navy ready to take on Vardah
Naval aircraft also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations Rajali & Dega to be pressed into action to augment ops. One survey ship has been kept standby to undertake harbour survey in case of requirement. 22 diving teams have been kept on standby at Visakhapatnam for immediate deployment, should the situation warrant. In addition to 10 diving teams embarked on IN Ships Shivalik & Kadmatt, 6 diving teams readied up for immediate deployment
14:14 Chennai plunges into darkness, power supply cut across city
Sun TV reports that power supply throughout Chennai has been cut as a precautionary measure.
Stuck in the storm? Click on this link and get help.
Stuck in the storm? Click on this link and get help.
14:11 Cyclone Vardah: 7000 evacuated from TN, Army begins rescue, Navy on standby
Ennore in north Chennai is in the path of the cyclone and has been receiving heavy rain and high-speed winds People living near the beach have been evacuated and housed in marriage halls. The government is also providing food, reports A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com. In Nellore, around 9400 people have been moved to camps. Windspeeds have crossed 130-150 kmph, the cyclone speed is 60 kmph, says the navy. Air India tweeted to say that flights will not operate to Chennai till 1500 hrs.
Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall in Tamil Nadu this afternoon, a statement from the Navy said.
Six Army columns ready and on standby for rescue and relief operations. One additional column placed on standby. Total Army columns now on standby is seven. Out of seven columns on standby, one column already requisitioned and moving to deploy at Thiruvallur 50 Km North of Chennai. It's one of the worst-hit areas in Tamil Nadu.
Sun TV news quotes S P Thambi, deputy director general, met department, Chennai as saying a part of cyclone Vardah is crossing over Chennai, the eye of the storm will cross over between 2 and 5 pm, and by 6.30 pm the storm will have crossed over fully.
The Indian Navy is ready with 30 boats for rescue work, apart from stationing two naval ships off Chennai.
Helplines to report cyclone Vardah damage in TN: 9445477207, 9445477203, 9445477206, 9445477201. Stuck in cyclone-hit Chennai? Click on this link for help.
Image: The Indian Navy is on standby with two ships -- INS Shivalik and Kadmatt to provide immediate assistance if required. In addition 30 boats are on standby for rescue ops. Pic courtesy: Indian Navy
Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall in Tamil Nadu this afternoon, a statement from the Navy said.
Six Army columns ready and on standby for rescue and relief operations. One additional column placed on standby. Total Army columns now on standby is seven. Out of seven columns on standby, one column already requisitioned and moving to deploy at Thiruvallur 50 Km North of Chennai. It's one of the worst-hit areas in Tamil Nadu.
Sun TV news quotes S P Thambi, deputy director general, met department, Chennai as saying a part of cyclone Vardah is crossing over Chennai, the eye of the storm will cross over between 2 and 5 pm, and by 6.30 pm the storm will have crossed over fully.
The Indian Navy is ready with 30 boats for rescue work, apart from stationing two naval ships off Chennai.
Helplines to report cyclone Vardah damage in TN: 9445477207, 9445477203, 9445477206, 9445477201. Stuck in cyclone-hit Chennai? Click on this link for help.
Image: The Indian Navy is on standby with two ships -- INS Shivalik and Kadmatt to provide immediate assistance if required. In addition 30 boats are on standby for rescue ops. Pic courtesy: Indian Navy
14:11 Union govt stands by TN CM
The calm and now the storm.
First the death of J Jayalalithaa and now Cyclone Vardah.
The Tamil Nadu government led by CM O Paneerselvam has earned praise for the adept handling of the situation in the state during and in the aftermath of Jayalalithaa's death, but now a cyclone is about to make landfall.
Insiders say, thanks to the active support of the Union Government, and on instructions from the Union Home Ministry, the Rapid Action Force was airlifted from Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh during the funeral procession of Jayalalitha.
Again on directions from Rajnath Singh Union Home Minister six companies of National Disaster Management Action commandoes were airlifted last night. At the request of Tamil Nadu Government, the Navy, Airforce and Army are on standby in various parts of Tamil Nadu for any eventuality.
Here's hoping the CM passes this test as well.
First the death of J Jayalalithaa and now Cyclone Vardah.
The Tamil Nadu government led by CM O Paneerselvam has earned praise for the adept handling of the situation in the state during and in the aftermath of Jayalalithaa's death, but now a cyclone is about to make landfall.
Insiders say, thanks to the active support of the Union Government, and on instructions from the Union Home Ministry, the Rapid Action Force was airlifted from Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh during the funeral procession of Jayalalitha.
Again on directions from Rajnath Singh Union Home Minister six companies of National Disaster Management Action commandoes were airlifted last night. At the request of Tamil Nadu Government, the Navy, Airforce and Army are on standby in various parts of Tamil Nadu for any eventuality.
Here's hoping the CM passes this test as well.
13:56
The Tamil Nadu government says that Amma canteens are open throughout the city, food will be provided free of cost to all.
13:16 Eye of the storm just 10 km from Chennai
Cyclone 10 km north-east of Chennai. Tiruvallur worst-hit by rainfall, 15 villages cut off there.
The government has urged the people of Ennore and Palaverkadu to move to safer places. Due to the cyclonic weather over the Chennai airport, flights are being diverted and departures are delayed.
The National Disaster Management Authority said that all precautions have been taken at Nuclear Power Plant-Kalpakkam to tackle cyclone Vardah.
"All is well and plant operation is normal. Plant is in touch with IMD," the NDMA said.Indian Meteorological Department Additional Director General M. Mahapatra told ANI it is expected that the cyclone storm will move west wards and cross north Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern coast close to Chennai by this afternoon.
"At the time of landfall, the winds will be 100-110 km/hour. This particular wind can lead to structural damage like breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees, damage to telephone electric poles, damage to roads," he added.
So far, more than a 1000 trees have been uprooted across Tamil Nadu.
File pic of the December 2015 Chennai floods.
The government has urged the people of Ennore and Palaverkadu to move to safer places. Due to the cyclonic weather over the Chennai airport, flights are being diverted and departures are delayed.
The National Disaster Management Authority said that all precautions have been taken at Nuclear Power Plant-Kalpakkam to tackle cyclone Vardah.
"All is well and plant operation is normal. Plant is in touch with IMD," the NDMA said.Indian Meteorological Department Additional Director General M. Mahapatra told ANI it is expected that the cyclone storm will move west wards and cross north Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern coast close to Chennai by this afternoon.
"At the time of landfall, the winds will be 100-110 km/hour. This particular wind can lead to structural damage like breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees, damage to telephone electric poles, damage to roads," he added.
So far, more than a 1000 trees have been uprooted across Tamil Nadu.
File pic of the December 2015 Chennai floods.
13:06 Stay indoors between 1 pm and 4 pm, TN govt tells citizens
Tamil Nadu has been under alert for over 10 days now. Fishermen along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been asked not venture out into the sea since November 30. The TN government has asked people in Chennai not to come out of their homes and buildings between 1 pm and 4 pm. Those who are out on the streets have been asked to move to safer places.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall at 1:30 pm.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall at 1:30 pm.
12:47 Vardah to make landfall between Sriharikota and Chennai
With severe cyclonic storm Vardah set to make landfall between Sriharikota and Chennai, a state of high alert is being maintained in SPS Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed the Nellore district administration to evacuate people in about 255 low-lying areas to safer places even as the district started receiving rainfall since morning.
Under the influence of Vardah, Nellore and Chittoor districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall.
In Sullurpeta mandal in Nellore district, 30 persons were shifted to a relief camp this morning. The South Central Railway has cancelled some passenger trains between Sullurpeta and Chennai in view of the cyclone.
The Vijayawada-Chennai-Vijayawada Pinakini Express has been diverted via Renigunta and Arrakkonam while some other express trains on the Chennai route have also been diverted via Arrakkonam. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation through teleconference and asked the official machinery to remain on high alert to prevent loss of lives.
Under the influence of Vardah, Nellore and Chittoor districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall.
In Sullurpeta mandal in Nellore district, 30 persons were shifted to a relief camp this morning. The South Central Railway has cancelled some passenger trains between Sullurpeta and Chennai in view of the cyclone.
The Vijayawada-Chennai-Vijayawada Pinakini Express has been diverted via Renigunta and Arrakkonam while some other express trains on the Chennai route have also been diverted via Arrakkonam. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation through teleconference and asked the official machinery to remain on high alert to prevent loss of lives.
12:45 Cyclone Vardah touches TN coast, to make landfall at 1:30 pm
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister OP Panneerselvam is holding emergency consultations to discuss Cyclone Vardah, reports Puthiya Thalaimurai TV. People living in low-lying areas have been advised by CM to move to safer places. The state secretariat is constantly monitoring the cyclone's progress. In Pazhaverkadu outside Chennai, five villages are reported to be cut off as the roads have been washed away.
Vardah is now lying now 87 km east of Bay of Bengal, moving in westward direction, and expected to make landfall close to Chennai by 1:30 pm, says Navy chief PRO captain, DK Sharma.
Massive uprooting of trees reported. The north region of Tamil Nadu and south of Andhra expected to receive heavy rainfall and wind, says S Balachandran, MeT Director.
A metre-high tidal wave expected, people advised to be in safe places and stick to instructions given by the government, the MeT Director said.
Outstation trains to Chennai have been halted at Arakkonam junction. The Chennai municipal corporation has advised people to not come out of their homes after 1 pm.
The Indian Navy has stationed two of its vessels, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, with relief materials for 5000 people, reports Thanthi TV. In Pazhaverkadu area, outside Chennai, people are being evacuated to safer areas, reports the channel.
Vardah is now lying now 87 km east of Bay of Bengal, moving in westward direction, and expected to make landfall close to Chennai by 1:30 pm, says Navy chief PRO captain, DK Sharma.
Massive uprooting of trees reported. The north region of Tamil Nadu and south of Andhra expected to receive heavy rainfall and wind, says S Balachandran, MeT Director.
A metre-high tidal wave expected, people advised to be in safe places and stick to instructions given by the government, the MeT Director said.
Outstation trains to Chennai have been halted at Arakkonam junction. The Chennai municipal corporation has advised people to not come out of their homes after 1 pm.
The Indian Navy has stationed two of its vessels, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, with relief materials for 5000 people, reports Thanthi TV. In Pazhaverkadu area, outside Chennai, people are being evacuated to safer areas, reports the channel.
12:12 Cyclone Vardah begins crossover from sea to coast
Cyclone Vardha has started crossing over on to the coast, Puthiya Thalaimurai TV
reports quoting satellite images. The channel says that it will take 2-3 hours for it to make landfall.
The Tamil Nadu government, still being referred to as the Amma government, by Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, has set up 176 temporary shelters for Vardha, 30 of which are already functional in Chennai. Traffic snarls reported after trees were uprooted by strong winds (expected to reach 100 kmph in coastal AP and Tamil Nadu), from many parts of Chennai. Rescue boats are on standby.
In the Pudhverkadu area in the outskirts of Chennai, seawater has entered homes.
Navy, Airforce, NDRF teams on standby. So far 25 flights headed to Chennai have been delayed, 31 have been cancelled.
The Tamil Nadu government, still being referred to as the Amma government, by Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, has set up 176 temporary shelters for Vardha, 30 of which are already functional in Chennai. Traffic snarls reported after trees were uprooted by strong winds (expected to reach 100 kmph in coastal AP and Tamil Nadu), from many parts of Chennai. Rescue boats are on standby.
In the Pudhverkadu area in the outskirts of Chennai, seawater has entered homes.
Navy, Airforce, NDRF teams on standby. So far 25 flights headed to Chennai have been delayed, 31 have been cancelled.
11:56 Cyclone Vardah expected to make landfall between 2 pm and 5 pm
Over 15 teams of NDRF have been deployed in various coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for relief and rescue efforts as cyclonic storm Vardah is expected to make landfall this afternoon.
The landfall is expected between 2 and 5 pm today, reports news channels. Citizens in coastal areas have been asked not to leave their homes. Heavy rain is expected for 12 hours after landfall, with wind speed expected to touch 120 kmph in coastal areas. In the state's interiors, the wind speeds will be around 70kmph.
All precautions taken at Nuclear the Power Plant Kalpakkam to face Vardah. The plant is operational and normal and in touch with IMD, reports ANI.
Vardah will cross Chennai coast after noon. The government has issued an advisory to private companies to allow employees to avail of a holiday or grant permission to work from home today. Power supply may be interrupted during landfall. The government has also issued an advisory to keep essential items stocked.
People living in Ennore and Palaverkadu have been asked to evacuate by Tamil Nadu Government. Due to cyclonic weather over Chennai airport, flights are diverted and departures are delayed.
Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure. The armed forces have also been asked to be on standby with the army, navy and air force prepared to be deployed any time as and when required.
Tamil Nadu health minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar, talking to Thanthi TV, outlines the various steps taken at government hospitals to cope with the cyclone, on behalf of "Amma's government".
Pic: Eye of the storm: Cyclone Vardah approaches Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Image grab courtesy: Windy TV
The landfall is expected between 2 and 5 pm today, reports news channels. Citizens in coastal areas have been asked not to leave their homes. Heavy rain is expected for 12 hours after landfall, with wind speed expected to touch 120 kmph in coastal areas. In the state's interiors, the wind speeds will be around 70kmph.
All precautions taken at Nuclear the Power Plant Kalpakkam to face Vardah. The plant is operational and normal and in touch with IMD, reports ANI.
Vardah will cross Chennai coast after noon. The government has issued an advisory to private companies to allow employees to avail of a holiday or grant permission to work from home today. Power supply may be interrupted during landfall. The government has also issued an advisory to keep essential items stocked.
People living in Ennore and Palaverkadu have been asked to evacuate by Tamil Nadu Government. Due to cyclonic weather over Chennai airport, flights are diverted and departures are delayed.
Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure. The armed forces have also been asked to be on standby with the army, navy and air force prepared to be deployed any time as and when required.
Tamil Nadu health minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar, talking to Thanthi TV, outlines the various steps taken at government hospitals to cope with the cyclone, on behalf of "Amma's government".
Pic: Eye of the storm: Cyclone Vardah approaches Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Image grab courtesy: Windy TV
11:29
All suburban railway services in between Chennai Central and suburban Gummidipoondi suspended.
11:25 Cyclone Vardah: 6 NDRF teams in Andhra, 8 in TN and Puducherry
A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com from Chennai reports on Cyclone Vardah which is expected to make landfall this afternoon in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
High-speed wind and rain have kept citizens indoor in Perumbakkam on the outskirts of Chennai. Reports of trees being uprooted at the Pallikarnai marshland.
The state electricity board has said that they are shutting down power in some areas to prevent accidents. Valsarvakkam, a crowded suburb of Chennai, has been without power since last night. Flooding is expected in this low lying area as well.
There is no power in Porur, a suburb in Chennai from where the Bengaluru highway begins. The power went off in the morning said a resident. Reports of waterlogging is some parts in the area.
The good news is that power has been restored at Kottivakkam and yes, buses have been plying as usual.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Director-general R.K. Pachnanda said that their teams have been positioned at all the major locations and was closely monitoring the situation to provide immediate, effective and specialized response.
For Tamil Nadu, Pachnanda said that three teams have been placed in Chennai, two in Kanchipuram, two in Tiruvallur and one is on its way to Puducherry. Apart from that sufficient standby team are reserves at Arakkonam. The Tamil Nadu Met department says heavy rains are expected with windspeeds of 90kmph. The NDRF has deployed a total of six teams in Andhra Pradesh, eight teams in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
"We closely in touch with state Government authorities and with other agencies like IMD, so that we have immediate, effective and specialized response," he said.
Puducherry has geared up its official machinery to face the threat of cyclone Vardah, as the state government has declared holiday for all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions in anticipation of heavy rains and wind.
Though it did not rain last night, the sky is cloudy and Port authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into sea as it remains rough.
With inputs from ANI.
File picture of the December 2015 floods in Tamil Nadu.
High-speed wind and rain have kept citizens indoor in Perumbakkam on the outskirts of Chennai. Reports of trees being uprooted at the Pallikarnai marshland.
The state electricity board has said that they are shutting down power in some areas to prevent accidents. Valsarvakkam, a crowded suburb of Chennai, has been without power since last night. Flooding is expected in this low lying area as well.
There is no power in Porur, a suburb in Chennai from where the Bengaluru highway begins. The power went off in the morning said a resident. Reports of waterlogging is some parts in the area.
The good news is that power has been restored at Kottivakkam and yes, buses have been plying as usual.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Director-general R.K. Pachnanda said that their teams have been positioned at all the major locations and was closely monitoring the situation to provide immediate, effective and specialized response.
For Tamil Nadu, Pachnanda said that three teams have been placed in Chennai, two in Kanchipuram, two in Tiruvallur and one is on its way to Puducherry. Apart from that sufficient standby team are reserves at Arakkonam. The Tamil Nadu Met department says heavy rains are expected with windspeeds of 90kmph. The NDRF has deployed a total of six teams in Andhra Pradesh, eight teams in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
"We closely in touch with state Government authorities and with other agencies like IMD, so that we have immediate, effective and specialized response," he said.
Puducherry has geared up its official machinery to face the threat of cyclone Vardah, as the state government has declared holiday for all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions in anticipation of heavy rains and wind.
Though it did not rain last night, the sky is cloudy and Port authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into sea as it remains rough.
With inputs from ANI.
File picture of the December 2015 floods in Tamil Nadu.
10:23 Cyclone Vardah moves from 'very severe' to 'severe'
Cyclonic storm Vardah, which was earlier expected to weaken considerably, may not see its intensity going down when it makes landfall near Chennai today.
According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), Vardah, which is currently, a very severe cyclonic storm, will weaken, but only to a severe cyclonic storm. The earlier forecast made by the IMD was that it would weaken into a cyclonic storm, thereby reducing its intensity considerably. At 9:30 AM, the cyclone was lay centered around 105 kms east-northeast of Chennai. By the time it makes a landfall, its wind speed is expected to be 100-110 kmph with winds gusting up to 120 kmph. The wind speed during a very severe cyclonic storm is 120 to 130 kmph. In a severe cyclonic storm the wind speed is somewhere between 110 to 80 kmph. One of the major reasons for destruction in any cyclone is the wind velocity, apart from heavy to heavy rains and flooding.
According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), Vardah, which is currently, a very severe cyclonic storm, will weaken, but only to a severe cyclonic storm. The earlier forecast made by the IMD was that it would weaken into a cyclonic storm, thereby reducing its intensity considerably. At 9:30 AM, the cyclone was lay centered around 105 kms east-northeast of Chennai. By the time it makes a landfall, its wind speed is expected to be 100-110 kmph with winds gusting up to 120 kmph. The wind speed during a very severe cyclonic storm is 120 to 130 kmph. In a severe cyclonic storm the wind speed is somewhere between 110 to 80 kmph. One of the major reasons for destruction in any cyclone is the wind velocity, apart from heavy to heavy rains and flooding.
10:04 Guterres takes over as UN Secy General today
Former Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Guterres is set to be sworn in as the next United Nations Secretary-General today.
Guterres, 67, was the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
He will become the world's top diplomat on 1 January 2017, and hold that post for the next five years.
He was formally appointed by the General Assembly on October 13 in what was the culmination of a historic process member states set in motion late last year: the selection of a new United Nations Secretary-General, traditionally decided behind closed-doors by a few powerful countries, for the first time in history, involved public discussions with each candidate campaigning for the Organization's ninth chief.
These so-called 'informal briefings' between the candidates, UN member states and civil society representatives kicked off on 12 April, when the first three candidates presented their 'vision statements' and answered questions on how they would promote sustainable development, improve efforts to create peace, protect human rights, and deal with huge humanitarian catastrophes should they be selected to lead the Organization.
Guterres, 67, was the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
He will become the world's top diplomat on 1 January 2017, and hold that post for the next five years.
He was formally appointed by the General Assembly on October 13 in what was the culmination of a historic process member states set in motion late last year: the selection of a new United Nations Secretary-General, traditionally decided behind closed-doors by a few powerful countries, for the first time in history, involved public discussions with each candidate campaigning for the Organization's ninth chief.
These so-called 'informal briefings' between the candidates, UN member states and civil society representatives kicked off on 12 April, when the first three candidates presented their 'vision statements' and answered questions on how they would promote sustainable development, improve efforts to create peace, protect human rights, and deal with huge humanitarian catastrophes should they be selected to lead the Organization.
09:53 Cyclone Vardah: Parts of Chennai waterlogged, without electricity
Cyclone Vardah has brought heavy rain to Chennai since midnight. Waterlogging has been reported from low-lying areas of Velacherry and residents say they expect heavy flooding by this afternoon, reports A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com from Chennai.
Velacherry, which is around 17 km from Chennai, had no electricity last night. Electricity was restored in some areas this morning. There is no electricity at Kottivakkam on the East Coast Road as well.
The Chennai Muncipal Corporation has asked people not to stand under trees nor park their cars under trees.
Cyclone Vardah is expected to hit the state this afternoon.
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as the severe cyclonic storm, Vardah over west central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved further nearly west-southwest-wards and lay centred at about 180 km east-northeast of Chennai and 250 km east-southeast of Nellore according to Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam.
As the cyclone advances, people have been asked to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. Educational institutions in four districts will remain closed for today.
The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph by today afternoon.Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next 36 hours as the sea conditions would be rough to very rough and become high to phenomenal from today morning.
File pic of the December 2015 Chennai floods.
Velacherry, which is around 17 km from Chennai, had no electricity last night. Electricity was restored in some areas this morning. There is no electricity at Kottivakkam on the East Coast Road as well.
The Chennai Muncipal Corporation has asked people not to stand under trees nor park their cars under trees.
Cyclone Vardah is expected to hit the state this afternoon.
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as the severe cyclonic storm, Vardah over west central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved further nearly west-southwest-wards and lay centred at about 180 km east-northeast of Chennai and 250 km east-southeast of Nellore according to Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam.
As the cyclone advances, people have been asked to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. Educational institutions in four districts will remain closed for today.
The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph by today afternoon.Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next 36 hours as the sea conditions would be rough to very rough and become high to phenomenal from today morning.
File pic of the December 2015 Chennai floods.
09:45 Pak paying Rs 1 crore per terrorist to cross LoC: PoK leader
Even as Pakistan keeps pleading its innocence at international fora regarding it not being involved in terror-related activities, particularly when it comes to India, Sardar Raees Inqlabi, a leader of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based Jammu and Kashmir Aman Forum, has rubbished that claim by saying that Islamabad is paying hefty sums of cash to send terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC).
"You (Pakistan) are hiring killers and murderers; you pay them one crore rupees and turn them into a bomb and make them cross LoC, which is the main reason of tension. We condemn this terrorism. If you are so fond of firing, you must fight army to army," says Inqlabi.
Further exposing Pakistan's state-support to terror outfits and questioning Islamabad's ulterior motives, he asks, "Those terror outfits which are banned in Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan, why are they being allowed to operate from 'Azad' Kashmir (PoK), and why are the banned groups been given a free hand in PoK?"
"Those organisations which are banned by Pakistan have been given free hand here and along the LoC, and thus, we demand that Islamabad must impose a blanket ban on such outfits akin to the National Action Plan in Pakistan," adds Inqlabi.
According an official estimate, the Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire arrangement agreed upon with India in November 2003 along the LoC and International Border (IB) more than 440 times this year.
The Pakistan Army is facilitating and aiding infiltration by providing either cover fire or shelter to terrorists attempting to sneak into Indian territory by crossing over the LoC.
Last month, Indian security forces released a video clearly showing infiltration bids by Pakistan-backed terrorists.According to the report, more than 100 militants owing allegiance to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen have been staying in terror training camps located in PoK and waiting to sneak across the LoC into Indian Territory.
Also slamming Pakistan for practicing discrimination in awarding compensation, Inqlabi said, "If someone dies in a bomb blast in Pakistan, his family is compensated with Rs. 50 lakh, but what we get in PoK is just Rs. 1-2 lakh."
Meanwhile, to mark International Human Rights Day on December 10 (Saturday), Baloch political activists across world, including the U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, Germany and many other European nations, held protests against the atrocities committed by the Pakistani establishment on their people back home.
Also read: 300 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into India from PoK
"You (Pakistan) are hiring killers and murderers; you pay them one crore rupees and turn them into a bomb and make them cross LoC, which is the main reason of tension. We condemn this terrorism. If you are so fond of firing, you must fight army to army," says Inqlabi.
Further exposing Pakistan's state-support to terror outfits and questioning Islamabad's ulterior motives, he asks, "Those terror outfits which are banned in Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan, why are they being allowed to operate from 'Azad' Kashmir (PoK), and why are the banned groups been given a free hand in PoK?"
"Those organisations which are banned by Pakistan have been given free hand here and along the LoC, and thus, we demand that Islamabad must impose a blanket ban on such outfits akin to the National Action Plan in Pakistan," adds Inqlabi.
According an official estimate, the Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire arrangement agreed upon with India in November 2003 along the LoC and International Border (IB) more than 440 times this year.
The Pakistan Army is facilitating and aiding infiltration by providing either cover fire or shelter to terrorists attempting to sneak into Indian territory by crossing over the LoC.
Last month, Indian security forces released a video clearly showing infiltration bids by Pakistan-backed terrorists.According to the report, more than 100 militants owing allegiance to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen have been staying in terror training camps located in PoK and waiting to sneak across the LoC into Indian Territory.
Also slamming Pakistan for practicing discrimination in awarding compensation, Inqlabi said, "If someone dies in a bomb blast in Pakistan, his family is compensated with Rs. 50 lakh, but what we get in PoK is just Rs. 1-2 lakh."
Meanwhile, to mark International Human Rights Day on December 10 (Saturday), Baloch political activists across world, including the U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, Germany and many other European nations, held protests against the atrocities committed by the Pakistani establishment on their people back home.
Also read: 300 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into India from PoK
09:21 High alert in TN, AP as cyclone Vardah readies to make landfall
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as the severe cyclonic storm, Vardah over west central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved further nearly west-southwest-wards and lay centred at about 180 km east-northeast of Chennai and 250 km east-southeast of Nellore according to Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam.
As the cyclone advances, people have been asked to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. Educational institutions in four districts will remain closed for today.
The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph by today afternoon.Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next 36 hours as the sea conditions would be rough to very rough and become high to phenomenal from today morning.
In Andhra Pradesh seven mandals under Gudur and Sullurupet constituencies in Nellore district and 11 mandals in Prakasam district are kept on high alert.
The government has already deployed three teams of NDRF one each to Nellore, Prakasam and Chittoor.
As the cyclone advances, people have been asked to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. Educational institutions in four districts will remain closed for today.
The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph by today afternoon.Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during next 36 hours as the sea conditions would be rough to very rough and become high to phenomenal from today morning.
In Andhra Pradesh seven mandals under Gudur and Sullurupet constituencies in Nellore district and 11 mandals in Prakasam district are kept on high alert.
The government has already deployed three teams of NDRF one each to Nellore, Prakasam and Chittoor.
08:42 3 beaten in Chennai for 'insulting' national anthem
There was panic among moviegoers at a city theatre when a group of 20 people roughed up a young man and two women students who, among others, had not stood up when the national anthem was being played before the screening of 'Chennai 28-II'.
The violence broke out during the intermission of an 11.30 am show at Kasi theatre in Chennai's Ashok Nagar.
Around 20 people beat up the three following an argument. Witnesses said nine people had remained seated while the anthem was being played.
Theatres here have started playing the national anthem before each screening. Vijayakumar, a civil service aspirant, said "They were taking selfies when the anthem was being played, which was not welcomed by many of us."
Also please read: Now, rise and prove your patriotism
08:21 When uncle Yogendra celebrated Jayant's Test ton
Indian cricketer Jayant Yadav on Sunday became the first Indian batsman to score a Test century while batting at number 9. His stylish efforts saw him contribute handsomely to the unbeaten 215-run stand for the eighth wicket in the fourth Test against England in Mumbai.
Jayant's uncle and Swaraj Abhiyaan Political Party Co-founder Yogendra Yadav expressed his happiness over his nephew's performance.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "As proud chacha I celebrate JayantYadav maiden test century, first by Indian no 9. Maja aa gaya!"
Yadav also said that they called their nephew Bolu at home adding that Jayant is an extraordinary talent and he was always destined for something big.
07:55 Keep record of deposits made in old and new notes
The Department of Financial Services has asked the heads of public-sector banks and the Indian Banks' Association to ensure bank branches clearly differentiate between deposits made in old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and new ones.
Action taken in this regard must be reported by the coming Friday, banks have been told. The branches should also inform customers about this, the department said.
In a letter addressed to the heads of public-sector banks and IBA, the department said that although most banks were providing correct information to their customers, it should be ensured that its done in all the cases without fail.
The letter further stated that to educate the public, banks clearly display a prominent sign (including in the local language) in their respective branches, requesting their customers to fill up deposit slips clearly indicating old and new currency and the denomination of the notes. Banks were asked to follow it scrupulously.
-- Indivjal Dhasmana/Business Standard reports
07:37 Navy on alert, schools closed as Cyclone Vardah nears
Cyclonic storm 'Vardah' will make landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh today prompting rescue and armed forces, including the navy, to sound an alert.
Tamil Nadu has announced a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and parts of Villupuram. Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall near Pulicat, around 60 km away from the Tamil Nadu capital with wind speeds of around 80 to 100 km an hour. Chennai is likely to receive very heavy rainfall up to 20 cm.
The Indian Navy said it is ready to carry out relief operations. "All operational ships have been readied and kept on standby," the navy said.
The ships have additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material including food, tents, clothes, medicines and blankets, in quantities adequate for over 5,000 people. Besides, 30 diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material are ready.
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