1997. The winter air is crisp at the Shipki La post along the India-China border. A young company commander plummets nearly 400 feet down a cliff face, his body disappearing beneath the unforgiving Himalayan snow. Only his head remains visible, a dark spot against the white expanse. His men scramble down, racing against time and temperature to extract their officer from nature’s icy grip.
This is Gaurav Arya’s own account of the beginning of a lung infection that downgraded his fitness category and became a reason he eventually decided to cut short his military career. And so, from the disciplined ethos of the Indian Army, he made his way to the world of television and, along with it, provocation.
From marching in crisp fatigues as a Gentleman Cadet of the Jessamy Company at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai to firing off fact-free rants on television and his own digital platforms, Arya’s career has taken a curious turn. The most glaring examples are his recent remarks calling Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi a “pig”, which compelled Indian diplomats to go into damage control, and his comments celebrating unverified reports about the Navy attacking the Karachi port.
Arya, however, has a record of contentious statements.
In one instance, he claimed that Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s pension was stopped after the 1971 war and was restored only on his deathbed – a claim that was later debunked by multiple military historians. Arya has often put out exaggerated or factually incorrect information about defence operations. In 2019, he claimed that the BBC had fabricated its report on a protest in Soura, Srinagar. Arya insisted that there was no unrest and that all was well in the area. Ironically, even the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed protests.
The 53-year-old is the son of a decorated IPS officer from the 1960 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Arya studied history at St Stephen’s College in Delhi and joined the Indian Army in 1993 through the Short Service Commission. He entered the Officers Training Academy and was commissioned into the 17 Kumaon Regiment on March 5, 1994.
Arya served in various postings, including Suratgarh, Gurdaspur, and Jammu and Kashmir. According to Arya’s blog posts, he left the force after a fall during a patrol in Shipki La in 1997, which allegedly led to serious lung complications due to prolonged exposure to snow. According to him, he chose to leave the force – a decision he said he will “always regret”.
But after his exit, Arya went on to publicly use the title of Major (Retd) – addressing himself as “Major Gaurav Arya (Veteran)” in his blogs. Military sources suggest that is likely to be only an acting rank – a temporary rank assigned during field service unlike a substantive rank which is the actual and permanent rank of an officer.
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The heavy rains in Bengaluru over the past three days have not only brought waterlogging and inundation of areas but are now threatening the health of people as garbage has begun piling up.
TNM visited waterlogged areas of JD Mara, Bilekahalli, and Bannerghatta road on Tuesday, May 20, and found that water flow has been completely impeded by accumulated garbage, not allowing the water to be drained. This, in turn, has contributed to more traffic jams.
In JD Mara, a stretch of area near Vega City that’s home to slum areas and crowded local markets, the smell of unattended garbage hits long before you reach the site. Piles of garbage lay next to homes constructed with metal sheets. The rain had forced most of the garbage into homes. Residents could be found clearing their homes of the water, as no help had arrived for them.
Garbage has been dumped on every side of the street, ranging from bricks and construction waste to spoilt fruits and vegetables. This is not the first time the area has been inundated like this.
Sarojamma, a domestic worker and resident, said, “It’s the same story every year. It rains, and then the drains get clogged due to garbage that is left in the corners, and dirty water enters our homes. We are removing flood water all night without a break. Nobody comes; nobody listens to us.”
The slum area is located next to the Vega City mall and is barely a kilometre from residential high-rises. “But somehow, our slum is a blind spot,” said Latha, who is terrified that her three children might fall sick again. Every time it rains, her family has to contend with mosquitoes, and her children inevitably fall sick with infections and skin rashes.
“We have lived beside garbage for years, and BBMP has done absolutely nothing about it,” she said.
Meanwhile, roads in several stretches of Bannerghatta road and Devarachikkanahalli have turned into small rivers. Garbage still clogs all the storm drains and water gutters, keeping the water on the roads. Vehicles traversing the routes here have been struggling as pavements are also submerged, and it is difficult to make out how deep the water stands.
On Bannerghatta road, a small stretch houses both Apollo and Fortis Hospitals. The entrances to both hospitals are inundated with water.
“Last night, the water was at a higher level, making it difficult for vehicles to move. I had to stand here and guide ambulances through the street,” said Suresh, a security guard at Fortis Hospital.
On the waterlogged, busy road, a red barricade was dumped in front of Fortis Hospital on the morning of May 20 by the traffic police. Since the water levels were high, no one could figure out what the barricade was for. But vehicles kept moving, some venturing quite close to the barricade as well.
“What is the point of barricades when there is no one from the civic agency to help drain out the water? There are two hospitals on the street, and it is quite important to ensure the roads are clear in this situation for any emergency. Most of the ambulances are now stuck in traffic jams or finding other routes due to waterlogging,” he complained.
On the other side of the road, the BBMP had been engaged with roadworks for weeks. Suresh said, “But now, when we need their help the most, not a single person is to be seen.”
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu will attend the NITI Aayog Government Council meeting during his three-day visit to New Delhi, beginning on May 22.
The Chief Minister will meet several Union Ministers. He is also scheduled to meet several industrialists regarding investments in the state, said an official statement.
On May 24, the Chief Minister will participate in the NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting to be held at Bharat Mandapam. He will return to Amaravati later that night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the meeting of the governing council, the apex body of NITI Aayog.
The Prime Minister is the Chairman of NITI Aayog. The government council includes the Chief Ministers of all states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and several central ministers.
Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, is likely to seek special assistance from NITI Aayog for Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister may place details of various programmes being implemented by the state government before the Governing Council and request the body to extend liberal assistance.
In February, Naidu sought the NITI Aayog’s support to achieve the Swarnandhra goal of one AI professional and one entrepreneur in every family.
The Chief Minister had made the request when NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery met him in Amaravati.
Naidu also sought the active cooperation of NITI Aayog in extending the technological assistance and in implementing new policies.
Informing Bery about the target set to be reached by 2047, the Chief Minister said that the $2.4 trillion economy will have to be achieved by 2047 with 15 percent growth rate every year, with an average $42,000 per capita income.
Naidu expressed confidence that the State will move much ahead if NITI Aayog extends its support, and Andhra Pradesh will stand as a model State in Viksith Bharat-2047.
During his visit to the national capital, the Chief Minister will also meet Union Ministers and discuss various issues and development-related projects in the state.
Naidu had met several Central ministers during his visit to Delhi last month. They discussed development projects under the ambit of various ministries.
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The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has decided to use anti-drone technology in view of the threat perception to Sri Venkateswara temple, the world's richest Hindu temple.
The TTD announced on Tuesday that it decided to use anti-drone technology, keeping in mind the security aspect of the Tirumala temple.
The decision was taken at the TTD Trust Board meeting presided over by Board Chairman B. R. Naidu.
Flying of drones is banned around the hill shrine, but some instances of security breaches have been reported in recent months. Last month, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was arrested when he operated the drone, allegedly recording the temple and its surroundings.
In a similar incident last year, a couple from Haryana were found using a drone camera along the Tirumala ghat road. In March, the TTD urged the Centre to declare a no-fly zone over the hill shrine. The TTD Chairman wrote a letter to Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting that Tirumala be declared a no-flying zone, keeping in mind the principles of Agama Shastra, sanctity of the temple, safety, and sentiments of the devotees.
The TTD says that aerial activities on the hill disturb the sacred atmosphere around the temple.
Tuesday’s Board meeting gave nod for steps towards the transfer of non-religious people working in the TTD through alternative ways or by giving them the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.
The temple body also decided to take legal action against the crew of the movie "DD Next Level: for remixing the Govinda Namavali, thus hurting the sentiments of the devotees.
The Board decided to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills. The board gave its nod to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills from the existing 68.14 per cent to 80 per cent through the Forest Department as directed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The TTD decided to release Rs 4 crore to the Forest Department in phased manner, including Rs 1.74 crore for the year 2025-26, Rs 1.13 crore in 2026-27, and Rs 1.13 crore in 2027-28.
The Board gave its approval to provide an additional Rs 71 crore per year in addition to the current Rs 60 crore financial aid provided to the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, which is providing better medical services to many poor and needy people in Rayalaseema.
It was also decided to recruit doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff for the posts which are currently vacant in SVIMS and to complete the buildings which are under construction.
The Board decided to introduce Srivari Vaidya Seva soon on the lines of Srivari Seva voluntary service, inviting experts in the medical field to offer services to the patients.
Justice PC Ghose Commission, which is probing irregularities in the execution of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation project, has summoned former chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao. The Commission has also issued notices to former Minister T Harish Rao and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Eatala Rajender.
While K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has been asked to appear on June 5, BRS leader Harish Rao has been summoned on June 6. Rajender has been directed to appear before the Commission on June 9.
During KCR's first term as the chief minister between 2014 and 2018, Harish Rao was the irrigation minister while Rajender held the finance portfolio. During KCR's second term from 2018 to 2023, Harish Rao was the finance minister, while the irrigation portfolio was with KCR.
The Commission, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, is probing the alleged irregularities in planning, design, construction, quality control, operation and maintenance of Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram project.
The one-man Commission was constituted in March 2024, a few months after some piers of the Medigadda Barrage caved in. The term of the Commission has been extended repeatedly for seven times so far after its initial term ended on June 30, 2024.
Notices to KCR, Harish Rao and Rajender were issued a day after the state government extended the Commission’s term for two more months, till July 31, to enable it to complete the examination of all those involved. The Commission has so far examined over 100 engineers, retired and serving officials associated with the barrages and others. Most of the engineers who were examined by the Commission either admitted to lapses in the procedures or expressed ignorance about decision-making.
The Commission examined various documents, including the final report of the National Dam Safety Authority, the Vigilance report and other files. The panel was expected to submit its report to the government on May 21 or 22.
However, the Commission decided to examine KCR, Harish Rao and Rajender as most of the engineers and officials who deposed before it stated that the decisions were taken in the presence of the then chief minister and that they acted on the chief minister's and ministers’ orders. Meanwhile, reacting to the notices, BRS leader Krishank Manne alleged that a notice was issued to KCR to disturb BRS NRI celebrations scheduled to be held in the United States on June 1.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail management, on Tuesday, May 20, announced 10% discount on the increased fares, which came into effect from May 17. L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) announced the discount across all fare zones in all three metro corridors, which will come into effect from May 24.
This decision has been taken after carefully considering passenger feedback and reflecting the organisation’s commitment to enhancing commuter affordability while maintaining financial prudence, the company said in a statement.
Last week, it announced a ticket fare hike from two rupees on the minimum fare of Rs 10, to Rs 15 for the maximum fare of Rs 60. The fare hike was about 20 to 25%. This was the first fare hike raised after seven-and-a-half years of the project taking off. L&TMRHL had stated that the fare revision was introduced based on the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) and as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of metro operations and maintenance.
However, the hike was not well received by the commuters, who demanded a rollback. The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) had demanded that the government withdraw the hike immediately by absorbing it on behalf of the Hyderabad Metro Rail.
Following the demand from various quarters, L&TMRHL announced a 10% discount on the revised fares. It said that this decision underscores its commitment to addressing passenger needs while maintaining operational sustainability. "While the fare revision was essential for maintaining the sustainability of metro operations, we understand the importance of minimising the financial impact on our valued passengers. In alignment with our passenger’s feedback and welfare, we have decided to provide a 10% discount on the newly revised fares, across all fare zones in all the three metro corridors from 24th May 2025, demonstrating our dedication to making daily commuting more accessible," L&TMRHL MD and CEO, KVB Reddy, said.
The FFC, under the chairmanship of a former High Court Judge, was constituted by the Centre on September 5, 2002, and it had recommended a revised fare structure on January 25, 2023. The FFC had recommended a two-stage fare hike two years ago, within a gap of six months in February 2023. But, due to various reasons, including the general elections, the decision was postponed. While announcing the fare hike, the company had stated that it cannot afford to put off the decision anymore, as its losses have been mounting. It said that it needs funds to buy new metro trains to increase the number of services during the peak hours in the morning and evening.
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MR Srinivasan, eminent nuclear scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away in Tamil Nadu's Udhagamandalam, on Tuesday, May 20. He was 95.
A key architect of India’s civil nuclear energy programme, Srinivasan’s career in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) spanned over five decades, beginning in September 1955. He worked closely with Homi Bhabha on the construction of Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which attained criticality in August 1956.
In 1959, he was appointed Principal Project Engineer for the country’s first atomic power station. His contributions became even more prominent in 1967 when he took charge as the Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station, helping lay the groundwork for India’s self-reliant nuclear power capabilities.
In 1974, he became Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in the DAE and, a decade later, assumed the role of Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. Under his leadership, the country witnessed rapid growth in its nuclear infrastructure, with Srinivasan overseeing the planning, construction, and commissioning of major power plants across India.
In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he also became the founding Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). His tenure saw remarkable expansion: 18 nuclear power units were developed under his guidance -- seven became operational, seven were under construction, and four remained in the planning phase.
For his exemplary contributions to the field of nuclear science and engineering, Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.
“His legacy of visionary leadership, technical brilliance, and tireless service to the nation will continue to inspire future generations,” his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan, said in a statement issued by the family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Srinivasan was the “stalwart of India's nuclear energy programme”. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector,” he said.
The PM further added, “He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that candidates must have practiced for a minimum period of 3 years to be eligible to appear in the examination for the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division).
A bench, headed by CJI B.R. Gavai, asked all the High Courts and the state governments across the country to amend the service rules to bring them in conformity with its latest judgment.
The rules will mandate that the candidate produce a certificate, duly certified either by the Principal Judicial Officer or by an advocate having a minimum standing of 10 years, added the Bench, also comprising Justices A.G. Masih and K. Vinod Chandran.
"Insofar as the candidates who are practising before the High Courts or Supreme Court, they shall be certified by an advocate who has a minimum standing of 10 years, duly endorsed by an officer designated by that High Court or Supreme Court," it said.
In its detailed judgment, the apex court clarified that the experience should be counted from the date on which provisional registration has been granted to a candidate by the state bar council.
"We are also of the view that the experience of the candidates which they have gained while working as law clerks with any of the judges or judicial officers in the country should also be considered while calculating their total number of years of practice,” the CJI Gavai-led Bench said.
The Supreme Court agreed with the views expressed by most of the High Courts that the requirement of reintroduction of a certain number of years of practice should be necessary. However, the requirement of minimum years of practice will not be applicable in cases where the selection process has already been held for the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) prior to the date of the apex court judgment, but will apply to the next recruitment process.
"Needless to state that all such recruitment processes which have been kept in abeyance, in view of the pendency of the present proceedings, shall proceed in accordance with the Rules which were applicable on the date of advertisement/notification," the top court said.
It ordered that all the amendments in terms of its decision will be carried out by the High Courts within a period of three months, and the state governments concerned will consider and approve the same within a further period of three months.
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The Congress party, on Tuesday, May 20, filed a criminal case complaint against Republic TV news anchor Arnab Goswami and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell chief Amit Malviya for allegedly spreading misinformation that the Congress party has a registered office in Turkey.
The case was filed at High Grounds police station in Bengaluru. According to the complaint, a news report by the Republic Network “falsely” projected the Istanbul Congress Centre at Turkey as Congress’ office.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This malicious attempt to malign [Indian National Congress], provoke unrest, and undermine national security is a direct attack on democracy. We will not stay silent. Let this be a clear message: Any attempt to spread fake news against our party or its leadership will be met with firm legal and political response.”
On May 15, Arnab Goswami on his show ‘Debate with Arnab’ on Republic TV allegedly showed visuals of a Istanbul Congress Center building, which is reportedly a convention centre, and claimed that the building belonged to the Congress party. This particular part seems to have been removed from the video now available on YouTube.
In his debate, Arnab accused the Congress party of siding with the “enemy” Turkey.
“What kind of business does your party have in Turkey?”He told the viewers, “Did you know, the viewers, that the Congress party has a registered office in Turkey. That in 2019 Rahul Gandhi said that ‘we must have a big office in Turkey.’”
He claimed that a man called Mohammed Yousuf Khan was appointed to “lead the operations” of the Congress party in Istanbul, Turkey.
The clipping of this debate was shared by Amit Malviya on X account saying, “Did you know that the Congress Party has a registered office in Turkey? Can Rahul Gandhi explain what necessitated this move? This is bizarre and inexplicable on multiple levels. India deserves to know. Remember: the enemy’s friend is an enemy too.”
Arnab continued the attack against the Congress accusing it of being “Pro-Pakistan” on his show on May 19. He reiterated that the Congress party has a registered office in Turkey.
Republic issued a corrigendum saying that an "incorrect image was inadvertently used erroneously depicting a building as the Congress office in Turkey by a video editor on the Digital desk due to a technical error. The image had no connection to the content or context of the said video. This clip was not broadcast on Arnab Goswami's Debate show on 15th May 2025 or thereafter and was not taken on-air nor was the said erroneous image in any way related to the subject matter being discussed. The inadvertent error occurred after the live show ended and was carried on the digital platform. The moment it was brought to our attention, it was promptly rectified. We sincerely and unconditionally regret the error."
‘How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home’ - William C Faulkner
In Kunnapattu, a quiet village nestled between Mamallapuram and Tirukazhukundram in Tamil Nadu, around 40 Irula tribal families have lived for generations on land they call home. Officially classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Irulas have long cared for, and drawn identity from this land. Yet today, nearly half the community finds itself in limbo — denied legal ownership and the basic rights that come with it.
While some residents possess legal land deeds (pattas), nearly 20 families do not. This lack of documentation not only strips them of land rights, but also denies them access to essential services like electricity. Despite multiple petitions — first for pattas and later for electricity connections — progress has remained painfully slow. Government officials have visited the village, and eight families were recently shortlisted for government housing. But residents say these measures have been largely symbolic, offering little relief on the ground.
“We are advised to send our kids to school. How will they study without electricity?” asked Lakshmi*, a resident, pointing to the irony of being denied even basic infrastructure on land they have occupied for decades.
On May 14, matters took a turn when the Thiruporur Taluk office sent an intimation to 20 families, stating that the land they occupy is classified as meikal poramboke (grazing land) and is therefore ineligible for patta allocation. Instead, the government proposed relocating them to alternative sites with the promise of legal deeds and housing support.
For the Irulas of Kunnapattu, this offer came as a shock. “We have only known this land since birth,” said Velan*, one of the residents named in the notice. “We work as agriculture labourers, cut wood and help the people living around us in every way we can. Then why are we constantly questioned by the officials about the way we live? Why is it that we are never allowed to live in peace?”
The very next day, the affected families visited the Taluk office and submitted a petition expressing their unwillingness to relocate. Officials reportedly attempted to reassure them, saying the relocation would ultimately benefit their children and grandchildren. But the Irula families remain unconvinced.
On May 19, the families submitted a fresh petition to the Collectorate. They said they are now hoping for a meeting with the District Collector to discuss their concerns.
Speaking to this correspondent, the Tehsildar at the Thiruporur office said the petitioners are just scared to move. “Isn’t it great that they have a chance at a better life with legal pattas? No one is asking them to move right away, but they should accept what has been carefully assigned,” the officer said.
A pattern of displacement
Issues faced by the Irula residents of Kunnapattu is far from an isolated case. Across Tamil Nadu, similar struggles are playing out in Irula communities that find themselves caught between urbanisation pressures, bureaucratic inertia, and legal grey zones.
Nearby villages like Arukundram and Kunnakadu have experienced similar struggles. Thanks to a proactive Panchayat President, Irula families in these villages were recently declared eligible for pattas during an event at the Chengalpattu Collectorate, coinciding with a visit from Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin. However, despite the official recognition, many families are still waiting for their actual land documents.
In Ottiyambakkam, just 24 kilometres south of Chennai International Airport, an Irula hamlet sits atop a hilly stretch of land that feels worlds away from the sprawling city around it. Many families have lived here for over three (or more) generations, which is one reason they have resisted relocating to distant, potentially government-allotted lands.
“We would rather live as we do now than move into those free high-rises. They suffocate us,” said Kuppan*, a resident of Ottiyambakkam. “Where would we hold our ceremonies?”
For the Irulas, land is more than shelter. It holds their sacred Neem trees, allows their pets to roam freely, serves as the site of rituals, and keeps the community rooted. “That land over there used to belong to our family,” Kuppan added, pointing to a newly constructed three-story building. “My father gave it away for next to nothing. I don’t regret it — I have a home for my children — but I won’t leave again.”
Many Irula families, unaware of market dynamics, have sold off small parcels of land at nominal rates. Now, concrete buildings rise where mud huts once stood, often casting long shadows over the community’s remaining clusters.
Tradition meets urban expansion
In Iyankulam, a hamlet in Mambakkam now referred to as part of greater Chennai, high-rises have all but encircled the Irula settlement. Many families in Iyankulam have already been allotted land for relocation, but government processes have been taking time. Some families have managed to make alternative arrangements to build their own homes, though not all can afford to do so. The ‘Adivasis’ (translates to ‘original inhabitants of an area’) such as Irulas in rapidly urbanising areas often end up employed as domestic workers for the newcomers, sometimes without even a weekly day off.
Just a few kilometres away in Keerapakkam, around 35 Irula families struggle in a remote settlement with last-mile connectivity In Kayar, villagers were recently allotted government plots in Chinnakayar, but development there is minimal. It may be a long time before fully finished concrete houses are available to the new settlers.
Like many tribal settlements, Chinnakayar lacks last-mile connectivity — posing a serious challenge for school-going children, daily wage workers who need to commute, and anyone facing a medical or other emergency.
In Nemmeli, a coastal village along the East Coast Road (ECR), 36 Irula families were given a shared patta 17 years ago. Yet, basic infrastructure is still missing. The road to the settlement remains unpaved, and many homes lack electricity. The design of the houses — two units merged into one — has also made upkeep difficult.
The joint patta, while intended to protect community land from piecemeal sale or loss, has ironically become a barrier to accessing individual entitlements.
“When we first got the water connection, we were told it was only for us. Now even non-Irula families use it, and we hardly get any water. In summer, there’s a shortage. During the rains, our homes and roads are flooded,” said Amuda*, an Irula resident of Nemmeli.
According to the local panchayat president, “unless the current joint ownership is converted into individual pattas, the government cannot provide new houses or electricity connections.”
Pockets of progress — and persistent gaps
Senneri-Hanumantapuram-Dargesh, a cluster of Irula hamlets near Chengalpattu, sits next to the Vallam Reserve Forest — one of the state’s few dry evergreen patches. Senneri is often cited as a model Irula village, with neatly lined houses, over 10 active self-help groups mostly focused on collecting and processing of medicinal herbs, a strong record of gender-inclusive education, and two Padmashree awardees (one of the highest civilian honours granted to two snake catchers, Vadivel Gopal and Masi Sadiyan, in 2023).
Yet the village is still working toward transitioning from huts to durable concrete houses. While the state government is proactive in supporting the area, funding often falls short of delivering well-finished, habitable houses on time. A few unfinished houses stand as evidence.
Nearby Hanumantapuram also has a handful of unfinished concrete structures — difficult to describe as homes — and a lone hut belonging to an elderly woman who has worked as a snake catcher for over 20 years. Having lost both her husband and eldest daughter, she now lives alone. She recalls how the once-dense forest around the village has steadily given way to farmland, making it harder to maintain traditional huts due to shrinking resources, lost know-how, and rising costs.
In the nearby settlement of Dargesh, a similarly serene setting hides the same struggles, with several huts facing deteriorating conditions and an urgent need for more sustainable housing solutions.
Across Tamil Nadu, Irula families continue to battle not only poverty but also neglect and exclusion. Whether it’s a lack of electricity, poor housing design, inaccessible locations, or inadequate infrastructure, the fundamental need remains the same: secure, sustainable housing anchored in legal recognition.
For the Irulas, this is not just about shelter. It is about survival, dignity, and the right to remain rooted in a rapidly changing world. Despite many challenges, what the Irulas need most is legal proof of land and safe, lasting homes. They need focused support that respects their way of life and their deep ties to the land.
All names have been changed to protect identities.
Dr Dalia Ghosh Dastidar is a wildlife biologist with two decades of experience in environmental research and sustainable development. She is currently an independent consultant on Project Kanimar, empowering Tamil Nadu’s Irula community through livelihood challenges.
Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a Sonepat district court in Haryana on Tuesday, The Hindustan Times reported.
Mahmudabad was arrested on Sunday following his May 8 Facebook post regarding Operation Sindoor, after which a BJP Yuva Morcha leader filed a complaint against the assistant professor with the police. The Haryana State Commission for Women had also sent him a notice, alleging that his remarks were a “disparagement of women in uniform”.
While Haryana police sought a seven-day remand, the court opted for judicial custody. The next hearing is scheduled for May 27.
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear Mahmudabad’s plea challenging his arrest, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is representing the professor, asserting that he is being targeted for expressing “patriotic statements.”
The arrest has sparked significant controversy. Students and faculty at Ashoka University have rallied in support of Mahmudabad, organising rotating vigils at the Rai police station where he is held.
On Sunday, the Ashoka University Faculty Association condemned Mahmudabad’s arrest, vowed support for their colleague, whom they called an invaluable member of the university community, a deeply responsible citizen, and a friend to his students.
In an official statement on Sunday, Ashoka University said it was “in the process of ascertaining details of the case”.
“The University will continue to cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation, fully,” it said.
Mahmudabad himself issued a statement on May 14 where he said screenshots of his original post “make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood”, and that the Haryana State Commission for Women had “no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter”.
“…I have exercised my fundamental right to freedom of thought and speech in order to promote peace and harmony and to applaud the Indian armed forces for its resolute action, while criticising those who preach hatred and seek to destabilise India,” he pointed out.
This report was republished from Newslaundry as part of The News Minute-Newslaundry alliance. Read more about our partnership here.
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Heavy rains that began on May 18 have continued to batter Bengaluru, leaving several neighbourhoods submerged and disrupting daily life across the city. Waterlogging has inundated homes, roads, and businesses, as residents face the compounded effects of pre-monsoon showers and longstanding infrastructure neglect.
In Whitefield’s Sri Sai Layout, resident Neelufur described the last two days as a “disaster.” “Today, there’s some improvement with the water being pumped out, but only 10% of the work is done. It will take almost a week for the water to fully recede. Every year we face similar situations, but this time it’s worse. Earlier, it was just the Sai Lane that got affected but this time the whole of Vaddarapalya is affected,” she said.
She said that while officials, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner, visited the area and the Chief Minister joined via video call, she is doubtful that the promises made will be acted upon.
“There was a plan discussed, but with the monsoon starting, I doubt any real work will begin now. They always wait for the summer to do repairs,” she said.
Authorities have reportedly promised to install a permanent motor to flush out stagnant water. But Neelufur, who had to evacuate her home, remains skeptical. “Last year, we were given similar promises. This year, it’s the same story again. Most houses in our area were evacuated. I had to leave my home. My father is in the ICU—I’m scared about what happens if he comes back and the same situation occurs. Where will I take him?”
In addition to the flooding, Neelufur was injured after falling into an open manhole outside her home.
“Two days ago, I was not aware that the slab near my house had been removed to pump out the water. I fell into the manhole and suffered bruises. The authorities must replace the slabs immediately after draining the water.”
Elsewhere in the city, residents of Amaranthe reported heavy water stagnation due to nearby construction. A local resident said the builder of a project on elevated ground had opened a drain to redirect water into a vacant plot next door, causing widespread flooding, he said.
Following complaints, BBMP officials and traffic police intervened. The contractor was ordered to clear debris and redirect the water back into the construction site. “That helped reduce the flooding, but the blame game over who will fix the road has begun. For now, they’ve levelled it with mud so vehicles can pass,” the resident added.
In Thubarahalli’s Sonestaa Silver Oak, resident Sharath said waterlogging has become “routine.” However, he acknowledged that civic workers responded quickly this time. “They managed to divert the water and clear the roads by morning,” he said.
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The indefinite strike by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) volunteers in Kerala reached its 100th day on Tuesday, May 20. The protest, which began on February 10, continues as workers demand better wages, timely payment of salaries, and retirement benefits.
Extending their support to the volunteers, prominent Congress leaders including Shafi Parambil, TN Prathapan and writer Rosemary met the agitating ASHA volunteers in Thiruvananthapuram.
On the 100th day, the volunteers reiterated their decision to continue the protest.
Speaking to the media, ASHA volunteers criticised the government for celebrating its anniversary while allegedly neglecting frontline health workers.
“We plan on continuing our protest. The government has not paid us our salaries for the past two months. They are not providing us incentives. If the government has money to celebrate their anniversary, why don’t they have the money to pay us?” said one of the protesters.
State general secretary of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association, MA Bindu, has been on a protest march from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram since May 5. On Tuesday, she reached Palakkad, having covered Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts.
Despite three rounds of discussions between ASHA volunteers and officials from the state government and the National Health Mission (NHM), talks have failed to produce a resolution. Both sides have remained firm on their demands, resulting in a continued deadlock.
Over the course of the strike, ASHA volunteers have held a variety of protests, including a hunger strike starting on March 20 and shaving or cutting their hair on March 30, as symbolic acts of dissent.
ASHA volunteers are demanding that their daily incentive be increased from Rs 232 to Rs 700 — a move that would raise their monthly income from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000. They are also seeking retirement benefits amounting to Rs 5 lakh upon reaching the retirement age of 62.
