Latest news with #Manivannan


New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Jinoreeka's rise in squash fuelled by parents' dedication and big spending
KUALA LUMPUR: Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's futures — just ask former state hockey player R. Manivannan and his wife Toh Chee Kuan. The Ipoh-based couple have poured in time, energy and over RM250,000 to support their only child, rising squash star Jinoreeka Ning ( The duo run a humble restaurant in Ipoh Garden specialising in curry mee and Hainanese chicken rice, but their greatest pride is Jinoreeka, who is fast making a name for herself on the junior squash circuit, both locally and internationally. The 15-year-old bagged her second continental title on Saturday, clinching the Girls' Under-15 crown at the Asian Junior Squash Championships in Gimcheon, South Korea. It was her second Asian Junior title after winning the Under-13 crown in China two years ago. Remarkably, Jinoreeka, a Form Three student of Methodist Girls' School in Ipoh, who picked up squash at the age of eight, has amassed 20 junior titles without a full-time coach. "I love squash because it's fast-paced and challenging," said Jinoreeka, who dreams of becoming a world-class player within five years. With no coach based in Ipoh, Jinoreeka travels to Cairo for training stints under renowned Egyptian coach Omar Aziz — best known for working with world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy. "I saw Omar on television coaching Hania and told my dad that I wanted him as my coach," said Jinoreeka. "We got in touch and he agreed. When I'm back in Ipoh, I stick to the training programme he provides." Her parents were in the stands to witness her latest triumph in Korea, spending RM10,000 just to be there. Despite their business commitments, Manivannan and his wife prioritise their daughter's budding career. "I've travelled with Jinoreeka to Cairo eight times in the last two years, spending over RM250,000," said Manivannan, 54, who played for Perak and Maybank in hockey. "I even cook our meals when we travel. We want her to be as good as the Egyptians. That's why we're making all these sacrifices." When back in Malaysia, Manivannan drives his daughter to Kuala Lumpur on weekends for sparring sessions at Lake View Club and Jalan Duta Courts. "We're doing everything we can to help her succeed," he added. "Our dream is for Jinoreeka to compete at the British Junior Open next year." Manivannan was part of the Perak side that won the Razak Cup in 1992, and now, more than 30 years later, he's working hard to help his daughter script her own sporting legacy.


Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Two arrested near Salem for determining gender of fetuses
SALEM: Two people were arrested near Thalaivasal in Salem district on Saturday on charges of conducting scans for determining the gender of fetuses. There were reports that pregnant women from Dharmapuri district were being taken to a residence in Mani Vilundhan Puthur near Thalaivasal for the purpose of determining the gender of the fetuses. Officials led joint director of Dharmapuri district health services Dr Shanthi monitored the house. "Two men were caught in the act while attempting to perform the scan in a room on the terrace of the house," Dr Shanthi told reporters. The suspects have been identified as Manivannan, 36, of Arasakalathur in Kallakurichi district and Prasad of Panamarathupatty in Salem district. The team confiscated scanning equipment and Rs 20,000 in cash from them. The health department team handed over the suspects to the Thalaivasal police, who arrested them after registering a case.


Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka issues fresh Covid-19 guidelines for schools ahead of reopening. Check details here
With schools across Karnataka set to reopen in June, the state government has rolled out a new set of Covid-19 safety guidelines to protect students and staff amid a gradual uptick in cases. The decision was taken following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 26. (Also Read: Karnataka reports third Covid-19 fatality amid rise in cases) The directive, applicable to both government and private schools, urges institutions to stay alert and prioritize the early detection and isolation of symptomatic individuals. Children showing signs of fever, cough, or cold should not be sent to school and must receive medical attention, according to the advisory. Return to school will be permitted only after full recovery. Schools have been instructed to monitor students daily and ensure any child developing symptoms during school hours is sent home promptly. In such cases, parents must be notified without delay. The guidelines also extend to teachers and non-teaching staff, who are advised to refrain from coming to school if they feel unwell. In addition to screening, schools must enforce Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB), including regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and mask etiquette wherever needed. Authorities have stressed the need for strict implementation of these measures to avoid the risk of outbreaks. The precautionary steps come amid a modest rise in Covid-19 cases across Karnataka. As per data from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the state recorded 114 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative total since January 2025 to over 360 cases. Health officials also confirmed a Covid-related death on May 25, a 62-year-old man in Mysuru with underlying health conditions. He succumbed to complications arising from Covid pneumonia, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction, alongside hyponatremia (low sodium levels). (Also Read: Manivannan takes over as BDA commissioner, Mohandas Pai calls him 'action-oriented')


Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Manivannan takes over as BDA commissioner, Mohandas Pai calls him ‘action-oriented'
In a key bureaucratic reshuffle, the Karnataka government on Friday appointed senior IAS officer Manivannan P. as the new Commissioner of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). According to a report by The Hindu, a 1998-batch officer, Manivannan will take over with concurrent charge while continuing as the Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. His appointment, effective May 31, comes as the current BDA Commissioner Jayaram N. is set to retire on the same day, the report added. The BDA, often at the centre of criticism over Bengaluru's chaotic urban expansion, is currently grappling with multiple challenges. One of its flagship projects, the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, has seen sluggish progress, and residents continue to complain of poor infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently announced that the skydeck project, part of the city's broader development push, will take shape within this very layout in Kengeri. The BDA, along with the BBMP, has also faced backlash for approving layouts and constructions without ensuring adequate infrastructure, thereby contributing to urban sprawl and civic stress in India's tech capital. (Also Read: Bengaluru's long-waited Ejipura flyover gets official attention as BBMP chief pays visit) The appointment has drawn attention from public figures and civic commentators. Prominent Bengaluru-based entrepreneur and investor Mohandas Pai welcomed the decision on X (formerly Twitter), saying, 'Thank you very much Rao avare. Your constant Indus film is very needed. Pl busy Shante's 25 days to see progress. Only way to get things improved. @BBMPCOMM great work. Thanks Minister @DKShivakumar for having an action-oriented dynamic officer.' Pai's endorsement reflects a broader hope among citizens that Manivannan's track record of proactive governance will bring new energy and accountability to the BDA. Manivannan has previously held key roles across departments in Karnataka, and his appointment comes at a time when Bengaluru's planning agencies are under increased scrutiny for their role in shaping the city's future. (Also Read: 'You had no role in India's progress': Mohandas Pai shreds Indian-American millionaire over quality of life remarks)


Time of India
10-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
HDMC to open pet cremation units in twin cities soon
Hubballi: Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has established two pet cremation units at a cost of Rs 1 crore. These are North Karnataka's first such facilities and the second in the state after Bengaluru. Previously, dead pets were dumped in open areas, causing significant sanitation risks. The new units will help ensure respectful cremation of pets. The HDMC control room receives 3-4 complaints about dead animals every day. More than 1,000 complaints were received within a year. At present, there are no facilities for the burial or cremation of pets in the twin to sources, the completion of the project got delayed due to multiple reasons. The contractor left the construction works midway. Later, the opening of the facilities were delayed due to the delay in assembling the equipment. Now, the facilities are ready for had complained to the Animal Welfare Board about the lack of a crematorium for pets. In this regard, in 2021, animal husbandry and fisheries department secretary Manivannan wrote a letter to the urban development department. Now, the facilities have been set up at the HDMC dumpyard on Karwar Road, Hubballi, and another one at the HDMC dumpyard, Dharwad.R Vijay Kumar, HDMC's superintending engineer, told TOI that two units have been set up for the purpose of cremating animals with dignity. "Any animal, including stray dogs and pets, will be cremated. If any resident calls the helpline as soon as their pet dies, the corporation staff will come and cremate the animal with dignity. The public can also come and cremate it themselves," he Kumar said a 30-metre-high chimney has been built, which will prevent any pollution. "The units have been set up in the twin cities to bring a scientific method to the cremation process. The units will be inaugurated this month. The date of inauguration will be fixed soon, he Channashetty, a stray animal rescuer, said, "Earlier, residents were worried about where to cremate their beloved pets. Those who have their own land cremate their pets on their land. Those who do not have their own land were in a very difficult situation. These units will be helpful," he said.