Latest news with #Tirupati
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Man convicted for attempt of rape, pushing pregnant woman off train
TIRUPATTUR: In a significant verdict, the Tirupattur District and Sessions Court found a 28-year-old man guilty in a case of attempted rape and murder of a pregnant woman aboard the Tirupati Intercity Express. In the judgment delivered on Friday, sessions Judge S Meenakumari convicted K Hemaraj, a native of KV Kuppam, Vellore. The quantum of punishment will be announced on July 14. The incident took place on February 6, 2025, when the victim, 36-year-old woman from Tiruppur, who was four months pregnant at the time, was travelling alone in the ladies' coach. Hemaraj, a habitual offender, boarded the coach after other women passengers alighted at Jolarpet station. Despite victim's protest, he remained in the coach and allegedly attempted to rape her. When she resisted, Hemaraj allegedly dragged her by the hair and pushed her from the moving train near Latheri. The victim, who sustained serious injuries to her head, limbs, and spine, was rushed to Vellore Government Medical College Hospital. She later suffered a miscarriage on February 10, and now uses a wheelchair, after having suffered 15 and above permanent injuries, sources added. The court found Hemaraj guilty under multiple provisions of BNS, and Section 4 of the TN Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. The final report was filed under Section 193 of the BNSS. According to the chargesheet, Hemaraj is a repeat offender with past cases, including robbery and harassment of women, and had previously been booked under the Goondas Act. He was out on bail when he committed the present offence. The investigation, led by Katpadi Railway Police, found that Hemaraj entered the coach partially undressed and assaulted the victim after other women had disembarked. His confession was recorded following his arrest on February 7. Southern Railway and the TN government had offered a combined compensation of Rs 3.5 lakh and assured improved security, including the deployment of GRP and RPF personnel in women's coaches on vulnerable routes. The court has now sought Hemaraj's statement regarding sentencing under Section 258(2) of the BNSS. The final order will be passed on July 14.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Gatla cricket team lifts ‘Insight Cricket Cup for the Blind'
Gatla cricket team, Tirupati, lifted the 'Insight Cricket Cup for the Blind', while the Vizag Warriors emerged the runner-up, on Wednesday The three-day tournament for the visually-impaired conducted by JCI Tirupati, Gatla Foundation, Sri Divyang Seva Kendram and the Cricket Association for the Blind in Andhra Pradesh, at K.V.S. Sports Park in Thummalagunta, witnessed good participation from across the State. Gatla cricket team put up a spirited and all-round performance in the final against the Vizag Warriors.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Will complete all pending irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, says Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said his government will complete the irrigation projects in Rayalaseema and that he has chalked out a blueprint for the development of the region. Mr. Naidu on Tuesday offered Jala Harathi to the Krishna river at the Srisailam project and lifted four gates of the project in the presence of Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, and N.M.D. Farooq, Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari, and Collector Rajakumari Gania. Earlier, he offered prayers at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, Srisailam. Later, addressing the water users association at Sundipenta, Mr. Naidu said he was elated over the Srisailam project reaching its full capacity in July itself. 'I offered prayers at the Srisailam temple and prayed to the presiding deities of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba for the prosperity of the State and also to develop Rayalaseema as `Ratanala Seema.' We are going ahead with a resolve to develop the region as a Ratanala Seema,' he said. Mr. Naidu said the NDA government during 2014-19 had prioritised irrigation sector and spent ₹68,000 crore on construction of projects. 'The previous government, however, spent just ₹2,000 crore on the sector. After coming back to power, we have prioritised irrigation sector again and spent ₹3,390 crore on Handri-Neeva alone. We will also provide water to Jeedipalli reservoir on July 15,' he said. Asserting that the Polavaram project will be completed by 2027, the Chief Minister said the Rayalaseema region is getting water because of the Polavaram right canal only. 'I have a blueprint for the development of Rayalaseema. We will complete the irrigation projects in the region and make it a horticulture hub. The region is conducive to cultivating millets and also fruits. We are encouraging drip irrigation in the region by giving 90% subsidy,' Mr Naidu said. Industrial parks On the industrial front, Mr. Naidu said industrial parks are being set up at Kopparti and Orvakal and several industries are coming to Rayalaseema. 'Solar and wind energy plants are also coming n the region. Rayalaseema has good tourism spots. Ancient and historic temples like Tirupati, Srisailam, Vontimetta, Kanipakam, Ahobilam and others are our biggest assets,' he said. Terming irrigation projects as modern temples, Mr. Naidu said projects like the Srisailam, Gollapalli, Bairavanitippa, and PABR keep the soil fertile and contribute to development. Linking of rivers Mr. Naidu stated that his government would prioritise completion of pending projects and will inter-link rivers. 'We will link Vamsadhara and Polavaram and also Polavaram and Banakacherla which will ensure that there is no drought even if the Krishna basin does not receive good rains. We will complete all the pending projects under Telugu Ganga, K-C Canal, SRSP, Nagari-Galeru and Handri-Neeva. The State has the potential to store 1,004 tmc water but the present projects in the State have capacity to store only 554 tmc,' he said.
NDTV
24-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Tirupati Laddoos Now Available At Easy-To-Use Kiosks For Pilgrims
Hyderabad: The Tirupati laddoo that has a dedicated following of its own, even among those who may not identify themselves as devotees, is now available at kiosk machines set up at laddoos counters in Tirumala. The pilgrim-friendly initiative is an innovation introduced recently by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. This facility allows pilgrims to conveniently pay for additional laddoos using UPI. After payment, a receipt is generated, which can be used to collect the extra laddoos. The intention behind this innovative move by TTD is to improve pilgrims' overall experience by cutting down on lengthy waiting. One of the biggest draws for anyone going to Tirumala for a darshan of Lord Venkateswara is the Tirupati laddoo. Even if it did not have a GI tag, devotees of the laddoo insist that it is so distinctive in flavour and texture that you can make out immediately if it did come out of the "potu", the place in Tirumala where laddoos are made. Very often, pilgrims may not carry physical money with them when going to the temple complex, and digital payment makes it convenient. Through an easy-to-use interface, pilgrims can swiftly complete their 'laddoo purchases' by using the machines. Here is a step-by-step version of the process for using the KIOSK machines for Laddoos: Pilgrims will approach the KIOSK Machine installed near the Laddoo distribution counters. Pilgrims will be presented with two options: one for those with a valid darshan ticket and another for those without a darshan ticket. With Valid Darshan Ticket: Choose this option if you have a valid Darshan ticket. The system will verify the ticket details, and pilgrims can purchase up to 2 additional laddoos per person based on the number of people listed on the ticket. Without Darshan Ticket: Choose this option if you do not have a Darshan ticket. You can still purchase up to 2 additional laddoos by providing a valid Aadhaar number. After selecting the appropriate option, the system will navigate to the payment page, where pilgrims can complete the transaction using UPI. Pilgrims can collect the printed receipt and proceed to the laddoo counters to receive them.
Khaleej Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Kuberaa' Movie Review: Engaging and gripping, but falls short
It's always a delight when a star-led vehicle puts the director at its forefront. Especially if the stars in question are the heavyweights Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna. When I saw Sekhar Kammula's credit right at the start, it felt like one of the most pleasing sights in Indian cinema, which is largely beholden to the star culture. And the director, known for the sugary hits Happy Days, Fidaa or Dollar Diaries, doesn't disappoint here. Kubera, in Indian mythology, stands for the god of wealth. Naturally, the movie is about the lure of lucre and how it affects humans. Part crime and slice of life drama, the movie rests on the shoulders of its three major protagonists, with the supporting cast pulling in their weight. The movie wastes no time in setting up its plot: a crony capitalist (Jim Sarbh) has set his sights on a massive oil discovery, with massive kickbacks the need of the hour. In a delicious twist of irony, Deepak Tej (Nagarjuna), an upright former officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation, must act as a fixer. His transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is a hoot to watch and a masterclass in acting. He sulks, but knows what needs to be done. The movie, thankfully, dispenses with sermons and offers a brutal and unflinching portrayal of how the wheels of power get greased. Kuberaa 's first half proceeds at breakneck speed, aided by taut editing and no songs to impede the narrative. The introduction of Deva (Dhanush), a beggar outside the famed Tirupati temple, lends further impetus, as his world collides with that of Deepak's. At the meta level, Kuberaa feels like a commentary on India's many social divides. A lot of thought has certainly gone into the stirring dialogues (by Agoram Panneerselvam in Tamil). 'You give us a rupee and we bow down with utmost respect. Yet, we remain invisible, don't we?' he says at a critical moment, and we the audience almost nod in agreement. Dhanush puts on perhaps his career's best performance as someone from a strata that has no voice and security net to fall back on. In an eminently relatable role, he looks on haplessly at most people around him, be it his grandfather (K Bhagyaraj, in a small but memorable role), Sameera (Rashmika) and Deepak, almost mimicking his canine pet. Yet, he gets a meaty role that matches Nagarjuna line for line, scene for scene as they rack their brains and match their wits. Even when he gets into the 'eat the rich' mode, a trope that's been done to death, his character feels fresh. From the henchman in Pudhupettai to the boy-next-door in Thiruchitrambalam, Dhanush has explored characters of all hues. Yet, Kuberaa might occupy a special place in his filmography. Mandanna's Sameera is a role that's feels like it has been written with ample thought. As a woman facing heartbreak and desperately trying to build her career in a metropolis, she brings some humour and gravitas into the proceedings. She's caught between two key characters, yet manages to slip in some impactful dialogues and make a solid impression. Mumbai is the canvas for Kuberaa and doesn't feel out of place for a Tamil (or Telugu) film. Be it the tony areas of India's maximum city, historical monuments like Haji Ali or its seedy underbelly, the cinematography ensures you don't tear your eyes away from the screen. And let's not forget Devi Sri Prasad's score, which switches between soft melody and 'let's rock the dance floor' modes effortlessly. Yet, woes persist. Like a disciplined dieter who lets loose on a cheat day, Kuberaa falls flat towards the end. The finale feels rushed, as if like a boxer who trips over and fails to land the knock-out punch. For a movie that felt crisp for the majority of its run-time, one expected better than a plain vanilla resolution. The transformation in conscience of a character could be spotted a mile away. And what was the need for the role of a pregnant woman, other than to gain sympathy? Yes, Dhanush can sing well. He has been doing so since his 2012 breakout hit Why This Kolaveri Di (2012)? But did Kuberaa warrant the number Poi vaa nanba, especially when it was coasting towards a logical end? Movie name: Kuberaa Language: Tamil, Telugu Director: Sekhar Kammula Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Now showing in: UAE cinemas
