photogallery.malayalam.samayam.comInteresting photogallery from Malayalam Samayam en-us2015 Times Internet Limited.http://syndication.indiatimes.com/http://images.photogallery.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=48053890http://photogallery.malayalam.samayam.comSun, 29 Jun 2025 22:01:01 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/112524526.cmsMidnight’s Children, Salman RushdieWed, 14 Aug 2024 16:54:53 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/105777215.cmsThe flooding in Chennai following heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung have claimed 17 lives so far, officials said on Tuesday. According to the police, as many as 10 incidents of drowning and electrocution have been reported for which medical assistance was rendered. As Cyclone Michaung made landfall on Tuesday, an incessant downpour lashed Chennai even as its fury from Monday ebbed significantly. The rains and the subsequent flooding from the storm literally brought the state capital to a standstill, disrupting normal life and also resulting in fatalities and damage to property. The city police shared an update on the prevailing situation, informing that about 16 subways have been closed due to waterlogging. Further, according to officials, trees that lay uprooted on roads were removed at 69 places in the GCP police station area. Earlier, on Tuesday, DMK MP Kanimozhi said the Tamil Nadu government is much more prepared to deal with the situation than in 2015, when incessant rains caused flooding in Chennai, causing loss of lives and property damage. “In the last two days, we had more than 33 cm of rainfall, which is much more than what we had in 2015. However, the government was better equipped to deal with the situation this time. Many people have been evacuated (from low-lying areas) and moved to (relief) shelters,” Kanimozhi told ANI on Tuesday. “As many as 411 relief shelters have already been arranged. Water has also been pumped out of most of the areas and power has been restored to more than 60-70 percent of the houses,” the DMK MP added. In an attempt to flush rainwater out of the city, another corporation of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, dispatched twelve 41-HP motors to Chennai for flood relief operations. Meanwhile, holding out hope of some respite, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that the cyclone is likely to weaken as it lay centred over south-coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening. “Severe Cyclonic Storm MICHAUNG weakened into a Cyclonic Storm at 1530 hrs IST, lay centered at 1730 hrs IST of December 5, over south-coastal Andhra Pradesh, about 25 km west-northwest of Bapatla and 60 km north-northeast of Ongole. Likely to move nearly northwards & weaken further,” the IMD said in a post on X.Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:06:55 +0530AFPhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/105002506.cmsPollution levels in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning were recorded around seven to eight times higher than the government-prescribed safe limit, as toxic air persisted over the region for the seventh consecutive day. Stringent curbs, including a ban on entry of polluting trucks, came into effect in Delhi on Sunday as its air quality entered the ‘severe plus’ category for the second time in three days due to unfavourable wind conditions and a sharp rise in farm fires across north India. Several cities in neighbouring Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also reported hazardous air quality. Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during the winter every year. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body responsible for formulating strategies to combat pollution in the region, asked Delhi and NCR states to order a ban on construction work related to linear public projects and allow 50 per cent of the staff in government and private offices to work from home. Under Stage IV of GRAP, only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter Delhi. Exemptions are granted only to those involved in essential services. All medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services are also banned in the capital, according to the latest CAQM order. The Delhi government has also announced the closure of all primary schools for two days in an effort to safeguard young children from hazardous pollution. Delhi's air quality ranks among the worst in the world's capital cities.Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:48 +0530AFPhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104936453.cmsAs air quality in several parts of Delhi-NCR plunged to the ‘severe’ category on Friday morning, people said they experienced breathing problems and irritation in the eye among others. There was a thick haze blanketing the skyline of the national capital and adjoining areas as the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 400 mark at multiple locations. Moreover, AQI at multiple locations in Noida also plunged to the ‘severe’ category with Sector 62, Sector 1 and Sector 116 recording 483, 413 and 415 respectively. In the wake of the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday. Stage III of the GRAP is implemented when the AQI hits Severe in the range of 401-450. As part of its response to combat pollution the state government can impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and may suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5. The Delhi government has since suspended primary school classes.Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:51:21 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104182552.cmsAt least 14 people died and over 100 went missing, including 22 army personnel, after a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim triggered a flash flood in the Teesta River basin, officials said. The flood in Sikkim that started around 1:30 am was made worse by the release of water from Chungthang dam. Over 3,000 tourists from various parts of the country were reported to be stranded in different parts of Sikkim, Sikkim Chief Secretary VB Pathak said. Several people missing and injured have been reported from Chungthang in Mangan district, Dikchu, Singtam in Gangtok district and Rangpo in Pakyong district. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday to take stock of the situation in the state and assured him of all possible support. The Sikkim government said the natural calamity has been declared as a disaster. Several towns, including Dikchu, Rangpo and Singtam located in the Teesta basin, have also been flooded with the upsurge in the river. Meanwhile, all schools located in Mangan, Pakyong, Namchi and Gangtok districts will remain closed till October 8, the education department said. Parts of National Highway-10, the main link between Sikkim and the rest of the country, were washed away, the officials said, adding, a flood alert has been issued for North Bengal and Bangladesh through which the Teesta flows. Meanwhile, downstream North Bengal was badly affected too as water from the swollen Teesta river inundated parts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that 10,000 people have been rescued and kept in 190 relief camps in nine districts in the southern and northern parts of the state.Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:46:49 +0530APhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103530354.cmsOn Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted international leaders at Bharat Mandapam, the place where the G20 summit is happening. Some of the first people to arrive included Antonio Guterres, the head of the United Nations, Kristalina Georgieva, who leads the International Monetary Fund, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is in charge of the World Trade Organisation. Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, was also one of the early arrivals. They gathered at Pragati Maidan, which is a newly constructed venue for the event. The meeting place had a special background featuring a model of the Konark Wheel. This is a very old artifact from the 13th century that stands for the ideas of time moving on, things getting better, and change being a constant factor in life. Prime Minister Modi welcomed these global leaders and dignitaries to discuss important matters that affect countries all around the world. The G20 summit is a key meeting where the leaders of 20 major economies gather to talk about international issues. The presence of leaders from powerful organisations like the UN, IMF, and WTO makes it a highly significant event.Sat, 09 Sep 2023 13:33:38 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103197446.cmsAs the national capital is set to host the big G20 Summit, the streets and public areas in New Delhi are being decked with decorative lights, ornamental plants, fountains and hoardings. Cleaning of roads and other public areas is being done. The G20 Summit will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year. Delhi NCT government’s public works department and municipal corporation are busy round the clock to make the Summit a grand success. G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State or Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and, in 2009, was designated the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”. The G20 nations represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:02:50 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103164756.cmsLegend holds that Onam commemorates the annual return of King Mahabali from the netherworld, Patala. Mahabali, a demon king who once ruled Kerala, was greatly admired for his kindness and generosity. His virtues alarmed the Gods, prompting them to seek Lord Vishnu's intervention. Disguised as a destitute Brahmin, Vishnu visited Kerala and requested land spanning just three feet. Obliging, Mahabali soon found the Brahmin expanding enormously, covering sky and earth with his first two steps. Offering his head for the final step, Mahabali was banished to Patala, but granted an annual visit to his kingdom. Onam celebrates this visit and is enthusiastically observed not just by Malayali Hindus, but by all communities in Kerala and other states in India. Lasting 10 days, the festivities kick off with Atthachamayam—a vibrant street parade featuring folk songs, dances, floats, and adorned elephants. Various other traditional activities like Pookalam (floral designs), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Vallamkali (snake boat races) also mark the occasion. On the 11th day, a nine-course feast called Onam Sadya is prepared to honour Mahabali's return. Following this, clay pyramids symbolising the king, known as Onathappan, are submerged in water and the floral arrangements are dismantled. Celebrations extend for one additional day, wrapping up this deeply cherished festival.Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:00:22 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103079745.cmsIn Mumbai, India's most expensive city for housing, around 600 people, mostly middle-class government workers and their families, live in a rundown government-owned building in Worli. This is the same area where the daughter of India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, resides. The building is in bad shape, with rusted railings and visible steel bars where the cement has fallen away. Despite the danger, especially during the rainy season, people choose to stay because they can't afford other options. Anil Aiwale, who has lived there for five years, says the lack of affordable housing forces people to live in risky buildings. The high property prices, which are among the fastest-growing in the world, make it hard for residents to move. Living there costs between approximately ₹7,000 and ₹12,000 a month, a price that would only get you a slum unit elsewhere in Worli. Although the government has offered to move them to safer places in the suburbs, many residents say it would be too expensive and time-consuming to commute to their jobs in Worli. "Affordable housing in a city like Mumbai is impossible to find," Aiwale adds.Sat, 26 Aug 2023 11:23:46 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102990547.cmsIndia became the first nation to land a craft near the Moon's south pole, a historic triumph for the world's most populous nation and its ambitious, cut-price space programme. The unmanned Chandrayaan-3, which means ‘Mooncraft’ in Sanskrit, touched down at 6:04 pm India time as mission control technicians cheered wildly and embraced their colleagues. People all over India held special prayers at temples, mosques and gurudwaras for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the moon. Its landing comes days after a Russian probe crashed in the same region and four years since the previous Indian attempt failed at the last moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi smiled broadly and waved an Indian flag on a live broadcast to announce the mission's success as a triumph that extended beyond his country's borders. "On this joyous occasion I would like to address the people of the world," said Modi from the sidelines of the BRICS diplomatic summit in South Africa."India's successful moon mission is not just India's alone. This success belongs to all of humanity,” he added. The Chandrayaan-3 mission has captivated public attention since launching nearly six weeks ago in front of thousands of cheering spectators. Politicians staged Hindu prayer rituals to wish for the mission's success and school children followed the final moments of the landing from live broadcasts in classrooms. Chandrayaan-3 took much longer to reach the Moon than the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s, which arrived in a matter of days. India used rockets much less powerful than the ones the United States used back then, meaning the probe had to orbit the Earth several times to gain speed before embarking on its month-long journey.The lander, Vikram, which means "valour" in Sanskrit, detached from its propulsion module last week and has been sending images of the Moon's surface since entering lunar orbit on August 05, 2023. Now that Vikram has landed, a solar-powered rover will explore the surface and transmit data to Earth over its two-week lifespan. India is closing in on milestones set by global space powers such as the United States and Russia, conducting many of its missions at much lower price tags.The South Asian nation has a comparatively low-budget space programme,but one that has grown considerably in size and momentum since it first sent a probe to orbit the Moon in 2008.The latest mission has a cost of $74.6 million -- far lower than those of other countries, and a testament to India's frugal space engineering.Experts say India can keep costs low by copying and adapting existing technology, and thanks to an abundance of highly skilled engineers who earn a fraction of their foreign counterparts' wages.In 2014, India became the first Asian nation to put a craft into orbit around Mars and is slated to launch a three-day crewed mission into Earth's orbit by next year. Wednesday's landing had been eagerly awaited by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the frustrating failure of its previous mission at the last hurdle in 2019. Back then, mission control lost contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lunar module moments before its slated landing. Former ISRO chief K Sivan told AFP that India's efforts to explore the relatively unmapped lunar south pole would make a "very, very important" contribution to scientific knowledge. Only Russia, the United States and China have previously achieved controlled landings on the Moon. Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:02:03 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102989075.cms​On July 14, 2023, India marked a milestone in space exploration with the successful liftoff of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, using its LVM3 M4 launch vehicle. The spacecraft, managed by ISTRAC/ISRO in Bengaluru, has maintained excellent health throughout its journey. A meticulous series of orbit-raising operations altered the spacecraft's original Earth orbit from 41,762 km x 173 km to a lunar-centric orbit of 153 km x 163 km by August 16. The critical Lunar Orbit Insertion was successfully executed on August 5, setting the spacecraft into a designated path around the Moon. Further orbital adjustments followed to fine-tune its trajectory. On August 17, a significant landmark was achieved when the Lander Module was successfully detached from the Propulsion Module, settling into a 113 km x 157 km lunar orbit. As of August 23, the mission successfully concluded its final phases of orbit circularisation and landing preparations. De-boosting operations were undertaken to lower the spacecraft's lunar orbit further, culminating in a pivotal powered descent that commenced at approximately 1745 Hrs. IST. With these accomplishments, Chandrayaan-3 stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in space exploration.​Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:20:55 +0530AFPhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102742632.cmsOn August 15, 2023, during India's 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 90-minute speech from the Red Fort, marking his third-longest in his decade-long tenure as PM. His longest was in 2016, spanning 94 minutes. His shortest speech was in 2017 at 57 minutes. In his 10th Independence Day address, Modi highlighted his government's policies and subtly targeted the Gandhi family. He emphasized India's growing global stature and achievements, particularly in the economic realm, where India has emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy despite global COVID-19 challenges. Modi reiterated his government's commitment to developing all societal sections. He cited the Ayushman Bharat scheme, crediting it for uplifting 13.5 crore people from poverty. Furthermore, he underscored the long-term impact of the current policies, suggesting they will shape India's next millennium. The Prime Minister expressed ambitions to propel India's economy to third place globally within five years. Indirectly critiquing the Congress party, Modi denounced corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement, labelling them as detrimental to the nation's character. He expressed confidence in his leadership continuity beyond 2024 and stated his commitment to inaugurating the schemes he launches. Modi also celebrated Indians' dominance in the global startup ecosystem, highlighting that Indians head the world's top three startups.Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:03:02 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102309282.cmsClashes between Hindus and Muslims in the Nuh region, Haryana state, India, resulted in at least five deaths, including two police personnel. The violence erupted when a Hindu religious procession passed through the Muslim-dominated area. The situation escalated and spread to Gurugram, a neighbouring city near New Delhi, where a mosque was torched, leading to the death of a cleric and injuring another person. The clashes left 60 people injured, including 10 police personnel. Local government officials from Nuh and Gurugram met with representatives from both communities to appeal for calm and investigate the cause of the confrontation. The procession was initially intended to move between two temples, but clashes between the two groups erupted during the journey. Following the violence, prohibitory orders were issued in Gurugram, and schools and colleges were closed on Tuesday. Authorities have identified the attackers responsible for the mosque burning and have increased security around places of worship. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar condemned the incident and imposed a curfew in Nuh, shutting off internet access and deploying additional security forces to control the situation. It's crucial to note that this information is based on a news article and may be subject to updates as the situation develops.Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:23:59 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102233923.cmsIn a move that has taken political observers by surprise, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Anil Antony, the son of veteran Congress leader AK Antony and Tariq Mansoor, the former vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, as vice presidents. This announcement, made on July 29, represents a significant strategic realignment within the party's leadership hierarchy. Additionally, Bandi Sanjay, who previously headed the BJP's Telangana state unit, and Radha Mohan Agarwal, a sitting legislator from Uttar Pradesh, have been promoted to the positions of national general secretaries. These appointments not only underscore a reshuffling of the party's top ranks but also reflect an effort to infuse the leadership with diverse political perspectives and regional representations. These leadership changes come at a time when the party is preparing for several key state elections. By bringing in fresh faces and diverse voices, the BJP seems to be signalling its intent to adapt and innovate its political strategies. This could also be seen as an attempt to broaden its appeal among different demographic and regional groups. The elevation of Anil Antony and Tariq Mansoor, in particular, could be significant in this context. Their appointments mark a departure from traditional political affiliations and represent an inclusive approach, showing the party's willingness to welcome leaders from varied political backgrounds and ideologies. In sum, these shifts within the BJP leadership reveal a party readying itself for the electoral challenges ahead by embracing change and innovation in its leadership ranks.Sat, 29 Jul 2023 17:53:26 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102232615.cmsThe tribal communities of Meitei and Kuki, in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, find themselves embroiled in a bitter sectarian conflict that has escalated into deadly armed confrontations. Over 180 lives have been lost since the onset of violence in May 2023. Several thousands have been forced to flee their homes due to the extensive violence, which includes reported instances of sexual assault and villages being reduced to ashes. The Kuki tribe, though accounting for only a third of the Meitei population, has suffered disproportionately, with its members making up two-thirds of the casualties. The severity of the conflict is most evident at the intersection of the Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts along the highway, where Meitei and Kuki territories respectively dominate. This location has witnessed the worst of the clashes. Despite attempts at establishing peace, there appears to be no forthcoming resolution in sight.Sat, 29 Jul 2023 16:48:41 +0530Reuters