1. 4 RK Nagar Candidates Face Criminal Cases
Four of the 59 candidates contesting in the Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency bypoll are facing criminal cases and nine of them have not submitted their PAN details in their affidavits filed before the Election Commission, according to an analysis of candidates’ affidavits by the Arappor Iyakkam and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The report said there were nine crorepatis among the candidates (assets of the candidates, his/her spouse and dependent) and candidate K Kalaikottuthayam had declared the highest among the candidates with Rs 16 crore, followed by Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran and AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan.
(Source: The Hindu)
2. Gutkha Scam: Ex-Officials Receive DVAC Questionnaire
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) has issued a questionnaire to two former top bureaucrats, Sheela Balakrishnan and K N Venkataramanan, and serving officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Apurva Varma on the multi-crore gutkha scam issue.
The questionnaire was sent to the three persons about a week ago as the retired IAS officers were part of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and Varma was Principal Secretary in-charge of the State Home department, during the period in question.
(Source: The Hindu)
3. AIADMK Has Violated Model Code of Conduct: DMK
Alleging that the AIADMK has violated the model code of conduct in the Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency, the DMK lodged a complaint with the Election Commission about a constituency-specific website launched by the information technology wing of the ruling party.
DMK referred to the website launched by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday and claimed it was a violation of the code. The website was aimed at facilitating voters to register their grievances so that the government could redress them immediately. “This is nothing but influencing the voters to cast votes in favour of the ruling AIADMK party candidate E Madhusudhanan,” the advocate added,
(Source: The Hindu)
4. Maestro to Kick off December Festival at Music Academy
The prestigious Music Academy has broken the mould by inviting music director Isaignani Ilayaraja to inaugurate its 91st annual music conference and concerts on Friday. For an institution perceived to be ‘tradition-bound’ and sworn to uphold the trands of classical music, this is certainly a watershed moment.
“He [Ilaiyaraaja] has been an icon of Chennai music for the last four decades. In the past we had invited Governors, sportspersons, judges and others to inaugurate the event. It is very appropriate that Ilaiyaraaja inaugurates the current season. He is well-versed in Carnatic, Western classical and folk music,” said N Murali, president of the Academy.
(Source: The Hindu)
5. Rain Likely in Southern TN
Some parts of south Tamil Nadu may get moderate rainfall for two or three days. However, places like Chennai may have to wait longer for rain, according to the meteorological department.
The northeast monsoon, which has been patchy for nearly two weeks now, may bring some rain over the southern parts till this weekend. A few places in north Tamil Nadu, including Vellore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Ariyalur, Pudukottai and Karur may get rainfall. But Chennai will continue to experience misty mornings as the chances of showers are less.
(Source: The Hindu)
6. Jallikattu Planned in City
Nearly a year after the jallikattu protests took the State by storm, a group of organisations aim to bring the sport to Chennai so that city residents get to witness it. ‘Chennaiyil Jallikattu’ is expected to be held on the East Coast Road, opposite the Crocodile Bank, near Jain Temple, on January 7. The event organisers have sought permission from the District Collector for the event that is expected to see the participation of nearly 400 bulls from 17 districts.
“We have been planning this event for the past seven months. About 10,000 spectators can watch the event from the galleries,” Amar Prasad Reddy of the Chennai Jallikattu Forum said at a press conference.
(Source: The Hindu)
7. International Film Festival Opens
The 15th edition of the Chennai International Film Festival was inaugurated by actor Aravind Swamy on Thursday. The festival, which will take place till 21 December, will showcase 140 films across 50 countries. The festival is being organised by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation with the support of the Government of India.
Among the 12 films which will be presented in the competitive section for Tamil feature films are Vikram Vedha, Maanagaram, Oru Kidayin Karunai Manu, Kadugu, Aramm and Oru Kuppai Kathai.
(Source: The Hindu)
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