Team TOI

Thirukkural: Moonbeams of hope, in the dark of the night

Feb 28, 2025From poet Percy Shelley to the daughters of the ancient Tamil king, Pari, every soul who has gone through sorrow or the pain of separation has sought refuge in, and written verses on the beauty of the night and the moon. So has Valluvar.

Thirukkural: Giver of life, purifier of sins

Feb 21, 2025Through centuries, kings and poets alike had emphasised the importance of clean water; a paradox, considering the state of water bodies in the country today. But was Valluvar an environmentalist ahead of his time?

BJP govt will have to be on its toes if it has to fulfil poll promises

Feb 21, 2025The newly sworn-in BJP government in Delhi, led by CM Rekha Gupta, held its first cabinet meeting, addressing major challenges such as air pollution, cleaning the Yamuna, public transport, road repairs, healthcare infrastructure, and financial strain. Immediate actions and long-term commitment are necessary to meet existing schemes and electoral promises amidst deteriorating financial health.

Agents paid in land, stranded in Mexico: Tales of deported Indians

Feb 17, 2025As two flights with Indians deportees landed over the weekend, there were stories of people who were stranded until they shelled out whatever they had to agents.

Five strategies that helped BJP turn the tables against AAP

Feb 9, 2025The vote share gap between the BJP and AAP is quite small. So, what swung the election decisively in the BJP’s favour? Here are some short takes

Ctrl+Alt+Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal loses own seat 1st time, city reboots after 10 years

Feb 9, 2025Delhi's recent election showcased a political shift, with BJP reclaiming power after 27 years, signaling Narendra Modi's regained dominance. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP faced a significant decline, losing due to voter dissatisfaction with infrastructure, especially among middle-class residents. Rahul Gandhi's influence appeared diminished, and opposition unity weakened.

Kerala Budget: A bid to bury figures in political rhetoric

Feb 8, 2025The finance minister's claims of a rebounding state economy contradict the decision to slash Plan funds by 50%. Despite the concerning financial figures, the government presents a positive economic outlook, possibly for political reasons, as local elections approach.

Kerala budget 2025: No relief but a big let-down for Wayanad

Feb 8, 2025Finance minister K N Balagopal allocated Rs 750 crore for the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors, slightly more than the Rs 719 crore contributed to the chief minister's distress relief fund. Additional funds will be provided by the government if needed. Criticism arose over the utilization of CMDRF funds and the Centre's lack of support for the project.

Kerala budget 2025: New scheme to make state horticulture hub

Feb 8, 2025The finance minister highlighted significant growth in the agriculture sector over the past three years. Vegetable production increased significantly, and Rs 727.40 crore is allocated for plan schemes. A comprehensive rice development programme with Rs 150 crore is set for next year, and Kerala aims to become a 'High Value Horticulture Hub'.

Kerala budget 2025: Rs 2,134 crore boost for Wayanad tunnel project

Feb 8, 2025Despite environmental concerns, the government allocates Rs 2,134 crore for the Wayanad tunnel road project. The project, expected to boost agriculture, trade, and tourism, has received stage-1 clearance from MoEFCC amid worries about increased landslide risks in the Western Ghats.