Perumal Murugan’s acclaimed novel “Maadhorupaagan,” known in English as “One Part Woman,” has been translated into French by Léticia Ibanez and will be published by Gallimard, a prestigious French publishing house, on January 16, 2025. Ibanez, who holds a PhD in Tamil literature, faced several challenges in translating the novel, including the repetition of pronouns and the extensive use of flashbacks in the original Tamil text. She relied on the English translation by Aniruddhan Vasudevan for guidance but ultimately made her own choices, particularly in translating dialogues into colloquial French with a touch of Kongu Tamil dialect. Ibanez also worked closely with Perumal Murugan and other translators to ensure the accuracy and quality of the translation, highlighting the collaborative nature of the process. She expressed her hope that the French translation will be well-received by readers and do justice to the work of all involved in its publication.
12.11.2024
Seaplane Service Takes Flight in Kerala, Boosting Tourism Prospects
Kerala’s first seaplane service successfully completed its trial run on Monday, connecting Kochi to the Mattupetty dam reservoir in Idukki district. The 30-minute flight is expected to revolutionize tourism in the region, particularly in Munnar, by offering a convenient and scenic alternative to the long and arduous road journey. The Mattupetty reservoir, with its ample water storage and 3.5-kilometer length, provides an ideal landing site for the seaplane. The service is anticipated to draw in a significant number of international tourists, who are currently deterred by the lack of direct air connectivity to Munnar. The successful trial run has generated considerable excitement among tourism stakeholders and the local community, signaling a promising new era for tourism in Idukki.
Kudumbashree’s Ujjeevanam Campaign Provides Livelihood Support to Extreme Poverty in Thiruvananthapuram
The Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram district mission has successfully provided livelihood support to 187 individuals identified as extremely poor through its Ujjeevanam campaign. This initiative, part of the Kerala government’s Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme, aims to address extreme poverty by providing financial assistance and guidance for starting sustainable livelihood projects. The campaign identified 308 individuals in need of support, with 207 receiving financial assistance up to â¹50,000. Of these, 187 beneficiaries have already launched their projects, ranging from poultry and goat rearing to tailoring and vegetable kiosks. The Kudumbashree district mission provides ongoing support through follow-ups and resource persons to ensure project implementation and offer additional assistance. The Ujjeevanam campaign aims to provide sustainable income to 6,429 families out of the 64,006 extremely poor families identified in the district.
18th Kannada Science Congress to be Held in Chamarajanagar
The 18th Kannada Science Congress (Kannada Vijnana Sammelana) will be held in Chamarajanagar from December 19th to 21st, 2024. Organized jointly by Chamarajanagar University, Swadeshi Vijnana Andolana-Karnataka, and Karnataka State Open University, the conference will feature presentations by teachers, researchers, and students on various scientific subjects. The event will also include a science exhibition and participation from nationally and internationally renowned scientists. The conference aims to provide a platform for scientific discourse and showcase the achievements of the scientific community in Karnataka, while also offering a unique opportunity for the newly formed Chamarajanagar University to host a prestigious event. Schools, colleges, and the general public are encouraged to participate in this significant scientific gathering.
Chunchankatte Gears Up for ‘Dhanushkoti Cauvery Jalapata Utsav’
The scenic waterfalls of Chunchankatte, near K.R. Nagar, are set to be the backdrop for the ‘Dhanushkoti Cauvery Jalapata Utsav’ on November 30 and December 1. The event, decided upon at a meeting chaired by K.R. Nagar MLA D. Ravishankar, aims to showcase the area’s beauty and attract tourists. The festival will feature cultural programs, an exhibition, local vendor stalls, and a health camp. The MLA has also requested the lighting up of the road from K.R. Nagar to Chunchanakatte to create a festive atmosphere. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed officials to ensure cleanliness, repair potholes on the road, and build a grand stage for the event. The event aims to highlight the tourism potential of Chunchankatte, which boasts scenic waterfalls and a rocky terrain, but currently lacks adequate tourist facilities.
Cow Enzyme Breaks Down Bacterial Biofilms, Offering Hope for Antibiotic Resistance
A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has discovered a novel way to combat antibiotic resistance by targeting the protective biofilms formed by bacteria. They identified a specific enzyme, GH-B2, found in the rumen of cows, which effectively breaks down the polysaccharide-rich matrix of biofilms produced by the dangerous bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This enzyme, synthesized in the lab, successfully disrupted biofilms in four different strains of K. pneumoniae, demonstrating its broad effectiveness against this opportunistic pathogen. This breakthrough offers a promising new strategy for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Andhra Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Urban Development Plans
The Andhra Pradesh government is prioritizing urban development with a focus on sustainable and planned growth. The 2024-25 budget allocates â¹11,490 crore to the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, addressing past neglect and aiming to improve sanitation, waste management, and overall urban infrastructure. The government is developing GIS-based master plans for Class II towns with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh, and comprehensive development plans for major cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Kurnool, and Kakinada. Under AMRUT 2.0, universal safe drinking water supply, water body rejuvenation, and rainwater harvesting are being implemented. The government is also focusing on the development of Amaravati, the capital city, securing â¹15,000 crore in funding for infrastructure development.
Andhra Pradesh Unveils Comprehensive Agriculture Budget for 2024-25
The Andhra Pradesh government has presented a comprehensive agriculture budget for the financial year 2024-25, allocating a substantial â¹43,403 crore. The budget prioritizes farmer welfare and aims to make agriculture a profitable venture through various initiatives. Key highlights include a â¹14,638 crore allocation for irrigation project maintenance, â¹7,241 crore for subsidized electricity supply to farmers, and â¹4,500 crore for the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava – PM Kisan’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to landless cultivators. The budget also emphasizes digital agriculture, with allocations for a farmers’ registry, soil health cards, and micro-nutrient distribution. Furthermore, significant funds are allocated for natural farming, farm mechanization, and the construction and maintenance of Rythu Seva Kendras and Integrated Agri Labs. The budget also includes allocations for various agricultural universities and departments, including Fisheries, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry.
Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake Courts Tamil Voters with Promises of Land Return and Development
Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to return land currently held by state agencies to Tamils, a move aimed at garnering support from the Tamil community ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. He also promised to hold elections for provincial councils and local bodies, empowering Tamils to govern their own areas. While he did not explicitly address the demand for greater power devolution and a political settlement to the ethnic question, he emphasized building a country where all citizens feel equal and ensuring there is no reason for another war. Dissanayake acknowledged his party’s past opposition to Tamil rights and addressed concerns about joblessness and drug use among youth, promising to revive industries, create jobs, and combat drug trafficking. He also pledged to support farmers and fishermen, including cracking down on illegal fishing by Indian trawlers. The President’s promises and the impressive turnout at his rally in Jaffna suggest a shift in support among Tamil voters who were previously skeptical of his leadership.
ISKCON’s Houston Chariot Parade Sparks Controversy
ISKCON’s decision to hold a chariot parade in Houston, featuring a replica of Lord Jagannath’s chariot but without the deities, has ignited controversy in Odisha. Despite assurances to the Odisha government and Puri’s Gajapati Maharaja that no untimely Rath Yatra would be held outside India, ISKCON proceeded with the event, drawing criticism from devotees and authorities. Puri Govardhan Peeth spokesperson Matru Prasad Mishra condemned the event as a “conspiracy against our religion” and demanded a ban on ISKCON in India. The Odisha government has pledged to support the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration’s decision on the matter. ISKCON Houston claims the change in plans was due to concerns from the local community, but the incident highlights the tension between honoring ancient traditions and providing access to Lord Jagannath’s darshan for a global audience.