EDITORIAL

 Book Review About the Author The author of “Managing Personal Change” is a seasoned expert in organizational psychology and personal development, often drawing on years of consulting and coaching experience. Known for practical insights and relatable storytelling, the author combines theory with real-life examples to help readers navigate transitions in their personal and professional lives. Context of the Book: “Managing Personal Change” was written during a time when personal adaptability has become crucial—amid rapid technological advancements, evolving work environments, and life disruptions (such as the COVID-19 pandemic). The book addresses how individuals can cope with internal resistance, embrace change positively, and develop mental resilience.The book aims to bridge the gap between theoretical change models and everyday application, making it suitable for students, professionals, and anyone going through transitions—be it a career shift, personal loss, or a change in lif...

 Book Review About the Author Binu Alex is an experienced journalist and co-founder of IndiaResists.com, a platform focused on progressive socio-political issues. N. P. Chekutty is also a seasoned journalist and editor with decades of experience in political reporting and commentary. Both authors bring deep insight into India’s socio-political landscape and are known for their strong voices against injustice and systemic corruption. Context of the Book Enter From Back Side Only is a collection of essays, commentaries, and satirical observations covering India’s political and social fabric, particularly during the rise of the BJP-led government and the changing landscape of Indian democracy. The title, intentionally provocative, reflects the metaphorical treatment of the common citizen and the marginalized in modern Indian governance—neglected, unheard, or treated as an afterthought. Pros of the Book Bold : The authors speak truth to power, offering brave, unapologetic critiques of ...

  Nagapattinam Cotton farmers worry over yield due to Unseasonal rain Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts have experienced unseasonal rain since last Friday through Monday, raising concerns among cotton farmers over potential yield loss as the crop enters the flowering stage.In Nagapattinam district, cotton is grown on approximately 2,700 hectares, with the majority of cultivation taking place in Tirumarugal block and some areas of Kilvelur block. P. Balasubramanian, Alathur Panchayat president in Tirumarugal, where cotton is cultivated on about 220 hectares, said farmers are facing severe challenges.In Karaikal district, cotton is cultivated on over 2,500 acres, and similar issues have been reported. D.N. Suresh of the Kadaimadai Vivasayigal Sangam said, the past five years, farmers in Karaikal have been growing cotton, but each year brings new challenges. Last year too, unseasonal rains during this period caused damage. We no longer have faith in crop insurance as we rarely recei...

  Market rallies must make older investors cautiously optimistic The recently released annual report of the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) showed that 60% of the people aged 25 to 44 were investing in equity mutual funds and this share increased from 36% in 2020.The increased risk-taking tendencies can be confirmed by the reduced interest in debt securities in this age group. This trend is contrary to the street wisdom that younger investors are more risk taking. Experts say that a combination of increasing popularity of investing in markets and the post COVID-19 bull rally were the reasons behind the shifting preferences of this age group. The optimism was seen despite a correction in September 2024. “Investors are not panicking and that is a positive development” said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services Ltd.It is difficult to justify a price to earnings ratio of 20-21 in a market where the earnings of corporate India grow at 5-6...

  Govt. tweaks import rules on certain gold silver products The government has revised import regulations for gold and silver to ensure consistency with customs duties and enhance transparency. Effective May 19, 2025, only agencies nominated by the RBI or government, qualified jewellers, and authorised traders under the India-UAE FTA can import certain forms of gold and silver. Unwrought, semi-manufactured, or powdered gold with 99.5% purity or more can now only be imported through specified channels, including the India International Bullion Exchange or via TRQ holders. Meanwhile, gold in bar form, previously freely importable, will now be subject to RBI regulations. These changes, notified by the DGFT, align import policies with Budget 2025 measures and prevent misuse of semi-processed metal forms to evade higher duties.

  Forest Department continues efforts to treat wild elephant near Marudhamalai in Coimbatore The Forest Department on Sunday continued efforts to treat a female wild elephant that was found in an ailing condition behind the Bharathiar University campus in Coimbatore district.The elephant, aged around 25, was found with a juvenile calf on Saturday afternoon on a land sandwiched between the university and the reserve forest areas of Marudhamalai, falling under Coimbatore range. As the staff began monitoring the elephants, the adult collapsed due to illness and the calf remained around it.Forest Department veterinarians rushed to the spot and examined the elephant, which did not have any visible external injuries. The elephant was lifted using a crane on Sunday, based on the advice of forest veterinary officers E. Vijayaraghavan from Anamalai Tiger Reserve and S. Sathasivam from Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.It was provided with water, fodder, and fruits stuffed with essential medicine...

  Production workshop to raise awareness about drug addiction among youth  Arrupe Sugalayam, attached to St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchi, is hosting a theatre workshop featuring 21 amateur artistes to raise awareness about drug addiction among young people in schools and colleges.As part of the May 8-22 outreach activity, a troupe called ‘Nalam Naadi’ has been formed with students from Chennai, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli, and other cities, under the guidance of Tamil film actor N. Shanmuga Raja, who is the workshop director.Facilitator Fr. Francis Jayapathy highlights the silent rise of substance abuse in educational institutions, stressing the need to educate teachers on spotting addiction. The play, shaped through daily rehearsals and interactions with former addicts, will be performed in an open-air format, using minimal props but delivering maximum impact through storytelling, music, and stagecraft.

 Unemployment rate at 5.1%, increase in women labour force: PLFS data show India's revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April 2025 shows a national unemployment rate of 5.1% for persons aged 15 and above. While male unemployment stood at 5.2%, female unemployment was slightly lower at 5.0%. Notably, urban youth unemployment among females aged 15–29 hit a high of 23.7%. Rural areas reported a 4.5% unemployment rate, compared to 6.5% in urban areas. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) was 55.6%, and the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) stood at 52.8%. Experts hailed the revamped PLFS for its improved sampling and better tracking of employment trends.

 India among top six in 6G patent filings More than 111 research project regards 6g operations in India, and then India allocated a fund of 300 crores to the projects. This leads to India become one of the top 6 nations in 6g pattent. If the 6g implemented means we will use Tera Hertz frequency band enabling data rates upto 1 terabit per second which is 100 times faster than the 5g . Then union minister of state for telecom Chandra Sekhar pemmasani said We have a vast amount of talent pool and we have enough time. There is no reason for us not to lead in 6g.

  Dow leaps 1,100 points, S&P 500 rallies 3.3% following a 90-day truce in U.S.-China trade war Stocks rallied Monday (May 12, 2025) after China and the United States announced a 90-day truce in their trade war. Each of the world’s two largest economies agreed to temporarily take down most of its tariffs against the other, which economists had warned could start a recession and create shortages on U.S. store shelves. The S&P 500 shot up 3.3% to pull back within 5% of its all-time high set in February. It’s been roaring higher since falling nearly 20% below the mark last month on hopes that President Donald Trump will lower his tariffs after reaching trade deals with other countries. The index at the heart of many 401(k) accounts is back above where it was on April 2, Mr. Trump’s “Liberation Day,” when he announced stiff worldwide tariffs that ignited worries about a potentially self-inflicted recession. Crude oil prices climbed because a global economy less burdened by tari...

  Shriram General Insurance Q4 profit up 8% to ₹130 crore The gross direct premium income of the company improved to ₹1,099 crore against ₹876 crore in the same quarter a year ago, registering a growth of 25%Shriram General Insurance on Monday reported an 8% rise in profit to ₹130 crore during the March quarter.The company reported a post-tax profit of ₹121 crore in the year-ago period.The gross direct premium income of the company improved to ₹1,099 crore against ₹876 crore in the same quarter a year ago, registering a growth of 25%.For the financial year ended March 2025, the general insurance arm of Shriram group posted a 13% increase in net profit to ₹515 crore from ₹455 crore in the previous year.The solvency ratio was 3.51 times at March-end against minimum regulatory requirement of 1.5 times.Looking ahead, Shriram General Insurance Company MD and CEO Anil Aggarwal said, “We are focused on diversifying our portfolio, expanding our digital capabilities, and enhancing our prese...

 India-UK FTA: Quota for cars to be based on engine capacity, price Sensitive agri and industrial products kept out of the FTA  while India gains competitive edge in grapes mangoes & marine products The lower import tariffs of 10% on the auto sector agreed under the India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement will incorporate different bands for automobiles for the purposes of the quota according to a senior government official. The quota will have different bands for ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric vehicles, the official explained. For ICE vehicles, the bands for the quota will be based on engine capacity. For electric vehicles, it will be on price.

  Kollankulam beautification project set to take off Trichy Corporation will soon launch work on converting Kollankulam, a major water body situated between Edamalaipattipudur and Karumandapam in the city, into a recreation spot, following a court clearance.The waterbody is spread over 55 acres, and the beautification project would cover 45.48 acres. The plan for rejuvenating the lake and developing it into an entertainment spot at a cost of ₹24.30 crore under the Capital Grant Fund 2022-23 was mooted in August 2023 following demands from residents. The civic body began preliminary work in March 2024.  the project hit a roadblock as it faced legal hurdles.A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by a resident in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court in May 2024, seeking an interim injunction claiming the beautification work would lead to encroachment of a portion of the tank and affect its storage capacity. Following this, the Corporation was directed to get a non-objecti...

 In April, Maruti, M&M sustain sales drive in a tough market Amid challenging market environment, Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra & Mahindra reported an increase in vehicle dispatches to dealers last month while Tata Motors and Hyundai saw a year-on-year drop in sales.Interestingly, Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors moved up the ladder to the second and third positions, respectively, last month in the domestic passenger vehicle segment while pushing long-time number two player, Hyundai Motor India to the fourth position.Market leader Maruti Suzuki India reported a 1% year-on-year increase in total domestic dispatches (including PVs and LCV Super Carry) last month at 1,42,053 units.Its total domestic passenger vehicle sales rose marginally to 1,38,704 units compared to 1,37,952 units in the year-ago month.Sales of mini segment cars, comprising Alto and S-Presso, dropped to 6,332 units against 11,519 units in April last year. Dispatches of compact cars, including Balen...