The Shencottai-Tirunelveli trains will be operated in the morning and evening with 16 coaches from mid-May for the benefit of people travelling to their workplaces, Lok Sabha MP C. Robert Bruce has said.

Mr. Bruce, who travelled in the crowded Tirunelveli – Shencottai train on April 23 to understand the problems encountered by passengers everyday, has said in a statement that patronage for the train on both directions was heavy. Hence, a memorandum was submitted with General Manager of Southern Railway R.N. Singh during his meeting with the MPs in Madurai on April 24. The memorandum sought an additional six coaches to the existing 10 in Shencottai – Tirunelveli train in the morning and Tirunelveli – Shencottai train in the evening.

“Thanks to our efforts, the officials have now agreed to operate the trains with 16 coaches from Shencottai in the morning and from Tirunelveli in the evening for the convenience of the public,” he said.

It’s party time for Potterheads as they gear up to celebrate

International Harry Potter Day

today. In Mumbai, fans of the wizarding world are embracing their inner witches and wizards with full fervor — from crafting their own wands to brewing magical potions and indulging in spellbinding movie marathons. The city is all set to transform into a mini-Hogwarts, and here’s how!

Potter games & activities

:
Plan a Harry Potter treasure hunt with clever clues or test your aim at the Quidditch Hoop Toss using mini broomsticks. Even better, add themed games like Horcrux Hunt, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean Challenge, Spell Charades or a classic trivia night. Don’t forget the Piñata! Create a Horcrux-shaped piñata filled with candies, trinkets and confetti.-even just

Hedwig’s Theme

in the background will give guests goosebumps.

All you need for the perfect Potter party

Whether you’re hosting your first Harry Potter party or looking to elevate your usual celebrations, here are the magical elements you can’t miss:

Build an exciting potions corner

Step into the shoes of a true potion master and create an immersive potion-brewing bar that will cast a spell on your guests. Start by transforming a table into a magical lab with glowing liquids, mysterious jars, and vintage-style bottles labeled with fantastical names like

Unicorn Tears

,

Phoenix Feather Extract

, and

Liquid Luck

. Add a touch of dry ice to create a smoky, otherworldly vibe that feels straight out of a Hogwarts dungeon.
“Keep the enchantment flowing with themed drinks that taste as magical as they sound. Serve frothy, sweet Butterbeer made with cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and whipped cream; sparkling Felix Felicis that gleams like liquid gold using apple juice or a shimmer-infused mocktail; and the ever-mysterious Polyjuice Punch — a color-changing beverage that surprises with every sip” says Potterhead Nakaashi Vaswani who loves hosting such parties for her tribe regularly.
Event manager Harrshita Vadhann says Potterhead parties are always a hit, with kids and adults alike. She says, “Introduce a DIY elixir station where guests can concoct their own drinks using a playful 9:3:4 mixing ratio. Stock the station with whimsical ingredients in labeled vials — think

Mermaid Scales

,

Dragon Fire Drops

,

Goblin Grog

— and offer scrolls with potion recipes for inspiration. Whether guests follow the formulas or go rogue, they’ll love crafting their own signature brews to sip and share.”
(tips by Harrshita Vadhann and Prathm Vadhan, founders of an event company)

Mumbai’s Potterheads Speak

Nakaashi Vaswani, 33, Khar, Learning & Development Professional

“A couple of my friends and I are major geeks — probably why we’re such good friends. We meet for trivia nights and Harry Potter-themed evenings, where we create our own potions and games. One of my core memories is figuring out how to get the books as soon as they are released — it was always an adventure.”

Ajay Puthran, 30, Andheri, Experience Designer

“I’m part of a small community called

Potterheads Mumbai

, where we discuss everything about Harry Potter and bond over how we still haven’t received our Hogwarts letters. As a proud Hufflepuff, I collect house-themed merch — books, a cap, even a keychain with the Hufflepuff sigil.”

Krithika Balaji, 32, Powai, Teacher

“I hosted my first Harry Potter trivia for a friend’s birthday and it’s become an annual tradition for birthdays and game nights. I also remember applying to be an extra on the Harry Potter movies in school in an open call – but didn’t make it. My mom and I would colour coordinate outfits to watch for each movie.”
Sayesha Ambani Gandhi, 13, Santacruz, Student
“Over the years, I’ve visited many Harry Potter-related experiences, carefully planning each trip so I could truly cherish every moment. I explored the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London, where the magic of the movies came to life before my eyes. In London I also made sure to see the Cursed Child play which was a wonderful and immersive stage production. I also visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, where I stocked up on Harry Potter LEGO sets, Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and so much more.”

NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to form a panel of Union ministers and an expert committee to engage with states and other stakeholders on the proposed caste census.
He welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming general census and suggested adopting the Telangana model as a national blueprint.
Addressing the media, Reddy said Telangana’s caste survey was carried out after extensive consultations with stakeholders, coordinated by a group of state ministers, and asserted that the state is ready to share its experience and reports with the Centre.
“I have one suggestion for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government. First, appoint a group of ministers and an expert committee comprising senior officials. This team should visit each state, consult with their governments and gather feedback. Based on that, prepare the terms of reference for the caste census,” he said.
Reddy added that one year would be sufficient to complete the nationwide caste census if executed with efficiency, based on Telangana’s experience.
He also said the Centre should hold discussions with all political parties and civil society organisations before initiating the exercise.
Quoting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who earlier cited Telangana as a role model during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Reddy said, “Telangana’s model can be effectively implemented across states. We are not here to dominate; we welcome the Centre to learn from us and we are ready to extend full cooperation.”
He refrained from commenting on the political motives behind the Centre’s decision but emphasized that the goal should be to ensure justice and equitable benefits for SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities.
Reddy also mentioned that the Telangana Congress staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the caste census.
Responding to a query on reservations, he said the NDA government did not have the mandate to alter the Constitution, as it failed to secure 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.
“Though the NDA was originally opposed to the caste census, they are now compelled to carry it out due to political pressure,” he claimed.
On a separate note, when asked about a proposal by a group of intellectuals advocating peace talks with Maoists, Reddy said his government is against all forms of violence — whether by the state or insurgent groups — and supports dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts.
He clarified that an official stance on the issue would be decided only after consultations with senior party leadership.