Anti-Sterlite protests, U.S.-South Korea joint drill and other news in pictures

Examining complaint, says T.N. govt.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan addressed the locals and discussed the issues related to the Sterlite’s copper smelter plant, in Thoothukudi on Sunday. Protests were on in many parts of the State against the plant citing health concerns. “We don’t want something like Bhopal happen in Thoothukudi,” Mr. Haasan had said on March 30. The State government on March 31 said it was examining the complaints of residents against the existing plant and the proposed unit.

Miami title for Sloane Stephens

Sloane Stephens holds her trophy after defeating Jelena Ostapenko, of Latvia, in the final at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Saturday, March 31, 2018, in Key Biscayne, Fla   | Photo Credit: AP

Sloane Stephens became the women’s champion of the Miami Open by beating Jelena Ostapenko 7-6 (5), 6-1 Saturday. The No. 13-seeded Stephens won with defense, repeatedly extending rallies until Ostapenko would make a mistake. Ostapenko had a 25-6 advantage in winners but committed 48 unforced errors to 21 by Stephens.

Sate-wide bandh on April 5

DMK working president Stalin and other senior leaders of various political parties during a meeting to discuss Cauvery issue, at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai on Sunday.   | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

The all-party meeting convened by the DMK has given a call for a State-wide bandh on April 5 to condemn “the failure of the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) as per the Supreme Court direction and the indifference of the AIADMK government.” Calling upon political parties, farmers associations, traders, students and youth to support the bandh, the meeting resolved to hold Cauvery Rights Retrieval March from the Cauvery Delta region to the Raj Bhavan in the next phase. It has also decided to organise black flag protest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu.

England 113-1 at Tea on Day 3

New Zealand's Trent Boult, third left, is congratulated by teammates after dismissing England's Alastair Cook during play on day three of the second cricket test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand on April 1, 2018.   | Photo Credit: AP

Alastair Cook failed again but England remained in a strong position in the second cricket Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, leading by 142 runs with nine second innings wickets remaining at tea on the third day. At the interval, after leading by 29 runs on the first innings, England was 113-1 with James Vince 55 not out and Mark Stoneman unbeaten on 42.

U.S., South Korea kick off annual joint military exercises

South Korea and the United States kicked off their annual joint military exercises on Sunday after they were delayed by about a month for the Winter Olympics and to help create conditions for a resumption of talks between North and South Korea. The Foal Eagle field exercise, which usually involves combined ground, air, naval and special operations troops, will continue for a month. The computer-simulated Key Resolve will be held for two weeks starting in mid-April.

Five police officials suspected in Venezuela jail fire detained

Five police officials are suspected of being responsible for a fire that killed 68 people in a police station jail in Venezuela and have been detained, the nation’s chief prosecutor said on Sunday. Tarek William Saab wrote on Twitter that the officials are believed “responsible for the tragic events that caused the death of 68 citizens” but provided no further details.

Bullock cart race

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated in a traditional style in Horana near Colombo. The traditional bullock cart race will be organised as part of the festivities near the Sri Lankan capital.