TN govt cancels Adani-linked smart meter tender over high costs
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has canceled a global tender for procuring smart meters, previously awarded to Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), citing the high cost quoted by the company.
Issued in August 2023 under the central government's revamped distribution sector scheme, the tender was divided into four packages. AESL, a BSE-listed company, emerged as the lowest bidder for Package 1, which involved installing over 82 lakh smart meters across eight districts, including Chennai.
On December 27, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government announced the cancellation of the tender for all four packages. While the cost factor was highlighted as the primary reason for rejecting AESL's bid, details regarding the cancellation of the other packages were not disclosed.
The decision comes amid ongoing allegations against Gautam Adani, the promoter of the Adani Group, accused of paying over USD 250 million (approximately Rs 2,100 crore) in bribes for favorable solar power contracts. Adani Group has denied the allegations, even as US prosecutors proceed with indictments in the case.
TANGEDCO is expected to reissue a tender for the smart meter project in the near future.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
