Off the cuff: No more monikers

No more monikers The Nilgiris district administration recently tried its hand at branding by naming a tusker ‘Kottamalai Bhaskar.’ However, the move didn’t go down well with everyone. A revised statement was issued, ditching the nickname and calling it a ‘mistake.’ Officials clarified that naming wild animals was not just a faux pas but could also be deemed disrespectful—because, apparently, the tusker didn’t sign off on it. Barter on tracks On a recent suburban train ride to Chengalpattu, a TNIE reporter witnessed a moment that could only be called ‘train ride diplomacy’. With the calm confidence of a seasoned negotiator, he casually pulled out a Rs 10 note, handed it over, and, with a grin that said ‘I’ve got a plan’, asked for Rs 5 back.