Complaints over noise

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the move aims to prevent public nuisance and ensure a comfortable journey for fellow passengers, many of whom have complained about disturbances caused by loud mobile phone usage.

Jafar Ali, a member of the Southern Railway Users’ Advisory Committee, said that some passengers listen to music, watch videos and reels, or play games on their mobile phones without using headphones, disturbing others in railway stations and trains.

Fine of up to Rs 5,000

Under the revised provisions, passengers who continue to cause disturbances may face a fine of up to Rs 5,000 if they ignore warnings and persist with the nuisance.

An order has reportedly been issued to all railway divisions in this regard. Ticket inspectors and senior commercial officials have been authorised to collect the fines.

Passengers advised to use headphones

Passengers have been advised to use headphones or earphones while listening to music or watching videos on their mobile phones and to keep their voices low while speaking on calls to avoid inconveniencing others.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, prices have ranged between Rs 27,000 and Rs 30,000 per quintal this year, significantly exceeding the usual seasonal levels of around Rs 24,000 during October and November. The upward trend has continued since August.

Rubber production in the district dropped by nearly 30 per cent about two weeks ago due to prevailing hot weather. Production has since recovered slightly following occasional light drizzles in hilly areas.

Why are the rubber prices increasing?

Natural rubber prices typically range between Rs 17,000 and Rs 18,000 per quintal. Prices generally increase during October and November, when rainfall affects tapping activities and reduces production.

Kerala accounts for nearly 90 per cent of India's natural rubber production. In Tamil Nadu, rubber cultivation covers approximately 28,000 hectares in Kanniyakumari district, particularly in the Vilavancode, Kalkulam and Thovalai taluks.

Veeramani is facing seven cases, including the abetment of a minor girl’s suicide. The girl’s mother, who had filed a complaint several years ago, approached the police again after complaints about Veeramani surfaced again.

So far, police have identified 10 survivors who were allegedly sexually abused by the businessman.

Earlier, Police had also summoned and enquired three police officers, including former GCP Commissioner A Arun and IGs N Kannan and A Radhika, after media reports emerged that allegations against the granite baron were brought to the notice of the top brass of the city police as early as November 2024.

A pendrive with the video was sent to the city police’s Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit in October 2025, and a case was registered on October 7, 2025. However, the city police filed a closure report in February 2026 stating that the video was unclear. This was rejected by the special court judge, after which the police began the investigation again and identified the man in the video as Veeramani.

Veeramani, who ran GEM Granites and Group of Companies, and his associates have been in prison since August 29.

Finger Turmeric fetches Rs 20,799

According to a Daily Thanthi report, at the auction held on Tuesday (October 13) at the Erode Cooperative Marketing Centre, finger turmeric fetched between Rs 19,419 and Rs 20,799 per quintal, while bulb turmeric was sold for Rs 17,849 to Rs 19,111 per quintal.

Turmeric prices have risen steadily from around Rs 15,000 per quintal at the beginning of last month. The price increased from Rs 17,969 on the first of the month to Rs 20,799 on Tuesday. In just two weeks, the price rose by nearly Rs 2,800 per quintal.

Cultivation falls by half

The price surge comes amid a decline in turmeric cultivation in Erode district, Tamil Nadu's leading turmeric-producing region. Cultivation is estimated to have fallen by half compared with last year, primarily due to inadequate rainfall and insufficient irrigation water.

Water from the Bhavanisagar dam is normally released into the Lower Bhavani, Thadapalli-Arakkankottai and Kalingarayan canals to irrigate thousands of acres in the district. However, insufficient water availability in the dam has prevented the release of irrigation water this year, affecting turmeric cultivation.

Declining stocks push prices up

With production expected to be lower and farmers' turmeric stocks declining, farmers are bringing their stored produce to market as prices continue to rise. Reduced supply has contributed to the upward trend in turmeric prices.

1,435 bags sold at auction

A total of 2,425 bags of turmeric arrived for auction at the Erode and Perundurai regulated markets and Erode cooperative marketing centres on Tuesday. Of these, 1,435 bags were sold. No turmeric arrived at the Gobi Cooperative Marketing Centre for auction.

Last year, newly harvested turmeric arriving in July fetched a maximum price of Rs 19,779 per quintal.

Justice V. Lakshminarayanan orally remarked that the government was treating citizens as enemies by denying permission for protests and that the RSS was being denied permission for its marches irrespective of which government came to power.

RSS North Tamil Nadu State Secretary V. G. Jagadeesan has approached the Madras High Court seeking permission to conduct route marches followed by public meetings across Tamil Nadu on October 18, October 25 and November 1, 2026.

In his petition, he stated that he had submitted a representation to the Director General of Police (DGP) on October 3, seeking directions to all Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to grant permission for the marches. However, the DGP had not issued any directions.

During the hearing, Senior Counsel N L Rajah, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the organisation was being denied permission every year and forced to approach the court. He said the RSS wanted to celebrate its founding day, which coincides with Vijayadashmi, by conducting a route march, but the police were rejecting permission citing law and order concerns.

Advocate General Vijaya Narayan submitted that permission was denied only because the organisation sought to conduct the route march and public meeting at a venue that had not been notified for public meetings.

The court observed that the State government was denying permission for all processions, including those organised by the Dravidar Kazhagam and the RSS, forcing them to approach the court and engage in unnecessary litigation.

The court directed five members from the petitioner’s side to meet State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan and find a solution to conduct the public meeting peacefully. The court adjourned the hearing to Friday, October 16, 2026.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Minister said the existing three-month restrictions on mineral transportation to the border state would not be lifted and would continue.

"The ban is continuing. It will continue," the minister confirmed.

Addressing other environmental concerns ahead of the festive season, the minister urged the public to opt for green crackers and avoid high-decibel firecrackers like serial crackers (saravedi) to curb air and noise pollution.

He pointed out that Tenkasi is an ecologically sensitive district rich in forest cover and wildlife, making it vital to celebrate without causing distress to wild animals.

He added that the department would soon issue an official press release highlighting safety and pollution-control advisories for Deepavali.

On pollution mitigation and single-use plastic reduction, the Minister shared that discussions were held with Startup TN officials to encourage entrepreneurs producing biodegradable alternatives.

He also stated that awareness initiatives are underway to engage marriage hall owners to replace single-use plastic bottles with paper cups or jugs, while efforts are being explored through potential sponsors to provide reusable steel water bottles to government school students in the district.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event at Kilpauk Medical College here, the minister made it clear that while his party has no plan per se, it remains open to evaluating political developments as they unfold.

"See, we don't have any targets... We don't have any mission in this. When those MLAs, because of the factors within their own party, reject their leadership and come to us, let's see. In due course, we will see," he said.

Arunraj also announced that the Health Ministry would soon formally launch a "positive health policy" to disseminate vital preventive healthcare advisories to the public.

Recalling a measure announced during the budget session, he underscored the critical need for lifestyle modifications.

During the recent budget session, he introduced a multi-pronged state mission aimed at curbing excessive salt intake to combat rising cases of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Citing scientific studies, which indicate that people in the state consume an average of 7 to 8 grams of salt daily, well above the WHO recommended limit of under 5 grams, Arunraj said: "Even a 1 gram salt reduction in our daily diet will help in a significant way to reduce heart disease and hypertensive diseases.

On September 29, 2026, the High Court quashed the charge sheet filed by the CB-CID against Saravanan and Krishnakumari, the parents of Surjith, the prime accused in the case.

Kavin, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste and hailed from Arumugamangalam near Eral in Thoothukudi district, was in a relationship with S. Subhashini, a Siddha doctor from Palayamkottai. Surjith, Subhashini’s younger brother, was arrested by the Tirunelveli police for the murder of Kavin on July 27, 2025. The police subsequently arraigned Surjith’s cousin Jeyapaul and his parents as co-accused in the case.

The prosecution strongly opposed Jeyapaul’s bail plea, alleging that he had played a role in the conspiracy and helped the prime accused destroy evidence at his quarry.

However, Justice S. Karthikeyan granted him conditional bail, observing that the trial was unlikely to conclude in the near future. The court noted that as the prosecution proposed to examine 70 witnesses and had collected 37 documents, it is unlikely of completion of trail in the near future.

It also took into account the quashing of charges against Saravanan and Krishnakumari.

The court directed Jeyapaul not to enter the village where the crime occurred or contact the complainant, either directly or electronically. He must also report before the trial court at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. daily until further orders.

The court declined to quash the case against Jeyapaul.

Tentative results for Classes 12 and 11 are likely to be announced on May 7 and Class 10 on May 20.

School Education Minister A Rajmohan released the timetable at an event organised by the DGE in Chennai on Wednesday.

According to the schedule, the Class 12 public exams will begin with the Tamil and other language papers on March 3, followed by English on March 8. T

will commence with Tamil and other language papers on March 17, while the Class 11 arrear examinations will begin with the same papers on March 5.

The government said the exam arrangements were being made for the 2026–27 academic year. The press release stated that around 7.90 lakh students would appear for the Class 10 exams and 8.70 lakh students for the Class 12. The nominal rolls containing candidates' details were being prepared through the online system.

Class 12 examination timetable

The Class 12 public examinations will be conducted from 10 am to 1.15 pm. Candidates will be given ten minutes, from 10 am to 10.10 am, to read the question paper, followed by five minutes, from 10.10 am to 10.15 am, to verify their particulars. The examination will begin at 10.15 am and conclude at 1.15 pm.

The detailed timetable is as follows:

March 3, Wednesday: Tamil and other language papers

March 8, Monday: English

March 12, Friday: Chemistry, Accountancy, Geography, Communicative English, Ethics and Indian Culture, Computer Science, Computer Applications and Bio-Chemistry

March 15, Monday: Advanced Language (Tamil), Home Science, Political Science, Statistics, Nursing (Vocational), Basic Electrical Engineering, Biology, Botany, History, Business Mathematics and Statistics, and Basic Electronics Engineering

March 19, Friday: Basic Civil Engineering, Basic Automobile Engineering, Basic Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, Office Management and Secretaryship, and Physics

March 23, Tuesday: Economics, Employability Skills, Mathematics, Zoology, Commerce and Microbiology

March 29, Monday: Nutrition and Dietetics, Textile and Dress Designing, Food Service Management, Agricultural Science and Nursing (General)

The practical examinations for Class 12 students will be held from February 8 to 18, 2027.

Class 10 examination timetable

The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams will be conducted from March 17 to April 12.

The subject-wise schedule is as follows:

March 17, Wednesday: Tamil and other language papers

March 25, Thursday: English

March 31, Wednesday: Mathematics

April 5, Monday: Science

April 9, Friday: Social Science

April 12, Monday: Optional Language

The practical examinations for Class 10 students are scheduled from February 19 to 26, 2027.

Class 11 arrear examination timetable

The Class 11 public examinations will be conducted exclusively for arrear candidates from the 2018 to 2025 batches. The exams will take place from March 5 to April 1.

The subject-wise schedule is as follows:

March 5, Friday: Tamil and other language papers

March 16, Tuesday: English

March 18, Thursday: Accountancy, Geography, Mathematics, Zoology, Commerce and Microbiology

March 22, Monday: Nutrition and Dietetics, Textile and Dress Designing, Food Service Management, Agricultural Science, Nursing (General) and Physics

March 24, Wednesday: Economics, Employability Skills, Communicative English, Ethics and Indian Culture, Computer Science, Computer Applications and Bio-Chemistry

March 30, Tuesday: Advanced Language (Tamil), Home Science, Political Science, Statistics, Nursing (Vocational), Basic Electrical Engineering, Biology, Botany, History, Business Mathematics and Statistics, and Basic Electronics Engineering

April 1, Thursday: Basic Civil Engineering, Basic Automobile Engineering, Basic Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, and Office Management and Secretaryship

The Directorate of Government Examinations has issued the timetable for all three exam categories, enabling students, schools and teachers to plan their preparations ahead of the March–April examination period.

The minister made the announcement after inspecting the newly constructed facility. Though construction was completed nearly a year ago, the hospital has yet to begin operations.

Once operational, the hospital will benefit patients from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, he said.

During the inspection, the minister identified certain deficiencies and directed officials to rectify them immediately. He said he would apprise the Chief Minister of the facility's importance and make arrangements for its inauguration before Pongal.

Dismissing reports that the hospital would be converted into an autonomous institution that charges patients for treatment, Arunraj said there was no such proposal. Instead, the facility would be upgraded into a multi-speciality hospital.

He assured that treatment would continue to be provided free of cost, while paid wards would be available separately, as in other government hospitals.

Asked about the closure of the catheterisation laboratory, an essential facility for cardiac treatment, at the Kancheepuram Government Headquarters Hospital, the minister said he was unaware of the issue. He promised a detailed inquiry and appropriate action.

Built at a cost of Rs 324 crore, the five-storey cancer hospital has a capacity of 750 beds. It is equipped with advanced medical facilities, including robotic surgery, MRI scanners and laboratories for blood and tumour testing.

The legal action follows a press interaction held at the Secretariat on October 9, 2026, subsequent to the Dharapuram and Madurantakam by-election results.

According to the notice issued by counsel representing AIADMK through signatory and MLA Agri. SS Krishnamoorthy, the Minister allegedly claimed that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami had converted the party into a private "letter-pad company" to safeguard personal assets and family interests.

The remarks were subsequently circulated via print media, television broadcasts, and online platforms.

The party maintains that while robust political criticism and democratic debate are welcome, the statements falsely imputed wrongful appropriation and private diversion of institutional assets—including the Royapettah party headquarters—thereby damaging its five-decade-old public reputation, the notice said.

Under the terms of the notice, the Minister has been granted seven days to publicly retract the factual allegations, issue an apology through the same media channels, and settle the financial damages.

Failure to comply will prompt the AIADMK to pursue appropriate civil and criminal legal proceedings, the notice added.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the move comes amid rising rice prices and a shortage of supplies across the State.

Fine-quality rice, which was priced at Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg in August, has become increasingly expensive. Prices of essential commodities, including pulses and cooking oil, have also risen.

The government is exploring the procurement of fine-quality rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other states to make it available at lower prices through cooperative stores.

What steps is the government considering?

A price-monitoring committee meeting chaired by Food Minister Venkataramanan was held at the Chennai Secretariat on Tuesday (October 13) to discuss measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities.

Officials are collecting details on rice availability in different states and the quantities that can be procured. The government will take steps to sell rice at reduced prices through cooperative stores if the availability of one lakh tonnes of rice is confirmed.

However, photography, videography and selfies remain prohibited, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

How many temples come under the restriction?

The restriction, which came into effect on September 1, had barred devotees from carrying mobile phones into temples, including the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur Subramaniaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Tiruttani Subramaniaswamy Temple, Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple, Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and Madurai Alagar Temple.

What is the fee collection at mobile phone counters?

Devotees can safely deposit their mobile phones by paying a fee of Rs 5 and receiving a token, which can be used to collect the devices after darshan.

Why was the restriction relaxed?

Under the earlier arrangement, devotees had to deposit their mobile phones in security vaults at temple premises before darshan and collect them afterwards. This led to long queues and inconvenience, prompting devotees to seek a relaxation.

What are the conditions for carrying phones?

Devotees can now carry their mobile phones inside the temples, but the devices must be switched off. The ban on taking photographs or videos of idols and pujas, taking selfies and posting such content on social media remains in force.

Amid allegations that police indirectly helped some zonal chairpersons involved in the irregularities escape and helped many accused secure bail, cops resumed arrests in the sensational tax scam case.

Police also went looking for the husbands and relatives of three other former zonal chairpersons, who reportedly left their homes after they learned about the police searching for them.

The CCB team took Saravanan to the CCB office for questioning on Monday (October 12). He remanded him to judicial custody.

The case relates to tax irregularities involving the misuse of officials’ passwords between 2022 and 2024. When the issue came to light, then Chief Minister MK Stalin ordered an inquiry, following which the Mayor, five zonal chairpersons and two standing committee chairpersons resigned. However, no proper criminal investigation was conducted against them.

Subsequently, the AIADMK filed a case over the scam before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which ordered an investigation. A team headed by Madurai Range DIG Abhinav Kumar, with CCB Assistant Commissioner Vinodhini and Inspector Annalakshmi, conducted the probe.

Police had arrested 25 people in the case, including Ponvasanth, husband of former Mayor Indrani, and Kannan, husband of tax assessment committee chairperson Vijayalakshmi.

Thereafter, the police reportedly made no progress in the investigation. Recently, AIADMK councillors led by Leader of the Opposition Solairaja petitioned the Madurai Range DIG, complaining that the case was being delayed even after a new government assumed power.

The move comes as the AIADMK and the DMK work out strategies to take on him, with the latter’s local functionaries proposing M Palaniappan as its candidate.

TVK’s decision to field former AIADMK MLAs in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam bypolls may have reinforced Vijayabaskar’s expectation that the party would similarly back him in Viralimalai. Having resigned as MLA and quit the AIADMK to join TVK, he is now looking to contest the bypoll under a different party symbol.

Since the Viralimalai constituency was created after the 2011 delimitation, Vijayabaskar has won all four Assembly elections, with the DMK finishing second each time. He was also elected from Pudukkottai in 2001, taking his tally to five Assembly victories. In the 2021 election, he won Viralimalai by a margin of 62,073 votes, riding on the AIADMK’s traditional support base and the appeal of its ‘two leaves’ symbol.

However, his early groundwork in the constituency has raised questions about how well he will be received by his new party’s local cadre. TVK sources said only a few party members turned up for his first visit to Viralimalai after he joined the party, suggesting some local functionaries have reservations.

The election activity also comes amid speculation over the source of funding for the preliminary campaign. Vijayabaskar’s supporters have begun groundwork, though it remains unclear whether he is funding it personally or the party is.

His departure has reportedly caused resentment among sections of the AIADMK cadre, who feel their efforts helped him secure a substantial victory in 2026. He could face resistance from former party colleagues.

Eligibility: Open to pan-India transgender students pursuing secondary, senior secondary, or undergraduate/postgraduate studies through any government or private open school or open university.

Prizes & Rewards: Selected candidates will receive a one-time scholarship of up to Rs 40,000

Last Date to Apply: October 30

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/USFB2

Eligibility: Open to students admitted to the first year of a full-time eligible professional undergraduate programme in 2026-27. Applicants must be willing to participate in further assessment and selection stages, if shortlisted.

Prizes & Rewards: Up to Rs 50,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years, subject to annual review and continued eligibility

Last Date to Apply: November 30

Application mode: Online Application Only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/SDEF1

Eligibility: Open to Indian students in Classes 11 and 12 or pursuing UG, Diploma, or ITI courses at recognised institutions.

Prizes & Rewards: [6]Selected students can receive 80% to 100% of their tuition/course fees, up to Rs 15,000 (Class 11 & 12) and up to Rs 18,000 (undergraduate, diploma & ITI), based on their academic performance. (Whichever is less)

Last Date to Apply: October 26

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/TCPS37

Eligibility: Students studying in Classes 9 to 12 from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana are eligible to apply

Prizes & Rewards: Selected students will receive scholarship benefits of up to Rs 12,000 (based on actual expenses) and mentorship support (session on road safety)

Last Date to Apply: October 30

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/MKSP3

Eligibility: Open to students in Classes 1 to 12, diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate (general and professional), and postgraduate (general and professional) courses

Prizes & Rewards: Scholarship up to Rs 75,000 based on education level

Last Date to Apply: October 31

Application mode: Online applications only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/HDFC63

Eligibility: Students with Disabilities who meet the following criteria can apply: Open to students across India who are currently pursuing an undergraduate (UG) degree, particularly those in their third or final year. Applicants must be planning to pursue an MBA and preparing for the CAT examination.

Prizes & Rewards: [1]Selected students will receive a 100% scholarship for CAT preparation

Last Date to Apply: October 18

Application mode: Online Application Only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/IASP1

Eligibility: Open exclusively to meritorious girl students currently enrolled in Classes 9 to 12, Polytechnic Diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses at recognised government schools, colleges, or institutions across India

Prizes & Rewards: Scholarship of up to Rs 60,000.

Last Date to Apply: October 30

Application mode: Online Application Only

Short Url: www.b4s.in/dtnt/ABCC18

The discussions focused on Chennai's drinking water requirements and the need to ensure the release of water under the existing arrangement between the two states. Raising the issue of Krishna water supply to Chennai, Vijay said the city's five primary water reservoirs had only around 35 per cent of their storage capacity available. This has put the city in a precarious position, especially due to above-normal heat.

He pointed out that Tamil Nadu had received only 2.25 TMC of Krishna water so far this year and urged Naidu to intervene personally to ensure the release of additional water to the State.

During the meeting, Vijay also emphasised the importance of the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, stating that interlinking the two major rivers would improve water availability in both the states.

In a statement, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister urged Naidu to take up the proposed project, highlighting its potential benefits for agriculture and drinking water supply across the southern states.

Vijay recalled that he had already appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project a national project.

Incidentally, Vijay’s meeting with Naidu, a key constituent in the Centre-ruling NDA, came two days after Prime Minister Modi was in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Ministers N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, and Naidu’s son and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh participated in the events that were organised in connection with Vijay’s visit. Before the meeting, he offered prayers at the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada.

Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, Senthilbalaji claimed the current government was procuring electricity at up to Rs 37 per unit, compared with Rs 20 per unit during the DMK regime.

Taking a swipe at Nirmalkumar, Senthilbalaji said: "His name is not CTR Nirmal Kumar, but Collection Kumar."

During the press meet, he played a campaign video clip of the TVK leader and present Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay criticising the previous DMK regime for purchasing electricity at higher rates.

Senthilbalaji said electricity demand in Tamil Nadu rose from 16,000 MW to 20,830 MW during the DMK regime, while 4,349 MW of capacity was added over five years. Power generation had also increased from 22,000 million units to 29,000 million units during the period, he claimed.

He alleged that the present government was reducing Tangedco's own generation and relying increasingly on private power purchases, particularly from Andhra Pradesh. He questioned why the coal tender process had been halted and urged the government to strengthen its own generation capacity.

Claiming that the DMK government had reduced Tangedco's debt burden from Rs 14,000 crore to Rs 900 crore, he said industries in the Coimbatore region were incurring daily losses of around Rs 10 crore due to power cuts.

He also alleged irregularities in solar power procurement, claiming that a scam involving around Rs 15 lakh per MW has been exposed. Accusing the government of rushing power procurement tenders, he said the electricity department was being made dysfunctional and pushed towards privatisation.

Speaking to members of the movement after planting 15,000 saplings on 11 acres at Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district, Annamalai expressed concern over the declining water resources in the Delta region, warning that the trend threatened food production. He said elected representatives should work to build a healthy society and ensure people's welfare.

“The political scenario has deteriorated, and the We the Leaders Movement will ensure clean and pro-people politics,” he said, referring to AIADMK MLAs resigning and winning under the TVK banner.

Annamalai said the movement would eventually transform into a political party that would welcome everyone into politics and ensure meaningful participation in electoral politics. He added that it was preparing leaders across all 234 Assembly constituencies to demonstrate what he described as responsible political conduct.

“We want to bring changes in every village. The movement will field candidates in the upcoming local body polls and certainly bring change in society,” Annamalai said.

In a statement issued by the party headquarters, the DMK said the party executive committee had passed a resolution to implement the restructuring committee's recommendations.

"The main objective of the restructuring exercise is to ensure an equitable division of party units, including parts, cities, unions and districts across the State. However, the party headquarters has received information that some functionaries are carrying out the exercise arbitrarily," the statement said.

The party warned functionaries that any restructuring carried out without following the committee's recommendations would not be accepted during the party headquarters' verification process.

Explaining the criteria, the party leadership said a union with 30,000 votes should be divided into more units. In Chennai, a ward with 10,000 votes should be divided into multiple units, the statement said.

Stalin has already set October 20 as the deadline to complete the party's organisational restructuring. He has directed district secretaries to expedite the exercise and complete the work without further delay.

The latest instructions come amid complaints from party cadres across the State about how the restructuring is being carried out.

The Bill was passed by the State Assembly during the Budget Session.

The legislation seeks to streamline the timeline for regulatory approvals and reduce delays in obtaining clearances for industrial projects.

With the Governor's assent, the approval period has been reduced to 21 days under the amended framework. However, the provision will not override a longer timeline prescribed under a Central law.

The legislation also provides for the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Commission to facilitate investments and further improve the ease of doing business in the State.

The Commission will be headed by the Chief Secretary and will bring 22 State laws under a common investment facilitation framework.

These laws include those relating to forests and land, town planning, fire safety, public health and urban local bodies.

The reform is aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures, improving coordination among departments and providing investors with greater certainty over approval timelines.

Though Murugan said he wanted to devote himself full-time to strengthening the BJP in the State ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, multiple party sources told DT Next that his decision may have been prompted by uncertainty over his political future, after he was overlooked for appointment as Governor and his prospects of returning to the State leadership appeared limited.

"Murugan was expecting either a reappointment as State BJP president or a Lok Bhavan assignment. But his name was not included in the latest list of gubernatorial appointments. The high command was preparing to drop him in the upcoming reshuffle. He might have resigned sensing this," multiple BJP sources said.

Sources said the resignation was unlikely to improve his chances of becoming State BJP president, as Nainar Nagenthran is continuing in the post. They also pointed to the recent appointment of M Venkatasan, who belongs to the same community as Murugan, as a national secretary, and said the party was unlikely to entrust a key organisational responsibility to another person from the same community.

"While some ministers have been given organisational responsibilities, including State president posts, during their ministerial tenure, resigning from the Union government in the expectation of securing such a post is unlikely to work in his favour," a source said.

Those close to Murugan, however, maintained that the party leadership would recognise his contribution and could offer him an organisational assignment or Governor post in the future. Senior leaders, meanwhile, indicated that he was unlikely to replace Nagenthran.

Murugan headed the State BJP from March 2020 to July 2021 and gained prominence through the party's Vel Yatra in 2020. After K Annamalai's exit from the State leadership, Murugan had sought another opportunity to lead the unit but was not considered.

His recent electoral setbacks have added another dimension to his political trajectory. He lost the Nilgiris constituency in the Lok Sabha election in 2024 to DMK's A Raja and the Avanashi constituency in the Assembly election in 2026 to TVK's S Kamali.

In a five-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Murugan expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had received in government and said he wanted to reach every village, work alongside party workers and expand the BJP's presence across Tamil Nadu.

First elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in 2021, Murugan began his second term in April 2024, which was scheduled to run until 2030.

The Public Information Officer of the DVAC challenged the Tamil Nadu Information Commission's order directing it to furnish details of an inquiry in an alleged corruption case after masking the names and particulars of the officers concerned.

Jangid had sought copies of the inquiry reports, queries raised by the government, statements recorded by the inquiry officer, and other documents.

The Public Information Officer rejected the application under Section 8 (1) (g) of the RTI Act, citing risks to the life and physical safety of witnesses and confidential sources.

His appeal was also rejected, following which he approached the State Information Commission, which directed disclosure of the records.

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice Hemant Chandanagoudar, the State argued that disclosure could endanger witnesses and confidential sources, that third-party information could not be shared, and that masking names in voluminous records was impracticable.

The retired DGP argued that the inquiry, in which he was the subject, ended in his favour and that he was entitled to access the related records.

He contended that there was no evidence of any real threat to witnesses or sources, and that the names of other officers could be masked, as administrative difficulty was not a ground to deny information.

Though DVAC was exempted from the RTI Act under Section 24 (4) through a Government Order dated August 26, 2008, the proviso to the section makes it clear that the exemption does not apply to information relating to allegations of corruption and human rights violations, the court noted.

The judge also rejected the DVAC's argument that inquiry details were confidential under Rule 29 of the DVAC Manual, and observed that an internal administrative instruction could not create an exemption beyond those provided under the RTI Act.

While confidentiality could be considered to determine whether specific information was supplied in confidence, it could not be used to justify withholding the entire inquiry records, it said.

The court held that Jangid was entitled to the detailed inquiry records, as the State had failed to justify withholding the entire records under Sections 24 (4) or 8 (1) (g) of the RTI Act.

The court directed the Public Information Officer to furnish the records in accordance with the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission's order dated May 30, 2024, after masking the names and particulars of other officers.

For documents attracting Section 11, the prescribed procedure must be followed without withholding other information that can be disclosed.

Upholding the Information Commission's order dated May 30, 2024, the court dismissed the writ petition.

The party has announced that Palaniswami will garland the statues of party founder MG Ramachandran (MGR) and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa at the party headquarters in Royapettah and hoist the party flag.

The AIADMK has also directed party units to celebrate the occasion by hoisting flags across all districts in the State and announced the names of leaders who will lead the celebrations in their respective districts.

Although the list includes dissident leaders SP Velumani, Natham R Viswanathan, KP Anbalagan and Thangamani, it omits CVe Shanmugam, who is also part of the dissident camp.

Sources said the rebel leaders were considering boycotting the celebrations announced by EPS and holding separate founding day events in their respective districts.

The latest development comes amid renewed factional activity following the AIADMK's defeat in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections, in which the party was pushed to third place.

Leaders associated with the SP Velumani and CVe Shanmugam camps have stepped up their efforts against EPS and have been holding a series of meetings, sources said.

After the general election, the SP Velumani camp had revolted against EPS.

However, the two sides reached a compromise, following which the dissident leaders remained largely silent.

The bypoll results have now reignited tensions within the party, with the dissidents exploring ways to challenge the leadership.

For Ayudha Pooja, 8,764 buses will operate from Chennai, along with 6,199 special buses from October 15-18. For Deepavali, the State will operate 6,573 buses from Chennai and 9,086 special buses (Nov 5-7).

To manage the return rush after Ayudha Pooja, 9,191 buses, including 4,809 special services, will operate towards Chennai on Oct 20 and 21.

After Deepavali, 11,197 buses, including 6,815 special services, will operate towards Chennai on Nov 9 and 10.

Buses will operate from five designated terminals based on their destinations.

Services to Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Tiruchy, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Sengottai, Tirunelveli, Salem and Coimbatore will operate from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus at Kilambakkam.

Buses to Vandavasi, Polur and Tiruvannamalai will operate from a temporary terminal near the CMDA climate park at Kilambakkam.

Services to Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam will operate from the temporary bus terminus at Maraimalai Nagar, which is being operated on a trial basis.

Buses to ECR, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Bengaluru and Tiruttani will depart from the Koyambedu bus terminus. Services to Andhra Pradesh via Ponneri and Uthukottai, along with regular services to Tiruchy, Salem, Kumbakonam and Tiruvannamalai, will operate from the Madhavaram bus terminus.

Fourteen advance booking counters will function at Kilambakkam, Koyambedu and Maraimalai Nagar, including 10 at Kilambakkam and two each at the other terminals. A 24-hour control room has been established at Kilambakkam to assist passengers.

Free connecting buses will operate between Kilambakkam and the temporary terminal at Maraimalai Nagar. Services between Koyambedu and Kilambakkam will run round the clock.

The government has also requested the railways to operate additional suburban trains and special trains to Coimbatore, southern districts and the Cauvery delta region.

Separately, the minister met omni bus operators and instructed them not to charge excess fares and to follow designated boarding points in Chennai.

He warned of stringent action against violations. The operators’ association said that it would take an appropriate decision on reducing fares, according to the press release.

The TVK leadership is confident it can strengthen its position through electoral victories and possible defections from the AIADMK, without relying on the PMK's four MLAs. More importantly, it is unwilling to risk losing the VCK, a key ally that has drawn a firm red line against the PMK's entry, they said.

Speculation about a possible realignment gained momentum after the PMK, which contested the 2026 Assembly elections as an AIADMK ally, decided to remain neutral in the October 6 by-elections to Madurantakam and Dharapuram. The move fuelled expectations of a possible alignment with the TVK, but it has drawn strong opposition from the VCK, exposing the political costs of expanding the ruling alliance.

"PMK will not be inducted into our alliance. We do not need the support of its four MLAs to sustain our government. Following our victories in the two by-elections, our Assembly strength has increased to 109. We are confident of winning the upcoming by-elections as well," a high-ranking TVK source told DT Next.

The source said the party expected its numbers to grow further, with more AIADMK legislators potentially resigning and joining the ruling outfit. The leadership, therefore, sees no immediate need to accommodate the PMK, the source added.

"Our top priorities are the upcoming by-elections and local body elections. A faction within the AIADMK may extend support to us in the future. We have no compelling reason to bring the PMK into our alliance," a senior TVK leader said.

The leader said Vijay was keen to preserve his relationship with VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan and was unwilling to jeopardise the partnership by accommodating the PMK. However, some Vanniyar leaders within the TVK continue to favour an understanding with the PMK, though the leader added that the prospects of its induction remain bleak.

The VCK's opposition has become increasingly explicit. Its deputy general secretary and Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu recently warned that he would quit the alliance and the Cabinet if the PMK or the BJP joined the ruling front. Thirumavalavan has also reiterated his party's long-standing opposition to sharing an alliance with either party. TVK Minister Rajmohan subsequently sought to reassure the VCK, saying the alliance remained strong.

"Attempts to bring the TVK and PMK together began before the by-elections and are continuing in sections of both parties. But our position is clear: we will face future elections with our existing allies. If we accept the PMK, the VCK will leave," an insider added.

The first bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, has directed the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker to conclude the disqualification proceedings against S Jayakumar, Maragatham Kumaravel, P Sathyabama and Esakki Subaya within two months.

The bench passed the order on petitions filed by AIADMK whip Agri SS Krishnamurthy, challenging the Speaker's decision to accept the resignations of six legislators who quit the party after the Assembly elections and joined TVK the same day.

The six legislators are Kumaravel (Maduranthakam), Jayakumar (Perundurai), Sathyabama (Dharapuram), Subaya (Ambasamudram), former Health Minister C Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai) and former Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar (Karur).

The bench observed that the resignations tendered by the defecting MLAs were "genuine" and "voluntary" and in accordance with the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was not required to undertake a roving or detailed inquiry into the alleged motives behind the resignations.

Accordingly, the acceptance of the resignations and the consequential declaration of vacancies were constitutionally valid, the bench held.

The pendency of disqualification proceedings did not constitutionally bar the Speaker from accepting the resignations, as resignation and disqualification are two distinct constitutional processes. The Speaker was, therefore, competent to accept the resignations notwithstanding the pending disqualification proceedings, the bench said.

However, the acceptance of the resignations did not render the pending disqualification proceedings academic or infructuous. The Speaker was still required to adjudicate and decide the disqualification proceedings, the bench held.

It further observed that the High Court has the power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to intervene if the Speaker fails to decide disqualification proceedings within a reasonable period.

In the circumstances, it issued a time-bound mandamus directing the Speaker to conclude the pending disqualification proceedings within two months.

The bench also directed the Speaker not to allow any defecting MLA to unnecessarily delay the proceedings by seeking adjournments on flimsy grounds. As the proceedings had already been pending for four months, the defecting MLAs should not be granted more than two opportunities or adjournments, the bench said.

The bench noted that the AIADMK had unconditionally withdrawn the disqualification proceedings against 14 MLAs, including C Vijayabaskar and MR Vijayabhaskar. As no proceedings under the 10th Schedule were shown to be pending against the two MLAs, the bench held that the Speaker had committed no error in accepting their resignations.

In view of these conclusions, the bench dismissed the petitions challenging the Speaker's acceptance of the resignations of the two Vijayabaskars, while partly allowing the petitions concerning the acceptance of the resignations of the remaining four MLAs and directed the Speaker to conclude the disqualification proceedings against the four MLAs within two months.

Chennai will experience generally cloudy skies with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 36 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.

According to the weather department, the rainfall across TN is driven by a twin weather system featuring an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal off south Sri Lanka and a connecting easterly trough extending to the central Bay of Bengal.

Heavy rain likely at isolated places with thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places over Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari on Wednesday.

On Thursday (October 15), heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning with gusty wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph is likely at one or two places over the Ghat areas of Tenkasi and Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari, Madurai, Dindigul, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai and Nagapattinam districts.

Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are expected to persist across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal till October 19.

According to the farmers, the water released from Mayanur barrage in Karur irrigates 20,662 acres through Kattalai Mettu Vaical in Tiruchy and Thanjavur districts, while the water flowing through Uyyannkondan canal irrigates around 32,000 acre in Thanjavur district.

Against such a scenario, the water released from Mettur did not reach the Uyyankondan canal even after 40 days. It did not reach the Kattalai Mettu vaical either. The farmers approached the water resources department officials and submitted petitions several times but in vain, and so they announced a protest.

Subsequently, the Thanjavur Collector R Revathi convened a meeting with the farmers, but the meeting concluded without any assurance of water release.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, the farmers, led by the district secretary NV Kannan, gathered at the Tiruchy-Thanjavur National Highway and blocked the traffic. On receiving information, the police rushed to the spot and arrested all the protesting farmers.

Later, the revenue and water resources department officials held talks with the farmers and upon assurance by officials to release water within a week, the farmers withdrew their protest.

The court issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by advocate KR Raja of Madurai, who said that of 96 sanctioned posts of probation officers, 32 had been abolished.

At present, only 38 officers are in service, and 26 posts are vacant.

He told the court that the shortage affects the preparation of court inquiry reports, monitoring of those released on probation and prisoner rehabilitation across 38 districts, 219 magistrate courts and 125 correctional institutions.

Though he submitted a representation to the authorities on August 31, he did not receive a proper response.

After issuing the direction, the bench disposed of the petition.

A special team arrested Ravikumar (52) of Neduvelikkadu, Ernakulam district,Dinesh (52) of Viswapuram, and Abdul Samad (50) of Edakkad, Kannur district. They were remanded in judicial custody.

According to the police, Ananthappan of Tirunelveli received a call from an unknown person on October 6. The caller introduced himself as Sandeep Raj, a senior inspector of the NIA police in Mumbai. He claimed that bank accounts had been opened in six states using Ananthappan’s mobile number and that money had been transferred to Naxal extremists. After creating panic, the caller disconnected the call.

The next day, another person contacted Ananthappan on a WhatsApp video call, introduced himself as a senior police officer and threatened to place him under “digital arrest.” The caller said an Additional Director General of Police named Viswas would contact him soon, and collected his bank account and savings details.

Under the pretext of an investigation, the gang threatened him further and made him transfer Rs 28.50 lakh to a bank account whose details they shared, the police said.

The next day, Ananthappan went near the Tachanallur police station and tried to contact the callers on a WhatsApp video call, but the call was disconnected.

Raising suspicion, Ananthappan told his son and son-in-law, who informed him that he had been cheated. He then filed a complaint with the City Cyber Crime police station.

City Police Commissioner Deshmukh Sekhar Sanjay directed Inspector Anitha to investigate under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravanan. The police team rushed to Kerala and arrested the accused.

Headmaster Ranjit Singh apologised to the parents after police intervened.

The Dasara festival at the Muthuramman temple in Kulasekarapattinam, near Tiruchendur, began with the flag hoisting on October 11. For the festival, devotees from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts wear sacred bead chains, tie the sacred thread (kappu), observe a ten-day fast and worship the goddess.

According to police sources, Ranjit Singh, headmaster of a government-aided higher secondary school at Athur, spotted the students wearing the chains and tied the kappu, and removed both before coming to school the next day.

It is also alleged that the headmaster himself removed the chain from a student who refused and beat him. The student told his parents about the incident.

Following this, parents and Hindu Munnani members gathered in front of the school on Tuesday morning, raised slogans against the headmaster and staged a protest.

Athur police arrived on receiving information and held talks with them. The police registered a case against the headmaster under Section 295 A of IPC, based on the complaint filed by the protesters.

He also criticised the government over its handling of the Mettur dam opening and the difficulties faced by Delta farmers.

In a statement, Stalin said people were angered by what he described as the Food Minister's false claim that prices had not increased, even as the government struggled to keep the cost of essential commodities under control.

He also criticised the government over the power situation, stating that Opposition parties had warned of possible electricity shortages for several months. He alleged that the government had failed to take timely measures to address the issue.

Referring to the proposed purchase of electricity from the open market at Rs 35 per unit, Stalin questioned the decision to cancel power purchase agreements secured at lower rates during the previous DMK regime.

He asked whether procuring electricity at what he described as an unprecedentedly high price was the change the TVK government promised.

A Government Order issued by the School Education Department on October 9 authorised the expenditure, to be met from the revised estimates for 2026-27.

The initiative began in 2022-23, when districts were classified into three categories for funding purposes.

Under the arrangement, A-category districts received Rs 17.5 lakh each, B-category districts Rs 14 lakh each and C-category districts Rs 12 lakh each. The government sanctioned a total of Rs 4.965 crore for the fairs that year.

The programme continued in 2023-24 and 2024-25, with further sanctions for district-level book fairs.

The latest order provides for the fairs to be conducted annually in every district from 2026-27 onwards. The Rs 8.45-crore allocation will cover the expenditure involved in organising the events across Tamil Nadu.

The initiative is expected to expand access to books beyond major urban centres and provide readers, students and publishers across the state with opportunities to participate in literary events closer to home.