Clarifying that the national space agency would not be privatised, Narayanan emphasised that partnering with private firms was essential to meet surging global and domestic demands for thousands of satellites.

“ISRO will handhold startups and private enterprises, transferring technological expertise to foster economic growth and generate thousands of high-tech jobs,” he said while speaking at a graduation ceremony at a private university here on Saturday. “India will expand its space operations significantly with four functional launch pads by 2029, supported by an increasing reliance on private industry partnerships to handle commercial operations.”

He stated that the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam spaceport facility would feature crucial infrastructure such as integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, telemetry, tracking, and command systems. However, he did not elaborate on the other three proposed launch pads.

“ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test within the next two months, followed by two subsequent uncrewed tests before the crewed mission,” he added. “These tests will evaluate environmental control, safety systems, crew escape mechanisms, and module interiors under varying pressure, temperature, and humidity conditions.”

ISRO has successfully conducted approximately 8,000 ground-based experiments for the mission, and four astronaut-designates are currently undergoing specialised training. Narayanan revealed plans for Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative lunar mission with Japan’s space agency featuring a 350-kg rover designed to conduct 100 days of surface experiments.

Meanwhile, Look Out Circular (LOC) notices have been issued against five suspects to prevent them from leaving the country, an official release stated.

On Friday, police had detained his daughter, Archana when she attempted to board an international flight. She was questioned about his alleged crimes and the financial transactions that took place to save him from legal action.

Archana was let off later on Friday evening after questioning. She eventually complained of ill health and got admitted to a hospital.

So far, 12 victims have come forward and filed complaints against Veeramani and his associates. The SIT has taken custody of Veeramani and three other associates on Saturday and are questioning them at Peravallur police station, as per court orders.

A week ago, SIT arrested his manager, Sakthivel for aiding him to evade legal action. His role came to light after police teams carried out intensive searches at Veeramani’s house on Lloyds Road, his farmhouse at Kanathur and his office and seized key documents and digital evidence related to the cases.

Before Sakthivel, the SIT had arrested three of his long-time drivers for ferrying minor girls to the houses where they were abused. The arrested persons were identified as Lasar, Parthiban and Babu. Lasar was with Veeramani for 23 years while the two others were employed for eight years.

Another employee, Ganesan was arrested few weeks ago for not alerting the police despite knowing Veeramani’s behaviour.

Veeramani and his associates, Mahendra Simhan (63) and Shanthi (60) have been in prison since August 29. A pendrive with the video was sent to the city police’s ITPU (Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit) in October 2025 and a case was registered on October 7, 2025.

When a closure report was filed by the city police in February 2026 stating that the video was unclear, it was rejected by the special court judge after which police began investigations again.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced in the state assembly that 2X800 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant units would be set up at Rs 20,800 crore to replace the aged 5X210 MW Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station.

CRH estimated that power generated at the new coal power plant would cost Rs 8.75 per unit at a 75% plant load factor, rising to Rs 10.40 at 55%. The solar-plus-storage alternative would require 3,490 MW of solar capacity and 9,067 MWh of battery storage, with an estimated capital cost of Rs 27,289 crore, Rs 6,489 crore more than the coal project. However, lower generation costs could offset the additional investment by the second year, the report said. Over five years, it estimated generation costs at Rs 33,965 crore for coal, against Rs 17,581 crore for solar and battery storage.

The report also flagged the financial burden on Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), estimating fixed-cost payments of about Rs 4,120 crore in the first year of commissioning and nearly Rs 20,000 crore over five years.

Tamil Nadu’s power utilities have accumulated debt of over Rs 2.47 lakh crore, accounting for 77.6% of the state’s public sector debt, according to CRH. It warned that the proposed coal capacity could add to the burden, with borrowing costs ultimately reflected in electricity tariffs.

The report also questioned the project’s compatibility with Tamil Nadu’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and raised concerns over additional pollution in Thoothukudi.

CRH estimated that power generated at the new coal power plant would cost Rs 8.75 per unit at a 75% plant load factor, rising to Rs 10.40 at 55%

“Given the economic situation that Tamil Nadu is in and the clear financial benefits of solar PV and battery storage, it makes no financial sense to build new coal plants to meet growing electricity demand,” said Ashish Fernandes, director of CRH.

CRH said the renewable option’s capital cost could rise to Rs 28,921 crore if viability gap funding for battery storage was unavailable. The estimates are based on assumptions about coal plant utilisation, solar generation and battery costs.

Techie's car runs over elderly man killing him

An elderly man was killed after a techie who was reversing his car from a marriage hall reportedly ran over him unmindful of the man who was sleeping on the roadside in Chengalpet on Saturday. 

Visuals showed his friend sitting beside the body, holding an umbrella to protect it from the rain as they waited for an ambulance.The deceased was dentified as Kumar (77), who was living in a thatched hut in the neighborhood.

According to local residents, Kumar was sleeping along the roadside when a car reversing from a nearby marriage hall ran over him, killing him on the spot.Police sources said that a techie who was behind the wheels had got down to check on the man, but drove off on witnessing a mob gathering at the scene, as his wife and child were inside the car.

The elderly man was taken to a hospital where he was declared as brought dead. Meanwhile Chengelpet police traced the car with the help of CCTV footage and arrested the driver, G Saravanan (43), an IT firm employee.  

Bizman held under Pocso in Tirunelveli

A 52-year-old real estate businessman was arrested under the Pocso Act at Panagudi in Tirunelveli district for allegedly sexually harassing a six-year-old girl on Sunday.

According to police the accused was found committing the sexual offence after examining the CCTV footage. The accused was sitting in front of a church in the area on the night of October 23 when the girl walked alone on the road, said the police, adding that he allegedly called her over and sexually abused her.

The girl went home crying and told her parents, who lodged a complaint. The police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested him.

Special Sub-Inspector transferred to Armed Reserve on bribe charges

Tirunelveli District Superintendent of Police Viswesh Sastri on Saturday transferred a Special Sub-Inspector attached to the Seethaparpanallur police station to the Armed Reserve following a complaint that he accepted a bribe in a sand smuggling case.

According to the police, Special Sub-Inspector Muthupandi (54) is alleged to have received Rs 5,000 from the owner of a lorry linked to a sand smuggling case under investigation.

The money was reportedly transferred through his wife's GPay account.

Guest worker killed over card game in Chennai

A 26-year-old guest worker from Nepal was murdered after an argument during a card game in Perungudi on Saturday. Thoraipakkam police have registered a murder case and launched a search for the absconding suspect.

The victim has been identified as Ganeshkumar, who had been employed at a metal fabrication unit in Perungudi and was staying with his brother-in-law Umesh. The police said the suspect, Saurav (25), also a Nepali national, was working at a private eatery. Ganeshkumar and Umesh had gone to Saurav's house on Friday night. During a card game, a heated exchange between Ganeshkumar and Saurav turned into a physical confrontation. Saurav attacked Ganeshkumar with a knife.

Chennai: Woman dies after pushed to floor while rescuing son

A 62-year-old woman died after she was pushed to the floor while trying to rescue her son, who was being attacked by a group of men during a family dispute in Perungalathur. The deceased, Naseema Bee (62), was the mother of Vasivudeen (43), a resident of Kamarajar Street in Perungalathur.

Vasivudeen lives with his wife, Naseema (40). Police said an argument broke out between Vasivudeen and his wife on Wednesday.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Kancheepuram silk showroom owners arrested in Rs 20 crore fraud case

Two owners of a popular silk saree showroom in Kancheepuram have been arrested by the Kancheepuram District Crime Branch police in connection with an alleged Rs 20 crore fraud involving wholesale saree suppliers from Rajasthan, Chennai and Salem.

Krishnamoorthy (52) and Sathish (50), both residents of George Town in Chennai, jointly operated Murugan and Kalikambal Silks, located near Rangasamy Kulam in Kancheepuram.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Sathankulam man kills teen lover’s mother for opposing relationship

A 23-year-old man launched a sickle attack on a couple in their house, killing the woman and injuring the man and their minor son, and kidnapped her two minor daughters, at Mudalur near Sathankulam early on Friday. The girls were rescued shortly and the man, Gnanaprakash of Anandapuram, was apprehended by the Thoothukudi police after the girls shared their live location with them via WhatsApp.

The father Muthukrishnan (50) and son Pleasant Raja (12) sustained grievous injuries and are in the intensive care unit of the Government Super Specialty Hospital in Tirunelveli. Muthukrishnan’s condition is said to be critical.

2 lorry drivers confess to murder of coworker in Tiruvallur

Two lorry drivers allegedly confessed to murdering their colleague following a drunken quarrel and burying his body in an isolated spot near Alamathi in Tiruvallur district, police said. The police are scheduled to exhume the remains on Saturday in the presence of a Tahsildar.

The deceased, M Gokul (27), a native of Kanniyakumari district, worked as a lorry driver for a private transport company in Alamathi. His younger brother, Rahul, lodged a complaint with Sholavaram police stating that Gokul had been missing since October 7.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation. They examined CCTV footage from the Alamathi area and identified two suspects, Ayyappan (18), and Sathish (33), who worked as lorry drivers.

READ FULL STORY HERE

After a brief lull until noon, heavy rain resumed in Ooty and Coonoor. Trees fell across the suspended Nilgiri Mountain Railway track near Lovedale railway station and on the Ooty-Manjoor road, disrupting movement. Another tree fell on a parked car near the Rose Garden. Over the past two days, tree falls, mudslides and boulders blocking roads were reported at around 30 locations on the Ooty-Mettupalayam and Kotagiri-Ooty ghat roads.

Continuous rain hampered restoration work, a day after a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus driver was killed and its conductor injured in a landslide near Burliyar on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road.

All tourist attractions remained closed across the district while Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru advised tourists to avoid visiting the hills. As a precaution, vehicle movement, including government buses, was prohibited between 6 pm and 7 am, except for vehicles carrying essential supplies. Traffic was allowed only through the Kotagiri route in the daytime, resulting in congestion. Residents of floodprone Muthamizh Nagar were accommodated at a relief camp in a government school. Meanwhile, a 15-member rescue team continued the search for Bojan (58) of Solur Mattam, who was swept away by flash floods.

Explaining the issue, VR Durai, director and senior atmospheric scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), told DT Next, “A small technical glitch has occurred at the weather monitoring radar at NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology), Pallikaranai, which was commissioned with the support of ISRO.”

Further, he said, “The glitch will not affect weather predictions, as we are receiving advance data from the satellite, which we can use to monitor the cyclone and forecast the weather.

Additionally, the S-band radar at the port is 15 years old and is currently non-functional. Work is under way to replace the weather monitoring radar at the port, and it will be replaced within a few months.”

In an order dated October 22, the commission approved the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd's (TNPDCL) proposal to procure the power from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at a discovered tariff of Rs 3.12 per unit, plus a trading margin of Rs 0.07 per unit payable to SECI.

The arrangement includes a 300 MW/1,800 MWh energy storage system, enabling the state to draw 300 MW of storage-backed power for six selected hours within the peak-hour window of 6 pm to 9 am the following day. TNPDCL will receive 600 MW during solar generation hours.

According to TNPDCL's projections submitted to the commission, the state's peak-hour power shortage could rise to 16,332 MW by 2034-35, compared with 9,735 MW in 2026-27, before accounting for the planned procurement considered in its analysis. Even after factoring in proposed procurement, the utility projected a peak deficit of 7,037 MW in 2026-27, increasing to 14,457 MW by 2034-35.

The order noted that variations in solar generation and the need for electricity after sunset posed challenges to meeting demand. Energy storage would help make renewable power available during selected hours when solar generation was unavailable, while supporting grid stability and the state's renewable energy purchase obligations.

The tariff of Rs 3.12 per unit was determined through an e-reverse auction conducted on January 9, 2026. TNPDCL's board had approved the proposed procurement at its 135th meeting on February 24, 2026. Supply is expected to commence 24 months from the effective date of the power purchase agreement.

However, the commission clarified that TNPDCL must approach it separately for tariff adoption after finalising the tender, in accordance with Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The approval is subject to applicable bidding guidelines, scheme conditions and relevant regulations.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman has acknowledged that the billing error was entirely attributable to the officials, but refused to waive the revised charges, ruling that the consumer remains liable to pay for the electricity actually consumed.

In an order dated October 22, Electricity Ombudsman K Indirani upheld the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum's (CGRF) decision rejecting a plea by Suja Thomas, a resident of Kerala who owns a property in Chennai, for a waiver or refund of the disputed amount. The ombudsman found that the assessor had recorded incorrect readings without physically inspecting the premises between March 2024 and September 2025.

Thomas's tenant had occupied the property during the period and paid the bi-monthly bills based on the readings recorded by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL). The discrepancy came to light after the tenant vacated the premises in July 2025. A subsequent verification found that nearly 7,000 units of electricity consumption had not been accounted for in the bills over 11 billing cycles.

The department subsequently revised the assessment to Rs 76,907 based on data downloaded from the meter. With Rs 376 towards current consumption charges for November 2025, the total demand stood at Rs 77,283. The consumer had also paid Rs 4,000 with an earlier bill, which the Ombudsman found was separately reflected in the consumer ledger.

Arguing that the accumulation of arrears was caused entirely by the department, Thomas sought a complete waiver and a refund of the amounts already paid, or reassessment at a lower tariff. She told the ombudsman that her former tenant had refused to pay the arrears, leaving her to shoulder the financial burden for electricity consumed by someone else.

The ombudsman, however, held that the error in recording the readings did not extinguish the consumer's liability to pay for the actual electricity consumed. The revised assessment was based on the meter's downloaded data, the applicable slab-wise tariff and credit for payments already made, the order said.

The TNPDCL informed the ombudsman that the meter was in good working condition and that the error arose solely from the incorrect assessment and recording of readings. It also said the assessor responsible for the error had been placed under suspension and departmental action initiated against the officials concerned.

The department argued that, under the Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code, the registered consumer remained liable for the charges, particularly as advance intimation about leasing out the premises had not been given. It had allowed the revised amount to be paid in six monthly instalments.

The ombudsman noted that the CGRF had found that the assessor short-assessed consumption without physically inspecting the premises and had directed the department to take appropriate action against the staff concerned. However, it had rejected the consumer's request for a waiver.

As per the forecast from the Regional Meteorological Centre, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts received rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning from early Sunday morning.

Rain lashed Papanasam, Vikramasingapuram, Panagudi, Manur and surrounding areas, while Palayamkottai, Perumalpuram, Vannarpettai, Town and Thachanallur in Tirunelveli city also received heavy rain. Most people stayed indoors on the weekend holiday. In Manur, a cow died after being struck by lightning.

Inflow into the dams increased thanks to heavy rains in the Western Ghats. The level at Papanasam dam, which has a capacity of 143 feet, rose by a foot to nearly 56 feet. It is receiving 670 cubic feet of water per second. The level at the Servalar dam is 70.37 feet, and at the Manimuthar dam is 63.78 feet.

The Gundar dam, which has a capacity of 36 feet, has crossed 34 feet, with an inflow of 21 cubic feet per second. The level at Kadana dam is 60.50 feet, the Ramanathi dam at 52 feet and the Karuppanathi dam at 48 feet.
As of Sunday morning, Uthu recorded the highest rainfall in Tirunelveli district at 26 mm. Nalumukku recorded 23 mm, Kakkachi 17 mm, Papanasam 16 mm, Manjolai 11 mm, the Kodumudiyar dam area 5 mm, the Servalar dam area 5 mm, Manimuthar 4.20 mm and Radhapuram 3 mm.

In Tenkasi district, Gundar recorded the highest rainfall at 35 mm. Tenkasi and Sengottai recorded 15 mm each, Ramanathi 10 mm, Kadananathi 9 mm and Ayikudi 7 mm. As the flow increased in all the waterfalls at Courtallam and Manimuthar, tourists were barred from bathing there, disappointing many tourists who had arrived for the weekend.

Meanwhile, Thoothukudi remained cloudy from Sunday morning. A sudden heavy downpour around 11 am lasted about 30 minutes, followed by occasional drizzle. Rainwater stagnated in low-lying areas. To alert ships arriving at VOC Port, storm warning cage no. 1 was hoisted. Ships were advised to travel along safe routes, and fishermen who had gone deep-sea fishing were told to return to shore. All fishermen were advised not to venture out until October 29.

In Chennai, marches were organised at seven locations — Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur, Egmore, Korattur, Ayyappanthangal, Medavakkam and Chromepet. The Egmore procession began near the Ramada Hotel and proceeded towards Rajarathinam Stadium, where a public meeting was scheduled. BJP senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan attended the event and performed aarti to the saffron flag.

Talking to reporters at Egmore, Tamilisai Soundararajan criticised successive state governments for requiring the RSS to seek judicial intervention and urged the government to recognise it as a service organisation.

She alleged that while "drug abusers and culprits are roaming freely" in the state with "no law and order situation at all," the government ironically cites law and order concerns to deny permission for a peaceful march.

The BJP leader also hit out at political figures, including VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan and CPI(M) leader Shanmugam, accusing them of consistently painting a negative picture of the RSS.

"The true nature of RSS is mispropagated in Tamil Nadu," she said, urging the state government to recognise the RSS as a service organisation and grant permissions voluntarily for its activities in the future.

The remaining marches under the court-approved programme are scheduled for November 1, extending the RSS's centenary observances across the State.

In an announcement, AICTE said that some edtech companies advertise in newspapers, social media and TV, about courses in engineering, technology, management, applied arts and crafts, computer applications and more through conventional, open and distance learning and online modes.

“Such arrangements have no permission from the council,” it added, and advised students, parents and other stakeholders to verify the recognition status of institutions and courses in the AICTE official website. Also, AICTE has clarified that it would not approve any edtech companies that merely collaborated with a university or any educational institution, and entered into a partnership franchise arrangement. “Qualifications from unapproved institutions or programmes will not have the required recognition. Such programmes will not be acceptable for higher studies or jobs where AICTE approval is mandatory,” it stated.

The council has also provided a mechanism for students, parents who have already enrolled in such programmes to file complaints through its official website. The announcement comes amid educational institutions and private companies claiming to have entered into partnership and offering professional courses by using online and distance learning platforms.

The clarification came amid speculation that Dhanush could launch a political party named ‘Tamilaga Ezhuchi Kazhagam’ and allegations by Congress and other political critics that the BJP could be seeking to leverage his potential entry into Tamil Nadu politics.

Speaking to DT Next on condition of anonymity, a key office-bearer of the Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam denied any links with other political parties. “Even if there were any political association, we would not be foolish enough to openly use another party’s election symbol,” the functionary said, dismissing suggestions that the lamps indicated an understanding with the BJP.

The meeting, held at a private college in Semmancheri, was organised as part of efforts to strengthen the organisation’s statewide network. Though scheduled to begin at 11 am, the event commenced only around 3.30 pm, leaving several attendees who had arrived as early as 9 am waiting for hours to meet the actor.

Estimates of the turnout ranged from 3,000 to more than 5,000 women from across Tamil Nadu. Dhanush, dressed in a white shirt and veshti, posed for photographs with the functionaries and distributed silver Kamakshi lamps.

The actor’s address lasted barely a few minutes, falling short of expectations among supporters who had anticipated a more substantive interaction after the prolonged wait. According to attendees, he expressed happiness at meeting them, extended Deepavali wishes, advised them to study well and urged them to return home safely. He also reportedly sang a song.

The meeting comes amid a wider organisational restructuring, with Dhanush’s fan clubs being consolidated under the Narpani Iyakkam and new functionaries reportedly appointed across the State. Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam’s All India president Subramaniya Siva had announced the transition and unveiled its logo at a recent meeting in Coimbatore.

Dhanush’s organisational activities have fuelled speculation about a possible political entry, but he has made no formal announcement on launching a party or contesting elections.

The inflow into the 52-ft-high KRP dam rose to 2,382 cusecs on Sunday, pushing the water level to 48.75 ft. The entire surplus water has been released into Thenpennai river and irrigation channels to ensure the dam's safety. Authorities warned residents along the riverbanks to avoid crossing streams and taking livestock into water bodies.

As heavy rains continued, the police stopped tourists at the foothills of Yercaud in Salem on Sunday and turned back cars and two-wheelers amidst concerns of landslides along the ghat road. However, government and private buses continued to operate on the hill stretch. Salem District Collector K Elambahavath urged tourists to avoid visiting the hill station due to rains.

Meanwhile, heavy rain caused waterlogging in several parts of Krishnagiri town, with rainwater entering more than 10 houses on Nallathambi Street in the Old Town area. Residents struggled to remove water from their homes through the night. The old bus stand and several roads were also inundated. A temporary bridge across a channel at Savuttahalli village was damaged by floodwaters, cutting off road access to a village and forcing residents to take a five km detour.

Rajeswari (42) of Rayakottai was electrocuted after a live power cable snapped and fell on her while she was travelling pillion on a motorcycle during heavy rain.

The rider, Rajan, was injured and taken to hospital.
In Namakkal, a 50-ft stretch of the compound wall at the Collector's bungalow collapsed after heavy rain on Saturday night. Rains in Kolli Hills in Namakkal also triggered landslides and tree falls near the 21st hairpin bend, briefly disrupting traffic.

Salem has 13 of its 14 taluks in the overexploited category, while six of the nine taluks in Thanjavur, a key Cauvery delta district, have crossed the threshold. The findings highlight mounting pressure on groundwater resources used for agriculture, domestic consumption and other needs.

CGWB classifies an area as overexploited when annual groundwater extraction exceeds 100 per cent of the assessed annual resource available for extraction. Areas where extraction is above 90 per cent fall under the critical category.

In Salem, Thalaivasal recorded the highest extraction at 228.6 per cent, followed by Gangavalli at 192.5 per cent, Salem West at 172.3 per cent and Attur at 167.3 per cent.

Mettur, a key location along the Cauvery's course, was also classified as overexploited, with extraction at 119 per cent. Hill station Yercaud was the only taluk in the district not listed in the overexploited category.

The figures indicate that extraction in several taluks has substantially exceeded the assessed annual availability, raising concerns over the long-term sustainability of groundwater supplies and the vulnerability of local water sources to fluctuations in rainfall and recharge.

In Thanjavur, Tiruvidaimarudhur recorded groundwater extraction of 124.8 per cent, followed by Tiruvaiyaru at 110.9 per cent, Kumbakonam at 109.6 per cent and Orathanadu at 108.2 per cent. Papanasam and Pattukkottai were marginally above the threshold at 100.7 per cent and 100.1 per cent, respectively. Thanjavur taluk was classified as critical, with extraction at 92.3 per cent. This classification for an agrarian district is quite significant.

However, the assessment does not establish the extent of groundwater decline in individual wells or identify the specific causes of overexploitation in each taluk.

PR Pandian, general secretary of the Tamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam, told DT Next that around 13 lakh acres of agricultural land in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Tiruvarur districts depended on the Cauvery, while only around 2.5 lakh acres relied on groundwater.

Cauvery was the primary source of groundwater recharge in the delta, which lacked large lakes capable of supporting recharge on a substantial scale, he said. With a deficit in the southwest monsoon and inadequate Cauvery water releases this year, prospects for Samba cultivation had become uncertain, he added.

Pandian also expressed concern over hydrocarbon exploration by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which involves drilling to depths of around 10,000 feet in the delta. He alleged that such activities could contribute to concerns over seawater intrusion into groundwater in Nagapattinam district.

He urged the government to implement the Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project to protect the Delta's agricultural resources and improve water management.

Sundaresh Prasanna Chandran, climate activist and founder of Neer Vazhvu (neervazhvu.org), said Salem's groundwater stress underscored the need to improve access to surface water for irrigation.

Although the Mettur dam is located in Salem district, farmers in several parts of the district do not directly benefit from its water and remain heavily dependent on groundwater, he said, adding that this dependence was among the factors contributing to the high number of overexploited taluks in the district.

Chandran called for immediate measures, including the construction of a new canal to supply water to farmers in Salem. He also urged the government to promote water-efficient agricultural practices, including drip irrigation and the cultivation of crops requiring less water.

With the possibility of a strong El Niño event raising concerns over rainfall patterns and the risk of a dry summer in 2027, the government should act in advance to protect groundwater resources and prevent further depletion, he said.

The assessment underscores the need for district-specific water management measures, including improved groundwater recharge, tighter monitoring of extraction and greater access to sustainable irrigation sources to protect agriculture and long-term water security in Tamil Nadu.

The police identified the deceased as Naganandhini, daughter of Marudhupandi of Sundarapuram. According to the police, Naganandhini, along with her siblings Nagameena (13) and Sakthi Aravind (11), had gone to bathe in the tank near their house. It is said that the children regularly bathed there.

According to the villagers, the local panchayat had recently deepened the tank, and some portions were dug deep. Unaware of this recent infrastructure work carried out by the local panchayat, the children could not sense the sudden depth in those areas, said the police.

As Nagameena and Naganandhini drifted into a deep area, they were unable to keep their balance and began to drown, a police source said.

A shepherd nearby threw a saree towards them. Both caught hold of it, and he pulled them towards the bank with all his strength, but he could save only Nagameena. Sakthi, who was sitting on the shore, shocked by the incident, ran to inform his parents.

The parents and villagers hurried to the tank and searched for Naganandhini but could not save her. Villagers immediately informed the Kamuthi police, who recovered her body and sent it to the Government Hospital at Kamuthi for postmortem. The police have registered a case and are investigating.

Speaking at a family wedding of former minister KKSSR Ramachandran here on Sunday, Leoni invoked the Ramayana to highlight the continuing benefits of welfare schemes introduced by the previous DMK government.

"Just as Lord Ram's sandals ruled Ayodhya, the sandals you left behind are ruling Tamil Nadu today," he said, addressing Stalin.

Leoni cited the KMUT scheme for women, the breakfast scheme for school children and Metro Rail projects to argue that people continued to benefit from initiatives associated with the previous regime.

"People continue to remember you while benefiting from these schemes. In that sense, your sandals are ruling Tamil Nadu," he said.

Turning his attack on the TVK government, Leoni drew a parallel with the Ramayana episode in which Bharata placed Ram's sandals on the throne and governed Ayodhya during his elder brother's 14-year exile.

"Do not mistake the person in power for Bharata. Just as the sandals ruled for 14 years, this government will not last that long. It may survive for 14 weeks or 14 months," he said.

Leoni also expressed confidence that the DMK would bring the TVK government's tenure to an end and return to power, invoking the party's rising-sun (Udhayasuriyan) symbol.

Speaking to reporters in Madurai after attending a wedding, Tagore alleged that the BJP’s various operations over the years, including the present one, 'Plan C', were aimed at creating political turmoil in the State under the direction of the party’s leadership in Delhi.

The BJP’s main target was to capture the AIADMK’s vote bank, as the party’s DNA is strongly associated with cinema, he said.

Tagore said the BJP and RSS had first tried 'Plan A' with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran, but the people rejected them. They then tried to persuade actor Rajinikanth to launch a political party, but that did not materialise.

'Plan B’ was former BJP leader K Annamalai, who was given a new mask to leave the party and start an NGO-like movement, he said, adding that his actions and speech, however, remain in line with the BJP’s tone.

Tagore alleged that the current political moves, including the possible entry of another actor, were part of a larger strategy directed from Delhi, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah exercising remote control over political developments in Tamil Nadu.

Reiterating his confidence in the Congress-TVK alliance, he said the Congress, the IUML and the VCK had fought for secularism and social justice for several years, while the relatively young party TVK led by Vijay had gained public acceptance because of the actor’s personal popularity. The alliance is strong and would remain in power for a long time, he asserted.

Teachers said that the existing system of different pass marks based on community has resulted in thousands of candidates narrowly missing the qualifying mark, with at least 10,000 teachers reportedly failing the exam this time by marginal marks.

Teachers’ representatives said that a uniform qualifying mark would ensure fairness for those already working in schools and preparing for the eligibility test while continuing to discharge their teaching responsibilities. They also argued that reservation-based relaxation could be applied to fresh candidates appearing for the regular TET, rather than extending different qualifying thresholds to in-service teachers.

S Neelakandan, Tiruchy district secretary of TN Elementary Teachers Organisations-Joint Action Committee (TETO-JAC), said, “In-service teachers are facing difficulties preparing for the exam alongside their regular work. They have to take classes, complete academic responsibilities and prepare for the TET simultaneously. A uniform pass mark of 60 would be a fair approach for all in-service teachers, regardless of their community. The government should consider their working conditions and provide a level playing field.”

He also stressed for weightage marks for TNTET depending on the tenure of teachers. The demand comes after the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) announced the results of the Special TNTET, with 1.08 lakh candidates qualifying out of more than 2.20 lakh who appeared for the exam conducted in July. The overall pass percentage stood at 49.34%, while more than 1.11 lakh in-service teachers failed to clear the test.

Of the 59,535 candidates who appeared for Paper I, 47,628 qualified. In contrast, only 61,153 of the approximately 1.60 lakh candidates who took Paper II. Consequently, 11,907 candidates failed Paper I, while 99,776 candidates did not qualify in Paper II, highlighting the difficulties faced by graduate teachers.

An order issued by the Public (Special-A) Department on October 24 said she would take over the responsibility from P Amudha, who had been holding additional charge of the post. Lakshmi Priya will hold the additional charge until further orders.

Addressing a wedding ceremony hosted by former minister KKSSR Ramachandran at the Ramachandra Convention Centre in Tiruvanmiyur here, Stalin hit back at Vijay's repeated description of the DMK as a "theeya sakthi" (evil force), saying people now knew who the real evil force was.

"When our government was formed, I wanted its welfare measures to reach not only those who voted for us but also those who did not. But under the present government, even those who voted for it are in distress," Stalin said.

Alleging that incidents of murder, robbery, theft and sexual assault continued to make headlines, he recalled his earlier criticism of the government over sexual crimes and power cuts. "Now, the situation appears to be a competition between drug proliferation and sexual crimes," he said.

Stalin also praised Ramachandran for his long political career and service under MG Ramachandran, M Karunanidhi and his own government. Crediting the former minister with helping resolve land-title disputes, he said more than 21.5 lakh pattas had been distributed in Tamil Nadu.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said Ramachandran had remained a trusted lieutenant of the party leadership since joining the organisation and had consistently translated its decisions into action. She wished the newlyweds a long and harmonious life.

Former minister K Ponmudy praised Ramachandran's efforts to increase state revenue during his tenure as Revenue Minister and urged the couple to raise their children with love and values.

Former minister KN Nehru said Stalin treated party workers equally and attended their family functions irrespective of rank. Citing a Dharapuram meeting where 40,000 people reportedly attended despite seating arrangements for 26,000, he expressed confidence that Stalin would return as Chief Minister.

Former Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation chairman Dindigul I Leoni praised Stalin's leadership, citing welfare initiatives such as the KMUT scheme and Metro Rail services. He predicted an early end to the incumbent government.

Ramachandran urged party workers to sustain their enthusiasm and work towards bringing Stalin back to power.

The demands were raised at the organisation’s ‘Kelu TN Kelu’ protest held near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore on Sunday, where residents from Chennai, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Tirupattur, Erode, Madurai and other districts shared their experiences of living in homes that have become lower than adjoining roads.

“The problem persists even in newly issued road tenders, with provisions that allow roads to be relaid without removing the existing surface,” said Jayaram Venkatesan, coordinator, Arappor Iyakkam. 

The organisation said that contractors must be required to mill the old road surface before laying a new bituminous layer, in accordance with applicable guidelines. It also called for road elevations to be measured against mean sea level (MSL), with benchmark stones installed and measurements recorded in the Measurement Book (MBook) and published online before and after the work. Photographs and videos documenting the milling depth and elevation measurements should also be made mandatory.

“If road levels are raised in violation of the prescribed rules, payments to contractors should be withheld, contractors blacklisted and departmental action initiated against the officials responsible,” the organisation demanded.

The other recommendations include gradually lowering main roads in areas where their raised levels have left interior roads and homes at lower elevations, and setting up an expert committee to examine the problem and recommend solutions. The government should also provide compensation of up to Rs 40 lakh, calculated on a square-foot basis, to each household affected by raised roads.

“We’ve met officials and representatives of the departments concerned, including the Rural Development Department and the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. They have indicated that orders would be issued, but none has come out so far,” he added. “Issuing circulars alone is not enough. The government must monitor road works on the ground to ensure compliance.”

Arappor said that it had raised the issue with the government earlier, including through a report released in August, and would continue its campaign until the authorities issued directions and ensured that they were followed.

SEVEN SUGGESTIONS

• Mill the old road surface before laying a new bituminous layer

• Meaure road elevations against mean sea level (MSL), with benchmark stones installed and measurements recorded in the Measurement Book (MBook) and published online before and after the work

• Take photos, videos documenting the milling depth

• Elevation measurements should be made mandatory

• Lower main roads gradually in areas where raised levels have left interior roads and homes at lower elevations

• Set up expert committee to recommend solutions

• Provide compensation of up to Rs 40 lakh, calculated on a square-foot basis, to each household affected by raised roads

The award was presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal at the India Urban Mobility Conference and Exhibition 2026, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. MTC Managing Director VP Jeyaseelan received the award on behalf of the corporation.

MTC operates 4,100 buses, including around 755 electric buses, across 687 routes in Chennai and its suburban areas. The award recognises measures taken by the corporation to improve the financial sustainability and efficiency of public transport operations. Under the Chennai City Partnership – Sustainable Urban Services Programme (CCP-SUSP), supported by the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB), MTC receives performance-based Viability Gap Funding (VGF).

The funding is linked to the achievement of specified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including bus operational efficiency, service reliability, and the utilisation of personnel and vehicles. The eligibility target for the funding has been increased from 10% in 2023–24 to 100% in 2026–27.

The financial support is being utilised for measures including depot infrastructure and employee welfare, with the aim of improving MTC operational efficiency and the quality of public transport services.

Sources told DT Next that the woman is an Indian national, and added that the intelligence sources believed she was collecting information for Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The accused, Babu (52), from Keezhvallam village near Kaniyambadi in Vellore, served in the Indian Army for 28 years and retired last year as a Captain from its equipment division and settled in his native village of Keezhvallam.

According to preliminary information, an unidentified woman contacted Babu through WhatsApp approximately a year ago and established closer contact before gradually asking him for information related to the Indian Army.

Babu reportedly shared the information, and whenever he did not know certain details, he allegedly contacted Army offices over the phone to obtain the information and subsequently passed it on to the woman. He is suspected of leaking confidential military information and details concerning Army equipment over the past year. Army officials reportedly grew suspicious of his activities and questioned him in person with the assistance of central intelligence agencies.

During the investigation, it allegedly emerged that Babu had been sharing various military-related details with the unidentified woman over the past year. Central intelligence officials detained Babu for questioning on Friday and handed him over to the Vellore Rural police station on Saturday night.

The Vellore police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations. Investigators are now working to identify the woman who allegedly contacted Babu and obtained the confidential information. They are also examining who was operating the WhatsApp account and whether any foreign nationals or overseas organisations were involved in the suspected information leak.

( Bureau with inputs from agency )

In a condolence message, Vijay said Damu had brought the art of cooking to the masses through his culinary expertise and distinctive approach on television.

“He set a Guinness World Record in 2010 for the longest cooking marathon by an individual and was also honoured with the Padma Shri. His demise is a great loss to the culinary world,” the Chief Minister said.

Vijay also expressed his condolences to Damu’s bereaved family, relatives, friends and admirers of culinary arts, and conveyed his sympathies to them in their hour of grief.

Damu, 72, died in Chennai on Sunday after a period of illness. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to the culinary arts

Indicating that Aavin has suspended the production of over 100 dairy products, including butter, paneer and milk powder, which enjoy immense demand among consumers, he said it is "deeply shocking".

The PMK leader, citing a media report, said, "It is condemnable that Aavin, a premier state-owned cooperative enterprise that ought to be built up to compete with the likes of Amul, is being allowed to deteriorate to this extent."

In a statement, he said Aavin enjoys widespread public trust and demand for all its products, including milk. However, Aavin is currently struggling to meet market demands, he claimed.

"While currently fulfilling only 15 per cent to 16 per cent of the state's total milk requirement, Aavin has now completely stopped manufacturing several value-added products," he claimed, adding, "Out of more than 230 dairy products previously produced and marketed by Aavin, production of items such as paneer, butter, various milkshakes, milk powder, dry fruit powders (almond, pistachio, walnut mixes), cookies, and chocolates has been suspended in recent times."

Anbumani said, "It remains unclear what operational bottlenecks prevent Aavin from meeting the huge public demand for butter, paneer, ghee, and flavoured cold beverages."

He said in 2021, Aavin’s daily milk procurement touched a peak of 41 lakh litres. However, procurement gradually declined to 28 lakh litres per day by August this year. Following an increase in procurement prices from Rs 38 to Rs 44 per litre, procurement recently recovered to around 32 lakh litres per day.

"Therefore, the state government must immediately set up an expert committee to analyse Aavin’s current operations and recommend steps to ensure its financial health and profitability," he said, adding, "In the interim, Aavin must ensure that all varieties of milk, paneer, butter, ghee, and other dairy products are produced and distributed to consumers at full capacity."

The signature drive is being spearheaded by district secretary Siva and constituency secretary Mary Divya. Launching the campaign on behalf of the party's state committee, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the party, along with other Left and democratic forces, has consistently raised its voice against the move.

Appealing to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Veerapandian emphasised the traditional rights of fishermen over coastal lands. "The sea and the coastal regions belong to the people who live in harmony with it -- the fishing community," he said.

Drawing a parallel to hill-dwellers, he warned that evicting the fishing community from their native coastal areas would destroy their livelihoods and strip the region of its essence.

The CPI leader also raised strong environmental concerns, terming any construction on the beach that obstructs the sea breeze an "attack on nature". He asserted that the beach is a public space where no buildings should be erected, noting that such infrastructure contradicts global environmental politics.

Dismissing the notion that the government lacks alternative locations for the administrative complex, Veerapandian suggested that the state utilise existing spaces.

"The government should not think there is no land available to build a Secretariat. Today, 120 acres of land is available at the race course," he noted, urging the state to pursue an alternative plan that does not displace the public.

 Cyclone warning signal no. 1 has been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as strong winds prevail amid the likelihood of a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal, according to officials.

The ports where the warning signal has been hoisted are Chennai, Ennore, Kattupalli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Pamban, Puducherry, Nagapattinam and Karaikal.

Red alert for Theni, Dindigul, Madurai amid heavy rain forecast for TN

A red alert has been issued for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts, with the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday as the northeast monsoon remains vigorous over Tamil Nadu.

The three districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain at one or two locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

As deep depression forms, IMD warns of heavy rain in Chennai, across Tamil Nadu from today

A depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression and further develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next two days.

The system, moving west-northwestwards, is expected to intensify as it approaches the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is likely in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Karur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Sivaganga, besides Karaikal.

Over 150 school students rescued after landslide blocks Ooty road

Rescue personnel rescued over 150 school students trapped by a landslide on the Mettupalayam-Ooty road by using ropes. Landslides at more than 10 locations along the Udhagamandalam road have completely disrupted traffic.

Bus driver killed, conductor injured as mudslide, uprooted trees hit TNSTC bus in Nilgiris

A bus driver was killed and the conductor seriously injured after a mudslide and uprooted trees fell on a TNSTC bus near Burliar in the Nilgiris district on Saturday, police said.

The incident occurred in the early hours when the bus was travelling from Coonoor to Mettupalayam amid heavy rain.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus was driven by Janagaraj, a resident of Kooratty village near Ooty, while Kesavan was the conductor, police said.

The bus had three passengers, who got off at Kurumpadi shortly before it reached Burliar. Only the driver and conductor were on board when the mudslide struck, police said.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Rain forecast till 1 pm in six Tamil Nadu districts

Light to moderate rain accompanied by light thunder and lightning is likely in six Tamil Nadu districts till 1 pm on Saturday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai.

The six districts likely to receive rain are the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Krishnagiri and Salem.

Schools closed in Tamil Nadu's Erode district today

Due to heavy rain, all schools in Erode district (government, aided, and private) are closed today (October 24).

Well-marked low-pressure over Bay likely to intensify into depression today

The low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, reported on Friday, has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area as of 5.30 am on Saturday, October 24, according to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26.

According to the IMD, the well-marked low-pressure area is likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. It is then expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression on October 25 before becoming a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.

Heavy downpours lash Tamil Nadu, roads flooded; Virudhunagar teen killed in wall collapse

Heavy showers caused waterlogging in low-lying areas across Tamil Nadu, and districts such as Madurai and Virudhunagar received bounteous rain, bringing down temperatures in the region.

A 17-year-old girl died, and her mother was injured after a wall of their rented house collapsed due to heavy rains at Mettamalai near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Thursday night, police said on Friday. Sattur and its surrounding areas had experienced heavy downpours for over five hours prior to the collapse.

The deceased was identified as Muthuchelvi, a Class 12 student. Her mother, Solaiyammal, who sustained injuries in the incident, was admitted to the Sattur GH.

Meanwhile, the water level in the state's 89 reservoirs stood at 27.9% of their total capacity as on October 22, retaining 62.53 TMC against a capacity of 224.3 TMC. The storage rose by 1.02 TMC in the last 24 hours, but remained 134.4 TMC below the corresponding period last year, sources said.

The IMD said that a low-pressure area formed over East Central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday is most likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on October 24. Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning.

Heavy rain leaves Madurai under water, hundreds of homes flooded; Rs 23 crore drainage projects planned

Heavy rain that lashed Madurai district for more than four to five hours from Thursday evening inundated hundreds of houses, flooded major roads and severely disrupted traffic, leaving residents struggling to access essential services.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, several low-lying areas, including Sellur, Mattuthavani Vegetable Market, Koripalayam, Anna Nagar and Periyar Bus Stand, were submerged in knee-deep water following the downpour. In Sellur, floodwaters entered hundreds of houses along the 50-foot and 60-foot road stretches, causing considerable hardship to residents overnight.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced plans to undertake drainage projects worth ₹23 crore to address recurring waterlogging near Madurai Railway Station and along the Masi streets. Officials said the projects would be launched soon to improve rainwater drainage in these flood-prone areas.

What is the current TN weather status?

The low-pressure area that formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning persisted over the same region, with its associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its Friday afternoon bulletin. 

The system is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, the IMD added. 

The system is then expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named Arnab, as suggested by Bangladesh.

The IMD also reported that the low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region persists, with a trough extending across Kerala to the north coastal Tamil Nadu coast.

Red alert for extremely heavy rain in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli today (October 23)

The Regional Meterological Centre (RMC) has issued a red alert for Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Friday (October 23). Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Theni districts.

Heavy rain is forecast in Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Villuppuram, Tiruppur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Very heavy rain forecast in several districts

The RMC has forecast very heavy rain (11.6–20.4 cm in 24 hours) at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday (October 23), warranting an orange alert, while a yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain (6.5–11.5 cm) in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Erode and Tiruppur, besides Puducherry and Karaikal.

On Saturday (October 24), very heavy rain is likely in Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Tirunelveli district.

On Sunday (October 25), very heavy rain is forecast in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Theni districts. Heavy rain is likely in several other districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Madurai and Tiruppur.

On Monday (October 26), very heavy rain is likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts.

Bay Of Bengal low-pressure area may intensify into cyclone by October 26

With widespread rainfall continuing across Tamil Nadu, a new low-pressure area that formed over the Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Friday (October 23) is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system has formed under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is likely to intensify into a depression on Saturday (October 24), a deep depression on Sunday (October 25), and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday (October 26).

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Arnab’, as suggested by Bangladesh.

Under the influence of this system, further heavy rain is likely across Tamil Nadu. The RMC has forecast very heavy rainfall of 11.6–20.4 cm at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts on Friday.

Meanwhile, another low-pressure area that was over the Comorin region and adjoining parts of south Tamil Nadu and Kerala has moved over the southwest Arabian Sea, off the south Kerala coast, on Friday morning, according to the IMD.

Schools closed in four Tamil Nadu districts today

Schools in Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Vellore districts have been declared closed on Friday (October 23) due to heavy rain. In Tiruvannamalai district, Collector Vandana Garg has declared a holiday for both schools and colleges.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu have been experiencing widespread heavy rain since Thursday night, prompting the respective district administrations to announce the closures.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu continued to receive rain on Thursday (October 22) as the northeast monsoon remained active, swelling waterfalls and boosting reservoir levels across the State. Heavy overnight showers caused waterlogging in parts of Chennai and several southern districts, with Sankarankoil among the worst-affected areas.

Key updates from TN districts on October 22:

-- Kanniyakumari: Schools closed after heavy overnight rain, thunder and lightning. Homes inundated in Kollamcode.

-- Tirunelveli and Tenkasi: Rain holidays already announced for schools.

-- Madurai: Heavy rain has submerged over 140 acres of newly planted paddy fields. Farmers blame undredged irrigation canals for crop damage and are seeking compensation from the State government.

-- Cauvery delta: Farmers said initial showers were sporadic and insufficient to sustain the samba paddy crop.

-- Reservoir storage: Northeast monsoon rains have boosted inflows into drinking water reservoirs and irrigation dams. Chennai’s six key reservoirs have reached 37% of their combined capacity. Vaigai dam stands at 44.88 feet, Mullaperiyar at 116.90 feet, Papanasam at 48 feet and Perunchani at 44.35 feet.

---- PTI

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• Heavy to very heavy rain: Forecast in 17 districts, including Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam, over the next 24 hours.

• Heavy rain: Expected in 10 districts, including Tiruvallur, Villuppuram, Cuddalore and Tiruppur.

• Chennai: Moderate rain likely over the next two days, with heavy downpours possible on October 24 and 25.

READ FULL REPORT

What is the current TN weather status?

An official told PTI that the low-pressure area remained active over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast since October 21 evening. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and under its influence a low-pressure area is likely to form over Southeast and adjoining East central Bay of Bengal around October 23. Then it is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further.

Meteorologists are also tracking a secondary upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea. This separate system is forecast to move west-northwestward and likely consolidate into a second low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around Friday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours in districts including Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.

Low-pressure over Bay to bring heavy rain to Tamil Nadu; Chennai to get moderate showers for 3 days

A low-pressure area has formed over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast and it will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across the State. Under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation, the system developed on Wednesday and continues to persist over the same region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai and the Karaikal area on Thursday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Monsoon safety advisory for public, EB staff

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued a set of safety guidelines for the public and electricity department employees during the northeast monsoon, warning of the risk of electrical leakage, accidents and fatalities caused by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning.

• Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

• Do not touch or remove snapped power lines on roads or in water

• Maintain a safe distance, warn others, particularly children, and alert the department

• Tree branches on power lines should not be cut or removed by the public.

• During thunderstorms and lightning, take shelter in safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles and overhead wires.

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

• Do not operate electrical appliances with wet hands or touch damp switches and water-leaking walls.

• If any electrical leakage, disconnect power supply but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

• Do not dry clothes on those wires or use them to support banners and temporary structures.

• Install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) through qualified electricians

• Do a periodic check of your home wiring and protective devices

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

For power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damage to electricity infrastructure, call Minnagam 94987 94987 by phone or WhatsApp

EB staff must obtain the necessary permission before undertaking electrical work, verify that the power supply has been disconnected and follow prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, before carrying out repairs.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts.

• Repair work in waterlogged areas should begin only after a proper safety inspection.

• Field staff must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines.

• Barricades and warning signs must be installed around hazardous locations to prevent public access.

• Priority should be given to restoring power to drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places.

• Staff must keep poles, wires, transformers, repair equipment, protective gear and vehicles ready for emergencies.

• Avoidhazardous work during heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

• Repairs should be undertaken only after ensuring the safety of personnel, with prompt coordination among field teams to address emergency complaints.

Chennai rains: Waterlogging, uprooted trees, battered roads greet denizens after overnight showers

Heavy overnight rainfall on Tuesday damaged the city’s main and interior roads, severely disrupting the morning commute. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, which were drained only by 11 am.

In AGS Colony, 3rd Main Road and the interior streets of Velachery, stagnated water took much longer to recede. Similarly, in Subramania Nagar 2nd Street and adjoining streets in Kodambakkam, trees were uprooted in several places and removed later.

In the morning, Bazullah Road in T Nagar, Taramani-Velachery Road, OMR, Aziz Nagar, Subramaniyan Nagar and School Road in Valluvar Kottam were waterlogged. Trees were also uprooted on Police Quarters Road in T Nagar and on 11th Street, TNHB Colony, Korattur, and later it was cleared.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Potholes plague Tambaram-Velachery road

The Tambaram-Velachery Road has been riddled with potholes for several months due to delays in pipeline-laying work for a seawater desalination project. Recent northeast monsoon rains have filled the potholes and excavated trenches with water, making them difficult to spot and disrupting traffic. The stretch, which connects Tambaram and Guindy and passes through several residential areas, educational institutions and commercial hubs, has also witnessed frequent accidents.

Last night, a private hospital ambulance lost control after hitting a water-filled pothole, struck a median and overturned. The driver and a nurse sustained injuries and were taken to Tambaram District Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. No patient was inside the vehicle at the time. Residents have urged authorities to speed up the pipeline work and restore the damaged road. The Highways Department said repairs could begin only after the pipeline work is completed and the road is handed back to it.

Chennai streets inundated after overnight heavy rain spell

Parts of Chennai were flooded, and streets were inundated after a night of heavy rain. The city recorded an overall average rainfall of 70.25 mm over the 24 hours ending at 6 am on October 21.

Chennai Corporation to spend Rs 21.80 crore on pothole repairs

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is carrying out pothole repair work across all 15 zones at an estimated cost of Rs 21.80 crore as a precautionary measure ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Rs 9.25 crore has been allocated for repairs on bus routes and Rs 12.55 crore for internal roads. The work involves filling potholes using concrete and tar mixtures, in line with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's instructions.

So far, 4,691 potholes have been filled and repaired across Zones 1 to 15. The Corporation said the repair work is still under way.

Heavy rain continues in Chennai as rain clouds move towards city, says Tamil Nadu Weatherman

Pradeep John who runs the Tamil Nadu Weatherman handle has warned that rainfall is likely to increase across Chennai as rain clouds move towards the city.

In a post on his X account, Pradeep John said several locations in the Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram (KTCC) region had recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, putting the region at the top of Tamil Nadu's rainfall chart.

He said more rain clouds were moving towards Chennai and several places in the city could cross the 100-mm mark before 8.30 am. By the time rainfall readings are reset at 8.30 am, some locations could record between 100 mm and 150 mm of rain, he added.

Rainfall likely to increase

The rain clouds moving towards Chennai are expected to increase rainfall across the city. The weather system is bringing rain at a time when many people are returning to Chennai from their hometowns after the holidays.

Puzhal lake storage crosses 5 TMC

Meanwhile, the water storage in Puzhal Lake, one of Chennai's key drinking water reservoirs, has crossed 5 TMC as of October 21, 2026.

Pradeep John said the lake was receiving a good inflow because of its proximity to Chennai. However, more rainfall is needed in the catchment area to sustain the inflow.

He added that light rainfall was expected over the next three days, which could help maintain a steady inflow into the reservoir.

City logs 1,212 rain-related complaints in 24 hours, GCC deploys extra pumps

Up to 5 am on October 21, a total of 1,212 complaints were registered. The majority pertained to waterlogging and inundation, alongside over 50 grievances concerning tree falls and non-functional streetlights, commissioner said.  Most waterlogging and tree-falling complaints have already been cleared. Streetlight repairs have been mandated for resolution within 24 hours. Complaints are strictly closed in the system only after field engineers upload before-and-after photographs.

The majority of complaints originated from the Core City region attributed to higher population density and awareness of the 1913 helpline alongside inputs from North Chennai zones like Manali and Madhavaram.

Complaints continue to be tracked across multiple channels, including the 1913 helpline, social media, the online web portal, the PGR mobile app, and media reports, he added.

RMC issues rain alert till 10 am

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued an alert valid until 10 am forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipettai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagappattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts, as well as Karaikal and Puducherry

Overnight heavy rain spell in Chennai

Very heavy rainfall, recorded in three areas, led by Vadapalani with 132.9 mm, Saidapet with 125.2 mm, and Alandur with 119.4 mm. Heavy to moderate spells at Maduravoyal recorded 112.5 mm, Madipakkam saw 114.6 mm, Valasaravakkam logged 109.6 mm, Nungambakkam recorded 106.8 mm, Adyar registered 104.1 mm, and Korattur hit 96 mm.

TN rain forecast: Here are the details

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today (October 21) and tomorrow (October 22), followed by isolated to scattered rainfall between October 23 and October 26.

Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts on Thursday.

Under similar wind conditions, heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at one or two places over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, as well as the Karaikal area.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dipping to 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Holidays declared in schools in 5 Tamil Nadu districts on Wednesday (October 21)

CHENNAI: Schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts will remain closed on Wednesday (October 21) following heavy overnight rain, with district collectors announcing a holiday.

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts through the night, while the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast further rainfall.

Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast persists, with a low-pressure area likely to form over the same region within the next 12 hours, according to the Indian Meteorological Department's bulletin on Tuesday night.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar is likely to move into the north Andaman Sea by today morning. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23 and intensify over the following three days.

Due to the twin weather systems, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, the RMC has forecast. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are likely at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the ports where the warning signal has been hoisted are Chennai, Ennore, Kattupalli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Pamban, Puducherry, Nagapattinam and Karaikal.

The low-pressure area that formed over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday. It is expected to strengthen into a depression and subsequently a deep depression on Sunday before developing into a cyclone on Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system is forecast to move west-northwestwards and intensify further. It may cross the coast near Andhra Pradesh over the central-west Bay of Bengal on the morning of October 28.

No 1 cyclone warning signal: What it means

Cyclone warning signals numbered 1 to 11 are hoisted at ports to indicate potential weather threats and their severity. A No 1 signal indicates that weather conditions favourable for the formation of a cyclone exist, with strong winds expected in the vicinity, but the port itself is not expected to be affected.

During the daytime, warning signals are displayed using cone-shaped structures made of bamboo, while coloured lights are used at night.

The three districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain at one or two locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

The warning comes amid widespread rainfall across the state and the strengthening of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal.

An orange alert has also been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchi, Karur, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Sivaganga districts, besides the Karaikal region.

These areas are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunder and lightning.

The forecast places southern districts under particular scrutiny, while several central, delta, and western districts also face the prospect of intense rainfall.

The alerts indicate that the severity of rain is expected to vary across the affected regions.

According to the weather department’s report, the Nilgiris recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday. Burliar registered the highest rainfall of 25 centimetres, followed by Lower Kotagiri Estate with 20 centimetres and Coonoor with 17 centimetres.

The substantial rainfall in the hill district adds to concerns over the continuing monsoon spell, with further heavy rain forecast for the Nilgiris and neighbouring western districts covered by the orange alert.

Meanwhile, the low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday and subsequently developed into a depression, the department said.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression on Sunday. It could intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning. Thereafter, the weather system is likely to continue moving west-northwestwards and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28.

The forecast describes the system’s expected movement and intensification over the sea. It does not specify a landfall location or time.

With the northeast monsoon active and the Bay of Bengal system gathering strength, the department’s latest forecast points to another spell of intense rain across multiple parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

By Tuesday, it is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm. As it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coastline on October 28, it may intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm. The system originated as a well-marked low-pressure area on October 24 before concentrating into a depression.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) projects the cyclone to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, packing sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.

A separate low-pressure area originally over the Southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep now rests over the Southeast Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 3.1 km above mean sea level.

On Monday, heavy to very heavy rain was predicted in Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts. Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph is likely across Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam.

On Tuesday, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely at isolated places in Ramanathapuram district. Moderate rainfall with thunderstorm activity is expected across the remaining parts of south Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats districts. Light rain at a few places, with thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places, is likely to occur over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the Karaikal areas.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected at isolated places across the Western Ghats districts on October 29 and 30.

Recalling an incident in Theni’s Cumbum, Udhayanidhi alleged that an MLA belonging to the ruling TVK had left the spot when people questioned the sale of polished rice.

He alleged that despite Tamil Nadu having 2.28 crore ration cards, the rice was being sold in only 250 locations, with a limit of 5 kg per family.

He also questioned the government’s decision to sell fine-quality rice at cooperative stores, “When did the government float a tender to procure fine-quality rice for sale at cooperative stores? How many companies participated in the tender? The government should answer these questions without any polish.”

A woman had filed a complaint at the Puzhal Police Station in July alleging that Rajapandian had attempted to misbehave with her.

Based on that complaint, the police registered a case under the provisions of the Women Harassment Prevention Act and BNS and had been conducting an investigation. In connection with this case, the police had obtained a signature from Rajapandian on a bond of assurance that he would not harass the woman.

But, a few days ago he had violated the assurance after which a police team went to his house on Friday to conduct an inquiry. Upon seeing the police, Rajapandian went to the third floor of the house to escape from them. From there, Rajapandian jumped onto the cement roof of the neighbouring house.

In that process, the cement roof collapsed and shattered, leaving Rajapandian with grievous injuries. Police took him to the Periyar Nagar Government Hospital. After first aid there, he was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, where he died. Further investigations are underway.

Employees who fail to submit the returns within the stipulated deadline will be treated as having violated the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973.

The instructions were issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government in a communication dated August 5, 2026, and subsequently circulated by the School Education Department. The directive follows amendments to Rule 7 (3) of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, which require government employees to file details of their movable and immovable properties, debts and other liabilities annually through the online portal. The submission requirement applies to employees under the respective departments, excluding All India Service officers.

The IFHRMS portal provides separate forms to declare different categories of assets and liabilities. Employees must enter details of immovable properties, including land, buildings, flats and individual houses, in Form I. Movable assets, such as two-wheelers, four-wheelers, jewellery and bank deposits, must be declared in Form II. Debts and other liabilities must be reported in Form III.

To submit the returns, employees must complete all three forms, review the information, make corrections if necessary, confirm the declaration and submit the statement. Employees can download the final report for their records.

The government has also clarified that the date of submission must be mentioned in employees’ annual confidential reports. Filing the statement is also a consideration for preparing promotion panels.

Going forward, employees must submit details of assets and liabilities held as of December 31 every year by March 31 of the following calendar year. For instance, the return for 2026 must be filed by March 31, 2027. Employees have been advised to keep their IFHRMS login credentials secure and ensure timely compliance.

The system, moving west-northwestwards, is expected to intensify as it approaches the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is likely in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Karur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Sivaganga, besides Karaikal.

Isolated heavy rain is also expected in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Erode, Virudhunagar, Kanniyakumari and Puducherry.

On Monday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue in Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts. Isolated heavy rain accompanied by squally winds is forecast in The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 25 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to remain near normal until October 28.

The IMD has warned of hazardous sea conditions as the system intensifies. The sea is likely to be very rough to high over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from Sunday morning, becoming high to very high over the west-central and east-central Bay of Bengal between October 26 and 28. Rough to very rough conditions are also expected along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep waters and to plan their activities strictly in accordance with official advisories through October 28.

Expressing grief over the incident, the minister said, "I have spent a great deal of time trying to address this issue and uproot it," reiterating the need to tackle discrimination and ensure students' emotional well-being.

The boy, A Akilan, was a Class 11 student at a school in Peelamedu, Coimbatore. According to reports, his parents alleged that he had faced caste-based discrimination by fellow students and was distressed about attending school. The allegations are being investigated by the police.

Emphasising the importance of students' mental health, Rajmohan said the School Education Department would focus on addressing the emotional well-being of students and preventing such incidents.

"The emotional well-being of students is paramount, and focus will be placed on addressing that. We have to ensure that students respond and not react to situations," the minister said.

The incident has renewed concerns over caste-based discrimination and the need for schools to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment. The allegations have also raised questions about the support available to students facing harassment and emotional distress.

The minister's assurance comes amid calls for a thorough investigation and accountability in the case. The police are examining the circumstances surrounding the boy's death and the allegations made by his family.

Stalin held a consultative meeting at Anna Arivalayam with party principal secretary KN Nehru and district secretaries concerned with the five constituencies facing bypolls. He asked the functionaries to identify suitable candidates and submit their names to the party high command.
The meeting focused on Tiruchirappalli East, Viralimalai, Karur, Perundurai and Ambasamudram constituencies.

For Tiruchirappalli East, which fell vacant following the resignation of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Stalin consulted Nehru and Tiruchirappalli South district secretary Anbil Mahesh.

He also held discussions with Pudukkottai North district secretary KK Chellapandian and Karur district secretary V Senthilbalaji regarding the Viralimalai and Karur constituencies, respectively. These seats fell vacant following the resignations of AIADMK MLAs MR Vijayabhaskar and C Vijayabaskar.

For Perundurai and Ambasamudram, Erode South district secretary S Muthusamy and Tirunelveli West district secretary R Avudaiyappan were consulted, respectively. The constituencies fell vacant following the resignations of AIADMK MLAs S Jayakumar and Esakki Subaya.

Stalin instructed the district-level functionaries to identify eligible candidates and forward their names to the party leadership for consideration.

The DMK leadership is closely watching the five constituencies, particularly those in and around the Tiruchirappalli region. Apart from Tiruchirappalli East, the other four constituencies were won by the AIADMK in the previous Assembly election.

Following the party's performance in two recently concluded Assembly bypolls, the DMK leadership is confident of its prospects in the forthcoming contests.

The bypolls are expected to see a four-cornered contest involving the ruling TVK, AIADMK, DMK and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).

In a circular issued by Additional Director Rajashekar, the department said employees and officials should submit applications concerning their grievances and demands to the head of the department through the proper official channel.

"Approaching Ministers, MLAs or Muthalvarin Mugavari and the CM Cell, bypassing the official channel, will be viewed as a violation of civil service rules. Such practices should be avoided. Staff and officials who violate these instructions will face disciplinary action under the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules," the circular stated.

The circular also cited the Tamil Nadu Government Servants' Conduct Rules, which prohibit government servants from bringing or attempting to bring political or outside influence to bear on any superior authority to further their interests in matters relating to their service under the government.

The department reiterated that employees must follow the prescribed administrative procedures while raising service-related grievances and seeking redressal.

Minister for Law and Energy Resources R Nirmalkumar on Saturday dismissed reports of Vijay's proposed visit, saying the helipad being constructed at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district was intended for the Vice-President's visit. He said the government had not planned the Chief Minister's visit this year, citing the large crowds expected at the annual commemoration.

"There is no truth in reports that Chief Minister Vijay will visit Pasumpon for Thevar Jayanthi. The helipad is being constructed for the Vice-President's visit," Nirmalkumar told reporters after paying tributes at the Marudhu Pandiyar memorial in Tiruppattur.

He said additional road facilities were being created to manage the crowds expected for the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and his 64th Guru Pooja.

However, a senior TVK leader offered a different perspective, pointing to the political implications of the Chief Minister's absence from community commemorations.

"Vijay did not personally visit Paramakudi for Immanuel Sekaran's death anniversary, although there were moves to bring him to Pasumpon for Thevar Jayanthi. If he is seen as missing one community, the Devendrakula Vellalars, while recognising and respecting another, the Mukkulathors, it could backfire on the party and affect our future electoral calculations. That is the real reason for the decision. Public safety is not the issue; as Chief Minister, he can manage the arrangements," the party leader told DT Next.

Vijay did not personally attend the September 11 commemoration of Immanuel Sekaran's 69th death anniversary at Paramakudi. Ministers Nirmalkumar and KG Arunraj paid floral tributes there on his behalf, while Vijay honoured Sekaran in a social media post.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal reviewed security arrangements at Pasumpon on Saturday. More than 18,000 police personnel are to be deployed across four southern districts for the October 30 event.

In a statement, Anbumani said the government's decision to end the long wait of farmers and allocate a subsidy of Rs 127.56 crore for the connections was welcome. However, he stressed that the annual allocation must be increased to one lakh connections to clear the backlog within four years.

Anbumani said 47,554 farmers had applied under the Tatkal Scheme following the DMK government's 2025 announcement, paying between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 4 lakh for connections. He also pointed out that 12,566 farmers had applied under the scheme in 2023, but the government had failed to provide connections despite collecting more than Rs 1,250 crore from them.

In August, he had urged the government to provide connections to all 4.6 lakh waiting farmers, including 60,000 Tatkal applicants and four lakh applicants under the regular scheme. PMK Legislature Party leader Sowmya Anbumani subsequently raised the demand in the Assembly, following which the Electricity Minister gave an assurance, he said.

Welcoming the partial fulfilment of the PMK's demand, Anbumani said many farmers had been waiting for more than 13 years. He urged the government to increase the annual allocation to one lakh connections and ensure that all eligible applicants received free agricultural electricity within four years.

His postings included Assistant Collector (Training) in Tirunelveli, Sub-Collector in Devakottai and Nagapattinam, Collector of the Nilgiris, Director of Survey and Settlement, Joint Secretary in the Finance Department, Commissioner and Secretary of Planning and Development, and Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE).

He also served as Chairman of the Second State Finance Commission, Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO).

His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Karpagam Gardens, Adyar. The final rites will be held at the Besant Nagar crematorium at 11 am on Sunday.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay condoled his death. In a post on X, the Chief Minister recalled Sukavaneshvar's service to the government in various capacities and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.