The mission will follow the planned relaunch of OrbitAID's AayulSAT-1 satellite in early November 2026 aboard the SSLV L1, described as the first operational flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The spacecraft will demonstrate fuel and power transfer technologies, paving the way for the company's more advanced satellite servicing mission.

AayulSAT-1, named after the Tamil word 'Aayul' meaning lifespan, was previously launched aboard the PSLV-C62 in January 2026. However, the spacecraft could not complete its mission following the launch failure.

OrbitAID plans to launch AayulSAT-2A and AayulSAT-2B aboard an Indian launch vehicle in February 2027. Weighing approximately 70 kg each, the two spacecraft will be placed in low Earth orbit before separating to demonstrate a series of complex operations, including rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, refuelling and power transfer.

The mission will explore two approaches to satellite servicing. In the first, the spacecraft will demonstrate refuelling a satellite equipped with OrbitAID's SIDRP refuelling interface.

R Sakthikumar, founder and CEO of OrbitAID, told DT Next that during the mission, the chaser spacecraft would perform a series of orbital manoeuvres to approach and dock with the target satellite. "We will use our proprietary ARCAS docking mechanism, which is designed to connect with a satellite's standard Launch Adapter Ring (LAR). Once docking is completed, the spacecraft will deploy our SIDRP robotic arm to demonstrate the refuelling process. We will then test the spacecraft's ability to function like a jetpack, using its own propulsion system to change its orbit and provide propulsion support," Sakthikumar said.;

He added that as part of this demonstration, the chaser spacecraft will raise its orbit and subsequently return to its original altitude. These manoeuvres will help OrbitAID validate the key technologies required for future satellite servicing and in-orbit refuelling missions.

"If this demonstration is successful, we plan to develop larger versions of our spacecraft to service and refuel satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO), where several communication, broadcasting and weather satellites operate," he told DT Next.

Sakthikumar explained that once the satellites exhaust fuel, they may have to be retired even when their other onboard systems are still functioning. "Satellite refuelling has the potential to change the economics of space missions. By refuelling satellites in orbit, we can potentially extend their operational lifespans, reduce the cost of replacing them and make space missions more efficient. In the future, servicing spacecraft could also help address certain propulsion system or valve failures in compatible satellites, provided they can be safely approached and docked with the servicing vehicle," he said.

OrbitAID's planned missions are expected to serve as technology demonstrations towards developing such capabilities. Their success could help establish the foundation for future commercial satellite servicing operations, particularly for expensive geostationary satellites, where extending operational life could offer significant economic benefits. If this refuelling mission is successful, India will be the second country to have this technology following China.

However, the camp is reportedly not yet ready at present to resign their MLA posts and depend on TVK chief Chief Minister Vijay's mercy for reelection. Even though it could be a relief to the AIADMK chief, the recent by-election defeat has weakened his position. The AIADMK suffered defeats in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, constituencies it had won in the Assembly elections, and finished third in both.

The Velumani faction believes the party could have performed better had the leadership accommodated the two leaders and their supporters.

Against this backdrop, sources said the two factions are expected to meet again in Chennai to discuss their next course of action. The meeting is likely to focus on securing MLAs' support and exploring the possibility of functioning as a separate group in the Assembly.

Sources added that the leaders are also expected to discuss how to highlight the party's electoral setbacks and what they view as unilateral decisions by EPS. The contours of the proposed move and the extent of support it can garner are expected to become clearer in the coming days.

During the Assembly elections, the Velumani and Shanmugam factions had urged EPS to forge an alliance with the TVK. However, EPS did not accept their demand. After the elections, when the TVK failed to secure a majority on its own, the two factions again urged EPS to extend support to the ruling party. He rejected their demand.

Subsequently, 25 AIADMK MLAs, including Velumani and Shanmugam, functioned as a separate group and voted in favour of the TVK government during the confidence motion in the Assembly.

At the time, the faction attempted to mobilise the support of 32 MLAs, equivalent to two-thirds of the AIADMK's 47-member Assembly strength, to function as a separate group without attracting disqualification under the anti-defection law. However, the effort failed to materialise.

The Velumani faction later reached a compromise with EPS. However, differences persisted, and six AIADMK MLAs eventually resigned and joined the TVK.

Despite the compromise, Velumani, Shanmugam and their supporters continued to face setbacks within the party. Their party posts, including district secretary positions, were removed after they voted in favour of the TVK government. Their subsequent attempts to get the posts restored have failed, adding to their dissatisfaction with the leadership.

The latest move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with EPS over his refusal to accommodate their demands on alliance formation and government support, as well as the removal of the two leaders and their supporters from party posts.

Sharing the stage with Modi for the first time, Vijay thanked him for inaugurating the Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II and sought early approval for the network's third phase, including proposed extensions from the airport to Kilambakkam and from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram.

"Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, an amount of Rs 5,110 crore of the central share is due to Tamil Nadu. I request the government of India to release the amount without any conditions," Vijay said.

The request comes amid a standoff between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the implementation of the PM-SHRI schools scheme, which is linked to the National Education Policy, 2020. The State has opposed the NEP's three-language formula and retained its two-language policy.

Vijay urged the Centre to reconsider the Metro Rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, citing their importance to the future development and economic growth of western and southern Tamil Nadu. He also sought approval for an inter-State Metro corridor linking Hosur in Tamil Nadu with Bommasandra in Karnataka, saying it would benefit both states.

On water resources, he called for priority to the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project and urged the Centre to declare it a national project. He also sought recognition of Tamil as a language of proceedings in the Madras High Court.

Thanking Modi for announcing high-speed rail corridors connecting Chennai with Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the 2026 Union Budget, Vijay said the projects would benefit the region. He also sought high-speed rail connectivity between Chennai and Coimbatore and between Chennai and Kanniyakumari.

Emphasising the need for Centre-State cooperation, Vijay said, "When the Union and State governments work together, the benefits will reach the people directly."

He said his government was committed to social justice, transparent administration, and inclusive development, with a focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, and the welfare of children, women, transgender persons, farmers, and weavers.

Vijay said Tamil Nadu was working towards a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036, with innovation, investment, and infrastructure as key drivers. He stressed that development must reach every district, not just Chennai, and create greater opportunities for young people.

On Sunday, police teams also conducted searches at Veeramani's house, which has been identified as a scene of crime in the cases. So far, police have taken action on complaints of sexual violence against 10 girls, and a probe is under way.

Earlier this week, SIT arrested three longtime drivers of the businessman for aiding him by 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 with Veeramani for eight years. Police said that survivors are also approaching them through the SIT's WhatsApp helpline, 9345319676. Earlier, Greater Chennai Police (GCP) Commissioner A Amalraj had issued orders directing that Veeramani and two of his associates, Mahendra Simhan (63) and Shanthi (60), be detained under the Goondas Act. Veeramani, who ran GEM Granites and Group of companies and his associates have been in prison since August 29.

Another person, Ganesan (42), a former employee of Veeramani, was arrested for being in possession of a video of Veeramani sexually abusing a minor and not alerting the police. The case was eventually transferred to an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT), supervised by Commissioner A Amalraj.

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

On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu government said it is only seeking its legitimate pro-rata share in the flows realised during the distress period, together with the backlog due to it, and the entire burden of meteorological and hydrological distress cannot be passed on to the lower riparian state, while Karnataka continues to utilise the available storage and inflows for irrigation and other requirements.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Aapresh Kumar Singh reserved its decision on a fresh application of the Tamil Nadu government, seeking directions to Karnataka to make sure that the backlog of 11 TMC of Cauvery water as on October 7 is cleared immediately and ensure the same at the rate of 1.3 TMC per day in 10 days at Billigundulu, a key water-measuring station on the banks of the river along the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing in the court for the Karnataka government, told the bench that this has been a very difficult year and several areas have been declared drought-hit.

"We have to ensure conservation of water so that the drinking water supply in residential areas is not affected," he said.

Divan further said Tamil Nadu has the benefit of the northeast monsoon in November, when its reservoirs will be replenished, while it will not help Karnataka.

"Every distress year, this has been the problem," he said, adding that there has been proper application of mind by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) at its 59th meeting held on October 8, in which it directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Billigundulu from October 9 for the next 15 days.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing in the court for the Tamil Nadu government, said Karnataka be directed to release the shortfall on a pro-rata basis, else crops in Tamil Nadu will be affected this year.

The bench asked how can the backlog of water be cleared when there was scarcity of rainfall this year and both the states were affected.

"Had it been a normal year, things would have been different," Justice Nath observed.

Rohatgi said this cannot wait for another year as farmers in Tamil Nadu are facing a tough time and urged the court to at least make some interim arrangement.

In its plea filed through standing counsel B Karunakaran, the Tamil Nadu government said at a meeting held on September 24, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), based on the percentage of deficit, found that the flow realised at Billigundulu should have been 52.935 TMC and that there is a shortfall in the realisation of flows.

"In spite of noting the said deficit, the CWRC did not take any decision with regard to directing Karnataka to make good the shortfall and proceeded to reduce the flows from 6,000 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. The CWRC directed Karnataka to ensure releases from its reservoirs so that 4,000 cusecs are received at Billigundulu in the next 15 days (effective September 24)," it said.

Giving the data of water release, the Tamil Nadu government said even then, Karnataka did not adhere to the CWRC's directions and failed to ensure 4,000 cusecs every day.

It pointed out that Tamil Nadu's share in this distress year has to be decided on a pro-rata basis but the CWMA, even after eight years since its constitution, has failed to formulate the distress formula -- a formula to share water during distress years, without any ambiguity or unfair treatment to a particular state.

It said the water directed to be released by the CWMA -- 4,000 cusecs at Billigundulu for 15 days starting September 24 and 3,000 cusecs from October 9 -- is grossly inadequate and does not redress the substantial backlog already accumulated.

The Tamil Nadu government said on October 8, the CWRC did not take any decision with regard to directing Karnataka to make good the shortfall and proceeded to reduce the flows from 4,000 cusecs to 3,000 cusecs effective October 9.

It sought directions to the Karnataka government to ensure and implement the CWMA's decision dated September 24 and make good the shortfall of 0.94 TMC towards the non-supply of water for the period from September 24 to October 7, and further flows as directed by the CWMA in its minutes dated October 8.

On September 24, the court asked the Karnataka government to respond to Tamil Nadu's plea seeking the release of its share of Cauvery water, alleging a shortfall in supply.

While the Tamil Nadu government told the court that it has already lost an early Kharif crop due to the lack of water, Karnataka said it is facing a "terrible drought situation".

The Tamil Nadu government approached the apex court on August 3, seeking directions to Karnataka for the immediate release of the water.

In its plea, Tamil Nadu has claimed that the quantum allocated to it by the CWRC as well as that released by its neighbour, Karnataka, is very little.

The incident has left their relatives and residents of the locality in deep sorrow. The Tiruvallur Rural Police have registered a case based on a complaint lodged by the man's father and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Yuvaraj (29), a daily wage labourer, was the son of Bhaskar and lived in the Kakkalur Lake area near Tiruvallur. He fell in love with Manjula (22), who lived in the same locality, and the couple married on February 14, 2025.

According to reports, Yuvaraj's habit of consuming alcohol frequently led to arguments between the couple. Their domestic disputes reportedly intensified over his drinking, causing distress within the family.

Dispute over alcohol consumption

Two nights ago, Yuvaraj allegedly returned home after consuming excessive alcohol. When his father, Bhaskar, and his wife, Manjula, questioned him about his drinking, he reportedly verbally abused and assaulted them.

Distressed by the incident, Manjula allegedly consumed poison kept in the house. Yuvaraj subsequently consumed poison as well. Both collapsed after ingesting the substance, leaving their family members in shock.

Treatment at Chennai government hospital

Bhaskar, with the help of neighbours, rushed the couple to the Tiruvallur Government Medical College Hospital in a critical condition.

After receiving initial treatment, they were referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for advanced medical care.

Despite intensive treatment, both succumbed to their condition one after the other on Monday morning.

Police investigation begins

Following the deaths, the Tiruvallur Rural Police registered a case based on Bhaskar's complaint.

Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the incident, including the events surrounding the domestic dispute and the couple's alleged consumption of poison.

The deaths of the young couple, who had married less than two years ago, have cast a pall of gloom over their family and the neighbourhood.

Responding to criticism over his presence on the dais during Sunday’s event, Nainar questioned whether the issue deserved attention when the State was grappling with power shortages.

“Is my sitting on the dais the issue the country needs to discuss now? Those invited by VVIPs can sit on the dais,” he told reporters here, taking a swipe at Minister R Nirmalkumar for raising the issue instead of focusing on electricity shortages.

He said the joint inauguration of the Metro Rail stretch by Modi and Vijay was evidence of cooperation between the Centre and the State. The demands raised by the Chief Minister during the Prime Minister’s visit, he added, were also those of the Tamil Nadu BJP.

Defending the BJP’s depiction of Thiruvalluvar, which has been a subject of political controversy, Nainar said the party had installed a statue of the Tamil literary icon in a colour of its choice at Kamalalayam, its headquarters here.

“We have placed Thiruvalluvar in the colour we prefer at Kamalalayam. Those criticising us should say whether they have installed a statue of Thiruvalluvar in their own offices,” he said.

He also defended the shawl he presented to Vijay at the airport, saying it was a gesture of respect for the Chief Minister and should not be ridiculed by comparing it to a saree. Vijay had welcomed and seen off Modi in keeping with established protocol, he said.

Nainar made the remarks after a meeting of the BJP’s state core committee at Kamalalayam, attended by senior leaders, including Vanathi Srinivasan, Tamilisai Soundararajan and Pon Radhakrishnan. The meeting adopted resolutions praising Modi’s 25 years in public life and discussed organisational growth and preparations for forthcoming by-elections and parliamentary elections.

Targeting the ruling TVK government, Nainar alleged that law and order had deteriorated and sexual offences had increased. He warned that power cuts could affect the entire State, including the Secretariat, and urged the Chief Minister and ministers to give the issue priority.

He accused the TVK of hypocrisy over nurses’ protests, alleging that it had supported their agitation while in the Opposition but was now using force to detain protesters.

Responding to criticism by the Congress over Modi speaking in Hindi and Rahul Gandhi in English, Nainar described Hindi as an Indian language and English as a foreign language. He declined to comment on the Thiruparankundram case, saying it was pending before the court.

The private bus, driven by Saravana Muthu, was travelling from Mettur bus stand to Erode when it stopped near the Navapatti bus stop to pick up passengers.

A Coimbatore-bound government bus then rammed into it from behind, officials said.

The collision injured 26 passengers on the government bus—16 men, eight women and two children. The front portion of the bus was severely damaged in the impact.

The government bus came to a halt in the middle of the Mettur-Erode road, temporarily disrupting traffic.

Mettur police rushed to the spot after receiving information, rescued the injured passengers and shifted them by ambulance to Mettur Government Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway, police said.

Anbumani after inspecting the ongoing works at Pallikaranai marshland, addressed the press and said that the project, initiated during the previous DMK regime under the Neithal Recovery Mission, was being continued by the present TVK government despite environmental and legal concerns. He warned of a massive protest led by the PMK if the construction was not stopped and the wall and pathway removed.

According to Anbumani, the project was part of the Neithal Recovery Mission launched in 2024 to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities across 14 districts, covering 1,076 km of coastline. The State had obtained a World Bank loan of Rs 1,674 crore for the mission, of which Rs 21.5 crore had been allocated for the works in Pallikaranai under the Forest Department, he said.

Claiming that the construction violated judicial directions concerning the protection of wetlands, Anbumani questioned the need for a concrete wall and pathway inside the marshland, arguing that neither the local residents nor fishing communities had sought such infrastructure.

He alleged that the project would obstruct the natural flow of rainwater and increase the risk of flooding in nearby residential areas. Residents had complained to him that water stagnation had increased after the wall's construction, leading to mosquito breeding and problems such as dengue, he said.

Describing Pallikaranai marshland as a natural flood buffer for Chennai, Anbumani said the wetland helped drain excess rainwater towards the sea and supported groundwater recharge during summer. He claimed that the marshland, which once covered around 15,000 acres a century ago, had shrunk to about 2,500 acres.

The PMK leader urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to intervene immediately, halt the project and remove the structures. He also demanded that the government formally notify and demarcate the remaining marshland, alleging that it had failed to act despite court directions.

“If the government does not stop the project immediately, the PMK will launch a massive protest under my leadership."

Maragatham Kumaravel, elected from Madurantakam, and P Sathyabama, elected from Dharapuram, took the oath as MLAs in the presence of Speaker JCD Prabhakar. Ministers N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KG Arunraj and KA Sengottaiyan were also present.

After the oath-taking ceremony, Maragatham told reporters that Opposition parties had spread false campaign messages during the by-election, but voters had ignored them. She further alleged that postal votes, a facility provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI), had been purchased by Opposition parties.

“Opposition parties joined hands and caused mental stress during the election campaign. Voters have given me an opportunity because of the Chief Minister’s image. I will fulfil the aspirations and address the needs of the constituency and its people,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dharapuram MLA P Sathyabama said she would take steps to resolve the water crisis in her constituency.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, rainfall is expected to begin in parts of Tamil Nadu from October 14, with showers likely to spread to the northern coastal districts, including Chennai, and the southern coastal areas later in the day.

Low-pressure area likely to form over Bay of Bengal

According to Hemachander, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the south-central Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours due to an atmospheric circulation.

The system is likely to move towards the Sri Lankan coast over the following 48 hours. Easterly winds have already started blowing over the Cauvery delta and southern coastal parts of Tamil Nadu, indicating a possible change in weather conditions.

Rainfall may gradually begin in the delta districts from October 14.

Rain likely in Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu

Rain is likely to spread to northern coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and the southern coastal districts from the afternoon of October 14, according to the forecast.

The northeast monsoon is expected to set in around October 15 if the favourable conditions continue.

Heat and dry weather may ease

The onset of the northeast monsoon could bring relief from the prolonged heat and summer-like conditions across Tamil Nadu. The state has also been experiencing below-normal rainfall.

These conditions are expected to gradually ease by October 15 as rainfall activity increases, Hemachander said.

However, the expected onset date is a forecast and will depend on how the weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal.

The event was held at the Agaram Foundation office in T. Nagar. Actor Sivakumar established the trust in 1979 with an investment of Rs 25,000 — his entire remuneration for his 100th film, Rosaappo Ravikkai Kaari. The interest generated from the investment was used to support students. Since 2006, the Agaram Foundation has administered the trust and overseen its annual scholarships and awards.

Jeevanandhan was recognised for his contribution to the arts, continuing the trust’s tradition of honouring veteran illustrators. Previous recipients include Ambuli Mama Shankar, Ramu, Jeyaraj, Maya and Maniam Selvan.

As part of this year’s programme, 25 students who overcame financial difficulties to pursue higher education after completing Class 12 received Rs 10,000 each. The trust also allocated Rs 6.28 lakh towards teachers’ salaries at Thaai Tamil Primary School in Tindivanam, Rs 2 lakh to the SUDAR organisation in Erode for its work with tribal children, and Rs 3 lakh to Vaazhai, which supports education in government schools.

Addressing the students, Sivakumar emphasised the importance of education and discipline, drawing on his own childhood experiences. He recalled studying in a makeshift classroom in his village and said his widowed mother had worked hard to support his education. He urged the students not to allow poverty or their circumstances to limit their ambitions.

Actor Suriya, who also addressed the gathering, described the annual event as a family celebration that had continued to grow over the years. Speaking about the Agaram Foundation’s work, he said it had reached around 7,000 members of first-generation learner families and continued to identify students in need of support across rural, tribal and coastal communities.

Drawing on lessons from his nearly three-decade career in cinema, Suriya encouraged the students to approach failure with the mindset of “one more”, stressing that setbacks did not have to mark the end of their efforts. He also underscored the value of regular practice and rehearsal, saying sustained effort was essential to success. He urged the students to remember those who had supported them and to help at least one other person in their own journey. The event was attended by artistes, students, Agaram Foundation volunteers and social activists.

Police said some investors from Kilathari in Sivaganga district, who lost money in the FQL fraud, had asked Mookammal of Kottanathampatti near Melur, who was their agent, to return their investment. She went on hide after the fraud came to light, police said.

The investors then took Mookammal’s son-in-law, Velmurugan, to Varichiyur in Madurai and threatened him, demanding money on Saturday. They also threatened Mookammal and told her to come there, said the police adding that when Mookammal arrived, eight of the investors together threatened her too, demanding her to return the investment amount of Rs 25 lakh.

On receiving information, the special force of the District Superintendent of Police and a team led by Karuppayurani Inspector Jayanthi rushed to the spot.

Police rescued Mookammal and her son-in-law and arrested the eight persons - Ramesh (30), Mathayanai (28), Ganesan (40), Arun (26), Nondisamy (33), Arunpandi (28), Arunraj (30) and Kalaiprakash (27).

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) police in Madurai had earlier detained Ranjith, 29, and his wife Priyadharshini, 23, of Kattaiyampatti near Melur, who police said were the main accused, under the Goondas Act for their alleged role in the FQL fraud, in which thousands of people in Madurai and neighbouring districts lost money.

State Ministers N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KA Sengottaiyan, and R Nirmalkumar were among the senior party leaders who were present when the two legislators took the oath of office in the Speaker's Chamber at the Secretariat.

Later, speaking to reporters Maragatham Kumaravel described her win from Madurantakam as a "hat-trick victory" and assured to fulfill the demands of her constituency people.

Sathyabama said, "I faced many problems. I thank the people for giving me this massive victory. I will find a solution to the water scarcity and other issues."

Both acknowledged their win to the efforts and good governance of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

"This is my hat-trick victory. .. the demands of the people of my constituency will be met as promised by Chief Minister Vijay," Maragatham Kumaravel said.

The Cauvery water dispute case is scheduled for hearing before the Supreme Court on October 12.

During the current irrigation year, 2026–2027, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has held eight meetings so far. However, as of October 7, Tamil Nadu faced a shortfall of 15 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Cauvery water.

The move comes amid the department’s efforts to strengthen food safety and ensure that students receive nutritious meals prepared and served in hygienic conditions.

The coordinating teacher will be responsible for monitoring cleanliness of the school kitchen and the utensils used for cooking and serving food. The teacher will also have to check whether safe drinking water is available and whether the necessary kitchen infrastructure is being properly maintained. The teacher will further monitor the entire process – from preparation of food to its distribution among students.

If any deficiency is noticed in the quality of food or hygiene standards, the coordinating teacher must immediately inform the school head, who, in turn, will have to inform officials and ensure that corrective action is taken without delay.

The department has also stressed continuous monitoring rather than inspections being limited to occasional checks. The arrangement is intended to ensure that shortcomings in food preparation, kitchen cleanliness, drinking water or related infrastructure are identified and rectified promptly.

In a statement, the party’s IT wing said Thiruvalluvar belonged to all Tamils and humanity at large, and condemned attempts to associate him with a specific religious identity. “Thiruvalluvar, who gave the world the universal code of ethics, must not be confined to a particular religious identity by colouring his image saffron. We strongly condemn attempts to alter his identity,” the statement said.

Invoking the celebrated Thirukkural couplet, “Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum”, the TVK said the poet had championed equality and humanism and could not be claimed exclusively by any religion.

“Thiruvalluvar does not belong to any particular religion; he belongs to all humanity,” the statement said, accusing the BJP of using his identity as an instrument of divisive politics.

The party said the values of virtue, love, equality and justice espoused by Thiruvalluvar should be upheld in public life rather than turned into tools of political contestation. “Thiruvalluvar is the pride of Tamils; the Thirukkural is the common heritage of the world,” it said.

In a pointed warning against attempts to saffronise the poet, the statement added: “If you try to paint Thiruvalluvar saffron, the Tamil soil will blacken your face.”

The TVK said the people of Tamil Nadu would continue to reject attempts to appropriate the state’s cultural icons for divisive purposes. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Tamil language and the interests of Tamil people.

“Even in the future, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will stand as a shield for Tamil and the Tamil people. We firmly consider this an ethical commitment,” the statement added.

The recommendations were adopted at the School Voice Educational Conference–2026 and awards ceremony, jointly organised by the association and YMCA Madras at the YMCA Youth Centre Auditorium in Purasawalkam, Chennai.

More than 900 educationists participated in the conference, said a press note issued by MJ Martin Kennedy, president and MJ John Arokia Prabhu, general secretary of the association.

The association expressed gratitude for granting renewal of recognition for 1,200 schools by the new government. It also called for standardised assessments for classes 3, 5 and 8 to evaluate learning outcomes and proposed introducing a 75% attendance requirement for Classes 9-12, with reasonable exceptions.

The association urged the government to simplify admission procedures under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ensure continuity of education for students admitted under its 25% reservation provision and reimburse schools within the same academic year. It also sought an online system to track reimbursement claims and pending dues, and recommended a single-window clearance system for school building and infrastructure approvals, subject to safety standards and statutory requirements.

The conference was inaugurated by Assistant Commissioner of Labour SP Shanthi. Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar delivered the presidential address. Nearly 500 principals and educationists received awards.

Addressing a gathering at the IIT Madras campus here, Modi described the occasion as a historic day for Tamil Nadu and said the projects would strengthen industry and commerce, improve connectivity and generate employment. "The Centre's assistance to Tamil Nadu will continue. We are ready to work together with you. Viksit (developed) Tamil Nadu will lead to Viksit Bharat (developed India)," he said, underlining the importance of Centre-State cooperation in advancing the country's development.

Recalling his 25 years in public office as chief minister and prime minister, Modi said his experience as the Gujarat chief minister helped him understand the aspirations of States. He recalled working with former Chief Ministers M Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and MK Stalin, and said he would follow the same spirit of cooperation with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Emphasising urban mobility as a key component of development, Modi said expanding road networks alone was insufficient and that efficient public transport was essential to easing the daily commute of ordinary citizens, students and senior citizens.

He cited the expansion of metro rail connectivity across India, saying the number of cities with metro services has risen from five in 2014 to 25, while the operational network has grown from around 250 km to more than 1,100 km.

The Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, built at a cost of around Rs 4,900 crore, was among the key projects inaugurated. The corridor features a 3.7-km double-decker structure and advanced signalling systems designed to support driverless operations.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for national highway projects worth around Rs 3,700 crore and railway infrastructure projects worth over Rs 750 crore.

PM lays foundation for Rs 1,620-cr project at Manali refinery

Among the highway and railway projects that Prime Minister Modi inaugurated or laid foundation stones for included sections of NH-744 and the Madurai Ring Road, the Thiruvarur bypass project, the Karaikal-Peralam railway line, three railway flyovers in the Coimbatore region and five redeveloped Amrit stations.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's maritime potential, Modi said port-related projects at Chennai, Kamarajar and VO Chidambaranar ports would strengthen cargo-handling capacity and improve logistics. He also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,620-crore Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks project at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited's Manali refinery.

In the scientific research sector, Modi dedicated the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras to the nation, launched a mission to map more than 100 human brains at cellular resolution and released C-STROKE, an atlas of the human brain affected by ischaemic stroke.

Earlier, he extended Navaratri greetings and recalled the contributions of Jayaprakash Narayan and other national leaders.

Tamil Nadu Governor in-charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Union Minister of State L Murugan, State ministers N Anand, KA Sengottaiyan and P Venkataramanan, BJP leaders Nainar Nagenthran, Pon Radhakrishnan, among others, attended the event.

MOBILITY BOOST

• Rs 4,900 crore: Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II

• Rs 3,700 crore Highway projects: NH-744, Madurai Ring Road, Thiruvarur bypass project

• Rs 750 crore railway projects: Karaikal-Peralam railway line, 3 railway flyovers in the Coimbatore region, 5 redeveloped Amrit stations

• Rs 1,620-crore Group II/III Lube Oil Base Stocks project at Manali refinery

Lenin, coordinator of the Justice for Akash Delison Murder Campaign Group, said policemen of the Abiramam police station confined him in Melakodumalur village in Mudukulathur taluk.

He said he had reached the village on Friday night. “When I was about to leave the village on Saturday afternoon, a police team prevented me from leaving, citing the Prime Minister’s programme, which the Chief Minister was also to attend,” he said.

He also alleged that Sivaganga police closely monitored the movements of Akash Delison’s family in Manamadurai.

Lenin has been supporting the family of Akash Delison, a Scheduled Caste youth who died in police custody. On September 3, he and the family approached Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s convoy outside the Secretariat in Chennai and submitted a petition.

Suspecting that Lenin and the family might do it again, police prevented them from meeting the Chief Minister when he visited Madurai for the Thaimanan Gold scheme in the first week of October.

The twin statements underline the VCK’s insistence on maintaining its political identity and opposing caste-based and communal politics, even as questions emerge over the composition of the TVK-led alliance and the factors behind its recent electoral victories.

Addressing a party conference in Tindivanam, Vanni Arasu said the VCK would walk out of the alliance if either the PMK or the BJP became a partner. He maintained that ministerial positions were not important to him and that his allegiance to the VCK and Thirumavalavan took precedence over his post.

Responding to questions about the possibility of the PMK joining the alliance, Vanni Arasu said he had been answering similar queries for the past 10 years. He reiterated that the VCK had no intention of sharing power with either the PMK or the BJP.

“Power is not important to us. What matters is our leader, the VCK and our struggle,” he said, adding that he would follow Thirumavalavan’s directions as a party cadre.

Separately, Thirumavalavan rejected suggestions that the TVK-led alliance’s victories in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls could be attributed entirely to a transfer of PMK votes. Speaking to reporters at the VCK office in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, he said such claims understated his party’s contribution to the victories.

The PMK had decided not to back any contestant in the two constituencies. Questioning the assumption that its entire support base had voted for the TVK-led alliance, Thirumavalavan said the electoral outcome needed to be assessed in the context of changes in other parties' vote shares.

He identified the substantial erosion of the AIADMK’s vote bank as a significant factor distinguishing the bypoll results from those of the general election. The AIADMK had won both seats in the general election but suffered a setback in the bypolls, he noted.

Thirumavalavan suggested that voters might have been influenced by concerns that candidates elected on AIADMK tickets could subsequently change their political allegiance. Voters might have questioned the value of supporting the party again if its successful candidates were likely to switch sides, he said, while stressing the need for a detailed assessment before drawing conclusions about the reasons for the decline.

He also questioned whether a complete transfer of PMK votes could explain the alliance’s victories, pointing to the need to examine the voting patterns and margins in the two constituencies. Attributing the outcome solely to PMK support, he maintained, would fail to account for the VCK’s role.

On the broader political landscape, Thirumavalavan called for the DMK to join hands with the INDIA bloc to oppose the BJP, reiterating the need for political cooperation against the saffron party.

The statements reflect the VCK’s effort to assert its place within the TVK-led alliance while drawing a clear boundary against potential partners it considers incompatible with its political position.

Six months without adequate rainfall, depleted water bodies and falling groundwater levels have left them uncertain about the next crop.

Farmers in the region usually begin direct sowing in May and June, relying on rainfall and not waiting for the opening of the Mettur dam.

Those with access to borewells also raise paddy nurseries for transplantation. This year, however, the prolonged dry spell has disrupted both practices.

Lakes and ponds have dried up, while the groundwater level has fallen sharply, with the source reporting that it has crossed 250 feet.

Even farmers who depend on borewells are apprehensive about proceeding with cultivation as groundwater availability declines.

The opening of the Mettur dam, which farmers traditionally look forward to, has also failed to bring relief to the tail-end areas.

The dam, usually opened on June 12, opened only on September 1 this year, a delay of 70 days. However, water has not reached the region, according to the source.

Over the past decade, farmers in the area have generally cultivated one samba crop, with around 60 per cent of the area under direct sowing and 40 per cent under transplantation.

In the past two years, adequate water from the Mettur dam enabled them to complete cultivation, while lakes and ponds were replenished and groundwater levels remained stable.

That experience has offered little reassurance this year.

With insufficient rainfall for direct sowing and inadequate dam water even to fill local water bodies, farmers worry whether they can begin cultivation through direct sowing or transplantation.

For the farming community in Sethubavachatram's tail-end areas, the immediate concern is no longer simply when the next water supply will arrive, but whether there will be enough water to start the samba season at all.

The report, Tamil Nadu 2036: Building the Next Decade, says Coimbatore and Madurai have between zero and nine acres of SIPCOT land remaining, while Hosur has 12.1 acres left. By comparison, Tiruchy has 312.1 acres available, and Thoothukudi has 127.4 acres.

Tamil Nadu's SIPCOT network comprises 50 industrial parks, including eight special economic zones, across 24 districts, covering 48,900 acres, but the report identifies the near-exhaustion of public industrial land in established markets as a factor drawing institutional investment into private, Grade-A industrial facilities.

The land constraints come as the State reports over Rs 11 lakh crore in investment commitments over five-and-a-half years. Of 1,283 MoUs signed during this period, 867 projects advanced to implementation and potentially generate more than 37 lakh jobs. The report says 35 per cent of committed projects were operational.

Industrial expansion is also putting pressure on supporting infrastructure. In Krishnagiri district, which includes Hosur, non-residential construction grew 216 per cent since 2020, the highest among the cities profiled. The report identifies a gap between investment growth and the availability of housing and worker accommodation.

The report examines six cities, including Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Hosur, Salem and Thoothukudi, whose industrial bases and infrastructure differ.

It identifies Tiruchy and Thoothukudi as having larger remaining SIPCOT land banks, while Coimbatore has developed a substantial office market, with more than 60 operational global capability centres and 9.1 million sq. ft of Grade-A office stock.

Housing development, meanwhile, remains heavily land-led in these cities. Plotted layouts account for between 79 per cent and 88 per cent of residential launches across the corridors examined by the report.

Chennai accounts for 51.5 per cent of the state's residential launches, compared with 25 per cent in the west zone, 22.1 per cent in the south and 1.4 per cent in the north.

Commenting on the report, WS Habib, president, CREDAI Tamil Nadu, said, "The state's growth story is no longer Chennai's alone.

Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, Hosur, Salem and Thoothukudi are growing simultaneously, creating new opportunities for organised real estate development across the state.

As Tamil Nadu works towards its $1.5 trillion ambition by 2036, the focus must be on faster approvals, land pooling, transit-oriented planning and housing that remains within reach."

The new system, announced earlier by the TVK government, is intended to address delays in the existing approval process.

"The government would begin onboarding a service provider in October," Kirlosh Kumar said during a panel discussion on ease of doing business in real estate at CREDAI Tamil Nadu Statecon 2026.

The proposed software would integrate CMDA, the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), local bodies across Tamil Nadu, TNRERA and other stakeholders, along with departments issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs), including the Revenue department and Tangedco.

"The software will also classify buildings into low, medium and high categories to expedite the planning process," he added.

Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Lakhoni said Tamil Nadu needed to move beyond digitising services to using technology to reduce human intervention in government processes. He described this next stage as "governance intelligence", where people could access services automatically without having to meet officials in person.

The overhaul comes amid concerns over shortcomings in the fragmented clearance process. K Phanindra Reddy, chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA), said departments often operated in silos, increasing the time and cost involved in obtaining clearances.

"There are windows behind windows," he said, calling for a system in which departments could access records held by other agencies, including Revenue, Registration, Police and Fire Services, allowing the authority processing an application to obtain the necessary information and issue approval within a defined timeframe.

Under the new system, NOC would be deemed granted if the concerned department failed to respond within 30 days of receiving a request.

A system-generated common inspection date has also been introduced so that multiple departments can inspect a site on the same day instead of scheduling separate visits.

An online appeals mechanism for rejected planning permissions and completion certificates would also be introduced during October, replacing the existing manual process.

Sales of DFLs at the Government Cold Storage Facility at Chinnavedampatti near Coimbatore have fallen below 40,000 a month since June, a steep drop from the 1 lakh to 1.40 lakh DFLs sold during May last year amid strong demand.

The facility stores bivoltine hybrid silkworm eggs supplied by government grainages in Coimbatore, Erode, Talavady and Tenkasi to meet farmers’ year-round requirements. “Our target is to sell 50,000 DFLs per month, and we normally achieve around 80 per cent of it. But sales touched nearly 1 lakh to 1.40 lakh DFLs in May last year because of high demand. It declined to around 1 lakh to 1.10 lakh in January this year and has now fallen below 40,000 since June. Sales have never dropped to such a low level before,” a sericulture department official said.

The sharp decline in demand has resulted in a substantial accumulation of stocks at the facility, with around two lakh DFLs currently in cold storage. The downturn comes after a period of robust demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials said DFL shortages were common when demand was high, making the current stock accumulation particularly unusual.

The sector had witnessed a temporary decline in DFL sales in 2023 when drought-like conditions prevailed during March, April and May. However, demand recovered after the weather improved. This time, the downturn has persisted for more than a year, the official said.

Meanwhile, the price of DFLs has also risen steadily. A batch of 100 DFLs, which cost Rs 550 in 2021, increased to Rs 750 in 2022-23 and subsequently rose by another Rs 1,000 within the next four months. It is currently priced at Rs 1,250 per 100 DFLs.

Besides the Coimbatore facility, two DFL cold storage facilities are located in Krishnagiri district. Tamil Nadu has around 10 government grainages supplying silkworm eggs. “Most farmers prefer buying young silkworms from Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs) rather than rear the eggs themselves. The centres procure eggs from government grainages and rear the silkworms until the second stage of moulting, known as the chawkie stage,” said R Selvakumar, a sericulture farmer from Udumalpet in Tirupur.

The current fall in DFL demand mirrors the broader distress in the sericulture sector, where declining mulberry acreage and cocoon yields have forced farmers to cut back on silkworm rearing.

TALE OF WORMS

• 40,000 and below has been the fall in sales of DFL silkworm eggs since June

• 2 lakh DFLs have piled up in cold storage

• 1 lakh to 1.4 lakh has been the sale of DFLs last May

• Rs 1,250 is the present price of DFL, a drastic rise from the previous Rs 550

The five stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are Palani, Paramakkudi and Ambasamudram in the Madurai division, Namakkal in the Salem division, and Vellore Cantonment in the Tiruchchirappalli division.

The station redevelopment works cost over Rs 70 crore in total that will have an enhanced station facade, improved circulating area with landscaped greenery, new platform shelters, improved waiting hall, coach, and real time train information boards, two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking facilities and modern signages among others.

The Prime Minister also opened the 23 km Karaikal–Peralam new railway line.

Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, the line is expected to improve rail connectivity in the region, provide better access to Karaikal Port and facilitate passenger and freight movement.

It is also expected to support regional trade, pilgrim tourism and economic activity.

Three ROBs at Karamadai, Sulur and Thudiyalur in the Coimbatore region were built at a cost of over Rs 120 crore.

The inauguration ceremonies were held through video conferencing on Sunday.

The main function in the city was attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan.

The elephant had strayed from the adjoining forest to drink water at the water spread area on Saturday (October 10) night when it became stuck in the slush.

Unable to free itself despite repeated attempts, the animal eventually lay exhausted in the mud, trumpeting in distress.

On receiving information from the public, a team of forest personnel and a veterinarian rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts.

“The elephant appeared weak, possibly due to an illness, and was unable to get up. It also appeared to have gone without food. We attempted to pull it out using ropes and a crane, but the machine itself became stuck in the slush, hampering the operation. Another crane was brought in to retrieve the stranded vehicle,” a forest department official said.

Meanwhile, news of the incident drew a crowd to the dam, with people gathering to watch the rescue operation.

Forest officials appealed to the public to stay away from the area to avoid obstructing the rescue efforts.

The force rescued four persons with intellectual disabilities and facilitated rehabilitation support, and helped 45 school dropout children to re-enrol in educational institutions.

Among the notable interventions, on October 5 in Ramanathapuram, the SSF received information through its helpline 1091 that a 65-year-old man had sexually harassed and threatened two sisters, aged 13, while they were returning from school.

The SSF assisted in lodging a complaint and a POCSO case was registered at the Mudukulathur AWPS.

On October 8 in Tirupur district, the SSF rescued 13 people, including a boy, three girls and six men, who had been working for over a year at Alagar Ironing and Packing Shop owned by Sivakumar without wages and were not allowed to return home.

The children were handed over to a shelter home through the Child Welfare Committee and three accused were arrested and remanded.

In Tenkasi district, during a school awareness programme, the SSF was informed about a Class 4 girl who had not attended school for two months.

The team found her father, who is intellectually disabled, had kept her confined in a single room. The girl was rescued and sent to a shelter home, while the father was admitted to Tenkasi Government Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

In Tirunelveli on October 8, the SSF helped a 21-year-old graduate who was in severe mental distress after her and her younger sister's Instagram photos were allegedly morphed and obscene messages were sent to them.

Counselling was provided, and a case was registered at Kalakadu Police Station.

The platform will enable consumers to track consumption and expenditure by time of use, day, week, month, year, and season, helping them identify periods of high consumption and understand how their usage translates into bills. Consumption patterns will be displayed through graphs and charts, with historical data available for at least 12 months. Consumers can also download this usage data in spreadsheet format.

It will also allow consumers to view bills, check outstanding dues, and payment records, download bills in PDF format, and pay bills for one or multiple accounts. It will also enable them to register complaints about power failures and faulty meters, submit requests for new connections, disconnections, load changes and meter shifting, and track the status of service requests.

Speaking to DT Next, a senior TNPDCL official said that the app will have features for prepaid metering if the utility decides to implement it in the future. Prepaid consumers will be able to check their available balance, daily consumption, and recharge history, and recharge their accounts through net banking, credit cards, and digital wallets. The system will send alerts through the app, SMS, and email when balances approach a preset threshold. Meters will also be able to alert consumers through a beep, blinking LED, or message.

Consumers will be able to access information on voltage levels, power quality, and electricity outages, including outage details displayed on a map. The app and portal will also provide information on applicable tariffs and incentives, along with energy-saving tips. A helpdesk chatbot will be integrated to assist consumers with queries and service requests.

The platform will support English, Tamil, Hindi, and other languages, with notifications also available in local languages. Consumers can register and manage their accounts, reset passwords using one-time passwords, and update their registered mobile numbers, and email addresses. The service will be accessible through Android and iOS applications and a web portal.

It will also allow consumers to initiate requests to switch between prepaid and postpaid modes through the app or portal. The system is designed to integrate with TNPDCL's existing billing and customer-care systems to facilitate the exchange of consumption, payment, and service-related information.

The proposed app and portal are part of TNPDCL's smart metering project covering 1.69 crore low-tension consumers in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, except T Nagar, other municipal corporations, and industrial and commercial consumers across the State. The project also covers 4.72 lakh distribution transformers. Government buildings, agricultural connections and huts have been excluded from the tender.

Smart meter app/portal features:

CONSUMPTION TRACKING

• Near real-time electricity usage and cost

• Consumption by time, day, week, month, year, and season

• Graphs, charts, and at least 12 months of historical data

• Downloadable consumption data in spreadsheet format

• View voltage, power quality, tariffs, and incentives

• Available on Android, iOS and web portal

BILLING AND PAYMENTS

• View bills, dues, and payment history

• Download bills in PDF format

• Pay bills for one or multiple accounts

COMPLAINTS AND SERVICES

• Report power failures and faulty meters

• Apply for connections, disconnections, load changes, and meter shifting

• Track service requests and view outage information on map

• Access helpdesk chatbot

In a communication received by the district administration on October 5, the panel has asked Madurai District Collector Nishant Krishna to submit a report on the incident.

The Usilampatti police have registered an FIR under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Vimala Devi, headmistress of the Government Model Higher Secondary School in Usilampatti, who is now under suspension. The FIR was registered based on a complaint filed on August 28 by the girl’s mother, P Thavamani.

However, police sources said they have been unable to proceed with the investigation because Vimala Devi has obtained an interim stay, and she is now on bail.

In her complaint, Thavamani said that when she and her daughter approached the headmistress for admission on August 24, the headmistress got angry when the girl asked her mother not to fold her hands before her. The headmistress then asked the girl to leave the school.

Thavamani alleged that the headmistress questioned the girl’s conduct for trying to join the school despite having already been admitted to the Government Kallar Higher Secondary School. The headmistress then allegedly phoned her counterpart there and enquired about the girl’s conduct on speaker mode. According to Thavamani, this upset the girl.

The girl left the school crying and remained distressed after returning home. The following day, they went to the school where she had completed Class 10 and collected her Transfer Certificate. However, she died by suicide that evening when she was alone in the house, said the police source.

The district education department suspended Vimala Devi for administrative inefficiency after a preliminary inquiry. The inquiry found that she did not handle the situation with the required administrative sensitivity and efficiency.

A police source said the girl had scored 415 marks in Class X and joined the Biology-Mathematics stream hoping to become a nurse. But she found it difficult and asked her teachers to allow her to shift to the Commerce stream, but they did not accept the request. Since then, she has not shown interest in going to school, the source added.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.

From an average of up to 1.5 tonnes, daily arrivals at the Government Cocoon Market in Coimbatore have declined by 30 per cent to 40 per cent over the past three months following the steep decline in cocoon production, said an official of the sericulture department.

The shortage of cocoons has triggered a sharp increase in prices. The price touched Rs 820 to Rs 850 a kg at the auction market last week before easing slightly to around Rs 750 a kg in the past few days. Tamil Nadu has around 18 government cocoon markets.

Farmers said adverse climatic conditions had also caused a drastic contraction in mulberry cultivation, which is the backbone of sericulture.

“The area under mulberry has declined from around 1,200 acres to nearly 500 acres, with several large farmers reducing their acreage amid drought-like conditions in Coimbatore. Even the recent rains did not bring much relief. The unseasonal showers instead triggered microbial diseases in mulberry plants, further affecting their growth and reducing yields,” said R Gunaseelan, a farmer from Annur, who had come to auction his cocoon produce in the market.

Mulberry cultivation, which had revived after a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, has once again plunged into a severe crisis, say farmers. Sixty-year-old R Karuppusamy, a sericulture farmer from Sevvur near Avinashi in Tiruppur district, said the worsening groundwater situation had compounded the crisis. The water level in his borewell, which was around 500 feet last year, has now fallen to nearly 1,000 feet.

“Earlier, I used to get around one kg of cocoons from one disease-free laying (DFL). But due to high temperatures, the yield has fallen to around 600 grams. With 75 DFLs, I now get only about 45 kg of cocoons, which is very low,” he said.

Karuppusamy resumed cocoon production a few years ago after staying away from sericulture for nearly three decades, hoping to benefit from better prospects in the sector.

SICK SILK

30 to 40% is the fall in cocoon arrivals in the last three months from around 1.5 tonnes

Rs 750 per kg is the current cocoon price after touching Rs 820 to Rs 850 per kilogram

1,200 acres was the area in which mulberry was cultivated, which has fallen to just 500 acres now

Drought-like conditions have forced farmers to cut acreage of cultivation though there was slight revival after COVID-19

One DFL now yields only around 600g of cocoons

In a post on X, Shanmugam said various opinions, including criticism, opposition, hostility, support and advice, had been expressed on social media about communist parties following the election results.

He said the communist movement would consider constructive criticism, suggestions and advice.

However, he added that the party would confront its opponents who wanted to see communists eliminated.

"Communism and communist parties will never perish. They cannot be destroyed," he said.

The deceased, Arul Pandi, a daily wage worker from Sholinghur in Ranipet district, visited the house of a 34-year-old woman in Aiyaneri village on Friday (October 9) night.

According to reports, she refused his sexual advances and told him she no longer wanted to continue the relationship.

Arul Pandi allegedly told her that she would realise his worth only after his death before locking himself inside a room. The woman alerted the RK Pet police, who arrived at the house and broke open the door. They found him hanging from a saree, police said.

The body was sent to the Tiruttani Government Headquarters Hospital for a postmortem examination.

According to the report, Arul Pandi had become acquainted with the woman when she regularly took her children to a private school in Sholinghur.

She lives in Aiyaneri with her husband and their three children. The RK Pet police have registered a case and are investigating.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.

The accused, identified as Dheena (33), is absconding, and police are searching for him. The deceased was Dinesh Kumar (30), a constable attached to the Chengalpattu Taluk police station. His colleague, Suresh Kumar (54), sustained minor injuries.

According to police, Dinesh and Suresh had gone to Thiruvadisoolam around 10 pm on Saturday after receiving information about a road accident on the Thiruporur-Chengalpattu road, where a car had rammed into an electric pole. No major injuries were reported in that accident and the officers were conducting an inquiry at the spot.

While they were standing on the roadside, a car proceeding at high speed from Thiruporur towards Chengalpattu allegedly lost control and rammed into them. Both policemen and a bystander who was present at the spot suffered serious injuries. Locals rescued them and rushed them to Chengalpattu Government Hospital.

Dinesh, who had sustained severe injuries and heavy blood loss, died despite treatment early Sunday morning. Suresh continues to be under observation.

The Chengalpattu Taluk police have registered a case and arrested three occupants of the offending car - Dhinakaran (34), Abinesh (27) and Arun Kumar (29) - on charges of drunk driving.

According to police, Dheena has pending cases, including murder, attempted murder and ganja sale, at police stations, including Maraimalai Nagar.

The police are searching for the history sheeter.

The Sivaganga District Cyber Crime police said the two accused, Hitesh Sanjshetti (33) and Syed Rahman (44), both of Coimbatore, helped the criminals transfer the money through mule accounts to Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

According to the investigating officer, the fraudster contacted the complainant claiming to be a Bengaluru police officer. He told the complainant that his Aadhaar card had been used in wrongful activities and that he had been “digitally arrested”.

To convince the senior citizen that he was a police officer, the fraudster showed him a WhatsApp status picture with police emblems and the Indian flag. “The fraudster threatened the senior citizen that the police had got approval from the Supreme Court to arrest him,” the officer said.

Once the complainant was frightened, the fraudster took psychological control of him and offered a way out of the arrest, asking him to deposit money. “Then they shared the mule accounts to transfer the amount,” the officer said.

The complainant then transferred all his savings to the two mule accounts, police said. He deposited Rs 20 lakh in one account and Rs 26.5 lakh in the other. The fraudster also directed him to tell bank staff, if they raised any doubts, that the transfer was for a land purchase.

Police said the money was moved through several layers of mule accounts. They suspect that the caller who posed as the police officer is the main accused, and that one of the accounts may belong to him. The caller is yet to be arrested.

Police said that when they took Rahman into custody at Coimbatore and questioned him, he said he worked as a mule account agent and had shared his account for the fraudulent transfers. He allegedly set up a fake firm and bought bank accounts from several people, which he used for illegal money transfers, police said. Police recovered Rs 7 lakh from him.

Rahman was arrested by Tirupur police in 2023 in a similar case. Hitesh Sanjshetti allegedly assisted him in this fraud by providing SIM cards.

A case was registered at the Sivaganga District Cyber Crime Police Station under Sections 318(4), 319(2) and 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Both accused were remanded in judicial custody.

A group of 35 tourists, including 13 children from Dindigul, were returning after visiting Valparai when the incident occurred.

When the van reached Attakatti, the driver, Manikandan, suspected a brake failure and asked the passengers to continue their journey by bus.

Consequently, 30 tourists boarded a government bus, while five passengers stayed back in the van with the driver. After waiting for the engine to cool down, Manikandan resumed the journey towards Pollachi.

“While descending the ghat road, the brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and the van crashed through the roadside parapet and plunged into the gorge, overturning down the slope.

Residents rushed to the spot and rescued the six persons, including the driver. They were taken by ambulance to the Government Hospital in Pollachi for treatment,” police said.

Fortunately, the 30 tourists who had opted to travel by bus escaped unhurt.

The discharge was gradually reduced from 15,000 cusecs to 12,000 cusecs on October 10, before being further cut to 10,000 cusecs from 6 pm on Sunday. The reduction followed a steep fall in inflow into the reservoir, which stood at just 970 cusecs on Sunday.

Consequently, the water level dropped to 63 feet by Sunday evening, down 28 feet from 91 feet on September 1, when water was released for Delta irrigation.

As the reservoir recedes, large stretches of its bed have been exposed, revealing rocks and shallow pools. A Nandi statue that had remained submerged in the reservoir has also become visible over the past few days.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay released water from the dam for Delta irrigation on September 1. The State government had scheduled the release for only 45 days to support samba cultivation, leaving just four days in the planned release period.

In previous years, water from Mettur dam was generally released for irrigation until January 28. With the possibility of the discharge being stopped shortly, delta farmers are anxiously awaiting the northeast monsoon, hoping that rainfall will replenish the reservoir and enable continued irrigation.

Meanwhile, the inflow into the Cauvery at Hogenakkal declined from 3,000 cusecs on Saturday to 2,000 cusecs on Sunday, amid a lack of rainfall in the river's catchment areas.

“I could have done a photoshoot wearing sunglasses on the Metro bridge and shot a reel wearing a safety helmet inside the tunnel. But I have never believed in such deceptive politics,” Palaniswami took a veiled dig at CM Vijay over his recent photo-op at one of the Metro Rail facilities. He maintained that he believed in action rather than publicity and asserted that the project his government initiated continued to serve the people.

In a statement, Palaniswami said the detailed project report (DPR) for the Phase II corridors was prepared, and the project was approved during the AIADMK government. He recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had laid the foundation stone for the project.

Despite delays in the Centre's release of funds, the AIADMK government allocated funds from the State's resources and commenced work, he said.

Palaniswami said the Centre approved and allocated Rs 63,246 crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase II in 2024 after the then AIADMK leadership made several representations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the project's inauguration reflected the initiatives taken during the AIADMK regime and that the work continued to benefit the people of the State regardless of which party was in power.

Earlier, Palaniswami welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport on his arrival in Chennai.

Addressing a gathering in the presence of Modi after the prime minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 13,000 crore, Vijay also sought the inclusion and early clearance of the Koyambedu to Pattabiram stretch under the approximately 65-km Phase-3 network to ensure comprehensive coverage across the Chennai metropolitan area.

Noting that Corridor 4 of Phase-2 covering 14.64 km between Poonamallee bypass and Vadapalani had been opened while another 104 km was under construction, the chief minister pressed for early sanction for an interstate metro link connecting Hosur in Tamil Nadu to Bommasandra in Karnataka for the benefit of both states.

He also appealed to the prime minister to reconsider metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai cities, keeping in mind the future growth of western and southern Tamil Nadu.

Thanking the prime minister for announcing two high-speed rail corridors between Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai in the Union Budget 2026, Vijay requested the Centre to sanction high-speed rail corridors connecting Chennai to Kanyakumari and Chennai to Coimbatore to spur economic and tourism development.

Vijay stated that his government, having crossed 100 days in office, was providing a corruption-free, transparent administration anchored in social justice, guided by the principle of "Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum" (all beings are equal by birth).

Reiterating that "strong states make a strong India," he said Tamil Nadu aimed to become a USD 1.5-trillion economy by 2036 by prioritising innovation, investment, and infrastructure, while ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every district beyond Chennai.

The chief minister placed several major highway connectivity demands before the Centre for priority sanction, including the six-laning of the Chengalpattu-Tiruchirappalli section of GST Road (NH-32), the Tiruchirappalli-Panchapur-Jayapuram-Karur stretch of NH-81, and the Karur-Coimbatore corridor, besides an elevated highway from Madhavaram to Sholavaram on NH-87.

Calling for water equity among states, Vijay stressed that river interlinking was imperative and urged the Union government to declare the Godavari-Cauvery link project a national project on top priority to boost water resources in the southern region.

Referring to a resolution recently passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly seeking Tamil as the principal language of proceedings in the Madras High Court, Vijay urged early clearance of the proposal sent for presidential assent.

He also requested the "immediate, unconditional" release of the pending Central share of Rs 5,110 crore due to the state under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.

According to sources, Modi noticed a photograph of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay tucked in Anand’s shirt pocket. The prime minister then looked at Vijay and commented on the photograph, drawing a smile and a nod from the Chief Minister.

Modi subsequently held Anand’s hand and told him that he was doing good work, sources said.

“Modi spoke in Hindi, which Anand could not understand. A person accompanying the Prime Minister immediately translated that Modi said Anand was doing a good job,” sources told DT Next.

Apart from Chief Minister Vijay, Anand was the only minister from the State Cabinet present to receive the prime minister.

Those present at the airport included Governor RV Arlekar, former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Chennai Mayor R Priya, and BJP leaders.