As the protest against the NEET and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi by students led by the CJP, the student members belonging to DYFI assembled near the BSNL office adjacent to the Head Post Office signal, a busy road in Tiruchy City, on Wednesday and staged a protest. They expressed their solidarity with the protesters in Delhi and raised slogans against the Union Education Minister and demanded his resignation.

They also demanded to scrap NEET for medical admission and went on raising slogans. Suddenly, they went to the middle of the road and attempted to block the traffic, and soon, the police, who were on duty, held talks with the agitators and asked them to ease the traffic. This triggered a minor scuffle between the police and the protesters.

But still, the protesting members continued to block the traffic, and so, the police forcibly removed them one by one and took them to the police vehicle. As many as 10 members, including a woman, were arrested. Traffic was disrupted for a while, and the members continued to raise slogans while being taken away by the police.

The traders downed shutters along the Coonoor-Kundha Road, alleging that measures taken by the Ulikkal Town Panchayat, including fumigation, had failed to contain the infestation.

"Our business has been affected severely as these flies land on food items such as cakes and other bakery products, rendering them unfit for consumption. The state government should intervene and take appropriate measures to control the menace," said Bhaskar, a shopkeeper.

Residents said swarms of flies have invaded homes, hotels and commercial establishments across Selas, affecting daily life and business activity.

Amid growing public concern, a team of researchers from the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust and Ongil Nature Trust conducted field inspections in Selas and identified the insects as black-winged fungus gnats belonging to the Sciaridae family.

The team comprised A Samson, A Abinesh, Azad Kamil, N Sadiq Ali, N Moinudheen, Mohammed Shahir, E Vignesh and F Suhaib Yatoo. "We observed high concentrations of flies in the central town, along the Upper Road and the Downhill Road section in Selas. These flies do not pose any direct threat to humans as they do not bite, sting or inject venom. Their life cycle lasts between 21 and 28 days, during which females lay up to 200 eggs in damp soil and decaying organic matter. The adult flies feed primarily on nectar and are harmless," said Azad Kamil, founder of Ongil Nature Trust.

According to the researchers, the surge in the fly population is linked to a decline in rove beetles, which naturally prey on the larvae of fungus gnats. They said the beetle population has fallen due to the extensive use of chemical pesticides. Predatory mites also feed on the larvae and could help regulate their numbers.

The researchers noted that the nuisance becomes more pronounced after dark as the flies are attracted to artificial lights. They advised residents to keep damp areas, waterlogged spots and containers left in the open clean and dry to help reduce breeding.

"There is no need for the public to panic. Although complete eradication is difficult, the infestation is expected to subside naturally with changes in weather conditions," the researchers said.

When the case came up for hearing before Justice K Rajasekar, the State Government Counsel, opposing the bail plea, submitted that the investigation had revealed a criminal conspiracy between the vendor and the purchaser.

The prosecution further submitted that although the vendor had claimed that the sale consideration was paid through five or six cheques, no actual monetary transaction had taken place. The counsel further told the court that while the government's guideline value of the property was around Rs 16 crore, the entire property had been sold for only Rs 2 crore.

The prosecution also informed the court that Rs 1 lakh had been paid to the Thanpani Mutt on the very day the property was purchased. It contended that the petitioner had purchased the land with the intention of cheating and usurping the property.

The petitioner's counsel did not offer any explanation to these allegations.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Rajasekar observed that the truth would emerge only if the investigation were allowed to proceed unhindered.

"The transfer of a total of Rs 1 lakh to those who passed the resolution to register the land raises suspicion," the judge observed.

Observing that government officials were also alleged to have been involved in the case, the judge held that granting anticipatory bail to Vellaithurai at this stage would affect the investigation. The court accordingly dismissed his anticipatory bail petition.

Addressing reporters, Arunraj called for education and medicine to be restored to the state list or placed under a specialised concurrent arrangement as a permanent solution to persistent entrance exam irregularities.

"Conducting a single exam for lakhs of students across India through a centralised body inherently creates vulnerabilities," the Minister said, adding, "the Union government has vast responsibilities; it should allow state governments to manage medical admissions for state-funded institutions"

On the ongoing stir by the students against NEET irregularities, he urged the central government to engage with protesters amicably rather than suppressing peaceful demonstrations.

Addressing seasonal public health, Arunraj noted that Tamil Nadu has recorded 9,000 dengue cases so far in 2026, a marked decline compared to 23,000 in 2024 and 11,000 in 2025.

"However, with doctors reporting localised upticks, the health department has stepped up mosquito eradication drives and requested public assistance in clearing stagnant water," he added.

Aadhav condemns police action on students in Delhi

In a scathing critique of the union government, Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna, has strongly condemned the police crackdown on students and opposition leaders protesting against the NEET paper leak in the national capital.

Terming the action against peaceful demonstrators as a direct "crushing of democracy," the Minister reiterated Tamil Nadu's unwavering stance against the centralised entrance examination.

"The first voice of opposition to NEET echoed from Tamil Nadu, and today, that echo has resonated across the entire nation," he said in his social media "X" platform.

He highlighted that students nationwide are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest, demanding an end to a system that disempowers state-level education and youth futures.

Condemning the severe police action in New Delhi, the Minister criticised authorities for treating protesting students like "criminals".

He further called out the high-handed detention of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and MP Priyanka Gandhi, who had joined the youth in solidarity, calling their removal an overt attack on fundamental democratic rights.

The Minister urged the Centre to recognise the legitimacy of the student movement, demanding the immediate scrapping of NEET and the restoration of Education to the State List. "We will take every firm step toward scrapping NEET and will always stand as an unshakable shield for students' rights and welfare," he affirmed.

TNCC, Youth Congress stage widespread demonstrations

Meanwhile, members of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and Youth Congress staged widespread demonstrations across the state, demanding the immediate scrapping of the NEET and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities and alleged paper leaks.

Congress party members in Sankarapuram, Kallakurichi staged a road blockade late Tuesday night to protest the arrest of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, in Delhi.

Holding banners and shouting anti-Centre slogans, protesters attempted to march towards government centers, highlighting what they termed "systemic administrative failure" by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore International Airport, Radhakrishnan said only if the nation remains united will our voice be heard at the global stage. “India’s ability to respond effectively to global powers stems from its unity,” he said.

To a query on the ongoing protests in Delhi, Radhakrishnan declined to comment, saying it was a political question and that an appropriate response should come from political leaders.

Replying to a query on the performance of the new government in Tamil Nadu, the Vice President said the government should be given some time to function. “That’s everyone’s wish, and it is my wish as well,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing protests in New Delhi, Shanmugam, in a statement, alleged that students attempting to hold a peaceful march following the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk were subjected to a brutal baton charge by the police, leaving more than 100 people injured. He also alleged that women students were treated in a degrading manner by police personnel and paramilitary forces.

Drawing a parallel with the situation in Tamil Nadu, Shanmugam alleged that SFI and DYFI activists had been prevented from staging sit-in protests in Chennai over the past three days and had been repeatedly detained and released by the Tamil Nadu Police.

He further alleged that police entered educational institutions and detained students participating in SFI-led class boycott protests in Chennai, including Tiruvottiyur, R.K. Nagar and Perambur, as well as in Coimbatore, Madurai, Cuddalore and Thanjavur. Describing the action as an unprecedented violation, he said the police had no justification for entering college campuses to arrest students.

The CPM urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately stop what it termed illegal police excesses and ensure that peaceful protests were allowed at designated venues. The party said suppressing anti-NEET protests, while the TVK government continued to demand the abolition of the examination, would effectively aid the BJP's education policy.

M Madangini (45) was residing with her daughter Harini at Kumbakonam after her husband Marimuthu passed away in 2006.

On July 12, Madangini and Harini went to Tirupur for a funeral. Upon returning home on July 19, Madangini found her jewellery missing from the almirah.

She lodged a complaint with the Kumbakonam East police, who found that Madangini’s neighbour S Abinaya (22) had frequently visited her house.

During the probe, she confessed that she had stolen 21 grams of jewellery. On Wednesday, the police arrested Abinaya and her husband Sundar (34).

The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by HR&CE Minister Ramesh. Subsequently, the Commissioner G Vinay issued an order constituting the committee and directing officials to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the temple's immovable assets.

According to the order, the committee will be headed by the Additional Commissioner, HR&CE Department, and will comprise the Joint Commissioner of the Palani temple, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Palani, the Deputy Collector, Dindigul, the Assistant Director of the Survey and Land Records Department, and the Special Tahsildar (Temple Lands), Dindigul.

The Commissioner has also directed the Revenue Department to extend full cooperation for the exercise and make the necessary arrangements for a joint survey of the temple lands by officials of both the Revenue and HR&CE departments. A fraudulent sale registration of a parcel of land associated with the Palani temple is the latest controversy across the state.

On July 6, a 1.4-acre plot that is used as a parking lot for devotees of the Temple in Palani town was registered in the name of two private individuals. The land is estimated to be worth Rs 100 crore. Following this controversy, the HR&CE department has initiated an assessment of the immovable properties of Palani Temple.

CHENNAI: In a move that would benefit thousands of workers at liquor retain outlets across the State, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) has approved the implementation of the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme for all retail vending shop personnel.

According to a circular issued by Tasmac Managing Director K Nanthakumar on Wednesday, the decision was formally approved at the corporation's board of directors meeting held on July 6.

The newly approved ESI scheme will replace the existing Health Fund-cum-Accident Injury Disablement Relief Fund Scheme, bringing Tasmac workers under the framework of the more beneficial Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948.

The decision will address the long-pending demand from Tasmac employees, who have been seeking social security and medical coverage. Under the official guidelines, district managers across Tamil Nadu have been directed to immediately establish contact with their respective regional ESIC offices, open dedicated ESIC accounts, and complete the online enrolment of all shop staff.

Tasmac administration noted that the current exemption under the ESI Act remains valid until September 30. Consequently, district managers have been instructed to give top priority to implement the ESI Scheme as per the provisions of the ESI Act. The board would ensure that all shop personnel are covered under the ESI coverage starting October 1, it added.

The monthly employer and employee contributions must be remitted into ESIC accounts before the 15th of each month to avoid interest penalties or damage charges. Senior Regional Managers (SRMs) will monitor daily progress, with initial completion reports mandated to be submitted by July 24.

Dismissing the petitions, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan observed that the court cannot restrain the police from proceeding in accordance with the law if the petitioners have committed any offence. The plea seeking blanket protection against possible future action was premature, the judge added, and dismissed the petitions.

During the hearing, Public Prosecutor John Sathyan submitted that the petitions sought a vague and omnibus relief, contained several allegations, and therefore required a detailed counter affidavit.

Appearing for Senthilbalaji and Ashok Kumar, senior counsel NR Elango submitted that although the petitioners had obtained anticipatory bail in the alleged horse-trading case, they apprehended arrest in some other case.

The brothers filed the petitions, contending that the FIR, registered on the complaint of Uthangarai MLA N Elaiyaraja, was based on an alleged WhatsApp call involving an offer of Rs 35 crore and threats.

They submitted that the High Court had granted them anticipatory bail after holding that custodial interrogation was not required and that they had been complying with the direction to appear before the Triplicane police daily and cooperate with the investigation.

The petitioners also alleged that PWD and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna had publicly stated that there were "scores to settle" over the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives at a rally attended by TVK chief and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. They further contended that, according to social media reports and investigative journals, there were political instructions from the top to arrest them before the impending by-elections.

Seeking relief, they prayed for a direction restraining the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and the Greater Chennai Police from harassing them under the guise of search, inquiry, or investigation in connection with multiple criminal cases pending against them.

They also sought a direction to the police to issue a proper written notice under Section 35 (3) of the BNSS, as mandated by law, if their presence was required in any pending or proposed case.

The issue came up at the 53rd meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of SK Haldar.

During the meeting, Tamil Nadu's representative and Water Resources Department principal secretary Satyabrata Sahu urged Karnataka to release water as per the monthly schedule fixed by the Supreme Court.

Sahu said Tamil Nadu had received only 3.442 TMC of water from Karnataka between June 1 and July 19, against its allocated share of 28.337 TMC, amounting to only 12.15% of the scheduled release.

"Karnataka has yet to release 24.896 TMC of water due to Tamil Nadu," he told the Authority.

Presenting the storage position, Sahu said the combined storage in Karnataka's four Cauvery basin reservoirs stood at 48.979 TMC, with an inflow of 31.626 TMC, compared with the 30-year average storage of 81.528 TMC, amounting to 38.79%.

He also informed the authority that the storage in the Mettur dam stood at 36.979 TMC and that 1,003 cusecs of water was being released mainly to meet drinking water requirements.

Karnataka’s representative maintained that the State was unable to release water because of inadequate rainfall and drought conditions, particularly in Bengaluru.

The issue will be reviewed at the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee meeting on July 28.

The annual festival of St Anthony's Church and Mathalai Mary Church in Vakkampatti, Athoor taluk, began with the flag-hoisting ceremony on July 18. As part of the festival, an illuminated chariot procession commenced from the church shortly after midnight. Firecrackers were burst to welcome the procession.

According to the police, sparks from the fireworks accidentally fell on a nearby stockpile of firecrackers, triggering a series of explosions. The fire spread to people gathered at the venue, causing panic as devotees ran for safety.

The injured were rushed to the Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital in cars and autorickshaws. Karan, who suffered severe burn injuries, was later shifted to a private hospital in Dindigul, and Bharath Krishna (20) was admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for advanced treatment, police said.

The Dindigul Taluk police have registered a case. Police are investigating whether the firecrackers involved in the explosion had been stored or manufactured illegally in the village.

N Nithya (42), a resident of Pattukkottai in Thanjavur, came to the Pattukkottai Registrar Office with kerosene and suddenly poured it on herself and attempted to light herself ablaze. Alarmed police personnel ran to her rescue; snatched away the matchbox and kerosene can and took her to the police station.

Upon inquiry, Nithya said that her father Panneerselvam possessed 9,500 sq ft of land in the locality, which was given to one Rajendran through a power of attorney in 2009, and later, the power of attorney was cancelled.

However, despite the power of attorney being cancelled, Rajendran registered the particular land to his wife Ananda Jothi while the officials reportedly assisted Rajendran for the registration of the land, she claimed.

In such a backdrop, Nithya had approached the registrar's office appealing to cancel the registration. She also approached the court; however, the officials reportedly ignored her pleas despite a series of attempts.

Frustrated, Nithya came to the Pattukkottai Sub-Registrar Office on Wednesday with a can of kerosene and attempted self-immolation, condemning inaction by the officials. The police rushed her to the Pattukottai GH for treatment. A case was registered, and investigations are on.

Incidentally, this is the third case of death in prison in July alone.

In the communication dated July 22, Judicial Magistrate S Mohamed Suhail stated that he had conducted an inquest into the death of M James, son of Maria Soosai, a convict who died on July 15 while lodged in the Central Prison in Tiruchy. A case was registered (Crime No. 206 of 2026) in this connection at the Government Hospital police station.

In the letter, the magistrate said the body was handed over to the Department of Forensic Medicine at KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchy, for autopsy. A request was made on July 16 to nominate a team of doctors in accordance with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines, including videography of the post-mortem examination process.

However, despite repeated requests, no medical team had been nominated by the DME&R, resulting in the body remaining at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital for eight days.

The magistrate noted that autopsies in custodial death cases should ordinarily be conducted at the earliest, preferably within two days, before the body is handed over to the family for final rites. He said the delay had caused hardship to the bereaved family and led to an unwarranted delay in the administration of justice.

Describing the matter as “most urgent”, the court directed the DME&R to immediately nominate the required team of doctors, ensure that the post-mortem examination is conducted without further delay, and facilitate the release of the body to the deceased’s family. The magistrate also warned that failure to comply could invite further legal proceedings to fix accountability.

The study, conducted by Sivachitralakshmi S and Chitra P of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology and published in the Journal of Water & Climate Change, identified a thermodynamically enhanced atmospheric river and narrow convective bands, termed ‘AR rapids’, as the primary drivers of the extreme rainfall event that battered Thoothukudi and neighbouring districts.

The findings challenge the conventional understanding that the disaster was largely caused by a low-pressure system and favourable ocean conditions. It argues that the rainfall was amplified by a concentrated corridor of atmospheric moisture that remained nearly stationary over the region for almost two days.

On December 17 and 18, 2023, Kayalpattinam recorded an unprecedented 946 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, surpassing its average annual rainfall. Tiruchendur received 690 mm, while Srivaikuntam recorded 620 mm, resulting in severe flooding that disrupted transport networks and left widespread damage.

Using high resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations, satellite-based rainfall observations and ERA5 climate reanalysis datasets, the researchers reconstructed the atmospheric conditions that led to the disaster. They found that a narrow corridor carrying large quantities of water vapour developed over the equatorial Indian Ocean and stretched towards Tamil Nadu. At its peak, moisture transport exceeded 850 kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹ (kilograms per metre-second) and was aided by a strong low-level jet over the Bay of Bengal.

As the moisture plume approached the coast, frictional effects and atmospheric convergence over the Gulf of Mannar slowed the system, causing it to remain nearly stationary over southern Tamil Nadu for close to 48 hours. The process was further intensified by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures associated with the El Niño phenomenon.

Warming climate makes Chennai vulnerable to atmospheric rivers

Researchers also identified narrow convective bands between 5 km and 15 km wide moving at speeds of nearly 108 kmph. These features, referred to as ‘AR rapids’, generated the most intense rainfall bursts during the event.

According to the study, the AR rapids contributed 513 mm, or 54.22%, of the total rainfall recorded at Kayalpattinam despite being active for only about one third of the storm’s duration. During the peak hour, when rainfall intensity reached 90 mm per hour, the rapid bands alone accounted for 75 mm per hour, representing more than 83% of the total rainfall intensity.

The study is believed to be among the first to document such atmospheric river rapid bands in a tropical monsoon environment without the influence of strong cold fronts. It also warns that many operational weather forecasting models may not possess sufficient resolution to detect these highly localised but destructive features, potentially leading to underestimation of flood risks.

Speaking to DT Next, independent weather analyst Srikanth said the concept of an atmospheric river can be understood as a river of moisture flowing through the atmosphere, similar to how rivers transport water across land.

“Just as we refer to a channel of flowing water on the ground as a river, an atmospheric river is essentially a continuous stream of highly moisture laden clouds moving through the atmosphere. When these moisture corridors become concentrated over a region, they can trigger extremely intense rainfall,” he explained.

Srikanth pointed out that atmospheric river conditions had also played a significant role during the devastating Chennai floods of 2015 and the extreme rainfall recorded in Sirkazhi three years ago, where nearly 40 cm of rain fell within two hours.

Referring to the 2023 Thoothukudi floods, Srikanth noted that meteorologists had successfully forecast the presence of a low pressure circulation and the likelihood of heavy rainfall. However, the unprecedented magnitude of the event was not anticipated. Now, with advances in weather modelling and atmospheric observations, it is possible to identify atmospheric river events in advance.

He also warned that coastal districts such as Chennai remain particularly vulnerable because moisture-rich cloud bands originating over the sea typically make landfall first along coastal regions.

While atmospheric rivers are relatively common in parts of North America, they remain rare over Tamil Nadu. However, researchers caution that a warming climate could increase the frequency and intensity of such events, underscoring the need for high resolution forecasting systems capable of detecting these hidden atmospheric threats before they cause disasters on the ground

"The primary objective of establishing the SIPCOT complex in Pochampalli in 1993 was to boost the industrial development of the region. However, when large-scale industrial projects are introduced, it becomes essential to examine their impact on the lives of local villagers and marginalised communities," said P Sivakami, founder of the forum.

The study revealed that the farmers and workers, especially women, earn meagre incomes. Farmers and agricultural daily-wage labourers have been enduring extreme economic distress for several decades now, it said.

The researchers assessed a series of concerns, including the extent of land and livelihood loss suffered by local populations during the SIPCOT land acquisition, analysed and compared whose living standards actually improved due to industrial growth, environmental degradation, labour dynamics, land and displacement.

"The ultimate outcomes of this study are oriented toward formulating actionable corporate social responsibility (CSR) recommendations for local panchayat leaders, the SIPCOT administration, and state regulatory bodies, while proposing alternative livelihood models for affected communities," said Sivakami.

She further said, "While official SIPCOT administrative records declare an acquisition compensation rate of Rs 43,000 per acre, the affected farmers uniformly testified that they received only between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,000 per acre."

Meanwhile, SIPCOT authorities noted that compensation amounts contested or unclaimed by farmers are currently held as civil court deposits. And 100 per cent of land-losing respondents stated that the compensation was vastly inadequate and fell drastically below prevailing market values.

Police said Naresh Kumar of Omalur in Salem was taken to Salem for questioning in connection with a criminal case. He was being escorted back to the prison in a police van.

Around midnight, as the van reached Madathupalayam Pirivu junction on the Coimbatore-Salem NH near Perundurai, Naresh requested that the vehicle be stopped so he could relieve himself. He was taken to a nearby wooded area. He seized the opportunity to flee into the darkness. Despite a chase by the two SSI’s, he managed to evade capture.

After an unsuccessful search of the area, the escorting officers alerted senior Salem police officials and the Perundurai police. Multiple police teams carried out an intensive search through the night, but Naresh Kumar remained untraceable.

Senior police officers have launched an inquiry into the escape. Departmental action is likely to be initiated against the cops for negligence in duty.

After meeting the Speaker at the Secretariat, the two MLAs said they had submitted a reply to queries raised on the AIADMK's petition seeking action against the six former legislators.

Speaking to reporters, Agri Krishnamurthy alleged that the former MLAs had betrayed both the AIADMK and the electorate that voted them to power. He claimed they had joined the ruling party through "horse-trading" and said the AIADMK had sought action against them under the anti-defection provisions despite their resignations.

Questioning the circumstances surrounding their resignations, he alleged that some of the former MLAs had switched allegiance in anticipation of ministerial berths.

Responding to a question on reported differences within the AIADMK, Thalavai Sundaram said disagreements and resentment were common in all political parties and would eventually be resolved.

On the party's complaint, Sundaram said the Speaker had assured the AIADMK delegation that the matter would be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the anti-defection law.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation's president, Advocate K Chandramohan, and general secretary, J Harikaran, said the decision was a fitting tribute to former Chief Minister K Kamaraj, whose efforts transformed the State's education sector through pioneering welfare measures.

They said Kamaraj dedicated his life to promoting education and improving the welfare of students, particularly children from economically weaker sections, by ensuring greater access to schooling through landmark initiatives.

The office-bearers said naming the breakfast scheme after Kamaraj would help the younger generation remember and appreciate his contribution to education and social welfare.

Describing the decision as historic, they said it reflected the government's recognition of Kamaraj's enduring legacy in shaping Tamil Nadu's educational progress.

The organisation expressed its gratitude to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for what it termed a thoughtful initiative and wished the state government success in implementing welfare programmes aimed at benefiting students and society.

“With the Mettur level below 75 feet, chances for water release for irrigation are less. Around 12 lakh acres of land in the Cauvery delta region may turn into desert. The farmers are sceptical about samba cultivation too," Pandian said.

Thus, the Delta farmers have decided to organise a conference on the impact of El Nino on farming activities on August 1, in which several thousands of farmers would take part, he said.

Ravishankar, the prominent scientist on climate change, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, Agriculture University Vice Chancellor (In-charge) Subramanian and other experts would take part and interact with the farmers and would clarify their doubts, Pandian said.

Replying to an unstarred question by Tiruvallur MP Sasikanth Senthil regarding the section that currently has four railway lines, Vaishnaw said the proposed expansion would require consultations with the Tamil Nadu government and approvals from agencies, including NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, before it is taken up.

Vaishnaw said Tiruvallur and Gummidipoondi railway stations are among the 77 stations in Tamil Nadu identified for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

At Tiruvallur station, works including the extension and improvement of the station building, booking office, parking facilities, platform surface improvements on platforms 1 and 6, platform shelters, and structural works for the new concourse and entrance porch have been completed.

Construction of a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge, lifts, improvements to the circulating area and installation of new signages are under way.

At Gummidipoondi station, parking improvements, a second-entry booking office, platform surface upgrades on all four platforms and installation of lifts have been completed.

Construction of a new station building, pedestrian plaza, drainage, approach road at the first entry, an integrated passenger information system and a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge is in progress.

There are 26 manned level crossings in Tiruvallur, of which 16 Road Over Bridge (ROB) and Road Under Bridge (RUB) projects have been sanctioned for eliminating level crossings.

While the railway portion of the ROB at LC-13 between Tiruninravur and Tiruvallur has been completed and approach works are under way, other projects are at various stages, including construction, land acquisition, preparation of detailed project reports, approval of general arrangement drawings and alignment finalisation.

The minister said completion of railway infrastructure projects depends on factors such as land acquisition, statutory clearances, shifting of utilities, approvals from State authorities and other operational constraints.

Land acquisition has emerged as one of the biggest bottlenecks for railway infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, with nearly three-fourths of the land required for ongoing projects yet to be acquired, the minister added.

Railway projects across the State require 4,612 hectares of land. However, only 1,178 hectares, or 26%, has been acquired so far, leaving 3,434 hectares pending.

The minister said timely acquisition of land by the State government, along with statutory and forest clearances, shifting of utilities, geological conditions and law and order issues, would determine the pace of completion of these railway projects.

LANDING TROUBLE

• Among the worst-affected projects is the proposed 88-km Attipattu-Puttur new railway line, for which none of the required 189 hectares has been acquired

• No land has been acquired for the 41-km Mannargudi-Pattukkottai new line, which requires 204 hectares, and the 52-km Thanjavur-Pattukkottai new line, where 152 hectares is yet to be acquired

• The 71-km Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai new line has secured only 33 hectares out of the required 276 hectares, while the Morappur-Dharmapuri new line has acquired 47 hectares of the 93 hectares needed

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the woman had left the house with three children following an argument with her husband on July 19. As Amsa's parents also lived in the same village, Saravanan believed she had gone to their house and would return later.

However, as her whereabouts remained unknown, Saravanan and other family members searched for them over the last two days. Their bodies were recovered from a well located in a farm belonging to Amsa’s parents. Further investigations are on.

In a post on X, the DMK leader said, "I strongly condemn the government for forcibly arresting SFI and DYFI members using the police force while they were protesting against the #NEET exam in Chennai Egmore and Madurai Tamukkam areas. Arresting those protesting in Tamil Nadu in support of the youth fighting in Delhi under the leadership of #CJP clearly reveals the ruling party's double standards on the NEET issue."

"The government must immediately stop this suppression, which treats protests against the Union BJP government as protests against itself," he said and demanded that those arrested be released immediately.

He condemned the "high-handedness" of the police against CJP youth marching peacefully in the national capital over the NEET paper leak.

"The visuals from Delhi are shocking. Instead of addressing their concerns, the government is responding with its police force. This is unacceptable in a democracy," he added in his social media account.

"Today, Tamil Nadu's voice against NEET is resonating across the nation, including from the national capital. The demand of the nation's Youth is clear. Listen to them," he said.

In a statement, Palaniswami alleged that the registration of trust land worth around Rs 100 crore in favour of private individuals had triggered widespread outrage among devotees.

He said concerns over lands belonging to the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Trust had been raised since the previous DMK regime and noted that a case relating to the temple land is already pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

Palaniswami further said the government itself had acknowledged that three key accused in the alleged land fraud were absconding and were being searched for by the police. This, he said, had cast doubts over the government's handling of the issue.

"If this hide-and-seek game is to end, the matter must be investigated by an impartial agency such as the CBI," he said.

Condemning the TVK government over the alleged fraudulent registration of temple land, the AIADMK will hold the protest at 9.30 am on July 25 near the Mayil Roundabout in Palani under the banner of the party's Dindigul West district unit.

The demonstration will be led by AIADMK Treasurer, Dindigul East district secretary and former minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan.

Palaniswami appealed to the public and AIADMK functionaries to participate in large numbers in the protest.

The Thoothukudi District Crime Branch arrested MLA Markandeyan for his alleged defamatory remarks against the CM during the public meeting. He was questioned for nearly 11 hours at the district police office before being remanded to judicial custody till August 3 by Judicial Magistrate-I Sumathi.

The bail petition was scheduled to be heard on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch police filed a petition seeking permission to take Markandeyan into police custody for further interrogation. The court decided to hear both petitions together in the afternoon and directed the authorities to produce Markandeyan, who was lodged in Palayamkottai prison, before the court.

Accordingly, Markandeyan was produced before Judicial Magistrate-I Sumathi at the Thoothukudi Judicial Magistrate Court.

During the hearing, the police sought custody of the MLA for further interrogation. Opposing the plea, counsel for Markandeyan submitted that he had already been questioned for 11 hours, during which the police had asked more than 170 questions, and that he had signed all the documents required by the investigating agency. Therefore, no further police custody was necessary.

Arguing for bail, the defence counsel contended that the speech delivered by the MLA at the public meeting had been made without any malicious intent. The prosecution strongly opposed the plea and urged the court not to grant bail.

After hearing both sides, Judicial Magistrate-I Sumathi dismissed both the MLA's bail petition and the police application seeking police custody for further interrogation.

The government also announced that the expansion of the scheme to include students of Classes 6 to 8 would be launched on September 17.
This is also considered to be a deft political move by the alliance leader TVK, as the move would endear itself with the Congress, a key constituent in the ruling coalition.

According to a government order issued by Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department Secretary M Pallavi Baldev, the expansion of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme will benefit 15,14,274 students studying in 15,454 government schools across the State. The government has allocated Rs 217.63 crore for the expansion.

Incidentally, the order is dated July 15, Kamaraj’s birth anniversary, and the expansion will be launched on September 17, the birth anniversary of Dravidian icon Periyar EV Ramasamy.

"The scheme will be extended to 447 schools in Chennai, where the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation will oversee its implementation," the order said. In the remaining districts, the scheme implementation will be monitored by Collectors. The order also stated that the existing menu, operational guidelines, and monitoring mechanism would continue without any changes.

The breakfast scheme, conceived by the previous DMK government and launched by the then chief minister MK Stalin in 2022, currently provides nutritious breakfast to 19.34 lakh primary school students in government schools.

Under the scheme, students are served upma, kichadi, or pongal on weekdays, with rava kesari or semiya kesari added to the menu on Fridays. Locally available millets feature on the menu at least twice a week. The government spends upward of Rs 12.71 per child on each breakfast.

The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and Sakthivel while hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by Narmadha of Gomathipuram in Madurai.

The petitioner sought a direction to the State government to formulate a policy providing women with fully paid menstrual leave, taking into account their welfare.

During the hearing, the Bench observed that "When there is no policy decision at all, it is necessary to formulate one. It may appear to be insignificant, but when more than half of the population consists of women, it is necessary to take their issues into consideration. At present, there has been a change in Tamil Nadu. The government can hold appropriate deliberations on fulfilling the petitioner's request. A policy should be framed in a manner acceptable to women from all sections."

The Bench further observed that the government could hold consultations on the petitioner's request and evolve a policy acceptable to women from all sections of society.

The court directed a competent officer from the Labour Welfare Department, who is authorised to make recommendations on policy matters, to explain the government's position on the issue and adjourned the case to July 28.

Members of Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), both pro-CPI(M) organisations, staged an agitation in Coimbatore to express solidarity with students protesting in New Delhi.

DYFI District Secretary Dinesh Raja strongly condemned the Union government and Delhi Police for cracking down on parliament-bound students and arresting activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since June 20.

Raja demanded Wangchuk's unconditional release and strict action against the police personnel responsible for brutality against the Jantar Mantar protesters.

The student leaders criticised the Tamil Nadu police for detaining demonstrators in Chennai, Madurai, and Mayiladuthurai, questioning the absence of a designated protest venue like Jantar Mantar in the state. Citing the loss of 20 student lives nationally due to NEET, the organisations announced a 48-hour wait-in protest in Coimbatore, even as police intervened to detain the demonstrating activists.

In a related development in Chennai, CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) members continued their protest over the ongoing issue for the third consecutive day, with visuals depicting the sustained agitation.

Annamalai, who now heads the "We the Leaders" movement, demanded to know why a meaningful engagement was delayed until the protest escalated to a flashpoint and wondered what kept the government waiting.

"I urge the BJP-led Central Government to engage in meaningful dialogue, uphold transparency, and take swift, appropriate action to address the concerns at hand. The strength of any nation lies in the confidence its youth place in its institutions. If our students lose faith in the fairness and credibility of our education system, we are jeopardising the future of our nation," he said in a statement.

Despite the controversy, 'Jana Nayagan' has crossed Rs 15 crore in domestic advance bookings, with trade analysts projecting a Rs 50-60 crore opening day. Vijay's first release as Chief Minister and his final acting project is directed by H Vinoth, produced by KVN Productions, and also stars Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol and Prakash Raj, among others.

Ahead of the film's release tomorrow (July 23), here's a complete timeline of how the controversy unfolded.

Certification and legal battle

1. December 18: KVN Productions submits 'Jana Nayagan' to the CBFC's Chennai regional office for certification ahead of its Pongal release.

2. December 22: The 5-member Examining Committee recommends a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to 27 cuts and modifications, which the producers accept.

3. December 24: The revised version, incorporating the suggested changes, is resubmitted to the CBFC.

4. January 5: 'Jana Nayagan' producers receive an email stating that the film has been referred to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 following a complaint by an Examining Committee member alleging:

• Religious sentiments could be hurt.

• Indian Armed Forces were improperly portrayed.

• Film suggests foreign elements are fuelling religious unrest.

5. January 6: KVN Productions files a writ petition in the Madras High Court challenging the delay in film certification.

6. January 7: The makers indefinitely postpone 'Jana Nayagan''s January 9 release.

7. January 9 (Morning): Justice PT Asha, sitting as a single judge, rules in favour of the film's producers:

• Quashes the January 5 communication.

• Directs the CBFC to immediately grant an U/A certificate.

• Calls the complaint an "afterthought".

• Observes that, "once the Examining Committee's recommendation was accepted on December 22, the Chairperson no longer had the authority to refer the film to a Revising Committee."

The judge also observes, "Such a volte-face by a member... would give rise to a dangerous trend of members reneging on their recommendation... the sanctity placed on the decision of the Examining Committee... would stand eroded."

8. January 9 (Evening): CBFC immediately appeals before a Division Bench, which stays the single judge's order, observing that the Censor board had not been given adequate time to file a counter-affidavit.

How the legal proceedings on Jan 9 transpired: Hours after CBFC ordered to clear Jana Nayagan, Madras HC puts the brake on it

9. January 12-15: 'Jana Nayagan' producers move Supreme Court. On January 15, the apex court declines to intervene, sending the case back to the High Court.

10. January 20: The Division Bench hears arguments and reserves its verdict; CBFC argues it was denied a proper hearing while producers argue the complaint came from within the committee that had already cleared the film.

11. January 27: In a major setback for the producers, the Division Bench sets aside the single judge's order. Judges on the bench are quoted saying, "The single judge ought not to have gone into the merits of the complaint without giving the CBFC sufficient opportunity to file its counter-affidavit." The case is remitted to a single judge for a fresh hearing, and the producers are allowed to amend their petition to directly challenge the chairperson's referral order.

12. Feb 9–10: Realizing that prolonged litigation could delay the film indefinitely, KVN Productions shifts strategy. They submit a letter to the registry to withdraw their writ petition, electing to comply with the statutory CBFC Revising Committee to fast-track a theatrical release. Justice Asha officially dismisses the case as withdrawn.

CBFC review, delay and OTT setback

13. March 9: Censor board review postponed after a member of their revising committee reportedly falls ill.

14. March 12: 'Jana Nayagan''s OTT rights reportedly cancelled.

15. March 17: CBFC hands the DCP (Digital Cinema Package) to the applicant in Mumbai with due acknowledgement.

16. March 17: The film is screened for CBFC officials in Mumbai, following which the board seeks ECI's intervention on whether the content could impact the level playing field during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. 

Piracy leak and crackdown

17. April 9: In a shocking turn of events, a five-minute high-quality clip (including Vijay's introduction scene) from 'Jana Nayagan' begins circulating on social media, followed by reports of the full HD print being leaked on piracy websites.

18. April 11: CBFC denies responsibility for the leak, calling reports that 'Jana Nayagan' was leaked from the board "baseless and false". It says access to the film is password-protected, with the KDM (Key Delivery Message) remaining solely with the producer, making unauthorised access impossible. The board also clarifies that the DCP was handed over to the applicant on March 17 and has remained with them since.

On the same day, KVN Productions issues a statement confirming the leak and warning of strict legal action.

19. April 12: The Cyber Crime Wing police of Tamil Nadu arrest six people in relation to the leak. 

20. April 15: State Cyber Crime Wing arrests three main accused in the case, including a freelance film assistant editor. The accused are S Prashanth, S Selvam, and Bala alias Balakrishnan. 

21. April 24: Southern India Film Editor's Association (SIFEA) suspends film editor Pradeep E Raghav for allegedly violating union bylaws and failing to prevent the illegal online leak of the film.

22. May 15: The State Cyber Crime Wing invokes preventive detention under the Goondas Act against three key accused in the 'Jana Nayagan' leak case.

23. May 25: Reports of some booking apps listing the film for June 19 (Vijay's birthday) emerge, but no official confirmation emerges.

24. June 3: Six more persons involved in the unlawful circulation and dissemination of the pirated movie content are arrested by the cyber wing.

Certification cleared for release

25. July 2: Around 1.2 crore people watched the present Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan' online even before it received CBFC certification, police informs the Madras High Court. 

26. July 5: Sources tell DT Next that the film is likely to hit theatres later this month, with Vishnu Vishal's Irandu Vaanam, and Madhavan's GDN likely to put their release plans on hold. Tirupur Subramaniam, president of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Exhibitors Association, said Vijay's son Jason Sanjay's Sigma too is likely to postpone its July 30 release to avoid clashing with the film.

Release countdown

27. July 9: CBFC grants the film an 'A' certificate after directing the makers to do 12 modifications in the film including removal of references to Dr BRAmbedkar and TVK, besides muting religious and politically sensitive dialogues.

The film has a runtime of 183 minutes and 21 seconds after 20 seconds of deletions and 10 seconds of replacements.

28. July 15: KVN Productions releases a new poster referring to Vijay as the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and announces July 23 as release date.

29. July 22: On comparisons with the Telugu film 'Bhagavanth Kesari', H Vinot told PTI: "There is 50-50 (mix). There is deep sensitive politics. We took the core idea of fear from the original and explored it through a political lens and how fear functions politically."

30. July 22: Advance bookings for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s final cinematic outing, 'Jana Nayagan', open ahead of its Thursday (July 23) release; theatres report sold-out shows within minutes of tickets going live.

First-day-first-show screenings are scheduled to begin at 8.40 am across Tamil Nadu on July 23.

"This 2027 census is going to be India's first census conducted using complete digital technology," Tamil Nadu Census Director M Sundaresh Babu said.

Addressing a press conference after a consultative meeting, Babu outlined the preparatory work for the decennial exercise, noting that approximately 1.6 lakh personnel will be deployed across the state. Nationwide, around 30 lakh enumerators will be involved in the process.

Babu stated that the census will primarily be conducted in two phases, with the first phase comprising house listing and housing census, and the second phase focusing on population enumeration. In Tamil Nadu, the fieldwork for the first phase will be held over 30 days from August 1 to August 30.

A significant feature of this census is the introduction of a self-enumeration portal, allowing citizens to register their details online themselves, added Babu.

"A 15-day window, concluding on July 31, has been allocated for this self-registration facility. In Madurai district alone, around 9,000 households have already utilised the self-enumeration option," according to him.

During the 30-day field exercise in August, enumerators are tasked with visiting households to record responses to a standardised set of 33 questions applicable across India. Each enumerator will cover approximately 200 to 250 households, translating to a population of 800 to 900 people.

Allaying public fears regarding the purpose of data collection, Babu clarified that details concerning household amenities -- such as the ownership of air conditioners, televisions, or mobile phones -- will not be used to strip individuals of below poverty line (BPL) status or deny them government benefits.

"The information collected is strictly for planning and acts as a baseline framework," Babu said, adding that individual data is not shared on any platform and will not be used to decide direct benefits, voting rights, or citizenship.

Addressing queries on specific demographics, the official stated that the houseless population will be enumerated during a special drive in the final days of the second phase in February 2027. Individuals who have migrated abroad and are not physically present in India during the census period will not be counted in this exercise.

For households found locked during initial visits, enumerators have been instructed to make two to three attempts to reach the residents, including gathering contact information from neighbours to schedule convenient appointments.

The official also said to ensure the enumeration process does not disrupt regular school functioning, participating teachers have been granted full flexibility to schedule their field visits outside of school hours or on holidays. Local district collectors and charge officers will coordinate with the education department to manage workloads locally.

In a statement, Chief Minister Vijay condemned the detention of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders who participated in a protest supporting the anti-NEET agitation in New Delhi, describing the police action as undemocratic.

He said the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had extended its full support to the demonstration staged by Opposition parties in the Parliament complex.

"The TVK's uncompromising stand is that the NEET examination should be abolished completely. We should not give false promises on NEET, as it affects not only students but also their parents," Vijay said.

Appealing to the Union government, the Chief Minister said education should be brought back to the State List if NEET was to be abolished. He suggested that if there were constitutional or legal hurdles in doing so, the Centre should consider creating a Special Concurrent List that would empower State governments to decide matters relating to education and medical admissions.

"Such a measure would give State governments full authority over issues such as education and medical admissions. TVK had already raised this demand during the party's education awards function," he said.

Urging the BJP-led Union government to respect the sentiments of students and the people of Tamil Nadu, Vijay said abolishing NEET was the only solution to the present crisis.

Echoing the Chief Minister's demand, DMK president M K Stalin said the anti-NEET protest in New Delhi had now captured the attention of the entire country.

In a post on X, Stalin said the DMK was the first party to warn that NEET was designed to facilitate large-scale irregularities and had consistently opposed the examination since its inception.

"We were the first to warn that NEET was designed to enable large-scale irregularities. That is why the DMK has opposed NEET from the very beginning, consistently pointing out the dangers it poses," Stalin said.

He asserted that the abolition of NEET should be the central demand of the ongoing protests, adding that scrapping the examination alone would provide a lasting solution to the issues faced by students. He concluded his message with the hashtag "Ban NEET, Save Students."

The police arrested Surya (26) of Kurumbur in connection with the case. "We are searching for the other accused involved in the alleged smuggling operation," a police source said.

Acting on a tip-off received by Q Branch Inspector Vijay Anitha, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Ramachandran, along with Special Sub-Inspectors Geethan and Ramar and other police personnel, conducted surveillance in the area.

During the operation, the team intercepted an Eicher goods vehicle (registration number TN 07 BA 8762) on the road leading to Senthoor Nagar beach at around 4 a.m. on July 22. The vehicle was allegedly transporting 79 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing about 35 kg, for smuggling to Sri Lanka by boat.

The seized beedi leaves, the goods vehicle, and the accused will be handed over to the Customs Department for further action. The international market value of the seized beedi leaves is estimated at around Rs.1 crore, police said.

According to a police source, gangs are involved in smuggling beedi leaves, medicines, soap, and fertilizers to Sri Lanka to evade taxes. "If these goods are imported into Sri Lanka legally, the buyers have to pay high import duties. For instance, one bundle of beedi leaves costs between Rs.240 and Rs.250 in Thoothukudi, but the same bundle costs around Rs.2,500 in Sri Lanka," the source said.

As of July 20, 2026, Coimbatore had recorded 10,725 rooftop solar installations benefiting 15,889 households, while Chennai followed with 9,410 installations covering 12,788 households. Chengalpattu ranked third with 6,428 installations and 10,698 beneficiary households.

Overall, Tamil Nadu has installed 83,906 residential rooftop solar systems under the scheme since its launch in February 2024, benefiting 99,321 households across the State.

Replying to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a demand-driven scheme available to all residential consumers with grid-connected electricity connections in both urban and rural areas. Applications are processed through the National Portal.

The Centre said it has released Rs 576.66 crore for the scheme in Tamil Nadu since February 2024, resulting in the creation of 303.63 MW of rooftop solar capacity.

Among other districts, Tiruchirappalli (3,899), Namakkal (3,826), Tiruppur (3,790), Thiruvallur (3,560) and Madurai (3,358) also recorded strong adoption. At the other end of the scale, The Nilgiris reported the fewest installations at 122, followed by Ariyalur (206), Perambalur (283) and Nagapattinam (344).

The Ministry said it has introduced measures including an end-to-end online application and subsidy disbursal process, concessional collateral-free loans, simplified approvals, streamlined vendor registration, awareness campaigns and strengthened monitoring to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across the country.

Highlights

Rank District Installations Households

1 Coimbatore 10,725 15,889

2 Chennai 9,410 12,788

3 Chengalpattu 6,428 10,698

4 Erode 4,014 4,349

5 Salem 3,957 4,139

Total 38 districts 83,906 99,321

The details were provided by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (July 21).

Rise in export share, surge in revenue

According to the data that the minister submitted, the State has made significant strides over the years, growing from 9.88 per cent of the total merchandise exports from India in FY 2024 and 11.84 per cent in FY 2025 to now account for 13.35 per cent.

The figures look even more impressive in absolute numbers: From USD 43,218.25 million (USD 1,000 million = USD 1 billion) in FY 24 to USD 51,825.18 million in FY 25, and now at USD 58,950.70 million in FY 26.

That is, the revenue that the State has earned from merchandise exports has grown by a whopping 36.40 per cent in just two years from FY 24.

Five key export sectors for Tamil Nadu

Of the total export earnings, USD 53,923.96 million came from just five sectors: engineering goods, electronics, textiles and allied products, automobiles, and leather.

Engineering goods is the largest component, accounting for USD 20,397 million, working out to 16.66 per cent of India's exports. The sector marked a healthy growth over the years since FY 2024 (USD 16,841.3 million, 15.41%), and FY 2025 (USD 18,200.3 million, 15.59%).

The second highest in revenue terms was electronics, with merchandise worth USD 19,966.7 million being exported across the world. This is a key sector for Tamil Nadu, as the State has a massive 41.63 per cent share in Indian electronics export. It was USD 9,562.56 million (32.84%) in FY 24 and USD 14,652.06 million (38%) in FY 25. In other words, electronics exports surged by more than double in just two years.

Textile and allied products came third in the list with USD 8,260.69 million in FY 2026. While the absolute number has fallen marginally from USD 8,285.99 million (a fall of USD 25.3 million), Tamil Nadu's share in India's export in the sector went up to 23.13% from 22.74%, implying that the textile export suffered a dip across the country, but the State managed to perform better than others. For the record, it was USD 7,362.8 million (21.38%) in FY 24.

Interestingly, the story was just the opposite in the export of motor vehicles. The annual export figure recorded a substantial jump to USD 3,701.14 million in FY 26 from USD 3,146.92 million a year ago – a rise of 17.61 per cent. However, absolute numbers do not give the full picture. Tamil Nadu's share of auto exports fell to 33.38 per cent from 34.95 per cent. This is a continuing story: Tamil Nadu's share was 36.68 per cent (USD 3,028.12 million) in FY 24.

This indicates that auto sector exports have surged across the country, with other states performing better than Tamil Nadu – even if not by a large margin.

In the leather sector, Tamil Nadu recorded a fall in both absolute numbers and share in exports, the same trend that has been reported in FY 25 and now in FY 26. It was USD 1,666.53 million (37.3%) in FY 24, which fell to USD 1,636.97 million (35.76%) in FY 25, and now USD 1,598.03 million (35.59%) in FY 26.

In a statement issued on X Wednesday, Vijay also expressed TVK's solidarity with opposition parties staging a protest inside the Parliament complex following Monday's police action against demonstrators participating in the 'Sansad Chalo' Parliament march.

'NEET must be abolished completely'

Reiterating his party's stand, Vijay said TVK's position on NEET has remained unchanged since its inception and that the examination should be scrapped permanently. He said the party would never make "false promises" on an issue that has deeply affected students and their families merely for electoral gains.According to Vijay, the permanent solution lies in transferring education from the Concurrent List to the State List, enabling states to independently decide their admission policies. He added that if immediate constitutional changes were not feasible, the Centre should consider creating a Special Concurrent List to temporarily empower state governments to exercise greater control over general and medical education.

"This has been our stand from the very beginning of the party. We had clearly explained both the permanent and interim solutions during our educational awards function," he said. Vijay also urged the Union government to respect the sentiments of students and the people of Tamil Nadu by withdrawing NEET altogether.

Police action sparks nationwide protests

The Chief Minister's statement comes amid growing protests against NEET across India following allegations of question paper leaks, examination irregularities and concerns over transparency. On Monday (July 20), thousands of students, youth organisations and members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' Parliament march in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, justice for students affected by the NEET controversy and reforms in the examination system.

The protest witnessed heavy police deployment, barricading and lathi-charge as demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Several protesters were detained, while opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were also taken into custody after joining the demonstration in support of the students.

In Tamil Nadu, student organisations and political parties also staged protests condemning the police action in Delhi and reiterating the demand for the abolition of NEET.

The decision came after the daily quota of 10,000 time-slotted darshan tickets for Wednesday's darshan, issued at 5 am on Tuesday was sold within an hour.

As a result, devotees who arrived later, including those who had travelled from distant places, were unable to secure tickets.

The 2,000 darshan tokens issued at the Srivari Mettu footpath were also distributed.

Unaware of the cancellation, many devotees waited at ticket counters.

Temple authorities said tickets for the day after tomorrow's darshan will be issued as scheduled on Thursday.

82,105 devotees had darshan on July 21, while 34,484 devotees offered their hair as part of the ritual.

The temple also received Rs 5.18 crore through the hundi, and 4.17 lakh laddus were sold.

The unidentified persons also wrote slogans on the station walls demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET issue. The incident triggered tension in the area.

Student organisations have staged similar protests in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Police said the unidentified persons allegedly entered the railway station during the night, erased the Hindi lettering on the railway name boards and wrote slogans protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and criticising the Union government.

The slogans included "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resign", "Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, resign", and "Stop Podhigai Express trains at Sholavandan."

Railway authorities removed the slogans from the station walls on Wednesday.

Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the incident.

M Vijayalakshmi, who was serving as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Armed Police, Tiruchy, has been posted as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Home Guards, Chennai. The appointment has been made by downgrading the vacant post of Additional Director General of Police/Director of Civil Defence and Additional Commandant General, Home Guards. The government has also revived the cadre post of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Armed Police, Chennai.

R Shiva Prasad, Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai district, has been transferred and posted as Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi district, replacing Abhishek Gupta, who has been posted as Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai district.

D Shanmuga Priya, Superintendent of Police, Central Zone, Crime Branch-CID, Chennai, has been appointed Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Western Range, Chennai, against an existing vacancy.

P R Meera, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Rameswaram Sub-Division in Ramanathapuram district, has been posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police, Office Automation and Computerisation, in the office of the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force, Chennai.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the Thoothukudi II Additional Sessions Court found Murugavel guilty of causing the death of Sub-Inspector Balu while he was on night patrol. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict.

Drunken altercation led to police action

Murugavel, a mechanic from the Vazhavallan-Korkai Junction area near Eral in Thoothukudi district, had allegedly created a disturbance at a pushcart stall on Bharathiyar Road on the night of January 31, 2021, while under the influence of alcohol.

After receiving information, police constable Pon Subbiah reached the spot and seized Murugavel's motorcycle, as he was allegedly riding in an intoxicated condition. The vehicle was taken to the Eral police station. Sub-Inspector Balu later registered a motor vehicle case and instructed Murugavel to appear at the police station the following day to complete the formalities and reclaim the motorcycle.

Police patrol targeted

Police said that around 12.45 am on February 1, 2021, Sub-Inspector Balu and Constable Pon Subbiah were on motorcycle patrol along the Korkai-Nalumukku Road when they again noticed Murugavel standing near a load auto. The officers reportedly questioned and reprimanded him before continuing their patrol.

Investigators said Murugavel, enraged over the seizure of his motorcycle, allegedly stole the load auto and chased the police officers. Near the Vazhavallan Oorkatha Swami Temple, he allegedly drove the vehicle at high speed and rammed it into the police motorcycle. The impact left Sub-Inspector Balu with severe injuries. He succumbed to his injuries, while Constable Pon Subbiah sustained injuries in the collision.

Court awards life sentence

The Eral police registered a case and conducted an investigation into the incident, which triggered widespread shock in the district. Following the trial, Judge Preetha of the Thoothukudi II Additional Sessions Court convicted Murugavel and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Public Prosecutor Xavier Gnanaprakasam appeared for the prosecution during the trial.