The police identified the deceased as Surya (15), son of Murugesan from Mangalamedu. Surya was studying Class 10 in a private school in the locality.

According to the police, Murugesan was working at a farm owned by one Abudagir in the locality. Murugesan was staying on the farm along with his son and was working, the police noted.

On Saturday, Murugesan, along with his son Surya, sprinkled pesticides on the crops on the farm where he was working. When they both went inside the farm, the police said, Surya stepped onto the snapped live electric line, and he was electrocuted.

The electric line had fallen on the field following strong winds and heavy rain in the region during the previous night, the police said.

Based on the information, Arumbavur police rushed to the spot and retrieved Surya's body after suspending the power supply. The police sent the boy's body to Perambalur Government Hospital. The police have registered a case and are investigating further.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruvidaimarudur in Thanjavur, Chezhiaan said that the practice of selecting the best local body administrations and having the Chief Minister present the awards to their heads had been followed to encourage better performance. “But now, the TVK government has opted to hand over the awards to higher officials of the department, who are expected to distribute them to the respective local body heads. This is against democracy,” he charged.

He said people of the State, who had witnessed democracy being upheld during Assembly proceedings, were now being forced to witness those who had no knowledge of democracy and failed to conduct themselves with dignity on the Assembly floor.

Calling the 100-day TVK government “a reel and not a real one”, Chezhiaan alleged that ministers and party functionaries were more focused on recording videos during their visits and posting them on social media than addressing public welfare issues.

He also demanded that the government stop collecting Rs 20 per bottle at Tasmac outlets and ensure corruption-free governance.

Chezhiaan also condemned the politicisation of Kanimozhi’s participation in the high tea hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying there was no hidden agenda behind it.

S Lokesh (17) and E Jayakumar (19), both from Karlampakkam village, had halted on the highway around 4.30 pm while returning from Puttur on their bike. Initial probe said the duo was shooting videos for social media when a luxury car bearing Maharashtra registration number, travelling towards Chennai from Bengaluru, struck them.

The driver, identified as Henry Isaac (55) of Telangana, fled the scene and remains absconding. The victims sustained fatal head and body injuries and died at the scene. Passersby alerted the Pallipattu police, who recovered the bodies and sent them to Tiruttani Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The police launched a search to trace the driver and are examining CCTV footage.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution stating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be the first song at government functions. However, an earlier circular issued by HC Registrar General Deepthi Arivunithi had directed the Principal Bench, Madurai Bench, subordinate courts in TN and Puducherry, and judicial training centres to sing Vande Mataram before the national flag was unfurled, followed by the national anthem after the flag hoisting. The circular said the directions were issued in accordance with the Union government’s instructions.

Against this backdrop, a fresh circular issued by the Registrar General stated that Tamil Thai Vazhthu would be sung first at the I-Day celebrations, followed by Vande Mataram and the unfurling of the national flag. The national anthem would be sung after the flag was unfurled, it said.

Accordingly, the I-Day celebrations at the HC began at 10 am with Tamil Thai Vazhthu. Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari unfurled the national flag, and subsequently received the ceremonial salute from CISF personnel deployed for security at the HC and the police band.

State Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar, DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan, Madras HC Advocates’ Association president RC Paul Kanagaraj, Madras Bar Association president VR Kamalanathan, Bar Council members PS Amalraj and M Velmurugan, Registrar General Deepthi Arivunithi, other Registrars, court staff and several others attended the event.

The move appeases both the present ally, Congress, and the potential ally, PMK.

Krishnasamy received the award, with his daughter clapping from the gallery. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a certificate. He received the award from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George. As her father received the honour, Sowmya stood up and gave him a standing ovation.

Krishnasamy, a veteran Congress leader, became the first recipient of the award under the TVK-led government. His son Vishnuprasad is the incumbent MP from Cuddalore.

The award also assumed significance for the Congress, as the honour was instituted during the previous DMK regime, with veteran leaders of the CPM and CPI among the first recipients. Krishnaswamy was chosen for the award after PMK founder S Ramadoss turned down the honour.

The development has generated political interest amid indications of growing proximity between the TVK-led government and the PMK, which has four MLAs in the Assembly. Krishnaswamy's daughter, Sowmya, is married to PMK president Anbumani, the son of party founder S Ramadoss.

Earlier, Sowmya had sought a separate room for the PMK in the Assembly complex. The Assembly Secretariat promptly sanctioned a room following her request.

The room allocation had already drawn political attention. The honour bestowed upon her father at the Independence Day celebrations added another notable moment for the PMK floor leader and her family, fuelling speculation about the evolving political equations between the TVK and the PMK.

In a video message posted on his WhatsApp group on Independence Day, Udhayakumar said that if the AIADMK faced an alleged "invasion" by TVK, cadres would fight back. He warned that it would be difficult to predict whether Vijay would remain alive to hoist the national flag on Independence Day in future.

Invoking the legacy of former AIADMK leaders MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, Udhayakumar said loyal cadres would sacrifice their lives to protect the party. He called TVK's attempts to induct AIADMK functionaries the "height of abuse of power".

He accused Vijay of using social media, paid influencers, and content creators to build a "false image", while criticising the government over its alleged failure to implement election promises. Udhayakumar urged Vijay to focus instead on poverty eradication, employment generation, industrial and agricultural development, and Tamil Nadu's claims over the Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar rivers and Katchatheevu.

Recently, Udhayakumar triggered controversy by asking when actor Trisha would be appointed Deputy Chief Minister. "Tamil Nadu awaits to see when Vijay's 'beloved' Trisha will be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister," he said at a Jayalalithaa Peravai meeting in Thoothukudi on August 8.

Officials have denied that the decision has anything to do with civic bodies being dominated by DMK and AIADMK leaders, even though such speculation is rife.

The best-performing urban local bodies are recognised with cash awards under the Chief Minister's Awards for Best Performing Local Bodies. Though the TVK-led government continued the practice of honouring the best-performing local bodies after assuming office, the elected representatives did not receive the awards in person this year. An official from the Secretariat said the decision was not politically motivated.

"The government had issued a circular regarding the Independence Day celebrations at local bodies. As per the circular, all local body representatives were required to remain in their respective local bodies and were therefore unable to travel to Chennai to receive the awards from the Chief Minister. There was nothing behind this for political reasons," the official said.

This year, Zones 2 and 6 of the Greater Chennai Corporation were selected for the Chief Minister's Award. Coimbatore and Thanjavur were selected in the Best Corporation category.

Bodinayakanur in Theni district, Arani in Tiruvannamalai district and Villupuram were selected in the Best Municipality category. Thiruvidaimarudur in Thanjavur, Karungal in Kanyakumari and Chettipalayam in Coimbatore were selected in the Best Town Panchayat category.

Most of the elected local body representatives are from the DMK. During the previous DMK regime, elected local body representatives had received the awards from the Chief Minister. However, following the change in government, officials from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department received the awards from the Chief Minister rather than from the elected representatives.

The change in the award presentation process also resulted in the Independence Day programme concluding 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time of 9.30 am, officials said.

Under the Chief Minister's Best Practices Award, Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru was honoured for initiating an integrated approach to addressing childhood stunting in the Nilgiris. However, she did not receive the award in person as she was attending the Independence Day celebrations in her district.

S Satheesh Prabhu, team head of housekeeping at Chennai Metro Rail, and M Geethajalai, Dean of Coimbatore Medical College, who was involved in the production of lightweight artificial limbs, also received awards from the Chief Minister.

He joined the party in the presence of party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Why was Arun Kumar's nomination rejected?

The nomination of Arun Kumar for the Edappadi assembly constituency in Salem district was rejected during scrutiny on April 7.

Election officials cited several discrepancies in his nominations, including an insufficient number of proposers and subsequently rejected the application.

The issue has triggered a political controversy, with ruling TVK ministers demanding an apology and a lawyer seeking police action against the BJP leader.

Speaking at Kamalalayam, the BJP's state headquarters, after relaunching the party mouthpiece 'Ore Naadu 2.0', Nainar Nagenthran apparently criticised Vijay's veiled remarks in the Assembly, which appeared to be directed at DMK president and former chief minister MK Stalin.

"If you go to the Assembly and ask, 'Where is appa? How would you know? You have to go home and ask your mother; only then will she tell you who your father is. If you search for your father in the Assembly, who would know?" Nainar said.

Nainar's remarks, however, drew sharp condemnation from TVK ministers and party functionaries, who accused him of making an objectionable reference to the Chief Minister's family and demanded that he apologise.

Meanwhile, a lawyer has petitioned the DGP to register a case against Nainar over his remarks.

Nainar had earlier faced criticism over similar remarks concerning actor Trisha and subsequently expressed regret. On this occasion, Nainar claims that he hasn't specifically referred to anyone and added that he has no ulterior motive in making those comments.

Earlier in the day, around 300 youngsters joined the BJP at Kamalalayam in Nainar's presence. He also hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters to mark India's 80th Independence Day.

The remarks, which Nagenthran presented as a response to Vijay's “kutti kathai” (short story) criticising DMK president MK Stalin, drew condemnation from political parties. A complaint was later filed at the Chennai DGP office over Nagenthran's remarks.

Speaking at a party event at Kamalalayam, the BJP state headquarters here, Nagenthran mockingly remarked, “When people search for a father in the house and cannot find him, they should ask the mother at home to know who the father is.” The remarks sparked widespread backlash, with several leaders condemning them as derogatory and disrespectful.

Vijay had narrated a “kutti story” in the Assembly following the DMK's defeat in the April 2026 Assembly election, referring humorously to the whereabouts of the opposition leader's “father” in an apparent allusion to Stalin's electoral defeat in the Kolathur Assembly constituency. Several political parties, including the DMK, had criticised Vijay's remarks.

Complaint filed at DGP office over Nainar's 'reply' to TN CM Vijay's remarks

According to Daily Thanthi, lawyer Varthini has filed an online complaint against Nainar Nagenthran at the Chennai DGP office, alleging that his remarks about Chief Minister Vijay and his mother were defamatory.

The complaint said that while political criticism was acceptable, personally humiliating a family member was a matter of concern, and alleged that Nagenthran's remarks were slanderous and hurtful to her as a woman and mother.

Nainar previously too made controversial remarks about Vijay

In February 2026, Nainar Nagendran faced widespread backlash for making a personal remark involving actor Trisha Krishnan while criticising Vijay. Trisha later condemned the comment through her legal counsel, stating she was politically neutral and demanded that personal lives be kept out of political discourse, leading to the State BJP chief tendering an apology.

Rajmohan, Vanni Arasu, Manickam Tagore condemn Nainar's remarks on CM Vijay

Minister Rajmohan strongly condemned the BJP state chief's remarks, calling them “uncivilised and inappropriate” for a political leader. He said Vijay had taught his colleagues to engage in civilised politics regardless of provocations or personal attacks.

Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu condemned Nagenthran's remarks about Chief Minister Vijay and his family, describing them as “extremely disrespectful and indecent” and deserving of strong condemnation. He also said Nagenthran had made low-standard remarks about an actress even before this.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore said Nagenthran's "politically uncivilised remarks" had become a regular occurrence and demanded that he immediately and unconditionally apologise to the people of Tamil Nadu and the Chief Minister for his remarks.

Annamalai too slams Nainar over remarks on CM Vijay

Former BJP president K Annamalai also condemned Nagenthran's remarks, saying he had crossed the boundaries of political decorum and civility.

Annamalai said political disagreements and questioning the government's actions were part of democratic discourse, but personal attacks against a leader's family, particularly their mother, were unacceptable and represented a regressive, “third-rate” form of politics that should not be encouraged among the younger generation.

(With inputs from PTI)

At the Independence Day gram sabha meeting held at a government school in Eganapuram on Saturday, villagers unanimously passed the resolution expressing their gratitude to the government and the CM for stopping the airport project.

The state government, however, has not made any official announcement on the future of the proposed airport.

They also passed another resolution seeking to rename the main road in Eganapuram as Thalapathy Vijay Road as a mark of appreciation. The resolution has been forwarded to the government through the Kancheepuram district administration.

The proposed airport was announced in 2022 and was planned across nearly 5,000 acres covering 13 villages, including Valathur, Nelvai, Thandal, Melpadavur, Nagapattu, Eganapuram, Edayarpakkam, Akkammapuram, Gunakarambakkam, Singilipadi and Mahadevimangalam. Residents of Eganapuram and other villages had been opposing the project for more than 3 years, citing concerns over loss of homes, agricultural land and livelihoods.

Why did Ekanapuram villagers oppose the Parandur airport project?

They had repeatedly raised their objections at gram sabha meetings. So far, resolutions opposing the project have been passed 16 times, while residents have also boycotted gram sabha meetings on seven occasions.

Meanwhile, before he became CM, party leader Vijay had visited Parandur and met residents protesting the project, and had assured them that the project would be scrapped if he became Chief Minister.

Following the formation of the new government, work related to the proposed airport was stopped. The State government is said to have taken a policy decision to put the project on hold.

Welcoming the development, Eganapuram residents thanked CM Vijay and the government through the gram sabha resolution and also sought the renaming of their village’s main road after him.

What is the status of the proposed Parandur airport project?

In a recent development, on July 30, the district revenue officer in charge of land acquisition for the airport was transferred without making any replacement appointment, leaving the post vacant, which raised the question whether the TVK government is stepping back from further land acquisition for the proposed airport.

In their election manifesto, the TVK had promised to drop the proposed Parandur airport project. However, after assuming the office, the government has not made any official announcement on the future of the project.

• The financial assistance provided for the marriage of two daughters of ex-servicemen will be doubled from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

• The monthly financial assistance for persons with disabilities among ex-servicemen and their family members will be increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.

• The monthly pension provided by the State Government to freedom fighters will be increased to Rs 23,000

• The monthly family pension for the families of freedom fighters will be increased to Rs 12,500.

• The monthly special pension for the descendants of Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Muthuramalinga Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Maruthu Brothers and VO Chidambaranar will be increased to Rs 11,500.

The awards were presented by Chief Minister Vijay as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the ramparts of Fort St George, where he also hoisted the national flag and delivered his maiden Independence Day address as Chief Minister.

Municipalities receive awards

Among municipalities, Bodinayakanur in Theni district secured the first prize. Arani in Tiruvannamalai district received the second prize, while Villupuram bagged the third prize. Chief Minister Vijay presented the awards during the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials, police personnel and other dignitaries.

Vijay hoists national flag

Earlier, Vijay arrived at the Fort St George ramparts and received the guard of honour from the Tamil Nadu Police before hoisting the Tricolour. He subsequently paid his respects and delivered his maiden Independence Day address. The celebrations marked the first Independence Day observed under the newly formed TVK government. The State-level ceremony featured the traditional flag-hoisting, guard of honour and presentation of awards to the best-performing local bodies.

Gajalakshmi, in a letter dated Aug 14, said the FSSAI's southern regional office had informed the department that the prohibition order issued on August 11 against the 11 brands had been revoked with immediate effect.

The FSSAI said the order was revoked under Section 36(3)(b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, its latest communication did not specify the reasons for withdrawing the prohibition order.

The development came after TASMAC had on August 13 directed its senior regional managers, district managers and depot managers to stop transferring the 11 brands from depots to retail outlets. It had also stopped their sale to FL2 and FL3 licence holders and instructed retail outlets not to sell the products until further orders.

The action followed an FSSAI inspection at Enrica Enterprises' licensed premises in Poonamallee, Tiruvallur district. Its prohibition order had cited the presence of nature-identical and artificial flavouring substances in the products.

THE U-TURN

Aug 11: FSSAI issues prohibition order 
Aug 12: Prohibition & Excise commissioner issues order to TASMAC 
Aug 13: TASMAC halts movement and sale 
Aug 14: FSSAI revokes prohibition order 
Aug 14: Commissioner asks TASMAC to withdraw ban

After hoisting the National Flag, Vijay outlined the achievements of the TVK-led government during its first three months in office and listed its priorities for the coming years.

“Freedom from corruption and bribery is equal to independence. The TVK-led government is working towards achieving this goal. The government is being administered on the principles of transparency, corruption-free governance, a drug-free Tamil Nadu, women’s safety and social justice,” he said.

Vijay asserted that there would be no compromise on public life and people’s welfare, which he described as the government’s priority.

On the State’s relationship with the Union government, he said Tamil Nadu would coordinate with the Centre on administrative matters. However, the State government would oppose any policy decision that went against Tamil Nadu’s interests.

Listing the initiatives implemented during the past three months, Vijay said his government had continued several people-centric schemes introduced by previous regimes, including Amma Unavagam and the Breakfast Scheme.

Appealing to the people to continue supporting his government, Vijay said, “The Chief Minister is the representative of eight crore people. I and my Cabinet colleagues are servants of the people. Let us overcome the plots and forces working against the government.”

He thanked the people of Tamil Nadu for rejecting caste and religious considerations, money and muscle power and giving the government an overwhelming mandate to establish a people-centric government committed to social justice.

Vijay also announced an increase in the monthly pension and family pension for former armed forces personnel and freedom fighters.

Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar, Ministers including D Anand and K A Sengottaiyan, Vijay’s parents S A Chandrasekar and Shoba, and actress Trisha were among those who witnessed the event.

The Chief Minister later conferred awards on recipients in various categories. The Thagai Saal Tamilar Award was presented to M Krishnaswamy, former Tamil Nadu Congress president and father of PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani. The APJ Abdul Kalam Award was presented to eminent diabetologist V Mohan.

Other awards, including the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring and the Chief Minister’s Best Practices Award, were also presented.

Addressing the gathering from the ramparts of Fort St George after hoisting the national flag, Vijay said the government would work with the Centre only on administrative matters concerning the welfare of Tamil Nadu.

Highlights of CM Vijay’s Independence Day speech

State rights: The TVK government will oppose anything that goes against Tamil Nadu’s interests or affects the state’s rights.

Tribute to freedom fighters: Vijay paid homage to freedom fighters and heroes who sacrificed their lives and played a role in securing India’s independence.

True freedom: He said true freedom would emerge when people united against oppression, breaking barriers of caste, religion, language and race.

Corruption-free Tamil Nadu: The government is working towards a Tamil Nadu free of bribery and corruption, with transparent, truthful and honest governance as its objective.

Welfare schemes: The Amma Unavagam and breakfast schemes are being further strengthened and expanded, Vijay said.

TASMAC outlets: As many as 717 TASMAC shops have been closed, while computerised administration is being implemented.

Farmers: Funds have been provided for crop-loan waivers and the kuruvai cultivation package.

Centre-state ties: The state will cooperate with the Centre on administrative matters only when it benefits the people of Tamil Nadu.

Government revenue: Steps have been taken to prevent government revenue from reaching individuals and to curb bribery and corruption.

Law and order: The law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu is being closely monitored, he said.

People-friendly administration: Government officials have been instructed not to make people who approach government offices run from pillar to post and to treat them with dignity and courtesy.

Model state: Vijay said the government would work to transform Tamil Nadu into a model state and raise it to a level comparable with developed countries globally.

Earlier, Vijay arrived at Fort St George after leaving his Neelankarai residence around 8 am. He received the ceremonial guard of honour and inspected the police parade in an open jeep before proceeding to the Fort ramparts.

He hoisted the Tricolour at around 8.45 am, marking his first Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

Amuthan (19), a third-year student of Hindusthan College of Engineering, was allegedly attacked and killed by a group of more than 20 persons on August 10.

Speaking to reporters at a press meet organised by Evidence, a Madurai-based human rights NGO, Amuthan’s mother Sumathi said the college administration had questioned her son about the alleged use of marijuana among students after sending his parents out of the room. “They sent us out and obtained a written statement from Amuthan,” she said.

Evidence Executive Director A Kathir, who met the family as part of a fact-finding exercise, demanded that the police investigate the list.

“The list is now with the police. The police should investigate the matter based on the list,” Kathir said. He also alleged that one member of the four-member college administration team that questioned Amuthan had disclosed the list outside the college.

He therefore demanded that the police investigate the alleged involvement of the college administration in the case.

The latest development directly questions the police version that the murder was due to enmity between juniors and seniors.

The college administration allegedly obtained a written statement from the victim exposing the narcotics network

Justice V Lakshminarayanan permitted the Coimbatore city BJP to conduct a "Tricolour Flag Yatra" on August 18 from 4 pm to 7 pm after the party agreed to hold the rally at an alternative location suggested by the State.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Coimbatore city BJP district president challenging the State's refusal to permit the yatra as part of Independence Day celebrations. The BJP submitted that the proposed event was a peaceful patriotic programme intended to promote national pride, respect for the National flag and honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and armed forces personnel.

Additional Public Prosecutor Arun Anbumani told the court that the police were not opposed to the rally but had objected to the proposed route as it was a crowded area. The rally could inconvenience the public and create law-and-order issues, he said.

The APP submitted that permission would be granted if the party conducted the rally along routes specified in the Government Order issued in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for public gatherings.

Questioning the decision to deny permission on law and order grounds, the court orally observed that if people wanted to respect the National flag, the police should permit them and even join them rather than obstructing the rally.

The court recalled that Coimbatore was associated with freedom fighter Tiruppur Kumaran, who died holding the Indian flag while protesting against British rule. It said it was unfortunate to deny permission to carry the National flag in Coimbatore and stressed that everyone, irrespective of political affiliations, should be proud of the National flag.

The court also questioned whether political parties such as the DK and BJP should be prevented from carrying flags while only the TVK was allowed to conduct rallies. It wondered what law-and-order issue would arise if people wanted to carry the National flag.

The APP subsequently explained the SOP framed by the High Court for conducting public meetings and said the State had identified an alternative venue due to law and order concerns.

Following the court's direction, the petitioner agreed to conduct the rally at the alternative venue proposed by the State.

Taking note of the agreement, the court closed the petition and observed that the police should not make citizens approach the court merely to pay homage to the country and its flag. It permitted the BJP to conduct the rally on August 18 from 4 pm to 7 pm.

In a social media post tagging Anbumani, Tagore questioned whether the PMK leader was making what he described as "fundamentally flawed" arguments in support of the BJP government's delimitation proposal due to pressure from a CBI case.

Responding to Anbumani's argument that Tamil Nadu could win 59 Lok Sabha seats, Tagore said MPs' primary responsibility was to make and amend laws, not to directly implement development projects. He argued that greater powers and financial resources should instead be devolved to local bodies.

Tagore also questioned Anbumani's argument for increasing the number of seats in the name of women's representation, asking why a 33% reservation for women could not be implemented immediately within the existing 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

According to Tagore, delimitation would punish Tamil Nadu for successfully controlling its population and weaken the state's political voice in Delhi.

He also questioned Anbumani's participation in the ongoing Parliament session, asking how many minutes the PMK leader had spoken in the Lok Sabha, and argued that the problem was not the number of MPs but the manner in which Parliament was functioning.

Tagore concluded by accusing those supporting such a delimitation exercise of committing a "historical betrayal" of Tamil Nadu and said the state's rights would not be surrendered.

In the representation handed over to the former ISRO scientist on Thursday, Duraisamy congratulated the committee and said curriculum reforms should go beyond preparing students for employment and income by giving equal importance to teaching them how to lead a healthy life.

He said students should be taught the basics of diet, water intake, sleep and other aspects of maintaining physical health. He suggested that a team of medical experts prepare a structured AYUSH curriculum covering Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Basic lessons from allopathic medicine should also be included.

Duraisamy said such education would benefit not only students but also their families and society at large by creating awareness about preventive healthcare.

He also said health education could help protect students from growing substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco and other forms of addiction.

"Preventive healthcare education is the need of the hour to reduce the hardship of people spending their hard-earned money at pharmacies and hospitals," Duraisamy said.

He urged the committee to bring together eminent persons, doctors and educationists to formulate the curriculum, citing the Thirukkural couplet that stresses the importance of preventing illness before it occurs.

The selection panel meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Vijay and attended by Speaker JCD Prabhakar. Udhayanidhi, who is also a member of the panel, did not participate. The reason for Udhayanidhi's decision was communicated to the State government but not made public.

The panel selected one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and four State Information Commissioners (SIC). The names have been forwarded to Governor RV Arlekar for approval. After receiving the Governor's approval, the names of the new Information Commissioners will be announced and they will be administered the oath of office.

The Tamil Nadu Information Commission comprises a SCIC and eight SICs. Following the superannuation of SCIC Md Shakeel Akhter and SICs P Thamarai Kannan, R Priyakumar and K Thirumalaimuthu, vacancies arose in the Commission.

The State government constituted a search committee, headed by retired Justice RS Ramanathan, on July 8 to identify suitable candidates for the vacant posts. The committee invited applications from eligible candidates and completed the selection process.

After scrutinising the applications, the committee submitted its recommendations to the State government. Based on these recommendations, the selection panel met on Friday to finalise the appointments.

The Bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and Srimathi was hearing a contempt petition filed by Madurai-based KK Ramesh, alleging non-compliance with an earlier court order directing the authorities to consider bringing the entire hill under the Archaeological Department's control and regulating access to the hill by requiring permission from the department.

Appearing for the State, Additional Advocate General P Subramanian submitted that the disputed portion was re-surveyed on August 5 and that the details had to be compared with the hill's map and other records. He sought time to obtain the relevant documents from the archives and file a report.

The Bench also sought details of the legal fees paid by the temple to advocates who appeared in cases relating to the lighting of the Deepam on the hill.

When the judges observed that temple funds should be used only for temple maintenance, the State submitted that the payments were made through the government.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on September 11.

The video showing the two students consuming alcohol on the second-floor verandah of the school went viral on social media, prompting a police inquiry.

Joining the issue, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday urged the State government to curb easy access to liquor and work towards total prohibition.

In a statement, Anbumani said the video exposes the disturbing trend. He said it was worrying that classrooms meant for education were turning into drinking spots.

Anbumani said incidents of school students consuming alcohol were not new and had been occurring for more than a decade. He questioned why the government had failed to prevent such incidents despite repeated instances coming to light.

He said the school headmaster had been transferred for failing to prevent the students from consuming alcohol on the premises, but questioned what action would be taken against those responsible for creating an environment where liquor was easily available to youngsters.

He also questioned the government's claims that liquor shops near schools had been shut, saying students continued to encounter multiple liquor outlets while travelling to schools.

Anbumani criticised the introduction of online liquor booking facilities, questioning whether making alcohol easier to purchase could be considered a reform.

He urged Chief Minister Vijay to shut down at least 1,000 liquor shops every year and implement complete prohibition in Tamil Nadu within the next three years, saying that eliminating alcohol should be a government priority.

The man, T Manickam (31), a mason from Kundangal Parai near Kulithalai, sustained more than 10 severe cut injuries in the attack and was admitted to Kulithalai Government Hospital. The four-year-old girl was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

Sources said a known neighbouring woman had asked Manickam to drop her four-year-old daughter at her grandmother’s house, located a few kilometres away. However, instead of taking the child to her grandmother’s house, Manickam allegedly took her to his house on his two-wheeler and sexually abused her. He later dropped the girl near her grandmother’s house and fled.

The girl reportedly narrated the incident to her grandmother, who then began searching for Manickam. On Friday, she learnt that he was standing at a tea stall near a toll plaza in Kulithalai. The woman allegedly took a sickle and rushed to the spot, where she attacked Manickam.

When he attempted to flee, the woman chased him and continued the attack. Manickam sustained multiple cut injuries and fell unconscious.

On receiving information, Kulithalai police rushed to the spot, rescued Manickam and shifted him to Kulithalai GH, where he is undergoing treatment.

Police retrieved the sickle from the woman and took her to the station for inquiry. Further investigation is underway.

The State government suspended Deputy Collector-rank officer Anbalagan, Personal Assistant (Land) to the Ramanathapuram District Collector, following his arrest by CCB on August 4. So far, the police have arrested five persons, including Rajkumar from Pudukottai, in this case.

Anbalagan and Rajkumar have filed bail petitions before the Madurai Principal District Court.

When the petitions came up for hearing before District Principal Judge Sai Saravanan on Thursday evening, government advocate P Pandi appeared for the prosecution and strongly objected to granting bail. The charges against them are serious, and granting bail at this stage will hamper the investigation, the advocate argued. After recording the submissions, the court rejected their bail.

Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday adjourned the hearing on the anticipatory bail petitions filed by 10 persons accused in the alleged Rs 60-crore Meenakshi Amman Temple land fraud case to September 11.

The petitioners — Ramayi Ayyar, Senthamizhselvi, Prema, Muthurani, Rajendran, Kulandhaiyya, Pushparaj, Jothi, Geetha and Kavitha — sought anticipatory bail, denying any involvement in the alleged fraud. The petitioners contended that the property was purchased in 1912 by Pudukottai Prince Dakshinamurthy Durairaja and had remained under the control of his legal heirs.

They further contended that a will executed in 1930 only stated that the income from the property should be used for charitable or trust-related purposes for the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, but did not transfer ownership of the land to the temple.

The petitioners further claimed that the temple’s name was included in the revenue records due to clerical errors. However, they said subsequent orders passed by the Revenue Divisional Officer and the District Revenue Officer restored the title in the name of the original owner, Pudukottai Dakshinamoorthy Durairaja,

The petitioners assured the court that they would cooperate with the investigation and sought anticipatory bail.

Speaking to reporters in Tirupur, Subbarayan said it was wrong to interpret DMK leader Kanimozhi’s participation in the event as a sign of a DMK-BJP understanding, as she had attended it in her capacity as the floor leader of an opposition party.

Stating that the CPI was not part of any alliance in Tamil Nadu, he said, “We will appreciate the government when it does good and oppose it when it does not.”

On the controversy over the proposed delimitation, Subbarayan said the exercise could reduce the political representation of the southern states while increasing the representation of states with larger populations in the north.

Describing the proposal as “a poison-laced sweet”, he said the Centre should consult the southern states and arrive at a consensus before proceeding with the exercise. “We hope the DMK does not align with the BJP on this issue,” he said.

Subbarayan also urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to convene a meeting of opposition parties to discuss the Mekedatu dam issue and evolve a common position.

On the disruptions in Parliament, Subbarayan said that the BJP-led government had refused to allow discussions on the police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and financial irregularities involving donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, another veteran CPI leader R Mutharasan, speaking in Coimbatore on Friday, blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the disruptions in Parliament, particularly over the protests by students in New Delhi and the subsequent police action. Mutharasan claimed that the continuing impasse in Parliament was resulting in the wastage of around Rs nine crore in public money every day.

The FOBs will come up at Urapakkam near Sivan Temple, Guduvanchery near the EB office, Guduvanchery near the railway station and MM Nagar near Ford Junction.

The four locations have been identified as black spots, and the project is intended to improve pedestrian safety on the highway. The Rs 11.38-crore project has several safety features beyond the pedestrian bridges. CCTV cameras will be installed at all four locations and connected to the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) at the NH-32 toll plaza, enabling the facilities to be monitored remotely.

The FOBs will have lifts on both sides of the highway, each capable of carrying at least 16 pedestrians. This is expected to make the crossings more accessible to senior citizens and people with mobility difficulties.

The entire pedestrian walkway, including the approaches, staircases and lift areas, will be illuminated. NHAI has also planned solar panels over the FOBs and their approach ramps.

Road safety infrastructure will include guard rails, road studs, chevron signs and information, cautionary and regulatory signboards around the crossings. The structures will maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 5.5 metres above the highway.

The proposed FOB near the Guduvanchery railway station is likely to be particularly useful for commuters and pedestrians accessing the station. The other locations also witness pedestrian movement across the busy highway.

NHAI had already built lift-equipped FOBs at several locations along the corridor in 2024. These included Perungalathur near Iraniyamman Temple, Vandalur near the railway station, Thailavaram near Estancia Tech Park, Thailavaram near Valliammal Engineering College, Kattankolathur Junction, Maraimalai Junction near Township and Singaperumal Koil railway station.

The DMK currently has 78 district secretaries, of whom former minister P Geetha Jeevan, the district secretary of Thoothukudi, is the only woman. She is also the daughter of N Periasamy, a party strongman in southern Tamil Nadu.

"Except Geetha Jeevan, there is no woman district secretary in the party. The party also does not have young faces as district secretaries. In Chennai which has six district secretaries, for instance, most of them are old faces. Now the party has decided to shakeup the mid-level leadership in Chennai and neighbouring districts, where the party performed poorly in the recently concluded election," party sources told DT Next.

Women functionaries in the party have welcomed the proposal to give greater representation to women and youth in organisational positions.

"If the party takes such a decision, it should be welcomed. It will also strengthen women's empowerment within the party," said J Veeramani, secretary of the DMK Students' Wing.

The party is also considering increasing the number of organisational districts from 78 to around 100 to ensure smoother and more effective functioning of its affairs, sources said.

Tamil Nadu has 55 government polytechnic colleges (21,758 seats). Students who have completed Class 10 can pursue three-year diploma courses, while those who have completed Class 12 can pursue two-year diploma courses.

The number of students opting for polytechnic courses has declined due to the increase in the number of engineering colleges and the preference for engineering and arts and science courses. Contrary to the trend, however, all seats in these colleges have been filled in recent years.

Job placements too have increased significantly. In the 2023-24 academic year, 6,630 students secured jobs. It increased to 9,640 in 2024-25 and moved up to 9,695 in the current 2025-26 academic year.

To encourage youngsters to complete their diplomas, third-year students now have the option to undergo a one-year internship, instead of 6 months, in the industry of their choice for a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 11,500-21,500. The companies will also conduct the assessments for students during the internship. Through this new method, students are expected to receive confirmed job offers from the same company immediately after completing their third year.

However, undertaking a full one-year internship in the final year is not mandatory.

Speaking to DT Next, a senior official from the Directorate of Technical Education said, “Polytechnic students are securing immediate employment opportunities compared to engineering graduates. Several industries prefer diploma candidates for employment. The perception among the public that students of polytechnic colleges would not get jobs is now changing.”

Officials also expressed confidence that students could choose polytechnic education without hesitation, as employment opportunities and industry exposure are brighter for them.

The only achievement of the present government was protests by people from various walks of lives, he added while addressing the rally against the State government for its alleged failure to get water from Karnataka for Delta irrigation and offering full waiver on crop loans.

Palaniswami said Delta farmers lost kuruvai as water was not released from Mettur on the customary date of June 12.

Tamil Nadu should have received 9.190 TMC water in the month of June and 31 TMC water in July, but it was not realised due to the incapability of the government. “The month of August is a crucial period for the farmers. Karnataka owes us 45 TMC water but not even a single drop of water was released, which resulted in failure of kuruvai,” he said.

Despite all odds, the farmers cultivated around 2 lakh acre kuruvai using borewells. But the TVK-led government failed to provide uninterrupted power supply, which resulted in the wilting of nearly half of the crops, he charged.

The AIADMK explained the plight of the farmers on the Assembly floor and appealed for kuruvai crop compensation. “But the government was not ready to understand the pain of farmers. Instead, they go on making reels while Chief Minister Vijay is busy shifting his office to a luxurious chamber from the cabin that witnessed historic decisions being taken by stalwarts like CN Annadurai, MGR, M Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, MK Stalin and me,” he said.

EPS demanded the state government to undertake crop loss assessment and disburse a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre.

He recalled that the then AIADMK government had waived crop loans to the tune of Rs 12,110 crores during two consecutive terms, which benefitted farmers who availed loans through cooperative banks. But the present government has not fulfilled even the poll promises that they had given to farmers on crop loan waiver, he said.

According to a statement issued by the Home Department, 10 police officers have been selected for the Tamil Nadu Police Medal for Excellence in Investigation.

The awardees are Deputy Superintendents of Police C Jaishree, N Tamilarasi, K Alaguraj, and N Thanusiya; inspectors S Latha, M Chithra, R Vinatha and G Mahalakshmi; Assistant Inspector General V Gomathi; and Deputy Commissioner S Vijayakumar.

The government has also announced the Chief Minister's Police Medal for Excellence in Public Service for five personnel. The awardees are DIG V Sasi Mohan, Superintendent of Police D Shanmuga Priya, DSP CMR Manimozhiyan, inspector K Madhan Mohan and head constable M Ravikumar.

The government said the awards would be presented by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay at a function to be held in due course. Each award carries an eight-gram gold medal and a cash reward of Rs 25,000.

He contacted Amuthan's family, conveyed his deep condolences and assured them that he would raise the issue in detail in the Assembly. He also extended DMK's support to the family until justice is secured in the case.

A 19-year-old engineering student, Amuthan, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of his college mates in Coimbatore on Monday, August 10, following allegations that he was involved in an extortion and mobile phone theft incident.

Amuthan, a native of Kallakurichi district, was pursuing his engineering studies at Hindustan Engineering College in Coimbatore.

Udhayanidhi sought to raise the issue under the Special Calling Attention Motion on Wednesday. Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar assured that the matter would be discussed in detail and that the Treasury Benches would give a suitable reply on Monday.

In a statement, DMK general secretary Duraimurugan said the meeting would be chaired by party president MK Stalin.

This will be the first meeting of the executive committee meeting after the party lost power in the Assembly election.

After the election loss, Stalin had constituted a committee to recommend reforms and restructuring within the party, and recently held discussions with the members of the panel. The executive committee is expected to deliberate on the recommendations and suggestions made by the restructuring committee.

The party leadership is also considering several organisational changes following the election results. One of the key proposals under consideration is the bifurcation of existing party districts and providing opportunities to new faces in organisational positions. However, some district secretaries have reportedly opposed the proposal.

Party sources said the issue is likely to be discussed at length and a decision could be taken at the executive committee meeting.

The leadership is also expected to discuss other organisational reforms aimed at strengthening the party's structure and improving its functioning at the grassroots level.

She is the second female leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the history of the TNCC. The first one was D Yasodha, though she was promoted to the position after the death of the then CLP leader, while Tharahai is the first to be directly appointed.

An entrepreneur-turned-MLA, Tharahai represents the Colachel constituency and previously won the Vilavancode assembly seat bypoll after S Vijayadharani crossed over to the BJP.

The change has come after Killiyoor MLA S Rajeshkumar, who was earlier heading the Congress Legislature Party in the Assembly, joined the newly formed TVK-led Cabinet as Tourism Minister. With Rajeshkumar taking up the ministerial responsibility, the Congress leadership has reconstituted its legislative wing in the Assembly and appointed new office bearers.

According to the appointment announced by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president B Manickam Tagore, Jamal Mohamed Younoos has been appointed deputy CLP leader, while TT Praveen has been named CLP secretary. The appointments were made after obtaining approval from All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, according to a party statement.

According to the revised circular issued by the Registrar General of the Madras High Court on Friday evening, the sequence of events will be “singing/playing of the State Song ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’, the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, hoisting of the National Flag followed by the National Anthem.”

“It is a victory for the Bar. We thank the Chief Justice of Madras High Court for respecting the sentiments of the advocates,” said C Arul Vadivel, president of MMBA.

The revised circular covers the Independence Day celebrations at the Madras High Court’s Principal Seat in Chennai, the Madurai Bench, the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy in Chennai, its regional centres at Madurai and Coimbatore, district judiciary units and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The change came after the presidents and secretaries of all Bar associations met Administrative Judge CV Karthikeyan on Friday morning and requested the inclusion of ‘Tamizh Thai Vazhthu’ in the Independence Day celebrations.

The Madras High Court Registrar General issued a circular on August 13 stating that the Independence Day celebrations would begin with the National Song, “Vande Mataram”, followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the National Anthem. “We were shocked to find that the circular had not included Tamizh Thai Vazhthu, despite the Tamil Nadu Government recently issuing a GO on August 12 making it mandatory for all educational institutions and public sector organisations to sing it as the first in the events,” said Arul Vadivel.

The MMBA immediately sent a representation to the Registrar General of the Madras High Court, highlighting the recent Tamil Nadu Government GO and the Union Home Ministry letter stating that there was no prohibition on playing or singing Thamizh Thai Vazhthu in the High Court.

The advocates also made it clear that their disappointment was not intended to question the importance of the National Anthem or National Song. “But, on the contrary, respect for the nation and respect for the Tamil language and cultural identity of the State must coexist with equal dignity,” said the MMBA.

Thangamani made the comment while leading an AIADMK demonstration at Fort Maidan in Salem, which incidentally is Palaniswami’s home turf, as part of the party’s statewide agitation demanding a complete waiver of crop loans and pressing for Tamil Nadu’s rights in the Cauvery water dispute.

Addressing the party functionaries who assembled for the rally, Thangamani also sought to highlight Palaniswami’s stand on the proposed Mekedatu dam in Karnataka, saying the AIADMK chief had written to the Union government on the issue. “But the TVK government had failed to take the issue seriously despite its implications,” he said.

Targeting the TVK-led government in his speech, Thangamani alleged that several schemes introduced by former chief ministers, J Jayalalithaa and Palaniswami, had merely been renamed and reintroduced by the present government.

“People have now begun regretting their decision to vote for the TVK. This government will not survive for long, and Palaniswami will soon become chief minister,” he said.

He also praised Palaniswami for leading the party and its government, and then protecting it after it was removed from power in the 2021 Assembly elections. This stood in sharp contrast with the accusations by the dissidents, who blamed Palaniswami for being squarely responsible for the AIADMK’s present plight.

Thangamani’s participation assumes significance as other senior leaders of the rebel faction, SP Velumani and Natham R Viswanathan, stayed away from the protest due to differences with the party’s leadership. They had even shot off letters to Palaniswami, copies of which were later released to the media, accusing him of organising the protest in such a way that the dissenting leaders were made in charge of the protests organised away from their strongholds.

Speaking to reporters here, the energy resources and law minister of the TVK-led government in the state alleged that the DMK is "compromising with the state’s welfare for self-preservation".

His remarks come against the backdrop of DMK deputy general secretary and party MP Kanimozhi meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Kumar questioned her statement that she discussed with Birla about the seating arrangements in the House and called it an excuse to mask a political understanding with BJP.

"The DMK’s recent political shift is driven purely by self-interest rather than ideology. The DMK has transitioned from an indirect relationship with the BJP to a direct alliance aimed at shielding family members, political figures, and assets from ongoing legal investigations," Kumar alleged.

Likening the current political scenario to the events of 2001 when the DMK had aligned with the saffron party, he said the DMK was becoming “servile” to the central government to escape legal accountability.

To support his argument further, he claimed that the DMK legislator Anitha R Radhakrishnan had recently said that his party MP Trichy Siva will soon become a Union minister.

He claimed that there is documented evidence — including tender details and financial transaction records — that exposes corruption in TASMAC, the state-run liquor retail monopoly, during the previous DMK regime. He maintained that those involved would not escape legal consequences.

On economic policy, Kumar criticised the previous DMK regime for stalling the state's growth through "behind-the-scene" demands and compulsory party funding, which he claimed deterred major companies from investing in Tamil Nadu. He emphasised that clear and transparent processes are essential for the state to achieve the one trillion USD economy target.

Responding to questions on public concerns of property tax going up manifold in Chennai, the minister clarified that tax rates were not hiked. Instead, the government is undertaking a "re-assessment" drive to rectify past municipal irregularities where commercial properties were severely under-reported under previous administrations.

On the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with neighbouring Karnataka, he highlighted that legal measures are actively being pursued under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s direction to secure Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of water.

He took a swipe at the DMK, alleging that its leadership had compromised the state's interest in the Cauvery water to protect themselves from the Sarkaria Commission findings.

When the case came up for hearing on Friday, District Sessions Judge N Muralidharan sought an update on the data retrieved from 19 mobile phones and records from 61 mobile phone towers linked to the case.

The judge questioned why the National Forensic Science Laboratory had not yet furnished its findings and directed the prosecution to submit a written explanation at the next hearing. The court also advised the State government to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the case.

Two of the accused, Sayan and Udayakumar, appeared before the court. The hearing was subsequently adjourned to September 16.

The case relates to the break-in at the Kodanad estate bungalow in the Nilgiris on April 23, 2017, following the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The bungalow was reportedly targeted for valuables and documents, and a security guard was killed during the incident.

Ten people have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. C Kanagaraj, a native of Salem who had worked as Jayalalithaa’s car driver and one of the key accused, died in a road accident in Salem days after the Kodanad incident.

Addressing a press conference here, the minister stated that the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the major fund allocation for Mahabalipuram, alongside a separate allocation of approximately Rs 60 crore specifically earmarked for river tourism projects in the state.

Kumar also outlined plans to establish a major integrated pilgrimage tourism circuit connecting prominent interfaith sites across communities, including Velankanni, Nagore, and Thirukadaiyur, for which requisite funds have been designated.

"Tourism is not confined to just a single sector," the minister said, highlighting ongoing state efforts to expand and coordinate medical tourism, agri-tourism, and hill trekking.

Detailed district-wise project allocations will be presented during the Tourism Department’s upcoming demand for grants in the State Legislative Assembly.

To cater to global travellers, the department is actively training and certifying local tour guides to explain the state's destinations in international languages, serving as a direct link between foreign tourists and the tourism department, he added.

Emphasising the state's vision to elevate Tamil Nadu tourism onto the global stage, Kumar said the objective is to ensure visitors experience the region's rich living culture and its archaeological heritage spanning 2,000 to 3,000 years.

In a statement, DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan said the meeting would be chaired by party president MK Stalin.

This will be the first Executive Committee meeting after the Assembly election results. Stalin had earlier constituted a committee to recommend reforms and restructuring within the party and recently held discussions with its members.

The Executive Committee is expected to deliberate on the recommendations and suggestions made by the restructuring committee. The party leadership is considering several organisational changes following the election results.

One of the key proposals under consideration is the bifurcation of existing party districts and providing opportunities to new faces in organisational positions. However, some district secretaries have reportedly opposed the proposal.

Party sources said the issue is likely to be discussed at length and a decision could be taken at the Executive Committee meeting.

The leadership is also expected to discuss other organisational reforms aimed at strengthening the party's structure and improving its functioning at the grassroots level.