A Government Order issued by the State government has approved the acquisition of 107.13 hectares of land across Nadiyammapuram and 14 other villages in Pattukkottai taluk. The acquisition includes 89.49 hectares of patta land, comprising 24.06 hectares of wetland, 58.13 hectares of dry land, 6.64 hectares of manavari land and 0.65 hectares of ryot manai, besides the transfer of 17.63 hectares of government poramboke land under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997.

The order also provides for the creation of 13 temporary posts, including a Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition), survey officials, revenue inspectors and supporting staff, to expedite the acquisition process. The Thanjavur District Revenue Officer has been appointed as the Land Acquisition Officer, while Southern Railway will bear the entire establishment cost.

“The proposal has been approved after examining the recommendations of the District Collector and the Commissioner of Land Administration,” the government said in the GO.

The decision comes amid persistent demands from residents of Pattukkottai and surrounding villages for better rail connectivity. The region, home to more than 100 villages, has long complained of inadequate train services despite the completion of the Tiruvarur–Pattukkottai–Karaikudi broad gauge conversion.

The railway corridor traces its origins to 1902 when the metre gauge line was laid. The Kamban Express served the route until 2012, when services were suspended for gauge conversion. Although trains resumed after the broad gauge works, residents say the number of services remains inadequate.

For decades, local organisations have pressed for new broad gauge lines connecting Thanjavur–Pattukkottai and Mannargudi–Pattukkottai, besides seeking a daily overnight express linking Rameswaram and Chennai Egmore via Tiruvarur, Pattukkottai and Karaikudi.

The Thanjavur–Pattukkottai railway proposal has witnessed several unsuccessful attempts over the years. First conceived during the British era in 1932, the project was revived in 2000 with an estimated cost of Rs 101 crore before being shelved on viability grounds. In 2012, the Railway Ministry sanctioned a preliminary survey with an allocation of Rs 7 lakh, followed by a proposal to build a 47.2-km line at Rs 290.5 crore, later revised to Rs 400 crore in 2015. None of these proposals progressed beyond the planning stage.

The move is aimed at ensuring uniform administrative oversight and strict compliance with Agama traditions in temple rituals and infrastructure.

As per the guidelines issued by HR&CE Commissioner T G Vinay, temple authorities must secure the Commissioner’s approval at least 15 days before commencing the installation or consecration of a new flagstaff. No proposal will be entertained unless it is accompanied by resolutions passed by the respective regional and district-level committees, making institutional scrutiny mandatory before the process moves forward.

The department has also made it compulsory to obtain the opinion of the Regional Sthapathi on the technical and Agama aspects of the proposal. Every application must be supported by detailed records, including temple particulars, technical reports, photographs, site plans and other prescribed documents to facilitate scrutiny by the department.

The circular further lays down elaborate procedures to be followed before, during and after the consecration ceremony, with officials directed to ensure that every installation conforms to Agama principles, established temple customs and the prescribed administrative process. It also mandates the maintenance of proper records and documentation at every stage of the exercise.

In the circular, the Commissioner said the guidelines had been framed to streamline the process of installing new flagstaffs and to bring uniformity in decision-making across HR&CE-administered temples. All Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and temple executive officers have been instructed to implement the directions scrupulously and ensure that no installation is carried out without obtaining the mandatory approvals.

However, beer manufacturers argue that the revised formula would favour dominant players by allocating procurement equally among licensed brewing units, and not companies or brands, thus helping companies that operate multiple units.

Recently, the State-run liquor retailer has changed the way it distributes purchase orders for beer and the ordinary range (brandy and rum) of Indian Made Foreign Spirits (IMFS). The move, approved by the Tasmac Board on a pilot basis, aims to ensure a "more rational and equitable supply of stocks" while addressing long-standing complaints over preferential procurement.

Beer manufacturers say the concern lies in how the procurement is ultimately divided. They point out that United Breweries, which operates two licensed brewing units in Tamil Nadu, would receive undue advantage under the revised formula. When divided equally among the six beer units, it would receive twice as that of others like SNJ Breweries, KALS Breweries, Accord Distilleries & Breweries, and Tropical Breweries

They further argue that the issue extends beyond the number of brewing units. "Tropical Breweries does not have a brand of its own. Instead, it has entered into contracts with two companies, including UB for which it bottles Kingfisher beer from its plant in Tiruvallur. So, in effect, UB's effective procurement share would be significantly higher than its notional allocation as per the revised formula," an industry source said.

"Currently, UB holds around 38-40% of the market, while SNJ accounts for around 35-40%," the source said, adding that the numbers go vary slightly every month/quarter. DT Next could not independently verify this estimate.

Stakeholders contend that this could result in procurement becoming concentrated with multinational companies that already enjoy a strong presence in the beer market.

To understand the change, it is important to know how Tasmac procures beer. Every shop first estimates how many cases of beer it is likely to sell before the next supply. This requirement, known as an indent, is sent to Tasmac depots, which then place orders with breweries. Suppose a shop needs 180 cases of beer. Earlier, one brewery might have supplied 80 cases, another 60 and a third 40, depending on how their brands performed in previous sales. Under the revised system, the shop will still receive the same 180 cases, but the order will now be divided equally among all eligible breweries instead of being allocated according to past sales.

On the other hand, manufacturers had long argued that the earlier method created a self-reinforcing cycle: Brands that received larger procurement orders enjoyed better shelf availability, leading to higher sales and, consequently, even larger procurement orders in subsequent cycles. While the revised formula removes that sales-linked allocation, beer manufacturers say it addresses only one part of the issue.

The revised formula currently applies only to beer and the mass market range of IMFS, while procurement of medium and premium IMFS will continue under the existing mechanism. Tasmac has also directed Elite and Mall outlets – which sell premium liquor – in the pilot districts to stock at least one case of every medium and premium brand to improve product availability. Despite repeated attempts, both over phone and in person, Tasmac officials did not respond to queries.

However, he cautioned that a single resignation is merely a temporary reprieve and fails to address the core crisis plaguing the medical admissions process.

Speaking to reporters, Nirmal Kumar emphasised that the resignation must not be used by the union government to quell ongoing demonstrations or deflect accountability.

"This resignation is a result of student unity, but it is not the ultimate solution," he said adding "for three years, thousands of aspirants have suffered due to systemic flaws in this examination."

The Minister reiterated his government's steadfast stance on education reform, calling for an immediate ban on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

He urged the central government to transfer all rights regarding educational policies and entrance examinations back to individual states.

Asserting that state governments are best positioned to manage regional academic needs, Nirmal Kumar maintained that restoring education to state jurisdiction remains the only long-term, viable solution for students across the nation.

"This must be viewed as a monumental victory for this massive public and student movement," said Minister for Minorities A M Shahjahan.

"Following a massive protest organized by the CJP at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, along with widespread demonstrations across various states, the Union Minister submitted his resignation today," he said urging the Centre to abolish NEET.

Kayalvizhi, the daughter of former DMK leader MK Alagiri, owns the building that houses the bank branch.

According to a police complaint lodged on July 21 by Namachivayam, Chief Manager of SBI RBO-II, the incident occurred when Branch Manager Harsheen Singh contacted the building owner, Kayalvizhi Alagiri, regarding the repair of a faulty lift. Singh reportedly reached out after the owner's representative failed to respond to requests for rectification.

Aggrieved by being contacted directly, Kayalvizhi allegedly visited the branch and engaged in aggressive behavior toward the manager. The complaint states that she abused, assaulted, and threatened Harsheen Singh during her visit to the premises.

The Chief Manager has requested appropriate legal action against the accused.

Meanwhile, police officials confirmed that a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. The Adyar branch, which primarily handles NRI banking services, continues to operate normally.

No official statement has been released by the bank regarding the incident. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

According to a Maalaimalar report, the deceased was identified as Manikumar, who had come to Tiruvannamalai with his family to perform Girivalam.

Manikumar entered the cave-like passage but struggled to come out due to his extreme obesity. He subsequently experienced breathing difficulties and fainted inside the passage.

Fellow devotees managed to bring him out and rushed him to the Tiruvannamalai Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. However, doctors declared that Manikumar had died on the way to the hospital.

The Tiruvannamalai Taluk police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Temple authorities advise devotees

Following the incident, the temple authorities have advised devotees with obesity and respiratory problems to avoid entering the cave-like section of the temple.

Temple's entrance

The temple features a small cave-like structure with three entrances, where devotees enter through the rear entrance while lying down, move forward through the narrow passage, and exit through the front entrance before offering prayers to Nandi and Idukku Pillayar.

Senthilbalaji and his brother, RV Ashok Kumar, secured anticipatory bail from the HC in a case of MLA poaching filed against them.

As per the High Court’s order, they were directed to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court, Chennai, within 15 days of receiving a copy of the order and execute a personal bond for Rs 25,000 each, with two sureties for a like sum. They were also directed to appear before the Triplicane Police twice a day, at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm, and sign the register until further orders.

Complying with the conditions, Senthilbalaji surrendered before Principal Sessions Judge S Karthikeyan, who accepted the bail bond and directed him to appear before the Triplicane Police at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm on Saturday (July 25, 2026).

The case arose from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja, alleging that one Thirunavukkarasu offered him Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker in the proposed no-confidence motion in the Assembly. Elaiyaraja claimed that after he rejected the offer, Thirunavukkarasu called him again and threatened him and his family with dire consequences if he disclosed the conversation. According to the prosecution, the investigation revealed that Thirunavukkarasu had contacted the MLA at the instance of former minister V Senthilbalaji and RV Ashok Kumar. Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police registered a case under Sections 8 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 61 (2) (a) and 351 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In a public advisory, the department said applications for patta transfers and various revenue certificates are accepted only through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal and authorised e-Sevai centres across the State.

"All patta transfer applications and requests for revenue certificates are processed only through the online mode. The public should either approach the nearest e-Sevai centre or apply directly through the official portal at www.tnsevai.tn.gov.in," the statement said.

The department also advised applicants to verify their eligibility before applying for government welfare schemes to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection of applications.

However, the Mudhalvarin Mugavari platform will continue to receive and process grievances related to government services, welfare schemes, civic issues and public complaints.

Citizens can submit grievances through multiple channels, including the 1100 toll-free helpline, the CM Helpline web portal (cmhelpline.tnega.org), email (cmcell@tn.gov.in) or by visiting the grievance call centre in person.

The clarification comes amid a large number of petitions being received by the department seeking patta transfers, prompting the government to reiterate that such applications can only be processed through the prescribed e-Sevai system.

“NEET has killed the students’ education,” Elangovan said. “Students who score high marks consistently from Class 1 to Class 12 are unable to get medical seats, while those who pay huge sums to commercial coaching centres gain admission,” he added.

Highlighting the structural inequality of the entrance exam, he cited the case of Anitha, a student from Ariyalur district who scored exceptional marks in her school finals but took her life after being denied a medical seat under NEET. Elangovan pointed out that for approximately nine lakh candidates who cleared NEET this year, the total available seats stand at roughly 91,000.

In a post on its official social media page, the party's IT wing said Vijay had strongly opposed NEET before the Assembly elections but has failed to speak on the issue since becoming Chief Minister.

The AIADMK also alleged that while college students across the State are staging protests demanding the scrapping of NEET, the TVK government is using the police to suppress the demonstrations instead of addressing their concerns.

The opposition party claimed that Vijay had taken a firm stand against NEET before the elections but had changed his position after coming to power.

Recalling Vijay's earlier statements, the AIADMK said that before entering politics, he had visited the family of Anitha, the student whose death became a rallying point in the anti-NEET movement, to offer his condolences. It also noted that Vijay had reiterated his opposition to NEET while addressing students at a prize distribution function organised by his party.

According to a circular, action can be initiated if a consumer complains about liquor being sold above MRP or if the violation is detected during surprise inspections. Disciplinary action can be taken only after the allegation is verified and the rules apply to supervisors, salesmen, and assistant salesmen at Tasmac retail outlets.

Those found guilty of a first offence will be suspended for one month without pay and fined. Before returning to work, they must give a written undertaking that they will not repeat the offence. They will also be transferred to another shop with lower sales within the same district.

For a second offence, the employee will be suspended for three months without pay and fined. After giving a similar undertaking, the employee will be shifted to a Tasmac depot in the same district, where they must work for at least three months before any further posting.

If caught for a third time, the employee will be suspended, issued a charge memo, and if the charge is proved in a departmental enquiry, the staffer will be dismissed from service.

The circular also directs district managers to record every suspension and dismissal in the employee's service records and maintain a separate register of MRP violation cases for each shop. District managers have also been asked to inform all employees about the revised rules, obtain their acknowledgement and keep the records on file.

The new instructions, issued by Tasmac managing director K Nandakumar on July 24, have been brought into force following directions of the Madras High Court.

It is said that Deepak (31), working in a private firm in Tiruchy, was approached by Madhimitha and Madhana Guru from Mambalasalai, and the duo befriended him. They had reportedly told Deepak that their close relatives are working in the Samayapuram temple and assured him of getting employment in the temple through them. They suggested to Deepak to ready some amount to be given to the officials for the employment..

Deepak, who trusted them, had handed over a sum of Rs 30.20 lakh to the duo. However, after receiving the money, the duo had suspended their contact with Deepak. When he went to their house at Veereshwaram in Mambalasalai, they continued to promise him assistance for a job, and thereafter, they left the place.

Deepak, who later realised that he had been cheated, lodged a complaint against the duo with the Srirangam police on Friday. The police registered a case and are investigating.

Speaking to reporters in Kumbakonam, Vinoth said the TVK government would not compromise on Tamil Nadu's Cauvery water rights. "We will never allow Karnataka to build the Mekedatu dam. The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on August 3 to reiterate Tamil Nadu's stand and secure the State's due share of Cauvery water despite Karnataka citing poor rainfall and water scarcity," he said.

Meanwhile, delta farmers urged the Chief Minister to firmly oppose the Mekedatu project during the talks. Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary of the Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, appealed to Vijay to raise the Nethravathi-Hemavathi project proposed by late Karnataka engineer Dr Bhavani Sankar.

Vimalnathan said the proposed tunnel irrigation system could divert excess rainwater from the Western Ghats for the benefit of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, instead of allowing it to flow into the sea.

He also urged the Chief Minister to press for afforestation across the Cauvery catchment area to improve rainfall.

Following the guidelines laid down by the Madras High Court in Santosh vs district Collector, Madurai, the doctors' team allowed the parents of the deceased to photograph the body. The entire postmortem was videographed and lasted nearly two hours, a police source said, adding that the authorities had strictly adhered to the court guidelines.

After the completion of the postmortem, Arunachalam's relatives received the body, which was immediately taken for cremation amid tight police security. The parents of the deceased did not speak to media persons who were waiting outside the hospital. The cremation was completed shortly thereafter.

"We will also hand over a copy of the postmortem video and the postmortem certificate to Arunachalam's parents," the source said.

The Thoothukudi South police registered a case against Arunachalam (24), a resident of Amudha Nagar in Thoothukudi, on July 17 under Sections 4(1)(a) and 14A of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act after he was allegedly found in possession of 120 liquor bottles (180 ml each) during a prohibition enforcement drive.

He died while undergoing treatment at the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital on Thursday, triggering a protest by his relatives, who refused to receive the body, alleging that he had been assaulted while in police custody. The police denied the allegation, maintaining that he had collapsed after complaining of illness and was shifted to the hospital, where he later died.

Raising suspicion over his death, the Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT) on Thursday submitted a representation to the Judicial Magistrate, requesting him to ensure that the comprehensive guidelines laid down by the Madras High Court were followed during the postmortem.

Police arrested 83 DMDK cadres after they attempted to enter the theatre.

Police said that a video allegedly arranged by the local TVK MLA's supporters was screened before the movie, leading to the controversy. The video reportedly included television footage of the vote counting during the Assembly election, showing the defeat of DMDK leader Vijayakanth's son, Vijaya Prabhakaran, in the Virudhunagar constituency. It also featured visuals of MLA Selvam canvassing during the election campaign and participating in public events after his victory.

Condemning the screening of the video, DMDK cadres gathered outside the theatre and attempted to enter the premises. Police prevented them from doing so and arrested 83 cadres.

The protest caused tension in the locality. Police said the situation was later brought under control.

According to police sources, Jana Nayagan, starring Chief Minister Vijay, was screened at three theatres in Virudhunagar. TVK MLA Selvam attended a special show at a theatre near the old bus stand along with party supporters. The controversy erupted over the screening of election footage at one of the theatres.

Ashok Kumar moved the Karur court, stating that he was already required to sign the register at the Triplicane police station twice daily in connection with the alleged horse-trading conspiracy case linked to an attempt to topple the TVK government. He argued that complying with bail conditions simultaneously in Chennai and Karur was not feasible.

Accepting the plea, Judge Mahesh permitted Ashok Kumar to execute the bail conditions for both cases in Chennai. A copy of the order was subsequently issued to him.

The Karur Town police had registered a case based on a complaint by Income Tax official Gayathri against Ashok Kumar and around 100 DMK cadres, including Karur Mayor Kavitha Ganesan, alleging an attack on tax sleuths. The court had earlier granted anticipatory bail with a condition that the accused sign the register at the Karur Town police station twice a day on four Saturdays.

It is said that seven persons, identified as Vedivel (40), Manjula (44), Ruban (25), Paul (26), Dharma (33), all from Poolangudi, and Ravi (51) from Kottur, were proceeding to Madurai in the van. 

When their vehicle was nearing Thuvarankurichi on the Tiruchy-Madurai National Highway, a stray cow suddenly crossed the road, and the van hit the animal.

The driver lost control in the impact and hit a centre median. By the time, a TNSTC bus that was following the van rammed into it, in which Vadivel and Manjula died on the spot, while Ruban, Ravi, Paul, Dharma and Kottur Ravi sustained severe injuries.

On information, the Thurvarankurichi police rushed to the spot, retrieved the bodies and sent them to Manapparai GH, while the injured were rushed to a private hospital in Manapparai. 

A case was registered, and investigations are under way.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said Tamil Nadu has completed only 161 km of high-speed corridors, while another 200 km is under implementation. Andhra Pradesh has 308 km operational and 585 km under construction, Karnataka has completed 314 km and is building another 265 km, while Telangana has 56 km operational and 445 km under implementation.

A senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said land acquisition remains the biggest hurdle for greenfield expressway projects and their execution depends heavily on support from the State government.

"Greenfield expressways involve large-scale land acquisition and can be executed only with the cooperation of the State government. The Chennai-Salem Expressway had to be shelved following strong opposition from farmers and political parties. We have proposals for a few more expressway projects in Tamil Nadu, including the Chennai-Tiruchy Expressway, which could later be extended up to Thoothukudi," the official said.

Across the country, 10,389 km of National High-Speed Corridors and Greenfield Expressways have either been completed or are under construction. Of this, 4,809 km has been opened to traffic, while work is in progress on the remaining 5,580 km.

Tamil Nadu's National Highway network spans 6,805 km. Among the major ongoing projects are the 106-km Tamil Nadu stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NE-7), the 44-km four-laning of the Tiruvallur-Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh border section of NH-716, the 28-km Walajapet/Ranipet-Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh border section of NH-40, and the 46-km Marakkanam-Puducherry section of NH-332A. A 15-km Tiruvarur bypass on NH-83 is in the planning stage. The 116-km Chittoor-Thatchur Expressway also passes through Tamil Nadu for about 52 km.

Rajasthan tops the country with 1,340 km of completed and ongoing high-speed corridor projects, followed by Punjab (923 km), Andhra Pradesh (893 km), Uttar Pradesh (884 km), and Haryana (839 km), placing Tamil Nadu way behind several states of comparable size.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Centre periodically reviews the progress of National Highway projects, including high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways, at the project, State and central levels in coordination with State governments.

He said several measures have been taken to speed up execution, including streamlining land acquisition through the Bhoomirashi portal and GIS-based planning, expediting forest and environmental clearances through the revamped Parivesh portal, enabling online approvals for railway overbridges and underbridges, and resolving project bottlenecks in coordination with State governments and other stakeholders.

As the protest gathers momentum, members are angry with the incumbent, which decided to focus on the first-day, first-show of Chief Minister Vijay's final film, Jana Nayagan, instead of joining or voicing support for the stir, shifting the focus of the movement. 

What started on the night of July 20 as a small gathering of eight people at the CPI's Balan Illam in T Nagar has grown into a sustained protest, drawing around 600 to 700 students and youth. The protesters are demanding far more than the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as they have sharpened their attack, demanding the scrapping of the medical entrance test.

Although the protest entered its fifth day on Friday, the enthusiasm among the participants remained strong. On Jana Nayagan's release day, the anger was directed at TVK president and CM Vijay and his party men for not actively participating in the protest, despite having raised their voices against NEET in the past.

Several speakers mocked the Chief Minister and held placards carrying slogans such as, "We need Jana Nayagam, not Jana Nayagan," implying that the State needs democracy rather than a film.

Amid these developments, the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) issued a press release urging protesters not to criticise any particular political party, stating that doing so could divert the movement from its core objective of demanding the abolition of NEET.

Despite the appeal, several speakers continued to target Chief Minister Vijay and the Jana Nayagan movie during the protest, with some raising questions about whether opposition parties are attempting to use the student-led agitation for their own political agenda.

Meanwhile, the May 17 Movement also organised a protest against NEET and the alleged assault on students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Addressing the press, May 17 Movement founder Thirumurugan Gandhi urged the State government to permit students to stage protests at Chennai's Marina Beach. He also questioned whether the TVK was seeking to mobilise students only to gain political support and votes.

Meanwhile, the State administration was obviously worried about the spread of the protest across the State and tightened security. Police have intensified security across Coimbatore, including at the CODISSIA grounds and VOC Grounds, following intelligence inputs that anti-NEET protesters were planning to gather for a large-scale demonstration. As a precautionary measure, security was also strengthened at several key locations across the city.

Sections of three key government departments are being relocated along with the CMO. This is a significant move after the then J Jayalalithaa government moved back three government departments to Fort St George in 2011, reversing the previous M Karunanidhi-led regime's decision to shift to the newly built Omandurar Government Estate, which the then AIADMK government later converted into a hospital.

The 10-storey NKM building at present houses the offices of Secretaries and sections of 34 government departments and serves as the administrative hub of the State Secretariat. CM Vijay is expected to take the 10th floor of the complex with a clear sea view.

Since assuming office, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has been functioning from the first floor of the Main Building at Fort St George, where the Chief Minister's Office has been located for over six decades. Officials said the government has now decided to relocate the CMO to the 10th floor of the NKM building, citing a space crunch affecting teeming visitors, even though speculation over many other reasons is making the rounds.

According to officials, the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun preparatory work for the shift. The proposed CMO will be established in the existing dining hall adjacent to the conference hall on the 10th floor at Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai. Furniture and other fixtures in the dining hall will be removed and shifted to Kalaivanar Arangam to facilitate the new office.

The relocation of the CMO has necessitated the shifting of sections functioning on the 10th floor. Officials said sections of the Information and Tamil Development Department, Home (Prohibition) Department and Commercial Taxes Department will be relocated along with the CMO.

Among them, the Information and Tamil Development Department will move out of the Secretariat and function from Kalaivanar Arangam, while the sections of the other two departments will be accommodated elsewhere within the Fort St George campus.

The last major relocation took place during the DMK government (2006–11) when the Secretariat was shifted to the newly constructed Omandurar Government Estate complex in 2010. Several key departments, including the Public Department and the Assembly Secretariat, had then moved out of Fort St George before the Secretariat later returned to its original premises after J Jayalalithaa took over the reins in 2011.

The NKM building was constructed by Parsn Foundation and Engineering Company and inaugurated by the then Chief Minister M Karunanithi in 1975, which went through many renovations later on.

According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs’s report citing ILO, as of September 2024, children worked as bonded labourers in the rice mills of Tamil Nadu. It cites an ILO study which said over 1,000 families worked in bonded labour in rice mills in a single district of TN.

The ILO data also show that as many as 5 lakh stone quarry workers, including entire families, in Tamil Nadu were bonded labourers. Similarly, workers in spinning mills in the State were often recruited using deception about working conditions and wages.

On June 3, when the US had proposed tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, India was bracketed among countries attracting 12.5% levies, but Washington took note of the amendment New Delhi made to its foreign trade policy prohibiting the import of goods produced using forced labour.

On July 14, the Union government amended the foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labour, amid a US investigation into forced labour practices in 60 countries, including India.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries on Thursday, a day before the expiration of 10% additional levies on all countries.

The USTR statement said that Greer had made the final action, at President Donald Trump’s direction, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 by imposing tariffs on 60 economies for their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

Countries that do not have laws barring goods produced using forced labour such as China, the United Kingdom and Japan will face tariffs of 12.5%.

The forced labour tariffs will not apply to raw materials that would lead to unavailability of domestic supply; products that would cause economy-wide disruptions and on products that cannot be produced or grown in sufficient quantities in the US.

Of the 60 countries, the 10% rate applies to 17 countries, including Canada, the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The other 43 will have to bear 12.5%.

The action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and a distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere, Greer said in a statement here.

As per the US report, the goods that India produced or imported that involved forced labour included bricks, carpets, palm-oil blends, cottonseed, embellished textiles, fireworks, footwear, garments, glass bangles, incense stick, leather accessories, matches, e-waste, rice, rubber gloves, sandstone, shrimp, silk fabric, stones, tea, thread/yarn.

According to a report in The Washington Post, the Trump administration is expected to introduce another set of tariffs within weeks that will apply to goods from nations that subsidise excess manufacturing capacity

The latest data shows a near-even gender distribution among founders, with 7,572 women-led startups marginally outnumbering 7,465 men led startups.

Chennai continues to be the State's startup hub with 5,134 recognised startups, accounting for more than a third of the total.

The capital city is followed by Coimbatore (2,011) and Kancheepuram (1,318). Other districts with significant startup presence include Tiruvallur (916), Chengalpattu (815), Madurai (497), Trichy (446), Salem (403), Erode (350), and Krishnagiri (239).

Sector-wise, IT Services remains the largest segment with 2,002 startups, followed by Healthcare and Lifesciences (1,285), and Agriculture (928).

Other major sectors include Food - Beverages (846), Education (795), Construction (652), Professional - Commercial Services (614), Artificial Intelligence (584), Technology Hardware (543), and Renewable Energy (495).

It is said, Palanivel, a resident of Samayapuram, working as Maniyam (an administrative coordinator), had amassed proportionate wealth and a complaint was lodged against him with the HR&CE officials who conducted a departmental inquiry in which he was found to be making money illegally and so the information was shared to the HR and CE Minister S Ramesh, who recommended that the officials to suspend him.

Based on the order, the officials suspended Palanivel on Friday.

Meanwhile, a video of rodent movement in the ICU surfaced a day after the incident.

After R Tamil Kodi (68) who was undergoing treatment after an ortho surgery was bitten by a rate, the Dean Dr S Kumaravel who inspected the ward and ordered for proper treaments treatment.

On Friday, a day after the incident, the workers cleaned the entire premises and plugged the holes visible around the hospital premises while the Collector Pratik Dayal ordered a probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, a video of the movement of a rat even at the ICU surfaced in the social media and this caused a flutter among the public.

In the video, the rat has been entering via a hole in the ventilation slot and moving around the ICU hall.

An order issued by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar on Friday (July 24) said Lakhoni has been posted as the Commissioner for Land Administration, a post that fell vacant following the transfer of R Gajalakshmi.

In another key posting, A Sivagnanam, who served as the Additional Chief Electoral Officer during the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has been appointed as the Commissioner of Disaster Management.

In separate statements, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam and CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the incident had once again highlighted concerns over police excesses, coming just weeks after the alleged custodial killing of differently abled youth Sabari Varman in Kanniyakumari district.

Shanmugam said Arunachalam, a resident of Amudhanagar in Thoothukudi city, was arrested by Thenbagam police on July 17 for allegedly selling liquor illegally and taken in for questioning. He alleged that Arunachalam was admitted to hospital later that day with injuries on his head, hands and legs before succumbing. Referring to a video statement reportedly recorded by Arunachalam before his death, Shanmugam said the victim had alleged that he was assaulted by police personnel. He added that the deceased's family had accused four police personnel of being responsible for his death.

The CPM demanded a CB-CID inquiry into the custodial death, suspension of the police personnel allegedly involved pending investigation, action against all those responsible, and adequate compensation for Arunachalam's family.

Veerapandian said the incident showed that the Supreme Court and High Court guidelines, as well as safeguards under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), were not being followed during police investigations. He said repeated custodial deaths raised serious concerns over accountability within the police force.

Referring to the Sathankulam custodial deaths case, Veerapandian said its verdict had failed to bring about meaningful changes in police functioning. He urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to undertake police reforms, provide specialised training to personnel handling investigations, strengthen accountability by prescribing stricter punishment for custodial torture, and ensure justice and compensation for Arunachalam's family.

Palaniswami chaired a meeting with Villupuram district functionaries to review the party's performance in the recent Assembly elections and discuss organisational measures to strengthen the AIADMK. Shanmugam's absence has triggered fresh speculation about internal discord.

His absence comes a day after former minister SP Velumani stayed away from a similar review meeting. Party sources said Velumani is unhappy over Palaniswami's decision not to restore him as Coimbatore district secretary, a post he had earlier held.

Despite Velumani's absence, several MLAs considered close to him—including Tiruttani MLA Ko Hari, Panruti MLA Mohan, Erode MLA Hari Bhaskar and Pappireddipatti MLA Maragatham Vetrivel—attended meetings chaired by Palaniswami, indicating changing political equations within the party.

With two senior leaders skipping consecutive review meetings, Shanmugam's absence has further fuelled speculation that factionalism persists within the AIADMK. Party leaders, however, have not officially commented on the absences.

During the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) scheduled to be held on July 28, ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ would be sung only after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, said Vice-Chancellor N Chandrasekar.

The function, to be presided over by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on July 28, is set to follow the same ceremonial order that sparked political controversy earlier this year after the TVK-led government came to power.

"When I met the Governor to extend the invitation for the convocation, the Secretary to the Governor instructed me to follow this protocol," Vice-Chancellor Chandrasekar told DT Next on Friday. He also clarified that the university didn't receive any circular in this regard.

He added that the secretary had also advised the university to verify the lyrics and audio recordings of National Song Vande Mataram, the National Anthem, and Tamil Thai Vazhthu to avoid any unnecessary controversy during the event.

The order of the songs had triggered criticism during the swearing-in ceremony of the Tamil Nadu government in May, after Tamil Thai Vazhthu was rendered after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.

Meanwhile, Governor Arlekar flew to New Delhi on an unscheduled visit on Friday afternoon after receiving what official sources described as an urgent communication from the national capital, setting off speculation over the purpose of the sudden trip.

The visit was not part of his announced schedule and was finalised only hours before his departure, sources at Chennai airport said.

The Governor had returned to Chennai from Thiruvananthapuram late on Thursday night. Officials had earlier indicated that he had no engagements outside the State on Friday and was expected to remain at Lok Bhavan.

While the reasons behind the Governor's sudden visit remained undisclosed, sources said the trip followed an urgent communication from New Delhi but declined to reveal the nature of the discussions.

He urged the State government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to the victim's family.

In a statement, NTK chief coordinator Seeman said that a video purportedly recorded by Arunachalam before his death clearly carries a confessional statement against police personnel who assaulted him.

He stated that Arunachalam's death had occurred before the wounds of the earlier prison death, Sabari Varman in Kanniyakumari, had healed. Seeman alleged that four custodial deaths had taken place within the first three months of the present TVK government, describing it as a serious law and order and governance issue.

Seeman questioned Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's silence over the incident, accusing him of failing to express regret, console the victim's family, or take moral responsibility. He further alleged that the government was attempting to shield those responsible instead of ensuring justice.

Demanding swift action, Seeman urged the government to register Arunachalam's death as a murder, arrest all those involved, and provide Rs 50 lakh as compensation to the custodial death victim's family.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport after returning from New Delhi, Thirumavalavan said Parliament had remained paralysed for the past five days over the alleged NEET question paper leak, which had affected lakhs of students, saying that Pradhan's sacking was a matter of time.

He alleged that Delhi Police used excessive force against students, youth and civil society members protesting in the national capital for over a month, seeking Pradhan's resignation. While the Centre had held talks with the protesters on Friday and sought two more days to respond, it had agreed to withdraw cases registered against them, he claimed.

Reiterating that the VCK opposed NEET across India and not just in Tamil Nadu, Thirumavalavan urged the protesters to expand their demand beyond Pradhan's resignation and press for the complete abolition of the examination.

Expressing confidence that the agitation would succeed, he said he believed the Narendra Modi-led Union government would remove Pradhan from office. He added that he would participate in the VCK's Chennai protest on July 27.

Addressing the media at a Pasumai Thaayagam event in Medavakkam, Sowmiya Anbumani said Class 12 board examination marks should be sufficient for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses, questioning the need for students to repeatedly prove their merit through an additional entrance examination. She alleged that even candidates with lower NEET scores are able to secure admissions, claiming the system does not ensure equal opportunity for all aspirants.

Referring to the ongoing anti-NEET protests in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, she urged the authorities not to use excessive force against students. She also appealed to the government not to arrest the protesters or register criminal cases against them, stating that such action could adversely affect their future employment opportunities and prospects of studying or working abroad.

The calf, which was separated from its mother about a year ago, has since been wandering through villages along the forest fringe. Unlike many wild elephants that stray into human settlements, the calf has not displayed any aggressive behaviour towards people and has gradually become a familiar and much-loved visitor among villagers.

After remaining away from the villages for more than a month, the calf returned over the past two days to Marasandram village near Denkanikottai. Soon after news of its arrival spread, several youngsters gathered to catch a glimpse of the animal. Many took selfies with the calf and offered it fodder as a gesture of affection.

However, forest department personnel who were alerted about the calf's presence reached the village and safely guided it back into the nearby forest. “Continuous efforts are being made to reunite the calf with its mother. However, the mother elephant has so far not accepted the calf back into the herd,” a forest department staff member said.

The accused, identified as Santhosh Kumar, is employed at a Government Higher Secondary School in Chengalpattu district, where the survivor is also a student.

According to the police, the alleged incident occurred during special classes conducted after regular school hours for students of Classes 10, 11, and 12. As only a limited number of students attended these sessions, the accused allegedly took advantage of the situation.

Following a complaint lodged by the student's family, the Kilambakkam All Women Police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested Santhosh Kumar.

He was questioned overnight before being produced before a court in Chengalpattu on Friday (July 23).

The court remanded him in judicial custody. The police said further investigation is under way.

The arrested were identified as P Pandidurai of Kumaralingam, S Harikrishnan (34) of Madathukulam, M Manoj (20) and S Sibi (24), both from Samayapuram in Tiruchirappalli, and S Madan Kumar (28) of Pollachi in Coimbatore district. According to the police, the accused are also wanted in several other criminal cases.

Police said the robbery took place shortly after midnight on July 16 at the farmhouse of Arun Kumar (49) and his wife, Brinda (40), at Ravanapuram. The couple stepped outside after being alerted by the persistent barking of their pet dog, when a group of masked men allegedly forced their way into the house.

The assailants threatened Brinda with a knife and took away Rs 45,000 kept in a bureau. They also demanded her earrings, but she told them they were imitation jewellery. Police said the earrings were, in fact, made of gold and credited her presence of mind with preventing the robbers from taking the valuables.

Before fleeing, the accused allegedly smashed Arun Kumar's mobile phone and locked the couple inside the house. After daybreak, the couple managed to call out to a passerby through a window and were rescued.

Three special teams constituted by the Thali police examined CCTV footage and other evidence before tracking down and arresting the five accused. Further investigation is under way.

While dismissing a batch of writ petitions filed by employees who were terminated after they were found to have secured appointments in various Town Panchayats and Municipalities in the erstwhile Tirunelveli district by allegedly using bogus disability certificates, Justice B Pugalendhi observed that," These circumstances disclose either a complete failure in the process of verification or a deeper systemic irregularity in the functioning of the Employment Exchange. In either event, the matter raises serious concerns touching upon the integrity and transparency of public recruitment.".

"The Employment Exchanges are entrusted with the registration of job seekers, sponsorship of eligible candidates against notified vacancies and maintenance of employment records. Thousands of aspiring candidates depend upon the fairness and impartiality of this mechanism for access to public employment. Any manipulation or batch failure in this process not only prejudices deserving candidates but also erodes public confidence in the fairness of recruitment to public service," observed the Judge. 

This Court takes note of the categorical statement made by the CB-CID in its status report that the investigation has revealed similar appointments in various other Municipalities based on disability certificates and that further investigation in respect thereof is presently in progress. The systemic deficiencies noticed in the present batch of cases, therefore, cannot be viewed as confined to the petitioners before this Court but appear to have wider ramifications affecting public recruitment through the Employment Exchanges, said the Judge.   

According to the case, a complaint lodged in 2015 alleged that several persons had obtained appointments as sanitary workers, overhead tank operators and junior assistants between 2005 and 2015 by producing fake disability certificates. The investigation was later transferred to the CB-CID. The investigation revealed that 103 persons had been appointed under the priority quota meant for persons with disabilities. A subsequent medical verification found that only 25 of them were genuinely persons with disabilities. The investigation also found that 13 government doctors had allegedly facilitated the issuance of National Disability Identity Cards on the basis of bogus medical certificates.

Following departmental inquiries, the employees concerned were dismissed from service. Challenging the termination orders, they approached the High Court.

This Court has noted that the irregularities in the present batch of cases appear to have originated primarily at the stage of sponsorship by the District Employment Exchange. The records disclose that the Employment Exchange forwarded the names of the petitioners to the respondent Town Panchayats and Municipalities as persons belonging to the physically disabled priority category, together with disability identity cards and disability certificates, even though they were not actually physically disabled. It remains wholly unexplained as to how such disability documents, containing the photographs, signatures and personal particulars of the petitioners, came into the possession of the Employment Exchange or on what basis they were accepted as genuine.

Taking serious note of the issue, Justice B Pugalendhi directed the Secretary to the Government, Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, to constitute a committee of senior officers to examine the manner in which disability identity cards and certificates were accepted and forwarded by the Employment Exchange, the reasons for the failure to follow the prescribed order of priority in sponsorship, the role of officials responsible for any lapse, negligence, misconduct or collusion, and whether similar irregularities had occurred in other recruitments.

"The Secretary shall also undertake a comprehensive review of the existing mechanism governing sponsorship through the Employment Exchanges and put in place appropriate administrative and supervisory safeguards to ensure strict compliance with the Government Orders and greater accountability in the sponsorship process, to prevent the recurrence of similar irregularities." 

The Court directed the government to initiate departmental action against the officials concerned wherever warranted and to review the Employment Exchange sponsorship mechanism to prevent recurrence of similar irregularities. The Judge further directed the CB-CID to examine the role, if any, of District Employment Exchange officials in the alleged irregularities and expand its investigation beyond the beneficiaries of the appointments.

"Karnataka extended an official invitation to the Chief Minister (Vijay) to visit Karnataka," Vinoth told reporters here.

It has been reported in a section of the media that CM Vijay is likely to visit Bengaluru on August 3. Vinoth clarified that the invite was extended exclusively to the chief minister.

When asked about the Bengaluru visit's agenda, he stated the objective is to "secure what is good for the people, what is good for Tamil Nadu."

Addressing the contentious Mekedatu dam project, Vinoth reiterated the state's uncompromising stance. "We have always stated this until now... we will never allow it to be constructed," he asserted.

The official invitation follows recent diplomatic overtures from Karnataka's leadership. On June 18, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar publicly expressed his readiness to hold discussions with CM Vijay on the Mekedatu issue at any time, urging both states to set politics aside.

Subsequently, on June 20, Karnataka Major Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy reiterated this stance, confirming Karnataka was open to bilateral dialogue if Tamil Nadu was willing to come to the table.

Senthilbalaji and his brother, RV Ashok Kumar, secured anticipatory bail from the HC in a case of MLA poaching filed against them.

As per the High Court's order, they were directed to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court, Chennai, within 15 days of receiving a copy of the order and execute a personal bond for Rs 25,000 each, with two sureties for a like sum.

They were also directed to appear before the Triplicane Police twice a day, at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm, and sign the register until further orders.

Complying with the conditions, Senthilbalaji surrendered before Principal Sessions Judge S Karthikeyan, who accepted the bail bond and directed him to appear before the Triplicane Police at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm on Saturday (July 25, 2026).

The case arose from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja, alleging that one Thirunavukkarasu offered him Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker in the proposed no-confidence motion in the Assembly. Elaiyaraja claimed that after he rejected the offer, Thirunavukkarasu called him again and threatened him and his family with dire consequences if he disclosed the conversation.

According to the prosecution, the investigation revealed that Thirunavukkarasu had contacted the MLA at the instance of former minister V Senthilbalaji and RV Ashok Kumar. Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police registered a case under Sections 8 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 61 (2) (a) and 351 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Arlekar departed Chennai at 2.30 pm, accompanied by his Secretary, personal aide and security officer. The visit was not part of his announced schedule and was finalised only hours before his departure, sources at Chennai airport said.

The Governor had returned to Chennai from Thiruvananthapuram late on Thursday night. Officials had earlier indicated that he had no engagements outside the State on Friday and was expected to remain at Lok Bhavan in Guindy.

However, airport authorities were later informed of a change in plans, following which arrangements were made for the Governor’s departure to New Delhi. As of Friday evening, there was no official word on the duration of his visit or when he would return to Chennai.

Sources said Arlekar was likely to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his stay in the national capital.

The reasons behind the Governor’s sudden visit remained undisclosed. Sources maintained that the trip followed an urgent communication from New Delhi but declined to reveal the nature of the discussions.

Justice L Victoria Gowri directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute the SIT within 48 hours, comprising officers not below the rank of Superintendent of Police from the CB-CID or other specialised units. The Court further directed the investigating officer to hand over the entire case records, digital evidence and other materials, along with a detailed inventory, to the SIT.

The Court also directed the Director of Medical Education to constitute a Neutral Medical Board within 24 hours. Doctors who participated in the earlier postmortem examination have been barred from being part of the Board, the Judge said.

"Pending its constitution, the body has been directed to be preserved at the Government Medical College Hospital, Pudukkottai. The Medical Board has been directed to conduct a fresh postmortem within 48 hours of its constitution," Justice Gowri observed.

The court passed this order on a writ petition and a miscellaneous petition filed by S Fathima Beevi, mother of the deceased, Afrin, seeking the transfer of the investigation to an independent SIT and a fresh postmortem to ascertain the real cause of her death.

According to the petitioner, Afrin married Mohammed Ashraf on January 25, 2026, and was about four months pregnant at the time of her death. The petitioner alleged that her daughter was subjected to dowry harassment, physical assault and mental cruelty over an additional demand for 5.5 sovereigns of gold. She further alleged that the circumstances surrounding the death, which occurred within five months of the marriage, warranted an independent investigation.

In the writ petition, the victim's mother further stated that although an FIR was registered, the investigation had not been fair or transparent. She alleged that crucial evidence had not been properly preserved and that the authorities had failed to furnish the postmortem certificate, postmortem videography, Form No. 86, Accident Register, Inquest Report, RDO records, forensic reports and other medical documents despite repeated requests.

The authorities provided the postmortem video and certificate to the petitioner on June 29 2026 only after the intervention of this Court.

Advocate SK Venkat Raman, who appeared for the petitioner, said that when the family examined the postmortem video, they found that the postmortem examination had not been conducted in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Court in the RM Arun Swaminathan vs State case. The doctors also failed to report the injuries identified on the body in the post-mortem report, the advocate said. Hence, they filed a miscellaneous petition seeking a fresh post-mortem in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the court.