Chennai Corporation council meeting: streetlight maintenance across 12 zones proposed
The work includes the daily monitoring of streetlights, repairing faulty lights within 24 hours of receiving complaints from officials or the public, and maintaining feeder boxes, junction boxes, poles and associated electrical components
Chennai to repair 678 rain-damaged roads amid mounting complaints of potholes, waterlogging
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 29 (IANS) Rain-battered roads across Chennai are set for renovation, with Rs 130.19 crore allocated to repair 678 roads amid mounting complaints from motorists over potholes, damaged surfaces and waterlogging that makes daily travel hazardous. Tenders have been invited to improve roads covering 148.10 kilometres across the Greater Chennai Corporations 15 zones under the Chief Ministers Urban Development Scheme. Renovation work will begin once the tender process is completed and contracts are finalised, according to the announcement. The proposed works come as continuing rain has exposed the extent of damage to the citys road network. Corporation statistics indicate that potholes have developed at 8,110 locations, with repair work reportedly underway at 5,350 of them. For motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, the deterioration has made navigating several stretches difficult. Rainwater collecting on damaged roads conceals potholes, leaving road users unable to judge their depth or avoid them safely. Residents have sought early repairs, pointing to the difficulties posed by uneven surfaces and water-filled depressions. The demand for restoration has gained urgency during the rainy spell, when submerged potholes become harder to identify. The corporation maintains more than 30,000 roads, including major thoroughfares, bus routes and neighbourhood streets. Damage across these different categories affects both traffic movement on busy corridors and access within residential areas. The announced renovation programme covers 678 roads. Details provided about the proposed works include repairs to 595 bituminous roads and 58 cement roads. The overall package spans all 15 zones, extending the planned improvements across the city. The allocation is intended to restore damaged stretches through a tender-based programme. However, the announcement links the commencement of renovation to the completion of procurement formalities and the award of contracts, without specifying a starting date. Meanwhile, the corporations reported pothole repair work remains significant for commuters using affected roads during the rain. The figures indicate that repairs are underway at a substantial number of identified locations, although they do not establish how many have been completed. With rainwater continuing to obscure damaged surfaces, residents immediate concern remains safe passage through affected stretches. The forthcoming road renovation programme will address a wider network of damaged roads, while the pace of ongoing pothole repairs will determine how quickly motorists experience relief from the difficulties described across the city during the current rainy spell.
Anirudh Ravichander, Kavya Marans Wedding Invitation Goes Viral?
The wedding is reportedly scheduled to take place in Greece on November 10 or 11, 2026, while the reception is expected to be held in Chennai on November 21.
Chennais Alliance Franaise to host dark comedy Necks and Glasses
How much do you know about serial killers? And how much should we? Catch Necks and Glasses, a dark comedy play in which a killer narrates his story to the audience through a monologue
AIADMKs poll setbacks, internal rebellion loom over Nov 1 district secretaries meet
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 29 (IANS) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has convened a meeting of district secretaries on November 1 amid mounting pressure over the partys defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, fresh bypoll setbacks and an unresolved rebellion involving senior leaders. Although no agenda has been announced, the meeting assumes significance as the partys general council and executive committee must be convened by December. Discussions could indicate how the leadership intends to address demands for an organisational review and an assessment of successive electoral failures. The November 1 gathering will be the first meeting of district secretaries since the AIADMK finished third in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly bypolls earlier this month. The losses were particularly damaging because the party had won both constituencies in the April Assembly elections. Those reverses compounded the disappointment of the Assembly polls, in which the AIADMK secured only 47 seats and failed to return to power. Its subsequent inability to retain the two constituencies has intensified dissent and renewed questions within the organisation about its electoral strategy and leadership. Senior functionaries, including former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, have been pressing for meetings of the partys decision-making bodies to discuss its continued defeats. Their demands have acquired greater significance following the latest results, with dissatisfied leaders stepping up consultations. The internal crisis erupted after the Assembly elections, when a group of 25 AIADMK legislators defied the leadership and supported the TVK government during the confidence vote in May. Palaniswami subsequently removed several dissenting leaders from organisational positions and appointed replacements to influential district posts. Although some senior leaders later received other responsibilities, their former district secretary positions were not restored. Velumani, for instance, was appointed deputy general secretary but did not regain control of the Coimbatore suburban south district unit. The changes left the dispute over district-level influence unresolved. The factional divide also surfaced during the bypoll campaign, with Shanmugam, Velumani and former minister P. Thangamani absent from the partys star-campaigner list. Their exclusion underscored the continuing differences between the leadership and dissident camp ahead of a crucial electoral test. Against this backdrop, attention will centre on whether Sundays meeting opens the way for a substantive review of the defeats and preparations for the general council. Any decisions on organisational responsibilities or reconciliation could shape the partys immediate response to its electoral and internal challenges.
Shekhar Ravjiani says next chapter will have double the effort, double the mehnat: 50, here I come
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 29 (IANS) Music composer and singer Shekhar Ravjiani is all set to enter a new chapter of his life as he prepares to turn 50 next month. Turning to Instagram, Shekhar expressed gratitude as he reflected on his journey and to everyone who has stood by him over the years. She said he is looking forward to creating, learning, growing and living with renewed hunger and enthusiasm. Turning to the caption section, he wrote: Crazy to think that a month from now, I hit the half-century mark. To everyone who has showered me with love, stood by me, and genuinely cared along the way, Thank you! Youve made these years special in more ways than you know. These 50 years have been a great warm-up. The lessons, the highs, the lows, the music, the people, the love .all of it has brought me here. And now for the next chapter double the effort, double the mehnat, and an even greater hunger to create, learn, grow and live.Health is good. Mind is good. Heart is great. 50, here I come. Lets go!! Shekhar became a part of the duo VishalShekhar. The duo produced many Bollywood songs, and they were judges at Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2007 and 2010. He has sung the tracks Tujhe Bhula Diya, Bin Tere and Meherbaan. On the work front, Shekhar initially worked in advertising and composed jingles before entering the Hindi film industry. He participated in the singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 1997, and later eventually joined hands with Vishal Dadlani to form Vishal-Shekhar. The duo made their film debut with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi in 1999, and went on to become one of the prominent music-composing teams in Hindi cinema, working on films including Jhankaar Beats, Dus, Bluffmaster, Om Shanti Om, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dostana, Chennai Express, Bang Bang!, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai, War and Pathaan, amongst many others. Shekhar has also established himself as a playback singer, with songs such as Tujhe Bhula Diya, Bin Tere, Meherbaan and Zehnaseeb among his popular tracks.
New Weather System in Bay of Bengal May Bring Heavy Rain to Chennai on November 1-2
A new weather system in the Bay of Bengal could bring heavy rainfall to Chennai on November 1-2, with uncertainty surrounding its intensity and path. New Weather System in Bay of Bengal May Bring Heavy Rain to Chennai on November 1-2
Sainath, Chandra in Indian Disabled Cricket Team
Sainath and Chandrabhan earned national recognition through their selection to represent India in the Physical Disability Cricket Tournament against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held in Chennai from Saturday to November 2
WRD steps up estuary dredging to improve flood water discharge during monsoon
Given Kavya Maran's association with the Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad, the reception could also see guests from the cricketing fraternity
Gold prices extended their decline on October 29, with Comex gold slipping to $4,051 per ounce in early trade. In India, 24K gold stood at Rs 1,44,000 per 10 grams, while silver was priced at Rs 1,94,990 per kg.
CPM Leader Alleges Unlawful Detention Of Economist A Kalaiyarasan In Chennai
The CPM leader called the alleged treatment of the academic intolerable and questioned whether Tamil Nadu was turning into a police state.
TVS Motor Company to demerge consumer finance business
She has sought anticipatory bail in a case booked against her pursuant to a speech at DMK womens wing meet held in Chennai on October 7, 2026
Persons with disabilities can now travel for free in government buses with UDID card
Premium FSI increase under consideration, says CMDA
The official said that they were mulling raising the permissible limit, potentially to five or above, but no approval had been given
Chennai Metro Rail misses deadline yet again, 6 stations on Arcot Road to open in March 2027
An official says the construction will be completed in January and signalling work will take another two months. A source, however, says it will be difficult to complete signalling work even by March
Four arrested for cheating people of 1.92 crore by promising TNHB flats
Murder-for-hire ad scribbled on Chennai bus lands rowdy in jail
Tamil Nadu News: Congress MP Tilak Targets Vijay | 17 Theni Jail Escapees Caught
In todays edition of The Tamil Nadu Brief by NDTVs Sam Daniel, chilling videos of a murder in Chennais Adyar and a machete attack and robbery in Royapettah raise questions over public safety. Separately, Congress MP Christopher Tilak targets Chief Minister Vijay over Tamil Nadus law and order situation, urging him to focus on policing as he holds the Home portfolio. The DMK too steps up its criticism of the TVK government. In Theni, all 17 undertrial prisoners who escaped from sub-jail have been arrested, triggering a statewide prison security audit and plans for armed guards at watchtowers. Plus, 3,000 students and volunteers join a colourful Beggar Free India campaign in Erode.
Cops whisk away, humiliate economist over fake social media post
DMK councillor held over provocative remarks against CM
Chennai Metro Phase II: How Hitachi Rail's 1,620 crore contract will power driverless trains
Hitachi Rail's CBTC system automatically manages train movement, including acceleration and braking. It also calculates suitable operating speeds in real time, allowing trains to run at intervals of up to 90 seconds.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department Forms Eco-Committees to Protect Vedanthangal
Freshworks acquires IT incident platform Robusta Dev
TN allows MLAs to fund anganwadi centres under MLACDS
Diwali 2026: Tamil Nadu govt announces one more holiday
DMK councillor arrested over controversial remark on Karur stampede
In a video that went viral on social media, the councillor was heard saying, If we had finished him off at Karur on that day, we wouldnt be in this situation today. The remark was allegedly directed at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, in an apparent reference to the stampede in Karur
DMK seeks President Droupadi Murmu's intervention over SIR, demands action against CEC
City Union Bank reports 27% rise in Q2 FY27 PAT
Former Tamil Nadu minister Anbil Mahesh seeks bail; CCB demands his custody
Dy Chief Whip attends legislators programme at Mahabalipuram
Shillong, Oct 28: Meghalaya Assembly Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh attended the concluding session of the two-day Legislators Leadership programme, which concluded on Wednesday at Mahabalipuram, Chennai. Organised by the Tamil Nadu Speakers Office in collaboration with Meghalaya Legislative Research Forum, the programme brought together legislators for expert sessions on constitutional values, legislative duties, [] The post Dy Chief Whip attends legislators programme at Mahabalipuram first appeared on Highland Post .
DMK demands judicial probe into Theni jailbreak and dismissal of minister Nirmal Kumar
Right to protest is freedom of expression, says Madras HC; allows agitation at graveyard
Case against Sekarbabu, MP and eight others
Man hacks to death rowdy in drunken brawl, arrested
An argument broke out between the accused and the victim when they were in an inebriated state, which then escalated into a dispute. Enraged by this, The accused brutally hacked the victim with a knife, who died on the spot
Following Coimbatore students death, schools told to clampdown on caste conversations on campus
Protests Erupt in Tamil Nadu Following Arrest of Former Minister Anbil Mahesh
Protests in Chennai after the arrest of former minister Anbil Mahesh lead to police action against two DMK leaders for obstructing officials. Protests Erupt in Tamil Nadu Following Arrest of Former Minister Anbil Mahesh
Chennai History-Sheeter Hacked to Death in Broad Daylight in Adyar
The deceased, V. Maithreyan of Mylapore, was returning to a relatives house in Thiruvanmiyur after appearing at the Mylapore police station
Everyone Was Shocked: Du Plessis Recalls Smith Replacing Dhoni As RPS Captain
Faf Du Plessis: Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said everyone in the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) dressing room was shocked on hearing that MS Dhoni was removed as the sides captain and replaced by premier Australian batter Steve Smith ahead of the 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Du Plessis, who was in the squad then, also said Smith handled the role admirably despite being new to leadership. Dhoni was stripped of the RPS captaincy before the 2017 IPL season began. It was a decision taken by the franchise owner, Sanjiv Goenka, at that time. Smith, who was early in his Australian captaincy career, took charge with Dhoni playing under him, and guided the Pune-based franchise to the 2017 IPL final, where they lost to Mumbai Indians by one run. It was also RPS's last game of the tournament. MS Dhoni was removed as captain of Rising Pune Supergiants after the end of the 2016 IPL season, and thats the biggest move you can make in a tournament of that stature. We hadnt won a couple of games, and the owner at the time made the decision to change the captain. Everyone was shocked after that call. MS Dhoni as captain was gone, and Steve Smith was the new captain. That was pretty early on in his leadership career. He wasnt experienced, but he did a good job. It was tough having MS Dhoni as your number two there, especially after hed just been removed as captain. Smith led the team to the final, and we lost that final, which we should have won. We were that close. Winning that final would have made Smith an IPL-winning captain in just one season of captaincy. That says a lot about him, du Plessis said on Cricinfos Cricketers on Cricketers show. RPS and Gujarat Lions were brought in as stand-in franchises for two seasons after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suspended over their team officials' involvement in illegal betting, following the 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal. Smith led the team to the final, and we lost that final, which we should have won. We were that close. Winning that final would have made Smith an IPL-winning captain in just one season of captaincy. That says a lot about him, du Plessis said on Cricinfos Cricketers on Cricketers show. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Veteran civil servant Syed Munir Hoda passes away at 76
In a career spanning over 35 years, he held various positions, including Member-Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and Transport, Health and Home Secretary
CM Vijay to present Rs 17 cr reward to honour Tamil Nadu's para athletes on Thursday
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will present prizes worth Rs 17 crore to winners of the Chief Ministers Trophy competitions on Thursday at a ceremony that will also honour Tamil Nadus medal-winning athletes from the Para Asian Games in Japan. The event, scheduled from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, will bring together sporting achievers from the state-level competitions and the international arena. Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna announced that the Chief Minister would meet and congratulate the para-athletes during the felicitation programme at the Nehru Indoor Stadium complex. Their recognition will form part of the ceremony alongside the distribution of prizes to the trophy winners. Tamil Nadus contingent returned from Japan with 15 medals, comprising three gold, five silver and seven bronze. Of the 13 athletes who represented the state at the Games, nine finished among the medallists, giving the contingent a strong showing at the competition. The medal tally reflects success across all three podium positions. Bronze medals accounted for the largest share of Tamil Nadus haul, followed by silver and gold. With nine athletes contributing to the total, more than two-thirds of the state's participants secured medals. Thursdays programme will recognise these performances while also celebrating the achievements of athletes competing closer to home. The ceremony places the states para-sport medallists alongside winners emerging from the Chief Ministers Trophy competitions. The trophy competitions began on October 15 and are being conducted across Tamil Nadu in 45 sports. Around 32,000 athletes are participating, highlighting the scale of the sporting programme and its reach across a wide range of disciplines. The Rs 17 crore in prizes will be distributed to winners of these competitions. The presentation will mark an occasion for the state to acknowledge their performances and encourage sporting talent through recognition of competitive achievement. By including both sets of achievers in the programme, the government is bringing attention to participation in State competitions as well as medal-winning performances overseas. The ceremony forms part of Tamil Nadus efforts to promote sporting talent and recognise excellence across disciplines. For the para-athletes who competed in Japan, the event will provide an opportunity to meet the chief minister and receive recognition for their contribution to the states 15-medal tally at the Games.
Cyclone Arnab: 12 flights between Chennai and Andhra Pradesh cities cancelled
Korean webtoons and Bengali tales find their way to Tamil audiences
In this edition of Tubewatch, we look at Love Always, a Hotstar Specials Tamil original series based on the Korean webtoon Here We Go Again, some Bengali titles, and a new 13-episode game show that seeks to make Thirukkural engaging for younger audiences
K Hospitality targets 6,000 cr in sales across restaurants, food services by FY30
Plans to expand restaurant network in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata
Stalin Condemns Daylight Murder of Youth in Chennai, Slams TVK Govt
Sharing a news clip of the incident on social media, Stalin alleged that the current administration has left public spaces completely unsafe
Meet the Chennai children who travelled to London and returned with six Guinness records
Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi seeks bail in alleged 100-crore bribery case
He also challenged his arrest, alleging non-compliance with mandatory arrest procedures
Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi seeks bail in alleged 100-crore bribery case
He also challenged his arrest, alleging non-compliance with mandatory arrest procedures
Todays Gold Rate, October 2: Check gold rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 2
Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 28
Todays Gold Rate, Octobet 17: Check gold rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 17
TN govt revises auto-rickshaw fares, fixes minimum charge at Rs 50
Chennai The Tamil Nadu government has revised auto-rickshaw fares for the Chennai Metropolitan Area and other parts of the state, The post TN govt revises auto-rickshaw fares, fixes minimum charge at Rs 50 appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Vellore DMK councillor Teeta Saravanan was arrested by Puzhal police in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram on Wednesday for allegedly making threatening remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, while referring to the 2025 Karur stampede. A special police team apprehended him at the residence of ACK Premkumar, deputy organiser of the DMKs Central District Youth Wing in Villupuram. Premkumar was also arrested for allegedly sheltering the councillor, who had been the subject of a police search following his remarks. The arrests followed the circulation of a video purportedly showing Saravanan making the comments outside Puzhal Central Prison. His reference to the Karur tragedy, in remarks directed at the Chief Minister, drew widespread criticism and prompted police to identify him and initiate action. The incident occurred when former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was brought to the prison after his arrest in a case involving bribery allegations. DMK supporters had gathered outside the prison and were raising slogans against the Tamil Nadu government. During the gathering, Saravanan allegedly said: If only we had finished him off back in Karur, would things have reached this state? He reportedly repeated the remark to another person standing nearby. The comments were subsequently circulated on social media, bringing the Councillors conduct under scrutiny. Puzhal police registered a case against Saravanan under four sections, including provisions relating to obstructing public servants from discharging their duties, intimidation and disturbing public peace. Three special teams were constituted to locate him after he allegedly went into hiding. According to the report, Saravanan attempted to mislead the authorities by claiming that he was travelling to Bengaluru. However, police eventually traced him to Premkumars residence in Villupuram, where the special team took him into custody. Premkumars arrest was linked to the allegation that he had provided shelter to Saravanan during the search. The report identified him as a functionary of the partys youth wing in Villupurams Central District. The police action centres on Saravanans alleged remarks outside the prison and the offences registered in connection with them. The video formed the backdrop to the subsequent police search.
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to release funds in advance every month for the Vettri Payanam free bus travel scheme, warning that transport corporations are struggling to meet essential operating expenses. In a statement, he alleged that delayed compensation for the expanded scheme had left the corporations facing a revenue shortfall of about Rs 25 crore, affecting purchases of diesel, tyres and spare parts. Anbumani said daily operating receipts, excluding government subsidies, had fallen from an average of Rs 21 crore to between Rs 7 crore and Rs 8 crore. Citing trade unions, he said total daily income, including subsidies for other schemes, had declined from Rs 47 crore to Rs 22 crore. The expanded Vettri Payanam scheme was launched on October 2, widening the free travel facility previously offered under the DMK governments Vidiyal Payanam programme. According to figures cited by Anbumani, the earlier programme covered 7,714 city buses, while the expanded scheme now enables about 84.32 lakh women to travel daily on 12,695 buses. He said the corporations operated 19,283 buses across the state. Compensation for the earlier scheme was estimated at Rs 3,599 crore last year and increased to Rs 3,999 crore this year, he said. The expansion had raised the estimated daily revenue foregone from around Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore, he added. Highlighting the immediate funding gap, Anbumani said the corporations spent Rs 16.17 crore daily on diesel and Rs 2.35 crore on maintenance, totalling Rs 18.52 crore. Daily fare collections of around Rs 8 crore were insufficient to cover these expenses, he argued. He further claimed that the corporations had accumulated Rs 150 crore in dues to oil companies since the expanded scheme began. Buying diesel on credit over the past 25 days had also cost them approximately Rs 3 crore in foregone discounts, he said, citing a two per cent concession for cash payments. The shortage of funds was forcing operators to use retreaded tyres and previously used spare parts, he alleged. Warning that continued financial strain could bring transport operations to a standstill, Anbumani reiterated that advance monthly funding was essential to sustain the free travel scheme and ensure uninterrupted bus services. He urged immediate government intervention to address the cash shortage.
Tamil Nadu Revises Auto-Rickshaw Fares: Minimum Charge Set at Rs 50 for First 1.8 Kilometres
The Tamil Nadu government has issued a formal notification revising the fare structure for contract carriage auto-rickshaws operating across the Chennai Metropolitan Area and other regions throughout the state. Under the updated guidelines issued by Principal Secretary A. Karthik under Section 67(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the minimum fare has been fixed at [] The post Tamil Nadu Revises Auto-Rickshaw Fares: Minimum Charge Set at Rs 50 for First 1.8 Kilometres appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
No Batting Coach For CSK In IPL 2027
Chennai Super Kings will not have a batting coach for IPL 2027, following an overhaul of their coaching staff after recent disappointing results.
All about Anirudh-Kavya's wedding: Greece vows, Chennai party and PM Modi as guest
All about Anirudh-Kavya's wedding: Greece vows, Chennai party and PM Modi as guest
TVK eyes 85 pc local body seats to strengthen grassroots link; allies seek greater share
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is preparing to contest the local body elections, with its leadership seeking around 85 per cent of seats and proposing to leave the remaining 15 per cent to its allies, according to party functionaries. The elections, likely to be in January 2027, are being viewed within the party as a test of its grassroots strength, particularly in rural areas, and its ability to draw support from women, workers, young people and other sections of the electorate. However, the proposed allocation could pose a challenge during seat-sharing negotiations. Allies, including Congress and the Muslim League, are expecting a larger share of seats and opportunities to secure mayoral positions, the functionaries said. Some alliance partners are also considering demands for control of certain municipal corporations and municipalities. TVK, meanwhile, wants to retain control of all municipal corporations, making the distribution of leadership positions another potentially contentious issue. Senior party leaders and ministers are expected to hold discussions with the allies to persuade them to accept the proposed 15 per cent allocation. The partners, citing their support for TVKs rise to power, are determined to press for greater representation. Alongside the alliance negotiations, TVK has begun identifying candidates capable of taking on the networks of the DMK and AIADMK. Party functionaries said ministers, legislators and district secretaries would lead election preparations. Information is being gathered on constituencies where TVK has strong prospects, with local influence and sustained public engagement expected to guide candidate selection. Positions in corporations, municipalities and panchayats are considered crucial to the partys future expansion. The leadership believes a stronger presence in these institutions would help consolidate its organisation and strengthen connections with communities. Preference is expected to be given to people who have worked for the party and those with an established support base in their localities. Functionaries acknowledged that CM Vijays popularity alone might not be sufficient to secure victory in elections where candidates accessibility and relationships with residents carry weight. The party therefore intends to field candidates who maintain direct contact with people in rural and urban neighbourhoods and understand local concerns. Its preparations reflect an effort to combine CM Vijays appeal with locally influential candidates, while managing allies expectations over seats and civic leadership posts. The proposed seat-sharing formula remains subject to discussions with alliance partners.
When DMK flexed its muscle during Indira Gandhis visit to Tamil Nadu in 1977
On October 29, 1977, when Indira Gandhi visited Madurai, the DMK members, who were staging blackflag protests, threw stones, sticks at the former Prime Minister; in Chennai, two persons were killed when the police opened fire at the protesters who turned violent on Mount Road
The Madras Gate at Pondicherry
A look back at the once-powerful fort of St. Louis in Pondicherry, which had been the French answer to Madras Fort St. George
TN curbs random checks on goods vehicles, orders intelligence-based inspections
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadus Commercial Taxes Commissioner has issued a circular directing officials not to stop and inspect goods vehicles without valid reasons, in a move aimed at reducing roadside checks and easing the difficulties faced by truck drivers and traders. According to the circular, enforcement teams will be allowed to act only when the department receives credible, specific intelligence that a vehicle is transporting goods in violation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws. The instructions mark a change in the departments vehicle inspection arrangements. The existing roving squads have reportedly been disbanded and replaced by flying squads, whose operations will be based on information about suspected violations rather than routine patrols. Under the revised system, flying squad personnel will remain stationed at the office of the Commercial Taxes Joint Commissioner. They will no longer move around roads, stopping goods vehicles at random, according to the account. Action will instead depend on strong intelligence relating to a particular vehicle and the goods it is carrying. The stated objective is to prevent indiscriminate inspections while allowing the department to respond to suspected tax violations. Repeated checks have been described as a major difficulty for truck drivers, who can face questioning at several locations during a journey. Even when the required documents are in order, such interceptions can place drivers and traders under considerable stress. The account also highlights the embarrassment associated with repeated questioning and presents the circular as an attempt to address these concerns through a more focused enforcement system. It invokes Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which concerns citizens freedom to practise a profession or carry on an occupation, trade or business, as part of the argument against stopping vehicles without sufficient justification. The instructions are reported to have taken immediate effect across Tamil Nadu. The account describes the decision as a relief for traders, lorry owners and drivers who have faced frequent roadside inspections despite carrying the necessary paperwork. For enforcement officials, the requirement under the revised arrangements is a specific basis for intervention: credible intelligence about suspected GST violations involving an identified vehicle. The change is intended to make inspections more targeted and reduce unnecessary disruption to goods transport, with the department retaining the ability to investigate suspected violations when reliable information warrants action.
Tamil Nadu government revises auto-rickshaw fares in Chennai, other regions
According to a notification published in the government gazette, the minimum fare has been fixed at 50 for upto 1.8 km
Gold, silver prices today, 28 October: Check the retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver on Tuesday in your cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Indian Railways Opens Applications For 1,265 Station Master Posts, Check Deadline
Railway Station Master Recruitment 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Mumbai, has notified the highest number of vacancies at 177, followed by Jammu-Srinagar with 122 and Chennai with 119.
Rain likely in TNs Western Ghats districts today; temperatures may rise
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Districts along the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu are likely to receive rain over the next three days, while maximum temperatures could rise by up to three degrees Celsius in parts of the state and Puducherry, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai. In its weather bulletin, the centre forecast moderate rain in the Western Ghats districts. One or two places in southern Tamil Nadu could also experience light rain, indicating that rainfall across the southern region is expected to remain isolated. The forecast points to a variation in rainfall intensity between the two regions, with moderate showers expected along the Western Ghats and lighter rainfall at isolated locations in the southern districts. For Thursday, the weather centre predicted light rain at one or two places in both the Western Ghats districts and southern Tamil Nadu. The forecast therefore suggests lighter rainfall in the hill districts compared with the moderate showers expected today. The bulletin also indicated the possibility of light rain at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 31. Although the geographical coverage of that forecast is broader, the rain is expected to be confined to isolated locations. Alongside the rainfall outlook, the centre said maximum temperatures could increase by up to three degrees Celsius in some places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal through October 31. The temperature forecast indicates the possibility of showers, accompanied by rising daytime temperatures in parts of the region. The projected increase applies to some locations and does not suggest a uniform rise across all districts. For Chennai, the centre forecast partly cloudy skies for the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 36 degrees Celsius. The citys forecast thus points to a warm day with partial cloud cover. Overall, the weather outlook combines moderate rainfall in the Western Ghats districts for the day, lighter showers at isolated places on Thursday and the possibility of isolated light rain across Tamil Nadu and the adjoining Union Territory regions on October 31.
TN prisons to get armed guards after 17 inmates escape from Theni jail
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 28 (IANS) Armed guards will be deployed at all central and district prisons across Tamil Nadu from Wednesday, following the escape of 17 inmates from Theni district jail, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, Sandeep Rai Rathore said. The deployment forms part of a security overhaul announced after the jailbreak on Monday night exposed lapses in the handling of a reported medical emergency. Prison authorities are also reviewing security arrangements and preparing a revised standard operating procedure. Rathore said watchtowers would have armed personnel, who would be instructed to shoot at sight in the event of an escape attempt. Under the existing practice, guards stationed in watchtowers at most prisons in the State do not carry firearms. The department will also ensure that all prisons have functioning alarm systems. Additional security measures will be introduced after the security audit is completed and the revised operating procedure is put in place, he said. Acknowledging security lapses at the Theni facility, Rathore said prison staff had acted in good faith when alerted to what they believed was a medical emergency involving an inmate. However, their response involved a breach of the prescribed procedure for securing gates. Staff unlocked three gates and rushed inside to attend to the reported health problem. In doing so, they failed to lock the gates from the inside, leaving the route unsecured while they responded to the alert. An officer described the failure to secure the gates as a major deviation from protocol. The inmates took advantage of the situation, attacked the guards and escaped, the officer said. The account places the handling of the emergency alert and the failure to relock the gates at the centre of the security lapse. Although staff believed they were responding to a genuine health issue, the gates remained unsecured during their intervention. The measures announced by the department cover armed surveillance and alarm readiness across central and district prisons. Armed deployment at watchtowers will mark a change from the prevailing arrangement in most facilities, where personnel perform their duties without guns. While the armed deployment is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, further changes will depend on the findings of the security audit and the revised procedures. Rathore said additional measures would be implemented once both stages of the review were completed.
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