Will Run Govt With Lefts Support, Advice: Nirmal Kumar
The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will hold its crucial second alliance coordination meeting today at its party headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai
11 AC bus shelters to come up in Chennai
The bus shelters will be constructed as part of CSR initiatives
TN's Thaai Maman gold ring scheme launch likely to be deferred to Sep 25
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu governments ambitious Thaai Maman gold ring scheme for babies born in government hospitals is likely to be launched on September 25, instead of the previously announced date of September 15. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced the scheme on June 23 as part of the governments efforts to encourage more families to choose public hospitals for childbirth. Under the initiative, every eligible newborn will receive a one-gram ring made of 22-carat gold as a symbolic gift from the Thaai Maman, or maternal uncle. Although the formal launch was fixed for September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, beneficiaries will include children born in government hospitals from June 22 onwards. The government has allocated Rs 755.83 crore for implementing the scheme over the next year. Orders have reportedly been placed for 4,41,667 gold rings. Jewellery retailer Joyalukkas secured 70 per cent of the supply contract, while Kalyan Jewellers was awarded the remaining 30 per cent. However, with only a few days remaining before the proposed inauguration, officials are preparing to reschedule the event because of the Chief Ministers official visit to London. Joseph Vijay is expected to leave Chennai for London via Dubai on Thursday on a seven-day visit aimed at attracting business investments to Tamil Nadu. During the trip, he is also reportedly expected to visit Silverstone to watch actor Ajith Kumar participate in a motor race. The Chief Minister is likely to return to Chennai on the night of September 16. He is scheduled to travel the following day to Madurai to attend the consecration ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. He is also expected to visit Virudhunagar to inaugurate the expansion of the Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme at the school where former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj studied. Given this packed official schedule, the government is unlikely to launch the gold ring programme on September 15. Preparations are reportedly underway to inaugurate the scheme at a government hospital in Usilampatti in Madurai district on September 25. An official announcement confirming the revised date and venue is expected shortly. The scheme is among the governments prominent welfare initiatives targeting maternal and infant healthcare.
'Underprepared Pitches In Japan Might Aid Spin,' Says Chakaravarthy Ahead Of Asian Games Challenge
Korogi Sports Park: Expecting underprepared tracks in Japan, India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy believes spinners could play a pivotal role in the team's upcoming Asian Games campaign, even as he cautioned that unpredictable weather conditions will ultimately dictate how the pitches behave during the tournament. Chakaravarthy has fully recovered from a Grade 2 left hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series against England, including doing rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. In the Asian Games mens T20 event, India, the gold medal winners in the last edition in Hangzhou, will begin their campaign from the quarter-final stage in Aichi-Nagoya. That's how it has been scheduled, so I don't have any say in that. But definitely every match and every tournament needs preparation, and that we have to do. So it's just like every other tournament we will prepare well and whatever comes our way, we will take it, Chakaravarthy said in an exclusive interaction with IANS, facilitated by ASICS India. Assessing the playing conditions at the Korogi Sports Park ahead of the marquee event, Chakaravarthy, who will also be in action for Indias T20Is against Afghanistan and the historic one-off clash against Japan, noted that adaptability will be key for the bowling unit. What I've seen is that the pitches might be a little bit underprepared. So it might help spin, but I don't know how the weather in Japan will play a role in the way pitches behave. It can have a big impact as well. We are just preparing for facing all kinds of conditions, and let's see how it goes, he added. Reflecting on the year so far, which saw him finish as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps in India's T20 World Cup triumph on home soil, Chakaravarthy termed it as a rollercoaster. Its been lovely. I have no complaints at all. It's been a great journey till now and we won the World Cup this time, so everything is going well. I did have one hiccup with my injury, but I'm back. I feel fitter. I've done a lot of strength training and running. Credit goes to the CoE, where I trained a lot, he said. Chakaravarthy, who also picked up 11 wickets in IPL 2026 while battling through hairline fractures in his left hand and toe, takes pride in his unconventional rise through the ranks. I started cricket very late. I started bowling when I was 26 and I played for India when I was 28 and a half. I'm a very late bloomer. It's been seven to eight years in cricket right now and I would say I'm in the first half of my career. There is a long way to go ahead and it's been an unconventional journey till now and I think it's going to be more like that, he reflected. Speaking on evolving his craft, Chakaravarthy revealed that while he continuously works on adding fresh variations behind the scenes, polishing his existing skill set remains his primary objective. Well, it's a combination of both. Obviously, polishing and mastering the skill is always the primary thing and bringing in other variations is always on the back of my mind. I'm also working on certain new variations. When I will be able to master it is a different question, but it's a mix of both. Asked how he guards his mystery balls from high-tech cameras and tactical analytics, Chakaravarthy stressed that execution under pressure overrides technology. As you mentioned, there are no secrets anymore because there are so many video analysts everywhere, and everything that you do is being recorded. The only thing is the human touch in cricket, where the batter won't know what I'm going to bowl to them. That has to be decided by me and I don't think any AI or video analyst can predict that. So, that's what we have to play with. Rather than plotting long-term milestones in a highly volatile sport, the Chennai-based Chakaravarthy prefers setting incremental targets. I set more short-term goals rather than long-term goals because I don't think I'll be able to plan for five years down the line, but I'll be able to plan what I want to do in the next six months. I'm that sort of a guy, so I focus more on short-term goals. The only thing is the human touch in cricket, where the batter won't know what I'm going to bowl to them. That has to be decided by me and I don't think any AI or video analyst can predict that. So, that's what we have to play with. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories That's when I started wearing them, and they were among the best I've ever worn out of all the brands out there. So when ASICS approached me, I was ready to cling on to it. It is one of the best performance brands out there, so no complaints. Article Source: IANS
Major Navya Shekhawat has become the first woman Indian Army officer to serve as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu. Commissioned into the Army Service Corps in 2021 after clearing the CDS examination and training at OTA Chennai, she became the second woman overall to hold the Presidents ADC role, following Navy officer Yashasvi Solankis appointment in 2025.
Graphite India Ltd leads gainers in 'A' group
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Va Tech Wabag Ltd, Restaurant Brands Asia Ltd and Aegis Logistics Ltd are among the other gainers in the BSE's 'A' group today, 09 September 2026.
Siddhi Idnani's 'Drones' unit releases three first look posters of film
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) The makers of director Raghav Mirdath's upcoming surrealist fantasy entertainer 'Drones', featuring actresses Siddhi Idnani and Anjali Nair in the lead, have now released three first look posters of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Sources say that the upcoming film, which is being produced by GM Morgan Films, will be a unique surrealist fantasy entertainer. The films three First Look posters that have now been unveiled have revealed that the film has a storyline blending horror and fantasy elements. Sources point out that the film has been built around an intriguing question, What if bizarre incidents that could occur only in dreams started happening in the real world? Set in a mysterious fantasy universe filled with a mad scientist, a detective, an angel, a witch and several puzzling incidents, 'Drones', they say, will take audiences on a fascinating journey. The film has been crafted in the rarely explored surrealist fantasy genre in Tamil cinema. The first poster presents the heroine amidst a dense forest, a full moon, a mysterious castle, bats and angelic figures, creating a magical fantasy atmosphere. The second poster features the films key characters together, accompanied by a drone, a mysterious elderly woman and several unusual devices, offering a glimpse into a world that blends science fiction and fantasy. The third poster features a witch with an aggressive and terrifying appearance inside a dark room surrounded by countless dolls, powerfully highlighting the films horror and thriller elements. With each poster presenting a distinctly different mood and revealing various layers of the story, the team has further intensified the audiences curiosity about the film. Apart from Siddhi Idnani and Anjali Nair, the film will also feature actors Devadarshini, Dravid Selvam of Parithabangal fame, Kureshi of Vijay TV fame, Cinemawala Sathish and Sasi Selvaraj in pivotal roles. RJ Deepak is to make his debut in the film industry with 'Drones'. On the technical front, cinematography for the film has been handled by Jayanth Sethu Madhavan, while Hari S.R. has composed its music. Satheesh Suriya has taken care of the film's editing, with R. Kishore handling art direction and Harshika Ramesh serving as the costume designer.
Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.
Vijay Reviews Monsoon Preparedness With Ministers, Officials
At a review meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister examined the precautionary measures to be taken in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts to tackle the monsoon
Chennai Petroleum, MRPL, Oil India rise up to 5% as crude price nears $100
Analyst said that the current rally in upstream oil and refining companies is primarily driven by elevated crude oil prices.
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Actor Kathir, whose work in director Mari Selvaraj's cult classic 'Pariyaerum Perumal' came in for much appreciation, has now disclosed that that director Mari Selvaraj's next film, 'Manjanathi', had made him think about the fact that love doesn't look or feel the same to everyone in a way that he hadn't thought before. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a lengthy post on the new film, in which he plays the lead, Kathir wrote, Love doesnt look or feel the same to everyone. And #Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadnt before. The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts, and all I wanted to know was how this story would finally turn out. Kathir went on to say that when he read the final version, it made him go silent. When I read the final version, it left me silent. It made me question who we are in this story and how much of ourselves we might see in these characters. It opened up so much to explore, understand and discuss. Admitting that he was both nervous and excited about the new film, Kathir said, Im honestly nervous about where we start this journey, but excited to put my heart into this one. This is nothing like weve done before, and I cant wait to bring this guys world to the screen and make you feel what he feels. He then went on to thank the director for trusting him to bring the character to life on screen. He said, Thank you, mari na, for trusting me with this. And to everyone who kept asking when we would work together again. I truly hope every reunion of ours becomes an important film for all of us. Much love, @mariselvaraj84 Here we go again!!! #Manjanathi. The film, which only recently went on the floors, has music by Ilaiyaraaja. Apart from Kathir, the film will feature actors Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu, Kaaka Muttai Vignesh and Rahul (of 'Vaazhai' fame) in pivotal roles. Cinematography for the film will be by Ezhil Arasu while editing will be by Selva R K. Art direction for the film is by Ramu Thangaraj. Stunts in the film are to be choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan while dances in the film are to be choreographed by Sandy Master.
Tiruchi tops Tamil Nadu in Swachh Vayu clean air survey
Digital Desk | Tiruchi, Sep 9 (IANS) Tiruchi has emerged as Tamil Nadus best-performing city in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, securing 12th place nationally in the category for cities with populations exceeding one million this year. The rankings, released by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, gave Tiruchy 183 points out of 200. The city finished ahead of Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu cities assessed in the same category. Chennai ranked 35th with 147.7 points, while Madurai stood 39th with 132.1 points. At the national level, Lucknow topped the category with 198 points, followed by Indore with 197. Jabalpur secured third place after receiving 195 points. Tiruchis latest position, however, is below the ninth rank it recorded in the previous years assessment. Thoothukudi was also featured in the survey. It secured the 35th position in the category for cities with populations below 300,000, registering a score of 142.2. The Central Pollution Control Board conducted the survey across 131 cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme. The exercise measures the progress made by urban administrations in tackling sources of air pollution and improving air quality. Cities were assessed on several parameters, including reductions in particulate matter, particularly PM10, measures to control road dust, effective waste management and the expansion of air-quality monitoring infrastructure. Public awareness initiatives and the institutional capacity of local authorities to implement clean-air programmes were also taken into account. Officials attributed Tiruchys strong showing to a series of sustained civic interventions. These included better segregation of waste at source, improvements in door-to-door garbage collection and the increased use of mechanised equipment for sweeping roads and reducing accumulated dust. The city administration also strengthened enforcement against open burning of waste, which contributes to harmful emissions and deteriorating neighbourhood air quality. Efforts to expand green spaces and involve residents more closely in environmental programmes provided further support to the citys clean-air campaign. The impact of these measures is reflected in the steady reduction of PM10 levels in Tiruchy. The level fell from 88 in 2017-18 to 53 during 2025-26, indicating substantial improvement over the period. The result places Tiruchy at the forefront of Tamil Nadus urban clean-air efforts. Maintaining the momentum, further lowering particulate pollution and improving its position in future national surveys will now be the citys key challenges.
Mohanlal: Thrilled to team up with Ashiq Usman once again!
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has expressed delight at the fact that he was teaming up with well known producer Ashiq Usman for a second time for his upcoming film #L370. Taking to his X timeline to express his delight, Mohanlal wrote, Thrilled to team up with Ashiq Usman once again, this time under the direction of Jude Anthany Joseph for #L370. Ashiq Usman's production house, Ashiq Usman Productions, too expressed excitement at teaming up with Mohanlal for a second film. It wrote, Proud and thrilled to announce our next production, L370. Featuring the one and only Lalettan, the legendary actor who continues to inspire generations. Another special journey, another unforgettable collaboration with a true icon. Directed by @judeanthanyjoseph L370, the journey begins. #L370 #Lalettan #Mohanlal#JudeAnthanyJoseph#ashiqusman. Interestingly, Jude Anthany Joseph's last film was Thudakkam, which marked the acting debut of Mohanlal's daughter Vismaya Mohanlal. In fact, 'Thudakkam', which has released and is having a fantastic run, has just completed 35 days in theatres. Mohanlal took to his X timeline to share the happy news. He wrote, Celebrating 35 glorious days and the incredible people who made #Thudakkam possible. This journey is ours. This love is yours. It may be recalled that producer Ashiq Usman had only recently announced that shooting for 'Athimanoharam', his first film with Mohanlal, had been wrapped up. In fact, a week ago, Ashiq Usman had announced that shooting had been wrapped up and that dubbing was now going on. The film, which features Meera Jasmine as the female lead, has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs. For the unaware, 'Athimanoharam', which was initially being referred to as #L366 and which has been directed by Tharun Moorthy, has Mohanlal playing a policeman called T S Lovelajan in it. Although very little is known about the upcoming film #L370, sources in the industry suggest that the film will be a colourful entertainer.
Chennai corporation intensifies dengue surveillance after intermittent rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Corporation has intensified dengue surveillance and mosquito-control operations across all 15 city zones as intermittent rain raises the risk of water stagnation and fresh breeding sites. The civic body has directed health teams to closely monitor neighbourhoods where dengue infections have been reported and carry out stronger source-reduction measures. The renewed drive is intended to identify fever cases early, eliminate mosquito-breeding habitats and prevent local clusters from spreading. The instructions followed a district-level review meeting chaired by Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Dr Somasundaram. Zonal health officials were told to maintain heightened surveillance in affected localities and ensure that preventive work is carried out without delay. Private hospitals have been asked to submit daily reports on patients being treated for fever. The reporting system is expected to give public health officials a more immediate picture of possible outbreaks, enabling field teams to respond quickly in areas showing an increase in cases. Mosquito-control workers conducting door-to-door visits have also been instructed to gather information about residents suffering from fever. Any such case must be brought immediately to the attention of the respective health inspector for verification, follow-up and further reporting. Alongside surveillance, the Corporation has ordered an intensified campaign to remove discarded materials and other objects capable of collecting rainwater. Special attention will be given to vacant plots, hospitals, schools, government offices, parks and construction sites, where unattended containers and debris can turn into mosquito-breeding grounds. Officials are expected to inspect vulnerable premises and ensure that stagnant water is cleared regularly. The measures cover both public spaces and private properties, reflecting concern that even small collections of water can support mosquito breeding following spells of rain. Residents have been asked to support the campaign by preventing waste from accumulating around their homes. They should keep overhead tanks, ground-level tanks and wells properly covered, and check their premises regularly for stagnant water. The civic body has particularly advised households to empty water collected in flower-pot trays and other containers at least once every week. Similar checks should be carried out on terraces, balconies and yards after rainfall. The Corporation said coordinated reporting by hospitals, field workers and residents would be crucial to detecting fever cases early and reducing dengue risk across Chennai during the wet spell.
Nominations open for Madurantakam, Dharapuram Assembly bypolls from today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) The nomination process for bye-elections to the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu begins on Wednesday, setting the electoral machinery in motion in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts. Candidates may file their papers until September 16. Officials have made arrangements at the designated election offices to receive and scrutinise the documents, while security and surveillance measures have been strengthened in both constituencies. In Dharapuram, a reserved constituency, an election office has been established at the Regional Transport Office. Returning Officer and Regional Transport Officer Felix Raj is supervising the preparations. Nomination forms have been kept ready and surveillance cameras installed at the office as part of the security arrangements. The bye-election was necessitated after AIADMK legislator Sathyabama, who won the constituency in the Assembly election four months ago, resigned her seat. The Election Commission subsequently declared the constituency vacant and announced the bye-election. Nine flying squads have been constituted in Dharapuram to monitor violations and the movement of unaccounted cash. Officials warned that anyone carrying more than Rs 50,000 without valid supporting documents could have the money seized. In Madurantakam, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force. The Chengalpattu district administration has opened an election control room at the Collectorate to receive complaints and ensure prompt action. Members of the public may lodge complaints at any time through helplines 1950, 1800-425-7088 and 044-27427412. The constituency has 285 polling stations and 2,13,689 electors, comprising 1,04,886 men, 1,08,738 women and 65 transgender voters. Nine flying squads and nine static surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor election-related activity. District Collector Veerappan also chaired a consultation with representatives of recognised political parties, including the TVK, DMK, AIADMK, BJP and Congress, to explain the rules and arrangements. Following the announcement of the poll schedule, authorities began removing political wall advertisements, posters and banners from government property and public places. Candidates and parties have been instructed to obtain prior permission through the Election Commissions online application system for campaign meetings, loudspeakers, vehicle rallies and temporary party offices. Election officials said enforcement teams would maintain close surveillance throughout the nomination and campaign period to ensure compliance with expenditure rules and the MCC in both constituencies. Officials urged voters to report suspected violations immediately.
6 superstar investors, 6 big bets of Madhusudan Kela, Ashish Kacholia & others
Prominent investors such as Radhakishan Damani and Ashish Kacholia are making waves with their significant stakes. Madhusudan Kela and Vijay Kedia are also investing heavily in select companies. Recent surges in Shaily Engineering Plastics and Neuland Laboratories catch the eye. Additionally, Dolly Khanna's investment in Chennai Petroleum shows impressive growth, all of which pique the market's interest.
Siju Wilson tells wife: You make our life so incredibly meaningful, special and wonderfully chaotic!
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Well known Malayalam actor Siju Wilson has now penned an adorable birthday post to his wife Shruti Vijayan in which he has thanked her for tolerating all his quirks. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a heartfelt post for his wife, he wrote, There is a very real reason I choose you every single daymostly because you arrived with that beautiful smile and those sparkling eyes, and completely ruined my ability to ever be bored! He then went on to say, You make our life so incredibly meaningful, special, and wonderfully chaotic.Thank you for coming into this world just for me and tolerating all my quirks. The actor concluded his birthday post by saying,I love you more than words can say. Happy Birthday My Love @shrutivijayan.s. Siju Wilson was last seen playing the lead in director Abhilash R Nair's Malayalam medical crime thriller 'Dose', which released earlier this year. The film, which hit screens on May 22, was originally scheduled to release on April 24. The makers, while annoucing the postponement, had said, they were rescheduling the release of DOSE to ensure the most intense experience possible. The film triggered immense interest in fans and film buffs as the makers had claimed that the film's story was inspired by shocking true events. The story of the film revolved around a crime that happens in a hospital and the investigations that follow. Apart from Siju Wilson, the film featured a host of actors including Drishya Raghunath, Krisha Kurup, Jagadish, Darshana Nair, Ashwin Kumar and Rony David. The film boasted of an equally fine technical team. Its visuals were shot by cinematographer Vishnu Prasad while its music was scored by Gopi Sundar. It had editing by Shyam Sasidharan. Produced by Shanto Thomas, the film was co-produced by Ankit Trivedi and had as its executive producers Muscat Movie Makers, Wilson Pictures, Cinema Network and Kurian C Mathew.
Are petrol and diesel cheaper or more expensive today, September 9th? Crude oil is skyrocketing.
Petrol and diesel prices remained mostly stable across major Indian cities on Wednesday. Fuel prices remained unchanged in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.No change in petrol and diesel prices todayToday, September 9, 2026, petrol and diesel prices across the country have r...
TN CM Vijay to chair crucial TVK alliance meeting in Chennai today; Left parties to skip
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will hold the second round of consultations with parties supporting its government on Wednesday, as efforts gather pace to formally establish a new political alliance under the partys leadership. The meeting will be chaired by Chief Minister and TVK President Vijay at the party headquarters in Panaiyur, near Chennai, at 4 p.m. Representatives of the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) are expected to attend. Senior TVK functionaries and ministers Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Nirmal Kumar had invited the participating parties to the consultations. The Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which have extended support to the government from outside, have also been invited. However, both parties are expected to stay away from the meeting because they are not formal constituents of the proposed coalition. TVK initiated the process of building the new alliance with a preliminary consultation on July 1 at a hotel in Kovalam, Chennai. The Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML took part in that meeting and discussed the broad framework for political coordination. The two Left parties did not attend that round either, citing their position as parties offering only external support. Wednesdays meeting is expected to move the process beyond preliminary discussions and give the proposed coalition a formal identity. Leaders are likely to finalise a name for the alliance and consider an organisational arrangement intended to coordinate its political and administrative activities. Chief Minister Vijay is expected to be chosen as the leader of the alliance. The participating parties are also likely to discuss the creation of several posts, including those of coordinator and deputy coordinator, and identify leaders for the positions. The consultations are viewed as an important step towards bringing the parties supporting the TVK government onto a common political platform. While the Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML are likely to become formal partners, the stand adopted by the CPI and CPI(M) indicates that the Left parties may continue to maintain a degree of organisational independence while supporting the government from outside. A formal announcement on the alliances name, leadership structure and office-bearers is expected after the meeting. The outcome could shape future coordination among the parties inside and outside the government.
Malavika Mohanan: I would love to play a gangster!
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) South sensation Malavika Mohanan, who has steadily carved a niche for herself across film industries, has now disclosed to a fan that she would love to play a gangster in a film. The actress, who answered questions posed by fans on social media, replied to a fan who wanted to know what kind of roles she still wanted to play. She said, I would love to play a gangster. The actress also disclosed that she and Karthi, her co-star in her upcoming film 'Sardar 2', were both people who loved food and snacking. Responding to another question on who was the bigger foodie, she said, We both love food and snacking! Im a big time snacker..I can snack anywhere anytime and during the course of promotions I think I got an idea that Karthi sir is pretty similiar too. Malavika Mohanan's next film 'Sardar 2', which has been directed by P S Mithran and which features Karthi in the lead, has already been cleared for release by the Censor Board with a U/A certificate. 'Sardar 2' is slated to hit screens worldwide on September 10. The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs for various reasons. In fact, actor Karthi, while speaking at the trailer launch event of the film, had said that audiences who watched the film would not be able to ignore the point the film looked to make as it pertained to a stunning truth about their health and well being. Participating in the audio and trailer launch of the film, Karthi had said, You might have continued the practice of drinking water from plastic water bottles, but after watching this film, you won't be able to ignore the point it looks to make. That is because we're spoken about a truth that pertains to your health and that issue is bound to leave you shaken. For the unaware, director P S Mithran had, in 'Sardar', which was the prequel to 'Sardar 2', highlighted the issue of commercialisation of water. The film had gone on to emerge a huge blockbuster. Now, in the second part of the spy thriller, the director has looked to showcase issues pertaining to health and hygiene. The unit of 'Sardar 2' had wrapped up its shooting in Bangkok in June last year. Actress Malavika Mohanan, who shared a picture from the sets of the film in Bangkok on her Instagram stories, had in May last year, disclosed during a question and answer session with fans that she would be wrapping up 'Sardar 2' in June, 2025. Interestingly, the unit completed a 100 days of shooting in April last year. While announcing the sequel to Sardar, the makers had released a promo that showed Karthis character being sent as a spy to Cambodia. When asked whether the story indeed moved to Cambodia or whether it took place in China, Mithran had said, Initially, the story goes to Cambodia and then shifts to China. On the technical front, 'Sardar 2' has cinematography by George Williams and music by Sam C S. Editing for the film is by Vijay Velukutty and Art direction is by MSP Madhavan, B. Sekar. The film has been written by Rathna Kumar, Aashameera Aiyappan and Vignesh Muniyand and stunts for the film have been choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan and Chethan D'Souza.
Ask Private Hurun Cheetah Index points growth in clean mobility, AI and defence
QNu Labs raises 350cr to scale quantum security biz
VIT Chennai, The Hindu to hold conclave on the future of biotechnology on Sept. 11
Higher secondary students, undergraduates, researchers, and biotechnology aspirants will have an opportunity to engage with experts and gain insights into emerging technologies, research pathways, careers, and the challenges confronting the sector
From Daly College to the Sword: Lt Gurkeerat Singh Hora
On 5 September 2026, at the Parameshwaran Drill Square of the Officers Training Academy The post From Daly College to the Sword: Lt Gurkeerat Singh Horas all-round win at OTA Chennai appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Bank credit to renewable energy more than doubles in two years
US Suspends Cognizant Green Card Filings Amid Fraud Probe
The US Department of Labour Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito announced on Tuesday that he has suspended the permanent labour certification filings by Cognizant, founded in Chennai, and Cloudera.
East take control against South
Mohammad Shami, Mukesh Kumar reduce Tilak Varma-led side to 242/6 Chennai: East Zone tighten their grip on the Duleep Trophy final as they restricted South Zone to 242 for six at stumps on the third day here on Tuesday. South still trail by 466 runs after East piled up a mammoth 708 in their first []
CAG flags deviations in Smart City projects from FY 2016 to 2024
The CAG found that of the 48 projects worth 1,366.25 croreplanned for Chennai, eight projects worth 279.03 crore were not implemented
Sandhu and Dinek Share Lead at Chennai Open with Impressive 65 Scores
Ajitesh Sandhu and Stepn Dinek both score 65 to lead the Chennai Open 2026 after the first round at TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. Sandhu and Dinek Share Lead at Chennai Open with Impressive 65 Scores
Sapiens Health Foundation welcomes salt reduction campaign
The Foundations salt-reduction campaign began in 2010 with a walkathon at Marina Beach, followed by similar events in Tiruchi and Puducherry
Police issue guidelines for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations
Nine held in Shastri Nagar murder case
During the investigation, police found that the murder was allegedly linked to a long-standing family feud
My area of joy in Madras was Egmore : Y. Gee Mahendra
City hospital performs open surgical chest contouring on 44-year-old man with liver failure
Tamil Nadu government transfers 27 IAS officers in major bureaucratic reshuffle
Dharmendra Pratap Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI) is the new Principal Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, replacing Prashant M. Wadnere.
US suspends Cognizant green card filings
Digital Desk | Washington, Sep 9 (IANS) The US Department of Labour has suspended permanent labour certification filings by technology services giant Cognizant as federal authorities investigate alleged fraud and possible harm to American workers. It impacts the companys filings under the Permanent Labour Certification programme, commonly known as PERM, which is a key step for employers seeking employment-based green cards for foreign workers. Cognizants PERM filings are suspended, Labour Department Inspector General Anthony DEsposito said in a social media post. Threats to American workers will NOT be tolerated. Alongside @WHFraudTF, were following facts, fraud and finances. Handcuffs await, he said. DEsposito said his office was working with Labour Department officials and the White House anti-fraud task force. His post did not disclose the specific allegations against Cognizant, the number of applications affected or how long the suspension would remain in force. The inspector general separately announced that PERM filings by Cloudera had also been suspended. One more. @cloudera: PERM filings SUSPENDED, he said. The material released by the inspector general did not identify any criminal charges against either company. It also did not include a response from Cognizant or Cloudera. The action came a day after Cognizant announced plans to expand its American workforce. The company said it planned to hire 1,500 US college graduates and increase its Frontier Certified Engineer and Frontier Business Operator workforce to 15,000 people. We are hiring American graduates, standing up new American job categories for the AI era, and putting Cognizants capital and leadership behind a national coalition built to make sure this transition works for workers, Cognizant Chief Executive Officer Ravi Kumar S said. We believe AI will create significantly more jobs than it displaces and shift greater value, wages and accountability to the frontlines of Americas workforce, Kumar said. Cognizant also said it had joined RAISE US, a bipartisan coalition focused on helping American workers move into the artificial intelligence economy. The companys Synapse programme has trained more than one million people and now aims to reach two million by 2030. Under the PERM programme, the Labour Department must certify that qualified US workers are not available for a position and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed American workers. PERM certification is associated with permanent employment and employment-based green cards. It is separate from the H-1B programme, which permits eligible US employers to hire foreign professionals temporarily for speciality occupations. Suspension of PERM filings does not, by itself, establish that a companys H-1B petitions have also been suspended. Cognizant is a US-based multinational company. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, and listed on Nasdaq under the ticker CTSH. However, Cognizant was founded in Chennai, India, in 1994 and retains a major workforce and operational presence there.
Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Gokuldas panel blames police, revenue officials for wilful negligence
Madurantakam, Dharapuram byelections: AIADMK seeks BJP support
TNPSC to recruit staff for 649 urban local bodies
AIADMK Will Retain Madurantakam, Dharapuram in Bypolls: EPS
Tamil Nadu Assembly concludes 17th session after 28 Days, passes 13 Bills
DMK MLAs bundled out as row over Vijays remarks rocks assembly
After uppercut at Stalin, Vijay says gesture was not to hurt
Idol smuggler Subash Kapoor to return to Germany
Hosur Restores 16th-Century Pillars at Ramanayakkan Lake
Tilak Varma records third successive 50-plus score: Stats
East Zone dominated the proceedings against South Zone on Day 3 of the 2026 Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.
Privilege notice against ex-minister Velu: Speaker assures action on 2,000 cr liability issue
Drink coffee, wear the husk: City lab turns coffee waste into leather-like material
TN assembly urges Centre to scrap open column method in caste census
UDAY fails to revive TN power sector: CAG
Bone-sparing hip procedure performed on two international patients
Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Commission blames police, revenue officials for wilful negligence
Low-cost air quality sensors to come up at 80 locations across TN
DMKs entry makes bypolls a three-corner contest
The DMK high command has invited the district secretaries to Chennai to chalk out the strategy for the elections to the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu Madurantakam and Dharapuram
Chennai GPO Pensioners Forum discusses demands with 8th Pay Commission
The forum sought restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, enhancement of pension and family pension, relief on recovery of commutation amounts, revision of MACP benefits, improved allowances and leave benefits, and stronger social security measures
CAG flags misuse of funds, violations in TN Smart City projects
3 school students among four held for TVK functionary murder
34 illegal motors seized by Metrowater across city
My body language of touching jaw unintentional: TN CM Vijay
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday said that his body language of touching his jaw as if to lift it was involuntary and completely unintentional. Referring to his expression in the State Assembly on September 7, Vijay said: My body langauge was an accidental expression. I would like to make it Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DMK slams TN assembly proceedings after MLAs evicted over Vijays remarks
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sept 8 (IANS) DMK president M.K. Stalin on Tuesday accused the Tamil Nadu government of undermining the dignity of the Legislative Assembly after party MLAs were evicted following a heated dispute over Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays remarks against the opposition. Speaking to reporters at the DMK headquarters, where the legislators gathered after their removal from the House, Stalin said the manner in which the proceedings were conducted had itself raised questions about legislative decorum. The confrontation followed objections from the DMK to references made by Vijay in the Assembly on Monday. Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar ordered marshals to evict the opposition members after the protest disrupted proceedings. Senior DMK leader and former minister E.V. Velu alleged that the Chief Minister had breached Assembly Rule 92, which prohibits discussion of matters pending before courts. He said Vijay referred to an ongoing Enforcement Directorate case and read from an affidavit despite the issue being sub judice. Velu also accused Vijay of ridiculing the imprisonment of DMK leaders under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act during the Emergency. He said the Chief Minister used gestures and theatrical expressions that belittled the sacrifices made by party veterans. The DMK further objected to the revival of allegations linked to the Sarkaria Commission and the criticism of late Union minister Murasoli Maran. Velu maintained that all 28 allegations examined by the commission had been closed for want of evidence. He also recalled that AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran had told the panel that he had merely forwarded a complaint received from an advocate. Questioning Vijays attack on Maran, Velu noted that the Chief Minister had earlier attended the release of a commemorative postage stamp honouring the DMK leader and had worked in films produced by the Maran family. Velu said DMK members raised the three issues during Zero Hour and sought the expunging of the remarks. However, the Speaker rejected their demand, prompting a protest before police personnel and marshals removed the legislators. He accused the government of prioritising publicity and social-media videos over administration. Velu also disputed the ruling partys claim that a woman legislator occupying the Speakers chair was unprecedented, citing former members A.S. Ponnammal and D. Yasodha as earlier examples of women presiding over Assembly proceedings. This deepened tensions inside and outside the legislature.
TN Assembly roars over CM Vijay
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a ruckus on Tuesday, September 8, as the DMK demanded that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijays statement relying on ED documents be expunged from records and raised slogans that led to their eviction from the House. As soon as the House proceedings commenced, DMK Whip EV Velu, referring to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Man under influence of ganja attacks ambulance staff, damages equipment
T.N. govt to modernise eight bus terminals and depots in the State
The bus terminals and depots spread over an area of 35.03 acres would be redeveloped under Public Private Partnership model and would help in generating 124.28 crore of non-ticket revenue per year
Tamil Nadu registration audit finds 96 crore revenue leakage
Woman loses gold jewellery to impostor at Tiruvallur GH
Persons with disabilities stage protest demanding increase in assistance
They want the assistance to be increased from 1,500 to 6,000. They pointed out that the assistance of 1,500 was not sufficient for even two doctors visits as travel, medicines, and consultation fee alone would take most of it
Persons with disabilities stage protest demanding increase in assistance
They want the assistance to be increased from 1,500 to 6,000. They pointed out that the assistance of 1,500 was not sufficient for even two doctors visits as travel, medicines, and consultation fee alone would take most of it
Medical conference focused on womens health held
Eye donation awareness walkathon held in Chennai
Duleep Trophy: Shami, Mukesh shine as East Zone take control of final against South
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) India internationals Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball as East Zone ended Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in ascendancy. Both Shami and Mukesh took two wickets each as the Tilak Varma-led South were restricted to 242/6 in the first innings and ended the day trailing by 466. Devdutt Padikkal (62) and Tilak Varma (56*) scored half-centuries, but the South Zone batters would regret their dismissals, even though Tilak remains unbeaten and the sole hope for an improbable comeback. The South batters had poor shot selection, and the East bowlers found some spice with even the older ball, using reverse swing to trouble the South batters, who got starts but not as much as the East batters, especially Ishan Kishan, who scored 270. Ricky Bhui was the first one to be dismissed when he edged one behind for stand-in wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra to palm it. East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi insisted on a review to overturn the umpire's not-out call for Bhui's caught-behind appeal, which was later given out on DRS. Narayan Jagadeesan fell victim to poor shot selection, slicing Shikhar Mohan to point as South went to lunch at 115/2. The East bowlers continued to do a good job in the second session too, and the seamers found reverse swing. They kept the lid on the batters as Shami dismissed Shaik Rasheed for his first. The Indian veteran pacer bowled short spells and was seen to be troubled by a neck issue soon after lunch. Padikkal made a strong fifty but holed Mukesh Kumar out to deep square leg. Sooryavanshi took the captain's armband for a brief period in the later part of the second session as Ishan Kishan was off the field. He brought in Shami for a brief spell, and the pacer got the highest Ranji Trophy scorer from the previous season, Smaran Ravichandran. This time Kushagra insisted for the review to Sooryavanshi after the umpire did not pick the edge. East wrested further control in the third session too and let South add only 62 in the final session while Md Kounain Quraishi also got Shreyas Gopal caught and bowled. East was the happy camp at the end of the day, and despite Tilak being unbeaten, South have a mountain to climb. Brief scores: East Zone 708 in 163 overs (Ishan Kishan 270, Kumar Kushagra 101; Tripurana Vijay 4-180, Chama Milind 2-88) lead South Zone 242/6 (Tilak Varma 56*, Devdutt Padikkal 62; Mohammed Shami 2-17, Mukesh Kumar 2-36) by 466 runs
ISL | Chennaiyin FC home matches likely to begin by the end of October
Chennaiyin FC will apply heavy fertiliser in three days to give the grass a dark-green appearance while the club is also sorting out the barricading work inside the Nehru Stadium
CPI-M to skip TVK alliance meeting, continue support to government
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) The CPI-M will stay away from a meeting convened by Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on Wednesday to discuss the formation of a new political alliance, but the decision will not affect its support for the government, party state Secretary P. Shanmugam said. Four TVK ministers visited the CPI-M office on September 4 and invited its senior leaders to the meeting of government participants and outside supporters. According to Shanmugam, the ministers said the proposed discussions would focus on creating an alliance under TVK leadership, framing a common minimum programme, and preparing jointly for the coming local body and Lok Sabha elections. After consulting its leadership, however, the CPI-M decided not to attend the Wednesday meeting, and Shanmugam said the party would communicate its decision to the TVK. He stressed that the CPI-M would continue to raise issues affecting farmers, agricultural labourers, workers and the public. It would also submit a written note detailing the measures it expected the government to implement, leaving the administration to accept or reject the proposals. Turning to corruption allegations, Shanmugam rejected references to the Sarkaria Commission, arguing that the inquiry belonged to a particular political context nearly five decades ago and had not resulted in criminal cases or arrests. Reviving it now was an attempt to distract attention from current public concerns, he contended. He also questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays statement that three files were ready to be opened, asking why the government had not acted on them. If evidence of corruption or wrongdoing existed, action should be initiated against those responsible, irrespective of their identity, he said. Shanmugam also criticised remarks about people detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act during the Emergency. Ministers should study the Ismail Commission report and records before portraying MISA detainees as anti-social elements, he said, noting that thousands of Marxists had been arrested and tortured. The CPI-M leader expressed concern over the Assemblys functioning, saying it was becoming an arena for confrontation rather than a forum for debating problems and making laws. While both government and Opposition members must protect the Houses dignity, the ruling party carried greater responsibility, he said. He accused CM Vijay of failing to answer questions during the debate on grants for the police and fire and rescue services, saying political arguments could instead be made at public meetings.
Madras HC rejects challenge to Perundurai Assembly election result
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) The Madras High Court has dismissed an election petition challenging AIADMK candidate S. Jayakumars victory from the Perundurai Assembly constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections, removing a key legal obstacle to the conduct of a by-election in the seat. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy's order came on an application filed by Jayakumar seeking rejection of the election petition moved by former DMK candidate Thoppu Venkatachalam, also known as N.D. Venkatachalam. The court held that Venkatachalams petition did not disclose a cause of action warranting the continuation of the election dispute. On that ground, it accepted Jayakumars plea and dismissed the challenge to his election. Jayakumar had contested the Perundurai seat on an AIADMK ticket in the Assembly election and secured victory by a margin of 9,693 votes. The constituency later fell vacant following a major political realignment as Jayakumar resigned as an Assembly member after voting in support of the CM Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. He subsequently left the AIADMK and joined the TVK. His resignation created the need for a fresh election in Perundurai. However, the pending case filed by Venkatachalam had prevented the Election Commission from immediately moving ahead with the electoral process. The vacancy had therefore remained under political and electoral scrutiny. Perundurai was one of five Assembly constituencies covered by an earlier order of a division bench headed by the Chief Justice, which had restrained the Election Commission from conducting or announcing by-elections in those constituencies until the election petitions connected with the seats were disposed of. The latest ruling has now concluded the election dispute concerning Perundurai. Consequently, the legal restriction linked to the pending petition no longer operates in relation to the constituency, enabling the poll authority to consider the next steps for filling the vacancy. The courts decision does not itself amount to an announcement of a by-election. The schedule, nomination process and polling arrangements will have to be determined and formally notified by the Election Commission. Venkatachalam, who had approached the High Court after losing the contest, has since resigned from the DMK. With his petition rejected and Jayakumar no longer representing the constituency, attention is expected to turn to the Election Commission and the political parties preparing for a possible fresh contest in Perundurai.
Gestamp opens 5th India plant in Gujarat with 523.7 cr investment
The Spanish automotive components maker has three manufacturing facilities in Pune, one in Chennai and one in Gujarat
Indian startup unveils testing & manufacturing hubs to validate reusable rocket stages
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated two new facilities in Chennai. These facilities will support testing and manufacturing of reusable rocket stages. The company aims to develop reusable launch vehicle technology for future missions. Agnikul Cosmos already designs and manufactures its own rocket engines. This expansion marks a significant step in India's space program capabilities.
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai hold 62pc of total office space portfolio owned by listed REITs
In India, four key cities dominate the REIT office landscape, accounting for sixty-two percent of total listed space. Bengaluru stands out with twenty-seven percent of its office assets in REITs, while Hyderabad and Mumbai also showcase substantial REIT-supported office inventory. Furthermore, retail and warehousing REITs are broadening the scope of institutional real estate investments, indicating that real estate is increasingly pivotal to India's growth trajectory.
Madras Musical Association brings Henry Purcells baroque opera Dido and Aeneas to Chennai
The 133-year-old Madras Musical Association will stage Henry Purcells celebrated baroque opera at the Museum Theatre with a chamber orchestra and an all-MMA cast
The 8th pay commission is holding consultations with employees and pensioners in Chennai today and will be in Puducherry tomorrow, 9 September. Here's a look at what's likely on the table for discussion
The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 final saw East Zone taking on South Zone. The two sides met at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the clash; the clash began with East Zone coming in to...
Todays Gold Rate, September 8: Check gold rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on September 8
5 MEMU trains cancelled on September 10 due to engineering works
Cant say support to TVK govt will last full five-year term: CPM state secretary
Vijay to chair meeting on site for new Tamil Nadu Secretariat today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will chair a high-level meeting on Tuesday to consider locations for Tamil Nadus proposed integrated Legislative Assembly and Secretariat complex, a project intended to ease pressure on the governments administrative headquarters at Fort St George. Senior officials from the Public Works, Revenue and Municipal Administration departments and the Greater Chennai Corporation are expected to attend the meeting. Sites in Pattinapakkam, Guindy and Nandambakkam are reportedly among those being examined, and the deliberations could lead to a decision on the location. Vijay announced the project in the Assembly last week but did not identify the site. The proposed complex will have a built-up area of 20 lakh square feet and is estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore. It is planned as a single administrative campus accommodating the Assembly and state government departments now functioning from different locations. The government has argued that a new complex has become necessary because Fort St George can no longer be expanded adequately to meet present and future administrative requirements. Although the historic campus extends over nearly 107 acres, the state government controls only about four acres. Much of the remaining land is under the Defence establishment and the Archaeological Survey of India, restricting new construction and extensive structural changes. The number of departments, employees and administrative responsibilities has also increased substantially over the past four decades. This has placed pressure on ageing buildings and resulted in several offices being dispersed outside the Secretariat, making coordination more difficult. Bringing departments together is expected to improve administrative efficiency and public access while providing sufficient space for future expansion. The Rs 1,200-crore estimate covers construction of the proposed 20-lakh-square-foot integrated facility. The campus is expected to incorporate modern fire-safety arrangements, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, green-building standards, conference halls, public service centres, adequate parking, and improved facilities for employees. The plan would also allow Fort St George, one of Chennais most important heritage precincts, to be conserved without the pressure of repeated alterations to accommodate a growing government establishment. The historic buildings are expected to be preserved for future generations after the Assembly and Secretariat move. Once a site is finalised, the government is expected to proceed with detailed planning, design and implementation schedules for the new seat of administration.
Silver prices recorded a modest decline on September 8, 2026, as the precious metal continued to experience volatility in both domestic and international markets. The early movement on the Multi Commodity Exchange indicated mild weakness, while retail prices remained close to 2.50 lakh per kilogram...
C-DAC Chennai has released the new notification for the recruitment of Project Engineer, Project Associate and Senior Project Engineer, Project Manager New Vacancy 2026 for 59 Posts. The online application process will be conducted from 04-09-2026 to 22-09-2026.. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, cdac.in.
Duleep Trophy Final: South Zone Face Uphill Task On Day 3
South Zone's batting llne-up face an uphill task on Day 3 as they look to bounce back with the bat after East Zone posted a mammoth 708 in their first innings in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai on Tuesday.
TN Assembly Budget session to conclude today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's budget session will conclude on Tuesday after completing the debate on the final set of demands for grants covering several key government departments. The state's general Budget for the 2026-27 financial year was presented in the Assembly on August 5, followed by the Agriculture Budget on August 6. Legislators debated the two Budgets on August 7, 10 and 11. Finance Minister Maria Wilson and Agriculture Minister Vinod delivered their replies to the discussions on August 12, outlining the government's fiscal priorities and responding to issues raised by members of the ruling and opposition parties. Department-wise debates on demands for grants began on August 17. During these proceedings, ministers presented the policies and programmes of their respective departments, answered questions from legislators and announced new projects and administrative measures. On Monday, the Assembly took up the demands for grants relating to the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments. Chief Minister Vijay replied to questions and observations made by members during the discussion. His address witnessed sharp political exchanges after he publicly accused former Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over issues connected with the receipt of funds by their party. CM Vijay's strongly worded remarks triggered heated reactions and added to the political tension in the House. The final day's business includes debates on demands for grants relating to the Transport, Public Works, Finance, Planning and Development, State Legislature, pensions and other retirement benefits departments. Ministers in charge of these portfolios are expected to reply to the debate, address the concerns raised by the MLAs and make fresh announcements relating to departmental projects and welfare initiatives. The government is also likely to provide details of proposed expenditure and the implementation schedule for major schemes. The grant discussions are expected to be completed by Tuesday afternoon. The House will subsequently take up other listed business, including the consideration and passage of pending measures, before the session is formally brought to a close. The Budget session, which began with the presentation of the state's financial plans, has featured detailed debates on departmental allocations, governance, welfare programmes, infrastructure development and law and order. It has also witnessed intense exchanges between the government and the opposition on political and administrative issues.
