Madurai handloom weavers secure 9% wage hike following labour dept. talks
Madurai handloom weavers secure 9% wage hike following labour dept. talks
All Souls Day observed in Madurai
Madurai medico detained in Russia for 10 days returns home after MPs intervention
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has requested the heads of three religious institutions to select the next pontiff of the Sri Ramanuja Jeeyar Math associated with the Kallazhagar Temple in Madurai. The position has remained vacant for more than 80 years, as reported in The Hindu. A Division Bench comprising Justices G.R. [] The post Madras High Court Asks Religious Heads To Choose Next Pontiff Of Kallazhagar Temple Math After 80-Year Vacancy appeared first on The Commune .
History-Sheeter Killed by Armed Gang in Madurai
The deceased, identified as Surya alias 'Kuttisaku', a resident of Sadachiamman Nagar in Samayanallur, had over 10 pending criminal cases against him, including charges of murder and assault
A series of power interruptions at the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai during visits by prominent political leaders has triggered controversy, with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and temple authorities offering explanations for the incidents, as reported in Hindu Tamil. The power cuts occurred on consecutive days when AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami [] The post After EPS, Vice Presidents Visit Also Hit By Power Cut At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple; Electricity Board And Temple Officials Blame Each Other appeared first on The Commune .
TASMAC shops shut across several TN districts as workers protest bottle return workload
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) TASMAC liquor outlets in Chennai and several other Tamil Nadu districts remained closed on Sunday as employees protested against the empty-bottle buy-back scheme, demanding additional manpower, adequate storage space and better working conditions before its implementation. More than 50 employees representing Chennai district TASMAC workers unions gathered outside the corporations depot in Ambattur. Shop closures were also reported in Tiruvallur, Madurai, Erode, Karur, Vellore, Kanyakumari and Krishnagiri, as workers opposed the additional responsibilities associated with collecting and processing returned bottles. The protest coincided with the introduction of revised liquor prices on November 1. Under the revised arrangement, outlets will no longer collect Rs 10 separately towards the bottle-return scheme when liquor is purchased. Consumers will, however, continue to receive Rs 10 for each eligible empty bottle returned, subject to verification. Customers can hand over empty bottles at any TASMAC outlet, irrespective of where they purchased the liquor. Employees said the scheme had been introduced without adequately addressing practical difficulties at retail outlets. They cited limited space for storing bottles and the workload involved in scanning and handling them. One protesting employee said TASMAC should either engage workers through an external agency or install automated bottle-collection machines at every outlet. Existing staff could not be expected to shoulder the additional burden without sufficient support, the employee added. According to the latest directive, staff deployed at individual outlets will collect empty bottles and hand them over to approved vendors. This arrangement will continue until a reverse vendor is selected through a tender process. To support the additional work during the interim period, outlets within Greater Chennai Corporation limits will receive up to Rs 2,000 a day. Shops in other municipal corporations will receive Rs 1,800 daily, while those in municipalities and town panchayats will get Rs 1,600. Village panchayat outlets will receive Rs 1,500. Workers, however, said financial reimbursements would not resolve their concerns. They demanded practical arrangements for bottle collection and storage, alongside measures to address longstanding deficiencies in workplace facilities. Employees particularly highlighted the absence of toilets at several shops, saying basic needs had remained neglected despite years of service. The protesters maintained that the administration must address staffing shortages, infrastructure constraints and working conditions instead of relying on existing employees to manage the bottle-return system alongside their regular sales duties.
Man arrested for murdering elder brother in Madurai over liquor
People throng Madurai streets to complete festival shopping ahead of Deepavali
Surprise raid at Madurai prison follows major administrative overhaul
Junior Engineer Suspended Over Power Outage During VP's Madurai Visit
After completing the visit, while the Vice President was addressing journalists on East Chithirai Street, the power supply was interrupted for two minutes, plunging the temple into darkness
Another cyclone threat over Bay of Bengal; heavy rain forecast in TN
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 1 (IANS) A low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours, the Meteorological Department said, forecasting rain across several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next three days. The forecast indicates moderate rainfall across the northern coastal belt, the Western Ghats districts and several interior districts on Sunday. Heavy rain is expected in isolated areas of Nilgiris, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore and Villupuram over the following two days, while other parts of the state could receive lighter showers. According to the department, Tamil Nadus northern coastal districts and districts along the Western Ghats are likely to receive moderate rain on Sunday. Similar conditions are forecast for Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Salem, Erode and Karur. Elsewhere in the state, light rain is likely at one or two places. The forecast points to variations in rainfall across Tamil Nadu, with moderate showers expected in the specified coastal, hill and interior areas and more limited rainfall in the remaining regions. For Monday (November 2), the department has forecast heavy rainfall in Nilgiris and Tiruvallur districts. Some places elsewhere in Tamil Nadu are likely to experience light to moderate showers during the day. Cuddalore and Villupuram are expected to receive heavy rain on both Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3. These two districts, therefore, feature in the heavy-rain forecast for two consecutive days as the weather system over the Bay of Bengal develops. Moderate rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the Western Ghats districts and northern Tamil Nadu during the forecast period. Other parts of the state may receive light to moderate rainfall, according to the department. In Chennai, skies are expected to remain partly cloudy on Sunday. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely in some parts of the city. The forecast indicates localised showers rather than rainfall across the entire city. The district-wise outlook places the immediate focus on moderate rain on Sunday, followed by heavier spells in selected districts from Monday. Nilgiris and Tiruvallur are covered by Mondays heavy rain prediction, while Cuddalore and Villupuram could experience heavy showers through Tuesday. The anticipated intensification of the Bay of Bengal system forms the backdrop to the departments latest rainfall outlook for Tamil Nadu.
No Security Lapse During EPS Madurai Visit, Says Nirmal Kumar
Further clarifying the brief power interruption at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple during Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnans recent visit, Nirmal Kumar said a new generator had been undergoing trial runs since the previous day.
Canara Bank organises vigilance awareness week in Madurai
Woman found severely injured in Manamadurai Vaigai river thicket
Nirmal Kumar inaugurates public welfare projects worth 5.05 cr. in Madurai
Madurai Kamaraj University Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
Madurai Kamaraj University has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Junior Research Fellow posts. Offline applications will be accepted till 13 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit mkuniversity.ac.in.
R. Krishnaraj, Superintendent of Madurai Central Prison, has been transferred and posted as Superintendent of Salem Central Prison
Madurai Kamaraj University Subject Expert / Professional Recruitment 2026
Madurai Kamaraj University has released the notification for the post of Subject Expert / Professional (Visual Communication). Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 03 November 2026. Further details are available at mkuniversity.ac.in.
Vande Bharat is the fastest train from Chennai to Madurai, but it runs 17 minutes late on average. Vaigai is eight minutes late. Tejas Express arrives 12 minutes early. A six month check shows speed is not everything, and the viral Vaigai claim does not tell the full story.
Vaigai Express service has been running since 1977. The Vande Bharat on the same corridor started only in 2023. On October 24, running late and through two delays, the Vaigai still matched the Vande Bharats Chennai-Madurai time of 5 hours and 35 minutes. Some things just do not get old.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati opposes 'fatwa' against Sara Ali Khan for Kedarnath visit
Digital Desk | Haridwar, Oct 30 (IANS) Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, on Friday, opposed the 'fatwa' issued by a Muslim cleric against Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan for offering prayers at the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, saying that such rulings should not be issued against anyone following the path of virtue. All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi issued a fatwa against Sara Ali Khan, declaring her visit and offering of prayers at the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, as 'haram (forbidden)' and 'najayaz (impermissible)' under Sharia law. Addressing reporters in Haridwar, Swami Saraswati said, I believe 'fatwas' should not be issued against anyone. If a person has committed a sin, one can understand the concern. But issuing a 'fatwa' against someone who is following a path of virtue is difficult to understand. I do not know all the details, but I would say that anyone who does something good, follows a positive path, works for the welfare of society or helps others should be appreciated, not targeted with 'fatwas', he said. Meanwhile, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, added, This is a matter for Muslim clerics. They can stop women of their community (from visiting temples). We have clearly said that if Islam believes Muslim boys should participate in our Dandiya celebrations, then why only boys? Why shouldn't their entire families participate? Why shouldn't their daughters join as well? Citing the Madras High Court's ruling that Agamic Hindu temples are not tourist destinations but places of pilgrimage, the seer said, As for Sara Ali Khan...people can visit if they have faith, but they must demonstrate that faith. Notably, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that non-Hindus sporting religious markers of other faiths and not affirming reverence for the deity concerned cannot be allowed into the premises of Agamic temples, extending existing restrictions beyond the areas around the flagstaff. On Thursday, Maulana Barelvi, who issued the 'fatwa' to the Bollywood actress, defended his decision. Speaking to IANS, the cleric said, I have received information that film actress Sara Ali Khan visited Kedarnath (Temple) and performed acts of worship. If she truly did this from the heart, then the rulings of Sharia apply to her, because she is a Muslim, and for a Muslim, visiting a temple and engaging in acts of worship falls under the category of shirk (polytheism); it is 'najayaz' (impermissible) and 'haram' (forbidden). Sara Ali Khan has committed an impermissible and forbidden act; therefore, according to Sharia, she is required to perform 'Tauba' (repent), he stated. Incidentally, Sara Ali Khan is the daughter of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and his ex-wife Amrita Singh.
A power outage lasting around 10 minutes at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple on Thursday (30 October 2026), while former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami was offering prayers, caused inconvenience to devotees and triggered a political attack on the ruling TVK government, as reported in Hindu Tamil. Palaniswami had [] The post People Cannot Even Pray In Peace: EPS Slams TVK Govt After Power Cut At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple appeared first on The Commune .
10-Year RI for Man Who Peddled 52 kg Ganja
The NDPS judge in Madurai found the accused guilty under and delivered the judgement on Wednesday sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Overwhelming response for Philately Passports in Madurai
Northern Knights top Group B in CBSE National Cricket Tournament
Srinagar, Oct 28: The Northern Knights team is putting up an impressive performance in the CBSE National Boys Cricket Tournament 2026. In the league matches being held at Velammal School in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the team has secured three victories out of four matches, placing itself at the top of Group B. As per a statement issued, under the able guidance of Coach Manish, the players have demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork.
Farmers leader demands drought declaration for Madurai and Cauvery delta
Farmers leader demands drought declaration for Madurai and Cauvery delta
He tells Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan that a G.O. would be issued in two weeks and the foundation stone-laying ceremony can be conducted thereafter
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
Madurai Ring Road linking two highways designed to facilitate uninterrupted movement
Madurai hospital introduces advanced techniques for complex aneurysms and stroke care
SC stays Madras HC order directing return of antique idol dealer Subhash Kapoor to Germany
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the operation of a Madras High Court order directing the Union government to take custody of international antique dealer Subhash Chandra Kapoor from prison in Tamil Nadu and initiate steps for his return to Germany. A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan passed the interim order while hearing a special leave petition (SLP) challenging the judgment of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which had held that Kapoors continued detention in India was illegal in the absence of Germanys consent to his prosecution in other criminal cases. In its September 8 order, the High Court had directed the Union government to take custody of Kapoor within two weeks and proceed in accordance with law to facilitate his return to Germany. Kapoor, an American citizen and international antiquities dealer, was extradited from Germany to India on July 13, 2012, in connection with an idol theft case registered by the Udayarpalayam police in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district in 2008. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in the case and has completed the sentence. However, Kapoor continued to remain in custody in connection with other pending cases involving the alleged theft of antique idols from temples in Tamil Nadu. Allowing his habeas corpus petition, the Madras High Court had held that his continued detention could not be sustained without the consent of Germany, as required under the Extradition Act, 1962, and the India-Germany Extradition Treaty. The Rule of Speciality cannot be observed in form and defeated in substance, a Division Bench of Justices A.D. Jagadish Chandira and N. Gunasekaran had observed, adding that Kapoor's liberty could not be withheld based on the possibility that consent might be obtained at a future date. The High Court had further held that the seriousness of the allegations against Kapoor could not override the legal requirements governing his extradition and continued detention. The gravity or heinous nature of an alleged offence cannot, by itself, create a legal authority for detention where the rule of speciality otherwise requires the consent of the requested State, it had said.
Madurai Boy Dies After Friend, 10, Tightens Rope Around Neck. Mother Hides Body
The victim, Muthuvel, had gone out to play on Sunday but did not return home. After a search failed to find him, his mother approached the police.
Thaniyamangalam; Missing Boy Found Dead, Neighbor Arrested for Cover-Up of Accidental Death
Following the complaint, the Superintendent of Police, Madurai district, visited the site and deployed five special teams comprising 90 personnel for an overnight search
17 inmates escape Theni sub-jail in Tamil Nadu; 4 caught, 13 missing
In a dramatic escape from Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district, 17 inmates faked seizures to attack guards. Police have since arrested four escapees, including Praveen Kumar and three others from Theni and Madurai. A statewide manhunt is ongoing for the remaining thirteen inmates still at large. Authorities have released photos and details to assist in locating the fugitives.
Officer in special team said that many of the accused were from Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Salem and Villupuram districts
Gold armour adorns statue of Muthuramalinga Thevar ahead of 64th Guru Puja
In 2014, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa adorned the statue at the Thevar memorial in Pasumpon near Kamudi in Ramanathapuram district with a 13-kg gold armour worth Rs. 4.5 crore (then value) on behalf of the AIADMK. This gold armour is adorned every year during the Thevar Guru Puja and Jayanti festival and will later be kept in a bank vault in Madurai. In this context, the 64th Guru Puja and 119th Jayanti festival of Muthuramalinga Thevar will be celebrated in Pasumpon on October 30. Ukkirapandi Muthuramalinga Thevar, popularly known as Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was an Indian politician and a prominent leader of the Thevar community. He was elected to Parliament three times. Muthuramalinga Thevar was born on October 30, 1908, in Pasumpon, Ramnad District. On Monday, the gold armour for this year was received from the Madurai Bank vault in the presence of AIADMK Treasurer Dindigul Srinivasan and Thevar Memorial In-charge Gandhimeenal in Madurai, and the gold armour was brought...
Madurai Corporation conducts medical camps at 16 places
Golden armour taken from Madurai bank, fixed on Thevar statue at memorial
Every year, the 13.5-kg golden armour, donated by the AIADMK in 2014, is taken to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar memorial and fixed on the statue of the freedom fighter during the jayanthi, guru puja celebrations
Worker dies from acid fumes at Manamadurai fertilizer plant
Minister to chair regional review meeting with educational institutions, officials in Madurai
Minister to chair regional review meeting with educational institutions, officials in Madurai
TN: DMK Womens Wing to hold protest on Oct 31 over law and order
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 26 (IANS) The DMK Womens Wing will stage demonstrations across Tamil Nadu on October 31 against what party president M.K. Stalin described as a deteriorating law and order situation, citing recent killings and cases involving missing children to question the TVK governments handling of public safety. Announcing the protest, Stalin accused the government of failing to instil fear of the law among offenders. He alleged that criminals were operating with growing confidence and questioned Chief Minister Vijays silence over incidents that, he said, had raised serious concerns about the safety of people across the State. The DMK president referred to three cases in Salem, Madurai and Gingee to underline his criticism. In Salem, he said, a person was murdered in broad daylight in a public place. In Madurai, a boy who had gone missing was subsequently found dead, while the whereabouts of a missing girl from Gingee remained unknown. Stalin described the incidents as evidence of an alarming situation and alleged that crimes in Tamil Nadu were becoming more disturbing than scenes depicted in video games and horror films. His criticism focused on what he characterised as the growing brazenness of offenders under the TVK administration. Under TVK rule, criminals are carrying out offences without fear, as though they had been given a free run, he said. Stalin further alleged that Tamil Nadu had been reduced to counting murders every day, holding the government responsible for addressing the concerns arising from such incidents. Directing his criticism at the Chief Minister, Stalin asked why Vijay was remaining silent on law and order, as though the issue had nothing to do with him. He also questioned why the Chief Minister, whom he described as someone who spoke forcefully about law and order, had not spoken out about the incidents. The proposed demonstrations, Stalin said, would condemn the prevailing situation. By assigning the protest to its Womens Wing, the DMK will take its criticism of the governments handling of law and order to demonstrations across the State on October 31. The announcement places the Salem killing, the death of the missing boy in Madurai and the unresolved disappearance of the Gingee girl at the centre of the partys protest. Stalins statement sought an explanation from the Chief Minister over the incidents and his alleged silence on public safety.
Expedite digital crop survey, drought relief distribution in Madurai: Farmers
Activists urge transfer of Ramanathapuram from TNSTC Kumbakonam jurisdiction to Madurai
60-year-old man dies in road accident in Madurai city
Red alert for Theni, Dindigul, Madurai amid heavy rain forecast for TN
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) A red alert has been issued for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts, with the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday as the northeast monsoon remains vigorous over Tamil Nadu. The three districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain at one or two locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. The warning comes amid widespread rainfall across the state and the strengthening of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal. An orange alert has also been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchi, Karur, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Sivaganga districts, besides the Karaikal region. These areas are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunder and lightning. The forecast places southern districts under particular scrutiny, while several central, delta, and western districts also face the prospect of intense rainfall. The alerts indicate that the severity of rain is expected to vary across the affected regions. According to the weather departments report, the Nilgiris recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday. Burliar registered the highest rainfall of 25 centimetres, followed by Lower Kotagiri Estate with 20 centimetres and Coonoor with 17 centimetres. The substantial rainfall in the hill district adds to concerns over the continuing monsoon spell, with further heavy rain forecast for the Nilgiris and neighbouring western districts covered by the orange alert. Meanwhile, the low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday and subsequently developed into a depression, the department said. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression on Sunday. It could intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning. Thereafter, the weather system is likely to continue moving west-northwestwards and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28. The forecast describes the systems expected movement and intensification over the sea. It does not specify a landfall location or time. With the northeast monsoon active and the Bay of Bengal system gathering strength, the departments latest forecast points to another spell of intense rain across multiple parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Five-day fishing ban from today as TN braces for heavy rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) Fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea for five days from Sunday following a warning about a possible cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal, while heavy rain and gusty winds are forecast across several parts of Tamil Nadu. The restriction will remain in force until October 29. The Chennai weather departments forecast indicates that rainfall will be widespread initially, with conditions expected to improve over much of the state towards the end of the period. According to an earlier weather bulletin, a low-pressure area that lay over the Comorin region and adjoining southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala on October 22 was positioned over the southeast Arabian Sea and neighbouring Lakshadweep region at 8.30 a.m. on October 23. The bulletin also referred to an atmospheric circulation extending from the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region towards the northern Tamil Nadu coast through Kerala, at approximately 1.5 kilometres above sea level. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and winds reaching 40-50 kmph is likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Tiruchirappalli districts during the initial phase of the forecast. Several other interior and coastal districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, could also receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Similar conditions are forecast for Puducherry and Karaikal. On Monday, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts, along with thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph. Heavy rainfall is also forecast at isolated places in several districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai. Puducherry and Karaikal could experience similar weather. Other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive moderate rainfall at some places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Rainfall is expected to ease on October 27, with isolated light to moderate showers likely in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, isolated light rain is forecast. On October 28 and 29, isolated light to moderate rainfall is likely over the state's southern coastal districts. Generally, dry weather is expected across the remaining parts of the state and in Puducherry also during these two days.
Heavy rain to hit Chennai, northern, delta and western districts on Sunday: IMD
Isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts are likely to get extremely heavy rainfall and have been issued red alert; Till 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, rainfall occurred at around 80% places over Tamil Nadu
Two killed in road accident in Madurai
Madras HC Reiterates Rules for Non-Hindus Visiting Temples
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has stressed that non-Hindus visiting Hindu temples must comply with the prescribed guidelines and respect the customs and practices of the respective temples.
Heavy rains lash TN, roads waterlogged; 17-yr-old killed
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have caused localised waterlogging and brought down temperatures, particularly in districts like Madurai and Virudhunagar. A tragic incident in Virudhunagar district saw a 17-year-old girl die and her mother injured after a house wall collapsed due to the downpour. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast the formation of a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal by October 26, which is expected to move towards North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coasts, though it poses no direct threat to Tamil Nadu.
Dry day announced in Madurai district ahead of Thevar Jayanthi
Rain lashes various parts of Madurai
Southern Railway introduces its first Vistadome coach in Madurai Division
Vistadome coach was equipped with wide glass windows and a panoramic glass roof to offer the passengers a breathtaking view of mountains, valleys, forests and lush greenery, thereby transforming the journey into a memorable experience
UDF MPs in Keralam clash over Vistadome coach credit for Madurai-Guruvayur Express
Controversy erupted when N.K. Premachandran and Kodikunnil Suresh took to social media to claim that they had been instrumental in bringing the specialised tourist-friendly railway coach to Kerala, triggering an open tug-of-war between the leaders
TN: Forecast for heavy rain, rough sea conditions; five districts declare holiday for schools today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 22 (IANS) Schools in five Tamil Nadu districts were closed on Thursday as persistent heavy rain affected southern parts of the state, while a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal raised the prospect of further widespread rainfall. The District Collectors of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi declared holidays for schools following continued downpours. Tirupattur District Collector Nallasivan also ordered the closure of schools in his district because of heavy rain. The holiday announcements apply only to schools. The information provided did not mention any corresponding closure of colleges or other higher educational institutions in the five districts. According to the meteorological department, a low-pressure area has formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka, off the Tamil Nadu coast. The system is likely to move west-northwestwards, bringing widespread rain to coastal Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery delta districts. The weather department has warned of the possibility of very heavy rainfall in 17 districts on Thursday, placing southern Tamil Nadu and several western and delta districts under heightened weather watch. The districts covered by the warning are Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Theni, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai. Southern districts have already been receiving sustained heavy rainfall. Against this backdrop, the respective district administrations announced school holidays as the wet weather continued, affecting the normal academic schedule across the affected areas. The developing weather system is also expected to influence conditions along the coast. The meteorological centre cautioned that the sea could turn rough because of the low-pressure area and advised fishermen to exercise caution. The warning assumes significance for fishing communities along the Tamil Nadu coast, with the system positioned over waters close to Sri Lanka and expected to move towards the west-northwest. Coastal and delta districts are expected to receive widespread rainfall under its influence, while the district-level warning indicates that intense spells could also extend into the interior and western parts of Tamil Nadu. The immediate impact on education was reflected in the school closures announced in four southern districts and Tirupattur. The announcements came amid continuing rain, with Thursdays forecast pointing to the possibility of further intense spells across the 17 listed districts. The departments advisory also highlighted rough-sea conditions as a separate concern for fishermen operating along the coast.
Women lay siege to Tasmac outlet near Manamadurai demanding its closure
Hundreds of children begin formal learning during Vidyarambam ceremonies in Madurai
Hundreds of children begin formal learning during Vidyarambam ceremonies in Madurai
Veeramani, a Madurai-based content creator, has finally received the Diwali sweets he originally hoped for after pranksters flooded his publicly shared address with unwanted cash-on-delivery orders for expensive products, including a reported Rs 70 crore tanker. The viral stunt took a happy turn when a quick-commerce platform stepped in with sweets and several gifts, turning the online prank into a festive surprise without any payment obligation.
Southern Railway introduces first Vistadome coach on Madurai-Guruvayur Express
Temporary trial from October 22, 2026 adds Executive AC Chair Car to the trains composition on select days
Flower prices skyrocket across Madurai and southern districts ahead of Ayudha puja
Beyond floral markets, the inflationary crunch has extended to other core components of the celebrations
Southern Railway introduces Vistadome coach on MaduraiGuruvayur Express
The Vistadome coach will be temporarily operated on the Madurai-Guruvayur Express on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, for journeys commencing from Madurai from October 22, 2026 to January 15, 2027
TVK plans 3rd state conference to celebrate electoral success
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is considering Tiruchi or Tirunelveli as the venue for its third state conference, with preliminary preparations underway for a gathering intended to celebrate the partys electoral success and consolidation under Chief Minister Vijay. The conference is expected to take place early next year and is likely to be called the Victory Conference, according to reports. However, the party has yet to formally announce the venue, dates or detailed programme. The proposed event is being planned against the backdrop of TVKs victories in the recently concluded Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly bypolls. The results have strengthened the partys confidence following its success in the Tamil Nadu Assembly general election earlier this year. Vijay, who launched TVK in 2024 after establishing himself as one of Tamil cinemas leading actors, organised the partys first state conference at Vikravandi that year. The gathering drew large numbers of supporters, particularly young people, and brought considerable attention to his entry into electoral politics. The party subsequently held its second state conference in Madurai, continuing its efforts to expand its organisational presence across Tamil Nadu. Within two years of its formation, TVK contested the Assembly election and secured a major political breakthrough, forming the government with Vijay taking office as Chief Minister. The third conference is now being envisaged as an occasion to bring together celebrations marking the partys third anniversary, its election victory and Vijays birthday. The arrangements and the manner in which these occasions will be incorporated into the programme remain to be announced. Tiruchi and Tirunelveli are currently under consideration, with a final decision on the location awaited. Preparatory discussions have begun, although no formal schedule has been released. Meanwhile, the party is also preparing to conduct its annual programme honouring students who performed well in the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Such award ceremonies have been organised at the district level in recent years under the banners of TVK and its predecessor organisation, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam. This years prize distribution programme is expected to be held soon, and district secretaries have begun the related organisational work. The student recognition initiative will provide another opportunity for the party to engage with young people and families as preparations advance for its next major state gathering. Further details on both events are awaited.
Minister hands over appointment orders to contract nurses in Madurai
Mass casualty awareness drill held at Madurai Medical College
Vistadome coach set for Keralam debut on MaduraiGuruvayur Express
Designed with extra-large glass windows and an observation-friendly layout, the vistadome coach aims to cater to tourists, families, and leisure travellers keen on taking in the scenic landscape
Madurai Corporation launches complete street policy
Orange alert in six Tamil Nadu districts as Northeast Monsoon brings widespread rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 17 (IANS) Six districts in Tamil Nadu have been placed under an orange alert for Saturday, with the weather department forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall as the northeast monsoon brings widespread showers across the state. Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, the Nilgiris and Coimbatore are likely to receive the most intense rainfall. The department attributed the prevailing wet conditions to an atmospheric disturbance over the Tamil Nadu region following the onset of the monsoon. The forecast also indicates heavy rain across several other districts, including Chennai and neighbouring Chengalpattu. Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Tiruppur, Vellore and Kallakurichi are among the districts expected to receive heavy showers during the day. Heavy rainfall has also been predicted for Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur in the delta region, along with Erode, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem. The forecast points to wet weather across a broad stretch of northern, western and southern Tamil Nadu. The weather centre has separately forecast spells of strong rain accompanied by gusty winds in Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Cuddalore, Karur, Perambalur and Ariyalur. Moderate rainfall, together with strong winds, is likely in the remaining parts of the state. The latest warning comes as rainfall has become widespread in several districts following the arrival of the northeast monsoon. While six districts face the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers on Saturday, the department expects rainfall to continue in parts of the state on Sunday. The Nilgiris is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday as well, placing the hill district among the areas facing intense showers on consecutive days. Heavy rain is also forecast on Sunday in Coimbatore, Erode, Namakkal, Ranipet, Tiruvallur and Tirupattur. Coimbatore, Ranipet and Tiruvallur therefore feature in the rainfall warnings for both days, although Saturdays forecast indicates the possibility of greater intensity in these districts. The two-day outlook indicates that the rainfall pattern will vary across Tamil Nadu, with the strongest showers concentrated in selected districts and more moderate rain elsewhere. For Chennai, heavy rain is forecast for Saturday, while the warning for neighbouring Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram includes the possibility of very heavy rainfall. The departments district-specific forecast highlights the uneven intensity of the monsoon showers, even as wet and windy conditions are expected across much of Tamil Nadu through the day, with further rainfall predicted in several districts on Sunday.
Madurai Medical College observes World Mental Health Day
Madurai Collector inspects NH-38 accident zones, directs swift road safety upgrades
Traders at Madurai vegetable market demand urgent infrastructure upgrade amid rains
Roads inside the market were laid when the facility was opened in 2010. Since then, no work had been undertaken to upgrade its infrastructure, say traders
Drive to seize stray cattle under way in Madurai city
District Collectorate Madurai Support Person Recruitment 2026
District Collectorate Madurai, District Child Protection Unit, Madurai, has released the notification for the post of Support Person. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 30 October 2026.
Cauvery bridge on Chennai-Tiruchi-Madurai NH reopened for traffic after repair work
The bridge was closed on June 25 to facilitate repair work by the by the NHAIs concessionaire maintaining the section at an estimated cost of 10 crore
Bus fares, airfares soar in TN ahead of Ayudha Puja holiday rush
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 15 (IANS) Passengers travelling out of Chennai for the Ayudha Puja holidays face sharply higher transport costs, with private omni bus fares rising several times above normal levels and airfares surging on several routes. The four-day holiday stretch begins with the weekend on October 17 and 18, followed by Ayudha Puja on October 19 and Vijayadashami on October 20. With train reservations already full, many residents heading to their hometowns are seeking seats on buses and flights. Passengers complained that the omni bus fares from Chennai to southern districts and other destinations had increased substantially ahead of the festive rush, making travel increasingly expensive for those yet to book tickets. On the Chennai-Kanyakumari route, tickets normally priced between Rs 800 and Rs 1,200 are now being quoted at Rs 3,420. Fares to Tirunelveli have risen from around Rs 1,300 to Rs 3,000, while those to Madurai have increased from Rs 800 to Rs 2,500. For Chennai-Coimbatore services, fares usually ranging between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000 have climbed to Rs 3,500, adding to the financial burden on holiday travellers. Air passengers are also facing steep increases, particularly for departures on October 16 and 17, when demand is building ahead of the extended break. Chennai-Madurai flight tickets available at approximately Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,500 for October 16 are being quoted between Rs 12,026 and Rs 18,626 for October 17. Fares on the Chennai-Coimbatore route, normally around Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,500, have reached approximately Rs 11,000 for October 16 and 17. Tickets to Thoothukudi, usually costing between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,500, are now priced from Rs 11,736 to Rs 13,626. Chennai-Kolkata fares have increased from the usual Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000 range to Rs 14,117. The increase extends to shorter routes within Tamil Nadu. Chennai-Tiruchirappalli tickets, normally priced between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,500, are being quoted at Rs 6,500 to Rs 9,500 for October 16 and 17. On the Chennai-Salem route, fares have risen from approximately Rs 1,900-Rs 3,800 to between Rs 5,600 and Rs 12,000. ' The simultaneous increase in bus and flight prices has left passengers with limited affordable options, particularly as the full train bookings reduce alternatives for families planning to travel together during the consecutive holidays and festival celebrations across Tamil Nadu and other popular destinations.
Plea to provide free battery operated vehicle services at Madurai and Tiruchi Railway Junctions
Plea to provide free battery operated vehicle services at Madurai and Tiruchi Railway Junctions
Startup TN Chairman inaugurates incubation centre at Thiagarajar College in Madurai
Startup TN Chairman inaugurates incubation centre at Thiagarajar College in Madurai
State-level MSME exhibition showcases GI and ODOP products in Madurai
Madurais Rajini Temple showcases a Rajinikanth-themed kolu
Shri Arulmigu Rajini Kovil in Thirumangalam near Madurai features a 23-step kolu showcasing stills of actor Rajinikanth. The highlight is a life-size still from Jailer 2
