G Varalakshmi: The 'Rowdy' Actress Who Defied Convention and Stole the Show
G Varalakshmi: Daughter of a wrestler, runaway child, the versatile actor with a mercurial temperament had a career that spanned almost 100 films in Telugu and Tamil.
Ramanathapuram farmers protest for fair compensation in highway expansion project
Though the project started in 2017 itself the compensation that should have been provided according to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013has not sanctioned to more than half of the farmers, says secretary of Tamil Nadu Farmers Association
College clash escalates into dacoity; 6 arrested from Tamil Nadu
Of the 16 Assembly constituencies, Perambur saw the highest turnout with 2,03,057 votes polled (89.73%), followed by Kolathur with 1,82,364 (86.11%) and Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar with 1,80,473 (90.53%).
Tamil Nadu elections: All credit not SIRs, 24k more voted
Chennai witnessed a significant surge in voter turnout for the recent elections, with nearly 20,000 more people casting ballots compared to 2021. This increase, bolstered by postal votes, highlights a dynamic shift in participation across several key constituencies. While some areas saw a decline, others, like Perambur and Kolathur, recorded substantial gains, potentially influencing close electoral contests.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin arrives in Kodaikanal
TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna revealed party chief Vijay directed candidates to monitor EVM strong rooms. Elections concluded on April 23 with high turnout. Candidates will inspect strong rooms on rotation. Arjuna urged transparent counting and adequate security for May 4. He anticipates a democratic victory for TVK, predicting a government change based on people's verdict.
Tagged Olive Ridley turtles from Tamil Nadu reach Sri Lanka Dome, reveal migration patterns
Considered one of the most productive regions in the Indian Ocean, the Sri Lanka Dome phenomenon typically begins in May, peaks in July, and declines by September
Engineering works hit TiruttaniArakkonam EMU services; trains cancelled till May 16
Commuters on the TiruttaniArakkonam route will experience disruptions for several weeks due to engineering works. Southern Railway has announced full cancellations of specific EMU services between Tiruttani and Arakkonam from April 26 to May 16, 2026. Partial cancellations will also affect services between Tiruvalangadu and Arakkonam during the same period.
Tamil Nadu turnout dips to 85.1%; Chennai surges as EC adds 72,000 more votes
Tamil Nadu's voting percentage was revised to 85.10%, with Chennai seeing a significant surge to 86.2% after voter additions. The Election Commission confirmed no re-polling is needed across 75,064 stations. Karur district recorded the highest turnout at 92.65%, while Anna Nagar saw the largest increase in Chennai's votes.
Passenger booked for filming female cabin crew on Hyderabad-Udaipur flight
Hyderabad:A passenger was booked for allegedly photographing female cabin crew members in an objectionable manner and misbehaving with a co-passenger aboard an IndiGo flight at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Friday, April 24, the police said. The accused, identified as Praveen, a Tamil Nadu-based businessman, was travelling on flight 6E-6323 from Hyderabad 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 .
EPS lauds voters for defying heat, urges cadres to stay alert
Mercury may breach 40C in May 1st week
Power supply interruptions resurface in Chennai as maintenance works continue to be on hold
Traffic diversions for heavy vehicles on April 26 and 27
Local want another entrance at Avadi railway station
Colleges to give weightage to portfolios in admissions
GCC plans windrow composting plant at Perungudi, two facilities at Manali
Engineers association urges State govt. to delegate more powers to Greater Chennai Corporation
It seeks powers to the civic body to approve buildings with up to 50 dwelling unitsthat have a stilt-plus-five-floor or ground-plus-four-floor structure, besides powers to clear bigger layouts
Summer travel picks up in Tamil Nadu, but trips get shorter amid rising costs
Blindness: Court Asks Tamil Nadu To Roll Out Transgender Rehabilitation Plan
The court reiterated that transgender persons are protected under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21, which guarantee equality and the right to live with dignity.
KCSSH surgeons use custom 3D-printed titanium implant torepair chest wall
Lieutenant Governor Assents to Private Universities Bill
The Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Manoj Sinha, has given assent to The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 , passed by the Assembly on April 14, 2026. This has paved the way for the Ministry of Education to frame rules for the establishment of private universities. Reportedly, the government has already received proposals from various bodies for setting up universities. This is an opportune time for concerned citizens and thoughtful sections of society to deliberate on issues basic to the governance of universities in general, and private universities in particular. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has justified the bill by envisioning Jammu and Kashmir as an education hub, which is indeed a very high aspiration. Developing the region as a hub would require adopting models similar to Pune or London in terms of educational governance. It is therefore essential to catalogue the issues that policymakers must consider to ensure the success of private universities in J&K where people previously experienced the best of the welfare state model of development. Context The issue of private universities has emerged at a time when we are witnessing the erosion of the degree as the sole marker of a students career path. We live in an era where outcomes matter more than optics, and impact carries greater weight than mere expansion. Universities and colleges are now judged by graduate readiness and the ability of students to navigate a complex world shaped by emerging technologies. About 70 percent of IT companies have already integrated AI into their recruitment processes. Management gurus claim that universities are no longer one-time degree providers but continuous talent development platforms that prioritize intellectual growth, skills, and lifelong learning. In these changing times, higher education for youth should revolve around key dimensions: Degree, Dignity, Delivery, Dreams, Determination, and Discipline. Several concerns that have engaged the attention of this author over time merit deeper discussion. Grammar of Governance Peninsular states in India, such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have taken an early lead in the privatization of higher education and have laid a strong foundation for quality institutions. Notable examples include Vellore Institute of Technology, Azim Premji University, and SRM University. These institutions have contributed to creating a favourable policy environment for private higher education. In Jammu and Kashmir partners and stakeholdersincluding institutions and policymakersmust approach this sector with openness and a willingness to learn about the regions unique social and economic context. Some leading academics argue that public higher education institutions have atrophied and turned into intellectual dead zones while producing graduates oriented toward limited government employment. Professor Apoorvanand describe public universities as expanding deserts. There is thus significant scope for both learning and unlearning as we move toward experimenting with new models of private universities. It is important to study best practices from across the world while designing a new academic architecture. The private and foreign universities are entering India at a time when countrys higher education market is currently valued at Rs 6.2 lakh crore as per Niti Aayogs 2025 report. A BSc course at the university of Southampton is priced at around Rs 80 lakh to Rs one crore in UK campus but about Rs 40 lakh in an Indian campus. The high fees charged by private universities remain a point of contention. Private institutions justify these costs by citing the need to attract top faculty and build modern infrastructure. In China, government authorities often accuse private institutions of manipulating policy for profit, while the institutions, in turn, argue that they are denied sufficient autonomy to operate effectively within market conditions. The debate over whether higher education is a public or private good continues to dominate academic discourse, with huge literature being produced on the subject. In recent decades, a market-driven model of development has led to a growing policy preference for treating higher education as a private good. Consequently, government investment in higher education has declined, even as private players are encouraged to expand access. As the state gradually withdraws from direct involvement, it simultaneously promotes private participation to develop the education sector. Human resource expert Richard Hopper notes that in Bangladesh, many privileged individuals believe taxpayer money should not fund higher education, as its benefits accrue primarily to individuals rather than society. Similarly, in Romania, following the collapse of communist regimes, even public institutions saw a rise in tuition fees, as observed in many countries adopting neoliberal governance models. Increasingly, privileged sections also question the link between equity and higher education, treating equity as a diminishing concern. This has led to pressure on public universities to introduce self-financed courses and generate their own resources. In some cases, administrators have even considered unconventional revenue models, such as commercial ventures within campuses. Scholarships for Students The provision of scholarships is crucial to the very conception of a good private university. A robust scholarship system ensures inclusivity and fosters a vibrant academic environment. This requires a multifaceted approach that combines institutional funding with external sources. The key strategies include establishing endowed scholarships through alumni contributions, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. It is noteworthy that the number of higher education institutions in India has increased from 51,534 in 201415 to over 70,000 in 202526, according to the latest Economic Survey of the Government of India. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 29.5% (202223). For students across social backgrounds, the primary consideration for admission to top private universities is access to scholarships. Institutions must develop innovative scholarship frameworks by collaborating with national and global organizations. Even for students admitted to globally renowned universities such as Harvard or Princeton, the availability of financial aid is often a decisive factor alongside institutional prestige. For instance, Ashoka University provides full scholarships to about 20% of its students, while nearly half receive some form of financial assistance. The Indian School of Business (ISB) has built a donor-supported scholarship ecosystem, awarding 250280 scholarships annually. Similarly, Shiv Nadar University offers various merit-cum-means scholarships based on academic performance and financial need. First-generation learners without backlogs may receive up to a 75% fee waiver, while others may receive up to 50%. Financial aid provisions are also available at institutions like O.P. Jindal Global University, which offers a wide range of scholarships across disciplines. The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship (2026) provides merit-cum-means support to Indian students from Class XI through postgraduate and PhD levels, with a focus on underprivileged sections. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees partially or fully and may also include living stipends. Conclusion There are additional issues that require serious attention from policymakers and institutional leaders involved in establishing private universities. It is essential that individuals with a sense of mission and commitment play a central role in shaping these institutions. As an old Chinese saying goes: If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if you think in terms of ten years, plant a tree; if you think in terms of a hundred years, educate people. Prof Gull M Wani is a Kashmir based Political Scientist
Man, son die after slipping into well near Tirukoilur while fixing motor pump
The incident came to light a short while later when a passerby noticed the two men lying motionless inside the well and alerted the villagers, who in turn alerted Tirukoilur fire and rescue services.
Girl dies in accident caused by underage driver near Tirupattur
Stalin taking a break in Kodaikanal after intense election work
DMK sources said Stalin and his family were likely to spend three days in Kodaikanal.
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Madurai district records 80.43% voter turnout
Watch: One dead in firecracker unit explosion in Tamil Nadus Theni district
Election Commission completes post-poll scrutiny in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal; no re-polls ordered
The verification exercise was conducted on April 24 across all 152 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, in the presence of general observers and candidates or their representatives
ECI rules out re-poll in TN, West Bengal after scrutiny
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Saturday, April 25, said that no re-poll has been recommended in either Tamil Nadu or West Bengal after the completion of scrutiny of the register of voters and other poll-day documents following the Assembly elections and bye-elections held on Thursday. The poll panel said it implemented consolidated 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 .
Record 85.15% Turnout Rewrites Tamil Nadu's Electoral Map, West Surges, South Lags
Western Tamil Nadu emerged as the standout performer, with Karur (92.63%), Salem (90.76%) and Namakkal (90.21%) leading the charts.
No repoll ordered in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: EC officials
The Election Commission (EC) has said that no repoll will be held in any polling stations in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where assembly elections were conducted on Thursday.
No repoll ordered in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: ECI officials
On April 23, while all 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu went to vote in a single phase, 152 seats in West Bengal voted in the first phase
No repoll recommended in any of Tamil Nadus polling stations
Chennai: No repoll has been recommended in any of the 75,064 polling stations across Tamil Nadu where voting was held on April 23, officials said on Friday, April 24. Sources citing officials said that the polling process passed off without any incident that would warrant re-conducting voting in any constituency. According to sources, the absence 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 .
Turnout increases in Tamil Nadu followed spatial patterns
While the SIRs deletions muted turnout in cities like Chennai, northern and semi-urban areas of Tamil nadu registered a good increase in voters compared to 2021 election
Dhanush's action thriller Kara, directed by Vignesh Raja, is set for a theatrical release on April 30, 2026. The film, set against the 1991 Gulf War backdrop in Tamil Nadu, follows a man drawn back into crime to protect his family. A giant OTT deal has reportedly been signed for the post-theatrical streaming rights. Read on!
CPCL rides throughput, efficiency gains to FY26 profit surge
Paisabazaar to focus on south for physical expansion
L&T enters industrial electronics with production in Coimbatore
The writing is on the wall for city schools after election day
Valarmathis husband booked for blocking city road during poll
Plea for I-T probe into Velumanis poll affidavit dismissed
Need more time to verify Udhayanidhis poll affidavit: I-T dept
Civic projects stuck in limbo as agencies reel from poll hangover
MCC eased, security tightened across strong rooms as TN awaits May 4 verdict
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Central Chennai witnesses brisk polling amid long queues
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Kancheepuram district sees over 87% polling
Madras HC: TANFED a nodal agency of TN, falls under purview of RTI
Absolute voter increases seen across Tamil Nadu followed spatial patterns
Data show the record turnout in the southern State was a consequence of the SIR exercise; while the State also registered an increase in the absolute number of voters who turned out, the provisional addition of roughly 24.8 lakh voters appears lower than the gains registered in recent cycles
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Mylapore, Saidapet record lowest voter turnout in Chennai
While voters were largely satisfied with the polling process, there were some grievances as well
IIT Madras Swayam Plus launches three AI courses
Youth kills girlfriend, self at Periamet lodge
End of long wait as wild ass finds his mate in exchange at Chennai zoo
Swathi murder case: Madras HC dismisses plea against NHRC closure order
Inebriated man strangles father to death using towel in Chennai
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Dindigul district polls 88.98%
Madras HC refuses to direct NCLT to take up Sivaganga MPs plea
As of 8 p.m. on polling day, voter turnout stood at 83.41%, significantly higher than 59.75% recorded in 2021 Assembly polls,as per ECI data; this is due to reduction in electorate from 40.57 lakh in 2021 to 28.93 lakh in 2026; number of electors who turned up in both elections remains close to 24 lakh
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Chief Minister Stalin commends people of State for record voter turnout
Congress leaders introspect on not aligning with TVK
Many have said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who did not share the stage with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and was widely believed to have favoured an alliance with the TVK, had assessed the situation accurately when he saw an opportunity to rejuvenate the Congress in Tamil Nadu
DC Edit | Record Turnouts In WB, TN A Big Boost For Democracy
Over 85 per cent of the revised electorate of Tamil Nadu came to the booths and used the EVMs while the frenzy was more in West Bengal where the democratic dream of 100 per cent voter turnout was nearly fulfilled
Polling percentage of women rises in T.N. this Assembly election
As per provisional figures available at 8 p.m. on Friday, two Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu Karur and Veerapandi posted 93.40% each, the highest polling percentage among the Assembly segments that went to polls on April 23
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Mental health institution, organisations facilitate voting for residents
Mamata winning polls in Bengal, Congress in Kerala, DMK in TN: Dr Farooq
Srinagar, Apr 24: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah claimed on Friday that opposition parties are winning Assembly polls in the three key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I tell you, and the rest, god knows, Mamata Banerjee is winning in Bengal, Congress is winning in Kerala and (MK) Stalin's party (DMK) is winning in Tamil Nadu. This is God's blessing, Abdullah told reporters at Hazratbal when asked about the ongoing elections. Responding to a question on the conflict in the Middle East, the NC chief said peace is essential and expressed hope that the war would end as soon as possible. If peace does not return to the Middle East, tragedies for this world are major and everyone -- every country, every leader -- must try and see that this war comes to an end immediately. I hope that the US president has realised that Israel was not right in pushing him towards war. I hope to god that he will move quickly and China and Russia will also see to it that this war comes to an end as quickly as possible, he said. On the Centre's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said people's support is imperative to win the war against drugs. Till parents and people do not support the fight, the government cannot end the drug menace. The important thing is the people's support and if they support, it will, god willing, end the menace, he added.
Opinion: Tamil Nadu 2026: Explaining The 85.15% Turnout, And A North-West Battle
The first point that needs to be made from the historic 85.15 per cent voter turnout that the state has recorded is that, in comparison with the past, this is not a historic jump in terms of real numbers.
Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: Voter turnout increase in the State followed spatial patterns
Data show the record turnout in the southern State was a consequence of the SIR exercise; while the State also registered an increase in the absolute number of voters who turned out, the provisional addition of roughly 24.8 lakh voters appears lower than the gains registered in recent cycles
Why TVK Chief Vijay Thanked Children Over 84% Voter Turnout In Tamil Nadu
Describing polling day as nothing short of a celebration, Vijay said booths resembled temple crowds, with families turning up together in large numbers.
Record Voter Turnout Marks Historic Election Day in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, April 24: April 23, 2026, will be remembered as a historic day in Tamil Nadu politics. Voter turnout for the assembly elections reached an unprecedented 85%, breaking all previous records in the states electoral history. Vijay, the leader of the Tamilga Vetri Katchi (TVK), expressed his joy and gratitude on social media. He noted ... Read more Record Voter Turnout Marks Historic Election Day in Tamil Nadu
TN Polls: Unrelated Clip Viral as Cash Seized From Udhaynidhi Stalins Aide
We were able to trace this video to September 2022 from West Bengal and not Tamil Nadu, as claimed.
Mamata Winning Polls In Bengal, Congress In Kerala, DMK In TN: Farooq Abdullah
SRINAGAR, Apr 24: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah claimed on Friday that opposition parties are winning Assembly polls in the three key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I tell you, and the rest, god knows, Mamata Banerjee is winning in Bengal, Congress is winning in Kerala and (MK) Stalins party (DMK) is winning in Tamil Nadu. This is Gods blessing, Abdullah told reporters at Hazratbal when asked about the ongoing elections. Responding to a question on [] The post Mamata Winning Polls In Bengal, Congress In Kerala, DMK In TN: Farooq Abdullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Record Voter Turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu: A Positive Sign for Democracy, Says Manoj Jha
New Delhi, April 24: The recent elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have witnessed record voter turnout, sparking significant political reactions. Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha expressed his happiness over the turnout, stating that the voting in both states is a positive sign for democracy. He noted, Approximately 86% of voters participated in Tamil ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu: A Positive Sign for Democracy, Says Manoj Jha
How Vijay's theatrics made his party TVK a viral force in Tamil Nadu polls
How Vijay's theatrics made his party TVK a viral force in Tamil Nadu polls
Record turnouts in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu polls a display of citizen power: Supreme Court
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said one ought to focus on the historic percentage of polling recorded in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
Watch: With TVKs entry, Tamil Nadu may witness close contest | A look at past polls
With Tamil Nadu witnessing a noticeably high voter turnout in the polling for the Assembly elections, attention is now shifting to a crucial factor the margin of victory. Traditionally, elections in Tamil Nadu have been largely bipolar, dominated by the DMK and the AIADMK. However, this time, the entry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder C. Joseph Vijay has sparked discussions about a possible three-cornered contest.
DMK, TVK cadres clash in several places in Tamil Nadu during elections
L&T forays into industrial electronics manufacturing space
NEW DELHI, Apr 24: Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Friday announced its foray into the industrial electronics manufacturing space, with the beginning of operations at its Coimbatore campus in Tamil Nadu. The new business vertical L&T Electronic Products & Systems (LTEPS) will be headquartered in Bengaluru, while manufacturing will be carried out in Coimbatore. To begin with, two manufacturing lines have been commissioned, offering electronics manufacturing services to both domestic and overseas clients, L&T said in [] The post L&T forays into industrial electronics manufacturing space appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
95-yr-old who campaigned for Kamaraj votes
At 95, veteran screenwriter Chitralaya Gopu chose to vote in person despite arrangements for home voting. He arrived at the polling booth, where people made way for him, demonstrating a quiet, dignified act of democratic participation. Gopu expressed his determination to vote in future elections as well.
Pilot's In-Flight Voting Message Wins Hearts As Passengers Fly Home For Tamil Nadu Polls
The video has drawn widespread attention online, with many people praising the pilot's message.
Western region records highest turnout in Tamil Nadu elections 2026
Western Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant surge in voter turnout, exceeding 88% and surpassing 2021 levels, particularly in AIADMK strongholds like Salem. The ruling DMK's northern bastion also saw a substantial increase. While Karur district topped the state with over 92% turnout, the southern region lagged behind with lower participation.
Tamil Nadu elections: Voters upset over SIR-related deletions across State
A resident says that her family filled out the forms and submitted all the required documents, but the names were removed from the list after SIR exercise. We did not get any response even after we reached out to several officials, she adds
Tamil Nadu elections: These are reasons why these first-timers turned up in hordes
Chennai voters, including first-timers, expressed diverse motivations for casting their ballots. From championing women's empowerment and safety to seeking a change in governance and believing in the democratic process, citizens actively participated. Many highlighted the importance of individual votes in shaping the state's future, with some anticipating a competitive election influenced by new political entrants.
Record Voter Turnout in Bengal Signals Trust in BJP: Pratul Shahdev
New Delhi, April 24: Political rhetoric has intensified following record voter turnout in the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu assembly elections. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev reported that over 92% of voters participated in West Bengal, while Tamil Nadu saw more than 85% turnout, marking a historic achievement. He interpreted this enthusiasm as a clear desire ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in Bengal Signals Trust in BJP: Pratul Shahdev
Record Voter Turnout in West Bengal Signals Change, Says Ramkripal Yadav
Patna, April 24: Recent assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have witnessed record voter turnout, igniting a dynamic political atmosphere. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramkripal Yadav described this significant turnout as a sign of change. He emphasized that the publics dissatisfaction with the current governments is clearly reflected in the voting ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in West Bengal Signals Change, Says Ramkripal Yadav
Tamil Nadu elections: Assembly polls voter turnout shows anti-incumbency wave, claims AIADMK
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: With an astounding 84.69 percent voter turnout, Tamil Nadu made headlines during the Assembly elections. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan emphasized that this remarkable engagement suggests strong anti-incumbent feelings towards the DMK government. He commended the Election Commission for facilitating a smooth voting process.
Record Voter Turnout in Assembly Polls: West Bengal Phase I Hits 92.6%, Tamil Nadu Over 85%
West Bengal Phase-I hits 92.6% and Tamil Nadu crosses 85% voter turnout in Assembly elections 2026, marking the highest participation since Independence amid a spirited democratic exercise.
