India To Be Second Country To Operate Commercial Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor: Dr Jitendra
NEW DELHI, Apr 27 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that after Russia, India will be the second country in the world operating a commercial-level fast breeder reactor. Delivering keynote address at a workshop of MPs and MLAs, on Small Modular Reactors the Minister elaborated that India has achieved a significant milestone by developing an indigenously designed 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, which achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026. Developed by [] The post India To Be Second Country To Operate Commercial Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Last week all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 (of 294) constituencies in West Bengal went to polls with both the States showing an all-time high voter turnout (also due to SIR); AAP suffered a setback with 7 Rajya Sabha MPs quit to join the BJP. Here are the graphics on last weeks important developments.
Tamil Nadu Elections: A Multi-Party Contest Makes Results Unpredictable
Chennai, April 27: The Tamil Nadu elections have sparked a competitive atmosphere, with all parties claiming victory. However, the presence of four major parties has made it challenging to predict the outcomes. The Election Commission announced the elections on March 15 for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting ... Read more Tamil Nadu Elections: A Multi-Party Contest Makes Results Unpredictable
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Model booths in Tiruchi impress voters across age groups
Persons with disabilities and senior citizens were allowed to enter the booth on priority to ensure that they were able to vote comfortably.
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Voters, poll officials brave searing heat on polling day
Music composer James Vasanthans car vandalised in Chennai; probe on
Music composer James Vasanthan's car was vandalized in Chennai's Kottivakkam area on April 26. He discovered the shattered window glass after returning from a restaurant meal. Vasanthan shared a video of the damaged vehicle on social media, questioning if it was random mischief or a targeted attack.
From stinky toilets to inadequate ventilation, polling staff continued their work amid the poorly maintained conditions at some of the polling centres in south Chennai
Madras High Court dismisses second assets case against Vijay over election affidavit
The Madras High Court has dismissed the second petition filed against Vijay questioning the assets declared by him in his election nomination papers for the Perambur Assembly constituency in this years Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
Madras High Court Dismisses Petition for Investigation into Vijays Election Affidavit
Chennai, April 27: The Madras High Court has dismissed a significant petition seeking an investigation into the financial details provided in the election affidavit of actor-politician Joseph Vijay. This case is linked to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where Vijay is contesting for the first time. The petition was filed by M.P. Venkatesh, a ... Read more Madras High Court Dismisses Petition for Investigation into Vijays Election Affidavit
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Business houses in Tamil Nadu pause for polling
IT firms and parks along the OMR corridor wore a deserted look on election day
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Cash and liquor worth 27.31 lakh seized in 24-hour drive in Coimbatore
No seizures were reported in Kavundampalayam, Coimbatore North, Thondamuthur, Singanallur, Kinathukkadavu and Pollachi constituencies.
Madras HC rejects fresh plea against Vijay over election affidavit disclosures
The Madras High Court has rejected a fresh plea filed against actor-turned-politician Vijay over the discrepancies in his election affidavit disclosures. Vijay was contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Perambur and Tiruchi East
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Highest ever 88.56% voter turnout recorded in Tiruppur district
There were eight pink police stations entirely managed by women officials and green polling stations promoting eco-friendly practices.
Tamil Nadu election 2026: Despite heat, senior citizens step out to vote in large numbers
Madurais Chithirai Festival Begins with Tight Security Measures
Madurai, April 27: The renowned Chithirai Festival has commenced in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. In light of the celebrations, strict security measures have been implemented, along with extensive traffic restrictions. A large influx of devotees is expected to participate in the main rituals over the next three days. According to police, comprehensive crowd management strategies have ... Read more Madurais Chithirai Festival Begins with Tight Security Measures
For Dalit History Month, we spotlight those from dalit households who have overcome barriers, showing how a single breakthrough in a family or neighbourhood can build pride and change futures
BJP staring at electoral losses in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala: Farooq Abdullah
The results would reflect the peoples mandate against divisive politics, said Mr. Abdullah
IMD Warning : Heavy Rain Alert for Western Tamil Nadu Till May 2
Chennai, April 27 (Udaipur Kiran): The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a forecast of heavy rainfall in parts of western Tamil Nadu, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Erode, starting Friday, with conditions likely to persist for at least three days. According to the weather bulletin, a low-pressure system prevailing over Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions is ... Read more IMD Warning : Heavy Rain Alert for Western Tamil Nadu Till May 2
Heavy rain alert for western Tamil Nadu; strong winds till May 2
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in western Tamil Nadu, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Erode, with widespread showers expected across the state till May 2. Strong winds up to 40 kmph and localised disruptions are likely, prompting caution in vulnerable areas
Impact of Middle East Crisis: Coconut Exports from Pollachi Halted Due to Shipping Disruptions
Coimbatore, April 27: The ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in maritime routes have severely affected the export of raw coconuts from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. For the past two months, shipments to major international markets have nearly come to a standstill. Traders are increasingly worried about rising freight costs and significant delays in ... Read more Impact of Middle East Crisis: Coconut Exports from Pollachi Halted Due to Shipping Disruptions
Inside 'Karuppu' star Trishas cozy pre-birthday bash
Actress Trisha Krishnan kicked off her birthday celebrations early, sparking fan speculation. Her pre-birthday bash with close friends, held before May 4, coincides with Tamil Nadu's election results. This has fueled theories that she's keeping her actual birthday free for potential political victory celebrations, possibly linked to her bond with actor Vijay.
Tamil Nadu shocker: 74-year-old beaten to death for refusing to read LED board on MTC bus
In a disturbing turn of events on a Chennai MTC bus, a 25-year-old named Amarnath allegedly took matters into his own hands, fatally attacking 74-year-old Chandrasekaran over a disagreement about reading bus route names. Witnesses report that the confrontation spiraled out of control, culminating in violence. Other passengers quickly stepped in to restrain Amarnath until authorities arrived.
Tasmac pilots dual-scan buyback scheme in Cuddalore, Kovai
Summer camps turn high-tech this year as robotics, AI keep students engaged
App launched for analysing Nilgiri Tahr population data
Two people die in separate accidents in Tambaram
Youths stab woman who foiled their bid to steal bike in Ennore
ECR widening 85% done; two months for completion
As voters return, traffic cops monitor citys choke points
Madras univ to launch online BCom & BBA programmes
Six youths from Tamil Nadu in custody for dacoity in Bengaluru
Chennai emerges as nerve centre of Renaults global strategy
Despite high prices, crowds flock to Kasimedu to buy fish
Vanjaram, that was selling at 800 a kg before the ban, was sold at 1,200 a kg. Paarai that was available at 530/kg was sold at 950/kg, and nethili which was sold at 370/kg was sold at 600/kg, said a trader
Gridlock at Hasthinapuram bus stand junction due to shopfront encroachments
Encroachments by shops and haphazard parking continue to choke Hasthinapuram bus stand junction, a key link to GST Road
Sustainable growth matters more than headline numbers: N Kamakodi
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
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
On April 27, isolated places over the Western Ghat districts, Delta districts and South Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal area are likely to get light to moderate rains.
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.
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
Anna univ mandates 10-digit ID no. for engineering staff to prevent fake faculty
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
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
Elderly couple murdered in Tamil Nadus Kalrayan Hills
The crime came to light after the elderly couple, identified as Ramasamy, 70, and his wife R Ponammal, 65, did not come out of their house on Friday for a long time.
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.
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 .
Election Commission Completes Verification in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, No Re-Polling Recommended
New Delhi, April 25: The Election Commission of India has successfully conducted the assembly elections in the first phase of West Bengal and across Tamil Nadu. On Saturday, the Commission announced that after reviewing Form 17A and other documents, no recommendations for re-polling were made at any polling station. The Commission confirmed that the verification ... Read more Election Commission Completes Verification in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, No Re-Polling Recommended
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 .
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
'LIK' BO day 15: Sci-fi rom-com adds Rs 44 lakh
Pradeep Ranganathan's intriguing sci-fi romance, 'Love Insurance Kompany', continues to charm audiences in theaters, amassing Rs 44 lakh in its 15th day run across Tamil Nadu.
L&T enters industrial electronics with production in Coimbatore
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
14,508 bus services announced after widespread chaos at terminuses
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
