Migration Poses Challenge To SIR Voter Verification In Udayagiri
The issue reflects a broader trend in Udayagiri constituency. According to MLA Kakarla Suresh, around 15 to 20 per cent of the constituency's population migrates to Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in search of employment.
Cauvery realisation by Tamil Nadu in June back to the usual deficit pattern
the State realised a little less than three thousand million cubic feet, as against the stipulated 9.19 tmc ft for the month
AIADMK faces fresh setback as senior leaders join TVK
Prominent AIADMK figures, including former ministers C Vijayabaskar and MR Vijayabhaskar, have defected to Chief Minister C Vijay Joseph's TVK, citing disillusionment with the current AIADMK leadership. TVK chief KA Sengottaiyan accused the AIADMK of betraying its workers by considering an alliance with the DMK. Meanwhile, DMK's Kanimozhi alluded to a 'washing machine' in Tamil Nadu capable of cleansing alleged corruption, referencing the Gutka scam.
Chennai Corporation fixes September 30 as deadline for road cuts by other service departments
The civic body requires all departments to conclude excavations by this date. It will authorise subsequent road cuts only after December. Work to restore major road cuts is already under way
Vijay to visit Karur on July 10, meet family of Sept 27 stampede victims: Anand
Congress vows to fight Mekedatu dam project
Two women sub-inspectors of Thirumullaivoyal station arrested while accepting bribe
Climate awareness through puppet shows, Parai, and panel discussions
TNRERA Imposes Graded Penalties on Misleading Real Estate Ads
Derogatory remarks: HC refuses to quash case against Ponmudi
Plaza built for people, claimed by everything else
T Nagars 40 crore dream has become a daily ordeal
As Mango Prices Crash, Vellore Farmers Seek Govt Protection
Farmers urge Tamil Nadu to match AP support, citing steep losses and market restrictions
Five more people taken into custody in TVK MLA poaching case
VAO held while accepting 5,000 bribe for patta transfer in Chengalpet
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Launches Departmental Review Meetings to Enhance Governance
Chennai, July 2: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay initiated a significant series of departmental review meetings on Thursday. The objective is to formulate both short-term and long-term governance strategies. Officials have been tasked with creating comprehensive action plans for each department, covering one, three, and five-year timelines. This review process, which will continue ... Read more Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Launches Departmental Review Meetings to Enhance Governance
Three arrested for stealing gold at Chennais Sowcarpet; 1.4kg bar recovered
Heres how new Tamil Nadu govt can help unorganized workers
Centres New Labour Codes Have Changed The Rules, But The Constitution Still Allows States To Enact Laws That Preserve Welfare Measures, Safety Provisions And Social Security
Coimbatore Grape Cultivation Plummets as Farmers Shift to Other Crops
Coimbatore, which used to have 200 grape growers, now has seven
VGPs failure to provide scuba dive footage costs it Rs 55,000
TVKs anti-graft plank under cloud after induction of ex-AIADMK ministers
ED Conducts Raids in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Over Dream Makers Global Money Laundering Case
Chennai, July 2: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Thursday that it has conducted searches at eight locations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as part of its investigation into Dream Makers Global Private Limited (DMGPL) for money laundering activities. The company is accused of running a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme and a Ponzi scheme, allegedly ... Read more ED Conducts Raids in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Over Dream Makers Global Money Laundering Case
Tasmac bars go out of govt control; stay open without licence
Bar Owners Say Tasmac HQ Sent Confirmation Stating Extension Of Licence Period
Balwaan Krishi expands South India operations with new hubs in Chennai, Visakhapatnam
In Tamil Nadu, the facility unlocks significant demand for power weeders, brush cutters, sprayers, water pumps and harvesting equipment
Tamil Nadu: CM Reviews Working Of Revenue And Cooperative Depts.
The meetings were attended by the Ministers connected to the functioning of the departments and the senior officers in charge of the departments
Businesses will be affected if TN doesnt get a new airport in five years: CII
If a new airport is not possible, the govt can also think about expanding the airport at Meenambakkam in Chennai to cater to the increasing traffic, according to CII southern region president P Ravichandran
Tamil Nadu govt. plans community-led ecotourism project in Rameswaram
The Wildlife Division, Ramanathapuram, has floated a Request for Proposal to appoint a consultant to prepare the DPR under the World Bank-assisted Tamil Nadu Sustainable Coastal Restoration project
Watch: Explained | Can religious conversion change your reservation status? | Focus Tamil Nadu
Can a change in religion affect reservation benefits? We explain the Madras High Courts ruling on Backward Class Muslim reservation, the Tamil Nadu governments appeal to the Supreme Court, and the key constitutional questions at the heart of this long-running legal dispute.
CII urges Tamil Nadu government to explore options for Chennai airport
Why Physical Education Is Becoming A Key Driver Of Attendance In Public Schools
This changing perspective is also beginning to influence education policy. Earlier this year, the Tamil Nadu government made Physical Education compulsory for students in Classes 6 to 12 across all schools in the state.
Whopping 1.2cr people watched Vijay's leaked 'Jana Nayagan': Police
The Chennai Police have revealed that a staggering 1.2 crore people watched the leaked version of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's film Jana Nayagan illegally.
Bars attached to Tasmac outlets down shutters across Tamil Nadu after licence expiry
A source in Tasmac says that the closure of bars could lead to a loss of 400 crore per month
Madras High Court Denies Relief to Former Minister Ponmudy in Controversial Remarks Case
Chennai, July 2: The Madras High Court has refused to intervene in the criminal proceedings against former Tamil Nadu minister and senior DMK leader K. Ponmudy. He faces allegations of making controversial remarks about Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and women. The court stated that the trial court can proceed with the private complaint against him. Justice GK ... Read more Madras High Court Denies Relief to Former Minister Ponmudy in Controversial Remarks Case
BJPs Vanathi Srinivasan objects to TVK leader flagging off government bus in Tenkasi district
The BJP leader urged the Tamil Nadu government to issue specific guidelines in this regard.
Vijays last film Jana Nayagan eyes July release
Chennai: If sources in the industry are to be believed, director H Vinoths eagerly awaited action entertainer Jana Nayagan, which also happens to be Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijays last film as an actor, may finally hit screens in July this year. Sources in the industry claim that the issue pertaining to receiving a clearance 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 .
Tamil Nadu maternal health improved post-pandemic, finds IIT Madras study
A study by IIT Madras, published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, found that TNs healthcare system did not merely recover from the pandemic, but emerged stronger
The Hindu Groups Chairman, Director call on Tamil Nadu CM Vijay
Chairman N. Murali congratulated the Chief Minister on the TVKs historic victory in the 2026 Assembly elections
Re-NEET UG result by July 20; academic session to begin on time: NTA official
New Delhi , July 2 : The result of the re-National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will be announced by July 20, a senior official at the NTA confirmed. The official did not provide an exact date but confirmed that the agency is working on a war footing to release the results soon. The official, however, assured that the academic year for MBBS students will not be delayed. The re-NEET was conducted on June 21 after the cancellation of the May 3 examination for over 20 lakh students over the alleged paper leak. We would not like to give out any date as of now, but the result will be out by July 20. Normally, the results are announced within 45 days of the examination, but this time, as we have conducted the exam in 37 days, we will announce the results much earlier, a senior NTA official told ANI during a telephonic interview. The NTA had released the provisional answer key on June 25, and candidates were given time till June 28 to challenge it. As per the official, around 10,000 challenges were received from aspirants. Now, the NTA is working to address the challenges submitted by aspirants. When asked how this process is carried out, the official said: We need to scan all the challenges one by one, examine the supporting evidence, and respond to each one of them. A fee of 200 is charged per question and is refunded if the student's challenge is found to be correct. The official also assured that, despite NEET being conducted again, the academic year will not be delayed, even though there is no clarity yet on the counselling process, which usually takes over one month. After the NEET-UG result is declared, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) releases the counselling schedule for the 15 per cent All India Quota (AIQ), AIIMS, JIPMER, central and deemed universities, while individual states announce separate schedules for their 85 per cent state quota seats. Last year, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released the NEET UG 2025 counselling schedule on July 12-13, 2025, about one week after the NEET UG result was declared. The notification announced that Round 1 registration would begin on July 21, 2025, giving candidates roughly eight days to prepare for counselling. In a normal NEET year, the first-year MBBS academic session usually starts in August or September, depending on how quickly counselling concludes. The official said that this year, too, the session will begin on time. Candidates register online, pay the required counselling fee, and fill in and lock their preferred choices of colleges and courses, following which seats are allotted based on NEET rank, category, reservation norms, preferences, and seat availability. Candidates allotted seats must report to the respective colleges for document verification and admission. The counselling is conducted in multiple rounds--typically Round 1, Round 2, a Mop-up Round, and a Stray Vacancy Round--to fill all available seats before the academic session begins. States like Tamil Nadu have already started preparatory admission processes, with their Medical Selection Committee opening applications pending the NEET result. (ANI)
Heavy Rainfall Alert for Coimbatore and Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, July 2: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in parts of western Tamil Nadu over the next two days. This weather pattern is influenced by a low-pressure area extending from southern Gujarat to Karnataka, which is expected to bring significant rainfall to Coimbatore and Nilgiri. According to the ... Read more Heavy Rainfall Alert for Coimbatore and Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu
Legal Action Against Former Tamil Nadu Ministers Brother for Alleged Bribery Attempt
Chennai, July 2: The Tamil Nadu police have filed a case against Ashok Kumar, the brother of former DMK minister and Coimbatore South MLA V. Senthil Balaji. He is accused of attempting to bribe a legislator from the ruling Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party with 35 crores to persuade him to switch parties. TVK MLA ... Read more Legal Action Against Former Tamil Nadu Ministers Brother for Alleged Bribery Attempt
From rural Tamil Nadu to Wall Street: Chef Vijay Kumar on ringing the Nasdaq closing bell
In this exclusive essay for The Hindu, Vijay Kumar, the chef behind New Yorks Michelin-starred Semma, reflects on his journey from a village near Natham in Tamil Nadu to global recognition, and what ringing the Nasdaq closing bell meant to him and the future of Tamil cuisine
The case for equitable development in Tamil Nadu should apply to airport too: Poovulagin Nanbargal
Supporters of the Parandur airport argue that if Chennai does not get a second airport by 2028, the city and its surrounding industrial regions may lose future growth opportunities
Tamil Nadu Government Denies Irrigation Water Release Amid Lower Bhavani Dam Water Levels
Erode, July 2: The Water Resources Department (WRD) has refused to release water for irrigation from the Kalingarayan and Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal systems. This decision comes due to critically low water levels in the Lower Bhavani Dam and insufficient inflow from catchment areas. The department stated that water will only be released for ... Read more Tamil Nadu Government Denies Irrigation Water Release Amid Lower Bhavani Dam Water Levels
Tamil Nadu Farmers Face Severe Losses Due to Lack of Rainfall
Coimbatore, July 2: Farmers in Vadamalai, located in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, are struggling to save their crops due to prolonged dry spells. Large sections of flowering plants in the Thondamuthur block have started to wither. Local farmers report that insufficient rainfall during the summer, followed by a weak southwest monsoon, has led to ... Read more Tamil Nadu Farmers Face Severe Losses Due to Lack of Rainfall
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay opposes Viksit Bharat Guarantee scheme, citing Rs 5,000 crore financial burden
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has voiced strong opposition to the Centre's Viksit Bharat Guarantee scheme, citing a potential Rs 5,000 crore financial strain and operational hurdles. He urged the Prime Minister to reconsider the fund-sharing pattern and allow states more flexibility in allocating resources, arguing the current centralized approach neglects regional diversity and unpredictable agricultural needs.
Alleged Plot To Topple Vijay Government Triggers Political Slugfest In Tamil Nadu
An FIR has now been filed against DMK MLA Senthil Balaji's brother Ashok for allegedly attempting to bribe TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja.
Chief Justices Bench admits the plea challenging Section 30 of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2019 and seeks State governments response
When a lending library takes its leave
With many first-time visitors discovering the branch only after hearing about its closure, there were regulars too on Wednesday
Umbrella atop chariot of Sri Narasimhar tilts during procession
Official sources in the temple said that it was a minor incident and that there was a slightly strong wind, which caused theumbrellato lose balance
Velachery residents seek cleaning of waterways ahead of heavy rain spells
Residents also sought the dredging of Adyar river mouth and removal of vegetation from Velachery Lake
T.N. is one of the leading States in voluntary blood donation: Health Minister
During 2025-2026, 9.53 lakh units of blood were collected through government and private blood banks
Tamil Nadu govt moves SC against Madras HC ban on cow slaughter
Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court, challenging a Madras High Court order that prohibited cow and calf slaughter entirely. The state argues the high court's blanket ban goes beyond existing laws, which only regulate animal slaughter, not prohibit it. The government contends the original plea sought only adherence to regulations and slaughter at authorized sites, not a complete prohibition.
Tamil Nadu govt moves SC against Madras HC ban on cow slaughter
Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court, challenging a Madras High Court order that prohibited cow and calf slaughter entirely. The state argues the high court's blanket ban goes beyond existing laws, which only regulate animal slaughter, not prohibit it. The government contends the original plea sought only adherence to regulations and slaughter at authorized sites, not a complete prohibition.
Hospital launches health and vax package for blood donors
Chennai metrorail ridership rebounds in June after school, colleges reopen
Co-education system in undergraduate courses launched in Pachaiyappas College
HC bins PIL moved by YouTuber against IPS officer
Metro Rail to build tunnel from Thirumayilai to Boat Club via Alwarpet in August
Two tunnel boring machines are being lowered and assembledat the Thirumayilai station as part of the work; tunnelling on the 2.2-km metro stretch was previously scheduled to begin in June
DGP launches T-shirt manufacturing unit at Puzhal prison
Three arrested for robbing jewellery shop employee
Widow threatened with sexual assault murders father-in-law
Arakkonam yard remodelling to reduce train delays
All services of Tamil Nadu Housing Board to shift online
Perambur to get new sports complex, hospital, food street
TN may face additional Rs 5,000 crore financial burden under VBGRAMG, Vijay tells PM
Three in Four Indian Youth Report Loneliness Despite Friendships, Survey Finds
Nilgiris Landslide Risk Data Disputed as GSI, Officials Debate Assessment
Is the Nilgiris safe from landslides? Officials Say High Risk Sites Down by 50%. Environmentalists Say Numbers Dont Add Up
Cut-off marks for Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions drop this year, 52 students get perfect score
Left leaders skip meeting of TVKs `friendly parties, call on Vijay
Tamil Nadu targets DIY births, pushes for criminal proceedings
Thamimun Ansari insists state to appeal in SC against verdict on converted Muslims
Forest staff provided with modern weapons and vehicles to enhance protection
Stage set for TVK-led political front, CM Vijay will announce name of front soon
DMK Calls for Investigation into Alleged Bribery of Legislators in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, July 1: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar to intervene in a case involving alleged bribery aimed at persuading two legislators from the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) to resign. The party has requested an investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). DMKs organizational secretary, ... Read more DMK Calls for Investigation into Alleged Bribery of Legislators in Tamil Nadu
Radical tender reforms in TN to improve participation, break cartels
Tenders Open To Youth, Women, SC/ST Individuals
Wheels India stays on investment path with 300-crore FY27 capex
Ambumani Launches Statewide Awareness March Against Mekedatu Project in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, July 1: PMK President Ambumani Ramadas initiated a statewide awareness march on Wednesday, starting from Billigundulu in Dharmapuri district to the historic town of Poompuhar. This march intensifies his partys campaign against the proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River. While flagging off the march, Ambumani labeled the project as a serious threat ... Read more Ambumani Launches Statewide Awareness March Against Mekedatu Project in Tamil Nadu
The court said the resorts functioned without proper authorisation and posed a threat to the ecological balance of the protected area.
3 arrested: DMK, TVK accuse each other of poaching
Four held for kidnapping bizman, say he defrauded them of nearly 8,000cr
DMK Demands FIR Against Alleged Unauthorized Access in Tamil Nadu Cabinet Meetings
Chennai, July 1: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has called for criminal action against two alleged close associates of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The party has urged the states Director General of Police (DGP) to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding their purported involvement in cabinet meetings and other confidential government ... Read more DMK Demands FIR Against Alleged Unauthorized Access in Tamil Nadu Cabinet Meetings
Anbumani Ramadoss calls for pro-jallikattu type protests against Karnatakas Mekedatu dam move
Anbumani launched a public awareness march from Biligundlu -- the entry point of the Cauvery river in Tamil Nadu -- to highlight what he said were the dangers posed by Karnatakas move to construct a dam at Mekedatu.
Vels Medical College & Hospital , a constituent institution of Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), successfully organized MED-AI Summit 2026 – Innovation to Impact, an International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, from 25 to 27 June 2026 at its campus in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, inaugurates MED-AI Summit 2026 at VMCH along with Dr. Sujoy Kar Held under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder & Chancellor, VISTAS, the three-day international summit brought together leading clinicians, medical researchers, academicians, healthcare professionals, AI experts, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and abroad to explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of healthcare. The conference served as a global knowledge-sharing platform, focusing on AI-powered diagnostics, digital healthcare, predictive analytics, clinical decision support systems, precision medicine, intelligent medical education, biomedical research, and next-gzzeneration healthcare technologies. Through keynote lectures, scientific sessions, panel discussions, workshops, oral presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities, participants gained valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-enabled healthcare. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President – Vels Group of Institutions, with Dr. Sujoy Kar, Chief Medical Information Officer & Vice President, Apollo Hospitals, serving as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sujoy Kar, Chief Medical Information Officer & Vice President, Apollo Hospitals, appreciated the visionary initiatives of Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder & Chancellor, VISTAS, particularly the institution's commitment to providing free medical treatment to nearly 200 villagers in the surrounding communities through its healthcare outreach programmes. Emphasizing the future of medicine, Dr. Kar remarked that " Doctors must lead Artificial Intelligence, not be led by it ." He urged young medical professionals to learn both the language of medicine and the language of AI, enabling them to harness technology responsibly for better patient care. He further encouraged students and faculty to devote more time to active research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, stating that research will be the driving force behind the next generation of healthcare advancements. Expressing his enthusiasm for future collaborations, Dr. Kar said, " Apollo Hospitals looks forward to working closely with VELS. Together, we can strengthen research, innovation, and AI-driven healthcare for the benefit of society ." Distinguished dignitaries present included Dr. S. Asokan, Chief Executive Officer, GEM Hospitals, Chennai; Dr. Kumudha Lingaraj, Dean, Vels Medical College & Hospital; Dr. Prince J. Samuel, Vice Principal (Academics); Dr. Maignana Kumar, Vice Principal (Accreditations); and Dr. Vijayashree R., Professor & Head, Department of Pathology and Organizing Chairperson, MED-AI Summit 2026. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and delegates representing premier institutions across the country. Adding significant international value to the summit were globally acclaimed experts including Dr. Waqar M. Naqvi, Founder & Research Lead, AD Vivum Education & Research, Doha, Qatar, and Dr. Priyah Prathaban, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Malaysia. The conference also featured an impressive lineup of distinguished national experts including Dr. T. V. Geetha (Anna University, Chennai), Dr. Kalavathy Moses S. (SIMS Hospital, Chennai), Dr. C. N. Srinivas (Sukraa Software Solutions), Dr. Madhuvanthi Mohan (Rajan Eye Care, Chennai), Dr. S. Asokan (GEM Hospitals), Dr. Sudha Jasmine Rajan (Christian Medical College, Vellore), Dr. D. C. Mathangi (Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai), Dr. S. Rajendiran (Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar), and Mr. Venkata Phanidhar Nelluri, who shared their expertise on AI applications in surgery, pathology, ophthalmology, laboratory medicine, medical education, biomedical research, and critical care. The summit witnessed exceptional participation throughout all three days. The pre-conference hands-on workshops conducted on 25 June 2026 attracted 333 participants across seven clinical departments, highlighting the growing interest in AI-driven clinical learning. The scientific conference held on 26 and 27 June 2026 recorded 447 delegates each day, comprising faculty members, undergraduate and postgraduate students, clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives from leading medical colleges, hospitals, universities, and research institutions across India. MED-AI Summit 2026 featured seven pre-conference workshops, nine scientific sessions, the prestigious Velan Oration Lecture, oral and poster presentations, award-winning research paper sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative networking opportunities, making it one of the most comprehensive AI-focused healthcare conferences hosted by a medical institution in the region. During the conference, speakers emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern medicine by improving diagnostic accuracy, strengthening clinical decision-making, enhancing patient outcomes, accelerating medical research, and transforming healthcare delivery. They also underscored the importance of ethical, responsible, and evidence-based integration of AI technologies to complement clinical expertise while maintaining patient safety and trust. Speaking about the significance of the summit, the organizers reiterated that Vels Medical College & Hospital remains committed to creating an ecosystem that promotes innovation, interdisciplinary research, technology-enabled medical education, and collaborative healthcare solutions. The institution continues to invest in academic excellence while preparing future healthcare professionals to lead in the era of digital medicine and Artificial Intelligence. MED-AI Summit 2026 stands as yet another milestone in the journey of Vels Medical College & Hospital towards becoming a nationally and internationally recognized centre for medical education, clinical excellence, healthcare innovation, and cutting-edge research. By bringing together globally renowned experts, leading academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and industry pioneers, the summit has strengthened Vels Medical College & Hospital's reputation as a destination for transformative medical learning and AI-driven healthcare innovation, paving the way for future collaborations that will shape the next generation of intelligent heaalthcare. velsmedicalcollege.com .
Tamil Nadu: Former Ministers C Vijayabaskar, MR Vijayabaskar to join TVK on July 2
Senior AIADMK leaders and former Tamil Nadu Ministers C Vijayabaskar and MR Vijayabaskar announced that they will be joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on July 2, marking a significant political development in the state's evolving political landscape.
Under VB-G RAM-G scheme, which comes into force with effect from July 1, the States contribution has been increased to 40%. The Centre reducing its contribution for the Centrally-sponsored programmes will lead to fiscal strain on Tamil Nadu, he said.
The current two-year licences were issued in January 2024. Although they were due to expire in January this year, they were extended until the end of June in view of the assembly elections.
