Page 2 - Tamil Nadu

TN CM announces special fund of ₹2,000 to 3.7 mn marginalised beneficiaries

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday announced that his government has credited a special fund of Rs 2,000 to the bank accounts of 37.79 lakh people from the marginalised sections of society. Responding to requests for additional support for the elderly, widows, aged transgenders and persons with disabilities, today the government has provided Rs 2,000 over and above their existing monthly pensions, Stalin said in a social media post. He noted that the move is aimed at alleviating the financial hardships of those living on the margins. The current round of funding follows the distribution of a Rs 2,000 special summer package provided for women in February under the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme, which triggered several requests from vulnerable groups for similar support. According to CM, the government has transferred the special assistance package of Rs 3,200 to 29.29 lakh beneficiaries comprising senior citizens and widows, who were receiving benefits under

Permit 5 people named for prayers atop Tirupparankundram hill: HC to govt

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has suggested to the administration to permit five persons named by the court to offer symbolic prayers for 15 minutes near the stone pillar atop the Tirupparankundram hill. Hearing a contempt petition filed for non-compliance of an earlier direction on lighting Karthigai Deepam atop the Deepathoon, the court said the symbolic prayers (not lighting the lamp) could be allowed if the government wanted to show respect to the earlier orders of the court. Also, the Bench comprising Justice G R Swaminathan remarked that state Minerals and Mines Minister S Regupathy had "given a mischievous political spin" to the Tirupparankundram issue when he stated that the government would not permit the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon (stone pillar). Madurai collector K J Praveen Kumar had filed an additional affidavit stating that he promulgated the prohibition orders on December 1, 2025, in order to prevent law and order situation and not

Poll season potboiler in TN: Panneerselvam's crossover adds new complexity

O Panneerselvam's crossover adds new complexity to a finely poised electoral battle shaped by shifting alliances and Vijay adding a new variable

PM Modi inaugurates ₹4,400 crore infrastructure projects in Madurai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore and laid foundation stone for four-laning of MarakkanamPuducherry section and ParamakudiRamanathapuram section of key NH routes. He inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations in Tamil Nadu and dedicated to the nation Chennai BeachChennai Egmore 4th Line. Earlier, he arrived here from neighbouring Puducherry and was accorded a rousing reception. He is scheduled to visit the Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy temple in Tirupparankundram at around 4 pm and offer his worship.

PM Modi launches developement projects worth over ₹2,700 cr in Puducherry

The stage is all set for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate a series of government initiatives in Tamil Nadu's Madurai and Puducherry on Sunday. He would also visit the Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy temple in Tirupparankundram, Madurai, in the evening and offer prayers. The Prime Minister, who arrived here on Saturday night, was received by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Union Minister L Murugan, state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, BJP state president Nainar Nagendran, senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan and other functionaries at the airport. He later left for the Lok Bhavan here for a night's halt. During his visit to Puducherry, the PM will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore. These projects are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, urban services, industrial development, education, healthcare, and sustainable growth. In Madurai, he will ..

VOC Port to invest ₹15,000 crore in Outer Harbour transhipment hub project

VO Chidambaranar Port will invest Rs 15,000 crore in its ambitious Outer Harbour project, which aims to increase overall cargo handling capacity and position Tamil Nadu as a major transhipment hub of southern India, a top executive has said. The investment is in addition to the Rs 1,500 crore capex, which has been set aside to upgrade port infrastructure, along with clean projects and deployment of new-age technologies, VOC Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit told PTI in an interview. VO Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) is one of the major ports in India, located at Tuticorin in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, with an annual cargo handling capacity of 82 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). It is also one of the oldest operational ports, with trade links dating back to 123 AD. Sharing future growth plans, Purohit said, "Outer Harbour is our ambitious project, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the maritime sector. Our ministry aims to make VOC Port a major

Maruti Suzuki commissions 7 automated driving test tracks in Tamil Nadu

Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said it has partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to commission seven automated driving test tracks in the state. The initiative is part of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between Maruti Suzuki and the Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to automate a total of ten driving test tracks across the state. The company said with the latest addition, it has automated all ten automated driving test tracks (ADTTs) in the state. "Equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced analytics, these ADTTs enable a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent assessment process. It eliminates any human bias and ensures that only skilled drivers are awarded a license," Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer Corporate Affairs Rahul Bharti said in a statement. According to data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, India witnessed 1.77 lakh road accident deaths in 2024, he noted. Promoting disciplined driving practices and ensuring

Decision will be taken on plea to hold single phase polls in TN: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday said parties in Tamil Nadu have suggested holding Assembly polls in a single phase and a decision on it would be taken after considering all the factors. The Election Commission's decision over 'phases for polls' will be known once the election schedule is announced, he said addressing a press conference here. On the recently concluded SIR of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, he lauded it as a model for country and a great success. The top poll official assured amenities in 75,000 polling stations across the state. On the vote counting exercise, he said that mandatory VVPAT counting shall take place and even after counting is over, any candidate, on fee payment, can match EVM with VVPAT during next 7 days. Amongst the new initiatives, one major was that postal ballots will be counted 2 rounds before the EVM rounds.

Expelled AIADMK leader, 3-time Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam joins DMK

OPS, who had functioned as AIADMK Treasurer and also held the erstwhile top position of party coordinator, joined the DMK along with his son, P Ravindhranath Kumar and supporters

Home ministry allots 50 companies of CAPF to poll-bound Tamil Nadu

The Ministry of Home Affairs has allotted an initial 50 companies of the CAPF to Tamil Nadu as a proactive security measure ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said the initial batch of 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) would be inducted on March 10, 2026. "50 companies of the CAPF have been initially allotted to Tamil Nadu by Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for area domination, confidence-building measures in connection with the General Elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly," an official release from the Chief Electoral Officer said on Tuesday. The Assembly elections are expected to be held in April 2026 to elect all 234 members of the Legislative Assembly in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry.

PM Modi pays tributes to Jayalalithaa, hails her welfare work for TN women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid glowing tribute to late chief minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa, whose birth anniversary falls two days later, saying she lives in the hearts of people for her efforts towards the welfare of women and maintenance of law and order. In his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, Modi said just a mention of "Amma" -- as Jayalalithaa was often called -- brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu. In India, those who have worked for the welfare of society, those who have prioritised the public in their noble deeds, always remain in the hearts of the people, the prime minister said, paying tributes to the AIADMK leader ahead of her birth anniversary on February 24. Jayalalithaa was one such popular leader, Modi said, adding that he still feels the deep affection the people of Tamil Nadu had for her when he visits the state. Modi said the country's 'Nari Shakti's' connection with her has been even more special due to her commendabl

Stalin inaugurates Phase 2 of Pinnacle Infotech Centre in Madurai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday inaugurated the Phase 2 of Global Engineering Centre of Excellence of Pinnacle Infotech here. The Chief Minister, on the occasion, also laid the foundation stone for a dedicated employee housing facility, Guidance, the state government-backed investment promotion agency, said. The expansion would see an addition of 1.60 lakh sq ft of advanced workspace and recruitment of 2,000 professionals, taking the overall capacity to 4,000 people, a press release said. "In a significant milestone for Tamil Nadu's expanding global engineering ecosystem, Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated Phase 2 of Pinnacle Infotech's Global Engineering Centre of Excellence and laid the foundation stone for a dedicated employee housing facility," the release said on Saturday. The expansion of Pinnacle Infotech reflects the State's continued emergence as a global destination for engineering innovation and digital construction excellence. "With Phase II the com

TVK rules out alliance with BJP, alleges Centre pressure, CBI action

On alliances, Raj said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had announced that talks would begin on the February 22, but the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMK) joined earlier than expected

EC to visit TN, Puducherry from Feb 25 to 27 to assess poll preparedness

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, will visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from February 25 to 27 to assess poll preparedness in the state and the Union territory where assembly elections are likely to be held in April. Besides Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, assembly polls are due in Assam, Kerala and West Bengal. The Election Commission (EC) visited Assam this week to assess poll preparedness. CEC Kumar told reporters in Guwahati that the EC would finalise the poll schedule for the northeastern state keeping in mind the festival of Bihu, which falls on April 14. It is usual for the EC to visit states where polls are due before announcing the election schedule. The terms of the five assemblies end on different dates in May and June. While the five-year term of the Puducherry Assembly ends on June 15, the terms of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal assemblies end on May 20, 23, 10 and 7, respectively. Last time, assembly polls in West

NMMS result 2026: TN scholarship results released; check complete list

SCERTs and education boards are declaring the NMMS exams results 2025-26. The results are out on different dates for multiple states. The TN and Gujarat results were recently announced

Tamil Nadu earmarks ₹47,248 crore for Agriculture in interim FY27 Budget

The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked Rs 47,248 crore for the Agriculture Department in the Interim Budget for 202627, and welfare schemes for farmers will continue, Minister MRK Panneerselvam said on Tuesday. In 202526, the government had allocated Rs 45,661 crore, he said while presenting the Agriculture Budget in the State Assembly. The ruling DMK government, after assuming office in May 2021, introduced a separate Agriculture Budget for 202122. Panneerselvam said that, based on inputs received from various stakeholders, a total allocation of Rs 1.94 lakh crore has been made for the agriculture and allied sectors over the last five Agriculture Budgets. "As the agriculture sector forms the foundation of Tamil Nadu's economic growth, this government is making sustained and determined efforts to modernise the sector, enhance farmers' incomes, increase production and productivity, and ensure food and nutritional security," he said. The state minister for agriculture and Farmers'

FM tables Interim Budget, accuses Centre of 'unfairly' treating Tamil Nadu

Presenting the Interim Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu on Tuesday said the union government appears to leave no stone unturned to artificially precipitate a fiscal crisis in Tamil Nadu. Making Budgetary allocations and explaining the flagship schemes of the government and its impact, the Minister said in a federal polity, there were several instances in the past where states had been unfairly treated by the union government. He further said: "However, I firmly believe that the extent of challenges faced by this government is unprecedented. In every field, be it denial of sanction of major infrastructure projects for Tamil Nadu, withholding of release of funds for centrally sponsored schemes, curtailment of tax revenues without due consultation, or unfair imposition of conditions to mandate expenditure, the union government appears to leave no stone unturned to artificially precipitate a fiscal crisis in Tamil Nadu." He listed the ...

TN signs MoUs for ₹5900 cr investment in semiconductor, aerospace sectors

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Japanese electronics major MinebeaMitsumi and Bengaluru-based Aequs Group, involving a combined investment of Rs 5,980 crore. The agreements, signed in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin at the Secretariat, here, are expected to generate employment for 8,400 people across the semiconductor and aerospace sectors, an official release said. NMB Minebea India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Japan's MinebeaMitsumi, has committed an investment of Rs 1,980 crore to establish a manufacturing and research and development centre in Tiruvallur district. The facility, to be located at the Mahindra Origins Industrial Park, will focus on a complete manufacturing ecosystem for high-value semiconductors, including Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) and Integrated Circuits (IC), as well as motors and sensors. This project is slated to create 1,400 jobs, with more than 40 per cent of the role

Maximum professors hired in TN followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat: UGC data

Tamil Nadu is leading the way in hiring professors of practice (industry experts) in its Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat, according to UGC data. Professors of practice (PoP) are distinguished industry experts and professionals appointed by HEIs to teach, mentor and bring real-world experience into the classroom, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2022 released guidelines to hire PoPs to inject professional acumen into classroom environments. The position is strictly temporary and does not displace sanctioned posts. Eligibility demands a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience - ideally in senior positions. According to the data, 1,841 PoPs have been hired by 349 HEIs so far, the maximum of them being in Tamil Nadu (395). While 193 PoPs have been hired in Maharashtra (193), Gujarat and Karnataka have appointed 179 and 170 professionals, respectively. Leading the way in hiring

KLA Corporation signs MoU with Tamil Nadu for ₹3,600 crore R&D campus

Semiconductor major to invest up to $400 million over 10 years in Chennai innovation hub, expected to generate 4,000 jobs and boost AI-led chip research