Tamil Nadu

The Ministry of Education released the ninth edition of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 on August 12, 2024. Tamil Nadu’s pharmacy colleges performed exceptionally well, with JSS College of Pharmacy leading in the state. Known for its affordable fees, research-driven approach, and comprehensive curriculum, Tamil Nadu offers an ideal environment for students pursuing a career in pharmacy.

A second-year nursing student from Kerala was found near Dindigul railway station after allegedly being kidnapped and sexually assaulted by an unidentified gang in Theni. The student, studying at a private nursing college, was abducted from a bus stop. Police have initiated an investigation, forming special teams to examine CCTV footage and mobile phone data.

Ravichandran Ashwin scored an unbeaten 102 off 112 balls, helping India recover from a challenging position. His improved power-hitting was evident, influenced by his recent participation in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Ashwin also credited teammate Ravindra Jadeja for supporting him through the innings, making it a special occasion with family and friends present.

Ford has confirmed its return to Tamil Nadu by submitting a Letter of Intent to the state government. The company will repurpose its Chennai plant for export manufacturing as part of the Ford+ growth plan. This decision follows meetings between Ford leaders and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin during his US tour, aiming to leverage local expertise.

Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi embarked on an official visit to Nagapattinam district, attending various events and paying homage to freedom fighters. He will be the chief guest at the 9th convocation ceremony of Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University. Ravi paid floral tributes at the Salt Satyagraha memorial in Vedarayam and is staying in Velankanni.

In Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, around 100 Samsung Electronics employees were detained by police while planning a march to the district collector’s office. The workers at the Sunguvarchatram plant have been on strike for a week seeking union recognition and better wages. Despite conciliatory talks and intervention by Tamil Nadu's labour minister, no agreement has been reached.

Coimbatore police shot I Alwin, a notorious rowdy, in the knees after he attacked an officer with a knife during an arrest attempt at Codissia Ground. Alwin was wanted for a murder case and had failed to appear in court. He was injured and taken to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Tamil Nadu has experienced a surge in organ donations and cadaver transplants, thanks to strategic efforts by the state organ transplant network. Honour walks for donors have heightened awareness and support. Government and private hospitals have actively participated, leading to a significant rise in various types of transplants this year.

Tamil Nadu has opted for Coimbatore and Salem as their home venues for the Ranji Trophy group stage, excluding Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium due to fixture congestion and potential monsoon rains. The Sri Ramakrishna College Ground in Coimbatore will host two matches, while the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground will hold one game.

Relatives and friends of Puzhal Central Prison inmates are using innovative methods to smuggle drugs. Recent incidents revealed drug tablets concealed in date seeds and a ganja sachet stitched into trousers. Authorities have registered cases against those involved, including Balaji, Dinesh Kumar, Karthikeyan, and Praveen, as investigations continue.

Several prominent clubs and institutions in Chennai, including the Madras Race Club and Cosmopolitan Club, owe a combined total of 1,247 crore to the Tamil Nadu government. The Commissioner of Land Administration has detailed these dues, with Madras Race Club alone owing 812.5 crore. Other notable defaulters include Tamil Nadu Golf Club and Seafarer's Club.

The Tamil Nadu government organized a video conference with college principals to address the rise in sexual assaults and drug issues. Discussions focused on improving campus lighting, enhancing security protocols, forming internal complaints' committees, installing CCTV cameras, and reviving anti-drug clubs. Regular audits and quarterly reviews were mandated for ensuring student safety.

Chittoor district reports a rise in tusker deaths, alarming the forest department. A six-year-old tusker was recently found dead near Talakona forests, and another died after biting a country bomb. Human-animal conflicts are increasing, prompting efforts to protect and revive the elephant population through long-term measures.

A man from Chhattisgarh died while traveling on a government bus nearing Chennai. The bus crew abandoned his body and relatives on a desolate highway, fearing legal trouble. Public outrage brought attention to the incident, resulting in the driver's dismissal and conductor's suspension for failing to notify authorities.

Girls at a government-run home in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, experienced sexual harassment by male counsellor Sathya Prakash, who was arrested under the Pocso Act. Employed since 2021 despite regulations requiring female staff only, Prakash coerced and abused the girls while local authorities ignored their complaints.