Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettelarrived in India on Monday for a three-day official visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Bettel will be in India from September 7 to 9, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. 

The visit comes as India and Luxembourg continue to expand cooperation across areas including trade and investment, financial services, digital technologies, innovation, space and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar and Bettel had also held discussions earlier this year on the broader India-Luxembourg relationship. 

Bettel to Hold Talks With Jaishankar

The Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister is expected to meet Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday as part of his official engagements.

The discussions are likely to provide an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments. The MEA has identified the visit as part of continuing high-level engagement between India and Luxembourg. 

The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1948, with their relationship developing beyond traditional political engagement into areas such as commerce, investment and emerging technologies.

Chennai Visit on the Agenda

After his New Delhi engagements, Bettel will travel to Chennai, where he is scheduled to participate in programmes involving IIT Madras and its Research Park.

He is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of a new SES campus in Chennai. SES, a Luxembourg-headquartered satellite communications company, has an established presence in the global space and connectivity sector.

The Chennai leg is expected to highlight the technology and innovation dimensions of India-Luxembourg cooperation. 

Focus on Trade, Investment and Technology

Bettel's visit comes amid wider efforts to deepen India's economic and strategic engagement with European countries.

India and Luxembourg have discussed cooperation in areas including finance, investment, digital technologies, innovation and space. During Jaishankar's visit to Luxembourg in January 2026, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

The two countries' engagement also takes place against the backdrop of India's broader push to strengthen economic partnerships across Europe.

Luxembourg's Role in India's European Engagement

Luxembourg is a small European country but has an important financial-services sector and is home to several international businesses and institutions.

For India, engagement with Luxembourg provides opportunities to expand cooperation in financial services, investment, technology and space-related activities.

Bettel's current visit therefore has both diplomatic and economic significance, particularly as New Delhi continues to strengthen ties with European partners.

Three-Day Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

The September 7–9 visit combines political discussions in New Delhi with technology and business-related engagements in Chennai.

The immediate focus will be on Bettel's talks with Jaishankar and the outcomes of their discussions on bilateral cooperation. His Chennai engagements are expected to further underline the growing role of technology, research and space-related collaboration in India-Luxembourg relations.

The visit is the latest in a series of high-level contacts between the two countries and comes at a time when India is seeking deeper partnerships with European economies in trade, investment and emerging technologies.

East Zone reached 133/2 at lunch on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, elected to bat first after winning the toss, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran opening the innings. 

The morning session belonged largely to the East Zone openers, who put South Zone under pressure with an attacking start. Sooryavanshi continued his impressive run in the tournament before falling for 44 off 37 balls. His innings included five fours and one six.

Sooryavanshi misses out on another half-century

The 15-year-old batter once again showed his aggressive approach in red-ball cricket. Sooryavanshi had already made headlines in the semifinal against Central Zone, scoring 92 off 81 balls in the first innings and 40 in the second.

His 92 also made him the youngest batter to score a fifty in Duleep Trophy history. 

Against South Zone, however, he could not convert his fast start into another major score. His dismissal left East Zone with two wickets down before the lunch interval.

Easwaran scores 72

Abhimanyu Easwaran provided the other major contribution at the top of the order. The experienced opener scored 72 before being dismissed, giving East Zone a strong platform in the first session.

Easwaran's innings was particularly important after the opening pair had established a century partnership. The combination of his controlled batting and Sooryavanshi's attacking strokeplay helped East Zone maintain a healthy scoring rate.

Shami reaches 100 first-class matches

The final is also a landmark occasion for Mohammed Shami, who is making his 100th first-class appearance for East Zone.

The veteran fast bowler entered the match with 99 first-class games and 382 wickets. He had also played an important role in East Zone's semifinal victory over defending champions Central Zone, taking five wickets across the two innings. 

Ahead of the milestone, the Cricket Association of Bengal honoured Shami with a special No. 100 jersey signed by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, along with a signed cricket ball and silver plaque. Shami also cut a cake to mark the occasion.

East Zone eye strong first innings

East Zone's place in the final came after a four-wicket victory over Central Zone in the semifinal. South Zone, meanwhile, defeated North Zone by seven wickets to book their place in the title clash. 

The final is being played over five days in Chennai, with both teams looking to finish the domestic first-class tournament with the Duleep Trophy title.

For East Zone, the early contributions from Sooryavanshi and Easwaran have provided a solid start, while the middle order will now be tasked with converting that platform into a substantial first-innings total.

South Zone will look to make early inroads after lunch, with the likes of Mohammed Siraj leading their bowling attack and captain Tilak Varma overseeing the side. The final also provides an opportunity for several players to strengthen their claims for future India A selection. 

Chennai: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government on Wednesday presented its first State Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, outlining a roadmap centred on welfare, transparency, education and fiscal reforms. Presenting the Budget, Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson praised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for introducing administrative reforms aimed at improving transparency in governance, particularly in the tendering process.

During his Budget speech, Wilson said the government had taken significant steps to eliminate alleged irregularities in public contracts and ensure that government revenue reaches the state treasury without leakages. He described transparency in tender allocation as one of the major administrative reforms initiated by the new government.

The Finance Minister also acknowledged the financial challenges inherited by the administration and said the government is working towards strengthening the state's economy. Earlier, the TVK government had released a white paper stating that Tamil Nadu's outstanding debt stood at nearly ₹10 lakh crore. According to Wilson, the Budget has been prepared with an emphasis on financial discipline while continuing welfare programmes.

One of the major announcements was the allocation of more than ₹1,300 crore for two flagship gold assistance schemes promised by the TVK during the Assembly elections. The government has earmarked ₹812 crore for the Gold Coin and Silk Saree Scheme, under which eligible brides will receive eight grams of gold along with a silk saree during marriage.

Another ₹560 crore has been allocated for the Gold Ring Scheme, which will provide gold rings to newborn babies delivered in government hospitals. Both programmes were among the key election commitments made by the ruling party.

The government has also announced ₹2,000 crore for the Vettri Madikanini Thittam, under which laptops will be distributed to college students. The scheme aims to improve digital access and strengthen higher education by ensuring students have access to modern learning tools.

Reiterating the government's long-standing opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the Finance Minister urged the Central Government to abolish the entrance examination and restore admissions to medical colleges based on Class 12 board examination marks. The Budget speech stated that the government remains committed to protecting students' interests and ensuring equal educational opportunities.

Several measures related to minority welfare were also announced. The subsidy for first-time Haj pilgrims travelling through the Haj Committee has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000, providing additional financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

The education sector also received significant attention in the Budget. The government has allocated ₹300 crore for the modernisation of government schools, focusing on infrastructure improvements and better learning facilities. An additional ₹125 crore has been earmarked for establishing ultra-modern residential schools named after former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, with the objective of expanding access to quality education.

To strengthen anti-drug initiatives, the government has provided ₹7 crore under the Drug-Free Tamil Nadu programme. The initiative aims to enhance awareness campaigns, prevention measures and enforcement efforts against drug abuse, particularly among young people.

Highlighting achievements of the government since assuming office, the Finance Minister said 717 liquor outlets had already been shut down. He also referred to the continuation of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers as part of the government's welfare commitments.

The Budget outlined several broader development priorities, including women's empowerment, social justice, housing for all, and improvements in public welfare schemes. Wilson said these initiatives reflect the government's long-term vision of inclusive development while balancing economic recovery with social welfare.

The presentation of the Budget marks the first comprehensive financial roadmap of the Vijay-led administration, outlining its priorities across welfare, education, governance reforms and fiscal management for the current financial year.

The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed that DMK leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin be released on the same day after questioning, following his detention over controversial remarks allegedly made during a public rally in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu government informed the High Court that it had no intention of keeping Udhayanidhi in custody and that he would be granted station bail after the required questioning.

The development came hours after police detained the senior DMK leader in connection with a case registered over comments allegedly referring to actor Trisha Krishnan, which sparked political outrage and protests across the state.

Government Assures Court of Release

During the hearing before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed the court that the detention was temporary and that the State would release Udhayanidhi after questioning.

The Advocate General told the court that the police action had been taken in the interest of women and clarified that there was no proposal to keep the DMK leader in judicial custody.

Accepting the submission, the court directed that he be released on station bail after the inquiry.

Controversy Over Rally Remarks

The controversy began during a rally on the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur on Monday.

While addressing the gathering and criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, sections of the crowd reportedly chanted the name of actor Trisha.

According to the complaint, Udhayanidhi responded by saying, "Whether the water reaches elsewhere or not, it must definitely reach there."

Opposition parties alleged that the statement carried a double meaning and amounted to an insult to women.

Udhayanidhi, however, maintained that he was referring only to the waters of the Cauvery River and rejected the allegations of making an objectionable remark.

Case Registered Under Multiple Laws

Police registered a case against the DMK leader under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and the Information Technology Act.

Following the registration of the FIR, Udhayanidhi had also approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

He was taken into custody by the Thanjavur East Police before being transported towards Thanjavur for questioning.

Political Reactions Intensify

The detention triggered sharp political reactions across Tamil Nadu.

Several DMK workers staged protests outside Udhayanidhi's residence and the Madras High Court, while some demonstrations reportedly turned violent, with protesters burning effigies and raising slogans against the police.

Senior DMK leaders defended Udhayanidhi, alleging that the controversy was being deliberately politicised to divert attention from the Cauvery water dispute and issues affecting farmers.

The party also claimed that the police action was politically motivated.

Opposition Demands Action

Leaders from opposition parties, including the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political outfits, criticised Udhayanidhi's remarks.

Several leaders described the alleged comments as inappropriate and offensive to women, while BJP leaders demanded an unconditional public apology and strict legal action.

The controversy has also revived public discussion surrounding long-standing speculation linking actor Trisha Krishnanand actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, although neither has ever publicly commented on such reports.

Issue Likely to Continue

Although the High Court's intervention ensured Udhayanidhi's release after questioning, the legal proceedings in the case will continue.

With both the ruling DMK and Opposition parties hardening their positions, the controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in Tamil Nadu in the coming days.

Trisha arrived at a Chennai theatre along with a group of friends to watch the film on its opening day. As she exited after the screening, hundreds of fans gathered outside the venue, leading to a brief security challenge as police personnel escorted the actress through the crowd to her vehicle.

Despite repeated questions from reporters waiting outside the theatre, Trisha chose not to comment on the film or Vijay’s farewell from cinema. She smiled briefly before leaving the venue without interacting with the media.

Her mother, Uma Krishnan, however, shared an emotional reaction while speaking to reporters. Reflecting on Vijay’s decision to step away from films, she said it felt disappointing that audiences would no longer get to watch him on the big screen and admitted that fans would miss him as an actor.

The emotional atmosphere surrounding Jana Nayagan has been driven not only by the film itself but also by the significance it carries in Vijay’s career. The actor had earlier announced that he would retire from acting to focus entirely on politics after completing the project, making the release a landmark moment for his fans.

Shortly after the screening, Trisha posted a photograph with her friends on social media, joking that they had "made it out alive" after experiencing the frenzy surrounding the film's release. She also described the experience as witnessing the excitement of Jana Nayagan one final time, a post that quickly attracted widespread attention online.

According to early trade estimates, Jana Nayagan has made a strong start at the domestic box office. The film reportedly collected around ₹42.70 crore net across India on its opening day, reflecting the enormous anticipation surrounding Vijay’s final appearance as a lead actor.

The release had originally been planned several months earlier but was delayed due to certification-related issues before finally arriving in theatres this week.

Across Tamil Nadu and several overseas markets, fans celebrated the release with special screenings, music, dance performances and large cut-outs of Vijay outside cinema halls. Videos circulating on social media showed enthusiastic supporters gathering from early morning to mark the occasion, while some fans reportedly travelled from abroad specifically to watch the actor’s farewell film in India.

For Vijay, Jana Nayagan represents the conclusion of an acting career spanning more than three decades. Over the years, he established himself as one of Tamil cinema’s biggest commercial stars through a long list of blockbuster films and a massive fan following that extended well beyond South India.

With his full-time entry into politics now expected, the film is widely being viewed as both a farewell to his cinematic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in public life.

Whether measured through the emotional reactions of audiences, the packed theatres or the strong opening-day collections, Jana Nayagan has already emerged as one of the most significant releases of the year, closing the curtain on Thalapathy Vijay’s celebrated film career while leaving fans with memories they are unlikely to forget.

The announcement was made during bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. The move is being viewed as a major milestone in the growing sporting partnership between India and Australia.

For Cricket Australia and the BBL, the decision represents a significant step towards expanding the league's global footprint. While the competition has attracted viewers from several countries over the years, this will be the first time a regular-season BBL match is staged overseas.

Melbourne Renegades will act as the designated home side for the contest in Chennai. The match is expected to draw considerable attention from cricket fans in both countries, given India's status as one of the world's largest cricket markets.

According to details shared by Cricket Australia, the fixture will begin at 10:00 AM IST, which corresponds to 2:40 PM Australian time. Broadcasters are also preparing for extensive coverage of the event. Two Australian television networks are expected to send their production and commentary teams to Chennai, while the match will be telecast in India through JioStar.

The decision comes amid increasing efforts by sporting organisations to reach new audiences and strengthen international engagement. Cricket Australia believes hosting a BBL match in India will help boost the league's visibility and attract a larger global audience.

BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson described the initiative as an important development for cricket relations between the two nations. He noted that the league has enjoyed strong support among Indian cricket followers and said the Chennai fixture forms part of a broader effort to deepen sporting connections between India and Australia.

Dobson said cricket continues to serve as a powerful link between the people of both countries and expressed confidence that the Chennai match would generate unprecedented interest. He also suggested that the game could become one of the most-watched domestic sporting events in Australian history due to its reach across Indian television and digital platforms.

The BBL has steadily evolved into one of the world's leading franchise-based T20 competitions since its launch in 2011. Featuring international stars alongside Australia's top domestic talent, the league has built a strong following through its fast-paced format and family-oriented entertainment model.

Despite that popularity, league officials believe many Australian fans underestimate the scale of BBL's international audience, particularly in India. Hosting a match in Chennai is expected to provide a direct opportunity to engage with that fan base and introduce the competition to new viewers.

The development is also notable because it will be the first instance of a foreign cricket league staging an official match on Indian soil. Traditionally, India's cricket calendar has been dominated by domestic tournaments and international fixtures organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Sports administrators in both countries are expected to closely monitor the success of the event, as it could open the door for similar collaborations in the future.

Over 120 migrant workers from Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand were staying on factory premises; nine critical patients shifted to Chennai hospital

A worker died and at least 60 others were hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak at St Peter's Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited in Kannigaipair, near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district on Sunday.

According to police sources, around 120 migrant workers, including women from Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand, were staying on the factory premises in accommodation provided by the company. The incident occurred on the unit's weekly holiday.

The ammonia leak is believed to have originated from the seafood processing unit and spread across the campus. Many workers reported breathing difficulties, while some suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose.

The affected workers were taken to nearby private hospitals for treatment. One worker died while undergoing treatment, police said. Nine workers in critical condition were later shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai in 108 ambulances.

Some reports indicated that seven workers had died and more than 60 had fainted, with the deceased all said to be from North India. Bulging of lungs due to excessive inhalation of the toxic gas was cited as the cause of death.

NDRF CBRN Team Deployed

Following a request from the district administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed a specialised Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response team from its 4th Battalion in Arakkonam.

The 30-member team, equipped with gas detection devices, personal protective equipment and specialised rescue gear, was pressed into service to assess the impact of the leak, secure the area and assist rescue efforts.

Government Response

Teams from the police, Fire and Rescue Services, revenue department and health department reached the site and launched rescue operations.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was "deeply pained" after hearing about the incident and directed the health department to provide the best treatment to the injured. The state government ordered a high-level probe headed by RGGGH Dean Dr Shantaram to investigate the reasons for the gas leak.

Tiruvallur district in-charge Minister Kumar rushed to the private hospitals, met the injured and enquired about their health condition. He said 60 women and four men affected by the gas leak were being treated.

Police have registered a case and an FIR against the firm. The owner was arrested while some more company officials were secured for interrogation.

Periyapalayam police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.

MS Dhoni’s ₹44 lakh Rolex Daytona draws attention after Chepauk appearance

Rolex Daytona spotted on Dhoni’s wrist during CSK vs SRH; luxury watch trend among Indian elites highlighted

MS Dhoni’s appearance at Chennai’s Chepauk on Monday evening drew more than applause for his play. Television cameras and fans in the stands noticed a gleam on the former India captain’s wrist — identified by watch experts and publications as a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona worth about ₹43.89 lakh. The sighting has renewed public interest in high-end timepieces and the broader surge in India’s luxury watch market.

Quick sighting at Chepauk
According to footage from the CSK vs SRH match on 18 May 2026, Dhoni wore a stainless-steel Daytona with a black bezel during batting and fielding breaks. Sources familiar with the matter said the watch was visible during close-up shots in the late evening session, prompting social media posts and queries to watch blogs within minutes.

Details and valuation
WatchTimeIndia and several collector forums identified the model as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, a reference often sought after by collectors for its limited production and resale demand. Market estimates place the retail value of that variant around ₹43.5–44 lakh, though secondary-market prices can vary widely depending on condition and provenance.

Collectors and experts note that the Daytona’s appeal lies not only in brand cachet but in mechanical pedigree; Rolex’s chronograph movement and the model’s motorsport heritage have long driven desirability among enthusiasts.

Why the moment mattered
The on-field sighting resonated because Dhoni’s style choices frequently make headlines. Known for a preference for robust machinery — from bikes and cars to utility-focused gear — his watches are often read as extensions of that personal brand. For many fans, seeing a high-value watch at a packed stadium underscored the intersection of sport, wealth, and aspirational consumption in contemporary India.

Market context
India’s luxury watch segment has been expanding steadily. Industry reports including those cited by market analysts put the Indian luxury watch market at roughly $1.4 billion (about ₹11,600 crore). Growth has been driven by higher disposable incomes, rising numbers of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and stronger interest from younger buyers who treat watches as fashion and investment both.

“High demand for certain Rolex and Patek Philippe models has created a thriving secondary market,” said a Bengaluru-based dealer who asked not to be named. “Prices often exceed retail, which attracts buyers who view watches as store-of-value items.”

Why wealthy buyers pay big sums
Industry insiders and collectors highlight three main rationales behind premium watch purchases:

• Investment value: Limited-production models often appreciate, making them an alternative asset for collectors.

• Inflation hedge and portability: Precious-metal and mechanical watches can retain value when currencies fluctuate and are easier to transport than other assets.

• Status signaling: A rare timepiece communicates wealth, taste, and network standing without words.

Public reactions
Reactions on social media ranged from admiration to critique. Some fans celebrated the sighting as another element of Dhoni’s enduring superstar persona, while others questioned display of high-value items in a public setting. Local vendors outside Chepauk reported a short-term spike in queries about luxury watches the following day.

Authenticity and caution
Watch experts caution that identifying watches from broadcast footage has limits. “While the model appears consistent with the Daytona, exact reference and provenance require hands-on inspection,” said an independent appraiser in Mumbai. The official Rolex website lists model specifications but does not comment on celebrity ownership.

What’s next
For collectors and watch retailers, the episode reinforces predictable seasonal interest around major sporting events. For Dhoni’s many followers, the moment is another small chapter in a long-running public fascination with the former captain’s life on and off the field. Whether the watch will prompt more people to enter the hobby or merely fuel online conversation remains to be seen.

MS Dhoni fires at NSG range, aces six targets; asks commandos, "Don't I look fit?"

Former India captain trains with NSG in Chennai, operates submachine gun and pistol; remains doubtful for Chepauk return amid calf strain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former India captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart, spent Sunday at the Regional Hub of the National Security Guards (NSG) in Chennai, firing at close-range targets and spending time with commandos and their families, officials and on-ground witnesses said.

A display at the range

Arriving in the late morning, Dhoni visited the NSG facility where he took part in a live-fire session. According to officials present, he used a submachine gun and later fired a pistol, hitting all six assigned targets during the short exercise. Photographs circulating on social media showed Dhoni aiming the pistol and operating a small submachine gun under supervision.

Casual interaction with troops

Beyond the firing range, Dhoni spent more than an hour interacting with NSG personnel and their family members. Sources familiar with the visit said he shared a meal with the commandos and engaged in informal conversation. At one point, Dhoni asked the soldiers, "Don't I look fit?" The jawans reportedly replied that he had looked even fitter during an earlier visit. "As time passes, one has to work harder," Dhoni was heard saying, according to those present.

Long-standing armed forces ties

Dhoni’s association with India’s armed forces is well-documented. He holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army (106 Para Territorial Army Battalion, Parachute Regiment). The veteran wicketkeeper-batter completed paratrooper training in 2015 and has previously spent time training with military units in Kashmir and elsewhere. He took part in an NSG camp in 2023 as well, officials noted.

Injury and IPL uncertainty

The visit comes amid the 2026 Indian Premier League season, where Dhoni has been absent from CSK matches so far because of a recurrence of a calf strain. Chennai are scheduled to host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) later on Sunday. While there was speculation that Dhoni might return to the playing XI, neither Dhoni nor CSK management have confirmed his participation. The franchise had earlier said the former captain needed additional time to recover after suffering another calf injury.

Ground-level atmosphere

Fans gathered outside the NSG hub and near the Chepauk precincts in the afternoon, hoping for glimpses of Dhoni. Several commandos posed for selfies with him at the base, and a set of photographs shared by attendees showed the former captain smiling and interacting warmly with children. Local witnesses described the mood as light-hearted, with troops treating the visit as an opportunity for a relaxed exchange rather than a formal ceremony.

Security and protocol

Officials at the NSG facility said the session followed standard safety protocols and was non-operational in nature; it was organised as a friendly visit rather than a technical exercise. “He has trained with forces before, and today was another round of mutual respect and camaraderie,” a facility spokesperson said, declining to be named.

Public interest and next steps

Dhoni’s presence at a high-security training establishment and his continued ties with the armed forces keep drawing public and media attention, particularly because CSK’s captaincy and playing plans remain subject to his fitness. With CSK still to decide on his match readiness for the home fixture, fans and cricket analysts will watch closely for any update from team management later on Sunday.

If Dhoni’s calf recovers in time and CSK clears him, he could return to the field at Chepauk. For now, the visit added another chapter to his enduring relationship with India’s security forces and provided supporters a rare, informal glimpse of the former skipper away from the cricketing arena.

Vijay Takes Oath as Tamil Nadu CM: Signs 200 Units Free Power as First File

Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning, marking a historic political shift in the state. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief took the oath in Tamil at a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

A brief interruption during oath

As Vijay began reciting the oath, he added a few extra words beyond the prescribed text. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar intervened briefly, asking him to read only what was written. The CM-designate nodded and continued without further interruption.

Rahul Gandhi shared the stage with Vijay during the ceremony. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha arrived in Chennai around 8:40 am and departed after the event.

Nine ministers take oath

Alongside Vijay, nine other MLAs from TVK took oath as ministers. The cabinet includes N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Dr KG Arunraj, KA Sengottaiyan, P Venkataramanan, R Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr TK Prabhu, and Selvi S Keerthana. No MLA from any alliance partner found a place in the first cabinet.

First files signed

Soon after assuming office, Vijay signed his first set of official documents. The orders included 200 units of free electricity for households, formation of a special task force for women's safety, and an anti-drugs squad. The actor-turned-CM received a guard of honour at the secretariat shortly after.

The road to the chair

Vijay met Governor Arlekar for the fourth time on Saturday, submitting letters of support from MLAs of TVK, Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK and IUML. The Governor then invited him to form government. TVK, formed just two years ago, won 108 out of 234 seats in its first assembly election. This is the first time since 1967 that a non-Dravidian party has come to power in Tamil Nadu.

Celebrations and congratulations

TVK supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets outside Vijay's parents' residence and across several districts. Actor Trisha Krishnan attended the ceremony, while Kamal Haasan, MK Stalin, Naveen Patnaik, and PM Modi extended congratulations.