As the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa, Sarga 36, Verse 13 says, our beloved PM Narendra Modi rushed back to Bharat in the middle of his Saudi Arabia visit after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 Bharatiyas were killed based on their religion.
PM Modi returned to strategically plan and successfully execute an operation that should put a full stop to future attacks and ensure the safety of fellow Bharatiyas.
The verse mentioned above states that Lord Rāma declares that he leads from the front, never abandoning his duty when the people are in danger.
Bharat launched Operation Sindoor and assigned our Sthree Shakthi, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, to lead the briefing of the entire operation, which targeted the nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. Even after this, Pakistan continued to use drones and shelling to target our religious sites.
In retaliation, we neutralised their air defence system. Our counteroffensive became a historic milestone when India successfully attacked, for the first time, the air bases of a nuclear-armed nation.
Pakistan also targeted medical centres and school premises near Indian air bases. They also shelled Rajouri town, caused property damage, and inflicted injuries on civilians in Ferozepur and Jalandhar. Pakistan continued drone intrusions and heavy artillery, mortar, and small-arms shelling at various locations in India. However, we planned our actions in a dharmic way to target only their terrorist bases, ensuring no civilians were harmed.
Here the dharma yuddha principle is followed as per Mahābhārata, Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 13, Verses 12–18.
As Arthaśāstra Book 10 – “The Conduct of War states: Chapter 3 – Kinds of Warfare
This means the War is of three kinds: War by counsel (diplomacy), War by might (arms), and War by open declaration (legal). It is clear evident that our PM Modi followed the dharmic principles on all 3 ways.
Using Arms
Yuddhena hataḥ santi ca santi aparāṅmukhān Nāśastrapāṇinaṃ śastreṇa hanyād dharmaḥ sa niviṣṭaḥ
It means one must not attack fallen soldiers, those retreating, or those who are unarmed; this is the conduct of Dharma in war. We fought against our enemies with strength of arms.
Diplomatic Route
PM Modi took a diplomatic approach to share information about Operation Sindoor with key partner countries, members of the United Nations Security Council and the EU. We sent all-party delegations comprising 59 members, including 31 political leaders from the ruling NDA and 20 politicians from other parties who were assisted by former diplomats to convey India’s message of zero tolerance against terrorism. This way, we weakened Pakistan from the other side and acted according to war by counsel.
Legal Route
Apart from this, the Indian government also put in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty – this has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, closed the Attari-Wagah border. India also suspended all bilateral trade to impose immediate economic pressure, and revoked visas of all Pakistanis residing in India.
Mahābhārata, Śānti Parva, Chapter 59, Verse 61
Ir enaro hi sadā yuktaḥ prajāṁ ca hahataṁ vrajet। Ātmā ca tadā rakṣet samprāpte ca viśeṣataḥ॥
It means a king (leader) must always remain alert and actively work for the welfare of his people, especially being vigilant and present during times of crisis.
As stated above, our leader stayed with us during the crisis and redefined India’s policy against terrorism with swift decisions and actions. India’s stand is very clear that water and blood cannot flow together.
G. Prasanna Venkatesan writes on Bharathiya knowledge, Sri Vaishnavism, Puranic and Ithihasa themes, and stories centered on national and social development.
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In a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s entertainment industry, Inban Udhayanidhi, the 20-year-old son of Deputy Chief Minister and producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, has formally taken over his father’s production banner, Red Giant Movies. The announcement coincides with the banner securing the distribution rights for actor-director Dhanush’s upcoming film, Idli Kadai, which is slated to hit screens across Tamil Nadu on 1 October 2025.
Dhanush confirmed the news on his official X handle, congratulating Inban on his new role as the CEO of Red Giant Movies. He shared a poster of the film and wrote, “IdliKadai – releasing across Tamil Nadu by @RedGiantMovies_ Wishing Inban Udhayanidhi the very best on his new journey!”
Red Giant Movies, which began producing films with 2008’s Kuruvi and distributing movies from 2010’s Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, has grown into one of Tamil Nadu’s leading entertainment banners. The company recently co-produced Indian 2 and distributed films such as Vidaamuyarchi and Thug Life. Idli Kadai, Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture, stars Nithya Menen and Arun Vijay in prominent roles. Nithya Menen reunites with Dhanush after their hit Thiruchitrambalam (2022). The film’s music is composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, with cinematography by Kiran Koushik and editing by Prasanna G.K. It is produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films in association with Aakash Baskaran’s Dawn Pictures.
This step mirrors the trajectory of Inban’s father, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who transitioned from film production to politics and currently serves as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Inban has already been actively involved in the family’s media ventures. On 3 June 2025, the birthday of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, he formally assumed responsibilities in the management team of Kalaignar TV. Holding a degree in financial management from London, Inban works closely with the channel’s executives, including Chief Financial Officer Karthikeyan, managing day-to-day financial operations. Reports indicated he works from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Neelankarai office in Chennai, consulting regularly with key team members.
Industry insiders suggested in August 2025 that Inban was preparing to make his acting debut once he completed his education in London. He has been undergoing intense physical training, hinting at serious preparation for a film career. Prominent Tamil directors, including Mani Ratnam, Vetrimaaran, and Mari Selvaraj, have reportedly been approached to direct his launch film, with an official announcement expected soon.
With his formal takeover of Red Giant Movies, Inban Udhayanidhi seems to be now poised to follow in his father’s footsteps – from managing the production house to acting in films to entering politics – it is a fact that Udhayanidhi Stalin is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Despite geo-political uncertainties and tariffs, India is expected to clock GDP growth of 6.5 per cent this fiscal and reforms like GST 2.0 will surely have a positive impact on the long-term growth rate, Dr Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, said on 4 September, adding that last five years have proved that the Indian economy is highly resilient to global shocks.
In an interaction with IANS here, the seasoned economist said the GST reforms are something he has personally worked on for a long time, and they will have a positive effect on the Indian economy. “There were a number of positive measures announced in the Union Budget, and the income tax reforms were an important part, which the Parliament has passed. The GST reforms are also part of that big plan to simplify the compliance and bring ease of doing business,” he noted.
“Of course, simplification takes time for its kind of efficiency and positive tax effects and compliance effects to come in, but I am sure those results will come,” the economist said. He stated that in anticipation of these, “markets will always say that this has already started having some effects”. On the GDP forecast, he said that many experts, including him, “have been saying from the beginning that GDP for this year would be at around 6.5 per cent plus or minus, there is a large band of uncertainty”.
According to Virmani, the 50 per cent US tariffs came as a shock, but impactful reforms like GST are crucial on both the policy and institutional fronts. “Many such reforms have taken place and others are in process,” the economist added. “So, on balance, I think we will still come out at 6.5 per cent growth this year. There is a huge range of uncertainty, so it can be plus or minus 0.5 per cent or even larger. The uncertainty has actually gone up,” he told IANS.
Economists have hailed the unprecedented GDP growth rate at 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1 FY26), surpassing projections of 6.5 to 6.7 per cent by the RBI and other institutions.
-IANS
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In August 2025, police arrested an Indian individual for espionage. This was the fourth on such lines within a short period of time.
Let us take a look at the arrests and crackdown on spies in India over the past few months, especially in the backdrop of April 22 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
#1 Jaisalmer Arrest Over Pakistan Links
On 20 August 2025, Rajasthan Police detained a 25-year-old man in Jaisalmer after discovering his regular communication with multiple Pakistani phone numbers. Authorities grew suspicious when he was caught speaking to these contacts, leading to his arrest. A preliminary investigation of his mobile device revealed several saved numbers linked to Pakistan. Officials suspect he was being prepared for possible recruitment by terror handlers. His detention highlights ongoing concerns over cross-border communication channels used for radicalization.
#2 ISI Spy Arrested in Rajasthan Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, Indian agencies intensified operations against suspected ISI collaborators. On 1 May 2025, Rajasthan Intelligence arrested Pathan Khan of Jaisalmer for allegedly spying for Pakistan since 2013. Officials said Khan, initially recruited during a Pakistan trip, passed sensitive BSF-related information using fake SIMs and social media, and was paid through covert channels. Booked under the Official Secrets Act, he is accused of filming border zones. Meanwhile, villagers near the Rajasthan border expressed support for the Army, as Pakistan escalated military drills and ceasefire violations, further straining bilateral tensions.
#3 Rajasthan Govt Staffer Held for Espionage
In May 2025, NDTV reported that 49-year-old Rajasthan government employee Shakur Khan, detained in Jaisalmer on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, earlier worked as personal assistant to former Congress minister Shale Mohammad. Both hail from nearby villages, and Khan reportedly frequented visits to Mohammad’s late father, Ghazi Fakir. Officials said Khan had traveled to Pakistan at least seven times and maintained multiple bank accounts. His phone contained deleted data now under scrutiny. Authorities stressed it was premature to link Mohammad to the case. Since Operation Sindoor, seven individuals, including Khan, have been picked up in Jaisalmer for suspicious border activities.
#4 DRDO Guest House Manager Arrested in Jaisalmer for Spying for Pakistan
In August 2025, Rajasthan Police CID (Security) arrested Mahendra Prasad, 32, manager of the DRDO Guest House at Chandan Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, on charges of espionage. Prasad, a native of Almora, Uttarakhand, was allegedly in contact with a Pakistani intelligence handler via social media and leaked details about DRDO scientists and Army officers visiting the site for weapon trials. His mobile analysis confirmed the security breach. Arrested after joint interrogation, Prasad is accused of passing sensitive defence information. Authorities are probing possible wider links, stressing vigilance amid heightened surveillance ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
#5 UP Man Held for Spying, Links to Pakistan’s ISI
Uttar Pradesh ATS has arrested a man named Shazad on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s ISI. Officials said he was under surveillance after intelligence inputs confirmed repeated travel to Pakistan, where he engaged in illegal cross-border trade used as a front for spying. Investigations revealed that Shazad maintained close ties with ISI operatives, supplied them confidential security information, and transferred funds to their agents in India. He also allegedly facilitated the movement of men from Rampur and nearby areas to Pakistan for recruitment, and provided Indian SIM cards to ISI handlers for covert operations.
12 Arrested in Pakistan-Linked Spy Network Across North India
At least 12 people, including a YouTuber, were arrested from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on espionage charges over the past two weeks. Police say investigations point to a Pakistan-linked spy network active in north India. The arrests, which followed the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, include six from Punjab, five from Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh. Officials confirmed that those arrested were allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
#6 Punjab: Falaksher and Suraj Masih
On 4 May 2025, Punjab Police arrested Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih, both residents of Ajnala in Amritsar, for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan’s ISI. The duo were accused of sharing photographs of Army cantonment areas, BSF camps, and air bases with their handlers across the border. Police said the two were involved in collecting and transmitting crucial military details, including troop movements.
#7 Punjab: Guzala and Yameen Mohamad
On 11 May 2025, Punjab Police detained 31-year-old Guzala and Yameen Mohamad from Malerkotla. Investigators revealed that Guzala had been in direct touch with a Pakistani officer, Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, posted at the High Commission in New Delhi. She allegedly confessed to passing on confidential details about Indian Army activities in exchange for money, receiving ₹30,000 via UPI. Yameen was accused of assisting her in espionage-related activities.
#8 Punjab: Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav announced on 19 May 2025 the arrest of Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, both from Gurdaspur district. The duo were found leaking sensitive military information, including troop movements during Operation Sindoor, to ISI handlers. Police recovered three mobile phones and eight live cartridges of 0.30 bore ammunition from their possession. Authorities also linked the men to prior drug smuggling operations, which reportedly brought them into contact with ISI agents.
#9 Haryana: Nauman Ilahi
On 15 May 2025, Haryana Police arrested 24-year-old Nauman Ilahi from Panipat district for supplying sensitive information to Pakistan. Originally from Kairana, Uttar Pradesh, Ilahi worked as a factory security guard and was living with his sister and brother-in-law in Panipat. He was reportedly in contact with an ISI handler in Pakistan and had been sharing details through digital platforms.
#10 Haryana: Devender Singh
On 16 May 2025, Haryana Police arrested Devender Singh, a 25-year-old postgraduate student from Kaithal district. Singh, pursuing a master’s degree in political science, had allegedly established contact with Pakistani operatives during a pilgrimage to Pakistan in November 2024. He admitted to sending photographs of the Patiala cantonment from outside the premises. Police said Singh had uploaded photos with weapons on social media, raising suspicions about his links to PIOs.
#11 Haryana: Jyoti Malhotra (YouTuber)
On 16 May 2025, Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for passing information to Pakistani operatives. Malhotra, who runs the channel Travel with JO with 3.77 lakh YouTube subscribers, was allegedly in touch with Pakistani staffer Danish from the High Commission. She had visited Pakistan multiple times, with her videos featuring titles such as “Indian Girl in Pakistan” and “Exploring Lahore.” Police said she was being “developed as an asset” during the India-Pakistan conflict following Operation Sindoor.
#12 Haryana: Armaan
On 17 May 2025, police in Haryana’s Nuh district arrested Armaan, 26, for allegedly spying for Pakistan. He was accused of sharing information related to Indian Army activities with PIOs via WhatsApp and social media platforms. Police said he had been providing information for a long period. Armaan was remanded in police custody for six days.
#13 Haryana: Mohammad Tarif
On 19 May 2025, Nuh Police, along with a central agency, arrested local quack Mohammad Tarif from Kangarka village. Tarif allegedly leaked intelligence on Indian military activities to Pakistan. He confessed to having supplied a SIM card to a Pakistani High Commission employee and had even traveled to Pakistan. A case was registered against him and two Pakistani nationals under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
#14 Uttar Pradesh: Shahzad (Rampur)
On 18 May 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force arrested Shahzad from Rampur. He was accused of smuggling goods such as clothes, spices, and cosmetics across the border while passing sensitive security information to his ISI handlers. Shahzad had reportedly traveled to Pakistan multiple times. The STF alleged that his smuggling network served as a cover for espionage.
#15 Mohammad Murtaza Ali Arrested in Jalandhar for ISI Espionage
Punjab Police arrested Mohammad Murtaza Ali in Jalandhar on charges of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. According to officials, Ali had allegedly developed a mobile application that he used to conduct espionage activities. Police seized four mobile phones and three SIM cards from his possession during the operation. Investigators believe the devices were used to pass sensitive information to his handlers.
#16 CRPF Insider: Moti Ram Jat
Moti Ram Jat, a CRPF employee, was arrested in Delhi by the NIA after being in contact with Pakistani intelligence officers since 2023. Despite being a low-ranking officer, Jat had access to sensitive operational details and allegedly passed classified information in exchange for money. His social media activity triggered internal alerts, leading to his dismissal. He remains in NIA custody, with investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of information shared with Pakistan.
#17 Honeytrap at the Dockyard: Engineer Ravindra Verma
Ravindra Verma, a 27-year-old mechanical engineer in Mumbai, was arrested by the ATS for sharing detailed naval sketches and operational information from the South Mumbai Naval Dockyard. Verma was lured into a honeytrap via Facebook profiles controlled by Pakistani agents. He reportedly shared diagrams, ship names, docking schedules, and audio notes in exchange for money. Investigations revealed he had been communicating with operatives since November 2024 and knowingly compromised national security despite restrictions on phones at the dockyard.
#18 Health Worker: Sahdev Singh Gohil
Sahdev Singh Gohil, a 28-year-old health worker from Kachchh, Gujarat, was detained for transmitting sensitive information about IAF and BSF installations to a Pakistani operative using a WhatsApp account under the alias Aditi Bharadwaj. Gohil also procured a new SIM card registered in his name to facilitate data transfers. He reportedly received Rs 40,000 for sharing classified images and videos. ATS investigations confirmed the misuse of digital channels to transmit information about newly constructed military infrastructure near the border.
#19 Digital Front: Kasim
Kasim, 34, from Deeg, Rajasthan, was arrested for supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani intelligence operatives. He had traveled to Pakistan twice between August 2024 and March 2025, assisting ISI agents in contacting Indians and soliciting military intelligence. Following nationwide arrests post-Pahalgam, Kasim deleted sensitive data, but forensic analysis of his devices and call records is ongoing to map his network.
#20 Unnamed Facebook/WhatsApp Asset
An individual in Thane, Mumbai, was arrested for sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives via social media between November 2024 and March 2025. Authorities are investigating the extent of data leaked and connections with broader espionage networks.
#21 Punjab Duo Arrested for Leaking Army Secrets
On 4 May 2025, Punjab Police arrested Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly sharing sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonments and Air Bases in Amritsar with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Rural Amritsar SSP Maninder Singh confirmed that the duo had been in contact with ISI agents and had leaked crucial data about strategic installations. Authorities recovered a significant amount of information from them. Singh also revealed that another accomplice, Harpreet, who facilitated their connection with the ISI, is in Amritsar Jail. Police plan to produce him on a warrant for further investigation.
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The fisheries sector has received a major boost under the latest GST reforms with a significant tax rate rationalisation which will help in the reduction of operational costs, enhance competitiveness in domestic and export markets, and directly benefit millions of fish farmers and other stakeholders dependent on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihoods in the country, an official statement said on 4 September 2025.
Under the revised structure, GST on fish oils, fish extracts, and prepared or preserved fish and shrimp products has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, making value-added seafood more affordable for domestic consumers and enhancing the competitiveness of India’s seafood exports, said Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Diesel engines, pumps, aerators, and sprinklers, essential for aquaculture operations and hatcheries, will now attract only 5 per cent GST instead of the earlier 12 to 18 pe rcent, significantly reducing operational costs for fish farmers. Critical chemicals such as ammonia and micronutrients used in pond preparation and water quality management will also be taxed at 5 per cent, down from the earlier 12 to 18 per cent, cutting costs of feed, pond conditioning, and farm-level practices.
Reduced GST on preserved fish, shrimp, and molluscs will strengthen India’s seafood exports globally while promoting greater domestic consumption of safe and hygienically processed seafood. The GST rate on fishing rods, tackle, landing nets, butterfly nets, and gear has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, benefiting both recreational, sport fishing as well as small-scale aquaculture and capture fisheries farmers. This will make essential gear more affordable, lowering input costs and supporting livelihoods in the sector. The decision further provides relief to processing units, with GST on job work services in food and agro-processing, including seafood, cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.
Composting machines, vital for producing organic manure and ensuring eco-friendly pond management, will now be taxed at 5 per cent, encouraging sustainable aquaculture practices, said the ministry. India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing in the world, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security, farmer incomes, rural livelihoods, and exports.
The sector today supports the livelihood of over 3 crore people and has positioned India as the second-largest fish producer globally with a production of nearly 195 lakh tonnes (2024-25). India is also the largest shrimp exporter in the world, with seafood exports crossing Rs. 60,000 crores in 2023-24, thereby earning valuable foreign exchange and strengthening the nation’s Blue Economy.
-IANS
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a senior official of the Ordnance Factory in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, following a late-night raid linked to a corruption case, sources said on 4 September 2025.
The CBI carried out a raid at the Gray Iron Foundry (GIF) of the Jabalpur-based Ordnance Factory late 3 September night. Following a two-hour raid and a short interrogation, the agency arrested Ordnance Factory’s Deputy General Manager Deepak Lamba. He was later taken to Delhi for detailed interrogation, said the sources.
Sources told IANS that the raid was linked to alleged corruption and financial irregularities involving Lamba during his earlier posting in Maharashtra. Notably, the GIF is a unit of the Ordnance Factory Board under the Ministry of Defence. It specialises in producing ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including steel castings, and components for military equipment. Lamba was earlier posted at the Nagpur-based Ordnance Factory before his transfer to Jabalpur. Reports indicated that during his tenure at the Ambazari unit in Nagpur, he allegedly favoured a private firm for his personal gains.
The issue came to light after DKT Gupta, Deputy Chief Vigilance Officer of Yantra India Limited (YIL), filed a complaint against Lamba with the CBI. Following the investigation, an FIR was registered on 25 August against Lamba and a Nagpur-based private firm, Automation Engineering and Industrial Services. Following this, the raid was conducted in the Jabalpur Ordnance Factory on Wednesday night. According to sources, the initial investigation revealed that he had formed a proprietorship firm and it is operated by one Mohit Tholia, who is reportedly Lamba’s relative.
The CBI also seized documents pertaining to suspicious financial transactions, which are now under investigation. Lamba’s family members, including his wife and sister, are also being examined, as the probe uncovered a trail of questionable monetary dealings. It is also alleged that Lamba altered tender conditions to benefit the specific private firm. Notably, the CBI has previously taken similar action against another officer at the Ordnance Factory in Jabalpur. The CBI’s late-night raid has sparked panic at the Jabalpur Ordnance Factory.
-IANS
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The Tamil Nadu Education Department has placed the principal and the head of the English department at the Government Arts and Science College for Women in Alangulam on compulsory wait an administrative sidelining following allegations that they permitted a representative of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to take part in a college event held in August.
According to reports, Principal E. Sheela and English Department Head K. Shanmuga Sundara Raj had invited several individuals affiliated with political organizations to attend an event on August 6. The invitees included TPV Vaikunda Raja (district secretary of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu), TPV Karunakara Raja (district secretary of Makkal Needhi Maiam), and TPVV Vibin Chakkaravarthy (district secretary of TVK).
The three guests, who are also executives of the TPV Group a business conglomerate involved in oil and rice milling as well as cinema operations donated 25 computers to the college. The computers were formally handed over during the event by Vibin, the TVK functionary.
When approached for comment, Principal Sheela stated that the guests had been invited strictly in their capacity as TPV Group administrators and as representatives of a traders’ association, not for any political affiliation. “They expressed interest in donating 25 computers to the college, and I accepted. The controversy began only after a video of the event went viral,” she explained.
In response, P. Victoria Thangam, Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education for Tirunelveli has said that disciplinary action was initiated directly by the Directorate of Collegiate Education and that she had not received prior notification regarding the decision.
The Tamil Nadu government has opted out of the Central Government’s e-Drive initiative, declining the allocation of 900 buses designated for 11 cities across the state. While several other states have actively embraced the scheme, Tamil Nadu has expressed disinterest, citing concerns over the implementation structure.
The Central Government is currently rolling out two major green mobility initiatives PM e-Bus Sewa and PM Electric Drive aimed at promoting electric public transport as part of its environmental agenda. Announced in 2023, the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme has a total budget of ₹57,613 crore and plans to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 169 cities in two phases.
As per the scheme’s guidelines, cities with populations exceeding 40 lakhs are excluded. Based on the 2011 Census data, cities with populations between 20 and 40 lakhs are to receive 150 buses each, those between 5 and 20 lakhs are allocated 100, and cities below 5 lakh population are to receive 50 buses.
The central government will fund the operational cost of the buses based on a per-kilometer fare model, while the procurement, maintenance, and day-to-day operation are to be handled by private firms selected through a tender process. These firms will operate the buses until 2037. Although the state governments retain control over fare collection and advertising revenue, they are expected to provide the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations for which the Centre is also offering financial aid.
So far, the scheme has seen strong uptake. The Centre has approved the deployment of 7,293 buses in various states, with tenders floated for 6,518 of them. Additionally, ₹437 crore has already been disbursed to eight states to support infrastructure development, including charging facilities.
Under this scheme, Tamil Nadu was allocated 900 electric buses for 11 cities: Coimbatore (150), Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur (100 each), and Ambattur, Avadi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Vellore (50 each). Despite this, officials from the state government have reportedly declined participation.
According to a central official, Tamil Nadu was allotted 9% of the total buses under the scheme, and formal communication had been sent to the state. However, Tamil Nadu officials responded that no request was received from their end, indicating a lack of interest in participating.
When asked about the rationale behind this decision, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Transport, S.S. Sivasankar, offered an explanation. Speaking at the Chennai Secretariat, he stated that central government schemes often come with constraints where “only the name is ours, but the funds don’t come as expected.” He clarified that this is why the Tamil Nadu government has decided to implement its own electric bus program independently, rather than relying on the centrally funded scheme.
Meanwhile, Chennai one of India’s major metropolitan areas has also been excluded from the PM e-Bus Sewa due to its population exceeding 40 lakh. Instead, Chennai is eligible under the PM Electric Drive initiative, under which the Centre is supporting the procurement of 14,000 electric buses across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Pune. However, the Tamil Nadu government has similarly chosen not to avail this opportunity for Chennai.
In a significant ruling that underscores the true intent of spousal support under the Hindu Marriage Act, the Madras High Court has refused interim maintenance to a wife with a substantial income and valuable assets. The judgment reaffirmed that interim maintenance is meant to assist a financially dependent spouse in maintaining a dignified standard of living, not to supplement the lifestyle of someone who is already self-sufficient.
Delivered on 22 August 2025, by Justice P.B. Balaji, the verdict came in response to a petition filed by a husband challenging a family court order that had directed him to pay ₹30,000 per month in interim maintenance to his wife. The woman, a doctor and company director, had approached the family court for financial support while their divorce case was ongoing. Despite earning over ₹47 lakh in the last three financial years and allegedly owning nearly one-third of an acre of land valued in crores, she sought interim financial assistance from her husband.
The family court had initially granted her ₹30,000 per month. However, the husband took the matter to the Madras High Court, arguing that she had a stable income and significant assets. He also highlighted that he was already covering his son’s educational expenses, including coaching fees for competitive exams, in accordance with a 2021 court order.
During the High Court proceedings, the wife’s legal team acknowledged that she had earned ₹15 to ₹16 lakh annually over the past three years through dividends from her company. However, they contended that most of this income was spent on their son’s education and that she was therefore still entitled to financial support.
Justice Balaji rejected this argument. He noted that the wife was financially capable of supporting herself and did not require any further aid from her estranged husband. The judge emphasized that Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act is not a tool for financial enrichment but a mechanism to ensure that a dependent spouse can lead a reasonably comfortable life during legal proceedings.
Referring to the company’s financial records, the court confirmed that the wife had received a total of ₹47.5 lakh between 2021 and 2024 through direct bank transfers. The court also took into account that she owns valuable immovable property and failed to dispute these claims effectively.
Justice Balaji observed that the husband had already accepted his responsibility toward their son and had not contested the monthly maintenance awarded for him. He had also paid an additional ₹2.77 lakh toward the child’s educational needs. The judge found no justification for awarding the same ₹30,000 amount to the wife, especially in light of her independent financial standing.
Importantly, the court referenced the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Rajnesh v. Neha (2021) 2 SCC 324, which laid down clear guidelines for awarding maintenance. Applying the same principles, the Madras High Court concluded that the wife did not qualify for further interim support, given her income and property holdings.
The court criticized the family court for failing to consider the wife’s assets and income while awarding her maintenance. According to the High Court, the lower court had focused solely on the child’s needs and awarded the wife financial support without a proper assessment of her financial independence.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court set aside the portion of the family court’s order that granted interim maintenance to the wife. It upheld the husband’s obligation to continue supporting his son but ruled that the wife was not entitled to any additional maintenance. The judgment made clear that interim maintenance must not be misused or treated as a financial windfall for a spouse who is already economically secure.
The Madras High Court has suggested that senior citizens who fall victim to fraudsters should be paid a minimum compensation of 30% of the value of the jewels or cash lost, or ₹5 lakh, whichever is lower, from the Victim Compensation Fund if the culprits remain untraced.
Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy made the observation while disposing of a petition filed by 68-year-old P. Krishnaveni of Ma.Po.Si. Nagar, Tiruvallur district. The petitioner, who was duped of 17.5 sovereigns of jewellery in 2018, had sought a direction to police to complete the investigation. The government informed the court that the police had already filed an “untraceable report,” with liberty to reopen the case if fresh clues emerged.
The judge said he was suggesting only a “bare minimum” compensation, and that the state government could fix an even higher quantum. He noted that scams targeting senior citizens were on the rise, both in public places and at their residences, and stressed that courts could not ignore the mental agony suffered by the elderly.
Pointing out that the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) emphasises citizen protection, Justice Chakravarthy observed that Section 396 of the law provides for victim compensation in cases where offenders cannot be traced. He criticised the existing Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Scheme, framed in 2013, for capping payouts at just ₹1 lakh, and called for a significant upward revision.
In Krishnaveni’s case, the court noted that she had been duped while on her way to a medical test with her husband, when two men posing as policemen persuaded her to place her jewellery and cash into a bag, before fleeing with it. Considering the current gold price of around ₹75,000 per sovereign, the court held she was entitled to ₹4 lakh in compensation.
The judge directed the Tiruvallur District Legal Services Authority to send a para-legal volunteer to assist the petitioner with her application and ensure the amount is delivered by demand draft or bank transfer within 12 weeks. He added that the compensation must be returned if the police later trace the culprits and recover the valuables.
