Tamil Nadu News

CM Vijay announces additional crop loan waiver in TN Assembly

Chief Minister Vijay on Tuesday announced an additional waiver of crop loans, speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Referring to the state’s financial strain, he said his government came to power amid a severe fiscal crunch, but moved quickly to reduce the debt burden on farmers. He recalled that within 15 days of assuming office, the government had announced a crop loan waiver on May 25 as a measure aimed at easing farmers’ liabilities.

Entertainment

Dinamalar releases short video titled “Boy wanted garland and mic”

Dinamalar has released a short-form video (Shorts/Reels) titled “பையன் மாலைக்கும் மைக்குக்கும் ஆசைப்பட்டுட்டானே” on its website. The video appears under Dinamalar’s “Anmeegam” (spiritual) section, as indicated on the source page. No additional details about the video’s content, participants, location, or date were provided in the available source text. The page includes navigation elements such as “Back to Shorts” and a “Download” option.

Sports

Video clip asks: Does India have a winning chance?

A short video posted on Dinamalar’s Shorts/Reels section poses a question to viewers: whether the India team has a chance to win. The available source text does not specify the sport, opponent, tournament, venue, or match context linked to the question. As the clip’s full content and supporting details are not included in the provided material, no additional claims about performance, selection, or predictions can be confirmed from the text alone.

Dinamalar short hints at ‘chocolate’ gift and CM advice

A short video listed on Dinamalar carries the Tamil headline, “சாக்லெட் கொடுத்து CM அட்வைஸ்!”, which loosely indicates a ‘chocolate’ being given and advice directed at the Chief Minister. However, the provided source text contains only the title and basic page references, without any accompanying narration, quotes, names, location, or context. As a result, the specific incident, the people involved, and the nature of the ‘advice’ cannot be independently summarised from the available material.

Udhayanidhi mocks TVK ministers, urges legal push against govt

At the DMK Lawyers’ Wing’s North Zone consultation meeting held at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on the TVK government, alleging it was acting out of “insecurity” and making arrests by drawing up lists. He recalled being arrested for stating that water had not come in the Cauvery, and said the episode energised DMK cadres. Describing the trip to Thanjavur, he said party workers gathered along the route and offered food and drinks to both the team and police personnel.

Do you need to surrender a deceased person’s PAN and Aadhaar?

Families often worry about what to do with a deceased person’s identity documents, especially PAN and Aadhaar. A reader from Chennai asked whether these cards must be surrendered and to whom. On PAN, the guidance is that there is no legal requirement to surrender it immediately after death. However, to avoid the risk of misuse, it is considered advisable to submit the PAN card to the Income Tax Department. It is also suggested that the PAN be handed over after key formalities are completed—such as transferring bank accounts, mutual funds and assets in the deceased person’s name to the legal heirs, and filing the final income tax return on behalf of the deceased.

Madurai man dies after police questioning; RDO probe recommended

A 55-year-old Shiva devotee from Madurai has died, with his family alleging he was assaulted by police during questioning linked to a parking dispute. The Madurai Police Commissioner has recommended that the matter be taken up for an inquiry by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO). According to the complaint, the man, identified as Paramasivam from Mel Anuppanadi Housing Board area, had a dispute on July 17 with neighbours Valakrishnan and Malathi over vehicle parking, during which he sustained a head injury. He later filed a complaint at the Chinthamani police station and received treatment at the Madurai Government Hospital before returning home the next day.

Two suspended after 1,500 tonnes of paddy bags go missing in Kancheepuram

Authorities have suspended two Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) officials after 1,500 tonnes of paddy bags sent for milling from Kancheepuram district were found missing, officials said. The estimated loss to the government is Rs 3.75 crore. TNCSC Managing Director Shilpa Prabhakar Satish ordered the suspension of Regional Manager Arulvanitha and Quality Control Assistant Manager Jeyavel, citing failure to monitor the movement and conversion of paddy into rice. According to the inquiry, the missing stock was linked to four rice mills. One mill in the Vellaigate area allegedly failed to convert 1,250 tonnes, while another mill accounted for 100 tonnes and two other mills for 150 tonnes. Inspectors reportedly found no corresponding stock either as paddy or as rice in the mills.

Seven devotees killed in stampede at Bihar’s Ashok Dham temple

Seven devotees were killed in a stampede at Ashok Dham temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district early Monday, officials said. The incident occurred as large crowds gathered for darshan on the third Monday of the Sawan month, a day that draws heavy footfall at Shiva temples. According to reports, a power pole at the site tilted and fell, triggering panic among devotees. As people rushed to move away, a crush formed, leading to the fatalities.

Lookout notice issued to Rathesh Raju in TASMAC graft case

Chennai: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has issued a lookout notice against Rathesh Raju in connection with the alleged corruption case involving TASMAC, the Tamil Nadu government-run liquor corporation. The case stems from allegations that irregularities took place in liquor procurement, sales and cargo transportation at TASMAC during the previous DMK regime. DVAC registered a case and recently conducted searches at 45 locations, during which officials said they seized materials indicating large-scale wrongdoing.

TN Assembly resumes after break; DMK and TVK spar in heated debate

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly reconvened in Chennai on August 17 after a four-day break, amid a charged atmosphere and heated exchanges between DMK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) members. The first Budget Session after TVK formed the government began on August 5. Finance Minister Mariya Wilson presented the 2026–27 general budget, followed by Agriculture Minister Vinoth presenting the agriculture budget the next morning. Debates on both budgets were held from August 7 to 11, with opposition parties alleging that election promises were not reflected in the budget; ministers responded on August 12.

TN Minister Nirmal Kumar rejects drug angle in Coimbatore student murder

Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar on Monday rejected allegations that the murder of an engineering student in Coimbatore was linked to a drug gang, and urged that the case should not be “diverted” from the facts. He was responding in the Assembly to claims raised by Opposition leader Udhayanidhi. Udhayanidhi, while listing recent murder incidents in the state, said the victim—Amuthan, an engineering student from Kallakurichi—was allegedly assaulted by a group and killed. He claimed that when the issue was earlier raised, it was described as a clash between groups, but insisted it was a murder and alleged police actions led to the killing.

Supreme Court tells Karnataka to follow Cauvery panel order on TN water

The Supreme Court on Sunday directed Karnataka to comply with the Cauvery Management Authority’s directions on releasing water to Tamil Nadu, while hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government. The matter came up before a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. Senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan, appearing for Tamil Nadu, alleged that Karnataka was not following the Central Water Management Authority’s guidelines and that farmers in Tamil Nadu were not receiving the required water.

CM Vijay announces full waiver of crop loans up to Rs 75,000

Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay on Monday announced a fresh crop-loan waiver package under Rule 110 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, expanding relief for farmers based on the size of outstanding loans. As per the announcement, crop loans up to Rs 75,000 will be waived in full. For farmers who borrowed up to Rs 1 lakh, a waiver of Rs 75,000 will be provided, while those with loans above Rs 1 lakh will receive a waiver of Rs 35,000.

Minister Ramesh urges ‘dignity’ lesson for Opposition leader Udhayanidhi

Chennai: A sharp exchange unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the debate on grant demands, with Minister Ramesh calling for Opposition leader Udhayanidhi to be taught legislative decorum. The issue arose after Minister Ranjith referred to the name of Karunanidhi, prompting objections. DMK MLA and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) said members should safeguard the dignity of the House. Responding, Minister Ramesh said OPS, as a senior member, had earlier guided the House on maintaining dignity and that first-time members were ready to learn. He added that the Chief Minister had already expressed views aligned with the principles of duty, dignity and discipline.

Technology

Calls grow in India for law to curb minors’ social media use

A widely shared line on social media in recent days has sparked debate, with many users reposting it in concern. The message warns that in 30 years, India could become an example of how social media can push a country into decline. Though unsettling, the sentiment reflects growing anxiety about how low data costs and easy access are keeping people—especially those in working age—glued to reels and short videos for hours. The report also points to parents handing smartphones to children to make them eat, and argues that excessive exposure can lead minors into risky behaviour.

CM Vijay releases video listing 100-day governance achievements

Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay released a video outlining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s achievements during its first 100 days in office. He described the 100-day governance record as “the people’s conscience for an era.” In the video, the government highlighted a range of law-and-order and social initiatives, including the formation of the “Singappen” special rapid-response force and 65 special squads to curb narcotics. It also said 717 liquor shops were shut during the period.

Supreme Court asks why agencies are silent in Rahul assets case

The Supreme Court on Sunday questioned why investigative agencies have remained silent in a case alleging disproportionate assets against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, observing that if the allegations are “so serious”, the agencies’ inaction needs an explanation. The matter stems from a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court by BJP member Vignesh Shishir, seeking a probe into the assets of Rahul Gandhi and his family. The High Court had directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct an inquiry in accordance with law.

BJP names new office-bearers; Smriti Irani, Vasundhara Raje get key roles

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has carried out an organisational reshuffle, naming new vice-presidents, general secretaries and national secretaries, along with fresh appointments across several party wings. The changes come months after Nitin Nabin took charge as BJP president. As part of the new line-up, the party appointed 13 vice-presidents, eight national general secretaries and 16 national secretaries. Among the key appointments, Vasundhara Raje Scindia has been named a vice-president, while Smriti Irani has been appointed a national general secretary. The party also said women have been given significant representation, including six vice-president posts, four secretary posts and one general secretary post, and that two Muslims have been assigned positions.

Iran video claims reward for killing or capturing US soldier

Tensions in West Asia remain high as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues, according to a video report carried by Dinamalar. The report notes that the power struggle over control of the Strait of Hormuz is also continuing between the two countries, adding to the regional uncertainty. In this backdrop, the video claims that a reward of 28 lakhs has been announced for killing a US soldier who enters Iran, or for capturing and handing the soldier over alive.

Aadi Pooram float festival held at Jambukeswarar Temple

Jambukeswarar Temple held the Aadi Pooram Theppam Utsavam (float festival), according to a short video published by Dinamalar. The event is part of the temple’s Aadi Pooram celebrations and is traditionally marked by a ceremonial float procession. The Dinamalar video highlights the festival observance at the temple, drawing attention to the special occasion. No further official details on timings or related programmes were provided in the source.

Sivakumar camp mocks Siddaramaiah over ‘storytelling’ jibe

A short video report published by Dinamalar says a fresh round of sparring has surfaced within the Karnataka Congress. According to the report, the camp aligned with senior leader D.K. Shivakumar is mocking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, using a jibe that he is “telling stories.” The clip frames the remarks as political teasing from Shivakumar’s side, indicating continuing internal chatter and rivalry. No further details, quotes, or context were provided in the short beyond the claim that Shivakumar’s camp is targeting Siddaramaiah with the “story” taunt.

Education

Learn something new every day, Vice President tells students in Chennai

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday advised students to keep learning continuously and prepare for rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, saying AI is increasingly reshaping the information technology sector. He was speaking at the 22nd convocation of SRM University held at its campus in Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu district. University Chancellor Parivendhar presided over the event. During the ceremony, the Vice President conferred an honorary doctorate on Velusamy, President – Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, and awarded degrees to graduating students. He said convocation is not merely about receiving certificates, but a moment that celebrates years of perseverance and hard work, and marks the start of a life journey rooted in discipline, responsibility and social service.

BJP complaint seeks case against Sonia over ‘Vande Mataram’ gesture

A complaint has been filed at the Urwa police station in Mangaluru, Karnataka, seeking action against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over an alleged gesture made during the playing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. According to the complaint, during an Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters in Delhi, ‘Vande Mataram’ was played before the flag hoisting. The BJP has alleged that Sonia Gandhi, along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, signalled for the song to be stopped midway—an act it termed disrespectful.

Business

Erratic power supply hits Tamil Nadu industries; users report appliance damage

Industries and households in several districts of Tamil Nadu are facing disruption due to erratic power supply and persistent low-voltage issues, according to industry representatives and residents. They have urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure stable electricity distribution. Power connections are provided under low-tension and high-tension categories, with homes, shops and micro, small and medium units up to 150 kW falling under the low-tension segment. While the state’s average daily demand is around 16,000 MW, it typically crosses 20,000 MW during April and May.

Parliament disruptions waste crores in tax money, editorial warns

India’s Parliament meets three times a year—Budget, Monsoon and Winter sessions. The recently concluded Monsoon Session, which began on the 20th of last month and ended on the 13th, held 19 sittings. According to figures cited, running both Houses costs about Rs 2.5 lakh per minute. With a typical six-hour sitting estimated at around Rs 9 crore, repeated stoppages translate into a significant burden on the exchequer. The editorial notes that from the opening day, Opposition parties repeatedly disrupted proceedings by raising issues such as the alleged NEET question paper leak, a protest in Delhi by party workers and students and the subsequent police baton-charge, and allegations related to donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. As a result, the Houses were adjourned multiple times, losing more than 7,000 minutes—putting the estimated waste of taxpayers’ money at up to Rs 175 crore.

Women’s self-help groups to get priority in rural works contracts

Chennai: The Rural Development Department has issued instructions to give priority to women’s self-help groups (SHGs) while awarding contracts for rural development works. Officials said the move is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, and is intended to enable women to take up contract works in rural local bodies. As per the guidelines, SHGs registered with the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women can participate in tenders in their area for works valued below Rs 5 lakh. They can also undertake works where the total value does not exceed Rs 10 lakh.

HR&CE to set up solar power units on vacant temple lands

Chennai: The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has decided to establish solar power generation units on vacant temple lands across Tamil Nadu. The department oversees temples that own land parcels statewide. Officials said the plan will focus on plots where agricultural activity is not taking place and the land remains unused, by installing solar equipment to generate electricity. The proposal was discussed and approved at a review meeting held last month under HR&CE Minister Ramesh. Following this, the department commissioner has instructed regional joint commissioners to send details of locations where a single contiguous parcel of 10 acres or more is available.