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Dinamalar launches daily 8-page ‘Election Field’ supplement
Politics

Dinamalar launches daily 8-page ‘Election Field’ supplement

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23 and counting set for May 4, the campaign atmosphere is beginning to heat up. Dinamalar has announced that it is publishing a daily election-focused supplement titled ‘Election Field’, running to eight pages alongside its newspaper. The publication said the supplement will carry election-related updates and political developments as the contest intensifies. Readers have also been invited to share their views by posting comments on the report.

Anbumani announces PMK candidates for three constituencies
Politics

Anbumani announces PMK candidates for three constituencies

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday announced the party’s first list of candidates for the upcoming election, covering three constituencies. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has been allotted 18 constituencies as part of the AIADMK-led alliance. Anbumani said the remaining candidates for the other seats would be announced soon. According to the list released, Vadivel Ravanan will contest from Keezhvelur, K.N. Sekar from Ambattur, and Ganeshkumar from Gingee. The party has indicated that further announcements will follow as it finalises nominees for the rest of the constituencies allotted under the seat-sharing arrangement.

AIADMK claims early win as Palaniswami counters alliance criticism
Politics

AIADMK claims early win as Palaniswami counters alliance criticism

Alliance doubts after Shah’s Chennai visit When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chennai on April 11 last year and announced the AIADMK–BJP alliance, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) remained silent at the joint media interaction. His body language and the subsequent debate over whether the front should be called the NDA or an AIADMK-led alliance fuelled criticism that the BJP was calling the shots. Questions over coordination and leadership With few joint protests or public meetings, talk of a lack of coordination between the two parties—and even among cadres—gained ground. Palaniswami’s multiple trips to Delhi to meet Shah over the past year were used by DMK leaders to taunt him, while sections of AIADMK workers expressed unease, reinforcing the perception that EPS was operating under BJP pressure.

Modi, Trump discuss Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict
Politics

Modi, Trump discuss Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the evolving conflict situation in West Asia, according to information shared by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. The two leaders reviewed the broader impact of the ongoing Israel-Iran war, which has entered its fourth week and has severely affected global crude oil exports. They also discussed maritime security and the stability of global fuel supplies.

Centre reportedly puts women’s quota law amendment on hold
Politics

Centre reportedly puts women’s quota law amendment on hold

New Delhi: The Union government has reportedly decided to keep on hold its plan to bring amendments to the women’s reservation law, sources said. The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, passed in 2023, provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. However, the law is set to take effect only after the completion of the population census and the delimitation exercise. With the census expected to be completed only in 2027, questions have been raised over whether the reservation can be implemented in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. To expedite the process, the Centre was said to be considering implementation based on the 2011 census.

Centre calls all-party meet in Delhi on West Asia crisis, oil supply impact
Politics

Centre calls all-party meet in Delhi on West Asia crisis, oil supply impact

The Union government has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday evening to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia and their potential impact on India. According to the report, the conflict has intensified after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran from February 28, with Iran responding in retaliation. The situation has raised concerns over regional stability and wider economic fallout. Iran, angered by the attacks, has closed the Strait of Hormuz—through which around 20% of the world’s crude oil transport is said to pass—triggering fears of shortages of crude oil and gas globally, including in India. Opposition parties had been pressing for an all-party discussion on the issue.

TN Police struggle to track top rowdies despite 24 encounters in 5 years
Crime

TN Police struggle to track top rowdies despite 24 encounters in 5 years

Chennai police have shot dead 24 rowdies in encounters over the last five years, yet are still unable to trace or get close to high-profile offenders such as CD Mani and “Sambavam” Senthil, according to a report citing senior police officials. The officials said that between 1998 and 2026, a total of 108 people—including rowdies and chain-snatching robbers—were killed in encounters. In the most recent five-year period, those killed included Kaaka Thoppu Balaji, Seizing Raja, Trichy Jagan, Durai in Pudukkottai and Neeravi Murugan in Tirunelveli.

Shortage of ₹500 notes reported at ATMs as election nears
Politics

Shortage of ₹500 notes reported at ATMs as election nears

As the Assembly election approaches, major parties are said to have intensified booth-level voter tracking, with individuals reportedly assigned to monitor groups of voters in each constituency. According to the report, candidates are allegedly planning cash distribution to voters, with amounts said to go up to ₹2,000 per vote. It claims large quantities of ₹500 notes have been stockpiled for this purpose, reducing their availability in day-to-day circulation. In cities including Madurai, some bank ATMs have reportedly not been loaded with ₹500 notes for the past two days. Customers are said to be receiving only ₹200 and ₹100 notes, limiting the amount they can withdraw in higher denominations.

20,000 Subsidised Homes Idle in TN; Applicants Await Allocation
General

20,000 Subsidised Homes Idle in TN; Applicants Await Allocation

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s Urban Habitat Development Board has been implementing housing schemes to provide homes to economically weaker sections at subsidised rates, with projects under way across multiple districts. The board primarily allots these units to people relocated from objectionable areas and to residents living in dilapidated tenements, among other eligible groups. Officials had also decided to sell surplus units—after regular allotments—to low-income and middle-income families at concessional prices. Following the announcement, more than 10,000 people submitted applications through an online process, while the board is said to have an inventory of up to 20,000 houses and plots.

Supreme Court orders equal treatment for women officers in armed forces
Politics

Supreme Court orders equal treatment for women officers in armed forces

The Supreme Court has ruled that women officers in the armed forces must not face discrimination in assessments and career progression, and said eligible women should receive permanent commission and pension benefits. Under the Short Service Commission (SSC), officers are appointed for 10 years, extendable up to 14 years. If they are not granted a Permanent Commission (PC) thereafter, they must exit service and do not receive pension benefits. Officers appointed under PC can serve until retirement and are entitled to promotions and pension.

Telangana Formula-E case: Ex-CM KCR’s son named in chargesheet
Politics

Telangana Formula-E case: Ex-CM KCR’s son named in chargesheet

The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet in a case related to the proposed Formula-E car race in Hyderabad, alleging misuse of government funds during the previous BRS regime. Telangana is currently governed by the Congress under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The Formula-E event was planned in 2024 when the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was in power. According to the allegations, Rs 55 crore was transferred abroad from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) without obtaining approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Following the controversy, the race was cancelled.

Allegation: Land donated for college sold to private buyers for Rs 14 crore
General

Allegation: Land donated for college sold to private buyers for Rs 14 crore

A Catholic minority welfare association has alleged that land donated for setting up an engineering college near Tiruvallur was later sold to private individuals for up to Rs 14 crore. According to the association, a family of priests Juliet and Albert from Tiruvallur district donated 8 acres and 51 cents of land near Pannur to the Don Bosco Salesians on July 24, 2013. The land was said to be worth around Rs 10 crore at the time.

If CM blocks ED raid, where can agency seek remedy, asks Supreme Court
Politics

If CM blocks ED raid, where can agency seek remedy, asks Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday held a sharp hearing on a case linked to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) search at the Kolkata office of election strategy firm I-PAC, associated with the Trinamool Congress. The ED has alleged that during the January 8 search at the I-PAC office and at the residence of its head Prateek Jain, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the spot and obstructed the operation. The agency also claimed that certain files and digital devices were taken away.

Panneerselvam targets Palaniswami at DMK workers meet in Theni
Politics

Panneerselvam targets Palaniswami at DMK workers meet in Theni

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Edappadi K Palaniswami, calling him a symbol of “betrayal and defeat” and urging that he be removed from politics. He was speaking at a DMK workers’ meeting held at A Pudhupatti near Periyakulam in Theni district. Panneerselvam predicted a record victory for the DMK-led alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, and claimed that the Palaniswami camp would lose its deposit.

Row over Coimbatore GD Naidu flyover: Rs 2 crore for inauguration?
Politics

Row over Coimbatore GD Naidu flyover: Rs 2 crore for inauguration?

A controversy has surfaced in Coimbatore over the GD Naidu flyover on Avinashi Road, with questions raised on whether around Rs 2 crore was spent on activities such as the foundation-laying, inauguration event, photographs and drone video coverage. The 10.1-km elevated corridor between Uppilipalayam and Goldwins was built by the Tamil Nadu Highways Department and was recently inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also named it after G.D. Naidu. The project allocation was initially stated as Rs 1,621 crore, later revised in 2024 to Rs 1,791 crore through a government order—an increase of Rs 170 crore.

Udhayanidhi urges DMK to turn EPS into a “crushing defeat” symbol
Politics

Udhayanidhi urges DMK to turn EPS into a “crushing defeat” symbol

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday said the DMK should ensure that AIADMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami is turned into a symbol of “crushing defeat” through the party’s victory in the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing a meeting of DMK Youth Wing office-bearers from Dindigul and Theni districts in Dindigul, he alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah frequently visit Tamil Nadu after elections but do not release projects or funds. He said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was the only leader consistently opposing what he called the Centre’s discriminatory approach.

BJP holds second day of talks in Chennai on NDA seat choices
Politics

BJP holds second day of talks in Chennai on NDA seat choices

Chennai: As the Tamil Nadu Assembly election preparations gather pace, the BJP has begun finalising which constituencies it will seek within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party has been allotted 27 seats in the alliance. Union Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with senior BJP functionaries late on the previous night at the party’s state headquarters in Chennai, focusing on the list of constituencies the party wants to contest. Sources said the AIADMK side asked the BJP to submit its preferred-seat list quickly, as AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is set to begin campaigning from today.

AIADMK weighs fielding Porkodi against Stalin in Kolathur
Politics

AIADMK weighs fielding Porkodi against Stalin in Kolathur

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is reportedly considering fielding Porkodi, the wife of late BSP leader Armstrong, against Chief Minister M K Stalin in Chennai’s Kolathur constituency. Stalin has been contesting from Kolathur since 2011, and he is widely expected to seek a fourth term from the seat. In previous elections, AIADMK had fielded candidates including former mayor Saidai Duraisamy, J C D Prabhakar and Adhirajaram. According to an AIADMK functionary, the party is now exploring Porkodi as a candidate. Armstrong had earlier won as a councillor in the 2006 Chennai Corporation election from a ward under the Kolathur area.

LPG sector urges ethanol makers to develop cooking fuel alternative
Business

LPG sector urges ethanol makers to develop cooking fuel alternative

New Delhi: The petroleum industry has urged ethanol producers to help convert ethanol into a viable cooking fuel, aiming to reduce India’s dependence on imported LPG. Speaking at a conference of the All India Ethanol Manufacturers Association, Ravi, Director of the Petroleum Industry Federation, said efforts are under way to develop cooking stoves that run on ethanol. He noted that the LPG Equipment Testing Centre and several IITs are involved in the initiative, and prototype models are expected to be introduced soon.

DMDK gets 10 seats in DMK alliance; Premalatha says party compromised
Politics

DMDK gets 10 seats in DMK alliance; Premalatha says party compromised

DMK and DMDK on Monday night signed their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, allotting 10 constituencies to DMDK. The pact was signed at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai by DMK president M.K. Stalin and DMDK general secretary Premalatha. The agreement follows DMDK’s entry into the DMK-led alliance, under which DMDK has already been given a Rajya Sabha MP post. Vijayakanth’s brother-in-law Sudheesh was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.

Kamal says no to DMK’s two seats; MNM won’t contest Assembly polls
Politics

Kamal says no to DMK’s two seats; MNM won’t contest Assembly polls

Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has announced that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), will not contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, even after the DMK indicated it was willing to allot two seats. According to his statement, MNM found both the reduced seat offer and the suggestion to contest on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol unacceptable. Kamal said the “Torch Light” symbol is MNM’s identity and that he could not ignore the sentiments of party members and supporters.

DMK alliance to field 175 candidates under Rising Sun symbol
Politics

DMK alliance to field 175 candidates under Rising Sun symbol

Chennai: The DMK-led alliance is set to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election with 175 candidates under the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol. According to details of the seat-sharing arrangement, nine alliance parties have been allotted 66 constituencies. Of these, candidates in 59 seats will contest using their respective party symbols. In seven constituencies, alliance partners will contest under the Rising Sun symbol—MDMK in three seats, MMK in two, and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK) in two.

DMK–Tavaka alliance split sparks fireworks in Tirunelveli
Politics

DMK–Tavaka alliance split sparks fireworks in Tirunelveli

A reported split between the DMK and its ally Tavaka has surfaced in Tirunelveli, drawing attention locally. According to the short video report published by Dinamalar, the fallout was accompanied by fireworks, signalling a visible and celebratory reaction to the break. The clip does not provide further details on the reasons behind the rift or the next steps for either side. More clarity is expected as the parties respond and outline their positions in the coming days.

Italy’s Meloni concedes referendum defeat, vows to stay on as PM
Politics

Italy’s Meloni concedes referendum defeat, vows to stay on as PM

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a constitutional referendum on judicial reform, while reaffirming that she will continue to lead the government. The referendum was held on March 22 and 23 to gauge public opinion on key changes, including separating the career tracks of judges and lawyers. Voter turnout crossed 58%, higher than expected. According to the results, 46.5% backed the government’s position while 53.5% voted against it, handing the reform proposal a loss.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Duranthar 2’ crosses ₹800 crore worldwide in 5 days
Entertainment

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Duranthar 2’ crosses ₹800 crore worldwide in 5 days

Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Duranthar 2’, titled ‘Duranthar: The Revenge’, has posted a massive opening run at the box office. The film has collected ₹519.12 crore net in India within five days, while its worldwide gross has crossed ₹800 crore, according to trade tracking reports. Released worldwide on March 19, the sequel follows an Indian Army intelligence operative who infiltrates Pakistan’s crime-terror network. The first part, released last December, was a major hit, and the second instalment has drawn strong audience response, with the narrative said to connect contemporary incidents and themes more directly.

Stalin asks Centre’s steps to shield people from West Asia war impact
Politics

Stalin asks Centre’s steps to shield people from West Asia war impact

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has asked what precautionary steps the Union government has taken to protect people from the impact of the West Asia war. In a statement, Stalin referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that the country should be prepared for the conflict’s effects, and questioned whether the responsibility lies with the Centre or with citizens. He said he had written to the Prime Minister seeking uninterrupted availability of cylinders for all uses, the rescue of Tamils stranded in Gulf countries, and changes to gas supply restrictions for power stations.

Chennai gold dips in morning, rebounds by evening
Business

Chennai gold dips in morning, rebounds by evening

Jewellery gold prices in Chennai saw sharp swings on March 24, with rates falling in the morning and recovering by evening. According to the reported rates, 22-carat gold dropped by ₹2,720 per sovereign in the morning to ₹1,04,000, while the per-gram price slipped by ₹340 to ₹13,000. By evening, the trend reversed. Gold rose by ₹2,000 per sovereign to ₹1,06,000, and increased by ₹250 per gram to ₹13,250. Overall, the report said gold was still ₹720 lower compared with the previous day.

DMK–VCK seat talks, AIADMK meet and market cues: Key events on March 24
General

DMK–VCK seat talks, AIADMK meet and market cues: Key events on March 24

Several political, public health and market developments marked March 24 across Tamil Nadu and beyond. In Chennai, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is set to chair a meeting of district secretaries. The party is expected to discuss alliance seat allocation and assess constituencies where partners could improve winning prospects. On the alliance front, DMK and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) held the second round of seat-sharing talks on Tuesday and said an agreement was reached.

GK Vasan denies rift over seat-sharing talks in NDA alliance
Politics

GK Vasan denies rift over seat-sharing talks in NDA alliance

Chennai: Speculation surfaced on Tuesday that Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) was unhappy with seat-sharing in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), after party leader GK Vasan did not attend the talks held at the AIADMK office. The meeting in Chennai was convened to finalise constituency allocation among NDA partners in Tamil Nadu, including the AIADMK, BJP, AMMK and PMK. The discussions were held in the presence of BJP election in-charge Piyush Goyal and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

VCK to contest alone in 3 Puducherry seats, says Thirumavalavan
Politics

VCK to contest alone in 3 Puducherry seats, says Thirumavalavan

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) will contest the upcoming Puducherry Assembly election on its own in three constituencies—Oussudu, Nettapakkam and Uzhavarkarai—party president Thol. Thirumavalavan has announced. Polling in Puducherry is scheduled for April 9. Thirumavalavan said seat-sharing talks within the INDIA alliance were dragged out, with Congress and the DMK deciding their respective seat counts only after nomination filing was completed. According to his statement, VCK had sought three seats, but the arrangement offered the party only one seat. He alleged that Congress, which is contesting a larger number of seats, did not come forward to allocate constituencies to smaller allies, while the DMK expressed willingness to give one seat to VCK.

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