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EPS meets Amit Shah in Delhi, shares dinner at minister’s home
Politics

EPS meets Amit Shah in Delhi, shares dinner at minister’s home

AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. According to the report, Shah has been attending daily Cabinet-level security meetings amid tensions linked to the Iran war situation, and was therefore unable to travel to Chennai. Palaniswami was invited to Delhi for the meeting. The meeting took place at night, during which Shah is said to have made remarks about former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, suggesting he had moved closer to the DMK side.

275 retired judges, IAS officers slam US panel report as biased
Politics

275 retired judges, IAS officers slam US panel report as biased

New Delhi: A group of 275 retired judges, former IAS officers and senior military officials has issued a joint statement condemning the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report as “biased” and driven by ulterior motives. USCIRF, which monitors religious freedom globally and makes policy recommendations to the US government, recently released its 2025 report. The report alleged religious freedom violations in India and recommended a ban on India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Nutrition, anganwadi pensioners allege DMK govt delayed promised hike
Politics

Nutrition, anganwadi pensioners allege DMK govt delayed promised hike

Chennai: Retired noon-meal (nutrition) and anganwadi workers have accused the DMK government of deliberately misleading them over a promised pension increase. Chief Minister M K Stalin had announced on January 24 that the monthly pension for nutrition and anganwadi workers would be raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,400. The announcement also included doubling the gratuity from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh and providing Rs 20,000 towards funeral expenses.

ABVP protests at Jammu University over Jinnah content in PG syllabus
Politics

ABVP protests at Jammu University over Jinnah content in PG syllabus

Jammu University witnessed a protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) after a new postgraduate Political Science syllabus included references to Muhammad Ali Jinnah. According to the report, the additions were made under the National Education Policy framework. The material appears in a paper titled “Nation and Minorities”, under a section on modern Indian political thought. ABVP, described as the student wing of the RSS, held demonstrations on the university campus and raised slogans demanding that the Jinnah-related portion be removed immediately.

Doubts over Rahul Gandhi campaigning for DMK-Congress alliance in TN
Politics

Doubts over Rahul Gandhi campaigning for DMK-Congress alliance in TN

Congress leadership has decided to remain in the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, even as some state leaders were said to be keen on a tie-up with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), according to reports. Within party circles, there is talk that Rahul Gandhi was not fully in agreement with the decision and had preferred an alliance with TVK, but later stayed silent in line with Sonia Gandhi’s direction. Notably, Rahul has not issued any public comment so far on the DMK-Congress alliance.

BJP steps up strategy to unseat Trinamool in West Bengal polls
Politics

BJP steps up strategy to unseat Trinamool in West Bengal polls

West Bengal is heading into a two-phase Assembly election for its 294 seats, setting up a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the opposition BJP. Polling is scheduled for April 23 in 152 constituencies, followed by April 29 for the remaining 142 seats. Counting will be held on May 4. Soon after the election schedule was announced, the Election Commission ordered the transfer of several top state officials, including the chief secretary, home secretary and the police DGP—an unusually swift move that has added to the political churn.

Panneerselvam says DMK has no real rival in current political climate
Politics

Panneerselvam says DMK has no real rival in current political climate

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Saturday said the DMK has no suitable competitor in the present political situation, ahead of the next Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Speaking at Kalaiyarkoil in Sivaganga district, he said Chief Minister M K Stalin’s initiatives over the past five years have benefited people and that there is a possibility Stalin could return as Chief Minister. Panneerselvam also said he is happy to be in the DMK founded by C N Annadurai, adding that he has joined the party as an ordinary cadre.

Iran’s reported 4,000-km missile attempt alarms world powers
Politics

Iran’s reported 4,000-km missile attempt alarms world powers

Tehran has drawn global attention after reports said Iran attempted a long-range strike of around 4,000 km, a distance far beyond what it had previously acknowledged. The report comes amid an ongoing conflict in which the United States and Israel are said to be carrying out attacks on Iran, with the war crossing 20 days. According to the account, Iran launched two medium-range intercontinental missiles late the previous night, targeting the US–UK base on Diego Garcia island in the Indian Ocean. One missile reportedly failed, while the other was intercepted and destroyed.

DMDK district secretaries warn: Will quit posts if given under 10 seats
Politics

DMDK district secretaries warn: Will quit posts if given under 10 seats

Chennai: A section of DMDK district secretaries has raised a strong demand within the party, warning that they will step down from their posts if the party is allotted fewer than 10 Assembly seats in the DMK-led alliance. DMDK recently joined the DMK alliance and has been given a Rajya Sabha MP seat. However, the DMK has not yet confirmed how many Assembly constituencies will be allotted to DMDK. As speculation grows that DMDK may receive only a single-digit number of seats—reports suggest eight constituencies—some district secretaries have begun voicing opposition and insisting the party should not accept less than 10.

Vijay tells Jay Shah he won’t join DMK or AIADMK-led alliance: Report
Politics

Vijay tells Jay Shah he won’t join DMK or AIADMK-led alliance: Report

Reports from TVK circles claim party chief Vijay has conveyed a firm stand that he will not align with either the DMK or the AIADMK, and plans to face the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election on his own. According to the report, the BJP explored bringing TVK into the National Democratic Alliance, arguing that a strong two-corner contest would make it easier to challenge the DMK, which is expected to fight with the advantages of power, resources and a broad alliance.

10 killed, 59 injured in South Korea car parts plant fire
General

10 killed, 59 injured in South Korea car parts plant fire

A major fire broke out at a car parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon, South Korea, leaving 10 workers dead and 59 others injured, according to local reports. Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information and battled the blaze for an extended period before bringing it under control. Authorities said 170 workers were on duty at the time of the incident. Rescue teams are continuing a search for four people reported missing. The injured have been admitted to hospitals, and 25 of them are said to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.

Key events on March 21: CPM meet, TVK list, seat-sharing talks
Politics

Key events on March 21: CPM meet, TVK list, seat-sharing talks

Several political and public events are in focus on March 21 across Tamil Nadu and beyond. The CPI(M) convened its party executive committee meeting on an urgent basis today, advancing it from the earlier plan to meet on March 23. The discussions reportedly centred on the continuing uncertainty over seat-sharing within the DMK-led alliance. On the electoral front, the second round of interviews for candidates to contest under the TVK banner was held. Sources said Vijay has finalised candidates for 50 constituencies, and the party is expected to announce its Puducherry candidate list today.

Hindu Makkal Katchi seeks seat share in NDA for Assembly polls
Politics

Hindu Makkal Katchi seeks seat share in NDA for Assembly polls

Hindu Makkal Katchi has urged the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to allot it seats to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The party said it has conveyed its demand to Union Minister Amit Shah and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). The demand was raised during a party-led “Tamil Nadu Recovery Conference” held in Chennai, which focused on its call to defeat what it described as the “Dravidian model” government. Party functionaries in charge of all 234 Assembly constituencies, along with state and district office-bearers, attended the event.

US allows Iran to sell crude oil globally for 30 days
Business

US allows Iran to sell crude oil globally for 30 days

The United States has granted Iran a 30-day permission to sell its crude oil on the global market, easing restrictions on maritime purchases, according to the report. The move is described as an effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to bring down oil prices that have risen amid the US-Israel war. With the temporary relaxation, an estimated 140 million barrels of Iranian crude currently held on ships are expected to enter the market.

Thirumavalavan urges VCK cadres to press for more seats in DMK alliance
Politics

Thirumavalavan urges VCK cadres to press for more seats in DMK alliance

Chennai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan has called on party cadres to push harder within the DMK-led alliance for additional constituencies, stressing the need to fight for seats and resources ahead of elections. Speaking to party workers through a video conference, he said the party should prepare for the polls with confidence, even if it ends up contesting a limited number of seats. He underlined that there are pressures involved in selecting candidates amid constraints and in mobilising funds.

I back only those who seek peace, says Shashi Tharoor
Politics

I back only those who seek peace, says Shashi Tharoor

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday said he has always supported only those who want peace, whether in West Asia or in any other conflict. Tharoor had earlier backed the Union government’s stance on the war involving Iran and the US and Israel, saying New Delhi’s silence should not be seen as cowardice but as “good diplomacy”. The comment triggered criticism and allegations that he was acting against the Congress party’s position.

Piyush Goyal’s Tamil Nadu visit postponed; Nainar Nagendran clarifies
Politics

Piyush Goyal’s Tamil Nadu visit postponed; Nainar Nagendran clarifies

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Friday clarified why Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s scheduled visit to the state was postponed. Responding to reporters in Chennai, Nagendran said there was “no specific reason” behind the change in plan. He stated that Goyal has a meeting with the Prime Minister, which led to the deferment. Nagendran added that the Union Minister could still arrive in Tamil Nadu either on Friday night or the following day.

Iran rejects ceasefire call as West Asia conflict enters day 22
Politics

Iran rejects ceasefire call as West Asia conflict enters day 22

Conflict continues into day 22 Fighting in West Asia has continued for the 22nd day, with Iran rejecting calls for a ceasefire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would continue to defend itself until the war ends in a permanent and comprehensive manner. Background to the escalation According to the report, the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28, citing concerns over a nuclear threat. In response, Iran has carried out strikes targeting gas facilities in Israel and neighbouring countries, as well as US military bases in the region.

BJP releases first list of candidates for Puducherry Assembly polls
Politics

BJP releases first list of candidates for Puducherry Assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 21 released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Assembly election, which is scheduled to be held on April 9. The party is set to contest in 10 constituencies as part of the NDA alliance. The seat-sharing arrangement was finalised after Chief Minister N Rangasamy agreed to include the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in the alliance, ending a week-long deadlock. Under the alliance plan, the NR Congress will contest 16 seats, the BJP 10, the AIADMK 2 and the LJK 2.

Chidambaram: In alliances, the key is who holds the strings
Politics

Chidambaram: In alliances, the key is who holds the strings

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Friday commented on the dynamics within the NDA, using a puppet-show analogy to underline who he believes holds real control. Speaking after a meeting with party functionaries at an MP office in Karaikudi, he said the AIADMK general secretary’s visit to Delhi itself indicates that the BJP is the “real leader” of the alliance. Chidambaram alleged that the AIADMK is being projected in front only for appearances, adding that in a puppet show, the puppet is not important—what matters is whose hand holds the thread.

Iran missile attempt targets Diego Garcia base, US forces intercept
Politics

Iran missile attempt targets Diego Garcia base, US forces intercept

Iran has attempted a missile attack on the Diego Garcia naval base in the Indian Ocean, a joint facility used by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to reports. The base is located roughly 4,000 kilometres from Iran. In the reported incident, one missile is said to have failed during its flight, while another was intercepted and shot down by US forces. The Wall Street Journal reported the development, but did not specify when the attempted strike took place. Iran has not issued an official statement on the incident so far.

Dinakaran says Delhi meet with Amit Shah focused on unity, not seats
Politics

Dinakaran says Delhi meet with Amit Shah focused on unity, not seats

AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi and later spoke to reporters about the discussions. Dinakaran said the meeting did not involve talks on seat-sharing. Instead, he said the focus was on how the alliance should work together across all 234 Assembly constituencies to defeat the DMK, and on approaching the election with unity. He also said he met Union minister Piyush Goyal during the Delhi visit. Defending the trip, Dinakaran said there was nothing wrong in coming to Delhi and questioned whether Amit Shah could visit Tamil Nadu every time.

DMK pressing for key Puducherry seats, says Congress leader Girish Chodankar
Politics

DMK pressing for key Puducherry seats, says Congress leader Girish Chodankar

Seat-sharing talks between the DMK and Congress in Puducherry remain unresolved even as the alliance has already finalised its arrangement in Tamil Nadu, Congress election in-charge Girish Chodankar said in Chennai. With no agreement yet, candidates from both parties have been filing nominations separately. The last date for filing nominations is March 23, and party candidates are proceeding with filings while expecting a final deal that could allow withdrawals later.

Dravidian model must continue for Tamil Nadu’s growth: CM Stalin
Politics

Dravidian model must continue for Tamil Nadu’s growth: CM Stalin

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has said the “Dravidian model” should continue for the next five years for Tamil Nadu’s development to be completed. In a statement, he urged voters to support the DMK to achieve the targets he has set. Stalin said he had released a set of sector-wise development goals for the coming five years under the name “Stalin Statement”. He said these goals are aimed at ensuring Tamil Nadu’s progress across key departments.

Pinarayi Vijayan says Congress, Rahul are BJP’s ‘B team’
Politics

Pinarayi Vijayan says Congress, Rahul are BJP’s ‘B team’

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has alleged that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi are functioning as the BJP’s “B team”, in remarks made in an interview to PTI. Referring to the Sabarimala gold cover issue, Vijayan said the Kerala High Court is monitoring the probe and has not found any lapses so far. He added that the state government would not spare anyone connected to the matter. He dismissed opposition allegations as politically motivated and said they would not have any impact on the election scheduled for April 9. Vijayan also claimed that major changes have been introduced in Kerala’s education sector and that the quality of institutions has reached international standards.

Bihar youth held for AI-made defamatory posts targeting PM Modi
Crime

Bihar youth held for AI-made defamatory posts targeting PM Modi

Delhi Police have arrested a youth from Bihar for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create defamatory images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and posting them on social media. The accused has been identified as Siddhanath Kumar, a resident of Arwal district in Bihar. Police said the AI-generated content also depicted a BJP woman MLA and a foreign woman political party leader in an objectionable manner. Following widespread condemnation online, the Special Cell of Delhi Police registered a case and began an investigation. With assistance from the cyber crime unit, officers traced the suspect’s location.

US says it struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility amid escalating war
Politics

US says it struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility amid escalating war

The United States has said its forces carried out an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, a key uranium enrichment site. Iranian news agencies reported that the site came under an air strike and said there was no radiation leak from the location. The development comes amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. According to the report, the US and Israel began military action on the 28th citing concerns over a nuclear threat, and Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes targeting gas facilities in Israel and neighbouring countries, as well as US military bases in the West Asia region.

Modi urges Iran President to ensure safe, uninterrupted shipping
Politics

Modi urges Iran President to ensure safe, uninterrupted shipping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging steps to ensure safe and uninterrupted maritime movement and overall security. With the conflict involving the US and Israel continuing into its 22nd day, the two leaders discussed the need to restore peace in the region and concerns over disruptions to global supply chains. In a post on X, Modi said he conveyed greetings for Ramadan and the start of spring, and noted that both leaders expressed hope that the festive period would bring peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.

Report: US weighs plan to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles
Politics

Report: US weighs plan to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles

Washington: With tensions high due to the ongoing war in West Asia, a report says the United States is holding discussions on how to seize nuclear-related materials held by Iran. The conflict, now in its 22nd day, has intensified amid a global crude oil shortage and growing uncertainty over when the fighting will end. President Donald Trump has said the US is close to achieving its objectives and that a ceasefire is not likely at present.

Centre blocks 300 online gambling sites and mobile apps
Technology

Centre blocks 300 online gambling sites and mobile apps

The Union government has blocked more than 300 online gambling websites and mobile applications that were operating illegally, according to officials. Authorities said the action follows growing concerns over paid online games, with reports of people becoming addicted, losing large sums of money and an increase in suicide incidents linked to such losses. In response, the Centre implemented an online gaming law last year, which bans games designed to extract money from users. Since the law came into force, around 4,900 online gaming platforms have been blocked.

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