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Tamil Nadu News

Latest news from Tamil Nadu - Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment and more

UK to ban tobacco sales to people born after Jan 1, 2009

Britain has moved to curb smoking by passing a sweeping bill that will prohibit the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to people born after January 1, 2009. The government said the step is aimed at building a healthier future generation. According to the report, smoking-related illnesses claim around 64,000 lives in the UK every year. The government is also said to spend more than Rs 30,000 crore annually on treatment for smokers.

MDMK MLA Raghuraman says lack of official respect led him to join BJP

Statement from Sattur Sattur MDMK MLA Raghuraman has said he joined the BJP because he did not receive due respect from government officials despite winning on the ‘Udhayasuriyan’ symbol. Issue raised on firecracker units Raghuraman said revenue officials were conducting inspections at firecracker factories and sealing units. He noted that when more workers are employed for livelihood, accidents and deaths can occur, and he had urged officials to reopen units quickly once deficiencies were rectified in suspended factories.

Vijay urges tighter road patrols, women police at booths in poll letter

Chennai: TVK leader Vijay has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, urging enhanced security and arrangements ahead of the elections. In his letter, Vijay called for intensified police patrolling on major roads and key routes during the election period. He also asked officials to ensure the presence of women police personnel at every polling station to address the needs of women voters. He further sought stricter enforcement through an expanded role for flying squads, along with stronger monitoring using CCTV cameras, drones and video surveillance.

Token given, cash missing: Crowds gather in Tiruppur and other towns

TIRUPPUR: Tension prevailed in parts of Tiruppur after residents gathered on the street alleging that money promised for votes was not paid even though tokens had been distributed. According to locals, people assembled at Sellam Nagar and Sivasakthi Nagar in the Tiruppur South constituency after learning that DMK workers were allegedly distributing cash. Some residents reportedly surrounded a few party workers and argued that only tokens were given and the cash was still pending.

SC: State power must not swallow religious freedom in Sabarimala case

The Supreme Court, hearing the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple dispute, observed that it is extremely difficult—if not impossible—for courts to precisely define what constitutes an “essential” religious practice. The judges also cautioned that the State’s authority should not end up swallowing religious freedom. A nine-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant is examining seven major legal questions linked to religious rights and freedoms, arising from petitions seeking entry for women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. The hearing continued for the seventh day, with lawyers placing arguments on religion and social reform.

Election Commission issues notice to Kharge over 'terrorist' remark

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking his response within 24 hours over a remark in which he is alleged to have referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist”. The controversy stems from a campaign event held in Chennai ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, after which Kharge, while speaking to reporters, was reported to have made the comment. The statement triggered sharp reactions and condemnation from several quarters, including Union ministers.

Woman confronts Maharashtra minister over BJP protest traffic jam

Mumbai witnessed heavy traffic disruption after a protest organised by the ruling BJP, leading to a heated exchange between a commuter and a state minister. According to reports, the demonstration was held to protest the failure of a Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill. The agitation caused severe congestion for hours in areas including Worli. A woman on her way to pick up her child from school was caught in the gridlock. Frustrated, she stepped out of her vehicle and walked into the protest site, confronting Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan and asking why the road was blocked despite an empty ground nearby.

RBI fines 5 private banks Rs 1.31 crore over lax fake account checks

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties and ordered compensation against five private banks for lapses in monitoring fake accounts allegedly used in a major ‘digital arrest’ fraud. The case involves Naresh Malhotra (78), a retired bank employee from Delhi. In August last year, unknown callers allegedly posed as senior officials from the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, kept him under psychological pressure for nearly a month, and made him transfer money as instructed.

Rs 62.49 lakh seized in raid at Srivaikundam Congress candidate’s home

Election authorities seized a large sum of cash during a surprise inspection at a residence linked to Congress candidate Amirtharaj, who is contesting from Srivaikundam in Thoothukudi district. According to officials, a flying squad led by officer Ponmari conducted the raid on Wednesday evening after receiving information that money had been stocked for last-minute distribution to voters. Amirtharaj was not present at the house at the time of the search, and a man identified as Suresh from Kachanavilai was found there.

Madurai, Coimbatore may qualify for Centre’s Urban Infrastructure Fund

Officials in Tamil Nadu say Madurai and Coimbatore are likely contenders to secure funding under the Union government’s newly announced Urban Infrastructure Fund, a challenge-based scheme aimed at improving civic infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The Centre has earlier implemented programmes such as AMRUT for basic urban services and the Smart City Mission for targeted upgrades. The new fund is intended to push smaller cities to compete by preparing project proposals, with selected cities receiving central support for infrastructure improvements.

Trump Media shares slide ₹55,000 crore; CEO Devin Nunes replaced

Trump Media & Technology Group, owned by US President Donald Trump, has replaced its Chief Executive Officer Devin Nunes after the company’s share value fell sharply over the past two years in New York. According to the report, the company’s market value has dropped by more than ₹55,000 crore, a decline estimated at about 67% from November 2024 to the present. The fall has led to losses for many investors.

30 nations meet in London to secure and reopen Strait of Hormuz

A two-day meeting involving defence ministers and military commanders from more than 30 countries began in London to discuss how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen maritime security. Shipping through the strategic waterway has been disrupted due to the war involving Iran. With the strait seen as a crucial route for global energy supplies, the UK and France are leading efforts to shape a new coordinated plan to restore safe passage.

NHRC issues notice over CBSE schools forcing private textbooks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that some CBSE-affiliated schools are forcing students to buy expensive private textbooks. As per existing norms, students in CBSE schools are expected to use textbooks prepared and published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which are intended to be available at affordable prices.

Supreme Court: Govt cannot arbitrarily take away people’s land rights

The Supreme Court has held that the Tamil Nadu government cannot arbitrarily take away people’s land rights in connection with the Thalambur land dispute in Kancheepuram district. The court also set aside the “status quo” order that had remained in force since 2019, effectively lifting a six-year freeze. The dispute traces back to allegations raised in 2018 that land in Thalambur village had been illegally allotted to freedom fighters and private individuals. In 2019, the state government approached the Supreme Court and obtained a status quo order to maintain the existing position.

New online gaming rules to take effect from May 1

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has released the operational rules to implement the Online Gaming Development and Regulation law. The rules will come into force from May 1. In a statement, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the framework provides for setting up a dedicated Online Gaming Commission to monitor and regulate online games. The government aims to keep compliance simple. Under the new approach, companies running online social games that do not involve money will not be required to register with the commission.

Black-market liquor sales surge as TASMAC shuts for elections

TASMAC retail liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu have been shut for three days as part of restrictions ahead of the Assembly elections. The closure, in effect from April 21 through today, also includes a ban on opening attached bars. Despite the shutdown, illegal sales were reported in Chennai and its suburbs on Tuesday. People were seen selling liquor bottles in dimly lit spots, including areas behind suburban railway stations and near the coastline, across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts.

No voter ID? Cast your vote with any of 12 approved documents

The Election Commission has begun distributing booth slips door-to-door for voters whose names are included in the electoral roll. Voters can use the booth slip and carry their voter identity card to the polling station allotted to them to cast their vote. For those who do not have a voter ID card, the Commission has said voting is permitted by producing any one of 12 approved documents notified by it.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls today across all 234 constituencies

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is being held today in all 234 constituencies, with voting scheduled from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said the Election Commission has made arrangements to offer voters a better and smoother experience. A total of 5.73 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 2.80 crore men, 2.93 crore women and 7,728 third-gender voters. Around 14.5 lakh first-time voters are also set to vote.

Minister post only if all seats in district are won: Palaniswami to cadres

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has reportedly issued a firm message to the party’s district secretaries and former ministers: ministerial positions will be considered only if they ensure victory in all constituencies within their districts. According to party functionaries, the AIADMK has formed an alliance with 12 parties, including the BJP, PMK and AMMK, for the Assembly election. The AIADMK is contesting 166 seats directly, and Palaniswami is said to be rolling out multiple strategies aimed at securing a change of government.

Seeman tells NTK cadre to stay the course regardless of poll outcome

NTK chief coordinator Seeman has urged party members to remain active in politics irrespective of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. He said the party has already put in its hard work and must continue to stand in the political arena. The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) is contesting the election on its own. Seeman campaigned across the state in support of all 234 candidates, addressing more than 180 campaign meetings.

DMK alliance workers cheer as TVK leader Vijay passes through Palavakkam

TVK leader Vijay wrapped up his final-phase campaign in Nandanam, Chennai, on Monday and began returning to his residence in Neelangarai in a campaign vehicle. While passing through Palavakkam, which falls under the Sholinganallur Assembly segment, DMK and alliance party workers were campaigning in the area. Vijay reportedly shifted from the front seat to the rear, apparently anticipating possible objections. However, the DMK alliance workers ran towards his vehicle in excitement. Vijay then moved back to the front seat as several people waved party flags and tried to take selfies.

H. Raja calls DMK rule ‘evil’, urges voters to back alliance candidate

BJP national former secretary H. Raja on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the DMK government during an election campaign in Tiruppathur, calling it a “bad regime” that should be voted out. Addressing voters while campaigning for an alliance candidate, Raja said parties including the BJP, AIADMK, AMMK and PMK had come together “for the welfare of the nation.” He cited past remarks attributed to DMK leader M.K. Stalin about former minister Senthil Balaji, and questioned why Balaji later continued as a minister.

MP CM Mohan Yadav campaigns for BJP’s Murugan with roadshow in Avinashi

A roadshow was held in Avinashi to campaign for BJP candidate Murugan in the Avinashi constituency, as electioneering entered its final phase. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took part and sought votes for the candidate. Addressing supporters, Yadav said he had come to the “holy land” of Avinashi to ask for votes. He claimed the AIADMK–BJP alliance had gained momentum and argued that only the National Democratic Alliance offered opportunities for ordinary people to rise to positions such as minister, chief minister or prime minister.

Annamalai, Vanathi campaign on one scooter in Coimbatore North

Coimbatore witnessed a high-visibility final-phase campaign on Tuesday as BJP leader K. Annamalai and Coimbatore North candidate Vanathi Srinivasan rode together on a scooter during a two-wheeler rally in the Ganapathy area. The rally, led by Annamalai in support of Vanathi, began at Sivasakthi Colony and passed through Bharathi Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Maniyakarampalayam, Kannappa Nagar and Krishnammal Street. Party workers and residents welcomed the convoy by showering flowers and raising slogans.

India will never bow to terrorism, PM Modi says on Pahalgam anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India would never bow to terrorism in any form, as he remembered the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a message marking the anniversary of the attack in which 26 people were killed, the Prime Minister said the innocent lives lost in the “brutal” incident would never be forgotten. He said his thoughts were with the families who continue to bear the loss and are trying to recover from the tragedy.

Gold price falls Rs 400 per sovereign in Chennai

Chennai saw a dip in gold prices on Tuesday (April 22), with 22-carat jewellery gold falling by Rs 400 per sovereign. The metal is now selling at Rs 1,14,000 per sovereign. The per-gram price also eased by Rs 50, taking the rate to Rs 14,250 per gram. Gold prices in Tamil Nadu have been fluctuating in recent days amid international developments. Earlier, 22-carat jewellery gold was sold at Rs 14,300 per gram and Rs 1,14,400 per sovereign, while silver was priced at Rs 280 per gram. On the following day, gold remained unchanged, but silver slipped by Rs 5 to Rs 275 per gram, with the kilogram rate down by Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.75 lakh.

NCW takes suo motu cognisance of Tiruvannamalai minor assault case

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a case involving the alleged gang sexual assault of a 15-year-old schoolgirl near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district. Police have detained three persons, described as part of a drug-related gang, and are questioning them in connection with the incident. In a statement shared on social media, the NCW said the assault has raised serious concerns about the safety of young girls and condemned the act as a grave violation of human rights.

TN polls: Cash, gifts worth Rs 1,262 crore seized so far, CEO says

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Tuesday said cash and gift items worth Rs 1,262 crore have been seized in the state so far as part of election enforcement measures. Of this, cash seizures alone account for Rs 543 crore. Speaking to reporters in Chennai a day ahead of the Assembly election on April 23, she said 3.60 lakh personnel have been deployed for election-related duties, while 83,000 are assigned for security. She added that 300 companies of central armed police forces have been brought into Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK candidate seeks halt to Coimbatore South poll, stages dharna

AIADMK candidate Amman Arjunan staged a dharna at the Coimbatore Collectorate on Tuesday, demanding that the election in the Coimbatore South constituency be stopped. He alleged that cash was being distributed to voters across constituencies in Coimbatore district, claiming Rs 2,000 per voter in seats contested by the DMK and Rs 1,500 in seats contested by its allies. Opposition parties have also alleged that in Coimbatore South—where former minister Senthil Balaji is contesting—money is being offered at Rs 5,000 per vote. Arjunan said he had already submitted a complaint to the district election officer, alleging that DMK members and people from Karur were involved in distributing cash.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls tomorrow: What to do at the polling booth

Tamil Nadu will vote in the Assembly election on April 23, with polling scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm. Voters are expected to turn up and exercise their democratic right. Election officials have said mobile phones are not allowed inside polling stations. Arrangements have been made to keep phones safely outside the booth, and voters must switch off their phone, hand it over to the official and collect a token before entering.

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