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OPS says Stalin’s work made Tamil Nadu a ‘pioneer state’
Politics

OPS says Stalin’s work made Tamil Nadu a ‘pioneer state’

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday said Tamil Nadu is seen as a “pioneer state” in India due to the efforts of Chief Minister M K Stalin. He made the remarks while addressing a DMK meeting in Srivilliputhur. Panneerselvam said the state government has implemented its own schemes effectively even when the Centre did not provide adequate funds. He also claimed that the Tamil Nadu government has carried out central schemes efficiently.

Madurai HC orders DVAC probe into fake certificates in Fire Service
Crime

Madurai HC orders DVAC probe into fake certificates in Fire Service

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to investigate allegations of fake certificates issued within the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services and to file a report. The direction comes in the backdrop of a Tirunelveli case in which unknown persons allegedly placed Rs 2.5 lakh in the office of Deputy Director Saravanababu on the night of November 17, 2025. DVAC had registered a case against Saravanababu and a SIPCOT fireman from Thoothukudi, Senthilkumar, in connection with the incident.

AIADMK hits back at Stalin over ‘Delhi decides’ remark
Politics

AIADMK hits back at Stalin over ‘Delhi decides’ remark

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticised the AIADMK-led alliance, alleging that key decisions are being taken in Delhi rather than in Tamil Nadu. In a letter to DMK cadre, Stalin said his government has implemented numerous welfare and development schemes despite what he described as the Union BJP government’s actions that “cheat” Tamil Nadu. He reiterated his framing of the Assembly election as a contest between a “Tamil Nadu team” and a “Delhi team”.

Air India flight to Vancouver returns to Delhi after 8-hour detour
General

Air India flight to Vancouver returns to Delhi after 8-hour detour

An Air India flight from Delhi to Vancouver was forced to return to its origin after flying for nearly eight hours, following an administrative lapse related to landing permissions in Canada. The flight, AI-185, departed Delhi International Airport at 11:34 am on March 19 with passengers bound for Vancouver. While the aircraft was passing near Kunming in Chinese airspace, it was discovered that the flight did not have the required clearance to land in Canada.

Netanyahu says war may end soon as Iran loses missile capability
Politics

Netanyahu says war may end soon as Iran loses missile capability

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conflict could end sooner than expected, claiming Iran has been severely weakened by coordinated US-Israel air operations. According to Netanyahu, three weeks of airstrikes have damaged Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and to manufacture intercontinental ballistic missiles. He said Iran’s missile and drone stockpiles are being hit on a large scale and would be destroyed, while factories producing components needed for nuclear weapons are also being targeted.

Why gold prices are slipping despite the Iran–Israel war
Business

Why gold prices are slipping despite the Iran–Israel war

Gold prices surged sharply and touched a peak even before the Iran–Israel war began, with markets initially expecting the conflict to push prices higher. Instead, gold has been trending lower since the fighting started. Commodity expert Shyam Sundar said fears of higher crude oil prices and prolonged cooking gas shortages are dominating sentiment. Rising oil costs can lift freight expenses and fuel inflation, making central banks less inclined to cut interest rates.

Iran executes 19-year-old wrestling champion in public, report says
General

Iran executes 19-year-old wrestling champion in public, report says

Tehran: Iran’s judiciary has reportedly carried out public executions of three men, including a 19-year-old who had earned a place in the country’s national wrestling setup. The development comes amid continued unrest in Iran, where protests have flared nationwide over economic hardship and rising prices. The crackdown on demonstrations has drawn condemnation from several countries. According to reports now emerging, the three were executed in January after being accused of killing two police officers during anti-government protests. One of those executed was Saleh Mohammadi, aged 19.

Protest erupts as Australian PM attends Eid prayers in Sydney
General

Protest erupts as Australian PM attends Eid prayers in Sydney

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke attended Eid al-Fitr prayers at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney, one of the country’s largest mosques. The visit drew attention as the congregation gathered to mark the end of Ramadan. About 15 minutes after the prayers began, a section of attendees raised slogans against the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues, calling them “shame” and asking them to leave. One person was heard questioning why the Prime Minister was present and demanded that he be removed.

TN CEO bans misleading AI and impersonation posts on social media
Politics

TN CEO bans misleading AI and impersonation posts on social media

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik has announced a complete ban on social media content that misrepresents a person’s identity, voice or appearance without consent and could mislead voters. In a statement, she said political parties and candidates must obtain a pre-certification certificate from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee at the state or district level before publishing political advertisements on electronic and social media. Applications must be submitted at least three days in advance.

President installs gold-plated Rama Yantra in Ayodhya Ram temple
Politics

President installs gold-plated Rama Yantra in Ayodhya Ram temple

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday installed a special Sri Rama Yantra plate in the sanctum of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The yantra is a 150-kg, gold-plated plate inscribed with Vedic mantras. The Ram temple has been built by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. According to the report, a yantra plate based on Vedic mathematics—meant to signify the presence of Lord Ram—has been placed on the temple’s second floor.

Parliament panel praises Tamil Nadu for efficient sewage treatment plants
Environment

Parliament panel praises Tamil Nadu for efficient sewage treatment plants

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has praised Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for the effective functioning of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) linked to the leather industry. The committee, chaired by Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen, submitted three reports to Parliament. In its observations, it said CETPs in the two states are operating well and that both have emerged as models in the leather sector and in maintaining treatment facilities.

Modi joins BJP candidate panel, briefs leaders on fuel supply worries
Politics

Modi joins BJP candidate panel, briefs leaders on fuel supply worries

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly took part in the BJP’s Central Election Committee meeting in Delhi on March 18, convened to finalise candidates for upcoming Assembly elections in several states. The meeting focused on selecting BJP nominees for Puducherry, Kerala, Assam and West Bengal, with party leaders presenting names constituency-wise. Reports said Modi actively intervened, seeking reasons for replacing sitting winners, asking whether there was anti-incumbency, and questioning the rationale behind new selections.

IEA suggests work-from-home to cut fuel use amid oil supply crunch
General

IEA suggests work-from-home to cut fuel use amid oil supply crunch

New Delhi: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended a set of fuel-saving measures, including working from home, to help countries cope with a global squeeze triggered by disruptions in crude oil supply. In its report, the agency said the conflict in the Middle East has affected fuel flows worldwide, with cargo and oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz facing disruption. It noted that the route typically carries about 15 million barrels of crude oil and around 5 million barrels of other products.

Guindy Children’s Park shut after dozens of caged birds die
Environment

Guindy Children’s Park shut after dozens of caged birds die

Guindy Children’s Park in Chennai was suddenly closed on Friday after birds kept in large cages for public viewing were found dead in clusters. Authorities have not announced when the park will reopen. The development comes amid earlier bird flu concerns in the city. In Adyar, crows had reportedly died one after another on January 5, and samples were sent to the Central Veterinary Research Institute in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which confirmed avian influenza. The Union government subsequently advised the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to intensify preventive steps statewide, ensure safe disposal of dead crows, and warned the public not to touch birds by hand.

Madurai HC warns TN govt over delay in toddy permission case
Politics

Madurai HC warns TN govt over delay in toddy permission case

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued a warning to the Tamil Nadu government in a petition seeking permission to tap and sell toddy in the state. The court granted a final opportunity for the government to file its response. The petition was filed by Arumugam of Thoothukudi. He contended that toddy was banned citing allegations that intoxicating chemicals were being mixed into it and that it was harmful to health, as stated earlier by the government during hearings in a related case.

DMK interview in Coimbatore turns tense over seat-sharing with Congress
Politics

DMK interview in Coimbatore turns tense over seat-sharing with Congress

Coimbatore: The DMK’s candidate interview process for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election saw sharp exchanges when party members raised objections to the possibility of allotting the Coimbatore South constituency to the Congress. According to DMK participants, interviews for the district’s 10 constituencies were held in Chennai under the party leadership. Applicants were reportedly told that even if they had filed interest for multiple constituencies, they could attend an interview for only one seat.

Farmers allege 40-ft illegal soil mining near approved quarry in Tiruvallur
Crime

Farmers allege 40-ft illegal soil mining near approved quarry in Tiruvallur

Residents and farmers of Kaverirajapuram village in Tiruvallur district have alleged large-scale illegal soil extraction under the guise of a gravel quarry. They claim a local DMK functionary, who obtained permission for a gravel quarry on 1.47 acres of fallow land, expanded operations into surrounding lands. According to villagers, the quarry permit was issued in September last year for survey numbers 385 B and C. However, they allege that government land and nearby farmers’ fields—totalling about 14 acres—were encroached upon and excavated using heavy machinery.

Karti offers incentives to speed up Congress manifesto drafting in Tamil Nadu
Politics

Karti offers incentives to speed up Congress manifesto drafting in Tamil Nadu

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram, who heads the party’s election manifesto drafting committee in Tamil Nadu, has reportedly offered incentives to accelerate the preparation of the document. According to the information, 30 state-level office-bearers have been appointed as members of the manifesto committee. Karti convened a meeting with them in Chennai the day before yesterday. During the discussion, he instructed the team that the manifesto should be framed in a way that appeals to the public. He also asked members to collect demands and expectations from people across Tamil Nadu within two days.

Gold rebounds in Chennai, up Rs 400 per sovereign; silver slips
Business

Gold rebounds in Chennai, up Rs 400 per sovereign; silver slips

Chennai: The price of 22-carat jewellery gold in Chennai rose on March 20, gaining Rs 400 per sovereign to trade at Rs 1,11,600. The per-gram rate increased by Rs 50 to Rs 13,950. The uptick comes after a steep decline a day earlier. On March 19 morning, gold fell Rs 270 per gram to Rs 14,300 and dropped Rs 2,160 per sovereign to Rs 1,14,400, while silver slipped Rs 10 per gram to Rs 265.

India relaxes rules for evacuees to bring pets from West Asia
General

India relaxes rules for evacuees to bring pets from West Asia

New Delhi: The Union government has relaxed procedures to help Indians leaving war-affected West Asian countries bring their pet dogs and cats back to India. With tensions in the region forcing many residents to return home, several Indians were reportedly leaving pets behind due to strict air-travel and import requirements, including health certificates and other documentation. Reports of pets facing hardship prompted the move. Following the decision, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a circular directing customs officials to facilitate the entry of evacuees along with their pets.

AMMK will contest only on ‘Cooker’ symbol, says Dhinakaran
Politics

AMMK will contest only on ‘Cooker’ symbol, says Dhinakaran

Chennai: AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday said his party would contest elections only on the ‘Cooker’ symbol, and dismissed media speculation on seat allocation. Speaking to reporters ahead of his Delhi visit, Dhinakaran said he would be meeting senior BJP leaders. He also questioned whether funds could be allocated to Tamil Nadu after the election announcement. Dhinakaran alleged that people were eager for change, claiming that whatever funds were allotted were being “swallowed”.

DMK manifesto for 2026 polls to be released soon: CM Stalin
Politics

DMK manifesto for 2026 polls to be released soon: CM Stalin

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday said the DMK’s manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election will be released soon, built around the “Tamil Nadu 2030” vision plan and with additional features aimed at executing it effectively. In a statement, Stalin said the DMK’s manifesto has consistently earned public trust, and asked party members to continuously take to people the achievements of the “Dravidian model” government between 2021 and 2026, along with the benefits delivered to families across the state.

India tells airlines to avoid 11 West Asia airspaces amid war tensions
General

India tells airlines to avoid 11 West Asia airspaces amid war tensions

New Delhi: With war tensions rising in West Asia, India’s aviation regulator has directed Indian airlines to avoid flying through the airspace of 11 countries, citing heightened risks to civil aviation. The advisory comes as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran—reported to have begun on February 28—has intensified. The report notes drone attacks linked to Iran in Gulf countries, including incidents near international airports in places such as Dubai and Oman, raising concerns over flight safety.

Supreme Court extends surrender exemption for ex-Spl DGP Rajesh Das
Crime

Supreme Court extends surrender exemption for ex-Spl DGP Rajesh Das

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday extended the exemption granted to former Special DGP Rajesh Das from surrendering in a sexual harassment case involving a woman Superintendent of Police. A Villupuram district court had in 2023 sentenced Das to three years in prison in the case. He later moved the Madras High Court seeking suspension of the sentence and exemption from surrender, but the plea was dismissed and he was directed to surrender immediately.

World needs harmony, not war: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Politics

World needs harmony, not war: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the world needs harmony and not war, arguing that conflicts are driven by selfish thinking and the desire for dominance. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhagwat said lasting peace can be achieved by following unity, discipline and dharma. He added that global conflicts often have self-interest at their core. He said India follows humanitarian values, but noted that forced religious conversions and attitudes of superiority and inferiority continue to persist.

US lost 16 military aircraft, 13 troops in Iran war: Bloomberg
Politics

US lost 16 military aircraft, 13 troops in Iran war: Bloomberg

Washington: The United States has lost 16 military aircraft and at least 13 service members in the ongoing war with Iran, Bloomberg reported. The conflict, now in its third week, began on the 28th, with the US and Israel carrying out strikes on Iran. Iran has responded with repeated attacks targeting Israel and countries in the Gulf that host US military bases. While Iran is said to have suffered heavy losses, the report notes that the US has also faced significant setbacks. US bases in Gulf nations have sustained major damage, and Iran has reportedly broken through American air-defence systems.

Iran weighs Rs 18.5 crore fee per voyage through Hormuz Strait
Business

Iran weighs Rs 18.5 crore fee per voyage through Hormuz Strait

Tehran: Iran is considering levying transit fees on ships using the strategic Hormuz Strait, with charges that could go up to Rs 18.50 crore for each passage by an oil tanker. The move comes as the key global oil shipping route has been disrupted amid the US-Iran war, triggering a worldwide crude shortage and pushing up petrol, diesel and gas prices. US President Donald Trump has said the Hormuz Strait should be seized to curb the price surge, and has called on Asian and European countries to join the effort.

Puducherry polls heat up as CM Rangasamy files nominations in two seats
Politics

Puducherry polls heat up as CM Rangasamy files nominations in two seats

Puducherry is heading into a closely watched Assembly election, with polling scheduled for April 9 for the 30-member House. The nomination process is under way and will continue until March 23. The DMK and the Congress are set to contest separately. Meanwhile, uncertainty had persisted within the ruling NR Congress-BJP alliance over seat-sharing. According to the report, BJP leaders were ready for talks, but Chief Minister N Rangasamy had been avoiding a meeting. In discussions held on Thursday, the two sides reached an amicable understanding, and Rangasamy confirmed that he would continue in the alliance.

Congress submits 39-seat wish list to DMK for Assembly polls
Politics

Congress submits 39-seat wish list to DMK for Assembly polls

Congress has submitted a 39-constituency preference list to the DMK leadership as seat-sharing talks continue for the upcoming Assembly election. In the DMK-led alliance, Congress has been allotted 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha MP seat. However, the specific constituencies to be allocated to the party are yet to be finalised. To discuss which constituencies to seek within the 28-seat quota and how tickets should be distributed, the Tamil Nadu Congress election committee met at Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai on Thursday. Following the meeting, the party handed over its preferred list of 39 constituencies to the DMK.

Tamil writers condemn Jnanpith award announcement for Vairamuthu
General

Tamil writers condemn Jnanpith award announcement for Vairamuthu

Chennai: A group of 230 Tamil writers has issued a joint statement condemning the announcement of the Jnanpith award for film lyricist Vairamuthu, calling it an insult to the award’s stature and to Tamil literary tradition. The statement argues that the Jnanpith, seen as one of India’s highest literary honours, should recognise not only creative achievement but also moral responsibility and social values. The signatories said the decision undermines the credibility and ethical weight associated with the award.

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