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Tamil Nadu News

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

TN Housing Board issues 75 tenders in 10 days, draws scrutiny
Politics

TN Housing Board issues 75 tenders in 10 days, draws scrutiny

The Tamil Nadu Housing Board has issued 75 tender notifications within 10 days, at a time when tender processes across government departments are under closer monitoring following a change in administration. According to information available, the tenders were floated between June 9 and June 19, with as many as 22 notices released on June 19 alone. The sudden spike is said to have surprised senior officials. Earlier, several departments had invited a large number of tenders before the new government’s procedures were fully in place, prompting criticism. The government subsequently ordered the cancellation of tender notices issued in a short span and instructed officials to seek tenders only after proper file processing and government approval.

Probe into woman inspector over quarry run with alleged scam money
Crime

Probe into woman inspector over quarry run with alleged scam money

Chennai Police and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have launched an inquiry into allegations that a woman police inspector and her associate used money collected through a fraud to run a stone quarry and construct a marriage hall. The inspector, identified as Sheila Mary (49), had served at the Tiruvottiyur All Women Police Station in 2023 and was later working at the Royapuram All Women Police Station. Police say she, along with Prabhu Mani (37) of Kodungaiyur, allegedly collected up to ₹20 crore from police officers, personnel and their family members by promising gold at discounted rates.

Two arrested in Pudukottai, Erode over harassment of female students
Crime

Two arrested in Pudukottai, Erode over harassment of female students

Police in Tamil Nadu have arrested two men in separate incidents following complaints of sexual harassment by female students—one in Pudukottai district and another in Erode. In Pudukottai, Adhanakkottai Government High School physical education teacher Amos Devasahayam (52) was accused of repeatedly harassing a Class 10 student. The complaint said that after a sports event held on February 22 at a private college in Pudukottai, he drove the student and her friend in his car and allegedly harassed the victim again while she was seated in the front.

TN govt seeks plan to run sand, stone quarries without irregularities
General

TN govt seeks plan to run sand, stone quarries without irregularities

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has directed officials to prepare a report on operating sand and stone quarries without irregularities, with the aim of improving revenue to the state. Tamil Nadu has sand resources in several rivers including the Palar, Thamirabarani, Cauvery, Kosasthalaiyar, Araniyar and Vellar. While earlier governments announced that sand sales would be handled by the state and even created an online portal, key activities such as sand extraction and transport to depots were handed over to private contractors—a practice that continued even after the DMK came to power in 2021.

Private schools’ body alleges Rs 300 crore bribe for recognition in DMK rule
Politics

Private schools’ body alleges Rs 300 crore bribe for recognition in DMK rule

Chennai: A state-level association representing private schools has alleged that bribes totalling more than Rs 300 crore were collected over the last five years for renewal of recognition and issuance of no-objection certificates. Nandakumar, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Nursery, Primary, Matric Higher Secondary and CBSE Schools Association, said that during the previous DMK regime, continued recognition and NOCs were allegedly granted only to schools that paid money.

US-Iran peace deal hits fresh hurdles as Hormuz closes again
Politics

US-Iran peace deal hits fresh hurdles as Hormuz closes again

The US and Iran, after weeks of escalation, recently signed a peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities and moving to final-stage talks within 60 days. Switzerland was expected to host the planned negotiations. The conflict had intensified after the US and Israel launched attacks on February 28, accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Arab countries and Israel, and by closing the Strait of Hormuz—an essential route for global crude oil trade. Hezbollah, operating from Lebanon and aligned with Iran, also carried out attacks on Israel.

Actor Anbu Dasan Paleech wants to do films families can celebrate
Entertainment

Actor Anbu Dasan Paleech wants to do films families can celebrate

Actor Anbu Dasan Paleech, known for a range of roles across films and web series, has said he wants to be part of movies that families can celebrate. Speaking about his journey, he recalled growing up in Thanjavur, studying engineering in Dindigul, and being drawn to theatre and speech contests from school days. He said cinema was not his original plan, as he once aspired to join the Indian Air Force after growing up near an airbase. After that did not work out, he moved to Chennai, worked as a sound engineer at a YouTube channel, and spent about a year and a half doing dubbing for serials and short films.

Karnataka minister says ready for talks with TN on Mekedatu project
Politics

Karnataka minister says ready for talks with TN on Mekedatu project

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday said his government is prepared to hold discussions with the Tamil Nadu government regarding the Mekedatu dam project. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Reddy said Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the project was not justified, asserting that the proposed reservoir is meant entirely for drinking water supply to Bengaluru and nearby districts. He said the water from the project would not be diverted for any other purpose.

DMK’s R S Bharathi: ‘What’s wrong if AIADMK allies with us?’
Politics

DMK’s R S Bharathi: ‘What’s wrong if AIADMK allies with us?’

Chennai: DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi has questioned the criticism around a possible DMK–AIADMK understanding, asking what would be wrong if “partner” parties were to align. In an interview, Bharathi said the recent election had served as a lesson in identifying friends and foes, and claimed changes would come soon. He criticised parties that, after benefiting from cadre work, switch alliances within days, calling it unacceptable. He pointed to AIADMK MLAs resigning their posts before moving to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and said parties leaving the DMK-led alliance should follow a similar practice. He also said the MDMK’s general council would take a decision similar to the Indian Union Muslim League, and described the election as unusual, adding that few expected actor-politician Vijay to win and that the surprise had cost stronger players.

TN BJP slams biscuits served instead of breakfast at govt school
Politics

TN BJP slams biscuits served instead of breakfast at govt school

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday said it was shocking that government school students were reportedly given biscuit packets instead of a nutritious breakfast under the morning meal scheme. In a statement, he referred to reports from a panchayat union primary school in Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi district, where a disruption in the breakfast programme allegedly left around 40 students without food, following which biscuits were distributed. Nagendran criticised the government, saying welfare schemes meant to ensure children from poor families can study without hunger are not being implemented properly. He also rejected the explanation attributed to officials that a shortage occurred because student enrolment had increased.

CM Vijay to directly monitor mega plan to restore Cooum, Adyar rivers
Environment

CM Vijay to directly monitor mega plan to restore Cooum, Adyar rivers

Chennai’s Cooum and Adyar rivers, long seen as key symbols of the city, are set to be taken up under a renewed restoration initiative that will be directly monitored by Chief Minister Vijay, according to a Dinamalar TV report. The report notes that successive governments, including the DMK and AIADMK, have previously attempted to clean and ecologically revive the waterways. These efforts were aimed at improving river health and overall environmental conditions.

CM Vijay orders detailed plan to restore Cooum and Adyar rivers
Environment

CM Vijay orders detailed plan to restore Cooum and Adyar rivers

Chief Minister Vijay has directed officials to prepare a detailed action plan to restore Chennai’s Cooum and Adyar rivers, which have deteriorated to the point of carrying sewage. He has also ordered the formation of a committee headed by an IAS officer to steer the work. The Cooum and Adyar are key landmarks of Chennai, and previous governments attempted clean-up and ecological restoration. For the Cooum, ₹604.77 crore was spent, including removal of encroachments, resettlement, installation of fencing and plantation along the banks.

Satire targets DMK, TVK rivalry talk and Vaiko’s shifting vows
Politics

Satire targets DMK, TVK rivalry talk and Vaiko’s shifting vows

A satirical column published by Dinamalar takes aim at political chatter that “the contest is only between the DMK and the TVK,” presenting it as a repeated refrain heard by its characters. In the piece, the dialogue pivots to a remembered pledge attributed to Vaiko from the final days of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, described as a vow to stand by M.K. Stalin for life. The column suggests the “voice” of that vow now sounds strained and unstable.

Madras HC cancels 54 Coimbatore corporation appointments over irregularities
Politics

Madras HC cancels 54 Coimbatore corporation appointments over irregularities

The Madras High Court has cancelled the appointment of 54 junior assistants recruited through direct selection at the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation in 2021, during the AIADMK government when S.P. Velumani was the Minister for Municipal Administration. According to the case details, the corporation had 103 vacancies for junior assistants at the time. Of these, 34 posts were filled by promoting eligible staff based on seniority from categories such as sanitation supervisors, drivers and record clerks, while the remaining 69 posts were proposed to be filled through direct recruitment.

India slams Pakistan President Zardari’s remarks on minorities
Politics

India slams Pakistan President Zardari’s remarks on minorities

India has strongly condemned remarks made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on the treatment of minorities and the functioning of places of worship in India. In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects” the comments, describing them as unfounded. He added that Zardari has no right to comment on India’s internal matters. Jaiswal said the remarks were particularly “absurd” given Pakistan’s own record on human rights. He pointed to Pakistan’s long-standing history of minorities of various faiths being deliberately targeted and harmed.

PM Modi dedicates three indigenously built naval ships in Kolkata
Politics

PM Modi dedicates three indigenously built naval ships in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated three indigenously built, advanced naval vessels to the nation at a ceremony in Kolkata, West Bengal. The ships—named Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agre—were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built in India with support from Kolkata-based defence public sector shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The commissioning took place at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port. According to the details shared at the event, the three platforms represent key operational roles: maritime combat, hydrographic measurement, and anti-submarine warfare. Dunagiri, a stealth strike warship under Project 17A, is equipped with advanced weapons including BrahMos missiles, and is expected to strengthen the Navy’s combat capability.

UK PM Keir Starmer set to announce resignation amid Labour turmoil
Politics

UK PM Keir Starmer set to announce resignation amid Labour turmoil

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation on June 22, according to reports citing mounting pressure within the Labour Party. The development is linked to an intense internal party crisis and leadership challenges, with senior party figures and ministers reportedly turning against him, triggering political speculation in Britain. However, government sources have rejected the resignation claims, insisting that Starmer remains focused on governing and continues to carry out his duties as prime minister.

Minister Nirmal Kumar alleges bid to form govt through “shortcuts”
Politics

Minister Nirmal Kumar alleges bid to form govt through “shortcuts”

Minister Nirmal Kumar on Saturday alleged that certain individuals associated with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) were attempting to form a government through “shortcuts”. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Madurai. According to the minister, the effort was driven by a desire to protect the interests of two families and safeguard assets by retaining control of power. He claimed that an earlier attempt to reach an understanding and form a government did not succeed.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits ODI fifty in 11 balls, sets world record
Sports

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits ODI fifty in 11 balls, sets world record

Young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has drawn widespread praise after creating a world record in a one-day international match, reaching his half-century in just 11 balls. The feat came in the final of a tri-nation series involving India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, where India faced Sri Lanka at Dambulla. Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings turned heads and put him in the record books. He brought up his fifty with five fours and five sixes, becoming the first to score an international ODI half-century in 11 deliveries. He went on to score 94 runs off 28 balls, striking 10 fours and eight sixes.

Ammonia leak at shrimp plant near Tiruvallur kills 7, 9 critical
Crime

Ammonia leak at shrimp plant near Tiruvallur kills 7, 9 critical

An ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing factory near Tiruvallur on Saturday turned fatal, with seven workers reported dead due to suffocation. Nine others are undergoing intensive treatment, officials said. The incident occurred at a shrimp unit in Periyapalayam, where a large number of workers were on duty when the gas reportedly leaked suddenly. Several workers inhaled the fumes and developed severe breathing difficulty; some were said to have bled from the mouth and nose, triggering panic at the site.

India name squad for England ODI series; Gill to lead
Sports

India name squad for England ODI series; Gill to lead

India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against England has been announced by the BCCI, with Shubman Gill set to captain the side. The Indian men’s team will tour England for the series, scheduled to be played from July 14 to July 19. Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain. The squad includes senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan have been picked as wicketkeepers. The bowling group features Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar, while Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also included.

ED summons Veena Vijayan again in money laundering probe, hearing on June 29
Crime

ED summons Veena Vijayan again in money laundering probe, hearing on June 29

Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sent a fresh summons to Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in connection with a money laundering investigation. Veena Vijayan runs an IT firm, Exalogic Solutions. The probe relates to allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid the company Rs 2.78 crore between 2017 and 2021 without receiving any services. The ED had earlier asked her to appear on June 12, but she sought an exemption citing health reasons. The agency then rescheduled the questioning to June 17, when she appeared at the ED office in Kochi.

NEET re-exam begins nationwide; 1.42 lakh candidates in Tamil Nadu
Education

NEET re-exam begins nationwide; 1.42 lakh candidates in Tamil Nadu

The NEET re-examination began across the country at 2 pm on June 21. In Tamil Nadu alone, about 1.42 lakh students are appearing for the test. NEET is the entrance exam for undergraduate medical and dental courses such as MBBS and BDS. The exam held on the 3rd of last month by the National Testing Agency (NTA) was cancelled after complaints that the question paper had leaked. Following the cancellation, the NTA announced a re-test on June 21. Professors and translators involved in preparing the question paper were housed at a secret location, and exam materials were transported to centres for the first time using Air Force aircraft and helicopters.

Devotees urge AI upgrade to speed up temple darshan ticketing in TN
Technology

Devotees urge AI upgrade to speed up temple darshan ticketing in TN

Devotees have urged the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to develop an AI-enabled software system to help pilgrims get darshan faster and access temple-specific services without delays. Tamil Nadu has 43,728 temples under HR&CE control. The department currently uses the Integrated Temple Management System (ITMS), developed through the National Informatics Centre (NIC), to provide information and issue darshan tickets. Temple staff said ticket issuance often slows down because the website/server connection is unreliable at many temples. Since the main server is located only at the HR&CE headquarters campus in Nungambakkam, Chennai, each ticket requires a successful connection to the central server—sometimes taking two to three minutes, and occasionally failing altogether—leading to long queues, especially affecting elderly devotees.

Vijay’s sudden warmth towards PMK linked to ally pressure
Politics

Vijay’s sudden warmth towards PMK linked to ally pressure

Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay’s sudden closeness with the PMK is being attributed to mounting pressure from allies, particularly the VCK and the two Communist parties, sources said. Parties that won under the DMK alliance banner—Congress, VCK, CPM, CPI and the Muslim League—are currently extending support to the TVK government, with Congress and the Muslim League seen as largely cooperative. However, the CPM, CPI and VCK have repeatedly criticised the government on multiple issues. VCK’s involvement in administrative matters, including transfers of officials, is also said to be a point of friction, adding to the government’s discomfort.

BJP eyes Punjab next; Amit Shah said to back Ravneet Bittu
Politics

BJP eyes Punjab next; Amit Shah said to back Ravneet Bittu

New Delhi: After wresting Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party and forming a government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the BJP is being projected as riding a fresh wave of victories in multiple states. The report credits Union Home Minister Amit Shah with turning key political battles into wins for the party. According to the report, Shah’s next focus is Punjab, where AAP’s Bhagwant Mann is the Chief Minister. Opposition parties have repeatedly alleged that Mann is a habitual drinker and have accused him of attending the Assembly after consuming alcohol.

Indian Union Muslim League quits DMK alliance after 60-year tie
Politics

Indian Union Muslim League quits DMK alliance after 60-year tie

Muslim League announces exit The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has officially announced that it is ending its alliance with the DMK after a relationship that lasted around six decades. The decision was conveyed by the party’s national president, Kader Mohideen. Resolution passed at Royapuram meet At the party’s state general council meeting held in Royapuram, Chennai, attended by state and district functionaries and leaders of 10 affiliated organisations, a resolution said the IUML had supported the formation of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in line with the people’s mandate. It added that the party is part of the government led by Chief Minister Vijay.