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Olympic medallist Leander Paes joins BJP, to campaign in West Bengal
Politics

Olympic medallist Leander Paes joins BJP, to campaign in West Bengal

Olympic medallist and tennis player Leander Paes joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. The induction took place in Delhi in the presence of Union minister Kiren Rijiju. Paes said he will campaign in support of the BJP in West Bengal, where elections are set to be held in phases. The first phase of polling for 152 constituencies is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase for 142 constituencies on April 29.

Annamalai questions ‘alliance dharma’ in Puducherry INDIA bloc
Politics

Annamalai questions ‘alliance dharma’ in Puducherry INDIA bloc

PUDUCHERRY: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday questioned whether the INDIA alliance in Puducherry had any “alliance dharma”, alleging that key partners were not adhering to coalition discipline. Campaigning in support of Puducherry BJP state president Ramalingam, who is contesting from the Raj Bhavan constituency, Annamalai described the INDIA bloc in the Union Territory as a “confusing alliance”. He claimed the CPM and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) were contesting independently despite being part of the alliance.

Hindu Munnani urges scrutiny of reserved-seat candidates in Tamil Nadu
Politics

Hindu Munnani urges scrutiny of reserved-seat candidates in Tamil Nadu

Hindu Munnani has urged the Election Commission to closely scrutinise candidates contesting from reserved constituencies in Tamil Nadu, alleging that some are attempting to enter these seats using improper caste certificates. In a statement issued in Tiruppur, state president Kadeswara Subramaniam said Tamil Nadu has 234 Assembly constituencies, of which 46 are reserved. He claimed that certain individuals who have converted to Christianity or other faiths, or follow those religious practices, are obtaining certificates and contesting as members of Hindu Scheduled Castes.

Devotees urge curb on police ‘special darshan’ influence on Panguni Uthiram
General

Devotees urge curb on police ‘special darshan’ influence on Panguni Uthiram

Tiruchy: Concerns ahead of Panguni Uthiram With Panguni Uthiram festivities set to be observed at Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu, thousands of devotees are expected to gather for special worship and darshan. Allegations of overreach during crowd days Temple officials say police support is typically sought for crowd management and security outside temple premises on peak days. However, they allege that some personnel use this role to exert influence inside temples, insisting that people brought by them be allowed “special darshan” without standing in queues.

Vijay to file nomination in Trichy East on April 2
Politics

Vijay to file nomination in Trichy East on April 2

TVK leader Vijay is set to file his nomination papers in the Trichy East Assembly constituency on April 2, according to party sources. Vijay is contesting the Assembly election from two constituencies—Perambur and Trichy East. He filed his nomination in Perambur on Monday and began his election campaign. Police have registered a case against Vijay under five sections, alleging violation of rules during campaigning in Kolathur. Ahead of the April 2 programme in Trichy East, TVK has submitted a petition to the election officer seeking permission for the locations where campaigning is planned.

Vijay’s remarks are childish, says TN BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran
Politics

Vijay’s remarks are childish, says TN BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday criticised actor-politician Vijay’s remarks that the political contest in the state is primarily between the DMK and TVK, calling the statement “childish”. Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, Nagenthran alleged that the DMK had not taken action against those who spoke “incorrectly” about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while cases were being filed against people posting content on social media against the DMK and the DMK government.

Kerala BJP manifesto promises Rs 2,500 monthly coupon for poor women
Politics

Kerala BJP manifesto promises Rs 2,500 monthly coupon for poor women

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala BJP on Monday released its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections, promising a monthly Rs 2,500 coupon for women from families below the poverty line. The manifesto was unveiled at an event in Edappazhanji by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, in the presence of state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and NDA coordinator Tushar Vellappally. Among the key welfare pledges is a “food and health security card” worth Rs 2,500 per month, which can be used to buy medicines and grocery essentials. The party also promised two free LPG cylinders a year—one each during Onam and Christmas—and a monthly welfare pension of Rs 3,000 for women, widows and senior citizens above 70.

Seeman slams parties over ‘freebies’ pitched as election promises
Politics

Seeman slams parties over ‘freebies’ pitched as election promises

NTK chief coordinator Seeman on Monday criticised political parties for presenting welfare giveaways as election “promises”, alleging that voters were being misled. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport. Seeman argued that a real manifesto promise should focus on core public rights and long-term measures, such as ensuring free education, healthcare and drinking water, and creating local jobs by setting up industries based on land and natural resources.

Tamil Nadu assigns new posts to 8 IPS officers moved by Election Commission
Politics

Tamil Nadu assigns new posts to 8 IPS officers moved by Election Commission

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has allotted new postings to eight IPS officers who were earlier placed on the waiting list following transfer orders issued by the Election Commission. An order issued by Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Kumar detailed the new assignments across Chennai and specialised police units. Kannan has been posted as Deputy Commissioner (Welfare), Chennai, while Balakrishnan will serve as Deputy Commissioner at the Chennai headquarters. Josh Thangaiya has been appointed Deputy Commissioner (Security), Chennai.

VCK candidate meet in Chennai sees boycott by MLAs and key office-bearers
Politics

VCK candidate meet in Chennai sees boycott by MLAs and key office-bearers

A Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) event to introduce its Assembly candidates was held at the party office in Ashok Nagar, Chennai. However, the programme saw limited participation, with only supporters of the announced candidates attending. Several state and district-level functionaries reportedly boycotted the event. Sitting MLAs S.S. Balaji, Aloor Shanavas and Panaiyur Babu, who were denied tickets, also did not attend. The developments come amid internal pressure within the party after VCK was allotted eight seats in the DMK-led alliance. Sources said there was intense competition for tickets in constituencies such as Kattumannarkoil and Kallakurichi, and arguments were reported during interviews held in Thirumavalavan’s presence.

DMK faces internal heat in Kanyakumari after Mano Thangaraj denied seat
Politics

DMK faces internal heat in Kanyakumari after Mano Thangaraj denied seat

Nagercoil witnessed fresh internal friction within the DMK after the party leadership allotted Minister Mano Thangaraj’s constituency to the CPI(M), prompting protests by his supporters. According to party sources, hundreds gathered at the DMK’s Kanyakumari West district office and passed a resolution demanding that Thangaraj be given the Padmanabhapuram seat. The group also held an overnight sit-in inside the office. The developments come amid long-running criticism against Thangaraj, including complaints that he does not respond to calls from party functionaries, workers and local residents. He has also faced opposition over his participation in temple-related events under the Devaswom Board, and his name had earlier surfaced in connection with tensions at the Mandikadu temple, which were later addressed after the HR&CE Minister camped in Nagercoil.

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander held; links traced to Tiruppur workers
Crime

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander held; links traced to Tiruppur workers

Delhi Police have arrested Shabir Ahmad Lone, described as a key commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in connection with an alleged plot to carry out sabotage activities in India. The investigation began after anti-national posters were found pasted in several parts of Delhi. Police inquiries indicated the involvement of a few Bangladeshi youths. During questioning of those arrested, investigators learnt that seven Bangladeshi nationals who had entered illegally were working at a garment manufacturing unit in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, and were suspected to have links with LeT. A Delhi Police team then travelled to Tiruppur and detained the individuals.

6,000 consumers surrender LPG cylinders after switching to piped gas
General

6,000 consumers surrender LPG cylinders after switching to piped gas

New Delhi: With cooking gas cylinders facing shortages in several states, the Union government has said that 6,000 consumers have switched to piped natural gas (PNG) and surrendered their LPG cylinders. The disruption has been linked to the West Asia conflict, which has affected the LPG supply chain. In response, the Centre recently issued an order under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to manage availability. As per the directive, consumers living in areas where PNG is available were asked to shift to the piped connection within three months. The order also stated that LPG connections could be cancelled for those who refuse to switch.

Rahul alleges secret BJP-Left understanding in Kerala
Politics

Rahul alleges secret BJP-Left understanding in Kerala

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that the ruling Left in Kerala and the BJP share a “secret alliance”. He made the remarks at a public meeting in Adoor, Pathanamthitta district. Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9 for all 140 Assembly constituencies, with campaigning intensifying across the state. Rahul said multiple cases were filed against him and that central agencies questioned him for more than 55 hours. In contrast, he alleged, there has been no similar questioning of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or ruling party leaders in connection with the Sabarimala gold missing case.

Man held in Delhi for sending 1,100 bomb threat emails nationwide
Crime

Man held in Delhi for sending 1,100 bomb threat emails nationwide

Delhi Police have arrested a 47-year-old man from Mysuru, Karnataka, for allegedly sending bomb threat emails across the country. Investigators said the emails claimed explosives had been planted in schools, government institutions and courts. In recent weeks, Delhi saw a spike in such threats sent by email, often timed for early mornings when schools and offices were about to open. Police said the pattern made it difficult to trace the source quickly.

Kerala CM accepts Opposition Leader’s call for direct debate on development
Politics

Kerala CM accepts Opposition Leader’s call for direct debate on development

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said he is ready for a direct debate on development after Opposition Leader V D Satheesan issued a public challenge. With the state heading to single-phase Assembly elections on April 9 for all 140 constituencies, campaigning has intensified between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI(M) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Speaking to reporters earlier, Satheesan alleged that in the last 10 years the LDF government had not built as many houses for people as were constructed during the tenure of former Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He said he was prepared to debate the state’s development works with Vijayan.

India free from Naxal problem, Amit Shah tells Lok Sabha
Politics

India free from Naxal problem, Amit Shah tells Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha that the country has been freed from the Naxal problem, adding that a formal announcement would be issued once the remaining final-stage actions are completed. The Centre had set a March 31 deadline to end Naxal influence, and the issue was discussed in the House. Responding to MPs, Shah said the government had taken firm steps to bring the problem to an end.

Iran releases handwritten letter amid doubts over new Supreme Leader
Politics

Iran releases handwritten letter amid doubts over new Supreme Leader

Tehran: Iran has released a letter said to be handwritten by its new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether he is alive. The development comes as the war being waged by the US and Israel against Iran has crossed one month. Iranian media reports said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict, after which his son Mojtaba took charge as the new Supreme Leader.

Australia offers free public transport amid severe fuel shortage
General

Australia offers free public transport amid severe fuel shortage

Melbourne: A sharp global fuel shortage has pushed up prices and added pressure on households, prompting two Australian states to announce free public transport. The disruption follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid a prolonged conflict in the West Asian region, affecting crude oil shipping and tightening energy supplies worldwide. Several countries have introduced restrictions on transport and fuel sales to manage the situation. In Australia, petrol prices have reportedly climbed to as high as Rs 160 per litre, leading to a noticeable rise in the cost of essential goods.

Infiltration is a national issue, not an election matter: PM Modi
Politics

Infiltration is a national issue, not an election matter: PM Modi

Guwahati: With Assembly elections due in Assam on April 9 for all 126 constituencies, the contest between the ruling BJP and the Congress has intensified. Speaking at a BJP public meeting through video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said infiltrators had entered several areas of Assam and taken over small businesses, affecting the livelihoods of local residents. He asked BJP workers to extend necessary assistance to local people who have been impacted by illegal land encroachment.

India’s first digital Census begins tomorrow; Tamil Nadu self-entry from July 17
General

India’s first digital Census begins tomorrow; Tamil Nadu self-entry from July 17

India will begin its first fully digital population Census from tomorrow, marking the eighth such exercise since Independence. The enumeration will be conducted in two phases, combining online self-declaration with in-person visits by enumerators. The Census, held once every 10 years, was originally planned for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, a new “self-declaration” facility allows citizens to enter their own details through a dedicated portal.

Active foreign firms in India fall over 7 years: MCA data
Business

Active foreign firms in India fall over 7 years: MCA data

New Delhi: The number of foreign companies operating in India has seen a notable decline over the past seven years, according to data released by the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The data indicates that among registered foreign companies in India, the share classified as “active” stood at 70% in the 2018-19 financial year. As of January in the current year, this has dropped to 62%. Experts attribute the shift to changes in how overseas businesses structure their presence in India. Many firms are reportedly shutting small liaison or branch offices and instead registering direct subsidiaries to benefit from stronger business management and tax advantages.

Sathankulam custodial death case: Sentence for 9 policemen on April 2
Crime

Sathankulam custodial death case: Sentence for 9 policemen on April 2

A Madurai district court will pronounce the sentence on April 2 for nine police personnel, including Inspector Sridhar, who have been convicted in the Sathankulam custodial death case. The case relates to the COVID-19 lockdown period, when traders Jayaraj and his son Bennix from Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district were taken for inquiry, allegedly assaulted in illegal custody, and later died. In an earlier order dated March 23, Judge Muthukumar said a false case was registered against the two men and that they were unlawfully detained and assaulted. The court held the nine policemen guilty in connection with the deaths and had initially fixed March 30 for sentencing.

Pakistan’s Iran mediation summit ends early amid lack of clear plan
Politics

Pakistan’s Iran mediation summit ends early amid lack of clear plan

Islamabad hosted a planned two-day summit aimed at easing war tensions involving Iran, but the meeting concluded unexpectedly after just one day. Reports attributed the abrupt end to Pakistan’s attempt to mediate without presenting a firm plan or clear outcomes. The backdrop is an escalating conflict in West Asia, with the United States and Israel carrying out strikes on Iran. Iran, in turn, has launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in the region.

Vijay cancels Villivakkam leg of first-day campaign citing security lapses
Politics

Vijay cancels Villivakkam leg of first-day campaign citing security lapses

TVK leader Vijay filed his nomination on Monday for the Chennai Perambur constituency, where he is contesting the election. According to the schedule, permission had been obtained for him to campaign in Perambur from 2 pm to 4 pm, and then continue in Kolathur and Villivakkam till 7 pm. However, Vijay began campaigning earlier than planned in Perambur at around 1.30 pm. A campaign event was also held in Kolathur at about 4.30 pm, where the crowd turnout was higher than expected, affecting the planned address.

Toll fees to rise at 60 plazas in Tamil Nadu from midnight
General

Toll fees to rise at 60 plazas in Tamil Nadu from midnight

Chennai: Toll charges at 60 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu will be revised upward from midnight today. Tamil Nadu has toll plazas at 77 locations. The Union government has permitted the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement annual toll revisions at these plazas. As per the latest revision, the hike will apply only to 60 toll plazas in the state. The increase is expected to range from a minimum of Rs 10 to a maximum of Rs 25.

BJP to release Tamil Nadu Assembly candidate list in Chennai today
Politics

BJP to release Tamil Nadu Assembly candidate list in Chennai today

Chennai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal is set to release the BJP’s candidate list for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election in Chennai on Monday. The BJP, as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is contesting 27 constituencies. For candidate selection, the party had prepared a shortlist of three names for each constituency and forwarded it to the national leadership. Based on this process, candidates have been finalised. Goyal, who is also the BJP’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, is arriving in Chennai today and will chair a meeting of the central election committee.

Ailing Durai Murugan begins campaign in Katpadi
Politics

Ailing Durai Murugan begins campaign in Katpadi

Minister Durai Murugan, who is also the DMK general secretary, began his election campaign in Katpadi constituency even as he continues to face age-related health problems. Durai Murugan has contested 12 elections in total—10 times from Katpadi and twice from Ranipet—winning 10 of them. In the current election, he is again contesting from Katpadi. He arrived in Katpadi by train from Chennai and set off on an open vehicle procession to launch his campaign on Sunday. His son, DMK MP Kathir Anand, accompanied him.

Two MPs set to contest Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, eye state politics
Politics

Two MPs set to contest Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, eye state politics

Chennai: Two sitting MPs who have been active in national politics are set to enter the fray in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled in a single phase on April 23. The MPs are AIADMK leader and former minister C.V. Shanmugam, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan. Political parties have already announced candidates and begun campaigning, with the DMK releasing its election manifesto on Sunday after the AIADMK had done so earlier.

Adulterated sand sold as ‘Andhra sand’ spreads across Tamil Nadu
Environment

Adulterated sand sold as ‘Andhra sand’ spreads across Tamil Nadu

Complaints have surfaced that adulterated sand is being widely sold in Tamil Nadu under the label of “Andhra sand”, with authorities struggling to curb the practice. After 12 river sand quarries operating in the state were shut in 2023, the Water Resources Department obtained environmental clearance to open river sand quarries at 30 new locations. However, confusion over appointing contractors has stalled the process midway. The report says differences emerged between Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan and officials over granting permissions again to certain individuals, affecting contractor appointments. In the meantime, some licence holders who claim to be extracting gravel soil are allegedly mining river sand illegally in a few districts and selling it.

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