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Tamil Nadu News

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

TN BJP chief Nainar lists Centre’s schemes, hits back at CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday responded to Chief Minister M K Stalin’s remarks about “Delhi”, listing what he said were major schemes and projects delivered to the State by the Modi-led Union government. Speaking in Tirunelveli, Nagendran questioned why post-election developments in Bihar were being compared with Tamil Nadu, and said the focus should first be on the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. He also raised questions about seat-sharing within the DMK alliance, including how many seats were allotted to the VCK.

Iran targets Israeli nuclear sites; over 100 injured in Dimona, Arad

Iran launched a missile attack targeting Israeli nuclear facilities, in what it described as retaliation for ongoing strikes on Iran. More than 100 people were reported injured in the incident. The report comes as attacks by Israeli and US forces on Iran have continued into a third week, with no clear signs of the conflict easing. Tensions in the region have been rising amid the prolonged hostilities. According to the details, after Israel carried out an airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, Iran responded by firing missiles toward nuclear-related sites in Israel. Missiles were aimed at facilities in the Dimona and Arad areas, including the nuclear research centre in Dimona.

Pakistan tops global terrorism impact index, report says

Islamabad: Pakistan has been ranked first in a global terrorism impact index released by the Centre for Economics and Peace. The index was compiled by assessing the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, according to the organisation. The report said Pakistan faces a major security threat linked to strained relations with Afghanistan and attacks attributed to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). It noted that last year alone, 1,045 terror incidents led to 1,139 deaths.

PM Modi reviews fuel supply risks amid West Asia conflict

New Delhi: As the conflict in West Asia continues, concerns are growing over possible disruptions to fuel supplies and rising prices in several countries. The war involving the US, Israel and Iran has continued for 23 days. Iran has reportedly blocked the Strait of Hormuz, creating hurdles for global crude oil shipments and tightening supply. Amid public concern that a prolonged crisis could trigger shortages in India as well, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with senior ministers on Sunday.

Supreme Court flags social media ‘trial by video’ as threat to fair probe

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed concern that in the digital age, almost anyone with a mobile phone can act like a journalist by uploading videos on social media, creating challenges for a fair investigation. Hearing a public interest petition filed by Hemendra Patel, the court noted that soon after a crime, police often arrest suspects and circulate their photos and videos online. The judges observed that such content can plant a one-sided impression in the public mind and affect the dignity of the arrested person.

Govt urges WhatsApp to block devices used in ‘digital arrest’ scams

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has recommended that WhatsApp disable electronic devices used in so-called “digital arrest” scams, so that a fresh WhatsApp account cannot be created again from the same device. The suggestion was discussed at the third meeting of an inter-departmental high-level panel on digital arrest fraud, formed by the ministry in December last year. WhatsApp representatives attended the meeting in Delhi and held detailed consultations. According to a Home Ministry official, WhatsApp has given multiple assurances, including improving user safety and supporting police investigations. The platform has been asked to submit a proposal within 45 days on a plan to block devices such as mobile phones and laptops that are used for digital fraud.

US DEA puts Colombia President Gustavo Petro under surveillance

Allegations and surveillance Colombian President Gustavo Petro has come under the surveillance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) amid allegations that he has links to drug trafficking networks. US claims According to the report, the US has accused Petro of acting in ways that benefit drug traffickers and suspects that he received bribes worth millions in return. Listed as a major target The DEA has reportedly placed Petro on a list of major offenders and begun monitoring him—an unusual step when it involves a sitting head of state. Similar allegations have also been raised earlier against Petro’s son and brother.

UP Police arrest 9 for spying via secret cameras at key sites

Ghaziabad Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested nine people, including five minors, for allegedly assisting a foreign-linked spying network by secretly filming sensitive locations such as military camps and railway stations. Police said they received intelligence that a group in Kaushambi area of Ghaziabad district was recording visuals from key sites and sharing them with foreign individuals. Following a search operation on March 15, six people, including a woman, were initially taken into custody.

Air India, IndiGo warn fares may rise if seat selection is made free

New Delhi: Major airlines including Air India and IndiGo have objected to a recent set of guidelines issued by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry aimed at improving passenger convenience and service standards. Under current practice, passengers are often charged extra during booking to choose preferred seats such as window seats, while only a limited number of seats are available without an additional fee. The new guideline proposes that airlines should provide up to 60% of seats to passengers without collecting any extra charge for seat selection.

Centre raises commercial LPG supply to states by 20% amid disruptions

New Delhi: The Union government has approved raising the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to states by up to 20%, citing an increase in domestic cooking gas production. The move is expected to bring relief to hotels, restaurants, public and industrial canteens, and food processing units. Commercial LPG supply had earlier been cut to 30% to prioritise household cylinders after disruptions linked to the prolonged Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

Centre plans law to reserve top CAPF posts for IPS officers

The Union government is preparing a new law aimed at ensuring that senior leadership roles in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are held by Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. The CAPFs under the Centre include the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF. According to the report, there has been long-standing discontent among cadre officers in these forces, who say they are unable to rise to top posts as IPS officers are routinely appointed to senior positions.

Gardener’s tip helps police crack Plus Two student murder case

Madurai police said a local gardener’s timely information helped them arrest the suspect in the rape and murder of a Plus Two student near Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi district. The accused, identified as Dharmamuneeswaran (39) from Sayalkudi in Ramanathapuram district, was taken into custody nine days after the crime. For security reasons, he was shifted from Tirunelveli prison to Madurai prison on Friday night. Tirunelveli DIG Saravanan said investigators initially had no CCTV evidence and conducted door-to-door inquiries. The suspect was found to have been moving around the Vedanatham area on March 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Kangana Ranaut’s sarees draw attention in Parliament budget session

New Delhi: Members of Parliament are generally known to arrive in formal attire, but women MPs’ outfits often draw particular attention. Parliament currently has 116 women MPs—74 in the Lok Sabha and 42 in the Rajya Sabha—many of whom wear sarees. During the ongoing Budget Session, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut is being described as one of the most stylishly dressed MPs. Reports say she wears different sarees for morning and evening appearances and does not repeat a saree once worn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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