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Tamil Nadu News

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

Iran rejects ceasefire call as West Asia conflict enters day 22
Politics

Iran rejects ceasefire call as West Asia conflict enters day 22

Conflict continues into day 22 Fighting in West Asia has continued for the 22nd day, with Iran rejecting calls for a ceasefire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would continue to defend itself until the war ends in a permanent and comprehensive manner. Background to the escalation According to the report, the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28, citing concerns over a nuclear threat. In response, Iran has carried out strikes targeting gas facilities in Israel and neighbouring countries, as well as US military bases in the region.

BJP releases first list of candidates for Puducherry Assembly polls
Politics

BJP releases first list of candidates for Puducherry Assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 21 released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Assembly election, which is scheduled to be held on April 9. The party is set to contest in 10 constituencies as part of the NDA alliance. The seat-sharing arrangement was finalised after Chief Minister N Rangasamy agreed to include the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in the alliance, ending a week-long deadlock. Under the alliance plan, the NR Congress will contest 16 seats, the BJP 10, the AIADMK 2 and the LJK 2.

Chidambaram: In alliances, the key is who holds the strings
Politics

Chidambaram: In alliances, the key is who holds the strings

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Friday commented on the dynamics within the NDA, using a puppet-show analogy to underline who he believes holds real control. Speaking after a meeting with party functionaries at an MP office in Karaikudi, he said the AIADMK general secretary’s visit to Delhi itself indicates that the BJP is the “real leader” of the alliance. Chidambaram alleged that the AIADMK is being projected in front only for appearances, adding that in a puppet show, the puppet is not important—what matters is whose hand holds the thread.

Iran missile attempt targets Diego Garcia base, US forces intercept
Politics

Iran missile attempt targets Diego Garcia base, US forces intercept

Iran has attempted a missile attack on the Diego Garcia naval base in the Indian Ocean, a joint facility used by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to reports. The base is located roughly 4,000 kilometres from Iran. In the reported incident, one missile is said to have failed during its flight, while another was intercepted and shot down by US forces. The Wall Street Journal reported the development, but did not specify when the attempted strike took place. Iran has not issued an official statement on the incident so far.

Dinakaran says Delhi meet with Amit Shah focused on unity, not seats
Politics

Dinakaran says Delhi meet with Amit Shah focused on unity, not seats

AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi and later spoke to reporters about the discussions. Dinakaran said the meeting did not involve talks on seat-sharing. Instead, he said the focus was on how the alliance should work together across all 234 Assembly constituencies to defeat the DMK, and on approaching the election with unity. He also said he met Union minister Piyush Goyal during the Delhi visit. Defending the trip, Dinakaran said there was nothing wrong in coming to Delhi and questioned whether Amit Shah could visit Tamil Nadu every time.

DMK pressing for key Puducherry seats, says Congress leader Girish Chodankar
Politics

DMK pressing for key Puducherry seats, says Congress leader Girish Chodankar

Seat-sharing talks between the DMK and Congress in Puducherry remain unresolved even as the alliance has already finalised its arrangement in Tamil Nadu, Congress election in-charge Girish Chodankar said in Chennai. With no agreement yet, candidates from both parties have been filing nominations separately. The last date for filing nominations is March 23, and party candidates are proceeding with filings while expecting a final deal that could allow withdrawals later.

Dravidian model must continue for Tamil Nadu’s growth: CM Stalin
Politics

Dravidian model must continue for Tamil Nadu’s growth: CM Stalin

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has said the “Dravidian model” should continue for the next five years for Tamil Nadu’s development to be completed. In a statement, he urged voters to support the DMK to achieve the targets he has set. Stalin said he had released a set of sector-wise development goals for the coming five years under the name “Stalin Statement”. He said these goals are aimed at ensuring Tamil Nadu’s progress across key departments.

Pinarayi Vijayan says Congress, Rahul are BJP’s ‘B team’
Politics

Pinarayi Vijayan says Congress, Rahul are BJP’s ‘B team’

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has alleged that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi are functioning as the BJP’s “B team”, in remarks made in an interview to PTI. Referring to the Sabarimala gold cover issue, Vijayan said the Kerala High Court is monitoring the probe and has not found any lapses so far. He added that the state government would not spare anyone connected to the matter. He dismissed opposition allegations as politically motivated and said they would not have any impact on the election scheduled for April 9. Vijayan also claimed that major changes have been introduced in Kerala’s education sector and that the quality of institutions has reached international standards.

Bihar youth held for AI-made defamatory posts targeting PM Modi
Crime

Bihar youth held for AI-made defamatory posts targeting PM Modi

Delhi Police have arrested a youth from Bihar for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create defamatory images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and posting them on social media. The accused has been identified as Siddhanath Kumar, a resident of Arwal district in Bihar. Police said the AI-generated content also depicted a BJP woman MLA and a foreign woman political party leader in an objectionable manner. Following widespread condemnation online, the Special Cell of Delhi Police registered a case and began an investigation. With assistance from the cyber crime unit, officers traced the suspect’s location.

US says it struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility amid escalating war
Politics

US says it struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility amid escalating war

The United States has said its forces carried out an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, a key uranium enrichment site. Iranian news agencies reported that the site came under an air strike and said there was no radiation leak from the location. The development comes amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. According to the report, the US and Israel began military action on the 28th citing concerns over a nuclear threat, and Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes targeting gas facilities in Israel and neighbouring countries, as well as US military bases in the West Asia region.

Modi urges Iran President to ensure safe, uninterrupted shipping
Politics

Modi urges Iran President to ensure safe, uninterrupted shipping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging steps to ensure safe and uninterrupted maritime movement and overall security. With the conflict involving the US and Israel continuing into its 22nd day, the two leaders discussed the need to restore peace in the region and concerns over disruptions to global supply chains. In a post on X, Modi said he conveyed greetings for Ramadan and the start of spring, and noted that both leaders expressed hope that the festive period would bring peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.

Report: US weighs plan to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles
Politics

Report: US weighs plan to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles

Washington: With tensions high due to the ongoing war in West Asia, a report says the United States is holding discussions on how to seize nuclear-related materials held by Iran. The conflict, now in its 22nd day, has intensified amid a global crude oil shortage and growing uncertainty over when the fighting will end. President Donald Trump has said the US is close to achieving its objectives and that a ceasefire is not likely at present.

Centre blocks 300 online gambling sites and mobile apps
Technology

Centre blocks 300 online gambling sites and mobile apps

The Union government has blocked more than 300 online gambling websites and mobile applications that were operating illegally, according to officials. Authorities said the action follows growing concerns over paid online games, with reports of people becoming addicted, losing large sums of money and an increase in suicide incidents linked to such losses. In response, the Centre implemented an online gaming law last year, which bans games designed to extract money from users. Since the law came into force, around 4,900 online gaming platforms have been blocked.

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.