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TN accused of blocking Navodaya schools; students face uncertainty
Education

TN accused of blocking Navodaya schools; students face uncertainty

Coimbatore-based voices have accused the Tamil Nadu government of repeatedly obstructing the opening of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), which are fully funded by the Union government. The state has cited the three-language policy, while projecting its own “model schools” as an alternative. The model school scheme, launched in 2021–22 with 10 schools, has since been expanded across all 38 districts. Students are selected from government schools based on performance and achievements recorded on the EMIS platform, including NMMS scholarship qualifiers, class toppers, and those excelling in arts and sports.

TN transfers IPS officers; Bala Naga Devi named DGP (Intelligence)
Politics

TN transfers IPS officers; Bala Naga Devi named DGP (Intelligence)

The Tamil Nadu government on Friday issued orders transferring and reassigning several IPS officers. Bala Naga Devi has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) for the Police Intelligence wing. She has been promoted from the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to DGP. In another change, Santosh Kumar, Inspector General (IG) in the Economic Offences Wing, has been given additional charge as Economic ADGP. IG Rupesh Kumar Meena has also been assigned additional responsibility as ADGP of the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the order said.

Centre warns petrol pumps against selling fuel in water cans
General

Centre warns petrol pumps against selling fuel in water cans

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum has cautioned petrol pumps across the country against dispensing petrol in unsafe containers such as plastic water cans, warning that violations will invite strict action. In a statement, the ministry said adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at petrol pumps nationwide. It noted that an incident at a retail outlet in Tamil Nadu, where petrol was reportedly supplied in a plastic water can, had come to its attention.

North Korea fires 10 missiles into Sea of Japan amid drills
Politics

North Korea fires 10 missiles into Sea of Japan amid drills

Seoul: North Korea test-fired 10 missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Friday, heightening tensions as the United States and South Korea conducted joint military exercises. According to the report, the launches were carried out on the orders of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The missiles were fired from the Sunan area near Pyongyang International Airport. Japanese authorities said the missiles fell in Japan. Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that there were no reports of damage to aircraft or ships.

Airlines raise fares as fuel prices climb; surcharge up to Rs 1,300
Business

Airlines raise fares as fuel prices climb; surcharge up to Rs 1,300

New Delhi: With fuel prices rising amid tensions in West Asia, airlines have begun increasing airfares by introducing or revising fuel surcharges. Akasa Air said it will roll out a new fuel surcharge from March 15. The move is expected to raise ticket prices by Rs 199 to Rs 1,300, depending on the route distance and travel time. The airline added that passengers who booked tickets before 12 midnight on March 15 will not be affected by the revised pricing.

Puducherry NDA finalises seat share: NR Congress 16, BJP bloc 14
Politics

Puducherry NDA finalises seat share: NR Congress 16, BJP bloc 14

Puducherry’s ruling NDA alliance has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the upcoming Assembly election, with the NR Congress set to contest 16 constituencies and the BJP-led bloc allotted 14. With the government’s term ending in May and the election schedule expected soon, the NR Congress-BJP alliance has decided to continue together. However, the seat-sharing formula had remained pending until now. Union Minister and BJP election in-charge Mansukh Mandaviya visited Puducherry and held consultations first with BJP leaders and then separately with alliance partners. He later led seat-sharing talks between the NR Congress and the BJP.

Dharmapuri a ‘danger zone’, Udhayanidhi urges DMK unity for all 5 seats
Politics

Dharmapuri a ‘danger zone’, Udhayanidhi urges DMK unity for all 5 seats

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday flagged Dharmapuri as an electorally challenging district and asked party functionaries to work in unison to secure victories in all five Assembly constituencies. Speaking at a meeting of DMK allied-wing office-bearers in Dharmapuri, he said the party receives strong welcomes when senior leaders visit the district, but electoral outcomes have not matched that enthusiasm. He pointed to the previous Assembly election, when the DMK lost in all five constituencies in the district. He also noted that while the party won the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha seat, it could not register a large margin.

China to give Rs 1.84 crore aid to Iran after schoolgirls killed
Politics

China to give Rs 1.84 crore aid to Iran after schoolgirls killed

China has decided to provide Rs 1.84 crore as emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran following reports that schoolgirls were killed in a US attack, according to official statements from Beijing. The incident relates to a joint US and Israeli strike on Iran on February 28. A missile hit a girls’ primary school in Minab, with reports saying up to 180 students were killed and many others injured. A US military inquiry reportedly found that the school building was targeted by mistake due to outdated information. China condemned the strike and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Pakistan airstrikes hit Afghanistan; Taliban warns of retaliation
Politics

Pakistan airstrikes hit Afghanistan; Taliban warns of retaliation

Pakistan’s air force carried out pre-dawn airstrikes in Afghanistan, targeting what it said were militant and Taliban military positions, according to reports from Kabul. The strikes were reported in several locations including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, amid months of cross-border attacks between the two neighbours. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has recently said a direct conflict with Afghanistan has begun. Pakistan said the raids targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants as well as Taliban command centres and weapons depots. Islamabad alleged the Taliban government in Afghanistan was providing shelter to militants, describing this as the reason for the operation.

PM Modi says Northeast has moved from gunfire to development
Politics

PM Modi says Northeast has moved from gunfire to development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Northeast, once associated with gunfire and blasts, is now moving forward on a path of peace and development. He was speaking at a public meeting in Guwahati, Assam. Modi was scheduled to visit Kokrajhar district to inaugurate welfare and development initiatives of the Centre and the state government. The trip was cancelled due to heavy rain. From Guwahati, the Prime Minister launched projects worth more than Rs 4,750 crore through video conferencing. He later addressed the gathering, praising what he called the “double-engine government” for taking Assam into a new phase.

INDIA bloc submits motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner
Politics

INDIA bloc submits motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner

The opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday submitted notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The move was backed by parties including the Congress, DMK and Samajwadi Party. In the Lok Sabha, 130 MPs signed the notice, while 63 MPs signed in the Rajya Sabha. The bloc has alleged that the CEC has acted in favour of the ruling BJP and that, in opposition-ruled states, many eligible voters are being removed under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Centre announces Rs 1 lakh crore stability fund amid global crisis fears
Business

Centre announces Rs 1 lakh crore stability fund amid global crisis fears

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced an economic stability fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to help India respond to unexpected global disruptions, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on supplementary demands for grants, Sitharaman said the package is aimed at ensuring the economy is not hit by a surge in international crude oil prices and at containing price rise in essential commodities.

Sugar makers urge India to raise ethanol blend in petrol beyond 20%
Business

Sugar makers urge India to raise ethanol blend in petrol beyond 20%

Call to raise blending target The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has urged the Union government to increase the ethanol blending level in petrol beyond 20%, and to give greater priority to ethanol produced by sugar mills. Meeting with Union minister ISMA representatives said they recently met Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi in New Delhi to present their demands. According to the association, the minister assured them that after addressing issues related to crude oil imports, the government would focus on ethanol-related matters.

RSS to expand branches, step up public outreach during centenary
Politics

RSS to expand branches, step up public outreach during centenary

CHANDIGARH: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to expand its branches and strengthen community linkages through public outreach programmes as part of its centenary celebrations, joint general secretary C.R. Mukund said. The organisation’s top decision-making forum, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, began its three-day meeting in Haryana on Thursday. The session at Samalkha was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. More than 1,500 members, including senior functionaries, are participating in the meeting. Addressing the gathering, Mukund highlighted the scale of the ‘Griha Sampark’ initiative, saying it has reached over 10 crore households across the country and covered more than three lakh villages.

NHRC seeks report from five states on missing children cases
Crime

NHRC seeks report from five states on missing children cases

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to five states, including Rajasthan and Bihar, seeking details of steps taken in cases of missing persons, including children. With concerns rising over child abduction, the NHRC said it has decided to take suo motu cognisance and examine the status of investigations and follow-up in missing cases, citing recent media reports about delays and slow progress. According to the commission’s statement, Bihar has reported around 12,000 to 14,000 missing persons every year from 2013 to the present, with many cases involving children. It added that only about two-thirds of missing children have been traced so far.

US Navy denies Iran claim of strike on USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman
Politics

US Navy denies Iran claim of strike on USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman

The US Navy has denied Iran’s claim that it carried out a precision strike on the US warship USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman and forced it to withdraw from the area. According to Iranian statements, missiles and drones were used in an attack said to have taken place about 340 km from Iran’s waters, causing damage to the carrier. Iran also claimed it struck and damaged a US naval facility at Mina Salman in Bahrain.

Alagarkoil priests upset as plate offerings moved to hundi
General

Alagarkoil priests upset as plate offerings moved to hundi

At the Pathinettampadi Karuppanaswamy shrine inside the Kallazhagar Temple at Alagarkoil in Madurai district, a new practice has triggered discontent among priests and devotees. Temple staff have been collecting offerings that fall into priests’ plates and depositing them into the shrine’s hundi (donation box). Devotees consider Karuppanaswamy their family deity, and it is customary to offer money on the steps or near the shrine doors as a vow, popularly known as “putting money on the steps.” To streamline collections, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration had earlier installed four hundis on both sides in front of the shrine, with the proceeds used for temple development works.

BJP functionary urges Vijay to remove 'immature' voices from his party
Politics

BJP functionary urges Vijay to remove 'immature' voices from his party

A Tamil Nadu BJP functionary, Arjun Moorthy, has written to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, urging him to remove people he described as lacking political maturity from the party. In the letter, Moorthy said Vijay’s political entry created expectations across Tamil Nadu, but argued that the initial enthusiasm must be matched with political understanding, experience and a sense of responsibility. He alleged that some TVK office-bearers—citing Aadhav Arjuna as an example—have been making remarks that are not in keeping with political civility, leading to unnecessary confrontations and a loss of respect. He claimed such comments could also affect the regard people have for Vijay.

Ramadoss turns down Sasikala’s alliance proposal, supporters say
Politics

Ramadoss turns down Sasikala’s alliance proposal, supporters say

PMK founder S. Ramadoss has declined an alliance invitation extended by Sasikala, his supporters said on Friday. According to them, Ramadoss has been unable to join either the AIADMK alliance—citing the presence of PMK leader Anbumani—or the DMK alliance due to opposition from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). In this backdrop, Sasikala, who has launched a party named the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, met Ramadoss on March 11 at his Thailapuram estate near Tindivanam. During the talks, she reportedly proposed forming a front by bringing together smaller parties and, if possible, aligning with TVK.

Thirumavalavan: Rajinikanth not drawn to power or politics
Politics

Thirumavalavan: Rajinikanth not drawn to power or politics

Madurai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said actor Rajinikanth is not someone who can be lured by governance, politics or power. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, he referred to the death of a youth named Akash from Manamadurai while in police custody, and urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take action against the police personnel concerned. He also cited the sexual assault and murder of a school student in Vilathikulam, and said the state government should provide compensation to the victim’s family.

India in talks with Iran to clear 8 LPG tankers stuck near Hormuz
Business

India in talks with Iran to clear 8 LPG tankers stuck near Hormuz

New Delhi: Eight LPG tanker ships headed to India are currently waiting near the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened conflict-related tensions in the region. The disruption has raised concerns over the movement of vessels through the key maritime corridor. The Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iran’s control, is a critical route for global energy trade, with around 20% of the world’s crude oil supply moving through it. Reports said shipping has been affected as Iran has been targeting vessels crossing the route.

Vadivelu says DMK critics have ‘vanished’ at Chennai meeting
Politics

Vadivelu says DMK critics have ‘vanished’ at Chennai meeting

Actor Vadivelu on Thursday addressed a DMK meeting held in Chennai’s Kolathur, where Minister Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor Priya, and film personalities including Nassar also took part. In his speech, Vadivelu said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, though 73, was working with the energy of a much younger person. He claimed that many who had spoken about “destroying” the DMK had since “vanished without a trace.” He also described the DMK as having a long history, comparing it to the Thanjavur temple tower, and said this legacy was why the party continued to stand firm.

CPM says police cannot save DMK rule, seeks double-digit seats
Politics

CPM says police cannot save DMK rule, seeks double-digit seats

CPM targets governance, alliance seat share Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary Shanmugam said the DMK government must build public confidence that those responsible for incidents across Tamil Nadu—including the Manamadurai lock-up death—will face action. Speaking at a CPM meeting in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram district, he said swift action against the police personnel concerned would have prevented prolonged protests. He added that the DMK government cannot be “saved” by the police and that it is people who ultimately sustain an elected government.

Report claims Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in coma, lost a leg
Politics

Report claims Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in coma, lost a leg

Tehran: A report published by the UK newspaper The Sun has claimed that Iran’s newly appointed leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in a coma and has lost a leg following a US airstrike. According to the report, the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran—linked to disputes over the nuclear deal—has entered its second week. It further states that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an aerial attack, after which his son Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, assumed leadership.

UN warns Middle East crisis threatens global peace and security
Politics

UN warns Middle East crisis threatens global peace and security

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the escalating crisis in the Middle East poses a serious threat to international peace and security. In a statement, Guterres said the situation has caused severe suffering for civilians and stressed that reducing tensions through dialogue is the only viable path forward. He urged all parties to halt hostile actions, uphold international law, protect civilians and begin negotiations without delay. The warning comes as the UN Security Council has already adopted a resolution calling on Iran to stop attacks on West Asian countries. The resolution also urged Iran to immediately end all attacks and threats, and remove obstructions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Supreme Court rejects plea to bring Netaji’s ashes from Japan
Politics

Supreme Court rejects plea to bring Netaji’s ashes from Japan

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a direction to the Union government to bring back the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Japan. The plea was filed by Ashish Roy, described as one of Netaji’s great-grandsons. It stated that Netaji’s ashes are kept at Renkoji Temple in Japan and sought an order for their repatriation to India. A Bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant heard the matter. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioner, argued that it would be appropriate for the ashes of a leader who fought for India’s freedom to be brought back to the country.

Netanyahu warns Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei has no “life insurance”
Politics

Netanyahu warns Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei has no “life insurance”

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Iran’s newly chosen ruler, Mojtaba Khamenei, has “no life insurance,” signalling a sharp warning amid escalating tensions. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu claimed that joint US-Israel action against Iran is progressing “better than expected,” and asserted that Israel is stronger than ever. He said the objective of the US and Israel is to help create conditions for the Iranian people to remove what he described as a tyrannical regime. Netanyahu also claimed that Israel is carrying out heavy attacks on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces in streets and at checkpoints, and that operations are continuing.

Ex-Australian PM Tony Abbott praises Modi, rejects 'authoritarian India' claim
Politics

Ex-Australian PM Tony Abbott praises Modi, rejects 'authoritarian India' claim

Canberra: Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has dismissed as “completely wrong” the allegation that India has become an authoritarian country under the BJP government. In a statement on the Raisina Dialogue—India’s annual conference on geopolitics and economics held in New Delhi since 2016—Abbott said the forum is better than Switzerland’s Davos and China’s Boao gatherings. He argued that no politically powerful group dominates the event and it does not function as a platform to praise the host government.

Former Naam Tamilar leader Kaliammal joins AIADMK in EPS presence
Politics

Former Naam Tamilar leader Kaliammal joins AIADMK in EPS presence

Former Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) executive Kaliammal on Thursday (March 13) joined the AIADMK in Chennai in the presence of the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). Kaliammal had earlier served as the state coordinator of NTK’s women’s wing and rose to prominence in a short period. She contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and 2024, and also contested the 2021 Assembly election from the Poompuhar constituency. After the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, she quit NTK following differences of opinion with coordinator Seeman. The report said several parties, including the DMK, AIADMK and TVK, held talks to bring her into their fold, but she stayed away from joining any party for over a year.

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