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Vijay tells T.Ve.K candidates: ‘I left family life for full-time politics’
Politics

Vijay tells T.Ve.K candidates: ‘I left family life for full-time politics’

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (T.Ve.K) leader Vijay held consultations on Monday with 60 candidates shortlisted in the first phase to contest the upcoming Assembly election. The party had invited applications in February, though it has not disclosed how many forms were received and submitted. The first set of selections covers constituencies across districts including Chennai, Sivaganga and Tirunelveli. Addressing the candidates after the meeting, Vijay said politics would be his sole focus going forward. He stated that he had set aside family life and friendships to enter politics as a full-time commitment.

Iran says talks with US are off the table, foreign minister says
Politics

Iran says talks with US are off the table, foreign minister says

Tehran: Iran will not hold talks with the United States, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, accusing Washington of making failed promises and engaging in military aggression. In an interview, Araghchi said Iran has had a “bad experience” with negotiations with the US and that there is no question or plan for talks going forward. He recalled that Iran held discussions with the US last year, but said Iran was attacked in June while negotiations were still underway.

Supreme Court warns trader over AI-drafted PIL, dismisses petition
Politics

Supreme Court warns trader over AI-drafted PIL, dismisses petition

The Supreme Court on Monday strongly cautioned a Ludhiana-based garment trader after finding that a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by him had been prepared with the help of multiple AI tools. The bench dismissed the petition, which related to the PM CARES fund. The matter came up before a bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant, along with Justices Jaymalya Bhakshi and R. Mahadevan. As the hearing began, the Chief Justice questioned the petitioner, Rajnish Sidhu, about his background and education after noticing the nature of the written submissions he was reading out.

Centre says 43 new medical colleges opened nationwide in 2025-26
Health

Centre says 43 new medical colleges opened nationwide in 2025-26

The Union government has informed the Rajya Sabha that 43 new medical colleges have been started across India in the 2025-26 academic year. In a written reply, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel cited National Medical Commission (NMC) data, stating that approvals were granted in the same academic year for 11,682 MBBS seats and 8,967 postgraduate medical seats. The minister said the NMC invites online applications every year from medical colleges and institutions for establishing new colleges and for increasing undergraduate and postgraduate seats. Permissions or rejections are issued after inspections and evaluation as per prescribed rules and guidelines.

Union minister Giriraj Singh attacks Rahul Gandhi in sharp remarks
Politics

Union minister Giriraj Singh attacks Rahul Gandhi in sharp remarks

New Delhi: Union minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, using strong language to question his leadership and political approach. Singh said he had not seen a Leader of Opposition “without vision” like Rahul. He alleged that after demanding a vote against the Speaker, the opposition walked out of the House, and claimed this reflected a lack of seriousness. In the same remarks, Singh also targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she and Rahul behaved like “urban Naxals”. He accused the Trinamool Congress government of failing to address major issues affecting the state.

Dubai businessmen offer free shelter to stranded Indians amid war fears
General

Dubai businessmen offer free shelter to stranded Indians amid war fears

Indian travellers in Dubai have been left stranded as escalating regional tensions led to flight cancellations, disrupting return plans. Many were affected after hotel bookings ended, leaving them without a place to stay. In response, Dubai-based Indian businessman Yogesh Doshi, chairman of the Al Mizan Group, has converted a residential building with 64 apartments into a temporary shelter. The accommodation is being provided free of cost, along with food and other basic facilities.

Advisers urge Trump to chart exit from Iran war amid oil shock
Politics

Advisers urge Trump to chart exit from Iran war amid oil shock

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure from his advisers to pull the country out of the war with Iran, as the conflict entered its 11th day, reports said from New York. The fighting has disrupted crude oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up global oil prices and intensifying economic strain in the United States. Fuel prices, including petrol and diesel, have reportedly risen sharply. The prolonged conflict is also raising political concerns ahead of elections later this year for half of the U.S. Senate seats. Recent opinion polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose the war, and support among Republican backers is said to be slipping, worrying party lawmakers.

Assam BJP govt credits Rs 9,000 each to 40 lakh women
Politics

Assam BJP govt credits Rs 9,000 each to 40 lakh women

Guwahati: The BJP-led Assam government has credited Rs 9,000 each to 40 lakh women through direct bank transfers. The assistance was provided under the state’s poverty alleviation programme, ‘Orunodoi’, which has been implemented since 2020. Under the scheme, one eligible woman in a family receives Rs 1,250 every month. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier said that beneficiaries would receive a combined payment covering four months from January, along with an additional amount to mark Assam’s New Year festival, Bohag Bihu.

ICC arranges alternate travel for South Africa, West Indies players
Sports

ICC arranges alternate travel for South Africa, West Indies players

Kolkata: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made special arrangements to help South Africa and West Indies players return home after travel disruptions following the T20 World Cup in India. South Africa exited the tournament at the semi-final stage, while West Indies were knocked out in the Super-8 round. However, a sudden war situation led to the closure of Dubai airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs, leaving both squads unable to travel back as planned.

SC raps Bengal for questioning judges probing voter list complaints
Politics

SC raps Bengal for questioning judges probing voter list complaints

The Supreme Court has questioned the West Bengal government for filing pleas that cast doubt on the judicial officers appointed to examine complaints related to the voter list revision in the state. The matter arises from a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, during which names of about 63 lakh people were removed. The Trinamool Congress-led state government, along with several residents, moved the Supreme Court challenging the exercise and related processes.

Jail up to 7 years for hoarding or illegal sale of LPG cylinders
General

Jail up to 7 years for hoarding or illegal sale of LPG cylinders

Chennai: A Petroleum Ministry official said cooking gas (LPG) cylinders have been brought under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), paving the way for tougher action against hoarding and illegal sales. The official explained that after a customer books a cylinder, delivery will be made only after 21 days. After one booking, the next booking can be placed only after 25 days. He noted that some gas agencies can identify customers who have not purchased cylinders for several months. Such identities could be misused to place bookings in their name and divert cylinders to the black market at higher prices.

UCC only way to ensure equal rights for all women: CJI-led bench
Politics

UCC only way to ensure equal rights for all women: CJI-led bench

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant observed that implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be the only effective way to ensure equal rights for all women across the country. The remarks came while hearing multiple petitions alleging that women’s inheritance rights are being violated under Muslim personal (Shariat) law. The matter was heard by the CJI along with Justices R. Mahadevan and Jaymalyya Bagchi. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, argued that even within the same religion there is discrimination in property rights, and that women are particularly denied equal inheritance. He maintained that inheritance is a civil right and not a religious ritual, and therefore Muslim women should receive rights equal to men.

Trump calls Iran war a “short pleasure trip”, warns over oil supply
Politics

Trump calls Iran war a “short pleasure trip”, warns over oil supply

Washington: US President Donald Trump described the ongoing war involving Iran as a “short pleasure trip” and said it would end soon. He also issued a warning that Iran would face grave consequences if it attempted to block crude oil supplies. The conflict, involving the US and Israel against Iran, has continued beyond expectations and has crossed 11 days. In recent strikes, Israel reportedly hit Iranian oil storage depots and refineries, causing heavy damage and fires.

Rijiju targets Rahul in Lok Sabha debate on no-confidence move
Politics

Rijiju targets Rahul in Lok Sabha debate on no-confidence move

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Lok Sabha debate on a no-confidence motion moved by the INDIA bloc seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. The opposition alliance, including the Congress and the DMK, has alleged that the Speaker has been functioning in a one-sided manner and brought the motion demanding his removal. Speaking in the House, Rijiju said that anyone—whether the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition or any MP—must obtain the Speaker’s permission to speak. He claimed Rahul Gandhi did not follow this basic rule.

Devakottai VAO held for taking Rs 5,000 bribe for heir certificate
Crime

Devakottai VAO held for taking Rs 5,000 bribe for heir certificate

A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) working in the Thidakkottai group under Devakottai taluk in Sivaganga district was arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 for an heir certificate. According to the complaint, Raja (42) of Thidakkottai had applied for an heir certificate at the Devakottai taluk office on February 26 after his father’s death. The VAO, identified as Sudhakar (46) from R.S. Mangalam in Ramanathapuram district, allegedly told him that the certificate would be recommended only if he paid Rs 5,000.

Rameswaram row over bus fares charged to women pilgrims from North India
General

Rameswaram row over bus fares charged to women pilgrims from North India

RAMESWARAM: A controversy has surfaced in Rameswaram over conductors allegedly collecting ticket fares from women pilgrims visiting from northern states on government town buses. Tamil Nadu operates the “Magalir Vidiyal Payanam” scheme, under which women can travel free on government town buses. Many pilgrims arriving at the Rameswaram bus stand use these buses to reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple. However, women devotees from northern states said they were issued tickets after paying fares. When questioned, conductors reportedly told them the free travel benefit applies only to women from Tamil Nadu.

Union Cabinet clears Madurai airport upgrade; TN to have 4 international airports
General

Union Cabinet clears Madurai airport upgrade; TN to have 4 international airports

The Union Cabinet has approved upgrading Madurai airport, which was operating as a customs airport, to an international airport. With this, Tamil Nadu will have four international airports under the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Passenger airports are broadly classified as domestic, international and customs airports. In Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore are currently functioning as international airports, while Madurai had so far been in the customs category with limited overseas operations.

Governor Ravi says he won’t forget the love shown by Tamil people
Politics

Governor Ravi says he won’t forget the love shown by Tamil people

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, who has been transferred to West Bengal, said he would never forget the love shown by the people of Tamil Nadu. In a statement, Ravi said he spent the last 54 months closely interacting with “Tamil relatives” and living in their affection. Though circumstances now require him to part ways, he said the days spent in Tamil Nadu would remain the golden period of his life, adding that he felt like a member of a Tamil family.

PAN not needed for property registration up to Rs 20 lakh: Centre
Business

PAN not needed for property registration up to Rs 20 lakh: Centre

The Central government has amended Income Tax rules, raising the threshold for submitting PAN details during property registration. Under the revised norms, buyers registering property valued up to Rs 20 lakh will not be required to provide a Permanent Account Number (PAN). The requirement was introduced to prevent property buyers from concealing transaction details from the Income Tax Department. Earlier, PAN details were mandatory for registering properties up to Rs 10 lakh, and those without PAN had to file a separate declaration.

PM Modi to visit Tiruchirappalli today, launch projects worth Rs 5,650 crore
Politics

PM Modi to visit Tiruchirappalli today, launch projects worth Rs 5,650 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tiruchirappalli on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple development projects valued at Rs 5,650 crore. According to the programme, the Prime Minister will arrive from Kerala at around 5.45 pm and take part in an official event in Tiruchirappalli. The projects span energy infrastructure, roads and rail services. He will lay the foundation stone for a Bharat Petroleum Corporation project to supply natural gas through a pipeline network in the Nilgiris and Erode districts, with an investment of Rs 3,680 crore. He will also dedicate to the nation an IndianOil crude oil blending unit set up at Manali near Chennai at a cost of Rs 1,490 crore.

BJP pushes to bring TVK into NDA; AIADMK reportedly hesitant
Politics

BJP pushes to bring TVK into NDA; AIADMK reportedly hesitant

Talks by the BJP to forge an alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are said to be creating fresh buzz in Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the Assembly election. The DMK has already stitched together a mega front with 23 parties, and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has joined the DMK along with his supporters. The Congress, which was earlier seen as exploring options involving TVK, has also stayed within the DMK-led alliance.

Fuel prices unlikely to rise unless crude crosses $130: Centre
Business

Fuel prices unlikely to rise unless crude crosses $130: Centre

New Delhi: The Union government on Monday said petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to be raised as long as international crude oil prices do not cross $130 per barrel. The statement comes amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, which has tightened availability in global markets and pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel. The government said it expects prices to remain around $100.

Trump weighs seizing Kharg Island to choke Iran’s oil exports
Politics

Trump weighs seizing Kharg Island to choke Iran’s oil exports

Washington: US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a plan to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic hub central to the country’s oil exports. According to international media reports, Trump has held high-level discussions with officials in his administration as he looks to intensify pressure on Iran beyond direct air strikes, including steps aimed at damaging the Iranian economy. Kharg Island is described as the backbone of Iran’s oil trade, with about 90% of the country’s oil exports handled through the facility. The report says Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of crude per day via the island, making it a critical lifeline for the economy.

West Asia flight disruptions: Airlines assure full fare refunds
General

West Asia flight disruptions: Airlines assure full fare refunds

Flight operations to several West Asian countries have been disrupted due to heightened tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict, airlines and industry sources said in Chennai. Services to destinations such as Dubai and Sharjah have been among the most affected since February 28. While authorities in Dubai permitted operations by airlines from select countries to help stranded passengers depart, air traffic has not yet returned to normal. From Chennai, carriers including Etihad, Air India Express, IndiGo, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and Air Arabia operate flights to Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain and Doha. Many travellers had booked tickets months in advance and are now uncertain whether flights will operate as scheduled and whether fares would be refunded if services are cancelled.

Village assistants’ sit-in enters 33rd day; revenue unions plan strike
General

Village assistants’ sit-in enters 33rd day; revenue unions plan strike

Tamil Nadu village assistants, under the banner of their federation, have been continuing a statewide sit-in protest since February 5. They are demanding time-scale pay on par with fourth-grade employees. In Chennai, the protest has been held at the Ezhilagam campus, where the demonstrators staged their dharna for the 33rd day on Sunday. In support, more than 10 unions under the Revenue Department unions’ federation have announced a symbolic work stoppage across Tamil Nadu on Monday and Tuesday.

India ranks 2nd in global arms imports, says SIPRI report
General

India ranks 2nd in global arms imports, says SIPRI report

New Delhi: India has emerged as the world’s second-largest importer of military arms, accounting for 8.3% of global imports during 2021–25, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI, based in Stockholm, Sweden, has tracked global arms flows, disarmament and related international developments since 1966. In its latest report on the top 10 arms importers for 2021–25, Ukraine ranked first with a 9.7% share. The report said Russia, France and Israel were India’s leading suppliers in this period. Russia accounted for 40% of India’s arms imports, followed by France at 29% and Israel at 15%.

BJP fact-check team rebuts Mamata over photo linked to President’s visit
Politics

BJP fact-check team rebuts Mamata over photo linked to President’s visit

A political spat in West Bengal has escalated over President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trading sharp remarks. The controversy began after an event, initially planned in Bidhannagar, was shifted to Koshaypur in Darjeeling district citing security reasons. Reports said the President expressed displeasure over the change, triggering criticism from the Prime Minister and Union ministers, who alleged the Trinamool Congress government had shown disrespect.

Opposition readies Parliament move to remove Chief Election Commissioner
Politics

Opposition readies Parliament move to remove Chief Election Commissioner

Opposition parties are preparing to move a resolution in Parliament seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to reports from New Delhi. The initiative is said to be coordinated under the leadership of the Trinamool Congress. The move follows the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls carried out in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal and Bihar, after which final voter lists were released. Reports said the highest deletions were in Tamil Nadu (74 lakh) and West Bengal (63 lakh).

Retired judge in Hyderabad loses Rs 1.66 crore to ‘digital arrest’ scam
Crime

Retired judge in Hyderabad loses Rs 1.66 crore to ‘digital arrest’ scam

A 69-year-old retired district judge in Hyderabad has reportedly lost Rs 1.66 crore after falling prey to a ‘digital arrest’ scam, police said. In the fraud, callers allegedly posed as senior officials from agencies such as the CBI, police and the Enforcement Directorate, using video calls to intimidate victims and extract money. Police noted that senior citizens are often targeted in such cases. According to the complaint, the first caller introduced himself as “Deepak Kumar”, claiming to be a senior CBI officer, and falsely accused the judge of using two mobile numbers to make obscene calls to several women, saying a case had been registered in Bengaluru.

Delhi HC stays trial court’s remarks against CBI in liquor policy case
Politics

Delhi HC stays trial court’s remarks against CBI in liquor policy case

The Delhi High Court has imposed an interim stay on the adverse comments and criticism made against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and its officers in the Delhi liquor policy irregularities case. The order came while hearing the CBI’s appeal against a trial court decision that discharged several accused. The case relates to the 2021 liquor policy introduced during the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, which was later withdrawn amid allegations of irregularities worth about Rs 100 crore. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were arrested in the matter, spent time in Tihar Jail, and are currently out on bail.

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