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

Remembering Jana Krishnamurthi: A portrait of simplicity and integrity
Politics

Remembering Jana Krishnamurthi: A portrait of simplicity and integrity

Many in today’s younger generation may not recognise Jana Krishnamurthi, a Madurai-born lawyer who later joined the RSS and became one of the founders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for avoiding show and extravagance, he is remembered by colleagues and visitors for his straightforward manner. The recollection is set against the backdrop of the 1996 Lok Sabha election, when the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 161 seats, short of the 272 needed to form a majority. Following convention, then President Shankar Dayal Sharma invited Atal Bihari Vajpayee to form the government, even as support from allies such as the Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the Samata Party was still insufficient.

War enters 6th day as Iran launches drone, missile strikes in region
Politics

War enters 6th day as Iran launches drone, missile strikes in region

The US-Israel joint offensive against Iran continued for a sixth day, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes across the region, according to official statements cited in reports. Azerbaijan said drones launched from Iranian territory early morning targeted its Nakhchivan region. One drone fell near an airport area, causing damage, while another landed near a school building in Shakarabad village, injuring two civilians. In a statement, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a violation of international rules and said it could escalate tensions. The ministry called on Iran to provide an explanation, conduct a proper investigation, and ensure such incidents do not recur, adding that Azerbaijan has the right to respond. Azerbaijan also summoned Iran’s ambassador to convey its protest.

Indians in UAE urged to stay alert as flights disrupted: Embassy
General

Indians in UAE urged to stay alert as flights disrupted: Embassy

The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has advised Indian nationals living in the country to remain cautious, stay calm and follow instructions issued by local authorities, citing the prevailing situation in the UAE and the wider region. The embassy said airspace closures have led to a temporary suspension of regular flight services. However, special flights operated by Indian and UAE carriers have received permission and are running with safety measures in place. Travellers were asked to check with their respective airlines for updates.

President appoints Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as Madras HC Chief Justice
Politics

President appoints Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as Madras HC Chief Justice

The President has issued an order appointing Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the new Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. The post is currently held by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, who is set to retire on March 5. To decide the successor, the Supreme Court collegium comprising senior judges held a meeting and recommended Justice Dharmadhikari, who is serving as a judge of the Kerala High Court. The recommendation was forwarded for the President’s approval.

India offers condolences on Iran leader Khamenei’s death
Politics

India offers condolences on Iran leader Khamenei’s death

India has conveyed its condolences following the death of Iran’s religious leader and ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In New Delhi, a condolence book has been opened at the Iranian Embassy. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the mission and signed the register on behalf of the Government of India. The development comes amid reports of heavy attacks on Iran by Israeli and US forces. The report said Khamenei and his family members were killed on February 28.

Naxal movement nears end as security crackdown weakens 60-year insurgency
Politics

Naxal movement nears end as security crackdown weakens 60-year insurgency

India’s Naxal movement, which has waged an armed campaign against the state for around 60 years, is now described as being on the verge of extinction following intensified action by security forces. The report says the Centre and states have mounted sustained, coordinated operations against the insurgents. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA government has set a target to eliminate Naxal presence from the country by the 31st of this month.

DMK seals mega alliance; Vijay’s TVK left without partners
Politics

DMK seals mega alliance; Vijay’s TVK left without partners

Chennai: With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election expected to be announced at any time, major parties have intensified talks to finalise alliances and seat-sharing arrangements. On the DMK side, the long-discussed alliance with Congress has now been concluded, with an agreement signed. As part of the arrangement, Congress has been allotted 28 Assembly constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat, while the DMK’s own final seat plan is yet to be announced.

West Asia tensions persist as Iran, Israel trade strikes for fifth day
Politics

West Asia tensions persist as Iran, Israel trade strikes for fifth day

Fighting in West Asia continued for a fifth consecutive day after US and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iran, according to reports. Israel has kept up missile strikes targeting Tehran and other locations. Iran has responded with counterattacks, including strikes aimed at US military bases in West Asian countries. Israel has also carried out attacks targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iranian forces have entered Lebanon. Turkey said a NATO missile defence system intercepted and destroyed an Iranian missile in mid-air. Both Iran and Israel have continued exchanging missile attacks, each targeting key sites in the other.

Finn Allen’s 33-ball century powers New Zealand into T20 WC final
Sports

Finn Allen’s 33-ball century powers New Zealand into T20 WC final

New Zealand booked a place in the T20 World Cup final after defeating South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. South Africa, asked to bat first, lost early wickets as captain Aiden Markram (18), Quinton de Kock (10), Ryan Rickelton (0) and David Miller (6) fell cheaply. Dewald Brevis (34) and Tristan Stubbs (29) offered some resistance, while Marco Jansen remained unbeaten on 55 as South Africa finished on 169 for 8 in 20 overs.

UK hands back stolen 16th-century Tamil bronze from Ashmolean Museum
General

UK hands back stolen 16th-century Tamil bronze from Ashmolean Museum

A 16th-century bronze idol of Thirumangai Azhwar, originally belonging to Tamil Nadu, has been returned to India by British authorities. The sculpture was held at the Ashmolean Museum of the University of Oxford in London. Officials said the idol was traced to the Sri Soundararaja Perumal Temple at Thadikombu in Thanjavur district, from where it had gone missing. The Ashmolean Museum had purchased the piece at a Sotheby’s auction in 1967.

Seeman says DMK and AIADMK must be removed from Tamil Nadu politics
Politics

Seeman says DMK and AIADMK must be removed from Tamil Nadu politics

Chennai meeting Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman said both the DMK and the AIADMK should be “abolished” from Tamil Nadu politics. He was speaking at a Chennai zone candidates’ introduction meeting held in Saidapet. Contesting alone Seeman said NTK is contesting alone for the fifth time, despite losing in four previous elections. He claimed his party would win without alliances and argued that politics in the state has been reduced to freebies rather than public issues.

Nepal votes today in historic general election after govt collapse
Politics

Nepal votes today in historic general election after govt collapse

Nepal is holding a general election today in what is being described as a historic vote, coming after the collapse of the government led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The political reset follows protests led by young people in September last year, after which Oli stepped down. An interim administration was then formed under former Supreme Court judge Sushila Karki. Amid continuing political uncertainty, around 18.9 million voters are set to choose members for the 275-seat House of Representatives.

Pentagon warns US missile stockpiles may run low if Iran war drags on
Politics

Pentagon warns US missile stockpiles may run low if Iran war drags on

Washington: With the conflict between the United States and Iran entering its fifth day, officials at the Pentagon have warned that a prolonged war could strain America’s key missile stockpiles. The fighting began after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, citing Tehran’s refusal to cooperate in nuclear-related talks. Reports said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders were killed in the attacks. In retaliation, Iran has been targeting US military bases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates using missiles and drones. While President Donald Trump had said the war could last four to five weeks and that the US had sufficient weapons reserves, officials are now said to be cautioning that shortages could emerge much sooner.

Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new Supreme Leader after father’s death
Politics

Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new Supreme Leader after father’s death

Tehran: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, 56, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in the war, has assumed office as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to reports. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s highest authority and a senior Shia cleric, was killed on the 28th in an attack carried out by the United States and Israel. His residence in Tehran was reportedly completely destroyed, and the strike also killed members of his family, advisers and senior military officials.

West Asia split deepens as Iran targets US bases in Gulf states
Politics

West Asia split deepens as Iran targets US bases in Gulf states

Iran has been carrying out attacks on US military bases located in several West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait, according to reports. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are said to be planning retaliatory measures aimed at protecting themselves. The developments come amid long-running political and security rifts across the region. The report lists countries that are positioned against Iran as Syria, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Qatar, Bahrain and Armenia.

HC gives Tamil Nadu govt time on worship near Thiruparankundram pillar
General

HC gives Tamil Nadu govt time on worship near Thiruparankundram pillar

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted time to the Tamil Nadu government to state its position on permitting worship near the Deepathoon (lamp pillar) located on the hilltop of Thiruparankundram. The direction came while hearing a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with an earlier order related to lighting the lamp at the site. Justice G.R. Swaminathan noted that the court had earlier suggested allowing a five-member team nominated by the court to go to the hilltop and perform a brief symbolic prayer for about 15 minutes, clarifying that it was a recommendation and not a binding guideline. The government had sought time to respond.

Nitish Kumar may quit as Bihar CM, eyeing Rajya Sabha berth: report
Politics

Nitish Kumar may quit as Bihar CM, eyeing Rajya Sabha berth: report

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (75) is reportedly set to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state, triggering fresh political speculation in Patna. The report claims he may step down as chief minister after becoming an MP. Bihar is currently governed by the Janata Dal (United)–BJP alliance. With five Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in the state, the ruling alliance—backed by 202 MLAs in the 243-member Assembly—is expected to secure four seats, leaving little room for the Congress–RJD combine.

NIA: GoPro used in Pahalgam attack was first activated in China
Crime

NIA: GoPro used in Pahalgam attack was first activated in China

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found that a GoPro camera seized during the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack had been active in China before the incident. According to investigators, the device was first switched on on January 30, 2024, in Dongguan, China—around a month before the attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The agency suspects the camera may have been used for reconnaissance ahead of the assault.

Iran to hold three-day public tribute for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Politics

Iran to hold three-day public tribute for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iranian authorities have announced a three-day public tribute in Tehran for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reported killed in a joint airstrike by the United States and Israel. Khamenei, 86, had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for more than 36 years and was a key figure shaping the country’s foreign and military policies. According to the report, he was killed along with his family in the attack carried out on February 28.

Finland President Stubb arrives in Delhi; key pacts expected today
Politics

Finland President Stubb arrives in Delhi; key pacts expected today

Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on a four-day official visit, aimed at deepening ties between India and Finland across trade, investment and technology. He was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. Officials indicated that Stubb will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the day as part of the visit. In the evening, Stubb is scheduled to participate as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue international conference beginning in Delhi.

Bombay HC slams family court for divorce based only on WhatsApp chats
General

Bombay HC slams family court for divorce based only on WhatsApp chats

High Court flags procedural lapse The Bombay High Court has criticised a family court for granting divorce by treating WhatsApp conversations as the key evidence, without giving the wife an opportunity to challenge those materials. Background of the dispute A couple from Nashik, Maharashtra, were granted divorce by a family court in May last year. The order relied heavily on messages allegedly sent by the wife on WhatsApp, including remarks against the husband and criticism of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Man posing as ISRO scientist arrested for Rs 43 lakh matrimony scam
Crime

Man posing as ISRO scientist arrested for Rs 43 lakh matrimony scam

Police in Maharashtra have arrested a man accused of impersonating an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and cheating an IT professional of Rs 43 lakh through a matrimony website. The complainant, a 28-year-old woman from Wakad in Pune, had registered her profile on a popular matrimony platform in 2024. A few months later, a 36-year-old man from the Alibag region contacted her and introduced himself as “Jayesh Patil”, claiming he worked as a scientist at ISRO.

US submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka; 87 dead, 61 missing
General

US submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka; 87 dead, 61 missing

An Iranian warship identified as IRIS Dena was struck and sunk in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka’s Galle port, according to reports. The attack was carried out by a US submarine using a torpedo. The vessel was said to have taken part in naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal near India between February 18 and 25, involving multiple countries and focusing on maritime security and joint drills. After the exercise, the ship was transiting past Sri Lanka into the Indian Ocean when it came under attack.

Protest in Sivaganga after Karti Chidambaram’s remarks on Khamenei
Politics

Protest in Sivaganga after Karti Chidambaram’s remarks on Khamenei

SIVAGANGA: Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, speaking to reporters in Sivaganga, said minorities place their trust in the alliance led by the Congress and that the party has consistently supported Muslims. He also said there are rules for bank loan waivers and that state governments cannot waive loans taken from nationalised banks. Karti further welcomed the idea of direct cash transfers in place of freebies. On the issue of narcotics, he said the spread of drugs is a nationwide problem and called for steps to stop distribution.

No immediate fuel shortage, India has 25-day stock: Union minister
Business

No immediate fuel shortage, India has 25-day stock: Union minister

New Delhi: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said India is not facing an immediate risk of fuel shortage despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia. His remarks come amid concerns after Iran, which is at war with the US and Israel, shut the Strait of Hormuz—an important route for global oil shipments. A significant share of India’s fuel imports is routed through the strait, raising fears of supply disruption.

Pentagon warns missile stocks may run low if war lasts 10 more days
Politics

Pentagon warns missile stocks may run low if war lasts 10 more days

Washington: The Pentagon has warned that if the ongoing conflict continues for another 10 days, the US could face shortages of key missile stocks, according to reports. The report comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, where the US and Israel are carrying out strikes on Iran, and Iran is responding with retaliatory attacks. Iran has also targeted US military bases in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

Trump: Over 9,000 Americans returned from Middle East safely
Politics

Trump: Over 9,000 Americans returned from Middle East safely

Washington: President Donald Trump said that more than 9,000 Americans have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East since the launch of strikes on Iran. According to the report, the US and Israel carried out attacks on Iran in which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. In response, Iran has been launching missile and drone attacks on Israel, escalating the situation into direct conflict. Iran has also targeted US military bases in West Asian countries.

Key events today: Vijay meet in Thanjavur to T20 World Cup semi-final
General

Key events today: Vijay meet in Thanjavur to T20 World Cup semi-final

A series of political and sports developments are scheduled for March 4 across Tamil Nadu, India and abroad. In Chennai, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami held discussions with district secretaries at the party office in Royapettah. The meeting focused on Assembly election preparations and welfare-related work. In Thanjavur district’s Sengipatti, TVK leader Vijay addressed a gathering of party functionaries. He said that under a TVK government, paddy sacks at procurement centres would be protected, wastage would not be allowed, and no commission would be tolerated for loading and unloading, warning of strict action if commissions are taken.