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Tamil Nadu News

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

India waives cotton import duty from June 1 to October 30
Business

India waives cotton import duty from June 1 to October 30

The Union government has announced that import duty on cotton will be waived from June 1 to October 30, aiming to improve cotton availability for India’s textile industry. Cotton imports in India typically attract an 11% duty. However, the government has periodically offered temporary relief when domestic industry faces shortages of key raw materials. Textile industry bodies have repeatedly urged the Centre to remove the duty, arguing that the exemption is necessary to address a domestic cotton shortage and meet demand.

TN removes Director of Criminal Prosecutions over misconduct complaint
Politics

TN removes Director of Criminal Prosecutions over misconduct complaint

The Tamil Nadu government has removed Krishnaraja from his post as Director of Criminal Prosecutions after a misconduct complaint was raised against him. Krishnaraja previously served as an Additional Public Prosecutor at the Madras High Court. He was appointed as Director of Criminal Prosecutions in November 2024 based on the recommendation of a selection committee headed by former High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan. On Friday, the Law Department initiated action and dismissed him from service citing the complaint.

DMK field team ‘shocked’ as cadres blame Stalin, Sabareesan for defeat
Politics

DMK field team ‘shocked’ as cadres blame Stalin, Sabareesan for defeat

Chennai: The DMK leadership has formed a 36-member field research team to study the party’s defeat in the Assembly election. The team is visiting constituencies and holding separate discussions with district functionaries, candidates and local-level office-bearers. According to party sources, several cadres contrasted the current leadership style with that of late leader M Karunanidhi. They said Karunanidhi would regularly visit the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, and directly hear grievances from functionaries, including those who faced local political opposition.

Durai Murugan likely to step down as DMK general secretary
Politics

Durai Murugan likely to step down as DMK general secretary

Durai Murugan is said to have decided to relinquish his post as general secretary of the DMK, citing health issues, according to reports. The move comes as party president M.K. Stalin is expected to make changes in the DMK’s state-level organisation after a field study committee, formed to analyse the reasons for the Assembly election defeat, submits its report. Sources said Stalin has been consulting close aides on who should be given key positions in the party’s state administration.

Opposition grows in TVK over move to induct ex-minister Vijayabaskar
Politics

Opposition grows in TVK over move to induct ex-minister Vijayabaskar

Chennai: Resistance is building within the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) over a possible move to induct AIADMK MLA and former minister C. Vijayabaskar, who is facing several corruption-related cases, including the ‘gutkha’ case. The development comes after four MLAs from an AIADMK dissident camp resigned and joined TVK. In the wake of those defections, Vijayabaskar—currently the AIADMK MLA from Viralimalai—has been holding discussions about aligning with TVK, according to party sources.

Minister’s surprise temple check exposes bribe-for-darshan at Tiruchendur
Politics

Minister’s surprise temple check exposes bribe-for-darshan at Tiruchendur

HR&CE Minister Ramesh carried out a surprise inspection at the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Thoothukudi district by arriving like an ordinary devotee, wearing a mask and casual clothes, without prior notice to officials. According to the report, while observing the crowd near the Shanmuga Vilasam mandapam around 6 am, a priest approached him and offered “fast darshan” in return for money. When the minister asked about the arrangement, the priest allegedly demanded Rs 1,000 per person and even suggested sending the amount via GPay.

Confusion in CM Vijay’s Delhi trip; officials say they couldn’t reach him
Politics

Confusion in CM Vijay’s Delhi trip; officials say they couldn’t reach him

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay travelled to Delhi on May 27 for a two-day visit. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that evening, but returned to Chennai in haste after dropping other planned meetings. According to IAS officers’ circles, Tamil Nadu House in Delhi functions as the state’s liaison office with the Centre and is run under two IAS officers to coordinate arrangements for visiting state leaders. However, they said the full details of the Chief Minister’s itinerary were known only to his personal team.

Hindu Munnani hails action over Tiruchendur temple irregularities
Politics

Hindu Munnani hails action over Tiruchendur temple irregularities

Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam on Thursday welcomed the action taken against those allegedly involved in irregularities at the Tiruchendur temple. In a statement, he said an inspection by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister Ramesh brought to light issues in the temple’s functioning. He described the subsequent action as commendable. Subramaniam alleged that offerings money had been handled carelessly and that there had been major fraud in the collection of darshan fees at the Tiruchendur temple.

Chennai Corporation orders building permits within 27 days of filing
General

Chennai Corporation orders building permits within 27 days of filing

Chennai Corporation has issued an order directing that building plan approvals be granted within 27 days from the date an application is registered in the city. The directive follows the Chief Minister Vijay’s announcement that the government will ensure transparent administration after the change in regime, with departments being given clear timelines to complete official processes. As per the order issued by Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran, the assistant executive engineer must complete the site inspection within seven days of registration. The inspection report must be filed within the next two days, and scrutiny of documents must be completed within five days thereafter.

TN assures High Court temple funds in Powerfin are safe
Politics

TN assures High Court temple funds in Powerfin are safe

The Tamil Nadu government has assured the Madras High Court that funds belonging to temples and religious institutions invested in the Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (Powerfin) will remain safe. The submission came in a petition filed by T.R. Ramesh, president of Indik Collective Trust, Mylapore, Chennai. He challenged amendments to the investment norms under the HR&CE law, following a government order issued in February that permits surplus funds of temples and religious institutions to be invested in state-run entities.

Madras High Court Quashes Goondas Act Detention of Builder
Crime

Madras High Court Quashes Goondas Act Detention of Builder

The Madras High Court has cancelled a detention order issued under the Goondas Act against construction company owner Santosh Sharma. Sharma was arrested over allegations of irregularities in a housing project at Kolathur, Chennai, on land owned by Poornajothi, wife of DMDK treasurer L.K. Sudheesh. The project involved 234 apartments, of which 78 units were handed over, and he was later detained under the preventive detention law last year. Challenging the detention, Sharma’s daughter Varsha Sharma filed a habeas corpus petition before the High Court. A division bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan heard the matter and quashed the Goondas Act order.

Kerala Governor flags partial Vande Mataram at Assembly opening
Politics

Kerala Governor flags partial Vande Mataram at Assembly opening

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has expressed displeasure after the instrumental rendition of Vande Mataram at the opening of the Kerala Legislative Assembly session was played only in part. The controversy arose as the newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, headed by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, began its first Assembly sitting in Thiruvananthapuram. Ahead of the Governor’s address, an orchestra played the tune of Vande Mataram, but only the first two stanzas were included.

Netanyahu says Israel’s relationship with India is “unique”
Politics

Netanyahu says Israel’s relationship with India is “unique”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Israel’s relationship with India as “unique,” highlighting what he called strong goodwill from Indians toward his country. Speaking at a conference held in the West Bank, Netanyahu said many countries around the world refuse to recognise Israel, but India stands out for its affection and support. He pointed to the enthusiastic reception given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel, and said he too received a warm welcome when he travelled to India.

TN green agency halts approvals to link wind, solar plants to substations
Environment

TN green agency halts approvals to link wind, solar plants to substations

Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation has instructed supervisory engineers in the non-conventional power wing not to grant approvals or sign documents related to connecting wind and solar power plants to substations. Tamil Nadu is considered favourable for renewable energy projects, and private firms have been setting up wind and solar plants. Typically, developers select a site and apply to the power utility’s green energy wing to assess feasibility for linking the project to a nearby substation.

TN to frame guidelines soon to curb sexual crimes, govt tells HC
Crime

TN to frame guidelines soon to curb sexual crimes, govt tells HC

The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Madras High Court that it plans to frame detailed guidelines to prevent sexual offences against women and children. The submission came during a hearing linked to the Sulur case in Coimbatore district, where a 10-year-old girl was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered. Police have arrested Karthik and others in connection with the incident. A public interest petition filed by VHP North Tamil Nadu president P. Sokkalingam sought the formation of a Special Investigation Team comprising senior police officers for an “independent and transparent” probe, and also requested a restraint on publishing news related to the case.

Sticker dealers allege Rs 20,000-crore graft in TN transport sector
Politics

Sticker dealers allege Rs 20,000-crore graft in TN transport sector

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu SLD–VTS Sticker Dealers Welfare Association has submitted a petition to Transport Minister Tamilan Parthiban, alleging corruption in the state’s transport department running up to Rs 20,000 crore. Association general secretary Murugan said irregularities have been occurring for the past few years in works such as fitting GPS devices, affixing mandatory stickers and installing speed governors in vehicles. He alleged that the bulk of the corruption took place during the previous regime and claimed that officials were complicit. The association has sought an inquiry and strict action.

Sun-exposed water cans may trigger hormonal changes: TN Food Safety Dept
Health

Sun-exposed water cans may trigger hormonal changes: TN Food Safety Dept

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department has cautioned the public against consuming drinking water from 20-litre cans that are stored in direct sunlight, warning that it may lead to hormonal changes in the body. With summer heat driving up demand, water cans are being sold widely at prices ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 50. However, the department noted complaints that many vendors are not following proper handling guidelines, including keeping cans outside where sunlight falls directly and transporting them in open vehicles during peak heat.

TN Law Minister warns Karnataka over Mekedatu dam move
Politics

TN Law Minister warns Karnataka over Mekedatu dam move

Tamil Nadu Law Minister Nirmal Kumar on Thursday said the state will take a legal route to oppose any move to build the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Chennai, he noted that the Supreme Court has permitted Karnataka only to submit a detailed project report for the project. He alleged that Karnataka Irrigation Minister and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s statement about conducting a “bhoomi puja” for the dam goes beyond what has been allowed.

SC sets 3-month deadline for High Courts to deliver reserved verdicts
Politics

SC sets 3-month deadline for High Courts to deliver reserved verdicts

The Supreme Court has invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to direct High Courts across India to deliver judgments within three months in cases where arguments have concluded and orders are reserved. The court said matters involving personal liberty must be decided even faster. The directions came while hearing a petition linked to a Jharkhand case from Simdega, where a man named Pawa Kerketa was allegedly killed in January 2009 in a land dispute. A trial court sentenced four accused to life imprisonment in June 2012, after which an appeal was filed in the Jharkhand High Court.

US and Iran reach temporary understanding to extend ceasefire
Politics

US and Iran reach temporary understanding to extend ceasefire

A temporary memorandum of understanding has been reached between the United States and Iran to extend the current ceasefire and begin a fresh round of talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to a US official. The conflict involving Iran was launched in late February by the United States along with Israel. As fighting intensified, a temporary halt was announced last month to pursue a peace arrangement. The first round of talks held in Pakistan ended without success, and preparations are under way for a second round. In the latest development, the two sides held renewed discussions with Qatar acting as mediator.

TN to revive student council polls in colleges, universities: report
Politics

TN to revive student council polls in colleges, universities: report

Chennai: Student council elections may be brought back across colleges and universities in Tamil Nadu, with political groups expecting the move to reopen campus-level electoral activity, according to reports. The Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government is said to have received support from the CPI(M) and CPI, which are not part of the Cabinet but have placed several demands before the Chief Minister. A key demand is to conduct student council elections in all educational institutions in the state.

Palaniswami vacates govt bungalow, moves near AIADMK HQ in Royapettah
Politics

Palaniswami vacates govt bungalow, moves near AIADMK HQ in Royapettah

Former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has vacated the government bungalow ‘Sevvanthi Illam’ on Chennai’s Greenways Road, where he had lived for about 15 years. Palaniswami was allotted the bungalow after winning the 2011 Assembly election and becoming a minister. He continued to stay there after his 2016 victory, and remained in the same residence even after becoming Chief Minister in 2017. Following the 2021 election, despite AIADMK losing power, he continued to occupy the bungalow in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition. However, after the recently concluded Assembly election, AIADMK lost its opposition status, leading to the need for him to vacate the official residence.

Talks on naming C.V. Shanmugam as TN’s special representative in Delhi
Politics

Talks on naming C.V. Shanmugam as TN’s special representative in Delhi

Sources in Chennai say the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is holding talks to offer former AIADMK minister C.V. Shanmugam the post of the Tamil Nadu government’s special representative in Delhi. The development comes after the Assembly election, in which the AIADMK won only 47 seats, followed by internal splits into two groups led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami and by the Velumani camp. The Palaniswami side reportedly had 22 MLAs, while the Velumani side had 25.

DMK pressure kept me out of Assembly polls, says Thirumavalavan
Politics

DMK pressure kept me out of Assembly polls, says Thirumavalavan

Chennai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has expressed regret to party functionaries that he could not contest the Tamil Nadu Assembly election due to pressure from the DMK. In the election, the VCK was allotted eight seats as part of the DMK-led alliance. Thirumavalavan had announced that he would contest from the Kattumannarkoil constituency, saying the move was aimed at focusing more on state politics. However, the DMK leadership was reportedly not in favour of his candidature. Under sustained pressure, Thirumavalavan withdrew at the last moment and announced Congress leader Jyothimani as the candidate, who went on to win.

Steps India can take to ease the fuel and fertiliser crunch
Environment

Steps India can take to ease the fuel and fertiliser crunch

Rising uncertainty in shipping and supply chains due to the West Asia conflict has pushed up the prices of fuel and fertilisers. At the same time, India is facing severe heatwaves and weaker monsoons, adding pressure on energy use and farm inputs. The article argues that while some shocks are geopolitical, several vulnerabilities are home-grown. India remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels—petrol, diesel and gas—for household cooking, industry, transport and fertiliser production. Policy responses, it notes, often focus on increasing supply while neglecting measures that curb demand.

Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM; Shivakumar set to take oath
Politics

Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka CM; Shivakumar set to take oath

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Wednesday, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar to take over the top job. Congress returned to power in Karnataka after defeating the BJP in the May 10, 2023 Assembly election. At the time, a leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar was resolved by the party high command with an understanding that both would serve as Chief Minister for two-and-a-half years each.

Vijay skips meeting Sonia, Rahul in Delhi amid Mekedatu dam row
Politics

Vijay skips meeting Sonia, Rahul in Delhi amid Mekedatu dam row

Chennai: With the Mekedatu dam dispute intensifying, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay returned to Chennai from a two-day Delhi visit without meeting Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi. During his first Delhi trip after taking office, Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and later held talks with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging greater financial allocation for Tamil Nadu’s development. He stayed at Tamil Nadu House, where Tamil Nadu IAS officers posted in Delhi paid a courtesy call the next morning.

Coimbatore lawyer Mohana recommended for Supreme Court judge post
General

Coimbatore lawyer Mohana recommended for Supreme Court judge post

New Delhi: The Supreme Court collegium has recommended five names to the Union government for appointment as Supreme Court judges. Among them is senior advocate Mohana, who hails from Coimbatore. If her appointment is accepted, Mohana would earn the distinction of becoming the second woman from Tamil Nadu to serve as a Supreme Court judge, after Justice R. Banumathi. Mohana comes from a family without a legal background. She studied in the first batch of the integrated five-year law programme at the Coimbatore Law College, graduating in 1988, and pursued her studies while staying in a hostel with limited facilities.

EPS tells rejoined AIADMK members not to use old posts for publicity
Politics

EPS tells rejoined AIADMK members not to use old posts for publicity

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has issued a directive that members who were earlier relieved of party responsibilities should not use their old positions for publicity. The development comes amid internal churn in the party following a series of electoral setbacks. Reports said former minister C.V. Shanmugam had mobilised a group opposing EPS. Former minister S.P. Velumani, who was part of that group, later turned it into a camp supporting T.Ve.K. EPS subsequently removed those who backed T.Ve.K from party posts.

India targets 100 million foreign tourists by 2047: Shekhawat
Business

India targets 100 million foreign tourists by 2047: Shekhawat

New Delhi: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said India is aiming to significantly expand its tourism sector in the coming decades, with foreign tourist arrivals targeted to touch 100 million by 2047. Speaking to reporters on measures being taken to strengthen tourism, the minister cited 2023–24 data showing that tourism has provided direct and indirect employment to 84 million people across the country. With the economy growing rapidly, he said demand for travel is also rising.