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AIADMK names Thangamani again; tough fight looms in Kumarapalayam
Politics

AIADMK names Thangamani again; tough fight looms in Kumarapalayam

AIADMK has announced sitting MLA P. Thangamani as its candidate for the Kumarapalayam Assembly constituency in Namakkal district. He is set to contest from the seat for the fourth time, after serving as Tiruchengode MLA (2006–2011) and winning Kumarapalayam in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Thangamani, who served as a minister for a decade from 2011 to 2021, has begun election work in the constituency. However, he is expected to face a tougher contest this time amid local discontent over pending issues.

Tamil Nadu industrial growth: real progress or political mirage?
Politics

Tamil Nadu industrial growth: real progress or political mirage?

A fresh political debate has erupted over whether Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth is genuine or overstated, with leaders from the BJP and the ruling DMK presenting sharply different narratives. Auditor S. Sundararaman, head of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu industrial experts wing, alleged that the state government shows more interest in borrowing than in education and rural development, calling it an administrative failure. He claimed that a South Korean footwear company’s proposed investment of Rs 1,720 crore, earlier announced by Industries Minister Raja, ultimately went to Kuppam in Andhra Pradesh.

DMDK’s 10-seat deal in DMK alliance sparks debate on ‘Captain’ vote
Politics

DMDK’s 10-seat deal in DMK alliance sparks debate on ‘Captain’ vote

Political circles have been taken aback by reports that the DMK-led alliance has offered DMDK 10 seats—seen by many as an unexpectedly generous allocation. DMDK’s high point came in 2011, when it won 29 seats and Vijayakanth became Leader of the Opposition. Since then, the party’s vote share has fallen sharply, touching just 0.43% in the 2021 Assembly election. After Vijayakanth’s death in 2023, many assumed the party would fade away. However, Premalatha, who took over the leadership, is credited with keeping the organisation intact and negotiating alliances for both 2024 and 2026. The party’s vote share rose to 2.61% in 2024 after aligning with the AIADMK, higher than its 2.39% in 2016 when it led the People’s Welfare Front—raising questions about how much of the increase is driven by alliance strength.

White House says Trump and Modi share an excellent relationship
Politics

White House says Trump and Modi share an excellent relationship

Washington: The White House has said US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi share an “excellent relationship,” according to remarks by press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, where the US has been carrying out strikes alongside Israel against Iran for about a month. Reports of a possible US ground operation have added to the anxiety. Against this backdrop, Trump and Modi recently spoke by phone to discuss the war-related situation. India’s mission earlier released a message attributed to Trump saying the “wonderful relationship” with India would grow stronger in the coming period.

Nepal ex-PM KP Sharma Oli arrested over last year’s youth protests
Politics

Nepal ex-PM KP Sharma Oli arrested over last year’s youth protests

Kathmandu: Former Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested in connection with last year’s crackdown on youth-led protests, police said. The protests began on September 8 last year, when young demonstrators marched towards Parliament opposing restrictions imposed on social media. The agitation spread across the country and turned violent. Police said clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel, after which security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd. Reports had said up to 76 people were killed during the two-day unrest. Following the incident, Oli resigned as prime minister and dissolved his government.

Nepal PM Balendra Shah says he is eager to work closely with Modi
Politics

Nepal PM Balendra Shah says he is eager to work closely with Modi

Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending congratulatory wishes after Shah took office. Nepal recently went to the polls following political upheaval triggered by student protests last year, which led to the fall of the Communist-led government headed by K.P. Sharma Oli. A general election to form a new government was held on the 5th. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Balendra Shah—also known as a rap singer and the former mayor of Kathmandu—won the election. Shah was sworn in as prime minister yesterday.

Dinakaran releases AMMK’s 11-candidate list for Assembly polls
Politics

Dinakaran releases AMMK’s 11-candidate list for Assembly polls

Chennai: AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran on Friday released the party’s list of 11 candidates for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. AMMK is part of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance, which includes the BJP, PMK, AMMK, TMC, Puratchi Bharatham, Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and the India Jananayaka Katchi. As per the seat-sharing arrangement, the BJP has been allotted 27 seats, the PMK 18, AMMK 11, TMC 5, the India Jananayaka Katchi 2, and one seat each to Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and Puratchi Bharatham. The AIADMK will contest the remaining 169 constituencies.

Director Sundar C to contest from Madurai Central in AIADMK alliance
Politics

Director Sundar C to contest from Madurai Central in AIADMK alliance

Puthiya Needhi Katchi has announced that filmmaker, producer and actor Sundar C will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election from the Madurai Central constituency. In a statement, party president A.C. Shanmugam said the seat has been allotted to Puthiya Needhi Katchi as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) arrangement. He said the party was happy to name Sundar C as its candidate. Shanmugam added that details regarding the constituencies allotted to the party and the candidate list would be announced by the BJP on Monday. He said the party would formally introduce the candidate after the announcement.

PM Modi says NDA set to return to power in Puducherry
Politics

PM Modi says NDA set to return to power in Puducherry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the NDA’s “double-engine” alliance government in Puducherry has fulfilled the people’s aspirations over the past five years and is poised to return to power. Puducherry will vote for its Assembly on April 9. The election will be contested by an alliance of NR Congress, the BJP and the AIADMK, with campaigning intensifying ahead of polling. Modi is scheduled to take part in election campaigning in Puducherry on April 3.

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine issue
General

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine issue

An IndiGo flight operating from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made an emergency landing at Delhi airport on Friday after an engine-related technical problem was reported as the aircraft neared its destination. The Boeing 737 aircraft, flight 6E 579, was carrying 161 passengers. The pilot alerted air traffic control about the issue, following which airport authorities activated emergency preparedness measures. Fire and rescue vehicles were kept on standby as the aircraft landed safely. All passengers were evacuated without incident, and no injuries were reported.

Two more India-bound LPG vessels cross Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s nod
Business

Two more India-bound LPG vessels cross Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s nod

Two more India-bound LPG vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz after receiving clearance from Iran, according to reports citing naval sources. The movement comes as the continuing war between Iran and Israel has created disruptions in shipping crude oil from Iran. In response, the Union government is making alternative arrangements to meet India’s fuel needs, including sourcing additional crude from other possible countries. Officials said Indian Navy ships have been kept ready to provide security cover for the vessels as they proceed towards India. More ships are expected to arrive soon.

Amit Shah releases charge sheet against Mamata govt ahead of Bengal polls
Politics

Amit Shah releases charge sheet against Mamata govt ahead of Bengal polls

Charge sheet released in Kolkata Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday released a “charge sheet” against the Trinamool Congress government in Kolkata, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election. He alleged that the state is suffering from “anarchy” under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration. Allegations on security and law-and-order Shah claimed that infiltration has become a route that poses a threat to national security. He also alleged that people have been affected for the past 15 years by corruption and the influence of “rowdies”, and said the nature of the current regime has now become evident.

DMK releases seat list for alliance partners ahead of Tamil Nadu polls
Politics

DMK releases seat list for alliance partners ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Chennai: The DMK-led alliance has released the list of Assembly constituencies allotted to its partner parties ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23. Seat-sharing within the DMK alliance had seen prolonged negotiations, leading to a delay in publishing the allocation details, even as the AIADMK alliance moved ahead with allotments and candidate announcements. As per the allocation, the Congress has been allotted 28 seats, DMDK 10, VCK 8, CPI 5, CPM 5, MDMK 4, IUML 2, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi 2, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi 2, Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi 1, SDPI 1, Mukulathor Pulipadai 1 and Tamilar Desam Katchi 1.

DMK drops three ministers from Assembly poll list; replacements named
Politics

DMK drops three ministers from Assembly poll list; replacements named

Chennai: The DMK has denied Assembly election tickets this time to three serving ministers—Gandhi, Mano Thangaraj and Kayalvizhi Selvaraj—according to the party’s candidate list released on Friday by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The list includes candidates for 164 constituencies, with several senior ministers being renominated. However, Handlooms and Textiles Minister Gandhi, Human Resources Development Minister Kayalvizhi Selvaraj and Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj have not been given tickets. Gandhi has recently faced criticism over remarks made at public events, and reports have also highlighted controversies linked to his family. In his place, his son Vinoth has been fielded from Ranipet.

Iran says it will never build nuclear weapons, seeks India’s help to end war
Politics

Iran says it will never build nuclear weapons, seeks India’s help to end war

Iran will never manufacture nuclear weapons, and India can help bring the current war to an end, Iran’s representative in India Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi said in an interview to an English daily. Responding to questions on the conflict, Ilahi alleged that the countries that began the war are not ready to stop it, claiming they benefit from arms sales and higher oil prices, while showing little concern for poorer nations and people.

AIADMK Seen Ahead as Alliance Talks and Campaign Gather Pace
Politics

AIADMK Seen Ahead as Alliance Talks and Campaign Gather Pace

Tamil Nadu’s election arena is heating up, with DMK and AIADMK portrayed as the main contenders. A Dinamalar report argues that, as of now, AIADMK appears to be moving ahead in the race. The report says DMK began alliance talks early but is carrying a larger coalition load, naming Congress, MDMK, VCK and the Left parties. It claims that while broad seat-count understandings were reached, seat allocation is still being negotiated.

DMK names O Panneerselvam as candidate for Bodinayakanur
Politics

DMK names O Panneerselvam as candidate for Bodinayakanur

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) has been declared as the DMK candidate for the Bodinayakanur constituency, according to reports. OPS was removed from the AIADMK following a rift with party leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). After failing to regain entry into the party, he joined the DMK on February 27 along with his son Ravindranath. In recent weeks, OPS had said he would contest from Bodinayakanur if the DMK leadership gave him an opportunity. He has also been speaking at party platforms in support of the DMK and criticising EPS.

CM Stalin releases DMK candidate list for 164 constituencies
Politics

CM Stalin releases DMK candidate list for 164 constituencies

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday released the DMK’s list of candidates for the upcoming election, covering 164 constituencies. He made the announcement while speaking to reporters in Chennai. Stalin said the DMK will contest 164 seats, while alliance parties will contest 11 constituencies using the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. In total, the front will contest 175 seats under the ‘Rising Sun’ symbol and 59 seats under alliance party symbols, he said.

PM Modi urges CMs to act tough on hoarders amid West Asia tensions
Politics

PM Modi urges CMs to act tough on hoarders amid West Asia tensions

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged state governments to take strict action against hoarders and those seeking excessive profits, stressing the need to keep supply chains running smoothly amid the evolving situation linked to the West Asia conflict. Modi held a video conference with chief ministers of states and Union Territories, with the exception of those where Assembly elections are scheduled next month. The discussion focused on steps taken by the Centre to manage a potential fuel crunch and the measures states are expected to implement.

Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha
Politics

Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, aiming to decriminalise minor offences and shift penalties from imprisonment to monetary fines. The government had earlier brought the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act in 2023 to remove criminality for small violations across laws. Under that framework, 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts administered by 19 ministries or departments were decriminalised.

No nationwide lockdown planned, says Union Minister Hardeep Puri
Politics

No nationwide lockdown planned, says Union Minister Hardeep Puri

New Delhi: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said the Union government is not considering any plan to impose a nationwide lockdown similar to the one during the COVID-19 period. His clarification comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with reports of joint US-Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran on US positions in the region. Iran has also reportedly restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that meets around 20% of global fuel demand.

Retired Calcutta HC judge’s name removed from voter list, row in Bengal
Politics

Retired Calcutta HC judge’s name removed from voter list, row in Bengal

Kolkata: A controversy has resurfaced in West Bengal after the name of Shahidullah Munshi, a retired Calcutta High Court judge and chairman of the West Bengal Waqf Board, was reportedly removed from a supplementary voter list released after scrutiny. West Bengal is set to vote for its 294 Assembly constituencies in two phases on April 23 and April 29. As part of the election process, a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls began in November last year.

Centre raises commercial LPG cylinder quota to 70% amid fuel crunch
Business

Centre raises commercial LPG cylinder quota to 70% amid fuel crunch

New Delhi: Amid a global energy crunch, the Union government has ordered an increase in the allocation of commercial LPG cylinders to states and Union Territories from 50% to 70%. Officials said the revised level restores supply to what it was before the West Asia conflict escalated. The move comes as tensions continue following attacks on Iran since February 28 by the US and Israel, and Iran’s retaliatory actions. Iran has reportedly shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of the world’s crude oil movement, triggering shortages of gas and crude oil across countries, including India.

Congress alleges Rs 700 crore scam in Kerala cooperative software tender
Politics

Congress alleges Rs 700 crore scam in Kerala cooperative software tender

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala enabled a potential Rs 700 crore loss in the procurement of software for cooperative societies. Chennithala said an agreement was initially signed with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for Rs 206 crore to supply computer software for 4,415 primary cooperative banks in the state. He claimed that new conditions were later added in a way that prevented TCS from participating, leading to the cancellation of the tender. Under the revised criteria, only two Kannur-based firms became eligible, which he alleged were under the control of the CPI(M).

Allahabad HC: Married man in consensual live-in not a crime
Politics

Allahabad HC: Married man in consensual live-in not a crime

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a married man living in a live-in relationship with an adult woman, with mutual consent, cannot be subjected to criminal action on that ground alone. The order came on a petition filed by Netrapal and Anamika from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The couple told the court they are both above 18 and living together, and sought quashing of a police complaint filed by Anamika’s mother, along with protection from alleged threats.

Congress gets six-month reprieve on vacating Akbar Road office
Politics

Congress gets six-month reprieve on vacating Akbar Road office

New Delhi: The Congress has received temporary relief after the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a notice asking the party to vacate its office at 24, Akbar Road by Friday. The Akbar Road address has served as the party’s headquarters since 1978. However, for administrative and space reasons, the Congress shifted its main operations in January 2025 to a new office at ITO, named “Indira Bhavan”, where party work is currently being carried out.

Trump’s signature to appear on US dollar bills, ending 165-year norm
General

Trump’s signature to appear on US dollar bills, ending 165-year norm

Washington: The United States is set to place a president’s signature on dollar banknotes for the first time, ending a 165-year practice in which only the Treasury Secretary’s signature appeared on the currency. The change is being introduced as part of the country’s 250th Independence anniversary celebrations. The US Commission of Fine Arts has approved the release of commemorative coins and postage stamps to mark the milestone. Among the planned releases is a 24-carat gold coin bearing President Donald Trump’s image, along with the years “1776–2026” and the word “Independence.”

Election flying squads seize goods worth Rs 273 crore in Tamil Nadu
Politics

Election flying squads seize goods worth Rs 273 crore in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Election flying squads in Tamil Nadu have seized cash and other items worth Rs 273 crore during intensified checks across Assembly constituencies, according to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik. Officials said surveillance has been stepped up in all constituencies, with flying squads maintaining round-the-clock monitoring as part of election enforcement. As of Friday morning, the seizures included Rs 44.8 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 93 lakh.

Palaniswami taunts DMK allies, claims Stalin fears defeat
Politics

Palaniswami taunts DMK allies, claims Stalin fears defeat

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday claimed that Chief Minister M K Stalin had developed a “fear of defeat” soon after the AIADMK began its Assembly election campaign. Campaigning in Alandur, Chennai, Palaniswami said Stalin had deployed ministers to respond to his remarks. He also targeted the DMK-led alliance, alleging that despite weeks of talks, the ruling party had not been able to finalise an understanding with its partners.

Madras HC seeks CBI, NCST replies on plea over Murasoli Foundation
Politics

Madras HC seeks CBI, NCST replies on plea over Murasoli Foundation

The Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to file their responses to a public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe into alleged illegal activities linked to the Murasoli Foundation. The petition was filed by advocate K. Venkatachalapathy from Tirunelveli, citing complaints submitted on March 12 and 17. The plea seeks a court order for a CBI investigation, referring to allegations that “Panchami land” was encroached upon and that the Murasoli office was constructed on it.

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