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Tamil Nadu News

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

51-year-old secures MBBS seat in TN counselling, credits NEET
Education

51-year-old secures MBBS seat in TN counselling, credits NEET

A 51-year-old candidate from Nagapattinam has secured an MBBS seat in Tamil Nadu’s 2026–27 medical admissions counselling, saying the NEET entrance exam made his long-held ambition possible. The state has 7,157 MBBS seats and 1,383 BDS seats across government and self-financing medical colleges. For this academic year, 72,627 applicants registered, and counselling began after the release of the rank list. Special category and the 7.5% reservation for government school students were held at the Omandurar Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital campus in Chennai. Under the sports quota, 280 applied and 13 MBBS and two BDS seats were filled. In the differently-abled category, 108 applied against 224 available seats, and all applicants were allotted seats.

Intermediaries accused of cheating petitioners near Chennai Secretariat
Crime

Intermediaries accused of cheating petitioners near Chennai Secretariat

Chennai’s Secretariat area has seen complaints about intermediaries allegedly cheating members of the public who come to submit petitions to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell. Hundreds of people visit the Secretariat daily believing their grievances will be addressed through petitions. Reports say the inflow has risen over the past three months, with an average of more than 500 petitions being received each day. Alongside this, more petition writers have begun offering help, often seated in the park opposite the Secretariat to draft applications for visitors.

Centre plans drug-abuse curriculum for UG, PG colleges
Education

Centre plans drug-abuse curriculum for UG, PG colleges

The Union government is planning to introduce a new curriculum in colleges to educate students on the harms caused by drug abuse and ways to prevent it. The proposed content is intended to be included in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The move is linked to the Centre’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”, aimed at ensuring drug-free, safe and healthy campuses in higher education institutions. According to the draft prepared in line with the National Education Policy, the curriculum has been structured into six broad sections. These include understanding the impact of drugs, the science behind addiction, anti-drug measures and prevention, identifying substances and finding solutions, youth participation in drug eradication, and laws and policies.

SC asks Centre why it hesitates on warning labels for packaged foods
Health

SC asks Centre why it hesitates on warning labels for packaged foods

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has questioned the Union government on why the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is hesitant to mandate warning labels on packaged foods that contain high levels of sugar, salt and fat. The remarks came while hearing a public interest petition seeking directions to ensure such warning labels are displayed on packaged food products sold across the country. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan.

Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery issue fizzles out
Politics

Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery issue fizzles out

A statewide bandh called in Karnataka on Wednesday over the Cauvery water dispute largely failed to disrupt normal life, as public movement and essential services continued as usual. The shutdown was called by Vatal Nagaraj, leader of the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Party, protesting the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s direction to release water to Tamil Nadu. Several Kannada organisations and private school associations that had initially indicated support later withdrew it, citing the government’s request.

TNPSC Group 2 notice for 821 posts sparks shock amid vacancy claims
Politics

TNPSC Group 2 notice for 821 posts sparks shock amid vacancy claims

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has issued the notification for the Combined Group 2 and Group 2A examinations, announcing recruitment for a total of 821 posts. According to the notification, Group 2 recruitment covers 41 vacancies, while Group 2A accounts for 780 vacancies. The posts include roles such as Labour Assistant Inspector, Sub-Registrar, Assistant Commercial Tax Officer and Secretariat Assistant Section Officer. Candidates and some government employees expressed surprise, pointing out that several Group 2 categories have vacancies listed in single digits across 14 posts. They said this was unexpected given the scale of applicants for the exam.

Arunachaleswarar temple faces RTI row over repeated contracts to one firm
General

Arunachaleswarar temple faces RTI row over repeated contracts to one firm

The administration of the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai has reportedly declined to provide information regarding allegations that multiple contract works are being repeatedly awarded to a single company said to be close to the temple administrator. According to the details cited, contracts have been issued for a range of works at the temple, including repairs in the fifth prakaram, installation of movable barricades, setting up an iron platform for lighting camphor lamps, construction of women’s toilets, electrical works, protective walls around trees, a sewage tank and a walkway.

ISRO brings rocket stage back in 9 months, curbing space debris
Technology

ISRO brings rocket stage back in 9 months, curbing space debris

India has achieved a milestone in keeping near-Earth space cleaner by returning a rocket’s upper stage to Earth within nine months, in line with international space-debris mitigation practices. The CMS-3 communications satellite was launched on November 2 last year from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket. After the satellite separated, the rocket’s upper stage continued in orbit to avoid any immediate risk of collision. ISRO tracked the stage’s motion using the MODR radar facility at Sriharikota as it gradually descended toward Earth. During re-entry, friction with the atmosphere generated intense heat, burning up most of the hardware.

Rs 700 crore subsidy arrears push TN ration shops into cash crunch
General

Rs 700 crore subsidy arrears push TN ration shops into cash crunch

Cooperative societies and cooperative stores that run Tamil Nadu’s ration shops are facing a financial squeeze, as the state government has kept subsidy payments pending to meet operating expenses, according to employee representatives. Around 35,000 ration shops in the state are operated by cooperative institutions, distributing essentials such as rice under the Public Distribution System. To cover costs including shop rent, electricity bills and transport, the government typically provides an annual subsidy averaging Rs 350–400 crore.

Rs 5 lakh accident insurance paid to Dinamalar reader’s family
General

Rs 5 lakh accident insurance paid to Dinamalar reader’s family

A family in Rajapalayam has received Rs 5 lakh as accident insurance after the death of a long-time Dinamalar reader, linked to the newspaper’s annual subscription scheme. The deceased, Palaniyappan (69) of Vishnu Nagar in Virudhunagar district’s Rajapalayam, was a retired Tamil teacher. He had paid Rs 2,499 on December 1 for Dinamalar’s annual subscription and enrolled in an insurance plan valued at Rs 11 lakh. On the night of May 28, he was travelling with his wife on a two-wheeler from TB Mills Road in Rajapalayam when a mini-van allegedly collided with them, causing serious injuries. He was admitted to a private hospital in Madurai, where he later died.

Playgrounds launched in 140 panchayats lie unused, report says
General

Playgrounds launched in 140 panchayats lie unused, report says

A Dinamalar report has flagged that playgrounds launched across 140 panchayats are lying unused, raising concerns over sports facilities available to rural students. The issue comes after an earlier Dinamalar story in November 2024 urged authorities to renovate playgrounds in villages and government schools. At the time, the then Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi visited Cuddalore district. The report notes that the district has 14 unions, with plans linked to 10 panchayats in each union.

DVAC complaint alleges Rs 8 crore illegal soil mining at Tiruvannamalai lake
Politics

DVAC complaint alleges Rs 8 crore illegal soil mining at Tiruvannamalai lake

A complaint has been submitted to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) alleging illegal extraction of soil from Malappambadi lake in Tiruvannamalai district. According to the complaint filed by Arappor Iyakkam, soil valued at more than Rs 8 crore was allegedly removed from the lake without authorisation. The complaint names former minister E V Velu and his son E V Kumaran, among others, in connection with the alleged irregularities.

Apply turmeric, drive away germs: Dinamalar short highlights
Health

Apply turmeric, drive away germs: Dinamalar short highlights

A short video published on Dinamalar’s shorts/reels section highlights a simple message: applying turmeric can help drive away germs. The clip, titled in Tamil as “மஞ்சளை பூசு… கிருமியை விரட்டு!”, is presented as a brief, shareable format under the platform’s short video category. No additional details, demonstrations, or expert attributions are provided in the available source text beyond the headline-style message. The video is accessible via Dinamalar’s website under its short content listings.

Ashok Selvan unveils title teaser of 'Anbil Avan'
Entertainment

Ashok Selvan unveils title teaser of 'Anbil Avan'

The title teaser of the upcoming project ‘Anbil Avan’ has been launched, as per a video update shared by Dinamalar. Actor Ashok Selvan is associated with the title teaser launch, which was released as part of the short video content on the platform. The Dinamalar post also references Preity Mukhundhan and Abinaya Selvam in connection with the teaser launch. No further details about the film’s plot, cast lineup, crew, or release date were provided in the source update.

Viral video raises questions over incident involving student on TNSTC bus
General

Viral video raises questions over incident involving student on TNSTC bus

A short video shared online has gone viral, drawing attention to an incident said to have occurred on a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus. The clip, published as a short/reel by Dinamalar, refers to a student and suggests a shocking incident, prompting questions among viewers. However, the available source material does not provide specific details on what exactly happened, when it occurred, or who was involved. With limited information in the post, the incident remains unverified from the provided content, even as the video continues to circulate widely on social media.

Delimitation debate: South states fear loss, Centre offers assurances
Politics

Delimitation debate: South states fear loss, Centre offers assurances

India has carried out parliamentary constituency delimitation four times—1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002. However, the last exercise based on Census population was in 1971, when the Lok Sabha strength was fixed at 543 seats. To ensure that states which implemented family planning effectively did not lose representation, the seat freeze was introduced through a legal amendment during the Emergency in 1976. The provision remained in force until 2001, and was extended for another 25 years in 2002 under the Vajpayee government.

India’s first private-branded Tejas to run as ‘Sprite Tejas Express’
Business

India’s first private-branded Tejas to run as ‘Sprite Tejas Express’

New Delhi: India is set to see its first train service run under a private brand name, with the Tejas Express to operate as the ‘Sprite Tejas Express’. Railway branding for commercial advertising is common in several countries, and Indian companies have also used trains extensively for promotions. In a first for India, the Centre has cleared a private brand naming arrangement for the Tejas Express running between Lucknow and Delhi.

Vikram video triggers probe into rare animal trafficking at Erode farm
Environment

Vikram video triggers probe into rare animal trafficking at Erode farm

A social media video posted by actor Vikram showing a lar gibbon baby has sparked controversy and brought an alleged illegal wildlife trade to the fore. During inquiries, officials found that the baby gibbon was sourced from a private farm in Perundurai, Erode. Forest department officials have begun an investigation to seize the animals from the farm. They also found that another lar gibbon baby at the same facility had died, and that the death was not reported to the department.

UN links 2025 Red Fort blast to Al-Qaeda’s AQIS wing
Crime

UN links 2025 Red Fort blast to Al-Qaeda’s AQIS wing

UN names Al-Qaeda affiliate in Red Fort blast The UN Security Council has said the 2025 car bomb attack near Delhi’s Red Fort was carried out by Al-Qaeda’s Indian Subcontinent wing (AQIS). The statement comes as Indian agencies continue investigations into the incident. The blast, reported to have taken place on November 10 last year, killed 15 people, including the attacker identified as Dr Umar Nabi. Authorities later arrested 10 people, including several doctors described as associates of Umar Nabi.

TN’s first investor meet under TVK govt signs MoUs worth ₹67,452 crore
Business

TN’s first investor meet under TVK govt signs MoUs worth ₹67,452 crore

The TVK government held its first investors’ conference on August 13 at a private hotel in Guindy, Chennai. Chief Minister Vijay inaugurated the event, marking the administration’s first major investment outreach after taking charge. According to the state government, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with 97 companies, with proposed investments totalling ₹67,452 crore. The government said the projects are expected to generate employment for more than one lakh people.

Complaint alleges Rs 8 crore lake silt scam against EV Velu
Politics

Complaint alleges Rs 8 crore lake silt scam against EV Velu

Arappor Iyakkam has submitted a complaint to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) alleging that lake silt worth more than Rs 8 crore was illegally removed from a lake in Tiruvannamalai district. The complaint names former minister EV Velu, his son EV Kumaran and others. According to the petition, a DMK conference was held on December 14, 2025 on a 125-acre site said to be owned by Kumaran. The group alleged that soil was unlawfully excavated from a nearby lake at Malappambadi village and dumped at the conference venue to level the ground.

Ex-AIADMK IT wing leader joins TVK; old Jayalalithaa video resurfaces
Politics

Ex-AIADMK IT wing leader joins TVK; old Jayalalithaa video resurfaces

Singai Ramachandran, who previously held key roles in the AIADMK including IT wing head, zonal secretary and student wing secretary, has joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He had resigned from the AIADMK last month. In a social media post, Ramachandran said he met Chief Minister Vijay in person and enrolled in TVK in his presence, seeking support and blessings from the public. Soon after his switch, AIADMK supporters began circulating a video from 2016 in which he meets late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, receives her blessings and tells her he would remain loyal “till the end,” similar to his father. In the clip, Jayalalithaa is seen recognising him as the son of Singai Govindaraj and expressing confidence in his loyalty.

Centre raps Uber, Ola, Rapido over advance tip prompts in bike taxis
Technology

Centre raps Uber, Ola, Rapido over advance tip prompts in bike taxis

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has directed bike taxi aggregators such as Uber, Ola and Rapido to immediately remove app features that pressure passengers to pay “tips” or “advance tips” at the time of booking or at the start of a trip. The ministry said tips must not be sought before a rider boards the vehicle or before a driver accepts the trip. It also instructed platforms not to display messages suggesting that paying extra will help get a vehicle faster or increase the chances of driver acceptance.

Anti-corruption raid nets Rs 14.25 lakh at Gerugambakkam panchayat
Crime

Anti-corruption raid nets Rs 14.25 lakh at Gerugambakkam panchayat

A late-night surprise inspection by the anti-corruption wing at the Gerugambakkam village panchayat office in Kundrathur union, Kancheepuram district, has led to the seizure of a large sum of cash. Officials said complaints had been received alleging that bribes were being demanded for building permissions in the fast-growing Chennai suburban area, where private apartment projects are coming up in large numbers. During the raid on the night of August 11, DVAC police from Alandur reportedly found panchayat chairperson Jagadeeswari, vice-chairperson Laila, panchayat secretary Thanigachalam and more than five ward members counting bundles of money. On verification, the cash was found to be unaccounted and totalled Rs 14.25 lakh.

Rahul Gandhi appeals in Supreme Court over assets case
Politics

Rahul Gandhi appeals in Supreme Court over assets case

Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has moved the Supreme Court challenging an order of the Ahmedabad High Court in a case alleging disproportionate assets. The High Court had permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to proceed with an inquiry into the allegations against him. It had also directed CBI officials last month to file a clear affidavit in connection with the matter.

Monsoon Session ends; Parliament passes 12 bills amid disruptions
Politics

Monsoon Session ends; Parliament passes 12 bills amid disruptions

Parliament’s Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, concluded on Wednesday, with 12 bills passed, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said. Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition MPs raised issues including the police lathi-charge on youths during a Delhi protest and alleged irregularities linked to donations to the Ram temple trust. The disruptions affected the functioning of both Houses, which were adjourned sine die.

Conductor returns Rs 24,000 lost on bus two years ago
General

Conductor returns Rs 24,000 lost on bus two years ago

Mumbai: A bus conductor in Washim, Maharashtra, has been widely praised for returning Rs 24,000 that a passenger had accidentally left behind on his bus nearly two years ago. The conductor, Raju Vani, found a small bag on a seat in April 2024 after all passengers had got down and the bus was taken back to the depot. Inside were currency notes worth Rs 24,000 and a doctor’s slip bearing the name Kasabai Gaikwad.

IMD warns of heavy rain in Nilgiris, Theni; moderate rain in 5 districts
Environment

IMD warns of heavy rain in Nilgiris, Theni; moderate rain in 5 districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chennai has issued a rain alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, warning of heavy rainfall in the Nilgiris and Theni districts. In its bulletin, the weather office said a weak trough in the lower atmosphere is prevailing over coastal Tamil Nadu. It also noted that rain occurred at a few places in Tamil Nadu, with light rain recorded in Puducherry, while Karaikal remained dry. The highest rainfall reported was 7.1 cm at Dharmapuri BDO.

Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked at Nanded gurdwara; suspect held
Politics

Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked at Nanded gurdwara; suspect held

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in Maharashtra’s Nanded district on Tuesday afternoon, triggering shock among party supporters. According to reports, Badal had arrived at a gurdwara in Nanded with his family when an assailant attacked him with a sharp weapon around 1.45 pm. Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was rushed to hospital. Doctors said he has crossed the critical stage. An inspector who tried to stop the attack also suffered a minor hand injury.

Air India to screen all pilots for drugs after Phuket-Delhi scare
General

Air India to screen all pilots for drugs after Phuket-Delhi scare

Air India has decided to conduct drug screening for all its pilots, and the process began on Wednesday, according to reports. The move follows an incident on August 4 involving an Air India Airbus A320 operating from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi with 137 passengers and eight crew members. Mid-flight, the aircraft reportedly lost control and descended rapidly by about 300 feet, leaving around 20 passengers injured. An investigation by the aircraft accident inquiry agency is under way. In the meantime, it has emerged that the flight’s captain tested positive for cannabis after the aircraft landed in Delhi.