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Tamil Nadu News

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

Secondary teachers seek pay parity as 16-year dispute drags on

Madurai: Secondary grade teachers in Tamil Nadu have renewed their demand for “equal pay for equal work”, saying a pay anomaly introduced under the Sixth Pay Commission has remained unresolved for 16 years. According to the teachers, those appointed after June 1, 2009 were fixed at a basic pay comparable to last-grade employees. They point out that a secondary grade teacher who joined before June 1, 2009 received a basic pay of Rs 8,370, while a teacher who joined just a day later was fixed at Rs 5,200.

DMK mulls statewide padayatra led by Udhayanidhi after poll defeat

DMK is considering a statewide padayatra led by Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin to revive the party after its recent Assembly election defeat, according to party sources. Senior functionaries said the party lost despite contesting in an alliance with more than 20 parties, and party president M.K. Stalin was defeated in the Chennai Kolathur constituency. Stalin has formed a committee to study the reasons for the setback. The sources recalled that after DMK lost power in 2011 and failed to secure even the status of the main opposition, Stalin began a statewide tour in September 2015 ahead of the 2016 election. While DMK did not win that election, the party recovered and Stalin’s stature rose to match that of then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Rajinikanth: ‘No jealousy over Vijay becoming Chief Minister’

Actor Rajinikanth has dismissed speculation that he is jealous of actor-turned-politician Vijay becoming Chief Minister, saying he feels “happy with surprise” at the political outcome and the public mandate. Referring to criticism after he met DMK leader M.K. Stalin when election results were announced, Rajinikanth said Stalin has been his friend for 38 years and that their relationship is beyond politics. He added that he felt personally saddened by Stalin’s defeat in Chennai’s Kolathur constituency and met him as a friend.

Modi says India’s reforms are in full speed, invites Swedish investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Sweden, said India’s economic reform process is moving at “full speed” and called on Swedish companies to expand investments in sectors such as clean energy and green hydrogen. Modi arrived in Sweden as part of a five-nation tour, after visiting the UAE and the Netherlands. He was received at the airport by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, with an official welcome, while members of the Indian diaspora also greeted him.

Thirumavalavan: Post-poll alliance switch cannot be justified

Chennai VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said that switching alliances after an election cannot be justified, citing the long association and shared electoral effort with existing partners. Speaking to reporters, he said the alliance had travelled together for seven to eight years and that victories were achieved with the combined votes and groundwork of partners. He added that the support was mobilised around the idea that M.K. Stalin would be Chief Minister.

Udhayanidhi says TVK govt’s ‘true face’ seen within 10 days

Opposition leader Udhayanidhi on Sunday said the “true face” of the TVK government had become clear within just 10 days. Speaking in Thanjavur, he claimed people—especially women and youth—would have already sensed what the administration is like, and that more facts would come out over time. He made the remarks while attending a wedding event at the residence of Poondi Kalaichelvan in Thanjavur. Udhayanidhi said the DMK’s strength comes from its large base of families across Tamil Nadu, which helps the party rise again even after major setbacks.

Tamil Nadu Class 10 results to be declared on May 20

Tamil Nadu’s Class 10 (SSLC) public examination results will be announced on May 20, School Education Minister Rajmohan said in Chennai. Around nine lakh students, including private candidates, appeared for the examinations that began on March 11 across the state. With answer paper evaluation completed, the Directorate of Government Examinations is finalising arrangements for publishing the results. The minister said he held discussions with Chief Minister Vijay regarding the release of the results before making the announcement to the media.

Supreme Court grants bail in UAPA case, says jail is the exception

The Supreme Court on Sunday granted bail to a man accused in a Jammu and Kashmir case involving alleged drug trafficking and terror funding. The case was registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The accused, a resident of Kupwara, has been in custody since June 2020 and had approached the apex court seeking bail. A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal heard the matter and observed that even in cases booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), bail should be treated as the rule and jail as the exception.

Thiagarajan says he’s proud despite defeat in Madurai Central

Former minister Thiagarajan, who contested from Madurai Central on a DMK ticket, has accepted his defeat and said he remains proud of sticking to his principles. In a four-page statement released on Sunday, he said he entered electoral politics about a decade ago after leaving a job abroad, with the aim of improving society and living standards. He listed his goals as spreading awareness about the role of social justice movements, continuing his family’s public work, and strengthening the family’s goodwill.

Ministers take charge; CM Vijay assigns portfolios to secretaries

Newly appointed ministers in the TVK government formally assumed charge on Sunday in Chennai, following the recent allocation of departments. After winning the Assembly election, TVK leader Vijay took oath as Chief Minister. Subsequently, nine ministers were announced and their portfolios were assigned in the past few days. On Sunday, senior leader Sengottaiyan took charge as Finance Minister in the presence of the Chief Minister. Ministers including Aadhav, Anand, Rajmohan and Arunraj also assumed office.

PM Modi becomes first Indian leader to visit Norway in 40 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Oslo on an official visit to Norway, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to the country in the last 40 years. Modi is currently on a tour of European nations and arrived in Norway after visiting the Netherlands and Sweden. He received a warm welcome on arrival. In a post on X, Modi thanked Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for the reception at the airport. He said the visit is expected to further strengthen the friendship between India and Norway.

IMD warns of heavy rain in 11 TN districts today, 6 tomorrow

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has issued a warning of heavy rain with thunderstorms in parts of Tamil Nadu, forecasting intense spells in 11 districts on Monday and in six districts on Tuesday. According to the weather bulletin, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and a trough extending through Kerala, south interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema are influencing conditions. Due to this, several districts in Tamil Nadu have been receiving rain, and the heavy spells are expected to continue for the next two days.

TN Governor lauds PM Modi on recovery of lost heritage treasures

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar has praised the Union government’s sustained efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recover India’s lost heritage treasures. In a statement, he welcomed the return to India—after centuries—of the historic Anai Mangalam copper plates, described as a major heritage symbol of the Chola empire. He said the plates are not merely antiquities but living evidence of Tamil cultural richness, administrative excellence, scientific progress and a spirit of religious harmony.

DMK–Congress rift deepens as Manickam Tagore slams Anitha Radhakrishnan

The friction between the DMK and the Congress has intensified after Congress MP Manickam Tagore issued a sharp condemnation of remarks made by former DMK minister Anitha Radhakrishnan. In a statement, Tagore said the tone of the former minister’s speech reflected “frustration and arrogance” after losing ministerial office and power. He alleged that the language used was not only insulting to Congress MLAs but also demeaned the transgender community. Tagore said Congress workers had played a role in bringing the DMK to power and warned that his party also knows how to respond politically. However, he added that the Congress was still waiting for a reply from the DMK leadership in the interest of political civility.

CIC says BCCI is not covered under the RTI Act

CIC reverses 2018 order on BCCI New Delhi: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not come under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In 2018, the CIC had treated the BCCI as a public authority and directed its then president and secretary to appoint RTI officers. It had also asked the board to create procedures to receive and respond to applications both online and offline.

Tamil Nadu transfers 17 IAS officers, including Chennai Corporation chief

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday issued orders transferring 17 IAS officers, including the Chennai Corporation Commissioner. As per the order, K. Gagandeep Singh Bedi has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration, while Kumaragurubaran has been moved out from the Chennai Corporation Commissioner post. Several key departments also saw changes. Amudha has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary for Cooperation and Food, while Satyapriya Sahu has been appointed Principal Secretary, Water Resources. Sunsonkam Jatak Siru has been posted as Principal Secretary, Public Works, and Anil Meshram as Principal Secretary, Energy.

Trump issues stern warning to Iran, raising West Asia war fears

Former US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, reviving concerns of heightened tensions in West Asia. The development has sparked renewed speculation about the possibility of conflict between the US and Iran, even as references to peace talks continue to surface. The issue is being discussed in the context of broader US-Iran relations, including debates around the nuclear deal. Observers say the latest remarks add to uncertainty in the region, where diplomatic signals and hardline messaging are unfolding side by side.

Chandra Darshan today: Worship of Lord Shiva said to bring double merit

Chandra Darshan is being observed today, Vaikasi 4 (May 18), according to a brief spiritual update. The note highlights a traditional belief that worship offered on this day carries special significance. Devotees are advised that prayers to Lord Shiva on Chandra Darshan are said to bring “double” merit or benefits. No further details on rituals or timings were provided in the source.

Who is responsible for students’ mental stress?

A short video published by Dinamalar has drawn attention to the issue of mental stress among students, posing a pointed question: who is responsible for the pressure they face. While the clip does not provide detailed data or specific incidents, it highlights a growing public concern around student well-being and the factors that contribute to anxiety and emotional strain. The video frames the discussion as a matter of accountability, urging viewers to reflect on the roles played by the education system, families and the broader social environment.

Tiruppur seeks action over rumors targeting migrant workers online

Tiruppur’s industrial community has called for legal action against individuals who circulate misleading videos on social media to create fear among North Indian migrant workers, even as the workers continue to live peacefully in the city. The city, known for providing livelihoods to lakhs of people, has long attracted workers from other districts and states as its industries expanded. Since the early 2000s, the flow of labour has steadily grown, with workers often bringing more people from their hometowns, and groups now travelling to and from Tiruppur regularly.

AIADMK MLAs who backed Velumani waver as Palaniswami tightens grip

AIADMK MLAs who had rallied behind former minister S P Velumani are now said to be wavering, as expectations of positions in the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government have not materialised, according to party sources. Against this backdrop, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is stepping up efforts to convene the party’s general council to consolidate control and “save the party”. The report notes that the AIADMK won only 47 seats in the Assembly election. In the wake of repeated setbacks and allegations that Palaniswami was an obstacle to forming a coalition government, a dissident group emerged under Velumani and former minister C V Shanmugam.

NEET paper leak sparks outrage; exam cancelled, CBI probe ordered

The nationwide NEET examination held on May 3 for admission to medical courses has been cancelled following allegations that the question paper was leaked. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been directed to probe the irregularities, and some arrests have been reported. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). A parliamentary committee led by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh had earlier flagged concerns about the agency’s performance, noting that several exams conducted in recent years faced complaints, including paper leaks.

Case filed against DMK supporter Ponraj over remarks on TVK women workers

Police have registered a case against DMK-aligned speaker and political commentator Ponraj, following allegations that he made controversial and defamatory remarks about Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the party’s women functionaries. According to the complaint, the remarks were made ahead of the Assembly elections and were seen as targeting TVK’s women workers. TVK leader Vijay had earlier met officials at the DGP office in Chennai and submitted a complaint, seeking strict action.

President approves raising Supreme Court judges to 38

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, from 34 judges to 38. The move is aimed at improving the court’s capacity to handle a large backlog of cases and to reduce delays in hearings and disposal, an issue the Union government has repeatedly highlighted. The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cleared the proposal on May 5 during a meeting held in Parliament.

Guruvayur Kesavan idol tusks restored after 50 years

Palakkad: The tusks of the famed ‘Guruvayur Kesavan’ elephant idol at the eastern entrance of the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple have been successfully refitted and strengthened after 50 years. Following a fire incident in 1970, the temple complex underwent several restoration works. As part of those efforts, an idol commemorating Guruvayur Kesavan—an enduring figure in the temple’s spiritual history—was installed at the eastern gateway. Known as ‘Gajarajan’, the elephant stood 10 feet 9 inches tall and served the temple for 54 years. It died at the age of 64 on an Ekadasi day in 1976. To highlight its significance, the idol was installed while the elephant was still alive.

Female DIG Vijayalakshmi denies hitting staffer with a shoe

Chennai: Armed Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vijayalakshmi has denied allegations that she hit a police administrative staff member with a shoe at the Armed Police headquarters in Kilpauk. The allegation triggered a response from the police administrative staff union, which passed a resolution seeking departmental action against the DIG and submitted a complaint to Director General of Police (DGP) Sandeep Rai Rathore. The DGP has reportedly assured that action would be taken.

PM Modi hails Chola-era copper plates set to return from Netherlands

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the return of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands to India. In a statement, Modi said he took part in an event related to the repatriation along with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The collection comprises 21 large plates and three smaller ones. He noted that most of the inscriptions are in Tamil, which he described as one of the world’s most beautiful languages. The plates record how Rajendra Chola I formalised a promise that had been given orally by his father, Rajaraja Chola I.

Jammu & Kashmir govt weighs complete ban on alcohol sales

Draft for total prohibition in final stage The Jammu & Kashmir government is considering enforcing complete prohibition, responding to a long-standing demand from various sections of society. The Union Territory is currently governed by the National Conference under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. According to party leaders, the administration has intensified work on the move and the drafting process is said to be in its final stages. National Conference chief spokesperson Tanveer Sadiq said the government is prioritising public health and social welfare over excise revenue.

West Bengal orders review of 1.69 crore caste certificates issued since 2011

Order for statewide re-verification Kolkata: The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has ordered a re-examination of all caste certificates issued in the state since 2011, following allegations that many were granted irregularly during the 15-year Trinamool Congress rule led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Scale of certificates issued According to a notification from the state Backward Classes Welfare Department, a total of 1.69 crore caste certificates were issued from 2011 till now. This includes about 1 crore Scheduled Caste certificates, 21 lakh Scheduled Tribe certificates and 48 lakh certificates for Other Backward Classes.

VD Satheeshan to be sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister today

Congress senior leader V.D. Satheeshan is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Sunday, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10:00 am at the Central Stadium ground in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Governor Arlekar will administer the oath. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured power after winning 102 of the 140 seats in the Assembly election held on April 9. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the CPI(M), suffered defeat and lost the government.

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