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Tamil Nadu News

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

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Politics

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding that the Strait of Hormuz be fully reopened without any threat or disruption. In a public post, Trump warned that if Iran fails to comply within the deadline, the United States would strike and destroy multiple Iranian power stations, adding that the largest facility would be targeted first. The warning comes as the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran has continued for more than 20 days. Iran, in its response, has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key international route for oil shipments.

DMK uneasy as allies seek 6 of 10 Coimbatore seats; intel report offers relief
Politics

DMK uneasy as allies seek 6 of 10 Coimbatore seats; intel report offers relief

Coimbatore: With 10 Assembly constituencies in Coimbatore district, DMK functionaries have expressed discomfort over alliance partners seeking as many as six seats. However, party circles say an intelligence report has indicated that allocating more seats to allies may not yield the expected level of electoral success, offering some reassurance to DMK cadres. In the previous election, the DMK failed to secure victory in any of the 10 constituencies in the district. This time, the party is aiming to win across the board, and its campaign planning in the Kongu region is being led by Senthil Balaji, who has been assigned responsibility for 39 constituencies.

Gold bars worth Rs 4.51 crore seized at Sivaganga flying squad check
Crime

Gold bars worth Rs 4.51 crore seized at Sivaganga flying squad check

Gold bars valued at Rs 4.51 crore were seized during a vehicle inspection at the SS Kottai check-post in Sivaganga district early on March 22. With the election model code of conduct in force, the election flying squad was conducting checks in the Tiruppathur Assembly constituency limits. The inspection was led by Balamurugan, BDO of Kallal, as part of the static surveillance team. Officials found the gold bars being transported in a car without proper documents and seized the consignment.

Puducherry INDIA alliance talks stall as Congress skips meeting
Politics

Puducherry INDIA alliance talks stall as Congress skips meeting

Seat-sharing talks within the INDIA alliance in Puducherry hit a fresh snag after Congress representatives failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the DMK. According to the report, the DMK’s negotiation team, including Puducherry election in-charge Jagathrakshakan and state organisers Siva, Nazim and MLA Sampath, waited from 10 am at a hotel in Puducherry for discussions to begin. Congress leaders, expected to arrive under the leadership of AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar, did not show up even after the DMK team waited until late evening. The DMK delegation reportedly left the venue in frustration.

THAVAKA quits DMK alliance; CSK ‘ROAR 26’ reunion and key events today
General

THAVAKA quits DMK alliance; CSK ‘ROAR 26’ reunion and key events today

Several political, religious and sports events are lined up across Tamil Nadu and abroad on Saturday, March 22. In a key political development ahead of the 2026 Assembly election, Tamilaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi (THAVAKA) president Velmurugan met reporters and officially announced that the party is withdrawing from the DMK-led alliance. Within the DMK, interviews were held on Saturday for applicants seeking tickets in constituencies across Cuddalore and Villupuram districts. Chief Minister M K Stalin is scheduled to conduct interviews in the evening for Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts.

LPG cargo ship from Texas arrives at New Mangalore Port
Business

LPG cargo ship from Texas arrives at New Mangalore Port

An LPG cargo vessel, Pyxis Pioneer, has arrived at New Mangalore Port in Mangaluru, bringing a fresh shipment from Texas, USA, as tensions continue to simmer in West Asia. The report said the situation escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory actions. With the Strait of Hormuz reportedly blocked, global oil movement through a key maritime route has been disrupted, leading to concerns over crude supply.

Cuba says it is ready to face any US threat, rejects talks on leadership
Politics

Cuba says it is ready to face any US threat, rejects talks on leadership

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has said the country is prepared to face “any threat” from the United States, warning that Cuba will not remain a passive observer amid rising tensions. The remarks come as Cuba faces a severe economic crunch, with power cuts and fuel shortages reported after the United States blocked crude oil supplies from Venezuela to Cuba. The report also notes that Washington has linked the lifting of restrictions to a demand that Díaz-Canel be removed from office.

Saudi orders 5 Iranian embassy staff to leave within 24 hours
Politics

Saudi orders 5 Iranian embassy staff to leave within 24 hours

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned what it described as Iran’s continued attacks and ordered five Iranian diplomatic staff to leave the kingdom within 24 hours. The move comes after Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had warned Iran to halt attacks on Gulf countries, saying continued strikes could force a military response. Saudi officials said the attacks nevertheless continued. Saudi Arabia said the five, including a military attaché, have been declared persona non grata. The 24-hour deadline has heightened tensions in the region.

Tawaka quits DMK alliance; Velmurugan cites seat dispute
Politics

Tawaka quits DMK alliance; Velmurugan cites seat dispute

Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (Tawaka) leader Velmurugan on Saturday announced that his party is withdrawing from the DMK-led alliance, adding to the coalition’s troubles ahead of the election. Velmurugan, a two-time MLA from Panruti earlier elected on a PMK ticket, later formed Tawaka. In the last election, he contested as part of the DMK alliance and won from Panruti. Despite being in the alliance, he frequently clashed with ministers and the Speaker in the Assembly, which, according to the report, had led to strong dissatisfaction within the DMK. Velmurugan had also been pressing from the outset for more seats for his party, a demand the DMK did not accept.

Kamal urges restraint amid West Asia tensions: “Let Iran and our land live”
Politics

Kamal urges restraint amid West Asia tensions: “Let Iran and our land live”

Amid rising war tensions in West Asia, actor Kamal Haasan shared a social media statement calling for restraint and empathy, summing it up as: “Let Iran live; let our land live too.” In his note, he criticised the tendency of some viewers to celebrate online videos of exploding oil depots “like a cricket six,” while claiming neutrality. He argued that such reactions ignore India’s place in Asia and the real risks that an expanded conflict could pose.

Sri Lanka hikes petrol, diesel prices again amid West Asia war jitters
Business

Sri Lanka hikes petrol, diesel prices again amid West Asia war jitters

Sri Lanka has increased petrol and diesel prices for the second time in two weeks, as tensions linked to the West Asia conflict continue to disrupt global energy supplies. According to the announcement, petrol has risen from Rs. 317 per litre to Rs. 398. Diesel has gone up by Rs. 79 per litre and is now sold at Rs. 382. The report attributes the pressure on supplies to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid continued conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. With the strait being a key route for global crude oil trade, disruptions have affected crude availability and triggered fuel shortages internationally.

DMK–CPI(M) seat-sharing talks remain deadlocked in Chennai
Politics

DMK–CPI(M) seat-sharing talks remain deadlocked in Chennai

Seat-sharing talks between the DMK and the CPI(M) continue to face a stalemate, as both sides have not reached an agreement on the number of constituencies to be allotted. CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. Speaking to reporters later, Shanmugam said the party’s state committee has decided it should secure the same six seats it contested in 2021, and that it should not be asked to accept fewer.

PM Modi sets record as India’s longest-serving government leader
Politics

PM Modi sets record as India’s longest-serving government leader

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a new record as the longest-serving leader in government in India, drawing congratulations from political leaders and social organisations across the country. Modi first took office as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001. He has been serving as India’s Prime Minister since 2014 and is currently in his third consecutive term. With this, his time in top government positions has reached 8,931 days, creating a new milestone. The previous record was held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served for 8,930 days.

Iran says Hormuz Strait open to all except ‘enemies’ amid Trump deadline
Politics

Iran says Hormuz Strait open to all except ‘enemies’ amid Trump deadline

Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for maritime traffic for all vessels except those connected to its “enemies”, issuing the statement before a 48-hour deadline announced by US President Donald Trump was due to expire. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global crude oil supply, accounting for nearly 20% of worldwide shipments. Iran has kept the waterway closed amid a war involving the United States and Israel, and has earlier stated that ships belonging to the US and Israel, as well as vessels of their allied countries, would not be allowed to pass.

Iran launches missile attack targeting US bases near Baghdad airport
Politics

Iran launches missile attack targeting US bases near Baghdad airport

Iran has launched a missile attack targeting US military positions near Baghdad airport in Iraq, according to Iraqi security officials. Iraq has been heavily affected by escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israeli forces. In recent days, Iran-backed groups have continued drone and missile strikes on US bases and diplomatic sites in Baghdad and Erbil. Officials said the latest assault involved rockets and drones aimed at the US facility located at Baghdad airport. Some of the rockets were reported to have landed near the base.

Iran claims it shot down an F-15 near Hormuz Island
Politics

Iran claims it shot down an F-15 near Hormuz Island

Iran has claimed it shot down an “enemy” F-15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island, according to Iranian media reports. The announcement comes as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran continues into its 23rd day, with maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz reported to be disrupted. US President Donald Trump has also reportedly issued Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the strait. Iranian outlets said air defence systems intercepted and destroyed the aircraft near the island off Iran’s southern coast. The Tehran Times posted a 29-second video on X that it said showed Iranian forces detecting and bringing down the jet.

TN BJP chief Nainar lists Centre’s schemes, hits back at CM Stalin
Politics

TN BJP chief Nainar lists Centre’s schemes, hits back at CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday responded to Chief Minister M K Stalin’s remarks about “Delhi”, listing what he said were major schemes and projects delivered to the State by the Modi-led Union government. Speaking in Tirunelveli, Nagendran questioned why post-election developments in Bihar were being compared with Tamil Nadu, and said the focus should first be on the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. He also raised questions about seat-sharing within the DMK alliance, including how many seats were allotted to the VCK.

Iran targets Israeli nuclear sites; over 100 injured in Dimona, Arad
Politics

Iran targets Israeli nuclear sites; over 100 injured in Dimona, Arad

Iran launched a missile attack targeting Israeli nuclear facilities, in what it described as retaliation for ongoing strikes on Iran. More than 100 people were reported injured in the incident. The report comes as attacks by Israeli and US forces on Iran have continued into a third week, with no clear signs of the conflict easing. Tensions in the region have been rising amid the prolonged hostilities. According to the details, after Israel carried out an airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, Iran responded by firing missiles toward nuclear-related sites in Israel. Missiles were aimed at facilities in the Dimona and Arad areas, including the nuclear research centre in Dimona.

Pakistan tops global terrorism impact index, report says
General

Pakistan tops global terrorism impact index, report says

Islamabad: Pakistan has been ranked first in a global terrorism impact index released by the Centre for Economics and Peace. The index was compiled by assessing the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, according to the organisation. The report said Pakistan faces a major security threat linked to strained relations with Afghanistan and attacks attributed to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). It noted that last year alone, 1,045 terror incidents led to 1,139 deaths.

PM Modi reviews fuel supply risks amid West Asia conflict
Business

PM Modi reviews fuel supply risks amid West Asia conflict

New Delhi: As the conflict in West Asia continues, concerns are growing over possible disruptions to fuel supplies and rising prices in several countries. The war involving the US, Israel and Iran has continued for 23 days. Iran has reportedly blocked the Strait of Hormuz, creating hurdles for global crude oil shipments and tightening supply. Amid public concern that a prolonged crisis could trigger shortages in India as well, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with senior ministers on Sunday.

Supreme Court flags social media ‘trial by video’ as threat to fair probe
Politics

Supreme Court flags social media ‘trial by video’ as threat to fair probe

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed concern that in the digital age, almost anyone with a mobile phone can act like a journalist by uploading videos on social media, creating challenges for a fair investigation. Hearing a public interest petition filed by Hemendra Patel, the court noted that soon after a crime, police often arrest suspects and circulate their photos and videos online. The judges observed that such content can plant a one-sided impression in the public mind and affect the dignity of the arrested person.

Govt urges WhatsApp to block devices used in ‘digital arrest’ scams
Technology

Govt urges WhatsApp to block devices used in ‘digital arrest’ scams

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has recommended that WhatsApp disable electronic devices used in so-called “digital arrest” scams, so that a fresh WhatsApp account cannot be created again from the same device. The suggestion was discussed at the third meeting of an inter-departmental high-level panel on digital arrest fraud, formed by the ministry in December last year. WhatsApp representatives attended the meeting in Delhi and held detailed consultations. According to a Home Ministry official, WhatsApp has given multiple assurances, including improving user safety and supporting police investigations. The platform has been asked to submit a proposal within 45 days on a plan to block devices such as mobile phones and laptops that are used for digital fraud.

US DEA puts Colombia President Gustavo Petro under surveillance
Politics

US DEA puts Colombia President Gustavo Petro under surveillance

Allegations and surveillance Colombian President Gustavo Petro has come under the surveillance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) amid allegations that he has links to drug trafficking networks. US claims According to the report, the US has accused Petro of acting in ways that benefit drug traffickers and suspects that he received bribes worth millions in return. Listed as a major target The DEA has reportedly placed Petro on a list of major offenders and begun monitoring him—an unusual step when it involves a sitting head of state. Similar allegations have also been raised earlier against Petro’s son and brother.

UP Police arrest 9 for spying via secret cameras at key sites
Crime

UP Police arrest 9 for spying via secret cameras at key sites

Ghaziabad Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested nine people, including five minors, for allegedly assisting a foreign-linked spying network by secretly filming sensitive locations such as military camps and railway stations. Police said they received intelligence that a group in Kaushambi area of Ghaziabad district was recording visuals from key sites and sharing them with foreign individuals. Following a search operation on March 15, six people, including a woman, were initially taken into custody.

Air India, IndiGo warn fares may rise if seat selection is made free
Business

Air India, IndiGo warn fares may rise if seat selection is made free

New Delhi: Major airlines including Air India and IndiGo have objected to a recent set of guidelines issued by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry aimed at improving passenger convenience and service standards. Under current practice, passengers are often charged extra during booking to choose preferred seats such as window seats, while only a limited number of seats are available without an additional fee. The new guideline proposes that airlines should provide up to 60% of seats to passengers without collecting any extra charge for seat selection.

Centre raises commercial LPG supply to states by 20% amid disruptions
Business

Centre raises commercial LPG supply to states by 20% amid disruptions

New Delhi: The Union government has approved raising the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to states by up to 20%, citing an increase in domestic cooking gas production. The move is expected to bring relief to hotels, restaurants, public and industrial canteens, and food processing units. Commercial LPG supply had earlier been cut to 30% to prioritise household cylinders after disruptions linked to the prolonged Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

Centre plans law to reserve top CAPF posts for IPS officers
Politics

Centre plans law to reserve top CAPF posts for IPS officers

The Union government is preparing a new law aimed at ensuring that senior leadership roles in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are held by Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. The CAPFs under the Centre include the CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF. According to the report, there has been long-standing discontent among cadre officers in these forces, who say they are unable to rise to top posts as IPS officers are routinely appointed to senior positions.

Gardener’s tip helps police crack Plus Two student murder case
Crime

Gardener’s tip helps police crack Plus Two student murder case

Madurai police said a local gardener’s timely information helped them arrest the suspect in the rape and murder of a Plus Two student near Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi district. The accused, identified as Dharmamuneeswaran (39) from Sayalkudi in Ramanathapuram district, was taken into custody nine days after the crime. For security reasons, he was shifted from Tirunelveli prison to Madurai prison on Friday night. Tirunelveli DIG Saravanan said investigators initially had no CCTV evidence and conducted door-to-door inquiries. The suspect was found to have been moving around the Vedanatham area on March 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Kangana Ranaut’s sarees draw attention in Parliament budget session
General

Kangana Ranaut’s sarees draw attention in Parliament budget session

New Delhi: Members of Parliament are generally known to arrive in formal attire, but women MPs’ outfits often draw particular attention. Parliament currently has 116 women MPs—74 in the Lok Sabha and 42 in the Rajya Sabha—many of whom wear sarees. During the ongoing Budget Session, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut is being described as one of the most stylishly dressed MPs. Reports say she wears different sarees for morning and evening appearances and does not repeat a saree once worn.

EPS meets Amit Shah in Delhi, shares dinner at minister’s home
Politics

EPS meets Amit Shah in Delhi, shares dinner at minister’s home

AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. According to the report, Shah has been attending daily Cabinet-level security meetings amid tensions linked to the Iran war situation, and was therefore unable to travel to Chennai. Palaniswami was invited to Delhi for the meeting. The meeting took place at night, during which Shah is said to have made remarks about former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, suggesting he had moved closer to the DMK side.