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Filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar paid tribute to Bhagyaraj, according to a short video shared by Dinamalar. The clip shows Chandrasekhar offering his respects to Bhagyaraj, drawing attention among Tamil cinema followers. No additional details about the occasion were provided in the source.
A short video report from Dinamalar said chants of “Modi…Modi” were heard in Seychelles during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The clip, presented in the outlet’s Shorts/Reels format, highlights the crowd’s slogan as a key moment from the trip. No further official details, event specifics, or additional context were provided in the available source material.
Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has begun steps to stitch up the party’s internal rift by reassigning organisational posts, senior party functionaries said. However, they added that his confrontation with former minister C.V. Shanmugam is still unresolved. According to the functionaries, even after sections of the disgruntled camp returned to EPS, he initially refused to restore positions that had been taken away. This, they said, pushed several unhappy leaders towards considering switching parties, following which a former judge and a few industrialists close to EPS met him and advised against “revenge politics”.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is working on a strategy to field Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko if DMK president M.K. Stalin decides to contest the Trichy East Assembly by-election, according to reports. The bypoll is expected after the Trichy East MLA seat fell vacant following a resignation. In the recent Assembly election, Chief Minister Vijay won from two constituencies—Chennai Perambur and Trichy East—triggering the vacancy in Trichy East.
Tamil Nadu’s new government has said it is moving to end “party fund” collections and the long-running culture of kickbacks. However, a ground report from Tiruppur district alleges that bribery continues unabated across multiple government departments, hitting both businesses and the public. Industrial units—especially in textiles, dyeing, printing and allied sectors—are described as being treated as easy targets during inspections. Even firms that claim to follow rules say they face pressure to pay unofficial amounts to avoid disruption, with the fear of closure or stoppage orders cited as a key lever.
Honorary lecturers in Tamil Nadu have alleged irregularities in the awarding of marks in the competitive examination conducted for assistant professor recruitment in government arts and science colleges. The Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) held the examination in December to fill 2,708 assistant professor vacancies. A total of 42,064 candidates appeared. Results for five subjects were released in February, while results for the remaining 56 subjects were published recently. According to the Tamil Nadu All Government College UGC-qualified Honorary Lecturers Association, anomalies were noticed in the first set of results as well. State president Thangaraj said that among five candidates who received appointment orders, the TRB later revised the work-experience marks of two candidates.
MDMK has adopted a resolution in its general council to withdraw from the DMK-led alliance, according to reports from Chennai. The decision was taken amid visible internal strain within the party. A high-level committee meeting was held at the party headquarters ‘Thaayagam’ in Egmore, Chennai, chaired by party presidium chairman Auditor Arjunan. General Secretary Vaiko, Treasurer Senthilathiban and other office-bearers attended. The party has two MLAs. Sirkazhi MLA Senthilselvan, who won the seat, announced that he is leaving the party. Kadayam Nallur MLA Rajendran attended the high-level committee meeting, but did not take part in the general council meeting held the next day.
K. Bhagyaraj is widely seen as an artist who altered the direction of Tamil cinema by challenging the long-held idea of what a “hero” should look and feel like. At a time when audiences were used to rugged, aggressive leading men, he made simplicity—spectacles and an innocent demeanour—his signature, opening a new space for relatable protagonists. The article notes that he also proved his range by convincingly portraying darker shades on screen. Films such as Kanni Paruvathile (directed by P.V. Balaguru) and his own Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru are cited as examples where he established himself beyond the “soft” image.
Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said President Donald Trump is likely to visit India early next year and that preparations are currently underway. Speaking in an interview at the White House, Rubio described India as a close partner and friendly nation of the United States. He also highlighted what he called a strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, calling it diplomatically significant.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Friday for a three-day official visit to the Indian Ocean island nation. He was received at the airport by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, with members of the Indian-origin community also welcoming him with traditional Indian dance. Seychelles will mark its 50th National Day on June 29, where Modi is scheduled to attend as the chief guest. Two Indian Navy ships and Indian defence personnel are also expected to take part in the celebrations.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has criticised the BJP-led Union government for what she described as “silence” and “inaction” over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. In an article, she argued that India’s response to the conflict runs counter to both moral responsibility and the country’s national interest. She wrote that attacks affecting children were not accidental but part of a deliberate strategy, and said the destruction of schools and health infrastructure has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Friday alleged that the DMK is circulating “baseless” allegations that he received Rs 50 crore from Chief Minister Vijay. Speaking after the MDMK general council meeting in Chennai, he said the charges were aimed at tarnishing him and his family. Vaiko said the party had unanimously decided to exit the DMK-led alliance after the election results. He claimed the MDMK had stayed in the alliance for nine years to prevent the BJP from gaining dominance in Tamil Nadu, and added that he had praised the government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin without criticising them.
The Congress leadership in Delhi has appointed Manickam Thakur as the president of the party’s Tamil Nadu unit, an announcement said on Friday. The change comes in the backdrop of the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly election, in which the Congress, as part of the DMK-led alliance, contested 28 seats but won only five. Then state Congress chief Selvaperunthagai also lost, and the party’s performance reportedly drew displeasure from the central leadership.
Veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, widely celebrated in Tamil cinema as the “screenwriting king”, died suddenly due to a heart attack. His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief among film personalities and fans. Born on January 7, 1953, in Erode district, Bhagyaraj moved to Chennai driven by a deep passion for films. After studying up to PUC, he began his career as an assistant director under filmmaker G. Ramakrishnan. A key turning point came when he worked with his mentor Bharathiraja, assisting and appearing in small roles in films such as 16 Vayathinile and Kizhakke Pogum Rail. He also contributed dialogues, including for Sigappu Rojakkal, and later emerged as a hero and writer in Puthiya Vaarpugal.
Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor, screenwriter and producer Bhagyaraj passed away in Chennai on Friday morning (June 27) after suffering a heart attack. He was 73. According to reports, Bhagyaraj had returned to Chennai late on Thursday after attending the wedding of actress Khushbu’s daughter Avantika in Goa. On Friday morning, he went for his usual walk, complained of chest pain and was taken home by people nearby before being admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai.
The secretary of the Ayodhya Ram Temple trust and one of its trustees have resigned, according to a report from Dinamalar TV. The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has drawn donations from across the country, with contributions coming from devotees as well as traders and industrialists. Along with monetary support, some donors have offered valuables such as gold, silver and diamond jewellery, and even silver bars. The report also notes that the consecration of the Balaram idol took place in 2024.
Today is observed as Saturday Pradosham, a day considered significant for Shiva worship. According to traditional belief, offering prayers and having darshan of Lord Shiva on Pradosham is said to yield manifold spiritual merit. The observance falls on Aani 13, corresponding to June 27. Devotees typically visit Shiva temples and perform special prayers as part of the Pradosham practice.
A pooja ceremony was held for the project titled ‘Per Sollum Pillai’, marking the formal start of the production. Actor Kavin attended the event along with Sanjana Krishnamurthy and Bala Saravanan. The short video shared by Dinamalar highlighted the team’s presence at the ceremony. No additional details about the film’s story, crew or release plans were provided in the source.
A short video published on Dinamalar is titled in Tamil: “சிரிப்பதா, அழுவதா என தெரியவில்லை!” (roughly, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry”). The available source text does not provide further details about the incident, speakers, or the specific context behind the remark. The page appears under Dinamalar’s Shorts/Reels section and includes references to Tamil Nadu Assembly-related tags, but no reportable narrative is included in the provided content. As the source material shared contains only the headline and basic page information, additional specifics cannot be confirmed from the text provided.
Madurai: Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister Ramesh has directed officials to amend tender norms in temples under the department to prevent a small group from repeatedly securing contracts over long periods. The HR&CE department oversees around 44,000 temples in the state. In higher-revenue temples and those in the next tier, temple administrations typically earn income by issuing tenders for services such as flower and fruit sales, footwear counters and parking. According to officials, complaints had been received that a few individuals—often with political backing—were continuously taking these tenders and, in some cases, collecting increased charges without the temple administration’s approval. Following discussions with officials, the minister instructed that rules be revised to widen participation.
Cauvery water inflow into Tamil Nadu has been declining, prompting farmer groups to discuss stepping up protests as the delta’s kuruvai cultivation season begins. Political parties are also preparing to use the issue to mount pressure on the government, according to the report. As per the annual requirement, Karnataka is to release 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, with monthly quantities fixed by the Cauvery Management Authority. For June, Karnataka was to release 9.19 TMC, but only 2.77 TMC had crossed the Biligundlu gauge site up to June 24, leaving a pending shortfall of 4.57 TMC.
DMK president M.K. Stalin’s remarks suggesting the party may not need alliances triggered swift political activity, with DMDK general secretary Premalatha holding an emergency meeting with him the same evening. Stalin made the comments while speaking at a wedding function in Tiruvarur. He said that if any alliance partner chose to leave, he could not stop them, and added that the view that DMK does not need an alliance would be considered.
Ayodhya’s Ram temple donation irregularities case has intensified after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested eight people linked to the handling of offerings, prompting resignations from senior trust functionaries. According to the report, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, resigned on moral grounds. Trustee Anil Mishra also stepped down as the probe widened. The SIT—set up on June 14 on the trust administration’s request—has been questioning temple staff and priests for several days. Investigators also imposed restrictions preventing those questioned from leaving Ayodhya.
Political circles in Tamil Nadu are abuzz with speculation that a fresh alliance realignment could take shape in August, as both the DMK and the DVEK camp are seen showing interest in improving ties with the BJP. According to the report, after the Assembly election, several parties that were part of the DMK-led alliance—Congress, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, and the Muslim League—have moved out and extended support to the DVEK government. Except for the two Communist parties, the others are said to have also joined the DVEK cabinet. The MDMK is expected to announce its decision to exit the DMK alliance.
The Tamil Nadu government has appointed K Venkata Narayana as its Special Representative in Delhi, according to the report. States typically post a Special Representative in the national capital to take up their requests with the Union government. The position is considered equivalent in status to a minister. The Special Representative’s key responsibilities include formally pursuing the state’s financial allocations and development schemes from the Centre, and consistently advocating Tamil Nadu’s demands.
Berlin: Volkswagen is reportedly preparing a major restructuring that could include cutting up to 100,000 jobs worldwide and shutting four factories in Germany, according to German media reports. The automaker, founded in 1937 and known for its global manufacturing footprint, is said to be responding to multiple pressures, including rising demand for electric vehicles, the impact of US taxation, and increasing competition from Chinese companies. As part of the overhaul, Volkswagen is also reported to be planning a 15% reduction in investment over the next five years, bringing the figure down to 1,40,464 crore. Media reports further say the company may separate its vehicle components business and passenger car sales operations.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman to hold the post, will arrive in India on a three-day visit starting July 1, according to an official statement. India and Japan share close ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi having attended the 15th India-Japan summit in Tokyo last August. During that meeting, Japan set a target to invest ₹5 lakh crore in India over the next 10 years. The two sides also signed key agreements, including a 10-year action plan aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and economic engagement. Modi had invited the Japanese Prime Minister to visit India during the Tokyo summit.
Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials in Telangana conducted searches at four locations linked to a suspended woman tahsildar and seized documents related to alleged disproportionate assets. The official, Thummakoma Sucharitha, serves as a tahsildar and joint sub-registrar in Shamirpet, Hyderabad. She was suspended last month after being caught allegedly demanding a Rs 30 lakh bribe to convert 30 acres of agricultural land into non-agricultural land, and accepting Rs 2 lakh as an advance.
Chennai: The war of words between the DMK and the Marxist camp backing the TAVEGA government has reached a new peak, with exchanges increasingly shifting from political criticism to personal attacks. The article notes that alliance equations in Tamil Nadu have changed after the 2026 election results. Parties that were earlier part of the DMK-led front—such as the Congress, VCK, Left parties and the Muslim League—are described as having moved to support TAVEGA.
Dhaka: Reports indicate that a major port-linked project in Bangladesh, earlier expected to move forward with Indian financial support, has now shifted to China. In 2015, the then government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed an MoU to develop economic zones at Mongla and Chittagong with Indian assistance. India later selected the Hiranandani Group to develop land for the zones. After Hasina’s government fell amid student protests in 2024, an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus took charge and ties between India and Bangladesh reportedly strained. Citing that the India-selected land developer had not carried out any work for two years, Bangladesh cancelled the project last year.
