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Tamil Nadu News

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

India launches Operation Amistad to aid quake-hit Venezuela

India has launched Operation Amistad to support Venezuela after the South American nation was hit by two powerful earthquakes. The Centre said two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft have been dispatched carrying more than 35 tonnes of relief material and medical equipment, along with a 41-member medical team. According to reports from Venezuela, the twin quakes struck on June 24 near the Moron coastal area, west of the capital Caracas, with a gap of 39 seconds. The first measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and the second 7.5, with Caracas and La Guaira among the worst-affected areas.

Banner name order sparks woman minister’s argument with Virudhunagar Collector

A prize distribution function for students who won in Silambam was held in Virudhunagar on Thursday under the Social Welfare Department, chaired by department minister Jagatheeswari. During the event, the official banner placed behind the stage reportedly carried Jagatheeswari’s name in the second position, while Industries Minister Keerthana’s name appeared first. Jagatheeswari questioned why the name of a minister who was not attending and was not connected to the department was placed ahead of hers.

TN BJP to be reshuffled after bypolls, Santosh tells RSS leaders

BJP national organisation general secretary B.L. Santosh has assured RSS leaders that the party will carry out changes in its Tamil Nadu unit after the forthcoming Assembly by-elections, according to sources. A meeting of national functionaries from the RSS, BJP and other Sangh Parivar organisations was held at a private college near Periyapalayam on the outskirts of Chennai. Santosh attended on behalf of the BJP and held discussions with RSS national and state leaders on the political situation in Tamil Nadu.

Hindu Munnani slams CM Vijay’s photo placed inside temple sanctums

Tiruppur: Hindu Munnani has strongly criticised incidents in which party workers reportedly placed Chief Minister Vijay’s photograph inside the sanctum sanctorum of several temples and conducted worship as part of his birthday celebrations. In a statement, state president Kadeswara Subramaniyam said the organisation conveyed birthday wishes to the Chief Minister on June 22, hoping for his long life, good health and good governance for Tamil Nadu. However, he objected to the manner in which some celebrations were carried out.

Madurai HC: Converts to Islam cannot claim BC Muslim status

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that a person who converts to Islam becomes only a Muslim and cannot claim any sub-category such as “Backward Class (BC) Muslim” for reservation benefits. The court also held that a Tamil Nadu government order issued to grant BC Muslim community certificates to certain converts was illegal. The case was filed by a man from Thoothukudi district who said he was born to a Hindu couple as “Paramasivam” and later embraced Islam, changed his name to “Sameer Ahmed”, and obtained a certificate from a local Sunnath Jamaath in 2015. He sought a community certificate under the “Muslim Labbai” section, but his application was rejected by the Kayathar Tahsildar, prompting him to approach the court.

DMK cadres keen on Stalin entering Assembly; decision awaited

DMK cadres are showing interest in party leader M.K. Stalin entering the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, according to a Dinamalar TV political update. The discussion centres on whether Stalin could contest a by-election, with Trichy East being mentioned as a possible constituency. The video highlights the curiosity within the party over what decision will be taken and when it may be announced. No further details on the final call or timeline were provided in the available source text.

Video from TVK MLA office opening in Tiruvottiyur goes viral

A video linked to the inauguration of the TVK MLA office in Chennai’s Tiruvottiyur has been widely shared on social media. According to the report, the office was opened yesterday. Minister Anand inaugurated the facility and also seated MLA Senthilkumar in the chair designated for him during the function. After the ceremony concluded, the minister left the venue. The MLA and party functionaries accompanied him to see him off. The report notes that the clip from this sequence has triggered discussion online, with the video circulating widely.

June 26 spiritual feature: Simple worship for a disease-free life

Dinamalar has released its June 26 spiritual feature, focusing on a simple form of worship linked to living without disease. The short segment presents an easy-to-follow devotional practice, positioned as a practical spiritual routine for daily life. The feature is part of the outlet’s spiritual supplement content shared in a short-video format. Further details of the method are provided in the original Dinamalar video post.

Vishnu Vishal: ‘Even running 3 km is a positive step’

Actor Vishnu Vishal has shared a brief message on fitness in a short video published by Dinamalar. In the clip, he says that even running 3 kilometres is a “positive” step, stressing the value of making an effort rather than focusing only on big targets. The remark, delivered as a quick motivational note, encourages people to view small progress as meaningful. The video was released as part of Dinamalar’s shorts/reels segment.

TN’s $1.5 trillion goal: Advantages and hurdles for CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu’s recent Assembly election outcome has drawn national attention, with Joseph Vijay taking charge as Chief Minister. The new government has announced a slate of governance priorities—clean administration, women’s safety, support for farmers, transparent tendering—and a headline ambition: turning Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy within the next 10 years, by 2036. Alongside these promises, the government has released a “white paper” outlining the state’s fiscal position. The document notes that Tamil Nadu’s direct debt rose from about ₹5 lakh crore in 2021–22 to around ₹10 lakh crore in 2025–26, and that including public sector enterprise liabilities takes the overall debt estimate to roughly ₹13.18 lakh crore. It also argues that borrowing in the past five years has exceeded the cumulative borrowing of the previous six decades after Independence, raising concerns about financial stress.

Nirmala Sitharaman says Kanchipuram considered for UNESCO heritage list

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said discussions had been held on including Kanchipuram in UNESCO’s heritage list. She made the remarks while addressing a book release function at SSKV Arts and Science Women’s College in Keezhambi near Kanchipuram. The event marked the release of the book titled “Pennin Perunthakka Yaavula”, brought out in the presence of Kanchi Mutt pontiff Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and college management representatives. The book traces the history of the SSKV educational institution and its long-standing service to women’s education in the region.

Rule-breaking quarries raise safety fears in Kancheepuram’s Uthiramerur

Kancheepuram district’s Uthiramerur block, known for its lakes, farm wells and irrigation channels, has been facing growing concerns over quarrying and stone-crushing activity for nearly two decades. The area has 26 private quarries across villages such as Madur, Sirudamur, Sithalapakkam, Sirumayilur, Patta, Arungundram and Alancheri, along with more than 50 private crusher units. According to local residents, rocks are blasted in quarries and processed in nearby crusher units to produce jelly and M-sand, which are supplied for construction in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. People in the region say the operations often run without adequate regard for rules, leading to environmental and public health impacts.

DMK weighs solo poll run as allies drift away, Stalin says review soon

DMK is facing growing calls from within its ranks to contest upcoming elections without an alliance, amid signs that several long-time partners are moving away. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the party would soon examine the suggestion. According to the developments cited, parties that contested the last Assembly election with the DMK—Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the two Communist parties and the Muslim League—have shifted toward the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Vijay and have extended support for him as Chief Minister. Congress, the CPI and the Muslim League have formally announced their exit from the DMK alliance, while VCK and the CPI(M) are expected to make their position clear soon.

Illegal banners resurface in Chengalpattu, court curbs ignored

Unauthorised banners have resurfaced across parts of Chengalpattu district, even as courts have laid down strict curbs on putting up hoardings in public spaces. The law provides for fines and legal action through local bodies and the police, but officials are said to be looking away due to political pressure. In Chengalpattu municipality limits, large banners have been placed without permission at key locations including the old bus stand, Rattinangkinaru, the Government Medical College Hospital and the integrated court complex. Political parties such as the DMK, AIADMK and TVK, along with private commercial advertisers, have put up displays for leaders’ birthdays, ministers’ visits and promotions, including on stretches belonging to the Highways Department.

Venezuela quake toll rises to 235; 4,300 injured

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near the coastal area of Moron, about 160 km west of the capital Caracas, occurring within 39 seconds of each other. According to the US Geological Survey, the first quake measured 7.2 magnitude at a depth of 26 km, followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake at a depth of 10 km. The twin tremors caused widespread damage across much of the country, with hundreds of buildings reported to have collapsed and cracks opening up on roads in several places.

NCERT adds voter roll revision chapter to Class 9 social science

NCERT has added a dedicated chapter on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to its Class 9 social science textbook, about a year after the Election Commission directed an intensive review of voter lists. The textbook also carries a lesson on the 1975 Emergency imposed nationwide by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. NCERT said these inclusions are part of key school education changes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and are aimed at strengthening students’ understanding of contemporary history.

Stalin says no decision yet on contesting Trichy East bypoll

DMK president M.K. Stalin on Thursday said he has not yet decided whether he will contest the upcoming by-election in the Trichy East Assembly constituency. Responding to reporters’ questions, Stalin said, “No decision has been taken yet,” indicating that the party is still considering its options for the bypoll. The by-election has been triggered after Chief Minister Vijay resigned as the MLA from Trichy East, paving the way for a fresh poll in the constituency.

India sends relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela via two C-17 aircraft

India has extended assistance to Venezuela after the country was hit by successive earthquakes, sending relief supplies aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. According to reports from Venezuela, the death toll has risen to 235, while around 4,300 people have been injured. Rescue operations are continuing at full scale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier assured that all possible help would be provided to those affected. The relief dispatch marks India’s follow-through on that commitment.

No forgiveness for party defectors, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress leader and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday issued a stern message to party workers, saying there would be no forgiveness for those who left the party. Speaking at a meeting of Trinamool district office-bearers, Banerjee urged cadres to work continuously in the face of what she described as the BJP’s politics. She alleged that people were being targeted through repression and pushed into distress. Banerjee said many were living in fear, with several losing jobs and seeing their aspirations shattered. She argued that only a united Trinamool could provide protection to people during such a crisis.

Annamalai to deliver special address at Tamil conference in New Jersey

Tamil organisations in North America are set to come together in New Jersey for a major cultural gathering next month. The Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FETNA), along with the New Jersey Tamil Sangam, has announced the 39th edition of its Tamil festival. The event will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center on July 2, 3 and 4. Organisers said several well-known personalities from Tamil Nadu are expected to take part in the programmes scheduled across the three days.

Amit Shah urges states to crack down hard on drug traffickers

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked state governments to adopt strategies to identify and destroy the infrastructure behind drug trafficking, and to take ruthless action against drug syndicates and key gangs. Speaking at a meeting of the Narcotics coordination mechanism, Shah said India is at a critical juncture in its fight against narcotics. He warned that the next three years would be decisive in determining whether drug addiction gains ground or the country succeeds in defeating it.

West Bengal to introduce Uniform Civil Code: Suvendu Adhikari

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said the state will introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), on the lines of measures followed in Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said an announcement on the procedures would be made in the state Assembly. He added that a committee has been constituted to take the process forward. According to the details cited, the UCC was introduced in West Bengal on May 25. The provisions include abolishing polygamy and making registration mandatory for live-in relationships.

CM Vijay urges PM to review NLC stake sale, uses 'Government of India'

Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has written to the Prime Minister urging a reconsideration of the Government of India’s decision to sell shares of NLC India through an offer-for-sale route. In the letter, the Chief Minister referred to the Centre as the “Government of India”, avoiding the term “Union government” that had been used earlier by the previous DMK administration. According to the letter, the proposed stake sale has caused “regret” to the Tamil Nadu government. The state government said it objects, as a matter of policy, to any move that reduces NLC India’s shareholding.

Names of soldiers martyred in Operation Sindoor released

The Union government has released the list of soldiers who were martyred during Operation Sindoor, marking the first time their names have been made public. The names are set to be inscribed at the National War Memorial in Delhi. Operation Sindoor was launched after a brutal attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians. In response, India carried out strikes on terrorist camps and air force bases in Pakistan, during which many terrorists were reported killed.

Theni disability welfare officer suspended over sexual harassment claim

The District Differently Abled Welfare Officer in Theni, Brahmanayagam, has been placed under suspension following allegations of sexual harassment. According to the report, the complaint relates to the period when he was working in Thoothukudi. A woman employee who worked under him alleged that he subjected her to sexual harassment. An internal inquiry committee conducted an investigation and submitted its findings, stating that the officer behaved in an obscene manner towards the employee and committed sexual assault.

Lok Sabha Speaker to decide soon on TMC, Uddhav Sena MP defections

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to announce a decision before the Parliament’s monsoon session on defection-related cases involving MPs from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. In West Bengal, 20 TMC MPs are reported to have broken away to function as a separate group and joined the Indian Nationalist Citizens Party. The Mamata Banerjee camp has strongly objected, and her relative Abhishek Banerjee met the Speaker to present their position. The dissenting MPs have also submitted their explanations.

Jairam Ramesh says Congress should not re-induct BJP defectors

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party should not re-admit leaders—especially younger faces—who left after enjoying positions and benefits in the Congress and later joined the BJP. He said the party should not even consider their return, calling it his personal view. In a separate political statement, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien criticised reports that the BJP government in West Bengal is planning to remove eggs from the school mid-day meal scheme. He alleged the move amounts to imposing vegetarian food and would harm children’s nutrition.

Mumbai suburban train dispute ends in youth’s stabbing death

A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death on a Mumbai suburban train following a dispute over closing a coach door, railway police said. The victim, identified as Mayank Lohar from Virar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, worked as a sales representative at a private firm in Andheri. He was returning home late at night after work. Police said Lohar was travelling in the first-class coach of a Churchgate–Nalasopara fast local along with another passenger, Roshan Suvarna. Between Goregaon and Kandivali, heavy rain began, triggering an argument between the two over shutting the coach door.

ISRO chief says BRICS discussed debris-free satellite missions

ISRO Chairman Narayanan on Wednesday said BRICS space agency leaders discussed “space-debris-free” satellite mission plans aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. The BRICS Space Agencies Heads Meeting was held in Bengaluru under India’s chairmanship. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Narayanan said the discussions would help take India forward at a global level. He noted that India’s overall space ecosystem has been expanding under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and said the country is now among the leading nations in space operations.

Sengottaiyan says BJP’s Nainar seeks compromise with DMK

Minister Sengottaiyan, speaking to reporters in Coimbatore on Wednesday, took aim at Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran, alleging that he is attempting a “compromise” with the DMK. Referring to comments made outside the Assembly, Sengottaiyan said that if DMK members had raised such matters on the floor of the House, Chief Minister Vijay would have responded firmly. On the Mettur dam, he noted that in several years the reservoir has been opened even during August and September.

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