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Tamil Nadu News

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

RSS to expand branches, step up public outreach during centenary
Politics

RSS to expand branches, step up public outreach during centenary

CHANDIGARH: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to expand its branches and strengthen community linkages through public outreach programmes as part of its centenary celebrations, joint general secretary C.R. Mukund said. The organisation’s top decision-making forum, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, began its three-day meeting in Haryana on Thursday. The session at Samalkha was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. More than 1,500 members, including senior functionaries, are participating in the meeting. Addressing the gathering, Mukund highlighted the scale of the ‘Griha Sampark’ initiative, saying it has reached over 10 crore households across the country and covered more than three lakh villages.

NHRC seeks report from five states on missing children cases
Crime

NHRC seeks report from five states on missing children cases

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to five states, including Rajasthan and Bihar, seeking details of steps taken in cases of missing persons, including children. With concerns rising over child abduction, the NHRC said it has decided to take suo motu cognisance and examine the status of investigations and follow-up in missing cases, citing recent media reports about delays and slow progress. According to the commission’s statement, Bihar has reported around 12,000 to 14,000 missing persons every year from 2013 to the present, with many cases involving children. It added that only about two-thirds of missing children have been traced so far.

US Navy denies Iran claim of strike on USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman
Politics

US Navy denies Iran claim of strike on USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman

The US Navy has denied Iran’s claim that it carried out a precision strike on the US warship USS Abraham Lincoln near Oman and forced it to withdraw from the area. According to Iranian statements, missiles and drones were used in an attack said to have taken place about 340 km from Iran’s waters, causing damage to the carrier. Iran also claimed it struck and damaged a US naval facility at Mina Salman in Bahrain.

Alagarkoil priests upset as plate offerings moved to hundi
General

Alagarkoil priests upset as plate offerings moved to hundi

At the Pathinettampadi Karuppanaswamy shrine inside the Kallazhagar Temple at Alagarkoil in Madurai district, a new practice has triggered discontent among priests and devotees. Temple staff have been collecting offerings that fall into priests’ plates and depositing them into the shrine’s hundi (donation box). Devotees consider Karuppanaswamy their family deity, and it is customary to offer money on the steps or near the shrine doors as a vow, popularly known as “putting money on the steps.” To streamline collections, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) administration had earlier installed four hundis on both sides in front of the shrine, with the proceeds used for temple development works.

BJP functionary urges Vijay to remove 'immature' voices from his party
Politics

BJP functionary urges Vijay to remove 'immature' voices from his party

A Tamil Nadu BJP functionary, Arjun Moorthy, has written to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, urging him to remove people he described as lacking political maturity from the party. In the letter, Moorthy said Vijay’s political entry created expectations across Tamil Nadu, but argued that the initial enthusiasm must be matched with political understanding, experience and a sense of responsibility. He alleged that some TVK office-bearers—citing Aadhav Arjuna as an example—have been making remarks that are not in keeping with political civility, leading to unnecessary confrontations and a loss of respect. He claimed such comments could also affect the regard people have for Vijay.

Ramadoss turns down Sasikala’s alliance proposal, supporters say
Politics

Ramadoss turns down Sasikala’s alliance proposal, supporters say

PMK founder S. Ramadoss has declined an alliance invitation extended by Sasikala, his supporters said on Friday. According to them, Ramadoss has been unable to join either the AIADMK alliance—citing the presence of PMK leader Anbumani—or the DMK alliance due to opposition from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). In this backdrop, Sasikala, who has launched a party named the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, met Ramadoss on March 11 at his Thailapuram estate near Tindivanam. During the talks, she reportedly proposed forming a front by bringing together smaller parties and, if possible, aligning with TVK.

Thirumavalavan: Rajinikanth not drawn to power or politics
Politics

Thirumavalavan: Rajinikanth not drawn to power or politics

Madurai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said actor Rajinikanth is not someone who can be lured by governance, politics or power. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, he referred to the death of a youth named Akash from Manamadurai while in police custody, and urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take action against the police personnel concerned. He also cited the sexual assault and murder of a school student in Vilathikulam, and said the state government should provide compensation to the victim’s family.

India in talks with Iran to clear 8 LPG tankers stuck near Hormuz
Business

India in talks with Iran to clear 8 LPG tankers stuck near Hormuz

New Delhi: Eight LPG tanker ships headed to India are currently waiting near the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened conflict-related tensions in the region. The disruption has raised concerns over the movement of vessels through the key maritime corridor. The Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iran’s control, is a critical route for global energy trade, with around 20% of the world’s crude oil supply moving through it. Reports said shipping has been affected as Iran has been targeting vessels crossing the route.

Vadivelu says DMK critics have ‘vanished’ at Chennai meeting
Politics

Vadivelu says DMK critics have ‘vanished’ at Chennai meeting

Actor Vadivelu on Thursday addressed a DMK meeting held in Chennai’s Kolathur, where Minister Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor Priya, and film personalities including Nassar also took part. In his speech, Vadivelu said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, though 73, was working with the energy of a much younger person. He claimed that many who had spoken about “destroying” the DMK had since “vanished without a trace.” He also described the DMK as having a long history, comparing it to the Thanjavur temple tower, and said this legacy was why the party continued to stand firm.

CPM says police cannot save DMK rule, seeks double-digit seats
Politics

CPM says police cannot save DMK rule, seeks double-digit seats

CPM targets governance, alliance seat share Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary Shanmugam said the DMK government must build public confidence that those responsible for incidents across Tamil Nadu—including the Manamadurai lock-up death—will face action. Speaking at a CPM meeting in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram district, he said swift action against the police personnel concerned would have prevented prolonged protests. He added that the DMK government cannot be “saved” by the police and that it is people who ultimately sustain an elected government.

Report claims Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in coma, lost a leg
Politics

Report claims Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in coma, lost a leg

Tehran: A report published by the UK newspaper The Sun has claimed that Iran’s newly appointed leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in a coma and has lost a leg following a US airstrike. According to the report, the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran—linked to disputes over the nuclear deal—has entered its second week. It further states that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an aerial attack, after which his son Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, assumed leadership.

UN warns Middle East crisis threatens global peace and security
Politics

UN warns Middle East crisis threatens global peace and security

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the escalating crisis in the Middle East poses a serious threat to international peace and security. In a statement, Guterres said the situation has caused severe suffering for civilians and stressed that reducing tensions through dialogue is the only viable path forward. He urged all parties to halt hostile actions, uphold international law, protect civilians and begin negotiations without delay. The warning comes as the UN Security Council has already adopted a resolution calling on Iran to stop attacks on West Asian countries. The resolution also urged Iran to immediately end all attacks and threats, and remove obstructions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Supreme Court rejects plea to bring Netaji’s ashes from Japan
Politics

Supreme Court rejects plea to bring Netaji’s ashes from Japan

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a direction to the Union government to bring back the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Japan. The plea was filed by Ashish Roy, described as one of Netaji’s great-grandsons. It stated that Netaji’s ashes are kept at Renkoji Temple in Japan and sought an order for their repatriation to India. A Bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant heard the matter. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioner, argued that it would be appropriate for the ashes of a leader who fought for India’s freedom to be brought back to the country.

Netanyahu warns Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei has no “life insurance”
Politics

Netanyahu warns Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei has no “life insurance”

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Iran’s newly chosen ruler, Mojtaba Khamenei, has “no life insurance,” signalling a sharp warning amid escalating tensions. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu claimed that joint US-Israel action against Iran is progressing “better than expected,” and asserted that Israel is stronger than ever. He said the objective of the US and Israel is to help create conditions for the Iranian people to remove what he described as a tyrannical regime. Netanyahu also claimed that Israel is carrying out heavy attacks on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces in streets and at checkpoints, and that operations are continuing.

Ex-Australian PM Tony Abbott praises Modi, rejects 'authoritarian India' claim
Politics

Ex-Australian PM Tony Abbott praises Modi, rejects 'authoritarian India' claim

Canberra: Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has dismissed as “completely wrong” the allegation that India has become an authoritarian country under the BJP government. In a statement on the Raisina Dialogue—India’s annual conference on geopolitics and economics held in New Delhi since 2016—Abbott said the forum is better than Switzerland’s Davos and China’s Boao gatherings. He argued that no politically powerful group dominates the event and it does not function as a platform to praise the host government.

Former Naam Tamilar leader Kaliammal joins AIADMK in EPS presence
Politics

Former Naam Tamilar leader Kaliammal joins AIADMK in EPS presence

Former Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) executive Kaliammal on Thursday (March 13) joined the AIADMK in Chennai in the presence of the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). Kaliammal had earlier served as the state coordinator of NTK’s women’s wing and rose to prominence in a short period. She contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and 2024, and also contested the 2021 Assembly election from the Poompuhar constituency. After the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, she quit NTK following differences of opinion with coordinator Seeman. The report said several parties, including the DMK, AIADMK and TVK, held talks to bring her into their fold, but she stayed away from joining any party for over a year.

Mani Shankar Aiyar says Sonia family avoided him over Tharoor support
Politics

Mani Shankar Aiyar says Sonia family avoided him over Tharoor support

New Delhi: A public exchange has erupted between senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, with both trading letters over foreign policy and ideological positions. Aiyar said he had criticised Tharoor’s remarks made during a TV debate on the ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. In his letter, Aiyar recalled that he voted for Tharoor in the Congress president election and, even after Tharoor’s defeat, argued that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge should give him a “respectable place” and recognise his democratic right to contest.

Sasikala launches new party, announces ‘Coconut Grove’ symbol for polls
Politics

Sasikala launches new party, announces ‘Coconut Grove’ symbol for polls

Sasikala on Thursday announced the name and election symbol of her newly formed political party, and said it will contest the upcoming Assembly election. She made the announcement while speaking to reporters at Poes Garden in Chennai. The party has been named All India Revolutionary Leader People’s Progressive Kazhagam, and its symbol will be Coconut Grove. Sasikala said candidates under her banner would contest in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry using the same symbol.

Annamalai asks CM Stalin to explain crime data on sexual assault cases
Politics

Annamalai asks CM Stalin to explain crime data on sexual assault cases

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has demanded that Chief Minister M K Stalin give a direct explanation to the public regarding murders and sexual assault cases in the state. In a statement, Annamalai referred to a press meet held by senior officials, including the Home Secretary, where the DMK government released statistics on murder and sexual assault-related crimes in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that the figures presented for recent years cannot be trusted, citing an apparent discrepancy in the 2021 murder case count. Annamalai said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021 recorded 1,686 murder cases in Tamil Nadu, while the Home Secretary reportedly stated the number as 1,597.

DMK allots 2 seats to Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi in alliance
Politics

DMK allots 2 seats to Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi in alliance

The DMK has allotted two Assembly constituencies to the Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK) as part of its seat-sharing arrangements for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. According to the announcement, KMDK will contest both seats using the DMK’s “Rising Sun” election symbol. The seat-sharing agreement between the DMK and KMDK was signed on March 13. With the election season gaining momentum, the DMK-led alliance is stated to include 26 parties, and the DMK has been allocating seats to its partners. Earlier allocations mentioned include 28 seats for the Congress, two for the Indian Union Muslim League, two for the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, and four for the MDMK.

Thirumavalavan says Rajinikanth not driven by posts or power
Politics

Thirumavalavan says Rajinikanth not driven by posts or power

VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Friday said actor Rajinikanth is not someone who is deeply invested in posts or political power. His remarks came after a speech by TVK election management general secretary Aadhav Arjuna triggered controversy. In the event, Arjuna claimed Rajinikanth had wanted to emerge as a major leader in Tamil Nadu after MGR and to change the political system, but alleged that threats from the DMK “family” prevented him from entering politics.

Salem VAO arrested for taking Rs 14,000 bribe for patta transfer
Crime

Salem VAO arrested for taking Rs 14,000 bribe for patta transfer

Anti-corruption police in Salem district arrested village administrative officer (VAO) Pakkiyaraj for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 14,000 to facilitate a patta (land record) name transfer. According to officials, the incident is linked to the Mettur taluk. The complainant, Ilangovan, who runs a petrol bunk in Kunjandiyur, alleged that the VAO demanded money to process the patta name change. Unwilling to pay, Ilangovan approached the Salem anti-corruption police and lodged a complaint. Based on their instructions, he later handed over currency notes treated with chemical powder to the VAO.

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking mandatory paid menstrual leave
General

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking mandatory paid menstrual leave

The Supreme Court on March 13 dismissed a writ petition seeking directions to make paid menstrual leave mandatory for women across the country. The petition, filed by advocate Shailendra Tripathi, urged the court to order all states to frame guidelines to provide leave during menstruation for students and working women. A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Jaymalya Bagchi observed that making menstrual leave compulsory could make it harder for women to get jobs, as employers may avoid hiring them, potentially affecting their careers.

Jaishankar speaks to Iran FM again; 4th call in a week amid war
Politics

Jaishankar speaks to Iran FM again; 4th call in a week amid war

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held a fresh telephonic discussion with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, marking their fourth conversation within a week as the war continues to intensify. According to the report, the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran has entered its 14th day, with global voices calling for an end to hostilities even as claims of imminent victory continue to be made by former US President Donald Trump.

Opposition MPs move to seek removal of Chief Election Commissioner
Politics

Opposition MPs move to seek removal of Chief Election Commissioner

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Parties in the INDIA bloc, including the Congress, DMK and Samajwadi Party, alleged that the CEC acted in favour of the ruling BJP. They also claimed that many eligible voters were removed in opposition-ruled states under the guise of a “special intensive revision” of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also backed the demand for his removal.

4 US troops killed as KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq
General

4 US troops killed as KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Baghdad: A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing four personnel, according to the US military. The aircraft, identified as a KC-135, was conducting an in-air refuelling operation for a fighter jet when it lost contact. The tanker had six people on board. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately. Officials said four were found dead, while two were rescued. The US military clarified that the aircraft was not shot down. The fighter jet involved in the refuelling mission landed safely at a designated location.

India-US mineral deal in final stage; announcement expected soon
Politics

India-US mineral deal in final stage; announcement expected soon

India and the United States are in the final stages of concluding a significant minerals agreement, according to India’s Ambassador to the US, Sergio Gor. Speaking at a conference hosted by an English news channel, Gor said the bilateral relationship is poised to reach a “historic” level of progress, and that an important announcement could be made in the coming months. He noted that the two countries have already seen a series of notable advances that demonstrate momentum and strength in ties.

Minister Raghupathi denies DMK threatened Rajinikanth
Politics

Minister Raghupathi denies DMK threatened Rajinikanth

PUDUKKOTTAI: Tamil Nadu minister S. Raghupathi has rejected allegations that the DMK threatened actor Rajinikanth, calling the charge “a blatant lie” in an interview. Raghupathi said Rajinikanth is not someone who can be intimidated and would not yield to threats. He alleged that such claims, if raised by members linked to actor Vijay’s party, could be aimed at political gain, adding that Rajinikanth is a friend of the DMK. Recalling the 1996 period, the minister said Rajinikanth had voiced support for the DMK to come to power and remains a respected friend. He urged critics not to make allegations against either Rajinikanth or the DMK.

Sattaimuni Siddhar’s Miracle at Srirangam, Says Spiritual Tale
General

Sattaimuni Siddhar’s Miracle at Srirangam, Says Spiritual Tale

Narada tells Parvati he is amazed that Shaivism and Vaishnavism appear to unite in stories centered on Siddhars, and asks about the episode in which Ranganathar’s ornaments came into Sattaimuni’s hands. Parvati says Bharat is a sacred land where both traditions have flourished, and that Siddhars played a notable role in nurturing them. She begins narrating how Sattaimuni, drawn to spirituality, travelled from Kailash to Srirangam to worship Ranganathar. By the time he reached the temple, the daily rituals were over and the night closure had been done. Standing outside in distress, he raised his hands and prayed aloud. The tale says the temple doors opened on their own, lamps shone brightly, and the sounds of instruments and bells filled the air as Ranganathar appeared at the entrance adorned with garlands and ornaments. Overwhelmed, Sattaimuni fainted at the deity’s feet.

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