Here are the big stories from Tamil Nadu today
The Hindu
After coming under strong criticism for having distributed substandard products in Pongal gift hampe
After coming under strong criticism for having distributed substandard products in Pongal gift hampers that contained jaggery, dhoti, sari during Pongal this year, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to do away with gift hampers during Pongal next year.
Instead, the ration card holders and inmates of Sri Lankan Rehabilitation camps are to be distributed ₹1,000 in cash and one kilogram of rice and sugar, said an official statement.
The distribution of the Pongal incentive is to begin across the State on January 2, 2023.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached 45 acres of land worth ₹55 crore in Coimbatore allegedly held in the name of a “benami” company of Nilgiris MP and former Union Telecom Minister A. Raja
According to the ED, Mr. Raja — during his tenure as the Union Minister of Environment and Forests from 2004 to 2007 — had granted environmental clearances to a real-estate company, based out of Gurugram.
ED has found that the real-estate company has given kickback to A. Raja as quid pro quo for awarding the environmental clearance in 2007, in the garb of land commission income in the hands of one ‘benami’ company of A. Raja
Five persons - four workers attached to the Industrial Cooperative Service Society (Indcoserve) of NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) and an employee - were injured in a fire mishap at Unit II of Neyveli New Thermal Power Station in Neyveli of Cuddalore district on Thursday. The condition of one of the workers is said to be critical.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.
Transport Minister flags off private and KSRTC buses from Goshree islands to Kochi city, improving public transportation.
TSPSC clarifies Group-I Mains exam evaluation process, releases key statistics, and addresses misinformation, ensuring fairness and transparency.