The Tamil Nadu political scene has been ablaze with the ongoing dispute between the ruling DMK and Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the 3 language policy in the National Education Policy (NEP). The DMK has accused the centre of withholding funds from the state as a punishment for not accepting the policy, while M K Stalin has reprimanded Pradhan for his comment calling DMK MPs "uncivilised". Amidst the heated debate, renowned music maestro Ilaiyaraaja has returned to the state after successfully performing his western classical symphony "Valiant" in London, marking a significant achievement for Indian music on a global platform.
The Delhi High Court has directed Karma News, a Kerala-based news channel, to remove an article published in relation to the "Cutting South 2023" event. The article accused media outlet Newslaundry and other organizers of corruption and distorting the map of India. This article was published after a judicial order had already been passed in July 2023, prohibiting any direct or indirect references to the dispute. The event in question, Cutting South, was held in Kochi in March 2023 and was partnered by Newslaundry, Confluence Media and The News Minute. In 2023, a defamation suit was filed against Karma News for launching a misinformation campaign about the event and its organizers.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has accused the Thackeray-led faction of the party of aligning itself with groups that were behind the recent violence in Nagpur. He also alleged that the party was drifting toward an "anti-Hindu" stance and demanded strict action against those involved. While Nirupam pushed for immediate action, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged caution and stated that investigations were ongoing to establish any foreign links to the violence. The violence in Nagpur erupted on 17 March following rumors of a religious inscription being burned and left 92 people arrested so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses concerns that he avoids criticism and instead advocates for embracing it in a recent podcast discussion. He stresses the importance of genuine criticism in improving quickly and working democratically, but notes that many often look for shortcuts and avoid proper research. Modi also acknowledges the role media plays in sensationalizing headlines, and clarifies the difference between genuine criticism and baseless allegations. Despite facing false accusations, he remains focused on serving his country with dedication.
Shiv Sena leaders of the Eknath Shinde faction are up in arms after comedian Kunal Kamra made a dig at Shinde in a recent stand-up comedy act. The politician's party workers have vandalized the hotel where the performance took place and have also threatened Kamra with "dire consequences." Other members of the party have also taken to social media to issue warnings and threats against the comedian. Fearing for his safety, Kamra has deleted the video and the police have registered an FIR against him.
The Rajasthan High Court has issued a contempt notice to Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) for not granting an annual affiliation to a college in violation of a previous court order. The court observed that this action was a form of harassment against the college, with no valid reason. The petitioner argued that due to this inaction, they had to face losses as 5 seats were left vacant. The court has directed the Registrar of RUHS to show cause as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a wide-reaching campaign to involve citizens in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 survey. The effort aims to maintain the city's high ranking in cleanliness by encouraging residents to provide feedback through a dedicated portal. Special teams are deployed to gather responses and raise awareness through various means, including visiting educational institutions and public places during weekends. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has appealed to citizens to actively participate and support the initiative.
As the nation observes Shaheed Diwas on March 23, we honor the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed by the British in 1931. Their bravery and patriotism continue to inspire generations and their sacrifices played a significant role in India's fight for independence. Let us pay tribute to these heroes on Shaheed Diwas and remember their valiant efforts towards our freedom.
Opposition leaders and chief ministers from opposition-governed states met in Chennai to protest against the proposed delimitation exercise by the Centre. They expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and consultation in the exercise and argued that states should not be penalised for effectively controlling population. A core committee will be formed to counter any attempts to carry out the exercise against the principles.
Tamil Nadu's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan criticizes Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Joint Action Council (JAC) meeting as an attempt to deflect attention from the DMK government's corruption. The BJP staged a black flag protest against the meeting, highlighting issues such as water-sharing disputes and accusing the DMK of divisive politics. Despite the meeting's participation of several state leaders, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, West Bengal's ruling party TMC did not send a representative. This meeting is part of Stalin's efforts to unite political parties against the proposed delimitation exercise, which the DMK and its allies argue would unfairly reduce political representation for southern and eastern states.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, along with CMs of Kerala, Telangana, Punjab and others, has called for a JAC meeting on delimitation in Chennai. While addressing the leaders, Stalin clarifies that the protest is not against delimitation itself, but aims to ensure fair representation for states that have successfully controlled population growth. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin further stresses on the need to reward states for their efforts in achieving stable population growth, rather than penalising them with a decrease in political representation.