No political motive: Minister

Union Minister of State for Finance Palani Manickam today denied any political motive behind the income tax raid which was conducted recently on the premises of DMDK leader Vijayakanth and his relatives (along with many other private college promoters).

Two killed in road mishaps

Two persons were killed in two different road accidents here. Police said one Sridhar in his motorcycle was travelling towards Uthiramerur and fell down when the tyre burst. He received serious head injuries and died without responding to treatment.

AIADMK members in 'black' walk out

It was black all the way for opposition AIADMK and its ally MDMK as they attended the Assembly today wearing black outfits. Men came in black shirts while women in black sarees.  This was to press for the demand seeking resignation of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Local Administration Minister M K Stalin owning responsibility for the violence during the Chennai Corporation polls.

LTTE connection uncovered

It is learnt that three persons of the nine arrested in connection with the supply of spare parts, used in manufacturing arms, to the LTTE, belong to the movement. The gang had received Rs 8 lakh as payment for the supply from the Liberation Tigers.

Factionalism & TNCC go together again

Factionalism in the Tamilnadu Congress Committee is not news, because it is something refuses to die. Today, it reared its ugly head again, in the presence of senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily. Tension prevailed at the Congress party headquarters here with the supporters of TNCC president M Krishnaswamy and Union Minister G K Vasan clashing in the presence of Moily.

'TN to pull out from talks with Kerala'

Tamilnadu government has conveyed to the Centre  its decision to  quit the talks with Kerala on Mullai Periyar issue.

Chemical spill, public affected

Tension prevailed at Thirumangalam here today after motorists and pedestrians suffered from signs of dizziness and watering of eyes when toxic fumes emanated from a chemical that had spilt from a lorry.

Mayor's resignation accepted by Council

Amidst intense anxiety and apprehensions, the emergency Chennai Corporation Council meet which convened today under Deputy Mayor Satyabhama, accepted the resignation of Mayor M Subramanian by a voice vote. 

Reduce excise duty on diesel: MK to PM

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today shot a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh seeking the Centre to consider reduction of excise duty  on diesel by a minimum of Rs one per litre to help reduce the spiralling of prices of essential commodities.

Why not India's villages? - II

When a general debate on a second reading of the Draft Constitution for India took place in the Constituent Assembly from 4 to 9 November, 1948, many members raised strong objection against the proposed Draft stating that no part of it represented the ancient polity of the country, writes V Sundaram.

A slow walk to save Olive Ridley

An unstoppable journey for nesting, which has been carrying on for over millions of year now by Olive Ridley turtles on the shores of Orissa, Chennai and some other parts of the country, has begun. The nesting season follows the North-East monsoon and falls between the months of December and March, writes C P Sajit.

Check pollution, say residents in Pondy

With pollution increasing because of burning garbage, residents in the Union Territory have urged the Pollution Control Board to take immediate steps in this regard in association with police and local administration departments, reports A V Veeraraghavan.

Excelling in a tough job

The melodious and soulful notes of Rajendran's nadhaswaram waft through the silent precincts of the Kesava Perumal temple, Chitrakulam (Mylapore), on a cool morning. Every day devotees hear him playing for the deities between 6.30 and 9.30 a.m.