Hymns, special prayers, and a message of inclusivity marked Christmas as Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended prayers at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. Modi, who has followed this tradition for years, reached out to the Christian community, extending Christmas greetings later at an event commemorating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. In Kerala, the BJP celebrated Christmas at its Thiruvananthapuram headquarters. However, festivities were marred elsewhere by disruptions from right-wing groups. In Chhattisgarh’s Raipur, a Christmas bash was vandalised. In Assam’s Nalbari, school decorations were set on fire, while in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, protests were held outside a church. In Kerala’s Palakkad, a carol programme by school children was targeted, triggering political sparring. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incidents, while Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin questioned the contradiction between the Prime Minister’s outreach and ground-level violence. Church leaders also voiced concern, warning that such incidents cast a shadow over Christmas celebrations nationwide.
With the Tamil Nadu elections approaching, political activity in the state is gathering pace, and all eyes are on actor-turned-politician Vijay. Adding star power to his campaign, several prominent Kannada film personalities have publicly expressed their support. Actor Kichcha Sudeepa hailed Vijay as a visionary leader, while veteran actor and filmmaker Shiva Rajkumar pledged his backing and assistance. As Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, positions itself as an alternative political force, large crowds at public events reflect his growing mass appeal. However, as celebrity endorsements draw attention and enthusiasm, the key question remains whether this stardom and fanfare will ultimately translate into votes at the ballot box.
Tension flared at the Thiruparankundram Hill shrine in Madurai during Karthigai Deepam celebrations, as protesters clashed with police after being stopped from lighting the traditional lamp at the ancient deepathoon. Citing court orders, demonstrators accused authorities of double standards, alleging that rituals and a chariot procession were allowed at the adjoining Sikandar Dargah while the Deepam was blocked. The standoff led to late-night drama, sparking a political war of words between the DMK government led by M. K. Stalin and the opposition NDA. The Madras High Court had earlier permitted the ritual, a decision later challenged by the state over law-and-order concerns.
Tamil Nadu’s economy is on a roll, clocking 16% GSDP growth to reach Rs 31.19 lakh crore in 2024-25. In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV’s Anagha Keshav, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu credits a surging manufacturing engine and fiscal management for the jump. With over 40,000 industrial units employing 27.7 lakh people, TN has outpaced even Maharashtra in incremental manufacturing growth over the past four years. The state is also riding a construction and services boom, while targeting a one-trillion-dollar economy powered by exports and big-ticket investments worth over Rs 11.4 lakh crore through 1,016 MoUs.
The Madurai Deepam controversy has erupted into a rare political-judicial confrontation in Tamil Nadu. What began as a religious dispute now pits the ruling DMK against High Court Judge GR Swaminathan. Backed by 120 INDI bloc MPs, the DMK has submitted an impeachment motion alleging bias, political leanings, and preferential treatment. The BJP has hit back, calling the move “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Constitution”. The flashpoint: the judge’s order to light the Deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill, opposed by the Dargah management and not implemented by the state government. As accusations fly, and leaders like MK Stalin respond sharply, this showdown sets the stage for high-stakes politics ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.
The Tamil Nadu-based firm reported a net profit of Rs 58.51 crore in Q2 FY26, reversing a loss of Rs 17.45 crore in the same quarter a year ago.
The Kudankulam plant is being developed with six VVER-1000 reactors, which will together have an installed capacity of 6,000 MW.
Sophisticated people think prohibition would never work, but imperfect prohibition is better than the social ruin alcohol is causing, says Sridhar Vembu
The Centre has initiated a symbolic yet politically charged shift by renaming Raj Bhavans across India as Lok Bhavans, signalling a move from colonial-era terminology to people-centric governance. States like Kerala, West Bengal and Leh have already installed new Lok Bhavan boards at their Governor residences. But the change has triggered a sharp political backlash. TMC leaders and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin call it mere symbolism that ignores real issues. The renaming aligns with the Centre’s broader ideological push seen earlier in Kartavya Path, Lok Kalyan Marg, Seva Teerth and more. As Prime Minister Modi urges India to shed its “colonial hangover,” the debate on names and narratives intensifies.
Cyclone Ditwah, after battering Sri Lanka, has now hit the northern coastal belt of Tamil Nadu, bringing heavy rain and strong winds along the way. On Wednesday, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai witnessed intense rainfall — up to 220 mm in parts. From Marina Beach, the visuals are stark — intermittent showers early in the day have now turned into heavy, persistent rain. Though the system has begun weakening, authorities are not taking chances. Tourists and residents have been advised to stay indoors, especially those near the coastline. Chief Minister’s teams have been on the ground for rescue operations. The NDRF is fully mobilised with inflatable rescue boats, motors, life jackets, ropes and sliffer dogs trained to detect survivors in collapsed structures — a crucial precaution amid continuous rainfall. Shelters, food camps and emergency measures are active in Puducherry and Karaikal.
Government's efforts to boost returns on investment - including corporate tax cuts and subsidies - have not overcome the deeper structural concerns, says former CEA Arvind Subramanian





