April 2, 2026

A Russian oil tanker chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) arrived off the Indian coast on Sunday, underscoring ongoing concerns over global energy supplies amid escalating tensions in Middle East. The vessel, MT Aqua Titan, is currently anchored around 10 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru in the Arabian Sea, having been expected a day earlier.The arrival comes as international energy markets remain volatile, with supply chains disrupted by the intensifying conflict in the region, now in its fourth week. Key maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, continue to face uncertainty, affecting the steady flow of crude oil and liquefied gas.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityWatch: Missile strike rocks Israel’s ‘Little India’ as Iran attack injures over 40; videos show chaosOver 100 injured in Israel amid Iran’s missile attack; Netanyahu calls it ‘difficult evening in battle for future’ Watch First China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions Waiver Earlier today, a cargo ship transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Texas in the United States docked at New Mangalore Port, further boosting India’s energy imports. In a move aimed at facilitating smoother operations, the Shipping Ministry recently announced a waiver of cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG shipments at the port between 14 and 31 March. Officials have also confirmed that there is currently no congestion at any Indian port.Providing an operational update, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Shipping Ministry, stated that all 22 Indian vessels and 611 sailors operating in the Persian Gulf region remain safe. He added that authorities are closely monitoring developments and have reported no maritime incidents in the past 24 hours.Meanwhile, India’s broader energy logistics continue to adapt to the evolving situation. The Indian-flagged tanker *Jag Laadki* recently reached Mundra port in Gujarat, while LPG carriers *MT Shivalik* and *MT Nanda Devi* safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, delivering over 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG.Domestically, officials have sought to reassure the public over fuel availability. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reported a significant drop in panic LPG bookings, with 5.5 million recorded on Thursday, indicating stabilising consumer sentiment. Authorities maintain that adequate stock levels are available nationwide, despite rising concerns and a reported 25 per cent increase in industrial diesel prices.Elsewhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution of critical energy resources across the country.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Was Tortured’: Wife Of Deceased PWC Official Seeks Bhullar’s Arrest Before Post-MortemSanjay Raut Fires ‘Jhola Uthaiye’ Salvo At Narendra Modi Over inflation, Rupee CrashFirst China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions WaiverNarendra Modi Reviews Energy Security As Middle East Crisis Deepens8931 Days In Office: PM Modi Becomes Longest-Serving Head Of Govt Overtaking Pawan Kumar Chamling‘Zelenskyy Regime Core Exporter Of Instability’: Russia Reacts To NIA Arrest Of Ukrainians In India‘Selective Narrative’: 275 Ex-Officials, Judges Slam USCIRF Over ‘Disturbing’ Report On IndiaLPG Tanker ‘Pyxis Pioneer’ With Over 47,000 Tonnes Of Fuel From US Arrives At New Mangalore PortSeveral Injured In Dimona As Iranian Missile Hits Israel’s ‘Little India’; Videos Show ChaosJaishankar Speaks To Iran FM Araghchi, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Strait Of Hormuz Situation123PhotostoriesTV friendships that defined a generation: From ‘Friends’ to ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ the bonds we never got overTOISA 2025 winner list (part 1): Mithali Raj, Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, and more win bigConstant urge to pee but little output? A urologist explains what your body might be telling you5 factors to consider before investing in real estate5 common marriage mistakes that are major causes of divorce around the worldTOISA 2025 celebrates India’s sporting excellence with Smriti Mandhana and Samrat Rana leading the honoursCan’t stop overthinking conversations before bed? What your brain is doing and how to break the cycleWho is Leena Nair? From Kolhapur to leading Chanel’s Rs 360 crore empireCoco, Julian, Marina and more: Meet the kids of the ‘Friends’ castInside Azim Premji’s ₹350 crore minimalist home in Bengaluru123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingBihar board result 2026Air India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
A Russian oil tanker chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) arrived off the Indian coast on Sunday, underscoring ongoing concerns over global energy supplies amid escalating tensions in Middle East. The vessel, MT Aqua Titan, is currently anchored around 10 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru in the Arabian Sea, having been expected a day earlier.The arrival comes as international energy markets remain volatile, with supply chains disrupted by the intensifying conflict in the region, now in its fourth week. Key maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, continue to face uncertainty, affecting the steady flow of crude oil and liquefied gas.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityWatch: Missile strike rocks Israel’s ‘Little India’ as Iran attack injures over 40; videos show chaosOver 100 injured in Israel amid Iran’s missile attack; Netanyahu calls it ‘difficult evening in battle for future’ Watch First China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions Waiver Earlier today, a cargo ship transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Texas in the United States docked at New Mangalore Port, further boosting India’s energy imports. In a move aimed at facilitating smoother operations, the Shipping Ministry recently announced a waiver of cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG shipments at the port between 14 and 31 March. Officials have also confirmed that there is currently no congestion at any Indian port.Providing an operational update, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Shipping Ministry, stated that all 22 Indian vessels and 611 sailors operating in the Persian Gulf region remain safe. He added that authorities are closely monitoring developments and have reported no maritime incidents in the past 24 hours.Meanwhile, India’s broader energy logistics continue to adapt to the evolving situation. The Indian-flagged tanker *Jag Laadki* recently reached Mundra port in Gujarat, while LPG carriers *MT Shivalik* and *MT Nanda Devi* safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, delivering over 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG.Domestically, officials have sought to reassure the public over fuel availability. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reported a significant drop in panic LPG bookings, with 5.5 million recorded on Thursday, indicating stabilising consumer sentiment. Authorities maintain that adequate stock levels are available nationwide, despite rising concerns and a reported 25 per cent increase in industrial diesel prices.Elsewhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution of critical energy resources across the country.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Was Tortured’: Wife Of Deceased PWC Official Seeks Bhullar’s Arrest Before Post-MortemSanjay Raut Fires ‘Jhola Uthaiye’ Salvo At Narendra Modi Over inflation, Rupee CrashFirst China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions WaiverNarendra Modi Reviews Energy Security As Middle East Crisis Deepens8931 Days In Office: PM Modi Becomes Longest-Serving Head Of Govt Overtaking Pawan Kumar Chamling‘Zelenskyy Regime Core Exporter Of Instability’: Russia Reacts To NIA Arrest Of Ukrainians In India‘Selective Narrative’: 275 Ex-Officials, Judges Slam USCIRF Over ‘Disturbing’ Report On IndiaLPG Tanker ‘Pyxis Pioneer’ With Over 47,000 Tonnes Of Fuel From US Arrives At New Mangalore PortSeveral Injured In Dimona As Iranian Missile Hits Israel’s ‘Little India’; Videos Show ChaosJaishankar Speaks To Iran FM Araghchi, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Strait Of Hormuz Situation123PhotostoriesTV friendships that defined a generation: From ‘Friends’ to ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ the bonds we never got overTOISA 2025 winner list (part 1): Mithali Raj, Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, and more win bigConstant urge to pee but little output? A urologist explains what your body might be telling you5 factors to consider before investing in real estate5 common marriage mistakes that are major causes of divorce around the worldTOISA 2025 celebrates India’s sporting excellence with Smriti Mandhana and Samrat Rana leading the honoursCan’t stop overthinking conversations before bed? What your brain is doing and how to break the cycleWho is Leena Nair? From Kolhapur to leading Chanel’s Rs 360 crore empireCoco, Julian, Marina and more: Meet the kids of the ‘Friends’ castInside Azim Premji’s ₹350 crore minimalist home in Bengaluru123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingBihar board result 2026Air India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike


First China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions Waiver

A Russian oil tanker chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) arrived off the Indian coast on Sunday, underscoring ongoing concerns over global energy supplies amid escalating tensions in Middle East. The vessel, MT Aqua Titan, is currently anchored around 10 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru in the Arabian Sea, having been expected a day earlier.The arrival comes as international energy markets remain volatile, with supply chains disrupted by the intensifying conflict in the region, now in its fourth week. Key maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, continue to face uncertainty, affecting the steady flow of crude oil and liquefied gas.

Watch

First China-Bound Russian Oil Tanker Reaches India After US Sanctions Waiver

Earlier today, a cargo ship transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Texas in the United States docked at New Mangalore Port, further boosting India’s energy imports. In a move aimed at facilitating smoother operations, the Shipping Ministry recently announced a waiver of cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG shipments at the port between 14 and 31 March. Officials have also confirmed that there is currently no congestion at any Indian port.Providing an operational update, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Shipping Ministry, stated that all 22 Indian vessels and 611 sailors operating in the Persian Gulf region remain safe. He added that authorities are closely monitoring developments and have reported no maritime incidents in the past 24 hours.Meanwhile, India’s broader energy logistics continue to adapt to the evolving situation. The Indian-flagged tanker *Jag Laadki* recently reached Mundra port in Gujarat, while LPG carriers *MT Shivalik* and *MT Nanda Devi* safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, delivering over 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG.Domestically, officials have sought to reassure the public over fuel availability. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reported a significant drop in panic LPG bookings, with 5.5 million recorded on Thursday, indicating stabilising consumer sentiment. Authorities maintain that adequate stock levels are available nationwide, despite rising concerns and a reported 25 per cent increase in industrial diesel prices.Elsewhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution of critical energy resources across the country.



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Image: IANS The Election Commission on Thursday transferred the probe into the gherao of judicial officers dealing with cases related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal’s Malda to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).A spokesperson for the poll body said an NIA team is expected to arrive in the poll-bound state on Friday to begin the probe.”…In this regard, I am directed to request that the necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted and a preliminary inquiry report be submitted directly to the Hon’ble court as per the above directions,” the EC said told the NIA DG through a letter. The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised the West Bengal administration for its “complete failure” and inaction over the “deplorable” gherao and attack on seven judicial officers in Malda district during the electoral rolls revision drive.The court directed that the incident be investigated by either the CBI or the NIA and also ordered the deployment of central forces in the state.The strong response followed reports that the officers, including three women, were detained in Malda by a group of voters whose names had been removed from the electoral rolls.The court observed that it was incumbent upon the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to inform the Election Commission and seek the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of the judicial officers. It also permitted the Election Commission to request either a CBI or NIA probe into the incident.The incident occurred during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded and held hostage for several hours by protesters.Officials said the protest began outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office when a group of people demanded a meeting with the officers. After they were denied entry, the crowd began demonstrating around 4.00 pm and later blocked the premises, with the protest continuing late into the night.Following the incident, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to engineer the cancellation of the West Bengal polls and impose President’s rule in the state. Addressing a rally in Sagardighi, she also criticised the Election Commission for failing to maintain law and order.Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.In the 2021 Assembly elections, held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress won 213 seats in a decisive victory over the BJP, which secured 77 seats. The Congress and the Left Front did not win any seats in that election.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. 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Image: IANS The Election Commission on Thursday transferred the probe into the gherao of judicial officers dealing with cases related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal’s Malda to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).A spokesperson for the poll body said an NIA team is expected to arrive in the poll-bound state on Friday to begin the probe.”…In this regard, I am directed to request that the necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted and a preliminary inquiry report be submitted directly to the Hon’ble court as per the above directions,” the EC said told the NIA DG through a letter. The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised the West Bengal administration for its “complete failure” and inaction over the “deplorable” gherao and attack on seven judicial officers in Malda district during the electoral rolls revision drive.The court directed that the incident be investigated by either the CBI or the NIA and also ordered the deployment of central forces in the state.The strong response followed reports that the officers, including three women, were detained in Malda by a group of voters whose names had been removed from the electoral rolls.The court observed that it was incumbent upon the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to inform the Election Commission and seek the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of the judicial officers. It also permitted the Election Commission to request either a CBI or NIA probe into the incident.The incident occurred during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded and held hostage for several hours by protesters.Officials said the protest began outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office when a group of people demanded a meeting with the officers. After they were denied entry, the crowd began demonstrating around 4.00 pm and later blocked the premises, with the protest continuing late into the night.Following the incident, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to engineer the cancellation of the West Bengal polls and impose President’s rule in the state. Addressing a rally in Sagardighi, she also criticised the Election Commission for failing to maintain law and order.Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.In the 2021 Assembly elections, held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress won 213 seats in a decisive victory over the BJP, which secured 77 seats. The Congress and the Left Front did not win any seats in that election.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. 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Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: Politics in India seems to be in an era of freebies, where every party offers cash doles or concessions ahead of elections. Last year, the NDA offered Rs 10,000 to over 75 lakh women in Bihar just before the polls, which helped the alliance to achieve an overwhelming majority.Riding this trend, AIADMK and DMK have also placed their bets ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In what the DMK calls the single largest financial aid extended to women in the state’s history, the government credited Rs 5,000 last month to 1.31 crore women under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’.Meanwhile, AIADMK’s manifesto promises Rs 2,000 per month under the ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’ for all ration cardholders, to be deposited directly into the bank accounts of female heads of households. The party also pledged a “free refrigerator” for every rice ration-card holder if it returns to power.Interestingly, this is not the first time parties have tried to lure voters with pre-poll gifts. Welfare politics in Tamil Nadu dates back to the Dravidian movement, which framed the state as an active instrument of social justice.Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor? Chief minister from Congress K Kamraj can be seen as a pioneer of populist schemes in the state. He introduced Midday meal scheme along with free school uniforms for students.The scheme – designed to address malnutrition and encourage low-income families to send their children to school – significantly increased school enrolment and attendance, reducing dropout rates.Three seers of rice for Re 1In 1967, CN Annadurai promised three seers of rice for Re 1 through the state public distribution system (PDS). Though the scheme proved expensive and difficult for the government to sustain.After winning elections, Annadurai became the chief minister and implemented the scheme for sometime in a few pockets but later scrapped it owing to the financial burden. However, the move establsihed welfare as a political tool still used today.Noon meal scheme experimentAIADMK founder MG Ramachandran became chief minister in 1977 and extended welfare measures to improve school participation. The landmark noon meal scheme of 1982, later expanded, became one of the largest such programs globally, significantly boosting enrolment among children from poorer families.Subsequent governments led by M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa built on this model, adding benefits like free uniforms, footwear, and educational support.By the late 1980s and 1990s, welfare schemes also included consumer goods, reaching a turning point in 2006 when the DMK promised free colour TVs, rice at Rs 2 per kg, cooking gas connections, free electricity, and loan waivers for farmers and weavers. The TV scheme alone costs around Rs 3,600 crore and reached nearly 45 lakh households.Jayalalitha’s Amma canteen schemeIn 2011, promises escalated into a bidding war. DMK offered a mixer or grinder, AIADMK promised both; when free laptops were proposed for college students, Jayalalithaa extended it to high school students. Additional offerings included uniforms, footwear, 20 kg of free rice per month, and free cable TV.After returning to power, Jayalalithaa expanded welfare further, distributing mixers, grinders, fans, laptops, textbooks, goats and cows for rural households, gold for mangalsutras, subsidised scooters, and free electricity up to a set limit.Jayalalitha’s government also launched the Amma Canteen scheme in 2013. These canteens were designed to provide nutritious, hygienic food at heavily discounted prices to the urban poor, daily wage labourers, and students. Despite political changes in the state, the canteens have largely continued to operate due to their immense popularity and the essential service they provide to the working class.By 2016, the DMK promised milk at Rs 7 per litre, while AIADMK countered with farm loan waivers, 100 units of free electricity, two-wheeler subsidies for women, and gold for brides-to-be.Evolution of the social service schemesNow, the social justice schemes seem to shift toward cash transfers and universal benefits. The DMK’s free bus travel for women, introduced in 2021, saw 4–5 crore trips monthly, improving mobility for low-income women.AIADMK now proposes extending such benefits to men and offering Rs 2,000 per month to female household heads.The fiscal question, however, cannot be ignored. Tamil Nadu is not a poor state, but it cannot perform fiscal magic. The state has long defended borrowing as productive and growth-linked—a rationale that can more easily support schemes like subsidised breakfast and bus travel than promises such as a refrigerator for every ration-card holder.Such schemes carry substantial fiscal implications. Reportedly, the monthly cash transfer alone could cost around Rs 36,000 crore annually, while Tamil Nadu’s total welfare expenditure already ranges between Rs 45,000–50,000 crore per year. The state’s outstanding debt exceeds Rs 8 lakh crore, with annual interest payments of roughly Rs 40,000 crore.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 for all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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NEW DELHI: Politics in India seems to be in an era of freebies, where every party offers cash doles or concessions ahead of elections. Last year, the NDA offered Rs 10,000 to over 75 lakh women in Bihar just before the polls, which helped the alliance to achieve an overwhelming majority.Riding this trend, AIADMK and DMK have also placed their bets ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In what the DMK calls the single largest financial aid extended to women in the state’s history, the government credited Rs 5,000 last month to 1.31 crore women under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’.Meanwhile, AIADMK’s manifesto promises Rs 2,000 per month under the ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’ for all ration cardholders, to be deposited directly into the bank accounts of female heads of households. The party also pledged a “free refrigerator” for every rice ration-card holder if it returns to power.Interestingly, this is not the first time parties have tried to lure voters with pre-poll gifts. Welfare politics in Tamil Nadu dates back to the Dravidian movement, which framed the state as an active instrument of social justice.Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor? Chief minister from Congress K Kamraj can be seen as a pioneer of populist schemes in the state. He introduced Midday meal scheme along with free school uniforms for students.The scheme – designed to address malnutrition and encourage low-income families to send their children to school – significantly increased school enrolment and attendance, reducing dropout rates.Three seers of rice for Re 1In 1967, CN Annadurai promised three seers of rice for Re 1 through the state public distribution system (PDS). Though the scheme proved expensive and difficult for the government to sustain.After winning elections, Annadurai became the chief minister and implemented the scheme for sometime in a few pockets but later scrapped it owing to the financial burden. However, the move establsihed welfare as a political tool still used today.Noon meal scheme experimentAIADMK founder MG Ramachandran became chief minister in 1977 and extended welfare measures to improve school participation. The landmark noon meal scheme of 1982, later expanded, became one of the largest such programs globally, significantly boosting enrolment among children from poorer families.Subsequent governments led by M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa built on this model, adding benefits like free uniforms, footwear, and educational support.By the late 1980s and 1990s, welfare schemes also included consumer goods, reaching a turning point in 2006 when the DMK promised free colour TVs, rice at Rs 2 per kg, cooking gas connections, free electricity, and loan waivers for farmers and weavers. The TV scheme alone costs around Rs 3,600 crore and reached nearly 45 lakh households.Jayalalitha’s Amma canteen schemeIn 2011, promises escalated into a bidding war. DMK offered a mixer or grinder, AIADMK promised both; when free laptops were proposed for college students, Jayalalithaa extended it to high school students. Additional offerings included uniforms, footwear, 20 kg of free rice per month, and free cable TV.After returning to power, Jayalalithaa expanded welfare further, distributing mixers, grinders, fans, laptops, textbooks, goats and cows for rural households, gold for mangalsutras, subsidised scooters, and free electricity up to a set limit.Jayalalitha’s government also launched the Amma Canteen scheme in 2013. These canteens were designed to provide nutritious, hygienic food at heavily discounted prices to the urban poor, daily wage labourers, and students. Despite political changes in the state, the canteens have largely continued to operate due to their immense popularity and the essential service they provide to the working class.By 2016, the DMK promised milk at Rs 7 per litre, while AIADMK countered with farm loan waivers, 100 units of free electricity, two-wheeler subsidies for women, and gold for brides-to-be.Evolution of the social service schemesNow, the social justice schemes seem to shift toward cash transfers and universal benefits. The DMK’s free bus travel for women, introduced in 2021, saw 4–5 crore trips monthly, improving mobility for low-income women.AIADMK now proposes extending such benefits to men and offering Rs 2,000 per month to female household heads.The fiscal question, however, cannot be ignored. Tamil Nadu is not a poor state, but it cannot perform fiscal magic. The state has long defended borrowing as productive and growth-linked—a rationale that can more easily support schemes like subsidised breakfast and bus travel than promises such as a refrigerator for every ration-card holder.Such schemes carry substantial fiscal implications. Reportedly, the monthly cash transfer alone could cost around Rs 36,000 crore annually, while Tamil Nadu’s total welfare expenditure already ranges between Rs 45,000–50,000 crore per year. The state’s outstanding debt exceeds Rs 8 lakh crore, with annual interest payments of roughly Rs 40,000 crore.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 for all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. 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Raghav Chadha (File photo) NEW DELHI: AAP leader Raghav Chadha made a cryptic statement after his removal as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.Sharing a video highlights of his speeches in the upper House, Chadha responded on X with an “Nazar (evil) amulet”. He did not say anything else on social media on the matter or share any words publiclyThis came as rumours became strife on the internal rift between Raghav Chadha and the AAP high command after the party on Thursday replaced him with Ashok Mittal as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, AAP requested that Chadha not be allotted speaking time from the party’s quota in the Upper House. Watch Joint Tax Filing To Zero Penalties: AAP MP Raghav Chadha Pushes Big Relief For Common Indians According to reports, Chadha was sidelined over alleged indiscipline and for not strictly adhering to the party line. Notably, Chadha remained silent following the recent discharge of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the liquor excise policy-linked money laundering case. He was also absent from the party office when Kejriwal later addressed a press conference.Read more: Raghav Chadha sidelined? AAP’s Rajya Sabha shuffle triggers rumours; what went wrongEarlier, during Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with the liquor policy case ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chadha did not issue any statement, citing recovery from eye surgery in the UK.Meanwhile, the new deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Ashok Mittal, described Chadha’s removal as a normal party process, saying there were no specific reasons behind it.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid WarChandigarh Blast Video Surfaces As Khalistan Threat Emerges, Security Agencies Launch Massive ProbeIndia Prepares For Oil Shock With 7 Big Steps As Trump Asks Others To Dare Hormuz To Get SuppliesPM Modi Puts Deesa Airbase In Strategic Focus, India’s Big Defence Push Near Pakistan Border’India Was On Verge Of Striking Before Pakistan Requested Halt During Op Sindoor’: Indian Navy Chief123PhotostoriesRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting6 foods you should store in the refrigerator door and why’Ramayana’ teaser breakdown: From Ranbir Kapoor’s Swayamvar to Yash’s hidden face as Ravana – Every key moment decodedN.T Rama Rao, Arun Govil, Prabhas, Nandamuri Balakrishna: Looking at every iconic portrayal of Lord Rama over the decadesIndia’s billionaire streets: 10 most expensive residential addressesAlia Bhatt-inspired 5 classy blouse designs you’ll love for summersHanuman Jayanti special: ‘Adipurush’, ‘Bajrangbali’ to ‘Hanu-Man’: Films that brought Lord Hanuman to life on screen5 common empty stomach habits that worsen insulin resistance: Doctors explain what to avoid and how to keep blood sugar stable123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingKolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Match ScorecardNASA Artemis IISulfur Cube in MinecraftPhineas and Ferb Skin FortniteMohammed ShamiPunjab BJP blastIran ceasefireArjun TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Raghav Chadha (File photo) NEW DELHI: AAP leader Raghav Chadha made a cryptic statement after his removal as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.Sharing a video highlights of his speeches in the upper House, Chadha responded on X with an “Nazar (evil) amulet”. He did not say anything else on social media on the matter or share any words publiclyThis came as rumours became strife on the internal rift between Raghav Chadha and the AAP high command after the party on Thursday replaced him with Ashok Mittal as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, AAP requested that Chadha not be allotted speaking time from the party’s quota in the Upper House. Watch Joint Tax Filing To Zero Penalties: AAP MP Raghav Chadha Pushes Big Relief For Common Indians According to reports, Chadha was sidelined over alleged indiscipline and for not strictly adhering to the party line. Notably, Chadha remained silent following the recent discharge of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in the liquor excise policy-linked money laundering case. He was also absent from the party office when Kejriwal later addressed a press conference.Read more: Raghav Chadha sidelined? AAP’s Rajya Sabha shuffle triggers rumours; what went wrongEarlier, during Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with the liquor policy case ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chadha did not issue any statement, citing recovery from eye surgery in the UK.Meanwhile, the new deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Ashok Mittal, described Chadha’s removal as a normal party process, saying there were no specific reasons behind it.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid WarChandigarh Blast Video Surfaces As Khalistan Threat Emerges, Security Agencies Launch Massive ProbeIndia Prepares For Oil Shock With 7 Big Steps As Trump Asks Others To Dare Hormuz To Get SuppliesPM Modi Puts Deesa Airbase In Strategic Focus, India’s Big Defence Push Near Pakistan Border’India Was On Verge Of Striking Before Pakistan Requested Halt During Op Sindoor’: Indian Navy Chief123PhotostoriesRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting6 foods you should store in the refrigerator door and why’Ramayana’ teaser breakdown: From Ranbir Kapoor’s Swayamvar to Yash’s hidden face as Ravana – Every key moment decodedN.T Rama Rao, Arun Govil, Prabhas, Nandamuri Balakrishna: Looking at every iconic portrayal of Lord Rama over the decadesIndia’s billionaire streets: 10 most expensive residential addressesAlia Bhatt-inspired 5 classy blouse designs you’ll love for summersHanuman Jayanti special: ‘Adipurush’, ‘Bajrangbali’ to ‘Hanu-Man’: Films that brought Lord Hanuman to life on screen5 common empty stomach habits that worsen insulin resistance: Doctors explain what to avoid and how to keep blood sugar stable123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingKolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Match ScorecardNASA Artemis IISulfur Cube in MinecraftPhineas and Ferb Skin FortniteMohammed ShamiPunjab BJP blastIran ceasefireArjun TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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