Finance Bill passed with 32 amendments

Finance Bill passed with 32 amendments

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill, with 32 amendments moved by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, including specifying that in case of buyback of shares, additional income tax on capital gains made by promoters will face a 12% surcharge.The Finance Bill had proposed to replace dividend tax applicable to buybacks and…

Read More
‘Montha’ slams Andhra, batters Odisha: 1 dead, thousands evacuated

‘Montha’ slams Andhra, batters Odisha: 1 dead, thousands evacuated

Visakhapatnam: Strong winds sway palm trees as fishing boats are pulled ashore in the wake of Cyclone Montha, in Visakhapatnam. (PTI Photo) KAIKNADA/BHUBANESWAR: Cyclone Montha roared ashore on the eastern coast Tuesday night, slamming into Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada with winds topping 100km an hour and sheets of rain that ripped…

Read More
Frostbite, wolves, and 5 years on the road — Rosie Swale-Pope’s epic run around the world |

Frostbite, wolves, and 5 years on the road — Rosie Swale-Pope’s epic run around the world |

Rosie Swale-Pope, MBE, born on 2 October 1946, is a British author, adventurer, and marathon runner whose life story reads like a catalogue of some of the most demanding and daring feats attempted by any individual. Best known for her five-year run around the world—which raised £250,000 for a charity supporting orphaned children in Russia…

Read More
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, actor Vijay Thalapathy has positioned himself as an alternative for the people in a state where politics, for a very long time, has revolved around the DMK and the AIADMK.With its ideological differences with the NDA and political tussle with the DMK, TVK has emerged as a third option for Tamil voters by fielding candidates on all 234 seats.So, will the experiment live up to Vijay’s expectations? Well, there is a fighting chance.Why Vijay stands a chance in Tamil Nadu pollsOver the years, the contest has essentially been between fronts led by DMK and AIADMK. Since 1967, these two parties have alternated regimes, keeping other parties in their respective alliances.However, the upcoming elections seem to be turning into a trifecta, as a considerable chunk of voters has chosen not to align with either of the Dravidian parties over the years.In the 2016 assembly polls, AIADMK won 134 seats and secured over 40 per cent of the vote. Meanwhile, DMK won 89 seats with a 32.1 per cent vote share. This indicated that nearly 20 per cent of the votes were distributed among other parties, including the BJP and the Left parties.A similar pattern emerged in the 2021 election as well. The AIADMK-BJP alliance secured 39.71 per cent of the vote, while the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance garnered around 45 per cent.In both elections, roughly one-fifth of the electorate voted for parties outside the two major alliances. These unaligned votes—roughly translating to 15–20 per cent—remain crucial for the emergence of a third front.However, this does not mean that this huge chunk of votes will necessarily land in favour of TVK.Will TVK succeed?As part of this strategy, Vijay, in his party’s manifesto, announced a slew of populist welfare promises for women.The key assurances include Rs 2,500 per month cash assistance to women heads of families up to 60 years of age, as opposed to the present Rs 1,000 provided to eligible women heads of families who meet certain socio-economic criteria under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme.Vijay said women employed with the state and union governments will not be eligible for the assistance.Other schemes include six LPG cylinders free of cost under the ‘Annapoorani Super Six Scheme’, free bus rides for women in all government buses under the ‘Vetri Payanam Scheme’, Rs 15,000 per year as assistance to the mother or guardian of children to ensure zero dropouts in schools under the ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Scheme’, eight grams of gold along with a silk saree for women getting married under the ‘Annan Seer Scheme’, and a gold ring along with a baby welcome kit for every newborn.Meanwhile, Vijay and his party have also reached out to the Christian minority vote. He also introduced himself as Joseph Vijay and gave a clear call to minority voters.Moreover, TVK has been successful in pulling crowds. In October 2024, TVK drew over 8 lakh people during its first state conference in Vikravandi. Thousands of people attend Vijay’s rallies to hear him speak or catch a glimpse of him.The superstar has supporters across every class, gender, and age group in different regions of Tamil Nadu. Unlike many film stars, Vijay’s supporters are organised and politically active. In the 2021 local body polls, his “fan club” candidates won 115 of the 169 seats they contested.His fan clubs have also taken on the role of foot soldiers on social media and regularly conduct blood donation camps, free medical check-ups, education support drives, and disaster relief work.“TVK’s social media army is the biggest in India — not just our claim, but what others are saying after witnessing it. You are no longer just fans on social media; you are TVK’s virtual warriors,” he had said.Yet, Tamil Nadu’s electoral history suggests that crowd mobilisation does not automatically translate into seat conversion.Booth-level organisation, caste arithmetic, and alliance mathematics continue to play a decisive role — factors that even popular actors have struggled to master in their first electoral outings.Vijay stardom: A boon or a baneFilm stars in Tamil Nadu often enjoy near-divine status, with fans performing rituals like pouring milk over massive cut-outs ahead of film releases. Some even have temples dedicated to them across the state.Yet, this immense popularity has not always translated into electoral success.Kamal Haasan entered politics in February 2018 with the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam, projecting it as a centrist alternative to both DMK and AIADMK. However, the party failed to win any seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, Haasan contested from Coimbatore South but lost, while the party managed just over 2.6 per cent of the total vote share.Rajinikanth, too, had sparked massive excitement by announcing plans to launch a political party and contest all 234 assembly seats. But he later reversed his decision, citing health concerns, and chose not to enter active politics.Once, leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami remarked that “Vijay may be a good actor but not a leader.”Similarly, the TVK founder has also been targeted over the September 27, 2025, tragedy that left 41 persons dead and many injured.CBI is also grilling Vijay over the stampede, taking up a significant chunk of his time that could otherwise have been used for pre-poll strategy or campaigning.Additionally, critics argue that Vijay lacks experience of politics. Its heavy dependence on Vijay’s personal charisma raises questions about depth and scalability.The absence of governance experience and a second line of leadership adds to scepticism among voters, particularly in rural areas. Candidate selection, largely reliant on newcomers, may also affect electoral credibility. Central probing agency has questioned the TVK chief several times.Politically, the impact of the probe remains ambiguous. While rival parties have sought to frame the stampede as evidence of administrative inexperience, sections of Vijay’s support base view the investigation as pressure politics — a narrative that could either erode confidence or consolidate sympathy, depending on how the case unfolds closer to polling.How DMK and AIADMK plan to counter TVKTo counter the vote drain, both fronts have also expanded their alliances by incorporating more parties. DMK has included parties like DMDK, while the NDA has TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK in its fold.Meanwhile, leaders like Seeman and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are also vying to break the ceiling of relevance.NTK’s support has largely remained a vote share without securing seats. In the 2021 elections, NTK got a 6.6% vote share, more than the BJP and the Congress. The central question this time is whether that support can finally translate into seats.Voting for the 234 seats of the Tamil Nadu assembly will be held on April 23, and counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major RoadblockAfter Op Sindoor Row, India Reopens Talks With Azerbaijan, Balancing Disputes And Cooperation123PhotostoriesLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, actor Vijay Thalapathy has positioned himself as an alternative for the people in a state where politics, for a very long time, has revolved around the DMK and the AIADMK.With its ideological differences with the NDA and political tussle with the DMK, TVK has emerged as a third option for Tamil voters by fielding candidates on all 234 seats.So, will the experiment live up to Vijay’s expectations? Well, there is a fighting chance.Why Vijay stands a chance in Tamil Nadu pollsOver the years, the contest has essentially been between fronts led by DMK and AIADMK. Since 1967, these two parties have alternated regimes, keeping other parties in their respective alliances.However, the upcoming elections seem to be turning into a trifecta, as a considerable chunk of voters has chosen not to align with either of the Dravidian parties over the years.In the 2016 assembly polls, AIADMK won 134 seats and secured over 40 per cent of the vote. Meanwhile, DMK won 89 seats with a 32.1 per cent vote share. This indicated that nearly 20 per cent of the votes were distributed among other parties, including the BJP and the Left parties.A similar pattern emerged in the 2021 election as well. The AIADMK-BJP alliance secured 39.71 per cent of the vote, while the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance garnered around 45 per cent.In both elections, roughly one-fifth of the electorate voted for parties outside the two major alliances. These unaligned votes—roughly translating to 15–20 per cent—remain crucial for the emergence of a third front.However, this does not mean that this huge chunk of votes will necessarily land in favour of TVK.Will TVK succeed?As part of this strategy, Vijay, in his party’s manifesto, announced a slew of populist welfare promises for women.The key assurances include Rs 2,500 per month cash assistance to women heads of families up to 60 years of age, as opposed to the present Rs 1,000 provided to eligible women heads of families who meet certain socio-economic criteria under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme.Vijay said women employed with the state and union governments will not be eligible for the assistance.Other schemes include six LPG cylinders free of cost under the ‘Annapoorani Super Six Scheme’, free bus rides for women in all government buses under the ‘Vetri Payanam Scheme’, Rs 15,000 per year as assistance to the mother or guardian of children to ensure zero dropouts in schools under the ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Scheme’, eight grams of gold along with a silk saree for women getting married under the ‘Annan Seer Scheme’, and a gold ring along with a baby welcome kit for every newborn.Meanwhile, Vijay and his party have also reached out to the Christian minority vote. He also introduced himself as Joseph Vijay and gave a clear call to minority voters.Moreover, TVK has been successful in pulling crowds. In October 2024, TVK drew over 8 lakh people during its first state conference in Vikravandi. Thousands of people attend Vijay’s rallies to hear him speak or catch a glimpse of him.The superstar has supporters across every class, gender, and age group in different regions of Tamil Nadu. Unlike many film stars, Vijay’s supporters are organised and politically active. In the 2021 local body polls, his “fan club” candidates won 115 of the 169 seats they contested.His fan clubs have also taken on the role of foot soldiers on social media and regularly conduct blood donation camps, free medical check-ups, education support drives, and disaster relief work.“TVK’s social media army is the biggest in India — not just our claim, but what others are saying after witnessing it. You are no longer just fans on social media; you are TVK’s virtual warriors,” he had said.Yet, Tamil Nadu’s electoral history suggests that crowd mobilisation does not automatically translate into seat conversion.Booth-level organisation, caste arithmetic, and alliance mathematics continue to play a decisive role — factors that even popular actors have struggled to master in their first electoral outings.Vijay stardom: A boon or a baneFilm stars in Tamil Nadu often enjoy near-divine status, with fans performing rituals like pouring milk over massive cut-outs ahead of film releases. Some even have temples dedicated to them across the state.Yet, this immense popularity has not always translated into electoral success.Kamal Haasan entered politics in February 2018 with the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam, projecting it as a centrist alternative to both DMK and AIADMK. However, the party failed to win any seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, Haasan contested from Coimbatore South but lost, while the party managed just over 2.6 per cent of the total vote share.Rajinikanth, too, had sparked massive excitement by announcing plans to launch a political party and contest all 234 assembly seats. But he later reversed his decision, citing health concerns, and chose not to enter active politics.Once, leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami remarked that “Vijay may be a good actor but not a leader.”Similarly, the TVK founder has also been targeted over the September 27, 2025, tragedy that left 41 persons dead and many injured.CBI is also grilling Vijay over the stampede, taking up a significant chunk of his time that could otherwise have been used for pre-poll strategy or campaigning.Additionally, critics argue that Vijay lacks experience of politics. Its heavy dependence on Vijay’s personal charisma raises questions about depth and scalability.The absence of governance experience and a second line of leadership adds to scepticism among voters, particularly in rural areas. Candidate selection, largely reliant on newcomers, may also affect electoral credibility. Central probing agency has questioned the TVK chief several times.Politically, the impact of the probe remains ambiguous. While rival parties have sought to frame the stampede as evidence of administrative inexperience, sections of Vijay’s support base view the investigation as pressure politics — a narrative that could either erode confidence or consolidate sympathy, depending on how the case unfolds closer to polling.How DMK and AIADMK plan to counter TVKTo counter the vote drain, both fronts have also expanded their alliances by incorporating more parties. DMK has included parties like DMDK, while the NDA has TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK in its fold.Meanwhile, leaders like Seeman and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are also vying to break the ceiling of relevance.NTK’s support has largely remained a vote share without securing seats. In the 2021 elections, NTK got a 6.6% vote share, more than the BJP and the Congress. The central question this time is whether that support can finally translate into seats.Voting for the 234 seats of the Tamil Nadu assembly will be held on April 23, and counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major RoadblockAfter Op Sindoor Row, India Reopens Talks With Azerbaijan, Balancing Disputes And Cooperation123PhotostoriesLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, actor Vijay Thalapathy has positioned himself as an alternative for the people in a state where politics, for a very long time, has revolved around the DMK and the AIADMK.With its ideological differences with the NDA and political tussle with the DMK, TVK has emerged as…

Read More
Reverse kidney damage: A breakthrough treatment that may transform kidney treatment |

Reverse kidney damage: A breakthrough treatment that may transform kidney treatment |

Kidney disease has long been considered a progressive and irreversible condition, where treatment focuses only on slowing decline rather than restoring lost function. However, a promising scientific discovery challenges that belief. Researchers have identified a potential way to reverse kidney damage by blocking the activity of ceramides, a type of fat molecule linked to cellular…

Read More
DC vs UPW, WPL Live Score: Delhi Capitals fight to stay alive as UP Warriorz chase slim hope

DC vs UPW, WPL Live Score: Delhi Capitals fight to stay alive as UP Warriorz chase slim hope

Delhi Capitals Women Squad: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee(w), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Eddla Srujana, Pragati Singh, Lucy Hamilton, Taniya Bhatia, Alana King UP Warriorz Women Squad: Meg Lanning(c), Deepti Sharma, Amy Jones(w), Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Shweta Sehrawat, Simran Shaikh, Sophie…

Read More
More US, Venezuelan crude to flow into India? Refiners asked to prioritize these oil grades; economic viability in doubt

More US, Venezuelan crude to flow into India? Refiners asked to prioritize these oil grades; economic viability in doubt

India on its part has said that the country’s energy security will drive purchase decisions. (AI image) Days after India and the US announced a trade deal, the government has reportedly urged refiners to consider picking up more crude oil from the US and even Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has removed the 25% tariffs…

Read More
NEET UG 2026 registration expected to begin soon: Check application process and required documents

NEET UG 2026 registration expected to begin soon: Check application process and required documents

NEET UG 2026 registration expected to begin soon The National Testing Agency (NTA) is likely to start the registration process for NEET UG 2026 soon on its official website, neet.nta.nic.in. Although the official notification is yet to be released, there are several reports that indicate the application process is likely to start in early February…

Read More
Tracking tools become mainstay in IT, BPM companies

Tracking tools become mainstay in IT, BPM companies

BENGALURU: IT and BPM firms are accelerating the use of advanced productivity tools that provide clients with real-time operational insights. Many of these tools include built-in time tracking, analyse workforce patterns, and proactively flag inefficiencies in performance trends. Tracking workforce productivity has been part of industry routines, largely at the clients’ behest, as companies seek…

Read More
After calling ‘Dhurandhar 2’ makers thieves, Rajiv Rai assures the High Court he won’t talk about the film while the case is in mediation

After calling ‘Dhurandhar 2’ makers thieves, Rajiv Rai assures the High Court he won’t talk about the film while the case is in mediation

Amidst all the love and box office numbers that ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is getting, the film landed in trouble as Trimurti films filed a case against the makers for using the song ‘Oye Oye (Tirchi Topi Wale)’ in the film. As per the court’s order last week, the case is being solved through mediation. On Wednesday,…

Read More
Spanish proverb of the day: “To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her…” — why being underestimated often becomes fuel for success |

Spanish proverb of the day: “To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her…” — why being underestimated often becomes fuel for success |

Spanish proverb of the day Some proverbs survive because they sound poetic. Others survive because they describe human behaviour so accurately that people continue repeating them across generations. This Spanish proverb belongs in the second category because almost everybody has seen some version of its message play out in real life.“To tell a woman everything…

Read More
Flaxseeds vs. Flaxseed oil: Which is better for blood sugar and diabetes control |

Flaxseeds vs. Flaxseed oil: Which is better for blood sugar and diabetes control |

Flaxseeds have long been valued for their versatility, mild nutty flavour, and remarkable nutritional profile. Once cultivated for textile use, they have now earned global recognition as a functional food with wide-ranging applications in cooking and wellness. These tiny brown or golden seeds are easy to incorporate into meals and can enhance both texture and…

Read More
Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices rise in the near-term? Top factors to keep in mind

Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices rise in the near-term? Top factors to keep in mind

Gold may reach all-time high of $4381 in near-term. Support is at $4160/$4100. Intermediate resistance is at $4245/$4300. (AI image) Gold price prediction: Gold prices are likely to rise in the near-term, says Praveen Singh, Senior Fundamental Research Analyst- Currencies and Commodities at Mirae Asset Sharekhan. The analyst shares his views on gold and silver…

Read More
Chennai: A Tamil Nadu govt order restricting maternity leave for third pregnancy to 12 weeks is unjustifiable and against the law settled by the Supreme Court, Madras high court ruled on Wednesday.The division bench of Justice R Suresh Kumar and Justice N Senthilkumar set aside the orders of the principal district judge, Villupuram, dated March 27, 2026, which rejected the representation of the petitioner seeking maternity leave from Feb 2, 2026 to Feb 1, 2027, and the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Villupuram, which asked her to rejoin on April 27, 2026.”This kind of restriction is against the dictum of the Supreme Court as well as this court. The same cannot be approved by this court… In pregnancy, whether first, second or third, the suffering would be the same and the pre-delivery as well as the post-delivery care that a mother needs to take is same,” the bench said.”Therefore, no discrimination could be shown by govt in approving the maternity benefits, especially maternity leave for the third pregnancy, to the employees,” the high court said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNYC Mayor Mamdani Says He’ll Urge King Charles To Return Kohinoor DiamondRaghav Chadha Fallout: Who Really Wins and Loses in Punjab?Mumbai–Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ Opens May 1: Faster Travel, Better Safety, No Extra Toll90-Year-Old Rejects Apology, Then Court Pushes ₹20 Crore Case to 2046Ganga Expressway Inaugurated: What ₹1,500 Toll Gets You on UP’s 594-km High-Speed Corridor | PM ModiUAE Quits OPEC In Big Oil Shake-Up: What It Means For India‘Siddaramaiah Ready To Step Down As Karnataka CM If Rahul Gandhi Asks’: Ex-Minister RajannaBengal Phase 2 Polls: 142 Constituencies Vote Today, Over 3.21 Crore Voters to DecideChokepoints of Power: how India can ‘trump’ China on the seasSwati Maliwal’s Explosive Exit: Assault Allegations, ‘Betrayal’ Charges Rock AAP As She Joins BJP123PhotostoriesAfter 35, your bones start weakening silently: What most women aren’t told early5 lessons from Premanand Ji Maharaj for a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life10 divine baby girl names inspired by Goddess Durga6 low-maintenance plants that survive even if you forget to water themMorning affirmation at 5am: Wake up, check in for a soul resetHow to make Cucumber Sandwich for a light summer breakfastTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Who is Nilesh Bhatt? Meet the actor who played over 20 different roles on the showWhy does day-old rice get dry in the refrigerator? 4 easy fixes to keep it soft and fluffy‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 release: Here is all you need to knowShe thought it was stress, doctors found a hormone disorder123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal Poll Phase 2 ViolenceFirhad HakimMK StalinExit Poll PredictionsHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingAssembly Election Exit PollsExit Poll results 2026Bengal Exit Polls 2026Puducherry Exit Polls 2026Exit PollNavy LaunchRaja Raghuvanshi Wife BailBengal PollsGanga ExpresswayIPL Orange Cap

Chennai: A Tamil Nadu govt order restricting maternity leave for third pregnancy to 12 weeks is unjustifiable and against the law settled by the Supreme Court, Madras high court ruled on Wednesday.The division bench of Justice R Suresh Kumar and Justice N Senthilkumar set aside the orders of the principal district judge, Villupuram, dated March 27, 2026, which rejected the representation of the petitioner seeking maternity leave from Feb 2, 2026 to Feb 1, 2027, and the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Villupuram, which asked her to rejoin on April 27, 2026.”This kind of restriction is against the dictum of the Supreme Court as well as this court. The same cannot be approved by this court… In pregnancy, whether first, second or third, the suffering would be the same and the pre-delivery as well as the post-delivery care that a mother needs to take is same,” the bench said.”Therefore, no discrimination could be shown by govt in approving the maternity benefits, especially maternity leave for the third pregnancy, to the employees,” the high court said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNYC Mayor Mamdani Says He’ll Urge King Charles To Return Kohinoor DiamondRaghav Chadha Fallout: Who Really Wins and Loses in Punjab?Mumbai–Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ Opens May 1: Faster Travel, Better Safety, No Extra Toll90-Year-Old Rejects Apology, Then Court Pushes ₹20 Crore Case to 2046Ganga Expressway Inaugurated: What ₹1,500 Toll Gets You on UP’s 594-km High-Speed Corridor | PM ModiUAE Quits OPEC In Big Oil Shake-Up: What It Means For India‘Siddaramaiah Ready To Step Down As Karnataka CM If Rahul Gandhi Asks’: Ex-Minister RajannaBengal Phase 2 Polls: 142 Constituencies Vote Today, Over 3.21 Crore Voters to DecideChokepoints of Power: how India can ‘trump’ China on the seasSwati Maliwal’s Explosive Exit: Assault Allegations, ‘Betrayal’ Charges Rock AAP As She Joins BJP123PhotostoriesAfter 35, your bones start weakening silently: What most women aren’t told early5 lessons from Premanand Ji Maharaj for a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life10 divine baby girl names inspired by Goddess Durga6 low-maintenance plants that survive even if you forget to water themMorning affirmation at 5am: Wake up, check in for a soul resetHow to make Cucumber Sandwich for a light summer breakfastTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Who is Nilesh Bhatt? Meet the actor who played over 20 different roles on the showWhy does day-old rice get dry in the refrigerator? 4 easy fixes to keep it soft and fluffy‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 release: Here is all you need to knowShe thought it was stress, doctors found a hormone disorder123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal Poll Phase 2 ViolenceFirhad HakimMK StalinExit Poll PredictionsHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingAssembly Election Exit PollsExit Poll results 2026Bengal Exit Polls 2026Puducherry Exit Polls 2026Exit PollNavy LaunchRaja Raghuvanshi Wife BailBengal PollsGanga ExpresswayIPL Orange Cap

Chennai: A Tamil Nadu govt order restricting maternity leave for third pregnancy to 12 weeks is unjustifiable and against the law settled by the Supreme Court, Madras high court ruled on Wednesday.The division bench of Justice R Suresh Kumar and Justice N Senthilkumar set aside the orders of the principal district judge, Villupuram, dated March…

Read More
The real reasons why Taylor Swift skipped the Super Bowl halftime stage

The real reasons why Taylor Swift skipped the Super Bowl halftime stage

Taylor Swift, the musical phenomenon beloved worldwide, has opted out of the Super Bowl halftime spectacle for several reasons—including the extensive schedule of her Eras Tour, business ties with competitive labels, and a focus on completing her album re-recordings. With her tour now behind her, a Super Bowl appearance seems increasingly likely. Taylor Swift will…

Read More