May 19, 2026
‘People who look like me’: Kash Patel rages against Senator Whitehouse’s ‘White only’ private club, says he will knock on the door

‘People who look like me’: Kash Patel rages against Senator Whitehouse’s ‘White only’ private club, says he will knock on the door

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Kash Patel engaged in a war of words with Dem senator Sheldon Whitehouse FBI director Kash Patel clapped back at Democrat senator Sheldon Whitehouse as the senator insinuated that as Patel will soon face the music as lawsuits against him are piling up. Patel was quick to reply and dug out an old scandal of…

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‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 15 [LIVE]: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi, Sanjay Dutt film eyes Rs 950 crore

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ box office collection day 15 [LIVE]: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi, Sanjay Dutt film eyes Rs 950 crore

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ has made box office history, officially crossing the massive Rs. 900 crore India net milestone in just 14 days. The Aditya Dhar directorial, starring Ranveer Singh as the lethal spy Hamza, has collected a staggering Rs 922.26 crore domestic net so far. Despite the ongoing IPL 2026 season, the film continues…

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Balochistan, Afghanistan, Iran: Is Pakistan running out of strategic room

Balochistan, Afghanistan, Iran: Is Pakistan running out of strategic room

Vamsikrishna012 mins mins

Pakistan is once again caught between allies and adversaries. Islamabad finds itself pulled between powerful partners and dangerous neighbourhood realities, between competing risks. As war between Iran and the Gulf states continues to spiral, Islamabad’s response has been strikingly cautious. Officials insist there is “no question” of rushing to Saudi Arabia’s defence, even as they…

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Who is Christopher Joell-Deshields? Pride in London boss sacked for spending donations on luxury goods

Who is Christopher Joell-Deshields? Pride in London boss sacked for spending donations on luxury goods

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The chief executive of Pride in London has been sacked following allegations that he used thousands of pounds worth of sponsor-provided vouchers for personal purchases, including luxury goods.Christopher Joell-Deshields, who denies the accusations, was removed from his role after an independent investigation upheld claims of misconduct. His appeal against the decision was also rejected. What…

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Months after criticism, Dipika Chikhlia changes stance after Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana teaser: ‘Unhone bahut achhe se banaya hai’

Months after criticism, Dipika Chikhlia changes stance after Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana teaser: ‘Unhone bahut achhe se banaya hai’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The teaser of Ramayana has sparked conversations ever since its release, especially among fans of the iconic Ramayan. Now, Dipika Chikhlia, who immortalised Sita on television, has shared her first reaction — and it marks a noticeable shift from her earlier stance. Dipika’s appreciation comes months after she had voiced strong reservations about repeated retellings…

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Ranjith Balakrishnan Arrest: WCC slams ‘non-functioning system’ after Ranjith Balakrishnan’s arrest in sexual assault case: ‘The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia’ |

Ranjith Balakrishnan Arrest: WCC slams ‘non-functioning system’ after Ranjith Balakrishnan’s arrest in sexual assault case: ‘The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia’ |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan faces arrest following a sexual assault complaint by an actress. Allegedly, he entered her caravan without consent on a film set. The Women in Cinema Collective has voiced strong criticism, questioning systemic failures in protecting women. Ranjith denies the charges, asserting his innocence and preparing a bail plea. Trigger warning: This…

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Is Donald Trump about to fire Tulsi Gabbard? Report says intelligence chief was reluctant to support Iran war

Is Donald Trump about to fire Tulsi Gabbard? Report says intelligence chief was reluctant to support Iran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Fresh questions are swirling around the future of Tulsi Gabbard after Donald Trump privately sounded out advisers on whether she should remain in one of the administration’s most sensitive roles.According to a report by the Guardian, Trump has asked cabinet officials in recent weeks if he should replace Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. The…

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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. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas 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 Supplies123PhotostoriesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA 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 summers123Hot 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

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. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas 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 Supplies123PhotostoriesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA 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 summers123Hot 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

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

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…

Read More
Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl accused of land encroachment by Pune farmer; actress calls it ‘false’ and ‘extortion attempt’ |

Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl accused of land encroachment by Pune farmer; actress calls it ‘false’ and ‘extortion attempt’ |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A farmer from Pune district has filed a civil lawsuit against actor Sonali Bendre and her filmmaker husband Goldie Behl, accusing them of land encroachment and “mafia-style” intimidation. The actor, however, has denied the allegations, calling the case a false attempt to extort money. A farmer from Pune district has filed a civil lawsuit against…

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Corporate recruiter says: Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft and now Oracle has laid off in thousands; what employees fail to realise is that what actually matters is …

Corporate recruiter says: Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft and now Oracle has laid off in thousands; what employees fail to realise is that what actually matters is …

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

As Oracle has joined the list of Amazon, Meta, Google and Microsoft in cutting thousands of jobs, a corporate recruiter has issued a blunt reminder to employees: loyalty and good performance don’t guarantee job security. According to reports, nearly 30,000 Oracle employees learned of their layoffs through early-morning emails, underscoring the suddenness of such decisions….

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Viral video: Russian tourist choked by locals in Bali after allegedly touching and harassing women |

Viral video: Russian tourist choked by locals in Bali after allegedly touching and harassing women |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

A Russian tourist was physically restrained in Bali after allegedly harassing women/ Instagram A confrontation involving a Russian tourist and local residents in Bali has drawn widespread attention after a video surfaced showing the man being restrained in a chokehold following allegations that he had inappropriately touched women during a night out. The footage, filmed…

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NABARD DA mains admit card 2026 expected to be released soon: Check steps to download hall ticket at nabard.org

NABARD DA mains admit card 2026 expected to be released soon: Check steps to download hall ticket at nabard.org

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NABARD DA mains admit card 2026: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is expected to release the Development Assistant (DA) Mains admit card 2026 soon on its official website, nabard.org. Candidates who qualified in the preliminary examination will be able to download their hall tickets once released.The NABARD Development Assistant prelims exam…

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Did Sanjay Gupta take a dig at Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’? Netizens think so as he says, ‘khoda pahad nikla chuha’

Did Sanjay Gupta take a dig at Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’? Netizens think so as he says, ‘khoda pahad nikla chuha’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The much awaited first look teaser of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama from ‘Ramayana’ has just been revealed after much anticipation. While the teaser has gotten a mixed response, largely people have loved Ranbir get into the shoes of Lord Rama. Just as netizens and many celebrities have reacted to the teaser, film-maker Sanjay Gupta…

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From childhood neighbours to parents of two

From childhood neighbours to parents of two

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

In a world of high-octane sporting drama, flashy celebrity weddings, and “Gram-worthy” romances that seem to end as fast as they begin, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane’s life feels like a refreshing breath of cool air. We often see him on the pitch—calm, composed, and playing those textbook-perfect cover drives—but his real strength isn’t just in his…

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