The government led by Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is facing intense political backlash and environmental outrage following the swift passage of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.


Dk Shivakumar government faces heat over parks amendment bill 

A deadly chemical leak at a manufacturing unit in Karnataka's Kadechur-Badal Industrial Area has claimed the lives of at least three workers, while two others were injured. Authorities said the victims died after inhaling sulfur oxide, and FIRs have been registered against the factory owners.

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has issued notices in a petition challenging the Yadagirigutta Temple Board of Trustees. The court has also directed the state government to place all relevant records and explanations on the long-pending minimum wages revision before the next hearing on August 20.

Karnataka Chemical Leak Kills 3 | Telangana HC Issues Notices | Kerala PSC Protest Turns Tense

A fresh protest has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the long-running Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka. Farmers buried themselves in sand along the Cauvery river, demanding the timely release of water for agriculture and livelihoods. The protesters accuse Karnataka of releasing only surplus water, while Karnataka argues that low rainfall and poor reservoir levels have limited water availability. The decades-old water-sharing dispute between the two southern states continues to fuel political tensions and farmer protests.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Bury Themselves In Sand Over Cauvery Water Dispute With Karnataka

Kerala is facing a growing environmental crisis as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports a sharp decline in river water quality across the state. According to the latest assessment, Kerala has 32 polluted river stretches, the second-highest number in India, highlighting the increasing impact of rapid urbanization and untreated sewage on the state's freshwater ecosystems.

The report, based on water quality data collected between 2020 and 2023, found that untreated sewage discharge and inadequate sanitation infrastructure have significantly degraded river health. Nearly half of the water samples tested were found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental sustainability.

Kerala's Rivers Among India's Most Polluted, CPCB Report Raises Alarm

Tamil Nadu is considering a major change to its school nutrition program by introducing chicken biryani into the government's midday meal scheme. According to reports, the proposal has been put forward by the state's Education Minister to Chief Minister Vijay, who is expected to take a final decision soon.

If approved, government school students could receive chicken biryani once a week as part of their midday meals, marking one of the most significant upgrades to Tamil Nadu's school nutrition program. The proposal aims to improve the quality, nutrition, and appeal of school meals while continuing the state's long tradition of strengthening welfare schemes for students.

Chicken Biryani in School Meals? Tamil Nadu Government Weighs New Proposal 

South India witnessed major developments today as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay reviewed the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail expansion project, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion across Chennai.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prepare for a potentially severe drought due to the anticipated impact of El Niño, stressing the need to protect farmers, secure drinking water supplies, and ensure crop insurance coverage.

Meanwhile, lakhs of devotees gathered for the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina pilgrimage in Andhra Pradesh, while thousands participated in the annual Kallazhagar Temple Chariot Festival in Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu's most significant religious celebrations.

CM Vijay Reviews Chennai Metro | Andhra Braces for El Niño Impact | Temple Festivals Draw Lakhs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to meet Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for crucial talks on the long-running Cauvery River water-sharing dispute. The meeting is expected to focus on the controversial Mekedatu Dam project, water releases, and finding a mutually acceptable solution amid renewed tensions between the two southern states.

Cauvery Water Dispute: CM Vijay to hold crucial talks with Karnataka over Mekedatu Dam

The political battle over the Karur stampede tragedy has intensified in Tamil Nadu. DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has strongly responded to Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay's remarks during his visit to Karur. Vijay defended his actions following the 2025 Karur stampede, saying he was grieving and trusted the police's judgment, while also announcing government jobs for the families of victims. Kanimozhi hit back, alleging that people know who stood with them during the tragedy and who abandoned them.

DMK's Kanimozhi Hits Back at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay over Karur stampede remarks

Inter-state private buses that serve as a lifeline for those travelling between southern Indian States Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, remain suspended since the start of this week, amid a tax controversy. Private operators allege that the Tamil Nadu Government has been levying additional state taxes on other-state buses coming into the state, despite those buses having paid and obtained an All India Tourist Permit(AITP). In light of this, neighbouring states have begun to impose reciprocal taxes and fines upon buses entering from Tamil Nadu. Private bus operators point out that they would not resume their services until this tax controversy is resolved.&nbsp;The Chennai-based All Omni Bus Owners Association points out that on 7th&nbsp;November, about 30 of 100 buses that went from Tamil Nadu to Kerala were suddenly impounded by the Kerala Transport Department and that a fine of more than Rs.70lakhs was imposed. Likewise, the Karnataka Transport Department had also impounded more than 60 buses from Tamil Nadu, imposing a total fine amount of Rs.1.15crore. Karnataka and Kerala maintain that they are merely reciprocating the actions of the Tamil Nadu government, which is collecting state taxes from other-state buses even when they have an All India Tourist Permit.In light of such Tamil Nadu registered buses being impounded in other states, operators stopped their services between Tamil Nadu and Kerala from 7th&nbsp;November.&nbsp;&nbsp;"For inter-state Omni buses that are operating from Tamil Nadu, we pay a quarterly road tax of Rs.1,50,000 to the Tamil Nadu Government, and an AITP tax of Rs.90,000. In addition to this, Kerala and Karnataka are levying a road tax of about Rs.2,00,000, which takes our total taxes paid to Rs.4,50,000 per quarter, this makes our operations infeasible," says the Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, the bus operators' representatives met the Tamil Nadu Transport minister and the relevant officials to seek a solution. However, the deadlock continues. Bus operators say that more than 600 private buses operating between states have halted services. They urge the Tamil Nadu government to ease the taxes on other-state buses, so that the ongoing issue could be resolved.&nbsp;&nbsp;The upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season is one where a massive number of other-state buses travel into Kerala, ferrying thousands of devotees. Therefore, bus operators are looking at an early resolution to the ongoing inter-state issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This week, the bus operators' representatives met the Tamil Nadu Transport minister and the relevant officials to seek a solution. However, the deadlock continues. Bus operators say that more than 600 private buses operating between states have halted services

Inter-state private buses that serve as a lifeline for those travelling between southern Indian States Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, remain suspended since the start of this week, amid a tax controversy. Private operators allege that the Tamil Nadu Government has been levying additional state taxes on other-state buses coming into the state, despite those buses having paid and obtained an All India Tourist Permit(AITP). In light of this, neighbouring states have begun to impose reciprocal taxes and fines upon buses entering from Tamil Nadu. Private bus operators point out that they would not resume their services until this tax controversy is resolved. The Chennai-based All Omni Bus Owners Association points out that on 7th November, about 30 of 100 buses that went from Tamil Nadu to Kerala were suddenly impounded by the Kerala Transport Department and that a fine of more than Rs.70lakhs was imposed. Likewise, the Karnataka Transport Department had also impounded more than 60 buses from Tamil Nadu, imposing a total fine amount of Rs.1.15crore. Karnataka and Kerala maintain that they are merely reciprocating the actions of the Tamil Nadu government, which is collecting state taxes from other-state buses even when they have an All India Tourist Permit. In light of such Tamil Nadu registered buses being impounded in other states, operators stopped their services between Tamil Nadu and Kerala from 7th November. "For inter-state Omni buses that are operating from Tamil Nadu, we pay a quarterly road tax of Rs.1,50,000 to the Tamil Nadu Government, and an AITP tax of Rs.90,000. In addition to this, Kerala and Karnataka are levying a road tax of about Rs.2,00,000, which takes our total taxes paid to Rs.4,50,000 per quarter, this makes our operations infeasible," says the Association. This week, the bus operators' representatives met the Tamil Nadu Transport minister and the relevant officials to seek a solution. However, the deadlock continues. Bus operators say that more than 600 private buses operating between states have halted services. They urge the Tamil Nadu government to ease the taxes on other-state buses, so that the ongoing issue could be resolved. The upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season is one where a massive number of other-state buses travel into Kerala, ferrying thousands of devotees. Therefore, bus operators are looking at an early resolution to the ongoing inter-state issue.

This week, the bus operators' representatives met the Tamil Nadu Transport minister and the relevant officials to seek a solution. However, the deadlock continues. Bus operators say that more than 600 private buses operating between states have halted services

Tax dispute prevails, Inter-state Pvt buses across South India remain stalled

South India Weather Update:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidBx3ihCD4ceyR" /><meta charset="utf-8" />In the wake of Cyclone Michaung, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Monday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and nearby regions, including Puducherry.&nbsp;

IMD issued the warning for these cities: Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranippettai, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichy, Vellore, Thirupattur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The weather agency also alerted the residents living in these areas of waterlogging, slippery roads, adverse traffic and damage to loose and unsecured structures.&nbsp;

Many places in Chennai experienced massive waterlogging on Monday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said their teams rescued around 15 people from the Tambaran area near Peerkankaranai and Perungalathur.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buoyed-by-electoral-success-pm-modi-asks-oppn-not-to-vent-ire-on-first-day-of-parliaments-winter-session-665954" target="_blank">Buoyed by electoral success, PM Modi asks oppn not to vent ire on first day of parliament’s winter session</a>

In the upcoming days, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will witness heavy showers due to Cyclone Michaung. Tamil Nadu has declared a public holiday on Monday because of the bad weather. Chennai has also suspended suburban train services till Monday, ANI reported. The Southern Railways said, "Only Passenger Specials will operate in these sections until further advice."

<h2>When will Cyclone Michaung make landfall?</h2>

Cyclone Michaung might intensify and hit the west-central Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjacent north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 evening.&nbsp;

In a special bulletin, IMD said, "It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by December 4 forenoon." It also mentioned, "It would move nearly northwards, almost parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph."

Cyclone Michaung will pass through Chennai on December 4. However, it will make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to get information about the state's preparations ahead of the landfall on the east coast state.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also advised fishermen not to be in the sea during this time. They also asked the fishermen already in the sea to return to the coast by Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South India Weather Update: In the wake of Cyclone Michaung, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Monday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and nearby regions, including Puducherry.

South India Weather Update: In the wake of Cyclone Michaung, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Monday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and nearby regions, including Puducherry. IMD issued the warning for these cities: Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranippettai, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichy, Vellore, Thirupattur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The weather agency also alerted the residents living in these areas of waterlogging, slippery roads, adverse traffic and damage to loose and unsecured structures. Many places in Chennai experienced massive waterlogging on Monday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said their teams rescued around 15 people from the Tambaran area near Peerkankaranai and Perungalathur. ALSO READ | Buoyed by electoral success, PM Modi asks oppn not to vent ire on first day of parliament’s winter session In the upcoming days, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will witness heavy showers due to Cyclone Michaung. Tamil Nadu has declared a public holiday on Monday because of the bad weather. Chennai has also suspended suburban train services till Monday, ANI reported. The Southern Railways said, "Only Passenger Specials will operate in these sections until further advice." When will Cyclone Michaung make landfall? Cyclone Michaung might intensify and hit the west-central Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjacent north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 evening. In a special bulletin, IMD said, "It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by December 4 forenoon." It also mentioned, "It would move nearly northwards, almost parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph." Cyclone Michaung will pass through Chennai on December 4. However, it will make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to get information about the state's preparations ahead of the landfall on the east coast state. Meanwhile, the IMD has also advised fishermen not to be in the sea during this time. They also asked the fishermen already in the sea to return to the coast by Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

South India Weather Update: IMD issues warning for several places due to Cyclone Michaung; Check details here

Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him &ldquo;next to God&rdquo;, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting.&nbsp;

Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai.

If you&rsquo;re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: &ldquo;I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.&rdquo;

Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and &ldquo;save Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(4)-20170330094806.png" />
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Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION)
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&nbsp;

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Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION)
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WION spoke with Rajinikanth&#39;s aide on the development, but they denied it as &ldquo;just rumours&rdquo; and confirmed&nbsp;&ldquo;Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue&rdquo;.&nbsp;

They call this a &ldquo;fan&rsquo;s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai&rdquo;.&nbsp;

This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to &ldquo;become the CM of Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;

However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet&nbsp;started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll&nbsp;in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away:&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My support is for no one in the coming elections.
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/844765999094120451">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>

According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth&rsquo;s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot.&nbsp;

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Poster release of Rajinikanth&#39;s new movie (DNA)
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Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. &nbsp;

(WION)

One of the highest paid actors of Asia, Rajinikanth enjoys massive support in India

Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him “next to God”, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting. Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai. If you’re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: “I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.” Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and “save Tamil Nadu”. Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION) × Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION) × WION spoke with Rajinikanth's aide on the development, but they denied it as “just rumours” and confirmed “Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue”. They call this a “fan’s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai”. This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to “become the CM of Tamil Nadu”. However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away: My support is for no one in the coming elections. — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) March 23, 2017 According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth’s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot. Poster release of Rajinikanth's new movie (DNA) × Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. (WION)

Rajinikanth to join politics? Indian fans urge him to 'Save Tamil Nadu'

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