The BJP has shared a viral video alleging that TVK leader Veera, Mambakkam Panchayat President and Chengalpattu East District Joint Secretary, accepted a ₹1.3 lakh bribe from a road contractor. The BJP claims the payment was made to clear pending contractor bills, with part of the amount allegedly transferred via Google Pay before the remaining cash was handed over in Veera's office. The controversy comes just days after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay delivered a strong anti-corruption speech, urging people not to pay bribes and vowing action against corruption.

A major diplomatic confrontation is unfolding after India summoned a senior US diplomat for the second time in 48 hours over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers off the coast of Oman. The latest move comes after another ship with 20 Indian crew members reportedly came under attack, marking the third such incident in just four days. Earlier attacks on MT Settebello and MT Marivex left Indian seafarers dead and triggered growing concern in New Delhi. India has strongly protested the attacks and stressed that the safety and welfare of its seafaring community is non-negotiable. The government has also called for unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.