The Times of India

The Smithsonian's restitution of temple bronzes sets a precedent, highlighting the need for other institutions to return stolen idols. Archival evidence proves these artifacts never ceased belonging to their temples. India must now coordinate efforts to identify, reclaim, and repatriate every missing 'murthi' from Alattur and Veeracholapuram, demanding institutional integrity.

Debt, deficits up, but finance minister Thangam Thennarasu confident of robust growth

The trial court discarded reliable evidence wholly on untenable grounds, placing undue emphasis on minor discrepancies and trivial contradictions, which do not go to the root of the prosecution case. Such an approach amounts to a clear misappreciation of evidence and renders the acquittal perverse, the court said.

Tamil Nadu's outstanding debt is projected to reach Rs 10.71 lakh crore by March 2027, with the state planning to borrow Rs 1.79 lakh crore in the next fiscal year. Despite the rising debt, the debt-to-GSDP ratio is expected to decrease. The finance minister attributed deficit increases to central government policies.

Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister accused the Union government of deliberately creating a fiscal crisis through actions like withholding funds for centrally sponsored schemes and curtailing tax revenues. He detailed how the termination of GST compensation and unfair impositions led to significant revenue shortfalls and impacted the state's borrowing capacity.

Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister presented an interim budget for 2026-27, focusing on continuity of government programs ahead of elections. Key allocations include significant funds for the School Education Department, museums, and welfare schemes like Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai. The budget also highlighted successes of the Chief Ministers Breakfast Scheme and Singara Chennai 2.0 projects.

A massive 60-foot temple chariot toppled during Vellore's Mayana Kollai festival, injuring seven people. The incident occurred as the chariot was being moved from the Palar riverbed. Authorities are investigating the accident, which highlights concerns over oversized chariots exceeding safety regulations. A similar mishap occurred last year.

All were inaugurated in the last five years but reported minimal utilisation, largely due to poor enforcement in relocating stakeholders to the new premises and delays in operational decisions.

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK government is actively promoting 19th-century saint Vallalar as a secular icon, aligning him with the Dravidian model. Initiatives include naming days and places after him, and organizing international conferences. Vallalar's rejection of rituals, opposition to caste, and advocacy for equality resonate with the party's ideology.

Farmers are protesting a notice to demolish a 750-year-old aqueduct and bridge over the Kalingarayan canal in Erode. They urge authorities to preserve the ancient structures, recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure, and explore alternatives to demolition, such as building a new bridge nearby or addressing canal pollution.