The Times of India

A high-level committee, headed by Justice Kurian Joseph, has recommended a fixed, non-renewable five-year term for Governors, chosen from a panel approved by State Assemblies. The report, tabled by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, also addresses language policy, GST reforms, and constitutional amendments to strengthen federalism.

Tamil Nadu's finance minister alleges central government actions have created a 50,000 crore fiscal crisis. He cited withheld funds for schemes, unfair GST changes, and mandated expenditures. The state faces revenue shortfalls and unbudgeted costs, exacerbated by inadequate disaster relief and a low share in central tax devolution, impacting its financial stability.

Tamil Nadu's finance minister highlighted the government's achievements, including free bus travel for women, benefiting millions and saving them significant amounts monthly. Investments in social sectors, children's welfare, and healthcare have also seen substantial increases. The state is actively pursuing its trillion-dollar economy goal, attracting major investments and creating numerous jobs.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin presented a High-Level Committee report in the state assembly. The report stresses the need for state autonomy and decentralization of powers. Stalin stated that autonomy for states and a coalition government at the Centre are essential for people's lives and development.

Biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats, including six from Tamil Nadu, are scheduled for March 16. The timing ahead of state assembly elections intensifies seat-sharing talks, with allies seeking Upper House berths. The DMDK is reportedly holding back its alliance decision, eyeing a Rajya Sabha seat.

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.