The Times of India

Decades of delay by the Tamil Nadu government in implementing a 1969 Act have led to widespread encroachments on vital elephant corridors in Gudalur. This policy paralysis, stemming from unresolved land classification disputes, fuels human-elephant conflict and environmental degradation. Despite recent reviews, the issue of Janmam lands remains critically unresolved, impacting thousands.

Established in 1852, Coimbatore Govt Arts College in Tamil Nadu boasts a rich legacy, retaining its original teakwood furniture. Initially an Anglo-Vernacular School, it evolved into a fine arts college and later Coimbatore College. Today, it's an autonomous institution with growing demand, offering diverse courses including a popular BA in Defence Studies.

While removal of the species from public land will be undertaken by the state, the court has directed private landowners to uproot and remove the species from their respective land within 30 days from the date of this order.

Reiterating the partys ideological position, Vijay said, We will never compromise on our stand of secularism and social justice.

DMK is finalizing seat-sharing talks with allies, with VCK being the last major partner to negotiate. The party will contest fewer seats to accommodate ten new entrants, including DMDK and MNM. While CPM is negotiating for more seats, CPI has agreed to five, and VCK is expected to retain six.

An AIADMK protest aimed at criticizing the DMK government's women's safety record backfired due to controversial remarks by senior leader C. Ve. Shanmugam about a film actor. The comments drew widespread condemnation from various political parties and the South Indian Artistes Association, overshadowing the intended political message.

The DMK has allocated five seats to the CPI for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, a reduction from the six seats contested in 2021. This agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, follows negotiations where the CPI agreed to a sacrifice to accommodate other alliance partners. The CPI's primary goal remains defeating the BJP.

IIT Madras's Department of Ocean Engineering marks 50 years. It began with a small basin and has grown into a leading centre. The department now houses Asia's largest shallow water basin. It has developed indigenous platforms and addressed real-world maritime challenges. The golden jubilee celebrations will feature academic events and industry interactions.

Global prediction markets are buzzing with bets on Tamil Nadu's 2026 assembly elections, with cryptocurrency platforms seeing significant trading volume. While DMK currently leads in projected seat wins, celebrity-driven parties and alliances are causing market fluctuations. Experts caution these speculative bets, driven by headlines and social media, may not reflect actual voter sentiment on the ground.

The seizures have raised concerns about possible efforts to bribe voters.

A protest by AIADMK and allies on women's safety took a controversial turn when senior leader C Ve Shanmugam made a remark referencing a leading actress. His comments, aimed at criticizing Chief Minister M K Stalin's outreach, drew both laughter and applause but sparked immediate backlash.

Superstar Rajinikanth has refuted claims made by Aadhav Arjuna. He expressed gratitude to political leaders, film personalities, and fans for their support. Arjuna had alleged that Rajinikanth faced pressure from the DMK when considering politics. This statement has sparked political reactions ahead of the assembly elections. Rajinikanth's response emphasizes his gratitude and a belief in time's eventual vindication.

Election squads are now conducting random checks across Tamil Nadu, targeting individuals carrying over Rs 50,000 cash or purchasing goods exceeding Rs 10,000. Valid documentation is crucial to avoid seizures. Seized cash up to Rs 10 lakh goes to the state treasury, while larger amounts trigger IT department involvement. Traders express concerns about the impact on daily business.