The Times of India

Indigenous languages in Tamil Nadu, like Toda and Kota, face extinction due to migration and language shift. The University of Madras's IELLAB is working to document and preserve these critically endangered languages, recognizing their invaluable cultural and environmental knowledge before they disappear forever.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has launched a new publication named Porvaal (battle sword) in response to a rival faction's move. This name echoes a historical magazine started by Kanchi Manimozhiyar in 1947 to champion the cause of a separate Dravidian land, marking a significant chapter in Dravidian politics.

Chennai district has significantly improved its ranking, moving from 34th in 2025 to 29th in 2026 with a pass percentage of 92.34%. Government schools also saw a notable rise in performance, achieving an 86.25% pass rate. Girls outperformed boys, with 94.54% passing the exam.

Tamil Nadu marginally improved its SSLC performance in 2026, recording a 94.31% pass percentage compared to 93.80% last year. Girls outperformed boys by 4.32 percentage points, securing 96.47%. Out of 8.70 lakh students, Chennai ranked 29th with 92.34%. Pudukottai topped districts at 97.57%, while Sivagangai led among government schools. Private schools recorded the highest pass rate at 98.14%, and over 5,000 schools achieved cent per cent results.

In a meeting on Monday, the collegium approved three different proposals for appointment of judges presented by the state govt to the Union law minister and forwarded to the collegium.

Coimbatore faces a grim surge in suicides, with over 300 attempts monthly, predominantly among those under 40. Family disputes, health issues, and financial woes are key drivers. Police data reveals a concerning rise, outpacing road accident fatalities in this age group. Experts highlight a complex interplay of biological and external stressors contributing to this crisis.

After a decade-long campaign, two sets of Chola copper plates, held by Leiden University Library for nearly 200 years, have been returned to India. These significant historical artefacts, detailing royal charters for Buddhist shrines, were handed over at The Hague, marking a triumph for citizen-led heritage restitution efforts and diplomatic engagement.

R V Arlekar, who holds the additional charge of TN governor, is expected to arrive in Chennai on Wednesday night.

Vijay on X expressed solidarity with Tamils living across the world on Mullivaikkal remembrance day on Monday.

Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister Rajmohan stated the state will not implement the PM SHRI scheme, condemning the Centre's withholding of funds as pressure. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to the two-language policy of mother tongue and English. The minister also outlined plans to improve basic infrastructure in government schools and address enrollment imbalances.

Following their election defeat, both DMK and AIADMK are experiencing internal unrest. AIADMK veteran S Semmalai resigned citing 'dictatorial approach' by EPS, while DMK's P T R Palanivel Thiagarajan announced a temporary break from politics. EPS also accused TVK of horse trading, as rebel AIADMK MLAs push for leadership changes.

Despite urban interest in millets, Tamil Nadu farmers are abandoning the grain due to uncertain markets and fluctuating prices, unlike rice and maize with guaranteed buyers. Lack of processing units and institutional support discourages cultivation, though initiatives like the Pudukottai FPO show promise with guaranteed procurement and value-added products.

Excitement brews at Keeladi as a nearly 2,300-year-old, perfectly preserved circular pot, dating to the 3rd century BC, was unearthed. This significant find, along with other intact pottery, points to a thriving urban settlement that existed for 800 years. Archaeologists believe this site is revolutionizing Tamil Nadu's understanding of ancient history.