The Times of India

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.

While Aequs Group will invest up to Rs 4,000 crore, Japan-based MinebeaMitsumi will invest Rs1,980 crore. The MoUs were signed in the presence of chief minister M K Stalin.

V.V. Swaminathan, a prominent Dravidian leader, is celebrating his 100th year, marking a century of inspiring public life and service. From his early involvement in the Quit India Movement to his extensive political career as MLA, MP, and minister, Swaminathan championed people-centric policies and achieved numerous milestones, including establishing Asia's first veterinary university.

Actor Trisha Krishnan has issued a legal communique slamming Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran's distasteful and inappropriate remarks linking her to actor-politician Vijay. The statement clarified Trisha's strictly neutral political stance, emphasizing she wishes to be defined solely by her professional work and calling for responsible public discourse.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused divisive forces of distorting Vallalar's humanitarian philosophy. He affirmed the state's commitment to upholding the saint-reformer's message of equality and compassion through governance, stating that attempts to alter Tamil society's cultural identity would fail. Stalin highlighted Vallalar's teachings as the ideological basis for the Dravidian movement and its welfare-oriented governance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin orchestrated a surprise 5,000 credit to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam. This move, described as a surgical strike, preempted potential opposition promises and Supreme Court scrutiny on freebies, stunning political rivals.