The Times of India News

Secondary grade teachers protested in Chennai over a pay anomaly. Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated he will meet with the Finance minister and secretary. They will explore rectifying the pay difference faced by teachers. The minister acknowledged the teachers' demands align with the DMK's election promises. A favorable decision is expected for the teachers.

Southern Railway announced special trains to manage Pongal festival rush, operating from January 8 to 21, 2026. These services connect major cities like Nagercoil, Coimbatore, and Mangaluru with terminals including Tambaram and Chennai Egmore. Advance reservations for these trains will commence on January 4, 2026.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that India cannot be a good neighbor to a terror-sponsoring nation, emphasizing the right to self-defense. He linked terrorism to the potential review of water-sharing agreements and highlighted India's supportive role in regional development, citing aid to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The minister also reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh's status as Indian territory.

It has been a rather rapid climb up the political and administrative ladder for Udhayanidhi Stalin -- from DMK youth wing secretary in July 2019 to minister for sports development and youth welfare in Dec 2022 and deputy chief minister in Sept 2023. But handling three crucial posts have been hard work for the 48-year-old politician cum-administrator. In an interview with Jaya Menon, Udhayanidhi talks about meeting political milestones and handling pressure that comes from high expectations.