S. S. Umesh

A 47-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary, Isakkiappan, attempted self-immolation in Tirunelveli, reportedly due to frustration over his party leader Vijay's delayed Chief Ministership. Previously known for a unique penance for Vijay's electoral success, Isakkiappan's distress over TVK's political pace led to the incident. Bystanders intervened, and he is receiving intensive medical care.

For India, however, the core issue remains action rather than acknowledgment, with MEA reiterating New Delhi’s repeated appeals to Ottawa to take effective action against anti-India extremist elements operating from its soil

Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 5.5 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.

Prime Minister Modi expressed profound gratitude to the people of Bengal, bowing with folded hands after the BJP's historic Assembly election victory. Alongside new chief minister Adhikari, he shared an emotional moment with 98-year-old veteran Makhanlal Sarkar, even touching his feet in a gesture of deep respect. This marks a significant shift in West Bengal's political landscape.

Multi-Lane Free Flow system, set to be implemented from today, will allow vehicles to cruise through toll plazas, promising faster travel and lower congestion. TOI takes a test drive

A US-based businessman, Graham Walker, gifted his 540 employees a staggering $240 million from the $1.7 billion sale of his family's company, Fibrebond Corp. This generous act, where workers received an average of $443,000, stemmed from a condition Walker imposed before the sale to power-management giant Eaton.

India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.