Tamil Nadu

State Culture, Heritage & Architecture

Consecration (Kumbabhishekam) of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple:
- Event: Consecration performed after a gap of 17 years (previous kumbabhishekam held in April 2009).
- Language & Literature Integration: Full prominence given to Tamil literary traditions; Oduvars rendered Thevaram and Thiruvasagam pathigams throughout the ritual period.
- Restoration Milestone: Rebuilt Veera Vasantharayar Mandapam (damaged in a 2018 fire) was officially opened ahead of the ceremony.

Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme & Language Policy (Supreme Court):
- Legal Issue: Supreme Court Bench (led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna) heard proceedings on extending the Central Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme to Tamil Nadu, giving the State 3 months to identify land per district.
- State Stand: Tamil Nadu government reiterated its commitment to its statutory two-language policy under the Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act, 2006.

SEMICON India 2026 & ISM 2.0 Framework:
- Event: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2026 in New Delhi, emphasizing India as a resilient, trustworthy semiconductor design and manufacturing hub to counter supply chain weaponisation.
- India Semiconductor Mission 2.0: Targeting 200 startups under the chip design pillar and training 1 lakh technicians over 5 years.
- Asset Lock-in Guidelines: Notification under ISM 2.0 strictly prohibits approved semiconductor units from selling or mortgaging project assets prior to commercial production, mandating at least 3 years of continuous operation.