Tamil Nadu Expands Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme For Classes 6 To 8

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded Perundhallaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme at a government middle school in Chennai. The morning meal initiative, previously catering to primary school children from classes one to five, has now been extended to cover middle school students across classes six to eight. Chief Minister Vijay was seen interacting with students, serving meals, and sharing breakfast comprising traditional dishes like pongal, upma, and khichdi. The programme, originally initiated under the DMK administration as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, was renamed by the TVK government to honour former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj for his pioneering contributions to school nutrition and education. Reports also highlighted proposals regarding the inclusion of chicken biryani in midday meals to boost protein intake. The expansion aims to enhance school attendance, lower dropout rates, and ensure nutritious food for young learners across Tamil Nadu.

A 35-year-old woman working as temporary computer staff was attacked and set on fire inside the Ponneri Government Hospital premises in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. The victim, identified as Rajeshwari, suffered severe burn injuries and was admitted for treatment. The incident triggered panic among patients and visitors at the hospital. Following a police search, the accused, identified as Prakash, was tracked down in the Madhavaram area. As he attempted to attack Sub-Inspector Tamizharasan, police opened fire, injuring the suspect in the right knee before apprehending him. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

A clash has emerged regarding the White House media ban, with US President Donald Trump restricting several media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that all media members should be present. Mamdani conveyed to the president during their meeting that all press members would be welcomed on the lawn, regardless of differing opinions or critiques. The decision to restrict media outlets has raised questions about whether it serves as a distraction from issues surrounding the Iran war and rising gas prices, highlighting opposing stances on press freedom and media access.

US President Donald Trump asserted that the media cannot boycott him after major news organisations staged a boycott following his decision to ban CNN. Speaking at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new White House helipad, Trump's remarks without the regular press TV pool ended in silence on air, as loud engine noise from Marine One overwhelmed the event. News networks including Fox, CBS, and ABC refused to replace CNN, while print outlets like the Associated Press and The Washington Post declined to publish photographs of the event to demonstrate solidarity. Despite the stand-off, Trump maintained that the press has an obligation to provide coverage, claiming significant economic achievements and foreign policy settlements while criticising media coverage of his administration. White House Correspondents' Association President Jacqui Henrich stated that CNN should not be barred.