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Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu on Monday sparked controversy after he attributed the development of the state to Christian missionaries and said the state would have become another Bihar if not for the work done by Catholic missions.

He claimed that it was Catholic missionaries that shaped his career, adding that the government belonged to the people who "fast and pray to God".

"Chief Minister [MK Stalin] knows that this government was created by you all. You [Catholic missions] can go ahead and speak to your CM and I shall support you. If you are removed, there wouldn't be any growth in Tamil Nadu. If there were no missionaries, then Tamil Nadu would be like Bihar," Speaker Appavu said.

Ram Nath Kovind, who demitted office on Monday after serving as India's 14th President, moved into a fully furnished bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi which will be his home for the rest of his life, during which he will be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 2.5 lakh. Kovind is also entitled to secretarial staff comprising a private secretary, an additional private secretary, a personal assistant and two peons, and office expenses up to Rs 1 lakh per annum.

According to The President's Emoluments And Pension Act, 1951, the retired president is entitled to free medical attendance and treatment, and to the highest class travel anywhere in India, accompanied by one person, by air, rail, or steamer.

UK Prime Ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak has called China as the "largest threat" to Britain and the world's security and prosperity in this century and promised to take tough measures if elected Prime Minister. Sunak said that there is enough evidence to suggest that China has targeted countries from the US to India.

The 42-year-old former Chancellor set out a series of plans he would undertake if elected the prime minister, including building a new NATO-style military alliance of 'free nations' to defend against Chinese 'technological aggression.'

Droupadi Murmu, will become the second woman Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed forces when she takes oath as the 15th President of India on Monday. History will be made when she takes over as the first tribal woman President as the nation is celebrating 75th year of Independence. On Monday the 64 year old President elect will be administered the Presidential oath of office by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana at a ceremony which will take place in the Central Hall of Parliament.

She is the former Governor of Jharkhand and she belongs to one of the oldest tribes of India – Santhals.  This tribe is considered to be the largest and in the 1850s, is known for their uprising against British rule in India.

Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen is not accepting the Banga vibhushan award given by the West Bengal government. He has received many awards, Partha Chatterjee said through his family. "This time, someone new should be given that honor," Amartaya Sen said.

Amartya is currently abroad. He will not be present in Kolkata for the event Monday. According to sources, Amartya Sen's name was not included in the final list of awardees after hearing his opinion.