Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds. The device takes into consideration parameters such as Zeta potential, blood pressure, body temperature, Oxygen saturation and blood count. No pricks or invasions are needed.

A person needs to only place his hand in a plastic glove and results flash on the connected computer within seconds. This is a much quicker process than the RT-PCR test which takes 6 hours to give results.

The technology behind the device is based on measurement of a very small quantity of electricity which the human body generates. In a normal person, it ranges between 23 and 25 milliVolt (mV). As per the findings of the researchers, those infected with COVID show 5-15 mV reading.

The sensors can also detect low blood oxygen saturation and low count of White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and platelets other than blood pressure and fever.

Research team said that the idea struck them during their study on cancer patients.

“We verified the results of our device with the RT-PCR results of hundreds of patients coming into the Stanley and Omandurar Hospitals in Chennai. There was a 100% match with the RT-PCR results and a nearly 98% match when compared to the standard blood count test,” said Dhejasvee Rajagopal and Arun Inbaraj, research associates at KJ Research Foundation.

"We are a unit that is recognised by the Department of Science and technology, Government of India,” said Dr Jegadeesan, Founder and Chief Surgeon of the Hospital.

The device cost around Rs 10,000 for its development but researchers say that they are confident that their manufacturing partner will produce it for much less. The team has filed for a patent of the device and has also published a research paper on its working.

Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds.

Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds. The device takes into consideration parameters such as Zeta potential, blood pressure, body temperature, Oxygen saturation and blood count. No pricks or invasions are needed. A person needs to only place his hand in a plastic glove and results flash on the connected computer within seconds. This is a much quicker process than the RT-PCR test which takes 6 hours to give results. The technology behind the device is based on measurement of a very small quantity of electricity which the human body generates. In a normal person, it ranges between 23 and 25 milliVolt (mV). As per the findings of the researchers, those infected with COVID show 5-15 mV reading. The sensors can also detect low blood oxygen saturation and low count of White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and platelets other than blood pressure and fever. Research team said that the idea struck them during their study on cancer patients. “We verified the results of our device with the RT-PCR results of hundreds of patients coming into the Stanley and Omandurar Hospitals in Chennai. There was a 100% match with the RT-PCR results and a nearly 98% match when compared to the standard blood count test,” said Dhejasvee Rajagopal and Arun Inbaraj, research associates at KJ Research Foundation. "We are a unit that is recognised by the Department of Science and technology, Government of India,” said Dr Jegadeesan, Founder and Chief Surgeon of the Hospital. The device cost around Rs 10,000 for its development but researchers say that they are confident that their manufacturing partner will produce it for much less. The team has filed for a patent of the device and has also published a research paper on its working.

This palm-sized device can detect COVID in seconds, claim researchers

Addressing the media a day after Tamil Nadu saw its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan reassured the public about the copious availability of drugs to treat Covid-19 and other ailments in the state. On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 7,819 cases, which took the active cases to 54,315.&nbsp;

Urging the public to not panic over the rising cases, the Health Secretary said that the state has been witnessing a low death rate of 1.35%. He reassured the public about the state’s robust healthcare system and the availability of beds right from Public health centres to secondary care hospitals among others.&nbsp;

“In cities like Chennai and Coimbatore more and more people are choosing to get admitted in hospitals, hence there is a difficulty in getting beds. Now we have put in a system for screening patients who can be allocated beds based on the requirement. There are about 50,000 active cases now and the occupancy of beds n Tamil Nadu is around 10 per cent, whereas t is 20 per cent in Chennai city” said Radhakrishnan.&nbsp;

He also added that the State government has requested the Centre to grant permission to inoculate athletes, differently-abled and shopkeepers, those who are aged below 45.&nbsp;

Making a mention of the availability of drugs to treat Covid-19 and other ailments, he said that Tamil Nadu had stocks worth Rs.120 cr that would easily last 3 months. Separate teams have been formed to ensure the availability and uninterrupted supply of power, oxygen etc. at hospitals, along with the provision of diesel generators.&nbsp;

Addressing the media a day after Tamil Nadu saw its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan reassured the public about the copious availability of drugs to treat Covid-19 and other ailments in the state.

Addressing the media a day after Tamil Nadu saw its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan reassured the public about the copious availability of drugs to treat Covid-19 and other ailments in the state. On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 7,819 cases, which took the active cases to 54,315. Urging the public to not panic over the rising cases, the Health Secretary said that the state has been witnessing a low death rate of 1.35%. He reassured the public about the state’s robust healthcare system and the availability of beds right from Public health centres to secondary care hospitals among others. “In cities like Chennai and Coimbatore more and more people are choosing to get admitted in hospitals, hence there is a difficulty in getting beds. Now we have put in a system for screening patients who can be allocated beds based on the requirement. There are about 50,000 active cases now and the occupancy of beds n Tamil Nadu is around 10 per cent, whereas t is 20 per cent in Chennai city” said Radhakrishnan. He also added that the State government has requested the Centre to grant permission to inoculate athletes, differently-abled and shopkeepers, those who are aged below 45. Making a mention of the availability of drugs to treat Covid-19 and other ailments, he said that Tamil Nadu had stocks worth Rs.120 cr that would easily last 3 months. Separate teams have been formed to ensure the availability and uninterrupted supply of power, oxygen etc. at hospitals, along with the provision of diesel generators.

Tamil Nadu has Covid-19, other medication stock for 3 months, don’t panic: Health Secretary

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave. The review meeting held here with top officials from across government departments was chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswami. &nbsp;

Among the decisions taken and reinforced were to ensure no less than 90,000 RT-PCR tests per day to detect coronavirus infection and aggressive testing in the virus infected areas. Tracing of 25-30 contacts of the infected person, conducting fever camps. It was also decided to declare streets/residential apartments with three Covid-19 cases as micro- containment zones. &nbsp;

Admitting an infected person in a Covid Care Centre of in hospital, based on severity of infection, slapping fines against Covid-norm violators, expediting vaccination for those in the 45+ age group, following of SOP by both Government and private hospitals to reduce the mortality rate, were also mentioned. &nbsp;

The state government has also asked those, who work in cinema theatres, fruits and vegetable markets, commercial complexes to get vaccinated. It was also urged that people step out of their homes only if and when necessary, adding that they must do so while wearing masks and maintaining social distance.&nbsp;

On Monday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 6,711 new cases, which took the active cases to 46,308 and the cumulative cases to 9.40 lakh. So far, 8.8 lakhs persons have recovered, whereas 12,927 have succumbed.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave.

The Tamil Nadu government has emphasised on a slew of measures to control and act against the ongoing spike in Covid-19 cases, that are on the rise as a part of the pan-India second wave. The review meeting held here with top officials from across government departments was chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswami. Among the decisions taken and reinforced were to ensure no less than 90,000 RT-PCR tests per day to detect coronavirus infection and aggressive testing in the virus infected areas. Tracing of 25-30 contacts of the infected person, conducting fever camps. It was also decided to declare streets/residential apartments with three Covid-19 cases as micro- containment zones. Admitting an infected person in a Covid Care Centre of in hospital, based on severity of infection, slapping fines against Covid-norm violators, expediting vaccination for those in the 45+ age group, following of SOP by both Government and private hospitals to reduce the mortality rate, were also mentioned. The state government has also asked those, who work in cinema theatres, fruits and vegetable markets, commercial complexes to get vaccinated. It was also urged that people step out of their homes only if and when necessary, adding that they must do so while wearing masks and maintaining social distance. On Monday, Tamil Nadu witnessed 6,711 new cases, which took the active cases to 46,308 and the cumulative cases to 9.40 lakh. So far, 8.8 lakhs persons have recovered, whereas 12,927 have succumbed.

Tamil Nadu to carry out nearly 90,000 daily RT-PCR tests amid spike in Covid-19 cases

In Tamil Nadu’s personality-cult dominated political landscape, image is everything and sometimes even imitations are accepted. For several decades, political parties have been hiring lookalike artists of actors and politicians during the campaign season. Dressed up like the stalwarts of the state’s political arena these artists sing and dance, deliver dialogues, imitate mannerisms, all for garnering votes.&nbsp;

With their make-up kits and tailored-to-perfection costumes, it just takes a few minutes for these artists to transform from their real to reel selves. As this is the first Assembly election in Tamil Nadu sans tall leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, the artists representing these leaders are the most in-demand.&nbsp;

“Lookalikes do have an impact on voters minds. This time, since the stalwarts are not with us, the lookalikes have a bigger role to play. It rekindles the memories of the old times among the senior voters” says Jitu, a Madurai resident.

Working mostly in the evenings, these artists travel across the state and campaign for various parties, with some members even capable of donning multiple roles. However, the changing nature of politics itself and the digital campaigns, targeted advertising has significantly impacted their profession.&nbsp;

Cine Star Abinaya, a city-based troupe has about 20 artists, they play - MGR, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Ajith, Vijay and many other personalities. There are even separate persons to represent the MGR in his trademark sunglass, white-cap Chief Minister avatar and also the funky-colored costume-wearing cine-star MGR.&nbsp;

During peak election season, an artist earns upto Rs 2000 per performance, but they say that work has become scarce these days, when compared to a decade ago.&nbsp;

“Post-election campaign some of us drive autos, some work as shopkeepers, but there are also a few of us who are fully time artists” says Saraa, who runs Cine Star Abinaya.

He adds that many cannot sustain this profession after a certain age, as they have to go perform until late in the evenings and often have their meals well after midnight, thus affecting health.&nbsp;

Eswaran who plays Rajinikanth and MK Stalin is a full-time performer with no other source of income. “During non-campaign season I perform at temple festivals, I can also sing, so that’s an added advantage” he says.&nbsp;

When asked about their routine and fitness regimen, the artists say that they have to maintain diet control and walk a few minutes every day to maintain their physique and ensure that they continue to resemble their starry avatars.

Speaking of their livelihoods and families, the artists say that they are able to make ends meet during election season, but that isn’t so after election work dries up. Their lament is that, politicians and parties need them the most during poll-time, but neglect them thereafter.&nbsp;

“When we wear those costumes and sing and dance on stage, while seeking votes, our woes disappear, but then the reel life ends and eventually we have to deal with real life” says Saraa.

In Tamil Nadu’s personality-cult dominated political landscape, image is everything and sometimes even imitations are accepted. For several decades, political parties have been hiring lookalike artists of actors and politicians during the campaign season.

In Tamil Nadu’s personality-cult dominated political landscape, image is everything and sometimes even imitations are accepted. For several decades, political parties have been hiring lookalike artists of actors and politicians during the campaign season. Dressed up like the stalwarts of the state’s political arena these artists sing and dance, deliver dialogues, imitate mannerisms, all for garnering votes. With their make-up kits and tailored-to-perfection costumes, it just takes a few minutes for these artists to transform from their real to reel selves. As this is the first Assembly election in Tamil Nadu sans tall leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, the artists representing these leaders are the most in-demand. “Lookalikes do have an impact on voters minds. This time, since the stalwarts are not with us, the lookalikes have a bigger role to play. It rekindles the memories of the old times among the senior voters” says Jitu, a Madurai resident. Working mostly in the evenings, these artists travel across the state and campaign for various parties, with some members even capable of donning multiple roles. However, the changing nature of politics itself and the digital campaigns, targeted advertising has significantly impacted their profession. Cine Star Abinaya, a city-based troupe has about 20 artists, they play - MGR, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Ajith, Vijay and many other personalities. There are even separate persons to represent the MGR in his trademark sunglass, white-cap Chief Minister avatar and also the funky-colored costume-wearing cine-star MGR. During peak election season, an artist earns upto Rs 2000 per performance, but they say that work has become scarce these days, when compared to a decade ago. “Post-election campaign some of us drive autos, some work as shopkeepers, but there are also a few of us who are fully time artists” says Saraa, who runs Cine Star Abinaya. He adds that many cannot sustain this profession after a certain age, as they have to go perform until late in the evenings and often have their meals well after midnight, thus affecting health. Eswaran who plays Rajinikanth and MK Stalin is a full-time performer with no other source of income. “During non-campaign season I perform at temple festivals, I can also sing, so that’s an added advantage” he says. When asked about their routine and fitness regimen, the artists say that they have to maintain diet control and walk a few minutes every day to maintain their physique and ensure that they continue to resemble their starry avatars. Speaking of their livelihoods and families, the artists say that they are able to make ends meet during election season, but that isn’t so after election work dries up. Their lament is that, politicians and parties need them the most during poll-time, but neglect them thereafter. “When we wear those costumes and sing and dance on stage, while seeking votes, our woes disappear, but then the reel life ends and eventually we have to deal with real life” says Saraa.

Tamil Nadu: Lookalikes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and others hit campaign trail

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there. The community of handloom weavers hails from Saurashtra, which is the peninsular region of Gujarat, that covers nearly one-third of the western Indian state. The community from Saurashtra migrated to Tamil Nadu about 400 years ago and has made cultural capital of Tamil Nadu their home.&nbsp;

Having completely assimilated into Tamil culture and traditions, they are nearly indistinguishable from the population here, speaking in Madurai Tamil and dressed like those who’ve belonged here for ages. However, the community’s connect with their mother tongue remains as intact as ever. They say that every time they meet another person from their community and region, they would strike a conversation in their own language.&nbsp;

Of the nearly 300 families that live in the weavers colony, just about 200 of them have the traditional wooden handloom weaving equipment, which nearly occupies a 150 square feet room.&nbsp;

<img alt="Madurai weavers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c685441-354c-40c7-af74-3590c486772b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/loom.JPG" />

Haridas Vinayaga, a trader who has been closely associated with the handloom industry says that the younger generations have started moving to other professions and settling well in life.&nbsp;

“This art form is passed on from one generation to another, but today only the aged people continue it, as they are left with no other option for their livelihood. They are desperate for Government support,” he said.

In stark contrast from nearly 25 years ago, today their artistic work of handloom weaving of Cotton saris faces the threat of extinction. Over the last quarter of a century, the emergence of synthetic materials, machine-weaving looms and sales of handloom garments have dented their hopes of a better life and livelihood.&nbsp;

The weavers say that until the mid-1990s, the state government used to provide them raw material, and buy the finished saris, as a part of a cooperative system. But the government not only stopped buying from the handloom weavers, but they also started procuring machine-made saris, thus dealing a body blow. Since then, the community of weavers depend on private suppliers who sell them the raw material and later pay a paltry sum of Rs 200-250 for a handloom sari.&nbsp;

A family of four - Ganesh, Rajeshwari, Kannan and Dhanalakshmi are working at the looms setup in their homes. It takes nearly two days worth of effort by all of them to make a single sari that costs around Rs 1000, which is eventually sold in shops for over Rs 2500. The weavers lament that the intermediaries make a large share of the money under the current arrangement. They say that a family of four members must toil to make around Rs 8000 a month.&nbsp;

The major demands of the weaver families are a Geographic Indication (GI) tag for their products, authentication for genuine handloom saris, weaver’s minimum guarantee among others. They are hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help their community that belongs to the home state of the Prime Minister himself.

On Friday, while campaigning for the NDA candidates in Madurai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was replete with references to leaders and cultural icons from the region. The NDA’s star campaigner had also touched upon this vibrant community from Saurashtra region, who had made Madurai their home over the last 400 years.&nbsp;

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there.

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there. The community of handloom weavers hails from Saurashtra, which is the peninsular region of Gujarat, that covers nearly one-third of the western Indian state. The community from Saurashtra migrated to Tamil Nadu about 400 years ago and has made cultural capital of Tamil Nadu their home. Having completely assimilated into Tamil culture and traditions, they are nearly indistinguishable from the population here, speaking in Madurai Tamil and dressed like those who’ve belonged here for ages. However, the community’s connect with their mother tongue remains as intact as ever. They say that every time they meet another person from their community and region, they would strike a conversation in their own language. Of the nearly 300 families that live in the weavers colony, just about 200 of them have the traditional wooden handloom weaving equipment, which nearly occupies a 150 square feet room. Haridas Vinayaga, a trader who has been closely associated with the handloom industry says that the younger generations have started moving to other professions and settling well in life. “This art form is passed on from one generation to another, but today only the aged people continue it, as they are left with no other option for their livelihood. They are desperate for Government support,” he said. In stark contrast from nearly 25 years ago, today their artistic work of handloom weaving of Cotton saris faces the threat of extinction. Over the last quarter of a century, the emergence of synthetic materials, machine-weaving looms and sales of handloom garments have dented their hopes of a better life and livelihood. The weavers say that until the mid-1990s, the state government used to provide them raw material, and buy the finished saris, as a part of a cooperative system. But the government not only stopped buying from the handloom weavers, but they also started procuring machine-made saris, thus dealing a body blow. Since then, the community of weavers depend on private suppliers who sell them the raw material and later pay a paltry sum of Rs 200-250 for a handloom sari. A family of four - Ganesh, Rajeshwari, Kannan and Dhanalakshmi are working at the looms setup in their homes. It takes nearly two days worth of effort by all of them to make a single sari that costs around Rs 1000, which is eventually sold in shops for over Rs 2500. The weavers lament that the intermediaries make a large share of the money under the current arrangement. They say that a family of four members must toil to make around Rs 8000 a month. The major demands of the weaver families are a Geographic Indication (GI) tag for their products, authentication for genuine handloom saris, weaver’s minimum guarantee among others. They are hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help their community that belongs to the home state of the Prime Minister himself. On Friday, while campaigning for the NDA candidates in Madurai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was replete with references to leaders and cultural icons from the region. The NDA’s star campaigner had also touched upon this vibrant community from Saurashtra region, who had made Madurai their home over the last 400 years.

Madurai: Handloom weavers from Saurashtra demand govt support

Elections in Tamil Nadu are an exciting time, with most mainstream political parties promising everything other than the sun and moon, as freebies.&nbsp;

Some promises by mainstream parties have included gold, livestock, mobile phones, TVs, fans, mixer-grinders, Washing machines, LPG cylinders, solar cooktops and what not! But this time around, an independent candidate from Madurai South has promised the moon, literally!

iPhone for all, 3-storey house with swimming pool, annual dole of Rs 1cr per house, car worth Rs20lakhs, small-size helicopter for every home, robot to perform household chores, 100 sovereigns of gold when girls are married off, funding of Rs1.cr for young entrepreneurs, Rs.10lakhs a month for differently abled, one boat per house, a 100-day trip to the moon, 300-feet artificial snow-clad mountain to keep the constituency cool, space research center and rocket launching facility are the promises put out by R. Saravanan, the independent candidate.&nbsp;

His poster with the list of gigantic promises is the talk of the town. But, before you decide to move to Madurai South Assembly constituency, there’s a catch and Zee Media spoke to Saravanan to understand what it is.&nbsp;

“Our mainstream parties have been promising freebies and coming to power and they ditch the people once elected. Why don’t they promise all this while in power? Sadly, our people are falling for this freebie gimmicks and I wanted to create awareness about this freebie culture” he says.&nbsp;

When asked about where this idea stemmed from, he said, all parties were promising freebies and that he wanted to take it to the next level. “I wanted to create awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu and urge them to vote for those candidates who would serve people, rather than the freebies that big parties promise”, he adds.&nbsp;

Contesting in his maiden poll, Saravanan says that he decided to lead by example and take the plunge into politics, as even the well educated lawyers and professionals were afraid and did not know the procedure to contest. He’ll be up against candidates from the DMK alliance, the AIADMK and AMMK, in Madurai South.On his unique polls symbol dustbin, he says it was the only option available after they didn’t get the Vel (spear) or weighing balance symbol that he had asked for. “We’d like to clean up the literal (corruption, bribes) and political mess that Madurai has been reduced to” he says.&nbsp;

When asked if he really would deliver on these promises if voted to power, he says laughingly, “it might sound a little difficult, but it’s possible, I told my family also the same thing”.

Elections in Tamil Nadu are an exciting time, with most mainstream political parties promising everything other than the sun and moon, as freebies. Some promises by mainstream parties have included gold, livestock, mobile phones, TVs, fans, mixer-grinders, Washing machines, LPG cylinders, solar cooktops and what not!

Elections in Tamil Nadu are an exciting time, with most mainstream political parties promising everything other than the sun and moon, as freebies. Some promises by mainstream parties have included gold, livestock, mobile phones, TVs, fans, mixer-grinders, Washing machines, LPG cylinders, solar cooktops and what not! But this time around, an independent candidate from Madurai South has promised the moon, literally! iPhone for all, 3-storey house with swimming pool, annual dole of Rs 1cr per house, car worth Rs20lakhs, small-size helicopter for every home, robot to perform household chores, 100 sovereigns of gold when girls are married off, funding of Rs1.cr for young entrepreneurs, Rs.10lakhs a month for differently abled, one boat per house, a 100-day trip to the moon, 300-feet artificial snow-clad mountain to keep the constituency cool, space research center and rocket launching facility are the promises put out by R. Saravanan, the independent candidate. His poster with the list of gigantic promises is the talk of the town. But, before you decide to move to Madurai South Assembly constituency, there’s a catch and Zee Media spoke to Saravanan to understand what it is. “Our mainstream parties have been promising freebies and coming to power and they ditch the people once elected. Why don’t they promise all this while in power? Sadly, our people are falling for this freebie gimmicks and I wanted to create awareness about this freebie culture” he says. When asked about where this idea stemmed from, he said, all parties were promising freebies and that he wanted to take it to the next level. “I wanted to create awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu and urge them to vote for those candidates who would serve people, rather than the freebies that big parties promise”, he adds. Contesting in his maiden poll, Saravanan says that he decided to lead by example and take the plunge into politics, as even the well educated lawyers and professionals were afraid and did not know the procedure to contest. He’ll be up against candidates from the DMK alliance, the AIADMK and AMMK, in Madurai South.On his unique polls symbol dustbin, he says it was the only option available after they didn’t get the Vel (spear) or weighing balance symbol that he had asked for. “We’d like to clean up the literal (corruption, bribes) and political mess that Madurai has been reduced to” he says. When asked if he really would deliver on these promises if voted to power, he says laughingly, “it might sound a little difficult, but it’s possible, I told my family also the same thing”.

Moon trip, Rs 1cr per year, 3-storey house, Car, iPhone, 100 sovereigns gold: Madurai independent candidate’s promises 

Based on intelligence inputs on drug trafficking, Indian Coast Guard air and sea assets intercepted three Sri Lankan boats off the Lakshadweep region on India’s west coast on March 18. Boarding and search of the three vessels led to the seizure of 300 kg high-grade heroin, 5 Ak-47 rifles with 1,000 live rounds, from one of them named Ravihansi. The estimated value of the seized contraband is Rs.3000 cr (over USD 412 million).&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan boats and their 19 crew were escorted to Vizhinjam in Kerala for a further joint investigation by Indian authorities.&nbsp;

K.Natarajan, Director General, ICG said that the ICG received the intelligence on March 15 and five ships were diverted, besides aircraft that were coordinating. On March 18, they made contact with the vessels, as they were moving suspiciously, south of Minicoy. “Certain movement indicated that the vessels had contraband on board. We encountered a vessel named Chetrani 6 towing a fishing boat Ravhansi, which had a technical snag. Boarding and searching was done from 18th and after two days of search the concealed weapons and drugs were seized” he said.&nbsp;

According to India’s Coast Guard, this is the second major anti-drug trafficking operation undertaken by them off the West Coast, within a fortnight. &nbsp;On March 5, in a similar operation, the CG had apprehended Sri Lankan vessel Akarsha Duwa off Minicoy island. The boat with six crew had admitted to carrying 200 kg of Heroin, 60 kg hashish, which they jettisoned at sea, on sighting ICG assets.&nbsp;

In November 2020, ICG had apprehended Sri Lankan boat Shenaya Duwa off Kanyakumari, carrying 120kg narcotics, worth around Rs.1,000 cr and five weapons.&nbsp;

Over the last year, the ICG has seized about 1.6 tons of narcotics worth nearly Rs.4,900cr, which is close to half of the drug seizures worth Rs.10,952cr, made since their inception.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Based on intelligence inputs on drug trafficking, Indian Coast Guard air and sea assets intercepted three Sri Lankan boats off the Lakshadweep region on India’s west coast on March 18.

Based on intelligence inputs on drug trafficking, Indian Coast Guard air and sea assets intercepted three Sri Lankan boats off the Lakshadweep region on India’s west coast on March 18. Boarding and search of the three vessels led to the seizure of 300 kg high-grade heroin, 5 Ak-47 rifles with 1,000 live rounds, from one of them named Ravihansi. The estimated value of the seized contraband is Rs.3000 cr (over USD 412 million). The Sri Lankan boats and their 19 crew were escorted to Vizhinjam in Kerala for a further joint investigation by Indian authorities. K.Natarajan, Director General, ICG said that the ICG received the intelligence on March 15 and five ships were diverted, besides aircraft that were coordinating. On March 18, they made contact with the vessels, as they were moving suspiciously, south of Minicoy. “Certain movement indicated that the vessels had contraband on board. We encountered a vessel named Chetrani 6 towing a fishing boat Ravhansi, which had a technical snag. Boarding and searching was done from 18th and after two days of search the concealed weapons and drugs were seized” he said. According to India’s Coast Guard, this is the second major anti-drug trafficking operation undertaken by them off the West Coast, within a fortnight. On March 5, in a similar operation, the CG had apprehended Sri Lankan vessel Akarsha Duwa off Minicoy island. The boat with six crew had admitted to carrying 200 kg of Heroin, 60 kg hashish, which they jettisoned at sea, on sighting ICG assets. In November 2020, ICG had apprehended Sri Lankan boat Shenaya Duwa off Kanyakumari, carrying 120kg narcotics, worth around Rs.1,000 cr and five weapons. Over the last year, the ICG has seized about 1.6 tons of narcotics worth nearly Rs.4,900cr, which is close to half of the drug seizures worth Rs.10,952cr, made since their inception.

Indian Coast Guard’s big haul: Over USD 412 million worth drugs, 5 Ak-47rifles, 1,000 rounds seized 

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients.

The researchers say that repurposing of Rapamycin is similar to that of using the drug Remdesivir (originally developed to treat Hepatitis C) in the battle against Covid-19. The research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Nebraska

According to a peer-reviewed research paper in the reputed International Elsevier journal, Chemico Biological Interactions, the researchers showed that the biochemical working of Rapamycin drug molecule points to its promise in treating Covid-19.&nbsp;

It states that since the repurposed drug (Rapamycin) has undergone a clinical development process for the treatment of other diseases, toxicity test, many steps in pre-clinical and early clinical development can be avoided. Thus, they said the drug can be directly tested on COVID-19 subjects in phase-II trials.

Dr Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist &amp; CEO IICE, IISER Bhopal said that drug repurposing was an attractive solution, given how developing a new drug would be time-consuming, considering the raging pandemic.&nbsp;

It is added that one of the main challenges in developing antiviral drugs against COVID-19 has been the extensive mutations that the virus undergoes, thus deeming drugs ineffective. However, it says that treatment with drugs such as Rapamycin will not face that problem because it acts on host proteins and not on the virus. Rapamycin inhibits protein synthesis and can also arrest virus replication, irrespective of the type of mutant.&nbsp;

The study says, apart from inhibiting protein synthesis, Rapamycin has been known to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system proteins. A high level of cytokines in the blood indicates a medical phenomenon called ‘cytokine storm’, where the body starts to attack its own cells and tissues rather than just fighting off the virus. The inhibitory action of Rapamycin towards cytokines also makes it a promising treatment for COVID-19, adds the research.

Rapamycin is also known to reduce obesity through various pathways and this can help in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 effects in obese people. Furthermore, the drug is known to induce autophagy, a cellular recycling process that helps in eliminating the damaged proteins and delaying ageing. &nbsp;Given higher fatalities among the aged persons, the anti-ageing properties of Rapamycin can have protective effects against COVID-10-induced morbidities, the study claims.&nbsp;

Recently another study got published in the prestigious journal The Lancet-Healthy Longevity that proposed the potential of Rapamycin analogues (rapalogs) to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Although with a successful vaccination drive, the infection may be brought under control, it would likely not disappear. &nbsp;Currently, there are no universally approved drugs, for the treatment of COVID-19.

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients.

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients. The researchers say that repurposing of Rapamycin is similar to that of using the drug Remdesivir (originally developed to treat Hepatitis C) in the battle against Covid-19. The research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Nebraska According to a peer-reviewed research paper in the reputed International Elsevier journal, Chemico Biological Interactions, the researchers showed that the biochemical working of Rapamycin drug molecule points to its promise in treating Covid-19. It states that since the repurposed drug (Rapamycin) has undergone a clinical development process for the treatment of other diseases, toxicity test, many steps in pre-clinical and early clinical development can be avoided. Thus, they said the drug can be directly tested on COVID-19 subjects in phase-II trials. Dr Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist & CEO IICE, IISER Bhopal said that drug repurposing was an attractive solution, given how developing a new drug would be time-consuming, considering the raging pandemic. It is added that one of the main challenges in developing antiviral drugs against COVID-19 has been the extensive mutations that the virus undergoes, thus deeming drugs ineffective. However, it says that treatment with drugs such as Rapamycin will not face that problem because it acts on host proteins and not on the virus. Rapamycin inhibits protein synthesis and can also arrest virus replication, irrespective of the type of mutant. The study says, apart from inhibiting protein synthesis, Rapamycin has been known to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system proteins. A high level of cytokines in the blood indicates a medical phenomenon called ‘cytokine storm’, where the body starts to attack its own cells and tissues rather than just fighting off the virus. The inhibitory action of Rapamycin towards cytokines also makes it a promising treatment for COVID-19, adds the research. Rapamycin is also known to reduce obesity through various pathways and this can help in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 effects in obese people. Furthermore, the drug is known to induce autophagy, a cellular recycling process that helps in eliminating the damaged proteins and delaying ageing. Given higher fatalities among the aged persons, the anti-ageing properties of Rapamycin can have protective effects against COVID-10-induced morbidities, the study claims. Recently another study got published in the prestigious journal The Lancet-Healthy Longevity that proposed the potential of Rapamycin analogues (rapalogs) to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19. Although with a successful vaccination drive, the infection may be brought under control, it would likely not disappear. Currently, there are no universally approved drugs, for the treatment of COVID-19.

Researchers explore the potential of Rapamycin drug in treating aged, obese Covid-19 patients

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls.&nbsp;

Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides.&nbsp;

After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India.&nbsp;

Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records.&nbsp;

“I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls. Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides. After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India. Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records. “I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

Meet the independent candidate taking on Tamil Nadu CM and Kerala CM 

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each.&nbsp;

While the rise in cases is in line with a pan-India trend, it is a cause for concern particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the crucial assembly polls are due on April 6th. Currently, the state has 6,690 active cases.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-covid-19-spike-chief-secretary-takes-stock-authorities-asked-to-intensify-efforts-370898">Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts</a>

Since late 2020, Tamil Nadu had been witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases and by end of January, the state had eased almost all restrictions and returned to normal, as the daily cases were well below the 400-mark on average.&nbsp;

The current spike in cases has been building up over the last two weeks, where daily case numbers have more than doubled.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from the civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration.

It was stated that the reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc. where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms.

To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered the violators of Covid protocols be find under the Public health act, it was also added that resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitizer be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels.&nbsp;

Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship, tourist places etc.&nbsp;

The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's health secretary&nbsp;Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said on Friday that a large number of cases were family clusters of those who attended functions, events, rather than a widespread outbreak. He also added that the micro-containment zone would be established in case there were three cases in a single block or apartment complex and that detailed contact tracing and testing of contacts would continue.&nbsp;

With nine deaths on Friday, 12,582 persons have lost their battle to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, whereas 8.45 lakh person has recovered, out of the 8.64 lakh infected persons.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each.

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each. While the rise in cases is in line with a pan-India trend, it is a cause for concern particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the crucial assembly polls are due on April 6th. Currently, the state has 6,690 active cases. Also read | Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts Since late 2020, Tamil Nadu had been witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases and by end of January, the state had eased almost all restrictions and returned to normal, as the daily cases were well below the 400-mark on average. The current spike in cases has been building up over the last two weeks, where daily case numbers have more than doubled. Earlier this week, Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from the civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. It was stated that the reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc. where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms. To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered the violators of Covid protocols be find under the Public health act, it was also added that resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitizer be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels. Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship, tourist places etc. The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year. Tamil Nadu's health secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said on Friday that a large number of cases were family clusters of those who attended functions, events, rather than a widespread outbreak. He also added that the micro-containment zone would be established in case there were three cases in a single block or apartment complex and that detailed contact tracing and testing of contacts would continue. With nine deaths on Friday, 12,582 persons have lost their battle to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, whereas 8.45 lakh person has recovered, out of the 8.64 lakh infected persons.

After months of decline, daily Covid-19 cases breach 1,000 in Tamil Nadu

Data Patterns, a Chennai-based firm delivered a crucial component that is meant to be used in Gaganyaan, which is India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. The Checkout system, which was delivered to the Indian Space Research Organization, is meant to perform health checks of the various cable harness assemblies used in the Crew Module, which houses the astronauts.&nbsp;

Simply put, a cable/wire harness assembly is a grouping of wires that are designed to carry power or signals. When fully extended, the wiring in aircraft and spacecraft measure several kilometres, so the wires are bound in a harness, rather than being let loose. By being bound into a harness, the wires are protected from adverse conditions that may occur during operation and are much more compact.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The health checks of wiring harnesses such as high voltage insulation, continuity, isolation, current carrying capacity and other electrical parameters play a vital role in the safety of the Crew Module. This crew module is required to withstand the various forces exerted upon during launch and also serve as an orbiting home for Indian astronauts, who will be circling the earth in Low Earth Orbit.&nbsp;

The handing over ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 17 at Data Patterns’ facility near Chennai, in the presence of Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, and Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) among others. According to the private firm, the component was delivered within four months, against the typical schedule of twelve months.

Located at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, HSFC is e responsible for the implementation of the Gaganyaan Project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of Engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection &amp; training and also to pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions.&nbsp;

During its three-decade-long association with ISRO, Data Patterns has supplied the 14000 point countdown checkout system for the second launch pad, upgraded the launch vehicle tracking radars, supplied the X-Band and C-Band weather radars, the company said.&nbsp;

Almost all the electronics of the Launch vehicle are checked out using Data Patterns' indigenous test system solutions. With the guidance of ISRO, Data Patterns is also regularly building Avionics packages for both Launch vehicles and satellites, the company added.&nbsp;

About a week ago, DR K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO had said that Gaganyaan design is in the final stages and project realization has started, all efforts are on for the first unmanned mission trial by this year-end. Gaganyaan is expected to witness two unmanned trials, before the manned mission which is scheduled for 2022-23.

Data Patterns, a Chennai-based firm delivered a crucial component that is meant to be used in Gaganyaan, which is India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. The Checkout system, which was delivered to the Indian Space Research Organization, is meant to perform health checks of the various cable harness assemblies used in the Crew Module, which houses the astronauts.

Data Patterns, a Chennai-based firm delivered a crucial component that is meant to be used in Gaganyaan, which is India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. The Checkout system, which was delivered to the Indian Space Research Organization, is meant to perform health checks of the various cable harness assemblies used in the Crew Module, which houses the astronauts. Simply put, a cable/wire harness assembly is a grouping of wires that are designed to carry power or signals. When fully extended, the wiring in aircraft and spacecraft measure several kilometres, so the wires are bound in a harness, rather than being let loose. By being bound into a harness, the wires are protected from adverse conditions that may occur during operation and are much more compact. The health checks of wiring harnesses such as high voltage insulation, continuity, isolation, current carrying capacity and other electrical parameters play a vital role in the safety of the Crew Module. This crew module is required to withstand the various forces exerted upon during launch and also serve as an orbiting home for Indian astronauts, who will be circling the earth in Low Earth Orbit. The handing over ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 17 at Data Patterns’ facility near Chennai, in the presence of Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, and Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) among others. According to the private firm, the component was delivered within four months, against the typical schedule of twelve months. Located at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, HSFC is e responsible for the implementation of the Gaganyaan Project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of Engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection & training and also to pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions. During its three-decade-long association with ISRO, Data Patterns has supplied the 14000 point countdown checkout system for the second launch pad, upgraded the launch vehicle tracking radars, supplied the X-Band and C-Band weather radars, the company said. Almost all the electronics of the Launch vehicle are checked out using Data Patterns' indigenous test system solutions. With the guidance of ISRO, Data Patterns is also regularly building Avionics packages for both Launch vehicles and satellites, the company added. About a week ago, DR K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO had said that Gaganyaan design is in the final stages and project realization has started, all efforts are on for the first unmanned mission trial by this year-end. Gaganyaan is expected to witness two unmanned trials, before the manned mission which is scheduled for 2022-23.

ISRO Human Spaceflight: Indian firm delivers component for crew module 

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to&nbsp;crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms.&nbsp;

Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. The reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc,&nbsp;where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms.

To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered that the violators of Covid protocols be fined under the Public Health Act. Resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitiser be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels, it was recommended.&nbsp;

Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship and tourist places.&nbsp;

The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu reported 836 Covid-19 cases on Monday, which took the active cases to 5,149. A total of 8.60 lakh persons have tested positive and 8.42 lakh persons have been discharged following treatment to date.&nbsp;

According to the government, the test positivity rate in the state had been brought below 1% in January and February, but now it has risen to 1.2%.&nbsp;

However, in big cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore, the test positivity rate has gone past 2%, this is at a time when the average daily testing is around 65,000.

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms.

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms. Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. The reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc, where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms. To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered that the violators of Covid protocols be fined under the Public Health Act. Resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitiser be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels, it was recommended. Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship and tourist places. The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year. Tamil Nadu reported 836 Covid-19 cases on Monday, which took the active cases to 5,149. A total of 8.60 lakh persons have tested positive and 8.42 lakh persons have been discharged following treatment to date. According to the government, the test positivity rate in the state had been brought below 1% in January and February, but now it has risen to 1.2%. However, in big cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore, the test positivity rate has gone past 2%, this is at a time when the average daily testing is around 65,000.

Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts

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