The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has developed spin-off technologies that find applications in fields ranging from healthcare, defence, water management, agriculture among others. Director of the centre said that these spin-off technologies were ready to be transferred to start-ups and industries. The technologies were developed over the last decade.

According to the IGCAR, their major offerings for which Intent of MOU will be exchanged include Thermal Imaging technology for early detection of breast cancer, Autonomous Gamma Dose Logger (to measure radiation), Portable Air volume sampler (for pollution analysis) and Application of Ionising Radiations in Agriculture and Related areas to improve the shelf life of vegetables and fruits. The organization has said that the Intent of MOU will be exchanged for these technologies/products developed at IGCAR.

On Friday, KNVyas, Secretry, Department of Atomic Energy inaugurated a technology Incubation Centre at IGCAR, via the virtual mode. The Incubation center is meant to be catalytic in incubating technologies from IGCAR and also spin-off technologies from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and other units of DAE in the Southern Part of the country through appropriate handholding with entrepreneurs and MSMEs. 30th October 2020 also marks the 111th Birth Anniversary of Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the Father of the Indian Atomic Energy program.&nbsp;

A.K.Bhaduri, Director, IGCAR, spoke of some of the products their facility had developed, such as an explosive detector, narcotics detector, access control systems used for securing vital installations, greenhouse gas sensors and waste water management solutions among others. He emphasized that some of their offerings cost just 25 per cent of the imported ones.&nbsp;

The IGCAR signs up non-exclusive MoUs with interested parties, with a one-time technology transfer fee of Rs 5 lakh and there is also a provision of some share in the profits earned by the company.

When asked about the thermal imaging for detection fo breast cancer, IGCAR officials told Zee Media that they had developed a grading scale for a standard imaging device and that it was a portable system.&nbsp;

“By integrating three approaches, we have enhanced specificity and sensitivity. We have validated this product’s results with ultrasound and mammography in over 700 cases and it has 90% sensitivity. It is non-contact, non-harmful and not painful and can be used for detection in women below the age of 40(which is the usual age)” they said.

The Autonomous Gamma Dose Logger is a radiation monitor to measure environmental radiation in nuclear installations and other places, and it transmits data wirelessly. ICGAR says it is possible to have large deployments of these units including across rough terrains and it can be installed across borders to monitor movement of radioactive materials.

Portable Air volume sampler is a lightweight device made of fibre reinforced plastic, which is employed to collect airborne particulates in a filter paper. It can be used by pollution control boards for collecting suspended particulate matter in monitoring environmental pollution and in industries discharging particulate effluents.

ICGAR said that BARC has pioneered the application of radioisotopes and radiation technologies in agriculture, increasing the shelf life of agricultural products, food preservation and a host of other areas. The application cited was the use of radiation to significantly increase the shelf life of vegetables and other perishables.

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has developed spin-off technologies that find applications in fields ranging from healthcare, defence, water management, agriculture among others.

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has developed spin-off technologies that find applications in fields ranging from healthcare, defence, water management, agriculture among others. Director of the centre said that these spin-off technologies were ready to be transferred to start-ups and industries. The technologies were developed over the last decade. According to the IGCAR, their major offerings for which Intent of MOU will be exchanged include Thermal Imaging technology for early detection of breast cancer, Autonomous Gamma Dose Logger (to measure radiation), Portable Air volume sampler (for pollution analysis) and Application of Ionising Radiations in Agriculture and Related areas to improve the shelf life of vegetables and fruits. The organization has said that the Intent of MOU will be exchanged for these technologies/products developed at IGCAR. On Friday, KNVyas, Secretry, Department of Atomic Energy inaugurated a technology Incubation Centre at IGCAR, via the virtual mode. The Incubation center is meant to be catalytic in incubating technologies from IGCAR and also spin-off technologies from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and other units of DAE in the Southern Part of the country through appropriate handholding with entrepreneurs and MSMEs. 30th October 2020 also marks the 111th Birth Anniversary of Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the Father of the Indian Atomic Energy program. A.K.Bhaduri, Director, IGCAR, spoke of some of the products their facility had developed, such as an explosive detector, narcotics detector, access control systems used for securing vital installations, greenhouse gas sensors and waste water management solutions among others. He emphasized that some of their offerings cost just 25 per cent of the imported ones. The IGCAR signs up non-exclusive MoUs with interested parties, with a one-time technology transfer fee of Rs 5 lakh and there is also a provision of some share in the profits earned by the company. When asked about the thermal imaging for detection fo breast cancer, IGCAR officials told Zee Media that they had developed a grading scale for a standard imaging device and that it was a portable system. “By integrating three approaches, we have enhanced specificity and sensitivity. We have validated this product’s results with ultrasound and mammography in over 700 cases and it has 90% sensitivity. It is non-contact, non-harmful and not painful and can be used for detection in women below the age of 40(which is the usual age)” they said. The Autonomous Gamma Dose Logger is a radiation monitor to measure environmental radiation in nuclear installations and other places, and it transmits data wirelessly. ICGAR says it is possible to have large deployments of these units including across rough terrains and it can be installed across borders to monitor movement of radioactive materials. Portable Air volume sampler is a lightweight device made of fibre reinforced plastic, which is employed to collect airborne particulates in a filter paper. It can be used by pollution control boards for collecting suspended particulate matter in monitoring environmental pollution and in industries discharging particulate effluents. ICGAR said that BARC has pioneered the application of radioisotopes and radiation technologies in agriculture, increasing the shelf life of agricultural products, food preservation and a host of other areas. The application cited was the use of radiation to significantly increase the shelf life of vegetables and other perishables.

Atomic research facility IGCAR to transfer spin-off tech to start-ups, industries

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions. Interestingly, it was on Thursday that the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to provide 7.5% reservation for the undergraduate medical courses under NEET, considering the delay from the Governor’s end.&nbsp;

According to the State government, nearly 300 MBBS seats in government medical colleges and self-financing colleges would be made available for students from Government schools, with the assent for this bill.&nbsp;

The State Assembly had passed this bill on September 15th and it had since been pending with the Governor, who had sought legal opinion on the same. Ministers from the ruling party and opposition party had also met the Governor, seeking an expeditious assent for this bill.&nbsp;

Visible urgency in getting the assent for the bill arises from the fact that NEET results have been declared and medical admissions processes have begun.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a bench of the Madras High Court had also observed that the Governor should act according to his conscience, in response to a petition that had sought an interim direction to implement the sub-quota reservation of 7.5% of medical college seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

“The government after careful consideration of the recommendations of Justice P Kalaiyarasan commission had decided to take affirmative action, providing 7.5 per cent reservation, so as to bring about real equality by giving preference to the students of government schools, who have qualified in NEET in admission to MBBS and other medical courses” Health Secretary Dr J. Radhakrishnan had said in the GO.

The horizontal reservation of 7.5% shall be provided in each category of vertical reservation followed in Tamil Nadu within 69% reservation from 2020, the order added.&nbsp;

It was also mentioned that children belonging to weaker sections of society who studied in private schools until Class 8 under Right to Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2008, can benefit from this quota if they switch to government schools from standard 9.&nbsp;

The order is meant to benefit students who pursued education from Class 6th to 12th in the State government schools and have cleared NEET for admission to undergraduate level medical, dental, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy courses in state-run medical college and seats covered under state-quota in self-financing colleges.

NEET has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu since its inception. Political parties in the state have been pointing out that NEET went against social justice and was putting students from rural areas and lesser fortunate backgrounds at a disadvantage, as they wouldn’t be able to pay for the coaching classes.&nbsp;

In late August, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar had written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission.&nbsp;

However, some sections have also raised questions against the major political parties of Tamil Nadu, asking them why the government couldn’t invest more on education and raise the standard of its syllabus. This is suggested considering that CBSE students have an edge over the state-board students in such competitive exams. It is also being pointed out that JEE and other entrance exams for management courses too are conducted pan-India and how they go on unopposed.

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions.

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions. Interestingly, it was on Thursday that the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to provide 7.5% reservation for the undergraduate medical courses under NEET, considering the delay from the Governor’s end. According to the State government, nearly 300 MBBS seats in government medical colleges and self-financing colleges would be made available for students from Government schools, with the assent for this bill. The State Assembly had passed this bill on September 15th and it had since been pending with the Governor, who had sought legal opinion on the same. Ministers from the ruling party and opposition party had also met the Governor, seeking an expeditious assent for this bill. Visible urgency in getting the assent for the bill arises from the fact that NEET results have been declared and medical admissions processes have begun. On Thursday, a bench of the Madras High Court had also observed that the Governor should act according to his conscience, in response to a petition that had sought an interim direction to implement the sub-quota reservation of 7.5% of medical college seats in Tamil Nadu. “The government after careful consideration of the recommendations of Justice P Kalaiyarasan commission had decided to take affirmative action, providing 7.5 per cent reservation, so as to bring about real equality by giving preference to the students of government schools, who have qualified in NEET in admission to MBBS and other medical courses” Health Secretary Dr J. Radhakrishnan had said in the GO. The horizontal reservation of 7.5% shall be provided in each category of vertical reservation followed in Tamil Nadu within 69% reservation from 2020, the order added. It was also mentioned that children belonging to weaker sections of society who studied in private schools until Class 8 under Right to Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2008, can benefit from this quota if they switch to government schools from standard 9. The order is meant to benefit students who pursued education from Class 6th to 12th in the State government schools and have cleared NEET for admission to undergraduate level medical, dental, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy courses in state-run medical college and seats covered under state-quota in self-financing colleges. NEET has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu since its inception. Political parties in the state have been pointing out that NEET went against social justice and was putting students from rural areas and lesser fortunate backgrounds at a disadvantage, as they wouldn’t be able to pay for the coaching classes. In late August, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar had written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission. However, some sections have also raised questions against the major political parties of Tamil Nadu, asking them why the government couldn’t invest more on education and raise the standard of its syllabus. This is suggested considering that CBSE students have an edge over the state-board students in such competitive exams. It is also being pointed out that JEE and other entrance exams for management courses too are conducted pan-India and how they go on unopposed.

After government takes executive route, Tamil Nadu assents to 7.5% NEET quota bill

Tamil superstar&nbsp;Rajinikanth has denied ownership of a statement (that was rumoured to be his)which was doing the rounds on social media, claiming that he was quitting politics. However, he agreed that some contents of the statement pertaining to his health were true and that he would hold discussions with the functionaries of his unified fan club and inform people of his political stance.&nbsp;

The letter which was doing the rounds and was said to be ‘leaked’ mentioned that&nbsp;the actor’s doctors had expressed reservations over Rajini getting into active politics, as he had undergone a kidney transplant and owing to the fact that there was no vaccine available for Covid-19 yet.&nbsp;

There was also high uncertainty expressed over the actor’s course of action even when a vaccine became available, given that there were doubts over how at the age of 70, with existing medical conditions he would respond to the vaccine. All these hinted towards the actor quitting politics to the prevailing scenario and that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were due by summer 2021.&nbsp;

The text of a letter that was said to be Rajini’s, mentioned that if he were to start a party it would have to be firmed up by December and the announcement would have to come by January 15th. However, apprehension was also raised regarding the possibility of his health deteriorating after his entry into active politics, which would mean meeting people and holding rallies amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

“There is a statement similar to that of mine which is doing the rounds on social media and appearing on media. Everyone knows that it is not my statement. However, some of the details on that statement which refer to my health condition and the medical advise given to me are true. At the right time, I will discuss with the functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram and inform the people about my political stance” reads the actor’s tweet in Tamil.&nbsp;

In recent months, speculation has only grown about the actor’s political plunge, with posters cropping up in different parts of the state, as there are hardly 6 months to go for the Assembly elections.&nbsp;

It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a press meet in Chennai on March 12th this year, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said.&nbsp;

After the pan-India lockdown since in&nbsp;March, there were no public events, announcements or political statements from the actor. Having been non-committal about his political foray has further fueled talks of his party being launched in November. Such speculation that has been doing the rounds has forced Rajini’s publicist to issue a statement. The statement requested the media to refrain from visiting the upscale Poes garden locality (where the actor resides) and avoid crowding there in anticipation of a possible media interaction by the actor.&nbsp;

“We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March.&nbsp;

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has denied ownership of a statement (that was rumoured to be his)which was doing the rounds on social media, claiming that he was quitting politics.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has denied ownership of a statement (that was rumoured to be his)which was doing the rounds on social media, claiming that he was quitting politics. However, he agreed that some contents of the statement pertaining to his health were true and that he would hold discussions with the functionaries of his unified fan club and inform people of his political stance. The letter which was doing the rounds and was said to be ‘leaked’ mentioned that the actor’s doctors had expressed reservations over Rajini getting into active politics, as he had undergone a kidney transplant and owing to the fact that there was no vaccine available for Covid-19 yet. There was also high uncertainty expressed over the actor’s course of action even when a vaccine became available, given that there were doubts over how at the age of 70, with existing medical conditions he would respond to the vaccine. All these hinted towards the actor quitting politics to the prevailing scenario and that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were due by summer 2021. The text of a letter that was said to be Rajini’s, mentioned that if he were to start a party it would have to be firmed up by December and the announcement would have to come by January 15th. However, apprehension was also raised regarding the possibility of his health deteriorating after his entry into active politics, which would mean meeting people and holding rallies amid the pandemic. “There is a statement similar to that of mine which is doing the rounds on social media and appearing on media. Everyone knows that it is not my statement. However, some of the details on that statement which refer to my health condition and the medical advise given to me are true. At the right time, I will discuss with the functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram and inform the people about my political stance” reads the actor’s tweet in Tamil. In recent months, speculation has only grown about the actor’s political plunge, with posters cropping up in different parts of the state, as there are hardly 6 months to go for the Assembly elections. It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a press meet in Chennai on March 12th this year, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said. After the pan-India lockdown since in March, there were no public events, announcements or political statements from the actor. Having been non-committal about his political foray has further fueled talks of his party being launched in November. Such speculation that has been doing the rounds has forced Rajini’s publicist to issue a statement. The statement requested the media to refrain from visiting the upscale Poes garden locality (where the actor resides) and avoid crowding there in anticipation of a possible media interaction by the actor. “We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March.

Rajinikanth dismisses ‘leaked letter’ about political journey, admits health is a concern amid Covid-19

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out.

Finally, it was this mission which was planned as Chandrayaan-2 that ended up being modified and launched as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) or Mangalyaan in 2013. ISRO’s veteran satellite builder and the former Director of UR Rao Satellite Center Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai revealed this during a webinar.&nbsp;

Dr. Annadurai, who currently serves as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology elaborated on his journey at ISRO and the projects he has been undertaking, while virtually addressing school students during Shaastra Juniors, hosted by IIT Madras.&nbsp;

After the performance of Chandrayaan-1, which found evidence of water on the lunar surface, during its one year of operation, the Indian Space agency was working on Chandrayaan-2 along with the Russians, he said. “ISRO was to make a modified orbiter and Russia was to come up with a lander. But it so happened that the Russians backed out, stating that they had to modify their lander” he added.&nbsp;

While the Russians had stepped back with regards delivering the lander, India still had an orbiter ready, but also knew that making a lander in-house would take another seven-eight years. That was when the idea of using the existing orbiter to fulfil another mission struck the ISRO team.&nbsp;

“We cant make an attempt for Mars every year, the opportunity only arises once in 26 months. Russians backed out in late-2011 and we had a shot at Mars in 2013-end. So we decided to put our existing lander to use and change the destination - Mars instead of Moon. With the short time we had at hand, we modified the hardware and software of our lunar orbiter to perform as a Martian orbiter” Annadurai reminisced.&nbsp;

He added that the lessons from the short-lived Chandrayaan-1 and detailed analyses of what had gone wrong with other countries’ attempts to enter Martian orbit had proved invaluable for their team. “It is always a matter of pride that India succeeded in its maiden attempt at entering Martian orbit and this was accomplished at a shoestring budget,” he said enthusiastically.&nbsp;

Speaking of how ISRO’s launch calendar had evolved over the years, Annadurai said that the organization’s capacity-building efforts had come a long way - from one satellite launch in four years to 30 satellites in three years (during 2015-18).&nbsp;

Urging the school students to take up challenges and explore opportunities in various streams, the veteran space scientist shared anecdotes from his modest schooling in Tamil Nadu and also his engineering college years, when he hadn’t even heard of the IITs.&nbsp;

Making a mention of his career, he said that at every turning point he had chosen to avoid complacency and treaded the lesser travelled path. He elaborated on his decision to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering, to join ISRO in 1982 (when Space science was barely known), having developed a satellite simulator, played a major role in the building of INSAT series of satellites and then leading deep-space exploration missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out. Finally, it was this mission which was planned as Chandrayaan-2 that ended up being modified and launched as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) or Mangalyaan in 2013. ISRO’s veteran satellite builder and the former Director of UR Rao Satellite Center Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai revealed this during a webinar. Dr. Annadurai, who currently serves as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology elaborated on his journey at ISRO and the projects he has been undertaking, while virtually addressing school students during Shaastra Juniors, hosted by IIT Madras. After the performance of Chandrayaan-1, which found evidence of water on the lunar surface, during its one year of operation, the Indian Space agency was working on Chandrayaan-2 along with the Russians, he said. “ISRO was to make a modified orbiter and Russia was to come up with a lander. But it so happened that the Russians backed out, stating that they had to modify their lander” he added. While the Russians had stepped back with regards delivering the lander, India still had an orbiter ready, but also knew that making a lander in-house would take another seven-eight years. That was when the idea of using the existing orbiter to fulfil another mission struck the ISRO team. “We cant make an attempt for Mars every year, the opportunity only arises once in 26 months. Russians backed out in late-2011 and we had a shot at Mars in 2013-end. So we decided to put our existing lander to use and change the destination - Mars instead of Moon. With the short time we had at hand, we modified the hardware and software of our lunar orbiter to perform as a Martian orbiter” Annadurai reminisced. He added that the lessons from the short-lived Chandrayaan-1 and detailed analyses of what had gone wrong with other countries’ attempts to enter Martian orbit had proved invaluable for their team. “It is always a matter of pride that India succeeded in its maiden attempt at entering Martian orbit and this was accomplished at a shoestring budget,” he said enthusiastically. Speaking of how ISRO’s launch calendar had evolved over the years, Annadurai said that the organization’s capacity-building efforts had come a long way - from one satellite launch in four years to 30 satellites in three years (during 2015-18). Urging the school students to take up challenges and explore opportunities in various streams, the veteran space scientist shared anecdotes from his modest schooling in Tamil Nadu and also his engineering college years, when he hadn’t even heard of the IITs. Making a mention of his career, he said that at every turning point he had chosen to avoid complacency and treaded the lesser travelled path. He elaborated on his decision to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering, to join ISRO in 1982 (when Space science was barely known), having developed a satellite simulator, played a major role in the building of INSAT series of satellites and then leading deep-space exploration missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

How ISRO modified a lunar orbiter into Mars Orbiter Mangalyaan, India’s ‘Moon Man’ recalls

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons. The death toll in the Southern State rose to 10,825 with 445 more fatalities.&nbsp;

However, the state has made significant progress in the fight against the virus and the recovery rate is over 93 per cent and in recent times the daily recoveries have been surpassing the daily new cases. Total of 4,314 patients got discharged from various hospitals over the last 24 hours and 655,170 people have recovered to date. The active cases stand at 34,198. As many as 81,259 samples were tested over the last 24 hours, thus taking the total specimens examined to 9,275,108.

Tamil Nadu is the fourth state in the country to cross seven lakh coronavirus cases. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the other three states with a caseload of over 0.7 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-against-covid-19-will-be-tested-on-100-indian-volunteers-337375">Also read|&nbsp;Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers</a>

While the cumulative tally of positive cases stood at 700,193, Chennai accounted for 193,299, according to the bulletin.&nbsp;

The state has taken 21 days to go from six lakh to seven lakh cases when compared to the 17 days it took to go from 0.5-0.6 million cases. The overall decline in the cases and slowdown of the spread is observed in these numbers.&nbsp;

The 3,077 fresh cases on Thursday included Chennai's 833, and the capital city continues to top the case count among all districts. The death toll in Chennai stood at 3,569 while the city's total infection count is at 193,366.

On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that once a vaccine becomes available, all the people of Tamil Nadu would be vaccinated at the expense of the State Government. This announcement came shortly after the BJP had made a similar announcement in its poll manifesto for Bihar.&nbsp;

From Thursday onwards, shops, hotels, tea shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments across the State have been permitted to remain open until 10 pm. This has been done to boost economic recovery and also in line with the festive season. The government emphasized that Covid-19 protocols be strictly adhered to during the relaxations and festive season.&nbsp;

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons.

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons. The death toll in the Southern State rose to 10,825 with 445 more fatalities. However, the state has made significant progress in the fight against the virus and the recovery rate is over 93 per cent and in recent times the daily recoveries have been surpassing the daily new cases. Total of 4,314 patients got discharged from various hospitals over the last 24 hours and 655,170 people have recovered to date. The active cases stand at 34,198. As many as 81,259 samples were tested over the last 24 hours, thus taking the total specimens examined to 9,275,108. Tamil Nadu is the fourth state in the country to cross seven lakh coronavirus cases. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the other three states with a caseload of over 0.7 million. Also read| Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers While the cumulative tally of positive cases stood at 700,193, Chennai accounted for 193,299, according to the bulletin. The state has taken 21 days to go from six lakh to seven lakh cases when compared to the 17 days it took to go from 0.5-0.6 million cases. The overall decline in the cases and slowdown of the spread is observed in these numbers. The 3,077 fresh cases on Thursday included Chennai's 833, and the capital city continues to top the case count among all districts. The death toll in Chennai stood at 3,569 while the city's total infection count is at 193,366. On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that once a vaccine becomes available, all the people of Tamil Nadu would be vaccinated at the expense of the State Government. This announcement came shortly after the BJP had made a similar announcement in its poll manifesto for Bihar. From Thursday onwards, shops, hotels, tea shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments across the State have been permitted to remain open until 10 pm. This has been done to boost economic recovery and also in line with the festive season. The government emphasized that Covid-19 protocols be strictly adhered to during the relaxations and festive season.

Tamil Nadu COVID-19 count breaches 0.7 million mark; recovery rate over 93%

The Indian Navy operationalized the first batch of women pilots of Dornier Aircraft by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi. The three women pilots were part of the six pilots belonging to the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, who graduated as ‘Fully operational Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) Pilots at a passing out ceremony held at INS Garuda, on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Lieutenants Divya Sharma, from New Delhi, Shubhangi Swaroop from Uttar Pradesh and Shivangi from Bihar are the three women pilots of the first batch. They had initially undergone basic flying training partly with Indian Air Force and partly with the Navy prior to DOFT course. Amongst the three women pilots operationalized for MR flying, Lt Shivangi was the first to qualify as a naval pilot on 02 Dec 2019.

Their course comprised of one month of the ground training phase, which was conducted at various professional schools of SNC and eight months of flying training at the Dornier Squadron of SNC, INAS 550.&nbsp;

Rear Admiral Antony George, VSM, NM, Chief Staff Officer (Training) of SNC was the chief guest of the event and presented awards to the pilots who are now fully qualified on Dornier aircraft for all operational missions.

Lt Divya Sharma &amp; Lt Shivam Pandey were adjudged ‘First in Flying’ and ‘First in Ground’ subjects, respectively. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) rolling trophy in memory of late Lt Simon George Pynomootil for the ‘Most spirited trainee’ was presented to Lt Kumar Vikram. This trophy was instituted on 18 Jun 2019 during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of INAS 550 to immortalize the spirit of the officer who was a qualified Islander pilot and lost his life in a fatal air crash whilst serving the squadron on 17 May 1985.

The Indian Navy operationalized the first batch of women pilots of Dornier Aircraft by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi. The three women pilots were part of the six pilots belonging to the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, who graduated as ‘Fully operational Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) Pilots at a passing out ceremony held at INS Garuda, on Thursday.

The Indian Navy operationalized the first batch of women pilots of Dornier Aircraft by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi. The three women pilots were part of the six pilots belonging to the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, who graduated as ‘Fully operational Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) Pilots at a passing out ceremony held at INS Garuda, on Thursday. Lieutenants Divya Sharma, from New Delhi, Shubhangi Swaroop from Uttar Pradesh and Shivangi from Bihar are the three women pilots of the first batch. They had initially undergone basic flying training partly with Indian Air Force and partly with the Navy prior to DOFT course. Amongst the three women pilots operationalized for MR flying, Lt Shivangi was the first to qualify as a naval pilot on 02 Dec 2019. Their course comprised of one month of the ground training phase, which was conducted at various professional schools of SNC and eight months of flying training at the Dornier Squadron of SNC, INAS 550. Rear Admiral Antony George, VSM, NM, Chief Staff Officer (Training) of SNC was the chief guest of the event and presented awards to the pilots who are now fully qualified on Dornier aircraft for all operational missions. Lt Divya Sharma & Lt Shivam Pandey were adjudged ‘First in Flying’ and ‘First in Ground’ subjects, respectively. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) rolling trophy in memory of late Lt Simon George Pynomootil for the ‘Most spirited trainee’ was presented to Lt Kumar Vikram. This trophy was instituted on 18 Jun 2019 during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of INAS 550 to immortalize the spirit of the officer who was a qualified Islander pilot and lost his life in a fatal air crash whilst serving the squadron on 17 May 1985.

Indian Navy's first batch of women pilots soar high on Dornier aircraft

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted.&nbsp;

Initial investigation has revealed that Balasubramaniakumar, an epileptic who was also under psychiatric treatment was taken to nearby hospitals in a critically ill state. However, two hospitals had turned him away and directed the family to a government hospital. Apparently, this had led the family to bring the septuagenarian home. It is also said that the family had managed to get a Form-4 death certificate that is issued in the case of death at home.&nbsp;

Health officials monitoring the investigation say that this certificate was used by Balasubramaniakumar’s younger brother Saravanan, aged 70, to rent a freezer box. It was when the freezer box agency staff had returned to collect it on Tuesday that they had a rude shock. They had noticed the septuagenarian moving in the closed freezer.&nbsp;

In a video of the incident, where the senior citizen is seen moving in the freezer box, the younger brother is seen telling a bystander that the person (in the freezer box) has died and that the hospital had given them a letter. The person who is questioning the kin also says that they would call the government’s 108 ambulance service.&nbsp;

The police was informed of this and the Septuagenarian was taken to a government hospital for treatment. “He was in a half-conscious state and there was no hypothermia, we are not sure for how long he was in the box. His Blood pressure, CT Scan and ultrasound, blood sugar were normal. We had also known that he had been bedridden for a while and had a history of lung issues, probably Tuberculosis” Balajinathan, Dean, Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital told Zee Media.&nbsp;

He also added that the patient’s condition had deteriorated on Thursday, following which he was put on mechanical ventilator, but failed to respond to it and died on Friday morning.&nbsp;

A senior health official told Zee Media that an enquiry is underway, the post mortem report in awaited and that it would take two days to understand further. It was also added that the deceased person’s kin and family did not seem to be in a sound state of mind.&nbsp;

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted.

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted. Initial investigation has revealed that Balasubramaniakumar, an epileptic who was also under psychiatric treatment was taken to nearby hospitals in a critically ill state. However, two hospitals had turned him away and directed the family to a government hospital. Apparently, this had led the family to bring the septuagenarian home. It is also said that the family had managed to get a Form-4 death certificate that is issued in the case of death at home. Health officials monitoring the investigation say that this certificate was used by Balasubramaniakumar’s younger brother Saravanan, aged 70, to rent a freezer box. It was when the freezer box agency staff had returned to collect it on Tuesday that they had a rude shock. They had noticed the septuagenarian moving in the closed freezer. In a video of the incident, where the senior citizen is seen moving in the freezer box, the younger brother is seen telling a bystander that the person (in the freezer box) has died and that the hospital had given them a letter. The person who is questioning the kin also says that they would call the government’s 108 ambulance service. The police was informed of this and the Septuagenarian was taken to a government hospital for treatment. “He was in a half-conscious state and there was no hypothermia, we are not sure for how long he was in the box. His Blood pressure, CT Scan and ultrasound, blood sugar were normal. We had also known that he had been bedridden for a while and had a history of lung issues, probably Tuberculosis” Balajinathan, Dean, Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital told Zee Media. He also added that the patient’s condition had deteriorated on Thursday, following which he was put on mechanical ventilator, but failed to respond to it and died on Friday morning. A senior health official told Zee Media that an enquiry is underway, the post mortem report in awaited and that it would take two days to understand further. It was also added that the deceased person’s kin and family did not seem to be in a sound state of mind.

Tamil Nadu: Senior citizen rescued from freezer box dies

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court.

This comes a day after the Court had warned Rajini of imposing costs upon him for having rushed to the Court instead of sending a reminder to the civic body. He tweeted out his regret with a hashtag in Tamil, which translates ‘experience is a lesson’. &nbsp;

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ராகவேந்திரா மண்டப சொத்து வரி... 
 
நாம் மாநகராட்சியில் மேல்முறையீடு செய்திருக்க வேண்டும். 
 
தவறைத் தவிர்த்திருக்கலாம்.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%87_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#அனுபவமே_பாடம்</a>
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The issue pertains to a Property tax demand of Rs.6.5 lakhs made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September on the Raghavendra Marriage hall, which the actor owns.&nbsp;

His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by Central and State Government, Rajini’s marriage hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24th.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-to-withdraw-case-against-property-tax-after-court-warns-of-imposing-cost-335167">Also read:&nbsp;Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost</a>

It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24th (Lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the Corporation on September 23rd and that there was no reply.&nbsp;

Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed upon him for having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body.

Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court.

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court. This comes a day after the Court had warned Rajini of imposing costs upon him for having rushed to the Court instead of sending a reminder to the civic body. He tweeted out his regret with a hashtag in Tamil, which translates ‘experience is a lesson’. ராகவேந்திரா மண்டப சொத்து வரி... நாம் மாநகராட்சியில் மேல்முறையீடு செய்திருக்க வேண்டும். தவறைத் தவிர்த்திருக்கலாம்.#அனுபவமே_பாடம் — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 15, 2020 × The issue pertains to a Property tax demand of Rs.6.5 lakhs made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September on the Raghavendra Marriage hall, which the actor owns. His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by Central and State Government, Rajini’s marriage hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24th. Also read: Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24th (Lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the Corporation on September 23rd and that there was no reply. Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed upon him for having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body. Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

Rajinikanth tweets 'Could’ve avoided mistake' after court warned of imposing cost

Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

The actor had approached the court with regard to the property tax demand made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September. The actor's counsel had stated that he had been regularly paying property tax for the marriage hall and that the tax was last paid on February 14.&nbsp;

His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by central and state government, Rajini’s marrige hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24.&nbsp;

It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24&nbsp;(lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission on property tax and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the corporation on September 23 and that there was no reply.&nbsp;

Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed, for him having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body.

​Lawyers point out that in several cases, the courts have uniformly held that a waiver of taxes cannot be sought. It is also said that payment of tax is compulsory irrespective of pandemic or natural disasters.&nbsp;

Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns. The actor had approached the court with regard to the property tax demand made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September. The actor's counsel had stated that he had been regularly paying property tax for the marriage hall and that the tax was last paid on February 14. His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by central and state government, Rajini’s marrige hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24. It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24 (lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission on property tax and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the corporation on September 23 and that there was no reply. Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed, for him having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body. Lawyers point out that in several cases, the courts have uniformly held that a waiver of taxes cannot be sought. It is also said that payment of tax is compulsory irrespective of pandemic or natural disasters.

Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan.

He added that India’s major cooperation in the space technology field was with Russia, USA, France Japan and Israel, elaborating on the ongoing and future projects. The Chairman of India’s space agency was speaking at the plenary session of the International Austronautical Congress (IAC) 2020.&nbsp;

Elaborating on the work with foreign space agencies, Sivan said that partnerships ranged from cooperation in human spaceflight to planetary exploration and joint experiments.&nbsp;

''We have a NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR satellite, we are also working with United States Geological Survey(USGS) for sharing of satellite data. France is a major partner and we have launched two joint satellites Megha tropiques and Saral and the retired mission is underway. ISRO is partnering with Japanese space agency JAXA to build joint Lunar polar exploration mission. Our cooperation with German Agency DLR is on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.In the field of electric propulsion system and deep space network antenna support we are working with Israeli Space Agency (ISA),''&nbsp;he stated.&nbsp;

When asked about the upcoming rocket launches this year, Dr. Sivan said that the agency is planning for the launch of PSLV rocket in November. This would also be the maiden launch of this year, as ISRO’s launches were affected after Covid-19 lockdown measures had brought in several travel restrictions. Given that India’s space activities are spread across centers in various parts of the country, it had become challenging for officials and scientists to travel to carry out work.&nbsp;

“For India’s Space port, people have to travel from other ISRO facilities located far away to carry out the work, hence there are some delays in the missions. We are planning to have the PSLV C-49 launch in November first week. Subsequently, all missions will be as planned” he said.

According to Sivan, India’s Human Spaceflight programme has been going strong, with astronauts being trained by Russia and critical medical&nbsp;&nbsp;technologies being provided by France. However, he said that owing to Covid-19 the Gaganyaan project would see a small shift. “We had initially targeted an August 2022 launch and there is a small shift in targeting. We are trying to take the help of other space-faring nations for getting things done” he said.&nbsp;

In his Independence Day speech in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that when the country is celebrating its 75th year of Independence in 2022, an Indian son or daughter will be flying into space as a part of the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission. This is India's most ambitious and challenging mission yet.

Adding that International cooperation was hallmark of Indian space programme, Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space said that ISRO had imparted a 2-month long hands-on training in nano satellite building for 60 officials from 33 countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr.

India has signed 250 documents in the field of Space cooperation with 59 countries, these are to advance India’s capabilities and also to help other space-aspiring nations to benefit from space, said ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan. He added that India’s major cooperation in the space technology field was with Russia, USA, France Japan and Israel, elaborating on the ongoing and future projects. The Chairman of India’s space agency was speaking at the plenary session of the International Austronautical Congress (IAC) 2020. Elaborating on the work with foreign space agencies, Sivan said that partnerships ranged from cooperation in human spaceflight to planetary exploration and joint experiments. ''We have a NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR satellite, we are also working with United States Geological Survey(USGS) for sharing of satellite data. France is a major partner and we have launched two joint satellites Megha tropiques and Saral and the retired mission is underway. ISRO is partnering with Japanese space agency JAXA to build joint Lunar polar exploration mission. Our cooperation with German Agency DLR is on robotics and Artificial Intelligence.In the field of electric propulsion system and deep space network antenna support we are working with Israeli Space Agency (ISA),'' he stated. When asked about the upcoming rocket launches this year, Dr. Sivan said that the agency is planning for the launch of PSLV rocket in November. This would also be the maiden launch of this year, as ISRO’s launches were affected after Covid-19 lockdown measures had brought in several travel restrictions. Given that India’s space activities are spread across centers in various parts of the country, it had become challenging for officials and scientists to travel to carry out work. “For India’s Space port, people have to travel from other ISRO facilities located far away to carry out the work, hence there are some delays in the missions. We are planning to have the PSLV C-49 launch in November first week. Subsequently, all missions will be as planned” he said. According to Sivan, India’s Human Spaceflight programme has been going strong, with astronauts being trained by Russia and critical medical technologies being provided by France. However, he said that owing to Covid-19 the Gaganyaan project would see a small shift. “We had initially targeted an August 2022 launch and there is a small shift in targeting. We are trying to take the help of other space-faring nations for getting things done” he said. In his Independence Day speech in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that when the country is celebrating its 75th year of Independence in 2022, an Indian son or daughter will be flying into space as a part of the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission. This is India's most ambitious and challenging mission yet. Adding that International cooperation was hallmark of Indian space programme, Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space said that ISRO had imparted a 2-month long hands-on training in nano satellite building for 60 officials from 33 countries.

Going strong, but small shift in Gaganyaan launch target owing to COVID-19, says ISRO chairman

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

This observation was made on the grounds that it hinders the nation’s response to security and other breaches by the neighbor. APIs are the ingredients in the medicine that play the major role of acting upon the illness. While India, which is regarded a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, does not import medicines per se, the country imports APIs, which are the crucial ingredient in the drugs’ manufacture.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-covid-19-vaccine-chinas-cry-of-help-for-friendship-334123">Also read|&nbsp;Mysterious COVID-19 vaccine: China's cry of help for friendship</a>

At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (NSA) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” the Court said. It is said that China is also the global leader in the production and export of APIs, which is enabled by government support and lower costs on various fronts.

The Court notes that the economic advantage of importing APIs from China has led to India losing its scientific-edge and self-reliance in APIs. It is said that China is able to sell their APIs to India at 25% of the cost that it would take to manufacture in India. “As a result, our country that had once built 99.7% self-reliance in APIs went on to import over 90% of its API requirements from China”, the Court said. “At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (‘NSA’) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-join-covax-when-will-un-hold-china-responsible-for-its-actions-334138">Also read|&nbsp;China to join COVAX: When will UN hold China responsible for its actions?</a>

Fearsome prospects of Indian patients having to consume sub-standard drugs or go without medicines, in case of escalation of tensions with China were also mentioned by the Court, in view of the Galwan clashes.&nbsp;

The court made the observations while ordering that a five-member committee be set-up to ensure the enabling of a private company Vinkem Labs Ltd to become a global player that can bring in foreign exchange and also ensure India’s self-reliance in cancer drugs.

In an issued on September 30, 2020, the Court said that a committee must be formed within eight weeks to facilitate requirements of Vinkem Labs including fiscal and regulatory for R&amp;D, commercialization, industry development, regulatory compliances, technology infusion, exports, domestic supply and others.

The proposed committee is meant to have a member each from Union Ministry of Pharmaceuticals and Finance Ministry not below Joint Secretary rank, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of Tamil Nadu, one member from Bank of India and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) not below the rank of Senior General Manager and N.L.Rajah, the amicus curiae appointed by the court.

The court monitored Committee is also required to remove delays and difficulties, including funding requirements of Vinkem Labs with necessary recommendations to the banks.

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API). This observation was made on the grounds that it hinders the nation’s response to security and other breaches by the neighbor. APIs are the ingredients in the medicine that play the major role of acting upon the illness. While India, which is regarded a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, does not import medicines per se, the country imports APIs, which are the crucial ingredient in the drugs’ manufacture. Also read| Mysterious COVID-19 vaccine: China's cry of help for friendship At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (NSA) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” the Court said. It is said that China is also the global leader in the production and export of APIs, which is enabled by government support and lower costs on various fronts. The Court notes that the economic advantage of importing APIs from China has led to India losing its scientific-edge and self-reliance in APIs. It is said that China is able to sell their APIs to India at 25% of the cost that it would take to manufacture in India. “As a result, our country that had once built 99.7% self-reliance in APIs went on to import over 90% of its API requirements from China”, the Court said. “At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (‘NSA’) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” it added. Also read| China to join COVAX: When will UN hold China responsible for its actions? Fearsome prospects of Indian patients having to consume sub-standard drugs or go without medicines, in case of escalation of tensions with China were also mentioned by the Court, in view of the Galwan clashes. The court made the observations while ordering that a five-member committee be set-up to ensure the enabling of a private company Vinkem Labs Ltd to become a global player that can bring in foreign exchange and also ensure India’s self-reliance in cancer drugs. In an issued on September 30, 2020, the Court said that a committee must be formed within eight weeks to facilitate requirements of Vinkem Labs including fiscal and regulatory for R&D, commercialization, industry development, regulatory compliances, technology infusion, exports, domestic supply and others. The proposed committee is meant to have a member each from Union Ministry of Pharmaceuticals and Finance Ministry not below Joint Secretary rank, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of Tamil Nadu, one member from Bank of India and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) not below the rank of Senior General Manager and N.L.Rajah, the amicus curiae appointed by the court. The court monitored Committee is also required to remove delays and difficulties, including funding requirements of Vinkem Labs with necessary recommendations to the banks.

Madras High court raises concern over India’s over-dependence on Chinese pharma ingredients

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052. As per the state government data, the recovery rate is over 90%, with 5,86,454 persons having recovered, out of the total of 6,40,943 infected persons. As per the data furnished by the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra is the only other state to have surpassed 10,000 deaths, prior to Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The Health Department said that 5,088 persons tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that 80.44 lakh RT-PCR tests, which are said to be the most reliable have been conducted so far.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-delhi-crosses-3-lakh-death-toll-climbs-to-5653-333529">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653</a>

The number of active Covid-19 cases in the state stands at 44,437. The capital city Chennai continued to lead the Covid-19 infection table with 1,295 persons testing positive for the virus on Thursday and the total Chennai tally stands at 178,108.

A Serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August, which was released in September, has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epeidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declines-proposal-to-test-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-in-large-study-333432">Also read|&nbsp;India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study</a>

Population-based sero-surveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to an infection. The preliminary finding of the report stated that, “around 80 per cent of the population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chennai”.&nbsp;

During late September, in a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-cases-near-7-million-mark-333376">Also read|&nbsp;India: Coronavirus cases near 7 million-mark</a>

In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day.&nbsp;

Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister had requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government.

From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, Amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, &nbsp;zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted.&nbsp;

Following a review meeting in late September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had announced new relaxations - films shooting permitted with 100 persons and no permission for onlookers, permission to land 100 aircrafts per day at Chennai, restaurants, tea stall could function from 6am to 9pm for dine-in and until 10pm for takeaway.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052.

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052. As per the state government data, the recovery rate is over 90%, with 5,86,454 persons having recovered, out of the total of 6,40,943 infected persons. As per the data furnished by the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra is the only other state to have surpassed 10,000 deaths, prior to Tamil Nadu. The Health Department said that 5,088 persons tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that 80.44 lakh RT-PCR tests, which are said to be the most reliable have been conducted so far. Also read| Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653 The number of active Covid-19 cases in the state stands at 44,437. The capital city Chennai continued to lead the Covid-19 infection table with 1,295 persons testing positive for the virus on Thursday and the total Chennai tally stands at 178,108. A Serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August, which was released in September, has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epeidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. Also read| India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study Population-based sero-surveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to an infection. The preliminary finding of the report stated that, “around 80 per cent of the population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chennai”. During late September, in a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus. Also read| India: Coronavirus cases near 7 million-mark In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day. Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister had requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government. From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, Amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted. Following a review meeting in late September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had announced new relaxations - films shooting permitted with 100 persons and no permission for onlookers, permission to land 100 aircrafts per day at Chennai, restaurants, tea stall could function from 6am to 9pm for dine-in and until 10pm for takeaway.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, recovery rate above 90%

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