<p>A heartwarming picture of an elephant and its calf reuniting is winning hearts on the internet. The picture shows little baby elephant napping calmly with the mother elephant. The picture was shared by Supriya Sahu, the state Environment and Forest Secretary on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The four-five-month-old calf was separated from its herd at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve on 30 December 2023 and has since been looking for its mother desperately. &nbsp;The baby calf was finally reunited with the herd and the mother later in the day. After the mother-baby duo reunited, they were found taking their afternoon nap cosily.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scaling-high-upi-transactions-in-2023-crossed-the-100-billion-mark-for-the-first-time-676193">Scaling high! UPI transactions in 2023 crossed the 100-billion mark for the first time</a></p>

<p>''When a picture is worth a million words, the rescued baby elephant after uniting with the mother takes an afternoon nap in her mother's comforting arms before moving again with the big herd. Picture taken by Forest field staff somewhere in Anamalai Tiger reserve who are keeping a watch to ensure their safety,'' Ms Sahu wrote while sharing the picture.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When a picture is worth a million words ❤️ the rescued baby elephant after uniting with the mother takes an afternoon nap in her mother's comforting arms before moving again with the big herd. Picture taken by Forest field staff somewhere in Anamalai Tiger reserve who are keeping… <a href="https://t.co/EedfkKjLHj">https://t.co/EedfkKjLHj</a> <a href="https://t.co/ttqafSudyM">pic.twitter.com/ttqafSudyM</a></p>
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) <a href="https://twitter.com/supriyasahuias/status/1742189495464972676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Photo of baby elephant reunited with mother wins netizens’ heart</strong></h2>

<p>The elephant calf, which is around four to five months old, was separated from its herd last year on December 30. The calf was seen wandering alone by the forest officials. A dedicated search party was soon deployed to locate the missing herd and to reunite the calf with them.</p>

<p>The herd was found around 3 km away with the help of drones. The calf was then taken safely to the location and was washed and applied with mud to remove any human traces. The joyous reunion took place as soon as the calf was released close to the herd and eventually found its mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-rules-may-be-notified-much-before-lok-sabha-elections-report-676226">CAA rules can be notified 'much before' Lok Sabha elections: Report</a></p>

<p>Chief Conservator of Forests Ramasubramanian and officials Bhargava Teja and Manikantan played a pivotal role in the successful operation.</p>

<p>Supriya Sahu shared the heartening story on her official X account with captured videos and pictures from the operation and they soon caught the attention of netizens.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The year ends on a heartwarming note for us at TN Forest Department, as our Foresters united a lost baby elephant with her mother and the herd after rescue in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve at Pollachi. The little calf was found searching for the mother when field teams spotted her.… <a href="https://t.co/D44UX6FaGl">pic.twitter.com/D44UX6FaGl</a></p>
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) <a href="https://twitter.com/supriyasahuias/status/1740972551944515731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>One user wrote, ''A baby elephant sleeping peacefully with its mother - a heartwarming reminder of the gentle, strong bond in the animal kingdom.''</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-zomato-delivery-guy-evades-adversity-gets-on-a-horse-to-deliver-food-amid-truckers-strike-676201">WATCH | Delivery guy evades adversity, gets on a horse to deliver food amid truckers strike</a></p>

<p>Another commented, ''Credit to every TN forest department staff and volunteers who managed to reunite this calf with its mother. This picture is something that they will carry for generations. What a noble deed they have accomplished.''</p>

<p>The picture was also reposted by Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group and he rightly said, “What an amazing photograph. What a brilliant and emotional final shot this could be of your documentary. ”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A heartwarming picture of an elephant and its calf reuniting is winning hearts on the internet. The picture shows little baby elephant napping calmly with the mother elephant.

A heartwarming picture of an elephant and its calf reuniting is winning hearts on the internet. The picture shows little baby elephant napping calmly with the mother elephant. The picture was shared by Supriya Sahu, the state Environment and Forest Secretary on X. The four-five-month-old calf was separated from its herd at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve on 30 December 2023 and has since been looking for its mother desperately. The baby calf was finally reunited with the herd and the mother later in the day. After the mother-baby duo reunited, they were found taking their afternoon nap cosily. Also Read | Scaling high! UPI transactions in 2023 crossed the 100-billion mark for the first time ''When a picture is worth a million words, the rescued baby elephant after uniting with the mother takes an afternoon nap in her mother's comforting arms before moving again with the big herd. Picture taken by Forest field staff somewhere in Anamalai Tiger reserve who are keeping a watch to ensure their safety,'' Ms Sahu wrote while sharing the picture. When a picture is worth a million words ❤️ the rescued baby elephant after uniting with the mother takes an afternoon nap in her mother's comforting arms before moving again with the big herd. Picture taken by Forest field staff somewhere in Anamalai Tiger reserve who are keeping… https://t.co/EedfkKjLHj pic.twitter.com/ttqafSudyM — Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) January 2, 2024 × Photo of baby elephant reunited with mother wins netizens’ heart The elephant calf, which is around four to five months old, was separated from its herd last year on December 30. The calf was seen wandering alone by the forest officials. A dedicated search party was soon deployed to locate the missing herd and to reunite the calf with them. The herd was found around 3 km away with the help of drones. The calf was then taken safely to the location and was washed and applied with mud to remove any human traces. The joyous reunion took place as soon as the calf was released close to the herd and eventually found its mother. Also Read | CAA rules can be notified 'much before' Lok Sabha elections: Report Chief Conservator of Forests Ramasubramanian and officials Bhargava Teja and Manikantan played a pivotal role in the successful operation. Supriya Sahu shared the heartening story on her official X account with captured videos and pictures from the operation and they soon caught the attention of netizens. The year ends on a heartwarming note for us at TN Forest Department, as our Foresters united a lost baby elephant with her mother and the herd after rescue in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve at Pollachi. The little calf was found searching for the mother when field teams spotted her.… pic.twitter.com/D44UX6FaGl — Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) December 30, 2023 × One user wrote, ''A baby elephant sleeping peacefully with its mother - a heartwarming reminder of the gentle, strong bond in the animal kingdom.'' Also Read | WATCH | Delivery guy evades adversity, gets on a horse to deliver food amid truckers strike Another commented, ''Credit to every TN forest department staff and volunteers who managed to reunite this calf with its mother. This picture is something that they will carry for generations. What a noble deed they have accomplished.'' The picture was also reposted by Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group and he rightly said, “What an amazing photograph. What a brilliant and emotional final shot this could be of your documentary. ” (With inputs from agencies)

Picture worth a million words! Baby elephant reunited with mother in Tamil Nadu’s tiger reserve

<p>India's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party founder-chief and popular Tamil actor Vijayakanth, passed away at the age of 71 in Chennai on Thursday (Dec 28) following an illness. &nbsp;</p>

<p>MIOT International Hospital released a press statement saying, "Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had tested positive for coronavirus.</p>

<p>Earlier, his party took to the official X handle and shared a post informing that Vijayakanth was admitted to a hospital and put on ventilator support after he complained of breathing problems.</p>

<p>As per news agency ANI reports, his mortal remains have been brought to his residence and will be taken to the DMDK office.</p>

<p>He was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai earlier in the month of November after his health deteriorated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-plane-row-25-held-in-france-freed-mumbai-spl-igp-seeks-probe-into-trafficking-angle-674204">France plane row: Mumbai Spl IGP seeks probe into trafficking angle</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi condoles demise of Vijayakanth</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the DMDK chief a "legend of Tamil film world," condoled his demise.</p>

<p>"Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions," PM Modi posted on his official handle on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… <a href="https://t.co/di0ZUfUVWo">pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1740228820332896483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister further said that Vijayakanth's demise had left a void which is very hard to fill.</p>

<p>"As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu's political landscape. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. He was a close friend and I fondly recall my interactions with him over the years. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, fans and numerous followers. Om Shanti," Prime Minister Modi posted.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai also expressed grief over the DMDK chief's demise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Captain Vijayakanth's demise is a loss for Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people. Though he is no longer with us, his name and legacy will live on in our hearts and minds," he said in a posting on social media platform x.</p>

<p>Revered as "Captain" by his fans, Vijayakanth's life is marked by a successful career in the Tamil film industry.</p>

<p>He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam party in the year 2005.</p>

<p>Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the year 2011 to 2016.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party founder-chief and popular Tamil actor Vijayakanth, passed away at the age of 71 in Chennai on Thursday (Dec 28) following an illness.

India's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party founder-chief and popular Tamil actor Vijayakanth, passed away at the age of 71 in Chennai on Thursday (Dec 28) following an illness. MIOT International Hospital released a press statement saying, "Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023." He had tested positive for coronavirus. Earlier, his party took to the official X handle and shared a post informing that Vijayakanth was admitted to a hospital and put on ventilator support after he complained of breathing problems. As per news agency ANI reports, his mortal remains have been brought to his residence and will be taken to the DMDK office. He was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai earlier in the month of November after his health deteriorated. Also read: France plane row: Mumbai Spl IGP seeks probe into trafficking angle PM Modi condoles demise of Vijayakanth Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the DMDK chief a "legend of Tamil film world," condoled his demise. "Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions," PM Modi posted on his official handle on X. Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2023 × The Indian prime minister further said that Vijayakanth's demise had left a void which is very hard to fill. "As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu's political landscape. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. He was a close friend and I fondly recall my interactions with him over the years. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, fans and numerous followers. Om Shanti," Prime Minister Modi posted. The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai also expressed grief over the DMDK chief's demise. "Captain Vijayakanth's demise is a loss for Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people. Though he is no longer with us, his name and legacy will live on in our hearts and minds," he said in a posting on social media platform x. Revered as "Captain" by his fans, Vijayakanth's life is marked by a successful career in the Tamil film industry. He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam party in the year 2005. Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the year 2011 to 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Actor and DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth dies at 71 after testing positive for Covid

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 24) assured support to the flood-hit southern state of Tamil Nadu and also deputed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to assess the situation.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, took to his official X account and thanked PM Modi for his prompt attention to the situation.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister @narendramodi called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after #CycloneMichaung," CM Stalin said in the post.</p>

<p>"I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the state government, despite resource constraints, and sought immediate financial support from the Union government," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hon'ble Prime Minister Thiru. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMichaung?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMichaung</a>.<br />
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I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the State government, despite resource…</p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1738935591469982090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to Stalin's plea, PM Modi assured full support from the Union government to aid Tamil Nadu's recovery efforts.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister has assured the support of the Union government to overcome these twin calamities and conveyed that he has deputed Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman to assess the flood situation," Stalin said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-responds-swiftly-to-maritime-incident-in-arabian-sea-673183">Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tamil Nadu grapples with aftermath of cyclone&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Cyclone Michaung made landfall in Tamil Nadu earlier this month, causing massive destruction and significant damage to infrastructure and homes.</p>

<p>The ongoing flooding has so far claimed the lives of at least 35 people with Thoothukudi district accounting for 22 fatalities and Tirunelveli 13.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the rescue operation in the flood-affected southern districts of the state has been completed and the focus now is on the restoration of basic services.</p>

<p>However, communication lines in some districts are still in disarray in the aftermath of the flood. Roads and railway tracks have been left inundated due to the incessant rainfall across the state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 24) assured support to the flood-hit southern state of Tamil Nadu and also deputed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to assess the situation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 24) assured support to the flood-hit southern state of Tamil Nadu and also deputed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to assess the situation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, took to his official X account and thanked PM Modi for his prompt attention to the situation. "Prime Minister @narendramodi called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after #CycloneMichaung," CM Stalin said in the post. "I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the state government, despite resource constraints, and sought immediate financial support from the Union government," he added. Hon'ble Prime Minister Thiru. @narendramodi called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after #CycloneMichaung. I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the State government, despite resource… — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 24, 2023 × In response to Stalin's plea, PM Modi assured full support from the Union government to aid Tamil Nadu's recovery efforts. "Prime Minister has assured the support of the Union government to overcome these twin calamities and conveyed that he has deputed Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman to assess the flood situation," Stalin said. Also read: Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea Tamil Nadu grapples with aftermath of cyclone Cyclone Michaung made landfall in Tamil Nadu earlier this month, causing massive destruction and significant damage to infrastructure and homes. The ongoing flooding has so far claimed the lives of at least 35 people with Thoothukudi district accounting for 22 fatalities and Tirunelveli 13. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the rescue operation in the flood-affected southern districts of the state has been completed and the focus now is on the restoration of basic services. However, communication lines in some districts are still in disarray in the aftermath of the flood. Roads and railway tracks have been left inundated due to the incessant rainfall across the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Narendra Modi assures support to Tamil Nadu, deputes Sitharaman to assess flood situation

<p>The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19.</p>

<p>Southern Air Command Indian Air Force posted on 'X', "On the fifth day of continued HADR operations in south Tamil Nadu, affected by landslides and floods, IAF MI-17 V5 and ALH-Dhruv air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in Thoothkudi District. This aggregates to an airdrop of 59 tonnes of relief material."</p>

<p>Srivaikuntam dam was overflowing in Thoothukudi district due to rainfall in the catchment areas of the Thamirabarani River on Saturday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena inspected rain and flood-affected areas in the Antoniapuram area of Thoothukudi district on Saturday.<br />
<br />
A holiday was announced for all the schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district on Thursday after heavy rains continued to pound the regions in southern Tamil Nadu, creating a flood-like situation and throwing life out of gear.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the state government has taken all possible precautions and measures for the welfare of the people in the wake of the situation.</p>

<p>"Heavy rainfall was received in Chennai and surrounding districts. In history, we have never seen this much rainfall in the Thoothukudi district. For rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed," CM Stalin said.</p>

<p>He further said that as many as 12,653 people have been rescued and are staying at the 14 relief camps.</p>

<p>"I have advised district collectors and the official to immediately provide food and other needful items to those who were staying in relief camps," he added.</p>

<p>The CM further said that he has requested excess money for the southern districts of the state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Navy personnel distributed food and other relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi on December 19.</p>

<p>Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari in the past days. The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.</p>


The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19.

The Indian Air Force dropped over 11 tonnes of relief materials at 12 different places in Thoothukudi district on Saturday on its fifth day of continued Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the southern Tamil Nadu city, which was hit by heavy rain on December 18 and 19. Southern Air Command Indian Air Force posted on 'X', "On the fifth day of continued HADR operations in south Tamil Nadu, affected by landslides and floods, IAF MI-17 V5 and ALH-Dhruv air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in Thoothkudi District. This aggregates to an airdrop of 59 tonnes of relief material." Srivaikuntam dam was overflowing in Thoothukudi district due to rainfall in the catchment areas of the Thamirabarani River on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena inspected rain and flood-affected areas in the Antoniapuram area of Thoothukudi district on Saturday. A holiday was announced for all the schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district on Thursday after heavy rains continued to pound the regions in southern Tamil Nadu, creating a flood-like situation and throwing life out of gear. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the state government has taken all possible precautions and measures for the welfare of the people in the wake of the situation. "Heavy rainfall was received in Chennai and surrounding districts. In history, we have never seen this much rainfall in the Thoothukudi district. For rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed," CM Stalin said. He further said that as many as 12,653 people have been rescued and are staying at the 14 relief camps. "I have advised district collectors and the official to immediately provide food and other needful items to those who were staying in relief camps," he added. The CM further said that he has requested excess money for the southern districts of the state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, Indian Navy personnel distributed food and other relief materials at Srivaikundam railway station in Thoothukudi on December 19. Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari in the past days. The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.

Tamil Nadu: Over 11 tonnes of relief materials dropped in flood-affected areas in Thoothkudi

<p>In recent years, India has been witnessing a significant increase in the export of electronic goods that are made and assembled in the country. As per Government data, India's total electronics exports for the period April-October 2023 have been $ 15.48 billion. Notably, a 31% share of these exports ($4.78bn in value) is from one state in Southern India - Tamil Nadu, which is also India's second-largest state economy. As per the latest electronics export data, the state has now furthered its lead in the export of electronic goods in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data on the export of goods is maintained by India's NIRYAT(National Import Export Record for the Yearly Analysis of Trade), under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Trade and Industry. As per NIRYAT, the volume of export of electronic goods from Tamil Nadu for the financial year 2022-23 has been $5.37bn, thereby making the state a leader in the export of electronic goods from India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in the ongoing financial year(April-October), Tamil Nadu has already gotten to $4.78bn, which is 90% of its previous year's value($5.37bn) worth of electronic exports. With the state having achieved such impressive figures in the seven months from April to October, it is expected that a new high will be attained by the end of April 2024(end of financial year 2023-23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Dr TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Industries, the state is expected to touch $8bn in electronics exports by the end of the financial year. He also mentioned that the state's electronics exports(thus far this year) are almost double that of the state that features second in the leading electronics exporter states. He credited the state's strategic policies, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure and governance model for the achievement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Government of Tamil Nadu will be hosting a Global Investors Meet in January 2024. To be held on the 7th and 8th of January, the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, is aimed at attracting high-tech industries, and investment in sectors that will generate large-scale employment opportunities. The Global investors meet is expected to bring together industrialists, Micro Small and Medium Industries trade bodies, agriculturists, weavers and artisans from all districts of the state, the Government said. The core theme of the meet would be 'Towards a Resilient Economy, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Growth'.</p>

<p><br />
Already well established as the 'Detroit of India' for its Automobile manufacturing sector, EV sector and exports, Tamil Nadu also has been in the limelight for being among the states where contract manufacturers assemble Apple iPhones and other smartphones from leading brands.&nbsp;</p>


In recent years, India has been witnessing a significant increase in the export of electronic goods that are made and assembled in the country. As per Government data, India's total electronics exports for the period April-October 2023 have been $ 15.

In recent years, India has been witnessing a significant increase in the export of electronic goods that are made and assembled in the country. As per Government data, India's total electronics exports for the period April-October 2023 have been $ 15.48 billion. Notably, a 31% share of these exports ($4.78bn in value) is from one state in Southern India - Tamil Nadu, which is also India's second-largest state economy. As per the latest electronics export data, the state has now furthered its lead in the export of electronic goods in the country. The data on the export of goods is maintained by India's NIRYAT(National Import Export Record for the Yearly Analysis of Trade), under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Trade and Industry. As per NIRYAT, the volume of export of electronic goods from Tamil Nadu for the financial year 2022-23 has been $5.37bn, thereby making the state a leader in the export of electronic goods from India. Notably, in the ongoing financial year(April-October), Tamil Nadu has already gotten to $4.78bn, which is 90% of its previous year's value($5.37bn) worth of electronic exports. With the state having achieved such impressive figures in the seven months from April to October, it is expected that a new high will be attained by the end of April 2024(end of financial year 2023-23). According to Dr TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Industries, the state is expected to touch $8bn in electronics exports by the end of the financial year. He also mentioned that the state's electronics exports(thus far this year) are almost double that of the state that features second in the leading electronics exporter states. He credited the state's strategic policies, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure and governance model for the achievement. The Government of Tamil Nadu will be hosting a Global Investors Meet in January 2024. To be held on the 7th and 8th of January, the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, is aimed at attracting high-tech industries, and investment in sectors that will generate large-scale employment opportunities. The Global investors meet is expected to bring together industrialists, Micro Small and Medium Industries trade bodies, agriculturists, weavers and artisans from all districts of the state, the Government said. The core theme of the meet would be 'Towards a Resilient Economy, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Growth'. Already well established as the 'Detroit of India' for its Automobile manufacturing sector, EV sector and exports, Tamil Nadu also has been in the limelight for being among the states where contract manufacturers assemble Apple iPhones and other smartphones from leading brands.

This Indian state exports most Electronic Goods, expected to reach $8bn by FY end

<p>A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants. These tears are not a result of the havoc wreaked by the five-foot floodwater, but because of&nbsp;an oil spill that spread across their locality, along with the surging floodwaters. With the floodwaters receding, the major issue remains the thick, smelly oil slick&nbsp;on their walls, doors, roads and inside their homes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Impact&amp; residue of the oil spill in north <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a>, as seen in Ernavur, home to 500+ families<br />
<br />
There's a strong chemical smell here, causing eye-watering, inconvenience to residents..With oil residue all around, they also fear risk of fire accidents<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiFloods2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiFloods2023</a>… <a href="https://t.co/acZk1BTlUx">pic.twitter.com/acZk1BTlUx</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1734109859703070813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to WION, a resident of Ernavur in north Chennai&nbsp;recalled that their area had seen flooding during the 2015 Chennai floods and also last week. However, the effect of the oil spill is something that has made recovering from the damage significantly tougher this time around. When most parts of Chennai were getting inundated on Monday (Dec 4), the residential areas in Ernavur were no exception. However, they were caught unaware&nbsp;when oil and chemicals mixed with the floodwaters entered their locality.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michuang-chennai-nearby-districts-lashed-by-over-20-cms-of-rain-cyclone-to-further-intensify-665950">&nbsp;Cyclone Michaung: Chennai, nearby districts lashed by over 25 cms of rain; airport arrivals closed for 14 hrs</a></strong></p>

<p>At the time of writing, state government agencies led by the State Pollution Control Board were probing the origin of the oil leak and clarity is yet to emerge on the exact cause of the same. Since the time flood waters receded around Thursday (Dec 7), those in Ernavur have been engaged in cleanup activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While cleaning up the floodwaters and related damage has happened relatively quickly, the oil stains and slick&nbsp;remain in their areas. "We have been using turpentine and other chemicals to try and remove the marks left behind by the oil, but there is not much of a difference. The strong smell of the oil still lingers on and slicks continue to be on our roads. There are more than 500 families living here," a resident who has been staying in Ernavur for more than two decades, told WION.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Oil spill in North <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> spans ~20square kms<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> says it is from Kosasthalaiyar river to Kasimedu harbour<br />
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ICG ALH Mk3 helo with underslung equipment, sprayed Oil Spill Dispersants to break down, clear the oil&amp; minimise damage<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiFloods</a>… <a href="https://t.co/RpwaqNyOLR">pic.twitter.com/RpwaqNyOLR</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1734106681846698358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last week, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), which operates in the region and supplies fuels such as LPG, petrol, aviation fuel and diesel to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, denied any pipeline leak at their refinery in Manali, north Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a social media post, the firm added that other industries of Manali were also badly affected due to cyclone Michaung. "Despite the flood situation in and around the refinery, the CPCL team rose to the occasion and ensured uninterrupted safe operation of the refinery and supply of fuels to the state of Tamil Nadu."</p>

<p>The firm also added that they have deployed absorbent pads, and gully suckers to remove oil traces from the canal and that medical camps were organised in the affected locality, Ernavur, where people had reported symptoms such as cough, cold and fever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oil spill cleanups are complicated and not all agencies are equipped or trained to deal with such disasters. The Indian Coast Guard, ports, oil handling agencies and a few stakeholders of the petrochemical sectors alone have the wherewithal to deal with such cases. As the oil spill and the floodwaters from Ernavur flowed into the nearby Koasathalaiyar River, the spill spread across the water body and eventually reached the sea, thereby compounding the adverse effect of the spill and potentially affecting the marine ecosystem. Typically, when oil slicks float atop water, it prevents the permeation of oxygen to the marine life below and leads to mass death&nbsp;of marine life, affects the livelihoods of fishers and hurts the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michaung-pm-modi-speaks-to-andhra-cm-takes-stock-of-preparations-665746">Cyclone Michaung: PM Modi speaks to Andhra CM, takes stock of preparations</a></strong></p>

<p>Over the weekend, Indian coast guard assets were deployed to assess the extent and spread of the spill in the waters and it is estimated to have spread to an area spanning 20 square kilometres. According to the Coast Guard, the spill has extended at sea from the Kosasthalaiyar river mouth to the Kasimedu fishing harbour, a hub for fisherfolk in the region and home to a huge fish market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mindful of its responsibilities of preserving and protecting the marine environment, Coast Guard ships and helicopters undertook extensive pollution response operations to address the spill and avert major damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, said the Coast Guard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the State Pollution Control Board is working to solve the problem of the oil trapped in the interior land area and the creek,&nbsp;with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard oil spill response specialists. In pictures and videos, ICG’s Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 variant, equipped with an underslung oil spill dispersant sprayer was used to spray chemicals that help break down the oil, and disperse it, thereby drastically minimising its adverse impact. There are multiple methods that the Coast Guard employs to contain and minimise the damage caused by oil spills, based on the specific conditions of the spill and the prevalent weather, and sea conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-michaung-claims-17-lives-in-tamil-nadu-expected-to-weaken-further-in-andhra-pradesh-wion-666666">Cyclone Michaung claims 17 lives in Tamil Nadu, expected to weaken further in Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>While the oil spill in the waters is being addressed by the ICG, thousands of residents of Ernavur await support from the government for the oil spill cleanup in their residential areas, roads, and the walls of their buildings and homes. Residents are also apprehensive of the risk of fire accidents, given how even a small spark could prove tragic at a time when oil slicks are all around them and their dear ones. &nbsp;</p>


A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants.

A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants. These tears are not a result of the havoc wreaked by the five-foot floodwater, but because of an oil spill that spread across their locality, along with the surging floodwaters. With the floodwaters receding, the major issue remains the thick, smelly oil slick on their walls, doors, roads and inside their homes. Impact& residue of the oil spill in north #chennai, as seen in Ernavur, home to 500+ families There's a strong chemical smell here, causing eye-watering, inconvenience to residents..With oil residue all around, they also fear risk of fire accidents#ChennaiFloods2023… pic.twitter.com/acZk1BTlUx — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 11, 2023 × Speaking to WION, a resident of Ernavur in north Chennai recalled that their area had seen flooding during the 2015 Chennai floods and also last week. However, the effect of the oil spill is something that has made recovering from the damage significantly tougher this time around. When most parts of Chennai were getting inundated on Monday (Dec 4), the residential areas in Ernavur were no exception. However, they were caught unaware when oil and chemicals mixed with the floodwaters entered their locality. ALSO READ | Cyclone Michaung: Chennai, nearby districts lashed by over 25 cms of rain; airport arrivals closed for 14 hrs At the time of writing, state government agencies led by the State Pollution Control Board were probing the origin of the oil leak and clarity is yet to emerge on the exact cause of the same. Since the time flood waters receded around Thursday (Dec 7), those in Ernavur have been engaged in cleanup activities. While cleaning up the floodwaters and related damage has happened relatively quickly, the oil stains and slick remain in their areas. "We have been using turpentine and other chemicals to try and remove the marks left behind by the oil, but there is not much of a difference. The strong smell of the oil still lingers on and slicks continue to be on our roads. There are more than 500 families living here," a resident who has been staying in Ernavur for more than two decades, told WION. The Oil spill in North #Chennai spans ~20square kms@IndiaCoastGuard says it is from Kosasthalaiyar river to Kasimedu harbour ICG ALH Mk3 helo with underslung equipment, sprayed Oil Spill Dispersants to break down, clear the oil& minimise damage#ChennaiRains #ChennaiFloods… pic.twitter.com/RpwaqNyOLR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 11, 2023 × Last week, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), which operates in the region and supplies fuels such as LPG, petrol, aviation fuel and diesel to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, denied any pipeline leak at their refinery in Manali, north Chennai. In a social media post, the firm added that other industries of Manali were also badly affected due to cyclone Michaung. "Despite the flood situation in and around the refinery, the CPCL team rose to the occasion and ensured uninterrupted safe operation of the refinery and supply of fuels to the state of Tamil Nadu." The firm also added that they have deployed absorbent pads, and gully suckers to remove oil traces from the canal and that medical camps were organised in the affected locality, Ernavur, where people had reported symptoms such as cough, cold and fever. Oil spill cleanups are complicated and not all agencies are equipped or trained to deal with such disasters. The Indian Coast Guard, ports, oil handling agencies and a few stakeholders of the petrochemical sectors alone have the wherewithal to deal with such cases. As the oil spill and the floodwaters from Ernavur flowed into the nearby Koasathalaiyar River, the spill spread across the water body and eventually reached the sea, thereby compounding the adverse effect of the spill and potentially affecting the marine ecosystem. Typically, when oil slicks float atop water, it prevents the permeation of oxygen to the marine life below and leads to mass death of marine life, affects the livelihoods of fishers and hurts the economy. ALSO READ | Cyclone Michaung: PM Modi speaks to Andhra CM, takes stock of preparations Over the weekend, Indian coast guard assets were deployed to assess the extent and spread of the spill in the waters and it is estimated to have spread to an area spanning 20 square kilometres. According to the Coast Guard, the spill has extended at sea from the Kosasthalaiyar river mouth to the Kasimedu fishing harbour, a hub for fisherfolk in the region and home to a huge fish market. Mindful of its responsibilities of preserving and protecting the marine environment, Coast Guard ships and helicopters undertook extensive pollution response operations to address the spill and avert major damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, said the Coast Guard. It added that the State Pollution Control Board is working to solve the problem of the oil trapped in the interior land area and the creek, with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard oil spill response specialists. In pictures and videos, ICG’s Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 variant, equipped with an underslung oil spill dispersant sprayer was used to spray chemicals that help break down the oil, and disperse it, thereby drastically minimising its adverse impact. There are multiple methods that the Coast Guard employs to contain and minimise the damage caused by oil spills, based on the specific conditions of the spill and the prevalent weather, and sea conditions. ALSO WATCH | Cyclone Michaung claims 17 lives in Tamil Nadu, expected to weaken further in Andhra Pradesh While the oil spill in the waters is being addressed by the ICG, thousands of residents of Ernavur await support from the government for the oil spill cleanup in their residential areas, roads, and the walls of their buildings and homes. Residents are also apprehensive of the risk of fire accidents, given how even a small spark could prove tragic at a time when oil slicks are all around them and their dear ones.

India: Chennai deals with oil spill after Cyclone Michaung, coast guard deploys ships, helicopters

<p>The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-drops-crucial-dates-when-city-could-experience-artificial-rain-656602">Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in</a></strong></p>

<p>“The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg&nbsp;in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg,&nbsp;apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-cave-road-connectivity-project-kicks-up-row-politicians-say-environmental-disaster-in-making-656575">Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making</a></strong></p>

<p>Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.&nbsp;</p>


The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders.

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc. In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972. ALSO READ | Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in “The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI. According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg, apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department. ALSO READ | Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.

India: Wildlife Act amendment helps crackdown on illegal trade; elephant tusks seized

<p>At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police.</p>

<p>"Around eight people died, while a few were seriously injured in the accident. Further investigation is underway," news agency ANI quoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Coimbatore Zone, Saravana Sundar as saying.</p>

<p>Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, Palani Samy confirmed that eight people were killed in the deadly accident further adding that the deceased included three women and five men.</p>

<p>As per ANI reports, at least 35 tourists were reportedly injured in the incident.</p>

<p>The police said that the bus was on its way from Ooty to Mettupalaym in the Coimbatore district of the Southern state when the incident took place in Marapalam.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-central-bank-rbi-extends-deadline-to-exchange-deposit-rs-2000-banknotes-641313">RBI extends deadline to exchange, deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes</a></p>

<p>"35 people were injured and sent to Coonoor government hospital for treatment by ambulance," officials said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Eight people dead, more than thirty injured after a tourist bus fell into a gorge in Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district.<br />
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CM Stalin has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of dead and Rs 1 lakh each for seriously injured while Rs 50,000… <a href="https://t.co/GtKlRiZimg">pic.twitter.com/GtKlRiZimg</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1708156531605205110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CM Stalin announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia</strong></h2>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members of the people who lost their lives in the accident.</p>

<p>Stalin also announced Rs 1 lakh to those under treatment with grievous injuries.</p>

<p>In a statement, he said Rs 50,000 would be given to those who had suffered minor injuries. He directed special treatment for the wounded.</p>

<p>"The bus was carrying 60 passengers. The rescue team is in full force. We have rescued all the passengers. Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment. The government has acted in full swing," ANI quoted Nilgiris District Collector Aruna as saying.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu: District Collector, Aruna says, "...The bus was carrying 60 passengers...The rescue team is in full force...Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment...The government has acted in full swing...The CM has also announced… <a href="https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK">https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK</a> <a href="https://t.co/00M1xYPW0Z">pic.twitter.com/00M1xYPW0Z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1708199261979205872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The CM has also announced relief measures at the rate of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minimum injured. So, as of now, the entire team and the government machinery are in place," the official added.</p>

<p>As per officials, the bus fell into the gorge after the driver of the vehicle lost control of the wheels.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police.

At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police. "Around eight people died, while a few were seriously injured in the accident. Further investigation is underway," news agency ANI quoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Coimbatore Zone, Saravana Sundar as saying. Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, Palani Samy confirmed that eight people were killed in the deadly accident further adding that the deceased included three women and five men. As per ANI reports, at least 35 tourists were reportedly injured in the incident. The police said that the bus was on its way from Ooty to Mettupalaym in the Coimbatore district of the Southern state when the incident took place in Marapalam. Also read: RBI extends deadline to exchange, deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes "35 people were injured and sent to Coonoor government hospital for treatment by ambulance," officials said. VIDEO | Eight people dead, more than thirty injured after a tourist bus fell into a gorge in Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district. CM Stalin has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of dead and Rs 1 lakh each for seriously injured while Rs 50,000… pic.twitter.com/GtKlRiZimg — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 30, 2023 × CM Stalin announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members of the people who lost their lives in the accident. Stalin also announced Rs 1 lakh to those under treatment with grievous injuries. In a statement, he said Rs 50,000 would be given to those who had suffered minor injuries. He directed special treatment for the wounded. "The bus was carrying 60 passengers. The rescue team is in full force. We have rescued all the passengers. Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment. The government has acted in full swing," ANI quoted Nilgiris District Collector Aruna as saying. #WATCH | Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu: District Collector, Aruna says, "...The bus was carrying 60 passengers...The rescue team is in full force...Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment...The government has acted in full swing...The CM has also announced… https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK pic.twitter.com/00M1xYPW0Z — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2023 × "The CM has also announced relief measures at the rate of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minimum injured. So, as of now, the entire team and the government machinery are in place," the official added. As per officials, the bus fell into the gorge after the driver of the vehicle lost control of the wheels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eight dead, more than 30 injured as tourist bus falls into gorge in Tamil Nadu

<p>Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it.</p>

<p>All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>This was to protest against state BJP leader's attacks and defamatory statements on AIADMK and their leaders, particularly by its chief Annamalai.</p>

<p>AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy announced the decision after a resolution was passed&nbsp;unanimously at a meeting of MPs, MLAs and district heads at the party's headquarters in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and our cadres for the past one year. In today’s meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously,” said the party.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-alliances-agenda-is-to-end-countrys-sanatan-culture-says-pm-modi-635957"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What did Annamalai say?</strong></h2>

<p>At a BJP protest event earlier this month, Annamalai had said that&nbsp;late chief minister CN Annadurai insulted Hinduism at an event in Madurai in 1956.</p>

<p>AIADMK was founded by former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran based on the principles popularised by CN Annadurai.</p>

<p>In Annamalai's telling,&nbsp;in June 1956 in the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a child sang a song from the Sangam era for Annadurai.</p>

<p>The Dravidian leader praised the child for singing well but then said had she shown her talent centuries ago,&nbsp;a story would have been spun of how she was only able to sing divinely because she consumed the holy milk provided by Goddess Umaiyaval.</p>

<p>After Annamalai's remarks, AIADMK leaders said the BJP leader had "deliberately insulted" the Dravidian stalwart.</p>

<p>"The Dravidian movement has given life to us all. Anna gave everyone opportunities and equal rights to women and gave the name Tamil Nadu to this state,"&nbsp;AIADMK MP CV Shanmugam had said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You (Annamalai) are not eligible to speak about Anna. Even after being in alliance, Annamalai is speaking ill of Perarignar Anna. Earlier, he critiqued Amma (Jayalalithaa) and now Anna."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-opposition-parties-form-india-alliance-for-2024-election-618261"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election</strong></a></p>

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<p>Annamalai dodged media questions on AIADMK going its separate way.</p>

<p>Despite aligning with the BJP, AIADMK has had a horror showing&nbsp;in the past elections.</p>

<p>It lost overwhelmingly in the 2019 Lok Sabha election where it&nbsp;only garnered one seat. Later in the state elections of 2021, it fell to 75 seats from 135 seats five years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it. All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it. All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This was to protest against state BJP leader's attacks and defamatory statements on AIADMK and their leaders, particularly by its chief Annamalai. AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy announced the decision after a resolution was passed unanimously at a meeting of MPs, MLAs and district heads at the party's headquarters in Chennai. “The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and our cadres for the past one year. In today’s meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously,” said the party. Also read | 'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi What did Annamalai say? At a BJP protest event earlier this month, Annamalai had said that late chief minister CN Annadurai insulted Hinduism at an event in Madurai in 1956. AIADMK was founded by former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran based on the principles popularised by CN Annadurai. In Annamalai's telling, in June 1956 in the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a child sang a song from the Sangam era for Annadurai. The Dravidian leader praised the child for singing well but then said had she shown her talent centuries ago, a story would have been spun of how she was only able to sing divinely because she consumed the holy milk provided by Goddess Umaiyaval. After Annamalai's remarks, AIADMK leaders said the BJP leader had "deliberately insulted" the Dravidian stalwart. "The Dravidian movement has given life to us all. Anna gave everyone opportunities and equal rights to women and gave the name Tamil Nadu to this state," AIADMK MP CV Shanmugam had said at the time. "You (Annamalai) are not eligible to speak about Anna. Even after being in alliance, Annamalai is speaking ill of Perarignar Anna. Earlier, he critiqued Amma (Jayalalithaa) and now Anna." Watch | Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election × Annamalai dodged media questions on AIADMK going its separate way. Despite aligning with the BJP, AIADMK has had a horror showing in the past elections. It lost overwhelmingly in the 2019 Lok Sabha election where it only garnered one seat. Later in the state elections of 2021, it fell to 75 seats from 135 seats five years ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blow to BJP? AIADMK severs ties with NDA over Annamalai's remarks

<p>Three young women in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have broken the glass ceiling and will soon become the assistant priests at temples in the state, breaking a long-standing male-only tradition, after duly&nbsp;completing their training to assume priesthood.<br />
<br />
Though Indian women have made their mark in professions across diverse field, a religious taboo still persists in many parts of the country that bars them from working as temple priests.</p>

<p>The three women completed their course to become priests under ‘All-Caste Priests’ scheme in Tamil Nadu where the state government&nbsp;runs six training schools&nbsp;to train priests from all communities. This is the first time ever when women enrolled and&nbsp;completed the course.</p>

<p>Media reports say that the three women completed training for priesthood under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the government and will be soon designated as assistant priests in temples in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Three women complete 'All-Castes Priests Training' in Tamil Nadu</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>State Chief Minister MK Stalin hailed the development and underlined that this was possible under 'Dravidian' model of government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite women's achievements as pilots and astronauts, they were barred from the sacred role of temple priests, deemed impure, even in the temples for female deities. But change is finally here! In Tamil Nadu, as our #DravidianModel Government has removed the thorn from Thanthai Periyar's heart by appointing people of all castes as priests, women are also now stepping into the sanctums, bringing a new era of inclusivity and equality," Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin posted on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<h2><strong>Who are the women priests?</strong></h2>

<p>Three women — Krishnaveni, S Ramya and N Ranjitha — had got enrolled in a state government-run training institute for priesthood.</p>

<p>Ramya, who holds a postgraduate degree,&nbsp;told media that she joined Archakar (priest) Training School run by the Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam to follow her calling of serving the Lord and become an Archaka (priest).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have broken a male bastion and have trained to be priests. Hopefully, we will get placed at major temples so that we can get good exposure, and also learn more. We have only Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to thank for this opportunity,” she said as quoted by Outlook.</p>

<p>Ramya hails from Mel Adhanur in Cuddalore district. She received her certificate of training for priesthood on September 12, 2023.</p>

<p>S Krishnaveni holds a BSc degree in Mathematics. Some of her family members have previously been priests.</p>

<p>“My father and grandfather serve at the Mariamman temple in our village. According to the Pancharathra agama, all of us have received Dheeksha from the Mannargudi Sendalangara Jeeyar during the sixth month of our training. This agama is said to have been handed down by Lord Sri Narayana to five rishis over five nights. Neither I nor the others are worried about the pay, as we believe that the Lord will provide for us,” she said as per Outlook report.</p>

<p>N Ranjitha hails from Vellamathagu Koradacheri in Tiruvarur district. She holds a bachelors degree in visual communication.</p>

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Three young women in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have broken the glass ceiling and will soon become the assistant priests at temples in the state, breaking a long-standing male-only tradition, after duly completing their training to assume priesthood.

Three young women in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have broken the glass ceiling and will soon become the assistant priests at temples in the state, breaking a long-standing male-only tradition, after duly completing their training to assume priesthood. Though Indian women have made their mark in professions across diverse field, a religious taboo still persists in many parts of the country that bars them from working as temple priests. The three women completed their course to become priests under ‘All-Caste Priests’ scheme in Tamil Nadu where the state government runs six training schools to train priests from all communities. This is the first time ever when women enrolled and completed the course. Media reports say that the three women completed training for priesthood under Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the government and will be soon designated as assistant priests in temples in the state. Watch | Three women complete 'All-Castes Priests Training' in Tamil Nadu × State Chief Minister MK Stalin hailed the development and underlined that this was possible under 'Dravidian' model of government. "Despite women's achievements as pilots and astronauts, they were barred from the sacred role of temple priests, deemed impure, even in the temples for female deities. But change is finally here! In Tamil Nadu, as our #DravidianModel Government has removed the thorn from Thanthai Periyar's heart by appointing people of all castes as priests, women are also now stepping into the sanctums, bringing a new era of inclusivity and equality," Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin posted on X (formerly Twitter). Who are the women priests? Three women — Krishnaveni, S Ramya and N Ranjitha — had got enrolled in a state government-run training institute for priesthood. Ramya, who holds a postgraduate degree, told media that she joined Archakar (priest) Training School run by the Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam to follow her calling of serving the Lord and become an Archaka (priest). “We have broken a male bastion and have trained to be priests. Hopefully, we will get placed at major temples so that we can get good exposure, and also learn more. We have only Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to thank for this opportunity,” she said as quoted by Outlook. Ramya hails from Mel Adhanur in Cuddalore district. She received her certificate of training for priesthood on September 12, 2023. S Krishnaveni holds a BSc degree in Mathematics. Some of her family members have previously been priests. “My father and grandfather serve at the Mariamman temple in our village. According to the Pancharathra agama, all of us have received Dheeksha from the Mannargudi Sendalangara Jeeyar during the sixth month of our training. This agama is said to have been handed down by Lord Sri Narayana to five rishis over five nights. Neither I nor the others are worried about the pay, as we believe that the Lord will provide for us,” she said as per Outlook report. N Ranjitha hails from Vellamathagu Koradacheri in Tiruvarur district. She holds a bachelors degree in visual communication. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Three women break glass ceiling, to soon become temple priests in Tamil Nadu

<p>At least eight people, including three women, were found dead and several others were reported injured after an explosion in a warehouse of a firecracker factory in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, on Saturday (July 29), said Officials. The sudden explosion has also damaged houses and some shops near the unit, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the incident?</strong></h2>

<p>The explosion is said to have occurred in the firecracker manufacturing warehouse in the Pazhayapettai area of the district. The blaze due to the explosion also spread to nearby shops and houses, said the Krishnagiri Superintendant of Police Saroj Kumar Thakur, as per ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As many as seven people have been declared dead and few others injured have been taken to a nearby government hospital for treatment,” said Thakur. The police official later revised the death toll to eight after one more person died in the mishap, reported ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and videos from the site show police and fire services personnel on the spot while rescue efforts are said to be underway. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">STORY | Visuals from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu where eight people died after an explosion at a firecracker unit.<br />
<br />
READ: <a href="https://t.co/eadAyYnu2R">https://t.co/eadAyYnu2R</a><br />
<br />
VIDEO: <a href="https://t.co/GE8Qsjwyvb">pic.twitter.com/GE8Qsjwyvb</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1685231974108016640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Indian PM and Home Minister express condolences</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic mishap at a cracker factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of precious lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this extremely difficult time. May the injured recover soon.”</p>

<p>The Indian PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2,00,000 ($2,431) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured will be given Rs 50,000 ($608), said Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to the microblogging platform and said, “Deeply saddened to know about the tragic fire accident in a crackers factory in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu). I extend my sincerest condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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At least eight people, including three women, were found dead and several others were reported injured after an explosion in a warehouse of a firecracker factory in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, on Saturday (July 29), said Officials.

At least eight people, including three women, were found dead and several others were reported injured after an explosion in a warehouse of a firecracker factory in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, on Saturday (July 29), said Officials. The sudden explosion has also damaged houses and some shops near the unit, according to local media reports. What do we know about the incident? The explosion is said to have occurred in the firecracker manufacturing warehouse in the Pazhayapettai area of the district. The blaze due to the explosion also spread to nearby shops and houses, said the Krishnagiri Superintendant of Police Saroj Kumar Thakur, as per ANI. “As many as seven people have been declared dead and few others injured have been taken to a nearby government hospital for treatment,” said Thakur. The police official later revised the death toll to eight after one more person died in the mishap, reported ANI. Images and videos from the site show police and fire services personnel on the spot while rescue efforts are said to be underway. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. STORY | Visuals from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu where eight people died after an explosion at a firecracker unit. READ: https://t.co/eadAyYnu2R VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/GE8Qsjwyvb — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2023 × Indian PM and Home Minister express condolences The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic mishap at a cracker factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of precious lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this extremely difficult time. May the injured recover soon.” The Indian PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2,00,000 ($2,431) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured will be given Rs 50,000 ($608), said Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to the microblogging platform and said, “Deeply saddened to know about the tragic fire accident in a crackers factory in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu). I extend my sincerest condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: At least 8 people killed, several injured in explosion at firecracker unit in Tamil Nadu

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<p>The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday evening, a press release from the Governor's House stated that Balaji had been removed from his position as his presence could interfere with the ongoing investigation against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There are reasonable apprehensions that continuation of Thiru V. Senthilbalaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law including fair investigation that may eventually lead to breakdown of the Constitutional machinery in the State. Under these circumstances, Honourable Governor has dismissed Thiru V. Senthilbalaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect," read the release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, five hours later, Governor Ravi backtracked on the decision saying Senthil's sacking was being put on hold with immediate effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The back-and-forth by the governor provided the required ammo to the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin to launch an attack on him. Stalin said the governor had no right to sack a minister and that his DMK-Congress government will take up the matter to the legal corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said the president should sack the Tamil Nadu governor for no lawyer could have provided him with such an idea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No sane bureaucrat much less a sane lawyer could have advised Mr Ravi that Constitutional scheme allows him to dismiss a Minister. Criminal jurisprudence holds you are innocent until proven guilty," said Tewari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing Article 164 of the constitution, Tewari added that a minister can only be removed on the advice of the chief minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Prime accused in corruption case</strong></h2>

<p>V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED), earlier this month, in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-indian-politician-breaks-down-while-being-arrested-by-ed-604162"><strong>VIDEO | Indian minister arrested on money laundering charges reportedly needs urgent bypass surgery</strong></a></p>

<p>The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED and raids at a&nbsp;dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, shortly after the arrest, Senthil had to be admitted to a hospital, where he had to undergo a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later.

The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later. On Thursday evening, a press release from the Governor's House stated that Balaji had been removed from his position as his presence could interfere with the ongoing investigation against him. “There are reasonable apprehensions that continuation of Thiru V. Senthilbalaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law including fair investigation that may eventually lead to breakdown of the Constitutional machinery in the State. Under these circumstances, Honourable Governor has dismissed Thiru V. Senthilbalaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect," read the release. However, five hours later, Governor Ravi backtracked on the decision saying Senthil's sacking was being put on hold with immediate effect. The back-and-forth by the governor provided the required ammo to the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin to launch an attack on him. Stalin said the governor had no right to sack a minister and that his DMK-Congress government will take up the matter to the legal corridors. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said the president should sack the Tamil Nadu governor for no lawyer could have provided him with such an idea. "No sane bureaucrat much less a sane lawyer could have advised Mr Ravi that Constitutional scheme allows him to dismiss a Minister. Criminal jurisprudence holds you are innocent until proven guilty," said Tewari. Citing Article 164 of the constitution, Tewari added that a minister can only be removed on the advice of the chief minister. Prime accused in corruption case V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED), earlier this month, in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket. Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018. VIDEO | Indian minister arrested on money laundering charges reportedly needs urgent bypass surgery The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED and raids at a dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji. Notably, shortly after the arrest, Senthil had to be admitted to a hospital, where he had to undergo a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Tamil Nadu governor sacks arrested minister, backtracks on decision hours later

Floods, heatwave, rain: Extreme weather events wreak havoc across Indian cities

<p>An Indian minister in the southern Tamil Nadu state, who was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day&nbsp;shortly after being arrested on money laundering charges, was administered a coronary angiogram and has&nbsp;been advised bypass surgery at the earliest.</p>

<p>V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by the law enforcement agency around 2 am in connection to an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, the DMK leader was brought to Omandurar government hospital in Chennai for a medical examination as he complained of chest pain. Balaji was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according o DMK leaders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji breaks down as ED officials took him into custody in connection with a money laundering case and brought him to Omandurar Government in Chennai for medical examination <a href="https://t.co/aATSM9DQpu">pic.twitter.com/aATSM9DQpu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1668737885242286080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I saw him (Mr Balaji) when he was shifted to ICU. Doctors are evaluating his health condition. It is a procedure when a person says he has been assaulted the doctor needs to note down all the injuries and will know after seeing the report. Officially we have not been informed (by ED) that he has been arrested," said Balaji's lawyer NR Elango.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-sports-minister-anurag-thakur-slams-dorseys-claim-about-pressure-from-india-calls-it-blatant-lie-604126"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur slams Dorsey's claim about 'pressure' from India, calls it 'blatant lie'</strong></a></p>

<p>Elango said no clarity had been provided by the ED as to why Balaji was arrested. He added that no arrest guidelines had been followed while taking the DMK leader in custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister and DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin attacked BJP and said his party will not cower down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Senthil Balaji is undergoing treatment. We will deal with it legally. We are not afraid of the threatening politics of the BJP-led central government," said Stalin.</p>

<p>"It doesn't matter on whom the raid was conducted, but it matters where the raid was carried out. Union Home Minister has severely criticised DMK in a public meeting in Vellore, and we gave proper counter-argument to all the allegations. Conducting a raid in the Secretariat is against the federal structure," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Prime accused in&nbsp;corruption case</strong></p>

<p>Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-relations-hit-an-all-time-low-heres-why-604071"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why</strong></a></p>

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<p>The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED at dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An Indian minister in the southern Tamil Nadu state, who was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day shortly after being arrested on money laundering charges, was administered a coronary angiogram and has been advised bypass surgery at the earliest.

An Indian minister in the southern Tamil Nadu state, who was admitted to a hospital earlier in the day shortly after being arrested on money laundering charges, was administered a coronary angiogram and has been advised bypass surgery at the earliest. V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by the law enforcement agency around 2 am in connection to an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket. After the incident, the DMK leader was brought to Omandurar government hospital in Chennai for a medical examination as he complained of chest pain. Balaji was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according o DMK leaders. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji breaks down as ED officials took him into custody in connection with a money laundering case and brought him to Omandurar Government in Chennai for medical examination pic.twitter.com/aATSM9DQpu — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2023 × "I saw him (Mr Balaji) when he was shifted to ICU. Doctors are evaluating his health condition. It is a procedure when a person says he has been assaulted the doctor needs to note down all the injuries and will know after seeing the report. Officially we have not been informed (by ED) that he has been arrested," said Balaji's lawyer NR Elango. Also read | Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur slams Dorsey's claim about 'pressure' from India, calls it 'blatant lie' Elango said no clarity had been provided by the ED as to why Balaji was arrested. He added that no arrest guidelines had been followed while taking the DMK leader in custody. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister and DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin attacked BJP and said his party will not cower down. "Senthil Balaji is undergoing treatment. We will deal with it legally. We are not afraid of the threatening politics of the BJP-led central government," said Stalin. "It doesn't matter on whom the raid was conducted, but it matters where the raid was carried out. Union Home Minister has severely criticised DMK in a public meeting in Vellore, and we gave proper counter-argument to all the allegations. Conducting a raid in the Secretariat is against the federal structure," he added. Prime accused in corruption case Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018. Watch | Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why × The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED at dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

VIDEO | Indian minister arrested on money laundering charges reportedly needs urgent bypass surgery

<p>Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again&nbsp;in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu. This shows the irony of the situation, where human settlements in forests and forest fringe areas are on the rise, but in the name of “Conservation and Protection” wild animals are being translocated from their rightful home.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In 37days, this wild tusker has been hit with multiple tranquilliser darts, hauled onto trucks, translocated dozens of kms..First, it was the turn of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> forest dept, now it is the turn of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
<br />
We continue to eat into forests&amp; fringes, while animals are shunted out! <a href="https://t.co/4ViAM6PMwD">pic.twitter.com/4ViAM6PMwD</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1665589603129257984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Arikomban the wild tusker was safely tranquillised early hours today in Cumbum East Range by a team of Forest Veterinary Surgeons and Forest Department Officials. The elephant is being translocated to a suitable habitat where the Tamil Nadu Forest department will continue to monitor him,” Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, had tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the wild tusker became 'Arikomban'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The wild tusker's only innocent mistake is that he had developed a fondness for rice and began to raid ration shops and settlements to gorge on some carbs. While there are no recorded instances of violent actions by the tusker, it was claimed by the Kerala Forest Department that the tusker&nbsp;killed seven people in recent months&nbsp;near his original habitat in Idukki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was also pressure from local residents to relocate the elephant. Based on this, it was proposed that the Kerala Forest Department would capture and turn 'Arikomban'&nbsp;(as he was popularly known among locals in Idukki) into a semi-wild, trained elephant (a cruel process meant to break the elephant's natural ways and make him a captive).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following staunch opposition from activists and others who stated that the elephant was harmless and had not killed any humans, the Kerala High Court declared that the tusker would be translocated. Amid tight security, in the last week of April, the tusker was tranquilised, radio-collared and then translocated from Idukki to the Periyar Tiger Reserve(a drive of nearly 100 kms). While both locations are in Kerala, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Crossing over from Kerala to Tamil Nadu</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Arikomban was released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve region on April 29th and by the first week of May, he had crossed over into the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location in real time. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala's 'Arikomban'&nbsp;got an equivalent Tamil name "Arisi Komban"&nbsp;and he began to make forays into human settlements in his new habitat as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, forest officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Forest department teams have also advised those staying in the region to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. Forest department personnel are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the elephant started frequenting towns in Cumbum, the Tamil Nadu forest department decided to capture him again and relocate him deeper into the forests, into an undisclosed location on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thereby, the entire process of tracking, tranquillisation, using trained 'kumki'&nbsp;elephants to haul the semi-conscious tusker onto the modified truck and then ferrying him away for release deep in the forest - all had to be carried out once again. While many see such translocations as a heroic effort, it must be remembered that translocations can have an adverse impact on the elephant's health and well-being.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu.

Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu. This shows the irony of the situation, where human settlements in forests and forest fringe areas are on the rise, but in the name of “Conservation and Protection” wild animals are being translocated from their rightful home. In 37days, this wild tusker has been hit with multiple tranquilliser darts, hauled onto trucks, translocated dozens of kms..First, it was the turn of #kerala forest dept, now it is the turn of #TamilNadu We continue to eat into forests& fringes, while animals are shunted out! pic.twitter.com/4ViAM6PMwD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 5, 2023 × “Arikomban the wild tusker was safely tranquillised early hours today in Cumbum East Range by a team of Forest Veterinary Surgeons and Forest Department Officials. The elephant is being translocated to a suitable habitat where the Tamil Nadu Forest department will continue to monitor him,” Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, had tweeted. How the wild tusker became 'Arikomban' The wild tusker's only innocent mistake is that he had developed a fondness for rice and began to raid ration shops and settlements to gorge on some carbs. While there are no recorded instances of violent actions by the tusker, it was claimed by the Kerala Forest Department that the tusker killed seven people in recent months near his original habitat in Idukki. There was also pressure from local residents to relocate the elephant. Based on this, it was proposed that the Kerala Forest Department would capture and turn 'Arikomban' (as he was popularly known among locals in Idukki) into a semi-wild, trained elephant (a cruel process meant to break the elephant's natural ways and make him a captive). Following staunch opposition from activists and others who stated that the elephant was harmless and had not killed any humans, the Kerala High Court declared that the tusker would be translocated. Amid tight security, in the last week of April, the tusker was tranquilised, radio-collared and then translocated from Idukki to the Periyar Tiger Reserve(a drive of nearly 100 kms). While both locations are in Kerala, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Crossing over from Kerala to Tamil Nadu Arikomban was released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve region on April 29th and by the first week of May, he had crossed over into the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location in real time. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala's 'Arikomban' got an equivalent Tamil name "Arisi Komban" and he began to make forays into human settlements in his new habitat as well. Earlier, forest officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS. Forest department teams have also advised those staying in the region to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. Forest department personnel are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official had said. As the elephant started frequenting towns in Cumbum, the Tamil Nadu forest department decided to capture him again and relocate him deeper into the forests, into an undisclosed location on Monday. Thereby, the entire process of tracking, tranquillisation, using trained 'kumki' elephants to haul the semi-conscious tusker onto the modified truck and then ferrying him away for release deep in the forest - all had to be carried out once again. While many see such translocations as a heroic effort, it must be remembered that translocations can have an adverse impact on the elephant's health and well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India | Tranquillised, translocated twice in 37 days: Sad plight of wild tusker ‘Arikomban’

In Pics | Tragic three-train collision in Odisha, India

<p>Over a period of 10 years (2023-32), South Korean automaker Hyundai will be investing USD&nbsp;2.5 billion (INR 20,000 crore) in India. This investment is&nbsp;aimed at scaling up the firm's existing manufacturing operations of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem, setting up EV charging stations and establishing an EV battery assembly unit.</p>

<p>Unsoo Kim, MD and&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tamil Nadu government in this regard.&nbsp;The MoU was exchanged in the presence of top officials from HMIL and the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin.</p>

<p>"As part of our long-term vision, we have finalised plans to develop and establish Tamil Nadu as a base for Hyundai's EV manufacturing in India," said Unsoo Kim. He added that this investment would be utilised to set up a battery pack assembly unit with the capacity to assemble 1,78,000 units per year. In addition to this, the firm would install 100 EV charging stations at key locations on major highways over a period of five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recalled how his father and then Chief Minister M&nbsp;Karunanidhi had laid the foundation stone for the first Hyundai factory in Chennai, in the year 1996. Tracing the growth of Hyundai, he said that the South Korean firm is now the second-largest carmaker in India and the largest exporter of cars from the country. He also added that in terms of the manufacture of automobiles and automobile components, Tamil Nadu has been the leading state in India. Coinciding with its 25th-year milestone in India, Hyundai also rolled out its millionth car made in the country, in the year 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, Hyundai's AVP, of Corporate Affairs, Puneet Anand said that the firm will be expanding its automobile manufacturing capacity in the Chennai factory.</p>

<p>"Outside Korea, India is the single largest manufacturing hub of Hyundai, and we will be scaling up the manufacturing capacity from the current&nbsp;775,000&nbsp;(7.75 lakh) cars per annum to&nbsp;850,000&nbsp;(8.5 lakh). We export made-in-India cars to 88 countries," he added.</p>

<p>According to him, the latest investment by Hyundai is focussed on sustainable mobility and assembling EV batteries locally and it'll eventually bring down the cost of electric vehicles in the country. The firm also announced that it will also be launching a range of electric vehicles across price segments in India.&nbsp;</p>

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Over a period of 10 years (2023-32), South Korean automaker Hyundai will be investing USD 2.5 billion (INR 20,000 crore) in India. This investment is aimed at scaling up the firm's existing manufacturing operations of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem, setting up EV charging stations and establishing an EV battery assembly unit.

Over a period of 10 years (2023-32), South Korean automaker Hyundai will be investing USD 2.5 billion (INR 20,000 crore) in India. This investment is aimed at scaling up the firm's existing manufacturing operations of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem, setting up EV charging stations and establishing an EV battery assembly unit. Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tamil Nadu government in this regard. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of top officials from HMIL and the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin. "As part of our long-term vision, we have finalised plans to develop and establish Tamil Nadu as a base for Hyundai's EV manufacturing in India," said Unsoo Kim. He added that this investment would be utilised to set up a battery pack assembly unit with the capacity to assemble 1,78,000 units per year. In addition to this, the firm would install 100 EV charging stations at key locations on major highways over a period of five years. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recalled how his father and then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had laid the foundation stone for the first Hyundai factory in Chennai, in the year 1996. Tracing the growth of Hyundai, he said that the South Korean firm is now the second-largest carmaker in India and the largest exporter of cars from the country. He also added that in terms of the manufacture of automobiles and automobile components, Tamil Nadu has been the leading state in India. Coinciding with its 25th-year milestone in India, Hyundai also rolled out its millionth car made in the country, in the year 2021. Speaking to WION, Hyundai's AVP, of Corporate Affairs, Puneet Anand said that the firm will be expanding its automobile manufacturing capacity in the Chennai factory. "Outside Korea, India is the single largest manufacturing hub of Hyundai, and we will be scaling up the manufacturing capacity from the current 775,000 (7.75 lakh) cars per annum to 850,000 (8.5 lakh). We export made-in-India cars to 88 countries," he added. According to him, the latest investment by Hyundai is focussed on sustainable mobility and assembling EV batteries locally and it'll eventually bring down the cost of electric vehicles in the country. The firm also announced that it will also be launching a range of electric vehicles across price segments in India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hyundai to invest $2.5bn in India, scale up production at its largest manufacturing hub outside Korea

<p>The Tamil Nadu government raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees, including teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners, from 34 per cent&nbsp;to 38 per cent with immediate effect on Sunday. Notably, the increase would benefit approximately 16 lakh employees, and the decision was made after taking into account the representation of government employees.</p>

<p>Despite the fact that the move would incur an additional annual expenditure of Rs 2,359 crore, the government has accepted the financial burden in the interest of state employees' welfare.</p>
<img alt="MK Stalin's tweet " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d740a887-2382-4a26-a460-dbc2013e3324" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-03T132015.762.png" />
<p>In response to the protest of government teachers seeking 'equal pay for equal work,' he announced the formation of a committee of three top officials, led by Finance Secretary-Expenditure. According to him, the government has decided to take action based on the panel's recommendations.</p>

<p>He called the DA hike a "New Year's gift," and urged employees to join the government in its efforts to improve people's well-being and prosperity.</p>


The Tamil Nadu government raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees, including teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners, from 34 per cent to 38 per cent with immediate effect on Sunday.

The Tamil Nadu government raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees, including teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners, from 34 per cent to 38 per cent with immediate effect on Sunday. Notably, the increase would benefit approximately 16 lakh employees, and the decision was made after taking into account the representation of government employees. Despite the fact that the move would incur an additional annual expenditure of Rs 2,359 crore, the government has accepted the financial burden in the interest of state employees' welfare. In response to the protest of government teachers seeking 'equal pay for equal work,' he announced the formation of a committee of three top officials, led by Finance Secretary-Expenditure. According to him, the government has decided to take action based on the panel's recommendations. He called the DA hike a "New Year's gift," and urged employees to join the government in its efforts to improve people's well-being and prosperity.

7th pay commission: Tamil Nadu announces DA hike for government employees as New Year gift, CHECK details

<p>'Bridgerton 2' star Charithra Chandran recently paid a visit to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chandran is an Indian-origin actress who featured in the Netflix show 'Bridgerton Season 2' and played the character of Edwina Sharma.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Chandran shared a slew of photos on her Instagram page which showed a glimpse of her Thanjavur visit where she visited the Airavatesvawar Temple.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Chandran simply mentioned the current year 2022 in the caption along with the Indian flag. The first picture shows a close-up of Chandran dressed in a pink traditional outfit with a red dot on her forehead indicating her visit to the Hindu temple.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
There were also photos of the Airavatesvara Temple and a cow. There is also a glimpse of a Kumbakonam restaurant and food served on a banana leaf. There is also a group selfie which has Charithra posing with several women and a child.</p>

<p>She also shared an image of the popular South India dish Kottu Porotha on her IG stories and revealed that it was one of her favourite dishes and that she had once had the dish for 30 days straight.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Her fans loved her pictures from India. A fan wrote, "I love how you own your roots and culture." Another wrote, "wow, you are in TN."&nbsp;One more fan commented, "I love how simple &amp; real u are." A fan also said, "You look so beautiful and thank u for keeping it real! I love the simplicity." Her co-star from 'Bridgerton ' - Jonathan Bailey too dropped a heart emoji on her post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CklDzVsjOJB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Charithra Chandran (@charithra17)</a></p>
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<p>Chandran shot to fame in India with her role as the season's diamond Edwina Sharma in 'Bridgerton season 2.' She starred opposite Jonathan Bailey's Anthony whereas Simone Ashley played her sister, Kate Sharma. It is unclear on whether she will be back in season 3 of the series which is currently under production.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, Charithra turned muse for designer Manish Malhotra for a travel magazine's destination wedding edition. She posed in a white lehenga on the magazine cover.<br />
<br />
Chandran was born to Tamil parents in Scotland and moved to Tamil Nadu when her parents separated. She moved to England when she was four years old.&nbsp;</p>


'Bridgerton 2' star Charithra Chandran recently paid a visit to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chandran is an Indian-origin actress who featured in the Netflix show 'Bridgerton Season 2' and played the character of Edwina Sharma.

'Bridgerton 2' star Charithra Chandran recently paid a visit to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chandran is an Indian-origin actress who featured in the Netflix show 'Bridgerton Season 2' and played the character of Edwina Sharma. Chandran shared a slew of photos on her Instagram page which showed a glimpse of her Thanjavur visit where she visited the Airavatesvawar Temple. Chandran simply mentioned the current year 2022 in the caption along with the Indian flag. The first picture shows a close-up of Chandran dressed in a pink traditional outfit with a red dot on her forehead indicating her visit to the Hindu temple. There were also photos of the Airavatesvara Temple and a cow. There is also a glimpse of a Kumbakonam restaurant and food served on a banana leaf. There is also a group selfie which has Charithra posing with several women and a child. She also shared an image of the popular South India dish Kottu Porotha on her IG stories and revealed that it was one of her favourite dishes and that she had once had the dish for 30 days straight. Her fans loved her pictures from India. A fan wrote, "I love how you own your roots and culture." Another wrote, "wow, you are in TN." One more fan commented, "I love how simple & real u are." A fan also said, "You look so beautiful and thank u for keeping it real! I love the simplicity." Her co-star from 'Bridgerton ' - Jonathan Bailey too dropped a heart emoji on her post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charithra Chandran (@charithra17) × Chandran shot to fame in India with her role as the season's diamond Edwina Sharma in 'Bridgerton season 2.' She starred opposite Jonathan Bailey's Anthony whereas Simone Ashley played her sister, Kate Sharma. It is unclear on whether she will be back in season 3 of the series which is currently under production. Earlier this year, Charithra turned muse for designer Manish Malhotra for a travel magazine's destination wedding edition. She posed in a white lehenga on the magazine cover. Chandran was born to Tamil parents in Scotland and moved to Tamil Nadu when her parents separated. She moved to England when she was four years old.

'Bridgerton Season 2' star Charithra Chandran visits temple in Tamil Nadu; see pics

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<p>Land acquisition has been completed for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, revealed a top government official. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the vice president of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science &amp; Technology and the former director, ISRO Satellite Center said the work on building the new spaceport may start anytime. He was optimistic about the emergence of a space ecosystem around the new spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sriharikota offers various advantages as an ideal launch site. Situated on the east coast and at a position nearer to the equator, rockets launched from here are aided by the additional velocity of Earth's West-East rotation. This effect of this rotation is felt closest to the equator and is almost nil at the earth's poles. This effect mainly benefits launches into equatorial orbits.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-india-building-a-new-spaceport-in-tamil-nadu-499495"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Why is India building a new spaceport in Tamil Nadu?</strong></a></p>

<p>Dr Annadurai was speaking at the international conclave titled “Space Technology: The Next Business Frontier” hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) by the US Consulate General and the Indian Space Association (ISpA).</p>

<p>"It is predicted that 10,000 satellites will be launched in the next ten years. They are meant to perform functions ranging from communications, radars, optical sensors, remote sensing etc.," said Prof. Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical, IN-SPACe, Indian National Space Promotion &amp; Authorisation Centre. He elaborated by referring to the trend of the global space sector moving from the large satellites in geostationary orbit to developing small satellite constellations for low earth orbit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Land acquisition for India’s 2nd spaceport (Kulasekarapattinam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> )has been completed, work may begin soon” Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, VP TN Council Sci&amp;Tech, Fmr Director, URSC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a><br />
<br />
He emphasises- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> can capitalise on demand for small sat lunches from 2nd spaceport <a href="https://t.co/uJdsgzxlOg">pic.twitter.com/uJdsgzxlOg</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1582279090190815232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Urging the Indian industry and private sector to take forward the country's space programme, he said that solutions had to be developed for space debris mitigation, as space was getting increasingly crowded. Referring to the new rules of the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), he said that defunct space objects (debris) had to now be removed within five years, as opposed to the earlier 25-year time period for the same.</p>

<p>Adding to the prospects for India in the era of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, Dr Annadurai added that the new SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket holds huge potential. He emphasised how the rocket would be able to perform to its full payload capability, once it is launched from the upcoming spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam. Currently, India carries out all rocket launch activity from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

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Land acquisition has been completed for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, revealed a top government official. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the vice president of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology and the former director, ISRO Satellite Center said the work on building the new spaceport may start anytime.

Land acquisition has been completed for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, revealed a top government official. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the vice president of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology and the former director, ISRO Satellite Center said the work on building the new spaceport may start anytime. He was optimistic about the emergence of a space ecosystem around the new spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district. Sriharikota offers various advantages as an ideal launch site. Situated on the east coast and at a position nearer to the equator, rockets launched from here are aided by the additional velocity of Earth's West-East rotation. This effect of this rotation is felt closest to the equator and is almost nil at the earth's poles. This effect mainly benefits launches into equatorial orbits. Read more: Why is India building a new spaceport in Tamil Nadu? Dr Annadurai was speaking at the international conclave titled “Space Technology: The Next Business Frontier” hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) by the US Consulate General and the Indian Space Association (ISpA). "It is predicted that 10,000 satellites will be launched in the next ten years. They are meant to perform functions ranging from communications, radars, optical sensors, remote sensing etc.," said Prof. Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical, IN-SPACe, Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre. He elaborated by referring to the trend of the global space sector moving from the large satellites in geostationary orbit to developing small satellite constellations for low earth orbit. “Land acquisition for India’s 2nd spaceport (Kulasekarapattinam, #TamilNadu )has been completed, work may begin soon” Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, VP TN Council Sci&Tech, Fmr Director, URSC #isro He emphasises- #india can capitalise on demand for small sat lunches from 2nd spaceport pic.twitter.com/uJdsgzxlOg — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 18, 2022 × Urging the Indian industry and private sector to take forward the country's space programme, he said that solutions had to be developed for space debris mitigation, as space was getting increasingly crowded. Referring to the new rules of the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), he said that defunct space objects (debris) had to now be removed within five years, as opposed to the earlier 25-year time period for the same. Adding to the prospects for India in the era of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, Dr Annadurai added that the new SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket holds huge potential. He emphasised how the rocket would be able to perform to its full payload capability, once it is launched from the upcoming spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam. Currently, India carries out all rocket launch activity from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Land acquisition complete for India's 2nd spaceport, work may begin soon, says former ISRO Director

<p>Nearly 83%, or 1,950 out of 2,350 acres, of land has been acquired for the construction of India's second space port. Situated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kulasekarapattinam is the location of the second spaceport that India is building for the country's space programme. Speaking in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, Dr Jitendra Singh, who serves as Minister of State for Science and Technology, revealed that the process of acquiring land was underway via the Government of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>"The existing manpower is planned to be re-deployed initially to oversee the establishment of the essential facilities at the spaceport and also to carry out the critical launch-related activities," the Minister said. He also added that once the second spaceport nears completion, the manpower requirement for the operation and maintenance of facilities will be assessed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Estimates suggest that the second spaceport would be ready for launches by 2024 or 2025.</p>

<p><strong>India's Current Spaceport and What is special about it?</strong></p>

<p>India currently operates one spaceport with two launch pads in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This facility in Sriharikota has witnessed launches since the late 1970s. From 1993 onwards, this facility also saw the launch of PSLV and, thereafter, the GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets. Sriharikota offers various advantages as an ideal launch site. Situated on the East Coast and at a position nearer to the equator, rockets launched from here are aided by the additional velocity of Earth's West-East rotation. This effect of this rotation is felt closest to the equator and is almost nil at the earth's poles. This effect mainly benefits launches into equatorial orbits (orbits above the earth's equator).</p>

<p>Situated just adjacent to the sea, rockets launched from Sriharikota fly eastwards, soar above the sea. So, in the case of mishaps, the rocket and its debris would only fall on the sea, thus avoiding any major catastrophe.</p>

<p><strong>Why does India need a new spaceport?</strong></p>

<p>While Sriharikota is ideal for launching heavier rockets, a major challenge crops up when launching smaller rockets—such as ISRO's upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, which is meant for launching 500kg satellites. Sriharikota presents a challenge when rockets are launched into polar orbit (circling the Earth above the poles). While a rocket travels towards the South Pole from Sriharikota, the rocket would have to overfly the island nation of Sri Lanka. Given the immense risk of overflying a country, India's rockets are programmed to perform a manoeuvre to avoid the Lankan landmass. So, instead of flying in a straight line, the rocket follows a curved path and takes a turn.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1,950 of 2,350acres land acquired for India's second Spaceport coming up in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kulasekarapattinam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kulasekarapattinam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamilnadu</a> ,says <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> in RS<br />
<br />
Polar Launch from 2nd spaceport saves fuel&amp;enables rockets to fly a straight line, without having to turn for bypassing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> landmass <a href="https://t.co/11bafGWTjC">pic.twitter.com/11bafGWTjC</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1550099383110467584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In order to perform this manoeuvre, the rocket would have to burn a reasonable amount of fuel. While larger rockets can perform this manoeuvre without much impact on the rocket's payload carrying capacity, smaller rockets such as SSLV would lose a lot of fuel doing so. Losing fuel for the turn would mean that the rocket's payload carrying capacity is reduced. Hence, India had been looking for a location from where the smaller rockets could be launched in a straight line, without the risk of overflying Lanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Situated in Tamil Nadu's southern region, Kulasekarapattinam is a location in the Tuticorin district. When launching from here, the smaller rockets such as SSLV (which is expected to have its maiden flight in August 2022) and the rockets being built by Indian start-ups can save on fuel and fly a straight approach towards the pole. Given that smaller rockets are easier to build, assemble, and launch with less time in comparison to their larger counterparts, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for such smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Nearly 83%, or 1,950 out of 2,350 acres, of land has been acquired for the construction of India's second space port. Situated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kulasekarapattinam is the location of the second spaceport that India is building for the country's space programme.

Nearly 83%, or 1,950 out of 2,350 acres, of land has been acquired for the construction of India's second space port. Situated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kulasekarapattinam is the location of the second spaceport that India is building for the country's space programme. Speaking in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, Dr Jitendra Singh, who serves as Minister of State for Science and Technology, revealed that the process of acquiring land was underway via the Government of Tamil Nadu. "The existing manpower is planned to be re-deployed initially to oversee the establishment of the essential facilities at the spaceport and also to carry out the critical launch-related activities," the Minister said. He also added that once the second spaceport nears completion, the manpower requirement for the operation and maintenance of facilities will be assessed. Estimates suggest that the second spaceport would be ready for launches by 2024 or 2025. India's Current Spaceport and What is special about it? India currently operates one spaceport with two launch pads in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This facility in Sriharikota has witnessed launches since the late 1970s. From 1993 onwards, this facility also saw the launch of PSLV and, thereafter, the GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets. Sriharikota offers various advantages as an ideal launch site. Situated on the East Coast and at a position nearer to the equator, rockets launched from here are aided by the additional velocity of Earth's West-East rotation. This effect of this rotation is felt closest to the equator and is almost nil at the earth's poles. This effect mainly benefits launches into equatorial orbits (orbits above the earth's equator). Situated just adjacent to the sea, rockets launched from Sriharikota fly eastwards, soar above the sea. So, in the case of mishaps, the rocket and its debris would only fall on the sea, thus avoiding any major catastrophe. Why does India need a new spaceport? While Sriharikota is ideal for launching heavier rockets, a major challenge crops up when launching smaller rockets—such as ISRO's upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, which is meant for launching 500kg satellites. Sriharikota presents a challenge when rockets are launched into polar orbit (circling the Earth above the poles). While a rocket travels towards the South Pole from Sriharikota, the rocket would have to overfly the island nation of Sri Lanka. Given the immense risk of overflying a country, India's rockets are programmed to perform a manoeuvre to avoid the Lankan landmass. So, instead of flying in a straight line, the rocket follows a curved path and takes a turn. 1,950 of 2,350acres land acquired for India's second Spaceport coming up in #kulasekarapattinam #Tamilnadu ,says @DrJitendraSingh in RS Polar Launch from 2nd spaceport saves fuel&enables rockets to fly a straight line, without having to turn for bypassing #SriLankan landmass pic.twitter.com/11bafGWTjC — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 21, 2022 × In order to perform this manoeuvre, the rocket would have to burn a reasonable amount of fuel. While larger rockets can perform this manoeuvre without much impact on the rocket's payload carrying capacity, smaller rockets such as SSLV would lose a lot of fuel doing so. Losing fuel for the turn would mean that the rocket's payload carrying capacity is reduced. Hence, India had been looking for a location from where the smaller rockets could be launched in a straight line, without the risk of overflying Lanka. Situated in Tamil Nadu's southern region, Kulasekarapattinam is a location in the Tuticorin district. When launching from here, the smaller rockets such as SSLV (which is expected to have its maiden flight in August 2022) and the rockets being built by Indian start-ups can save on fuel and fly a straight approach towards the pole. Given that smaller rockets are easier to build, assemble, and launch with less time in comparison to their larger counterparts, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for such smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Why is India building a new spaceport in Tamil Nadu? 

<p>On Sunday morning, violence broke out on the premises of a private school in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, in response to the death of a Class 12 student on the campus. Four days after a school watchman discovered the girl's death on the first floor of the hostel, protesters damaged the school and set fire to school buses. According to reports, the girl committed herself after being harassed by two school teachers who have now been detained. Here is what we currently know.</p>

<p>On July 13, a 17-year-old female student who was enrolled in Class 12 at the Kaniyamoor Sakthi matriculation school in Kallakurichi, Salem district, was discovered dead there. The girl, who shared a room on the third floor of the hostel, was believed to have committed suicide by leaping to her death. The body was discovered by a school watchman.</p>

<p>She committed suicide after allegedly being tortured and harassed by professors. Multiple wounds and haemorrhage were listed as the causes of death in the initial autopsy.</p>

<p>The girl's relatives asserted that she did not commit suicide, nevertheless. Her family claimed in a police report that she had been sexually abused and suffered injuries before she passed away.The girl's family has blamed the school administration for her passing.</p>

<p>Despite the fact that protests had been ongoing since the girl's passing, on July 17, violence broke out. The police were attacked with rocks by the protesters, who also set fire to school buses. Numerous people, including the student's family members, burst through police barriers and vandalised the facility.</p>

<p>A group of demonstrators climbed a structure resembling an archway at the school's entrance, vandalised the nameboard, and hung up high banners demanding justice for the girl.</p>

<p>Additionally, two AIADMK IT wing employees were detained by the police. The violent protests have resulted in the arrest of more than 300 people so far.</p>

<p>Since the alleged harassment occurred on Sunday, the two accused—a chemistry teacher and a mathematics instructor—have been detained by a special team looking into the issue. Their names allegedly appeared on the student's suicide note that was left behind. Five people in total, including the school's principal, have been detained thus far.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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On Sunday morning, violence broke out on the premises of a private school in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, in response to the death of a Class 12 student on the campus.

On Sunday morning, violence broke out on the premises of a private school in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, in response to the death of a Class 12 student on the campus. Four days after a school watchman discovered the girl's death on the first floor of the hostel, protesters damaged the school and set fire to school buses. According to reports, the girl committed herself after being harassed by two school teachers who have now been detained. Here is what we currently know. On July 13, a 17-year-old female student who was enrolled in Class 12 at the Kaniyamoor Sakthi matriculation school in Kallakurichi, Salem district, was discovered dead there. The girl, who shared a room on the third floor of the hostel, was believed to have committed suicide by leaping to her death. The body was discovered by a school watchman. She committed suicide after allegedly being tortured and harassed by professors. Multiple wounds and haemorrhage were listed as the causes of death in the initial autopsy. The girl's relatives asserted that she did not commit suicide, nevertheless. Her family claimed in a police report that she had been sexually abused and suffered injuries before she passed away.The girl's family has blamed the school administration for her passing. Despite the fact that protests had been ongoing since the girl's passing, on July 17, violence broke out. The police were attacked with rocks by the protesters, who also set fire to school buses. Numerous people, including the student's family members, burst through police barriers and vandalised the facility. A group of demonstrators climbed a structure resembling an archway at the school's entrance, vandalised the nameboard, and hung up high banners demanding justice for the girl. Additionally, two AIADMK IT wing employees were detained by the police. The violent protests have resulted in the arrest of more than 300 people so far. Since the alleged harassment occurred on Sunday, the two accused—a chemistry teacher and a mathematics instructor—have been detained by a special team looking into the issue. Their names allegedly appeared on the student's suicide note that was left behind. Five people in total, including the school's principal, have been detained thus far. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: A school girl's death sparked violence in Tamil Nadu. But what happened?

<p>Kamal Haasan’s action Tamil movie ‘Vikram’ is still going crazy in the theatres. Within 16 days of its theatrical release, the film has crossed the mark of Rs 300 crore worldwide, breaking the long-standing box-office record of ‘Bahubali 2’ in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film is produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. It also stars Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil, while the music has been scored by Anirudh Ravichander. Kamal, Vijay Sethupathi, Anirudh, and director Lokesh attended an event celebrating the success of the film and also addressed the fans, thanking them for the massive response and showering their love on the film.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramAllTimeRecord?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramAllTimeRecord</a> Success Meet . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalHaasan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalHaasan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramRoaringSuccess?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramRoaringSuccess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikram</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ikamalhaasan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dir_Lokesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dir_Lokesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Udhaystalin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Udhaystalin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FahadhFaasil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FahadhFaasil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anirudhofficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahendran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahendran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RKFI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RKFI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/turmericmediaTM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@turmericmediaTM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/moviebuffindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moviebuffindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SonyMusicSouth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SonyMusicSouth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RedGiantMovies_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RedGiantMovies_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/actor_nithiin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@actor_nithiin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/anbariv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anbariv</a> <a href="https://t.co/9jDXYDy467">pic.twitter.com/9jDXYDy467</a></p>
— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) <a href="https://twitter.com/RKFI/status/1538007121194672129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We all love you soo much <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ikamalhaasan</a> sir ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Udhaystalin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Udhaystalin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anirudhofficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramSuccessMeet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramSuccessMeet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Andavarlove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Andavarlove</a> <a href="https://t.co/wpgOxPMbMG">pic.twitter.com/wpgOxPMbMG</a></p>
— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dir_Lokesh/status/1538116230384852995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>‘Vikram’ marks Kamal Haasan’s first release in the past 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala took to Twitter on Friday and said ‘Vikram’ is on the path to becoming the all-time highest grosser in the southern state. "#Vikram to cross #Viswasam and #Baahubali2 TN Gross to reach All-time No.1 TN Grosser soon," read his tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-vikram-enters-100-crores-club-485664">Vikram box office: Kamal Haasan's movie enters Rs 100 crore club</a></p>

<p>For the unversed, ‘Baahubali 2," which was released in 2017, earned Rs 146 crore in Tamil Nadu. According to a recent report by media consulting firm Ormax and media investment firm GroupM, ‘Vikram’s’ box office revenue is expected to hit a new high of $12,515 crore in 2022, surpassing the previous high record of Rs 10, 948 crore in 2019, as audiences flock to theatres in large numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kamal gifted a car to Lokesh Kanagaraj and a Rolex watch to Suriya after the massive response and success of the film. Actor Suriya played a cameo in the film. Sources say that Suriya and Kamal Haasan will be working together on a project in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/twitterati-hail-kamal-haasan-vijay-sethupathis-film-vikram-484763">Twitterati hail Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi's film 'Vikram'</a></p>


Kamal Haasan’s action Tamil movie ‘Vikram’ is still going crazy in the theatres. Within 16 days of its theatrical release, the film has crossed the mark of Rs 300 crore worldwide, breaking the long-standing box-office record of ‘Bahubali 2’ in Tamil Nadu.

Kamal Haasan’s action Tamil movie ‘Vikram’ is still going crazy in the theatres. Within 16 days of its theatrical release, the film has crossed the mark of Rs 300 crore worldwide, breaking the long-standing box-office record of ‘Bahubali 2’ in Tamil Nadu. The film is produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. It also stars Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil, while the music has been scored by Anirudh Ravichander. Kamal, Vijay Sethupathi, Anirudh, and director Lokesh attended an event celebrating the success of the film and also addressed the fans, thanking them for the massive response and showering their love on the film. #VikramAllTimeRecord Success Meet . #KamalHaasan #VikramRoaringSuccess #Vikram@ikamalhaasan @Dir_Lokesh @Udhaystalin @VijaySethuOffl #FahadhFaasil @anirudhofficial #Mahendran @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @moviebuffindia @SonyMusicSouth @RedGiantMovies_ @actor_nithiin @anbariv pic.twitter.com/9jDXYDy467 — Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) June 18, 2022 × We all love you soo much @ikamalhaasan sir ❤️ @Udhaystalin @VijaySethuOffl @anirudhofficial #VikramSuccessMeet #Andavarlove pic.twitter.com/wpgOxPMbMG — Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) June 18, 2022 × ‘Vikram’ marks Kamal Haasan’s first release in the past 10 years. Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala took to Twitter on Friday and said ‘Vikram’ is on the path to becoming the all-time highest grosser in the southern state. "#Vikram to cross #Viswasam and #Baahubali2 TN Gross to reach All-time No.1 TN Grosser soon," read his tweet. Also Read: Vikram box office: Kamal Haasan's movie enters Rs 100 crore club For the unversed, ‘Baahubali 2," which was released in 2017, earned Rs 146 crore in Tamil Nadu. According to a recent report by media consulting firm Ormax and media investment firm GroupM, ‘Vikram’s’ box office revenue is expected to hit a new high of $12,515 crore in 2022, surpassing the previous high record of Rs 10, 948 crore in 2019, as audiences flock to theatres in large numbers. Meanwhile, Kamal gifted a car to Lokesh Kanagaraj and a Rolex watch to Suriya after the massive response and success of the film. Actor Suriya played a cameo in the film. Sources say that Suriya and Kamal Haasan will be working together on a project in the future. Also Read: Twitterati hail Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi's film 'Vikram'

Kamal Haasan's ‘Vikram’ beats ‘Baahubali 2’s box-office record in Tamil Nadu 

<p>Listing out rising COVID-19 cases in academic institutions in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian pinned the blame on "North Indians" and several other Indian states where he said cases were on the rise. By associating students from sister states coming into Tamil Nadu as those responsible for the spread of COVID, the minister's racist comments have stirred a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Outlining the COVID-19 situation in the Southern Indian state, the Minister said that Tamil Nadu had been witnessing less than 100 COVID-19 cases per day, over the last three months. He also added that this was a period when there were no COVID-19 deaths. Touching upon the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Engineering colleges near Chennai, the Minister said that it was owing to COVID-19 cases not being under control in various sister states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-sees-five-fold-increase-in-covid-cases-484190">Mumbai sees five-fold increase in covid cases</a></strong></p>

<p>"The reason (for rising cases in colleges) is that COVID-19 numbers are not under control in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala and such states. When students from North India come to these colleges, COVID-19 cases spread through them, as a whole cluster. And then, I have visited the relevant institutions" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also seen singling out a large number of students from other states and North Indian states when referring to the student population of educational institutions in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Is covid outbreak over in China as Shanghai looks all set to reopen</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-covid-outbreak-over-in-china-as-shanghai-looks-all-set-to-reopen-483888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"In Sathya Sai University the cases are on the rise because of students from other states coming there and studying. VIT has around 5,600 first-year students, of which more than 80 percent are from North Indian states. They started coming to the hostel here around 13th May and the cluster that occurred among them had spread rapidly" he says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unfortunately, these comments seem to follow a pattern as leaders from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK have been making such racist and derogatory remarks against fellow Indians and have been directing hate towards those from Hindi-speaking states. In the recent past, while speaking at different events, the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu and a prominent Member of Parliament had made derogatory remarks and hate speeches against Hindi speakers and those hailing from states in the northern part of India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monkeypox-fears-in-india-no-cases-in-country-yet-icmr-official-reacts-to-recent-spread-of-virus-482707" hreflang="en">Monkeypox fears in India: No cases in country yet; ICMR official reacts to recent spread of virus</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about the action taken following a gang rape and murder case, Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police Sylendra Babu had recently stated that a survey to collect information on those workers hailing from other states was underway in Rameswaram and in other cities of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Before enrolling them (new persons from other states) for work, we have instructed the concerned persons (manpower contractors and others) to check their antecedents and any prior criminal cases against them. Police also has a mechanism to verify their character and analyse it" he had said.&nbsp;</p>


Listing out rising COVID-19 cases in academic institutions in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian pinned the blame on "North Indians" and several other Indian states where he said cases were on the rise.

Listing out rising COVID-19 cases in academic institutions in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian pinned the blame on "North Indians" and several other Indian states where he said cases were on the rise. By associating students from sister states coming into Tamil Nadu as those responsible for the spread of COVID, the minister's racist comments have stirred a row. Outlining the COVID-19 situation in the Southern Indian state, the Minister said that Tamil Nadu had been witnessing less than 100 COVID-19 cases per day, over the last three months. He also added that this was a period when there were no COVID-19 deaths. Touching upon the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Engineering colleges near Chennai, the Minister said that it was owing to COVID-19 cases not being under control in various sister states. Also read | Mumbai sees five-fold increase in covid cases "The reason (for rising cases in colleges) is that COVID-19 numbers are not under control in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala and such states. When students from North India come to these colleges, COVID-19 cases spread through them, as a whole cluster. And then, I have visited the relevant institutions" he said. He was also seen singling out a large number of students from other states and North Indian states when referring to the student population of educational institutions in Chennai. Watch | Is covid outbreak over in China as Shanghai looks all set to reopen "In Sathya Sai University the cases are on the rise because of students from other states coming there and studying. VIT has around 5,600 first-year students, of which more than 80 percent are from North Indian states. They started coming to the hostel here around 13th May and the cluster that occurred among them had spread rapidly" he says. Unfortunately, these comments seem to follow a pattern as leaders from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK have been making such racist and derogatory remarks against fellow Indians and have been directing hate towards those from Hindi-speaking states. In the recent past, while speaking at different events, the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu and a prominent Member of Parliament had made derogatory remarks and hate speeches against Hindi speakers and those hailing from states in the northern part of India. Also read | Monkeypox fears in India: No cases in country yet; ICMR official reacts to recent spread of virus Speaking about the action taken following a gang rape and murder case, Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police Sylendra Babu had recently stated that a survey to collect information on those workers hailing from other states was underway in Rameswaram and in other cities of Tamil Nadu. "Before enrolling them (new persons from other states) for work, we have instructed the concerned persons (manpower contractors and others) to check their antecedents and any prior criminal cases against them. Police also has a mechanism to verify their character and analyse it" he had said.

Tamil Nadu: Health minister blames other states, 'north Indians' for spike in COVID-19 cases

<p>At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said.</p>

<p>The incident occurred during the&nbsp; Appar temple chariot procession as the temple unit made a turn it faced obstacles on its way and as it reversed it&nbsp;came in contact with overhead wires, police said.</p>

<p>At least three people were injured as the chariot was completely damaged.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said.

At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said. The incident occurred during the Appar temple chariot procession as the temple unit made a turn it faced obstacles on its way and as it reversed it came in contact with overhead wires, police said. At least three people were injured as the chariot was completely damaged. (With inputs from Agencies)

At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu

<p>The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan, the 55 cases on campus were confirmed after performing 1,420 tests over the last couple of days. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that most of the students had mild symptoms, such as throat irritation and fever, while their blood oxygen saturation levels remained safe. With this cluster emerging and the pan-India trend of rising cases, the Tamil Nadu Government will be ramping up daily COVID-19 testing from 14,000 per day to 18,000 and eventually 25,000. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-18-sri-lankan-refugees-reach-tamil-nadu-shores-total-influx-reaches-60-473051" hreflang="en">India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60</a></strong></p>

<p>Elaborating on the cases in Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan, said, of the 286 active cases, only 17 were hospitalised, whereas the others were either isolated at home or in isolation facilities. Further, he stated that two patients are in the intensive care unit and seven of them are under oxygen support. On the cases in IIT Madras, he pointed towards the possibility of the spread having originated from students, who had recently travelled from other parts of the country and joined campus. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Total of 55 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iitmadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iitmadras</a> confirmed from 1400+ tests<br />
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Y'day, when 33 cases were confirmed on campus, <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> went ahead with an in-person press meet on "Covid management"<br />
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In a statement, IITM says they are fully geared up to meet exigency, all students vaxxed <a href="https://t.co/qHUYCyyR0q">pic.twitter.com/qHUYCyyR0q</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517754741211934720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Friday, when a total of 33 cases were reported from the IIT Madras Campus, the institute had gone ahead with an in-person press meet on covid management, despite there being a known outbreak of a COVID-19 cluster and the further risk of spread. Notably, the institute had not formally communicated about the virus outbreak on campus or the prevailing situation there, when rolling out in-person invitations. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: More Sri Lankan refugees reach India</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, IIT Madras later said that they were fully geared up to meet any exigency and all students were vaccinated, the institute would handle the current cases effectively, based on the lessons they learnt from handling the outbreaks during past three waves. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Dr Radhakrishnan emphasised the need for people across Tamil Nadu to mask-up and follow Covid protocols. While stressing that the masking rule had never been relaxed by the government, he said that the collection of a Rs 500 penalty from mask-rule violators would resume with immediate effect. Allaying concerns of COVID-19 bed shortages that may arise, he said that there were more than 1.1 lakh beds in Tamil Nadu at present, in comparison with 1.8 lakh beds during the peak phase of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>


The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state.

The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state. According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan, the 55 cases on campus were confirmed after performing 1,420 tests over the last couple of days. He added that most of the students had mild symptoms, such as throat irritation and fever, while their blood oxygen saturation levels remained safe. With this cluster emerging and the pan-India trend of rising cases, the Tamil Nadu Government will be ramping up daily COVID-19 testing from 14,000 per day to 18,000 and eventually 25,000. Also Read | India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60 Elaborating on the cases in Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan, said, of the 286 active cases, only 17 were hospitalised, whereas the others were either isolated at home or in isolation facilities. Further, he stated that two patients are in the intensive care unit and seven of them are under oxygen support. On the cases in IIT Madras, he pointed towards the possibility of the spread having originated from students, who had recently travelled from other parts of the country and joined campus. Total of 55 #COVID19 cases in #iitmadras confirmed from 1400+ tests Y'day, when 33 cases were confirmed on campus, @iitmadras went ahead with an in-person press meet on "Covid management" In a statement, IITM says they are fully geared up to meet exigency, all students vaxxed pic.twitter.com/qHUYCyyR0q — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 23, 2022 × On Friday, when a total of 33 cases were reported from the IIT Madras Campus, the institute had gone ahead with an in-person press meet on covid management, despite there being a known outbreak of a COVID-19 cluster and the further risk of spread. Notably, the institute had not formally communicated about the virus outbreak on campus or the prevailing situation there, when rolling out in-person invitations. Watch: Gravitas: More Sri Lankan refugees reach India × In a statement, IIT Madras later said that they were fully geared up to meet any exigency and all students were vaccinated, the institute would handle the current cases effectively, based on the lessons they learnt from handling the outbreaks during past three waves. On Friday, Dr Radhakrishnan emphasised the need for people across Tamil Nadu to mask-up and follow Covid protocols. While stressing that the masking rule had never been relaxed by the government, he said that the collection of a Rs 500 penalty from mask-rule violators would resume with immediate effect. Allaying concerns of COVID-19 bed shortages that may arise, he said that there were more than 1.1 lakh beds in Tamil Nadu at present, in comparison with 1.8 lakh beds during the peak phase of the pandemic.

Covid cases multiply at IIT Madras; Health authorities advise caution across Tamil Nadu in India

<p>A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the initial investigation and procedures, all 18 members are said to have been taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the same district.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In batches, y'day &amp; today 18 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srilankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srilankan</a> nationals fled the island nation &amp; reached <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> shores <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> via boat..<br />
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With this 18, the total influx since March 22nd has risen to 60<br />
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Feel sorry &amp; sad for their plight of having to sell everything for cash, flee across the sea <a href="https://t.co/AauEdTQ0bV">pic.twitter.com/AauEdTQ0bV</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517532195749265408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>With this batch of six men, five women, and seven children having fled to India over the last month, the total count of refugees that have arrived here has touched sixty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since March 22nd , Lankan Tamils from the lowest strata of Sri Lankan society have been taking the extreme step of selling all of their belongings, leaving their homes and fleeing to India, in batches, by paying huge sums of money to fishermen and agents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the less-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, over-reliance on tourism revenue, and the export of tea, spices, and other consumables all contributed to the country's demise.</p>

<p>Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy. Protests demanding the resignation of President Rajapaksa and his Sri Lanka Podujana (Peramuna)-led government have only intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajapaksa-clan, which until recently held all important portfolios in the government, has been facing severe backlash over widespread allegations of large-scale corruption.</p>


A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district. Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home.

A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district. Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home. Following the initial investigation and procedures, all 18 members are said to have been taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the same district. In batches, y'day & today 18 #Srilankan nationals fled the island nation & reached #indian shores #TamilNadu via boat.. With this 18, the total influx since March 22nd has risen to 60 Feel sorry & sad for their plight of having to sell everything for cash, flee across the sea pic.twitter.com/AauEdTQ0bV — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × With this batch of six men, five women, and seven children having fled to India over the last month, the total count of refugees that have arrived here has touched sixty. Since March 22nd , Lankan Tamils from the lowest strata of Sri Lankan society have been taking the extreme step of selling all of their belongings, leaving their homes and fleeing to India, in batches, by paying huge sums of money to fishermen and agents. The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the less-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices. The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, over-reliance on tourism revenue, and the export of tea, spices, and other consumables all contributed to the country's demise. Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy. Protests demanding the resignation of President Rajapaksa and his Sri Lanka Podujana (Peramuna)-led government have only intensified. The Rajapaksa-clan, which until recently held all important portfolios in the government, has been facing severe backlash over widespread allegations of large-scale corruption.

18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60

India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60

<p>Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.500 from those found violating the mask rule.</p>

<p>In what is now the largest reported COVID-19 case cluster in Tamil Nadu, IIT-Madras in Chennai has 30 active COVID-19 cases, from tests of 700 samples.</p>

<p>According to senior Tamil Nadu Government officials, measures are underway to facilitate the collection of 2,000 samples per day from IIT Madras, thus indicating the possibility of a further explosion in cases. It must also be noted that such targeted testing(as seen in IIT) has not yet commenced elsewhere in the state, in standalone establishments that see large crowds.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yesterday, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> reported 39 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> cases, of this,12 were from <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a><br />
<br />
Of 256 active cases in the state, 30 are from this institute<br />
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Question is, how would the daily case numbers look like, when such targeted testing is done in offices, colleges etc. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CovidIsntOver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CovidIsntOver</a> <a href="https://t.co/muyIynqUdD">https://t.co/muyIynqUdD</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517437908382535682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to the media, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said that preventive measures were being implemented in all 19 hostels on the IIT campus, of which 8 of them had the most cases.</p>

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<p>He also emphasised the Institute's responsibility to isolate/confine those that undergo COVID-19 tests, till such time the results are available. This is recommended to prevent intermingling of students, as an infected person could spread the virus to tens of others, by the time he/she received a positive test result.</p>

<p>Despite the rise in cases on campus and the prevailing risk of exposure, IIT Madras has invited journalists to their campus for attending an in-person event on Covid Management.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Of 256 active <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> cases in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> , 30 are from <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> &amp; the number is expected to grow<br />
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Of 256 - 2 ICU, 7 O2 support, 9 normal hosp, rest are at home<br />
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Most ppl have throat issue/fever<br />
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Despite the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> risk on campus, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iitm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iitm</a> chooses publicity over public safety <a href="https://t.co/842YQO1nYl">https://t.co/842YQO1nYl</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517432766543319040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>While the Health Secretary said that there was nothing to panic about, he touched upon the importance of mask-wearing, temperature screening, and sanitizing all crowded spaces. He added that Tamil Nadu had not relaxed the mask-wearing rule and that merely the collection of fines from non-mask-wearers were stopped. However, he announced that people who were found violating the mask rule in public places would henceforth be fined Rs.500.</p>

<p>As of Thursday, Tamil Nadu reported 39 new COVID cases, of which 12 were from IIT Madras alone.&nbsp;</p>


Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.

Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.500 from those found violating the mask rule. In what is now the largest reported COVID-19 case cluster in Tamil Nadu, IIT-Madras in Chennai has 30 active COVID-19 cases, from tests of 700 samples. According to senior Tamil Nadu Government officials, measures are underway to facilitate the collection of 2,000 samples per day from IIT Madras, thus indicating the possibility of a further explosion in cases. It must also be noted that such targeted testing(as seen in IIT) has not yet commenced elsewhere in the state, in standalone establishments that see large crowds. Yesterday, #TamilNadu reported 39 #COVID cases, of this,12 were from @iitmadras Of 256 active cases in the state, 30 are from this institute Question is, how would the daily case numbers look like, when such targeted testing is done in offices, colleges etc. #CovidIsntOver https://t.co/muyIynqUdD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × Speaking to the media, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said that preventive measures were being implemented in all 19 hostels on the IIT campus, of which 8 of them had the most cases. He also emphasised the Institute's responsibility to isolate/confine those that undergo COVID-19 tests, till such time the results are available. This is recommended to prevent intermingling of students, as an infected person could spread the virus to tens of others, by the time he/she received a positive test result. Despite the rise in cases on campus and the prevailing risk of exposure, IIT Madras has invited journalists to their campus for attending an in-person event on Covid Management. Of 256 active #COVID cases in #TamilNadu , 30 are from @iitmadras & the number is expected to grow Of 256 - 2 ICU, 7 O2 support, 9 normal hosp, rest are at home Most ppl have throat issue/fever Despite the #Covid_19 risk on campus, #iitm chooses publicity over public safety https://t.co/842YQO1nYl — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × While the Health Secretary said that there was nothing to panic about, he touched upon the importance of mask-wearing, temperature screening, and sanitizing all crowded spaces. He added that Tamil Nadu had not relaxed the mask-wearing rule and that merely the collection of fines from non-mask-wearers were stopped. However, he announced that people who were found violating the mask rule in public places would henceforth be fined Rs.500. As of Thursday, Tamil Nadu reported 39 new COVID cases, of which 12 were from IIT Madras alone.

Mask-wearing rule was never relaxed, says Tamil Nadu government, as COVID-19 cases rise

<p>Tamil Nadu Police has ordered an inquiry after a woman claimed that she was subjected to racial insults from a cop.</p>

<p>In her complaint raised on Twitter tagging the police, the woman, who is supposedly from different ethnicity, alleged that the cop misbehaved with her when was strolling at a beach with her friend at Sea Shell Avenue in southern Chennai city.</p>

<p>The woman claimed that was pulled off by the cop because she was present at the beach beyond the stipulated timings.</p>

<p>"The most disrespectful thing he told is 'Go and roam in North India after 10 o’clock',” the woman in her Twitter post said.</p>

<p>“Being a northeastern, how come I am being tagged as North Indian???? Is it because I can’t speak Tamil language?" reads her post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/tnpoliceoffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tnpoliceoffl</a> yesterday faced very inappropriate behaviour from the on duty police officer in Sea shell avenue ECR Beach.After office hour my friend and I were sitting there with all decency and manner.We were not aware about the timing of the beach.The on duty police</p>
— Madhumita Baidya (@madhumitabaidya) <a href="https://twitter.com/madhumitabaidya/status/1514697927549095950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In her post, she further claimed that the police officer tried to detain her and threatened to file a false case against her when she tried to talk back.</p>

<p>“When I was replying him back, he threatened me to take me in his vehicle and file a case against me. Literally, why? And, there was no notice displayed about the timing for sitting on beach. Please train them to behave nicely at least. I’m not a criminal,” she said in her post.</p>

<p>Replying to her from its official handle, Tamil Nadu Police DGP Sylendra Babu expressed regret at the incident and assured to punish the officer.</p>

<p>"An enquiry is ordered and action as deemed fit would be taken" read the response.</p>

<p>Notably, this incident of alleged misbehaviour from the cops comes at a time when there has been a spurt in gruesome crimes against women and young girls across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu Police has ordered an inquiry after a woman claimed that she was subjected to racial insults from a cop. In her complaint raised on Twitter tagging the police, the woman, who is supposedly from different ethnicity, alleged that the cop misbehaved with her when was strolling at a beach with her friend at Sea Shell Avenue in southern Chennai city.

Tamil Nadu Police has ordered an inquiry after a woman claimed that she was subjected to racial insults from a cop. In her complaint raised on Twitter tagging the police, the woman, who is supposedly from different ethnicity, alleged that the cop misbehaved with her when was strolling at a beach with her friend at Sea Shell Avenue in southern Chennai city. The woman claimed that was pulled off by the cop because she was present at the beach beyond the stipulated timings. "The most disrespectful thing he told is 'Go and roam in North India after 10 o’clock',” the woman in her Twitter post said. “Being a northeastern, how come I am being tagged as North Indian???? Is it because I can’t speak Tamil language?" reads her post. Dear @tnpoliceoffl yesterday faced very inappropriate behaviour from the on duty police officer in Sea shell avenue ECR Beach.After office hour my friend and I were sitting there with all decency and manner.We were not aware about the timing of the beach.The on duty police — Madhumita Baidya (@madhumitabaidya) April 14, 2022 × In her post, she further claimed that the police officer tried to detain her and threatened to file a false case against her when she tried to talk back. “When I was replying him back, he threatened me to take me in his vehicle and file a case against me. Literally, why? And, there was no notice displayed about the timing for sitting on beach. Please train them to behave nicely at least. I’m not a criminal,” she said in her post. Replying to her from its official handle, Tamil Nadu Police DGP Sylendra Babu expressed regret at the incident and assured to punish the officer. "An enquiry is ordered and action as deemed fit would be taken" read the response. Notably, this incident of alleged misbehaviour from the cops comes at a time when there has been a spurt in gruesome crimes against women and young girls across Tamil Nadu.

Probe initiated after Tamil Nadu cop allegedly hurls racist insults at woman

<p>An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-cuet-2022-application-process-for-entrance-exam-for-undergraduate-courses-begins-in-india-468849" hreflang="en">What is CUET 2022? Application process for entrance exam for undergraduate courses begins in India</a></strong></p>

<p>Muthu said, "I had Tom since 2010 and I loved him more than my child. Unfortunately, in 2021, he died. So, we are making an idol of him. For the past three generations, there has been no one in my family without a dog. My grandparents and my father were all dog lovers." &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Family in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sivaganga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sivaganga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> built a granite statue in memory of their pet dog, perform puja, offer prayers twice a week.. He had been with family for 11yrs &amp; died in 2021..Now is the 1st yr anniv..they also hope to build a small temple for their "son"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DogsofTwittter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DogsofTwittter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9JQTFF8dw">pic.twitter.com/R9JQTFF8dw</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1511292819725422596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The man seems to have broken all kinds of barriers in showing his love for the late pet dog by building temple in his memory.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;A father's labour of love: Vietnamese father converts van into a wooden tank</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Muthu's son Manoj, said, "All of a sudden, Tom developed health issues and died without responding to treatment in January 2021 and my father decided to make a temple for him and took Rs 80,000 from his savings to get a marble statue made. As of now, we offer garland to the statue on auspicious days and on all Fridays." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temple has also been attracting several visitors from the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal.

An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal. Also Read: What is CUET 2022? Application process for entrance exam for undergraduate courses begins in India Muthu said, "I had Tom since 2010 and I loved him more than my child. Unfortunately, in 2021, he died. So, we are making an idol of him. For the past three generations, there has been no one in my family without a dog. My grandparents and my father were all dog lovers." Family in #sivaganga #TamilNadu built a granite statue in memory of their pet dog, perform puja, offer prayers twice a week.. He had been with family for 11yrs & died in 2021..Now is the 1st yr anniv..they also hope to build a small temple for their "son"#DogsofTwittter #dogs pic.twitter.com/R9JQTFF8dw — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 5, 2022 × The man seems to have broken all kinds of barriers in showing his love for the late pet dog by building temple in his memory. Watch: A father's labour of love: Vietnamese father converts van into a wooden tank × Muthu's son Manoj, said, "All of a sudden, Tom developed health issues and died without responding to treatment in January 2021 and my father decided to make a temple for him and took Rs 80,000 from his savings to get a marble statue made. As of now, we offer garland to the statue on auspicious days and on all Fridays." The temple has also been attracting several visitors from the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian man constructs temple for pet dog in Tamil Nadu state 

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