How did social media react to General Bipin Rawat's death? From bigoted comments to premature announcements of his death, Palki Sharma tells you why this tragedy calls for some self-reform.

Gravitas: How India reacted to General Rawat's death

India's First Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat spoke freely about the prevailing security situation. He called out Pakistan for terrorism & admitted China was the bigger threat. General Rawat passed away in a helicopter crash today. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: How India's First Chief of Defence assessed India's China Challenge

India's first Defence of chief staff Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others lost their lives after their IAF chopper crashed in the hilly terrains of Tamil Nadu, a state of southern India. The parliament paid homage to Rawat today, defence minister Rajnath Singh also briefed both houses of parliament on the crash incident.

General Bipin Rawat| IAF orders tri-service inquiry into IAF chopper crash: Rajnath Singh

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin and other leader arrive to pay respect to Bipin Rawat, his wife and other defence personnel who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday. WION's principal correspondent Siddhant Sibal brings in more on this.

IAF Chopper Crash: Leaders pay respect to General Bipin Rawat and others

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat died when a Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying them crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. This throws a light on the history of Mi-17 choppers accidents in India.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat Chopper Crash: Major Mi-17's crashing history in India

The deadly helicopter crash with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat onboard near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is a grim reminder of the past military aircraft accidents in India that have led to several fatalities in recent years.

Fatal military plane crashes in India in recent years

India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. Group Captain Varun Singh, who survived the crash, is presently undergoing treatment.

India's top military officer Bipin Rawat among 13 dead in Tamil Nadu chopper crash

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel died after the Indian Air Force chopper they were travelling in crashed near Coonor in Tamil Nadu. The aircraft was on its way from Sulur IAF base in Coimbatore to Defence Staff College in Wellington.

India's CDS General Bipin Rawat dies in helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting with Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation arising out of the crash of a military helicopter near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, which claimed the life of CDS General Bipin Rawat his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others.

Indian Prime Minister Modi chairs Cabinet security meet over chopper crash

Lt. General Ravi Sawhney (Retired) expresses his grief and condolence over the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. A helicopter carrying India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 others has crashed in Tamil Nadu.

Former Lt Gen R Sawhney: He was a very fine soldier, gentleman and a pioneer to CDS

Indian Army Chief General (Retd.) Shankar Roy Chowdhury expressed sorrow over the shocking demise of India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and recalled his time with the lost soul.

Ex-Army Chief General (Retd.) Shankar Roy Chowdhury: Very unfortunate that India lost its first CDS

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meeting with Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation arising out of the crash of a military helicopter with Chief of defence staff Gen Bipin Rawat and several other officers on board on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Indian PM Modi to hold Cabinet security meet over IAF helicopter crash

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat passed away when an Indian Air Force helicopter met with an accident near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Breaking News: Indian CDS General Bipin Rawat dies in IAF helicopter crash in Coonoor

An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying Chief Defence of Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and military personnel crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. IAF’s Mi-17V5 helicopter is a saviour designed Russian helicopter. The chopper is one of the world’s most advanced transport helicopters. WION tells you more about the Mi-17V5 helicopter.

Indian Air Force Chopper Crash: All about the helicopter that crashed carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 others crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The condition of Rawat was uncertain. General Rawat is currently undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Wellington.

Chopper with CDS Bipin Rawat on board crashes in Coonoor, rescue operation underway

Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the country's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat's chopper crash. His brief included details of the crash and response measures taken. Sources from the defence minister's office said Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefs PM Modi on Gen Bipin Rawat's chopper crash

Five bodies were recovered and three injured people were rescued after an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat crashed in the Coonoor area of the Southern State of Tamil Nadu, today.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat onboard chopper crashes; five bodies recovered, three injured rescued | Breaking

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reached General Bipin Rawat's residence, to brief the family on the chopper crash. The CDS along with his wife Madhulika Rawat, and other staff, was in the Indian Air Force chopper that crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits CDS Bipin Rawat's residence, to brief on chopper crash

Four bodies were recovered and three injured people were rescued after an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat crashed in the Coonoor area of the Southern State of Tamil Nadu, today.

India: Four bodies recovered after chopper carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat crashes in Tamil Nadu

Heavy rainfall lashes the island nation of Sri Lanka resulting in severe flash floods as the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is likely to turn into a depression; at least 16 people were killed, many are set to be missing.

Heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka, depression to reach North Tamil Nadu coast

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021&nbsp;under special permission from Tamil Nadu government&nbsp;has despatched over 542.92 metric tonnes&nbsp;of liquid medical oxygen to help the country deal with Covid.

This is in addition to 265 oxygen gas cylinders to meet the needs of Covid patients and hospitals.&nbsp;

According to the company, they have provided the critical resource to over 16 districts across Tamil Nadu and are focused on ramping up facilities to aid those in need.&nbsp;

The plant has so far produced and dispatched medical oxygen to southern and western districts of Tamil Nadu.

Besides the home district of Tuticorin where the plant is located, Sterlite has supplied to Tirunelveli, Madurai, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Namakkalm Kanyakumari, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Karur, Salemand Dindigul.&nbsp;

It was in late April that the once-shuttered Vedanta Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant was permitted to function by the Tamil Nadu government&nbsp;for the production of medical oxygen alone.

With the consensus of major political parties in the state, Sterlite had been permitted to service and operate their oxygen plant for four&nbsp;months, using electricity provided by the state government. The parties also added that based on the COVID-19 situation and the requirement of oxygen, this time period may be extended.&nbsp;

This decision to permit the plant’s operation comes with several conditions - no other unit within the plant will be allowed to operate, electricity will be suspended after the stipulated period and copper or other products cannot be manufactured during these four months. In addition, Sterlite will not be permitted to use its power generation unit.&nbsp;

In terms of security arrangements and confidence building among the local population, the government had said that a team under the leadership of the district collector and police officials, along with government experts in oxygen manufacturing, local people, anti-Sterlite protestors, NGOs, and environmental experts will be deciding and monitoring oxygen production at the plant.&nbsp;

At the start of the medical oxygen crisis is India, it was Sterlite which made an offer in the Supreme Court to provide for free nearly 1000 metric tonnes&nbsp;oxygen from the Tuticorin plant. However, the state government had then objected to it, much to the chagrin of the Chief justice who pointed out the dire situation of oxygen shortage in parts of the country.

The 4,00,000 tonne per annum Sterlite copper smelter plant has been operating in Tuticorin for over 25 years with a cumulative investment of about Rs 3,000 crore. However, from the very start, the Sterlite copper smelter plant has been facing protests from the local people who allege that it pollutes the environment and affects their life.

The state government ordered the closure of the copper smelter plant in 2018, following a violent protest that led to the death of 13 persons in police firing. The Supreme Court is hearing the an appeal filed by the company against the Madras High Court's refusal to reopen the plant.&nbsp;

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021 under special permission from Tamil Nadu government has despatched over 542.

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021 under special permission from Tamil Nadu government has despatched over 542.92 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen to help the country deal with Covid. This is in addition to 265 oxygen gas cylinders to meet the needs of Covid patients and hospitals. According to the company, they have provided the critical resource to over 16 districts across Tamil Nadu and are focused on ramping up facilities to aid those in need. The plant has so far produced and dispatched medical oxygen to southern and western districts of Tamil Nadu. Besides the home district of Tuticorin where the plant is located, Sterlite has supplied to Tirunelveli, Madurai, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Namakkalm Kanyakumari, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Karur, Salemand Dindigul. It was in late April that the once-shuttered Vedanta Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant was permitted to function by the Tamil Nadu government for the production of medical oxygen alone. With the consensus of major political parties in the state, Sterlite had been permitted to service and operate their oxygen plant for four months, using electricity provided by the state government. The parties also added that based on the COVID-19 situation and the requirement of oxygen, this time period may be extended. This decision to permit the plant’s operation comes with several conditions - no other unit within the plant will be allowed to operate, electricity will be suspended after the stipulated period and copper or other products cannot be manufactured during these four months. In addition, Sterlite will not be permitted to use its power generation unit. In terms of security arrangements and confidence building among the local population, the government had said that a team under the leadership of the district collector and police officials, along with government experts in oxygen manufacturing, local people, anti-Sterlite protestors, NGOs, and environmental experts will be deciding and monitoring oxygen production at the plant. At the start of the medical oxygen crisis is India, it was Sterlite which made an offer in the Supreme Court to provide for free nearly 1000 metric tonnes oxygen from the Tuticorin plant. However, the state government had then objected to it, much to the chagrin of the Chief justice who pointed out the dire situation of oxygen shortage in parts of the country. The 4,00,000 tonne per annum Sterlite copper smelter plant has been operating in Tuticorin for over 25 years with a cumulative investment of about Rs 3,000 crore. However, from the very start, the Sterlite copper smelter plant has been facing protests from the local people who allege that it pollutes the environment and affects their life. The state government ordered the closure of the copper smelter plant in 2018, following a violent protest that led to the death of 13 persons in police firing. The Supreme Court is hearing the an appeal filed by the company against the Madras High Court's refusal to reopen the plant.

COVID-19: Sterlite claims to have produced over 542MT of liquid medical oxygen for Tamil Nadu

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads. The state government on Saturday extended the lockdown till June 14th, with new relaxations. The lockdown will be in effect till 6 am on that day.

Following relaxations are due to come into effect from June 7. The new set of district-specific guidelines have been issued keeping in mind 11 hotspot districts and the rest of Tamil Nadu.

Relaxations for all districts

<ul>
	<li>Standalone shops selling grocery, vegetables, fish, meat etc. can be run from 6am to 5pm.</li>
	<li>Pavement vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers can function from 6am to 5pm.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Fish markets will be open only for wholesale sales. District administrations have been ordered to set up more than one such market in open spaces.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Slaughterhouses will be permitted to sell on wholesale scale.</li>
	<li>Government offices can function with 30 percent staff&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Document registration will be permitted by issuing 50% capacity tokens&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Matchstick industry can function with 50 percent staff .</li>
	<li>Sales of vegetables, fruits at the doorstep via vehicles will continue in every district.</li>
	<li>The public is requested to walk to nearby stores for shopping, and avoid taking two and four-wheeler vehicles.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Relaxations applicable to all districts (except 11 Covid hotspot Districts namely Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai)</li>
	<li>Private security companies, housekeeping services in large housing complexes will be permitted with e-Registration</li>
	<li>Electricians, Plumbers, Computer and other technicians will be allowed to function between 6am to 5pm with e-Registration</li>
	<li>Shops selling electrical goods, bulbs, cables, switches, wires can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bicycle and two-wheeler service outlets will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hardware stores will be allowed to remain open from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Stores selling educational books, stationery can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Service centers for vehicles can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Passengers allowed to travel in rental vehicles, cabs, autos after e-registration&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Driver plus 3 passengers in Taxi; Driver plus 2 passengers in Auto&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

General&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>E-pass from district collector will be compulsory for emergency travel to Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri</li>
	<li>Export firms in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Karur, Erode, Namakkal, Trichy and their suppliers can function with 10 percent staff if they have export orders, to send samples.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads.

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads. The state government on Saturday extended the lockdown till June 14th, with new relaxations. The lockdown will be in effect till 6 am on that day. Following relaxations are due to come into effect from June 7. The new set of district-specific guidelines have been issued keeping in mind 11 hotspot districts and the rest of Tamil Nadu. Relaxations for all districts Standalone shops selling grocery, vegetables, fish, meat etc. can be run from 6am to 5pm. Pavement vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers can function from 6am to 5pm. Fish markets will be open only for wholesale sales. District administrations have been ordered to set up more than one such market in open spaces. Slaughterhouses will be permitted to sell on wholesale scale. Government offices can function with 30 percent staff Document registration will be permitted by issuing 50% capacity tokens Matchstick industry can function with 50 percent staff . Sales of vegetables, fruits at the doorstep via vehicles will continue in every district. The public is requested to walk to nearby stores for shopping, and avoid taking two and four-wheeler vehicles. Relaxations applicable to all districts (except 11 Covid hotspot Districts namely Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai) Private security companies, housekeeping services in large housing complexes will be permitted with e-Registration Electricians, Plumbers, Computer and other technicians will be allowed to function between 6am to 5pm with e-Registration Shops selling electrical goods, bulbs, cables, switches, wires can function from 6am to 5pm Bicycle and two-wheeler service outlets will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm Hardware stores will be allowed to remain open from 6am to 5pm Stores selling educational books, stationery can function from 6am to 5pm Service centers for vehicles can function from 6am to 5pm Passengers allowed to travel in rental vehicles, cabs, autos after e-registration Driver plus 3 passengers in Taxi; Driver plus 2 passengers in Auto General E-pass from district collector will be compulsory for emergency travel to Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri Export firms in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Karur, Erode, Namakkal, Trichy and their suppliers can function with 10 percent staff if they have export orders, to send samples.

Tamil Nadu: Lockdown extended till June 14th with district-specific relaxations 

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered&nbsp;as a wedding destination in the sky. A counple got married in the plane with more than 100 attendees onboard. The images of the 'ceremony' have gone viral on the social media.

"Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI.

Pictures of a Madurai-based couple’s wedding that took place on board a chartered commercial aircraft that flew between Madurai and Tuticorin, have gone viral on social media.

What’s caught netizens’ attention is the manner in which the family and wedding attendees are seen blatantly violating COVID-19 norms, with very few wearing masks and the others not wearing them at all or wearing it improperly. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the peak of COVID-19 with nearly 36,000 daily cases and is in the midst of a state government-ordered Lockdown. &nbsp;

It is said that the couple, who are based out of Goripalayam in Madurai, had tied the knot sometime last week, with limited guests as per the 50-attendee cap set by the government.

However, as the state government announced temporary relaxations to lockdown restrictions on Saturday and Sunday, the families seem to have arranged a chartered flight to have a special wedding with more attendees. It is said that the wedding guests were all tested RT-PCR negative. However the claim has not been verified.&nbsp;

Going by the pictures and videos of this wedding, there are over 100 people seated in the flight, with hardly any adherence to prevalent COVID-19 norms in the Indian Aviation sector. Generally, those taking domestic flights in India have to be temperature checked, masked, are provided face shields, sanitizers, etc to ensure safety of all on board.&nbsp;

WION had reached out to the concerned airline for a clarification and has understood that their plane, a Boeing 737 was chartered by a Madurai travel agent for a group that wanted a post-wedding joy ride. “The client was clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission or any activity to be performed on board. The approval for this flight was taken as joy ride for the wedding group,” read the statement from SpiceJet.&nbsp;

According to the airline, the agent and passengers were repeatedly briefed in detail on the Covid safety norms at the airport and in-flight, and also about the DGCA protocols restricting photography and videography.

“Despite repeated requests and reminders the passengers did not follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” the airline added.

For one week from Monday, Tamil Nadu is in a total lockdown, where even grocery and vegetable shops would be shut. Vegetables and fruits would be sold on carts and vehicles that are authorised to do so by the civic bodies of respective districts. Only medical shops, fuel stations, ATMs and essential government offices will be open, while banks can function with one-third staff. E-commerce deliveries can operate from 8 am until 6 pm. Hotels will function from 6 am to 10 am, 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm and provide only takeaways, during which food delivery services can function.&nbsp;

However, the latest government order issued pertaining to this lockdown does not provide information on whether weddings are permitted and the crowd restrictions, crowd restrictions at funerals, etc. It also does not make a mention on availability of cabs, autos, permissions required for traveling to vaccination centres, etc. There is also confusion over whether customers can visit banks, since the banks themselves can function with 1/3rd staff.&nbsp;

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered as a wedding destination in the sky.

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog on Monday de-rostered flight crew of SpiceJet plane that was chartered as a wedding destination in the sky. A counple got married in the plane with more than 100 attendees onboard. The images of the 'ceremony' have gone viral on the social media. "Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI. Pictures of a Madurai-based couple’s wedding that took place on board a chartered commercial aircraft that flew between Madurai and Tuticorin, have gone viral on social media. What’s caught netizens’ attention is the manner in which the family and wedding attendees are seen blatantly violating COVID-19 norms, with very few wearing masks and the others not wearing them at all or wearing it improperly. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the peak of COVID-19 with nearly 36,000 daily cases and is in the midst of a state government-ordered Lockdown. It is said that the couple, who are based out of Goripalayam in Madurai, had tied the knot sometime last week, with limited guests as per the 50-attendee cap set by the government. However, as the state government announced temporary relaxations to lockdown restrictions on Saturday and Sunday, the families seem to have arranged a chartered flight to have a special wedding with more attendees. It is said that the wedding guests were all tested RT-PCR negative. However the claim has not been verified. Going by the pictures and videos of this wedding, there are over 100 people seated in the flight, with hardly any adherence to prevalent COVID-19 norms in the Indian Aviation sector. Generally, those taking domestic flights in India have to be temperature checked, masked, are provided face shields, sanitizers, etc to ensure safety of all on board. WION had reached out to the concerned airline for a clarification and has understood that their plane, a Boeing 737 was chartered by a Madurai travel agent for a group that wanted a post-wedding joy ride. “The client was clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission or any activity to be performed on board. The approval for this flight was taken as joy ride for the wedding group,” read the statement from SpiceJet. According to the airline, the agent and passengers were repeatedly briefed in detail on the Covid safety norms at the airport and in-flight, and also about the DGCA protocols restricting photography and videography. “Despite repeated requests and reminders the passengers did not follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules,” the airline added. For one week from Monday, Tamil Nadu is in a total lockdown, where even grocery and vegetable shops would be shut. Vegetables and fruits would be sold on carts and vehicles that are authorised to do so by the civic bodies of respective districts. Only medical shops, fuel stations, ATMs and essential government offices will be open, while banks can function with one-third staff. E-commerce deliveries can operate from 8 am until 6 pm. Hotels will function from 6 am to 10 am, 12 noon to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm and provide only takeaways, during which food delivery services can function. However, the latest government order issued pertaining to this lockdown does not provide information on whether weddings are permitted and the crowd restrictions, crowd restrictions at funerals, etc. It also does not make a mention on availability of cabs, autos, permissions required for traveling to vaccination centres, etc. There is also confusion over whether customers can visit banks, since the banks themselves can function with 1/3rd staff.

Tamil Nadu: Couple’s sky-high wedding creates problem, DGCA takes flight crew off duty

As daily COVID-19 cases cross&nbsp;the 36,000 mark and active cases&nbsp;near&nbsp;the 300,000&nbsp;mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31.

In order to permit the people to prepare for the lockdown, the government has permitted all shops to remain open until 9 pm on Saturday and from 6 am to 9 pm on&nbsp;May 23. Outstation buses will be permitted to operate on May 22&nbsp;and 23 . According to the Tamil Nadu government, the COVID-19 second wave is expected to peak by the end of May or early June.

As per the latest guidelines which will come into effect on May 24, essentials such as milk, drinking water, newspapers will be available. Allopathy and traditional medicine shops will also remain open. In addition, vegetables and fruits would be sold in vehicles operated by the respective civic bodies across all districts including Chennai. E-commerce services, too&nbsp;can operate between 8 am and 6 pm.

Besides this, transportation of agricultural goods and produce, movement of essential goods, other cargo will be permitted. Also, hotels will function and provide only takeaway service between 6-10 am, 12 noon-3 pm and 6-9 pm, during which the online food delivery services can also function.&nbsp;

Fuel stations, ATMs, media industry,&nbsp;continuous process industries, industries manufacturing essential commodities, medical equipment can continue to function. Only the essential department in the Secretariat and District Administration will function. For emergencies such as death or medical reasons, inter-district travel will be permitted based on e-registration&nbsp;

As daily COVID-19 cases cross the 36,000 mark and active cases near the 300,000 mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31.

As daily COVID-19 cases cross the 36,000 mark and active cases near the 300,000 mark, Tamil Nadu government has intensified the prevailing lockdown and extended it upto May 31. In order to permit the people to prepare for the lockdown, the government has permitted all shops to remain open until 9 pm on Saturday and from 6 am to 9 pm on May 23. Outstation buses will be permitted to operate on May 22 and 23 . According to the Tamil Nadu government, the COVID-19 second wave is expected to peak by the end of May or early June. As per the latest guidelines which will come into effect on May 24, essentials such as milk, drinking water, newspapers will be available. Allopathy and traditional medicine shops will also remain open. In addition, vegetables and fruits would be sold in vehicles operated by the respective civic bodies across all districts including Chennai. E-commerce services, too can operate between 8 am and 6 pm. Besides this, transportation of agricultural goods and produce, movement of essential goods, other cargo will be permitted. Also, hotels will function and provide only takeaway service between 6-10 am, 12 noon-3 pm and 6-9 pm, during which the online food delivery services can also function. Fuel stations, ATMs, media industry, continuous process industries, industries manufacturing essential commodities, medical equipment can continue to function. Only the essential department in the Secretariat and District Administration will function. For emergencies such as death or medical reasons, inter-district travel will be permitted based on e-registration

Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power.&nbsp;

The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of&nbsp;seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account.

Assam

In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another.

Puducherry

In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account.

Tamil Nadu

The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more.

Kerala

In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power. The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account. Assam In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another. Puducherry In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account. Tamil Nadu The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more. Kerala In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

Trinamool scores hat-trick in Bengal, BJP retains Assam, LDF keeps Kerala

After a four-day search and rescue operation involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Navy assets, fishing boat Mercedes which set sail on April 6 was located around 370 km&nbsp;from Lakshadweep.

The vessel with 11-crew that had set sail from Thengapattnam harbour in &nbsp;Kanyakumari, was on a 30-day voyage towards Kerala, when it was feared sunk around 597 nautical miles from Goa.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Fisheries authorities had alerted the Indian Coast Guard on&nbsp;April 24 about debris spotted by other fishing boats, raising suspicion of Mercedes having sunk. Following this, the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) of the Indian Coast Guard, Mumbai activated the International Safety Net to alert merchant vessels transiting the region to look out for the said boat.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, ICGS Samudra Prahari was diverted for search, MRCC, Mumbai coordinated with the merchant vessel Maersk Horsburgh to join the search operation along with fishing boats operating in the area. As the reported position was in Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region, MRCC Karachi was also requested for assistance.&nbsp;

Considering the distance from the mainland, the Indian Navy carried out Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. It was also learnt that the fishing boat was not carrying Automatic identification System (which transmits a vessel’s location) or any other transponder which could have assisted in early locating.&nbsp;

After four days of continuous search, amidst challenges posed by distance from mainland and weather, the missing boat was located around 200 miles (around 370 km) from Lakshadweep Islands. An ICG Dornier Aircraft located and corroborated the presence of the boat on Wednesday and MRCC Mumbai established contact via a satellite phone that the vessel was carrying.&nbsp;

In the interim, information was also received from Tamil Nadu fisheries authorities&nbsp;on the crew of fishing vessel Mercedes having called up home via satellite phone to indicate their safe condition.

AN ICG ship deployed near Lakshadweep was diverted to render medical and logistical assistance to the crew and the fishing boat. Under escort of ICG ship, the vessel is expected to return to its home port by May 3.&nbsp;

After a four-day search and rescue operation involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Navy assets, fishing boat Mercedes which set sail on April 6 was located around 370 km from Lakshadweep.

After a four-day search and rescue operation involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Navy assets, fishing boat Mercedes which set sail on April 6 was located around 370 km from Lakshadweep. The vessel with 11-crew that had set sail from Thengapattnam harbour in Kanyakumari, was on a 30-day voyage towards Kerala, when it was feared sunk around 597 nautical miles from Goa. Tamil Nadu Fisheries authorities had alerted the Indian Coast Guard on April 24 about debris spotted by other fishing boats, raising suspicion of Mercedes having sunk. Following this, the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) of the Indian Coast Guard, Mumbai activated the International Safety Net to alert merchant vessels transiting the region to look out for the said boat. Simultaneously, ICGS Samudra Prahari was diverted for search, MRCC, Mumbai coordinated with the merchant vessel Maersk Horsburgh to join the search operation along with fishing boats operating in the area. As the reported position was in Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region, MRCC Karachi was also requested for assistance. Considering the distance from the mainland, the Indian Navy carried out Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. It was also learnt that the fishing boat was not carrying Automatic identification System (which transmits a vessel’s location) or any other transponder which could have assisted in early locating. After four days of continuous search, amidst challenges posed by distance from mainland and weather, the missing boat was located around 200 miles (around 370 km) from Lakshadweep Islands. An ICG Dornier Aircraft located and corroborated the presence of the boat on Wednesday and MRCC Mumbai established contact via a satellite phone that the vessel was carrying. In the interim, information was also received from Tamil Nadu fisheries authorities on the crew of fishing vessel Mercedes having called up home via satellite phone to indicate their safe condition. AN ICG ship deployed near Lakshadweep was diverted to render medical and logistical assistance to the crew and the fishing boat. Under escort of ICG ship, the vessel is expected to return to its home port by May 3.

Tamil Nadu fishing boat feared sunk for 4 days located, 11 crew safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6. On the one hand, while her nephew and AMMK General Secretary TTV Dinakaran has expressed shock and said it would be a setback, the BJP has welcomed the move, via a statement issued by State President Dr. L. Murugan.&nbsp;

The return of the ousted AIADMK General Secretary and late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s aide to Chennai on February 8th, following her incarceration, was keenly watched, owing to the impact it would have on the AIADMK and its allies.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-superstar-kamal-haasan-gets-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine-367366">Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan gets first dose of Covid vaccin</a>e

Aside from the clout she once enjoyed within the party, she also hails from an influential community, which has its strongholds in Southern Tamil Nadu. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also belongs to the same community.&nbsp;

The nearly 24-hour drive from Bengaluru to Chennai (which usually takes no longer than 6 hours) and the welcome accorded to her along multiple stops on the way, had created the impression of her impending re-entry into the political arena.&nbsp;

Voices from the opposition DMK’s first family were also among those who predicted trouble for the AIADMK, after Sasikala’s release from the Parappana Agrahara prison. While DMK President MK Stalin had hinted about the things falling into place after someone from Bengaluru arrives, his son Udhayanidhi blatantly said that Sasikala would create trouble for the ruling duo EPS and OPS.&nbsp;

Though AIADMK leaders were initially hesitant to comment on Sasikala’s arrival and the scenario that would follow, later Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made it clear that there was absolutely no possibility of her re-induction into the party or a possibility of an alliance. The cadre who put up posters hailing Sasikala and welcoming her were also instantly booted out from the party, in a stern message.&nbsp;

In the first week of February, on her way to Chennai, Sasikala had announced to her supporters, about the willingness to re-unite with the AIADMK and defeat the party’s common enemy. She added that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the AIADMK’s progress. In the same vein, she added a veiled threat which said, while she was a slave before the party’s ideology, people’s love and cadres’ affection, she would not fear oppression.&nbsp;

Since reaching her residence in Chennai, there were no major announcements or public appearances by Sasikala, until February 24th when she garlanded late J Jayalalithaa’s photo at her residence, on the occasion of the four-time chief minister’s birth anniversary. Speaking at that event, she told supporters of her plan to meet the public and her followers in due course.&nbsp;

Over the last few days, amid speculation of the BJP making attempts to get AMMK to join hands with the AIADMK, TTV Dinakaran said that they were open to leading an alliance of like-minded parties. It was on the same evening that Sasikala made this surprise announcement to stay away from politics, despite Dinakaran having requested against it.&nbsp;

“Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) loyalists must ensure that evil force DMK doesn't come to power. MGR-Jayalalithaa’s golden rule must continue in Tamil Nadu, cadre should work together as children of the same mother. I've never aspired for power, post or authority. Staying away from politics, I'll always pray to the almighty and Amma for my sister Amma's golden rule to continue” read her statement.&nbsp;

However, Dinakaran has said that he would speak to party functionaries to take stock of the situation and contest the polls. “Her opinion is her’s, I won’t influence. She only wanted Amma’s children to be together, I tried to convince her for 30 mins… but she didn't agree” he told media. Adding that, the AMMK had received over 1300 nominations from prospective candidates and that the candidates list would be announced on March 10th, followed by the alliance announcement.&nbsp;

BJP’s State President Dr. L. Murugan issued a statement welcoming Sasikala’s decision. Hinting at the DMK he said, “this is a big setback to those who wanted to foment trouble and capture power in Tamil Nadu by any means”.&nbsp;

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6.

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6. On the one hand, while her nephew and AMMK General Secretary TTV Dinakaran has expressed shock and said it would be a setback, the BJP has welcomed the move, via a statement issued by State President Dr. L. Murugan. The return of the ousted AIADMK General Secretary and late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s aide to Chennai on February 8th, following her incarceration, was keenly watched, owing to the impact it would have on the AIADMK and its allies. Also read | Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan gets first dose of Covid vaccine Aside from the clout she once enjoyed within the party, she also hails from an influential community, which has its strongholds in Southern Tamil Nadu. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also belongs to the same community. The nearly 24-hour drive from Bengaluru to Chennai (which usually takes no longer than 6 hours) and the welcome accorded to her along multiple stops on the way, had created the impression of her impending re-entry into the political arena. Voices from the opposition DMK’s first family were also among those who predicted trouble for the AIADMK, after Sasikala’s release from the Parappana Agrahara prison. While DMK President MK Stalin had hinted about the things falling into place after someone from Bengaluru arrives, his son Udhayanidhi blatantly said that Sasikala would create trouble for the ruling duo EPS and OPS. Though AIADMK leaders were initially hesitant to comment on Sasikala’s arrival and the scenario that would follow, later Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made it clear that there was absolutely no possibility of her re-induction into the party or a possibility of an alliance. The cadre who put up posters hailing Sasikala and welcoming her were also instantly booted out from the party, in a stern message. In the first week of February, on her way to Chennai, Sasikala had announced to her supporters, about the willingness to re-unite with the AIADMK and defeat the party’s common enemy. She added that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the AIADMK’s progress. In the same vein, she added a veiled threat which said, while she was a slave before the party’s ideology, people’s love and cadres’ affection, she would not fear oppression. Since reaching her residence in Chennai, there were no major announcements or public appearances by Sasikala, until February 24th when she garlanded late J Jayalalithaa’s photo at her residence, on the occasion of the four-time chief minister’s birth anniversary. Speaking at that event, she told supporters of her plan to meet the public and her followers in due course. Over the last few days, amid speculation of the BJP making attempts to get AMMK to join hands with the AIADMK, TTV Dinakaran said that they were open to leading an alliance of like-minded parties. It was on the same evening that Sasikala made this surprise announcement to stay away from politics, despite Dinakaran having requested against it. “Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) loyalists must ensure that evil force DMK doesn't come to power. MGR-Jayalalithaa’s golden rule must continue in Tamil Nadu, cadre should work together as children of the same mother. I've never aspired for power, post or authority. Staying away from politics, I'll always pray to the almighty and Amma for my sister Amma's golden rule to continue” read her statement. However, Dinakaran has said that he would speak to party functionaries to take stock of the situation and contest the polls. “Her opinion is her’s, I won’t influence. She only wanted Amma’s children to be together, I tried to convince her for 30 mins… but she didn't agree” he told media. Adding that, the AMMK had received over 1300 nominations from prospective candidates and that the candidates list would be announced on March 10th, followed by the alliance announcement. BJP’s State President Dr. L. Murugan issued a statement welcoming Sasikala’s decision. Hinting at the DMK he said, “this is a big setback to those who wanted to foment trouble and capture power in Tamil Nadu by any means”.

Sasikala quits politics; nephew TTV expresses shock, BJP welcomes move

Actor-filmmaker and president of newly formed political party Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan received the first does of the Covid19&nbsp;vaccine in Chennai on Tuesday in the second phase of India's vaccine drive.&nbsp; 
 
The Indian government has expanded the vaccine drive to include people above 60 years of age and those above 45 with comorbidities.&nbsp;

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Haasan, 66, is reportedly going to be contesting for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections from a Chennai seat. He is likely to begin the campaign on Wednesday. A day earlier, he was clicked getting the first jab of the Covid vaccine.&nbsp; 
 
Haasan is perhaps the first Indian actor to have gotten vaccinated. So far prominent politicians and Union Ministers have received the first dose of the vaccine in the second phase which kickstarted with PM Narendra Modi receiving the first jab.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Narendra-Modi-first-dose-coronavirus-take-the-vaccine-pm-modi-takes-first-dose-of-coronavirus-vaccine-at-aiims-delhi-366946" hreflang="en">'Take the vaccine': PM Modi takes first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS</a> 
 
In addition to this, the Indian cricket team's head coach Ravi Shastri also received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at a city hospital in Ahmedabad.

Actor-filmmaker and president of newly formed political party Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan received the first does of the Covid19 vaccine in Chennai on Tuesday in the second phase of India's vaccine drive.

Actor-filmmaker and president of newly formed political party Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan received the first does of the Covid19 vaccine in Chennai on Tuesday in the second phase of India's vaccine drive. The Indian government has expanded the vaccine drive to include people above 60 years of age and those above 45 with comorbidities. Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan receives the first dose of COVID19 vaccine at Chennai pic.twitter.com/50KOp7pzl6 — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2021 × Haasan, 66, is reportedly going to be contesting for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections from a Chennai seat. He is likely to begin the campaign on Wednesday. A day earlier, he was clicked getting the first jab of the Covid vaccine. Haasan is perhaps the first Indian actor to have gotten vaccinated. So far prominent politicians and Union Ministers have received the first dose of the vaccine in the second phase which kickstarted with PM Narendra Modi receiving the first jab. 'Take the vaccine': PM Modi takes first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS In addition to this, the Indian cricket team's head coach Ravi Shastri also received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at a city hospital in Ahmedabad.

Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan gets first dose of Covid vaccine

Ronaldo, who used to entertain tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from many decades at a sanctuary in Indian state of Tamil Nadu died in a dastardly attack which later became a fatal injury. WION brings you a report.

Elephant dies after dastardly attack in Tamil Nadu, two arrested

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