At a time when Chennai’s daily Covid-19 cases are dipping below the 1,000-mark consistently, the findings of a second serosurvey has revealed that 32.3 per cent of the city’s population has developed IgG anti-bodies to Covid-19. As per the Chennai Corporation, 6,389 samples were collected on a random basis from streets and households across the city, of which 2,062 tested positive for IgG antibodies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-sees-over-55000-cases-total-infections-surpass-77-million-337045">Coronavirus: India sees over 55,000 cases; total infections surpass 7.7 million</a>

Population-based serosurveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to the infection. The second serosurvey was started on October 8 and the detailed results with ward-wise figures and findings are awaited. An official told WION that the results would be available in a couple of days and that the methodology of the survey was similar to the earlier one.

An earlier serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. &nbsp;

The methodology adopted for the first survey involved collecting blood samples at random from individuals aged above 10, from the streets in the highly populated areas of the city. The field data collection is said to have happened between 18th and 28th July, whereas the testing the collected samples was completed by August 6th.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu had recorded 3,086 new cases and 39 deaths, with the total case count at 697,116. As many as 4,301 persons were discharged, thus taking the total number of recoveries to 650,856, a recovery rate of 93%.

As cases are decreasing steadily and the festive season is fast approaching, the Tamil Nadu government announced new relaxations to aid economic activity. The chief minister said that all shops, hotels, tea stalls, restaurants, commercial complexes located in non-containment zones can remain open till 10 pm onwards, effective from Thursday. However, he also emphasized the Covid-19 protocols be followed in a strict manner.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At a time when Chennai’s daily Covid-19 cases are dipping below the 1,000-mark consistently, the findings of a second serosurvey has revealed that 32.3 per cent of the city’s population has developed IgG anti-bodies to Covid-19.

At a time when Chennai’s daily Covid-19 cases are dipping below the 1,000-mark consistently, the findings of a second serosurvey has revealed that 32.3 per cent of the city’s population has developed IgG anti-bodies to Covid-19. As per the Chennai Corporation, 6,389 samples were collected on a random basis from streets and households across the city, of which 2,062 tested positive for IgG antibodies. Also read | Coronavirus: India sees over 55,000 cases; total infections surpass 7.7 million Population-based serosurveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to the infection. The second serosurvey was started on October 8 and the detailed results with ward-wise figures and findings are awaited. An official told WION that the results would be available in a couple of days and that the methodology of the survey was similar to the earlier one. An earlier serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. The methodology adopted for the first survey involved collecting blood samples at random from individuals aged above 10, from the streets in the highly populated areas of the city. The field data collection is said to have happened between 18th and 28th July, whereas the testing the collected samples was completed by August 6th. On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu had recorded 3,086 new cases and 39 deaths, with the total case count at 697,116. As many as 4,301 persons were discharged, thus taking the total number of recoveries to 650,856, a recovery rate of 93%. As cases are decreasing steadily and the festive season is fast approaching, the Tamil Nadu government announced new relaxations to aid economic activity. The chief minister said that all shops, hotels, tea stalls, restaurants, commercial complexes located in non-containment zones can remain open till 10 pm onwards, effective from Thursday. However, he also emphasized the Covid-19 protocols be followed in a strict manner.

One-third of Chennai's population has Covid-19 antibodies: Serosurvey

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday.

Similarly, trains within the state also resumed services after a break of about two months.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1802-new-coronavirus-cases-telangana-infections-surpass-140000-mark-325658">With 1,802 new coronavirus cases, Telangana infections surpass 140,000-mark</a>

Notably, passenger trains and long distance buses to Chennai city from other parts of Tamil Nadu and services from the state capital began on Monday after they were ceased in March owing to COVID-19.

When the first Metro train departed from the Airport to Washermenpet, at 7 am, Industries Minister M C Sampath was among those who boarded the train and he travelled up to Nandanam station.

Train stoppage time at stations has been increased from 20 seconds to 50 seconds to facilitate passengers to de-board and board by maintaining social distancing and also to ensure fresh air circulation.

Stickers were stuck and markings have been made both in trains and platforms so that passengers could sit on alternate seats to ensure social distancing.

The Metrorail, which has began operations in the Blueline between Airport and Washermanpet via Anna Salai, services in the Greenline from St Thomas Mount to MGR Central Metro would start from September 9.

The authorities had already announced that services will be open till 8 pm and there will be no inter-corridor movement between Central Metro and Airport stations requesting passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.

Long distance buses run by government transport corporations connecting various destinations within Tamil Nadu began operations across the state.

An official told PTI that the passenger turnout was moderate and online reservations "should improve" in the days to come.

Barring Chennai and nearby three districts, inter- zonal (each zone comprises a number of nearby districts) bus transport, that commenced on June 1, was suspended on June 26. Later, as part of relaxations, the government had allowed buses within districts from September 1 and from now on, bus services have been resumed in a full fledged manner.

Also, trains within Tamil Nadu including the daily Chennai-Coimbatore Intercity, Chennai Egmore Tiruchchirappalli, Chennai Egmore and Coimbatore- Mayiladuthurai-Coimbatore Janshatabdi Special (except Tuesdays) resumed services.

The General Manager, Southern Railway on his twitter handle said: "573 passengers were on board Special Train No. 02636 Madurai - Chennai Egmore special train, the first fully reserved train to leave Madurai as part of #Unlock4 - All the laid down safety protocols were duly adhered - RPF and frontline staff were deployed to guide passengers."

Contactless ticket checking was done at the platform and temperature of passengers was monitored through thermal cameras and trains and platforms were sanitised using disinfectants.

The Southern Railway, following a request of the state government had on June 27 announced cancellation of special trains (including Tiruchirappalli-Chengelpet-Tiruchirappalli Superfast Intercity Express, and Coimbatore-Mayiladuthurai- Coimbatore Janshatabdi) within Tamil Nadu.

The government had requested cancellation of trains in view of an increase in COVID cases. However, such trains did not connect Chennai city to other destinations in Tamil Nadu and vice-versa though special trains that linked Chennai to Delhi were operated. 
&nbsp;

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday.

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday. Similarly, trains within the state also resumed services after a break of about two months. Also read | With 1,802 new coronavirus cases, Telangana infections surpass 140,000-mark Notably, passenger trains and long distance buses to Chennai city from other parts of Tamil Nadu and services from the state capital began on Monday after they were ceased in March owing to COVID-19. When the first Metro train departed from the Airport to Washermenpet, at 7 am, Industries Minister M C Sampath was among those who boarded the train and he travelled up to Nandanam station. Train stoppage time at stations has been increased from 20 seconds to 50 seconds to facilitate passengers to de-board and board by maintaining social distancing and also to ensure fresh air circulation. Stickers were stuck and markings have been made both in trains and platforms so that passengers could sit on alternate seats to ensure social distancing. The Metrorail, which has began operations in the Blueline between Airport and Washermanpet via Anna Salai, services in the Greenline from St Thomas Mount to MGR Central Metro would start from September 9. The authorities had already announced that services will be open till 8 pm and there will be no inter-corridor movement between Central Metro and Airport stations requesting passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. Long distance buses run by government transport corporations connecting various destinations within Tamil Nadu began operations across the state. An official told PTI that the passenger turnout was moderate and online reservations "should improve" in the days to come. Barring Chennai and nearby three districts, inter- zonal (each zone comprises a number of nearby districts) bus transport, that commenced on June 1, was suspended on June 26. Later, as part of relaxations, the government had allowed buses within districts from September 1 and from now on, bus services have been resumed in a full fledged manner. Also, trains within Tamil Nadu including the daily Chennai-Coimbatore Intercity, Chennai Egmore Tiruchchirappalli, Chennai Egmore and Coimbatore- Mayiladuthurai-Coimbatore Janshatabdi Special (except Tuesdays) resumed services. The General Manager, Southern Railway on his twitter handle said: "573 passengers were on board Special Train No. 02636 Madurai - Chennai Egmore special train, the first fully reserved train to leave Madurai as part of #Unlock4 - All the laid down safety protocols were duly adhered - RPF and frontline staff were deployed to guide passengers." Contactless ticket checking was done at the platform and temperature of passengers was monitored through thermal cameras and trains and platforms were sanitised using disinfectants. The Southern Railway, following a request of the state government had on June 27 announced cancellation of special trains (including Tiruchirappalli-Chengelpet-Tiruchirappalli Superfast Intercity Express, and Coimbatore-Mayiladuthurai- Coimbatore Janshatabdi) within Tamil Nadu. The government had requested cancellation of trains in view of an increase in COVID cases. However, such trains did not connect Chennai city to other destinations in Tamil Nadu and vice-versa though special trains that linked Chennai to Delhi were operated.

Metro Rail, long distance trains; bus services resume in TN

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi.

On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes.&nbsp;

Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public.&nbsp;

However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat.&nbsp;

Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television.&nbsp;

In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals.&nbsp;

Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic. The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi. On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes. Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public. However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat. Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television. In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals. Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

Tamil Nadu: Low-key celebrations for Independence Day, Ganesh Chathurthi amid Covid-19

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government.

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The suspension of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities (viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai &amp; Ahmedabad) will continue till 31st August: West Bengal Government <a href="https://t.co/wWnTc0xQdd">pic.twitter.com/wWnTc0xQdd</a>
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On Monday, West Bengal witnessed the highest single-day discharge of 3,208 COVID-19 patients taking the number of recovered people to 70,328, while 2,905 new coronavirus infections were registered, state health department said.

The department in a bulletin also said that 41 patients succumbed to the disease raising the death toll to 2,100.

The state's caseload has gone up to 98,459 while the active cases stood at 26,031, the bulletin said.

At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.

The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,664 deaths recorded, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally of official sources.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government.

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government. The suspension of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities (viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai & Ahmedabad) will continue till 31st August: West Bengal Government pic.twitter.com/wWnTc0xQdd — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2020 × On Monday, West Bengal witnessed the highest single-day discharge of 3,208 COVID-19 patients taking the number of recovered people to 70,328, while 2,905 new coronavirus infections were registered, state health department said. The department in a bulletin also said that 41 patients succumbed to the disease raising the death toll to 2,100. The state's caseload has gone up to 98,459 while the active cases stood at 26,031, the bulletin said. At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere. The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,664 deaths recorded, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally of official sources. (With inputs from agencies)

Ban on flights to Kolkata from 6 corona 'hotspots' extended till August 31

Tamil Nadu on Monday crossed three lakh COVID-19 cases while the death toll crossed the 5,000 mark with the addition of 114 fatalities.

With 5,914 new cases, the infection tally touched 3,02,815 and the 100 plus deaths for the eighth consecutive day took the toll to 5,041, a government COVID bulletin said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-indian-coast-guard-tows-adrift-boat-to-harbor-rescues-14-fishermen-318842">Tamil Nadu: Indian Coast Guard tows adrift boat to harbor, rescues 14 fishermen</a>

The state took just 16 days to reach the three lakh mark compared to the 22 days it had taken for the two lakh milestone on July 25. The one lakh tally was recorded on July 3.

The 6,037 recoveries on Monday eclipsed the fresh infections and cumulatively 2,44,675 people have got cured so far and only 53,099 were the active cases.

A four month-old girl child, a 14 year-old boy, four women, aged 21, 25, 27 and 32, and two men in their 30s were among those who succumbed to the virus on Monday.

In total, 105 of the dead had comorbidities.

In the state's tally of total cases, Chennai accounted for 1,10,121 while adjoining districts of Chengelpet 18,332, Kancheepuram 12,131 and Tiruvallur 17,340 cases.

Other northern districts, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Tirupattur together tallied 33,558 cases.

The northern districts, including Chennai, account for 63.23 per cent of the total positive cases in the state.

Madurai's share was 12,104, Virudhunagar 10,155, Tuticorin 9,357 and Coimbatore 6,961.

Of the new cases on Monday, Chennai recorded 976 while the combined total of Chengelpet (483), Kancheepuram (310) and Tiruvallur (399) stood at 1,192.

Southern district of Theni which has been witnessing a rise in cases added 357 more while Madurai reported 100, marking a dip when compared with the trend of high numbers witnessed by the temple city recently.

Barring August 2 and 8, the recoveries have outnumbered the fresh cases this month till date.

As many as 67,153 samples were tested and in total, 32,92,958 specimens have been examined and all tests were RT- PCR based as Tamil Nadu does not use the Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test (RADT).&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu on Monday crossed three lakh COVID-19 cases while the death toll crossed the 5,000 mark with the addition of 114 fatalities. With 5,914 new cases, the infection tally touched 3,02,815 and the 100 plus deaths for the eighth consecutive day took the toll to 5,041, a government COVID bulletin said.

Tamil Nadu on Monday crossed three lakh COVID-19 cases while the death toll crossed the 5,000 mark with the addition of 114 fatalities. With 5,914 new cases, the infection tally touched 3,02,815 and the 100 plus deaths for the eighth consecutive day took the toll to 5,041, a government COVID bulletin said. Also read | Tamil Nadu: Indian Coast Guard tows adrift boat to harbor, rescues 14 fishermen The state took just 16 days to reach the three lakh mark compared to the 22 days it had taken for the two lakh milestone on July 25. The one lakh tally was recorded on July 3. The 6,037 recoveries on Monday eclipsed the fresh infections and cumulatively 2,44,675 people have got cured so far and only 53,099 were the active cases. A four month-old girl child, a 14 year-old boy, four women, aged 21, 25, 27 and 32, and two men in their 30s were among those who succumbed to the virus on Monday. In total, 105 of the dead had comorbidities. In the state's tally of total cases, Chennai accounted for 1,10,121 while adjoining districts of Chengelpet 18,332, Kancheepuram 12,131 and Tiruvallur 17,340 cases. Other northern districts, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Tirupattur together tallied 33,558 cases. The northern districts, including Chennai, account for 63.23 per cent of the total positive cases in the state. Madurai's share was 12,104, Virudhunagar 10,155, Tuticorin 9,357 and Coimbatore 6,961. Of the new cases on Monday, Chennai recorded 976 while the combined total of Chengelpet (483), Kancheepuram (310) and Tiruvallur (399) stood at 1,192. Southern district of Theni which has been witnessing a rise in cases added 357 more while Madurai reported 100, marking a dip when compared with the trend of high numbers witnessed by the temple city recently. Barring August 2 and 8, the recoveries have outnumbered the fresh cases this month till date. As many as 67,153 samples were tested and in total, 32,92,958 specimens have been examined and all tests were RT- PCR based as Tamil Nadu does not use the Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test (RADT).

Coronavirus: Tamil Nadu case count breaches 300,000-mark, toll surges past 5,000

Two days after the horrific explosion that killed over 130 people in Beirut, serious concerns have been raised now about tonnes of chemical explosives that have been stored in a private container near Chennai. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Beirut like facility found in Tamil Nadu, Tonnes of explosive chemicals in Chennai

Sanction has been accorded to a trial by the Indian Council of Medical Research's Tuberculosis institute here to study the efficacy of BCG vaccine in the elderly in the fight against COVID-19, the government said on Wednesday. 
 
Chief Minister K Palaniswami, in an order, has given the State's approval after ICMR sought Tamil Nadu government's permission to study the efficacy of the Bacillus Calmette- Gurin (BCG) vaccine in senior citizens at its National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) at Chetpet here,Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-zydus-begins-human-trials-for-potential-covid-19-vaccine-313409" hreflang="en">India's Zydus begins human trials for potential COVID-19 vaccine</a> 
 
"The ICMR's tuberculosis institute is set to begin the trial very soon," he said in a statement. 
 
He hoped that vaccinating the elderly with the time tested BCG would help reduce the intensity of COVID-19, admissions at hospitals and mortality rates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-rise-to-93-lakh-death-toll-at-24309-313399" hreflang="en">Covid-19 cases in India rise to 9.3 lakh, death toll at 24,309</a> 
 
Describing the state's approval by Palaniswami for a trial here as among measures to protect people's welfare during the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Vijayabaskar said anti-viral measures will further be stepped up. 
 
The NIRT under the ICMR is an internationally recognised institution for TB research.

Sanction has been accorded to a trial by the Indian Council of Medical Research's Tuberculosis institute here to study the efficacy of BCG vaccine in the elderly in the fight against COVID-19, the government said on Wednesday.

Sanction has been accorded to a trial by the Indian Council of Medical Research's Tuberculosis institute here to study the efficacy of BCG vaccine in the elderly in the fight against COVID-19, the government said on Wednesday. Chief Minister K Palaniswami, in an order, has given the State's approval after ICMR sought Tamil Nadu government's permission to study the efficacy of the Bacillus Calmette- Gurin (BCG) vaccine in senior citizens at its National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) at Chetpet here,Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said. Also read: India's Zydus begins human trials for potential COVID-19 vaccine "The ICMR's tuberculosis institute is set to begin the trial very soon," he said in a statement. He hoped that vaccinating the elderly with the time tested BCG would help reduce the intensity of COVID-19, admissions at hospitals and mortality rates. Also read: Covid-19 cases in India rise to 9.3 lakh, death toll at 24,309 Describing the state's approval by Palaniswami for a trial here as among measures to protect people's welfare during the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Vijayabaskar said anti-viral measures will further be stepped up. The NIRT under the ICMR is an internationally recognised institution for TB research.

Tamil Nadu govt gives consent to BCG trial at ICMR's Chennai institute

The news item about a teenager, who had allegedly run a fake bank branch from his home in Panruti, Cuddalore district, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has travelled far and wide.

However, the police officers who investigated the case say that the boy was dealing with a lot of personal issues and did not perform the forgery with a sinister motive. So far, the cops haven’t received any complaint of people having been cheated of their money or valuables in this case.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-death-needs-to-be-fully-investigated-un-on-thoothukudi-custodial-death-case-312688">Every death needs to be fully investigated: UN on Thoothukudi custodial death case</a>

The investigating officer of the case told WION that the 19-year old accused in this case had a troubled past.&nbsp;

His parents were SBI bank employees, which made him expose&nbsp;with the banking functions from a very young age as his parents used to take him along to the branch.

The boy’s father who was the then bank manager passed away in 2007 when the boy was barely six years of age. Since then, he was brought up by his mother.

It is said that the young boy had made an attempt to apply for his father’s post on compassionate grounds. His mother had retired from the bank in 2017 and has been suffering from a serious mobility issue. The 19-year old had also failed his class 12 exams.

How the case came to light&nbsp;

There are two SBI branches in Panruti and Venkatesh was the manager of one of them.&nbsp;One customer asked Venkatesh about the third branch functioning in the North Bazaar area and told him that the receipt, withdrawal slip, and seal (of the new branch) are available.

Shocked by knowing this, the manager reached&nbsp;out to the cops and filed&nbsp;a complaint. Cops zero-in on this19-year old boy.

The investigation officer told WION that: "He was very keen on getting the bank manager job after his father died while on duty (13 years ago). After turning 18 years of age the boy applied for the bank job and was eagerly waiting. But, the boy’s application was not accepted".

It was during the recent months that the boy also got started with the basic work to run a bank branch. With the help of local printers and suppliers, he got the challans, documents, and seals ready. However, he did not use a nameboard to depict it was a bank branch.

The local suppliers who arranged the seals and documents told cops that they helped the boy considering that his parents were bank staff and assuming his reasons were legitimate.

The Panruti Station Police registered an FIR under Sections 471, 473, 468, and 109 IPC.&nbsp;

The boy and his accomplices were arrested and remanded and later the magistrate granted them bail.&nbsp;

Cops said that forgery of documents and seals have happened in this case.

But the public has not come up and registered complaints of them losing money or being cheated by this individual/group in the guise of a bank.&nbsp;

"It is learnt that the boy is an adopted child and it was kept secret all this while. The family suspects that he has gotten to know about being an adopted child. His mother and aunt who live with him were totally unaware of his activities. Although the boy has extraordinary knowledge of banking transactions, he has a very innocent, childlike demeanor. He was obsessed with the bank job and that’s what led him to forge the documents and seals and set-up a bank at home"&nbsp;Ambethkar, the Investigating officer said.

The news item about a teenager, who had allegedly run a fake bank branch from his home in Panruti, Cuddalore district, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has travelled far and wide.

The news item about a teenager, who had allegedly run a fake bank branch from his home in Panruti, Cuddalore district, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has travelled far and wide. However, the police officers who investigated the case say that the boy was dealing with a lot of personal issues and did not perform the forgery with a sinister motive. So far, the cops haven’t received any complaint of people having been cheated of their money or valuables in this case. Also read | Every death needs to be fully investigated: UN on Thoothukudi custodial death case The investigating officer of the case told WION that the 19-year old accused in this case had a troubled past. His parents were SBI bank employees, which made him expose with the banking functions from a very young age as his parents used to take him along to the branch. The boy’s father who was the then bank manager passed away in 2007 when the boy was barely six years of age. Since then, he was brought up by his mother. It is said that the young boy had made an attempt to apply for his father’s post on compassionate grounds. His mother had retired from the bank in 2017 and has been suffering from a serious mobility issue. The 19-year old had also failed his class 12 exams. How the case came to light There are two SBI branches in Panruti and Venkatesh was the manager of one of them. One customer asked Venkatesh about the third branch functioning in the North Bazaar area and told him that the receipt, withdrawal slip, and seal (of the new branch) are available. Shocked by knowing this, the manager reached out to the cops and filed a complaint. Cops zero-in on this19-year old boy. The investigation officer told WION that: "He was very keen on getting the bank manager job after his father died while on duty (13 years ago). After turning 18 years of age the boy applied for the bank job and was eagerly waiting. But, the boy’s application was not accepted". It was during the recent months that the boy also got started with the basic work to run a bank branch. With the help of local printers and suppliers, he got the challans, documents, and seals ready. However, he did not use a nameboard to depict it was a bank branch. The local suppliers who arranged the seals and documents told cops that they helped the boy considering that his parents were bank staff and assuming his reasons were legitimate. The Panruti Station Police registered an FIR under Sections 471, 473, 468, and 109 IPC. The boy and his accomplices were arrested and remanded and later the magistrate granted them bail. Cops said that forgery of documents and seals have happened in this case. But the public has not come up and registered complaints of them losing money or being cheated by this individual/group in the guise of a bank. "It is learnt that the boy is an adopted child and it was kept secret all this while. The family suspects that he has gotten to know about being an adopted child. His mother and aunt who live with him were totally unaware of his activities. Although the boy has extraordinary knowledge of banking transactions, he has a very innocent, childlike demeanor. He was obsessed with the bank job and that’s what led him to forge the documents and seals and set-up a bank at home" Ambethkar, the Investigating officer said.

SBI fake branch case: Police says accused had personal issues, no ulterior motives

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th. The lockdown is in place till July 5th, after which partial normalcy would resume with offices and standalone shops allowed to function with limited strength.&nbsp;

Friday’s health bulletin issued by the state government said that Tamil Nadu had recorded 4329 new cases, taking the total count to 1, 02,721. The state has tested 35,028 samples over the last 24 hours and a total of 12, 70,720 samples till date. 2357 persons were discharged from hospitals over the last 24 hours and 58,378 persons were discharged in total. The state also recorded 64 deaths, thus taking the total count to 1385. Chennai alone has reported 2082 of Friday’s 4329 new cases.&nbsp;

It was on June 22nd that Tamil Nadu has surpassed 60,000 cases and in about 10 days the state has added 40,000 new cases to breach the 1 lakh mark. It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 mark. This goes on to indicate the rapid spike in cases in the month of June and the same trend continuing, with more daily cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-breaches-60000-covid-19-cases-sees-over-35000-new-cases-in-last-19-days-307769">Also read: Tamil Nadu breaches 60,000 Covid-19 cases; sees over 35,000 new cases in last 19 days</a> 
 
When India entered its ‘Unlock’ phase since the start of June with gradual ease of restrictions, by mid-June Tamil Nadu government had announced a decision to go in for an intense lockdown in Chennai and few other districts.&nbsp;

It is evident from the daily state government bulletin that the authorities in Tamil Nadu have ramped up testing, tracing and isolation efforts during the lockdown. Last week, Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to have performed over 1 million tests. In recent weeks, Tamil Nadu has been consistently testing over 25,000 samples every day. On many days the state had also recorded above 30,000 tests.&nbsp;

For perspective, Tamil Nadu had barely performed a total of 3000 tests as on April 1st. However, in the following months testing was immensely ramped up, thus enabling the state to reach the 1 million mark. In terms of Covid-19 testing facilities, from merely 17 labs at the start of April, there has been a five-fold increase and currently, 91 labs are functional. As per the data from the State health bulletins, 48 of these testing labs are state government facilities while 43 of them are private ones.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-tamil-nadu-became-the-first-state-in-india-to-test-over-1-million-covid-19-samples-308851">Also read: How Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to test over 1 million Covid-19 samples</a> 
 
This high rate of testing has also revealed a good number of cases with the state seeing over 3000 daily cases for over a week and over 4000 daily cases on Thursday and Friday. Such a high rate of testing was made possible due to the manner in which the state government mobilized resources to establish more government testing labs and urged the private sector to also pitch in.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s recovery rate has been on par with the national average, with over 57% of patients having recovered. In terms of mortality rate, the state has seen around 1.3% of patients losing their battle to the deadly pandemic.&nbsp;

A majority of the state’s cases(over 60%) are from the capital city Chennai and its three adjoining districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. On Thursday and Friday, the state witnessed a usual trend of the total cases of all other districts being higher than Chennai’s case count.&nbsp;

Withe the intense lockdown in Chennai and adjoining districts, besides a few southern districts to be relaxed from July 6th, the challenge for the authorities is only set to get bigger. It has been observed in the past as well that lockdowns can only delay the inevitable spike in cases and buy time for the health infrastructure to be scaled up. Authorities have always emphasized on public cooperation and the importance of mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing and personal hygiene practices, including social distancing.

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th.

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th. The lockdown is in place till July 5th, after which partial normalcy would resume with offices and standalone shops allowed to function with limited strength. Friday’s health bulletin issued by the state government said that Tamil Nadu had recorded 4329 new cases, taking the total count to 1, 02,721. The state has tested 35,028 samples over the last 24 hours and a total of 12, 70,720 samples till date. 2357 persons were discharged from hospitals over the last 24 hours and 58,378 persons were discharged in total. The state also recorded 64 deaths, thus taking the total count to 1385. Chennai alone has reported 2082 of Friday’s 4329 new cases. It was on June 22nd that Tamil Nadu has surpassed 60,000 cases and in about 10 days the state has added 40,000 new cases to breach the 1 lakh mark. It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 mark. This goes on to indicate the rapid spike in cases in the month of June and the same trend continuing, with more daily cases. Also read: Tamil Nadu breaches 60,000 Covid-19 cases; sees over 35,000 new cases in last 19 days When India entered its ‘Unlock’ phase since the start of June with gradual ease of restrictions, by mid-June Tamil Nadu government had announced a decision to go in for an intense lockdown in Chennai and few other districts. It is evident from the daily state government bulletin that the authorities in Tamil Nadu have ramped up testing, tracing and isolation efforts during the lockdown. Last week, Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to have performed over 1 million tests. In recent weeks, Tamil Nadu has been consistently testing over 25,000 samples every day. On many days the state had also recorded above 30,000 tests. For perspective, Tamil Nadu had barely performed a total of 3000 tests as on April 1st. However, in the following months testing was immensely ramped up, thus enabling the state to reach the 1 million mark. In terms of Covid-19 testing facilities, from merely 17 labs at the start of April, there has been a five-fold increase and currently, 91 labs are functional. As per the data from the State health bulletins, 48 of these testing labs are state government facilities while 43 of them are private ones. Also read: How Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to test over 1 million Covid-19 samples This high rate of testing has also revealed a good number of cases with the state seeing over 3000 daily cases for over a week and over 4000 daily cases on Thursday and Friday. Such a high rate of testing was made possible due to the manner in which the state government mobilized resources to establish more government testing labs and urged the private sector to also pitch in. Tamil Nadu’s recovery rate has been on par with the national average, with over 57% of patients having recovered. In terms of mortality rate, the state has seen around 1.3% of patients losing their battle to the deadly pandemic. A majority of the state’s cases(over 60%) are from the capital city Chennai and its three adjoining districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. On Thursday and Friday, the state witnessed a usual trend of the total cases of all other districts being higher than Chennai’s case count. Withe the intense lockdown in Chennai and adjoining districts, besides a few southern districts to be relaxed from July 6th, the challenge for the authorities is only set to get bigger. It has been observed in the past as well that lockdowns can only delay the inevitable spike in cases and buy time for the health infrastructure to be scaled up. Authorities have always emphasized on public cooperation and the importance of mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing and personal hygiene practices, including social distancing.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 1 lakh Covid-19 cases; sees 40,000 new cases in last 10 days

The deaths of father and son in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, allegedly in police custody led to massive outrage and demands for justice on social media.

Celebrities demands Justice for Jayaraj and Fenix; Questions custodial deaths

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday extended the lockdown in the state till July 31. The state reported 62 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 1141. Currently, there are 37,331 active cases in the state.

Meanwhile, With Unlock 1.0 completing a month now, coronavirus cases are increasing at a rapid rate. On Monday, India recorded a spike of 19,459 cases and 380 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases in India stand at 5, 48,318 including 2, 10,120 active cases, 3, 21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths.

India's health ministry said today that the gap between recoveries and active cases of COVID-19 is 1, 11,602."So far, as many as 3, 21,722 patients have been cured. The recovery rate is 58.67 per cent," the health ministry stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday extended the lockdown in the state till July 31. The state reported 62 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 1141. Currently, there are 37,331 active cases in the state.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday extended the lockdown in the state till July 31. The state reported 62 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 1141. Currently, there are 37,331 active cases in the state. Meanwhile, With Unlock 1.0 completing a month now, coronavirus cases are increasing at a rapid rate. On Monday, India recorded a spike of 19,459 cases and 380 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases in India stand at 5, 48,318 including 2, 10,120 active cases, 3, 21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths. India's health ministry said today that the gap between recoveries and active cases of COVID-19 is 1, 11,602."So far, as many as 3, 21,722 patients have been cured. The recovery rate is 58.67 per cent," the health ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Lockdown in Tamil Nadu extended till July 31 as state registers 3949 new cases

Tamil Nadu has surpassed yet another grim milestone of 60,000 total Coronavirus cases, this comes on a day when the state has seen its highest yet tally of 2710 cases. Currently, the total cases stand at 62,087.

It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 marks and it has taken barely 18 days for the state to record over 35,000 new cases.&nbsp;

However, the state’s high recovery rate of 55% (34,112 recoveries) remains a silver lining. So far, 794 people in the state have succumbed to the deadly pandemic.&nbsp;

At a time when all states across India have been on an 'Unlock' mode from the start of June, the Tamil Nadu government was the first to re-intensify the lockdown amid rising cases.

Since Friday (June 19th), Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai and three of its adjoining districts have been on a 12-day lockdown, until June 30th. This lockdown was announced owing to the high population density in these districts and the fact that over 82% of the state’s total Covid-19 cases were from here.&nbsp;

Amid rising cases in Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the government on Monday announced a lockdown in areas under Madurai district including, Madurai Corporation limit, Paravai town Panchayat and certain rural blocks. This lockdown, which is broadly similar to the one that is enforced in Chennai, would be effective from June 23rd (Tuesday) until June 30th. In recent weeks there have been a higher number of new cases from various districts in Tamil Nadu, following a mass exodus of people from Chennai to their native places.&nbsp;

Notably, Tamil Nadu has been conducting the highest number of tests in India. According to the State Health bulletin, 9.19Lakh samples and 8.76lakh persons have been tested. In recent days, the state has consistently been conducting over 20,000 tests daily.&nbsp;

During his briefing on Monday, Health Minister Dr.Vijayabaskar said that the Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s Covid-19 test results returned negative. A handful of elected representatives have been affected by Covid-19 in the state and few Government officials have also, unfortunately, lost their battle to the deadly virus.&nbsp;

So far, one Minister and an MLA from the ruling party have tested positive, while One Opposition MLA succumbed to the virus and another MLA is undergoing treatment. In the previous week, one Police officer and a senior secretary in the Chief Minister’s office had lost their battle against the virus.&nbsp;

On Saturday, after inspecting the medical facilities, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had said that the state has 83 Covid-19 testing centres, which is the highest in the country. He added that there were 17,500 beds kept ready in Chennai. He also urged people to wear masks and follow physical distancing when venturing out.&nbsp;

Currently, Tamil Nadu has 27,178 active cases, of which 22,001 are in Chennai and its three adjoining districts alone.

Tamil Nadu has surpassed yet another grim milestone of 60,000 total Coronavirus cases, this comes on a day when the state has seen its highest yet tally of 2710 cases.

Tamil Nadu has surpassed yet another grim milestone of 60,000 total Coronavirus cases, this comes on a day when the state has seen its highest yet tally of 2710 cases. Currently, the total cases stand at 62,087. It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 marks and it has taken barely 18 days for the state to record over 35,000 new cases. However, the state’s high recovery rate of 55% (34,112 recoveries) remains a silver lining. So far, 794 people in the state have succumbed to the deadly pandemic. At a time when all states across India have been on an 'Unlock' mode from the start of June, the Tamil Nadu government was the first to re-intensify the lockdown amid rising cases. Since Friday (June 19th), Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai and three of its adjoining districts have been on a 12-day lockdown, until June 30th. This lockdown was announced owing to the high population density in these districts and the fact that over 82% of the state’s total Covid-19 cases were from here. Amid rising cases in Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the government on Monday announced a lockdown in areas under Madurai district including, Madurai Corporation limit, Paravai town Panchayat and certain rural blocks. This lockdown, which is broadly similar to the one that is enforced in Chennai, would be effective from June 23rd (Tuesday) until June 30th. In recent weeks there have been a higher number of new cases from various districts in Tamil Nadu, following a mass exodus of people from Chennai to their native places. Notably, Tamil Nadu has been conducting the highest number of tests in India. According to the State Health bulletin, 9.19Lakh samples and 8.76lakh persons have been tested. In recent days, the state has consistently been conducting over 20,000 tests daily. During his briefing on Monday, Health Minister Dr.Vijayabaskar said that the Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s Covid-19 test results returned negative. A handful of elected representatives have been affected by Covid-19 in the state and few Government officials have also, unfortunately, lost their battle to the deadly virus. So far, one Minister and an MLA from the ruling party have tested positive, while One Opposition MLA succumbed to the virus and another MLA is undergoing treatment. In the previous week, one Police officer and a senior secretary in the Chief Minister’s office had lost their battle against the virus. On Saturday, after inspecting the medical facilities, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had said that the state has 83 Covid-19 testing centres, which is the highest in the country. He added that there were 17,500 beds kept ready in Chennai. He also urged people to wear masks and follow physical distancing when venturing out. Currently, Tamil Nadu has 27,178 active cases, of which 22,001 are in Chennai and its three adjoining districts alone.

Tamil Nadu breaches 60,000 Covid-19 cases; sees over 35,000 new cases in last 19 days

Amid rising coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on June 15 announced a 12-day "maximised restricted lockdown" in the capital city and its adjoining areas.

Fresh lockdown in Tamil Nadu from June 19-30: COVID-19 cases cross 44,000

The Tamil Nadu government is open to reconsidering few of the 1018 new names that were released as a part of a list to rename the districts and towns based on Tamil phonetics. K Pandirajan, Minister for Tamil Official Language and Tamil Culture, told WION that the government has received a few requests pertaining to some names and that they would be considered.&nbsp;

“We have not recreated a new name; we have only modified the existing ones as per Tamil phonetics. We have only changed the English version of the name. From the Central committee, we received a list of 3,500 names that had to be modified and we cut it down to 1018. In our state, many of the existing names are British legacies and are in English. In certain cases(as seen in the notification), the central committee has approved the names suggested by the district collectors and in certain cases they have suggested new ones,” he said.&nbsp;

There has been widespread discussion on social media that existing districts and places would get new names -- Coimbatore to Koyampuththoor, Tuticorin to Thooththukkudi, Vellore to Veeloor etc. On Wednesday, a complete notification pertaining to the renaming was circulated.

While social media users have had a field day, thanks to the new, rather unusual spellings, many scholars and historians have partially welcomed the renaming move.&nbsp;

Author and Historian V Sriram said that this is good move and that the names must reflect what is correct as per the Tamil language, as colonially the names have been subjected to a lot of corruption. However, he also pointed out the need for consistency in renaming and looking at the historical correctness.&nbsp;

“This is a good move, but its implementation could have been better. As per the new names, two words with same pronunciation are spelt differently. Also we must look at the historically correct names if we are trying to set history right. Mylapore, historically speaking is only Mylai, but the new name is Mayilappoor. However, I’m quite happy that they are trying Tamil names. For places in &nbsp;France or England, they have a different pronunciation(from what is written), but we learn to pronounce those names” V Sriram told WION.&nbsp;

Some social media users say that the move is an attempt to appease the Tamil population ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections.&nbsp;

Pointing out that name changing is nothing new, veteran journalist and Tamil scholar S Sampath Kumar said that it looks cosmetic and cannot be projected during the polls. He added that it won’t attract much attention as it is not a livelihood issue that concerns the people. Stating the examples of how Calcutta become Kolkata, he said renaming has been quite normal.&nbsp;

“Chennai was being used in Tamil media much before the new name replaced Madras. Virudhupatti, as it was called earlier was renamed Virudhunagar. Now, its not just English that is being replaced, but also Sanskrit. Srivaikundam and Srirangam will henceforth be called Thiruvaikundam and Thiruvarangam respectively. But in due course of time, the new names will also be gradually accepted”, he told WION.&nbsp;

While the names of over 1000 smaller towns and districts are being reverted to their Tamil form, some have raised questions about the very names(current) of the state and its capital city.

Political Analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman said that the timing of the announcement was not very apt as it has come in the middle of the pandemic. Tamil Nadu is facing a tough time with over 38,000 total Covid-19 cases, of which over 27,000 are in Chennai.&nbsp;

“We should ensure that that new names are easy, not very long and convenient to write down. Going by the pattern of phonetic renaming, why not call the state Thamizh Nadu? Many also point out that the capital city’s name(Chennai) &nbsp;isn’t a pure Tamil word,” he told WION.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government is open to reconsidering few of the 1018 new names that were released as a part of a list to rename the districts and towns based on Tamil phonetics.

The Tamil Nadu government is open to reconsidering few of the 1018 new names that were released as a part of a list to rename the districts and towns based on Tamil phonetics. K Pandirajan, Minister for Tamil Official Language and Tamil Culture, told WION that the government has received a few requests pertaining to some names and that they would be considered. “We have not recreated a new name; we have only modified the existing ones as per Tamil phonetics. We have only changed the English version of the name. From the Central committee, we received a list of 3,500 names that had to be modified and we cut it down to 1018. In our state, many of the existing names are British legacies and are in English. In certain cases(as seen in the notification), the central committee has approved the names suggested by the district collectors and in certain cases they have suggested new ones,” he said. There has been widespread discussion on social media that existing districts and places would get new names -- Coimbatore to Koyampuththoor, Tuticorin to Thooththukkudi, Vellore to Veeloor etc. On Wednesday, a complete notification pertaining to the renaming was circulated. While social media users have had a field day, thanks to the new, rather unusual spellings, many scholars and historians have partially welcomed the renaming move. Author and Historian V Sriram said that this is good move and that the names must reflect what is correct as per the Tamil language, as colonially the names have been subjected to a lot of corruption. However, he also pointed out the need for consistency in renaming and looking at the historical correctness. “This is a good move, but its implementation could have been better. As per the new names, two words with same pronunciation are spelt differently. Also we must look at the historically correct names if we are trying to set history right. Mylapore, historically speaking is only Mylai, but the new name is Mayilappoor. However, I’m quite happy that they are trying Tamil names. For places in France or England, they have a different pronunciation(from what is written), but we learn to pronounce those names” V Sriram told WION. Some social media users say that the move is an attempt to appease the Tamil population ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections. Pointing out that name changing is nothing new, veteran journalist and Tamil scholar S Sampath Kumar said that it looks cosmetic and cannot be projected during the polls. He added that it won’t attract much attention as it is not a livelihood issue that concerns the people. Stating the examples of how Calcutta become Kolkata, he said renaming has been quite normal. “Chennai was being used in Tamil media much before the new name replaced Madras. Virudhupatti, as it was called earlier was renamed Virudhunagar. Now, its not just English that is being replaced, but also Sanskrit. Srivaikundam and Srirangam will henceforth be called Thiruvaikundam and Thiruvarangam respectively. But in due course of time, the new names will also be gradually accepted”, he told WION. While the names of over 1000 smaller towns and districts are being reverted to their Tamil form, some have raised questions about the very names(current) of the state and its capital city. Political Analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman said that the timing of the announcement was not very apt as it has come in the middle of the pandemic. Tamil Nadu is facing a tough time with over 38,000 total Covid-19 cases, of which over 27,000 are in Chennai. “We should ensure that that new names are easy, not very long and convenient to write down. Going by the pattern of phonetic renaming, why not call the state Thamizh Nadu? Many also point out that the capital city’s name(Chennai) isn’t a pure Tamil word,” he told WION.

Tamil Nadu govt open to reconsidering, after new name list of places receives mixed response

Tamil Nadu is the second worst affected state in India, with more than&nbsp;37,000 infections and 326&nbsp;fatalities.

While the daily number of infections is on a constant rise, Chief Minister K Palaniswami has been alleged of hiding the coronavirus figures, especially death rate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-record-1927-fresh-covid-19-cases-tamil-nadus-case-count-crosses-36000-304879">Also read:&nbsp;With record 1927 fresh Covid-19 cases, Tamil Nadu's case count crosses 36,000</a>

However, Palaniswami has rejected all allegations&nbsp;of under-reporting of fatalities.

"Where is the difference in deaths ? ... There is no ground to conceal deaths and nobody can hide deaths," Palaniswami slammed the local reporters who asked him about the allegation.

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We don't hide the number of deaths, we won't gain anything if we do that: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/s6Uedf70L2">https://t.co/s6Uedf70L2</a>
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The Chief Minister also claimed that there is no community transmission of coronavirus in the state.

After the allegation, the government set up a reconciliation committee to look into alleged mismatch of coronavirus deaths. However, the Chief Minister, a day later, jumped in defense of his administration claiming manipullting of figures is impossible when a daily bulletin is being issued on the basis of daily testing, recoveries, infections, deaths and active cases.

"How it (deaths) could be shown less ? if somebody dies of COVID-19, the media shows (visuals) and people come to know. This cannot be hidden. For the government, it serves no good (purpose) by hiding deaths," he said.

The reconciliation committee, comprises doctors from the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services and Directorate of Medical Education and the city corporation; the panel will&nbsp;look into the question of alleged discrepancies in deaths.

The reconciliation initiative was taken up by the government also in the wake of a complaint by an NGO to authorities claiming that three COVID-19 deaths were not recorded.

(With inputs from PTI)

Tamil Nadu is the second worst affected state in India, with more than 37,000 infections and 326 fatalities. While the daily number of infections is on a constant rise, Chief Minister K Palaniswami has been alleged of hiding the coronavirus figures, especially death rate.

Tamil Nadu is the second worst affected state in India, with more than 37,000 infections and 326 fatalities. While the daily number of infections is on a constant rise, Chief Minister K Palaniswami has been alleged of hiding the coronavirus figures, especially death rate. Also read: With record 1927 fresh Covid-19 cases, Tamil Nadu's case count crosses 36,000 However, Palaniswami has rejected all allegations of under-reporting of fatalities. "Where is the difference in deaths ? ... There is no ground to conceal deaths and nobody can hide deaths," Palaniswami slammed the local reporters who asked him about the allegation. We don't hide the number of deaths, we won't gain anything if we do that: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. #COVID19 https://t.co/s6Uedf70L2 — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2020 × The Chief Minister also claimed that there is no community transmission of coronavirus in the state. After the allegation, the government set up a reconciliation committee to look into alleged mismatch of coronavirus deaths. However, the Chief Minister, a day later, jumped in defense of his administration claiming manipullting of figures is impossible when a daily bulletin is being issued on the basis of daily testing, recoveries, infections, deaths and active cases. "How it (deaths) could be shown less ? if somebody dies of COVID-19, the media shows (visuals) and people come to know. This cannot be hidden. For the government, it serves no good (purpose) by hiding deaths," he said. The reconciliation committee, comprises doctors from the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services and Directorate of Medical Education and the city corporation; the panel will look into the question of alleged discrepancies in deaths. The reconciliation initiative was taken up by the government also in the wake of a complaint by an NGO to authorities claiming that three COVID-19 deaths were not recorded. (With inputs from PTI)

There's no community spread and fatalities mismatch: claims K Palaniswami

On Monday, Tamil Nadu yet again witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, 1,562 to take the overall count to 33,229. For several days, the TN is the worst-hit state in the country after Maharashtra.&nbsp;

However, compared to the number of cases it has reported, the state has seen very few deaths, 286, which means the fatality rate is less than one per cent when nationwide rate stands at about 2.8 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-unlock-10-india-reports-highest-single-day-covid-19-cases-death-toll-over-7000-304142">Amid Unlock 1.0, India reports highest single-day COVID-19 cases; death toll over 7,000</a>

For understanding what the situation is like WION talked to top medical officials in Tamil Nadu, who are leading the fight against COVID-19.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-covid-19-shopping-malls-restaurants-temples-now-open-304133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dr P. Vasanthamani, Dean of Government Kilpauk Medical College in Chennai, one of the earliest coronavirus facilities in the state, told us that the main reason behind a lot of cases in the state is because it tests more. She also said that Chennai is "thickly populated, crowded" and have slums because of which a majority of cases in the state are from Chennai. &nbsp;

Dr Raju, deputy director of a coronavirus testing lab in Chennai, backs this point and adds: "The reason is...that Tamil Nadu govt is scrupulously following the guidelines issued by the govt of India, ICMR".&nbsp;

Raju also said that they knew very early that there would be a huge demand for testing, so they started making preparations for it and the officials dedicatedly ensured that testing capacity in the state improves.

Recent reports have claimed that because of a high number of cases in the state, hospitals are struggling to admit patients as they are running out of beds, ventilators, and other treatment-related equipment.&nbsp;

Vasanthamani denies these reports and said, "there is no shortage of beds".&nbsp;

She explained that all city medical college hospitals are admitting only severe and very severe cases.&nbsp;

Vasanthamani said that there are four levels for managing coronavirus patients, adding that mild and asymptomatic and mild cases are admitted in COVID Care Centres and mild and symptomatic patients are given treatment in screening centers.&nbsp;

"In Chennai itself, 20,000-30,000 beds are ready for admission," the dean said.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu has also been praised for controlling the number of fatalities despite being the state having second-most number of cases.&nbsp;

Raju has an answer for this and he explains that their strategy is to focus on high-risk patients, who require hospitalistion.&nbsp;

Vasanthamani said that for the treatment of moderate and severe patients, they recently started an early protocol, called Low-Molecular-Weight Herapin, under which many patients got recovered.&nbsp;

"So if you put 100 patients under this protocol, almost 95 patients recover within a day or five days", adding that this is why the death rate is less.&nbsp;

On Monday, Tamil Nadu yet again witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, 1,562 to take the overall count to 33,229. For several days, the TN is the worst-hit state in the country after Maharashtra.

On Monday, Tamil Nadu yet again witnessed a record number of coronavirus cases, 1,562 to take the overall count to 33,229. For several days, the TN is the worst-hit state in the country after Maharashtra. However, compared to the number of cases it has reported, the state has seen very few deaths, 286, which means the fatality rate is less than one per cent when nationwide rate stands at about 2.8 per cent. Also read | Amid Unlock 1.0, India reports highest single-day COVID-19 cases; death toll over 7,000 For understanding what the situation is like WION talked to top medical officials in Tamil Nadu, who are leading the fight against COVID-19. Watch | Dr P. Vasanthamani, Dean of Government Kilpauk Medical College in Chennai, one of the earliest coronavirus facilities in the state, told us that the main reason behind a lot of cases in the state is because it tests more. She also said that Chennai is "thickly populated, crowded" and have slums because of which a majority of cases in the state are from Chennai. Dr Raju, deputy director of a coronavirus testing lab in Chennai, backs this point and adds: "The reason is...that Tamil Nadu govt is scrupulously following the guidelines issued by the govt of India, ICMR". Raju also said that they knew very early that there would be a huge demand for testing, so they started making preparations for it and the officials dedicatedly ensured that testing capacity in the state improves. Recent reports have claimed that because of a high number of cases in the state, hospitals are struggling to admit patients as they are running out of beds, ventilators, and other treatment-related equipment. Vasanthamani denies these reports and said, "there is no shortage of beds". She explained that all city medical college hospitals are admitting only severe and very severe cases. Vasanthamani said that there are four levels for managing coronavirus patients, adding that mild and asymptomatic and mild cases are admitted in COVID Care Centres and mild and symptomatic patients are given treatment in screening centers. "In Chennai itself, 20,000-30,000 beds are ready for admission," the dean said. Tamil Nadu has also been praised for controlling the number of fatalities despite being the state having second-most number of cases. Raju has an answer for this and he explains that their strategy is to focus on high-risk patients, who require hospitalistion. Vasanthamani said that for the treatment of moderate and severe patients, they recently started an early protocol, called Low-Molecular-Weight Herapin, under which many patients got recovered. "So if you put 100 patients under this protocol, almost 95 patients recover within a day or five days", adding that this is why the death rate is less.

More infections, lower fatality rate: Medical officials explain coronavirus situation in Tamil Nadu

When the whole world says ‘desperate times desperate measures’, there are a few among us go the extra mile to care for others, while making them feel safe and happy. The noble initiative of a Chennai-based entrepreneur to fly seven of his migrant workers back home is winning hearts. The group of workers have not only been flown home at his expense, but they were also paid their salaries during the lockdown, despite the business being closed owing to the situation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/work-from-home-the-new-normal-companies-offer-furniture-gadget-allowance-to-employees-302556" hreflang="en">Work from home the new normal: Companies offer furniture, gadget allowance to employees</a>

Jain Packers and Movers in Chennai was badly hit after the pan-India lockdown was imposed in late March and their work came to a standstill. But the company has been supporting their staff (mostly unskilled laborers) throughout the lockdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“April-May is the peak season for our business and the lockdown happened, but our workers were stuck in Chennai, away from their families. Initially, two members took the&nbsp;&nbsp;Shramik Special trains back home. However, on hearing about their unpleasant journey, we decided to book flight tickets for the rest of them”, Sandeep Jain told WION.

During the lockdown, we were accommodated in an apartment near their office and provided the essentials and paid salaries on time, said the Manager Sanjay Kumar. “Our owner took care of all our expenses and needs during the lockdown and no he has also flown us back home. He even dropped us at the Chennai airport in his own vehicle. We took the flight Monday morning flight, landed in Varanasi by noon and reached home in Prayagraj by night, we are so relieved to see our families after a long time” Sanjay told WION.

The asked on what led him to book flight tickets for his workers, Sandeep jain said that, “they have come here believing us and these men have been with me since the time I started the business four years ago, this is the least we can do for them. When they called me after reaching home, taking their first flight, they were nearly speechless and their joy was palpable”.

The company plans to have their workers back only by late August or September, as the workers can find temporary work in the farms back in their villages after the rains. Sandeep adds that usually the workers come back only after two-month leave, but after he flew them back home, they have agreed to return as soon as the company wants them to.

“The plight of lakhs of workers is quite worrisome, it would be nice if we entrepreneurs can do our bit and help our workers and their families tide out of this crisis at the soonest. It might be a financial burden for us, especially when revenue has gone dry, but we must support them in whatever ways possible”, Sandeep added.

When the whole world says ‘desperate times desperate measures’, there are a few among us go the extra mile to care for others, while making them feel safe and happy.

When the whole world says ‘desperate times desperate measures’, there are a few among us go the extra mile to care for others, while making them feel safe and happy. The noble initiative of a Chennai-based entrepreneur to fly seven of his migrant workers back home is winning hearts. The group of workers have not only been flown home at his expense, but they were also paid their salaries during the lockdown, despite the business being closed owing to the situation. Also read: Work from home the new normal: Companies offer furniture, gadget allowance to employees Jain Packers and Movers in Chennai was badly hit after the pan-India lockdown was imposed in late March and their work came to a standstill. But the company has been supporting their staff (mostly unskilled laborers) throughout the lockdown. “April-May is the peak season for our business and the lockdown happened, but our workers were stuck in Chennai, away from their families. Initially, two members took the Shramik Special trains back home. However, on hearing about their unpleasant journey, we decided to book flight tickets for the rest of them”, Sandeep Jain told WION. During the lockdown, we were accommodated in an apartment near their office and provided the essentials and paid salaries on time, said the Manager Sanjay Kumar. “Our owner took care of all our expenses and needs during the lockdown and no he has also flown us back home. He even dropped us at the Chennai airport in his own vehicle. We took the flight Monday morning flight, landed in Varanasi by noon and reached home in Prayagraj by night, we are so relieved to see our families after a long time” Sanjay told WION. The asked on what led him to book flight tickets for his workers, Sandeep jain said that, “they have come here believing us and these men have been with me since the time I started the business four years ago, this is the least we can do for them. When they called me after reaching home, taking their first flight, they were nearly speechless and their joy was palpable”. The company plans to have their workers back only by late August or September, as the workers can find temporary work in the farms back in their villages after the rains. Sandeep adds that usually the workers come back only after two-month leave, but after he flew them back home, they have agreed to return as soon as the company wants them to. “The plight of lakhs of workers is quite worrisome, it would be nice if we entrepreneurs can do our bit and help our workers and their families tide out of this crisis at the soonest. It might be a financial burden for us, especially when revenue has gone dry, but we must support them in whatever ways possible”, Sandeep added.

Chennai-bizman flies his workers back home to Varanasi, leaves them speechless

Mounting concerns about the loss of livelihood, not having enough money and the pain of being away from loved ones is a painful reality that many guest workers face daily during the lockdown.&nbsp;

Most of the workers remain in cities that are far from their hometowns, while a few try all possible means to return home during a nationwide lockdown. But a relief camp in Chennai, run by the Home Guards and the Guru Nanak Educational Society offers nutritious food, sports, entertainment and above all, a safe place to stay, during the hard times.&nbsp;

The camp was started on 30th March at the Guru Nanak College in Chennai’s Velachery Area. The 25-acre campus houses 377 workers who hail from Odisha and were working as loaders in the heavy industries in and around Chennai. The camp doesn’t stop with providing accommodation but ensures the holistic well being of the guest workers.&nbsp;

“They are served three nutritious meals with tea in between, there is also one-hour physical exercise, yoga session in the evening, there are some motivational talks to keep them happy and sound. We have also made arrangements for two TVs and during the nights we use a projector to screen some movies for their entertainment” Sanjay Bhansali, Area Commander, Home Guards North told WION.&nbsp;

<img alt="Chennai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3ff3138-588b-4ee9-b97b-74a15ff6a41e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/12_0.jpg" />

While the camp is being run by the Home Guards and the Guru Nanak Educational Society, the government and civic authorities arrange regular doctor visits and disinfectant spraying to maintain the facility clean. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, &nbsp;top Police Officials and also opposition leaders have also inspected the camp and lauded the efforts to keep the workers safe and healthy.&nbsp;

“We have made all arrangements for their basic needs and have ensured the supply of toiletries, bed sheets, towels, and some shirts and dhotis. There’s adequate social distancing also being maintained as they are segregated by age and only 10 members sleep on the benches in the large classrooms, that accommodate over 60 students. Everyone wears a mask and we also don’t allow outsiders within the campus”, Bhansali added.&nbsp;

The camp is manned by 50 members of the Home Guard, who work in three shifts and take care of all the needs right from cooking to the procurement of essentials. Over 1800 Home Guards are posted across the City of Chennai on daily duty, they are involved in assisting the police at marketplaces, checkpoints, ration shops etc.&nbsp;

Besides the activities in the camp, the Home Guards have also arranged doctors and other persons who are conversant in Odiya to address the workers regularly. “While the workers are naturally longing to return home to their loved ones, we are trying and providing them the maximum that we can to ensure that our camp is as comfortable as we can make it” Bhansali added.

Mounting concerns about the loss of livelihood, not having enough money and the pain of being away from loved ones is a painful reality that many guest workers face daily during the lockdown.

Mounting concerns about the loss of livelihood, not having enough money and the pain of being away from loved ones is a painful reality that many guest workers face daily during the lockdown. Most of the workers remain in cities that are far from their hometowns, while a few try all possible means to return home during a nationwide lockdown. But a relief camp in Chennai, run by the Home Guards and the Guru Nanak Educational Society offers nutritious food, sports, entertainment and above all, a safe place to stay, during the hard times. The camp was started on 30th March at the Guru Nanak College in Chennai’s Velachery Area. The 25-acre campus houses 377 workers who hail from Odisha and were working as loaders in the heavy industries in and around Chennai. The camp doesn’t stop with providing accommodation but ensures the holistic well being of the guest workers. “They are served three nutritious meals with tea in between, there is also one-hour physical exercise, yoga session in the evening, there are some motivational talks to keep them happy and sound. We have also made arrangements for two TVs and during the nights we use a projector to screen some movies for their entertainment” Sanjay Bhansali, Area Commander, Home Guards North told WION. While the camp is being run by the Home Guards and the Guru Nanak Educational Society, the government and civic authorities arrange regular doctor visits and disinfectant spraying to maintain the facility clean. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, top Police Officials and also opposition leaders have also inspected the camp and lauded the efforts to keep the workers safe and healthy. “We have made all arrangements for their basic needs and have ensured the supply of toiletries, bed sheets, towels, and some shirts and dhotis. There’s adequate social distancing also being maintained as they are segregated by age and only 10 members sleep on the benches in the large classrooms, that accommodate over 60 students. Everyone wears a mask and we also don’t allow outsiders within the campus”, Bhansali added. The camp is manned by 50 members of the Home Guard, who work in three shifts and take care of all the needs right from cooking to the procurement of essentials. Over 1800 Home Guards are posted across the City of Chennai on daily duty, they are involved in assisting the police at marketplaces, checkpoints, ration shops etc. Besides the activities in the camp, the Home Guards have also arranged doctors and other persons who are conversant in Odiya to address the workers regularly. “While the workers are naturally longing to return home to their loved ones, we are trying and providing them the maximum that we can to ensure that our camp is as comfortable as we can make it” Bhansali added.

This relief camp for guest workers in Chennai is a home away from home

Cops in Tamil Nadu stopped three young men who were travelling on a single bike without mask. Tamil Nadu police did a prank, which they are unlikely to forget for the rest of their lives.

Tamil Nadu police goes extra, pranks lockdown violators to teach a lesson

The COVID-19 new cases in Tamil Nadu touched the three-figure mark again, in last 24 hours 3 new deaths have been reported in the state. Tamil Nadu recorded 251 new cases in 72 hours.

Tamil Nadu records 251 new COVID-19 cases in 72 hours | WION Ground Report

The Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and the situation worsened after 1100 participants returned after Jamat meet in Delhi. Watch WION Ground Report:

WION Ground Report: Tamil Nadu 2nd highest COVID-19 cases,185 new cases in 48 hours

As India witnesses a rising number of novel coronavirus cases from Tablighi Jamaat meet held at Markaz Nizamuddin in New Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that 108 people from Nizamuddin are infected with COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-police-traces-12-more-people-who-attended-nizamuddin-event-290110">Arunachal Police traces 12 more people who attended Nizamuddin event</a>

The CM, in a media briefing, said Delhi has 219 COVID-19 cases, out of which 108 people are from Markaz Nizamuddin. He also said 2,943 people, including 1,810 from Markaz Nizamuddin are being quarantined by the government.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/376-new-covid-19-positive-cases-in-last-24-hours-happened-due-to-nizamuddin-congregation-government-289965">376 new COVID-19 positive cases in last 24 hours happened due to Nizamuddin congregation: Government</a>

In Delhi, four people have died from coronavirus, out of which two are from Markaz Nizamuddin, Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

Earlier, Union Health Ministry said in about 400 COVID-19 cases reported, epidemiological linkage can be traced to Tablighi Jamaat cluster.&nbsp;

As many as 334 people from Tablighi Jamaat group in Delhi are admitted to hospitals, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.&nbsp;

In Tamil Nadu, 173 coronavirus positive cases have been reported and their epidemiological linkage is to the Nizamuddin event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Karnataka officials said nearly 1,000 people linked to Tablighi Jamaat are being screened and so far 11 tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said 725 people who attended the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi`s Nizamuddin have been kept under quarantine.&nbsp;

(with inputs from ANI and PTI)

As India witnesses a rising number of novel coronavirus cases from Tablighi Jamaat meet held at Markaz Nizamuddin in New Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that 108 people from Nizamuddin are infected with COVID-19.

As India witnesses a rising number of novel coronavirus cases from Tablighi Jamaat meet held at Markaz Nizamuddin in New Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that 108 people from Nizamuddin are infected with COVID-19. Also read | Arunachal Police traces 12 more people who attended Nizamuddin event The CM, in a media briefing, said Delhi has 219 COVID-19 cases, out of which 108 people are from Markaz Nizamuddin. He also said 2,943 people, including 1,810 from Markaz Nizamuddin are being quarantined by the government. Also read | 376 new COVID-19 positive cases in last 24 hours happened due to Nizamuddin congregation: Government In Delhi, four people have died from coronavirus, out of which two are from Markaz Nizamuddin, Kejriwal said. Earlier, Union Health Ministry said in about 400 COVID-19 cases reported, epidemiological linkage can be traced to Tablighi Jamaat cluster. As many as 334 people from Tablighi Jamaat group in Delhi are admitted to hospitals, the Ministry of Home Affairs said. In Tamil Nadu, 173 coronavirus positive cases have been reported and their epidemiological linkage is to the Nizamuddin event. Meanwhile, Karnataka officials said nearly 1,000 people linked to Tablighi Jamaat are being screened and so far 11 tested positive for coronavirus. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said 725 people who attended the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi`s Nizamuddin have been kept under quarantine. (with inputs from ANI and PTI)

108 infected with coronavirus in Delhi linked to Nizamuddin event: CM Arvind Kejriwal

In his first scheduled press conference after the one in December 2017, Superstar Rajinikanth clarified that he had never harboured the desire to be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, but elaborated on his vision of "cleaning up politics"&nbsp;and fostering the next generation of young leaders by charting out a three-point agenda. However, he refused to take any questions and his speech did not reveal any dates and other specifics regarding his party apparatus and his political plunge.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rajinikanth-teaches-his-signature-move-to-bear-grylls-in-the-new-promo-of-into-the-wild-285321">Rajinikanth teaches his signature move to Bear Grylls in the new promo of 'Into The Wild'</a>

“Before 2017 December I have never made mention of politics, prior to that I have maintained that only God will decide. In 1996 had I come to politics, I wondered and thought what should I offer to the people and I started following politics.”&nbsp;

Rajini's three-point agenda

1. "Both mainstream parties AIADMK and DMK have booth committees of around 50,000-60,000 party posts. These posts are needed during elections but aren’t required after winning. But after winning the polls and forming the government, the people holding these posts and their family members will take up contracts, tenders and be an impediment to the implementation of welfare schemes. This is bad for governance, the people and the party. We will keep only those that are needed".

2. "In the current legislative assembly, most members are aged above 50 and 60, those below the age of 50 are very few. New and young people don’t come into politics, if they do, it is because of influence. I envision a party where 60-65 per cent of people are aged below 50. Youth with adequate qualification and a decent social standing. The realigning 30-40 per cent would consist of retired judges, IAS, IPS and politicians. This would also include women. I will invite such genuine people who are admired by the masses and invite them to clean up the system."

3. "All across India, when it comes to state parties the party chief and head of government are the same people. If someone questions the leader, they will be shunted out. I propose one leader for the party and another leader for the government. There will be a council of experts who will recommence the necessary actions and decisions, policies and the political leadership and will be held responsible for implementing it - more like the role of a CEO. The party leader should not interfere in the work of the government and won’t disturb them, but will monitor them like an opposition party and replace those in government if they are found to be at fault.

Rajinikanth also said: “I have never even thought of becoming the CM of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and&nbsp;new blood to go to seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this”.

Rajini also played a clip of his December 2017 speech.&nbsp;

He said that he was very confident of his ideas and that as he started speaking to eminent people it was surprising that they didn’t accept it. "Even when I spoke to our district secretaries and told them that I didn’t want to be chief minister, they didn’t agree to it and asked who will join us? “But I say that we don’t need those who are after power, we need those who would come together for the national good.”

He cited the example of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CN Annadurai who created so many leaders.

“In Tamil Nadu, there are two established political giants who have money and muscle power and in amid this, it will be difficult for us to make an entry.”

Speaking of the ‘Dravidian giants’- the AIADMK and DMK, Rajini said, that the two big leaders of the state are absent and that people could change the 54-year-old rule and that the public needs to think about it.”

“If I back out they will call me a coward, but on the other side, elections are not ordinary, my cadre and party men would spend money and am I not making them sacrificial lambs? “

Taking the names of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, Rajini said that a new movement should rise, using this opportunity.&nbsp;

“We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20 per cent of the votes and this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026, I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come to make my entry.”

This should spread across India. If political change and government change do not happen today, it will never happen, Rajini said.&nbsp;

In his first scheduled press conference after the one in December 2017, Superstar Rajinikanth clarified that he had never harboured the desire to be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, but elaborated on his vision of "cleaning up politics" and fostering the next generation of young leaders by charting out a three-point agenda.

In his first scheduled press conference after the one in December 2017, Superstar Rajinikanth clarified that he had never harboured the desire to be the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, but elaborated on his vision of "cleaning up politics" and fostering the next generation of young leaders by charting out a three-point agenda. However, he refused to take any questions and his speech did not reveal any dates and other specifics regarding his party apparatus and his political plunge. Also read: Rajinikanth teaches his signature move to Bear Grylls in the new promo of 'Into The Wild' “Before 2017 December I have never made mention of politics, prior to that I have maintained that only God will decide. In 1996 had I come to politics, I wondered and thought what should I offer to the people and I started following politics.” Rajini's three-point agenda 1. "Both mainstream parties AIADMK and DMK have booth committees of around 50,000-60,000 party posts. These posts are needed during elections but aren’t required after winning. But after winning the polls and forming the government, the people holding these posts and their family members will take up contracts, tenders and be an impediment to the implementation of welfare schemes. This is bad for governance, the people and the party. We will keep only those that are needed". 2. "In the current legislative assembly, most members are aged above 50 and 60, those below the age of 50 are very few. New and young people don’t come into politics, if they do, it is because of influence. I envision a party where 60-65 per cent of people are aged below 50. Youth with adequate qualification and a decent social standing. The realigning 30-40 per cent would consist of retired judges, IAS, IPS and politicians. This would also include women. I will invite such genuine people who are admired by the masses and invite them to clean up the system." 3. "All across India, when it comes to state parties the party chief and head of government are the same people. If someone questions the leader, they will be shunted out. I propose one leader for the party and another leader for the government. There will be a council of experts who will recommence the necessary actions and decisions, policies and the political leadership and will be held responsible for implementing it - more like the role of a CEO. The party leader should not interfere in the work of the government and won’t disturb them, but will monitor them like an opposition party and replace those in government if they are found to be at fault. Rajinikanth also said: “I have never even thought of becoming the CM of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go to seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this”. Rajini also played a clip of his December 2017 speech. He said that he was very confident of his ideas and that as he started speaking to eminent people it was surprising that they didn’t accept it. "Even when I spoke to our district secretaries and told them that I didn’t want to be chief minister, they didn’t agree to it and asked who will join us? “But I say that we don’t need those who are after power, we need those who would come together for the national good.” He cited the example of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CN Annadurai who created so many leaders. “In Tamil Nadu, there are two established political giants who have money and muscle power and in amid this, it will be difficult for us to make an entry.” Speaking of the ‘Dravidian giants’- the AIADMK and DMK, Rajini said, that the two big leaders of the state are absent and that people could change the 54-year-old rule and that the public needs to think about it.” “If I back out they will call me a coward, but on the other side, elections are not ordinary, my cadre and party men would spend money and am I not making them sacrificial lambs? “ Taking the names of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, Rajini said that a new movement should rise, using this opportunity. “We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20 per cent of the votes and this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026, I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come to make my entry.” This should spread across India. If political change and government change do not happen today, it will never happen, Rajini said.

Rajinikanth says no desire to become CM, lists three-point agenda

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK.&nbsp;

The move comes to ensure the state’s food security and has been welcomed by leaders from across party lines.&nbsp;

The chief minister’s announcement gains significance as there has been continued opposition to projects like those involving hydrocarbon extraction, including Neduvasal in Pudukottai district. The government had also come under attack from the opposition parties and fringe outfits for allegedly attempting to bring in projects that would cause irreparable damage to the agricultural land.

The chief minister’s announcement was welcomed by their ally PMK’s leader Ramadoss, who welcomed the move and called it a “victory”, as it would prevent the desertification of the Cauvery districts. Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri also had expressed that the move would benefit the farmers.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-governor-has-complete-liberty-to-decide-on-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-convicts-mercy-plea-says-government-of-india-279245">TN Guv has complete liberty to decide on Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict’s mercy plea</a>

DMK MLA and principal secretary KN Nehru stated that the announcement regarding the protected agricultural zone was only meant to divert people’s attention from the betrayal of farmers in the delta region.&nbsp;

He issued a statement challenging the chief minister to adopt a resolution in the Assembly, which would ensure that hydrocarbon exploration projects will be prohibited in the delta region, and cancel the exploration projects awarded to the Vedanta group and ONGC.&nbsp;

“The chief minister should also withdraw the letter written by Environment Minister KC Karuppannan, in which he had stated that public hearings and environmental clearances were not necessary for such projects. After that, he can make the announcement designating the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in the Assembly,” the DMK leader said.&nbsp;

The DMK leader’s statement called the Chief Minister’s announcement a ‘farcical drama’, stating that the AIADMK government had approached the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s direction on a farm loan waiver.&nbsp;

“If the CM thinks people would forget about the suicide of 13 farmers and the police action against farmers, he is day-dreaming”. The statement also condemned the CM’s statement that it was the erstwhile DMK government that had granted permission for hydrocarbon exploration projects.&nbsp;

During an official function on Sunday at Thalaivasal, in his native district Salem, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would never grant the go-ahead for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-minister-clarifies-after-video-of-him-making-tribal-children-remove-his-footwear-goes-viral-279123">Tamil Nadu minister clarifies after video of him making tribal children remove his footwear goes viral</a>

Farmers in the Cauvery delta region have been opposing the proposed hydrocarbon project of the Central government, which was meant to be executed by Vedanta Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited.

In his speech, Palaniswami said that his government was taking the decision to declare the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in recognition of the farmers' concerns and toils. “I may be the chief minister, but I am a farmer too and would never permit any project that would affect farmers livelihood. This decision is to end the hardships faced by farmers”.&nbsp;

He announced that the Cauvery delta regions in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and 
Trichy districts would be categorized under a 'protected special agriculture zone'. The chief minister also added that the government would enact special legislation after seeking opinions from legal experts.

Palaniswami also accused senior DMK leader TR Baalu, for having been chosen to implement the project in Tamil Nadu in 2010. The DMK government in January 2011 signed an MoU with a private firm to drill borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he stated.

The MoU was signed when DMK president MK Stalin was the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu. But now, the DMK was conducting protests in the region and spreading lies among the public, he said. 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK. The move comes to ensure the state’s food security and has been welcomed by leaders from across party lines. The chief minister’s announcement gains significance as there has been continued opposition to projects like those involving hydrocarbon extraction, including Neduvasal in Pudukottai district. The government had also come under attack from the opposition parties and fringe outfits for allegedly attempting to bring in projects that would cause irreparable damage to the agricultural land. The chief minister’s announcement was welcomed by their ally PMK’s leader Ramadoss, who welcomed the move and called it a “victory”, as it would prevent the desertification of the Cauvery districts. Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri also had expressed that the move would benefit the farmers. Also read: TN Guv has complete liberty to decide on Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict’s mercy plea DMK MLA and principal secretary KN Nehru stated that the announcement regarding the protected agricultural zone was only meant to divert people’s attention from the betrayal of farmers in the delta region. He issued a statement challenging the chief minister to adopt a resolution in the Assembly, which would ensure that hydrocarbon exploration projects will be prohibited in the delta region, and cancel the exploration projects awarded to the Vedanta group and ONGC. “The chief minister should also withdraw the letter written by Environment Minister KC Karuppannan, in which he had stated that public hearings and environmental clearances were not necessary for such projects. After that, he can make the announcement designating the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in the Assembly,” the DMK leader said. The DMK leader’s statement called the Chief Minister’s announcement a ‘farcical drama’, stating that the AIADMK government had approached the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s direction on a farm loan waiver. “If the CM thinks people would forget about the suicide of 13 farmers and the police action against farmers, he is day-dreaming”. The statement also condemned the CM’s statement that it was the erstwhile DMK government that had granted permission for hydrocarbon exploration projects. During an official function on Sunday at Thalaivasal, in his native district Salem, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would never grant the go-ahead for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region. Also read: Tamil Nadu minister clarifies after video of him making tribal children remove his footwear goes viral Farmers in the Cauvery delta region have been opposing the proposed hydrocarbon project of the Central government, which was meant to be executed by Vedanta Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited. In his speech, Palaniswami said that his government was taking the decision to declare the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in recognition of the farmers' concerns and toils. “I may be the chief minister, but I am a farmer too and would never permit any project that would affect farmers livelihood. This decision is to end the hardships faced by farmers”. He announced that the Cauvery delta regions in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Trichy districts would be categorized under a 'protected special agriculture zone'. The chief minister also added that the government would enact special legislation after seeking opinions from legal experts. Palaniswami also accused senior DMK leader TR Baalu, for having been chosen to implement the project in Tamil Nadu in 2010. The DMK government in January 2011 signed an MoU with a private firm to drill borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he stated. The MoU was signed when DMK president MK Stalin was the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu. But now, the DMK was conducting protests in the region and spreading lies among the public, he said.

Tamil Nadu: CM Palaniswami declares Cauvery delta 'protected agriculture zone', DMK calls it ‘farcical drama’

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced a solatium of Rs. 1 crore for the family of slain Special Sub-Inspector Wilson(56) who was shot at and stabbed by two assailants on Wednesday night at a Police checkpoint in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, bordering Kerala.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a statement condoling the loss of the Officer and mentioned that in consideration of his supreme sacrifice a sum of Rs.1 crore has been ordered to be paid to the bereaved family.&nbsp;

While speaking at the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister had assured strong action against those responsible and assured that a suitable government job would be offered to one of the family members based on their qualification.

Palaniswami said Wilson was conducting routine checks at Kaliyakkavilai check post in Kanyakumari district on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border when two unidentified persons fired at him using a pistol and also stabbed him, before fleeing the scene at around 9:30 pm.

"Wilson sustained injuries and fell down," Palaniswami said and stated that he was rushed to the Kuzhithurai Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Palaniswami had said two bullets were recovered from the site and that four special teams had been formed to investigate the crime.&nbsp;

The police have also issued pictures of two suspects who are said to be Abdul Shameem (25) and Thoufeeq Yusuf (27), who hail from Nagercoil district in Tamil Nadu. The duo is said to be separately linked to a murder and an attempted murder.

Wilson(56) is survived by his wife and two daughters. The mortal remains of Wilson were laid to rest with full state honours at the burial ground of the CSI Church in Marthandam.

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced a solatium of Rs. 1 crore for the family of slain Special Sub-Inspector Wilson(56) who was shot at and stabbed by two assailants on Wednesday night at a Police checkpoint in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, bordering Kerala.

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced a solatium of Rs. 1 crore for the family of slain Special Sub-Inspector Wilson(56) who was shot at and stabbed by two assailants on Wednesday night at a Police checkpoint in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, bordering Kerala. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a statement condoling the loss of the Officer and mentioned that in consideration of his supreme sacrifice a sum of Rs.1 crore has been ordered to be paid to the bereaved family. While speaking at the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister had assured strong action against those responsible and assured that a suitable government job would be offered to one of the family members based on their qualification. Palaniswami said Wilson was conducting routine checks at Kaliyakkavilai check post in Kanyakumari district on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border when two unidentified persons fired at him using a pistol and also stabbed him, before fleeing the scene at around 9:30 pm. "Wilson sustained injuries and fell down," Palaniswami said and stated that he was rushed to the Kuzhithurai Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Palaniswami had said two bullets were recovered from the site and that four special teams had been formed to investigate the crime. The police have also issued pictures of two suspects who are said to be Abdul Shameem (25) and Thoufeeq Yusuf (27), who hail from Nagercoil district in Tamil Nadu. The duo is said to be separately linked to a murder and an attempted murder. Wilson(56) is survived by his wife and two daughters. The mortal remains of Wilson were laid to rest with full state honours at the burial ground of the CSI Church in Marthandam.

Tamil Nadu government announces Rs 1 crore solatium for the family of slain cop Wilson; hunt on for killers

According to the reports at the moment, at least 15 people lost their lives after a compound wall collapsed and damaged three houses following heavy rains in Nadoor Kannappan Layout in Mettupalayam in the wee hours on Monday.

India: At least 15 lost their lives in house collapse in Tamil Nadu

At least 15 dead in Tamil Nadu's as houses collapses due to heavy rain. Watch video to know more.

At least 15 dead in Tamil Nadu's as houses collapses due to heavy rain

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case. 
 
The searches were conducted based on the warrants issued by Ernakulam's special NIA court. In June earlier this year, a raid was conducted in Coimbatore following which two people, namely, Mohammed Azarudheen and Shiek Hidayathulla were arrested. 
 
"...the accused persons and their associates have been propagating the ideology of the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS (Daish) on social media with intention of recruiting vulnerable youth and carrying out terrorist attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the agency said in a statement. 
 
Today, the search was conducted at the associates of the two arrested accused. The NIA recovered digital devices including two laptops, six mobile phones, one pen drive, one hard disc, one memory card, one axe and seventeen documents from the spot. 
 
"The seized items including the digital devices will be submitted to the NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, and the digital devices will be sent for forensic examination," it stated. 
The agency said that the suspects are being examined to ascertain their association with the arrested accused and involvement in any unlawful activity.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case. The searches were conducted based on the warrants issued by Ernakulam's special NIA court. In June earlier this year, a raid was conducted in Coimbatore following which two people, namely, Mohammed Azarudheen and Shiek Hidayathulla were arrested. "...the accused persons and their associates have been propagating the ideology of the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS (Daish) on social media with intention of recruiting vulnerable youth and carrying out terrorist attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the agency said in a statement. Today, the search was conducted at the associates of the two arrested accused. The NIA recovered digital devices including two laptops, six mobile phones, one pen drive, one hard disc, one memory card, one axe and seventeen documents from the spot. "The seized items including the digital devices will be submitted to the NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, and the digital devices will be sent for forensic examination," it stated. The agency said that the suspects are being examined to ascertain their association with the arrested accused and involvement in any unlawful activity.

ISIS case: NIA conducts searches at two locations in Tamil Nadu

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group and India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, said on Wednesday it has bagged an order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU) for 1,750 buses. 
 
The order comes close on the back of orders received from various state transport undertakings, it said without giving the value of the latest contract. 
Ashok Leyland's Chief Operating Officer Anuj Kathuria said the company's ability to bring value combined with superior technology and innovation will help maintain its leadership position in the market. 
 
Sanjay Saraswat, President of the company's medium and heavy commercial vehicles division, said. "Our order book for state transport undertakings has enhanced significantly. The cost of ownership and the product experience which we can deliver is the best in the industry." 
 
Ashok Leyland is currently the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world and India's largest bus manufacturer.

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group and India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, said on Wednesday it has bagged an order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU) for 1,750 buses.

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group and India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, said on Wednesday it has bagged an order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU) for 1,750 buses. The order comes close on the back of orders received from various state transport undertakings, it said without giving the value of the latest contract. Ashok Leyland's Chief Operating Officer Anuj Kathuria said the company's ability to bring value combined with superior technology and innovation will help maintain its leadership position in the market. Sanjay Saraswat, President of the company's medium and heavy commercial vehicles division, said. "Our order book for state transport undertakings has enhanced significantly. The cost of ownership and the product experience which we can deliver is the best in the industry." Ashok Leyland is currently the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world and India's largest bus manufacturer.

Ashok Leyland secures order of 1,750 buses from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings

NPCIL Admits Malware Attack At Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant In Tamil Nadu.

Gravitas: Cyber attack on India's largest nuclear power plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared the Tamil translation of the poem that he penned during his stay in Tamil Nadu's Mamallapuram, where he had held informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Here is a Tamil translation of the poem I wrote while I was at the picturesque shores of Mamallapuram a few days ago," Modi said in a tweet, posting a picture of the Tamil translation of the poem.

In his eight-paragraph poem, the Prime Minister talked about the ocean's relationship with the sun, waves and its pain and restraint despite unparallel power.

"I was lost in conversation with the sea during a morning walk on Mahabalipuram beach. This conversation conveys the world of my feelings. I am sharing this with you in the form of a poem," he had said sharing the poem on October 13.

Modi was also seen plogging at a beach in Mamallapuram on the morning of October 12. President Xi Jinping was in India on a two-day informal summit. The Prime Minister had also quoted Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar in his address to United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared the Tamil translation of the poem that he penned during his stay in Tamil Nadu's Mamallapuram, where he had held informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared the Tamil translation of the poem that he penned during his stay in Tamil Nadu's Mamallapuram, where he had held informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Here is a Tamil translation of the poem I wrote while I was at the picturesque shores of Mamallapuram a few days ago," Modi said in a tweet, posting a picture of the Tamil translation of the poem. In his eight-paragraph poem, the Prime Minister talked about the ocean's relationship with the sun, waves and its pain and restraint despite unparallel power. "I was lost in conversation with the sea during a morning walk on Mahabalipuram beach. This conversation conveys the world of my feelings. I am sharing this with you in the form of a poem," he had said sharing the poem on October 13. Modi was also seen plogging at a beach in Mamallapuram on the morning of October 12. President Xi Jinping was in India on a two-day informal summit. The Prime Minister had also quoted Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar in his address to United Nations General Assembly.

PM Modi shares Tamil translation of poem he penned during Mamallapuram visit

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