Retail traders in Koyambedu have said that the authorities have allowed them to open their shops, while following certain restrictions, and they were happy with the decision. Though they are yet to receive an official order from the government, the traders said that after their recent talks with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), which takes care of all the arrangements through a Market Management Committee, 50% of the shops in the area have been allowed to open on a rotational basis.
READ | Have been allowed to open shops on a rotational basis, say retail traders in Chennai’s Koyambedu
Cigarette butts caused 4,187 fires in Telangana in 2020 in homes, and offices, causing huge economic losses. On the other hand, the Telangana Forest Department received a whopping 19,470 fire alerts from January 1 to April 14 this year. It has prompted the state fire department, which is holding a Fire Safety Week from April 14 to 20, to start an awareness campaign about careless smoking and electrical safety with lectures and demonstrations to be held across the state.
READ | Cigarette butts caused 4,187 fires in Telangana in 2020, prompted 19,470 alerts to forest dept
For assistance on COVID-19-related queries and mental health support in Chennai, citizens can contact the Greater Chennai Corporation's (GCC) COVID-19 helpline 044 46122300 | Citizens can find the nearest GCC-facilitated COVID-19 fever clinic here | For lodging rain-related complaints and assistance during the monsoon, citizens can contact the GCC's monsoon helplines 044 25384530 or 044 25384540 or the control room 1913 (available 24x7)
Four members of a family were found charred to death under mysterious circumstances at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam in the wee hours of Thursday. After inspecting the scene of offence this afternoon, Visakhapatnam city Commissioner of Police Manish Kumar Sinha told reporters that they were investigating whether the deaths were accidental, suicidal or homicidal.
Injuries were found on the bodies of three of the deceased. He said a team of forensic experts was collecting evidence. "We will get a clear picture after the forensic evidence is examined," the top official added.
Bangaru Naidu (50), was the head of the family, settled in Bahrain and returned to Visakhapatnam a few years ago. His wife was a homoeopathic doctor. The couple had two sons.
According to the police version, neighbours noticed smoke billowing out of the flat in the early hours, following which they alerted the fire brigade and the police. The fire and the police teams reached the flat, broke open the main door for an entry and found the charred bodies.
Quoting neighbours, the Commissioner of Police said Naidu's family was engaged in a verbal spat last night. Sinha pointed a finger of suspicion at the elder son and said all was not well in the family. "Except on the elder son's body, there were injuries on other three," he pointed out. (PTI)
At a time when India is seeing a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, several videos of people flouting social distancing norms have surfaced on social media. After many pictures and videos of devotees gathered together at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, had gone viral, now a clip of people in Andhra Pradesh engaged in a local ritual of throwing cow dung at one another has raised serious concerns online.
Shared by news agency ANI, the 23-second clip features hundreds gathered together at Andhra Pradesh’s Kairuppala village in Kurnool district to take part in the ‘Pidakal war’, an annual tradition that involved throwing cow dung at each other. None of the participants is seen wearing face masks or following social distancing norms.
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With the Centre cancelling CBSE Class X board exams due to an alarming surge in coronavirus cases, DMK chief M K Stalin on Thursday wondered if it was the 'right' time to conduct the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for Post Graduate courses.
NEET-PG 2021 is scheduled on April 18.
In a tweet, Stalin, whose party is a vocal critic of NEET, pointed out at the cancellation of CBSE class X exams "due to the second wave" of covid-19. "CBSE exams have now got cancelled due to the second wave of #COVID19. With increasing cases and fatalities, when our doctors are fighting hard against all odds, is this the right time to hold National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for PG courses," Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, said. (PTI)
Tamil Nadu government Wednesday cancelled the class 10 board examinations in view of the sudden surge in Covid-cases across the country. Initially, the exams were scheduled to begin on May 3. The government has also postponed the dates for class 12 examinations, which is now to be conducted from May 31.
“In the State, Class 10th exams have been cancelled. This will prevent the congregation of students. We’ve had episodes of COVID infection in 14 schools in Thanjavur Dist. Here, we are focusing on micro-containment & cancelling non-essential activity,” Tamil Nadu Health Secretary told ANI.
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On a day Tamil Nadu reported 7,819 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday – up from 6,984 cases reported on Tuesday – state health secretary J Radhakrishnan said the next two weeks are going to be crucial, and that the state government has no plan for a complete lockdown as of now.
“Maharashtra, which declared lockdown, has 60,000 cases per day and about 5 lakh active cases,” Radhakrishnan pointed out.
While medical facilities remain capable of handling the situation and essential medicines are in stock, the government is taking up campaigns across the state to escalate the vaccination drive by using public announcements and mobilising local groups, it was informed.
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Underlining the fact that the coronavirus situation in Telangana is getting worse with every passing day, the state Health Department has appealed to people to wear masks even while inside their homes. Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr G Sreenivasa Rao, in a video message on Wednesday evening, also warned of a scenario in the state akin to that of Maharashtra if the trend of new infections continues.
“We have seen a sudden spurt in the number of new infections in the last four weeks. The situation is likely to remain the same for another 4 to 6 weeks,” Dr Rao said. Asking people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, he added, “If the situation persists, Telangana can tomorrow become like Maharashtra. We may face a shortage of beds in the coming weeks.” He said so while admitting that some hospitals have already reported an unavailability of beds for Covid-19 treatment.
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The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has stated that 10,23,890 people have been vaccinated in Chennai till date, with 14,175 people having been inoculated on Wednesday alone.
A 14-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted for over two years by 12 men, including her brother-in-law, after she started staying at her sister’s home at Tiruchengode in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu.
Following a complaint from the District Protection Officer, all the accused and the girl’s mother, who is alleged to be an accomplice, have been arrested.
According to reports, the victim, a class VI dropout, works as a domestic help to support her family. Her mother is a daily wage labourer and her father has been ill for over a couple of years.
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Telangana reported 3,307 fresh COVID-19 cases Wednesday, pushing the tally to over 3.38 lakh, while the toll rose to 1,788 with eight more fatalities, the state government said on Thursday.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 446, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (314) and Nizamabad (279), it said in a bulletin.
The total number of cases stood at 3,38,045 while with 897 patients being cured, the total recoveries were at 3,08,396. The state has 27, 861 active cases and over 1.06 lakh samples were tested on Wednesday. Cumulatively, over 1.13 crore samples have been tested. The samples tested per million population was over 3.05 lakh, the bulletin said.
The case fatality rate in the state was 0.52 per cent while the recovery rate in Telangana was 91.22 per cent. According to a separate release, over 21.35 lakh people in the state have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while over 3.22 lakh got their second shot also as of April 14. (PTI)
DMK chief M K Stalin on Wednesday batted for universal vaccination for COVID-19 and blamed the Centre's 'lackadaisical' attitude and 'careless' administration for the second wave of the pandemic sweeping across the country. The Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assmbly alleged that the vaccines were not brought to use on time for people and slammed the export of over five crore doses to other countries.
"The BJP government's lackadaisical attitude and careless administration are the reason for the second wave effecting such severe impact in the country, including Tamil Nadu," Stalin claimed. In a statement, he also slammed the export of 5.84 crore doses of vaccines. By naming the latest vaccination drive as "tika utsav", Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "diverting" his government's "laxity" on the handling of the mattter, he alleged.
"He (Modi) has not so far come forward to decide on vaccinating all. Despite requests from all political parties, he is busy with election campaign for the BJP in West Bengal," Stalin said. It was a matter of concern that at a time when there should have been a universal vaccination programme vis-a-vis COVID-19, only a targeted inoculation drive was on, he added.
Stalin also wondered if Tamil Nadu had been provided with adequate doses of the vaccines, amid reports that fewer people had come forward to take the jab. He said if there was no proper public response to vaccination, the blame lies with the Centre and the state government for not creating adequate awareness.
"With corona spread happening at a very fast pace in the state, the BJP government, especially PM Modi, should take a policy decision of vaccinating all and send sufficient doses for Tamil Nadu," he said. Stalin also urged the people of the state to come forward to take the COVID vaccines and follow related health protocols such as hand hygiene. (PTI)
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) conducted 324 fever clinics in Chennai on Wednesday. A total of 12,549 people attended the clinics, with swabs collected from 124 people who were identified with ILI symptoms, while others were provided with medication for minor ailments.
The most number of camps were held in Tondiarpet (Zone 4) where 60 camps had been set up, while Teynampet (Zone 9) had the least with six camps.
Cigarette butts caused 4,187 fires in Telangana in 2020 in homes, and offices, causing huge economic losses. On the other hand, the Telangana Forest Department received a whopping 19,470 fire alerts from January 1 to April 14 this year. It has prompted the state fire department, which is holding a Fire Safety Week from April 14 to 20, to start an awareness campaign about careless smoking and electrical safety with lectures and demonstrations to be held across the state.
“Of the 7127 fire cases we attended to last year, it has been determined that in 4,187 cases, a carelessly thrown cigarette or beedi was responsible. We investigate the source of combustion, and after ruling out any electrical or another source of fire we conclude that the culprit has to be a cigarette that has been thrown without being fully extinguished. Cigarettes or beedis of poachers, shepherds or inhabitants in forest areas are also the cause of maximum number of fires in forest areas and wildlife parks,” Regional Fire Officer, Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department, V Papaiah said. In 1,992 fire cases, the source was electrical while gas or coal furnaces caused 296 fires. The fires caused a loss of nearly Rs 231 crores.
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Dozens of folk artists, college students and the public carrying placards and posters staged a protest Monday in Madurai, urging the government to change its decision and allow the Madurai Chittirai festival at Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The festival is held from April 15 to April 26.
Protests took place across districts in Tamil Nadu. Claiming that the government is acting against their beliefs, devotees asked that if political rallies are allowed, Tasmac, theatres and malls can function, then why isn’t the government allowing religious festivals?
“Close to 400 families depend on this temple festival. If you (government) impose restrictions, how do we survive? It’s just a one-day event. We need our Azhagar and Meenakshi Amma to come out. The government needs our vote but it doesn’t respect our beliefs. All religious functions should be carried out, we will keep ourselves safe,” said Pandi Selvi, a resident of Sellur town near Madurai.
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Tangedco has announced a powercut in parts of Chennai today from 9 am to 2 pm to carry out maintenance work.
Here are the affected areas:
Tamil Nadu recorded 7819 positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the state tally to 9,54,948. Among these, Chennai reported 2564 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 2,72,118. The state recorded 25 deaths on Wednesday, putting the state toll at 12,970. Twenty two of them had succumbed due to comorbidities. A total of 3464 patients were discharged following treatment, taking the total number of recoveries to 8,87,663.
As of Wednesday, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu is 54,315. Till date, 5,76,450 males, 3,78,462 females and 36 transgenders have tested positive for the virus in the state.
According to a bulletin released by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu, 2,07,84,108 samples from the state have been tested till date, with 97,668 samples having been sent yesterday. There are 262 COVID-19 testing facilities in the state, out of which 69 are government and 193 are private facilities.
Chennai recorded over 140 mm of rainfall till 6.30 on Thursday.
Here is the amount of rainfall recorded:
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry over the next three hours. According to the RMC, thunderstorm will light showers will occur over parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore,Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry and Karaikal.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live blog from Chennai and Hyderabad where we bring to you the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, politics, civic issues and more across Chennai and Hyderabad throughout the day. Follow the blog to stay up to date with the states in real time.
Actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar informed her fans that her husband and filmmaker Sundar C, who had tested positive earlier this week, has been discharged from the hospital. She informed that the filmmaker is in isolation at their guest house.
“Friends all your prayers have been answered. My hubby #SundarC is out of the hospital. But he will be in isolation for next 7 days. He is staying at our guest house, so I get to see him only after 7 days. Thank you to each one of you for your support n best wishes #Love,” Khushbu tweeted.
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Actor Vishnu Vishal is all set to get married. The actor on Tuesday announced that he will be tying the knot with his fiancee and Indian badminton player Gutta Jwala on April 22.
The actor shared the news with his fans with a note that read, “With the blessings of our families, it gives us immense joy in sharing the news of our marriage, in a private affair in the presence of near and dear. We thank you for all the love you have showered upon us over the years and seek blessings as we embarked on this journey of love, loyalty, friendship and togetherness.”
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Retail traders in Koyambedu have said that the authorities have allowed them to open their shops, while following certain restrictions, and they were happy with the decision.
Though they are yet to receive an official order from the government, the traders said that after their recent talks with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), which takes care of all the arrangements through a Market Management Committee, 50% of the shops in the area have been allowed to open on a rotational basis.
Speaking to indianexpress.com, AM Vikrama Raja, Vanniyar Sangagalin Peramaipu state president said the government has agreed to their demands and the official order will be released in a day or two.
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Senior DMK leader and the party's Lok Sabha MP, T R Baalu, has tested positive for coronavirus and was doing fine, his son said on Wednesday. Baalu, who had taken the first dose of covid vaccine, is also the DMK Parliamentary Party leader.
"My father Thiru #TRBaalu has tested positive for the #COVID19 virus & has been admitted to a hospital. He is stable and doing fine now," Balu's son T R B Rajaa, also a party legislator from Tamil Nadu, said in a tweet.
He urged everyone who had come in contact with Baalu for the past week to get themselves tested immediately. Rajaa further said that his father had taken the first shot of covid vaccine while DMK general secretary Duraimurugan had taken both jabs.
"...yet both caught the bug. #Vaccines are a must but more work needed," Rajaa said in another tweet. (PTI)
The Tamil New Year, Pilava, was on Wednesday ushered in with subdued gaiety across Tamil Nadu with a slew of Covid-19 protocols in place for devotees, who usually throng temples in large numbers to celebrate the day. The coronavirus restrictions, however, did not dampen the spirit of the temple administration as the shrines were decorated and the idols of gods and goddesses decked with robes, jewels and flower garlands to receive the devotees.
Major temples such as Sri Kamakshi Amman temple in Kancheepuram, Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangam, Sri Nellaiappar Ganthimathi Amman temple, Tirunelveli and the Bhagavathy Amman temple in Kanyakumari made elaborate arrangements for the new year.
Several shrines in Chennai including the ancient Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple, and the Andavar temple, Vadapalani, received a steady trickle of devotees since morning. "Devotees who wore face masks alone were allowed entry for darshan and all those who stepped in were thermally scanned and given disinfectant before proceeding for darshan," a senior official with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department said.
The shrine for Lord Ayappa at Mahalingapuram in Kodambakkam and other temples dedicated to the deity arranged the customary "Kani Kanuthal" event as part of the Vishu celebrations for the Malayalam speaking people.
Barricades were put up in some of the temples to avert overcrowding and to allow the devotees to line up strictly adhering to social distancing norms for darshan. Many held prayers at home to welcome the Tamil new year. (PTI)
A total of 10,09,715 people have been vaccinated in Chennai till Tuesday, with 27,468 people alone vaccinated yesterday.
Telangana recorded 2,157 fresh coronavirus cases Tuesday, pushing the total positives to over 3.34 lakh, while the toll rose to 1,780 with eight more fatalities.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 361, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (245) and Rangareddy (206), a government bulletin said on Wednesday.
The total number of cases stood at 3,34,738 while with 821 patients being cured, the total recoveries were at 3,07,499. The state has 25,459 active cases and over 72 thousand lakh samples were tested on Tuesday. Cumulatively, over 1.12 crore samples have been tested. The samples tested per million population was over three lakh, the bulletin said.
The case fatality rate in the state was 0.53 per cent while the recovery rate in Telangana was 91.86 per cent. According to a separate release, over 20 lakh people in the state have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while over 3.12 lakh got their second shot also as of April 13. (PTI)
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) conducted 329 fever clinics in Chennai on Tuesday. A total of 20,713 people attended the clinics, with swabs collected from 367 people who were identified with ILI symptoms, while others were provided with medication for minor ailments.
The most number of camps were held in Tondiarpet (Zone 4) where 58 camps had been set up, while Manali (Zone 2) had the least with three camps.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast overcast skies in Chennai over the next 48 hours, with parts of the city expected to receive light to heavy rainfall accompanies by thunderstorms. The maximum temperature is expected to be 33C while the minimum is expected to be 26C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder in parts of Tamil Nadu today. The IMD has also forecast light to moderate showers in coastal districts, Puducherry and Karaikal.
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruvannamalai, Salem, Dharmapuri, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts, with a wind speed between 30 to 40 kmph.
With 290 more people contracting coronavirus, the total active cases in Kalaburagi rose to 2,119 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, four people succumbed to the infection as the death toll rose to 368 since India’s first fatality on March 10 last year, in the district so far.
Among the deceased were a 42-year-old male patient, a 60-year-old male patient, and a 45-year-old male patient and a 45-year-old female patient. All the four had been admitted to various designated hospitals in the district diagnosed with SARI.
Meanwhile, the cumulative tally in the Kalyana-Karnataka region has risen further to 26,829 since March 2020. At the same time, 249 others recovered from the infection.
A total of 2,200 kg of cannabis worth Rs 3.31 crore was seized in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Tuesday and one person arrested, police said.
During a vehicle check at Brundavanam village, police found the driver of a van transporting ganja from Chintoor of Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad by concealing the contraband under empty vegetable trays.
The driver was arrested and the contraband and vehicle were seized. Efforts were on to arrest others involved in the chain of transportation of the ganja, police added. (PTI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and several leaders extended their greetings to the people on the eve of Tamil New Year and Vishu on Tuesday.
AIADMK's coordinator and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator and chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, greeted the people in a joint statement.
Conveying his wishes, EPS said in his message "let this Tamil new year usher in prosperity and ensure love and peace prevail in people's lives." Also, in a separate message, Palaniswami conveyed his greetings for Vishu festival to the Malayalam speaking people.
PMK founder S Ramadoss, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K S Alagiri, Tamil Maanila Congress founder G K Vasan, MDMK general secretary Vaiko and BJP president L Murugan were among those who greeted the people on Tuesday. (PTI)
Extending his best wishes to the people on the occasion, the governor requested the people of Tamil Nadu to celebrate by following the government guidelines regarding Covid-19 scrupulously. "Stay at home and stay safe," he advised.
The governor pointed out that the dawn of a New Year not only signifies a new beginning but also "underlines our commitment to the common goal of development, revival of the spirit of hard work and promotion of cultural ethos." Purohit wished that the state and its people be filled with good health and happiness for a glorious future during this year.
"On this occasion, let us resolve to be more kind, compassionate and considerate human beings. May this festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives and make our state progress on all the cherished goals," he said in his message in Chennai on Tuesday.
"Tamil New Year's Day is celebrated on the first day of 'Chithirai' month to mark the onset of peace, prosperity and joy in our families. It marks the greatness of our tradition, heritage and culture," he added. (PTI)
Amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, the Telugu film industry is on the back foot again. The industry stakeholders are in a tight spot as there is a growing buzz about the government restrictions that could affect the box office in the Telugu states. Maharashtra has already put a stop on all TV and film shooting, with theatres closed down, the government announced on Tuesday.
Compared to other states, the Telugu states saw a massive jump in terms of business at the box office. Permission for 100 per cent occupancy in the theatres was a contributing factor. However, the second wave of the CovidD-19 infections has fuelled conjectures that the governments in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh might bring back the 50 per cent cap on the occupancy. “Producers will not release big films if 100 per cent occupancy is withdrawn,” said producer DVV Danayya.
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City-based ophthalmologist Dr Soosan Jacob, has been named in the Power List - 2021, a list of top 100 most influential women ophthalmologists in the world, according to a release in Chennai.
Dr Jacob is Director and Chief, Refractive and Cornea Foundation and Senior Consultant, Cataract and Glaucoma Services at Dr Agarwal's Group of Eye Hospitals here.
"The prestigious Power List is compiled every year by The Ophthalmologist, a premier international publication dedicated to the field of ophthalmology and selection is on the basis of national and international recognition among peer ophthalmologists," the release added. (PTI)
A man has been arrested in Chennai for allegedly dragging a pregnant woman on the road while trying to snatch her gold chain, in the Zamin Pallavaram area of the city on Friday.
The video of the incident, captured on CCTV cameras, had gone viral on social media. According to the police, the woman, identified as Geetha (24), who is eight months pregnant, was offering pooja to a Vinayagar shrine near her house around 7:30 am when two men stopped a few meters ahead. One of them got off the two-wheeler they were riding, approached Geetha, and attempted to snatch her gold chain. As she resisted, the assailant dragged her on the road.
After Geetha screamed for help, neighbours rushed towards her and the culprits fled the spot on their two-wheeler. Geetha then sought refuge in a shop for some time, while her family members were informed. As she suffered minor injuries to her neck and since she was pregnant, she was taken to a hospital for first-aid.
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The Election Commission on Tuesday ordered repoll in a booth under the Velachery Assembly segment in Chennai, to be held on April 17. The action comes in the wake of two men found carrying EVMs/VVPAT machine on a two-wheeler, with various political parties and contesting candidates demanding action.
According to an EC communication to the Returning Officer of the constituency, the Commission "declares under Sections 58 (1) (b) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 6,2021 at polling (station) no.92 of 26-Velachery Assembly to be void."
The EC said it "appoints" April 17 as the date for repoll, adding, it will be held from 7 am to 7 pm in the said booth. The commission also directed deploying adequate security to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of repoll and directed that wide publicity shall be given in the polling areas concerned. Political parties and candidates shall be informed in writing, the EC added.
The Congress and AIADMK are facing off in the city segment, with the Makkal Needhi Maiam also in fray. (PTI)
A playback singer has lodged a complaint alleging her 15-year-old daughter was harassed by three men, including her brother-in-law and a pastor, police said.
The singer has alleged her sister's husband, his brother and a pastor harassed her daughter and her sister abetted the crime, police said. The crime had occurred during the girl's stay at her aunt's house and when her mother was away.
"We have received a complaint and an FIR is registered and we are questioning the accused persons, a probe is on," a police officer told PTI, adding based on the outcome of questioning, they may be arrested.
Further information on the complaint, harassment to the teen and legal provisions invoked against the accused men and woman is awaited. (PTI)
A total of 39 passengers who had returned to Tamil Nadu from UK and 20 of their primary contacts have tested positive for COVID-19 till date.
Among the 38 primary cases, nine cases were reported in Chennai, three each in Thanjavur and Nilgiris, five each in Madurai and Chengalpattu, seven in Trichy, two in Karur and one each in Theni, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Virudhunagar and Sivagangai. Among the 20 contact cases, six were reported in Chennai, three in Thanjavur, two each in Nilgiris and Theni, four in Chengalpattu and three in Nagapattinam.
A total of 2300 passengers had travelled to Tamil Nadu from UK between November 25 and December 23, of which 2146 were tested. Among these, 24 had tested positive, 2122 tested negative and 3977 close contacts of the 2122 passengers who had tested negative were also tested for COVID-19 and were found to be negative.
A total of 4208 passengers had travelled to Tamil Nadu from UK between January 8 and April 13, of which 3665 have been tested. Among these, 15 have tested positive, 3629 have tested negative and the results of 21 passengers are awaited. Tracing of further passengers is underway.
Of the 39 primary cases, 37 of them who tested negative in their follow up RT-PCR test have been discharged. Similarly, all 20 contact cases who tested negative in their follow up RT-PCR test have been discharged. Two of the primary cases are under hospital isolation.
Tamil Nadu recorded 6984 positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the state tally to 9,47,129. Among these, Chennai reported 2482 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 2,69,614. The state recorded 18 deaths on Tuesday, putting the state toll at 12,945. Sixteen of them had succumbed due to comorbidities. A total of 3289 patients were discharged following treatment, taking the total number of recoveries to 8,84,199.
As of Tuesday, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu is 49,985. Till date, 5,71,717 males, 3,75,376 females and 36 transgenders have tested positive for the virus in the state.
According to a bulletin released by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu, 2,06,86,440 samples from the state have been tested till date, with 82,236 samples having been sent yesterday. There are 262 COVID-19 testing facilities in the state, out of which 69 are government and 193 are private facilities.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live blog from Chennai and Hyderabad where we bring to you the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, politics, civic issues and more across Chennai and Hyderabad throughout the day. Follow the blog to stay up to date with the states in real time.