For over a decade postman D Sivan braved harsh weather, hilly terrain, and even wild animals to deliver mail to some of the most remote areas of Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor. “I had been chased by a mother elephant once. On that day, I thought I wouldn’t survive to deliver mail to those eagerly waiting for my arrival with good news,” he recalls over a phone conversation.
READ | Meet postman Sivan, who trekked 15 kms daily through forest to deliver mail
On March 7 this year, the 65-year-old hung up his khaki satchel in which he carried letters and pension money. In a career spanning nearly 35 years, it was only in the last decade that Sivan’s job was filled with adventure.
Also Read | Tamil actors fined for entering restricted area in Kodaikanal
A 62-year-old widow living alone in her apartment in Chennai city suburbs has filed a police complaint against ABVP national president Dr Subbiah Shanmugam, accusing him of harassment, including urinating and throwing used surgical masks at her doorstep.
READ | Woman accuses ABVP president of harassment over parking slot in Chennai
The incident reportedly followed a disagreement over parking slots at the housing society. The woman, who does not want to be identified, demanded payment for his use of a parking slot owned by her. In her complaint, filed at the Adambakkam Police Station on July 11, the woman has attached CCTV footage and photos that purportedly show the ABVP leader urinating at her doorstep.
A road in Chrompet was flooded after parts of Chennai received heavy rainfall late in the afternoon.
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said to the Supreme Court that for the Salem-Chennai eight-lane green corridor road project, environmental clearance is not required prior to land acquisition.
In April 2019, the High Court issued an order requiring prior environmental clearance for the project. Following this, NHAI appealed to the Supreme Court.
The case was heard by Justice Arun Misra and on behalf of NHAI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared and argued. He argued that this project is of "national importance" and does not require prior environmental clearance.
The case has been adjourned till August 6.
Chennai District Collector Sita Lakshmi has tested positive for COVID-19. She has been admitted to Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research at Guindy, Chennai for treatment.
Parts of Chennai received light showers today, while cloudy skies dotted the horizon late in the afternoon.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has ordered the release of water from Erode district's Bhavanisagar dam from August 1.
The official statement mentions that water will be let out from the dam for 120 days till November 28, as requested by the farmers of Kodiveri.
The statement also informs that 24,504 acres of farming land present in towns such as Gobichettypalam, Bhavani and Anthiyur in Erode will receive irrigation facilities due to this order.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration S P Velumani on Tuesday backed Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman on him being allegedly denied work in the Hindi cinema industry because of a "gang" there, asserting the musician was beyond boundaries.
It was a matter of "regret" that Rahman, "who has scaled Himalayan heights" by winning hearts across the world, could not get good films because some persons were spreading rumours about him in the Hindi cinema industry, Velumani said in a tweet.
Rahman had earlier claimed there is a "gang" in the Hindi film industry that is preventing him from getting work. His comments came amidst a raging insider versus outsider debate in Bollywood following actor Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise last month.
"Those acting against our Rahman, who has taken music which has no boundaries beyond borders and brought fame to India, are condemnable. I express my wholehearted support to him," he tweeted.
Online registration for engineering counselling has begun. Meanwhile, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has released the number of seats available in engineering colleges across the country.
Based on this data, a total of 2,64,000 seats are available in 500 engineering colleges across Tamil Nadu. 30,306 seats are available in 357 engineering colleges which offer post-graduation education in engineering.
In total, 2,94,570 seats are available for under-graduation and post-graduation engineering studies in Tamil Nadu.
The department of Higher Education has decided to conduct engineering counselling from September 17 to October 6.
After three persons, including the assistant of an MLA tested positive for Covid-19, Puducherry Legislative Assembly secretary R Munusamy announced that the assembly complex will remain closed till July 31.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami laid the foundation stone for eight new industrial companies which will provide jobs for 24,870 people.
The CM also announced that 11 other companies which were newly established following an investment of Rs 3185 crores are all set for production. These 11 companies will provide 6955 people with jobs.
EPS made the announcements at a virtual event which took place at the secretariat in Chennai. Minister for Industrial Department of Tamil Nadu, M C Sampath and Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu K Shanmugam IAS took part in the event
The Chennai police Monday busted an illegal gambling center in Nungambakkam. The spot used for gambling allegedly belongs to Tamil actor Shaam who was arrested alongside 12 others.
Based on a tip-off, a special police force had conducted a raid on the actor’s residence in Sterling Road on Monday night. According to reports, packets of playing cards, tokens and other items found in a casino have been seized by the police.
The F-3 Nungambakkam police registered a case against the actor and others. They were let off on bail.
Senthil Vasan of Karuppar Koottam, a YouTube channel which had faced flak for ridiculing Kandhi Sashti Kavacham and hurting religious sentiments has been booked under the Goondas Act. Vasan had been arrested by the police last week.
Tamil Nadu BJP had filed a complaint on the viral video, which allegedly made derogatory comments against the Hindu deity Lord Muruga and a hymn, Kandha Sashti Kavacham.
Tamil Nadu leads the testing figures in India by a comfortable margin, having tested more than 24.14 lakh samples till now. UP on Monday become the first state to test more than one lakh samples a day for the infection. Till now, UP has tested 19.41 lakh samples, while Maharashtra has tested 19.25 lakh.
Read Amitabh Sinha's explainer
A total of 16 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in Chennai over the last 24 hours. Nine deaths were recorded in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, four in Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, two at Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital at Omandurar Estate and one at a private hospital in Nandambakkam.
A total of 58 flights will fly between Chennai and major cities today, with 29 arrivals and 29 departures scheduled at the Chennai International Airport.
A total of 12 Deputy Commissioners of Police in Chennai will soon begin addressing public grievances via WhatsApp. The initiative, which was launched by Commissioner of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal early July saw grievances being redressed by the CoP via WhatsApp video calls.
The DCPs will address the public from 12 pm to 1 pm every Tuesday and Friday.
Here are the contact numbers:
Tangedco has announced a powercut in parts of Chennai today from 9 am to 2 pm.
Here are the areas which will be affected:
As many as 6,993 new Covid-19 cases and 79 deaths were recorded in Tamil Nadu on Mondau, taking the state’s tally of cases to 2,20,716 and deaths to 3,571.
Chennai recorded 1138 fresh cases Monday and as many as 1821 persons were discharged. The city has reported 95,857 cases till date.
Apart from Chennai, Chengalpet (448), Thiruvallur (474), Kancheepuram (362), Thoothukudi (349) and Virudhunagar (338) reported the maximum number of Covid-19 cases.
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As many as 6,993 new Covid-19 cases and 79 deaths were recorded in Tamil Nadu on Monday, taking the state’s tally of cases to 2,20,716 and deaths to 3,571. Cases in the state crossed 6000 for the fifth consecutive day.
A total of 5,723 patients were discharged from hospitals following treatment, taking the number of recoveries to 1,62,249. There are 54,896 active cases in the state.
Chennai recorded 1138 fresh cases Monday and as many as 1821 persons were discharged. The city has reported 95,857 cases till date.
On Monday, a total 63,250 samples were tested. So far, 24,14,713 samples have been by the health department.
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Good morning!
Welcome to the live blog from Chennai where we bring to you the latest updates on COVID-19, unlock phase 1 in Tamil Nadu and more in the state throughout the day. Follow the blog to stay up to date with the state in real time.
The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Central government to constitute a committee to decide on the issue of providing OBC reservation in all-India seats (AIQ) surrendered by Tamil Nadu for medical admission.
Such a committee comprising representatives from the Centre, state and Medical Council of India should be constituted within three months, the court said. The first bench of Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy also made it clear that any decision made by the committee shall be applicable only from the next academic year.
Asserting that there was no legal bar in providing OBC reservation in AIQ seats as contended by the MCI, the bench said it was not passing a positive order to provide the reservation only in view of settled law that courts cannot interfere in policy matters of the government, unless in cases where fundamental rights are affected.
'Reservation is not a legal or fundamental right,' the court added. The bench passed the order on the batch of petitions moved by the Tamil Nadu government, the DMK, AIADMK, PMK and other political parties challenging the decision of the Centre not to provide OBC reservation in AIQ seats for medical admission.
Chengalpattu on Sunday reported 501 new Covid-19 cases, taking the city’s Covid-19 tally to 12,266.
The district has 3,141 active cases while 8,898 people have recovered. 227 people have succumbed to the virus.
The district’s average number of cases from July 1 to July 17 is 215. There was an increase in cases from July 18 to July 23 leading to an average of 306. On July 24, 25, and 26, the number of cases reported in Chengalpattu were 419, 449, and 501 respectively, which rocketed the average to 456.
Salem on Sunday reported 162 new Covid-19 cases, taking the city’s Covid-19 tally to 3001.
The district has 894 active cases while 208 people have recovered. 23 people have succumbed to the virus.
The district’s average of number of cases from July 1 to July 23 is 78. But in the past few days, the district has seen a spike in the number of cases. On July 24, 25 and 26, the number of cases reported in the district were 122, 112 and 162 respectively, which makes the average 132.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday launched a free mask distribution scheme to benefit over 69 lakh families in the first phase, as part of measures to help fight COVID-19. The CM gave away the masks to five people at the Secretariat marking the inauguration of the first phase of the scheme, which would witness distribution to beneficiaries through ration shops.
The initial phase envisages distribution of 4.44 crore reusable masks, bought at a cost of Rs 30.07 crore- to 69.09 lakh families in town panchayats, municipalities and corporations barring the Greater Chennai Corporation, an official release said.
According to the GCC, about 45 lakh masks have already been distributed. There are 2.08 crore ration cards that covers a total of 6.74 crore individuals, who are part of the families of the card holders and the plan is to distribute two masks for each member of a family.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday gave away an appointment order to the daughter of Jeyaraj who had died following alleged police torture at Sathankulam in southern Tamil Nadu recently.
The order, appointing her as a junior assistant in the revenue department on compassionate grounds was given by Palaniswami to Percys, the eldest daughter of Jayaraj at the Secretariat, an official release said.
Speaking to reporters, Percys said the Chief Minister expressed grief over the death of her father and younger brother Bennicks and assured her family of justice. "A CBI probe is on and it is our belief that the judiciary will do justice and the government will stand by us in getting justice," she said and appealed for an expeditious probe.
The appointment comes days after the government provided a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the family.
Tiruchirapalli on Sunday reported 131 new Covid-19 cases, taking the city’s Covid-19 tally to 3420.
The district has 1201 active cases while 2,161 people have recovered from the virus. 58 people have succumbed to the virus till date.
The district has seen an average of 100 cases since July 4. But in the past few days, the numbers have spiked to the 200-mark.
Coimbatore district reported 220 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, taking the total number of positive cases to 3459.
The district has 1491 active cases while 1929 people have recovered from the disease. 39 people have succumbed to the virus.
The district saw an average of 60 cases from July 4 to July 11. From July 12 to July 22, the district has seen an average of 125 cases. But the spike in cases is even higher now with 229 being the district’s average number of cases from July 23 to July 26.
In a bid to curb the rise of Covid-19 cases, as per Coimbatore district collector K Rajamani’s announcement, a complete lockdown was observed in the city from 5 pm on July 25 till 6 am on July 27.
Chennai on Sunday reported 1155 new Covid-19 cases, taking the city’s Covid-19 tally to 94,695.
The district has 13744 active cases while 78940 people have recovered from the disease. 2011 people have succumbed to the disease.
Chennai saw an average of 1932 cases from July 1 to July 6. Whereas from July 7 to July 20 Chennai has seen a decline with the average of new Covid-19 positive cases being 1217.
While Chennai has seen a drop, other districts in the state have reported spikes in numbers. Chennai has an average of 83% recovery rate and 2.12% death rate.
Chennai has had 78,940 recoveries among the cities 15 zones till date, according to data released by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), with Royapuram (Zone 5) topping the list with 9742 recoveries.
Here are the recoveries in the top 10 zones:
For over a decade postman D Sivan braved harsh weather, hilly terrain, and even wild animals to deliver mail to some of the most remote areas of Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor.
“I had been chased by a mother elephant once. On that day, I thought I wouldn’t survive to deliver mail to those eagerly waiting for my arrival with good news,” he recalls over a phone conversation.
On March 7 this year, the 65-year-old hung up his khaki satchel in which he carried letters and pension money. In a career spanning nearly 35 years, it was only in the last decade that Sivan’s job was filled with adventure. After joining India Post in 1985, he worked for 25 years as a stamp vendor in Wellington, a sleepy town in Nilgiris district. He bid farewell to his desk job after his promotion and transfer to Hillgrove post office as a Gramin Dak Sevak Mail Deliverer (GDSMD). Even getting here was a task as it involved walking 7 kilometres through tea plantations.
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Chennai on Sunday recorded 1155 positive cases, taking the city's COVID-19 tally to 94,695.
Here are the active cases in the top 10 zones:
Tamil Nadu recorded its highest single-day count for the fourth consecutive day with 6986 fresh cases reported in the state on Sunday, taking the tally to 2,13,713. Among these, Chennai reported 1155 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 94,695.
Besides Chennai, 27 cases were reported in Ariyalur, 501 in Chengalpattu, 220 in Coimbatore, 165 in Cuddalore, 131 in Dharmapuri, 203 in Dindigul, 34 in Erode, 125 in Kallakurichi, 363 in Kancheepuram, 215 in Kanyakumari, 12 in Karur, 51 in Krishnagiri, 209 in Madurai, 36 in Nagapattinam, nine in Namakkal, 31 in Nilgiris, 26 in Perambalur, 113 in Pudukottai, 89 in Ramanathapuram, 367 in Ranipet, 162 in Salem, 88 in Sivagangai, 73 in Tenkasi, 153 in Thanjavur, 217 in Theni, 44 in Thirupathur, 480 in Thiruvallur, 176 in Thiruvannamalai, 93 in Thiruvarur, 248 in Thoothukudi, 186 in Tirunelveli, 32 in Tiruppur, 131 in Trichy, 196 in Vellore, 201 in Villupuram and 385 in Virudhunagar districts.
A total of 60 flights will fly between Chennai and major cities today, with 30 arrivals and 30 departures scheduled at th Chennai International Airport.
The family of J Radhakrishnan, the state Health Secretary has been discharged following treatment today. Last week, Radhakrishnan's wife, son and parents-in-law had tested positive and had been admitted to Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research at Guindy, Chennai for treatment.
After undergoing treatment for nine days, the four members will remain in home isolation for a week.
Tangedco has announced a powercut in parts of Chennai today from 9 am to 2 pm to carry out maintenance work.
The following areas will be affected:
Actor Vijayalakshmi attempted suicide on Sunday, alleging harassment and bullying by followers of Naam Thamizhar party leader Seeman and Panankattu Padai’s Hari Nadar. She is currently under treatment at a Chennai hospital.
Vijayalakshmi is known for films like Friends and Boss Engira Baskaran. She recently made headlines for speaking against Seeman and the torture she was allegedly facing from the actor-turned-politician and his party.
In the video which was uploaded on Sunday evening, Vijayalakshmi said, “This is my last video and I have been in tremendous stress in the last four months because of Seeman and his partymen. I tried my level best to survive all these days because of my mother and sister, but I have been humiliated in the media by Harinadar recently.”
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A total of 16 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in Chennai over the last 24 hours. Seven deaths were recorded in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, three in Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, two in Tamil Nadu Super Specialty Hospital at Omandurar Estate, one in Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital and three in private hospitals across the city.
Tamil Nadu recorded its highest single-day count for the fourth consecutive day with 6986 fresh cases reported in the state on Sunday. With this, the state Covid-19 tally has risen to 2,13,713. Among these, Chennai reported 1155 positive cases, bringing the city’s total to 94,695.
Tamil Nadu recorded 85 deaths on Sunday, putting the state toll at 3494. 75 of them had succumbed due to comorbidities.
The state discharged 5471 patients following treatment Sunday, putting the total number of recoveries at 1,56,526.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live blog from Chennai where we bring to you the latest updates on COVID-19, lockdown in Tamil Nadu and more across Chennai and Tamil Nadu. Follow the blog to stay up to date with the state in real time.