RNI No. 30540/77CB/005/2021-23 Regd No.TN/WR/CB/005/WPP/2018-20 Founder Editor : A.E. Solomon Appadurai . Editor: M.N.Sudhan Appadurai . Vol.44 - No. 54. Pages 4 . Rs. 5.00

cm Stalin inaugurateS five cOviD relief SchemeS Corona relief fund Rs 2,000 along with groceries package

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National Chocolate Macaroon Day June 3

Minister distributes corona reliefto cops

Auto driver offers free rides to COVID patients

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For whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved - Romans 10.13

OUTSTATION Friday, June 4 , 2021 cOImbATOre Thursday, June 3 , 2021

collector inspects corona prevention works in weavers colony

erOde JUNe 3Collector C. Kathiravan

conducted a survey on corona prevention activities in 1010 weavers colony and Palapalayam areas in Chennimalai block. He advised those who were isolated at homes to follow safety norms strictly. He said "Under the auspices of the District Administration in Erode District, various precautionary measures against corona infection are being taken on a timely basis. An Integrated Corona

Control Center has been set up and officers have been assigned and contact numbers have been provided. In it, details about the needs of the general public for corona infection, the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Medicare Plan, etc can be availed. In addition, a 24-hour emergency control center has been set up at the collectorate. The public can contact it on 0424-1077, 0424-2260211, 9791788852.

In Erode district, 10,490 persons are in home

quarantine. There are 134 isolated areas in rural and urban areas. Of these, 587 persons are isolated. Local and village level committees have been set up to monitor the basic needs of the general public in isolated areas, including food, water and medical care.

Government Erode Medical College Hospital is functioning with 910 oxygen bed facility. In addition, an additional 400 beds with oxygen facilities are being set up, he added.

beiersdrof, NIVeA partner for food and hygiene aid for poor

cOImbATOre JUNe 3. With an aim to support

those most affected by the pandemic, Beiersdorf, NIVEA India and United Way India have come together to help marginalized communities in the state of Tamil Nadu with Beiersdorf’s‘Care Beyond Skin’ aid program to provide relief for various nutrition and hygiene needs.

This new partnership will

support local programs in 9 key districts of Tamil Nadu - Dharmapuri, Perambalur, Nilgiris, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Ariyalur, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and Namakkal. These districts have been selected on the basis of the Tamil Nadu Human Development Report, which states that the unemployment rate in these districts is more than three times the national average.In addition, the program also

plans to support hospitals in Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur with hygiene kits.Speaking about this initiative, Neil George, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said, “We are aware of the challenges vulnerable communities face, especially in a highly affected region by the pandemic. As a responsible company, we want to focus our contribution on vulnerable groups in our societies, to support and protect them.”

17-year-old boy held for molesting a young girl

SIVAgANgAI JUNe 3

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on a charge of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Sivagangai. Arul (17) hails from Karaikudi Sudamanipuram in Sivagangai district. He often visits his relative’s house in his neighbourhood. He sexually abused a 15-year-old girl who was there at the time. Knowing this, the girl's mother lodged a complaint at the Karaikudi All Women's Police Station. The police officers who acted on the complaint caught the boy and conducted an investigation. The investigation revealed that Arul had molested the girl. Following this, the police have arrested him and initiated a probe.

city sees major changes in latest police reshufflecheNNAI JUNe 3

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Sumit Sharan is posted as the IGP of Railways, IGP NK Senthamarai Kannan transferred and posted as the Commissioner of Police of Tirunelveli, IGP Najmal Hoda transferred and posted as the Commissioner of Police, Salem, and IGP V Vanitha transferred and posted as the Commissioner, Tirupur.

IGP Santhosh Kumar is posted as the IGP of the north zone in the existing vacancy while IGP PC Thenmozhi is appointed as the additional commissioner of police of the Chennai city police.

IGP K Joshi Nirmal Kumar is transferred and posted as the IGP of the CB-CID.

DIG Amit Kumar Singh is promoted as the IGP and

will continue in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on deputation.

DIG Ashwin M Kotnis is promoted as the IGP and will continue at the cabinet secretariat, DIG V Balakrishnan promoted and posted as the IGP of the central zone, DIG Pradip Kumar promoted and posted as the additional commissioner of police of Chennai city traffic police in the existing vacancy.

DIG R Sudhakar promoted as IGP and posted as the IGP of the west zone.

DIG Rupesh Kumar Meena is transferred and posted as the DIG of the CB-CID, DIG M Sathiya Priya is transferred and posted as the DIG of Kancheepuram range, DIG B Shamoondeshwari transferred and posted as the JCoP of the Chennai city headquarters.

Supreme court asks cbSe, cISce boards about objective criteria for class 12 exams New delhI JUNe 3

Supreme Court on CBSE Class 12 Board exams cancellation: As the CBSE Class 12 exams have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday said it was happy to note that the government has cancelled the lClass 12 board exams, and directed the CBSE and CICSE to place on record well-defined objective criteria for assessment of students in two weeks.

A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari asked Attorney General K K Venugopal and advocate J K Das, appearing for the CISCE, to place on record the parameters within two weeks.

CBSE objective criteria assessment of marks What are the objective criteria that you will use to give the result? asks SC "We are happy to note that the government has taken the decision to cancel Class 12 board exams, but we want that the objective criteria fixed for assessment of marks be placed before us," the bench said.The bench clarified that

it will not give more time for placement of objective criteria as many students will be taking admissions in colleges in India and abroad.The top court said that it will go through the objective parameters for assessment of marks, so that if anyone has objections they can be dealt with. "This is equally important as the relief sought

by the petitioners seeking cancellation of board exams," the bench observed.

The bench was hearing a plea seeking directions to cancel the Class 12 exams of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) amid the pandemic situation.At the outset, Venugopal said that he has circulated a letter about the decision taken by the government, which the bench said it has gone through. SC: When will you implement objective criteria for Class 12 exams?Das said CISCE wanted 3-4 weeks for placing the objective criteria as there will be consultation of experts in the process.

cm Stalin seeks proportionate allocation of vax dosescheNNAI JUNe 3

In his letter to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Stalin sought the Minister’s intervention to “ensure that Tamil Nadu is allocated vaccines at levels comparable to comparable states.” “Given the fact that we have almost exhausted

the vaccine supplied to us and the vaccination programme has come to a grinding halt, I request you to prioritise Tamil Nadu and frontload June’s supplies from the first week itself. This would help us to recommence our vaccination drive and sustain the momentum generated by

us in the last fortnight,” he added.

Highlighting the efforts taken by his government in eliminating vaccine hesitancy, the Chief Minister said Tamil Nadu had not received vaccines proportionate to its population and caseload.

cheNNAI JUNe 3On the occasion of the

birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on June 3, Chief Minister MK Stalin launched five schemes including the second instalment of COVID relief fund Rs. 2,000 and the ration package of 14 groceries.

The event was held at the Chennai General Secretariat today (Thursday) at 10.30 am. The 2nd instalment of Corona relief fund of Rs. 2,000, a package of 14

groceries including wheat flour, salt and rava each of 1 kg, of lentils and sugar half a kilo each, tamarind and grams 250g lentils each, mustard, cumin, turmeric powder,

100 gm each, chilli powder per 100 gm packet 2, bath soap and cloth soap per 1 gm were provided. Following this, Stalin provided welfare assistance for 10 beneficiaries

of the “Ungal thogudhiyil Mudhalamaichar” (Chief Minister in your constituency) scheme. This was followed by the launch of a Corona period allowance of Rs.4000 along with groceries to more than 14 thousand priests working in 12,959 temples across the state without a monthly salary.

The Chief Minister also handed over relief funds to the families of journalists, doctors, paramedics, cops and judges who died during the COVID duty.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on June 3, Chief Minister MK Stalin launched five schemes including the second instalment of COVID relief

fund Rs. 2,000 and the ration package of 14 groceries.

Ketti cSI college donates bedsheets, pillowcases for cOVId care centres KeTTI JUNe 3

CSI College of Engineering, Ketti in Nilgiris provided 100 blankets and pillowcases worth Rs. 25,000 for the usage in COVID treatment centres on Thursday.

On the direction of CSI Bishop Rt.Rev.Timothy Ravinder and CSI College of Engineering Correspondent M.N Sudhan Appadurai, 100 blankets and pillowcases worth Rs. 25,000 were provided on behalf of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan scheme and National Services

Scheme(NSS) of the college.In the presence of Principal Dr.Joshua Gnanasekaran, the project coordinator for NSS

and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Paratap handed over the relief items to the Tahsildar of Coonoor Srinivasan. The

Tahsildar wholeheartedly appreciated the college management for their service.

98th birth anniversary celebrations of m Karunanidhi

cheNNAI JUNe 3Chief Minister

pays homage at the Karunanidhi Memorial Former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's 98th birth anniversary is being celebrated today(Thursday).

Chief Minister MK Stalin paid floral tributes at the Anna and Karunanidhi memorials at Chennai Marina Beach.

Accompanying him were ministers, DMK MLAs, MPs and party executives who also paid floral tributes at Karunanidhi's memorial. As part of the occasion, Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the project of

planting 38,000 saplings per thousand saplings with a split-up of 1000 saplings per district, by planting saplings at the Karunanidhi Memorial. Following this, Chief Minister MK Stalin provided welfare assistance to the cleaning staff.

Later, Chief Minister MK Stalin paid homage to the statues of Karunanidhi at the Murasoli office in Kodambakkam and at the Anna Arivalayam in Teynampet. He then visited the Gopalapuram residence and paid floral tributes to the statue of Karunanidhi placed at the entrance of the house.

He also provided various welfare assistance.

He then initiated the distribution of welfare schemes including sewing machine for the poor, a tricycle for the disabled, scholarships, grants for transgender people and smartphones for students.

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Kanimozhi paid floral tributes at the Karunanidhi Memorial in Chennai Marina beach. Her mother Rasathi Ammal and Durga Stalin, wife of Chief Minister MK Stalin, paid floral tributes at the Karunanidhi Memorial.

2

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ThUrSdAY 3 JUNe 2021 cOImbATOre

NATIONAl chOcOlATe mAcArOON dAY - JUNe 3Each year, National

Chocolate Macaroon Day celebrates a tasty treat. Last month we celebrated National Macaroon Day on May 31st. Now we add a little chocolate to the mix, sweetening the deal.

The main ingredient is always shredded coconut, usually sweetened and sometimes toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring.

Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto

baking sheets and baked. Chocolate is added either

to the batter or the baked cookie is dipped into melted chocolate.

While these cookies are quite beautiful, people either love or hate coconut. These sturdy cookies go well with coffee and tea, too.

Serve them with biscotti, shortbread or lemon cookies to

History about the National Choclate Macaroon Day

National Day Calendar continues researching the

origins of this sweet holiday.President Woodrow

Wilson signs the National

Defense Act. The act expanded the size

of the United States National

Guard.Ed White completes

the first spacewalk by an American. He launched into space aboard the spacecraft Gemini 4.

The mission was NASA’s first multi-day mission in space. At the Tony Awards, The Producers wins 12 awards.

The record-setting musical comedy production by Mel Brooks starred Mathew Broderick and Nathan Lane.

June 3rd Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

The American pilot and flight instructor began flying at the age of 12. During her career.

She endured testing at the Lovelace Clinic under the premise that she could potentially become an astronaut.

However, NASA had no intentions at that time of allowing women into the space program.

The American beat writer is known for his poetry. He published several works including Howl and Other Poems.

Once the owner of Chili’s, Norman Brinker developed numerous restaurant concepts including the salad bar.

Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s works have been adapted to film.

His gritty westerns weave lore, legend and history into vivid landscapes and colorful characters.

Travis Hafner played Major League Baseball for nine seasons as a designated hitter and first baseman.

Hafner debuted with

the Texas Rangers and also played for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees add variety.

How to Celebrate the National Choclate Macaroon Day

Bake up chocolate macaroons for your chocolate and coconut loving friends and family.

Share your favorite recipes and combine milk, dark and white chocolates in your recipes.

If you’re looking for one to make, enjoy this Chocolate Macaroons recipe.

KArImNAgAr (TelANgANA) JUNe 3 :

Ten quintals of ammonium nitrate were seized from a stone-crushing unit and four people arrested while two others escaped, a police official said on Wednesday.

Acting on a tip-off, Telangana police seized the explosive substance meant for unauthorised use, said Karimnagar Police Commissioner V . B . K a m a l a s a n Reddy."We have arrested four people, seized 10 quintals of ammonium nitrate in 20 gunny bags and a trolley," he said.

Two of the four arrested gave the police the slip, he added. A case under Explosives Act was registered and the arrested were remanded in judicial custody, the police said adding that efforts to nab the absconding two were on.

explosives seized, 4 arrested in stone-crushing unit

cOImbATOre, JUN 3:

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has donated Rs 2 crore as a contribution from the employees, to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund.

TNAU Vice-chancellor Dr N Kumar handed over the cheque for the amount, which was voluntary contribution of employees' two-day salary, to Chief Minister M K Stalin recently to support the government's efforts in fighting the Covid pandemic, a TNAU release said on Wednesday.

cOVId-19: TNAU employees donate rs 2 crore to cmPrF

PUdUcherrY, JUNe 3 :

Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor in charge of Puducherry Tamilisai Soundararajan turned 60 on Wednesday.Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to her.She is now in Telangana to participate in the celebration of the formation day of the State.

A release from her office said she has expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister for his wishes conveyed through an e-mail.Telangana Chief Minister Chandrasekar Rao called on her at Raj Bhavan in Telangana and greeted her.Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry Central University Gurmeet Singh extended his greetings to her.He said, "It is people like you who make the future of the nation brighter and stronger."

Puducherry lt governor turns 60; Pm, others greet her

gUwAhATI, JUN 3All India Mahila

Congress president Sushmita Dev on Wednesday urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ensure the revival of the two closed paper mills of Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited, a central PSU, and stop the sale of the units to private parties.

In a letter to the chief minister, Dev said that the official liquidator has issued an e-auction sale notice for the sale of Nagaon Paper Mill and Cachar Paper Mill.

The HPC's Cachar unit in Panchgram ceased to function since October 2015, while the Nagaon mill in Jagiroad stopped operating from March 2017.

No salary was paid to the staff of Cachar and Nagaon units since January and March of 2017 respectively.

"As you are well aware that the employees have suffered loss of their only source of income and even death since the two mills stopped production without even a closure notice under the Industrials Disputes Act.

"These industries have given good dividends in the past and were viable as an industry and with an efficient management in place, I have

every reason to believe that these two mills can thrive and provide employment to the youths of Assam," she said in the letter.

The Cachar Paper Mill is the only public sector industry in Barak valley and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said that these industries will be revived in the greater interest of Assam, she added.

During campaigning for the recently held assembly election, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also renewed his assurance to save the two mills, Dev said.

"In the election manifesto, the BJP promised to re- open the Nagaon Paper Mill though unfortunately there was no mention of the Cachar Paper Mill," the Congress leader said in the

letter.The BJP government,

within days of taking charge for the second time in the state, in its first cabinet meeting had approved the biggest ever investment of Rs 2000 crore to raise its stake in the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), she said.

It also paid a cheque of Rs 500 crore to Oil India Limited to increase its shareholding to 26 per cent from 12.5 per cent following a bid to privatise it, the Mahila Congress chief said. The privatization of the NRL, a refinery set up as per the Assam Accord signed in 1985, "is definitely an emotional issue for the people of the state", she said and urged the state government to show the same spirit in the case of the two closed paper mills. "I hope the Assam government will show the same spirit and rescue the two paper mills and their employees from going into private hands at a meagre cost of Rs 1100 odd crores.

"You may be aware that the Kerala government took over the unit of Hindustan Newsprint Limited at Kottayam at the price that excluded the cost of land, which was originally given by the state government for the unit," she added.

mahila congress urges Assam cm to ensure revival of 2 closed paper mills

New delhI, JUN 3: The Jamia Millia Islamia will be

conducting open book exams online for the ongoing semester in the next few days, the central university said on Wednesday.

A mock examination shall also be conducted by the university to provide orientation to students for the open book examination in the current even semester, it added. The varsity said one hour of mock examination is compulsory

for every student and only after the successful completion of the test, they will be allowed to take the actual exam.

"The Office of the Controller of Examination has created a dedicated help desk number and an email-ID to address the issue of the students during the online mock examinations which will remain operative from 10 am to 7 pm on each day of examination till the examinations are over," it said.

Students will be given four hours

for the exam, including one hour for uploading of the answer sheets while differently-abled students will be given six hours and can even upload typed answer sheets in PDF format.

All India Students' Association (AISA) has been demanding the cancellation of exams owing to the current pandemic situation, logistical issues faced by students as some of them are grappling with the infection in their families.

Jamia millia Islamia to conduct online open book exams for current semester

"As you are well aware that the

employees have suffered loss of their

only source of income and even death since the two mills stopped

production without even a closure notice under

the Industrials Disputes Act"

JAIPUr, JUN 3: Special clinics and wards

will be set up in each district of Rajasthan for the treatment of various other diseases faced by patients who have recovered from coronavirus infection, a government order issued on Wednesday said.

Along with this, a pool of 10 counsellors will also be set up in each COVID designated hospital for psychological counselling of patients and their families recovering from the deadly infection, the order issued by Principal Secretary (Health) Akhil Arora stated.

According to the order, it has been seen during the second wave of the pandemic that in addition to black fungus, there are problems

of fear, depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress, etc., among the recovered patients. Along with the patients, their families are also facing psychological issues.

Keeping this in mind, the 'post-corona' clinics and wards will be set up in a separate part of the COVID hospital in each district, where patients suffering from the above psychological problems will be treated.

An out-patient department (OPD) service will be conducted in two shifts in these clinics. Patients can avail consultations in the clinic from 8 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm.

Availability of one senior doctor, two counsellors and

one AYUSH doctor (who has knowledge pertaining to respiratory exercises and yoga) would be deployed in each shift.

Meanwhile, the government has also decided to prepare a package for orphaned children whose parents died due to coronavirus.

This decision was taken in the online meeting of the State Council of Ministers held on Wednesday night.

According to the official statement issued after the meeting, the student community has also been greatly affected by the pandemic along with other sections of society.

It was informed in the meeting that during the first wave, 33 lakh helpless, destitute and labourer families were provided assistance of Rs 3,500 per family.

To support them, the second installment of Rs 1,000 for this year will be released in the month of June. The first installment of Rs 1,000 has been given to the families in April.

In the meeting chaired

by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, detailed discussions were held on the management of coronavirus in the state, vaccination, preparation of packages to support the children orphaned due to the pandemic and preparations to prevent the spread of infection in the potential third wave.

The Council of Ministers passed a resolution urging the Centre that it should provide free vaccines to the 18-44 years age group.

Despite issuing global tenders, vaccine manufacturers are not ready to provide the jabs to the states. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of the Centre to provide free vaccines in sufficient quantity.Accordingly, vaccines for children should also be made available to the states free of cost.

The Council of Ministers said the percentage of wastage of vaccine dose in the state is 2.08 per cent, which is much less than the national average of 6 per cent vaccine wastage and 10 per cent permissible limit for wastage referred by the central government.

rajasthan to set up special clinics in each district to help recovered cOVId patients

bhUbANeSwAr/mAlKANgIrI, JUN 3:

With about 50 members of Odishas Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) getting infected by COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic, the state government Wednesday announced a special package for them. Of the 62 tribes, 13 communities have been identified as the PVTG, earlier known as the Primitive Tribal Group, which live in dense forests and hills spread across 14 districts, an official said.

Around 541 villages with 27,308 households and 1,34,000 population exist in the 17 old Micro Project Agency (MPA) areas and 1,138 newly identified PVTG villages with 36,906 households and 1,60,401 population have further been notified in the existing MPAs and three additional MPAs established at Keonjhar, Jajpur and Dhenkanal districts.

The state has identified some members of Bonda, Didiya and other PVTGs as having contracted the infection. Odishas ST & SC, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Minister Jagannath Saraka Wednesday visited Bonda Hills in Malkangiri district and distributed essentials among the inhabitants as their livelihood has been affected due to the COVID-induced lockdowns and shutdowns.The minister met members of Bonda and Diddiya tribes

and made them aware of COVID-19 safety norms and distributed masks, sanitisers and food grains among them.

The special package includes distribution of free masks and sanitising materials to all PVTGs, a dry ration kit of Rs.2,500 to all COVID affected PVTG households, an incentive of Rs.1,400 to all PVTGs at the rate of Rs.100 per day for those affected by COVID-19 during their stay in institutional quarantine centres.

The government also launched a door-to-door survey and health screening of all PVTG households. Community Resource Persons(CRPs) working in PVTG villages will be awarded Rs. 1,000 per month as an incentive for four months, an official said.

Health kits and life insurance coverage have also been provided for all the field functionaries under MPAs, he said. The special package also includes fund provision for supporting the isolation centres set up at village level and COVID Care Centres

at MPA level and dedicated ambulances for emergency transport, the official said.

A massive awareness campaign has been taken up in all PVTG villages, the official said.

On detection of COVID symptoms, the block level Rapid Response Team is mobilised for conducting mass testing and referring the infected persons to isolation/quarantine centre/COVID Care Hospital as the case may be, he said. The government has also facilitated the establishment of isolation/ quarantine Centre in hard to reach pockets or wherever required on an emergency basis.

Bonda, Birhor, Chuktia, Bhunjia, Didayi, Dungaria, Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirida, Paudi, Bhuyan and Saora tribes are identified as PVTG jn Odisha. Bondas and Didiayis are found in the Malkangiri district, which shares its border with Andhra Pradesh on the east and south and Chhattisgarh on the west.

Odisha announces special package for PVTgs for cOVId-19 management

rANchI, JUN 3: Jharkhand reported nine new COVID-19

deaths, continuing with the declining trend of fatalities, even as 609 more people tested positive, a health department bulletin said on Wednesday. The death toll rose to 5,000, while the coronavirus tally stood at 3,38,383, it said. The highest number of deaths were reported from East Singhbhum at three followed by state capital Ranchi (2), while one death each were recorded from Dhanbad,

Hazaribag, Latehar and West Singhbhum. No one succumbed to the virus since Tuesday in 18 of the 24 districts of the state, including Bokaro, Chatra, Deoghar, Dumka, Garhwa, Lohardaga, Pakur, Palamu and Simdega, the bulletin said. The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the state has improved to 96.14 per cent, above than the national average of 92.10 per cent. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, the state government has extended the lockdown till June 10.

Jharkhand reports 9 more cOVId-19 fatalities, 609 fresh cases

bhUbANeSwAr, JUN 3: Senior BJD leader Bijayshree

Routray died at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, his family said. Routray, also a former minister in the state government, was 67.

He is survived by two sons and wife. Routray was undergoing treatment for post-COVID complications at the hospital.

"My father's blood pressure fell abnormally this morning and it could not be maintained," said his son Bishnubrata Routray, an MLA.

Routray was elected to the state assembly six times from the Basudevpur seat -- twice on the Janata Dal ticket and four times as a BJD candidate.The son of former chief minister Nilamani Routray,

he entered the assembly for the first time in 1990. He has held several portfolios as a minister in the Naveen Patnaik government, including Health, Forest and Environment and Revnue.

Routray decided not to contest the 2019 elections, and the party gave ticket to his son

Bishnubrata.After completing MA in Geography, Routray joined Ravenshaw College as a lecturer. However, he quit the job and joined politics in 1980.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described him as a very popular leader.Assembly Speaker SN Patro said he and Routray had been with Biju Patnaik since 1990. "He was one of my close friends. I had last met him 20-25 days ago and we had a long discussion," he said.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled Routray's demise, while BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda expressed grief.Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan said, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Routray. His death has created a void in Odisha politics."

bJd leader bijayshree routray dies of post-cOVId complications at 67

S.M. Sudharshini, D/O.Namakkal couple S.Manjunathan and Sumathi, donates her small savingsamount of Rs 2000 to the District Collector, K.Megharaj towards the Chief Minister's relief fund.

3ThUrSdAY 3 JUNe 2021 cOImbATOre

Erode AIADMK zonal secretary R Manoharan distributing rice bags to 1000 sanitary workers of Erode Corporation as corona relief in the presence 3rd zone assistant commissioner Vijaya at the Corporation office premises.

Amazon launches cOVId-19 scheme for frontline teams and employeescOImbATOre JUNe 3

To support its employees and frontline teams, Amazon India has launched a COVID-19 Relief Scheme (CRS). Amazon India will provide financial assistance to frontline teams of associates hired through staffing agencies and other eligible employees with a COVID-19 allowance and hospital reimbursement. The COVID-19 allowance is a one-time grant per employee of Rs. 30,600 for in-house COVID care, medical equipment, or medication related expenses. If employees exceed their maximum insurance cover

due to COVID-19 related hospitalization expenses, Amazon India will also additionally reimburse insurance-approved hospital expenses upto Rs. 1,90,000.

Frontline associates working through staffing agencies are eligible for a one month salary advance to cover COVID-19 related healthcare and medical treatment as well as paid leave, medical insurance and ESIC benefits, should they be quarantined. Medical insurance support is also provided to all Delivery Service Partner associates and I Have Space partners, according to a company’s release.

4 held for smuggling liquorerOde, JUNe 3

Government liquor stores have been temporarily closed due to total curfew. So, some persons smuggle liquor from Karnataka by train. Erode Railway Police have received information that liquor bottles are being smuggled on the Mysore-Thoothukudi express train. Following this, the police raided the Mysore-Thoothukudi express train which arrived at the Erode railway station.

The search revealed that four men were carrying bottles of liquor hidden in their handbags. Following this, the police took the four to the Erode Railway Police Station and confiscated 22 liter bottles of liquor brought by Praveen from Ramnagar, Karnataka and 72 liter bottles of liquor from Mani, Paramasivam and Ranjithkumar from Madurai. Police confiscated 550 liquor bottles and arrested them for smuggling liquor bottles from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.

1100 vehicles confiscated in a single dayerOde, JUNe 3

Corona 2nd wave is spreading fast in Tamil Nadu. To control this, a full curfew has been extended until June 7 and restrictions have been tightened.

Despite the full curfew, large numbers of people in two-wheelers and four-wheelers roam around as usual. Police subsequently confiscated their vehicles, filed a case and fined them. Erode police arrested motorists and sent them for corona test in an ambulance.

On the 9th day of the curfew yesterday, police were engaged in intensive surveillance across the district. Yesterday, 300 people who did not wear face shields were fined Rs 200 each. Thirty people who did not abide by the social gap were prosecuted and fined.

A total of 1055 cases were registered for violating the curfew. Police also seized 1072 two-wheelers and 28 four-wheelers. A fine of Rs 5.50 lakh was imposed yesterday alone, police said.

Tokens distributed for rs 2000 corona relief erOde JUNe 3

Officials started issuing tokens for distribution of the second instalment relief of Rs. 2,000 and 13 types of ration items to all card holders.

The government distributed the first instalment of Rs 2000 corona relief last month. Currently, the second instalment of Rs 2,000 and a package of 14 groceries are to be distributed from June 3, the birthday of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi.

In Erode district, 713190 ration card holders would get the second instalment of Rs 2000 in 1,152 ration shops. Card holders can go to the specific date, time as mentioned in the token and get the goods and amount.

People with corona infection, those in isolation and those who have not received early relief due to any other reason can also receive the amount during this month.

Officials said each store would have to deliver goods and cash to only 200 people per day. The package of 13 groceries will be supplied from June 5.

roadside dwellers trained in handicraft makingerOde JUNe 3

Manisha, head of the Jeevitham Foundation, trains roadside dwellers to make wire baskets, face masks etc and thus helps them to earn some thing during the current corona curfew period.

Hundreds of roadside dwellers have been housed in various camps in the Erode district. Each camp is overseen by its own organization. Volunteers provide food 3 times a day to the helpless roadside residents staying in the camps. Items including clothes are also provided.

But, Jeevitham came forward to teach some vocations to roadside dwellers at the camp at Erode Cauvery Road Corporation Middle School.

Manisha, camp organiser, says ''Jeevitham conducted a similar camp in the same school during the last Corona period. We try to unleash the talents of everyone who stay in the camp. Last year,

we prepared the roadside dwellers to prepare enough food for them in the camp itself.

After vocational training, many started moving to permanent jobs.

In this situation, we have been distributing food to the roadside dwellers for the last 15 days as the 2nd wave started.

Then we started the camp and training with the permission of the Corporation Commissioner. Now, the camp has 70 persons, staying

for the past 10 days. We offer various training daily. 20 people were trained to make masks another 20 people trained to make wire baskets. The masks were given to cleaning workers. Rs 5000 worth raw materials were bought. Suma Rs. We have purchased items for 5,000. We plan to sell the wire baskets made by the campers to the public after the end of the curfew. She said that we had given these trainings with the aim of making them live with confidence like fellow human beings.

corporation commissioner Ilangovan warns traderserOde, JUNe 3

More than 100 mobile operators are selling vegetables, fruits and groceries are being sold in residential areas in Erode town.

The products, which were initially sold by mobile vehicle, were allowed to sell in push carts also for the convenience of the people and the traders have been issued passes on behalf of the corporation.

In this situation, there were complaints that some of the traders were selling goods by sitting on the floor.

Following this, the officers led by the Commissioner of the Corporation Ilangovan conducted a surprise inspection. It was revealed

that five peddlers in the Surampatti area were engaged in selling goods by keeping on the floor.

As a result, 5 shopkeepers were fined and their licenses revoked.

Commissioner Ilangovan said:

For the convenience of the people in the metropolitan area, the traders were allowed to sell vegetables and fruits by using vehicles only.

But some traders are engaged in the business by keeping goods on the floor.

This is a wrong act. Trolley shopkeepers

engaged in such business will be fined and their business license will be revoked, he said.

Public debate with police on essential goods supply erOde, JUNe 3

The people of Surampatti Barathipuram, Erode demanding the sale of essential goods in the isolated area there. There are more than 200 families living in Surampatti

Bharathipuram in the Erode metropolitan area. In this case, 10 people living here were confirmed to have corona infection two

days ago. Consequently, persons in the area have been advised not to go outside. Barriers have also been set up to prevent outsiders from entering.

This has made it impossible for vehicles with essential commodities such as milk and vegetables to enter into the street. The people of the area got into a heated argument with the

police who were on security duty there, claiming that this was causing them a lot of trouble. Corporation officials who arrived at the scene after receiving the information assured that they would take action to make the essential items available. Following this, the people of the area dispersed. This caused a flutter in the area for some time.

minister distributes corona relief to cops

erOde, JUNe 3 Housing Minister S.

Muthusamy provided corona relief assistance to the police personnel working in the Erode district.

The event was held at the Armed Reserve police premises at Erode. The event

was organized by Erode District SP P Thangathurai. Tamil Nadu Housing Minister S. Muthusamy attended the event and provided welfare assistance to the police including rice and face shields.

Later, at a press conference, Minister

Muthusamy said that 10 separate beds have been prepared for the frontline staff at the Perundurai Medical College Hospital.

So far, 289 cops have been affected with corona. Precautionary measures were taken to check spreading of corona. The corona vaccine

has been in short supply. Therefore, vaccination has been given to the most affected areas and densely populated areas in the district.

Separate routes and wards for the corona patients were created in the government hospitals to check spreading of corona, he added.

Housing Minister S. Muthusamy providing welfare assistance to the police personnel working in the Erode district.collector's fiat to pvt hospitalserOde JUNe 3

Private hospitals in Erode district should follow corona prevention measures, said Collector C Kathiravan.

He said patients coming to their hospital and clinic should wear face shields and ensure compliance with social space.

The details including the name, address and mobile number of the patients coming for treatment should be recorded in the register.

Details of patients with fever for more than three days should be reported to the nearest primary health center, Government Hospital.

Patients with fever for more than three days should be sure to take a swab test for corona. If the infection is confirmed by CT scan, it should be reported to the primary health center.The medical waste collected at the hospital should be disposed of properly, he advised.

TmmK cadres stage demo erOde JUNe 3

Cadres of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam led by district president A. Siddique staged a demo at Sangunagar, Erode. They said people in India are suffering from the second wave of corona. Meanwhile, in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Chattisgarh, the Union government has directed the respective district collectors to conduct citizenship census in 13 districts in the last few days.

The Union Home Ministry has asked the states to collect census of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and Parsis, (minorities) who came from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They demanded that the ordinance be repealed and that such a survey be stopped. Similar stirs were held in 12 places.

cong seeks more action to control corona erOde JUNe 3

Erode South District Congress leader Dr Makkal Rajan submitted a petition to Erode Collector C. Kathiravan asking him to take strict action to curb the spread of corona in the district. His petition stated: In the district, corona spread is increasing next to Chennai and Coimbatore.

On behalf of the Erode South District Congress Party, we conducted a survey by using more than 50 volunteers. The study indicated that the government hospitals do not follow the instructions given by the government. Infection is transmitted from one person to another. However, when the infected person is admitted to the government hospital, his relative is also allowed to stay.Government hospitals, primary health centers, should take steps to admit and treat patients immediately. It would control the mortality rate which is much high. Doctors do not go to the hospital every day to examine and treat patients. Many patients who need oxygen can be seen taking oxygen in ambulances outside the hospital. Information on place, date, time on vaccination should be made public on advance to help public more. Steps must be taken to vaccinate without interruption to all. We need to create awareness among the rural people and vaccinate them more. If the corona test is done, the result should be reported within a few hours and treatment should be started immediately.Those who are isolated should be treated daily by doctors and medical teams, he pleaded.

Plea to streamline vegetable price erOde JUNe 3

Although the agribusiness department has published a list of vegetable prices in Erode district, the traders selling vegetables and fruits at higher price.

Due to the surge in corona cases, total lockdown was enforced from May 24.

After 24, traders were permitted to sell vegetables and groceries in vehicles.

As of yesterday, 1,850 vehicles have been licensed at the district level.

During the curfew, a full load of essential items, including vegetables and milk, is brought in trucks.

The following is the vegetable prices one kg, according to the agribusiness department:

Tomato – Rs 16, cabbage – 46, lady's finger – 40, Pudalai – 37, Birkan – 76, surakkai – 12, Grey Pumpkin – 16, Sugar Pumpkin – 16, K Bean – 48, Beans – 90, Kottavarai. –32, white radish –37, red radish –46, stewed chilli –46, samba

chili –40, large onion –30 to 35, small onion –60 to 67, drumstick –52, sweet potato –25, cassava – 18, spinach – 8, mint bundle – 7, coriander bundle – 25, coconut – 10 to 25, a banana – 4 to 7, a banana flower– 10, a banana stalk – 5, Ginger – 55, Potato – 32, Carrot – 56, Beetroot – 46, Local Beetroot – 40, Nulcol – 47, Turnip – 47, Local Beans – 88, Cabbage – 15, Umbrella Chili – 52, Potato– 26, Cauliflower –24.

Fruits per kg, Papaya – 23, Lemon – 4 to, 7, Guava – 50, Sappota – 35, Banana Poovan – 2 to, 3, Rastali – 2.50 to, 4, Monthan – 4 to, 6, Green Nadan – 2 to 4, Morris –2 to, Watermelon –10, Pomegranate –135, Mango –30 to, 60, Apple – 216 to, 230, Sattukudi – 130, Mulam –30, Grapes –40.

Compared to last, 22nd, 23rd May, the price is low.

But, the vegetables sold in carts on the streets are sold at an extra price of Rs 5 to Rs 30 per kilo. People expect action to be taken to control this.

cOImbATOre JUNe 3

There is a risk of disease spread due to medical waste dumped on the banks of Periyakulam in Coimbatore.

Periyakulam in the Ukkadam area of Coimbatore has been under the control of the corporation administration since 2010.

Periyakulam, which covers an area of 1295 sq km, has environmental problems including overgrowth of agave and

mixing of waste water.In this situation, the incident where some anonymous persons dumped medical waste on the bank of the pond opposite the Ukkadam bus stand has caused shock.

In Coimbatore, where medical waste is dumped in a pond in the heart of the city in an environment where corona infection is already high, has posed a risk of the disease spreading.

The Ukkadam police are investigating the incident.

medical waste in Ukkadam pond poses a health threat

cOImbATOre JUNe 3

The Government of Tamil Nadu announced a shuffle of bureaucrats on Wednesday, according to which many of the IPS officers have been transferred.

Accordingly, the government posted R Sudhakar as the Inspector General of Police(IG), west zone. He was serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Madurai range, prior to the new post.

Sudhakar will replace A Amalraj who has been posted as the IG west zone on April 1 after the Election Commission of India ordered the transfer of R. Dhinakaran who had been holding the post.

In another shuffle, M S Muthusamy has been posted as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Coimbatore range.

He was serving as DIG of the Dindigul range. Muthusamy will replace K S Narenthiran Nayar who has been posted as the DIG/Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, South, Greater Chennai Police.

Officers rejig- Sudhakar appointed as Ig west Zone

The Government of Tamil Nadu announced a shuffle of bureaucrats

on Wednesday, according to which many of the IPS officers have been

transferred.

The staff of Amma Restaurant on Gandhi Road in Erode serving sweets to the public who come to the

restaurant on the occasion of its 9th anniversary. The public gather to buy goods at a ration shop in

Erode.

edITOrIAl

4 ThUrSdAY 3 JUNe 2021 cOImbATOre

Again and again, we are forced to talk about corona infection prevention measures. Newspapers, weekly

magazines and television channels publish more news about this because people become aware only if it is repeatedly discussed and written. The only way to eradicate the corona monster is to make sure that we do not give in to vain hesitation and scepticism when it comes to vaccines while people around the world are boldly accepting vaccines. Register in advance without complaining that the vaccine is not available and vaccinate immediately when available. We did discuss that the solution to this would only be attained if we get enough vaccines during the first wave of corona last year. Now the vaccines have arrived. Why still hesitant ?.

why hesitate to get vaccinated?

cOImbATOre JUNe 3

CSI All Souls Church and the Jeevasanthi Foundation in Coimbatore have jointly launched a help desk in the city to help corona patients.

With the second wave of corona spreading in Tamil Nadu, the Coimbatore district has the highest caseload in the state. As the number

of corona patients has increased, a similar helpline for infected people has been set up at CSI Primary School in Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore. Rev Charles Samraj, Chairman and Presbyter of All Souls Church, cut the ribbon and inaugurated the centre. Many people including DMK executives Colony Vinod Anand, Thalapthy Moses,

Poorna Chandran, School Correspondent Arul Prabhu, Trust Chairman Saleem, and Praveen Anand were present. Rev Charles Samraj said that the centre has been established to provide food to patients who reach out to them and to provide ambulance services as well. He added that there are ten oxygen concentrators in place for emergency services.

cSI All Souls church and Jeevansanthi Foundation launches cOVId help desk

dINdIgUl JUNe 3A five-year-old girl

from Pattiveeranpatti in the Dindigul district has been affected by the black fungal infection after having been affected by COVID 19.

The girl who was earlier affected by coronavirus is now confirmed with the black fungal infection. She has been taken to a private hospital in Madurai for further treatment.

The second wave of

coronavirus was rampant in Tamil Nadu following which a complete curfew has been imposed.

In recent days, a fungal infection called the ‘black fungus’ has been predominantly affecting COVID patients.

The experts have predicted that the third wave of COVID 19 is likely to affect the younger lot, especially the infants and toddlers.

5 year old affected by black fungus in dindigul

New delhI JUNe 3It has been reported that

8,733 people were killed in train collisions last year and most of them were migrant workers.

Chandrasekhar Kaur from Madhya Pradesh had asked the Railway Board for details of the number of people killed in train collisions last year under the Right to Information Act for which the Railway Board has responded. According to the response, 8,733 were killed in train collisions across the country last year as per the state police reporting. It was also mentioned that 805 people were injured and most of the victims who succumbed to crashes were migrant workers.

They were walking to their hometowns via railway

tracks during the curfew. They did so because rail travel was considered easier than road travel in terms of distance and timing. They also thought they could escape from the police if they went through the tracks. It is also said that they might have thought that the chances of missing out on the correct route are comparatively lesser and that the trains

would not come on the tracks as the passenger train had been cancelled.

However, the freight trains continued to run.

Last year the number of train collisions was lower than the previous 4 years, but this number of deaths has come as a shock as rail traffic was drastically reduced last year due to the corona threat.

8,733 deaths in train collisions last year- many were migrant workers

Punjab Association donates rs. 50 lakhs to cm relief Fund

cheNNAI JUNe 3Punjab Association,

Chennai has donated Rs.50 lakhs towards Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The cheque was handed over to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. M.K.Stalin by the President of Punjab Association, Chennai Mr. Vikram Aggarwal, along with Ramesh Lamba, General Secretary and Harish Kumar Sanghi, Treasurer. During

this second wave of Covid 19, Punjab Association, Chennai has donated over 1 lakh masks to the needy, besides supplying 500 Food Packets with Water Bottles daily to the Hospitals.

The initiative was lagged off by the Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment, Mr.P.K. Sekar Babu, who is also the Co-ordinator for Covid Relief, on 27.05.2021.

The association has assured the Government that they will extend this supply so long as required.

Punjab Association, Chennai also organised a Covid Vaccination Camp at Anna Adarsh College, M.G.R Adarsh School, Adarsh Vidyalaya and Gill Adarsh School on 28.05.2021 for 18+ age groups for the benefit of Students,Teachers and general public at large.

vivo debuts new “To beautiful moments” campaign for UeFA eUrO 2020™cheNNAI JUNe 3

Debuting its “To Beautiful Moments” advertising campaign on June 1, 2021, vivo encourages people to be in the moment, by connecting virtually with friends, family and fellow fans or giving their full attention to the beautiful game, UEFA EURO 2020™.

“People around the world have been eagerly awaiting the UEFA EURO 2020™ tournament. Now more than ever, we want to celebrate the

spirit and sportsmanship of the game and help fans get the most out of the experience,” said Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and CMO of vivo. “We strive not only to help people capture and share life’s magical moments, but to make every moment in life more magical.”

The new advertising campaign will roll out beginning today, airing on television in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China, and around

the world on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The creative shows fans enjoying, capturing and sharing beautiful moments before, after and in-between matches, while sending the message, “give your phone a break, and be there for life’s beautiful moments.”

“Through its partnership with UEFA, vivo looks to connect with and expand its widening user-base of over 400 million people worldwide,” said Spark Ni.

Mr. Harish Sanghi, Treasurer, Mr. Ramesh Lamba, General Secretary and Mr. Vikram Aggarwal, President, Punjab Association Chennai handing over a cheque of Rs. 50

Lakhs to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M K Stalin

5600cr mallya assets can go to banks:courtmUmbAI JUNe 3

In two separate orders, the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court has allowed the plea of the SBI-led consortium of banks to restore to it properties collectively worth Rs 5,600 crore of absconding businessman Vijay Mallya.

Through an order on May 24, the court restored assets worth around Rs 4,233 crore.

Tuesday’s order related to assets worth Rs 1,411 crore.

In both orders, the court held prima facie Mallya and his companies were involved in falsification of accounts and funds misappropriation.

The assets include under-construction properties in Kingfisher Tower, Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru, spread over 2.45 lakh sq ft and worth over Rs 564 crore, multiple floors of a tower at UB City, Bengaluru valued at Rs 713 crore (as per the ready reckoner rate in 2016) and a land parcel along with a farm house at Mandwa, Alibaug, worth around Rs 25 crore.

In addition, bank deposits and pledged shares are also to be restored.

While some of the assets are in Mallya’s name, others are held through his companies.n 2019, the SBI-led consortium of 12 banks

had submitted the application seeking “restoration” of the properties attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the provisions of the PMLA.

It was alleged that the banks that had disbursed loans to Mallya and his companies had suffered losses of over Rs 6,200 crore due to their criminal actions.

Mallya’s defence had opposed the plea stating he had given only a personal guarantee and that could not connect him to the alleged money laundering.

Refuting the arguments, the court said that Mallya had full control and command over Kingfisher Airlines Ltd.

It said that despite having no offshore operations, its accounts indicated expenditure of fuel for ‘aircraft operating offshore.

The court further said between 2009 and 2011,

though the company’s financial condition was poor, it it transferred money received through loans to Mallya’s Force India.

“The transferred amount was shown as payments for operating expenses in relation to flight operations,” the court said.

The court said the losses were not not imaginary.

“The accused Dr Vijay Mallya himself placed a proposal for replacement of dues.

Had there been no loss to the banks, why is Dr Vijay Mallya ready to repay the loss the court said.

It also pointed out that the properties were insufficient to meet the losses suffered by banks. In the orders, the court also remarked that it was surprising to note that Mallya’s legal team was demanding information from the investigating agencies as to when they would secure the custody of the accused.

Dr Vijay Mallya should come with clean hands,” special judge Jayendra C Jagdale said.

The court also said that restoration can take place on the the banks executing a bond, undertaking to produce the properties before it as and when required.

SI shot at in chennai ; gangster breaks hand & leg in failed attempt to escapecheNNAI JUNe 3

A day after a senior police officer told TOI that Manikandan alias C D Mani, a notorious city gangster, was picked up from a hideout in Teynampet, visuals of a a sub-inspector with bullet injuries to his shoulder purportedly suffered during the operation went viral on Wednesday.There was no clarity on how the history-sheeter, involved in more than 10 cases of murders and 22 cases of extortion and kidnapping, was arrested or how he shot SI Balakrishnan. Police told reporters on Wednesday that Mani too suffered fractures to his hand and leg while trying to escape from them.

According to police, Mani, 46, was arrested in a ‘daylight operation’ on Outer Ring Road on Wednesday when was coming in a luxury car near Porur. When SI Balakrishnan and his team tried to stop him around 2pm, the suspect first refused to open the door and later opened fire on them with his unlicensed gun. Balakrishnan was shot on his shoulder. Despite suffering injuries, the SI and other policemen

chased Mani. When they were about to nab him, Mani jumped off the flyover on ORR and suffered injuries to his leg and hand. Police seize ammunition, pistol involved in accident SI Balakrishnan was admitted to Government Royapettah Hospital for treatment. Chennai police commissioner Shankar Jiwal visited him at the hospital.

Police said they have seized a pistol, ammunition and the vehicle involved in the incident. Mani started his career in crime by selling pirated VCDs of films. He then got into real estate deals, targeting big ticket properties under litigation. He was active in Velachery, Madipakkam and other South Chennai areas.

ex- minister fears arrest, seeks bailcheNNAI JUNe 3

Facing sexual harassment and murder threat charges from a woman, who is a Malaysian national, former AIADMK minister M Manikandan has moved the Madras high court seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in connection with the case.

Manikandan said he was a general surgeon and was in government service for 12 years, and that he was minister for information technology between 2016 and 2019, after being elected from Ramanathapuram assembly constituency.

He said there was no iota of truth in the allegations levelled against him and added that the entire complaint and the accompanying documents were concocted, after several attempts for compromise with extortionist demands were not accepted by him.He added that the allegations made against him do not constitute the ingredients of the offence under Section 313 (causing miscarriage without woman’s consent) of IPC.

Father-son threaten dispensary staff member for a covid negative certificateVAlPArAI JUNe 3

A father-son duo have been booked for threatening a staffer of a tea estate dispensary to issue a Covid negative certificate at Valparai on the outskirts of the city on Monday. The Valparai police said 26-year-old P Sivakumar, son of 49-year-old G Palanisamy, a resident and labourer of Akkamalai tea estate, had tested positive for the virus 10 days ago when he returned to the hometown from Coimbatore city, where he was working as a labourer. “While Sivakumar was admitted to the government hospital for treatment, his family members were asked to remain in home quarantine. He was discharged three days ago after testing negative for

the infection with an advice to isolate himself at home,” a police officer said.

However, the father-son duo refused to remain in home quarantine and approached the estate dispensary staffer A Murugesan on Monday, demanding Covid negative certificate for Palanisamy so that he could return to work. “When Murugesan refused to provide the certificate and asked them to come back after completing their quarantine

period, the argument between them turned into a quarrel and the father-son duo threatened Murugesan with dire consequences and assaulted him,” the officer said.

Murugesan lodged a complaint with the Valparai police, who registered a case under Sections 294(b) (uttering obscene words) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code on Tuesday. Further investigation is on.

A father-son duo have been booked for threatening a staffer of a tea estate

dispensary to issue a Covid negative certificate at Valparai on the outskirts of

the city on Monday.

IcIcI Prudential life introduces retirement plan with regular income optioncheNNAI JUNe 3

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has introduced a retirement solution by combining two variants of its popular ‘Guaranteed Pension Plan’, which offers a guaranteed return on investments.

This solution provides customers with increasing regular income that doubles after five years and triples after the 11 th year, thereby shielding them against the rising cost of living. In recognition of the innovative

and industry-first features offered by the Company’s ‘Guaranteed Pension Plan’, it has been voted by consumers as ‘Product of the Year – Retirement and Pension Plans’ category.

Product of the Year (POY) is the world largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in their respective categories.

Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Distribution Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said, We are delighted that consumers have

voted Guaranteed Pension Plan as ‘Product of the Year’.

We believe, the industry-first features of this product resonated very well with consumers and is a testimony of our approach to developing innovative products.

It is imperative that customers plan for their retirement and the solution offered by the ‘Guaranteed Pension Plan’ enables customers to receive increasing regular income and lead a financially self- sufficient retired life.”

world's largest meat producer hit by 'russian hack'cANberrA JUNe 3

The world's largest meat processing company is getting back online after production around the world was disrupted by a cyberattack just weeks after a similar incident shut down a US iol pipeline . Brazil's JBS SA said on Tuesday it had made "significant progress" in dealing with the attack and expected and "vast majority" of it's plants to be operating on Wednesday ."We are not sparing any resources to fight this treat," Andre Nogueira , CEO of JBS USA , said Earlier , the white House said JBS had notified the US of a ransom demand from a criminal organisation likely based in Russia.

Auto driver offers free rides to cOVId patientsAVINAShI JUNe 3

Y Sirajdeen, 36, who has now emerged as a front line warrior, has been transporting up to eight patients daily to hospitals and those discharged to their homes. Hailing from Devarayapuram near Avinashi, the auto driver had been ferrying COVID-19 patients for admission in Avinashi Government Hospital, Tirupur Government Hospital and to scan centres. “I had been riding not less than 200 km every day from morning till night over the last fortnight. Till Tuesday, I went for up to eight rides to transport patients, but

since the case load has started to decline, I had three rides on Wednesday,” he said. “After lock down, I stayed idle at home without work for two days. Then, I realised the difficulty faced by COVID-19 patients in reaching hospitals due to lack of adequate ambulance

services and private vehicles too were involved in fleecing. Hence, I decided to do my bit for the poor by offering free rides,” Sirajdeen said. His family members were initially hesitant to let him take up the risky job of transporting COVID-19 patients. “My wife was reluctant, but my two daughters stood by my decision and helped me to convince her also. They are now happy with my service at this hour of crisis,” he said. Sirajdeen said that he had offered free rides to about 100

“I wear a PPE, gloves and sanitise the vehicle after each ride,” he added

wAShINgTON JUNe 3

President Joe Biden has on Wednesday announced that beer is free for those who are vaccinated in the United States.

At least 63% of people over the age of 21 in the United States have been vaccinated with the first dose. President Biden plans to vaccinate 70% of the population by July 4, the day of US Independence

Day. The White House has issued various action notices for this. Multiple incentives have been announced, including free beer, free tickets to sporting events, free baby care on vaccination day, paid vacation, and a free luxury cruise travel. The U.S. government hopes these concessions will change the minds of those who are reluctant to get vaccinated.

The US government has announced free offer programs in collaboration with private companies as well. In addition, it has been announced that Vice President Kamala Harris will travel across the country to raise awareness about the vaccine.

biden announces free beer among other incentives for vaccination

minor fire at mandaikadu bhagavathi TemplemAdUrAI JUNe 3

Sources said that some of the wooden beams that held the tiled roof above the sanctum sanctorum suddenly caught fire. However, the temple did not suffer much damage. The Colachel station fire office received a call at 7.05 am. In a swift response, a team of fire personnel with water tenders from Colachel and Thuckalay

rushed to the temple and put out the blaze, said District Fire Officer Saravana Babu. Mano Thangaraj, Information and Technology Minister, A Vijayakumar, Rajya Sabha MP, other MLAs in the district, Collector M Arvind and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tirunelveli Range, Praveen Kumar Abinapu inspected the temple, sources said.

Farmers can monitor desilting works any time, says top officialThIrUchIrAPAllI JUNe 3

Presiding over a discussion on desilting with the officials and the farmers of Thanjavur district, Pradeep Yadav said, the suggestions of the farmers on the desilt programme would be taken up based on fund availability.

“The officials are asked to ensure quality in desilt works that should withstand at least for five years and asked to be transparent on the ongoing works,” he said

Stating that an appeal for establishing a monitoring committee with the participation of the farmers has been made in the meeting, the monitoring officer said that the farmers can visit the ongoing desilt works and monitor the process whenever they want.

“The officials are asked to display a board about the desilt project prior to the commencement of the works

and all the works should be completed on time,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said that the works would start well in advance of the release of water from Mettur Dam.

“At the same time, next year, the desilt works would start by the month of February itself,” he informed.Earlier, Collector M Govinda Rao said, as many as 185 desilt works in ‘A’ and ‘B’ category canals would be started to the tune of Rs 20.50 crore.

“Since water flow would soon be available in the ‘A’ category canals, they would be given priority while undertaking the works for which as many as 155 machineries have been allotted among which 78 were distributed till Tuesday and 63 works have already started,” the Collector said.

The desilt works in the ‘A’ category canals would be completed within two weeks.