Aparna Ganesan

Environment

Study confirms presence of pollutants in Wetlands within Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

A study shows the presence of cancer-causing industrial solvents found in water bodies within Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Some are even likely to cause severe damage to the reproductive and nervous systems.

Politics

Reopening TASMAC amidst lockdown paves way for illegal sales of liquor in TN

“For how many days did the state give us a thousand rupees? It took it all back in TASMAC stores anyway,” said a labourer, pointing out that despite the state providing cash assistance to families in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories, it exploits their weaknesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Takeaways

Poachers show off on TikTok, get arrested by the TN forest dept

Tamil Nadu faces increased poaching of wildlife despite the lockdown. “We are seeing a minimum of six cases of poaching carried out by youngsters every month,” said Sadiq Ali, Honorary wildlife warden for the Nilgiris.

Coronavirus

1600% increase in price of surgical masks | How to file a complaint against high prices?

“Products like masks, hand sanitizers must fall within the purview of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This will ensure standardisation and maintenance of quality,” said Sankar Raja.

Coronavirus

“My family went through hell,” says student under home quarantine for COVID-19

Upon returning to India amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, home quarantine did not go the way Shalini expected. With leaked photographs of her family members on WhatsApp, to self-isolation from loved ones, she says, “This has been one of the hardest times my family and I have been through.”

Coronavirus

Containing the spread of COVID-19: Hotspots and geographic quarantining

As of 15th April 2020, there are 170 COVID-19 hotspots in India. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi are states with the highest number of hotspots.

Politics

Life of the doctors at Tamil Nadu’s 24x7 control room | Exclusive

“Please do not address this as a call centre,” requests a health officer working in Tamil Nadu’s 24x7 control room. A team of 38 doctors attend an average of 900 calls per day.

Coronavirus

Tamil Nadu: First state to install and ban disinfection tunnels

Disinfection tunnels will create a false sense of security that may divert people from washing their hands. In addition, the spraying of alcohol/chlorine/Lysol is not only harmful but also ineffective.

Coronavirus

Chennai’s Ritchie Street faces uncertainty: Coronavirus and the electronics market

A look back at March 14: Shop owners at Ritchie Street faced a heavy brunt because of the temporary suspension of electronic items from China due to the coronavirus.

Environment

World Wildlife Day 2020: Can India save its dying birds?

A report shows that 101 species of birds in India have been classified as ‘High conservation concern’. The greatest decline has been in the numbers of eagles, vultures, warblers, and migrating shorebirds. But the population of peafowl, the national bird, has increased significantly.