Southern Indian states, like the rest of India, continue to battle Covid-19 with Tamil Nadu still being the worst affected state with over 13,000 confirmed cases.
Here’s a look at all that’s making news down south:
1. Karnataka reports a 60% drop in liquor sales
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The Karnataka government has reported that the liquor sales in the states have decreased by 60% after a hike in taxes. On May 6, the government had earned Rs 232 crores from the sale of Indian made foreign liquor and beer. However, on May 20, this amount stood at Rs 61 crores.
During this period, bars and restaurants too were given permission to sell their unsold stocks. Despite that the consumption rates have dropped.
2. Telangana reports higher IT growth than the national average
The Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has stated that the IT sector in the state grew by 17.93% in 2019-20 and this was more than double the national average which stood at 8.09%.
The employment rate too grew by 7.2% as compared to the national average of 4.93%.
3. AP mulls new Environment law
Following the disastrous gas-lead accident in Vizag, the Andhra Pradesh government is considering bringing new legislation to protect the environment.
This law will be called the AP Environment Improvement Act and will strictly enforce an environment code and regulate hazardous industries in the state.
The CM also said that the performance of all ministries will be reviewed on May 25.
4. Settle newspaper industry dues: MK Stalin to PM Modi
DMK President MK Stalin has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to settle all outstanding dues to the newspaper industry which has suffered heavily due to the shutdown imposed by the government to contain COVID-19.
He cited the loss from advertisement revenue and asked for compensation to all newspaper publishers.
5. Kerala creates job opportunities to fight COVID-19
The Kerala State government has created 2948 posts under the National Health Mission to fight the deadly COVID-19 virus.
Those recruited will be specially trained and deployed in various district hospitals and other areas to fight the virus.