Top stories from Tamil Nadu: Chennai girl makes history by becoming first visually challenged female to crack UPSC

 1. Taking note of the fact that 150 workers have died while performing manual scavenging since 1993, the Madras High Court has decided to monitor scavenging laws implemented in the state following a PIL filed by ChangeIndia director, A Narayanan. Workers still go down clogged pits though the practice is officially banned. 2. Villagers of Kalathur Village in Arakonam, who have been fighting against the setup of a sand quarry near their area have embarked on a peaceful protest which entered its second day following some people allegedly subjected to police attacks and attests. After 19 villagers were lodged in prison amidst reported attacks and abuse, about 200 people gathered demanded their release. 3. NL Zephine Beno from Chennai has made history after securing the 343rd rank in the Civil Services last year and being first in the physically challenged category, and she is on her way to Delhi. Beno has become the first 100 per cent visually challenged female candidate to crack the UPSC. 4. Chennai’s public toilets are soon becoming functional. Around 348 fully automated toilets are being installed by the Corporation across the city in areas including Royapuram and Medavakkam. Though the city did have modular toilets earlier, they remained unusable without any water or sewage connection. 5. With the post of Chief Commissioner and six commissioners in the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission lying vacant, the PMK has urged the TN government to make the appointments. It has also asked that legal action be initiated against those officials refusing to divulge information under the RTI.