In Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy hoisted the national flag on the ramparts of the iconic Fort St.George this morning. He announced that freedom fighters the pension would be raised from 15-thousand rupees to 16-thousand rupees and family pension from 7,500 rupees to 8,000 rupees. He also said the government is firm in upholding the two-language formula.<br />''The aged couple in Tirunelveli who recently chased away two armed robbers were given a special award for courage.<br />''<br />''In the Independence Day function, several awards for good governance, meritorious service and valour were given away by the chief minister. ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan has been named the recipient of Dr Kalam Award instituted by the state government, which will be given to him later. AIR correspondent reports that Mr Edappadi K Palaniswamy hoisted the national tri-colour for the third time as the State Chief Minister. In his address, he announced that Vellore district would be trifurcated and two new districts would be carved out, with Tiruppathur and Ranipet as the headquarters. It would raise the number of districts in the state into 37. All over the state, colourful events are marking the Independence Day celebrations with the enthusiastic participation of elders, youth, children and women. <br />