Most other airports in India are owned by the government and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), including two other high-traffic airports, Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta).

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The capital of the state of Karnataka, home to Wipro and Infosys among others, has changed its name to Bengalooru, following the lead set by Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras).

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"The issues raised by the DMK haven't been addressed by the Congress, thus this is a government that doesn't benefit the Tamils in any way, " Mr Karunanidhi, told a press conference in Chennai (Madras) on Tuesday.

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