Tunisia’s PM resign

Tunisia’s Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Ghannouchi resigns, as security forces clash with protesters in the nation’s capital Tunis demanding the removal of some Ministers of his interim government which came to power following long-ruling President Zine EI Abidine Ben Ali’s ouster.

India votes in favour of Libya

27 : In its first major vote after joining the UNSC, India votes in favour of sanctions against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his relatives and associates.

65% teledensity in India

26 : A survey shows that although India has made great strides in telecom, having achieved more than 65 percent teledensity, 62,443 villages are yet to get the taste of the telecom revolution.

Extension of technology park scheme holds the key

When Budget 2011-12 is presented today Saravanan  Velrajan will be keeping its fingers crossed. The big expectation of this young product manager at an IT firm will be the same as that of his industry’s extension  of the decade-old Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme, which is otherwise set to expire this year. The STPI offers tax exemptions to firms located in IT parks. This is huge concern for a US-based networking and routes company like mine”, says Velrajan.

Panchayats key to inclusive growth

Inclusive growth can only be attained if the rights of dalits and woman are protected and panchayats are given the power to govern, according to additional chief secretary Qudsia Gandhi. She mooted the idea of colleges being run by panchayats. ‘When you can have panchayat-run school than why can’t you have panchayat-run colleges”. Ruing that more than 16 years have passed but the state was yet to implement the Panchayati Raj Act, she said Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of protecting the rights of the gross roots is still a distant dream. Interestingly, which West Bengal allocates 50 per cent of revenue for Panchayats and neighbouring Kerala gives 35 percent but Tamil Nadu Provides only 10 percent. “This shows the state’s indifference towards panchayats”.

University makes paper on research mandatory for UG courses

In an attempt to make more students opt for research work while doing undergraduate studies, the academic council of the University of Madras has announced the introduction of a paper of Research Methodology for all undergraduate and five-year integrated courses. The council meeting was held on Feb. 26. The paper with five credits will be offered in the fifth semester in all undergraduate streams in affiliated colleges. Other courses to be introduced include two year Diploma in yoga for Human Resource Management, Financial Economics, P.G. Diploma in Peace and Communal Harmony and a certificate course in Buddhist studies.

Oscar Awards for 2010

The Oscar Awards, also known as the Academy Awards, for 2010 are presented in a majestic ceremony in Los Angeles, USA. The prominent winners are: The King’s Speech (Best Film), Tom Hooper (Best Director for The King’s Speech), Colin Firth (Best Actor for The King’s Speech), Natalie Portman (Best Actress for Black Swan), Christian Bale (Best Supporting Actor for The Fighter), Melissa Leo (Best Supporting Actress for The Fighter), etc. Danish movie In A Better World, directed by Susanne Bier, picks up the award for the Best Foreign Film.

Effects of Arab World’s turmoil

The effects of the Arab world’s turmoil reach Oman, as widespread unrest, marked by deadly clashes, manifests itself in many regions of the country.

Union Budget 2011-12

28 : Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presents the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha.
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12
Exemption for individual tax payers is raised from `1.6 lakh to `1.8 lakh, giving uniform tax relief of ` 2,000. Credit flow for farmers is raised from ` 3,75,000 crore to ` 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12; allocation for infrastructure is raised by 23.3 percent to ` 2,14,000 crore; allocation for education is raised by 24 percent to ` 52,057 crore and for health by 20 percent to ` 26,760 crore. Further, defence allocation is hiked by 11.6 percent to ` 1,64,415 crore,
• Credit flow for farmers raised from ` 3,75,000 crore to ` 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12. • Allocation for infrastructure raised by 23.3% to ` 2,14,000 crore. • Allocation for education up, by 24% ro ` 52,057 crore; for health by 20% to ` 26,760 crore. • A substantial increase in allocation for Defence by 11.6% to ` 1,64,415 crore. • Higher exemption limit for very senior citizens (80 years and above) at Rs. 5 lakh. • Current surcharge of 7.5% on domestic companies to be reduced to 5%. • Rate of Minimum Alternate Tax to be increased from 18% to 18.5% of book profits. • Net revenue loss of ` 11,500 crore estimated as a result of these proposals. • Additional deduction of ` 20,000 for investment in long-term infrastructure bonds to be extended for one more year. • Central Excise Duty to be maintained at standard rate of 10% • Nominal Central Excise Duty of 1% imposed on 130 items entering the tax net. • Basic Customs Duty reduced for specified agricultural machinery from 5% to 2.5% • Basic Customs Duty on two critical raw materials of cement industry, namely petcoke and gypsum, to be reduced to 2.5% • Concessional Excise Duty of 10% to vehicles based on fuel cell technology. • Basic Customs Duty on solar lanterns reduced from 10% to 5% • Direct Taxes Code to be finalised for enactment during 2011-12; to be effective from April 1, 2012. • Areas of divergence between Centre and States on proposed GST narrowed. • Government to more towards direct transfer of cash subsidy for people in BPL category in a phased manner for better delivery of kerosene. LPG and fertilizers. Task force set up to work out modalities for the proposed system. • ` 40,000 crore to be raised through disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings. • Government commited to retaining at least 51% ownership and management control of Central Public Sector Undertakings. • Women’s SHGs [Self-Help Groups] Development Fund to be created with a corpus of Rs.500 crore. • Housing loan limit under priority sector lending raised to ` 25 lakh. • Approval being given to set up 15 more Mega Food Parks. • To boost infrastructure development, tax-free bonds of ` 30,000 crore proposed to be issued by government undertakings. • National Food Security Bill to be introduced in Parliament this year. • Allocation for Bharat Nirman Programme up by ` 10,000 crore from ` 58,000 crore. • Plan to provide Rural Broadband connectivity to all 2.5 lakh panchayats in three years. • From April 1, 2011, remuneration for Anganwadi workers increased from ` 1,500 to ` 3,000 a month and for Anganwadi helpers from ` 750 to ` 1,500 a month. • Financial help for Metro projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai.
` comes from
•    Borrowings and other liabilities    27 p.
•    Corporation tax                                 24 p.
•    Income tax                                         11 p.
•    Union excise duties                         11 p.
•    Customs                                            10 p.
•    Non-tax revenue                                  8 p.
•    Service tax & other taxes                    6 p.
•    Non-debt capital receipts                  3 p.
` goes to    
•    Central plan                                       22 p.
•    Interest payment                               18 p.
•    Other non-plan expenditure            11 p.
•    States share of taxes & duties        17 p.
•    Defence                                               11 p.
•    Subsidies                                              9 p.
•    Plan assistance to States & UTs          7 p.
•    Non-plan assistance to States &
UTs Govts.                                              5 p.
Budget 2011-12 at a Glance

Relief to the individual taxpayer

Men	Women	Senior citizens (60 to 80 years)	Tax percentage
Upto   1,80,000	Upto   1,90,000	Upto   2,50,000	Nil
1,80,001 to  5,00,000	1,90,001 to  5,00,000	2,50,001 to  5,00,000	10%
5,00,001 to  8,00,000	5,00,001 to  8,00,000	5,00,001 to  8,00,000	30%
Above  8,00,000	Above  8,00,000	Above  8,00,000	Above  8,00,000 28 : Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presents the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha. Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12 Exemption for individual tax payers is raised from `1.6 lakh to `1.8 lakh, giving uniform tax relief of ` 2,000. Credit flow for farmers is raised from ` 3,75,000 crore to ` 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12; allocation for infrastructure is raised by 23.3 percent to ` 2,14,000 crore; allocation for education is raised by 24 percent to ` 52,057 crore and for health by 20 percent to ` 26,760 crore. Further, defence allocation is hiked by 11.6 percent to ` 1,64,415 crore, • Credit flow for farmers raised from ` 3,75,000 crore to ` 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12. • Allocation for infrastructure raised by 23.3% to ` 2,14,000 crore. • Allocation for education up, by 24% ro ` 52,057 crore; for health by 20% to ` 26,760 crore. • A substantial increase in allocation for Defence by 11.6% to ` 1,64,415 crore. • Higher exemption limit for very senior citizens (80 years and above) at Rs. 5 lakh. • Current surcharge of 7.5% on domestic companies to be reduced to 5%. • Rate of Minimum Alternate Tax to be increased from 18% to 18.5% of book profits. • Net revenue loss of ` 11,500 crore estimated as a result of these proposals. • Additional deduction of ` 20,000 for investment in long-term infrastructure bonds to be extended for one more year. • Central Excise Duty to be maintained at standard rate of 10% • Nominal Central Excise Duty of 1% imposed on 130 items entering the tax net. • Basic Customs Duty reduced for specified agricultural machinery from 5% to 2.5% • Basic Customs Duty on two critical raw materials of cement industry, namely petcoke and gypsum, to be reduced to 2.5% • Concessional Excise Duty of 10% to vehicles based on fuel cell technology. • Basic Customs Duty on solar lanterns reduced from 10% to 5% • Direct Taxes Code to be finalised for enactment during 2011-12; to be effective from April 1, 2012. • Areas of divergence between Centre and States on proposed GST narrowed. • Government to more towards direct transfer of cash subsidy for people in BPL category in a phased manner for better delivery of kerosene. LPG and fertilizers. Task force set up to work out modalities for the proposed system. • ` 40,000 crore to be raised through disinvestment of Public Sector Undertakings. • Government commited to retaining at least 51% ownership and management control of Central Public Sector Undertakings. • Women’s SHGs [Self-Help Groups] Development Fund to be created with a corpus of Rs.500 crore. • Housing loan limit under priority sector lending raised to ` 25 lakh. • Approval being given to set up 15 more Mega Food Parks. • To boost infrastructure development, tax-free bonds of ` 30,000 crore proposed to be issued by government undertakings. • National Food Security Bill to be introduced in Parliament this year. • Allocation for Bharat Nirman Programme up by ` 10,000 crore from ` 58,000 crore. • Plan to provide Rural Broadband connectivity to all 2.5 lakh panchayats in three years. • From April 1, 2011, remuneration for Anganwadi workers increased from ` 1,500 to ` 3,000 a month and for Anganwadi helpers from ` 750 to ` 1,500 a month. • Financial help for Metro projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai. ` comes from •    Borrowings and other liabilities    27 p. •    Corporation tax                                 24 p. •    Income tax                                         11 p. •    Union excise duties                         11 p. •    Customs                                            10 p. •    Non-tax revenue                                  8 p. •    Service tax & other taxes                    6 p. •    Non-debt capital receipts                  3 p. ` goes to     •    Central plan                                       22 p. •    Interest payment                               18 p. •    Other non-plan expenditure            11 p. •    States share of taxes & duties        17 p. •    Defence                                               11 p. •    Subsidies                                              9 p. •    Plan assistance to States & UTs      7 p. •    Non-plan assistance to States & UTs Govts.                                              5 p. Budget 2011-12 at a Glance (Figures in crore) 2009-10 Actuals 2010-11 Budget Estimates 2010-11 Revised Estimates 2011-12 Budget Estimates Revenue Receipts 5,72,811 6,82,212 7,83,833 7,89,892 Capital Receipts  4,51,676  4,26,537  4,32,743  4,67,837 Total Receipts  10,24,487  11,08,749  12,16,576  12,57,729  Non-Plan Expend  7,21,096  7,35,657  8,21,552  8,16,182 Plan Expenditure 3,03,391 3,73,092 3,95,024 4,41,547 Total Expenditure 10,24,487 11,08,749 12,16,576 12,57,729 Revenue Deficit 3,38,998 2,76,512 2,69,844 3,07,270 Fiscal Deficit 4,18,482 3,81,408 4,00,998 4,12,817 Primary Deficit 2,05,389 1,32,744 1,60,241 1,44,831 Relief to the individual taxpayer Men Women Senior citizens (60 to 80 years) Tax percentage Upto   1,80,000 Upto   1,90,000 Upto   2,50,000 Nil  1,80,001 to  5,00,000  1,90,001 to  5,00,000  2,50,001 to  5,00,000 10%  5,00,001 to  8,00,000  5,00,001 to  8,00,000  5,00,001 to  8,00,000 30% Above  8,00,000 Above  8,00,000 Above  8,00,000 Above  8,00,000

Public owners told to arrange for transportation of tipplers

Tipplers can no longer mix drink and drive as the transport department has decided to crack the whip on them. In a recent meeting with representatives from publics in the city, state transport authorities have instructued the publics not to allow drunkards to drive on their own. “Instead, the publics must arrange chauffeurs for dropping the loozers at their places,” Transport commissioner M. Rajaram informed reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on road safety and traffic management held on Feb. 26. “A driver after consuming liquor is equal to committing suicide”, he stressed

Madras Varsity Colleges don’t have faculty approval

Seventy two per cent of the colleges affiliated to the University affiliated to the University of Madras have not obtained qualification approvals for their faculty from the University in the last seven years, the University V.C. Dr. G. Thiruvasagam said at academic council meeting at Chennai. The state of affairs came to light when the University collected details about the faculty of its 153 member colleges recently. The erring colleges had not sought approval even when they had increased their seats and included new courses, he said, adding that they would not be permitted to admit students for these courses from the next academic year, if they did not obtain qualification approvals soon.

India-England league match tie

The India-England league match of the ICC World Cup in Bengaluru ends in a tie, with England equalling India’s imposing score of 338.

First Female Army Officer

In a first, a female Army officer, Major Mitali Madhumita, is awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) at a ceremony held in Hissar, Haryana. She is honoured in recognition of her efforts to rescue her colleagues during the attack on the Indian Embasy in Iraq in 2010.

Novak wins Dubai Open Tennis title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia beats Roger Federer of Switzerland in the final to clinch the title of the Dubai Open tennis championship in Dubai, UAE.

34th National Games

The curtains come down on the 34th Jharkhand National Games in Ranchi. Services top the medals tally with 162 medals (70G, 50S and 42B), followed by Manipur with 118 (48–37–33) in second place. Haryana finish third with 115 (42–33–40) medals. Swimmers Richa Mishra of Delhi and Maharashtra’s Virdhawal Khade are adjudged the Best Athletes of the Games.

Russia successfully launches a next-generation navigation satellite

Russia successfully launches a next-generation navigation satellite, named Glonass-K, for its Glonass global communication system. The new satellite has a longer design life, more navigation channels and is smaller than previous Glonass-M satellites.

Salem SWM Unit near revenue forest

The new Solid Waste Management yard of the Salem Corporation was inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture Veerapandi S. Arumugam. The selection of Chattichavadi village for developing the new yard – a public – private venture – has became a point of controversy as environmentalists allege that it would lead of an ecological disaster because of its proximity to a revenue forest and human habitations. Gujarat – based Integrated waste management is the private partner in the project. It had invested ` 25 crore and the state govt. had contributed ` 20 crore.

Top honour for Chennai students for designing vehicle

Twenty three students of Sri Sai Ram Engg. College did their institution proud by emerging first in South India and overall fourth in a national competition for designing and fabricating on all terrain vehicle. The single seater vehicle, designed with a go-green theme, was adjudged first in South India in S.A.E. India Baja-2011, a technical event for engineers. The team from the college, comprising 21 members from the mechanical department and the rest from the EEE department, made it to the top 79 finalists and participated in the main event hold in January in Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh.

Economic Survey 2010-11

The Economic Survey 2010-11 is tabled in Parliament; it points quite a rosy macro-economic scenario projecting a robust GDP expansion of nine percent (+/–0.25 percent) in the 2011-12 fiscal.

Railway Budget – 2011-12

25 : Railway Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee presents the Railway Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha. 
Highlights of Railway Budget 2011-12
The budget holds passenger fares and freight rates for the eighth successive year, and proposes further fare concessions to senior citizens, physically challenged and servicemen. The Railway Minister also announces a plethora of new trains and production units.
• Highest-Ever plan outlay of Rs.57,630 crore proposed. • Pan-India multi-purpose smart card ‘Go India’ coming. • Senior citizens concession to be hiked from 30% to 40% • Women to get senior citizen concession from 58 years of age. • No hike in passenger fare and freight rates. • Rs. 9,583 crore for new lines • 1300 km new lines, 867 km doubling of lines & 1017 km gauge conversion targeted in 2011-12. • A new portal for e-ticketing to be launched shortly. Booking charges will be cheaper with a charge of only Rs.10 for AC classes and Rs.5 for others. • 236 more stations to be upgraded as Adarsh Stations. • Two new passenger terminals in Kerala and one each in U.P. and West Bengal proposed. • Feasibility study to raise speed of passenger  trains to 160-200 kmph to be undertaken. • Anti Collision Device sanctioned to cover eight zonal railways. • GPS-based ‘Fog Safe’ Device to be deployed. • The eligibility criteria for manning level crossings have been lowered from 6,000 train vehicle units to 3,000 TVUs. • All-India Security Helpline on a single number set up. • A Bridge Factory in J&K and a state-of-the-art Institute for Tunnel and Bridge Engineering is proposed at Jammu. • A Diesel Locomotive Centre will be set-up in Manipur. • A scheme for socially desirable projects, ‘Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana’ with non-lapsable fund, proposed. • 10,000 shelter units proposed for track side dwellers in Mumbai, Sealdah, Siliguri, Tiruchirapalli on pilot basis. • Concession to physically handicapped persons to be extended on Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. • Concession of 50% to press correspondents with family increased to twice a year. • Medical facilities extended to dependent parents of the Railway employees. • Scholarship for girl child of Group-D railway employees increased to Rs.1200 a month. • 20 additional hostels for children of railway employees to be set up. • Recruitment for 1.75 lakh vacancies of Group “C” and “D”, including to fill up backlog of SC/ST, initiated; 16,000 ex-servicemen to be inducted by March 2011. • Separate sports cadre planned. • 2011-12 declared ‘Year of Green Energy’ for Railways. 

US, UK teams ‘understand Chennai Culture’

It was an emotional farewell as the 10 member team from the United Kingdom and the United States shared  their experiences of their one-month sojourn in Chennai. Chennai hospitality, traffic snarls, the spicy food, the rash driving by the MTC drivers, besides the cultural heritage of the city were recounted during the event as Rotary International-District 3230 celebrated its Founding Day as World Understanding Day. Terming Chennai as the greatest destination for any international visitor, US consul general Andrew T. Sinkin said the month long Group study Exchange Programme was bridge between different cultures. The participants, from California in the US and Notingham in England, visited Kalakshetra, Egmore Museum, Dakshinachitra, Cholamendal Artists’ village, Vellore GoldenTemple and Tiruvannamalai Temple. 

T.N. Pips Kerala in wooing foreign tourists

Contrary to popular belief that the ‘God’s own country’, Kerala, attracts the highest number of foreign tourists with its much hyped wellness tourism, Tamil Nadu once again topped the charts in wooing international tourists. As per records, ‘Enchanting’ Tamil Nadu recorded an arrival of a little over 28 lakh foreign visitors last year – a substantial increase from the 23.69 lakh arrivals in 2009. Interestingly Kerala was ranked eighth in this regard last year.

US Senate report – “Avoiding Water Wars in South and Central Asia”

Pakistan cites the US Senate report “Avoiding Water Wars in South and Central Asia” as a vindication of its stance that construction of dams by India on the western rivers in “Occupied Kashmir” is in violation of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

Centre raises the election expenditure limit both houses

24 : The Centre raises the election expenditure limit for both Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies by around 60 percent with immediate effect.

New sub-stations to power metro rail

Three new substations will be built by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. to receive Power from TNEB and use it to generate power for metro rail besides supplying electricity for station facilities. CMRL has awarded a 305 crore contract to build three substations at Koyambedu, Alandur and Chennai Central to Siemens Ltd. India Construction.

Summer specials to boost revenue

Expect easier travel during the coming summer holidays. Southern Railway is going to run as many as 361 special trains from mid-April to end June. For passengers, this will deal with the heavy rush, while for the Railways they will turnout to be another money – spinner going by recant history. The 2010-11 summer special trains generated upto 15.89 crore, nine per cent higher than 2009-10.

Automated Skywalks mooted across Chennai

23 : Finance Minister Anbazhagan laid the foundation stone for the construction of a skywalk with escalator facility on Rajaji Salai worth 74.54 lakh. The event also marked the inauguration of two other similar skywalks near Chepauk stadium and at Walajah Road – Quaid-e-Millath road junction.

ASEAN agrees to deploy Indonesian observers in both countries

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agrees to deploy Indonesian observers in both Cambodia and Thailand along the disputed stretch of their border near the mediaeval Preah Bihear Hindu temple.

Export target of $450 billion

23 : The Centre announces that it has set an export target of $450 billion by 2014.

Tamil virtual universtiy to be revived

The International Academy for Internet Tamil (IAIT), which was known as Tamil Virtual University till last year when it lost its varsity status, is all set to be revived soon. Chief Minister announced that the State Govt. would enact a legislation for this purpose. Since the Assembly session is over, the govt. is likely to promulgate an ordinance in this regard.

Rapist godman Premananda dead

22 : Controversial godman Premananda convicted nad sentenced to a double life term for rape and murder, died at a private hospital on Feb. 21. He was 59.  He was suffering from multiple ailments, had been undergoing treatment at both private and govt hospitals since July 2010. He was brought from Cuddalore Central Prison and admitted at the Stanley Medical College Hospital for treatment of “liver attack due to jaundice”, his lawyer Rajendran told. In a comatose condition when he was shifted to a private hospital. Doctors decided to perform a liver transplant, but the godmen died.

Russian president warns Arab states

22 : Commenting on the uprisings in West Asia and North Africa, Russian President Mr. Dmitry Medvedev warns of Arab states breaking up as a result of the current turmoil.

England defeat Netherland

England defeat Netherlands by six wickets in an ICC World Cup match in Nagpur.

JUWI Group to promote renewable energy

JUWI Group, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, opened its India facility in Bangaluru, all for promoting the country’s energy initiatives in a big way. Headquartered in Bangaluru the company will develop solar power facilities in India apart from the SAARC countries. India currently provides excellent  opportunities for the renewable energy and the country has a great potential as one of the most attractive markets in Asia. As one of the  leading developers, JUWI’s opportunities there are outstanding. Cent per cent renewable energy is possible now and not in the far future.

Battle between Gaddafi and protesters

The battle between President Muammar Gaddafi’s government and protesters rages on in Libya, causing hundreds of deaths and pushing the oil-rich nation into further turmoil.

Foeign direct investment in energy sector

21 : In what can be termed as one of the biggest foreign direct investment in the energy sector, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) announces the sale of 30 percent stake in its 23 blocks, including the giant KG-D6 gas fields, to British Petroleum (BP) of UK for $7.2 billion.

‘Vallarpadam project won’t hit TPT’

The transhipment terminal at the Vallarpadam Island near Ernakulam will not affect the growth of Tuticorin Port Trust (TPT), said Union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan. Vasan said that Vallarpadam International Transhipment container terminal will not affect the traffic and growth of TPT. According to him the passenger traffic projected for the first year is 1.08 lakh and expected to touch 2.50 lakh in the next five years. Initially, there would be two voyages per week and thereafter, it would be increased further, based on the Joint Action Committee’s reports.

ELCOT IT parks to generate 2.7 lakh jobs

In an inauguration Chief Minister said IT-SEZs in Madurai and Tirunelveli districts were likely to attract an investment of nearly ` 3,400 crore in the next five years, besides ensuring employment for over 2.7 lakh persons. These projects were part of the state’s decision to attract IT investments in Tier-II cities like Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy.

Ban import of forum produce – DMK

DMK’s Farmers wing secretary K.P. Ramalingam has said that fixing reasonable prices for all agricultural produce is the only way to increase their overall production in the country. He said fixing lower prices for indigenous agricultural produce of foreign countries at a higher rate would be tantamount to crippling Indian farmers. “As such the centre should ban importing agricultural produce from foreign countries and encourage their production”, he said.

Abhinav wins gold medal

India’s Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra clinches the air rifle Gold in the French GP in Paris, France.

Uganda’s President wins another term

Uganda’s President Mr. Yoweri Museveni wins another term to the East African nation’s highest office.

Reports released by WGC

20 : Reports released by the World Gold Council (WGC) show that the Indian consumer’s insatiable appetite for gold continued unabated in 2010, when India remained the strongest growth market for it and total annual consumer demand for the yellow metal grew 66 percent on a year-on-year basis.

G20 Finance Ministers summit

An important summit of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank chiefs is held in Paris, France. At the summit, the participants reach a compromise deal to correct global economic imbalances and express concern over excessive commodity price volatility impacting the world food security.

Conference of the LDC Nations in New Delhi

19 : A conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is held in New Delhi; the declaration issued at the end of the meet highlights the need for South-South support for fast-tracking development in the LDC nations.

Spy plane Nano Hummingbird

A report says that Aero Vironment Inc, a California (USA)-based developer of unmanned aircraft systems, has developed a pocket-sized spy plane named “Nano Hummingbird” that can fly through a window to take pictures. The drone, which resembles a hummingbird, would be used for battlefield and urban surveillance. It has a wingspan of 6.5 inches and weighs 19 grams – less than a conventional battery.

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award

The Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for National Integration for 2008 and 2009 are presented in Guwahati, Assam. Eminent journalist Mr. M.J. Akbar is the recipient of the 2008 award, while noted Gandhian and freedom fighter Ms. Hema Bharati gets the award for 2009.

Resolution condemning Israeli settlement

The US finds itself isolated among the UNSC members when it becomes the sole nation to veto a resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Consumer Price Index

India adopts the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) that will reflect the actual movement of prices at the micro-level. As per the new series, the CPI has increased to 106 in January 2011 from a base of 100 in 2010.

India-Malaysia Agreement

18 : Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Anand Sharma and his Malaysian counterpart Mr. Mustapa Mohamed sign  the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in Kuala Lumpur.

Research institute plans 2012 release of flood tolerant rice

Dr. Robert S. Zeigler, Director General of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Philippines, said the institute is trying to come up with rice variaties that will enable poor farmers to face stress conditions such as drought, salinity submergence, water scarcity etc., the areas where things are feared worsened because of climate change. Zeigler revealed that the flood tolerant variety of rice would be out of the laboratory by 2012. He also said that “Golden Rice” is being developed which contains vitamin-A, a main source for generating calories. This will help to overcame vitamins deficiency.

Charite Medical School

Scientists at the Charite Medical School in Berlin, Germany, announce that they have developed a new hand-held scanner which can tell accurately in less than 30 seconds how healthy or unhealthy a person is. The scanner, which looks like a computer mouse, works by creating a “fingerprint” of a person’s lifestyle by shining a beam of light at his/her body, collecting the reflected light and analysing it for information on which wavelengths have been absorbed.

10th ICC Cricket World Cup inaugurated in Dhaka

The 10th ICC Cricket World  Cup is inaugurated in Dhaka, Bangladesh; the captains of the 14 participating teams are paraded in rickshaws in the packed Bangabandhu Stadium, recreating an old-world charm.

Crop diversification promotion

17 : Japan announces that it will extend a Rs.2,557 – crore (Yen 46,401 billion) aid to India for three projects through its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) window. The projects pertain to cleaning the Yamuna in the national capital, crop diversification promotion in Himachal Pradesh and biodiversity conservation and greening in Tamil Nadu.

Birendeep Sodhi new National record

Birendeep Sodhi of Punjab sets a new National record in the men’s trap event at the 34th National Games in Ranchi.

Chinese-built train for Sri Lankan Railway

A Chinese-built train on the Galle-Matara line hits the 100-kmph mark, marking a first for Sri Lankan Railway; never in the past has a Sri Lankan train run close to that mark.

Seven point agreement by Nepal’s Prime Minister

Nepal’s Prime Minister Mr. Jhalanath Khanal and Maoist chairman Mr. Prachanda reach a fresh agreement to abide by the spirit of the seven-point agreement signed before Mr. Khanal’s election, while clarifying its controversial aspects.

India’s longest rail bridge

The construction of India’s longest rail bridge is completed. The engineering marvel has come up in the scenic backwaters of Kerala. The 4.62 km bridge is part of an 8.6 km railway link connecting Idapalli to Vallarpadam in Kochi.

India-Japan Agreement

16 : Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Anand Sharma and Japan’s Foreign Minister Mr. Seiji Maehara sign the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Tokyo.

Corporation budget proposals for 2011-12

Total revenue of the Chennai Corporation – ` 1,943.76 cr. and the total expenditure – ` 1,945.16 crore; total deficit ` 1.40 crore.
Education : • French as alternate first language to be introduced in M.H. Road Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School on a pilot basis. • Students who recite all 1,330 couplets of Thirukkural to be granted scholarship of ` 1000 per year till the completion of their schooling in a Chennai School. • A set of white coloured uniform will be provided to all the children of Chennai Schools.  • Local body to provide one blue coloured overcoat in lieu of ‘dupatta’ to all girl children of High and Higher Secondary Schools • All children of primary schools to get a free drawing notebook and a box of colour pencils. • Cultural festival to be conducted each year. • One Atlas book given to students of all middle schools • English language labs will be set up in two schools – one in North of Chennai and the other in South Chennai. 
Public Helath : • B.Sc., Nursing course to be started at Communicable Diseases Hospital, Tondiarpet for students of Chennai Schools and wards of the Class IV employees of the Corporation. • Post graduate degree course for Sanitary Inspectors will be started in CDH for children of Class IV staff of Chennai Corporation and students of Chennai Schools • Services of freezer boxes and hearse vans to be outsourced and made available at the zonal level • Plan to identify two places in burial grounds for facilitating cremation of pets. Bridges : •Bridge to be constructed across Kodungaiyur Canal connecting Muthamizh Nagar and Kaveri Nagar in Zone-I, Division-1 for the benefit of the residents of Tondiarpet and Muthamizh Nagar. • Foot-overbridge with elevator to be constructed across Cathedral Road near Semmozhi Poonga, Usman Road near Ranganathan Street and Thyagaraya Nagar Bus Terminas. • Elevators to be provided for the existing foot-overbridges at Peters Road near New College and Haddows Road near Shastri Bhavan. 
Stadium Department :  • New skating rink to come up at Children’s Park Central Avenue, Ward No. 33. • Feasibility of constructing a new indoor stadium at VGP Selva Nagar, Ward No. 153 to be explored

BHEL bags gas turbine – based Yemen order

The country’s largest power project exporter, BHEL has achieved another milestone in the Middle East region with an order for a gas turbine-based power plant from the Republic of Yemen, amid stiff international competition from Russia, Korea and Saudi Arabia among others, through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) valued at $436 million, the EPC (Engg., procurement & construction) contract for the Marib Gas Based Power Project has been placed on BHEL by the Public Electricity Corporation under the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, Yemen.

Cops fined for detaining coolie

The Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission has imposed a fine of ` 35,000 on four police officers in Thanjavur, who were found responsible for illegally detaining a daily wage labourers for one week in March last year. The order comes following a petition filed by Shanmugam alias Santhosh Kumar from Madurai, a member of the Kuravar Community, who complained that he was detained by the police for a west in March last year, during which the cops tried to show him as an accused in a jewellary shaft case reported in Dec. 2009. An SHRC bench, involving commission member K. Mariappan, found four police officers, including the then Inspector of the Police station, guilty of illegally detaining him for a week in several locations. The commission said that the other allegations against the police could not be proven the order passed Feb. 10 this year, recommended that the State govt. pay the petitioner ` 35,000 to be recovered as ` 20,000 from Inspector and ` 5,000 each from constables.

India’s largest naphtha cracker plant

15 : Union Petroleum Minister Mr. Jaipal Reddy dedicates to the nation India’s largest naphtha cracker plant at IOC’s Panipat Complex. Built at a cost of Rs. 14,439 crore, the plant will produce eight lakh tonnes annually of ethylene and six lakh tonnes of propylene – raw materials for manufacturing of polymers.

Indian Bank inks MoU with TVS Motors

Public sector lender Indian Bank said it has entered into an agreement with TVS Motor company for financing the company’s vehicles. The MoU was signed in the Presence of T.M. Bhasin CMD, Indian Bank at a function held in Chennai. He said that the MoU will help to bring three wheeler drivers into the fold to structured banking and help to enhance banks collecteral free lending to micro enterprises. Elligible borrowers will be granted 85% of the on road price of the vehicle as loan, with repayment period upto 60 months.

Emerald Earth drive launched

Emerald earth, a green initiative by D.G. Vaishnav College, inaugurated by Mayor M. Subramanian, aims at preserving nature for a better and greener tomorrow. The Go Green project was adopted by the institution to create awareness of planting more trees and conserving nature. The project under the name of ‘Harivanam’ led to the inauguration of the Emerald Earth Club. It has planted more than 500 saplings, including herbal, nakshatra and navagraha plants, on the campus.

Lawyers to observe Feb. 18 as ‘Black Day’

Members of the Tamil Nadu Advocates Association (TNAA), Madras High Court (MHAA) and the Women Lawyers Association (WLA) will observe Feb. 18, second anniversary of the Police-Advocates clash, as a black day and abstain from all courts. (The clash occured on Feb. 19, 2009. As this day falls on Saturday, holiday, they advanced the observance by a day on Friday), In a release association said the Lrulal attack on the innocent lawyers on the campus of the Madras High Court was never forgettable. Though same orders were passed to console the advocates, the ends of justice were yet to be reached. “Condemning the inaction of the govt. and the blind support favouring to erred police, it is decided to abstain from all the courts including the tribunals and other fora on Feb. 18 and to observe that day as a black day” they said.

Property once sold can’t be cancelled

A full bench comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal, Justice P. Jyothimani and T.S. Sivagnanam gave the ruling orders on a writ appeal from a realtor challenging the orders of a single judge. The bench said that a deed of cancellation of a sale unilaterally executed by the transferor did not create, assign, limit or extinguish any right, title or interest in the property and was of no effect. Such a document did not create any encumbrance in the property already transferred. Hence, such a deed of cancellation could not be accepted for registration.

M.K. woos artists ahead of polls

Chief Minister made an attempt to woo film, television and folk artists ahead of the coming Assembly elections. Speaking at a function organised to distribute 125 Kalaimamani, small screen and other awards, C.M. said, “If I came back for a sixth time with your support, I will give away not 125, but 225 awards”. The DMK patriarch’s comment came right after he pointed out that a Tamil daily critecised the government for giving away the coveted Kalaimamani awards  like freebies.

BAFTA Awards for 2010

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards for 2010 are presented a glittering ceremony in London on February 14, 2011. The prominent winners are : The King’s Speech (Best Film), Colin Firth (Best Actor for The King’s Speech), Natalie Portman (Best Actress for Black Swan), Helena Bonham Carter (Best Supporting Actress for The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush (Best Supporting Actor for  The King’s Speech), Aaron Sorkin (Best Adapted Screenplay Award for The Social Network), etc. Veteran star Christopher Lee is presented with the Fellowship Award.

Richa Mishra win two gold medals

Richa Mishra of Delhi wins two Gold medals in women’s 800-m and 200-m swimming events at the 34th National Games in Ranchi.

China 2nd place in GDP for 2010

14 : Japan officially loses the No. 2 economy spot to China, as reports reveal that Japan’s nominal GDP for 2010, before adjustments for prices, totalled $5.47 trillion, lower than China’s figure of $5.8 trillion.

‘Grievance redressel at doorstep a success’

Chennai Corporations 14th on the spot grievance redressel programme – ‘Makkalai Thedi Maanagaratchi’ – drew a good response on Feb. 12 from the residents of these divisions (3, 10 & 11) in the Radhakrishnan Nagar locality. Of the 1,504 petitions received with regard to  various civic complaints during the meet held at Korukkupet, 674 were immediately disposed off with the remaining being forwarded to the department officials concerned present there for immediate action. “The Corporation’s on the spot grievances redress programme has became a hit among the public and it is evident from the records that of the 9,692 grievance petitions collected from the last 13 programmes 6,972 petitions demanding better civic amenities have been sorted out till date.”

New lighthouses at Tamil Nadu Coast

With a view to enhancing uninterrupted coverage for vessels moving along the Tamil Nadu coastline, G.K. Vasan announced that three new lighthouses would be built at an estimated cost of ` 2.5 crore each “Besides the existing 21 lighthouses in the state, three new lighthouses will be built at Marakkanam in Villupuram District, at Vembar in Thoothukudi district and at Kuthamkuzhi in Nellai district. Stressing on the importance of lighthouses for safe sailing of ships, Vasan said, “The first reference to a lighthouse was found in Silappadhikaram, which mentioned that a lighthouse was built near the town so that ships could easily locate the then port of Poompuhar”.

Grammy Awards 2010

The Grammy Awards for 2010 are given a way at a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles, USA on February 13, 2011. The prominent winners are : Arcade Fire (Album of the Year for The Suburbs); Lady Antebellum (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Country Song and Best Country Album of the Year for (Need You Now); Esperanza Spalding (Best New Artist); Lady Gaga (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Bad Romance); Bruno Mars (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Just The Way You Are); Iron Maiden (Best Metal Performance for El Dorado); Neil Young (Best Rock Song for Angry World); Muse (Best Rock Album for The Resistance); Keith Urban (Best Male Country Vocal Performance for Till Summer Comes Around), etc.

Chennai Marathon

Mugu Antony Ngudu wins the title of the Chennai Marathon in Chennai; Ramsingh of India finishes second.

Egypt’s parliament dissolves

13 : Charting a road map for a political transition, Egypt’s new military rulers suspend the constitution, dissolve parliament and set a six-month timeline for holding fresh parliamentary and presidential elections.

Austrian team showcases clean energy Tech for India

The success that Austria achieved in converting Gussing a small town about 130 km. from the capital Vienna, into a ‘zero emission’ modern city could well be a model for Indian cities to follow, according to Barbara Prammer, President of the National Council of Austria. Prammer is in the city with an Austrian trade delegation and Members of Austrian Parliament, seeking to enhance bilateral trade exchange between the two countries.

C.J. Peeved at lack of facilities in courts

The Madras High Court lambosted govt. for facility to provide even basic infrastructural facilities to subordinate courts, particularly to the ones in George Town (GT) area that houses the states administrative buildings. “Is the govt. not in a position to supply even 25 chairs to the court hall?” asked Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal. “But it is supplying lakhs and lakhs of colour TV sets (free of cost)”. Earlier, Justice Eqbal made a surprise visit to the George Town Court and took stock of the situation. Back in the court, the Chief Justice pointed out that GT court had no drinking water facility.

Arrest warrant for Pakistan former President

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court issues an arrest warrant for the former President, Gen. (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf, over the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

India inks a Tax Information Exchange Agreement

12 : India inks a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Bahamas based on international standards of transparency for exchange of banking and ownership information to check evasion and money laundering.

Freight ferry service from Thoothukudi

Thoothukudi is one of the very few ports in India from where MSVs are operated. These vessels are operated from the Old Port, which is termed by the port authorities as Zone B. Based in Thoothukudi, over 30 sailing vessels, each having  crew of 10 to 15, carried a variety of cargo to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Andaman Islands and various small ports on the western coast. They have a capacity to carry about 400 tonnes of cargo and transport mostly agricultural produce such as chillies, potatoes, garlic and onions, construction materials and consumer goods. 

Common entrance test plan dropped

The Medical Council of India (MCI) is thinking of withdrawing its notification for Common  Eligibility and Entrance Test (CEET) for MBBS admission for the coming academic year. But it is in no mood to give up the same in 2012-13. Following stiff opposition from the state govts. during the Health Ministers conference last month, the MCI is reconciled to the fact that time has run out for CEET in the 2011-12 academic year.

Welfare board, spl. fund for NRI Tamils mooted

The State Assembly adopted a Bill providing for the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Non-Resident Tamizh  Welfare Board, to ensure social security of NRI Tamils in various parts of the globe besides extending a helping hand while they are in distress due to legal and other problems. The board would create a special aid fund for this purpose. Besides, the Bill provides for payment of pension and other benefits to NRI Tamils and promote companies or co-operative societies or other institutions of NRIs for their welfare.

‘Govt. cushioning price rise impact on Poor’

Raiterating his view that rise in prices of commodities could not be avoided, Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan said that the DMK govt. had been taking all steps to cushion the impact of price rise on the vulnerable sections of society. Replying to the discussion on the interim budget for 2011-12, the Finance Minister said those who had steady income would not be much affected by the price rise. But it would certainly affect families in the lower economic strata of society and the govt. had been safeguarding them from the price rise through the PDS. Of the total population, 1.70 crore families have been protected from price rise by the PDS. 

Dyeing unit allowed to restart production

After satisfying itself with the report of the TN Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the Monitoring Committee, the Madras High Court has permitted the Classic Knit Wear Company in Tirupur district to recommence production. The responsible unit has complied with all the requirements and, therefore, it can be permitted to recommence its activities in terms of the directions issued by this court, the first bench comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam said.

Coming Diplomas with regular courses

The University of Madras is all set to launch diploma courses as part of the regular Graduate and post-graduate programmes from the next academic year to ‘improve the employability of students’. Vice chancellor D.G. Thiruvasagam said, “It is important to meet the demands of the market, so we are focused on improving the employability of students of our university. We are at work to introduce Diploma courses which will enchance the job oriented skills of students. This diploma course, will be very much a part of the regular graduate and post-graduate programmes”. He added “for graduate programmes it will be one year diploma course, and for post-graduate programmes it will be two-year diploma course. The classes will happen only during the regular college hours”.

43rd Jnanpith Award

Famed poet Prof. O.N.V. Kurup of Kerala is honoured with the 43rd Jnanpith Award in Thiruvananthapuram.

Egypt president resigns

Egypt’s long-ruling President Mr. Hosni Mubarak resigns following on 18-day revolution in the nation, bringing the curtains down on his 30-year authoritarian rule.

First International Transhipment terminal

11 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh dedicates to the nation the first phase of the Rs.6,250-crore International Transhipment terminal on  Vallarpadam Island, Kerala.

Lignite deposits found in Ramnad

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered lignite deposits in Meesal near Thondi. The GSI has been engaged in excavation activities for several months  now. Experts said they found lignite deposits of 1,100 million tonnes in the village at a depth of 300 metre. As of now, it was economically unvisible to mine the mineral. However, the area will be reserved for future purpose. Lignite deposits were identified in Neyveli and other northern parts of the state same years ago. The Oil and Natural gas corporation has also found national gas reserves in many parts of the district, including Valuthur and Pampoor.

Bill to expand Madurai, Kovai corporations

Chief Minister introduced a Bill in the State Assembly providing for the expansion of the limits of Madurai and Coimbatore corporations. The govt. has decided to expand the limits of the Municipal Corporations of the Madurai and Coimbatore cities by including certain local bodies adjoining the respective cities. Based on the above inclusion, delimitation of wards will be done for the next ordinary election to be held for the two corporations.

Plea to start wig unit in Palani

DMK MLA from Palani constituency M. Anbalakan urged the government to start a wig manufacturing unit in Palani as the quantum of human hair being collected in temple located in places like Palani, Tiruchendur and Samayapuram going up to many tonnes. He said there were 11 wig manufacturing units in Chennai and hair was being supplied from these temples. As such, a unit could be set up at Palani to utilise the availability of hair offered by devotees as a religious practice.

No CET for Medical courses this year

Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy promised the State Assembly that there would be no Common Entrance Test  (CET) for medical courses in the 2011-12 academic year. In this connection Chief Minister Karunanidhi had already expressed his view to stop the introduction of national level CET for medical courses. Union Minister Kapil Sibal had also assured that no decision would be taken without consulting the state govt.

Madras University launches ` 6.5 crore virtual varsity

The University of Madras launched its ` 6.5 crore virtual university project, with an aim of providing tele-education and e-learning facilities for the students in remote areas in the state. Chairman of Tamil virtual university V.C. Kulandaisamy inaugurated the project. Initiated with the financial assistance from Ministry of Human Resource Development, the project has linked four campuses of Madras University and seven affiliated colleges in the first phase, thus enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration. All the colleges will be linked in the second phase of the project this year. Totally, over 25,000 students would benefit from the project, including whose who are studying through distance education. 

Karuna’s auction fetches ` 55 lakh

Chief Minister Publcially auctioned off a sword made of solid gold and a crown for a whopping ` 55 lakh. The dramatic auction saw various district level functionaries of the DMK  vying with each other to claim the golden set. The solid gold and crown in question were presented to the DMK patriarch at the partys recent general council meeting by DMK South Chennai District Secretary J. Anbazhagan. Karunanidhi recalled his friendship and admiration for Sivagnanam, often referred to as Ma Po Si, saying that his respect for the prolific writer transcended political boundaries. “He was from one party and I from another. But we looked to each other with a great deal of respect. I have always made it a habit to respect leaders from other parties as long as they have made sacrifices for the cause of the country and Tamil language”, he said.

Book on retail business house released

“The autobiography” of VGP group-one of the states oldest retail business houses – was released at Chennai on Feb.9. Authored by Vice-Chairman of the Conglomerate V.G. Selvaraj, the book tilled “Shine on the Sweat” was released by Dravidar Khazhagam Chief K. Veeramani, Sathyabama University Chancellor Jeppiaar, received the first copy. The tamil version of the book was released by Speaker Avudaiyappan and received by VIT chancellor G. Viswanathan.

A Mamman among black money parkers

A member of the well known Mammen family, which owns the city-based tyre manufacture MRF, has named in the black money list handed over by Germany to India in 2009, according to Tehelka magazine. The magazine’s website revealed that the Mammen family member was one of the 16 names in the list that Tehelka had acquired, out of a total of 16 names handed over to India by Germany.

Nepal’s PM addressing Parliament

Addressing Parliament for the first time after taking office, Nepal’s new Prime Minister Mr. Jhalanath Khanal announces that his government will deploy all its strength and resources to complete the twin objectives of finishing the peace process and writing the nation’s Constitution.

Reduction of CST

10 : The Union Cabinet approves a Rs. 7,029 crore package for the States to compensate them for losses suffered due to reduction in the Central Sales Tax (CST) rate during 2010-11.

Spectrum allocation not ISRO job – Nair

Former ISRO Chairman Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, said that ISRO is one of the cleanest organisations in the country and rubbished the S-Band allocation report as absurd. Nair told reporters that its cutting edge technology is recognised globally and its spacecraft are globally competitive and space application programmes like Tele-education and tele-medicine very unique. He said that the report was absured and questioned how the yet-to-be launched satellite worth ` 300 crore would fetch ` 2 lakh crore and cause revenue loss to the government.

Don’t approach court, go to PCB dyeing units told

The Madras High Court has directed the dyeing and bleaching units, which were ordered to be closed by an order dated January 28 last, not to approach it individiually to modify the order. Instead, they could move the Pollution Control Board (PCB) individually by filing suitable applications for inspection of their respective units and for taking a decision, the first bench comprising chief justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam observed.