CURRENT EVENTS – 2011 ( MARCH 31)(3)

1. 2001-World Population Prospects (mid year estimates) 1998

2. 2011-World Population Prospects 2008 revision UN Rates have been worked out for India based on the provisional Census 2011 and those of Indonesia and Brazil on 2010 round of Census.

India among its neighbours 2001-2011 (sex ratio)

Countries                            2001                            2011

India                                    933                                940
China                                  944                                926
Pakistan                             938                                943
Bangladesh                       958                                978
Sri Lanka                          1010                              1034
Nepal                                1005                              1014
Afghanistan                        930                                931
Bhutan                                 919                                897
Myanmar                           1011                              1048

CURRENT EVENTS – 2011 ( MARCH 31)(2)

TAMIL NADU POPULATION:
Gopalakrishnan, Population Census Director published the 2011 Tamil Nadu Population Chennai Corporation. Tamil Nadu Population 7,21,38,958 (Male – 3,59,80,087,  Female – 3,59,80,087). Tamil Nadu is in 6th place in India Population. 1991-2001 Population increase has 11.70 per cent in 2001-2011 increased to 15.60%. Population Density is 555, it is in 12th place in India, Sex Ratio 995, India ratio Tamil Nadu in 3rd place in India Literary rate – 80.33% India LIterature Tami Nadu 16th place in Male, 15th place in Female.
Population in Tamil Nadu District :
Chennai – Total–43,43,645, M-22,19,539, F-21,24,106 ;
Thiruvallur – T-27,54,756, M&13,97,407, F-13,57,349 ;
Kancheepuram – T-28,77,468, M-14,57,242, F-14,20,226 ;
Vellore – T-34,77,317, M-17,41,083, F-17,36,234 ;
Tiruvannamalai – T-21,86,125, M-10,95,859, F-10,90,266 ;
Villupuram – T-29,60,373, M-14,92,442, F-14,67,931 ;
Cuddalorwe – T-22,85,395, M-11,50,908, F-11,34,487 ;
Perambalur – T-4,93,646, M-2,46,141, F-2,47,505 ;
Ariyalur – T-6,95,524, M-3,46,763, F-3,48,761 ;
Trichy – T-24,18,366, M-12,08,534, T-12,09,832 ;
Thanjavur – T-22,16,138, M-10,96,638, F-11,19,500 ;
Thiruvarur – T-11,69,474, M-5,80,784, F-5,88,690 ;
Nagapattinam – T-14,88,839, M-7,39,074, F-7,49,765 & Pudukottai – T-14,59,601, M-7,24,300, F-7,35,301 ;
Sivagangai – T-11,55,356, M-5,66,947, F-5,88,409 ;
Ramanathapuram – T-11,87,604, M-5,83,376, F-6,04,228 ;
Karur – T-9,35,686, M-4,65,538, F-4,70,148;
Dindigul – T-19,23,014, M-9,68,137, F-9,54,877;
Madurai – T-25,78,201, M-13,03,363, F-12,74,838;
Theni – T-10,93,950, M-5,52,986, F-5,40,964 ;
Virudhunagar – T-17,51,301, M-8,70,376, F-8,80,925 ;
Thoothukudi – T-15,72,273, M-7,66,823, F-8,05,450 ;
Tirunelveli – T-27,23,988, M-13,33,939, F-13,90,049 ;
Kanniyakumari – T-16,76,034, M-8,32,269, F-8,43,765 ;
Erode – T-25,81,500, M-13,09,278, F-12,72,222 ;
Tiruppur – T-3,44,543, M-1,79,930, F-1,64,613 ;
Coimbatore – T-42,71,856, M-21,76,031, F-20,95,825 ;
The Nilgiris – T&7,62,141, M-3,78,351, T-3,83,790 ;
Salem – T-30,16,346, M-15,63,633, F-14,52,713 ;
Namakkal – T-14,93,462, M-7,59,551, F-7,33,911 ;
Dharmapuri – T-28,56,300, M-14,73,597, F-13,82,703 ;
Krishnagiri – T-64,587, M-32,492, F-32,095.

Note : While working out the density figures for Jammu & Kashmir for 2001 and 2011 censuses, the entire area and population of those portions of Jammu & Kashmir which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan and China have not been taken into account.

CURRENT EVENTS – 2011 ( MARCH 31)

31 : The provisional data of Census 2011 is released. As per the data, India’s population has jumped to 1.21 billion, an increase of more than 181 million during 2001-11. Of the total population, the number of males stands at 623.7 million and of females at 586.5 million. The percentage growth in 2010-11 was 18.12%. The sex ratio stands at 940, up from 933 in 2001.

NRI-deposits increased in India
A report released by the Centre reveals that India’s external debt, including commercial borrowings and non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits, went up by 13.9 percent to $297.5 billion by the end of December 2010 from $261.2 billion as of March-end that year.

USA wins shooting world cup
John McGrath of USA wins the men’s skeet event at the shooting World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

M.S. Subbulakshmi Award
Carnatic vocalist Ms. Nisha P. Rajagopal is chosen as the first recipient of The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award.

Chinese Govt. views on security
The Chinese government says that it views the security situation in the Asia-Pacific  as “volatile”, a pointing to the US “reinforcing” regional military alliances and rising suspicions among China’s neighbours.

India-Russia can learn from each other
31 : There is an amazing potential for India and Russia to learn from each other, Sergey V. Soloviev, Deputy Consul General of the Russian Federation (South India) said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Indo-Russian Art Academy, which will serve as a forum for students and artists to intract with their counterparts in Russia. As Russia has been going through a phase of turmoil over the past two decades, the lessons that India’s rich cultural past offered were very valuable, be added.

CENSUS 2011 
The Provisional data of the Census 2011 that was made public on March 31, 2011 stated that India’s population has touched a new figure 1.21 billion with a rise of over 181 million from the last decade (1991-2001). Now, India’s popultion has touched the combined population of the well-known countries like the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan that is 1,214.3 million. It  is the 15th Census of India since 1872 and has presented many significant facts some of which are encouraging while some discouraging as well. The most significant encouraging trend that it has shown is, however, that after a lapse of 9 decades, the past decade (2001-2011) witnessed the addition of smaller population than the decade that had just preceded, i.e., 1991-2001. During the present decade (2001-2011) literacy growth for males stood at 108 million while for females it was slightly up at 110 million. The increasing child sex ratio that came as a shocker in the latest Census figures shows 914 girls, and this is the lowest ever since Independence, slipping from 927 in 2001. The Census figures indicate an increase in sex ratio in 29 States and Union Territories, with women outnumbering men in Kerala. There were 1,084 women against 1,000 men in Kerala, followed by Puducherry where the figure was 1038. Daman and Diu has a sex ratio of 618, next only to Dadra and Nagar Haveli at 775. One very encouraging fact that the Census 2011 has presented is, however, this that India’s literacy rate has touched 74%, according to the provisional results of the 2011 Census, up from 65% in 2001 and just 52% in 1991.
Gender Composition : Census 2001 – Sex Ratio : 933 (Males 532.2 mn – 51.74%; Females 496.5 mn – 48.26%). Census 2011 – Sex Ratio : 940 (Males 623.7 mn – 51.54%) ;  Females 586.5 mn (48.46%).

POPULATION OF SELECTED COUNTRIES

Leyland, Nissan unveil LCV DOST

The first product of the joint venture between Ashok Leyland of the Hinduja Group and Nissan Motor company of Japan will be a 1.25 tonne LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) named DOST. It will bear the Ashok Leyland badge and will be produced at its facility in Hosur. The LCV, unveiled is expected to hit the markets in the second quarter of 2011-12. Powered by a specially developed 55 hp high-torque, 3 cylinder and turbo – charged common rail diesel engine, DOST will be available in 3 versions. The vehicle will be available in both BS-III and BS-IV versions.

CII to submit white paper on Planning coastal infrastructure

30 : The CII Institute of Logistics with submit a white paper on planning coastal infrastructure in a manner that strikes a balance between expansion and ecology protection. It will be prepared after a series of consultations with stakeholders  in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi over the year under a joint initiative with the British Deputy High Commission, IIT-Madras and the Institute of Financial Management and Research.

New President of Myanmar

Military rule ends in Myanmar, as the nation’s military junta hands power over to a nominally civilian government after almost half-a-century of rule. The junta is disbanded and a new president is appointed.

Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani meet at Mohali

30 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani meet at Mohali, the venue of the ICC World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan. The two Prime Ministers hold a “wide-ranging conversation” and decide to take forward the recently-started dialogue process to achieve “more permanent normalisation of relations in an uninterrupted manner”.

Tiger population has doubled

The tiger populations in the state has more than doubled in the past four years in the Western and Eastern Ghats. The tiger census data released by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests stated that the big cat populations in the state, which was declared as 76 during the 2006 census, had touched 163. In Anamalai and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, the authorities counted the presence 34 tigers. Similarly, in the Kalakkad, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and its adjoining Periyar Tiger Reserve, the authorities recorded 38 tigers.

Hindi Prachar Sabha’s services landed

For thousands of students who gathered at the Hindi Prachar Sabha, it was time to celebrate. The students, who had cleared different levels of Hindi examinations offered by the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha were there to participate in the 74th convocation of the institution.

CBSE appeal to schools

Schools should not limit students’ options after class X by either insisting that all of them take the school based examination or urging students who take the Board examination to leave the school, according to Vineet Joshi, Chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The detection of plutonium in soil

The nuclear emergency in Japan takes a more serious turn, with the authorities announcing the detection of traces of plutonium in soil samples at the quake – and tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Pakistan agrees investigations on Mumbai attacks

29 : Pakistan agrees, in principle, to allow a commission from India to visit that country in connection with the investigations into the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

C. Rangarajan for revising curriculam

Modernisation of courses, revision of curriculam and reform of the examination system are imperative to bring in quality improvements on a scale that would match the quantitative expansion in the higher education sector, C. Rangarajan Chairman said. According to Dr. Rangarajan, the system of affiliated colleges worked fine so long as the number of colleges was limited. With the growth in the number of affiliate colleges, the task of improving quality of education remained a challenge.

Musician honoured with award

28 : Veteran musician R.K. Srikantan was honoured with the first ‘Sathguru Thyagaraja Hamsadhwani Award” at a function at Chennai. The award has been instituted in memory of industrialist, philanthropist and patron on the arts 
P. Obul Reddy and his wife Gnanamba. Mr. Srikantan is a performer and teacher who had imbibed the qualities of Saint Thyagaraja, Ms. Reddy said.

World’s first practical artificial leaf

Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, unveil the world’s first practical artificial leaf that can turn sunlight and water into energy, which they claim could pave the way for a cheaper source of power in the developing countries like India.

Shooting World Cup

Martin Podhrasky of Czech Republic wins the rapid fire pistol event at the shooting World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Wang Weiyi of China clinches the 50-m rifle prone event.

Russia accuses the Western Coalition

In a significant development, Russia accuses the Western coalition of interfering in a civil war in Libya in breach of the United Nations resolution.

Tiger census – 2010

The results of the 2010 tiger census are announced. The survey puts the total number of tigers in India at 1,706, up 12 percent from 2006.

CBFC elected new Chairperson

28 : Veteran Bharatanatyam dancer Ms. Leela Samson is chosen as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), commonly known as the censor board.

Australian Open Grand Prix Formula

Red Bull racer Sebastian Vettel of Germany clinches the title of the season-opening Australian Open Grand Prix Formula One championship in Melbourne; McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton of Britain comes second.

NATO agrees to take over the command and control of military operations in Libya

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) agrees to take over the command and control of military operations in Libya, in particular the enforcement of the no-fly zone.

Survey on Higher Education

27: Going ahead with its proposal of conducting a higher education survey in the country, the HRD Ministry sets up a high-level task force that will oversee the survey. The survey will include medical institutions also.

VIT student bags award

A final year chemical engg. B. Tech student of VIT University has bagged the Best Paper Award under the young researcher’s category at the First Environment Asia International Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.

Expo sheds light on Tagore’s writings

Sahitya Akademi launched Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations on 22nd March with an exhibition of his works, literary seminars and debates at the Connemara Public Library. The exhibition includes Tagore’s works translated by various writers in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil and other South Indian languages. The Akademi will hold a panal discussion on Tagore on 27th March at the library, said A.S. Ilangovan, Regional Secretary of the Akademi.

Chinese Army Chief visit to Nepal

Chinese Army Chief Gen. Chen Bingde concludes his three-day visit to Nepal aimed at bolstering China’s strategic presence in India’s neighbourhood. During his visit, Gen. Bingde offers military aid worth $19.8 million to Nepal.

2011 FICCI FRAMES AWARDS

The 2011 FICCI Frames Awards are given away in Mumbai. The prominent awardees are : Hollywood star Hugh Jackman (Excellence International Honour), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Decade of Global Achievement Honour), Shah Rukh Khan (Best Actor for My Name Is Khan), Vidya Balan (Best Actress for Ishqiya), etc. Dabangg bags the Best Film of the Year Award.

Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal

Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar is presented the Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial Peace for 2011 by the XLRI in Jamshedpur.

Indo-Pak open channels

26 : India asks its envoy in Pakistan to open channels of communication with Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Pervez Kayani and ISI Chief Shuja Pasha, which, if agreed, could open up new possibilities of deepening Indo-Pak engagement.

TI Cycles launches carbon frame bikes

TI Cycles, a division of Murugappa Group owned Tube Investments of India, has came out with the indigenously – designed and locally made carbon frame bikes under the brand name Mantra. The bikes will be available in three varients – complete carbon bicycles (Mantra Techno), alloy frame with carbon fork and straight handle bar (Mantra Jazz) and alloy frame with carbon fork and dropped handle bar (Mantra country). The starting price of alloy range of bikes is that of carbon range of bikes 60,000.

Acheulian Stone tools discovered near Chennai

Acheulian stone tools, dating back to about 1.51 millions year ago, have been discovered at Attirampakkam in the Kortallayar River Basin, about 60 km. northwest of Chennai Researchers from the Chennai-based Sharma Centre for Heritage Education made the discovery, which is being published in the journal, Science. The discovery indicates that early humans (hominius) using the tools, lived in India much earlier than previously estimated (6.6 million – 0.5 million years). The tools are much older than those found in Europe. Its having their origin in Africa about 1.51 million years ago, are found in several countries in South Asia, including India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Prospects of distance education

The term Open University was grossly understood. It was also an institution badly misused. Administrators, academics and public should not look at Open University lightly as it was an integral part and an inevitable step in the evolution of higher education and the hope for millions of learners. Distance education would help woman to learn “Education is an awakening agent and the only force for the liberation of  women”, Mr. Kulandaiswamy said.

Dalai Lama’s desire to be relieved of his political duties

The Tibetan “government-in-exile” accepts the Dalai Lama’s desire to be relieved of his political duties, proposing that he remain the “symbolic head” of the government-in-exile.

India launches its first pollution cap and trade scheme

25 : India launches its first pollution cap and trade scheme. The pilot scheme will cover air pollution caused by 1,000 industries in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and could have a significant impact on public health. As per the scheme, the cleaner units will make money by selling permits while polluters will have to shell out money.

White tigress adopted

Two-year-old white tigress cub, Akansha, received her birthday gift in the form of adoption by State Bank of India at a function in Vandalur Zoo. The bank paid 1.44 lakh towards the feed and maintenance the tigress for a one year period under the adoption programme. J.Chandrasekaran, Chief General Manager, SBI, aid the main idea was to create awareness among children through adoption.

International Conference in London

Britain calls an international conference in London to discuss the Libyan crisis, including the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict.

NASA scientists test a space suit

NASA scientists test a space suit in a setting with extreme conditions akin to those found on Mars – a base in Antarctica – for possible use on a visit to the Red Planet, During the test, the suit – called NDX-1 – successfully endures extreme temperatures and winds.

Abel Prize for 2011

A living legend in the field of mathematics, John Willard Milnor of the Institute for Mathematical Sciences in the University of Stony Brook, USA, is chosen for the prestigious Abel Prize for 2011. The award, given by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, carries a cash component of 6 million Norwegian Kroners (approx. 750,000 euros). The prize is given in recognition of contributions of extraordinary depth and influence to mathematical sciences and has been awarded annually since 2003.

FSLRC under chairmanship

The Centre constitutes the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) under the chairmanship of  former Justice B.N. Srikrishna to rewrite and harmonic financial sector legislations, rules and regulations.

Both houses passes the new name of “Orissa”

24 : The Rajya Sabha ratifies a constitutional amendment and passes the Orissa (Alteration of Name) Bill, which the Lok Sabha had already passed. Henceforth, Orissa will officially be called “Odisha”. 

Post-monsoon study at Adyar Eco Park

The post-monsoon study of flora, fauna and water quality in Adyar Eco Park (Tholkappiya Poonga) will begin next week. The study, to be the first after the inauguration of the park in January this year, would be crucial in assessing the impact of eco-restoration of the coastal wetland ecosystem.

Adi Dravida schools set up ‘expression box’

Some Adi Dravida Welfare (ADW) schools in Chennai and a few other districts have provided a forum for students to vent out their anger and make suggestions to improve the conditions in school, ‘Karuthu Suthanthirappetti” was recently placed in these schools as part of the students’ human rights club that was launched by the Institute of Human Rights Education. From eve-teasing incidents to family problems to stress, the expression boxes at the schools are setting latter on a range of issues.

Visa system tightening by UK Govt.

The UK government announces a major overhaul of the student visa system, tightening the entrance criteria and post-study work route.

AIMA Lifetime Achievement Award

23 : Tata Group Chairman Mr. Ratan Tata is honoured with the AIMA Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in New Delhi.

25 paise coins invalid from June 30

Coins in the denomination of 25 paise and below will be legally invalid for circulation from June 30. Addressing presspersons,K.R. Ananda, Regional Director of RBI, said the Union Govt., which has the responsibility of minting coins, has decided to withdraw smaller denomination coins of and under 25 paise. The value of such coins has eroded and they are no longer in use. People can exchange coins in denominations of 25, 20, 10 and 5 paise in the issue offices of the RBI and branches of 45 banks for their face value till June 29. A special counter has been opened for accepting such coins in the RBI office between 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.

Painting exhibition showcases an array of styles

The array of paintings and scultpures on display at the exhibition hall of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture here is unusual in several respects. To start with, the works of art by same junior and veteran artists in the state vie for attention under same roof. The paintings and scultptures by nearly 60 artists span different genres and styles – ranging from realism to modern act. 

New President of UEFA

Legendary former French footballer Michael Platini is re-elected unopposed as President of European football’s governing body UEFA for a second four-year term.

Japan’s Nuclear Plant

Deepening worldwide concern, Japan reports an above-normal presence of radioactive substances in seawater in the vicinity of the quake-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

High-level team for Kashmir issue

Pakistan announces that it will send a high-level team to EU member nations Germany, Poland and Belgium to “win their support on the Kashmir issue”.

Union govt. withdraws the 5% service tax

22 : Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee withdraws the five-percent service tax on hospital and diagnostic centres. He also gives excise duty relief on branded garments to small-scale industries and announces marginal tax concessions to some other sectors.

Project to bring out amphibian ecology

Perhaps for the first time in the country, researchers of the Ashoka Trust for Research and Ecology and Environment have initiated a project to monitor the presence of frogs and toads in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to preserve these endangered species serving as indicators of climate change. The Ashoka Trust is based at the Agasthya malai community conservation centre at Manimuthar. Among amphibians frogs and toads are exceptions: they are without tails while being adults. They are collectively called Anurans. India’s is a home to 277 species of anurans and close to 150 species have been listed as ‘threatened’. “This study will throw light on the present status of anurans and we will be able to understand the role of climate in the anuran population,” says K.S. Seshadri, who is heading the study team in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

Educational institutions urged to focus on R & D

Technical educational institutions should give more thrust for research and development activities that will help sustain the growth of the nation, Anna University-Chennai V.C. Mannar Jawahar has said. The institutions should create adequate opportunities for the students to enhance their creative skills and encourage them to bring in new solutions for various issues in the society, he said while delivering the graduation day address at Velalar College of Engg. and Technology. Advising the students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in their chosen field of study, the V.C. said that students should exhibit their inherent talents and capabilities along with their technical knowledge.

US-led coalition forces

The US-led coalition forces intensify air and sea strikes on Libyan defence targets, even as the Arab League voices concerns over the bombardment taking a toll on civilians.

ATP Indian wells tennis tournament

Novak Djokovic of Serbia clinches the men’s title of the ATP Indian Wells tennis tournament in Indian Wells, USA, beating World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final.

M & E Industry growth

21 : FICCI report reveals that the Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, which now stands at Rs.65,200 crore, registered a growth of 11 percent over 2009 and is likely to grow 13 percent in 2011.

Yemen President protests against resignation

Yemen President Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh sacks his government in the face of protests demanding his resignation.

Crude oil prices will go up

20 : In a report, the Centre says that if the average crude oil prices continue to remain at $100 per barrel in the coming months, the total under-recoveries of the oil marketing companies (OMCs) will go up to Rs.98,000 crore in the 2011-12 financial year.

Indian IT firms invited to invest in Australia

Australian Consul-General for South India, David Holly, called in Australia to top the potential in the Asia Pacific region. Addressing a workshop on ‘Outsourcing and off-shoring opportunities in Australia and Asia-Pacific Region,’ organised by the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce (IACC), he said. “If Australia has to remain competitive, it is important to have a strategic partnership with India. Indian firms have to make use of the opportunities to expand their business adctivities”.

Appeal to passport applicants

Advancement of date for submission of passport applications under ‘Tatkal’ scheme will be entertained from only those going abroad for treatment or ceremony following the death of relatives, according to K.S. Daulat Thameem, Acting Regional Passport Officer, Chennai. As the officer received 400 to 500 applications under the ‘tatkal’ scheme in a day, it would be very difficult to verify the genuineness of documents/ certificates submitted by the applicants due to staff shortage. Hence, he reguested the applicants not to approach his office for advancement of data of submission of applications under the scheme.

One side of MRTS stretch poses threat

The Chennai Police have written to the Southern Railway suggesting that the wall on one side of the MRTS stretch between Chintadripet and Chepaulk railway stations be raised as it posed a security threat to vital installations. The MRTS network runs close to the new Assembly / Secretariat Complex and the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. We have written to the railway authorities to provide a view-cutter. The elevated rail corridor is just a stone’s throw away from the new Secretariat. The VVIP entry and vehicle parking is also in close vicinity. Access or view from the corridor has to be restricted considering the threat scanario”, a senior official said.

Award for MIT alumnus

S. Shanmugavel, Register, Anna University, received the outstanding Alumnus award at a function in Madras Institute day were observed at MIT and Mr. Shanmugavel received the award on the occasion from the chief guest, K. Shanker, M.D., Technip India.

A one-stop shop for handloom products

The National Handloom Expo 2011, which got under way at Chennai, is expected to serve as a one stop shop for customers booking for a variety of products from different states. The amount expo is being held at Co-optex exhibition grounds on Panthean Road, Egmore. An array of handlooms and home linen made of cotton on display at many stalls caught the attention of visitors. While stalls from Rajasthan featured hand block painted Kurtas and dress materials and Kota Cottan saries, the stalls from Haryana have brought in cotton bags and yarn curtains. A total of 88 stalls also included those from Paramankurichi in Tuticorin district.

Egyptians transparent democracy

Taking the first major step towards a transition to transparent democracy, Egyptians turn up in overwhelming numbers to vote on landmark constitutional amendments.

BNP Paribas women’s singles title

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark wins the women’s singles title of the BNP Paribas Open, beating Marion Bartoli of France in the final in Indian Wells, USA.

H-1B and L-1 visas

19 : India asks the US to come up with tangible steps without any further delay to resolve the now following the steep fee hike on H-1B and L-1 visas, mostly targeting Indian software companies.

Indian nuclear power reactors will be revisited

With the “feedback” that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) received from the Japanese nuclear crisis, “We are determined to revisit the 19 nuclear power reactors operating in India and if there are dificiencies, every step will be taken to upgrade their safety”, said S.K. Jain, Chairman and M.D., The NPCIL had already revisited the nuclear power reactors in India after the Three Mila Island and Chernobyl accidents in 1979 and 1986 and took a number of steps to upgrade their safety. Several safety measures were implemented after a tsunami struck the Indian coast in December 2004, including the Kalpakkam Coast in Tamil Nadu, he said.

Open varsity degree can’t be treated on par with regular one

A degree secured under Open University (OU) system cannot be regarded as a degree obtained by undergoing regular courses or under the distance education system, the Madras High Court has said Academics in their wisdom, while considering the equivalence of such degrees held that a degree obtained under the OU system, where the candidate did not have any formal school education could not be regarded as equivalent to that of a degree obtained under the regular stream.

Educational institutions too covered ESI Act. court

The Madras High Court has dismissed petitions challenging “Tamil Nadu G.O. of Nov. 2010 and an order of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation of Jan. 4 this year covering educational institutiions employing 20 or more persons under the provisions of the ESI Act Mr. Justice Chandru said the fact that contributions payable towards ESI were not  conceived while the fixing fee structure in respect of private educational institutions and therefore the present notification imposed unreasonable burden on them could not be accept as any legal plea.

Emergency in Yemen

Beleaguered Yemen President Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh orders a state of emergency in the nation after the regime’s loyalists kill 46 protesters and wound over 400 in the deadliest incident in weeks of unrest.

Imposition of no-fly zone over Libya

18 : Withstanding international pressure, India abstains from voting on a UN Security Council resolution approving “all necessary measures”, including imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

Gollapudi Srinivas award for ‘Peepli Live’ director

Anusha Rizvi director of ‘Peepli Live’ has been chosen for the 14th ‘Gollapudi Srinivas National Award’ for the year 2010, according to a press release from the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation. Ms. Rizvi’s ‘Peepli Live’ was selected from 16 nominations from across the country in several languages, including Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali and Kannada. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakh and a momento, will be presented at a grand ceremony to be held on August 12 at Kamaraj Arangam, Chennai.

NASA’s Messenger spacecraft

NASA’s Messenger spacecraft veers into a pinpoint orbit around Mercury. Following this, the Earth now has a regular eye-in-the-sky spying on the solar system’s smallest and strongest planet.

Asian Literary Prize

Acclaimed Chinese author Mr. Bi Feiyu wins Asia’s top literary honour, the $30,000 Man Asian Literary Prize, for Three Sisters, a novel set during China’s Cultural Revolution.

Bihari Puraskar Award for 2010

Noted poet Mr. Girdhar Rathi is chosen for the prestigious Bihari Puraskar for 2010, for his collection of poems Anta Ke Sanshaya.

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex

Japanese authorities deploy high-pressure water canons, fire trucks and helicopters that spray seawater in increasingly frantic efforts to cool the overheated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex.

RBI hikes its short-term indicative rates

The RBI hikes its short-term indicative rates by 25 basis points, bringing the repo rate to 6.75 percent and the reverse repo to 5.75 percent.

PFO increase the interest to depositors

17 : The Union Finance Ministry approves 9.5 percent in interest to more than 4.7 crore depositors of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for 2010-11.

Passenger trains on Villupuram-Vellore section soon

Passenger trains will soon commerce operations on the Villupuram – Vellore Sector, which has been converted to broad gauge. The Commissioner undertook a high-speed trial using a special train formation on the line between Villupuram and Vellore contonment on March 5. It has 20 stations comprising 10 crossing stations and 10 halt stations, apart from 20 major and 386 minor railway bridges.

Vocational courses in schools face tough times:

Though everybody welcomes the idea of schools looking beyond pure academic lessons and imparting skill based courses, vocational courses are not popular among city schools. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently issued a circular about the new vocational courses from the coming academic year for students of Classes XI and XII. Courses such as geospatial technology food production, food and beverage services, mass media studies and media production are to be offered.

Revolutionary laser device

Prof. Dennis Deppe of the University of Central Florida, USA, unveils a revolutionary laser device that could make high-speed computing faster and more reliable, opening the door to a new age of the Internet. The miniature laser diode emits more intense light than those currently used.

US embassy paid blood money & freed

In a controversial development, US embassy staffer Raymond Davis, who was under arrest in Pakistan for killing two Pakistani nationals, is freed after paying blood money.

Chinese govt. suspends all new nuclear power plants

The Chinese government suspends the approval process for all new nuclear power plants until safety standards are revised, amid concerns triggered by Japan’s nuclear crisis.

India agreement for supply of LNG from Nigeria

16 : At a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Anand Sharma and visiting Nigerian Foreign Minister Mr. Henry Odein Ajumogobia in New Delhi, India seeks enhanced supplies of crude oil and an agreement for supply of LNG from Nigeria.

Fort cynosure of all eyes at Berlin fair

About 1,000 visitors to the pavillion put up by the Tamil Nadu Tourism at a recent international tourism fair in Berlin were floored by the picteuresque Megamalai and the ruines of Alamparai Fort. These forts were listed among the 20 lesser-known tourist spots in Tamil Nadu. The former is situated closer to Theni and the fort, about 20 km from Mudaliarkuppam, currently Megamalai receives 8,000 visitors and the fort, 25,000.

FAIRPRO a good platform for industry

A total of 30,000 registrations at the exhibition venue had ensured that FAIRPRO 2011, the three day property fair which concluded on 13th March, was a success, organisers of the fair said. The fair was organised by confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Tamil Nadu. According to him “Chennai is the city with third-worst potential in India for the event like FAIRPRO is a good platform for the industry as our core values are of ethical practices and transparency.

Rotary hands over ` 2 lakh worth medicines

15 : Members of the Rotary club of MCC handed medicines worth over Rs.2 lakh to Apollo Hospitals. Former DGP V. Vaikunth said that “we had collected ` 10 lakh worth medicines and conducted medical camps at Lathu Panchayat in Kancheepuram. Apollo Hospitals sent their medical teams for the camps”. He added that the extra medicines were given to the hospital to be used for underprivileged patients.

Chameli Devi Jain award – 2010

Ms. Shahina K.K. from Kerala is conferred the Chameli Devi Jain award for 2010 in New Delhi. This award is for outstanding female journalists.

Heavy price for military intervention

The volatile situation in Bahrain acquires a larger regional dimension after Iran warns that Gulf countries could pay a heavy price for their military intervention – led by Saudi Arabian troops and backed by the UAE – in Manama.

India imposes anti-dumping duty

15 : India imposes anti-dumping duty of up to 40.9 percent for five years on the import of glass fibre used in automobiles, electrical insulation and heat resistant fabrics from China.

States urged to increase allocation for education

The Union Human Resource Development Ministry urged the State Govts. either to increase allocation towards education or to retail it at existing levels to help the country reach the target of spending of six per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) an education. Union Minister of State for HRD, D. Purandeswari said state govts. were not making enough allocation towards education. While the centre had increased its constitution, the govts. failed to do it and that was why state universities were languishing.

Retina implant – British scientists

A revolutionary bionic eye developed by a team of British scientists is given the green signal after thorough testing. The bionic eye is basically a retina implant, which helps the blind to see.

Thomas remove from CVC post

14 : Hon’ble President Ms. Pratibha Patil cancels the appointment of Mr. P.J. Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner, 11 days after the SC decided to remove him.

Job fair for differently abled persons

The Tamil Nadu Differently Abled Welfare Association will organise a job fair for persons with disability at Island Grounds. Reputed employers from cities all over the country will participate, N. Ravi president of the association said. The event is open for physically, visually and hearing challenged candidates.

Tendulkar’s 99th International Hundred

Sachin Tendulkar made a sparkling 101 ball 111-his 48th century in ODIs and 99th International Cricket.

Nuclear crisis in Japan

Japan slips towards an unprecedented nuclear crisis as two nuclear reactors, Onagawa and Tokai No.2, start leaking radiation, even as the authorities fear that the death toll from the quake and tsunami may exceed 10,000.

2nd Century Common Era

13 : A 2nd century CE (Common Era) Tamil-Brahmi script on a pot rim, reading a ma na (meaning a Jaina) is found at Pattanam, Kerala. It establishes that Jainism was prevalent on the west coast at least from the 2nd century CE.

Marketing hub for handicrafts soon

A marketing hub for handicraft products is likely to be set up in Mylapore. The proposal has been drawn up and is awaiting clearance from the govt. The proposal for an Urban Haat in Mamallapuram and a museum in the Poompuhar, showroom on Anna Salai are same of the Projects under consideration of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation. They have been conceived with the objective of promoting handicrafts.

Consultants for new desalination plant

Chennai Metrowater has initiated the process for setting up another desalination plant by inviting consultants for conducting a feasibility study and preparing the detailed project report. The proposed facility would have a capacity to treat 200 million litres a day of seawater. This would be twice the capacity of the desalination plant of IVRCL in Minjur and the upcoming facility of Metrowater in Nemmeli. The Minjur facility was established on the design, build, own, operate and transfer mode. The treated water is being supplied to suburbs, including Madhavaram and Manali, apart from localities in North Chennai. 

Rescue & Recovery Team rush to Japan

Japan mobilises 50,000 military and other rescue personnel to spearhead a Herculean rescue and recovery effort, a day after being hit by its most devastating quake and tsunami on record. International search and rescue teams also rush to the ravaged nation.

Agreement of Medical Education

12 : Incorporating the provisions of an agreement with the expert group of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to resolve the turf-war over the jurisdiction of medical education, the HRD Ministry-created task force revises the Higher Education and Research Bill specifying the role of and giving representation to health and medical education in the proposed body.

Meenakshi temple gets ISO Certification

The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Madurai has been accorded ISO 9001:2008 certification becoming only the fourth temple in the State to gain this accreditation. The other three temples in the state to have obtained the accreditation so far are Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple, Vadapalani Subramaniaswamy Temple and Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple, all of which are in Chennai.