Fast Track Court opened

The Kallakurichi Fast Track Court was inaugurated on July 29. As K. Mohanram, Judge, Madras High Court, could not attend the inauguration, a message from him was read out by District sessions court judge P.S. Avadi Thiagaraja Murthy. Mr. Mohanram said in his message that a target to each have been given to each Fast Track Court (FTC). But many are falling short of the target owing to two reasons – frequent adjournments sought by lawyers and delayed submission of evidence by police

Sewage treatment plant commissioned

A two-MLD sewage treatment plant was commissioned at Ambattur Industrial Estate by Chennai Auto Ancillary Industrial Infrastructure upgradation co. The Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Mohan Pyare said the CAAIIUC’s request for land for setting up a common effluent treatment plant would be considered after consultation with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The Co., a special purpose vehicle for infrastructure development at three industrial estates – Thirumazhisai and Thirumudivakkam being the other two-plans to set up the CETP near the sewage treatment plant.

Chartered accountants urged to be socially conscious

It was a young brigade of Chartered accountants all set is step into the professional world. Attired in smart, black convocation robes, they keenly listened to former Judge of the Supreme Court Justice A.R. Lakshmanan deliver the convocation address in Chennai. Speaking at the ceremony organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Justice Lakshmanan said he would soon discuss with the Bar Council of India Chairperson, the possibility of Chartered accountants practising in the court of Law.

Bank of the West Tennis

Serena Williams of USA wins the women’s singles title at the Bank of the West tennis tournament in Stanford, USA, beating Marion Bartoli of France in the final.

Hungarian Grand Prix Formula One championship

British racer Jenson Button of Team McLaren wins the Hungarian Grand Prix Formula One championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Syrian armed forces launch a heavy assault

Syrian armed forces launch a heavy assault to crush several anti-government protests in the nation.

New Air Chief Marshal

Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne takes charge as the Chief of the Air Staff. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik.

Lokayumkta report list on Yeddyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister Mr. B.S. Yeddyurappa puts in his papers after a Lokayukta report indicts him of involvement in corrupt practices.

Six dedicated freight corridors soon

Six dedicated freight corridors will be introduced in the country soon for exclusive freight movement, said K.M. Muniyappa, Union Minister of State for Railways. He said that work was progressing on the freight corridors between Delhi and Kolkata and Delhi and Mumbai. Surveys were underway for the other corridors, between Kolkata and Chennai, Chennai and Mumbai, Chennai and Goa and Chennai and Delhi. Similarly, for passenger, High Speed Passenger Corridors would also be introduced between Chennai and Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore and Kochi.

IPS promotions within the purview of States

The matter of promotion / appointment of IPS officers in various grades falls within the purview of the State govt. concerned, the Union Home Ministry submitted in a counter to Latika Saran’s petition before the Madras High Court. The Union Home Ministry requested the court that the reply filed by the State govt. and the UPSC may be adverted to.

Inspection panal re-constituted

The govt. has re-constituted the inspection committee for self-financing profesional colleges. According to an order issued by the State Higher Education Department, two professors of Anna University-Chennai have been appointed to the committee, which has the power to enter and inspect educational institutions under the Tamil Nadu Educational Institutions (Prohibition of collection of Copitation Fee) Act. 1992. It would enquire into complaints relating to the collection of capitation fee and charging fee higher than what has been prescribed by the committee on fixation of fee for self-financing professional colleges.

Integrated security systems soon at 7 stations

Integrated security systems aimed at heightening vigil will soon come up at seven important railway stations in the Chennai Divisions of Southern Railway. The state-of-the-art systems, which will include (CTV scanners, door – frame metal detectors and baggage screening devices, are being installed as part of a national rollout of improved surveillance systems by the Indian Railways, S. Anantharaman Divisional Railway Manager, told a press conference. In Chennai Division, the systems will be installed at Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Basin Bridge, Beach, Mambalam, Thambaram and Tiruvallur.

Usain Bolt wins gold in 200m

Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica clinches the 200m Gold clocking 20.03 seconds at the Stockholm Diamond Meet, Stockholm.

India and Bangladesh sign a border management pact

India and Bangladesh sign a border management pact to reduce incidents of killings and crime along the common frontier. As per the pact, the border guards of the two countries will exchange information on vulnerable areas.

NLC : Lignite from new mine for private power producers

The Neyveli Lignite Corporation has proposed to allot the entire production of 20 lakh tonnes of lignite to be obtained annually from the new open cast mine in Devakudi village, located south of the existing Mine-II, for the exclusive usage of private power producers and other consumers. according  to A.R. Ansari, Chairman-cum-M.D., NLC. The CMD was addressing the Regional Coal consumer council meeting held at Neyveli. He further said that it was also proposed to allot 5 per cent of the lignite production from the Jayamkondan mine project, whenever it was ready  to the private consumers.

Plea to Chief Minister on ID cards for persons with disabilities

Members of the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights for All Types of Differently-Abled and caregivers have written to Chief Minister as protesting the implementation of a new govt. order for issuing identity cards to persons with disabilities. They have pointed the discrepancies between the actual provisions of the GO and its implementation in Chennai.

NASSCOM signs MoU to conduct test for engg. graduates

With the intention of furthering the proposal for the NACTECH (NASSCOM Assessment Compliance Technology Test), NASSCOM officials signed a Memorandum of understanding with the ICT Academy to implement the test in the engineering colleges of Tamil Nadu. The test will be a common entrance examination for all engineering graduates who wish to get into the top notch software companies.

Solution package for Noyyal pollution

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa announced a solution package for the Noyyal river pollution problem caused by dyeing and bleaching units in Tirupur. Announcing the package after holding discussion with the representatives of farmers and the industry at the secretariat, Chennai, the Chief Minister said the govt. would provide an interest free loan of ` 200 crore for adopting a technological option in common effluent treatment plants to achieve zero liquid discharge.

Network of the human brain

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute, Germany, unveil a new software which can swiftly and accurately map and decode the vast network of the human brain with all its 70 billion cells.

National Communal Harmony Award

Sanskrit scholar Md. Hanif Khan Shashtri is conferred the National Communal Harmony Award at a ceremony in New Delhi.

India wins gold in shotput in Hungary

Indian shot putter Om Prakash Singh Karhana wins the Gold at an international meet in Hungary, thus qualifying for the London Olympics 2012.

India signs a deal with French armament

India signs a $2.4-billion deal with French armament majors Thales and Dassault Aviation for upgrading the IAF’s Mirage-2000 fighters.

NPCIL to join hands with PSUs for building nuclear reactors

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd., which is now operating 20 nuclear reactors with the installed capacity of 4,780 MWe and constructing six more reactors, has planned to forge alliance with cash-rich public sector enterprises for constructing more nuclear reactors in various parts of the country to realise its dream of generating 20,000 MWe from its nuclear installations. “The NPCIL has planned to join hands with public sector undertakings National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., National Aluminium Co. Ltd., and Bharath Heavy Electricals Ltd. and private sector construction giant Larsen and Toubro,” Site Director, Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project M. Kasinath Balaji told.

Computerised PRS counter opened at Guindy station

Minister for Information, Law, Courts and Prisons, G. Senthamizhan, inaugurated a computerised passenger reservation system (PRS) counter, set up with financial assistance from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme, at the Guindy Railway Station. Giving details about the new facility, S. Anantharaman, Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai Division, said it was established as part of the programme to set up 1,000 PRS centres under the MPLAD scheme. At present 40 PRS counters were functioning in the city in which 30,000 passengers were booking tickets every day.

Long hidden companion of Earth

NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission discovers a long-hidden companion of the Earth – the first Trojan asteroid circling the Sun in the Earth’s orbit.

Union Cabinets approves the Lokpal Bill

The Union Cabinet approves the Lokpal Bill, keeping outside its purview a serving Prime Minister, the higher judiciary and the conduct of MPs inside Parliament.

Hitachi set to make bid for monorail project

Top representatives of Japanese technology major Hitachi are set to meet Senior Government officials in Tamil Nadu to make a bid for the proposed monorail project in Chennai. Japan, which is already funding Chennai’s Metro Rail project, is now looking to extend its technical expertise in establishing a world class monorail system at Chennai.

Petro project between Cuddalore, Nagapattinam

The Union Cabinet’s nod is expected soon for the proposed Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions between Cuddalore and Nagapattinam. “The project which is supported by the Union Govt. aims to upgrade the region into a major petrol and petrochemical hub and accelerate investment in the sector.” The Tamil Nadu govt. has submitted proposals also to establish PCPIRs on the Cuddalore – Nagapattinam stretch and in Ramanathapuram. While the govt. would  ideally want both proposals cleared, realistically it is only expecting a cabinet nod for the Cuddalore-Nagapattinam PCPIR at the moment.

Life for sanitary complexes

The govt. will bring to use all the integrated rural sanitary complexes for improved sanitation of women within three months. According to a release of Chief Minister launched the scheme in 2001 under which 7,704 sanitary complexes were constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 lakh each in rural areas in the first two years. In 2003-04, the unit cost was increased to ` 2.25 lakh and 4,914 complexes were built. By end of that year 12,618 sanitary complexes in panchayats became functional benefitting rural women. After learning that the sanitary complexes were not in use, the chief Minister has ordered officials to make them functional again within three months and spread awareness of hygenic practices for a healthy living.

Plastic waste for re-laying roads

The Chennai Corporation is considering the use of plastic waste for re-laying roads, including bus route roads. Officials of the civic body visited Madurai last week and held discussions with experts at the Thiagarajar College of Engg. pertaining to the initiative plastics account for nine per cent of the total 3,200 tonnes of waste generated daily in the city. However, only half of this plastic waste could be used for road re-laying, said an official of the civic body. The city has a total of 389 bus route roads for a length of 309 km. There are over 16,000 interior roads, “Two-tonnes of plastics can be used to re-lay one kilo-metre of a 3.75 metre-wide lane with a thickmen of 40 mm”. Over 50 per cent of the plastic  consumed is used for packing and one made from polymers like polyethylene polypropylene and polystyrene. The plastics would be mixed with the heated blue metal before mixing it with the bitumen. The consumption of bitumen is reduced by 10 per cent for construction of a road using plastic waste. One km. of such road consumes 10 lakh carry bags and saves around ` 40,000 worth bitumen.

Sewer network to be improved

Chennai Metrowater has set in motion the process of improving sewage pumping stations and pipelines in the city at a cost of ` 40 crore. Officials of Metrowater said 33 of the 197 pumping stations have been identified to be taken up under the project. Their capacity would be enhanced before the onset of the northeast monsoon this year to reduce recurring complaints of sewage blocks and overflow. The project would be taken up at a cost of nearly ` 5.70 crore. Once the improvement work is completed, complaints related to sewer problems are expected to reduce considerably.

More norms for Tamil films to get tax sops

The state govt. has added more norms for feature films learning titles in Tamil to be eligible for entertainment tax exemption. Modifying the current position that any film will be eligible for such exemption if its title is in the Tamil language, the commercial taxes department has issued an order stating that films applying for exemption should have been given ‘U’ (unrestricted viewing) certificate by the Censor Board and that they should not dipict excessive violence or obscenity. Further, the story-line of plot of the films should be conducive to the development of Tamil language and culture. The dialogues in the films should also be predominantely in Tamil, barring scenes in which the use of other languages may be necessary.

Ramon Mgasaysay Awards for 2011

The Ramon Magsaysay Awards for 2011 are announced in Manila, the Philippines. Two Indians – Dr. Harish Hande and Ms. Nileema Mishra – win the award. Dr. Hande, a US-trained Indian engineer, is recognised for bringing solar lights to India. Ms. Mishra is honoured for her work with villagers in Maharashtra. The other winners of the prestigious award for 2011 are : Filipino charity group Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc. (AIDFI); Mr. Hasanain Juaini, who set up an Islamic school for girls in Indonesia; his fellow countrywoman Ms. Tri Mumpuni, who promoted micro-hydropower technology; and Mr. Koul Panha, who is working to restore democracy in Cambodia.

National Junior snooker title

Lalrina Renthlei of Mizoram clinches the National junior snooker title in Chennai.

Libia National Transitional council

UK announces the expulsion of all Lybian diplomats after recognising the rebels-led National Transitional council as the “sole government authority”.

India-Pakistan External Affairs Ministers talks in New Delhi

External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M. Krishna and his Pakistan counterpart Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar hold talks in New Delhi. The Ministers finalise confidence-building measures (CBMs) for cross-line of Control (LoC) travel and trade.

Permission granted for implementing bio-diversity project

The state govt. has granted permission to the head of Forest Force and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to constitute a governing body and a project management unit with general and executive bodies to implement the ` 686 crore Tamil Nadu Bio-diversity conservation and Greening Project funded by Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The govt. has also accorded permission to register the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity conservation and Greening Society under the TN Registration Act, 1975, for effective implementation of the project. A govt. order has been passed to this effect on July 7. The State govt. had agreed to contribute ` 188 crore towards the project, officials said

Five-Year term proposal for BDS course

The Dental Council of India has sent a proposal to the Central Govt. to increase the term of the BDS course from four years to five, incorporating a year of internship, similar to MBBS, its president Dibyendu Mazumdar said. When notified, the five-year programme would be implemented for BDS students in all States except those going into the fourth year of study during the current  academic year, he exploained. He also appealed to state govt. to set up dental clinics in rural areas, in order to serve the rural population and also enhance employment opportunities for the students graduating out of the 290 dental colleges in the country ever year.

State plans for wind power

Encouraged by greater capacity addition of wind mills in the last two years, the Tamil Nadu has came forward to establish an exclusive corridor for wind power to be transmitted to other states. The proposed corridor is meant for evacuating 9,000 MW. As per the proposed rent to the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, dedicated 400-KV substations, 230 KV substations and associated  extra high tension (EHT) lines are to be set up to evacuate wind energy. This will cost approximately ` 3,800 crore.

Transport infrastructure remains faulty

Successive govts. have repeatedly failed to provide adequate and govt. transportation facilities to the City’s residents, former M.D. of Metropolitan Transport Corporation R. Bala-subramanian said, Chennai was eligible for a financial grant of Rs.700 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission for infrastructure development, but we were not even able to send a project proposal. Four year on, we are still in the planning stage. The city is lagging for behind in transportation infrastructure and must start operating free feeder bus services to bus depots, commission a pilot Bus Rapid Transit system on Rajiv Gandhi Salai and increase the number of buses in its fleet, he said.

Bank commences issue of UID card

Central Bank of India recently commenced issuing Unique Identification Number at its Anna Nagar branch. The bank has been empanelled as a registrar for the unique Identification Authority of India. The bank customers and other residents of the city may approach the branch, which is on second avenue in Anna Nagar west to enrol free of cost to get the UID.

State to seek more Krishna Water

In a bid to step up storage in city reservoirs, the Water Resources Department is planning to seek more water from the Kandaleru reservoir, Andhra Pradesh this is likely as the state is all set to realise the 3,000 million cubic feat of Krishna Water that Andhra Pradesh had promised when supply from the reservoir started last month.

Armenia wins World team chess championship

Armenia win the World team chess championship, which concludes in Ningbo, China. India finish eighth in the championship.

World’s first manned submersible designed

Jiaolong, a Chinese manned submersible, successfully reaches a depth of 5,057 metres under the Pacific Ocean. It is the world’s first manned submersible designed to reach a record-breaking depth of 7,000 metres.

DTAA with Lithuania to prevent income tax evasion

26 : India signs a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Lithuania to prevent income tax evasion.

World Investment Report 2011

The World Investment Report 2011, released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), reveals that India slipped to the 14th place from the 8th place in the list of nations that attracted the highest FDI in 2010.

RBI hikes the short-term indicative policy rate

 In a move to stem rising prices, the RBI hikes the short-term indicative policy rate (repo rate, or the rate at which banks borrow from the central bank) by 50 basis points to 8 percent with immediate effect. With this, the reverse repo rate (at which banks park their funds with the RBI) automatically adjusts to 7 percent.

Special cell to monitor power projects

Anxious to ensure early completion of some of its major power projects, the Tamil Nadu Generation and distribution Corporation has formed a special cell to monitor the execution of the projects. One 600 MW unit at the Mettur Thermal Power Station, one unit of 500 MW at the proposed Vallur Thermal Power Station and another unit of 600 MW at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station are the three projects that have been entrusted with the speical cell, which is headed by N. Sasikumar, official on special duty in the TANGEDCO.

Engineering students from Tamil medium

Nearly one third of the students admitted to engineering colleges this year till now have pursued their school education in Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2011 statistics till July 23, 12,128 students out of the 37,506 students admitted so far are from Tamil medium background.

C.M. likely to hand over retrieved lands soon

Hundreds of acres of agricultural, commercial lands and residential properties retrieved by the Anti Land Grabbing cells in the district would be handed over to the rightful owners by Chief Minister shortly.

‘Cradle Baby’ scheme to be extended

The ‘Cradle baby’ scheme, a brainchild of Chief Minister, will be extended to Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Villupuram and Thiruvannamalai districts as the 2011 census has revealed a fall in the child sex ratio in these districts. Cradle baby centres will be setup at a cost of ` 47.45 lakh and each centre will have a superintendent, an assistant nurse, an assistant and other workers. The centres will have adequate stock of milk powder, medicine and clothes. Besides, cradle will be placed at hospitals primary health centres and children homes to receive girl children.

Iran cements its ties with regional allies Iraq and Syria

Iran cements its ties with regional allies Iraq and Syria with a massive deal that will transfer gas from Iranian gas fields to the Lebanese coast, with the possibility of exports to Europe.

India and South Korea sign a civil nuclear agreement

 India and South Korea sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in Seoul; the agreement is signed during the South Korea visit of Hon’ble President Ms. Pratibha Patil.

Preparations apace for Agni V launch

Preparations for the launch of Agni-V in December 2011 are gathering speed, with all the three stages of the missile having been successfully tested at Jagdolpur in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. Agni-V will be India’s most powerful missile, Capable of targeting places as far as 5,000 km away with a one-tonne nuclear warhead, giving teeth to the country’s nuclear deterrance programme.

Rashtriya Gaurav Award

Rajan Ravichandran, Director, MIOT Institute of Nephrology, Chennai, was recently conferred with the Rashtriya Gaurav Award, given by the Indian International Friendship Society at New Delhi. Dr. Ravichandran has bean responsible for introducing phosphate-binding resins for treatment of kidney failure; has done a kidney transplant across blood groups; and pushing the agenda of detecting kidney disease with simple have kits.

More benefits for differently-abled soon

Speaking at a discussion on the schemes for the differently-abled, organised by the Federation of Associations for the Differently-abled. Ms. Jayalalithaa had made it a point to mention the major promise for these people in the AIADMK election manifesto itself-three per cent reservation in govt. jobs. The govt. took over, it had hiked the maintenance allowance for the differently-abled from ` 500 to ` 1000 per month.

U.K. award for doctor

E.S. Krishnamoorthy, honorary Secretary, Voluntary Health Services and director of the institution’s neurological and rehabilitation services was recently awarded the President’s Meidcal for 2011 from the Royal College Psychiatrists (UK) at a ceremony in Brighton, UK.

Corporation to hire tipper lorries and trucks

The Chennai Corporation is planning to hire atleast 20 more tipper lorries and 12 haulage tipper trucks as part of its efforts to tackle as part of its efforts to tackle possible emergencies in four zones covered by Neel Metal Fanalca (NMF) Transport contractors with experience in garbage collection would be entrusted with the task of moving garbage that are not cleared by the NMF in the zones of Pulianthope, Triplicane, Kodambakkam and Adyar during the period. Large capacity haulage tipper trucks to clear garbage  from transfer station to dump sites would be hired for Basin Bridge, Kilpauk, Nungambakkam  and Saidapet zones. The tender for hiring the vehicle is likely to be finalised shortly.

Copa America Football championship

Uruguay defeat Paraguay 3-0 in the final to emerge champions at the 2011 Copa America football championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Australia wins de France cycling championship

Cadel Evans of Australia wins the 2011 Tour de France cycling championship, which concludes in Paris, France. He is the first Australian ever to have won the prestigious championship.

German Grand Prix Formula One Championship

British racer Lewis Hamilton of the McLaren team wins the German Grand Prix Formula One championship in Nuerburgring, Germany 

Tamil National Alliance victories in Local body elections in Sri Lanaka

The Tamil National Alliance, the umbrella organisation of Tamil Political Parties, records convincing victories in local body elections in Sri Lanka’s north and east, while the rest of the country continues to back the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

India’s first sign language institute

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) establishes India’s first sign language institute in New Delhi.

President 7 days visit of Korea and Mongolia

Hon’ble President Ms. Pratibha Patil is given a 21-gun salute on her arrival in Seoul, as she begins a high-profile seven-day visit of the Republic of Korea and Mongolia.

Fifth Military World Games

Indian boxer Suranjoy Singh bags a Bronze medal at the fifth Military World Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bullet trains crash in China

At least 35 people are killed and 210 injured in a collision between two bullet trains in southern China.

New Solicitor-General of India

Senior Advocate Mr. Rohinton Nariman is appointed Solicitor-General of India; he succeeds Mr. Gopal Subramaniam.

India and Bangladesh open their first traditional border trade

India and Bangladesh open their first border ‘haat’, or a common market-place in Kalaichar at the Indo-Bangladesh border, reviving the traditional border trade after nearly 40 years.

5,000 GPS – linked-ticketing machines sanctioned for STCs

Chief Minister Jayalalitha has sanctioned the purchase of 5,000 GPS (Global Positioning System) – linked electronic ticketing machines for the State Transport Corporations and the networking of 250 bus depots, 19 divisions, six transport corporations headquarters and the central control room to be set up and Chennai.

Hawkers on Anna Salai to be relocated

A total of 171 hawkers identified on Anna Salai will move to a new location identified by the Chennai Corporation on Link Road, near the busy Spencer Plaza junction on Anna Salai. The civic body has earmarked 20 sq. ft. for each of the 171 hawkers opposite the proposed parking lot for 300 cars on link road. We have been asked to pay a rent of Rs.100 per month for each of the shops. We have requested for better facilities in the area said K. Ravichandran, President of the Madras Pavement Traders Welfare Congress. The new shopping area is located near a big parking facility on Link Road, which connects Binny Road. So it would also accommodate the vehicles of the customers of the new shopping area, he added.

Suburban MLAs meeting to identify development schemes

The Chennai Corporation is likely to convene a meeting of the Members of Legistative Assembly of the city suburbs as part of its initiative to identify development schemes needed for a smooth transition during the city expansion. Seven Municipalities, three town panchayats and 13 panchayat unions in Thiruvallur district and two municipalities, five town panchayats and 12 panchayat unions in Kancheepuram district are expected to merge with the Chennai Corporation. The Assembly in January adopted a Bill, increasing the number of wards of the Chennai Municipal Corporation from 155 to 200 in the wake of expansion.

Contract with Neel Metal Fanalca to end

The state govt. has permitted the Chennai Corporation to terminate the conservancy contract with Neel Metal Fanalca in parts of the city on Dec. 31. As of now, the company is in charge of garbage clearance in Pulianthope, Ice House, Kodambakkam and Adyar. A govt. order, issued by the Municipal Administration and Water supply Department, stated that the commissioner of the Chennai Corporation was being allowed to terminate the contract on the basis of Madras High Court’s order of Jan. 2011. The govt. also gave its nod for floating bids for carrying out a seven-year-long contract, which would cover garbage clearance in the four zones, beginning from Jan. 1, 2012. The contract period was to last till Aug. 25, 2014. 

Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship and awards

The prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships and awards for the year 2010 are presented to four eminent personalities and 38 artistes and scholars from the disciplines for music, dance and theatre, at a ceremony in New Delhi. The highest honour of Akademi fellowship, Akademi Ratna Sadasyata, is conferred on distinguished vocalist Girija Devi, renowned dance guru Nataraja Ramakrishna, dhrupad maestro Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar and mridangam exponent T.K. Murthy.

Protection against missile attacks on Moscow

Russia announces the completion of a missile shield covering two-thirds of the country; the new system will provide protection against missile attacks on Moscow and central Russia, where most of the industry is located.

Single gunman through bom blast –

A terrorist attack, executed by a single gunman through bomb blast and indiscriminate shooting, leaves 76 dead in Oslo, Norway.

British Petroleum’s deal with RIL

The Centre clears British Petroleum’s deal with Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) to acquire 30 percent stake in RIL’s gas and oil blocks for $7.2 billion.

14th Century idol found

A ‘Paavai Vilakku’ idol mode of panchaloha and ascribed to the 14th century was unearthed by a farmer who was digging the earth for setting up brick kiln at K. Pettai near Kulithalai in Karur district. Periyasamy stumbled on the one-and-a quarter foot tall idol that weighed about five and a three quarter kg. while digging the earth at his land. After scrutiny of the idol, it was found that the icon belonged to the 14th Century and added that the experts ascribed that to the early Vijayanagar empire period.

Flyover near Koyambedu bus terminus proposed

The State Highways Department is considering the construction of a flyover on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai near Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus to decongest two busy junctions. According to Highways Department sources, the proposal is awiating approval of the State govt. The flyover would be similar to that of the facility in Meenambakkam. It would be designed in such a way that the buses do not cause hindrance to the traffic and synchronise with alignment of Chennai Metrorail Project. The project is estimated to cost ` 50 crore.

Atlantis space shuttle last time at the Kennedy space center

The Atlantis space shuttle, with four astronauts on board, returns from the International Space Station (ISS) and touches down for one last time at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, bringing to an end NASA’s 30-year-old space shuttle programme.

Surface-to-surface missile “Prahaar”

A new surface-to-surface missile called “Prahaar” is successfully test-fired for the first time from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa. The missile traverses its entire range of 150 km in 250 seconds before impacting on the targeted area in the Bay of Bengal.

Population Census in Tamil Nadu – 2011(VILLAGE AND URBAN WISE LIST)

Tamil Nadu Rural and Urban Population Census (2011) has been submitted by Population & Census Director Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan on July 19 to the Corporation Commissioner Mr. T. Karthikeyan.

Tamil Nadu – 32 Districts, 215 Talukas, 1097 Urban and 15,979 Villages census. 2011 census compare the 2001 census, 2 Districts, 14 Talukas, 265 urban increases. Tamil Nadu Population – 7,21,38,958 (Male-3,61,58,871; Female-3,59,80,087). Villages – 3,71,89,229 (Male-1,86,63,701; Female-1,85,25,528), Urban – 3,49,49,729 (Male-1,74,95,170; Female-1,74,54,559). Last 10 years Population growth in Tamil Nadu 15.60%. Villages 6.49% and Urban 27.16%

Population growth Villages in Tamil Nadu – first place Villuppuram Dist. (16.58%); Urban Population growth in Kancheepuram District  first (65.33%). Literature – First place in Kanniyakumari, Last place in Dharmapuri. Literature first place in villages – Villuppuram Dist. in first place, Rural – first place in Chennai, 2nd place Coimbatore. Area – 555 person per square km., Chennai-26,903 sq/km, it is 2nd in India (first Delhi). Sex ratio – 995 females/1000 males in Tamil Nadu. Villages – 993 females/1000 males; Urban 998 females/1000 males.

Literature percentage in Tamil Nadu – 80.33; Village-73.80, Urban 87.24. Literature growth in 10 years – 6.88% increase. Village-7.59, Urban-4.71. Total Literature growth in Tamil Nadu for females – Villages 10.24%, Urban-6.68% increases. 

Last place – Salem dist. increase literature in villages 56.17%,  Urban Dist. Dharmapuri is in last place (70.25)

0–6  Child :  Total Child population & 68,94,821 Male-35,42,351, Female- 33,52,470. Child Population in Villages – 36,51,552. Child Population in Urban 32,43,269. Last 10 years child population growth 0.034 crore decreased Child Sex Ratio : 2001 – 942 female (1000 male); 2011 – 946 female/1000 male. Child sex ratio in village – The Nilgiri (979) (first), Cuddalore (878) (last). Child sex ratio in Urban – The Nilgiri (984) (first), Ariyalur (908) (last)

2001 TO 2011 JULY – NEW DISTRICTS – Krishnagiri (2004), Ariyalur (2007), Tiruppur (2008)

2001 TO 2011 JULY – NEW TALUKAS – 1. Madhavaram (Tiruvallur), 2. Alandur (Kancheepuram), 3. Solinganallur (Kancheepuram), 4. Ambur (Vellur), 5. Thandarampattu (Tiruvannamalai), 6. Aathur (Dindugal), 7. Kadavur (Karur), 8. Tiruverumbur (Trichy), 9. Kurinjipadi (Cuddalore), 10. Kutralam (Nagapattinam), 11. Ponnamaravathy (Pudukottai), 12. Karambakudi (Pudukottai), 13. Sulur (Coimbatore), 14. Madathukulam (Tiruppur).

Suburbs record higher population growth

Even though Chennai remains the district with the highest urban population in the state its suburbs in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur have registered higher population growth than that of the city in the last decades. Chennai has 13.39 per cent of the urban population in the state with 46.8 lakh people. The decadal growth of population in Chennai during 2001-2011 is 7.77 per cent. The population growth in urban local bodies of Kancheepuram in the last decade is 65.33 per cent. According to the provisional population totals, the population density in Chennai has increased from 24,963 per sq.km. in 2001 to 26,903 in 2011, making it the district with the second highest density in the country.

Prahar missile ready to be tested

Preparations are on at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur, Odisha, for firing a new and noval missile named “Prahar” on July 21 from a road mobile launcher. The single stage missile, fuelled by solid propellants, is being tested for the first time by the Defence. Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is surface-to-surface, has a range of 150 km and can carry conventional warheads.

Entrance exam for free IAS coaching

Over 22,000 students wrote the entrance exam conducted by Saidai Sa. Duraisamy’s Manithanaeyam Free IAS Academy for selection to the free coaching for UPSC 2012 preliminary exams. The academy conducted the entrance exam. across 20 centres in the state including eight in Chennai.

EPF to conduct training programme

The training programme of the zonal Training Institute of Employers Provident Fund Organisation will be held on August 18 and 19.

New Moon of Pluto

NASA announces that its astronomers have discovered a new moon of Pluto; they temporarily name it P4.

Nepal’s govt. orders a new measurement of Mount Everest

Nepal’s government orders a new measurement of Mount Everest to determine exactly how high the world’s highest mountain is. Nepal continues to recognise the decades-old measurement of 8,848 m (29,028 ft.), but there have been other recent claims by China and western climbers.

UN declare hit some parts of Somalia

The UN officially declares that famine has hit some parts of Somalia, with up to 3,50,000 people affected in a severe food crisis.

HP govt. inks a loan agreement with ADB

The Himachal Pradesh government inks a $95.16 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the State.

Sports scholars bold to keep pace with technology

Physical education and sports scholars need to update their knowledge of scientific technology, said V. Baskaran, Olympian and former captain of Indian Hockey Team. Delivering the convocation address at fourth convocation of the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Mr. Baskaran said the updated knowledge from these scholars needed to be passed on to the budding sportspersons. Researchers should not be confined to their classrooms. Tactical development in the sports was another important aspect and the inputs from these shcolars would be very useful to the sportspersons, he said. Similarly, he also suggested to the university authorities that they should tie up with the foreign sports universities such as acquire more knowledge and information, which would help the sportspersons to have their skills.

Uniforms distributed to school students

A total of 1,000 students received uniforms at a function organised by the Triplicane – based social service organisation, Srinivas Young Men’s Association. At the function nearly 50 students who had performed well in the class X and class XII examinations were honoured with cash prizes. A total of 15 students who had scored above 400 marks in the class X examination received a cash prize of ` 2000, each while three students who had scored where 1000 marks received ` 5,000 each.

Indira Gandhi is chosen by Bangladesh for the prestigious “Swadhinata Sammanona”

Late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is chosen by Bangladesh for the prestigious “Swadhinata Sammanona,” the highest state honour, in recognition of her contribution to the country’s war of liberation in 1971.

Pakistan’s first woman Foreign Minister

Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar is appointed Pakistan’s first woman Foreign Minister.

Indo-US Strategic Dialogue on trading

 The second round of the Indo-US Strategic Dialogue is held in New Delhi. At the dialogue, US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton pushes for greater investment and trading opportunities for the US, while the Indian side seeks a better operating environment for its country’s IT sector.

No habitation should be left out of Hogenakkal project

Not a single habitation should be left out of the Hogenakkal Drinking water and Fluorosis Mitigation Project in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, said K.P. Munusamy, Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development. The Minister was inspecting the work which was under progress at various stages under package II and V in Krishnagiri district.

Awareness camp on consumer protection held

Tamil Nadu Consumer Protection Organisation Chennai (TNCPC) and the Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, jointly organised an awareness camp on “Responsibilities and Rights of consumer Protection” Chennai on July, 17. “This workship was held in 24 districts of Tamil Nadu to spread awareness among people”, Addl. Commissioner of Police Abhay Kumar Singh released pamphlets that enumerated safety measures that should be followed by consumers. Some of the measures included securing windows at night before going to sleep and storing  jwellary in bank lockers. These are several problems that consumers face these days such as cyber crime where people receive emails offering them jobs. People even get text messages saying they have won money. These should be ignored”, said Mr. Singh. 

Air-conditioned Jacket

Researchers at Japan’s Kuchofuku Co. Ltd. unveil a jacket which has an inbuilt air-conditioning system. The jacket contains two electric fans powered by a lithium-ion battery pack which lasts for 11 hours on a single charge, requiring significantly less energy than conventional air-conditioning.

4 Indian Cricketers named in Greatest All-Time Test XI chosen

Four Indian cricketers – Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag – are named in the Greatest All-Time Test XI chosen through a online poll conducted by the ICC.

World largest uranium reserve

The Centre announces that studies have confirmed the presence of a 49,000 – tonne reserve of uranium – a scarce material that is crucial to nuclear energy production – at Tummalapalle, Andhra Pradesh. Studies further indicate that the area could have a total reserve of 1.5 lakh tonnes, which is one of the largest reserves of the extremely valuable material in the world.

GTA an elected body for the Darjeeling hills

18 : A tripartite agreement paving the way for the setting up of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an elected body for the Darjeeling hills, is signed at Sukna, West Bengal. The pact is signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram, West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President Mr. Bimal Gurung.