Rules to define international schools soon

The Central Govt. is coming up with a set of rules and regulations to define an international school. The standardisation is essential to regulate the increasing number of schools with the tag international to them. The rules would define criterion such as percentage of international students, infrastructure facilities offered, syllabi followed and accreditation. So far, the affiliation process has been very lengthy and time consuming. Now, the council will have it cleared within a month, provided the management cooperates,” adding that the process would even be introduced online.

Madras Universities goes online with degree certificates

The Madras University will soon have an online student information portal launched by the Department of Journalism that will respond to text messages sent by students and alumini. Students now will just need to register with the system and than send a message asking for the required certificate. The system will respond with a “yes” if the degree certificate is in the department a “no” in case it is not there. Reasons for the unavailability will also be messaged to the student. Former students repeatedly throng the administration for their degree certificates and many are asked to come back later, because the University database does not have their certificate.

Asian weightlifting championship

Japan top the mens standings and Uzbekistan win the womens title at the Asian weighlifting championship in Pycongtaek, South Korea.

UN-backed Syria ceasefire

The fate of the UN-backed Syrian ceasefire continues to hang in balance, with a string of blasts rocking the city of Idlib and some other locations and killing a sizeable number of people.

India-Japan civil nuclear agreement

At the sixth India-Japan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue held in New Delhi, the two sides agree to come up with a master plan for industrial development of south India. External Affairs Minister Mr. S.K. Krishna and his Japanese counterpart. Mr. Koichiro Gemba also decide to re-open talks on a bilateral civil nuclear agreemet.

Barcelona Open tennis title

Rafael Nadal of Spain beats his compatriot David Ferrer in the final to win the Barcelona Open tennis title in Barcelona, Spain.

India Open badminton championship

South Koreas Wan Ho Shon wins the mens title at the India Open badminton championship in New Delhi, beating Malaysian World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei in the final. The women`s title is clinched by Li Xuerui of China, who beats Julianne Schenk of Germany in the final.

Asian Snooker Championship

Indian cueist Aditya Mehta stuns fancied compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final to lift the title at the Asian Snooker Championship in Doha, Qatar.

Deep-sea drilling probe

Chikyu, a Japanese deep-sea drilling probe, sets a world record for depth, reaching 25,400 feet below the sea surface. US probe Glomar Challenger had the previous record of 23,130 feet.

Green Channel Scheme

With some States defaulting on payment of their share of funds for providing mid-day meal in government schools, the Centre asks all States to adopt Andhra Pradesh model “Green Channel Scheme”. It may be mentioned here that this specific model makes funds available throughout the year.

Smart phones and journalism – a new course

A new course launched by University of Madras this year, will train students in using smart phones as effective tools for journalism. An online media lab has been set up on its premises for students to take up the two-year course in online media. Conventional media has been around for a while now, but degital journalism has been making its presence felt and changing perspectives in journalism, said Gopalan Ravindran, Head of the Journalism Department, launching the course and the facilities. Students completing this new course will be awarded a Master`s degree in journalism.

First delegation-level talks between the US and Pakistan

The first delegation-level talks between the US and Pakistan in five months, held in Islamabad, fail to break the deadlock that has marred the relationship between the two sides.

UN Secretary visits in India

UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki moon wraps up his India visit. During his meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, he urges India to comply with the UNSC resolution 1887, which asks India to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Appointment of New Governors

Mr. B.V. Wanchoo is appointed the Governor of Goa and Mr. Aziz Qureshi is named the Governor of Uttarakhand; Mr. Qureshi replaces Ms. Margaret Alva, who is named Governor of Rajasthan.

Welfare workers to get five months` salary as one-time payment

The Tamil Nadu govt. submitted before the Madras High Court that it is ready to pay five months` salary to Makkal Nala Paniyalargal (MNPs) on or before May 31 this year as one-time payment. By an order on January 23 this year, a single Judge had allowed the petitions by the Tamil Nadu Makkal Nala Paniyalargal Munnetra Sangam and the Dindigul Mavatta Makkal Nala Paniyalar Nala Sangam and quashed a G.O. disbanding the posts of MNP. Aggrieved, the govt. preferred the appeals.

Total sanitation project – State raises amount

Perturbed by the first that 73.3 per cent of rural housholds in the state are still resorting to open defecation, Chief Minister has hiked the states contribution to families willing to construct a toilet by  </span><a id="lnkPreview" style="color: #000000;"></a><img id="imgPreview" src="https://www.sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" alt="" width="7" height="10" data-cke-saved-src="http://sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" /><span style="color: #282828;">1,500. Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly Chief Minister said under the Total Sanitation Project, the Centre was granting </span><a id="lnkPreview" style="color: #000000;"></a><img id="imgPreview" src="https://www.sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" alt="" width="7" height="10" data-cke-saved-src="http://sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" /><span style="color: #282828;">2,200 and the State </span><a id="lnkPreview" style="color: #000000;"></a><img id="imgPreview" src="https://www.sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" alt="" width="7" height="10" data-cke-saved-src="http://sakthibooks.com/home/saktc6/public_html/adminpanel/uploads/imagefile/image/A-CURRENTEVENTS-ENGLISH/rupeesymbol/rupeesym.png" /><span style="color: #282828;">1,000, thereby limiting the beneficiarys contribution to  300. As the total amount of  3,500 was found to be inadequate, the govt, acceding to the request for increase in the amount, enhanced the States component from 1,000 to 2,500. “This will facilitate creation of clear villages”.

ISKCON temple inaugurated

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) inaugurated its new Sri Radha Krishna Temple at Akkarai in Chennai. Spread over an area of 1.5 acres, the temple has been constructed from devotees in Chennai. It has an auditorium for cultural and spiritual programmes and a “Prasadam” hall. Thousand of devotees witnessed the pran prateshta when the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha and their sakthis – Lalitha and Vishaka – were installed in one of the three beautifully carved teak wood altars in the temple hall. The other idols in the hall include those of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nilyananda, Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra.

Sushil Kumar quality World Olympic

India`s star grappler Sushil Kumar wins the 66 kg Gold medal at the World Olympic qualify wrestling tournament in Taiyuan, China.

Australia wins Test series against West Indies

Australia beat hosts West Indies by 75 runs in the third and final Test in Roseau, thus taking the series 2-0.

Long-running Marines

The US announces that it will pull out 9,000 Marines out of Japan as it seeks to ease a long-running stand-off over the future of its huge military presence in one of its top Asian allies

Indian elected as ICJ

India`s nominee Justice Dalveer Bhandari is elected to the post of Judge of the International Court of Justice.

Chief Minister lays stone for Pennycuick memorial

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa laid foundation stone through video conferencing for constructing a memorial for Col. John Pennycuick, the late British engineer who constructed the Periyar Dam. The memorial to the built at a cost of  1.25 crore would be come up the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board premises located in Lower camp along the Theni-Kumuli National Highways.

Centre flayed on Siddha, Ayurveda Colleges

Health Minister V.S. Vijay has criticised the Union govt. for its “stepmotherly treatment” of Tamil Nadu on renewing permission for the state govt`s two colleges of Siddha and Ayurvedha medicine. On the resumption of classes at the Govt. Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai and Govt. Ayurveda Medical College at Kottar in Nagarcoil. Dr. Vijay said that the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) of the Union Health and family Welfare Ministry had decided not to grant permission for medical courses, citing deficiencies in the institutions.

Rural tourism cluster planned to showcase Chettinad

A rural tourism cluster showcasing the culture and heritage of Chettinad, projects to improve infrastructural facilities in temple towns and introduction of open-deck buses in major tourist cities are some of the important decisions taken by the govt. to promote tourism. Prominent among the places that found space in announcements made in the Assembly by Tourism Minister S. Gokula Indira were Sriperumbudur (birthplace of Sri Ramanuja and the abode of Adhikesava Perumal Temple); Azhagar Koil (houses a noted Murugan shrine and also Sundararaja Perumal Temple), Tiruchendur and Tiruttani, popular Murugan Shrines. All these towns will get a facelift apart from a number of basic amenities at a cost of   5 crore each.

Check dam to meet City`s needs

Chennai may soon get another source of water to cope with the growing needs of the expanded city. The water Resources Department has proposed to construct a check dam across the Kosasthalaiyar river near Bandikavanur village in Tiruvallur district, about 30 km from Chennai. The check dam, a structure built across the river to break the flow of water and store it, will camp up about 500 metre upstream of the Karanodai bridge on Chennai-Kolkata National Highway. At present, two check dams have been constructed across the river at Tamaraipakkam and Vallur. The design of the proposed check dam will be similar to the one planned at Thirukandalam for which the state govt. recently announced a sum 35 crore. About 250 million cubic fest of water will be stored at Thirukandalam and work will be completed by this year.

New projects to boost tourism in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has decided to further exploit its protential to draw tourists by formulating specific packages combining pilgrimage, heritage and ecology. The packages being planned include a mega circuit connecting several temple towns of central Tamil Nadu an East Coast circuit (pigrimage and heritage) and a Southern circuit (pilgrimage and eco circuit), tourism minister S. Gokula India told the State Assembly. The mega circuit programme, aimed at improving tourism infrastructure in temple towns, will be implemented at a cost of  50 crore during this financial year. This will be funded under the Central Finance Assistance Programme.

Laws to protect heritage sites coming

The state govt. has planned to bring in two laws on the heritage protection front, one proposing the establishment of a Heritage Commission and the other envisaging the creation of an exclusive authority for Mamallapuram, a world heritage site. Mr. Sivapathi School Education Minister, who is also in change of archaeology and Tamil culture, informed the House that the proposed Tamil Nadu Heritage commission Act would be aimed at protecting and preserving the rich heritage and cultural properties of the state. The other legislation – Mamallapuram World Heritage Area Management Authority Act – would be for conserving the cultural heritage of Mamallapuram. The group of monuments at Mamallapuram, declared a world heritage site in 1984, is broadly dated to the 7th century and 8th century AD.

Tiny crystal made by Aus. Scientists

A report published in the journal Nature reveals that Australian scientists, along with another international team, have designed a tiny crystal, made of just 300 atoms, capable or running a quantum computer so powerful that it will take a computer of the size of the known universe to match it. The device, known as the quantum simulator, is just one-atom thick.

Germany wins the women`s 50m rifle

Barbara Engleder of Germany wins the women`s 50m rifle 3-position event at the Shooting World Cup in London, England.

US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan

In a significant development, Pakistan makes it clear that a new arrangement, will have to be drawn up for the transit of supplies to the US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan.

UNICEF report

A UNICEF report reveals that 30 percent of adolescent girls in India (aged 15-19 years) are married, and 22 percent women aged 20 to 24 become mothers before attaining adulthood.

PSLV-C19

India`s first indigenously built all-weather Radar Imaging Satellite, RI-SAT-1, with applications ranging from agriculture to natural disaster management, is now in polar orbit after its carrier, the PSLV-C19, was launched from the Sriharikota.

RISAT-1, weighing 1,858 kg and the heaviest satellite launched yet by the PSLV will operate in the C-band.

In simpler terms, the RI-SAT-1 can beam back imaging of the earth surface features at day and night and under all imagined weather conditions, SAR, which gives the RISAT-1 its magical roving eyes, also makes it superior to the generation of optical remote sensing satellites in clearer imaging at all times and under any condition.

According to ISRO scientists, once its on-board propulsion system raised the orbital altitude to 536 km, the satellite will begin its daily routine of 14 orbits with a repetitive cycle of 25 days. During its mission life of five years. Among the many tasks the RISAT-1 can perform are paddy monitoring in kharif season, crop estimation and mapping of forestry biomass, besides providing the big picture on natural disasters such as flood and cyclone.

Jubilant scenes erupted at the mission command centre once the PSLV-C19 executed with programmed precision each of the four stages of ignition and separation in a flight of 18 minutes, and in one final push injected the RISAT-1 into orbit with an altitude of about 480 km. The approve cost of the mission was   488 crore – the assembling of the satellite involved   378 crore and rocket   110 crore.

The PSLV C-19 is the 21st flight in the PSLV series of satellite launches, the 20th consecutive successful launch and the third to involve the high-end version (PSLV-XL) equipped with six extended strap-on motors, each carrying 12 tonnes of solid propellant. The two earlier flights of the PSLV-XL were used to launch Chandrayaan-1 and the GSAT-12 communicatioin satellite.

State Industrial Security Force proposed

The govt. will spend  1,000 crore on developing the infrastructure for the Tamil Nadu police and induct 30,000 personnel into the force in the next four years, Chief Minister told the Assembly. Replying to the debate on the demand for grants to the Home Department, she said that a State Police Master-Control Room would be established in Chennai with connectivity to all police stations and patrol vehicles. Thongh a Police Control room was functioning in all Commissionarates and District Police Offices, the master control room would help in mobilising manpower/vehicles in the event of an exigency.

Corporation to identify 3 sites for managing waste

Chennai Corporation has planned to demarcate three new 100-acre sites on the outskirts for the citys solid waste management. The district administrations of the adjoining districts, including Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur, have kicked off their search for the right spot for pieces of land suitable for solid waste management based on instructions from the govt. The site for the new solid waste management facilities to be commissioned will be identified in any area beyond the northern western and southern suburbs without affecting the residential nature of any neighbourhood in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Japan wins Men`s free pistol Gold

Tomoyuki Matsuda of Japan wins the men`s free pistol Gold at the Shooting World Cup in London, the UK.

Hatf-4 ballistic missile

Pakistan test-fires the nuclear-capable Hatf-4 ballistic missile, re-designed to hit targets anywhere in India.

Umadevi wins World Ladies` Billiards & Snooker Association Title

Indias R. Umadevi claims the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association title, beating Eva Palmius of UK in the final at Cambridge, the U.K.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of declaring war

South Sudan accuses Sudan of declaring war as the former`s fighter jets bomb the border regions in defiance of international calls of restraint.

S&P`s scales down India`s credit rating

Premier global rating agency Standard & Poors (S&Ps) sales down India`s credit rating outlook from “stable” (BBB+) to “negative” (BBB_).

Crop loan target set

The govt. has fixed a crop loan target of  4,000 crore for the year 2012-13 and will offer it interest-free to farmers who repay promptly. Minister for Cooperation Sellur K. Raju has said. Moving the demand for grants for his department, he said that crop loan to the tune of  3,280.42 crore was disbursed to about nine lakh farmers last year as against the target of  3,000 crore. Out of the loans disbursed, an interest free crop loan of  460.94 crore was disbursed to about 1.50 lakh SC/ST farmers with an interest subvention of  9.22 crore at two per cent.

`Smart` family cards for Pudukottai on pilot basis

The State Govt. will spend 21.69 crore this year for introducing biometric Smart family cards on a pilot basis in Pudukottai district, Food Minister R. Kamaraj told the Assembly. Replying to a debate on the demands for grants for his departments the Minister said as there was no fool-proof system to identify dual/multiple registration of one`s name in the family cards, introduction of smart cards would solve the problem.

Indonesia keen to sign sister-state pact with Tamil Nadu

Indonesia is interested in signing a sister-state agreement with the Tamil Nadu Government Ambassador Andi M. Ghalib said. He said that he had planned to meet Governor and Chief Minister, expressing his country`s desire to sign the sister-state agreement and explore the business and investment potential with regard to coal mining and other sectors. He would visit a coal-fired thermal power plant of coastal Evergren, the Indian arm of coal and oil group of Dubai, being set up in Tuticorin. My visit here is to explain the big opportunities available to Indian businessmen in Indonesia”, he said. He explained that originally, the prices of coal in his country were the lowest and the taxes were levied to make them on par with international prices.

Renovation of 13 old ancients begins

Rehabilitation of 13 old anicuts in Amaravathi River System, Spreadover Tiruppur and Karur districts, began at an outlay of  18 crore. The repair of these 13 dilapidated anicuts, the structures that impound water from the main river course for the purpose of irrigation, would boost the crop yield for an expense of 29,387 acres in the two districts.

High-tech devices car

A report reveals that scientists have built an “emotionally intelligent” electric car that can make driving easier for the senior citizens. The car is fitted with a range of high-tech devices from eye-tracking goggles to biometric technology that monitor heart races and cardio-vascular health. The modified Peugeo- tion will monitor driver`s concentration levels, stress levels and driving habits.

South Korea wins Women`s sports pistol Gold

Kim Jang Mi of South Korea wins the women`s sports pistol Gold at the Shooting World Cup in London, the UK.

US unveils new sanctions on Syria & Iran

US President Mr. Barack Obama unveils new sanctions on Syria and Iran, apart from the two governments, the new sanctions will also affect the digital firms that help these regimes “Oppress their peoples with surveillance software and monitoring technology”.

World Health Organisation report

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says in a report that “delayed implementation of accelerated disease control in India” led the country to account for “47 percent of estimated measles mortality in 2010”.

Chennai unit ags “Best Project” shield

The Chennai unit of the Central organization for Railway Electrification (CORE) has been adjudged the best among the nine project which across the country for completing the electrification of the hihgest route kilometres in 2011-12 fiscal. This is the second time in successor that the Chennai unit has been chosen as the best and was presented with a shield at the annual railway function held at Allahabad recently. The Chief Project Manager of CORE Chennai Project unit, R.P. Udayakumar received the Best Project shield from the General Manager, CORE, Jagdev Kalia at Allahabad. Mr. Udayakumar was also given an individual award for his meritorious service.

A Special LED light bulb

A special LED light bulb that lasts for 20 years is unveiled in the US. The bulb swaps filaments for light-emitting diodes to provide a pleasing and natural-looking light. Using LEDs endows the bulb with a long life.

Kenya`s Wilson Kipsang wins London Marathon

Kenyas Wilson Kipsang wins the mens title at the London Marathon in London.

Monte Carlo Masters tennis title

Rafael Nadal of Spain wins the Monte Carlo Masters tennis title, beating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Afghanistan and the US agree of a long-awaited deal

Afghanistan and the US agree upon the contents of a long-awaited deal to define their relationship after most foreign troops leave Afghanistan by 2014-end. However, the strategic partnership document sidesteps some of the thorniest questions about the US military presence in Afghanistan.

Top spam-spewing nation on the planet

Reports released by global Internet security firm Sophos reveal that India has acquired the dubious distinction of being the “top spam-spewing nation on the planet”. The report ranks nations by the amount of junk e-mails routed through computers in each country.

Highest allocation for state

The Centre has allocated the highest labour budget – a whopping 5,300 crore – to Tamil Nadu under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA job guarantee scheme for the current financial year. The labour budget agreed to by the MoRD is 3790 person days for the state, which works out to 5,300 crore in monetary terms and is more than one-sixth or 16 per cent of the budgetary outlay of  33000 crore for the entire country to be spent under MGNREGA. What clinched such a massive allocation is the states ability to implement the scheme with a raw material component. Since the better part of the fund was used for payment of wages, the state generated the highest of employment in the country.

Two-lane approach road to memorial

The govt. has decided to lay a two-lane approach road to the memorial of Dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran at Paramakudi in Ramanthapuram district at a cost of  2.74 crore. Announcing this in the Assembly, Minister K.V. Ramalingam said that the road would benefit the public and prominent personalities who pay homage at the memorial near the Parthibanur regulator. In Sept. 1957, Sekaran, who had close ties with Congress leaders, including Kakkan, was murded by a gang after his participation in peace-talks to end the Mudukulathur riots.

Gandhi Mandapam to be spruced up

Gandhi Mandapam, one of the city`s significant landmarks, will soon get spoused up at a cost of  11.61 crore. Public Works Minister K.V. Ramalingam made an announcement regarding this at the Assembly. The work to beautify Gandhi Mandapam complex on Sardar Patel Road will begin soon. According to sources in the Public Works Department, estimates for the project are under preparation. Besides landscaping, repairing stormwater drains and creating small ponds, the department also plans repair works in the ten memorials located inside the complex. The Complex has memorials for former chief ministers, Rajaji, Bhaktavatsalam and Kamaraj built in various years since 1956.

Top firms express interest in monorail

Around 10 companies have submitted Requests for Proposal (RFP) to the govt, for the upcoming Chennai Monorail project. The proposals are being evaluated to shortlist firms that can participate in the financial bidding to be held soon. Some of the companies that have expressed interest are of international repute, with experience in executing the project in many cities abroad, besides being past of similar projects in other Indian cities. Monorail is not a substitute for Metro Rail, but a system that could complement it, according to industry sources. “A single system cannot cater to the needs of passengers in a city like channel. Integrated different modes of transport should be at the heart of an urban mobility plan”.

Japan waive 300 billion of yen Myanmar`s debt

Japan announces that it would waive about 300 billion yen ($3.7 billion) of Myanmars debt and resume development aid as a way to support that countrys democratic reform.

Indian Parliamentary panel visit Sri Lanka

An Indian parliamentary panel, headed by Leader of Opposition Ms. Sushma Swaraj, wraps up a six-day Sri Lanka, visit. The panel urges the Sri Lankan government to find a solution to the ethnic Tamil problem.

More colleges for small towns

The govt. will set up two engineering, seven polytechnic and 11 arts and science colleges in small towns in the current academic year. Making a sue motu statement, she said the dreams of rural students keen on persuing higher and technical education. “This will result in employment opportunities and ameliorate their economic and living conditions.”

Celebrating heritage with Chola bronze

A beautiful statue of Sikhivahana, a 12th century bronze from Nagapattinam district, stands majestically at the Govt. Museum, Egmore, with a picture of the Thanjavur Big Temple in the background. In the Circular hall that serves as the temporary home of this Chola statue, this merging of art forms from different parts of the Chola Kingdom can be witnessed. The bronze statue are all part of the musicians collection but this particular piece is unique. Since the eyes are open in this statue, it can be understood that this piece was made to be kept in a temple. This is very rare to come across”.

Nod for final leg by Metro Rail project

The final leg of the Chennai Metro Rail Project between Trident Hotel point and Chennai Airport has been cleared by a high level committee of the Civil aviation sector at a meeting held in New Delhi. As per the plan, Metro Rail will be on the surface level between the Trident Hotel Point and the old airport. The vicinity of the hotel falls in the approach funnel for aircraft. The surface stretch will run along the perimeter wall of the airport. From Madras Flying Club inside the airport premises, the line will be on an elevated structure. The Metro station at the airport will be constructed at a cost of  50 crore.

Global Enterprising Educator 2012 award

Ms. Ranju Mehta from Jaipur is conferred the Best Global Enterprising Educator 2012 award by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, a US-based organisation.

South Sudan withdraws its troops

South Sudan withdraws its troops from the disputed Heglig region on its border with Sudan, as the two civil war foes inch back from a wider war.

TRAI comes out with a new tariff order

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) comes out with a new tariff order, making it mandatory for operators to offer at least one tariff plan each for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers with a uniform one-second pulse rate.

Woori Bank opens in India

Seoul-headquartered Woori Bank, one of the oldest and largest banks in South Korea, has set up its first Indian branch in Chennai. Woori Bank chose Chennai as location for head office since the city houses more than 170 Korean Companies, including giants Hyundai Motor, Lotte and Samsung said Soon Woo Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Woori Bank Mr. Lee said Woori Bank would bring in a capital of $ 35 million into India.

President of Progressive Writers Association

Noted Tamil Writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Ponneelan has been elected as the all-India president of the Progressive writers` Association. He was elected unanimously on the final day of the associations three-day convention held from April 12 in New Delhi. He assumed charge on the same day. The first Tamil writer to be elected president of this body, he will hold this post for a period of four years.

Industry – specific policies soon _ Chief Minister

Raiterating govts commitment to providing an enabling environment conducive to the growth of the Corporate sector, Chief Minister said the govt. would soon announce industry – specific policies. The policies would be for the automobile and auto components industry, biotechnology, aerospace industry and renewable energy with special focus on solar power generation, she said after innaugrating the truck amnufacturing unit of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. in Oragadam. A number of innovative policy measures were being initiated to achieve the objective set out in Vision Tamil Nadu 2023, the Chief Minister said. `My govt. is currently finalising a set of policy reforms that will translate my vision into reality 2012 will accelerate the pace of growth of the manufacturing sector to 14 per cent”, she added.

Jawaharlal Nehru indoor stadium to renovated

The multi-purpose Jawaharlal Nehru indoor stadium in Chennai will be renovated at a cost of  10 crore, N.R. Sivapathi said. Wrapping up a debate on the demands for grants of his departments, he told the Assembly that facilities in the stadium, including air-conditioning and sound and lighting systems, were established over 16 years ago. They would be refurbished. A skating rink would be established at a cost of 12 crore. Tournaments for Chief Minister`s trophy would be organised in badminton, swimming, table tennis and tennis. The first prize would be  1 lakh, second prize 75,000 and the third prize  25,000. Steps would be taken for holding beach football, beach Kabaddi and beach volleyball ever in 10 coastal areas at a cost of  25 lakh. The govt. would set apart  1 crore for the Chennai Open badminton, as was done in the case of tennis and squash.

No more sub-registrar`s offices to be setup

The govt. has decided in principle not to open anymore sub-registrars offices, C.Ve. Shanmugam, Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister, announced in the Assembly. Responding to a demand from have MLAs for new sub-registrars offices in their constituencies, the Minister said the state had the highest number of sub-registrars offices in the country considering its population. He said for a population of 7.28 crore, Tamil Nadu had 568 sub-registrars and joint registrars offices. But Uttar Pradesh had only 355, Gujarat 155, Karnataka 242 and Andhra Pradesh 232.

Work on pipeline for Nemmeli desalination plant complete.

The long-pending process of laying a pipeline to drave water from the sea to be treated at the upcoming desalination plant at Nemmeli, about 35 km south of Chennai, was completed. With a significant portion of the project finished, the plant is expected to be commissioned by September. The work is significant as a 1,050 metre-long pipeline was sunk at a depth of nearly 14 metres on the sea side. It took three days for the mammoth operation to be completed.

Second South Asian fencing championship

India emerge winners in both the mens and womens sections of the second South Asian fencing championship held in Hyderabad.

NATO finalise agreements to wind down the war

At a meet in Brussels, Belgium, the US and its allies in NATO finalise agreements to wind down the war in Afghanistan. However, many critical details remain unresolved, such as who would pay billions of dollars per year to support the Afghan security forces.

India propels into the elite club of nations

India propels itself into, the elite club of nations possessing Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) technology by successfully testing nuclear-capable. Agni-V During the launch, conducted from the Wheeler Islands off the Odisha coast, the missile covers 5,000 kms in 20 minutes. The three-stage, 17 metre tall Agni-V weighs 50 tonnes and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of 1.1 tonnes.

State keen on national common mobility card

The State govt. has expressed interest in implementing the National Common Mobility card (NCMC), an omnibus cashless travel card that can be used across different modes of transport, according to S.K. Lohia, officer on Speical Duty (Urban Transport), Union Ministry of Urban Development. The users have to just swipe the cards instead of purchasing tickets. They can also pay parking and toll charges. It is not a debit or credit card, but a cash card. The money can be loaded into the card in different denominations, said Mr. Lohia. The department is trying to ensure that the card is easily available like mobile recharge cards. As per the report submitted by E. Sreedharan, who headed the working Group on urban transport for the 12th Five Year Plan, the countrywide implementation is targeted in the early years of the 12th plan.

Chennai airport may soon get a travelator to connect terminals

If things proceed as per the revised proposals of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Chennai airport will get a travelator to connect the new domestic terminal and a multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility. Both facilities were part of the original mega expansion project when it was launched, but in course of time, escalation of costs of certain components forced the authorities to jettison the important facilities. With the project nearing completion, the AAI had sent a revised estimate for the expansion project to Public Investment Board (PIB) a few months ago.

AIMA Managing India Awards 2012

The AIMA Managing India Awards 2012 are presented at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on April 18, 2012. The notable winners are : Business Leader of the Year; Mr. Y.C. Deveshwar, Chairman, ITC Limited; Corporate Citizen of the Year : MS. Nita Ambani, Chairperson, Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation; Outstanding Institution Builder : Mr. E. Sreedharan, former Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation; Outstanding PSU of the Year; Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Lifetime Contribution Award : Mr. Prathap C. Reddy, Executive Chairman, The Apollo Group; etc.

Shooting World Championship of 2018 in South Korea

The city of Changwon in South Korea is awarded the Shooting World Championship of 2018

Israel and Palestine talks

Israel and Palestine hold their latest round of talks; at the talks, no important decision is reached.

ECB norms for power and road sectors

The Centre eases external commercial borrowing (ECB) norms for power and road sectors.

L & T Kattupalli port ready for operations, awaits customs nod

The container terminal of Larsen and Toubro`s Kattupalli shipyard-cum-captive port is all set to commence operations and awaiting communication from the Customs Department notifying the terminal. The port has been in the news since January 2012 and is touted by the export import trade as an alternative to the Chennai Port, which is facing congestion for the last two years. The port is located adjacent to the Ennore Port. While the latter handles break-bulk carriers, cars and coal vessals, it may take one more year or more for its container terminal to be ready. L & T is ready with its container terminal (berth two). The six line gate complex is connected to two container berths by a four-lane road.

Caring for persons with dementia

The govt. should be prepared to tackle dementia in the coming years by creating a band of trained professional caregivers, and roping in the support of doctors practising Indian system of medicine, said E.S. Krishnamoorthy, Director of the Institute of Neurological Sciences, India. Dr. Krishnamoorthy is one of four global advisors who have assisted the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Alzheimans Disease International in preparing a report,Dementia-A Public Health Priority`, which was released on April 11. The report states that in 2010, there were 35.6 million people in the world with dementia. By 2030, that number will double and by 2050 it will triple. One in eight persons over the age of 65, and one in 2.5 persons over the age of 85, is at risk for dementia. However, only eight of the 194 WHO member countries have a natural dementia plan in place.

Celebrating Tamil Thatha`s epic legacy

Speakers at a function recalled the contributions made by a “Tamil Thatha” U.Ve. Swaminatha Iyer for Tamil development. Speaking on the occasion, R. Nataraj, Chairman, T.N.P.S.C. said the present-day youth were totally unaware of the contributions made by the great Tamil scholar. A turning point in Iyer`s life came when he was introduced to Seevaka Sinthamani, one of the five great Tamil epics, by a magistrate. It was only after that he began his search for the original manuscripts for several Tamil Classical works, which remained largely unknown to many until them.

Japanese team to help ramp up power supply network in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has more hope for an improved power supply network, with a technical team from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)visiting Chennai soon to help the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (TANTRANSCO) enhance its operations. Besides offering financial support to set up power transmission lines, the team of exports will offer technical guidance to the Corporation. Early this year, the Agency showed willingness to support the TANTRANSCO. The proposed visit by technical experts is to help finalise the agreement, which is likely to be signed later this month in New Delhi, said a senior official.

Prostate cancer – by using sound waves to blast tumour cells – HIFU

Scientists at the University College London claim that they have come up with a unique way to treat prostate cancer _ by using sound waves to blast tumour cells. The treatment is known as HIFU (high-intensity focussed ultrasound). It can even treat areas of cancer just a few millimetres in size.

Pulitzer Prize 2012

The names of winners of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize are announced in New York, USA. Prominent winners are : The Philadelphia Inquirer (Public service); Tuscaloosa News staff (Breaking news reporting); Matt Apuzzo, Adam Goldman, Eileen Sullivan and Chris Hawley of the Associated Press, and Michael J. Berens and Ken Armstrong of The Seattle Times (Investigative reporting); David Kocieniewski of The New York Times (Explanatory reporting); Sara Ganim and members of The Patriot News staff (Local reporting); David Wood of Huffington Post(National reporting); etc.

Kirti Chakra Award

Hon`ble President Ms. Pratibha Patil presents the Kirti Chakra to Captain Ashutosh Kumar of the Rajputana Rifles. He is bestowed the honour for fighting terrorists in the North-East.

RBI cuts its policy rates

The RBI cuts its policy rates by 0.50 percentage points, bringing the repo rate from 8.50 points to 8 points.

6000 milk cooperative societies to be formed

As many as 6,000 new milk co-operative socieities would be formed in the state in a bid to bring milk producers outside the co-operative ambit into the fold, Minister for Dairy Development V. Moorthy said in Chennai. Innaguruating an orientation programme and releasing a handbook for veterinarians, non-govt. organisations (NGOs) and district co-ordinators, he said this project would be taken up under the strengthening Grassroot Milk Structure Scheme which is implemented in 60 taluks in 12 districts when milk yield is low and more than 50 per cent of the revenue villages do not feel the impact of the dairy cooperatives.

Centre may allocate 300 MW more power to Tamil Nadu

The Central Govt. is considering allocating 300 MW of additional power to Tamil Nadu from the Central Grid and a proposal to this effect has been placed with the Ministry of Power. This is to help out the state steaped in Power circis, said Union Minister of State V. Narayanasamy. Expressly hopes of early commissioning of the plant, the Minister said the first unit of atomic reactor would be commissioned in 45 days and the second unit in two months from now.

International Indu Sharma Katha Samman 2012

Noted journalist Pradeep Saurabh is chosen for the International Indu Sharma Kartha Samman 2012 for his Hindi novel Teesri Thali.

Kenya`s win the men`s and women`s titles in Boston Marathon

Kenyas Wesley Korir and Sharon Cherup win the mens and women`s titles, respectively, at the Boston Marathon in Boston, USA.

World Bank new president elected

The World Bank chooses Korea-born American health expert Mr. Jim Yong Kim as its new president; the succeeds Mr. Robert Zoelick.

Internal Security meeting in New Delhi

The annual Chief Ministers` meeting on internal security is held in New Delhi. In the meeting, a considerable number of Chief Ministers express their opposition to the Centre-proposed National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC)

India and UAE sketch outlines road map

During Mr. S.M. Krishna`s visit, India and UAE sketch out the outlines of a road map, centred on a new partnership rooted in energy security and investment.

Pay property tax through banks

Several lakh residents who pay property tax in the city will soon have yet another easy mode of payment. Hundreds of counters in 13 banks may soon start accepting many, cheque or demand drafts for property tax payment. Any bill number, either old or new, is enough to pay the property tax at the bank counters. The banks have agreed to start collection of property tax from any of 10.35 lakh assessees who are not comfortable with the existing modes of tax collection by the Chennai Corporation. The banks likely to be included in the first phase are Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, ICICI, IDBI, Corporation Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank, City Union Bank, Andhra Bank, Karur Vysya Bank and State Bank of India. The Bank will not collect any service change from the property tax assessees for the walk-in Payment

First time in detecting a Majorana Particle

Delft University, the Netherlands, announces that its scientists have succeeded for the first time in detecting a Majorana particle, first predicted 75 years ago. The Majorana fermion _ the particle that could be its own anti-particle — was first predicted by legendary Italian theorist Ettore Majorana.

Chinese Grand Prix Formula One Championship

German racer Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes team wins the Chinese Grand Prix Formula One championship in Shanghai, China.

Storing foodgrains for the public distribution system

In a major step forward to augment capacity for storing foodgrains for the public distribution system, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) notifies 10 sites in as many Scares for construction of modern silos which shall be declared as mandi enabling farmers to directly sell their produce there.

Ambedkar Women`s Welfare Award

Ms. Maya Suwalka, Chairperson of Tonk District Child Welfare Committee, Rajasthan, is awarded the Ambedkar Women`s Welfare Award for 2011-12.