SAKTHI BOOKS CURRENT EVENTS

June, 2013

Traffic signal near airport on the blink for a month

It’s has been a month since an important traffic signal on GST Road, near Chennai airport, stopped working. Located near the main entrance leading to the airport, the signal is crucial as motorists from the Guindy side can barely see vehicles coming from the opposite direction (Pallavaram side). The huge pillars of the airport flyover block their view. According to the traffic police, the power supply to the signal was disrupted after same cables were damaged during the rains earlier this month.

Zoo to enthral visitors with butterfly park

The Arignar Anna Zological Park in Vandalur is all set to get a butterfly park. The public works department (PWD) will begin work on the   5 crore – proejct next week ending a 12-year delay, as the initiative was sanctioned in 2001. Officials at the zoo said the caterpillar – shaped park will be built on 25 hectares, including the actual built-up area of 2,000 sq.ft. near the Otteri lake inside the zoo. The caterpillar  design was chosen because the tube-like structure, which is 60 ft. long and made of acrylic sheets, will not obsorb much head keeping the inside of the building cool. Apart from home-grown butterfly species the park will host at least go exotic species of butterflies including the four-barred Swordtail from Australia, the common Sovanna Bush Brown from South Africa, the Australian painted lady and the Danaid Eggfly. Besides, more than 40 Indian species including the Common Leopard, Blue Marmon, Yellow Pansy, Red Helen and common Jezebel will also be at the park.

Developed camera to capture smell

Reports reveal that a researcher in Britain has developed a camera which has the stunning ability to capture smell. The special feature of this revolutionary camera is that it records smells instead of images. The new gadget, invented by Amy Redcliffe, is called “Madeleine”. In order to use the camera, users need to place a funnel attached to the camera over the object or environment they wish to capture. Then a pump sucks the air across an odour trap made of Tenax. The camera processes the particles to produce graph-like formula that makes up a specific smell. From this formula, the user can artificially recreate the precise odour.

Brazil win Confederation cup football championship

Hosts Brazil win the 2013 confederation cup football championship, beating world champions Spain 3-0 in the final in Rio de Janeiro.

Political turmoil change in Egypt

In a reminder of the political turmoil that had led to a regime change in Egypt in 2011, lakhs of Egyptians pour onto the streets of the country demanding the removal of the Muslim Brotherhood-led government. The protesters are angry because the country’s economic crisis has been deepened by the political deadlock.

Peoples are missing in disaster

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Bahuguna reveals that thousands of people are still missing in disaster-hit areas in the state.

Extended areas to get piped water in 2 years

Residents of merged areas of the city will soon be provided with piped water supply. The state govt. has sanctioned   452.77 crore for water supply to nine areas including Nolambur, Karambakkam, Sholinganallur, Ramapuram, Injambakkam and Manapakkam and for implementing sewage schemes in four areas – Kathivakkam, Sholinganallur, Karapakkam and Ramapuram under the Chennai Mega City Development Mission.

Indu Sharma Katha Samman 2011

Mr. Vikas Kumar Jha, an Indian journalist, is presented with the 17th Indu Sharma Katha Samman 2011 for his novel MaCluskieganj. India’s High Commissioner to the UK Mr. Nalin Surie hands over the coveted award to Mr. Jha in the House of Commons in London. The Padmanand Sahitya Samman is conferred on Britain-based Indian author Ms. Neena Paul for her novel Talaash.

Nex new Supreme Court judge announced

 Mr. P. Sathasivam, the seniormost Supreme Court judge, is named the next Chief Justice of India. He succeeds Mr. Justice Altamas Kabir.

Medical camp at zoo throws up TB

For animal caretakers at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, being licked by a deer is routine. So is drinking water from a tank that elephants have used to drink from, or eating near a tiger enclosure. But what may seem like harmless pursuits, have left several of these employees vulnerable to a numbers of diseases. A day long medical camp for caretakers of wild species found that a number of them had tuberculosis in the initial stages. A range of other checks too was conducted, including for blood pressure, diabetes, eye infections and skin diseases. Spectrum and blood tests were also conducted, X-rays were taken and body weight measured and have identified a group of caretakers who have TB.

National’s short-term debt maturing

28Official figures show that India’s short-term debt maturing by end-March 2014 stands at $172 billion. It means that the country will have to pay back $172 billion to its donors by end-March 2014. The corresponding figure for the debt in March 2008 (before the global financial meltdown) stood at just $54.7 billion.

Integrated facility for children with disability inaugurated

Chief Minister inaugurated the State Resource Centre for Indusive Education, an integrated facility for children with disability. The centre that has been established at a cost of   46.42 lakh on a renovated building of Chennai Corporation in Santhome in the city offers a range of facilities, a press release issued. Describing it as unique and first of its kind in the country, official sources said the centre offered physiotherapy, speech therapy and stimulation, and it had communicative devices, assessment and counselling centres, training centre for teaches from other districts, a library stocking special books for children and a counselling centre for parents.

Asian youth chess standard championship

Indian girls win five gold medals at the Asian youth chess standard championship that ends in Mazandran, Iran. The Gold winners are : R.B. Vaishalai (u-12), B. Pratusha (u-18), S. Riya (u-14), D. Divya (u-8) and Savithrishri (u-6). India also win three silver medals at the meet.

Kevin Rudd is sworn as PM of Australia

Mr. Kevin Rudd is sworn in as the Prime Minister of Australia, after pulling off an intra-party coup to oust incumbent Premier Ms. Julia Gillard a day earlier.

Data reveals that India’s current account deficit

Data reveals that India’s current account deficit (CAD) fell to 3.6 percent of GDP in the fourth quarter (January-March) of fiscal 2012-13, taking the CAD for the entire fiscal to 4.8 percent.

Pre-bid meeting today for container terminal project

As many as eight firms will take part in the pre-application meeting scheduled regarding the setting up of  1,270 crore mega container terminal at Ennore Port Ltd. On May 24, EPL launched a new Request for Qualification (REQ) process seeking applications from interested parties for the construction of mega container terminal, as the earlier private terminal operator withdraw from the project in Oct. 2012 citing it as unviable. According to REQ document, the project will be developed on design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis for a concession period of 30 years.

Tamil Nadu tops in suicides due to failure in love and exam.

Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest number of suicides by accounting for 12.15 per cent of the total cases reported in 2012. When it comes to specific issues like ‘love offairs’ and ‘failure in examination’ that led to suicides, the state has again topped in the south. Among the metropolitan cities, Chennai topped others with 2,183 suicides closely followed by Bangalore with 1,989. T.N. is among the five states that have consistantly registered higher number of suicides in the last few years.

Koyambedu to get new fuel bunk

Tamil Nadu Co-operative Marketing Federation (TANFED) will soon open a petrol outlet at Koyambedu. The outlet, which would supply petrol and diesel, is the second one to be opened by the Federation in the city. According to the lease agreement signed with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., the land would be provided by the TANFED for a period of 19 years and construction will be undertaken by the oil major. The outlet that is carrying up near the Federation’s cold storage facility will supply both petrol and diesel.

Commuters Welcome buses with Pantry toilet

Last week, the state govt. rolled out two SETC buses with pantry and toilet facilities. These buses are part of a pilot project and more airconditioned buses with similar facilities will be rolled out in the future. Currently two buses ply to Srirangam. Passenger need simply push a button above their seats and the pantry staff will walk over to find out what they need. “We have heard about similar facilities in aircrafts’. The toilet too is modelled on those in aeroplane. The flushing work on air compression. It have installed a 150 litre tank for collecting the waste. It will be disposed off at the depot. There will be no strench in the bus. There are three options for breakfast and dinner priced at   15 each and three varieties of rice for lunch costing   20 each.

Major north Chennai terminus lacks in basics

A two-feet tall, ovalshaped mud pot inside the cramped time-office at the bus terminus in Mint, north Chennai, is the lone source of drinking water for more than a lakh commuters who board buses there every day. Everyday, at least 540 trips are made by the 96 buses that operate from the terminus, carrying thousands of commuters from Mint and adjoining areas like Seven Wells, George Town, Basin Bridge and Old Washermenpet.

Asian weightlifting championship

India bag the team Silver at the Asian weightlifting championship that concludes in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Lightweight electric-powered car

A British made lightweight electric-powered car, named Lola B12 69/EV, crosses the world land-speed record for battery-run-cars. During a test, it touches 328.6 km per hour.

Significant boost to connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region

In a significant boost to connectivity between the Kashmir valley and Jammu region, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurates the 17.7 km-long Banihal-Qazigund section of the ambitious mountain railway. Dr. Singh flags off the first train and boards it for a journey across the 11.2-km tunnel, the longest in the country, through the Pir Panjal ranges. The scheduled deadline of the project is February 2018.

FDI declined

Reports reveal that foreign direct investment (FDI) into India declined by 29 percent  to $26 billion due to slow economic growth in most nations and high levels of inflation.

Chennai-Bangalore corridor extension will benefit traders in 3 states

The proposed extension of the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial corridor to Krishnapatnam Port will benefit traders in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, according to Anil Yendhuri, Krishnapatnam Port Co. Ltd., Chief Executive Officer. The inclusion of Krishnapatnam Port in the extended corridor would benefit traders to a large extent as it would connect four ports, three international airports and three cities by rail and road. Besides, several thermal power plants and oil refineries are coming up in southern costal Andhra Pradesh. It will benefit the region.

New NIT ranking system baffles students, parents

For students who do not make it to the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) this year, the next step will not just be an anxious wait for admission to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs). From this year, all technical institutions, except the IITs, will give 60 per cent weightage to the JEE (Main) scores and 40 per cent to class XII marks. The IITs take into account only their JEE (Main) and JEE (Advanced) scores.

The basis of Indian music, brought via four new textbooks

Music hour in school is moving away from being just another conventional ‘Paatu Class’. Worlds such as ‘pedogogy’ and ‘lesson plans’ are making inroads, and the latest trend seems to be the introduction of structured music curriculum into classrooms. Brhaddhvani, a music research and training centre launched four music textbooks for kindergarten students and classes I and II. The Chennai Corporation too, has introduced a structured music curriculum in 10 of its schools this academic year. Brhaddhvani textbooks are based on a concept called COMET (Correlated Objective Music Education and Training) developed by Veena exponent and founder of Brhaddhvani, Karaikudi S. Subramanian, after several years of research.

Marking in Arab World on throne

The Emir of gas-rich Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani steps down in favour of his son Sheikh Tamim after 18 years on the throne, marking a first in the Arab world.

850 MW Ratle power project on the river Chenab in Kashmir

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh lays the foundation stone of the 850 MW Ratle power project on the river Chenab in Kashmir. The project, which is estimated to cost   5,500 crore, is India’s first hydel power project that was bid out through tariff-based international competitive bidding.

Community status lapses or conversion, rules H.C.

The Madras High Court has ruled that a person professing a particular religion and belonging to a backward or most backward or Schedule Community will lose the community status on converting to another religion Mr. Justice Ramasubramanian said, “No person can acquire backwardness or most backwardness socially, upon conversion from one religion to another. Backwardness is determined by birth and not by conversion.

Horticulture Dept. to set up 50 farm – fresh outlets in Chennai

Following the foot steps of the co-operative dept. the State Horticulture Dept. will setup 50 farm-fresh vegetable outlets in the city to supply vegetable below market prices. The Tamil Nadu Horticulture producers co-operative Ent. Ltd. (TANHOPE) has already floated a company – Chennai Horticulture Producers Co. Ltd. (CHPPCL) – for implementing the project in the Chennai peri-metro area. Interestingly, the scheme was sanctioned in 2011-12 with an investent of   17 cr. It was followed by creation of 254 clusters with 4,970 formers.

Choked by concrete, urban trees face slow death

With the gusty winds visiting the state quite often during this time of the season, several trees dotting the pavement sway in menacing way posting a grove danger to public safety. In reality there trees are victims of negligence rather than guilty of endangering safety. As the trees are chocked off all around by concrete, many lean towards the road trying to stand on their roots which struggle to get water or air. The pavements are laid leaving no space of water percolation or aeration to the roots, resulting in the slow death of the trees. Unable to balance their weight and suffocation such trees get uprooted such trees winds easily.

Kalachara pattu : win-win for Co-op. Tex weavers

An effort to revive a traditional method of weaving has brought relief to practioners of the craft. Some of the older weavers have even returned to the profession, thanks to this initiative by co-optex. Traditional silk weavers in and around Salem, Rasipuram and Namakkal had long given upon conventional means and invested in jacquard machines. Driven by what they saw as market trends, they bought heavy machinery but ended up with very poor returns. The machinery also took a toll on their health and many of them quit weaving around the age of 50, and over time traditional designs, fell by the wayside.

At Govt. Stanley Hospital, it’s bring your own fan

For patients admitted to the male orthopaedic ward at Govt. Stanley Hospital, space and cool air are in short supply. While many are forced to lie on the floor due to shortage of beds, many others bring their own table or pedestol fans in an attempt to beat the blistering heat. Practically every bed in ward 406 as well as several in the order orthopaedic wards has a table or pedestal fan next to it.

City parks to get local trees

The city’s parks may be lush and green but the trees and bushes in them are not native to the country. To promote indigenous green cover, the Chennai Corporation is now planning to plant native trees in all of its 324 parks. The move is also aimed at supporting local birds and insects that thrive on these trees. The civic, body told the NGOs it would fully support this initiative and a resolution about this is likely to be passed by the Corporation Council shortly. Last year, the civic body is tensified landscape development in 100 new parks in the city’s recently – added areas.

NLC disinvestment could lead to labour unrest says C.M.

Chief Minister slammed the centre’s decision to divest five per cent stake in the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) which, she said, showed that “signalling to the financial markets had taken precedence over the welfare of thousands of workers and concerns of the people of Tamil Nadu”. She urged for a rethink on the disinvestment decisioin cleared by the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs overlooking the concerns of a negative fallout and rejecting the alternatives that had been suggested in her letter, that Neyveli Lignite be delisted after buying back the 6.44 per cent public stake or the securities contracts Rules, 1957, amended to give a special exemption for NLC.

Pervez on trial for treason

Pakistan’s government announces that it would put former military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf on trial for treason, charges punishable by death or life imprisonment.

Salman talks with US secretary on civil nuclear

 External Affairs Minister Mr. Salman Khurshid and visiting US Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry hold the fourth Indo-US Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. At the talks, the two sides seek to narrow down their differences on a range of issues including the civil nuclear domain, immigration reforms, trade, etc. They also take stock of the progress made by their 30 Plus dialogue mechanism.

Govt. takes over Jalakanteswarar Temple, Vellore

The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Depts. took over the admin. of the Sri Jayalalithaa temple located inside the historic fort. This follows a govt. order dt. June 18 and the proceedings of the HR & CE commissioner P. Dhanapal issued, asking the Asst. Commissioner (AC), HR & CE, Vellore to take over the administration of the temple and assume change as “Thakkar” of the temple. Parivallal, AC, HR & CE, Vellore, posted a notice on the temple premises, declaring the temple takover. He also sealed the temple hundials.

TNEB told a pay 44 lakh to kin of man who was electrocuted

Rejecting the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB)’s contention that snapping of a transmission line on a public road was an act of god, the the Madras High Court has directed the Board to pay a compensation of   44.56 lakh to the family of an LIC Administrative Officer who was electrocuted in Tirunelveli last year. The court also ordered costs of   14,000 to the family. In his order on a writ petition, Justice K.K. Sasidharan, said the Board could not escape liability by pleading that it was nothing but an act of god. The factual matrix showed that the department miserably failed to maintain the electricity line and it was the sole reason for the tragedy.  

Musical fountain to make waves at Marina

A musical fountain on the Marina is likely to amongst as a major-tourist attraction. The civic body invited expression of interest from corporate entities, multinational companies, joint ventures, firms and constructions for commissioning the facility. The function is likely to be located near Gandhi statue. The chosen private entity will shoulder the responsibility of commissioning the musical fountain, including the civil works, plumbing and lighting arrangements. It will also carryout maintenance of the fountain for three years.

Malaysian govt. declare emergency

Malaysian authorities declare a state of emergency in its south after a smoky haze – blamed on Indonesian forest fires – engulfs the region and takes pollution levels to a new high.

Friends of Syria

“Friends of Syria”, a forum of world powers supporting the rebels in Syria, decides to arm the rebels to “change the balance on the battlefield”.

Data released by the Swiss National Bank

 Data released by the Swiss National Bank reveals that India has slipped to the 70th position in terms of money lying in Swiss banks. India now has the lowest rank among all major economics in this regard.

Anna mineral water at 10 from Sept.15

The state govt. will manufacture and supply cost-effective mineral water, as part of its emphasis on programmes aimed at reducing the impact of inflation on the poor. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa directed State Transport Corporations to set up ‘Amma Mineral Water’ at   10 a litre. The price line would make the product attractive, as private brands were sold at   20 a litre and that of Railways at   15.

Royapuram station may soon be history

The country’s oldest surviving railway station may soon be demolished Southern Railway is likely to raze the old Royapuram station, built in 1856, for development work. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the Heritage conservation committee, S.R. Officials asked Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to remove the station in North Chennai from the list of heritage buildings in the city. “Buildings that are tagged as heritage structures cannot be demolished, and no major work can take place in them. Royapuram stations deletion from the heritage list will make it easier for it to be demolished” said a senior CMDA official.

Rajasthan’s iconic fort architecture including six hill forts of the State in its World Heritage Sites list

Rajasthan’s iconic fort architecture receives international recognition, with the UNESCO including six hill forts of the State in its World Heritage Sites list. These six forts are : Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Ranthambhore, Gagaron and Amber. 

India win ICC Champions Trophy 2013

 India win the 2013 Champions Trophy cricket tournament, beating England by five runs in the final in Birmingham, England, Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is named the Man of the Tournament.
Semifinal : Hosts England storm into the final of ICC  Champions Trophy 2013 beating South Africa comprehensively by 7 wickets in the semifinal at the Oval in London. India advance to the final of ICC Champions Trophy, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets at Cardiff Wales Stadium in Cardiff, Britain.

Luxury buses with toilet facilities

On behalf of the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), Chief Minister Jayalalithaa flagged of 189 new buses and 55 renovated buses through video conferencing facility at the Secretariate. The occasion was marked by the launch of two luxury buses on the Srirangam-Chennai route with pantry and toilet facilities. It is for the first time that SETC is operating luxury buses with pantry and toilet facilities on a par with luxury trains and flights.

New farm – fresh Veggie outlets sell out on day 1

Residents cutting across the social and economic spectrum flocked to the farm – fresh consumer outlets in the city’s suburbs, soon after their inaugration earlier in the day. Chief Minister launched 31 ‘Pannai Pasumai Nugarvor Kooturavu Kadai’ through video-conferencing from the Secretariat. Four of the outlets, which will sell 31 varieties of vegetables, are in the city’s immediate southern suburbs – Madipakkam, Rajakilpakkam, East Tambaram and Puzhichalur and one is in Porur in the west. The huge difference in the prices of locally-available vegetables at the new outlets compared to those in other markets was evident.

World’s first high-resolution 3D digital model of the human brain

 BCC News reports that scientists have developed the world’s first high-resolution 3D digital model of the human brain. It has been named “BigBrain”. The model, put together by scientists from various institutes and laboratories, will be made freely available to neuroscientists to help them in research. The 3D reconstruction of the human brain shows its anatomy in microscopic detail, enabling researchers to see features smaller than a strand of hair.

Chief Minister seeks JICA aid for infrastructure projects

Chief Minister asked the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to join her govt. as a partner in implementing some of the 200 infrastructure projects that are to be announced in the next volume of ‘vision T.N. 2023’ a document university a strategic plan for infrastructure development Chennai Waterway Restoration Project, upgrading of urbon infrastructure in the extended areas of the city, the Madurai-Tuticorin Industrial Corridor and components of the State Highways Development Project were candidate projects that it could look at for financing fiscol.

The great zoo swap, gaurs out, rhinos in

Visitors to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, may get to see a pair of greater one-hormed rhinoceroes within the next couple of months. Chief Minister requested her counterpart in Assam to send the one horned rhinos in exchange for a pair of Indian gaurs.

Seawall 2.0 soon work begins in August

Hundreds of families living in fishing hamlets may soon be spared the impact of rough seas during monsoons. The long pending project to shield the shortline along the Ennore Expressway with a seawall is set to take off in two months. The project to repair the existing seawal-a-collection of boulders running parallel to the shore line and also construct the barrier wherever necessary, was announced in the Assembly last year. However the project was delayed for want of bidders. The water resources department  (WRD) is now scrutinising tenders received for the   26.58 crore project to repair the seawall running for a distance of 5 km. between Nethaji Nagar and Nettukuppam.

New International Terminal to open in July

Five months after it was inaugurated, the new international terminal at Chennai Airport may be thrown open for public use in July. Despite the delay in Commissioning, this terminal may not operate independently. The old terminal too may function simultaneously. While the departure operations may run at the same time in both the new and old international terminals. The arrival operations may continue in the old terminal. It may take nearly a month to shift the departure operations completely to the new terminal. Immigration department has the required manpower but customs officials have some issues in shifting immediately to the new terminal and have sought more time. The main problem is they lack adequate manpower.

Domestic violence against women

WHO studies reveal that domestic violence against women workwide has assumed “epidermic proportions” with one in three suffering physical of sexual assault at the hands of a man they know.

NSSO show that on an average families spend

Data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) show that on an average families spend more than half of their monthly spend on non-food items. Families buy over 51 percent of non-food items in their monthly bills worth   1,430 in rural areas and about 62 percent out of an urban monthly spend of   2,630.

World heritaze status likely for Padamanabhapuram palace

The long wait to get the 400-year old Padamanabhapuram palace included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list seems set to end. An advisory committee on World Heritage Matters constituted by the Union Ministry of culture, has recommended that this palace, known for its exquisite wood-work, innovative design and beautiful marval paintings be included in the tentative step before declaring it as a World Heritage site.

Tamil Nadu has highest police casualities among southern states

Dying in harness may be a matter of pride to men in uniform, but suicides and fatal road accidents are also contributing significantly to the high number of casulities among police personnel in Tamil Nadu infact, Tamil Nadu tops the southern states in police casualities.

Autos in city soon set meters that print fares

Residents may soon see an end to one of the biggest irritants to commuting in the city-haggling over autorickshow fares. The transport department is studying various models of metres for autorickshaws and has zeroed in on two models – one, a GPS- based system and the other, a model that will give the commuter a print-out of the fare. The meter also have to be temper-proof. Since the GPS-based meters are expensive, they can only be installed on a voluntary basis.

Call for insurance for labourers

Unorganised man power, especially construction workers, comprises more than 9 per cent of the labour force in Tamil Nadu. As such, there is a dire need to extend the employees’ state insurance scheme to the unorganised labour sector. This scheme that is a part of the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme Act, 1948, will allow workers in the unorganised sector to be entitled to all medical benefits if they are enrolled in it.

Spain retain their European under-21 football championship title

Spain retain their European under-21 football championship title in Jerusalem with a 4-2 win over Italy.

Afghan stop political legitimacy to Taliban

The Afghan government backs out of talks with the Taliban and the US in Doha conveying to the US in no uncertain terms that it must stop the process of granting symbolic political legitimacy to the Taliban.

Tragedy in Uttarkhand

In the wake of the tragedy in Uttarakhand, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) directs India Meterological Department (IMD) to draw up a time-bound plan to make weather monitoring and forecasting for the Char Dham pilgrimage more accurate.

PMNRF to Uttarakhand for disaster relief

 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announces a financial assistance of    1,000 crore from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to Uttarakhand for disaster relief and exgratia assistance of   2 lakh each to the families of those killed and   50,000 each to those injured.

AIR Chennai to get degital archive

A didicated digital archival system will start functioning in the Chennai Kendra of All India Radio from next month. The article had highlighted the need for the govt. to allocate funds to preserve over 25,000 such recordings. It would be the first such digital system to the established outside Delhi. All efforts would be made to preserve different forms of Indian Arts and Culture. AIR Chennai is a treasure trone with the over 25,000 recordings running to over 13,000 hours.

First Indian-American judge in the second most powerful court of USA

Indian-American legal luminary Mr. Srikanth Srinivasan is sworn in as a judge in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, becoming the first Indian-American judge in the second most powerful court of USA.

US-led NATO forces by the end of 2014

Afghan forces assume responsibility for providing security cover to the entire country, marking a major milestone ahead of the pull-out of US-led NATO forces by the end of 2014.

13th Amendment – devolution of powers

 India expresses dismay over reports suggesting that Colombo is mulling over a review of the key provisions contained in the 13th Amendment related to devolution of powers to the provinces and redressing political and social grievances of Sri Lanka’s Tamils.

Aadhar enrolment set to get a push over next 3 months

The process of Aadhar number generation and the bio-metric data enrolment for the National Population Registry (NPR) in the State is set for a push in the three months ahead, as officials hope to reach 70 per cent coverage by September. At present, the Aadhar number generation for the state stood pegged at around 30 per cent of the targeted population number in the NPR, the demographic data bank created by the census department in 2010. The coverage of the bio-matrix enrolment (photograph,  iris and fingerprint scan) through the camps currently stood at around 52 per cent mark.

By December city will have 9 of 42 Metro trains

All nine trains from Sao Paulo in Brazil for Chennai Metro Rail will arrive in the city by December 2013 to be a part of trial run scheduled to take place then. Officials of CMRL said Alstom Transport, which has been given the contract to manufacture 42 trains for Chennai Metro, will produce nine at Sao Paulo in Brazil and rest at Sri city plant in Andhra Pradesh. A few months after the trial run, in 2014, Chennai Metro is expected to be operational in the 11 km stretch between Koyambedu and St. Thomas Mount.

World’s fastest supercomputer

It is announced that China’s defence scientists have built the world’s fastest supercomputer. The computer, Tianhe-2, possesses speeds of 33.86 petaflops (1000 trillion calculations) per second. It surpasses the US’s Titan computer, the previous record holder, which has a speed of 17.59 petaflops per second. Benchmarking tests show that Tianhe-2 is by far the fastest computer ever made. The computer’s predecessor, Tianhe-1A, was the world’s fastest till June 2011, when it was surpassed by the K computer of Japan. Tianhe-2, or Milky Way-2, will be deployed at the National Supercomputer Centre in Guangzhou. Tianhe-2 has 16,000 nodes, each with two Intel Xeon IvyBridge processors and three Xeon Phi processors for a combined total of 3,120,000 computing cores.

US Open golf tournament

Justin Rose becomes the first Englishman to win the US Open golf tournament held in Ardmore, USA since Tony Jacklin in 1970.

Britain gets embroiled in a growing diplomatic row

Britain gets embroiled in a growing diplomatic row with Russia and Turkey following revelations that their leaders were “spied on and bugged” by British and American intelligence agencies during the 2009 London Summit of G20 countries.

National Crime Records

National Crime Records Bureau figures put Kerala on top in crime rate followed by Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Council of Ministers changes

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh shuffles his Council of Ministers by inducting eight new Ministers reflecting Congress’ immediate political priorities favouring poll-bound States. Union Labour Minister Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge is elevated at Railway Minister.

Master of character roles Manivannan passes away

Actor and director Manivannan who enlivened many Tamil films in the last two decades in Character roles laced with comedy, died of a heart attack at his residence in Chennai on 15th June. He was 58. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son. In a career spanning three decades, Manivannan went from being a story and dialogue writer for veteran director Bharathiraja to a successful director who thrived in experimenting with different gemes, before becoming an actor who quite literally appeared in every movie at the box office. His career spanned 400 movie credits as an actor and 50 as a director.

Soon bank officers may man city’s property tax counters

Chennai Corporation is planning to – use the services of bank employees to man counters for remittance of property tax at all 200 ward offices. A few months ago, zonal-level officials were directed by the civic body to identify structures suitable for setting up counters where property tax could be remitted. Enumeration of the existing facilities in all ward offices has also been completed. But as the lack of adequate civic body personnel to man these counters had emerged a challenge, the civic body has mooted the idea of using the services of bank personnel.

Murray wins Queen’s club tournament

Andy Murray of UK defeats Marin Cilic of Croatia to win the Queen’s Club tournament for the third time in five years in London.

JD(U)-BJP Breaking the 17 year-old alliance

Janata Dal (United) severs ties with Bharatiya Janata Party breaking the 17-year-old allaince in Bihar over announcement campaign committee by BJP.

NHAI spares 1000 year old temple

The National Highways Authority of India has decided to spare the 1000 year old Siva temple at Manampadi village near Kumbakonam while taking up road expansion under the Thanjavur – Vikkiravandi four-lone project. The decision will save the temple that was declared by state Archaeology Dept. as a protected monument 30 years ago.

Panel confirms nod for Udangudi Cheyyur power projects

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment and Forests Ministry has reiterated its recommendation, given three years ago, for granting environmental clearance for the   8,400 crore. Udangudi supercritical thermal power project. The committee has also recommended environmental clearance for the proposed Cheyyur Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP), which would produce 4,000 MW. To be located in Tiruchendur taluk of the Udangudi Project was originally to be taken up as a joint venture project, involving the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. It was to have two units of 800 megawatt (MW) each.

HC notice to GAIL on plea of implementation of pipeline project

The Madras High Court Bench ordered notice to the managing director of Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL), the Union and the state govt. on a public interest writ petition seeking speedy implementation of the Kochi-Kodanad-Bangalore-Mangalore natural gas pipeline project in Tamil Nadu. “Once the pipeline is laid expeditiously, all public transport vehicles such as buses, mini-buses and taxis will start natural gas as fuel. Therefore, a direction is liable to be issued to GAIL to supply compressed natural gas (CNG) all the cities in Tamil Nadu Adequate infrastructure should be made for the storage and distribution of the CNG be contended”.

Peripheral veterinary hospital coming up near Red Hills

A peripheral veterinary hospital at a cost of   58.5 lakh will come up in Koduvalli near Red Hills here by the end of this year. The new facility would cater to the needs of 30,000 heads of cattle and a equal number of goats and sheeps. Work on the construction of hospital buildings began in April this year and it was expected to be completed by this year end.

Lawyers, defence personal mourm the death of telegram

The telegram will became history from July 15, but many who depend on that service are left wondering what they will do for an alternative means of communication. While individuals have enough modern options, telegrams remain an indispensable service for lawyers, litigants, armed forces and the police. Although court notices and communications are sent by speed post and fax, urgent interim orders are normally directed to be communicated telegraphically at the parties cost. Such order may not be communicated with the same urgency any more.

Japanese firms prefer Kattupalli terminal to Chennai port

It was supposed to be a trial run for a Karnataka based Japanese automobiles major and one of the world’s largest shipping companies at the L & T Port. in Kattupalli. The Japanese automobile firm, whose name port officials were relevant to reveal, tried it for the first time, while it was the third attempt for NYK lines. They are now eyeing Kattupalli International Container Terminal (KICT), following efficient handling containers in the last eight days.

Restoration of Kalas Mahal to take off by July-end

The historic Kalas Mahal which was ravaged in a fire in Jan. 2012, is inching closser to its restoration. PWD is all set to start work to renovate the building in Chepauk by July end. The structure, built in 1768, is classified as a grade-I heritage building in the Justice E. Padmanaban committee report. The work to restore the heritage structure would be taken up under the supervision of the conservation architect Ravi Gundu Rao who prepared the detailed drawings. These drawins were scrutinized by the committee comprising PWD officials, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s Chief Planner and dean of the school of Architecture and planning.

Iran’s new President

Mr. Hassan Rouhani becomes Iran’s new President, raising hopes of a new era of politics, where reformist, in political oblivion for the last eight years, would have a chance of joining the mainstream.

Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi and Chamoli dist. after heavy downpour causes

Monsoon fury leaves pilgrims stranded at various places in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts, after heavy downpour causes several roadblocks.

Additional facility to get names included in rolls

An additional facility  to get names included in electoral roles will soon be available. The facility will be enable prospective dectors to submit their applications online for inclusion of names through officially – authorised private browsing outlets. For getting this service, applicants will have to pay   10 per form. This will be for the first time in the country that the services of the private browsing centres will be utilised for online submission of applications regarding electoral rolls.

AIR platinum jubilee celebrtions

Air India Radio, Chennai will celebrate its platinum jubilee on 18th June. The station in Chennai was started in June 1938. When it was started, the station functions from Marshalls Road, Egmore and it was moved to its present location in July 1954. The AIR station is in the process of converting some of its old spool tapes containing speeches by political leaders, musical discourses, Carnatic songs, interviews of film actors and light music concerts into digital format. The celebrations will be held at Vani Mahal, T. Nagar, on June 18 in which public can participate.

American shunt engine, German rescue vehicle for Metro Rail

After the Chinese, Russian, South African and Nepalese workers for travelling operations and coaches from Brazil, next in the line of additions from around the world to the Chennai metro rail projects is a shunt engine from USA and a rescue vehicle from Germany. The shunt engine will land in Chennai by the end of July and be permanently stationed at the Koyambedu depot, said an official of CMRL. The engine will look like any other and its function will be to pull the train if it sustains any damage in any of the underground stations and requires repair.

Most famous museums in the world

Indian-born world-renowned sculptor Mr. Anish Kapoor is conferred Knighthood in London. British Queen Elizabeth II recognises sculptor Mr. Anish Kapoor’s contribution to visual arts by honouring him with a Knighthood. Mr. Kapoor ranks amongst the most acclaimed contemporary sculptors practising today, and has showcased his work in solo exhibitions in many of the most famous museums in the world.

Diamond League – Usain Bolt victory

Usain Bolt of Jamaica scorches his way to an impressive victory in the 200 m with a world leading time of 19.79 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Oslo, Norway.

Syrian forces killed people

Toughening its line on Syria, the US promises weapons for Syrian rebels saying that Syrian regime forces used banned weapons including sarin, in attacks that killed about 150 people.

WPI – based inflation fell to 4.7%

Data shows that the wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation fell to 4.7 percent in May 2013, driven mainly by declining prices of manufactured items.

Adyar Cancer Institute celebrates diamond jubilee

When institutions thrive, it can be thanks to govts; it can also be inspite of govts. In its 60 years of existence, the Adyar Cancer Institute has been both kinds of govt. and it has grown both because of and despite them. Of course, it also grows because of its inner strength, the people that drive it from within since 1992 Chief Minister said an annual grant was being sanctioned for the cancer institute with a 10 per cent appreciation every year. For the year 2012-13, the grant was raised to   1.75 crore, and will be increased subsequently to   2.5 crore with an annaul increase of 15 per cent (from 10 per cent). She had also written to the Prime Minister to recognise the Institute as a Centre of Excellence.

Veggies at doorsteps that too at lower rates

At a time when vegetable prices are hitting the roof, residents of apartment complexes in some areas are able to buy fresh produce at lower rates, that too, at their door steps starting this month, persons with visual impairment and physical dissabilities have been visiting large residential complexes with fresh produce. On alternate days, a small group of people also-turn a space at a complex in Anna Nagar into a make shift market.

78,000 of City’s poor to get free mosquito nets

Over 78,000 persons living below the poverty line will soon be the first to get mosquito nets free of cost in the city. The Corporation recently called for expression of interest from distribution of the nets to poor residents living along the city’s waterways. Each of the polyethylene mosquito nets are expected to be procured at   150. The Corporation council, a few months ago, passed a resolution to distribute mosquito nets to residents along 16 minor and major waterways, including the cooum and Adyar rivers and the Buckingham canal. The move followed reports that fagging operations were not effective in areas near the waterways.

No more ‘stops’ in city’s communication

For senior citizens in Chennai, it is the end of an era. The announcement that Chennai Telephones of BSNL will discontinue the telegram services the fastest mode of communication until a decade ago rekindled fond members of this harbinger of good and bad news. Several govts. depts. also used to use the service to convey news of job-transfers to employees.

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