State growth rate likely to exceed five per cent

After posting 4.14 per cent during 2012-13, the States growth rate is expected to exceed five per cent this year. Governor Rosaiah said, that to provide stimulus to the economy, the govt. had substantially increased the plan expenditure target to 37,128 crore this year, and it would be further enhanced to 42,185 crore during 2014-15. “There is a revival in industrial and agricultural production, which would result in a rebound in the service sector growth”, Mr. Rosaiah said.

Metro Rail tested on eleveted corridor

Seven months after the first train manufactured for Chennai Metro Rail a Sao Paulo, Brazil hit the city’s port, it  went through the much – awaited trial run on the elevated-track from the Koyambedu depot on Jan. 30. The trial run covered less than two km. and did not cross the Koyambedu Metro station. It will go through this exercise for another 15 days, after which the train will lie tested extensively from Koyambedu up to Ashok Nagar.

India worst ODI series against New Zealand

India suffer its worst ODI series defeat 0-4 against New Zealand, after they lose by 87 runs in the fifth and final match.

India in category 2 on safety Aviation Administration

US Federal Aviation Administration grades India in Category 2 on safety standards, which is going to have an adverse effect on India’s flight operations to America. Pakistan is graded in Category 1.

GDP growth 4.5%

The Centre revises GDP growth rate for Financial Year 2013-14 to 4.5% from the earlier projected 5%.NA

Vijay Bahuguna quits as Uttarakhand CM

Mr. Vijay Bahuguna quits as Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister after he came under scanner because of massive flooding, which wreaked havoc in the State in June, 2013.

Tripura Foundation rewards children with hope

Twelve-year-old N. Archana, a native of Edappadi village in Pudukottai district, wakes up early, cooks rice and curry, goes to school and often returns home to be beaten up by her drunken father. In between this, she finds time to take care of a 100-year-old blind women who she fondly refers to as ‘Periyandi Patti’ who lives in her village. On 29th Jan. she emerged as a winner of the Hope Hero 2013 award instituted by Tripura. Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to help underprivilleged women and children.

Women scientists honoured

Ten young women scientists from across the state were awarded for their contributions to society. The awards were given at the Chennai Science Festival, organised by Science city and Anna University. Minister for Higher Education P. Palaniappan gave away the awards and inaugurated the exhibition at Anna Gem. Science Park School on Gandhi Mandapam Road. Nearly 70 students from various schools were also given Children’s Science Academy awards.

Bengal property fair begins on Feb. 1 & 2

This is a call for Bengalis in the city. It’s now time to find that special home in Chennai at The Hindu Bengal Property Fair 2014. The fair will be a showcase of the finest property investment options from West Bengal. It hopes to provide an ideal platform for top builders and promoters from Kolkata to reach their potential audience. Developers will offer properties across Kolkata, ranging from posh area such as Sarat Bose Road to rapidly developing suburbs off the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.

The first woman to be inducted in ICC umpires’ panel

Kathy Cross of New Zealand becomes the first woman to be inducted in ICC umpires’ panel.

Raises annual cap of LPG to 12 cylinders from 9

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs raises annual cap of LPG to 12 cylinders from 9.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly rejects Telangana Bill

Andhra Pradesh Assembly rejects Telagnaga Bill, adopting the resolution, which was tabled by Chief Minister Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy for rejecting the Bill, by voice vote.

Mamallapuram gets lighthouse museum

Yet another tourist attraction, a lighthouse heritage museum, was added to the world-renowned, historical tour of Mamallapuram. Inaugurating the facility – comprising heritage and marine museums. Union shipping minister G.V. Vasan said it was the first of its kind in the country and had been set up by the directorate general of light houses and lightships. The museum houses miniatures of different kinds of ships, fishing boats and defence vessels, and also porclain containers, medicine box and crockery with departmental emblem supplied to light-keepers to use in different lighthouses. The open space in the complex, part of which has green cover, has been utilised for installation of specimens of ships and a deep-sea channel marking buoy among other ships. The students entry fee to ` 5, and the museum would be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

England’s women’s team win Ashes series

England’s women’s team win Ashes series with a nine-wicket Twenty20 victory over Australia in Hobart.

Jayawardene become the sixth highest run-scorer

After hitting a spectacular double ton in the first Test match in Dhaka against Sri Lanka, Mahela Jayawardene becomes the sixth highest run-scorer in Tests with 11,236 runs in 142 Tests, Mahela has 33 centuries and 45 fifties to his credit, so far.

India tops in illiterate population

In UNESCO’s Education for All Global Repon (GMR), India tops in having largest illiterate population in the world.

Hydrogen flowing through space

Astronomers discover a river of hydrogen flowing through space into a nearby galaxy around 22 million light years from the earth.

Ukraine’s PM resigns

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Mr. Mykola Azarov resigns to facilitate peaceful settlement of the political crisis even as the Parliament repeals harsh anti-protest laws that had triggered the anti-government protests earlier.

Cyber attacks Pakistani hackers hacked into 2000 Indian websites

In one of the major cyber attacks, Pakistani hackers hacked into more than 2,000 Indian websites on Republic Day.

RBI hikes the indicative policy rate

The RBI hikes the indicative policy rate (repo) rate by 25 basis points to 8% to check inflation.

SC declines to review on unnatural sex illegal

Holding homosexuality or unnatural sex illegal, Supreme Court declines to review its December 11, 2013 judgement.

Fast patrol ship joins eastern fleet of coast guard

Abheek, a fast patrol vessel, joined the eastern fleet of the Coast Guard. The ship, equipped with sophisticated navigational and communication  seniors can be propelled to a speed of around 33 knots. Absheek could undertake surveillance, interdiction, rescue and medical evacuation. The ship will be based in Chennai, will be manned by five officers and 34 men.

Padma Shri for BARC Director

Sekhar Basu, Director of Bhabha Automic Research Centre and Chief Executive of the Nuclear Recycle Board, has been conferred the Padma Shri award. Dr. Basu has headed the BARC facilities in Kalpakkam since 1988, and is one of the architects of the 80 MW compact pressurised water reaction that will power Architects,the country’s nuclear-powered submarine. He was also given the responsibility of the nuclear recycle programme and constructed  reprocessing and waste management plants in Tarapur and Kalpakkam. He has a number of publications to his credit. He is now working on expansion programmes in the food and health sector of BARC, and is also involved in an international fusion reactor programme, ITER, France.

Makeover for roads near padestrian plaza

Roads around the proposed pedestrian plaza in T. Nagar will get a makeover with traffic and junction improvement works, Chennai Corporation has floated tenders foo traffic improvement works around the proposed facility. The change will facilitate optimium use of the proposed padestrian plaza covering 1400 metres of Thyagaraya Road from Bashyam Road near Panagal Park to Anna Salai. The proposal includes development of the stretch as a busy intersection of art commerce with animated and illuminated signs.

CMRL ends deal with contractor for stations

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. terminated its contract with Consolidated Construction Consortium Ltd. (CCCL). CCCL was responsible for the construction of stations including Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkattuthangal, Alandur and St. Thomas Mount. Thus, a further delay in the trial run and operations is likely, according to CMRL officials. Construction of these station has suffered constant delays and stands incomplete now. The project was estimated to cost ` 14,600 crore. CMRL had sent two show cause notices to CCCL this month regarding the delay in the progress of work. But, the response by the company had not been satifactory, loading to the termination of the contract, a CMRL official said. Tenders will be called for shortly and the contract will be handedover to other successful bidders by Feb. end.

Insurance scheme extended to Lankan refugees

The Chief Minister’s comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme has been extended to those Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who are living outside  camps maintained by the state govt. Already, those living in the camps had been covered under the scheme. This would benefit 34,826 persons, who have registered thamselves with the local police stations as refugees. A direction to extend the scheme to them had been issued by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, according to an official release issued.

CM’s special award for Erode former

An Erode-based farmer, who received the CM’s special award for occomplishing the highest yield in the state, made a strong case against converting traditional irrigation canals into concrete structures. Lining of the canals will prevent groundwater from getting replenished. Concrete bunds also block seepage of water into fields. Had seepage of water been allowed one could achieve higher yield’s said N. Paramasivam, who received the award from Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The award included 5 lakh in cash and a medal worth 3,500 Mr. Paramasivam, from Nasiyanur in Erode produced 6,119 kg. of paddy per acre by adopting the system of rice intentification (SRI) cultivation method. He used BPT-5204 paddy seeds, known as ‘Samba masuri’, from the Erode block agricultural extension centre.

56th Annual Grammy Awards

In the 56th annual Grammy Awards ceremony, Daft Punk wins five prizes, including Album of the Year.

Tunisia’s leaders sign the new constitution

Tunisia’s leaders sign the new constitution, a historic document seen as one of the most modern in the Arab world.

International probe into war crime

Sri Lanka’s Northern Provincial Council passes a resolution calling for an international probe into the war crimes allegedly committed during country’s civil war.

World’s largest passenger airline Airbus A-380

Civil Aviation Ministry gives nod to the world’s largest passenger airline Airbus A-380 to fly in India, which will be allowed only in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Antihydrogen atoms

CERN physicists succeed for the first time in producing a beam of antihydrogen atoms.

Indians honoured on Australia Day

Three Australians of Indian Origin, Dr. S. Nambiar, Mr. R.S. Gupta and Dr. Pratish C. Bandopadhayay, are honoured on Australia Day (26th January) for their contribution to the Australian society.

Ashok Chakra Award 2014

During the 65th Republic Day ceremony, sub-inspector Late K. Prasad Babu of Andhra Pradesh’s counter-Maoist force is awarded country’s highest peace time gallantry medal, Ashok Chakra, Posthumously.

Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold Badminton

Saina Nehwal claims the Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold badminton crown in Lucknow.

Australia win ODI series against England

Australia win the five-match ODI series 4-1 against England in Adelaide.

Wawrinka wins Australian Open Title

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beats Rafael Nadal of Spain to win Australian Open, becoming the first player in 21 years to defeat top two seeds in a major.

Britain’s 500 most influential people

Indian-origin author Mr. V.S. Naipaul and Pakistani campaigner Ms. Malala Yousafzai are named among Britain’s 500 most influential people across different fields.

Sushil Koirala won the election for Parlimentary party

Nepali Congress president Mr. Sushil Koirala is set to become the Prime Minister after he won the election for the leadership of the parliamentary party.

65th Republic Day

India celebrates 65th Republic Day of the nation. Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe is the chief guest at the parade.

Bunk shops on Marina sell Narcotics

Chennai Corporation councillors demanded the civic body initiate measures to prevent bunk shops on the beach from selling narcotic and psychotropic substances. Santhome councillor R. Bommi alleged that a large number of illegal shops on the Marina were selling narcotic and psychotropic substances to students “The corporation should take action against persons who control over 30 shops commissioned illegally on the Beach. We are unable to prevent such illegal activity’, he said.

Private players to be part of Chennai Schools

Chennai Corporation is set to permit private players to manage Chennai Schools to cope with a decline in the number of students. Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said private players would be permitted to manage schools for three years. “The number of students in the 284 schools is 87,374. We do not have plans to merge schools having fewer students” he said. The Corporation will also create awareness about the welfare schemes in place at its schools to attract students. The number of students in Chennai Schools was more-than one lakh a few years ago. The resettlement of slums in many areas but resulted in reduction in the number.

National Communal Harmony Awards 2013

National Communal Harmony Awards 2013 are announced to be given to The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai in Organisation category, Mr. Mohinder Singh and Mr. N. Radhakrishnan in individual category.

PADMA AWARDS 2014

The prestigious Civilian Awards for 2014 were announced on January 25, 2014 on the eve of the nation’s 65th Republic Day. Two distinguished personalities, B.K.S. Iyengar and Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar, were conferred the second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, while 24 got the Padma Bhushan, including Kamala Haasan, Begum Parveen Sultana, Leander Paes, Pullela Gopichand, Ruskin Bond. The list of the 101 Padma Shri awardees included Prof. Ashok Chakradhar, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal, Dipika R. Pallikal, Prof. Eluvathingal Devassy Jemmis. The President approved 127 awards in all, including one duo case (counted as one) and 10 in the category of Foreigners/Non-resident Indians (NRIs)/Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/Posthumous.

The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian awards of the country. These are three categories of Padma Awards – ‘Padma Vibhushan’, ‘Padma Bhushan’ and Padma Shri’. These are gives for destinguished service in any field including Art, Literature & Education, Science & Engineering, Sports, Medicine, etc.

Li Na wins first Australian Open title

Li Na of China wins her first Australian Open title, the Dephne Akhurst Memorial Cup defeating Dominika Cibulkova.

China overtaken India to become the largest contributor of FDI

A report says that China had overtaken India to become the largest contributor of Foreign Direct Investment to Nepal, with FDI reaching the mark of $174 million between July and December in 2013.

India and Japan sign eight pacts

India and Japan sign eights pacts during the visit of Japan PM Mr. Shinzo Abe to New Delhi.

Promote Indian values globally

Women achievers from various walks of life gathered in the city to celebrate Indian Womanhood and discuss the need to help the younger generation better understand the concepts of modernity and empowerment. Organised by the Swami Vivekananda 150 women’s initiative, the convention on ‘Indian Women as the Guide for the world at crossroads’, highlighted the importance of creating awareness among women about their role in promoting Indian values and creating family-oriented societies at a global level.

‘Champion of Humanity’ awards given

City-based businessmen S. Abhaya Kumar, Managing Director of Shasun Pharmaceuticals, was conferred the ‘Champion of Humanity’ award for his excellence in business management, by the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating ‘Chamber Day’, members of the organisation also awarded K.M. Cherian, Chairman, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, the ‘Champion of Humanity’ award for his contribution to society.

Court-tells gas agencies not to insist on Aadhaar details for LPG subsidy

The Madras High Court Bench passed an interim order directing gas agencies not to insist on registration of Aadhaar number details for LPG subsidy until a decision is taken by the Supreme Court on the matter”. In view of the specific order of the Supreme Court that no person should  suffer for not having Aadhaar card (no. and other details) for grant of subsidised LPG cylinders to those who are eligible until a decision is taken by the Supreme Court”.

Govt. asked to take decision on removal of Sivaji statue

The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu Govt. to take a decision on removal of the statue of actor Sivaji Ganesan from the Kamarajar Salai, Chennai, observing that the structure in the middle of the road would affect traffic flow and view of vehicles passing through Radhakrishnan Salai. This should be done as expeditiously as possible, it said. The Bench said the Tamil Nadu govt’s undertaking before the Supreme Court would apply to all local bodies in the state. Nobody had the right to claim erection of permanent structures like statues on roads. The state was not an exception. The govt’s policy should reflect the people’s social aspirations. The decision to honour public personalities and artists of repute should not be at the cost of convenience of the public. Roads were not meant to installing statues. There was no dispute that leaders and stalwarts should be respected in an appropriate manner. The traffic police had given a report. It was now for the state to take a decision in the matter, the Bench said.

Genome of the World’s oldest

Scientists in the UK sequence the genome of the world’s oldest continuously surviving cancer, which first arose in an inbred dog about 11,000 years ago.

Golden Peacock Innovation Management Award 2013

Maharatna Public sector company Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) bags Golden Peacock Innovation Management Award 2013.

India regain its No. 1 ranking in ODI

India regain its No. 1 ranking in ICC ODI after Australia lose their fourth ODI against England by 57 runs.

US FDA bans the import of products from Ranbaxy’s plant

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bans the import of products from Ranbaxy’s plant at Toansa unit in Punjab due to manufacturing violation.

India’s economy grow 5.35%

According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 report (WESP), India’s economy is projected to grow at a slower than expected rate of 5.35% in 2014.

Apex court verdicts is national : Kartikeyan

The former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, D.R. Kaarthikeyan described the Supreme Court verdict commuting 15 death penalty sentences to life imprisonment as “National” and going in the right direction”. Though the judgement was a setback to investigators and victims of the crime, the society has to look at the larger perspective of abolishing death penalty as done in many developed countries, he said. Mr. Karthikeyan said commutation of death penalty to life imprisonment should mean incarceration of the convict till death.

Ennore creek estuary shuts

For atleast three weeks now, fisherman of five hamlets in Ennore have not been able to venture into the sea-reason being the heavy sand depsoit at Ennore creek estuary. Fisherfolk say sand from one bank of the estuary has been pushed to the other side by waves, thus resulting in closure of the month of the estuary. “At the point where we can enter or exit, boats capsize and fishermen get injured very badly. They hit the rocks and the exposed iron rods under the water, said Kalaivanan of Mettukuppam.

Postal dept. to commemorate national Girl day

The department of posts will commemorate National Girl Day next week in the city with to objectives to create awareness about better opportunities for girls and also to encourage saving amongst them. Officials of the postal department said that for the first time, the Chennai City Region and Tamil Nadu Circle of the dept. are commemorating a week-long celebration starting from Jan. 24. We plan to present prizes to girls who open any of the savings accounts offered by post offices in and around the city between Jan. 24 and Jan.30” said the postmaster general, Chennai City region.

Asteroid Ceres spewing water vapour

European Space Agency’s Herschel Space Observatory discovers asteroid Ceres spewing water vapour, which is the first unambiguous detection of water vapour around an object in the asteroid belt.

ICC decision making countries

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally approves the plan which proposes to overhaul the world body, International Cricket Council (ICC), by handing over executive decision-making to India, Australia and England.

Ceasefire agreement between South Sudan and rebels

A ceasefire agreement between South Sudan government and rebels pledges to stop fighting within 24 hours and end five weeks of violence which has left thousands dead.

Apex court verdicts is national : Kartikeyan

The former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, D.R. Kaarthikeyan described the Supreme Court verdict commuting 15 death penalty sentences to life imprisonment as “National” and going in the right direction”. Though the judgement was a setback to investigators and victims of the crime, the society has to look at the larger perspective of abolishing death penalty as done in many developed countries, he said. Mr. Karthikeyan said commutation of death penalty to life imprisonment should mean incarceration of the convict till death.

Ennore creek estuary shuts

For atleast three weeks now, fisherman of five hamlets in Ennore have not been able to venture into the sea-reason being the heavy sand depsoit at Ennore creek estuary. Fisherfolk say sand from one bank of the estuary has been pushed to the other side by waves, thus resulting in closure of the month of the estuary. “At the point where we can enter or exit, boats capsize and fishermen get injured very badly. They hit the rocks and the exposed iron rods under the water, said Kalaivanan of Mettukuppam.

Postal dept. to commemorate national Girl day

The department of posts will commemorate National Girl Day next week in the city with to objectives to create awareness about better opportunities for girls and also to encourage saving amongst them. Officials of the postal department said that for the first time, the Chennai City Region and Tamil Nadu Circle of the dept. are commemorating a week-long celebration starting from Jan. 24. We plan to present prizes to girls who open any of the savings accounts offered by post offices in and around the city between Jan. 24 and Jan.30” said the postmaster general, Chennai City region.

Heritage promises to be merged given a makeover

The Chennai Corporation has decided to merge the heritage premises of Ripon Buildings and Victoria Public Hall to facilitate a major makeover of the integrated premises, “A few of the old structures have been earmarked for demolition. Under the new proposal, of the total of 10 old structures on both premises, only three structures will remain on the integrated premises”. After demolishing of the old buildings, an integration of the two promises and land-scaping of the area, more than 75 per cent of the land will be open space.

City’s electricity meters to go digital by Dec.

The electricity department’s initial deadline of March 31 to replace all electro-mechanical meters with digital meters has been pushed to Dec. this year. Tangedco’s decision to replace all electrochemical meters, which were installed many years ago, which digital meters, also called ‘static maters, in the city was conceived of or an effort to plug its revenue losses. There have been frequent complaints of faults in meter reading from domestic consumers. Apart from the revenue lose caused to Tangedco by faulty maters, domestic consumers have to run from pillar to post to get their old meters replaced.

Health mela for youth begins today

School and College students can get tips on healthy living Mela that begins today. To promote healthy living among the youth and prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCD), Cancer Institute, Adyar is organising the third edition of the mela from Jan 22 to 26. The mela, at Valluvar Kottam, will have a healthy exhibition focussing on substance abuse, diet and nutrition, exercise and fitness, a traditional food court offering millot-based food symposiums on various topics meet-the-expert sessions and cultural events including street plays on tobacco control. Experts say that tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of school are risk factors contributing to NCDs including cardiovascular diseases cancer and diabetes.

Attempt new concordance of trinity’s work

Former governor of West Bengal Gopalakrishna Gandhi called for research into the compositions of the trinity of Carnatic music to determine the points of convergene in their works. Mr. Gandhi, who is chairman of Kalakshetra Foundation, said, besides helping one understand the musical genius of the three composers who had lived more or less contemporaneously, the effort would underscore how the act of composition was a continuing process. It is a process in which there are constants and variables so that each practioner of classical music can make her or his own contribution to ‘Mano dharma’ through the rendering” he said.

` 6.8 crore for fixing done of new hospital

The govt. announced that 6.86 crore had been sanctioned for completing work on the dome of the new multispeciality hospital coming up at Omandurar estate. A temporary dome was built by art director Thotta Tharani at a cost of 3 crore during the inauguration of the complex in March 2010. A sum of 26.93 crore had been sanctioned for completing the civil work in the form of structural changes and 76.04 crore allocated for purchase of medical equipment and functions. A total of ` 2 crore had also been sanctioned for mosquito eradication measures.

UK the fastest ever real-world internet connection

It is reported that UK scientists have developed the fastest ever real-world Internet connection, using commercial grade fibre optic lines to clock up speeds of 1.4 terabits per second.

Marconi Prize 2014

Mr. A.J. Paulraj, an NRI, wins the 2014 Marconi Prize, considered to be a tech ‘Nobel’, for revolutionising high-speed delivery of multimedia.

India lose their No. 1 spot in ODI

New Zealand score 271 for 7 in 42 overs to claim a 15-run victor over India in the second ODI which was truncated because of rains. Following this defeat, India lose their No. 1 spot in ODIs.

Peace talks between Syrian govt. and UN Peace

Peace talks between Syrian government and opposition begin at a UN peace conference in Montreux in Switzerland. The conference is co-sponsored by the US and Russia.

RBI announces to withdraw all pre-2005 currency notes

The RBI announces to withdraw all pre-2005 currency notes from April-2014; however, the move is not aimed at demonetisation as such currency notes will continue to be a legal tender.

Govt. bans the use of animals in testing of cosmetics manufacture

Amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945, the Government bans the use of animals in testing of cosmetics manufactured in the country.

No. 1 IT outsourcing location in the world

In the latest annual ranking by the consulting firm Tholons, Bengaluru is treated as the number 1 IT/ITeS outsourcing location in the world, and six Indian cities are part of the top 10 most attractive outsourcing locations.

Native speakers not enriching Tamil

Native speakers of Tamil are not baking efforts to develop the language; they are oblivious of the richness, Madras High Court Judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian said after inaugurating “Thayagam Kadantha Tamil’, a three day conference organized by the Center for Tamil Culture. The Conference brings together Tamil writers, academics, media persons and experts to discuss works by Tamils and non-Tamils who were outside Tamil Nadu Tamil Scholars from other countries such as Canada, China and Singapore are also participating in the event.

Tengedco keen on settling contracts for 3 thermal projects

With the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests issuing environmental clearance for the 1,320 MW Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) thermal power project early this month, The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation is keen on settling contracts for three thermal power projects of 3,300 MW before the Election Commission announces the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections by late February or early March. Of the three projects, the Udangudi and Ennore SEZ thermal projects have the capacity of 1,320 MW each.

Title conferred on Meenakshi Chittaranjan

Bharatanatyam exponent Meenakshi Chittaranjan was conferred the title Natya Kalasarathy by Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha in recognition of her contribution to the classical dance form as a performer, choreagrapher and teacher. Conferring the title, Gopala Krishna Gandhi, former West Bengal Governor and Kalakshetra Chairman, said Ms. Chittaranjan was one of the very few gifted persons who was able to connect with her genius and master the medium she had been created for Mr. Gandhi also launched the 114th edition of the Sabha’s dance festival.

New look Gandhi Mandapam is just a month away

In another month, Gandhi Mandapam, one of the Chennai’s landmarks, will be all spruced up. Passers-by along Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, cannot have missed the workers and equipment involved in beautifying the various memorials in the complex for the past nine months. Spread over 18 acres, Gandhi Mandapam comprises ten memorials, including those for Mahatma Gandhi and former Chief Ministers Rajaji and Bhakthavatchalam. In a bid to attract more visitors, several new features are being added to the complex in addition to the structural repairs to the memorials. Sources in the Public Works Department, which is implementing the ` 11.61 crore project, said that about 70 per cent of the work to renovate the complex is complete.

Mahesh Bhupathi & Boris Becker launches IPTL in Aus.

Mahesh Bhupathi, along with German tennins star Boris Becker and American Justin Gimelstob, launches International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Melbourne, Australia.

Thailand declares sixty-day emergency

Thailand declares sixty-day emergency to prevent any escalation of the stir aimed at forcing Prime Minister Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra from power.

Armed Reserve SIs seek law and order duty

Over 600 directly-recruited Sub-Inspectors of Police of 2008 batch deployed in Armed Reserve (AR) and Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) battalion, have been waiting for a year for their conversion to taluk police or law and order duty posting. Out of 757 SIs who underwent training in 2008, 144 were-taken for Law and Order duty, 453 for AR and around 160 for TSA “The Sup-Inspectors of our batch made a representation seeking conversion to the taluk police in 2010. However, the Director-General of Police rejected our petitions stating that we had not completed five years of service in Armed Reserve then”, an S.I. of Armed Reserve said.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka level test series

Azhar Ali’s incredible hundred brings a thrilling win to Pakistan in third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Sharjah, levelling the series by 1-1.

China’s worst GDP in 2013

It is reported that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013 stood at 7.7%, which is the worst performance in 14 years.

Agni-IV missile

India declares its 4000 km range, nuke-capable Agni-IV missile ready for induction after it is successfully tested at Wheeler Island, Odisha.

Jains become the sixth minority community

Jains become the sixth minority community after Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis as Cabinet accords a minority status to them.

Chennai tops the list of 104 callers

More than a fortnight since the 104 health helpline was launched, a considerable number of callers seeking health information have been from Chennai. Officials of the health dept. said the overall response ‘good’ and they are now planning to take up measures to popularise the facility across the state and expand it with additional manpower. The helpline which was launched on Dec. 30, 2013, and implemented under the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project has received, till Jan. 17, a total of 48,449 calls from across the state. On an average, it has been getting 1,000 calls a day, the highest number of calls received was 8,090 on Jan.3.

1st Indian wicket-keeper to mark 300

M.S. Dhoni becomes the first Indian wicket-keeper and the fourth overall to cross the 300-mark with the Ross Taylor’s catch in the ODI against New Zealand, which was Dhoni’s 300th dismissal in 242 ODIs.

Compulsory military service

UAE cabinet approves the compulsory military service for all adult males between 18-30 years, but for women it is optional.

Green Bhabua status to Jaipur

Inspired by the pink city of Jaipur, the Bhabua town in Bihar gets the status of ‘green Bhabua’ after it has painted itself green to match its surroundings.

Tamil Nadu has been polio-free for a decade

India’s achievement of ‘no polio’ status without any cases for three years now is touted as one of the biggest accomplishments of public health in this decade Tamil Nadu, which has haralded many health sector ameliorations in the country, has been polio-free for a decade now. It was in Feb. 2014 that the last case of polio was recorded in the southern Tenkasi, in Tamil Nadu. In fact, after three years of zero incidance, cases reappeared in 2003, and 2004, mostly among children of migrant groups. Subsequently, the state initiated a special campaign to target the migrant population”. Tamil Nadu continues to play a very important role in India’s polio eradication programme that should be duly acknowledged’. The state has shown sustainable strategic approaches to keep the region polio-free, including improving coverage and putting in place a robust surveillance system for acute flaccid paralysis.

In a month, meter autos’ for woman, by women

City commuters have wholeheartedly welcomed autorickshaws. And now, there’s more good news. Next month, over 100 autorickshaws, exclusively for women driven by women, will be launched in the city by a private operator. These vehicles will also be fitted with tabs that will telecast TV shows. “It will be like TV on wheels. We want to assure the safety of women and also keep them entertained during the commute”, said Mansoor Ali Khan, co-founder of Makkal auto, which is behind the novel service.

A Tamil voice, from China

Her visiting card carries the name Zhao Jiang. But when she greets you, she says in crystal clear Tamil ‘En Peyar Kalaimagal’ (My name is Kalaimagal). It is by this name that, millions of listeners across the world recognise this resident of Beijing when she presents Tamil Programme aired by China Radio International (CRI). Ms. Jiang began learning about Indian history and Tamil culture nearly 16 years ago; today she is the author of two books in Tamil.

Thandalam SHGs get TNAU help

Thandalam, a village about three km. from Arakonam town, may soon become a hub of cooking continents such as several varieties of ready to – use masala powder. An initiative of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore will see help using given to several SHGs in the village which are making the products and organic input such as vemicompost. These groups are being trained by Thandalam Yogakshama Trust.

Netherland win title

The Netherlands beat New Zealand by 7-2 to claim its maiden Hero Hockey World League title, in New Delhi. India land at sixth position.

Hero Hockey World League Final –

India beat Germany by 5-4 in a thrilling 5-8 place classification match at the Hero  Hockey World League Final.

Communication Satellite GSAT-14

GSAT-14, India’s advanced communication satellite, which was launched on Jan.5, 2014, reaches its final geo-stationary home at the height of 36,000 km above the earth.

Cyrus Mistry wins DSC Prize

Mr. Cyrus Mistry of Mumbai wins the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for 2014 for his book Chronicles of a Corpse Bearer at the Jaipur Literature Festival.