SAKTHI BOOKS CURRENT EVENTS

March, 2014

Unearth ancient cemetery in Egypt

Archaeologists unearth a 3,300-year-old tomb in an ancient cemetery in Egypt, which has a 7-metre-high pyramid at its entrance.

Djokovic win Miami Masters title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia claims his fourth Miami Masters title with a dominating 6-3, 6-3 win over world No. 1 Rafel Nadal of Switzerland in the U.S.

Wheling programme in Antarctic

The International Court of Justice asks Japan to stop its whaling programme in the Antarctic. Japan catches about 1,000 whales each year in the region for what it calls scientific research.

New Law to protect children

The UK plans to enact new law, “Cinderella Law” to protect children against emotional cruelty.

One rank, one pension for H.C. Judges

The Supreme Court rules ‘One rank, One pension’ for the High Court judges.

Global home products expo on at trade centre

A global have products expo is on at Chennai Trade Centre Nandambakkam, till March 31. Hosted by Vasanth & Co., the expo has a range of home appliances, home air – conditioners, refrigerators, home theatre systems to microwave ovens, grinders and laptops that come with exciting offers. Customers can take have some models of home appliances by paying just one rupee at the expo. The remaining amount could be paid on an instalment basis. Visitors could buy mobile phones, digital cameras and laptop at a special price and the expo also provide facilities for exchange of old appliances for new. Furniture is also available with finance options.

‘Entrepreneurship should be given a boost in college’

“Engineering college students should be encouraged to start entrepreneurial ventures in their second year itself”. “It is safer to fail while in college”, remarking that the students’ expectations were lower and so, it was easier for venture capitalists to fund their businesses while they were still in college.

Honoured to receive award in Pattammal’s memory

“D.K. Pattammal’s music should be heard, not spoken about”, said vocalist T.M. Krishna, who was conferred with the D.K. Pattammal ‘Birudhu’ and the ‘Isaijothi’ title. Presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in association with Anmajothi and Rotary Club of Madras East, the award is part of commemoration of the 95th birth anniversary of legendary vocolist D.K. Pattammal.

India make its World T20 final

Helped by splendid batting of Yuvraj Singh and R. Ashwin, India make its way to semifinals, hammering Australia by 73 runs in the World T20 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Malaysian Grand Prix – Lewis win

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) wins the Malaysian Grand Prix leading the first Mercedes one-two in 59 years with a pole-to-flag victory. His teammate Nico Rosberg finishes second and Sebastian Vettel third in Malaysia.

Serena Williams wins Miami WTA title

Serena Williams of the US beats China’s Li Na 7-5, 6-1 to win her seventh Miami WTA title, taking her tally of WTA titles to 59 in the US.

World Chess tournament

Viswanathan Anand of India plays out an easy 34-move draw against Peter Svidler of Russia to formally win the World Candidates Tournament Chess title at Khanty Mansisyk, Russia. Finishing unbeaten in 14 rounds, Anand has earned the right to challenge World champion Magnus Carlsen in the title-bout in November.

Rajapaksa retains key provinces

Coalition led by President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa retains key provinces in the provincial council elections held in western and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka.

Slovakia’s first President

Philanthropist Mr. Andrej Kiska clinches Slovakia’s presidency by a landside. He will be Slovakia’s first President since independence in 1993 without a past in the Communist party.

Mohan Verghese Chunkath promoted as Chief Secretary

Mohan Verghese Chunkath, Additional Chief Secretary heading the State Department of Environment and Forests, has been promoted Chief Secretary. The 58 year-old Chunkath succeeds Sheela Balakrishnan, who has been appointed Adviser to the State Government.

Fisher women recover 6 bronze idols

Six bronze idols were found below water by two fisherwomen in Kalasambadi village in Velankanni. The women were feeling when they stumbled upon the idols. The idols of Lakshmi, Vilakku Nachiyar, Saraswathi, Vinayakar and Chandrasekhar were found in a box they also found two iron boxes along with the idols. They were handed over to the Tahsildar of Nagapattinam.

Airport drop-off time limit extended to 10 mins.

For months now, outbound passengers at Chennai airport have seen jumping out of their cars so the vehicles can exist the premises within the stipulated seven minutes and avoid the parking fee. Beginning April 1, they will have an additional three minutes to do so, Airport officials announced vehicles could now stay within the premises for a total of 10 minutes without paying a fee.

A peek into hidden temple history

Kapaleeshwarar temple is world – renowned, and get few are aware of an inscription beside the main door which has references to Chinese and Greek travellers having visited the temple. The idol of the presiding deity at Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane, has a moustache, but does not bear any weapons, a distinguishing feature from other Vaishnavist temples. Such details, often not spotted by the casual visitor, are among the many interesting facts brought out in Temple Trips, South India, a travel guide launched by Lovely planet.

Heart problems while in space

According to a US research, astronauts’ heart grow rounder while they are in space, suggesting that spending lots of time in microgravity could lead to heart problems.

Heena Sidhu wins Women’s air pistol Silver

Heena Sidhu of India wins the women’s air pistol Silver in the shooting World Cup in Fort Benning, USA.

Scotland & N. Ireland prohibited same sex marriage

A new marriage law legalises same-sex marriages in England and Wales. However, it remains prohibited in other two components of the Union – Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Report on Russian invasion

Refuting the Western reports of imminent Russian “invasion”, Russia rules out intervening militarily in mainland Ukraine.

Royapuram electric loco shed to get facelift

Southern Railways electric loco shed in Royapuram is getting a major facelift that is expected to raise quality of maintenance of various classes of locomotives used for express trains and bring down timelines for periodic overall of the engines. Though the electric loco shed was initiated in 2007 with ambitious plans of turning it into a hub for maintenance of locomotives, the modernisation plan was slow in taking off inspite of increasing demand for electric locomotives. The Royapuram facility is also only the third of its kind after the ones in Arakkonam (primarily freight locos) and Erode (passenger and goods locomotives).

‘Elderly must get passports with age affidavit as proof’

Applicants for a passport by the elderly – especially those who cannot read or write – who produce an affidavit as proof of age instead of their birth certificates should not be ‘put on hold’ at the Regional Passport office in Chennai, activists have appealed. For illiterate and semi-literate persons born before 1989, an affidavit, stating the date and place of birth and sworn before a notary, is adequate proof of age while applying for passports”, said Syed Shabeer Hussain of Royapettah’ showing a copy of the notification he had obtained from the ministry through a Right to Information Act query.

‘SMS an auto’ facility to be launched in city soon

In a move to compete with call taxis, the Madras Metro Auto Drivers’ Association will launch an SMS facility soon. Affiliated to the All-India Trade Union Congress, the association has around 10,000 autorickshaws in the city and suburbs. Using ‘SMS an auto’ commuters will be able to hire an auto by sending a text message to a designated member. The message will be forward by control room staff to drivers in the passengers locality. The driver who wishes to attend to the passenger will send a message back to the control room and go to the customer. The head office will be in Valasaravakkam.

Veteran theatre artistes honoured

The stage was get for a celebration of theatre as veterans of the field were honoured at the International theatre Artists’ Day by Krishna Gana Sabha. ‘Ages ago, when I entered the film scene, actors would be given significant roles only if they had a solid theatre background’, P.S. Sachu member secretary of Tamil Nadu. Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram said. She recalled how theatre, once upon a time, was seen and used as an effective medium to spread important political and social messages. Theatre artist T.D. Sundararajan, who was conferred the ‘SKGS Lifetime Achievement Award’ said. “We are trying to bring life to stage and stage to life”. Artists Kovai Paddhu, Duminics V. Sridhar, Geetha Narayanan and Costume technician B. Thulasidas were given SKGS award of Excellence.

Tamil writers tryout e-publishing

A group of contemporary Tamil writers is trying to break the shackles the local publishing industry has created with regard to electronic publishing. They are releasing their works for free in smart device-friendly formates ePuB and mobi-through the website – www.freetamil ebooks.com. Writers such as N. Chokkan, Payon and Pa. Raghavan have already released their works under the creative commons licence. Chokkan, who released his ‘out of print’ biography on Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, considering with his birthday, says he is overwhelmed by the response.

Phillippines signed pact with MILF

A pact to end four decades of bloodshed is signed between the Philippines Government and its biggest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

NATO chief

Former Norwegian premier Mr. Jens Stoltenberg is named the next NATO chief. He will assume his functions as the Secretay General from October 1, 2014.

Gavaskar is appointed interim president of BCCI

Former skipper Mr. Sunil Gavaskar is appointed as the interim president of the Indian cricket board BCCI in respect of IPL-7 functions by the Supreme Court.

India Successfully test-fires Prithvi-II

India successfully test-fires its 350 km range, nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a military base in Odisha.

New UK visa centre to make process easier

The UK visa Application centre of VFS Global in the city has moved to new premises that are bigger and promise applicants better services. The shift to the new premises, on the 2nd floor of Fagun Towers, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, comes in the backdrop of an increase by five per cent in the number of UK vises issued in India last year as compared to 2012.

Bonus marks for three doctors who served in remote areas

The Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Medical Education to grant bonus marks to three doctors for their service in remote/difficult areas and publish the rank list accordingly for admission to post-graduate degree/diploma courses.

West zone win Deodhar Trophy

West Zone beat North Zone to claim the Deodhar Trophy by 133 runs, helped by their strong batting in the finals at Visakhapatnam.

Obama meet Pope on global inequality

US President Mr. Barack Obama holds a historic first meeting with Pope Francis to discuss a shared agenda of fighting global inequality.

Sinking economy of IMF

To save Ukraine’s sinking economy the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers $18 billion on loans over the next two years, if Kiev adopts severe austerity measures.

India skips resolution on Sri Lanka and Crimea

In a 23-12 vote, the UN Human Rights Council backs a US-sponsored resolution to launch an inquiry into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. However, India skips the resolution on Sri Lanka and another UN resolution on Crimea.

‘polio-free’ after an independent commission unde the WHO certifies

India is officially declared ‘polio-free’ after an independent commission under the WHO certifies the South East Asia Region, comprising 11 countries polio free.

Literary critic Ti.Ka.Si passes away

Tamil writer and literary critic, who encouraged generations of writers, T.G. Sivasankaran popularly known as Ti.Ka.Si in the literary world, died on 25th yesterday at Tirunelveli, his home town. Winner of the Sahitya Akademy award, Ti.Ka.Si would have turned 90 years on March 30.

Avadi municipality plans tax for garbage collection at doorstep

In a novel initiative to improve solid waste management, Avadi municipality plans to levey service tax on the collection of garbage from the doorsteps of residents. A resolution on collecting ` 50 as monthly charge for door-to-door collection of garbage was approved by the municipal council some weeks ago. When implemented, Avadi municipolity would be one among the handful of local bodies in the state collecting service tax for solid waste management.

First-ever minature plant

Astronomers from Niel Bohr Institute discover the first-ever miniature planet, named  Chariklo, with two rings of ice and pebbles.

Laureus Award

Sebastian Vettel and Missy Franklin win Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respecitvely in the Laureus Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

India win 3rd South Asian Handball Championship

India defeat Pakistan 36-31 to clinch the 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title in Noida, UP.

China broken rules by restricting exports

A WTO disputes settlement panel says that China has broken the rules of global commerce by restricting exports of rare earths, tungsten and molybdenum.

WTO ask to remove subsidy on raw sugar export

WTO asks India to remove raw sugar export subsidy immediately, saying it distorts global trade.

Penalty for failure to prevent communal riots

The Supreme Court indicts the Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh for its failure to prevent the communal  riots in and around Muzaffarnagar in September 2013 and directs to pay ` 15 lakh to kin of people died in riots.

Webcasting of polling to cover 20,000 booths in state

The state election authorities satisfied with their experience of carrying out webcasting of polling during the 2011 Assembly elections, have decided to step up their operations for the Lok Sabha polls. This time, 20,000 polling booths are going to be covered for webcasting with live relay of polling while 10,000 booths will have the system of stand-alone recording done on laptops, according to Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar.

Russia suspends from G8

In an emergency meeting held at The Hague, the exclusive club of top economic powers, G8, suspends Russia for annexing Crimea.

Ballywood actress expired

Yesteryear’s bollywood actress Nanda, star of films like Teen Deviyan and Gumnam, dies at home in Mumbai. She was 75.

Mudgal report on IPL betting

Acting on the Mudgal report revelations, the Supreme Court asks Mr. N. Srinivasan to step down as the BCCI president to ensure a fair inquiry into the allegations of betting in the IPL.

RBI simplifies foreign portfolio

The RBI simplifies foreign portfolio investment norms by putting in place an easier registration  process and operating framework with an aim to attract inflows.

Saraswati Samman Award 2013

Renowned Hindi author Mr. Govind Mishra will be given Saraswati honour for the year 2013 for his book Dhool Paudho Par. He will be the second Hindi  author, after Harivansh Rai Bachchan in 1991, to receive the honour.

T20 International record

Sri Lanka 40-1 in 5 overs beat the Netherlands 39 all out in 10.3 overs in Chittagong, Bangladesh, in a record low in T20 International.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 crashed

Malaysian Prime Minister Mr. Najib Razak announces that the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 crashed into the southern Indian Ocean.

NITI Aayog to set up working group on Centrally Sponsored Schemes

NITI Aayog will set up a working group to prepare a draft report on how to make implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) more effective. NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar will be the head of the working group prepare a draft report on the suggestions made by various Chief Ministers in the meeting. After the first meeting of the Governing Council of the Aayog, three sub-groups of Chief Ministers were constituted on CSS, Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Normal power generation restored

Load shedding lasting three to four hours, was imposed in several parts of the state in the last two days. While the duration of load shedding was for three hours in rural areas, it was four hours in urban parts. But Chennai was spared from the latest round of load shedding.

Pension rules applicable from date of appointment

The right of govt servents to receive pension is not a bounty. It is a statutory right conferred under the pension rules applicable from the date when the public servant was appointed, either on daily wage/temporary/permanent basis, the Madras High Court has said. A Division Bench made the observation while dismissing a writ petition by the Centre represented by the Secretary of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Director of IGCAR, Kalpakkam.

World women’s squash champion

Ten-time British Champion Stuart Oliver, driving for Team Castrol Vecton, wins the first ever truck racing championship held at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida.

Book your own Coach

Delhi Metro starts ‘book your own Coach’ facility for the benefit of foreign travellers, tourists and students.

Handy solution for cash remittances

At a time trade and business are worried about the Model Code of conduct coming in the way of their routine cash movements, a solution may lay with cash deposit machines (CDM) that many banks seek to popularise. An automated, round-the-clock solution for remittances – like what ATMs are for withdrawals – the machines can be handy, especially for business whose daily cash generation is heary. It is the trade’s apprehension of their cash movements to banks coming under the watchful eye of the election authorities that can push the case for CDMs.

Antibiotic the biological activity

Scientists based in Germany produce an antibiotic, the biological activity of which can be controlled with a photoswitch.

Report on Human Rights Violation of Sri Lanka

A report published by the UK Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales and the International Truth & Justice Project, Sri Lanka, documents that Sri Lankan army is still engaged in human right violations of the Tamils.

Latest Annual Health Survey Data

The latest Annual Health Survey Data of the census office shows a substantial fall in the sex ratio in the 0-4 year’s age group across nine States.

Aadhaar cards pile up at post offices

If you are a resident waiting anxiously for your Aadhaar card months after enrolment, there is a possibility the card may be lying in a city post office. For over two months, thousands of the cards from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), without an address line indicating door numbers or street names, have been piling up in post offices, including those at Porur and Tiruvallur “Residents who have enrolled for Aadhaar cards may contact the nearby post office from where they regularly receive letters to check, and collect their cards. They will have to produce identity cards”, said Postmaster general, Chennai city region.

G.D. Birla Award 2013

Physicist Mr. Rajesh Gopakumar is selected for the 23rd G.D. Birla Award for scientific research for the year 2013.

India has maintained its record of not losing any match to Pakistan in World Cup and World T20

India defeat Pakistan by seven wickets with nine balls to spare in the ICC World T20 clash in Dhaka, Bangladesh. With this win, India has maintained its record of not losing any match to Pakistan in World Cup and World T20.

Australia plans road safety practices on ECR

The Australian Trade Commission is planning to pilot its road safety and traffic enforcement practices on the East Coast Road (ECR) between Chennai and Puducherry. The Commission are planning to meet senior govt. officials to work in tandam and improve road safety in the state. S. Rajendran, ADGP, state traffic planning cell, said the Australian officials wanted a stretch where they could implement some road safety technology and practices “The ECR is ideal as it witnesses over 7,000 accidents annually” says Mr. Rajendran. He said the state could adopt and implement the road design, signage and trauma care followed in Australia. one of the technologies that can be adopted is the installation of cameras along the ECR. The policeman can detect drunk drivers by monitoring the screen.

Cambridge University develop a mobile app

Scientists based in Cambridge University develop a mobile app that turns cellphone into diagnostic tools. The application can detect glucose, protein and pH levels from urine test strips without requiring any  external hardware.

World’s most ethical companies

According to the US think-tank Ethisphere Institute–Wipro and Tata Power are among the world’s most ethical companies.

Powering Chennai up this summer

All indications of a harsh summer are already here. Residents who had to contend with soaring temperatures and power cuts last year are apprehensive about the situation this year. However, officials of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation are hopeful of avoiding lengthy power cuts, given the current generation capacity at the state’s thermal plants, and the expected wind generation later in May.

Russia made MI-17 V5 series helicopters

The Indian Air Force formally inducts Russia-made MI-17 V5 series helicopters at its Jamnagar base in gujarat.

A model code of conduct for 108 ambulance staff

In view of the general elections, emergency response service GVK-EMRI 108 has issued a 12-point circular delineating the code on conduct for its employees. They have been instructed not to allow anyone other that the victim/patient and one attendant into the vehicle. Possessions found on an unknown victim must be handed over to the police and a signed receipt must be received. This will be later handed over to the patient or attendants.

Airport privatisation deferred to April

The privetisation process for the Chennai airport has been deferred this time to April. This is the fourth instance of such a decision being made, said sources. The process has been deferred again as the concession agreement has not been finalised yet, officials of Airports authority said.

City to pose in international yoga film

The city and neighbouring Puducherry are set to feature in a international film on Yoga, being shot by famed art historian Benoy K. Behl. The film crew has been travelling to every corner of the country and, so far, has about 25 hours of yoga on tape. The plan to shoot for 60 more hours and then condense the recordings to a 50 minute video. In Chennai for the past three days, the crew has filmed over 10 asanas at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Mandaveli.

German scholars to study life along canal

A team of research scholars from Germany has commenced a study on urban development and civic conditions along Buckingham canal. The scholars, associated with the Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS), are part of a research study on ‘Urban resiliance and adoptation to climate change in Chennai’. The team met Chennai Corporation officials as part of the process of collecting data on the 47 km canal. It will also use the services of other departments.

British scientists discover cancer cells

British scientists discover cancer cells in a 3,000-year-old skeleton in Sudan, making it the oldest sample of metastatic cancer in humans ever discovered.

17th Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013

Debutant Director Gyan Correa is selected for the 17th Gollapudi Srinivas  National Award 2013 for his film, The Good Road in Gujarati.

FILA men’s freestyle wrestling world cup

India finish sixth in the FILA men’s freestyle wrestling World Cup hosted in Los Angeles, USA.

India and China hold talks

India and China hold talks in Beijing on counter strategies to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership being negotiated by the US.

Suspended Russia from G8 countries

G8 neations suspend Russia from the exclusive club of world powers over its incursion in Ukraine.

Canal road to link north Chennai

Residents of some north Chennai localities may soon have an alternative route to avoid traffic jams on congested roads. The water Resources Departments will be able to avoid getting stuck in traffic, particularly on Manali Express way and Ennore High Road. Residents of areas such as Korukkupet and Tiruvottiyur can trust to other parts of the city faster. The department is carrying out the ` 9 crore work under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The need will be laid on stretches of Bharathi Nagar, Korukkupet, Nehru Nagar, IOC and Kargil Nagar in Tiruvottiyur and Ennore. The canal, which runs for a distance of 17.3 km. from Central Railway station to Ennore Creek, had been widened and provided with a flood-protection wall.

Mission builds awareness on rabies

Zetro, a Mercedes truck model used by the UK Army, was seen going around the city over the last fortnight. However, the mission was of a different kind. Part of Mission Rabies, a programme initiated to deal with rabies and its effective control in India, the truck acts as a mobile veterinary hospital that is fully equipped with a digital X-ray machine, operation theatre, microscopes, ultrasound machine and dental kits. Started with a mission to administer vaccination to 60,000 dogs in 12 rabies hotpots in the country, the truck has had pitsteps in Goa, Erode, Tirupur, Madurai and now Chennai.

Before voting transgenders demand rights

With the L.S. elections a month away, transgenders in the city are gearing up to vote. But not before presenting a set of demands to their local MPs. Implementation of govt. schemes meant for their community, scholarships for education and reservation in employment are same of the demands, said R. Jeeva, founder of the Transgender Rights Association. “We will approach the candidates, give him/her a list of our demands and ask them to speak about the problems of our community in Parliament only if we are convinced this will happen, will we vote for that person” she said.

Gollapudi Srinivas award for Gyan Correa

The seventeenth Gollapudi Srinivas national award for the best debut film was bagged by Gyon Correa for his film “The Good Road” (Gujarati). The film was selected from across the country in many languages including Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarathi, Telugu and Kannada. The announcement was made by director Gautam Menon. The jury consisted of director Vasanth, editor Sreekar Prasad and actor Kushboo. The award comprising a cash prize of ` 1.50 lakh and a momento, will be presented at a ceremony on Aug. 12 at The Music Academy, Chennai.

First tremors of the big bang

Scientists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have heralded a “whole new era” in physics with the detection of “primordial gravitational waves” – the first tremors of the big bang.

Russia recognise Republic of Crimea

Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin signs a decree recognising “the Republic of Crimea, in which the city of Seavstopol enjoys special status, as a sovereign and independent state”.

India emerges as the world’s largest arms importer

India emerges as the world’s largest arms importer, according to the Swedish Think Tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

BNP Paribas Open tennis

Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan and Peng Shuai of China defeat Sania Mirza (India) and Cara Black (Zimbabwe) 7-6(5), 6-2 to win the Women’s doubles final of BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells in California.

Djokovic win Indian Wells ATP Masters

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia beats Roger Federer of Switzerland in a three-set-contest to win his first title of 2014 at the Indian Wells ATP Masters in California, the US.

Australian Grandprix Formula One

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg clinches the Formula One’s season opening race by winning the Australian GP.

Karnataka wins Vijay Hazare Trophy

Champion of Ranji and Irani Cup, Karnataka adorn a historic triple crown by lifting the STAR Sports Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time, defeating Railways by four wickets in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Referendum of Ukrain joining Russia

About ninety-three percent of Crimean (Autonomous Republic of Crimea and local government of Sevastopol) vote in favour of leaving Ukraine and joining Russia in a referendum, despite the opposition from the Central Government and Western powers.

US domain names in 2015

The US government officials announce that the United States will give up its role overseeing the system of Web addresses and domain names in 2015 to an international group, whose structure and administration will be determined during the next year.

Farmers must be looked up as partners

The private sector would play a significant role in the next green revolution, said Robert S. Zeigler, director general of the International Rice Research Institute. Speaking at an international dialogue, ‘Take it to the Farmer’, commemorating the birth centenary of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. He said “We now have the means to create a second green revolution. I am absolutely convinced that we have created the platform for the next green revolution.

City to get 40 more night shelters

The Chennai Corporation will identify rented premises for night shelters in 40 more localities in the city. The civic body has commissioned 30 night shelters so far. The decision to use rented premises has been taken because of lack of buildings to set up the facility. The civic body has been accommodating the homeless in its night shelters in Koyambedu Vallal Seethakadhi Nagar, Kodungaiyur, Kannappar Thidal, Dooming Kuppam, Thattankulam and Chintadripet. There should be one night shelter for every lakh persons in the city. The number of night shelters required for the city has been arrived based on the directions of the Supreme Court.

IAA Olive Crown Awards

Animal rights activist Ms. Maneka Gandhi and McCann World Group India CEO are presented the prestigious IAA Olive Crown Awards.

Sachin gets ESPN Cricinfo award

Sachin Tendulkar is voted as the Cricketer of the Generation by a 50-member jury in the annual ESPN Cricinfo Awards.

Inflation slips – Onions and potatoes ease

Inflation slips to a nine-month low at 4.68 percent in February 2014, as prices of onions and potatoes ease.

Largest yellow star observed in our galaxy

Astronomers report the spotting of the largest yellow star ever observed in our galaxy, which is about 1,300 times larger than the Sun.

Templeton Prize 2014

Czech priest and intellectual Mr. Tomas Halik wins the Templeton Prize 2014.

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