First transgender in Tamil Nadu gets engg. seat

Grace Banu became the first transgender in the state to get admission into an engineering college, through Anna University counselling for lateral entry, fighting many odds after her parents deserted her when she was studying Plus-Two. At the Anna University counselling for engineering courses (lateral entry) held at Alagappa Chettiyar College of Engg. and Technology, Karaikudi Banu, a diploma holder in Computer Engg; secured a seat in the self-financing Sri Krishna College of Engg., Arakkonam, to pursue Electrical and Electronics Engg. (EEE).

Colourful history of ‘Sungudi’

Madurai’s traditional textile ‘sungudi’ has withstood time by adopting itself to contemporary designs and techniques to suit the market.  Students of the Thiagarajar college had a taste of history as members of the Federation of Tie and Dye Hand Printed Textile cloth threw light on the origin of ‘sungudi’ at a workshop.

More antiques for Pudukkottai Museum

The over 100 year-old Govt. Museum at Pudukkottai will soon have additional antique items in its rich and varied collectioins. A host of ancient bronze idols are set to became added attractions at the museum a repositary of prized exhibits. Twenty-seven bronze idols have been shifted from the Madurai museum to the Pudukkottai museum for public display. The idols of varied sizes belong to different periods, ranging from the 12th century to the 15th century. The ‘Saivite’ idols of deities to be showcased include those of Somaskandar, Natarajar, Kaali and Chandrasekhar. The ‘Vaishnavite’ idols include deities of Vishnu and Krishna , besides that of Sathyabhama. The bronze idols are of one-and-half to three feet height, say museum authorities.

India’s PSLV-C23 is successfully

India’s PSLV-C23 is successfully launched with five foreign satellites of France, Germany, Canada and Singapore, lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on June 30, 2014.

Malala wins the 2014 Liberty Medal

Ms. Malala Yousafzai, the teenage Pakistani activist, wins the 2014 Liberty Medal given by the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia in the US.

International Film Festival

‘Kaafiron ki Namaaz’, a film by debutant director Ram Ramesh Sharma, wins four awards, including one for the best feature film at the third Ladakh International Film Festival.

Britain’s Justin Rose wins his sixth PGA Tour title

Britain’s Justin Rose wins his sixth PGA Tour title with his win of the $6.5 million Quicken Loans National in Maryland, the US.

India warships placed on standby Iraq

: India starts proceedings to evacuate about 600 Indians stranded in Iraq amidst its ongoing civil insurgency. Two Indian warships have been placed on standby.

Periyar memorial at Vaikom renovated

The memorial for Dravidar Kazhagam founder E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, at Vaikom in Kerala has been renovated. Setup 20 years ago during Jayalalithaa’s first term as Chief Minister the memorial spread over 31,075 sq.ft. has been given a fresh look, at a cost of ` 25 lakh. A museum on the Dravidian leader, along with a four-foot-tall statue and a library, farms part of the memorial. The complex also has a children’s park says an official release.

A new theory on the ice age

A new theory on the ice age says the joining of North and South America changed the salinity of Pacific Ocean and caused the growth of major ice sheet across the Northern Hemisphere 2.6 million years ago.

Pankaj Advani creates history

Indian cueist, pankaj Advani creates history by becoming the first player to win world titles in the longer and shorter formats of billiards and snooker, after pocketing the IBSF World 6-Red snooker championship in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Saina Nehwal wins Australian Open Super Series

Indian badminton ace, Saina nehwal wins the $750,000 Australian Open Super Series women’s singles title as she defeats World Number 11, Carolina Marin of Spain in a straight-game victory.

China invites India for AIIB issues

China invites India to participate in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – Beijing’s brainchild to steer development along the ancient “silk route” free from the influence of West-backed lenders.

External Affairs Minister chairs a meeting of Indian envoys to six Gulf countries :

External Affairs Minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj chairs a meeting of Indian envoys to six Gulf countries : Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia to discuss assistance to Indians in Iraq.

Over six lakh students to get free cycles this year

Nearly 6.44 lakh Plus-one students of govt. and aided schools will receive free cycles this year. To mark the inauguration, Chief Minister gave away cycles to seven students at a brief event held at the Secretariat. The beneficiaries will include 2.86 lakh boys and 3.57 lakh girls. The scheme, aimed at benefitting higher secondary students belonging to the SCs and STs was launched in 2001-2002. The allocation for the current year is ` 230 crore.

India win six medals in Asia youth chess championship

India win six medals, including a Gold, at the Asian youth chess championship at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

New official map depicting at Arunachal Pradesh

After Beijing issues a new official map depicting its territorial claims on Arunachal Pradesh, India reiterates that the State is “an integral and inalienable” part of India.

KG section in more schools

With more parents eager to send their children to school from age three, Chennai Corporation has resolved in its council meet to increase the number of Corporation schools offering kindergarten classes. In the current academic year 25 more Corporation schools will host kindergarten classes under the Montessori method of learning, taking the number of such schools upto 65. Classes have already begun in the 15 primary schools and 10 middle schools.

World Cup of Sand Sculpting 2014

Indian sand artist, Mr. Sudarsan Pattnaik wins the People’s Choice prize at the World Cup of Sand Sculpting-2014 held in the Atlantic City of the US.

Delhi swimmer Sanskar Tokas record-breaking performance

Delhi swimmer Sanskar Tokas gives a record-breaking performance in the 200m individual medley at the 31st Sub Junior Aquatic Championship in Indore.

4 year UG programme

Delhi University finally announces to replace controversial four-year undergraduate programme with the traditional three-year programme.

Ukraine signs EU pact

Ukraine’s new Western-backed President, Mr. Petro-Poroshenko, signs a landmark EU pact, whose rejection by pro-Russian predecessor earlier had plunged the country into turmoil.

Neural bypass surgery for spinal cord

For the first time, a patient in US uses Neurobridge, an electronic neural bypass for spinal cord injuries that reconnects the brain directly to muscles, allowing voluntary and functional control of a paralysed limb.

Prakash Nanjappa of India clinches men’s 50-metre free pistol Gold

Prakash Nanjappa of India clinches the men’s 50-metre free pistol Gold in the 14th Kumar Surendra Singh shooting championship in Tughlakabad in New Delhi.

BCCI president-in-exile Srinivasan is formally appointed the first Chairman of ICC

BCCI president-in-exile Mr. N. Srinivasan is formally appointed as the first Chairman of the ICC (International Cricket Council).

Vice-President five-day visit to China

Vice-President Mr. Hamid Ansari leaves on a five-day visit to China where he will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Mr. Li Yuanchao and attend events to mark the 60th anniversary of Panchsheel agreement.

Supreme Court declares 218 coal block allocations

The Supreme Court declares that all 218 coal block allocations made from 1993 to 2011 are illegal and arbitrary. The consequences of declaring the allocations illegal would be considered on September 1, taking into account the investments made by the companies.

Hitro Energy plans unit in Sriperumbudur

Chennai-based Hitro Energy Solutions (HES) is planning to set up a LED Luminaries manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur. Besides, it is also on the verge of acquiring a solar panel manufacturer based in Coimbatore. The Sriperumbudur plant will be commissioned by the year-end.

‘104’ service yet to gain pace

It has been six months since the launch of the health helpline number ‘104’, but the service is yet to gain momentum in the state. An initiative of the Tamil Nadu Health System project (TNHSP), the service is being run by GVK-Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI). Callers can get information on the nearest hospital, MRI and CT scan centres and find out the first aid that can be administered to the victim. Issues like absence of doctors in govt. hospitals, shortage of drugs and poor quality of essential services will also be addressed.

HC bans shampoo, soaps in Courtallam falls

The Madras High Court banned the use of oil, shampoos, soaps and washing of cloths in the bathing area of the courtallam falls in Tirunelveli districts. It observed that the falls was not being maintained in tune with its historical fame and glory. The court directed the authorities to ensure that the prohibited items were not carried to the bathing area. If the items were found, they should be seized and the violators fined.

Recorders on river beds to monitor water levels

By the time the northeast monsoon arrives this year, the city and its neighbouring districts will be letter equipped to tackle the surplus flow in rivers and augment water needs. The state ground and surface Water Resources Department (WRD), is in the process of installing telemetric river water level recorders in rivers across the state, including those around Chennai. The equipment will be fixed at the tail-end of the rivers, where they meet the sea, Gauge wells have been built along river beds in 53 locations in the state, including by the Palar, Cauvery and Thamaraparani. In the wells, sensors will record water flow and a modem will transmit data to the monitoring room at Taramani and its website.

UN environment conference

According to a major United Nations enviornment conference, the accelerated and unsustainable exploitation of the earth’s primary natural resources has pushed chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans and gibbons closer to extinction.

UN probe violations in Sri Lanka

Former President of Finland Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, Pakistan’s advocate Ms. Asma Jehangir and former Governor-General of New Zealand Ms. Silvia Cartwright will assist UN probe of alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

MoU with China an excise duty

Giving a boost to economic growth, the Government gives a six-month extension to the excise duty cuts announced by the UPA government and approves to sign an MoU with China for setting up an industrial park in Delhi.

Air India joins Star Alliance

Air India joins Star Alliance, consisting of 26 international carries. This will provide the users seamless transfers and wider choice of flights.

Lion-tailed macaque thrives at Vandalur zoo

Vandalur Zoo has now achieved a new record of breeding and housing three Lion Tailed Macaques (LTMs) in the last 10 months. This is the first time such a record has been created, say zoo authorities. One of the oldest innovates in the zoo, this endangered species is successfully breeding here. At present, the zoo houses a total of 25 LTMs, including three new-locus. The zoo has a long-standing record of successfully breeding this macaque, as a result of which the central zoo authority of India has declared Vandalur zoo a coordinating zoo for the LTM conservation Breeding Programme.

World’s first news-reading androids

Japanese scientists unveil the world’s first news-reading androids, named Kodomoroid and Otonaroid, which are lifelike and possess a sense of humour to match their perfect language skills.

Gujarat CM announces 33% reservation for women in the police force

Setting an example for others, Gujarat Chief Minister Ms. Anandiben Patel announces 33% reservation for women in the police force.

India votes favour of Gaza

India votes in favour of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) resolution for a probe on Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

CERN find the first evidence of the direct decay of the Higgs boson

In a breakthrough, researchers at CERN find the first evidence of the direct decay of the Higgs boson into ferminos – a strong indication that the particle discovered in 2012 is the Higgs boson.

GHNP accorded the UNESCO World Heritage site status

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is accorded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Now, a leather embossing machine using jack

P. Muralidhar, 48, a Tirupur-based designer and entrepreneur who has already potented innovations such as an electromagnetic conveyor table for the garment industry, a portable compost bin and a helmet fitted with a cooling fan, has now come out with a leather embossing equipment. The latest equipment is meant to emboss brand names on leather labels used in the apparel industry, especially on trousers, jeans and short sleeves. He said a hydroulic motor system was used to emboss brand names on the labels after making the impressions of the designs on brass plates. “The jack and its lever are the main components, with the lever being used to lift and press the image on the leather with the requisite pressure using a ‘presser’ mounted on the jack”, he said. According to him, the machine is designed to produce 10,000 labels in almost 10 hours.

Chile sex ratio, a cause for concern in 15 districts

Child sex ratio in atleast 15 districts of Tamil Nadu continues to be a cause for concern, according to activists of the campaign Against sex selective Abortion (CASSA). The state average is 952 female children for every 1,000 male children. The 2011 census data indicate that in Madurai, Theni, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Salem, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Perembalur, Krishnagiri and Cuddalore districts, the number of female children is fewer than 952, the activists claimed at a meeting at Madurai. In Cuddalore and Villupuram, the number is fewer than 900.

Mudumalai, the leopard country

A Wildlife Institute of India (WII) study has revealed that the density of leopards in the Mudumali Tiger Reserve (MTR) is the highest in the country. Not just leopards, tigers and wild dogs are also thriving in the dry thorm, deciduous, semi-evergreen forests that have over 20 prey species, also found in abundance. Observations over three years have revealed an overall density of 28 individual tigers, 31 leopards and 37 wild dogs per 100 sq.km. “Such high density of these three predators in a forest normally does not occur in other areas”, he says. The abundance of leopard in the MTR is the highest in the country. The availability of different-sized prey species such as spotted deer, sambars, Indian bison and primates helped in the coexistence of the three predators. During the study, a team of researchers recorded 59.4 wild ungulates per sq.km. and 32.0 primates per sq.km.

Scientists announce plan to build a telescope, name Atlas

Scientists announce plan to build a telescope, named Atlas, that will be four times Hubble’s size and will be assembled one million miles from the earth. It will hunt for life up to 30 light years away.

Nico Rosberg win Australian Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg of Germany wins the Austrian Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two, beating his teammate Lewis Hamilton to 29 points after eight races.

Swiz prepares list of block money

In a boost to India’s fight against black money, Switzerland prepares a list of Indians suspected to have slashed un-taxed wealth in Swiss banks. India lies at 58th position, reportedly, in terms of foreign money lying with Swiss banks.

Rani-ki-Vav approved of World Heritage list by UNESCO

Rani-ki-Vav, an 11th century stepwell in the Patan area of Gujarat, is approved for the inscription on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO.

India ratifies an Additional Protocol with IAEA

India ratifies an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to enhance transparency of its nuclear infrastructure and gaining international confidence.

Fill VAO vacancies from reserve list, TNPSC told

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) to fill 352 vacancies for VAOs from the reserve list as a one time measure. Justice S. Nagamuthu directed the Revenue Secretary to submit the actual vacancy position in each distruct and the details of candidates who did not join the service or joined and left so as to help the TNPSC adhere to the roster system within two roster system within two weeks of receipt of the order. Therefore, the TNPSC would fill the vacancies.

New plant to produce Amma Salt

The Mariyur – Valinakkam salt complex of the Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation (TNSC), a State owned enterprise, has established a plant to make three varieties of Amma Salt, launched by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. The plant, established with an investment of about 50 lakh, is being operated with a capacity to produce about 250 tonns of the three varities a day. It provides additional employment opportunities  to 250 people, mostly women from nearby villages. The plant produced Refined Free Flow Iodised salt, Double Fortified Salt and Low Sodium Salt. The TNSC has priced the three varieties at 6, 10 and 17 a kg. and they were sold in the open market at 10, 14, and ` 21 respectively.

Magnus Carlsen history winning World Blitz Championship

Norwegian prodigy, Magnus Carlsen scripts history by winning the World Blitz Championship in Dubai while Viswanathan Anand of India finishes joint fifth.

Russia signals that its proposed giant gas pipeline to China

Russia signals that its proposed giant gas pipeline to China could be extended to India, setting the stage for a triangular energy partnership among three core members of the BRICS grouping.

Increases in Foreign investment

Centre accepts the Mayaram Panel report on FDI. The report had proposed to treat foreign investment of 10 percent or more in a listed company as foreign direct investment so as to rationalise definitions of FDI and FII.

All children’s homes asked to install CCTVs

After last week’s rape of two minors who were staying at the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church’s home for children at Pollachi, the Department of Social Defence has circulated guidelines for homes for children. It has asked the child Protection Offices to ensure that these are followed stringently for the safety of girls. The list of guidelines includes several measures to ensure the security of children staying at these homes. All the homes run by non-governmental organisations have been asked not to allow strengers entry and to install CCTVs. The facilities should have 24-hour security and high compound walls. There should be separate buildings for girls and boys.

Scientists successfully develop and print an ultralight material

Scientists successfully develop and print an ultralight material out of polymers, metal and ceramics, that can withstand 160,000 times its own weight.

Pen Pinter prize 2014

Mr. Salman Rushdie, the Indian-born Booker Prize-winning author, is named as the winner of 2014 Pen Pinter Prize.

Jnanpith Award 2013

Prominent Hindi poet, Mr. Kedarnath Singh is chosen for the prestigious Jnanpith award for 2013.

Mampi Das claims Gold in Air pistal shooting

National women’s champion, Mampi Das claims the Gold in air pistol in the 24th meeting of Shooting Hopes junior international meet in Czech Republic.

New district of Alipurduar in WB

Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal is bifurcated to create Alipurduar district of the State. With this, Alipurduar becomes the 20th district of the State.

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Apollo Hospital’s bags Gallup Workplace Award

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. said that it had won the Gallup Work place Award for 2014 after the Dr. Prathap Reddy-founded leading corporate hospital group was ranked among the top 36 organisatiions to work for in Global workplace engagement.

Sanjaya Rajaram chosen for World Food Prize

Sanjaya Rajaram, veteran plant scientist, has been chosen for this year’s World Food Prize for his “scientific research that led to a prodigious increase in world wheat production. Announcing this M.S. Swaminathan founder of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and chairman, global jury for selection of the Food Prize Laureate, told reporters that Dr. Rajaram, now settled for his “outstanding work in the improvement of wheat crop and wheat production in the world”.

Chinese translation Tirukkural, Bharathi’s poems ready

The chinese transaction of Tirukkural, a Tamil Classic in couplets, and select poems of national poet Subramanya Bharathi has been completed, thanks to the efforts of Tamil University, Thanjavur. The University had engaged Taiwanese poet Yu Hsi to translate the 1,330 couplets of the Tirukkural and chosen poems of Bharathi and Bharadhidasan into Mandarin, the official language of the People’s Republic of China. While the chinese translation of Tirukkural and Bharathi’s select poems has been completed, those of poet Bharathidasan are currently being done, Vice Chancellor M. Thirumalai told. The Tamil nadu Govt. had granted ` 77.70 lakh for the translation.

Expand Meghamalai wildlife sanctuary

Salim Ali centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has recommended the expansion of Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Theni district to boost conversation in the Southern Western Ghats. After conducting studies on distribution, abudance and conservation of primates and mammals in the Meghamalai landscope for sixty years, the SACON scientists have strongly recommended the creation of a new wildlife sancutary or expansion of the existing 269.11 sq.km. sanctuary as many wildlife habitats are outside the protected area.

Stall KKNPP expansion plan, Chief Minister urged

The people’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) has urged C.M. to stall the Kudankulam nuclear Power Projects plan to construct four more reactors to take the total number to six. In a letter to the Chief Minister PMANE coordinator S.P. Udayakumar said the former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achunanthan, at one of his meetings with him in May last, had said he opposed the nuclear project and the proposed neutrino project the Theni as “it would affect the Idukki and Mullaperiyar reservoirs and the people living there”.

Tuticorin thermal station exceeds target

The Tuticorin Thermal Power Station (TTPS), one of the key coal-based thermal power stations in Tamil Nadu has exceeded the plant load factor (PLF) target set by the Central Electricity Authority. The TTPs, with five generating units has achieved 85.8 per cent PLF, surpassing the target of 82.2 per cent for 2013-14 sources in the TTPS told.

32 Corporation residential schools to target slum areas

Over 5,000 students from slum neighbourhoods will soon receive top-quality education at 32 residential schools to be run by Chennai Corporation. The higher secondary schools will be provided an additional floor for boarding.  Chennai Corporation teachers have convened a meeting of parents with officials of the civic body to finalise the list of student beneficiaries.

City’s 375th birthday bash

On August 22, the city will celebrate its 375th birthday. To commemorate the milestone, various events are being organised from the beginning of August to the first week of September under the aegis of ‘Madras Week Celebrations’. The Madras week from August 17-24 has evolved into a month long affair over the years and the initiatives success has primarily hinged of volunteers.

Prisoners with good conduct to operate petrol retail outlets

In a bid to create employment for well-behaving inmates and generate revenue for the state, the Tamil Nadu Prison Department, in association with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) is embarking on an ambitious project to operate petrol retail outlets closes to the central prison complexes.

Now, apply for passports from post offices

Come July, the city’s residents can apply for passports online from post offices. The Department of posts, in association with the Regional Passport Office, Chennai, is working out modalities to help customers register passport applications online and is identifying post offices to offer the facility. Officials of the department said customers could get a printout of the application from the postal employees. Once the applicants submit filled in forms, the staff will upload the data online. It is better for applicants to bring necessary documents such as proof of age and residential address.

India bag its second title at the Tri-nation squash doubles

India bag its second title at the Tri-Nation squash doubles tournament when Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa emerge winners in the women’s doubles final.

World Rapid Chess

Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand crushes reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway to win Bronze in the World Rapid Chess Championship in Dubai.

Indian pistol shooter Jitu Rai won two medals in a World Cup championship

Indian pistol shooter Jitu Rai wins a historic Gold, after a Silver, in the men’s air pistol event during ISSF World Cup in Maribor, Slovenia. It is the first time an Indian shooter won two medals in a World Cup championship.

India wins ODI series against Bangladesh

Indian cricket team win the three One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh 2-0. With India already having won the first two ODIs, the third and final ODI is abandoned due to rain at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh.

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child concludes at the end of a session with Indian officials that Indian law enforcement and justice authorities have shirked their responsibility to fight sex attacks.

SEBI unveils a slew of reforms

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveils a slew of reforms, asking all listed public sector undertakings to ensure at least 25% public shareholding within three years.

607 movies from South to compete at film awards

Around 607 movies made across South India will compete in 21 categories at the annual Filmfare awards (South) which will be held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on July 12. The actor and producer Dhanush, who has won four Filmfare awards so far, said, “Like every Indian actor, it was my dream to take the black lady (award) home.

Magnus Carlsen wins FIDE World Rapid Chess title

Magnus Carlsen of Norway, the World number one chess player, bags the FIDE World Rapid chess Championship title in Dubai. To win the Gold medal, he scored 11 ot 15 points.

King Juan Carlos of Spain signs an act of Parliament

King Juan Carlos of Spain signs an act of Parliament sealing his abdication of the Spanish crown after a four-decade reign, clearing the throne for his 46-year-old son, Felipe VI.

India’s Greenpeace stalling development

After a recent IB report that Greenpeace India is stalling development projects, the Home Ministry places curbs on each foreign donation.

Fitness certificates for metro trains

The trains for Chennai Metro Rail will soon receive a ‘fitness’ certificate from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO said Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) officials. They said that RDSO representatives will visit to Chennai this week and conduct various tests on the trains. “They will stay in Chennai for 2-3 weeks and carry out all the required tests and trails that include checks on vibrations from trains and various aspects of passenger comfort”, an official of CMRL said, Chennai Metro Rail that is built at a cost of ` 14,600 crore has 42 trains. Nine of these that were manufactured in Sao Paulo, Brazil, are Chennai already and three from a batch of 33 made in Sri City in Andhra Pradesh, A special economic zone located about 50 km. from Chennai have reached the city.

Nehru Mountaineering Institute Collaboration with IIT-Roorkee

Experts at the Nehru Mountaineering Institute, in collaboration with a team from IIT-Roorkee, bring the Mandakini River in Kedarnath back to its original course, a year after the Uttarakhand deluge.

Indian bolwer Binny bags India’s best-ever figures in ODIs

In India’s second ODI with Bangladesh in Dhaka, Indian bowler Binny bags India’s best-ever figures in ODIs, as team defends 105 to clinch the series. At record six wickets for just four runs, Binny surpassed even Anil Kumble’s score in a 50-over game.

Onions export limit

The Centre announces steps to check rising food prices, imposes a minimum export price of $300/MT on the export of onions and asking States to crack down on hoarders.

Tirupur exporters sign tie-ups

Apparel exporters from Tirupur Knitwear cluster have forged business links with 20 buyers from Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway Sweden and Iceland) for exclusively supplying eco-friendly apparel products. This was following the trade exploration visit made by a Tirupur delegation to the Nordic region under the facilitation of Danish Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises from June 10 to 14. “Forging business tie-ups with the 20 buyers from Nordic countries is a significant market expansion initiative for Tirupur cluster into the niche segment of eco-labelled garments as such products made in green production environment are going to hold sizeable market share in the future”, T.R. Vijayakumar, a prominent exporter who was part of the delegation.

Formula one champion suffer in coma

Former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher of Germany emerges from a coma that was medically induced following his devastating accident in December 2013.

Modi’s Bhutan visit

Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi hails his just-concluded Bhutan visit “extremely successful”. China welcomes Mr. Modi’s visit and affirms its faith in positive future relations between the two countries.

Delhi becomes the first kerosene free city

Delhi becomes the first kerosene-free city in the country, according to an announcement by the State government.

MIT researchers develop a new technology called HTTP

MIT researchers develop a new technology, called “HTTP with Accountability or HTTPA” that tracks how your private data is used online.

India win 12 medals in 16th Asian Junior Athletics Championship

India win 12 medals overall to finish 5th in final medal taly at the 16th Asian Junior Athletics Championship held in Taipei City, China from June 12 to 15, 2014. Dutee Chand delivers two Gold medals. China tops the list with 24 medals.

Australia retain the men’s hockey World Cup title

Australia retain the men’s hockey World Cup title by outplaying Netherlands 6-1 in the final at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague.

PM first foreign visit Bhutan

Mr. Narendra Modi embarks on a visit to Bhutan, his first foreign destination since he took over as prime Minister of India.

Food stalls outside GH raise health concerns

Sale of food on the pavement outside Rajiv Gandhi Govt. General Hospital (GH) has raised health concerns among authorities. According to officials food sold in the open, outside a hospital that receives thousands of patients and visitors every day does not set a good example for healthy eating. Hawkers selling various food items, including fried snacks and fruit juices, occupy the pavement and roadside outside GH’s second gate. health authorities say they have made several efforts to remove the hawkers from outside GH but they return the next day.

President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee appoints Governors of five states:

Hon’ble President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee appoints Governors of five States : Mr. Ram Naik (Uttar Pradesh), Mr. Om Prakash Kohli (Gujarat), Mr. Balramji Dass Tandon (Chhattisgarh), Mr. Keshari Nath Tripathi (West Bengal) and Mr. Padmanabha Acharya (Nagaland).

Top honours for VITians in Microsoft’s contest

Five of the eight students from the Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC), VIT University, Vellore received top honours in the Microsoft’s annual Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships (COMPUDON-IV) held at Noida, Delhi recently. According to a VIT release, about 200 students were selected for the COMPUDON-India finals. Eight students from MIC, VIT got selected for the final round and participated in the national finals this season. Of them, five students got the top honours.

Local bodies get ISO certification

The Nandivarman-Guduvancheri and Acharapakkam town panchayats in Kancheepuram district have received ISO certification from two different certifying agencies. While Nandivarman-Guduvancheri has received 9001 : 2008 certification for providing the best of infrastructure facilities and for the maintenance of the Nandivarman-Guduvancheri bus terminus, the Acharapakkam town panchayat has received ISO 14001:2004 for best practices in collection and segregation of solid waste.

Vandalur tigress adopted by firm

A white tigress housed in the Vandalur zoo is the latest to be adopted by a corporate firm. The two-years and nine-months old tigress, Chandra has been adopted by Golden Homes Zoo authorities said sponsors had to pay ` 1.3 lakh a year for adopting a tigress. Each day, for six days a week, the animal is provided seven kilograms of beef besides liver. The animal is starved one day a week, they added. Based on feedback and the success of the initiative, the company planned to reach out to bigger tiger reserves such as Bandipur and Ranthambore National Parks.

27th Moortidevi Award 2013

The 27th Moortidevi Award for 2013 is given to “Theekkadal Kaatnhu Thiru-madhuram” written by renowned scientist-turned-writer Mr. C. Radhakrishna.

Netherlands wins Women’s hockey world cup

Olympic Gold medallists Netherlands defeat Australia 2-0 in the title show down in clinch the women’s hockey World Cup, their seventh title, in The Hague.

PM dedicates India’s largest warship INS Vikramaditya

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi dedicates India’s largest warship, INS Vikramaditya, to the nation. The ship was procured from Russia. He conveys his Government’s shapr focus on modernising the country’s defence infrastructure.