SAKTHI BOOKS CURRENT EVENTS

July, 2016

Adyar AnandaBhavan first overseas branch to come up at the US

If you are pining for some hot ghee drenched dosa while trudging through a cold North American autumn, you have just been offered yet another choice to indulge in the taste of home. It seems yet another one of South India’s most beloved restaurant chains is set to take its first steps into the United States of America (US). According to the Consulate’s Facebook post the decision to open shop in the North American nation was a “direct out-come” of the chain’s participation in the U.S. Commercial Service’s Select USA Investment Summit held in Washington DC recently.

Preliminary work on Athikadavu project starts

Preliminary works towards securing environment and forest clearances for land acquisition for Athikadavu-Avinashi ground water recharge and drinking water supply scheme are in progress and the estimate is under scrutiny at the government level, both the PWD and Water Resources Department.

TN gets first instalment of ` 316 crore Central grant

Tamil Nadu got the first instalment of the Central government’s grant of ` 316 crore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme for 39 projects, which include drinking water projects, sewerage network as well as building of 25 parks among others. It is learnt that of the 25 parks which got sanctioned. Chennai will have eight parks, but details are still being worked out. This comes after the Centre cleared the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) for seven water supply related projects, seven water sewerage projects and 25 parks. According to sources in the know is learnt that 20 per cent of approved Central assistance under first instalment, which works out to Rs. 316 crore.

West Bengal is selected for AICRIPA 2015

West Bengal is selected for the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project Award 2015. It is selected for this award by the 51st committee from Indira Gandhi Krishi Bikash Kendra.

Run for Rio

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi flags off the ‘Run for Rio’, an event to encourage the Indian contingent at the 2016 Rio Olympics, from Major Dhayan Chand National Stadium to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Patna Pirates win Pro Kabaddi League

Patna Pirates win the fourth edition of Pro Kabaddi League by defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-29 at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, Telangana.

First women governor of Tokyo

Former Japanese Defence Minister Ms. Yuriko Koike is elected as the first woman governor of Tokyo, Japan. She defeated her opponents by a wide margin in the election.

Broad-gauge train starts from Agarthala to Delhi

Railway Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu flags off maiden broad-gauge train service between Agartala and Delhi, ‘Tripura Sundari Express’.

Enayam Port project

Demanding to expedite the implementation of Enayam Commercial port project, the ‘Collachel-Enayam Port Supporting Awareness Movement (CEP.SAM) along with cadre of various political parties staged a one day hunger strike in front of the Karungal town panchayat office on 29th July. Speaking during the protest, R. Godwin, coordinator of the ‘Colachel-Enayam Port Supporting Awareness Movement said that earlier known as Colachel port, the harbour is going to come up between Enayam Helen Nagar and Kurumbanai coastal villages. The proposed area is uninhabited and only vacant lands located near Enayam Helen Nagar is going to be utilised for the projects.

Russian supplier willing to upgrade fuel at KKNPP

The nuclear plants in Koodankulam could soon be operating on a new fuel assembly which could boost the efficiency if the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gives its clearance, according to the fuel company based in Moscow. Oleg Grigoriev, vice president of JSC TVEL, a subsidiary of Russian State Energy Nuclear Corporation (ROSATOM), said in an e-mail interview that Russia is willing to offer modern design of nuclear fuel for the Koodankulam atomic plants.

23rd Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award

The advisory committee of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award decides that 23rd Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award will be given to Indian singer of classical music Ms. Shubha Mudgal

Best State Award fo CDT

The Best State Award for Comprehensive Development of Tourism is presented to Madhya Pradesh at National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-15, in New Delhi.

Second schedule RTS

Strategic Forces Command, which forms part of National Command Authority, is added to Second Schedule of Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.

UK’s plans to build the first new British Nuclear plant

UK’s plans to build the first new British nuclear plant in 20 years suffer an unexpected delay after the government postpones a final decision, to review the project.

Abdul Kalam’s first memorial day

Thousands visited the burial site of former president APJ Abdul Kalam in Peikarumbu, where a seven-foot-tall bronze statue of the Missile Man was unveiled by Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Manohar Parikkar on Occasion of Kalam’s first death anniversary on 27th July. After erecting the statue, the Union Ministers, State Ministers and several dignitaries went to the burial ground and placed a wreath on it. Thousands of locals also paid their respect to the revered leader.

Supercomputer forecast monsoon

The Ministry of Earth Sciences announces that India Meteorological Department (IMD) will use supercomputer to forecast India’s annual summer monsoon.

CAF will allows to state

The Rajya Sabha unanimously passes the Compensatory and Afforesation Fund (CAF) Bill,2016 that allows States to access nearly Rs. 42,000 crore.

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot

A new study published in Journal Nature claims that Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a storm three times bigger than Earth, is hundreds of degrees hotter than anywhere else on the planet.

Argentina women’s team win 2016 Champions Trophy Hockey Title

Argentina women’s team win the 2016 Champions Trophy Hockey title, defeating the reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands 2-1.

EU executive appoints Mr. Michel Barnier

European Union’s executive appoints Mr. Michel Barnier, former French Financial Services Commissioner, as its Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom’s exit from the bloc.

First round the world solar powered flight

The first round-the-world solar powered flight by Solar Impulse 2 is completed, after the aircraft lands successfully in Abu Dhabi, travelling 26,744 miles since setting off from Abu Dhabi.

Ramon Magasaysay Award 2016

Two Indians, including social activist Mr. Bezwada Wilson and Musician Mr. Thodur Madabusi Krishna win the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016.

Who declares Brazil free of measles

The World Health Organization declares Brazil free of measles. The step was taken after no case of the disease was registered in 2015.

Hillary Clinton for President choosing woman to be first standard bearer

Democratic convention formally nominates Ms. Hillary Clinton for President,making history by choosing a woman to be first standard-bearer of a major political party in the oldest democracy, i.e., the US.

Union Govt. approves J&K under skill development

The Union Government approves nearly Rs. 1,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir under skill development initiative ‘Himayat’, for training 1.24 lakh local youths in vocational courses.

Swachh Bharat cess imposed tax services

Minister of State for Finance Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar informs Parliament that the Government has collected Rs. 3,901.78 crore last fiscal from 0.5 percent Swachh Bharat cess imposed on all taxable services.

Upgraded WiFi service begins at Chennai Central Station

Upgraded WiFi service offering users high speed internet was launched at Chennai Central station on 24th July, by the Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. The minister, who was in Chennai, to launch several railway projects, also dedicated through videoconferencing the first green corridor in the country between Rameswaram and Manamadurai. All the trains on the 113 km stretch have been fitted with bio-toilets to obviate discharge of human waste on the tracks. “At Chennai Central, 99 across points and 36 access switches, which is among the largest in the nation, have been installed to provide seamless and fast wifi services to passengers,” he explained. With authorities yet to decide on pricing, users can browse the internet at high speeds for the first hair hour, after which the speed will reduce considerably.

Sangita Kalanidhi Award

Violinist a Kanyakumari was chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi award by the Music Academy on 24th July, making her the first female violinist chosen for the award, a statement from the academy said. She will preside over the 90th annual conference of the Music Academy scheduled from December 15, 2016 to January 1, 2017. She has an experience of over 50 years as an accompanist, soloist and teacher. The award will be given to her on January 1 at the Sadras.

MBGIPS and BPCL launch field trials of Oil-degrading bacteria

Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences, Kozhikode, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) join hands to launch field trials of oil-degrading bacteria in Kochi.

Afghan children growing insecurity

The UN says that civilian casualties in Afghanistan soared to record high in the first half of 2016, with children in particular paying a heavy price for growing insecurity as conflict escalates.

Feed the Future Training Programme

The second phase of ‘Feed the Future – India Triangular Training Programme is launched in New Delhi by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Afghan children growing insecurity

The UN says that civilian casualties in Afghanistan soared to record high in the first half of 2016, with children in particular paying a heavy price for growing insecurity as conflict escalates.

Extension of Metro Rail

Laying the foundation for the Phase-I Extension of Metro Rail Project in the presence of Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on 23rd July, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said the works will be completed within three years and would benefit the people of North Chennai. The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to give nod for Phase II of the extension, for which proposals would be sent soon. Metro Rail service had been provided between Koyambedu and Alandur since June 29, Last year. The services on the route between Little Mount and Airport would begin in August while that between Alandur and St. Thomas Mount in October. Service in the stretch between Koyambedu and Nehru Park would commence by the year end. In the rest of the route, all works would be completed by 2017

India’s first Green Rail Corridor

Railway Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu inaugurate 114-km long Rameswaram-Manamadurai stretch of India’s first Green Rail Corridor via video-conferencing from Chennai General Station.

Samman Award 2016

Mr. Bappi Lahiri, the renowned music director and singer, is conferred West Bengal’s Mahanayak Samman awards by Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee at Nazrul Mancha.

Hamilton wins 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix title of Formula One. Nico Rosberg of Mercedes clinches the second position while Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull comes third.

Rain sweeps China

Torrential rains sweep through China,leaving hundreds of people dead and hundreds others missing.

Neeraj Chopra wins Gold in IAAF World U-20 championships

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (18) wins Gold in IAAF World U-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. With this, he sets a new world record (U-20) of 86.48 m.

3rd G20 Finance Ministers Meeting

Third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is held in Chengdu, China. Issues concerning, global economy, financial sector reform, international tax and anti-terrorist financing are discussed.

Kerala CM launches Kochi Water Metro project

Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, launches the Kochi Water Metro project in Kochi, Kerala. It is the first-ever Water Metro project in the country.

India signs $ one-billion deal with US defence

India signs $ one-billion deal with the US defence and aerospace major Boeing for procuring four long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, Poseidon-81.

Facebook Inc announces the successful test-flight

Facebook Inc announces the successful completion of test-flight of a solar-powered drone dubbed ‘Aquila’. It completes its first successful flight in Yuma, Arizona.

Solar Power Tree

Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan launches ‘Solar Power Tree’ in New Delhi, an innovative way to generate electricity using solar power in a limited space.

Kohli scores double century

Team India captain Virat Kohli scores overseas double century, on the second day of the first Test against West Indies, going past Mohammad Azaruddin who scored 192 against New Zealand in Auckland in 1989-90 season.

AIIMS – Modi lays foundation stone

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi lays the foundation stoes for a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and revival of a sick fertiliser plant in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Brazilian researchers Zika virus

Brazilian researchers announce that they have found another species of mosquito, named Culex quinquefasciatus, which is able to transmit the Zika virus to humans.

Kerala Tourism wins two Gold Gongs at PATA

Kerala Tourism wins two Gold Gongs at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards, in recognition of its trend-setting marketing initiatives.

Fortuen Global 500 list of world’s biggest firms

Fortune Global 500 list of world’s biggest firms is released. The list is topped by Walmart, followed by China’s State Grid at the second place and China National Petroleum at the third.

Petrapole Integrated Check Post

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Ms. Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurate the Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP), through video-conferencing.

Avvaiyar Award 2016

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa gave away the Avvaiyaar award for the year 2016 to Sarada Menon from the Schizophrenia Care and Research Foundation (SCARF) on 19th July. She was named for the award for her services through the SCARF.

Apology from MP over ‘abandoned’ Thiruvalluvar statue

The image of the plastic sheet-wrapped statue of Thiruvalluvar lying abandoned at Haridwar has triggered a controversy in Chennai, where the saint-poet is a revered icon. The 12-ft statue, which was taken to Haridwar in Uttarakhand amid much fanfare by BJP MP Tarun Vijay to be installed on the banks of the Ganga, had a contrasting fate after reaching there, when a section of sadhus opposed the plan to install it. It now lies abandoned, with the authorities there falling to find a place for it.

Eco-restoration of Cooum

The state government is hoping to speed up from August the execution of the ambitious Cooum River Eco-restoration Plan. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is likely to issue Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for 20 sub-projects that hit the road block of after being identified as within the CRZ tidal zone. The government 19th July, submitted before the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that senior officials would attend the July 25 meeting of MoEF&CC to push for CRZ clearance.

In a first, State to open skin bank

Very soon burns patients can pin their hopes on a cadaver donor skin bank at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, a first in government sector. Until now, government hospitals had to depend on private facilities for cadayer skin to treat emergecy cases like patients with severe burns or acute skin allergies. The skin bank, which will work under the Cosmetology department of the hospital, was set up a Rs.1.4 crore. “If a person suffers 40 per cent burris, it can lead to infection and death. But temporary cadaver skin coating will reduce the death rate significantly.” said Dr. G.R. Ratnavel, head of the hospital’s cosmetology department.

ICG’s mid-sea med evacuation off Chennai coast

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel on July 19, successfully carried out a mid-sea medical evacuation of a patient in rough seas, after receiving a distress call from a research vessel registered with Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). The evacuation was carried out about 290 nautical miles off Chennai coast, after Rajiv Kumar, an employee of Chennai-based firm Seapol, complained of abdominal pain. Seapol is entrusted with the task of manning and maintaining Sindhu Sadhana, a multi-disciplinary research vessel.

World’s first Zika vaccine test on humans

A Canadian university, University Laval, announces that it will conduct the world’s first Zika vaccine test on humans.

Three months emergency in Turkey

Turkey’s President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares a three month state of emergency in the country, after the failed coup against him.

UNESCO adds nine new sites on World Heritage List

UNESCO adds nine new sites on World Heritage List during the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The number of World Heritage Sites now stands at 981.

Election Commission launch NERP 2016

The Election Commission of India announces the launch of National Electoral Roll Purification (NERP) 2016 programme across the country, to improve health of Electoral Rolls.

15 years old diesel vehicles should be deregistered at Delhi

The National Green Tribunal says that diesel vehicles in NCT-Delhi which are 15 years old should be deregistered and should not get NOC for plying outside Delhi-NCR.

Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition

The US Geological Survey publishes a report starting that a joint expedition titled ‘Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 02’ will be undertaken by India and the United States.

BBC World Service News Komla Dumor Award

Nigerian journalist Ms. Didi Akinyelure wins the BBC World Service News Komla Dumor Award for 2016. The Award aims to celebrate African journalism and reward exceptional talent.

Steve Elworthy is appointed MD of 2019 ICC World Cup

Steve Elworthy, the former South Africa fast bowler, is appointed the Managing Director of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales.

New PM of Australia

Mr. Malcolm Turnbull is sworn in as PM of Australia for another term, after narrow victory.

J & K citizens to access to justice

The Supreme Court says that it can transfer cases being adjudicated by the courts in J&K to other States in pursuance of the right of citizens to access to justice under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Rajya Sabha passes Child Labour Amendment Bill, 2012

The Rajya Sabha passes Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012 which seeks to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) (CLPR) Act, 1986.

Eco-tourism makes inroads into Kolli hills

In a bid to tap the tourism potential of the Kolli hills, the Forest Department has initiated measures to promote eco-tourism even while ensuring better facilities for tourists. “We have constructed two eco-huts near the famous Arapaleeshwarar Temple in Kolli hills. These huts will be rented out to tourists, who want to spend time in this pristine area, enjoying the cool weather, breezy winds and the aroma of naturally grown herbs,” Forest Ranger A Kanagarathinam told Express. An interpretation centre is also under construction in the area. The centre will help visitors to understand the mysteries of nature, besides the features of the Kolli hills. Considered as one of the hill stations still untouched by development projects and unscrupulous mining of natural resources, the hills offer a treat to eyes and calms the soul of the tourists.

Rs. 3 lakh each for 23 who lost vision after surgery at Mettur GH

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on July 17, announced a financial assistance of Rs. 3 lakh each to 23 persons who suffered infection after a cataract surgery at the Salem District Headquarters Government Hospital last month. Besides, a pension of Rs. 1,000 per month would be given to 21 persons whose vision was affected.

Scientists for the first time succeed

Scientists for the first time succeed in sequencing the genes in 6000-year-old barley seeds. The findings are published in the journal Nature Genetict.

SpaceX launches its unmanned Dragon cargo capsule

SpaceX launches its unmanned Dragon cargo capsule to the International Space Station, carrying a key piece of equipment that was lost in 2015 due to rocket explosion.

Paul Romer as World Bank Chief Economiser

The World Bank Group appoints Mr. Paul Romer as World Bank Chief Economist with effect from September 2016. He is a widely respected economist and a successful entrepreneur.

India-Bangladesh sign

India and Bangladesh sign an amendment to bilateral extradition treaty, making the exercise simpler and paving the way for a person’s extradition on the basis of police warrant.

Rajya Sabha passes Biotechnology Bill, 2016

The Rajya Sabha passes the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016. The Bill seeks to establish a Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad, Haryana.

Railway Develops TRI-NETRA

The Ministry of Railways develops Terrain imaging for diesel dRivers INfra-red, Enhanced opTical & Radar Assisted (TRI-NETRA) system on locomotives.

Dipika Pallikal wins Senior National Squash

Dipika Pallikal defeats Joshna Chinappa 4-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8 to regain women’s title at 73rd Senior National Squash Championship in Mumbai. Saurav Ghosal defeats Harinderpal Singh Sandhu 11-7, 7-11,3-11,11-8, 14-12 to claim the Men’s title.

India’s first e-court in Hyderabad

India’s first e-court is opened at High Court of Judicature in Hyderabad. It is inaugurated by the Supreme Court Judge Justice Mr. Madan B.Lokur.

Pema Khandu is sworn in CM of Arunachal Pradesh

Mr. Pema Khandu is sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Mr. Chowna Mein is sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Suburban stations stink without toilets

The survey was carried out by Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, an NGO, which had filed the PIL in the High Court. The survey was undertaken on Beach-Velachery MRTS line, Central-Avadi line and Beach-Tambaram line. Senthil Arumugam, general secretary of the NGO, said although there has been some improvement, it is still not sufficient. “What is of concern is the guarantee that passenger facilities are maintained properly in the longer run. On the Beach-Velachery METS line, five stations, including Mylapore, Light House and Chepauk, have toilets in the first floor which are very likely to missed by users”.

Rs. 500 cr. sanctioned for new crop insurance scheme

Fulfilling one more electoral promise, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on July 15, ordered implementation of new crop insurance scheme – Prime Minister’s Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – which has many pro-farmer measures and ensures higher compensation for crop loss. So far, the government had given only Rs.40 crore as grant towards premium to be paid by the farmers. But for the new shceme, the government has to grant Rs. 500 crore.

Mobile Satellite 4F2

A satellite, 4F2, belonging to a London-based mobile satellite communication company moves over India, above the Equator, in the space after travelling more than 4,000 km over several months.

Boxer Vijender Singh clinches WBO

Boxer Vijender Singh clinches WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title in New Delhi, defeating former WBC European champion Kerry Hope from Australia, scoring 98-92, 98-92, 100-90.

ASEM Summit

The eleventh edition of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit is held in Ullaanbaatar, Mongolia, with the theme – Partnership for the future through connectivity.

11th meeting of Inter-State Council

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, with Union Ministers Mr. Rajnath Singh and Ms. Sushma Swaraj among others, chairs the 11th Meeting of Inter-State Council in Delhi.

$100 million ADB loan for Vennar project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 14th July agreed to extend US $100 million loan for ‘Climate Adaptation in Vennar Sub-basin of Cauvery Delta project in Tamil Nadu. The project aims at improving existing infrastructure in the basin and to provide flood protection and renewed access to irrigation to the farmers. The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department is responsible for implementing the project which is expected to be completed by December 2020, a release from the Department of Economic Affairs. Union Ministry of Finance, said.

969 new posts for two medical colleges in State

Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on 14th July ordered creation of 969 new posts for the ESI Medical College and Hospital at Coimbatore and the Government Medical College to be started at Pudukottai. This would incur an additional expenditure of Rs. 48.56 crore to the State Exchequer.
While 808 new posts are for ESI Medical College and Hospital at Coimbatore, 161 posts would be created for the Government Medical College to be started at Pudukkottai. The new posts include professors, assistant professors, nurses, medical professionals and non-medical employees etc.

Goa’s Zuari river

Scientists from National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, discover remnants of historically important port on Goa’s Zuari river, considered to be amongst the oldest signs of trade on central west coast.

Military attempted Turkey President

A military coup is attempted in Turkey against President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prompting supporters of the country’s elected President to take to the streets.

MP’s happiness dept.

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet gives nod o set up Happiness Department in the State. The department will work as knowledge resource centre on the subject of happiness.

New method of creating human stem cells

British scientists find a new method of creating human stem cells by using a protein derived from human blood called Inter-alpha inhibitor.

Study on regulatory issues

The RBI constitutes an inter-regulatory Working Group to study the entire gamut of regulatory issues relating to Financial Technology and Digital Banking in India.

Terrorist assault in France

The driver of a large truck mows down a crowd gathered to watch Bastille Day fireworks in Nice, France, Scores of people are killed and injured in the terrorist assault.

DRDO successfully ATAGS

DRDO successfully conducts proof firing tests of Armament system for 155 mm×52 calibre new Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).

Nod for 23K houses through Slum Board

The Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on July 14th approved building 23,476 houses in the State through the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board. Those who wished to build individual houses on 300 sq.ft. space would be given a grant of Rs. 2.10 lakh per unit. Of the houses to be built, 2,704 multi-storey tenements would be at Chennai,Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Erode, Coimbatore, Pudukottai Namakkal and Nagapattinam districts. For the economically weaker sections, 16,272 Individual houses would be allowed on the owner’s house sites in Chennai, Vellore, Hosur, Ranipet, Virudhunagar and Madurai and in 157 town panchayats.

Grand Master Harika Dronavalli wins the FIDE

India’s Chess Grand Master Harika Dronavalli wins the FIDE. Women’s Grand Prix trophy in Chengdo, China, defeating Russia’s Olga Girya.

Tamil Nadu has the potential to create 90L jobs in next 5 years’

Tamil Nadu has the potential to create 90 lakh new jobs and atract investment worth Rs. 20 lakh crore in the next five years according to industry. Releasing the ‘Action Agenda for the Government of Tamil Nadu’ here, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) along with the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) said that in 2015-16, investments in the State were Rs. 11.1 lakh crore and this could touch Rs. 22.23 lakh crore in the next five years.

IIT-M student’s underwater robot ‘Duli’

With robotics emerging as a major area of focus for military applications, especially the bio-inspired ones, countries across the globe are investing heavily in this domain. But, not many have tasted success so far. However, Santhosh Ravichandran, an MS student specialising on machine design in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT-Madras, has developed a first of its kind turtle shaped Robotic Underwater Vehicle (ROV) with bio-inspired propeller similar to a dolphin fin in just three months. Called ‘Duli’, a Sanskrit name for a turtle, it had immediately caught the attention of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). The robot has unique hydrodynamics with exceptional energy efficiency and camouflage abilities suited for carrying out of underwater SEAL operations. It can do visual inspection withstanding the undercurrent of the ocean. It is claimed.

Juno Spacecraft

NASA’s Juno spacecraft sends the first-ever image of the gas giant Jupiter and three of its for moons to the Earth as it continues orbiting the planet.

Ms. Theresa May is New PM in UK

Ms. Theresa May is appointed as the 76th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She succeeds Mr. David Cameron who resigned from the post on the same day following Brexit vote.

US scientists uncover a bizarre galaxy

The US scientists uncover a bizarre galaxy named UGC 1382 or Frankenstein galaxy, possibly formed from the parts of other galaxies, located about 250 million light years away.

India-Bangladesh sign a landmark deal

India and Bangladesh sign a landmark deal for the construction of Rampal Power Station, a 1320-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh.

PCA rules in favour of Philippines

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitrarion (PCA) rules in favour of Philippines in maritime dispute on South China Sea, saying China has no legal basis to claim ‘historic rights’ to the bulk of the sea.

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