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Tamilnadu

Kochi port to get new cruise terminal

Kochi port to get new cruise terminal
The Cochin Port Trust is setting up a new cruise terminal capable of handling 5,000 tourists at Ernakulam Wharf. The facilities inside the terminal will include passenger lounge, crew lounge, 30 immigration counters, eight custom clearance counters, seven security check counters, WiFi. Kochi has been getting around 40 cruise liners every year, bringing HNI tourists to Kerala.
The Cochin Port Trust is setting up a new cruise terminal capable of handling 5,000 tourists at Ernakulam Wharf. The facilities inside the terminal will include passenger lounge, crew lounge, 30 immigration counters, eight custom clearance counters, seven security check counters, WiFi. Kochi has been getting around 40 cruise liners every year, bringing HNI tourists to Kerala.

RS passes Prevention of Corruption Bill

RS passes Prevention of Corruption Bill
The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 which seeks to make giving bribes an offense with a provision of punishment. The Bill introduces the offense of giving a bribe as a direct offense. However, a person who is compelled to give a bribe will not be charged with the offense if he reports the matter to law enforcement authorities within 7 days.

TN govt launches 24h helpline for couples

TN govt launches 24h helpline for couples
The Tamil Nadu govt has informed the Madras High Court that a 24-hour helpline has been set up to investigate issues faced by inter-caste couples and offer them necessary assistance and protection. A special cell has been formed in all districts and cities in the state, comprising district-level officers at the city level, to receive complaints of harassment & threat to inter-caste couples.

Nabard award to Repco Micro Finance Ltd

Repco Micro Finance Ltd, a non-banking finance company received Nabard 2018 award. The award is given service to self-help group in Tamil Nadu for the fiscal year 2017-18. The NBFC has disbursed loans amounting to ₹2,500 crore to over 10 lakh beneficiaries. NABARD Financial Services Limited is a subsidiary of NABARD to provide financial services in areas of agriculture & microfinance.

ISRO scientists test Vikas Engine

ISRO has successfully conducted a ground test of its high thrust version of the Vikas Engine that would improve the payload capability of the space agency’s launch vehicles. The Vikas Engine is the liquid rocket engine used to power the second stage of the ISRO’s trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The test was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka to release water

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu and other States. The CWMA, which is yet to appoint full-time members, is scheduled to meet every 10 days during the monsoon months. The CWMA consists of a Chairman, a senior and eminent engineer, 2 whole-time members, 6 part-time members and a Secretary.

Tie up b/w Tamil Nadu Govt and Microsoft

Govt of Tamil Nadu has signed an agreement with Microsoft to improve integration of technology in teaching & learning in the state.The partnership aims to reform education sector, build tech capacity & enhance digital literacy across all levels. As a part of the agreement, Microsoft will adopt 7 schools identified by govt & train their teachers & students around building 21st century skills

Modi launches Amma two-wheeler scheme

PM Modi kickstarted the subsidised Amma two-wheeler scheme meant for working women, on the occasion of former Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s 70th birth anniversary.As part of the scheme, every beneficiary in the state of Tamil Nadu will be given 50% of the cost of a two- wheeler or a grant of ?25,000. Each year, one lakh working women would be covered under this scheme.

TN to host first ever Defence Expo

According to defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Tamil Nadu will host its first-ever bi-annual defence exhibition in April.The exhibition will take place from April 11 to 14 and nearly 80 countries are expected to take part in it.Arrangements will be made for the Navy, Army and Air Force to display their equipment in the exhibition.

Loan Agreement between TN & World Bank

Govt. of India, Govt. of TN & World Bank signed a $318 million loan agreement for the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project.It will promote climate resilient agriculture technologies, improve water management practices, and increase market opportunities for small and marginal farmers.The $318 million loan from the IBRD has a 5 yr grace period & a maturity of 19 years.

CMFRI joins hands with ISRO

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has joined hands with ISRO to identify potential fishing zone, an area in the sea where fishes are seen in abundance. In the first phase, CMFRI and the Space Applications Centre of ISRO have jointly launched a research project for identifying, forecasting and monitoring PFZ in coastal and offshore waters of Tamil Nadu.

CCEA approves rail connectivity projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three railway connectivity projects worth Rs. 3,940 crore in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These projects would not only speed up the operation of goods and passenger trains, but also provide additional capacity for meeting increases in traffic in the future. All the three projects are expected to be completed by the year 2020-2021.

Vande Mataram mandatory in TN School

The Madras High Court has issued an order making the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory in schools, colleges and Government offices in Tamil Nadu. The National Song shall be played and sung in all Schools/Colleges/Universities and other educational institutions atleast once a week. However, court added that a person shall not be forced it sing it provided he or she has valid reasons.

Tamil Nadu doubles MLAs’ salaries

Tamil Nadu govt has almost doubled the salary and allowances of its MLAs, taking their new pay from Rs. 55,000 per month to Rs. 105,000 per month. Govt. also announced an increase in MLAs Local Area Development Fund from Rs. 2 crore to 2.5 crore. The decision comes as farmers are protesting in Delhi to press for better crop prices and a loan waiver.

Free education to transgenders in TN

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced free education for the transgender community in all the colleges of state’s Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. The decision will be implemented from this academic year. One seat in every course of all the colleges affiliated to the university has been reserved for the transgenders.

TN signs MoU with Centre for UDAN

Towns like Hosur and Neyveli in Tamil Nadu are set to have low-cost flight services in the first phase of implementation of the Centre’s UDAN scheme which seeks to promote regional air connectivity. UDAN aims at making regional connectivity easy at low cost so that common people could opt for air travel. UDAN was launched on 27 April 27, 2017.

National Anti Terrorism Day celebrated.

The National Anti Terrorism Day is celebrated every year on May 21 in India to raise awareness among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a female suicide bomber on May 21,1991 while conducting election campaign in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. He was assassinated by a suicide squad of Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam.

India’s first ornamental fish park.

India’s first Aquatic Rainbow Technology Park (ARTP) will be set up in Chennai. The park will include an ultra modern facility for ornamental fish equipped with multi-species hatchery and live feed culture units. The facility is being developed by Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri in Tamil Nadu.

World’s smallest satellite for NASA.

Rifath Sharook, an 18-year-old student from Tamil Nadu, has developed the world’s smallest and lightest satellite. He is all set to break a global space record by launching the lightest satellite in the world, weighing a mere 64 grams. The satellite is made using reinforced carbon fibre polymer, is named ‘KalamSat’, after former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

India’s First Bio Refinery in Pune

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated India’s First Integrated Bio-refinery for Renewable Fuels & Chemicals for producing ethanol from a variety of biomass. The plant is situated at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra. The demonstration plant has been built by Praj industries. The plant is capable of producing 1 million litres of ethanol per annum. Every day, since 1904, staff at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in Tamil Nadu have aimed their telescope at the sun, freezing the images of its disc. This data, spanning a hundred years and more, has now been digitised by astrophysicists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and made available to the public. The data has been taken using different filters.

SC issues notice on Mullaperiyar dam

SC has issued a notice to Kerala on Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking execution of its order regarding the maintenance of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam. The Tamil Nadu government has alleged in its plea that Kerala is not allowing it to maintain the dam. The 2 states have been engaged in a long legal battle over the maintenance of the dam located on the Periyar River in Kerala.

Book on saint Ramanujar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami released a book on Vaishnavite saint Ramanujar, as part of his 1000th birth anniversary. Earlier, the 1000th birth anniversary of Ramanujar was celebrated with fervour at Sriperumbudur, the birth place of the saint, from April 22 to May 2. PM Modi had released a stamp on Ramanujar and had invoked the saint to condemn the practice of untouchability.

1000 yrs celebration of Ramanujacharya

In Tamil Nadu, various functions are being organized to culminate the the 1000 years celebration of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanujacharya. The 1000 year celebration of Sri Ramanujacharyar was started in May last year. The divine body of Sri Ramanuchajaryar is said to be preserved in sannidhi inside Srirangam Ranganathar swamy temple. Renzi regains party leadership in Italy. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has regained the leadership of the governing Democratic Party (PD). The victory propels him back to the forefront of national politics. Renzi resigned as Prime Minister and party leader after his constitutional reform plan was rejected in a national referendum in December. Renzi will now be preparing his centre-left PD for parliamentary elections

Tamil Nadu signs agreement with BBNL

The Tamil Nadu government entered into an agreement with Bharat Broadband Network Ltd for implementing the Centre’s rural internet connectivity programme, ‘BharatNet.’ A sum of ` 50 lakh has been allocated as the state’s share capital for this purpose and work for registering it was on. The programme will help connect every household in Tamil Nadu.

Petrol pumps to be closed on Sundays

Beginning 14 May, petrol pumps in eight states will be closed on Sundays. Nearly 20,000 outlets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana would be shut for 24 hours on Sundays, starting 14 May. The decision was made in view of the Prime Minister’s call during his recent “mann ki baat” programme to conserve oil to save the environment.

India adds 5,400 mw wind power capacity

India added over 5,400 MW of wind energy capacity in 2016-17, beating its own target of 4,000 MW. The leading states in wind power capacity addition during 2016-17 were Andhra Pradesh (2,190 MW), Gujarat (1,275 MW) and Karnataka (882 MW). Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana and Kerala reported 357 MW, 288 MW, 262 MW, 118 MW, 23 MW and 8 MW wind power capacity.

Indian Neutrino Observatory

The Government intends to set up the India-based Neutrino Observatory in West Bodi Hills, Theni District of Tamil Nadu. The project is awaiting a clearance from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The project is held up because of the long overdue Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board clearance. Presently the TNPCB has formed a committee of experts to advise it for further course of action.

Cauvery water dispute

The SC said it will commence on July 11 the final hearing of the appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal on sharing of water for 15 consecutive workings days. On October 18, last year the apex court had directed Karnataka to keep releasing 2000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu till further orders.

Tamil Nadu wins Vijay Hazare Trophy

In Cricket, Tamil Nadu has won the domestic 50-over competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, for the fifth time. In the Final played at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, they defeated Bengal by 37 runs. It was Tamil Nadu’s third victory over Bengal in the final of this competition.

VVPAT to be introduced

In RK Nagar constituency (Tamilnadu) where bypoll is in next month is going to use Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). A VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for voting machines designed to allow voters to verify that their vote was cast correctly. It contains name of the candidate (for whom vote has been casted) and symbol of the party/ individual candidate.

Racing champion Ashwin Sundar dies

Former national racing champion Ashwin Sundar and his wife Niveditha died in a mishap. Ashwin Sundar was a race driver from India. He was born on 27 July 1985 at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Sundar had won the national title in car racing and two-wheeler events on several occasions.

Mission XI Million

India will be hosting FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup 2017 in India in October this year. The Government has viewed this as an opportunity to popularize football in the country. In collaboration with FIFA, the govt has launched an outreach program named Mission XI Million whereby various programmes are to be held in 30 cities in the country in the run up to the event.

TN to replace state Planning Commission

Tamil Nadu Government has decided to replace the State Planning Commission with a Development Policy Council in consonance with the Centre’s approach in doing away with distinction between plan and non-plan allocations. The state government welcomed the Centre’s move, it would simplify the budgetary process and keep the focus firmly on the functional classification of expenditure.

Women Safety app ‘Ammavin Aran’

The AIADMK IT Wing has launched the first-of-its-kind women safety application in Tamil Nadu. The app is called ‘Ammavin Aran’ meaning ‘mother’s fortress’. The app will give the user details about the nearest police station and hospital along with map details and phone number.

WG: 57000 sq km as eco. sensitive

The government has finally notified nearly 57,000 square km area in the Western Ghats region as ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The 56,825 square km of land is spread over six states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The notification covers an area that is slightly less than the 59,940 sq km of area identified by a committee headed by K Kasturirangan in 2013.

15.5% Growth in Domestic Tourist visits

The data for DTVs, every year, is compiled by Ministry of Tourism based on the inputs received from all States/UTs. A higher growth rate is observed in the Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) during 2016, recording a marvelous growth rate of 15.5% over 2015. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have maintained the first and second rank respectively in terms of DTVs in 2016.

RIG to tie up with Catholic Syrian Bank

Reliance General Insurance is one of the leading private general insurance companies of India has announced a bancassurance tie-up with Catholic Syrian Bank. Now RGI will offer its insurance products to Catholic Syrian Bank’s customers across its branches in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Rare butterfly varieties spotted

Ayyanarkoil Falls, which is situated within the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary in Srivilliputhur, is also a habitat for very rare butterfly species. The Rajapalayam Butterfly Club, a wing of Wildlife Association of Rajapalayam has identified 220 species of butterflies here including the highly uncommon Silver Royal and Fluffy Tit. The Silver Royal is a rare species that we have spotted

HC for a about law Seemai Karuvelam

Madras HC has directed the Tamil Nadu government to pass a legislation, within 2 months, for weeding out Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) trees. Seemai Karuvelam an invasive species considered harmful to the environment, from public as well as private lands across the State. Court also ordered that the State allot adequate funds periodically for uprooting the trees.

Successfull test of GSLV Mark III engine

ISRO has successfully ground tested its indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage engine for GSLV Mark III at its Liquid Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The C25 uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination. The development of this will provide ISRO capability to launch four ton class satellites in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

Passports at PO from next month

From next month, people in select cities will be able to apply for passports in post offices under an ambitious initiative of the External Affairs Ministry. This is aimed at making the passport issuance process hassle-free and ease burden on passport offices. Initially they will be available in select post offices in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Edappadi Palaniswami sworn in as TN CM

Ending the political impasse in Tamil Nadu, Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao administered the oath of office to Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the 13th Chief Minister along with a Council of 30 Ministers. Mr. Palaniswami said he would take a floor test in the Assembly at 11.a.m. on 18th Feb. to prove his majority. Earlier Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam resigned from the post.

No Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu on Pongal

The Supreme Court rejected a plea seeking to allow the controversial sport Jallikattu played during Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. The court had reserved its verdict on petitions challenging Centre’s notification allowing the sport. On January 8, last year the Centre had issued a notification lifting ban on Jallikattu. In 2014, the court had banned Jallikattu on grounds of animal cruelty.

SC dismisses Tamil Nadu’s review plea

The Supreme Court has dismissed the pleas of the Tamil Nadu government and a convict seeking review of its judgement in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.The court, in its judgement, had ruled that the Centre has primacy over states’ right to grant remission.The review plea was dismissed by five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar,

Solar power capacity crosses 9 GW

Country’s solar power generation capacity stood at over 9 GW as on December 31, 2016 with Tamil Nadu having the largest output capability followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat.Total power generation capacity was 9,012 MW as on December 31, 2016.Tamil Nadu led the chart followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat, Power Minister Piyush Goyal informed the Rajya Sabha

Sasikala to become T.N. Chief Minister

2 months after Jayalalithaa’s death, her long-time friend and AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala was unanimously elected leader of the Legislature Party.She will become the third woman CM of Tamil Nadu. She is expected to assume office on February 7 or 9.As per the constitutional mandate, she has to get elected to the Assembly as a legislator within six months of taking charge as CM.

Single vaccine for measles and rubella

6 : MoHFW launched Measles Rubella vaccination campaign in the country at a function in Bengaluru.It is largest ever in any campaign against these 2 diseases will start from five States/UTs viz. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa & Lakshadweep covering nearly 3.6 crore target children. Under it all children aged between 9 months and less than 15 years will be given vaccination free of cost

Fall in yield of red gram

Farmers are keeping their fingers crossed in the wake of poor yield in red gram.According to farmers of Tiruppainjeeli area, they expected at least six tonnes from an acre. But, due to total failure of monsoon, they could hardly harvest even 100 kg. According to official sources, red gram is raised on about 2800 hectares, mainly in Musiri and Thottiyam blocks, in the district, Tamil Nadu.

Commonly used insecticide cause diabetes

A study by scientists at Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, has found evidence that chronic exposure to organophosphate insecticides induces diabetes in both humans and mice. The results were published in the journal Genome Biology. The study clearly shows the prevalence of diabetic conditions mediated by microbial degradation of the pesticide in humans,” says Subbiah Ramasamy.

ISRO Successfully tests GSLV Mk III

ISRO has successfully tested indigenously developed cryogenic engine for the upper stage GSLV Mk III rocket. The cryogenic upper stage,designated as C25,was tested for 50 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu.The second test is planned for flight duration of 640 seconds. Cryogenics engine challenges liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C & as liquid Hydrogen at -253 deg C in its tanks

TN traders to stop sales of Coke, Pepsi

An association of retailers in Tamil Nadu says it members will boycott the soft drink products of Pepsi and Coca-Cola from March 1. The stated reasons are that their products are not good for health and that these companies use water resources in Tamil Nadu and take the money they make out of the country. PepsiCo’s global chief, Indra Nooyi, hails from Tamil Nadu.

Jallikattu Ordinance draft

CG approved a draft Ordinance by the Tamilnadu state government to make an exception for bulls in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The draft Ordinance passed through four ministries – Environment, Animal Husbandry department of Agriculture Ministry, Law and finally Home. CG requested the SC to delay its judgment on the legality of Jallikattu.

Govt Approves More Homes Under PMAY

The govt has approved construction of more 78703 affordable houses for urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna in Tamil Nadu,Kerala & West Bengal. With an investment of ` 2956 cr which includes central assistance of ` 1180 cr,the govt approved around 52336 more houses.The total houses constructed are 15.48 lakh with an investment of ` 82708cr of which central assistance is ` 21125 cr

Tamil Nadu Launches Mobile App Pinakin

Tamil Nadu government has launched a mobile application Pinakin to provide information of famous tourist destinations in the state. The app will provide information on other major tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. Initially, it will cover world heritage tourist sites like Thanjavur Big Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Mamallapuram and Darasuram and soon include other places in the state.

Ex Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala Dies

Former Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala passed away. He had served as Punjab CM from 29 September 1985 to 11 June 1987. He also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was elected to Parliament in 1977 and was inducted in the Morarji Desai government as agriculture minister.

Crack in Earth’s magnetic shield

The world’s largest and most sensitive cosmic ray monitor, has recorded a burst of galactic cosmic rays that indicates a crack in the Earth’s magnetic shield. The burst occurred when a giant cloud of plasma ejected from the solar corona struck Earth. This was recorded by GRAPES-3 muon telescope located at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s Cosmic Ray Laboratory in Ooty in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Joins UDAY Scheme

Tamil Nadu has become the 21st state to join UDAY (Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana). The southern state signed the memorandum of understanding to join the revival package for discoms. The UDAY is a scheme to help revive debt stressed electricity distribution companies. With Tamil Nadu joining UDAY, over 90 percent of the total debts of discom companies will be covered under the scheme.

Australia Beat Pak to Sweep Series 3-0

Australia crushed Pakistan to sweep the series 3-0 on the fifth and final day of the third Cricket test in Sydney. The visitors were all out for 244 shortly before tea while chasing 465 runs. David Warner was named man of the match for his scintillating hundred before lunch on the opening day. Skipper Steve Smith was announced as the official player of the series.

Mumbai to Take on Gujarat in Ranji Final

Mumbai defeated Tamil Nadu to seal their berth in the final of Ranji Trophy for the record 46th time in the Ranji Trophy. Mumbai will now take on Gujarat in the final at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. The Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship played in India. The competition is named after first Indian Cricketer who played international cricket, Ranjitsinhji.

Sasikala Takes Charge as AIADMK Gen. Secy.

V K Sasikala took charge as AIADMK general secretary, the party’s top post. Sasikala formally assumed charge by signing papers. A meeting of AIADMK’s top decision making body, the general council, took the decision to appoint her as part general secretary. The long time close aide of late CM of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalitha fills up the post after it fell vacant with the demise of her mentor.

Jharkhand Enter Ranji Trophy Semi-finals

Jharkhand defeated Haryana by 5 wickets at Vadodara last evening to enter the Ranji Trophy semi-finals for the first time. With the win, Jharkhand has joined Tamil Nadu in the semi-final stage. Tamil Nadu had defeated Karnataka by 7 wickets in the other last-8 match. The remaining two quarter-finals are still being played. Mumbai is taking on Hyderabad, while Gujarat is playing Odisha.

Cyclone Vardah: Central team visiting TN to assess damage

The Inter-Ministerial team, deputed by the Centre to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Vardah in Tamil Nadu, is reaching Chennai dec. 28.
An official release said that Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry Praveen Vashista will lead the nine-member team which also includes members of Departments of Finance, Agriculture, Health, Rural Development and Road Transport. The team is scheduled to hold consultations with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam before undertaking visits of the affected parts in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallore. It will assess the damage caused to agriculture, industries, infrastructure and other sectors, and submit its report to the Centre. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had, earlier this month, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and submitted a memorandum, pegging the estimated funds requirement for reconstruction and restoration works at around Rs. 22,500 crore. He had also sought an immediate assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore.

Cyclone Vardah To Hit TN,Andhra Coast

Cyclonic storm ‘Vardah’ will make landfall between north Tamil Nadu & south Andhra Pradesh. Ahead of Cyclone Vardah’s landfall, heavy rains pounded the entire north coastal Tamil Nadu & Nellore in southern Andhra Pradesh. Vardah – which means red rose has gained in speed and intensity on its journey across the Bay of Bengal. The army, navy, air force & coast guard have been put on standby.

TN Recommend Jaya Name for Bharat Ratna

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet decided to recommend late AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa for ‘Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian honour of the country. It also proposes to the Centre to install her life-size bronze statue in Parliament complex. The meeting was chaired by CM O Panneerselvam. It was also proposed to raise a memorial building for the leader at the MGR Memorial site.

Noted Journalist Cho Ramaswamy Dies

Political satirist & founder editor of Thuglak magazine, Srinivasa Iyer Ramaswamy popularly known as Cho Ramaswamy passed away. He was an advisor to former Tamilnadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He was fearless in criticising the ruling government in the state or at the centre. He has also directed several movies and was also a screen play writer.

Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa Passes Away

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa passed away. She had scored a historic win in Tamil Nadu assembly elections about six months ago. A film actress Jayalalithaa had entered the politics in early 1980s under the guidance of her mentor MG Ramachandran. A five-time Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa pioneered a string of social sector schemes like ‘cradle to baby scheme’.

Panneerselvam is New Tamil Nadu CM

After the demise of AIADMK supremo & Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, her loyalist O Panneerselvam has been sworn in as Chief Minister. The AIADMK MLAs met at the party headquarters to elect Mr Panneerselvam as the successor to Jayalalithaa. He is the 19th CM of Tamil Nadu and was unanimously elected. Tamil Nadu government has announced a seven-day State Mourning.

Rishabh hits fastest 100 in first class

Delhi’s young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant hit fastest ever 100 in Indian first class cricket. Pant eclipsed a 28-year old record set by former Tamil Nadu opener VB Chandrasekhar, who reached the three-figure mark in 56 balls against Rest of India. He was not picked for India A’s tour of Australia this season and said that it acted as a trigger to score tons of runs this season.

128th Anniversary of Sir CV Raman

The 128th anniversary of Nobel laureate Bharat Ratna Sir CV Raman is being celebrated. Sir CV Raman was born on Nov7 in the year 1888 at Thiruvanaikaval in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. Sir CV Raman discovered Raman effect – scattering of light which makes the sea & clear sky look blue. India celebrates National Science Day every year on February 28 to mark the discovery of Raman Effect.

India to get power from wind plants

India will get electricity generated by wind-propelled plants installed in Gujarat TN in about 5 years as part of the country’s green energy development programmes. A FOWIND consortium has done a series of report on wind conditions for wind-generated electricity and its integration into a grid along the coastlines of Guj & TN. FOWIND is supported by the Indo-European Coop on Renewable Energy program.

Current Events October 2016 – Tamilnadu

• All-party meet to decide Cauvery dispute
Karnataka is looking to the BJP and the Centre to bail it out with a political solution to the SC’s order for setting up of the Cauvery Management Board. SC has ordered to release water at the rate of 6,000 cusecs a day from October 1 to 6 from the state’s reservoirs to Tamil Nadu. CM Siddaramaiah has called an all-party meet to take a joint decision on the matter.
• K’taka Decides to Release Cauvery Water
Karnataka has started the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The move in compliance with the Supreme Court order to release water to Tamil Nadu. A resolution was passed at a special legislative session to release water to farmers in the Cauvery basin for irrigation & drinking water. The sharing of waters of the Cauvery river has been the source of a serious conflict between TN & Karnataka.
• Cabinet Approves First Medical Park
The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a Medical Devices Manufacturing Park (Medipark) at Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram District in Tamil Nadu. The Medipark project will be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country. It envisaged to boost local manufacturing of hi-end products at a significantly lower cost.
• North-East Monsoon Arrives in Tamil Nadu
The much awaited north-east monsoon, normally expected in Oct-Nov, has arrived in Tamil Nadu. It is expected to bring good rains in various parts of the state in the coming days. The arrival of northeast monsoon in TN has brought cheers to delta farmers as they need water till Jan 28 to save samba crops. The met office has forecast that north east monsoon is most likely to be normal.

Current Events September 2016 – Tamilnadu

• Regional News Editors’ Conference Begins
Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated Regional News Editors’ Conference in Chennai. The conference is Organized by the Press Information Bureau. The two days conference will discuss the policies and initiatives of key Ministries. The participants will be apprised of the key programs and roadmap for the future pertaining to flagship schemes.
• Karnataka Releases Cauvery Water
Karnataka government has decided to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. A decision has been taken to release water as directed by the apex court. Tamil Nadu had moved court after Karnataka released far less water this year than was decided. The water of the Cauvery river flows through Karnataka & then into Tamil Nadu was originally divided according to nearly century-old agreements.
• Karnataka seeks change in SC order
Succumbing to political pressure and public protests, the Karnataka government filed a plea to modify a Supreme Court order directing it to share Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu. The plea, for an urgent hearing in the matter, will be placed before Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur. Justice Misra’s Bench on September 5 passed the interim order for release of 15,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu.
• Indowind to invest in 10 MW plant
Indowind Energy, an independent power producer, has decided to set up 10 MW wind energy project in Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The planned investment is about ` 65 crore for the project. The company is planning to set up a 25 MW unit either in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka with an investment of ` 150 crore.
• Adani Unveils Largest Solar Plant in TN
The Adani Group has opened the world’s largest single location solar power plant in Tamil Nadu, which will produce 648MW of electricity. The plant was built at Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district at a cost of around ` 4,550 crore. The plant has been connected to a 400 kilo volts substation of Tamil Nadu Transmission Corp. The plant was built in a record time of eight months.
• T.N. Assembly Passes Resolution
The Tamil Nadu assembly has passed a resolution asking the Centre to prevail upon Kerala & Karnataka govts not to construct any structures across the Siruvani & the Cauvery rivers.The resolution said the Siruvani was an inter-state river and a “sub-tributary” of the Cauvery.The Siruvani River is a river near Coimbatore & is tributary of Bhavani river which in turn is a tributary of Cauvery.
• Swadesh Darshan Projects Get Govt Nod
Centre has approved 450 crore rupees for Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh & Sikkim under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.The scheme was launched with an objective to develop 13 theme-based tourist circuits in the country.Ramayana circuit’ in U.P. with a project cost of Rs 70 crore was approved, while ‘heritage circuits’ in M.P. & Uttarakhand were also sanctioned .
• Karnataka erupts over SC order
One person died and four were injured in police firing during violence in Karnataka. The situation worsened after the Supreme Court ordered that Cauvery water continue to flow to Tamil Nadu. The court, reduced the quantum of daily water release ordered earlier, from 15,000 cusecs to 12,000 cusecs.
• UP, Bihar – India’s youngest population
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar’s populations have the lowest median ages or youngest populations in India. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have the highest median ages, according to Census 2011 data, compiled by Bengaluru-based think tank Takshashila Institution. The median age is the age which divides the population into two equal halves.

Carborundum Universal inaugurates R&D centre at Hosur

Murugappa Group firm Carborundum Universal (CUMI) inaugurated its Research and Development centre at its industrial ceramics division in Hosur, Tamil Nadu (TN). The centre was inaugurated by M M Murugappan, Chairman of CUMI and Vice Chairman of Murugappa Group, along with others.

A.R. Rahman honoured with Tamil Ratna Award

Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has been honoured by the America Tamil Sangam with its Tamil Ratna Award. Presenting the award after Rahman’s concert at the United Nations General Assembly chamber. Rahman was invited at the UNGA to perform a concert to honour M.S. Subbulakshmi, the doyen of Carnatic music. The concert was sponsored by India’s UN Mission and Sankara Nethralaya, a Chennai-based charity organisation.

CLRI scientist bags A P J Abdul Kalam award

Central Leather Research Institute’s (CLRI) Principal Scientist P Shanmugam has bagged the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award for meritorious services in the Higher Education Department of Tamil Nadu (TN). Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the award comprising a certificate, ` 5 lakh cheque and 8 gram gold medal.

Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa announces hike in pension to freedom fighters

Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa has announced ` 1,000 increase in the freedom fighters pension from ` 11,000. The announcement came during her address after unfurling national flag at Fort St. George on the occasion of Independence Day.

Veteran Tamil writer-producer Panju Arunachalam has passed away

Veteran film producer, script, lyricist and screenplay writer of Tamil cinema Mr. Panju Arunachalam has passed away following a brief illness. Mr. Panju Arunachalam was born on 18th June 1941 at Sirukoodalpatti, Karaikudi, in Tamil Nadu. He is popular for writing over 100 Tamil films, including hits like Murattu Kaalai, Sakalakala Vallavan, and Apoorva Sagodhargal. He worked with Rajinikanth in 23 films, including Kazhugu, Pokkiri Raja, and Paayum Puli among others.

Yester year Tamil actress Jyothi lakshmi has passed away

Popular southern actress Jyothi Lakshmi has passed away at age 63. She was suffering from blood cancer for a while and had been undergoing a treatment. She made her film debut in TR Ramanna’s Tamil film Periya Idathu Penn that had actors Saroja Devi and MG Ramachandran in the lead in 1963 at the age of 10. Jyothi starred in over 300 southern films, Telugu and Tamil films such as “Pilla Pidagu”, “Bangara Babu” and “Gandharva Kanya”. she went on to star mostly in dance numbers and negative roles. Her last on-screen appearance was in last year’s Tamil adult comedy “Trisha Illana Nayanthara”.

Yoga guru TKV Desikachar passes away

Renowned Yoga Guru TKV Desikachar has passed away following a brief illness in Chennai. He was 78 years old. He was known for transforming the way yoga was practiced and turned it into both a wellness concept and a therapy. He also founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram where today about 1000 students visit every month to learn yoga.

Kotturpuram to get wholesale fish market

First lovers and fish mongers in the city might soon not have to wait in scorching heat under tarpaulin roofs to sell or buy fishes. The Greater Chennai Corporation begins construction of modern wholesale fish market at Kotturpuram at a cost of Rs. 8 crore. According to data available with the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, fish and fish products are sold through an estimated 96 markets spread within the city and neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram. Retail fish sellers from these markets depend on five centres in the city for wholesale trade Chintadripet, Zam Bazaar, Patalllam (Perambur), Saidapet and Vanagaram.

King’s Institute to resume anti-venom serum production

With the inauguration of new facilities, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has revived the production of anti-venom serum for snake bite at the King’s Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research at Guindy, stopped since 2000. The centre, built at a cost of Rs. 16.72 crore, also has separate sections for quality control and blood analysis. She inaugurated the facility through video conferencing at the Secretariat on August 5. The Chief Minister also inaugurated 14 primary health centres, buildings for maternity wards, residential quarters for doctors etc., constructed at a total cost of Rs. 70.69 crore.

Integrated modern rice mill to come up at Valangaiman

In an attempt to ensure total transparency in procurement process at the Direct Procurement Centres, the Tamil Nadu government on 5th August announced a slew of measures. One of the important announcements, which Chief Minister Jayalalithaa termed as a flagship initiative, was the proposal to set up an integrated modern rice mill with a capacity to handle 30,000 metric tonnes of paddy at Valangaiman in Tiruvarur at a cost of Rs. 20 crore. This would avoid delay in bringing rice meant for PDS from rice mills and the increasing transportation charges, Jayalalithaa said. She announced setting up of two godowns of 10,000 metric tonne capacity each at Kottur and Needamangalam in the district at a total cost of Rs. 40 crore. She said silos would be set up in Thanjavur and Thiruvarur district, each with a capacity to handle 15,000 metric tonnes, at a total cost of Rs. 40 crore.

e-purchase of paddy from TN farmers

Aiming at setting right the shortcomings in the present system and to ensure total transparency in procurement process at the Direct Procurement Centres, the Tamil Nadu government on 5th August announced a slew of measures including e-procurement, setting up an integrated modern rice mill, godowns and silos at the heart of the Cauvery Delta among other places.

Showcasing a piece of traditional Tamil art & culture

Though the Tamil Isai College was established 60 years ago, only about 150 students have enrolled. The college offers courses in ancient. Tamil musical instruments. College authorities decided to spread awareness about the school at the Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair on 3rd August N. Padmini, a Bharatanatyam lecturer at the college said, “This is the first time we are setting up a stall here. We feel that nobody knows that such a college exists.” The college was started in 1932 by Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiyar in Chidambaram and eventually found its place at the Raja Annamalai Mandram. Besides music and dance, the college has classes in Tamil history and literature. The college is on the top floor of the hall, but the teacher claimed that not many know of its existence.

Power surplus Tamil Nadu is reality, not an illusion, says Jaya

Intervening the speech of P. Ranganathan (DMK) in the State Assembly during the discussion on demands for grants for energy department, the Chief Minister said the DMK member had repeatedly said the State government was trying to create an illusion that Tamil Nadu was a power surplus state.

No. of family card holders crosses two-crore mark in State

The number of family cards, which stood around 1.91 crore till recently, had crossed the two-crore mark. As on June 30, there are 2,03,64,386 family cards on Tamil Nadu. Of them, 1,91,53,352 cards are green cards (rice option cards) to get all commodities from the ration shops. There are 10,79,387 white cards (sugar option cards) which could be used for getting all commodities except rice. There are as many as 66,478 khaki cards (police cards) which are eligible for getting all commodities while there are 65,169 no commodity cards which are used as residential proof.

Call it TN HC, says House resolution

The Tamil Nadu State Assembly on 31st July unanimously adopted a resolution moved by the Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, urging the Centre to change the name of Madras High Court to Tamil Nadu High Court instead of Chennai High Court as proposed. The Chief Minister also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to amend the High Courts (Alteration of Names) Bill, 2016, introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 19 to change the names of the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras and annexed a copy of the resolution with the communication.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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