Chennai Corporation elections for 100 wards on Feb 18 Monday, January 29, 2007 | Nayan
Fresh elections for 100 wards in Chennai Corporation, which fell vacant following the resignation of councellors belonging to ruling DMK-led alliance, will be held on February 18.Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner D Chandrasekaran yesterday said filing of nominations would begin on January 29 and continue till February 5. The nominations would be scrutinised on February 6 and the last date of withdrawal of nominations would be February 8.
Jayalalithaa gets notice for encroachment Monday, January 29, 2007 | Nayan
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa said that the Andhra Pradesh had sent her a notice saying that it would take possession of her vineyard at Kompally near Hyderabad as she had encroached upon government land. Denying that the vineyard stood on government land, Ms Jayalalithaa accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy of indulging in political vendetta against her for supporting the Telugu Desam in its agitations against Dr Reddy.
Get good music from Yuvan Shankar Raja Sunday, January 28, 2007 | Nayan
Paruthi Veeran, the debutant venture of Suriyas brother Karthi, has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. He made his first attempt to compose music for rural songs and has succeeded in it.He has proved that he is the son of maestro Ilayaraja. The songs of this movie have come out well. Besides the songs, the background music is sure to make the audience blend with the movie says director Ameer.
M Karunanidhi said that it was Jayalalithaa who had said in the AIADMK election manifesto during the Assembly elections last year that her party would crusade for the accomplishment of Sethusamudram project.He was reacting to reporters questions here about Jayalalithaas statement yesterday threatening to move court if the dredging in Ramar Sethu or Adams bridge area in the Palk Straits for Sethusamudram shipping canal project was not given up. Karunanidhi said,It was only Jayalalithaa who had categorically mentioned in her poll manifesto that the AIADMK would crusade for the accomplishment of the Sethusamudram project. She had even said that she would not sleep or eat without executing it.
Asia Cinema Today International Exhinition launched Friday, January 26, 2007 | Nayan
To commemorate 75 years of the Indian Talkie, BuySell Interactions Pvt Ltd is organizing an International Exhibition for the first time in -Asia Cinema Today 2007- a Technical show for the Complete Cinema & Television Industry. Latest technology, sevices and products that are available globally will be showcased at the expo scheduled for 16, 17 & 18 th Feb 2007 at Chennai Trade Centre. A parallel event, Talkie 75 A Research Programme has been planned to analyse the past and to work for the betterment of future Indian Cinema.Minister for Information and Publicity, Thiru Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, is launching 'Talkie 75' and Cinema Today at Sesh Mahal, Hotel Green Park, Vadapalani. Stay tuned for event stills.
Microsoft to open its offices in six cities Thursday, January 25, 2007 | Nayan
Microsoft Corporation is opening offices in six cities of the country. The offices will be opened at Coimbatore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Nagpur and Chandigarh.With the expansion, Microsoft will have presence in 13 cities in the country, a company release said here.The expansion strategy would include establishing a direct sales infrastructure, broadening partner eco system and market education initiatives and programmes, it said.Microsoft, with an enhanced presence, would enable the small and mid-market organisations to easily access a comprehensive portfolio of its products and services, faster deployment of customised solutions and increased support from both the company and its partners.
IT raids on Vijaykant house Thursday, January 25, 2007 | Nayan
Alleging that the IT raids on his house and party offices were politically motivated, actor and DMDK leader Vijaykant claimed such actions would only result in more support for him among the people and pilot him to power.Talking to reporters here, he said he was filing his income returns properly every year and in fact he was having a debt of Rs 7.5 crore.He had only sought time to provide details on his assets and income, Vijaykant said.
Vijay's Pokiri has done well Thursday, January 25, 2007 | Nayan
Vijays Pokkiri, one of the releases this Pongal, has done well at the box-office. The film is a super hit in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and featured in the U.K. top 20 for its impressive opening. Says Vijay: The first time I saw the Telugu version, I knew the subject had a universal appeal. If you had noticed, I was influenced by Mahesh Babus body language and mannerisms. I sported a new look — that of a king — for the first time in one of the songs, thanks to Prabhu Deva. He says the credit for the success of the film goes to Prabhu who has packaged it well. Added to that Mani Sharmas music is foot tapping. Producer Boney Kapoor is now going to remake Pokkiri in Hindi with Salman Khan as the hero and Prabhu Deva as the director!
Republic Day special: Southern Railway announced special trains Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | Nayan
To clear extra rush of passengers in connection with Republic Day and Moharram festival, Southern Railway will run special trains to Coimbatore from Chennai Central. 1) Chennai Central Coimbatore Chennai Central Specials: Train No.0623 Chennai Central Coimbatore Special will leave Chennai Central at 22.20 hrs on January 24, 26 and 28 and arrive Coimbatore at 07.15 hrs the next day. Train No.0624 Coimbatore Chennai Central Special will leave Coimbatore at 23.45 hrs on January 25, 27 and 29 and arrive Chennai Central at 08.30 hrs the next day. The trains will stop at Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode and Tiruppur. Train No. 0624 will stop at Perambur also. The composition of the trains will be 1 AC 2-tier, 1 AC 3-tier, 10 Sleeper Class, 3 General Second Class and 2 luggage-cum-brake van coaches. 2) Chennai Central Coimbatore Special: Train No.0625 Chennai Central Coimbatore Special will leave Chennai Central at 22.00 hrs on January 27 and arrive Coimbatore at 08.15 hrs the next day. The train will stop at Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode and Tiruppur. The composition of the trains will be 1 AC 2-tier, 1 AC 3-tier, 10 Sleeper Class, 3 General Second Class and 2 luggage-cum-brake van coaches.
Non vegeratians were switching over to vegetarianism Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | Nayan
Most of the non-vegetarians in Tamil Nadu were switching over to vegetarianism due to the spiralling prices of mutton and chicken, Congress member C Gnanasekaran said in the State Assembly. The prices of mutton and chicken are not affordable to the middle class. I myself have become a vegetarian, he said amidst laughter by members. He suggested that the government itself should sell mutton and chicken at prices lower than that in the open market.
Prabhu Deva to direct Bollywood movie Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | Nayan
Director cum choreographer Prabhu Deva is ready to direct a Bollywood movie. Prabhu deva has decided to do this project. This Hindi movie is produced by Poni Kapoor, and Prabhu Deva has scripted it. Bollywood heart throb Salman Khan is playing the lead role in this movie. Prabhu Deva will start working on this project after the completion of Chiranjeevis Telugu movie Shankarthatha Jindhabad.
Kamal attends book release function Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | Nayan
Tamil hero Kamal Hasan released G. Gnanasambandans Cinemavukku Pohalamvaanga and Vazhviyal Nahaisuvai at Chennai Bharathi Illam. Seetha Ravi, editor of Kalki magazine received the book from Kamal Hassan. Lyricist Vairamuthu and writer Sujatha were also present in this function.G. Gnanasambandan is a Tamil lecture of Thiyagarajar College, Madurai. He is well known as an excellent speaker and he has also been the moderator for several debates.
AIADMK and MDMK demands CM resignation Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | Nayan
The AIADMK and the MDMK announced that they would boycott the rest of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session demanding the resignation of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, in the wake of a split verdict by the Madras High Court on the Chennai Corporation polls.Talking to media outside the Assembly, Deputy Leader of the AIADMK O Panneerselvam and MDMKs Deputy Leader Cumbum Ramakrishnan said one of the two judges had observed that there were widespread violence during elections to 99 wards in Chennai Corporation.They said the Chief Minister and Local Administration Minister M K Stalin should resign owning moral responsibility.
Maxis Communication to tie up with Sun Thursday, January 18, 2007 | Nayan
Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, whose Maxis Communications is in race for acquiring Hutch Essar, is understood to have recently visited India for partnering Maran family promoted Sun TV in DTH business. The DTH joint venture is sought to be forged between Krishnan-promoted Astro All Asia Networks Plc and a company belonging to the Sun TV Group promoted by Kalanidhi Maran, the brother of Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran.According to sources following the developments said Krishnan paid a silent visit to the national capital over the weekend to meet key Cabinet Ministers.Spokespersons for Maxis as well as Astro did not respond to queries related to Krishnans visit to India and whether his meetings were related to either Maxis bid for Hutch-Essar or alliance with Sun TV.
Chennai Citi Center to gets INOX theatres Thursday, January 18, 2007 | Nayan
Chennais movie goers will have a new and exciting location to view the latest blockbuster hits with the opening of INOX at Chennai Citi Center, Radhakrishnan Salai.INOX is the first national multiplex chain to open in Chennai and will house four screens and 909 seats. INOX Chennai will be the 13th multiplex in the INOX chain and promises to revolutionise the movie going experience in Chennai.All INOX multiplex properties are located in premium locations and symbolise excellence in design, ambience, features, safety and service.
Pirappu Thursday, January 18, 2007 | Nayan
SRM Films Intl Pirappu is a new film whose audio is being launched. Music for this film is by Bharadwaj. This film, directed by L.V. Ilangovan, has a new hero and Karthika as the heroine. Pirappu is produced under the SRM banner by H.G. Pramila Ganesh. The film is loosely based on the smash hit English film Pay It Forward and talks about how every persons birth should be useful to other people.
TN retained their place in Ranji Saturday, January 13, 2007 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu retained their place in the Elite Group of the Ranji Trophy national cricket championship with an outright win over former champions Baroda here today.But the hosts nearly conspired to lose as they made heavy weather of a meagre target before eventually emerging winners by a two-wicket margin on the last day of the four-day game in Group A at the Guru Nanak College ground here.Chasing a target of 116 and needing 87 runs from 90 overs with nine wickets on hand, Tamil Nadu developed cold feet when in sight of victory, tumbling from 101-4 to 108-8.
Hydeabad-Bangalore Air Deccan flight diverted Saturday, January 13, 2007 | Nayan
An Air Deccan flight with 48 passengers on board on the Hyderabad-Bangalore sector was diverted to Chennai this morning due to low visibility at Bangalore, airport sources said. The plane was to have landed at Bangalore at 7.15 AM. It left for Bangalore at 9.55 AM after visibility improved.
Tamilnadu spinners to the fore Thursday, January 11, 2007 | Nayan
Tamil Nadu spinners R Aswin (5/65) and S Vidyuth (3/47) did the star turn for the hosts, dismissing Baroda for 263 in their first innings on the first day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match.Batting first, Baroda opener Satyajit Parab was run out by M Vijay for 14 and then Connor Williams was caught at mid-wicket with the score at 53.At this stage, captain Jacob Martin (57--9 fours) and Rajesh Solanki (49-6 fours) steadied the innings putting on valuable 110 runs in 24.3 overs for the third wicket before the former made his exit clean bowled by Aswin.
Pollachi student to enter the Guinness Book Thursday, January 11, 2007 | Nayan
A fourth-year software engineering student of a college at Pollachi, near here, is currently attempting to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by continuously typing for 140 hours.Twenty-one-year-old A M Mohammed Zulfikarali of Sree Saraswath Thyagaraja College started his attempt on January 8 at the computer centre of the college to try and beat the existing 120-hour record and has so far completed 73 hours of typing.Zulfikarali is typing a book of World Famous Speeches and has so far completed 288 of the 388 pages. He takes rest for five minutes every hour, as per Guinness rules.
Combing operations in Tamil Nadu Monday, January 8, 2007 | Nayan
Combing operations in the forest areas of Vellore have been intensified after information was received that there would be possible intrusion of Naxals from Andhra Pradesh into the state through the borders. During interrogation, the accused in the recent rocket launcher case had revealed to the Andhra Pradesh police that Naxal groups were planning to cross borders and enter Tamil Nadu, police said.
DMK misusing power: Vaiko Monday, January 8, 2007 | Nayan
MDMK chief Vaiko alleged that the DMK government was using the police to register false cases against AIADMK and MDMK functionaries, destroying the credibility of police force. In a statement here, he charged that the state government had filed a false case against his party's general council member N P Muniyasamy belonging to Virudhunagar district in a bid to prevent him from attending the MDMK general council meeting convened by him on January 10.
Illayaraja remix songs as cellphone ring tones Saturday, January 6, 2007 | Nayan
Ring tones...It is very becoming a hobby for everyone. Illayaraja son Karthik Raja has come out the remix of the songs of Illayaraja to set as cell phone ring tones. He has titled these songs as Illayaraja Rules. Altosys and Pypro mobile companies are releasing these songs. In this event eminent persons from Altosys and Pypro companies, Dheethendra and many other VIPs participated.Kamal Haasan, Shreya Ghosal, Karthik, Sujatha, Vijay Yesudas has rendered songs for this remix album.
New movies for Pongal Saturday, January 6, 2007 | Nayan
The much awaited movie to be released before Pongal is Paruthiveeran. This movie features leading actor Suriyas brother Karthik and Priyamani in the lead roles. Ameer who directed the critically acclaimed movie Raam has wielded the megaphone. Karthik has also rendered his voice for a song in this movie. This movie hits the theatres on the day of Pongal. The Censor Board has given U/A certificate for this movie. This movies music is by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Ameer has given block buster hits like Mounam Pesiyadhe and Raam.
Mullaiperiyar dam issue: Reservoir in dangerous condition Saturday, January 6, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu government should explain to the people the reasons for deciding to withdraw unilaterally from talks with Kerala on the Mullaiperiyar dam issue, Kerala Water Resources Minister N K Preamchandran said at Thiruvananthapuram.Tamilnadu PWD Minister K Duraimurugan should mention the reasons for ending discussions with Kerala on the issue as he had announced after parleys in Delhi on December 12 that further talks would continue, he said in an official release here.A cement portion falling down from the parapet wall of the dam only strengthens Keralas contention that the 111yearold reservoir was in a dangerous condition, he said.
Entrance tests should be stopped: PMK Thursday, January 4, 2007 | Nayan
PMK, an ally of the UPA government at the Centre, today demanded that entrance tests for admission to higher educational institutions be stopped immediately as the bill to provide 27 per cent reservation for OBC students was yet to get Presidential nod. PMK founder S Ramadoss told reporters here that though the bill providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions was passed by Parliament, it was to get Presidential assent before it became a law.Higher educational institutions like IITs had called for applications for entrance tests for admission, which should be stopped immediately, he said.
Sankararaman murder case posted for Feb 2nd Thursday, January 4, 2007 | Nayan
A local court today posted the hearing in the Sankararaman murder case, allegedly involving Kanchi acharyas Jayendra Saraswathi and Vijayendra Saraswathi, for February 2.Puducherry Principal District and Session Judge M Chinnapandi posted the case for February 2, as a Special Leave Petition related to the case was pending before the Supreme Court.The SLP has been given on the appearance of the Tamil Nadu special public prosecutor in the case which is being heard here.
Free health treatment would continue: Karuna Thursday, January 4, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu government has no plan to privatise primary health centres (PHCs) in the state and free treatment to patients would continue, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said today.Writing in DMKs party organ Murasoli, Karunanidhi said his government had only announced setting up of Patients Welfare Association in each centre. The move followed the Centre's announcement that it would provide Rs 30 crore every year as subsidy to such associations.They would help in better functioning of the primary health centres and would not be allowed to interfere in their administration. Moreover, the associations too would be headed by government officials, the Chief Minister said.
