Pondicherry Past and Present CD released Monday, April 30, 2007 | Nayan
A compact disc depicting the rich and varied history of the Union territory of Puducherry since its creation in the 17th century was released here on Sunday. The French Institute of Pondicherry and Ecole Francaise d Extreme Orient released the CD titled Pondicherry Past and Present .The CD, conceived by French historian Jean Deloche, offers a look at the three centuries of struggle between the French and the British in establishing their colonial empires in India. Mr Deloche has in the CD used texts, illustrations, photos and maps preserved in French archives to take the viewer from the Colonial era to the present day emergence of the UT as a popular tourist destination.
Mylapore Srinivasa Perumal will be glittering with 108 swarna pushpam Monday, April 30, 2007 | Nayan
The daily pooja at the renowned Srinivasa Perumal temple in Mylapore in Chennai will be glittering when the temple priests use the 108 swarna pushpam (flowers made of gold) for performing the nithya puja. The specially made flowers, costing Rs 9 lakh and weighing one sovereign each, would be used from the Lord’s Incarnation Day falling on April 30. They would be used for the first time during the special puja that would be performed at 6 pm on Monday in connection with the Lords 83rd Incarnation Day coinciding with Hasta nakshatram (the day on which the Lord’s idol was installed).
Madras Telugu Academy felicitates ANR Monday, April 30, 2007 | Nayan
Telugu thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao went on a nostalgic trip at the Samaikya Bharath Gaurav Satkar 2007 presentation function held under the aegis of the Madras Telugu Academy here on Sunday evening. My film acting roots are in Madras. More than Hyderabad I know the streets and places in Madras better, he said and explained, I have my sentiments in Madras. I came to Madras as an orphan and went back as an actor. Presiding over the function, Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao said despite his long innings of 66 years in acting, he was still a learner.
Vellore Institute of Technology 2007-08 results announced Monday, April 30, 2007 | Nayan
Students from Andhra Pradesh walked away with the top honours in the all-India engineering entrance examination conducted by the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) for the academic year 2007-08. Garimella Jagannadh Kashyap of Vishakhapattanam, Naga Vamsi Krishna Talupula of Eluru and G Avinash from Hyderabad won the first, second and third ranks respectively in the examination in which 88,491 students from all over the country tried their luck for 1345 seats in various branches of engineering. Announcing the results of the examination here, G Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT deemed university, told reporters that the counseling for the allotment of specific branches would begin on May 21. He also announced a slew of scholarships for meritorious students.
CPM opposing SEZs: T.K.Rangarajan Monday, April 30, 2007 | Nayan
The CPM refuted as baseless the criticism that it had allowed other political parties to hijack its agenda, whether it was in opposing the entry of multi-nationals and corporate sector into retail trading or the creation of satellite towns and special economic zones. CPMs central committee member T.K. Rangarajan asserted that his party never lost its focus and continued to press ahead with its crusades. He also took pains to stress the fight against corporate giants’ entry into retail trade was almost a lost cause when India had already signed the GATT agreement. At the same time, he noted, We are resisting the entry of multi-nationals into retail trade. As for the native corporate sector, we are preparing a note suggesting ways and means of regulating their operation in retail trade. Rangarajan wished to know where were the political parties that are now opposing Reliance and other companies when GATT agreement was signed.
Government would formulate youth policy: Mohideen Khan Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu government would formulate a policy for youth aimed at developing their skills, sports, youth welfare and environment minister T. P. M. Mohideen Khan told the Assembly. Replying to the demand for grants for his department, the minister said the move would help the state become the first in the country to bring out such a policy. Besides relaying the synthetic athletic track at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here at a cost of Rs.2.5 crore, the government would establish synthetic tennis courts at Tirunelveli and Salem districts at a cost of Rs.14 lakh, Mr. Khan said.
Sancturies establishment is not an easy: Minister Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Nayan
The government would enhance the tree cover in the forest and nonforest areas by planting six crore seedlings this year, state forest minister N. Selvaraj said. Replying to the demand for grants to his department in the Assembly, Mr Selvaraj said special emphasis was given to this activity by planting 5.74 crore seedlings last year. Referring to a plea on setting up sanctuaries by AIADMK legislator R. Vaithalingam, the minister said establishing sanctuaries was not an easy task as these required fulfilment of several procedures and obtaining environmental clearance.
SEMC decides to conduct study on coral reefs and marine species Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Nayan
The Sethusamudram Environmental Monitoring Committee which met recently in Chennai has decided to conduct a detailed study of the coral reefs and marine species found near six islands close to the dredging site located in the Gulf of Mannar.Chairman of the monitoring committee Dr S. Kannaiyan said the study would be first started on the Singla Island, about 40 nautical miles from the ongoing dredging site.The outcome of the study would be critically examined to ensure that there is no threat to marine species. Unlike earlier studies, this one was more sensitive as it would be more focussed on coral reef with reference to sea current and waves.
Karuna seeks Centres advise on Vaiko Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Nayan
M. Karunanidhi expressed his anguish at the LTTE killing and abducting Indian fishermen at sea and said he would move the Centre to secure the release of the 12 fishermen in the Tigers custody since early March. He would also seek the Centres advice on the course of action to be taken against MDMK leader Vaiko for his proclamation of absolute and unstinted support for the proscribed LTTE and its pursuit of a separate Tamil state of Eelam in Lanka, the chief minister told the state Assembly on Saturday. He was responding to several agitated opposition members raising the two issues, of the LTTE targeting Indian fishermen and Mr Vaiko’s Tiger rhetoric, n the House and demanding action.
Astrology changes name for Tamil stars? Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Nayan
Many times, the observations say that heroines change their names for film industry. That is one aspect. The flip side of that is that they carry on with different names in different industries. Nisha Kothari, the heroine of Shiva 2006 and James is now acting in Telugu movie Okka Magadu and also with Nitin in another film. She is debuting in Tamil films and she is being called Amoha there. Farzana, the heroine of Telugu movie Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw is being called Jenny in Kollywood. Similarly Kousha is being called Saara there. We already know that Telugu actress Raasi used to be called Mantra in Kollywood.
Groupism came to force once again in TN Congress Friday, April 27, 2007 | Nayan
The groupism in the Tamil Nadu Congress came to the fore once again with a section of MLAs accusing Congress Legislature Party leader D. Sudarsanam of favouring only the MLAs belong to the erstwhile Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) launched by the late G.K. Moopanar The meeting held at Mr Sudarsanams office at the Secretariat witnessed heated arguments between MLAs loyal to Union minister Vasan and those who remained with the Congress when Moopanar launched his party in 1996.
Kumbabhishekam for 600 year old Ramar temple Friday, April 27, 2007 | Nayan
The kumbabhishekam of the 600yearold Ramar temple in Vilacheri near Thirunagar in Madurai district will be performed after 104 years on June 17. A stone inscription in Tamil lyric found near the temple says that the Pattabhishekam Ramar temple was established in the year 1406. The temple which is now in a state of ruin , is one of the very few which have been dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort Seetha in this part of Tamil Nadu.
Mullaperiyar dam: Government sending high level technical committee Friday, April 27, 2007 | Nayan
For the first time after the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on February 27, 2006, allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam, the state government is sending a high-level technical committee to elicit views on the present status of the dam. The five-member expert committee headed by dam expert R.K. Sharma from Delhi, former director of the national water development agency, which arrived in Chennai on Thursday, will carry out assessment work in the reservoir on Saturday. The members of the expert committee include Mr Agarwal and Mr Jatane from Uttar Pradesh, Mr Sahu from Orissa and Mr Subba Rao from Andhra Pradesh.
We would not permit LTTE: Karuna Friday, April 27, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu government would not permit any activities of the banned LTTE in the state, chief minister M. Karunanidhi declared in the Assembly. They dont have any work in Tamil Nadu and they will not have any work. We will not give room for any of their activities in the state, he said, refuting a charge by the AIADMK and the Congress that the LTTE had a free run in Tamil Nadu and that its activities were on the rise in the state in recent months.
Arputha Theevy - an adventure story Thursday, April 26, 2007 | Nayan
Arputha Theevy is an adventure story on the lines of Gullivers Travels, with its giants and Lilliputans, the film was released in Malayalam about a year ago. Now it comes to Tamil with some of its portions dubbed in Tamil, and some others re-shot with Tamil actors. The highlight of the film is the 300-odd midgets who form the main cast of the plot And Pakru, the endearing midget who steals the scenes as Prince Gajendra. It centres on the fictional island of Vamanapuri where a curse has rendered its males as midgets,its women tall and stately.
Crimes decline in Tamilnadu: Karuna Thursday, April 26, 2007 | Nayan
Crimes against women in Tamil Nadu registered a sharp decline in 2006, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said in his policy note on police department.As compared to 4983 cases in 2005, only 3789 cases had been registered in 2006, he said adding the number of cases in 2003 was 4952 and 4833 in 2004. On general crime trends, he said 1274 murders and 17,585 property offences were reported in 2006 as against 1,365 murders and 20,173 property offences during the previous year, showing a decline by 12 per cent.
Pune based BPO shifts head quarters to Chennai Thursday, April 26, 2007 | Nayan
Consequent on its recent acquisition of global BPO service provider Lason, with a large presence here, Pune Based HOV Services Ltd has moved its headquarters to this metropolis.As part of its growth strategy HOV has acquired Lason which gives it many advantages. The deal was struck during the end of February and all formalities have been completed, HOV BPO services President and Chief Operating Officer Suresh Yannamani told media.
Sengottaiyan under attack Thursday, April 26, 2007 | Nayan
The Opposition AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly came under sharp attack from the ruling DMK and its allies, on charges of foisting false cases against political leaders when the party was in power.It started with AIADMK whip K A Sengottaiyan alleging that the DMK government had foisted cases against party MLA P K Sekarbabu and former Minister B Valarmathi and seeking withdrawal of cases against them.
Telug uactor Mohan babu launching his son in Tamil screen Wednesday, April 25, 2007 | Nayan
Telugu hero Mohan Babu is thinking in different ways to keep the career of his sons on firm track. Accordint to sourceshe is planning to launch his son Vishnu on Tamil screen as well. It is the fresh grapevine that he is going to remake Dhee into Tamil with Vishnu as hero again (not dubbing).Similarly, his second son Manoj is now acting in Raju Bhai a remake of Tamil hit Chittiram Pesudadi. Mohan Babu has ideas to launch him on Tamil screen as well. It is said that he is talking to his close friend Rajni Kanth on these grounds.
Trisha may enter in politics? Friday, April 20, 2007 | Nayan
Trisha, who was very busy in Tamil and Telugu movies, now has lots of leisure time. So this years birthday of her will have a big celebration and she will be giving away lots of charity announcements and few real charity. Already she has a flag and now she will soon announce her decision to enter a political party for now.
Police opened fire at Sorakaimedu Friday, April 20, 2007 | Nayan
A few armed men opened fire at an STF camp at Sorakaimedu on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border early this morning, but no one was injured. The STF personnel immediately retaliated and the exchange of fire went on for about one hour, G Bhaskaran Superintendent of Police (Salem Range), told reporters.This is the first time that such an incident has occurred after forest brigand Veerappan was killed, he said.
Tamilnadu realestate business in trouble Friday, April 20, 2007 | Nayan
Alleging that a land mafia is engaged in a purchasing-spree of lands, both agriculture and house plots, in urban areas in Tamil Nadu, Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT) today asked the state government to come out with a stringent legislation to prevent land-grabbing for commercial purposes. Big real estates from neighbouring Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, through their agents, were 'grabbing' available lands from poor farmers in acres and selling them for higher prices to builders and other industrial purpose, PT president Dr K Krishnasamy alleged.
Japan Rajni fan clubs awaiting to meet Sivaji Thursday, April 19, 2007 | Nayan
This upcoming sensational Tamil film Sivaji.When asked about the film the students said, Our class mate Jayanthi, an ardent fan of Rajini right from her childhood has been sharing with us his life and his climb to stardom in Tamil movies and this has inspired us to get involved in making a documentary film on the super star. Rajini has created history in Tamil films and has carved a niche for himself in the South Indian film industry. He has a special place in the heart of numerous Tamil fans. We are certainly overwhelmed with admiration on the response that we received from his fans whom we contacted through his fan clubs all over Tamil Nadu and also offshore, especially in Japan. We are eagerly waiting to meet him in person and we are certain to be successful in our endeavor.
Summer festival: Rajni Sivaji Thursday, April 19, 2007 | Nayan
Whenever a Rajni film releases it is festival time for the entire industry. Be it for the production house, the distributors or the exhibitors, everyone is celebrating and of course the viewers have a ball. Just so that you have enough proof of the prowess of a Rajni film at the box office we bring you this news. Pyramid Saimira theaters expects to gross close to 1.5 billion rupees in revenue in three months this summer and one need not say where the chunk of the money will come from. They are said to have partial holding of theatrical rights in South India and distribution rights for Malaysia. From this one can easily imagine the sort of business they expect Sivaji to do. Buoyed by the possibility of huge revenues Pyramid Saimira Theaters has taken a decision to invest 140 million Rs in Pyramid Saimira Productions; thats quite some money to work with. Now, the clincher. The shares of Pyramid Saimira Theaters which were valued at Rs.100 per share are currently priced at Rs.158.
TN to fight legally on dam issue: Minister Tuesday, April 10, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu government will fight legally any efforts by Andhra Pradesh to construct a dam across the Palar in Ganesapuram village on the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border, state PWD Minister K Duraimurugan told the state Assembly.Replying to opposition members, who raised the issue during zero hour in the House, he said even on Saturday last, he had met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekara Reddy at New Delhi and discussed the issue.
Assembly: Ramps compulsory for all new buildings Tuesday, April 10, 2007 | Nayan
Ramps would be made compulsory in all new government buildings and those of private institutions in Tamil Nadu to ensure barrier-free environment for the disabled, State Social Welfare Minister A Poongothai told the state Assembly. Replying to the discussion on demands for grants for her ministry, she said the income ceiling for providing financial assistance to those marrying disabled persons would be removed.
Petrol dealers strike on April 13 Tuesday, April 10, 2007 | Nayan
Petrol dealers would go on a one-day nationwide strike on April 13 to press for their long-standing demands, including five per cent margin on invoice value. The Federation of Petrol Dealers in the country, in a meeting has passed a resolution asking the government to resolve these issues by April 10, failing of which all dealers across the country would resort to a no purchase, no sale campaign on April 13.
50 years of experience : Karuna felicitated Wednesday, April 4, 2007 | Nayan
AIADMK opposed the extension of Tamil Nadu assembly session for two days May 10 and 11 - only to felicitate Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for completing 50 years in the house.Party supremo Jayalalithaa also wanted President A P J Abdul Kalam not to accept the request of the felicitation committee to address the state Assembly on May 10.In a statement here, she said that in that case, all the members who had been serving the state assembly since 1957, including Finance Minister K Anbazhagan, should be felicitated.
Highest paid actor in India: Sivajirao Gaikwad Tuesday, April 3, 2007 | Nayan
One of Indias richest Maharashtrians, who is beloved by the sons of Tamil Nadus soil, has the state simmering in agreeable hysteria. Tamil fans are anticipating the release of Sivaji, their demigod Rajnikanths latest, with a series of heraldic initiatives, such as the distribution of coupons for first-week shows. The film is likely consolidate the position the star formerly known as Shivajirao Gaikwad – as Indias highest paid actor.Producers of Sivaji, which is believed to be a Rs.30 crore project, have set Rs60 crore as the initial boxoffice target in Tamil Nadu. If their expectations are met, Rajnikanth will earn Rs25 crore for the film. His contract with the producers includes a revenue sharing clause.
