Vikraman made his last appearance in the film Priyamana Thozhi with Madhavan and Jothika. Now he plans to come back to tamil. Lakshmi movie makers is planning a new movie with him, wherein bharat has been decided as the hero.
No tie up with AIADMK Sunday, July 31, 2005 | AY
Ruling out any alliance with the AIADMK for the next year's Assembly polls, TNCC today said it would continue to be part of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in the state. Asked to comment on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa's remarks that she had an "open mind" on the alliance issue, TNCC President G K Vasan told reporters that it only showed that the AIADMK had been "isolated" and a "loner" in the state politics. Congress High Command wanted the present AIADMK government to be voted out in the next year's assembly polls, he said, adding, the High Command would not tolerate anybody in the party, favouring a tie-up with the AIADMK.
Prabhu's new film Sunday, July 31, 2005 | AY
A new film "Paasakiligal" is planned with story and dialogues by Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. The story is a totally affection-based family story. Prabhu and Murali are the heroes. Along with them Vadivel, Naaser, Pasupathy, Vinith, Thyagu, Kumarimuthu, Navya Nair, Malavika, Roja, Manorama and many others are acting in this film.
Vanakkam Thalaiva Sunday, July 31, 2005 | AY
V. Palanivel and A.C. Anandan, the directors of the film 6’2” are into making the next tremendous film "Vanakkam Thalaiva". M.K. Maheswar, who wrote the story and dialogue for Gitthan, is to do the same job in this film also. There are two heroines in this film, and the selection is still in process. This film is about a person who defies all rules and regulations of the government and lives his life in his own style. Sathyaraj plays the role of a container lorry driver.
Chennai's first green building Sunday, July 31, 2005 | AY
'Grundfos' Danish pump making company on Saturday showcased its first Indian assembly plant in Chennai that is also the city's only green building. The Rs.60-million building in the IT corridor on the Old Mahabalipuram Road gets 42 eco-friendliness points on a scale of 69 and is rated "gold', the second highest award from the US Green Building Council, the world environment-friendly building assessment agency. Pump components are brought in from Grundfo plants all over the world to its Chennai facility and assembled and shipped for use in Bangladesh, Nepal and to the company's dozen sales centres in India. The building has zero water discharge and a recycling facility, no-water toilets, rainwater harvesting, garden and watersheds and 25 percent saving on energy as it does not need lights at all in the daytime.
Financial aid to people of maharashtra Sunday, July 31, 2005 | AY
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu has announced an assistance of Rs 10 lakh to those affected in the unprecedented floods in Maharashtra. The assistance would be provided from the DMK Charitable trust and it would be sent to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Party President M Karunanidhi said in a statement here.
Seven additional judges in madras HC Thursday, July 28, 2005 | AY
Seven Additional Judges of the Madras High Court have been confirmed as the judges. Justice R Banumati, Justice S K Krishnan, Justice Thottipalayam Varadharajan Masilamani, Justice A R Ramalingam, Justice S Sardar Zackria Hussain, Justice M Thanikanchalam and Justice S R Singharavelu have been appointed as the judges of the High Court. The Additional Judges have been appointed as the Judges in that order of seniority and their appointment will be with effect from the date they assume charge of the office. With the appointment of seven permanent judges, the total strength of judges for the Madras High Court has gone up by 31. The total sanctioned strength of judges for the Madras High Court is 42.
Private professional colleges can conduct CET Thursday, July 28, 2005 | AY
Tamilnadu Private Professional Colleges Association - Health Services (TNPPCA - HS), a consortium of private health sciences professional colleges in the State, has got the approval from the Justice S S Subramani Committee for conducting the Common Entrance Test (CET) for all Health Science Courses for the academic year 2005 - 06. The cost of an application is Rs 50 and the examination fees Rs 500. Students belonging to SC, ST would get a discount of Rs 100. Students can also down load the forms http://www.tancohs.org. The examinations would be conducted at eight centres - Chennai, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Salem, Kochi and Vijayawada.
Karunanidhi seeks exemption from court appearance Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | AY
DMK chief M. Karunanidhi Tuesday sought exemption from personally appearing in court in a case against him for "hurting" Hindu sentiments. A complaint was filed against Karunanidhi last year for his remarks on the Bhagavat Geeta in the DMK publication Murasoli. When the case came up for hearing in a city court Tuesday, Karunanidhi's lawyers sought exemption from a personal appearance on the ground that he planned to tour the state when the case came up hearing again Sep 15.
New technique for vehicle registration Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | AY
Transport officials will introduce 'cellophane tape' copying of chassis numbers of engines of various vehicles, including four wheelers and two wheelers and stick them on registration certificate books. The new system, which will replace the present system of imprinting numbers using pencils. While taking the imprint of the chassis numbers on cellophane tapes, a drop of chemical is spread over the number and white powder is smeared over it. The tape is then pressed over the number for an imprint.
CBI arrested Algappa University Coordinator Tuesday, July 26, 2005 | AY
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Chandigarh branch, today arrested K Prashant, Regional Coordinator of Algappa University, Karai Kudi, Tamilnadu, while accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 as gratification from an M.Phil (Management) student. Adarsh Preet, a resident of Ferozepur, had alleged that K Prashant had asked for money to pass him in his viva-voce test to be held today. CBI officials in plain clothes accompanied Adarsh Preet to give money to K. Prashant. As soon as the money exchanged hands Prashant was arrested by the CBI officials.
Apollo coming up soon Tuesday, July 26, 2005 | AY
The Institute of Minimal Invasive Surgery, planned by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited in association with the Johns Hopkins Medicine International, USA, will be established within a year in one of the major cities in the country. Apart from land and building, the equipment for the firm is expected to cost nearly $25 million. Apollo has recently entered into a partnership with Johns Hopkins to jointly develop state-of-the-art concepts, technology, tests and operating systems in clinical fields such as oncology, neuro sciences, cardiology and in clinical research and medical education.
Beware of Manisha virus Monday, July 25, 2005 | AY
A virus carrying the photograph of Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala is spreading fast infecting computers, mostly in Chennai and Coimbatore in the last three weeks. It has already caused huge monetary and data loss. The virus Trojan.Nataah.A spreads by downloading itself to the computer, and copies itself into several files and even floppies, when a browser logs on to the internet and downloads images or data. It spreads quite fast through the Internet and also through compact discs or floppies. When an infected floppy is inserted into a computer system, the virus immediately gets into the hard disk even before the user opens files on the floppy disc. Although trojan.nataah.a was first discovered in March 2005, it has started to spread fast only recently.
Chennai experiences small earthquake Monday, July 25, 2005 | AY
Residents in North and West Chennai including areas such as Ashok Nagar, Anna Nagar, Mehta Nagar, Mogappair and Korattur experienced mild tremors at 9.15 p.m. on Sunday. No damages were reported. Tremors were felt in Chennai because of a “major earthquake” in the Nicobar islands region, said a news release put out by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center World Data Center for Seismology.
State govt asks Net cafe's to be alert Sunday, July 24, 2005 | AY
Convinced that most cyber crimes were being committed at 'internet cafes', the Tamil Nadu Government has been approached to frame rules making it mandatory for internet centres in the state to maintain a register of those using the facility. At a Round Table today on 'Challenges of Cyber Crime and Cyber Communication' held here, it was also disclosed that the Centre contemplated further amendments to the IT Act in a bid to crack down on cyber crimes and provide stringent punishment for such offenders.
Special train to Trivandrum Sunday, July 24, 2005 | AY
The Southern Railway(SR) today announced a special train to Thiruvananthapuram. The special train would leave Chennai Egmore at 2030 hrs on July 24 and arrive in Tiruvananthapuram at 1330 hrs the next day.
Ayul Raygai Saturday, July 23, 2005 | AY
K G Ashok who was an associate director with Kamalahasan has his new movie on line called "Ayul Raygai" which is a crime thriller. It has a star cast of Gayathiri, Thennavan, Sriji. The main story line is that, everyone has an animal instict inside them. Keep it under control and you can lead a meaningful life, says the film. Gayatri does the role of Hema who investigates about Kodikkarai.
Development programme on leather goods Saturday, July 23, 2005 | AY
The Central Footwear Training Institute, Chennai and the Tamil Nadu Government Entrepreneurship Development Institute will jointly organise an entrepreneurship development programme on leather goods here from July 25. The programme had been designed for degree and diploma holders in leather technology to upgrade their skills, with exposure to latest techniques in the field. It also aimed at creating self-employment opportunities by setting up industries based on leather processing and leather goods.
Chandramukhi breaks all records Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
Chandramukhi starring Rajini,Prabhu,Jyothika,Nayanthara, celebrates 100 days in 156 theatres. Not only producer Shivaji Productions, but all those involved in the film have made money on 'Chandramukhi.' In Chennai Abhirami theatre, only the distributor's profit amounts to Rs.46,43,821.
Chennai firm helps garbage issue in Kerala Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
Genuine Trade, a Chennai based firm, has been entrusted with the project of converting vegetable waste from the market into organic manure, a partial relief to the residents of Aluva, whose lives have been miserable due to the piling up of the garbage. The bacteria-mixed cowdung will be sprayed on the garbage which will be converted into organic manure within 30 days.
Traffic police ends triple riding on 2 wheelers Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
The Chennai City Traffic Police (CCTP) decided to put an end to triple-riding on two-wheelers. Greater Chennai Police Commissioner R Nataraj said that motorcycles could be seized if more than two persons were found riding on them. The drastic action comes in the wake of reports that three-member motorcycle-borne gangs were involved in criminal activities such as waylaying. Nataraj also launched a six-month-long ‘Drive Safe’ campaign, which would focus on ensuring free flow of traffic and reducing accidents through strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.
BPO service provider expands Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
Allsec Technologies Ltd (Allsec), a leading voice-based BPO service provider, is planning to increase its headcount from the present 1,800 to 3,000 in the next 3 quarters. The Chennai-based company has already 10 clients on its rolls. ‘‘We added two more clients this quarter,’’ Adi Saravanan, founder and president of Allsec said. The new facility will mainly work for the new clients. The company has now four facilities housing about 1,700 seats across Chennai.
TN in the top list in non conventional energy Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
Tamil Nadu stands first in using non-conventional energy, especially power generation by windmills and solar energy, at 55 per cent and 33 per cent. K Allaudin, Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Energy Development said that Tamil Nadu, which receives subsidy from the centre for putting up windmills, was now producing 2040 MW of power.
Amara Raja Batteries out with 20,000th battery Friday, July 22, 2005 | AY
Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial batteries, today announced rolling out of its 20,000th Amaron battery for Maruti's latest model Swift. The company supplies its Amaron batteries to many of the Maruti models and is an exclusive supplier for all the three versions, LXi, VXi and ZXi of Maruti's recently launched Swift.
Hindustani music festival Tuesday, July 19, 2005 | AY
SGS Sabha and Vishwa Kala Sangam have organised a Hindustani Music Festival from 15th July to 17th July 2005 in Chennai. The prayer will be rendered by Chitra Mohan. The welcome address will be delivered by Pandit Janardan Mitta of Vishwa Kala Sangam. The inauguration will be followed by a performance by Meghna Dandekar- Vocal at 6.30 p.m. and by Pandit Ratnakar Gokhale-Violin solo at 7.45 p.m., accompanied by D Chandrajith on the Tabla.
Kanchi on a two month long sacred sojourn Tuesday, July 19, 2005 | AY
Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi and his junior Vijayendra Saraswathi arrived here tonight on a two month long sacred sojourn to observe "Chaturmasya Vratham". They would stay at the Kanchi Kamakoti Maha Paduka Mandapam at Vinayaka Nagar here, close to the foothill of Timumala and observe the vratham from July 21 to September 18. As part of the vratham, observed annually during July-September, several spiritual activities, including special homams and recitation of vedic hymns, also participate in many charitable activities, including distribution of 71 tricycles to physically challenged, 71 "mangalasutras" to poor brides and 71 sewing machines to poor women on the occasion of the 71st Jayanthi Celebrations of Jayendra Saraswathi on July 23.
6 killed in road accidents Monday, July 18, 2005 | AY
Six people, including two women were killed on the spot and 14 injured in three separate road accidents in the district during the last 24 hours. Police said two students of an engineering college were killed when their motorbike was hit by a lorry at Avinasi road today. The injured were admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Pollachi Government hospital. In the third accident, Vinod Kumar (21) and Kathiresan (27) were killed when the two-wheeler, they were riding hit a car near Perumanallur in the district last night, police added.
King Maker Monday, July 18, 2005 | AY
"King Maker", a film lacking superstars, not a big budget movie either, still it brings tears well in your eyes and your heart become heavy with sadness. The story of 'King Maker' is of a great personality whose only property are his untainted hands. The film, which has already been released in Tamil, has been dubbed now in English. Richard's voice in the film dubbed by M S Bhaskar is also very apt. With no view to monetary gains, the director has made the film purely for future generations to learn values from the life of Kamaraj and the music composed by Ilayaraja only adds to the film's sensibility. After losing power and heartbroken after being beset with various political problems, Kamaraj looks at his life in rewind mode. That's the start of the film. Fighting for the country's independence, he went to jail many times. He then became leader of the Tamilnadu Congress Committee and later the Chief Minister. For the younger generation who don't know anything about this great leader, this film is an opportunity to enlighten them.
DMK's MP's held a meeting Sunday, July 17, 2005 | AY
All the 15 Lok Sabha and a Rajya Sabha members participated in a meeting chaired by DMK president M Karunanidhi at the party headquarters here this evening. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the July 13 Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) meet in which it was decided that a delegation of all Ministers and MPs from Tamil Nadu would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek the Centre's intervention in prevailing upon Karnataka to release Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water.
Harry Potter's magic Sunday, July 17, 2005 | AY
The sixth book of the Harry Potter series was finally released all over India and around the world Saturday. The excitement and enthusiasm among the readers was so intense that people queued out side bookstores in Chennai since 4 a.m. to get their copies of 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince'. The books have been given to the customers on order basis. The booking started two months ago. Landmark offered 10 per cent discount on the books and held various contests. Bits and parts from the book were revealed by the author before its release. Albus Dumbledore being one of the most favourite and main characters of the book, a guardian angel to Harry Potter, is going to die in this book The fans are very upset about this turn of events.
Priyasakhi Saturday, July 16, 2005 | AY
After a gap of almost five years, director K.S.Adhiyaman is back to Tamil cinema with "Priyasakhi". Madhavan and Sada teams up once again after Aethiree. Aishwarya plays an important role in the film. Apart from direction, K.S.Adiyaman pens the story and screenplay. The story revolves around Madhavan, a young dynamic handsome man from an upper middle class family who falls in love with a beautiful model played by Sada, who come from an ultra cultural family. They get married. Gradually, due to cultural differences their relationship fell apart. Ramesh Kanna, Mano Bala, Master Surya, Raja Lakshmi, Sri Ranjani and Lakshmi play the supporting cast. The film which is shot in Ooty, Dubai, Iraq and Chennai will hit the cinema halls during the last week of July.
Jaya asks PM to convene a CRA meeting soon Saturday, July 16, 2005 | AY
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, today requested the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, to convene the meeting of the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) forthwith so as to ensure that "Karnatak releases water in the Cauvery to Mettur Dam as per the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal". Highlighting the situation, she said the agricultural operations for the traditional Kuruvai crop could not be undertaken for the fourth consecutive year as the Karnataka "has not released water to Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu, as per interim order" of the tribunal and has not adhered at all to the monthly/weekly schedule of releases prescribed in the interim order.
Rs 100 million testing lab set up in chennai Saturday, July 16, 2005 | AY
A Rs.100 million facility for testing electronic equipment and systems was dedicated to the nation by DMK president M. Karunanidhi. It has been set up by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research, an organisation under the communications and IT ministry. Said to be the first of its kind in India, the testing centre will help electronic equipment manufacturers identify electromagnetic interference and help them achieve international electromagnetic compatibility standards.
VCD dealing about rajiv gandhi assasination to be released Saturday, July 16, 2005 | AY
K Ragothaman, who spearheaded the investigation into the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case on behalf of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), has now come out with a VCD/DVD on the probe into the case. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed along with 17 others when a bomb exploded minutes before he was scheduled to address a public meeting at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, on May 21, 1991. The assassination was said to have been carried out by a human bomb, Dhanu. The 60-minute VCD/DVD would be released by Justice M Karpaga Vinayagam, Judge of the Madras High Court, in Chennai on July 16. The VCD is priced at Rs 150 and the DVD at Rs 250 each.
Autograph wins 3 awards Thursday, July 14, 2005 | AY
Director Cheran’s Autograph has bagged three national awards. Autograph, narrated in a simple style, has won the award for the ‘Most popular film providing wholesome entertainment’, best playback singer (Female) for Chitra and best lyricist award for Pa. Vijay for the song “Ovvoru Pookkalume” which created waves.
DMK opposes disinvestment in BHEL Thursday, July 14, 2005 | AY
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA government at the centre, today opposed disinvestment in BHEL and reiterated its stand that the centre should not deviate from the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). He said the DMK had already made its stand clear to the centre that there should not be even a slightest deviation from the CMP. Like the explanations offered by the Vajpayee government and other previous governments, the UPA government also said that the hike was necessitated in view of the rise in prices of crude in the international market. The Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK), another constituent of the UPA, in its General Council, yesterday, also adopted resolutions, opposing the disinvestment in BHEL and demanding the centre to roll back the petrol price hike.
Chandramukhi's silver jubilee function in Oct Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | AY
The silver jubilee function of Rajinikanth starrer Chandramukhi is likely to be held on 1st October, 2005. Chandramukhi, which had Rajinikanth, Prabhu, Jothika and Nayantara, is a B-O hit and it is making great collections even after crossing 90 days all over the state. The 100th day of Chandramukhi falls on 22nd July. Sivaji Productions have planned to celebrate the 100th day function in Chennai and Tirunelveli.
Bone bank set up in chennai Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | AY
Thanks to establishment of the country's first 'bone bank' in the general hospital here, the biggest in the country, the affected bones can be replaced by a surgery. The main objective behind setting up of bone bank was to replace metallic implants, normally used in orthopaedic replacement surgeries, which were not easily affordable by the poor. From a human body, bones like femur, ulna, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius and pelvis, out of a total of 206, could be harvested and used in patients afflicted with cancer or for fractures and joint replacements. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa inaugurated the country's first bone bank when the general hospital was renovated and refurbished at a cost of over Rs 104 crore.
New born abandoned in a burial ground Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | AY
A newborn baby boy was found abandoned in a burial ground in the city this morning. On information, the police rushed to the spot and admitted the baby to the government hospital. Hospital sources said the baby might have been delivered in the wee hours of today. After first aid, the infant was handed over to Anbu Illam, an NGO taking care of orphans and destitute children.
TN govt bans CPI Wednesday, July 13, 2005 | AY
The Tamil Nadu government today banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), a Naxalite organisation, under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1908. The party was banned as it was indulging in "unlawful activities, maintaining links with other banned extremist groups, circulating handbills, pasting handwritten posters containing seditious slogans, calling upon the people to pursue the path of violence and had involved itself in violence and in criminal cases and causing terror among the people. The government has also decided to request the Centre to include the party in the list of terrorist organisations banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act 2004.
TNCC president tells Advani to join hands to eliminate terrorism Monday, July 11, 2005 | AY
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president G K Vasan has appealed to Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani to cooperate with the United Progressive Alliance Government to curb terrorism. In a statement issued here, Vasan said Advani’s statement that Congress was maintaining a soft corner towards terrorism and terrorists by repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was only an attempt to undermine the government’s anti-terrorist operations thereby gaining political mileage. ‘‘It should not be forgotten that only when POTA was in force, terrorists had attacked the Parliament and also Akshardham temple in Gujarat. While unity among political parties is the need of hour to curb terrorism, it is regrettable that the BJP is indulging in communal politics,’’ Vasan said.
Temple flagpost to be done in Gold Monday, July 11, 2005 | AY
The flag post (kodimaram) of Narasimhar shrine at Parthasarathy temple, Triplicane, will be embedded with around six kg of gold. Yagams will be performed in the morning and evening on Tuesday as part of the event. The renovation work in the temple would begin on July 13. The work will be supervised by S Kanagappa, Additional Commissioner, and Joint Commissioners, K K Raja and P Dhanapal of the HR &CE.
Ramadoss slashes at Jaya Sunday, July 10, 2005 | AY
Criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for restoring the Common Entrance Test (CET) for admission to professional courses, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss today demanded her resignation. Dr Ramadoss wondered whether the Chief Minister was not aware of legal impediments while issuing the GO. The PMK leader flayed the Chief Minister for urging Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) leaders to bring in changes in Central regulations, especially to those relating to the Medical Council of India, to abolish CET.
Priyasakhi Sunday, July 10, 2005 | AY
K S Adhiyaman directs his new movie "Priyasakhi" which stars Madhavana and Sada playing husband and wife. Madhavan and Sada are a happily married couple who believe in family planning and have just one daughter. In a generally happy life, there are naturally upheavals from time to time. How they face them and get by is what the film is about. Prathap Pothan plays Sada’s father. Music is by Bharadwaj.
Anniyan in French too Saturday, July 9, 2005 | AY
Anniyan who speaks in Tamil and Telugu is now going to speak in a third language. Paramount Pictures is going to dub 'Anniyan' in French and release it worldwide. Likewise, another Hollywood company is releasing the Hindi version of 'Nala Damayanthi'.
National institute for the disabled Saturday, July 9, 2005 | AY
A national institute for the care of people with multiple disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, deafness, blindness with mental retardation, deafness with mental retardation, and associated disabilities, is proposed to be set up in Chennai. The estimated cost for the construction of the institute is around Rs 61.9 crore and will be completed in five years. The institute is to be established in Muttukadu on an area of 15.8 acres. The existing buildings in the area will be renovated and used for the institute. The institute would also conduct research, develop models and strategies for social rehabilitation. The institute would also launch long and short-term courses, such as development therapies, rehabilitation psychology and special education.
Khaki Friday, July 8, 2005 | AY
G.K. Cinema produces its next film which is called "Khaki". Sarath Kumar is playing a different role in this film. After 'Suryan', Sarath Kumar is again bald in this film. The heroine is yet to be finalised. Vincent Selva the director of the film "Youth" has taken the responsibility of directing this film also. The shooting has begun from the 4th of July in Chennai and is in progress. This is to be a Deepavali release.
Yamirukka Bayamyen Friday, July 8, 2005 | AY
After a gap of almost 4 years, actor and director K. Bhagyaraj is returning to films as a hero in "Yamirukka Bayamyen". Jai, nephew of music director Deva, debuts as a second hero in this film and Maanasa, a new face will be cast opposite to him. Kaundamani and Senthil provide comedy. Livingston, Chitti Babu, Alex, Mayilsamy, Sugumar and Keerthana play the supporting cast. Srikanth Deva scores the music while Rajarajan cranks the camera. S. Srikanth produces the film under the banner Entry Films.
Jaya asks k'taka CM to release cauvery water Friday, July 8, 2005 | AY
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa requested her Karnataka counterpart N Dharam Singh to release Cauvery water immediately to the state so that the Mettur Dam could be opened for the commencement of agricultural operations in delta areas. The Chief Minister said the farmers of Tamil Nadu had been deprived of raising the traditional kuruvai crop continously for the fourth year due to non-release of water by Karnataka as per the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. As on July five, 2005, the Mettur dam had realised only 2.974 tmcft of water as against a prescribed quantity of 17.796 tmcft of water, leaving a shortfall of 14.822 tmcft of water.
Air Deccan arranges hourly flights Friday, July 8, 2005 | AY
Air Deccan will launch an hourly service linking IT cities Bangalore and Hyderabad to this Tamil Nadu capital and will set up a 60,000 sq ft hangar here for $5 million. Managing director K.R. Gopinath said that the hangar will be ready in about eight months and the software shuttle service will link Chennai to Bangalore and Hyderabad on an hourly basis. The hourly flights will be available between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, this helping people as they will not have to wait long for flights or reservations.
SR coming up with 2 special trains Wednesday, July 6, 2005 | AY
The Southern Railway(SR) will run two special trains from Chennai to Madurai and Nagercoil to Chennai to clear the extra rush of passengers. According to a railway release here, the Chennai-Madurai special will leave Chennai Egmore at 2300 hrs on July eight and arrive Madurai at 0845 hrs the next day. Similarly, the Nagercoil-Chennai Special will leave Nagercoil at 1330 hrs on July ten and arrive Chennai Egmore at 0430 hrs the next day.
City faces scattered rain Wednesday, July 6, 2005 | AY
After two days of intense heat conditions, several parts of Chennai city experienced scattered showers this evening, providing relief to the people. The rain, that came in patches, was quite heavy and lasted 10 to 15 minutes in some areas. Traffic snarls were witnessed on the arterial Anna Road and other main roads following the sudden downpour and drizzle.
World Bank approves USD 300 mn loan for Tamil Nadu Wednesday, July 6, 2005 | APA
New York, Jul 6 (PTI) With an aim to help enhancing quality of urban infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, the World Bank has approved a loan of USD 300 million to implement various schemes in the state, including water supply, sanitation, underground sewerage and street lighting.The Third Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project will continue to improve the delivery of urban services through enhancing the quality of urban infrastructure, mobilise resources on a sustainable basis for urban infrastructure investments and strengthen the institutional and financial framework of Urban Local Bodies, the World Bank said. It will provide funding for urban infrastructure such as water supply and sanitation, underground sewerage schemes, solid waste, street lighting, and urban roads. Access roads in the Greater Metropolitan Chennai Area will be widened, and over and under-passes built. In addition, road congestion will be addressed through improved traffic management, the Bank said in a statement. The loan, from the International Board of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the World Bank's lending arm, has a 5-year grace period, and a 20-year maturity. With nearly 300 million urban residents, India's cities contribute over 60 per cent of GDP and account for more than 90 per cent of government revenues. In Tamil Nadu, approximately 47 per cent of the population lives in urban areas, one of the highest percentages in India. PTI
New technique for repaying house loan Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | AY
A 64-year old Chennai-based builder P Mohan Chandra Babu, has developed a new concept of special category desposit loan system, 'Innova', which will create a second liquidable asset mutual fund investment to cover loan repayments and to create assets. Innova will create liquidable asset by investing 20 per cent of the total loan amount in mutual fund schemes while borrowing the loan from the bank. As per the scheme, the borrower will get a 10 per cent discount on loan from the bank and another 10 per cent from the promoter to realise the 20 per cent money paid initially. The scheme provides the scope paying interest only till the end of the term and second liquidable mutual fund investment takes care of repaying the loan amount. At the end of the loan tenure, the borrower gets back his amount, invested in mutual fund, with interest after deducting 10 per cent each by the promoter and the bank.
Arpudha Theevu Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | AY
After 'Kasi' and 'En Manavaanil,' Vinayan is to direct 'Arpudha Theevu. Remake of his hit in malayalam 'Adbhutadweep', Prithiviraj himself stars as the hero in tamil too. Hindi actress Mallika Kapoor is the heroine and Malavika does one item number. To help the tsunami affected people, a group of 8 set out in a helicopter. As the result of an accident, they are thrown into an island. They somehow survive the fall and when they open their eyes, they see that the island is full of dwarfs. Tall people are considered as devils and how they escape from the dwarfs is the story of the film.
Rs 5 crore contributed to Gujarat govt Monday, July 4, 2005 | AY
The Tamil Nadu Government on Sunday decided to contribute Rs 5 crore towards Gujarat Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in the aftermath of floods in that state. Expressing full support to the ravaged population of Gujarat, she added that apart from the monetary support, the Government of Tamil Nadu would render all possible help in terms of manpower and resources to help Gujarat recover from the disaster.
Children's film festival Monday, July 4, 2005 | AY
Children in the city would have a chance to catch up with Harry Potter, Spiderman, Peter Pan, 102 Dalmatians and Monsters Inc at a Children’s Film Festival beginning July 11. It is not just an opportunity to watch films, but to get to know more about underprivileged children too. The Indian Council for Child Welfare, Tamil Nadu (ICCW-TN), an NGO, is conducting the festival for raising funds for their projects. The weeklong annual ICCW-TN Children’s Film Festival would be held at the woodlands theatre and as many as 200 tickets would be given free of cost to the underprivileged children.
Carrera new venture in TN Sunday, July 3, 2005 | AY
Carrera Holdings Inc., Italy, the second largest jeans manufacturer in the world after Levis, announced its plans to set up a processing house and assembling unit at Coimbatore in the State. However, the implementation of the programme would largely depend on the fate of the company’s twin projects at Sholapur and Kholapur in Maharashtra. The state-of-the art engineering facility would be the result of a joint venture partnership (JVP) between Carrera and the Belgium-based Picanol, manufacturer of the most-advanced weaving looms in the world. The unit would produce world-class weaving looms based on ‘vinci technology’ for the Indian and export market.
Special nets to drive mosquitoes causing malaria Sunday, July 3, 2005 | AY
Gas and petrochemicals major GAIL (India) Ltd is venturing into the health sector with an anti-malarial insecticide net that officials say will be more effective in tackling the mosquito menace in the country. The bed net is made from high-density polythethylene (HDPE) injected with a potent anti-malarial insecticide, using a technology developed by Sumitomo Chemicals of Japan. While contact with the net proves fatal for the mosquito, it has been clinically approved for humans as there are no side effects. In India GAIL has selected two net manufacturers at Karur in Tamil Nadu to undertake production of the honeycomb designed bed net from this special resin. Priced at Rs.450-500 a piece internationally, GAIL plans to market the product in India for about Rs.200-250.
Air Deccan increases its flight service Saturday, July 2, 2005 | AY
Air Deccan, the low-cost-no-frills airline, is all set to increase services from Chennai by starting Chennai-Tuticorin service and hourly service in Chennai-Bangalore-Hyderabad sector shortly. The Chennai-Madurai service will be extended to Tuticorin from August and in four months Air Deccan will introduce a new schedule ‘one-flight-every-hour’in Chennai-Bangalore-Hyderabad sector.
Illayaraja’s Thiruvaasagam released Saturday, July 2, 2005 | AY
Maestro Illayaraja’s much awaited Thiruvaasagam in Symphony oratorio was finally released by S. Jaipal Reddy, Union minister of Information and Broadcasting and veteran Carnatic musician Balamurali Krishna received the first copy at a glittering function in Music Academy, Chennai. After releasing the cassettes and CDs, the Union minister said, Illayaraja’s Thiruvaasagam is a part of cultural cross-over and it is the unifying theme of 21st century. He lauded Illayaraja for his tremendous work and said Thiruvaasagam by Illayaraja is the masterly representation of universal language. Illayaraja has achieved blending Carnatic music with western music to combine thyagaraja with beethoven through his excellent composition.
Online course to study foreign languages Friday, July 1, 2005 | AY
Foreign Languages can now be learnt without going for classes and by simply through a click on the computer. Chennai's Alliance Francaise has lined up `Click on French', an online course, where tutor is provided for every 10 students and optional contact classes are on offer. About 2,000 sound files will be put up on the site, www.clickonfrench.com, to help candidates practise spoken French. Along with grammar guides and an online forum, cultural tips will be listed to help candidates familiarise themselves with French customs. phone-teaching service is available for Rs 2,000 wherein each 20-minute call made by the candidate to the tutor will be charged. Alliance Francaise will certify successful candidates. Attestation will be provided for those who do not pass or attend the exam. This will help professionals learn French at their own pace.
Barista with more outlets Friday, July 1, 2005 | AY
Barista Coffee Company Ltd plans to set up 70 more outlets in the country mostly in smaller cities such as Mysore, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam and Ernakulam. At present Barista has 120 outlets and is present only in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The company, in association with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), will be coming out with outlets on highways called `Barista On The Go.' These will be smaller than the regular 700 sq. ft. espresso outlets. Barista has tied up with companies like General Electric, Dell and Sapient to set up coffee corners.
