BJP women petitioned against Karuna Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Nayan
A group of women BJP functionaries petitioned Chennai police commissioner G. Nanchil Kumaran to initiate legal action against Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi, accusing him of making abusive, humiliating and blasphemous comments on Lord Ram. In her complaint, Ms Sujatha Rao, state women's wing president of BJP, said she was shocked and anguished” by the reports of the speeches of the CM on Lord Ram.
Chennai resident plans cycle rally Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Nayan
Age cannot wither this 75-year-old Christian, a resident of Chennai, who has a newfound ambition in life. Mr A.F.Joseph is determined to embark on a cycle rally from Chennai to New Delhi to demand subsidy in fares for Christians undertaking a pilgrimage to Bethlehem on the lines of the subsidy given to Muslims for Haj.
Autorickshaws check on October 1 Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Nayan
In an effort to tighten the noose around autorickshaw drivers who still refuse to use meters, the transport authorities will soon join hands with the city traffic police and conduct intensive checking of autorickshaws from October 1, said joint transport commissioner K. Yogarajan. From next month, the penalty for not engaging the fare meters will be made more severe. When a vehicle is caught for the first time, the autorickshaw will be detained and the vehicle’s permit will be suspended for a minimum of ten days. If the same auto is caught for not engaging the meter a third time, we will go ahead and cancel the permit for the vehicle, Mr Yogarajan said.
DMP MP was detained at airport Saturday, September 29, 2007 | Nayan
A DMK MP from Karur district was detained at Chennai airport for carrying 20 rounds of ammunition in his check-in baggage while he was on his way to board a flight from Chennai to Trichy. MP K.C. Palanisamy arrived at the International Airport on Friday afternoon to board the Air India Express flight IA-611 to Trichy to attend a two-day function, organized by the DMK party. As he was passing through the security check, the scanners at the airport raised an alarm indicating the presence of firearms in his baggage. Authorities immediately checked the MP’s baggage and recovered 20 rounds of 0.32 mm bullets from them.
DMK's shutdown illegal: Madras HC Saturday, September 29, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept 28 (ANI): The Madras High Court today termed the shutdown called by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over the Sethusamudram project as illegal.The DMK has called for a shut down on October 1 in support of the speedy implementation of the 560-million-dollar Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.A division bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice P Jyothimani passed an interim order, saying that the shutdown was not legal."After hearing both sides, honourable Chief Justice of the Madras High Court held that the call of the shut down by the political parties is prima facie illegal. His decision was based on an earlier verdict of the Supreme Court on this issue," said N. Jyothi, advocate for ADMK.The court further added that if needed the political parties could go on strike provided the state government arranges for maintenance of law and order.The Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) had approached the High Court to declare the DMK government's proposed shut down as illegal.The DMK government has assured the Court that it will maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the shutdown."On behalf of the government, it was assured that law and order would be maintained and there would be free movement of men and materials and acts of violence and vandalism would be dealt with suitably, and every step would be taken to see to it that the activities are not disturbed by acts of violence," said R. Viduthalai, Advocate General of the Tamil Nadu Government.The bench also added that it was for the State Government to ensure the fundamental rights of the citizen to move around the city of Chennai.The Court added that transportation should not be hit on the said date of the shutdown, with the political party placing an advertisement in both print and electronic media to announce the shut down. While political parties like DMK have supported the project, other political parties like BJP have opposed it saying that the project would destroy the revered 'Ram Sethu' or the Adam's Bridge for constructing the ship lane. (ANI)
Kaalai coming soon Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Seema, the yesteryears famous actresses both in Tamil and Malayalam, is now acting in Kaalai. She plays the role of Simbu's mother for the first time. Hindi actresses Rekha, Shabana Azmi and Jayapratha were being considered for this role, but finally Seema was selected.The shooting is shaping well at Theni now. Simbu and Vethika play the lead roles and Sangeetha also has a prominent role in Kaalai. Tharuingopi directs the movie produced by Nik Arts Chakravarthy. Soon Kaalai will hit the screens.
Lekha Washington is very hot Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Lekha Washington, the SS Music VJ, is a sculptor, inventor and has completed her Masters from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. She has many roles in real life as a model for Reliance Infocomm, VJ for SS music, professional designer, short film maker and now as an actress. She's also hot, very, very hot...
Kamal plans three movies Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Mani, Director. Rajini, Hero! Add to that list an ARR and Maestro combo for music, and we have the ideal entertainer! Minus the music geniuses, the rest may just come together in the not-too-distant future. Heres how thats going to happen. The Reliance Group has now turned its attention towards South India and has plans to make three big movies. The first one will star Kamal Haasan. The second, to be produced under Kamal’s home banner, will be directed by Maniratnam and Rajinikanth will play the lead. That will surely be quite a movie!
Ramsethu: Bandh on October 1 Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
PMK leader Dr S Ramadoss tried to turn the tables on AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa, who is opposing the bandh in support of Sethusamudram project, by recalling that she too had inflicted a bandh on Tamil Nadu during her regime in 2002 on the Cauvery dispute. Talking to reporters at his Thailapuram residence in Tindivanam, Dr Ramadoss said all sections of society should support the bandh on October 1 since the Sethusamudram project would pave way for the overall development of Tamil Nadu.
Principal submits proposal for quality education Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Dr N. Vijayan, correspondent and principal of Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, has submitted a proposal to the state government for rating the quality of education in over 8,000 secondary schools in Tamil Nadu. Dr Vijayan has suggested 100 parameters like buildings, computer aided education, results in government examination, number of days leave taken by heads and teachers of the institution, and so on to rate the schools. This is the first time that such a rating system is being suggested to improve education standards in schools, according to him. The principal has also talked about the steps that need to be taken to enhance the quality of teaching and infrastructure in schools.
School kids celebrate India's Twenty20 win Friday, September 28, 2007 | MP
Lucknow/Chennai, Sept. 28 (ANI): Thousand of City Montessary School students took out a victory march here on Thursday to mark Indian team's win at the Twenty20 cricket World Cup.Holding banners and placards, they cheered Team India on their outstanding performance.Some students donned the "sky blue" colours of the national side.In Chennai, cricketer Dinesh Karthik was felicitated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi."If you can work hard and put up runs on the board, do well for India, and then you get rewarded by the Tamil Nadu Government, it's a fantastic feeling," Karthik said after receiving a cheque that made him rich by 500,000 rupees India beat Pakistan by five runs in a thrilling final in Johannesburg on Monday, a victory to compare with their 1983 World Cup final win over West Indies.Most of new look young squad for the Twenty20 championship will return to the team for the seven-match one-day series against Australia starting on Saturday (ANI)
Ram controversy is getting shriller Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
The Ram controversy is getting shriller with Union shipping minister T. R. Baalu writing to home minister Shivraj Patil for immediate action (read arrest) against former BJP MP Ramvilas Vedanti for reiterating in a media interview his earlier threat to the life of chief minister M. Karunanidhi. The Sangh Parivar, at the same time, is crying for the scalp of the DMK patriarch for his blasphemous abuse of the revered Hindu God and the murderous attack by his cadres targeting them across Tamil Nadu.
Stanley Medical College student passes away Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Stanley Medical College student Karima Pradhan from Rajasthan who was admitted to Apollo Hospitals with suspected meningitis passed away. State health minister K K S S R Ramachandran, health secretary V K Subburaj and 50 students of Stanley Hospital attended the funeral held later in the day in the city. Health officials did not confirm whether she had died of meningitis. Doctors said the medical condition of two other students admitted in Apollo Hospitals was improving and they were likely to be discharged on Friday.
Traffic crippled in South Chennai Friday, September 28, 2007 | Nayan
Normal life was disrupted in Chennai and its suburbs following a sudden downpour accompanied by lightning. Both rail and road traffic was crippled along south Chennai and its suburbs including Tambaram, Irumbuliyur and Pallavaram. Passengers of suburban EMU trains and Express trains including Kanyakumari Express and Pearl City Express were stranded for an hour after lightning affected the electric train signals between Tambaram and Chengalpet. Following signal failure the railway authorities were forced to close railway level crossings at Tambaram and Chromepet railway stations and this affected the traffic on the busy GST road. Vehicles were also forced to move at a snails pace near Irumbuliyur bridge, where the construction of a subway is underway.
1998 Coimbatore case sentence today Friday, September 28, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Sept. 28 (ANI): The Special Sessions Court will begin delivering the sentences in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts case from today.Of the 166 accused, the court had convicted 158 on various charges, including the founder of the Al-Umma, Syed Ahmed Basha and its General Secretary, Mohammed Ansari. Of this, the court had found 70 of the accused guilty on various grounds, including conspiracy.The court had acquitted Abdul Nasser Madani, the leader of the Kerala-based People's Democratic Party. The court had also given bail to seven others. Tight security arrangements have been made across the Coimbatore city. Around 3,500 police personnel, including paramilitary forces and 1,500 armed personnel have been deployed. The verdict came nine years after the 12 blasts that rocked the city on February 14, 1998 in which 58 people were killed and over 200 were injured. The blasts were targeted at a venue where senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advani was scheduled to address a meeting.In April 2000, a Special Court was formed to try the cases, and in the same year (October), charges were framed. The trial started in March 2002, and has till date examined 1,300 witnesses out of a total of 2,345.The arguments began in June 2006 and ended on April 10, 2007. The Special Investigation Team of Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department, which probed the cases, has argued that "Operation Allahu-Akbar", was part of a conspiracy to eliminate Advani. (ANI)
BJP demands dismissal of Karunanidhi Friday, September 28, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Sept 27 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday demanded the dismissal of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for making derogatory remarks on Hindu Lord Rama. A delegation of BJP leaders met President Pratibha Patil, and demanded the state government be dismissed and the DMK lawmakers be sacked at the Centre. "We have demanded this because there is a constitutional breakdown in Tamil Nadu, that's why the Tamil Nadu government should be dismissed, and the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) lawmakers in the Central Government should be sacked," BJP President Rajnath Singh told reporters. The BJP also demanded protection of their leaders in Tamil Nadu on October 1; the day DMK leaders have called a shutdown. The party fears violence, saying the police will only provide security to the ruling lawmakers. "The delegation has brought to the notice of the President of India that there is likelihood of further violence on the day (October 1) because the ruling party has given a call for the bandh (shutdown). You cannot expect the police to perform their responsibilities because the ministers of the government are organizing the bandh,” said senior party leader Venkaiya Naidu. Meanwhile, dozens of BJP activists stated a demonstration at Rajghat, the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi, to protest against the controversial ship lane project. Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had questioned the existence of Lord Rama, saying it was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas. Karunanidhi's statement had come amidst a raging row over an affidavit filed by the Centre before the apex court earlier this month in support of the ship lane project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts are not proof of the existence of Hindu gods. The government had filed the affidavit in order to defend its plan to build a canal over a bridge-like stretch of sandbank and rock between the Indian and Sri Lanka coasts. The formation is variously known as the Adam's Bridge and Ram Sethu. Hindus have opposed the project, believing the bridge was built millennia ago by Lord Ram, as described in the mythological epic Ramayana. The government however claims that the ocean moulded the structure. The 560-million-dollar Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project is intended to save up to 36 hours of travel time between India's eastern coast and Sri Lanka's western coast. Conservationists say the project will harm marine life and the livelihood of fisher folks. (ANI)
Katradu Tamil coming on 5th Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
Katradhu Tamil is releasing on October 5th. The movie has Jeevaa in three never-seen-before avataars. Music for the movie is by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Direction is by Raam. The distribution rights for the movie have been purchased by comedy actor Karunaas.
Lankan arrested at Meenakbakkam airport Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
The Chennai police arrested a Lankan national at the international terminal of the Meenambakkam airport. Murali Kanagasabai, 25, a native of Vavunia in Sri Lanka, was trying to board a flight bound for Colombo with a fake passport showing his nationality as Greek.
Cable TV war hotted up Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
As the cable TV war hotted up in Tamil Nadu, a section of operators on Wednesday announced a fast-unto-death before Parliament in Delhi to appeal for protection from rowdies interfering in the business by cutting their cables and intimidating their members. Several cable operators had been forced to close down operations after being threatened by mobs controlled by vested interests, claimed Mr G.G.V.P.Sekar, principal coordinator, Federation of South Indian Cable TV Associations, and Mr T. V. Ramesh, president, Tamil Nadu Cable TV Owners and Consumers Welfare Association. Both men met state Congress president M. Krishnaswamy here with their complaints.
Genetically modified crops are safe Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
Genetically modified crops are as safe as conventional crops if bio-safety requirements are completed before they are released, said professor S. Kannaiyan, chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, here on Wednesday. He was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Training workshop on bio-safety regulatory framework’ organised by the Centre for Biodiversity and Forest Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University. Biotechnology is emerging as one of the most innovative achievements in life sciences, he said.
AIADMK staged demonstration in Delhi Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
The AIADMK staged a demonstration in New Delhi to demand Central intervention and immediate dismissal of the minority DMK government in Tamil Nadu for hurting the sentiments of the Hindus by the remarks of Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi. The AIADMK has made it clear that while it cannot have quarrel with anyone if such remarks are passed in an individual capacity. However, for Mr Karunanidhi to pass such remarks is something most objectionable. The least that Mr Karunanidhi could have done was to remain neutral. Similarly, the AIADMK is also clear that it is not opposed to the Sethusamudram Project, but to the current alignment. If the alignment could be changed to protect the Ram Sethu, it should be done. The DMK is making the alignment issue a matter of prestige.
TN to write off the credit Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has decided to waive the Rs 787.42 crore owed to the government by various city and municipal corporations. Presided over by chief minister M. Karunanidhi, the Cabinet met on Tuesday and decided to write off the credit and interest amount due from the corporations and the municipalities as on March 3, 2007. The waiver will relieve the local bodies of the heavy financial burden and facilitate continuation of development works. It was also resolved to extend the scheme regularising the unapproved house sites in urban local bodies introduced by the DMK government last year till December 2007 since the scheme has largely benefited the public. The Cabinet accepted the extensively reviewed new industrial policy for implementation, an official release said.
BJP leaders attends Jana crematorium Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
The mortal remains of BJP leader Jana Krishnamurthy were confined to flames at the Besant Nagar crematorium here in the presence of BJP president Rajnath Singh, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu. Mr Singh recalled the services of the departed leader. Jana was a dedicated party worker. He served the party in the capacity of a simple ordinary worker as well as a president of the party. I know he was the first Tamil, who became the national president of BJP. His entire life was a saga of commitment and dedication to the party and society, he said.
Government bandh is unconstitutional Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Nayan
The AIADMK moved the Madras high court to declare the government-sponsored bandh on October 1 unconstitutional. In a petition filed on behalf of his party, AIADMK presidium chairman E. Madhusudhanan said the call for the bandh was inappropriate in as much as two days prior to October 1 were public holidays and the following day was a national holiday being Gandhi Jayanthi. The bandh was aimed at putting the public to misery and paralysing public activities from dawn to dusk.It is unlikely that the bandh would be peaceful going by various occurrences such as the violence by the DMK party workers in the local body elections, cooperative elections and the party passing insinuating remarks against the judiciary especially the high court and attack on Dinakaran office, he said. The band was different from a general strike and “held out a caveat to citizens who upon venturing into the street for work, would be prevented. Vehicles would not ply on roads and the citizens would be confined to their houses.
AIADMK seeks dismissal of Karunanidhi Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Sept.26 (ANI): Scores of AIADMK activists today staged a demonstration in the capital, calling on the Centre to dismiss the Karunanidhi-led DMK Government in Tamil Nadu for "hurting" the sentiments of Hindu community on the Ramar Setu issue. Addressing a rally in New Delhi, the AIADMK's leader in the Rajya Sabha, V Maitreyan, said, "The DMK government should be dismissed immediately as his remarks against Lord Ram has hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus across the globe.""By making derogatory remarks against Lord Ram, Karunanidhi has violated the Constitution," he said.Later, speaking to reporters, the AIADMK MP said his party was not opposed to the project, but were against its current alignment. “We also want the project to be implemented. But we are against the current alignment, which will demolish the Ramar Setu. We want the project to be implemented in any other alignment and protect the monument (Ram Setu).”When asked about the proposed October 1 shutdown by the DMK and its allies in Tamil Nadu, Maitreyan said, "The shutdown announced by the DMK and its allies amounts to a contempt of court as the issue is still pending in the Supreme Court."The city unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also held a protest near the Jantar Mantar and condemned Karunanidhi for making remarks against Lord Ram and burnt his effigy.On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also demanded the dismissal of the Karunanidhi-led Government in Tamil Nadu. A BJP delegation met Governor S S Barnala in Chennai and sought the dismissal of the State Government following an attack on the Chennai party office by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) activists."We explained in detail the violent activities indulged by the DMK activists and by the ministers. The police have failed to take any action. They are afraid to even file an FIR. There is no law and order situation. So, we have asked the Governor to intervene and requested him to dismiss the DMK Government," said Thirunaavakarasu, the National Secretary of the BJP.DMK activists had attacked a BJP office on Sunday after they received reports of a former BJP lawmaker announcing reward for a person who would behead DMK chief M Karunanidhi, over his comments on Lord Ram.Sixteen DMK activists were remanded to 15 days judicial custody, in connection with the attack.Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist and rationalist, had recently said that Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.Karunanidhi told reporters in Chennai that the DMK would organise a statewide shutdown to pressure the Central Government into implementing the Sethusamudram Project."I am neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the Centre’s move on the Sethusamudram project. We are going on a state-wide shutdown on the first of October," said Karunanidhi.His statement came amidst a raging row over a Central Government affidavit filed before the Supreme Court earlier this month in support of the ship lane project, which said that Hinduism's most important texts are not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.However, the government backtracked on the 'affidavit' and sought three months time from the court to file an amended one, following threats of nationwide protests by the BJP and other radical Hindu organisations. Meanwhile, a case was registered against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ram Vilas Vedanti, who allegedly issued a threat against Karunanidhi. The case was filed by Dhananchezhian, a Chennai resident. Vendanti was charged for "promoting enmity between various communities, committing acts prejudicial to maintaining communal harmony and making statement conducive to public mischief," the police said.Earlier, Vedanti, who denied having issued the threat, said that he had simply quoted the religious books on the punishment prescribed for blasphemy.Hindu groups are already up in arms over the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.They have called on the government to stop the project, saying it would demolish a mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by Lord Ram.Opposing the 560 million dollars project, they say it would destroy the Ramar Setu, a 48-kilometer chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
Ford launches a new model in India Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept. 26 (ANI): Premium carmaker Ford launched the Ford Fiesta1.6 Fida in Chennai on Tuesday. The new edition with a 1.6 litre duratec engine is available in new copper rust and panther black.The car is priced at 6.6 lakhs. Scoot Mcormack, Vice President (Marketing), Ford India, put the sales figures for the earlier version at 55,000, and said he expected good demand during the forthcoming festive season."We wanted to do this for the festive season and to recognise the taste of Fiesta. Fiesta is coming into second year now and we have 55000 people who have brought this. It is very good for the Fiesta brand, because I think, 1.6 petrol engine really delivers the performance and fun to drive," Mcormack said.The Indian automobile industry is experiencing a never-before seen boom with world's biggest carmakers making major investments.Several foreign automakers have recently announced plans to step up capacity in India to meet the growing demand in Asia's fourth-largest economy, and use it as a regional export hub.Economists predict Indian automobile market will see an unprecedented growth over the next two years. As India's Gross Domestic Product, continues to rise by some eight per year over the next decade, the number of drivers in India is set to soar from seven in 1,000 today to 11 in 1,000 by 2010 - a doubling since 2000 when 0.5 per cent of Indians had a car. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, the passenger car market, which was one million in 2003-2004, can easily cross the three-million mark by 2015. The value of India's automotive industry is set to double by 2010, then double again by 2016, the ministry predicts in its Automotive Mission Plan, which has been written by senior industry figures. (ANI)
Singapore to invest in India's infrastructure Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept. 26 (ANI): Singapore Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran, has said that more and more companies from Singapore eyed India as an investment destination.Iswaran said that Singapore companies are developing interest in India. “Companies like Ascendas have long tradition of investing in India in the business and IT parks and also in some integrated areas, where people can live work and play and also have training opportunities," Iswaran said at the launch of Information Technology (IT) Park. Singapore-based software company Ascendas launched the IT park at the new special economic zone in Chennai with an estimated cost of 200 crores.Iswaran unveiled the first phase of the project, with 250,000 sq. feet of office space on Tuesday.Lee Fu Nyap, Senior Vice President (Indian operations), Ascendas, said India's software sector was poised to grow at a faster clip thanks to its competitive advantages."India has got good skilled labour, it has got language advantage and is very pro business, especially IT and ITS. But given the competitive advantage of Indian IT engineers, as long as they have the ability to perform, we are optimistic of the continued growth of IT and ITS sector in India," he said.Ascendas India, a provider of business space solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Singapore-based Ascendas Pvt. Ltd, has developed one million sq. feet of business space at Mahindra IT Park within Mahindra World City, under the name Ascendas Mahindra IT Park.Between 2001and 2006, India's share in global sourcing is estimated to have grown to 65 percent for IT services and 45 percent for back-office services like call centres.(ANI)
Case registered against VHP leader Vedanti Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept. 25 (ANI): A case has been registered against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ram Vilas Vedanti, who allegedly issued a ‘fatwa’ against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi. The case was filed last night on a complaint by a city resident, Dhananchezhian. Vendanti has been charged for "promoting enmity between various communities, committing acts prejudicial to maintaining communal harmony and making statement conducive to public mischief," police said.Earlier, Vedanti, who denied having issued any 'fatwa’, had said that he had simply quoted the religious books on the punishment prescribed for blasphemy.Chief Minister Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had recently said Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.Meanwhile, sixteen DMK activists have been remanded to 15 days judicial custody, in connection with the attacks on the Chennai offices of the BJP and the Hindu Munnani on Sunday. Hindu groups are already up in arms over the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.They have called on the government to stop the project, saying it would demolish a mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by Lord Ram.Opposing the 560 million dollars project, they say it would destroy the Ram Setu, a 48-kilometer chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
BJP demands dismissal of Karunanidhi Govt Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept. 25 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the dismissal of the Karunanidhi-led Government in Tamil Nadu. A BJP delegation met Governor S S Barnala on Monday and sought the dismissal of the State Government following an attack on the Chennai party office by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) activists."We explained in detail the violent activities indulged by the DMK activists and by the ministers. The police have failed to take any action. They are afraid to even file an FIR. There is no law and order situation. So, we have asked the Governor to intervene and requested him to dismiss the DMK Government," said Thirunaavakarasu, the National Secretary of the BJP.DMK activists had attacked a BJP office on Sunday after they received reports of a former BJP lawmaker announcing reward for a person who would behead DMK chief M Karunanidhi, over his comments on Lord Ram.Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had recently said that Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.Karunanidhi told a news conference here that the DMK would organise a statewide shutdown to pressure the Central Government into implementing the Sethusamudram Project."I am neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the Centre’s move on the Sethusamudram project. We are going on a state-wide shutdown on the first of October," said Karunanidhi.His statement assumes significance amidst a raging row over a Central Government affidavit filed before the Supreme Court earlier this month in support of the ship lane project, which said that Hinduism's most important texts are not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.However, the government backtracked on the 'affidavit' and sought three months time from the court to file an amended one, following threats of nationwide protests by the BJP and other radical Hindu organisations. (ANI)
BJP condemns party office attack by DMK supporters Tuesday, September 25, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Sept 24 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday condemned the attack on its office by the members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai following reports of a former BJP lawmaker announcing reward for beheading DMK chief M Karunanidhi. "You must know that the people who have been given the constitutional responsibility for protecting the people they themselves are taking law in to their hands,” said senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu at a press conference here. “This is highly objectionable and condemnable, and we will like to know why the Congress is silent on this violence?” Naidu added. Karunanidhi, self claimed atheist, had recently said the existence of Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas. His statement came amidst a raging row over an affidavit filed by the Centre before the Supreme Court earlier this month in support of the ship lane project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts are not proof of the existence of Hindu gods. However, the government backtracked on the 'affidavit' and sought three months time from the court to file an amended one, following threats of nationwide protests by the BJP and other radical Hindu organisations. Karunanidhi joined the issue, asking the Centre to go ahead with the project, which would come off Tamil Nadu's coast. (ANI)
DMK activists protest against Vedanti's remarks Monday, September 24, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore (TN), Sept 23 (ANI): Activists of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) took to the streets in Tamil Nadu today to protest against the alleged remarks made by Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ram Vilas Vedanti for beheading DMK chief M Karunanidhi for the latter's remarks on Lord Ram, even as Vedanti denied having issued any 'fatwa'.Vedanti today said that he had simply quoted the religious books on the punishment prescribed for blasphemy.On Friday, Vedanti reportedly said that if any one presents him the head of Karunanidhi, he would reward the person with gold, silver and money equal to his weight.Shouting anti-VHP slogans, DMK activists burnt an effigy of Vedanti and said that they will continue to protest until he apologised for his statement."We condemn this (Vendanti's remarks) and we will continue the protest," said Stanely, a DMK activist.Earlier today, DMK activists led by State Information Minister Paruthi Ellamvazhuthi ransacked Chennai office of the Bharatiya Janata Party, while protesting against the remarks made by Vedanti.The Tamil Nadu Police has arrested around 700 DMK members in this connection.Chief Minister Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had recently said the existence of Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.His comments have irked Hindu groups, already up in arms against the Central government, over the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.A row erupted after the Centre filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court in connection with the Sethusamudram Project, which said that there was no historical evidence to establish the existence of Lord Rama or other characters in Ramayana. The government had to backtrack on the affidavit the next day following vociferous protests. The government sought three months time from the apex court to file an amended affidavit.Meanwhile, VHP activists gathered at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat to espouse their cause for Lord Ram."Our demonstration is to take on the government, who on one hand follows Mahatma Gandhi who was a great believer of Lord Ram and on the other hand is supporting insult to the Lord. They should first remove 'Hey Ram' written at Gandhiji's memorial and then speak about scientific basis of Ram's relevance," said Surendra Nath, a VHP activist."We demand a written apology of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Ram is not just the belief of the Hindus but of the whole of India," Nath added. Hindu groups have called on the government to stop the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, saying it would demolish the mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by Lord Ram.Opposing the 560 million dollars project, they say it would destroy the Ram Setu, a 48-kilometer chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
Karunanidhi supporters attack BJP Chennai office Monday, September 24, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sep 23 (ANI): Dravid Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) activists led by State Information Minister Paruthi Ellamvazhuthi today ransacked Chennai office of the Bharatiya Janata Party, while protesting against the remarks made by Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Ramvilas Vedanti to behead their leader M Karunanidhi over his remarks on Lord Rama. “Vedanti should withdraw his words against our leader, and the Central Government should take action on this,” Ellamvazhuthi said. The attackers, who reached the BJP office this morning, threw stones on the BJP party workers in which at least five persons were injured. The Tamil Nadu Police has arrested around 700 hundred DMK members in this connection. General Secretray of BJP state unit Tamizhisai Soundarrajan has alleged that the attackers and police were working in tandem and this move was fully supported by the Karunanidhi Government. Yesterday, DMK workers of Karaikudi in neighbouring Sivaganga District attacked houses of BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit President H Raja and his father-in-law allegedly. A group of BJP men retaliated and pelted stones at the houses of some DMK workers in the town, police said. Last Sunday, Karunanidhi had questioned the existence of Ram while addressing a rally in Erode. He said that Ram is an imaginary character, and asked: “Was Ram a civil engineer?” which created hullabaloo. (ANI)
Kanthaswamy Saturday, September 22, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sep 21(ANI): Tamil film director Sushi Ganeshan has used innovative electronic trailer invitations to promote his movie ‘Kanthaswamy’, the first of its kind in the country.Ganeshan released the trailer of ‘Kanthaswamy’ in these invitation cards at a recently held ceremony in Chennai.The invitation cards carried an eight-minute photoflash of the film's promos.He has imported nearly 2000 invitation cards from China's Shenshen city, which boast of a small LCD screen and mini rechargeable speakers.Kalaipuli Thanu, the producer of ‘Kanthaswamy’, has reportedly spent as much as Rs.15,000 per invite, taking the cost of 2000 trailer invitations to Rs. 2.5 million."I wanted to give the invitation in a different and innovative manner. And, without the support of the producer, it would have been impossible." says Ganeshan."It was the director of my movie who thought about this idea. Our invite opens up to display the monitor that plays the trailer. We will make sure that it goes down in the books of history," says Thanu.The actors of the film believe that this effort should find a place in the Guinness Book of World Records."A trailer like this has never been attempted before, and we all are excited about it," says Vikram, the hero of the movie.The movie, which has cost around Rs 400 million to make, is scheduled for release on April 14, 2008. (ANI)
Sankararaman murder case hearing deferred till Oct 22 Saturday, September 22, 2007 | MP
Puducherry, Sep 21 (ANI): A Puducherry sessions court on Friday adjourned the hearing in the Sankararaman murder case, in which Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Jayendra Saraswathi and his junior Vijayendra Saraswathi are the main accused, till October 22.Fourteen out the 24 accused were absent, including the two Kanchi seers, at the hearing today in the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge D Krishnaraja adjourned the hearing.Charges of murder have been filed against Jayendra Saraswathi, Vijayendra and 22 other accused.The seer and the co-accused have also been framed with charges of criminal conspiracy, misleading the court by giving false information to protect the offenders and criminal trespass. Sankararaman, Managing Trustee of the Lord Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kancheepuram, was murdered on September 3, 2004, allegedly at the behest of the accused. (ANI)
Chennai organisation helps Kashmir’s disabled kids Saturday, September 22, 2007 | MP
Srinagar, Sept 21 (ANI): Parents in Kashmir have found a beacon of hope after a Chennai-based organisation sponsored to set up a special school for mentally challenged children in the Valley.Located in Srinagar, the school is an initiative of a Chennai based NGO, 'Life Help Centre' which took forward the project with the help of other foreign agencies."I have never been so happy in life. We have been very depressed about the life of our child but today I feel relieved," said Qasi Nisar, a parent.The school, which can accommodate 30 students, also has residential facilities.According to the officials of the State's social welfare department, there are 40,000 disabled children in the State who suffer from various disabilities."There were no provisions for the mentally-challenged children. And the private sector, the NGOs have been working in this field for long. So, we wanted to promote and encourage them for their initiatives," said M.A. Masood, deputy director of the state's social welfare.Recent surveys show that three percent of India's children are mentally challenged.Though Indian laws make it mandatory for all schools to treat special children at par with the regular ones, many private-run institutes flout rules and there are many cases of such children being refused admission. (ANI)
Advani visits Sundareswarar Temple Friday, September 21, 2007 | Nayan
BJP leader L.K. Advani visited the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple here on Thursday morning. e was given a grand reception at the temple and taken to the sanctum sanctorum of goddess Meenakshi.
Advani in Chennai Friday, September 21, 2007 | Nayan
Senior BJP leader L. K. Advani has asked chief minister M. Karunanidhi to withdraw his "anti-Hindu" remarks in the ongoing controversy over Ram Sethu. The chief minister had said that there was no historical proof of Lord Rama’s existence or of him constructing the Ram Sethu. Making the appeal at a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Advani said I respect Mr. Karunanidhis right to be an atheist. But he should know that he has no right to show disrespect to Hinduism. Even an ordinary citizen has the constitutional duty not to hurt the religious sentiments of any community. Being the chief minister of a state, his constitutional duty is even higher.
Advocate files case against Karuna Friday, September 21, 2007 | Nayan
An advocate practicing at the Madras high court has filed a case against chief minister M. Karunanidhi in the chief metropolitan magistrate court, Egmore, for his controversial remarks on Lord Rama and the Ramayana. Filing a complaint under section 156(3) Cr.PC. advocate R. K. Venkkatesh urged the court to direct the commissioner of police, Chennai, to investigate the matter and interrogate Mr. Karunanidhi and file a report.
DMK youth wing meet on December Friday, September 21, 2007 | Nayan
The state conference of the DMKs youth wing will be held in Tirunelveli on December 16, a party press release said. Chief minister Karunanidhi who held discussion with senior party leaders including local administration minister M.K. Stalin and organisation secretary T.K.S. Elangovan on Thursday stressed the need to strengthen the youth and student wings of the party. The party has decided to revamp the student wing to ensure that every college has a student wing. Former MLA Pugazhendhi has been appointed as the secretary of the student wing, the press release added.
As per Valmiki, Rama was a drunkard: Karunanidhi Friday, September 21, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sep 20 (ANI): Refusing to withdraw his remarks on Lord Rama, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister today said that as per Ramayana's author Valmiki, Rama was a drunkard."I have not said anything more than Valmiki, who authored Ramayana. Valmiki had even stated that Rama was a drunkard. Have I said so?" Karunanidhi told reporters. Challenging Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani, he asked, "Is Advani ready to discuss Ramayana with me in the same platform after going through Valmiki Ramayana fully?" Commenting on the Sethu Samundram Project, Karunanidhi said, "I only want the project to be implemented at the earliest as it would reduce the shipping expenses and develop trade. The project has been put on hold for the past one hundred years." Yesterday, condemning the attack on his daughter's house in Bangalore, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that this act had proved the culture of devotees of Rama.On Sunday, Karunanidhi had questioned the existence of Rama while addressing a rally in Erode. He said that Rama was an imaginary character, and asked: "Was Rama a civil engineer?" which created hullabaloo.The controversy, which was sparked off following an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court in connection with the Sethusamudram Project is unlikely to die down even though the Central Government has withdrawn it. The affidavit inter alia had stated that there was no historical evidence to establish the existence of Lord Rama or other characters in Ramayana.The two officials of the ASI, Director Administration, Chandrashekhar, and Assistant Director of Monuments, V Bakshi were suspended following an inquiry conducted by ASI Director General A Vaish.Hindu groups have called on the government to stop the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, saying it will demolish the mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by Lord Ram.The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is opposing the 560 million dollars project, which they say would destroy the Ram Sethu, a 48- kilometer chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.The project will dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.Dredging for the project began in 2005 and the channel -- 12 metres deep, 300 metres wide and almost 90 km long -- will provide a crucial link between the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar.When the project is completed, ships sailing between India's western and eastern coasts will no longer have to go around Sri Lanka, and are expected to save up to 36 hours of sailing time.The project has also sparked protests by other groups including conservationists and local fishermen, who say the dredging will mean dumping sediment in deeper water further out to sea. This and increased freight traffic will harm marine life and threaten the livelihood of thousands of fishermen in both countries. (ANI)
Vaiko, supporters arrested over Salem protest Thursday, September 20, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Sep 19 (ANI): Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko and around 900 of his supporters were arrested today when they attempted to stop railway traffic in protest against a compromise formula to resolve the Salem Division issue.According to compromise formula, Pollachi and Kinathukadavu will be shifted to to Palakkad Division in Kerala.Vaiko and about 350 workers stopped the movement of the Podanur-Dindigul train around 10 a.m., following which they were arrested, a police official said. He added that earlier, over 500 workers were arrested as they tried to stop two trains.The workers raised slogans against the decision to take away the 79 km Palakkad-Pollachi-Kinathukadavu stretch.The stretch is currently in Madurai Divison, and the protesters want that it should be handed over to the Palakkad Division, as a compromise formula to include Coimbatore and Tirupur in the newly created Salem Division. (ANI)
Attack on my daughter’s house proves Ram devotees culture: Karunanidhi Thursday, September 20, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Sept 19 (ANI): Condemning the attack on his daughter’s house in Bangalore, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said this act has proved “Ram devotees’ culture.” “By this act, Ram's devotees have proved their culture. What is wrong with my comment on Ram?” he said. However, Bangalore Police Commissioner N Achyut Rao has still not confirmed that the attack on Karunanidh’s daughter’s house on Tuesday night was a handiwork of right wing activists. Karnataka Police has beefed up security across the state, and is carrying out investigation. Yesterday, in another incident, a Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation bus carrying 26 passengers, was attacked in Bangalore in which at least two persons were charred to death. On Sunday, Karunanidhi had questioned the existence of Ram while addressing a rally in Erode. He said that Ram is an imaginary character, and asked: “Was Ram a civil engineer?” which created hullabaloo. (ANI)
Rameswaram (TN), Sept 18 (ANI): Fishermen in the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram District have opposed the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, claiming the livelihood of lakhs of fishermen is threatened by the project. Fishermen say the ongoing work on the project is driving away fish, and fear that the ship traffic will only worsen things once the project is completed."The Sethusamudram project might be beneficial for the country, but it will only spell loss for us. Our community is not going to derive any benefit whatsoever from the project," said Muniyam, a fisherman.The project has been in the midst of a controversy, with environmentalists opposing it.Opposing the 560 million dollars project, some Hindu groups say it would destroy the Ram Sethu, a 48- kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.The government recently filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there was no evidence to prove “the existence of the characters or the occurrence of events” in the Ramayana, which it hurriedly retracted after an uproar by the BJP and the VHP over it.The Government has sought three months time from the apex court to examine the Sethusamudram project issue.The apex Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balkrishnan allowed the withdrawl of affidavit and posted the matter for next hearing in the first week of January 2008.A majority of the locals, who live and work amid scores of Hindu temples across Rameswaram, believe it was blasphemous on part of the government to question mythology."The government has deliberately created circumstances that the Ram Setu be demolished. All Hindus are opposing this. An alternative to this has to be worked out," said Kandasami.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the bridge was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation.Union Cultural Minister Ambika Soni had said she was ready to resign over the affidavit row, if asked to by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi.Her ministry suspended a director and an assistant director at the Archaeological Survey of India, which prepared the affidavit, while it is investigating what went wrong.The Sethusamudram Project will dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.Dredging for the project began in 2005 and the channel -- 12 metres deep, 300 metres wide and almost 90 km long -- will provide a crucial link between the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. (ANI)
Government given an undertaking about SC guidelines Friday, September 14, 2007 | Nayan
The state government has given an undertaking to the Madras high court that it will strictly follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court, when making arrests.Recording the undertaking made by the state that it would follow the guidelines laid down by the apex court in the D. K. Basu Vs West Bengal government case, the bench comprising justice P. D. Dinakaran and justice R. Reghupathy said no further orders are required in the contempt application moved by former AIADMK health and education minister S. Semmalai against the Thiruvallur police.
Villagers demands to protect them from tsunamis Friday, September 14, 2007 | Nayan
Villagers of Chinna Mudaliarchavadi in Villupuram district staged a road roko demanding that the Tamil Nadu government build a wall to keep any future tsunamis at bay. They wanted the government to take safety measures to prevent sea erosion and the invasion of tsunami waves. More than 100 villagers blocked the busy East Coast Road, disturbing the smooth flow of traffic for almost an hour. The protestors raised slogans against the government and insisted that the district administration take immediate steps to dump boulders along the coast to prevent sea erosion and to minimise destruction in case of another tsunami.
Karuna ignoring people sentiments: Jaya Friday, September 14, 2007 | Nayan
AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa accused chief minister M. Karunanidhi and Union shipping minister T.R. Baalu of being over eager to demolish the Ramar Palam, even while ignoring the sentiments of the people. Taking a U-turn on her stand that the Sethu Samudram project should be given up as it would affect the livelihood of fishermen, Ms Jayalalithaa in a statement on Thursday, demanded that the project be implemented without demolishing the “Ramar Sethu”. She wondered why the Ramar Sethu had to be demolished, when alternatives were available. Accusing Mr Karunanidhi and Mr Baalu of striking multi-crore deals with the contractors of the project, she said although five to six alternative routes were submitted to the Centre, Mr Baalu had refused to consider any of them. This was against wishes of the people and was anti-democratic, she accused.
15 cobras hatch in captivity, courtesy wildlife workers Thursday, September 13, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept 12 (ANI): Wildlife workers helped in hatching of 15 cobras from around 100 eggs of the reptile found on the outskirts of Chennai, by giving it a required environment to hatch.The wildlife workers who found the eggs of the reptile, kept it in an earthen pot filled with sand, and covered it with a cloth."We will keep them for another one week and provide glucose water and small insects as feed. After first moulding, we will be releasing these young ones into far flung forest areas," said K S Sathyamoorthy, Wildlife Range Officer.King cobra is mainly found in Asia and preys on snakes and small animals like rats and lizards.Snakes are worshipped in many parts of India and it is against religious beliefs to kill them.Animal rights activists say the habitat of cobra is fast disappearing and it is killed in large numbers for medicinal use. (ANI)
Two students attempt suicide over Salem railway division controversy Tuesday, September 11, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore/New Delhi, Sept 11 (ANI): Two students on Tuesday attempted to commit suicide over bifurcation of a railway zone, which has blown into an inter-state row.The bifurcation of Palakkad Railway Division to create Salem Railway Division has been a bone of contention between the southern neighbours of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.While Kerala has been opposing the division of infrastructure between the two zones, Tamil Nadu politicians have threatened to launch an agitation for its implementation as originally planned.On Tuesday, two law students in Coimbatore climbed atop a high-rise building and threatened to commit suicide if their demands to include Coimbatore and Tirupur stations in the proposed new Salem Railway Division is not accepted. Police, however, managed to bring them down and arrested them. "For the past two days government college students have been on a hunger strike demanding rail link between Tirupur and Coimbatore. My friend and I were arrested when we tried to commit suicide, to bring government's attention to our needs," said Satyamurthy, one of the agitating students.Nearly 150 students of a local college has been on indefinite hunger strike over the issue and blocked roads in the city on Tuesday to press for their demands.Meanwhile, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in New Delhi has suggested some re-organisation of the proposed new railway zone to pacify the warring states."Now I think that the controversy is over," he added. The re-organisation came after Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday.The Railways had announced opening of the Salem Railway Division on Friday. Several political parties in Tamil Nadu have called for a rally on Thursday to protest a change in the plan for bifurcation of the division. (ANI)
When humanity saved notorious jumbo a painful life in Tamil Nadu Sunday, September 9, 2007 | MP
Mankarai (Coimbatore), Sep.9 (ANI): An ailing elephant, known for its notoriety for long in the villages on the outskirts of Coimbatore, has been saved from living with excruciating pain, courtesy forest rangers and wildlife officials’ timely help. The jumbo, believed to be around 13 years of age, is said to often enter the villages and habitats in Mankari in search of food for the past couple of years. Often it devoured and damaged the crops. A few days ago, the villagers noticed the elephant ailing in the fringed reserve forest area in Mankarai, 25 kilometres from Coimbatore. It was limping while walking and looked quite unwell. The locals informed the forest officials about its bad condition. A team of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary officials along with a team of doctors headed by Dr. Manoharan, the Forest Veterinarian arrived in the area to see the ailing elephant. The treatment required the elephant to be brought under control which proved a difficult exercise for the wildlife officials. The officials first captured the ailing elephant, by taking the services of two “Kumkis” (trained tame elephants). Only after that the required medical treatment could be possible. Initial medical examination indicated that the elephant had symptoms of profuse salivation, which had caused several infections in the intestinal and respiratory tracks. The elephant also had breathing problems but it gained strength after an oral medication. It, however, became sick again and turned averse to natural food. The medicines were camouflaged in rice balls, ragi and horse-grams and administered along with asafoetida, green ginger, pepper, jaggery, salt, garlic and gingili oil, so that the elephant can take it without much problem. According to Dr. Manoharan, a veterinarian with the Forest Department of Coimbatore, the elephant is being presently treated at Mankarai Rest House and being given antibiotics, B-complex and its supplement liver tonics. Vitamins and minerals are being injected periodically. Manoharan said: "Using our Kumkis from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, we captured this elephant on August 31st and brought it to Mankarai Rest House. From then on, using our Kumkis, it was tied to a tree.” He said: “I am using my Kumkis as male nursing assistants and giving daily treatment to this elephant. He is recovering very fast. In fact, 60 to 70 per cent of its illness and infection has been cured and within next five to seven days it will be totally out of its infection and wounds. Further action will be taken after due consultation with superior officers."The decision whether this elephant should be sent back to the forest or taken to the elephants' camp would be taken later on. Local residents, however, want the rouge elephant to be sent to some elephant camp for their safety in future. "After treatment, the elephant will again come here and trouble us. We are living with family and children; this elephant will definitely disturb us. Some think that this elephant should be taken to the elephants' training camp or some other forest area but not in our neighbouring area," said Chandran, a local resident. (ANI)
CII to host Fifth "Green Buildings" Congress at Chennai Saturday, September 8, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept.7 (ANI): The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre is jointly organizing its fifth edition of the “Green Building Congress” at the Chennai Trade Centre here this month. Over 800 participants, including high profile architects, senior consultants, builders, contractors along with facility management groups, corporate, government representatives and institutions are expected to participate in the Congress, which is scheduled to be held from September 19 to 22. India has been witnessing rapid growth in infrastructure development. The construction sector has become the second largest sector, growing at an average rate of 9.5 percent as compared to the global average of five percent. While this growth is welcome, the sector should grow in a sustainable manner with minimum impact on the environment. The Green Building Movement spearheaded by CII is advancing rapidly and is well poised for a phenomenal growth. With a modest beginning of 20,000 sq. ft of green footprint in the country in the year 2003, green buildings of over 25 million sq. ft are being constructed spread across the country. Dr M S Swaminathan will be the chief guest at the inaugural session. (ANI)
Government can proceed against illegal hoardings: Court Friday, September 7, 2007 | Nayan
The first bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the state government is free to proceed with its drive against unauthorised and illegal hoardings in Chennai. However, it should not remove the hoardings protected by the status quo order of the Supreme Court, the bench insisted. The state government is directed not to remove hoardings for which applications were made as per the order of the Supreme Court with regard to locations specified in the applications. Otherwise the government is free to proceed with its eviction drive, the bench comprising justice A.P. Shah chief justice of the Madras High Court and justice P. Jyothimani said.
Madurai based eye-care institute bags Portugal's António Champalimaud Vision Award Friday, September 7, 2007 | MP
Lisbon, Sept 6 (ANI): Madurai based Aravind Eye Cares System has bagged the prestigious António Champalimaud Vision Award for creating a system that fights back blindness and vision hilliness.The one-million-Euro annual award honours outstanding contributions in research in vision and associated areas, and has helped in providing major breakthroughs in the understanding of vision and in the alleviation of visual impairment and blindness.Portuguese President, Aníbal Cavaco Silva will give away the award here on Friday to the Board members of the institute. The Indian eye-care system began its work in 1976, and up to 2005, the institute helped 19.5 million of people, and made more than 2.5 million surgeries. The institute consists of a centre for manufacturing synthetic lenses, sutures, and some eye pharmaceuticals. It also provides training, research, and has an international eye bank. The António Champalimaud Vision Award is the biggest global award in the field of ophthalmology. (ANI)
Chennai’s Huclin bags Rs.16 Crore order From US-based MNC Friday, September 7, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Sept.6 (ANI/Business Wire India): Chennai-based Huclin Research Limited (HRL) has acquired an order for contract research worth Rs.16 crores from US-based MNC. "Since we are contractually bound by an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), we are unable to reveal the name of our client," said Dr. Mahalingam Vasudevan, Executive Director, Huclin Research Ltd. (HRL). "Our research on the current contract will include Bio-Equivalent Study and Method Development. To fulfil contractual obligations, HRL requires 50 percent of resource utilization. And moreover, 15 Indian and six global companies have audited our infrastructure and we look ahead to two to three orders by this year end," he added. “In the next three years, close to 40 billion dollars worth of drugs will be coming out of their patent period globally. A fact, that augurs well for the industry. In the near future, we expect a sizeable chunk of this business," he said further. (ANI)
TN medicos strike work against mandatory rural service Thursday, September 6, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore (TN), Sept 5 (ANI): Medical practitioners in Tamil Nadu struck work today to protest against the Union Health Ministry's proposal to make one year’s rural service compulsory for medical graduates passing out from 2008-09.Through this, the Ministry aims to extend quality healthcare to the villages.Medical practitioners of Coimbatore Medical College went on a 24-hour strike to protest against the plan."The Central Government ruling of Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for compulsory one year rural internship by those who are graduating in 2007 will make the course of five-and-a-half years to six-and-a-half. We will not be given permanent jobs after that,” Gopal Chawla, a medical student, said.“Every year, 30,000 doctors will be affected by this. And those 30,000 doctors will be replaced by new 30,000 doctors. Where will those 30,000 doctors go?" asked Chawla.The students have threatened to extend the strike to other medical institutions, if the Central Government did not withdraw the order."If the Government fails to listen to us, then we as a union will stay together. Not just Tamil Nadu, but the whole of India will stand together and put our thoughts forward," said Nupur, another medical student.Ramadoss has said that medical graduates passing out of colleges from 2008-09 will have to compulsorily opt for government service in rural areas for one year to be eligible for registration certificates for private practice. As part of rural service, the students would be given postings after their internship at district and sub-district levels for which they would be paid stipends, he said.The rule would apply uniformly to all the 262 government and private medical colleges in the country that turn out 29,000 graduates every year, Ramadoss said. (ANI)
Chennai based Maritime Institute gets deemed university status Thursday, September 6, 2007 | Nayan
The University Grants Commission has accorded the deemed university status for a Chennai-based maritime institute for the first time in India. The Academy of Maritime Education and Training at Kanathur on the outskirts of the city has been conferred the deemed university status.
Tata steels in troubles Thursday, September 6, 2007 | Nayan
The Madras High Court issued notice returnable in four weeks to the Tamil Nadu government and Tata Steels on a petition from a farmers association seeking injunction against the company setting up a titanium dioxide project without first making an environment impact assessment at Sattankulam in Tuticorin district.Justice P. K. Mishra and Justice P. R. Sivakumar of the Madurai Bench of the High Court took up the petition from the Kuttam-Theri Tharisunila Vivasayigal Sangam (Kuttam sand dunes and dry land farmers� association) and ordered issuance of notice to seven respondents, including the Central and State governments, the state pollution control board and the Tata Steels Limited, observing that they would decide on the matter at the admission stage itself, according to the petitioners counsel T. Lajapati Roy.
Rajendran says no infirtration Thursday, September 6, 2007 | Nayan
Director general of police P. Rajendran said there is no infiltration by members of any terrorist group into the state after the twin blasts in Hyderabad. He brushed aside reports in a section of the media and cautioned that such wrong reports could cause panic among the public.Mr Rajendran was addressing a press conference here on Tuesday during which he also clarified on the alerts issued by the intelligence bureau to all DGPs in the country after the twin blasts.
Eco-friendly Ganesha idols to save marine life in Tamil Nadu Monday, September 3, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Sep.3 (ANI): Ahead of the "Ganesh Chaturthi" festival, many idol-makers in Tamil Nadu are preparing eco-friendly Ganesha idols with the objective of saving the state's precious marine life. These idols are worshiped during the 10-day festival, and finally immersed into the river or sea. Generally, made of plaster of Paris and adorned with glittering clothes, tonnes of artificial jewellery and chemical paint, the idols take extremely long to degrade. They prove dangerous to the region's marine life.Some environmental groups have successfully protested against the use of chemicals and Plaster of Paris in the making of the idols, and now idol-makers in Tamil Nadu have decided to switch over to the use of sand and paper machie to make the idols. Idols made of these materials easily dissolve in water and the use of edible dyes makes it harmless to fish.Ravi Kumar, an idol-maker, said: "I am designing these kinds of idols since childhood. Earlier, we designed the Ganesha idols by using plaster of Paris. But now we use only lime powder, paper machie and water that will easily dissolve in water." Kumar said: "Every day, I make three idols and earn at least rupees 300 for a day. Now, almost 20 people are engaged in designing theses Ganesha statues. But with the government restricting the height of the statues to six feet, our daily earnings have been affected." The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued guidelines on use of material for making Ganesha idols. The new set of guidelines stipulates idols should be made of clay and not of plaster of Paris. Environmentalists say that plaster of Paris takes longer to dissolve, as also it reduces the oxygen level in water resulting in the death of marine life. The Central Pollution Control Board also asked idol-makers to discard all plastics and other insoluble ornaments put on the idols before the immersion in water bodies. Lord Ganesha is worshipped in all parts of the country as "Vighnaharta" or, the trouble-shooter God.Ganesh Chaturthi, which starts on September 15, is hugely popular in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and also in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where thousands of idols are made during the festival season. (ANI)
First rural call centre in naxalite-affected Tamil Nadu district Monday, September 3, 2007 | MP
By Jai KumarSanasandiran (Krishnagiri) (TN), Sep 2 (ANI): Youngsters living in the naxalite-influenced Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu can now hope to earn their livelihood working in country's first-ever rural call centre after it turned operational this past week.FOSTERA has been set up in the Sanasandiram Village of State's Krishnagiri District and is expected to generate a big hope among the youth of the region.The call centre is presently employing 120 youngsters mostly from Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri Districts, the stronghold of Naxalites in the State.It was declared open by Tamil Nadu's Minister of Rural Development M.K. Stalin who inaugurated it on Friday.The district office has instructed its officials to conduct a benchmark survey of people below poverty-line alongside initiating steps to change the mood and mind-set of the youth, particularly 'influenced' by Naxalite thoughts.Dr. Santosh Babu, the District Collector for Krishnagiri District, said: "Today, we can transform any youth. These youngsters are from the naxal-affected villages of Krishnagiri District, having 50 villages and from some other villages. Basically, they are very poor and have a weak background."The State-run call centre FOSTERA (fostering technologies in rural areas) has been started with an initial investment of 0.4 million rupees. The government has proposed to open more such call centres in the State.Krishnagiri District that borders Karnataka in the west and Andhra Pradesh in the north, is said to be an active base of Naxalites.The Tamil Nadu Government has signed up memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with IT majors such as Wipro, Comet and Information Technology Professionals.The District administration has also planned to set up more call centres in other naxal-affected areas of the District.Presently, the programme has been implemented in 50 Naxal-affected villages in the blocks of Kelamangalam, Thally, Uthangkarai, Matthur, Bargur and Kaveripattinam in the Krishnagiri DistrictThe State Government has directed the District administration to monitor and evaluate the measures taken to transform the basic mindset people influenced by pro-naxal activities. (ANI)
President to visit Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Saturday, September 1, 2007 | MP
Sriperumbudur(Chennai), Sep 1 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil will visit Rajiv Gandhi Memorial here today and pay her tributes to the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. This will be her first visit to Tamil Nadu as the President. Patil will also deliver the Foundation Day Address at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development.Before leaving for New Delhi in the afternoon, Patil is scheduled to unveil the institute's logo and launch its websites. (ANI)
