SC, Tribal girls training to become air-hostesses Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct.22 (ANI): At least 100 girls belonging to the scheduled caste and schedule tribe communities from rural areas are being trained for Air-hostesses’ job under a course started by the Tamil Nadu Government in association with the Air Hostess Academy (AHA) here. Affiliated to the Cambridge University, the Air Hostess Academy has offered two—one-year and two-year diploma courses—for young girls. After completion of the respective course and initial training, the girls will be eligible to become air-hostesses. The job would fetch them a handsome salary. “This is the first time that the Tamil Nadu Government has announced this scheme. It is going on in a very good way. It is being monitored directly by the ministers and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Dravida Association. They monitor it through personal interactions with students and inspections," said Kannan, the Manager with the Air Hostess Academy in Chennai."During last six months, there have been a lot of students who have been placed in the airlines industry also. Nearly 20 students have got the job in the airlines and they have started working for these companies,” Kannan added. The air-hostess course is a part of the Tamil Nadu Government's initiative to provide better opportunities in aviation, travel and hospitality for the girls from rural and tribal communities under the banner of The Adi Dravida Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO). Many students at the Air Hostess Academy opine that the course has instilled confidence in them. "This is really a good step taken by the Tamil Nadu Government. I have got to learn a lot more things and have experienced a lot during this time. I am thankful to the Tamil Nadu Government," added Sowmiya, a student of AHA. "This Academy is teaching a lot of things to us. We are learning international languages like German and we are improving our skills," said Arati Vidya, a student of AHA. Parents of the students are happy, as they believe their daughters will have a better standing in society. "I wanted my children to have higher studies and take up a good job. They got this with the help of the Tamil Nadu Government. It will add to our family’s prestige. My daughter's lifestyle has changed. It makes me really happy," said Gunashekar, father of Sowmiya. Authorities at the Air Hostess Academy say that the earlier scenario when India had only two operators -- Air India and Indian Airlines-- has drastically changed with 17 more airlines operating 571 daily flights. As such there is tremendous scope for career as an air hostess. The Tamil Nadu Government has sanctioned rupees one lakh for training of each student. Out of the hundred students at AHA, only 10 are from Chennai and the rest hail from interior and rural areas of Trichy, Madurai, Tirunelvali, Coimbatore, Tanjore and Thiruvalur. (ANI)
Prez to open Jawaharlal Nehru Science Exbn Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Oct 22 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil will visit Puducherry on December 21 to inaugurate the Jawaharlal Nehru Science Exhibition. The science exhibition is being organised by the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) and the Union Territory Administration. According to official sources, children from different parts of the country will come under one roof to exhibit their scientific inventions. This will be the first visit of Patil to the Union Territory after taking charge of the top post a few months ago. (ANI)
Court defers Sankararaman murder case Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | MP
Puducherry, Oct 22 (ANI): A Puducherry Sessions Court today deferred the hearing of the Sankararaman murder case to November 26, in which Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Jayendra Saraswathi and his junior Vijayendra Saraswathi are the main accused. Only eight among the 24 accused were appeared before Principal District Sessions Judge D Krishnaraja. Those, who were absent, included Jayendra and Vijayendra. The Judge then postponed the hearing to November 26Charges of murder have been filed against Jayendra, 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)
Sankararaman murder case hearing today Monday, October 22, 2007 | MP
Puducherry, Oct 22 (ANI): A Puducherry sessions court will today hear the Sankararaman murder case, in which Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Jayendra Saraswathi and his junior Vijayendra Saraswathi are the main accused. Earlier, only 10 out of 24 accused were present during the hearing before Principal District Sessions Judge D Krishnaraja. Those, who were absent included Jayendra and Vijayendra. Charges of murder have been filed against Jayendra, 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)
Ragging in engineering college Monday, October 22, 2007 | Nayan
An 18-year-old student, son of a city sub-inspector, doing his first year aeronautical engineering in a private college in the city, was allegedly beaten up by his seniors who ragged him in the college bus while they were returning from Pondichery. Fellow students admitted him to the Balaji Hospital in Guindy where he was given first aid.
AIADMK MLA temporarily disqualified Monday, October 22, 2007 | Nayan
The Tamil Nadu Assembly temporarily disqualified AIADMK member A.K. Bose representing Thiruparamkundram constituency for insulting the House by throwing a cap on Speaker R. Avudaiappan. He has ceased to be an MLA till the first 10 days of the next session of the Assembly, a resolution adopted by the House said. When the AIADMK members protested the privilege motion against party general secretary Jayalalithaa on Thursday, Mr Bose had snatched the cap from a watch and ward staff and thrown it at the Speaker. If throwing a cap at the Speaker is a crime, snatching a cap from the watch and ward staff is a more serious crime. Insult to the Speaker is an insult the House. He has lost the morality to continue the member of the House. If he is allowed to continue as a member it will not augur well for democracy, said leader of the House and finance minister K. Anbazhagan, who moved the resolution.
Building collapse : 12 die Monday, October 22, 2007 | Nayan
Twelve persons, including nine men and three women and a ten-year-old boy were killed when a 30-year old building of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board collapsed at Ukkadam here on Friday. Another 11, (eight men and three women) who were injured have been rushed to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital here. The dilapidated structure collapsed on Friday at 6.30 p.m after a heavy downpour lashed Coimbatore city.
Sethusamudram project will be complete by Nov 08 Sunday, October 21, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct 21 (ANI): Union Shipping and Surface Transport Minister T R Baalu today asserted that the controversial Sethusamudram project would be completed by November 2008, and the first ship that will cross the Adam's bridge would be flagged off by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh."The project will be completed in November next year and the first ship will be flagged off by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi," he told reporters here. On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal had said that the UPA Government would abide by the Supreme Court's verdict on the multi-crore-ship channel project.A fresh row erupted last month after the Central Government filed a statement before the Supreme Court on the project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts are not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.But the Congress party led ruling coalition backtracked on the 'affidavit' the next day and sought three months time from the apex court to file an amended one, following threats of nationwide protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollar project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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 for ships moving from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. 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 once completed. (ANI)
AIADMK legislator suspended Friday, October 19, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct.19 (ANI): An AIADMK legislator has been suspended by the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly till first 10 days of its next session for "bringing disrepute" to the house by snatching a cap from the watch and ward staff and hurling it at the Speaker. Leader of the House K Anbazhagan moved the resolution to suspend A K Bose who represents the Thiruparakundram Constituency for the Thursday's incident in the house.A resolution to this effect was unanimously passed by the House in which members of all parties, except AIADMK, MDMK and DMDK, were present.During the suspension period, Bose will not get any privileges, including the salary, accorded to an MLA.Anbazhagan said the AIADMK MLA snatched a cap from a watch and ward staff and hurled it at the Speaker R Avudaiappan, lowering the dignity of the chair and the house.He said the punishment was being meted out to "establish sovereignty of the assembly".Though all members wanted maximum punishment of disqualifying the MLA, the minimum punishment was awarded following Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's request, he said.Uproarious scenes were witnessed in the house on Thursday when AIADMK members made a vociferous protest against the privilege issue raised against the party supremo Jayalalithaa by Local Administration Minister M K Stalin.The house had also passed a resolution suspending all AIADMK MLAs for the rest of the current session. (ANI)
High speed railway ticket machines soon Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Nayan
The Southern Railways has decided to install a high-speed ticket printing machine to cater to the passengers at prominent railway stations in Chennai to reduce the time spent waiting in long queues for a rail ticket. According to sources they had received many complaints from commuters, who had to wait in long queues to buy a ticket. Ten prominent city railway stations, which see a heavy flow of passengers, would be identified for entry into the database of the new centrally installed system, which they would be able to access when issuing tickets.
Tourism department started new project Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Nayan
The state tourism department has embarked on a project to popularise the contribution of freedom fighters of the state by organising tours to their birthplaces.The birthplaces have memorials, which include houses in which they were born and many of them have forts of historic significance. The department has identified the five southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Madurai and Virudhunagar to launch the Freedom Fighters' Circuit.
Violence at Presidency College Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Nayan
The police has stepped up vigil outside the Presidency College and have posted policemen at several other colleges in the city after the violence that broke out at the college on Monday. The situation has been brought under control. We have registered cases against some of the students and will be taking appropriate action, said deputy commissioner of police (Triplicane) M. Ramasubramani on Tuesday.
Captive jumbos regd with embedded microchips Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Oct 17 (ANI): Forest officials in Tamil Nadu have initiated a drive to regularize and register captive pachyderms in the State by implanting microchips into their skin.The technique, officials said, will give the elephants a unique identification number that will help prevent manipulation of records, check elephant poaching and further domestication of wild animals.The concept will also help the forest authorities in making periodical assessments of the status of the elephants, as well as formulating policies for the protection of the captive pachyderms."In accordance with the directives of the Union Ministry and the warden's order, micro- chipping of elephants in Tamil Nadu has been taken up," said Manoharan, a forest veterinary officer in the state.Approximately 50 per cent of elephants have been embedded with the chip under this drive till now. The microchip, which is of the size of a rice grain, has a 10-digit number inscribed on it and it is inserted behind the left ear of the elephant.Home to 50,000 elephants a century ago, this population has dwindled to just 21,000 in India.Conservationists say the elephant population has fallen rapidly in recent years because of human encroachment into forest areas.The microchip embedded in the body of the animal will remain throughout the life of the animal and will not pose any health hazard."It is also a bio-compatible material which does not affect the animal at all, so there is no health hazard. Once inserted, the chip will remain embedded in the body of the elephant throughout its life time," added Manoharan.Elephants are deeply revered in India, with the elephant-headed god Ganesha being one of the most popular in the Hindu pantheon.But despite their divine status, not all are lucky and hundreds continue to be ill-treated and overworked at illegal circuses and temples where they spend 9-10 hours ferrying tourists and locals and some are also killed by poachers for ivory. (ANI)
Jayalalithaa to move court for protection Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct 17 (ANI): Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday said that she would approach court to seek more protection, a day after an intruder was found inside her Poes Garden residence.The intruder was seen approaching the leader’s room when an alarm was raised by Sasikala, leading to the youth’s detention. The youth claimed that he was trying to meet the leader for getting employment."It was due to God's grace that I escaped yesterday,” Jayalalithaa today remarked at a press conference here, and questioned, “Will anyone seeking job come straight to the first floor of my house? How did the police personnel posted on security duty admitted him in?" She termed the Tuesday’s incident as a ‘sinister occurrence’, and indirectly hinted to a conspiracy launched by her political rival, the ruling DMK.“I (have) came to know that Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had recently advised his son and heir apparent M K Stalin to keep the present alliance intact till the next Assembly elections,” she said. Quoting her sources, Jayalalithaa claimed that Karunanidhi told his son, "If by any chance, you allow her (Jayalalithaa) to come back to power, you may have to suffer.” “To which Stalin replied that it is to happen only if she is alive at the time of next elections,” Jayalalithaa added. Jayalalithaa was provided with 'Z' plus security by the previous NDA Government in view of perceived threat to her life from Tamil extremist groups. (ANI)
Assembly session likely to be stormy Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct 17 (ANI): The monsoon session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, which begins today, is likely to be stormy with the Opposition AIADMK determined to rake up the issues, including Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's anti-Ram remarks on the Ram Sethu. 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 controversial Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).The Karunanidhi Government may also pass a resolution underlining the need for the immediate implementation of the project.While the opposition AIADMK, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several Hindu groups have opposed the project, the DMK has been pressing for its early implementation.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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.During the session, five bills, including those to replace the ordinances promulgated to provide 3.5 per cent reservation for minorities and amend the local body acts to restrict the use of 'no-confidence motion' against the elected heads of the local bodies, will also be approved. The government’s new policy is likely to be announced during the session. Besides, the issue of construction of buildings in alleged violation of rules in Kodanadu tea estate in which AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa is a partner, is also going to be taken up. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will also express its opposition to acquisition of farmlands which were acquired to set up Special Economic Zones and IT parks. (ANI)
9 more convicts sentenced in 1998 blasts case Monday, October 15, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Oct 15 (ANI): A court here today pronounced sentences for nine more persons, who were convicted for their involvement in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts.Special Judge K Uthirapthi sentenced the nine convicts to imprisonment ranging from three years to nine years.They were accused of charges such as attempt to murder, possessing explosives and promoting communal hatred.Judge Uthirapathi of the Sessions Court (Bomb Blast cases) set off the term of seven persons against the period already spent by them as undertrials and ordered their releaseThe other two, who are undergoing life imprisonment in another case, would remain in the prison.The court posted the sentence till October 18 for the other three convicts, against whom the sentence was scheduled to be announced, as they were not present in the court today.The court has already released 76 convicts, by setting off their sentence, ranging from 21 months to nine years, as they had served the term as undertrials. In the case, the prosecuting agency registered cases against 168. Of these, one accused died in prison and another turned approver.Of the 166 accused, a total of 158 have been convicted of various charges, while eight have been acquitted.Among the eight not found guilty are PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madhani. They were also released.On August 1, 70 accused were found guilty of major charges like criminal conspiracy and murder. The sentences for them would be announced on October 24.Twelve blasts rocked the city on February 14, 1998 that killed 58 and injured over 200 others.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 2000), charges were framed. The trial started in March 2002, and has 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)
Court to pronounce sentence for 12 Monday, October 15, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Oct 15 (ANI): A court here today will pronounce sentences for 12 persons, who were convicted for their involvement in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts. Earlier, court had pronounced sentences for 35 persons, who were convicted for their involvement in the case. The imprisonment for the 35 convicts varies from nine months to seven years.Judge K Uthirapathi of the Sessions Court (Bomb Blast cases) set off the term against the period already spent by them as undertrials and ordered their release.The charges against the 35 accused include attempt to murder, rioting, arson and possession of explosives.The court had on September 28 sentenced 41 accused to rigorous imprisonment. The 41 persons sentenced faced charges other than conspiracy, under the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.In the case, the prosecuting agency registered cases against 168. Of these, one accused died in prison and another turned approver.Of the 166 accused, a total of 158 have been convicted of various charges, while eight have been acquitted.Among the eight not found guilty are PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madhani. They were also released.Seventy accused were found guilty of major charges like criminal conspiracy and murder.Twelve blasts rocked the city on February 14, 1998 that killed 58 and injured over 200 others.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 2000), 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)
Chennai Metro Rail Project report soon Saturday, October 13, 2007 | Nayan
The state government has constituted a high power committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary to take policy decisions on the proposed Chennai Metro Rail project. The October 11 order issued by the planning, development and special initiatives department on the new committee says, The revised detailed project report is expected shortly and will involve major policy matters.
We will implement Sethusamudram: Baalu Saturday, October 13, 2007 | Nayan
Shipping minister T.R. Baalu said AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaas remarks that Sethusamudram project was a closed chapter had betrayed her love for the state. We will implement the project at any cost. Jayalalithaa can never succeed in her attempt to stall the project," Mr Baalu said in a statement. Reacting to her allegation that the chief minister was obsessed with the Sethusamudram project and was ignoring many important issues concerning the people, Mr Baalu said, Ms Jayalalithaa who has been holidaying in Kodanadu Estate has no locus standi to criticise a chief minister who is working 20 hours a day.
Karuna compromised the security: Jaya Friday, October 12, 2007 | Nayan
AIADMK leader Ms Jayalalithaa has alleged that chief minister M. Karunanidhi has compromised the security of Tamils living in the north by his anti-Ram remarks. She dared him to speak ill of Lord Ram at a public meeting in Delhi, even offering to pick up his travel bills if he volunteered.“arunanidhi has not visited Delhi in recent times only because he is aware his remarks have angered the people in the north and they are now looking at the Tamils there with contempt and also castigating him because of his anti-Ram remarks, the former chief minister said in a hard-hitting statement here.
Police injured by Law college students Thursday, October 11, 2007 | Nayan
Law college students stoned the Chennai city police outside their college hostel in Kilpauk on Tuesday night, injuring four policemen including an assistant commissioner of police. The injured policemen have been admitted at the Kilpauk Medical College for treatment. The scuffle began after a group of law college students who had gone to a restaurant to have dinner entered into an argument with the hotel employees. As the situation got out of control, the hotel authorities alerted the city police who rushed to the scene immediately.
BJP welcomes president rule in Karnataka Thursday, October 11, 2007 | Nayan
The BJP welcomed the imposition of Presidents rule in Karnataka, but demanded the immediate conduct of elections in the state. Speaking to reporters here, former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu said the JD (S) had betrayed the BJP and it would go down in history as a party which betrayed the trust reposed on it. It was a biter experience on power sharing and we will be wise in future, Mr. Naidu replied ruling out any truck with that party in future elections.
China students joined in VITU Thursday, October 11, 2007 | Nayan
Perhaps for the first time as many as 140 students from China have joined a technical university in the country, the Vellore Institute of Technology University, for higher education in English and Computer Science, disciplines that are difficult to pursue in China. Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Eric Deng Yigang, a student of Chong Qing Business and Science University, China, who is doing a five-year integrated software engineering course at the VIT said, Technology means software, software means India. This is why we chose India. Infrastructure and teaching are excellent in VIT.
Veerappan’s widow to stall telecast of TV series Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct 10 (ANI): Muthulakshmi, widow of dreaded forest brigand Veerappan has said that she would make a fresh bid to stop telecast of the TV serial on his life.Muthulakshmi, who recently lost an appeal in a sessions court, said the serial "Santhanakaadu", or Sandalwood Forest, would cause trauma to her two teenaged daughters."They (directors) talked to me very well as friends and recorded everything on a microtape without my knowledge. They know about my life and Veerapan's life and true happenings are to be telecast as a serial. We cannot allow this. So, I am going to file a case in the High Court," she said. The 125-episode teleserial, directed by V. Gauthaman, is slated to be aired on Tamil satellite channel Makkal TV from October 15.Gauthaman, who researched for nearly three years on Veerappan's life and spent 110 days to shoot deep in the Sathyamangalam forests that the forest brigand roamed in, said that the teleserial would rather earn Veerappan's family goodwill and sympathy."They (Veerappan's wife) are to move to the High Court. Being a lady she's fighting. Let her go ahead. I am confident the judgement will be in favour of the truth," said Gauthaman, who earlier made a serial based on the life of notorious serial killer Auto Shankar.Veerappan, known as the "Jungle Cat" for his ability to move and disappear in the forest, was accused of killing thousands of elephants for their tusks and smuggling ivory and sandalwood worth millions of dollars.Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, a tall, wiry bandit in his 50s, who sported a long twirling moustache and was usually clad in military camouflage, was killed in a police encounter in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri District on October 18, 2004. His death ended a two-decade hunt for a man who killed more than 100 people and kidnapped a movie star. Veerappan had a five million rupee bounty on his head and was believed to have had ties with Tamil militants that officials said extended to Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tigers. Veerappan hit world headlines in 2000 when he kidnapped ageing film star Rajkumar and held him hostage for 108 days.He was arrested in 1986 but slipped out of handcuffs and disappeared back into the forest. A special police force was later set up by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka but Veerappan ran circles around them for years. His last big crime was in 2002 when he kidnapped regional politician H. Nagappa from his farmhouse in Karnataka. Nagappa was later found dead in a forest. Veerappan denied responsibility for the death, saying police had killed him in a shootout. Authorities dismissed the charge.He has inspired at least two Bollywood movies and despite his fearsome reputation, Veerappan was seen by many villagers as a Robin Hood figure. (ANI)
Vadivelu busy as hero Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
After his dual lead role in Simbudevan's Imsai Arasan 23aam Pulikesi, Vadivelu is currently playing a triple role in Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan. Now he is all set to play lead for a third time. He has tentatively accepted director Murthy's Vedigundu Murugesan. The film is an out-and-out comedy.
Mumaith Khan interest in character roles Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
Mumaith Khan, danced for 'En Chella Peru Apple' in Pokkiri, has changed her choice of roles. Pushing glamour aside, she is now showing interest for character roles. Coming in the role of a police officer in Dr. Rajasekar's Udambu Eppadi Irukku and in Vambu Sandai, the movie that has Sathyaraj in a never-seen-before role, Mumaith has got scope for revealing her performance.
Transgender community meeting held Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
In a bid to gain better political identity, aravaanis have pledged their support for the Dalit Panthers of India (now called Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchigal) in future elections. At a state-level meeting of the transgender community in Vellore on Sunday, more than 150 aravaanis from all over Tamil Nadu put forth various demands and said the party was sensitive to their cause.
Railway stations converts into junctions Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
Busy suburban railway stations like Avadi, Tambaram and Gummidipoondi, which are daily being used by more than thousands of commuters, will soon be converted into junctions, said union minister of state for railways R. Velu. The minister said that the ongoing construction work at the Velachery railway station would be completed before the end of this month. The MRTS service from Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery would become operational once chief minister M. Karunanidhi gives a date for the inaugural ceremony.
Stanley students admits in Hospital Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
In a fresh outbreak of fever among students of Stanley medical college seven more have been admitted to the Government Hospital suffering from it. The new cases have caused panic among students who lament that there has been no improvement in the condition of their hostel since the last lot of students fell sick. A few weeks ago, 17 students were hospitalised and one of them, Karima Pradhan a native of Rajasthan later died. A ten day holiday was declared for the students and health minister K K S S R Ramachandran had assured that immediate measures would be taken to improve the condition of the hostels.
Dalit entry in Amman Koil temple Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
Prompted by CPMs temple entry programme for Dalits, hundreds of party workers of Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchigal led by its leader Thol Thirumavalavan attempted to stage a forced entry into the Draupadi Amman Koil in Salem where dalits are deprived of their right to worship. However, they were taken into custody and later released. Maintained by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) for the past four decades, the temple in Kandampatti that falls under the jurisdiction of the Salem Corporation has remained under lock and key since August following a simmering dispute between the dominant Vanniyars and the dalits of the locality.
1998 bomb blasts case: convicted released Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
The special court sentenced 35 convicted in the 1998 bomb blasts that had rocked Coimbatore and claimed 58 lives, to varying terms in prison, but ordered their release as they had already served their terms as undertrials. Special court judge K. Uthirapathy sentenced those convicted to imprisonment ranging from 21 months to seven years. But taking into consideration that they had been in prison for more than the terms awarded on their conviction on charges of attempt to murder, rioting and arson and possession of explosives, he ordered that they be released.
Youth have no love for language: Ramadoss Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | Nayan
PMK leader Dr S. Ramadoss, who has been running a campaign against filmi culture, targeted cricket, saying if the youth have no love for language, rich culture and tradition, both cinema and cricket must be blamed. Rudderless youth worship actors and cricket stars and fall prey to drug addiction, smoking and alcoholism, he said unveiling his party’s policy for youth titled Rejuvenating Tamil Nadu’s Youth: An Approach. In his view direct telecast of cricket matches had killed all other sports in the country. Our national game is hockey. But who cares?, he lamented, adding that he was ready to launch a campaign against cricket, but he had not got support for this.
35 more convicts sentenced in 1998 blast case Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Oct 8 (ANI): A court here today pronounced sentences for 35 persons, who were convicted for their involvement in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts. The imprisonment for the 35 convicts varies from nine months to seven years.Judge K Uthirapathi of the Sessions Court (Bomb Blast cases) set off the term against the period already spent by them as undertrials and ordered their release.One of the accused, who has spent nine years in prison, said he had been framed."I was actually sentenced to three years in prison, but I have spent nine years in prison. None of the witnesses have spoken the truth so far. I just hope nobody faces a situation like this," said Abdul Saleem, an accused.The charges against the 35 accused include attempt to murder, rioting, arson and possession of explosives.The court posted pronouncement of sentence for 7 others to October 15 pending receipt of remand particulars.In the case, the prosecuting agency registered cases against 168. Of these, one accused died in prison and another turned approver.Of the 166 accused, a total of 158 have been convicted of various charges, while eight have been acquitted.Among the eight not found guilty are PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madhani. They were also released.Seventy accused were found guilty of major charges like criminal conspiracy and murder.The date for pronouncement of their and five others' sentence would be fixed later.On September 28, the court sentenced 41 persons to various terms of imprisonment, but released them after setting off their sentence period against the period already spent as undertrials. Twelve blasts rocked the city on February 14, 1998 that killed 58 and injured over 200 others.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 2000), 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)
Eco-friendly leather tanning technique Monday, October 8, 2007 | MP
Washington, October 8 (ANI): Chennai-based scientists have discovered a way to make the process of tanning, which is used to transform perishable raw hides and skins into durable leather, far more eco-friendly. The complex chemical process used during tanning causes the discharge of high levels of pollutants into the water. Raghava Rao and his colleagues at the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Adyar have now found a cost-efficient method whereby tanning procedure can be made eco-friendly. The researchers say that simply reversing the order of the tanning and post-tanning steps can drastically improve the process. They also say that promoting non-chemical-based pre-tanning methods may help reduce the amount chemicals released by 82 per cent, and make an energy saving of nearly 40 per cent. “The significance is tremendous in the context of environmental challenges being faced by the leather industry,” Rao said. He also revealed that their methods did not reduce the leather quality when compared with conventional tanning methods. The method has been reported in ‘Chemistry & Industry’, the magazine of the SCI. (ANI)
Court to resume pronounce of blast sentences Monday, October 8, 2007 | MP
Coimbatore, Oct 8 (ANI): The Special Sessions Court will resume pronouncement of sentences in connection with the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts case today. The court on September 28 had sentenced 41 accused to rigorous imprisonment in connection with the case. The 41 persons sentenced faced charges other than conspiracy, under the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.The court said copies of the verdict would be given to them when delivery of judgment was completed for the last accused. 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. 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)
Wind-powered battery charger for cell phones Monday, October 8, 2007 | MP
Puduchery, Oct 7 (ANI): A team of seven engineering students at an all women poly-technique college in Puduchery has designed a mobile phone charger that generates electricity from wind energy.This wind-powered mobile charger replicates the wind turbine principle and consists of a fan, plastic box, battery back up, cordless phone battery motor and charging circuits."The turbine consists of a DC generator with a fan that will generate current in your generator. That generator current is stored in battery, internal battery in our project. That battery will again charge our mobile phone battery," said J. Gandhi Mohan, lecturer at the Electronics and Communication Department of the college.The charger is claimed to prove a major help for train and bus commuters who take up long journeys but fail to locate any socket for recharging their cellular phone batteries. "During traveling, we can use this (charger). There is no external DC supply to charge a mobile phone. During the train, bus or other journeys, we can use wind to charge this mobile phone," said Ashta Lakshmi, a student and one of the designers of wind powered mobile charger.This model has bagged the first prize at a competition organised by the state ministry of New and Renewable Energy.India produces 845 megawatt (mw) of wind energy annually, a miniscule portion of its total power generation of 100,000 megawatts, which is nearly 12 per cent less than total demand. (ANI)
Asin busy with Hindi Ghajini Saturday, October 6, 2007 | Nayan
It has been reported by certain quarters of the media that Asin will be starring opposite Simbu in Kettavan. Asin is busy shooting for the Hindi Ghajini with Aamir Khan.
Rs. 25 lakh award for Viswanathan Anand Saturday, October 6, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct.6 (ANI): World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has been rewarded witha cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh for his latest achievement.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi announced the award for Anand. He also announced a total of just under Re one crore for 28 other sportspeople from the state. Anand, who learned the game at age six from his mother because his brothers did not have the patience to play chess with him, won his latest title in New Mexico City earlier this week. Anand became India's junior champion at 13 and at the age of 16, he won the senior title. He was the world's junior champion in 1987 and in 1991 he won the prestigious Reggio Emilia tournament ahead of the Russian masters Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.In 2000, he became the first Asian to take the world title, but his victory was overshadowed by the chess world's two competing chess titles -- one by the International Federation of Chess and the Professional Association of Chess led by Kasporov.The stocky, bespectacled Anand divides his time between Madras, the United States and Madrid -- his base for tournaments in Europe.He keeps himself physically fit with daily two-hour workouts, because while mental endurance is important, physical strength "can make the difference," according to Spanish grand master Leontxo Gracia.During the world championship in Mexico, a marathon of 14 matches, Anand was at the peak of his craft. (ANI with inputs)
Minorities reservations in picture Friday, October 5, 2007 | Nayan
Chief minister N. Rangasamy assured a delegation of PMK representatives that the territorial administration would earmark reservation for minorities within 10 days. The PMK delegation comprising PMK parliamentary leader Prof M Ramadoss and party president G.K. Mani among others submitted a representation to Mr Rangasamy seeking reservation for minorities following the practice of the Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka governments.
Customs seized 333 star tortoise Friday, October 5, 2007 | Nayan
Chennai airport customs seized 333 star tortoise and Euro worth Rs 10.5 lakh from two passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore respectively. According to customs officials, the star tortoises were seized from T. Ansari, aged 19, a native of Ramanathapuram district. “He was on his way to Kuala Lumpur with bags full of star tortoises. We checked his bag and seized the tortoises. Ansari was also arrested,” the customs officer said.
Ooty is busy with wedding season Wednesday, October 3, 2007 | Nayan
Ooty is getting ready to welcome an influx of honeymooners as the next few months herald the wedding season in North India and the hill station is a perennial favourite of newly weds from across the country. Work is on full swing to beautify the Botanical Gardens where the flower arrangements will be made more attractive than usual to attract the honeymooners. The Italian section of the pond in the garden will be decked up with spectacular lights in vibrant colours and various shapes at a cost of Rs 3 lakh.
NIOT to set up desalinatin plant Wednesday, October 3, 2007 | Nayan
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is setting up a 10 mld desalination plant near Chennai, using low temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) technology, considered both energy efficient and environment friendly. Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Subramanian Kathiroli, noted scientist and director, NIOT, said the desalination plant which NIOT had built at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep had proved the technology was economically viable.
A two-year old sloth bear struggling for life Wednesday, October 3, 2007 | MP
Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu), Oct 2 (ANI): A two-year old sloth bear is receiving special treatment at a wildlife sanctuary in Kundha of Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu after it was electrocuted while trying to climb an electric pole to get to a honeycomb.The wild bear, which weighs 140 kilograms, is struggling for its life even as officials and veterinarians of the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary make every effort to save it.Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Wildlife Warden at the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary said the bear's condition was still critical though all care is being given."We are keeping our fingers crossed because its chances of survival are very bleak," Dogra said.The bear had sustained serious burn injuries to its face and body after it was electrocuted last week."We immediately notified the electricity board and the forest department about the incident and they rushed here and took the unconscious wild bear for treatment," said Sabapathy, a villager.Sloth bears are one of the four types of bears found in India. They are also found in the lowland forests of Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. (ANI)
Karunanidhi stands by his hunger strike Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | MP
Chennai/ Varanasi, Oct 1 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said that his hunger strike did not go against the Supreme Court directive.Karunanidhi, along with leaders of the of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), observed a daylong hunger strike today for a speedy implementation of the Sethusamudram project."We have not received any orders against the hunger strike. We have followed the Supreme Court orders," Karunanidhi told reporters in Chennai.A "virtual shutdown" prevailed in Tamil Nadu today. Public transport was off the road and shutters were downed in most cities. The Southern Railways was operating only skeletal services."Since the Sethusamudram project was not initiated, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had called for a hunger strike. The strike has been successful," said Ravi, a DMK activist.Meanwhile, in Varanasi, pro-Ram Setu activists staged a demonstration against Karunanidhi for his remarks questioning the existence of Lord Ram.The demonstrators also burnt an effigy of Karunanidhi.Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the dismissal of the DMK Government and imposition of President's rule in Tamil Nadu for not following the directive of the Supreme Court against a shutdown, which was called by the DMK.The BJP said "the DMK has no right to be in the government", for not implementing the directive of the Supreme Court. BJP president Rajnath Singh said: "BJP supports the observation of the Supreme Court. We have said earlier as well that on the basis of the situation in Tamil Nadu, President's Rule should be implemented there. When DMK called for the shutdown, the Supreme Court said that it should not be implemented forcefully. But the situation in Tamil Nadu shows that the DMK has no right to be in government."On the other hand, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi today ruled out the dismissal of the State Government for not observing the Supreme Court directive.Justifying the hunger strike of Karunanidhi, Dasmunsi said: "He is a great leader and he was simply emulating the Gandhian tradition of expressing his resentment."Dasmunsi's remarks came in the wake of the Supreme Court's stern order earlier today cautioning the Tamil Nadu Government for flouting its order as Karunanidhi went on a daylong hunger strike.Warning the State Government of initiating Contempt of Court proceedings, a Bench headed by acting Chief Justice B N Aggarwal and Justice P Sathasivam said: "If there is no compliance with our order, it is complete breakdown of Constitutional machinery. We will then have to direct the government to impose President's rule.""The issue was not discussed by the Union Cabinet. But I can tell you that there is no question of dismissing the Tamil Nadu government," Dasmunsi told reporters.The counsel of the AIADMK, which had challenged the shutdown call, told the court about the shutdown-like situation in the State. To this, the court said: "You can file a contempt petition." "Is this the government? Is this the Tamil Nadu government? Is it the DMK government, a strong ally of the UPA government? If this is the attitude of the DMK government, the UPA government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule," the court observed.Hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by opposition AIADMK, the apex court on Sunday stayed a shutdown scheduled for today or any other day by the DMK for early completion of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.Soon after yesterday's ruling, Chief Minister Karunanidhi decided to go on a day-long fast.The apex court yesterday ruled that the proposed shutdown was unconstitutional, and if observed, it could go against the court's directive on the issue. The AIADMK in its petition contended that the shutdown call was unwarranted, as the matter relating to the canal project is already pending before the Supreme Court.A row erupted after the Centre filed an affidavit before the apex court in connection with the ship lane project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts were not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.The government had to backtrack on the affidavit the next day following vociferous protests. They sought three months time from the apex court to file an amended affidavit. 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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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)
BJP demands dismissal of DMK Govt Monday, October 1, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the dismissal of the DMK Government and imposition of President’s rule in Tamil Nadu for not following the directive of the Supreme Court against a shutdown which was called by the DMK.The DMK achieved a virtual shutdown, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi himself observing a fast. There was very little activity in the Government offices and the public transport came to a standstill.The BJP said “the DMK has no right to be in the government”, for not implementing the directive of the Supreme Court. The President of the BJP, Rajnath Singh, said: "BJP supports the observation of the Supreme Court. We have said earlier as well that on the basis of the situation in Tamil Nadu, President’s Rule should be implemented there. When DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) called for the shutdown the Supreme Court said that it should not be implemented forcefully. But the situation in Tamil Nadu shows that the DMK has no right to be in government."A "virtual shutdown" prevailed in Tamil Nadu today. Public transport was off the road and shutters were downed in most cities. The Southern Railways was operating only skeletal services.Although the private offices and banks remained open, most market places in Chennai were closed."Only the public transport buses are not running, all other vehicles are running as on normal days. Banks and everything else is open," said Giri, a resident.On the other hand, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi today ruled out the dismissal of the State Government for not observing the Supreme Court directive.Justifying the hunger strike of Karunanidhi, Dasmunsi said: "He is a great leader and he was simply emulating the Gandhian tradition of expressing his resentment."Dasmunsi's remarks came in the wake of the Supreme Court's stern order earlier today cautioning the Tamil Nadu Government for flouting its order as Karunanidhi went on a daylong hunger strike.Warning the State Government of initiating Contempt of Court proceedings, a Bench headed by acting Chief Justice B N Aggarwal and Justice P Sathasivam said: "If there is no compliance with our order, it is complete breakdown of Constitutional machinery. We will then have to direct the government to impose President's rule.""The issue was not discussed by the Union Cabinet. But I can tell you that there is no question of dismissing the Tamil Nadu government," Dasmunsi told reporters.The counsel of the AIADMK, which had challenged the shutdown call, told the court about the shutdown-like situation in the State. To this, the court said: "You can file a contempt petition." "Is this the government? Is this the Tamil Nadu government? Is it the DMK government, a strong ally of the UPA government? If this is the attitude of the DMK government, the UPA government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule," the court observed.Hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by opposition AIADMK, the apex court on Sunday stayed a shutdown scheduled for today or any other day by the DMK for early completion of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.Soon after yesterday's ruling, Chief Minister Karunanidhi decided to go on a day-long fast.The apex court yesterday ruled that the proposed shutdown was unconstitutional, and if observed, it could go against the court's directive on the issue. The AIADMK in its petition contended that the shutdown call was unwarranted, as the matter relating to the canal project is already pending before the Supreme Court.A row erupted after the Centre filed an affidavit before the apex court in connection with the ship lane project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts were not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.The government had to backtrack on the affidavit the next day following vociferous protests. They sought three months time from the apex court to file an amended affidavit. 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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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)
Nothing wrong with Karunanidi's fast: Dasmunsi Monday, October 1, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi today justified the hunger strike of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and ruled out the dismissal of the State Government for not observing the Supreme Court directive.Dasmunsi characterised the Karunanidhi's fast as Gandhian."He is a great leader and he was simply emulating the Gandhian tradition of expressing his resentment," Dasmunsi said.Dasmunsi's remarks came in the wake of the Supreme Court's stern order earlier today cautioning the Tamil Nadu Government for flouting its order as Karunanidhi went on a daylong hunger strike.Warning the State Government of initiating Contempt of Court proceedings, a Bench headed by acting Chief Justice B N Aggarwal and Justice P Sathasivam said: "If there is no compliance with our order, it is complete breakdown of Constitutional machinery. We will then have to direct the government to impose President's rule.""The issue was not discussed by the Union cabinet. But I can tell you that there is no question of dismissing the Tamil Nadu government," Dasmunsi told reporters.A "virtual shutdown" prevailed in Tamil Nadu today. Public transport was off the road and shutters were downed in most cities. The Southern Railways was operating only skeletal services.The counsel of the AIADMK, which had challenged the shutdown call, told the court about the shutdown-like situation in the State. To this, the court said: "You can file a contempt petition." "Is this the government? Is this the Tamil Nadu government? Is it the DMK government, a strong ally of the UPA government? If this is the attitude of the DMK government, the UPA government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule," the court observed.Hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by opposition AIADMK, the apex court on Sunday stayed a shutdown scheduled for today or any other day by the DMK for early completion of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.Soon after yesterday's ruling, Chief Minister Karunanidhi decided to go on a day-long fast.The apex court yesterday ruled that the proposed shutdown was unconstitutional, and if observed, it could go against the court's directive on the issue. The AIADMK in its petition contended that the shutdown call was unwarranted, as the matter relating to the canal project is already pending before the Supreme Court.A row erupted after the Centre filed an affidavit before the apex court in connection with the ship lane project, saying that Hinduism's most important texts were not proof of the existence of Hindu gods.The government had to backtrack on the affidavit the next day following vociferous protests. They sought three months time from the apex court to file an amended affidavit. 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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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)
SC slams Karunanidhi Govt Monday, October 1, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, Oct. 1 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the DMK-led Tamil Nadu Government for virtually ignoring its order on a shutdown call given by the ruling alliance over Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.Warning the State Government of initiating contempt of court proceedings, a bench headed by acting Chief Justice B N Aggarwal and Justice P Sathasivam said: “If there is no compliance with our order, it is complete breakdown of Constitutional machinery. We will then have to direct the government to impose President's rule.”“If necessary, it would not hesitate to summon the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister,” the court added. When the counsel of the AIADMK, which had challenged the shutdown call, told the court about the shutdown-like situation in the state, the court said: “You can file a contempt petition." Hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by opposition AIADMK, the apex court on Sunday stayed a shutdown scheduled for today or any other day by the DMK for early completion of the project.However, it was a 'virtual bandh' in the state, with Southern Railways operating only skeletal services. Shops remained closed and buses in several parts of the state were off the roads. The movement of autorickshaws and taxis were seen in the city. "Is this the government? Is this the Tamil Nadu government? Is it the DMK government, a strong ally of the UPA government? If this is the attitude of the DMK government, the UPA government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule," the court observed.Criticising the judiciary, leaders of other parties of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), who are also observing the fast, said that that 'the judiciary should stay within its limits.'"Why would there be appeals or higher benches if every judge was right?" Union shipping minister T R Baalu asked.Soon after yesterday’s ruling, Chief Minister Karunanidhi decided to go on a daylong fast. Commenting on the court stay on the shutdown, CPI National Secretary D Raja said that only the Parliament should decide on people's welfare and related issues," which courts should not interfere with." "The Supreme Court has been giving some strange verdicts on issues like the SSCP, 27 per cent OBC quota and other labour issues," he said, while stressing that 'courts should stay within their limits.'Dravida Kazhagam President K Veeramani, criticised the "enthusiasm of the apex body” to hear a case even on a Sunday, whereas lakhs of cases are pending in many courts across India.The AIADMK made a special mention before the Madras High Court with regard to "violation of the apex court order." The apex court yesterday ruled that the proposed shutdown was unconstitutional, and if observed, it could go against the court's directive on the issue. The AIADMK in its petition contended that the shutdown call was unwarranted, as the matter relating to the canal project is already pending before the Supreme Court.The Karunanidhi led party had been protesting to impress upon the Centre to get the Supreme Court stay on the project off the Tamil Nadu coast vacated.The case is currently pending before the apex court. 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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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)
Karuna on fast over Sethusamudram project Monday, October 1, 2007 | MP
Chennai, Oct 1 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is on a day-long hunger strike today demanding early completion of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.Leaders of other parties of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) are also observing the fast.Karunanidhi's decision to go on a fast came soon after the Supreme Court on Sunday stayed today's shutdown call given by his party Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) led ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu. Declining to comment on the apex court order, Karunanidhi said that instead of shutdown, they would observe fast. "There are many obstacles that are trying to hinder the progress of Tamil Nadu. So, we are raising objections through this hunger strike," he said. Hearing a petition filed by the AIADMK challenging the shutdown call, an apex court bench headed by acting Chief Justice B N Aggarwal yesterday ruled that the proposed shutdown was unconstitutional, and if observed, it could go against the court's directive on the issue. The AIADMK in its petition contended that the shutdown call was unwarranted, as the matter relating to the canal project is already pending before the Supreme Court.The Karunanidhi led party had been protesting to impress upon the Centre to get the Supreme Court stay on the project off the Tamil Nadu coast vacated.The case is currently pending before the apex court. 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 for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal. However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.According to the Central Government, research has shown that the Ram Setu was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation, but according to Hindus the narrow link, also known as Adam's Bridge, was built by Lord Rama. 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)
