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Fortis Eyes More Stakes In Malar GroupSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Fri, 09/14/2007 - 16:06.
New Delhi-based Fortis group is ready to purchase stakes in Chennai-based Malar Hospitals Ltd.
The group has signed up an agreement with the Chennai-based Malar Hospitals promoters' to buy 28 per cent of the holdings through International Hospital Ltd - a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL) - and Oscar Investments Ltd.
Fortis will also make an open public offer to take over 20 per cent stake from the public. The transaction will mount Fortis' entry into south India.
Ninestars To Invest Rs 60 Cr To Swell OperationsSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Sat, 09/15/2007 - 18:52.
Chennai: Aming to swell its functioning in India as well as overseas, Ninestars Information Technologies Ltd, a content transformation and e-archival technology and services provider, has planned to invest Rs 60 crore within the next 18 months.
The privately held company works with publishers, broadcasters, content aggregators, media monitoring companies and administration organisations to offer intellectual business development outsourcing services.
Now IOB Is Looking For AlliancesSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Sat, 09/15/2007 - 19:16.
To leverage its record for loan syndication and technology, Chennai-based Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is thinking about a coalition with other banking institutions.
SA Bhat, chairman and managing director, said, "I have approached some banks but it is still in the formation stage. We are looking at banks with a business size of Rs 50,000-1,00,000 crore with reach in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra where we don't have that many branches."
Financial Tech Group To Establish Power Exchange SoonSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Fri, 09/21/2007 - 21:24.
Chennai: Financial Technologies (India) Ltd has got nod from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to establish India's first national level power trading platform called 'Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX)' for trading electricity.
IEX, which is promoted by Financial Technologies, will be a pan-India neutral and transparent electronic demutualised exchange for competent price discovery in the electricity market. PTC India Ltd has responded favorably to obtain 26% stake in IEX.
Karunanidhi's supporters ransack BJP's Chennai officeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 09/23/2007 - 17:51.
Chennai, Sep 23 : Dravid Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) activists lead 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.
Ford launches a new model in IndiaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 09/26/2007 - 18:23.
Chennai, Sept. 26 : 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.
School kids take out procession to celebrate India's Twenty20 winSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 09/28/2007 - 16:00.
Lucknow/Chennai, Sept. 28 : 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.
Karunanidhi goes on day-long fast over Sethusamudram projectSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 10/01/2007 - 14:39.
Chennai, Oct 1 : 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.
Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan's widow to stall telecast of TV series on his lifeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 10/10/2007 - 15:32.
Chennai, Oct 10 : 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.
Tamil Nadu Assembly session likely to be stormySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 10/17/2007 - 13:39.
Chennai, Oct 17 : 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).
AIADMK legislator suspended for 'bringing disrepute' to Tamil Nadu AssemblySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 10/19/2007 - 18:31.
Chennai, Oct.19 : 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.
Parliamentary committee seeks public opinion on sex educationSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 10/24/2007 - 14:44.
Chennai, Oct 24 : Sex education came out of the closet in Chennai with a parliamentary committee seeking the public's views.
The Committee on Petitions, which is chaired by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader M Venkaiah Naidu, interacted with social groups to determine the best way of impart sex education.
LIC To Introduce Health Insurance Plan Shortly!Submitted by Harish Dhawan on Fri, 10/26/2007 - 13:30.
Chennai: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) will shortly bring out a health insurance plan for domestic non-life insurers.
While talking to the news persons at the launch of a new product 'Critical Illness Rider' for group insurance plans, LIC Chairman, T.S. Vijayan stated that the corp. would introduce the new product by the end of this existing year (2007).
Sethusamudram project to go ahead: T.R. BaaluSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 10/27/2007 - 16:03.
Chennai, Oct 27 : Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, T.R. Baalu has said that work on the controversial Sethusamudram project will go ahead.
"More than 60 percent work in the Palk Straits, separating India and Sri Lanka, is over while dredging near the Adam's Bridge, a 48- kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka, has been stopped following Supreme Court orders," Baalu said.
He said over 60 billion rupees has been spent on the project.
Gusty winds, heavy rains hit Tamil Nadu's fishing industrySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 18:53.
Chennai, Nov 3 : The latest downpour by the North East Monsoon has hit the business of the Tamil Nadu's fisherman very hard, as heavy rains and storms have prevented them from venturing out to sea.
Thousands of fishing boats sit docked at the Kasimedu and Srinivasapuram fishing harbours in Chennai, as strong winds lashed the sea with threatening waves.
The fishing business has been severely affected and fishermen are struggling to make ends meet as they have incurred losses worth million of rupees over the past ten days.
Fishermen, eager to go out to the sea, are forced to reckon with nature's fury as they sit idle and wait for the gusty winds to slow down.
Babu, a fisherman appealed to the government for help.
Medicos in Chennai opposed to mandatory serving in rural areasSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 23:54.
Chennai, Nov 19 : Post Graduate Medical students of Tamil Nadu and House Surgeons Council have threatened to go on a hunger strike in Chennai against the Centre's decision to make rural service for the medical students compulsory.
The medical students today launched a token strike against it.
Recently, Union Health Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, had announced to table a Bill favouring compulsory rural service for the medical students.
"We want union Health Minister to drop this plan. And we also want the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to intervene and resolve it as soon as possible," said Sathish Kumar, spokesperson of Tamil Nadu Medical Students and House Surgeons Council.
V. Balasundaram receives "Indira Gandhi Sadbhavna Award"Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 11/27/2007 - 15:05.
Chennai, Nov 27 (Business Wire India): V. Balasundaram, Director of Concorde Digital Technologies Private Limited was presented with the "Indira Gandhi Sadbhavna Award" for outstanding individual achievements and distinguished services to the nation.
The award was honoured by the National Integration and Economic Council on the occasion of the National Symposium on "Life and Works of Late Indira Gandhi" held at New Delhi, on November 22 to mark the 89th birth anniversary of Late Smt. Indira Gandhi.
National Integration and Economic Council recognises men and women from various walks of life for their outstanding individual achievements and services and pioneering work in their field of work and for their contribution to the nation.
Poisonous Gas Tragedy At Hyundai Plant, Near Chennai; Kills 4 People!Submitted by Rajvir Khanna on Sun, 12/09/2007 - 14:19.
Chennai: An accident in a sewage treatment plant construction site at the Hyundai Motor India Ltd factory caused four deaths, when four workers died of asphyxiation after inhaling methane during construction work on Friday.
Centre promises to help people affected by torrential rains in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 12/25/2007 - 22:42.
Chennai, Dec 25 : Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G.K.Vasan today said that the Centre will extend all required help to people affected by torrential rains in Tamil Nadu.
"Whatever the quantum of assistance sought by the state, my party will stand by it to get the funds from the Centre," Vasan told reporters here.
He went on to say that it was both the Centre and the State Government's duty to help the affected people.
Initial estimation of the damage is supposed to be around 15 billion rupees, according to official sources.
Tsunami-hit survivors are still waiting for appropriate aidSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 00:33.
Nagapattinam/Chennai, Dec 26 : Even after three years the deadly tsunami ravaged the southeast Indian coast, claiming thousands of lives, survivors of the tragedy are still waiting for an appropriate help from the State Government.
"The funds allocated by the State Government are meagre. We still haven't received any aid. We cannot even leave this place. And we know that fishing is the only source of income here. The promises made by the government have not been fulfilled yet," said Pichari Raj, a fisherman.
People welcome 2008 with zestSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/01/2008 - 15:53.
New Delhi/Chennai/Jaipur, Jan 1: People across India greeted each other and welcomed New Year with great zeal and fervour late on Monday night.
In New Delhi, enthusiasts came out in large numbers, braving the winter chill, to ring in the New Year.
The Capital was abuzz with activity as both young and old took part in the festivities with gaiety.
"My New Year resolution is to do at least one good thing a day so that I too can earn some good blessings from all the elders around me," said Rohit Chopra.
While for some, the onset of 2008 meant a lot of hard work, for many others, it took on a philanthropic note.
Tibetans living-in-exile stage peace march in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/01/2008 - 16:23.
Chennai, Jan 1: Exiled Tibetans staged a peace march here seeking political support for their struggle.
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) activists set out on a peace march from Bangalore on December 10 and reached Chennai on Monday.
They observed a minute's silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.
The protestors sought a more proactive approach from New Delhi towards the Tibetans' struggle for autonomy and self-determination.
One killed, six injured during New Year revelry in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 01/01/2008 - 21:23.
Chennai, Jan. 1 : New Year revelry left at least one person dead and six others severely injured when a wooden makeshift dais that was built on a swimming pool for dancing in a hotel came down crumbling on Monday night.
There were about 600 people present for the New Year celebrations at the Savera Hotel when the incident occurred.
The hotel administration claimed to have called up fire services and the police immediately after the mishap.
Vaiko urges Manmohan Singh not to visit ColomboSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 01/03/2008 - 21:47.
People of Tamil Nadu take part in bullock cart raceSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 00:24.
Chennai, Jan 7: The residents of Tamil Nadu today participated in the annual bullock cart race with full fervour and zeal.
The bullock cart race is a part of the Pongal celebration (harvest festival) in Tamil Nadu.
"We don't participate in this contest for the money, but to keep our family tradition alive. We participate in the race to gain popularity," said Kumar, a participant.
Nearly 15 carts participated in the race covering five miles. Sports lovers gathered in huge numbers to enjoy the rural sport. The bullock cart festival is followed by a horse cart race covering a distance of 8 miles.
People of Tamil Nadu take part in bullock cart raceSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 16:09.
Chennai, Jan 8: The residents of Tamil Nadu have participated in the annual bullock cart race with full fervour and zeal.
The bullock cart race is a part of the Pongal celebration (harvest festival) in Tamil Nadu.
"We don't participate in this contest for the money, but to keep our family tradition alive. We participate in the race to gain popularity," said Kumar, a participant.
Nearly 15 carts participated in the race covering five miles. Sports lovers gathered in huge numbers to enjoy the rural sport. The bullock cart festival is followed by a horse cart race covering a distance of 8 miles.
Malaysian Indian Minister Samy Vellu to meet with Indian leadershipSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 17:36.
Chennai, Jan. 8: Malaysian Works Minister S Samy Vellu will meet Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to explain the real situation concerning the Indian community in Malaysia.
Vellu, who is also the president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), said he would also meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi during a visit to Chennai in view of the negative publicity arising from the November 25 street demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur by a group of Indian Malaysians.
Carlyle India invests $ 28 million in Chennai-based Repco Home FinanceSubmitted by Shalini Kakkad on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 06:20.
Carlyle India Advisors Pvt. Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of the global private equity firm the Carlyle Group, has invested USD 27.7 million (Rs. 110 crore) in Chennai-based Repco Home Finance Limited.
The investment will come from Carlyle Asia Growth Partners III, a 680 mln USD fund that invests in high growth companies in India, China, Japan and Korea, an official release said.
The funds raised would be used by Repco to expand its loan portfolio.
Narender Modi to meet Amma over lunch todaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 15:06.
Chennai, Jan 14: Gujarat Chief Minister Narender Modi is all set to meet AIADMK chief Jayalalitha today in Chennai over lunch. It may be recalled that Jayalalitha was one of the first ones to call and congratulate Modi on his triumph in recent elections.
The meeting has fuelled speculation of a possible BJP-AIADMK tie-up in the run up to next year's general elections.
Earlier, in the morning Modi offered payer at the famous Guruvayur temple of Trishur district in Kerala.
This meeting of Modi will be his first major political outing beyond Gujarat.
Pongal being celebrated todaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/15/2008 - 12:35.
New Delhi/ Chennai, Jan 15: President Pratibha Patil has greeted her fellow countrymen on Pongal, which is being celebrated today.
In her message, President Patil said, "I extend my greetings and felicitations to all my fellow citizens and wish them happiness and prosperity. Pongal is day of great festivity and rejoicing."
"May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection and inspire us to work for the unity, progress and well being of our nation," the President added.
ISRO to launch Israeli satellite "Polaris" todaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 14:29.
Chennai, Jan 21: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch an Israeli satellite 'Polaris' from the "Satish Dhawan Space Centre" at Sriharikota today.
The 350-kg satellite will be launched by using the "core-alone configuration" of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This is the second time that PSLV configuration will put a satellite in orbit. In April 2007, PSLV C-8 successfully put Italian satellite Agile in orbit.
"Polaris", a radar imaging remote sensing satellite, was mated with the vehicle a week ago.
American college students learning Yoga in ChennaiSubmitted by Jaya Kumar on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 16:17.
Chennai, Jan 21: For a group of American students visiting India on an education tour, one of the biggest charms has been learning Yoga at a Chennai college here.
Belonging to the Elmhurst College, this group of 20 students along with their two college professors has enrolled themselves for the yoga classes at Madras Christian College.
Indian Naval Chief says, Sethu Samundram is not good for big shipsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/22/2008 - 20:29.
Chennai, Jan 22: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Suresh Mehta has said that the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP), which will dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, would not be useful for the navigation of the big ships.
"It is a viable project. But, on completion, it will be useful only for small ships but not to those big ships navigating on international routes," Mehta told reporters here on Monday night.
When he was asked to elaborate the matter further, Admiral Mehta said: "This is Tamil Nadu. And it is a sensitive issue," and refused to elaborate.
Pakistan's Gwadar Port worries Indian NavySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 01/23/2008 - 22:05.
Chennai, Jan 23: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta has said that the development of Gwadar port, the third deep-sea port of Pakistan with Chinese assistance, worries India as the port would have serious strategic implications for the country.
While delivering a memorial lecture on T. S. Narayanswamy here, Admiral Mehta said that the port would empower Pakistan to control strategically important energy sea-lane on the Persian Gulf through which over 13 million barrels of oil pass every day.
TN requests Centre not to shelve Sethusamudram projectSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 01/23/2008 - 23:33.
Chennai, Jan 23: The Tamil NaduGovernment has requested the Centre not to shelve the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project because of the issues raised by some people for their political gain.
In his customary address at the beginning of the State Assembly session, Governor said that this project is a long-pending dream of the people of Tamil Nadu and "desired" by scholars and eminent personalities.
Security beefed along Indian coast to ward off suspect LTTE intrusionSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 22:00.
Chennai, Jan. 28 : A naval defence Boat T-60 and the Coast Guard ship Razia Sultana have been deployed in the Palk Bay in the wake of intelligence reports that the LTTE could be sending fresh cadres into Tamil Nadu.
Naval and Coast Guard sources said speed boats have been asked to intensify patrolling along the Indian coastline, and added that helicopters have also been pressed into service.
Muttukadu Boat House near Chennai offers an unforgettable joySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 00:32.
Chennai, Jan. 29: Located 36 kilometers off Chennai, Muttukadu Boat House is an unusual spot in backwaters for tourists and holidaying families.
Also, Muttukadu is a paradise for anglers since prawns and jelly fish are in abundance here. For those who relish seafood being here could prove to be a memorable experience.
Hundreds of holiday-makers visit Muttukadu Boat House daily to enjoy boat rides. It costs just rupees 50 per person for a three kilometer ride around the vast expanse of water that may be of 45 minutes duration.
Indigo flight makes emergency landing in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 02/02/2008 - 22:56.
Chennai, Feb. 2: An Indigo Airlines flight, with 114 passengers on board, made an emergency landing in Chennai today following a bird-hit soon after it took off on Friday night.
Airport sources said on Saturday that the pilot of the Delhi-bound flight made the emergency landing as a preventive measure.
The flight was cancelled and the airline has refunded the fare of to passengers. (ANI)
M Karunanidhi says, LTTE will not get a free run in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 02/04/2008 - 23:20.
Chennai, Feb 4 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Monday rebutted Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram remarks on the issue of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) saying that the rebel group does not have a "free run" in the state.
On Saturday, while addressing a public meeting at Nagercoil, Chidambaram had reportedly remarked that the LTTE was still carrying out its activities in Tamil Nadu and urged the M Karunanidhi Government to "nip the issue in the bud."
Five kilograms of contraband seized in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/08/2008 - 00:07.
Chennai, Feb 7 : In a major drug haul, customs officials at Chennai international airport have seized five kilograms of banned Ketamine Hydrochloride, police said today.
The contraband was seized from a passenger about to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Customs' Air Intelligence Unit officials said that they got suspicious due to the weight of the wooden panel carried by the passenger.
The drug was packed in a dozen packets, which were concealed in the cavities in wooden carved panels.
Sankararaman murder case hearing todaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 12:20.
Puducherry, Feb 11: 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 ten out of 24 accused were appeared before Principal District Sessions Judge D Krishnaraja. Those, who were absent, included Jayendra and Vijayendra.
The Sankaracharyas and 22 other accused were charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, misleading the court by giving false information and criminal trespass.
BSNL Service Disrupted; Leaves Customers Frustrated & Fuming For 2 DaysSubmitted by Darpana Kutty on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 15:41.
Chennai: Lakhs of BSNL mobile users were frustrated and fuming due to disrupted BSNL services for hours in Chennai, for the second consecutive day. The customers of state owned BSNL net work in the city, Coimbatore and the western regions of Chennai experienced service break down for hours.
Sources say the electrical snag at the Coimbatore switching unit had set off a crisis on the Haddows Road unit. The services were disrupted after the switching unit on Haddows Road crashed under the load of excessive call traffic.
Indian doctors advocate promotion of sex education in schoolsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 16:24.
Chennai, Feb 18: Indian doctors believe sex education should be taught in schools like any other subject.
Sing the platform of the Third International Conference on Sexology here, about 400 doctors from the India and 30 from abroad favoured sex education being a part of the school curriculum.
"Parents have to understand. They have to teach their children that school is the best place, that is where you get your education. When you teach everything sociology, physics, history, science, teach them sex, even the disease," said Arul Kannan, a sexologist based in the US.
The medical experts also called for a ban on pornographic websites.
Low carbon economy key to sustain competitiveness: Dr PachauriSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 17:19.
Chennai, Feb. 18: "Indian industry should shift its focus towards low carbon economy to sustain its competitiveness" said Dr R K Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute, in his inaugural address (Via Video Link) at the 4th Young Indians National Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Saturday.
"The Government would soon come out with a new Climate Change Policy to address issues on global warming", he added.
Gem and Jewellery exhibition beguile jewellery lovers in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 23:11.
Chennai, Feb. 18 : Jewellery lovers in Chennai had a visual delight on the weekend. Over 150 jewellery manufacturers from India and abroad showcased their designs during the Gem and Jewellery India International Exhibition (GJIIE) here.
The two-day event, which began on Saturday (February 16) at the Chennai Trade Centre, displayed latest designs and trends of jewellery in platinum, gold, diamonds and precious stones.
India Cements Ltd. unveils Chennai IPL team logoSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 02/19/2008 - 00:02.
Chennai, Feb 18: India Cements Limited (ICL), franchisee of the Chennai Indian Premier League (IPL) team, unveiled the logo for the team today and named the team as "Chennai Super Kings: Fearless Entertainers who will play to win".
The function held in Chennai witnessed the presence of veteran Indian cricketers like Sivaramakrishnan, W. V Raman and Chandrasekar.
During the function, former Indian captain Krishnamachary Srikkanth was named as the brand ambassador of the team.
Chennai commercial area fire damages property worth millionsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/22/2008 - 16:25.
Chennai, Feb 22: A major fire in a commercial area of Chennai destroyed property and goods worth millions early on Friday morning.
Police, however, said there was no human casualty.
They said sixteen fire tenders and three foam tenders involving 150 personnel were called in to control the blaze at two chemical companies on Nainiappan Naicker Street in Parrys Corner.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. (ANI)
Drugs worth millions seized at Chennai airportSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 15:10.
Chennai, Feb 26 (ANI): Customs officials at Chennai Airport have
seized 25 kg of the internationally banned party drug, Ketamine, worth
over Rs.25 million from a 22-year-old Taiwanese passenger.
According to officials, Mohammed Mohideen Nasar was booked on a Thai Airways flight to Taiwan via Bangkok.
"After verifying his luggage, two cardboard cartons containing four
steel cans were found, and on splitting the outer layers of the
vessels, neatly packed Ketamine was recovered,"said C. Rajan,
Commissioner of Customs.
He has been sent to judicial custody
Coast guard arrests 21 Sri Lankan fishermenSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 03/01/2008 - 00:33.
Chennai, Feb 29 : Coast guard officials today arrested 21 Sri Lankan fishermen who had strayed into India's territorial waters.
The fishermen were taken into custody by the officials off the coast of southern Karaikal in Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu.
They were later taken to Chennai where they were handed over to the local police for further interrogation.
The Sri Lankan authorities however, claimed that all those arrested were innocent and had strayed into Indian waters by mistake.
Seabed-mining ship Sagar Nidhi joins Indian fleetSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 03/03/2008 - 19:24.
Chennai, Mar 03: Union Science & Technology Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday dedicated the oceanographic research vessel Sagar Nidhi to the nation in Chennai in the presence of Shipping and Surface Transport Minister T R Balu at the Chennai port trust.
The third research vessel after Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi, the Italian-built Sagar Nidhi is set to launch submersible capsules capable of taking scientists to a depth of six km below the sea level.
BMW unveils new M3 coupeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 03/12/2008 - 00:08.
Chennai, Mar 11 : Germany's BMW, the world's largest premium carmakers, on Tuesday launched the new BMW M3 coupe in Chennai.
First of the M series from BMW, M3 coupe is a two-door luxury car with a 3999cc V8 petrol engine. Top-notch performance and pure luxury combined with perfect handling render this car all reasons to justify its worth.
In view of the strong growth of the Indian economy, it has a goal of annual sales of 2000 vehicles in 2008 and to extend it to 10,000 cars till the year 2010.
US consulate imposes lifetime ban on 200 visa applicants from South IndiaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 00:52.
Chennai, Mar 13: The US Consulate on Thursday imposed a lifetime ban on 200 visa applicants from the south Indian film industry barring them from travelling to the United States for having used "false credentials" to apply for visas.
The American consulate in Chennai announced that around 200 small-time Indian film actors and directors have been banned from travelling to US for a lifetime in the visa racket case.
No fresh tax in Tamli Nadu BudgetSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 18:34.
Chennai, Mar 20: Tamil Nadu Government has proposed no fresh taxes, tax cuts for industrial products and reduction in interest for farm loans in the state budget for the year 2008-09 presented in the Assembly today.
The Tamil Nadu Finance Minister, K. Anbhazagan in his third consecutive budget, announced that the interest on farm loans would be reduced to 4 per cent from the present 5 per cent.
Anbhazagan said Rs. 1500 crore new crop loans would be disbursed in the coming year.
Lifeline Group signs MoU ; to set its first overseas hospital in ZambiaSubmitted by Neeta Aurora on Fri, 03/21/2008 - 04:18.
The Chennai-based Lifeline Group of Hospitals has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government of Zambia to establish its first overseas hospital.
The company will invest over Rs 40 crore along with an investor in Zambia.
Under the agreement, the Zambia government will provide the land and building for the proposed medical facility.
While, Lifeline group will build hospital on the existing facility, equip it with 100 beds and provide state of the art equipment to make it one of the most modern hospitals in Zambia.
The hospital will also have a team of 300 medical personnel, including doctors and paramedical staff of which 80 per cent will be from the Lifeline's own team.
M Karunanidhi reviews rain damage, casualties in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:55.
Chennai, Mar. 22 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi today chaired an emergency meeting of ministers and senior officials to review the damage and loss of lives in 70 villages of the state that were battered by heavy rains over the past few days.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Karunanidhi said that most of the rain-affected areas were cut-off and standing crops on 40,233 acres of land had been damaged in nine districts.
Incessant rain destroys crops in three southern statesSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 17:27.
Chennai, Mar 23 : Incessant rain continues to lash several parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pudhucherry.
Thutukudi, Tiruneveli, Nagapatinam, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore have been badly hit districts where rains have damaged standing crops of over 50,000 acres claiming 15 lives.
In Cuddalore district, the heavy rains have reportedly cost the cashew nut farmers a loss of over 1000 million rupees.
Reservoirs and water bodies in the southern districts are on the verge of overflowing.
Proteas will miss Shaun Pollock: KumbleSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 00:37.
Chennai, Mar 25 : Indian skipper Anil Kumble today said that India has the advantage of playing on the home turf, and added that South Africa would feel the absence of Shaun Pollock during the series.
Addressing a news conference on the eve of the first test match beginning on Wednesday (March 26), Kumble said: "Obviously, they will miss Shaun Pollock's experience and his skills."
BCCI felicitates Kumble for taking 600 wicketsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 01:29.
Chennai, Mar 25: Indian skipper Anil Kumble was today presented a priceless memento, a golden ball with diamonds and rubies crafted on it, at a felicitation function organised by the BCCI in Chennai on Tuesday.
Capped 125 times by India so far, the champion leg-spinner took 604 wickets. The BCCI had invited representatives from all the member units and former India captains to celebrate the occasion.
BCCI President Sharad Pawar congratulated Kumble on the occasion, and said that Kumble is among the best cricketers of the world.
India South Africa first test ends in a drawSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 03/31/2008 - 00:34.
Chennai, Mar 30: The first test match of the three test match series between India and South Africa ended in a draw on Sunday.
After scoring 627 in reply to South Africa's first innings 540 all out on a flat pitch, India led by Anil Kumble failed to contain South Africa in their second innings as in-form opener Neil McKenzie struck an unbeaten 155.
"Every body in the team had put in their best effort. We should also give credit to the way South Africans batted," said Anil Kumble, Indian Test Captain.
Sanmar Group acquires US-based, Matrix MetalsSubmitted by Sukant Sharma on Thu, 04/03/2008 - 07:03.
Chennai-based Sanmar Group, which has diversified interests in chemicals, engineering and shipping, has acquired US-based, Matrix Metals LLC, a portfolio company of Jefferies Capital Partners, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is the result of a close association between the Sanmar Group, headquartered in Chennai, and Matrix's NEPCO unit, which has sourced castings from Sanmar for many of Matrix's important customers over the years. The acquisition has been funded by a bridge loan facility provided by Bank of India and State Bank of India.
This is the second major foundry acquisition in the overseas markets by Sanmar group. The company said that the merger will create one of the leading specialty steel casting groups in the world.
Sonia Gandhi to visit Tamil Nadu todaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 14:38.
Chennai, Apr 5: Congress President Sonia Gandhi will arrive in Tiruchirapalli this afternoon.
During her day-long visit, Sonia will leave for Karaikudi in Sivaganga district to participate in two functions organised by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.
Besides, UPA Chairperson Sonia is also scheduled to inaugurate an auditorium in the Alagappa University.
Before leaving for home this evening, Sonia will also address a farmers and women rally.
Tight security arrangements have been made in view of her visit to Tiruchirapalli and Sivaganga districts. (ANI)
Karunanidhi puts Hogenakkal water project on holdSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 17:13.
Chennai, Apr 5 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi today put the Hogenakkal water project on hold till after the upcoming Assembly Elections in Karnataka.
"I hope that a popular government will understand our just demand and abide by the 1998 agreement to implement the scheme," Karunanidhi said.
Chennai-Delhi Indian Airlines flight returns due to technical snagSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 04/07/2008 - 14:43.
Chennai, Apr 7: A Chennai-Delhi Indian Airlines flight returned on Monday morning, soon after take-off following a technical fault.
According to airport sources, the flight had taken off at 6.45 a. m.
All 110 passengers on board were accommodated in another flight, they added. (ANI)
MDMK protest in Tamil Nadu over Hogenakkal water projectSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 15:09.
Chennai, Apr 8: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief, Vaiko, staged a protest here on Monday demanding implementation of the Hogenakkal water project.
"Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has betrayed Tamil Nadu in this issue of Hogenakkal drinking water project to appease the Congress high command. He has compromised and sacrificed the life interest of Tamil Nadu for his personal, party political gains," Vaiko said.
"The project should be implemented, there should not be any adjournment or postponement. That is our stand," Vaiko added.
Hundreds of MDMK supporters carried placards and shouted slogans against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government.
Jayalalithaa demands Karunanidhi's resignation over Hogenakkal Water ProjectSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 20:10.
Chennai, Apr 8: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J. Jayalalithaa today demanded immediate resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, attacking him with failing the people by upholding the Hogenakkal Water Project.
Earlier in the day, the Opposition leader led a walkout of AIADMK members in the State Assembly after denial of permission by Speaker R. Avudaiyappan over moving a special adjournment motion during the Question Hour.
Karunanidhi to inaugurate four NHAI projects in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 04/09/2008 - 13:09.
Chennai, Apr 9: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will inaugurate four projects completed at a total cost of Rs. 80 crore by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) here today.
M. Karunanidhi will also lay the foundation stone for foot-over bridge at Chromepet on the same day.
The function for the inaugural ceremony will be presided over by the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Thiru T. R. Baalu and the Minister for Local Administration, Government of Tamil Nadu Thiru M. K Stalin will be the chief guest.
Dhanus Technologies to spend around US$ 20-30 million for acquisitionsSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 05:52.
Dhanus Technologies, one of India's fastest growing alternative telecommunications service provider based in Chennai, will invest US$20-$30 million in acquisitions of alternative telecom companies in Europe and Canada. These strategic purchases are a part of expanding the company's offerings in these markets.
The acquisitions will be funded entirely through internal growth accruals. Earlier, the company had announced plans to raise US$ 200 million through either external commercial borrowings (ECBs) or debt to fund its European expansion plans.
Orchid Chemicals forms a wholly-owned subsidiary in JapanSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Sat, 04/12/2008 - 06:08.
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd has announced the formation of its wholly-owned subsidiary in Japan called Orchid Pharma Japan, headquartered in Tokyo.
The company claims that newly formed subsidiary will help Orchid foray into the high potential and growing Japanese generics market.
Chennai-based Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited engages in the development, manufacture, sale, and export of active pharmaceuticals ingredients and finished dosage forms or formulations.
The company estimates that the generics market in Japan currently estimated at $2.5 billion could double itself in a span of 5 years.
Ranbaxy Close To Finalize Open Offer For OrchidSubmitted by Shalini Kakkad on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 16:35.
Ranbaxy is close to finalize a plan to declare an open offer for Chennai-based Orchid Chemicals.
Ranbaxy-promoter company Solrex was reported to have raised its holding stake in Orchid to 14.72% till Friday last week, which is slightly below the 15% limit needed to make an open offer for an extra 20% stake in the company.
When contacted Ranbaxy chief executive officer and managing director, Malvinder Singh refused to comment.
Last week after news erupted that Solrex had bought more than 11% stake, Ranbaxy stated that it did not trust in unreceptive bids.
Tamil Nadu bans mechanized fishing in coastal areasSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 23:11.
Chennai, Apr. 17 : The Government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a forty-five day ban on mechanized fishing in the state's .
The ban became effective from Wednesday. Mechanized trawlers have been prohibited from venturing out to sea till May 31. However, country boats and catamarans involved in traditional fishing are excluded from the ban.
The ban will be enforced in two different phases along the eastern and western coasts of India during the fish breeding season.
Vaghela to inaugurate Hi-Tech Weaving Park in TNSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 12:02.
Chennai, Apr 19: Union Minister for Textiles Shankarsinh Vaghela will inaugurate the Hi-Tech Weaving Park at Palladam in Tamil Nadu under the Scheme for Integrated Textiles Park (SITP).
The State of Art Hi-Tech Weaving Park, coving an area of 70 acres will have 92 weaving and other units with 700 shuttleless looms. The Rs. 250 crore's project will provide employment to over 5000 persons.
During his visit, Vaghela will also inaugurate the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Centre at Kannur in Kerala.
Tech Mahindra Opens Its Seventh Indian Development Centre In ChennaiSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 17:03.
Software exporter Tech Mahindra has made announcement about the establishment of its 1.2-lakh square foot development centre at the Mahindra World City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Paranur near Chennai.
The facility, company's seventh in India, has been set up with a total investment of Rs 30 crore. Initially, it will house around 1,400 software engineers and 1,000 more by the next 18 months.
Vineet Nayyar, vice-chairman, managing director and CEO, Tech Mahindra, state that the company has been covering up new players in the telecom application business and increasing its service lines.
Creamy layer concept confusing, says KarunanidhiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 04/20/2008 - 00:30.
Chennai, Apr 19 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam , on Saturday said that the word "creamy layer" in the Supreme Court's verdict on Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation is "confusing".
Karunanidhi wrote in his party mouthpiece 'Murasoli' that the apex court verdict had stated that the Government could make a relaxation to some extent in the income limit prescribed so that sufficient number of candidates could be made available for filling the 27 per cent quota fully.
India all set to launch ten satellites for geographical mappingSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 04/27/2008 - 17:38.
Chennai, Apr 27 : India is all set to launch ten satellites on Monday in one single mission using Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
India will put the remote sensing satellite, Cartosat-2A, along with a microsatellite and eight nanosatellites, belonging to Canada and Germany into orbit, ISRO officials said.
On its 13th flight, the PSLV will launch the 690-kg Cartosat-2A and the 83 kg Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1). The cartographical satellite will be placed in a 653-km high polar sun-synchronous orbit.
India all set to launch ten satellites for geographical mappingSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 10:58.
Chennai, Apr 28: India is all set to launch ten satellites today in one single mission using Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
India will put the remote sensing satellite, Cartosat-2A, along with a microsatellite and eight nanosatellites, belonging to Canada and Germany into orbit.
On its 13th flight, the PSLV will launch the 690-kg Cartosat-2A and the 83 kg Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1). The cartographical satellite will be placed in a 653-km high polar sun-synchronous orbit.
The rocket would be launched from Sriharikota.
Cartosat-2A would be used by the Indian Government for mapping purposes and management of natural resources.
MRF inks MoU with Tamil Nadu Government for setup of Tyre facilitySubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Sat, 05/03/2008 - 04:09.
Chennai-based well-known Tyre manufacturer MRF Ltd has notified that the company has signed a MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for setting up a new radial tyre facility in Perambulur and for expansion of its existing two plants in the state.
The company is acquiring nearly 290 acres of land for its new facility in Perambulur and the facility is expected to have a total capacity of 7,00,000 radial tyre units.
According to an official statement, the project will cost the company Rs 900 crore and will provide direct employment to 2,500 persons in the first phase and to 5,000 in the second phase.
Chennai has 81-year-old handwritten Urdu newspaperSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 20:06.
Chennai, May 5 : In today's age when one has to just press the delete button on the keyboard, at the office of 'The Musalman', the oldest Urdu daily in the country, and possibly the only handwritten newspaper in the world, the diligent workers end up rewriting an entire page in case of a mistake.
Since the past 81 years, the newspaper is being printed everyday without fail from Triplicane High Road office at Chennai ever since its inception in 1927.
Malaysian woman held in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:47.
Chennai, May 6 : A Malaysian woman entrepreneur has been detained by Chennai police for alleged fraud.
The police have also issued an all-points bulletin (APB) on the founder of the company, believed to be a Malaysian "datuk", to facilitate investigations into the case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Chennai), G. Sampath Kumar, said the 45-year-old woman was picked up two nights ago after police received numerous complaints from investors against the company, QuestNet, of which she is managing director.
He said police sealed the company premises and also detained her seven employees.
Murugappa Group unveils investment plan worth Rs 1300 croreSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 00:21.
Chennai-based business conglomerate Murugappa Group intends to spend Rs 1,300 crore on capacity expansions in 2008-09. The proposed investments are more than twice compared to last year (Rs 580 crore).
The group, in a statement revealed that it will invest Rs 350 crore in EID Parry's Greenfield sugar refinery, coming up at Kakinada SEZ. The refinery is coming up under a joint venture with Cargill, in which the Mugurappa group owns 51 per cent.
The group will also invest Rs 250 crore in EID Parry's distillery unit, coming up at Sivaganga.
Reopen Kachativu agreement with Sri Lanka reiterates CPI National SecretarySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 00:35.
Chennai, May 14 : National Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) D Raja on Wednesday reiterates the demand to reopen Kachativu agreement with Sri Lanka.
Raja reiterated the demand while discussing the problems faced by fishermen in seawaters between India and Sri Lanka at a meeting jointly organised by states of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry Fishermen Federation in Chennai today.
The fishermen complained that the number of attacks on them by naval forces of Sri Lanka has been increasing.
D Raja assured the fishermen that he would raise the issue in the Parliament.
MphasiS's Expansion Plan For ChennaiSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 14:40.
MphasiS, in which technology services company EDS holds 60.9 per cent stake, has made announcement about the capacity expansion plan for its Chennai facility.
As part of its growth plans, MphasiS will add 3,600 seats to its Chennai operations by the end of the existing year (2008).
The firm has also inaugurated its Enterprise Labs, an innovative information technology centre, which will offer up engineering, development and testing environments for MphasiS and EDS throughout the world.
Ramadoss says liquor, tobacco lobby targeting himSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 05/18/2008 - 00:10.
Chennai, May 17 : Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said that liquor and tobacco lobby was targeting him by unleashing false propaganda.
He told reporters that his stand against liquor and tobacco had earned the wrath of these industrialists and they had singled him out for his stand. Ramadoss said his stand on social justice had made the anti-reservationists to turn against him.
Appearing undaunted over sharp reactions from Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan for his advice, Ramadoss said: "I am not against Shah Rukh Khan or Amitabh Bachchan, who had come out against me for tirade against tobacco and liquor."
India's First Medical Tech Park To Go Live Next YearSubmitted by Neha Malik on Tue, 05/20/2008 - 14:30.
The construction work at the country's first Medical Technology Park (MTP) coming up at Sriperumbudur near Chennai is scheduled to commence in July 2008.
The MTP will be set up by the Trivitron Group of companies in association with three foreign companies, Aloka, Japan, Biosystems, Spain and Brandon of UK with a total investment of Rs 250 crore of which Rs 170 crore would be invested by Trivitron.
Bodies of two Iraq blast victims handed over to kin in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 05/22/2008 - 01:01.
Chennai, May 21 : Bodies of two Indians who died in an Iraqi bomb blast on May 8 were handed over to their relatives in Chennai today.
Ramesh Kumar and G. Senthil, the two blast victims, were working for a Kuwait transport company and were on a deputation to Iraq for a few months.
The kin of the victims thanked the State Government and the Indian Embassy for their efforts in bringing the bodies home.
"Senthil and Ramesh died in the Iraq bomb blast. With the help of the Indian embassy, the State Government and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the bodies are coming to Chennai Airport. We are worried about the death," said Baalu, brother of G. Senthil, a blast victim.
Accel Frontline signs share purchase pact to acquire XLNC Infotech SolutionsSubmitted by Neeta Aurora on Fri, 05/23/2008 - 03:51.
Chennai-headquartered Accel Frontline has entered into a share purchase agreement for the purchase of the entire subscribed and paid-up share capital of XLNC Infotech Solutions, Bangalore.
Accel Frontline operates as a subsidiary of BT Frontline. The company is engaged in the provision of system integration solutions comprising network design, hardware, software, and Web site development, as well as in the sale and implementation of customized software products in India and internationally.
SSI to develop 70-acre integrated township in Chennai under JV pactSubmitted by Shalini Kakkad on Thu, 05/29/2008 - 05:11.
SSI Limited, the flagship company of the Kalpathi Group, has entered into a joint development agreement with a consortium of Unitech and Arihant
Foundations & Housing, to develop a 70-acre integrated township in Chennai.
The joint venture development would be mainly residential with supporting retail and commercial space.
The project is on a revenue sharing basis of 43:57 between SSI and the consortium, and expected to generate an estimated cash flow of Rs 2,000 crore for SSI.
Water volcano attracts visitors to Chennai's Kishkinta ParkSubmitted by Jaya Kumar on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 12:01.
Chennai, May 31 : A new and major attraction at the Kishkinta Amusement Park in Chennai is the Water Volcano which has turned out to be a great stress buster for visitors during the summer.
The Water Volcano is a water show in which five-lakh litres of water gushes up in just five seconds like a Tsunami wave.
There is an almost never-ending stream of visitors, to see this startling show.
Kishkinta also has other attractions like the White Water, the Wave Pool and the Water Dingy Ride which tosses one from the dingy into the nearby woods.
Initially, the organisers hosted a show with bubbling water and gentle sea waves which lasted for seven minutes and people termed it thrilling.
Shutdown in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand over hike in fuel pricesSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 06/07/2008 - 13:59.
Chennai/Ranchi/ Etah/Patna, June 7 : A day-long shutdown called by Left parties in Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand against the hike in fuel prices began today.
The steep hike in fuel prices continued to spark protests across India.
Women in Uttar Pradesh expressed their anguish by piling empty cooking gas cylinders to block traffic and took up mock cooking on the roads.
Hundreds of women in Etah district demanded that the State Government should take steps to ease the burden on the consumers.
200 persons arrested during Tamil Nadu shutdownSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 06/07/2008 - 21:34.
Chennai/Ranchi, June 7 : Tamil Nadu Police, today arrested about 200 protestors from Tiruvottiyur, Ambathur and Guindy, as they tried to disrupt railway traffic in different parts of Chennai city over the fuel price hike.
Unidentified people also threw stones on two MTC buses at Ayanavaram.
Most shops in the city remained closed and some auto rickshaw drivers chose not to ply their vehicles.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, a left shutdown call has affected normal life.
Protestors shouted slogans while marching down the streets of Ranchi and some forced shops to close. Attendance in offices remained thin.
Big FM Appoints Suresh Iyer As Regional director, SouthSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 11:45.
In a latest development, Big 92.7 FM has made announcement about the appointment of Suresh Iyer as Regional director, South, Big 92.7 FM.
Mr. Iyer replaces Sabita Kath, who quit recently.
Mr. Iyer has been working with Big 92.7 FM for more than a year, and has played an important role in advancing the programming content across south as regional programming consultant.
Nalini's petition hearing adjourned to June 18Submitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 22:27.
Chennai, June 12 : The Madras High Court today adjourned to June 18, the hearing on the petition filed by Nalini Murugan, seeking premature release instead of the life imprisonment that she is serving in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
The Court adjourned the hearing of the petition, after the Centre and the Tamil Nadu Government sought two-weeks' time to file their replies.
Earlier, the court had asked the state Government to clear its position on the matter by June 10.
DMK breaks ties with PMK, Ambumani Ramadoss stays at CentreSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 06/18/2008 - 22:04.
Chennai, June 18: A split in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) alliance came after the members of the DMK unanimously decided in its party meeting late last night to not to continue relations with the PMK as its founder S. Ramadoss had made several speeches criticising DMK's decisions.
The resolution adopted at the end of hour-long deliberations of the party's High Level Policy Implementation Committee here, said that the party has decided to part ways with the PMK as its leader spoke in 'a cheap and derogatory manner', which sought to ruin the DMK's self-respect.
A fashion show showcasing footwear held in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 06/29/2008 - 00:20.
Chennai, June 28 : A fashion show, showcasing the best of comfortable and trendy footwear, held in Chennai recently.
A leading footwear brand from United Kingdom, Pavers England, displayed its collection.
Leading male and female models of the country sashayed down the ramp wearing the brand's latest range of footwear before a host of city's glitterati.
On display were wide ranges of smart and formal wear for men and women. It was a collection of trendy and comfortable designs to suit the attires for different occasions.
Ramco System secures order from CCPLSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 16:16.
Chennai-based Ramco Systems, a leading IT company has informed that it has received an order from Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd (CCPL), one of the India's leading Shipping & Transportation logistics service providers.
The deal includes Integrated Freight Management System (IFMS) and the fully integrated financial management accounting package.
Ramco Systems Limited is an international company which provides enterprise software and information technology services. It was originally established in 1989 as part of Ramco Industries. The company employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide.
Madras Cements board recommends dividend, bonus issue & stock splitSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 19:13.
A meeting of board of directors of Madras Cement, which was held on Jun 30 2008, saw the approval of the company for the payment of dividend of Rs 20 a share comprising a final dividend of Rs 10 a share and a Golden Jubilee dividend of Rs 10 a share.
The approval came in addition to the1st interim dividend of Rs 40 a share and 2nd interim dividend of Rs 10 a share paid already.
Further the board recommended an issue of bonus shares in the ratio of 1 : 1. and sub-division of each share of Rs 10 each to 10 shares of Re 1 each.
The Madras Cement is the major player of cement in South India and its stocks as of Monday closed at Rs.2857.50, up by Rs.17.95 or 0.63%. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.3010 and low of Rs.2.
BGR Energy pockets order worth Rs 3100 crore from TNEBSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 04:25.
Chennai-based BGR Energy Systems Limited, one of the leading Energy equipment supplier has secured an EPC contract worth Rs 3,100.06 crore from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. The order entails set up of 600 megawatt power plant at Mettur.
The project involves design, engineering, supply of boiler, steam turbine generator and complete balance of plant equipments inclusive of all mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control systems, and civil, structural and architectural works necessary for putting into commercial operation on Engineering, Procurement and Construction basis.
The project is to be completed over a period of 39 months.
Drugs worth 50 million rupees seized in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 21:09.
Chennai, July 3 : Custom officials today arrested one person named David and
seized contraband Ketamine Hydrochloride worth 50 million rupees in
Chennai while smugglers were trying to smuggle the drug in a Malaysia
bound consignment.
The officers of the
docks intelligence unit seized the contraband when they intercepted a
consignment packed in four wooden crates for export to Malaysia by sea.
Chidamabaram defends Mukherjee''s word on US-India nuclear dealSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 20:07.
Chennai, July 9 : Union Finance Minister Palaniyappan Chidambaram has defended External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee''s word on the nuclear deal with America.
Chidambaram, who was here to lay the foundation stone for the head office of the Indian Bank, said that the UPA Government is confident of winning the vote of confidence in Parliament when it convenes for its monsoon session.
He told reporters here after addressing a function here that after winning the vote of confidence, "We will press on with the implementation of civil nuclear deal with the US with the support of the Left parties.
Chidambaram dismisses possibility of early general electionsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 23:50.
Chennai, July 9 : Dismissing possibility of early general elections, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today expressed confidence that elections will be held on schedule in 2009.
"These are all hypothetical questions, elections will take place according to the schedule in April, May 2009," said Chidambaram.
Threat of early general elections loomed large over the nation after Left parties withdrew support from the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government on Tuesday in protest against the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.
BJP leader fears political turmoil over the nuke dealSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 17:09.
Chennai/Hyderabad, July 10 : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Murli Manohar Joshi fears that the current political crisis in the country could lead to an early election in the country.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Joshi said that the current crisis would lead to instability.
Shriram makes foray into general insuranceSubmitted by Harish Dhawan on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 14:23.
Shriram Group of Chennai has decided to step into general insurance segment with setting up a joint venture in association with Sanlam of South Africa.
The venture will involve a capital of Rs 105 crore, in which Sanlam will hold 26 per cent of stakes whereas Shriram Financial Services and Holdings Private Ltd, an entity of Shriram Groups will have 74 percent of stakes in this JV.
The Shriram General Insurance Company, which would be based in Jaipur would formally go on stream on July 23.
Indian Girls Refuse To Play In Bikinis; Beach Volleyball Authorities Relax Dress CodeSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Sat, 07/19/2008 - 20:26.
The first Indian World Beach Volley Ball tournament, which is to be held at Chennai, had been surrounded by controversies. The issue was that the Indian Women's team completely refused to wear bikinis, which was the dress code of the tournament.
But now the authorities have relaxed the dress code and made it easy for the Indian Women players by introducing sleeveless t-shirt and short trouser. The team which was about to withdraw earlier will now play in the new introduced dress code.
Tsunami affected fishermen to visit VietnamSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 20:21.
Chennai, July 21 : Seven Tsunami affected fishermen will soon be visiting Vietnam for a 20-day sojourn to learn modern techniques of catching fish and trawler operations under a government project.
These farmers will be going to Vietnam under Tsunami Relief Committee's project sponsored by Rotary Club.
Led by a former official of the Fisheries Department, these fishermen will attend a 20-day training programme and learn about the techniques and practices employed by fishermen in Vietnam.
Vietnam fishermen net an annual catch worth 6 billion dollars in the seafood sector''s turnover. Half of this sum is earned in terms of foreign exchange, propping up Vietnam''s aqua-driven economy.
Tamil Nadu police busts LTTE procurement networkSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 07/24/2008 - 22:16.
Chennai, July 24 : The Q Branch of the Tamil Nadu police busted a major Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) procurement network when it arrested three persons, including a Sri Lankan from Manalmelkudi in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu.
The three arrested persons were Kumargurubaran (28) a resident of Chennai, Ramesh (37) hailing from Ramanathapuram, and Manamohan (28) from Pesalai, Sri Lanka.
According to the police, Manamohan was the key player in this procurement network, coordinating the operation.
Nomura Holding to invest $16 million in Chennai-based Real Image TechnologiesSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Sat, 08/02/2008 - 05:40.
Japan's largest brokerage house Nomura Holdings will invest $16 million in Indian media company Real Image Technologies Pvt. Ltd, to take advantage of the growth in India's movie and entertainment industry.
Chennai-based Real Image, founded in 1986, provides digital technology solutions for films, videos and audio markets. The company has operations across North America, Europe and Asia and also operates various digital cinema screens.
Orchid Chemicals bags approval for Piperacillin and TazobactamSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 05:30.
Chennai-based generic pharmaceutical major, Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited has received approvals of its Marketing Authorization (MA) for Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection for marketing in the EU countries. The pharmaceutical company filed the MA for this product with the UK MHRA through the DCP (de-centralised procedure) route enabling the company to launch the product across EU countries. In August month research reports, India based Capital Markets has recommended a buy rating on Orchid Chemical and Pharmaceuticals with a target price of Rs 305.
Govt Plans Medical Tech Park In ChennaiSubmitted by Neha Malik on Mon, 08/11/2008 - 13:48.
In order to cut costs of healthcare equipment and research for new vaccines in Chennai, government of India has decided to set up a medical technology park in the city.
The proposed park, which is being constructed on 300 acres of land, will be equipped with medical device manufacturing units, healthcare infrastructure and vaccine technology facilities.
The park is scheduled to be completed by 2012.
Vishal Information Debuts At 13% Discount On NSESubmitted by Gaurav Mehra on Mon, 08/11/2008 - 15:12.
Chennai-based non-voice BPO service provider, Vishal Information Technologies got listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) at a discount of 13.33% at Rs 130 as against its issue price of Rs 150.
The scrip gained strength and touched an intra-day high of Rs 184. It also touched an intra-day low of Rs 125.60 thus far. The scrip was trading around Rs 177 and more than 10.81 lakh shares exchanged hands on the NSE.
Similar movement was seen on the Bombay Stock Exchange, where the scrip of the company got listed at Rs 150.
Encouraging results in initial trial offer hope for HIV VaccineSubmitted by Pallavi Kaushal on Tue, 08/12/2008 - 04:07.
The success of recent tests related to HIV drug has offered a hope of development of a successful HIV medication. The scientists at Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC) conducted clinical trials for a vaccine to prevent AIDS.
The researchers at TRC have reported success during the fist phase of the tests for new medication. These medical trails are result of efforts of TRC, which is affiliated to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).
Karunanidhi promises to implement Sixth Pay Commission recommendations on I-DaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 08/15/2008 - 22:06.
Chennai, Aug. 15 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Friday promised that his DMK-led Government would implement the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission approved by the Union Cabinet to the satisfaction of all employees.
Unfurling the national flag and addressing the people from the ramparts of Fort St. George on the occasion of the country's 62nd Independence Day here, Karunanidhi said orders to this effect would be issued shortly.
Cybernet-SlashSupport begins new IT services facility in ChennaiSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Tue, 08/26/2008 - 03:13.
Cybernet-SlashSupport (CSS), the company providing tech support, software testing and development and remote infrastructure management (RIM) services, has opened a new IT Services facility in Chennai.
The facility is located on a leased 2-acre infrastructure at MEPZ, near Tambaram, Chennai.
CSS, which employs around 5,000 professionals, also has an offshore facility in Coimbatore. The company has two facilities in the U. S., a near shore facility in Poland and a redundancy centre in Singapore.
BGR Energy Systems bags order worth Rs 39.60 croreSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 04:50.
Chennai-based BGR Energy Systems Limited has bagged an order worth Rs 39.60 crore from Essar Oil. According to the company, the latest awarded order is the single largest contract for the BGR Energy for supply of Air Fin Coolers in India. Under the deal, BGR Energy will supply 169 Fin Tube Bundles for the FCCU Unit (Train-II) of Essar Refinery Expansion Project, Vadinar, being built by Essar Oil. The entire air fin cooler packages will be delivered within 12 months.
Shrine row issue being politicised, say Muslim clericsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 23:52.
Chennai/Srinagar/New Delhi, August 27 : Muslim clerics on Wednesday accused the lawmakers for politicizing the issue of Amarnath land allotment to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing agitations and protests for almost past two months on the issue of allotment of land to SASB for setting up temporary camps for the devotees taking part in the annual Amarnath yatra.
Indian Overseas Bank to raise Rs 700 crore through bondsSubmitted by Harish Dhawan on Thu, 08/28/2008 - 05:01.
Public sector lender Indian Overseas Bank has informed that it will soon raise Rs 700 crore through bonds to meet capital requirements.
The bank further stated its board of directors has approved the issue of unsecured, reedemable bonds, which will be raised shortly.
According to sources, the bank is in talks with state-run insurer Life Insurance Corp of India to sell bonds up to Rs 700 crore. The bonds will have a 15-year maturity, with call option at the end of the 10th year.
Chennai could get world's largest stadiumSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Thu, 08/28/2008 - 18:21.
With the aim to have more seating capacity even more than Eden Gardens and Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), is planning to construct a stadium in Chennai for the World Cup of 2011, which is to be co-hosted by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The stadium is being built on a 50-acre site in Karunkuzhipallam village in Kanchipuram district which is 25 kilometers outside Chennai. This advanced stadium will also have retractable roof to prevent wash outs. However, the contractor has yet to be found by TNCA.
Birth of first Indian frozen egg cell baby marks the starting of new eraSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Sat, 08/30/2008 - 13:04.
Doctors at GG Hospital, Chennai brought first Indian frozen egg cell baby into this world on Wednesday. The baby boy, weighing 2.5 kg was born after an elective caesarean in the 36th week of pregnancy. The mother was healthy and will be nursing the baby from Thursday. This incidence has given hope to many childless couples.
Frozen egg cell procedure is an artificial reproduction method. In this method the egg cells from a woman are frozen and later fertilized to yield a foetus. However in this case a frozen egg cell from a donor was fertilized with his father's sperm cell. It was then implanted in the mother.
Goods destroyed in Chennai fireSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 15:40.
Chennai, Sept 1 : Goods worth rupees seven lakhs were destroyed
in a major fire that broke out at the fourth floor of a commercial
building at the Ranganathan Street here this morning.
However, no casualties have been reported so far.
According to police, around 20 fire tenders were rushed to the site to douse the flames.
Investigations are on to find out the reason for the fire. Further reports are awaited. (ANI)
PM to lay foundation stone for modernisation and expansion of Salem Steel PlantSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 13:13.
Chennai, Sept 5 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 1750-crore modernisation and expansion of the Salem Steel Plant (SSP) at Salem in Tamil Nadu today.
The foundation ceremony will be held in the presence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister for Steel Ram Vilas Paswan.
Manmohan Singh conferred honorary doctorate degree by Madras UniversitySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 22:15.
Chennai, Sep 5 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, were conferred honorary doctorate degrees by the Madras University.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday that the 150-year-old Madras University was a unique and great institution as it had produced several distinguished personalities, including two Nobel laureates C V Raman and S Chandrasekar.
Manmohan Singh calls for quality education to allSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 00:08.
Chennai, Sept 5 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the political leadership to understand the importance of education in the country''s development in his speech at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Madras University in Chennai.
Canadian warships to visit Chennai on WednesdaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 09/09/2008 - 20:11.
Chennai, Sept. 9 : Canadian warships -- the HMS Calgary and the HMS Protecteur -- will make a three-day stopover in Chennai on Wednesday (September 10), as they embark on their return journey around the globe after a four month counter-terrorism deployment to the Arabian Sea as part of a multinational coalition known as Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.
The Commanding Officer of the multi-purpose frigate Calgary, Commander Kelly Larkin, will be available to speak to the press shortly after his ship''s arrival at approximately 11 a. m. There will also be an opportunity for members of the media to briefly tour the Canadian frigate after the exchange with the ship''s Captain.
Oz FM optimistic about ties with IndiaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 09/09/2008 - 21:58.
Chennai, Sept. 9 : Describing bilateral ties between Australia and India as being on a "firm foundation", especially in the economic and social sectors, visiting Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Tuesday said that he is optimistic about the future of these "shared values and interests" and believed that both countries could "build on these great strengths."
Leyland-Nissan LCV Plant In ChennaiSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 17:07.
The Ashok Leyland and Nissan project will be operational soon. The project started the first step after signing the MoU with the TN government. A land of 380 acres would be acquired to set up the facility.
It will be set up at Pillaipakkam which is located 40 KM away from Chennai. The MoU was signed between the state's industries secretary MF Farooqui, R Seshasayee and Andy Palmer.
The chief minister of Tamil Nadu was also present on the occasion. The state government said that the set up of this project would increase the chances of employment in the state. The project is expected to give employment to around 4500 people directly and indirectly.
Jayalalithaa takes Centre to task of US-India nuke dealSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 15:40.
Chennai/Bangalore, Sept 11 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and president of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) J. Jayalalithaa has charged the Central Government with compromising the country''s sovereign right to conduct further atomic tests.
Rendezvous Hotels form JVC with Chennai-based X S Real PropertiesSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 04:44.
Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International (RHI) has formed a Joint Venture Company with Chennai-based X S Real Properties Ltd, for managing hotels and resorts in India.
The new JV company, which will be christened 'Rendezvous India Hospitality Pvt. Ltd' would initially focus on strengthening business in southern India by utilizing X S Real's terrain and local market network.
Rendezvous, a subsidiary of the Singapore-listed company Straits Trading, plans to manage at least 10 hotels in the next three years in this region through the JV company. The Joint Venture is expected to become operational by the end of current fiscal.
Karunanidhi launches one rupee a kilo of rice schemeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 09/15/2008 - 15:24.
Chennai, Sept 15 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi today launched the one rupee a kilo of rice scheme for ration card holders. At present, it costs two rupees a kilo.
Nelcast inks MoU with Pritika Group for acquiring 51% stakeSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Tue, 09/16/2008 - 01:22.
Chennai-based Nelcast Ltd has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Pritika Group of Companies, for acquiring 51% stake in their companies.
Pritika Industries Pvt. Ltd engages in producing castings and forgings at its plants in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The group produces a range of cast or forged and machined components such as nuts and bolts, flywheel and rear axle housings, brake housings, rotors and discs, steering knuckles and gear shift levers.
The company informed in a statement that Pritika Industries has three subsidiaries — Pritika Auto Cast Pvt. Ltd, Nibber Castings Pvt. Ltd and Pritika Auto Products Pvt. Ltd. The turnover of the group was around Rs 50 crore last year.
Terror threat to temples in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 18:53.
Chennai, Sept 25 : Security has been stepped up in five major temples in Tamil Nadu following an intelligence alert of terror attacks.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, the Murugan temple in Palani, the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai and Sri Ranganathar Temple in Srirangam in Tiruchirappalli have come under a heightened security.
Besides these temples, commercial hubs in Chennai and elsewhere have also been placed under surveillance.
Ban on smoking in public private places to come to effect from Oct. 2Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 23:37.
Chennai, Sept 27 : Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday said that the ban on smoking in public private places will come to effect from October 2nd and the penalty charge will be rupees two hundred at the initial stage.
He was participating in a Conference on International Study about Human Rights and Mental Health organised by the Department of Social Work Studies at Madras Christian College in Chennai, Principal Dr. V. J. Philip, staff of the department and students took part in this conference.
CVRDE to develop unmanned infantry combat vehicleSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 19:30.
Chennai, Sept 28 : The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) at Avadi near Chennai has started developing unmanned infantry combat vehicle for carrying troops as a precursor to developing unmanned Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) by 2020.
This information was given by CVRDE Director S Sundaresh on Saturday evening on the sidelines of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) India Students Convention, organised by the SRM University at its campus in suburban Kattankulathur, in Avadi.
Indo Tech Transformers receives order worth Rs 30 croreSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Thu, 10/02/2008 - 07:36.
Chennai-based Indo Tech Transformers Ltd has received an export order worth Rs 30 crore for supply of five power transformers of various capacities.
Indo Tech Transformers, Ltd. manufactures power and distribution transformers primarily in India. The company exports its products to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, Germany, Egypt, Singapore, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Switzerland.
Apart from the current order, the company has informed that it has also commissioned a Transformer Tank manufacturing facility at its Kancheepuram plant at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore.
Elecon Engineering secures three orders worth Rs 51.74 croreSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Wed, 10/08/2008 - 06:44.
India's leading material handling equipments maker Elecon Engineering Company Ltd, has secured three orders worth Rs 51.74 crore from different clients.
The scope of work involves design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, supplying, erecting and commissioning of material handling and other equipments.
The company has picked first contract worth Rs 15.50 crore from Techpro Systems, Chennai. Under the arrangement it will supply one stacker, one bucket wheel reclaimer and one lot drives for SAIL-RMD-BOLANI Iron Ore mines project.
Consolidated Construction pockets order worth Rs 1212 croreSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Wed, 10/08/2008 - 07:03.
Consolidated Construction Consortium Ltd (CCCL), a Chennai-based company specializing in the building and factory segment of the construction industry, has won an order worth Rs 1,212 crore order from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of Chennai Airport Terminal.
The project has been awarded mainly for the development of Kamaraj Domestic Terminal (74,527sq metres) Phase II, expansion of existing Anna International Terminal (65,000 sq metres).
Recap Partners to acquire Chennai-based HOV Service for Rs 950 croreSubmitted by Darpana Kutty on Thu, 10/09/2008 - 06:03.
New York-based REcap Partners-LLC has agreed to acquire Chennai-based business process outsourcing (BPO) firm HOV Services along with its two units operational in Beijing and Hong Kong for total consideration of Rs 950 crore.
In February 2007, HOV Services came in headlines when it acquired US-based Lason for $148 million. The deal was considered as the one of the biggest acquisitions in the BPO segment.
CCCL To Delvelop Chennai Airport ProjectSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Thu, 10/09/2008 - 16:10.
Consolidated Construction Consortium (CCCL) would develop the expansion project of Chennai Airport Terminal. Chennai-based construction company, CCL has bagged this project from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with Rs 1,212 crore. Canada-based Herve Pomerleau International would provide technological assistance to CCCL. The airport expansion project would be completed in 26 months.
Tobacco, liquor habits detail must for death certificateSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 10/13/2008 - 23:57.
Madurai, Oct 13 : The Union Health Ministry after enforcing ban on smoking in public places, has directed health officials in states to seek details about the tobacco and drinking habits of deceased persons before issuing death certificates.
Application forms for the death certificates had been modified and specific queries in this regard had been included, official sources here said.
However, the instructions did not specify the reason for eliciting these details, they said.
Kanimozhi submits resignation to KarunanidhiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 20:09.
Chennai, Oct. 15 : Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Rajya Sabha member and daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Kanimozhi on Wednesday submitted her resignation from the upper house to the party chief and her father in line with the decision of an all-party meeting to put pressure on the Central Government to call for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka.
Her resignation came a day after an all-party meeting on the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils passed a resolution that all members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu would quit within a fortnight to press the demand.
Moser Baer opens new digital processing unit in ChennaiSubmitted by Bharat Ghai on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 06:20.
Moser Baer, world's second largest manufacturer of Optical Storage media, has set up a modern digital video processing facility in Chennai.
The newly opened facility provides real-time video restoration of content, apart from audio restoration, editing, graphics, content repurposing and high quality and high throughput DVD compression and authoring services.
DMK MPs resign from Rajya SabhaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 19:01.
Chennai, Oct 17 Three MPs of Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) have today submitted their resignation from the Rajya Sabha to the party President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Chennai.
The three MPs - Siva, A A Jinnah and Vasanthi Stanley - have resigned following resolution adopted at an all party meeting stating that all MPs from the state would resign if the centre does not intervene and workout a ceasefire in Sri Lanka within two weeks.
Earlier, the MP Kanimozhi had also submitted her resignation to the DMK President.
Meanwhile, all the seven DMK ministers in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government are expected to submit their resignation letters to Karunanidhi on Friday to mount pressure on the government.
Tamil Film Industry to support Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Jyoti Prakash on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 04:50.
After political parties, now its film industry of Tamilnadu lending its support to the efforts to bring focus back on the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils by calling for a protest rally on Sunday. Over 2,000 people, including top stars, directors and other film personalities, are expected to gather at Rameswaram island, which is in close proximity to Sri Lanka.
The rally will demand a halt to the island army's ongoing offensive in the north of the neighboring republic, the industry sources said.The issue has rocked the state in a strong way after several years.
Nokia Siemens Opens $70 Million Facility In ChennaiSubmitted by Bharat Ghai on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 15:48.
To strengthen its footprint in the Indian market, telecom gear manufacturer Nokia Siemens Networks has made announcement about the opening of its new Indian facility at Oragadam near Chennai, to make and distribute mobile communications equipment.
The company said that it will invest $70 million over the next 3 years in the facility and to generate 400 new jobs.
Elecon Engineering secures order worth Rs 177.50 millionSubmitted by Neeta Aurora on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 18:50.
Elecon Engineering Company, a leading manufacturer of mechanical handling equipment has made announcement that the company has been awarded Rs 177.50 million order by Chennai based Techpro Systems.
As per the contract, the company (Elecon Engineering) will design, engineer, manufacture, test, supply, fraction and commission of material handling equipments and other equipments for Techpro Systems.
On the other hand, Techpro Systems will provide one each of unidirectional stacker cum reclaimer and slewing boom stacker.
Karunanidhi hopeful of Centre taking steps to halt Lankan troops' offensiveSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 19:14.
Chennai, Oct 18 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remark on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, and said the remarks raised hopes of the Centre taking steps to halt the Lankan troops' offensive against Tamils in LTTE-held areas.
The DMK chief, while writing in party organ "Murasoli", said he found solace in the remarks of the PM and hoped the Centre would consider the demands of an all-party meeting here on October 14.
Life badly hit as heavy showers lash ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 10/23/2008 - 12:24.
Chennai, Oct 23: Heavy rains over the past two days have disrupted normal life in Chennai. The rains have been occurring due to a low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
Caused by a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal, rains have lashed parts of coastal India including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Lakshwadeep apart from Tamil Nadu.
"It''s raining heavily and so we could not go to college. There is no electricity. If the rain stops, we will be able to get on with our routine life," said Karthick, a resident.
The state''s meteorological department said the condition would remain the same for some more time.
Dalit Panthers block trains in Chennai protesting against killings in Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 10/23/2008 - 22:13.
Chennai, Oct 23 : The activists of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) or Dalit Panthers Party in Chennai on Thursday blocked trains protesting against killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Activists of VCK, an ally of Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK), raised slogans and said that they want to extend their support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and other leaders against the alleged atrocities on Tamils in Sri Lanka.
"The protest has been held against the Central Government to take action in the Sri Lankan issue and so we blocked trains today. If our demands are not met by October
MDMK leader Vaiko arrested for seditious speechSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 10/23/2008 - 23:38.
Chennai, Oct 23 : Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko was on Thursday evening arrested for openly supporting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at a public meeting in Chennai.
On October 21, Vaiko in a speech at the meeting on "What is happening in Sri Lanka" had declared that he would support even an armed struggle for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Tamil Nadu's "Q" branch police, dealing with extremists and terrorist outfits, arrested Vaiko at his Anna Nagar residence.
AIADMK members demand Karunanidhi''s arrestSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 10/24/2008 - 19:11.
Chennai, Oct 24 : The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Friday staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha demanding arrest of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi over his alleged support to the separatist LTTE in Sri Lanka.
As soon the proceedings began, AIADMK members raised slogans demanding dismissal of the Tamil Nadu Government and arrest of Karunanidhi.
Chairman Hamid Ansari, however, disallowed their move and said that the Question Hour should be taken up.
With Ansari disallowing their move, AIADMK members staged a walkout from the House.
Sundaram-Clayton to make foray into 'Internal Combustion Engine Segment'Submitted by Divesh Sharma on Sun, 10/26/2008 - 07:30.
Chennai-headquartered Sundaram-Clayton Ltd, a unit of TVS Group Companies, has decided to enter into the manufacture of internal combustion engines, initially for stationary application such as gensets and later for off-high way vehicles such as fork-lifts.
Sundaram-Clayton is now mainly left with the foundry business and is eyeing to foray into other areas.
Founded in 1962, Sundaram-Clayton Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes various automotive components in India.
'Dhanteras' fails to draw shoppers in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 10/26/2008 - 23:01.
Chennai, Oct 26: ''''Dhanteras'''' an auspicious day in Hindu calendar, failed to draw buyers in large numbers in Chennai today due to the global financial crisis which is affecting India as well.
According to the rituals, on this day, which falls a few days before Diwali (falling on October 28), people buy precious metals like gold, silver coins and utensils as it is believed that purchasing metal on this day brings in good fortune and wealth.
But the global economic meltdown has affected business adversely as many buyers have incurred heavy losses in the stock market and the rest are bearing the brunt of inflation.
In Chennai, the shops wore a weary look as few people went for shopping.
Karunanidhi assures Pranab Mukherjee, DMK will not precipitating crisis in UPASubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 18:52.
Chennai, Oct 27: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today got an assurance from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party chief M Karunanidhi that he "would not precipitate" a crisis in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government over the Sri Lankan ethnic Tamils issue.
Indian fishermen rescued by Sri Lankan fishermen return homeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 10/29/2008 - 13:48.
Chennai, Oct 29 : Six Indian fishermen, who were reported missing off the southern coast last month and rescued by Sri Lankan fishermen, returned to Chennai safely.
The fishermen, missing off the Kasimedu coast since September 18, were stranded on the high seas after their boat ran out of fuel.
The fishermen were sighted by some Sri Lankan fishermen and were taken to Trincomallee in Sri Lanka, and later to Colombo, from where the Indian High Commission made arrangements for them to be deported to India.
The fishermen were given a warm welcome when they touched home turf.
Chennai shutdown in protest over Sri Lankan Tamil issueSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 10/31/2008 - 18:28.
Chennai, Oct 31: Shops and other business establishments observed a 12-hour shutdown in Chennai today to protest against the ongoing conflict in Tamil dominated area of Sri Lanka.
City''s major markets including vegetable and fruit markets observed a shutdown over the issue.
The protesting traders said, they would continue to lend support to the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
"It is our demand that Sri Lanka should put a stop to the war against the Tamils. We will continue to provide support for the Tamils and raise our voices against the atrocities and we are also ready to face any challenge that will come in our way," said Komagan, Secretary, Koyambedu Vegetable Market, Chennai.
Orphan urchin boy acting in a Tamil movieSubmitted by Kiran Pahwa on Fri, 10/31/2008 - 23:37.
Chennai, Oct. 31 : For the first time in Indian cinema, a real life urchin will be seen on the big screen playing a major role in a Tamil movie on beggary and child exploitation here.
Directed by eminent film director Vinayan, the film 'Naallai Nammathe' meaning tomorrow belongs to us, is aimed to create awareness about the life, which the beggars and pavement dwellers have to live. It also highlights how mafia goons have a say in beggary and exploitation of families.
Film producer Jose Maveli spotted the nine-year-old Babu who was roaming and begging on the streets of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). He was facing starvation and homelessness at that time. The boy was admitted to a hospital by a Kerala-based NGO.
South Indian artiste's association observe fast in support of Sri Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 17:09.
Chennai, Nov 1: The South Indian Artiste's Association today observed a day-long fast to protest against the ongoing conflict in Tamil dominated area of Sri Lanka.
South Indian actors Nepolean, Satyaraj, Vijay, Arjun, Pasupathi and Manorama, led by the Association's president R Sarath Kumar, observed the fast.
Talking to reporters Sarath Kumar said, "The programme was organised to express the Association's solidarity with Tamils living in Sri Lanka and support them."
"It is good that the Central and state governments have already started taking steps to find an amicable solution on the matter," he added.
Kumar hopes that normalcy will return to Sri Lanka soon.
Midvalley files DRHP with SEBI to enter capital marketSubmitted by Neeta Aurora on Sun, 11/02/2008 - 01:34.
Chennai based Midvalley Entertainment, has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI, to enter into the capital market with a public issue of 1.71 crore equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash at a price to be decided through a 100% book-building process.
The issue also comprises a reservation of 3 lakh equity shares for permanent employees, thus bringing the net issue to 1.68 crore equity shares of Rs 10 each. The net issue will constitute 39.30% of the fully diluted post issue paid-up capital of the company.
Doctors saved three-year old by removing needle from his lungSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Mon, 11/03/2008 - 06:47.
Doctors at the Institute of Child Health, Egmore (ICH) were finally able to remove a sewing machine needle from the little boy's lung. Siva, the three-year-old from Tirunelveli swallowed the needle while playing near his aunt's sewing machine.
Film star Rajnikanth denies plans to enter politicsSubmitted by Kiran Pahwa on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 15:31.
Chennai, Nov 4 : South Indian film star Rajnikanth on Monday denied any plans to join politics.
While addressing a gathering of his fans in Chennai, Rajnikanth, who enjoys a huge fan following amongst masses in south India, said he was not ready to take a plunge into politics as of now.
Rajnikanth maintains his ambiguous stand on entry into politicsSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 00:57.
At a meeting in Chennai on Monday, Rajnikanth's fans were waiting eagerly to hear his decision that he, their 'Thalaivar', had decided to take the plunge into politics - expectation and excitement among them is very high about whether or not he will enter politics.
The actor, who had faced some heat from his fans for his ambiguous stand on politics, sent out mixed signals still another time, saying that he was "yet to acquire the skill to guide others," but he also quickly added that "if God tells me tomorrow, I will."
South Indian film industry employees observe hunger strike over Sri Lankan issueSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 22:15.
Chennai, Nov 5 : Employees of southern film industry observed hunger strike on Wednesday to show solidarity with the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The ten-hour hunger strike has been called by the ''Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), in which hundreds of employees participated to lend their voice against the atrocities carried out on Tamilians in Sri Lanka.
Relief material from Chennai ready to leave for Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 11/07/2008 - 00:50.
Chennai, Nov 6 : Relief material comprising clothes, food and life saving drugs is ready to leave from Chennai for civilian population in conflict-hit northern Sri Lanka.
Nearly 80,000 relief packets containing necessary clothes and food material are ready to be transported to Sri Lanka.
Tamil Nadu government had decided to provide relief material to the island country, where Indian origin Tamil population is predominant.
Delphi Corp. to set up Rs 250 cr plant near ChennaiSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 08:44.
A leading mobile electronics, transportation components, and systems technology manufacturer, Delphi Corp, has announced the setting up of its Rs 250 crore electronics manufacturing facility in Oragadam, about 40 km from Chennai.
Jeffrey J Owens, President, Electronics & Safety, Asia Pacfic, said that the new facility, will be an assembling facility and it will be converted to manufacturing in the years to come. The electronics manufacturing facility would cater to the requirements of vehicle manufacturers already operating in India.
Rival student groups clash in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 21:16.
Chennai, Nov 13 : Three people were seriously injured as two rival groups of students clashed in Chennai on Wednesday evening.
A group of students wielding iron rods and sticks entered the campus of Ambedkar Law College in the city, and beat up some students coming out after taking their examination.
The students were brutally beaten up by the group inside the college campus.
Refuting allegations of being mute spectators to the incident, police said that they did not have permission to enter the college premises.
Why Did Advani meet Rajinikanth?Submitted by Neha Malik on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 16:38.
The Prime Ministerial candidate for BJP and the party's senior leader, L K Advani – who was in Chennai in connection with the release of the Tamil version of his autobiography - met Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday.
Karunanidhi renews pullout threat over military offensive in Sri LankaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 15:28.
Chennai, Nov 15 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has renewed his pullout threat from the UPA Government over the ongoing military offensive in Sri Lanka.
He said his party members would quit the Central cabinet if New Delhi did not take steps to halt the Sri Lankan military offensive in the northern and eastern areas of that country and ensure the protection of the civilian Tamil population.
Ramadoss announces national organ transplant programmeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 20:19.
Chennai, Nov 15 : Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss today launched a National Organ Transplant Programme to improve the scenario for major transplantations like kidney, liver and heart in the country.
The proposed national plan will have emphasis on promoting cadaver donation. The national programme will aim to enhance the facilities for organ transplantation throughout the country, establish a network for equitable distribution of retrieved deceased organs, and increase the availability of organs through facilitation and attitude change.
Chennai man develops special wheel chair for his disabled petSubmitted by Jaikumar on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 22:32.
Chennai, Nov. 16 : A dog owner in Chennai has developed a special wheel chair for his pet, who is paralysed from waist down to the hind legs. The aid has enabled the dog to move around without any discomfort and even play with the owner.
Julie, the pet, today moves around with the aid of stilted wheels, which is almost, like a ''wheel chair'' designed by its owner.
Search On For Absconding Students Involved in Law College ClashSubmitted by Neha Malik on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 23:54.
Chennai's new Commissioner of Police has formed 25-special teams for nabbing students involved in the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College clash. Taking over from R. Sekar, who was shifted after television footage showed policemen watching silently as students received merciless thrashing in a clash between two student groups.
Law college students target BSP leaderSubmitted by Jyoti Prakash on Mon, 11/17/2008 - 16:17.
A group of Law students of Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College attempted to attack a Bahujan Samaj Party functionary in Chennai. This incident happened near the General Hospital. But the prompt action of the police stationed there helped him to safety.
BSP leader Rajappa of Pallavaram had gone to see a friend admitted in the hospital. But when the students marked the party flag on his vehicle they surrounded him. But the police stationed there acted first to rescue him.
CPI calls for shutdown in Tamil Nadu over Sri Lankan Tamil issueSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 11/17/2008 - 22:06.
Chennai, Nov 17 : The Communist Party of India (CPI) convened an ''All-Party Meeting'' in Chennai on Monday to decide their further course of action after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa''s statement in New Delhi on November 13 ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire till the rebels laid down their arms.
Participants at ''all-party meeting'' decided to mobilize people to mount pressure on the Central government to intervene in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka and to stop the war.
Apollo Tyres Plans Rs 3,000 crore Investment in Next 5 YearsSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 12:19.
Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres, has announced an investment of Rs 3,000 crores in the next five years to establish greenfield plants in India as well as abroad, along with expansion of existing production units.
The company, by doing so, is targeting to join the league of top six tyre makers internationally. Apollo is aiming at a $4 Billion turnover in the next five years, by setting up units in Chennai and East Europe.
DPI stages protest in Chennai over Lankan Tamil issueSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 23:45.
Chennai, Nov 18 : Dalit Panther of India (DPI), a regional political party of Tamil Nadu, took out a massive rally in Chennai on Tuesday to protest against the military offensive in northern Sri Lanka.
The protesters were demanding that the Indian government should intervene and ask the Sri Lankan government to order ceasefire and put an end to the war that''s going on in Tamil dominated areas of Sri Lanka.
DRI Chennai seizes Ketamine worth Rs 20 croreSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 03:04.
In the country's biggest haul of ketamine hydrochloride, worth more than Rs 20 crore in the international market, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 197 kg of the drug from a Malaysia-bound container at the Chennai port on Tuesday. The method used to send the consignment was novel - ketamine was packed in red-colored packets shaped like onions!
DRI officials, after receiving a tip-off about the concealment, checked a container named 'Bangalore onion' that was ready for shipment after Customs clearance. They found packets of the drug, placed in the corner of the container, next to some onions.
World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand returns to hero''s welcomeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 17:03.
Chennai, Nov. 21: World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand today returned to his hometown. He was given a warm welcome at the Chennai Airport for retaining his world title and doing the country proud at international level.
Anand defeated Russia''''s Vladimir Kramnik in a match-play series to retain his title in Bonn, Germany.
Anand, who won the official title in Mexico last year, defeated Kramnik 6.5-4.5 after a draw in the penultimate game to take an unassailable lead in the 12-match contest.
Aggression is paying off: SrikkanthSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 11/24/2008 - 23:19.
Chennai, Nov 24 ; Aggressive approach of the players is instrumental in the success of the Indian cricket team said chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth on Monday in Chennai.
Karunanidhi calls for an all-party meet to discuss Sri Lanka situationSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 00:22.
Chennai, Nov 24 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday said that he has called for an all party meet on Tuesday to discuss Sri Lanka situation.
He said that an all-party meeting has been called on Tuesday to discuss the worsening situation of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu kills 28, destroys cropsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 23:50.
Thanjavur/Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Nov 26 : Heavy and continuous downpour for three days in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu has adversely hit the harvest of paddy crops causing a huge loss to farmers.
Large areas of paddy fields submerged under water due to incessant rain have left the farmers complaining.
"Last few days in Thanjavur district, there has been continuous rainfall. Due to heavy rains, paddy crops are submerged in water. Around 3000 hectares of land has been damaged due to water logging in Kalimedu, Sankasamam, Kadampakudi and Thenakudi.
Heavy rains disrupt life in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 11/27/2008 - 21:11.
Chennai, Nov 27 : Heavy rains triggered off by the inching cyclone ''Nisha'' towards the southern coast of India continued to lash Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu disrupting life on Thursday.
The streets in Chennai were literally submerged and traffic moved at a snail''s pace on the waterlogged streets.
People of the area complained that the rainwater had started entering their houses and the government was not taking any action.
'Cyclone Nisha' wrecks havoc across TamilnaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 11/29/2008 - 19:33.
Chennai, Nov. 29 : Unending rain for the last 48 hours has thrown normal life out of gear across costal Tamilnadu. Cyclone Nisha which crossed the coastal Tamilnadu two days ago is still having its effect, lashing Chennai continuously. Several areas, including the city's posh localities are water logged and the authorities have had to rush in boats to shift people to safer places.
Tamil Nadu cyclone death toll reaches 120Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 11/30/2008 - 16:23.
Chennai, Nov. 30 : The indiscriminate rains over the last one week in Tamil Nadu have left 120 people dead in the state so far.
Relief operation is in full swing in the state's affected districts.
A large area of Chennai is inundated in water. Areas such as Velachery, Manapakkam, Medavakkam continues to be waterlogged.
The torrential rains have destroyed standing crops in over 550,000 hectares of land. 600,000 farmers have been hit hard by the calamity, said chief minister M. Karunanidhi.
Water contamination take lives of four inmates of IMHSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Mon, 12/01/2008 - 04:35.
Four female inmates at Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Chennai died on Friday. These women, along with other 31 inmates were admitted to the Chennai Corporation's Communicable Diseases Hospital in Tondiarpet few days ago. These patients were suffering from dysentery. It is believed that the patients had consumed stagnant rainwater near their wards.
Staff at IMH said that water entered the women's ward a few days ago. As IMH was understaffed, patients could not be monitored at regular intervals. Most wards housing chronically ill patients have leaking roofs and are flooded.
Kollywood Pays Homage To Mumbai VictimsSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 19:22.
entire Tamil film industry paid homage to the gallant NSG commandos and
police personnel who lost their lives while battling the terrorists in
the country's financial capital, Mumbai last week.
All the industry artistes including both young and old gathered at the
Nadigar Sangam office premises in T. Nagar to participate in the homage
session organized by Nadigar Sangam.
The sober event saw the artiste take a pledge against violent forces
that were unleashed in the attacks. The members together read a
condolence message for those brave NSG commandos, policemen and
Chennai Police expect England team to land on MondaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 22:05.
Chennai, Dec. 3 : Chennai Police is expecting the England cricket team to land here on Monday to take part in the first of two Tests with India.
According to The Telegraph, the ECB's security adviser Reg Dickason has said that the ECB''s security concerns have "been addressed", and therefore, there is no reason why the tour should not take place.
"We had security concerns, and those concerns have been addressed," said Dickason,
Dickason is said to have checked the route from the team hotel to the ground as well as the player''s facilities at the Chennai stadium.
AIADMK-CPM to form coalition for upcoming Lok Sabha electionsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 20:46.
Chennai, Dec 5 : The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) jointly announced on Friday that they have decided to form a coalition for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalitha and CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat announced this during a joint press conference in Chennai this afternoon.
While speaking to reporters after an hour-long meeting, Jayalalitha described the meeting with Karat as "cordial".
Virender Sehwag meets school children in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:32.
Chennai, Dec 6 : Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag met school children at a function organised on Saturday to felicitate student sportspersons in Chennai.
The lone Indian to make triple century in test cricket Sehwag, bedecked in a traditional Indian dress which was as flamboyant as his strokes on the fields arrived in the school on a horse driven cart.
Scores of school children greeted him, breaking into long rapturous applause.
Recounting his own schooldays, the maverick batsman expressed happiness on meeting them.
Hunger strike by transgender to show solidarity with Sri Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 12/08/2008 - 22:17.
Chennai, Dec 8 : For the first time, instead of raising voices for their own issues, hoards of transgender gathered here today to served a hunger strike to show solidarity with the ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Almost all transgender associations in Tamil Nadu participated in the protest to voice their concern over the alleged atrocities on ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Karunanidhi condemns alleged statement of Sri Lankan Army ChiefSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 14:24.
Chennai, Dec 9 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi strongly condemned the alleged statement made by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) Chief about the political leaders of Tamil Nadu.
While addressing a news conference, Karunanidhi said, "If an army Chief of some other country has spoken anything about our leaders, I condemn it. Talking about each other within the country is different from a person of other country talking about the leaders in Tamil Nadu."
On Sunday, SLA Chief Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka allegedly called Tamil Nadu politicians like Nadumaran and Vaiko "jokers'''' and said the Indian Government should not listen to their demands for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka.
England cricket team arrives in IndiaSubmitted by Jyoti Prakash on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 18:22.
The England cricket team, led by skipper Kevin Pietersen, arrived in Chennai on Monday evening.
The entire team arrived in two batches from Abu Dhabi to play two test matches against India.
England are scheduled to play two Tests - in Chennai (Dec 11-15) and Mohali (Dec 19-23).
The first test is scheduled to begin on Thursday at Chennai.
England team to donate match fees to Mumbai victimsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 12/10/2008 - 14:13.
Chennai, Dec 10 : The England cricket teams will donate half of their match fees from the first Test against India starting on Thursday to victims of last month''s attacks in Mumbai, opening batsman Alastair Cook said.
"To extend our sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in the Mumbai attacks and as a cricketer, we are here to win a Test match series in India. The England players will pay half their match fees from the first Test match to the families of the victims of the Mumbai attacks," said Cook.
We have to think beyond security concerns, says DhoniSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 12/10/2008 - 23:06.
Chennai, Dec 10 : Indian cricket captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said that the team has to think beyond security concerns.
Talking to media here ahead of the first test of the two-match series against England, he said that security people are doing their job and players need not be bothered about it.
Amas Bank acquires 40 per cent stake in PATERSONSubmitted by Harish Dhawan on Fri, 12/12/2008 - 15:24.
Amas Bank (Switzerland) Ltd has acquired 40 per cent stake in PATCO Investments & Consultancy Services Private Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. PATERSON is a Chennai-based stock broking firm, while Amas Bank is a global banking entity of the trans-national Hinduja Group, founded in 1978 as a finance company and granted banking license in 1994. Amas Bank is headquartered in Geneva, having offices in Zurich, Lucerne, Basle, St. Margrethen, Dubai, London, Paris, New York and Mauritius.
Tendulkar's perfect century, Yuvraj's fifty sets up historic winSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 21:22.
Chennai, Dec 15 : Chasing down the fourth-highest total in Test cricket, India couldn't have picked a better moment to create history and as they completed a famous six-wicket here.
Sachin Tendulkar masterminded the historic success with a perfect century. Alongside Yuvraj Singh's 85 they added an unbeaten 163, sapping the England spirit that had carried them into such a dominant position.
India chased 387 runs in the fourth innings to go one up in the series. Scenes of a hysteric crowd cheering dot balls as Yuvraj ensured Tendulkar had time to reach his 41st century dominated the closing stages.
Tendulkar is the `Mother Teresa of Cricket'Submitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 17:19.
London/Chennai, Dec. 16 : Can batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar be regarded as a unifying factor In India. Most certainly yes, if you ask John Etheridge of the Sun.
According to Etheridge, Tendulkar has always been able to unite India and bring joy to its billion inhabitants.
But he says that what he did in Chennai on Monday was extraordinary even by his exalted standards.
"He is the Mother Teresa of cricket, a great little person, and his century helped ease the pain and suffering (of the Mumbai terror attacks).
Yahoo Buys 30% Stake In Indian FirmSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 20:44.
The global search engine and news portal, Yahoo Inc acquired 30% stakes in Info Network Management Company (INMAC). INMAC is a Chennai-based tele-information service provider known for phone directory search service 'Call Ezee', which is available across 14 cites in India. It is 24x7 tele-information provider that handles about 10,000 calls per day and provides 24-hour helpline for medical emergencies.
Kakodkar Presses Karunanidhi For Neutrino Observatory ApprovalSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Sat, 12/20/2008 - 17:43.
With the aim to discuss the setting up of a neutrino observatory in the State, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar called on the Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday.
Mr. Kakodhar said, "I came here to seek the consent and approval from the Chief Minister for setting up the India-based Neutrino Observatory."
Since 2000, the members of the high energy and nuclear physics community in India have been discussing the setting up of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) to study the atmospheric neutrinos.
Mayawati tries to expand base in SouthSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 12/23/2008 - 19:14.
Chennai, Dec 23 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati addressed a huge rally here in an attempt to expand her party base in Tamil Nadu.
Mayawati addressing the rally said that her party was not caste-based and support of all sections was required for obtaining power in the state.
"Our party believes that we need to address the concerns of all sections of the society in Tamil Nadu because without that neither our party can benefit all sections, nor can it come to power in the State," said Mayawati.
Transgenders showcase their talent in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 12/25/2008 - 22:12.
Chennai, Dec 25 : The Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative and Voluntary Health Services (TAI-VHS) brought about 20,000 transgenders and marginalized women together to showcased their talents.
The transgenders had recently showcased their talents by performing Bharatanatyam and folk dances.
The newly formed federation aims at empowering their community and making them self-reliant in the society.
Ghajini out in theatresSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 05:28.
One of the most awaited films of the year, Aamir Khan's 'Ghajini' finally released on the Christmas day. The Madras High Court lifted the stay on the film's release with an interim order on Wednesday after the film's makers offered to pay guarantee money to the court.
Hearing on the case will be resumed on the January 6, 2009. The producer of Tamil version of the movie, A Chandreshekhar accused makers of 'Ghajini' of forging documents to get the copyright. Producers of the 'Ghajini' used every possible chance for publicity of the movie to increase public interest in the movie.
Government negotiating with kidnappers of Indian worker in Afghanistan: RaviSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 23:31.
Chennai, Dec. 26 : Union Minister for Indian Overseas Affairs Vyalar Ravi today assured that the government was doing everything for the safe release of an Indian worker abducted in Afghanistan.
As the deadline to give ransom for release of the Simon Paramnathan ends on Friday, Ravi held over an hour-long meet with Tamil Nadu Chief minister M. Karunanidhi in Chennai at his Gopalapuram residence.
Vyalar Ravi after his meet with the Tamil Nadu CM, said that Chief Minister Karunanidhi wanted to ensure Simon''s safe and immediate release from the captivity of abductors in Afghanistan.
Sea water reverse osmosis plant to be established in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 19:46.
New Delhi, Jan 2 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for the construction of one ''100 MLD Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant'' at Nemmeli near Chennai at a total cost of Rs. 908.28 crore.
Of the total amount, Rs. 871.24 crore will be borne by the Central Government and will be given as grant to the Government of Tamil Nadu for implementing the aforesaid project.
Low-cost Computer Launched By BSNL, NovatiumSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 15:24.
On Friday, a low-cost home computing device was launched by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Chennai-based IT solutions company Novatium, which could help the former achieve a target of 9 million broadband connections across the country in the next couple of years.
Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL Kuldeep Goyal informed at a press conference after the launch of "Nova netPC" on the BSNL's network, "Affordability issues over buying a desktop PC or laptop would no longer stand in the way of broadband penetration, especially in rural areas."
Special helpline for elderly revivedSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 05:44.
Recently the number of crimes on elderly living alone has increased. A survey revealed that one of out every seven people above the age of 60 in Tamil Nadu lives alone.
To give senior citizens full protection, the Chennai city police have decided to revive and expand a toll-free helpline, which was launched sometime ago to address the security concerns of senior citizens.
BharatMatrimony launches world''s first matrimony channel on internetSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 19:30.
Chennai, Jan 5 : Consim Info Pvt Ltd, formerly known as BharatMatrimony Group, has announced the launch of the world''s first matrimony channel on the internet, BharatMatrimony. tv.
The pioneering website features exclusive and exciting videos that will create an engaging, informative and compelling experience for audiences across the globe.
BharatMatrimony. tv will also produce capsules covering news, events and developments in the world of marriages. Video clips featuring weddings of topnotch celebrities, fashion, style and bridal wear are also available.
Chennai Open: Prakash loses to Schuettler, Bopanna in the main drawSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 22:27.
Chennai: Local fellow Prakash Amirtraj lost his first-round match to German fifth-seeded player Rainer Schuettler 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, even as Rohan Bopanna made his passage to the main draw after winning his final qualifying match in the $450,000 ATP Chennai Open here.
Amritraj had no answers to the tactical play of the German player. From the last seven years, Amritraj has been favoured with a wild card entry for the tournament. From the last few months, the Davis Cupper is being criticized for his continued poor show at the lone ATP event in India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to begin in Chennai todaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 14:01.
Chennai, Jan 7 : The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2009 will begin here today.
About 1500 delegates from across the world are expected to take part in the PBD.
The 7th Indian Diaspora convention is being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The theme of PBD 2009 is `Engaging the Diaspora - The way forward'
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the PBD convention tomorrow.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas exhibition inauguratedSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 21:03.
Chennai, Jan 7 : As a prelude to the 7th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Chennai, an exhibition portraying the might of the industrial and service sectors in India was inaugurated today by Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Planning, V. Narayanasamy.
Union Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi was also present on the occasion.
PM to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Chennai todaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 13:35.
Chennai, Jan 8: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2009 convention here today.
The 7th Indian Diaspora convention is being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The theme of PBD 2009 is ''Engaging the Diaspora - The way forward''
`We will not allow forces of terrorism to destabilise us'', says Manmohan SinghSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 17:01.
Chennai, Jan. 8: The threat posed by extremism and terrorism to India's pluralistic and liberal traditions will not be allowed to destabilize the country, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said here this morning after inaugurating the Seventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
He was speaking in the presence of Chief Guest Ramdien Sardjoe, Vice President of Suriname.
PM lays foundation stone of elevated road from Chennai Port to MaduravoyalSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:06.
Chennai, Jan 8 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone for the elevated road from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal here today.
"This project is one more important milestone in the ambitious road programme of the government that will transform the country''s transport sector, give a boost to industry and integrate the economy," said Dr. Singh.
Manmohan Singh says qualified professionals will be allowed to practice in IndiaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 20:20.
Chennai, Jan 8 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced that doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects and chartered accountants, possessing the overseas citizenship cards issued by India, would be allowed to practice in the country.
Inaugurating the 7th Indian Diaspora convention, Dr. Singh said, "I am happy to announce that henceforth Overseas Citizen of India card holders who are qualified professionals - doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects and chartered accountants - will have the benefit of practicing their professions here in our country."
Manmohan Singh urges international community to restore peace in GazaSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 20:21.
Chennai, Jan 8 : Strongly condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that the international community would get together and help restore peace in the region.
"India has strongly condemned these incidents and it is our hope that the international community would get together and help restore peace in the region as soon as possible," Dr. Singh while inaugurating the 7th Indian Diaspora convention here.
"I wish to reiterate our unstinted and unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause," he added.
Take India''s concerns to the world: MukherjeeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 23:12.
Chennai, Jan. 8 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that overseas Indians could take to the world stage some of India's key concerns such as terrorism, education and trade agenda.
In particular, he said, they could convey the message to their respective countries that India is fully committed to free and fair trade.
Expressing appreciation for diaspora sympathy for the Mumbai terror attacks, he called upon the overseas Indian community to raise its voice against sponsored terrorism, as terrorism 'diminishes mankind'.
PBD sessions call for greater diaspora role in India''s social developmentSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 18:24.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Continuing on its objective to deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora, three concurrent sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2009 addressed opportunities presented for participating in social development in India.
The PBD convention is being held here from January 7-9 by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamilnadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Health and education have emerged as the key social sector areas for increasing diaspora engagement in India.
The concurrent session on healthcare for all took stock of the achievements made and the new directions that should be taken to increase disapora interaction in the medical field.
Indian economy set to grow at about 6.5 percentSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 18:30.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Union Minister of State for Industries Ashwani Kumar has said that India is still a good growth story, as its economic fundamentals are strong.
Addressing the session ''Building Bridges: Trade and Investment'' at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009 here, Dr Ashwani said: "A GDP growth of 6.5 per cent is expected, even while most countries are suffering economic downturn."
He stressed that the diaspora must bring funds into India. "At the same time, it should engage in skill-building activities in the country," he added.
MIC president rejects Hindraf's 'pamphlet' claimsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 21:43.
Chennai, Jan. 9 : Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) president S. Samy Vellu has severely criticised the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader, P. Waythamoorthy, for distributing pamphlets containing severe allegations, at the ongoing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
"All the allegations are lies. As a lawyer, he should know that he would have to pay for it if he tells lie," the Star quoted the MCI president Vellu, as saying.
DMK wins Thirumangalam by-pollSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 01/12/2009 - 18:42.
Chennai, Jan 12 : The Dravida Munettra Kazhagam (DMK) won the Thirumangalam Assembly by-election by a huge margin of 39,266 votes on Monday.
DMK candidate Latha Athiyaman defeated her All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) rival M Muthuramalingam. Athiyaman polled 79,422 votes over Muthuramalingam''s 40,156 votes.
The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) came third with 13,136 votes, followed by the Akila India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) with a mere 831 votes.
Elections for the seat, which fell vacant after the death of MDMK MLA Veera Illavarasan last month, were held on January 9 this year and counting was taken up today.
MDMK Chief Vaiko asked his ally the AIADMK to contest the seat.
Lankan Tamil legislators urge India to initiate peace talksSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 01/12/2009 - 22:08.
Chennai, Jan. 12 : A Sri Lankan lawmakers delegation belonging to the Tamil National Alliance Party, on Monday, appealed to the Tamil Nadu and Indian Governments to intervene in the military offensive against the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels in the island nation.
The team of five legislators asked the Indian leadership to mediate and save the lives of thousands of innocent Tamils.
"We (are)appealing to chief minister Tamil Nadu and central government, we are expecting to stop the war immediately otherwise our people will die, definitely they will die. So stop the war immediately and take action for peace talks," said Sambandam, a Sri Lankan legislator.
Karunanidhi to raise Sri Lankan Tamil issue with PM, Sonia Gandhi againSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 01/12/2009 - 22:44.
Chennai, Jan. 12 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday said that he would once again raise the matter about Sri Lankan Tamilians during his meetings with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Karunanidhi said he would ensure bringing about ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the island nation
"I will once again speak to Prime Minister and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over the Lankan Tamils issue," said Karunanidhi in the State capital.
Karunanidhi said that the country would do itself pride it could be stop the ongoing war in Sri Lanka.
Rahman Returns to a Warm Welcome from his FansSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 22:19.
Having won the coveted Golden Globe award for Best Original Music Score for 'Slumdog Millionaire', music maestro A. R. Rahman returned home in the early hours today to a stirring welcome of his fans and well wishers as thousands thronged the Chennai Airport to welcome their God of music and filled the air with the music of traditional drumbeats and applause.
Rahman too seemed to be very pleased with this feat of his.
Dalai Lama to deliver discourse on peace and spirituality in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 01/20/2009 - 20:05.
Chennai, Jan 20 : Tibetan exiles in Chennai accord a warm welcome today to their revered spiritual leader the Dalai Lama who is visiting the city to deliver discourse on peace and spirituality.
There was a riot of colours outside the airport as young men and women carrying Tibetan flags and dressed in traditional attire waited eagerly to welcome their spiritual leader.
Speaking to the media outside the airport, the Dalai Lama said, he had come to Chennai on a cultural and spiritual mission.
"The basic purpose of this visit is culture, spirituality, not politics," he added.
TVS Motor Q3 Net Falls To Rs 95.86 LakhSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 13:36.
Chennai-based TVS Motor Company has announced financial results for the third quarter ended December 2008 reporting net loss of Rs 95.86 lakh.
The company posted a net profit worth Rs 5.83 crore during the corresponding period in 2007-08.
It witnessed decline of 2% in net sales, which stood at Rs 852.82 crore as compared to Rs 875.02 crore in same period last year.
The total income of the company during the third quarter was Rs 868 crore as against Rs 889 crore for the same period last year.
Spine surgeons to attend international conference in Chennai todaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 17:48.
Chennai, Jan 23 : A three-day Conference of Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSICON) is being held here.
Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) which organises the conference annually has said that about 400 surgeons from India and abroad are participating in the ASSICON-2009 event.
They will discuss relevant issues like growing spinal problems amongst youth, especially low back pain and cervical spondylitis.
The meeting will also concentrate on the entire aspect of spinal treatment.
Eminent speakers from the UK, US, France and Germany will address the conference.
Karunanidhi warns UPA over Lanka Tamil issueSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 21:50.
Chennai, Jan 23 : Tamilnadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi has moved a resolution in the State assembly, urging the Centre to take tougher steps to ensure a cease fire in Sri Lanka.
The resolution has been touted the final request to the United Progressive Alliance.
Karunanidhi has warned that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will hold a general council meeting to initiate further action inn case the Government fails to act on the issue.
Corrective measures needed to be taken to ensure high domestic demand: Home MinisterSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 01/24/2009 - 22:35.
Chennai, Jan 24, : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Saturday that corrective measures have to be undertaken to ensure high domestic demand.
The Union Home Minister while delivering a lecture after launching the Bharatiya Yuva Shakthi Trust here, said, "India is not facing recession but only a slowdown and creative measures have to be undertaken to ensure high domestic slowdown."
Chidambaram emphasized on taking corrective measures and said: "While the government is taking fiscal measures, the RBI is taking monetary measures. Government and RBI should work together to work out more stimulus packages."
Heritage train run from Royapuram to Chennai on Republic DaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/27/2009 - 16:22.
Chennai, Jan 27: The Southern Railways ran a couple of heritage train trips using a steam locomotive of 1947 vintage, named ''Shahanshah'' from Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai to Tambaram, a suburb on the outskirts of the city on the occasion of Republic Day.
The objective was to provide people a picture of trains that chugged along the tracks at the time of India''s Independence.
MDMK protest against military offensive in Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 01/28/2009 - 23:04.
Chennai, Jan. 28 : The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) criticized the Center over External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee''s visit to Colombo after the Sri Lankan army''s successful operation against the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Hundreds of MDMK activists took to streets here to protest against the Sri Lankan military's offensive against the Tamil rebels.
MDMK's general secretary Y. Gopalaswamy(Vaiko), while criticizing Mukherjee's visit to Sri Lanka said that he (Mukherjee) had actually gone to Colombo to participate in the victory celebrations of the Sri Lankan government over the Tamil rebels.
Tamil film actor and comedian Nagesh passed awaySubmitted by Kiran Pahwa on Sat, 01/31/2009 - 18:20.
Chennai, Jan 31: Veteran Tamil film actor and comedian Cyril K. Nagesh, died here on Saturday afternoon. He was 77.
Nagesh was suffering from diabetes and a heart ailment
He had acted in over 1000 films like Neer Kumizhi, Edhir Neechal, Server Sundaram, Aboorva Raagangal, Kadalika Neramilliai and Ooty Varai Uravu.
The Tamil artist is most remembered for his role in ''Thiruvilayaadal''
PETA activists protest against illegal slaughter in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 22:51.
Chennai, Feb 3 : Activists of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Tuesday converged at the on-going India International Leather Fair here to stage a protest against the network of illegal slaughtering.
Effigies depicting carcasses of livestock such as cows, sheep, buffaloes and pigs placed in coffins were placed at the spot of the protest to create awareness about the illegal animal skin being made into purses, shoes and jackets.
Incidentally, these are the leather items, which are being sold at the fair.
Protestors smash bus screens in strike-hit Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 02/04/2009 - 16:15.
Chennai, Feb 4 : Protestors of various political parties, excluding the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), today smashed the window screens of some state-owned vehicles in strike-hit Tamil Nadu.
The strike was called to protest against the alleged killing of civilians in neighbouring Sri Lanka.
Police claimed that some unidentified persons had damaged windscreens of government buses in Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Tanjavur, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul and Tirunelveli. There were no reports of anyone being injured
Karunanidhi appeals to all parties for united stand on Tamil issueSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/06/2009 - 22:20.
Chennai, Feb. 6, : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Friday appealed to all parties to speak in one voice and adopt a united stand on Sri Lankan Tamil issue.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief said a solution to the issues was elusive because of the infighting among Tamil groups in the Sri Lanka.
"There is no unanimity here also on the issue. If all of us remain united, the Tamil race in Sri Lanka will be saved," Karunanidhi said.
'Sun Tech Days 2009' To Be Held In Hyderabad From Feb 18Submitted by Bharat Ghai on Sat, 02/07/2009 - 17:59.
Country's premier software industry, Sun Microsystems is all set to organize its global annual developer conference at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), Hyderabad February 18-20 for the third time in a row.
Apart from Hyderabad, the conference would also have its supporting sessions in Pune and Chennai.
In its press release, the company said that the three day event is fundamentally designed to display how developers can leverage Sun technologies, services and products to drive the next generation of technology innovation.
A help line for homosexuals launched in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 02/08/2009 - 15:20.
Chennai, Feb. 8 : Volunteers and associates of a non-government organization here have launched a help line for homosexuals to provide professional and emotional counselling.
The Chennai-based Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) launched the help line on Saturday.
The ICWO works for the transgenders, eunuchs, homosexuals and the marginalized sections of the society.
According to A J Hariharan, ICWO's founder Secretary, the help line will address issues confronting homosexuals.
Apollo Hospital sets up new cyberknife robotic radio surgery system in ChennaiSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Tue, 02/10/2009 - 04:17.
Apollo Hospitals has established new Apollo Speciality Cancer Hospital (ASCH) in Chennai. This new Cancer Hospital (ASCH) has a cyberknife robotic radio surgery system. Experts say that Cyberknife uses real time image guidance technology and computer-controlled robotics to deliver an extremely precise dose of radiation to targets. This saves the surrounding healthy tissue while adjusting for patient and tumour movements during treatment.
Lawyers in Chennai take to the streets over Lankan conflictSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 02/12/2009 - 22:22.
Chennai, Feb 12, : Over 50 lawyers staged a protest here on Thursday to demand the Central Government's intervention in stopping the war in Sri Lanka.
The lawyers started their protest from the Chennai High Court and went towards the regional military office in the city to stage a demonstration.
Chennai Advocate Association President Kanakaraj said that they wanted the Central Government to intervene to stop the war in Sri Lanka and said, "We will continue our protest for our Tamil brothers in Sri Lanka.
Mumbai fast bowler Kulkarni new face in Indian squad for Kiwi seriesSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 02/13/2009 - 17:12.
Chennai, Feb. 13 : Mumbai fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni, who topped the wicket-taking list in the Ranji Trophy season just gone by, is the new face in the Indian Test team selected for the tour of New Zealand.
Tamil Nadu Wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Karthik and fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji have been recalled to the squad. Tamil Nadu opener M Vijay has also been included by the five-man slection committee chaired by former opener Krishnamachari Srikanth.
Indian Navy to commission two warships todaySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 02/16/2009 - 13:18.
Chennai, Feb 16: The Indian Navy will commission two warships, INS Carnicobar and INS Chetlat here today.
These would be the first two in a series of ten water jet fast attack ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala will commission the ships at Chennai.
They will also be the first ever water jet propelled ships of the Indian Navy.
These fast attack crafts are named after pristine islands located in the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep respectively and will be based at Chennai thereby strengthening coastal security of the region.
LTTE will bounce back if defeated by Lankan army, says Sri Lankan leaderSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 02/16/2009 - 20:35.
Chennai, Feb 16 : Siritunga Jayasuriya, a leader of Sri Lanka''s United Socialist Party, now on a visit to India, said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), will retaliate if the Sri Lankan army continues the military war against them.
He asserted this in the course of an exclusive interview with ANI here on Sunday by contending the military action against the LTTE is not the permanent solution unlike a dialogue between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.
Siritunga Jayasuriya said that winning the war by military means would not be an end to the Tamil problem. It will only strengthen Prabhakaran or the LTTE.
Madras HC orders CBI inquiry into lawyers'' violenceSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/20/2009 - 15:57.
Chennai, Feb 20 : The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Thursday''s violence in which more than 100 lawyers were injured.
A holiday has been declared in all Tamil Nadu courts today.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has sought the co-operation of the acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court to find out the main reason behind the incident.
In a letter to Justice S J Mukhopadhayay, the Chief Minister said he is deputing the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DGP to search the reasons for the outbreak of violence.
Over 100 lawyers were injured outside the Madras High Court after the police lathicharged them for attacking Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy.
Madras HC clash rocks Tamil Nadu AssemblySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 02/20/2009 - 17:25.
Chennai, Feb 20: The issue of violent clashes between lawyers and police in the Madras High Court rocked Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday.
As soon as the proceedings started, opposition members demanded that Question Hour be postponed to discuss Thursday''s violence in which more than 100 lawyers were injured.
Speaker R Avudiyappan declined to postpone the question hour, saying he would consider the matter later even as the members of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) staged a walk out, followed by Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI-M members.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Thursday''s violence.
150 Chennai lawyers arrested for protesting against Madras HC violenceSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/20/2009 - 19:04.
Chennai, Feb 20 : Over 150 lawyers were arrested on Friday for participating in a protest march outside the Tamil Nadu secretariat. They were agitating against the violence in the Madras High Court complex on Thursday.
Madras Bar Association President S. Prabhakaran was also arrested.
Earlier, the lawyers' agitation issue dominated proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
As soon as the session started, opposition members demanded that the Question Hour be postponed to discuss Thursday's violence in which more than 100 lawyers were injured.
Madras HC lawyers boycott talks with government in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 18:12.
Chennai, Feb 24 : Striking lawyers today boycotted their first round meeting with the Tamil Nadu Government.
State Law Minister Duraimurugan had called for two meetings with DGP KP Jain and Madras Police Commissioner K Raadhakrishnan also in attendance.
On Monday, around 300 lawyers went on a day-long fast in front of the Madras High Court, a day after their associations decided to indefinitely boycott courts to press for their demands.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had also advanced the hearing of Madras High Court lawyers strike from February 25 to 27.
Judges sit in empty court halls on the first day of resumption of Madras High CourtSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 21:13.
Chennai, Feb 25 : Most of the lawyers including government advocates preferred to stay away from the first day of resumption in the Madras High Court proceedings after it was ordered to be closed by acting Chief Justice S J Mukhopathaya following a police-lawyers clash in the court premises.
The judges kept sitting in empty court halls here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the fast by the advocates demanding action against police continued on the third day today.
However, these protests were highly criticised by the Supreme Court today.
Chennai High Court lawyers continue boycottSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 02/27/2009 - 18:31.
Chennai, Feb 27: Protesting Chennai lawyers, who are boycotting the High Court, are on fast and observing a black day on Friday.
They are condemning the violence in the High Court and demanding immediate action against police officials who carried out February 19 baton charging on lawyers in the Madras High Court premises.
The courts are however, are functioning and there are no report of any untoward incident.
Earlier, the apex court has asked the Tamil Nadu Government to justify the entry of police into the Madras High Court premises on February 19.
Justice Srikrishna meets Chennai lawyersSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 02/28/2009 - 17:39.
Chennai, Feb 28 : Two office bearers of various lawyers association met Justice B. N. Srikrishna at the judicial academy here today.
Justice Srikrishna is here to inquire about the February 19 incident, when a number of lawyers and reporters were injured during the police baton charge after a police post and a number of vehicles were set on fire allegedly by lawyers and turned the court premises into a battleground.
Justice Srikrishna is also scheduled to visit the Chennai High Court premises to review the damage caused by the violence.
Inquiry in lawyers-police clash at Madras HC continuesSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 03/01/2009 - 22:11.
Chennai, Mar 1: Justice B. N. Srikrishna, named by the Supreme Court to probe the February 19 lawyers-police clash at the Madras High Court, continued his inquiry for the second day on Sunday.
Earlier, the President of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, R. C. Paul Kanakaraj said that the request of Justice Srikrishna to resume work would be placed before the General Body of the Association tomorrow.
He said the lawyers were prepared to work on Saturdays and Sundays to compensate the days lost due to the protest.
Tamil Nadu lawyers continue to boycott high court proceedingsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 22:17.
Chennai, Mar 2 : Protesting Tamil Nadu lawyers are continuing with their boycott of the Madras High Court. Monday marked the eighth of their strike.
Several advocates are on hunger strike outside the high court premises here.
The lawyers are demanding immediate action against police officials who baton charged lawyers in the Madras High Court premises on February 19.
Activists attempt to attack Sri Lankan mission in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 22:19.
Chennai, Mar. 2 : Activists fighting for Tamil victims of the Sri Lanka''s offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, tried to attack the office of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai on Monday.
Shouting slogans against the Indian and Sri Lankan Governments, around 200 activists of the Tamil Eelam Freedom Federation rushed towards the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner''s office in Chennai.
Edserv Softsystems ends Day 1 with huge premium of 129%Submitted by Gaurav Mehra on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 12:06.
Shares of e-learning services provider Edserv Softsystems had a strong debut on the stock exchanges on Monday.
The company's scrip got listed on Monday at Rs 55, down 8.33 per cent from its issue price of Rs 60 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, but later settled the day with whopping premium at Rs 137.55, up Rs 78 or 129 per cent.
During trading session, the scrip touched an intraday high of Rs 147 and intraday low of Rs 55 on BSE. The total traded quantity was 3,41,04,135 shares.
Tamil Nadu lawyers observe day-long hunger strikeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:00.
Chennai, Mar 3 : Protesting Tamil Nadu lawyers observed day-long hunger strike outside the High Court premises here on Tuesday.
The lawyers have been demanding immediate action against police officials who baton charged lawyers in the Madras High Court premises on February 19.
One of the strikers in the morning claimed that they would not change their mind until sufficient action was taken against the police.
Family mourns loss of Indian worker abducted and killed in AfghanistanSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 18:41.
Chennai, Mar 6: Sounds of wailing filled the air as family members of Simon Paramanathan, the Indian worker who was killed by his abductors in Afghanistan, mourned their loss upon receiving his body in their hometown Chennai.
Tears rolled down their faces as grief stricken relatives waited outside the airport to receive Simon''s body on Thursday.
Striking Chennai lawyers to demonstrate on MondaySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 17:45.
Chennai, Mar 8 : Lawyers attached with the Madras High Court on Sunday announced that they would participate in a demonstration outside the court premises on Monday.
The committee has also decided to be absent from the welcome address to new Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice Hemant Laxman Gokhale.
However, to "maintain the healthy traditions of the legal fraternity of Tamil Nadu", the State-level Joint Action Committee of Advocates (JACA) has allowed office-bearers to attend the swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
BSP to contest all Lok Sabha seats in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 20:12.
Chennai, Mar 8 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) General Secretary and the party's coordinator for Kerala and Tamil Nadu Suresh Mane on Sunday said the party would field candidates in all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.
"Our party will contest all 40 seats, including the one in Puducherry. This is to show the political strength of BSP in Tamil Nadu," Mane said.
He said the party had already selected 12 candidates who would file their nominations for the polls, while the names of the other candidates would be announced in a phased manner later on.
Jaya goes on hunger strike to support Lankan Tamil causeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/09/2009 - 13:40.
Chennai, Mar. 9 : AIADMK Chief and former Tamil Nadu chief Minister Jayalalithaa has decided to go on a hunger strike for the Lankan-Tamil cause.
Her huger strike will start in Chennai on Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Opposition leader said that the ruling DMK Government and the Centre have done little to bring about a ceasefire in Sri Lanka and help the Tamils there.
Her fast is going to be interesting because she got PMK chief Vaiko arrested for 18 months in 2002 for his speeches supporting the LTTE cause.
Justice H L Gokhale sworn-in as Madras HC Chief JusticeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/09/2009 - 17:12.
Chennai, Mar 9 : Justice Hemanth Laxman Gokhale was on Monday sworn-in as Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan.
Tamil Nadu Ministers including, Finance Minister K Anbazhagan, Local Administration Minister M K Stalin, Law Minister Duraimurugan, Union Ministers K Venkatapthy, K Reghupathy, Judges of the Madras High Court, and other officials attended the swearing in ceremony.
Later, Duraimurugan greeted Justice Gokhale on behalf of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and submitted a letter written by the Chief Minister to him. (ANI)
BSNL To Roll Out 3G Service In Chennai; Signs MoU With L&T Arun ExcelloSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 18:12.
Chief General Manager of BSNL, M P Velusamy said that the state-owned telecommunication company is all set to roll out its much-awaited 3G services in the Chennai telecom district, comprising Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur, in the first week of June.
Mr. Velusamy was lecturing at a press meet held for the signing of a MoU between BSNL and L&T Arun Excello Realty Pvt. Ltd to set up telecom infrastructure at the Estancia Integrated Township.
Jayalalitha warns Karunanidhi not to underestimate Third FrontSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/16/2009 - 23:22.
Chennai, Mar. 16 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha has warned state Chief Minister Karunanidhi not to underestimate the strength of the newly launched ''Third Front''.
She slammed Tamil Nadu Chief for his remark calling the Third Front as the third eye.
Self-help groups empower rural women in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 03/18/2009 - 22:43.
Chennai, Mar 18 : Self-help groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu are helping rural women become self-reliant by opening new employment avenues.
With help from the State and Central Governments, women residing in Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu have set up cottage industries to make various items ranging from soft toys to beautiful accessories.
Workers involved with the SHGs are earning a decent sum for their livelihood.
Apollo Launches Campaign To Make People Aware About Deep Vein ThrombosisSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Thu, 03/19/2009 - 12:52.
To make people aware regarding the implications of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Apollo Hospitals has launched a programme in Chennai.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially lethal blood clot, which forms in a vein deep in the body. Such clots occur when blood turns thick and clumps together.
Most deep vein blood clots take place in the lower leg or thigh. Moreover, they can also occur in other body parts.
Saravana Bhavan founder gets life term in murder caseSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 03/19/2009 - 18:58.
Chennai, Mar 19 : The Madras High Court on Thursday awarded a life sentence to P. Rajagopal, the founder of the Saravana Bhavan hotel chain.
Rajagopal, 59, was found guilty for murdering one of his employees, Prince Shantakumar, in 2001.
A bench comprising Justices P. K. Mishra and R. Banumathi announced the verdict on Rajagopal and six others in response to an appeal filed by the government to enhance on punishment for the accused in the case.
Rajagopal was earlier sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by a local court.
Chilean President in Chennai on two-day visitSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 15:20.
Chennai, Mar 20 : Chilean President Michelle Bachelet arrived in Chennai on a two-day visit last evening.
The visiting dignitary had a meeting with State Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who hosted a dinner in her honour.
During her visit, Bachelet will meet scientists of the M. S Swaminathan Research Foundation, besides interacting with IT entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.
She is also scheduled to inaugurate an Indo-Chile cultural exhibition.
Later, she will be conferred with an honorary doctorate at a Madras University function.
Essar launches steel centre at OragadamSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Sun, 03/22/2009 - 20:10.
Essar Steel started a new steel processing facility at Oragadam near Chennai investing Rs 75 crore in a bid to enhance its steel service center capacity to satisfy growing demand of steel from clients.
The new facility, located at the SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre at Oragadam, was inaugurated by Mr. TS Narayanasami, CMD of Bank of India in the presence of Essar Group Chairman Mr. Shashi Ruia.
BJP will declare Ramasetu a heritage monument: GanesanSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 03/22/2009 - 23:23.
Chennai, Mar 22 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu unit president L. Ganesan on Sunday said that his party would declare the `Ramasetu' a heritage monument, if his party voted to power at the Centre in the general elections.
"BJP will declare the `Ramasetu' a heritage monument, if the party voted to power at the Centre in the general elections," Ganesan said in a statement.
Tamil Nadu Lawyers return to work after month-long strikeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 23:43.
Chennai, Mar 23 : In Tamil Nadu, ending their month-long strike, lawyers returned to courts on Monday following their decision to call off the agitation last Thursday.
Courts were abuzz with activity with advocates resuming work and hearing being taken up in large number of cases.
PMK to formally decide on joining AIADMKSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 03/26/2009 - 16:02.
Chennai, Mar26 : The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) General Council will meet here on Thursday to take a formal decision on forming an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The meeting is being attended by all senior leaders, including PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani.
According to sources, the AIADMK has offered seven Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat to the PMK in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
PMK joins hands with AIADMK in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 03/26/2009 - 20:51.
Chennai, Mar 26 : Breaking off its alliance with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Thursday joined hands with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
PMK''s General Council met here today to take a formal decision on forming an alliance with Jyalalithaa-led AIADMK. The meeting was attended by all senior leaders, including PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani.
According to sources, while 2,453 members voted for the alliance with the AIADMK, only 117 voted against it.
PMK releases its manifesto for general electionsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 19:23.
Chennai, Mar 27 : The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Friday released its manifesto for upcoming general elections.
The manifesto, released by the PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss here said the party would be persuaded to create 50 states from the existing 28 to promote equitable accelerated development in various regions.
Ramdoss said efficiency and good governance could be provided in smaller states.
The party said the concept of creamy layer for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would also be removed.
DMK to contest 21 seats, Congress 16Submitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 03/29/2009 - 15:27.
Chennai, Mar 29 : The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, last night finalised a seat-sharing arrangement with its allies, the Congress, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
According to the deal, the Congress will contest 15 Tamil Nadu seats and one seat in Puducherry, the VCK, a Dalit party, got two seats and the IUML got one.
The arrangement has left 21 seats for the DMK.
DMK would welcome creation of a separate Eelam, says KarunanidhiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 00:04.
Chennai, Mar 30 : Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) would welcome creation of a separate ''Eelam'', a homeland for the Sri Lankan Tamils provided it is created by a democratic process, said M Karunanidhi, DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Talking to the reporters here today, Karunanidhi said, "We will be glad if a separate Eelam is created (in Sri Lanka) by people voting for it."
He accused the opposition parties of spreading rumours that DMK does not support Sri Lankan Tamils.
Maharaja moving smoothlySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 15:29.
The shooting of Maharaja is moving smoothly. Recently a sequence of Nasser's kidnap was shot in Bharathidasan Nagar in KKR Nagar in Chennai. The shooting of the film took place in Chennai and is being continued in Hyderabad. The songs will be shot in Malaysia.
The film is being produced by J Ravi under the banner of Jayaram Creations. T Manoharan has penned down the story, screenplay and dialogues and is also taking care of the direction of the flick. T Iman has composed the music for the lyrics jotted down by Na Muthukumar, Pa Vijay, Snegan and Yuga Bharathi.
Satya's Kadhal 2 KalyanamSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 15:31.
Arya has won the hearts of millions with his acting skills and chocolaty looks. And now it seems his brother Satya is all set to give his brother big competition with his debut flick Kadhal 2 Kalyanam which is directed by Milind Rau who earlier worked as associate director with Mani Rathnam.
Satya has already become the talk of the town with his cute looks. The actor has made it clear that even though he is getting a big launch, he would love to do different kind of roles.
Police Quarters hits the floorSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 15:44.
After earning a lot of appreciation from both masses as well as critics for his daring film Cyanide, based of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, A. M. R. Ramesh is now making yet another hard hitting flick titled Police Quarters which is inspired by a true incident which took place in 1982. The film has commenced its shooting on Ugadi, 27th of March. The film is being made simultaneously in Tamil as Kaavalar Kudi.
Nayan still going strongSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 17:28.
The talented Nayanatara may be going through a bad phase for some time but she has proved that she is still much in demand. Nayanatara made it bit with the Tamil Billa in which she rocked with her bikini act. But her subsequent films including Vishal's 'Salute' bombed at the box office.
Nayan is now set to make a strong comeback once again in Tollywood. She is the lead actress in a new Jr. NTR film. Nayanatara has now been signed up opposite Ravi Teja in a new film titled 'Anjaneyulu'. Nayan will be getting a whopping 65 lakhs for just one month work for the film. -Sampurn Media
Tamil film 'Subrahmanyapuram' in TeluguSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 04/06/2009 - 15:17.
The hit Tamil film `Subrahmanyapuram is now being dubbed into Telugu and it has been titled as `Ananthapuram 1980'. The Telugu version is being produced by M Ranganath on the Simhapuri Talkies banner.
Colours Swathi is the heroine in the revenge drama. Sasi Kumar is the director. Ananthapurm 1980 is expected to hit the screens in April. -Sampurn Media
AIADMK, CPM reach seat sharing agreementSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 04/06/2009 - 20:11.
Chennai, Apr 6 : The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) on Monday arrived at a seat sharing agreement, according to which the latter would contest the Madurai, Kaniyakumari and Coimbatore seats in the upcoming elections.
CPM state secretary N Varadarajan held talks with the AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa at her Pose Garden residence this afternoon and signed the pact.
Gemini Communication to demerge its system integration businessSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 04/08/2009 - 15:58.
The Chennai-based networking solutions provider Gemini Communication plans to demerge its system integration business comprising enterprise convergence group, wireless and telecom and 4S divisions to a separate company.
However, the company will retain the technical services division to the telecom sector; PointRed Telecom and radio frequency identification (RFID) businesses.
It may be noted that the company's board has proposed to make a preferential allotment of up to 97,18,000 warrants with option to convert them into 97,18,000 equity shares for working capital requirement.
Tamil Nadu''s VCK asks Sonia Gandhi to press for Lanka cease-fireSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 04/08/2009 - 20:57.
Chennai, Apr 8 : In the wake of reports of the Sri Lankan army capturing the last stronghold of the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the pro-Eelam Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Wednesday appealed to Congress President Sonia Gandhi to press for a ceasefire in the island-nation.
AIADMK releases candidates list for LS electionsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 04/09/2009 - 16:14.
Chennai, Apr 9 : The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Thursday released the list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections.
Former Union Minister M Thambidurai will contest from Karur, while former state Ministers Semmalai is being field from Salem, M C Sampath from Cuddalore, Raja Kannappan from Shivaganga and V Satyamurthy from Ramanathapuram.
Two women candidates are former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam University Sinthyapandiyan from Tuticorin.
I am not afraid of being arrested, says VaikoSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 04/10/2009 - 19:30.
Chennai, Apr 10 : Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko on Friday said that he was not afraid of being arrested for making inflammatory speech.
"I am prepared to face any charges. I am not scared of arrest," Vaiko said.
His comments came after an First Incident Report (FIR) was issued against him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Law, for allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches in support of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
On Thursday, Vaiko had warned of a bloodbath in Tamil Nadu if the LTTE Chief Prabhakaran is harmed.
Polaris Software to pump Rs 100 crore for the setup of 'Centre of Excellence'Submitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 11:34.
Chennai-based Polaris Software Lab, a financial technology company, has plans to expand its operation to 40 countries over the next five years.
In addition, the company, in order to strengthen its insurance portfolio business has decided to set up a centre of excellence for insurance near Chennai, with an investment of around Rs 100 crore to develop new solutions and to service company's insurance clients.
Mani Ratnam Hospitalised In ChennaiSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 18:36.
Well-known film director Mani Ratnam was admitted to a private hospital early this morning after he complained of chest pain and giddiness.
Mani, who is in his early 50s, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Apollo hospital in Chennai.
According to the hospital sources Mani had a slight discomfort in the heart.
The doctors have decided to keep Mani in the ICU for the next one week for observation.
All the family members and close friends of the director rushed to hospital on hearing about his condition.
Mani Ratnam Hospitalized …But FineSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 04/17/2009 - 14:28.
There was a sudden panic among the myriad friends and well-wishers of the movie-making maverick Mani Ratnam when on Tuesday he was admitted into the Apollo hospital in Chennai.
Since Mani has a history of heart ailment, the worst was naturally ,or not so unnaturally , presumed.
However it seems the news from Chennai is heartening and very very encouraging.
So says the poetic genius Gulzar who , as luck would have it, was in Chennai working on a song for Mani Ratnam's Raavan with Mani and composer A R Rahman when Mani's health scare occurred.
Raj Television Posts Net Loss Worth Rs 30.76 Mln In Q4Submitted by Sumeet Kak on Fri, 04/17/2009 - 15:19.
Chennai-based Raj Television Network has declared the results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009.
For the period under review, the company said that it has posted a net loss of Rs 30.76 million, as compared to the net loss of Rs 3.42 million during the corresponding period of the last year.
The company's revenue saw a growth of 84.45% during the quarter to Rs 204.05 million, while the income from operations and net sales was Rs 194.94 million from Rs 86.44 million in the prior year.
Demand for fruits and juices on the high in Chennai as mercury risesSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 04/18/2009 - 22:44.
Chennai, Apr 18 : With temperature rising in Tamil Nadu, the sale of watermelons and juices have picked up.
The temperature in Chennai, the state capital, was recorded at over 39.1 degree Celsius with humidity in the range of 69 percent on Thursday. Last year, the maximum temperature recorded was 42.1 degree celsius on May 18, but this year the temperature is inching towards that number in April itself.
Karunanidhi says can''t forgive LTTE for killing Rajiv GandhiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 18:05.
Chennai, Apr 20 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday divulged from his earlier stand on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, and said that one cannot forget that LTTE was behind former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi''s death.
Speaking to reporters here, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo said that he never disagreed on the fact that LTTE was a terrorist outfit. He said that the LTTE did not start as a terrorist group, but became one over time.
Karunanidhi in denial mode, but Jayalalithaa targets Sonia on his pro-LTTE remarkSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 17:01.
Chennai, Apr. 21 : Even as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has said that he has been misquoted on the the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and V. Prabhakaran issue, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J Jayalalithaa has targeted Congress President Sonia Gandhi, saying that she should have responded aggressively to it.
Indian Govt. says watching Lanka situation, Karunanidhi''s ultimatum to PM, SoniaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 21:43.
New Delhi/Chennai, Apr. 21: Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma, said Tuesday that the Indian Government is carefully monitoring the emerging situation in Sri Lanka, and was well aware and concerned about the plight of civilian Tamils in the island nation.
He, however, said that Prabhakaran is a proclaimed offender and the LTTE is a terrorist outfit and it should be treated on par with such other organisations,"
India will face dire consequences: VaikoSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 00:29.
Chennai, Apr 21: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder V. Gopalswamy on Tuesday said India would face dire consequences if it did not come forward to stop the on-going Sri Lankan crisis.
"The Tamils across the world are gravely concerned about the war in the island nation and it is high time the Centre should come forward and stop the war. Otherwise, the country will face dire consequences in the future," he said in a statement here.
Vaiko also urged to United Nations to take immediate steps to stop the Sri Lankan crisis. (ANI)
Polaris Software Net profit soars 78.5% in Q4Submitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 03:00.
Chennai-based Polaris Software has finally declared its fourth quarter results on Monday.
The firm posted a 78.5 per cent growth in its net profit at Rs 130.71 crore during the year ended March 31, 2009 against Rs 73.22 crore in the previous year.
The company's Q4 net profit stood at Rs 32.1 crore versus Rs 37.16 crore, QoQ.
Apart from this, the company's total income rose 18 per cent to Rs 337.25 crore in the fourth quarter, from Rs 286.16 crore in the same period last fiscal.
PM reviews Lanka situation at special meeting, Chennai strikesSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 04/23/2009 - 15:48.
New Delhi/Chennai, Apr 23 : Amid escalating tensions in neighbouring Sri Lanka over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a special meeting was convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday night to review the situation in the island nation.
The hour-long meeting was also attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Defence Minister A. K. Antony.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recalls trauma among Sri Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 04/23/2009 - 18:04.
Chennai, Apr 23 : Art of Living Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Sri Lanka on a humanitarian mission, said that there is immense trauma among the Tamil people living in refugee camps.
"We did whatever little bit in the relief work possible and there is lot of fear and anxiety among the people. They feel sort of let down by all those whom they believed in. They feel let down by their own people, they feel let down by India," said Shankar, who was in Sri Lanka since Monday.
Chidambaram says Davis Cup event is safe, secureSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 04/25/2009 - 20:11.
Chennai, Apr 25: Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday said the Davis Cup event is completely safe and secure.
Chidambaram's statement came after the Tennis Australia decided to pull out of the Davis Cup tie against India, which is to be held in Chennai next month.
"The Davis Cup event is completely safe and secure. Foolproof security will be provided for the three days event. It is one event, one stadium, three days no security problem," Chidambaram told reporters here.
Maran slaps notice on Jayalalithaa for Sun TV irregularitiesSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 04/25/2009 - 21:07.
Chennai, Apr 25: Former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran on Saturday slapped a legal notice on All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa for alleging irregularities in uplinking of programmes of the satellite Television channel SUN TV, which is owned by his brother Kalanidhi Maran.
In his notice, Maran has sought Rs. 10 crore and an apology from Jayalalithaa.
Deepam Hospital to setup 200-bed multi-specialty hospital in ChennaiSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Sun, 04/26/2009 - 13:13.
Deepam Hospitals group (DHG) is presently working on the setup of a 200-bed high-end tertiary care hospital in the region.
The multi-speciality hospital project is estimated to cost Rs 60 crore.
It should be noted that the firm has already signed an agreement worth Rs 30 crore with State Bank of India, to fund its upcoming project.
Cryolor intends to setup a manufacturing unit near ChennaiSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Sun, 04/26/2009 - 13:24.
Cryolor, French industrial gas tanks manufacturer and a 100 per cent subsidiary of Cryolor SA, has decided to set up a manufacturing facility near Chennai.
The plant would be setup at Melmaruvattur in Chennai, covering a built up area of 15,000 sq. m.
The company intends to pump an investment worth Rs 45 crore on the plant through its fully owned subsidiary Cryolor Asia Pacific.
Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi call Karunanidhi on Lanka Tamil issueSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 15:29.
Chennai, Apr 27 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi today called Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who is on an indefinite fast over Sri Lankan issue.
Dr. Singh assured Karunanidhi that his government is in touch with Colombo.
Sonia Gandhi also called the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo from Murshidabad in West Bengal and expressed her concern about the plight of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.
Jayalalithaa attacks Congress for calling her anti-national on Ealam demandsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 19:07.
Chennai, Apr. 27 : The Congress party was on Monday attacked by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Chief Jayalalithaa for dubbing Eelam demands as `anti-national'.
"I am a patriot, why are my credentials being questioned?" she said.
Jayalalithaa claimed that her demand on Eelam was based on the humantarian crisis of trapped Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka and she was not demanding a separate nation being carved out of India.
Four killed in Chennai train collisionSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 14:38.
Chennai, Apr 29 : At least four people have been killed and several others injured when a passenger train and a goods train collided at Jeevanagar railway station in suburban Vyasarpadi on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident took place at around 6:00 a. m. when the passenger train coming from Chennai and the goods train coming from Arakkonam collided.
Following the accident, a fire broke out in one of the coaches of the local train, they said.
Four bodies have been retrieved by the fire and rescue personnel, police said, adding that more casualties were feared.
Shashi Tharoor asks Sri Lanka to give Tamil civilians an honoured placeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 15:38.
Chennai, Apr 29 : Former United Nations diplomat and writer Shashi Tharoor has asked the Rajapaksa Government to give a devolution package to its Tamil civilians to give them an honoured place in the country.
Tharoor recalled that the Sri Lanka Government had announced a couple of years ago that it would give a devolution package to the Tamils. In effect, it would give the Tamils a homeland with in the united Sri Lanka.
You need an opportunity to succeed, says Oscar winner PookuttySubmitted by Kiran Pahwa on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 00:48.
Chennai, April 29: After all you need just an opportunity to be successful, was the message Oscar winner Resul Pookutty conveyed on Wednesday to all aspiring artistes in film industry.
Resul Pookutty, Oscar winner for best sound mixing of ''Slumdog Millionaire'' said if someone is given the right opportunity, success in the film industry could follow on its own.
"We have great potential. If right opportunity is being given to
Apollo Tyres to spend Rs 700 crore on Chennai Greenfield FacilitySubmitted by Divesh Sharma on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 23:20.
Delhi-based Apollo Tyres, India's second largest tyre manufacturer, has decided to spend Rs 700 crore in 2009-10, mainly for completion of its Chennai greenfield facility.
The company is presently setting up a greenfield tyre producing facility in Chennai with an initial capacity of 150 tonnes per day, expandable up to 450 tonnes per day.
Earlier, the company had announced an investment worth Rs 550 crore in the facility while starting the construction work in September, 2008.
Tamil activists protest against Govt. inaction for trapped Tamilians' causeSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 23:53.
Chennai, Apr 30: As a mark of protest against Indian government''s failure to pressurise the Sri Lankan government to cease the attack on the LTTE endangering innocent Tamilians in the island''s battle zone, activists of Tamil nationalist movement undertook a day long hunger strike in Chennai on Thursday.
Under the banner of Tamil Desiya Iyakkam, the activists, along with their leader Pazha Nedumaran took part in this hunger strike.
Karunanidhi admitted to Chennai hospitalSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 05/03/2009 - 15:09.
Chennai, May 3 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was admitted to the Apollo hospital on Sunday morning following complaints of high fever.
According to doctors, the 85-year old Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) chief is undergoing treatment.
Karunanidhi also complained of severe back pain, sources said.
Karunanidhi had undergone a major surgery on his back in February. (ANI)
Passengers at Chennai airport screened for swine flu; preventive measures underwaySubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Mon, 05/04/2009 - 20:14.
Taking the swine flu scare seriously, the Department of Public Health is leaving nothing to chance! The department has opened four special counters at the Chennai airport to screen all passengers, arriving either directly from other countries or by domestic connecting flights from other Indian cities, for warning signs of the dreaded flu that has struck Mexico, and parts of US and Canada.
Lankan Govt. and Army giving false reports on war: RamadossSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 05/04/2009 - 22:17.
Chennai, May 4: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S Ramadoss on Monday claimed that the Sri Lankan Army and government are giving false reports on the ongoing war in the island country.
Talking to reporters, Ramadoss expressed his belief that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) can never taste defeat in its cause for the Tamilians.
"Nobody will finish LTTE. They won''t get any defeat. They are going to win finally," he said.
Murugappa Group on expansion spree; to spend Rs 586 croreSubmitted by Neeta Aurora on Thu, 05/07/2009 - 00:44.
The Chennai-headquartered Murugappa grorup, is planning to spend Rs 586 crore in 2009-10 through its group companies.
The company plans to invest Rs 586 crore in 2009-10, lesser in comparison to Rs 850 crore, which it had invested in 2008-09.
According to company officials, the proposed investment include Rs 146 crore in Tube Investments of India (TII) which in turn will invest in setting up a metal forming manufacturing unit at Uttarakhand . The new plant will cater to railway wagon segment.
Colourful flower show draws many to ChennaiSubmitted by Jai Kumar on Fri, 05/08/2009 - 14:10.
Chennai, May 8 : A flower show featuring a wide variety of flowers, arranged in vases and various designs, was organised in Chennai.
Called as ''Chennai Flower Show,'' the show opened at Young Men Christian Organisation (YMCA) Grounds in Royapettah on Friday and will continue for ten days.
More than 1000 varieties of flowers are on display at the show. The show featured both indigenous and imported varieties of flowers such as roses, carnations, tulips, lilies and many more.
Tulips were specially imported for the show.
After Rare Surgery, Infant Gets New Life!Submitted by Piyush Diwan on Fri, 05/08/2009 - 14:18.
The time when Sriya, a two-and-a-half month old baby, was admitted to the emergency ward at Malar Hospitals on April 13, the doctors could not feel the pulse on her arms or legs.
The doctors said the blood pressure level of the baby was too low, and she was hardly breathing.
Sriya's mother Lavanya said, "We took her to a paediatrician who suspected a heart murmur."
However, the parents of the baby were distressed as they thought they had neglected the heart murmer' noticed by a doctor a few days back.
Karunanidhi,Jayalalithaa woo Tamil voters with promise of separate EelamSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 05/08/2009 - 14:36.
Chennai, May 8 : With Tamil Nadu holding elections on May 13, both Chief MInister M. Karunanidhi and his key political rival and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa are seeking to gain the maximum political mileage from the Lanka Tamil sympathy wave among voters in Tamil Nadu.
Congress-DMK ties intact: Manmohan SinghSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 05/09/2009 - 21:46.
Chennai, May 9: Clearing the air over the Lankan-Tamil issue and its effects on the Congress-DMK alliance, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the two parties are political partners in the state and would continue to remain so.
"Congress' alliance with DMK has stood the test of time and we will maintain it and form the government," Dr Singh said at a press conference here.
Dr. Singh's views on Sri Lanka's Tamil issue, however, were in contrast to what the DMK has been saying in the past few weeks.
UPA Govt. did everything possible for Tamil Sri Lankans: Sonia GandhiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 05/11/2009 - 13:35.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) / Rudrapur (Uttarakhand), May 10 : Congress President and United Progress Alliance chairperson on Sunday said that the UPA Government did whatever was possible to end hostilities against the Tamil Sri Lankans.
Karunanidhi says Congress-led UPA will again form govtSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 16:09.
Chennai, May 13 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi on Wednesday said the Congress-led coalition would again form the government at the Centre.
Speaking to media persons after casting his vote, Karunanidhi said, "It will be again a Congress-led government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls."
He said the DMK-Congress would appear victorious in all the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
"Our achievements during the past five years, will give us victory," he added.
Kamal Haasan Can't Vote This Year!Submitted by Ashok Rao on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 17:38.
At the time when the country's people are making use of their voting rights, Tollywood superstar Kamal Hassan will not be able to vote this year at Corporation School near Nageswaran Rao Park in Mylapore, Chennai as his name is missing from the voters list!
Despite his busy shooting schedule, Kamal was planning to fly to Chennai only to cast his vote.
Nowadays, Kamal is in Hyderabad shooting for his upcoming flick 'Unnai Pol Oruvan'.
But when the actor came to know about the exclusion of his name from the list, he feels really sad and frustrated.
Jayalalithaa complains of poll rigging at Chennai boothSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 18:29.
Chennai, May 13 (ANI): All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J. Jayalalithaa on Wednesday complained about poll rigging at a booth in Chennai.
After casting her vote here, she said, "There are complaints of malfunctioning of the Electronic Voting Machines. To be specific, if a voter presses a button for the ''two leaves'' symbol, the light burns for ''rising sun'', symbol for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK0. So, they have complained to the authorities."
Security beefed up ahead of vote counting daySubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 15:12.
New Delhi/Chennai, May 15 : The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements ahead of vote counting day on Saturday.
Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla said 1,080 counting centres have been set up throughout the country.
He said 60,000 employees have been pressed into service for the purpose.
The counting of votes for 543 Lok Sabha seats will start from 8.00 a. m.
Congress Party leaders express joy over party''s successSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 17:22.
New Delhi/Chennai, May 16 : Congress Party leaders on Saturday appeared joyous over the initial leads as the Congress-led UPA is set to return to power for second term.
Senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, who expressed joy and gaiety on the success of the party, said, "It''s a very big result and a very good return for all of us."
DMK wants 7 Cabinet berths in the new UPA govtSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 05/17/2009 - 16:36.
Chennai, May 17 : Having played a key role in ensuring a United Progressive Alliance's success in Tamil Nadu, the M. Karunanidhi-led Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam is likely to ask seven cabinet berths in the new set up of government at the Centre.
DMK wants to retain Surface Transport and IT ministry among others, a Times Now report quoted sources as saying.
DMK sources had earlier stated that they were eyeing cabinet posts for Kanimozhi, Maran and Azhagiri.
DMK leaders express joy over party's successSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 00:33.
Chennai, May 17 : Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders on Sunday expressed their jubilation at the results of the Lok Sabha elections.
The DMK-Congress combine, which won 28 seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, is now ready to review the post-poll scenario.
"Tomorrow is the executive council meeting, which will be held at 10.30 am. A lot of issues would be taken up at the meeting. It''s quite an important meeting. Tomorrow my leaders will be meeting the press soon after the executive council is over," said Dayanidhi Maran, senior DMK leader and nephew of party chief M. Karunanidhi.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam executive council meets in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 15:56.
Chennai, May 18 : The executive council of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is meeting here today
Senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran said: "A lot of issues will be taken up at the meeting. It''s quite an important meeting. My leaders will meet the press soon after the executive council is over."
The DMK-Congress combine, which won 28 seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, is to review the post-poll scenario.
Karunanidhi seeks Centre's intervention to save Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 23:32.
Chennai, May 18: Hours later the Sri Lankan Army claimed that it has won the final battle in a separatist conflict seen as one of the world's most intractable wars, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday sought Central Government's intervention to ensure the safety of those trapped in the conflict zone.
"We want the safety of the remaining Tamils and stressing this, I have spoken to Union Home minister P. Chidambaram in this regard," Karunanidhi said at a press conference here.
DMK considering PM's offer, says KarunanidhiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 23:33.
Chennai, May 23 : Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Saturday said his party was considering Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer made on Friday about the berth allocations.
Karunanidhi, however, blamed a propaganda behind rumours that there was any confusion prevailing over distribution of berths between the DMK and Congress party at the Centre.
Congress did not approach DMK on portfolios issue: AzhagiriSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 05/24/2009 - 14:27.
Chenni/New Delhi, May 24 : Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and eldest son of party supreme M. Karunanidhi, M. Azhagiri, created a political controversy of sorts on Sunday, when he said that the Congress leadership had not discussed portfolio allocation with the DMK during their meetings in New Delhi last week.
He said that the decision on portfolios would only be determined after the Congress contacts his party leadership in Chennai.
Karunanidhi battles to end family impasse over Cabinet berthsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 05/24/2009 - 17:58.
Chennai, May 24 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi was meeting senior party leaders individually at his residence here on Sunday before taking a final call on whether the DMK would join the Congress-led UPA government or continue to offer outside support.
"The party chief is meeting senior party leaders individually and a final decision on joining the UPA government is expected be known this (Sunday) evening," a DMK senior leader said, requesting anonymity.
Bonfiglioli Transmission to spend Rs 75 crore on its Chennai FacilitySubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Thu, 05/28/2009 - 20:42.
Italy-based gear box manufacturer Bonfiglioli Transmissions is planning to spend about Rs 75 crore on the expansion of its Chennai plant, by 2010.
The company said that fresh investment to be met through internal accruals would be for plant and machinery.
Earlier, the company had invested Rs 400 crore in the Thirumudivakkam facility, near Chennai.
The company manufactures equipment for windmill application in India. In addition, it caters to industries such as machine tools, pharmaceutical, sugar, cement and construction.
Chennai Petroleum net profit dips 21% in Q4Submitted by Rajvir Khanna on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 13:19.
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL), which operates as an integrated refinery that produces fuel and specialty products primarily in India, has registered a net profit of Rs 272 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2009 against Rs 344 crore shown during the corresponding quarter in 2007-2008.
Further, total income of the company for the quarter has also decreased to Rs 4816 crore from Rs 8367 crore in the year-ago period.
Nippo Batteries registers 52% growth in Q4 net profit; Stock climbs 9%Submitted by Rajvir Khanna on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 21:17.
Chennai-based Nippo Batteries has registered a growth of 52 per cent in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2009 at Rs 5.28 crore.
The company had posted a net profit of Rs 3.46 crore during the January-March quarter a year ago.
Further, the company has witnessed a jump of 12 per cent in its total income, which surged to Rs 63.20 crore during the March quarter of FY 2009, from Rs 56.25 crore of the same period a year ago.
For the financial year ended March 31, the company posted a net profit of Rs 16.03 crore, nominal increase compared to Rs 16.01 crore of FY'08.
Sri Lankan Tamil lawmaker seeks amnesty for surrendered LTTESubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 15:53.
Chennai, June 1 : R Sambandan, a lawmaker of Sri Lanka now on a visit to India has sought amnesty for surrendered Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The leader of Tamil Nationalist Alliance said this while speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday. Sambandan said that the Tamil rebels should be provided with opportunities so that they can lead normal life in the mainstream of society.
Karunanidhi turns 86Submitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 06/03/2009 - 16:33.
Chennai, June 3 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi turned 86 today.
Leaders from across the nation, including Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi greeted him on the occasion.
After a brief celebration with his family members, the Chief Minister drove down to the memorial of DMK founder and late Chief Minister C N Annadurai to pay floral tribute.
Viagra Gives New Lease Of Life To 4-Month-Old Baby With Heart TroubleSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Sat, 06/06/2009 - 10:30.
Popular anti-impotency drug Viagra saved the life of a 4-month-old baby girl Tanisha, who was born to Subrata and Dipa Saha of Kolkata.
The doctors at Chennai's Malar Hospital used Viagra to lessen baby's high blood pressure level during a prolonged operation.
When Tanisha was born, she was suffering from Cyanotic Congenital heart defect, a condition where the heart is on the right side of chest.
Moreover, Tanisha's right lung was not developed properly.
The parents were distressed when their two-month-old baby kept on crying excessively, and often turned blue.
A Swiss donator to Tamil Nadu''s Ramanathaswamy TempleSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 06/06/2009 - 17:30.
Chennai, June 6 : A Swiss national recently donated Rupees 2.08 crore to the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu.
Over the last three years, Elizabeth Ziegler has been donating about Rupees four lakh annually.
Temple officials say they have never seen her.
According to temple sources, Bhanumathi Nachiar, the chairperson of the board of trustees of the temple is the one who first established contact with Elizabeth in 2006, but they only communicate by fax.
Parents, students fret over college admissions in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 19:30.
Chennai, June 7 : Parents and students here have complained about facing a lot of hardships and competition in getting admission to colleges of their choice.
Most parents are fretting over the high capitation fees demanded by privately managed professional colleges.
Both parents and their wards are also peeved with the attitude of the self-financing professional colleges.
The lack of infrastructure and other facilities in several colleges has worried most of the parents.
SmartLearn to invest Rs 50 crore in next three yearsSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 18:40.
Chennai-based SmartLearn Edutech Private Limited aims to achieve a turnover worth Rs 100 crore in the next three years.
The company plans to spend around Rs 50 crore in next three years to tap the Rs 10,000 crore IIT-JEE coaching market through its newly-launched web TV module.
Smart Learn Web TV, a site developed by a group of IITians, provides video lectures and around 3,000 pages of printed material with core concepts, illustrations and worked examples for the IIT aspirants.
Chennai sex workers learn karate to keep violent customers at baySubmitted by Jai Kumar on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 13:55.
Chennai, June 12 : Sex workers in Chennai are learning karate to protect themselves from violent customers.
Clad in white, around 75 masked sex workers are undergoing training in self-defense techniques.
Operating in the murky world of pimps and violent customers, these sex workers are a marginalized lot.
Deprived of legal protection, they often have to put up with violence and harassment at the hands of their customers.
Shriram EPC aims to achieve a 50% growth in its consolidated turnoverSubmitted by Divesh Sharma on Sat, 06/13/2009 - 05:40.
Shriram EPC, a focused turnkey engineering company, aims to achieve a growth of 50 percent in its consolidated turnover by this fiscal.
The Chennai-based firm stated in a communiqué that proposed significant growth will come from renewable energy business especially wind energy, which would bring around Rs 600 crore.
Presently, the company is in the process of setting up a wind farm with an investment of Rs 75 crore in Tamil Nadu, and acquired 300 acre in various parts of the country for the set up of farms.
Family of 5 quarantined in Chennai for swine flu symptomsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 06/13/2009 - 20:37.
Chennai, June 13 : A Coimabatore-based family of five, including a six-month-old girl, was quarantined at the airport here for suspected H1N1 virus symptoms after they arrived from the US on Saturday.
Airport officials said that Muralitharan, wife Sarika and their three daughters were found to be suffering from cough, cold and fever, after a special medical team stationed at the airport examined them.
They were sent to Communicable Diseases Hospital at Tondiarpet for further medical attention. (ANI)
Zylog Systems forays 'ISP business'; launches Wi5 in ChennaiSubmitted by Bharat Ghai on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 20:48.
India Limited, a leading global software solution and services provider, has announced the launch of "Wi5" wireless broadband services in Chennai.
With this launch, Zylog enters the ISP business in the country and has obtained a category 'A' internet service provider license to operate in all of India's DoT circles.
TVS Motor to foray into US market with 'Apache RTR'Submitted by Keshav Seth on Wed, 06/17/2009 - 05:57.
Two wheeler maker TVS Motor Company has decided to launch its premium 160cc bike Apache RTR in the US market, by this year.
It should be noted that if the company enters the US market, it will be the second indigenous player to foray into that market, the first being Royal Enfield bike. The US market is considered amongst the top 10 two-wheeler industry in the world, with China as the largest, followed by India.
Opposition walks out of TN assemblySubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 06/17/2009 - 22:08.
Chennai June17 : The entire opposition led by AIADMK staged a walk out from the Tamil Nadu assembly, after failing to raise the issue of alleged malpractice by the ruling DMK in the recently concluded elections.
After an obituary reference to the departed former members, Speaker Avudiappan wanted to take up the day''s business, but opposition parties wanted to raise the issue of alleged the use of money, muscle and government machinery by the ruling DMK to win the elections, the Speaker denied permission.
Kamal Hassan plans to produce 30 short films based on ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 06/20/2009 - 23:53.
Chennai, June 20 : Actor Kamal Hassan has plans to produce, direct and act in 30 short films, which would be based on his hometown Chennai.
"It would be about 30 short films about this city called Chennai. We will begin with Chennai, we will go to other cities as well. We are not making documentaries. It''s about the fictional world of writers as they look at Chennai," said Kamal Hassan, during a media briefing.
Oscar winning French scriptwriter, Jean Claude Carriere, will guide some of these short films.
Asin's Missing Assistant Nabbed By Police In ChennaiSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Mon, 06/22/2009 - 16:21.
In a significant move, the police today nabbed a former assistant of 'Ghajini' fame gal Asin in Chennai.
The assistant, Nalla Muthukumaraswamy, 22, was nabbed following a complaint by his mother that he went absconding after he left along with her to Mumbai to work for her last year.
According to the police, they caught actor's assistant when the latter came to meet a producer seeking a role in his movie.
Acting on a tip-off, two policemen disguised as junior character artistes caught him in their custody from the producer's office.
Three fresh cases found positive for Swine Flu take toll to 59Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 06/23/2009 - 00:17.
Chennai, June 22 : With three more persons including a Chennai couple who travelled to India from the US testing positive for Swine Flu on Monday, the toll of cases in the country to 59 in the country.
While two cases were reported from Chennai, the third one was reported from Delhi where a 15-year-old boy tested positive for the disease.
A 29-year-old man and wife, 25, who travelled from North Carolina to Chennai on June 13, reported symptoms for swine flu five days later.
Tata comes up with GSM mobile services in Chennai and TNSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Thu, 06/25/2009 - 16:44.
Tata Group has added another feather to its cap.
Tata DoCoMo, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL), announced the commercial launch of its operations in India, beginning with Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
The company's GSM service started with TTSL managing director Anil Sardana making the first phone call to A Raja, Union IT and telecommunications minister.
Ex-Guyana First Lady detained by Chennai hospital for non-payment of duesSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 06/27/2009 - 15:09.
Chennai, June 27 : At least 13 heart patients, including Guyana's former First Lady, Mrs. Kieran Singh and ten children have been detained by the Frontier Lifeline Hospital here for alleged non-payment of bills.
Singh, who runs a popular NGO called Kids First Fund, had brought the ten children, including three infants and two adults for heart surgeries to India last week.
The hospital detained them claiming they had to clear a medical bill of 90,000 dollars.
The group was to fly back to Guyana on Friday night, but missed their flight. There were dramatic scenes as the children scribbled ''HELP'' on papers and flashed it at media people waiting outside.
Chennai hospital hostage drama involving ex-Guyana First Lady endsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 06/27/2009 - 19:15.
Chennai, June 27 : The 48-hour-long hostage drama at Chennai's Frontier Lifeline Hospital ended on Saturday after both the NGO and the hospital authorities reached an agreement to allow the ten children with heart-related ailments to return to Guyana on condition that the NGO would clear all medical expenses within the next six months.
Chennai Hospital Frees Guyana KidsSubmitted by Piyush Diwan on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 18:41.
The news is that the 12 patients, who were held hostage by the Frontier Lifeline Hospital in Chennai for not paying the bills for the services rendered to them, were discharged on Saturday.
As per the agreement reached between the two parties, the hospital officials allowed the children with heart-related ailments to return to Guyana on condition that their NGO would clear all medical expenses within the next six months.
Previously the hospital had warned to take a legal action against the Guyanese NGO.
Srinivasan reappointed as TNCA PresidentSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 03:36.
N. Srinivasan has been reappointed as President of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) in the State association's annual general meeting at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Srinivasan's has been reelected as President of TNCA for consecutive 8th time while K. S. Viswanathan was re-elected as Secretary of TNCA.
Almost all the officials were elected without any oppose including the executive committee members and the auditor while V. P. Narasimhan has been appointed as new treasurer of TCNA and S. Ganesan was appointed as the vice-president.
Tata Power signs two contract with Chennai-headquartered OPG GroupSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 13:36.
India's largest private sector power utility Tata Power has signed two contracts with OPG Group, Chennai.
Under the first contract, Tata Power will provide Operations and Maintenance Services to OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd, for its 1x80 MW Coal based power plant, which is located at Gummidipoondi, about 50 Kms far from Chennai city.
The contract is for an initial period of two years and can be extended with mutual consent. The plant is expected to be commissioned by September-October, 2009.
SSPDL wins order worth Rs 18.50 croreSubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 19:34.
Chennai-headquartered SSPDL Ltd has secured an order worth Rs 18.50 Crore from M/s. Vishnudeep Projects and Properties Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam for construction of 2.00 lakh sq feet of residential buildings.
SSPDL Ltd engages in the construction and development of commercial and residential properties in metropolitan and tier II cities in India. The company's properties include commercial properties, shopping malls, IT parks, and residential townships.
ABB wins power order worth Rs 165.40 croreSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 19:40.
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth Rs 165.40 from Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd (PTCUL), for three substations to strengthen the northern Indian region's transmission grid and help deliver clean hydropower to communities in the area.
PTCUL is the power transmission utility responsible for operating and maintaining substations and transmission lines in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Madras HC declares salwar kameez decent wearSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 21:34.
Chennai July 1 : The Madras high court has declared that salwar kameez is decent wear.
Responding to a petition filed by V Kamalaman internee of the Venkateshwara Homeopathic Medical College, Chennai, Justice K Venkatraman said, the college could not insist on a particular dress code.
Jayalalithaa says Union Minister Raja threatened Madras HC judgeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 18:41.
Chennai, July 2 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday accused Union Communication Minister A. Raja of threatening the Madras High Court Judge R Reghupati.
In a signed statement released to the media the AIADMK chief said, "Though the honourable judge refrained from naming the Union Minister, it does not require any super-human intelligence to conclude that it was none other than A. Raja, who was also involved in telecom scam."
Sri Lanka aid ship permitted to offload at ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 07/04/2009 - 15:17.
Chennai, July 4 : A ship carrying aid for victims of war ravaged Sri Lanka, which had anchored off Chennai for more than a fortnight, has been permitted to berth at Chennai Port.
Authorities granted permission to ''MV Captain Ali'', also known as ''Vananga Mann'' vessel, after the ship''s agent submitted documents on Thursday.
Chennai medicos form human chain demanding pay hikeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 23:36.
Chennai, July 10 : Demanding a pay hike, some 100-odd medical practitioners formed a human chain here on Friday.
The medicos, who have been on strike for the past nine days, said they had met and asked the Health Minister and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to intervene.
"For the past eight months, we have not been given a solution yet so we are still protesting. We have been called for talks 2 days ago, but they haven''t given any solution. Initially, they asked us to withdraw strike, we will negotiate," Siva Prakasam, a medical student said.
Doctors go on indefinite hunger strike in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 23:59.
Chennai, July 13: Intern doctors in Chennai on Monday resorted to an indefinite hunger strike over demand for higher stipend.
The intern house surgeons and post-graduate assistants have been on an indefinite strike since July 1, and now have resorted to a hunger strike of `fast unto death' from Monday.
Manan Survives In A Scare By SameerSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 16:32.
The former national champion Manan Chandra has survived in thriller against Sameer Shroff in the Madras Gymkhana All India invitational snooker tournament at Chennai on Tuesday.
Manan, the top seeded, has defeated TNBSA's Sameer by 65-22, 53-52, 52-72, 59-58 in his first match of the championship in Group-A.
All the frames in the match between Manan and Sameer were close but Manan clinch the match even after losing the third frame to Sameer.
Lucky Watnani upset the second seeded Sourav Kothari of PSPB by 85-12, 101-14, 60-58 while in another match the local boy Harpreet Singh has defeated Dharmendar Lilly by 68-27, 61-54, 16-56, 67-25.
Madras High Court says tainted armymen can be tried in criminal courtsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 23:03.
Chennai, July 15 : The armed forces personnel accused of committing murder, rape and other such crimes can be tried in a criminal court and not necessarily through court martial, the Madras High Court has noted.
The bench observation came while dismissing a revision petition filed by a Lance Havildar accused of killing his wife while on leave, challenging the order of a Magistrate who refused to transfer the case to an Army court.
Chennai hosts "Made in Thailand" exhibition to boost bilateral tradeSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 07/24/2009 - 22:13.
Chennai, July 24 : The eighth edition of ''Made in Thailand - Destination Thailand 2009'' exhibition in Chennai is not only showcasing Thai products, but also providing an opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade between the two nations.
The Department of Export Promotion of the Thailand Ministry of Commerce has organized the five-day event that began on Wednesday.
A range of products from Thailand, including accessories, electrical appliances, household items and kitchenware, are on display at the fair.
Hyundai Motor inks 'Wage Settlement' with its workforceSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 04:34.
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korean auto maker Hyundai Motor Co., today entered into a wage settlement with its workforce.
The agreement was signed today directly between the Workers Committee and senior management of HMIL, which will remain valid for three years.
The settlement comes two months after its workers in Chennai last staged protests demanding the right to organize a labour union, among other things.
MDMK chief Vaiko wants UN to intervene in Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 17:00.
Chennai /Coimbatore, July 25 : Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief V. Gopalswamy has urged the UN to intervene in Sri Lanka for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the island nation.
"The serious sufferings of Eelam Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka is not an internal problem of the island. It is the universal problem of the human rights. It is high time for the United Nations to intervene," said Gopalswamy.
Tamil Nadu police bust fake CDs racket, arrest four persons red-handedSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 23:56.
Chennai, July 29 : Tamil Nadu police have busted a racket of fake CDs with the arrest of four persons from whom it recovered pirated audio and video compact discs worth rupees 600,000 here.
About 1.4 million fake CDs of Hollywood, Bollywood and Tamil movies have been seized.
Acting on a tip off, the police on Tuesday cracked upon some shops in Vadatalali area and caught the culprits red-handed while manufacturing CDs.
Dipika eases through third roundSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Thu, 07/30/2009 - 21:20.
The top-seeded Dipika Pallikal of India has stormed into the third round of the 13th Junior World Women's Individual Squash Championship after defeating American Natasha Kingshott at the ICL Academy courts in Chennai on Wednesday.
Dipika lost only six points in her second round match and she raced away with the match against Natasha by 11-5 11-1 11-4 in just 20 minutes.
This was first match for Dipika in the tournament as she got bye in the first round along with three other players including second seeded Heba El Torky of Egypt, third seeded Laura Gemmel of Canada and fourth seeded Nour El Tayeb of Egypt
Junior World Squash Championships underway in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 07/31/2009 - 23:46.
Chennai, July 31 : The 16th World Junior Men Squash Championship and 13th World Junior Women Squash Championship with participants from over 28 countries is being played at Chennai.
Over 100 girls and 60 boys from USA, Canada, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, Egypt and all European countries have assembled to clinch the world championship titles.
Major (Retd) S. Maniam, Director of Coaching; Asian Squash Federation (ASF) said that India''s top seed Dipika Pallikal stands a good chance of winning the tournament.
Dalal wins race two in NRCSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:01.
Gaurav Dalal of Chennai has won the Race two in the Formula Rolon class to complete a double on day two of the fourth round of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship at suburban Irungattukotytai on Sunday.
Dalal, who was driving the Red Rooster from pole position, finished just ahead of the Karthik Shankar of Speed NK Racing to win the race. He had also won the Race one on Saturday. Dalal's teammate Amitrajit Ghosh finished at the third position.
Madras HC orders removal of AIDS awareness postersSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 21:35.
Chennai, Aug 5 : The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered the Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Authority (TANSACA) to remove all posters in the state having a photograph of Thilakavathi and her child within a week.
Thilakavathi had petitioned the court claiming the photos were used without obtaining her consent.
TANSACA had used Thilakavathi and her four –year-old daughter's picture with a message 'an HIV+ve woman does not necessarily infect her child with AIDS,' in their posters for creating awareness.
Aircel sponsorship keeps Chennai Open in the citySubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Thu, 08/06/2009 - 04:51.
The Chennai Open Tennis Championship will remain in the city for at least next two years at least as Aircel has been named as new title sponsors for the only ATP tournament in the country, as reported by Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) on Tuesday.
Tamil Nadu steps up vigilance for swine fluSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 23:30.
Chennai, Aug 7 : Health authorities in Tamil Nadu on Friday set up screening booths at the station in Chennai to examine passengers coming from areas where swine flu cases were on the rise.
"Chennai Corporation, the Railways and State Government are organising camps for screening people for swine flu, mainly coming form north India, Pune and Maharashtra," said Dr. Indirani, Medical Officer of Central Railway Station.
Radico Khaitan ties knot with SNJ DistillersSubmitted by Divesh Sharma on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 04:41.
Radico Khaitan, India's second-largest spirits maker by volume, has entered into an agreement with the Chennai-based SNJ Distillers Pvt. Ltd. to bottle a new brand of rum and brandy.
The tie-up will provide for Radico Khaitan to market Black Cat Rum and Black Cat Brandy through SNJ. The move is expected to strengthen its position in the markets.
Great intensity earthquake shakes Andaman & Nicobar IslandsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 14:31.
Chennai, Aug 11 : An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale shook the Andaman and Nicobar islands early on Tuesday morning.
However, there were no reports of any loss to life and property.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the quake hit the island at 1:26 a. m. and was centered 260 km north of Port Blair city.
Tremors were also felt at several places in Chennai.
Many parts of Orissa including Bhubaneswar also felt mild tremor on Monday night. (ANI)
Chidambaram flags off women's special train in ChennaiSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 18:03.
Chennai, Aug. 12 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram flagged off three women special EMU train services at the Tambaram railway station near Chennai on Wednesday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Chidambaram said that the government was giving special attention to the needs of youth and women. The introduction of ladies special trains, already launched in Mumbai and Kolkata earlier during the month, showed that it had a special place for women.
John Wright asks India to focus on World CupSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 08/16/2009 - 15:04.
Chennai, Aug 16 : Former Indian cricket team coach John Wright has said that Indian cricket team should set its sight on winning the 2011 World Cup.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Wright said India should remain focused on the World Cup and next month''s Champions Trophy in South Africa.
"Well now I think the biggest goal for Indian team is winning the World Cup and the Champions Trophy in South Africa," he said.
RSS keeps out of a row over BJP leadershipSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sun, 08/16/2009 - 15:07.
Chennai, Aug 16 : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) kept off a controversy brewing in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Newspapers and television channels have been reporting that there was a tussle in the BJP as to who would succeed Advani when he steps down.
"We (Bhagwat and Advani) discussed many things. He wanted to meet me. I didn''t give him any directive in that meeting and only general affairs were discussed," said Mohan Bhagawat, chief of the RSS.
Bhagwat said both the BJP and the RSS were separate entities.
Realtor held for sending lewd messages to Tamil actressSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 18:47.
The police arrested a 35-year-old real estate businessman in Chennai for allegedly sending lewd phone messages to South Indian actress Sneha.
The arrested, N Raghavendra, a BCom graduate and a realtor, was arrested from a five star hotel in Chennai.
The police added that a case has been registered against stalker under Tamil Nadu Women Harassment Act. He has been remanded to 15-days judicial custody.
Strike hits production work at Nokia's factorySubmitted by Gaurav Mehra on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 21:26.
Workers' unrest erupted at Nokia's factory in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, over the issue of wages and resentment against management, on Friday. The employees called for a 10-hour strike, which was lifted only after getting assurance from the management and labor department that their grievances would be duly addressed.
Era Infra bags order worth Rs 46 croreSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 05:37.
Era Infra Engineering Ltd, a unified infrastructure development conglomerate, has secured a contract worth Rs 46 crore from Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).
The scope of contract includes construction of General Civil Works for Main Plant and Auxiliary Plant Buildings for Unit No. 1 of 2 x 600 MW North Chennai TPS, Athipattu, Tiruvallur Dist. Chennai on August 19, 2009.
Despite the order win, the scrip of the company today closed at Rs 152, down 1% compared to its previous close.
Akshaya Homes to spend Rs 300 crore on its new projectsSubmitted by Divesh Sharma on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 05:43.
Akshaya Homes, a well known Chennai-based home maker has revealed its plan to spend around Rs 300 crore in 11 projects over the next 16 months.
According to a company official, who did not want to be identified has informed that proposed 11 projects include three commercial projects including a IT park and commercial complex at Chennai. However, the residential projects will include 200 units and 142 apartments in Coimbatore and Chennai respectively.
Vishnu breezes into quarterfinals of FuturesSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 14:38.
Chennai boy Vishnu Vardhan has stormed into the quarterfinals of the men's singles event of the USD 10,000 Indian F7 Futures tennis tournament after defeating Max Jones at the DLTA Complex on Wednesday.
The top seeded Vishnu ousted Max in a three setter match 6-1 3-6 6-3 to advance to the next round.
Vishnu will play against the seventh seeded compatriot Rupesh Roy in the quarterfinal. Roy was declared winner of match when Ronak Manuja opted to withdraw from second round match.
Vishnu through to semifinals of ITF FuturesSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 11:09.
Chennai Boy Vishnu Vardhan has stormed into the semifinals of the men's singles event of the USD 10,000 ITF Futures after defeating his compatriot Rupesh Roy in the quarterfinal match at DLTA complex on Thursday. Other two Indian players crashed out of the tournament after losing their respective matches.
The top seeded Vishnu raced away with the match against seventh seeded Roy in straight sets 6-3 6-2 to move to next round.
Singapore-Chennai flight makes emergency landing in ChennaiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 08/22/2009 - 17:17.
Chennai, Aug. 22 : A Singapore-Chennai flight had to make an emergency landing at Chennai airport on Saturday after one of its rear tyres burst.
According to preliminary reports, all 132 passengers and crew on board Flight IC 556 were safe.
Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Artists sculpt eco-friendly idols ahead of Ganesh ChaturthiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 08/22/2009 - 20:17.
Chennai/Aurangabad, Aug 22 : The artists across the country are giving shape to eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha, prior to ''Ganesh Chaturthi''.
The demand for Lord Ganesha idols is on the rise as the festival begins from Sunday. Therefore, the artists in Chennai are giving final touches to the Ganesha idols. They are making idols out of clay and Papier Mache instead of Plaster of Paris.
India roles out indigenous T-90 Bhishma tanksSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 08/24/2009 - 20:33.
Chennai, Aug 24 : The first batch of indigenously built T-90 tanks "Bhishma" was flagged off by Minister of State for Defence M. M. Pallam Raju here on Monday.
The rolling out ceremony was organised at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi near here. The HVF manufactured the Bhishma tanks in collaboration with Russia.
The HVF is aiming to produce 100 Bhishma tanks per year.
BGR Energy secures order worth Rs 27.14 crore; Stock up 10%Submitted by Rajvir Khanna on Tue, 08/25/2009 - 03:30.
BGR Energy Systems Limited has informed that Electrical Project Division of the company has secured a turnkey contract worth Rs 27.14 crore from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
Under the contract, the company will implement 415 V Motor Control Centers (MCC) package for Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Project at Kalpakkam, Chennai. The contract is scheduled to be completed over 12 months.
BGR Energy wins an order worth Rs 1634 croreSubmitted by Rajvir Khanna on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 05:52.
Chennai-based BGR Energy Systems Limited, one of the leading Energy equipment suppliers, has secured an order worth Rs 1,633.71 crore from Chattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd. (CSPGCL) for the construction of thermal power project.
The company has received the contract for Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Shop fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, transportation, erection of equipment, Civil and Structural Works, commissioning and guarantee test for the 2x 500 MW coal based Marwa Thermal Power Project.
Impartial inquiry sought into war crimes against Lankan TamilsSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 03:49.
Chennai, Aug 28 : An NGO in Chenai has demanded impartial international inquiry into war crimes against Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The activists of "WE" held a press meet in Chennai city on Friday, condemning violent attacks on Tamils by Sri Lankan security forces. The NGO works for the uplift of the Tamils in the region.
A matrimonial website for transsexual community launchedSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 08/29/2009 - 16:23.
Chennai, Aug 29 : Members of transsexual community in Chennai launched the world''s first matrimonial website for their clan.
A Chennai based transgender Kalki is the director and the founder of the website, sahodari. org, which is one of first websites in the world for transsexual marriages.
Kalki said that the reason why she thought of launching this website was because the profiles of the members of the transsexual community were being rejected by popular matrimonial websites.
Karunanidhi asks for more relief for Tamilians in Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 00:20.
Chennai, Aug 29: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Saturday asked the Central Government to ensure more help for Sri Lankan Tamils.
"The relief and rehabilitation steps being provided to Sri Lankan Tamils are not enough, many of the Tamilians in Sri Lanka are facing hardships and struggling with rain and therefore we demand more attention of the government towards this issue," Karunanidhi told reporters in Chennai.
Sri Lankan Tamils have historical and cultural links with about 60 million Tamils in Tamil Nadu.
Karunanidhi asks for more relief for Tamilians in Sri LankaSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 00:23.
Chennai, Aug 29: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Saturday asked the Central Government to ensure more help for Sri Lankan Tamils.
"The relief and rehabilitation steps being provided to Sri Lankan Tamils are not enough, many of the Tamilians in Sri Lanka are facing hardships and struggling with rain and therefore we demand more attention of the government towards this issue," Karunanidhi told reporters in Chennai.
Sri Lankan Tamils have historical and cultural links with about 60 million Tamils in Tamil Nadu.
Nagarjuna Construction picks two new orders worth Rs 481 croreSubmitted by Keshav Seth on Tue, 09/01/2009 - 22:53.
Hyderabad-based infrastructure firm, Nagarjuna Construction Company, has picked two new orders worth Rs 481 crore in domestic market.
The company secured the first order, valued at Rs 449 crore, from the Water Resources Department of Bihar for execution of restoration of Eastern Gandak Canal to be completed over 25 months.
Further, the second order has been received from MRF Limited, Chennai for construction of proposed radial tyre plant and easy tyre plant in Andhra Pradesh. The contract is valued at Rs 32 crore and is scheduled to be completed over 6 months.
Sri City to pump Rs 35 crore on development of Health Care FacilitySubmitted by Shilpa Mahapatre on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 03:36.
Sri City Private Limited, an enterprise promoted by Mr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Chairman, Megasoft Limited, is planning to invest around Rs 35 crore in a health care facility, which has been proposed to be developed inside the Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Today, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chennai-based Frontier Lifeline Hospital to develop an emergency care unit in the first phase with an investment of Rs 5 crore.
Under the second phase, the company would develop a 150-bedded multi-specialty hospital, with an investment of Rs 30 crore.
Under the arrangement, Lifeline Hospital will provide equipments and staff and manage the hospital for Sri City.
Two Muthoot murder accused surrender in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 19:30.
Chennai, Sep. 8 : The two main accused in the August 21 murder of Muthoot group scion Paul M George surrendered on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu.
Rajesh and Om Prakash have been arrested and would be produced before the Nellai magistrate''s court.
Tamil Nadu police said they had informed Kerala police about the development and a team from the state is arriving to interrogate the men.
George, 30, who was heading the Muthoot M George Group's hospitality business, was murdered near Alleppy in Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi says Congress-DMK ties are very strongSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 15:29.
Chennai, Sep 10 : Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to Tamil Nadu, on Thursday dismissed all speculation of a rift between his party and the DMK, by saying that ties between the two are very strong.
Addressing a press conference here, Gandhi said: "We have very good relations with the DMK. I am an admirer of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi."
He also played down all resentment of not meeting Karunanidhi, by expressing his deep regards for the DMK chief.
Rahul Gandhi downplays not meeting Tamil Nadu CM KarunanidhiSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 00:26.
Chennai, Sep. 10 : Congress party general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought to downplay the issue of not calling on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, saying that he was a great admirer of the octogenarian leader.
Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit of the state, raised the hackles of DMK cadre by not meeting Karunanidhi, who is a key ally of the ruling UPA.
EdServ Softsystems to foray into primary and secondary education spaceSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 05:22.
Chennai based education & placement company EdServ Softsystems Ltd. is all set to enter into the primary and secondary education space.
The company plans to expand its footprints in the School segment in 3 stages, where by Edserv will implement and incorporate the Industry Demand Alignment (IDEA), a trademarked education paradigm of EdServ, to support and guide every student from K-12 to careers in a Progressive Education Model.
MDMK leader Vaiko slams Government for inaction on easing Lankan Tamils plightSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 23:58.
Chennai, Sep 11: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader V Gopalswamy, on Friday blamed the Government for failing to ease the plight of Sri Lanka's minority Tamil population.
Gopalswamy accused it of maintaining double standards in dealing with the issue.
He cited Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi''s recent statements on Sri Lankan Tamils, and said that Gandhi was ignorant of the plight of Tamils and his assurance has come too late for Tamil refugees.
Ashok Singhal slams UPA Govt's soft approach on Chinese incursionsSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Sun, 09/20/2009 - 22:48.
Chennai, Sep 20 : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal on Sunday criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government for not taking any action against the recent reports of Chinese incursions.
Speaking after inaugurating the VHP's official website here Ashok Singhal said: "We are not a coward people, we are a coward state… coward government. Anybody comes here and takes a piece of our land and we don''t protect our boundaries. This is what is happening in our country."
Financial city to come up near Chennai: StalinSubmitted by Neha Malik on Sun, 09/20/2009 - 22:54.
The proposed Financial City near Chennai, a brain child of State deputy CM, M K Stalin, is expected to come in 180 acres of land at suburban Sholinganallur and Perumbakkam.
The Government aims to attract investors, especially from insurance, finance and banking sector for levering growth to the city after successful automobile, IT and healthcare sectors, which managed to bag whooping investments during the last few years.
Hafiz Saeed should be interrogated for 26/11 attacks: ChidambaramSubmitted by Sahil Nagpal on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 15:33.
Chennai, Sept 21 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram today said that Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed should be interrogated for the Mumbai terror attacks.
Chidambaram after inaugurating non-stop Chennai-New Delhi Duronto Express said that entire evidence against Saeed''s involvement in the 26/11 attacks is present in Pakistan itself.
Chidambaram flags off Chennai- New Delhi Duronto ExpressSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 16:31.
Chennai, Sep 21 : Union Home Minster P. Chidambaram flagged off the super fast Duronto Express train between Chennai and New Delhi on Monday.
This is the second Duronto Express in the country. Earlier on Friday Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee flagged off country's first Duronto Express train between Sealdah and New Delhi at Sealdah.
Speaking on the occasion Chidambaram said, the government is keen on and committed to working for the development of the nation and the people.
Unique identity cards to all citizens by 2011: ChidambaramSubmitted by Mohit Joshi on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 17:24.
Chennai, Sep 21 : Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Monday that the proposed unique multi-purpose national identity cards would be issued to all citizens of the country by 2011.
Speaking to newsmen here, Chidambaram informed that in the first phase during the current fiscal, 1.2 crore people in about 3,331 coastal villages and cities would receive the cards.
The Union Government has set up a Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani to implement the project.
India beats Malaysia in Asian Basketball ChampionshipSubmitted by Bhuvan Kala on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 02:24.
Indian team registered their first win as they defeated Malaysia 90-74 in the playoff match of the 23rd FIBA women's Asian Basketball Championship (ABC) at the JL Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.
India dominated throughout the match except the second quarter in which they were trailing by 20-26. Indian team was leading by 47-32 at the half time. Harjeet Kaur was top scorer in the match with 31 points.
Zylog Systems to spend Rs 210 crore on Wi-Fi infrastructureSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Sat, 09/26/2009 - 09:54.
Chennai-based Zylog Systems has decided to invest Rs 210 crore on Wi-Fi infrastructure for providing wireless broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
The company has already launched Wi-Fi services in Chennai and looking at Tier II and III cities for expanding its service network. The company is expecting revenue of Rs 550 crore from the Wi-Fi space in the next five years.
At present, Zylog offers VoIP in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Punjab and would soon launch similar services in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune.
Coimbatore to host World Tamil Conference in 2010Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 09/26/2009 - 14:45.
Chennai, Sep. 26 : India will host the ninth World Tamil Conference early next year in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has said.
India is playing host to the event after a gap of 15 years in which prominent Tamil intellectuals are expected to debate on key subjects such as linguistics and culture.
The Star Online quoted Karunanidhi as saying that the event would be held in January or February in Tamil Nadu's second largest city, Coimbatore, about 500 kilometres from Chennai.
United India Insurance inks pact with Tamilnad Mercantile BankSubmitted by Harish Dhawan on Sun, 09/27/2009 - 11:38.
United India Insurance company, leading player in the insurance sector in India, and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd have entered into an agreement to act as 'Bancassurance partners'.
Under the deal, the lender will market products of the insurance company through its 215 branches nationwide.
The agreement was signed in Chennai on yesterday between TMB Managing Director Nagammal Reddy and United India insurance General Manager K Sanath Kumar.
Samsung India bets big on touch screen mobilesSubmitted by Ashok Rawat on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 20:47.
Chennai, Sep 30 : The Indian subsidiary of South Korean consumer durable major Samsung is betting big on touch-screen mobile phones, targeting a 20 percent value share in the domestic handset market this year.
"We expect our touch-screen models to contribute around 20 percent of our total sales this year. The overall market for touch-screen handsets this year is expected to be around two million handsets, up from 800,000 units in 2008," Asim Warsi, general manager (marketing), told reporters after launching the new touch-screen handset named Samsung Corby.
EdServ Softsystems picks 100% stake in 2tion.comSubmitted by Sumeet Kak on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 07:30.
Chennai based EdServ Softsystems has picked 100% stake in 2tion.com, an online tuition portal.
Under the arrangement, Edserv will acquire the entire portal business of 2tion.com along with several 100 tutors/teachers and will now have direct access to the large 50,000 plus student base of 2tion.com.
Chennai headquartered 2tion.com is an online education portal for school and college tuition services. The website provides online teaching services both in a 'one-to-one' format as well as 'one-to-many students' format.
Electoral rolls in Puducherry to be revisedSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 15:54.
Chennai, Oct 1 : With parliamentary elections over in May, election to its lone Rajya Sabha seat recently completed and no major poll in the near future, Election Commission officials in Puducherry are planning to revise the electoral rolls in the union territory.
S. Kumaraswamy, chief electoral officer of Puducherry, told IANS Thursday: "We plan to start the electoral roll revision beginning next year subject to permission from the Election Commission of India."
The current rolls show 762,028 voters, with women outnumbering men -- 395,240 to 366,788.
The union territory has 30 assembly and one Lok Sabha seat.(ians)
Murugappa group plans to double turnover in 5 yearsSubmitted by Mahavir Sharma on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 19:23.
Chennai, Oct 1 The Rs. 15,600-crore diversified Murugappa group is planning major business expansion including acquisitions to more than double its turnover in five years, a top company official says.
According to A. Vellayan, the group's vice-chairman and director (strategy), 60 percent of the targeted growth would be organic with acquisitions accounting for rest of the growth.
Flight carrying Chidambaram makes emergency landing in ChennaiSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 14:51.
Chennai, Oct 2 : A Chennai-Coimbatore Jetlite flight with Home Minister P. Chidambaram on board made an emergency landing at Chennai airport on Friday.
According to sources, the flight was forced to return reportedly after experiencing mid-air engine trouble.
The flight took off at 6:45 a. m. and returned at 7:45 a. m.
The Home Minister later landed safely in Coimbatore at around 10:00 a. m. (ANI)
Technical snag in Jet flight carrying ChidambaramSubmitted by Sukhpreet Manchanda on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 16:27.
Chennai, Oct 2 A Coimbatore-bound Jet Airways flight with union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and 63 others on board returned to Chennai after developing a technical snag Friday.
The flight, which took off at 6.35 a. m, returned when pilots noticed the technical problem 30 minute after take-off, an officials said.
After sorting out the technical problem, the flight left at 8.30 a. m and landed in Coimbatore at 9.40 a. m.
Chidambaram will be addressing a public meeting in Coimbatore Friday evening. (dpa)
Suspicious ship seen near Koodankulam atomic plantSubmitted by Deepan Chawla on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 20:16.
Chennai, Oct. 2 : A suspicions Jeddah-bound ship on Friday raised suspicion after it was spotted near the Koodankulam atomic plant in Tamil Nadu on Friday.
According to police, the ship from Singapore with 10 Indonesia crew members entered Indian waters and was anchored off the coast due to bad weather.
"The mini cargo ship from Singapore with 10 Indonesian crew members entered Indian waters following bad weather and is likely to be empty. We have alerted the Coast Guard as they have the wherewithal to carry out investigations regarding the ship," officials in the state police headquarters, said.
However, Coast Guard officials have dispatched an investigating ships to further investigations.
Stalin meets labour leaders on Pricol issueSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 22:49.
Chennai, Oct 2 Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin met representatives of All India Trade Union Central Committee (AITUCC), a trade union affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), here Friday to discuss the labour unrest at automotive component manufacturer Pricol.
"The deputy chief minister listened to us for nearly half an hour on the labour struggle at Pricol and also the arrest of our union's national president S. Kumarasamy," the union's national secretary Bhuvaneswari told IANS.
No central nod to Kerala for new Mullaperiyar dam survey: KarunanidhiSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 23:02.
Chennai, Oct 2 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Friday stated that the central government has not given its permission to Kerala to conduct a survey to build a new dam near the over century-old Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district.
In a statement issued here, he said the government would take immediate action if proof is given that such an order has been passed by the central government.
ONGC rout Air India in Murugappa Gold Cup hockeySubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Sat, 10/03/2009 - 00:04.
Chennai, Oct 2 : Defending champions Air India went down 1-5 against an inspired ONGC in their opening Pool A match of the 85th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Friday.
Earlier, in a Pool B encounter Army XI edged past Indian Railways 2-1 to pick up full points, and in the day's last game, Indian Oil Corporation, thanks to two goals apiece by former India players Didar Singh and Deepak Thakur, overcame Mumbai XI 6-3, also in Pool B.
Paramount denies reports of GoAir takeover moveSubmitted by Ashok Rawat on Sun, 10/04/2009 - 01:58.
Chennai, Oct 3 Chennai-based business-class airline Paramount Airways Saturday denied reports that it was in talks with GoAir for a takeover.
A Paramount spokesperson termed media reports on this as "speculation". "There is no truth in it. We deny it," the spokesperson told IANS.
Paramount Airways managing director M. Thiagarajan could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.
According to the reports, Paramount was in talks with Jeh Wadia's Go Airlines, offering to pay about Rs.150 crore in cash, and takeover the budget airline's debt of about Rs.400 crore, as also its management. (IANS)
A R Rahman to take Chennai on a musical journeySubmitted by Ashok Rao on Sun, 10/04/2009 - 04:52.
Chennai is gearing up to enjoy the live performance of A R Rahman once again. Despite his busy schedule, Rahman will be performing on October 11 at MARG Sawarnabhoomi on East Coast Road to raise funds for an organization that strives to improve lives of the physically challenged.
Rahman said: "It is for a great cause and I have contributed as much I could, in previous years too."
This show will be the first live performance of Rahman after his Jai ho success. Hence the whole Chennai city is preparing to welcome the great musician and enjoy his music.
S Ramadoss wants Sri Lankan envoy to be sent backSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Sun, 10/04/2009 - 15:03.
Chennai, Oct 4 : Pattali Makkal Katchi''s founder S Ramadoss has demanded that the Indian Government should take steps to send back Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner Vadivel Krishnamoorthy.
"The Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner here is functioning like Karuna and others there (in Sri Lanka). He is spying over here and so such a Deputy High Commissioner is not necessary in this state. We will protest to send him back," said Ramadoss.
Krishnamoorthy recently said that the camps for displaced Tamils in Lanka were not a zoo to be visited by people from other countries.
More trouble for Karnataka judgeSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Sun, 10/04/2009 - 18:19.
In fresh trouble for controversial Karnataka High Court Chief Justice PD Dinakaran, 10 Chennai-based lawyers on Saturday provided fresh details of "assets disproportionate to his known sources of income" to the collegium — the committee of five top judges responsible for appointments and promotions of judges.
This is the third representation within a month handed over to the collegium, backed by documents and details of land allegedly acquired by the judge, houses owned by him and his involvement in other business deals.
PMK breaks ties with AIADMKSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Sun, 10/04/2009 - 20:53.
Chennai, Oct 4 : Tamil Nadu's main opposition AIADMK lost an ally as PMK Sunday decided to snap its ties with it.
The decision came in a meeting of the PMK working council, held at Thailapuram near Dindivanam, around 125 km from here, under the chairmanship of G. K. Mani. The meet was also attended by PMK founder S. Ramadoss.
The party said in a statement that the decision came after the AIADMK refused to heed to its request in a court case.
When the AIADMK was in power in the state, a police case was registered against Ramadoss and his family members including son Anbumani Ramadoss.
Armaan hoping for a strong finishSubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 22:01.
Chennai, Oct 5 : Armaan Ebrahim, India's best hope for a Formula One seat, is all set to finish his debut season in the inaugural Formula-2 series on a high as he flies off to Barcelona, Spain, for the final round of the championship.
The 20-year old from Chennai, who has been plagued by bad luck and has had to contend with an under-performing car, is currently placed 16th on the leaderboard with seven points, but statistically and in terms of pace, he is far better.
Kamran Khan advances in PSA Indian Challenger-4 squashSubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 22:58.
Chennai, Oct 5 : Malaysian junior Kamran Khan, the top seed in the qualifying rounds of the PSA Indian Challenger-4 squash tournament, defeated Sandeep Jangra in the first round here Monday.
Keeping the ball to good length, Kamran was in control of the match from the start. However, Sandeep managed to pull back the third game with his aggressive drops and volleys.
Vikas Jangra and Karim Gawad (Egypt) were also taken to four games by Abhishek Pradhan and Balamurugan, respectively.
The results:
ONGC in semifinals of Murugappa Gold Cup hockeySubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 23:26.
Chennai, Oct 5 : The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) became the first team to enter the semi-finals of the 85th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament as they recorded their third consecutive win with a 3-1 result against Indian Overseas Bank, here Monday.
ONGC progress to the round of four was confirmed when Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) overcame defending champions Air India 3-0 in another pool A match. The result knocked out Air India while cementing ONGC's semi-final spot.
Indian citizenship for Tamil refugees? Jayalalitha says 'no'Submitted by Satish Kumar on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 16:31.
Chennai, Oct 6 Tamil Nadu opposition leader J. Jayalalitha Tuesday denounced the ruling DMK's demand that Sri Lankan refugees in India should be given Indian citizenship.
The former chief minister said that the demand by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had "trivialized the protracted struggle of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka".
"After having been a party to snuffing out the Tamil fight for self-determination, Karunanidhi is now trying to shed crocodile tears for the displaced Tamils," she said in a statement.
Kolkata firm to buy stake in Pyramid Saimira ProductionsSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 17:30.
Chennai, Oct 6 Kolkata-based Regent Finance Corp, part of the diversified RDB group, will acquire 40 percent stake in the cash-starved film and television serial production arm of Pyramid Saimira Productions International (PSPI) for Rs. 40 crore.
"We have put in Rs. 20 crore initially. The valuation process of the company is being done by Pricewaterhouse. Our idea is to invest Rs. 40 crore for around 40 percent stake," Vinod Baid, chief executive of Regent Finance, told reporters.
Regent Finance will nominate three representatives on the PSPI's board.
Pyramid Saimira plans to raise funds through stake saleSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 17:45.
Chennai, Oct 6 City-based entertainment group Pyramid Saimira has said it will raise funds by divesting equity up to 40 percent in its group firms.
"We are open to divest up to 40 percent in the group companies which would give the much needed cash for operations in the short-term," P. S. Saminathan, group managing director of Pyramid Saimira, told reporters.
The group is now looking for investors interested to buy stake in the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the cash-starved Pyramid Saimira Theatres.
"We want to derisk the flagship company Pyramid Saimira Theatres and also insulate other group companies from the problems afflicting it," he added.
Chola MS ties up with Tamil Nadu banks to sell insuranceSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 21:47.
Chennai, Oct 6 : Private non-life insurer Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Tuesday announced a tie-up with Tamil Nadu State Cooperative Bank to sell its products through two district cooperative banks.
Chola MS hopes to sell motor, health, accident, cattle and agricultural insurance schemes through the branches and agricultural societies of Dharmapuri District Central Co-operative Bank and Salem District Central Co-operative Bank, the company said.(IANS)
Netmagic unveils green data centre in ChennaiSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 21:51.
Chennai, Oct 6 : India's leading managed IT services provider Netmagic Solutions Tuesday unveiled its "green" data centre here to offer a range of third-party services in the tech infrastructure space.
As the Mumbai-based company's fifth data centre in the country, the Chennai facility will cater to large and medium enterprises across verticals in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
The privately-funded Netmagic has three carrier-neutral data centres in Mumbai and one in India's tech hub Bangalore.
Areva T&D bags order worth Rs 50 croreSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 23:32.
Areva T&D India, the Indian subsidiary of AREVA France SA, has secured a contract worth Rs 50 crore from Herve Pomerleau International -Consolidated Construction Consortium joint venture for modernization of Chennai Airport.
The contract is for a Power Supply System package to develop the Kamraj Domestic Terminal, Phase-II, expansion of the existing Anna International Terminal and face-lifting of existing terminals at Chennai Airport.
The latest order is considered as one of the biggest recent electrical contracts for the Airport Infra-structure segment, to be awarded in the Indian Power Distribution industry.
Indian Oil enter semi-finals in Murugappa Gold Cup hockeySubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 23:52.
Chennai, Oct 6 : A 68th minute goal by Rupinder Pal Singh carried Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to an unimpressive 1-0 win against the Indian Railways in Pool B and also earned them a berth in the semi-finals of the All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Tuesday.
It was fourth win for IOC in as many matches while the Railways, who had the better of the exchanges but blew their chances, slid to their second defeat in three outings.
There was very little to commend about in a game that flowed from end to end with both sets of forwards failing miserably at the finish.
Indian Oil enter semi-finals in Murugappa Gold Cup hockeySubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 23:54.
Chennai, Oct 6 : A 68th minute goal by Rupinder Pal Singh carried Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to an unimpressive 1-0 win against the Indian Railways in Pool B and also earned them a berth in the semi-finals of the All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Tuesday.
It was fourth win for IOC in as many matches while the Railways, who had the better of the exchanges but blew their chances, slid to their second defeat in three outings.
Gaurav, Naresh qualify for main draw of PSA Indian ChallengerSubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 00:18.
Chennai, Oct 6 : India's Gaurav Nandrajog and Naresh Kumar qualified for the main draw of the PSA Indian Challenger-4 squash tournament here Tuesday.
Anaka Alankamony and Aparajitha Balamurukan made it to the main draw of the WISPA Challenger-2 tournament.
Nandrajog beat compatriot Ravi Dixit 11-8, 12-10, 11-6, and Naresh Kumar accounted for Vikas Jangra 6-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-9.
In the main draw, Nandrajog faces seventh seeded Mazen Gamal of Egypt, while Naresh meets Pakistan's Shamsul Islam Khan.
Reliance Life looks for overseas partner, plans public issueSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 20:37.
Chennai, Oct 7 : After operating without an overseas partner all these years, Anil Ambani group's Reliance Life Insurance is now looking out for an international strategic partner to hold up to 20 percent stake, apart from planning an initial public offer.
"We have started the process of identifying the strategic investor," said Sam Ghosh, chief executive of Reliance Capital. "The process will take around four months time," Ghosh told IANS in an interview.
Ramakrishnan''s teacher says the spark was there even during college daysSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 17:01.
Chidambaram/Chennai (TN), Oct 8 : Even as a student, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in chemistry, had the spark in him to climb great heights, his former teacher N. S Govindaraj said.
Ramakrishna''s former teacher recalled that the Nobel laureate was a bright and sincere student who would reach great heights like Sir C V Raman, who won the Nobel for physics in 1930.
Tamil Nadu scribes condemn arrest of Dina Malar editorSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 19:24.
Chennai, Oct 8 : The Madras Union of Journalists (MUJ) condemned the arrest of the editor of the Tamil daily Dina Malar, B Lenin, saying it was unwarranted and that the police had overreacted.
Lenin was arrested on Wednesday, for publishing a statement issued by television actress Bhuvaneshwari in which she had made some allegations against several top Tamil film industry stars.
Dina Malar had claimed that Bhuvaneshwari had been arrested recently on charges of prostitution and had named some of Kollywood stars as her clients in her confession statement.
Joshna, Dipika in semi-finals of WISPA ChallengerSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 23:08.
Chennai, Oct 8 : The top two Indian women squash players, Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal, ensured that the host nation would have a finalist in the WISPA Challenger-2 tournament as the duo set up a semi-final clash here Thursday.
Both Joshna and Dipika came through their quarter-final matches without much ado while in the other semi-final, top seed Sharon Wee of Malaysia takes on Orla Noom, the third seed from the Netherlands.
Chennai to host Volvo RegattaSubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 23:35.
Chennai, Oct 8 : The Volvo India International Regatta will be held here Nov 1-8 with 12 countries, including India, taking part.
Briefing the media here Thursday, Ashok Thakkar, Commodore, Tamil Nadu Sailing Association, said Indian sailors will undergo training from Oct 20 under coaches from Singapore and Australia.
Bharti Axa General resets its business focus on villagesSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 23:46.
Chennai, Oct 8 : Private non-life insurer Bharti Axa General Insurance Company Ltd has decided to focus on personal lines of business, targeting people in rural and semi-urban areas, instead of its earlier plan of pitching for corporate business.
The company is a 74:26 joint venture between telecom major Bharti and the French group Axa.
ONGC edge past BPCL to top pool in Murugappa hockeySubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Fri, 10/09/2009 - 00:19.
Chennai, Oct 8 : Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) snatched a dramatic 4-3 win over Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to top Pool A with an unbeaten record in the 85th All- India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here Thursday.
ONGC, having won all their four league matches, finished with 12 points ahead of BPCL who have nine points from three wins. The result was of academic interest since both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals.
Tamil daily news editor released on bailSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Fri, 10/09/2009 - 17:35.
Chennai, Oct 9 A local court Friday granted bail to the news editor of Tamil daily Dinamalar, B. Lenin, arrested Wednesday for permitting the publication of a news item that hurt the sentiments of some female actors.
The chief metropolitan magistrate granted Lenin unconditional bail after hearing his bail plea.
Lenin was arrested Wednesday evening from his office, and remanded in custody till Oct 21 on a complaint lodged by South India Film Artistes Association (SIFAA), after Dinamalar Sunday published a news report with the names and photos of several leading lights of the Tamil cinema allegedly involved in prostitution.
Neyveli Lignite concludes bonus agreement with workersSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Fri, 10/09/2009 - 20:23.
Chennai, Oct 9 Permanent and contract workers of mining-cum-power generation company Neyveli Lignite Corp (NLC) resumed duty Thursday night after concluding a bonus agreement with the management.
"The talks between the management and the unions ended amicably late last night. As per the new agreement, workers will be paid a maximum bonus of Rs. 51,000, up by Rs. 30,000 from the earlier settlement," P. Babu Rao, director (personnel) of NLC, told IANS from Neyveli on phone.
Dena Bank opens Corporate business branchSubmitted by Harish Dhawan on Sat, 10/10/2009 - 03:14.
State-run Dena Bank has inaugurated its corporate business branch in Chennai.
The sources informed that the newly opened branch would be a one-stop financial super market that will provide composite credit, foreign exchange as well as other banking necessitates of the corporate sector.
Sources added that the branch will also be introducing 10 branches in Chennai region by end of the latest fiscal.
Tamil Nadu MPs to leave for Sri Lanka todaySubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Sat, 10/10/2009 - 14:42.
Chennai, Oct 10 : A delegation of Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu will leave for Sri Lanka today for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in the relief camps.
A ten-member delegation led by former Union Minister T R Baalu includes MPs from the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK), the Congress and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
The visit is being held on the invitation of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
EID Parry acquires 76 percent stake in Sadashiva SugarsSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Sat, 10/10/2009 - 19:56.
Chennai, Oct 10 In line with its growth strategy, the Rs. 1,015-crore EID Parry (India) Ltd has acquired 76 percent stake in the Bangalore-based Sadashiva Sugars for around Rs. 50 crore.
"The balance 24 percent is held by existing promoter B. S. Patil family. EID Parry will fund the acquistion from internal accruals," EID Parry Vice-President (Finance) P. Gopalakrishnan told IANS.
Neyveli Lignite seeks to commission 250 MW unit in RajasthanSubmitted by Satish Kumar on Sat, 10/10/2009 - 20:01.
Chennai, Oct 10 The state-run Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) has sought the central government's permission to commission a 250-MW power project in Rajasthan, a company official said.
The company already has a mandate to build two 125 MW project at Barsingsar village in Rajasthan.
"Pre-commissioning activities are already on for commissioning the first unit of 125 MW power plant by the end of this month," V. Sethuraman, director (Power) told IANS from Neyveli on phone.
Orla clinches WISPA Challenger titleSubmitted by Ashok Rao on Sun, 10/11/2009 - 15:52.
Dutch Orla Noom has won the women's singles title of the WISPA Challenger-2 squash tournament after beating India's Joshna Chinnappa in the final match at the Indian Squash Academy, Chennai on Saturday.
The 23-year old Chennai girl, Joshna failed to win her fourth WISPA title as she went down to her lower ranked opponent in straight sets by 8-11, 4-11, 10-12 in just 35 minutes in the title clash.
In the PSA Challenger-4 tournament, Ivan Yuen of Malaysia upset 42 ranked Mark Kracsak of Hungary 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 in the final of the men's singles event in 45 minutes.
Rap to sufi music - Rahman charms ChennaiSubmitted by Jatin Malhotra on Mon, 10/12/2009 - 19:56.
Chennai Oct 12 From rap to fusion, carnatic to sufi double Oscar winner A. R. Rahman used every genre to keep his audience mesmerized at a live concert here.
All roads in Chennai Sunday led to Seekinankuppam village near Mahabalipuram where the concert was organised to raise funds for Shakti Foundation that works for the welfare of the disabled.
The concert, which was a part of Rahman's world tour, brought an eclectic mix of songs right from his debut film "Roja" to the forthcoming release "Blue". Billed as a crowdpuller, the event drew close to 75,000 fans.
Army XI clinches Hockey Gold Cup titleSubmitted by Maninder Sawant on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 00:52.
The former champion Army XI has won the crown of the Murugappa Hockey Gold Cup after defeating Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) of Mumbai 2-1 in the final at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.
Mansid Bhengra and veteran Ignace Tirkey scored one goal each for Army XI in 28th and 59th minutes respectively. The match started at a slow pace as both teams adopted defensive approach in first 25 minutes of the match.
Cutting edgeSubmitted by Deepan Chawla on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 15:42.
Pralay Singa Roy, 76, had been getting radiation therapy to treat his prostate cancer for five years at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.
"I was given radiation through my rectum, which was not just uncomfortable, but also very undignified. I received 37 days' radiation therapy over many months," said the Kolkata-resident, who ends up spending eight months each year in Chennai with his son, an engineer with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Tamil media vs actors: high court adjourns hearingSubmitted by Supreet Sharma on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 18:23.
Chennai, Oct 13 : The Madras High Court Tuesday adjourned to Oct 19 the hearing on a petition filed by the Chennai Union of Journalists (CUJ) praying for direction to the city police commissioner to act on its complaint against some actors.
The adjournment was made on the request of Public Prosecutor N. R. Elango who submitted that he has no instructions from the police commissioner on the petition.
AIADMK to hold key party meetings Oct 28Submitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 21:53.
Chennai, Oct 13 : AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Tuesday announced the party's executive committee and general council will meet here Oct 28.
The meeting assumes significance in the light of PMK snapping its ties with the AIADMK and the Communist parties announcing that their tie up with AIADMK is only an electoral one.
Toshiba JSW plant set to commence by fiscal 2011 endSubmitted by Sudheer Kashyap on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 02:45.
Toshiba JSW is searching options to start stage-I operations of its super-critical power equipment manufacturing facility located at Ennore, near Chennai, by the end of fiscal 2011.
The sources informed that the facility will create turbines of 3,000 Mw capacity.
Sources added that the project is likely to cover 100 acres of land at Ennore, near Chennai. The Toshiba-JSW (of OP Jindal group) joint venture is envisaging to make supercritical power boilers at the facility.
Tamil Nadu not represented on dam issue: JayalalithaaSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 21:29.
Chennai, Oct 14 : Putting the DMK-led state government on the mat, opposition leader J. Jayalalithaa has said the nod to Kerala to carry out a survey for construction of a dam across the Mullaperiyar river was given at a national level meeting where Tamil Nadu was not represented.
In a statement issued here Wednesday, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa said senior officials from most Indian states were represented at the meeting which discussed several inter-state issues.
Tamil Nadu MPs return from Sri Lankan Tamil campsSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Wed, 10/14/2009 - 22:57.
Chennai, Oct 14 : A 10-member team of Tamil Nadu MPs from the DMK, Congress and VCK returned here Wednesday after a five-day tour of Sri Lanka during which they visited Tamil refugee camps and met President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi received them at the Chennai airport. The MPs had gone to Sri Lanka to see and get first-hand information on the condition of internally displaced people (IDP) or Sri Lankan Tamils living in special camps.
According to estimates, around 300,000 people live in these camps. They had fled their homes after a military offensive was launched against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) earlier this year, decimating the rebel force and killing its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Tamil refugees in Sri Lanka to return home from ThursdaySubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 01:29.
Chennai, Oct 14 : Sri Lanka has assured a team of 10 MPs from Tamil Nadu that 58,000 Sri Lankan Tamils currently staying in fenced-off camps will be taken back to their homes from Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said here Wednesday.
"There are 253,000 Tamils living in the camps and they will be sent back to their original places in phases - that is the assurance the MPs team got from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa," the DMK chief told reporters here.
Polaris Software to acquire Laser Soft for Rs.52 croreSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 16:07.
Chennai, Oct 15 - Polaris Software, which caters to the banking, financial services and insurance space, is acquiring Laser Soft Infosystems, a competitor, for Rs. 52 crore in a cash deal.
The Rs. 1,377 crore Polaris officially intimated the deal in a regulatory filing with the bourses Thursday. Promoted by Suresh B. Kamath, Laser Soft also offers a wide range of solutions to the banking industry. (IANS)
Dravid dropped, Sehwag comes back for Australia seriesSubmitted by Narinder Hans on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 17:02.
Chennai, Oct 15 - Former India captain Rahul Dravid was dropped while opening batsman Virender Sehwag made a comeback to the 15-member squad for the first two One-Day Internationals (ODI) of the seven-match series against Australia.
The opening match of the series will be played at Vadodara Oct 25 and Nagpur will host the second game Oct 28.
The national selection committee that met here Thursday at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium decided to call back medium pacers Munaf Patel and Sudip Tyagi in place of fast bowler Rudra Pratap Singh and spin all-rounder Yousuf Pathan. Out-of form fast bowler Ishant Sharma retained his place.
BCCI selectors drop Dravid from ODI squad against AustraliaSubmitted by Sukhdeep Grewal on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 19:50.
Chennai, Oct 15 : The Wall of Indian cricket Rahul Dravid has been dropped from the One Day International squad for the first two matches of a seven-match series against Australia starting October 25.
The first match will be played at Vadodara and Nagpur.
The selectors decision to drop Dravid, despite his consistent show in the recent Champions Trophy after a two-year hiatus from limited overs cricket has raised many eyebrows.
BCCI relieves Venkatesh Prasad, Robin Singh of coaching dutiesSubmitted by Sukhdeep Grewal on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 21:04.
Chennai, Oct 15 : The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) on Thursday relieved bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh from their services.
In a statement to the media BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said: "The BCCI has decided to discontinue the services of bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh with immediate effect."
The BCCI has offered no clear explanation for their sudden sacking.
I am deeply hurt, says Prasad over sack through emailSubmitted by Narinder Hans on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 21:30.
Chennai, Oct 15 : The Indian Cricket board terminated its contract with Venkatesh Prasad as the bowling coach via an email sent to him Thursday morning and the 40-year old former India fast bowler said he was "disappointed and deeply hurt" by it.
A terse statement from BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said the board had terminated the services of Prasad and Robin Singh, the fielding coach, with immediate effect. No reasons were provided.
Wives of journalists take Tamil actors to courtSubmitted by Supreet Sharma on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 21:39.
Chennai, Oct 15 : The war between Tamil actors and journalists in Tamil Nadu took a new turn Thursday as six reporters as well as the wives of two scribes filed a complaint in a court against the alleged derogatory and defamatory speeches by the artistes.
The complainants said they were deeply hurt after hearing the alleged derogatory speeches by Tamil actors against journalists and their families last week, M. K. S. Sundar, counsel for the petitioner, told IANS.
Cognizant acquires UBS Indian set-upSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 22:01.
Chennai, Oct 15 : The Nasdaq-listed software services firm Cognizant Technology Thursday announced it would acquire Hyderabad-based UBS India Service Centre, the captive service provider to the UBS Group for an undisclosed sum.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Cognizant will provide a range of services relating to business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing, information technology and remote infrastructure management to UBS divisions around the globe.
UBS India Service Centre currently employs about 2,000 people.
Polaris to acquire Laser Soft for Rs.52 croreSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 22:06.
Chennai, Oct 15 : City-based banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) company Polaris Software Lab Thursday said it will acquire competitor Laser Soft Infosystems for Rs. 52 crore.
"The acquisition will enable us to target Indian banks as well as banks in Africa, Latin America for core banking and other financial technology solutions," Arun Jain, chairman and chief executive of Polaris Software, told reporters here.
Chennai shop selling diabetic-friendly sweets a major draw on DiwaliSubmitted by Mohan Kumar Shr... on Sat, 10/17/2009 - 00:21.
Chennai, Oct. 16 : A confectionary shop in Chennai has become a major drawn for a host of people here, as it is sells sweets meant for diabetic patients.
Located at Thyagaraja Nagar in Chennai, the shop rightly named ''Diabetics Desire'' is witnessing high sales, as people from far off are visiting here for its special sweets.
On view and sale are low glycemic, low calorie traditional Indian sweets suitable for diabetic patients. The demand for the sweets has increased with each passing day, prior to Diwali.
Sudeep to work with Ram Gopal Varma again in 'Phoonk II'Submitted by Supreet Sharma on Sun, 10/18/2009 - 11:55.
Chennai, Oct 18 - Actor Sudeep, who worked with director-producer Ram Gopal Varma in two of his films, will start shooting for the sequel of successful horror flick "Phoonk" in Mumbai later this month.
Sudeep played key roles in Varma's "Phoonk" and "Rann" and had said he would be happy to work in a sequel to "Phoonk" which got him recognition as an actor. "Rann" is yet to be released, but Varma has already planned a sequel to "Phoonk" which he said would be more realistic and resemble Korean and Japanese thrillers.
I want to be a director's actor: AjmalSubmitted by Supreet Sharma on Sun, 10/18/2009 - 12:07.
Chennai, Oct 18 - Tamil film actor Ajmal, who did a full-length comedy role in "Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru" (T4), says he does not want to be typecast as an action or romantic hero.
"I want to be a director's actor. I don't want to typecast myself as an action or romantic hero. Getting a good name by doing varied roles is my desire," he says.
Ajmal was seen in a lead role in "Anjathey" and "TN 07 AL 4777" and is eagerly awaiting the release of "Kadhirvel", in which he is trying to establish himself as a commercial hero.
AI flight again develops technical snagSubmitted by Malini Ranade on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:22.
A Chennai-bound Air India flight suffered a technical fault leading to returning of plane to the airport, having 26 passengers on board. It is the second such incident in three days of AI plane developing technical faults and causing delay in scheduled flights.
Explaining the incident, AI officials said that it was at 0845 am when the plane headed for its destination but soon returned to the airport due to some technical snag. The authorities soon contacted maintenance engineers in Delhi who fixed the problem in few hours.
Neyveli Lignite to outsource mining in new Rajasthan minesSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 19:45.
Chennai, Oct 19 : Integrated lignite mining and power company Neyveli Lignite Corp will outsource mining activities at Bithnok and Hudla in Rajasthan.
The Rs. 3,354-crore company has decided to mine lignite at Bithnok (2.25 million tonnes a year) and Hudla (two million tonnes) to fire its proposed power plants at Barsingsar, also in Rajasthan.
The company already has a 2.1-million-tonne lignite mine at Barsingsar and has set up a 2x125 MW power project there.
Media vs actors: Court asks police to reply by Oct 23Submitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 21:08.
Chennai, Oct 19 : The Madras High Court Monday asked the Chennai police to file its report by Oct 23 while adjourning a case filed by Chennai Union of Journalists (CUJ) seeking action by the city police commissioner on its complaint against several actors for making derogatory remarks against them and their family members.
Top athletes for Inter-State MeetSubmitted by Narinder Hans on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 19:33.
Chennai, Oct 20 : Some 1,200 athletes are expected to participate in the four-day 49th Inter-State athletics championship commencing here Wednesday even as the organisers issued a warning of sorts about medal winners to be tested by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officials who will conduct random tests during the event.
US firm to set up biomass plants in south IndiaSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 20:53.
Chennai, Oct 20 : The Indian arm of the US-based biomass power company Clenergen Corp will set up two wood-fired plants with a combined capacity of 71-MW in southern India, a top official said here Tuesday.
Clenergen India will invest Rs. 1,135 crore to set up the plants in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Mark Quinn, chief executive Clenergen Corp, told reporters.
"A 16-MW plant will be set up in Tuticorin and a 64-MW plant will come up in Mangalore," Quinn said.
AIADMK to boycott World Classical Tamil ConferenceSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 21:32.
Chennai, Oct 20 : Tamil Nadu's major opposition party AIADMK Tuesday announced it would boycott the state government organised World Classical Tamil Conference scheduled to be held in Coimbatore next January.
In a statement issued here Tuesday, party general secretary J. Jayalalithaa said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had announced at a conference of district collectors exactly a month ago that the ninth World Tamil Conference was to be held in January 2010 in Coimbatore.
Karunanidhi attacks Kerala government on MullaiperiyarSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 22:18.
Chennai, Oct 20 : Coming down heavily on the Kerala government for its stand on the Mullaiperiyar dam, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Tuesday said people would start wondering which state is ruling the country.
In a statement issued here Tuesday, he said: "If the Kerala government thumps its chest for trampling upon the law of the land and believes that the Tamil Nadu government should accept that bowing its head, then people will wonder which state is ruling the country."
Canara HSBC simplifies death claims paymentSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 00:19.
Chennai, Oct 20 : Private life insurer Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Tuesday announced that it would pay the fund value of its unit-linked insurance policies (ULIP) immediately on registration of death claim.
"In our knowledge, we are the first life insurance company in India to provide such a service. There are several unexpected costs that arise immediately after a death and at such crucial times, one needs liquid assets that are available quickly," company chief executive Harpal Karlcut said.
General Motors launches new sedan 'Cruze'Submitted by Dalbir Sahota on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 20:50.
Chennai, Oct 21 : General Motors (GM) Wednesday launched a new sedan "Cruze" in the Indian market and said its yet unnamed small car will hit the roads in December.
"About 72 percent of the Indian car market consists of small cars and a presence is needed in that segment to be a volume player," P. Balendran, vice-president of GM India, told reporters after launching the car here.
The company has launched two variants under the the Chevrolet Cruze brand. The Cruze LT is priced at Rs. 10.99 lakh, while the second variant, Cruze LTZ, will cost Rs. 12.45 lakh.
India is ruled by Kerala: PMK leader RamadossSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 21:13.
Chennai, Oct 21 : PMK leader S. Ramadoss said Wednesday that with nearly one-third of secretary-level posts in the central government being held by Malayalis, the "country is ruled by Kerala" and because of this Kerala usually "swings things in its favour".
"Kerala is the smallest among 30 large Indian states. But it is said out of 53 secretary-level posts at the centre, 19 are held by Keralites. Given this, people are wondering whether it is the central secretariat governing the whole country or it is the state secretariat of Kerala," Ramadoss said.
Southern actress Sonia's fee hike shocks producerSubmitted by Supreet Sharma on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 22:01.
Chennai, Oct 21 : Southern actress Sonia Aggarwal shocked a producer by asking for Rs. 600,0000 to work in the remake of Tamil hit film "Manmathaleelai".
Director K. Balachander's "Manmathaleelai" starring Kamal Haasan, Srividhya and Vadivukkarasi was released in the early eighties and became an instant hit with the youth.
"Manmathaleelai" is a female-centric movie and Srividhya's role was pivotal to the film's success, so the producers of the remake zeroed on Sonia for more than one reason.
United India logs nearly 18 percent growthSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 18:38.
Chennai, Oct 22 : The city-based non-life insurer United India Insurance has logged a 17.55-percent growth in the first half this fiscal.
The Rs. 4,277-crore company earned a gross premium of Rs. 2,463.22 crore in the first six months as against Rs. 2,092.84 crore earned in the corresponding period of 2008.
It has set a revenue target of Rs. 200 crore from its 295 single-person offices, up from Rs. 141 crore earned in the last fiscal. (IANS)
Regional Tamil party stages protest against Lankan Government in ChennaiSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 23:31.
Chennai, Oct 22: Activists and supporters of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a regional political party of Tamil Nadu, converged in large numbers at Chennai on Thursday to stage a protest against the Sri Lankan Government over maltreatment of displaced Tamils in the island nation.
Thol Thirumavalavan, the founder President of VCK who had recently visited Sri Lankan concentration camps, led the protest.
CPI hopes border dispute with China would be resolved amicablySubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 16:21.
Chennai, Oct 23 : Communist Party of India (CPI) national secretary, D Raja, has said he hoped that the border issue with China would be resolved.
Indian Bank hopes to disburse Rs.8,500 crore advancesSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 20:48.
Chennai, Oct 23 : Public sector Indian Bank hopes to disburse around Rs. 8,500 crore in advances during the second half of the current fiscal out of its total pending sanctions of Rs. 17,000 crore, said a top company official here Friday.
"As of date, the bank's undisbursed loan sanctions is Rs. 17,000 crore and we hope to disburse around Rs. 8,500 crore this fiscal," said Indian Bank chairman and managing director M. S. Sundara Rajan.
Karunanidhi diluting Tamil Nadu's case on Mullaiperiyar: JayalalithaaSubmitted by Hardeep Sidhu on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 23:06.
Chennai, Oct 23 : Tamil Nadu opposition leader J. Jayalalithaa again took up the Mullaiperiyar dam issue to attack the DMK-led state government Friday, saying a public meeting announced by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in connection with it was nothing but deception.
Gilchrist says India-Australia series will be hard foughtSubmitted by Sukhdeep Grewal on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 15:07.
Chennai, Oct 25 : Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has said that the seven-match one-day series between India and Australia would be "hard fought".
The first game of the series is being played in Vadodra today.
Wasim Akram's wife Huma passes awaySubmitted by Sukhdeep Grewal on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 15:46.
Chennai, October 25 : Huma wife of former Pakistan cricket skipper Wasim Akram, passed away here on Sunday after suffering multiple organ failure.
On Tuesday, Huma, 42, was admitted to Apollo Hospital here after the air ambulance carrying her to Singapore from Lahore made an emergency landing for refueling at the Chennai International Airport.
According to sources, Huma suffered a cardiac arrest and slipped to emergency condition while on board, following which the Pakistani doctors accompanying her suggested to admit Huma to a hospital.
According to Hospital sources, Huma was put on ventilator support.
Axis Bank deploys Polaris' software solutionSubmitted by Dalbir Sahota on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 22:25.
Chennai, Oct 26 : Private lender Axis Bank has implemented Polaris Software's solution for trade finance, cards and cheque truncation processes, the city-based banking software company said Monday.
The solution, "Intellect Business Process Studio", will enable Axis Bank to eliminate the paper-based cheque clearing activity, Polaris said in a statement.
12th century stolen emerald idol of Lord Shiva recovered in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Sarthak Gupta on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 22:56.
Chennai, Oct. 26 : A special wing of Tamil Nadu police has recovered a stolen emerald idol of Lord Shiva worth about 500 million rupees.
The idol has been reportedly recovered from two persons identified as A. Ramesh of Pudukkottai district and P. Senthil of Valangaiman town of the State.
Sarees made from Aloe Vera fibre make waves in Tamil NaduSubmitted by Deepan Chawla on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 23:31.
Chennai, Oct. 26 : Having already been used in medicines and cosmetics, Aloe Vera has found its way into cloth. Weavers in Tamil Nadu are experimenting with it to make colourful sarees.
Weavers in Anakaputhur, a suburb of Tamil Nadu capital Chennai appear enthusiastic about using Aloe Vera fibre in saree-making.