» Jaya releases documents to pin Raja on spectrum scam charge
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today released to the media, details of various documents to fortify her charge that Union Telecom Minister A Raja had acted in a dubious manner in the allocation of 2-G Spectrum and the country had been cheated of Rs 1,00,000 crore.

 » Dam safe, seepage below permissible limits: TN tells Centre
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
The Tamil Nadu government today informed the Centre that the Mullaiperiyar dam was stable and in safe condition, and the seepage alleged by Kerala government was well below the permissible limits.

 » MDMK to work for AIADMK win in bypolls:Vaiko
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko today said the party would work for the victory of AIADMK in the December 19 By-elections to Vandavasi and Tiruchendur Assembly Constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

 » Swamy warns of stir against renaming Madurai airport
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy today said his party would launch an agitation along with other friendly parties like BJP, if the Tamil Nadu government does not withdraw its letter opposing the Union Civil Aviation Ministry's proposal to rename Madurai international airport after Muthuramalinga Thevar.

 » Birthday turns tragic, couple fatally knocked down
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Birthday turned tragic for a young woman and her husband who were fatally knocked down by a lorry at Adyar in the City.

 » Rallies, Black Flag dmos, mourning, mark 'Fishermen Day'
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Fishermen across Tamil Nadu today observed ''Fishermen Day'' as Black Day and took out rallies protesting against the frequent attacks on them by the Sri lankan Navy and to press their charter of demands, which included scrapping of the proposed Management and Regulation Bill.

 » Mystery shrouds death of elephant in zoo
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
A five-year-old female pachyderm was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Vandalur Zoo, near here, early this morning.

 » Baxter launches therapy for haemophilia
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Chinese pharma major Baxter today launched "Recombinate", a genetically-engineered, non-plasma derived therapy for treatment of Haemophilia, a rare blood disoder, which has been on the rise in the country. Talking to reporters here, Baxter Medical Driector Dr Wing Yen Wong said the launch of the therapy was yet another step in the advancement of haemophilia care in India.

 » SR announces extension of special trains
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
The Southern Railway today announced the extention of the following special trains to clear the extra rush of passengers during the festival season. According to a press release here, Chennai Central-Tuticorin Special will leave Chennai Central at 2015 hrs on Thursdays from December 10 to January 28 and arrive at Tuticorin at 0945 hrs, the next day. Tuticorin-Chennai Central Special would leave Tuticorin at 1815 hrs on Fridays from December 11 to January 29 and arrive at Chennai Central at 0825 hrs, the next day. Advance reservation for the above trains would commence tomorrow, the release added.

 » Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions from Dec 3
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions has converged four tradeshows- Glasstech, Doors and Windows, Aluminium and Interior to make Asia's largest construction industry tradeshow to be held in Mumbai from December three to six.

 » Annual Convention of hotels on Dec 7, 8
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
The Annual Convention of the All India Hotels and Restaurants, organised by the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA), will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, on December seven and eight. ''The theme for the Annual Convention is "India Tourism Past Learning and Future Earning" and will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and addressed by Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja,'' Mr M Purushothaman, President, SIHRA, has said.

 » Numeric Power Systems ventures into green energy segment
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
City based Numeric Power Systems, a leader in Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems, has announced that it is venturing into the green energy segment by making a foray into solar power, wind energy generation and LED (light emitting diode) lighting. Talking to newspersons here last evening, R Chellappan, Managing Director, said the company had recently launched Numeric Solar Energy Private Ltd, a 100 per cent owned subsidiary for this purpose. The objective was to offer specialised and standard solar product range to support every need to conserve energy under the Renewable Energy programme combined with energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for a wide range of applications, he said. The company was planning a 1 MW solar project in Coimbatore, where it has a 1.5 MW windmill farm with an outlay of Rs 25 crore.

 » More rains in next 48 hours
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
More rains were forecast for the next 48 hours as yesterday's trough of Low Pressure area over the South West bay persists. Weather office sources told UNI today that the trough of low pressure over the South West bay, which lay centred over Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coasts, persists.

 » Latest robotic Runflat/Low profile tyre fitting equipment introduced
Chennai | November 21, 2009 12:55:54 PM IST
For the first time in India Siremull Hirachand's Tyrestore in Greams Road, Chennai introduces the revolutionary Italian robotic tyre fitting equipment specially designed to prevent damage to the tyres and alloy wheels while fitment.

 » Firecracker hub Sivakasi wants another 'a' in its name
Chennai |Saturday, 2009 11:35:06 AM IST
The country's firecracker capital Sivakasi has been bitten by a numerology bug and wants to add one more 'a' to its name so that the town is spelt as Sivakaasi. It is believed that changing the spelling will be propitious.

 » Prithvi Exchange upgraded to 'AD Category II'
Chennai | Saturday, Nov 21 2009 IST
The City-based Prithvi Exchange, a division of Prithvi Softech Limited, has been upgraded as the Authorised Dealer (AD) Category II Licence by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

 » HC judges declare assets on website
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
All the 54 judges of the Madras High Court, including Chief Justice H L Gokhale, today made their assets public by hosting them on the court's website.

 » CBI launches raids at offices of Steel Rolling Mills
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The Special Crime Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today raided the offices of four city-based Steel Rolling Mills, after it came to light that they evaded central excise, running into several crores of ruppees.

 » With AIADMK back in fray, fierce tussle ahead in two bypolls
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The by-elections to two Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu on December 19 would witness a fierce tussle with opposition AIADMK deciding to contest and take on the ruling DMK in the bypoll.

 » BSNL launches 3G mobile services
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today announced the commercial launch of its 3G mobile services.

 » Radioactivity threat from Malta ship turns out to be hoax
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
Ending nearly six-hours of high anxiety, an anonymous call that a Malta-registered ship ''MV Garland'' , which docked at the outer anchorage off Chennai Port was carrying radioactive material, turned out to be a hoax. Tension mounted at the Chennai Port, when an anonymous caller warned the Traffic Manager of the Port that the ship, with 29 crew members, including 24 Iranians and five Filipinos, was carrying radioactive material.

 » New low pressure to bring rains
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
A new trough of low pressure area has formed over the South West Bay promising to bring rainfall for the next 24 hours.

 » IDBI Fortis to double headcount, increase branches
Chennai |Friday, 2009 7:05:06 PM IST
Private sector insurer IDBI Fortis Life Insurance is planning to double its headcount to 2,000 as well as expand its branch network in the country.

 » Air India announces 20 % discount for senior citizens
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
Senior citizens, in the age group 65 years and above, are now eligible for a 20 per cent discount for travel in First and Executive classes on Air India's international flights.

 » Lankan fishermen detained
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The Indian Coast Guard had detained nine Sri Lankan fishermen, when they were found fishing in the Indian waters off Andhra Pradesh.

 » AIADMK to contest forthcoming bypolls
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today announced that her pary would contest the forthcoming bypolls to Vandavasi and Thiruchendur assembly constituencies.

 » 'Priority Industry' status for Film industry sought
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The two-day FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave which culminated last evening demanded "priority Industry' status for the Film Industry.

 » Chennai Port Trust detains ship
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The Chennai Port Trust (CPT) has detained a Malta-registered ship "M V Garland" docked at the outer anchorage off the port, following an anonymous call that it was carrying radioactive materials.

 » Korean national denied permission to board Bangkok flight
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
A Korean national was denied permission to board a Bangkok-bound flight after the authorities found him in a highly inebriated condition.

 » Nervous passenger complains of chest pain, forces flight to return
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
A Colombo-bound Sri Lankan Airlines flight returned minutes after takeoff when a nervous passenger, undertaking the Haj pilgrimage, complained of chest pain.

 » Nervous passenger complains of chest pain forces flight to return,
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
A Colombo-bound Sri Lankan Airlines flight returned back minutes after take off when a nervous passenger, undertaking Haj pilgrimage, complained of chest pain.

 » SKS Microfinance announces foray into TN
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
NBFC major SKS Microfinance limited today announced its foray into Tamil Nadu to offer collateral free loans to help women start income generating activities.

 » FCCI demands 'Priority Industry' status for Film industry
Chennai | Friday, Nov 20 2009 IST
The two-day FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave which culminated last evening demanded "priority Industry' status for the Film Industry.

 » Court denies bail to William Heum, to stay in judicial custody
Chennai | November 19, 2009 9:10:37 PM IST
A Chennai court on Thursday dismissed the bail petition by William Heum, a Dutch national, who has been charged under the new IT Act for digital child pornography.

 » SR to run Special trains
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
The Southern Railway (SR) will run the following Special trains to clear the extra rush of passengers during the Sabarimala season. The Hubli Kochuveli Special (2777A) would leave Hubli at 0650 hrs on November 25 and December two and arrive Kochuveli at 0630 hrs, the next day. The Kochuveli-Hubli Special (2778A) would leave Kochuveli at 1245 hrs on November 26 and December three and arrive Hubli at 1345 hrs, the next day. Advance reservations for the above trains would commence on November 20, a Railway release here said.

 » Jaya accuses CM of blaming Prabakaran for plight of Tamils
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
Opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today accused Chief Minister M Karunanidhi of blaming LTTE Supremo V Prabakaran for the present plight of Lankan Tamils to cover up his own ''misdeeds'' in the issue.

 » Second ICSFF 2009 commences
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
The second International Children's Short Film Festival (ICSFF 2009) got off to a colourful start here today with eminent personalities from films, politics and sports gracing the event. Inaugurating the festival, Tamil Nadu Minister for Information Parithi Ilamvazhuthi lauded the efforts of DBICA-Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts to promote children-based short films and appreciated the efforts of the organisation to bringing in children from various schools for a film festival. Wishing the festival a grand success, the Minister released two new DVDs of DBICA titled ''Peace Please'' and ''I am a Child''. Film Actress Roja Selvamani reminisced her childhood memories and said good value-based films, could be entertaining and educative. She exhorted the children to enjoy the viewing and affirmed that such a festival with films for school children was indeed exceptional and rare. The budding film director J S Nandhini, in her address, advised the children to be bold, courageous and optimistic in all their efforts and convinced them of the innumerable potential they have within them, to grow towards a healthy childhood. The unique festival screened 26 short films from 12 countries with more than 2,000 children from nearly 52 schools and organisations participating in it. The short films screened had appealing stories to convey, portraying children's daily life, their world of dreams and aspirations, their humanity and strength of character, their struggles and challenges. The film festival was a joint initiative of the DBICA and Don Bosco Egmore, in collaboration with Goethe Institute, City Montessori School (CMS ICFF), Eurovision TV and Auroville Film Festival.

 » Jaya charges CM trying to blame Prabakaran for plight of Tamils
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
Opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today accused Chief Minister M Karunanidhi of blaming LTTE Supremo V Prabakaran for the present plight of Lankan Tamils to cover up his own "misdeeds" in the issue.

 » Second ICSFF 2009 gets off
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
The second International Children's Short Film Festival (ICSFF 2009) got off to a colourful start here today with eminent personalities from films, politics and sports gracing the event. Inaugurating the festival, Tamil Nadu Minister for Information Parithi Ilamvazhuthi lauded the efforts of DBICA-Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts to promote children-based short films and appreciated the efforts of the organisation to bring in children from various schools for a film festival. Wishing the festival a grand success, the Minister released two new DVDs of DBICA titled "Peace Please" and "I am a Child". Film Actress Roja Selvamani reminisced her childhood memories and said good value-based films, could be entertaining and educative. She exhorted the children to enjoy the viewing and affirmed that such a festival with films for school children was indeed exceptional and rare. The budding film director J S Nandhini, in her address, advised the children to be bold, courageous and optimistic in all their efforts and convinced them of the innumerable potential they have within them to grow towards a healthy childhood. The unique festival screened 26 short films from 12 countries with more than 2,000 children from nearly 52 schools and organisations participating in it. The short films screened had appealing stories to convey, portraying children's daily life, their world of dreams and aspirations, their humanity and strength of character, their struggles and challenges. The film festival was a joint initiative of DBICA and Don Bosco Egmore, in collaboration with Goethe Institute, City Montessori School (CMS ICFF), Eurovision TV and Auroville Film Festival.

 » DRI sleuths seize 356 gm of heroin, 1270 gm of morphine
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
The sleuths of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have seized 356 gm of heroin and 1,270 gm of morphine from international parcels sent from Chennai and Coimbatore.

 » Madras High Court seeks action against officials in Nilgiri
Chennai |Thursday, 2009 7:35:09 PM IST
The Madras High Court Thursday asked the Tamil Nadu government to take action against officials in Nilgiri district who failed to stop the illegal stone quarries in the region, resulting in landslides during the recent rains that killed about 45 people.

 » Kids have brush with cops,criminals
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
It was an unique experience for the students belonging to more than 150 schools in Chennai City when they were taken on 'tour' of the police stations to get a feel of the law enforcement agency's working.

 » Kite flying costs boy his life, HC upholds ban
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
Despite police enforcing a strict ban on flying kites, the craze cost a 14-year-old boy his life at Royapuram Railway Cargo Area in North Chennai late last night. Police said Manikandan, son of a rickshaw puller, attempted to retrieve a kite that got entangled to an electric post when the tragedy occurred.

 » Overseas film stakeholders keep doors open for Indian filmmakers
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
Leading film industry stakeholders from the UK, France, Germany and Canada today said they keep their doors open for Indian film makers.

 » Law to increase film classification categories in final stage
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
A Legislation on certification of films to address the concerns of teenagers by increasing the film classification categories to five from three is on the anvil. Speaking at a session on 'Lobbying for Change: The Role of Trade Bodies and Censorship' at FICCI's Media and Entertainment Business Conclave here today, National Board for Film Certification (NBFC) official Babu Ramaswami said there have been several proposals to increase the classification categories to nine.

 » Indira Gandhi remembered
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
Leaders paid their homages to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her 92nd birth anniversary in Tamil Nadu today.

 » Man kills neighbour suspecting relationship with his wife
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
In a gruesome incident, a middle-aged man was shot dead by a person suspecting that he was having extra marital relations with his wife near Wallajah in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu late last night.

 » Man kills neighbour suspecting fidelity with his wife
Chennai | Thursday, Nov 19 2009 IST
In a gruesome incident, a middle-aged man was shot dead by a person suspecting that he was having extra marital relations with his wife near Wallajah in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu late last night.

 » Parliament session: AIADMK to raise spectrum, Mullaperiyar dam issues
Chennai |Wednesday, 2009 10:05:06 PM IST
Tamil Nadu's major opposition party AIADMK plans to put the central ministers belonging to the ruling DMK on the mat by mainly raising issues handled by them during the winter session of parliament that begins Thursday, a party MP said Wednesday.

 » Watech launches 3 products
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Watech RO System (India) Private Limited, a leading manufacturer of multi-locational reverse osmosis water purification systems, today launched three new products 'for the first time in India.' Addressing a press conference here, Company Director (Chennai) Vimal L Shah claimed the new domestic models - WaCure, WaCure Super and WaDrop - could provide bacteria and virus-free drinking water with its user-friendly facilities like TDS Control System and Double Censor. ''We were the first in the world to invent the compact RO with Water Cooling System Machines,'' he claimed.

 » Dutch national Heum remanded to 15 days judicial custody
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
A Magistrate Court today remanded to 15 judicial custody, the Dutch national Will Heum, who was arrested by the city police on charges of posting child pornography on internet.

 » Restoration work in full swing
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Restoration work on the Nilgiris Mountain Railways, which was extensively damaged due to landslips triggerred by heavy rains, was going in full swing.

 » HDFC Standard Life to cut costs before public offer
Chennai |Wednesday, 2009 7:35:06 PM IST
Mumbai-based insurer HDFC Standard Life Insurance has said it wants to rationalise expenses and enhance business before it hits the capital market in 2010-11.

 » Restoration works going in full swing
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Restoration works on the Nilgiris Mountain Railways, which was extensively damaged due to landslips triggerred by heavy rains, was going in full swing.

 » South India to be entertainment industry hub: Karunanidhi
Chennai |Wednesday, 2009 7:05:06 PM IST
South India will emerge as a major hub of the Rs.584-billion (Rs.58,400-crore/$12-billion) Indian entertainment industry that is expected to touch Rs.105,200 billion by 2013, according to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

 » Karunanidhi urges Mamata to pay special attention to TN
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to pay special attention to the State and sanction additional funds to the tune of Rs 461 crore for timely completion of various projects, including gauge conversions, doubling of lines and laying of new tracks. In a letter to Ms Mamata, a copy of which was released to the press here, the Chief Minister said Rs 240 crore was alloted in 2009-10 for gauge conversion works and another Rs 280 crore was required to complete the projects on time.

 » SR to run Special trains
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
The Southern Railway (SR) today announced special trains to clear extra rush of passengers for Sabarimala, Christmas, New year and Pongal festival seasons. A railway release said the Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Special would leave here at 2020 hrs on Thursdays from December 17 to 28 and reach Nagercoil at 1105 hrs the next day. In the return direction the train would leave Nagercoil at 1330 hrs on Fridays from December 18 to January 29, 2010 and arrive here at 0425 hrs the next day. Similarly, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Special would leave here at 1845 hrs on Mondays from December 14 to 25 and reach Nagercoil at 0805 hrs the next day. In the return direction, the train would leave Nagercoil at 1330 hrs on Tuesdays from December 15 to 26 and arrive here at 0425 hrs the next day. The Chennai Egmore-Sengottai Special would leave here at 2020 hrs on Saturdays from December 19 to 30 and reach Sengottai at 1025 hrs the next day. In the return direction, the train would leave Sengottai at 1425 hrs on Sundays from December 20 to 31 and arrive here at 0425 hrs the next day. The Nagercoil- Chennai Egmore Special would leave Nagercoil at 1940 hrs on Mondays from December 14 to 25 and arrive here at 0855 hrs the next day. In the return direction, the train would leave here at 1440 hrs on Tuesdays from December 15 to 26 and reach Nagercoil at 0530 hrs the next day. The Chennai Central-Nagercoil Garib Rath Special would leave here at 1930 hrs on Wednesdays from December 16 to 27 and reach Nagercoil at 1105 hrs the next day. In the return direction, the train would leave Nagercoil at 1330 hrs on Thursdays from December 17 to 28 and arrive here at 0450 hrs the next day.

 » ACS opens new facility in Chennai
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
IT outsourcing services provider Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) today expanded its global capabilities with the opening of a new 22,000 square-foot office and delivery center in the city. The new facility was opened by Tamil Nadu IT Minister Ms Poongothai Aladi Aruna.

 » Tension at airport as passenger throws tantrums
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Tension prevailed at the Chennai Airport here this morning when a passenger scheduled to board a Jet Airways flight to Kochi threw tantrums during a security check and ran towards the runway as securitymen overpowered him.

 » Jaya urges PM to divest Union Minister Raja of Telecom portfolio
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to divest Union Minister A Raja of the Telecom portfolio immediately to ensure a free and fair probe by the CBI into the Spectrum scam.

 » Chennai court sent Heum to judicial custody
Chennai | November 18, 2009 4:25:14 PM IST
William Heum, a Dutch national, who has been charged for child sex, has been sent to 15 days judicial custody by the Saidpet Magistrate Court here on Wednesday.

 » Aban Offshore to raise Rs.697 cr via private placement
Chennai |Wednesday, 2009 5:05:06 PM IST
City-based oil drilling company Aban Offshore Wednesday said it planned to raise Rs.697.5 crore through the qualified institutional placement (QIP) route.

 » Minister calls for debate
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni today called for a debate to put in place a mechanism to address the competing priorities of the right of Media and Industry to freedom of speech and expression and right and sensitivities of the civil society.

 » 'Cinema Township' to be set up in TN
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said his vision was to make it the entertainment epicentre of the world and announced setting up of a 'Cinema Township' in the state. Speaking after releasing the FICCI-EY report at the inauguration of the two-day 'Media and Entertainment Business Conclave' here, he said the film studios in the state could be compared to the best in the world. "Professionalism is noticeable everywhere in the industry. Our artistes are committed to their cause,' he said, adding, Tamil Nadu should become the Centre at the International level and we should put in all our efforts to achieve this goal.'' Pointing out that Tamil theatre had a big role in the growth of Dravidian movement which later provided a social base to Tamil cinema, Mr Karunanidhi said cinema was then used as a big tool to reform the society. Recalling various steps taken by his government for the growth of cinema industry, he said the entertainment tax was reduced from 54 per cent to 40 per cent in 1989, to 30 per cent in 1998 and again to 25 per cent in 2000. ''A Welfare Board for cinema industry has been constituted by the government and it has been proposed to establish a cinema township for which the state government would extend all the assistance'', he added.

 » Natl. institute for animation industry in offing
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
The Centre would set up a National Institute for the Animation Industry and make it the principal source of employment, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ms Ambika Soni said today.

 » Video piracy, bane of Indian Film Industry: Ambika Soni
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
Describing film and video piracy as one of the principal banes of the Indian Film Industry, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ms Ambika Soni today said a conference of State Information Ministers would be held in New Delhi on December nine to address the issue. Inaugurating the two-day Media and Entertainment Business conclave organised by the FICCI here, she said producing of digital films was one way to arrest the bane of piracy. ''Piracy puts to zero, the effort, the investment you make to entertain the people of the country and the Indian diaspora abroad'', she added.

 » I&B Ministry to organise retrospective of Kamal Hassan's films
Chennai | Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 IST
The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry would organise a national retrospective of Thespian Kamal Hassan's films in New Delhi next year for completing Golden Jubilee in Indian Cinema. This was announced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni while inaugurating the two-day Media and Entertainment Business conclave organsied by the FICCI here today.

 » Introduction of the latest robotic Runflat/Low profile tyre fitting equipment for the 1st time in India
Chennai| November 18, 2009 10:27:18 AM IST
For the first time in India Siremull Hirachand's Tyrestore in Greams Road, Chennai introduces the revolutionary Italian robotic tyre fitting equipment specially designed to prevent damage to the tyres and alloy wheels while fitment.

 » Kamal Hassan responds to International Film Festival of India row
Chennai | November 17, 2009 9:14:17 PM IST
Tamil superstar Kamal Hassan on Tuesday downplayed reports that he was miffed with the organizers of the forthcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for omitting a retrospective of his films.

 » MK blames Prabakaran for LTTE fall, plight of Tamils in SL
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
In a surprising development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today squarely blamed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Supremo Velupillai Prabakaran for the fall of LTTE and the present sordid status of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

 » Orders reserved on petitions in Dinakaran land case
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
Madras High Court today reserved orders on a batch of writ petitions, challenging the ownership of lands by Karnataka Chief Justice P D Dinakaran at Kaverirajapuram in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

 » Special bangles for "Ramba Tritiya"
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
Leading jewellers across the city, including GRT, NAC Jewellers, Gold Plus, Nathella Sampathu Chetty, Prince Jewellery and Shree Temple of Gold are introducing special bangle collections for women on the occasion of ''Rambha Tritiya'' on November 19.

 » Kalaimamani, film awards to be given on Nov 28, Dec 8
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
The presentation of Tamil Nadu government's prestigious Kalaimamani Awards and Tamil Nadu Film Awards would be held in the city on November 28 and December 8, respectively.

 » Despite talent South Cinema unable to realise market potential
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
The Rs 17.3 billion South Indian film industry is unable to realise its true potential, unable to cope with spiralling production costs, inadequate marketing and inability to maxmise revenues, according to a report on the status released by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and global consultancy firm Ernst & Young (E&Y).

 » New small car won't impact our image, says Hyundai
Chennai |Tuesday, 2009 6:05:07 PM IST
The new small car being developed by Hyundai Motor in South Korea on a Rs.800-crore investment will not impact the group's image adversely, say officials of the company's Indian subsidiary.

 » Hyundai's new chief, workers hope for cordial ties
Chennai |Tuesday, 2009 5:05:07 PM IST
Hyundai Motor India's new managing director and chief executive Han Woo Park as well as workers are hoping for cordial industrial relations at the company's two plants near here.

 » Samsung India launches split A/C line in TN facility
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
Digital technology leader, Samsung India, today launched its Split Air Conditioner manufacturing line at its Sriperumbudur facility, about 40 km here. This was the fifth such Samsung AC Manufacturing facility in the world. At its Sriperumbudur facility, launched in November 2007, the company was manufacturing LCD TVs, Flat and Slim CTVs, front loading washing machines and Colour Monitors. Announcing the inauguration of the Air Conditioner Line, Samsung South West Asia President and CEO Jung Soo Shin said the AC business was a key growth engine for the company in Home Appliances Business. ''The setting up of the Air Conditioner production facility will provide a strong fillip to this business on account of world-class, superior quality production at this facility and better supply chain management leading to faster response to the market,''he added.

 » Hyundai set to roll out small car
Chennai | Tuesday, Nov 17 2009 IST
Hyundai Motor India Limited is all set to roll out small car, marking its entry into the growing small car segment.

 » CBI registers five cases against AICTE
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered five cases against officials of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Trustees of five self-financing Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu for violating norms.

 » CBI registeres five cases against AICTE
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered five cases against officials of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Trustees of five self-financing Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu for violating norms.

 » Court orders Dutch national to be handed over to cyber cell
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
A local Court today ordered that Dutch National Will Heum, who was arrested on charges of distributing child pornography on internet, be handed over to the cyber crime cell for interrogation till November 19.

 » TN to develop world class botanical garden
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
The Tamil Nadu Horticulture department today began work to develop a world class botanical garden and a horticulture research centre on 20 acres of land in the city, where Woodlands Drive-in Restaurant, the city's landmark once stood.

 » Court orders Dutch national be handed over to cyber cell
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
A Magistrate Court today ordered that Dutch National Will Heum, who was arrested by the city police on charges of distributing child pornography on internet, be handed over to the cyber crime cell police for interrogation till November 19.

 » Angels Glory Triumph
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
R Foley trained Angels Glory, ridden by S Manohar claimed the Brazil Plate, the main event of the races held here today.

 » Security tightened at Kalpakkam nuclear installations
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
Security has been beefed up at the Atomic Power Stations at Kalapkkam, about 70 km here, following reports that terror plot accused David C Headley, arrested by the FBI, had visited some states in India having nuclear installations.

 » NCB sleuths arrest drug kingpin in heroin seizure case
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
A drug kingpin, who had been evading arrest for the last several years in connection with a heroin seizure case, was arrested by the sleuths of the Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB) in the city on November 14.

 » Tamil Nadu seeks to make its firecracker industry globally competitive
Chennai |Monday, 2009 6:35:06 PM IST
With Tamil Nadu accounting for the lion's share of the country's firecracker production, the state government is planning to undertake a detailed study on measures to make the industry globally competitive.

 » Flood alert issued, people on Vaigai river banks asked to shift
Chennai | November 16, 2009 5:16:43 PM IST
A flood alert has been issued and people have been asked to be vigilant and move to safer locations here, after the Vaigal dam reached its full level due to continuous rains.

 » Rainfall abates, Low Pressure moves away
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
Rains abated in Chennai City, suburbs and other parts of Tamil Nadu, as the Low Pressure Area over the Gulf of Mannar in the South West moved Westwards and lay centred between Karnataka and Kerala.

 » Temporary houses for landslide victims in Nilgiris: CM
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today reviewed the relief operations in Nilgiris district ravaged by landslides and ordered building temporary houses at a cost of Rs 70,000 each for all those who lost houses in the calamity.

 » Michelin to invest Rs.4,000 cr near Chennai
Chennai |Monday, 2009 3:35:07 PM IST
French tyre major Michelin has signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a manufacturing facility on an investment of Rs.4,000 crore spread over seven years.

 » Michelin Group MoU with TN, to invest Rs 4,000 cr in tyre unit
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
French tyre major, Michelin Group, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Government for setting up a radial tyre manufacturing unit at Gummidipoondi, about 70 km from here, with an initial investment of Rs 4,000 crore.

 » Heavy rains continue to lash Tamil Nadu
Chennai | November 16, 2009 12:24:01 PM IST
Heavy rains continue to lash Chennai, leaving commuters stranded and affecting normal life.

 » A doyen in the field of eye care
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
Dr J Agarwal, a doyen in the field of Ophthalmology who passed away yesterday, was a man with a mission of vision.

 » Eminent ophthalmologist dead
Chennai | Monday, Nov 16 2009 IST
Eminent Ophthalmologist and Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dr J Agarwal, died here last night after brief illness.

 » Contact established with more missing Tamil Nadu fishermen
Chennai |Sunday, 2009 10:05:06 PM IST
The Tamil Nadu government and fishermen's associations were Sunday able to establish contact with six fishing boats out of the 16 that were untraceable after the Phyan cyclone in the Arabian Sea while the Indian Coast Guard continues its search operations.

 » More rains in TN claim 7, NE Monsoon toll up to 96
Chennai | Sunday, Nov 15 2009 IST
A fresh spell of rains under the influence of a trough of Low Pressure claimed seven lives taking the toll since the onset of North East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu to 96, even as a new trough over the Bay promised more showers for the next 48 hours. Reports received at the police headquarters here said the toll in rain-related incidents since the onset of Monsoon, which stood at 89 a few days ago, rose to 96 with the death of seven people in fresh rain-related incidents across the State. Three children, all siblings, were crushed to death in a wall collapse in Dharmapuri District.