»  Karunanidhi slams BJP on resignation of Acharya
Chennai |Thursday, 2012 11:05:05 PM IST
DMK president M. Karunanidhi Thursday slammed BJP for trying to "help" Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to come out of the disproportionate wealth case being heard in a Bangalore court by exerting pressure on Karnataka's Advocate General and the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) B.V.Acharya.

 » Jaya announces solatium to victim of bus mishap
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced an assistance of Rs one lakh to the family of a person who was killed in a road accident at Chengam in Tiruvannamalai district on February seven. In a statement here tonight, she expressed shock and grief over the death of Mari in the mishap. Ms Jayalalithaa expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and announced an assistance of Rs one lakh from the Chief Minister's Public relief fund. UNI GV VV NVN2155 NNNN

 » Jaya announces solatium to victim of elephant attack
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced an assistance of Rs three lakh to the family of a person who was trampled to death by an elephant in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu today. In a statement here tonight, she expressed shock and grief over the death of Mookappan who was attacked by a wild elephant and died on way to a hospital. Ms Jayalalithaa expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and announced an assistance of Rs three lakhs from the forest department. UNI GV VV NVN2150 NNNN

 » Jaya announces Rs 2 lakh solatium to cop's family
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced an assistance of Rs two lakh to the family of a cop, who died in harness, following a heart attack. In a statement here tonight, she expressed shock and grief over the death of Special Branch Special Sub-Inspector Soundararajan who died ion October 12 last year while on duty. Ms Jayalalithaa expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and announced an assistance of Rs two lakhs from the Chief Minister's Public Relief fund. UNI GV VV NVN2145 NNNN

 » NABH to conduct surprise checks in hospitals on quality compliance
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) will soon undertake surprise checks in accredited hospitals to ensure continued maintenance of quality. Delivering the Dr T K Parthasarathy Endowment Oration at Sri Ramachandra University here today, NABH Chairman Dr Narottam Puri said accreditation was not just a one time achievement of obtaining NABH certification and displaying it but a continuous process. ''We look for continued quality improvement in patient and employees' safety'', he added. Dr Puri said at present 129 hospitals have been accredited by NABH of which 13 have been re-accredited. Identifying availability, affordability and assurance as the three major challenges for the health care sector in India, he said though improving quality was utmost importance, one could not ignore the fact that medical services should be made available at affordable coasts to the people in rural and far flung areas. Dr Puri said NABH was holding discussions with the Medical Council of India for making quality and safety as one of the subjects to be taught in medical colleges. Acknowledging that accreditation has been prompted by tourism industry, he said it stimulates continuous improvement and contributes to quality health care. ''It contributes to overall performance, development of clinicians and paramedical staff and provides leadership for quality improvement'', he said, adding, accreditation provides access to reliable and certified information on facilities, infrastructure and levels of care, he added. Dr S Rangaswami, Vice Chancellor, SRU honoured the distinguished guest. UNI GV VV NVN2125 NNNN

 » 'Kola veri' in school: boy student murders woman teacher
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
In a spine-chilling incident, a 40-year-old woman teacher of St. Mary's Matriculation Anglo Indian School, belonging to Don Bosco Group of Institutions, was stabbed to death by her student in a classroom, in the city today. The teacher Uma Maheswari, was preparing to take Hindi classes when the ninth standard student Mohd Irfan, stabbed her in her neck and abdomen with a knife, killing her on the spot. Police sources said the incident took place during the change of periods when the students were asked to assemble in the Xth standard 'C' section classroom om the first floor, for Hindi classes. This was the first such killing to be reported in an educational institution in Tamil Nadu as such incidents were normally seen often only in educational campuses abroad. Thirteen-year-old Mohd Irfan, who was looking to wreak vengeance on the teacher after she had complained to her parents that he was irregular in attending the classes and was not concentrating in his studies, stabbed her on the neck and abdomen killing her on the spot. A police press release issued tonight said ''keeping in mind the note sent by the teacher against students that they were not atttentive in students, the boy, pulled out a knife wrapped in white paper and stabbed her in the neck and abdomen, killing her on the spot''. A case was registered at the Esplanade Police station and was being investigated. Police said the school was part of the institutions belonging to the Don Bosco Group of schools and was located in the busy Armenian Street, opposite Madras High Court campus in Parrys corner area. The management declared a holiday for the school till Monday following the killing, which took place around 1100 hrs before the commencement of the third period. The boy was arrested and was being remanded in a juvenile home. (ED: PICK UP SUITABLY FROM EARLIER SERIES). UNI GV VV 2056 NNNN

 »  Chennai student kills teacher for complaining to parents (Second Lead)
Chennai |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
A Class 9 student of a reputed public school here Thursday stabbed to death his teacher for complaining to his parents about his poor academic performance.

 » Students stone bus
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Two people sustained injuries and a State-owned Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus and a police jeep were damaged in stone throwing by students of Pachaiyappa's college after police denied them permission to celebrate the Bus Day, which has been banned in the city. Police sources said a group of 200 students of Pachaiyappa's college wanted to celebrate the Bus Day celebrations and they tried to board a bus near their college premises. Police, however, denied permission stating that the bus day celebrations were banned. Enraged over this, a group of 200 students assembled near the 'Anna Arch' on the arterial Ponnamallee High Road, located about two kms from their college, and took out a march. After reaching the college, they vent their anger against the police by pelting stones from inside the college. A driver of a MTC bus and a commuter sustained minor injuries in it. In the impact, the windscreens of a MTC bus and Police jeep were damaged. Police, however, dispersed the students and forced a group of students standing outside, into the college. Four students were picked up for questioning in connection with the incident. It may be recalled that Police have enforced a ban on bus day celebrations as students created ruckus under the guise of celebrations causing hardship to commuters. Apart from climbing atop the bus and travelling by precariously hanging on the footboard, they also cause traffic snarls affecting free movement of traffic. They also pass lewd comments against the women commuters under the guise of celebrations, prompting the police to ban it in the wake of complaints from them. UNI GV VV NVN2055 NNNN

 » BJP,Karnataka, Govt, Trying to help Jaya: Karuna.
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
DMK President M Karunanidhi today said the pressure mounted on Karnataka Advocate General B V Acharya to resign from the post of Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) showed that the BJP and the Karnataka Government were trying to help AIADMK Supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa come out of the disproporionate wealth case against her. The case against Ms Jayalalithaa was being tried at a Special Court in Karnataka and Mr Acharya is the SPP in the case, arguing against the AIADMK leader. Replying to a set of questions, Mr Karunanidhi said the interview given by Mr Acharya to 'The Hindu' showed that how the BJP and the Karnataka government were trying to remove him from the post of SPP in a bid to help Ms Jayalalithaa in the case. Re-producing the interview given by Mr Acharya, he commended the Hindu for publishing it, while stating that other newspapers had allegedly published it with a toned down version. The fact that the BJP and Karnataka had acted in support of Ms Jayalalithaa could be guaged from Mr Acharya's remarks that he preferred to resign from his post of AG rather than give in to 'pressure' from the State government to quit as SPP in the disproportionate assets case against her. MORE UNI GV VV KSR1955 NNNN

 »  Tamil Nadu sets up expert committee on Kudankulam
Chennai |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
The Tamil Nadu government Thursday announced a four-member expert committee to look into the safety aspects of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) and the fears of locals about the project.

 » Boy student murders lady teacher to avenge complaint to parents
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
In a shocking and spine-chilling incident, a woman teacher of the St Mary's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, belonging to Don Bosco Group of Institutions, was stabbed to death by a boy student inside the classroom in the city, today. The teacher Uma Maheswari, was preparing to take the Hindi class when the ninth standard student Mohd Irman, stabbed her in her throat with a knife, killing her on the spot. The spine chilling incident took place at 1100 hrs as the third period began after the students were asked to assemble at the Xth standard 'C' seciton classroom in the first floor for the Hindi class. Thirteen-year-old Mohd Irman, who was looking to wreak vengeance on the teacher after she had complained to her parents that he was irregular in attending the classes and was not concentrating in his studies, was the first to enter the class room. Immediately, he pulled out a knife, which he had brought it from home by wrapping it in a white paper and hiding it in a book, and stabbed her im the neck five times, even before other students could assemble there. The teacher, who was profusely bleeding, raised an alarm and swooned. MORE UNI GV VV 1830 NNNN

 » VC express shock(with ms40)
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Anna University Vice-Chancellor Prof P Mannar Jawahar today expressed shock and surprise over the murder of a teacher by a student in the class room and attributed it to the influence of cinema on young minds. Responding to newspersons queries at the launch of St John's Public School (SJPS) here, he said the influence of cinema and TV soap operas make students take to violence for petty issues. Noting that teacher complaining to the parents about lack of attntion to studies was routine and it was being done only to shape up the student Prof Mannar Jawahar said ''we are hearing about such an incident for the first time in Tamil Nadu''. Denying that this dangerous trend, seen often in educational campuses abroad, was now creeping into Indian educational campuses also Prof Mannar Jawahar said ''we cannot say like that because we are seeing such an incident for the first time''. ''It might be more out of frustration and the way the student was being brought, he added. MORE UNI GV VV KSR1825 NNNN

 »  Chennai student kills teacher for complaining to parents (Lead)
Chennai |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
A Class 9 student Thursday stabbed to death a teacher in his school here for complaining to his parents about his poor academic performance.

 » Class 9 student stabs teacher to death in Chennai
Chennai | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
A 13-year-old student studying in standard nine of St Mary's Anglo-Indian School here, allegedly stabbed his teacher to death inside the classroom on Thursday.

 »  Chennai student kills teacher for complaining to parents
Chennai |Thursday, 2012 5:05:05 PM IST
A Class 9 student Thursday stabbed to death a teacher in his school here for complaining to his parents about his poor academic performance.

 » 8 killed, 31 injured in separate road accidents in TN
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Eight people, including four members of a family, were killed and at least 31 people were injured in three different road accidents in Tamil Nadu today. Reports received at the police headquarters here said four people -- a couple and their two children -- were crushed to death and four others injured at Aralvaimozhi near the southern tip of Kanniyakumari in Nagercoil district today. Police said the victims were returning to their home town in a jeep after attending a wedding at Tuticorin district when the mishap occurred. The jeep in which they were travelling was hit by a van coming in the opposite direction, killing four members of the family on the spot. The four injured were admitted to Kanniyakumari General Hospital. In another mishap, four women agricultural labourers were killed and 18 others injured when the mini van in which they were travelling was hit by a TNSTC bus near Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district this morning. The victims, all contract labourers hailing from Umayathalaivanpatti, were proceeding to Naduvapatti village to work in a farm land when the mishap occurred. The driver of the mini lorry while attempting to overtake another vehicle collided with the government bus coming in the opposite direction. The deceased were identified as K Krishnammal (45), R Geetha (44), A Kuruvammal (60) and M Shanmuga Velammal (41). Out of 18 injured, ten people were admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital at Palayamkottai, while the remaining were admitted to the Government Hospital at Sankarankoil. In the third accident, nine college students were injured when their college bus was hit by another bus from behind at Karur. Police said the students received minor injuries and were provided treatment. UNI GV-GSM AKM 1106 NNNN

 » Student murders teacher inside classroom in city
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
In a bizarre incident, a ninth standard school teacher was murdered by her student at a private school in the city, today. Police sources said the incident took place at the St Mary's Anglo Indian School situated at Armenian Street in the busy Parry's corner of the city, opposite to the Madras High Court complex. The teacher, Uma Maheswari, was taking ninth standard Hindi classes when the incident occurred inside the classroom. Mohd Irman, who was her student, suddenly pounced on her, stabbed her with a hidden knife indiscriminately. The teacher suffered multiple cut wounds on her and stomach, even as awestruck fellow students stood helplessly. The teacher immediately swooned and bled to death on the spot. MORE UNI GV AKM 1312 NNNN

 » Order deployment of CISF forces at dam site: Jaya to PM
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy Central Industrial Security Force at the contentious Mullaiperiyar dam site following Kerala's unilateral decision to install real time monitoring system for water build up in the reservoir. In a Demi-Official letter to the Prime Minister, copies of which were released to the media here, Ms Jayalalithaa, quoting media reports, said the Kerala Government has entered into an agreement with the Union Ministry of Science and Technology to install 'real time monitoring system for water build up' in the Mullaiperiyar Dam. ''The dam and its appurtenant structures are owned and maintained by the Tamil Nadu Government. This unilateral action of Kerala in ordering real time monitoring of the Mullaiperiyar dam in association with the Ministry of Science and Technology, without the consent of Tamil Nadu is a blatant violation of the Principle of Federalism and the Constitutional frame work,'' she added. MORE UNI GV AKM 1134 NNNN

 » Eight die, 19 injured in three road mishaps in TN
Chennai | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Eight people, including four members of a family, were killed and at least 19 people were injured in three different road accidents in Tamil Nadu today. Reports received at the police headquarters here said four people -- a couple and their two children -- were crushed to death and four others injured at Aralvaimozhi near the southern tip of Kanniyakumari in Nagercoil district today. Police said the victims were returning to their home town in a jeep after attending a wedding at Tuticorin district when the mishap occurred. The jeep in which they were travelling was hit by a van coming in the opposite direction, killing four members of family on the spot. The four injured were admitted to Kanniyakumari General Hospital. In another mishap, four women agricultural labourers were killed and six others injured when the mini van in which they were travelling was hit by a bus near Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district this morning. The victims, all contract labourers, were proceeding to work in a farm land, when the mishap occurred. Four women were killed on the spot and six others, who sustained injuries were admitted to government hospital. In the third accident, nine college students were injured when their college bus was hit by another bus from behind at Karur. Police said the students received minor injuries and were provided treatment. UNI GV AKM 1106 NNNN

 »  'Karunanidhi's support to Vijayakant opportunitism'
Chennai |Wednesday, 2012 10:05:06 PM IST
DMK president M. Karunanidhi's statement in support of Leader of Opposition A. Vijayakant is the "height of political opportunitism," Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker D.Jayakumar said Wednesday.

 » Mystery shrouds arrest of advocate
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
DMK President M Karunanidhi today alleged mystery shrouds the arrest of an Advocate, who participated in an agitation in Madurai in support of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Replying to a set of questions, he said the advocate Poosai Durai, while participating in an agitation organised by the lawyers, had demanded the arrest of Anti-Koodankulam Struggle Committee Convener S P Udayakumar for opposing the nuclear plant. Addressing the agitationists, the lawyer had questioned the rationale behind Udayakumar's Opposition to the nuke plant and sought to know where he had gone when the construction works for the nuclear plant began in 1986. The advocate also accused Udayakumar of instigating the locals to forcibly participate in the anti-nuclear agitation at the instance of foreign forces and demanded a CBI probe into it, Mr Karunanidhi pointed out. ''It's quite mysterious that the advocate was now arrested by the Tamil Nadu police for his remarks against Udyakaumar'', he added. MORE UNI GV VV ADB2013 NNNN

 » Admission to be made as per SC order
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The DD Medical College and DD Hospital, a minority educational institution, would be admitting students for medical courses for the year 2012-13 on the basis of the Supreme Court and it would not come under the purview of the monitoring Committee formed by the Tamil Nadu government. In a statement here today, DD Medical College Founder and President of All India Medical Association T D Naidu said the college and hospital was set up with an investment of Rs 6000 crore and comprised of more than 140 speciality departments. It been admitting students on the basis of the Apex Court order on merit basis and in a tranparent manner, he added. He was responding to a statement issued by the Monitoring Committee formed by the Tamil Nadu government to Regulate and Monitor the admission of students to Professional courses by Self Financing Minority/Non-Minority Medical and Paramedical colleges, that admissions made by colleges for medical and dental courses for the academic year 2012-13 without its consent would be invalid. The government referring to an advertisement issued by the DD Medical College and Hospital at Tiruvallur calling for admission to MBBS courses, said, any admission made by this Institution without the permission of the committee would not be valid. MORE UNI GV VV KSR1940 NNNN

 » Take health care to people: Rosaiah
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Governor Dr K Rosaiah today called upon the super speciality hospitals to take health care to the doorsteps of the people, especially those who have not been reached so far. Inaugurating the Glued IOL Department of the Dr.Agarwal's Eye Hospital here, he said the benefits and advancements in medical science should reach the common man especially the unreached. ''The super specialty hospitals, doctors, NGOs and the Government should join hands to take health care to the doorsteps of the people'', he said. In this context, the Governor said ''developing strategies and working with a mission would help us to achieve this and promote good healthy habits among the people''. The miracles of medical science and the expansion of knowledge in Medicine have not only benefited the people at large but had also sensitized them to an extent on health care. ''Yet we have a long way to go through. The people in rural areas should be sensitized about eye care'', he said, while lauding the efforts of Ophthalmic Hospitals, Ophthalmologists, NGOs and Government in creating an awareness on cataract among the common people in the State. MORE UNI GV VV ADB1810 NNNN

 »  Containerised sewage treatment plant from G.D. Nanovation
Chennai |Wednesday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Coimbatore-based G.D. Nanovation Pvt Ltd is targeting residential apartments, malls, hotels and hospital for its container-based sewage treatment plants launched here Wednesday. It is also looking at selling imported ceramic membrane for the drinking water purification segment, a top company official said.

 » Speaker justifies action against Vijayakanth
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Justifying the ten-day suspension of DMDK founder and leader of the Opposition Vijayakanth from the House for unruly behaviour, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker D Jayakumar today described DMK President M Karunanidhi as an 'opportunist' and condemned him for describing it as an undemocratic act. In a statement here, Mr Jayakumar accused Mr Karunanidhi of attributing motives to the AIADMK government in a bid to get political mileage out of the issue. The action against Mr Vijayakanth was taken on the basis of the recommendations of the Privileges Committee, which had viewed video footages of the incident, he said. Even the members of the DMK and CPI(M), who had attended the privileges commitee meeting, had concurred that the behaviour of Mr Vijayakanth had left a lot to be desired and it was against the House traditions. ''Since the behaviour of Mr Vijayakanth lowered the dignity and decorum of the House. his act was referred to the Privileges committee'', he noted. MORE UNI GV VV ADB1740 NNNN

 » Chennai Cycling 2012 to highlight Green campaign,popularise sport
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
If there is any sport whose survival a sponsoring corporate company needs to keep its own business going, it is cycling. In this secenario, TI Cycles, a leading cycle manufacturing company belonging to the more than 100 year-old Murugappa Group here will conduct 'BSA Hercules Chennai Cycling, to mobilise support for the sport, besides increasing awareness about healthy living, sport and sustainable means of transport on February 25 at the Marina beacdh front along a distance of 8 km, Managing Director, TI Cycles L Ramkumar and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu(SDATN) Member Secretary Rajkumar announced here at a press conference today. 'We have naturally beautiful, pollution free places in Tamil Nadu to encourage the sport of cycling as well as a health and fitness activity. The Tamil Nadu government through SDATN would make efforts for the development of this sport also, Mr Rajkumar said. The amateur leg, which is also meant to be Green campaign against environmental pollution caused by motor vehicles, a prize money professional cycling sport event will also be organised. 120 cyclists in the men's and 50 in the women's sections will be vying for honours under the aupices of Cycling Federation of India and Tamil Nadu Cycling Association will participate in this event. In the amateur section comprising corporates and children, 5000 people are expected to participate to show their support for the healty habit of cycling. 'Our objective is to build India's India's largest cycling and Green movement', Mr Ramkumar said. UNI VV ADB1556 NNNN

 » Prof Thirumalai appointed as Tamil Varsity VC
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Dr M Thirumalai, Professor and Head, Department of Literary Criticism, School of Tamil Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University, was today appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University, Thanjavur. Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah, who is also the Chancellor of the Tamil University, appointed Prof Thirumalai under Sec 12(1) and (3) of the Tamil University Act, 1982. Prof Thirumalai would hold office for a period of three years with effect from the date of assumption of office, a Raj Bhavan release here said. UNI GV AKM 1522 NNNN

 » TN will become water sufficient state: Minister
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The Tamil Nadu Government headed by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has been taking all steps to make the State a water sufficient state in the country, Environment and Pollution Control Board Minister B V Ramana said. Inaugurating the sixth edition of 'Water Expo 2012' here last evening, he said under the guidance of the Chief Minister major water projects have been developed. Apart from creating infrastructure, steps were taken to set up desalination plants, besides recycling and reuse of water. He said Ms Jayalalithaa has launched a pioneering initiative in comprehensive waste water management under which Rs 200 crore have been allotted on an interest free basis for developing the water infrastructure, while another Rs 844 crore has been allotted to improve the water supply in urban areas. The three-day Water Expo is a specialized event on water and waste water management organised by Water Today, that showcases the latest technologies in water and waste water management. Water Expo 2012 is the South-East Asia's largest water event that had attracted prominent global players in the industry. More than 400 Exhibitors from US, UK, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Dubai, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Japan, Pakistan, Australia and France have displayed their stall at the expo, in which 'WATMAN 2012', an International Conference on Water Management, was being held concurrently. UNI GV AKM AK1157 NNNN

 » Ravanan hospitalised following complaints of blood pressure
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
M R P Ravanan, a close relative of AIADMK Supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's estranged friend Sasikala Natarajan, has been admitted to a hospital after he complained of high blood pressure. Ravanan, arrested in connection with a Rs one crore cheating case, was remanded in police custody for two days on February six. Yesterday evening, while he was being interrogated under police custody, he complained of giddiness and breathlessness. He was said to be suffering from high blood pressure following which he was admitted to Government Royapettah Hospital. After expiry of police custody, Ravanan was expected to be produced before the Alandur Judicial Magistrate Court by 1700 hrs this evening. Ravanan was first arrested and lodged in Coimbatore jail on charges of abduction and extortion of Rs ten lakh from building contractor Ravikumar (38), at Sirumugai. Subsequently he was arrested in the cheating case on a complaint from Krishnamurthy, who is the Managing Director of R K Imay Property Developers Private Limited, that Ravanan took Rs one crore from him to secure sand mining licences in Trichy and Karur areas. But Ravanan had failed to honour his commitment and had even threatened Krishnamurthy of dire consequences when he demanded repayment of the money. The CCB after securing a transit warrant formally arrested him in this case at Coimbatore prison and brought him to Chennai on February three for judicial remand in connection with the cheating case. UNI GV AKM 1159 NNNN

 » Man wanted in cheque bouncing case nabbed at airport
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
A 30-year-old man, who was wanted in connection with a cheque bouncing case, was arrested by the immigration authorities at the Anna International airport here early this morning. Airport sources said, the person, Sheikh Kharimullah, was wanted by the Central Crime Branch Police in connection with a cheque bouncing case. He has been evading arrest for the last three years. Since he had gone underground, the CCB police had issued an alert in all the airports. When he came to the airport to board a Sri Lankan Airlines flight to proceed to Malaysia via Colombo, immigration authorities arrested him and handed him over to the CCB police. UNI XR-GV AKM 1118 NNNN

 » Passenger falls ill, flight makes emergency landing
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
An Ahmedabad-bound Singapore Airlines flight made an emergency landing at the Anna International Airport here after an aged passenger complained of low blood pressure and giddiness. Airport sources said the flight did not have a scheduled stop in Chennai. When the flight was crossing the Chennai airspace, a woman passenger Anjali (51) complained of giddiness and low blood pressure. Since the aircraft was hovering around Chennai, the pilots contacted the air traffic control authorities and sought permission for emergency landing. After the flight landed at 2330 hrs last night, the woman and two others, who accompanied her, were disembarked from the aircraft and were rushed to a private hospital. Later, the aircraft took off for Ahmedabad at around 0030 hrs. UNI XR-GV AKM 1116 NNNN

 » 3GB memory cards seized from Air passengers, two held
Chennai | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Air Customs officials arrested two people, including a woman, who arrived here from Bangkok by a Thai Airlines flight, and seized 62,400 numbers of 3GB memory cards from them at the Anna International here late last night. Airport sources said, acting on information, customs officials intercepted Pooja (30) and Ashok Rattan (56), who arrived from Bangkok at around 2345 hrs. The authorities subjected them to thorough frisking and found memory cards pasted in their body from thigh to the loser limbs with stickers. In all 62,400 3 GB memory cards, valued at Rs one crore in the international market were seized from them. However, airport sources said the value of the seized cards in Indian market was put at Rs 66 lakh. Both of them were arrested and remanded in judicial custody. During questioning Ashok Rattan said he had chose to smuggle memory cards after he suffered extensive losses in his textile business. The woman, Pooja, was working as his assistant. UNI XR-GV AKM 1112 NNNN

 » CM announces solatium
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced a solatium of Rs One lakh to the family of a pilgrim who was killed in a road accident at Kanakkampatti Village in Dindigal District two days ago. The pilgrim, Balasubramani was knocked down by a State Transport Corporation Bus. He was on a padayatra to the temple town of Pazhani when the mishap occured on the National Highway. Ms Jayalalithaa also conveyed her condolences to the victim's family members. UNI VV NVN2255 NNNN

 »  'Captain' Vijayakant's men jump DMDK ship
Chennai |Tuesday, 2012 10:05:05 PM IST
Several leading members of the DMDK, including film-maker Ibrahim Rowther, a friend of its founder A.Vijayakant, Tuesday quit the party and joined Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK.

 » 2G licence cancellation will hit investment flow:Moily
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The cancellation of all the 122 2G licenes by Supreme Court will hit investment flow into the telecom sector, but the Centre will not go on an appeal against the court order, Union Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily said today. Talking to reporters here after inaugurating the Chennai leg of India Corporate and Investor meet organised by his Ministry and the Institute of Chartered Accoutants of India, Mr Moily admitted that the Apex Court order would derail investment flow into the sector. However, he said the telecom sector was very vibrant in the country and it would bounce back from this set back. ''Temporarily there may be some set back (because of the Supreme Court order). But, the business vibrancy in this country is so good, particularly in telecom sector,. it will pick up soon'', he said. Ruling out the Union government going for an appeal against the Supreme Court order cancelling 122 licences, Mr Moily said ''we are not going on appeal. We will abide by the Supreme Court order''. If the Corporate bodies go for an appeal, it was a different matter, he noted. MORE UNI GV VV 1748 NNNN

 »  Indian air carriers should have professional management: Minister
Chennai |Tuesday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Airlines in India should have a professional team for better management, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M. Veerappa Moily said here Tuesday.

 » Need to build 'Trust' to increase confidence level of investors: Governor
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Governor Dr K Rosaiah today stressed the need for building 'Trust' to increase the confidence level of small investors and corporates. Inaugurating the India Corporate and Investor Meet, organised by the Union Corporate Affairs Ministry and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India here, he said the concern of today's corporate or a small investor was that of confidence levels. ''The riskiness of the financial products and uncertainty that rests in their minds is how far their investments are safe,'' he added. He said FDI statistics revealed that India was going to be ever-emerging economy and wanted this investor meet to build the 'Trust', the bonding between corporate and investors, who were sin-qua-non for any growing economy. Stating that Corporate required funds which were funded by various investors, Dr Rosaiah said ''since financial world and instruments are so complex, the levels of understanding of these require lot of transparencies, trust and more important spreading the literacy of finance.'' He said the country required a lot of investors who need to be told and educated on now to make an informed investment decision. Observing that investors need protection, the Governor said the proposed new Company Law bill should be compact, condensed and clearly understood. ''Law, rules and regulations should enable them to exercise their rights and redress their grievances,'' he said, adding, the efforts of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in bringing a Bill before the Parliament was yet another milestone and signal to the world that India was an international investment hub. UNI GV AKM 1733 NNNN

 » HC remand Ramadoss's brother
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The Madras High Court today remanded S Srinivasan, brother of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S Ramadoss, to one day CBI custody in connection with a 2006 murder case, at Tindivanam, about 125 km from here. Mr Srinivasan along with a PMK functionary Karunanidhi was arrested on January 25 by the CBI in connection with the sensational Muruganandam Murder Case, allegedly involving Dr Ramadoss and his son and former Union Minister Anbumani. When the CBI petition seeking custody of Srinivasan came up for hearing, Judge Mathivanan remanded him to CBI custody till 1600 hrs tomorrow for questioning. The Judge also directed the CBI to produce him before the court after the expiry of the police custody. The CBI had earlier approached the Chengalpattu Court seeking custody for interrogation. After its plea was dismissed, the CBI preferred an appeal in the Madras High Court which today remanded Srinivasan in police custody. The Madras High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the murder on a petition filed by AIADMK Minister C Ve Shanmugham. The State Police had handled the case and filed the chargesheet without including the names of Dr Ramadoss and Mr Anbumani, who was then the Union Minister. The incident took place at Tindivanam in the run up to the May 2006 Assembly Polls, when a gang of PMK workers tried to murder Mr Shanmugham, who was the Minister then, during an election campaign. In the melee, Mr Shanmugham escaped the murderous assault by hiding behind a truck, while his relative Muruganandam was killed by the gang. MORE UNI GV VV AK1710 NNNN

 »  Central Zone enter Duleep final
Chennai |Tuesday, 2012 6:05:05 PM IST
Central Zone expectedly entered the Duleep Trophy cricket final on the basis of the 110-run first innings lead as the semi-final game against South Zone ended in a tame draw here Tuesday.

 »  Neyveli Lignite's 250 MW boiler operating at full load
Chennai |Tuesday, 2012 6:05:05 PM IST
Power equipment major Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) Tuesday said it had successfully demonstrated full-load operation of its 250 MW circulating fluidised bed combustion (CFBC) boiler at Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLC).

 » 'Swabhimaanya,' launches services in TN
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
'Swabhimaanya,' a distribution platform providing a mix of financial services, telecom and essential retail to un-served and under-served sections of society, has launched its services in Tamil Nadu. Swabhimaanya has partnered with Bajaj Allianz for life insurance, Future Generali for General Insurance and Aircel as its telecom partner. A Swabhimaanya release here today said it had also partnered Tata Chemicals for essential household items like Tata Iodised salt and also for banking and pension plan products. The company was in the process of adding several other vendor partners into its fold for banking, essential retail and other necessary products and services. The release said Welfare Packs launched by Swabhimaanya in the state included services such as Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Bank Accounts, Pension Plans, a subsidised mobile talk plan and essential retail health items such as Tata salt. The entry point for an individual to avail the services starts from Rs 200 per annum. The Welfare Packs of Rs 200 included Life Insurance of Rs 20,000 for borrower/member, accidental Insurance of Rs 20,000 for his/her spouse, Aircel SIMs for free/subsidised calling, two no frills bank account and a pension plan, besides one kg packet of Tata Iodised Salt. Since starting its operation in Chennai a month back, Swabhimaanya has reached out to about 15,000 people in the state, with about 80 per cent being first time users of these financial services. UNI GV AKM 1640 NNNN

 » Companies Law Bill will remove hurdles in doing business
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The new Companies Law Bill, aimed at replacing the existing 1956 Legislation, would not be a mere product of bureaucracy, but would provide right type of solutions which will do away all hurdles in doing business in India. Inaugurating the Chennai leg of India Corporate and Investors meet organised in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) here, Union Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily exuded confidence that the bill would be definitely passed in the coming Budget session of Parliament. The Standing Committee on Finance had already submitted a report. The draft would be tabled before the union cabinet. ''I am confident that the new companies bill will be passed in the budget session'', he added. Noting that the Corporate world was very vibrant and marching very fast in the world, especially in India, Mr Moily said the new Bill was very short as it contains about 450 provisions, unlike the UK's Companies Act that has 1300 provisions. ''The main idea is that, whatever law we make, it should have absolute clarity and ensure that it was not misinterpretated leading to multiple litigations'', he said, adding, ''we want to curtail it (misinterpretation resulting in litigation). MORE UNI GV VV AK1622 NNNN

 » Central enter final on first innings lead: to take on East
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Six times winner Central Zone moved one stop closer to regaining Duleep Trophy entering the final edging out South Zone by virtue of their first innings lead as the dour day match ended in a draw here today. On the final day at the M A Chidambaram stadium, after Centra declared their second innings closed at their massive score of 530 losing eight wickets at the storke of lunch, South, chasing an impossible target of 640 in the post lunch session, They scored 152 losing two wickets, as captain S Badrinath stuck form late in the match scoring a sparkling unbeaten 58 off 117 balls, with the help of six fours and two sixes. Wicket keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik chipped in with 49 off 68 balls, with nine fours and a six. Earlier, Karnataka opener and former India batsman Robin Uthappa failed with the bat again, falling for just ten runs More UNI VV AK1530 NNNN

 » CG organises boat race for fishing community
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
As part of Coast Guard Day Celebrations, a Boat Race for fishing Community was organised by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (East) here today. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister K A Jaypal flagged off the boat race at Marina in the presence of Inspector General S P Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East). Fishermen from Nochikkuppam and Triplicane Fishing Hamlets participated in the Boat Race, organised in three categories of fishing boats -- Fibre Re-inforced Plastic catamaran with engine, wooden catamaran with engine and Wooden Catamaran without Engine. Fifty boats with their crew took part in the boat race with enthusiasm and zeal. The objective of the race was to enhance the level of interaction with the fishermen association in Chennai and to foster goodwill among the traditional fishermen of the fishing hamlets. The event created awareness amongst fishermen on safety of life at sea, protection of fishermen including assistance to them while in distress by Indian Coast Guard besides sensitizing them on aspects of coastal security. The event also focussed on promoting better rapport with fishermen and Coast Guard staff of Chennai. In the Fiber Re-inforced Plastic Catamaran with engine, the teams led by Ravi Chandran, Arivalgan in the Wooden Catamaran with Engine and Sekar Muthuvel in the Wooden Catamaran without engine category emerged the winners. UNI GV VV ADB1528 NNNN

 » Deepika Padukone to pair Rajini in 'Kochadaiyaan'.
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
It's official. Bollywood Diva Deepika Padukone would pair with Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth for his forthcoming period film 'Kochadaiyaan'. Deepkia, who was initially slated to act in Rajini's 'Rana', has now been roped in for 'Kochadaiyaan'. This was confirmed by his daughter Soundarya Rajnikanth, who is a popular producer and director. In her microblog, Soundarya said ''Guys. Deepika Padukone confirmed to play Appa's pair in Kochadaiyaan :) great to have you back with us @deepikapadukone :):) big hug!''. Many names had been doing the rounds including Bollwyood Actors Katrina Kaif and Vidya Balan and Southern Sensation Anushka. ''But it has been finally decided that Deepika will play the lead role in Kochadaiyaan'', sources said. The first look of the movie was released a couple of days ago with Rajni sporting long hair and performing martial arts. It has raised both anxiety and curiosity among his fans. MORE UNI GV GM 1454 NNNN

 » 3 held for using fake card to cheat petrol station
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Police arrested three persons on charges of attempting to defraud a gas station using a fake debit card last last night at Madanapuram in Mudichur near Tambaram. Police said here today, a car came to the petrol station last last night with two passengers. R Ravi (40), a resident of Choolaimedu, who was driving the Wagon R Car,asked the attendent to fill up the vehicle with 30 litre of petrol. He gave a debit card to the cashier and asked him to not only debit the amount for petrol but also an extra Rs 4,500 and give it to him in cash. Since, it was late night, he was not able to proceed to any ATM and hence, the request for cash, he said. MORE UNI XR GM 1430 NNNN

 » Vijayakanths close friend joins AIADMK
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The ruling AIADMK received a major boost ahead of the crucial Assembly Bypolls to the Sankarankovil seat, with DMDK Founder Vijayakanth's close friend and noted Film Producer Ibrahim Rowther and DMDK's unsuccessful Chennai Mayoral Candidate Velmurugan joining the party, today.

 » Woman held in Assam for cheating Rs 1.3 cr in TN
Chennai | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
A 43-year-old woman from Guwahati was arrested by the police for cheating a person to the tune of Rs 1.3 crore by promising tenders from government through a company floated by her. Police sources here today said acting on a complaint from Shammar S Shah of Kilpauk Area in the city, a special team of Central Crime Branch Police led by Sub-Inspctor S Prabha, registered cases under Sec 420 of IPC (cheating), went to Guwahati and arrested Bhagavati Suryakumar. She was arrested near the famous Kamakhya Temple and produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate Kamrup at Guwahati in Assam. After obtaining transit remand, Bhagavati was brought to Chennai today and produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, who remanded her in judicial custody. She was later lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. MORE UNI GV GM 1324 NNNN

 »  New union officials to negotiate Hyundai wage agreement
Chennai |Tuesday, 2012 11:05:06 AM IST
An entirely new team of office bearers of the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) will hold wage negotiations at the country's second largest car manufacturing company Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), which has been embroiled in labour tensions for several years, said a top union official.

 » Kanchi Seer Case judge transferred
Chennai/Puducherry | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
In a sudden development, Puducherry Sessions Judge Ramaswamy, who was hearing the Sankararaman Murder Case in which both the Kanchi Acharyas were cited as prime accused, was today transferred and posted as Perambalur District Sessions Court Judge. Official sources here said Dindigul District Sessions Court Judge Murugan was posted as Puducherry Sessions Judge in place of Mr Ramaswamy. This was confirmed by official sources in Puducherry also. The transfer of Puducherry Sessions Judge comes at a time when the audio CD, containing purported telephonic conversations between him and Senior Kanchi Acharya Jayendra Saraswathi, was being probed/examined by the Judicial Administrative Committee of Madras High Court. During the alleged conversation, the Acharya had allegedly struck a financial deal with the Puducherry Sessions Judge seeking to acquit him in the case relating to the murder of Kancheepuram Lord Varadharaja Temple Manager Sankararaman in which both the Kanchi Acharyas were cited as the prime accused. The trial was being conducted by Puducherry Sessions Judge Ramaswamy, when the CD allegedly containing the alleged conversation was made public at a time when most of the witnesses had turned hostile. The Acharya had denied he had struck a deal with the Sessions Judge and claimed he had not met him. UNI GV-PAB GM 1838 NNNN

 »  Daimler Indias Bharat Benz trucks to roll on JK Tyres
Chennai |Monday, 2012 7:35:05 PM IST
Indias number three tyre manufacturer JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has bagged the order from Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd to supply tyres for its Bharat Benz trucks, said a top company official.

 » Police custody for Ravanan
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
A Judicial Magistrate Court today remanded M R P Ravanan, a close relative of AIADMK Supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's estranged friend Sasikala Natarajan, in police custody for two days in connection with a Rs one crore cheating case. Allowing the petition filed by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Police seeking five days' custody, Alandur Judicial Magistrate (JM) M Balasubramaniam granted two days' police custody. Ravanan, who was on February three remanded in judicial custody for 14 days till February 16, was produced before the court when the police petition was taken up for hearing. The police had sought custody for interrogating Ravanan in connection with the cheating case filed against him on a complaint from Tiruppur-based realtor Krishnamurthy. The Magistrate directed the police to produce Ravanan before the court by 1700 hrs on February eight after expiry of the police custody. Ravanan was already arrested and lodged in Coimbatore Jail on charges of abduction and extortion of Rs 10 lakh from building contractor Ravikumar (38) at Sirumugai. MORE UNI GV GM 1800 NNNN

 » Abandoned suitcase before PC's arrival causes flutter
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
An abandoned suitcase outside the arrival lounge of the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal an hour before the arrival of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, created a flutter at the airport here today. Airport sources said Mr Chidambaram was scheduled to arrive from Madurai en route New Delhi at 1515 hrs. At around 1410 hrs, authorities noticed an abandoned suitcase outside the arrival lounge. However, the authorities took it safely to a secluded place and opened it. Much to their relief, they found only some leather belts and wallets in it. Officials suspect an employee of a leather firm might have brought some samples of belts and wallets and would have inadvertently left the suitcase behind. Mr Chidambaram later arrived from Madurai. After a brief visit to his residence in the city, he came to back to the airport and later left for New Delhi. UNI XR-GV GM 1757 NNNN

 » Central virtually book semi finals berth with massive lead
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Six times swinner Central Zone planced themselves in an invincible position riding on two sparkling centuries by open Naman Ojha( 149) and Robin Bist (104 batting) ran up a massive overall lead of 488 runs, scoring 378 for five in their second innings at stumps on the third and the penultimate day of the Dulpee Trophy semi final match against South Zone here today. At the M A Chidambaram stadium, South Zone, who were bundled out for 183, thanks to some good catching and steady bowling yesterday, suffered the ignominy of their bowlers being put to sword on the third day as overnight batsman Naman Ojha batting on 79, went ou to score a century off 149 balls with 11 fours and five sixes. He and overnight partner Md Kiaf(43,125 bls,six fours), himself a century maker in the first innings, Ojha added 140 runs off 37.2 overs. Ojha was the third Central zone wicket to fall at 188, after the team resumed at the overnight score of 127 for 1. Medium pacer Stuart Binny castled him. More UNI VV ADB1748 NNNN

 » TN Govt caution on medical/dental courses
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The Tamil Nadu Government today said any admissions made by colleges for medical and dental courses for the academic year 2012-12 without the consent of the committee formed by it to ensure fair and transparent admission process, would not be valid. In a statement issued for the benefit of students aspiring to join Medical and Paramedical courses, the State Government said no institution or Association was allowed to make any admission for medical courses without obtaining prior permission from the Committee. In this context, the government, referring to an adversiment issued by the private DD Medical College and Hospital at Tiruvallur on February one this year calling for admission to MBBS courses, said any admission is made by this Institution without the permission of the committee would not be valid. ''Students and their Parents are advised to ensure whether the advertisement and applications issued by the institutions and association are issued only after obtaining the permission from the Committee. "Any admission made without obtaining the permission from the Committee shall not be valid'', it said. MORE UNI GV GM 1721 NNNN

 » Global meet on Renewable Energy
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
''RENERGY 2012'', an International Conference and expo on Renewable Energy would be held here from March 12 and 13. More than 5,000 visitors were expected to attend this India's largest International Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, to be organised with the support of Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA). The event is aimed at bringing together the state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies from across the world, green field ventures, latest innovation on a single platform, with an objective to provide a clear picture about the current trend in renewable energy sector. RENERGY 2012 would be a resourceful avenue to encourage investments in the renewable energy sector. ''It also provides a holistic sector-wise growth across all regions of the state'', an official release here said. The event, focused on business-to-business transactions, provides an opportunity for businesses and delegates to know the latest advancements in the field and meet industry professionals and experts, the release added. UNI GV VV AK1550 NNNN

 » Bus plunges into river: College faculty, students injured
Chennai | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Twentyseven people, including five professors and 22 students, of a private Engineering College were injured when the bus in which they were travelling plunged into the dry Palar river bed near Arcot in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, about 125 km from here, today. Reports received at the police headquarters here said the victims were from Pallava Engineering College in Kancheepuram. They were proceeding on an educational tour when the mishap occurred. The bus was travelling on the Acrot Bypass road, when the driver lost control and plunged into the river bed, injuring the college faculty and the students. All the injured were admitted to CMC Hospital in Vellore. UNI GV AKM 1355 NNNN

 »  Devas deal cancelled for national security: Minister
Chennai |Monday, 2012 12:35:06 PM IST
The central government cancelled the Antrix Corporation-Devas Multimedia deal for reasons of national security and not for purported loss of revenue in sale of spectrum, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy has said.

 »  Egypt beat India in squash World Cup final
Chennai |Sunday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
Top seeds and favourites Egypt had to work overtime to beat a spirited India 2-1 in the final to annex the WSF Under-21 World Cup team championship here on Sunday.

 »  Duleep Trophy semifinal: Central Zone in command
Chennai |Sunday, 2012 7:35:06 PM IST
Central Zone took a firm grip on the Duleep Trophy semifinal against South Zone by stumps on the second day with an overall lead of 237 runs and nine wickets in hand.

 » South collapse 183, as Bhuvaneswar, Jalaj excel with ball
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
Four times winner Central Zone who hit back strongly after having been bowled out for 293, batting first after wining the toss on the first day, forced a first innings lead of 110 runs were 127-1 in their second innings on the second day of the Duleep Trophy cricket championship semi finals here today. Central, who lost their star opener Vineet Saxena cheaply(2), bowled by an inswinger from Kaushik Jagannath in the fourth over of the innings,, recovered through a second wicket stand of 123 runs between Naman Ojha (79 Batting, 81balls, 8 fours,5 sixes.) and first innings hero Md Kaif(41 battign, seven fours). Earlier, Stewart Binny who top scored for South Zone with 56 off 68 balls with seven fours and a six, rallied the team with a stand of 55 with Amit Verma for the fifth wicket. MORE UNI VV ADB1815 NNNN

 » Son steals parents' fortune, lands behind bars
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
In a case of 'fence eating the crop', a son of a practising woman advocate in the Madras High Court, was today arrested for robbing 55 sovereigns of jewellery and Rs 20 lakh from his own house on Friday. Police sources said acting on a complaint, a special team arrested Rathina Selvam and his aide Jayapaul alias Mohan today. Rathina Selvam was the younger son of Advocate Malathy and her husband Ganesan, who was employed with the Registration Department. Rathina Selvam had demanded money from his parents for starting a business but they had refused it. The couple, who were residents of the northern suburb of Ennore, had gone to attend a family wedding on Friday. When they returned home in the noon they found the wooden almirah broken and 55 sovereigns of jewellery and Rs 20 lakh cash stolen. They preferred a complaint with the Ennore Police station and special teams were formed to crack the case. After getting to know from the complainants that their youngest son had asked for money, police grilled him and he spilled the beans. He confessed that he and his friend had looted the money from his own House and purchased a car for Rs five lakh. Police arrested the duo and seized the car and the balance amount and jewellery from them. They were later remanded in judicial custody. Chennai City Police Commissioner J K Tripathy lauded the special team for cracking the case in double quick time. UNI GV VV 1835 NNNN

 » Kollywood in crisis, FEFSI locks horns with Producers on wages
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
Crisis gripped Kollywood as the two-week long stand-off between the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) and the Tamil Film Producers Council over wage revision, deepened today with members of the former staging a day-long fast seeking the intervention of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Film shooting had been crippled for the last 15 days after a new wage proposal mooted by the FEFSI was turned down by the Council, leading to the stand off. The Film Producers Council had convened an emergency meeting and refused to accept FEFSI's unilateral proposal. It also announced severing of its ties with FEFSI while allowing a free hand to film producers to make their own arrangements in hiring staff while asking them not to engage those owing allegiance to FEFSI. This led to a crisis in the Kollywood and shooting of several films, which had hit the floors, including films of leading stars, were grounded resulting in loss of several crores of rupees. MORE UNI GV GM 1714 NNNN

 » Jaya condoles death of Archbishop Christopher Aasir
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today condoled the death of Madurai-Ramanathapuram Archbishop A Christopher Aasir, who died on February three following illness. In a statement here, she said Archbisop Christpher had involved deeply himself into religious works and had served as a Bishop in various churches and also as Archbishop and propogated the preachings of Jesus Christ. She said his death was an irreparable loss to the Christian community and expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. UNI GV AKM 1526 NNNN

 » Solatium to parents of boy who was mauled by leopard
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced a solatium of Rs three lakh to the parents of a boy who was mauled to death by a leopard at Valparai in Coimbatore district on February three. In a statement here, she expressed shock and grief over the death of Jerine Dorino who died while being taken to a hospital after he was attacked by the leopard. She expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and announced an immediate solatium of Rs three lakh from the Forest Department. UNI GV AKM 1514 NNNN

 » MK condemns AIADMK for suspending Vijayakanth from Assembly
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
DMK President M Karunanidhi today condemned the ruling AIADMK for suspending DMDK leader Vijayakanth from the Tamil Nadu Assembly and described it as undemocratic. Talking to reporters here, he said the AIADMK Government led by J Jayalalithaa had been continuously indulging in acts that were violation of democracy and breaking democratic traditions. ''One such example was the atrocities unleashed on DMDK founder and Actor-politician Vijayakanth,'' he said, when asked about the suspension of the DMDK leader from the State Assembly for behaving in a manner that lowered the dignity and decorum of the House. ''The government is not only anti-democratic but is breaking democracy,'' he charged. Mr Vijayakanth, who had a direct confrontation with the Chief Minister in the State Assembly, during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address, was evicted along with his party members on February one from the House for gesticulating at the Treasury Benches. His behaviour was referred to the Privileges Committee, which had recommended his suspension for ten days, following which the House had on February two adopted a resolution to this effect. MORE UNI GV AKM 1504 NNNN

 » Jaya to visit Tiruchi, Srirangam on Feb 13
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa will visit Tiruchirapalli and Srirangam assembly constituency on February, State Minister for School Education N R Sivapachi said. Talking to newspersons here today after visiting the venues where the functions to be attended by the Chief Minister would be held, he said the Chief Minister would distribute various welfare aids to the needy poor besides laying foundation stone for various proposed new schemes in Tiruchirapalli district, especially Srirangam Assembly constituency, which she presents in the state assembly. Earlier, Mr Sivapachi, along with State Finance Minister O Paneerselvam, Revenue Minister K A sengotaian, former Minister M Paranjothi, District Collector Ms Jayashri Muralidharan and others inspected various public places where the Chief Minister programme would be held. UNI RV AKM RSS 1249 NNNN

 »  Nair, three others found responsible for controversial deal
Chennai |Sunday, 2012 1:35:05 AM IST
A five-member team that probed a controversial deal between Antrix Corporation and Devas Multimedia has concluded that former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair and three other scientists were responsible for the contract.

 » Two IAS Officers Transferred
Chennai | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
The Tamil Nadu government today transferred two IAS officers, including the Collector of Ramanathapuram Mr Arun Roy. As per orders Mr V Arun Roy, IAS Collector, Ramanathapuram district,to transferred and posted to act as Deputy Secretary to government(Budget), finance department vice Mr K Nanthakumar IAS: and Mr K Nanthakumar IAS deputy Secretary to government (Budget) finance department is transferred and post to act as Collector, Ramanathapuram district vice Mr V Arun Roy,IAS. UNI KSR 0015 NNNN

 » Ramit, Deepika steer India to final upsetting France
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
World number 384 Ramit Tandon and world no 15 Deepika Pallikal did the star turn taking India into the of the first World Cup Under-21 sqush championships, the former psetting higher ranked eoffrey Demont of France for a title clash against top seed and favourites Egypt at the Express Avenue Mall here today. Watched by a goodly crowd at the Mall and with the score one-all, Dipika Palikal gave hopes to Ramit by winning her match in a businesslike manner before which Ravi Dixit had lost his tie. Lucas Serme of France brought about his best to oust Ravi Dixit, but the visitors caved in to pressure, as it were. In the first semi final, Egypt won against second seeded England 2-1. Ramit Tandon was at his best and dished out almost all shots in the book to get the better of Geoffrey Demont, world ranked 140. Starting off in a commanding manner to lead with a first game 11-5 verdict, Ramit lost the second 6-11 but taught a few lessons to a more experienced Geoffrey with delectable drops and boasts. The manner in which he pinned Geoffrey to the base line most often and then controlled the game from the front was eloquent. Ramit won 11-5, 6-11, 11-2, 14-12. Ravi Dixit lost 6-11, 11-6, 6-11, 7-11 to Lucas, But Dipika crushed Chloe Mesic 11-3, 11-3, 11-5, watched by the goodly crowd, Dipika was at ease and proved her class with a variety of strokes, including her measured drops. More UNI VV VS 2234 In Lucas-Ravi match, the latter was strong in all departments of the game and particularly the length that he played on his forehand and the cross court shots earned many points and applause from strong crowds. Losing the first game at 11-6, Ravi was not perturbed but came back strongly to return the compliment. He ran up to a 7-3 lead and was serving 10-6. Here he lost in concentration and failed to return an easy ball but then managed to win the game on his third game point at 11-8. In the third game, Lucus took a 7-4 lead before winning the game to lead 2-1 but in the fourth Ravi indulged in keeping up to long rallies and then match Lucas for each point. However, Ravi, who led 7-6 yielded room for Lucas to gain two points to lead 8-6 and then changed his game plan adopting methods of playing fast and then shifted gears without any change in his aggression before winning the match. NNNN

 » India go down fighting to France in semis:Deepika lone winner
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Top seeds Egypt made it to the final but India's hopes of upsetting France to make it to the title clash were dashed as the former won easily after losing the second singles to Diplika Pallikal in the semi finals of the first World Cup Under 21 squash championships here today. The good turn out of spectators at India's largest Express Mall were treatedto some fine display by the India's top ranked woman player and national champion Dipika Pallikal who put it across Mesic Chloe 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 in the second singles to draw level 1-1 and keep the host's hopoes alive. But first Ravi Dixit lost to lucas Serme though fighting 6-11, 11-8, 6-11,7-11, short on experience and then in the decider Ravi Tandon went down to Geoffrey Demont 5-11, 11-6, 2-11. India would now have to fight for the third position taking on England on the morrow when the final will also be contested by Egypt and France at the same venue. More UNI VV VS 2129 NNNN

 » kAIF(108 n.o), Chawla (52) help Central Zone to recover
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Team India discar Md Kaif (108 not out) and captain Piyush Chawla( 52) rallied Central Zone to 292 for 8 in 393 minutes of batting in their first innings on the first day of the Duleep trophy cricket championship semi finals here today. Kaif and Chawla helped the innings to recover after Central, batting first on winning the toss, lost their opener Vineet Saxena,the star batsaman who spearheaded Rajasthan to their second Ranji victory with a fine double hundred here recently. Central were in dire straits losing their first six wickets for 180 runs. Kaif batting at no 1 position saw the other openerN Ojha(9), M Mishra(15), Robin Bist(5) falling cheaply. Jalaj Saxena( 29,46 balls, six fours and Parvinder Singh(22, 71 bls, three fours) mad euseful contributions even as South Zone bowlers appeared to scyth throught the batting. More UNI VV ADB 1855 NNNN

 » Vijayakanth gives up his official car
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
DMDK Founder-President and Leader of the Opposition, Vijayakanth today returned his official car to the government after he was suspended from the state assembly for ten days. The house suspended him on February two, based on the recommendations of the privileges committee for his acts, lowering the dignity of the house after heated exchanges with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on February one. Two days after his suspension, the Actor-Politician returned the official car. His Personal Assistant came in the car and handed over the keys to the officials at the Secretariat this morning. Mr Vijayakanth is not supposed to use the official car as Speaker D Jayakumar, while announcing the suspension, had said he would not be entitled to salary, perks and other privileges as Leader of the Opposition during the ten day period. Being the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Vijayakanth enjoyed the status of Cabinet Minister. He was entitled to Government accomodation but chose to stay at his own house. UNI WS GM 1851 NNNN

 » Sitting, Chief Minister replies to Governor's address
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
For the first time, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today chose to sit while replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the House. Ms Jayalalithaa, who stood up for about 30 minutes during her address, sought permission from Speaker D Jayakumar to sit down and continue her reply. After the Chair gave her permission, the Chief Miniser, who was reportedly not comfortable standing for so long a time, sat down and continued her reply. Ms Jayalalithaa replied to the debate for close to 90 minutes, clarifying all issues raised by the members of the opposition, during the debate on the motion. However, DMDK members did not turn up in the House and boycotted her reply, while DMK members staged a walk out, taking exception to Ms Jayalalithaa's criticism of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The floor leaders of CPI(M), CPI, Congress, PMK, All India Samathuava Makkal Katchi, Puthiya Tamizhagam and Republican Party of India, hailed Ms Jayalalithaa for her lengthy reply, clarifying and answering queries raised by the members. UNI WS VV 1920 NNNN

 » VCK Gen Secy arrested
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) General Secretary R Vanniarasu (41) was today arrested in connection with a 2007 case pertaining to securing fake passport and smuggling of spares used in high speed boats allegedly meant for the banned LTTE. Vanniarasu was arrested by the 'Q' Branch Police and produced before 23rd Saidapet Metropolitan Magistrate Akhila Shalini, who remanded him in judicial custody till February 17. He was later lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. He was charged under Sec 12(b) of Passport Act, 1957 and under Sec 10 (a) (iv) of Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act. Vanniarasu was earlier arrested in connection with the same case in 2007 October, when VCK was a key ally of the then DMK Government. VCK Founder Thol Thirumavalavan at that time claimed that it was a fabricated case and Vanniarasu was subsequently released on bail. MORE UNI GV GM 1842 NNNN

 »  WSF Squash: India to meet Egypt in final
Chennai |Saturday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
Ramit Tandon Saturday pulled off a thrilling win over higher ranked Geoffrey Demont to put India against Egypt in the final of the WSF Under-21 World Cup squash championship here.

 »  Power situation to improve from June: Jayalalithaa
Chennai |Saturday, 2012 9:35:06 PM IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Saturday said the power shortage in the state would start easing from June this year.

 »  Kudankulam parties welcome Jayalalithaa's announcement
Chennai |Saturday, 2012 7:05:05 PM IST
The two parties in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) row -- the central government and the anti-project activists -- Saturday welcomed the Tamil Nadu governments decision to set up an experts panel to look into the safety, peoples perceptions and fears about the mega atomic power project coming up in the state's Tirunelveli district.

 »  Kaif, Chawla rescue Central in Duleep Trophy
Chennai |Saturday, 2012 7:05:05 PM IST
An unbeaten 108 by Mohammad Kaif helped Central Zone recover from a shaky start and post 292 for eight at stumps on the first day of their Duleep Trophy semi-final match against South Zone here Saturday.

 » Jaya says power position to ease, blames DMK regime for problem
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Asserting Tamil Nadu would be freed from power cuts from the middle of next year, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today told the State Assembly the power position would ease by June this year when the government would commission three projects to get an additional 1950 MW of power. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address, she said had the previous DMK Regime followed up the power projects launched by the AIADMK Government during 2001-06,the state would have got 3,000 MW of power but it 'miserably failed.' The DMK Government, during 2006-11, only 2518 MW of power was generated and it failed to launch any new power project leading to the present crisis, she claimed. Soon after the AIADMK came to power, the government took various steps, following which, the Vallur 500 MW unit would be commissioned by March this year and Tamil Nadu would get 375 MW. Similarly, the Vallur 500 MW Second Unit, which should have been commissioned in March last, would be commissioned in June this year. The 600 MW Mettur third unit should have been commissioned by September last but due to the slow pace of work during the DMK regime, it got delayed. This would be commissioned by March this year, Ms Jayalalithaa said. MORE UNI WS GM 1737 NNNN

 » Centre welcomes TN govt. decision to set up expert panel on KKNP
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Amid the logjam over the commissioning of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNP), the Centre and the Anti-Koodankulam Struggle Committee today welcomed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to set up an expert panel on the issue. ''We welcome the Tamil Nadu government's decision to constitute an expert panel'', Union Minister of State in PMO V Narayanasamy said, talking to a private TV channel. Mr M Pushparayan, Convener of the Coastal People's Federation and a leading member of the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), which is spearheading the anti-KNPP struggle, also welcomed the move and wanted inclusion of their representatives in the state's expert panel. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, while replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the state Assembly, said the state would constitute an expert panel to look into the fears and concerns of locals and the safety aspects of the KKNP. Ms Jayalalithaa said the expert committee would soon submit its report to the Government, based on which further action would be taken. Reacting to Ms Jayalalithaa's announcement, Mr Narayanasamy welcomed it. ''We request the panel to come out with its report at the earliest'', he added. He said several experts and the 15-member expert panel formed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had vouched for the safety of the reactors, while allaying fears of the locals that their livelihood would not be be affected by the KKNP. Hailing the Chief Minister's announcment, Mr Pushparayan wanted inclusion of their representatives in the panel. UNI GV VV NNNN

 » DMDK boycotts CM's address, DMK walks out
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
A day after expressing their protest over the ten-day suspension of Leader of the Opposition Vijayakanth, wearing black shirts, DMDK members today boycotted Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's reply today while members of the DMK staged a walk out and a few others evicted by the Speaker. The opposition benches wore a deserted look as DMDK members, who came to the House yesterday, wearing black shirts, boycotted the House today when Ms Jayalalithaa replied to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the House. Party Legislator Arun Pandian was the lone member to turn up in the House but he too left after coming to know that his colleagues had boycotted. The House on February two slapped a ten-day suspension on Mr Vijayakanth for his actions lowering the dignity of the House after a heated exchange with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. When she started replying to the debate this morning, the House witnessed noisy scenes as DMK members protested against Ms Jayalalithaa taking a dig at their leader and Former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi without mentioning him by name. More UNI WS GM 1703 NNNN

 » Two AIADMK advocates file complaints against Vijayakanth
Chennai | Saturday, Feb 4 2012 IST
Two Advocates of the ruling AIADMK today filed complaints against DMDK founder and actor-politician Vijayakanth demanding action against him for making defamatory remarks against the party's General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa after he was suspended from the state Assembly for unruly behaviour on February two. In their complaints lodged at the Koyambedu Police station, AIADMK Minority Wing leader Gnanamuthu and Krishnamoorthy, both paractising advocates at the Madras High Court alleged that Mr Vijayakanth's outbursts against Ms Jayalalithaa were defamatory in nature and demanded action against him. It may be recalled that Mr Vijayakanth, reacting to his suspension from the state Assembly, told the media at his party office in Koyambedu that Ms Jayalalithaa had never changed her attitude and criticised her government. He also made some outbursts against the Chief Minister and had said he also regretted that DMDK forged an alliance with her party for the Assembly polls last year. ''The outbursts of Mr Vijayakanth were defamatory in nature and aimed at tarnishing Ms Jayalalithaa in the public'', the advocates said in their complaint and demanded immediate action against him. They also said if necessary action was not taken against Mr Vijayakanth, they would take legal recourse. During the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address in the State Assembly on February one, a verbal duel broke out between AIADMK and the DMDK, which later turned into a direct war of words between Ms Jayalalithaa and Mr Vijayakanth. During the wordy duel, Vijayakant had angrily gesticulated at the Treasury Benches following which the DMDK members were evicted enmasse from the House. After the eviction of DMDK members, Ms Jayalalithaa had launched a frontal attack on Vijayakanth and termed his conduct as ''disgusting and crude''. ''Vijayakanth's obnoxious behaviour was an example of what will happen if undeserving persons come to such high posts'', she had said, and regretted for having forged an electoral alliance with that DMDK for last year's Assembly polls. UNI GV VV 1700 NNNN

 »  Tamil Nadu to ask expert panel to study Kudankulam safety
Chennai |Saturday, 2012 4:35:05 PM IST
The Tamil Nadu government will soon set up an expert committee to examine safety aspects of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) and any further action will only come after getting its report, Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa said here Saturday.