TN NDA: Is DMDK on the way out?

Transcription

FRONTLINE
PRINTERS
PRIVATE LTD
Complete Printing
Facilities under
One Roof
3
Tambaram - ‘Third
Terminal conundrum
6
Tendulkar is the
‘Generation’s best’
7
EC to act against
Vijayakanth?
8
Uttama Villain: Kamal
to play dual role
M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka
Industrial Estate,
Guindy,
Chennai - 600 032.
& 2250 0111, 4202 1111
Chennai’s No 1 English evening daily since 1982
www.newstodaynet.com
NATIONAL DAILY
FOUNDER EDITOR: T.R.R
VOL. XXXII NO. 111 H CHENNAI H SATURDAY 15.3.2014 (EVENING) H OTHER STATIONS SUNDAY 16.3.2014 (MORNING) H 8 PAGES Rs. 4.00 H Regd. No., TN/CC(S) Dn. / 223 / 12-14, RNI No: 33810 / 82
TN NDA: Is DMDK
on the way out?
q Vijayakanth’s actions upsets BJP q Talks hit roadblock
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
The much-hyped alliance between
the DMDK and BJP in Tamilnadu for
the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls seems
to be withering away following some differences between the two parties over
identification of constituencies.
DMDK president Vijayakanth’s unilateral decision to go ahead with the poll
campaign and coming out with first list
of candidates (for five Lok Sabha seats)
and the Alandur by-poll yesterday
seems to have not gone down well with
the BJP and its partners.
Sources in the BJP said that they
managed to find a common ground
with the DMDK after several rounds of
negotiations. ‘However, trouble erupted
over identification of the seats from
where we have to contest. The channel
of communication between the two parties has been dead since yesterday.’
Adding to the confusion is Vijayakanth’s
campaign trail, announcement of candidates and no-reference of either BJP or
Final decision
The BJP is expected to take a
decision on its Tamilnadu front
by tonight. General secretary
and State-in-charge, P Muralidhar Rao, said, ‘We have briefed
party’s central election committee on the latest developments.’
‘The decision of the party president Rajnath Singh will be final’,
he said
its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra
Modi in his rallies, they added. Apparently peeved at the no reponse from the
DMDK and its ‘tall demands’, the State
unit of the BJP has reportedly given up
any task to convince them.
A report in this regard will be submitted to the party’s central election committee for further action, said a senior
BJP leader on condition of anonymity.
Forming an alliance is an effort by all
parties concerned. Further sustaining
the alliance also depends on all the
parties, he said and added, ‘The PMK
is more cooperative than the DMDK.’
‘The leaders of the BJP are keeping
a close watch on Vijayakanth’s political
moves. He will be addressing a rally at
Vellore this evening and is expected to
come out with his party’s second list of
candidates. In such scenario, the BJP
could be compelled to announce that
all will come to an end’, a section say.
Vijayakanth’s demand for some constituencies especially Aarni (which the PMK
is eyeing) and Tiruchy (considered a BJP
bastion) seems to be the crux of trouble.
However, a section of the BJP leaders
maintained that the party is still trying to
weave an alliance with the DMDK.
Meanwhile sources in the DMDK
allege that a final decision on the
alliance is needlessly delayed by the
BJP. ‘With just a couple of weeks left
to file nominations and when all other
major parties in the State have begun
their campaign, it is needless to play
wait and watch game’, they say.
Troubled times
A
n arrest warrant was today issued against Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade on visa fraud charges after
her fresh indictment by US prosecutors who accused her
of ‘illegally’ underpaying and ‘exploiting’ her domestic maid.
The 39-year-old Devyani Khobragade, who was arrested in New York on 12 December and has since
been transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs in
New Delhi, faces arrest if she visits the US where her
husband and two children are staying.
Following the fresh 21-page indictment, US Attorney
in Manhattan India-born Preet Bharara said in a letter to
US District Judge William Pauley that an ‘arrest warrant
was also issued today’ against the diplomat and that
the government ‘will alert the court immediately upon
the defendant’s arrest so that an appearance’ before
the judge may be scheduled.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said
today that investigators believe the missing Malaysian
airliner’s communications were deliberately disabled,
that it turned back from its flight to Beijing and flew for
more than seven hours.
Najib also said that authorities are now trying to trace
the airplane missing for more than a week across two
possible corridors - a northern corridor from northern
Thailand through to the border of Kazakhstan and
Turkmenistan, and a southern corridor from Indonesia
to the southern Indian Ocean.
Missing flight:
Malaysia smells a rat
Kuala Lumpur, Mar 15 (PTI):
Not ruling out a hijack, Malaysia today said the movement of the missing Flight MH370 with 239 people on
board was consistent with deliberate action by someone
on plane’. Prime Minister Najib Razak said authorities
are now trying to trace the plane across two possible
corridors - in the north to the border of Kazakhstan
and Turkmenistan,
and a southern corridor from Indonesia
to the southern Indian
Ocean.
Based on new satellite communication we
can say with a high
degree of certainty that
the aircraft communication addressing system was disabled just before the
aircraft reached the east coast of Malaysia,’ Najib told
reporters here at a press conference.
He said the aircraft’s transponder was switched off
shortly afterwards when the plane was between the border of Malaysian and Vietnamese air traffic control.
‘Radar data showed that from this point onwards a
plane believed to be MH370 did turn back and turned
back in a westerly direction before turning north west.
‘These were deliberate actions of someone on plane,’
he said, but stopped short of saying the aircraft had
been hijacked.
The last satellite communication was at 8.11 am (local
time) on March 8, he said, suggesting that the plane was
in the air for 7.5 hours after it lost the control.
The plane had left Kuala lumpur for Beijing at 12:41
am and lost contact with civilian radar and hour later.
Despite the media of reports hijacking, I am very clear
we are still looking into all possibilities, he said.
The Prime Minister
said that based on the
raw satellite radar it
could be confirmed
that the aircraft which
was spotted an hour
after it vanished from
the civilian radar and
seen on the military’s
primary radar was indeed the missing Malaysian plane Boeing 777 Flight
MH370. Najib said there will be a refocus on investigation on crew and passengers.
Clearly the search for MH370 has entered a new
phase,’ he said. ‘We hope this new information brings
us one step closer to finding the plane.’ He said, ‘We
are ending our operation in the South China Sea and
reassessing the deployment of our assets.’
There has been no trace of the plane nor any sign of
wreckage despite a search by the navies and military
aircraft of 14 countries across Southeast Asia that involve 43 ships and 58 aircraft.
Published by K. Balakumar on behalf of News Today Media (P) Ltd., from 85, Mount Road (GST Road), Guindy, Chennai 600 032 and printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy,
Chennai 600 032. Ph: 4202 1111. Editor: K. Balakumar. Phone: Editorial/Admn /Advt: 22504000, Fax: 2250 1800 (Editorial)/2250 1200/2250 0101 (Advt/Admn). e-mail: [email protected], Circulation: 4202 1111. Fax: 4212 0000.
2 SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
Election
Over 2,500
saltpan workers
join BJP
Surendrangar, Mar 15 (PTI):
More than 2,500 saltpan
workers and their leaders in
the district joined BJP claiming they were unhappy with
the alleged false promises
of Rahul Gandhi during his
recent visit to Kharaghoda, a
party official said.
These salt pan workers and
leaders belong to various salt
producing co-operative societies and trusts based in Surendranagar district.
Gujarat BJP spokesperson I K Jadeja claimed that
Rahul Gandhi failed to give
any satisfactory answers to
salt pan workers during his
recent visit.
‘These questions varied from
the central government’s decision to close down Dhrangadhra-Kuda broadgauge railway
to non-payment of salt-cess
money to beneficiaries since
the last seven to eight years,’
he said in a statement.
The BJP claimed that Rahul could not answer these
questions and only gave false
promises during his interaction
with workers.
‘Tired of such apathy towards
them by the Congress for 10
years, these workers and their
leaders joined the BJP today at
its Surendranagar office’ Jadeja
said in the statement.
How to block
BLACK money?
q Income Tax department
starts toll-free helpline
New Delhi, Mar 15:
The Income Tax department has floated a
toll-free helpline number for general public
to alert it about any suspicious movement
of large sums of cash in the national capital
during polls.
The investigation wing of the department has created a control room and
complaint monitoring cell at its office
here on the instructions of the Election Commission (EC) which wants to
curb the use of blackmoney and illegal
inducements in the poll process.
The toll-free number--1800110132-will be monitored round-the-clock and
will be supervised by a senior officer in
the rank of Joint Director (I-T), a senior
official said.
SPORTS
JAYA TV
STAR SPORTS 1
04:30
05:00
05:30
06:30
07:30
08:00
10:00
10:30
10:45
11:00
04:30 PM Jai Ho
05:00 PM T20 Triumphs
06:00 PM Best of Asia Cup 2014 : Top 10
Safe Hands & Top 10 Bloopers
07:00 PM Star Power
08:00 PM La Liga Fillers
08:25 PM Liga Bbva 2013/14 : Levante UD
vs. Celta de Vigo
10:30 PM ICC World T20 Best of Matches
: Semi Final 2010: Australia vs.
Pakistan
11:00 PM Star Power
11:30 PM Jai Ho
Pillai Nila
Mundhanai Mudichu
Pasamalar
News
Nadhaswaram
Deiva Magal
Vamsam
Thendral
Vani Rani
Sivasankari
Movie
KALAIGNAR TV
04:00
04:30
05:00
07:00
08:30
10:30
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
Pudhu Paadal
Sirithalae Inikkum
Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi
News
Chinnathirai Cinema
Nenjam Marappadhillai
VIJAY TV
06:00
07:00
08:00
09:00
11:00
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
Olli Belly
Athu Ithu Yethu
Kitchen Super Star Juniors
Jodi No.1 (Season 7)
Koffee with DD
Chutti TV
04:00
05:00
06:00
07:00
08:00
08:30
09:00
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
- will be
monitored
round-the-clock
and will be
senior officer
BANGALORE
SOUTH
It is one of the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies
in Karnataka.
Former Unique Identification Authority of
India Chairman and Infosys co-founder,
Nandan Nilekani, will contest from here for
Congress party. He will be up against BJP’s
Ananth Kumar who has been representing the
constituency since 1996.
ASSEMBLY SEGMENTS
Aheri, Aamgaon, Wadsa, Desaiganj areas in Gadchiroli district will be between 7 am and 4 pm for
security reasons, he said.
Additional troops of paramilitary forces are being deployed in the district to avoid any untoward
incident.
‘The state government and Election Commission
are also making efforts to increase the polling percentage this time which was quite low, like 49 per
cent in Nagpur and 53 per cent in Ramtek, last time.
We want to raise it to 75 per cent,’ Saharia said.
STAR SPORTS 2
04:00
04:30
05:00
06:00
06:30
07:30
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
Great Knocks
Hockey India League 2014 H/ls
Great Knocks
Hockey India League 2014 H/ls
Great Knocks
Asia Cup - India’s Triumphant Moments
08:00 PM Fillers
08:25 PM Liga Bbva 2013/14 : Levante UD
vs. Celta de Vigo
10:25 PM Liga Bbva 2013/14 : Rayo Vallecano vs. UD Almeria
STAR SPORTS 3
04:00 PM Asia Cup 2014 H/ls : India vs.
Pakistan
05:00 PM Best of Asia Cup : Top 20 Sixes &
Top 20 Boundaries
05:30 PM Hockey Hotshots
Pakistan
07:00 PM Jai Ho
07:30 PM Best of Asia Cup : Top 10 Safe
Hands & Top 10 Bloopers
08:00 PM Star Power
08:30 PM Jai Ho
09:30 PM Great Knocks
10:30 PM Star Power
Pakistan
05:19
06:56
09:00
11:49
PM
PM
PM
PM
NIMIRINDHU NIL
W
H
A
T’S
I
N
C
I
N
E
M
A
SONY PIX
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
— 1800110132-
supervised by a
MOVIES ON TV
05:30
06:00
06:30
07:00
07:30
08:00
08:30
09:00
09:30
10:00
11:00
number
The department has also prepared a team of chosen sleuths
which will be monitoring blackmoney related instances with
special emphasis on the measures deployed for the election
period, a senior I-T officer said.
The EC has created an Election Expenditure Monitoring
cell within its establishment to
monitor illegal money and other
such bribes to voters during the
forthcoming Parliamentary polls
in Delhi.
The I-T department is a part
of this mechanism.
Delhi
has seven Lok Sabha seats and
will vote on April 10.
Nagpur, Mar 15 (PTI):
Maharashtra Government will
equip about 166 booths in the
Naxalaffected Gadchiroli district with
satellite
phones for smooth polling, as they
lack landline or mobile phone connectivity, State
Chief Secretary J S Saharia said here yesterday.
Saharia, who reviewed the poll preparedness for
the April 10 Lok Sabha elections in Vidarbha region,
said at a press conference.
Besides, polling in the naxal-infested areas of
I want to make it absolutely clear that B
Sriramulu has been admitted in the party
despite my stiff opposition.
— BJP senior leader
Sushma Swaraj
SUN TV
The toll-free
‘Poll booths in Naxal-hit areas
to have satellite phones’
Since last one year, we have been told
that Modi is there, Modi is there. Since
one year, Modi has also been saying that
— AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
New Songs
Vaanam Vasapadum
Gallatta Comedy
Kakka Kakka
News
Kakka Kakka
Songs
English News
Tamil News
Hits
VIP VICINITY
2014
I fully understand what political decorum
is and will always abide by it.
— BJP general
secretary Varun Gandhi
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
CHENNAI
Vantage Point
The Expendables
GoldenEye
Anaconda 3: Offspring
HBO
04:43 PM I Am Legend
06:44 PM Romeo Must Die
09:00 PM Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man’s Chest
Prarthana
Abirami
Sathyam
Inox
Woodlands
Sangam
Albert
Udhayam
Ags Omr
Ags Villivakkam
4
8
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
8
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Govindraj Nagar, Vijay Nagar,
Chickpet, Basavanagudi,
Padmanaba Nagar, B T M Layout,
Jayanagar and Bommanahalli.
Year
Member
1977
K S Hegde
1980
T R Shamanna
Janata Party
1984
V S Krishna Iyer
Janata Party
1989
R Gundu Rao
National Congress
1991
K Ven Gowda
BJP
1996
Ananth Kumar
BJP
1998
Ananth Kumar
BJP
1999
Ananth Kumar
BJP
2004
Ananth Kumar
BJP
2009
Ananth Kumar
BJP
AAYIRATHIL ORUVAN
2014
Abirami
Santham Sathyam
Devi
Inox
Sangam
Albert
Pvr
Avm Rajeswari
Abirami
3
2
3
1
1
2
2
4
3
Shows
Shows
Shows
Show
Show
Shows
Shows
Shows
Shows
Party
Janata Party
ADIYUM ANDAMUM
Abirami
Studio5 Sathyam
Devi
Woodlands
Sangam
Albert
Pvr
Udhayam
1 Show
1 Show
2 Shows
2 Shows
1 Show
1 Show
1 Show
3 Shows
MOVIES NOW
04:20
06:15
09:00
10:50
PM
PM
PM
PM
2662
7
2
1
4
9
Another Earth
X2: X-Men United
The Darkest Hour
Journey to the Center of the
SUDOKU
5
7
6
1
5
4
3
9
3
9
1
4
9
6
5
1
6
3
5
7
9
2
7
The object is to insert the numbers
in the boxes to satisfy only one
condition: each row, column and
3x3 box must contain the digits 1
through 9 exactly once: Easy nah?
SUDOKU
2661
(14.03.2014 Answer)
9
7
Barney And Friends
5 1
The Penguins of Madagascar
8 4
Thalaiva Jackie & Gilli Friends
4 5
All in all Azhaghu Raja (2)
7 6
Chutti Family of the week
3 2
Comedy Juniors
1 9
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of
2 8
Awesomeness
10:00 PM
Game
6 3
Published
by Word
K. Balakumar
on behalf of News Today Media (P) Ltd., from 85, Mount Road (GST Road),
6
3
8
4
5
2
3
9
4
6
2
8
1
7
2
1
1
3
6
9
7
8
9
2
5
7
3
6
9
8
5
2
6
7
1
7
3
5
4
2
3
5
8
4
1
6
8
9
4
7
9
4
6
1
3
5
Man held for breaking
into police station!
M
ost crooks want to break out of
police stations, but a man in the US
has been dubbed as ‘America’s Dumbest
Criminal’ for breaking into one.
Michael Naughton, 24, from Somerville,
Massachusetts, was arrested after being
busted for allegedly trying to break into a
Boston police station.
Naughton, was charged with breaking,
entering, trespassing, and resisting arrest
after he broke in to the Boston Police
District A-1 neighbourhood
station on Sudbury Street
on Tuesday.
Officers allegedly saw
Naughton ‘violently pull’
on the locked door to the
station’s garage and walk in,
the Boston Globe reported.
Police followed him and
asked him why he was
entering the garage, and he
starting yelling at the ofcers, asking them
to leave his ‘house’, police said.
When ofcers informed the suspect that
he had broken into an area of a Boston
police station, he
continued to yell
out his address
and became
argumentative.
Police attempted
to arrest him,
but he pulled his
arms away from
the officers and
tensed his body.
Eventually, officers
handcuffed Naughton,
but he refused to walk
or stand, so the ofcers
had to carry him into
the booking area, police
said. Naughton was
later released on his
own recognizance. He
is to return to court
June 10 for a pretrial hearing, said Suffolk
district attorney’s spokesman Jake Wark.
The man has been dubbed as ‘America’s
Dumbest Criminal’, media reports said.
Arvind Kejriwal @ArvindKejriwal
Twit
Pick
“There are many more truths
about Modi ji’s development. But
the question is - which media
house wud show that?”
4 5 8Chennai
1 7 600
9 2
Guindy,
032 and printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy,
Mixed Bag
CHENNAI
SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
3
Tambaram - ‘Third
Terminal’ conundrum
q Passengers weigh up possibilities
A view of Tambaram Railway Station
NIVEDHIKA KRISHNAN
Rotary District Governor A P Kanna with racers Armaan Ebrahim,
Alisha Abdullah and Feroze Khan at the launch of the ‘Save
Animals’ project in Chennai.
Rotary Club launches
‘Save Animals’ project
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
Rotary Club of Madras Magnum (RCMM) here has launched the ‘Magnum
Animals Welfare’ Project at a function held here Thursday.
According to a press note, the club decided to take up a unique service
to community, to the animal community. As part of this project, the first
beneficiary would be ‘People For Animals - Chennai Chapter’ (PFA).
PFA is nationally headed by Menaka Gandhi and the founders of the Chennai
chapter are Sugalchand Jain, Sethu Vaidyanathan and Shiranee Pareira.
The Rotary Club has extended support to PFA to build better infrastructure
at the PFA Redhills shelter to make the life of animals better.
The other project the club will support to cause of TB eradication in alliance
with its sponsor club, The Rotary Club of Madras Southwest (District 3230).
The Club was officially chartered in January 2014 and the Charter Presentation ceremony was held recently. The chief guest for the function was A P
Kanna, Rotary District Governor (District 3230). The guest of honours were
motor racing champions - Armaan Ebrahim, Alisha Abdullah and Feroze
Khan. Rotary district officials and members from other Rotary Cclubs of
Chennai were present.
For details call Gaurav Jain, president of Rotary Club of Madras Magnum
at 98410 62626.
Chennai, Mar 15:
From a modest suburban station on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpet
section, Tambaram has developed rapidly in the last two decades
and has been mentioned as a possible ‘third hub’ after Central and
Egmore.
However, nothing much has happened on the front, it can be said. Despite
funds being allocated for the same in the Union Budget, there doesn’t seem
to be much happening on the same.
It is said the expansion was seen as a precursor to better infrastructure at the
station apart from increase in frequency of services on the Beach-Chengalpet
sector. This gave rise to a lot of hope among the commuters. Yet, things seem
to have been stalled in this regard. Official sources said that 78 pairs of trains
are operated between Beach and Tambaram and 35 between Beach and
Chengalpet every day.
Turning Tambaram into a third terminal has gained momentum with the
general elections upon us, said commuters.
‘Poor frequency of trains on the Beach-Chengalpet sector often causes
commuters to travel dangerously, clinging on to iron railings at compartment
entrances,’ said Sasitharan, a regular commuter.
The move to develop Tambaram as the third terminal hasn’t gone down
well with some. Two months ago, the Tamilnadu Rail Passengers’ Rights
Tribune took part in a ‘peace walk’ across 27 towns in the State to express
their discontent over the announcement.
They alleged that the proposal to start/terminate trains at Tambaram lets
down people in north Chennai as it would put passengers to hardship.
The reasons cited by the Railways for shifting the terminus is that Egmore station has become too congested, Chennai is fast expanding beyond Tambaram;
and the proposed development of satellite towns in and around Tambaram.
Muralidharan, a regular commuter on the Beach-Tambaram train route,
said, ‘It will be appreciable if they develop Tambaram as a third terminal. The
neighborhood’s population has risen significantly and these kinds of development are certain to benefit a number of people.’
Development at the station has been
a constant but commuters want basic
amenities to be provided before it is
made the ‘third terminal’
Corpn to open more free dialysis centres
P Kuganathan, Chief City Health Officer, Chennai Corporation and Dr P Soundararajan, HOD, Nephrology, Sri Ramachandra University, at the World Kidney Day
awareness event at Sri Ramachandra Hospital recently.
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
Chennai Corporation plans to open
eight more free dialysis centres said P
Kuganathan, Chief City Health Officer
here yesterday.
Speaking at the World Kidney Day
awareness event at Sri Ramachandra
Hospital here, Kuganathan said the efforts
of Chennai Corporation in screening and
treating children living in slums for sca-
Will nine be fine?
q CPI, CPI(M) to contest in 18 seats from TN
bies a few years ago has helped in almost
eliminating scabies in them. This has
been a major effort in preventing kidney
diseases as untreated scabies can lead
to kidney problems, he added.
Dr P Soundararajan, HOD, Nephrology, Sri Ramachandra University said
the medical college hospital provides
allnephrology, urology treatments
including kidney transplants to poor
patients.
A 10-day hands-on training programme to
nephrologists from several parts of India on
the latest techniques in dialysis on behalf of
the International Society of Nephrologists
was also conducted.
Kidney donors also were honoured during
the event.
Dr S Anandan, Dean, Medical College,
Dr J Damodharan, medical director and Dr
S Vennkataramanan, HOD, Urology. were
also present.
Student dies after being hit by MLA’s car
Namakkal, Mar 15 (PTI):
An eight-year-old girl died and five students injued
when they were hit by the car of K P P Bhaskar, MLA
representing Namakkal in the Tamilnadu Assembly,
police said today.
The car driver Muthuswamy was arrested,
police said.
The deceased was identified as Sivaranjini, a class
three student.
The MLA was on an election campaign for Sundaram, AIADMK candidate for the Lok Sabha election
when his car hit the children, who were returning
to their houses after school hours last evening,
police said.
Leaders of CPI(M) and CPI at a press meet in Chennai on Friday.
NT Bureau / PTI
Chennai, Mar 15:
CPI and CPI(M) today announced they would contest
nine seats each in the 24 April Lok Sabha elections in
Tamilnadu and decided against supporting BJP, DMK,
AIADMK and Congress in the remaining 22 seats.
CPI(M) would contest from Coimbatore, Madurai,
Kanyakumari, Chennai North, Dindugal, Trichy, Virudhunagar, Villupuram and Thanjavur constituencies, CPI
state Secretary D Pandian and CPI (M) State Secretary
G Ramakrishnan told the press here after both the parties
identified the seats.
CPI would contest from Tenkasi, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Tiruppur, Sivaganga, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore,
Tiruvallur and Tuticorin constituencies, they said.
The presence of Left parties in eighteen constituencies,
including the lone seat in Puducherry, is likely to have
impact on the poll prospects of other outfits as it would
throw up a multi-corner contest.
Replying to a query, Pandian and Ramakrishnan said the
Left parties would consider supporting other parties, including AAP, whoever approached them.
While CPI (M) would release its candidates list on 16
March, CPI would release its list the following day, they
said. Both the parties would be expanding their presence
in this election contesting together eighteen seats as
against three each in 2009.
CPI and CPI(M), which had fought the last election in
alliance with AIADMK, won one seat each. However, the
alliance broke due to differences over seat-sharing.
We are happy that
eminent personalities
like Gnani are coming
under AAP fold.
— AAP Campaign
Committee
convener David
Barunkumar
Political force
other than Congress
and BJP had been
growing in each state
for the last
30 to 40 years.
Folk Singer Anitha Kuppusamy canvassing votes for Central DMDK president Vijayakanth started his election campaign
— JD(S) chief
Published
K. Balakumar
of News Today Mediatour
(P)inLtd.,
from 85,
Road (GST on
Road),
Guindy, Chennai 600Deve
032 and
printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy,
Thiruvallur
LokMount
Sabha constituency
Friday.
Chennai by
AIADMK
candidate on
S Rbehalf
Vijayakumar.
Gowda
4 SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
Blend
WHAT NEWS TODAY PRINTS IS NEWS THAT COUNTS
T
Dark euphoria
here is no gainsaying that general elections have a tonic effect
on the nation’s economy regardless of the fact that this is rather
ephemeral. This is not something that happens only in India, though
the fact remains that when a nation with a population of over one
billion goes to the polls, astronomical sums are likely to get spent.
Estimates are that around Rs 30,000 crore are going to be spent in
the elections to the 16th Lok Sabha. This represents an increase of
50 per cent over the total spending on the 15th Lok Sabha elections
in 2009 which was around $4 billion or Rs 20,000 crore. However,
going by the prevailing exchange rates, this year’s spending on the
polls could be regarded as being comparable to the total poll expenses
of 2009. Rs 30,000 crore represents the highest-ever spending on Lok
Sabha elections in India though it works out much less than the $ 7
billion spent on the last presidential elections in the United States.
There are economists who hail such periodic spurts of huge
expenditure as events that do a lot of good to the economy. There is no
doubt that the expenditure of Rs 30,000 crore is a shot in the arm for
an economy that has not been doing too well in recent months. Such
fountains of huge expenditure have a way of doing something good
because the money spent percolates down to the poorest of the poor
if one takes into account what is spent on individual voters. It will be
recalled that the interim Budget of 2009 just before the elections to
the 15th Lok Sabha made no changes to any of the allocations of the
previous budget of 2008 except the one on rural employment. The
allocation to this head was hiked by 87 per cent, clearly indicating
the kind of money that was spent on direct payments to voters by the
ruling party (since rural employment is one head of expenditure that
makes the siphoning out of public money very easy). As everyone
knows, the trickle-down effect of election spending is remarkable for
two reasons: the money is spent within a span of about two months
and it is spent almost entirely in cash.
The ephemeral boost to the economy arises from the kind of
expenditure that is most common before and during elections. Huge
amounts of money are spent on advertising, air charter services,
security services, food and beverages, transport, liquor, fuel and
automobiles. However, though many of these expenses have a
service tax component, much of it is bound to get evaded mainly
because almost all transactions would be in cash, and those making
the payments are bound to strike deals with service suppliers that
eliminate the service tax component. What is going to make a vital
difference is that this spell of astronomical expenditure is bound to
be invisible rather than visible. In a situation like this, the massive
expenditure benefits thousands of individuals rather than the
economy itself because very little is likely to accrue to the exchequer.
As such, the euphoria that is being generated by a section of the media
about what such transient gush of money is likely to do to the economy
may well be somewhat misplaced since the invisible expenditure will do
very little to the official economy. It will also do very little to promote
any kind of work ethics that do positive things to the society at large.
Over the decades we have seen what happens to the economy when the
emphasis shifts to easy undisclosed incomes from what is earned through
work. We have such wealth parked in overseas banks rather than being
invested or utilised within the country. We must ask ourselves whether
there is any virtue in talking about transient boosts to the economy that
can only augment black money hoards.
Voice
Mail
‘Auto’cratic attitude
Sir,
Recently, I went to LIC bus stop at Mount Road, by a share auto from
Mugappair East. I just enquired my co-passenger where he was going,
and he said that he was going to Egmore. I told him this (vehicle) would
not go Egmore route. Immediately the share auto driver got annoyed and
asked me keep quite.
I waited and saw where he was going to drop the co-passenger. Finally
the passenger was dropped at Co-optex bus stop near Casa Major Road
and the auto driver collected Rs 30 from him. This incident hurt my heart
very much. The person who wanted to go to Egmore may not belong to
Chennai and he is not well-educated man. For these people, we have to
show humanity.
S Badri, Mugappair
qqq
Good show
CHENNAI
The Inside Jobs
T
he election battlelines have
been drawn no doubt. But it
is a rather hazy line that hardly
delineates or divides anything.
Despite the bugle having been
sounded, warring troops are still
shuffling in and out of formations
with the poll call only setting off
skirmishes within several party
ranks. The battlefield instead looks
like a chaotic arena that you see in
sci-fi movies wherein a voltage trip
triggers a jarring clash of metals
amidst jaded robots, ending in a
jumble of twisted debris.
Many a politico and party know
not where they stand and therefore
have no clue on who the adversary
is. So, for now, by default, either
the party leadership, an ally or
a contender to a favoured seat is
considered the immediate enemy.
Sure, top campaigners are on top
gear, firing salvos against their
clear opponents, but they too have
to constantly look over their shoulders for that proverbial back stab.
With insiders turning outsiders
and vice-versa, much of the poll
din presently is made of implosions.
The Congress presents a picture
of strange paradoxes. With more
walk-outs than walk-ins, as was the
case with Parli during its torturous
ten-year tenure, the party faces a
unique problem: Abdication. While
at the national level there is still
a race for seats considered sure
bets, itself a dwindling number,
the party, in TN, sees an unseemly
desertion of the field by so-called
tall leaders. Vasan has signed off
Signor Raul’s battlewagon and
the smart PC is likely to go off the
network if he could help it, may be,
allowing his son to boot up. Almost
all sitting MPs want to sit out of the
contest. These high profile champions of Kamaraj rule however have
declared generously that their best
wishes and moral support plus
whatever else they can offer are
assured for the
GoP! Friendless
and none to field,
Cong is already
off the fray in TN.
AP is a cauldron that can stump
the pundit, pollster and politico
alike. With the State bifurcation
slated to happen post Assembly
elections but with the ‘unified’ Assembly’s numbers, the pitch is completely queered. While all parties
are troubled no end by the duplicitous campaign they have to carry
out in Telengana and Seemandhra
vis-a-vis bifurcation, Cong has more
to reckon with. Post YSR, it has
been steadily rolling downhill in
what was a bastion in ‘04 and ‘09.
Jagan has played havoc; CM Kiran
Reddy has floated his own party.
And as if the woes are not enough,
Chiranjeevi, who merged his party
with the Cong in exchange for a
ministry, now has actor-brother
Pawan Kalyan launching his own
outfit ... with a name that will take
till voting day to spell. Trust AP to
turnout a truly typical Tollywood
tamasha!
Modi’s road to nomination to Race
Course Road was itself littered with
minefields planted by his own seniors. Though seemingly a smooth
ride since, the regular burst of protest from within keeps dogging his
progress. 80-plus Advani still sees
a bright future for himself. Sushma
never misses a chance to spite her
party’s chosen one.
Modi is yet to zero
in on his constituency what with old
timers unwilling to
relinquish in his favour. Ditto for
party prez Rajnath. It makes for a
sorry spectacle to see the two top
BJP leaders getting lobbed hither
and thither for their own tickets.
And now comes a dampener from
RSS which has advised its parivar against an overdose of NaMo
chanting.
The multi-cornered contest in
TN is itself a a result of several
inside jobs. In a surprising and
swift surgical swipe, the AIADMK clipped off the unsuspecting
Left wing and took off on a solo
flight. Left in the lurch, the
Comrades are competing with
Congress to finish last. Incidentally, with that the Communists
default dream-setting, the Third
Front also caved in and withered
away, without any help from
the US’s CIA. The BJP’s grand
alliance here is still stuck in
seat-sharing talks with PMK
and Vijayakanth’s DMDK pitted against each other for the
same constituencies. With Cong
non-existent and AIADMK/DMK
possible post-poll partners, the
BJP will still have its hands full
managing its friends.
But the ultimate unkind cut from
within has been suffered by the
DMK with Alagiri’s brazen revolt.
After a cordial courtesy call on
PM MSingh, K’s eldest sin, pardon, son has charitably predicted
one or two seats for the DMK. The
man who made electoral history in
Thirumangalam through his cash
& carry of votes is now a vocal
critic of DMK’s money power. The
party which has shot itself in the
foot by foisting tainted Raja and
Maran, will find this home-grown
dagger twisting in its guts most
painful.
Now that’s about the dirty political arena. But the ‘Broomstick’
that appointed itself to clean up
the muck from inside is turning
out no better. Arvind Kejriwal, the
eternal victim of politicos, the system, Mukesh Ambani, media etc is
discovering that his real enemy is
in the mirror. The game is up, AAP!
e-mail the writer at
[email protected]
(Courtesy Talk Media)
Russia in key
Ukraine talks
Universal Orlando
reveals Harry
Potter details
ORLANDO(US):
The new Harry Potter-themed area
opening at Universal Orlando Resort
this summer will allow fans to ride the
Hogwarts Express train and experience
the British countryside just as the characters did in the book and movie series.
Guests will appear to magically pass
through a brick wall and board a train
with steam and a whistle, according
to a news release from Universal
Orlando Resort. Riders will have two
experiences one on the way to the
new London-themed area at Universal
Studios Park and another on the way
to the original Wizarding World of Harry
Potter at
Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
During the ride, characters and magical
creatures from the book will be spotted.
Among them: Hagrid on a flying motorbike, the Weasley twins on brooms,
and the Knight Bus in London traffic.
Universal’s team worked with a group
from the Harry Potter films on the new
area and train. If fans want to see both
parks, a two-park ticket will be required
currently $136.32 for one day for ages
10 and older.
The theme park also released details today about its newest hotel, the
Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Based on
1950s and 1960s mid-century modernist architecture, the resort will open 600
of its 1,800 rooms 31 March.
Women indicted
in exorcism
deaths
q US attempts to defuse tensions between countries
WASHINGTON:
US Secretary of State John Kerry
has been holding talks on Ukraine
with his Russian counterpart in London, in an attempt to defuse tensions
two days before a disputed referendum in Crimea.
Kerry was expected to tell Sergei Lavrov that the referendum and Russia’s
military intervention in Crimea could
trigger concerted US and EU sanctions. He earlier warned of ‘very serious
steps’ if Russia annexes the region.
On Thursday, Russia insisted at the
UN it did ‘not want war’ with Ukraine.
During an emergency meeting of
the Security Council, Moscow’s ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin
defended the right of Crimea, which
is predominantly ethnic Russian, to
decide whether or not to join the Russian Federation.
Russia’s military intervention followed the fall of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow
President Viktor Yanukovych on 22
February. Ahead of the talks, at the
US ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park, Kerry said he hoped the
discussions ‘would resolve some of the
differences between us’.
The secretary of state said he
looked forward to a good conversation, and ‘an opportunity to dig in to
the issues and possibilities that we
may be able to find about how to
move forward together’.
US Secretary of State John Kerry’s talks with his Russian counterpart
Sergei Lavrov are being seen as a last-ditch effort to reduce tension
in Crimea and Ukraine
Russia also called on the Organization
for Security and Co-operation in
Europe (OSCE) to send observers
to monitor the Crimea vote
UK Foreign Secretary William
Hague, who met Kerry alongside
Prime Minister David Cameron on
Friday morning, said the US and
Russian foreign ministers would find
it hard to make progress.
‘The fact that so far Russia hasn’t
taken any actual action to deescalate tensions makes this a
‘Little Foot’ may have
been humans’ forefather
formidably difficult task today,’ he
said. Before his arrival in London,
Kerry warned ‘there will be a very
serious series of steps on Monday
in Europe and here [in Washington]
with respect to the options that
are available to us’ if there was no
movement on the Crimea referendum issue.
Obama’s ‘Funny
or Die’ skit nets
15 million hits
NEW YORK:
PARIS:
President Barack Obama’s appearA short, hairy ‘ape man’ who
ance on the ‘Between Two Ferns’
tumbled into a pit in South Africa
satirical online talk show this week
millions of years ago is back in the
has reached 15 million views almost
running as a candidate ancestor for
at Justin Bieber levels.
humans, scientists said.
The website Funny or Die said
A painstaking 13-year probe has
Friday that Obama’s interview with
‘convincingly shown’, they said,
Zach Galifianakis, posted Tuesday,
ROCKVILLE (US):
will likely beat Bieber’s record of 17.8
that the strange-looking creature
Two Maryland women have been
million views for the show. The pop
named Little Foot lived some three
indicted in the stabbings of four
singer’s appearance was posted in
million years ago -- almost a million years earlier than calculated by
Sir,
children in what authorities say the
September.
rival teams.
I request the Election Commission of India to provide NOTB (None of the
women believed was an exorcism.
The president’s appearance to
If so, it would make Little Foot -- so named for the diminutive size
Below) button instead of NOTA (None of the Above) button, on the top of
Twenty-eight-year-old Zakieya
persuade young people to sign up
of the bones -- one of the oldest members of the Australopithecus
the EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) so that voters need not take pain
Avery and 21-year-old Monifa Sanfor health insurance is a key moment
hominid family ever found.
to go through all the buttons on the EVM till the end to press NOTA.
ford were indicted on two counts of
for the Internet, much like Franklin
And it would bolster the status of South Africa’s Sterkfontein cave
K Pradeep, Anna Nagar
first-degree murder in the deaths
Roosevelt’s fireside chats were for
complex as part of the ‘Cradle of Humankind’, a UN-recognised World
qqq
of Avery’s 18-month-old son and
radio and the Kennedy-Nixon debate
Heritage Site.
two-year-old daughter in January at
for television, said Dick Glover, CEO
‘Some have said South Africa is too young’ to have given rise to
a home in Germantown, Maryland,
of the comic website started by Will
modern man, said Laurent Bruxelles from France’s National Institute
outside Washington.
Ferrell.
Sir,
for Archaeological Research (Inrap), who took part in the study. ‘We
They were also indicted on two
‘It truly validates that it is an incredAbsence of traffic police personnel near Christ King Convent has forced
are putting Little Foot and South Africa back in the running.’
counts of attempted first-degree
ibly valuable medium for the presischool-going children to struggle with the hectic traffic. Students of a few
Another challenger for the title of human ancestor was ‘Lucy,’ a
murder
in
an
attack
on
Avery’s
dent,’ he said. For his part, Obama
schools in the vicinity suffer the most without any assistance while crossing
specimen of a different strand of Australopithecus -- the genus that
5-year-old daughter and 8-year-old
the road. Deputation of police personnel to help children both in the morning
told Ryan Seacrest in an interview
had
both
ape
and
human
features,
walked
upright,
and
is
believed
son.
and evening will be welcome.
that he figured he’d reached his
to have given rise to Homo sapiens, or anatomically modern Man,
Prosecutors have said the women
M K Parthasarathy, Selaiyur
target audience when his daughter
via Homo habilis.
told investigators they believed evil
Malia was excited that he’d done
Lucy’s
skeleton,
uncovered
in
Ethiopia
in
1974,
has
been
dated
to
ADDRESS YOUR LETTERS TO :
spirits moved between the bodies
the interview when he told her at the
about three million years, although as always in fossils, there is a
The Editor,
Today,on
85,behalf
Mount of
Road,
Guindy,
Chennai–600
the children
an Road),
exorcism
was Chennai
dinner table.
She’s seen
mostGuindy,
of the
Published
by K. News
Balakumar
News
Today
Media (P) 032.
Ltd., from 85,ofMount
Road and
(GST
Guindy,
600 032 and printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka
Industrial
Estate,
big margin of uncertainty.
needed
to driveFax:
the2250
demons
‘Between4202
Two 1111.
Ferns’Fax:
posts,
he 0000.
said.
or e-mail
to : [email protected]
[email protected]
Chennai
600 032.
Ph: 4202 1111. Editor: K. /Balakumar.
Phone: Editorial/Admn /Advt:
22504000,
1800out.
(Editorial)/2250 1200/2250 0101 (Advt/Admn). e-mail: [email protected], Circulation:
4212
Sir,
It is a good move on the part of MTC for having launched the Small Bus
S -16. A flat rate of Rs 10 may be charged with only one entry / exit for
passengers at the front and without any conductors for economy / ease
of operations but with a calling bell connected for convenience. Additional
buses during weekends can be operated as well.
K S Ramalingam, Kalaskshetra Colony
qqq
Provide NOTB, not NOTA
Regulating traffic
Enterprise
CHENNAI
Easing food prices
pull down
inflation to 4.68%
New Delhi, Mar 15:
For the first time in nine months,
inflation slipped below the psychological mark of 5 percent
in February on easing prices of onion
and potato, creating headroom for
RBI to cut interest
rates in the monetary
policy review on 1 April to boost sagging economic growth.
Inflation based on movement in the
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) came
down to 4.68 percent in February,
from 7.28 percent a year ago. It was
5.05 percent in January 2014.
‘Need to watch inflation carefully... Happy that overall inflation is
coming down,’ Finance Minister P
Chidambaram said while expressing
satisfaction over improvement in the
price situation ahead of the general
elections. Food inflation, which has
been a major cause of concern for the
government, dropped to 8.12 percent
in February, compared to 8.8 percent
in January as the rate of price rise
slowed in almost all items, except
fruits, rice and milk.
Inflation, which is on decline since
December, was 5.05 percent in January. Prior to February, the lowest WPI
was recorded in May 2013 at 4.58
percent.
SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
MSMEs need more focus:
Industry experts
q ‘The sector has tremendous employment potential in TN’
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
needed more focus in terms of affordable credit,
said president of TANSTIA, K Gopalakrishnan.
Speaking during a conference on ‘Business Opportunities for MSMEs’ conducted by Federation
of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries
(FICCI) here yesterday, he said that the sector
needed more funding for growth and to compete
countries like China which is producing and selling
goods at cheaper rates in India.
Gopalakrishnan said that MSME sector had tremendous employment potential with the State being its hub. Referring to the sector in Tamilnadu, he
said that the State had 8.5 lakh registered, around
4.5 lakh unregistered MSME units and the industry
had tremendous job potential for thousands of
graduates passing out every year who could help
the sector to surge.
He said that with the Central government earmarking 20 per cent reservation for the sector,
MSMEs needed more attention for aiding the
economy in terms of rapid and inclusive growth.
Stressing that industrial bodies like FICCI was
putting issues related to MSMEs in the right per-
ACME Solar bags
big power projects
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
ACME Solar, a well known solar power player in India has announced that
it has been selected as Solar Power Developer for 100 MW solar PV power
projects during the financial bids opening for JNNSM Phase-II held at SECI.
ACME Solar has received one of the largest shares of the projects.
Commenting on the occasion, Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, chairman, ACME
Solar said, ‘The success of the phase II of JNNSM is a momentous occasion
for all stakeholders in achieving the goal of clean and green energy. We thank
the Solar Energy Corporation of India and look forward to support from all
stakeholders to help us actively contribute in achieving the target of generating 22,000 MW solar power by 2022. Also, emergence of ACME Solar in the
bid has further strengthened our position as the leading solar power producer
in the country.’
ACME Solar is a three-way joint venture between ACME Cleantech Solutions
Limited, EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN), the renewable energy arm of
French state-run electricity utility Électricité de France S.A., and Luxembourgbased natural resources saving group EREN.
The joint venture has a portfolio of 150 MW including JNNSM Phase II
Projects and on way to have solar power generation portfolio of 1000 MW by
the year 2017.
‘MSME is contributing
eight per cent of the GDP
accounting to 45 per cent
of manufacturing output
and 43 per cent of exports’
spective, Gopalakrishnan said that countries like
Korea and Japan could come out with proposals
for exclusive industrial estates for MSMEs to grow
and flourish in the State and country.
Speaking on the occasion managing director of
REPCO Bank, R Varadarajan said that the sector
grew at 10 per cent in recent times but there was
a gap in the credit supply offered by the Central
government. Referring to Union government’s
statistics for MSMEs contribution to the Indian
economy, he said that the sector was contributing eight per cent of the GDP accounting to 45
per cent of manufacturing output and 43 per
cent of exports.
He said that with the government aiding the sector
ONGC, OIL buy 10%
govt stake in IOC
New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI):
State-owned ONGC and Oil India
Ltd (OIL) on Friday bought 10 per cent
government stake in Indian Oil Corp
(IOC) for Rs 5,340 crore.
The stake sale has doubled government’s disinvestment proceeds for the
current fiscal to Rs 10,434 crore. In
off-market transactions, Oil and Natural
Gas Corp and OIL bought 5 per cent
stake each at Rs 220 per share.
ONGC Chairman and Managing
Director Dinesk K Sarraf confirmed
his company’s buying 12.135 crore
government shares in IOC at Rs 220
per share. OIL head S K Srivastava
said his firm paid Rs 2,670 crore for
the 5 per cent shares in IOC.
An Empowered Group of Ministers
(EGoM) headed by Finance Minister
P Chidambaram had on 28 February
decided to sell the stake in IOC, the
nation’s largest oil firm, at a discount of
10 per cent through an off-market deal.
with allocation of Rs 1,64,463 crore, there was a gap
of Rs 68,724 crore which had to be filled by working together with three essential pillars for MSMEs
namely, entrepreneurs, government and banks.
With main issue for MSME being finance, Additional
Industrial Advisor for MSME Development Institute,
Chennai, S Sivagnanam said that neither the sector
was getting adequate, affordable and timely credit
nor the micro entrepreneurs were able to distinguish
between their own money and industry money.
Stating that due to absence of proper forum to
encourage new entrepreneurs coming out with
new ideas and less support from financial institutions for start-up companies, he said that a portal
for MSME was launched to aid new entrants in the
sector and help start their enterprises.
Chairman of FICCI TNSC, M Rafeeque Ahmed,
convenor of FICCI, MSME panel, K V Kanakambaram, Consul General for the Consulate General
of the Republic of Korea, Kyungsoo Kim and Consul General for the Consulate General of Japan,
Masanori Nakano also spoke.
Panel discussions on Government schemes for
MSMEs, entrepreneurship for MSMEs, opportunity
in the defence sector for MSMEs and financial
schemes for MSMEs were also held.
Ramraj Cotton launches
new variety of shirts
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
Tiruppur-based Ramraj Cotton has launched a new range of formal
and casual white shirts to expand its presence in North India through
franchises.
Ramaraj has also roped in Indian cricketer, Ashwin Ravichandran as its
brand ambassador. The shirts would be priced between Rs 600 and Rs 6,000.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, chairman, Ramraj Cotton, K
R Nagarajan said, ‘We have been mainly into the traditional dhoti market so
far. With the major share of the population below 35 years, we wanted to cater
to them also, which led us to enter the shirt segment.’
The company has now added products like readymade pure silk shirts, ladies wear, linens shirts, inner garments, t-shirts and kids wear to its portfolio.
The company is set to reach a turnover of Rs 600 crore this March.
Nagarajan said that 50 per cent of the turnover comes from Tamilnadu, while
the rest is from the other three States and the dhothi business alone accounts
to 70 per cent of the turnover.
He also said that the company had increased its production from 10,000
shirts a day to 30,000 shirts a day.
Ashwin Ravichandran said, ‘It is a privilege to be associated with a brand
which stands for purity, ethics, dedication and respect.’
5
Indian graduate
may head Nokia
After Satya Nadella, it may now be
the turn of another Mangalore University graduate to head a Fortune
500 company.
Rajeev Suri, who currently heads
Nokia’s telecom equipment business, is
tipped to become the
global chief executive
offi cer of Nokia Corporation.
An announcement
Rajeev Suri elevating Suri may be
made by March-end or April, when
software giant Microsoft concludes
the acquisition of Nokia’s handset
business, Finnish media reports
suggest. After the acquisition, Nokia
will be left with the telecom equipment, location-based services and
advanced technologies business.
Nokia said its longstanding policy
is not to comment on media speculation. Suri is also an engineering
graduate from Mangalore
University like Nadella, who took
over last month as US-based Microsoft’s third CEO after Bill Gates and
Steve Ballmer.
If chosen, Suri will join an elite
club of Indians heading global firms,
which includes PepsiCo Chairman
Indra Nooyi, Reckitt Benckiser Chief
Executive Rakesh Kapoor, Ajay
Banga, President and Chief Executive of MasterCard, and Anshu Jain
of Deutsche Bank.
Suri, who has headed Nokia Solutions
and Networks (NSN) since October
2009, has been credited for ‘presiding
over consistently improving results
leading to the successful turnaround
and restructuring of the company.’
According to his official profile, Suri
has a Bachelor of Engineering degree
in Electronics and Telecommunications from Mangalore University. He
is based in Espoo, Finland. With more
than 23 years of international experience, Suri has worked in strategy
and mergers & acquisitions, product
marketing, sales, major account
leadership, regional and business
unit leadership and has lived in the
Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Suri joined Nokia in 1995 and
headed the Asia Pacific region for
NSN in 2007. In July last year, Nokia
agreed to buy German engineering
giant Siemens’ 50 per cent stake in
their mobile broadband joint venture
NSN for 1.7 billion euros ($2.2 billion)
after which the firm was renamed
Nokia Solutions and Networks.
‘India’s economy likely to grow 4.7 % in FY14’
India’s economy may grow 4.7 per cent in the current
financial year, lower than the official estimate of 4.9 per
cent, Fitch Ratings said yesterday. The global rating
agency expects the economy to pick up in the next two
financial years. India’s economy is expected to grow
4.7 per cent in FY2013/14, slightly up from the recently
downward adjusted 4.5 per cent for FY2012/13, Fitch
said in its latest Global Economic Outlook.
India’s Central Statistics Office has estimated GDP
growth of 4.9 per cent in this financial year. The CSO
revised the growth rate downward to 4.5 per cent -- the
lowest in a decade -- for the previous financial year
from the earlier estimate of 5 per cent on account of subdued performance in agriculture,
mining and manufacturing. Fitch said it cut
its real GDP growth forecasts for 2014-15 to
5.5 per cent and for 2015-16 to 6 per cent as
investment remains subdued.
‘The lower growth forecasts for the coming
two years are also based on the premise that
monetary policy rates are likely to remain higher for longer
in light of the Reserve Bank of India’s stronger resolve to
bring down inflation,’ it said.
Fitch said the October-December GDP growth of 4.7
per cent was somewhat disappointing as an apparent
Post Bank issue to be placed
before Cabinet: Minister
The Communications and IT Ministry will move the Cabinet to seek approval for funds
needed to run banking operations of India Post in case the department gets a licence
from RBI. Sources said that the postal department had requested the Finance Ministry
to allot funds of Rs 623 crore to finance proposed banking debut but that has not been
approved yet. Speaking to PTI on the matter, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said, ‘We
are just awaiting Reserve Bank of India’s decision and then we will go to the Cabinet.’
When asked about the possibility of a banking licence in absence of funds, he said,
‘That issue is yet to come to the Cabinet. In principal, if Reserve Bank of India allows
us licence for Post Bank, then it will have to go to the Cabinet because
funds are required.’ ‘We will see in the Cabinet what happens?’ he added.
The Department of Posts (DoP) lowered its estimate of funds for
running banking operations to about Rs 623 crore from earlier projection of about Rs 1,900 crore. The proposal for Rs 623 crore includes
Rs 500 crore as paid-up capital under RBI’s new banking licence
norms. Another Rs 123 crore is for infrastructure that is needed to
comply with the new norms.
The DoP has applied for a banking licence. The Reserve Bank of India is working
on names of shortlisted entities which are yet to be announced.
Sources said that the Telecom Ministry had sent the DoP’s fund proposal to the
Expenditure Finance Committee from where it was sent to Public Investment Board
but funds were not approved by the board. Instead, a Finance Ministry official asked
DoP to become a banking correspondent and help other banks, but the official retracted his stand and issued corrigendum, a source said.
pick-up in growth in the second quarter of
2013-14 to 4.8 per cent did not materialise
in the context of low agricultural growth even
after a good monsoon and a record harvest.
‘Nonetheless, some high-frequency data
point to a recent improvement in activity.
Manufacturing PMI rose to a one-year high
of 52.5 in February from 51.4 in January and
domestic and export orders increased,’ it added.
It also said that in the longer run, structurally lower
inflation would benefit growth by improving the investment environment.
Inflation, Fitch said, remains high compared with peers,
IBA wants free use of other-bank ATMs
Mumbai, Mar 15 (PTI):
Industry lobby Indian Banks Association (IBA) on Friday said it has requested
RBI to allow banks to charge customers in the metros to pay for accessing ATMs
of other banks but continue with the current cap of five free transactions a month
for rural customers. ‘We have made our recommendations to the RBI that at least
in the metros, the current five free usage of other bank ATMs be withdrawn so that
every transaction on other bank ATM is chargeable. At the same time, the present
set up be continued in rural areas,’ chief executive MV Tanksale told reporters here.
The issue of charging customers for ATM usage has become into a very vexed
one, ever since banks were asked by State governments to place armed guards at
all the ATMs after a brutal attack on a customer in Bangalore last November.
According to banks, the overheads will make operations of ATMs
unfeasible and hence, they have been struggling to come up with a
solution for over three months now, without much of success.
The IBA says banks are losing Rs 400 crore a month because of the
excess security requirements at 1.4 lakh ATMs. A slew of measures,
including raising the inter-bank charges and limiting the number of all
free transactions at five per month, have been mooted.
Currently, a customer can enjoy unlimited free transactions at his own bank’s ATMs
and is allowed five free transactions a month in other banks’ machines. Irrespective
of it being a free transaction for the customer or not, a bank has to pay the other a
fee of around Rs 15 for every transaction done at the other bank’s ATM.
Meanwhile, when asked if banks have written to the Reserve Bank to extend
the mark to market loss amortization by two more quarters, Tanksale said
replied in the affirmative but did not confirm the time period for which the
relief has been sought.
‘Drugs sold by Ranbaxy in India are safe’
although it came down in recent months. Inflation eased
to a nine-month low of 4.68 per cent in February, according to data released yesterday.
The agency said global growth will accelerate in 2014
and 2015, driven by a strengthening recovery in major
advanced economies, while growth rates will remain
broadly flat in emerging markets.
Its latest forecasts for world GDP growth (weighted at
market exchange rates) are 2.9 per cent in 2014 and
3.2 per cent in 2015, up from 2.4 per cent in 2013.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Economic
Advisory Council C Rangarajan said India is likely to
grow at 5.5 per cent in the fourth quarter.
NAME CHANGE
I, R.P. RICHARDS PRABHU,
Son of Thiru A. Rubandhas,
born on 20th January 1983
(native district: Coimbatore),
residing at Old No. 32/33,
New No. 8, Devadi Street,
Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004,
Shall hence forth be known as
R. RICHARD.
R.P. RICHARDS PRABHU.
Chennai, 26th February 2014.
NAME CHANGE
I, CLINTON RODRIGUES, son
of Thiru Joseph Rodrigues,
born on 5th October 1990
(native district: Pondicherry),
residing at No. 20,
Nammalwar Street, Gandhi
Nagar, Avadi, Chennai - 600
054, shall henceforth be
known as CLINTON FRANCIS
RODRIGUES.
CLINTON RODRIGUES.
Chennai, 7th February 2014.
Read
NAME CHANGE
I, JAISANKAR ANBALAGAN,
Son
of
Mr.ANBALAGAN,
born on 23 March 1977 at
Cheyyar,
Thiruvannamalai
District, Tamilnadu, residing
at No.7/17, Sengunthar Street,
Shenoy Nagar, Chennai 600030,
Tamilnadu, shall henceforth
be known as JAISHANKAR
ANBALAGAN.
JAISANKAR ANBALAGAN
FIRST LEASING
COMPANY OF INDIA LTD
Regd.Office: 749,
Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
Notice is hereby given the
Adjourned/Postponed Thirty Ninth
Annual General Meeting of the First
Leasing Company of India Limited
will be held at Thiruvalluvar CoOperative Thirumana Maligai, No.29,
Karthikeyan Salai, Periyar Nagar,
Chennai - 600 082 on Friday the 4th
April 2014 at 2.00 p.m. A fresh notice
has been issued to members along
with explanatory statement.
V SELVARAJ
Date: Chennai
Chairman
Place : 13th March 2014
NOTICE
My cleint T. Gokulan Nambiar
S/o M. Krishnan Nambiar it is
the company receives a notice, it will respond approprithe company for allegedly supplying sub standard and
hereby brought to the notice
ately to the observations.’
adulterated drugs. In May last year, Ranbaxy pleaded
Ranbaxy Laboratories on Friday insisted drugs sold by
of the public that the original
document pritaining my cleint
guilty to ‘felony
it in the Indian market are safe and effective and
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice
property document No. 7/1995,
the company complies with country’s regulations,
to Centre and Ranbaxy Laboratories on a PIL
charges’ related to the manufacture and distribution
on the pice of No.2, Kudalur
even as the Supreme Court issued a notice to it.
seeking cancellation of the company’s licence
of certain ‘adulterated’ drugs made at the Dewas and
Village Sub Registrar District
and a CBI probe against it for allegedly supplyPaonta Sahib units and agreed to pay $500 million to US
‘Ranbaxy is compliant with all the requirements
of
Periyanayankan
Palayam,
Coimbatore North Taluk, Survey
ing adulterated drugs in the country. Agreeing
authorities as penalty.
under Indian Law and maintains that all the drugs
No. 1388/3. In Plot No. 134 where
to examine the allegations, a bench headed by
sold by the company in the Indian market are safe
This followed a series of actions by the USFDA, which
lost at the Poonamallee bus stand
and effective,’ a company spokesperson said.
Chief Justice P Sathasivam, however, rein 2008 banned the import of 30 generic drugs produced
on 10.2.2014 at 11.00 am. Those
fused to pass any interim order for restraining
by Ranbaxy at the two plants for violation of manufacturWhen asked about the company’s reaction to
who locate retrieve to be below
mentioned number.
the company from manufacturing drugs.
ing norms. Currently, all the four plants of the company
the Supreme Court notice the spokesperson said:
A.Guindy,
STEPHEN
Published
Balakumar
on
behalf
of
85,
(GST
600
032
by
at
Frontline
Printers
have been
by printed
the
USFDA
from
‘Ranbaxy by
has
not
yet received
notice
to fileToday
The
passedRoad
the order
onRoad),
a PIL fiGuindy,
led
by Chennai
Published
by K.
K.
Balakumar
on any
behalf
of News
News
Today Media
Media (P)
(P) Ltd.,
Ltd., from
fromCourt
85, Mount
Mount
Road
(GST
Road),
Guindy,
Chennai
600banned
032 and
and
printed
by him
him
atexporting
Frontlinedrugs
Printers Private
Private Ltd.,
Ltd., M-7,
M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka
Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial
Industrial Estate,
Estate,
Guindy,
Advdcate
Chennai
600
032.
Ph:
1111.
Editor:
Phone:
/Advt:
22504000,
Fax:
(Editorial)/2250
(Advt/Admn).
e-mail:
0000.
to the US1200/2250
market for0101
violation
of manufacturing
norms.
reply from
the
Hon’ble
Supreme
of K.
India.
If
advocate
M L Sharma
seeking
action1800
against
Chennai
600
032.
Ph:4202
4202
1111.Court
Editor:
K.Balakumar.
Balakumar.
Phone:Editorial/Admn
Editorial/Admn
/Advt:
22504000,
Fax:2250
2250
1800
(Editorial)/2250
1200/2250
0101
(Advt/Admn).
e-mail:[email protected],
[email protected],Circulation:
Circulation:4202
42021111.
1111.Fax:
Fax:4212
4212
0000.
9710273117
Every
evening
SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
Sports
CHENNAI
Djokovic cruises into last four
S Isner advances S
Indian Wells, Mar 15:
%
{_
}_
`!

The Serb is used to arriving at the BNP
^`

`
%
_!
<

!

>
`
%
`
+
_
%<
}_
!
*
%
<

that goal with a 6-1, 6-3 victory against Julien
Benneteau in just over an hour in the quarter

`!!

*
*<
!
!
%
which is always of course a challenge and a
!
%<
%
`
*
!
*
<

<
%
{
'
!\

`

"%
"
<
!
*<_
`
*
%<<

Top-seeded Li Na played 20th-seeded
_
^

the match, but Radwanska was up to the
challenge, continually chasing down balls
!

`
_
<
_
!
<
!!
_
!
<
`
%
'
%
}
_
`
{

<
!%
!
_
`

Djokovic never faced a break point on his
serve against Benneteau, the only unseeded
<
+
`
`
|<
_
_
of eight games, and broke him four times
during the match played in near 90-degree
*
}_<

needed three sets to get by Marin Cilic and
Novak Djokovic
Alejandro Gonzalez, and had to win a tiebreaker
!

!
Djokovic, a two-time champion at Indian
Wells, will play 12th-seeded Isner, the lone
!
%
<
The Serb has lost at that stage the last two
years, including 2012, when Isner beat him and
!
Federer, a four-time winner here, will meet Al
!_

*

`
'#
=
`
~"
%
~"

*
!
`
'

`
back at 5-all and after Gulbis tied it 6-all, Isner
`

_
_
%
!

*<
`
_
Last year, Isner played in and won the most
`
+^
+
*
!
!!
%<
*
*
*
_
_
*<
}
!
*
<
Isner is projected to return to the top 10 in
<
!%
`
`
'#'
*<
%<
*
`%
but I have been knocking on the door for quite
*
!
!
`
<
Benneteau was playing just his second
>

###
_%
_
_!
_

'
!
!
}_
Tendulkar is the
‘Generation’s best’
Dhoni backs bowlers
to come good
Dhaka, Mar 15 (PTI):
India might not have played
any T20 International in the last
_
`
dra Singh Dhoni said his side
can bank on the Indian Premier
X!
the Twenty20 World Cup begin!

India have played only five
T20 internationals since the last

+'#
'#'
*%
played only one Twenty20 Inter
'#
`
Rajkot against Australia, while
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
most of the countries competing
in the World Cup here have played enough T20Is in the recent

_
+'#

+'#
*

_
+'#
*^X%<
%
the Indian shores without holding the customary pre-departure
%
‘In IPL we have played with the best players and the standard
there is as high as international standards so that really amounts
‘The conditions in Bangladesh are similar to those in India and
*^X
%<
Dhoni said the two warm-up games -- against Sri Lanka on 17
March and against England on 19 March -- will also give his
_
`
‘We will be playing two warm-up matches also and we will try
>
_
`

players will get a chance and we will get the opportunity to know
`
%<

+'#

`
his players will have to be on their toes throughout the tourna

!
>
_
`
*
+'#

%
}
`
_
_
`
`
!%<

*<
_
failing to register a single win in what turned out to be disastrous

{

*
%
*

Cup and Dhoni admitted that their performances were not upto
%
`
*
!

+'#
‘I think we have had to endure tough times recently but even
<
<
!
*
you look at our Test performances away from home since 2011
_<
`
%<

Djokovic never faced a
break point on his serve
against Benneteau, the
only unseeded player left
in the men’s draw. The
Serb held break points
on Benneteau’s serve in
seven of eight games,
and broke him four
times during the match
played in near 90-degree
temperatures.
Mumbai, Mar 15 (PTI):

!
`
%
Sachin Tendulkar was on Friday voted Cricketer
of the Generation as he staved off stiff competition
from spin legend Shane Warne and all-rounder par
>

=^{
The award is meant to honour the most outstanding cricketer between the years 1993 and 2013,
and the occasion also marked the 20th anniversary
`
`
*
%
%<
+
_!
‘Thanks to ESPNcricinfo for considering me
!

_
`
`
%
*
<
<
Tendulkar has been the most successful batsman
of his generation, having set innumerable records
`
+
*

_
`!
records, including those for most Test runs and
+
%
*
*
+
`
Australia
wins series
Pretoria, Mar 15:
Australia comfortably chased down
a modest target set by South Africa
to win the third Twenty20 international
`
^
'#
!

>

'~
`
Aaron Finch set the platform for the victory as Australia reached 129 for four
_
_
<
'
_
'#
_
The home side struggled on a slow
and difficult pitch and only opener
Quinton de Kock, who scored 41,
emerged with any plaudits as wickets
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc
produced an impressive variation of
pace to take two wickets and, as importantly, concede just 16 runs in his
_
Finch and Cameron White did not
_
the wicket, amassing a quick 43 runs in
_
_

`
`
Sachin Tendulkar

%
+
%
*
"

*
!%
!
`
|
_
riod of time, how he changed his batting technique
`!
`
‘Kallis used to walk with his head down and I used
to tell my teammates that once he has realised
which way the blades of the grass are, he is going
<
Talking about Warne, he said, ‘I first played
against Warne in 1992 and you could make out
%
`
<
!
!
‘The second time I faced him was in Sri Lanka
*
`
`
*
!
`
!

to me and tried to charge me up, but I turned to
>
!
!
^
%
*
%
%
!
<
%
`
!
<
Tendulkar ended his glorious 24-year international career last November, signing off with an
!
~
!

*
+
!
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma won the
awards for best batting performances in Tests
*

Afridi bagged the top prize in Test bowling and
*
`!%
_%
_
=^{

Anand in
joint lead
Afridi hits
back in
sexism row
Karachi, Mar 15 (AFP):
Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi
sought to bat away controversy over
`
<
cricket, saying he had been quoted
The big-hitting 34-year-old came
+
terview footage circulated of him
!
<
!
Karjakin in great style while Peter
skills in response to a question
_

<
`
<
worthy with a crushing victory over
Afridi insisted his remarks had

`
`
!
<
`
`
who wanted to bring him down after
%
X_

Aronian struck back with vengeance
Earlier this month Afridi hit lastas he made mincemeat of Shakhriyar
_
^
`
_
\`}
arch-rivals India by one wicket
With Anand, Kramnik and Svidler in
and then smashed a 25-ball 59 to
front, Aronian holds the fourth spot
help chase down a 327-run target
on one point along with Topalov and
!
|!
these two have Mamedyarov, Karja‘I am shocked to listen all the stuff
kin and Andreikin right behind them
%<
Afridi told AFP
*
_
_
and my half answer was put on the
net, which I feel is an attempt to
NT Bureau
Colombo, Mar 15 (PTI):
!
<
Chennai, Mar 15:
Sri Lanka may have to face the
Afridi, who hails originally from
NT Bureau
Freddy of New Pot
World T20 tournament without the
the deeply conservative tribal areas
Shot lifted the title
Chennai, Mar 15:
services of Tilakaratne Dilshan as
along the Afghan border, said he
in the TNBSA - Q
Sanam Singh made short work of second-seeded Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan
the veteran opening batsman is still
`
<
Trickz Academy
!
"#%
"'
!
*+
<
_!
!
}
!
non-ranking snook
he suffered during the one-day series
‘I have been a big supporter of
er tournament 2014,
+
=>
X\^\
_
*
`
!
|!
<
beating a resurgent
{
|}
+
`
Freddy
Chairman of selectors, Sanath Jayaswomen players they will let you
Suresh of Impact
~""%
"%
"'
<
!
}
know how I tried to get sponsorship
*
`
!

%<

|

^
After a steady start by Freddy,

`
!
‘There are a few people who are
which saw him win two frames,
Later, Jeevan combined with Vishnu Vardhan to win the doubles crown with
`
><%

jealous of my popularity and they
~"
%
"
_
|}

}
Suresh bounced back to win the
Asked how Sri Lanka would cope if
!
_
Messi’s love for India
Dilshan is eventually forced out, Ja!
and looked in control when Suresh
*
_
_
*<
_
yasuriya said Lahiru Thirimanne, who
‘A big number of my fans are feshowed his mettle and seized the
on the global football platform, celebrity commerce
<

male and I have always respected
initiative with breaks of 20s in the
company Collectabillia, in partnership with iAccy, has announced their

_
`
them and tried to accomodate them
|
<
!`
`
X
Mahela Jayawardene would be the fall

_
!
%
`
!
_
<
Suresh was sharp in potting and
`
_
`%
`
<
`%
In the footage, taken from an
X<
+'#

interview with ARY news channel
seventh frame, until Freddy came into

X<
The stylish range of accessories will be available globally starting from
`
%

his own taking the battle one notch
|!

%
whether he thinks Pakistani women
higher in the second half of the frame
!
+'#
‘The last time I stepped into India, I was overwhelmed with the warmth and passion this country
‘We know things like when the dew
*
!
!!
%

_
!
Result: Final: Freddy (New Pot
sets in so prior taste of the conditions
*
_
_
%<
>
!
their hands and they cook very tasty
Shot) bt Suresh (Impact Snooker)
in Bangladesh would be to our advan
%<
Media (P) Ltd., from 85, Mount Road
Published
by K. Balakumar on behalf of News Today
(GST Road), Guindy, Chennai 600 032 and printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka
Industrial Estate, Guindy,
!%<

Dilshan to miss
World T20?
Freddy triumphs
C
I
T
Y
S
P
O
R
T
S
Khanty Mansiysk, Mar 15:
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy
draw with black against former
world champion Veselin Topalov of
Bulgaria in the second round of the
Candidates Chess tournament on
Not missing anything after his fantastic opening round victory against
top seed Levonn Aronian of Armenia,
Anand gave yet another emphatic
display of positional chess as he drew
+_
+
*
_

out of a possible two, a tally now
matched by Russian duo of Vladimir

^
_
While the opening day saw only
Anand winning and rest of the games
ending in draws, the second round
was quite the contrast as only Anand

!
the defences of compatriot Sergey
Mixed bag
CHENNAI
SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
7
Law panel chief finds
fault in arbitration laws
q Conference on ‘Strengthening Arbitration in India’ held in Chennai
Stalin starts
his show
Kanyakumari, Mar 15:
DMK treasurer M K Stalin on Friday
trained his guns against BJP over the
Sethusamudram issue, saying the project
was stayed at the ‘instigation’ of the party.
Launching his 39-day campaign trail from
this district, Stalin said Sethusamudram
was a ‘dream-project’ of Dravidian veteran
C N Annadurai, also the founder of DMK.
Responding to AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa’s charge asking what his party
had did for Tamilnadu despite being a part
of ruling dispensation in Centre for many
years, Stalin claimed it was DMK which
pushed for its implementation, saying it
would bring economic prosperity not only
for South Tamilnadu but for the whole of India.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh at Madurai in the presence of UPA Chairperson Sonia
Gandhi at a function headed by his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi
which was also attended by other parties like PMK, MDMK and Left,
he said.
‘After that, when the works were proceeding, at the instigation of BJP,
and due to communal forces the matter went to court and it was stayed.
Jayalalithaa also opposed the project later though her party’s election
manifestos had earlier argued in support of it,’ he said.
Stalin was campaigning for his party candidate F M Rajarathinam.
During the campaign, he will seek votes for the candidates of both his
party and its allies - VCK, IUML, MMK and PT.
TN Cong list to
be out next week
Chennai, Mar 15 (PTI):
Asserting that Congress would contest all the
39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamilnadu, PCC chief B
S Gnanadesikan Friday said the official list of
candidates would be released next week.
Putting up a brave front after several senior leaders including Union Minister G K Vasan opted out
of poll race, Gnanadesikan said his party would
face the electorate based on the ‘solid work delivered by the UPA’ in every sector.
Addressing a press conference here after a
week-long sojourn in Delhi to shortlist candidates, the TNCC chief
on the reluctance of several leaders to not contest said ‘such a view
was not correct’ as several leaders were needed to campaign and
tour the State.
‘I had requested ticket for Dindigul seat...however, the high command
has declined my plea...I will not contest. I will be focusing on campaign.’
Asked if Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram would contest, he
declined to answer.
On the recommendation made by Virudhunagar MP Manicka Tagore
that those who decline to contest must not be given a chance to fight
polls for the next 10 years, he said, ‘I am not aware.’
Hitting out at BJP and its allies in Tamilnadu as a ‘collection of parties with conflicting ideologies,’ he said his party viewed as a ‘boon’
the opportunity to fight elections alone.
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
‘Arbitration laws in India have
caused much debate and there are
lot of drawbacks and inconsistencies,’ Chairman, Law Commission
of India A P Shah said today.
Speaking at the annual international conference on ‘Strengthening
Arbitration in India’ organised by
Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre
here, he said, ‘There is a need to
grant interim relief in the event of
an arbitration matter outside India,
which at present does not come
under the law.’
Talking about the amendments
that need to be made in the Arbitration laws, Shah said, ‘There is
a strange phenomenon in India
Arrest warrant
issued
against Devyani
New York, Mar 15 (PTI):
An arrest warrant was today issued
against Indian diplomat Devyani
Khobragade on visa fraud charges
after her fresh indictment by US
prosecutors who accused her of ‘illegally’ underpaying and ‘exploiting’
her domestic maid.
Devyani (39), who was arrested
in New York on 12 December and
has since been transferred to the
Ministry of External Affairs in New
Delhi, faces arrest if she visits the US
where her husband and two children
are staying.
Following the fresh 21-page indictment, US Attorney in Manhattan
India-born Preet Bharara said in a
letter to US District Judge William
Pauley that an ‘arrest warrant was
also issued today’ against the diplomat and that the government ‘will
alert the court immediately upon the
defendant’s arrest so that an appearance’ before the judge may be
scheduled.
The new charges, which came two
day after a US court dismissed an
earlier indictment on Wednesday,
accused her of visa fraud and making false statements about the visa
application of her maid Sangeeta
Richard. The indictment states that
the diplomat ‘knowingly made’
multiple false representations and
presented false information to US
authorities in order to obtain a visa for
a personal domestic worker.
The fresh indictment filed in a
court in Manhattan also charges that
Devyani submitted to the US State
Department an employment contract
of her domestic worker which she
knew contained ‘materially false and
fraudulent statements.’
Law Commission of India Chairman A P Shah addressing the
gathering at the annual international conference on ‘Strengthening
Arbitration in India’ organised by Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre
(NPAC) in Chennai today. Also seen are directors of NPAC Arvind
P Dattar and S Mahalingam.
where companies have their own
employees as their arbitrator. Then
where is the independence in it?’
he asked.
He also said there should be a
time line for domestic arbitration
and urgency should be employed
in the proceedings.
Arbitration is one of the oldest
methods of resolving disputes,
which is practised even today. Arbitration is practised in most developed countries with an objective to
obtain a fair and impartial resolution
without much delay and expense.
Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre
(NPAC) aims at providing a world
class facility to conduct arbitration
matters and also making it a centre
of excellence in the matter of institutional arbitration.
NPAC creates an awareness
through education programmes,
seminars and conferences. The
conference at present would cover
topics such as jurisdictional issues
and intervention in domestic and
international arbitration; trends in
international investment; independence and impartiality in arbitration.
Election panel to act
against Vijayakanth?
NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 15:
Tamilnadu Chief Electoral Officer
Praveen Kumar today said that
Election Commission would consider taking action against DMDK
president Vijayakanth, for his controversial remarks that ‘people
should accept bribe from political
parties’.
Speaking at a campaign meeting
Friday, Vijayakanth reportedly told
voters that they should get bribe
from parties since it was their tax
money. When reporters pointed this
out to Praveen Kumar today, he said
that the Election Commission would
consider taking action against the
actor-politician if it received a complaint with evidence.
The CEO launched an awareness
CD today, which would urge voters to
exercise their franchise without fail.
Celebrities like actor Kamal Haasan
and others have expressed their
views in the CD, which would be aired
in television channels and screened
in cinema halls.
He said the rule that cash more than
Rs 50,000 should not be carried is
applicable for candidates and related
persons alone. Others can carry cash
with necessary documents.
He said that compalints regarding
violation of rules and regulations can
be made to the phone number 1950.
Kejriwal fires another
salvo at media
Bangalore, Mar 15 (PTI):
Unfazed by the criticism of his attack on media, Aam Aadmi Party leader
Arvind Kejriwal today fired yet another salvo, questioning whether the media
had the courage to show the true story about Narendra Modi’s Gujarat.
Speaking to reporters before launching his roadshow in Bangalore, he accused the media of not bringing out the truth about the Gujarat Chief Minister
before the people.
‘Will the media have the courage to show Gujarat’s true story to the people
of the country? There is a big question mark,’ said Kejriwal whose comments
against the media have brought him in the line of fire from media and political
parties alike. Kejriwal had sparked a controversy with his remarks that the
whole media is sold out and media people would be sent to jail after an inquiry
into the issue if AAP comes to power were aired.
Charging the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate with cheating people during
his rallies, he said ‘that is what the people are saying. So far, the media has
not brought out the truth about Modi before the people.’
He said that voters can message their
EPIC number to 9444123456 to know
their respective booth.
In every Assembly segment of a
Lok Sabha constituency, one flying
squad and one static surveillance
team would function in a batch to
maintain purity of election and curb
illegal expenditure of money. There
would be three batches in a day.
Meanwhile, eligible persons could
still apply for inclusion of their
names in the electoral roll up to 10
days before the last date for filing
nominations. This meant that they
could apply till 25 March as the last
date for fi ling nominations would
be 5 April.
Hamilton take
polein
Australian GP
Melbourne, Mar 15:
Lewis Hamilton took pole position
from Daniel Ricciardo in a nail-biting
qualifying session at the seasonopening Australian Grand Prix.
Wet weather threw the pre-season
form guide out the window, but Hamilton just managed to clinch pole from
the resurgent Red Bull. But while Ricciardo shone in front of his home crowd,
team-mate and four-time champion
Sebastian Vettel will start from 13th
after failing to make the grade in Q2.
Ricciardo beat Nico Rosberg to the front
row by 0.047s as the Red Bull driver
gambled on intermediate tyres for his
final run while the Mercedes duo played
it safe on full wets.
World T20: India’s
chance for redemption
this form of the game but will he rise to the
occasion is open to question. The talented
left-hander has been going through a lean
patch at the international level and a good
run would do him a world of good.
The struggles of the bowling unit are well
documented and how Mohammed Shami &
Co fare on Bangladesh wickets will determine
India’s progress in the event.
Dhoni has often said that there are no favourites in T20 and any team can beat the
other on a given day. Going by his dictum,
there may be no pointers for the World championship but Australia, Pakistan and India
could be among early contenders.
The resurgent Aussies beat South Africa in
a rain-hit series and seem to possess the firepower to beat the best but their record in T20
C SHYAM SUNDAR
the transformation from sport to ‘sportainment’
isn’t awe-inspiring. The Proteas, led by Faf
Chennai, Mar 15: rather seamlessly. The fourth edition of the
du Plessis can’t be written off entirely though
T20
World
Cup
will
kickstart
in
Bangladesh
on
The T20 format was mooted by English
they have fumbled in multi-team events.
Sunday
with
a
preliminary
round
before
the
big
cricket authorities who felt the need for an
Pakistan’s chances are being talked up by
alternative when a hugely popular tournament names enter the fray for the ‘Super 10’.
The Indians haven’t had a great time in the the players and given the talent in the line-up,
was ended. It took a while for it catch up and
when it did, there was no stopping, so to speak. event, especially after sensationally beating it would be a surprise if they don’t fare well.
New Zealand could be the dark horse in the
When the first full-fledged T20 international Pakistan to win the inaugural edition. Coming
was played in 2005 between Australia and New into the tournament on the back of lean run tourney and they seem to comprise impact
Zealand in Auckland, the game was played in in international cricket, Dhoni’s team will be players who could turn the game in a trice.
Their latest sensation Corey Anderson
a lighthearted manner with both sides turned hoping the change of format brings a change
showed what he could do with a breathtaking
out in kit similar to that worn in the 1980s, in fortunes too.
Also, the presence of the captain himself, ton on New Year Day in a 50-over game and
and it was seen as a ‘hit-and-giggle’ stuff and
along with that of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh all eyes will be on the big-hitting southpaw.
nothing more.
Defending champions West Indies haven’t
Things moved rapidly as the shortest format Raina will bolster the line-up. The batting does
caught the fancy of fans and the inaugural wear a formidable look but the bowling can been in remarkable form but have names
World Cup in South Africa (which India won) cause concern despite the skipper’s assertions who can strike fear into rival teams. Chris
Gayle who smashed a mammoth 175 in the
changed things dramatically. The advent of to the contrary.
Dhoni, himself will be keen to prove himself IPL last year will be the driving force behind
the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other
(leagues) across the globe helped take the and would be eager to score his maiden fifty the Caribbean team that would miss the
20-20 to another level.
in T20 internationals. Raina, who lost his services of Kieron Pollard, a game-changer
Published
by K.ofBalakumar
on behalfhas
of seen
News Today
(P) Ltd.,
from
Mount
Roadin(GST
Road),
Guindy,
with
bat and
ball. Chennai 600 032 and printed by him at Frontline Printers Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy,
place Media
in the ODI
team,
has85,
been
effective
The newest
cricket’s versions
, CHENNAI
8 SATURDAY
15 MARCH 2014
Licensed to post without prepayment under WPP. No. TN / PMG / (CCR) / 470 / 12-14
Uttama Villain:
Kamal to
play dual role
Filmmaker Mani Ratnam, actor Dulqer, actress Nazriya
among others at the audio launch of VMP in Chennai.
Mani Ratnam
launches
VMP music
T
he shooting for Kamal Haasan starrer Uttama Villain is currently on
in Chennai. Directed by Ramesh Aravind, the movie is produced
by filmmaker N Lingusamy’s Thiruppathy Brothers in association with
Rajkamal Films Internationals.
According to Ramesh Aravind, ‘The film features Kamal Haasan in
dual role. He plays Utthaman, an 8th century drama actor and Manoranjan, a 21st century Superstar on big screen’.
The highlight of the movie is that veteran filmmaker K Balachander
plays a prominent role.
‘The role of Manoranjan’s mentor, who groomed and guided him to
superstardom is played by K Balachander’, he adds.
Veteran actress Oorvasi plays Manoranjan’s wife and director K
Vishwanath as his father-in-law in the film. ‘
The movie also has Vishwaroopam actress’ Andrea Jeremiah and
Pooja Kumar.
‘Andrea Jeremiah plays Manoranjan’s love interest in the movie while
Pooja Kumar essays the role of an emotionally disturbed princess in
love with Utthaman’.
Nasser plays an overbearing dictator (Muttharasan) in 8th century
story, while Jacob Zachariah played by Jayaram and his adopted
daughter Parvathi Menon, are critical characters of the story, he adds.
M S Bhaskar dons the role of Chokku Chettiar. The movie has story
and screenplay by Kamal Haasan. Cinematography is by Shyam Dutt,
editing by Vijai Sankar and music by Ghibran.
—NT Bureau
T
he audio of director Balaji Mohan’s Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, composed by Sean Roldan, was released in Chennai
on Friday by ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam.
In his address, the filmmaker said that he was happy to note
that VMP involves several people who are making their debut.
‘Work even in your future movies with the same zeal as your
debut movie,’ he said.
Directors Selvaraghavan, Vasantabalan, Tamil Film Producers Council president Keyar, producers T Siva, S R Prabhu, C
V Kumar, actors Vikram Prabhu, Rana Daggubati and singer
Vijay Yesudas among others were present.
A song, teaser and trailer were shown and all of them won
the praise of the audience. The film, which has been simultaneously made in Tamil and Malayalam has Dulquer Salman
and Nazriya in lead roles.
Chennai’s real estate young tycoon Varun Manian makes
his foray into movie industry with VMP.
Actor Dulquer recalled his connection to Chennai and
thanked everyone for the warm welcome. Nazriya said it was
one of the interesting movies she has done and was happy
to be part of the team.
Balaji Mohan felt there was a heavy responsibility on him to
make sure that the movie comes out well.
—NT Bureau
BRIMMING WITH JOY
Neil Nitin Mukesh
T
Neil Nitin Mukesh
with Vĳay
Teaser on
the way
he music of debutant director
Anees’ Thirumanam Ennum
Nikkah’ starring Jai, Nazriya
Nazim and Hebbah Patel in the
lead, has already made waves.
Also, music composer Ghibran’s
work has come in for praise. Buzz
is that the makers are releasing
a video teaser of the ‘Kannukkul
Pothivaippen...’ song.
Also, the little birdie has it that
the team is planning an April
release after the examination
season.
The movie is supposed to be
a feel-good entertainer with romance and comedy in the right
mix with songs expected to be an
integral part.
—NT Bureau
The Chitlapakkam lake presents a pleasant sight with water filled to the brim.
The journey
begins
28 March
LOVE & PAIN
(Kadhal Solla Aasai)
R
emember director Krishna. He started
his journey in tinsel town with Sillunu Oru
Kadhal starring Suriya and Jothika, a few
years ago.. He is back with an action-thriller
Nedunchalai.
The movie features Aari and Shivatha in the
lead. Nedunchalai revolves around a real-life
incident that affected roadside dwellers along
a highway.
‘The story is more like a biography of the
hero and the heroine, and showcases the life
of people alongside a highway which passes
through Theni. Being an action-romance film,
there are a lot of thrilling scenes in it. Set in the
Eighties, Nedunchalai will portray the life and
emotions of the people who live and run their
small businesses, such as a dhaba, alongside
the highway’, he adds.
The movie has Thambi Ramiah playing a
crucial role. The music is by Sathya.
Udhayanidhi Stalin has agreed to release the
movie through Red Giant Movies across Tamilnadu on 28 March. We are elated and confident
of success, says Krishna.
—NT Bureau
Photo: E K SANJAY
Bollywood actor Neil Nitin
Mukesh is all set to make his
debut in
Kollywood. Guess who is taking him to the south? It is director A R
Murugadoss. According to
sources, Neil Nitin Mukesh will
do a negative role in Murugadoss’ forthcoming Tamil movie,
which has Vijay in the lead role.
Tentatively titled Vaal, the film
is an action entertainer and Vijay
plays a criminal mastermind
who helps police in their operations.
‘Neil plays an international
gangster who gives sleepless
nights to
the cops. He agreed to do the
role since he found it very interesting,’ sources say.
—NT Bureau
R
omance strikes a chord with the masses, most often.
Several movies in the past have been made keeping in mind young audiences, who have a special liking
for such stories. Joining the list is Kadhal Solla Aasai.
Directed by K S Tamil Seenu, the film stars Ashok of
Pidichirukku in the lead. It is the story of a lovelorn youth
caught between his ambitions and family.
Ashok has his own desires to be pursued in life. He walks
out of the family after his father, an upright policeman, who
wants him to join the police force. Ashok wants to pursue
some other career. He struggles when he walks out and
meets a girl (Madhuram). All goes well. Both love each
other but keep their feelings to themselves.
A ‘good Samaritan’ act by Ashok earns him a job at Ravi
Raghavendra’s huge office. But the joy is short-lived.
Troubles come one after the other. Ashok’s life takes a
turn. especially his love story.
Ashok manages to do it well. The rest of cast are adequate. M S Baskar stands out with a superlative show.
However. some cliched moments mar the flow.
Had the director avoided too many sub-plots, the end
product could have been more engrossing.
— M BHARAT KUMAR
Aari and Shivatha
in Nedunchalai.
Published
Balakumar on
News Today
Today Media
Media (P)
(P) Ltd.,
Ltd., from
from 85,
85,Mount
MountRoad
Road(GST
(GSTRoad),
Road),Guindy,
Guindy,Chennai
Chennai 600
600032
032and
andprinted
printedby
byhim
himatatFrontline
FrontlinePrinters
PrintersPrivate
PrivateLtd.,
Ltd.,M-7,
M-7,Thiru-Vi-Ka
Thiru-Vi-KaIndustrial
Industrial Estate,
Estate, Guindy,
Guindy,
Publishedby
by K.
K. Balakumar
on behalf
behalf of
of News
Chennai
032.
Ph:Ph:
4202
1111.
Editor:
K. Balakumar.
Phone:
Editorial/Admn
/Advt:
22504000,
Fax:
2250
1800
(Editorial)/2250
1200/2250
0101
(Advt/Admn).
Chennai600
600
032.
4202
1111.
Editor:
K. Balakumar.
Phone:
Editorial/Admn
/Advt:
22504000,
Fax:
2250
1800
(Editorial)/2250
1200/2250
0101
(Advt/Admn).e-mail:
e-mail:[email protected],
[email protected], Circulation:
Circulation: 4202
4202 1111.
1111. Fax:
Fax: 4212
4212 0000.
0000.