5 die as bus runs into hotel
Transcription
5 die as bus runs into hotel
FRONTLINE PRINTERS PRIVATE LTD 3 ‘It was sheer luck that saved us’ 6 Dhoni hails ‘fantastic’ bowlers 7 51 Neyveli students clear JEE main exam 8 Raj Kiran spells success Complete Printing Facilities under One Roof 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. XXXIII NO. 142 H CHENNAI H WEDNESDAY 29.4.2015 (EVENING) H OTHER STATIONS THURSDAY 30.4.2015 (MORNING) H 8 PAGES Rs. 4.00 H Regd. No., TN/CC(S) DN/223/15-17, RNI No: 33810 / 82 After 100 years, Big Temple ther runs on Thanjavur roads HOLY CAR B Court, concern ollywood actor Salman Khan today appeared in a court here to record his statement in an Arms Act case related to shooting of black bucks. Salman Khan appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Anupama Bijlani and pleaded innocence, Salman’s counsel H M Saraswat said. Court gave us time to present our side on 4 May 4, he said. Salman was accompanied by bodyguard Shera and sister Alvira. Earlier one of the actor’s bouncers had an argument with the police at the entrance of the court when police stopped him from entering the courtroom. A case had been registered against Khan by the forest department under the Arms Act mentioning that licence of the arms used by Khan during alleg Elsewhere, rescuers raced against time to search for survivors still feared trapped under mountains of debris in quake-hit Nepal where over 5,000 people have been killed, even as heavy rains hampered global humanitarian efforts in remote areas of the battered country. Quake relief efforts continued, but officials warned that they were hampered by problems of getting aid into the country and then delivering it to some of the remote communities in desperate need in the Himalayan nation. Landslides in remote mountainous areas around the epicentre of the quake hampered rescue and relief teams. A government spokesman said that helicopters had been dropping tents, dry food and medicine to remote villages. 5 die as bus runs into hotel q Early morning mishap shocks Thiruvannamalai q Locals hold protest Thousands gathered in Thanjavur today to witness the car festival of the big temple, which took place after 100 years. NT Bureau months and their work is being well appreciated by the people of the Chennai, Apr 29: locality. The trial run of the car was After 100 years, the car festival of held recently. the renowned Sri Brihadeeswarar Before the trial, sivacharyas temple in Thanjavur, popularly performed special poojas and known as Big Temple, was held conducted rituals on the simhastoday. Lakhs gathered to witness anam, representing the Lord, and the grand spectacle, with the held over that a flashy umbrella as district administration declaring a mark of respect before waving local holiday in view of the festithe green flag as a sign to start val. Ministers, Collector and other pulling the chariot. Immediately, higher officials took part. hundreds of devotees gathered for Since devotees from Thanjavur, the occasion, reverentially picked Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukotup the huge ropes of the chariot tai, Trichy, Ariyalur and Perambalur and tugged at the car that wobbled districts thronged the temple town, and then instantly stabilised to give elaborate security and administraa perfect start. tive arrangements were made. Following Emperor Rajaraja I, For all the residents of Thanjavur, Chola kings as also Nayaks and young and the old, this is their first the Marathas added glory and big temple chariot run ritual as the grandeur to the Big Temple and temple never had experienced that conducted the festivals in a fitting chance in the last nearly 100 years. manner over the centuries despite Over 30 sthapathis (sculptors) some interregnums. crafted the car for close to 15 Vishing gang: City cops in search of more NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: After the arrest of two men who were a part of a vishing (voice pishing) scam and allegedly cheated people to the tune of Rs eight crore, the Central Crime Branch officials will reportedly continue with investigations in Delhi to nab more suspects, sources with the city police said. Deputy Commissioner for Central Crime Branch (CCB) Jayakumar said that as part of investigations in the money extortion case, there is possibility that the accused, currently lodged at Puzhal prison- Deepkumar Devakinandan (33) and Praveenkumar Kashyap(32) from Uttam Nagar could be taken to Delhi. Police said, they will also inquire the case with statements from the duo. In about a week or so, a special team of eight police officers in Delhi will arrest Ashraf Ali and Sunny- the two main culprits who are currently absconding. It is suspected that these men are two small players of a larger network, which might be functioning in other States including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Police sources said, the gang included banking professionals who were wellversed in regional languages and used them to con customers. This way, personal banking information was extracted. It may be noted that a special team was formed based of complaints from around 250 individuals who lost sums of money from Rs 4000 to Rs 50,000. A total of Rs eight crore was lost from people in the city. The accused ran the fraud business as a data collecting centre in Delhi. NT Bureau Thiruvannamalai, Apr 29: Five persons were killed and three others sustained serious injuries when the driver of a government bus lost control and the vehicle ran into a hotel at Thenmathur village near here this morning. The driver is absconding. According to police, a bus carrying 50 passengers was proceeding from Madurai to Thiruvannamalai. When it reached Thenmathur village early this morning, the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The bus ran berserk and went inside a roadside hotel. Five persons who were having tea. were crushed to death on the spot. Also three others who were waiting for bus in front of the hotel sustained serious injuries. The deceased were identified as Seeman (70), Elumalai (40), Arunachalam (40) and Rangan 40), all residents of Kamaraj Nagar, while Ramalingam (58) is a native of Thenmathoor. They succumbed to bleeding injuries and their bodies were thrown out in the impact of the mishap. Those injured were identified as Subramani (53), Munusamy (48) and Thanal (80). Munusamy and Thanal were rushed to Chennai Government Hospital for treatment, while Subramani was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the bus was absconding. Following information, senior police officials rushed to the spot and supervised relief works. Meanwhile people who gathered in the area were Indonesia defies world anger, executes drug convicts Cilacap, Apr 29 (AFP): Indonesia executed seven foreign drug convicts including two Australians by firing squad but a Filipina was spared at the 11th hour, local reports said. Defying a firestorm of international criticism and heartrending pleas by relatives, authorities put the seven plus a local man to death after midnight Tuesday, the reports said. However the Filipina, Mary Jane Veloso, was spared after someone suspected of recruiting her and tricking her into carrying drugs to Indonesia turned herself in to authorities in the Philippines, MetroTV and the Jakarta Post reported. Eight convicts -- two Australians, one from Brazil and four from Africa, as well as the Indonesian -- were put to death on the high-security prison island of Nusakambangan, the reports said. In Indonesian executions, convicts are led to clearings just after midnight, tied to posts and then giving the option of kneeling, standing or sitting before being executed by 12-man firing squads. (More on page 4) SHOCKING SCENE The driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The bus ran berserk and went inside a roadside hotel. Five persons who were having tea were crushed to death on the spot The government bus that rain into a hotel near Thiruvannamalai killing five people today (Below) Those injured were taken to Government Hospital. agitated by the incident and hurled stones on the bus. They said that their demand to erect a speed-breaker in the road went unheeded. Now, a major mishap has occurred and five lives have been lost. The police tried to pacify the crowd, who raised slogans against the authorities concerned. The traffic on the stretch was disrupted for over two hours. The bodies of those who were killed in the mishap were retrieved and sent to Thiruvannamalai Government Hospital for postmortem. State Minister Mukoor Subramaniam, District Collector Gnanasekaran, Superintendent of Police Mutharasi and others rushed to the hospital and called on those injured. They also consoled the families of the victims. Veraiyur police have registered a case and search is on for the driver. Chaos in Kathmandu q Quake toll crosses 5,000 q Survivors queue up for relief materials Kathmandu, Apr 29: Nepali officials conceded they had made mistakes in their initial response to a massive earthquake that has killed more than 5,000 people, as survivors stranded in remote villages and towns waited for aid and relief to arrive on Wednesday. The government has yet to fully assess the devastation wrought by the 7.9 magnitude quake, unable to reach many mountainous areas despite aid supplies and personnel pouring in from around the world. Anger and frustration was mounting steadily, with many Nepalis sleeping out in the open under makeshift tents for a fourth night since Nepal`s worst quake in more than 80 years. ‘This is a disaster on an unprecedented scale. There have been some weaknesses in managing the relief operation,’ Nepal`s Communication Minister Minendra Rijal said late on Tuesday. ‘We will improve this from Wednesday.’ Prime Minister Sushil Koirala told Reuters on Tuesday the death toll could reach 10,000, with information on casualties and damage from far-flung DIVINE DROPS A childlooks on as residents queue Kathmandu. villages and towns yet to come in. Nepal PM came to know about quake from Modi Sushil Koirala was in Thailand when the7.9-magnitude earthquake rocked his country, and came to know about the temblor though the tweets of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Koirala went to Bangkok from Indo- up to get water in earthquake-hit nesia after participating in an international conference. He was to return to Kathmandu after a stopover for medical treatment in a hospital in Bangkok. As soon as he landed at the Bangkok airport, Koirala saw Modi’s tweets on the quake, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said on Tuesday. Battle lines drawn: Srini vs Thakur q Efforts on to oust ex-BCCI chief from ICC chairman post q All eyes on SGM to be held 24 May Meanwhile, there are reports that NT Bureau and every member of the cricket gov- Baroda Cricket Association on allegaNow that the men at the helm (of BCCI erning body. Thakur has been involved tions of financial irregularities. affairs) appear hell-bent on knocking him Chennai, Apr 29: the Board is mulling efforts to get in a public tussle with Srinivasan, which However, Patel is not taking things lying off the ICC perch, Srinivasan (and his The eighth edition of the Indian Pre- Srinivasan ‘removed’ as the chairman began when ICC sent an advisory, cit- down as he is all set to take legal recourse men) face a rocky road ahead. mier League (IPL) is on and on-field of the International Cricket Council ing Thakur’s closeness with an alleged to revoke the decision of the BCA’s Who is Gilhotra? action has kept the fans interested. The (ICC). It is learnt that it (BCCI) is exbookie Karan Gilhotra. managing committee taken on the day. battles for the play-off spots intensifies pected to conduct a Special General Until last weekend, Karan Gilhotra Thakur subsequently asked Srinivasan as the fortunes keep changing in each Meeting (SGM) on 24 May to take a These are tough times for Srini- wasn’t a name part of cricket debates. N Srinivasan Anurag Thakur to provide a list of the alleged bookies vasan, who once wielded ‘ultimate But a letter from the ICC headquarters game. Meanwhile, a different game is decision on Srinivasan’s role. few days ago there were reports that via a official letter, and also asked him to power’ in the Board as he now finds to BCCI’s inbox changed it all. ‘To oust Srinivasan, the ruling group will being played out off-field as deposed BCCI president N Srinivasan attempts require two-thirds majority which is 21 units. he had hired a London-based spying provide the same to his family members, himself on the outer and attempts to Gilhotra is a 38-year-old from Ghanito keep his critics at bay and save his If they can’t ensure 21 votes, they won’t call agency and spent on them Rs 14 as his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan return to the top post have proved in ani, a village near Fazilka in Punjab. SGM for sure. Dalmiya and Thakur will crore from BCCI coffers to spy on the was known to be in touch with bookies. position - as ICC chairman. vain. As the IPL spot-fixing/betting Media reports said that he promotes Meanwhile, Srinivasan received scandal issue drags on, the BCCI Celebrity Cricket League team PunIt may be noted that Srinivasan and have to ensure there are 21 votes in their members of the Indian board. serious was discussed of Dalmiya said. 85, The another600 jolt032 as and one printed of his by closest strongman’s chances of Ltd., regaining Published K. Balakumar behalf offavour,’ Newsa member Today Media (P) faction Ltd., from Mount Road matter (GST Road), Guindy, Chennai him at Frontline Printers Private M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial the currentbyboard secretary on Anurag jab de Sher and hasEstate, a ‘close Guindy, affiliation extensively in the Working Incidentally, has been in /Advt: confidants Sanjay Patel removed e-mail: [email protected], of the body once he comThakur, a600 BJP strongman locked Chennai 032. Ph: 4202are 1111. Editor: K. Balakumar.Srinivasan Phone: Editorial/Admn 22504000, Fax:BCCI’s 2250 1800 (Editorial)/2250 1200/2250 0101was (Advt/Admn). Circulation: 4202 1111. Fax: 0000.in with Shiromani Akali Dal,4212 the party C City 2 WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 Centre Slick ICE ICE BABY CHENNAI Relief at the middle ingle Anna Nagar Third Avenue gets a median L People make best use of the summer goodies that have stormed the market. A vendor at Madhavaram selling tender coconut. Photo: R Thiyagarajan Paper Mills Road to be made spectrawide ack of a median was one of the major concern along the busy stretch of Third Avenue, Anna Nagar. It poses danger to both the motorists and pedestrians. Considering the troubles people face, officials of Chennai Corporation has taken up the issue. They have started work to come up with median along the stretch. Residents are happy to see Third Avenue getting a face lift now. Harshal Bothra, an architect from Anna Nagar East, said, ‘This road has lots of commercial attractions on both sides, which draws huge crowd everyday’. We thank the authorities concerned for constructing median here, he added. ‘Crossing the lane was major concern, as one is not sure from which direction a vehicle may come’, said Joseph, who resides in Block I, Anna Nagar . Other than commercial outlets, the stretch also has Government Peripheral Hospital, and a few private medical centres. ‘The vehicles take U-turn at unexpected spots, risking the lives of pedestrians ‘, says Yesodha Nandagopa- ‘Crossing the lane was major concern, as one was not sure from which direction a vehicle may come’ lan, a senior citizen from Y Block Anna Nagar. The officials of Bus Route Road Department of Chennai Corporation says that they have taken up the task of constructing medians along all the bus routes in Chennai, and are completing it one-after-another . They say that these medians are being constructed as per the specified measurements, built with granite kerbs of height 0.60 metre, and 0.0125 metre thick, with grills and greenery along the stretch. The Bus Route Road Department can be contacted at 25360556 - NT Bureau A NN R GA NA A R esidents and road-users of Paper Mills Road are overjoyed as the civic body has finally started widening this surface. Authorities were spotted removing encroachments along the stretch much recently. Residents here say that this comes after R BU the Madras High Court had directed the AM ER P Chennai Corporation to clear the place so that works to expand it can be undertaken. ‘On Saturday last, when I went out to buy grocery, I saw a few men clearing encroachments. I was very happy to see the work progress, as all these days it was only on paper. I immediately informed my neighbors who were glad to hear the news. This road, is one of busiest in the locality, and there was a need to widen it. This would definitely benefit all,’ says Ramamurthy, Encroachments removed at Paper Mills Road. a longtime resident of the area. ‘Officials of Chennai Corporation have removed more resident of the area. ‘Officials of Revenue Department conducted a survey than 150 encroachments here. This will facilitate the widening of this narrow stretch from 30 to 80 feet. This in of the various blockades here a few days back and the result was this. Residents here turn will ease the flow of vehicles not just on this surface but also in the surrounding areas of Kolathur, Periyar didn’t actually believe that they would act,’ says Manish, Nagar and Sembium. This indeed is a great relief for another resident of the area. - NT Bureau the public,’ says Sudha Ramani, a social activist and a TV TODAY STAR SPORTS 1 JAYA TV 04:30 PM 05:00 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM Kollywood Gallery New Songs Makkalin Mudhalvar Arokiya Unavu Galatta Comedy Ramayanam News Hits Kai Raasi Kudumbam Priyamana Thozhi Poomagal Kavidhaiyae Theriyuma English News Tamil News Thenkinnam SUN TV 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM Keladi Kanmani Pasamalar News Nadhaswaram Deiva Magal Vamsam Priyamanaval Vani Rani Sakthi Azhagi Movie KALAIGNAR TV 04:30 PM 05:00 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:02 PM 10:30 PM 10:30 PM Sirippu Varudhu Endrum Super Kalai Koil Utchakattam Idhu Pudhusu News Mohini Bhavani Romapuri Paandiyan Odi Vilayadu Pappa Madippakkam Madhavan News Headlines Kaliyugam Sirippu Varudhu Telebuy VIJAY TV 04:30 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM Super Singer T20 Uravugal Thodar Kadhai En Kanavan En Thozhan Puthu Kavithai Kalyanam Mudhal Kaadhal Varai Aandaal Azhagar Deivam Thandha Veedu Saravanan Meenatchi Mahabharatham Super Singer T20 Office Telebuy Kalyanam Mudhal Kaadhal Varai Median being built at Third Avenue, Anna Nagar. 05:00 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM RAJ TV 05:00 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 05:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM POLIMER TV Comedy Express Nenjam Pesuthey Saami Potta Mudichu Madhubala Ullam Kollai Pogudhada Sakthi Pole Yaarumillae Madhubala Saami Potta Mudichu Nenjam Pesuthey Moondru Muduchi S U D O K U 3 9 6 3 04:28 PM The Hulk 07:07 PM Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 09:00 PM The Wolverine 11:31 PM Unstoppable Great Knocks Close Encounters Match Point : Twenty 20 Cricket Legends ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : India vs. West Indies Pro Kabaddi Superhits ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : Pakistan vs. West Indies BWF Badminton World Magazine Show ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : India vs. West Indies Cricket Legends Jai Ho MOVIES NOW 05:30 PM The Mask 07:30 PM Meet the Spartans 09:00 PM The Wolf of Wall Street 2 4 5 8 6 4 2 IN THEATRES 3 9 2 4 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? ANSWER TO SUDOKU 3064 (28.04.2015) STAR MOVIES SONY MAX Mayajaal, Escape Cinema, Devi Cineplex, Kamala Theatre, PVR Cinemas, Sangam, AGS, INOX National, Hall, Rakki Multiplex, Abirami Theatres 1 4 3065 WWE Raw ATP 1000 Masters 2015 H/ls : Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Inside the PGTI : Players C UEFA Champions League 2014/15 : Review Show WWE Extreme Rules 2015 04:34 PM The Taking of Pelham 123 06:47 PM I Am Number Four 09:00 PM The Lego Movie 11:02 PM Sex and the City 2 07:00 PM Extraaa Innings : Pre Show 08:00 PM Ipl 2015 : Bangalore vs. Rajasthan 11:30 PM Extraaa Innings : Post Show 8 1 04:34 PM 2012 08:00 PM A Few Good Men 11:02 PM Casino Royale STAR SPORTS 2 05:00 PM 05:30 PM 06:00 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM 10:00 PM HBO SONY PIX TEN SPORTS S K Shoppe Vellithira Raj News Thirai Vaanil Sindhu Bhairavi Mann Vasanai Karuthamma Alaipayuthey En Iniya Thozhiye Gouravam Koppium-Crime Time Rojavai Killathe 04:20 PM 05:35 PM 06:05 PM 06:30 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:00 PM 08:30 PM 09:00 PM 09:30 PM IN HOME Cricket Legends Match Point : Twenty 20 ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : India vs. West Indies Pro Kabaddi Superhits Match Point : Twenty 20 ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : Pakistan vs. West Indies Jai Ho Pro Kabaddi Superhits Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2015 H/ls : 1st Test Day 2 Cricket Legends ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 H/ls : The Countdown Show Cricket Legends 5 6 8 9 2 2 8 5 3 9 2 5 3 6 7 4 1 8 4 8 7 6 1 7 8 5 3 6 9 4 9 4 2 7 8 2 3 1 5 1 6 8 6 9 5 3 2 3 4 9 7 5 1 2 1 3 2 5 4 9 8 7 6 3 9 8 1 5 2 7 6 4 5 4 1 6 7 3 2 8 9 2 6 7 8 9 4 1 5 3 OK KANMANI KANCHANA 2 Kamala Theatre, Udhayam Theatre, PVR Cinemas, AGS Cinemas, INOX National, Abirami Mega Mall, Woodlands Multiplex, Mayajaal Cinema, Sangam Multiplex, Sri Ganga Cinema, Raj Theatre, Maharani Theatre IRIDIYAM S 2 Perambur, PVR Cinemas, AGS Cinemas, INOX National, Abirami Mega Mall, Sangam Multiplex, Sri Ganga Cinema, Maharani Theatre Around Town CHENNAI WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 LOWDOWN OF GETTING HIGH Getting ID card made easy for disabled q Drug use am among youth rampant in suburbs despite ban LAASYA SHEKHAR Chennai, Apr 29: For 23-year-old Mervin, it all started with listening to Bob Marley’s songs like Redemption, Ganja Gun. As days passed, he gradually got into a lifestyle wherein he smoked pot once every four hours each day. A majority of Chennaiites these days would not be shocked to learn about such things or see news reports as they would be aware of the ‘scoring’ places in the city. Despite a legal ban imposed on the use and sale of narcotic drugs in 1981 (the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) (NDPS)), it is said drugs are sold at several places in the city. Not just in the suburbs, prominent places in the city are famous for sale of narcotics, said a police official on condition of anonymity. Many youngsters use it because they are economical. Also, they think that the substance reduces stress. Viswas, a student of Madras Christian College said, ‘Unlike tobacco and alcohol, it is cheap. Use of weed decreases stress levels and the Indian government should seriously consider legalising it like in the US and other western countries.’ About the misconceptions surround- ing about the use, he said ‘it was not hazardous as they are portrayed in movies. Many Indian movies seem to give a wrong impression about the use (of weed).’ ‘Most of them (buyers) are those between 16 and 30 years. Recently, girls have begun using the drug, which could have adverse affects,’ he mentioned. It is learnt that students also use it as an easy mechanism to reduce their weight. Christiana, a student of Loyola College said, ‘Medical benefits which include analgesic and pleasant mood altering effects made me go for it. Also, it is one of the fastest ways to reduce weight, provided we follow a strict diet.’ According to a research published in ‘Nature Neuroscience’, Marijuana’s main ingredient - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), targets the brain’s olfactory bulbs among other things and actually makes one smell and taste more than usual. The heightened senses stimulate an individual’s appetite. Ramakrishna, a city-based dietitian, said, ‘Trying to lose weight by smoking pot is one of the worst ways to do as it have the opposite effect, as it having failed to control the appetite. Regular consumption would also lead to poor memory management.’ ‘Not just in the suburbs, prominent places in the city are famous for sale of narcotics. Besides areas near the Fort St George, it is sold at Saidapet, Pallavaram and West Tambaram’ Usha, who is into research on the use of narcotic drugs said that weed does less harm than alcohol and tobacco. She said, ‘They mix it with tobacco to make a joint, which makes it harmful. But it acts like a gateway as youth tend to try most dangerous substance like brown sugar, heroin etc, the fact which made the Indian government ban them.’ Russian education fair from 9 May NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Nine leading Russian Government institutions including medical and engineering universities are participating in an education fair to be held at Russian Cultural Centre, Chennai for two days from 9 May, between 10 am and 5 pm. According to a press release, Consul General of Consulate General of Russian Federation in South India Sergey L Kotov and Hindustan University Vice-Chancellor Ramachandran will inaugurate the exhibition organised by Russian Cultural Centre, Chennai and Study Abroad. Volgograd State Medical University, Kazan State Medical University, Tver State Medical University, Kazan Federal University, Russian International Olympic University, URAL Federal University, Far Eastern Federal University, Southern Ural State University and People’s Friendship University are participating in the exhibition and will offer seats through direct counselling and spot admission on Vietnam opens visa centre NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Planning a trip to Vietnam this summer? VFS Global has opened their Vietnam Visa Application Centre at Egmore on Tuesday. The visa application would be processed within a span of three days and the centre expects as many 5,000 applications in a year. Speaking during the inauguration of the centre, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Ton Sinh Thanh said, ‘With Indian investment growing in Vietnam we expect the tourism to rise.’ The centre in Chennai will process both tourist and business visas. Application forms will cost Rs 500 and visa fees Rs 4,500. From 2011 to 2014, there has been a 300 per cent rise in the number of Indian tourists coming to Vietnam from 19,000 to 55,000, the Ambassador said. All applications will continue to be assessed and processed by the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi. The centre will be open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays. For details, log on to:www.vfsglobal.com/Vietnam/India. merits across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including medicine, engineering, sports management, aviation, aerospace, nuclear power technology, power plant management and more. Scholarship seats including free tuition and accommodation will be provided by the individual institutions and by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation to eligible candidates both at graduate and post-graduate levels. To join the above programmes, students should have a minimum of 50 per cent marks in the relevant core subjects/degrees, which in the case of SC/ST and OBC students, is 40 per cent. Tamil medium students are also eligible to apply. Students furnishing Plus Two standard mark sheets will be given spot admission. Entry is free. The academic year starts from 1 September 2015. Each academic year is of two semesters. Annual holidays will be for two months in July and August. Devotees in large numbers gathered at Karaneeswarar Temple in Saidapet in Chennai today as part of Brahmotsavam celebration. 3 NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Southern Railway has increased the number of centres where people with disabilities can submit their documents to apply for a photo ID in order to book train tickets online as well as across the counter. According to a press release, those who need the ID cards can send in their documents to the divisional offices in Chennai, Tiruchi, Madurai, Salem, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram as well as to 36 additional locations across south India. These locations will take in application forms at the railway station every Tuesday and Thursday between 10 am and 1 pm. The additional locations are: Erode, Karur, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Udhagamandalam, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Manamadurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Nagercoil, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Chengalpattu, Jolarpettai, Gummidipundi, Puducherry, Kollam, . Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam South, Thrissur, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Payyanur, Kasaragod and Mangalore. These 36 locations will start receiving applications from 1 May and continue to do so for a period of two months, the release said. Concession holders have the following options, the release said: send in their applications by post to the divisional offi ces; visit the divisional offices and submit their applications; submit their applications at any of the 36 stations. On completion of verification, the cards can be collected from the place of submission in person or though an authorised representative on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If the concession holder gives her mobile number, she will be intimated by SMS; if not, the card can be collected after three weeks, the release said. ‘It was sheer luck that saved us’ q City residents recount ‘hardest days of their lives’ Laasya Shekhar Chennai, Apr 29: Relief writ large on their faces, a group of 17 persons who embarked on a holiday to Nepal, returned home after what they described as ‘a bad phase in life.’ They were among the 40 persons who returned from the quake-hit nation after enduring tense moments and hurdles. Recounting their horror tales, they said an escape was possible due to an element of luck and timely assistance from the government of Tamilnadu. ‘One of my fellow tourists was in the Jayanthi restroom and efforts to alert her went in vain. Soon after she came out, the walls came crashing down. It was just our sheer luck that saved us,’ said Jayanthi, a resident of Anna Nagar. ‘Fearing to defecate in the open, my wife did not eat anything and almost fainted’ - said Ramakrishnan, who went on a holiday to Nepal with his family A 17-member group which returned to Chennai from Nepal on Tuesday. She also spoke about the hardships they endured and how they had to live on the streets, fearing another earthquake. ‘Forget food and shelter, restroom facilities and electricity were unavailable which made the situation worse. Women were embarrassed to defecate in the open. The gesture of Nepal people to offer shelters for us despite being in trouble themselves needs to be appreciated.’ Jayanthi had embarked on a six-day trip to Nepal and being a senior citizen faced a tough time in the Himalayan Kingdom. She is among the 61 people who went to spend a holiday in Nepal. Environmental conditions and food-related woes seem to have changed Ramakrishnan, a resident of Saidapet who went to Nepal along with his wife. ‘We had the toughest two days of our lives on the streets of Nepal. Had the Indian government contacted us late, the situation would have been worse as many among us are diabetic and senior citizens. Fearing to defecate in the open, my wife did not eat anything and almost fainted,’ he said. Most of the tourists stated that they are upset about the statements made by Christian missionaries online. Referring to a tweet by an organisation, a Salem-based senior citizen said, ‘A tweet which said that absence of Christianity in Nepal has resulted in the earthquake is totally naive and uncivilised. It is a natural calamity and religion plays no stand,’ he added. All those who arrived here thanked the Central and State governments for the swift response in rescuing Ramakrishnan with his wife them from the affected areas and taking steps to ensure they reached home safe. A total of 53 persons hailing from Tamilnadu who were stranded in Nepal have arrived here so far in the past three days after the quake hit the Himalayan nation. Of the 53, 26 were men, 25 women and two were 2 children, said sources. They belong to various places including Chennai, Salem, Tirupur, Vellore and Tiruchi. TN to impart skill training to 2 crore people q Labour Minister hands over certificates to candidates at Guindy trained under the scheme, he said. government is taking measures to NT Bureau Council For Leather Exports Chennai, Apr 29: enhance employment opportunity chairman M Rafeeque Ahmed Tamilnadu government will im- in various skills. The Minister said the govern- said prospects for leather busipart skill training to about two ness were bright in Tamilnadu ment has decided to increase the crore people in the next 11 years as western nations were looking amount for training over two lakh to get them employment in various towards India as an alternative to youngsters in skills from Rs 100 sectors, said China where cost of production crore to Rs 150 crore for the year Tamilnadu Minister For Rural was going up. 2015-16. Industries and Labour P Mohan. Moreover, the leather business He also said that youngsters are Presenting certificates and is likely to go up to $27 billion also being trained by TNSDC in placement orders for candidates dollars by 2020 from its present trained under Tamilnadu Skill De- association with Tamilnadu Police $7 billion dollars. This provides in security skills, which can enable velopment Corporation (TNSDC) ample opportunity for youngsters at Central Footwear Training In- them to obtain jobs as security Tamilnadu Minister For Rural Industries and Labour P Mohan giving away a certificate to a candidate trained guards at various establishments. who are trained in the required stitute (CFTI) premises at Guindy Tamilandu Corporation Chennai yesterday. Council For Leather Exports chairman Published by K. Balakumar on behalf of News Today Media (P) Ltd., from 85, Mount Road (GST Road), Guindy,under Chennai 600 032Skill andDevelopment printed by him at FrontlineinPrinters Private Ltd., M-7, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, skill sets, he said. So far 4,500 people have been M Rafeeque Ahmed is present. yesterday, he said the State 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. Blend 4 WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 WHAT WH AT NEW N NEWS EWS EW S TO TODA TODAY DAY DA Y PR PRIN PRINTS INTS IN TS IIS S NE NEWS WS TTHA THAT HATT CO HA COUN COUNTS UNTS UN TS CHENNAI SHOWING RESPECT C L ICK PIC A Same old ways gain, the government seems to have got the signals all wrong. Markets have been spooked by the arbitrary demand for some Rs. 40,000 crores as arrears of Minimum Alternate Tax from foreign investors. MAT at the rate of 20 percent is levied on capital gains, the actual incidence depending on the inflation index. Clearly, the one-dimensional income tax apparatchiks did not consider the consequences of demand notices for periods going as far back as seven assessment years. What were they doing all this time? If these were really genuine demands, why did nobody wake up earlier? Also, how is the taxman sure that the foreign investors who profited from, say, some trades seven years ago are still present in the country? The real problem is that tax authorities exploit their powers to raise demands while leaving it to others to explain them their un-tenability. In other words, they can be quite fanciful and arbitrary because they act on behalf of the Government. And if their actions cause a run on the markets, so be it. They are least bothered. The sole concern is to mop up maximum revenues even while ignoring both the principle of equity and fairness as also the impact of the out-of-the-blue charge on foreign investors. Since they slapped those MAT notices, foreign funds have been net sellers. Markets have lost nearly ten percent due to the MAT-caused panic. The most important reason has been the uncertainty stemming from the sudden MAT notices. Clearly, no lessons were learnt from the Vodafone affair; nor from the huge backlash against what was described by the ministers of this Government at that time as `tax terrorism.’ Bureaucracy is so set in its slow and tawdry ways that even Modi can fail in making it responsive to the demands of changing political and economic scenarios. Uncertainty in future tax planning deters foreign and even domestic investors from choosing India as a destination for their investible funds. There are a number of foreign markets which offer better returns and certainly have a stable tax regime which is not given to making arbitrary and whimsical demands. In this regard, it has been suggested that the income tax department’s power to keep the tax returns alive for scrutiny for seven years ought to be limited to, say, three years. Seven years is too long for FIIs to keep track of their investors who, in the final analysis, ought to pay any bona-fide demand for tax on their earnings. Better still, a crystal clear tax law which makes for no confusion or obfuscation ought to replace the old miles-long gobbledygook that passes for the tax manual now. Both tax-payer and the tax-receiver must be fully clear as to where they stand on a particular taxable income. Simplicity and predictability in taxation is the first thing that the Government must introduce to help create a positive business environment. M S Swaminathan @msswaminathan Nepal ideal for temperate vegetables & ornamental plants; as in Kutch, construct greenhouses for homes first & occupation later #NepalQuake Sania Mirza @MirzaSania ‘Ofcourse it’s hard. Its supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Hard is what makes it great.’ Yahoo tests ear-based smartphone ID system Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand sculpture with a message We Pray for you - We are with You for Nepal earthquake victims, at Puri beach in Odisha. In the other photograph, students at a school pay tribute to earthquake victims in Gurgaon. Execution of drug convicts sparks anger Australia recalls envoy from Indonesia BALI: An Indonesian firing squad executed eight convicted drug-traffickers from several countries on Wednesday, prompting Australia to recall its envoy to Jakarta and bringing an angry reaction from Brazil. The leaders of Australia and Brazil had made personal appeals for clemency for their citizens among the group, raising the stakes for Indonesia’s new president, Joko Widodo, who has stepped up the pace of executions since coming to office. Australia has deep commercial and political ties with its big neighbour, while Brazil has a $5 billion trade surplus with Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. Brazil is at risk of losing a major military export deal to Indonesia over the executions row. An Indonesian firing squad executed eight convicted drugtraffickers from several countries AXE EFFECT Brazil Four Nigerian men, one from Brazil and one Indonesian who among eight were executed today for drug cartel. A woman from the Philippines and a Frenchman were temporarily reprieved. The Philippines Australia A spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office said it had delayed the execution of Mary Jane Veloso, a housemaid and mother of two who was arrested in 2010 after she arrived in Indonesia with 2.6 kg of heroin hidden in her suitcase. He said the delay came in response to a request from Manila after an employment recruiter, whom Veloso had accused of planting the drugs in her luggage, gave herself up to police in the Philippines on Tuesday. Supporters holding a vigil for Veloso outside the Indonesian embassy in Manila cheered and clapped on hearing the news. We respect Indonesia’s sovereignty but we do deplore what’s been done and this cannot be simply business as usual, Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters in Canberra, adding that ambassador Paul Gibson would return to Australia by the end of the week. Charlie Burrows, religious counsellor to the Brazilian convict, was with the prisoners before the execution and he confirmed to reporters that they were shot dead. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia had yet to receive formal confirmation of the executions from Indonesia. Recalling an ambassador is a step rarely taken by Australia, and never previously taken over a prisoner execution. Still, Abbott cautioned against a trade or tourism boycott, as the hashtag #boycottIndonesia trended on twitter. Hitler birth house haunts Austrian town VIENNA: Every year it`s the same circus, mutters a resident at the sight of dozens of anti-fascist protesters stomping toward a large weatherworn building in the small northern Austrian town Braunau am Inn. Nazis out! chant the demonstrators, many clad in black hoodies and sporting sunglasses despite the rain, their shouts ricocheting off the three-storey residence. This is no ordinary town and no ordinary house: behind the fading facade of number 15 Salzburger Vorstadt Street hides the birthplace of Adolf Hitler. And almost exactly 70 years since the Nazi dictator`s suicide in the ruins of Berlin, it continues to stir up controversy. Amnesty International Amnesty International said the executions were utterly reprehensible. ‘The execution of eight people in Indonesia today shows complete disregard for due process and human rights safeguards,’ it said in a statement. The Brazilian government said in a statement that it was shocked by the news, which marked the second execution of a Brazilian in Indonesia in three months despite President Dilma Rousseff’s personal humanitarian appeals. Brazil’s foreign ministry said it was evaluating ties with Indonesia before deciding what action to take, but said it had no plans at present to replace its former ambassador in Jakarta who had been recalled after the first execution in January. Given the lack of a satisfactory reply to our appeals, this has to be evaluated to decide what attitude we will adopt towards Indonesia from now on, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergio Franca Danese told reporters. Earlier, Jakarta rejected lastditch pleas from around the world for clemency to be granted to the eight drug traffickers, who also included nationals from Nigeria and Indonesia. 159 nations call for ban on nuclear weapons UNITED NATIONS: Austria has called for banning nuclear weapons because of their catastrophic humanitarian effects, an initiative it said now has the backing of 159 countries. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was speaking at the five-year review conference of the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons will never be used again is through their total elimination, Kurz told the 191 parties to the treaty, the world`s benchmark arms control accord. ‘All states share the responsibility to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.’ Diplomats from the 159 countries supporting the ban, presented ahead of the 70th anniversary of the U.S. atom bombs dropped on Japan, said the initiative was modelled on successful campaigns to ban land mines and other weapons and could take years to move forward. The initiative has virtually no support among NPT nuclear weapons states and veto-wielding Security Council members - the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China - or the countries of NATO, an alliance that provides a kind of nuclear umbrella security guarantee for its members. But most of the 193 UN members back it. The five permanent Security Council members signed the NPT as nuclear weapons states, although the pact calls on them to negotiate the reduction and eventual elimination of their arms caches. SAB FRANCISCO: Swiss robbers Biometrics expert Prof Angela Yahoo is working on a way of unlocking a mobile phone using the Sasse, from University College owner’s ear rather than a password London’s department of computer or fingerprint. It is also looking to use science, thinks that such a system fists or even the way people grip their could have a future as a way of opensmartphone as alternative forms of ing mobile phones securely. biometric authentication. Sir Fingerprint scanners on mobile phones are increasingly popular, but Preparing to make a push into expensive. Yahoo is looking to use the most isolated parts of quakethe phone’s touchscreen as the image devastated Nepal, soldiers today RIYADH: sensor, which would be far cheaper. ‘Research into this has been going were readying food, water and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman today other emergency supplies to be The system, developed at Yahoo on for a few years, but it is new in dismissed the heir to the throne, loaded onto helicopters in this Labs, is dubbed Bodyprint and has terms of deployment,’ she said. Crown Prince Moqren bin Abdul small town near the earthquake’s had initial trials with 12 participants. It was not the first time ears had Aziz bin Saud, and replaced him epicenter. ‘Due to their cost, capacitive finger- been used as a method of identificawith the Interior Minister Mohammed The relief works are on at fuill print scanners have been limited to tion, she said. lah, who died on January 23 and was bin Nayef. pace. Gorkha, which would barely top-of-the-line phones, a result of the In Switzerland such methods are replaced by Salman,79. We have decided to respond to his count as a village in much of the required resolution and quality of the used at the scene of a robbery, to Moqren, 69, highness and what he and expressed world, is the district’s administrasensor,’ the team said on its website. help identify the offender. w o u l d h a v e about his desire to be relieved from NEWS MAKER been the last tive, transport and trading center While the input resolution of a ‘Burglars tend to listen on the winthe position of crown prince,” said of the day for surrounding tiny villages. touchscreen is relatively low, ‘the dowpane to see if anyone is home,’ son of the kinga statement from the royal court, It was being used as a staging surface area is large, allowing the said Prof Sasse. Police then take a dom’s founder, carried by the official Saudi Press post to get rescuers and supplies touch sensor to scan users’ body print of the ear, rather like a fingerprint. Abdul Aziz bin Saud, to rule. Agency. to those remote communities, parts, such as ears, fingers, fists and One benefit of an ear-based idenHis dismissal leaves bin Nayef as It added that Moqren was also resome of which are believed to be palms by pressing them against the tification system was that it offered the first of the second generation, or lieved of his position as deputy Prime nearly completely destroyed. display’, the team said. Prince Moqren bin Abdul Aziz bin Saud greater privacy than facial recognigrandsons of Abdul Aziz, in line to Minister. SURESH, By email It identified body parts with tion, she told the BBC. The decree named Prince Moham- the political and security council, a lead the world’s largest oil exporter. 99.98per cent accuracy and users Fingerprint scanners, popular on ADDRESS YOUR LETTERS TO : The appointment of bin Nayef furmed bin Nayef as crown prince as coordinating body. with 99.5per cent accuracy. Scan- latest iPhone models and on some The Editor, News Today, 85, Mount Road, The dismissal of Moqren removes ther solidifies control of Salman’s Suwell as deputy prime minister and Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. ning ears achieved a 99.8percent Android handsets, have proved to be or e-mail to : [email protected] / said he will continue to hold his posi- the last-remaining high-level official dayri branch of the royal family. Their accuracy rate, according to the team. vulnerable to hackers. 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 infl Frontline Printers Private M-7, [email protected] Industrial Estate, Guindy, uence had waned under Ltd., Abdullah. tion of interior minister and head of remaining from the era of King AbdulChennai 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. Saudi Arabia’s crown Prince dismissed Moqren removes the last-remaining highlevel official remaining from the era of King Abdullah, who died recently VOICE MAIL Commendable job Enterprise CHENNAI WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 5 Chennai converses changing job trends City hosts FICCI’s annual conference Delegates discuss HR, media and more NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: FICCI Tamilnadu State Council organised its annual HR & IR event titled ‘Changing Trends in Human Resources & Industrial Relations’ in the city Tuesday. The conference discussed on finding solutions to the recruitment riddle, influence of social media in work life and emerging trends in human resources and industrial relations.In his welcome address, FICCI Tamilnadu State Council chairman Rafeeque Ahmed said ‘Over the last several years, the transformation from personnel administration to human resource management is more than a change in semantics. The demands to do more FICCI TNSC chairman Rafeeque Ahmed speaking at the FICCI HR conference held in Chennai Tuesday. Joint Commissioner for Labour Kalaivani and FICCI TNSC head RubanHobday are also seen. with less, and faster, have expense center to a more grown exponentially for visible and responsive most HR functions. Ad- investment center’. ditionally, many organisaThe concept of a knowltions are calling for HR to edge-based enterprise become a ‘strategic part- model for HR includes ner’ in transforming the HR service to the line, function from a low-level consulting on corporate Despite S6 launch, Samsung’s fortune dips Seoul, Apr 29 (AFP): Samsung Electronics posted a near 40 per cent fall in first quarter net profit Wednesday, missing analyst estimates despite a surge in memory chip demand that cushioned a slump in smartphone sales. Facing increasing competition from arch rival Apple and smaller Chinese manufacturers, the world’s top handset maker reported a net profit of 4.6 trillion won ($4.3 billion) for the January-March period, down 38.9 per cent from a year earlier. It was the fourth straight quarterly decline in net profit and missed the 4.9 trillion-won average of 23 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg News. Operating profit also fell 29.6 per cent on-year to 6.0 trillion won, largely in line with the firm’s earlier forecast. But in a sign that the South Korean electronics giant might be turning a corner after four successive quarters of significant declines, the operating profit was up 13.1 per cent from the fourth quarter of last year. In its earnings statement, Samsung said it expected overall earnings to increase in the second quarter as premium smartphone sales enter ‘into full swing’. Samsung is pinning its hopes on the sixth edition of its flagship high-end smartphone launched in April. The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge with a wraparound screen received rave reviews but Samsung cautioned competition would intensify in rapidly growing emerging markets. ‘In 2015, continued growth is expected due to the growth is expected due to the growth of emerging smartphone markets such as China and India as well as the global expansion of the LTE business,’ Samsung said in a statement. ‘However, increased competition in the middleto low-end market...may present challenges,’ it said. performance issues, and managing core competencies. Each of these dimensions has a global aspect to it that must be carefully integrated into the design and implementation of HR policies and practices, added Rafeeque. Joint Commissioner for Labour Kalaivani delivered the special address. FICCI TNSC head RubanHobday also spoke at the inauguration. Infosys head HR Sujith said that social media is a great tool and that how the young generation communicate but then it is a digital reflection of yourself, while advocate Aadhilakshmi said that we need to more responsible on what we do with social media. Amazon introduces ‘Sunday Delivery’ NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Amazon.in has launched ‘Sunday Delivery’ across 100 cities in India. A statement here said, Amazon.in brings Sunday delivery promises for residential addresses for all FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) products at no extra cost. Customers can thus count Sunday as a regular day for receiving deliveries from Amazon.in. Beginning with 100 cities, Amazon.in will continue to expand the Sunday delivery promise to other cities. ‘Providing our customers with a fast, reliable, anytime and anywhere delivery experience is one of our key pillars to ensure customer delight. Godrej net sales rise 12% World follows Modi and how! NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) on Tuesday announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March, 2015. According to a press release, Q4 FY 2015 consolidated organic constant currency net sales increased by 12 per cent. India business branded net sales increased by 12 per cent, led by double digit growth across categories, while international business grew by 14 per cent on an organic constant currency basis. Indian PM 3rd most popular Twitter leader NT Bureau / PTI Chennai, Apr 29: In less than a year after assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the third most followed world leader on the social networking site, topped by US President Barack Obama, according to a report released on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is the most followed foreign minister on Twitter. ‘US President @ BarackObama is still the most followed world leader, with close to 60 million followers but Pope Francis (@Pontifex) is catching up fast with close to 20 million followers on his nine language accounts’, the annual Twiplomacy analysis of Twitter accounts released by PR firm Burson-Marsteller said. ‘Since his election in late May 2014, India’s Prime Minister @NarendraModi has skyrocketed into third place, surpassing Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RT_Erdogan) and the @WhiteHouse with more than six million followers each’, it said. Modi had 10,902,510 followers till 24 March. In terms of influence, Pope was the most effective. Prime Minister Modi was the fifth most influential leader preceded by Obama. A chocolate to ‘luv’ NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Global Consumer Products, an FMCG startup, launched its new range of chocolates, LuvIt, in the city Tuesday. Speaking to mediapersons at the launch, chairman and managing director Mahendran said, ‘LuvIt chocolates are targetted at young consumers in PUBLIC NOTICE the age group of 15 to 30 years. The Rs 700 crore chocolate market witnesses a growth of 25 per cent annually. With a low penetration of 10 per cent, we are sure that the new products will reap in the necessary benefits.’ Executive vice president- sales and marketing, Anuradha Narasimhan, said, ‘Youth love to SRI MALINI SPINNING MILLS LIMITED experiment. They believe in small, easy and simple ways of leading life as we see them on social networking sites with the tags like ‘like’, ‘comment’ and ‘follow’ etc. When people have a bite of this chocolate, ‘LuvIt’ is the first word that comes to them and that’s how we coined this name for our brand’. I hereby on behalf of my client PUBLIC NOTICE Mr.S.Sandillyan residing at no.51, This is to inform that I have obtained the proposed environmental Ambedkar Street, Kodungaiyur, Regd.Off: Sandhiyur Via, clearance before the state level Environment impact Assessment Chennai-118, notify that he have Mallur Post, Trichy Main Road, Authority Tamil Nadu for the purposed of Savudu Deposit quarry at misplaced Sale deed Document no. Salem - 636 203 S.F.No 114(p), Panakottur Village, Chengalpattu Taluk, Kanchipuram 2386/1949 of his property comprises CIN No:U17111TZ1990PLC008370 in survey no. 368/1 of his family District with a lese extend 3.00.0 Ha. E-Mail: [email protected] property at no. 31/A, Thurvethi The same approved by the SEIAA-TN/F.No.3588/EC/1(a)/1994/2014, NOTICE Amman Koil Street, Koonar village, Dated 01.04.2015 and copy of the clearance available in the State Notice hereby given that Villivakkam, Chennai-49. The above Pollution Control Board and also website of the SEIAA TN at http:// said original document with his Family a Board Meeting of the selaa.tn/gov/in%%&'%*'+ ration card have been misplaced near Company will be held on 29th Ministry Government and Forest, Govt. of India located at Bangalore. kaviarasu Kannadasan Nagar bus May 2015 at The Registered stand when he took a Xerox copy Thiru V.Iyyappan, of the same. It is hereby noticed to No.1-195, Melakarumpuram Kottai, handover the documents if found and Alangudi Taluk, Pudukottai District also it is stated that the misuse of the same will not bind my client. If any consider the Audited results illegal attempt with the documents in of the company for the future will constraint my client to take !"# legal action against the party. Published by K. Balakumar of NewsPRAKKAASH 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, R.K.Ilanchezhian, Advocate on behalf $KSS 5, No 1/515, Sujatha Chennai 600 032. Ph:Complex 4202 1111. Editor: K.Executive 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. Director 6 WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 In-form Aussies will sweep Ashes: Smith Sydney, Apr 29: Australia have a huge hunger for an Ashes triumph in England, according to all rounder Shane Watson, while batsman Steve Smith believes this year’s series will not even be close if the tourists play to their potential. After the 5-0 sweep in the 2013-14 series Down Under, Australia head to England in July and August in possession of the coveted urn with a chance to claim a first Ashes series win away from home since 2001. Watson has played in two of the four Steve Smith series Australia has lost in England since then but believes the current squad, with the core of the team that won the 50-overs World Cup in March, should break the drought. ‘We’ve got a very strong squad that’s going over to England,’ the 33-year-old told Cricinfo. ‘We’ve got good depth and the best part is everyone is in nearly careerbest form right now which is most important as well. ‘There is a huge hunger within the group because we know that we haven’t won in England for the last three series. I’ve been involved in two of those. ‘There’s a big burning desire to be involved in an Ashes winning campaign in England as well. Harika wins silver, bronze for Humpy Chengdu (China), Apr 29 (PTI): D Harika and Koneru Humpy came up with fine individual performances to win a silver and a bronze, respectively, even as the Indian eves finished fourth in the women’s world team chess championship here. Harika’s silver and Humpy’s bronze though were a big consolation for the team, overall it was a disappointing show by the Indian girls given the missed opportunities. The medal for the team was always within reach, but it failed to finish off well. Considering that the Indian team entered the tournament as a wild card, a fourth-place finish can be justified as a pretty decent show. However, the medal was within the grasp as the team finished just one point shy of China, which bagged the bronze. China was beaten in the final round by Georgia, who finished the event with an impressive 17 points to clinch the gold medal. Georgia drew just one and won the remaining eight matches in this round-robin contest. Russia claimed the silver medal after defeating United States in the final round. They garnered 15 points in all. In the final game, Harika made mincemeat of Lilit Galojan, who played black. The only time Harika looked surprised was when Lilit found an apparently miraculous defence against the onslaught, but on a careful inspection, the Indian girl just found the winning moves with a minute to spare on her clock. Sports CHENNAI Dhoni hails ‘fantastic’ bowlers and fielders KKR skipper rues ‘too many dot balls’ ‘We messed up good start’ NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all praise for his bowlers and fielders for their ‘fantastic’ victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL match here last night. CSK pulled off a sensational lastball two-run win over KKR and Dhoni described it as fantastic. ‘It is a fantastic victory. This was the wicket where you don’t know what is a good score. It’s where if you bat well you can score 160 and if you bowl well you can defend 125. That’s what I told the team. The game changes after the sixth over,’ Dhoni said after the match. ‘Robin (Uthappa) gave them a good start, but we came back with some good fielding and some good bowling. Raina has done well with the ball for us sometimes. He hits the seam and his trajectory is low and he can get wickets if batsmen makes mistakes. ‘I wanted to save one over of Jadeja for the end, if the fast bowlers didn’t bowl well. His three overs were important,’ he added. Talking about his team’s fielding, Dhoni said: ‘We did drop two catches, but the fielding was outstanding. Russell’s run out was important for us. Brendon McCullum was lightning on the field. And in the middle overs, we did put pressure on them so they got stuck,’ Gambhir said. ‘We should have rotated the strike, Letting the spinners run away with three or four runs an over was not on. One of the top four has to bat till the 15th over. Specially in these kinds of totals. We need to be smarter. ‘We need to stop playing so many dot balls, that’s where we messed up. We play them again in two days, so hopefully we can turn it around,’ he said. Dwayne Bravo, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, said after losing his wicket cheaply in their innings he wanted to do something special. Injured Ashwin out for 2 games Dwayne Bravo did the star turn for CSK with his all-round heroics as the host snatched a two-run win over KKR in Chennai yesterday. couldn’t rotate freely.’ Dhoni said he expects his team to put their best effort and not think about the result as wining and losing is a part of the game. ‘We want to take one game at a time. What’s important is to keep going well, of course there will be some games were you will lose, but what’s important is to keep performing at your best,’ he said. Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir lauded his bowlers for restricting CSK to 134 but said his batsmen messed it up in the middle overs after getting a good start. ‘Containing Chennai to 134 was tremendous. S h o u l d have chased it down, especially with the start we got. But the batsmen got stuck,’ said Gambhir. ‘ When you win the toss and put the opposition in, and you restrict them to 134, it is fantastic. Robin and Manish were good with the bat early on, but they didn’t carry on. We just ‘Nishikori better than Djokovic’ Japanese star’s mentor feels Kei will win a Slam soon London, Apr 29: Japan’s Kei Nishikori has the ability to reach the summit of men’s tennis and is technically already better than world number one Novak Djokovic, according to his former mentor. Shuzo Matsuoka told AFP on Tuesday it was ‘only a matter of time’ before Nishikori, who broke into the top five last season, captured his first Grand Slam title. ‘Kei is hitting the ball harder and controlling opponents more than last year,’ Matsuoka said in an interview. ‘He has a decent chance of winning the French Open. He’s knocking on the door, for certain. I’m not being biased but he plays better tennis than Djokovic or (Rafa) Nadal.’ Matsuoka, who has watched Nishikori develop since first encountering him as a shy 11-year-old, added: ‘That said, he knows there are still questions over his mental strength and that tennis is about more than just pure talent. ‘Seeing Kei dominating on clay puts him right behind Djokovic in terms of who you would fancy to win right now. I don’t think anyone would write off his Kei Nishikori chances at the French Open. He has a good shot.’ Nishikori, 25, who retained his Barcelona title at the weekend to capture a ninth career tournament, learnt a harsh lesson after being floored by Croatian Marin Cilic in last year’s US Open final, insisted Matsuoka. ‘He had never reached a Grand Slam final before and he felt the pressure for sure,’ said Matsuoka, who in 1992 became the first Japanese player to win an ATP title. ‘But it’s only a matter of time before Kei wins a Grand Slam. If he wins one, he could go on to win a bunch.’ Matsuoka believes that Nishikori has nothing to fear from the so-called Wimbledon is richest Slam London, Apr 29: The acceleration in the size of the prize money pot at Wimbledon continues to slow but the grasscourt championships remain the richest of the four grand slams. All England Club officials announced on Tuesday a seven per cent overall rise, compared to 10.8 percent last year and 40 percent in 2013, taking the total fund to 26.75 million pounds ($40.88 million). The increases, unveiled by club chairman Philip Brook at a news conference, means the singles champions will pocket 1.88 million pounds Have to say well played to Faf and Ashwin’s boundaries,’ he said. ‘We knew we will do well if we could pick up wickets in the middle overs, with one side being a longer boundary. They put themselves under pressure. Well done to Mahi’s captaincy.’ Talking about his fielding, he said: ‘Catch was really special, it reminded me about four-five years ago. My body is still holding up and it’s a great feeling to know I helped the team win. This situation is what I prepare myself for. ‘I bowl at MS (Dhoni) and Baz compared to the 1.76 million handed to Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova in 2014. First-round losers receive 29,000 pounds compared to 11,250 five years ago -- a 152 percent rise driven by a commitment to reward the rank and file pros. ‘After three years of favouring the left-hand side of the draw (the first and second rounds) we feel we have got the balance about right,’ said Brook. ‘Without the world’s best tennis players we wouldn’t have the world’s best tennis tournament.’ big four of men’s tennis -- Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. ‘Powers fading’ ‘Murray had it incredibly tough,’ said Matsuoka, referring to the Scot’s agonising wait for a first major title. ‘He was coming up against the other three at their absolute peak. But their powers are fading a little now, without a doubt, and a new generation of players are on the rise. ‘Clearly, Kei can beat those players and this year he has a bigger chance of winning a slam than last. In the next two or three years, as long as he stays fit, he will break through.’ Nishikori burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old by winning in Delray Beach as a 244th-ranked qualifier in 2008. He has become a huge celebrity in Japan, with millions waking up early to watch his matches on television during his run to the US Open final. Despite his recent success, Nishikori’s career has been plagued by injuries, most notably in 2009 when he needed elbow surgery and feared he might not play again. CSK spinner R Ashwin has been ruled out of the next two IPL matches due to a hand injury which he suffered during yesterday’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. ‘Ashwin has split in his middle finger. We do not know how many stitches he will require... he has been taken to the hospital. The team has decided not to take Ashwin for the next two matches,’ CSK team manager Russell Radhakrishnan said during the post-match press conference. Ashwin will remain in Chennai. ‘It was a great team effort. Disappointed with the way I got out so I wanted to do something special. (McCullum) and back home against Pollard. I tell myself that I have 14 to defend off six balls in training. Barcelona hits Getafe for six Barcelona, Apr 29: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar motored past 100 goals for the season to fire the La Liga leaders to a 6-0 rout of Getafe that stretched the gap over Real Madrid to five points on Tuesday. After Suarez was felled, Messi set treble-chasing Barca on their way with a dinked penalty in the ninth minute at the Nou Camp, the first time the Argentina forward has attempted a ‘Panenka’ in 75 spot kicks for club and country. Suarez clipped a volley into the net from Messi’s floated pass in the 25th and Neymar weaved into space to fire low into the corner three minutes later, the 100th goal for Messi, Suarez and Neymar, known as ‘MSN’, in all competitions this term. Messi is on 49 goals, Uruguay striker Suarez, whose ban for biting an opponent expired at the end of October, has 21 and Brazil forward Neymar 32. Playmaker Xavi, making his 501st league appearance for the Catalan giants, curled a superb shot into the top corner on the half hour and Suarez netted his second after a flowing move five minutes before the break. Robben’s comeback lasts all of 16 minutes Messi took his league tally to 38 this term, one behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Real, with a whipped shot into the top corner two minutes after the break It was the first time Getafe, who are 13th, have conceded five goals in the first half of a La Liga match. Messi took his league tally to 38 this term, one behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Real, with a whipped shot into the top corner two minutes after the break before Getafe managed to repel waves of attacks for the remainder of the game. Barcelona have 84 points with four matches left, while second-placed Real can trim the gap back to two points if they win their game in hand at home to Almeria on Wednesday. Champions Atletico Madrid are seven points adrift of Real in third ahead of their game at Villarreal on Wednesday. F1 season start to be delayed in 2016 Melbourne, Apr 29: Formula One’s 2016 season will kick off in April at the Australian Grand Prix, the latest start to the championship since 1988. Estoril, Apr 29: Arjen Robben The season-opener at Albert Park Fifth seed Richard Gasquet made street circuit has usually been held a winning return after nearly six in March, though it was pushed back weeks out with a back injury as the to April in 2006 to become the third Frenchman beat Marinko Matosevic round on the calendar when Melof Australian 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 to open his bourne hosted the Commonwealth account at the Estoril Open. Gasquet, Games that year. Organisers gave no the former ATP number seven currently ranked 28th, took less than 90 Munich, Apr 29: The forward, who had scored 17 reason for the 2016 change but said minutes to dispatch the 82nd-ranked Bayern Munich winger Arjen Rob- league goals prior to his injury, had in a statement it would ‘condense the Matosevic in the opening round. ben’s return from injury as a sub- to leave the field, however, in the season,’ which finishes in November. Media have speculated that ForGasquet was one of two French winstitute against Borussia Dortmund 84th, clutching his calf after going mula One Management is aiming to ners as qualifier Kenny De Schepper lasted 16 minutes before he limped down unchallenged. put out Portugal’s Gastao Elias 6-2, Bayern’s Poland striker Robert condense the season to reduce costs off with a calf problem in Tuesday’s 2-6, 6-3 to move into a second-round German Cup semi-final shootout Lewandowski also needed medi- for teams and shorten the downtime meeting with Gasquet. defeat. cal treatment after clashing with between races in a bid to maximise In Munich, wild-card entry Janko ‘He injured his calf muscle and Dortmund keeper Mitch Langerak interest in the championship. Tipsarevic rallied to beat sixth-seeded Pundits have also suggested a conwill undergo further checks tomor- with the Munich club saying he was Bernard Tomic 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3) in the row,’ Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rum- taken to hospital with suspected densed season could be a bargaining first round of the BMW Open clayconcussion, coach Pep Guardiola chip for FOM to pack in more races menigge told reporters. court tournament on Tuesday. It was unclear whether the Dutch- said. He added that Thiago Al- into the calendar. Tipsarevic, once ranked No. 8 in the The later date at Albert Park will man would be fit for the Champions cantara, taken off for Robben, was world, is making a comeback after bealso mean an earlier start for the race, League semi-final at Barcelona next nursing a knock on the thigh. ing sidelined 17 months following two Bayern, who won the Bundesliga given it falls after the end of daylight week. surgeries to remove a benign tumor Robben, out since 23 March when on Sunday, saw their treble hopes savings in the state of Victoria when SDAT Member-Secretary Shambu Kallokikar inaugurating the 33rd from his left foot. he tore an abdominal muscle on his dashed after missing all four of clocks are switched back an hour. Summer volleyball coaching camp organised by Nellai Friends Cup Fifth-seeded Philip Kohlschreiber The AGPC was unable to provide comeback from yet another injury, their penalties in the shootout Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Egmore, Chennai. Tamilnadu State eased into round a of at further comment butEstate, confirmed the Dortmund to slump of M-7, the Thiru-Vi-Ka came on600 in the much Published bythe K. second Balakumar on with behalf News Today Media (P) Ltd., from 85, Mount Road (GST Road), Guindy, Chennai 03268th andminute printedtoby him atwith Frontline Printers Privateout Ltd., Industrial Guindy, Olympic Association president W I Davaram is among those present. 6-1, 6-1 win over Jiri Vesely. move was a directive from FOM. German Cup. applause from the Bayern fans. 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. Winning return for Gasquet Mixed Bag CHENNAI WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 7 Cabinet okays 100 Smart City projects Fillip for farmers as norms on grains relaxed Preparations are on to come up with yagasalais at Melmaruvathoor Adiparashakthi Siddhar Peetam for Chithira Pournami celebrations. (INSET) Bangaru Adigalar at the temple. VIT Chancellor to take part in alumni fete NT Bureau Vellore, Apr 29: VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan will participate at the diamond jubilee celebrations of the sixth standard students (1954-55) batch of Gudiyattam Municipal Higher Secondary School on 3 May. According to a press release, the inaugural function of the alumni meet will be held at the school premises Gudiyattam and the valedictory function at VIT University. Viswanathan will take part in the valedictory function. Manormanium Sundaranar University former Vice Chancellor Vedagiri Shanmuga Sundaram and Rajya Sabha D Raja, MLAs Lingamuthu, Tamil Arasan will speak on the occasion. Veteran Parliamentarian Era Cheziyan will release the Student Day magazine. Former Madras High Court Judge Pon Baskaran, film director Cheran, Madras Medical College former ViceChancellor V P Narayanan, VIT vice-presidents Shankar Viswanathan, Sekhar Viswanathan, G V Selvam, assistant vice-president Kadambari S Viswanathan, Vice Chancellor V Raju and Pro Vice-Chancellor S Narayanan will participate. New Delhi, Apr 29: The Union Cabinet today cleared 100 Smart City Projects and the old housing projects initiated by the previous government also got cleared, according to sources. The Smart City project was announced in July 2014 in the current government’s first Union Budget last year. Earlier this month, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had said the project will be rolled from the next month onwards and then the competition, race will start. The Centre will be a facilitator with Two kill man at Teynampet NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: A man was killed by two persons following a dispute over money at Teynampet last night. According to police sources, Arockiaraj (50), a resident of Ashok Nagar, had loaned a sum of money to two persons identified as Selvam and Vijayakumar. Last night, police said, Arockiaraj had met the duo at South Boag Road near Teynampet and asked them to return the money. The trio subsequently got into an argument which soon escalated into a fight. regard to smart cities and government will do the hand holding, he had told the industry promising all support in implementation of projects they identify. Lot of companies are showing Now, a Tamil movie on AP encounter NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Inspired by the encounter of 20 Tamils by Andhra Pradesh police a few days ago for allegedly cutting red sanders in Chitoor forest, director duo Kalidas and Augustine are coming out with a movie. Titled Thooku Mara Pookal, the movie will feature prominent actors and actresses. The story, screenplay and dialogues are by writer Rajeshkumar. Produced by Chamundeswari Films and Scot Movies, Thooku Mara Pookal will go on floors soon. Speaking about the film, the director duo, says, ‘it is about the travails of Tamils who were killed in a brutal manner by Andhra Pradesh police’. We have done enough research and we will bring to light untold truths, they add. NLC Chairman and Managing Director B Surender Mohan with students of Jawahar HSS who have qualified for the JEE (Advanced)-2015 at Nevyeli yesterday. Mohan said 68 students appeared for the JEE and 51(37 boys and 14 girls) have been qualified for the advanced exam. Congratulating the stu- dents, he said the school authorities are providing additional intensive NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Around 120 fishermen from Tamilnadu, who were taken to New Delhi by the BJP to take part in a seminar organised by it, met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today. They were accompanied by State BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and others. The seminar has been organised by the BJP to discuss crash course coaching programme for students to achieve the best results in the forthcoming JEE advanced examination. Since 2007, 284 students of JHSS were selected in various IITs/NIT institutes. With an intention to improve the opportunities for the students studying at Neyveli to enter into the prestigious institutions like IITs,NITs ,Neyveli Telugu Samithi Educational Academy in coordination with Jawahar Education Society is conducting coaching classes for the IIT aspirants since 2005. Don’t cut farm loan benefits, CM to PM NT Bureau Chennai, Apr 29: Opposing the Centre’s move to effect changes in the interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loan for farmers, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today said any reduction of concessionality was uncalled for and would be a retrograde measure. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issues with the Chief Ministers of all States before taking a final decision. In a letter to the Prime Minister, a copy of which was released to the media here, he said the Centre should ensure that the farmers have access to concessional credit. It was learnt that the Centre was contemplating Vasan bats for farmers two major changes in the scheme. ‘The first, is reportedly allowing banks to lend at their normal priority sector lending rate which is related to their base rate. It is learnt that the second proposal is to change the method of disbursing the interest subvention to a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) based reimbursement model, after the farmer has settled his liabilities to the lending institutions’, he added. ‘Any reduction in the extent of concessionality of farm loans is uncalled for and will be a retrograde measure. Given the extensive damage to standing crops caused due to unseasonal rains in many parts of the country and the recent forecast of a below normal monsoon by the Indian Meteorological Department, any move to make farm loans less concessional will be courting disaster’, he said. In the context of the stressful scenario, expecting farmers to pay a higher interest rate and then having the amount reimbursed through a DBT would be illadvised, as it would force the farmers to find cash resources to pay the higher interest dues first, the Chief Minister said. Stating that DBT based reimbursement was not an appropriate model for farm credit, Panneerselvam said all loanee farmers have bank accounts and the interest subvention reaches individual launch the India chapter. The Indian chapter would recruit smart cities experts in the country to develop a ‘Readiness Guide for India’, the Council said in a statement. The guide, which will have local case studies, would also enable city leaders and urban planners to understand the comprehensive framework of a smart city and take actionable steps toward major city infrastructure improvements. Also reports say that in a relief to farmers, the government chose to relax norms on moisture content in grains during the meet. TN fishermen meet Sushma in Delhi 51 Neyveli students clear JEE main exam NT Bureau, Neyveli Apr 29: Fifty one students from Jawahar Higher Secondary School (CBSE), Neyveli, have qualified for the all India level IIT Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) 2015 to be held on 24 May. According to a press release here on Tuesday, over 15 lakh students appeared for the IIT JEE (Main) 2015 examination held on 4 April and 1.50 lakh students cleared it. Of them 51 students belonged to Jawahar HSS. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Chairman and Managing Director B Surender interest because now the government has allowed FDI, he had added. Meanwhile, Smart Cities Council India, which has been formed to promote development of smart cities, will launch a guide to help urban planners understand the framework of smart city and take steps to improve city’s infrastructure. US-based Smart Cities Council, an industry coalition to advance smart city development and innovation, had reached agreement with Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training President Pratap Padode to farmers only through the banking network. ‘Hence, adopting DBT for these transactions represents no real process value addition and only adds a needless layer of complexity to the transaction’, he said and urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministries concerned to urgently reconsider any proposed changes in the interest subvention scheme. ‘Neither should the level of concessionality for crop loans be reduced, nor should the mode of disbursal of interest subvention be changed to a needlessly complex DBT based re-imbursement mechanism as these would not be in the interest of the farmers’, he noted. DA case: Acharya back as SPP fishermen issues and possible solutions to the midsea confrontations with the Sri Lankan Navy. Experts have been invited to participate and deliberate on the issue. ‘We have been consistently working to find a per- manent solution for our fishermen’s problems. The Union government under the leadership of Narendra Modi has helped our fishermen several times, including saving five fishermen from the gallows in Sri Lanka,’ Tamilisai said. This is the second time a BJP-led delegation from the State is meeting Sushma Swaraj on the fishermen issue. Coromandel Engineering Company Limited Registered & Corporate Office : ‘Parry House’, 3rd Floor, 43, Moore Street, P.B. No. 1698, Chennai - 600 001. CIN.No. L74910TN1947PLC000343 STATEMENT OF STANDALONE FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2015 (Rs in Lakhs) Audited (refer note 7 below) S No 1 Particulars 31st March 2015 Income from operations (a) Net sales/income from operations (Net of excise duty) (b) Other operating income Total income from operations (net) Expenses (a) Cost of materials consumed (b) Changes in inventories and work in progress (c) Sub Contract and labour payments (d) Employee benefits expense (e) Depreciation and amortisation expenses (f) Other expenses Total expenses Profit / (Loss) from operations before other income and finance costs Other income Profit/(Loss) before finance costs Finance costs Profit / (Loss) before tax Tax expense Net Profit / (Loss) after tax Paid-up equity share capital Reserve excluding revaluation reserves as per balance sheet of previous accounting year Earnings per share of Rs. 10/- each (not annualised) (a) Basic (b) Diluted 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 A 1 Particulars of Shareholding Public shareholding - Number of shares - Percentage of shareholding Promoters and Promoter Group Shareholding a) Pledged / encumbered - Number of shares - Percentage of shares (as a % of the total shareholding of the Promoter and Promoter group) - Percentage of shares (as a % of the total share capital of the company) b) Non - encumbered - Number of shares - Percentage of shares (as a % of the total shareholding of the Promoter and Promoter group) - Percentage of shares (as a % of the total share capital of the company) 2 Particulars B Unaudited Quarter ended 31st December 2014 (b) Reserves and surplus Sub-total - Shareholders’ funds 2 Share application money pending allotment 3 Non-current liabilities (a) Long term borrowings 4 5,278.47 23,039.38 19,924.92 5,278.47 23,039.38 19,924.92 5,303.41 1,643.20 2,002.90 313.31 129.84 680.03 10,072.69 2,395.81 1,447.33 (231.67) 1,171.33 377.07 116.59 768.66 3,649.31 (334.49) 1,745.05 (142.05) 2,034.91 370.78 41.08 962.40 5,012.17 266.30 9,278.24 1,094.92 6,260.26 1,467.35 488.90 2,816.09 21,405.76 1,633.62 7,325.45 (802.58) 8,108.80 1,770.64 223.31 3,365.40 19,991.02 (66.10) 9.21 2,405.02 717.28 1,687.74 (58.46) 1,746.20 3,323.36 - 8.14 (326.35) 371.94 (698.29) (698.29) 3,323.36 - 28.08 294.38 336.28 (41.90) (355.31) 313.41 3,323.36 - 89.70 1,723.32 1,669.37 53.95 (58.46) 112.41 3,323.36 383.88 109.01 42.91 1,286.39 (1,243.48) (355.31) (888.17) 3,323.36 313.14 5.26 (2.10) 1.21 0.34 (4.33) 8,457,661 25.45% 8,548,581 25.72% 8,548,581 25.72% 8,457,661 25.45% 8,548,581 25.72% 24,775,937 100% 24,685,017 100% 24,685,017 100% 24,775,937 100% 24,685,017 100% 74.55% 74.28% 74.28% 74.55% 74.28% Quarter ended 31st March 2015 1 The above results were reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors at their respective meetings held on 28th April, 2015. 2 As the Company’s business activity falls within a single significant business segment, viz. “Construction”, no separate segment information is enclosed. 3 During the quarter, the Company completed all the Property development projects and sold substantial part of the properties, revenue from which were recognised during the quarter. 4 Depreciation for the quarter has been calculated based on remaining useful life of assets as per Schedule II of Companies Act, 2013. The depreciation for the quarter and year ended 31st March 2015, is higher by Rs. 76.70 Lakhs and Rs. 272.30 Lakhs respectively, due to change in remaining useful life of assets. In line with transitional provisions, where the remaining revised useful life is Nil for assets held on 01st April 2014, an amount of Rs. 41.67 Lakhs has been recognised in the opening balance of retained earnings (net of deferred tax of Rs. 18.63 Lakhs). 5 The Board has appointed Mr. N. Velappan as Manager of the Company, effective 01st May 2015, subject to the approval of shareholders for the remuneration to be paid. Nil 0 0 Nil (Rs. In lakhs) Audited Audited As at 31st As at 31st March March 2015 2014 4,023.36 4,023.36 383.88 313.14 4,407.24 4,336.50 - 3,263.83 40.28 51.38 Sub-total - Non-current liabilities 40.28 3,315.21 (a) Short term borrowings 3,774.47 4,932.99 (b) Trade payables 2,939.69 3,070.52 (c) Other current liabilities 9,168.25 14,814.65 Current liabilities 293.37 294.21 Sub-total - Current liabilities 16,175.78 23,112.37 Total - Equity and Liabilities 20,623.30 30,764.08 B ASSETS 1 Non-current assets 31st March 2014 3,314.82 (b) Long term provisions (d) Short-term provisions 31st March 2015 3,314.82 Shareholders’ funds (a) Share capital 31st March 2014 12,468.50 A EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1 Audited Year ended 12,468.50 Investor complaints Pending at the beginning of the quarter Received during the quarter Disposed off during the quarter Remaining unresolved at the end of the quarter Standalone Statement of Assets and Liabilities Audited (refer note 7 below) (a) Fixed assets 2,931.43 3,539.01 NT Bureau worst affected by unseaNT Bureau the Supreme Court. The had resigned in August (b) Non-current investments 5.20 5.44 sonal rains and drought. Chennai, Apr 29: 6 Figures of the previous periods have been (c) Deferred tax assets/ (liabilities) (Net) 1,546.42 1,469.12 apex court had said it was 2012. Acharya was quoted Chennai, Apr 29: More than 17 farmers Both Central and State regrouped and reclassified wherever necessary, (d) Long term loans and advances 9.17 23.14 the Karnataka government as saying that ‘his role is Senior counsel and former governments must pro- from these districts had (e) Trade receivables 291.83 1,298.27 to correspond with classification of figures for and not Tamilnadu that very limited’ and added Advocate-General B V Achcommitted suicide as a vide Rs five lakh as (f) Other non-current assets 415.00 465.00 current period. had to prosecute the ap- that ‘the State of Karnaarya has returned as the result of this. compensation to the Sub-total - Non-current assets 5,199.05 6,799.98 7 Figures for the Quarter ended March 31, 2015 peal fi led by Jayalalithaa taka approached me and Special Public Prosecutor in ‘The government must families of farmers who 2 Current assets and March 31, 2014 are the balancing figure questioning her conviction told me to fi le the written the disproportionate assets provide jobs to the committed suicide, said (a) Current investments between audited figures of the full financial year case against AIADMK gen- by the trial court in the case, submissions as directed TMC president G K Vas- family members of the (b) Inventories 6,908.24 4,410.59 and published year to date figures upto the third by the Supreme Court of d e c e a s e d . M o r e o v e r , eral secretary J Jayalalithaa. before the High Court of an. (c) Trade receivables 4,807.78 5,330.61 quarter of the respective financial year. Karnataka, including apIndia. They felt that I was The Karnataka governprovision of fertilisers, (d) Cash and cash equivalents 334.74 651.01 In a statement issued For COROMANDEL ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD. pointment of prosecutor. well versed with the case (e) Short-term loans and advances 384.31 880.36 here today, Vasan said, pesticides and other ag- ment on Tuesday issued Sd/and only I could file the Acharya, who had con(f) Other current assets 2,989.18 12,691.53 a notification appointing during 2012-13, Thiru- ricultural inputs must be Place : Chennai M M VENKATACHALAM submissions in a short Sub-total Current assets 15,424.25 23,964.10 ducted the trial of the case him again as SPP followdistributed in a timely v a r u r , Nby a gK. a pBalakumar a t t i n a m 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, Published Date : 28.04.2015 CHAIRMAN TOTAL - Assets 20,623.30 30,764.08 span of time.’ as SPP from 2004 to 2012, ingEditorial/Admn Monday’s direction manner,’ heBalakumar. said. and Karur Chennai 600districts 032. Ph: were 4202 1111. Editor: K. Phone: /Advt: of 22504000, Fax: 2250 1800 (Editorial)/2250 1200/2250 0101 (Advt/Admn). e-mail: [email protected], Circulation: 4202 1111. Fax: 4212 0000. 8WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 , CHENNAI Licensed to post without prepayment under WPP. No. TN / PMG / (CCR) / WPP-470 / 15-17 WHERE THEY STAND TEAMS Karun Nair BENGALURU: Rajasthan Royals are sitting pretty at the top of the points table this Pepsi IPL 2015. However, their winning momentum has been disturbed a bit with two losses and a washed out game, against Kolkata Knight Riders. They are now on the road for an away game against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite their winless record at home in this tournament, RCB remain a strong opponent for the Royals. Karun Nair, the Bangalore boy who plays for the Royals, looks forward to playing on his home ground and contributing to his team’s win over the Royal Challengers. ‘It feels good to be back home in the surroundings you know,’ Karun said ahead of the match. ‘Playing RCB is a challenge that I am looking forward to. Hopefully, we can win this game.’ Karun was one of the leading performers for the Royals in the last season but has not quite struck form this year. He has had a couple of 20s and a 16 to his name. It is a trend the young batsman wants to change in this match. ‘I have got two-three good opportunities where I have had a lot of overs to bat. I have started off well but haven’t converted those starts, getting out on 20s and 30s. I would like to change that,’ he said. Tied N/R 1 0 0 PTS 12 Rajasthan Royals 8 5 2 0 1 11 Kolkata Knight Riders 7 3 3 0 1 7 RCB 6 3 3 0 0 6 Sunrisers Hyderabad 7 3 4 0 0 6 Delhi Daredevils 7 3 4 0 0 6 Mumbai Indians 6 2 4 0 0 4 Kings XI Punjab 7 2 5 0 0 4 Will he or won’t he? Sunil Narine’s presence at the nets ahead of the CSK-KKR game aroused a lot of curiousity among fans and the media corps. The mystery spinner, who has come under the scanner for his action and has been reported recently, is said to have undergone tests for the same. There had been lot of speculation as to whether the KKR think-tank would bite the bullet and include him in the playing XI for the Chennai game. angles. That is not all, the CSK think-tank is looking at ways to monitor the workload of their lead bowler. Nehra played a pivotal role in four matches and has been adjudged man of the match on two occasions. Nehra bagged three or more wickets on three occasions in the on-going IPL. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that the 35-year-old is a strong contender to finish as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, which would help him to win the purple cap. With 13 wickets in seven matches, the wily Delhi bowler has showed that age hasn’t diminished his skills. For a long seen as a bowler to be taken for runs, especially at the death, Nehra has been effective in the slog overs, prompting the captain to rely on him for breakthroughs. If Nehra leeps performing in a similar manner throughout the season and remains fit, he could be part of India’s plans for the World Cup T20 squad, which the country would host next year. — C SHYAM SUNDAR Nehra revels in ‘yellow’ T here is something about being part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team that brings the best out of players. The franchise has brought to fore new talent with some going on to represent the country at the highest level. Apart from unearthing youngsters, CSK seems to be helping forgotten stars bounce back too. Ashish Nehra, almost a forgotten man, has sprung back to prominence with incisive spells for the team in IPL 2015 and is captain M S Dhoni’s goto-man these days. Coach Stephen Fleming was all praise for the left-arm paceman, who has managed to hold his own in the T20 format with his subtle variations and use of hough Raj Kiran started his career as actor-director with a purple patch rendering back-to-back hits in Rasavin Manasilae, Ellamae En Rasathan and Aranmanai Kili, he had a lean period with some average outings. But he rediscovered the actor in him with a slew of hits playing character roles in the recent times. Raj Kiran, whose recent films Manja Pai and Komban, made it big, awaits the release of his next Sivappu. Directed by Sathya Siva and produced by Muktha Films, the movie stars Rupa p Manjeri, j , Naveen Chandra in lead roles. Music is by Rahunandhan. Speaking about the film, Raj Kiran, n, says, ‘Unfortunately no movie has been made ade in Tamil cinema that chronicles the lives and nd travails of ls suffered a brethren in Sri Lanka. The Tamils eir homeland lot. They were forced to leave their and seek refuge in other nations. Sivappu is a sympathetic account of such h men and women’. or Heaping laurels on Sathya Siva for handling such a sensitive issue with great care, he said, ‘There is no controversy in the film. We were given a clean U certificate by the censors’. ‘The movie revolves around a girl, rn who reaches Chennai from strife-torn s make Lanka and her romance and emotions up the movie’, he adds. hat will ‘I am happy to have acted in a film that be cherished and talked about by all’, Raj Kiran said with a confidence. — NT Bureau Lost 6 KKR vs CSK at Kolkata, 8 p.m (IST) Ashish Nehra T Won 7 TOMORROW’S MATCH Karun hopes for happy homecoming Raj Kiran spells success Mat Chennai Super Kings Despite having a longish stint at the nets, Narine was put on ice, apparently to preserve him for future games. Cricket, cops During match days, the number of police personnel on duty in and around the M A Chidambaram stadium seems to be rising. For the CSK vs KKR encounter on Tuesday, there was a security blanket around the stadium and nearby streets and traffic was regulated on Wallajah Road. Some of the policemen, seemed to be interested in keeping a tab on what was going on in the match, even as they kept guard. ‘V’ for vendors The Triplicane area is buzzing with activity on the days when IPL games are held at the Chidambaram stadium. A sizeable number of hawkers, including children can be seen selling a variety of knick-knacks apart from T-shirts, caps and the like. COOL COLOURS A young girl was badgering a middle-aged couple, asking them to buy CSK jerseys and flags. After resisting the same for a while, they chose to pick up some, bringing a big smile on her face. It may be too cliched to say it went right down to the wire. However, KKR made a hash of a chase and fell agonisingly short as the bowlers did the trick for CSK. The M A Chidambaram stadium had large swathes of ‘yellow’ and fans enjoyed every moment of the match on Tuesday. Photos: M SRINIVASAN, A R JAYAKUMAR TRIVIA Old is gold Australian veteran Brad Hogg at 44 years and 81 days became the oldest to appear in an IPL game when he was picked for the CSK vs KKR match on Tuesday. However, the oldest to play a T20 game is Carlton Saunders (50 years, 92 days) in 2008. I don’t know to act: Vijay Antony F rom a sound engineer, Vijay Antony rose to become a music composer with Sukran. He followed it up with hit numbers in several films including Dishoom. Call it his luck, he ventured to acting and his maiden venture Naan was a hit. Then came Salim, which was received well by the audience. Today, the music director-turned-hero awaits the release of his next India Pakistan. Speaking to News Today, Vijay Antony, says, ‘India Pakistan is a hilarious entertainer. Since my earlier ventures were action-packed, I wanted to do a hilarious movie. When director Anand came to me with the story of India Pakistan, I readily agreed to do it’. The movie boasts of a huge star cast that includes Pasupathy and M S Baskar. Dina Devarajan has scored the music. Says Vijay Antony, ‘the movie revolves around a couple, who practise law. A newcomer Sushma Raj plays my heroine. The hilarious encounter between us makes up the movie’. India Pakistan is the ego war between the lead pair. We are confident that it would entertain the whole family, he adds. Vijay Antony says, ‘I became an actor by accident. However I love it. Frankly, I know my strength and weakness when I stand before the camera’. ‘Frankly I don’t know acting and just do what my director wants, he says and adds, ‘music is also close to my heart. However since I am busy with my acting commitments, it has taken a backseat now’. Vijay Antony has his hands full. Close on the heels of India Pakistan’s release, he will act in movies including Saithan, Pichaikaran and Hitler. ‘All I want is to do movies on varied themes and Rajkiran entertain masses’, he says. — NT Bureau Vijay Antony I t is pouring accolades for popular choreographer Kala, as her dance show Maanada Mayilada, in its tenth season on Kalaignar TV, has managed to enter Guinness Book of Records. Addressing media persons in Chennai, Kala said, ‘We have come up with a grand illusion set for our show. It is a splendid set covering 4000 square feet. The set comes for 40 minutes in the show.’ Coming to know about the mammoth set, the officials of Guinness awards came forward to honour us with the accolades, she said. ‘It is a rare achievement and we managed to put a huge set with great difficulties, she said and added, ‘We are proud and happy with the honour’, she said. On being spoofed in shows in various television channels, Kala, said, ‘ I am happy, because only a VIP would be made fun of. Those who are making fun of me are making their livelihood with that. But making mockery of of dancing is like degrading Lord Nataraja’. She wound up by saying ‘We have best dancers in the country. The show comes on Kalaignar TV this week’. Among those present on the occasion included choreographer Kala, members of the dance union and the crew of Maanada Mayilada. The show is directed by Kala herself. — NT Bureau Dancing their way to fame Kala 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, 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 Balakumar.Phone: Phone:Editorial Editorial/Admn /Advt:/ Circulation 22504000,2250 Fax:4000, 2250Fax: 1800 (Editorial)/2250 1200/2250 0101 (Advt/Admn). e-mail: [email protected], Circulation: 4202 www.newstodaynet.com 1111. Fax: 4212 0000. Chennai600 600032. 032.Ph: Ph:4202 42021111. 1111.Editor: Editor: K. K. Balakumar. / Admn / Advt 2250 0303 (Editorial) / 2250 0101 / 2250 1200 (Advt/Admn/Cir). E-mail: [email protected]. Website: