Tuesday, April 30, 2013
writingonblog uncensored: Mystery over Rs 1.5cr CCTS software halts infrastr...
writingonblog uncensored: Mystery over Rs 1.5cr CCTS software halts infrastr...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Lack of any records about the Rs 1.5 crore software procured by Chennai Metropolitan Development Auth...
Mystery over Rs 1.5cr CCTS software halts infrastructure projects
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Lack of any records about the Rs 1.5 crore software procured
by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to conduct Chennai Comprehensive
Transportation Study (CCTS) created some anxious moments over the future of
several traffic related infrastructure projects.
A CMDA official said that software used to prepare the CCTS
could not be located on the CMDA records since the last five years creating
panic among the officials. There is also a theory that the software procured by
CMDA was not returned to it by Wilbur Smith. Even now officials in CMDA are not
able to carry out their work.
Interestingly, the finance department fixed up the
responsibility on CMDA planner Meena for lack of maintaining the record
pertaining to the software.
But the finance department official clarified that the
software is not missing as reported by some section of the media. “We have the
software but it was not recorded. It was an internal matter and was sorted out.
Now we have brought it on record,” he added. However, this also brings to light
that the software remained unutilized for the last five years.
The software was used
by the consultant Wilbur Smith to undertake the Chennai Comprehensive
Transportation Study (CCTS) in the year 2007.
The study is designed to provide broad parameters for the
long-term development of transport infrastructure and setting objectives for
the next two decades with the horizon year as 2026, with a vision as spelt out
in the Second Master Plan by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority –
“to make Chennai a prime metropolis which will be more livable, economically
vibrant and environmentally sustainable and with better assets for the future
generations.
Officials say the
software has all data pertaining to the formulation of proposals of the
integrated transportation system capable of accommodating the projected travel
demand by appropriate plans, policies, programmes, priorities and phasing. And
since it was not located, it created lot of panic, a CMDA source said.
This also brings to
light the lack of records about the purchase of software, computers and
printers. “This is the right time to audit the software, computers, laptops and
printers,” says a CMDA source.
writingonblog uncensored: CMDA plans 80 feet road to link Koyambedu market t...
writingonblog uncensored: CMDA plans 80 feet road to link Koyambedu market t...: C Shivakumar Chennai: A new 80 feet wide road connecting Poonamallee High Road (NH 4) and Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex 'A...
CMDA plans 80 feet road to link Koyambedu market to Poonamallee High Road
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
A new 80 feet wide road connecting Poonamallee High Road
(NH 4) and Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex 'A' Road is now being planned.
This comes in the wake of handing over possession of
certain lands to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and the closure of KWMC 'F'
and 'G' road as Metro Rail begins work
to lay a test track for the four rake train, which is likely to be stationed in
the Rs 198 crore state-of-the-art depot by June.
Sources told Express that a proposal for acquisition of
land measuring an extent of 5.46 hectares in Nerkunram village was sent to the
government through the Thiruvallur district collector for approval to build a
road linking the market and the Poonamallee High road.
It is believed the total funds estimated for acquiring
the land was around Rs 165 crore. Sources said that once the proposal was
forwarded to the government, it raised queries regarding availability of funds
for land acquisition.
Currently, the proposal to acquire land is only for the
80 feet wide road alignment. “The work for total station survey restricting the
Land Acquisition for the 80’ wide road has been awarded to the consultant to
furnish two alternate alignment map for formation of link road and to prepare
revised Land Plan Schedule,” sources said.
writingonblog uncensored: Nokia launches Lumia 720 in Chennai
writingonblog uncensored: Nokia launches Lumia 720 in Chennai: Chennai: Nokia India announced the availability of its latest smartphone offering, the Nokia Lumia 720, in Chennai. With five power...
Nokia launches Lumia 720 in Chennai
Chennai:
Nokia India announced the availability of its latest
smartphone offering, the Nokia Lumia 720, in Chennai. With five power packed
Windows Phone 8 devices-Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Lumia 820, Nokia Lumia 720,
Nokia Lumia 620 and Nokia Lumia 520, Nokia is now offering high end innovation
at newer price points.
With the new addition, the Lumia WP8 range is now
available across price points from Rs 10, 499 for the Nokia Lumia 520 to Rs 38,
000 for the Nokia Lumia 920. The new highly competitive smartphones demonstrate
the broad Lumia portfolio Nokia is creating, maximizing the appeal of the
range.
To bring the
innovation on Nokia Lumia devices to more people, Nokia also unveiled a new
Easy EMI offer at 0 per cent interest, no down payment and no processing fee.
This offer enables consumers to buy their favorite Nokia Lumia device and pay
for it in six equal monthly installments (EMI).
The scheme will be available across 12 cities in over 200
Nokia outlets with banks such as HSBC, ICICI, HSBC, Citibank, Axis and many
others. Nokia pioneered the concept of 0 per cent EMI payment plans on handsets
in India in 2010 and now brings an enhanced plan for Nokia Lumia consumers.
As a first and one-of-its kind initiative, Indian
consumers can also opt for a handset insurance plan on purchase of Nokia Lumia.
Offered in partnership with New India Insurance, a leading global insurance
group, wholly owned by the Govt. of India, the plan provides Nokia consumers a
highly affordable and comprehensive handset insurance plan to safeguard them
against the risk of mobile handset loss and damage. The insurance plan has a
minimum premium of just Rs. 50 or 1.25pc of the purchased handset’s value.
writingonblog uncensored: Current Situation In Ladakh Not India’s Creation: ...
writingonblog uncensored: Current Situation In Ladakh Not India’s Creation: ...: Chennai: Describing the current situation in Eastern Ladakh as ‘not one of our creation’, Defence Minister A K Antony has said Indi...
Current Situation In Ladakh Not India’s Creation: Antony
Chennai:
Describing the current situation in Eastern Ladakh as
‘not one of our creation’, Defence Minister A K Antony has said India remains
committed to a peaceful resolution of the situation, through dialogue within
the framework of agreements for maintaining peace and tranquility.
Addressing the Unified Commanders’ Conference, here, Antony,
however, emphasized that the country remains united in its commitment to take
every possible step to safeguard our interests.
“The current situation is not one of our creation. However, we remain committed to a peaceful
resolution of the situation, through military and diplomatic dialogue within
the framework of the agreements for maintaining peace and tranquility. At the same time, I wish to emphasise that
there should not be any doubt that the country remains unanimous in its
commitment to take every possible step, at all levels, to safeguard our
interests.”
Antony said our bilateral relations with China are, at
times, bedeviled by border issues, particularly along the Line of Actual
Control(LAC). The recent developments
are no exception. Among the various
initiatives to safeguard our border, the thrust has been on development of our
border roads and Advance Landing Grounds.
Referring to the security situation in Pakistan, Antony
said, the capability of Pakistani Taliban to strike at will at innocent public
and strategic targets is worrisome. He
said the growing nuclear stock of Pakistan needs to be factored in our overall
strategy towards our western neighbour.
Antorny reiterated the Government’s strong commitment to
the modernization of the armed forces and to ensure the all round welfare of
the troops. He said, despite financial
constrains, funds will never be an issue when it comes to national
security. “However the onus lies
collectively on all of us to make the optimum use of the financial resources
with all the honesty, transparency and fairness”, he said.
Dwelling at length on the recent changes in Defence procurement
process (DPP) to encourage the indigenous defence industry, Antony said the
objective is to bring about greater efficiency in the procurement process and
to strengthen the defence manufacturing base in the country. He expressed confidence that the changes
brought about in the DPP will lead to greater integrity and transparency in the
procurement process. “We should not give
any chance to any agency to point fingers at our defence procurement process
and acquisitions”, he said.
The Defence Minister said the contemporary concept of
security encompasses not merely military threats, but also cyber attacks,
insurgencies, organized trans-border crimes, pandemics and contingencies of
natural disasters. Such an environment
of security necessitates need for constant monitoring and building up
capacities to enable multi-level, multi-agency responses, he said.
writingonblog uncensored: VODAFONE’S ALL-IN-ONE’ PLAN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S4
writingonblog uncensored: VODAFONE’S ALL-IN-ONE’ PLAN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S4: Chennai: Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has announced an exclusive plan for those intend...
VODAFONE’S ALL-IN-ONE’ PLAN FOR SAMSUNG GALAXY S4
Chennai: Vodafone India, one of India’s
leading telecommunications service providers, has announced an exclusive plan
for those intending to buy the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S4. Aligning with
market trends and customer requirements, Vodafone has introduced a
comprehensive ‘All-In-One’ tariff plan, for both post-paid and pre-paid
customers, giving voice, data as well as SMS benefits.
For a single rental of Rs 1199,
post-paid customers will get Unlimited Internet (3GB allowance), 3000 local and
STD voice minutes and 750 local and national SMS. They will also get Missed
Call Intimation service free for one year with this plan. This exclusive
post-paid plan will help customers save over Rs 1000 per month. So, now
customers can talk, surf and SMS all they want on their Galaxy S4, while saving
over Rs 12,000 per year.
The Pre-paid plan comes with two
recharge options. Recharge of Rs 678 with validity of 30 days offers Unlimited
Internet (1GB allowance), 1000 local and STD voice minutes and 500 local and
national SMS. Recharge of Rs 345 with validity of 15 days offers Unlimited
Internet (512MB allowance), 500 local and STD voice minutes and 250 local and
national SMS.
For
both post-paid and pre-paid plans, Samsung Galaxy S4 customers will not be
charged for Internet usage over the allowance as per the chosen plan, however
speed will be reduced to 64kbps. After consumption of free units, voice calls
will be charged at Rs. 0.30/0.50/0.50 for Local mobile/STD mobile/All
landlines. Local and National SMS will be charged at Rs. 0.50/SMS post the free
allowance. Standard charges apply for roaming, ISD calls and other value added
services
Vodafone is
also running exclusive contests on the purchase of Samsung Galaxy S4 from the
Vodafone stores that will enable four customers to win hospitality tickets for
the IPL match and four others to win Samsung Galaxy Note II. Leather flip
covers worth Rs 1799 are also there as early bird prizes for the customers.
Commenting about the initiative, Vivek Mathur,
Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone India said, “Vodafone has always been a
pioneer, when it comes to enabling customers to enjoy a superior connectivity
experience at affordable rates. We are delighted to partner with Samsung to
bring much awaited Samsung Galaxy S4 to our customers in India. We are
launching this exclusive ‘All-In-One’ tariff plan that will empower our
customers with better value in terms of tariff and help them remain connected
always. As part of our customer connect programme, Vodafone has rolled out an
exclusive contest on purchase of Samsung Galaxy S4 from the Vodafone stores.
Four customers will get a golden chance to win hospitality tickets for the IPL
match and four other customers stand a chance to win high-end Samsung phones.
It is going to be a rewarding experience for our customers”
Sunday, April 28, 2013
writingonblog uncensored: Vasan targets 30 ports development project worth R...
writingonblog uncensored: Vasan targets 30 ports development project worth R...: Chennai: Union shipping ministry has finalized an action plan for the financial year by targeting 30 port development projects worth...
Vasan targets 30 ports development project worth Rs 25,000 cr in 2013-14
Chennai:
Union shipping ministry has finalized an
action plan for the financial year by targeting 30 port development projects
worth Rs 24,633 crore.
Addressing a gathering of EXIM fraternity
from South India during the TCC Exim Achievement Awards Function, organised by
the Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Chozha Naachiar Foundation in Chennai on Friday
night, Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan said that the shipping ministry has finalized
an action plan to bring additional capacity of 288.48 Million Metric Tonne per
annum at an estimated investment of Rs 24, 633 crores.
Vasan said that steps taken by the Shipping
Ministry in the last few years are showing excellent and positive results. As a
result of various efforts that and with the active participation of private
sector, Indian port sector would grow stronger and stronger, said Vasan.
He also said that Ports are the gateway for
EXIM trade and any deficiency will greatly affect the county’s EXIM trade and
competitiveness for industries.
Vasan said that the government has been
paying constant attention on construction and development of deep draft berths,
navigation channels, development of cargo facilities, mechanization of berths,
installation of modern cargo handling equipment and construction of multi-lane
concrete roads.
He said the maritime agenda that formulated
by the Ministry of Shipping in January 2011 identified priority areas and gives
a road map for achieving the target in terms of creation of world class port
facilities in the country.
Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President, TCC, recalled
the prominent role played by the Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan in
developing port sector in the country.
Speaking on the occasion Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah highlighted that state’s industry
friendly policies has made Tamil Nadu a front ranking state and a place for
starting new ventures. He said Chennai has emerged as electronics and
electronic manufacturing hub of India.
He also said that Tamil nadu is the second
largest economy after Maharastra and the
second most industrialized state after Maharashtra.
Rosaiah also complemented Chozha Naachiar
Rajasekar, President, TCC, for putting in great efforts to encourage and
motivate the exporters, importers, shipping fraternity by instituting awards
for their outstanding performance.
writingonblog uncensored: Debate issues, don’t stall parliament: Raju tells ...
writingonblog uncensored: Debate issues, don’t stall parliament: Raju tells ...: Chennai: Union Minister of Human Resources Development M M Pallam Raju on Saturday hit out at the opposition for stalling the parliament...
Debate issues, don’t stall parliament: Raju tells Oppn
Chennai:
Union Minister of Human Resources Development M M Pallam
Raju on Saturday hit out at the opposition for stalling the parliament and said
issues like coal block allocations, controversy surrounding the joint
parliamentary committee (JPC) on 2G spectrum allocation scam and allegations
that CBI being misused should be discussed in the parliament.
“If the opposition feels that there is some shortcoming
that had happened in the past, I think we should ensure the Parliament
functions where the issues can be debated,” the minister told reporters after addressing
the 17th convocation ceremony of Sri Ramachandra University writingonblog uncensored: After Madras HC rap, MHRD vows to take measures to...
writingonblog uncensored: After Madras HC rap, MHRD vows to take measures to...: Chennai: After Madras High Court came down heavily on the approval process of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for engi...
After Madras HC rap, MHRD vows to take measures to ensure quality of education maintained
Chennai:
After Madras High Court came down heavily on the approval
process of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for engineering
colleges, Union Minister of Human Resources Development M M Pallam Raju
said that his ministry will take appropriate measures because there has to be
some degree of accountability and quality should be maintained.
He said that as a fundamental right the Centre can’t stop
anyone from starting a university but the ministry can work towards ensuring
that the quality is maintained. “We are taking regulatory measures and
encouraging institutes to go in for accreditation,’ he added.
Speaking during the 17th convocation of Sri Ramachandra Universiy here, the minister said that the 12th five-year plan will
focus more on quality of education. He also urged the states to respond to
ensure quality in higher education. “States should make regulatory
changes if they want universities and higher institutes to evolve towards
adopting best practices,” the minister said.
He said that the centre has come out with Rashtriya
Ucchatar Shiksha abhiyaan (RUSA) to promote higher education at state levels
during XII plan period. RUSA is aimed at giving encouragement to innovation and
research in institutions of higher learning and there is a proposal to have a
National Mission on Teachers and Teaching to address issues related to teachers
in holistic manner.
Earlier, addressing the students he said that the
estimated loss for India due to deaths caused by all the diseases in 2005 was
1.3 per cent of GDP. “Due to increase in the number of non communicable
diseases, this loss is estimated to increase to five per cent of GDP by 2015 if
left unchecked,” he added.
He said that the Union government has set a target of
attaining 30 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2020.
Sri Ramachandra University vice chancellor J S N Murthy
said that the university is due for reaccreditation by National Accreditation
and Assessment Council (NAAC) in 2014 and is in the process of submitting the
self study report to NAAC. A total of 247 students were conferred PhD, super
speciality, post graduate and undergraduate degrees and diplomas.
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