writingonblog uncensored: Ennore Port to export three lakh cars in next two ...

writingonblog uncensored: Ennore Port to export three lakh cars in next two ...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Ennore Port is expected to export three lakh units of cars in the next two years, according to port chairman ...

Ennore Port to export three lakh cars in next two years

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Ennore Port is expected to export three lakh units of cars in the next two years, according to port chairman and managing director S P Velumani.

Talking to Express on the sidelines of Renault India starting the shipment of first batch of its popular sports utility vehicle Duster from Ennore Port, he said firms like Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Ford are likely to export three lakh units from the Ennore port in the next 18 to 24 months, which is the full capacity of the port.

Velumani, who will retire on Friday, said last year the port handled 1.04 lakh cars and this year it is expected to export 1.60 lakh cars.

He said Nissan is currently exporting 80,000 units and has plans to export 1.20 lakh units this year. By next year the company is likely to increase its exports to 1.80 lakh vehicles. He said that Toyota has currently promised to export 30,000 cars and is expected to increase it to 80,000 units.

He also said that Ennore Port will be reviving its dream of setting up the biggest container terminal by updating the project report. The 1,407 crore project could not take off as Bay of Bengal Gateway Terminal, the consortium that won the bid for the Rs 1,300-crore project, forfeited the concession due to delay in getting debt funding.

“There will be some changes in the scope of the project and the estimates of the project is also likely to go up to Rs 1,600 crore. “We will also review to increase the capacity by 10 to 15 per cent,” he said.

The new project study will be sent to the Shipping Ministry. He said that few companies including DP World have shown interest in the revised project.

writingonblog uncensored: Made in Chennai’ Dusters set to sweep UK roads

writingonblog uncensored: Made in Chennai’ Dusters set to sweep UK roads: Chennai: The roads in United Kingdom and Ireland will soon boast of Chennai manufactured sports utility vehicles as the first batch of ...

Made in Chennai’ Dusters set to sweep UK roads

Chennai:

The roads in United Kingdom and Ireland will soon boast of Chennai manufactured sports utility vehicles as the first batch of 350 sports utility vehicle (SUV) Renault Duster was shipped to these countries from Ennore port.

Speaking on the occasion, managing director of Renault India Marc Nassif said on Friday that after the success of Duster in Indian market, the SUV will be exported to the two European countries with some modifications to meet the individual market regulations. The Dusters exported will be available in 4x2 variants and 4x4 variants.

Manufactured in Oragadam, Renault India has sold nearly 19,000 units after it was launched in the Indian market on July this year and Nassif feels that Chennai will be the only facility globally to produce right-hand Duster which will be sold in the domestic market as well as exported from here.

Nassif said that India is an important market for Renault globally with the country set to become one of the top 10 markets for the company worldwide by 2013 and to sustain this ambition an unprecedented five models have been launched in the Indian market along with setting up of 75 dealerships in less than 18 months.

Ennore Port chairman S Velumani, who was present on the occasion, said initially the port never planned to focus on car exports. “Our focus was to handle the dusty cargo. But after pressure from the state government, we focused on cars exports and set up a RoRo (roll on roll off) terminal. Executive vice-chairman of guidance Bureau Velmurugan said that Chennai has become a cost-effective export hub with many automobile majors setting up plants in the city and exporting the vehicles from Chennai Port.

writingonblog uncensored: TN will have no power cuts from June

writingonblog uncensored: TN will have no power cuts from June: Chennai: The power crisis in Tamil Nadu will be phased out slowly and by June the state will have no power cuts, according to state elect...

TN will have no power cuts from June

Chennai:

The power crisis in Tamil Nadu will be phased out slowly and by June the state will have no power cuts, according to state electricity minister Natham R Viswanath.

Delivering the inaugural address during Energy --- 2012: Vision 2023 ‘New Era of Sustainable Energy Management’ organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the minister said from December step by step the power cuts will reduce and by June next year the state will be without power cut.

The minister said that by June the state would have additional 4,000 MW of power as the projects, which are under development would soon be generating power.

Citing out the status of various projects, the minister said that currently, 600 megawatt Mettur Thermal Power Station is currently generating 400 MW opf power during the test run and would start generating 600 MW by next month.

He also said the state is expected to get 1,050 MW of power from the 3X500 thermal plant at Vallur in Ponneri taluk of Tiruvallur district. The test run of first unit has commenced, said Viswanath.

He said one unit of the 2x600 MW of North Chennai Power Station would generate power by December and the other unit by March or June. He said the state would also get another 1,000 MW from Koodankulam nuclear plant besides power will also be generated by the private sector.

Interestingly, the state government hit out at Centre for lack of transmission lines top transfer power from northern grid to southern grid. “We sought permission to import 500 MW of power from Gujarat but the Centre gave permission for only 230 MW,” the minister said.

Viswanath said there is only one transmission line for the four southern states to receive power from the northern grid which is not adequate. He said the state has sought addition transmission line during the power ministers’ conference. He said currently Power Grid Corporation is constructing a 800 kV transmission link between Raichur in Karnataka and Sholapur in Maharashtra to connect the southern grid with rest of the national grid.

Once, this link is established, the state could get 2,000 MW of additional power, said the minister.

The minister also highlighted the need to focus on renewable energy and urged the private players to take up the initiative. “I ensure you there will be no delay in payments, he said.

Viswanath also assured that transmission line in each substation will have evacuation capacity. “We will also give you permission to sell solar power also,” he said.

The minister also said the state government will be offering subsidies for rooftop solar panels and said that all local body buildings will install solar panels at rooftop. “Even the street light will be energized using solar power,” he said.

State energy secretary Ramesh Khanna said that the state government has prepared a detailed roadmap to make the state a power surplus one. “We have brought out an action plan to expedite all ongoing projects,” he added.

FICCI chairman Rafeeque Ahmed, FICCI TNSC energy panel convenor M Nandakumar, consul general of German Consulate, Chennai Stefan Weckbach spoke on the occasion.

20 lakh households face threat of TV blackout

Operators hopeful that deadline of switching over to DAS could still be extended

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The television sets of more than 20 lakh households in the Chennai Metropolitan Area faces the threat of being blacked out after Madras High Court on Thursday orally refused to extend the deadline for installation of set top boxes (STBs) in Chennai City.

Tamil Nadu Cable TV Owners Association (TANCUS) state president Kayal R S Elavarasu told Express that 20 lakh households face the threat of television blackout but expressed hope that all is not lost.

“The court has not yet passed any order except stating that orally its has refused to extend the deadline. It has also adjourned the matter for four weeks. We still have four weeks time and we will put forth our case,” he said.

However, he feels that installation of more than 20 lakh set top boxes would be a Herculean task. “The city has an approximate number of 2,000 cable operators and on any given day they could install only 10 set top boxes as such to install the set top boxes itself will take nearly 100 days,” said Elavarasu.

Interestingly, the bigger issue is the non-availability of set top boxes. “They have to import it from China. But now the country would be celebrating its new year as such for a month it is impossible to get STBs from that country,” said a spokesperson of Chennai Metro Cable Operators Association (CMCOA).

Elavarasu says that to install the 20 lakh set top boxes it would take upto August 31, 2013. He said the biggest challenge is to force the consumers to switch over to digital addressable system. “Not all are coming forward. We are just a service provider. It would be easier if we charge them extra of Rs 100 every month so that by the given period set top boxes could be installed in their homes,” reasoned Elavarasu.

The spokesperson of CMCOA states that the last mile operators also face challenges in zeroing on a multi-service operator (MSO). With Centre delaying the licence to government-run multi-system operator Arasu Cable, last mile operators don’t know which private MSO to chose from as they feel they don’t have the adequate infrastructure to meet the deadline. But Elavarasu says there is still hope since the case in Madurai bench of High Court is coming up next month. Once the court gives clearance to government run MSO, then licence for Arasu won’t be a problem, he reasons.

Interestingly, the deadline issue is also piling up pressure on the last mile operators who are losing their subscribers. The spokesperson of CMCOA states that the cable operators have lost 15 per cent subscribers over the delay in witching over to DAS.

writingonblog uncensored: Offshore wind potential of TN is 127GW: Report

writingonblog uncensored: Offshore wind potential of TN is 127GW: Report: Chennai: The offshore wind potential of Tamil Nadu is estimated at 127 GW and the state is likely to take a lead in harnessing offshore ...

Offshore wind potential of TN is 127GW: Report

Chennai:

The offshore wind potential of Tamil Nadu is estimated at 127 GW and the state is likely to take a lead in harnessing offshore wind resources by installing 100 metre mast for wind measurement in Dhanushkodi, according to a study.

The report ‘Wind Energy Outlook 2012’ which was released here on Tuesday by Union Minister New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday states that the government is planning to prepare a time-bound action plan for the development of offshore winde energy in coastal states and a policy and guideline for offshore wind are likely to be announced by the ministry of new and renewable energy.

The study also stated that India is the third largest annual wind power market in the world and provides great business opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors.

It also stated that 89 GW of wind power could be installed by 2020 up from almost 18GW. “This will attract around $16.5 billion annual investment and create 179,000 green collar jobs and save 131 million tones of carbon-dioxide every year,” the report said, adding that by 2030 the installed capacity will be 191 GW.

The report states that the Indian wind sector experienced its strongest growth ever with over 3GW of new installations.

The report also stated that some of the utilities like TANGEDCO delayed feed in tariff payments to wind power generators by over a year affecting investor confidence in the sector.

The report also highlighted the need to modify technical training and academic curriculum to provide trained manpower for the sector which has a huge potential to create jobs.

writingonblog uncensored: Crores missing in MMTC books for years

writingonblog uncensored: Crores missing in MMTC books for years: C Shivakumar Chennai: Days after the arrest of MMTC (Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India) officials in the city for fra...

Crores missing in MMTC books for years

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Days after the arrest of MMTC (Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India) officials in the city for fraud, further evidence of dodgy accounting in the Union government-run premier foreign trade behemoth has surfaced.

 

Branch auditors of MMTC appointed by Comptroller and Auditor General refused to include a sum of Rs 17.99 crore unaccounted for the last three years in their report for the year 2011-12.

According to documents available with Express, the Union government run premier foreign trade behemoth has asked the auditors to include the amount that was not audited for last three years.

Sources from the auditing firm said that subsequently after the audit was completed on July 5, 2012, the Chennai Regional Office of MMTC in its letter dated July 31, 2012 informed the branch auditors that 18 number of deposits amounting to 17.99 crore, created on May 8, 2009 and May 4, 2009 in the overseas branch of State Bank of India, Chennai were not included in the accounts as on March 31, 2010, March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012.

 Interestingly, this omission of above deposits by Chennai branch of MMTC were not reported to the corporate office of MMTC nor the audit committee of officers till July 2, 2012 as per MMTC letter written by deputy general manager of finance and accounts V Oorkavalan.  

MMTC also maintained that since no confirmation from the bank, the amount was transferred to suspense account as on October 31, 2010.

Surprisingly, the branch auditors in their letter claimed that on verification of the above suspense account in SBI, it was found that no such amount existed as on April 1, 2011 and also as on March 31, 2012. In their correspondence to Oorkavalan, the auditors said as per the verification there is no such amount available in suspense account except those pertaining to one Shiv Sahai and Sons, Surana Corporation and others.

 The auditors said that it was on August 3, 2012, they wanted to verify the fixed deposit of Rs 17.99 crore at Overseas Branch of SBI but regional office of MMTC took immediate steps to close the deposit account with Overseas Branch of SBI on August 3, 2012 and no opportunity was given to branch auditors to verify the original transaction of Rs 17.99 crore and the source of funds.

Following this the branch auditors refused to revise the balance sheet following which there were allegedly lot of direct and indirect pressures from the top management in New Delhi, the auditors alleged. Interestingly, following the refusal, the top management referred the matter to CAG and sought change in branch auditors in Chennai regional office. However, CAG refused to acknowledge their request and reappointed the branch auditors for the year ending March 31, 2013. In view of non-cooperation of MMTC management, the branch auditors refused to accept the re-appointment.

 The auditors also alleged that MMTC had another account with SBI, Meenambakkam branch which was not reflected in the accounts of Chennai regional office of MMTC as on March, 2010, March 2011 and March 31, 2012. Interestingly, previous auditors and internal auditors has not found out these omissions in the last three years.

When Express tried to contact M Thayagarajan MMTC chief general manager of Chennai regional office, he expressed his inability to share any information with press in this regard.

Interestingly. MMTC in its report has said the auditors appointed at Chennai Regional Office reported during second week of July 2012 that fixed deposits amounting to Rs 17.99 crore originally created during May 2009 were alive with SBI, Chennai. “The said FDRs were however not appearing in the books of accounts of regional office, Chennai as on March 31, 2010,” MMTC said.

“It is also reported that the fixed deposit account in the books of regional office Chennai was adjusted by transferring the residual amount to suspense account in absence of proper reconciliation and confirmation from bank,” MMTC said, adding that the amount transferred to suspense account became part of the

Audit queries :

1.   MMTC did not provide details of deposits of Rs 17.99 Cr made on May 8, 2009 and details of source of funds and details of account number of debit entry and credit entry

2.   MMTC did not provide details of transfer of the bank deposit to suspense account along with authorization for transfer of account from deposit to suspense account and account number  in respect of debit and credit entries

3.   Failed to provide a certificate to confirm that the bank deposit is already included in the suspense account as on March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011.

4.   Failed to provide details of account opened at SBI, Meenambakkam branch in respect of authorization, date of opening the account, person who authorized to operate the account and details of transfer of funds

MMTC take:

1.   Regional office does not make fixed deposits of company’s funds at regional level and those deposits are of bullion customers

2.   The sum of Rs 17.99 crore was held by bank as lien against bank guarantees issued by the bullion customers.

3.   The deposits were overlooked as no confirmations were obtained and it remained unreconciled on March 31, 2010.

4.   It was transferred to vendor suspense account with other unreconciled balances on 31 January 2010.

5.   The amount remained undetected, unconfirmed and unreconciled on March 31, 2011

writingonblog uncensored: Germany to phase out its nuke plants by 2022

writingonblog uncensored: Germany to phase out its nuke plants by 2022: Chennai: Germany on Wednesday said that it also has a vision like that of Tamil Nadu to generate 90 per cent of power by using renewable...

Germany to phase out its nuke plants by 2022

Chennai:

Germany on Wednesday said that it also has a vision like that of Tamil Nadu to generate 90 per cent of power by using renewable energy and will be phasing out all its nuclear power plants by 2022.

Dellivering a Guest of honour address during Energy 2012: Vision 2023 ‘New era of Sustainable Energy Management’ German Consul General Stefan Weckbach said that Germany has a vision for 2050 where in it will generate 90 per cent of power using renewable energy resources. This is part of the ambitious climate project of the federal government, he said.

He said after the Fukushima nuclear mishap, Germany has planned to phase out its nuclear plants.

“We have set out a timelimit to phase out nuclear power plants as we feel it is more risky after the Fukushima accident,” Weckbach said.

“Currently, we have phased out seven nuclear planst and the remain 15 will be phased out by 2022,” he said, adding that his country is now restructuring power supply system.

Interestingly, his comments comes in the wake of anti-nuclear activists in Koodankulam demanding India follow the German model and phase out its nuclear plants and focus on renewable energy.

writingonblog uncensored: State still awaiting clearance of Rs 1,000 cr JICA...

writingonblog uncensored: State still awaiting clearance of Rs 1,000 cr JICA...: Chennai: The state government is still awaiting the clearance from the union government to get Rs 1,000 crore fund from Japan Internat...

State still awaiting clearance of Rs 1,000 cr JICA fund from centre

Chennai:

The state government is still awaiting the clearance from the union government to get Rs 1,000 crore fund from Japan International Cooperation Agency for implementation of development as well as medium term policy programmes of the Tamil Nadu government.

Speaking to Express on the sidelines of the conference on Emerging Role of PPPPs, Krishnan said the state has yet to get the clearance from Center.

Japan International Cooperation Agency, an independent government agency, has agreed to provide Rs 500 crore under Policy Implementation Component and another Rs 500 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Investment Component. The funds will be utilized for various infrastructure projects which include road widening, small bridges, distribution lines, water supply and industrial parks, and will be concentrated for the Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Earlier addressing the conference, Krishnan said the state government would monitor the projects implemented under the public private initiatives to usher in transparency, efficiency and fairness, according to S Krishnan, state secretary (expenditure) finance department.

He said that under the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development act, the state has a mechanism for periodic monitoring of the projects implemented under public private partnership.

He also said the state government is bringing in a legislation where the partner is for public private initiative is identified through a bidding process besides framing rules on procurement of Public Private Partnership (PPP). This will usher in more transparency, he said.

Krishnan also stressed the need for the involvement of stakeholders in any PPP initiative. “The focus should be more on public and section 15 of the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Act stresses the need for community participation,” he said.

Krishnan who is also the chief executive officer of the Tamil Nadu Infrastructre Development Board said the information about the project should be put in public domain as soon as the board recommends the project.

This will help decide whether the project is worth doing, banakable and financially viable. He said there should be a clarity in understanding on whether the project is profitable and a rigorous value for money analysis should be done.

Thangam Shankaranarayanan, chairperson and executive director of Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company highlighted about the Tirupur Water Supply and Sewerage Project, which is the first water supply project in the Public Private Partnership framework.

writingonblog uncensored: Officials mum as 20 feet road vanishes from plan

writingonblog uncensored: Officials mum as 20 feet road vanishes from plan: Chennai: Residents in Nanmanagalam village near Keelakatalai were denied access to road after the son of a former panchayat president bu...

Officials mum as 20 feet road vanishes from plan

Chennai:

Residents in Nanmanagalam village near Keelakatalai were denied access to road after the son of a former panchayat president built a compound wall on 20 feet approach road and the commissioner of St Thomas Mount Panchayat Union in Chitalapakkam has failed to initiate any action despite being requested by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to do so.

K Balasubramanian, a head constable of directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption, told Express that the commissioner of St Thomas Mount Panchayat Union has yet to act on an unauthorized construction after CMDA has directed to undertake enforcement action against the construction.

Balasubramanian said that he had purchased a 1200 square feet land in Nanmagalam village in Chitalapakam to construct a house. He had applied for planning permission and building permission from commissioner of St Thomas Mount Panchayat Union at Chitalapakam which was granted on April 6 and April 7, 2010 respectively.

He said the planning permission was issued by St Thomas Panchayat Union commissioner based on the 20 feet approach road passing across the vacant site in Nanmangalam village survey number 230.

He said the north-south approach road being maintained by the Nanmangalam panchayat abuts his house at the western side and is the only approach road to three of his neighbours.

He said except this approach road no other public access is available to the house.

Interestingly, the commissioner of the panchayat union issued house site planning permission to one Manikandan, who is the son of the former panchayat president Vijaylakshmi Sampath. And what is surprising is that in the planning permission, the 20 feet approach road based on which the planning permission was given to Balasubramanian was blocked.

Now Balasubramanian and three of his neighbours don’t have access to road . Balasubramanian alleged that the new planning permission was issued overlooking the earlier planning permission issued to him for the approach road with ulterior motive.

Now Manikandan has built a compound wall and blocked the 20 feet approach road available to his site and made his house and others uninhabitable, says the head constable. Now the residents are using a vacant site as passage to venture out. He alleged that the planning permission issued to Manikandan is improper and against the rules and regulations governing permission.

Interestingly, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has asked the commissioner of St Thomas Panchayat Union on August 28, 2012 to initiate enforcement action against the construction. But Balasubramanian says the commissioner has yet to take any action as Manikandan is the son of the former panchayat president.

writingonblog uncensored: Tata Motors enters Bangladesh’s new car market

writingonblog uncensored: Tata Motors enters Bangladesh’s new car market: Dhaka:   Tata Motors on Tuesday made its maiden entry in the Bangladesh new car market, introducing two sedans and a hatchback. They are...

Tata Motors enters Bangladesh’s new car market

Dhaka:  
Tata Motors on Tuesday made its maiden entry in the Bangladesh new car market, introducing two sedans and a hatchback. They are the Tata Indigo eCS, India’s most fuel-efficient compact sedan, the Tata Indigo Manza, a luxury sedan, and the Tata Indica Vista hatchback, with class defining space. The Manza and the Vista are born out of Tata Motors’ new car platform.

Speaking on the introduction of the passenger cars in Bangladesh, Karl Slym, Managing Director, Tata Motors, said, “We are happy and honoured to enter Bangladesh with our passenger cars. Our 40-year association with Bangladesh has given us an insight into the aspiration of the country’s motorists. They will be central to our business – we will delight them with the performance of our cars and the comfort and excellence of our service, and establish ourselves as we have in commercial vehicles since 1972.”

Johnny Oommen, Head, International Business, Passenger Cars, said, “Bangladesh’s customers for new cars demonstrate high discernment. They will see that reflected in our cars. Our service will be easy-to-reach and prompt.” 

Abdul Matlub Ahmad, Chairman, of the company’s distributor, NITOL Motors, said, “Our association with Tata Motors goes back over two decades, and we are extremely happy that, in addition to commercial vehicles, Tata Motors has now placed their confidence in us to market their passenger cars and utility vehicles.  We share Tata Motors’ commitment to its customers in building a business for perpetuity.”

writingonblog uncensored: TN gives green light for tenurial rights to 55,000...

writingonblog uncensored: TN gives green light for tenurial rights to 55,000...: C Shivakumar Chennai: After three decades, Tamil Nadu government has given a green signal to comply with High court order granting te...

TN gives green light for tenurial rights to 55,000 beneficiaries of TNSCB waterways plots after three decades

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
After three decades, Tamil Nadu government has given a green signal to comply with High court order granting tenurial rights to 55,000 beneficiaries of schemes of the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB), who have been living along the waterways in the city.
The possibility of granting sale deeds was discussed at a high-level meeting on November 14 to look into the legality of the schemes by relaxing the norms along the waterways following a High court order on July 30 which ordered TNSCB to execute the sale deeds. The schemes were implemented under the Madras Urban Development Project (MUDP) and Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project (TNUDP).
Sources said out of 617 schemes, the tenurial rights to plots are yet to be issued for the families living in 255 schemes which includes 114 schemes situated on the lands belonging to PWD as the lands have not yet been alienated in favour of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board so far.
The hitch was the Supreme Court order last year which directed state governments to prepare schemes for eviction of illegal or unauthorized occupants of gram sabha, gram panchayat or promboke lands and they must be used for common use. 
Sources said following the Supreme Court order PWD was not inclined to transfer their lands where slum improvement works are carried out citing the orders of the Supreme Court, on the transfer of panchayat lands.
The meeting said, “Supreme Court has instructed to evict illegal encroachers only. In all these cases, TNSCB has issued lease cum sale deeds decades ago for the families living in these schemes on the strength of Government orders and hence they can not be classified as illegal encroachers.”
Sources said during the meeting it was decided that the water course poramboke lands where Slum Improvement schemes are taken up  by Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board may be alienated to Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board  and the orders of the High Court be complied with.
The eri-poromboke areas discussed during the meeting included Ullagaram Karunanidhi scheme, Selaiyur Bharath Nagar, Anna Nagar Thundalam, Anna Nagar Thundalam II, Nehru Nagar Phase I, Velachery, K R Ramasamy Nagar, Velachery and Valluvar Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur.

writingonblog uncensored: Ford targets 70pc growth from China, India

writingonblog uncensored: Ford targets 70pc growth from China, India: Chennai: Ford Motor Company expects 70 percent of the growth to come from Asia Pacific region during the next decade and much of tha...

Ford targets 70pc growth from China, India

Chennai:

Ford Motor Company expects 70 percent of the growth to come from Asia Pacific region during the next decade and much of that will be contributed by China and India, according to Joginder Singh, who replaces Michael Boneham as the president and managing director of Ford India from next month.

During a press conference here, Singh and Boneham said Ford has seven plants in the Asia Pacific region which is unparallel since 1940s. “We are on the verge of utilizing the plant potential in India and start innovating,” Singh said.

They said next year would be crucial for Ford when it launches much awaited sports utility vehicle EcoSport next year in Chennai. Singh said that he had invited Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to inaugurate the event. “She has accepted the invitation and we have to work out the scheduling,” he said.

Singh said the focus next year would be more on the EcoBoost technology, a new technology that improves fuel economy and increases performance output. The engine combines an advanced direct injection system and turbocharged gasoline resulting in a 20 per cent increase in fuel economy, 15 per cent lower cabon emissions, and improved driving performance.

He said the company’s focus is also on Tier II and Tier III cities and it plans to provide   global standards customer care as it launches eight new models next years.

He also said Ford plans to increase the customer touch points (sales and services) to 250 this year and 500 by middle of this decade. Singh said the new plant in Gujarat is on track and will start operating from 2014.

writingonblog uncensored: Fresh crew onboard Pratibha Cauvery held against t...

writingonblog uncensored: Fresh crew onboard Pratibha Cauvery held against t...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The family of the new captain of Pratibha Cauvery has alleged that he is being held along with 11 crew members...

Fresh crew onboard Pratibha Cauvery held against their will

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The family of the new captain of Pratibha Cauvery has alleged that he is being held along with 11 crew members in an unseaworthy ship against their will.

Paritosnath, retired commnader of Indian Navy and brother-in-law of Capt Rath and Rath’s sister Joyce said that the captain and 11 crew, who were freshly sent from Mumbai on  November 20, 2012 by the owner Sunil Pawar were not willing to work on the unsafe and unseaworthy vessel.

The letter which also sought the assistance of Sailor’s Helpline  said that the crew is in no way connected with the on-going court proceedings or police investigation against the owner or agents of MT Pratibha Cauvery. 

Capt Rath boarded the vessel on November 21 on a three-hour pass to check the sea worthiness of the vessel. He has not signed on or been handed charge by the Salvage Team who suddenly disembarked the vessel.

The condition of the vessel is not sea worthy and Capt Rath has requested the owner to remove him from the vessel. The 11 crew members are also not willing to work on this unsafe and unseaworthy vessel.

The security armed guards are not allowing him or any person to leave the vessel nor visitors are permitted on the ship. The crew are held against their will and being treated like criminals, the family members allege.

The owner Sunil Pawar, who is in Chennai, is also not responding to Capt Rath's calls. The company agent is also not responding.

“There is no legal justification to hold Capt Rath and 11 crew members in detention on board against their will by armed security guards in gross violation of all laws and constitutional rights,” the letter said.

There is not adequate food, water and fuel on board. Food and drinking water comes through goodwill or charity.

At present there no communication system on board and Capt Rath has to rely on his personal mobile phone which will also run out of battery charge. He is not in a position to receive or send out any e-mail as the only personal laptop which was used last night has packed up.

Rath’s sister and his brother requested that the Harbour Master organise for the crew's outward immigration so that they can be released from the vessel and return by flight to Mumbai. They should also be compensated for the time served on the vessel and the mental and physical hardship suffered by them.

National coordinator of Sailor’s Helpline Manoj Joy said they have not done any crime. “Why should they be held in detention. What crime have they done. The port is breaching the rights of the seafarers. A cook who has fallen ill was accompanied by CISF jawans. Why do you need armed guard to guard the ship,” he questioned.

Current status of the ship:

Main Engine is still immobilized and not able to use her own power. 

It does not have anchor power as windlass not taking load.

Manning is not as per safe manning scale.

No senior engineer on board.

No sufficient fuel for Aux Engine.

No lube oils or hydraulic Oils for essential Machinery.

Life Saving Appliances not as per Solas.  No sufficient Life Jackets on board.  Only one Life boat and Life raft on board.

Communication system not operational. (GMDSS)

No provisions, drinking water onboard.

Limited fresh water onboard

writingonblog uncensored: Borlaug award for Basmati research scientists

writingonblog uncensored: Borlaug award for Basmati research scientists: Chennai: Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of a wide range of farm inputs, has conferred the coveted ...

Borlaug award for Basmati research scientists

Chennai:

Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of a wide range of farm inputs, has conferred the coveted ‘Borlaug Award’ for the year-2012 to two distinguished scientists of Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) - Dr K V Prabhu and Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, who have rendered outstanding contribution to Basmati rice research and development.

A five-member Jury headed by Dr MS Swaminathan, the father of the Green Revolution in India, has named these eminent scientists for the award.

Coromandel International Limited has instituted the award in 1972 to honour Nobel Laureate Norman E. Borlaug, which is awarded in recognition of outstanding research and contributions in the field of Agriculture, Environment and Extension by Indian Scientists. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 Lakh, a Gold medal and a citation. Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India will present the prestigious award to the winners on the occasion of the prestigious Coromandel Lecture being delivered by Dr Robert S Zeigler, the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), on  November 28, 2012, at a function in New Delhi. 

Coromandel International Limited had instituted the Coromandel Lecture in 1970 to promote and develop symbiotic interaction among agriculture, industry and academia across the world.

Dr. Robert Zeigler will deliver Coromandel Lecture on “Cutting edge Science for food security, economic growth and environment protection” this year.

NCC to raise its strength to 15 lakh cadets in next five years

Express News Service

Chennai:

National Cadet Corps is planning to increase its strength from 13.4 lakh cadets to 15 lakh cadets in the next five years and phase-wise accretion for overall increase has already commenced, according to deputy director general of NCC directorate Commodore K S Aiyappa.

Speaking during the NCC day celebration by the directorate which includes Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar, Commodore Aiyappa said NCC is also conducting a holistic review of its training philosophy to make it more meaningful for the youth.

He said that in the recent past there have been wide ranging socio-economic developments that have led to changes in the aspirations of youth. “The youth are now more inclined towards individualistic aspirations of freedom, self-reliance and individual rights based on economic freedom. The NCC is aware of these changing aspirations and is conducting a review of its training philosophy,” Commodore Aiyappa said.

Speaking on the occasion, School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare, law, courts and prisons N R Sivapathi highlighted various incentives by the government for NCC.

He said the government has sanctioned purchase of office furniture at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore to replace old and damaged furniture.

The minister, who was the under officer of St Joseph’s College, Trichy, and ‘C’ Certificate holder, also said that the government has raised the mess allowance of associate NCC officers and NCC cadets from Rs 100 to Rs 120.

He also said cash incentives for NCC cadets attending centrally organized camps and republic day camp has raised from Rs 3.17 lakh to Rs 5.8 lakh besides Chief minister’s rally expenses have been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.  

The event also included a ceremonial guard of honour by the NCC cadets, release of the ‘Directorate NCC Journal’, a report on NCC activities highlighting the achievements of the directorate followed by a cultural programme.

The NCC has a strength of 13.4 lakh cadets and its reach has spread to 617 districts of the country.The NCC directorate here spread over 793 schools, 374 colleges has a strength of 1.05 lakh.

TNPSC offers 188 vacancies for differently abled

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission is offering 188 vacancies in the Group II exams for the physically challenged, according to TNPSC chairman R Natraj.

Addressing a meeting of State Level Conference on Career Counseling and Guidance for the Visually Challenged organized by Nethrodaya here on Saturday, Natraj said in the next 10 days the posts will be filled and urged the physically challenged community to take up the opportunity. Of the 188 jobs, 68 are for the visually challenged people.

Natraj, who was honoured for implementing the the government policy towards three per cent reservation for the differently abled community in government jobs in letter and spirit, said he is only the facilitator. This is your right and the state government is the facilitator. “I am a government servant who implements the scheme of the government,” said the former director general of police.

The TNPSC chairman also rued the fact that there are no statistics of the visually challenged persons in the state as no census has been conducted in this regard. “This has proved a big hurdle in providing benefits to this community,” he said.

V K Jeyakodi, principal secretary and state commissioner for the differently abled, highlighted various schemes of the government being implemented for the physically challenged community.

He said the state government has started early intervention centres for visually handicapped children in the district. He said the aim The aim of the Centres is to develop skills of Visually Impaired Children, mainstream them in regular school and to provide guidance and counseling service to their parents and family members.

Similarly, the state has also launched a scholarship scheme to prevent dropouts in special and aided schools. He said the state government has also raised the allowance of scribes helping the visually handicapped persons from Rs 100 to Rs 250. He also said the government has launched a skill development initiative for the differently-abled in 32 districts.

A carom designed exclusively designed for the for the visually impaired community by Dr Milind Dass, a senior research officer for the differently abled community was given to Nethrodaya. He was also honoured with ‘Best compassionate Inventor for the visually impaired community award.’

Speaking to Express, Dass said the carom has a special striker and special coin. The black coin has concave design while the white coin is plain. He said the red coin is cut at the edge while the striker is crescent shaped.

He said there is a need to design and develop devices understanding the limitations of the differently abled and facilitate for better learning and mobility.

He said the devices developed should not be confined to shelf. “Every challenged person do have one or other basic limitations. One of the basic limitations is mobility. Understanding their basic mobility we need to develop educational, sports and recreational materials for their rehabilitation,” he added.

writingonblog uncensored: Footprint of Pak Navy could increase in Persian Gu...

writingonblog uncensored: Footprint of Pak Navy could increase in Persian Gu...: Indian Navy to provide decommissioned submarine INS Vagli for Marina heritage museum Chennai: Indian Navy will provide its decommiss...

writingonblog uncensored: Inbuilt innovation in higher education will boost ...

writingonblog uncensored: Inbuilt innovation in higher education will boost ...: Chennai: India should have an inbuilt innovation and experimentation focus ingrained in their system of higher education like that of de...

Inbuilt innovation in higher education will boost defence industry: expert

Chennai:

India should have an inbuilt innovation and experimentation focus ingrained in their system of higher education like that of developed nations so that adopting to defence needs is easier, according to an expert.

Delivering the inaugural address at the Conference on Defence Education in India, Governor of Chattisgarh, former deputy national security advisor and defence secretary Shekhar Dutt said India cannot suddenly change its orientation of education but it can do so selectively.

He said Indian universities offering defence education should transform from a mass based system to an exclusive and individualized model that can lead to innovation and experimentation as the skill sets required in this model is quite different.

Dutt said the defence industry needs a base of this nature from which it can draw talent to meet its crying need.

He said national level task forces have looked into the matter of security and defence industry recently. “Although their recommendations are still being examined, I suspect we may have considered changed structures and greater decentralization as well as encouragement of private industries but I haven’t read much about defence education,” the former defence secretary said.

He said unless something is done about defence education, there is little that we would be able to gain from downline instruments of progress.

He said without defence education, defence public sector undertakings can’t expect private capital and private industry to be enthused in defence industry.

He also rued the fact that while the defence public sector undertakings have delivered critical requirements to three services, it has not been able to produce any subsequent model model or newer generation of the technology bought from other countries. “We are stuck at the technology level at which we started in a production line,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Indian scientists working to develop hypersonic mi...

writingonblog uncensored: Indian scientists working to develop hypersonic mi...: Chennai: Indian scientists are working to develop hypersonic missile which would travel at least five times the speed of sound. Deli...

Indian scientists working to develop hypersonic missiles which can travel five times the speed of sound

Chennai:

Indian scientists are working to develop hypersonic missile which would travel at least five times the speed of sound.

Delivering the keynote address at the Conference on Defence Education in India 2012 here on Friday, chief executive officer and managing director BrahMos Aerospace Dr A Sivathanu Pillai revealed that scientists are currently working to develop hypersonic missiles

He said Indian scientists are working on the development of air vehicles that can be maneuvered at speeds beyond Mach 5 (6,125kph). Interestingly, Indian scientists have already gained the mastery over supersonic missiles with the development of BrahMos, which is the world’s fastest cruise missile in operation. The missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8 to 3.0 with a maximum range of 290 km.

He said the the quest is on to develop scramjet, a new technology propulsion system which hasn’t been successfully tested in the world till now. Scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is a variant of a ramjet airbreathing jet engine in which combustion takes place in supersonic airflow. This allows the scramjet to operate efficiently at extremely high speeds.

He also stressed that universities could help develop technology like Nano Hummingbird, developed by United States Defense Advancement Research Projects Agency (DARPA), for indoor and outdoor surveillance mission. He said there is a need for applied research and not fundamental research in Indian universities. He said currently defence research development organization is focusing on technology incubation in multiple universities.

writingonblog uncensored: India likely to export BrahMos

writingonblog uncensored: India likely to export BrahMos: Chennai: The world’s only supersonic missile BrahMos, which has been developed by Indian scientists, is generating a lot of demand abr...

India likely to export BrahMos

Chennai:

The world’s only supersonic missile BrahMos, which has been developed by Indian scientists, is generating a lot of demand abroad, according to chief executive officer and managing director BrahMos Aerospace Dr A Sivathanu Pillai.

Pillai told reporters on Friday that the government wanted the missile to be deployed in the armed forces before thinking of exporting it.

“We haven’t ruled out exports and there has been lot of queries,” said Pillai.

writingonblog uncensored: Air variant of BrahMos likely by 2013

writingonblog uncensored: Air variant of BrahMos likely by 2013: Chennai: An air-to-air variant of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile would be inducted into Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of next-...

Air variant of BrahMos likely by 2013

Chennai:

An air-to-air variant of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile would be inducted into Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of next-generation Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft by 2013, according to chief executive officer and managing director BrahMos Aerospace Dr A Sivathanu Pillai.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of conference on Defence Education in India 2012 at Hindustan University campus in Padur, he said work is going on to integrate the air force's Su-30MKI jet with aerial BrahMos launchers. “The new missile is ready and the launcher is required to be placed in the aircraft,” he said.

He said that modifications of air variant missile is completed and it is lighter by half a ton than the land and sea variant. “Once the launcher is placed than a sequence of tests would be done and it is expected that by next six months everything will be in place,” he added.

The solid propellant rocket is developed by Brahmos Aerospace, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russian NPO Mashinostroyenia. The BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile designed for launch from land, ship, submarines and air platforms. The missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8 and is capable of intercepting surface targets by flying as low as 10m above the ground, even in mountainous terrain and hillocks.  

Pillai said it is the only missile in the world which has maneuverable trajectory and could surprise the enemy. Currently, all the missiles have parabolic trajectory. Interestingly, the missile is the only supersonic missile, which is faster than the speed of sound. All other missiles are subsonic, which is below or lower than the speed of sound, he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Multi-storeyed buildings to come under the ambit o...

writingonblog uncensored: Multi-storeyed buildings to come under the ambit o...: Chennai: Now any construction with more than one dwelling unit will come under the ambit of new service tax regime that came into effec...

Multi-storeyed buildings to come under the ambit of service tax

Chennai:

Now any construction with more than one dwelling unit will come under the ambit of new service tax regime that came into effect from July, according to an expert.

Delivering a presentation during the workshop on Service Tax organized by KPMG and Federation of Indian Export organizations, KPMG director Praveen William said that while a single dwelling unit will not be taxable, the building having more than single dwelling unit would taxable, which includes multi-storeyed building as well as duplex.

Earlier buildings beyond 12 apartments came under the purview of service tax.

Similarly, construction services where the money is being charged before getting the completion certificate will also be taxed, he said.

The workshop is being held to generate awareness about the new service tax regime based on a negative list of exempted services which has come into effect from July 1, 2012 and aimed at aligning the indirect taxation system to the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

Interestingly, renting of residential dwelling units for use as residences doesn’t fall under service tax but those that are used for commercial use will be taxable, said William.

Walter D Souza said the scope of service tax has been enhanced every year and over a period of 18 years, the list of taxable services widened.

He said service tax is the largest contributing sector to GDP and has assumed overwhelming importance for the development of Indian economy. D’Souza said service tax laws in India have moved over to a new regime governed by a negative list with effect from July 1, 2012 and the years 1994 and 2012 will go down as watershed years in service tax law – the former for introducing the law and the latter for revamping it in the negative list.

writingonblog uncensored: Not even an iota of truth in allegations of dumpin...

writingonblog uncensored: Not even an iota of truth in allegations of dumpin...: Chennai: Department of Atomic Energy on Thursday said it has no plans to dump nuclear waste from any nuclear plant and said it is shoc...

Not even an iota of truth in allegations of dumping nuclear waste in Kolar Gold mines: DAE

Chennai:

Department of Atomic Energy on Thursday said it has no plans to dump nuclear waste from any nuclear plant and said it is shocked over reports that Solicitor General R Nariman alleged that the Union government has decided to use the pits at Kolar Gold Fields gold mines to dump nuclear waste from Koodankulam.

Reacting to reports, chief spokesperson of department of atomic energy and head of public awareness division of DAE in Mumbai S K Malhotra told Express that, “there is not even an iota of truth in the press reports which quote an affidavit filed by the solicitor general in the Supreme Court that the Central government has decided to use the pits of KGF gold mines, which have long remained unused, as dumping yard for the waste created at the nuclear power plant at Koodankulam.

He said that DAE is perturbed by such insuniations and wanted to know on what basis such allegations are made.

He said the allegations by the solicitor general as claimed by the news reports is totally wrong and DAE has no plans to dump nuclear waste from any nuclear plant. “We are absolutely shocked by such allegations,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai developers have a chance to get a peek at ...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai developers have a chance to get a peek at ...: Chennai: Chennai developers have a chance to get a peek into the global construction industry during the international Trade Fair for c...

Chennai developers have a chance to get a peek at global construction sector

Chennai:

Chennai developers have a chance to get a peek into the global construction industry during the international Trade Fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles to be held in Mumbai from February 5 next year.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Thomas Loffler, CEO, bC Expo India Pvt Ltd, said the bC India-A BAUMA CONEXPO Show is the biggest international event in construction sector and it will attract more than 700 exhibitors and over 40,000 trade visitors from across the globe are expected.

Loffler also rued that India doesn’t have huge space for such global expos while stating that the space allocated for the exhibition in 2013 has increased to 130,000 square metres, from 88,000 square metres in 2011, to accommodate the growing demand. “There is a need for a huge global expo center in India and Chennai could take a lead in constructing one,” he said.

He said for the construction industry, the region is particularly attractive because of its continued focus on infrastructure development as 65 per cent of all infrastructure expenditures are invested in the construction sector.

writingonblog uncensored: 55,000 beneficiaries of TNSCB schemes along waterw...

writingonblog uncensored: 55,000 beneficiaries of TNSCB schemes along waterw...: C Shivakumar Chennai: Fifty five thousand beneficiaries of slum clearance board schemes along the waterways are likely to get their ...

55,000 beneficiaries of TNSCB schemes along waterways likely to get sale deed

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Fifty five thousand beneficiaries of slum clearance board schemes along the waterways are likely to get their sale deed three decades after the implementation of the projects.

A high level meeting held last week discussed the legality of the schemes, implemented under the Madras Urban Development Project and Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project three decades ago by relaxing the norms along the waterways. The beneficiaries could not be provided with sale deed since the land being a PWD water course land could not be transferred to TNSCB.

The meeting decided that the alienation of water course lands to Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board may be expedited by instructing PWD to give no objection certificate to revenue department. Sources said this would ensure speedy issuance of sale deed to the beneficiaries.

The eri-promboke land which were discussed during the meeting include Ullagaram Karunanidhi scheme, Selaiyur Bharath Nagar, Anna Nagar Thundalam, Anna Nagar Thundalam II, Nehru Nagar Phase I, Velachery, K R Ramasamy Nagar, Velachery and Valluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur.

Interestingly, the meeting was also held in the wake of a July 2012 High Court order to issue sale deed to 55,000 beneficiaries of TNSCB under MUDP and TNUDP schemes.

Surprisingly, Supreme Court last year has ordered directing state governments to prepare schemes for eviction of illegal or unauthorized occupants of gram sabha, gram panchayat or promboke lands and they must be used for common use. 

Sources said the World Bank assisted MUDP I and II schemes of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board was implemented three decade ago to provide basic infrastructure facilities along with land tenure to slum dwellers who were occupying various categories of land like government promboke land, corporation land, railways land, salt land, port trust land, temple lands and private land.

Interestingly, a government order was passed in 1979 ordering that the lands be transferred to TNSCB free of cost. After the two MUDP schemes, Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project was also implemented.

TNSCB sources said that during that period there was no High Court or Supreme Court order against alienation of watercourse lands to the scheme. Surprisingly, the government in 1998 permitted TNSCB to enter government promboke lands even under banned categories for carrying out the slum improvement projects.

Currently, about 67 scheme areas located in water course lands were provided to TNSCB relaxing the rules of revenue department.  Now the schemes are well settled human habitats but lack infrastructure facilities. Sources say during the meeting it was felt that the implementation of slum improvement programme by government agency like TNSCB is not illegal as it is a government agency trying to provide infrastructure facilities for poor.

writingonblog uncensored: Pattamadai mats in Tirunelveli dist, Natchiyar tem...

writingonblog uncensored: Pattamadai mats in Tirunelveli dist, Natchiyar tem...: Chennai: The mats of Pattamadai in Tirunelveli district and the famous bronze and brass lamps of Natchiyar temple in Tanjore district w...

Pattamadai mats in Tirunelveli dist, Natchiyar temple lamps in Tanjore dist to get GIS certification by February 2013

Chennai:

The mats of Pattamadai in Tirunelveli district and the famous bronze and brass lamps of Natchiyar temple in Tanjore district will get Geographical Indications (GI) certificate by February next year, according to a top state government official.

Speaking at the Post GI Initiatives for Selected Craft Indications of Tamil Nadu workshop here on Wednesday, state department of handlooms, handicrafts, textiles and khadi secretary G Santhanam said they are also expecting to get GIS certificate for Thoda tribal embroidery in Nilgiris district.

Currently, the state has five GIS in handicrafts. These include Tanjore doll, Tanjore paintings, Swamimalai Bronze icons, temple jewellery of Nagercoil and Thanjavur Art plates. It also has seven GIS in textiles, which include Kanceepuram silk sarees, Hand-woven Bhavani jamakkalams, Arani silk, Madurai Sun-gad, Coimbatore kora cotton sarees, Salem Venpattu and Salem fabrics.

It is also believed the state is taking initiatives to get GIS certificate for Mammalapuram stone carving and Thammamapattu wood carving in Salem ddistrict.

Interestingly, the workshop, which is being organized by the Development Commissioner (handicrafts) and Textiles Committee, ministry of textiles, focuses on looking beyond GIS certification, says O Nayak, secretary textiles committee, Mumbai.

He said in order to re-orient the potential benefits of GI registration, the textiles committee in collaboration with Union development commissioner (handicrafts) is implementing a project to facilitate inclusion of stakeholders in the process of GI registeration of selected crafts indications of India.

The project is being implemented after a survey was undertaken by textiles committee to re-orient the potential benefits under globalisation era. The survey felt that only registeration may not serve the purpose and there is a need to re-orient and streamline the post-GI registeration intervention for convering intellectual property rights protection into tangible benefits for stakeholders.

The project would facilitate the inclusion of stakeholders of 21 craft indications, particularly the artisans, in the process of GI registration through Part B registration as registered user under GI Act 1999.

Nayak said the workshop will address issues relating to post GI intervention of Swamimalai bronze icons, Thanjavur art plates and temple jewellery of Nagercoil. The workshop will be used as a platform for showcasing these IPR protected products and preparing the roadmap for post GI interventions so that IPR protection could be converted to tangible benefits for artisans.