Alpha Times Dec. 14 Adyar

Alpha Times Putting Heart and Soul of your Neighbourhood

VOL: 1 ISSUE 28

Dec.14,2008

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Govt may free petrol, diesel prices by Feb The government may free petrol and diesel prices from its control if global oil prices stay at current levels of under USD 45 a barrel till February. The government had in April 2002 freed petrol and

diesel prices from administrative control, following which the state retailers revised prices every fortnight in line with changes in costs. But, controls were brought back in 2004 when crude oil rose to USD 37 a barrel and they have stayed high since then with crude oil soaring to an all-time high of USD 147 a barrel in July 2008. Prices have cooled down since then averaging around USD 43-44 a barrel this month. "If this trend sustains

for 2-3 months, petrol and diesel prices are likely to be freed from administrative controls," a highly placed official said. He said the cut in petrol price by Rs five a litre and diesel by Rs two per litre announced earlier this month was only an interim measure as the government was keen to watch how international oil prices behave in short-to-medium term. "It was an interim measure to complete freeing of auto fuel prices," the official said pointing that not all of the margins on petrol and diesel being earned because of fall in crude prices had been passed on to the consumers. Even after slashing the prices, oil firms continue to make Rs 9.89 a litre profit on petrol and Rs 1.03 per litre on diesel. However, a new mechanism of compensating state-run firms for losses on domestic LPG and kerosene is needed before freeing auto fuel prices. IOC, BPCL and HPCL are projected to lose Rs 1,14,500 crore this fiscal on fuel sales, of which only Rs 30,000 crore can come from ONGC, GAIL and OIL. The rest would have to be in form of oil bonds, the official said. Also, on cards is a cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel but being a new compensation mechanism this would be decided when a full-time Finance Minister takes over. The official said the government had in June decided that upstream companies-- Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), Oil India Ltd and Gail India-- would have to bear Rs 45,000 crore of the projected Rs 2,45,000 crore revenue loss on sale of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene at that time. The revenue loss has come down to Rs

PRICE Re. ONE ONLY

Alpha Times launches Adyar Edition The popular neighbourhood paper of T Nagar Alpha Times is launching its Adyar Edition from today. The paper will have all the ingredients that a neighbourhood paper should have and also interactive articles. T h e p a p e r published every Sunday will be reaching around 40000 homes in Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Nehru Nagar, Indira Nagar, Besant Nagar and Tiruvanmiyur area and will be a treasure of information to retain. Enjoy every Sunday with Alpha Times Putting heart and soul of your neighbourhood - Editor

1,14,500 crore with the fall in international oil prices and so has the revenues of ONGC who would now have to sell crude oil it produces at one-third price envisaged in June. Also, refiners Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum were to bear about Rs 20,000 crore of the revenue loss in June but the three firms together posted a net loss of Rs 14,000 crore in first half of the current fiscal and their refining margins turned negative with a fall in oil prices. "So, they would not be able to bear any subsidy," the official said. "Freeing of auto fuel prices in the current scenario would result in further lowering of petrol and diesel prices but their are losses on domestic LPG and kerosene which have to be addressed before such a move can be resorted," he said. Currently, the government dictates retail selling price of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene sold through Public Distribution System. While auto fuel pricing may be freed, administrative control over the remaining two would continue, the official added. - AT TEAM

Dec.14,2008 Divine thoughts

Bhakthi and Jnana Dec.14,2008

VOL : 1 ISSUE 28

Terror is not politically encashable BY winning three states out of the five that went to the polls, the Congress has proved that it is no pushover. It is a hat-trick for the party in Delhi where Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is likely to form a government for the third consecutive term. While it swept the polls in Mizoram, it has emerged the single largest party in Rajasthan. The BJP can take consolation from the fact that it could win handsomely in Madhya Pradesh and scrape through in Chhattisgarh. Even so, it has to reconcile itself to the fact that the Congress has improved its vote share and seats in these states. The calculation that the high voter turnout in all states other than Chhattisgarh would go in favour of the BJP in view of the Mumbai attack has been proved wrong The voters in Delhi would surely have been influenced by the Metro, dozens of flyovers and the Bhagidari schemes launched during the two terms of the Congress. The BJP’s sinister attempt to cash in on the Mumbai mayhem would certainly have alienated a large section of the voters from the party. In Mizoram, the voters have by voting massively for the Congress voted against corruption. In Rajasthan, the voters found in Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje a person who could not keep her word given to such communities as the Gujjars. Nor did she keep her promise to give better governance. The ruling party’s campaign against terrorism did not pay any dividend as its own government failed to prevent such attacks in Jaipur and Ajmer. In short, the campaign against terror did not carry conviction with the voters. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP can be proud of retaining the state. But it cannot overlook the surge the Congress has made in terms of vote percentage which will count in the next general elections. Ms Uma Bharati has been proved to be what she has always been — an empty vessel that makes a lot of noise. In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, the BJP has retained power against heavy odds. The defeat of Mahendra Karma, the kingpin of Salwa Judum, is a warning that the people have not approved of the strategy to deal with Naxalites. The emergence of the Bahujan Samaj Party in all the North Indian states is something that will cause concern to the BJP and the Congress. Although not much time is left for the Lok Sabha to complete its term, the favourable results may persuade the Congress to advance the parliamentary elections to take advantage of the containing of inflation and the economic stimulus unleashed during the last few days.

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It seems then that the Sage of Shirdi did favor the path of bhakti for attaining salvation. Once when comparing gnan and bhakti, the Master likened the former to Ramphal and the latter to Sitaphal. The pulp of ramphal is difficult to comb out, but the sitaphal is sweet and its pulp is easily accessible. If the gnani falls, there is a danger of his remaining in that state, since he may not be able to help himself, but the bhakta a l w a y s h a s t h e compassionate succor of his master to support and reinstate him. Perhaps Sai Baba felt that the crying urgency of this Kali Yuga was bhakti. The first and most fundamental requisite is of course a strong desire for moksha, a hunger and thirst for the Divine, which no material conditions can ever assuage. Wealth, kith and kin are all transient. So long as the material attachments occupy a vital part of man's thoughts he cannot go far. Equipped with this burning desire for a union with the Lord, if a devotee has complete faith in His mercy and surrenders all to His wisdom, then his task becomes less arduous and his ultimate success is assured. Not only this, but bhakti even when practiced not too thoroughly is nevertheless a powerful weapon of purification, in that it gradually leads the bhakta to greater and greater concentration of worship; that is to say, if one may so express it, even a casual bhakta is transformed into an ardent one sooner or later. Only a beginning has to be made, the rest is taken care of. How reassuring this thought is. We cannot take the wrong path if we keep conscious of the Light. Baba, therefore gave great importance to all those practices that aid concentration in the Divine. He greatly favored the use of Japam i.e. repetition of the Guru-god's name either audibly, or mentally Such repetition, Baba said, may seem mechanical at first, but it slowly draws the mind into the vortex of a one-pointed concentration. From a practical aspect its aim is to cultivate emotional and mental stability, and thus prepare the soil for the realization of Brahman. It is important at this stage to make clear distinction between the kind of bhakti that Sai Baba enjoined on his followers, and the undisciplined emotionalism that sometimes goes by the name of bhakti. Baba gave bhakti the highest place in any sadhana, but he wanted that this emotion should also be purified. The emotion must not be allowed to degenerate into mere sentimentalism which has not the same poise and balance of disciplined bhakti. True Bhakti can be easily distinguished from mere hysterical emotionalism. For in the latter there is ultimately a feeling of incompleteness and exhaustion. This lower type of bhakti is a kind of deluded extension of self-love. It has its roots in the ego, that is why it is impatient of returns. But the bhakti that Baba enjoined is bhakti plus yoga -- bhakti that is discipline. In the giving of such devotion there is a feeling of completeness and fulfillment and a total conserving of one's energies, so that the true bhakta never has a sense of frustration, nor is he ever exhausted. There is no doubt that Shri Sai Baba was the apostle of love and that his predictions lay more in the direction of the bhakti way to salvation. Not once, but several times did he emphasize the great value he attached to devotion and surrender. "I am the bond slave of my devotees. I love devotion. If one ever dwells on me in his mind and will not even taste food before offering it to me, I become his slave -- so also if he hungers and thirsts after me and treats all else as unimportant." Such was the illuminating language in which the sage gave predominance to the function of love. Shri Sai Baba's followers, therefore, have so to elevate their understanding as will enable them to realize the living beauty of love, its divine energies, its healthgiving properties, and its power to demonstrate immortality. (Source: "Saibaba - The Saint of Shirdi" by Mani Sahukar)

For the week upto Dec.20,2008 A combustive Mars urges you to spend recklessly. Assurances of support you have been receiving will evaporate. Beware of tricksters.

With a dominant Venus gaining momentum, your life should be like a bed of roses and romance will bloom. You are very close to the jackpot.

If you are planning to undertake some new responsibility, you are heading towards a big adventure. Your money and health may be at risk.

A lustrous moon brings happy tidings this week. A lost game could be revived with success. It can add more shine to your reputation. [ July 23 to Aug 22 ] The sun, overwhelmed by gandamool afflictions, is playing a negative role. An unfamiliar task could pose a serious problem. Avoid doing anything important especially on Sunday.

Your grasp of facts could run counter to your estimate. An awaited opportunity could also elude you.

Yo u r e c o n o m y i s s h o w i n g m a r k e d improvement despite rising costs. Time to recover your old losses.

Tuesday-born scorpions will be playing their cards with skill. However, Saturday-born scorpions are warned to change their hackneyed habits.

Since you are at emotional crossroads, choose the right direction. Shake off streak of pessimism at the earliest.

Opportunities are slipping from you as a ‘devilmay-care’ attitude on your part is spoiling the show. There can be some truth involved if others criticise you.

Be on your alert while dealing with Leos and Scorpions. Lady luck will smile on you, if you join taureans or librans.

Jupiter shuffling between two signs will show mixed results. Vital issues may remain pending. Don’t let others pressurise you to do things their way.

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Dec.14,2008

Expo on diabetes after 5 years City police notifies renewal of Arms licences

A three-day meet "Diabetes 2008" is being organised by Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre here from December 19 to spread awareness about the disease among the public. State Health Minister M R K Paneerselvam would inaugurate the event being organised by the Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre. "The theme of this event was 'Diabetes in Children and Adolescents', with an objecctive to create public awareness about diabetes and its complications and to educate and empower people so that they can manage the disease better", Dr V Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist of Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, told reporters. "The event being held in Chennai after 5 years, wherein we will have over 25 theme stalls to educate the public on diabetes and associated complications. The stalls will display posters, charts and photographs depiciting various aspects in diabetes", he added. He said that blood glucose testing meters and strips, pen injectors, insulin pumps, special diabetic foot-wear, fitness equipment and diabetic foods would be available at special discounted rates.

NIFT admissions The National Institute of Fashion Technology has set in motion the process of admission for the next academic year to its four year degree and two-year post graduate programmes in various fields, including fashion design, textile design, knitwear design and master of fashion management. The admission will be made through an all India entrance examination to be held in 29 centres across the country in February 2009. The applications for the courses can be obtained from NIFT, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani. For details, calla 22542755. The last date for submitting filled in applications is January 7.

An evening of poetry reading A Poetry Reading session titled ‘Secret Life of Poems’ will be held at the British Council by Tom Paulin on Friday, Dec. 19 at 6.30 pm. Rich, intense, hard, profound and paradoxical, Tom Paulin's poetry is a fascinating blend of contemporary and classical elements. Relentlessly searching for answers, Paulin's work encompasses a wide range of themes relating poetry with the complex and disturbing realities of history, politics, religion and society. Tom Paulin, born in Leeds, 1949, grew up in Belfast and was educated in the universities of Hull and Oxford. He has published seven collections of poetry and two major anthologies, two versions of Greek drama and several critical works including ' The Day-Star of Liberty: William Hazlitt's Radical Style'. Well known for his appearances on the BBC's 'Late Review ' and ‘Newsnight Review’ programmes, he is also the G.M Young lecturer in English Literature at Oxford. Tom Paulin’s programme in Chennai is part of our India ‘09: Through Fresh Eyes initiative. India is the Market Focus at The London Book Fair in 2009 and British Council is putting together an exciting literature programme for the world’s premier publishing trade and rights event. Forty Indian writers will travel to London in April 2009 as part of India 09: Through Fresh Eyes, and be part of seminars at The London Book Fair and other venues in the UK. As part of that cultural exchange, British Council India will present a number of writers from the UK at various venues up to April 2009 and beyond. Also a work shop on poetry would be conducted by Tom Paulin on Thursday Dec. 18, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm> Submit the poem that you have written and discuss the same with him to reshape it. For more detailsWalk in to the British Council, 737, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002 or Call on 42050600 or Email [email protected]

Singapore teachers find there's a lot to be learnt from Chennai schools A team from Singapore comprising 17 senior teachers are on a tour of Chennai schools to study the best classroom practices and strengthen Tamil education for Singapore nationals. During a five-day seminar held at the St Patrick's Higher Secondary School in Adyar, the teachers came to appreciate how activity-based learning as well as active learning methodologies were being implemented in the classrooms of Tamil-medium schools here. The overseas teachers visited the M Ct M Higher Secondary School in Vepery, as well as a Corporation school on Rotler Street in Purasawalkam and saw firsthand the teaching and learning methods being practised. An assessment group, formed by the Singapore teachers, studied the teaching methodologies and the interaction that took place between students in the classrooms. They tried to judge the efficacy of the teaching methodologies adopted in Tamil Nadu. "The teachers were extremely impressed by the system, how it had enabled children to learn almost independently, with minimum help from the teacher. This could well be incorporated in schools in Singapore where the motto is teach less, learn more'," said Rajendran Naidu, staff training officer, Singapore ministry of education. “The Singapore teachers filmed our seminars, classroom activities and even our educational aids, such as the math self-learning material that we had developed and the

The Chennai City Police has requested the holders of Arms licences which are valid upto this year to apply for renewal before December 31. According to an official press release, they licensees can apply for renewal by downloading forms from the website www.chennaicitypolice.org. The forms can also be obtained from the office of the Commissioner of Police and the filled in applications should be sent to Commissioner of Police for renewal of their Arms licenses for three years. The licensees are also requested to affix a Court fee stamp to the value of Rs 2 in the renewal application and enclose the original license book for making renewal endorsement. The prescribed fees for each type of weapon and the applications should be remitted at the City Police office, Egmore between 10 am and 1 pm on all working days either by licensee or by any authorised person. The weapons should be produced before the respective jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) for inspection and their remarks recorded in the license book before sending for renewal. The licensees have also been asked to produce the xerox copy of residential proof, if there is any change of address. Completed application forms should be handed over at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Chennai Police which will be processed and the original arms license will be returned to the licensee for renewal, the release said. The holders of arms licenses in respect of the three districts - Ambathur, Madhavaram and St Thomas Mount should apply to the Commissioner of Police, Suburban, St Thomas Mount for renewal. The release also said that under Arms Act 1959 section 25, weapons in licenses that are not renewed should be deposited at the nearest police station or authorised arms dealer for safe custody and the licensees should not keep them under any circumstances as the same is punishable. After the expiry of the last date, the licensee should submit the application with penal fees and receipt from the police station or authorised arms dealer for having deposited the weapon.

Extend support to the under previleged Nesam (Opearl Charitable Trust) a Social Organistion will be celebrating X Mas 2008 and New Year 2009, like last 7 years with 700 orphanage children from 20 orphanages in and around city at Udhayam Kalyana Mandapam, Ashok Nagar, Chennai 600 083 on 25th December 2008 between 4 and 9 pm. The programme will be: Games, Cake cutting by the Christmas Born children and distribution of cakes, biscuits, drinks etc. Welcoming Santa Claus and dancing with various cartoon dolls, Puppet show, Light Music and Dance Programme Mimmikkiri Programme by Nathan Bros. & Troup & Magic show followed by Dinner, gifts distribution ( school bags, shoes/ chapels, towels etc.) On this special occasion, Nesam solicit the participation and benevolent contributions from the kind hearted citizens by way of sponsoring as cheque favouring NESAM or in kind ( which will be useful for these under privileged orphanage children) and grace the occasion. This help will surely go a long way for these children. For further details, please contact: P r e m a 9 8 8 4 4 5 0 1 5 7 , Va s a n t h i R 9444073917 and Sujatha 9940632341. activity-based learning cards used in our classrooms. They were all enthused and convinced that they would be able to replicate in Singapore what they had learnt here," M Kamala, Tamil block resource teacher educator, Egmore zone, told The Times of India. Between December 11 and 13, at a teachers' workshop, the team from Singapore once again met teachers in Chennai, discuss various teaching methodologies used in the two countries, and prepare a detailed report. The objective is to adopt the best methods practised in both countries. "As this is a first step, we had planned to be here for only three weeks. Next year, 40 teachers are likely to come. If circumstances work out right, we may even consider working with the Tamil Nadu government in the field of education," said Rajendran. The Singapore team members presented mementoes to the teachers and block resource teacher educators who chipped in with demonstrations of various teaching methodologies. They also thanked Irai Anbu, secretary, tourism and culture department, for the hospitality arrangements during their stay in Chennai.

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Music World annual sale Music World, music and home video retail chain, announces the commencement of their annual Music Sale from December 12 to January 4, 2009 (both days inclusive). This is the eighth edition of the sale and will be held at Chettiar Hall, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet from 10.00AM to 9.00 PM . Spread over 5000 sq ft, it's the biggest music and movies' sale in Chennai featuring over 40,000 titles across nearly 100 labels – covering all genres including film, regional, hindi, international classical and devotional. Besides, Music World will have attractive offers of upto 50% off on all music and movies and special offers on IPods, playstations and accessories which form an integral part of the sale says a press release.

Dec.14,2008

Carnatic fiesta at Odyssey Thiruppavai Upanyasams Sangeeta Kalanidhi Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman unveiled 'Mridanga Cintamanih’ Sangeeta Kalanidhi Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman unveiled 'Mridanga Cintamanih' a 7 pack DVD of Mridangam teachings and also inaugurated a four day Carnatic Fest at Odyssey stores in Chennai. As a part of the festival K. Sivaraman taught few students from Ramjhi's Isai Mazhalai who also performed at the store. The students will perform up to December 14th at O d y s s e y s t o r e s i n A d y a r, A n n a n a g a r a n d Thiruvanmiyur. Excerpts from the DVD were played for the audience present at the store in Adyar. Sangeeta Kalanidhi Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman gave insight on the quintessence of the art of Mridangam. The students of Ramjhi's Isai Mazhalai learned the basics of playing Mridangam from the expert and performed live at the store. On the occasion Mr. T S Ashwin, Managing Director, Odyssey said, "We are delighted to launch the Carnatic Fest at our stores for the music lovers of Chennai. We have tried to create a platform where the music lovers amplify their knowledge on carnatic music from none other than Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sri K. Sivaraman an expert, a trendsetter and a maestro par excellence. We would also like to thank the students of Ramjhi's Isai Mazhalai for performing at our store.” The seven DVD's encompass four levels of training, each level leading to the next. The lessons are imparted through sollukattu, practical demonstrations, conversations and question answer sessions in English. The first level is a foundation course, the second deals with advanced lessons of gati bedham, the third tani avarthams and the fourth a demonstration of the style of accompaniment on the concert platform by the maestro.

IOB signs distribution agreement with USGICL

At Besant Nagar Senchorchelvan K B Devarajan Swami will render Thiruppavai upanyasam from Dec. 16 to Dec. 30 daily detween 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm at Mr. Balaji's residence E -55/B, 19th Cross Street, Besant Nagar Ph: 2491 1522; and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 13 , 2009 at Mrt. N R Srinivasan's residence E 51 A 17th Cross Street, Besant Nagar, 2491 5171. All are welcome.

At Karpagam Gardens Smt. Kothai Venkatapathy will render discourse on Thiruppavai from Dec. 17 to 26 between 11.30 am to 1.00 pm at the residence of Smt Devaki, 8 A Rangavihar, 1st Cross Street, Karpagam Gardens Adyar ph: 2491 8693.

“Nadhiyin Karunai” on December 14 Paatini performs “Nadhiyin Karunai”, a 30minute play based on a poem by Manushyaputhiran, on December 14, 10.30 a.m. at Kalakshetra. The cast includes Rohini and Nikhila Kesavan. The sets and props are by Benitha Perciyal and the play is directed and choreographed by Prasanna Ramaswamy.A dialogue with the artists and the poet will follow the performance. Entry is open to all. For details contact 90940 38623.

Dhanurmasa Poojas in the neighbourhood At Siddhivinayakar Temple Besant Nagar Dhanurmasa Pooja at 5.30 am daily from Dec. 16 to Jan. 13 2009 followed by recitation of Pasurams by children. All are welcome.

At Ashtalakshmi Temple Besant Nagar Mathi Srinivasan will render upanyasam every Saturday and Sunday during Dhanurmasam from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm at the temple premises.

At Sri Karpaga Vinayakar Temple, Karpagam Gardens

The Public Sector Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed a distribution agreement with Japan's Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited (USGICL) for distribution of its insurance products. The agreement was signed by IOB CMD S A Bhat and Universal Sompo Executive Chairman O N Singh. USGICL was a joint-venture non-life insurance company of IOB, which has a 19 per cent equity investment in it, Allahabad Bank, Karnataka bank, Dabur Investments and Sompo Japan Insurance company. Under the agreement IOB would sell nearly 40 of the insurance products of the USGICL to its customers. Speaking on the occason, Mr Singh said the Bancassurance tie-up with Allahabad Bank was a tremendous success and there was huge clientele for retail general insurance products like health, motor and package policies which were the mainstay products for the future general insurance business. Mr Bhat said the association with USGICL would provide the IOB customers best-in-class products and general insurance services in the years to come, besides augmenting the revenue of the bank.

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Karpagam Gardens Sat Sangh has arranged to perform Dhanurmasa pooja at Sri Karpaga Vinayakar Temple, Karpagam Gardens, Adyar, from Dec. 16 to Jan. 14, 2009. Daily morning at 5.00 a.m. there will be holy chanting of Veda parayanam, Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, Adithya Hrudayam etc., with special abhishekam to Sri Karpaga Vinayakar and on festival days like Sri Hanumath Jayanthi (27/12), Vaikunta Ekadasi (07/01), Arudra darsanam (10/01), and Pongal (14/01) the abhishekam will be performed to Sri Anjaneyar, Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Dakshinamurthy and Sri Karpaga Vinayakar respectively. Devotees who desire to participate in the holy chanting are requested to be present at the temple at 04.55 a.m. for further particulars contact T A Ganapathi Raman, Secretary, 94440 34221/24914221

At Ishta Siddhi Vinayakar Temple, Teacher's colony Dhanurmasa Pooja starts on Dec. 16 and will bew through till Jan. 13, 2009. Abhishekams and aradhana daily commences at 5.00 am

Artificial limbs Jaipur Foot, an NGO, will or ganise a service camp for fitting artificial limbs to the disabled people in Chennai from Dec 15 to 19. No fee is involved. Those from outside Chennai can come in before 2 pm at the venue for taking measurements and get the work done by evening. The venue is Shantiniketan, Hasthinapur Nagari (Maloo Jain Bhawan), 30, Venkatachalam Mudali St, Choolai (near Choolai post office). The camp is open from 9 am to 7 pm

Railway pension adalat Southern Railway will conduct a pension adalat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 15 at the Southern Railway Headquarters Office, Park Town, here to redress grievances of those who retired from the headquarters office, the Chennai Divisional Office and other offices/workshops in Chennai area. Those who wish to participate in the adalat can approach the reception/registration booth at the entrance of the Chennai Divisional Office of Southern Railway on December 15, a release said.

Quick Reads Homams for improving scores in examination Sri Veda Vidhya Ashram, 63, Ellaiamman Koil Street, ( Opp. Kittu Park) West Mambalam is organising Medha Dakshinamurthy Homam, Sri Hayagriva Mahamantra Homam, Mahasaraswathi Mantra homam on Dec. 13 and 14 between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm at its premises for improving memory power, improving scores in examination and also improving the genius. The pujas subsequent to the homams may be performed either students or by their parents . To realise the full benefit of the above pujas the participants will be imparted 'Mahamantra Upadesam' by the vedic scholars. The sanctified Thread ( Rakshai Kayaru)God's Photo pen will be distributed as prasad to participants. Those desirous of participating in the above poojas contact the Ashram at the above address or call 94440 55444

Dharma Upanayanam Sri Guruvayurappan Seva Samiti, Triplicane, will conduct its 40th year dharma upanayam on March 15, 2009, at Triplicane Fund Kalyana M a n d a p a m , 8 1 , Singarachari Street, for Vaishnava, Madhwa and Smartha boys. Those interested may contact Kovai Padmanabhan at 28587814 or 94446 71756.

Concerts on SS Music To coincide with the Margazhi festival, SS Music is airing Bharath S a n g e e t U t s a v. O n December 15, 8 a.m., N e y v e l i R . Santhanagopalan will present a vocal concert. On December 16, 8 a.m., Vijay Siva is the artist. It is Nithyashree Mahadevan on December 20, 8 a.m., and S. Sowmya on December 25, 8 a.m. On December 27, 8 a.m., Sudha Ragunathan will perform.

Winter science camp Ta m i l N a d u Science and Technology Centre will conduct winter science camp for students of classes VII to IX between December 29 and December 31. According to a release, the camp would deal with basic science p r i n c i p l e s a n d demonstrations in physics, chemistry and biology. For details, contact 24410025.

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Nandi Fine Arts music fest Nandi Fine Arts is holding its 23rd annual music festival at Sri Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple, Besant Nagar, from December 15-21. S. Santhagopal, joint secretary, Chennai Om Sri Skandasramam, will inaugurate the festival on December 15, 6 p.m., and confer the Srimath Sathguru Santhananda Swamigal Aw a r d a n d t h e t i t l e o f Nandikeswara Nada Kaladhara on thavil maestro T i r u v a l a p u t h u r T. A . Kaliyamoorthy. A vocal concert by the Hyderabad Sisters will follow.

X-Mas shopping Decorations such as fibre-optic Christmas trees and pine trees in various models, stars and more are available.at Green Park, F160, Phase III, F-123, Phase II, First Floor, Spencer Plaza, A n n a S a l a i Te l e p h o n e 28491122 or 99400 80009.

Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam Sri Gopalakrishna Nama Prachara Sabha is celebrating the 117th jayanthi of Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathaswami and Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam under the auspices of All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore on December 13 and 14, at Sai Baba temple. The event began on Dec. 13, 6 a.m., with Ganapathy homam. On Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Sri Namananda Giri Swamigal is releasing Sri Vasanthotsava Bhajan Paddathi at 10 a.m., and Sri Ramananda Saraswathi Swamigal is releasing the Jayanthi Malar at 10.15 p.m.

Dec.14,2008

Vishy honoured

Just for kicks

N i c k n a m e d ''Lord of the Rings'' for his habit of losing rings which his mother had presented h i m o n various occasions, G r a n d M a s t e r Viswanatha n Anand w a s presented a one carat diamong ring by Team India Cricket Captain M S Dhoni at a glittering function held by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to felicitate him. Amidst thunderous applause from the gathering including cricketers Rahul Dravid, Venkatesh Prasad, M Vijay and Robin Singh and World Junior Champion Abhijeet Sen Gupta, Dhoni hailed Anand as the icon of Indian sport, especially chess. ''Every sport needs an icon. And like Sachin, Dravid and Sourav in cricket, Anand is the icon in chess,'' Dhoni observed, AICF President N Srinivasan hailed Anand's ability to fight any opponent consistently and his focus. ''What is most admirable is his humble nature in spite of being endowed with these qualities,'' he added, hoping that there would be many more occasions like this for AICF to felicitate Anand. AICF Secretary D V Sundar said he had been wondering how to felicitate Anand this time for ''another victory, another annihilation and another title,'' as he put it. ''And we thought the fingers which move the chess pieces so deftly must be decorated with a diamond ring,'' he said to a round of applause. ''And we thought Dhoni was the right person to present the ring to Anand as he, like the Grand Master who was emerging the victor in all the three formats of chess, has excelled in all the three forms of cricket as a player and captain,'' Sundar observed. Along with Abhijeet, Woman Grand Master D Harika was also to be felicitated with a cash award of Rs one lakh for winning the junior world title for girls. But she could not be present at the function. Anand, cut a cake to celebrate his 39th birthday replying to the felicitation, thanked the federation. “I think I will accept the ring in the spirit of brotherhood. I remember the reception the federation gave me last year and again a very special reception this time. It really means a lot to me.” Lauding the AICF’s initiatives for motivating younger generations who have achieved a number of awards this year, he said, “One of the beautiful compliments I have received was the banner put up for me by Indian participants in Vietnam, right after my win in Bonn. It is always wonderful when you mean so much to your country. All of you shared my experience in Bonn so closely and it will inspire me in future.” On the ongoing Test series between England and India, Anand asked Dhoni to finish the match within the next three days. “I hope you will finish the game during the next three days than going for the entire duration,” he said. Earlier, Dhoni congratulated Anand for retaining the world title. “It is not only a happy occasion for chess lovers but for all Indians as well,” he said. He lauded Srinivasan's leadership as AICF President. ''His leadership qualities are evident from the fact that we have produced world champions in world youth and Aisan Youth Championships,'' he added. The youth champions also felicitated Anand presented him bouquets to which Anand later told television channels that he was moved most by it. Turning 39, Anand told mediapersons, ''It is very nice to celebrate birthday after a long time back at home. For many birthdays I had been away.''

When your open your eyes in the morning, sit for a moment and appreciate the gift of a new day, create a peaceful thought and enjoy some moments of silence throughout the whole day.” “Nothing can be changed by changing the face but everything can be changed by facing the change……! So go ahead with confidence "When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.” Be not angry that you can not make others as you wish them to be, since you can not make your self as you wish to be A rich person is not someone who has more, but someone who desires less.” "One of the best uses of your time is to increase your competence in your key result areas Acceptance is the secret of contentment. Appreciation is the secret of happiness If you do everything with the feeling of happiness, there will be no task too difficult to perform You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” "When there is growth, changes are automatic, if I fear change, how can there be growth?” Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality - V S Thiagarajan

Hamsadhwani's NRI music festival The fourteenth edition of Hamsadhwani's NRI Annual Music and Dance Festival 2008, will beheld from December 14 to 31, featuring artists from USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, New Zealand, Thailand and the Middle East. The festival will be inaugurated by Roland Herrmann, Consul General, Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai, and K.K. Raman, Head, Homes, DLF-Home Developers, guest of honour, will felicitate on December 14, 6 p.m., at Youth Hostel lawns, Indira Nagar, Adyar. For details contact 97909 09567.

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Dec.14,2008

CINEMA As Kamal is preparing to do a commercial movie before his classic Mega budget Marmayogi, he was negotiating with two girls of his Marma team and now officially settled with Shriya. For Trisha, K a m a l ' s announcement will be seen as a major setback in her career, as she is not offered a chance to do in a commercial movie while a female who is going to be part of Marma team is getting another chance to act with Kamal. For Shriya, she has shown her curves by pairing with Rajini, Vijay and Vikram and now its time for her with Kamal. Its said that Kamal initially prefered for Maami Trisha, but as his movie is going to too commercial, some curve show was required and as Trisha was not ready to open it in half way and hence Kamal prefered Shriya.

No kissing Tamanna, who owns differently shaped mouth, says that kissing for cinema is a sin! Punjabi girl serving Kollywood here by declares that there is no necessity for kissing someone in the name of cinema as no one in Tamil Nadu kiss any one in public and people too dislike watching such nonsense in silver screen. This is the message she gave when she was asked to comment, whether she will be interested to kiss his cine pair for the screen like that of Nayan doing on screen. Please be informed that Tamanna is ready for bikinis and other such invisible costumes

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Shivamani's Mahaleela Acclaimed percussionist Shivamani has launched his first musical album ‘Mahaleela’. It is his tribute to the doyens of music whom he has performed with in his musical

Guru spoils Vijayakanth Astrologers predict that this Guru Peyarchchi is not going to bring any prosperity for Vijayakanth but for sure to give him lots of trouble. A s Astrologers warned him not to take up any fresh jobs both in cinema and politics, he dropped his plan to produce and act in the movie Viruthakiri. While he is ready to sacrifice anything in case of cinema, he was not interested to loose anything in the case of politics, as he is dreaming to become CM of Tamil Nadu. Some astrologers advised him to conduct free mass marriage for 54 pairs, as the lucky number for Vijayakanth is 9. While the marriage for most of the pairs was a second marriage between themselves, for a man from Theni, it was his second marriage as he already has a wife named Azagu Rani and two children through her. Seeing the video in a news channel, Azhagu straight away went to police station and lodged a complaint against her husband and Vijayakanth. As Thali and blessings for this second marriage was given by Vijayakanth himself, police are consulting with legal experts on how to book a case against Vijayakanth for he encouraging Polygamy!

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journey spanning 35 years. The glittering launch function held in Chennai on Monday, had the stalwarts of the music industry including music director A R Rahman, veteran playback singer S P Balasubramaniam, ghatam vidwan Vikku Vinayakaram, mandolin U Sreenivas taking part. Shivamani also launched his own music label called ‘KVKM’, on the occasion. It was an amazing afternoon of music. Shivamani enthralled those present at the venue performing live some of the tracks from the album. Speaking about the album Shivamani said, ‘the album comprises twelve tracks, each dedicated to a memorable moment of my life and some that emerged when I interacted with Indian classical greats as I played with them. The greats who helped me in compiling ‘Mahaleela’ include Zakir Hussain, Vikku Vinayakaram, Louis Banks, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan and Leeladri Kumar’. The album has tracks which includes his dedication to his spiritual guru Kriya Babaji, a track in memory of tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha Khan (Ustad Zakir Hussain’s father) and a song inspired by the story and visuals of incredible India. Speaking on the occasion, A R Rahman, said, ‘it is always a joy to work with a talented musician like Shivamani. His music is freeflowing and he comes up with unique sounds. I have worked closely with him and admire him a lot.’

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Vaigai Puyal to contest against Vijayakanth Va d i v e l u , who has his own title as Vaigai Pui is all set to enter politics. When asked about the agenda principle - etc., about his new political party, Vaigai declares that the party will contest against Vijayakanth's party. The only candidate in the election will be Vadivelu himself and he will be the sole member, sole proprietor and if people vote him to be MLA then he will sit as PM Idhu Konjam overa theriyala ? Heaping laurels on Shivamani, S P Balasubramaniam, said, ‘ I have been watching Shivamani for the past 37 years. He has been playing for my music troupe for over three decades now. A talented self-taught drummer, Shivamani is a gift to Tamilnadu’. Shivamani’s 49th birthday was celebrated by his fans’ association and family members on the occasion 'I am on a mission to promote music' Shivamani, who launched his own music label ‘KVKM’, said, ‘we will provide opportunities to young talented artistes and encourage those seeking to launch their albums.’ Speaking to media Shivamani said, ‘music is my life and my passion. Good music has always attracted me. I consider myself blessed to have worked alongside talented music directors like K V Mahadevan, M S Viswanathan, Ilayaraja, A R Rahman, R D Burman and Laxmikanth Pyarelal’. Shivamani would soon be scoring music for movies. He says, ‘ there are several offers for music direction coming my way. I am waiting for a good opportunity and am in no hurry.’

Dec.14,2008

BUSINESS

7 million GSM users added in November The country added over 7 million GSM mobile users in November, with the Bharti Airtel taking the lead with an addition of 2.7 million users. In November, the total GSM subscriber base in the country stood at 249.3 million, according to the data released by the GSM lobby group Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Bharti Airtel which enjoys over a 32 percent market share has added 2.7 million subscribers, followed by Vodafone Essar which has added 2 million subscribers. State-owned BSNL had added 6 lakh users wheras another telecom PSU MNTL had added 77,398 users. Other major GSM players such as Idea Cellular, BPL, Spice and Aircelhave also added good number of subscribers. India's mobile subscriber base stands at over 325 million. The mobile players (both GSM and CDMA) had added 10.42 million users in October. GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), originally from Groupe Spcial Mobile) is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. In India the major GSM players includes Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Idea , Spice , Aircel and others.

Some thing to ponder

LEISURE

Contradictory Proverbs Each action has an equal and opposite reaction similarly every proverbs has an equal and opposite proverb! You be the judge! All good things come to those who wait but Time and tide wait for none. The pen is mightier than the sword but Action speak louder than words Wise men think alike but Fools seldom differ. Look before you leap but Strike while the iron is hot Birds of a feather flock together but Opposites attract. Don’t across your bridges before you come to them but Fore warned is forearmed. Doubt is the beginning of wisdom but

SBI to review interest rates soon The country's largest lender, State Bank of India, on Thursday said that it would review interest rates soon following monetary measures taken by the Reserve Bank of India last week. "We are going to review rates," State Bank of India Chairman O P Bhatt told reporters. The RBI had reduced repo and reverse repo rates by 100 basis points each to 6.5 percent and 5 percent respectively, effective from Monday. Soon after RBI's decision, three banks namely Yes Bank, HDFC Bank and Union Bank reduced the benchmark prime lending rate by 50 basis point each. SBI had last month slashed benchmark prime lending rate by 75 basis points to 13 percent. Commenting on the economic package, ahead of Indian Bank Association meeting, Bhatt said, "There are lot of things happening to stimulate demand in economy. Still there is a feeling that more is required". This meeting assumes importance pursuant to the fiscal stimulus package announced last Sunday mentioning that banks would work out a package for housing loans below Rs 20 lakh.

Exports decline for 2nd month in row India's exports declined by around 10 per cent in November, showing a negative trend for the second month in a row this year, following a recession in the US and several other European markets. Although the government is yet to officially release the November figures, exports showed almost a double-digit decline on lack of demand in most of the buying markets, sources said. Following the global financial meltdown, the country's exports for the first time after a gap of seven years dipped by over 12 per cent in October. India has been facing the ripple effects of the global financial turmoil, which has resulted in slowdown of country's exports. Several developed markets including the US, the UK, Japan and other countries in the Eurozone, which are India's major export destinations, are officially in recession.

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Faith moves mountains. Practice makes a man perfect but All work and no play makes jack a dull bay. Many hands make the work lighter but Too many cooks spoil the broth. A man’s reach should exceed his grasp but A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

(The following points on great governance are doing rounds in email in Chennai City Please read through ) An Olympic shooter wins a Gold Medal(Only a Game) and Govt gives him 3 Cr + awards. Another Shooter Dies fighting with terrorists and saving our country and lives of our country men and Govt pays his family 5 lacs. The great Governance! Government implements Sixth Pay commission recommendations and ensures that Millitary chiefs gets less salary than Secretaries. Even Senior IPS officers gets less salary than Secretaries. MARCOS could reach after 4.30 Hours of attack because of formality in Government that is bureaucratic and NSG after 9.30 Hrs. The greatest responsibility! Many Commondos (from armed forces) and Policemen died fighting terrorism. No responsible person from the Government(i.e. Bureacracy) was there to fight terrorists. The Great Governance! Two home ministers resigns. Govt hit two birds by one stone shifting FM Chidambaram to Home minister but no Secreatry is held responsible and asked to resign taking respomsibility. The Great Governance! Buracrates are part of permanent Governance. Politician forms temporary Governments. The politicians are providing just shield to bureacrates. The bureucrates best salary in India without any accountability and responsibility. The Great Governance! Think that who is truely responsible for all these. Is it those who are part of permanent Government or those who constitute the temporary Government which gets changed in 5 years and some time even less than five years. It is high time when we must think about who are true responsible for all these. Is it only politicians are bureacrates who have build a system which can not see beyond themself. Please think and propogate it to each Indian. It is time when we should proud of our Great Country and do something to find out who are responsible for system failures and why? Then only we can correct it otherwise we will always hit wrong target, the politicians and no reform will take place. India needs true administrative reform where service to nation comes before administration.

Complied by SR

LANGUAGE ARTS All writings in the English language refer to many different notions, people and objects. In our descriptions and arguments related to a variety of contexts we use articles where necessary. Articles lend smoothness and clarity to the flow of ideas, besides acting as connectives. Therefore, the importance of their correct use can never be overstressed. The three harmless looking articles — a, an, the — constantly create problems for their ignorant-ofthe-rules casual users. It is, therefore, very important to be aware of the principal features and conditions that govern the usage of articles. The indefinite articles ‘a’ and ‘an’, both used before countable common nouns, are somewhat weak forms of ‘one’ and refer to a person or thing in a general context. Examples: a man, an Indian. The third article, which is a definite article – ‘the’ – is a somewhat weak form of ‘this’ and ‘that’ and is used to refer to particular objects and persons. Examples: the best story, the English language. In this respect the English language is one up on Urdu and Hindi, two major languages of INDIA. Both these languages function without articles and so bank heavily on words like ‘this’, ‘that’ and ‘one’, thereby, lacking the fluidity that articles lend to the English language. Let us compare two sentences, one in English and the other its Urdu translation: ‘Once upon a time, there was a woodcutter who lived in a tiny house near the forest’. (Eik dafa ka zikr hai eik lakarhara jungle ke qareeb eik chhote se ghar mein rehta tha). It is clear from the example that the English idiom has certainly benefited from the addition of articles to its script. Another important factor to keep in mind regarding the correct use of indefinite articles is to concentrate on the first sound and not just the first letter of the word following the article. Thus when a word begins with a consonant sound, even if the first letter is

a vowel we are to use ‘a’ to quantify it. Examples: a United Nations’ employee and a university student. Obviously the same will happen if a word that begins with a vowel sound starts with a consonant. Examples: an MBA, an LLB, and, an honest man. Thus it is the sound of a consonant or of a vowel, which determines the choice between ‘a’ or ‘an’, the two indefinite articles. A discussion on articles cannot be complete without pointing out the area where it is necessary to omit them. Articles are generally avoided in newspaper headlines. The reasons perhaps are that the headlines appear different and more sensational and, of course, say it all in much fewer words occupying less space even when written in bold and big letters. So the effort is, that though the sense may seem incomplete, they should be easily understood and convey the message correctly. Examples: Mangal Bagh offers to talk to Government Militants burn college and police post Customs duty revenue up 1 pc As necessary as it is to avoid the use of articles in news headlines, conversely it is as important to include them in the titles of books. A book may carry a title that conveys its theme, its context, or just an indirect reference to the final outcome of its story. Whatever the nature of the title one thing is clear that a book written in the English language is expected to uphold the rules that apply to Standard English. Examples: To Kill a Mocking Bird One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest The Remains of the Day A Tale of Two Cities Another point to remember is that the names of some cities and countries are also preceded by the definite article ‘the’, such as the Hague, the Maldives and the Philippines. You see now how important it is to use the three articles in both your speech and in your writings. And how much more vital it is to use them correctly and not to use them at all where they are not required. -SR

Dec.14,2008

National award for Dr. Sundar Chennai based Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Sunder Subramanian, Director, Prem Center and Sr. Consultant, Global Hospitals and Health City received

When will you be able to use 3G services? The state-owned telecom operators have already begun to soft-launch 3G services in the metros. The services (for trial) have already commenced in Delhi, with Chennai and Mumbai in line. The commercial launch will happen in a couple of months' time - this is when users will be able to subscribe to the data plan(s) offered by the telecom operators. BSNL has said that it will offer 3G services across the country by mid-2009. Post mid-2009, we will see private players jumping into the 3G bandwagon. This is when competition will set sail and 3G-penetration across India will really start to materialize.

services are commercially launched. However, rest assured that 3G services are going to cost you more than what you pay for your GPRS connection. Post the spectrum auctions, depending on the price the private telecom operators are willing to pay to be able to offer 3G services, the tariff scenario will heat up. How much will 3G-capable phones cost? Currently, 3G-capable phones available in India cost anywhere between Rs. 7000 to 50,000 (approximately most phones in the upper price range category are 3G capable).

How much will 3G services cost? No tariff has been declared by MTNL for its 3G Jadoo services, which was rolled-out yesterday; neither has any governing body given out specifics for the same. J. Gopalan, MTNL's (Mumbai) executive director, had said that 3G services will be affordable for the common man . We'll soon learn whether this is true when the 3G

the prestigious ‘National Award for Best Individual’ for the year 2008 recently in recognition of his services to the disabled community. Dr.Sunder through his Freedom Trust which was established in the year 1997 had so far supported more than 3000 disabled individuals through 68 assessment and distribution camps. Through his various programs for the disabled, he continues to rehabilitate, train and extend scholarships for the differently abled children. Doctor strives to increase awareness on disability by conducting conferences, research and by writing and discussing about the issue in various forums. He has several scholarships and awards to his credit. He is the first Indian author to have brought out a text book on Rehabilitation Medicine, which is the prescribed text book in medical universities for rehabilitation medicine all over India. His clinic in Thiruvanmiyur: Prem Center established in the year 1992 has been providing pain and paralysis relief to scores of patients. Prem Center also extends its services to those who are immobilised at their very door steps. Dr. Sunder has recently taken charge as the senior consultant of Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Global Hospitals and Health City at Perumbakkam, (Near OMR). He is in charge of setting up a world class rehabilitation centre aimed to provide total post treatment recovery to patients. Dr.Sunder having won both the State and Central Government awards for his services to the community as a medical practitioner, he is also a state awardee – “Kalaimamani" for his contribution to Carnatic Music, as a vocalist.

3G: What's That? As the magic of 3G begins to seep into the country, Indian folks will finally get to utilize those fancy-schmancy features on their so called smart phones, sooner or later. Surely, many of you have burning questions about 3G and everything related to it. So, read on; a few common 3Grelated questions have been answered to demystify it for you.

What is 3G? 3G, or 3rd generation mobile telephony, is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that will combine wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities. What you've been using until now is 2G/2.5G (2nd generation mobile telephony), which offers speeds between 64144kbps. With the availability of 3G in India, users will be able to enjoy speeds of 144kbps-2mbps on their mobile phones.

What can 3G offer you? Simply put, 3G will offer mobile phone users faster Internet speeds. This, in turn, will provide mobile users with higher data transfer rates, with support for a variety of services such as high-resolution video streaming, mobile TV, high-speed interactive gaming, and other multi-media features, in addition to voice, fax, and conventional data services. If you are an avid surfer of the Internet on your mobile phone with the current 2.5G connection, you must have experienced the irritants of slow browsing speeds and video lag. With 3G, Web pages will load faster, there will be little or no video lagging, and downloads will be faster too! Utilizing the full potential of 3G, you can turn the mobile phone into a device that bundles infotainment and electronic commerce (e-commerce) services together.

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