Epaper Feb. 10

VOL: 2 ISSUE 36

Water Melon to quench your thirst

Water melons have arrived in Chennai indicating the onslaught of summer Location Valluvarkottam.

Feb. 10, 2009

India ready to face any threat: Antony India Tuesday asserted that it was prepared for any eventuality after the Al Qaeda threatened it with Mumbai-style strikes if it sought to attack Pakistan. "Our army is ready to face any threat from anywhere," said Defence Minister A.K. Antony, reacting to a 20minute video in Arabic by the terror group sent to

the BBC office in Islamabad. The video released by Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, said to be the Al Qaeda's military c o m m a n d e r i n Afghanistan, warns India that it will have to "pay a heavy price" if it tries to attack Pakistan. He referred to India's Mumbai "humiliation" in the video in Arabic and said it will face more Mumbai-style attacks, BBC News reported. In the video, Yazid, who is believed to have been killed in a US drone strike in August 2008, further says: "The Mujahideen will sunder your armies into the ground, like they did to the Russians in Afghanistan." As they began examining the video, intelligence officials also pointed out that warnings by the Al Qaeda were not new. " W e w i l l examine the video closely as it is in Arabic. But such threats are not new. There have been earlier threats as well but the security regimen which is in place now shows that our forces are on high alert," said a top intelligence official who could not be identified because of service protocol. “The timing of the video itself is very interesting because it comes at a time when US President Obama has said that Pakistan has to ensure that it does not become a safe haven for terrorists," said another intelligence functionary. Officials said

"standard operating procedures were put in place" following an Al Qaeda threat some years

US blessings. Gaddahn also lashed out at the US-led "crusade" against Muslims and alleged that diplomatic

ago.

missions were the bases for anti-Muslim actions. Earlier, in November 2006, airports across the country were put on high alert following threats from the Al Qaeda that it would blow up airports in Chennai, Kochi, T r i c h y , Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore. At that time, airport authorities received an anonymous letter warning of an attack and said about 10 Al Qaeda terrorists would break security cordons.

I t w a s a reference to the terror outfit's threat in August 2007 where a video compiled by the outfit's production arm, AsSahab, proclaimed that the targeting of Tel Aviv, Moscow and Delhi was its legitimate right. The video had Adam Gaddahn, an American who had risen in the Al Qaeda ranks to become a spokesperson for the organisation, accusing India of killing more than 100,000 Muslims in Kashmir with

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Admission certificate for examination to be distributed Chennai, Feb. 10: Admission certificates for private candidates, who applied on time for the March 2009 Higher Secondary examination will be distributed from February 11 to 14, according to a release from the Directorate of Government Examinations. These certificates will not be sent by post and candidates will not be allowed to appear for the examination without the admission certificate, the release stated. The candidates have been registered at the centre mentioned in the 'Place of Examination' in their applications. They have been requested to check if details such as name, date of birth, register n u m b e r, e x a m i n a t i o n

centre and subjects o ff e r e d , h a v e b e e n printed correctly in the admission certificates. Candidates can contact Additional Secretary (Higher Secondary), Directorate of G o v e r n m e n t Examinations, Chennai 6, in person or by post regarding any error. They can also contact the Additional Secretary's office regarding nonreceipt of admission certificates. Candidates need to submit a selfaddressed envelope by affixing a stamp of Rs.30 at their examination centre on the first day of examination, says the release. - Bureau report

Now property tax reminders on phone Chennai, Feb. 10 : Privatisation is the buzz word when performance is judged. But with the Chennai Corporation Mayor M Subramaniam implement innovative ideas for good governance and earn more revnues. Raghavan of Chetpet did not pay his property tax this time. He is not a regular defaulter, but he forgot all about it in his hectic busy schedule. To help such persons, the Chennai Corporation has launched a register your phone number' facility, to remind them about the due date for paying tax. Under the new facility, the official will call or SMS the person when the due date for paying the property tax nears and also mention the amount to be paid. People can get their phone number registered at the local office of the corporation. "Only 60% of them pay property tax on time and properly. Some are habitual defaulters, but some others are just forgetful. The total default tax amount was Rs 280 crore till 2006. It took various measures by officers of the revenue and vigilance to recover Rs 110 crore," said a corporation official. "Someone who has 1000 sq ft of land shows only 400 square feet on account and tax is evaded for the rest of the property. There has been a

good response to the telephone-registration facility as many have started registering their phone numbers. After this, defaulters cannot say that they forgot the date," said the official. Another senior official said that it was time that the corporation took serious action against property tax defaulters. "We have the right to evict the defaulters, but we have been too lenient on them. We have to think of stringent action if people default despite the new measures," he said. As per Section 100 of Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act 1919, concept of reasonable letting value has been adopted for arriving at the annual rental value and half yearly tax for any property within the city limits. The monthly rental value is fixed with reference to the basic rate per square foot for residential and nonresidential properties separately. The tax is assessed between April to September and October to March. The resident has to make his payment at the local corporation office between April 1 and April 15 and between the same dates in September. Property tax is revised once in five years and levied on immovable property including land

Feb. 10, 2009

LIBA holds second National Conference on Corporate Governance Chennai, Feb. 10 : G l o b a l implications and challenges for corporate governance in 2009 was the topic of the 2nd National Corporate Governance Conference, organized by Loyola Institute of Business Administration, on Monday in association with National Foundation f o r C o r p o r a t e Governance (NFCG) CA S Santhanakrishnan, Chairman of ICAI Committee on Corporate Governance delivered the key note address. The day-long conference hosted

recognized speakers such as Parthasarathy, Vice President - Finance, F o r d I n d i a , T. S . Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner, Government of India, K. K. Acharya, MD, CPCL, N. Vittal, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India and several others. T h e discussions at the conference covered subjects such as - 'Is Corporate Governance a myth or reality?' , Corporate Governance A Global Perspective and Corporate Governance-

An Indian Perspective". Fr. P Christie SJ, Director, LIBA said "Corporate Governance, especially with recent corporate scandals, is increasingly more relevant today than ever before. I am happy to note that LIBA is taking such important steps in spreading awareness about the importance of Corporate Governance not only among corporates but also among the students who will be manning key positions in future." Globalization especially after the 1980's has brought a

paradigm shift worldwide in political, economic, social and cultural environment, causing dramatic changes in every aspect of human e n d e a v o u r. S u c h a transformational shift has lead to substantial changes in governance of government and the corporation, unfolding active discussions even now. The concept of 'Good Corporate Governance' can be different in each country and company depending on environment, culture and nature of industry involved. - Staff Reporter

MK to undergo surgery for back problem Chennai, Feb. 10 : Ta m i l N a d u Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi will undergo surgery of his spinal cord at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Hospital on February 11 to relieve back pain. An official release here lastnight said, ''The decision was

taken by Dr A Jaiswal from New Delhi and other doctors about two days ago after holding discussions on the Chief Minister's condition.'' Accordingly, surgeons will operate on Mr Karunanidhi on Wednesday. A panel of doctors under Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr

S S K Marthandam, had been formed for the purpose. Mr Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on January 26 for back ache and had been undergoing treatment since then. On February 3, he got himself discharged from the hospital to pay homage

to former Chief Minister C N Annadurai on his death anniversary and also to chair the DMK Executive Committee Meeting on the Sri Lankan Issue. He got himself readmitted the same day. A few days later he was administered the epidural injection to relieve him of back ache. - Agencies

PMR students cross, blame college, Anna University Chennai, Feb. 10 : Students of PMR Institute of Technology and PMR College of Engineering boycotted classes on Monday in protest against the college and Anna University, Chennai, alleging that both institutions had a hand in spoiling their future. It was the first working day of the college after Anna University's Vice-Chancellor Prof P Mannar Jawahar announced recently that PMRIT would be issued a show cause notice for disaffiliation from the university on charges of impersonating teaching faculty. Students went for their first hour classes in the morning unsure of their future and a group of students went to Anna University to meet the Dean of Students Prof Ganesh to know about the future course of action. Meanwhile, students in the colleges d e m a n d e d a n explanation on the issue but were told that the and building. Earlier, water and sewerage tax was also included under property tax as there was no separate board for water and sewerage. - Agencies

allegations were rumours. The agitated students boycotted classes and the college authorities shut down the canteen and the boy's hostel hoping the protest would die down. By then, the student representatives returned from the university with the news that the media reports were true and that the Syndicate had approved the disaffiliation. If the it comes through, then the students will be transferred to other selffinancing colleges. The students later spent the rest of the day gathering people to draw a set of demands to be presented to the Vice-

Chancellor on Tuesday. The students asked how the college and the Vice Chancellor could treat the issue lightly. They wanted to know how AICTE gave affiliation to a college with s u c h m i n i m a l infrastructure or how Anna University included the college for single window counselling. Police had to intervene and ask the students to act peacefully. Speaking to Express, students alleged that the ViceChancellor was unhappy over his refusal to allow students suspended for misbehaviour last September attend classes and, hence, had taken the action.

He said Anna University had allowed more students than the permitted number in the IT department of PMR through single window counselling and now wanted to wash off his hands. On the charge of 'impersonation,' the principal said when the inspection team visited the college, a private computer tutorial teacher walked into the college and was mistaken for a teacher of the college. He assured the students and the parents that the college would initiate action to stop the disaffiliation process and the students and parents could be secure about the future of the college. - Agencies

High speed trains would be reality soon Chennai, Feb. 10: Trains travelling at 300 km an hour could become a reality in India, according to Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu. On his recent visit to China, the minister held talks with Chinese authorities on the transfer of technology for highspeed trains. “The Chinese have shown a great interest in the technology transfer,” he told the

media here on Monday. He added that the Chinese were known for executing projects within a given time frame. “The railway has identified five routes for high speed trains -P u n e - M u m b a i Ahmedabad; DelhiAmritsar-Chandigarh; SecunderabadVijayawada- Chennai; Chennai-BangaloreCoimbatore-Kochi and a small stretch in Kolkata,”

he added. “For this, a feasibility study has to be conducted on traffic potential, commercial viability, and the like”, he said. He also spoke on the need for a world class railway station, which houses facilities and security measures similar to the ones available at airports. - Agencies

Times Chennai E-Paper

Feb. 10, 2009

Traffic Changes in Perambur

City

Over 30 Visually challenged arrested Chennai, Feb. 10 More than 30 visually challenged students including eight women, who have completed their secondary grade teacher training in the State, were arrested by the police on Monday after they tried to immolate themselves en masse in front of the Secretariat. These teachers took the extreme step of immolation after what they called the government's lethargic approach towards their problem. They could not get any jobs despite completing the government sponsored teacher training for the last two years. They were reportedly promised for the (teaching) jobs three months ago by a top government official. Speaking to reporters one of the visually challenged, said, “We teachers took the extreme step after the government' did not fulfil its promise of job for all teachers.” “We were at home cursing the disability. It was the (Tamil Nadu) government, which came out with a special GO saying that the training would enable us to weave a new life. But the government betrayed us so badly,” he added. The arrested

visually challenged were kept at a marriage hall at Kondithope since morning and the police let them off at the Parry Corner bus stand by evening. All the arrested teachers declined their food and water offered by the police during the hours they were held at the marriage hall in Kondithope and resorted to fast until their demands like meeting with Chief Secretary and Education secretary are met.Sensing the problem, the police arranged for a meeting with the Chief Secretary by evening and four of them participated in it. Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Secretary K S Sripathi at Secretariat, Marimuthu said, “The meeting did not bear any result since he was not willing to listen to our miseries.” When we asked for a written assurance for the job, he not only yelled at us without understanding the pain and trauma faced by blind teachers, but also showed the door scuttling chances for further negotiations, he added. - Agencies

Normalcy returns to Chennai courts Chennai, Feb. 10 : Lawyers of Madras High Court Advocates' Association called off their week-long boycott of courts and attended courts today. They were boycotting the courts, protesting against the killings of Lankan Tamils and demanding ceasefire

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in Sri Lanka. The decision to call off the stir was taken at the extra ordinary General body meeting of the association held here on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Association President R C Paul Kanagaraj. - Agencies

Corporation budget on Feb. 21 The Chennai Corporation will present its budget for the year 2009-10 on Feb 21 according to Mayor M Subramaniam. Presenting the mobile toilets and other modern vehicles for garbage clearing at the Vehicle Depot he said the Budget with lot of people friendly proposals would be presented to the council on Feb.21 and the debate would take place on Feb. 23 and subsequently council approval would be sought. The budgetary prosals of the last year have been utilised to the maximum providing a number of facilities as committed in the budget and this year also proposals have been made to benefit the people of Chennai.

Chennai, Feb. 10 The Chennai City Traffic Police (CCTP) h a s m a d e f e w modification in the movement of traffic near Perambur high road, South.The changes will be implemented from 7 am onwards from Feb. 12 says a press release. The release said that, the stretch between Jamaliya and Perambur sub-way South will be closed for vehicular traffic following the construction work being carried out by Corporation of Chennai Bridges Department. Car, auto and motor cycles coming from Madavarm High Road and Siruvalluvar Salai intended to go to Ayanavaram and Pulianthope will have to take the sub-way turn right - Pilkington Road, Anderson Road, Kunnore High Road junction to reach their destination. Commercial goods vehicle and MTC buses will not be allowed towards the Perambur sub-way. These vehicles will be diverted towards left Peambur High Road, Ganeshpuram bridge and Pulianthope High Road to reach the destination. O n l y commercial vehicles c o m i n g f r o m Medavakkam Tank Road, Kunnore High Road intented to go to Perambur will not be allowed towards AndersonRoad, instead

these vehicles will be diverted towards Kunnore High Road, C o o k s R o a d , Stephenson road, Ganeshpuram bridge and Pulianthope High Road to reach the destination. C h a m i e r s Road, Cenotaph Road Consequent to the new fly-over work across Chamiers Road and Cenotaph Road at

Turnbulls Point, the following modifications will be made from 12 February till the work is completed. Heavy vehicles and commercial goods are prohibited into Cenotaph Road from Chamiers Road and Turnbulls Road during the day time. MTC buses will be allowed on trial basis. However, other

vehicles, two wheelers, three wheelers and four wheelers can use the Cenotaph Road from Chamiers Road and Turnbulls Road. Only one lane would be available for the movement of vehicles in this area. Other movement in the area would remain unchanged. The public are requested to co-operate, the release added. -Agencies

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Right to adoption should not be linked to religion: Sachar

National

Vajpayee improving, to be off ventilator soon New Delhi, Feb. 10 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Va j p a y e e , w h o i s undergoing treatment at AIIMS, was on Tuesday showing signs of recovery as the condition of his lungs improved. "He is alright. He is making progress," head of cardiac thoracic vascular sciences

department of AIIMS Sampath Kumar said. Kumar said Vajpayee's lungs are improving and oxygenation (amount of oxygen in blood purified by the lungs) level is better. Sources at the AIIMS say he is likely to be taken off the ventilator soon.

Kumar said that the former PM's heart, kidney, liver and blood pressure were normal. The 84-year-old leader was admitted to the hospital on February 3 with complaints of fever and chest congestion. Doctors later found that he was suffering from pneumonia. - Agencies

India to develop spacecraft which can carry 3 astronauts Bangalore, Feb. 10 : India plans to develop a space vehicle that can carry up to three astronauts in the sevenday manned mission to space, Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman G Madhavan Nair said on Monday. "Concept is getting evolved", Nair, also Secretary in the Department of Space, said while addressing an international seminar here. ISRO is looking at developing a capsule (spacecraft) with service module which can accommodate three astronauts and take it to

lower earth orbit using the indigenous GSLV (Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle) in the year 2015, he said. M i s s i o n duration is seven days. There would also be emergency mission abort and crew rescue provisions in case of necessity. Crew module would be designed for reentry and service module for mission management, Nair said. He said the GSLV-Mk III, which can launch four tonne class satellites, would bring down the launch cost by half. The maiden flight of

GSLV-Mk III is slated for next year. On the recent Chandrayaan-1 moon mission, Nair said instruments on board have thrown up voluminous data which would take a few years for scientists to analyse and come out with concrete results. Entire mapping of the lunar surface is expected to be carried out in a year's time, he said, adding, there is no trace of water on moon so far. - Agencies

Justice Singh trashes Law minister's claim New Delhi, Feb. 10 Justice Kuldeep Singh, a former chairman of the Delimitation Commission, has written to Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj refuting that he had been marginalized by C h i e f E l e c t i o n Commissioner N Gopalaswami. Gopalaswami, never directly or indirectly marginalized me or even tried to do so. During the entire term I did not feel even for a moment that anyone, leave aside Gopalaswami, ever tried to marginalize me. Gopalaswami has throughout been reasonable and cooperative. Even the contentious issues were discussed, reasoned and amicably decided. The commission worked as a team to achieve the gigantic task,” Singh said in his letter dated February 5. Soon after

Feb. 10, 2009

G o p a l a s w a m i recommended the removal of his colleague Naveen Chawla, Bhardwaj held a press conference alleging that the CEC was acting like a “political boss”. The law minister said the CEC did not have the power to suo motu recommend Chawla's removal. H e a l s o q u e s t i o n e d Gopalaswami's role in the Delimitation Commission, alleging that the then chairman of the panel had been marginalized by the CEC. “I was upset. He had marginalized Justice Kuldip Singh. But we did not make an issue out of it. But now when the election is round the corner, he, instead of conducting elections, is politicizing the institution,” the law minister was quoted as

saying in newspapers of February 3. Singh, however, said: “A cursory look at the elaborate statutory procedure and the methodology adopted by the commission would show that it is not at all possible for a single member of the commission to marginalise the others, especially when the Act provides that in case of difference among the three members, the majority prevails. During the six years tenure, there has never been a whisper against the commission in this respect. None of the members ever acted adversely to me or tried to marginalize me in the performance of my constitutional and statutory duties.” So impressed was Singh with the work of Gopalaswami that he had

New Delhi, Feb. 10 : Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar, who headed a panel to look into the condition of minorities, on Monday said the right to adoption, which has no legal sanctity under Muslim personal law, should not be linked to religion but looked at from a human angle. "In my view, right of adoption should not be associated with religion. If the issue is discussed in respect of religion, it may create problems. Adoption is a human need of childless

couples," Sachar said at a seminar at Jamia Millia Islamia on adoption laws, minorities and current challenges. He advocated an enabling legislation that will allow anybody the right to adopt a child. But this law should not be compulsory, he added. The seminar, organised by Centre for Dalit and Minority Studies of Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi-based Centre f o r W o m e n ' s Development Studies, is aimed at arriving at a common approach to resolve the issue of adoption among

minorities. The Muslim Personal Law does not allow legal adoption, saying it is contrary to Sharia. The Guardianship and Ward Act that governs adoption issues of minorities, only allows guardianship of the child and does not ensure property rights. Speaking at the seminar, Jamia ViceChancellor Mushirul Hasan said secular legislations should be the "overriding factor" in governing the society in a country as diverse and pluralistic as in India. - Agencies

Andhra government decides to go for CBI probe into Satyam Hyderabad: Feb. 10 Under fire for allegedly going soft on the Satyam scam probe, Andhra Pradesh government on Monday decided to order a CBI investigation into the Rs 7,000-crore accounting fraud in the software company. Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recommending that the investigation into the fraud be taken over by CBI more than a month after the scam came to light. The letter by Reddy comes on a day when opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu launched a vitriolic attack on the Chief Minister accusing his Congress government of failing to

written to the then Chief Election Commissioner, B B Tandon, way back in June 16, 2006, to let him continue with the delimitation work despite his elevation as the CEC. “ T h e delimitation work is likely to be completed by March 31, 2007, and his association with us will ensure continuity and timely progress,” Singh had then stated. - Agencies

hand over the investigation to CBI. Naidu said the CBI should take over the probe as the matter involved several aspects including overseas operations of Satyam Computer Services. The state government had earlier ordered a probe by state CB-CID, but the fraud involved various aspects that needs to be looked at deeply by various central g o v e r n m e n t organizations like Enforcement Directorate, Serious Fraud I n v e s t i g a t i o n O ff i c e which warranted CBI probe, Reddy said in the letter. It would be appropriate if CBI takes over the investigation into Satyam scam so that coordination with various investigation agencies, including Satyam's overseas operations, can be better achieved, Reddy said adding, “ I request you to kindly consider the matter at the earliest and issue suitable instructions to the concerned officers.”

T h e C h i e f Minister said the investigation into the fraud has so far revealed embellishment of bank accounts by the company for many years. The inflated figures in current account balance is testified by concerned bank officials. In addition, the company has raised money from NBFCs by pledging shares. More than 300 companies were reportedly raised by Ramalinga Raju and his relatives as directors which facilitated insider trading of shares. The investigation is continuing, Reddy said. The company has employed more than 50,000 software professionals and lakhs of shareholders and the state government was trying to protect their interests, he said. Earlier on January 28, the Chief Minister had written a letter to the Prime Minister saying his government was open to a CBI probe into the Satyam fraud. - Agencies

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It's the 'winter of our hardship', Obama tells Americans US won't allow safe havens for terrorists in Pak: Obama Washington, Feb 10: In a stern warning to Pakistan, US President Barack Obama on Monday asserted that his administration would not allow "safe havens" for al Q a e d a a n d Ta l i b a n terrorists operating with

"impunity" in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. This is the message his special envoy Richard Holbrooke, currently in Islamabad, has been asked to deliver to Pakistan, Obama said. "My bottom line is that we cannot allow al Qaeda to operate. We cannot have those safe havens in that region," Obama said in his first press conference after assuming office on January 20. "You've got the Taliban and al Qaeda operating in the Federallyadministered Tribal Areas (FATA) and these border regions between

Afghanistan and Pakistan," Obama said. The 47-year-old President said one of the goals of Holbrooke, as he is travelling throughout the region, is to deliver a message to Pakistan that they are "endangered as much as we are by the continuation of those operations, and that we've got to work in a regional fashion to root out those safe havens." Obama, who took questions on the situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in his hour-long news conference, said the US has not seen concerted efforts to destroy such 'safe havens'. "What we haven't seen is the kind of concerted effort to root out those safe havens that would ultimately make our mission successful," he said. "We're going to have to work both smartly and effectively, but with consistency in order to make sure that those safe havens don't exist," he said. T h e n e w administration is carrying out a thorough review of the US policies on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Obama said he appointed Holbrooke as S p e c i a l U S Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan with the purpose of eradicating terrorism from the restive tribal areas. Holbrooke is currently in Pakistan from where he would be going to Afghanistan and then to India, for meeting and consulting with the leaders and people in the region. "I've sent over -Richard Holbrooke, one of our top diplomats -- to evaluate a regional approach. We are going to need more effective coordination of our military efforts with diplomatic efforts with development efforts with more effective coordination with our allies in order for us to be successful," Obama said. When asked if he had any timetable for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, Obama said: "I do not have yet a timetable for how long that's going to take. What I know is I'm not going to make -- I'm not going to allow al Qaeda or Osama Bin Laden to operate with i m p u n i t y, p l a n n i n g attacks on the US homeland." - Agencies

BBC suspends news to Sri Lanka's state broadcaster London, Feb. 10 The BBC World will be suspending FM radio news service to Sri Lanka's state broadcaster from Tuesday due to "deliberate interference" and censoring of its news reports. The BBC has decided to stop providing FM radio news to the state broadcaster Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation as many of its news reports in Sinhala, Tamil and English had been blocked or only partially broadcast. The BBC noted 17 instances of interference to BBC Tamil and eight similar instances to BBC Sinhala broadcasts between November 27 and early January. Sometimes whole current affairs segments of BBC programming were not broadcast on SLBC," the BBC statement said. "Despite the warnings, last week there were several further instances of interference to BBC programming in all three languages being broadcast on SLBC." T h e S L B C

Chairman Hudson S a m a r a s i n g h e reportedly admitted censoring BBC programming, saying he had a duty to do so at a time when Sri Lanka is at war. Sri Lankan forces are engaged in a bitter battle with the LTTE. Samarasinghe told the BBC that Sri Lanka faced "terrorist attacks" and the media had a role to try to "restore peace and harmony". "Some foreign news centres created fabricated news items about Sri Lanka," he said. Asked if that included the BBC, he said, "Definitely." The BBC says it will maintain its services in Sinhala, Tamil and English on short wave radio and online. BBC news reports in English are to continue on the Sri Lankan commercial radio broadcaster, MBC. The BBC move follows allegations that press freedoms are being eroded in Sri Lanka as fighting intensifies

between troops and Tamil Tiger rebels. The BBC said it had expressed its concern directly to SLBC Chairman in a series of letters and meetings in December and January. “The BBC made it clear to SLBC that such interference and blocking meant that BBC programming was being editorially compromised by SLBC's actions and this was contrary to the BBC's contractual agreement with SLBC," the BBC statement added. BBC World Service director Nigel Chapman expressed dismay, but said he was prepared to have further discussions to resolve the issue. The SLBC C h a i r m a n Samarasinghe promised to "investigate any specific detailed complaint SLBC may have about BBC output. So far, no specific complaint has been raised". Samarsinghe

Washington Feb.10 President Barack Obama said on Monday the crisis gripping the United States is the "winter of our hardship" as he pounded home the need for Congress to set aside petty differences and pass an $800-plus billion stimulus fund to fight an economic collapse not seen in 80 years. In opening remarks at his first news conference as president, Obama again spoke of

the dire state of the American economy and financial system and pushed Congress to act. "The federal government is the only entity left with the resources to jolt our economy back to life," he said, adding that failure to act "could turn a crisis into a catastrophe." O b a m a declared that bringing politicians of both parties behind the task of saving the economy was "the test facing the United States of America in this winter of our hardship, and it is our duty as leaders and citizens to stay true to that purpose in the weeks and months ahead." Acknowledging that no one knew with certainty how to solve the economic crisis, Obama said he could say "with complete confidence that a failure to act will only deepen this crisis." He has no crystal ball, he said, but "if we get things right,we can begin seeing some improvement next year." The president spoke in a nationally televised question-andanswer session with said the SLBC was not allowed to broadcast the voice of rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran something the BBC had tried to do on rebel "heroes day" on November 27. “The SLBC is the national broadcasting corporation, the voice of Sri Lanka. When they b r o a d c a s t Prabhakaran's voice - at that time I cut off the programme." - Agencies

reporters. When the stimulus bill passed the H o u s e o f Representatives, not a single Republican voted for it. On Monday an $838 billion version of the legislation cleared a crucial test vote in the Senate by a 61-36 margin, with all but three Republican senators opposing it. Having so far been unable to undo the partisan snarl that has riven Washington for at least two decades, Obama said: "I am the eternal optimist. I think that, over time, p e o p l e respond to civility and and rational argument. ... that's the k i n d o f leadership I'm going to try to provide." Rejecting Republican criticism, Obama said 90 percent of the jobs created by the plan would be in the private sector, rebuilding crumbling roads, bridges and other aging infrastructure. "The plan that ultimately emerges from Congress must be big enough and bold enough to meet the size of the economic challenge we face right now," Obama said. Again and again, he stressed that the economy is in dire straits. "This is not your ordinary, run of the mill recession," he said. Obama said the United States aims to avoid the kind of economic pain that Japan endured in the 1990s - the "lost decade" when that nation showed no economic growth. "My bottom line is to make sure that we are saving or creating 4 million jobs," he said, and that homeowners facing foreclosure receive some relief. On a crucial foreign policy issue, Obama said he would be looking for "openings" in the months ahead that could lead to face-to-face talks with Iran. The president said his national security team is looking at areas where the United States can "directly engage" with Iran. He also said, however, that it will not happen overnight, and "a lot of distrust" stands in the way of improved ties. He said Iran needs to understand the

US view that it is "unacceptable" for the Iranians to finance terror groups, and a nucleararmed Iran could set off an arms race that would destabilize the Middle East. "My expectation is in the coming months we will be looking for openings that can be created where we can be sitting across the table face to face," Obama said. Obama said the United States is sending signals that it wants to "do things differently," and that it is time for Iran to send the same signals. nd it's not over," Obama said. He faulted the way the first $350 billion of the $700 billion bailout program was disbursed by former President George W. Bush's administration. "We didn't get as big of a bang for the buck as we should have," he said. He said the government would work with banks to take bad debts off of their books so they will start making loans again. He said his goal was to restore market confidence. Obama said he did not know whether more bailout money would be needed and, if so, how much that might be. Amid the urgency created by nearly 600,000 new unemployed workers last month and new bank failures, Obama's economic prescriptions are coming under critical scrutiny by both Congress and the American public. A new poll showed 67 percent of Americans approve of Obama's efforts on behalf of the stimulus plan, while a 31 percent give Republicans in Congress an approval rating. The Gallup poll also showed 51 percent of Americans agree that passing such a bill is critically important. T h e t w o remaining versions of the legislation are relatively close in size - $838 billion in the Senate and $819 billion in the House, and are similar in many respects. Obama returned to the capital for the news conference from Elkhart, Indiana, where made a campaign-style pitch for the stimulus plan, having traveled Monday to the hard-hit industrial city in hopes of winning support for the package that has become his first big test since taking office. O b a m a participated in a town hallstyle meeting in Elkhart and plans to hold another one Tuesday in Fort Myers, Florida, and one Thursday in Peoria, Illinois. All are cities that are suffering particularly hard times. - Agencies

Times Chennai E-Paper

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Virender Sehwag named India's player of the year New Delhi, Feb. 10 India`s cricket chiefs on Monday named swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag the country`s player of the year

for 2007-2008. Sehwag, 30, will receive the Polly Umrigar award, named after a former India captain, at a function organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai on February 18. S e h w a g dominated Indian batting since his return to the Test side on the 2007-08 tour of Australia after being overlooked for the away series against Bangladesh

and England and the home matches against Pakistan. In 2008, the opening batsman scored 1,462 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 56.23, including a blistering t r i p l e century against S o u t h Africa in Chennai. Sehw ag was also part of India`s World Cupwinning Twenty20 squad in South Africa in September, 2007. Cheteshwar Pujara, a 21-year-old from Saurashtra, was named the best batsman in domestic cricket for scoring 807 runs at an average of 73.36 runs in the country`s premier first-class tournament for the Ranji Trophy. Uttar Pradesh seamer Sudeep Tyagi, who picked up 41 wickets

at 21.63 in the Ranji Trophy, was named the best bowler in domestic cricket. F o r m e r Te s t batsman Gundappa Viswanath will receive the C.K. Nayudu award, named after the legendary India captain, for his lifetime contribution to the game. The stylish middle-order batsman, who scored a Test century on debut against Australia in 1969, has served as India`s chairman of selectors in the past. India stars Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh, recipients of the country`s fourth-highest civilian awards, the Padma Shri, last month, will also receive special awards from the BCCI. Dhoni led India to victory in the World Twenty20 championships, while Harbhajan surpassed 300 wickets during the home series against Australia last OctoberNovember. - Agencies

Anjum Chopra to play in fourth successive World Cup Dubai, Feb. 10 : Former India skipper Anjum Chopra joined Australia captain Karen Rolton and her England counterpart Charlotte Edwards who will all represent their

respective countries in the fourth successive ICC Women`s World Cup in Down Under from March 7-22. All the eight countries, including India who will play under the leadership of Jhulan Goswami and defending champions Australia, have finalised their squads for the World Cup, ICC said in a statement on Monday. R o l t o n , Edwards and Chopra made their World Cup debuts in India in 1997 and since then have been the flag-bearers for women`s cricket. Only 11 other cricketers have d i s t i n c t i o n o f representing their countries in four or more

Dutch squeeze past India for title Chandigarh, Feb. 10: Holland asserted their superiority scraping past India in the final to emerge champions in the

four-nation Punjab Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at the Sector 42 hockey stadium here Monday night. The hosts, who muffed up a couple of crucial chances in the second half, had to settle for the runners-up slot. Surprisingly, the sight of Holland, the best team in the competition, seemed to enthuse Indians. In the previous two successive games in the second leg against Germany and New Zealand, the Indians looked like going through motions, at times, they looked disjointed, even

jaded. I n s h a r p contrast, the previous two games against Holland (in the first leg and in the second) saw the Indians dish out impressive fare. Same was the case today as the hosts again raised their game by a couple of notches, though this time they finished on the losing side. Sandeep Singh (44th minute, penalty stroke), Robbert Kemperman (46th) and Jeroen Hertzberger (68th minute) were scorers as the European powerhouse proved that they were the superior side. It were the hosts who first raided the rival citadel, forcing their first penalty corner in the 6th minute. Jaap Stockmann, Holland custodian, rose to the occasion, clearing the ball twice - first off Sandeep’s stick and then off Rajpal who tried to shoot home off a

rebound. The hosts were all over again as Tushar Khandekar made a foray and gave a pass to Shivender inside the danger area, who was unlucky not to connect. Holland forced their first penalty corner in the 21st minute, which was foiled when a fullblooded stroke was blocked first by Vikram Pillay, then by the Indian custodian Baljit Singh off the second attempt, while the rival forward shot wide in the third attempt. The visitors then threatened the Indians when Robbert Kemperman made a solo run and gave a crisp pass, which an onrushing Hertzberger missed. At the half time the score was 0-0. Nine minutes into the second half, India got a penalty stroke when Shivender, right in front of the rival goalpost and set to launch into a shot, was pushed. He fumbled and fell to the ground. Skipper Sandeep did not make

Feb. 10, 2009

any mistake in converting the penalty stroke as India gained 10 lead. Not to be left behind, Kemperman sounded the board immeditely after two minutes to restore parity (1-1). Desperate to snatch the lead again, India forced successive penalty corners in 53rd and 55th minutes but failed to convert. Holland wove a dangerous move, but timely clearence by Prabodh Tirkey averted the danger. Tushar was in the thick of action this time, but due to lack of proper finish, the move was wasted. Hertzberger proved why he was so dangerous when he struck home off a penalty corner just two minutes before time as the visitors emerged the deserving winners. He was adjudged Man of the Tournament for his tally of six goals. - Agencies

World Cups with Debbie Hockley of New Zealand (1982, 1988, 1993, 1997 and 2000) and Englishwoman Clare Taylor (1988, 1993, 1997, 2000 and 2005) holding the record of playing in five straight World Cups. Chopra, who made her ODI debut against New Zealand in 1995 at the age of 1 7 , h a s represented India in 109 ODIs and has scored 2,542 runs, including 455 from 19 World Cup ties. Rolton, who was the ICC Women`s Player of the Year in 2006, has played 131 ODIs, including 22 World Cup matches. She is just 349 runs short of leapfrogging compatriot Belinda Clark (4,844) to become the most successful batswoman. E n g l a n d captain Edwards has p l a y e d 11 7 O D I s including 16 ODIs in World Cups. With 3,520 international runs, including 802 in World cups, she is fourth most successful batters behind Clark, Rolton and Hockley (4,064). "My suggestion to the players would be to enjoy this opportunity as only the World Cup provides you the chance to play against all the best teams in the world." "The players also need to realise that this World Cup will provide them a unique experience with it being the first to be staged under the ICC`s auspices," said Hockley, who has played a record 45 World Cup matches. F o r t h e Pakistan women, it will be their first experience at the most prized tournament in women`s cricket. The teams have been divided into two groups as Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies and South Africa are in Group A while India, England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are in Group B. The top three sides in each group go forward to the Super Six stage where each side plays the teams which have qualified from the other group. The top two sides from the Super Six will clash in the final at North Sydney Oval, the release said. Squads: India: Jhulan Goswami (cap), Amita Sharma (vc a p ) , A n a g h a

Deshpande, Anjum Chopra, Gouher Sultana, Harpreet Kaur, Mithali Raj, Poonam Raut, Priyanka Roy, Reema Malhotra, Rumeli Dhar, Snehal Pradhan, Sravanthi Naidu, Sulakshana Naik, Thirush Kamini. Australia: Karen Rolton (cap), Alex Blackwell (vcap), Sarah Andrews, Jessica Cameron, Leonie Coleman, Lauren Ebsary, Rene Farrell, Jodie Fields, Delissa Kimmince, Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Leah Poulton, Emma Sampson, Lisa Sthalekar. England: Charlotte Edwards (cap), Caroline Atkins, Katherine Brunt, H o l l y C o l v i n , Ly d i a G r e e n w a y, L a u r e n Griffiths, Isa Guha, Jenny Gunn, Laura Marsh, Beth Morgan, Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent, Nicola Shaw, Anya Shrubsole, Claire Taylor, Sarah Taylor. New Zealand: Haidee Tiffen (cap), Aimee Mason (v-cap), Suzie Bates, Nicola Browne, Abby Burrows, Sophie Devine, Lucy Doolan, Sara McGlashan, Beth McNeill, Katey Martin, Rachel Priest, Kate Pulford, Amy Satterthwaite, Sarah Tsukigawa. Pakistan: Urooj Mumtaz (cap), Sana Mir (v-cap), Almas Akram, Asmavia Iqbal, Armaan Khan, Batool Fatima, Bismah Maroof, Javeria Khan, Nain Abidi, Nahida Khan, Naila Nazir, Qanita Jalil, Sajjida Shah, Sania Khan, Sukhan Faiz. South Africa: Sunette Loubser (cap), Alicia Smith (v-c), Susan Benade, CriZelda Brits, Trisha Chetty, Mignon du Preez, Shandre Fritz, Shabnin Ismail, Ashlyn Kilowan, Marcia Letsoalo, Kirstie Thompson, Charlize van der Westhuizen, Yolandi van der Westhuizen, Dane van Niekerk, Claire Terblanche. Sri Lanka: Shashikala Siriwardena (cap), Chamani Seneviratne (vc), Suwini de Alwis, Hiruka Fernando, Rose Fernando, Inoka Galagedara, Gayathri Kariyawasam, Eshani Lokusooriya, Dilani Manodara, Chamari Polgampola, Udeshika Prabodani, Deepika Rasangika, Dedunu de Silva, Sripali Weerakkody, Chandi Wickremasinghe. West Indies: Merissa Aguilleira (cap), Kirbyina Alexander (v-c), Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy F l e t c h e r, G e n e i l l e Greaves, Cordel Jack, Stacy-Ann King, Pamela Lavine, Anisa Mohammed, Juliana Nero, Shakera Selman, Danielle Small, Charlene Taitt, Stefanie Taylor. - Agencies

Times Chennai E-Paper

Feb. 10, 2009

Page 7

Airlines raise fares by at least Rs 2,000

Business

Asia's biggest air show begins in Bangalore tomorrow Bangalore, Feb. 10 Asia's largest biennial air show begins here on Wednesday with international defence and aerospace companies seeking to raise the sales pitch, pursuing multi-billion dollar contract opportunities in India. The five-day Aero India 2009, held at Indian Air Force station Yelahanka, would see participation of 592 companies from 25 countries -- 303 international and 289 Indian. Significantly, the participation of domestic exhibitors has steadily grown from 66 in its inaugural show to 289 in this seventh edition, accounting for nearly half the total exhibitor strength. For the first time, China would participate in the show with a 10member delegation, led by the Deputy Chief of Chinese Air Force. M a j o r participating countries include the U.S., Russia, the U.K., Germany and Israel. The show aims at bringing exhibitors from

across the globe under one roof to showcase the best in aviation sector. Aero India includes both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircraft from leading manufacturers, vendors and supplies. The Aero India 2009 would showcase the latest in the field of military and civil aircrafts, vital components for aircraft engines, avionics systems & sub systems, airfield radars and new age technologies used in the defence sector. A number of foreign and Indian aircraft including F-16, F1 8 , M i G - 3 5 D , Eurofighter, IJT, Dhruv, Hawk, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo and A-310 MRTT, would be on display at the show, organised by the Defence Ministry and managed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). BAE Systems' new Mantis autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle is making international

debut in this event. D e f e n c e Ministers from France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives would be attending the show besides high-level delegation from 40 countries. New Delhi is currently looking to procure various defence items from global market, including 126 combat aircraft, 197 light h e l i c o p t e r s , reconnaissance aircraft and choppers and various types of artillery systems valued at billions of dollars for its three services. D e f e n c e Minister A.K. Antony said on Tuesday the current economic slowdown would not affect the modernisation programme of armed forces, and also spoke of G o v e r n m e n t ' s willingness to raise spendings on defence R e s e a r c h & Development work. - Agencies

At least 600 Subhiksha shops, warehouses looted in Mumbai Mumbai, Feb 10: At least 600 stores and warehouses of retail chain Subhiksha, which is struggling to pay wages, were ransacked over the past week, an official said, as a slowing economy and rising unemployment strain the country. Subhiksha Trading Services, which operates about 1,600 discount stores across the country, ran out of cash last October, and has been struggling to pay wages, rentals and its suppliers, its founder R. Subramanian said. "The properties have become vulnerable targets," he said. "We are taking all steps to protect our assets. It is really sad that we have been unable to prevent this so far."

Over the last few days, Subhiksha stores in several parts of the country have been d a m a g e d a n d warehouses looted because the company has been unable to pay its employees and the security agency that provides protection, he said. T h e perpetrators could be "disgruntled vendors, employees or anti-social elements taking advantage of the situation", he said, adding in some cases even owners of the real estate the company uses have broken locks and taken away assets. Chennai-based Subhiksha, which launched its first discount grocery store in

1997, was considered a pioneer in India's highly fragmented retail industry which is estimated at more than $350 billion worth of annual sales and forecast to nearly double by 2015. R a p i d economic growth and rising middle-class i n c o m e s h a d encouraged a boom in the industry, with large conglomerates including Reliance Industries, the Tata Group and Bharti Enterprises setting up shop and hiring tens of thousands. The industry has also drawn global heavyweights including Wal-Mart Stores Inc, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Metro AG in the cash-and-carry segment. Subhiksha,

New Delhi, Feb. 10 A i r l i n e s including low-cost carriers have withdrawn all promotional fares and increased basic fares by around Rs 2,000 on several sectors from Tuesday. The decision was taken as operators were faced with low load

factors, though basic promotional fares had been as low as Rs 99 on many routes, industry sources said. "We have discontinued our promotional fares as the response has not been very good, but people who have already bought tickets under the scheme

will enjoy the benefit," said an Air India spokesperson here. T h e spokesperson of private carrier Kingfisher Airlines said: "We have closed low fare buckets and are concentrating on setting higher fare buckets. Our focus is on revenue and not seat factors." - Agencies

Petroleum Ministry asks for extra oil bonds of Rs 13,000 cr New Delhi, Feb. 10 : The Petroleum Ministry has sought additional oil bonds worth about Rs 13,000 crore to cover the revenue loss on fuel sale in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal. T h e Government has for the first three quarters sanctioned oil bonds worth Rs 60,967 crore to Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum to make the good revenue

loss on sale of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene. "Of these, so far Rs 50,980 crore worth of bonds have been issued and the rest will be issued after Parliament approves them next week," a Petroleum Ministry official said. For the fiscal 2008-09, the total revenue loss on selling the four products below cost has been estimated at Rs 105,860 crore. Of this, Rs 32,000 crore has

been met by upstream companies like ONGC by way of discounts on crude oil it sells to the three fuel retailers. "To cover the remaining (loss), we have written to the Finance Ministry for issuing additional bonds worth about Rs 13,000 crore," the official said. Oil bonds for the fourth quarter will be issued in Q1 of the next fiscal after actual accounting for actual revenue loss figures. - Agencies

Railways may fall short of freight target New Delhi, Feb. 10 : Owing to the global meltdown, railways may fail to meet the target in freight traffic in the current financial year. Railways have failed to achieve the target upto December 2008 and has been able to manage only 606.75 million tonnes (MT) loading against the target of 627.85 MT upto December 2008, thus falling short of 21.10 MT. The total goods earnings upto December is Rs 37,898.52 crores against the budget projection of Rs 38,356.32 crores, thereby leaving a gap of Rs 457.80 crores.

which had more than 15,000 employees, expanded quickly on borrowed cash with its plans to raise money from the stock market last year shelved by a volatile market. As the credit crunch bit, banks also became wary of lending. "Operations are at near standstill. We are working with the financial stakeholders -- lenders and investors -- to inject liquidity and get the company back on track," Subramanian said. - Agencies

H o w e v e r, Indian Railways is hopeful of meeting the target at the end of the current fiscal. There may be shortfall in meeting the target volume but are we are sure of meeting the target of freight earnings in the current fiscal, said a senior Railway Ministry official. Railways had set the target of 850 million tonnes (MT) freight traffic for the current fiscal ending in March 2009. Railways had created a record by exceeding the freight target in the last fiscal. The total freight loading was 794 MT in

2008-09 against the target of 790 MT. "The shortfall in loading in the third quarter of 2008-09 was due to the global slowdown in economy. But we have taken certain steps to increase loading and are hopeful of meeting the budget projection by the end of the current financial year," said the official. H o w e v e r , railways' passenger earnings have shown a robust growth. The public behemoth has earned Rs 16,166.43 crores upto December 2008 as against the target of Rs 15,957.07 crores. - Agencies

PC sales in first half of FY'09 grow 12 pc New Delhi, Feb. 10 : P e r s o n a l computer sales during the first half of the current fiscal (April-September) saw a modest 12 per cent growth over the same period a year ago, touching 3.69 million units. H o w e v e r, compared with the second half (OctoberMarch) of the last fiscal, number of computers sold in the first half of the current fiscal has declined by nine per cent in terms of unit. In the October 2007-March 2008 period,

the number of personal computers sold were four million units. Announcing the figure, industry association MAIT on Tuesday said in the current macroeconomic conditions and the Conservative buying sentiments, personal computer sales are expected to remain flat at the same level as in the last fiscal at 7.3 million units. "We expect a flat market for PCs for 2008-09," Vinnie Mehta MAIT Executive Director said. - Agencies

Times Chennai E-Paper

Page 8

Feb. 10, 2009

Gift your sweetheart a ‘Taj Mahal Rose' this Valentine's Day

Medley

Valentine Week at The Residency Towers T h e Va l e n t i n e week's celebrations at The Residency Towers will be held from Feb. 12 to 14. Exciting programs have been planned including a sumptuous menu to celebrate Valentines Day to make every moment as rose tinted as ever. On Feb. 14, the

" L o v e B u f f e t " complimented perfectly with the 'Love Songs" by talented duo Ashley and Heather at " Main Street " will be available both for Lunch and Dinner. This will be priced attractively at Rs.

700/- per person (inclusive of one select beverage voucher), Rs.500 for children for the early birds and Rs.800/- per adult (inclusive of one select beverage voucher) Rs.600 for children for those who want to dine late into the night. Alfres co Candle light dining at the " CROWN " w i t h classic love songs b y keyboard p l a y e r Francis, will create a sugary a n d melting ambience for you to relax and remember all your special moments. In tune with the south Indian hospitality " Southern Aromas " will offer a free desert for every couple

dining at this specialty restaurant on Valentines Day. From Feb. 12 to 14 " Bike & Barrel " energize by great music will be just the place to be in on Valentines day . " MAMMA MIA" evening on Feb.12 will have D.J Nabrun Ghosh play the super hits of ABBA for a memorable KARAOKE evening. Romantic remixes will provide synergy to the evening of Feb. 13 and love songs of the decade and on Feb 14 to take you down memory lane at Rs. 700/nett per couple (inclusive of three select beverage vouchers) Rs. 450/-nett per person (inclusive of two select beverage vouchers) . So spend the evening at The Residency Towers on Valentines day and feel delighted For reservation call 28156363

A Milan for the young at heart Chennai, Feb. 10 : “Milan-2009" a National level cultural festival would be organised by the SRM University from February 13 to 15, 2009 at the University campus in Kattankulathur. This would be the second edition of the cultural fete in which students from Colleges of Engineering and Technology, Arts and Science, Medical and Paramedical and Management and other professional colleges would participate and showcase their wide repertoire of skills during the three-day event. On the opening day on February 13, the

event would be inaugurated by the famous actor Padmashri Kamal Hassan in the presence of Actress Tr i s h a a t t h e T P Ganesan Auditorium . Rangoli, Face Painting and Mehndi competitions and Musical Nite by Benny Dayal would be held from 1830 hrs to 2130 hrs after the inaugural function. The second day events on February 14 included Folk Dances, Variety Show, Light Music, Street Play, Classical Solo, Shipwreck, Fashion Show, Photography skills and Short/Animation Film making.

Valentine's Day fun at the Taj Coromandel At the Anise T h e Va l e n t i n e menu has an exotic gourmet spread with cocktails unlimited and a sparkling wine shower. The Aphrodisiac Buffet, which includes a Sangria, Rimini and Bellini Bar, is priced at Rs. 3,000, all inclusive, for a couple. At the Southern Spice Relish the Wine Paired Celebrations menu or the traditional Southern Spice offerings as you stir up the Valentine's spirit straight from grandma's kitchens. At the La Patisserie Get cakes, exotic gateaux and pastries, and crunchy chocolates. A special hamper

for His and Her with miniature liquor bottles, miniature perfumes and colognes, a bunch of roses and a heartshaped cake handcrafted by the master baker. The hamper is priced at Rs. 1,000 nett. At Fort St. George It's party time with unlimited vodka and cocktails by Ciroc. Unwind with your Valentine as you soak in the flavour at the FSG, and bite into finger food. Priced at Rs. 2,500 for a couple, inclusive of all taxes. For reservations, call 66002827

On the final day on February 15, the events included Western Music, Adzap, Choreonite. A t t h e Valedictory function the "Sivaji Ganesan award for individual outstanding talent" would be presented by a film celebrity. It may be recalled that last year Melody Queen Asha bhosle gave way this award. For more info on this Milan log on to Milan website www.srmmilan.com andto contact e m a i l t o [email protected] m

Chennai, Feb 10 : As Valentine's Day-February 14 is nearing, export of roses from India is increasing with Krishnagiri and Hosur Districts of Tamil Nadu, occupying fourth place in rose production in the world, emerging winners in floriculture. Ta m i l N a d u Industrial Investment Corporation (TIICO) C h a i r m a n S Ramasundharam told that TITCO and MNA, an NGO for developing better rose varieties, had jointly established 125 acre rose p l a n t a t i o n i n Amudhakondapalli, near Hosur where 1.1 crore roses were produced last year. This year the target was three crore. ''We keep introducing new roses every Valentine's Day. This year we are set to introduce 'Taj Mahal Rose' which has got a huge popularity in Europe. ''The roses are exported not only to European countries but also to Japan, England, Australia, Singapore and the UAE. We have got orders from Lebanon, too.'' ''The Taj Mahal variety is sold for Rs 25 to Rs 28 per flower.

Next year, we are going to introduce Kohinoor Roses for which we expect good response.'' This blossoming business, aided by State and Central subsidies, takes place mainly in the countryside surrounding the metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. Last year, the acreage of greenhouses had trebled or even quadrupled near these cities. Hopes are running high. A 30 per cent growth is being mentioned. The trade is considered a goldmine and a panacea for India's economic and social problems. The flower trade is said to create plenty of e m p l o y m e n t opportunities. Moreover, the export of cut flowers would earn a great deal of foreign currency. But there is other side to the coin. The artificial cultivation of flowers in greenhouses is said to be the most polluting agricultural activity humanity has ever created. The industry

originates from Western Europe. Holding 60 per cent of the world trade in cut flowers, The Netherlands is by far the most important flower producing country. During the past two decades, however, the flower industry has gained a foothold in the Third World but run by developed countries. For instance, floriculture in Kenya is largely in the hands of foreign investors, including the British-Dutch multinational Unilever. According to a report,the Indian flower industry pollutes the environment. Though the Indian Government spends huge amounts on subsidies in export of flowers, the profits go to foreign investors. The Indian labourers do hazardous work in greenhouses for moderate wages and without any social security. Though floriculture creates employment, there is a need for achieving the right balance between the benefits and the costs (in terms of workers' health). The sector is also capital intensive. An acre needs an investment of two to three lakh US Dollar.

Celebrate with your Valentine on the sands of Fisherman's Cove Spend quality time on the sands with your valentine and enjoy the day with two romantic dining options. A celebration table, some sparkling wine, exotic food and just the two of you! Choose from 'Two by the Bay' or 'From Watch Tower Dining to the beach Cabanas'. For reservations, call 67413333

Owned Edited and Published by S. Raghunathan Editorial and Advertisement Office: F 5 and 6 1st Floor, Leo Complex, New No: 41, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017. Ph: 42867771, 42697393