Monthly Archives: December 2013

Coir board looking at coconut development in Pudukottai

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, E M Sundarsana Natchiappan, addressing at a seminar on coconut development in Pudukottai. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, E M Sundarsana Natchiappan, addressing at a seminar on coconut development in Pudukottai. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Union Minister tells farmers to emulate their counterparts in Pollachi

The Coir Board of India is satisfied over the potential of coconut production in Pudukottai district and all efforts will be taken to provide subsidy and other benefits being implemented through the Board, said E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industries.

Delivering the keynote address at the day-long state-level seminar-cum-exhibition on “coconut development” organised jointly by the Coir Board of India, the Pudukottai District Coconut Farmers’ Federation, and the Aranthangi Coconut Farmers Association here on Saturday, Mr. Sudarsana Natchiappan said that the board, after a survey, had identified the potential of the district in coconut production. He appealed to the coconut farmers to fully utilise the subsidy-based programmes being implemented by the board. Every farmer would get an annual subsidy of Rs. 17,500 a hectare for two years and fertilizers would be supplied to farmers.

With a view to tapping the potential of coconut largely available in this belt, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries would set up a coconut and coir handicrafts design centre in Karaikudi. The modalities were worked out in this regard, he said.

Hemachandran, Deputy Director of Coir Board of India, Kochi, explained the steps taken by the board after realising the potential of Pudukottai district in coconut production. He appealed to farmers to emulate the example of Pollachi where the producers got prospective returns and ensured quality in produce.

G.S. Dhanapathy, District Chairman of Farmers Forum of India, said the objective of the seminar was to evolve ways and means for value addition in coconut products and for promoting export.

Speakers from various government departments explained the agricultural inputs, subsidy, and compensation being provided by the Union and State governments to coconut growers.

An exhibition was organised as part of the seminar. Mechanisation in coconut cultivation was explained to the visiting coconut growers. It sought to sensitise the visitors on marketing coconut and value-added produce.

A large number of coconut farmers from across the State participated in the seminar.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Special Correspondent / Aranthangi – December 01st, 2013

Two-Day Expo Offers Insight Into Disability Management

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Science & Technologies
Dr V Kanagasabai inspects a prosthetic limb at the two-day exhibition ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities | A Raja Chidambaram
Dr V Kanagasabai inspects a prosthetic limb at the two-day exhibition ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities | A Raja Chidambaram

Close to three percent of the Indian population are differently-abled, said Dr V Kanagasabai, Dean, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government  General Hospital on Monday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day exhibition at the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at KK Nagar ahead of International Day of  Persons with Disabilities, which falls on Tuesday.

Kanagasabai said that among the differently-abled, more than one percent are visually challenged, 0.6 percent have locomotor disability and another 0.6 percent are hearing impairing, while the rest are either mute or suffer cerebral palsy.

“Apart from that, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of road accidents where people lose their limbs or vision or become paralysed. For them, we offer immediate  treatment at the RGGGH and are later sent for rehabilitation,” the dean said after inaugurating the exhibition.

He also elaborated on the services offered at the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. He said that they manufacture prostheses and orthotics for those  who lose their limbs and the paraplegic. “Awareness about disabled-friendly environments is slowly picking up,” the dean said when he spoke about the United Nations theme for this year – Break Barriers, Open Doors: For An Inclusive Society and Development For All.

Stressing that the aim of the two-day exhibition was to create public awareness on the hospital’s work on disability management, Dr C Ramesh, Director and Head of the institution, said there were about 20 stalls, including one that has a display of artificial limbs for amputees and calipers. “We have stalls that attempt to give an idea  on the rehabilitation we do here, including physical medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more.”

The exhibition also had live demonstrations on small scale projects focusing on self-employment and micro loans from various centres. NGOs that had been working towards the upliftment of the differently-abled also participated in the expo, apart from displaying artwork, artificial jewellery and other products made by  them.

The Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, which was part of the Government General Hospital, moved to the present campus in KK Nagar in 1979. The 60 -bed hospital treats about 150 out-patients a day and supplies over 1000 artificial limbs a year for nominal amount of `38 and calipers and splints at `30.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / December 03rd, 2013

Bat count falls as old temples undergo renovation

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Tirunelveli :

On the dark roofs of old, derelict temples hang these nocturnal mammals, oblivious to the buzz during day. As sun sets, they leave their abode and chart their path using their echolocation instincts. The seemingly insignificant bird, however, plays a pivotal role in agrarian ecology as it can check the growth of pests. However, the habitat of temple bats is in danger as many old temples are being renovated across the southern region.

The number of bats residing in temples has fallen drastically from 4,166 to hardly 2,000 within one year, says a recent study carried out by M Mathivanan, a member of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology (ATREE), and two foreign volunteers. The previous study was carried out a year back. Most of the 61 temples visited by the team in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, were a century to a millennia old.

“Lot of renovation is carried out in temple towers. This is destroying the habitat of temple bats. They leave as the once-dark spaces are illuminated after renovation and the rough surface where they perch is polished. It is difficult to hang from smooth ceilings and bright light scares them,” Mathivanan explained.

Experts said disappearance of bats will definitely impact agriculture. “Every bat consumes approximately 600 insects per hour and most bat species feed on insects. They play a crucial role in controlling pests in the field and environment in general,” said R Marimuthu of Zoo Outreach Organisation. “The fruit-eating bats on the other hand are crucial for pollination. The seeds are germinated better in their guts, hence they help in reviving forest species,” he pointed out.

Till a few decades back farmers used bat droppings as nutrients for chilly cultivation, the study noted. Rakshamuthu, a farmer of Ayansingampatti, said they used to collect the droppings from forests as well as temples. “Bat droppings should be mixed with cow dung as using the former alone would prove to be an overdose for plants due to its nutrient profusion. One sack of droppings will be enough for one acre and it was used predominantly in chilly cultivation. The practice disappeared with the usage of modern chemical fertilisers,” the old farmer recalled.

ATREE has decided to test bat droppings in agriculture. “We are testing it on paddy because most chilly farms in this region have been turned into paddy fields,” Mathivanan said.

Though temples need timely renovation, conservationists advocated that bat habitats could still be saved by avoiding lights on renovated towers. Further, bat houses could be established near agricultural fields so that they stay near the fields, helping pollination and pest control. “Considering the contribution of bats to ecology, we have decided to promote awareness on the need to conserve temple bats and their habitat in the region. We hope using bat droppings in paddy cultivation will yield good results,” Mathivanan added.

Factfile:

* The bat species found in temples: Schneider’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros speoris), Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma iyra), Leschenault’s rousette (Rousettus leschenaultii), Black-bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) and Egyptian free-tailed bat (Tadarida aegyptiaca)

* Leschenault’s rousette is a fruit-eating one, while the rest are insectivores

* Insectivorous bats help to check growth of pests, while fruit-eating bats help in pollination and germination

* The number of temple bats declined by half in the last two years – from 4,116 to 2,000

* Study covered 61 temples in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Renovation / by J. Arockiaraj, TNN / December 03rd, 2013

Aiming for AIDS-Free Generation

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Science & Technologies

Asha Nivas and Queen Mary’s College organised an AIDS Awareness programme at the Queen Mary’s College on Monday. The program was themed ‘For an AIDS free generation’.

A Viluppattu presentation was given by the Asha Nivas Culture Group on HIV/AIDS, the way it spreads, the risks involved in it and the precautions one had to take to prevent contracting the disease.

The programme also had Kurian Thomas, director of Asha Nivas, G Bhaskaran, NSS co-ordinator, University of Madras, S Sridhar from the Men and Women Clinic, Anna Nagar, and Lilly Josephine, chief community development Officer, Asha Nivas, speaking to the students attending the program.

Eswari Ramesh, NSS programme officer, Queen Mary’s College, also added that the program was one of the hundred events that QMC was planning to conduct to celebrate the college’s centenary, which falls in  the academic year 2014-15.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / December 03rd, 2013

Lamborghini tractors to launch in India on Dec 12

Business & Economy, Science & Technologies, World Opinion
Lamborghini tractors have the potential to change the way India's view farm vehicles.
Lamborghini tractors have the potential to change the way India’s view farm vehicles.

Soon there will be a name everyone knows in fields across India. On December 12, Lamborghini will launch its luxurious tractors here as part of the Kisan agri exhibition being held at Pune.

Though the Italian brand Lamborghini is usually associated with sports cars, its tractors have a longer history since they were launched in mid 1950s, even before the cars. The tractor brands has been owned by the SDF Group since 1973.

In India the tractors are manufactured at SDF’s plant in Ranipet, primarily for export. The plant is a global production hub for many of SDF’s internationally renowned tractor models including Deutz-Fahr.

Lamborghini tractors have the potential to change the way India’s view farm vehicles. Initially, the plan is to target rich farmers, golf courses, vine yards, cricket stadia and luxury resorts.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> FE Online / New Delhi – Monday, December 02nd, 2013

Bespoke Canvases

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
Artist Amrithaa with a creative canvas in the background | P Ravikumar
Artist Amrithaa with a creative canvas in the background | P Ravikumar

Custom art for your home. That’s what advertising exec-turned-artist Amrithaa does for a living. And stepping into the splash of green of her living room at T Nagar, it’s easy to understand why. You see that in this designer’s home, every room is a canvas. From her nature-fresh sofa cushions that make you feel a bit like you’re in a Lyril ad to digital art, custom-made to fit into different spaces — there’s even one above the commode in the bathroom! More importantly, every art indulgence is as personal as they come. There’s a large canvas of suspended motorbikes in one bedroom (a passion of her son’s) and a collage of neon yellow touched photos of a memorable New York trip with Amrithaa and her husband in another. “I think I’ve actually been customising art all my life,” she admits. And after a degree in Fine Arts and 22 years in the ad business, creativity is a given.

Ironically, Amrithaa’s venture of creating canvases for aesthetic homes began last year while remodelling her own apartment, when an argumentative architect told her that ‘some of her design ideas just weren’t possible’. Her husband smiles as he recalls, “So she asked him, if I do it and show you, will you shut up then?”

Needless to say, every guest, friend or relative who visits the space now can’t stop piling on the praise. Back then, it was impossible fittings. These days though, it’s about impossible-to-find art. “I have one client who recently asked me for erotica,” she tells us. “And another one who has given me a project for a 20-foot piece metal mural that starts on the ground floor and goes as high as the first floor of the building!” Of course, some art enthusiasts just want to keep it simple. Compact canvases in sizes that are made-to-fit, are often painted on request to match or contrast the room’s interiors. “This is something you will never find,” says Amrithaa candidly. “First of all, if you go shopping for art – it’s up to you to find a way to weave the frame into your home space. It’s not like you can commission an artist for one piece that matches the colour scheme of your dining room!” she adds.

With a creative team that handles everything from photography to fibre glass work and graffiti, this home designer promises a dose of colour to suit just about any palette. “And we use archival quality canvases that are guaranteed to last 150 years,” she points out, upping her proposition a notch. One has to wonder out loud though — with a passion for art, why not just start a gallery? Amrithaa takes a moment before she responds. “That would mean getting into the retail business,” she states simply. “I just want to focus on what I love most, my art.”

Amrithaa’s made-to-order art pieces are priced at `5,000 upward, depending on size. For details, log on to her website www.haute-arts.com

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities>Chennai / by Sonali Shenoy / ENS – Chennai / December 02nd, 2013

Treasure trove dug out at village pond

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Science & Technologies
TreasureCF15dec2013
Thanjavur:
 An ancient copper urn and a treasure trove were unearthed by workers engaged in desilting a village pond near Amma­pettai. A group of 10 workers, led by panchayat president Manickam, was busy desilting the pond located on a field owned by Kirubanandam at Thirubuvanam Tho­ppu street near Amma­pettai on Saturday.
One of the workers, Krishnasamy stumbled upon the ancient copper burial urn. When he dug further, he unearthed a treasure trove which included one set of ear-studs, two sets of girdle-like ornament (oddiyanam) worn by women, a gold chain and two gold coins, all weighing 7.3 sovereigns (59 grams).
Krishnasamy took the treasure trove to his house much to the chagrin of the other workers. On being informed, revenue and police officials from Papanasam rushed to his house and seized the treasure trove.
They took it to the Papanasam taluk office. Later, the copper urn and gold ornaments were handed over to officials of the state archaeology department for further examination. The age of the copper urn and the gold ornaments is yet to be ascertained, sources said. Revenue officials have also ordered locals not to undertake any more work at the spot.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / December 02nd, 2013

Chamber invites Japan to invest in Coimbatore

Business & Economy, World Opinion

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, has invited Japanese automobile component manufacturers to invest here.

The chamber president, R. R. Balasundharam, said that about 30 automobile component manufacturers from Japan are participating at the Automotive Parts Procurement Exhibition in Chennai organised by the Automotive Components Manufacturers’ Association of India and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

“I met the participants in Chennai on Monday and invited them to Coimbatore,” he said.

The manufacturers have a market in India. Many of them have set up plants in India in cities such as Pune and Chennai. Instead of focusing on select cities, they can explore opportunities in other tier-two cities too.

Coimbatore is known for availability of skilled workforce and several manufacturing units here are supplying components and spares to automobile manufacturers. Japanese investments here will give a boost to the manufacturing units in Coimbatore, he said.

The Chamber has also invited the JETRO representatives to visit Coimbatore.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Special Correspondent / Coimbatore – November 29th, 2013

Turtle conservation plan for Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park in the offing

Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature

Ramanathapuram :

Wildlife officials at the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GoMMNP) are coming out with a turtle conservation plan to protect turtle species and their nesting sites in the coastal region. The national  park is home to a variety of species like Olive Ridley, Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles and the entire coastal region of Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli falling in the Gulf of Mannar are their nesting grounds. While the Leatherback and Hawksbill are critically endangered, the Green and Olive Ridley turtles fall under the endangered and vulnerable categories, respectively as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Though found in good numbers once, the exhaustive fishing activities and coastal establishments and poaching threaten these marine species and the proper conservation plan will be beneficial to save them, wildlife officials from the national park said. Deepak S Bilgi, wildlife warden of GoMMNP said that the conservation plan will work towards conserving the turtles as well as their nesting sites. The restoration of the beaches where they nest and deploying anti-poaching watchers will be part of the plan, he said. They are also planning a hatchery for the turtle eggs and if the funding permits they will come out with that also, Bilgi added. “The conservation plan is in final stages and it would be implemented shortly,” he said.

Wildlife officials said that Arichalmunai, Dhanushkodi, Pamban and Kanirajapuram beaches in Ramanathapuram district and Vaipparu area of Tuticorin district are usually found to be the nesting grounds though the conservation plan will undertake further studies on the nesting sites. While the fishing activities pose danger to the adults, the eggs suffer poaching by humans and feral dogs on the beaches. Though poaching of adults have been reported in the region the number of such incidents has come down over the period, the officials added.

Meanwhile, conservationists stressed on creating awareness among the fishing folk. S Bharathidasan of Arulagam, a Coimbatore-based wildlife NGO who has worked in Tirunelveli beaches on turtle conservation between 2006 and 2010 said the fisher folk should be sensitised on using turtle excluder in their fishing gear. “The turtles are poached predominantly for their meat. Though there is awareness on poaching and the number of incidents declining, the real need is to save the turtles being caught in fishing gear. They drown and get killed once they entangled in the nets. Even if the fishermen discard them upon pulling the nets, the turtles would have been dead by then,” he explained. “In such cases, using turtle excluder will help conservation measures and the awareness among the fishermen to use it should be given more thrust,” he opined.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Olive Ridley / by J. Arockiaraj, TNN / November 29th, 2013

IIT-Madras students bag Nissan scholarship

Education, Science & Technologies

Chennai :

Suraj Vallamkonda and Sripriya Kalidoss, in their third year of mechanical engineering at IIT Madras, have won the Nissan Global Foundation scholarship for this year.

In its fourth year, the Nissan initiative, besides recognising two students of IIT Madras every year for their efforts in automotive engineering, also offers internships for students and assists young researchers. The winners get a Rs 1.2-lakh grant and training at the carmaker’s plants and research centres in Japan.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> News> National / by The Hindu Bureau  bharani.v@thehindu.co.in / Chennai – November 29th, 2013