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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Metro Map - Spots where the Metro Rail stations will be located - TOI

Koyambedu: Near Koyambedu vegetable market on Tiruvalluvar street

CMBT: Inside the mofussil bus terminus campus

Arumbakkam: Near Aiswarya Mahal on 100 Feet Road

Vadapalani: Near SRM complex on 100 Feet Road

Ashok Nagar/KK Nagar: Opposite Udhayam theatre

SIDCO: Opposite Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET)

Alandur: Near Kathipara flyover

Officers Training Academy: Opposite the main entrance of OTA on GST Road

Little Mount: Near Temple Steps on Anna Salai

Guindy: Opposite Guindy suburban railway station

Monday, June 28, 2010

IIT Madras’ social networking site for engg students - TOI Article

Chennai: A social-networking portal created by alumni of IIT-M, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi for engineering students has grown from an ambitious startup to a popular tool that helps and guides students in engineering education, according to a press release from IIT.
Btechguru.com is a free online portal that was incubated in the department of management studies of IIT Madras and consists of free and open source content and also provides students an opportunity to collaborate with their peers through blogs, bookmarks and videos. Several students have benefited from the portal, as it contains links to open courseware of different universities, a huge collection of free e-books for engineering and competitive examinations, interview tips and information about civil services.
Btechguru also provides formats and samples of Bank statement copies, statement for purpose for all engineering branches, recommendation letter and other legal documents which are essentials for higher studies abroad.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Corporation offers Rs 5/kg for recyclable waste - Source TOI

Are you staying in any one of the six zones where Chennai Corporation does conservancy operations? Then think twice before dumping recyclable waste into the street bins. Conservancy staff of the corporation will soon knock on your door with a weighing balance to collect recyclable waste. And you get paid Rs 5 per kg for paper, plastic and other recyclable stuff.

More info @ Corp offers Rs.5/kg for recyclable waste

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Places in & around ECR

You can refer below link for the places in ECR:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Road
http://smartlearningcurve.blogspot.com/2010/06/ecr-mahabhalipuram.html

Chandra, you can refer above link. Thought of commenting to your post, but couldnt do so because I am not able to see the text box while clicking the comments hyperlink.

Two Anna Univs, unitary & affiliating type, from now

Chennai: With the state government appointing a vice chancellor for a new Anna University of Technology (AUT) in Chennai, the existing 32-yearold Anna University is set to revert as a unitary-type university, a status which it had enjoyed until nine years ago. Evidently such a transition has its pros and cons.

“The reversion as a unitary university will make a positive difference. Professors will be able to dedicate more time towards developing their departments and concentrate on industrial consultancy and research. It gives us a sense of relief,” acknowledged a senior professor.

“But the larger issue is funding. As a unitary university, we used to struggle to foot the monthly salary bills of Rs 20 crore. The government takes its own time to reimburse the salary bill forcing us to make internal financial adjustments. Whereas, in an affiliating university huge money comes from affiliation and examination fee,” observed a former administrator.

For the time being the monetary commitment can be handled since the existing second, third and final year students of the affiliated colleges will continue to be a part of the present Anna University. “The crisis will begin two years later when the university will be hard-pressed to raise enough money through research and industrial consultancy for meeting contingent recurring expenditure,” he added.

A section of senior professors who had donned administrative responsibilities over the past nine years are understandably upset.

“Losing control of the affiliated colleges is an emotional moment. In December 2001, when we were given control of over 220 self-financing engineering colleges across Tamil Nadu, it was challenging. The regional universities like University of Madras were handling the affiliation process although they did not have a true understanding of technical knowledge of the subject, emerging areas and courses. We assumed responsibility, set high standards in technical education and created a model for others to follow. Today, we are being asked to leave what we had nurtured,” said a professor.

From 1978 to December 2001, the Anna University had functioned as a premier institution with the College of Engineering, A C College of Technology and School of Architecture and Planning in Guindy and the Madras Institute of Technology in Chromepet as its departments.

Since late 2001, the university has enjoyed powers to affiliate engineering colleges. On a recommendation from eminent academicians M Anandakrishnan and V C Kulandaisamy, both former vice chancellors of the university, the government last year agreed to restore its unitary status.

The new AUT will now take up the responsibility of dealing with over 150 affiliated colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and other parts of north Tamil Nadu.



ROLE REVERSAL:

Anna varsity established in 1978 as unitary institution.

Converted into affiliating university in 2001.

In 2009 it was decided to create a new Anna University of Technology.

The new university will handle affiliation of engg colleges.

Anna varsity professors will not concentrate on research/consultancy.

Existing 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students will remain with Anna University.

Only fresher students will come under AUT control in 2010-11.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5951352.cms

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Places to roam around in Chennai

Hello Friends! Any suggestions for good places to roam around in Chennai?
Let me give you a list of the places that I have been to - Spencer's plaza, which I feel now is a commonplace and I would say City Center is a much better place to loiter. Mayajaal in ECR road, a good choice for watching movies after Inox and Sathyam, and if a couple of hours are left for the movie - there is bowling,  shopping stalls and for people with affinity towards alcohol there is resto bar with lots of TV screens. MGM again in  ECR road  has got water themes and I loved it -  it's much better maintained than golden beach. Bela Ciao, the best ambiance I've seen in Chennai- located near Thiruvanmiyur Beach, owned by an Italian, one can enjoy authentic Italian dish. The place is a little expensive and best suited for couples. Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot's Beach), one of the best beaches in Chennai - can see children skating around during sundays, the straight pavement in there is clean and excellent for morning or an evening walk. That's it I can't spare more time :) thinking about more places that I've visited. So Junta, do tell me what more exciting places can be dwelled in Chennai?

House Rent Allowance

How to Calculate the Income Tax Exemption on House Rent Allowance (HRA)?

If you happen to be a salaried employee claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) from your employer, you are eligible for an Income Tax exemption under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act. How do you calculate this exemption amount? Simple.

Find the minimum of the following three options:

1. Actual house rent allowance received from your employer.
2. Actual house rent paid by you minus 10% of your basic salary.
3. 50% of your basic salary if you live in a metro or 40% of your basic salary if you live in a non-metro.

This minimum figure is the allowed income tax exemption on house rent allowance. It’s prudent to work this out so that you can structure the other components of your variable pay better.

Have you ever looked close at the statement of tax generated each month (along with your salary slip) by your employer? Do you understand where your money is going? If no, it’s high time you did.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Tips to fight dehydration - Source TOI

To combat dehydration non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. — www.pragyatv.com

Dehydration is common in summer. It simply means shortage of water in the body. Every cell in your body needs water in order to function properly. An adult's body weight is 60 per cent water, while an infant's is up to 80 per cent water.

Causes

Insufficient liquid intake - Excessive loss of liquids due to diarrhoea, sunstroke or vomiting.

Symptoms

Furious thirst. Loss of elasticity of skin and wrinkling. Diminished muscular endurance Dizziness, nausea Drowsiness, headache Tachycardia (galloping heart rate) Increased body temperature Extreme exhaustion

Tips to combat

Non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. A pinch each of sugar and salt in a cup of water. Water flushes wastes from the body through urine. Take Nimbupani during prolonged exercise. Bel, Sauf water, Aam Ka Pana, Khas Khas Sharbat help curb appetite. Plump up wrinkles with frequent fluid and seasonal vegetable.
Watermelon, sweet melon quench thirst.
Bananas are recommended for water and potassium depletion.
Chamomile tea has the added benefit of being a natural pain reliever so it helps relieve the stomach cramps that often accompany dehydration.
Decaffeinated teas are also excellent.

Warning

In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids are essential, and immediate hospitalization is a must.

Health tips:

Bring 2 cups of water to boil for 2-4 minutes in a stainless steel pan (do not use aluminium)and put it aside. Then add ½ tsp of whole coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp, whole fennel (saunf) , two 1 inch slices of fresh ginger root and let it soak. After 10 minutes strain out the spices and pour the water into a thermos flask. Sip throughout the day for quenching your thirst.

Eager to watch Raavanan & Raavan

The D-day had arrived. Raavanan & Raavan is releasing across the world today. The dubbed version of the film in Telugu as Villain is also hitting the theatres.

I am very much eager to watch this ManiRatnam multi starrer movie for visuals and the music. I would like to watch the movie both in Tamil & Hindi versions.

Rating of the movie - 3.5/5 - Source - TOI

Visit for the review @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raavan/moviereview/6058139.cms

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Govt drops plan to tax PF withdrawals - Source - TOI

In a major relief to the middle class, the government on Tuesday proposed to drop its earlier suggestions of taxing withdrawals from provident funds, pension funds and pure life insurance schemes and of imposing tax on retirement and in-service perks given by employers.

DTC[Direct Tax Code] Gets Less Taxing

Change: Provident fund, pension funds, life insurance to continue under EEE (exemptexempt-exempt) system instead of EET (exempt-exempt-taxation)
Implication: Withdrawals from these schemes will remain tax-exempt as at present. Earlier draft of Direct Tax Code (DTC) had proposed to tax them
C: Interest payments on home loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh per annum to be tax-exempt for self-occupied homes
I: Concession that earlier draft had proposed to remove will continue to be available
C: Long-term capital gains to be imposed on graded basis
I: Currently, zero tax on such gains. Earlier draft had proposed to add the gains fully to income. Revisions means only a part of the gains will be added, depending on how long the asset has been held
C: Employer’s contribution to retirement benefits to be tax-exempt
I: Earlier draft would have added these as perks to your income and hence raised tax liability. That won’t happen now
C: MAT to be on book profits
I: Earlier draft proposed minimum alternate tax (MAT) on basis of company’s gross assets, meaning even loss-making firms may have had to pay the tax. That won’t happen now.

More information @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-drops-plan-to-tax-PF-pension-funds-withdrawals/articleshow/6052092.cms

Source - TOI

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

TN explores 'dual degree in 3 yrs' for Arts & Science courses - Source TOI

TN govt set up a committee to look the feasibility of dual degree in undergraduate courses in ARTS & Science colleges.

*** Students may get two degrees in three years by simultaneously pursuing dual undergraduate courses in arts and science colleges.
*** The concept would not only enhance their employability potential but also widen the choice for postgraduate education.
*** A five-member high level panel of academics has been constituted to study in-depth the concept.

More info on http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/TN-explores-dual-degree-in-3-yrs-concept/articleshow/6048733.cms

Source - Times of India

Monday, June 14, 2010

ECR & Mahabhalipuram

Went to following places in ECR and Mahabhalipuram yesterday with parents and relatives.
1) Prathyangira Devi Temple, Shollinganallur:
Details @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sholinganallur_Prathyangira_Devi_Temple,

2) DakshinaChitra - http://www.dakshinachitra.net/
Ticket cost was Rs.75 per person, but it was worth giving. This contains cultural things [be it old houses, crafts] related to South India. We can get down @ MGM Dizzee world Bus stop and DakshinaChitra is 300 metres away from there.

3) Muttukadu Boat House

4) Kovalam Beach

5) Mahabhalipuram - Sea shore temple, Scluptures made of single stone like five rathas, elephant, etc.

Only thing which was not good was the weather. Day before yesterday the weather was good but yesterday it was too hot that roaming around these places was difficult one.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Bhopal Gas Tragedy Verdict

Climate in Chennai for the past one week is pretty good. Its been cloudy and raining. Request Varuna Bhagavan to be there for few more days in Chennai:-). And verdict in Bhopal tragedy is shocking. Just 2 years of imprisonment for killing more than 20000 people and making above 6 lakhs [still counting - the aftermath of effect is still there] people life miserable wasn't really an appreciable verdict. These kind of incidents make me feel if there is really a person called God. But on the other hand, my mind is telling "If you believe in something, believe truly". That tend me to believe God is there. I truly believe in Him. I do hope maximum punishment to those involved in the tragedy will happen soon. Hoping for a better future.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Puzzle Corner

2010-06-12
When 2^301 is divided by 5, the least positive remainder is ......
1. 4
2. 8
3. 2
4. 6

2010-06-10
The equation X-[2/(X-1)] = 1-[2/(X-1)] has
1. no roots
2. one root
3. two equal roots
4. infinite roots

2010-06-09
If (1+3+5+...+p)+(1+3+5+...+q) = (1+3+5+...+r), where each set of parentheses contains the sum of consecutive odd integers as shown, what is the smallest possible value of (p+q+r), where p>6?
(a) 12
(b) 21
(c) 45
(d) 54

Monday, June 7, 2010

Paa - Seen on Star Gold

Got a chance to see 'Paa' movie on Star Gold. Eventhough not able to see the whole movie because of power cut, I enjoyed the portions seen. It is about a rare genetic disease 'Progeria' and father - son relationship. Amitabh plays the kid with Progeria and Abhishek his father. Vidya Balan as mother of Amitabh. Story is all about how Amitabh unites Vidya and Abhishek together as they got separated as Abhishek wanted her to have an abortion when they first found out she was pregnant. After uniting them, at 13th birthday Amitabh dies due to Progeria.

I dont know Hindi, but I quiet enjoyed the movie because a meaningful cinema doesnt need language to understand. Its all about human emotions.

Music by Ilayaraja and he had remixed 2 of his earlier songs. Director of Photography is P C Sriram.

You can see more details about the movie at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paa_(film)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Singam - Want to see one more time

Here I come with "Singam" Review. I watched the movie @ Bangalore in a local theatre. Though the film was commercial masala flick, I enjoyed it. Its been long since I had seen a Tamil movie [for that case a movie in theater].

Now, coming to Singam, cast includes Surya, Anushka, Prakashraj, Vivek, Radha Ravi, Sumithra, Nasser, Vijayakumar, Manorama, Bose Venkat & others. Except for Surya & Prakashraj, no other roles are well crafted eventhough other supporting cast just supports the story. Even Surya and PrakashRaj's roles are having only shades of normal Tamil Hero and Villain, but it is that both of them pull off their roles very well.

I dont want to go much into Story. Its a normal hero and villain story and finally good wins over the bad. But the screenplay makes it watchable. Director Hari is known for his commercial flicks like Sami, Aaru, Vel, Kovil, etc. where the story wont be much new but screenplay does the trick. Ofcourse, there are logical loopholes in Singam but you cant see logics in a masala movie.

There is a ensemble cast as I already mentioned and their screen presence does help the film and screen presence is complete.

Vivek does a comic relief and few scenes of him come out really well.

Music is by Devi Sri Prasad and most of the songs are fine. Especially the melodious 'En Idhayam', rocking 'Stole my heart' and 'Kadhal Vandhale' [which starts with Everybody listen samba pamba rumba thumba].

Action sequences were more heroic [nothing can be expected because its a commercial movie]

I dont have much knowledge on other departments of the film like Cinematography, editing, etc.

As always, heroines doesnt have a role in these kind of movies. What surprised me was "Bose Venkat" who is well known for his acting, does nothing or not having substantial role here.

Singam was released by BIG Pictures and Sun Pictures.

Having said all this, I am eager to watch the movie once again.