- 35 children rescued in NGO's campaign against child labour
Mumbai, Feb 14: Over 35 children selling goods in trains or engaged in begging in railway stations were today rescued by an NGO as part of its campaign against child labour in the city.Some of the children were also working as bootblacks at the four railway stations where the NGO Pratham conducted raids, one of its activists told PTI. - Kerala issues maximum number of passports
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: With the Middle East still a dream destination for many in Kerala, the state leads the rest of India in the number of passports issued.In the last fiscal, a record 616,906 passports were given out from three passport offices in the state, according to figures provided by the external affairs ministry. - Sri Lankan nationals sent to jail in drug case
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: Three Sri Lankan nationals, including a woman, have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment in a narcotics case by a district court here.Additional District and Sessions Judge Thajudeen Koya awarded the punishment yesterday to the Sri Lankans of Tamil origin after they were found guilty of possessing heroin in a case registered in April 2005. - Media running after controversies: CM
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said that the media was at present giving undue importance to controversies while ignoring real issues. Kerala Govt. orders probe into baton charge on Christians
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: The Kerala Government has ordered a probe into the baton charge and use of water cannons by police on thousands of Christians, including priests, to disperse them during a protest rally here.The probe was ordered after the Church leaders lodged a complaint on Tuesday. - Alarming rise in road mishaps in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: There has been an alarming increase in road accidents in Kerala, with recent studies showing that an average of 112 mishaps are reported a day, claiming at least nine lives.The toll in road mishaps in the last 14 years stood at 35,000, which matches the population of a panchayat in the state, according to figures released at a workshop organised by the National Transportation and Rsearch Centre (NATPC) and the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre recently. - New division would create better, more infrastructure
Coimbatore, Feb 14: The local chapter of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry today said that new Salem Railway division would pave way for creation of better and more infrastructure and other amenities for Coimbatore Railway area passengers and trade.Welcoming the announcement made by R Velu, Union Minister of State for Railways that the foundation stone for the division would be laid on April 14, the Chamber President D Balasundaram said the division would be more convenience for administrative purpose, besides reducing the financial burden to a great extent. - Govt to evolve consensus on festival fireworks
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: With temple festivals in Kerala facing problems due to recent court orders restricting fireworks display and ear-dinning percussion orchestra, Kerala Government today decided to convene a meeting of the authorities concerned to evolve a consensus on the issue.Disclosing this during his weekly media briefing, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the date of the meeting would be decided later. - Remission for prisoners
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: In a humanitarian gesture, Kerala's LDF Government today proposed remission in jail terms for the prisoners in view of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the state-formation.The cabinet proposed upto two years of relaxation in the case of prisoners serving life-terms and upto 15 days for those lodged for three months in prisons, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said during his weekly media briefing. - Anusat to be launched in September
Chennai, Feb 13: Anusat, a micro-satellite developed by Anna University here, will be launched using the PSLV rocket in September, a top official said today."We are encouraging such programmes which help institutions make test satellites," Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman G Madhavan Nair told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function here. - Sales Tax officer in ACB net
Mumbai, Feb 13: A Sales Tax officer was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a hotel owner at his office in the satellite township of Navi Mumbai today.Prashant Satav, the Sales Tax officer attached to the Ghatkopar branch, had demanded Rs 30,000 as bribe from one Bahadur Singh alleging there were some anomalies regarding the latter's Sales Tax returns. - Sudhakaran mellows down
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: In a bid to soften the impact of his remark that Chief Minister's post was of no significance for a party like CPI(M), Co-operation Minister G Sudhakaran today said every leader, including state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, was being led by V S Achuthanandan.Addressing reporters here, Sudhakaran, identified with the Pinarayi faction in the party, said what he meant the other day was that party state secretary was the "number one", as he was entrusted with the task of protecting the party. - Party president entrusted to take action against Raman Pillai
Aluva, Feb 13: A meeting of BJP leaders here today entrusted party state president P K Krishnadas to take action against dissident leader K Raman Pillai, who had recently floated a cultural outfit.The meeting said the cultural outfit 'Janapaksham' was creating confusion, affecting the smooth functioning of the party in the state. - Major fire at Acetylene storage station of CSL
Kochi, Feb 13: A major fire broke out at the Acetylene storage station of the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) this afternoon following gas leak but nobody was injured as there were no workers inside the station.The station houses 150 gas cylinders which were parallelly connceted to a pipeline to supply gas for cutting steel and welding works. - Rs 3000 crore farm sector package for Kerala
Idukki (Kerala), Feb 13: The government would grant a Rs 3,000 crore revival package for the crisis-hit cash crop farm sector in Kerala.Giving details of the scheme, Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh said Rs 60 crore would be extended for cardamom, Rs 100 crore for coffee, Rs 350 crore for tea, Rs 60 crore for cashew, Rs 450 crore for rubber and Rs 1,350 crore for coconut. - Police baton-charge Orthodox march
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: At least eight persons, including a priest, were injured when police used batons and teargas to disperse followers of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church who organised a march today to protest a government decision allowing prayers to be held at a disputed seminary.The march, which began from the Martyrs' Column turned violent when some stones were thrown at the marchers as they reached the secretariat, officials said. - High Court seeks details of prisoners overstaying parole
Kochi, Feb 13: The Kerala High Court today directed the state government to inform details regarding cases in which prisoners have overstayed their parole period.The direction in this regard was issued by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice K Padmanabhan Nair on suo motu proceedings regarding grant of parole. - Special Courts to try women's harrassment cases
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: Special courts would be set up in Kerala for the speedy trial of cases relating to harrassment of women, state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said today.How dare Farrukh Dhondy say I'm a fake: Shilpa Shetty
By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 14: Shilpa Shetty has forgiven Jade Goody, her housemate in the British TV reality show "Celebrity Big Brother", for her offensive behaviour but hasn't yet gotten over author and scriptwriter Farrukh Dhondy's stinging criticism. - Trouble brewing in Kerala CPI-M in the name of god
By Sanu George, Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14: The growing rift in Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is taking on a religious hue. The reported visits to temples by the kin of some top leaders against the communist ideology have intensified the row in the party. - Fire in the acetylene station of CSL
Kochi, Feb 13: A major fire broke out at the acetylene station of the public sector Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) here today.There was a loud noise and smoke when the asbestos roof of the station, where acetylene gas used for welding and cutting is stored, was blown off around 2. - Fire in the acetylene station at Kochi shipyard
Kochi, Feb 13: A major fire broke out at the acetylene station of the state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) here today.The asbestos roof of the station, where acetylene gas used for welding and cutting is stored, was blown off at around 2. - International book fair to begin on Thursday
Kottayam, Feb 13: Over 250 publishers from India and foreign countries will participate in the 23rd 'Darsana International Book Fair' to be held here from February 15 to 24.Speaking to reporters today, Darsana Cultural Society Director, Father Sabu Koodappatt, said that it had made a sales of Rs 2. - Kerala to tackle entry of retail giants
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: The Kerala government has initiated action to counter the entry of retail majors like Wal-Mart and Reliance Industries into the state by providing huge subsidies for producing vegetables. Steps have been taken to see that the state agriculture department undertakes early procurement from the production centres so as to eliminate middlemen. - Polio case detected in Amravati
Mumbai, Feb 13: Maharashtra State Directorate of Health has confirmed a new case of polio in an 18-month-old girl child in Amravati district and will take up the next round of immunisation there and in its neighbourhood in March."After confirmation of this first case of polio in 2007, we are chalking out strategies and will include Amravati and its neibouring areas in the immunisation programme, scheduled for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts in March," a senior official of the Directorate Archana Patil told PTI today. - Final 11th plan document for Tamil Nadu would be ready by May end
Coimbatore, Feb 13: With an estimated plan expenditur of Rs 80,000 crore for the 11th five year plan period for Tamil Nadu, priority would be given to agriculture and related industries, Prof M Naganathan, Deputy Chairman, the State planning commission, said today.Since agriculture sector had witnessed a decline for the last 10 years and farmers suffering heavy losses, the commission would lay focus on schemes for developing the sector and remove the problems of farmers, Naganathan told reporters here. - Co-operatives to open outlets
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: In a move to check price rise, co-operative institutions in Kerala including Consumerfed would open 3,812 retail markets in the state to reach essential items to the people at an affordable price, state Co-operation Minister G Sudhakaran said here today.Talking to reporters he said the markets would function under the control of Consumerfed, the apex body of consumer co-operatives in the state. - A museum of love in Kerala's Alleppey district inspiring all ahead of Valentine's Day
Kochi, Feb.13: While millions of youngsters across the world would exchange red roses on Wednesday to mark St. - Mallika's bid to sensitise youth through art
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: Eminent danseuse Mallika Sarabhai who is on a mission to sensitise the urban youth on "burning issues" faced by the society, through art, said the response has been quite encouraging.Mallika, who is in Kerala with her new dance composition named 'Ansuni'(unheard voices), regrets that urban youth generally is insensitive to stark realities of the society like starvation, suppression of the underprivileged and muffling of the voices of dissent in many parts of the country, including her own state Gujarat. - 15,000 youths to spend Feb 14 with their valentine - Nature
Panaji, Feb 13: While the world will paint the upcoming Valentine's Day with pink, around 15,000 young hearts will wear green as they celebrate February 14 with their valentine - Nature - at the tiny Loutolim village in south Goa."Upto 15,000 school and college students will participate in this project, which will have these young hearts celebrating Valentine's Day with Nature," Maendra Alvares, the promotor of Big Foot -- the event's organisers -- told PTI. - `Haritasree' programme from Apr 14
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: Kerala government's `Haritasree' programme targetting the production of 15 lakh tonnes of vegetables would be commissioned on Apr 14, state Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Rathnakaran said today.The scheme would be jointly taken up by Agriculture department, Horticulture Corporation, Horticulture Mission, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council and Agricultural University, he told reporters here. - Arrears in welfare benefits for fishermen to be cleared
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: The arrears under various welfare schemes for fishermen who were members of the Fisheries Welfare Fund Board would be distributed to beneficiaries befor March 5, state Fisheries Minister S Sharma said today.A total of 51 special counters would be opened from Mar 1 to 3 at Welfare Fund Board offices to distribute the funds for fishermen, he told reporters here. - Centre alone responsible for price rise: CPI(M)
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13: Squarely blaming the UPA Government at the Centre for the current spell of price rise, CPI-M Kerala state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan today said his party would step up the struggle if the Manmohan Singh government refused to take corrective measures.Addressing an anti-price rise dharna, organised by the party in front of the General Post Office here, he said frequent increase in petroleum prices and encouragement of speculative trade were the main causes behind the unprecedented inflationary trend prevailing in the country. - A R Rahman receives Swaralaya-Kairali award
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12: Eminent music director A R Rahman was presented the prestigious Swaralaya-Kairali award for outstanding contribution at a colourful function here this evening.Rahman received the award from music legend K J Jesudas, in whose honour it is instituted by Swaralaya Cultural Forum and Kairali Television. - Workshop mechanic develops 'amphibious car'
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12: A mechanic here has developed a wonder machine out of an ordinary Maruti 800 -- an amphibious car that could run on land and wade through water.It was a dream come true for 28 year-old P S Vinod, who runs a workshop at Niramankara near here, when he successfully made its trial run in the Thiruvallam waters yesterday. - Jairam Ramesh visits crisis-hit plantation belt
Idukki, Feb 12: The UPA government was committed to take concrete steps for revivial of the crisis-hit tea plantations in Kerala's Idukki district, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said here today.Speaking to plantation workers during a visit to an estate at Vandiperiyar in the district, Ramesh said the government would spent Rs 200 crore from a special fund for this purpose. - Sudhakaran dares anyone to challenge Vijayan's sway in CPI-M
Kanhangad (Ker), Feb 12: CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan is the "supreme leader" and no one could challenge his authority in the party set up in Kerala, state Cooperation and Devaswom minister G Sudhakaran said today."Vijayan is entrusted with the task of steering CPI-M in the state and he can do the job for many more years like party veteran E M S Namboodiripad," Sudhakaran told reporters here. - New company for drugs distribution on anvil
Kottayam, Feb 12: A new company will be set up within a couple of months for purchasing and distributing medicines in the state, Minister for Health and Social Welfare P K Sreemathi said here today.After laying the foundation of a Trauma Care Centre at Medical College premises here, she said a vigilance committee will be formed to curtail corruption in government hospitals. - Over stretched shares' prices melt as Sensex falls 350 pts
Mumbai, Feb 12: Ahead of Budget, investors today opted to offload their holdings in the equity market, primarily influenced by stretched valuations, higher interest rate worries and profit-booking.The BSE Sensex today slipped 350 points to close at 14,190 points as against the last close of 14,538 points on Friday, a decline of 2. - Blade in butter: Probe ordered
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12: Taking serious note of the report of a rusty blade found in a packet of butter sold by Kerala's apex milk co-operative Milma, the state government today ordered a probe to ascertain the facts.The state Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran directed the Managing Director of Milma to verify whether the report was true, and, if so, take action on it, an official release said here. - Police should prepare mahazar during anti piracy raids: High Court
Kochi, Feb 12: Kerala High Court today directed that police should prepare mahazar during Anti piracy CD/VCD raids.The order in this regard was issued by justice Thothathil B Radhakrishnan while clarifying that the search and seziure should be done only after giving opportunity to video library owners individually. - PM launches Delhi edition of Malayalam daily 'Matrubhumi'
New Delhi, Feb 12 : Leading Malayalam daily Matrubhumi launched its north Indian edition here on Monday, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formally releasing the first copy. Chairman and Managing Director of Mathrubhumi, M P Veerendrakumar, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Kerala, presented the first copy of the 22-page daily to Singh at the Prime Minister's official residence 7, Race Course Road here. - Maharashtra sugar body seeks subsidies for export, farmers
Mumbai, Feb 12: The Maharashtra State Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation Ltd today submitted a memorandum to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, seeking subsidies for exporters as well as farmers.The Federation is demanding a Rs 200 per quintal export subsidy besides a Rs 200 per tonne of sugarcane subsidy which will be payable to the farmers. - Raj TV to finalise DTH agreement with Tata Sky in March
New Delhi, Feb 12: Raj Television Network Ltd today said it is likely to sign an agreement with Tata Sky to air its channels through the company's DTH platform by next month."The agreement, likely to come after the company's IPO later this month, would provide an access to all our channels on Tata Sky's DTH platform," Raj Television Network Ltd Director M Ravidran told reporters here. - Foundation comes out against Mohanlal's liquor ad
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12: Kottayam-based Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation has sent letters to the parents, wife and children of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal asking them to urge him not to appear in advertisements of liquor companies.According to Eby J Jose, Chairman of the Foundation, the letter reminded them that a popular actor should have commitment towards the people. - Police should prepare mahazar during anti piracy raids: HC
Kochi, Feb 12: Kerala High Court today directed that police should prepare mahazar during Anti piracy CD/VCD raids.The order in this regard was issued by justice Thothathil B Radhakrishnan while clarifying that the search and seziure should be done only after giving opportunity to video library owners individually. - BMS activist murdered
Thrissur, Feb 12: A Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh worker and secretary of BMS headload union of the Kerala Feeds factory at Kallettumkara near here was hacked to death today by a group of people suspected to be CPI (M) activists, police said.Shaju (39), who was in the dressing room of the factory, was attacked with lethal weapons, the police said adding, he was rushed to a hospital at Chalakudy where he succumbed to his injuries. - LDF escaping from problems: Chennithala
Kottayam, Feb 12: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala today accused the ruling LDF of "escaping" from the serious problems affecting the state by implicating itself in issues like Mullaperiyar and Cauvery.Inaugurating the road blockade by UDF activists to protest against various problems at the central junction here, Chennithala said the main problem was spiralling of price of essential items. - Kerala's student IT venture forays into Mob VAS
Thiruvananthapuram,Feb12: Kerala's pioneering student Information Technology initiative, Torque, is all set to foray into mobilephone-based value added services - Mob VAS - seeking to tap the country's fast growing mobile-based infotainment market.Conceived as a multi-million dollar venture supported by silent investors from India and abroad, Mobile Media and Entertainment-- 'MobMe'-- would offer a wide range of services entertainment, information and mCommerce, its CEO Sanjay Vijayakumar told a press meet here on Sunday. - It's thanks to god, says Sreesanth's mother
Kochi (Kerala) Feb 12: There was tension and prayers at Indian cricketer Sreesanth's home in Kerala and the prayers were finally heard when the bowler was selected for the Indian cricket World Cup squad Monday."Of course there were tense moments for us and we were a bit relieved after he did extremely well in yesterday's match. - Assurance to upgrade CUSAT
Kochi, Feb 12: The Cochin University of Science and Technology will be upgraded as Indian Institute of Engineering and Science Technology soon, Union Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh said today.Inaugurating the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary studies in the CUSAT here, Ramesh said the Human Resource and Development Ministry have assured that the university would be upgraded soon and an additional Rs 500 crore allocation would be made in the next five years, as the proposal was included in the 11th plan. - High Court directs Centre, CBI to inform stand
Kochi, Feb 12: The Kerala High Court today directed the Central government and CBI to inform their stand regarding CBI investigation into the Marad carnage which claimed nine lives in 2003.A Division Bench, comrpising Acting Chief Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice M N Krishnan, gave this direction while considering a PIL by Forum for Natural Justice, Palakaad, seeking CBI probe into the killings. - 'Mathrubhumi' edition launched in Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 12: Leading Malayalam daily 'Mathrubhumi' today launched an edition in the national capital with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh receiving the first copy.Wishing the newspaper all success, Singh said that Delhi needed a greater "Kerala presence". - 'Hindutva' high on agenda of global Hindu meet
By Sharat Pradhan, Allahabad, Feb 11: 'Hindutva' will be heavy on the agenda of the three-day global Hindu meet organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) here that could not take off Sunday due to incessant rain over the past 24 hours.Evidently, the objective behind the meet is to revive Hindu religious passions in the larger interest of providing political mileage to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the assembly elections in India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, later this year. - No urgency in giving posting to Akhther in TN: Karunanidhi
Chennai, Feb 11: Joining issue with AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said IPS officer Shakeel Akhther had applied for a transfer to Tamil Nadu 45 days before joining in-state service and there had been no "urgency" in giving him a posting.Writing in the DMK party organ Murasoli, Karunanidhi said Akhther was relieved from Central service on January 22 and allocated duties in the state on February 6. - Protests continue in Karnataka, bandh tomorrow
Bangalore, Feb 11: Protests against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's award continued in Karnataka for the seventh day today with farmers blocking roads and trains in Mandya district, even as police strengthened security ahead of a state-wide bandh tomorrow.Police said farmers blocked three trains, including the Chamundi Express, on the Bangalore-Mysore section but the situation remained peaceful. - Centre urged to review food policy
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 11: Concerned over rise in the prices of essential commodities, Kerala Food and Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran today said the state government's efforts to contain price rise had not become effective due to the "wrong policies" of the Centre.Hoarding of items had increased with the move to allow national and multinational monopolies in the retail sector, he said. - Gonsalves, Yadav re-elected to PTI Employees' Unions
Kochi, Feb 11: John C Gonsalves and M S Yadav were unanimously re-elected for the 11th consecutive year as the President and General Secretary of the Federation of PTI Employees' Unions here.While C Prem Kumar was elected the Vice President, Swapan Acharya and D M Masurkar were re-elected Assistant General Secretaries of the Federation at the 2007-08 elections held at the annual general meeting last evening. - Comprehensive rehabilitation package for tsunami hit in Kerala
Kannur, Feb 10: The Kerala Government has evolved a comprehensive rehabilitation package to safeguard the social and educational rights of tsunami-hit people in nine coastal districts on the occasion of the second anniversary of the natural disaster, revenue minister K P Rajendran said today.The Rs 1,441. - Isaac Mar Climmis elected head of Malankara church
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10: Archbishop Isaac Mar Climmis was today elected head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church to succeed Major Archbishop Syril Mar Baselius who died last month.Isaac Mar Climmis, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla Diocese, will be anointed as Major Archbishop with the title of Catholicose next month. - Video libraries in Kerala face closure
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10: Hundreds of video libraries in Kerala are facing closure in the wake of an order issued by the anti-piracy cell directing police to seize VCDs and DVDs rented out to the public.According to sources in the anti-piracy cell, the order was issued by its nodal officer, Inspector General Rishi Raj Singh, as renting out VCDs and DVDs of movies violated Section 51 of the Copyrights Act. - Congress not to accept NCP in UDF fold: Chennithala
Kannur, Feb 10: Claiming the Nationalist Congress Party had no "political future" in Kerala, state PCC chief Ramesh Chennithala today said the Congress would never accept the party in the Congress-led United Democratic Front."I do not perceive any political future for the NCP in Kerala as no party can exist without a strong ideological base and the Congress was not prepared to accept them as part of the opposition UDF in light of the poor show by the alliance in the last assembly elections", Chennithala said. - Ensure transparency in talks on Smart City: Congress
Kannur, Feb 10: Accusing Kerala's ruling LDF of maintaining secrecy in talks on the Smart City project, the Congress today asked Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan to ensure transparency in the deliberations to remove apprehensions among the people."In the light of apprehensions raised by some quarters about the nature of talks held for setting up the Smart City project, Chief Minister Achuthanandan should be prepared to ensure that talks are held in a transparent manner," state Congress chief Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here. - Kochi's first walkathon to be held on Feb 18
Kochi, Feb10: The Kerala Management Association (KMA) and Metlife India Insurance will organise 'Kochi Alive', the first walkathon here on Feb 18.Being launched as a curtain raiser to the national management day, 'Kochi Alive' will embrace people from all walks of life. - Kerala CM blames previous GOVT for crisis in education system
Palakkad, Feb10: Hitting out at the previous UDF government, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said the LDF government's policy is to strengthen public education system in the state, which was in a crisis.The public education system was in a crisis due to the uncontrolled sanctioning of unaided english medium schools by the previous UDF government, he alleged, inaugurating the valedictory of the silver jubilee celebrations of a Lower Primary Government school at Cherpullaserry in Palakkad district. - Ensure transparency in 'smart city' project talks: KPCC to CM
Kannur, Feb 10: Accusing ruling LDF in Kerala of maintaining "secrecy" in the talks on the 'Smart City project' KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala today asked Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan to ensure transparency in the deliberations to clear people's apprehensions."In the light of apprehensions raised by some quarters about the nature of talks held for setting up the ambitious smart city project, Chief Minister Achuthanandan should be prepared to ensure that the talks are being held in a transparent manner," Chennithala told reporters here. - Kerala's Malankara Catholic Church gets new head
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10: Archbishop Isaac Mar Cleemis Saturday was elected the new head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, headquartered in Kerala.His appointment, which was cleared by the Vatican Saturday, came after the demise of Major Archbishop and Catholicos Cyril Mar Baselios last month. - Public has approved Devaswom Ordinance: Minister
Kottayam,Feb 10: Kerala Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran today hit out at a "section of leaders" for opposing the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions (amendment) ordinance-2007.These leaders were always acting against the state's development, he said, inaugurating a S F I delegates meeting at Kanjirappally here. - Tainted policemen will be weeded out: Kerala minister
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10: In the wake of reports that several Kerala policemen were facing criminal charges, state's Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said Saturday he would initiate steps to weed out such personnel.Speaking at a function organised by the State Human Rights Commission, he said: "With reports surfacing about the presence of nearly 850 policemen implicated in various criminal cases, I have directed that such officials should not hold crucial posts. - Film jury chairman gets threatening calls
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10: Shortly after announcement of Kerala state film awards, jury chairman and noted director T K Rajivkumar was flooded with threatening calls, mostly over selection of Prithviraj as the best actor.Using abusive language, the callers last night claimed themselves to be fans of some superstars upset over selection of the upcoming artist for the coveted honour, sources close to Rajivkumar said today. - second phase from Feb 11
Mangalore, Feb 9: The second phase of pulse polio immunisation campaign will be held in the district on February 11.As many as 921 vaccination booths including 741 booths in rural areas have been set up in the district to administer the polio drops, M Maheshwara Rao, Deputy Commissioner, told reporters here today. - Munnabhai in Madras High Court!
Chennai, Feb 9: Madras High Court judges were today taken by surprise when they found the corridors strewn with flowers left there by some lawyers to express solidarity in the wake of remarks against the judiciary, allegedly by senior DMK leaders.The protesting advocates were, however, dissuaded by Chief Justice A P Shah from indulging in "blood-letting" before the statue of the country's first post-independence Chief Justice Muthusasmy Iyer. - Medallion sets of Lord Jagannath, Puri Jagannath temple
Chennai, Feb 9: QuestNet India, the Indian arm of the Hong Kong based Q1 group, has released its latest product offering - medallion sets of the deity of Lord Jagnannth and the Puri Jagannath temple.Each set comprises a 6 gram gold medallion and a one ounce silver medallion. - Eight CPI(M) workers held in connection with weapon seizure
Kannur, Feb 9: Eight CPI-M activists have been arrested in connection with the seizure of deadly weapons from a house at Olavalam under Chokli police station limits, about 35 km from here, police said.The CPI-M activists were arrested following a raid in a house from where two swords and a knife was recovered, they said. - Unsuni dance form to be popularised: Mallika Sarabhai
Kannur, Feb 9: The 'Unsuni' dance form will be popularised as a mass movement to mobilise the support of youth for the uplift of the downtrodden and deprived, danseuse Mallika Sarabhai said today."By popularising the Unsuni dance programmes, which try to focus the plight of the poor, the cause of the deprived in the country can be taken up in an effective manner," Sarabhai, who choreographed and scripted the programme, told a press conference here. - Kerala cops face criminal charges
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: Nearly 850 policemen in Kerala have been implicated in various criminal cases for offences ranging from murder to rape and other crimes, a police report said Friday.According to the January 2000-December 2006 report from the state police department, the crimes were committed by officers, including a deputy superintendent of police, and constables. - Maritime Development Programme to boost ports: Baalu
Kochi, Feb 9: The Centre has conceived a very ambitious National Maritime Development Programme to modernise port infrastructure to "meet the demands of a resurgent India", Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu said today.The government plans to invest 320 billion dollars on infrastructure development before 2011-12 and "out of this in the port and road sector, I have to spend not less than 60 billion dollars", he said. - Kerala to become first 'total banking' state
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: Kerala is all set to become the first total banking state in the country by June this year where every household would have at least one bank account.As a prelude to achieving the target, Palakkad has already become the first total banking district in the state, N Krishnan Mohan, Regional Director of RBI said. - State film award announced, Dhrishtantham best film
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: 'Dhrishtantham' produced and directed by M P Sukumaran Nair, was adjudged as the best film and actors Prithiviraj and Urvashi were selected as best actor and actress respectively in the Kerala State Film awards-2006, announced here tody.Lenin Rajendran was adjudged as best director for his film 'Rathri Mazha. - Banks in Kerala write off loans of farmers who ended life
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: Responding to the state Government's farm relief measures, commercial banks in Kerala have written off loans of 240 farmers, who had committed suicide over the years, with a total liability of Rs 88 lakh.Having fulfilled the commitment, the banks now expected the government to reimburse the individual liabilities of above Rs one lakh, according to the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) which met here today. - Kerala film awards has surprise winners
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: In surprise announcements, Kerala Friday nominated young star Prithviraj as best actor and yesteryears heroine Urvasi as best actress for the prestigious state film awards, giving a go by to the reigning superstars.The announcement of the top awards of the Kerala State Film Awards could lead to a controversy with sterling performances by superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal in their films ignored. - Centre moots ambitious Nat Maritime Development Programme: Baalu
Kochi, Feb 9: Centre has conceived a very ambitious National Maritime Development Programme to modernise port infrastructure enabling it to "meet the demands of a resurgent India", Union minister for Shipping, Road transport and Highways, T R Baalu said today.Union Government was planning to invest 320 billion USD on infrastructural development before 2011-12, he said adding "out of this in port and road sector, I have to spent not less than 60 billion dollars". - Kerala film troupe heads for Middle East, Europe
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9: A group of Kerala film stars led by ace comedian Jagdish is set to leave for a three-week tour of the Middle East and Europe in the last week of February. Jagdish said the starry team includes upcoming South Indian actress Sindhu Menon. - Palar: 'Tamil Nadu should not allow itself to be cheated by Andhra Pradesh'
Vellore, Feb 8: MDMK leader Vaiko today said the Tamil Nadu government should not allow itself to be 'cheated' by Andhra Pradesh and the Centre with regard to the proposed construction of a check dam across the Palar river in that state.Vaiko, who staged a demonstration here in protest against the reported move, said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should not dissapoint the people of his state by allowing a dam to be built across the river. - Builders to resort to agitation
Kochi, Feb 8: The Kerala Builders Association has decided to resort to agitations to protest the "non-cooperative" attitude of the State Government to their various demands.In a release here,KBA said the industry is crippled by numerous problems and the major issues concerning them was the recent proposal for a sharp cut down on Floor Area Ratio in the draft of new structural plan and the uncertainty over the implementation of Kerala Municipal Building Rules Act (KMBR) in Trikkakara Panchayat. - Opposition demands Paloli's resignation
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 8: Seizing on the Kerala High Court notice for contempt of court against Local Self Government Minister Paloli Muhammadkutty, opposition parties in the state today demanded his resignation holding his alleged remarks on the judiciary amounted to breach of oath of office.Muhammadkutty, for his part, said he had not made any defamatory statements against the judiciary and his remarks were "distorted" by the media. - Learn to speak English in 10 days flat!
By Sanu George, Kochi, Feb 9: Call it a magic formula. A Kerala resident claims he can teach people how to speak English fluently in exactly 10 days. - Villagers, Dalits seek to create 'stories' of their own
By Frederick Noronha, Bangalore, Feb 9: In a digital era, how do rural and poor communities share stories with one another? By a Nokia mobile phone, with adapted software, if academics in London and campaigners here get positive results from their project.The project in south Karnataka plans to record stories digitally, and share them across the digital divide. - Naval personnel evacuates a patient from Kalpeni island
Kochi, Feb 8: Naval Personnel today evacuated a patient from the Kalpeni island of Lakshadweep and later he was shifted to a civil hospital here by the Lakshadweep Administration.The Southern Naval Command received a request from the island administration for assistance to urgently evacuate the 60-year-old patient, C K Sayed Koya, who was suffering from severe renal disorder, from the Kalpeni island, since the helicopter of the civil administration was grounded at the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery due to technical snag, a Navy press release said. - Docu fiction on Vazhakunnam exhibited
Kannur, Feb 8: In a bid to pay tributes to Kerala's legendary magician 'Vazhakunnam', a docu-fiction on his life was exhibited here today on the eve of his 24th death anniversary.The 12-minute long docu-fiction 'maanthrika muthachchan' on Vazhakunnam Neelakandan Namboodiri, who died at the age of 83 was conceived by renowned magician Gopinath Muthukaad and dwells on Vazhakunnam's inquisitiveness on magical tricks right from his childhood which could inspire the new generation, Mathukad told a press conference here. - Ivory coast wants to partner India for coir production
Kochi, Feb 8: Ivory Coast, an important coconut producing country, today said it wants to partner with India for cooperation in the coir production techniques."We have many raw materials, but we need the correct processing methods,"Ivory coast Ambassador Gilbert Bleu Laine said adding that India is the largest producer and exporter of coir fibre and the Indian coir board was ready to cooperate. - Tamil Nadu to file review petition seeking to get redressed grievances
Chennai, Feb 8: Tamil Nadu is to file a review petition before the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal seeking to get redressed some of the grievances arising out its final award, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi announced tonight.He told reporters here that there were "a few unfavourable points in the award, which should be get corrected now. - Kerala High Court dismisses petition
Kochi,Feb 8: The Kerala High Court today dismissed a writ petition filed by a wholesale lottery dealer seeking registration to sell paper lottery tickets of Arunachal Pradesh State Government.Dismissing the writ petition filed by Balaji Agencies, Justice K Balakrishnan said registration as promoter cannot be granted to the petitioner as they are not directly appointed by the Arunachal Pradesh state government. - Water charges for bulk users, commercial units to be hiked
Kochi,Feb 8: Kerala government is contemplating increasing water charges for bulk users, commercial and industrial establishments, State Water Resources Minister, N K Premachandran said today.Plans to introduce strict law to prevent water theft was also on the cards, the minister told reporters here. - Minister to appear in High Court
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 8: Kerala Minister for Local Administration Paloli Muhamed Kutty today said he would appear before the High Court in person and explain in connection with issuance of a contempt notice against him by the court for allegedly making remarks maligning the judiciary.Stating that he had not made any statement defamatory to the judiciary, the Minister told reporters here that the media had 'misinterpreted' his remark on the matter. - SAI to organise workshop on football
Thiruvananthapuram,Feb 8: A two-day workshop on "Science of Football" will be held at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education here from tomorrow.The workshop, organised by Sports Authority of India, would focus on topics like "psychological demand of football", "training and strength, endurance and speed", "sports psychology", "sports nutrition", "Identification of talents" and "artificial turf for football," a SAI release said today. - Water level decrease in Kerala reservoirs
Kochi, Feb 8 : Water levels of major reservoirs of Kerala have decreased, according to figures release by Central Water Commission for the week ending February 5.At Idukki the level decreased from 2371. - PM should order probe into Akhther issue: Jayalalithaa
Chennai, Feb 8: Questioning the repatriation of IPS official Shakel Akhther, private secretary to Union Minister of State for Home S Regupathy, to the Tamil Nadu cadre without any inquiry, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa today demanded the Prime Minister should order a probe into the episode.Akhther, a 1989 batch IPS officer from Tamil Nadu, was repatriated to his parent cadre following alleged violations of service rules by him and posted as DIG in Kancheepuram. - 'Pleased to have done it,' says Ratan Tata on F-16 flight
By Suman Sharma, Bangalore, Feb 8: The Chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata, today undertook a 30-minute sortie in a F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft here on the second day of the five-day sixth Aero India Show. The highest dignitary at the air show to be flown in the Lockheed Martin manufactured multi-role combat aircraft, Tata told reporters after the flight said, "It was a great flight. - Ratan Tata pilots F-16 at Aero India
Bangalore, Feb 8: Tata group chairperson Ratan Tata took to the skies Thursday as a co-pilot in the multi-role combat aircraft F-16 at the Aero India show here. The sortie lasted for about 40 minutes.
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