|
|
November 2002
Friday, November 29, 2002
Kerala High Court bans use of mobile phones at Sabarimala
Kerala High Court bans use of mobile phones at Sabarimala The Kerala High Court has banned the use of mobile phones at Sannidhanam, Pathinettampadi, Malikappuram and Pampa during the Mandalapooja-Makaravilakku festival season of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. A Division Bench of the Court comprising Justice S Sankarasubban and Ms Justice A. Lakshmikutty issued the ban order on a petition filed by Niyamakendram, a lawyers' organisation of Kochi. The petitioners submitted that the use of cell phones at Sabarimala would affect the holy atmosphere and concentration of devotees. Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Madhavararu impleaded in the case as an interested party. The Bench passed the order after considering the opinion of the Tantri and the Travancore Devaswom Board which administered the temple located in the Western Ghats. The Tantri pointed out that the use of mobile phones might also result in security problems.
Friday, November 29, 2002
Security in Kozhikode beefed up as SFI prepares for protest march against lathi charge
Security in Kozhikode beefed up as SFI prepares for protest march against lathi charge Elaborate security arrangements have been made in and around Kozhikode city, which witnessed violent incidents yesterday that left over 50 persons injured even as SFI activists prepare themselves for a protest march today against the "police excesses". "Foolproof security has been arranged at all sensitive areas and the police will deal sternly with trouble creators", Commissioner of Police, Sanjeev Patjoshi, has said. Two platoons of Armed Reserve Police and one platoon of the Malabar Special Police besides several mobile patrol vehicles would be pressed into service in the City limits, he said, adding photographs of those found involved in violent incidents would be taken by the police to identify the culprits. As many as 133 persons had been so far arrested and remanded to custody in connection with yesterday's violent incidents, Patjoshi said. Meanwhile, security had been tightened in the trouble- prone Nadapuram area limits in the backdrop of the proposed protest march to the (rural) SP's office at Vatakara, police said. Over 50 persons, including 14 police personnel, were injured in clashes involving the SFI volunteers and the police when the former allegedly tried to force their entry into the Revenue Divisional Office yesterday as part of their State-wide agitation against the UDF Government's educational policy.
Friday, November 29, 2002
ICHR chairman Prof M G S Narayanan says EMS 'fabricated facts' on Pazhassi Raja
Indian Council of Historic Research (ICHR) Chairman, Prof M G S Narayanan has charged that the veteran Marxist Leader Late E M S Namboodiripad concocted the life history of Pazhassi Raja, who fought relentlessly against the British rule in the Malabar region. "In his book titled 'A Marixist interpretation of Kerala History', Namboodiripad had erred in facts while stating that even the Raja's wife betrayed him by handing him over to the British", he said delivering the key-note address at a national history seminar, jointly organised by the ICHR and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan in Kozhikode. Not only did the communal historians try to glorify kings like Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan, who played into the hands of the imperialists to conquer neighbouring states, even the Marxists had served the cause of imperialist rulers, Narayanan alleged. "While history refers to Pazhassi Raja as a King who waged a fierce battle against the East Indian Companies (who held control of the entire Malabar region after taking over Mysore following the killing of Tippu) and died a martyr after his "guerilla war" comprising tibals of Wyanad was overpowered by the British, Namboodiripad's observations in his book are factually wrong", he said.
Friday, November 29, 2002
Church in Kerala plans to set up bank
The Catholic Church, which has so far limited its missionary activities to social and charitable causes, is diversifying into a new venture- banking. For the first time, the Church in Kerala is chalking out a plan to set up an inter-state urban cooperative bank for which it has already applied for permission before the Reserve Bank of India. The bank, being formed under the aegis of the Kanjirapally diocese in the state, will have branches initially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Church leaders claim that the idea to enter banking is to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers across India who have been let down by the export-import policies of the government. "We have decided to enter into banking to help the farmers. In the past few years, prices of main agricultural products such as rubber, coconut and pepper have been falling because of their mindless imports. Our bank will come out with innovative projects for the farmers," Bishop Mathew Arakkal, the brain behind the banking concept told rediff.com. He said the bank, which may be named 'Sahakarik Multi-State Cooperative Bank', will start functioning soon after the RBI gives its approval. "The Church hopes to set up a vast banking network in the coming years for the basic developments of the people, especially the farmers. Look at HDFC. It began in a small way and grew to become a big financial institution. We would like to grow like that," the bishop pointed out. Already, the Church leadership has formed an advisory board for the proposed bank. It is also in the process of mobilizing funds from across the 85 parishes of the Kanjirapally diocese initially. Church leaders refused to disclose the initial capital of the bank. According to Bishop Arrackal, there is absolutely nothing wrong in the Church getting into sectors like banking. "The very idea of starting a bank is to help poor people. And I feel it is only by getting closer to human beings that we get closer to God," he pointed out. He said the banking model that the Church plans to come out with will be entirely different from the current rules in which other commercial banks operate. "For instance, at present, only 40 to 60 per cent of the deposits in commercial banks in Kerala are being deployed for the state's development. The remaining deposits are utilized in northern Indian states. We want to change these rules by ensuing that our bank will deploy all the deposits in Kerala itself," Bishop Arackal said. Church leaders said the new bank will come out with innovative methods to help farmers to stock their agricultural produces in larger quantities and sell them in the international market at higher prices. But Father Joseph Nagaroor, advisory board member of the bank said that the main reason why the Church wants to spread its wings to banking is to provide affordable finances to farmers, whose crops are landing them only in huge loans and deep poverty. If and when the bank becomes a reality, the Church in Kerala will set a record of sorts for diversification. Early this year, the Catholic Church in the state had launched a television channel called Jeevan TV with a capital base of Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million).
Friday, November 29, 2002
Kerala in commanding position, Sujith cracks double ton
Opener Sujith Somasundar's career best knock of 222 and middle order batsman Ajay Kuduva's brilliant century enabled Kerala amass 457 runs in their first innings against Tripura in the Ranji Trophy Plate championship on the second day here today. At close of play Tripura were 60 for one with Ritesh Jaiswal on 26 and Timir Chanda on 15 at the crease. Resuming at 269 for 4, Sujith Somadunder (169 overnight) and Kuduva 12 (overnight), batted with consummate ease and scored 119 runs in the morning session without being separated. Kerala were 434 for 4 at lunch with Sujith on 213 and Kuduva on 79. Tripura struck soon after resumption as Kerala lost 4 wickets, Sujith, Nathani (0), Ananthapadmanabhan (0) and M Sureshkumar (4), for the addition of just 16 runs with off-spinner Joyanta Debanath doing the bulk of the damage. Sujith departed lofting Joyanta to Rasudeb Dutta at deep mid-wicket. His 434-ball knock consisted of 25 boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Kuduva completed his century, the fourth of his career. He finally fell caught by Joyanta in the covers trying to hit out against S D Gupal for 130 (210 b, 2x6, 14x4) to bring an end to the Kerala innings 29 minutes before tea. For the visitors, Joyanta bagged 6/101. Brief scores: Kerala Ist inngs 457 all out in 151.3 overs (S Somasundar 222, Ajay Kuduva 130; Joyanta Debnath 6 for 101) vs Tripura Ist inngs 60 for 1.
Friday, November 29, 2002
Emirates to fly to Kochi from December two
Dubai,Friday, November 29, 2002: The new international airport at Nedumbassery in Kerala will get a boost in its fortunes with Emirates, the premier airline in the Gulf, starting its much-awaited flights from December two, the UAE National Day. Top officials of Air India and Indian Airlines said that Emirates' entry into the profitable Gulf-Kerala sector will take away a slice of their passenger share but added that the Indian national carriers had other inherent advantages to keep them very much in business. "We have reached a code sharing arrangement with Emirates to Kerala with Air India getting 55 economy and six higher class seats in each flight. This together with our five times a week flights will ensure that we retain our dominant role" P P Singh, Regional Director, Air India told . "Of course with any new airlines entering the sector, we will lose a share of the bookings. but we have had our price advantage and we will continue to be the favourite airline to Kerala" Singh said. Shyam Sunder, Manager (UAE) Indian Airlines agreed that part of the business will go to Emirates but said that during peak seasons there was considerable pressure on seats and new airlines could be easily accommodated without hurting the interests of others. The Emirates flights to Kochi effective from December two are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays departing Dubai at 0350 hours and arriving in Kochi at 0900 hours. Return flights from Kochi on same the days will Kochi at 1025 hours and reach Dubai at 1300 hours. Shyam Sunder said Indian Airlines had more convenient timings and had established itself through better service and punctual schedules. 13:31 IST
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Malayalam e-mail service launched
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 26: The first major Malayalam e-mail service, promoted by the Bangalore-based Kavery Communications Ltd, was launched here today by Kerala Industries and Information Technology Minister P K Kunhalikutty. The service, e-tapaal, would enable one to send mail in Malayalam or in English besides provide a cost-effective business solution for organisations with necessary data security, the portal’s promoter K N Harikumar said. e-tapaal.com is a unique portal aimed at not only at ensuring widespread use of e-mail but also in bridging the digital divide through the use of languages. It will shortly launch an instant messenger in languages also, Harikumar, former managing director and editor of the Deccan Herald group, said. It is a great thing to have a facility to communicate in one’s mother tongue, Kunhalikutty said, adding the UDF government gave top priority to promote the use of IT as a tool to serve the people. Already offering its facility in Kannada and Telugu, e-tapaal planned its service in many Indian languages, Harikumar added. (Agencies)
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Kalyana Raman
Director Shafi Producer Lal Creations After the superhit Tenkasipattanam Lal creations is producing another film titled Kalyana Raman. Lal of the famous Siddique-Lal director duo is today more famous as a shrewd producer-distributor under his own banner. It is an all out comedy caper directed by Shafi where Thekkadath Raman Kutty (Dileep) is a wedding planner - the man who looks after all the behind the scene preparations that go into a wedding. Ramankutty erects the Pandal, does all the decorations like arranging musicians, generator, cars and he even cooks for the wedding party! Raman becomes indispensable for every wedding and thus people starts calling him Kalyana Raman. Ramankutty does not smoke, drink alcohol or even chew pan. He believes that a good cook should avoid such bad habits, otherwise he cannot get the taste of food. Boban is a pop singer from Bangalore and he is engaged to Gowri (Navya Nair) and our kalyana Raman is their wedding planner. Since Lal Creations are the producers of the film, exhibitors in Kerala are eager to screen it for Christmas. The film is shot entirely in Ernakulam by P.Sukumar. Benny P.Nair has written the script and Shafi directs the film. The cast also has Lalu Alex, Innocent, Salim Kumar, Jyothirmayi and Kalaranjini.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
It was a tempting role - Divya Unni's Small Screen Debut
Divya Unni was the one time top heroine in Malayalam who had the guts to say that she will continue to act in films even after marriage. But sadly no offers came her way and the poor girl has realized that a heroine’s life is over after she ties the knot. But Divya is made of sterner stuff and has decided not to quit acting; she is turning to the small screen. She will play the role of a powerful lady protagonist in a serial directed by Shyam Sundar for Asianet. We can see her as a typical docile girl who sacrifices everything in her life to make others happy. The shooting for this untitled serial has started in the first week of November. Divya says: It was a tempting role and I could not say no to Shyam Sundar, the veteran director of many successful serials like Stree and Sarada". Will Divya be able to make our lady audience cry and bring in the badly needed TRP’s for the channel?
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Sruthika`s Debut
After Soundarya and Jyothika, one more Tamil actress is trying her luck in Malayalam. The 16 something Tamil actress Sruthika makes her debut in Rajasenan directed Swapnam Kondoru Thulabharam. Sruthika is the grand daughter of the late veteran Tamil comedian Thengai Sreenivasan. Sruthika made her entry into Tamil films with Sri opposite Surya and the recent Album. And both the films had flopped. This new family entertainer by Rajasenan tells the story of two brothers played by Suresh Gopi and Kunchakko Boban. Ouseppachen tunes the songs written by Girish Puthencheri. Malayalam lacks glamorous heroines and all out-of-work actresses from Tamil are migrating as they can make good money in less time.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Jayaram teams with his son again
Sibi Malayil has directed some meaningful cinemas in the past, which could be classified as family entertainers. Now he is starting a new film to be produced by veteran producer Prem Prakash. It is a sentimental film that tells the story about the bond between a father and son. And taking a leaf out of real life, Jayaram and his son Kalidas are doing the lead roles. This is not the first time that the father-son duo is coming together. They have excelled earlier in Satyan Anthikkad directed Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal which was well received by the audience and Kalidas had won an award for the Best child artist that year. When contacted Parvathi, Kalidas’ mother said: The story was too tempting to avoid and we made sure that the shooting will be during Kalidas’ Christmas holidays, so that he does not miss his school. The cast also incude Nedumudi Venu and Jagathy Sreekumar. For heroine's role they are trying to rope in Simran, the top Tamil heroine. Meanwhile Sibi’s Kalabhavan Mani starrer Aayirathil Oruvan continues to languish in the cans as producer distributor Siyad Kokker is still trying to release his long overdue Nandanam.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Royal Wedding
Samyuktha Varma, the top heroine of Malayalam and actor Biju Menon got married at the Trichur Indoor Football stadium on Nov 21. Samyuktha, a member of the Tiruvalla royal family and Biju were in love for the last three years. The traditional ‘thalikettu’ took place at the famous Guruvayoor temple with only close relatives present at the venue. Later the couple drove down to the Trichur indoor football stadium for the rest of the ceremony that took place at around 11.30 am. A galaxy of stars and top politicians were present for this function. The notable absentees were superstars like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Dileep. There were about 4000 people inside the auditorium and 5000 fans waiting outside to catch a glimpse of the couple. This royal wedding will be one of the biggest events in the Malayalam film industry.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Jyothika in the Capital
Jyothika is in Thiruvananthapuram for the shooting of the Malayalam film Seetha Kalyanam for the past 15 days. Jayaram is her hero with whom she had worked in the Tamil film Tenali. Seetha Kalyanam is being directed by Rajeev Kumar who had earlier done the award-winning film Sesham. Jayaram plays the role of a software engineer, Srinivasan Iyer from Bangalore who gets married to Abhirami played by Jyothika. This is an arranged love marriage and Iyer’s friends from Bangalore attend the typical Brahmin wedding that lasts for seven days. These guests create confusion in the life of the couple in these seven days that leads to a funny twist in the climax. According to Rajeev Kumar, the film is a 'fun-movie' with all the necessary commercial elements. It is Jyothika’s fist Malayalam film and she is all excited about it.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Greenpeace blames Cos for Kerala pollution
Kochi: Greenpeace, the international NGO, has blamed Hindustan Insecticides Ltd and Plantation Corporation of Kerala for the large-scale pesticide pollution in Kerala, endangering the lives of thousands of people. The NGO also said the government has completely failed to prevent the pollution and taking steps against the polluting companies. Aerial spraying of Endosulphan by Kottayam-based Plantation Corporation in its cashew plantations in Kasaragod district brought untold hardships to at least 20,000 people of 15 villages in the district and was the 'most devastating environmental crime' in recent times, said the report 'Corporate Crimes' released on Sunday. Holding the Plantation Corporation responsible for the release of toxic pesticide in the plantations, the report stated that surface water sources like streams and ponds had been poisoned following the aerial spraying of the deadly endosulphan. The Agricultural department failed to intervene despite complaints since 1980, the report said. The report said the Central Insecticides Board of India, Pollution Control Board, the National Research Centre for Cashew and Kerala agricultural university did not take steps to stop the use of endosulphan and instead advocated its use. Campaigner Manu Gopalan told reporters that Eloor-based Hindustan Insecticides released effluents containing DDT and metabolites, endosulphan and derivates and other chemicals into a stream near the factory.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Ban on country liquor was a mistake, admits Antony
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, who imposed a ban on country liquor in the state prior to the 1996 assembly election, has admitted that his action was a blunder. He, however, has not indicated a review of the ban. Antony, who returned to power after the May 2001 state assembly election, admitted that the ban had not produced the desired results. Inaugurating a national workshop on Alcohol Policy Advocacy organized by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board on Monday, he said, "The ban has been ineffective in checking alcohol consumption. On the contrary, it has led to the flourishing of illicit liquor and has seen a spurt in liquor tragedies." He accused some politicians and officials of being hand-in-glove with the liquor lobbies. "Senior leaders in several parties are under the strong influence of liquor barons. They act as their public relations officers. They need these barons for a luxurious lifestyle," he said. He also questioned the sincerity of several organisations fighting for prohibition. "Some of the anti-alcohol organisations are not free from the influence of the liquor lobbies," he said. "Many of their leaders are regular consumers." The chief minister said he was convinced that only an awareness campaign about the bad effects of alcohol will make people abstain. Prohibitionists, especially the church and women's organisations, were thrilled when Antony announced the ban on liquor, but the move failed to bring the Congress-led United Democratic Front back to power in the election that followed. The Communist Party of India Marxist-led Left Democratic Front, which came to power subsequently, did not review the ban though they didn't believe in it. Meanwhile, the illicit liquor network spread across the state, culminating in several hooch tragedies. Expectations ran high when Antony returned to power last year, but the chief minister soon invited criticism for allowing more foreign liquor outlets in the economic interests of the state. The prohibition lobby said indiscriminate sanctioning of liquor outlets to woo tourists has been promoting the pub and beer culture in the state with even teenagers hitting the bottle. "Alcoholism was a problem only among people aged 19 years or above till the late eighties, but now even 13-year-olds are coming under its influence," said Johnson Edayaranmula, executive member and director of KSYWB. The board has decided to train 100 volunteers in each of the state's 14 districts to create awareness about alcohol abuse.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Abhishek's century goes in vain for Kerala
HYDERABAD: Umesh Karvy scalped five wickets to help leaders Karnataka take a crucial seven run first innings lead against Kerala on the second day of three-day V Pattabhiraman under-17 cricket league match here on Monday. Karnataka, who scored 240, were given a scare by Abhishek Hegde, who slammed a fine century but his effort went in vain as Kerala failed to take the all-important lead by a narrow margin. Kerala were all out for 233. Karnataka, who are leading the table, were 60 for no loss in their second innings. At NFC ground, Hyderabad were in a comfortable position against Tamil Nadu. Hyderabad, after making 335, restricted Tamil Nadu to 142/4 at the end of second day's play. Leg spinner Baljeet Singh bagged two wickets. Andhra also took first innings lead against Goa. Andhra, who made 261, dismissed Goa for 221. After taking a 41-run lead, Andhra were 125/3 in their second innings.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
ISRO launches Rohini sounding rocket from Kerala
New Delhi, Nov 23, IRNA -- Highlighting a new series of rocket launches, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched a Rohini sounding rocket from the Thumba Equitorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram, in the southern Indian state of Kerala, a full 39 years after the first such rocket was propelled into space, reported the local media on Saturday. The RH-200, launched Friday evening, marks commencement of a new series of rocket launches as part of the Middle Atmospheric Dynamics Science (MIDAS) Research Program, an ISRO release said. The MIDAS program, inaugurated on Thursday by VSSC Director G. Madhavan Nair, comprises an elaborate observational program of regular measurements of atmospheric temperatures and wind using balloons, ground-based radars and laser instruments in addition to fortnightly launches of rockets for high altitude, wind measurements, the release said. During the next five years, the program will study various aspects of middle atmospheric dynamics and would go a long way in unraveling different aspects of the Indian monsoon and weather, it added.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Malayalam Christmas releases!
Come Christmas, a spate of Malayalam films are ready for release! Dilip-Kunchacko film Kalyanaraman, Mohanlal's Chathurangam, Kamal's Nammal, Vinayan's Kaatuchambaka and Sathyan Anthikad's Yatrakaruyude Saradhakay are to hit the big screen during Christmas. However, there is no Mammootty or Suresh Gopi film in the fray. Gopi's Zamindar, they say, is lying in the cans without any takers. While anticipation runs high for the Christmas films, the current scenario is rather depressing. With no new releases for weeks and Shakila films on the wane, theatre owners are in a real dilemma. Only Dilip's Meesa Madhavan and Kunjikoonan are keeping theatres abuzz. To counter this, exhibitors have released old Dilip films, but they say the audience is still not interested, since they've already seen most of them on TV. Now, much to their surprise, they have found that Mohanlal's old action films are the only kind that are getting crowds in a re-release situation. Aram Thampuran in which Lal twirls his mustache, seems to be really taking on Dilip's 'Meesa (mustache) Madhavan. With money trickling in, guess you could call it a 'close shave' for distributors and exhibitors.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Actress Vinayaprasad weds again!
Vivacious Malayalam actress Vinayaprasad whose husband R.N.K.Prasad, a national award winning director (film Rushyashringa) died in a car accident has chosen to wed once again! The actress enjoys equal popularity on both small screen (Shtree TV serial) and silver screen in Kerala. Vinayaprasad has decided to start life afresh and has married Jyothiprakash, a famous theatre cum television script-writer and director. Jyothiprakash resides in Maharashtra and has done programmes for Sony, Sahara, Star Plus and NEPC channels. While Vinayaprasad has a daughter named Prathama from her first marriage, Jyothiprakash too has a son from his first wife. Both the kids are studying in ninth standard. Buzz has it that the couple have jointly launched a production house called 'Prathama Media Line'. Here's wishing the newly married couple a happy married life and success in their business venture!
Friday, November 22, 2002
Director Hariharan resigns from MACTA?
Hariharan the noted director and former president of the MACTA (the Technicians' Association in Kerala) has resigned from the body since many of the schemes he had implemented during his tenure, have been shelved by the present office bearers. Present President K G George has not accepted the resignation while writer MT too has asked Hariharan to reconsider.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Samyuktha Verma to act after marriage!
Malayalam actress Samyuktha Verma who is tying the knot with actor Biju Menon on November 21, Thursday... is supposed to be saying that she's not going to bid 'goodbye' to films! Buzz says, the actress who had earlier claimed that she might be quitting films for marital bliss, is turning volte-face, because her parents and her would-be husband have given the green signal for her to continue acting. Samyuktha, who hailed from a middle-class family and made it big in the cine industry, says that she knows her limitations and would stay well within it. Which means no bare-and-dare films, only clothed-and-conservative stuff from hereon. She is believed to have said that she passed up the chance to act in Rajinikanth's Baba only because the heroines were mere glamour girls. Considering that Biju Menon has virtually no career to speak of at the moment and she's the more popular of the two, guess they decided it was better to let her wear the pants for some more time!
Friday, November 22, 2002
Mohanlal getting superstitious?
When films flop, even the big stars turn superstitious it seems. They say, Mohanlal, who had been facing a bad patch, was planning to shoot his 'make-or-break' film Thandavam in Tenkasi. But his astrologer and his friends are supposed to have told him that it was an unlucky place for him. He then shifted the shooting locale to Pollachi... but the film bombed. Now, for his next 'do-or-die' film Mr Brahmachari, the superstar is believed to have fixed on Tenkasi again... until his pundit or pals convince him otherwise!
Friday, November 22, 2002
Chathurangam
Chathurangam means 'chessboard'. And putting this chessboard on the silver screen, is hit-making director K.Madhu. In this film which stars Mohanlal, K.Madhu's is narrating a story with politics as the base and in which the characters make their moves as carefully as if on a chessboard. In a big hall inside the Sundara Vilasam Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, the shooting for the film is happening at a fast but steady pace. For a significant shot, Mohanlal and Saikumar face each other. When the director says 'Action!', the two are transformed into their respective characters. Mohanlal plays Aattiprackal Jimmy, a young politician hailing from Kottayam district, while Saikumar plays the middle-aged Kora, a minister and Jimmy's political guru and mentor. There is a point in the story when Jimmy and Kora are pitted against each other. And naturally, there are heated verbal exchanges. Mohanlal as Jimmy, is very agitated and says "I am here, not to seek revenge, or to challenge you. Neither do I wish to become an M.L.A or a minister. I have done something wrong and now I am ready to accept the punishment. I won't drag anyone else's name into this." His voice then takes a desperately angry tone, "And I ask you not to vex me by showing any kind of pity or sympathy towards me." The shot is okayed. Chathurangam, produced by Firoz under the banner of Niya Productions, has in the lead Mohanlal, who plays Aattiprackal Jimmy, a dare-all kind of politician who is the Kottayam District Secretary of the youth wing of the Keraladesam Congress Party. The director K.Madhu intends to make it a family movie with politics as the base. Jimmy gets in Kora - a Godfather, who, with the help of Methikalam Thommi (played by Laloo Aalex), a liquor baron-cum-politician, helps Jimmy. Jimmy, who is a sportsman with interest in wrestling, plays a very active role in politics. But that is bound to affect his personal and family life in certain ways. This forms the theme of Chathurangam, which also has in the cast, Naghma, who plays the role of Nayana Pillai, Superintendent of Police and Navya Nair, who plays Sherin, Jimmy's fiancée. Also in the cast are Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Vijayaraghavan, Manianpillai Raju, Augustine, Suresh Krishna, K.P.A.C.Lalitha, etc. Story and script for the film are by Babu Janardhanan. Anandakuttan wields the camera while lyrics by Gireesh Puthenchery and Shibu Chakravarthy are set to tune by Benny-Kannan. P.C.Mohanan is the editor for Chathurangam, which features art-direction by Sreeni. The film will be brought to the theatres in November by Niya Release.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Jayaram accepts film rejected by Mammootty?
Seems like actor Jayaram has no ego hassles. He's said to have accepted the hero's role in Balu Mahendra's film Julie Ganapathi which is being made in Tamil. What's interesting is that the role was initially offered to superstar Mammootty, who's said to have turned it down since he felt that the story was too closely based on an English film! The film is about Jayaram, a sick man, who's trapped between two women - one who adores him, the other his fiancee. The one who adores him is a mentally challenged person. Ramyakrishnan and Saritha play the women. Balu Mahendra himself cranks the camera. The film has completed one schedule in Chennai. Whether Mammootty's loss is Jayaram's gain remains to be seen when the film hits the theatres!
Friday, November 22, 2002
Jagadi's advice to newcomers:
1. Treat cinema as a profession and show utmost dedication to it. 2. Be prepared to work irrespective of time. 3. Entertaining is your duty. 4. Respect your producers and co-stars. 5. Don't be vain. He says that these are the guidelines that have kept him in the field for the past 25 years.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Biju Menon - Samyuktha Wed
The Biju Menon - Samyuktha marriage took place at Guruvayoor in the early hours of November 21. The wedding venue was a secret. The marriage was attended by only relatives and select media people. After tying the 'thali' the couple left to attend the reception at the Trichur Indoor Stadium. The place was overflowing with fans and star gazers. Jayram, Manju Warrier, Kavya Madhvan, Nithya Das, Suja Karthik, Shanu, Meera Jasmine, Joemol, Manoj K Jayan , Kalabhavan Mani were the promienent artistes who graced the occasion.Top rated directors Shaji Kailas, Lohitadas, Sibi, Sathyan Anthikad, Kamal, Lal Jose and many other bigwigs attended the reception. Mammooty a close friend of Biju waited at the latter's residence to receive the couple. The newlyweds after the reception, went to Ramanilayam Guest House and left for home at 4 pm in the evening since it was the most auspicious time.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Kerala goverment launches official portal
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony has launched the Official portal of Kerala government -- www.kerala.gov.in. Speaking on the occasion, Antony said government wanted to accelarate the computrisation programme of government departments. The state industries and IT minister P K Kunhalikutty released a CD of containing various information about the state.The state information ministr M M Hassan and IT secretary Aruna Sundarajan were among those present on the occasion.
Friday, November 22, 2002
8,000 litres of spirit Seized
Police have seized a truck laden with 8,000 litres of spirit early on Thursdasy morning from Tharayil on the National Highway. Seven people, including the driver and the cleaner of the Karnataka registration lorry, were arrested in this connection. One of the arrested, Sudharshan Babu(32) is a leading abkari contractor who is running a toddy shop at Kalluvathukkal.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Tax collection in Kerala looks up; Tally touches Rs 22.53 billion till September
Kerala Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan has said tax collection of the current financial year till September was Rs 22.53 billion. Speaking at a meeting of sale tax authorities here,he said it was able to complete 75,110 assessments during the period. To review the progress of tax collection,meeting of sales tax officials would be held at Kozhikode and Ernakulam, Minister said adding performance of officials would be assessed on the basis of recovering tax arrears. The Value added tax system would be introduced in the state from Next financial year and officials should learn the various aspects of the new law,he said. To improve the efficience of the department and officials, the whole department would be computerised, he added.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Email this story Print this story Save this story
Police have seized a truck laden with 8,000 litres of spirit early on Thursdasy morning from Tharayil on the National Highway. Seven people, including the driver and the cleaner of the Karnataka registration lorry, were arrested in this connection. One of the arrested, Sudharshan Babu(32) is a leading abkari contractor who is running a toddy shop at Kalluvathukkal.
Friday, November 22, 2002
New college admission guidelines in Kerala from next week
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony has said the state Cabinet would finalise guidelines for admission to self-financing professional colleges next week. The Chief Minister said at a media briefing that the Cabinet discussed the issue in detail and a final decision would be taken at the next meeting. The guidelines for admission in the management quota and other categories would be worked out as per the verdict of the Supreme Court. Though the government got legal opinion and views from the Cabinet Sub-committee, it wanted to study all the aspects before announcing the guidelines, he added.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Govt signs preliminary agreement with ADB for Rs 38-billion loan
Kerala Chief Minister, A K Antony has said the government has arrived a preliminary agreement with Asian Development Bnak (ADB) for the proposed loan of Rs 38 billion. The agreement was reached during talks held by government and ADB officials at Manila, Antony said while answering questions during a Cabinet briefing. "This is only a preliminary agreement. For getting the loan many more hurdles have to be overcome", Antony said. The government was studying the Cabinet sub-committee report of the computerisation of panchayats. Referring to the Modernisation of Government Porgrammes (MGP) proposed by ADB as a condition of loan, Antony said there was nothing wrong with MGP. It was aimed at improving the quality of service to the people, he said. There was no proposal before the government to restrict the powers of local bodies under MGP, he said adding government, instead, was committed for providing more powers to local bodies through decentralisation of power. ''Decentralisation of power is the agenda of the government", he added. 'The governemnt will not do anything that will grab the powers of local administations', Antony said when asked whether formation of Urban Development Authority will not deplete the authority of local administration. The government would launch a one-month campaign on various development aspects to be taken up local administration under the tenth plan from December 9, Antony said. There was also no move to cut the funds of local bodies and the amount of Rs 80 billion earmarked for them under tenth plan would be provided. The government was studying the Cabinet sub-committee report of the computerisation of panchayats, he added. To a question, Antony said government has not taken a decision on ADB proposal for a performance linked funding to localbodies.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Schools IT fair from Nov. 25. By Our Staff Reporter PATHANAMTHITTA Nov. 21. The district schools IT fair will be held at the Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School and at the Royal Auditorium here from November 25 to 27. Addressing a press conference here today, the Deputy Director of Education, V.N. Somarajan, said that the fair had been organised jointly by the Education Department and the IT@School as part of the project, computer education at schools. He said that computer education had been made available at 162 high schools in the district. The programme co-ordinator of the IT@School, Biju Panicker, was also present at the press meet.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Unaccounted money seized from Sub-Registrar offices
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Nov. 21. In a State-wide swoop, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) raided 28 select Sub-Registrar offices and seized unaccounted money from the staff members. The Vigilance also unearthed incriminating evidence pointing to deliberate undervaluation of land resulting in loss to the Government in terms of stamp duty. The Vigilance raid, code-named "Operation Rajani'', was ordered by the Director (VACB), Hormese Tharakan, after the Buruea received scores of anonymous petitions from the public. The operation was planned well in advance and two sub-registrar offices were selected in each district on the basis of intelligence information gathered by Vigilance sleuths. The State-wide raid, which was kept a secret till the last minute, was headed by the IG (Vigilance), M. N. Krishnamoorthy. The Vigilance teams, each headed by a DySP, entered the Sub-Registrar offices at around 4 p.m. The staff-members, including the sub-registrar, were asked to declare the money he or she had in his possession. Those who could not explain how much money they had in possession were booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Mr. Krishnamoorthy said that the largest number of land registrations and transactions occurred during the month of November. He said the details of the raids were pouring in from different districts of the State and a complete picture of the operation would be available by Friday. A Vigilance official said that the department has uncovered evidence pointing to an unholy nexus between document writers and sub-registrar staff. The document writer acts as an agent for the Sub-Registrar staff with whose approval the deliberate undervaluation of land is allowed to go unchallenged during transactions. The buyer and seller of the land save on the stamp duty by paying a percentage to the document writer who, in turn, bribes the Sub-Registrar office staff. The official said the proceeds of the graft were daily handed over by the document writers to the staff of the Sub-Registrar offices at around 5 p.m. This was the reason why the raid was timed at 4 p.m. Professional real estate dealers, big builders of flat complexes and urban residential colonies were among those who benefited most from the under valuation of land, an official said. The Vigilance is also learned to have stumbled upon evidence pointing to deliberate concealment of the real location of the land to cheat the Government of stamp duty. For instance, the stamp duty in Muncipal Corporation areas is 10 per cent of the total land value while that in panchayat areas is six per cent. Those who engage in land transactions would connive with the document writers and make out the land to be in the panchayat area while it actually lies in the muncipal area, the official pointed out.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Cholera awareness rally in Kottapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM NOV. 21. A cholera awareness rally would be taken out on Friday in Kottapuram, where the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases had remained high in spite of prevention programmes. The District Collector, E. Ayyappan, will flag off the rally in which people's representatives and voluntary workers will take part. The rally will set off from Kottapuram and conclude at Vizhinjam junction. No new cholera case was reported on Thursday. The recently confirmed cholera patients at Vattappara and Sreekariyam had visited relatives' households in the coastal area. Health workers visited 5,664 households and chlorinated 1,562 wells. In all, 2,514 health education classes were held and 444 ORS packs distributed.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Karunakaran camp for UDF panel revamp
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Nov. 21. The Karunakaran faction in the Congress is all set to open another flank by demanding the reconstitution of the UDF High Power Committee (HPC) to change the Congress nominees on it and ensure fair representation for it. Senior leaders loyal to Mr. K. Karunakaran met here today and decided that the faction's MLAs would meet the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, if the faction's demand for a CLP meet was not conceded. The reconstitution of the UDF is being demanded on grounds that the Karunakaran faction is not adequately represented in the HPC, which has members who owe their places in the UDF on account of the positions they held in the past. At present, the Congress nominees in the HPC are Mr. A. K. Antony, UDF chairman, the UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, Mr. K. Karunakaran, the AICC general secretary, Vayalar Ravi, the KPCC president, K. Muraleedharan, the Information and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M. M. Hassan, the Cultural Affairs Minister, G. Karthikeyan, the Finance Minister, K. Sankaranarayanan, and the former KPCC president, Thennala Balakrishna Pillai. According to the Karunakaran faction, most of the leaders are in the UDF on account of the positions they held in the past. Mr. Sankaranarayanan was a member in his capacity as the UDF convener, while Mr. Thennala Balakrishna Pillai found a place as the then KPCC president. G. Karthikeyan, got a place in his capacity as KPCC vice-president and a nominee of the Karunakaran faction prior to his departure from the faction. Most of the leaders had either left the Karunakaran camp or were Ministers. The Karunakaran faction's argument is that the dice was distinctly loaded against it despite being the predominant group in the party. The noises for the reconstitution of the UDF was first made by the KPCC vice-president, P. P. Thankachan, but this did not gather steam as the KPCC president was opposed to it. The demand would now be raised formally, though it is not certain on which platform this would be made. The decision to meet the Chief Minister during the time allowed to the public appears to be a pressure tactic. The Karunakaran faction feels that the Chief Minister would not overlook the negative impact it would have in addition to embarrassing him. This new move has been worked out in view of the rather strong position Mr. Muraleedharan has taken, positions which have proved to be quite irritating to Mr. Karunakaran. Senior Karunakaran faction leaders felt that Mr. Muraleedharan's opposition to the convening of the CLP was unjustified. The Chief Minister cannot refuse to hear the grievances of his party MLAs in a democratic system. The prerogative to convene the CLP is certainly that of the Chief Minister, but that does not mean he can be indifferent to the demand of a major section in the party for either an audience or for the convening of the CLP. However, it would be difficult to force the hand of the Chief Minister, though it is possible to embarrass him. According to the Antony faction leaders, there is no justification on the part of Mr. Karunakaran or his CLP Deputy leader in making such a demand. Mr. Karunakaran, when he was the Chief Minister, had refused to convene the CLP when the Antony faction made similar demands. They quote two occasions when the demand was made, one to discuss the controversial liquor policy and the other during the ISRO spy case.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Students hit by shortage of entrance forms
KOZHIKODE NOV. 21. Hundreds of medical aspirants have been put in a quandary on account of the non-availability of application forms for the All-India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Examinations in the State. Not a single application form in the general category is available in any of the specified branches of the Canara Bank (the authorised suppliers of the application forms) in the State although the last date for the supply of application forms is November 30. The sale of information bulletins and application forms at notified Canara Bank branches and the regional offices of the Central Board of Secondary Education started on October 15. In most of the banks, the application forms were sold out almost a week ago. Only a few forms in the SC/ST category are now available with them. Some of the banks have already approached the authorities for more application forms. The forms were sold at the main branch on Cherotty Road in Kozhikode, Big Bazaar in Palakkad, Broadway in Ernakulam, Round South Main Branch in Thrissur, Thamarakulam Main Branch in Kollam and at three branches- Puthenchanda, Chalai and PTP Nagar- in Thiruvananthapuram. The information bulletin containing the application form was given on payment of Rs 250 for general category and Rs 125 for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes from any of the specified banks of the Canara Bank. The bank also charged Rs 5 as service charge in addition to the fee. Now the students' only option is to approach directly the head office of the Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) in New Delhi or its regional offices in Ajmer, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Allahabad and Chennai to get the application forms by post. Candidates should send a bank draft of Rs. 300 (general candidates) or Rs. 175 (SC/ST candidates) for the application forms. However, the head office and the regional centres will supply the application forms by post only till November 23. Sources at the Canara Bank told The Hindu here that the shortage of application forms could be attributed to the increase in the number of applicants in the State. " Last year, we sold all the 1,500 applications forms given to us before the deadline and requested the authorities for additional forms. This year about 2,500 applications were allotted to us. Even then, there is a shortage of forms,'' according to a bank official here. Likewise, the number of application forms supplied in Ernakulam was 2,500, Palakkad (1,000), Thrissur (2,000), Kollam (1,400) and Puthenchanda (2,350), Chalai (1,300) and PTP Nagar (800) in Thiruvananthapuram. Most of the branches had asked for more application forms. With less than ten days for the last date to submit the forms, the bank officials are now asking the students to approach the regional offices. Candidates are running helter skelter to get application forms from the banks in various districts. "Aspirants from Kollam and Kasaragod had come to us a few days ago seeking application forms,'' said a bank official in Palakkad. When contacted over the phone, a spokesperson of the All-India Pre-Medical/ Pre-Dental Entrance Examination Unit in New Delhi said, that the application forms were despatched to the banks in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kottayam, Kollam, Palakkad and Ernakulam. She said that a 10 per cent increase in the number of applicants at the national-level may have led to the acute shortage of application forms in the State. "But on demand from the bank officials, steps have been taken to sent additional forms to all the branches,'' she pointed out. However, bank officials in Kottayam and Alappuzha said the application forms were not made available to them. So, queries continue to pour in at some of the branches in the moffusil areas. "We have ensured that people do not purchase the application forms in bulk so as to prevent black marketing,'' said a bank manager.An official suggested the Central Board of Secondary Education set up a regional office in the State since the number of applicants is increasing every year. This would solve the problem of students being deprived of an opportunity of appearing for the entrance examinations. "It is fact that the merit seats in the medical colleges of the State is comparatively less than that of other States,'' he said. So, the All-India Entrance Examinations is a boon for the students here. The examinations are being conducted exclusively for the 15 per cent merit positions in the medical and dental colleges of India in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court. The examinations will be held at various centres on April 27, 2003 and the results declared on or before June 5, 2003.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Tele-medical facility at five MCHs soon
PATHANAMTHITTA Nov. 21. The Health Minister, P. Sankaran, has said that tele-medical facility will be set up at five medical college hospitals (MCHs) in the State as well as five Government hospitals in Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts soon. The Minister, who was on a visit to Sabarimala was talking to presspersons at Pampa this afternoon. He said the facility had already been provided at the Thirivananthapuram Medical College Hospital and the total estimate of the project is Rs. 5 crores. Mr. Sankaran said the second tele-medical facility would be set up at Pampa in the next one week in view of the ongoing Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season. The proposed project would facilitate expert opinion on medical diagnosis and treatment through video conferencing. The noted cardiologist, Bahuleyan, would be the chief consultant, he said. Mr. Sankaran said the work on the proposed hospital with tele-medical facility was fast progressing and it had been designed even to conduct surgery, making use of the advantage of tele-conferencing. The Minister said the Rs. 45-lakh tele-medical facility at Pampa would be shifted to the Pathanamthitta General Hospital once the Ayyappa temple was closed after the Makaravilakku festival season. He said the new hospital block in Pathanamthitta would be completed soon to house the modern medical facility there. Mr. Sankaran said that adequate steps were taken to solve the shortage of medicines at the Government Ayurvedic dispensary at Pampa. He visited all the Government dispensaries at Pampa and sannidhanam. The Minister said that the 12 oxygen parlours on the Pampa-sannidhanam trekking path had evoked good response and 30 to 40 people visit the parlour on a daily basis. The total number of out-patient registration at the Government hospital and the Ayurvedic dispensary at Pampa in the past five days was 2,894 and 782 respectively.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Kerala may control admissions in minority colleges
The Kerala government is not likely to grant 'unfettered freedom' to unaided minority professional colleges on the basis of the Supreme Court's order on the issue. The high-powered committee of the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front that is meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday will insist on the social conditions that the government had imposed on them while sanctioning the colleges. These colleges were opened to allow the private sector into professional education. The state Cabinet discussed the issue on the basis of a Cabinet subcommittee report and legal opinions received from various quarters on Wednesday. It is of the opinion that the apex court judgment has left enough scope for the government to intervene in matters of admission. Leaving the matter to the top policy-making body of the UDF, since the minority education lobby is politically powerful, the Cabinet subcommittee headed by Law Minister K M Mani suggested that college managements could retain at least 50 per cent of the merit seats. Prior to the Supreme Court verdict, the government had also set apart 15 per cent seats for various communities, including non-resident Indians. The government stand is bound to lead to conflicts and may even prompt another round of legal battle, say academic experts. Discarding the government guidelines, several minority-run professional colleges went ahead with admissions on the basis of their own criteria and fee structure. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College at Kolencherry in Ernakulam district has invited applications directly from the candidates for admission to the first year MBBS course. Meanwhile, the Association of Kerala Self-financing Colleges has constituted a committee to recommend the admission pattern and fee structure after the Supreme Court verdict. The committee has also been asked to study the possibility of conducting separate entrance examinations. The state has 38 unaided self-financing engineering colleges with around 7,000 seats. Besides, more than a dozen new colleges are likely to open next year. Students seeking admission to professional colleges this year are worried about the delay. Owing to the delay, they will be at a disadvantage compared to those who have already secured admissions in the existing colleges. The managements of the new colleges are also worried about the delay, as it will deprive them of the mandatory 240 working days. The Cabinet can take a decision on the matter only if the UDF's committee settles the dispute on Friday.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Cycling: Punjab Police, Kerala share honours
Cycling: Punjab Police, Kerala share honours Hyderabad, Nov. 20. ; Punjab Police and Kerala shared honours on the second day of the 56th senior national cycling championship being held at the newly built Velodrome at Osmania University here today. Kulbinder Singh won the yellow metal in the 1000m individual time trial while Sukbinder Singh also from Punjab Police claimed gold in the U-18 500m time trial event. Rajani of Kerala clocked 40.08 to clinch the gold in 500m individual time trial while her State mate TV Soumya, won gold in the U-18 section of the same event. Results: (all finals): Men 1000 mts (individual time trial) 1-Kulbinder Singh (Punjab Police) 1min 10.450 sec, 2-K Indra Kumar (Rlys) 1 min 10.640 secs, 3-Charanjeet Singh (Rlys) 1 min 12.030 secs. Women 500 mts (individual time trial): 1-Rajani (Kerala) 40.080 sec, 2- O Beena Kumari (Rlys) 40.800 sec, 3-KK Vaslia (Rlys) 41.170 sec. Boys U-18 500 mts time trial: 1-Sikbinder Singh (Punjab Police) 36.310 sec, 2-JA Khan (Manipur) 37.310 sec, 3-Swegn (Andaman & Nicobar) 38.220 secs. Girls U-18 500 mts time trial: 1-TV Soumya (Kerala) 43.920 sec, 2-Gurpreet Kaur (Punjab) 43.990 sec, 3-Yadav Lehano (Maha) 44.650 sec.
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Preliminary agreement with ADB for loan reached: Anthony
Thiruvananthapuram,Nov 20 : Kerala Chief Minister, A K Antony today said the government has arrived at a preliminary agreement with Asian Development Bnak for the proposed loan of Rs 3,800 crore. The agreement was reached during talks held by government and ADB officials at Manila, Antony said while answering questions during a cabinet briefing. "This is only a preliminary agreement.For getting the loan many more hurdles have to be overcome", he said. Referring to the Modernisation of Government Programmes (MGP) proposed by ADB as a condition for loan, he said there was nothing wrong with MGP which was aimed at improving the quality of service to the people. There was no proposal before the government to restrict the powers of Local bodies under MGP, he said adding instead government was committed for providing more powers to Local Bodies through decentralisation of power.'Decentralisation of power is the agenda of the government", he added. 'Governemnt will not do anything that will grab the powers of Local administations', he said when asked whether formation of Urban Development Authority will deplete the authority of local administration. Antony said the government would launch a month long campaign on various development aspects to be taken up by local administration under the tenth plan from December 9. There was also no move to cut the funds of local bodies and the amount of Rs.8000 crore earmarked for them under Tenth plan would be provided. Government was studying the cabinet sub-committee report on the computerisation of panchayats, he added. To a question, Antony said government has not taken a decision on ADB proposal for a performance linked funding to local bodies.
Thursday, November 21, 2002
RBI exempts Haj pilgrims from Nedungadi Bank moratorium
KOZHIKODE: Haj pilgrims, having accounts with the Nedungadi Bank Limited (NBL), now under the process of amalgamation with the Punjab National Bank, have been exempted from the three-month moratorium imposed on the bank under which the maximum amount allowed to be withdrawn from one's account is Rs 5000. "The RBI has acceded to the request made by the Kerala Minister for Haj Affairs, P K Kunhalikutty, to exempt the Haj pilgrims from the purview of the moratorium", NBL sources said. The exemption would now allow the pilgrims to withdraw the required sum from their accounts as against the maximum withdrawal limit of Rs 5000 imposed under the moratorium. The applicants would have to produce necessary documents from the Haj Welfare Committee for obtaining sanction from the RBI, the sources said. About 250 representations had also been received seeking increased withdrawal for marriage purposes and the RBI had already sanctioned two such cases, they said. Genuine cases relating to surgical treatment were also under the consideration of the RBI, the sources said. Nedungadi Bank Staff Federation General Secretary, K C Mohandas, when contacted, said the RBI's decision to relax the moratorium in genuine cases had brought relief to the depositors, who were initially put to hardship following the moratorium.
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Suresh Gopi in Communist
The film directed by Devaprasad starring Suresh Gopi has been named Communist. The film produced by A M Productions will have a Bengali actress Jayasheel as the heroine. Scripted by Devaprased, the film has lyrics by K S Pankajakshan, music by Vijay Karun, cinematography by M J Radhakrishnan. The singers of the film are K J Jesudas, Chitra, Sujatha and M G Sreekumar.
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Cycling: Punjab Police, Kerala share honours
Hyderabad, Nov. 20. ; Punjab Police and Kerala shared honours on the second day of the 56th senior national cycling championship being held at the newly built Velodrome at Osmania University here today. Kulbinder Singh won the yellow metal in the 1000m individual time trial while Sukbinder Singh also from Punjab Police claimed gold in the U-18 500m time trial event. Rajani of Kerala clocked 40.08 to clinch the gold in 500m individual time trial while her State mate TV Soumya, won gold in the U-18 section of the same event. Results: (all finals): Men 1000 mts (individual time trial) 1-Kulbinder Singh (Punjab Police) 1min 10.450 sec, 2-K Indra Kumar (Rlys) 1 min 10.640 secs, 3-Charanjeet Singh (Rlys) 1 min 12.030 secs. Women 500 mts (individual time trial): 1-Rajani (Kerala) 40.080 sec, 2- O Beena Kumari (Rlys) 40.800 sec, 3-KK Vaslia (Rlys) 41.170 sec. Boys U-18 500 mts time trial: 1-Sikbinder Singh (Punjab Police) 36.310 sec, 2-JA Khan (Manipur) 37.310 sec, 3-Swegn (Andaman & Nicobar) 38.220 secs. Girls U-18 500 mts time trial: 1-TV Soumya (Kerala) 43.920 sec, 2-Gurpreet Kaur (Punjab) 43.990 sec, 3-Yadav Lehano (Maha) 44.650 sec.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Online programme for nurses
KOCHI: The Kochi-based Vidya Bharathi Institute of Management and Technology (VIBIMAT) is arranging an online training programme to nurses to equip them to pass the Commission for Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS) examination. The inauguration of the programme is scheduled for December 1. A pass in CGFNS along with TOEFL and TSE guarantees jobs to nurses in American hospitals with attractive salary and working conditions, Dr K.C. Sankaranarayanan, Director of VIBIMAT, said. The institute will provide study materials to those who join the online programme. In addition, it will conduct model examinations to those who propose to write the CGFNS in Kochi or Kuwait. To ensure placement in hospitals in America, VIBIMAT has signed MoUs with various hospital groups. On the basis of one such MoU, the Covenant Hospital group of Milwaukee, US is now in Kerala to recruit nurses who have already cleared CGFNS examination. Nurses in the Gulf who have already passed the CGFNS examination can participate through telephonic interview, he added.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Kerala Tourism scores at London travel mart
THE Kerala Tourism stall attracted widespread interest at the recently concluded World Travel Mart in London. According to a spokesman of the Department of Tourism, the stall put up by the State at the WTM spanning four days from November 11 came in for particular praise both from the international travel trade as well as the media. "Kerala has set an example which is unmatched. In a short span of time, the destination has evolved as a globally recognised brand and still doesn't cease to surprise,'' the spokesman quoted Mr Graham Todd of Tourism Research International as saying in London. During the exposition, the international media choose to turn its spotlights on Kerala's achievements in tourism trade. Both the BBC and the CNN took time off to hold separate interviews with the Director of Tourism, Kerala. A host of leading media publications such as Conde Nast Traveller, Wanderlust, Business Traveller, Irish Travel Trade News and Financial Times and the British Airways Media commended the State for having channelised its strengths strategically to evolve itself as a tourism destination. The Telegraph carried an article which eulogised the natural attractions of the State. The largest contingent to WTM from India, the Kerala team was led by Mr Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Director (Tourism), and comprised nine members from the trade. The Great India Tour Company, Le Meridien, Nikki's Nest, Punnamada Backwater Resort, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Taj Resorts and The Travancore Heritage were among those who were represented in the trade team. The Casino group of hotels and Jayasree Travels had put up separate stalls. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort was listed by the IPIX publication as among the best spas of the world, the spokesman said.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Rain may continue in southern Kerala
Rain occurred at many places in Lakshadweep and at a few places in South-Kerala. According to an observatory, the chief amounts of rainfall reported in CMs are: Thiruvananthapuram city and Punalur two each and Thiruvananthapuram (AP) and Varkala one each. Punalur recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 21 degree celsius. Forecast valid until the morning of November 21: Rain Or thunders showers will occur at many places in South Kerala and at a few places in Lakshadweep, the report said.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Karunakaran group demands CLP meet
Thiruvananthapuram: The Karunakaran faction today formally demanded the convening of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to discuss the Government's functioning, including that of the Police Department. If this was not acceptable, the faction demanded that the Chief Minister should meet the MLAs collectively to air their views. The Congress Deputy Legislature Party Leader, M. P. Gangadharan, made the formal demand when he met the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, today. Mr. Gangadharan's meeting was a follow-up of the previous one last week. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to Mr. Gangadharan and informed him that he would think about it and let him know his decision. Last week, the Chief Minister had refused to meet `I' group MLAs as a delegation, but was not averse to meeting representatives of the faction. He said that he would give sufficient time for such a meeting after the President's visit, till which time he would be preoccupied. He had told Mr. Gangadharan that he held the same views held by the KPCC president, K. Muraleedharan, on this issue. The decision to send a delegation of MLAs to petition the Chief Minister was taken at a factional meeting of MLAs on November 7, on the eve of the Congress Chief Ministers' meeting at Mount Abu. Interestingly, the Congress leader, K. Karunakaran's new demand virtually overrules the KPCC president's objections, at least partially. An element of caution has been inducted by shifting the demand for either a CLP meeting or a collective meeting of MLAs. Mr. Karunakaran's fresh moves are sure to keep factional politics live, even though it was put on the backburner following the show-cause notice given to Padmaja Venugopal, Mr. Karunakaran's daughter, for floating a union against the wishes of the KPCC. Despite being on the backfoot, Mr. Karunakaran has been prompted to probe for political openings. He is banking on the mounting opposition to the police policy, not only in the Congress cutting across factions, but also in the UDF, to give him some headway at least to keep from slipping further. Mr. Muraleedharan's demand has been rejected ostensibly on grounds that he did not have any control over the MLAs and it was only before the Chief Ministers that they could express their views on the Government's functioning. Some of the `I' group MLAs are also of the view that the KPCC president's views would hold good only if pertained to party matters. For the last few weeks, Mr. Karunakaran has not been openly airing his views, but nevertheless has effectively utilised closed-door party platforms to carry on his campaign. The recent district leadership camps organised by the KPCC gave him ample opportunity to hit out at the Government.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Kerala invites attention at World Travel
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala was the focal point of this years' World Travel Mart held in London. . This was followed by the initiative taken by TV channels like BBC and CNN who showcased special programmes on the state. Newspapers and travel magazines such as Financial Times Wander Lust, Business Traveller, Irish Travel Trade News and British Airways Media carried stories on Kerala. The Telegraph published special features on Kerala's natural beauty. Kerala pavilion invited the attention of gourmets by offering authentic Kerala cuisine like Kuzhalapam, Churut, Pazham pori and Pazham manga lassi. Curios made from coconut shell, perfumes and silk shawls were also in demand. Souvenirs of Kerala origin added charm to the Kerala stall. The nine members Kerala team was the biggest of the Indian delegates from India lead by Tourism director, Alkesh Kumar. Great India Tour Company, Le Meridian, Nikkies Nest, Punnamata Backwater Resort, Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort, Taj Resorts and Travancore Resorts also represented Kerala. Casino Group and Jayasree Travels set up their own stalls. Ipics publications, choose Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resorts as one of the best beach resorts in the world
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Oppn leader begins 24-hr dharna before secretariat
Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, V S Achuthanandan, began a 24-hour dharna before the secretariat this evening, in protest against the alleged beating up of SFI activists at the venue by police when they tried to put up a tent for a sit-in fast, as part of their stir against the education policy. Police, however, said the SFI activists had violated a government ban on putting up tents before the secretariat and had tried to erect pandals for their 24-hour sit in fast. SFI leaders alleged police had resorted to lathicharge, in which two student activists were injured. They claimed that the students had tried to put up a tent only to take shelter from the rain. Hearing the police action towards the student leaders the state leaders of CPM rushed to the site for the support of students. A huge police force headed by City Police Commissioner Rajan Singh including the tear gas team line up near the dharna pandal. Hearing the police action the Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan who inaugurated the dharna reached there and he announced he would also participate in the dharna. The students excited with Achuthanandan's decision and saluted the leader with slogans. Achuthanandan told the mediapersons that he would also participate in the dharna till 4pm on Wednesday. The students who were peacefully conducting the dharna were tied the tarpaulin to escape from the heavy rain. The leaders including CPM State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, former home minister T K Ramakrishnan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Dr Thomas Isaac MLA, E P Jayarajan, M A Baby, P K Gurudasan, A Kanaran, P K Sreemathi Teacher, M Vijayakumar, S Sarma and M C Josephine came at the protest pandal. The SFI state secretariat decided to mark today as a black day at all campuses in the state to protest the police action against its cadres.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Nedungadi lessons
LOOKED AT ANYHOW, the RBI had no alternative but to get Punjab National Bank (PNB) to operate Nedungadi Bank, that had been run down by a pack of Mumbai-based brokers. A moratorium followed by a takeover of Nedungadi Bank had to happen to halt a ruinous run. There is little to commend the delay at the RBI's end as Nedungadi Bank introduced a scheme in September 1999 for buy and sell of shares to arbitrage between BSE and NSE, which finally undid the entity. There is not much conviction in Punjab National Bank getting an entry into the south (especially Kerala) via Nedungadi Bank when State Bank of India, State Bank of Travancore and others are over-banking the area. At some point in time, SBI, for the same reason, seemingly rejected the reference made for picking up Nedungadi Bank. One is not sure whether the RBI forced the issue on PNB or not, and a similar doubt prevails over the buy-bid of Andhra Bank for the new private sector bank, Centurion Bank. The draft scheme for the PNB-Nedungadi Bank merger has banned all legal proceedings against the Central Government, the RBI and the two banking entities. Before Nedungadi Bank went under, it had two RBI nominees on board (now four) who failed to track early acts of impropriety. Over the last few years, the central bank has been trying to get the small and old private sector banks based in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to get together on their own, but there have been no takers. Most of the banking entities have community origins with political backing making the job that much harder for the RBI. In a few years from now, these banks will not be able to grow beyond a point, and the RBI wants to avert indiscriminate bids. Except, probably, for HDFC Bank (HDBK.BO, news) and ICICI Bank (ICBK.BO, news) , the new private sector banks have little to show. As of now, the central bank is quite uncomfortable with the boards of most old and new private sector banks and believes public sector banks alone are worthy heirs-apparent. Are public sector banks, manned by government and the RBI, the best exemplars? After absorbing around Rs 25,000 crore of recap funds over the last few years and weighed down by dead assets, they cannot boast of a management style that will leave the RBI contented. For instance, it took close to two weeks for New Delhi to appoint a chairman for SBI, majority owned by the central bank. Yet again, the RBI cannot do much beyond inviting attention to the sheaf of unpassed legislations in Parliament. Most political parties are against a government pull-out from banks, though legislation provides for a 33 per cent stake for New Delhi. An Advisory Group on Corporate Governance has said legislation will allow for government appointing nine of the 15 directors, including four whole-time directors, apart from restrictive voting rights. The RBI Governor, Dr Bimal Jalan, is in favour of retaining the "public sector character of banks" as corporates are "not informed by social purpose." One cannot disagree but does the maxim apply to government banks, especially after Indian Bank? Perhaps the debate needs to extend beyond the pedigree of the banking system to quality supervision and regulation. And the RBI has rarely been a step ahead of the ways of the truant.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
US remains the most favoured destination
DESPITE the September 11 blues and the continued economic slowdown, US remains the favourite destination for non-immigrant visa (NIV) seekers from India, particularly the South, with the US Consulate in Chennai expected to process around 200,000 NIV applications during the calendar year 2002. Another interesting development is that though universities from the UK, Australia and New Zealand have been trying to attract students from the South, the US universities have not lost their allure for the Indian students, if the student visa seekers' number is any indication. Speaking to Business Line in Coimbatore on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the Indo-American Business meet, Mr John D. Nylin, Vice-Consul, American Consulate General, Chennai, said the Chennai US Consulate, in so far as handling of NIV applications was concerned, was the busiest in South Asia (comprising India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and ranked among the first 15 US consulates across the globe in handling such visa applications. During 2002, Mr Nylin expected the Chennai consulate to `adjudicate' around 200,000 NIV applications. He said, in reply to a query, that there was a `significant drop' in visa applications immediately after the September 11 attacks. The volume of NIV applications witnessed in September and October 2001 at Chennai consulate was among the lowest in years. `But that was to be expected' because of the obvious concerns that people had. He said that trend, however, did not last long if one had a look at the figures in 2002. From January-February timeframe onwards, in reality the number of two lakh NIV applications was about what the consulate would have expected given the downturn in the US economy, for that matter the global economy itself. Mr Nylin said the consulate had seen a continuing healthy demand (for NIVs) and "there does not appear to be any September 11 effect, if you will, any more". If there was one, it was limited to the "very near period" immediately after the September 2001 events. He expected the demand for NIVs to remain healthy during the year 2003. Asked about the share of the southern States in the number of US NIV seekers, the Chennai US Vice-Consul said the demand for NIVs among Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu people was almost even. But the demand from Kerala tended to be a little less, though he was not able to provide any specific reason for this lower demand. Commenting on the category of NIV applications, Mr Nylin said in the last five years, the annual demand for NIVs from the southern States had increased "more than threefold". During 1996-97, the Chennai US Consulate processed about 60,000 visa applications which has now gone up to around two lakh applications a year. The proportion of visas, of B1, B2 types (which are for temporary visitors for business or pleasure) compared to H1B or student visas, have remained relatively similar. In fact, because of the downturn in the US economy, the H1B visa applications, as a percentage, has declined. This segment constituted around 20 to 25 per cent of the visa applications. But the largest chunk of the work done at the consulate, constituting nearly 65 per cent, related to processing B1, B2 visa applications and this number had "stayed relatively constant". Asked whether the number of student visa applications had come down or whether there was any decline in student interest in going to the US, Mr Nylin said, "actually no". On the contrary, in the most recent student visa season from May 2002, the numbers were up. He said this was not surprising because when the economy slows down people tend to go back to studies. Interestingly, the Institute for International Education (IIE) in the US, which does research and analysis on international students in the US, has reported that "for the first time ever Indian student enrolment has surpassed the Chinese in US".
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Kochi pepper market weak on imports, smuggling
AVAILABILITY of imported pepper from Vietnam and Sri Lanka in the domestic market has weakened the demand at the terminal market here in the recent weeks. At least 5,000 tonnes of pepper of Sri Lankan and Vietnamese origin have entered the upcountry markets such as Delhi, Nagpur, Indore, Pune, according to trading sources. On the other hand, smuggling of pepper from Kerala's Wayanad district to Karnataka and then to other upcountry destinations is also on the rise. These factors have squeezed the activities of the terminal market here, which is evident from the weak demand during the festival season in October and November. The arrivals of new crop had just started from the southern districts of the State. ``In fact, the importance of the terminal market is getting lost. If things go at this level, even the very existence of the terminal market will be in danger'', Mr Kishor Shamji, former President, India Pepper and Spice Trade Association (IPSTA), told Business Line. Another significant factor is the entry of new investors in the pepper market. They buy spot pepper and sell in futures and make a profit of 18 per cent. Such activities have become the major operations at the terminal market, the market sources pointed out. During August-November 300-400 tonnes were traded by these newcomers. Meanwhile, the international pepper business depends mainly on Brazil now. The Brazilian market is highly volatile. The bullish exporters there are quoting $1,950 per tonne while the US importing brokers put the prices offered by them at $1,850 per tonne. Indian parity is at $2,200 per tonne lesser than that of Indonesia. Even some Indian exporters are offering at $2,050 per tonne for securing orders. According to the market sources, even if the Indian price remains above by $200-300, there would be buyers as MG1 commands a premium in the global market. Given the present market trend with India and Brazil as the only sources, buying activities are expected in November, December, January and February. Spot prices on Monday remained at the weekend's level of Rs 10,100 for MG1 and Rs 9,700 per quintal for ungarbled. December futures was at Rs 10,550 per quintal on November 18 as against Rs 10,500 on last Saturday. January Rs 10,925 (Rs 10,900), February Rs 11,200 (Rs 11,175), March Rs 11,510 (Rs 11,425), April Rs 11,725 (Rs 11,600) and May Rs 11,775 (Rs 11,675).
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
`KSRTC fleet among largest fuel guzzlers'
A FIELD study carried out by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has revealed that the fleet maintained by the public sector Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) returned an average mileage of 3.9 km per litre of fuel compared to the all-India average of 4.48 km.Presenting results of the study at a national seminar on `Energy conservation in the transport sector', Mr C. Jayaraman, State Co-ordinator of the PCRA, said that fleet utilisation in KSRTC during 2000-2001 has been found to be 78.2 per cent compared to 93.7 per cent and 99 per cent returned by its counterpart organisations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The comparable occupancy figures were 4.53 per cent for KSRTC, 69.9 per cent for Karnataka and 61.34 per cent for Andhra Pradesh. Further, the employee/bus ratio in KSRTC was also on the higher side - 7.8 compared to 6.1 in Karnataka and 7.15 in Andhra Pradesh. Presenting another paper on energy conservation strategy in the transport sector, Mr T. Elangovan, Director, National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac), suggested intensive promotion of the public transport system as against personalised transport which have been found to relatively consume much higher levels of energy. Paved footpaths and cycle tracks should be provided along major roads for use by conventional modes of transport such as bicycles. Other strategies mooted include implementation of one-way regulations, wider use of signages, enforcement of parking restrictions and traffic management measures for ensuring a freer flow of traffic. Similarly, road surfaces could be improved and busy commercial streets declared vehicle-free zones to save on fuel. Developing a multi-modal approach for mass transport system was also another practicable suggestion for implementation, he said. In her paper on `Potential of inland water transportation and energy conservation', Ms B.G. Sreedevi, Head, Engineering Division, Natpac, has advocated the shifting of a section of cargo from the road to inland water sector by utilising the potential of the existing waterways. Concerted effort from all concerned would be required to ensure increased efficiency in the sector by enabling it to overcome systematic drawbacks such as comparatively low speeds. Ms Leena Mehendale, Executive Director of PCRA, said that the association would extend training to drivers on energy conservation in the future. PCRA will extend all assistance to bring out energy conservation literature in all regional languages. Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, the State Electricity Minister, Mr Kadavoor Sivadasan, said that a conscious decision to reduce transmission loss and larger recourse to compact fluorescent lamps would lead to significant savings in electricity consumption. The national seminar was organised jointly by the Energy Conservation Society in association with PCRA, the Energy Management Centre (EMC), Natpac, KMML, the State Committee for Science, Technology and Environment (STEC) and the Kerala Government.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
UAE NRIs seek cut in air turbine fuel tax
NRIs in the UAE hailing from Kerala are urging the State Government to reduce the high air turbine fuel (ATF) tax in the State, saying that this would lead to a significant drop in air fares from the Gulf to destinations in Kerala. In a representation to the Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, the Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, a Sharjah-based organisation representing many NRIs in the UAE, has called for a slash in the ATF tax which currently stands at a high of 39 per cent. In contrast, the ATF tax in Andhra Pradesh is as low as four per cent, resulting in significantly cheaper fares to Hyderabad from the Gulf, Mr K.V. Shamsudheen, Chairman of the Trust, told Business Line. He also said that the representation was sent recently following a large number of e-mail messages received by the Trust urging the Kerala Government to take action at the earliest. A slash in the ATF tax will enable airlines operating to Kerala destinations to cut their fares, which would benefit a large number of Keralite expatriates, particularly those belonging to the lower income groups. Mr Shamsudheen said that an earlier effort has been made by the Trust to appeal to the Prime Minister and the civil aviation authorities demanding reduction of air fares in the Gulf sector by Air India and Indian Airlines. More than 4,000 individuals had sent representations through the trust's Web site on that occasion, he added. According to Mr Shamsudheen, the Civil Aviation Minister, following a visit to Dubai earlier this year, had responded to the appeal by calling for temporary reduction in air fares by the two national carriers. The Minister had cited the high ATF tax in Kerala as one of the reasons for the higher fares on the Gulf-Kerala sector. The Andhra Pradesh Government had earlier slashed its ATF tax from 40 per cent to four per cent following similar appeals and fares on the Andhra-Gulf sector were subsequently reduced to reasonable levels.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
School's fun, after all
Standing in this queue is not boring: Students line up to visit an IT exhibition, as part of IT@school, held recently in Thrissur, Kerala. IT@school is a project launched by the Kerala Government to make dissemination of computer knowledge in schools more effective. As part of the project, schools provide the space and the empanelled agencies involved the equipment and technical training to teachers. In the first phase, the scheme is to be implemented in 3,600 schools in Kerala.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Ex-MLA K K Thomas passes away
Idukki (Kerala), Nov 19: Former Congress MLA and a leading trade unionist K K Thomas died at the Pushpagiri Hospital at Thiruvalla yesterday, family sources said. Thomas, 67, had been keeping indifferent health for some time. He represented Peermade segment in the Kerala Assembly from 1982 to 1996. He entered active politics as a Communist Party worker in the 1950s and joined the Congress in 1963. He had served as Idukki DCC president and KPCC executive member. (Agencies)
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Nedumudi Venu bags best actor award
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19: Noted Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu has bagged the best actor’s award for his role in TV serial ‘Avasthantharagal’ which also bagged award for best serial of the Kerala state TV awards 2001. ‘December Mist’ was adjudged the best tele film. Jude Attipetti was selected best director while Bobby and Sanjay were adjudged best scriptwriters. The best actress award was bagged by Jyothermai while KPAC Lalitha got the best supporting actress award. Babby Manjima got the best child artist award while Balabhasker was the best music director. Rani Varghese of Asianet news got the best newsreader’s award. Aliyar was selected best commentator. Announcing the award, Cultural Affairs Minister G Karthikeyan said awards for programmes telecast by All India Radio was under the consideration of the government. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy had been asked to prepare guidelines for the same, he said. (Agencies)
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
"Report the pain and success of rural India," Kalam to media
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 18 : President A P J Abdul Kalam today asked the media to report the pain and success of rural India as 70 per cent of country's population live there. Speaking after presenting Swadeshabhimani Puraskaram 2002 to journalist V K Madhavankutty here president said it was high time that the enlightened media of the country launched a movement for bringing out the true face and achievements of the rural population. Kalam said the domestic media should go for more analytical reporting "by doing its own research instead of depending on research works of other countries." Media had a vital role in transforming the country into a developed nation, he said adding the emphasis should be for publishing development news. "I have the occasion to see the rural sides of the state during the visit and it is beautiful. During my recent visit one child asked me about a "dream" of living in a peacefull and prosperous nation. "Media friends, for realising that dream, you have to play a vital role," the President said. He also presented the excellence in Malayalam Journalism award to Renji Kuriakose (Malayala Manorama) and the best news photography award to B Muralikrishnan (Mathrubhumi). Special awards instituted by the Swadeshabhimani Smaraka Samithy to commemorate the tenth anniversay of Cartoonist K R Gopikrishnan (Mathruhumi), veteran jouralists Joy Sasthampadicakal (Malayala Manorama) and K G Parameswaran Nair (Kerala Kaumudi). Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony presided over the function.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Kerala's Sindhu equals national record, takes two medals
Kerala's Sindhu equals national record, takes two medals Bangalore,Monday, November 18, 2002: Kerala's Sindhu U hogged the limelight at the Women's National Shooting Champioship annexing the gold with a national record in the 50m Rifle Prone and then making it a double with a silver in the same event in the senior section here today. Sindhu tallied 588 points, same as Raj Kumari (INF), who achieved the feat in Indore earlier this year. Incidentally, Kumari took the bronze here at 580, behind the silver winner M Dhareenee of Tamil Nadu (585). Maharashtra's Deepali Deshpande walked away with gold in the senior section of the women's 50M Rifle Prone event with 590. Sindhu made it a memorable day for her, securing silver with 588 with Army's Birmati securing bronze at 586. Army captured gold in the 50M Rifle Prone Women's senior team event with a total of 1737 points (Navneet Duggal 567, Lakshmi Priya 584, Birmati 586), while INF Kids took the silver at 1736 (Meena Kumari 578, Raj Kumari 580, Sharda Thapa 578). With 1732, Railways had to be satisfied with bronze (Suma Shirur 584, Poornima Gawhane 565, Anuja Tere 583). 21:10 IST
Monday, November 18, 2002
Kalam leaves for Delhi
Kalam leaves for Delhi THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV 18 President A P J Abdul Kalam tonight left here for New Delhi after a two-day tour of Kerala. On his maiden visit to the state after assuming the highest office, Kalam attended various functions in north, central and south Kerala. He launched a Rs 30 crore tribal development programme at Attappadi in Palakkad and an IT literacy programme in the state capital. He also visited Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre here where he had spent 20 years as scientist. The President was seen off at the airport by Governor Sikander Bakht, Chief Minister A K Antony, Information Minister M M Hassan, MPs, MLAs and city Mayor J Chandra.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Women drinkers increasing in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, November 18 Excessive heat, low rainfall and a new crop of women drinkers have made beer sales in Kerala soar by 25 per ent. A Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) spokesperson said 1.9 million cases of beer and 5.9 million cases of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) had sold from April to October this year. In 2000-01 (April-March), 2.95 million cases of beer were sold in Kerala while in 2001-02 it was 2.90 million. "While IMFL sales have recorded a four percent growth, beer sales grew by 25 percent. The total sales touched Rs.10.97 billion, which is a 10 percent growth compared to the previous fiscal," the spokesperson of the KSBC, the sole wholesaler of beer and IMFL in Kerala, told . "We have paid the government Rs 9.15 billion as sales tax, excise duty, surcharge and turnover tax. This is an increase of 15 percent. We are expecting to end the financial year with IMFL sales of 9.5 million cases and 3.6 million cases of beer." Public health expert C. Ramankutty remarked that the rise in beer sale indicated a change in mindset. "Most people in Kerala do not consider drinking beer a taboo any longer," he said. "But I would short stop of stating this as the only reason for the increase in beer consumption. There could be other reasons too." There are 254 KSBC-owned retail outlets selling IMFL and beer and 46 operated by the Consumer Federation, a cooperative society run by the Kerala government. There are also 490 bars and around 35 exclusive beer parlours run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Johnson Idyaranmula, chief of research organisation ADIC India who also runs a de-addiction centre, said his studies revealed that more Keralites were drinking from a younger age and women were shaking off old taboos to enjoy a glass now and then. "There is now a sizeable number of women beer drinkers in Kerala. They comprise of college students and young housewives," Johnson said.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Utilise Kerala's biodiversity, Kalam tells scientists
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: President A P J Abdul Kalam Monday urged scientists in Kerala to show results, using the state's rich biodiversity and ancient systems of medicine. He was here to inaugurate the new building of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. The state's core competence is its rich bio-diversity, he said, adding that the need of the hour is to combine this with biotechnology. He urged the scientific community to look into the state's traditional systems of medicine, ayurveda and vaidya. "A mix of biotechnology and IT would lead to the field of bio-informatics," Kalam added. Earlier in the day, he delivered the Satish Dhawan Memorial Lecture at his favourite Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre where he worked as a senior scientist for two decades. He asked his former colleagues to work for the betterment of the country and to see that economic wealth was created for the poor. "All of you have a great responsibility because the country needs wealth and through the creation of wealth, technology would reach the common man -- through this alone can we create a secure India." Remember his days at the centre he said all through his life he was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dhawan. He recalled how Dhawan took full responsibility when the SLV 3 launch failed on August 18, 1979. "This is noble leadership," said Kalam. Soon after the meeting, Kalam broke the security ring and mixed freely with his former colleagues.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Use IT for societal transformation: Kalam
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV 18 President A P J Abdul Kalam today stressed the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in bringing about societal transformation, especially in rural areas of the country. Launching the Kerala state-sponored programme for "bridging the digital divide programme, Akshaya," here, Kalam said creation of knowledge power by increasing electronic connectivity of rural areas would be a major factor for their economic development. "Knowledge power is essential to increase physical connectivity, electronic connectivity and economic connectivity," the President said. "Always generate requirements of IT development not from urban people, but from rural people." Generation of proper data base and reaching them through electronic connectivity could greatly help rural segments like farmers and fisherfolk by making them aware of the demand of their products. Application of IT at the village level was also important to ensure transparency in governance, the President said. The President said societal transformation could be achieved by focusing on four major factors-- agriculture, education, health and transparent governance. Holding that bridging the digital divide was very important, the president said he was all the more happy to know that the "Akshaya" programme was implemented through the panchayats. Throwing light into the fast-pace development in IT, he said by 2009 a computer PC costing USD 1000 was predicted to do a trillion calculation purposes. "We have to make computer a friendly system to develop our ways of life," he said. Kerala Governor Sikander Bhakt, Chief Minister A K Antony, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly V S Achuthanandan also spoke. "Akshaya' was envisaged as a community-driven programme targeting to make at least one member in each family in the state computer literate. It also aims at job generation by providing development of ICT skills through functional IT literacy.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Kerala is the safest place in the country: IB report
Kerala is the safest place in the country: IB report KOCHI: The Home Ministry has ranked Kerala as the safest place in the country in terms of security situation. An Intelligence Bureau (IB) report placed before the annual conference of the Director-Generals of Police, says that Kerala is the safest place to live followed by Haryana, Delhi and Punjab. Highly-placed sources told this website's newspaper that the State was the only place that didn't witness a communal clash between September 2001 and August 2002 making it the only Southern State free from communal menace. The report, which assesses the internal security scenario during the above mentioned period, has, however, warned the Central Government of increasing incidents of communal violence in the country. ``Communalism is actually the biggest threat. It has spread to most parts of the country. Between September 2001 and August 2002, there were 717 communal clashes in which 183 people were killed, excluding the Gujarat carnage,'' the report said. (According to the report, 915 people were killed and property worth Rs 1,000 crore destroyed in Gujarat riots.) Communal tensions and incidents have also been reported from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Central India only Chhattishgarh remained free of the menace. Entire North-East region and states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal and Jammu and Kashmir were also remained free of communal troubles during the period. ``Though Kerala is insulated from communal threat, there have been instances of tribal groups being influenced by Left wing groups. This is slightly disturbing,'' a top official who attended the conference told this website's newspaper. Inputs from Kerala have also reported minor incidents from remote villages and attributed them to the grip of Left wing groups on rural population. ``The country is faced with grave internal security threats. Perhaps it's a more worrying proposition than external terrorism,'' sources said. The report said that several states in the country were witnessing resurgent Left wing extremism. The Maoist violence has gripped parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. There have been 1433 incidents of Left wing violence during the period. About 180 security personnel, 352 civilians and 186 extremists were killed in these incidents. Armed insurgency, the report said, has spread across the North-Eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The IB says Sikkim remains peaceful while rest of the states in the North-East region are in flames. Between September 2001 and August 2002, there have been 1325 incidents of violence involving armed insurgents in Northeast. In these incidents, 502 civilians, 156 security personnel and 667 ultras were killed. Where as in Jammu and Kashmir, during the same period, there were 3202 terrorist incidents in which 468 security personnel, 1025 civilians and 2164 terrorists were killed. In Jammu and Kashmir 879 militants were arrested during the same period, while 131 surrendered to the police and Army. The report has also urged the Centre to take up an urgent programme for the modernisation of police in all states. It said the lack of modern equipment and absence of proper intelligence network were the main problems faced by forces in the maintenance of internal security. The Army should be approached only as the last resort to control internal disturbances, the report suggested.
Monday, November 18, 2002
RSS activist killed in Kannur
Monday, November 18, 2002 (Kannur): An RSS activist was killed allegedly by a group of CPI-M members near Paduvilai temple near Kuthuparamba in the district. The 27-year-old RSS activist Pottakkadan Shaji, who was also a BJP worker, was first attacked with a bomb when he was returning home after attending a 'shakha' camp last night. Soon, he was attacked with knives inflicting deep wounds on his neck, legs and arms. A police team, which reached the spot, rushed Shaji to Kuthuparamba government hospital. He was later shifted to Thalassery General hospital where he was declared 'brought dead'. Ten CPI-M activists were arrested in this connection, police said. The BJP here blamed the CPI-M for the last night's attack. Meanwhile, a 70-year-old CPI-M sympathiser Koorara Raman was injured when an unidentified group attacked a building named after veteran CPI-M leader E M S Namboodiripad. Raman, who was admitted to a Kuthuparamba hospital, was later shifted to Thalassery cooperative hospital. A strong posse of police personnel was maintaining vigil in and around the area to maintain law and order.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Trial run for President's escort vehicle kills pedestrian
Kozhikode, Nov 17 A 65-year-old man, hit by a VVIP escort vehicle during its rehearsal run here on Saturday in view of President A P J Abdul Kalam's visit to the city, succumbed to his injuries at the Medical College Hospital on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Purayil Moideenkutty, hailing from Mudavoormukku, near here. Following the mishap at Kolathara here, the seriously injured man was admitted to the MCH and operated upon. However, he succumbed to injuries at the trauma care centre, hospital sources said.
Monday, November 18, 2002
It is a wonderful experience to be in Kerala: Kalam
It is a wonderful experience to be in Kerala: Kalam THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV 16 President A P J Abdul Kalam, on a two-day visit to the state, today said "it is a wonderful and beautiful experience to be back in Kerala," where he had spent nearly two decades as scientist with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). On his arrival here tonight after a hectic day of engagements in north and central Kerala, Kalam said he looked forward to Kerala growing into a prosperous state. He was responding to reporters' queries on how he felt to be back in the state capital, where he had lived in a lodge room for several years during his ISRO days. The media personnel covering his visit were in for a surprise as he readily acceded to their requests for an interaction on arrival at Kochi and at a function and here. "I want to transform India into a developed nation in a period of 20 years," he told reporters here. On his arrival, he was received by Governor Sikander Bakht, state ministers and other dignitories. After the reception, he drove straight to the Raj Bhavan. Earlier, on arrival at the Naval airport at Kochi, Kalam said "Kerala is not new to me. Kerala is important to me." Acceding to their request to answer queries, the President came close to the media personnel and said "I have lived in Kerala for 20 years and every time, was acquiring knowledge". Seeing the smiles on the face of the waiting media personnel, the President jocularly remarked "You are all happy and smiling". Later, at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, where he had an interaction with the students and teaching faculty, he again acceded to the requests of media persons to talk. "Whenever I came to Kerala, I felt very happy," he said adding "Kerala is a knowledge laboratory".
Monday, November 18, 2002
'Have a vision to achieve all dreams' -President
President A P J Abdul Kalam today said the country with a billion of peole had enough space for everyone's dreams and urged children and youngsters to have a vision to achieve all dreams. ` In his interaction with chidren on 'India of my dreams', organised by the children of Akila Kerala Balajana Sakhyam and Malayala Manorama, the President was asked 'will our country be able to accommodate all our dreams?' Dr Kalam laughed and said it was a 'beautiful quesiton'. India was a nation of a billion people and there was space enough for everyone's dreams. 'Having a vision was essential.' 'What is the turning point in your life?', was another question thrown at the President. He said 'to become a scientist, was a natural process. But becoming a President was an accident'. Dr Kalam inaugurated the website of the Sakhyam and made the children repeat the Malayalam translation of a poem 'vidyadeepam' written by him in Tamil. The sakhyam, said to be the largest organisation of children and youth in Asia and promoted by the Malayala Manorama, was formed to nourish social values in children and the youth.
Monday, November 18, 2002
Kerala not new to me: President
KOCHI, NOV 17 Giving the media a pleasant surprise by acceding to their request to answer queries, President A P J Abdul Kalam, today said Kerala, where he lived for 20 years, was important for him. "Kerala is not new to me. Kerala is important to me," Kalam said adding "I have lived in Kerala for 20 years and every time, was acquiring knowledge". Dressed in a grey suit, the President spoke to media immediately on his arrival at the Naval airport, after being introduced to the dignitaries, when waiting reporters drew his attention.
Monday, November 18, 2002
We should have capability of minimum defence: Kalam
KOCHI NOV. 17. The cornerstone of India's nuclear policy is our `no-first-use' pledge, the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has said. He was answering a question by a student whether Dr. Kalam's recent statement that the country would not dither on the use of the nuclear option contradicted his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi's policies. The interactive event was organised here today by the Akhila Kerala Balajana Sakhyam and the Malayala Manorama. ``India cannot afford to be inactive. We should have the capability of minimum defence. For well over 3,000 years, India was at the receiving end, having been invaded by outside powers. But not once has India invaded or launched an attack on another country.'' Speaking on the topic `India of my dreams', he said, ``I believe that a small aim is a crime. I have a dream, of making India a developed country''. ``Ever since I took over as President, I have met over a lakh students from across the country. On many occasions, they pose to me the question about living in a happy, prosperous and secure India. We have to uplift the 300 million people who live below the poverty line. `` We also have to increase the annual growth rate of our GDP, from 5 to 10 per cent. We have a road map cut out for us focus on agriculture, food processing, health and education,'' he said. ``The message that I put across through my website (www.abdulkalam.com) is aimed at youth below 20 years of age, since they have ideas and thoughts that are innovative. I had posted two questions in my website `how can we transform India into a developed country?' and `when can I sing a song of India?' A Malayali girl posted her reply: `I will be like a flower, many of which are put together to make a garland. This way, unity of minds can be achieved'. A boy replied: `I am like an electron, which moves continuously in orbit. I too will be like it, working ceaselessly.' Yet another boy's reply was: `I will sing a song of India when India is strong enough to put economic and technological sanction on other countries' ''. When a student asked him about the turning point that made him a scientist and later President, he said that it was sweat and dreams that made him a scientist. ``Becoming the President was an accident,'' he said. ``Excel in studies. Hard work has not damaged anyone in the world.''
Sunday, November 17, 2002
CM seeks consensus for development of state
KOZHIKODE (KERALA), NOV 16 Strongly defending his government's decision to avail loans from global financial institutions like the Asian Development Bank, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony today urged all political parties to evolve a consensus for the development of the state. "Mobilising income through tax remittance alone is not sufficient to meet the funds requirement for developmental activities and we have to also depend upon agencies like World Bank, ADB and financial institutions such as the LIC and HUDCO for implementing speedy developmental activities," he said. All political parties should set aside their ideological differences for the all round progress of the state, he said inaugurating the Central Market Complex of the Kozhikode Corporation here. He said Karnataka had constructed 130 bridges with the assistance of the HUDCO and the same agency had promised to extend a loan to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore to Kerala. Earlier at a function, Antony gave away the C H Mohammed Koya Journalism Award 2000-01, comprising a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a memento, to eminent journalist and columnist Praful Bidwai.
Sunday, November 17, 2002
Sabarimala season begins
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 16. : The sacred Sabari hills, abode of Lord Ayyappa, will reverberate with the chanting of `Sarana Manthram' for the next two months with the pilgrimage season getting underway today. The Kerala Government and temple authorities are making all efforts to put best possible facilities in place for devotees at the foothills of Pampa and at 'Sannidhanam'. Detailing arrangements, State Devaswom Minister G Karthikeyan appealed to pilgrims to voluntarily co-operate with measures meant to "avoid stress" to the area forming part of Periyar Tiger Reserves. Government has made all arrangements to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage to devotees visiting the shrine from different parts of the country this year, he said in a statement.
Sunday, November 17, 2002
Kerala calls Bill Gates, hardsells its IT sector
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 4-member Kerala team that met Microsoft chief Bill Gates passed on a brochure detailing Kerala's tourism offerings to the billionnaire just in case he is considering a holiday. But the state is hopeful that Gates will take a closer interest in its IT sector, following Microsoft's decision to include Malayalam among the languages that Windows will support. State IT Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told ET that it was agreed during the 40-minute meeting that Microsoft would cross reference Kerala as an IT destination with strong potential. "An endorsement by Microsoft to the effect that Kerala is a good IT destination will do wonders for us", she said. A Microsoft team is expected here in the next fortnight to discuss a blueprint that is being drawn up on the basis of the talks the Kerala delegation had with Bill Gates. A detailed blue print will be ready in the next 60 days. Top sources here said that Kerala was close to roping in an investment from a Bangalore-based IT giant in the business process outsourcing sector. Officials here said that the meeting with Mr Gates was in itself a success and attributed the appointment with Mr Gates as an acknowledgment by Microsoft of the IPR initiatives undertaken by the state government. Sundararajan said Kerala was aiming at a zero-piracy level in government departments and industrial outfits in the first phase. Parallelly, training is being given to police officials for tackling piracy and a campaign for dissemination of information on the piracy issue is also on the anvil. Kerala has been assured of Microsoft assistance in the education sector, as part of the company's investment in India. Kerala is taking up a mass computer literacy programme that aims to give at least one member from each family focussed training on how to use computers and access the Net. Called Akshaya, the programme is to be kicked off by the state IT Mission in Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram districts on November 18.
Sunday, November 17, 2002
Pro-naxal outfit workers held
Thrissur, Nov. 16. : Ten activists of the pro-Naxalite outfit Yuvajana Vedi were arrested today for allegedly ransacking the Coca-Cola bottling and distribution unit near here. Police said the activists had barged into the premises, shouting slogans against the liberalisation and globalisation policy of the Centre and damaged the beverage bottles stocked at the unit.
Sunday, November 17, 2002
Mammen Mathew appointed trustee of Reuters
London,Saturday, November 16, 2002: Mammen Mathew, Editor and Managing Director of Malayala Manorama, was today appointed a trustee of the international news agency Re |
