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August 2003
Jayakrishnan verdict: Cases against 17 CPM leaders for threatening judge
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Jayakrishnan verdict: Cases against 17 CPM leaders for threatening judge KOZHIKODE: Police have registered cases against 17 CPM leaders including its secretariat member E P Jayarajan for threatening Additional District and Sessions Judge K K Chandra Das who had pronounced death sentence on five party workers in the Jayakrishnan murder case. The other leaders include State committee members and MLAs P Jayarajan and M V Jayarajan, former MLA Mammu Master, Panur area committee secretary P Harindran, DYFI State vice-president Rejeendranath, and block secretary Prakashan. They have been charged under IPC Section 506 (1) (criminal intimidation), 143 and 147 (unlawful assembly), and 188 (disobeying order). The cases have been charged against the CPM leaders for taking out procession without prior permission and threatening the Judge at a public meeting organised by the party at East Mokeri near Thalassery on August 28. The meeting was held to protest against the court verdict. Thalassery police have also charged cases against CPM leaders James Mathew, Kunhanandan, Rejeendranath and Shamsheer for showering abuse on the Judge. They have been charged under IPC Section 294 (B) (uttering obscene words in public), 427 (mischief), 323 (assaulting without weapon) and 188. According to the police, a mob led by these leaders organised a march in Thalassery on August 26, shortly after the Judge delivered the verdict. Apart from shouting abusive slogans, the mob had also attacked an autorickshaw. Meanwhile, the CPM is organising another protest meeting in Panur on Sunday. Former chief minister and CPM politburo member E K Nayanar will address the gathering. Police have given permission to use mike at the meeting.
Marad: Hindus threaten to launch nationwide stir
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Marad: Hindus threaten to launch nationwide stir 30/08/2003 Thousands of Hindu protesters marched in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, demanding a CBI probe into the Marad carnage of may2, in which eight Hindu fishermen were killed in a lightning attack. The leaders of the Hindu Aikya Vedi , who organised the march, later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister containing the same demand. VHP leader Achray Giriraj Kishore inaugurated the march, which started from Vellayambalam. The Acharya, in his speech, held anti -national forces prompted by Pakistan responsible for the Marad incident. VHP state leader and Aikya Vedi convener Kummanam Rajasekharan said that the VHP and other Hindu organisation would organise nationwide protest to highlight the issue, if the demand is not met. 'Hindus would not remain passive any more. The jails in the state would overflow with our protestors,' he warned while inaugurating the dharna before the state secretariat, at the end of the march. The march and the dharna were peaceful. Heavy security arrangements were made by the police to avoid any unpleasant incidents. Traffic diversions were also made from the morning on all major roads of the city. The state Chief Minister AK Antony is scheduled to meet the BJP leaders on September 4 to discuss the issue.
Ernakulam: Three in contention for Congress seat
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Ernakulam: Three in contention for Congress seat The KPCC election committee which met at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday finalised a panel of three contenters from which one will be selected as the party candidate for the Ernakulam by-election scheduled for September 23. The committee consisting of Chief Minister AK Antony, KPCC President K Muraleedharan and other senior leaders of the party finalised the names of Leno Jacob (I group), MO John(A Group) and Lijo (Third group). K Muraleedharan will submit the names to the AICC High Command which will declare the name of the candidate. Asianet News Correspondent K Ajith who had exhaustive interaction with a host of Congress leaders in the KPCC Head Quarters at Thiruvananthapuram told asianetglobal.com that in all probability Leno Jacob, a prominent Latin Catholic leader of the I group and a close acolyte of K .Karunakaran stands a better chance of becoming the Congress candidate in the by-election caused by the death of George Eden.
Sobig 'Carpet Bombs' the Internet
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Sobig 'Carpet Bombs' the Internet 30/08/2003 Sobig-F, which has been causing chaos on corporate networks the past three days, is now being called the fastest spreading virus in the industry's history. ''It was a carpet bombing,'' says Chris Belthoff, a senior security analyst with Lynfield, Mass.-based Sophos Inc., an anti-virus company. ''We're judging this to be the fastest spreading worm ever, even surpassing Klez and LoveBug. This is really just a complete swamping, or inundation, of networks... Companies are having their email systems taken down because of the sheer volume of emails they're getting. It's a slow down, then a slow to a crawl and then just being taken offline.'' Sobig-F, which first appeared this past Monday as the latest member of the malicious Sobig virus family, hit the Internet hard, flooding email servers and inboxes. Corporate networks staggered under the barrage with network access slowing to a crawl, and some email systems being taken temporarily offline to stop the siege. AOL saw email traffic nearly quardruple yesterday, according to Nicholas Graham, an AOL spokesman. Graham says AOL scans email attachments at the gateway, checking for viruses. On an average day, the ISP scans approximately 11 million attachments. On Wednesday, the staff scanned 40.5 million email attachments and found 23.7 of those to be infected with viruses. Of those, 23.2 million were infected with Sobig-F. ''People are just getting pummeled, either with the virus or with notifications,'' says MJ Shoer, president and chief technology officer of Jenaly Technology Group, Inc., an IT provider and consultant based in Portsmouth, N.H. ''We're just getting beaten on. One of our clients is seeing a 90 percent increase in email messages. In the case of my mailbox, it's close to 70 percent. And I have a firewall, a spam and content filter and anti-virus.'' And Shoer says the virus attack is bringing regular work to a standstill. ''It's rendered IT staffs useless,'' he adds. ''They're just flooded. If there was going to be a rollout or something, it's just not getting done. We're putting off everything that was a high priority.'' Shoer also noted that he talked to an IBM engineer on Wednesday who wasn't able to offer him customer service because his email was down. Security analysts verified IBM's troubles but the company could not be reached for comment and its Web site was unresponsive Wednesday afternoon. ''A lot of corporations and universities had to literally shut down their email networks because of the huge volume of traffic of inbound Sobig emails and bounced email messages,'' says Steve Sundermeier, vice president of products and services at Central Command Inc., an anti-virus company based in Medina, Ohio. ''If you're talking about a large corporation -- a Fortune 100 or a Fortune 200 -- and you take down an email system for an hour, it could cost that corporation a million dollars.'' But three different security experts say the Sobig-F assault seems to have peaked yesterday afternoon, when the malicious email was accounting for at least 70 percent of all email flowing around the world. Today, the number is still high but most estimate that it has dropped down into the 60 percent to 70 percent range. Sophos' Belthoff says the virus, which is a mass-mailing worm that also can spread via network shares, hit the Net so hard so quickly because of the spam-like spreading technique that the author used. ''They carpet bombed the Internet and played the numbers game,'' says Belthoff. ''There were just millions of copies out there hitting the Internet all at the same time. It's a matter of sending out enough copies so that somebody will click on it. When you send out that many, even a small percentage of a response, is going to make for a successful virus.'' But other security analysts say the virus is hitting the Internet so hard because it is building on the impact of its Sobig predecessors. Sundermeier explains that earlier variants of Sobig have infected computers and then downloaded Trojans to set the machines up to be hidden proxy servers. ''The author has a huge army now for the next seeding,'' he says. ''Every Sobig variant becomes bigger and bigger, and we believe it's because of this army he's building of infected machines.'' Sobig-F is designed to die out on Sep. 10. That's leading many analysts to suspect that the next variant will hit on Sep. 11 or soon after. And if that variant builds on the malicious success of Sobig-F, then the damage could be even worse. AOL's Graham says they are already planning defenses for the next Sobig attack. ''We're already gearing up for the next variant, Sobig-G, if you will,'' he says. When the worm arrives via email, it poses as a .pif or .scr file. The sender's address is spoofed. The subject lines used are taken from a list, including 'Re: That movie', 'Re: Wicked screensaver', 'Re: Approved' and 'Your details'.
One Alliance channels are back on Asianet
Sunday, August 31, 2003
One Alliance channels are back on Asianet 23/08/2003 Asianet Satellite Communications Ltd, the largest Cable Service Provider in the state, has resumed carrying the SONY bouquet of cable TV channels w.e.f. August 21,2003. Sony, Setmax, HBO, AXN, Discovery and Animal Planet channels that were not carried by Asianet Cable Network would now be available to subscribers across all 45 Asianet centres in Kerala. These channels were not carried by Asianet since May, 2003 following a commercial dispute with the SET-Discovery Ltd., the distributors for "the One-Alliance" group that comprises the above six channels and NDTV. The dispute between Asianet and SET-Discovery Ltd. has been amicably resolved on terms that will enable Asianet to avoid any increase in subscription tariff.
Jayakrishnan murder case: Murder convicts to move HC
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Jayakrishnan murder case: Murder convicts to move HC KANNUR: The five convicts in the Jayakrishnan murder case, who have been locked up in the condemned cells at the Central Jail, here, are planning to approach the High Court with the plea that the action of keeping them in condemned cells was a violation of the Supreme Court directive in this regard. The CPM leadership has already held discussions in this regard with legal experts. All the five convicts, sentenced to death, have been shifted to the condemned cells after the judgment was delivered on Tuesday by the Additional District and Sessions Court.
Jiji Thomson refuses to accept posting as Industry Secretary
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Jiji Thomson refuses to accept posting as Industry Secretary THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rift between KSIDC managing director Jiji Thomson and Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty has widened with the latter refusing to accept the post of the Industry Secretary. Jiji was made the Industry Secretary in the top-level bureaucratic shuffle in the last Cabinet meeting. Jiji had met Chief Minister A.K.Antony and explained the way the KSIDC was being sidelined by the Industries Department in effectively carrying out the post-Global Investor Meet activities. He had also sought a transfer from the Industries Department. The Chief Minister told him to wait till his return from Srinagar. The decision to appoint him as the Industry Secretary was revoked at the Cabinet meeting on Friday and he was confined to the post of Secretary for the Non-resident Keralites Affairs Department. Jiji Thomson reportedly told the Chief Minister that he would not like to continue in the Industries Department as Kunhalikutty seemed to have lost confidence in him. He was shifted from the KSIDC at a time when some crucial GIM projects were at the take-off stage. This is the second time in the last couple of months a senior IAS official has complained to the Chief Minister against their respective ministers. Earlier, former Forest Secretary E.K.Bharat Bhushan had sought to be relieved from the Forest Department following differences with Forest Minister K.Sudhakaran. The Industry Minister and the KSIDC MD had developed differences on a number of key issues including the follow-up of GIM, funding of KSIDC and the corporation role in computerisation of local bodies. There were reports that Kunhalikutty had even forced Jiji Thomson to cancel some press briefings organised by the KSIDC to explain the follow-up activities on GIM projects. The latest was the last-minute cancellation of the press briefing announced by the KSIDC on the occasion of completion of six months after the GIM. Another shocking decision taken by the Government was to deny any substantial fund for the KSIDC, which is the nodal agency for implementing GIM projects, in this year's budget. The constitution of the Investment Promotion Board was also delayed.
Antony criticises CPI (M) outburst against court
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Antony criticises CPI (M) outburst against court 29/08/2003 Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday criticised the CPI (M) for organising public protests against a court which had sentenced five of its activists to death in connection with the brutal killing of Yuva Morcha leader Jayakrishnan in front of his students. Talking to newspersons in Thiruvananthapuram after a meeting of the State Cabinet, he said the CPI (M) should not have taken such a stand, on the landmark judgment as far as the Malabar region of Kerala was concerned. ''Earlier, there existed a situation where no one was willing to appear before a court as a witness in political killings. The judgment is a warning to all that no one could escape the law of the land with mere political patronage,'' Antony added. He said the Government would give all possible protection to the school children who had given statements before the court. Referring to the court's direction to the Government to appoint an external agency to probe the role of certain police officials who had tried to scuttle the investigation into the case, the Chief Minister said the Government would take necessary steps to implement the court order.
Atham today: count down to Thiruvonam begins
Saturday, August 30, 2003
The Onam revelry in the state begins on Saturday with welcoming Atham day that marks the arrival of the festive season From the Atham day, for ten days, flowers are arranged in various formations in the front yard or verandah of the houses. This is known as 'Athappookalam,' an assortment of flowers in different colours. Nowadays, local clubs, residents' associations and cultural organisations have also started erecting their Pookalam pandals in small and big towns all over the state. Instead of flowers, many use couloured sand or powder to make the assortment. However, the highlight of the day would be the procession called Athachamaya procession in the sleepy town of Thrippunithara near Ernakulam that comes to life on Atham day. Art forms of ancient and modern times, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, floats and folk dances add colour and substance to this procession. Athaghosham is not a mere pageant, it is a unique experience, an event that lingers long in our memory. In other parts of the state, elephant pageantry, presentation of classical and folk dance performances, cultural shows and water carnivals form part of the celebrations during the next fortnight. Onam festivities in many parts culminates on the tenth day of Thiruvonam, but in some places it stretches upto Uthrittathi day. The most important celebrations are on four days- Uthradam, Thiruvonam, Avittom and Chathayam.
By poll to be a referendum, says Pinarayi
Saturday, August 30, 2003
By poll to be a referendum, says Pinarayi 29/08/2003 The by election to the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency would be a referendum of the UDF government in the state, CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday. Vijayan said the verdict would reflect the public anger against the two-year old 'misrule' of Antony government in the state. The CPM secretary was speaking at a press conference in Ernakulam called to announce the candidature of Dr Sebastian Paul , as LDF supported independent candidate for the poll. Vijayan hoped that the people would vote against the UDF in the coming election for its failure on a host of issues including the breaking down of law and order front and appeasement of communal forces. Answering a questions, Vijayan denied that the CPM was collaborating with the Congress party at the national level. Earlier the CPM secretary inaugurated the election committee office of the LDF in Ernakulam south
Police on high alert in Malabar
Friday, August 29, 2003
Police on high alert in Malabar By Biju Govind KOZHIKODE AUG. 28. North Kerala has been put on high alert following the bomb blasts in Mumbai on Monday and the recovery of a bomb from a State transport bus here last week. The top brass of the police has decided to step up surveillance in the districts bordering the neighbouring States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The activities of the inter-State nodal offices functioning at Kannur and Palakkad would be intensified, according to highly-placed sources. For the last several months, the Kannur nodal office had been coordinating activities with the police in Mangalore, and the Palakkad office with the Coimbatore police to keep a tab on the cross-border anti-social elements. These measures were taken primarily to check the flow of explosive materials into the State. However, of late, it has been found that inter-State criminal activities have increased in North Kerala. Inter-State extremists organisations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka having strong links with some of the fundamental groups in Kerala have posed a serious challenge to the police and the intelligence agencies. Although the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and the Islamic Sevak Sangham (ISS) are defunct, these outfits have resurfaced in other names and are continuing their activities in the State. As many as 13 Muslim and Hindu organisations were classified under the category of the fundamentalist outfits. Police sources said that instructions had been issued to monitor the activities of these outfits and give a report from time to time. The sources said extremists had found an easy route to recruit local people for anti-social activities through various outfits functioning in the State. Funds for the purpose were pumped through hawala trading a. Rs.3,000-crore illegal business is taking place in Malabar annually. Religious indoctrination also provided easy fodder for the recruitment of unemployed youths in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting, chaired by the North Zone Inspector General of Police, Venugopal K. Nair, held here on Wednesday, decided to intensify the ongoing `Operation Sasthra' at all levels. The DIGs from Thrissur and Kannur, the SPs of Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Palakkad districts, participated in the meeting. Speaking to The Hindu here today, Mr. Venugopal K. Nair said the clandestine operations being carried out in uninhabited estates in Wayanad and Malappuram districts would be dealt with an iron hand. Steps were being taken to check whether the explosives legitimately procured for quarrying were diverted for criminal activities, he said.
Matsyafed MD, 9 others suspended
Friday, August 29, 2003
Matsyafed MD, 9 others suspended By Our Special Correspondent THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AUG. 28. The Registrar of Cooperatives (Fisheries), K. Suresh Kumar, has ordered the suspension of the managing director of the Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) and nine other officials under the provisions of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act for their involvement in alleged irregularities in the purchase of outboard motor engines for use by fisherfolk. On orders from the Registrar, the Superintendent of Police (Marine Enforcement and Vigilance), V. C. Soman, who is also the Vigilance Officer of the Department of Fisheries, and a team of officers conducted a search of the Matsyafed head office here today and seized files, books, records and accounts connected with the decision to purchase outboard motor engines from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. The suspension order and today's search formed part of an ongoing inquiry into diverse aspects of engine purchases already made by Matsyafed and that proposed to be made over the coming two years.The Registrar has ordered the suspension of the Matsyafed managing director, N. Aravindakshan, and other officers under Section 66 (B) of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act. As stipulated in the Act, the direction has been issued to the Board of Directors of Matsyafed. The Registrar has found them guilty of having indulged in ``misappropriation, manipulation of accounts, forgery, destruction/tampering of records of the Society which could result in situations detrimental to Matsyafed's responsibility for safeguarding the interests of the Federation, the primary cooperative societies and their member fishermen''. The other officials sought to be suspended are Ramanujan, general manager, K. S. Chowdhury, executive (marketing), D. Dileep Kumar, accounts officer, K. R. Ravindran, accounts officer/PRO, Abraham Cherian, assistant executive engineer, V. Rekha, project officer/PA to chairperson, Harikumar, project officer, Sumangala Kumari Amma, project officer/EA to MD and M. R. Krishnankutty Nair, confidential assistant to the general manager. The Registrar, who is also the Director of Fisheries, had issued the notice for dissolution of the Board even as it was working on the purchase of 1,500 outboard engines over the coming two years. On July 30, it had decided to purchase the first lot of 375 engines. The Registrar had frozen the decision and, on August 12, he had rescinded it ``finding the decision and the deals and transactions detrimental to the interests of the Federation, its primary cooperative societies and their member fishermen''.
Legislation for rehab of Gulf returnees: Verma
Friday, August 29, 2003
Legislation for rehab of Gulf returnees: Verma KOCHI: India's Labour Ministry is working on a new legislation to protect the economic interests of expatriate workers and has offered to rehabilitate the Gulf returnees availing amnesty schemes, Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma has said. After meeting Indian labourers at their camps, he said the draft bill is currently before the Standing Committee of Parliament. The plan includes setting up of a social security authority to protect the interests of workers particularly in the unorganised sector. Verma said Indian embassies are currently engaged in compiling a database of Indian expatriates so that their interests can be ensured and safeguarded. During a brief visit here yesterday the minister said a special NRI cell would be set up in his ministry that would organise a one-week orientation programme for workers going abroad to acquaint them of the working conditions overseas. He said an insurance scheme that is operating now provides for medical treatment to the extend of Rs 30,000 of the worker and his family members for an annual premium of Rs 500. The insurance covers accidental death and permanent disability. In the event of death, a compensation of Rs 50,000 would be paid to the next of the kin. Verma said the government would pay towards embalming and transportation of the worker's body and provide air ticket for one person accompanying the body. He urged workers at labour camps to register with the Indian mission so that their families could avail of Rs 50 per day for 15 days if they fall sick and unable to work.
Karunakaran holds talks with I group followers
Friday, August 29, 2003
NEW DELHI: Former chief minister K Karunakaran held discussions with his I group followers about the candidate for the ensuing Ernakulam by-poll. Karunakaran, who was undergoing treatment in the Escorts Heart Institute here for the past ten days, was discharged yesterday. Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sadasivan and Health Minister P Sankaran met Karunakaran yesterday. Legislature party chief whip P P George also met him. According to I group circles; Karunakaran may suggest the name of their nominee on telephone. Though Sankaran said the leader might reach the state by August 30, Karunakaran's staff said there was no confirmed travel plans.
SWR to ply special trains for Onam
Friday, August 29, 2003
SWR to ply special trains for Onam BANGALORE: South Western Railway (SWR), Bangalore Division today announced the running of two special trains to clear the extra rush during Onam festival. The Bangalore-Quilon-Bangalore Special would leave here at 2015 hrs on September five and 12 and in the return direction, the train would leave Quilon on September six and 13, according to a release here. The Yesvanthpur-Cannanore-Yesvanthpur Special would leave Yesvanthpur on September six and in the return direction on September nine from Cannanore.
Consult states "more closely", Antony asks centre
Friday, August 29, 2003
Consult states "more closely", Antony asks centre JAMMU: Chief Minister AK Antony asked the Centre to finalise its stand at the coming WTO meeting at Cancun after close consultation with state governments on the issues expected to dominate the talks. "Non-consultation has led to serious problems for states in the past, especially as the issues concern subjects which, under the Constitution, are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the state government," Antony said at the Inter-State Council (ISC) meeting at Srinagar. Antony called for evolving a new system of economic federalism as the Centre and the states were faced with increasing challenges from the global economy. Saying that economic policy decisions could no longer be taken casually based on the requests of one or two states without assessing their implication for others, he referred particularly to the decisions taken regarding reduction of customs duty for import of palm oil and natural rubber. These have had a sweeping impact on the economy of Kerala whose farmers and the state lost a whopping Rs 6000 crore as the prices fell drastically. "Let not this painful experience be repeated," said Antony. He expressed the hope the Inter-state council meeting would make a new beginning by resolving to have frequent interaction and discussions before decisons having major implication for the states were taken. Antony wanted the Centre to constitute a sub-committee of the ISC with a brief to monitor the implementation of the unanimous recommendations of the ISC and to bring those which were not implemented, to the notice of the Prime Minister for appropriate action. A one year deadline should be fixed for the implementation of all the previous unanimous recommendations of the ISC. He demanded the Centre to improve the criminal jurisprudence system which, he said, was long overdue. "The Centre should quickly tackle this issue which has become a national problem," he added. Pointing out that most of the states had been reeling under a fiscal crisis, Antony said the Centre should reduce the interest burden on the states. He also wanted it to do a massive debt swapping exercise with the ceiling on interest pegged at not more than six per cent. The plan assistance to the state governments should also be provided in the ratio of 50:50 (grant and loan) rather than 30:70 as at present.
Govt considering 3 slab fee structure for merit seats
Friday, August 29, 2003
Govt considering 3 slab fee structure for merit seats K PRASANNAKUMAR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is considering an option of three slabs for the fees of the merit students in Self-financing colleges. Meanwhile the fee for management seats would be increased to four lakh. The Cabinet sub committee would meet today again with opposition party leaders and representatives of Medical College managements. The Cabinet meeting today evening would announce the new fees structure. Though the there is less chance for the reducing the engineering fees, the management representatives have been called for the discussions today. In 25 per cent merit seats, for the low income group candidates need to pay only Rs 9,625 the fees of government medical colleges. Those upto three lakh rupees as income have to pay Rs 50,000 as annual tuition fees. And those come above that would be paying Rs 1.76 lakh per annum. The fee for management quota would be 4.38lakh.
Mumbai Blast: Hunt for a Malayalee gang leader
Friday, August 29, 2003
Mumbai Blast: Hunt for a Malayalee gang leader VD SELVAKUMAR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Intelligence Agency is looking for terrorist group in which a Malayalee is the leader and who are behind the Mumbai bomb blast. They are looking for a man named Basheer who was a former student of Aluva UC College and was doing business in gulf. The intelligence agency got report that he is the leader of a terrorist group called Lekshre -Thaiba, which flourishes from Mumbai to Malabar. Basheer's name came up while the intelligence was searching for the man behind the blast in the bus in Mumbai during March. The Mumbai police later told in the press conference that a Malayalee is also associated in the bomb blast. And this had become important news in Kerala. Later it became know that Basher who is in Gulf helped the terrorist who did the blast by providing money and men for the operation. There is also a doubt of Malayalee group behind the latest blast because the taxis used were run by Malayalee drivers. After 2002 December, this is the seventh blast that has taken place in Mumbai. Like the earlier blast the police is suspecting the hands of terrorist group like SIMI and Leksher behind it. Not only that Home Minister Advani also have said that he doubt these terrorist groups behind the blast. Basheer was the president of SIMI while he was a student at UC College. Later he joined a course of Aeronautical engineering and worked at Safdar Jung airport at New Delhi. From there he got connection with Kashmir terrorists and later he got training at Pakistan. Basheer is now acting as the South Commandant Head of Lekshar, which includes Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The information got from the intruders in custody of Border Security Force says that they have contact with Basheer and some people at Malappuram District. The BSF have got telephone numbers of these people from the intruders. Earlier, when the information came, Union Minister O Rajagopal had demanded a Kashmir like enquiry at Malappuram also.
Kerala in biotech arrangement with Avesthagen
Friday, August 29, 2003
Kerala in biotech arrangement with Avesthagen Wednesday, August 27, 2003 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A week after announcing its biotechnology policy, the Kerala government has signed an agreement with a top firm to leverage the state's rich biodiversity and expertise in traditional healing systems like ayurveda. John Mathai, Kerala's principal secretary for industries, and Villoo Morawala-Patell, CEO and founder of Avestha Gengraine Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Avesthagen), signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) here on Tuesday. The two sides agreed to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which will be a new company incorporated through the strategic alliance of Bangalore-based Avesthagen and Kerala's industries department. The SPV will be constituted within three months with a minimum initial corpus of Rs.100 million. Avesthagen will assist and support the SPV to establish state-of-the-art biotechnology infrastructure and expertise in Kerala. As a first step, a steering committee is being formed comprising two members from either side who will prepare a detailed business plan, including specific research objectives, investment particulars and milestones. Avesthagen will take the lead, with necessary support from the industries department, in securing funding for the SPV. The MoU envisages the SPV offering world-class means to interested institutions and individuals within Kerala and elsewhere who wish to get their traditional medicine products evaluated and validated for potential marketing globally. The SPV shall through Avesthagen enter into suitable arrangements with Avesthagen Inc. of the U.S. and find other suitable partners to aid in the marketing of its products worldwide. Industries Minister P.K. Kunjalikutty said the government is interested in promoting industrial initiatives and investment within Kerala that utilize the state's biodiversity resources in a sustainable, scientific, efficient and profitable manner while ensuring that the intellectual property rights of stakeholders is protected. Avesthagen's Morawala-Patell said: "The SPV will create and offer access to state-of-the-art biotechnology infrastructure and expertise within the state of Kerala for the validation of traditional medicine and herbal remedies for end-to-end development of phytoceuticals and allied products as per the current and emerging standards applicable to national and international markets."
I'm a feminist by default: Nandita Das
Thursday, August 28, 2003
I'm a feminist by default: Nandita Das WASHINGTON: Actress Nandita Das says it is merely a coincidence that she has done only women-oriented roles since her foray into films. "I am a feminist by default," she remarked at a reception held in her honour at the Indian embassy here by Ambassador Lalit Mansingh. She has enacted with aplomb roles depicting women fighting for justice whether it was in Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Ma or Bawandar. She said, "I just happen to be doing women-oriented roles. It was never a conscious decision. I have been selecting my roles instinctively. Thinking in those terms can only limit one as an actress." Nandita, who has starred in 29 films and directed documentaries on AIDS and other social issues, says the silver screen has proven to be an outlet for her message on social issues. "It was another medium in which I could share ideas and causes," she said. "One film led to another, and then to bigger productions. I put my best into them, but it is social work and development that are my true calling." Although she has created a niche for herself, she says she has no plans to refuse commercials films. "I am not saying I will never do the regular song and dance routine. Tomorrow, if there is an offer that I find impossible to refuse, I will take it up. I have never been the kind to say that I will do just this or that," she said. She also felt that since cinema is a medium to convey a powerful message, it could create quite an impact on the youth, who go to the movies regularly. Yet she regretted that film stars shun from asserting themselves on social issues for fear of becoming controversial. The actress was in the US with her husband Saumya Sen to promote their documentary filmmaking venture Leapfrog, which she said would go a long way in fulfilling the communications need of the developing world. Her dream, she says, is to work on development projects and small feature films devoted to public service campaigns involving women and children. Nandita, clad in a mustard-coloured Kanjeevaram sari with matching jewellery, spoke about her experience doing the role of a wronged woman in Jagmohan Mundhra's 'Bawandar', which told the real life story of a middle aged woman, Bhanwari Devi, who was gang-raped in Rajasthan. Nandita, who won the Best Actress Award at the Santa Monica Film Festival in 2001, recalled that even though she was only acting the role of Bhanwari Devi, she felt traumatised as it was a humiliating experience. "It definitely is an important film as it raises lots of questions not just about rape, inequality, exploitation but also questions our judiciary system and the agendas of various people," she said. She also spoke about her involvement with social problems and her work with NGOs to improve life in the slums. "I did social work before I became an actress. So my background is bound to affect my current thinking in whichever field I choose to be in," she said. "Although some have labelled me a feminist for this, I'd rather be known as a humanist," she commented. Mansingh, introducing Nandita at the reception, said: "She is not a typical Bollywood actress, as you can see." For quite some time she was known as painter Jatin Das' daughter. Today, however, Jatin is known as her father, he remarked amid laughter. After graduating with a masters degree in Social Work from Delhi University in 1990, Nandita, 34, took a year off and taught for a few months at Rishi Valley School in southern India that was started by Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurthi. In 1992, Nandita worked for NGOs in Orissa and Gujarat, conducting workshops for children and teachers. She grew up in Delhi, went to Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and Delhi University and chose to live in
With love from Shobana
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Cinema artiste and danseuse Shobana (left) with her dancers from Kalarpana at a fund-raising programme organised by The Banyan, an organisation for destitute women in the city on Sunday. CHENNAI: Intense and electrifying. That was the effect of the performances of percussionist Bikram Ghosh and actress-danseuse Shobana held at Music Academy on August 24. The show was held in aid of The Banyan, the home for mentally challenged destitute women which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Shobana performs to a composition by Ganesh-Kumaresh The evening’s performance began with a dance by Shobana and her students from Kalarpana. She dedicated the piece to the memory of her dad, who passed away a week ago. The number was choreographed fittingly to the tunes of violin brothers Ganesh and Kumaresh. After Shobana’s presentation, Bikram Ghosh and his team took over with compositions from his album - Rhythmscape. What followed was a musical journey that interweaved Indian classical and western classic rhythms. Ghosh was joined on stage by S Sekhar on the mridangam, V Suresh on the ghatam, Dev Shankar and Jyoti Shankar on electric violins, Buland Sarkar on the keyboards, Taufiq Qureshi on the percussions with vocal support from Parthsarathy Desikan. Shobana performs to a composition by Ganesh-Kumaresh The first musical number for the evening was Dance of Shiva, based on raag jog and was an intense composition. They were joined by Qureshi in the next composition called Zinc. This was composed by Ghosh after his visit to the Zinc Bar in New York where famous jazz musicians belt out their numbers. The composition in fact had strong elements of jazz and was accompanied by the mridangam and tabla. If eclectic could be used to describe the music, it would be apt for Zinc. Ghosh dedicated the next composition from Rhythmscape to his guru in classical music, S Sekhar, which was called Little Krishna. This fast and trendy piece, though leaned towards classical notes, had a contemporary feel to it which was achieved by Qureshi’s handling of the percussions. Gangotri, the next number, began on a slow tempo which steadily built up as all the musicians joined in. Shobana strikes a pose at a fund-raising programme organised by The Banyan. Ghosh, Sekhar, Suresh and Qureshi then attempted the thaniavarthanam. Though puritans might not deem fusion music fit for thaniavarthanam, the four musicians gave a splendid performance with each of them also presenting their talents in unique ways. While Ghosh and Suresh displayed theirs vocal talents, which were as good as their mastery over the musical instruments, Qureshi had the audience floored with his capability to make music by tapping his cheeks. After the pulsating performance of Rhythmscape by Ghosh and his team, Shobana and her troupe came on stage again with two dances choreographed by her. The first was composed again to the music of Ganesh and Kumaresh, while the second was to Rhythmscape’s Little Krishna for which she was accompanied by Ghosh and Qureshi on the tabla and percussions respectively.
Govt security, high interest rates a big draw
Thursday, August 28, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The postal saving schemes, keeping a low profile behind post office counters, have become a favourite investment avenue for risk-averse yet interest-savvy depositors in the State at a time falling interest rates have taken the charm out of bank deposits. More and more depositors are 'banking' on the postal schemes, if the burgeoning kitty of the National Savings is anything to go by. The gross collection of the nine schemes from the State in the first four months of this fiscal has touched Rs 1071.50 crore as against the Rs 712.53 crore of the corresponding period last year. The net collection till July is Rs 497.49 crore, whereas the sum for the corresponding period last year was Rs 242.13 crore. The inflow in July alone was Rs 327.47 crore, whereas the figure for July, 2002 was Rs 196.02 crore. In June this year, the collection was Rs 286.09 crore and that for June, 2002 was Rs 181.47 crore. The gross for May, 2003 was Rs 272.69 crore and the figure for May, 2002 was Rs 179.08 crore. Though the service offered at post offices pales before the high-tech and professional service at bank counters, it is the Government's security and high interest rates that have lured many to the postal schemes. "Comparatively higher interest rates and the Government security have led to the spurt in collection," says National Savings Director Issac George. The high inflow of deposits is from Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts, he said. He also ruled out an immediate revision in the interest rates, though rates of treasury deposits were slashed last week and another fall in bank deposit rates seems imminent. The favourite in the bouquet offered by the Postal Department is the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS). On attaining maturity, the interest and bonus of a MIS account will work out to 9.67 percent. In Kozhikode, the MIS collected Rs 4.23 crore in July this year against the figure of Rs 2.11 crore in July, 2002. In Malappuram, the deposit for MIS in July this year was Rs 2.1 crore against a collection of Rs 60 lakh in July last year. In Thrissur, it mopped up Rs 16.5 crore in July this year, whereas in July 2002, the figure was Rs 7.31 crore. It is mainly the pensioners, who used to depend on the interest of bank deposits, who have opted for the MIS. The recurring deposit has good demand among the dependents of expatriates in the Malabar region, sources said, adding that the demand for PPF and NSC, both having tax rebate, will soar towards the end of the fiscal. "The falling interest rate has reduced the growth in bank deposits. Many retired people who used to rely on the interest of Fixed Deposits (FD) have opted for postal savings schemes," says P N Govindan Namboothiri, zonal manager, Punjab National Bank. However, a major fall in the bank deposits would not happen for want of safe investment avenues, he said. "Only those who are not in urgency of liquid cash would go after postal schemes. The trend of living on the interest of bank deposits has gone," says K G Vijayakumar, assistant general manager, Federal Bank. "Branch managers have begun to grouse over loss of deposits. The tax benefits would also spur the growth of postal schemes," says another official of a public sector bank. Many have closed their FDs in banks to go for postal schemes. If agents have been channelising the deposits in the past, customers are now directly approaching the post offices, says A P Rajagopal, deputy director, National Savings.
VHP to launch reconversion drive in Kerala
Thursday, August 28, 2003
VHP to launch reconversion drive in Kerala KOCHI: Encouraged by the overwhelming response to its reconversion drive in some North Indian States, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is all set to attempt a similar movement in Kerala. 'Dharma Prasar,' a VHP outfit which spearheaded the drive in selected states, will chalk out its Kerala strategies at its three-day national meet slated to begin here on August 29. A communiqué detailing the project has been sent to NSS, SNDP and Devaswom Boards. Sources said the initial feedback from the Devaswom Board has been quite encouraging. Meanwhile, the Dharma Prasar has made elaborate groundwork in Kerala as a prelude to its drive in line with the modus operandi of Christian missionaries. Its "missionaries" have already begun their works in Idukki district, one of the most potential areas identified by its research team. According to Dr Puthezhathu Ramachandran, the VHP's national vice-president, they have already deputed six missionaries in the interiors of Idukki who regularly hold Sunday gatherings at Pampanar Sri Subramania Temple in Peermedu. "We have also plans to open "Ekal Vidyalayas" in selected districts in the State, in addition to launching several social service projects, including opening of orphanages across the State," he said. Maintaining that the movement was not aimed at reconversion but to facilitate "home coming" of the "transgressed sect," Dr Ramachandran said "there is a demand for self-preservation of the Hindu society from the grassroots. The Kochi meet will prepare a blueprint of Kerala operations." According to him, the Dharma Prasar's mission has proved a great success in the Christian-dominated Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and a few districts in Rajasthan. The VHP has already opened its missionary training centre at Peermedu. "Our idea is to train at least 10 missionaries every six months. We know our mission requires large resources. But going by the initial response we feel that funds would not be a constraint to carry out the agenda. Several religious institutions, including all Devaswom Boards, have offered their total co-operation to our historic venture," said another top VHP leader. "Like any other State in India, a major section of Dalit Christians in Kerala feels that it is being discriminated by the Church. The promises given to it by the Churches have not been fulfilled. The Dalits feel cheated. The Kochi meet will chalk out strategies that would enable them to embrace their ancestral tradition," said Mohan Joshi, VHP's central secretary who is here to attend the meet. Over 100 top leaders of VHP from various states, including Acharya Giriraj Kishore, R Vedantham, and Mohan Joshi will attend the three-day meet.
Ready to hold talks with SNDP, like-minded organisations: BJP
Thursday, August 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP State president P S Sreedharan Pillai on Wednesday said his party was ready to hold talks with the SNDP Yogam and other like-minded organisations to find out a suitable candidate for the Ernakulam by-election. "We have kept our doors open. Let an offer come and we will even consider supporting a non-BJP candidate who is acceptable to all communities," Pillai said at a news conference here. Pillai said that the five-member BJP sub-committee for evaluating the ground realities in Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency would also assess the possibilities of fielding a common candidate for the by-poll with the support of various organisations like the SNDP Yogam. Asked if he thought that it was right to reserve the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency for a particular community, he said that the sub-committee would examine this as well. The five-member committee consisting of Union Minister O Rajagopal, BJP State general secretaries P P Mukundan, K Raman Pillai, former BJP State president C K Padmanabhan and himself would submit its report by September 2, he said. Sreedharan Pillai said that there was no rift in the BJP. "As per the changed by-law of the party we need the concurrence of the central committee to decide as to which of the two general secretaries should hold the post of party organisational secretary," he said. The posts of vice-presidents would be filled soon, he said.
US move for anti-dumping duties may cripple seafood exports
Thursday, August 28, 2003
US move for anti-dumping duties may cripple seafood exports KOCHI: Close on the heels of the US becoming the largest buyer of Indian seafood, it has delivered a shattering blow to India in the form of urgent proposals for anti-dumping duties on shrimp exporting countries and a stricter monitoring for antibiotic detection. The levy of anti-dumping duties has been in the air for some time, but now the eight shrimp producing states in the US, under the organisation Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), are moving for a joint kill to protect the domestic shrimp industry. The board of SSA, which met recently, had directed that anti-dumping duty petitions should be prepared soon against unfairly traded imported shrimp. The likely targets are the ten largest shrimp exporting countries namely Thailand, China, Vietnam, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Venezuela and Honduras. The importers in the US are required to pay anti-dumping duties determined for foreign producers. The Indian seafood industry fears the rate could be as high as 40 percent and above. Normally, few months are given to file a counter after the anti-dumping petition is filed. The anti-dumping liability arises after 160th day. Any attempt to redress the situation has been effectively quashed with the order that if an importer receives reimbursement from a foreign producer for the anti-dumping duty, then the duty is doubled. The option before the seafood exporters is to jointly fight it out in the US courts, which could be an expensive affair. The Indian seafood industry can take consolation from the fact that the importers, restaurants and cold chains are solidly behind the exporters. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is viewing the matter seriously. Dr J Bojan, MPEDA director, said the Authority has called for a meeting with seafood exporters this week to discuss the issue. The matter assumes significance considering that the seafood exports from India to the US touched over Rs 1,800 crore out of a total exports of Rs 6,790 crore last year. With this, the US became the leading buyer of Indian marine products toppling Japan. Adding to the misery is the initiative of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a special sampling test for the presence of antibiotic chloramphenicol in domestic and imported shrimp, crabmeat and crayfish with immediate effect. The samples will be tested by modern methods, which will reduce FDA's enforcement limit to 0.3 parts per billion (ppb). FDA will evaluate the sample test results to decide whether to continue the assignment or roll the chloramphenicol sampling into the overall compliance programme that will be developed for 2004. The testing for the antibiotic Nitrofuran is likely to be included later. Such checking is already present for the seafood exports to EU countries. Dr Bojan said that there are several laboratories in the country for testing Chloramphenicol. The testing facility for Nitrofuran will be available soon. But the seafood industry sources feel the present laboratories are not equipped to monitor such low antibiotic levels. The Rs 3.5-crore laboratory to be set up at the Seafood Park (India) Ltd, at Aroor soon will have this facility.
Cellular majors wooing youngsters
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Cellular majors wooing youngsters KOCHI: From packages for general subscribers, cellular majors _ for long time into tariff wars _ are now looking increasingly at segmenting the base, providing niche products for specified audiences. Unveiling the new strategy was a series of prepaid card launches held recently in the state and country, targeting Generation X. The prepaid deluge for youth began with AirTel, which roped in MTV, continued with BPL Mots 'On Your Marks' for college students, and is now on a high with Escotel-Youth card, which has partnered Yahoo! India for providing value-added services. Not to be left behind, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd will soon be launching its post-paid card for the student community called 'Student Power-99'. According to cell majors, with an estimated 70 percent of the country's population below the 30 years category and which accounts for 25 percent of the current subscriber base, it was only natural to target the new schemes at the youth. Moreover, being technical savvy and highly competitive, the MTV generation, with its emphasis on self-identity, are open to innovations in products and have needs that are broadly similar across the country. "This is the first time we have created a specific product targeting a niche audience. This is currently the largest segment and has the potential to be the crucial linchpin in the ongoing mobile revolution," says T Elango, chief operating officer, Bharti Cellular Ltd. The youth cards have features like special nighttime tariffs for partygoers, with airtime charges and SMS at half rates, there's happy hours in the morning which the subscriber can choose, group messaging, wide range of ring tones, wake up calls and even rescue calls. BPL Mots provides extra talktime for students who have received 50 percent or above marks for their Plus-Two examinations, while Escotel has Playwin Lotto, Yahoo Mail and Messenger, and also provides something called a Love Zone! "Youths have demonstrated some very unique usage patterns led by a social need for a mobile phone and a strong emphasis on self-expression. Usage at night is highest in this segment at close to 40 percent of total usage," says T Elango. B Ramakrishna, chief operating officer, Escotel, which had its India-launch of Escotel-Youth card in the Kochi cannot but agree. "Even category B circles have a lot of underlying potential, and the youth in the state have taken to the mobile in earnest," he says. Meanwhile, BSNL is also gearing up to take on the student community. "This will be the first of its kind in the post-paid category. We are waiting for clearance from Delhi and we will launch our youth specific cards in a week's time," said a BSNL official. The BSNL scheme, launched in selected cities, according to reports will have a monthly rental of Rs 99 other than a registration charge of Rs 500 and activation charge of Rs 220. While the registration charges will be adjusted against the first bill, STD connection will be available for a security deposit of Rs 2,000.
Overwhelming response to Adoor’s Nizhalkuthu
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Overwhelming response to Adoor’s Nizhalkuthu THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After receiving a host of rave reviews and accolades from the international film circles, Nizhalkuthu (Shadow Kill), the latest film of Adoor Gopalakrishnan, has been successfully drawing the attention of film lovers in the State. As many as 55,000 people have watched the film after it was released in Kerala on July 31. The film was released in 10 cine houses across the State and still runs at the major releasing centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Eranakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode and four other small towns. Speaking to this website’s newspaper, Adoor said, ‘‘the response of the Malayalee audience to Nizhalkuthuwas overwhelming. Audience belonging to different aesthetic plains had been responding to the film in person and I consider it as a great prize for the film. The release of my cinema in my native land is as important to me as being screened in international festivals. It becomes more important in the backdrop of the fact that during the last few years most of the good Malayalam films were neither released across the State nor the audience was well-informed about the film before and after its release.’’ Responding to the earlier criticisms that filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan are making pictures to screen it in international festivals, he said it was by virtue of the international film circles that he was able to release the film in theatres here. ‘‘It was the money I got by selling the commercial rights of Nizhalkuthuto New York-based Global Film Initiative and the Netherlands-based Hubert Bals that really helped me to take its prints and release it in theatres, he said. At present, two prints of Nizhalkuthuare being circulated in international film circles. Along with the lead actor of Nizhalkuthu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Adoor will be leaving for Japan on September 11 to attend the Fukuoka International Film Festival in which this film will be screened as the inaugural film on September 12. Adoor took six years for the preparation of the film that explores the moral turmoil plaguing an official state executioner on the eve of a hanging.
5 sentenced to death in Jayakrishnan case
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
5 sentenced to death in Jayakrishnan murder case THALASSERY: In a landmark judgment which could possibly become part of legal history, five of the accused in the Jayakrishnan murder case have been sentenced to death by the Additional Sessions court here on Tuesday afternoon. The Additional Sessions Judge K K Chandra Das had earlier found the five accused, Achamparambath Pradeepan, 32, Kunhipunathil Sundaran, 30, of Patyam, Mokeri Nallaveetil Shaji, 30, Chathamballi Dinesh Babu, 29, and K K Anilkumar, 28, guilty of murder under various sections, including Section 302 of IPC. Pradeepan is the Mokeri local committee secretary of the CPM while all the others are CPM party sympathisers. The court also sentenced all the five accused to rigorous imprisonment for life under Section 449, and rigorous imprisonment for one year under Section 342, for 3 years under 148 and for 6 months under 143 of the IPC. Significantly, the court clearly stated that the convicts should undergo the sentences separately, and not concurrently. The total number of accused in the case was seven. The body of the 7th accused in the case Palayamkandiyil Sajeevan, 30, was found on the railway track near Thalassery, in an incident of suspected suicide, while the trial was in progress at the court. The court had acquitted accused No 5, Paramban Rajan, 35, when it pronounced on last Thursday that the remaining five accused were guilty of murder. K T Jayakrishnan, the State vice-president of the Bharatiya Janatha Yuva Morcha, was murdered on December 1, 1999, in a class room at the East Mokeri U P School near Koothuparamba. He was working as a teacher at the school when he was murdered. The case was investigated by the Panur Police for a week after the incident, but later a special team of the CB (CID) led by DySP Ramaraj took over the investigation. The court passed serious strictures on the police in the 105-page judgment. The police had questioned 397 persons in connection with the murder and listed 151 witnesses. The prosecution examined only 30 of the witnesses in the course of the trial. The defence lawyer examined two witnesses, Vinod, a tailor working near the Mokeri East U P School, and Rasna, another student of the school. The court room was unusually crowded as the Additional Sessions Judge Chandra Das took up the case in the morning and listened to what the accused had to say after telling them that they were found guilty. Since the court room could hardly accommodate 50 persons, a good many of the advocates were seen standing even outside the court room all through the proceedings. Hearing the views of the Public Prosecutor Chandran Chandroth and Defence lawyer P V Surendranath on the pleas for mercy made by the convicted, the judge stated that the punishment would be announced at 3 pm. On the stroke of 3, the court reassembled, and the judge sentenced all the five to death.
Three killed, 29 hurt as bus, lorry collide
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Three killed, 29 hurt as bus, lorry collide ALAPPUZHA: Three persons were killed and 29 were injured, when a KSRTC Super Fast bus and a truck carrying fish collided head on at Vandanam near Ambalappuzha early on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Subramanian of Pollachi, the stand by driver of the lorry, and bus passengers Saju John, 29, of Thodupuzha and Shabeer, 23, of Arookutty near Cherthala. The bodies of Saju and Shabeer were taken to their native places after the post-mortem at the medical college hospital here. The body of Subramanian, who died while being taken to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital, is kept at the MCH mortuary. The injured were admitted to the medical college hospital here. The condition of Hameed of Goa, the other driver of the lorry, who was taking rest when the accident occurred, and three passengers, is said to be serious. The bus was on its way to Thrissur from Thiruvananthapuram and the lorry was heading to Karunagapally from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. The front portion of the truck, which overturned under the impact of the collision, was totally damaged. EYES DONATED: The eyes of Saju John, who had promised to donate his eyes, was removed by the doctors at the MCH and sent to the ophthalmic hospital in Thiruvanathapruam. His relatives who arrived at the hospital informed the hospital authorities of his decision. Saju, an employee at a hotel in Kochi, met with the accident while returning after an interview at the South Park Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
Cola companies vying to woo children
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Cola companies vying to woo children KOLLAM: Undeterred by the adverse trend prevailing in the State, the cola companies are not sparing any chances to win the hearts of the children. The cola companies have introduced a new idea to attract the tiny-tots with plastic balls and various types of toys printed with the brand names like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7 Up, Mirinda, Fanta, Sprint etc. The balls costing Rs 10 to Rs 15 are fast-moving. A shop owner in a suburban area of the city told this website's newspaper that he used to sell 10 to 20 balls a day and the number was likely to increase in the coming days. According to him, the children are particular in selecting balls bearing the name of their favourite drinks. There are a large number of such shops in the towns and villages of the State and thousands of such balls are being sold to the children a day. "This is a sort of brainwashing and the most unfortunate thing is that this goes unnoticed by the anti-cola campaigners," says Hari Katel, a social activist. He also cited another trend among the young generation which could be termed as a cultural onslaught. He said that a large number of school and college students were now carrying bags bearing the replica of the US national flag on them. T-shirts, pants, wrist watches, toys and many other things bearing such symbols were available in plenty in the market nowadays.
I owe my success to friends, says Mohanlal
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As he completes 25 years in films, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal says he is what he is because of his friends. "Right from 1978, when I did my first film, my friends have been my mainstay," Mohanlal told a news conference here Sunday to mark the completion of his silver jubilee in movies. "I owe it to them, what I am today," he remarked. On Sunday morning, his friends recreated the first shot of his first film, "Thiranotam", at the very spot it was canned in 1978. Almost all those who had acted in the film were present. Mohanlal noted almost all those associated with "Thiranotam" had become successful. The star shot to fame in the mid-1980s through his portrayal of the angst and ambition of youth in several social satires that stormed the box office. Among his major hits have been "Chithram", "T P Balagopalan M A", "Sanmanasulavarku Samadhanam", "Gandhi Nagar Second Street" and "Kilukom". Recalling "Thiranotam", Mohanlal said it was released only in one theatre. His second film, "Manjil Virinja Pookal" marked the turning point in his career, but it almost didn't happen. "I went into the post office with a Rs 10 note to apply for a role in the film but the man at the counter said he had no change. I took this to be a bad omen and did not apply. My friends then sent my application and I was called for an interview and selected," Mohanlal recalled. The veteran, who has won two National Awards and a host of state awards, admits that many of his recent films have not done well. "Yes, my recent films have not done as well as the earlier ones. There are several factors that help a film to click." Mohanlal, who is in his mid-40s, has acted in over 250 films, including a few in Tamil and the Hindi movie "Company" directed by Ram Gopal Varma, in which he played a police officer. "I received several calls of appreciation after 'Company'. A few police officers also called and said my mannerisms in the film were similar to theirs," he said. His favourite film, he said, was "Iruvar" in Tamil, directed by Mani Ratnam. "I had a role that was by far the best crafted in Indian cinema but it did not do well for some reason," he lamented. Mohanlal is currently working in two Malayalam films and is set to sign a Kannada film.
Govt begins process for restructuring KSEB
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government had started the process of restructuring the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) into different companies, as per the provisions of the Central Electricity Act 2003, Electricity Minister, Kadavor Sivadasan said on Tuesday. He told reporters here that the Government had invited global tenders for preparing the transfer scheme, which was expected to be completed by June 2004. The Government's policy decision was to maintain the companies in the public sector, instead of 'selling off KSEB assets', as suggested in the Act, he said, adding that with the passage of the act, the KSEB had lost its monopoly in the power sector. As per the provisions in the act, which came into effect on June last, KSEB employees would be absorbed in the new companies to be formed. "However, later it is for the companies to decide on the terms and conditions of the employees". On the power situation in Kerala, the Minister said that the failure of the monsoon had imposed an additional burden of Rs 90 crores per month on the government, due to purchase of costly power from thermal power stations. The KSEB was already incurring a revenue deficit of Rs 100 crores every month. With this additional burden, it would mount to Rs 190 crores, he added. However, there were no plans to impose more restrictions on power consumption or hike power tariff, he said. The Minister pointed out that it was for the Electricity Regulatory to take a decision in these matters, as they had been provided with facts and figures He said the water level in reservoirs now was enough to generate just 8.27 million units per day, as against the 18 million units expected and which was being received during the last few years. Half the total power demand of 36 million units per day was met from hydel reservoirs. With the failure of the monsoon, power generation from hydel reservoirs had to be restricted to 8.27 million units, he added. The minister said that the total monthly revenue of KSEB was Rs 270 crore, while expenses were at Rs 370 crore. To a question, he said the government was exploring the possibility of setting up nuclear fuelled power plants as a long term measure to meet electricity needs. The cabinet had asked the state Science, Technology and Environment Committee to identify a suitable place to set up such a plant, he said. However, it was for the cabinet to take a final decision on the matter, as it formed part of the major government policy, he added.
Talks on self-financing college end on positive note
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Talks between the members of cabinet-sub committee and opposition leaders in Kerala on various matters including the fees structure in self-financing professional educational institutions ended today on a positive note with both sides agreeing to continue the discussion. Minister in charge of education P K Kunhalikuty said serious discussions were held on various aspects and circumstances that have evolved in education sector after the apex court order on the management of professional self-financing colleges. He was talking to reporters on behalf of the cabinet sub-committee after the meeting along with LDF leaders including opposition leader in the assembly, V S Achuthanandan. Opposition put forward their point of view and as government had to examine the proposals and also to discuss with self-financing institution managements, it was decided to continue the dialogue further on another day, he said. Government would hold talks with the managements to ascertain their views on the matter tomorrow. "There is no difference on basic policy matters," he said. Government wanted to end the stalemate on the sector especially as the last date for remitting fees in engineering and medical college was fast approaching, he said, adding a final decision on the matter would be taken at the cabinet meeting on August 29.
Annyar
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Annyar by popular director Lenin Rajendran is also getting ready for Onam release. A contemporary film, which is relevant to the current scenario, Annyar is about the investigation by a lady reporter Raziya who is born in a conservative Muslim family. Raziya happens to make a trip to Gujarat to take part in a wedding. It is there that she gets caught in the morass of communal riots. She gets totally disturbed and shattered. But the journalist in her is not willing to sit idle after seeing all this. Raziya decides to explore the whole issue and make a television programme on communal riots and reveal the background to the public. And she and her friend Suraj starts researching and set out to film things related to the subject. Their explorations lead them to certain startling and rather unexpected revelations. Jyothirmayi, who won a special mention in this year’s National awards, does the role of Raziya while Biju Menon costars as Suraj. Yester year actress Rati Agnihotri is entering in to Malayalam films through Annyar and her role brings a turning point in the film. Annyar was shot in the nearby areas of Wayanadu and Gudalpettu. Other cast includes Lal, Karthika, Nishant Sagar, Siddique, Irshad etc. Music is scored by Mohan Sithara & Ramesh Narayan. Cinematography is by Madhu Ambatt and Rajiv Ravi; Art-direction-Suresh Kollam does the art direction and Ajith does the editing. Apart from direction Lenin does the story and screen play. The film is produced by Sense Six Films and released by Murali Films & Ullaattil Films. The film is slotted for Onam.
Thillana Thillana
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Thillana Thillana directed by T.S.Saji was completed three years back, but due to some financial problems got stuck in the cans. Now the film has released without any publicity. Krishna plays both the male and female leads! It is nothing but a slapstick comedy about mistaken identities. Bobby (Krishna), Govind (Harisri Asokan) and Asokan (Navas) are students and stay together along with Ujvalan (Jagathy Sreekumar), their cook. Nandana (Joe Mol) and Malavika (Kaveri) are their college mates. Nandana likes Bobby but she does not reveal it to him and makes anonymous calls and sends cards. But Bobby misunderstands Malavika to be his secret lover and to find out the truth Bobby dresses as a girl Srilakshmi and enters Malavika’s hostel. He succeeds in sharing a room with Malavika and soon they become friends. Malavika takes Lakshmi home and introduces her to brother Prakash. Lakshmi starts telling Malavika about Bobby and soon she falls in love with him. But all plans go haywire at a fashion parade where Bobby is exposed. Suresh Gopi who is the chief guest at the function intervenes and all problems are sorted out. Krishna in the role of Lakshmi and Bobby has done a good job. In fact he looks better as a girl than a boy! Kaveri and Joemol have sleep walked and it is again Jagathy who has walked away with all the claps. Suresh Gopi, Kumchakko Boban and Mukesh appear in guest roles. The script and screenplay by Vinu Kiriyath are stale. Verdict: Stale Comedy
"I would love to do a film opposite Mammootty and Mohanlal"-Yuktha Mookhey
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Yuktha Mookhey, Miss World 1999 was in Kochi last week. She is doing a documentary film for director R.Sarath about noted painter Raja Ravi Varma in English. R.Sarath known for his off-beat, arty films is making this 22 minute documentary titled Divine Love. Yuktha plays the role of a model who poses for a Ravi Varma portrait. The shoot took place at the portrait hall of famous Tripunithura Hill Palace near Kochi, where Ravi Varma had painted his masterpieces. The tall former Miss World was all excited about her role in the documentary and she looked stunning in an orange Mysore silk sari with golden border and traditional jewellery from the Mysore Maharaja collections. Rama Varma, one of the family members of the royal family plays the role of Raja Ravi Varma in the documentary. Confessed Yuktha Mookhey who toured the backwaters of Kochi during the break: Kerala is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. To be honest I have not seen a single Malayalam film but heard a lot about Mammootty and Mohanlal. I would love to do a film opposite them.Yuktha is the actress of immensely forgettable films like an item song with Ajith in Poovellam Un Vaasam in Tamil and Pyaasa in Hindi.
Navya Nair debuts in Tamil
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Malayalam cinema’s hot and happening heroine, Navya Nair, has decided to take the plunge and do a Tamil film. She has been roped in by Prakash Raj for his home production Duet Films for the film titled Ellamae Drama Than. Navya had bagged the Kerala State Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Nandanam this year. She will now play the lead role opposite Five Star fame Prasanna in the film. Earlier she has refused offers from Tamil directors like Bharathiraja and K.Balachandar. Navya says that she was convinced by the script of Ellamae Drama Than, that she agreed to do it. Moreover she feels that her roles in Malayalam were getting stale, thanks to the crass comedies that are churned out these days. All leading Malayalee heroines including Samyuktha Varma, Kavya Madhavan, Meera Jasmine and Geetu Mohandas have tried their luck in Tamil.
Saphalam
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Cast: Balachandra Menon, Sumitra, Manoj K Jayan, Uma Shankari Direction: Ashok R Nath SAPHALAM is a story about an elderly couple, who are so much in love that they cannot bear isolation. The film is directed by Ashok R Nath, the story written by Mahesh Raj is inspired by a real story of an aged couple. It's been blissful married life for Barister Sankaran Nambiar (Balachandra Menon) and his wife Subhadra (Sumitra). In the past forty years they have never lived without each other even for a day. Fed up of the corrupt system of law, Sankaran quits his job and settles down with his wife in their ancestral home. Govindan (Manoj K Jayan) is their only son who is settled in US with his wife Renu. Life moves on and suddenly they get the news that their daughter in law is pregnant. Their happiness comes to an end when they come to know that their son would very soon come to take his mother to the US to look after his wife. Sankaran is clueless as to what to do. On one end he cannot live without his wife and on the other end Renu needs someone to take care of her. Without any choice, the couple get separated. But this separation is not for long. Sankaran dies in India due to loneliness and Subhadra dies in the US at the same time. They get unified in death again.
Renji Panicker getting ready with a political thriller
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Renji Panicker getting ready with a political thriller Scenarist Renji Panicker, who had scripted many action films like Ekalavyan, Commissioner, Lelam, Pathram, Praja, is to turn director. Renji is all set to start the shooting of Naran, a political thriller. The film starts from where he stopped in the film The King, eight years back. The film is based on the communal riots, which happened recently in the state. He has already roped in Mohanlal to perform the lead role of a cop. Renji who is in Chennai at a private resort, is trying to script some hard hitting dialogues for the film. He is keenly watching the political-communal clashes happening in the state and pens script based on the recent mass pogrom in Marad. In Naran, Lekshmi Gopalaswamy plays opposite Mohanlal. The actress has all the chances of sparkling in Malayalam industry, which will put her into the league of actresses of substance. Renji said he had to take some tips before casting Mohanal. I am in one way lucky to have him in the lead role in my debut film. In his film career, the actor has not done much of a cop's role. Mohanlal who has gone for a Pizhichil (massage treatment) at a famous Ayurvedic health centre near Shornnur is said to have shed many kilos. The actor is confident that he will bounce back with another hit and is working with more vigour.The film directed by Antony Perumbavoor and Dr Bose under the banner of Navarasa Creations, will have an actor from the Bollywood to do the villain's role. The film will be a Christmas release.
Thiranottam to start on Sept 7
Sunday, August 24, 2003
The state is all geared up to celebrate Mohanlal's 25 years in films. The celebrations would be held in Thiruvananthapuram from September 7-14. The celebrations have been named Thiranottan since it is the name of the first film the super star acted. The star's 25 films would be screened at the Tagore Theatre. Open forums have also been planned. A photo exhibition of the star would also be opened at the Tagore Theatre. A book giving the full details of Mohanlal's films will also be released. A mega show will be held on September 14 at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium where state, union ministers and film stars from all regional films are expected to attend.
Body of missing boy found
Sunday, August 24, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The body of one of the three boys who were missing in the sea off Thumba St Xavier's College washed ashore near Thumba VSSC yesterday evening. The body of Asim, 15, son of Abdul Salam of Chittattumukku and ninth standard of Chittattumukku St Vincent High School, was found nearly one kilometre away from the spot where the boys were reported missing.
Leader film put off
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Leader film put off THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The release of Malayalam film Leader, said to be about Congress leader K Karunakaran has been postponed. The censor board denied clearance to the film and instead sent it to the central review committee in Mumbai. The producers and the crew of the film were under constant threat from a section of the Congress workers ever since they began work on the film. Deepu directs the film and the role of the leader is portrayed by a debut actor Jayaram.
Mohanlal's first shot recreated
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 24 Malayalam superstar Mohanlal rode a bicycle on the road leading to his house here today to recreate his first shot before the arc lights 25 years ago when he made his debut as an actor. Almost all the artistes and technicians who were associated with his first film 'Thiranottam' were present for the rare photo session in front of the Poojappura-Mudavanmughal residence of the versatile actor. ''Obviously, that was a serious attempt by a group of friends to enter the film field. Unfortunately, my first film was screened only in a theatre at Kollam. However, all the friends who associated with me in that venture are still with me,'' Mohanlal said, recollecting the golden moments in his 25-year-long film career. ''Even today, I approach films with the same seriousness. Probably, that may be the secret of my success,'' he said at a meet the press programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club here. A consummate entertainer who has enthralled film-goers in Kerala in more than 250 movies, Mohanlal's histrionic skills have also won him two National Awards and a Special Jury Mention. In recognition of his special place in Malayalam filmdom, Mohanlal's friends and colleagues are hosting a week-long party for him from September eight to 14 in Thiruvananthapuram, where he spent his growing years. A felicitation function in the Poojapura area here, where the actor grew up, would kick off the celebrations on September eight, followed by a week-long screening of his films. On September 14, a mega show is planned, where besides the superstar, most of the directors with whom he has worked would be honoured. Equally at home in serious and comic roles, Mohanlal has captured the imagination of the audience in such diverse roles as the tortured Kathakali artiste caught between reality and myth in 'Vanaprastham' or the simple, jobless youth in 'Nadodikatte.' Hindi film viewers got a chance to see him in ''Kaalapaani'' and more recently in Ram Gopal Verma's ''Company.''
NRKs told to project State as cost-effective education destination
Sunday, August 24, 2003
NRKs told to project State as cost-effective education destination THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K. Antony has urged the non-resident Keralites (NRKs) to project the State as a cost-effective destination in the fields of education, health-care and tourism. He was inaugurating the convention of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FoKANA) at Kovalam, near here, on Friday. They should also try to make the people here aware of the emerging changes in the world, he said. Antony expressed concern over the frequent hartals and violent strikes in the State. Such agitations were hindering the development of the State, he said. He said that the Government maintained a liberal stand on the education sector in order to ensure world class education facilities here. FoKANA president George Koshy said that corruption at the bureaucratic levels and the delay involved in Government procedures were major factors that prevented the NRKs from investing in the State. The Government should ensure an investor-friendly climate in the State, he said.
Reliance launches ‘Speak-2-Gulf’ pre-paid card
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Reliance launches ‘Speak-2-Gulf’ pre-paid card KOCHI: The Reliance India Mobile (RIM) subscriber base has crossed the 1.5 lakh mark emerging as the single biggest player in the post-paid segment in the State, said Vinay Singh, CEO, Reliance Infocomm, on Friday. He was speaking at the India-launch of the Speak-2-Gulf pre-paid card, the company’s first foray into this segment in the Country. The card targeting 2.3 million Non-Resident Indians in the Gulf region, namely the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, comes at rates that are 54 percent lower than the current charges prevailing in the market. While the GSM cellular operators in the country charge Rs 18 and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd charges around Rs 24 for calls to the Gulf region, the Speak-2-Gulf card comes in the range of Rs 11 to Rs 15 per minute, he said. Existing Reliance India Mobile customers with ISD facility on their RIM connection can use the card which comes in four denominations - from a minimum amount of Rs 450 for 30 minutes to a maximum of Rs 2,750 for 250 minutes. Releasing the card, Minister for Industries, P K Kunhalikutty said that the State was in the throes of a technological revolution and initiatives by companies such as Reliance were welcome and will add to improving the quality of life of the people. Hyder Ali, State representative of the Reliance Group proposed the vote of thanks.
Parents fear sex racket behind missing daughter
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Parents fear sex racket behind missing daughter KALPETTA: The disappearance of a 16-year-old girl Surya alias Nandu, from Rattakkolly near here, who had gone to attend an interview for plus-two course at Meenangadi on June 23, took a new turn with the parents alleging the role of a sex racket behind the incident. At a press conference here, the parents of the missing girl along with the members of the action council formed to trace the girl, alleged that the racket based in Meenangadi had the backing of political bosses and official higher-ups. They said that the police had recently taken into custody a group of youngsters from Meenangadi in connection with the incident on a tipoff from a telephone booth. ``Even the policemen had told us that the girl could be traced within no time, but to our surprise the police were forced to let them (youngsters) go scotfree later due to high-level political pressure,'' they said, demanding that the investigating officials be changed to get the missing girl traced. The action council had sent complaints to the State Women's Commission, Chief Minister, Opposition Leader, Superintendent of Police, Wayanad, and the District Collector. The action council on Saturday held a protest march to the SP Office demanding action against the police officials. The girl's parents Sreerangan and Susheela, action council office-bearers D Rajan, Sam P Mathew and O Velayudhan attended the press conference.
Malappuram youth make it big with mobile phone servicing
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Malappuram youth make it big with mobile phone servicing MALAPPURAM: The Muslim-majority Malappuram district in North Kerala which had scripted history by becoming the first place in the country where cellular phones outnumbered fixed line connections two years ago, thanks to its Gulf connection and the attendant gray market, is all set to repeat a similar feat by becoming the hub of the mobile phone servicing sector as well. Scores of young men from the district, barely out of their teens, have struck it rich by moving into fill up the huge demand for cellular servicing and repairing personnel, fuelled by the flooding of new handsets and advanced technology in the market. Armed with just a three-month certificate course in mobile phone servicing and repairing, offered by a local NRI-backed institution here, scores of young men, with just an SSLC certificate to lay hands upon, have landed in plum jobs in the Gulf, taking home over Rs 40,000 as salary per month. The overwhelming spurt in the mobile phone servicing segment is mirrored in the growth of institutions like, Bridco and Bridco - a small start up training institute at Kottakkal which has now branched out to have over 122 franchisees and seven training centres across the country within three years. The institute is now attracting students from many foreign countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Nepal to the small town of Kotakkal and has plans to roll out a franchise network in the Gulf countries. ``We are presently unable to meet a live job demand of 35 trained mobile servicing personnel for Link Bits (a Gulf-based company) due to short supply of talent,'' says Hamza Anchumukkil, partner of the firm which claims to be the first institute to offer professional training in mobile servicing in the country. Hamza, an expatriate started off by starting a rent-a-mobile scheme with ten handsets, mainly targeted at the foreign patients at the Kottakkal Ayurveda treatment centre, changed track to mobile phone servicing when he found that there was a total dearth of trained mobile repairing personnel in the State. His venture to start a professional training institute became an instant hit as it coincided with the boom in the Indian cellular market. Now the Gulf-based companies have started recruiting candidates through online interviews from Kozhikode on a regular basis. ``Some of our lucky students, who had a prior polytechnic diploma, had even joined telecom majors like Alcatel in the UK,'' says Hamza. He says that the people from the State has demonstrated a unique knack in handling the sophisticated mobile phones and in scaling up with the new technology entering the market by the day. And the reason for it: ``It might be the Malayalee mind which first ventured to repair and re-use the mobile phones, which originally was meant for a world of throw-away culture.'' With the Indian network companies extending their footprints across the country, the cellular operators themselves are lapping up hundreds of trained personnel to man their authorised servicing centres. Bridco itself has employed more than one hundred students in its servicing centres, many of whom earn around Rs 20,000 per month. The institute which offered its three-month course with a fee of Rs 25,000 in the beginning has doubled its fee to Rs 50,000 owing to the escalation of establishment costs and influx of sophisticated technology like WAP.
Frequent hartals hampering state's growth: CM
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Criticising the trend of calling for hartals and bandhs frequently, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday called for a major change in the mindset of the people for the overall development of the State. Inaugurating the second international conference of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FoKANA) at Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram, he said Kerala had the potential to emerge as a forerunner in many areas like healthcare, education and tourism, but frequent hartals and other problems were pushing the State backwards. ''If we are ready to change our mindset, no one can beat us,'' he noted. Antony said the Government had already initiated a major step in the area of higher education and health care. ''We will be able to give world-class education and treatment facilities here itself,'' he said, seeking the cooperation of non-resident Keralites for the development of the State. FoKANA President George Koshi said Kerala could attract more investment if it could create a conducive investment climate. Strong measures would have to be taken to solve the labour problems here, he added. (Agencies
Leftist student unions threaten to revive agitation
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Hours after the UDF high power committee decided not to revise the fees for the 50 percent merit seats in engineering colleges this year, the pro-Left students unions threatened to return to warpath once again over the issue. The pro-Left student unions on Friday evening announced that they will revive the agitation throughout the state from Monday onwards, if the government fails to bring down the tuition fees of 50 percent merit seats in self-financing professional colleges to that of their Government counterparts. In a statement, the joint action committee of the student unions said UDF convener Oommen Chandy's statement that the Government would not was a negation of the assurance given by Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty and Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan to the union leaders on August 10. "The Government will only invite another agitation if it goes back on the promise given to the student unions,'' warned the statement issued by T.V Rajesh (SFI), V.P Unnikrishnan (AISF), C.P Sudheesh Kumar (PSU), K.Lohya (SSO), Jiji George (KSC-J), Mujeeb Rehman (NSC), Shaijo Hassan (KSC) and Ajeesh (KSU-S). CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition leader VS Achutanandan have also criticised the government for their reluctance to restructure the tuition fees in self-financing professional colleges. Govt issues essentiality certificates for 17 medical colleges Meanwhile the state government on Friday sanctioned essentiality certificates for starting 17 more self-financing medical colleges in the State subject to conditions. The institutions which were given essentially certificates are the following: Vandematharam Medical Research Centre (Palakkad), T S Arunachalam Pillai Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Saikrishna Educational Society (Palakkad), Century Educational Trust (Kannur), V N Public Health and Educational Trust (Palakkad), P G R Foundation (Alappuzha), Ravindranath Tagore Educational Charitable Trust (Palakkad), Century Educational Trust (Kasaragod), Prestige Educational Trust (Kannur), Quilon Medical Trust (Kollam), Society of Sisters of the Holy Cross (Kollam), Rugmini Memorial Charitable Educational Health Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Al-Ameen Educational and Charitable Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Sri Anjaneya Medical Trust (Palakkad), Archana Hospital (Pathanamthitta), The Muslim educational Trust (renewal of essentiality certificate, Malappuram), Kunjitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (renewal of essentiality certificate, Kozhikode). The institutions will have to remit Rs 50,000 as application fee and Rs 5 lakh as processing fees with the Government. They should also submit an undertaking that the institutions will be run according to the guidelines prescribed by the Indian Medical Council and they will own up any loss which the institutions may meet while running the institutions according to the guidelines.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to Anjali, Beenamol
Saturday, August 23, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, August 23, 2003: Bowing to pressure from various quarters, the government on Friday deviated from its existing policy and selected two sportpersons -- athlete K M Beenamol and shooter Anjali Bhagwat -- for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country's highest sporting honour. The government also named 21 sportspersons for the Arjuna award 2002, accepting in toto the original recommendations of the Arjuna Awards Committee, which had triggered off a controversy by submitting a list with recommendations in excess of the number stipulated in guidelines. Five sportspersons have been named for the Dhyan Chand award for lifetime achievent while an equal number were selected for the Dronacharya award. 09:28 IST
Pvt buses collide: 1 killed, 40 injured
Friday, August 22, 2003
Pvt buses collide: 1 killed, 40 injured 21/08/2003 A bus driver was killed and 40 passengers injured when two private transport buses collided in Chirakkal near Kottackal in Malappuram district on Thursday morning. While seven people with serious injuries have been admitted to the Kozhikkode medical College, others are being treated at hospitals in Kottackal. The dead person , Tasleem (28), was the driver of one of the buses. Eyewitnesses said that the private bus coming from Thrissur and going to Kannur collided with another bus operating on Kozhikkode-Kadampuzha route, around 7.30 in the morning. Immediately after the mishap, a tanker lorry also hit one of the buses from behind. Later the ambulance carrying the injured to the hospital was also involved in another accident. The police have registered a case.
Marad: CM meets Muslim leaders
Friday, August 22, 2003
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday held talks with leaders of various Muslim organisations in the State on restoration of peace and rehabilitation of the displaced families of Marad beach in Kozhikode where nine people were murdered on May two last. Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and PWD Minister M K Muneer of the Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) were also present during the talks held at Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister. According to a spokesman of these organisations, the Chief Minister had given them an assurance that the rehabilitation of families dislocated in the Marad violence would be undertaken as soon as peace was restored in the area. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Kunhalikutty said the government would go ahead with steps to restore peace in the area. The Samastha Kerala Jamee-athul Ulema, the Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen, The Muslim Educational Society(MES), the Muslim Service Society(MSS), Jamaat-e-Islami and the Dakshina Kerala Jamee-athul Ulema, were among the organisations represented at the talks. The Chief Minister had earlier held discussions with the Hindu Aikya Vedi and Araya Samajam also. Who have been pressing for a CBI enquiry into the Marad killings of May2. According to sources, the Muslim leaders assured the Chief Minister on Thursday not to oppose a CBI enquiry, if their own demands like compensation to Muslim families, early rehabilitation etc are met on a priority basis.
Cola row: Govt misleading people, says Oppn
Friday, August 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader in the Kerala assembly, V S Achuthanandan, on Thursday alleged that the state government was misleading the people on the Coca-Cola issue and accused it of selling itself to the multinational. "The government has totally surrendered to the multinational. It had sent samples from the Plachimada Coke plant to VIMTA lab at Hyderabad and SGC lab at Kochi, which had earlier given clean chits to softdrink companies," he told reporters here. The government was playing with the lives of the people, he said, adding that the samples of softdrinks should be sent to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for tests. To a query on the fee structure in self-financing professional colleges, he said students would be forced to take up a strong agitation if the government did not accept their demands.
Sukumari
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Sukumari, a record holder of 2500+ films in 50 years had been bestowed with 'Padmasree' this year. She travels through her unforgettable filmy past in a meeting with press people in Trivandrum. Incidentally that was her first meeting with a mob of presspersons. She acknowledged the thrill of meeting many mainstream reporters. She acknowledges the good will of Tamil Nadu Government in recommending the Central Government for the Padmasree award. Kerala Government did not do it. The Chairman of KSFDC Mr P V Gangadharan referred her name. Transport minister Ganesh kumar also referred. It should have been officially done by the culture department, which was not done at the right time. Q. Wasn't it a bit too late? The Honor of 'Padmasree'? Sukumari: So many who called me to congratulate told me about it. But Things come your way when it is really due. You need to wait for certain things in life. It cannot be bought or arranged as and when you desire. I am as I was before and after getting the Padmasree. I am happy as it is. My family and world is only the Cinema land. The honor goes to each and everyone in the film world. It is the production boy who gives me a glass of water when I am thirsty. Not anybody in my house. So the honor personally goes to him also. Q. Can you recall the beginning of your career? Sukumari: I started dancing when I was 10. Though I was born in Trivandrum I lived all my life in Madras except for a brief period with my own parents. My mother's sister took me to Madras where all her daughters were in films, acting and dancing. (Sukumari was referring to Saraswathy Amma and her daughters the renowned 'Travancore Sisters' Lalitha, Ragini, Padmini. It was Saraswathi Amma and Chandrakumar, father of actress Shobana who guided and helped Sukumari to get into films.) Q. When did you act first in a film? Sukumari: That was at the age of ten. It was a Tamil movie. 'ORU IRAVU'. It was a song sequence. (She has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi films.) The first major role was in THASKARAVEERAN in '57. This was made in 6 languages. The same year I acted in 'KOODAPPIRAPPU'. She has completed 50 years of film career but she has not thought about quitting yet. (May be she thinks people do not retire at 63 unless they are bored or inefficient. Any way she is not) No body wanted me to quit. And I am not thinking of it either. I will go on acting till it comes to a natural end. Q. What do you think of acting in 'old age' roles? Sukumari: I have done all kinds of roles. I have acted with all the generation of actors. I have acted with Satyan, Thikkurissi, Premnazir, Madhu, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jayaram, Kunchako Boban, now with Krishna. He has my family blood. (Krishna is grandson of Lalitha). What more an actress wants other than acting with a whole lot of stars of many consecutive generations? Q. Is there any role that you wanted to do but could not? Sukumari: No. But could have done a role of a dumb girl. Q. You are acting in a mega serial now. There was a controversy about film artists acting in serials. What do you think about it? Sukumari: Only those who are not busy in films accept in TV serials. Acting is our profession. Films and TV are our medium. We act where we are wanted. Q. You were a part of mainstream film for a long period. How was then the ADOOR film? Sukumari: All are cinemas. It was like all other sets and location. I did not feel anything different. May be because the artists were known to me very well. Some people warned me about this film. But to me it was the most satisfying work and a real fast one. I finished my part of shooting first in the film. Q. Do you think Mammootty and Mohanlal times are over? Sukumari: No, KOTTARAKKARA was off the screen for a considerable period. But he came back with more powerful roles. These actors will also do good roles in the future. Q. Heard a lot about your activities in stage. Sukumari: Yes, I am a member of Chi Ramaswami's drama troupe. I do at least one stage acting even now. Q. Do you intend to direct films? Sukumari. I have a job now. That's what I am destined to do. 63 is not an age for filmy dancing, considering the discomforts of the body, location, whether. But to Sukumari it is a part of life. She updates herself in the changing world. That is the secret of her survival.
Mammootty
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Many believe Mammootty and Mohanlal have become irrelevant in commercial circuit in Kerala and that they need only act in mature roles. But there is another section of people who firmly ridicule this suggestion. Their contention is both theses stars need a new variety of roles that would enable them to entertain the changed tastes of the new generation viewers. Here we have Mammootty talking to us in this context. You are very much active in Tamil . Comments? 'KARMEGHAM' was a hit there in Tamil. Tamil films are usually big budget projects. But for 'KARMEGHAM' only one and a half crores rupees was spent. So it was a commercial success. I have just finished acting in 'SATYAMOORTHY'. Amriteswar a new comer has written the script and directed it. I have a couple of films more there in Tamil. One is 'SELVAAKKU' by Bharathy, and the other one is by N Nagarajan. What do you think about the prospects of 'PATTALAM' to be directed by Lal Jose? I have full faith in Lal Jose. I have no doubts about the film. It will be a success. ' PATTALAM' is about a rapid action force coming to a village to quell the violence. My role is that of the commanding officer. Lal Jose is a smart director of the new generation. Which are the other films in Malayalam that you have accepted? I have the second part of 'KING'. Shaji Kailas and Ranji panikkar are once again coming together in that project. I have another film directed by lensman Pramod in which I have to act as a Goonda. Priyanadanan has invited me to act in 'BALYKALASAKHI' a famous story by Vaikkom Muhammed Bhasheer. You are not active in Malayalam after Chronic Bachelor. Are you? Why should we be that much active? Isn't it enough that we need act in good films? I have no plans to act in a lot of films one after another. You are involved in the affairs of Kairali Channel. How is it going? How is Kairali now? (He enquires) I am spending a considerable time for the channel. Kairali has started work on its new news channel. It will have news and news related programs round the clock. Almost all the state awards for the best Television programmes were bagged by Kairali. Kairali is instrumental in creating a new sensibility in TV programmes.
Wanted! A macho hero in Malayalam
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Malayalam producers and directors are desperately looking for a macho hero to revive their fortunes at the box-office and save the industry from the avalanche of comedy capers. The situation is alarming as Mohanlal and Mammootty are keeping away from action films and concentrating more on family subjects. Suresh Gopi has virtually retired to doing only family tearjerkers these days. The current numero uno, Dileep has no stature to do action films convincingly. He has already been slotted in the crass comedy category! The industry was looking up to Pritviraj being a new action hero with Vellithira, but our handsome hunk turned to be a damp squib. Taking advantage of the situation, Jayaram is trying a hand with Evar, an action film. But whether the Kerala audience will accept him as an action hero is to be seen. Recently action heroes like Arnold Schwargenneger’s Terminator-3, Vikram’s Saamy and Akshay Kumar’s Andaaz have done extremely well at the Kerala box-office. But when was the last time that a Malayalam action film did good business? So now producers are looking around for an action hero who can do daredevil stunts, shake a leg and talk in Malayalam!
Reliance Infocomm readying to usher in wireless landphones
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Reliance Infocomm readying to usher in wireless landphones KOCHI: Reliance Infocomm is coming home to roost and the watchword here is convergence _ voice and data for now, e-entertainment, television and a whole lot of applications in the future. Following the much publicised launch of its Reliance India Mobile WLL phones, the company in the next step towards convergence will be shortly introducing the CDMA Fixed Wireless Phones (FWP) and Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWT) in the State, targeting landline subscribers. The sampling or the trial launch of the new products is currently going on in the major metros of the country and the State. The formal launch is slated in a few weeks' time. With the new products targeting basic telephone users, Reliance Infocomm has effectively drawn battlelines with the public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd which has virtual monopoly over landline subscribers in the State. While the FWP looks and functions as an ordinary phone, the advantage is that it is wireless and can be used for high-speed Internet access. The wireless voice and data phone can be connected to a PC or any other device for Internet access using a data cable. It also has display counter and facilities for value-added services like SMS and call forwarding. The Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT), on the other hand, helps you connect to phones of any kind and can even be connected to the PABXs of offices, thus allowing the office board lines a CDMA interface. According to reports, the Fixed Wireless Phone and the connection will cost the subscriber an initial one-time charge of Rs 3800. This includes a deposit of Rs 3000 and an activation charge of Rs 800. The data cable which helps your FWT to connect to an Internet device is priced around Rs 1200 and the FWT is said to cost Rs 1000. Unlike the Reliance India Mobile campaign, the company has gone for a soft launch relying more on the word-to-mouth publicity. Says Vinay Singh, CEO, Reliance Infocomm, Kerala: ``We have introduced the products to a few enterprise customers as a trial launch in the State and a formal one can be expected in a few weeks' time.'' BSNL, meanwhile, is not unduly threatened by the new Reliance endeavour though their FWT service is limited to Kochi and a few rural areas where the WLL service is prevalent. ``Our tariffs have always been better than any cell or basic telephone provider. For the FWT, we charge an annual rental deposit of Rs 2400, other than Rs 20 as insurance premium for the sets,'' a BSNL official said. The hiccup, according to him, is the bandwidth and the reach of the service. ``Currently we have a data transfer rate of 14 kbps. The reach of our service has to be increased. We will be upgrading our systems and increasing the bandwidth shortly,'' he said.
Tinsel world readies for a big gamble in State
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Tinsel world readies for a big gamble in State KOCHI: With the spirit of Onam slowly catching up in the State, a big gamble awaits the tinsel world aiming to cash in on the festive mood of the season. At least five major movies, most of them by top-ranking directors, are slated to be released during the season. And a cash-strapped Malayalam filmdom is all set to pump in an estimated Rs 10 crore during this year’s Onam. The first to arrive among Onam flicks will be Balettan, which is slated to be released on August 28 at 40 centres all over the State. Directed by V M Vinu, it features Mohanlal and Devayani in the lead. The movie is said to be completed on a shoestring budget. When a typical superstar movie normally costs anywhere above Rs 3 crore, less than Rs 1.5 crore has gone into the making of Balettan. ‘‘We have already charted 38 stations. The first print will be ready by August 24,’’ says Aroma Babu, one of the office-bearers of Aroma Movies. Balettan also ropes in a new scenarist, T A Shahid. Yet another major movie being released this season is Pattalam, directed by the hitmaker Lal Jose. Slated to hit 35 cinema theatres on September 5, Pattalam commands the entire attention of the industry as it is directed by Lal Jose, director of the runaway hit Meesamadhavan. Featuring Mammootty, Jyothirmayi and Biju Menon, the movie was made with Rs 3 crore. Pattalam also has a newcomer scenarist, Reji Nair. Director Kamal comes in with Swapnakoodu with youngsters like Jayasoorya, Kunchacko Boban and Prithwiraj in the lead. Bhavana and Meera Jasmin are cast against them. Song sequences of the movie are mostly shot abroad. Swapnakoodu is expected to be released at 32 centres on Thiruvonam day. Njan Salperu Ramankutty directed by the Anil-Babu duo also was supposed to be released during this season. But it is being stayed for release by the court. Interestingly, the season will have no films in which Dilip, the rising superstar on the Malayalam tinsel firmament, plays the lead. Dilip, whose recent movies are responsible for the revival of the crisis-ridden Malayalam cinema to a great extent, was supposed to make only a guest appearance in Renjith’s Mizhi Randilum. But sources reveal that attempts are being made by Dilip’s managers to develop his role in the film to make up for the absence of a full-fledged Onam flick on his part. However, the movie is still caught up in a legal wrangle. Despite the overall optimism in the film industry, the prospects of some really good business appear unlikely if the box office statistics of the previous years are any indication. During Onam last year, none of the festival releases could create ripples in the box office. Even some big combinations of the industry failed to work. The most notable one was Thandavam directed by Shaji Kailas with Mohanlal in the lead. Despite the tremendous pre-release hype, the movie failed quite miserably to live up to expectations. No different was the fate of Kaiyethum Doorathu, directed by Fazil. Though the movie had Fazil’s son Shanu and Nikita, a Mumbai-based model, in the lead, senior artistes like Mammootty and Revathy too appeared in key roles. Yet another movie which bit the dust during the season was Rajasenan’s Nakshathrakkannulla Rajakumaran Avanundoru Rajakumary, which featured new faces like Prithwiraj and Gayathri Reghuram. Interestingly, it was Meesamadhavan, a pre-festival flick by the Lal Jose-Dilip duo, that kept the cash registers ringing all through the season.
Skygazers brave chilly nights for a glimpse of the red planet
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Skygazers brave chilly nights for a glimpse of the red planet KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Scientists, astronomers and astrologers across the State stand equally excited over Mars coming close to the Earth on August 27. On that day, the red planet will approach closer to Earth than at any time in the past 59,540 years. It will shine brighter in the sky and appear bigger than at any time in nearly 600 centuries. On the day at 3:21 pm Indian Standard Time (9:51 Universal Time), the centres of Earth and Mars will be only 5,57,58,000 km or 186 light seconds apart. Mars will not make another neighbourly visit this close until 2287. ' Keen sky gazers and amateur astronomers like R Ramachandran, all of 63, are already on their terraces braving cold rainy nights to satiate a cosmic thirst found in the likes of Kepler, Tycho Brahe, Carl Sagan or our own Varaha Mihira or Aryabhatta. Ramachandran uses a 5" telescope to gaze at Mars which he says can be enjoyed with the naked eye. ``Look at the night sky inside the constellation Aquarius. You just can't miss it. It is so red that it gives the feel of polished copper,'' says Ramachandran who lives in Pattom after retirement from AG's office. You won't need even a sky map because Mars is so bright and easy to find. Just look at the south-east night sky, the ideal time astronomers say is when you have a powercut (thank heavens!) _ it will help cut the urban illumination. Climatic conditions can cause problems. August skies can get cloudy, taking the fun out. ``One of my friends called me up from Thakazhi the other day. He said it was very brilliant,'' says Ramachandran. Former Calicut University VC G K Sasidharan feels people should start now, not wait till August 27. ``The day when Mars is closest happens to be a New Moon day. Normally a new moon is good for sky watching, but rain clouds can be spoiler,'' says Sasidharan who uses a binocular to have a closer view of Mars which has several similarities with earth. Just as the scientists are excited, astrologers turn to God and prayers. Mars, the planet of war in Hindu scriptures, is associated with the element fire, bloodshed, riots, epidemics and lawlessness. According to astrologer Kovilakom Varma, the event will have `Vipareetha Parivarthana Yogam.' ``Things which you never expect to happen will happen, be it positive or negative. Sometimes a positive outcome might come of a negative happening. It all depends on the planetary positions of individuals,'' he said. Astrologer Gayatri Swamy said such events assume significance only when they were perceived from a `human' viewpoint. ``These things are all part of nature and the endless universe. Whenever such transits occur, we do `santhikarmas' for the collective good of humanity,'' he said. Echoing similar views, astrologer Purushothaman of the Jyothishamandiram at East Fort said that this was just one of the innumerable celestial events. ``I don't expect it to have any serious effects,'' he said.
Coke contamination: Govt to wait for report of labs outside State
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Coke contamination: Govt to wait for report of labs outside State THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Government will wait for the report of the two nationally accredited laboratories outside the State before taking a decision on the complaints of contamination of Coca-Cola soft drink being manufactured at its plant in Palakkad district. The Government had earlier sent the samples of the soft drink to two laboratories in the State. The examination at the Government analytical laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram had ruled out the presence of cadmium in the cola and found lead below the permitted level. Chief Minister A K Antony, however, told newsmen that the samples were sent to the nationally accredited laboratories to make doubly sure the quality of the soft drink being distributed in the State. Antony said in reply to a question that none of the States had closed down Coca-Cola plants so far and the Kerala Government too had no plan for ordering the closure of the Palakkad plan before getting the reports of the outside laboratories. The Chief Minister said the complaints regarding over-exploitation of groundwater by the Palakkad plant was a different issue and this was now under the consideration of the Local Administration Department.
Rajiv Gandhi remembered
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Rajiv Gandhi remembered 20/08/2003 Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest prime minister that India ever had, was remembered by the nation on Wednesday, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary. As part of the nationwide programmes organised by the Congress party, a special prayer meeting was organised in Indira Bhavan, the party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister AK Antony, Ministers Kadavur Sivadasan, K Sankaranarayanan and G Karthikeyan were among those who offered floral tributes to the late leader. They also participated in the prayer meeting held afterwards. Rajiv Gandhi, born in 1944, served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. The first son of Indira and Feroze Gandhi, Rajiv attended Cambridge University, where he met and married Sonia, who is now president of the Congress party. It was after the death of his brother Sanjay in 1980 that Rajiv, an airline pilot, decided to enter politics. He stood successfully for election in 1981 and became a political adviser to his mother. After her assassination in 1984, Rajiv succeeded her as head of the Congress party, and was sworn in as Prime Minister of India. He was assassinated at an election rally on 21 May in the middle of the 1991 election campaign at Sriperumbattur near Madras (now Chennai |
