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January 2004
Fresh row erupts in party over Murali’s successor
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : A fresh row has erupted in the Congress over KPCC president K.Muraleedharan’s proposal to make Karunakaran loyalist P.P.Thankachan acting president of the KPCC simultaneously with the induction of Murali into the State Cabinet based on a patch-up formula. The anti-Karunakaran faction has opposed giving Thankachan the acting president’s post. He is KPCC vice-president now. Party general secretary Ahmed Patel had sought a report from Muraleedharan on the basis of the latter’s talks with Chief Minister A.K.Antony here on Thursday. Muraleedharan had informed Antony his readiness to accept the party high command’s patch-up formula by which he would be inducted as Minister in the UDF Government. Muraleedharan reportedly indicated in the report that Karunakaran could be pacified if Thankachan, his close lieutenant, was made the acting president of the KPCC. But sources in the anti-Karunakaran faction said that they would not accept Thankachan who presided over the function in which Karunakaran announced his intention to split the Congress and form a new party, unless Thankachan came out in the open declaring his loyalty to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. They also pointed out that the name of Thankachan was considered earlier as one of the options and he was not the only candidate. It is learnt that the anti-Karunakaran faction has already informed the party high command its objections over Thankachan. The anti-Karunakaran faction also raised the propriety of ‘I’ group Ministers Kadavoor Sivadasan and P.Sankaran continuing in the UDF Government after attending the convention. They would have to make their position clear like Muraleedharan, the faction leaders said. Muraleedharan, who held prolonged discussions with Karunakaran, told newsmen that he was still the KPCC president. He did not confirm or deny reports that he had resigned. ''It is improper on my part to disclose the details of a letter which I wrote to the party high command,'' he said. He reiterated the claim that all the issues in the party would be settled amicably and Karunakaran would not leave the party. Karunakaran who attended a prayer meeting at Indira Bhavan here, the KPCC headquarters, in connection with the Martyrs’ Day told newsmen that he had no knowledge about the talks his son Muraleedharan had with the Chief Minister. He also indicated in an interview with a Malayalam TV channel that he was not party to any patch-up formula. Several Congress leaders called on Karunakaran on Friday also trying to change his mind about forming a new party. But he had not made any commitment, sources said.
Murali resigns as KPCC president
Friday, January 30, 2004
According to a report, KPCC president K Muralidharan has resigned from his post. Sources at AICC headquarters in New Delhi unofficially confirmed that they have received Murali's resignation letter by fax on Friday afternoon. Murali's resignation comes after the party Highcommand gave its consent to induct him in the state cabinet. On Thursday evening, Murali had called on Chief Minister AK Antony in a bid to patch up the differences. Murali's sudden change of stance has created lot of frustration and confusion among the 'I' group activists. Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran has refused to comment on the latest developments. According to sources, Karunakaran supporter and former Speaker P P Thankachan may take over the responsibility of the KPCC temporarily. However KPCC sources, when contacted refused to confirm the news.
New party to benefit BJP: Sreedharan
Friday, January 30, 2004
KOZHIKODE: BJP Kerala president P S Sreedharan Pillai on Thursday said dissident Congress leader K Karunakaran's move to float a new party 'exposed' AICC president Sonia Gandhi's 'inability and immaturity' to tackle her party issues and claimed the development would help the BJP in the state. Sonia Gandhi was proving to be 'a failure' in handling the issues of a vast country like India, as she was allowing herself to be led by a 'caucus,' Pillai told reporters here. He demanded dissolution of the state assembly, saying the UDF government had failed to live up to the people's expectations since it was pre-occupied mostly with factional feud. The BJP in Kerala was keeping its doors wide open for prominent personalities from all walks of life, he added.
Cong split, a well-guarded drama
Friday, January 30, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The high drama involving the "split" of Congress in Kerala unfolded here on Wednesday reveals that it was a guarded move by the wily leader K Karunakaran to ensure a slice, if not the entire cake, of Kerala governance. Karunakaran's expression of intention to float a new Indira Congress and field people in all constituencies of Kerala had the desired effect quickly. The Chief Minister A K Antony admitted he had conveyed the declaration immediately to New Delhi and the latter had asked him to take Karunakaran's son and PCC-I President K Muralidharan in to Cabinet. Muralidharan had, in the meantime, kept himself away from father’s enterprise and was conveniently available to media persons at the Indira Bhavan next door to reiterate his obedience to the ‘high command’. Muralidharan is likely to be inducted shortly to be the 21st minister of Kerala. People who closely watch the Karunakaran camp say the game was well played and the Antony camp lost the nerve in the war. Karunakaran is member of Lok Sabha, and a permanent invitee to Congress Working Committee. His son would now be in cabinet. This would leave her eager daughter, Padmaja Venugopal, to enter the electoral fray. Both father, son, and daughter will thus have a decisive roles in the party.
"I want to win this war"-Kamalahassen
Friday, January 30, 2004
"I want to win this war" The much awaited Virumaandi is all set to release in Pongal. The shooting of this film, which was earlier named Sandiyar started last April in Madurai. The title of the film was later changed due to some controversy by some politicians that the film is made to abuse Puthiya Thamizhagam (PT), a Dalit political outfit led by Dr K Krishnasamy. After all the hungama, the film was re-named Virumaandi. Excerpts from Kamal's interview to Vellinakshatram Q) Can one assume that all the controversies surrounding Virumaandi is over? A) Yes. All the unnecessary controversies are over. The film has also been cleared by the censors with an 'A' certificate and a few cuts. Q) Tell us something about Virumaandi? A) Virumaandi is not the story of a single person and his life. I have tried to depict a lot of Virumaandi's whom I have seen in my life. I have made the film for my people and think that I have succeeded to a very large extent by bringing a local flavour and nativity to the film. Q) Did the controversies hurt you? First I was upset about the issues that were raised against me as magazines also came out with their own versions of the film. Some said it was based on Perungamanallur riots, while some uncharitable elements even questioned the script and called it lifting, but I went on with my work silently. Let everyone see the film and decide. Q) How did you manage to create an artificial village in Chennai? A) When the shooting in Madurai had to be cancelled, I decided to put up the sets in Chennai. I was very disturbed that I could never get the actual smell and feel of the village atmosphere. But later I realized that anyway the audience cannot smell the village in a theatre and the entire crew decided to create an entire village at the Campa Cola grounds in Guindy. My art director Prabhakaran did a wonderful job. We were able to get that authentic feel and touch of a village in Theni. Q) Tell us something about the bull fight? Virumaandi is the first movie where the ancient bull-fight game of Jalli Kattu was shot live. Over 50 rugged bulls known for its toughness were specially selected along with trainers and bullfighters. The bulls were trained and myself and Abirami spent time with the bulls as part of the familiarization process. And in the end they became like pets. Q) How do you plan to fight video piracy? It is not an easy thing. So Rajkamal will be releasing the DVD of the film shortly after the release in US. The Telugu version will also be released soon and if the film is good it will be remade into Hindi like how Thevar Magan became Virasat. Right now we plan to release Virumaandi for Pongal with 250 prints worldwide. Q) Does the competition from the young stars upset you? I have no fear at all. I really love competition and welcome good films. Even a bright student may fail in an exam when he is pitted against a dull guy if he is scared and not confident about himself. I am extremely confident about the film Q) Do you have a premiere in US? A) Yes. Virumaandi will be the first Tamil film to be premiered in US. The film will be releasing in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. The film is shown for the Indians living in US and not for an international audience. Q) You have sung six songs in the film… It was because music director Ilayaraja asked me to do so. He wanted all the songs to have Virumaandi's voice. Q) Your last word about Virumaandi? I want to fight this war and win Q) Do you have any advice for the people of Kerala? Kerala is my ancestoral house. I began my career as a child artiste in Malayalam films and not only that all my Malayalam films had good responses. I wish all my viewers will enjoy watching Virumaandi.
Sasneham Sumitra
Friday, January 30, 2004
Sasneham Sumitra tells the story of Balan, a rich planter and member of a respectable family, who lives in his estate bungalow. He marries Sita, who hails from a middle class family, amidst whispers about the mysterious disappearance of his first wife Sumitra. Balan believes that Sumitra might have fallen off a train by accident. The investigation that that follows brings out some stunning facts. Suresh Gopi plays Balan and debutant Sree Ranjini plays Sita. The director has decided to tread through a different path by making a film, "which is not according the so called trend of comedy movies. I feel that now people do not want to cry in theatres. But that does not mean that they want only to laugh. What they need is a clean entertainer. I've made a movie which I believe in". The director sincerely hopes that Malayalees always are ready to accept films with good themes and narration. Apart from Suresh Gopi and Sree Ranjini, Lalu Alex, Siddique, Saikumar, Bindu Panicker, Poornima and many others. Songs penned by Shibu Chakravarthy has music by Ouseppachan.
Science exhibition to showcase talent
Friday, January 30, 2004
Science exhibition to showcase talent KOZHIKODE: The Zamorin's Higher Secondary School at Tali here is being dressed up for the 18th Southern India Science Fair 2003-2004, which will be held from January 29 to February 2. Nearly 600 students would participate in the show, said the Mayor Thottathil Ravidran, chairman of the organising committee of the fair, the District Collector, T.O. Sooraj, and M.K. Raju, Deputy Director for Education, Kozhikode and programme general convener. The fair would showcase science exhibits and projects that had been selected in State -level contests. The exhibits and projects would be from five southern States. Projects by teachers would also be among the exhibits. There would be trophies and scholarships for the best exhibits and projects. The event is a joint endeavour of the Viswesarayya Industrial and Technological Museum in Bangalore and the Education Department.
Call to use science for development
Friday, January 30, 2004
KOZHIKODE, JAN. 29. The 16th session of the Kerala Science Congress began here today emphasising the need for scientific research to contribute to the socio-economic development of the State. The Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, who was to inaugurate the Science Congress could not reach Kozhikode because of more pressing engagements in the capital but what his Government expected from scientific researchers was made clear in his inaugural address which was read out on his behalf by the Executive Director of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), E. J. James. The Chief Minister said the Government expected science and technology inputs to tackle problems concerning traditional industries, plantations and forests, water resources, coastal zone management, transportation and biotech industry. Presiding over the inaugural session, M. A. Valiathan, executive vice - president of the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), remarked that Keralites had in abundance qualities like innovative skills needed for scientific research and pointed out these had been reflected in the great deal of research that was done in the fields of mathematics and ayurveda in the past. The Science Congress is sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment and the Department of S & T, Government of India, and is being held on the campus of the CWRDM in Kunnamangalam, near here. The conference will be on till January 31. The abstracts of papers being presented at the convention are available on the website www.cwrdm.org.
Certificate Attestation Centre from Friday
Friday, January 30, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing relief to thousands of Gulf-bound job-seekers, an office for verifying certificates will come into existance here tomorrow. Official sources said Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Minister M M Hassan would inaugurate the Attestation Centre. At present, job-seekers to the UAE would have to go to New Delhi to get their documents verified. The Central Government agreed to set up the Centre here following a request made by the State Government. According to a study, about 40 per cent of Keralites, granted emigration clearance every year, travel to the UAE for jobs.
Crisis in Congress settled: Muraleedharan
Friday, January 30, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: A day after senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran announced that he would form a new political outfit, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Muraleedharan claimed that the crisis in the party State unit had been amicably resolved. After an hour-long meeting with Chief Minister A.K. Antony at the latter's official residence, he told mediapersons that Karunakaran was still with the Congress and ruled out any split in the party. ''We discussed all matters and decided to remain united,'' he said and added that the ''unity package'' would be announced by the party High Command. Asked whether he would join the Cabinet, Muraleedharan, son of Karunakaran, said all such matters would be decided by the High Command. ''We will abide by any decision taken by the leadership.'' To another question, he said he met the Chief Minister in his capacity as PCC President and not a group representative. Antony declined to respond to queries from reporters. Meanwhile, Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty and Revenue Minister K.M. Mani held discussions with Karunakaran and persuaded him to drop his proposal to float a new party.
Mohanlal's career in soup
Friday, January 30, 2004
Looks like its bad time for actor Mohanlal. He needs to seriously think about his career. His latest film VAMANAPURAM BUS ROUTE has flopped miserably at the box office. Whoever has seen this film is asking one question. Which is "how can an actor like Mohanlal act in a film like this?" The film has had a bad opening. Even die hard Mohanlal fans are staying away from this film. There are no cine goers in places like Trivandrum and Ernakulam for this film. Some have even started questioning if this film marks the end of Mohanlal's career. What is that, which has caused such reaction from the audiences? In VAMANAPURAM BUS ROUTE Mohanlal plays the role of a conductor Lever Jhonny, who is a ardent MGR fan. Apart from dressing like MGR, this actor hums MGR's tunes. This role is similar to those roles that he played in HARIHARAN PILLAI HAPPY AANU and BALETA. The actor who emotes well has selected films where there are hardly any emotions at display. Mohanlal has now pinned hopes on a Fazil film which will be released during Vishu festival.
Tessa back to small screen
Friday, January 30, 2004
Tessa who played the female lead in Pattalam has now gone back to small screen. When she was cast as heroine in Pattalam opposite Mamooty everybody said that she would be the choice for the aging superstars since she was tall and had a matured look. She was compering a film based show in Kairali TV. Another group said that like Divya Unni, Chanchal, Poornima Mohan yet another student of St Thereasas college was going to make it big. With Pattalam bombing the girl is become an outcast. Producers prefer girls from other states but not Tessa. So next best step is to go back to small screen. She has become compere of a show in Jeevan TV.
Ananthadram
Friday, January 30, 2004
Mamooty and Prithiviraj will costar in Saboo Cyril directed film Ananthadram. Mira Jasmine plays the female lead. The film is produced by Maniyan Pillai Raju. Raju a popular comedian had produced Hey Auto and Vellanayayude Naddu which were hits but lost money in Anshwaram and Kannu Ezuthi Pottu Thottu. The Saboo film is a mega project. It’s based on the popular serial that was featured in Manorama weekly. The serial had won the Manorama award. The novel was written by Sunil Parmeswara http://www.galatta.com/
Randammuzham
Friday, January 30, 2004
Produced and directed by Fazil the Mohanlal film started work in Kochi. Titled Randamuzham the film has Nayantara (Manasinakkare) as heroine. She is already signed by Murali Nagavalli (associate of Priyadarshan) for his next Mohanlal film. Nayantara came from modelling to films. Mukesh, Jagathy, Harisri Asokan, Sai Kumar, Ganesh Kumar,Nedumudi Venu, Cochin Hanifa, KPAC Lalitha are the other artistes. The film is produced under banner of Ammu films. http://www.galatta.com
Bhanumathy choice for Dada Saheb Phalke
Friday, January 30, 2004
A controversy is brewing in the film circles over the announcement of Dev Anand as the recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for the year 2003. The Film Federation of India (FFI) which chooses the names of the likely recipients of the award had chosen Dr.Bhanumathy Ramakrishna, popular actress, singer, director and Padmashree award winner. The actress even held a press conference and speaking to the press about this, she said "I am very happy. I consider it as a recognition for my contribution to the Indian Film Industry," The award was decided by the Film Federation of India in a meeting conducted on November 14 in Hyderabad was clarified by S.S.Jain, the spokesperson who told the press. The sudden volte-face and overlooking Dr Bhanumathy has led to a controversy. The South lobby in FFI feels that the Punjabi lobbies in Mumbai prevailed upon the Union ministry to choose Dev Anand. Yet another version is that the veteran actress acted in haste by announcing to the press much before the Union ministry press note came and this irked the ministry who felt that it was putting pressure on them to accept the FFI nominee. The FFI nominee list is only a formality and not legally binding on the ministry. Dr Bhanumathy had criticized the selection process when Dr Sivaji Ganesan was selected since she felt that as a senior person it should have come to her.
Dilip- Priyan film renamed as Karnavar
Friday, January 30, 2004
The Dilip- Priyadarsan film titled Krishnaleela has now been changed to Karnavar. The heroine is Bhavana Puri from Tollywood. The subject deals with the heroine on her way to stop her lover from marrying and accompanying her is the hero a robber. This hilarious laugh riot is the first this year from this team. The reason for the film's title to change is because Kamal Haasan's forthcoming film is Krishna Leela. If you are wondering whether the Priyan film has similarities to Anbe Sivam then it's purely coincidental. Could be that Priyan and Kamal were inspired from the same source. Priyan who remade Pocchaku Oru Mookuthi directed by himself 20 years back as Hungama is back in circulation in Bollywood. He is to start work on remake of Godfather directed by Sidiq - Lal.
Sheela’s next
Friday, January 30, 2004
Sheela’s next Virulthumbil Saro is the second film that Sheela has accepted. Director Ismail has an important story to tell. The role was initially planned with Suhasini in mind but Suhasini who did a similar role in Nammal felt that she would get typecast and hesitated. At that time Ismail heard the news that Sheela had come back to acting. She heard the story and accepted. Suhasini rejects - Sheela accepts. http://www.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/malayalam/livewire.asp
Mohanlal takes on Film Chamber
Friday, January 30, 2004
Mohanlal has finally decided to bell the cat. Kerala film Chamber (KFC) run by tyrants like Siyad Koker of late being running the chamber against a particular lobby and issuing bans on artistes and directors. Now the chamber has issued a notice to Amma the artistes association stating that it should not take part in the Asia Net award nite or else the members will face a ban. This has been the final straw. Mohanlal has openly stated that it would not hesitate to float a parallel chamber if the present Chamber does not amend its ways and stop acting like dictators. Lal said that as a producer he has produced 5 films and lost Rs 7 crores. With this distinction he was competent to speak on behalf of the industry. He said that the artistes were taking part in the award nite because the money got from it will go to the AMMA corpus fund used to give pension to indigent artistes. TV programmes and serials are not the cause for films flopping .Its the content that is to be blamed. Priyadarshan's Hindi film was not screened in Kerala. When Dileep was to do Priyan's film they told technicians not to work and financiers not to give money. They even asked Dileep not to work with Priyan. Why this vendetta? Who has given them the authority to issue a ban?" asked Lal. If this state of affairs continue then another Chamber would have to be formed said the furious actor.In defense Siyad Koker said that KFC and AMMA as well as MACTA had entered into an agreement that without consulting each other they would not conduct any star nites for TV channels since these programmes would affect the running of films in theatres. The agreement was signed by Mammooty when he was general secretary. Now will Mammooty speak up? http://www.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/malayalam/livewire.asp
Valathottu Thirinjal
Friday, January 30, 2004
Aji (Jishnu) and a group of his friends (played by Salim Kumar, Cochin Haneefa, Aniyappan etc) take up contracts of demolishing old houses and selling off the wooden parts of the house. Since Suresh (Madhupal) the elder brother of Aji ran away with the money kept for his sister’s marriage, Aji has to bear the burden of running the family. Aji has to honour a contract to demolish Nalackal Veedu, since his father had signed it before his death. This time he has to clear the house of its inmates Aditya Verma (Narendra Prasad) and his daughter Sangeetha (Bhavana). The inmates are members of an old feaudal family fallen on bad times. Chandru (Anil Murali), an underworld enters the scenario to take hold of the property. In a badly scripted film Jishnu and Bhavana too doesn’t have much scope to act. The movie is introducing a new music director to Malayalam filmdom, Shakeer. This movie was the last one of the seasoned actor Narendra Prasad.
Sethurama Iyer CBI
Friday, January 30, 2004
Director: K. Madhu Script: S.N. Swamy Camera: Saloo George Cast: Mammootty, Mukesh, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Sai Kumar,Janardhanan, Jagatheesh, Rajan P.Dev, Vineeth Kumar, Navya Nayar, Geetha Vijayan, Nandhana. 16 years ago, when ‘CBI Diary Kurippu’ hit the screens, it kind of created a frenzy. The film was a megahit and when it was remade in other languages, it created records of sorts. It was probably the first time that a superstar didn’t resort to aciton to solve a crime. For a change, a police officer looked normal. Well, Mammooty as Sethuraman Iyer is back. The Story: ‘Sethurama Iyer CBI’ clicked again! This movie will definitely repeat the same resounding success of its predecessor, ‘Oru CBI Diarikurupu.’ This time, he is solving a bizzare crime. The case is handed over to him while he turns up in Kerala to spend his vacation with his sister and her grown up daughters. The local priest asks him to meet with a death sentence convict- Alex (Kalabhavan Mani). Alex wishes to see Sethurama Iyer in private. Sethurama Iyer gets more information of Alex and also about the case history from Chako (Mukesh) who had assisted Sethurama Iyer on his earlier assaignments. Chako had also participated in this case’s investigation with his senior, Balagopalan CBI (Siddhiq). The convict tells him a shocking story- he had been sentenced to death for committing 6 murders, but he confesses that he had done only five of them. The sixth murder ahd been committed by a copycat murderer and that he is being falsely accused for it. The revelations of Alex prompt Sethurama Iyer to find the ‘real’ culprit unless he thought it would have been a blot on CBI’s character. He probed this case scientifically sans prejudice. Finally he finds the culprit dramatically and with great panache. Chako and Ganesh (Vineeth Kumar), a newcomer to CBI, teamed up with Iyer for the entire investigation. So, Mammooty teams up with Jagadi, Mukesh and new recruit Vineeth Kumar and decides to solve the case. As expected Vineeth Kumar falls in love with Navya Nair, one of Mammooty’s nieces. This is a suspense film, so we arent going to tell you who had commited the crime. REVIEW The director, K.Madhu and scriptwriter S.N.Swamy have done a commendable job in keeping the suspense feeling till the last reel of this whodunit. ‘Sethurama Iyer CBI’does not bore anyone from start to finish. Mammootty has been metamorphosed into a real detective. He keeps the same pace in acting as had seen in Oru CBI Diarikurupu. If anyone feels a thing that hinder ones enjoyment in this flick is the ‘flirting scene’ between Vineeth Kumar and Navya Nayar. That is really terrible and does not contribute anything to the story in anyway! Only the director may knows its significance! Youngster Vineeth Kumar also seen as a miscast in his (mature) character. His dialogue deliverance is poor. (Perhaps Biju Menon could have handled this role with much ease.) Jagathy’s coming in the garb of a ‘shopping complex buyer’ deserves kudos. Mukesh too strikes well in his role. Saikumar has also done his role well by emulating the ‘gestures and dialogue deliverances’ of late actor Sukumaran. Sukumaran was the then DySP officer in CBI…and Jagratha. In this movie Saikumar appeared as Sukumaran’s son and as a DySP officer. Camera work of Saloo George is on a par with the pace of the story. No song is really bliss now lest it should swamp the ‘heat’ of the story. This film is the best example of good teamwork.
Pulivaal Kalyaanam
Friday, January 30, 2004
Cast - Jayasurya, Kavya Madhavan, Jagadi, Lal, Harishri Ashokan and others. Director - Shafi The Producer - Unnikrishnan and Premanand We are not going to waste too much of time with the film’s story because the whole story reads like a one liner- Father not happy with the man his daughter falls in love and her lover’s brother helps to get them united. Films like these rely heavily on the screenplay, comedy and dialogue deliveries. ‘Pulivaal Kalyaanam’ is a fairly good comedy film that everybody could enjoy watching. They actors have their timing and dialogue delivery perfected, so, the jokes and humor works though you had seen them already. Jagadi plays the rich father while Kavya Madhavan plays his daughter. Jayasurya is the man she falls in love with and Lal plays his foster brother who is ready to do anything to get the two married to each other. The Good- Comedy, timing and one-liners The Bad- Music. Songs sound like they have been recycled. The Ugly Lack of anything original
Alaikkal Tharavad
Friday, January 30, 2004
This is the story of a struggle between a father and son and a mother who is caught in between them. The father is trying to bring in the old values and respect while the son is trying to make ends meet. Somewhere in between, the son falls in love with a girl and his parents oppose them. Nedumudi Venu, Kunhako Boban, Sujatha and Navya Nair have starred in the film. Cast - Sujatha was brought in from her exile specifically to play Boban's mother. Director - Sibi Malayil is directing the film.
Govt to regulate Margin Free markets
Friday, January 30, 2004
State Minister in charge of Food and Civil Supplies, G Karthikeyan today told the State Assembly today that the government may bring in some controls over the Margin Free markets in the state as they are 'cheating' the public. Participating in the Question Hour today morning, Karthikeyan said that the margin free markets operating in the state are simply 'cheating' the public. The Minister also quoted the price list of Maveli supermarkets run by the state government and the Margin Free markets to point out the high prices the latter are charging on some goods. On a query from the Speaker, Karthikeyan said that at present any one could start a margin free market by putting up a yellow painted board. "Today everything is margin free here. Even the marble brought from Rajasthan have now a margin free tag," the Minister said. Karthikeyan informed the House that the government was planning to regulate the functioning of Margin free markets in the state.
Kerala Science Congress begins
Friday, January 30, 2004
The three-day Kerala Science Congress 2004, with 'Traditional and Appropriate Technologies for Development of Kerala,' as its theme was inaugurated by State Planning Board Vice-Chairman V Ramachandran at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management near here today. Over 500 delegates are taking part in the Congress where over 160 papers will be presented. Presiding over the inaugural function, Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment Dr M S Valiathan called for passion for science and ''capacity building'' process to transform the Kerala society into an innovative and knowledge-based one. ''Limited geographic area, lack of sufficient industrial schools and less political clout at the Centre are the boundary limitations for Kerala. But this can be answered with a network research linking with organisations in and outside the country,'' he observed. ''As genes of innovations are already there in our blood, our limit is that of imagination and hard work,'' he noted and stressed the need to activate the same. ''We have capital and plants. What is in short supply is will and spirit,'' Dr Valiathan added detailing on how the two qualities helped transform feudal Japan into the present industrial society. Prof Vladmir Cvetkovic and Prof Gia Destouni, scientists from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, will interact with the delegates during the Congress. (agency)
I can't comment, says Karunakaran
Friday, January 30, 2004
Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran today refused to comment on the latest developments within the party. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, Karunakaran said that he doesn't know the basis on which Antony and Muralidharan made the comments after their meeting on Thursday evening. "How can I comment upon something that others say and do?" he asked. Karunakaran had reached Indira Bhavan in the morning, to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his martyrdom day. Karunakaran also exchanged brief pleasantries with Chief Minister A K Antony who was present at the party headquarters. When reporters asked Karunakaran whether he was still adamant on forming a new party, Karunakaran ignored the question.
Prince John remanded in custody
Friday, January 30, 2004
KOCHI: As many victims logged on to the city police on Thursday to report more innovative designs of Prince John Periapurath, the mastermind behind non-existent Lockepole was remanded in custody. The Crime Branch has also approached the court seeking its nod to take Prince into custody for further investigations. The most interesting story that surfaced on Thursday was Prince’s attempt to appoint C & F agents in the State. He had even held discussions with Group Mukkadan in this regard. ‘‘He wanted us to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore and a deposit of Rs 50 lakh. But the list of other demands was very shady,’’ said a spokesman of Group Mukkadan, who handle Yamaha and other major brands. Prince told the group that he was planning to import all his gadgets as education tools from Finland. He wanted the Mukkadans to pay him Rs 10 crore as the first instalment. ‘‘He said the amount should be paid in dollars and that the first consignment would reach Kochi after paying up the third instalment. This sounded unbelievable and we decided to back out,’’ the spokesman said. Sources further said Prince continued his efforts to woo the Group Mukkadan till a week before his arrest. ‘‘We also asked him about the credibility of the company. The concepts were quite highbrow. Also we couldn’t understand the need for signal boosters in Kerala when most networks have extensive coverage,’’ sources said. Police said most of the money Prince had collected was invested in real estate and luxurious life. ‘‘He recently bought a property near Pala. We are also sending a team to Mumbai to interrogate his relatives. As far as we know there is no one else in this company other than Prince and Joseph,’’ sources said.
Iraqi firm comes hunting for Kerala chicken
Friday, January 30, 2004
KOCHI: Flying into a no-flu zone, an Iraqi delegation on Thursday began preliminary discussion with the Meat Products of India to probe the possibility of exporting huge quantities of chicken from Kerala to Iraq. With poultry from most of the South Asian countries literally becoming untouchable, other Gulf countries are also likely to follow suit. The Iraqi firm, whose name has not been disclosed, on Thursday met top officials of the Meat Products at Koothattukulam for what sources put as ``the first round of talks''. Confirming that he had a talk with Iraqi delegation, MPI managing director Dr Ani S Das said ``Talks are in the preliminary stages. The quantity to be exported and other details will be finalised shortly.'' However, he declined to divulge the name or other details of the firm, but``it's not a Government concern,'' he confirmed. The Iraqis approached MPI after the outbreak of the avian flu in South Asia, he added. With the epidemic continuing its deadly run through the hatcheries in Pakistan and nine other South Asian nations, Indian poultry has suddenly found its popularity soaring. ``No case of the deadly flu has been reported in India so far. So they have turned to us,'' he explained the sudden Iraqi interest in Indian poultry. Moreover, many Gulf countries have gone on the defensive after the outbreak which has claimed human lives in South- East Asian countries. Kuwait slapped a ban on poultry imports from the Indian sub-continent yesterday. Saudi Arabia has also banned imports from the hit regions. Governments of the affected countries have been forced to cull poultry by the millions. This has led to a hike in price and demand for poultry in the Middle East, say experts. While two strains of the pathogenic virus detected in Pakistan are not thought to be deadly to humans, this is not the case with H5NI strain identified in other affected countries. The meat processing scenario in Kerala is bound to be affected by the ban, say poultry experts. ``Several firms in the State export poultry products such as canned chicken legs to the Gulf,'' said Dr Udayavarman, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Govt of Kerala. The Centre is taking precautions to prevent the epidemic from crossing into our borders. Prominent poultry firms in South India have sent scientists to affected areas to study the disease,'' he said. The State has also stepped up vigil against the flu, he added.
Is the I group that is getting splitted into two??
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : All is not well in the Karunakaran camp after their LEADER has announced the formation of a new party. Even his only son seems to dessert him at this age.A very unpredictable anticlimax indeed. Majority of the ‘I’ group MLAs are learnt to have extended their support to the stand taken by KPCC president K Muraleedharan against a split in the party. The two Ministers and most of the MLAs had not expected Karunakaran to announce a decision to split the party at the convention, sources said. They had been hoping for a patch-up. Of the 19 MLAs left in the Karunakaran camp now, 16 have their sympathies with Muraleedharan, including Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan and Health Minister P.Sankaran. Besides Kadavoor Sivadasan and Sankaran, E.M.Augusthy, Adoor Prakash, V.Balaram, D.Sugathan, N.D.Appachan, T.V.Chandramohan, Maleth Saraladevi, N.Sakthan, Radha Raghavan, T.U.Radhakrishnan, A.P.Anil Kumar, Shobana George, K.Mohan Kumar and M.A.Chandrasekharan are likely to take a stand against the split. Some of these MLAs had met Muraleedharan recently and asked him to go in for a patch-up. Those who may stick with Karunakaran are P.P.George, A.D.Mustafa and Savithri Lakshmanan. The two Ministers and all these MLAs had attended the ‘I’ group convention on Wednesday.
New virus infects PCs, whacks SCO
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
New virus infects PCs, whacks SCO January 27, 2004 A mass-mailing virus quickly spread through the Internet on Monday, compromising computers so that they attack the SCO Group's Web server with a flood of data on Feb. 1, according to antivirus companies. The virus--known as MyDoom, Novarg and as a variant of the Mimail virus by different antivirus companies--arrives in an in-box with one of several different random subject lines, such as "Mail Delivery System," "Test" or "Mail Transaction Failed." The body of the e-mail contains an executable file and a statement such as: "The message contains Unicode characters and has been sent as a binary attachment." "It's huge," said Vincent Gullotto, vice president of security software maker Network Associates' antivirus emergency response team. "We have it as a high-risk outbreak." In one hour, Network Associates itself received 19,500 e-mails bearing the virus from 3,400 unique Internet addresses, Gullotto said. One large telecommunications company has already shut down its e-mail gateway to stop the virus. Once the virus infects a Windows-running PC, it installs a program that allows the computer to be controlled remotely. The program primes the PC to send data to the SCO Group's Web server, starting Feb. 1, a virus researcher said on the condition of anonymity. The SCO Group has incurred the wrath of the Linux community for its claims that important pieces of the open-source operating system are covered by SCO's Unix copyrights. IBM, Novell and other Linux backers strongly dispute the claims. The company's Web site was slow to load on Monday afternoon, a SCO spokesperson acknowledged, but the site was still accessible from the World Wide Web. SCO's Web site was taken offline by denial-of-service attacks a handful of times in the last year, none of which had been initiated by a virus. In the past, the company has blamed Linux sympathizers for at least one of the attacks. Antivirus companies were scrambling on Monday afternoon to learn more about the virus, which started spreading at about noon PST. The virus affects computers running Windows versions 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP. "A lot of the information is encrypted, so we have to decrypt it," said Sharon Ruckman, a senior director of antivirus software maker Symantec's security response center. Symantec has had about 40 reports of the virus in the first hour, a high rate of submission, Ruckman said. The virus installs a Windows program that opens up a "back door" in the system, allowing an attacker to upload additional programs onto the compromised device. The back door also enables an intruder to route his connection through the infected computer to hide the source of an attack. The virus also copies itself to the Kazaa download directory on PCs, on which the file-sharing program is loaded. The virus camouflages itself, using one of seven file names, including Winamp5, RootkitXP, Officecrack and Nuke2004. Variations in the body text include: "The message cannot be represented in 7-bit ASCII encoding and has been sent as a binary attachment." Early data indicated an epidemic several times the size of the Sobig.F virus, which caused widespread infections last summer, said Scott Petry, a vice president of engineering at e-mail service provider Postini. "At its current run rate, we will trap almost 8 million in a day," Petry said. The company quarantined only 1,400 copies of Sobig.F in its first day and 3.5 million copies of the virus during that epidemic's peak 24-hour period. Mail systems that remove executable files from e-mails can stop the program from spreading. (CNET News.com)
Karunakaran announces new party
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Amidst loud cheering of his supporters senior Congress leader K Karunakaran today announced a new party in the state , thus officially splitting the state unit of the Indian National Congress. The veteran leader announced the decision, while addressing the party delegates at a convention in Thiruvananthapuram today. Karunakaran announced that his candidates will contest the elections separately in the next elections. He said that the steps to get recognition for the new party with a new symbol are on in New Delhi. An emotional Karunakaran during his speech, recalled his long innings in the party and the affection shown to him by late Indira Gandhi. He said that the rebellion that he led was not for any personal gain. " I am telling you today, I have not even sought primary membership for my children in the party," he announced. Earlier report The decisive meeting of the Karunakaran loyalists in the state unit of the Congress party began in Thiruvananthapuram today afternoon. Two ministers-Kadavur Sivadasan and P Sankaran, MLAs, KPCC, DCC and Panchayath level office bearers of the party are taking part in the meet. K Karunakaran lit the traditional lamp and inaugurated the meet, being held Tagore centenary hall in the state capital. Speakers at the function, including former speaker P P Thankachan and DCC president Peethambara Kurup hailed Karunakaran for his contribution to the state's polity and attacked the adversaries within the party for their efforts to sideline and insult the veteran leader. Meanwhile, sources informed that the Congress highcommand has almost given up on efforts for a last minute compromise to avoid a split in the organisation.
Six prominent persons join BJP
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Six prominent personalities from various walks of life today joined the BJP in Kerala. BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu welcomed them to the party. New party members include James K Jacob (Former accountant General of Kerala and Son-in-law of RSP leader Baby John) and T K Raman (former Judge and member state advisory board on scheduled castes). Others who joined BJP today are T T Kripananda Singh, Brig. Lakshman Vijayan, Prof. Hamsa Devi and Col. R V Nair.
Govt to finalize steps for Express highway
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
The State Minister in charge of PWD, Dr. M K Muneer today said in the assembly that financial structuring and land acquisition in connection with the proposed Express High Way connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Kasaragod would be finalized shortly. "The government will consider the study report of Lease Associates, who visited China recently in this connection and should take necessary steps for the highway worth Rs 6400 crore'" he said. Replying to questions by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan MLA, the minister said that the co-operation and investments by NRI's are vital to this project. "It is not possible for the government to complete this work with the financial assistance from the institutions like HUDCO only. So the government is seeking financial assistance from other private partners," he said. "Government is seriously considering the rehabilitation and land acquisition process for the express highway. The government should take the land only after the rehabilitation process and estimated an amount of Rs Rs 1, 758 crore for the resettlement programme. Government would also analyze the environmental problems that affects the nature due to this project," he added. Chief Minister A K Antony told that the government has taken steps to release water from Parambikulam-Aliyar project to meet the drought of Palakkad district. He was replying to a calling attention motion by K A Chandran MLA. He said that he had written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha in this regard.
Kerala assembly should be dissolved: Naidu
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
BJP national president M Venkaiah Naidu today said that it is high time that the Kerala Assembly is dissolved and the government face the people's verdict. " There is no government here. The administration is totally paralyzed. The open fighting has affected even the bureaucracy," Naidu alleged at a press conference at Thiruvananthapuram today. Naidu added that the Congress high command has become 'no command' in Kerala. To a question whether the BJP will make overtures to rebel Congress leader K Karunakaran, Naidu refused to comment saying that it is too premature. However, the BJP president declared that the party will contest on its own in all the assembly seats in the state, except Muvattupuzha, where IFDP leader PC Thomas will contest under the NDA banner. Regarding the national election scenario, the BJP president said that the battle lines have been drawn . He said that while BJP has a clear agenda, vision and leadership, the opponents have none of them." When we speak of the Feel the good factor they tell us to feel the dynasty. It is a dynasty that has ruled and ruined the country for more than 45 years", he said. Naidu said that Prime Minister Vajpayee would launch BJP's election campaign from New Delhi on February 6. Referring to the Bihar situation, Naidu said that the state is a fit case for implementing article 356. " There is rape, murder, massacre, kidnapping and fraud in the state everyday. And the government there survives courtesy the Congress. This is the alternative that the Congress presents", Naidu pointed out.
Unidentified viral infection kills four in Kerala capital
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Even as some South-East Asian nations are convulsed with a fresh scare about 'SARS' and 'Bird Flu,' an unidentified viral infection has claimed four lives here in recent months, medical authorities say. The four people, three males and one female aged between 19 and 40 years, were admitted to the Government-run Medical College Hospital (MCH) here. They hailed from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kottayam districts of Kerala State, MCH Medical Superintendent N Vishwanathan today. However, two more patients admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms had responded positively to treatment. While one of them had been cured after being administered broad spectrum antibiotics, the other was recovering and was likely to be discharged tomorrow, he said. ''There is no need for alarm about the outbreak of any epidemic. The deaths have taken place over a period of six months,'' the medical superintendent said. The symptoms of the killer infection included cold and mild fever, followed by paralysis of limbs and unconsciousness. All the four died within a week or two of contracting the infection, Dr Vishwanathan said. Tests, including MRI scan, on the patients had revealed festering around the brain and spine. It was concluded that the disease was caused by some virus, Dr Vishwanathan said. A multi-member team of experts had been formed by the Government to look into the autopsy reports. Also serum samples from the patients had been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and its report was expected in about two weeks' time, he added. Describing the infection as a ''rare presentation,'' Dr Vishwanathan said this was the first time that he had seen such a manifestation. [Agency]
Gaurisankaram
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Gaurisankaram Director: Nemom Pushparaj Cast: Munna, Kavya,Narendra Prasad Music: M Jaychandran Art Director Nemom Pushparaj with 80 films to his credit is debuting as a director with film 'Gaurisankaram' which is being made in the backdrop of 'nagas' and temples of Kerala. The story is written by Madambu Kunjikuttan and promises to be different. Kavya Madhavan has an author backed role in this film too after Mizhi Randilum. Debutant Munna (nephew of Jayabharathi) is the hero. The story is about two Namboothiri families where Gauri (Kavya) and Sankaran (Munna) are childhood friends. When they grow up love blossoms between the two. Sankaran comes back from US where he is a doctor. With the blessing of their parents the lovers get married. Sankaran’s ‘tharavad’ is very ancient and orthodox and they pray to the ‘nagas’ always. The people in his family believe that Nagayakshi and Nagarajavu are present in the ‘tharavad’ and the elders decide that the couple should not live together to avoid the curse of ‘nagas’! How the lovers get united forms the rest of the story.
Fazil's Mohanlal film begins
Saturday, January 24, 2004
The switch on function of Fazil's new untitled film was held at Cherupushpam Studio in Udaybur near Kochi. The switch on action was undertaken by Fazil's daughter Ammu and his brother Ansari did the first clap. Nayantara is the heroine of Mohanlal in this film for which shooting has started in Kochi. Nayantara made her debut in Sathyan Anthicaud's Manasinakkare which is doing well. Also include Mukesh, Cochin Haneefa, Harishree Ashokan and many others. After completing Vamanapuram Bus Route, Mohanlal joined Fazil's set on January 5. Vamanapuram Bus Route is another comedy caper directed by debutant Sonu Sisupal who is also the music director of the film. Mohanlal is Lever Johnny, a bus conductor and an ardent MGR fan who not only dresses like him but also hums his hit numbers. Rita Mathews was found missing from her hostel and Sreekumar was appointed to find her. Sreekumar was a man of many qualities and to tell briefly--an eccentric person. Sai Kumar, Ganesh Kumar and Sukumari too act in this film. Script is by Fazil himself and songs penned by Kaithapram have music by Ouseppachan. Anandakuttan wields the camera. Ammu Release will bring the film to the theatres during Vishu. http://www.sundaykaumudi.com/movies/mov/mo_slight.stm
Maruti Mega Carnival begins
Saturday, January 24, 2004
KOCHI: Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd managing director John Paul inaugurated Maruti Mega Carnival at Marine Drive on Friday. The main features of the carnival include free check up for all Maruti cars, display of 40 used cars of Maruti True Value, attractive offers for new cars, exchange facility, spot finance facility, spot renewal of Maruti insurance and test drive facility for the latest Maruti models. The free check-up also includes free oil top up, AC check up, body check and free PUC. Also taking part in the carnival are Maruti original spare parts suppliers and Maruti genuine spare parts dealers. Other features include games, fun events and leisure activities for everyone in the family. The inaugural function was attended by S Ravichandran (general manager, Maruti Udyog Ltd), Amit Sagar (area manager - Kerala), Gopal Krishna (deputy manager) and Rohan Chandran (assistant manager).
Vamanapuram Bus Route
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Cast: Mohanlal, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy Director: Sonu Sisupal Mohanlal's latest Vamanapuram Bus Route is yet another disappointing film. It is another attempt by the actor to re-create the magic that worked in Balettan that was a clean family entertainer. The director of the film Sonu Sisupal has to learn the basics of filmmaking before he attempts to make his next film. Vamanapuram is a small village and the story is told in this backdrop. We have panchayat president Gopalan Nair (Jagathy Sreekumar) who is desperately trying to bring Padakuthira, a private bus to the untarred roads of this small village. But he has a group of enemies specially (Janardhanan) and gang. Nair has vested interest in bringing the bus service as he is waiting for the sanction from PWD for roads of Vamanapuram to be tarred, by which he can swindle a few lakhs. But all his plans go haywire as his detractors see to it that a bus route never comes to the village. Nair brings 'Lever' Johnny (Mohanlal) a tough bus conductor and a man who get things done for bus owners all over Kerala. Also an ardent MGR fan who not only dresses like him but also hums his hit numbers. The rest of the story is how Johhny comes to Vamanapuram, helps Nair in his mission and goes back with his only daughter Meenakshi (Lakshmi Gopalaswamy). There is not one redeeming factor in this slipshod enterprise except that Mohanlal is introduced as a crazy MGR fan and fights like the legend. He not only looks bloated but all his expressions are nothing but an extension of his past films. The actor seems to have lost interest in his work and has to choose his scripts with far more care in future. Script writers Sudhish and John have no story to tell and every single character like panchayat president, opposition leader, barber and others look like a bunch of cartoons that we have seen in a dozen village based films in the past. The song tuned by the director fails to impress and so is the camera of Sanjeev Shankar that has failed to etch the beauty of villages in Kerala. On the whole Vamanapuram Bus Route, due to lack of shock absorbers, is a painful experience. http://www.sundaykaumudi.com/movies/mov/mo_review.stm
Kerala to tap 100 MW wind power
Saturday, January 24, 2004
THIRUVANANTHPURAM: One hundred MW of power will be produced using wind in Ramakkalmedu in Idukki district of Kerala, state Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan said here. Presenting the budget for 2004-05 to the state assembly, the minister said work on 30 small hydropower projects was expected to start this month with an installed capacity of 77.5 MW. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is targeting an addition of 391.5 MW of power by taking up the Pallivasal Extension Scheme, Athirapally and Mankulam projects and completing other ongoing projects, he said. A significant addition to the transmission and distribution network is proposed through three new 220 KV, ten 110 KV, five 66 KV and 35 33 KV substations. An amount of Rs 2560 crore is proposed for transmission projects during the new financial year. A sum of Rs 3503.5 million is being earmarked for the distribution sector. The KSEB proposes to add 400,000 service connections, 2000 km of 11 KV lines and 5500 km of LT lines as part of this thrust. A 400 KV line from Madurai to Thiruvananthapuram will be commissioned this year while work on the 400 KV Mysore-Kozhikode line has started. The Board has set an ambitious target of reducing transmission and distribution losses by the three percent every year as part of its strategy to become financially viable, the minister.
Best State for Tourism award for Kerala
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Best State for Tourism award for Kerala NEW DELHI: Kerala was adjudged the Best State for Tourism-Related Programmes at the National Tourism Awards for 2003, while Hyderabad was declared the country's best city. The awards, given by Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan here yesterday evening, saw Karnataka winning in the Best Tourism Literature segment and Andhra Pradesh for best tourism audio-video presentation in the year 2003. Taj Westend, Bangalore, was named the Best five-star Deluxe hotel while the Taj Residency won the Best five-star award. Udaipur's Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace was the Best Heritage Grand Hotel along with The Malabar House Fort Cochin and Hotel Samode Palace. Mr Jagmohan said the government was undertaking a number of projects to upgrade tourism infrastructure as well market Indian destinations. ''The tourism industry should come forward to contribute the efforts by providing the best available hospitality services to visitors.'' In other awards, the Ajanta Caves were declared best-maintained tourist-friendly monument while the Qutub Shahi Tombs, Delhi, the best tourist friendly monument.
Budget stresses on agriculture,unemployment
Friday, January 23, 2004
The State Budget presented by Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan, for the financial year 2004-05 in the State Assembly today, laid emphasis on agriculture, unemployment, IT and tourism. The Finance Minister, K Sankaranarayanan, presented the Kerala budget for the financial year 2004-05 in the State Assembly today morning. He also presented a vote-on-account for the first four months of 2004-05. The Budget proposed to release 10% Dearness Allowance arrears this year to the employees with an additional financial burden of Rs 812.80 crore a year. The budget also proposed to form a 'Group personal accident claim programme' for the employees. About 12.7 crores estimated for job opportunities in agricultural sector and 75% lakh for the development of Music college. The budget announced the tax reduction of Rs 4% to mobile phones and the tax rate of Blood bank reduced from 12% to 4%. The budget proposed a hike of 1% upon the entry tax on cotton textiles and tobacco and imposed duty upon the foreign liquor made in India."The government proposed to levy specific duties for maximizing revenue from the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and an additional revenue of Rs 100 crore was expected from this" Sankaranarayanan said, while presenting a Rs 751.34 crore deficit budget. Budget decided to sanction Rs. one crore for the Press Academy, celebrating its diamond jubilee. Govt: proposed Rs 2 m for Vanilla cultivation and Rs 97 million for coconut development and Rs 10.80 crore for rice farming, to attain higher levels of productivity and quality. The Finance Minister proposed entry tax to the following items. Photographic processing units, their parts and accessories, Optical fiber cables, Mobile phones , Pollution testing equipment for motor vehicles, White cement, Lifts, Currency counting machines, Steam Boilers, VSAT, Dish Antenna and Signal transmission equipment, Cables for telecommunication, Door and windows made of iron and steel and Transmission towers. Other programmes announced in the budget are new buildings for 50 village offices, 200 crores for road transport scheme, 60 lakhs for eco tourism, 60 crores for Japan drinking water scheme, Catamaran service from Kochi, 15 lakhs for Kesari Memorial Trust renovation, 34 new check posts, 1350 crores for self governing bodies, Special cell to clear debts, Madurai-Thiruvananthapuram KV line from this year, 50 lakhs for Sree Narayana Study Centre, 60 crores for public distribution system and Pension for TV journalists.
Budget stresses on agriculture,unemployment
Friday, January 23, 2004
The State Budget presented by Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan, for the financial year 2004-05 in the State Assembly today, laid emphasis on agriculture, unemployment, IT and tourism. The Finance Minister, K Sankaranarayanan, presented the Kerala budget for the financial year 2004-05 in the State Assembly today morning. He also presented a vote-on-account for the first four months of 2004-05. The Budget proposed to release 10% Dearness Allowance arrears this year to the employees with an additional financial burden of Rs 812.80 crore a year. The budget also proposed to form a 'Group personal accident claim programme' for the employees. About 12.7 crores estimated for job opportunities in agricultural sector and 75% lakh for the development of Music college. The budget announced the tax reduction of Rs 4% to mobile phones and the tax rate of Blood bank reduced from 12% to 4%. The budget proposed a hike of 1% upon the entry tax on cotton textiles and tobacco and imposed duty upon the foreign liquor made in India."The government proposed to levy specific duties for maximizing revenue from the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and an additional revenue of Rs 100 crore was expected from this" Sankaranarayanan said, while presenting a Rs 751.34 crore deficit budget. Budget decided to sanction Rs. one crore for the Press Academy, celebrating its diamond jubilee. Govt: proposed Rs 2 m for Vanilla cultivation and Rs 97 million for coconut development and Rs 10.80 crore for rice farming, to attain higher levels of productivity and quality. The Finance Minister proposed entry tax to the following items. Photographic processing units, their parts and accessories, Optical fiber cables, Mobile phones , Pollution testing equipment for motor vehicles, White cement, Lifts, Currency counting machines, Steam Boilers, VSAT, Dish Antenna and Signal transmission equipment, Cables for telecommunication, Door and windows made of iron and steel and Transmission towers. Other programmes announced in the budget are new buildings for 50 village offices, 200 crores for road transport scheme, 60 lakhs for eco tourism, 60 crores for Japan drinking water scheme, Catamaran service from Kochi, 15 lakhs for Kesari Memorial Trust renovation, 34 new check posts, 1350 crores for self governing bodies, Special cell to clear debts, Madurai-Thiruvananthapuram KV line from this year, 50 lakhs for Sree Narayana Study Centre, 60 crores for public distribution system and Pension for TV journalists.
‘I’ group to wait till Jan 28
Friday, January 23, 2004
‘I’ group to wait till Jan 28 Friday January 23 2004 10:31 IST THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Karunakaran faction in the Congress will wait till January 28 for a favourable decision by the party high command to end the crisis in the State unit of the party. ‘‘Karunakaran will announce the decision of the ‘I’ group at the State-level leadership convention being held here on that day if the high command fails to solve the problem,’’ KPCC general secretary Rajmohan Unnithan told newsmen here after a meeting of the MLAs and KPCC office-bearers loyal to K Karunakaran. Unnithan said that the ‘I’ group would solidly back Karunakaran on any decision he takes on the future course of action of the group. He also said that there was no change in the ‘I’ group demand for removal of A K Antony as Chief Minister.
Cinema bandh on Feb 12
Friday, January 23, 2004
KOCHI: The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce will observe a cinema bandh in the State on February 12 in protest against the Government’s indifference towards the crisis faced by the film industry. A convention will also be held at Ernakulam Town Hall on the same day. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Siyad Kokker, chairman and T T Baby, convener, of the chamber said the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is violating the conditions in the MACTA contract to help the film industry. AMMA is still organising stage shows in the country and abroad and its members are receiving awards instituted by private organisations without prior permission of the chamber. The contract had clearly stated that actors should not participate in stage shows and private award functions without the permission of the chamber and AMMA.
A day of sops for non-resident Keralites
Friday, January 23, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It became evident on Thursday that Kerala's political parties speak in one voice on the issue of non-resident Keralites (NRKs) as the state government presented a bouquet of sops in the assembly. There were no voices of protest as the government announced its concessions for NRKs, the major decisions among them being an exclusive cooperative bank for NRKs and the setting up of an attestation centre here for those departing for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). NRKs have long been the backbone of the Kerala economy with a record 1.5 million of them settled abroad, mostly in the Middle East. State Cooperation Minister M.V. Raghavan said the government was formulating rules and regulations as stipulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up the bank. "The RBI has asked us to see that the proposed cooperative bank be set up according to the stipulations of the Banking Regulation Act. The act would require the proposed bank to have a share capital of Rs. 2 billion," he said in the assembly. The bank, headquartered in the state capital here, would offer higher rates of interest as compared to other banks in the country, he added. K.N.A. Khader of the Indian Union Muslim League said he had asked the government to ensure that the bank be staffed by NRKs, their dependants or those NRKs who have returned home. According to figures for the second quarter ending September 30, 2003, commercial banks in Kerala are flush with deposits from abroad. Cumulative non-resident Indian deposits went up to Rs. 289 billion as compared to Rs. 288 billion in the first quarter of the current financial year. Varkala Kahar of the Congress said the government had been unfair to the NRKs who have long propped up the Kerala economy. "Today, the commercial banks are flush with funds from NRKs. In return, they have done nothing for them when it comes to sanctioning loans for their needs. "I hope that the proposed bank becomes a reality and looks after the needs of the NRKs," he said. M. Ali of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) said raising Rs. 2 billion was not a problem as NRKS would be only too glad to contribute because commercial banks had failed to do justice for them, Minister for NRKs M.M. Hassan said the attestation centre, to verify certificates of those going to the UAE, would be set up here by next month. Officials from the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry in Delhi were expected to arrive here next week to see the premises. The centre would function from the office of the Non-Resident Keralite Affairs Department (Norka). Hasan said a similar centre could open in Kochi.
Jagathy escapes in road accident
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Kollam: The Comedy King of malayalam cinema for the last two decades, Jagathy Sreekumar escaped a road mishap unhurt in the wee hours today morning. The accident occured when the car in which he was travelling lost control after the wheel got punctured and rammed in to a road divider in Madannada near Kollam. Luckily for the actor and his millions of fans he escaped without any serious injuries.
Bus operators planning indefinite strike
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Bus operators planning indefinite strike Thiruvananthapuram January 21, 2004 Private bus operators in Kerala will take a final decision tomorrow on their proposed indefinite strike from January 22, demanding strong measures from the Government to save the industry from a serious crisis. They took the decision after the talks between Kerala Transport Minister R Balakrishna Pillai and bus operators' representatives failed to yield any concrete result. The Government had assured that it would consider measures on the basis of the report of the K V Ravindran Nair Committee which studied the matter. However, the Government required at least three months' time to implement the recommendations. Bus operators insisted that the Government should announce certain interim measures till it took the final decision on bus fare hike, besides reducing the sales tax on petroleum products.
House to take up notice against Speaker on Feb 9
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
House to take up notice against Speaker on Feb 9 Thiruvananthapuram January 21, 2004 The Kerala Assembly will consider on February 9, the fresh notice moved by the Opposition Marxist-led Left Democratic Front, seeking leave for a motion for the removal of Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman from office. Chief Minister A K Antony announced this in the state assembly on Wednesday and added that the session has been extended by one more day to take up the motion. Cultural directorate The State Minister in charge of Culture Affairs G Karthikeyan today said the government will form a Cultural Directorate in a bid to bring various cultural bodies under singular control. Replying to questions by K K Shaju MLA , he said that the directorate will come under the indirect control of the government and will be monitored by the Culture department. Replying to a question raised by Rajan Babu MLA, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony informed that the government would establish an International Study Centre in Chempazanthy in memory of Sri Narayana Guru. Kerala Agriculture Minister K R Gauri told the House that the government has finalized schemes to prevent the diseases affecting the cattle. She said Mother Dairy has agreed to allow Rs 33 crore for the purpose.
State School Youth festival: Kannur Dist leads
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Kannur is leading as champions in the 44th State School Youth Festival, bagging 46 points , when results of competitions in 9 out of 139 events were announced at the Corporation Stadium in Thrissur today. Thiruvananthapuram leads in second place with 43 points. Third place was being shared by Ernakulam and Thrissur bagging 41 points each. Though the conduct of the festival was generally streamlined this time, confusion broke out at the stadium on Wednesday over the announcement of results and delay in starting competition items . A spate of appeals by the losers and participants turning up at the last minute with special orders disturbed the pre-arranged schedules, reports said.
Congress heading for a vertical split in state??
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: Congress I leader K. Karunakaran came back from NEWDELHI empty handed and crestfallen today as he couldn't even manage a one to one talk with the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi. All his efforts failed to replace his arch rival from the Cheif Ministership and his one last effort to save the face by atleast taking away the Home portfolio from A.K.Antony and giving it to his own son backfired. Now the time has come for the vetran of many a battles to play his final game. I group has announced that the next move will be announced on the 28 th of January.Will the Leader take the extreme step of splitting the party vertically into two before the crucial Loksabha polls and if so how many of his cadres will stand by him in the moment of crisis.
Highcommand rejects Karunakaran's demand
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Newdelhi:20-Jan In a very bold move the AICC subcomittee formed for solving the Kerala crisis, categorically rejected the senior leader K Karunakaran's plea to include his son and KPCC Cheif K. Muraleedharan in the state cabinet giving the prestigious portfolio of Home or Finance. It was reported that this move will have dire consequences as Karunakaran is furious over the rejection and will not meet the Congress Supremo, Sonia Gandhi if the subcomittee doesnt budge to his demands. Earlier Karunakaran had demanded that his Son should be made either the State Home or Finance minister before the Parliment election and that A.K. Antony should resign after the elections.Currently the Cheif minister is holding the Home portfolio while A group strong man , Shankaranarayanan is the Finance Minister and is considered to be the Number 2 in the cabinet.With this demand Karunakaran had dreamed that his Son being the Number 2 in the cabinet , will be automatically elevated to the Cheif ministership once Antony resigns after the elections.But with a defiant decision by the subcomitee, Sonia is sending clear signal that she is not going to budge to pressure tatics.
Honours for TV Chandran, KPAC Sulochana
Monday, January 19, 2004
THRISSUR: Noted movie maker TV Chandran has been selected for the Ramu Kariat Award 2003 for his movie "Padom Onnu Oru Vilapom" . KPAC Sulochana bagged the Premji Award for contributions in the fields of cinema and drama. The awards will be presented at Thrissur on February 10, the death anniversary of Ramu Kariat.
Attestation centre in Kerala for Gulf-bound to open next month
Monday, January 19, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, kerala: In response to demands from thousands of Kerala residents headed for the Gulf, authorities will open a centre to attest immigration and travel documents for people going to the United Arab Emirates. Minister for Non-Resident Keralites M.M. Hassan said: "We have been informed by the human resource development ministry in New Delhi that their officials would arrive in Kerala by the end of this month. They will function from the office of the non-resident Keralite affairs department here." The officials from Delhi will deal with the verification and attestation of certificates, which will then be sent to the ministry of external affairs and the UAE embassy in New Delhi for a final check, the minister said. "This office will be the responsibility of the non-resident Keralite affairs department. Apart from fees for certification, a nominal service charge will be levied. The entire process will take a month before the attestation process is complete and the certificates are handed back to the applicants," said Hassan. Currently, the entire process is being done in New Delhi. Touts and agents charge extravagant amounts to get travel documents cleared by authorities. According to a study done by the Centre for Development Studies here, the number of Keralites going to the UAE has seen a drastic increase. From a mere 11,962 people in 1990, the figure had crossed 150,000 by the end of the 1990s. There are close to 450,000 expatriates from Kerala currently in the UAE. Indo-Asian News Service
Kerala University Youth festival from today
Monday, January 19, 2004
Kerala University Youth festival from today 19-January-2004 Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : The Kerala University youth festival with the participation of more than three thousand young talents would start here today evening with a colorful procession. The fete will be inaugurated by famous actress and director Revathi at University Senate Hall, and Minister for Cultural Affairs G Karthikeyan would be Chief Guest. University Union chairman Ben Darwin would preside over the inaugural function. The procession would start from Kanakakunnu palace premises with a participation of about 5000 students from different colleges from the Thiruvananthapuram city. The venues are Senate Hall, VJT Hall, University College, Sanskrit College, Women's college, Ayurveda College and Fine Arts College. The organising committee informed that all arrangements have been made for the six day festival.
Kochi to host luxury cruise liners
Monday, January 19, 2004
Kochi to host luxury cruise liners Thiruvananthapuram January 19, 2004 Buoyed by the 'quality tourism boom', the Tourist Resorts Kerala Limited (TRKL), a subsidiary of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, has decided to launch three unique projects a berthing facility for luxury cruise liners at Bolghatty Island called Marina International, a Golf Course at Vallarpadom and a Dream City in Kozhikode. The total investment expected for these projects is Rs 100 crore. Tourism Secretary Dr.Balakrishnan told this website's newspaper that the TRKL had envisaged these projects with an eye on the high-end tourists as Kerala is gradually evolving as a premium destination among the international tourists."The proposed Marina International and Golf Course will be of international standards and will be on par with any similar project in the world," he said. The Rs 35-crore Marina International project, the first of its kind in the country, will be a joint venture of the TRKL and the Malaysia-based Trans Resource Corporation. "The Marina would be a stopover for luxury cruisers from Europe en route to the Far East which usually avoid Kerala coast due to the lack of berthing facility," said Project Manager of TRKL A.L.Charles. According to him, Marina would have lodging and entertainment facilities of international standards. It would also sport-shopping complexes catering to the needs of international tourists. As per the understanding between the Malaysian company and the TRKL, the latter would get 3 percent of the gross turnover and a payment of Rs 25.60 lakh per year as royalty. Nearly, 200 acres of land, near the container terminal at Vallarpadom, had been earmarked to develop a golf course of international standards, according to the TRKL project manager. The proposed investment is Rs 40 crore and the target group is golf-loving tourists, mainly the Japanese. "The primary preference of the big-budget Japanese tourists is the availability of a golf course and the absence of one in the State had been a major deterrent for them to choose Kerala as a tourist destination,"he said. The Rs 25-crore Dream City Entertainment Park at Kozhikode would also be a joint venture. The Government had asked the ICICI and Kinfra to structure the project. Thirteen acres of land had been identified for the project and the partner for the joint venture would be finalised by the end of this month. Dubai-based Holiday Group of Companies and Appu Ghar Entertainments, Delhi, were the major bidders for the project, he said. The other initiatives currently undertaken by the TRKL are the Taj Kerala Hotels and Resorts Limited (TKHRL) and the Oberoi Kerala Hotel and Resorts Limited (OKHRL). (NIE)
Karunakaran to meet Sonia Gandhi
Monday, January 19, 2004
Karunakaran to meet Sonia Gandhi Thiruvananthapuram January 19, 2004 Veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran may meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi tomorrow and will have a one-to one meeting with her on the crisis in the party's state unit. Sources close to Karunakaran said that his meeting with party leaders in the next two days would be crucial as the future plans of the faction would be based on these talks. Sources at the AICC headquarters said that Karunakaran reached New Delhi, after getting clear indications of a meeting with Sonia. So far, Sonia Gandhi had engaged Karunakaran in dialogue through mediators and KPCC president K Muralidharan only. According to sources close to Sonia, the efforts to patch up with the veteran leader, forgetting all that has happened in the last two years, make sense as they believe that with the new allainces and equations being formed at national level, the party is all set to give BJP a tough fight in the next elections. In such an event, the party cannot afford to lose Kerala, which is one, its bastions in the country. Today, Karunakaran is expected to meet the AICC panel, led by Pranab Mukherjee and discuss the political situation. Meanwhile, spokesman of the 'I' faction Rajmohan Unnithan said here that they stuck to their demand for a leadership change. The crucial 'I' faction meeting, scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on January 21, had been postponed to January 28 in view of the talks in Delhi to end the crisis. ''Our stand is that the Congress can perform well in the coming Lok Sabha election only if the leadership is changed,'' Unnithan added. The Karunakaran faction had announced earlier that it would not take part in the discussions in the Assembly on the motion of thanks to the Governor's Address being held from Monday as a mark of protest against the continuance of Antony as Chief Minister.
Murali to meet AICC panel today
Sunday, January 18, 2004
KPCC president K Muralidharan will meet the three-member AICC panel in New Delhi today as part of the discussions to resolve the Congress crisis in the state. Murali will meet the committee chairman Pranab Mukherjee and committee member and the AICC general secretary Ahamed Patel who in charge of Kerala affairs and hold discussions with them. "Even though the discussions regarding the problems facing the state Congress is over, it is as per the directions of Sonia Gandhi that the present meeting is being undertaken", Murali said.
Escotel sells mobile business to Idea
Friday, January 16, 2004
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian cellular services provider Escotel Mobile Communications Ltd has sold its mobile operations to rival Idea Cellular Ltd for $66 million, a top Escotel official told Reuters on Friday. Mid-sized Escotel Mobile, 51 percent owned by farm equipment maker Escorts Ltd and 49 percent by Hong Kong's First Pacific Co Ltd, provides GSM-based cellular services to 830,000 customers in three states: Haryana, Kerala and the western part of Uttar Pradesh. "About three billion rupees will be paid to the owners of Escotel and Idea will also take over the debt of the company which is about nine billion rupees," said Rajan Swaroop, chief executive officer of New Delhi-based Escotel. Swaroop said the deal included three cellular licences for the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and part of Uttar Pradesh which were held by another group firm. "We've taken over six circles -- three operational and three licences," an Idea Cellular official, who declined to be named, told Reuters. The deal would help Idea Cellular, equally owned by powerful business groups Birla and Tata and U.S.-based AT&T Wireless Services Inc, to expand its reach in the booming market and boost its customer base to about three million out of the existing national subscriber base of more 28 million. Three-year-old Idea provides GSM-based mobile services in five of the 23 circles, or zones, that make up India's flourishing telecoms sector, one of the fastest growing globally.
Lakhs witness Makarajyothi at Sabarimala
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Lakhs of pilgrims witnessed the Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu during the Deeparadhana at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here on Wednesday evening amidst chanting of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa. Pilgrims who thronged the Sannidhanam and its surrounding areas spotted the Makarajyothi and the star on the eastern horizon of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple at 6.45 p.m. during the time of Deeparadhana after adorning the Thiruvabharanam, the gold ornaments carried in a procession from Pandalam Valiakoickal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. Thousands of pilgrims have been camping at Sannidhanam to witness the Makarajyothi and the holy star. The 11-member Parliament Public Accounts Committee headed by former Union Minister Buta Singh, which is on a fact-finding mission on the demand to make available more forest land for providing more facilities for pilgrims, witnessed the Makarajyothi, the holy star and the deeparadhana. Devaswom Minister G. Karthikeyan, Travancore Devaswom Board president N. Babu, Special Commissioner D. Sreevallabhan and Devaswom Commissioner S. Ayyappan Nair were at the Sopanam during the time of Deeparadhana. Earlier, the Thiruvabharanam procession was given a traditional reception at Saramkuthi by Sabarimala executive officer Krishnan Nair, Devaswom manager Sankaran Nair and Sopanam officer Mohan. Caparisoned elephants and playing panchavadyam and percussion instruments added special attraction to the reception. At Valianvattam in Pampa, the Thiruvabharanam procession was given a reception when it reached there after three days' journey from Pandalam Valiakoickal Sree Dharma Sastha temple.
Assembly begins as political turmoil continues
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala : Assembly session is beginning in Kerala on Thursday with the unresolved crisis in the Congress casting shadow over the three-year-old A K Antony Government. Government would present a broad framework of the developmental and welfare activities to be pursued for the year in the policy address to be delivered to the house by Governor Sikander Bakht on Thursday. Though no dramatic realignment is expected in the political composition of the ruling UDF in the house, sufficient indications are there that the intense inner-strife in the Congress would have its reflection in the debates in the house. The CPI-M led LDF opposition, pressing for the assembly session since October, would be unsparing in its efforts to embarrass the Government, passing through an agonising phase ever since the Karunakaran faction came out in the open demanding removal of A K Antony as Chief Minister. The ruling front too has a few potent weapons in its armoury against the LDF like the ideological convulsions in the CPI-M and the loss of face suffered by the party on account of its failed attempt to prop up an alternative government, exploiting the factional divide in the Congress. Though the Government had earlier scheduled the session to last till April 7, it is likely to be cut short in view of the Centre's move to advance the Lok Sabha poll. The Government has also given up its plan to pass the full budget before March 31 due to time constraint.
B Ed colleges: Govt cancels new list
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
The state cabinet today decided to cancel its earlier decision to grant NOC to an additional eleven colleges, during this year. Announcing this at a post cabinet meeting press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram today, Chief Minister A K Antony also informed that the government will recommend Lok Ayukta to look into the allegations leveled against IUML leaders, by Malankara Metropolitan in his letter to the Chief Minister. Antony said that as decided earlier, only 64 B Ed colleges would be given NOC this year. The decision comes in the wake of widespread allegations of malpractices in bringing in an additional list. The Chief Minister said hat the decision was taken on the recommendations of the state Advocate General. Referring to the Bishop's letter, Antony confirmed that he is receipt of both the letters from him. " I want the Lok Ayukta to look into the allegations to ensure that the enquiry is impartial, "he added. He claimed that the government's image has not taken a beating over the controversy, as a prompt action has been taken.
Nayantara is Fazil’s heroine
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The big news is that Nayantara is the heroine of Mohanlal in Fazil’s untitled film, for which shooting has started in Kochi. She has replaced Kannada heroine Spandana. Nayantara had a dream debut in Manasinakkare. The film is doing well and her performance has been appreciated. She has the right looks to be cast as a matured heroine that Malayalam cinema lacks at the moment. After Samyuktha Varma left for marital bliss there were no heroines who could act opposite our senior actors like Mammootty, Mohanlal and Jayaram. Fazil was hunting for a heroine and after seeing Manasinakkare, he opted for Nayantara who will play the role of a spirit in love with the hero. The music of the film is by Ouseppachan. The others in the cast are Mukesh, Innocent and Nedumudi Venu. http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/
Chakram
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
In one word Lohithadas’ Chakram is disappointing. The writer-director has rehashed his old stories including an old M.T.Vasudevan Nair short story and mixed it with a Bharathan classic Thazhvaram to make this ‘kichdi’. There is nothing new. The script and presentation are banal while the lead role seems to be too heavy on Pritviraj’s tender shoulders. Lohi’s idea to taunt the audience with the story of Lorry drivers and their lives is seeped in bad and ugly deeds. Unfortunately the screenplay is merely content with a far too flaccid characterisation. Chandrahaasan (Pritviraj) had a bad childhood and grows up to be a rough and tough lorry driver and gambler. Through gambling he is able to build an empire of seven lorries, houses and all good things in life. His best friend Giri (Chandrabhanu) is an alcoholic and womaniser. On one of their road journeys Chandrahaasan meets Indira (Meera Jasmine) a Punjabi girl selling pans and cigarettes. Giri has an eye on her but Chandrahaasan falls in love with her and marries her. One day Giri loses in a game and Chandru helps him by playing for him. But it was a trap and Giri cheats his friend. Giri then kidnaps Indira, which leads to a bloody climax. Lohi had no story to tell as Pritvi’s character of Chandrahaasan drives the film. But our poor Pritvi is no Mohanlal or Mammootty who would have done the role with far more credibility. One wonders what Meera Jasmine was doing in this half-baked story? The villain character is not up to the mark. On the whole Chakram with all its controversies is much ado about nothing. http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/
Pattanathil Sundaran
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The law of averages is fast catching up with our comedy king Dileep. His Christmas release Pattanathil Sundaran has collapsed at the box-office. Among the other releases, his film is the biggest flop. In many theatres in Kerala it has made way for Tamil Pongal releases. The trouble with Pattanathil Sundaran was that it was neither a full-length comedy nor a family drama. Added to this Dileep in the role of a loser till the climax was not accepted by his fans. Now Dileep has four flops in a row - Sadananthe Samayam, Gramaphone, War And Love and now Sundaran and only one hit in CID Moosa. The message is loud and clear that Dileep can only do crass low class comedy films and if he tries to experiment with other subjects or class comedy the audience will plainly reject it! http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/
Manasinakkare
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/ Manasinakkare Director Satyan Anthikkad Producer Subair Music Ilayaraja Cast Jayaram, Sheela, Innocent, Nedumudi Venu During the 70’s Sheela used to sizzle on screen. Sheela and Prem Nazir was one of the greatest romantic pair in Indian cinema. They have done over 120 films and created world history. Sheela who had called it a day and took a retirement more than a decade ago is back once again in front of the camera with Satyan Anthikkad’s Manasinakkare with Jayaram and Innocent for company. Kochu Thresia (Sheela) is a 60 plus rich lonely lady who is jovial and talkative living in a huge farmhouse. Her neighbours Reji (Jayaram) and his father Chacko Mappila (Innocent) are hardworking and helpful. Thresia has everything but no one to love and care for her. Slowly Reji wins her over by his good nature and Thresia helps the father and son by solving their problems. She becomes very attached to them and what happens in the end forms the rest of the story. The cast also has Siddique, K.P.A.C.Lalitha, Nedumudi Venu and Oduvil Unnikrishnan. According to director Satyan Anthikkad: It will be an unusual film that will break the conventional mould with Sheela staging a fantastic comeback in a character that suits her to a T. Satyan also feels that Reji played by Jayaram is crucial for the story to move ahead. This film will not only be a feather on his cap but will fetch him that badly needed hit. Manasinakkare has music by Ilayaraja and is produced by Subair. The story, screenplay and dialogues are by Renjan Pramod and camera is by Azhagappan. The film is slated for Christmas release. http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/
Mohanlal in Kottaram
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Kottaram produced by Kireedom Unni under the banner of Kripa Films is directed by Venu Nagavally. Mohanlal will do the lead role in the film. The film is scripted by Cheriyan Kalpakavady. This is for the first time Venu Nagavally is directing a film for Kripa Films with Mohanlal in the lead. Kireedom and Chenkol were produced by Kripa Films. Sukhamo Devi, Sarvakalashala, Hey Auto, Lal Salam, Kizhakkunarum Pakshi, Rakhthasakshikal Sindabad are some of Venu Nagavally's hit films in which Mohanlal in lead roles. http://malayalam.cinesouth.com
Alarm signs for Dileep as collections fall
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
While everything seems to be going smoothly for Dileep, there are reports that things aren’t as healthy as they seem to, from the outside. Dileep was the best thing that had happened to Malayalam cinema in the year 2003. His film ‘CID Moosa’ was one of the two megahits of the year. In an industry that had seen the release of just about 70 or so films, only two had turned out to be megahits. One was ‘Balettan’. The other was ‘CID Moosa’. But, analysts believe that Dileep’s success is not all round. Collections from the B and C centers have been very bad for Dileep. The only film that did very well in these centers was ‘Meesha Madhavan’. Will Dileep do something about it this year? Let’s wait and watch. http://malayalam.cinesouth.com
I will not do an ‘Avalude Raavugal’- Anu Sashi
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
If you thought that Anu Sashi, daughter of IV Sashi and Seema looks a lot like her mother and wants to become an actress too like her, then you are in for a surprise. The girl believes in learning from her mother’s mistakes. I love my mother but I don’t want to get into her style of acting. I loved her performances in films like ‘Eenadu’, ‘Aalkudathil Thaniyae’ and ‘Vaartha’. She was very good in the sacrificing lady kind of roles. Will you do a role like Seema did in the film ‘Avalude Raavugal’? That is one of my favorite films, but I don’t think I would do such a film myself because frankly, I don’t plan to be in the industry for a long time. http://malayalam.cinesouth.com
Yesudas's Rolls Royce not coming to India
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Yesudas's Rolls Royce not coming to India Yesudas has decided to retain his Rolls Royce at his US residence since he does not wish to run behind anybody for import duty exemption from the Central Govt. B R Shetty the rich NRI in Dubai was listening to a classical concert at the Indian High School in Dubai, it was a spur of the moment decision to gift the car. Shetty, who heads the NMC group of companies, is a Dubai resident for more than three decades and is a millionaire many times over. Yesudas who had left Dubai for a European tour back in Chennai and took this decision to not to import the car. The 1992 model Rolls Royce 'Silver Spirit' car costs nearly a crore rupees.. http://malayalam.cinesouth.com
Mohanlal plays a Hijda
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Mohanlal, the Superstar in Malayalam has still not exhausted his list of roles. Probably for the first time, a superstar in the south Indian cine industry is going to play a hermaphrodite person. In case you don’t know who a hermaphrodite is- hermaphrodites are genderless, androgynous people. This revolutionary transformation and brave attempt is going to be presented to you in the film ‘Vamanapuram Bus Route’. Nobody is sure yet if the risk is a sensible one but, Mohanlal is all set to take it. In the film, he plays a trouble shooter for Kamadhenu Bus Service that has five buses plying the Vamanapuram route. Lakshmi Gpoalaswamy co-stars. Watch out for this one! http://malayalam.cinesouth.com
Mohanlal shifting to Dubai :
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Mohanlal is planning to shift to Dubai as his wife Suchitra is planning to do some business there. She has plans to take up the running of the restaurant Taste Buds and also spruce up the business of marketing pickles in Gulf countries. Sources say that the superstar has tied up with a pickle manufacturing company to market their products abroad and with the superstar endorsing it the migrant Malayali population in Gulf countries is expected to buy the product. Suchitra also plans to make 'Taste Buds' a chain of restaurant. Mohanlal has a stake in the seafood shrimp processing plant in Kerala. When asked about his house in Chennai, Mohanlal said they haven't decided about it.
Biju Menon enters Kollywood
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Biju Menon enters Kollywood in an anti-hero role. He plays the villain in Thiru starring Nanda and Rudra Singh. Nagarajan who directed Aravindan starring Sarath Kumar is the director. Yuvan Shankar Raaja scores the music. Biju's wife Samyuktha Varma was earlier offered the heroine role in Baba but she turned it down. Later she acted in the Tamil remake of Thenkasipattanam. With shortage of villains in Tamil films Biju has all the scope to excel. Manoj K Jayan the recent entrant to Tamil films has starred in Dhool and Thirumalai.
Mohanlal's Mohabat show in Gulf
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The rivalry between Mohanlal and Dileep is not confined to big screen but even outside. Dileep's Arabian Thriller Express how in the Gulf is termed a big success. Due to this the Malayalam industry has come to standstill because all heroines and comedians are taking part in this show. Now Mohanlal is planning his own Gulf Tour. The tour has been named Mohabat.E ast Coast Vijayan is directing and organizing this tour. The tour is scheduled for April. The team starts on April 18. Along with Mohanlal goes Jayaram, Jagathy, Siddhique, Navya Nair (who was dropped out of Dileep's show), Vasundara Das, Rambha, Geethu Mohandas, Sheela, Indrans and the team of Asianet's Cinemala.
Ananthabhadram
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Sabu Cyril is turning to direction with a Malayalam film titled Ananthabhadram with Mammootty, Prithviraj and Meera Jasmine in the lead. After many years, Maniyan Pilla Raju is coming back as a producer with this big budget film to be made under the banner of Sri Bhadra pictures. Sabu's debut film is based on a story by Sunil Parameswaran, which had bagged an award for the most popular novel of the year from Malayala Manorama. Mammootty and Prithviraj are also coming together for the first time along with Nedumudi Venu, Oduvil, Manoj K Jayan, Ganesh Kumar, Sai Kumar and Siddique. Ananthabhadram will be a horror thriller with a lot of graphics and special effects. Sunil Parameswaran writes the screenplay and Sabu will be taking care of the art direction.
Kerala govt. plans several measures for NRIs
Monday, January 12, 2004
New Delhi,India: The Kerala Government has taken up with the Centre and Embassies of various Gulf countries certain measures aimed to remove problems faced by the emigrants from the state. Addressing a gathering of NRIs at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations here on Sunday, Minister for non-resident Keralaites, M M Hassan said a three-member ministerial delgation met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee recently and drew his attention to the problems of NRIs. As a result, the government withdrew the much resented clause which stipulates the depositing of single economy class air fare in advance by the prospective job seekers. Similarly, the process of attesting the qualifying certificates of the job seekers takes away much time, energy and money in the the ministeries of human resource Development and External Affairs Minsitries in Delhi. The State Government's request to set up a counter in Kerala for attestation the qualifying certificate has been accepted after the issue was taken up with the concerned ministeries and also at the prime minister's level. Confronted by the periodic hike in air fare between India and Gulf from three airports in kerala, there has been a consistent demand from the Gulf bound travellers for an alternate and cheaper mode of transport. There were much resentment among the people in the gulf, especially Malayalees when Air India shelved the proposal of a budget airline. Mr Hassan urged the Central government for its resolution immediately to save lakhs of people living in Gulf countries. Labour Minister Babu Diwakaran, PWD minister M K Muneer also spoke on the occasion. At the function, 12 prominent Malayalees working in various Gulf countries were honoured. They were Mr C K Menon (Doha), Mansur Palur (Doha), K P Abdul hameed (Doha), M A Yusuf Ali (Abu Dhabi), Mohammad Ali (Abu Dhabi), Jacob Thomas (Kuwait) Y A Rahim (Saudi Arabi), Soman Baby (Baharain), Sebastin (Saudi Arabia) and Hassan bbas (Baharain).
Fertility clinics mushroom in Kerala
Monday, January 12, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala: With infertility in Kerala population on the rise, fertilization centres across the state are drawing childless couples in big numbers. It's a market worth Rs 120 crore annually in just this state. "About 20 years ago the infertility rate in couples was only 10 but now it has gone up to 20 per cent," says Dr Sathy M Pillai, Samad Test Tube Baby Centre. The more expensive Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment in Kerala is about a lakh cheaper as compared to other places where it could cost about Rs 2 lakh. Attracted by low treatment rates, many people from outside the state and even non-resident Keralites from Gulf are coming to Kerala. "We give good treatment and its cost effective too. When you compare the expenses they have to meet in assisted reproductive techniques, especially in IVF and ICSE, in Kerala it is cheaper," says Dr Shanthamma Mathew, Credence, Centre for Reproductive Medicine.
Kerala university breeds superior goat
Monday, January 12, 2004
Suresh Menon in Thrissur http://www.business-standard.com Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has successfully cross-bred a new strain of goats with high weight gain and good meat texture. The meat was expected to sell well, making goat farming popular in the state. The development of the new strain was done by a post-graduate research team at the University and took 10 months. The success would revolutionise Kerala’s goat farming sector, KAU research scientist Dr P Nandakumar claimed. Poor meat quality and slow weight gain of existing strains had led farmers to shun goat rearing. Goat farming and meat production had remained stagnant for years. Nandakumar, head of KAU’s goat and sheep farm said that the newly developed strain was cross-bred using local Malabari, Swiss Alpine and South African Boer breeds. The new strain would attain body weight of 12.5 kg at three months and 20 kg by six months compared to 4.5kg in three months and 8-10 kg in six months for Malabari goats. The average daily weight gain of the new variety was 40 gm against 20 gm per day for the Malabari strain. Mortality was six per cent for the new variety against 12 per cent for the Malabari. The KAU strain would yield superior meat and boost the meat industry in the state, he claimed. It would have tropical adaptability and could be bred as easily as the South African Boer. The strain would be ideal for goat meat production. The appropriate package for rearing was being worked out. It was not economical for farmers to rear slow-growing varieties which took nine months to attain 12 kg body weight. The new variety would weigh 30 kg in nine months with the same fodder intake. The new strain would have the qualities of local varieties, like low climatic stress, good resistance to disease and adaptability to local fodder. KAU experts said the improved South African Boer goat was in many respects suitable for India but importing them would costs not less than Rs 25,000 per animal. Importing goats and other animals was risky as they brought in diseases from their country. Treatment for imported diseases was difficult. Meat of goats was popular in Europe, north America and west and south-east Asia as it had much less fat than meat from lambs. The global goat meat sector was dominated by Australia, which produced 3.7 million tonne in 2000 worth $15 million. With 2.2 million heads of goats, meat production in India was worth only $600,000. Australian growers used a locally cross-bred strain as Australia had no true meat breeds. Growers there imported Boer goats from South Africa in 1990 and cross-bred them with feral goats to develop an animal with better meat quality and high-yielding properties. The crossbred animals were Boer bucks mated to feral and dairy goats. Canada, USA and France have recently launched goat meat development programmes using European Spanish and Alpine strains and the Boer. A suitable strain would make India a leading global meat player. More at http://www.business-standard.com
Come clear on Narendran panel, Murali tells CM
Monday, January 12, 2004
MALAPPURAM, KERALA: KPCC president K Muraleedharan on Saturday said that Chief Minister A K Antony have no right to continue in the post without regaining the confidence of minorities. Speaking to mediapersons after attending the foundation stone laying ceremony of the proposed Haj House at Kondotty, he said, the Chief Minister should spell out his stand on implementation of the Narendran Commission Report. Insisting on ‘I’ group’s demand for a leadership change, Muraleedharan said, Congress leader K Karunakaran would not go to Delhi for ‘conditional’ talks to solve the crisis. ‘‘The situation will worsen if the issues are not sorted out before the next Assembly session,’’ he said and added that the Assembly will witness uproarious scenes if the crisis is not resolved by January 15. On the implementation of the Narendran Commission Report, he said it was a poll promise given by the UDF in the last election. ‘‘It is not proper to retract from promises after winning the elections,’’ he added. Source: NewIndian Express
US looks to India for more nurses
Monday, January 12, 2004
New Delhi, An Indian American businessman who has set up training schools for nurses across India says there are huge employment opportunities for nurses in the US. With an estimated requirement of one million nurses by 2010, employment opportunities for Indian nurses in the US would exceed that for IT professionals experienced in the boom years of early 1990s, said Amit Limaye, president of the New Jersey-based Logistic Solutions Inc., a multinational IT consulting company. "With life expectancy of the Americans getting higher, more and more nurses are in demand. At the same time US nurses do not want to do clinical jobs; they only want administrative jobs," Limaye, who has varied business interests apart from IT, told here. Limaye's company has set up nurses training centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai and many places in Kerala. He said the Kerala government was supporting the training centres as the state produces the largest number of nurses. Limaye was here as a member of a visiting 11-member business delegation from New Jersey to explore the possibilities of joint ventures with Indian companies in various spheres, including IT, and to attract Indian investments to the state. Ironically, New Jersey had proposed a law against outsourcing of jobs to India. The delegation, which concluded its nine-day visit to India Sunday, was headed by Seema Singh, president of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce, and a high-ranking Indian American in the cabinet of New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey. It included Representative Frank Pallone, former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India, and leading businessmen from the state. The delegation visited Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmedabad and met chief ministers, government officials and captains of industry. It also attended the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) conference here. Limaye said while there was genuine concern in New Jersey and elsewhere in the US about movement of jobs to India, it was not a new phenomenon. "There have been job losses in the garment and manufacturing industry in the past, but this time the noise is more because white-collar jobs are being lost," he said. But he quoted Pallone as having said that this had a flip side also. Indian companies were setting up facilities in the US. For instance, pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy had set up a facility in New Jersey providing employment to more than 600 locals. Besides interests in IT and nursing training schools, Limaye's company also markets "biometric security" gadgets that enable identification of an individual through fingerprints, iris and face. He said some leading Indian companies were already using his system and many more had shown an interest in doing so. Indo-Asian News Service
Campaign to Boycott Air India & Indian Airlines
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Dear Viewer The following is an email campaign for reducing the exorbitant fares to many gulf sectors by our national carriers. We at My-Kerala support this campaign and rge you to support this campaign.. Best of Luck! Alex, A.P. President/CEO MINet Kuwait Boycott Air India & Indian Airlines As all of you are aware, Air India has once again denied justice to the south Indian sector, by declining to start a low fare airline. The majority of the people working in the Gulf region belong to middle or lower income group and these people pay from their pockets to purchase tickets once in two or three years to travel home to see the dear ones. At the moment Air India charges around UAE Dirhams 2,200.00 (IRS 26,400.00) for a round the trip journey from Abu Dhabi to Trivandrum and even more to Cochin and Calicut, this is for a 3½ hour journey, Whereas, the lowest fare to London Heathrow from Abu Dhabi is Dhs. 2,160.00 and this is for 9 hour journey. At least now we Keralites should unite and protest against this unjust and big brother attitude Air India. I'm not asking you to take to the streets for protesting but we can protest by boycotting Air India and Indian Airlines, we must pledge that we will not travel by Air India for any reason until the fares are reduced. I will give you an example of how an airline reduced the fares by a similar protest, as you know Pattans in the Gulf are one of the low paid category and illiterates but they were united when their national carrier charged them exorbitant fares, each person decided not to travel on PIA and how they spread the news is by word of mouth, each person told the other one not to travel by PIA slowly the news spread and the passengers dropped to single digits, just then the airline realized the effect of this protest and they reduced the ticket fares. Similarly, we must all boycott Air India and Indian Airlines until they reduce the fares. It is because of these two airlines that the other airliners too hike the prices and refuse to bring it down. Air India is surviving on our money and if we boycott it will definitely make a big difference. Forward this message to as many Keralites as possible. Jacob Paravila -------------------------------------------
Mohanlal’s 25- tongues start wagging
Friday, January 9, 2004
It came late, but, tongues have begun wagging- was Mohanlal really celebrating his 25 years in films or did he simply make a money spinning event out of it? Mohanlal is a hero who knows how to market himself. The number of friends that he has is a good proof of it. So, when he completed his 25 years in the film industry, it was time for a big celebration. The celebrations finally ended in a grand finale and almost everybody had turned up for the function. But, the Ernakulam celebrations drew flak from some of his own friends for the crass commercialization that was rampant. He was trying to make money out of his own 25th year celebrations. He made it an entertainment event, like a stage show, was the general opinion. The dissent began to grow so big that AMMA had to finally pass a resolution on it. Whatever the general opinion be, Mohanlal should have known better. All those who had bought more than 160 grams of gold from one of the event sponsors got a special pass to see the event and even meet Mohanlal backstage. If this isn’t commercialization, what is? Whose celebrations was it anyway- Mohanlal’s or the sponsors? (Source: http://malayalam.cinesouth.com)
Sethuraman Iyer, IPS
Friday, January 9, 2004
Cast - This time, Mammooty and his usual team of Jagadi and Mukesh is joined by Vineeth Kumar. Kalyani is slated to play Mammooty’s heroine this time. Navya Nair plays his niece. Director - K Madhu is directing this film. Story Sethuraman Iyer is out to investigate an interesting case this time. A murderer awaiting death penalty for killing six people confesses that he had killed only five. He claims that someone else is passing the blame of the sixth murder on him. So, Sethuraman Iyer and his team begin tracking the murderer. (Source: http://malayalam.cinesouth.com)
Navya makes it big in Tamil!
Friday, January 9, 2004
Move away Meera Jasmine coz Navya Nair is here to stay in Tamil The ban from Kerala Film Chamber is working its charm on Navya Nair. This is a film produced by Prakashraj. Navya Nair's co-star in the film is Prasanna. The film has been titled 'Azagiya Theeyae' (Beautiful Fire). Nand |
