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Narayanan says events in Pakistan will have impact on situation in sub-continent
Sunday, 30 December, 2007
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 29 (ANI): National Security Advisor M K Narayanan today expressed concern over the impact of events in Pakistan on the security situation in the sub-continent.
He said that both India and Pakistan faced a common threat from terrorism.
"Therefore, as it increases it is a matter of great consequence," noted Narayanan.
Narayanan was speaking on the sidelines of Sri Chitra Thirunal Memorial Award function, where he received an award.
The death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a "staunch votary of democracy in Pakistan", he said was a huge loss to India and the world at large. (ANI)
- AY
Kerala hotel claims world record for tallest cake
Wednesday, 26 December, 2007
Kovalam/Jaipur, Dec 25 (ANI): The Uday Samudra Leisure Resort in Kovalam has claimed to set a world record with 29.1-feet tall Christmas cake.
"With this we have broken the previous record of 27.6 feet held by Mercury Hotel in Bangkok," said Rajgopal Iyer, the Corporate Director of the resort.
Ten chefs worked eight hours a day for three weeks to bake the gigantic cake weighing around 2500 kilograms, Iyer said.
The cake was cut down into 22,000 pieces, and distributed among charity homes in the city.
The previous best was only 19,212 pieces, Iyer added.
"We wanted to mark the Christmas celebration innovative and interesting. We also wanted to create two world records before completion of this year," said Iyer.
The hotel also broke a world record for the world's tallest sandwich, a few months back.
Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants across the country have invited international bands and singers to woo customers on this festive occasion.
A Jaipur hotel flew in a band from Ukraine to cash in on the yuletide spirit.
"Presently, Indian entertainment scene demands more. Indian bands are no longer enough. They (customers) want variety in good music and rock bands. The Ukraine-band is the seventh in continuity," said Manmohan Singh, Manager, Park Plaza Hotel, Jaipur. (ANI)
- AY
Christmas celebrations at its best in South India
Kochi/Bangalore, Dec.24 (ANI): As last minute preparations for Christmas fiesta are going full swing, popular markets and venues in Kerala and Bangalore are welcoming the festival in their own special way.
In Kochi (Kerala), markets are bedecked with various decorative items.
Glittering stars, bells painted gold or silver, candy sticks, tinsel, balloons and ornaments from glass, metal, wood and ceramic, besides scrumptious cakes are all around in the markets offering a visual delight to the Christmas shoppers.
Kochi's busiest place Broadway market is bustling with Christmas paraphernalia and stars of different colours and size as well as names from the latest hit movies of Bollywood and Mollywood.
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree with the angel or star often placed atop and representing a host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem, as well as the picture of a small crib with the nativity scene, is a must here.
In Bangalore, the Christmas celebrations are incomplete without cakes.
The 33rd Annual Nilgiris Cake Show and International lifestyle Exhibition being organised here by Nilgiris and the National Consumer Fair, started on December 21. It will last till December 31 (Monday) this year.
The main attraction of the show is Bangalore Palace cake that has been prepared at a cost of nearly rupees 450,000.
On earlier occasions too, the Nilgiris group has captivated everyone's attention by exhibiting fascinating cake models.
This year's attraction being Bangalore Palace cake standing 19.5 feet high made of about 4.5 tons of sugar and being preserved at a constant temperature of 40 degree Celsius.
"This year, we have made the Bangalore Palace cake that measures 19.5 feet high. It is 62.5 feet in length and 19.5 feet in depth. We have used 4.5 ton of sugar and edible Gelatin to manufacture this supermodel," said C. Ramachandran, Director of the Nilgiris group.
It took nearly 25 men to prepare this sugary palace model in about four months.
Moreover, the cake show also has other interesting features like a Santa Villa, the delicately done floral arrangements and the Veena, the classical musical instrument.
Other attractions at the Nilgiris Cake Show and International lifestyle Exhibition are Ship, Kiddies Wheel, Jurassic Park, Windsor Castle, Cinderalla Coach and a peacock.
Bangalore has been hosting a cake show for 30 years as a tradition on Christmas.
Also on offer are the arrangements for mouth-watering delicacies being sold at various stalls. Be it rich plum cake, marzipan, chocolates, cookies, ice cream, dairy desserts and many other Christmas goodies, all are enticing the visitors flocking here with a Christmas mood.
Started in 1969, the Nilgiris exhibition is one of its kinds till date. It is enlisted in the Limca Book of records. (ANI)
- AY
Sales of Christmas trees bearing actors' names soar high in Kochi
Monday, 24 December, 2007
Kochi, Dec.23 (ANI): Ahead of Christmas, Kochi markets are flooded with Christmas stars named after hit movies of Bollywood and Mollywood.
The decorative trees with themes like Om Shanti Om, Sawariya, Chak De India and also Malayalam movies like Chocolate and Rock and Roll are a big hit among the shoppers here.
Kochi's busy Broadway market is buzzing with activity with customers bargaining for dazzling Christmas stars bedecked with laces and frills living up to their scintillating filmy names.
Manufactures of these decorative stars have named them after movies to allure maximum clientele including the hardcore movie buffs.
The idea appears to have clicked well, as customers are flocking to grab the Christmas star bearing their favourite movie or actor's name. It has boosted sales at the Broadway Market in Kochi.
"I have seen many beautiful decorative stars here in many colours, they are just amazing," said Sreeram, a Chennai tourist.
Some of the stars are believed to hum tunes of the movies.
"This season, we are having many stars decorated with frills of vibrant colours, this year most of the star manufacturers have come out with decorative stars named akin to the latest hit movies like the newly released Chocolate model that is the best-seller among others and we are short of it, actor Mohanlal's "Rock-n-roll". "Romeo", "Om Shanti Om" stars, "Sawariya" are the other available models," said Vibin Cherian, a seller of Christmas items.
About two lakh decorative stars are sold in the Broadway market during Christmas. Sales have increased manifold this year owing to the innovative idea of having filmy names, he added.
A Christmas tree, Yule tree or Tannenbaum is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas.
It's normally an evergreen coniferous tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas.
An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story. (ANI)
- AY
Senior Maoist leader 'arrested' in Kerala
Thursday, 20 December, 2007
Kerala, Dec 20, (ANI):A senior Maoist leader Malla Raji Reddy has been arrested in the town of Angamaly in Kerala.
Malla Raji Reddy was incharge of Maoists cadres in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Police say that Reddy had been underground for over three decades, and is a contemporary of Maoist chief Ganapathy.
On Sunday,over 100 Maoist rebels escaped from a prison in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh.
Thousands of people have died since Maoists launched attacks over 30 years ago.
The rebels claim that they are fighting for the rights of landless farmers and neglected tribes.
Over the last two years,police say they have arrested or killed several Maoist leaders.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the Maoists as the most serious threat to national security in India.
The rebels reportedly operate in 182 districts in India, mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.(ANI)
--MP
Mini operation theatre at Sabarimala
Wednesday, 19 December, 2007
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Tuesday gave approval for setting up a medical centre with a mini-operation theatre at the Sannidhanam complex in Sabarimala following an increase in the number of Ayyappa pilgrims dying due to heart attack.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting here, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said the high level meeting of officials that reviewed the arrangements at Sabarimala had decided to set up such a centre.
The Cabinet also decided to supply three kg of rice to school children under the noon-meal scheme as part of New year celebrations, he said.
Labels: Sabarimala
Antony calls on Vietnamese Prime Minister
Tuesday, 18 December, 2007
New Delhi, Dec 18 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi, Vietnam, last evening.
Dung complimented Antony for announcing a series of measures to consolidate and expand defence cooperation between the two countries.
"The strategic partnership between India and Vietnam 'will further speed up peace, stability and prosperous development in the region and the world'," said Dung.
Describing his ongoing visit as a continuation of the dialogue that Dung had with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi last July, Antony said, "The two countries are in the process of setting up a Joint Working Group for drawing up a comprehensive MoU on Defence Cooperation."
Over the years Indo-Vietnamese Defence cooperation has grown steadily through visits by military delegations, ship visits from India and training of Vietnamese Defence personnel in India.
The Indo-Vietnamese bilateral relationship got a boost in 1994 with the signing of the Protocol on Defence cooperation.
Antony will return home on Wednesday. (ANI)
- AY
Manichan gets 4-yr imprisonment
Sunday, 16 December, 2007
AJ: The Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate has pronounced the verdict on liquor contractor Manichan. Chandran alias Manichan will have to undergo four-year imprisonment for abetting attempt to murder Vigilance Additional Director Sibi Mathew. Yesterday, the Court had found Manichan guilty of the charges against him. The prosecution case was that Manichan had abetted one of his co prisoners Surendran at the Central Prison to murder Sibi Mathew. The incident occurred in April 2003.
UDF To Picket Secretariat On Dec 22
Saturday, 15 December, 2007
AJ: The Opposition UDF will picket the Secretariat on December 22 against the 'failure of the LDF Government to contain price rise of essential commodities,' UDF convener P P Thankachan said. UDF will intensify the protest if the government continues to turn a blind eye to the spurt in the prices'. Stating that the UDF had for long been urging the government to initiate urgent steps to contain the price rise, he said it was quite unfortunate that the Government remained negligent on the issue. Labels: Politics
Impact of climate change on Agriculture
Panangad (Kerala), Dec 15 (ANI): Coinciding with an international summit in Bali, environmentalists and agricultural scientists held a workshop in Kochi on the impact of climate change on agriculture in the tropical regions.
The day-long workshop was conducted at the College of Fisheries in Kerala Agricultural University at Panangad near Kochi.
Agriculture meteorologists said farmers would have to adapt crop patterns to variations in climate.
"We make the awareness (about) climate change for variable turning in foodgrains production and farmers are made aware on all these things...Through better management practices, it is likely to be possible to achieve, so as to declare India as a developed country, provided one of the factors is India's (agriculture) production to be 400 million tonnes by 2020," said G.S.L.H.V Prasada Rao, Head of Department of Agriculture Meteorology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agriculture University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur.
E. Viveknandan, a scientist with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi said that with the sea temperature rising, many fishes were migrating to higher latitudes.
"We are able to fine that some of the major fish groups are moving towards the northern latitudes, to the areas where the temperature is lesser and also where they are able to find suitable homes," he said.
At the international climate summit in Bali, the main negotiating bloc of developing countries including India, called the G77, said they were not ready to make new efforts to fight climate change by cutting emissions from fossil fuels. They fear curbs would cramp economic growth aimed at lifting millions out of poverty.
The G77 comprises about 150 developing countries, including China and India, among the world's top greenhouse gas emitters.
About 190 nations meeting in Bali were headed for a compromise on Saturday to launch negotiations on a global pact to fight climate change after the European Union toned down a key demand for sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
The United Nations wants countries to agree by 2009 on a global climate pact. This would involve all nations, led by the United States, and include big developing countries such as China, India and Brazil. (ANI)
- AY
Carols lighten up Christmas spirit in Kerala
Kochi, Dec 15 (ANI): With Christmas round the corner, Christians in Kerala are all set to welcome it by singing Christmas songs and carols in the churches.
An ecumenical Christmas carols by including all the churches in the city was held at the Durbar Hall in Kochi.
Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) have been organising such carol concerts during Christmas every year in order to promote church choirs.
"This time, around eight churches came forward with their coir groups," said Valsa Oomen, President of the YWCA, Ernakulam wing.
The group, consisting of 20 to 30, includeing men and women members attended the carols by singing hymns and various Christian songs in their local language Malayalam and English.
There was a one month practice to all the participants who attend the carols.
Singers from different age groups were the main attraction of the event.
"It is a moment of joy for all of us, that is why we come here every year regardless of our old age. We come to participate in the show. In our group, we have elderly and sick people, who are still singing and their voice is still better than others," said Alic James, a participant.
A Christmas carol or hymn is a communal song whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas. They are traditionally sung in the period before Christmas by group of chosen members.
Kerala has a large concentration of the Christian community. (ANI)
- AY
It s now turn for 'Made in Kerala' brand
The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), which commenced on December 1, will promote the tourist and economic interests of Kerala. The 45-day event will promote the 'Made in Kerala' brand and will enlarge the markets for traditional, spice and manufactured products. Mr. T.
Balakrishnan, Principal Secretary, Industries and Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism informed that over the next five years, the shopping festival would become an international event.Coinciding with the tourism and pilgrim seasons of the state, the fete is expected to benefit both the traders and the retail outlets of Kerala. The fete has also arranged attractive discount deals and lucky draws with prizes totaling Rs.100 million, to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Dr. Venu V., informed that the government is trying to make the festival operationally flawless. "We are prepared to experiment with new ideas like night shopping and exclusive pedestrian corridors in commercial areas", he said. More details are available in the site: www. grandkeralashoppingfestival .com
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-AA Labels: Business
Kerala rural boys popularising bamboo with a musical fusion
Friday, 14 December, 2007
Kottanellur (Thrissur District) Kerala, Dec.13 (ANI): A group of rural youngsters in Kerala, who have gathered under the banner of Creator, is promoting the use of bamboo through musical instruments made of bamboo.
Hailing from Kottanellur village in the State's Thrissur District, these enthusiasts recently demonstrated their skill of generating music from instruments made of bamboo at the Kerala Bamboo Fest-2007. The event was held at the Town Hall in Ernakulam.
They brought life into drums and dribbling rainmaker percussion instruments with dexterity.
The group, which is better known as "Creator" said they are determined to promote bamboo handicrafts and musical instruments.
Formed five years ago by Unnikrishnan Pakkanar, the musical troupe is keen on promoting products made of bamboo.
"We used to make musical instruments and toys for children using bamboo, which makes tik tak like sounds, like this one called the rainmaker, which is available in the market now. Later, we thought of making different kinds of instruments like bongos and drums using bamboo," said Unnikrishna Pakkanar, the founder of "Creator".
The group claims that its brand of folklore music is original. Till now, the troupe has made over 60 instruments.
"Creator" has performed in nearly 70 stage shows in villages, but doesn't believe in publicity. They think it is more important to promote awareness rather than a business.
Each member of the troupe has been trained in classical music and imparts lessons in music to village children. So far they have trained over 150 young students.
K.S. Bishoy, a member of the "Creator", believes that the sole purpose of forming the group is to create more awareness about bamboo and its usage among the youth.
"Now, we have plans of opening up a technical and musical institute in our village and to teach music to youngsters to create a new generation to follow this tradition," said K.S. Bishoy, a member of the Creator.
This group has been invited to perform at a function here on New Year's eve. Creator intends to use 60 bamboo instruments in the performance.
Kerala accounts for about 19 per cent of the total bamboo grown and distributed in India.
It is estimated that at least three lakh Keralites depend on bamboo for their livelihood.
Mat production out of bamboo reeds is a basic cottage industry activity.
India has the second-largest reserve of bamboo in the world.
During the seventh World Bamboo Congress held in 2004 in Delhi, the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said: There is a great beauty in bamboo's amazing range of functionality. In a flute, it creates music; in brush and paper, it creates poems and paintings; and in simple sticks and strips in the hands of ordinary men and women, it inspires wondrous works of art." (ANI)
--MP
Supreme Court To Consider New Dam Proposal
AJ: The Supreme Court observed that it will consider the new dam proposal put forward by Kerala Government to solve the Mullaperiyar issue between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, in January 2008. The apex court observed this while considering the written explanations given by both Kerala and Tamil Nadu in connection with the issue as per its direction.
The court will also consider whether its earlier verdict on the issue to be reviewed or not. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to raise the water level of Mullaperiyar dam to 142 ft as demanded by Tamil Nadu. But, the Kerala Government had filed an appeal in the apex court raising safety concerns and put forward a new dam proposal instead.
Advertisement of medicines will be restricted
Wednesday, 12 December, 2007
AJ: Advertisements of medicines through media will be banned, Health Minister PK Sreemathi said. The curb will be based on the central government policy. No medicines will be sold without the permission of drugs controller,said the minister. Doctors deliberately prescribe medicines of high cost especially for cancer, infertility, kidney related diseases, etc. This will be prevented by publishing a table of medicines for related diseases, said the minister. Only two medicines can be prescribed in the OP ticket and that too by abiding the rules of World Health Organization. Labels: Health
Karunakaran Announces His Return
Monday, 10 December, 2007
AJ: Veteran politician K.Karunakaran today announced his plans to rejoin the Congress after a three-year-long estrangement with the party, admitting that it was a mistake to leave it.I am returning to my political home as the Congress alone could take the country forward taking all the people together. From now on my energy would be channelised in that direction,Karunakaran said at a convention of his supporters drawn from all parts of the state. He also expressed hope that his son and NCP state unit president K Muralidharan would also follow his father's footsteps and would return back to the party one day.
Labels: Politics
One killed, three injured in crude bomb explosion
AJ: One person was killed and three others were injured when a crude bomb exploded near a CPI(M) office at Kolari near Mattannur, Kannur. The blast took place when the four persons were allegedly making crude bombs in a vacant plot close to the party office. Police ruled out the possibility of bombs being hurled at them. The deceased was identified as Shajil (33), said to be a CPI(M) worker, police said, adding that he succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Two of the injured were being treated at the Thalassery Cooperative Hospital while one at a private hospital in Kozhikode.
Flash Strike By Train Drivers Called Off
Sunday, 9 December, 2007
AJ: A flash strike by loco drivers in Railway divisions in Kerala which virtually halted train services for about eight hours since this afternoon was called off. Protests later in the day following talks between union representatives and railway officials. The unions launched the strike demanding withdrawal of the decision to increase the working hours of engine drivers under Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions.
The unions agreed to ask the drivers to resume duties after Southern Railway authorities communicated their stand to state minister M Vijayakumar, who intervened in the matter as the lightning strike caused severe inconvenience to thousands of passengers. Also taking part in the talks was Basudeva Acharya, an MP from West Bengal and also a railways standing committee member,' said L. Mani, president of the All-India Loco Running Staff Association. Today detailed talks would take place and it was on this assurance that the strike was called off.
Doctors' Call Off Strike
AJ: The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has decided to call off their one month long 'non cooperation 'strike following the High Court intervention. The decision to call off the strike temporarily was informed to the Court by a KGMOA representative. The court also directed the government to study the matter and find a possible breakthrough in the issue. The government has also decided to withdraw the suspension of 83 doctors. The case will be taken for further hearing on January 5th.
Week-long Kerala International Film Festival begins
Saturday, 8 December, 2007
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Dec 8 (ANI): The week-long 12th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), showcasing the best of International and Indian films, has commenced in State capital Thiruvananthapuram.
About 230 films from 54 countries are to be screened at the film festival.
As many as 133 film makers, including those from abroad, are attending the film fest.
The competition section has 14 films, including Naalu Pennungal (Four Women) directed by noted filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
The jury is headed by Iranian filmmaker Jafer Fanahi and includes African actor and director Naky Sy Savene, Polish scenarist Agnieska Holland, Indian actor and producer Naseerudeen Shah, and Cuban Film Academy director Rigoberto Lopez.
The best film will get the Golden Pheasant Award with a purse of 10 lakh rupees and the second best film the Silver Pheasant carrying a purse of three lakh rupees.
The special package of Caribbean films, titled Colonial Legacies, dealing with the issues of colonization and slavery will also be screened.
Versatile actor and filmmaker Kamal Hasan inaugurated the event on Friday in the presence of the chief guest, Chilean filmmaker Miguel Littin, state Cultural Affairs Minister M. A. Baby and Malayalam actor Mohanlal.
Hassan said his brush with good cinema came through Malayalam language movies.
"In my early battles in sensible cinema, I could put proudly on my curriculum, all happened in Kerala. It's only later that Tamil Nadu, I was caught up with good cinema. Still a long way to go for Tamil Nadu. I say it was long healthy enmity. This is what we dreamt of, to watch films, to talk to the people, who make and perform in films," Hassan said.
Twelve celebrities who contributed to the growth of Malayalam cinema were honoured at the function.
The opening film was 'Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame' by Mohsen's Makmalbaf's youngest daughter, Hana Makmalbaf.
The festival will conclude on December 14. (ANI)
- AY
Kerala's Sabrimala Temple promotes communal harmony
Sabarimala (Kerala), Dec.7 (ANI): Drawing millions of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad, the world famous Sabarimala Temple in Kerala has also been promoting communal harmony for a long time.
While visiting the Sabarimala temple, the devotees also pay their respects to a Muslim deity 'Vavar' as a lieutenant of Lord Ayyappa.
After worshiping at the main sanctum santorum, the devotees go to worship the Muslim deity of Vavar that is located in proximity of a few metres to the main temple.
A carved stone slab symbolises the deity of Vavarswami. There is no distinguishable idol here. Covered with a green silk cloth on the three sides of a wall while the fourth side is open, the Vavarswami (the Vavar) is offered pepper as main offering.
A Muslim priest performs the rituals even today. Belonging to Vavar's family, the pries distributes the sacred ash as "Prasadam" (Gods' offering) to the pilgrims in front of the Temple.
Devotees, having climbed the 18 sacred steps, are expected to loudly chant "Swamiya Saranam Ayyapa".
Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa was born in to annihilate demon princess Mahishi, who caused destruction of the pious. For this, Ayyappa had to take a mortal form and live as an earthly being.
After annihilating Mahishi and the successful completion of divine work, the Lord preferred to reside at the land of "Sabarimala" in Kerala, where the great Tapaswani (or, the ascetic) "Sabari" was given holy glimpse by Lord Rama and salvation by Lord Ayyappa.
About five million people visit the Sabarimala Temple annually.
Lord Ayyappan is a symbol of religious unity and communal harmony. Being born out of Mohini (the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, he is also known as Bhuthanatha, Dharmasastha, Hariharan, Ayyanar and Manikanta.
Situated atop the Sabarimala Hill in the Western Ghats of Kerala, the renowned temple devoted to Lord Ayyappa is a pilgrimage centre since ancient time. It lies in the thick forests of Kerala's Pattanamthitta District.
Sabarimala temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, social status or nationality.
The temple is open only to males and menopaused females (beyond 50 years of age) and little girls below 10 years of age. This is because the Sabrimala Lord is a chaste yogi. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Sabarimala
KPCC Not Against Karunakaran's Return
Friday, 7 December, 2007
AJ: Former Chief Minister and Veteran Leader K.Karunakaran's plans to return to Congress crossed a major hurdle, party's Kerala leadership informing AICC President Sonia Gandhi that it was not opposed to his re-entry. State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala and Leader of Opposition in Assembly Oommen Chandy had a meeting with party chief Sonia Gandhi. We are not against anybody returning to the party. However, a decision in this regard has to be taken by Sonia Gandhi and the Congress high command," Chennithala told reporters after the meeting.
Karunakaran had left the party because of differences with Sonia Gandhi and the central leadership. So a decision on his re-entry has to be taken by the high command, he said, adding any decision in this regard was acceptable to the state unit.
Karunakaran,who left the Congress and formed the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) had later joined the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He had recently written to Gandhi expressing his desire to return to the party fold. Labels: Politics
Ship With Palmoil Arrives In Beypore
Thursday, 6 December, 2007
AJ: A ship carrying 6000 metric tonnes of palmoil has once again arrived at the Beypore port. It has been reported that the vessel-MPST Pinchill has arrived from Indonesia with the oil. The oil from the vessel which arrived yesterday night is being taken to the shore via barges. The oil is being imported by a private company in Kozhikode.
Police have been deployed in the area to avoid untowardincidents as widespread protests against the import of oil exist. The DYFI members gathered at the harbour in large numbers and raised slogans against the import. They also sought a blanket ban on import of palmolein. Volunteers of the Indian Farmers Movement (INFAM) later joined them in blocking the off-loading operations.
Karunakaran - Murali Supporters Clash In Kochi
Wednesday, 5 December, 2007
AJ: Karunakaran and Muraleedharan supporters clashed in kochi.
It has been reported that almost fifty persons owing allegiance to Murali, barged into the meet convened by N Venugopal with sharp weapons. They damaged the chairs of the auditorium and destroyed the camera of the media persons present there.
In the scuffle, many persons have been reported injured. The police had to lathicharge them to disperse the agitated mob. Seven NCP activists in connection with clash. Those held are P B Sudhi, Shajan Thattil, K M Madhu, N J Ani, T R Aji,M R Rajeev and Uday Bhaskar.
Trouble between the father and son has been brewing ever since the former Congress leader made it clear on Nov 30 that he is returning to the Congress party. Karunakaran defended his son, saying: 'My son is not the type to unleash such violence.'
The clash in Kochi was not between activists but an ideological conflict, said NCP state president K Muraleedharan.
Senior Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan, a former aide of Muraleedharan, said there is no doubt that Muraleedharan was behind the attack. Labels: Politics
Reliance Money to retail gold coins in partnership with Muthoot Group in Kerala
Tuesday, 4 December, 2007
Kochi, Dec.4 (ANI): Reliance Money, the financial services and distribution arm of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, today announced a distribution tie-up with the Muthoot Group, one of South India's leading non-banking finance groups, for retailing its pure gold coins.
Under the tie-up, Reliance Money will retail its branded gold coins in 501 plus outlets of the Muthoot Group in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The gold coins will be available in 1/2 gram, 1 gram, 5 gram and 8 gram denominations across all these Muthoot outlets.
The announcement was made by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Director and CEO of Reliance Money and George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Group at a press conference in Kochi.
Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Director and CEO, Reliance Money, said, "South India is traditionally the largest user of gold in the country and contributes over 38% of the gold consumption in India. We see a huge opportunity for branded gold coins in this market, especially considering gold usage and gold gifting is a prevalent practice in this region."
Reliance Money is the only company in India to offer pure gold coins in lower denominations of 1/2 gram and 1 gram. The company imports 24 carat pure gold coins (999.9 purity) from Valcambi SA (the largest gold refining company) of Switzerland in a tamper-proof sealed cover with Swiss Assyar's Certificate for retailing in India.
George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Group, said, "This alliance will help Reliance Money leverage our distribution network optimally, while offer us an opportunity to enhance our portfolio of product offerings."
With this partnership, Muthoot Group will become an exclusive retailer for Reliance Money Gold coins in the region. The group will also help the company in customer acquisition by providing Reliance Money's range of innovative financial products to its customers.
"This initiative is primarily targeted at increasing the penetration of demat accounts in the country - something which has remained stagnant at around 6 million for last few years," added Bandyopadhyay.
Reliance Money, present in over 3000 cities in India with over 4000 outlets, would also be focusing on semi-urban and rural areas with this initiative.
The Muthoot Group is today one of the largest business groups in South India with interests in varied sectors including Finance, Healthcare, Education, Hospitality, Real Estate, Agriculture, Automobile, Manufacturing etc. (ANI) -AJ
Twelfth IFFK Begins On Friday
Monday, 3 December, 2007
AJ: Twelfth IFFK that is scheduled to open on seventh of this month. South Indian Super Star Kamal Hassan will inagurate the festival. Iran film 'Buddha collapsed out of shame' will appear for the first screening in IFFK. The film is directed by Hana Makhmalbaf, the nineteen year old younger daughter of world famous director Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The film with 81 minutes duration gives an authentic neo-realist style of Makhmalbaf family's projects and will be an apt choice to open the best film festival of the country.
A film package of 13 films of celebrated Spanish director Pedro Almodovar would be a major attraction of the film festival.Twelve documentaries including Adoor Gopalakrishnan's `Dance of the Enchantress' would also be screened at the IFFK.
Differently-abled children get a joy ride on Air India flight
Cochin, Dec 3 (ANI): Over 100 differently -abled children got a joy ride on an Air India flight named 'Wings of Care', which took them from Cochin to Trivandrum.
This gave them an aerial view of the Vivekanand Rock in the middle of the ocean.
The aim behind organising the joy ride for the children, who are from various schools and institutions, was to provide them with a first hand experience of travelling in a plane.
"It is like you are feeling you are with the children in the sky. So, we call it the 'Place in the Sky'. The object is basically to give these children, who have never got this opportunity, a chance to be with us and to get a first hand experience of this flight," said S.D.M. Irani, Deputy Manager of the Air India.
The children had a blast on their journey as they enjoyed the scenic beauty of the state dubbed as 'God's own country' for its natural splendour. For most of them, it was a first time experience.
"This is my first time in a plane. I am very happy. I'm really enjoying it," said Neetu Mol.
They got a joy ride on the eve of World Disabled Day.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in October 1992, the World Disabled
Day aims to raise awareness on disabled people's rights at national and international levels.
The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 600 million disabled people worldwide, about 10 percent of the world population. It is also estimated that about 80 percent of all disabled people worldwide live in developing countries. (ANI)
- AY
Kerala Launches Coconut Procurement Scheme
AJ: The Kerala government launched a scheme to buy nearly 40 million coconuts from farmers. The government will procure de-husked and split coconuts at a rate of Rs.11 per kg from farmers in the districts of Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram, Alappuzha and Kollam. Coconut is an important component of Kerala's agrarian economy. Coconut farmers numbering around 3 million have been facing a severe crash in prices.
Inaugurating the scheme, state Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said Kerala has the lowest coconut productivity among the southern states. 'Land reform has made farm holdings small and most of the farmers now raise coconut as a household crop affecting productivity. The minister said that 2008 will be observed as the year of the coconut in the state and the government is also planning to organize a World Coconut Meet in Kochi next year.
Murali not to be with Karunakaran any more
Sunday, 2 December, 2007
AJ: NCP state president K.Muraleedharan said that he will not be with Karunakaran any more. Talking to reporters after the party convention meet, Murali said that he has recommended to the central leadership to take action against the leader for not attending the meet convened. Karunakaran Friday called a meeting of his supporters and announced he was returning to
the Congress and that a formal decision would be announced
at a convention next week.
'I only wish that he tells us why he wants to return to the Congress. I am told he has been offered the governor's post or
he is to be made a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee. If this was his aim, why did he make all of us look like fools for three years? I will not be with Karunakaran in his days ahead. He has demanded to take action against N Peethambara Kurup, N Venugopal, M T Padma, M V Mani and Josy Sebastian. Labels: Politics
'Navy Day' celebrations begin in Kochi
Saturday, 1 December, 2007
Kochi, Dec 1 (ANI): The week-long Navy Day celebrations have commenced at the Southern Naval Command with a variety of military exercises and entertainment programmes, including air shows and naval expos.
One of the main attractions was, Commander Rajiv Ashok and his wife Lieutenant Commander Reshmi Singh sky diving from 4500 ft.
The duo have been participating in the Navy Week for the past few years and jumping from heights above 14000 feet.
"After a successful jump and safe landing, we are very happy to take part in this year's celebration. Though we planned to jump together from 6000 feet, but due to the bad weather and non-availability of parachute, we jump in singles," said Rashmi.
The operational demonstration of the Navy's firepower, display of missile, guns and other equipments used on war ships will be show during the Navy Week.
Naval band performances, football championship and medical camps will be organised as part of the celebrations, which will conclude on December 8.
Every year, the Indian Navy celebrates December 4 as Navy Day to commemorate the Indian Navy's daring attack on Karachi Harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Naval officers will pay tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for that victory on this day. (ANI)
- AY
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