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Kerala News Archive: April 2005

Mammootty in a movie about partition

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | AY
Aysha:

Super star Mammootty will be doing a lead role in PT Kunju Mohammed's new film about Indo-Pak partition. It deals about the sufferings and pain the hero has to face during the partition of India and how the hero is not given the citizenship neither in India nor Pakistan. The film also stars the south indian idol Khusboo and the established actress Kavya Madhavan among others.

Balaraman

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | AY
Aysha:

After 'Krithyam' Viji Thampy will direct Mohanlal in 'Balaraman'. Sree Uthrittathi Films is producing the movie. Script is by S. Suresh Babu and music by the acomplished director Ilayaraja .The shooting will commence in August.

Mohanlal plays the role of a lorry driver who was an army officer. After his life in the army ,he decides to settle in a forest area. The story revoves arround the difficulties he face from the forest mafia and terrorist group of the region. Bollywood actor Nasarudeen Shah is playing the terrorist leader in 'Balaraman'.

Padmapriya is the heroine. Jagathy, Siddhique, Innocent and Indrans are the other members of the cast.

After completing Ranjith's 'Chandrothsavam' and Bhadran's 'Udayon' Mohanlal will join Viji Thampi for this production.

Spices export registers 32 % growth

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | AY
Export of spices from India registered 32 per cent growth in terms of quantity and 15 per cent in rupee value during 2004-05. A total quantity of 335,488 tonnes of spices valued at Rs 2,200 crore (416.56 million US dollars) were exported during the report period. Chilli became the highest earner among spices export basket, contributing 41 per cent in quantity and 23 per cent in value, an official release here today said. The other major items which contributed to increased export earnings were spice oil and oleoresins (21 per cent), mint products (19 per cent) turmeric (7 per cent) and pepper (6 per cent). These five spice items accounted for a total of 76 per cent of the total spices export earnings.

Export of chilli and chilli products during 2004-05 was 138,000 tonnes valued at Rs 499.01 crore as against 86,575 tonnes valued at Rs 366.88 crore of last year, registering an increase of 59 per cent in terms of quantity and 36 per cent in value.

UNI

'Air Kerala ' to take off soon.

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | AY
Aysha:

According to unconfirmed reports the aircraft manufacturing major Boeing company is planning for a business tie up with Govt of Kerala in the proposed new airline, which would be called "AIR KERALA".

Government of Kerala has plans to start a new airline to cater for the millions of Non resident Keralites residing in Gulf and other countries with a cheaper option of air travel. But with the arrival of Air India Express , it has to be seen whether the Kerala govt will go ahead with the plans.

The proposed airline is yet to get civil aviation ministry's nod.

Air India Express lands in UAE.

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | AY
Aysha:

The inaugural flight of Air India's first low cost service 'Air India Express' landed in Abudhabi yesterday carrying Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy

The low-cost Air India Express, which took off earlier from Thiruvananthapuram, fulfils a long-pending demand of Keralites working in the Gulf countries.

Kerala Governor R L Bhatia had flagged off the maiden flight in presence of Chief Minister Chandy and Patel at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Air India Express will have around 42 flights per week out of which 31 will be from Kerala alone.

Congress heading towards a vertical split

Friday, April 29, 2005 | GP
George, A.P., My-Kerala.com
Thiruvananthapuram: The May day is fast approaching and the leading partner of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF)is heading towards an inavoidable split. The toll it may take on the ruling front is the only doubt in the minds of malalyalees all over the globe. Congress in the state had always rallied under the two titans , Mr.K.Karunakaran and Mr. A.K.Antony both former Cheif Ministers and Cabinet Ministers with a massive political base in their own style.

This balance was the essence of the party in the state. But with the emergence of a third leader in Mr. Oommen Chandy , this balance of power seems to be jitterd. Mr. Chandy too enjoys a wide mass support equivalant or a little more than his predecessors.

Karunakaran's political clout started erroding ever since his children started showing interest in the party affairs and Antony suffered after he side lined with Karunakaran against the wishes of his strong followers.

Now the party is looking straight on the eyes of a split, with Karunankaran and his son Muraleedharan all set to announce a new party on the first of May at Thrissur. How many party workers who had stood with this family all along will be there to take the plunge, will only be answered on the May day.

New airport in Kerala

Friday, April 29, 2005 | GP
George, A.P., My-Kerala.com
Thiruvananthapuram: The tiny state of Kerala at the southern tip of India can soon boast about four International airports in the state. The Civil aviation minister Mr. Praphul Patel and Cheif minister Mr. Oommen Chandy gave the first signs of building a new airport , the fourth in the state in the district of Kannur.

Earlier the Civil avaiation minister and Cheif minister were among the prominent figures while the Governor of Kerala Mr. R.L.Bhatia flagged off the new Air India Express flights, a cheaper version of international air travel. During the inaugration ceremony Mr. Patel and Mr Chandy gave indications that the clearence for the new airport in Kannur is on the cards. The airport will be build with the financial assistance of the people of the state, especially the NRIs. Kerala was pressing for this airport for a long time since the state is on the verge of tourism boom and Kannur finds itself in the center stage with the Bakel Fort bringing in lot of tourists.

Gopika

Friday, April 29, 2005 | APA
Gopika made it big in the Tamil film industry thanks to the huge success of Cheran’s Autograph. Her Malayalam film 4 The People completed its silver jubilee run in Kerala and the song ‘Lejjavathiyae ...’ became popular. She came to be identified in Kerala as ‘Lejjavathiyae ...’ girl. When Autograph and 4 The People were remade in Telugu, they became hits too. And soon Gopika became popular in all the three South Indian languages. Gopika speaks about her journey to the top ...
How does it feel to be a top actress in such a short span?
Frankly, I had no intention of joining films. I won a beauty contest back in my hometown Thrissur and did a couple of ads for a popular jewellery shop. Soon enough, film offers started pouring in but I was not keen on joining films. Thaha, a photographer and family friend, asked me to take up Thulasidas’s film Pranayamani Thooval with Vineeth as the co-star. But the film did not do well. Next was the Jayraj film. After seeing the stills of 4 The People given by cinematographer RD Rajshekar, Tamil director Cheran sought me out for his film. After all the tests, I was made one of the heroines in his film Autograph. Though there were two other actresses including Sneha, my role was spoken about very highly. The role of a Malayalee girl went down well with the masses. Both my films were released on the same day and both were hits. Both successfully completed a silver jubilee run too. People identified me and appreciated my performance in both the languages. When they decided to do the film in Telugu, it was natural that I do the role. Anyway, I thank the Almighty for my success.

How has your experience with the Telugu industry been?
Like I said, when 4 The People and Autograph was remade in Telugu, I was the natural choice. Autograph was remade as Naa Autograph and I played the same role. In fact, except for Bhumika, all the other three heroines had worked in the Tamil original. Next was Letha Manasulu, the remake of Azhagy where I played Devyani’s role. Letha Manasulu is another author-backed role where I played a powerful character of a woman who has to take on her husband’s mistress. A lot of thought had gone into the characterisation. There was no vulgar dialogue in the film. My co-stars Ravi Teja and Srikanth are professionals. One is a mass hero and another has family hero sentiment. Both put me at ease and never behaved like big stars with me. In fact, it has been a pleasant experience working in Telugu. The people have been nice and sweet. I have also acted in a Kannada film titled Kanasina Loka.

What about the other films that you have signed?
Vesham with Mammootty has been released for which I bagged the Aisanet award. The film was an eye-opener. Everybody said Mammootty was a hot-tempered guy but I found him to be very friendly. He even gave me tips on acting. Fingerprint with Jayram as my co-star released recently. On the sets of Fingerprint, the director used to get irritated because I was always laughing at the jokes cracked by Jayram. Now I am doing Chanthupotu with Dilip as the hero and directed by Lal Jose. In Tamil, I am now doing Thotti Jaya with Simbhu and Kana Kandean with Srikant. It is KV Anand’s first film as the director.

What’s your role in Thotti Jaya?
Here again, I play the role of a homely girl. Silambarasan plays the male lead. The entire story happens in Kanyakumari and Nagercoil and a few scenes were shot in Kolkata. I have donned the role of a college student. There’s enough scope for me to prove my acting credentials in the film.

In Kana Kandean, you seem to have done a few close scenes with Srikant.
If you see the song, it hardly comes for a flash of a second. When it is splashed as a photograph it looks sensuous. In fact even KV Anand was surprised to see the stills. I am playing Srikant’s wife, a homely girl in the film. Prithviraj has a very good role. It was fun working with the two heroes.

You speak good Tamil. Why don’t you dub in your own voice for your films?
When I was doing my first film itself, Thulasidas told me that my voice was not good and thus he used a dubbing ariste. In Autograph, the dialogue had a mix of Malayalam and Tamil. Cheran felt that it would be better that I dubbed in my own voice and I did so. In Vesham and Fingerprint, I was not asked to dub.

During the shooting of Autograph, it is rumoured that Cheran used to yell at you a lot.
(laughs) Since I did not know the language then, I did not know what he was saying. I just kept quiet and did not bother to respond.

Will you venture to do glamorous roles in future?
I want to do good performance-oriented roles and don’t mind waiting for them. After the completion of Autograph, I got more than 20 offers. Those offers didn’t go well with me as most of them demanded glamour. Only a good character role is my goal.

What if good roles don’t come your way?
I’m prepared to wait. For me, quality is more important than quantity. I want to establish myself as an actress, competent enough to play any character with ease. I never dreamt of a career in films and so I don’t mind sitting at home if good roles don’t come.

Is it true that your sister is coming to films also?
(Laughs) Even I have heard about it. Offers came after the industry people saw her at the muhurat of Thotti Jaya. But she plainly refused anything to do with films. Now she even refuses to come to the sets with me.

Mammootty, Jayaram switch to action

Friday, April 29, 2005 | APA
After a long gap, Mammootty and Jayaram are doing action roles.

Mammootty is going to play an action role in Jo Mon's new film. He is acting as a businessman who had escaped from prison. All the films in which Mammooty had worked with Jo Mon, are action-based. Jayaram isn't often seen in action films, but, he is making an exception with Murali Nagavalli's new film. He rescues a man from an accident and soon they become close friends, but slowly hatred and distrust starts making its way into this relationship. The story revolves around the underworld.

Jayaram's previous action film was 'Ivar'. His recent attempt at playing cop in 'Fingerprint' was a disaster at the box office. Mammootty, Jayaram switch to action

After a long gap, Mammootty and Jayaram are doing action roles.

Mammootty is going to play an action role in Jo Mon's new film. He is acting as a businessman who had escaped from prison. All the films in which Mammooty had worked with Jo Mon, are action-based.

Jayaram isn't often seen in action films, but, he is making an exception with Murali Nagavalli's new film. He rescues a man from an accident and soon they become close friends, but slowly hatred and distrust starts making its way into this relationship. The story revolves around the underworld.

Jayaram's previous action film was 'Ivar'. His recent attempt at playing cop in 'Fingerprint' was a disaster at the box office.

Nayantara

Friday, April 29, 2005 | APA
Flush with the success of Chandramukhi, Nayantara met the press and shared her experiences with superstar and future plans. Excerpts from her interview:

How did Chandramukhi happen?
Vasu sir's wife saw my Malayalam film and recommended me. I was shooting for Ayya at that time. I could not believe that I was going to be cast as Rajni sir's heroine because he has been paired opposite the topmost heroines in the industry. They all (including the Vasu sir) saw me only on the first day of the shooting.

What did Rajini advice you during shooting?
He is basically one who does not sit in his seat once his shot is over. He sees that everyone performs well. He comes and sees other artistes’ work and tells you openly if you do not perform up to the expectations. He teaches you how to do it in a better fashion.

Tell us about your first day shooting experience.
When I went there, I didn't know anybody. I was very nervous but introduced myself. My first scene was a combination shot with superstar. I was little jittery not as an actress but as a person! But everyone made me very comfortable. Vasu sir, Prabhu sir, Ram Kumar sir... everybody was very caring and loving.

Were you in thrilled while acting with Superstar in Chandramukhi?
Of course I was thrilled when I got the offer. Not while acting. When I act opposite to him, it is the character and not Nayantara. Like wise, I see only the character standing opposite me, not Sarath sir, not Rajini sir. If you see them as actors, your expressions will change.

Tell us your experiences with Rajinikanth.
It was a great enriching experience working with Rajini sir. You get to know lot of things from him as an actor and also as a person. He is very dedicated, punctual and unassuming, despite being a superstar.

You have a very small role compared to Jothika in Chandramukhi. Comment!
I knew the role what I was playing in the beginning itself. So the question of my role being reduced does not arise.

Why do you work only with senior artistes?
(Smiles)Because, initially I got offers from them only. What’s wrong in it? I enjoy working with senior artistes. And when an offer comes from superstar Rajini, no one sees him as a senior artiste. I think he is beyond all these. As far as Ayya is concerned, I played a role which suited my age only. Both Sarath sir and Rajini are very comfortable to work with. Both are humble and soft. They helped me a lot throughout my shooting.

You seemed to shift tracks to glamour going by the promos of S.J.Suryah’s Kalvanin Kadhali!Kalvanin Kadhali
Do you think so? Ayya and Chandramukhi had homely roles. In Kalvanin Kadhali, the character demands little bit of glamour. So it is the role which decides whether you have to be glamourous or homely. We cannot keep a boundary for glamour. It is a subjective matter. As far as I am concerned, if glamour is that much important for the character, I don’t mind doing it. But please, do not brand me as a glamour girl!

Tell us about your background.
My father was an air force officer. I did my schooling in Gujarat's Jamnagar school. We shifted to Kerala after my father retired. I did my college there. I have done BA in English Literature. I got my first film offer, when I was doing my Charted Accountancy.

What is your priority- Tamil or Malayalam?
I'm simply looking for good roles. I don't mind which language they come from.

What are you future films in Tamil?
I am doing Kalvanin Kadhali with S.J.Suryah, Gajini with Surya and Vallavan with Simbhu.

4 The People-2

Friday, April 29, 2005 | APA
Jayaraj seems to have made his mind up about going with popular demands. In spite of having chosen a group of young new faces, he has decided to make Sunil the hero of ‘By The People’.

Sabu Cheriyaan is producing ‘By The People’. This is going to be a musical film. A massive contest was held by SS Music channel to select a group of youngsters to act in the film. 4 people- 2 boys and girls were finalized- Arjun, Peter, Anaida and Shwetha. They are going to star in the film.

Shooting begins shortly at Ernakulam. AR Rehman’s assistant, Praveen Mani is composing music for the film

Air India Express to take off tommorrow

Thursday, April 28, 2005 | GP
GPA,Trivandrum:

Atlast the dreams of cheap air travel to Gulf regions is coming to life.Tommorrow the first flight of the Air India Express , the cheaper flights by Air India will take from the International Airport in Thiruvanathapuram .

The Air India Express will be inaugrated by the Cheif Minister of Kerala by flying on its first trip to Abudhabi . Scores of malayalees living in the Gulf region were the largest group demanding cheaper option of air travel from the national carriers.

Air India officials say the ticket charges are brought down by reducing the cost on food and beverages supplied on board.

"Smart City" in Kochi itself

Thursday, April 28, 2005 | GP
GPA, Kochi:

Unconfirmed media reports say the Dubai Internet City authorities and Govt of Kerala has reached an agreement to start the " Smart City " in the city of Kochi itself. The Dubai Internet City officials and Kerala Govt offuicials were locked in a marathon discussion for last two days to finalise the deal.

The governments of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were wooing the Dubai Internet City authorities to bring them to Chennai, Banglore or Hydrabad respectively.But the persisitance of the Kerala goverment had taken the upper hand in the end.

The cheif secratary of Kerala Mr Pallattu Mohandas told anxious media persons here today that the MoU may be signed between the two parties as early as the 2nd week of May in Dubai.

The arrival of Smart City in Kochi will definetly change the face of Kerala and people of the state especially the large unemployed youth will benifit from it.

Demands by NRIs

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Press release PIB Govt. of India

The Minister of State (Independent charge) for Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Jagdish Tytler told the Lok Sabha today that the NRIs, particularly NRIs from the Gulf, have made some demands to the Government.

These include better supervision over recruitment agencies, insurance for workers, admission of their wards in educational institutions, welfare & rehabilitation measures for workders returning to India, release of innocent victims from prisons abroad, voting rights and Budget airlines. However, Government is not aware of any demand to establish Special Courts for NRIs, he added.

The Minister further said that the action initiated on some of the above demands, comprise of the following :

i)Complaints against registered recruitment agencies are examined by the Protector General of Emigrants and action is taken to suspend/cancel their registration. In the case of unregistered agencies, complaints are filed with the State Police authorities. In the last two years, 27 registrations have been suspended and 4 cancelled. 64 complaints have been filed with the Police and 20 prosecutions sanctioned.

ii) A Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana Scheme has been implemented w.e.f. 25 December, 2003. This scheme has since become more competitive and affordable to Gulf workers for whom it is primarily meant.

iii) 1/3 of the 15% supernumerary seats in educational institutions have been earmarked for children of NRIs in Gulf and South East Asia at fees applicable to resident Indians.

iv) The Government takes up the release of innocent victims from prisons whenever necessary.

v)The Government of Kerala has made a proposal to grant voting rights to NRIs by including them in the electoral rolls as a special category.

vi) Air India has announced the starting of their Budget airline `Air India Express’ from April 29, 2005.

vii)The Government of Kerala has devised several welfare schemes for the welfare of NRIs in the Gulf. The Government of India has been pursuing establishment of a welfare fund for Overseas Indian workers as well as Central Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment.

This information was given to the Lok Sabha by Shri Tytler in reply to a question by Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao.

PM condoles demise of Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
PM CONDOLES DEMISE OF IBRAHIM SULAIMAN SAIT
PIB (press release)
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the death of Shri Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said:

“I have heard the news of the passing away of Shri Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait, leader of the Indian National League, with profound sadness. Shri Sait was a true nationalist, a patriot, who had the best interests of our people and the Nation at heart. He served the people of Kerala with distinction and dedication. He was deeply religious and also modern and progressive in his views. In his death, the people of Kerala have lost a valued leader. The Nation will mourn the passing away of a nationalist who was committed to the welfare of the downtrodden. I convey my sincere condolences to his family and his followers”.

Trivandrum, GPA

Indian National League , President Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait passed away in a hospital in Chennai today. A well respected politician in the state and national level, he had played a major role in the Kerala politics as the President of Muslim League for a long time. Later he left Muslim Leaugue and formed INL.

Cheif Minister , Mr Oommen Chandy and several others condoled the death of this vetran leader.

Centralised admission for B.Ed to be introduced

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Ending the confusion over the proposed B.Ed entrance examination, the state government has decided to introduce centralised admission procedure this academic year.

Accordingly, 50 percent of the merit seats in training colleges will be filled directly by the government as the move to conduct the entrance test has been dropped.

Education Minister E.T. Mohammed Basheer said, “We realise that holding the entrance exam will be impractical. But we'll go ahead with the other option and that will be done through the Directorate of Collegiate Education. We hope this will do away with corruption involved in admission procedures to merit seats.”

Meanwhile, the representatives of the 18 aided training colleges in the state belonging to the Kerala Private College Managements Association will hold a meeting at St Joseph's Training College in Kochi on Wednesday to discuss this issue.

The notification has been passed on the basis of a court observation in a particular case. The association might also move the court against the government's decision, if needed.

The members hold that time is running out since the admission procedures for BEd courses ought to have been in the final stages by now if the classes were to begin by June.

“It has been a smoothly-run affair so far, be it in the matter of admission, conduct of classes, holding examinations or publishing the results. Those who passed out had enough time to apply for jobs too,” said Sr Sophy Isaac, principal, St Joseph's Training College, Kochi. However, the minister said that the classes would begin in June.

Mobile railway reservation system to be introduced

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 26 (UNI) An innovative mobile Passenger Reservation System (PRS) with wireless technology will be introduced in Kerala, Divisional Railway Manager G Narayanan said today.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the Thiruvananthapuram Division would start the mobile PRS on an experimental basis and if found successful, the system would be introduced at non-railhead locations like Idukki.

He said the Division was planning to introduce Centralised Integrated Enquiry System, close on the heels of Computerisation of control charts. Once completed, it would provide information on trains running on real time basis. Telephonic enquiries seeking passenger related enquiries would be answered by a centralised call centre.

Dr Narayanan said the Railways would give priority for the doubling of Mulanthuruti-Ernakulam and Kayamkulam-Mavelikkara line.

By the end of this year, all infrastructure work relating to the two lines would be completed. ''Funds will not be a problem for development in Kerala, but the availability of land is a problem,'' he added.

To meet the demands of commuters between Shoranur and Ernakulam, the railways proposed to run main line Electrical Multiple Units.

When further sections were electrified upto Thiruvananthapuram, extension of this service to the state capital would be carried out in stages both via Kottayam and Alleppey, he said.

SEAI lauds US initiative to revoke dumping duty on Indian shrimp

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Kochi, Apr 26 (UNI) The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) today lauded the announcement by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) today that it intended to initiate a formal investigation into the damages caused to the Indian shrimp industry by the December 26 tsunami waves.

The ITC's self-initiated 120-day ''changed circumstances'' review could possibly lead to lifting of the anti-dumping duty imposed on Indian frozen shrimp early this year by the US department of Commerce, SEAI national President A J Tharakan said here.

Brazil, China, Ecuador, Thailand and Vietnam, the other major shrimp exporters to the US, were also clubbed with India on the dumping duties.

Following the imposition of the anti-dumping duty early this year, US shrimp imports from India had dropped by 57 per cent as compared to the same period of the previous year. The tsunami waves that hit the country's large shrimp producing coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, also caused havoc on shrimp farms and its critical infrastructure like hatcheries.

The three states together accounted for 75 per cent of India's total shrimp exports, 85 per cent of it to the US itself, Mr Tharakan pointed out.

India's shrimp exports to the US had declined from 9.2 per cent of the market share in 2002 to 7.8 per cent by the first half of 2004, he added.

Ten killed in landslip

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Kasaragod, Kerala, Apr 26 (UNI) Ten people were killed while three escaped unhurt when the earth caved in at a check-dam site at Mooliyar near Attaparambu in the district today.

The tragedy occurred when labourers were rething after lunch.

There were 13 labourers present at the time of the incident.

The deceased were identified as Ajith (35), Mukesh (23), Chandrasekhar (38), dam contractor Prakash (18), Chethan (19), Janardhanan (36), Viswas (20), Chandran (19), Rama(45) and Jayaram (23).

Delimitation of constituencies to be completed by March 2006

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 26 (UNI) Delimitation of Parliament and Assembly constituencies in the entire country is likely to be completed by March 2006.

''If all goes well, we hope to complete the exercise by March 2006 and submit the proposals to the President fo issuing notification,'' Justice Kuldeep Singh, who heads the Delimitation Commission, told reporters here today.

He said the exercise of reorganising constituencies in smaller States like Pondicherry, Goa, Tripura and Mizoram had been completed and work was in progress with regard to Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The Commission held a sitting here today to hear complaints and suggestions from political parties on draft proposals on delimitation of constituencies in the four southern districts of Kerala.

Kerala Tourism conducts road show

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
Kerala Tourism conducted a road show today to attract tourists from Karnataka to be a part of the varying beauty, culture and hospitality of ''god's own country''.

Kerala Tourism Minister K V Venugopal in his address said ''God has been kind to India's number one tourist destination -- Kerala.

Except for a fleeting spell of uncertainty spaning a couple of days after the tsunami hit on December 26, 2004, Tourism in Kerala was on the roll and the domestic tourist arrival from January to December 2004 touched a record high of 59,75,000, as against the audited figure of about 58,75,000 of the previous year. The international arrivals also recorded a growth of 16.69 per cent over the previous year, he added.

Mr Venugopal said that Kerala, after establishing its traditional markets in countries like UK, Germany and France, was now making its presence in new markets like China and Japan in East Asia, Italy and Spain in the Mediteranean and Australia in the pacific region, as it has participated regularly at all international tourism fairs.

He said Karnataka with the IT boom has become a home to a lot of information technology employees and experts, for whom the state provides a destination to spend their holidays and week-ends enjoying the scenic beauty of the state.

He said the tourism industry and the state government was quick to respond to market requirements and ready to cater to the ever-changing profile of the travellers by evolving new products and re-inventing existing ones. There was a need to establish a link between the four states of South India as there was lot of potential for tourism development in this part of the country.

The Preview of a group of six films of 30 seconds duration, the new basket of Kerala Tourism shot by internationally renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan and other cultural shows of Kerala added colour to the show.

The event was highlighted with the offer of ''Sadya'', a traditional first-hand taste of Kerala cuisine.

Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi who was the Chief Guest recalled his stay for a brief period as Governor of Kerala and said that travelling from one end to the other end of Kerala was enough to reveal the different facets of Kerala, its land mark and scenic beauty. The success of Kerala tourism was an envy to other states and private agencies, he added.

DIC team due in Kerala for talks on ‘smart city’

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
A high-level team of Dubai Internet City (DIC) will arrive in Kerala on April 27 to wrap-up discussions on their proposal to set up a ‘smart city’ in Cochin.

Sources at the Information Technology (IT) department here said the government was hopeful of removing all the irritants regarding the Rs20-billion project during the two-day visit of the team. Both sides had covered considerable ground in two rounds of discussions they had in the last three months. The major issue to be resolved is the acquisition of land. A major constraint faced by the government is the fast-appreciating land cost in the city.

The state government has already made a commitment to give 100 acres of land close to the Infopark on the DIC assurance to generate 33,000 jobs in the first phase

The DIC would require another 300 acres to set up the IT free trade zone, where some of the IT majors from Dubai are expected to set up shops. They also need another 600 acres of land for setting up a golf course and a biotechnology park at a later stage.

Sources said the government would be able to make a definite commitment regarding the land during their discussions on April 27 and 28. The Infopark is keen to settle the issue as early as possible since it is unable to cope with the demand for more built-up space at the park.

The government has already offered to sell to the DIC the built-up space at the park at market rate in addition to 100 acres of land committed close to the park. There is only 350,000 square feet built up space with Infopark now.

Eight deaths on Kerala roads every day

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | AY
TRIVANDRUM — Roads in Kerala are turning increasingly dangerous, claiming on an average eight lives a day in mishaps. With just 3.1 per cent of the total population of the country, the state recorded 12 per cent of the country's road accidents in 2004 which was almost twice the national average, according to National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC).

A total of 41,220 mishaps were reported in 2004 claiming 3,059 lives. On an average, 108 road accidents take place a day, killing eight persons and causing injury to 133, it says.

The state's accident rate stood at an alarmingly high 15 per 1000 vehicles against the national average of 7.5 per 1,000 vehicles. The number of accidents per day had jumped from 90 in 1998 to 113 in 2004.

National Highways, especially those stretches passing through the cities, accounted for half the accidents, NATPAC Chief Coordinator V Rajagopal said. Reckless driving is the reason for 98 per cent of mishaps.

Kochi Rajavu

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
This entertainer is directed by Johnny Antony who has given Dileep that super hit CID Moosa. The script is written by Udayan and Sibi and Amit, son of Good Night Mohan is producing the film. The cast also has Murali, Vijayaraghavan, Harisri Asokan, Indrans, Mohan Jose and Riyaz Khan in the cast. Vidyasagar has tuned five melodious songs for the film. If the power had not passed on to elected representatives then Surya Narayananan Varma (Dileep) the scion of the royal family that ruled Kochi would have been the king of Kochi. Moolam Thirunal Easwara Varma, grandfather of Surya knew that Karimbakal family was waiting to kill Surya when he stepped on the soil of Kochi. Varma kept thirty martial art experts trained in Kalaripayattu to combat Karimbakal.

Surya was sent to Chennai Law College to escape from gang wars. In college he fell in love with Meenakshi (Rambha). Menakshi is the daughter of a powerful man who controls the underworld and politicians. Kavya plays Aswathi, a medical student who is a very rich girl. Sudhir, a newcomer plays the villain .

Thommanum Makkalum

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
Thommanum Makkalum": The success of this film has proved that Mammootty is not averse to acquiring new skills. Though 50-plus, his dancing and comedy in this film are widely raved about.

The film is about the relationship of a father and his two sons, played by Rajan P. Dev, Mammotty and Lal respectively.

Thommun is a thief who has raised two orphaned kids, Shivan (Mammotty) and Sathyan (Lal). The story begins when they decide to mend their ways and lead a hardworking life. They migrate to a village and get involved in the lives of the local people.

The story moves on as they take on the feudal head of the village. There are the expected twists and turns and predictable misunderstandings between the lead actors before the climax.

The story seems to be taken from "Thenkasipattanam" directed by Rafi-Mecartin, one of the biggest grossers in Malayalam cinema history. But credit should be given to the director and writer Benny P. Nayarambalam for giving it a fresh feel and contemporary look.

Female leads Laya and Sindhu Menon have nothing much to do. We tend to feel they are there to fill the screen with glamour.

Female leads Laya and Sindhu Menon have nothing much to do. We tend to feel they are there to fill the screen with glamour.

Female leads Laya and Sindhu Menon have nothing much to do. We tend to feel they are there to fill the screen with glamour.

The music by Alex Paul adds to the overall appeal of the film. The song "Nerinazhak" penned by Kaithapram deserves special mention.

Thommannum Makkalum rules Malayalam audio charts

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
New releases have been unable to make a dent in Malayalam's top film music charts currently ruled by Alex Paul for his scores in the Mammotty-starrer "Thommanum Makkallum

Mohanlal's "Udayananu Tharam" isn't far behind, with Deepak Dev's music scoring the second and fourth places in this week's charts.

Kaithapram's philosophical words, praising the virtues of honesty and the right path, set to Alex Paul's simple tunes, have the listeners hooked.

Announcement only at Thrissur Convention: Muralidharan

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
zThe 'I' group meet held at senior leader K Karunakaran's house discussed about the formation of a new party. Former KPCC chief and son of Karunarakan, K Muraleedharan said more information about the new party would be announced at the Thrissur convention on May 1.

The meet decided to conduct yuva jana rallies under the guidance of Youth Congress. Murali said our new party will be the real Congress.

The meet also decided to form a panel consisting of MLAs P Shankaran, M P Gangadharan, D Sugathan, and former MP V S Sivakumar to draft a political and financial resolution to be presented at the convention.

The convention would discuss about the tactics to be taken at the panchayat elections. New political agenda will be taken after taking into consideration the feelings of the party workers at the convention.

As the MLAS will lose their membership if they attend the convention, a final decision regarding this will be taken by senior leader K Karunakaran. Most probably they will not attend the convention.

When asked about the telephonic conversation of Pranab Mukherjee with Karunakaran, Murali said that was a personal call.

Seven MLAs participated in the meet.

Kerala lottery returns

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
After three months of being in the doldrums, it was back to business for tens of thousands of lottery sellers in Kerala

Kerala has close to 20,000 agents and nearly 300,000 sellers who earn their living selling lottery tickets.

The government has now come out with four different lottery tickets with draws every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The total prize is Rs.19.8 million and 495,000 individual prizes.

The government decision banning lotteries came on Jan 25, a day after the Supreme Court ordered that Kerala should obey its stay on a directive banning lotteries of other states.

The government ban affected all lotteries, including online lotteries, lotteries of other states and its own state lottery that fetches a revenue of Rs.300 million ($6.8 million) yearly.

Following this, the state assembly passed a bill bringing back the Kerala State Lottery in the last session of the assembly ended March.

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SC issues notice to TN on Madani's bail plea

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | AY
In custody for last seven years for his alleged role in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts that killed 59 people, peoples democratic party leader Abdul Nazar Madani today moved the Supreme Court for bail on the ground that he needed urgent "Ayurvedic" treatment for his ailments.

A bench comprising Justice D M Dharmadhikari and Justice B N Srikrishna issued notice to the Tamil Nadu police on Madani's petition as well as that of his wife, who has filed a habeas corpus petition seeking release of her husband on bail.

Challenging a Madras High Court order of March 17 refusing him bail on medical grounds, Madani said he was a known case of systematic hypertension, Coronary Artery disease, diabetics, cervical spondylitis, lumber disc prolopse and many other diseases.

The PDP leader, who was arrested on April 8, 1998, said he was a leader of a secular party and was running an orphanage for children at Quillon in Kerala despite being a physically handicapped person.

The blasts on February 14, 1998 had occurred shortly before senior BJP leader L K Advani was to address an election campaign meeting in Coimbatore city.

Karunakaran to announce new party in Kerala

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | GP
GPA:

Going ahead with the plans to float a new outfit, a meeting of the ‘I’ faction leaders and MLAs today decided to announce a “real Congress party”in Kerala at the workers’ convention in Thrissur on May 1.

The meeting, held at the residence of senior leader K Karunakaran, said the concrete action plan on alliances by the new political formation would be decided within six months.

The political and economic resolutions and the strategies to be adopted for the coming panchayat polls in the state would be decided at the Thrissur conference, former KPCC Chief and Karunakaran’s son, Muraleedharan, who was expelled from the party recently, told reporters after the meeting.

The political line of the new formation will be adopted considering the sentiments of party workers at the Thrissur convention.

Speaking about disqualification of MLAs in the event of their joining the new outfit, Muraleedharan said they had authorised Karunakaran to take an appropriate decision on the matter.

Karunakaran would take a decision on the matter after obtaining legal opinion and make an announcement before May 1, he said.

A four-member panel, comprising M P Gangadharan, P Sankaran, D Sugathan, MLAs and former MP V S Sivakumar had been formed to draft the political resolution of the new movement.

`I’ group MLAs M P Gangadharan, M A Chandrasekharan, D Sugathan, Maleth Saraladevi, P Sankaran, Sobhana George, N D Appachan and T U Radhakrishnan, took part in the meeting.

T V Chandramohan, who was busy with arrangements for the May 1 meeting and E M Augusthy had expressed their inability to attend the meeting, group sources said.

Malayalee to built International School in Muscat

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | GP
Thiruvananthapuram, April 25 : Credited with the construction of around 50 school buildings in Oman, George M. Thomas from Kerala is now toying with the idea of building his own "truly international" school in Muscat.

Thomas, who has been living in Muscat for around 25 years, also runs Kerala's Trivandrum International School on the outskirts of this city that is into its third academic year.

Joemol following Meera Jasmine's foot steps

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | GP
GPA: No..no..Joemol hasn't won any awards ..but the retired actress is follwing her junior counterpart by moving the court against her parents alleging them of taking away all her hard earned money.

Joemol , once a heart throbe of many is no longer in to acting. Today she filed a suit in the Thiruvananthapuram court againt her parents. In the complaint she has alleged that her parents had withdrawn money completely from her bank accounts without her knowledge. She told media persons that "they took my hard earned money, I want it back for my daughter"

Meanwhile a very disturbed mother cried in front of TV cameras and said her daughter and son in law no longer visits them and have never asked for the money. She also added they will give whatever money they need.

It's funny how the malayalee actresses behave once they reach the pinnacle of glory...or is it the other way round?

Death penalty for raping 7 year old girl

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
GPA: Trivandrum sessions court after a 5 year gap has issued another death sentecence ,this time for raping and killing a 7 year old girl.

According to the prosecution the accused ,kidnapped the victim while she was going to give lunch to her father in a rubber estate where he works.

The accused after raping the little girl ,killed her and pushed her down into the paddy field and killed the innocent girl named, Sheeba.

Common Entrance Test under way

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
GPA:

The common entrance test for the proffessional colleges in the state has started. The exam will end tommorrow. The exam is under tight scrutiny since it come after the allegations of question paper leakage in the SSLC examination in the state.

Yesterday , the Leader of opposition, Mr Achuthanadan had alleged that the ranks and better results in SSLC and entrance examinations from the Mallappuram District casts doubts. But this remark from such a senior politician in the state has evoked mixed response from students and parents alike from the district of Mallppuram.

I'll back out if CM apologetic, says Murali

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
GPA:

The expelled congress leader and ex KPCC chief K Muraleedharan in an exclusive interview with a private TV channel has said that he will not take any leading positions in party if the Cheif Minister , Mr Oommen Chandy admits that he has made some hasty decisions and mistakes leading the Goverment and party in Kerala.

Meanwhile the I group is going ahead with the plans to launch a new party or dissolve with NCP. Anyway its almost certain that the May 1 st meeting of the I faction will take its toll on the ruling UDF and the Congress part in the state.

Alice in Wonderland

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
GPA:

The name looks really interesting and will surely raise some curiosity. This new movie from Sibi Malayil is all set to capture the audience . Jayaram, whose label as a "safe bet" is in question needs a big hit to prove his detractors wrong and assure his place in the malaylam filmdom. Sibi Malayil has brought in a new face as heroine.

Jayaram is Alby who is living for his sister's well being and happiness. Vineeth is also playing a major role and is up to some magic tricks . The director also introces a new female play back singer.

The production unit feels they have done a marvelous job.

Its now the people who have to decide its fate.

Kerala to use ADB loan

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
Kerala Revenue Minister K M Mani today said the state proposed to implement a massive rehabilitation plan to help all the tsunami affected people in nine districts after the Asian Development Bank(ADB) loan, was released.

Speaking at a function got up to hand over the keys of 26 houses constructed at Edavanakkad Panchayat in Ernakulam district to those whose houses were destroyed in the December 26 tsunami waves, he said once the loan was available the houses partially damaged in the incident would also be fully reconstructed.

Mani, however, did not disclose the quantum of ADB loan to be used for the purpose.The tsunami which hit the Kerala coast had destroyed 3,000 houses totally, and 11,000 of them partially, pushing an estimated 10,5000 people to relief camps in nine districts.

The Edavanakkad houses were constructed by a Kuwait-based Keralite NRI K G Abraham's KGA group at a cost of Rs 50 lakhs. This was the third batch of houses handed over to the affected people in the Panchayat since the rehabilitation works began in early January.

Meanwhile, vehement protests from a section of the tsusnami affected, present at the function, forced the district administration to abandon the plan to hand over the first key, as Atoken, to one of the beneficiaries selected by draw of lots. The Minister handed over the whole set of 26 keys to District Collector A P M Mohammed Haneesh, to be distributed later.

State Fisheries and Sports Minister Dominic Presentation said the fisheries department had also drawn up schemes to provide fishing implements to those affected by the calamity.

Drinking water and other basic amenities would also be extended to the newly constructed hosues, he added.

Anti-piracy drive getting successfull.

Monday, April 25, 2005 | GP
The Motion Picture Association, Kerala Film Chamber and the Video Library Owners' Association in Kerala have joined hands to drive out piracy of films in the State. This has lead to a massive drive against the video piracy in the state.

The authorities expect to wipe out the piracy problem as soon as possible, bringing back cheer to the movie producers and distributors.

Kavalam quits as SNA Vice-Chairman

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
Noted writter Kavalam Narayana Panikker resigned as the Vice-Chairman of the Sangeeth Natak Akademi on Saturday night

Panikker tendered his resignation within hours after Akademi Chairperson Sonal Mansingh told reporters that there are no differences with anyone. Panikkar tendered his resignation to Culture Minister S Jaipal Reddy

He said that the Akademi had failed in dissuading eminent Karnatic musician Dr Balmurali Krishna from withdrawing his resignation and therefore ''my conscience does not allow me to continue

New Pope gets an open invitation by Allapuzha Church

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
GPA:
People of this sleepy backwater town in Kerala have extended an open invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit a church he helped build more than 25 years ago

Pope Benedict donated around 600,000 rupees in 1978 to build the St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church at Alappuzha after a friend told him about funding problems being faced by the parishioners there

The Alappuzha parish, which has about 75 families, has installed a marble plaque with Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger's name inside the church to acknowledge his contribution

Kerala institute to start hospital in Saudi Arabia

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), a leading private hospital in the state, is all set to open a new hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), a leading private hospital in the state, is all set to open a new hospital in Saudi Arabia.

KIMS has started postgraduate courses and earlier this month a high level delegation of Kuwaiti health officials had arrived to inspect the facility with the aim of sending medical graduates from that country for the courses.

KIMS already has a medical centre with outpatient facility in Bahrain.

On Saturday, KIMS will be hosting the Bahraini health minister who is coming for an on the spot study of the hospital to see it can be approved by his government for treatment of its nationals.

Hariharan Movie with new faces

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
Harihran’s films include off-beat classics like Panchagni, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Nakhashathangal, Sargam among others. Mayookham has Saiju Kurup and Mamta Mohandas, two debutants in the lead. It is a soft romantic film with the Hariharan touch and has a message on the evils of reservation system prevailing in Kerala’s educational and government jobs sector.

Hariharan movie is coming after a hiatus of nearly five years and his last film Prem Pujari with Kunchakko Boban and Shalini was a colossal flop. However Hariharan is confident that Mayookham releasing on May 6 will strike a chord with the generation next. Already the audio of the film with music by Bombay Ravi is a hit

Government doctors on strike

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State-wide hour-long strike by doctors in the government health service on Saturday was total , a statement issued by Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) said.
Casualty services in government hospitals had been exempted from the strike. The doctors were demanding that the government refix the norms for private practice and that doctors in service be given adequate consideration in admissions to post graduate level.

CM inaugrates Vismaya Maxs of Mohanlal

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
Mohanlal's Rs 3 crore studio Vismaya Maxs was inaugurated by Kerala CM Oomen Chandy in Thiruvanthapuram. This studio located in Kinfra Park has facilities for dubbing, recording and editing. The studio's inauguration function was attended by Suresh Babu, Depak Chauthala, Rajeev Kumar, Mohanlal's parents Vishwanath Nair and Santha, actor's wife Suchithra, son Pranavam and daughter Vismaya.

Mohanlal owns a chain of hotels in Gulf and is manufacturing pickles under the brand name of Taste Buds. The actor is owner of a prawn peeling unit and export firm.

NSS-SNDP to decide who will rule Kerala, Panicker

Sunday, April 24, 2005 | GP
Thiruvananthapuram:
In a fiery speech NSS General Secratary , Narayanapanicker made it absolutely clear that the majority religions will decide the fate of election results in the state of Kerala and will no longer allow anyone to use them as floor mats.

After a massive show of strength by the majority community in the state, Mr. Panicker didnt spare both the main fronts UDF and LDF. He said both the fronts have failed the community several times. He said from now onwards the community will vote only for those who will act according to the wishes of NSS and SNDP. He also outrightly rejected the proposal to implement the Narendran report which advises more job reservations for the minorities.

Earlier lakhs of volunteers marched through the streets of Thiruvananthapuram as a show of strength as a part of the Nair Mahasammellanam.

J.C.Daniel Award for Madhu

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
Actor Madhu has been selected for the J.C.Daniel Award, 2005 for his overall contribution to the Malayalam cinema.

Announcing this at a function here today, State Cultural Minister A P Anil Kumar, said that the award would be given away at a function to be held here soon.

The award carries prize money of Rs 1 lakh, citation and a statuette.

KINFRA to set up biotech park

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
Focussing on the commercial applications of biotechnology, Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) is setting up a biotech park, equipped with an incubation centre and business enterprise zone, at Kalamassery near here.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will lay the foundation stone for the park on April 21 at a function to be chaired by Industries Minister V K Ibrahim Kunju.

The park would be a combination of a Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) providing modules for R and D in biotechnology, pilot plant and a Business Enterprise Zone (BEZ), comprising developed plots to be utilised for setting up industrial units.

The development works would be taken up in two phases, KINFRA Managing Director Dr G C Gopala Pillai said in a release here today.

KINFRA has already acquired 50 acre of land at this location and another 50 acre of land would be used for future expansion of the park, being set up at a total cost of Rs 3,953.57 lakh including cost of land, site development and buildings.

The Biotechnology Incubation Centre (BTIC) alone would cost about Rs 2,318.90 lakh while the Union Government has contributed Rs 1,100 lakh.

''The thrust area of the project will be practical application and utility of the bio-resources of the state, as it is uniquely positioned for harnessing applications in the field to promote industry growth,'' he said.

[Agency]

Black sand mining Sudheeran blames Govt action

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
Thiruvananthapuram ,April 23, 2005

Senior Congress Leader VM Sudheeran, staging a one man fight against corruption in high places, said the Kerala Government has thrown all democratic norms to winds in the constitution of the environmental impact committee to study the feasibility and possibility of black sand mining along the Alappuzha coast line.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Saturday, Sudheeran questioned the sincerity of the government action of constituting the committee in a surreptitious manner.

The India government has published a handbook listing the norms to be observed while forming teams to assess the environmental impact. All these norms have been violated by the Kerala Government, said Sudheeran.

The former Speaker, who is considered as a thorn in the flesh by some of his own colleagues for his uncompromising stance against corruption, alleged that the terms of references of the committee itself has been manipulated to favour the black sand lobby.

Sudheeran said the government maintained an unusual secrecy while the committee was constituted. The Committee is full of people who favour the sand mining.

No discussions were held by the representatives while the committee was formed, pointed out Sudheeran who also alleged that the credibility of the Chief Minister has gone further down following the formation of the copmmittee.

Over six lakh delegates attends Nair Mahasammelanam

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
More than six lakh delegates from over 6,000 karayogams under 58 taluk unions in the state participated in the sammelanam and the rally planned as a finale to the NSS Navati fete.

The delegates lined up along the Kanakakunnu, Vellayambalam, Kowdiar, Kuravankonam, Althara, Vazhuthacaud, Cotton Hill, Pyppinmoodu, Golflinks, Kowdiar, Museum and Nandavanam roads. The procession began at 2.30 p.m. The meeting began when the procession reached the Mannam Nagar at the Putharikkandam Maidan.

Anti-Coke stir enters fourth year

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
Political leaders and social activists on Friday pledged support to the struggle against the Coca Cola plant at Plachimada village near here as the agitation demanding closure of the soft drink unit completed three years on Friday.

Addressing the 'anti-Cola people's meet' organised to mark the occasion, Janata Dal leader M P Veerendrakumar, said the struggle would be carried on till the plant is closed as the key issue involved was a community's vital right over drinking water.

Powerful multinationals might not even be afraid of the Bush Administration, but they had been rattled by the true grit and determination with which the poor people in Plachimada had kept up the struggle to ascertain their right over drinking water and against its exploitation by the soft drink plant, Veerendrakumar said.

Adivasi Gotra Mahasabha leader C K Janu, demanded a legislation to ensure people's right over water and check its commercial exploitation.

Mayilamma, a tribal woman in the forefront of the Plachimada stir, inaugurated the meet. A Krishnan, President of Perumatty Panchayat, where the plant is located, read out the 'anti-Cola pledge.'

RSP State Secretary T J Chandrachoodan, Congress-S leader V C Kabeer, MLA, Janata Dal (S) State Secretary General Krishnankutty, and leaders of youth outfits DYFI, AIYF and Yuva Janata Dal participated.
[Agency]

Separate forest division for Marayoor to be formed: CM

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | GP
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said a separate forest division would be formed in Marayoor in Idukki district to protect its invaluable sandalwood wealth.

Inaugurating a meeting of the Sandalwood Protection Squad at Marayoor on the occasion of Earth Day, he said sandalwood protection measures would be undertaken by the government with public participation.

The Squad comprising two sandalwood protection 'jathas' reached Marayoor early today after commencing from Thiruvananthapuram. They were joined by local enthusiasts.

State Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who was also present, said the people would be enlightened on the need to preserve and protect sandalwood in the Marayoor forest area in the state.

[Agency]

Nair Sammelanam at Thiruvananthapuram

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | APA
Thiruvananthapuram, April 23: In a show of strength, the Nair Service Society (NSS) is holding the all-Kerala Nair Sammelanam here this afternoon, mobilising tens of thousands of community members drawn from 6000 units spread across 58 taluks in 14 districts in the state.

The rally and public meeting assume significance against the backdrop of the strident stance taken by the NSS leadership against what it called 'neglect' of the interests of the majority community in general and that of the Nair community in particular' by the governments that ruled the state.

It is also important to note that this is the first state-level convergence of the community members after the NSS decided to work in co-operation with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), the socio-cultural organization of the numerically strong Ezhava community in the state.

The organizers said that a record six lakh community members would participate in the meet, for which the state capital is becoming the venue after a gap of 17 years.

The NSS has been pursuing a policy of 'equidistance' from the UDF, LDF and BJP for the last several years after it disbanded its political arm, the National Democratic Party (NDP), which used to be part of the UDF till the early 1990s.
NSS general secretary P K Narayana Panikkar will inaugurate the meet.

Karunakaran calls on Sharad Pawar

Saturday, April 23, 2005 | APA
Senior leader K Karunakaran called on NCP leader Sharad Pawar at the latter's residence this morning.

Pawar came to Karunakaran's residence at around 7 a.m. and the two leaders talked for about half an hour.

Pawar said that it was a friendly visit. Karunakaran expressed willingness to join hands with secular parties.

The details of the meeting are not known. The meeting gains importance as Karunakaran is all set to float a new party on May 1.

According to sources, Pawar has asked the state leadership of NCP to speak to the CPM leadership to accommodate the wishes of Karunakaran.

Meanwhile, the 'I' group leaders will meet on Sunday evening. MLAs supporting Karunakaran, state-level and district-level leaders are expected to participate.

Kerala institute to start hospital in Saudi Arabia

Friday, April 22, 2005 | APA
Thiruvananthapuram April 21 : Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), a leading private hospital in the state, is all set to open a new hospital in Saudi Arabia.

M.I. Sahadullah, chairman and managing director of KIMS, told IANS that preliminary discussions had been completed here with Saudi businessman Salem Al Buainain to set up a 50-bed hospital in Jubail in the Gulf country.
"We expect the hospital to commence in a year from now and the total investment would be 40 million Saudi Riyals. The investment would be made from our side as well as from the Saudi partners," said Sahadullah.

Buainain, the Saudi businessman, said he was extremely satisfied with the talks and would be one of the Saudi partners for the new hospital.

"I am in Kerala for the first time and went around the KIMS hospital and had extensive discussions with officials here. I am happy that everything has gone off well and I expect things will happen fast now," said Buainain.

KIMS has started postgraduate courses and earlier this month a high level delegation of Kuwaiti health officials had arrived to inspect the facility with the aim of sending medical graduates from that country for the courses.

KIMS already has a medical centre with outpatient facility in Bahrain.

On Saturday, KIMS will be hosting the Bahraini health minister who is coming for an on the spot study of the hospital to see it can be approved by his government for treatment of its nationals.
(IANS)

``INS Tarangini`` sets sail on training mission to 13 countries

Friday, April 22, 2005 | APA
Kochi: Indian Navy's sail training vessel ''INS Tarangini'' today set sail from here on a six-month-long voyage that would take her to 16 ports in 13 countries, covering a distance of 15,000 nautical miles.

The vessel would participate in the international Fleet Review and International Festival of the Sea(IFOS) at Portsmouth(UK) organised by the British Royal Navy, ''Tarangini'' s Commanding Officer and Senior Training Officer Capt R A Jaswal told mediapersons before the vessel left the Southern Naval Command jetty here.

She would also participate in the Tall Ships Challenge Races in which more than 120 sailing ships from around the world would be take part.

While the first race would be flagged off from Waterford, Ireland, and finish at Cherbourg in France from July nine to 14, the second race would commence at New Castle, UK, and culminate at Fredrikstad, Norway, from July 28 to August three. ''Tarangini'' had set record by undertaking a circumnavigation of the globe, the first Indian Naval vessel to achieve this distinction, during January 23, 2003, to April 25, 2005, covering a distance of 34,923 nautical miles, touching 37 ports in 18 countries.

President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, A P J Abdul Kalam, had then received the vessel on its arrival here after the record voyage.

Intended to inculcate in young officer trainees and sailors, the time honoured qualities of team work, camaraderie and cohesiveness, the vessel carrying eight officers and 36 sailors would provide the opportunity to 210 officer cadets to undergo training in six batches during the voyage. The replacements would take place in different ports of calls as new batches would be flown in. Up to 30 Naval officer trainees of various countries would also embark the ship during its current voyage.

NRI to set up business school in Kerala

Friday, April 22, 2005 | APA
Thiruvananthapuram, April 21 : An Oman-based businessman from Kerala Thursday announced setting up a Rs.300 million premier business school here.

"The institute, offering MBA equivalent programmes, will be called the Asian School of Business. The first batch of 60 students will be admitted in July. Initially, the institute will function from a 12,000 sq ft space at the Technopark campus," NRI George M. Thomas told reporters here.

Thomas had launched Kerala's first international school in 2003 and last month started an international playschool as well.

"The school will also offer a postgraduate programme in management for entrepreneur managers. This is basically meant for second-generation businessmen who have their own business," said M.N.V. Nair, a member of the school's board of governors and a former dean of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Fees for the full-time programme have been fixed at Rs.350,000 and admissions are to be based on a competitive examination.

"Only those who pass the qualifying examination with a good score will be admitted. We are also planning loans and scholarships for deserving candidates," said Nair.

The thrust areas of the two-year postgraduate course would be management and technology management and there would also be a part-time course for working professionals.

"Talks are on to decide on the board's chairman, other members and an advisory council," said G. Vijayraghavan, a consultant to the project. "There will also be visiting faculty from India and abroad," he added.
(IANS)

CBI, part 4's name changes

Friday, April 22, 2005 | APA
'Swamy' was the name that was initially suggested for the fourth part of 'CBI Diary Kurippu'. But, there are now plans to change the film's name.

'Sethurama Iyer CBI' was one of the biggest box office hits last year. SN Swamy and K Madhu were ready to immediately start the fourth part in the series but Mammooty had requested them to not hurry and give it some more time. Accordingly, they launched the film this year. 'Swamy' was the name they had in mind.

The team is convinced that 'Swamy' doesn't suit the image and feel of the film. 'CBI Diary Kurippu' was the first film's name. The second part was 'Jaagruda'. It flopped. 'Sethurama Iyer CBI' was the name of the third part. The team is now wondering if there is something special about having three worded name and 'CBI' in the title.

They still haven't thought up a name with 'CBI' in it.

Kerala to issue bonds to raise Rs 300 crore

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | APA
The Kerala Government is planning to raise Rs 300 crore through public bonds for mobilising funds for developmental needs.

The issue would be through the Reserve Bank in Mumbai on April 20, an official release said. The 10 year tenure bond would mature on April 21, 2015 and the interest would be paid twice a year on October 21 and April 21, the release added.
[Agency]

Question leak case diary in court

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | APA
The state crime branch police handed over the SSLC question leak case diary to Chief Judicial magistrate Paul Simon here yesterday following complaints that the police had ‘framed’ the innocent. But Viswanathan Printers owner Subramanian filed an affidavit that he had obtained the contract for printing question under the name of ‘Mani’ to maintain the secrecy. The magistrate’s direction to produce the diary came in the course of hearing a petition moved by the police for the custody of Chennai-based Rajan Chacko and wife. The prosecution had apparently failed to convince the magistrate of the involvement of the couple in the questions leak case.

Kerala CM to travel by A-I budget flight on April 29

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | APA
Source ::: The Peninsula/ by John Mary

THIRUVNANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will be among the VIPs traveling by Air-India Express inaugural flight from here to Abu Dhabi on April 29.

Air-India chairman and managing director VThulasidas told newsmen on Friday that a minimum one-third of the seats - 50 to 60 seats - on the 180-seater Boeing 737-800 budget flight would be available for the lowest fares, starting at a low of Rs3,250 for a Dubai ticket.

Passengers could start the booking 12 months in advance and early birds would benefit from the maximum low fares. A-I Express would have 31 weekly services in the Kerala-Gulf sector, with 14 services from Kozhikode, 11 from Kochi and six from Thiruvananthapuram. Budget flights from here to Dubai would be on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, via Kochi or Kozhikode. There would be six budget flights each from Mumbai and New Delhi.

From Thiruvananthapuram, A-I would continue to operate its wide-bodied aircraft to accommodate the cargo of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Any change on this policy was possible only after A-I drafted special cargo flights. But the glitch for exclusive cargo flights was the non-availability of return cargo from the Gulf destinations, making one-way cargo flights unviable. A-I at present did not operate cargo flights to any destination.

Non-Resident Keralite Affairs Secretary Jiji Thomson told The Peninsula that besides Chandy, Communist Party of India (Marxist) deputy legislature party leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and former Health Minister A C Shanmughadas would travel by the inaugural flight.

On April 29, the fight from here to Abu Dhabi would leave at 8.40am, after a function at the airport, starting at 7.30am. Two functions would be organised at Abu Dhabi and Dubai to mark the arrival of budget flights.

With the introduction of A-I Express services, the number of combined weekly flights of Air-India and A-I Express in the Kerala-Gulf sector would go up from 56 to 63. There would be 16 flights on the Tvm-Gulf sector, with 8 flights alone to Dubai. Thulasidas said Kerala alone would account for 31 out of the 63 flights, which showed the importance A-I attached to the state. He said A-I flights would be rescheduled to cope with seasonal rush.

Budget flights would offer a free baggage of 30kg, besides basic vegetarian meals on board. But there would be no free liquor. A-I Exp flights would therefore be “limited frills” than “no-frills”. The aim was to operate the flights at half the market rates.

Thulasidas said budget operations could extend to Saudi Arabia only if both the Indian and Saudi governments amended their current agreement. He told a TV channel that A-I Express flights to Oman awaited the Oman government clearance.

A-I planned to buy another 63 aircraft at an estimated Rs300bn in the next four years. “We plan to cover the entire Gulf besides Southeast Asia, once the A-I Express fleet strength reached its full complement of 18 aircraft”, he said.

No free liquor, only vegetarian food on AI Express:

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | APA
[Kerala News] Thiruvananthapuram: There will be no free liquor on board and only simple vegetarian meals will be served on Air India's new low cost service, Air India Express, being launched on April 29.

Announcing the launch of Air India Express at a press conference here last night, Air India Chairman-cum-Managing Director V Thulasidas said while basic passenger amenities would be provided, a lot of the regular services provided on board international flights would be dispensed with.

''It is not a completely no-frills airline. Basic amenities would be provided,'' he said.

Among the services to be dispensed with are free liquor and elaborate meals. The food served would be simple vegetarian fare, to start with, he added.

Pepsico in talks with HML for pineapple farming in Kerala

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | APA

Chennai, Apr 17: Beverages major Pepsico is talking to Harrisons Malayalam Ltd (HML) for cultivating pineapple as Intercrop in HML's rubber estates in Kerala.

The move is aimed at making HML a key supplier of the fruit for juice extraction for Pepsico's Tropicana brand of pineapple juice from within the country, sources said. Talks with HML comes after Pepsico tried, without much success, to introduce contract farming of pineapples by engaging farmers in Palakkad, Kerala recently.

HML has over 9000 hectares of rubber growing area, most of which is located in Kerala. When contacted, Abhiram Seth, Executive Director (Exports & External Affairs), Pepsico India, confirmed having talks with Harrisons Malayalam. But, he refused to give details.

"Talks are at a preliminary stage," Seth told a news agency. Pepsico India was looking at Kerala for pineapple sourcing for juice extraction as the climate in many areas in the state was suitable for pineapple cultivation, sources said.

While the 'Mauritius' variety is more popular in Kerala, Pepsico was looking at the sourcing of 'Kew' or the 'sugarloaf' variety. "We cannot change the taste of the Tropicana pineapple juice as our customers are used to a particular taste," a Pepsico official said.

Annually, Kerala produces over 85,000 tonnes of pineapples, most of which come from Vazhakkulam in Ernakulam district.

Bureau Report

KPCC zonal rally begins

Saturday, April 16, 2005 | APA
The zonal rally organized by the KPCC in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Dandi Yatra began here today.

The rally which began from the Kalloor International Stadium is expected to reach Marine Drive at 7 pm followed by a public meet.

All Congress leaders and KPCC office bearers attended the rally.

Babu Divakaran floats new party:

Saturday, April 16, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Labour Minister Babu Divakaran of the RSP (B) has floated a new party called RSP India (Marxist). After the announcement of the new party, the minister said they will stick to the UDF.

He also gave a new name to the feeder organizations also. At a press meet, the minister said Progressive Youth Front (PYF) will be the name of youth organizations and Progressive Women's Front (PWF) for women organizations. Students' organisations have been named Progressive Students Union. The minister said all the other details of the party will be announced in the rally on April 19.

Cochin Shipyard gets Rs. 300 crore order from Norway

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Cochin Shipyard gets Rs. 300 crore order from Norway

The Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) has bagged an export order worth Rs. 300 crores beating several major international players. The order came from a Norway based company Seatankers Management Company for the construction of four platform supply vessels. The platform vessels are used to carry materials to oil rigs. The construction would be completed in 2007. As part of diversification programmes, the CSL has entered the vessel construction field. It has earlier won orders for fire fighting tugs for the Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia, cargo / launch vessels for NPCC, Abu Dhabi and DWT bulk carriers for Clipper, Denmark. It has also supplied oil tankers for the Shipping Corporation of India. The CSL is all set to build an indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy, which would be the first of its kind in India.

CIAL makes Rs. 31 crores profit

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
CIAL makes Rs. 31 crores profit

The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has earned a profit of Rs. 31.45 crores between April 2004 and January 2005. The Director Board informed this after a meeting presided by the Chief Minister recently in Thiruvananthapuram. The airport's revenue during the period is Rs. 82.25 crores while it was Rs. 68.95 in the previous year. The expected profit in the period 2005-06 is Rs. 50 crores. The Board passed the budget estimating a revenue of 111.84 crores. It has been decided in the meeting to conduct detailed studies on starting budget flight services. The Board directed the airport authorities to hold talks with Air India regarding ground handling in the airport. Decision will be taken on public issue of shares after discussions with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation.

The airport has also earned profit in cargo handling. 10,274 tonnes of cargo were handled in the period as against 14,854 in the previous year. Due to the increase in cargo handling the CIAL has started a separate section to handle the domestic cargo. The revenue from duty free sales in the airport rose to Rs. 14.6 crores. Currently, 69 domestic services and 115 international services operate from the airport. The existing amount of loan availed by the company is Rs. 77.52 crores including the Rs. 55.07 crores from HUDCO. The members of the Director Board, Mr. P. K. Kunhalikkutty, M.L.A., Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan, M.L.A., Prof. K. V. Thomas, M.L.A, Mr. M.A. Yussuf Ali, Mr. Mohammed Ali, Mr. N. V. George, Mr. E. M. Babu, Mr. C. V. Jacob and the Managing Director, Mr. V. J. Kurian attended the meeting.

Chief Minister inaugurates KINFRA Park

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Chief Minister inaugurates KINFRA Park

The Chief Minister, Mr. Oommen Chandy inaugurated the Small Industries Park of the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) in Kasaragod. The park is equipped with modern facilities including conference hall, exhibition-cum-training hall, healthcare centre, bank and post office facilities, modern communication facilities, well-designed roads, recreation rooms and cafeteria. Another attraction of the park is its closeness to the airport and seaport at Mangalore. The Park offers land on lease for a period of ninety years at a cost of Rs. 2.4 lakhs an acre. The entrepreneurs can avail the single-window clearance system, which is a unique feature of the KINFRA parks to get necessary clearances. Incentives, training and managerial support are also offered by KINFRA. The park is situated in 250 acres of land at Seethangoli, which is 15 km away from Kasaragod town.

Permanent Committee to resolve expatriate issues

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Permanent Committee to resolve expatriate issues

The State Chief Minister, Mr. Oommen Chandy said that a permanent committee would be set up to resolve various issues faced by the expatriates. He was speaking after giving away the first instalments of welfare fund formed by the Kerala Pravasi Sangham. The Government would soon hold a meeting of Members of Parliament and various expatriate organisations. The Air Arabia Airline has offered to operate budget services to the Gulf sector at 50% less rates than the existing ones. The Air India Express service, which offers 25% to 30 percent reduced rates, is slated to begin in April. The Union Government has agreed to consider Air Arabia's proposal after this, said the Chief Minister.

In search of their roots from Malaysia

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
In search of their roots from Malaysia

A 32 member team of non-resident keralites from Malaysia, who visited Kerala recently were given a warm reception by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Mr. Therampil Ramakrishnan. The team included third generation malayalees, settled in Malaysia. The Speaker while addressing the team asked them to pass on the rich culture and heritage of their motherland to the next generation. The former Chief Minister, Mr. A. K. Antony who attended the reception said that it is good to see the team from Malaysia that has come in search of their roots in Kerala.

Mr. M. M. Hassan, Chairman, NORKA said that the mentioning by the Speaker about the visiting Malaysian team in the State Assembly itself is a mark of respect shown towards the malayalee community in Malaysia. The Principal Secretary, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department, Mr. Jiji Thomson was also present on the occasion.

The non-resident keralite team from Malaysia visited different parts of the State, and utilized the opportunity to know more about their native State. The visits and interactions also helped them to remove unwanted notions pertaining to the investment potential of Kerala. The team reached Kerala on the 24th of March and would return to Malaysia after visiting Kanyakumari.

Government starts bringing back distressed Kerala women in Kuwait

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Government starts bringing back distressed Kerala women in Kuwait

Following incidents of women from Kerala, who recently went to Kuwait and unfortunately had to face several problems there, the Kerala Government recently under the initiative of the Chief Minister, Mr. Oommen Chandy has started taking efforts to bring them back home. A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in the last week of March decided to co-ordinate with the Indian Ambassador in Kuwait for implementing appropriate measures to resolve the plight of women from Kerala in Kuwait. Besides the Chief Minister, the high-level meeting was attended by the Kerala Chief Secretary, Mr. Palatt Mohandas, Principal Secretary, NORKA, Mr. Jiji Thomson, Indian Overseas Office Secretary, Mr. S. Krishna Kumar, and Joint Secretary in charge of the Gulf Division, Mr. J. S. Dayal.

According to the Principal Secretary for NORKA, Mr. Jiji Thomson, following the Kerala Government's decision to help women from Kerala, who met with trouble in Kuwait, necessary steps have been initiated to bring back a woman hailing from Meenachal in Kottayam in the first week of April. The government is continuing with its efforts to help rest of the womenfolk in similar situation in Kuwait, Mr. Thomson said.

State to pressurise Air India for more flights: Chief Minister

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
State to pressurise Air India for more flights: Chief Minister

The State would maintain pressure on Air India to operate more services to the Gulf sector, the Chief Minister Mr. Oommen Chandy said. He said this in reply to a submission in the State Assembly. The Government would ensure the importance of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and if the services declared by Air India do not conform to their earlier assurance, this will brought to their notice, the Chief Minister said.

Ship service to start between Kochi and Colombo

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Ship service to start between Kochi and Colombo

A ship service would be started between Kochi and Colombo, the State Minister for Transport, Mr. N. Sakthan said recently in the State Assembly. For the purpose, the government would buy a ship at a cost of Rs. 35 crore.

A coastal barge would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 5 crore to ferry petroleum products to Lakshadweep for the Indian Oil Corporation. The barge will have a capacity of 10, 000 tonnes. The services of the barge would be available from Kochi to ports at Bepur, Neendakara and Vizhinjam, the transport minister said.

Online ticket sales from Air India Express

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Online ticket sales from Air India Express

Air-India Express, the budget airline being launched by Air-India has introduced online ticket sales. Mr Ajay Prasad, Secretary, Union Civil Aviation Ministry issued the first ticket for the Delhi-Abu Dhabi sector at a function held in New Delhi recently. It will operate its maiden flight on April 29, 2005 from Thiruvananthapuram to Abu Dhabi/Muscat. Air-India Express will sell its inventory over the Internet, unlike the traditional airlines, which allow sales through the Global Distribution Systems. Passengers will have the option of buying a ticket by accessing the Air-India Express website, www.airindiaexpress.in, which is extremely user-friendly. All that a passenger will need to do is to log on, check the schedule, make a booking and pay through credit card. Passengers will also have the facility of purchasing their tickets through travel agents or from the Air-India Express offices. They would, however, be required to pay a service or transaction fee of Rs 125 per sector, in addition to the applicable fare and taxes. On completion of the sale, the passenger will be issued an itinerary receipt instead of the conventional airline ticket. All bookings, fare quotes, refunds, change of bookings and modifications in the itinerary are totally automated and technologically driven.

Air-India Express, with a fleet of three Boeing 737-800s at the time of launch, will get underway by operating 35 flights per week. These flights will be operated to four stations in the Gulf/Middle East, viz. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Salalah, from five Indian stations, viz. Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai and Delhi. Each aircraft will have 181 seats in single class configuration (all Economy). All the flights will be operated on a Quick Turn-Around basis. As more aircrafts are inducted, the number of destinations served would increase. Air-India Express proposes to operate flights to Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Jakarta in the months to come.

Committee to protect expatriate rights in Dubai

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Committee to protect expatriate rights in Dubai

The Dubai Government has set up a Labour Affairs Committee to ensure that companies pay salaries and other benefits to the expatriate employees. This is part of the Government's initiatives to protect the rights of workers and reduce the increasing number of labour-related cases. The committee members would, visit companies and inspect the accommodation provided, on a regular basis. On the basis of the reports of the committee submitted to the Dubai Executive Council, strict action would be taken against erring employers. Strict penalty will be imposed on those employers found guilty.

More services from Sri Lankan Airlines

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
More services from Sri Lankan Airlines

The Sri Lankan Airlines will increase its services to the three airports in the State. This is part of the efforts of the airlines to provide better connectivity between Colombo and the South Indian cities. The number of flights from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram would go up to twelve from seven, Kochi eleven from six and Kozhikode nine from six.

Corporation Bank launches NRI services

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Corporation Bank launches NRI services

The Corporation Bank launched three depositing facilities for the Non- Resident Indians. The three services are Corp Express Money, Corp Quick Remit and Remittance through Exchange Services. The Corp Express Money facility is aimed at those working in the Gulf countries.

Dhanalakshmy Bank opens NRI Boutiques

Friday, April 15, 2005 | APA
Dhanalakshmy Bank opens NRI Boutiques

The Dhanalakshmy Bank would open NRI boutiques at eight selected locations in the State. Value added service would be provided to the NRIs through the boutiques. The boutiques will be opened at Vazhuthacaud, Kallambalam, Kollam, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Kunnamkulam, Malappuram and Peringottukara. The Bank has also opened an NRI division at its corporate office in Thrissur with an intention to focus on NRI business.

Online ticket sales from Air India Express

No threat to UDF in Kerala: Chandi

Thursday, April 14, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ruling out any threat to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the wake of the reported move by senior leader K Karunakaran to float a new party, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said he was ready to seek a vote of confidence at any stage.

"If anyone has doubt over the majority of my government,I don't have any hesitation to seek the vote of confidence. But, right now there is no threat to the UDF,'' the Chief Minister told newspersons here after a Cabinet meeting.

While expressing confidence that no Congress MLA would quit the party, he did not find fault with 14 MLAs attending a meeting convened by Karunakaran at his residence to discuss the future course of action in the wake of the expulsion of his son and former PCC chief K Muraleedharan from the Congress for six years for 'anti-party' activities.

"Karunakaran is a senior leader of the party," he said,but evaded a direct reply to a question on whether it was proper on the part of the MLAs to attend a meeting convened by the expelled leader.

Referring to the show-cause notice issued to 13 MLAs who attended a zonal rally convened by Karunakaran in defiance of the high command, he said the next course of action would be taken against them at an appropriate time.

When pointed out that Karunakaran was not invited for today's zonal rally organised by the official faction, Chandy said, '' Karunakaran is a national leader and it is not necessary that he be invited for a local function.'' Union Power Minister P M Sayeed, Karnataka Chief Minister Dharamvir Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh were likely to participate in the rally as the representatives of the AICC, he added.

UNI

“Kazhcha” , Mammootty, Madhu get honours

Thursday, April 14, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "Kazhcha" won the Best Film Award instituted by the Amrita Television and the Trivandrum Film Fraterniry. The film also brought the Best Director award to Blessy.

Following were the other awards announced at a function here last

night:

Best Creative Producer: M O Joseph of Manjilas, Best Actor: Mammootty(Kazhcha), Best Actress: Geethu Mohandas (Akale), Best Spporting Actor: Lalu Alex (Manjupoloru Penkutty), Best Spporting Actress: KPAC Lalitha (Nattu Rajavu), Best Child Artiste: Yash (Kazhcha), Best Screeplay writer: T A Razak (Perumazhakkalam), Best Cinematographer: S Kumar (Akale), Best Art Director: Suresh Kollam (Perumazhakkalam), Best Choreographer: Vrinda Kuja (4 The People), Best Audiographer: M Harikumar (Akale), Best Lyricist:Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri (Perumazhakkalam), Best Stunt Director: Thyagarajan (Nattu Rajavu), Best Film Editor: K Rajagopal (Perumazhakkalm), Best Music Director: M Jayachandran, Best male

Playback Singer: Madhu Balakrishnan (Perumazhakkalam), Best female Playback Singer: Sujatha (Mambazhakkalam).

The Life Time Achievement Award went to veteran actor Madhu.

The awards were selected out of 20 films and the selection was through secret ballot by members of the Triandrum Film Fraternity.

UNI

Kovlam Palace: Govt to appeal against HC verdict

Thursday, April 14, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Cabinet sub-committee was constituted to study the legal aspects in the wake of High Court direction to the state government to restore possession of Halcyon Castle and surrounding properties to a hotel group that has bought ITDC's Ashoka Beach Resorts in Kovalam.

Talking to newspersons here after a meeting of the State Cabinet,Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Finance Minister Vakkom Purushothaman, Revenue Minister K M Mani and Tourism Minister K C Venugopal would be the members of the sub-committee.

He said the government stand was that the halcyon Castle and 4.21

hectars of surrounding land belonged to the Government and it would

take all legal measures to ensure its custody.

The castle, built by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore, was in the custody of the ITDC. When the Ashoka Hotel was sold to the M Far Hotel Limited as part of the Centre's disinvestments policy, the castle was shown to be part of the deal.

Following public outcry against the selling of a monument, the Government had taken over the property from the group in the wake of agitation by various political parties.

Challeging the decision in the High Court, the hotel group contended that it was in the legal possession of the castle and property. While quashing the government order, the court pointed out that the group could be dispossessed of the property only through the process of law and not by an executive fiat.

UNI

Karunakaran puts off launch of new party

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Source ::: The Peninsula/ by John Mary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dissident camp in the state unit of the Congress has decided to wait and watch before floating an alternative platform, whether it be a new political party or a parallel organisation, owing to a lack of consensus on tactics within the camp.

All that dissident supremo K Karunkaran said at a press conference here yesterday was that he would call a convention of his supporters later this month to take a decision on the course of action following the expulsion of his son K Muraleedharan from the party.

While newsmen complained that there was confusion and ambiguity in his statements regarding strengthening the “real Congress”, Karunakaran said “there is a straight course ahead for me. I’ll pick from the right and left whoever wants to join in the new efforts”.

Karunkaran hinted the possibility of revival of his earlier plan to float a political party in the name of the late prime minister Indira Gandhi. The state could expect a more lively Congress party. “It will be the real Congress. Those who have been trying to suppress us will have to go out”, he said.

Significantly, for the first time in recent months, Karunakaran complained that some quarters were working overnight to make it appear there was a rift between his children Muraleedharan and Padmaja Venugopal. His refrain at the press conference on wider consultations among his supporters and cadres pointed to the lack of support from dissident legislators. Several of district presidents had deserted him.

It was these two factors working against his swift announcement of a new party; his daughter’s refusal to toe the brother’s line and the reluctance of the legislators to split party and court political wilderness.

The 14 legislators in his camp would surely lose their membership of the remaining one year of the Assembly, and worse they could be disqualified for six years for deserting the party. A six-year disqualification would deprive them of the Congress ticket for two Assembly elections taking place in a space of five years.

Karunakaran seemed to appreciate their concerns when he said he would not take any course of action that would spoil their career. But the veteran was still not ready to take on Congress president Sonia Gandhi. “She is still my leader. But she should have shown the courtesy to talk to me before expelling my son. I was denied permission to meet her despite my repeated requests. This is not the way to treat a senior Congress worker like me,” he said.

Asked whether he would resign his Rajya Sabha seat, which he had won on the Congress ticket, he said it meant little to him. “I have been in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, in the cabinet, outside the cabinet. The Rajya Sabha does not mean anything at all,” Karunakaran contended.

NRKs to launch business school in Kerala

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
(IANS News) Thiruvananthapuram: A group of non-resident Keralites (NRKs) in the Middle East are launching a Rs.300 million ($7 million) business school here in July.
The institution, called the Asian School of Business, would offer MBA equivalent programmes and start with the first batch of 60 students in July, said one of the backers.

The B-school would initially function from a 12,000 sq ft place at the Technopark campus here before moving to its own campus.

The formal announcement about the school is expected later this month.

"One reason why we are silent at the moment is that we are finalising the faculty. We are going to have a highly qualified and experienced faculty from both India and abroad," the backer said.

The school, offering a two-year postgraduate course, would have tie-ups with world-class business schools for exchange programmes and curriculum.

The thrust areas would be management and technology management. Besides the full-time course, the Asian School of Business would also offer a

part-time course for working professionals.

Fees would be comparable to similar institutes in the country and the governing body would comprise "top notch professionals", sources said. (Kerala News)

Asian School of Business courses

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Asian School of Business offering a post-graduate programme in management will start here in two months. The institute plans to enroll the first batch for its MBA equivalent program in June/July 2005. ASB plans to be one of the leading business schools in this part of the world within the shortest possible time in terms of rigour and uniqueness of curriculum and its delivery, range of facilities and most of all on the strength of an accomplished faculty.

Contract for printing SSLC question paper: Some documents forged, says police

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Kerala News, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch on Tuesday submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court here that some of the documents pertaining to the contract for printing question papers of the SSLC examination were found to be forged.

In an affidavit submitted along with the application seeking custody of Rajan Chacko and his wife Annamma Chacko alias Geetha, the Crime Branch also submitted that one more person was suspected to be involved in the case. This could be confirmed only after questioning Rajan Chacko and Geetha.

The affidavit said that the investigation had revealed that the printing of question paper was not carried out by the person to whom the contract was awarded.

Meanwhile, the application seeking the custody of Rajan Chacko and Geetha was posted for hearing on April 15. The bail pleas of Rajan Chacko, Geetha and Suresh Kumar were also posted by the CJM court for hearing on April 15.

Sources said that a decision on sending a team to Chennai for further probe would be taken only after questioning Chacko and Geetha, the third and fourth accused in the case who surrendered before the court on Monday. As reported by The New Indian Express

Exclusive biotech zone in Kochi

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is developing an exclusive zone for biotechnology in the state’s commercial capital of Kochi to make use of the immense bio-resources available here. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will lay the foundation stone for the biotechnology park to be set up by Kerala Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) on a 50-acre campus, 15km from the Cochin International Airport at a cost of Rs400m on April 16. The park will provide modules for R&D in biotechnology, pilot plant and a business enterprise zone (BEZ) comprising developed plots to be utilized for setting up of industrial units. A key component of the park would a Biotechnology Incubation Centre (BTIC) that would provide ready to use facilities for scaling up lab scale biotechnologies for production of plant based value added products / bio-molecules, biopharmaceuticals and immunodiagnostics.

Petrol retail outlets to remain shut on Apr 18

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
(PTI News) Kochi, : Petrol retail outlets in Kerala will down shutters from April 18 protesting against delay in revision of dealers commission on percentage basis.
The outlets will remain shut from April 17 midnight to April 18 midnight demanding, among other things, adequate dealer commission and uniform price of petroleum products all over the country.

The strike by the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders (AKFPT) is in response to the call given by the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) to observe a nation-wide strike in support of their demand for five per cent commission on the invoice purhcase price of the product which is at present 1.7 per cent for petrol and 1.4 per cent for diesel, Federation President, David T Mooken and Secretary, K C Philip, told a press conference here.

The Federation is also demanding temperature variation allowance, which was not being given despite the written commitment by the Oil industry, they said.

Variation of sales tax rate between neighbouring states results in inter-state smuggling of products and loss of sales to dealers in many places, Mooken said. Pti (Kerala News)

Rs 11 crore earmarked for IT multiplex in Corporation budget

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Rs 11 crore earmarked for IT multiplex in Corporation budget
Sunday, March 27, 2005

Kerala News, KOZHIKODE: The Corporation proposes to build a multicrore IT multiplex in the city which will house IT centres, guest houses, family entertainment centre and a commercial centre.

This is one among the new projects in Corporation budget for 2005-06 which was presented in the council meeting by the Deputy Mayor P.T. Abdul Latheef here on Saturday.

The multiplex is envisaged as the steady increase in the price of land has become an obstacle in the development project of the Corporation. The ICICI Kinfra will prepare the project report and bid document for the Rs 11-crore project.

Another proposal is the multilevel parking facility, which will address the parking woes. The project is planned at Palayam and near the Stadium where the Corporation has its own land.

The budget has allocated Rs 5 lakh for the initial work of converting the Palayam subway into a mini market. The Natpac has submitted a proposal in this regard.

Sanction from the National Highway authorities will be needed to start the work. An amount of Rs 207 lakh has been allocated for the construction of roads in the city.

The road near Mananchira Square will be declared the model road and Rs 25 lakh has been earmarked for the same. An amount of Rs 42 lakh has been allocated for the sector wise patchwork of roads.

An amount of Rs 999 lakh has been earmarked for the development of the Corporation Stadium. The second phase of work include installation of flood lights and synthetic track.

Chandy opens Kerala's third attestation centre

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Chandy opens Kerala's third attestation centre

(IANS News) Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday opened an attestation centre here for all those wanting to go to the Middle East for jobs.
The Kochi centre, which would attest education certificates, would be the third in the state after Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

"This new centre is going to be a great boon for all those people living in central Kerala. Hitherto, these people had to travel to Thiruvananthapuram for getting their certificates attested," said senior Congress leader M.M. Hassan.

Hassan is also chairperson of Roots-Norka, an autonomous body of the state government that looks after the welfare of non-resident Keralites (NRKs).

The centres, set up on behalf of the central ministry of human resource development, have saved people the bother of travelling all the way to New Delhi to get their certificates attested. (Kerala News)

Chandy cool, Karunakaran thinking

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Chandy cool, Karunakaran thinking
31 Hours,10 minutes Ago

Kerala News, Thiruvananthapuram,kerala - Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy seems unruffled by the latest developments in the state Congress party even as his arch-rival and former chief minister K. Karunakaran engaged in talks with aides.

Reacting to the expulsion of former state Congress president and Karunakaran's son K. Muraleedharan from the party Sunday and the possible threat of a new party by the father-son duo, Chandy said no true Congressman would leave the party.

"The proposed party by them is not going to affect the fortunes of the Congress party in any way. Can any worker (who has imbibed) the Congress culture leave this party? There is no threat from any quarter in the forthcoming local bodies' polls because the local bodies are the forte of many Congress workers," said Chandy to reporters at Kochi.

Karunakaran continued with several rounds of discussions with his aides and also with estranged United Democratic Front ally T.M. Jacob.

A few legislators belonging to his faction also arrived, so did middle-level Congress leaders from across the state.

Muraleedharan arrived from Kozhikode to a welcome by about 50 of his supporters at the railway station here.

The state secretariat witnessed a march, similar to a march Sunday, by close aides of Karunakaran shouting anti-Chandy slogans.

A meeting on Tuesday is expected to decide the future course of action.

Muraleedharan was Sunday expelled from the Congress for six years for continued anti-party activities. He had been suspended from the party last month.

Although the Congress has not taken any action against Karunakaran, the former chief minister has reacted angrily to Sunday's move and is expected to throw his lot with his beleaguered son.

"Everyone is watching to see what Karunakaran's game plans are," said a Congress source here.

Indo-Asian News Service

Chandy opens Kerala's third attestation centre

God blesses those who touch an elephant’s tail in Kerala!

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
God blesses those who touch an elephant’s tail in Kerala!

(ANI News) Thiruvanathpuram: In a rare kind of tradition in Kerala, devotees of Umayanellur temple in Kollam, raced after an elephant to touch its tail. They believe that this annual ritual is auspicious.
It’s been three to four years now that the temple is conducting this ritual. This unique ritual includes catching the running elephant’s tail.

The ritual is connected with the childhood activities of Lord Subramanium and Lord Ganapathi where Lord Murukan’s (Subramanian) hobby was to catch Ganapathi’s tale.

“It happens every year. Its been happening for 3 to 4 years now. This is related to the childhood games of lord Subramanium and Ganapati. Its a great pleasure for me to participate”, said Pushpanath.N, a participant.

“The myth behind the ritual is to remember the childhood days of lord Subramanian and Ganapthi. Large number of people witnesses the race every year. We have kept the sanctity of the temple also. Till now we have not received any news of accident during the ritual”, said Chandrababu .D, President of Festival Committe Umayanellur Temple.

Nobody knows when the ritual started but it is being followed by people, in which devotees of the Umayanellur Temple participating in the race, act as Lord Murukan and catch Ganapathi’s tail.

After the darshan, the elephant runs up to 600 metres from the temple and is followed by a large number of devotees, who try their best to catch the elephant’s tail. If one is able to touch the elephant’s tail then it is believed that he has got a gift from god. (Kerala News)

Karunakaran buys time, defers decision on split

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
Karunakaran buys time, defers decision on split

(ANI News) Thiruvananthapuram: Senior leader of the Congress and former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran, who was expected to announce a split in the Kerala unit of the Congress party today deferred the decision for sometime.
He said that a decision on the issue would be taken later this month.

The senior leader also refuted the rumours that there were some cracks in his faction. It was reported that her daughter Padmaja, was not ready to float a new party, which has been planned by his son Muraleedharan.

“No one needs to entertain any hope of creating divisions in my family. I will announce the final decision and all in the group will abide by that,” he said.

“Let me see how Congress in Kerala could be strengthened and led in the right direction,” he added.

Karunakaran earlier indicated that there would be a split in the party after his son, K Muraleedharan was expelled from the Congress on the grounds of anti-party activities.

“After consultation with party workers and supporters, I will announce the decision. The entire group would abide by that,” Karunakaran said today.

A meeting of the party was held today in the backdrop of the expulsion of Karunakaran's son and former KPCC President Muraleedharan from the Congress party.

It was decided that a decision would be taken in the meeting as to the veteran leader would stay in the Congress or not. While Muraleedharan is keen to split the party, Karunakaran wants to explore all possibilities.

“Let me make one thing very clear. As long as there is life in me, there is breath in me, I will not bow before such actions. I will go ahead with my people and workers and no one should have any doubts about that,” said Karunakaran, before the meeting.

Karunakaran is hopeful that in the event of split he will get the support of at least three factions of the Congress led ruling UDF, namely the Kerala Congress (Jacob), the Kerala Congress (B) and a faction of the RSP (B).

Former Ministers T M Jacob and R Balakrishna Pillai were dropped by Chief Minister Oomen Chandy from the Cabinet and now they have struck a common chord with Karunakaran.

It is understood that the presence of the three parties, which have just four MLAs, is crucial for any front during the elections.

“I met Karunakaran and we held discussions. He is planning to work out something. So we are waiting for it. Let us see what is going to happen in the Congress,” said T. M. Jacob, former Irrigation Minister.

Karunakaran supporters are also trying to approach the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) in this regard, but some constituents of LDF are quite sceptical about taking them in the front.

Karunakaran is facing one of the biggest challenges in his seven-decade-old political life and his decision is likely to reflect its acceptability in the Panchayat elections in September and Assembly elections next year. (Kerala News)

Babu Divakaran to float new party

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | APA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The RSP (B) faction led by Labour Minister Babu Divakaran has decided to float a new party.

Babu Divakaran told newsmen after the party leadership meeting here on Monday that the new party would be announced on April 15 after holding discussions with the feeder organisations.

Babu Divakaran was expelled from the party by the faction led by party general secretary A.V.Thamarakashan the other day.

Babu Divakaran said that his party would continue to be a partner in the UDF. Replying to queries, he said that he was not for a dispute with Thamarakshan. As reported by The New Indian Express

HC allows Coke to draw ground water

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
HC allows Coke to draw ground water
KOCHI April 8, 2005

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court permitted the Hindustan Coca Cola company to draw only five lakh litres of ground water per day for the year 2005-2006 to run its factory at Plachimada in Palakkad district taking into note the average rainfall.

The Bench, comprising Justices J B Koshy and KP Balachandran, observed that the Perumatty panchayat was not justified in not renewing licence to the company, even before a scientific assessment was made.

The Bench directed the Panchayat to renew licence of the factory if an application was made within two weeks.The Bench said the Panchayath would be free to assess the water consumption by the company without unduly interfering in its functioning.

The Bench directed the company also to involve in community development programmes, especially in drinking water supply on the supervision of the Panchayat.

The Bench issued these directives while disposing of the appeals filed by Hindustan Coca Cola company and the Perumatty Panchayat challenging the order of a single judge which had directed the company to stop excessive extraction of ground water and directing the Panchayat to renew the licence.

The Court said the findings of the single Judge were not precise and the follow up course suggested may not be practical. The conditions prescribed in the judgement were impossible, which could lead only to the establishment being closed down.

The Bench observed that the restrictions imposed on the company in taking ground water from its 34 acre premises in Moolathara village was not all reasonable. A water-based industry with huge investment has the right to draw water in reasonable limits without waiting for permission from the Panchayat and the government.The Court found that the report submitted by the expert committee after scientific study is fair, authentic, mature and therefore acceptable.

"Drying up of ordinary wells and tanks in the summer season was not a phenomenon specific to Plachimada. The very fact that the wells were drying up in summer at Plachimada not withstanding stoppage of exploitation of water after March 2004, and keeping the company's bore wells leads to the assumption that the apprehension against the drawal of water by the company was not true to factual situation,'' the Court said.

[Agency]

Nalini Netto new Chief Electoral Officer

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
Nalini Netto new Chief Electoral Officer
Thiruvananthapuram April 8, 2005

The Kerala Government today decided to appoint Nalini Netto as Chief Electoral Officer of the State.

This was announced by the Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, after a Cabinet meeting here today. He said Sarada Muraleedharan would be posted as Director, Modernising Government programme.

Pulse polio immunisation programme on April 10

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
Pulse polio immunisation programme on April 10
KOCHI April 8, 2005

The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the pulse polio immunisation programme to be held on April 10.

Around 2,032 booths will be set up to vaccinate 2,53,977 children below five years. As many as 4,064 volunteers and 204 supervisors will be deployed for the smooth conduct of the programme.

A district rally will be organised on that day to create awareness among the masses. Sebastian Paul MP will flag off the rally from the KSRTC bus station.

Malliyoor temple fete begins

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
Malliyoor temple fete begins
KOTTAYAM April 8, 2005

The annual festival at the famous Malliyoor Sree Mahaganapathy temple began on Thursday. Tantric chief Manayathattillathu Aryan Nampoothiri lead the flag hoisting ceremonies.

The festivities will come to a close on April 14 with arattu.

SSLC exams not to be cancelled: CM

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
SSLC exams not to be cancelled: CM
Thiruvananthapuram April 7, 2005

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the recently held SSLC exams would not be cancelled.

Briefing newspersons after the cabinet meeting, Oommen Chandy said the accused in the question paper leak case will be punished severely and the government will try to correct the mistakes.

"The Crime Branch of the Kerala Police is doing a good job in the probe. There is no need for an investigation into the affair by a special team," Chief Minister said.

Regarding the agitation by traders against the implementation of Value Added Tax, the Chief Minister said he is willing to hold discussion with the traders on the issue. He said the government had only an open mind to discuss any problem faced by them.

On the rehabilitation of the tsunami hit people, CM said houses had already been constructed for the victims in the Edavanakkad panchayat of Ernakulam district.

All disputes regarding the rehabilitation had been settled at an all party meeting convened by the government recently and house construction for the victims would go ahead as per schedule.

"An aid of Rs 25,000 will be given to the Keralites who were recently released from Pakistan jail," he added.

HC criticises police for failing to trace girl

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
The Kerala High Court criticised the police for their inability to trace a 14-year-old girl, who was kidnapped by some persons promising her a role in TV serials.

A Division Bench comprising Justices B Koshy and M Sasidharan Nambiar said it was a pity that the police had been unable to find the girl so far. The Court directed the Director-General of Police to entrust the investigation to a competent team and produce the girl within a week before the Court.

The Bench issued the order while considering a habeas corpus writ petition filed by one Anandan of Ollur, whose daughter was kidnapped.In the writ petition, Anandan alleged that the police were colluding with the culprits.

Balakrishnan Mangadu passes away

Friday, April 8, 2005 | APA
Balakrishnan Mangadu passes away
Thiruvananthapuram April 7, 2005

Well-known journalist Balakrishnan Mangadu passed away at the RCC Hospital here today. He was 58.

Hailing from Mangadu in Kasargod district, Balakrishnan was the Chennai bureau chief of Malayala Manorama till recently. He was a social activist.

Balakrishnan has authored a number of novels, short stories and poems. He wrote many scripts for movies.

Balakrishnan leaves behind wife Sushama, son Prasoon and daughter Priya.

First Russian chartered flight arrives

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
The first chartered flight in this year from Russia to God's Own Country arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The 62 odd tourists landed in an IL-86 Aircraft of the Russian airline company Pulkovo. Travelers from different walks of life including businessmen, doctors and academicians were in the team. The team also included leading tour operators from Russia and CIS countries. The tourists visited hill stations, backwaters, beach resorts, historical monuments and several other places of interest. The tour operators were given a familiarisation trip. Another chartered flight with Russian tourists from St. Petersburg would arrive on April 29.

Eco- tourism experience for youth

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
The country's first planned eco- tourism destination has become a most sought after destination for travelers and students alike. Recently, the members of the eco- tourism club under the NCC unit of the Government Victoria College, Palakkad had a two- day visit at the Thenmala forests. The team comprising fifty- two cadets was in Thenmala as part of their adventure-training programme organised in assitance with the Thenmala Eco- tourism Promotion Society and the Shenduruney Wildlife Centre. The cadets had classes on wildlife, importance of eco- tourism and preservation of nature. The cadets also had a 20-km trekking at Thenmala.

Circuit Tourism Project to link pilgrim centres: Minister for Tourism

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
The State Government is planning a circuit tourism project linking major pilgrim centres in the State, Mr. K. C. Venugopal, Minister for Tourism, informed the State Assembly. Discussions in this regard would be held with the ministry of transport. The proposed project would also include Bekal. The minister also disclosed that if land is available, the tourism department is ready to set up a complex at Sabarimala. In another scheme the sacred groves in the Malabar area would be preserved. The State Archaeology Department is carrying out the renovation works of the temples preserving the traditional architecture. In the discussions followed the Minister allayed the fears that pilgrim centres are being developed as tourist destinations. He categorically stated that the department's aim is to help the pilgrims through developing the infrastructure and transport facilities. In such development programmes lack of sufficient land is a major problem and the temple committees should provide this, the minister said.

Russian team explores trade possibilities in Kerala

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
A team of officials from the Russian Health Ministry visited the State to explore the possibilities of co- operation in the field of Ayurveda. Mr. Youry Petrov, Chief of foreign relations in the Department of Public Health said that Russia plans to have integration with Ayurveda centres in the State. As part of the programme, Ayurveda centres would be opened in St. Petersburg, which would also serve as referral centres to Kerala's Ayurvedic centres. Another team consisting of thirty doctors would visit Kerala to have more interactions.

Kerala's Ayurveda attracts large crowds at ITB-2005

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Huge visitor turnout, a large number of trade enquiries and high-profile meetings marked Kerala Tourism's participation at the Internationale Tourismus - Borse (ITB), that concluded in Berlin.

With a first-hand experience of Ayurveda offered at the Ayurveda Foot Massage Counter and a live demonstration of Kathakali, Kerala Tourism's pavilion was a major crowd-puller. Built around the theme, Ayurveda, the pavilion also showcased the ‘ancient science of natural healing, practised to perfection in Kerala' through brochures, leaflets etc.

“ITB is a major platform for Kerala to showcase itself to the world. It is the growing popularity of Ayurveda in this part of the world that inspired us to centre the Kerala Pavilion around the theme. The overwhelming response we've received here is a pointer that our strategy of focusing on Ayurveda in the German market is working exceptionally well,” said Mr. K C Venugopal, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

The Kerala Tourism delegation also included Mr. E. K. Bharat Bhushan, Principal Secretary, Tourism. With a record 25 trade participants like cgh earth, Kerala Travels, Pioneer Travels, Poovar Island Resort, Holiday at Kerala, Kumarakom Lake Resort etc., Kerala was the biggest represented State from India.

A meeting of Kerala Tourism officials with Ms. Alexandra O' Donnel, publisher of Conde Nast Traveler, the world's leading travel magazine, turned out to be a high point for the State. The Conde Nast team will soon visit Kerala to do a story on the heritage sites of the State, that are being conserved and preserved by Kerala Tourism. Meetings were also held with representatives from other leading publications like Travel & Leisure, Vanity Fair and Touristik Reporter.

The ITB, held every year in March, is the largest travel trade show in the world, attracting high-ranking professionals with decision-making powers and witnessing the participation of every sector of the worldwide tourism industry. Exhibitors at the show include government offices, national and regional tourism organisations, tour operators, hotels, airline carriers, insurance companies, communication and information systems, travel agencies etc. from around the world. Kerala has been an increasingly dominant participant at ITB's India pavilion across the past 15 years.

State Assembly approves Tourism Bill

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
The State Assembly passed a bill intended to protect and safeguard the tourism industry. The Kerala Tourism (Conservation and Preservation of Areas) Bill empowers the Government to declare tourism potential places as Special Tourism Zones. According to this the Government can declare such places as Special Zones through a Gazette notification. A Tourism Conservation and Preservation Committee would be formed and all development works in the zone should adhere to the guidelines issued by the committee. The Tourism Secretary (Chairman), Secretary, Local- Self government, Director, Department of Tourism (Convener), Director of Archaeology Department and Chief Town planner are the members of the committee. The Chairman can also include the President/ Chairperson of local self- government bodies of the places concerned and the District Town Planner in the committee.

The Minister for Tourism also informed the Assembly that the Tourism department has devised a project to renovate important monuments.

'My Village, Tourism Friendly Village' project in 100 panchayats

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
‘My Village, Tourism Friendly Village' an innovative tourism project would be introduced in hundred selected panchayats in the State, the Minister for Tourism, Mr. K. C. Venugopal said in the State Assembly. The project include identifying the tourism potential centres, development of basic infrastructure facilities and project implementation. The government would provide an amount to a maximum of 1 million for such a project. Under a Heritage preservation project costing Rs. 250 million, the Kannur Fort, Hill Palace Museum at Thripunithura, the Asramom Grounds and guest house at Kollam would be developed. Eco-tourism projects would be implemented at Pathiramanal, Parambikkulam, Chimminy and Nelliyampathy. Single window clearance facility would be introduced for issuing houseboat licenses. An ‘Auto travel friends' project participating auto and taxi drivers would be introduced through the Kerala Institute for Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS). Drivers would be provided with identification cards and stickers would be given for taxis. Tourism Master plans would be prepared for all districts in the State. Sanction has been given to the Rs. 220 million drinking water project in Kovalam and also to the Rs. 720 million Handicrafts village project. Infrastructure facilities would be developed in Sabarimala and Guruvayoor. The Minister was replying to questions in the State Assembly.

Kerala Governor, CM mourn Pope's death

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Kerala Governor, CM mourn Pope's death
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4, 2005

Kerala Governor R L Bhatia, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his Cabinet colleagues were among those who today mourned the death of Pope John Paul II.

In a message here, Bhatia said ''I deeply mourn the passing away of Pope John Paul II, the Holy Father of millions of Catholics across the globe.'' ''One of the long serving and most popular pontiffs ever, he was a much-revered spiritual leader who strove for peace and harmony among different nations. His contributions towards building a world on love and mutual trust shall ever be remembered,'' he added.

In a message, the Chief Minister, while recollecting the pontiff's visit to the state in 1986, pointed out that he raised his voice for the common man comprising farmers and labourers.

The Pope, who stood for social justice, had warned that globalisation would adversly affect the Third World countries. He also told the developed nations that they had the moral responsibility to help the developing nations to tide over their financial crisis.

Speaker Therambil Ramakrishnan, Revenue Minister K M Mani, Local Administration Minister Kutty Ahmed Kutty, Tourism Minister K C Venugopal, Health Minister K K Ramachandran Master, Education Minister E T Mohammed Basheer, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Adoor Prakash and Cultural Affairs Minister A P Anilkumar were among those who condoled the pontiff's death.

[Agency]

Mar Vithayathil off to Rome

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Mar Vithayathil off to Rome
KOCHI, April 4, 2005

Cardinal Varkey Mar Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, proceeded to Rome today morning to take part in the funeral rites of Pope John Paul II who passed away on Saturday night.

Mar Vithayathil is also a member of the electoral college of Cardinals who select the new Pope.

Mayors' meet begins in Kochi

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Mayors' meet begins in Kochi
Kochi, April 2, 2005

The World Mayors' conference on millennium development goals and the role of cities began here today.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs inaugurated the conference.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presided over the meeting.

R.S. Chavan, director-general, All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG); S.C. Rai, Mayor of Lucknow and chairman of All India Council of Mayors; J.V. Modi, president, AIILSG; Maxine Olson, UN Resident Coordinator and Resident representative United Nations Development Programme, India, and Chitra Chopra, secretary, Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation attended the inaugural session.

Gayoom visits Technopark, holds talks with IT officials

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Gayoom visits Technopark, holds talks with IT officials
Thiruvananthapuram, April 2, 2005

Expressing keen interest in Information Technology, Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom today visited the Technopark here and explored the vast opportunities in the sector.

He also visited the campuses of Infosys and US Software, two major companies housed in the country's first technology park.

India's achievements in the IT sector were commendable, he said, while addressing staff members of Infosys.

Technopark Chief Executive Officer V J Jayakumar told newspersons that the Technopark had offered consultancy to set up a similar facility in the tropical Indian Ocean archipelago. State IT Secretary P H Kurian chaired a meeting and a powerpoint presentation with the Maldivian delegation.

Spread over 156 acres, Technopark hosts over 55 IT and ITES companies, employing more than 5000 IT Professionals. The select list of companies working at Technopark include Ernst and Young Middle East, Tata Elxsi, US Software, Infosys, Network Systems and Technologies, IBS, Hays BPO, Suntec, IVL, and Toonz.

Karunakaran faction demands revocation of Murali's suspension

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
Karunakaran faction demands revocation of Murali's suspension
Kochi, April 4, 2005

The leaders of the Karunakaran faction in the Congress in Kerala today urged the High Command to revoke the suspension on some of its group leaders, including former PCC chief K Muraleedharan, before the scheduled organisational polls in the state.

At a meeting with Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, who is also the chairman of the party's central election committee, here today, the leaders also wanted 14 central observers, apart from the governing officers, to be appointed to ensure fair and free polls in the faction-ridden PCC unit.

Briefing newspersons after the meeting, P Sankaran said they had apprised the Fernandes about some urgent steps to be taken ahead of the organisational elections.

The faction also demanded that the present PCC office-bearers be kept away from the charge of handling elections or related measures and time be given to rectify the voters' list, if any.

While puting the matter of suspension beyond his jurisdiction, Fernandes had assured to hold free and fair elections as always demanded by the group, Sankaran disclosed.

The leaders included five MLAs -- E M Augasthy, P Sankaran, M A Chandrasekharan, D Sugathan and P P George -- among others.

[Agency]

India crush Pakistan in first one-dayer at Kochi

Monday, April 4, 2005 | APA
India bounced back from the numbing Bangalore Test loss to thrash Pakistan by 87 runs in the first cricket one-day international here today, recording their first ODI win against their arch-rivals at home since their famous World Cup victory in 1996.

The Indians put up a commanding all-round performance with Virender Sehwag and Rahul blasting centuries to propel them to a challenging 281 for eight before Sachin Tendulkar picked up his second five-wicket haul to skittle out the visitors for 194 with nearly five overs to spare.

It was not a convincing batting display with captain Sourav Ganguly's first ball dismissal being a black spot in the bright glow and the failure of the middle order resulting in a scoreline significantly less than the hosts would have settled for on a benign pitch.

But Tendulkar's star turn with the ball, five for 50, combined with the Pakistani batsmen's reluctance to apply themselves gave the hosts a facile victory at the packed Jawarharlal Nehru stadium.

Incidentally, Tendulkar had grabbed his first five-for also at the same venue, a match winning 5-32 against the Australians in 1998.

The victory also helped India narrow their win-loss record against Pakistan at home to 5-11 and buck the sequence of four consecutive ODI defeats.

[Agency]

India Pak Live Scorecard: India 281; Pak 86/4 at 20 overs

Saturday, April 2, 2005 | APA
Pakistan in India, 2004-05, 1st One-Day International
India v Pakistan
Nehru Stadium, Kochi
2 April 2005 (50-over match)

Result:
Series:

Toss: India
Umpires: BF Bowden (NZ) and AV Jayaprakash
TV Umpire: I Shivram
Match Referee: BC Broad (Eng)
Man of the Match:

India innings (50 overs maximum) R B 4 6
V Sehwag b Abdul Razzaq 108 95 9 3
SR Tendulkar c Yousuf Youhana b Naved-ul-Hasan 4 4 1 0
*SC Ganguly b Naved-ul-Hasan 0 1 0 0
R Dravid run out (Mohammad Sami) 104 139 6 0
Yuvraj Singh c Salman Butt b Arshad Khan 16 22 2 0
M Kaif c Shahid Afridi b Arshad Khan 7 15 0 0
+MS Dhoni c Naved-ul-Hasan b Arshad Khan 3 7 0 0
Harbhajan Singh not out 14 13 0 1
L Balaji b Arshad Khan 0 2 0 0
Z Khan not out 2 3 0 0
Extras (b 4, lb 5, w 13, nb 1) 23
Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) 281

DNB: A Nehra.

FoW: 1-4 (Tendulkar, 1.4 ov), 2-4 (Ganguly, 1.5 ov),
3-205 (Sehwag, 35.1 ov), 4-241 (Yuvraj Singh, 40.6 ov),
5-255 (Kaif, 44.6 ov), 6-260 (Dhoni, 46.3 ov),
7-265 (Dravid, 47.4 ov), 8-269 (Balaji, 48.5 ov).

Bowling O M R W
Mohammad Sami 8 1 42 0 (3w)
Naved-ul-Hasan 8 0 38 2 (1nb, 2w)
Abdul Razzaq 8.3 1 50 1 (1w)
Shahid Afridi 10 0 50 0 (1w)
Mohammad Hafeez 9.3 0 59 0
Arshad Khan 6 0 33 4 (2w)

Pakistan innings (target: 282 runs from 50 overs) R B 4 6
Salman Butt c Ganguly b Nehra 26 28 5 0
+Kamran Akmal c Sehwag b Balaji 17 17 3 0
Shoaib Malik c Yuvraj Singh b Balaji 4 5 1 0
Yousuf Youhana c & b Khan 0 8 0 0
*Inzamam-ul-Haq not out 26 43 4 0
Mohammad Hafeez not out 6 24 1 0
Extras (lb 1, w 3, nb 3) 7
Total (4 wickets, 20.3 overs) 86

To Bat: Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Arshad Khan,
Naved-ul-Hasan.

FoW: 1-45 (Kamran Akmal, 6.3 ov), 2-49 (Salman Butt, 7.6 ov),
3-49 (Shoaib Malik, 8.2 ov), 4-64 (Yousuf Youhana, 12.1 ov).

Bowling O M R W
Balaji 6 0 32 2 (2nb, 1w)
Khan 6 2 22 1
Nehra 6 2 22 1 (2w)
Harbhajan Singh 1.3 0 3 0
Tendulkar 1 0 6 0 (1nb)

# Main Scoreboard and Commentary

* India 50 in 11.1 overs
* India 100 in 21.5 overs
* Sehwag 50 in 55 balls, 6x4
* Dravid 50 in 80 balls, 4x4
* India 150 in 27.2 overs
* Sehwag 100 in 84 balls, 9x4, 3x6
* India 200 in 33.5 overs
* India 250 in 42.6 overs
* Pakistan 50 in 8.6 overs

Explosive contest on cards in Kochi

Friday, April 1, 2005 | APA
KOCHI, (UNI)

There seems to be many a slip between the cup and the lip for the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian team.

For having missed lifting the TVS cup in which they allowed Pakistan to share after leading 1-0 in the three-test series, India will be going into the first of the six match one-day series here tomorrow for the Pepsi Cup under pressure.

And arguably as the underdogs as Pakistan who are cock-a-hoop, also have history behind them, having defeated India in the last four one-dayers prior to this explosive contest to be in the 80,000 capacity Nehru stadium here.

And the ''Yagna'' which is one of the three events slated for tomorrow along with this match, could not have come in at a more appropriate time. The other big event is the world mayor's conference.

Saurav Ganguly and his team need all the prayers if they are to salvage pride by winning the One-day series.

Totally off form, the match on the morrow is also an important one for the Indian skipper, who is hoping to regain his form with an important or decisive knock with the bat.

Also ''Dada'', as he is fondly called by his teammates, Sourav is on the threshold of a milestone in One-day cricket. He is approaching the coveted 10,000-run mark having scored 9,936 runs in 267 matches, with 22 hundrds and 59 half centuries.

Only two batsmen in the world, Sachin Tendulkar (13,497 runs) and Inzamam-ul-haq (10,631 runs), have scored 10,000 plus runs in the one-dayers.

India will most probably be playing three seamers and a spinner.

As coach John Wright put it, the team will be relying on the bowling abilities of Sachin Tendulkar, Dinesh Mongia, a left armer and Yuvraj Singh.

Sachin has happy memories of carving out a splendid win for India against the Aussies at this ground in 1998, the first ODI hosted by Kochi when this stadium was built essentially for football.

This is a must-win situation for India, as both Sourav and Wright opined.

From the Test squad, opener Gautam Gambhir, Anil Kumble, V V S Laxman and wicket-keeper Dinesh Kaarthick were dropped and they were replaced by Md Kaif, left arm spinner Murali Karthick, south paw Dinesh Mongia and stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The capacity crowd, will also be looking for fireworks from Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster.

Even as Sourav and his men were sweating it out at the nets, in two sessions, one last evening and another this morning, the Inzamam-ul-Haq led Pakistan were confidence personified with history of 58 wins out of the 95 One-Day internationals, the two countries have played so far since 1978-79. India have won 33, while four matches ended without a result.

However Pakistan, as Inzamam put it, are not over confident. As Indian coach John Wright put it, he foresees a tough One Day series too. ''It is good to see that Pakistan are being seen as the favourites'', he opined.

From the squad which played in the three test matches, Pakistan have made four changes. They have dropped star pace bowler, whom the Indian fans missed in the tests, Shoaib Akhtar again on fitness grounds, openers Yasir Hamed and Taufeq Umar and left arm paceman Mohammad Khalil.

In their place, they were replaced by off-spinner Mohamma Hafeez and medium pacers Shahid Nazir and Rao Iftikhar Anjum. The pace-spin balance would prove crucial for Pakistan too.

The pitch, according to curator Kasturi Rangan, a veteran in the job, will be a typical One-Day batting strip but the toss will prove crucial, he said.

A very tight security cordon has been thrown around the stadium with 20,000 police personnel deployed.

Before this match, Kochi had hosted one-dayers against Australia in April 1998, against South Africa in March 2000 and against Zimbabwe in March 2002. India had beaten Australia and South Africa but had lost to Zimbabwe here.

But India's Md Kaif would be going into the match with happy memories of his scintillating knock of 56 against Zimbabwe, albeit his showing not proving to be decisive for India.

The Day match will be played from 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs.

Traders stir enters third day

Friday, April 1, 2005 | APA
Thiruvananthapuram: Thousands of traders from different parts of Kerala blockaded the Government Secretriat as part of their protest against introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) which affected trade and business activities for the third day on Friday.

Both whole-sellers and retailers downed their shutters across the state for the third consecutive day to push their demand as the new tax regime came into force on Friday.

Protesters under the banner of "Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samititi" squatted on the roads around the secretariat disrupting the traffic during the rush of hour of the day. They blockaded the three main gates of the complex but police kept them off the Cantonment Gate through which the ministers and officials enter the secretariat complex. No violence was reported in connection with the protest, police sources said.

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