Three dead as under-construction bridge collapses in Mumbai

  MUMBAI: Three persons were killed late Wednesday night while several others injured after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed near the international airport here, officials said.

The injured were admitted to Cooper Hospital and Desai Hospital, they said.

Eight fire tenders and four ambulances have been rushed to the spot and rescue operations are underway, they said.

The officials said that those trapped beneath the debris are mostly workers.

The reason behind the collapse was being probed, they said.

   

Three dead as under-construction bridge collapses in Mumbai

  MUMBAI: Three persons were killed late Wednesday night while several others injured after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed near the international airport here, officials said.

The injured were admitted to Cooper Hospital and Desai Hospital, they said.

Eight fire tenders and four ambulances have been rushed to the spot and rescue operations are underway, they said.

The officials said that those trapped beneath the debris are mostly workers.

The reason behind the collapse was being probed, they said.

   

Former MLA K K Nair passes away

PATHANAMTHITTA: Former MLA K K Nair (82) died early Thursday morning following a brief illness. He was a bachelor. He represented Pathanamthitta Assembly Constituency seven times till 2006. Starting political life through Left Movement, he contested as independent candidate with Marxist support and twice succeeded till 1980. Then in 1980, he contested as an independent and succeeded. During 1982, 1987, 1991 and 1996 he contested and succeeded as UDF Candidate. He played a unique role in the formation of Pathanamthitta District in 1982. He was actively associated with Trade Union and Socio-cultural activities. He unsuccessfully contested once in Lok Sabha in 2009 as BSP Candidate. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 1400 hrs, his family sources said.

  

Seven killed in Jharkhand road accident

RANCHI: At least seven labourers were killed and more than 20 injured Thursday when the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in lost control over it and hit a tree in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, police said.

Around 35 labourers were coming to Hazaribagh district from Barkagao village for work. The driver of the vehicle lost control over it near Konar bridge, which is around 130 km from here, and hit a roadside tree.

Seven labourers died on the spot and more than 20 were injured. The condition of seven injured is stated to be critical, said a police officer.

Seven killed in Jharkhand road accident

RANCHI: At least seven labourers were killed and more than 20 injured Thursday when the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in lost control over it and hit a tree in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, police said.

Around 35 labourers were coming to Hazaribagh district from Barkagao village for work. The driver of the vehicle lost control over it near Konar bridge, which is around 130 km from here, and hit a roadside tree.

Seven labourers died on the spot and more than 20 were injured. The condition of seven injured is stated to be critical, said a police officer.

Former MLA K K Nair passes away

PATHANAMTHITTA: Former MLA K K Nair (82) died early Thursday morning following a brief illness. He was a bachelor. He represented Pathanamthitta Assembly Constituency seven times till 2006. Starting political life through Left Movement, he contested as independent candidate with Marxist support and twice succeeded till 1980. Then in 1980, he contested as an independent and succeeded. During 1982, 1987, 1991 and 1996 he contested and succeeded as UDF Candidate. He played a unique role in the formation of Pathanamthitta District in 1982. He was actively associated with Trade Union and Socio-cultural activities. He unsuccessfully contested once in Lok Sabha in 2009 as BSP Candidate. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 1400 hrs, his family sources said.

  

Women legislators storm speaker's podium

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four women legislators Thursday stormed to the Kerala speaker's podium during an assembly session, demanding action against police officials who they alleged assaulted two opposition MLAs outside the assembly Wednesday. Opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislators K K Lathika, K S Saleekha, P Aisha Potti and Janata Dal (Secular)'s Jameela Prakasam made a dash towards Speaker G Karthikeyan's podium demanding suspension of the police officials for their alleged action. They made the move after expressing dissatisfaction over Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's proposal to sit and watch the visuals of the incident. The speaker was forced to call the watch and ward staff to control the agitated legislator and quickly completed the listed business before adjourning the house for the day. "Additional Director General of Police A Hemachandran has submitted a report on what happened yesterday (Wednesday). The report states that there is no evidence that the two women legislators were roughed up by the police. "Moreover, the legislators are unable to identify who roughed them up. Hence, the government has decided to order a judicial probe into the allegations," the chief minister said. Chandy added: "We cannot suspend police officials without any evidence. We will wait for the judicial probe report." CPI MLAs K S Bijimol and Geetha Gopi were allegedly roughed up Wednesday during a protest demanding a new probe into the allegations raised by the Suryanelli sex scandal victim that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien had exploited her 17 years ago. "We met the two legislators who were admitted to the Medical College hospital here and are in pain following the assault by police. "Bijimol's 'mangalsutra' was snatched in the melee. Police should have not treated legislators, especially women, in this manner. The police officials responsible for the assault should be suspended. We accept the judicial probe into the incident," CPI-M Politburo member V S Achuthanandan said.

Women legislators storm speaker's podium

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four women legislators Thursday stormed to the Kerala speaker's podium during an assembly session, demanding action against police officials who they alleged assaulted two opposition MLAs outside the assembly Wednesday. Opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislators K K Lathika, K S Saleekha, P Aisha Potti and Janata Dal (Secular)'s Jameela Prakasam made a dash towards Speaker G Karthikeyan's podium demanding suspension of the police officials for their alleged action. They made the move after expressing dissatisfaction over Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's proposal to sit and watch the visuals of the incident. The speaker was forced to call the watch and ward staff to control the agitated legislator and quickly completed the listed business before adjourning the house for the day. "Additional Director General of Police A Hemachandran has submitted a report on what happened yesterday (Wednesday). The report states that there is no evidence that the two women legislators were roughed up by the police. "Moreover, the legislators are unable to identify who roughed them up. Hence, the government has decided to order a judicial probe into the allegations," the chief minister said. Chandy added: "We cannot suspend police officials without any evidence. We will wait for the judicial probe report." CPI MLAs K S Bijimol and Geetha Gopi were allegedly roughed up Wednesday during a protest demanding a new probe into the allegations raised by the Suryanelli sex scandal victim that Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien had exploited her 17 years ago. "We met the two legislators who were admitted to the Medical College hospital here and are in pain following the assault by police. "Bijimol's 'mangalsutra' was snatched in the melee. Police should have not treated legislators, especially women, in this manner. The police officials responsible for the assault should be suspended. We accept the judicial probe into the incident," CPI-M Politburo member V S Achuthanandan said.

SC says ‘no’ on counting heads in schools

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Wednesday imposed a stay on the Kerala High Court order entrusting police to count the number of heads in schools.

The High Court had ordered the police to count the heads to examine whether other names has been included in the register.

Instead of counting the heads, the Supreme Court asked to make use of documents like Aadhar.

SC says ‘no’ on counting heads in schools

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Wednesday imposed a stay on the Kerala High Court order entrusting police to count the number of heads in schools.

The High Court had ordered the police to count the heads to examine whether other names has been included in the register.

Instead of counting the heads, the Supreme Court asked to make use of documents like Aadhar.

Miscreants throw stones, footwear at Khusbhoo

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI: Actress and DMK leader Khushboo Thursday escaped unhurt when some unidentified persons threw stones and footwear at her while she was coming out of a hotel here, police said.

The miscreants shouted slogans, 'Khushboo is anti-DMK, anti-Stalin (party chief M Karunanidhi's son)' before fleeing the spot, police sources said.

Khushboo was here to attend the wedding of DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi N Siva's daughter, where Karunanidhi and Stalin were also present.

Miscreants throw stones, footwear at Khusbhoo

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI: Actress and DMK leader Khushboo Thursday escaped unhurt when some unidentified persons threw stones and footwear at her while she was coming out of a hotel here, police said.

The miscreants shouted slogans, 'Khushboo is anti-DMK, anti-Stalin (party chief M Karunanidhi's son)' before fleeing the spot, police sources said.

Khushboo was here to attend the wedding of DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi N Siva's daughter, where Karunanidhi and Stalin were also present.

High command to examine allegation against Kurien

NEW DELHI: High command will examine the allegation leveled against Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien in the Suryanelli case. Party spokesperson Rasheed Alvi said a decision will be taken soon on the issue. 

Rasheed said law is the same for everyone and it will take its own course. Reinvestigating the case will be as per the directive of the c ourt, he said.

High command to examine allegation against Kurien

NEW DELHI: High command will examine the allegation leveled against Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien in the Suryanelli case. Party spokesperson Rasheed Alvi said a decision will be taken soon on the issue. 

Rasheed said law is the same for everyone and it will take its own course. Reinvestigating the case will be as per the directive of the c ourt, he said.

Kerry reaffirms commitment to US-India strategic dialogue

Washington: The new US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid have expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening the US-India strategic dialogue mechanism.

In a phone call Tuesday with Khurshid, the two underscored the vital importance of the US-Indian relationship, 'and cooperating closely not only on bilateral issues but on regional issues and on global issues that we work on together', State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Wednesday.

'They also both expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening the US-India Strategic Dialogue mechanism,' she said noting that this has become the regular mechanism of bringing officials across the two

governments together every year.

Launched in 2010 by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then external affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, it is the highest-level, regularly scheduled bilateral exchange between the two counties. The third dialogue in the series was held last June 13 in Washington.

Kerry, Nuland said also thanked Khurshid for India's continued assistance to Afghanistan and affirmed the US desire to continue collaborating with India on regional issues.

Asked if Kerry would be travelling to New Delhi for the next round of India-US Strategic Dialogue scheduled for June, the spokesperson said she didn't have any travel plans for now but 'obviously, there will be a good relationship, they'll see each other'.

'I cannot imagine that during the time he's Secretary of State, he will never go to India. I think we will figure it out,' Nuland said. 

Kerry reaffirms commitment to US-India strategic dialogue

Washington: The new US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid have expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening the US-India strategic dialogue mechanism.

In a phone call Tuesday with Khurshid, the two underscored the vital importance of the US-Indian relationship, 'and cooperating closely not only on bilateral issues but on regional issues and on global issues that we work on together', State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Wednesday.

'They also both expressed their commitment to continuing and strengthening the US-India Strategic Dialogue mechanism,' she said noting that this has become the regular mechanism of bringing officials across the two

governments together every year.

Launched in 2010 by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then external affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, it is the highest-level, regularly scheduled bilateral exchange between the two counties. The third dialogue in the series was held last June 13 in Washington.

Kerry, Nuland said also thanked Khurshid for India's continued assistance to Afghanistan and affirmed the US desire to continue collaborating with India on regional issues.

Asked if Kerry would be travelling to New Delhi for the next round of India-US Strategic Dialogue scheduled for June, the spokesperson said she didn't have any travel plans for now but 'obviously, there will be a good relationship, they'll see each other'.

'I cannot imagine that during the time he's Secretary of State, he will never go to India. I think we will figure it out,' Nuland said. 

'Be careful when surfing the web'

Berlin: Computer experts from Germany have warned people to be more careful while surfing the internet as malicious programs called 'drive-by downloads' can be downloaded unintentionally when users visit 'manipulated websites'.

Currently the biggest threat was the so-called 'drive-by downloads', according to the German Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media or Bitkom.

'Cyber criminals are operating in increasingly sophisticated ways,' said Bitkom president Dieter Kempf.

'Drive-by downloads' are particularly insidious because they are hard to recognise. Just a visit to a manipulated website is sufficient to make a personal computer vulnerable to attack.

Other important items in a list of internet threats are so-called worms and Trojans, followed by attacks on databases and web applications.

The Hasso Plattner Institute for Software Systems Engineering (HPI) called on internet users to be more careful in their choice of passwords.

Almost one in three people choose a sequence of six or fewer characters.

Short and simple words are also popular, criticised HPI Director Christoph Meinel.

However, these fall far short of providing secure access protection.

Around half of internet users also have the same or a similar password for multiple pages.

The HPI recommends a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

Terms that are in the dictionary, as well as names and dates of birth, should be avoided.

'Be careful when surfing the web'

Berlin: Computer experts from Germany have warned people to be more careful while surfing the internet as malicious programs called 'drive-by downloads' can be downloaded unintentionally when users visit 'manipulated websites'.

Currently the biggest threat was the so-called 'drive-by downloads', according to the German Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media or Bitkom.

'Cyber criminals are operating in increasingly sophisticated ways,' said Bitkom president Dieter Kempf.

'Drive-by downloads' are particularly insidious because they are hard to recognise. Just a visit to a manipulated website is sufficient to make a personal computer vulnerable to attack.

Other important items in a list of internet threats are so-called worms and Trojans, followed by attacks on databases and web applications.

The Hasso Plattner Institute for Software Systems Engineering (HPI) called on internet users to be more careful in their choice of passwords.

Almost one in three people choose a sequence of six or fewer characters.

Short and simple words are also popular, criticised HPI Director Christoph Meinel.

However, these fall far short of providing secure access protection.

Around half of internet users also have the same or a similar password for multiple pages.

The HPI recommends a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

Terms that are in the dictionary, as well as names and dates of birth, should be avoided.

Excess sugar bad for heart

Los Angeles: Too much of sugar can be bad for the heart in the long run, according to a study by American researchers.

Sucrose a type of sugar found in sweetened beverage, has been shown to cause type 2 diabetes in fruit flies which leads to heart malfunctions, said the study by scientists at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, La Jolla, California.

The fruit flies (established models for studying human health and disease), which were kept on a high sucrose diet developed diabetes type 2 characterised by symptoms like high blood sugar and insulin signalling defects, the journal PLoS Genetics reports.

The group also detected signs of diabetes-induced heart malfunction like deteriorating heart function, cardiac arrhythmia and fibrosis.

Further, the scientists were also able to zero in on the biochemical reactions responsible for the negative effect of sucrose on the heart -- the hexosamine pathway -- which provides a tool for therapy, according to Science Daily.

'Diet-induced heart damage is one of our society's most serious health issues. Our flies now give us a tool to explore the role of high dietary sugar, and the means to identify treatments in the context of the whole body,' said Ross Cagan, PhD, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a senior author of the study.

Excess sugar bad for heart

Los Angeles: Too much of sugar can be bad for the heart in the long run, according to a study by American researchers.

Sucrose a type of sugar found in sweetened beverage, has been shown to cause type 2 diabetes in fruit flies which leads to heart malfunctions, said the study by scientists at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, La Jolla, California.

The fruit flies (established models for studying human health and disease), which were kept on a high sucrose diet developed diabetes type 2 characterised by symptoms like high blood sugar and insulin signalling defects, the journal PLoS Genetics reports.

The group also detected signs of diabetes-induced heart malfunction like deteriorating heart function, cardiac arrhythmia and fibrosis.

Further, the scientists were also able to zero in on the biochemical reactions responsible for the negative effect of sucrose on the heart -- the hexosamine pathway -- which provides a tool for therapy, according to Science Daily.

'Diet-induced heart damage is one of our society's most serious health issues. Our flies now give us a tool to explore the role of high dietary sugar, and the means to identify treatments in the context of the whole body,' said Ross Cagan, PhD, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a senior author of the study.

Powerful quake shakes Solomon Islands, triggers tsunami warning

SYDNEY: A tsunami warning was issued for several South Pacific islands after a major earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude struck off the Solomon Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said on Wednesday.

The warning was issued for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, and Wallis and Futuna islands.

A tsunami watch was issued for the rest of the South Pacific nations, including Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

The quake struck at a very shallow depth of only five km (three miles) and was located 340 km (211 miles) east of Kira Kira in the Solomons.

'It is not known that a tsunami was generated. This warning is based only on the earthquake evaluation,' said the tsunami center. Reuters

Powerful quake shakes Solomon Islands, triggers tsunami warning

SYDNEY: A tsunami warning was issued for several South Pacific islands after a major earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude struck off the Solomon Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said on Wednesday.

The warning was issued for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, and Wallis and Futuna islands.

A tsunami watch was issued for the rest of the South Pacific nations, including Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

The quake struck at a very shallow depth of only five km (three miles) and was located 340 km (211 miles) east of Kira Kira in the Solomons.

'It is not known that a tsunami was generated. This warning is based only on the earthquake evaluation,' said the tsunami center. Reuters

Iron rod thrust into teenager's mouth during rape bid

New Delhi: A teenaged Class 9 student fought off a rape bid in her own house here by an electricity contractor who thrust an iron rod into her throat to quell her cries for help, police said Tuesday. The accused has been arrested.

The victim, 19, who was attacked around 8.30 p.m. Monday in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, underwent a surgery in throat in the morning and is said to be in a critical condition, police said

Anil Kumar, an electricity distribution contractor, tried to rape the victim finding her alone at her house.

'Kumar went to the victim's home to collect monthly dues of the electricity. Finding her alone, he tried to rape her. He inserted an iron rod into her mouth when she was crying for help,' said a police officer.

Hearing the victim's cries some neighbours came to help her but Kumar managed to flee from the spot. He was later arrested from the house of his maternal uncle in Faridabad in Haryana, police said.

'The victim sustained severe injuries in her mouth and bruises on the neck due to the attempted strangulation,' officer added.

Earlier, police had said that victim was a 24-year-old woman but clarified after some time that the victim was a teenager.

Iron rod thrust into teenager's mouth during rape bid

New Delhi: A teenaged Class 9 student fought off a rape bid in her own house here by an electricity contractor who thrust an iron rod into her throat to quell her cries for help, police said Tuesday. The accused has been arrested.

The victim, 19, who was attacked around 8.30 p.m. Monday in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, underwent a surgery in throat in the morning and is said to be in a critical condition, police said

Anil Kumar, an electricity distribution contractor, tried to rape the victim finding her alone at her house.

'Kumar went to the victim's home to collect monthly dues of the electricity. Finding her alone, he tried to rape her. He inserted an iron rod into her mouth when she was crying for help,' said a police officer.

Hearing the victim's cries some neighbours came to help her but Kumar managed to flee from the spot. He was later arrested from the house of his maternal uncle in Faridabad in Haryana, police said.

'The victim sustained severe injuries in her mouth and bruises on the neck due to the attempted strangulation,' officer added.

Earlier, police had said that victim was a 24-year-old woman but clarified after some time that the victim was a teenager.

India knocked out of Women's World Cup

Mumbai: Hosts India were knocked out of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's World Cup as they suffered a shocking 138-run defeat against Sri Lanka in a must win Group A match at the Brabourne Stadium here Tuesday.

Chasing a stiff target of 283, the Indian eves were bowled out for 144 in an embarrassing way in 42.2 overs.

For India, it was their first defeat against the neighbours in 18 matches. India have won the last 16 encounters and there was no result in one.

India made a poor start from which they could never recover. They were lost three wickets, Poonam Raut (5), skipper Mithali Raj (20) and last match centurion Harmanpreet Kaur for 38 runs by the 13th over.

India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the middle-order failed to rise to the occasion. The only notable partnership was the 37-run sixth-wicket between Jhulan Goswami (22) and Reema Malhotra (38).

Malhotra emerged the top scorer with 38 off 51 balls, including two fours.

Earlier, opting to bat first, a solid show by Sri Lanka batters saw helped them post a competitive 282 for five.

Deepika Rasangika was the top scorer with 84 while Eshani Kaushalya came up with a late cameo of unbeaten 31-ball 56s.

Yashoda Mendis (55) and Shashikala Siriwardene (56) were the other contributors for Sri Lanka.

India will play Pakistan for the seventh position in Cuttack Thursday.

India knocked out of Women's World Cup

Mumbai: Hosts India were knocked out of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women's World Cup as they suffered a shocking 138-run defeat against Sri Lanka in a must win Group A match at the Brabourne Stadium here Tuesday.

Chasing a stiff target of 283, the Indian eves were bowled out for 144 in an embarrassing way in 42.2 overs.

For India, it was their first defeat against the neighbours in 18 matches. India have won the last 16 encounters and there was no result in one.

India made a poor start from which they could never recover. They were lost three wickets, Poonam Raut (5), skipper Mithali Raj (20) and last match centurion Harmanpreet Kaur for 38 runs by the 13th over.

India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the middle-order failed to rise to the occasion. The only notable partnership was the 37-run sixth-wicket between Jhulan Goswami (22) and Reema Malhotra (38).

Malhotra emerged the top scorer with 38 off 51 balls, including two fours.

Earlier, opting to bat first, a solid show by Sri Lanka batters saw helped them post a competitive 282 for five.

Deepika Rasangika was the top scorer with 84 while Eshani Kaushalya came up with a late cameo of unbeaten 31-ball 56s.

Yashoda Mendis (55) and Shashikala Siriwardene (56) were the other contributors for Sri Lanka.

India will play Pakistan for the seventh position in Cuttack Thursday.

Diesel will not be purchased at higher rate: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Oommen Chandy categorically stated in the assembly that KSRTC will not purchase diesel at a higher rate. He said the rate at which private buses purchase diesel will be made available for KSRTC too.

The chief minister said this while replying to the notice moved by the opposition for an adjournment motion in connection with the crisis prevailing in KSRTC. Former Transport minister Mathew T Thomas issued notice for an adjournment motion. As the speaker refused permission, the opposition staged a walk out from the Assembly.

Mathew T Thomas alleged that KSRTC is attempting to overcome the crisis by cutting short the services. Opposition leader V S Achuthanandhan said the govt move to tide over the crisis in KSRTC will be met by failure. The MLAs present in the Assembly said 139 new buses were withheld by KSRTC in various depots and this was reported by Mathrubhumi News.

Transport Minister Aryadan Muhammed said govt help will be rendered to KSRTC and he would hold discussions with Indian Oil Corporation in this regard. 

Diesel will not be purchased at higher rate: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Oommen Chandy categorically stated in the assembly that KSRTC will not purchase diesel at a higher rate. He said the rate at which private buses purchase diesel will be made available for KSRTC too.

The chief minister said this while replying to the notice moved by the opposition for an adjournment motion in connection with the crisis prevailing in KSRTC. Former Transport minister Mathew T Thomas issued notice for an adjournment motion. As the speaker refused permission, the opposition staged a walk out from the Assembly.

Mathew T Thomas alleged that KSRTC is attempting to overcome the crisis by cutting short the services. Opposition leader V S Achuthanandhan said the govt move to tide over the crisis in KSRTC will be met by failure. The MLAs present in the Assembly said 139 new buses were withheld by KSRTC in various depots and this was reported by Mathrubhumi News.

Transport Minister Aryadan Muhammed said govt help will be rendered to KSRTC and he would hold discussions with Indian Oil Corporation in this regard. 

One-year moratorium on farm loans in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: In a relief to farmers hit by drought conditions in Kerala, the State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) today decided to give one-year moratorium on agriculture loans availed by them from commercial banks.

The Committee also decided to suspend all recovery
proceedings initiated agianst farmers on loans taken by them
during this period, state's Finance Minister K M Mani told
reporters here after the SLBC meeting.
The mortarium period begins from December 31.

The loans would be rescheduled to help the farmers, he
said, adding that the impact of drought on farmers in the
state was very severe.

SLBC was convened today as per a decision of a special
Cabinet of the state held on January 23, which announced a
one-year moratorium on agriculture loans taken by farmers from
co-operative banks. PTI

One-year moratorium on farm loans in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: In a relief to farmers hit by drought conditions in Kerala, the State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) today decided to give one-year moratorium on agriculture loans availed by them from commercial banks.

The Committee also decided to suspend all recovery
proceedings initiated agianst farmers on loans taken by them
during this period, state's Finance Minister K M Mani told
reporters here after the SLBC meeting.
The mortarium period begins from December 31.

The loans would be rescheduled to help the farmers, he
said, adding that the impact of drought on farmers in the
state was very severe.

SLBC was convened today as per a decision of a special
Cabinet of the state held on January 23, which announced a
one-year moratorium on agriculture loans taken by farmers from
co-operative banks. PTI

20 killed in Al Ain road accident+

UAE: Twenty Asian workers were killed and several injured in a major road accident in Al Ain early this morning, eyewitnesses said. The accident happened on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road at Al Rawdha near Al Ain city at around 8, and involved a 40-seater bus carrying 55 workers from their camp to their work area, eyewitnesses from a camp near the accident site told Khaleej Times.

“I was driving to from our camp when I saw a concrete-laden truck crash into a bus coming from the opposite direction. The bus was smashed beyond recognition. I don’t think any of the workers in the bus could have survived this accident,” he said.

Another eyewitness said more than a dozen could have perished in the accident. The victims worked for a maintenance and contracting company that has its camp in the area.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain police said the accident had happened, but did not confirm the number of casualties.

20 killed in Al Ain road accident+

UAE: Twenty Asian workers were killed and several injured in a major road accident in Al Ain early this morning, eyewitnesses said. The accident happened on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road at Al Rawdha near Al Ain city at around 8, and involved a 40-seater bus carrying 55 workers from their camp to their work area, eyewitnesses from a camp near the accident site told Khaleej Times.

“I was driving to from our camp when I saw a concrete-laden truck crash into a bus coming from the opposite direction. The bus was smashed beyond recognition. I don’t think any of the workers in the bus could have survived this accident,” he said.

Another eyewitness said more than a dozen could have perished in the accident. The victims worked for a maintenance and contracting company that has its camp in the area.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain police said the accident had happened, but did not confirm the number of casualties.

Iraq suicide blast hits anti-al-Qaeda group; four die

BAGHDAD: Iraqi police and health officials say a suicide bomber has detonated his explosives belt among a group of anti-al-Qaeda fighters, killing at least four of the militiamen and wounding 23.

The police official says the men targeted by the bomber were gathering to collect their salaries on Monday morning outside one of their headquarters in the town of Taji, north of Baghdad, when the blast went off.
A medical official confirmed the casualties. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to release information to the media.

The blast comes a day after several suicide attackers on foot and in two explosives-laden cars hit a provincial police headquarters in Kirkuk, also north of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people and wounding 90.

Iraq suicide blast hits anti-al-Qaeda group; four die

BAGHDAD: Iraqi police and health officials say a suicide bomber has detonated his explosives belt among a group of anti-al-Qaeda fighters, killing at least four of the militiamen and wounding 23.

The police official says the men targeted by the bomber were gathering to collect their salaries on Monday morning outside one of their headquarters in the town of Taji, north of Baghdad, when the blast went off.
A medical official confirmed the casualties. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to release information to the media.

The blast comes a day after several suicide attackers on foot and in two explosives-laden cars hit a provincial police headquarters in Kirkuk, also north of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people and wounding 90.

Rajagopal seeks an impartial probe against Kurien

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior BJP leader and former union minister O Rajagopal sought an impartial probe against Rajya Sabha deputy Chairman P J Kurien in the Suryanelli case. 

Kurien should be discharged from his post till the investigation is completed.

Rajagopal said he had asked Rajan to stick to what he thinks as right.

Rajagopal seeks an impartial probe against Kurien

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior BJP leader and former union minister O Rajagopal sought an impartial probe against Rajya Sabha deputy Chairman P J Kurien in the Suryanelli case. 

Kurien should be discharged from his post till the investigation is completed.

Rajagopal said he had asked Rajan to stick to what he thinks as right.