2013, ജനുവരി 29, ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച

TN govt appeals against clearance for Vishwaroopam



CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government today filed an appeal against the interim order of a single judge of Madras High Court giving clearance for screening of Kamal Haasan's controversial Tamil movie Vishwaroopam.
The government sought immediate hearing of the appeal on the issue, which is likely to be heard this afternoon.
The decks were cleared late last night by Justice K Venkataraman, who granted the interim stay of operation of the order made under Section 144 of the CrPC by District Collectors across the state that had prevented release of the movie made with a nearly Rs 100 crore budget.
Advocate General A Navaneethakrishnan had said yesterday that the court's order was not final and would be challenged.
Justice Venkataraman, who had viewed the spy-thriller on Saturday, had passed the order considering the prima facie case established by Haasan, who questioned the two week ban, imposed after Muslim outfits were up in arms against its release claiming it portrayed their community in a bad light.
In his order, the court had said it was surprising that all District Magistrates/District Collectors of 31 districts, had taken a common decision and passed an order under Section 144 of CrPC "which appears to be strange."
The court had also noted that no independent reason had been given by Collectors and they solely relied on the statement of Muslim organisations.
The court's order yesterday had come as a big relief for Haasan, with estimates that he could have incurred a loss of Rs 30-80 crore due to non-release of the film in the state.
The film, made in Tamil, Telegu and Hindi, had encountered problems in Karnataka also, but is now being screened across the state after police provided adequate security.

TN govt appeals against clearance for Vishwaroopam



CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government today filed an appeal against the interim order of a single judge of Madras High Court giving clearance for screening of Kamal Haasan's controversial Tamil movie Vishwaroopam.
The government sought immediate hearing of the appeal on the issue, which is likely to be heard this afternoon.
The decks were cleared late last night by Justice K Venkataraman, who granted the interim stay of operation of the order made under Section 144 of the CrPC by District Collectors across the state that had prevented release of the movie made with a nearly Rs 100 crore budget.
Advocate General A Navaneethakrishnan had said yesterday that the court's order was not final and would be challenged.
Justice Venkataraman, who had viewed the spy-thriller on Saturday, had passed the order considering the prima facie case established by Haasan, who questioned the two week ban, imposed after Muslim outfits were up in arms against its release claiming it portrayed their community in a bad light.
In his order, the court had said it was surprising that all District Magistrates/District Collectors of 31 districts, had taken a common decision and passed an order under Section 144 of CrPC "which appears to be strange."
The court had also noted that no independent reason had been given by Collectors and they solely relied on the statement of Muslim organisations.
The court's order yesterday had come as a big relief for Haasan, with estimates that he could have incurred a loss of Rs 30-80 crore due to non-release of the film in the state.
The film, made in Tamil, Telegu and Hindi, had encountered problems in Karnataka also, but is now being screened across the state after police provided adequate security.

Indian-origin woman selected for Order of Australia Medal



MELBOURNE: An Indian-origin woman is all set to figure in the prestigious list of people who have received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). 85-year old Krishna Arora, who has been running a community service, was selected for this year's awards for her contribution to the Indian community.
"When I came here, I found the only thing that needed attention was loneliness of new migrants. Someone said to me Australians pass their time by doing community work. I thought it was a great idea and then there was no looking back," said Arora, former principal of a Delhi-based catering college.
Arora, also popularly known as 'Auntieji', runs a hotline tele service offering cooking tips.
"For a newly arrived person, it is very, very important they get in contact with the right type of people who will be able to tell them the little customs and traditions of Australia and get on with life" said Arora.
She has also been teaching Asian cooking to Australians for two years at one of the Community Centre in Western suburb of Victoria.
"I feel extremely pleased and encouraged to work more for the community" she said.
The other Indian-origin women who had earlier received the honour include Joyce Westrip (2000), Mala Mehta (2006) and Vettath Rajkumar (2009).
In November last year, iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also conferred with the prestigious award.

Indian-origin woman selected for Order of Australia Medal



MELBOURNE: An Indian-origin woman is all set to figure in the prestigious list of people who have received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). 85-year old Krishna Arora, who has been running a community service, was selected for this year's awards for her contribution to the Indian community.
"When I came here, I found the only thing that needed attention was loneliness of new migrants. Someone said to me Australians pass their time by doing community work. I thought it was a great idea and then there was no looking back," said Arora, former principal of a Delhi-based catering college.
Arora, also popularly known as 'Auntieji', runs a hotline tele service offering cooking tips.
"For a newly arrived person, it is very, very important they get in contact with the right type of people who will be able to tell them the little customs and traditions of Australia and get on with life" said Arora.
She has also been teaching Asian cooking to Australians for two years at one of the Community Centre in Western suburb of Victoria.
"I feel extremely pleased and encouraged to work more for the community" she said.
The other Indian-origin women who had earlier received the honour include Joyce Westrip (2000), Mala Mehta (2006) and Vettath Rajkumar (2009).
In November last year, iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was also conferred with the prestigious award.

18 reportedly killed as Yemen military attacks kidnappers



SANAA: Two soldiers and 16 al-Qaida militants were killed in a Yemeni military offensive against the jihadists who are suspected of holding Western hostages, sources said.
"Sixteen al-Qaida fighters were killed in four raids when the Yemeni aviation targeted positions near Manaseh," a stronghold of the terror network in the province of Bayda, a tribal source said today.
An official in the region reported the death of two soldiers in a car bomb explosion targeting an army position near the town of Radah, 30 kilometres (18 miles) to the west.
A suicide car bomb at a checkpoint in the same area killed 11 soldiers and wounded 17 others on Monday, in an attack blamed on al-Qaida.
Another three people were killed in an army operation launched late on Sunday against al-Qaida-linked militants suspected of holding an Austrian and two Finns hostage in Manaseh, in Bayda province, tribal sources said.
The army is hunting three militants accused of holding the European hostages and who have refused to surrender despite mediation efforts.
The three men -- brothers of Tarek al-Dahab, an al-Qaida leader killed in a February 2012 attack -- deny they are holding the hostages.

18 reportedly killed as Yemen military attacks kidnappers



SANAA: Two soldiers and 16 al-Qaida militants were killed in a Yemeni military offensive against the jihadists who are suspected of holding Western hostages, sources said.
"Sixteen al-Qaida fighters were killed in four raids when the Yemeni aviation targeted positions near Manaseh," a stronghold of the terror network in the province of Bayda, a tribal source said today.
An official in the region reported the death of two soldiers in a car bomb explosion targeting an army position near the town of Radah, 30 kilometres (18 miles) to the west.
A suicide car bomb at a checkpoint in the same area killed 11 soldiers and wounded 17 others on Monday, in an attack blamed on al-Qaida.
Another three people were killed in an army operation launched late on Sunday against al-Qaida-linked militants suspected of holding an Austrian and two Finns hostage in Manaseh, in Bayda province, tribal sources said.
The army is hunting three militants accused of holding the European hostages and who have refused to surrender despite mediation efforts.
The three men -- brothers of Tarek al-Dahab, an al-Qaida leader killed in a February 2012 attack -- deny they are holding the hostages.

At least 65 bodies found 'executed' in Syria river



ALEPPO (SYRIA): The bodies of at least 65 young men and boys, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found on Tuesday in a river in the Syrian city of Aleppo, a watchdog and rebels said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 65 bodies were found in the Quweiq River, which separates the Bustan al-Qasr district from Ansari in the southwest of the city, but that the toll could rise significantly.

A Free Syrian Army officer at the scene said at least 68 bodies had been recovered and that many more were still being dragged from the water, in a rebel-held area.

"Until now we have recovered 68 bodies, some of them just teens," said Captain Abu Sada, adding that all of them had been "executed by the regime."

"But there must be more than 100. There are still many in the water, and we are trying to recover them."

A senior government security source said many of the victims were from Bustan al-Qasr and had been reported kidnapped earlier.

He accused "terrorists," the standard regime term for people fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, of carrying out the executions and spreading propaganda to deflect responsibility.

"They were kidnapped by terrorist groups, who some are accusing of being pro-regime, and executed last night in a park in Bustan al-Qasr under their control," the source told AFP by telephone.

"Now these terrorist groups are creating a media campaign, showing the bodies being recovered from the Quweiq River in an area under their control.

"It has been confirmed that a number of the victims had been abducted by armed terrorist groups and their families had made repeated attempts to negotiate their releases.

"We will disclose the identities of those killed as soon as we are able to secure the bodies, which is a difficult process since the area is in the hands of terrorist groups," the source said.

A volunteer said as he helped load one of the bodies on a truck: "We don't know who they are because there was no ID on them.

At least 15 bodies could already be seen on the truck, an AFP correspondent said, with other continuing to arrive.

Abu Sada said they would be taken to the hospital at Zarzur where relatives could seek to identify them.

"Those who are not identified will be buried in a common grave," noting that some were unrecognisable because of the impact of the bullet."

Meanwhile, people were gathering at the bank seeking lost relatives.

At least 65 bodies found 'executed' in Syria river



ALEPPO (SYRIA): The bodies of at least 65 young men and boys, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found on Tuesday in a river in the Syrian city of Aleppo, a watchdog and rebels said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 65 bodies were found in the Quweiq River, which separates the Bustan al-Qasr district from Ansari in the southwest of the city, but that the toll could rise significantly.

A Free Syrian Army officer at the scene said at least 68 bodies had been recovered and that many more were still being dragged from the water, in a rebel-held area.

"Until now we have recovered 68 bodies, some of them just teens," said Captain Abu Sada, adding that all of them had been "executed by the regime."

"But there must be more than 100. There are still many in the water, and we are trying to recover them."

A senior government security source said many of the victims were from Bustan al-Qasr and had been reported kidnapped earlier.

He accused "terrorists," the standard regime term for people fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, of carrying out the executions and spreading propaganda to deflect responsibility.

"They were kidnapped by terrorist groups, who some are accusing of being pro-regime, and executed last night in a park in Bustan al-Qasr under their control," the source told AFP by telephone.

"Now these terrorist groups are creating a media campaign, showing the bodies being recovered from the Quweiq River in an area under their control.

"It has been confirmed that a number of the victims had been abducted by armed terrorist groups and their families had made repeated attempts to negotiate their releases.

"We will disclose the identities of those killed as soon as we are able to secure the bodies, which is a difficult process since the area is in the hands of terrorist groups," the source said.

A volunteer said as he helped load one of the bodies on a truck: "We don't know who they are because there was no ID on them.

At least 15 bodies could already be seen on the truck, an AFP correspondent said, with other continuing to arrive.

Abu Sada said they would be taken to the hospital at Zarzur where relatives could seek to identify them.

"Those who are not identified will be buried in a common grave," noting that some were unrecognisable because of the impact of the bullet."

Meanwhile, people were gathering at the bank seeking lost relatives.

21 people killed as passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan




KYZYL TU, KAZAKHSTAN: A passenger plane crashed in thick fog near Kazakhstan's commercial capital Almaty on Tuesday and broke into pieces when it hit the ground, killing all 21 people on board. 
After several hours, rescue teams recovered the plane's flight recorder, the central communications service for Kazakhstan's president said on its Twitter page. 

A list published by the prosecutor-general's office showed there had been 16 passengers and five crew members on board. 

The Canadian-built Bombardier Challenger CRJ-200 belonged to private Kazakh airline SCAT. It came down near the village of Kyzyl Tu about 5 km (3 miles) from Almaty's airport. 

"There was no fire, no explosion. The plane just plunged to the earth," Yuri Ilyin, deputy head of the city's emergencies department, told Reuters near the scene. 

Parts of the plane could be seen in the thick snow. Tractors and other heavy vehicles were being used cut paths through the snow to the wreckage but journalists were kept at a distance from the crash site. 

It was the second fatal plane crash in the former Soviet republic in just a over a month. 

Visibility at Kyzyl Tu was only about 20 to 30 metres (yards), and much of the area around Almaty was veiled in fog when the plane crashed at around 1pm (0700 GMT). 

"The preliminary cause of the accident is bad weather," deputy Almaty mayor Maulen Mukashev told reporters. "Not a single part of the plane was left intact after it came down." 

The plane had been on its way from the city of Kokshetau in northern Kazakhstan to Almaty in the southeast, Mukashev said. 

SCAT, which has been operating since 1997, runs an extensive domestic service and has some international flights. 

Alexander Gordeyev, deputy head of Almaty's airport, said the weather had been bad but planes were being allowed to land. 

A military transport airplane crashed in bad weather on Dec. 25 near the southern Kazakh city of Shymkent, killing all 27 on board. Prosecutors have said a combination of technical problems, bad weather and human error caused that accident. 

21 people killed as passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan




KYZYL TU, KAZAKHSTAN: A passenger plane crashed in thick fog near Kazakhstan's commercial capital Almaty on Tuesday and broke into pieces when it hit the ground, killing all 21 people on board. 
After several hours, rescue teams recovered the plane's flight recorder, the central communications service for Kazakhstan's president said on its Twitter page. 

A list published by the prosecutor-general's office showed there had been 16 passengers and five crew members on board. 

The Canadian-built Bombardier Challenger CRJ-200 belonged to private Kazakh airline SCAT. It came down near the village of Kyzyl Tu about 5 km (3 miles) from Almaty's airport. 

"There was no fire, no explosion. The plane just plunged to the earth," Yuri Ilyin, deputy head of the city's emergencies department, told Reuters near the scene. 

Parts of the plane could be seen in the thick snow. Tractors and other heavy vehicles were being used cut paths through the snow to the wreckage but journalists were kept at a distance from the crash site. 

It was the second fatal plane crash in the former Soviet republic in just a over a month. 

Visibility at Kyzyl Tu was only about 20 to 30 metres (yards), and much of the area around Almaty was veiled in fog when the plane crashed at around 1pm (0700 GMT). 

"The preliminary cause of the accident is bad weather," deputy Almaty mayor Maulen Mukashev told reporters. "Not a single part of the plane was left intact after it came down." 

The plane had been on its way from the city of Kokshetau in northern Kazakhstan to Almaty in the southeast, Mukashev said. 

SCAT, which has been operating since 1997, runs an extensive domestic service and has some international flights. 

Alexander Gordeyev, deputy head of Almaty's airport, said the weather had been bad but planes were being allowed to land. 

A military transport airplane crashed in bad weather on Dec. 25 near the southern Kazakh city of Shymkent, killing all 27 on board. Prosecutors have said a combination of technical problems, bad weather and human error caused that accident. 

College teachers in Kerala to get UGC arrears



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The college teachers in Kerala would get arrears of UGC pay with effect from 2006, said Finance Minister K.M. Mani on Monday. The teachers would get the arrears of increased pay from 1 January 2006 to 28 February 2010. The arrears would benefit about 7899 college teachers. Total arrears amount to Rs. 998 crores. The first installment of Rs. 314 crores will be allowed now.

College teachers in Kerala to get UGC arrears



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The college teachers in Kerala would get arrears of UGC pay with effect from 2006, said Finance Minister K.M. Mani on Monday. The teachers would get the arrears of increased pay from 1 January 2006 to 28 February 2010. The arrears would benefit about 7899 college teachers. Total arrears amount to Rs. 998 crores. The first installment of Rs. 314 crores will be allowed now.

Bunty chor remanded till Feb 12



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The notorious hitech criminal Devinder Singh alias Bunty chor, arrested for breaking into the house of NRI businessman Venugopalan Nair, has been remanded till February 12. Bunty was produced before the Vanchiyoor judicial magistrate court Tuesday morning.

He was produced at the judicial second class magistrate court by a team led by assistant commissioner K E Baiju. The proceedings were completed by magistrate K Vishnu at his chamber.

The court directed to subject him for a medical examination after he complained that he was severely attacked by the police.  

The court directed to conduct the future proceedings through video conferencing as bringing him to the court is creating security problems.

30 injured after bus overturns



MALAPPURAM: As many as 30 persons were injured after a mini bus overturned at Chembara in Tirur. All the injured have been admitted at the Tirur taluk hospital in the district.

30 injured after bus overturns



MALAPPURAM: As many as 30 persons were injured after a mini bus overturned at Chembara in Tirur. All the injured have been admitted at the Tirur taluk hospital in the district.

Bunty chor remanded till Feb 12



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The notorious hitech criminal Devinder Singh alias Bunty chor, arrested for breaking into the house of NRI businessman Venugopalan Nair, has been remanded till February 12. Bunty was produced before the Vanchiyoor judicial magistrate court Tuesday morning.

He was produced at the judicial second class magistrate court by a team led by assistant commissioner K E Baiju. The proceedings were completed by magistrate K Vishnu at his chamber.

The court directed to subject him for a medical examination after he complained that he was severely attacked by the police.  

The court directed to conduct the future proceedings through video conferencing as bringing him to the court is creating security problems.

Man kills wife, children, commits suicide



KASARGOD: Four members of a family, including two children, were found dead in a car at Mayippadi in Kasargod. Police said the dead were identified as Sonikutty (43), his wife Thressyamma (35), son Jerry (13) and Jewel (10). Quoting a suicide note found in the car, police said the man committed suicide after killing his wife and children, who are students of class seven and fifth respectively

Man kills wife, children, commits suicide



KASARGOD: Four members of a family, including two children, were found dead in a car at Mayippadi in Kasargod. Police said the dead were identified as Sonikutty (43), his wife Thressyamma (35), son Jerry (13) and Jewel (10). Quoting a suicide note found in the car, police said the man committed suicide after killing his wife and children, who are students of class seven and fifth respectively

Malayali student dies in accident in Saudi Arabia



RIYADH: A Malayali girl student died in a road accident in Saudi Arabia. She has been identified as Ruhailla from Kasargod. Her parents—Dr. Ashraf and Nafeesath—got injured in the accident.

Malayali student dies in accident in Saudi Arabia



RIYADH: A Malayali girl student died in a road accident in Saudi Arabia. She has been identified as Ruhailla from Kasargod. Her parents—Dr. Ashraf and Nafeesath—got injured in the accident.

20 feared dead in Kazakh plane crash



Astana: Twenty people are feared dead after an airliner crashed Tuesday near the Kazakh city of Almaty, Kazakhstan's Scat airline said.

The Bombardier CRJ200 operated by Scat was carrying 15 passengers and five crew members.

It was flying a domestic route between the northern city of Kokshetau and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city.

According to the airline, the plane crashed while attempting to land in bad weather conditions.

The airline promised to confirm the official cause of the crash once the plane's black box flight data recorder is recovered.

20 feared dead in Kazakh plane crash



Astana: Twenty people are feared dead after an airliner crashed Tuesday near the Kazakh city of Almaty, Kazakhstan's Scat airline said.

The Bombardier CRJ200 operated by Scat was carrying 15 passengers and five crew members.

It was flying a domestic route between the northern city of Kokshetau and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city.

According to the airline, the plane crashed while attempting to land in bad weather conditions.

The airline promised to confirm the official cause of the crash once the plane's black box flight data recorder is recovered.

2013, ജനുവരി 28, തിങ്കളാഴ്‌ച

koorimannil pattiyil kudumba sangamam - 2013 - [video 1/3]


koorimannil pattiyil kudumba sangamam - 2013 - [video 1/3]


koorimannil pattiyil kudumba sangamam -2013 - [1/2]


koorimannil pattiyil kudumba sangamam -2013 - [1/2]


2013, ജനുവരി 27, ഞായറാഴ്‌ച

koorimannil pattiyil kudumba yogam -2013 [video 1/1]


koorimannil pattiyil kudumba yogam -2013 [video 1/1]


KSRTC in severe crisis, says Aryadan



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC is in a severe financial crisis following the cut in diesel subsidy, said Transport Minister Aryadan Muhammed. Steps to save the corporation will be discussed in Monday’s special cabinet meet, he said.

The KSRTC has some practical difficulties in depending on private pumps to fill fuel. Talks to fill the fuel from civil supplies pump will be held. The pressure of the state to restore the subsidy on diesel did not yield any result, he said.

KSRTC in severe crisis, says Aryadan



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC is in a severe financial crisis following the cut in diesel subsidy, said Transport Minister Aryadan Muhammed. Steps to save the corporation will be discussed in Monday’s special cabinet meet, he said.

The KSRTC has some practical difficulties in depending on private pumps to fill fuel. Talks to fill the fuel from civil supplies pump will be held. The pressure of the state to restore the subsidy on diesel did not yield any result, he said.

Bunty chor handed over to Kerala police



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The notorious thief Devinder Singh alias Bunty Chor, arrested for burgling the house of an NRI in the capital city, has been handed over to the Kerala Police.  He will be taken to Mumbai by road and then by a flight would be brought to the capital early Monday morning.

Bunty Chor was arrested from Hotel Sai Executive in Malta Chowk, Pune early Saturday morning. The Keralites in the hotel recognized him and informed the Kerala police, who in turn passed the message to Samarth Police in Pune. The police surrounded the hotel and took him into custody.

The Kerala police team who reached Pune soon after his arrest questioned him. He confessed to the investigating officials that he burgled the house. He was handed over to the state police after completing the legal procedures, but was not produced in the court.

In the meantime, Bunty told police that he reached the capital city for a murder, reported a private channel. The police have not believed Bunty’s statement that he came to kill Dibakar Banerjee, director of the Bollywood film Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, a film on him. At times, Bunty talks like a disturbed person .

Meantime, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said that his arrest brings a sigh of relief.
 Adv B A Aloor to appear for  Bunty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Advocate B A Aloor said that he will appear for Devinder Singh alias Bunty chor, arrested for stealing a luxury car and other valuable items from the house of an NRI businessman K V G Nair in the capital city.

Aloor, native of Thrissur, was in the news after he appeared for Govindachamy, accused in the Sourmya murder case.

Bunty chor handed over to Kerala police



THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The notorious thief Devinder Singh alias Bunty Chor, arrested for burgling the house of an NRI in the capital city, has been handed over to the Kerala Police.  He will be taken to Mumbai by road and then by a flight would be brought to the capital early Monday morning.

Bunty Chor was arrested from Hotel Sai Executive in Malta Chowk, Pune early Saturday morning. The Keralites in the hotel recognized him and informed the Kerala police, who in turn passed the message to Samarth Police in Pune. The police surrounded the hotel and took him into custody.

The Kerala police team who reached Pune soon after his arrest questioned him. He confessed to the investigating officials that he burgled the house. He was handed over to the state police after completing the legal procedures, but was not produced in the court.

In the meantime, Bunty told police that he reached the capital city for a murder, reported a private channel. The police have not believed Bunty’s statement that he came to kill Dibakar Banerjee, director of the Bollywood film Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, a film on him. At times, Bunty talks like a disturbed person .

Meantime, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said that his arrest brings a sigh of relief.
 Adv B A Aloor to appear for  Bunty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Advocate B A Aloor said that he will appear for Devinder Singh alias Bunty chor, arrested for stealing a luxury car and other valuable items from the house of an NRI businessman K V G Nair in the capital city.

Aloor, native of Thrissur, was in the news after he appeared for Govindachamy, accused in the Sourmya murder case.

Kerala HC planning exclusive bench for crime against women


   

KOCHI: In the backdrop of Delhi gang-rape incident, the Kerala High Court was planning to set up a single and division bench to exclusively hear crimes against women, Chief Justice Manjula Chellur said Sunday.

"In the high court a new bench-- single and division bench can be thought of to deal with crime against women", she said at a function where Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inaugurated an Additional District and Sessions Court for trial of cases relating to sexual violence and atrocities against women and children.

She said that the Kerala Government had promised to sanction two more similar courts -- in Malabar and in Thiruvananthapuram so that the entire state would be covered.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had also sanctioned additional staff required for the special court, she said.

"We will identify which courts do not have much work and we will see if such courts can be converted into special court to deal with such cases in a fast track manner", she said.

When the entire country was talking of fast track courts, Kerala should show the way, she said, adding, it would not be long to achieve that dream and vision.

There were also plans to constitute a committee of senior judges and lawyers to monitor the activities of child welfare committees and boards, she added.

Kerala HC planning exclusive bench for crime against women


   

KOCHI: In the backdrop of Delhi gang-rape incident, the Kerala High Court was planning to set up a single and division bench to exclusively hear crimes against women, Chief Justice Manjula Chellur said Sunday.

"In the high court a new bench-- single and division bench can be thought of to deal with crime against women", she said at a function where Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inaugurated an Additional District and Sessions Court for trial of cases relating to sexual violence and atrocities against women and children.

She said that the Kerala Government had promised to sanction two more similar courts -- in Malabar and in Thiruvananthapuram so that the entire state would be covered.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had also sanctioned additional staff required for the special court, she said.

"We will identify which courts do not have much work and we will see if such courts can be converted into special court to deal with such cases in a fast track manner", she said.

When the entire country was talking of fast track courts, Kerala should show the way, she said, adding, it would not be long to achieve that dream and vision.

There were also plans to constitute a committee of senior judges and lawyers to monitor the activities of child welfare committees and boards, she added.

Roadside bomb kills 10 in Afghanistan


KANDAHAR: A police truck packed with officers and detainees struck a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan’s largest city, killing 10 of those aboard, officials said on Sunday.

It was the fourth deadly bombing on a day that left at least 24 people dead across the country.

The Kandahar city police had driven out into a residential neighbourhood of the city late Saturday to inspect a bomb that had been found there, said Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the provincial government.

They detained three suspects and were driving back with them in a police pickup truck when the vehicle struck another explosive buried in the road. Eight police officers and two detainees were killed in the blast.

Earlier Saturday, 10 policemen were killed when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up in Kunduz province in the north.

Meanwhile, a remote-controlled bomb planted on a bicycle exploded in the eastern city of Ghazni, killing one police officer and a civilian.

League, Congress lock horns over aided status issue


MALAPPURAM: The differences of opinion between the Muslim League and Congress in connection with the aided status to 33 schools in Malabar, has turned serious. Muslim League general secretary KPA Majeed said they are firm in their earlier stand seeking the status to 33 schools in Malabar. He termed as meaningless  to attitude of the congress rejecting it.

Majeed said, “The UDF government had granted aided status to 11 schools. I don’t understand why caste is being dragged into it now. Some are trying to indulge in caste-based separation.”

Meanwhile, KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala said the congress had already made their stand clear. Salary and benefits will be provided to the teachers in Malabar.

League, Congress lock horns over aided status issue


MALAPPURAM: The differences of opinion between the Muslim League and Congress in connection with the aided status to 33 schools in Malabar, has turned serious. Muslim League general secretary KPA Majeed said they are firm in their earlier stand seeking the status to 33 schools in Malabar. He termed as meaningless  to attitude of the congress rejecting it.

Majeed said, “The UDF government had granted aided status to 11 schools. I don’t understand why caste is being dragged into it now. Some are trying to indulge in caste-based separation.”

Meanwhile, KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala said the congress had already made their stand clear. Salary and benefits will be provided to the teachers in Malabar.

Roadside bomb kills 10 in Afghanistan


KANDAHAR: A police truck packed with officers and detainees struck a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan’s largest city, killing 10 of those aboard, officials said on Sunday.

It was the fourth deadly bombing on a day that left at least 24 people dead across the country.

The Kandahar city police had driven out into a residential neighbourhood of the city late Saturday to inspect a bomb that had been found there, said Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the provincial government.

They detained three suspects and were driving back with them in a police pickup truck when the vehicle struck another explosive buried in the road. Eight police officers and two detainees were killed in the blast.

Earlier Saturday, 10 policemen were killed when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up in Kunduz province in the north.

Meanwhile, a remote-controlled bomb planted on a bicycle exploded in the eastern city of Ghazni, killing one police officer and a civilian.

2013, ജനുവരി 26, ശനിയാഴ്‌ച

Four dead as house boat capsizes in Alapuzha


Alappuzha : Four tourists from Tamil Nadu drowned as the houseboat they were cruising tilted and capsized at Punnamada lake here today, police said. 

The boat had 61 tourists and all but the four, including three women and a child, were rescued. They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead, sources said.The deceased are Rohini, Sweta, Elakkiya and Sukeshini.

The mishap happened close to the landing point where the tourists were being shifted from one boat to another. The boat tilted to one side before it partly got submerged into water.

Those who died had got trapped in the submerged part of the boat.

The exact place in Tamil Nadu from where the tourists had come was yet to be ascertained, police said.

Punnamada lake is the hub of water tourism in Kerala where a large number of houseboats operate.

Four dead as house boat capsizes in Alapuzha


Alappuzha : Four tourists from Tamil Nadu drowned as the houseboat they were cruising tilted and capsized at Punnamada lake here today, police said. 

The boat had 61 tourists and all but the four, including three women and a child, were rescued. They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead, sources said.The deceased are Rohini, Sweta, Elakkiya and Sukeshini.

The mishap happened close to the landing point where the tourists were being shifted from one boat to another. The boat tilted to one side before it partly got submerged into water.

Those who died had got trapped in the submerged part of the boat.

The exact place in Tamil Nadu from where the tourists had come was yet to be ascertained, police said.

Punnamada lake is the hub of water tourism in Kerala where a large number of houseboats operate.

Major fire at Munduparampu sub station


Malappuram: A major fire was reported at the Munduparampu 110 KV sub station in Malappuram district on Saturday in the wee hours. The fire was first noticed at the control panel of the sub station at around 4 am. The fire spread to the nearby transformer, which caused a loud bang. Natives were woken up hearing the loud bang. Fire force officials who reached the spot immediately extinguished the fire fighting for an hour. As the transformer was fully gutted in the fire, electricity distribution was disrupted in several places of the area.

Major fire at Munduparampu sub station


Malappuram: A major fire was reported at the Munduparampu 110 KV sub station in Malappuram district on Saturday in the wee hours. The fire was first noticed at the control panel of the sub station at around 4 am. The fire spread to the nearby transformer, which caused a loud bang. Natives were woken up hearing the loud bang. Fire force officials who reached the spot immediately extinguished the fire fighting for an hour. As the transformer was fully gutted in the fire, electricity distribution was disrupted in several places of the area.

Kerala must go for modern farm technology: Chandy



Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala should embrace modern technology in agriculture, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Saturday.

'While several Asian countries are progressing rapidly in this sector, we have not been able to do,' the chief minister said in his Republic Day address here.

'The need of the hour for Kerala is to see that we adopt modern technology in agriculture,' he said after hoisting the national tricolour at the Central Stadium.

Chandy added that one lakh families in Kerala will be given three cents of land -- amounting to 1,300 sq feet -- before Aug 15th.

He lauded the pace of growth Kerala has achieved.

'Not long ago Kerala's growth rate stood at around 2 percent. In 2005-06, it rose to an all-time high of 10.6 percent,' he said.

But he admitted that the agrarian sector had not progressed as it should have.

Chandy urged the young in Kerala to make use of opportunities by joining skill development programmes for self employment.

'We have seen that five million of our people are working abroad. For most families this has come at a cost as they had to suffer in the absence of the head of the family.

'We do not want this to happen to the new generation.'

Kerala must go for modern farm technology: Chandy



Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala should embrace modern technology in agriculture, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Saturday.

'While several Asian countries are progressing rapidly in this sector, we have not been able to do,' the chief minister said in his Republic Day address here.

'The need of the hour for Kerala is to see that we adopt modern technology in agriculture,' he said after hoisting the national tricolour at the Central Stadium.

Chandy added that one lakh families in Kerala will be given three cents of land -- amounting to 1,300 sq feet -- before Aug 15th.

He lauded the pace of growth Kerala has achieved.

'Not long ago Kerala's growth rate stood at around 2 percent. In 2005-06, it rose to an all-time high of 10.6 percent,' he said.

But he admitted that the agrarian sector had not progressed as it should have.

Chandy urged the young in Kerala to make use of opportunities by joining skill development programmes for self employment.

'We have seen that five million of our people are working abroad. For most families this has come at a cost as they had to suffer in the absence of the head of the family.

'We do not want this to happen to the new generation.'