KSEB hikes charge for new connections

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has increased the charges for getting new connections for different categories of consumers.

The order had come into effect from May 2, a KSEB release said today.

The revised rates were approved by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission in February but kept pending following announcement of Lok Sabha elections.

As per the revised rates, charges for getting weather proof connections, which would not require support poles, would go up from Rs 1,850 to Rs 2,150. For getting connections, which would require support pole for carrying overhead lines, the consumer should pay Rs 4,000 against the previous rate of Rs 2,350.

For a single-phase connection requiring one post, the consumer would have to pay Rs 11,500 against the previous rate Rs 8,600. Three-phase connection cost would be Rs 19,750 against the previous rate of Rs 18,150. There would be corresponding increase depending upon requirement of more than one support pole.

Connection charges are being revised after five years.

According to KSEB, the rates were revised in view of sharp increase in material and labour cost in the last five years.

Earlier it was inadvertently reported that Kerala State Electricity Commission has approved a revision of power tariff to mobilise Rs 650 crore for Kerala State Electricity Board.

KSEB hikes charge for new connections

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has increased the charges for getting new connections for different categories of consumers.

The order had come into effect from May 2, a KSEB release said today.

The revised rates were approved by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission in February but kept pending following announcement of Lok Sabha elections.

As per the revised rates, charges for getting weather proof connections, which would not require support poles, would go up from Rs 1,850 to Rs 2,150. For getting connections, which would require support pole for carrying overhead lines, the consumer should pay Rs 4,000 against the previous rate of Rs 2,350.

For a single-phase connection requiring one post, the consumer would have to pay Rs 11,500 against the previous rate Rs 8,600. Three-phase connection cost would be Rs 19,750 against the previous rate of Rs 18,150. There would be corresponding increase depending upon requirement of more than one support pole.

Connection charges are being revised after five years.

According to KSEB, the rates were revised in view of sharp increase in material and labour cost in the last five years.

Earlier it was inadvertently reported that Kerala State Electricity Commission has approved a revision of power tariff to mobilise Rs 650 crore for Kerala State Electricity Board.

Archaeologists to study heritage around Padmanabhaswamy temple

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Department of Archaeology is planning to conduct a detailed surface exploration of heritage sites in places around the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here to scientifically ascertain the antiquity of the famed shrine.

"We will soon seek permission from the government for a survey. As per the current plan, surface exploration is scheduled in a four sq kilometre radius around the shrine," Director of state Archaeology Department G Premkumar told PTI.

A detailed excavation would be carried out in the explored sites later if necessary.

"On getting approval, we will identify locations for the surface exploration. Except for hearsay and local lore, no authentic studies have been conducted to ascertain the antiquity of the temple. We hope the initiative will give us a scientific lead in that direction," Premkumar said.

Experts of the department carried out a mini excavation at the north entrance of the historic temple last week, after the sighting of remnants of centuries-old stone pavement and steps.

A top official said the current round of excavations has been concluded and a detailed report on that would be submitted to the state government Monday.

"It was a mini excavation. Now we are planning to conduct a detailed surface exploration of heritage sites in places around the shrine," Premkumar said.

The magnificent temple, renowned for the priceless treasures stashed in its underground vaults, was renovated by 18th century Travancore king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

It was built on marshy land after elevating the surface, he said.

An architectural splendour in granite, the grand temple is a fusion of different styles. It is one of the few Hindu temples where Lord Vishnu is seen in a reclining posture.

PTI

Archaeologists to study heritage around Padmanabhaswamy temple

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Department of Archaeology is planning to conduct a detailed surface exploration of heritage sites in places around the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here to scientifically ascertain the antiquity of the famed shrine.

"We will soon seek permission from the government for a survey. As per the current plan, surface exploration is scheduled in a four sq kilometre radius around the shrine," Director of state Archaeology Department G Premkumar told PTI.

A detailed excavation would be carried out in the explored sites later if necessary.

"On getting approval, we will identify locations for the surface exploration. Except for hearsay and local lore, no authentic studies have been conducted to ascertain the antiquity of the temple. We hope the initiative will give us a scientific lead in that direction," Premkumar said.

Experts of the department carried out a mini excavation at the north entrance of the historic temple last week, after the sighting of remnants of centuries-old stone pavement and steps.

A top official said the current round of excavations has been concluded and a detailed report on that would be submitted to the state government Monday.

"It was a mini excavation. Now we are planning to conduct a detailed surface exploration of heritage sites in places around the shrine," Premkumar said.

The magnificent temple, renowned for the priceless treasures stashed in its underground vaults, was renovated by 18th century Travancore king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

It was built on marshy land after elevating the surface, he said.

An architectural splendour in granite, the grand temple is a fusion of different styles. It is one of the few Hindu temples where Lord Vishnu is seen in a reclining posture.

PTI

13 killed as passenger train derails on Konkan route

Raigad (Maharashtra): At least 13 people were killed and 30 injured when a passenger train derailed on Konkan Railway route in Maharashtra's Raigad district Sunday.

The accident occurred just outside a tunnel near Nidi village, when the engine and four out of 20 bogies of Diwa- Sawantwadi passenger train derailed at around 10 a.m between Nagothane and Roha railway stations, about 120 kms from Mumbai.

Rescue operations were going on, police said, adding that workers were trying to extricate people trapped under bogies that overturned after derailment.

According to Raigad police control room, 12 passengers were killed and 30 injured in the mishap which occurred in a remote area. However, a Railway spokesperson put the death toll at nine.

Ten bodies have been sent to Nagothane primary health centre for postmortem. The bodies are yet to be identified. Two bodies have been taken to government hospital at Roha for autopsy, police said.

Following the mishap, services on Konkan Railway route were suspended. Last month too, a goods train derailed on the route, affecting services.

The injured passengers are being rushed to Roha for medical treatment, police said.
Railways ordered an inquiry and Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for those killed in the accident, Rs 50,000 for the grievously hurt and Rs 10,000 for passengers who suffered minor injuries.

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar said Commissioner, Railway Safety, Chetan Bakshi will conduct the inquiry and has rushed to the site.

The Chairman along with Advisor, Health, B B Agarawal are also visiting the accident site.
Railways has also started two helpline-- Thane -- 022-25334840 and Panwel--022-27468.

13 killed as passenger train derails on Konkan route

Raigad (Maharashtra): At least 13 people were killed and 30 injured when a passenger train derailed on Konkan Railway route in Maharashtra's Raigad district Sunday.

The accident occurred just outside a tunnel near Nidi village, when the engine and four out of 20 bogies of Diwa- Sawantwadi passenger train derailed at around 10 a.m between Nagothane and Roha railway stations, about 120 kms from Mumbai.

Rescue operations were going on, police said, adding that workers were trying to extricate people trapped under bogies that overturned after derailment.

According to Raigad police control room, 12 passengers were killed and 30 injured in the mishap which occurred in a remote area. However, a Railway spokesperson put the death toll at nine.

Ten bodies have been sent to Nagothane primary health centre for postmortem. The bodies are yet to be identified. Two bodies have been taken to government hospital at Roha for autopsy, police said.

Following the mishap, services on Konkan Railway route were suspended. Last month too, a goods train derailed on the route, affecting services.

The injured passengers are being rushed to Roha for medical treatment, police said.
Railways ordered an inquiry and Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for those killed in the accident, Rs 50,000 for the grievously hurt and Rs 10,000 for passengers who suffered minor injuries.

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar said Commissioner, Railway Safety, Chetan Bakshi will conduct the inquiry and has rushed to the site.

The Chairman along with Advisor, Health, B B Agarawal are also visiting the accident site.
Railways has also started two helpline-- Thane -- 022-25334840 and Panwel--022-27468.

Landslide in Afghanistan kills at least 350, over 2000 trapped

Afghans search for survivors after a massive landslide landslide buried a village Friday, May 2, 2014 in Badakhshan province, northeastern Afghanistan.

Kabul: A landslide triggered by heavy rain buried large sections of a remote northeastern Afghan village today, killing at least 350 people and leaving more than 2,000 missing.

Villagers looked on helplessly and the governor appealed for shovels to help dig through the mass of mud that flattened every home in its path.

The mountainous area in Badakhshan province has experienced days of heavy rain and flooding, and the side of a cliff collapsed onto the village of Hobo Barik around midday. Landslides and avalanches are frequent in Afghanistan, but today's was one of the deadliest.

Gov. Shah Waliullah Adeeb said more than 2,000 people were missing after the landslide buried some 300 homes, about a third of all the houses in the area.

At least 350 people were confirmed dead, according to Ari Gaitanis, a spokesman from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. He said the UN was working with authorities on the ground to rescue people still trapped.

The governor said rescue crews were working but didn't have enough equipment.

"It's physically impossible right now," Adeeb said. "We don't have enough shovels; we need more machinery."

Badakhshan provincial police chief, Maj. Gen. Faziluddin Hayar said rescuers had pulled seven survivors and three bodies from the mounds of mud and earth but held out little hope that more survivors would be found.

"Now we can only help the displaced people. Those trapped under the landslide and who have lost lives, it is impossible to do anything for them," Hayar said.

Video footage of the scene showed a large section of the mountain collapsed, sending mud and earth tumbling onto the village below.

The landslide was likely caused by heavy rain, said Abdullah Homayun Dehqan, the province's director for National Disaster Department. He said floods last week in different districts of the province killed four people and eight more were still missing.

Landslides occur frequently in the province, but they generally happen in remote areas and produce far fewer casualties, said Mohammad Usman Abu Zar from the Meteorology Department of Badakhshan province.

Authorities evacuated a nearby village over concerns about further landslides, the governor said. Dehqan said blankets and tents had been sent and about 400 people from nearby villages had gathered to help with the rescue effort. Hayar said the landslide happened about 1 pm today, a day of worship in Afghanistan when many families would have been at home instead of at work.

AP

Landslide in Afghanistan kills at least 350, over 2000 trapped

Afghans search for survivors after a massive landslide landslide buried a village Friday, May 2, 2014 in Badakhshan province, northeastern Afghanistan.

Kabul: A landslide triggered by heavy rain buried large sections of a remote northeastern Afghan village today, killing at least 350 people and leaving more than 2,000 missing.

Villagers looked on helplessly and the governor appealed for shovels to help dig through the mass of mud that flattened every home in its path.

The mountainous area in Badakhshan province has experienced days of heavy rain and flooding, and the side of a cliff collapsed onto the village of Hobo Barik around midday. Landslides and avalanches are frequent in Afghanistan, but today's was one of the deadliest.

Gov. Shah Waliullah Adeeb said more than 2,000 people were missing after the landslide buried some 300 homes, about a third of all the houses in the area.

At least 350 people were confirmed dead, according to Ari Gaitanis, a spokesman from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. He said the UN was working with authorities on the ground to rescue people still trapped.

The governor said rescue crews were working but didn't have enough equipment.

"It's physically impossible right now," Adeeb said. "We don't have enough shovels; we need more machinery."

Badakhshan provincial police chief, Maj. Gen. Faziluddin Hayar said rescuers had pulled seven survivors and three bodies from the mounds of mud and earth but held out little hope that more survivors would be found.

"Now we can only help the displaced people. Those trapped under the landslide and who have lost lives, it is impossible to do anything for them," Hayar said.

Video footage of the scene showed a large section of the mountain collapsed, sending mud and earth tumbling onto the village below.

The landslide was likely caused by heavy rain, said Abdullah Homayun Dehqan, the province's director for National Disaster Department. He said floods last week in different districts of the province killed four people and eight more were still missing.

Landslides occur frequently in the province, but they generally happen in remote areas and produce far fewer casualties, said Mohammad Usman Abu Zar from the Meteorology Department of Badakhshan province.

Authorities evacuated a nearby village over concerns about further landslides, the governor said. Dehqan said blankets and tents had been sent and about 400 people from nearby villages had gathered to help with the rescue effort. Hayar said the landslide happened about 1 pm today, a day of worship in Afghanistan when many families would have been at home instead of at work.

AP

$1500 Google Glass actually a $80 device?

California: Looking forward to spend $1,500 (Rs.90,000) to buy your set of Google Glass soon? This information may shock you that it takes electronic components worth a mere $80 (Rs.4,800) to develop one eyewear device!

According to the website teardown.com, researchers looked into one of the Glass prototype and revealed what goes into making Google Glass.

They found the single most expensive part inside Glass is a Texas Instruments 'OMAP 4430' applications processor, costing $13.96 (Rs.800).

There is also a $5.66 camera, a $3 display, and 16GB of flash memory from Toshiba for $8.18.

According to the site, this is just a rough estimate of the cost of the parts and they will do a deeper analysis soon.

However, a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying that the teardown estimate was wrong.

Google is expected to launch a cheaper version later this year.

Google will also include a free sun-glass shade or one of its newly-introduced prescription glasses frames along with any purchase.


IANS

$1500 Google Glass actually a $80 device?

California: Looking forward to spend $1,500 (Rs.90,000) to buy your set of Google Glass soon? This information may shock you that it takes electronic components worth a mere $80 (Rs.4,800) to develop one eyewear device!

According to the website teardown.com, researchers looked into one of the Glass prototype and revealed what goes into making Google Glass.

They found the single most expensive part inside Glass is a Texas Instruments 'OMAP 4430' applications processor, costing $13.96 (Rs.800).

There is also a $5.66 camera, a $3 display, and 16GB of flash memory from Toshiba for $8.18.

According to the site, this is just a rough estimate of the cost of the parts and they will do a deeper analysis soon.

However, a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying that the teardown estimate was wrong.

Google is expected to launch a cheaper version later this year.

Google will also include a free sun-glass shade or one of its newly-introduced prescription glasses frames along with any purchase.


IANS