Malayalam newspapers outnumber other dailies in Qatar

Dubai: With the launch of the Doha edition of Malayala Manorama, Malayalam dailies now outnumber the local Arabic and English dailies in Qatar. Five Malayalam newspapers are being published from Qatar and more are in the offing.

The Doha edition of Malayala Manorama was launched on Wednesday. The other dailies that already have Doha editions are Madhyamam, Chandrika, Thejas and Varthamanam.With the launch of Manorama, Malayalam newspapers now outnumber the local Arabic (four) and English dailies (three), The Peninsula reported on Thursday.

'We have found that people from Kerala living abroad like to read Malayalam papers to know about their native place and what is happening there. Our Doha edition will meet their expectations,' Anand Mathew, senior general manager for sales at Malayala Manorama said.

The total circulation of the Doha editions of five Malayalam papers may not cross five digits, but the actual readership is much more, the Qatari paper quoted media sources as saying.

A large number of Keralites in Qatar are skilled or semi-skilled single workers living in labour camps or shared houses. With their paltry salaries, many of them cannot afford to spend two Qatari Riyals daily for a newspaper. So, they pool in money to buy newspaper(s) and share it.

'The rise in shared accommodations in Qatar has boosted the readership of all Malayalam dailies in Qatar, although their circulation has not increased in proportion to the rise in population,' said Harris Vallil, marketing manager of Gulf Madhyamam.

All these newspapers have their online editions, but the news-hungry Malayalee would like to read them in print, even if they have access to the internet, Ashraf Tooneri, resident editor of Middle East Chandrika said.PTI

Malayalam newspapers outnumber other dailies in Qatar

Dubai: With the launch of the Doha edition of Malayala Manorama, Malayalam dailies now outnumber the local Arabic and English dailies in Qatar. Five Malayalam newspapers are being published from Qatar and more are in the offing.

The Doha edition of Malayala Manorama was launched on Wednesday. The other dailies that already have Doha editions are Madhyamam, Chandrika, Thejas and Varthamanam.With the launch of Manorama, Malayalam newspapers now outnumber the local Arabic (four) and English dailies (three), The Peninsula reported on Thursday.

'We have found that people from Kerala living abroad like to read Malayalam papers to know about their native place and what is happening there. Our Doha edition will meet their expectations,' Anand Mathew, senior general manager for sales at Malayala Manorama said.

The total circulation of the Doha editions of five Malayalam papers may not cross five digits, but the actual readership is much more, the Qatari paper quoted media sources as saying.

A large number of Keralites in Qatar are skilled or semi-skilled single workers living in labour camps or shared houses. With their paltry salaries, many of them cannot afford to spend two Qatari Riyals daily for a newspaper. So, they pool in money to buy newspaper(s) and share it.

'The rise in shared accommodations in Qatar has boosted the readership of all Malayalam dailies in Qatar, although their circulation has not increased in proportion to the rise in population,' said Harris Vallil, marketing manager of Gulf Madhyamam.

All these newspapers have their online editions, but the news-hungry Malayalee would like to read them in print, even if they have access to the internet, Ashraf Tooneri, resident editor of Middle East Chandrika said.PTI

US north-east battles first major snow storm of 2014

The north-eastern US has been hit by a major winter storm, with 53cm (21 inches) of snowfall recorded in one town in Massachusetts. Thousands of flights have been cancelled as heavy snowfall moved eastward from the Midwestern states. The New York and New England governors have declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors.

In Canada, temperatures of -26C (-14F) were recorded in Montreal and Winnipeg, not including the wind chill factor. On Thursday, central Quebec recorded an actual temperature of -46C (-51F), Environment Canada meteorologist Bernard Duguay told the BBC. The storm is expected to worsen overnight and into Friday morning.
'Serious situation'

'We're going to see a lot of snow and a lot of wind,' said Jason Tuell, of the US National Weather Service. 'We're concerned about whiteout conditions possibly tonight with the blowing and drifting snow.' Late on Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said unofficial observations had recorded 53cm of snow in Boxford, north of Boston. Other areas of Massachusetts as well as New York experienced similar falls.

Similar accumulations were also expected in parts of the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where many residents were recently without electricity because of an ice storm. 
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for the Long Island region of New York, where up to 10in of snow is expected.

Some schools have already announced closures for Friday and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned commuters to New York City to leave their vehicles at home on Thursday. 'We are looking at a serious storm situation,' he said. Lower overnight temperatures expected across the north-east also worried officials.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick told non-emergency government employees to leave work at 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT), warning residents not to spent too much time outside because of the frigid temperatures. 'Minimise outside activities... These temperatures are very, very dangerous,' he said on Thursday.

Snowy roads have already been blamed for a vehicle crash in Indiana that killed one person and injured more than a dozen after a lorry lost control and hit a bus carrying 50 people. In Hartford, Connecticut, householder Hal Guy was preparing for the snow by shopping for three snow shovels.

'We broke a couple in the last storm,' he told the Associated Press news agency.

'We have four kids, so, three shovels, and we still have a little one back home.'
The storm is expected to be an early test for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was sworn in on Wednesday. 'We are focused like a laser on protecting this city and getting everyone ready,' he said. 'We have all hands on deck.''

He warned New Yorkers to stay indoors 'to the maximum extent possible'. 'If you don't need to go out, please don't go out,' he said. To the south, smaller but still significant amounts of snow are expected in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

US north-east battles first major snow storm of 2014

The north-eastern US has been hit by a major winter storm, with 53cm (21 inches) of snowfall recorded in one town in Massachusetts. Thousands of flights have been cancelled as heavy snowfall moved eastward from the Midwestern states. The New York and New England governors have declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay indoors.

In Canada, temperatures of -26C (-14F) were recorded in Montreal and Winnipeg, not including the wind chill factor. On Thursday, central Quebec recorded an actual temperature of -46C (-51F), Environment Canada meteorologist Bernard Duguay told the BBC. The storm is expected to worsen overnight and into Friday morning.
'Serious situation'

'We're going to see a lot of snow and a lot of wind,' said Jason Tuell, of the US National Weather Service. 'We're concerned about whiteout conditions possibly tonight with the blowing and drifting snow.' Late on Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said unofficial observations had recorded 53cm of snow in Boxford, north of Boston. Other areas of Massachusetts as well as New York experienced similar falls.

Similar accumulations were also expected in parts of the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where many residents were recently without electricity because of an ice storm. 
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for the Long Island region of New York, where up to 10in of snow is expected.

Some schools have already announced closures for Friday and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned commuters to New York City to leave their vehicles at home on Thursday. 'We are looking at a serious storm situation,' he said. Lower overnight temperatures expected across the north-east also worried officials.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick told non-emergency government employees to leave work at 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT), warning residents not to spent too much time outside because of the frigid temperatures. 'Minimise outside activities... These temperatures are very, very dangerous,' he said on Thursday.

Snowy roads have already been blamed for a vehicle crash in Indiana that killed one person and injured more than a dozen after a lorry lost control and hit a bus carrying 50 people. In Hartford, Connecticut, householder Hal Guy was preparing for the snow by shopping for three snow shovels.

'We broke a couple in the last storm,' he told the Associated Press news agency.

'We have four kids, so, three shovels, and we still have a little one back home.'
The storm is expected to be an early test for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was sworn in on Wednesday. 'We are focused like a laser on protecting this city and getting everyone ready,' he said. 'We have all hands on deck.''

He warned New Yorkers to stay indoors 'to the maximum extent possible'. 'If you don't need to go out, please don't go out,' he said. To the south, smaller but still significant amounts of snow are expected in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Vitamin E slows Alzheimer's progression

New York: A daily dosage of vitamin E can slow functional decline and reduce caregiver time in assisting Alzheimer's patients.

Researchers have found that alpha tocopherol - a fat-soluble vitamin (E) and antioxidant - in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) was shown to be effective in slowing clinical progression.

'We examined the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E and memantine (a drug used for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type) in patients who were taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (a chemical that increases the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine),' said Maurice W. Dysken of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

The trial included 613 patients at 14 medical centres. Participants received either 2,000 IU/day of vitamin E, 20 mg/day of memantine, a combination of both vitamin E and memantine or placebo - a substance containing no medication and prescribed to reinforce a patient's expectation to get well.

They found that participants receiving vitamin E had slower functional decline than those receiving placebo. Neither memantine nor the combination of vitamin E and memantine showed clinical benefit in this trial, claimed the study published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

'Because vitamin E is inexpensive, it is likely these benefits are cost-effective as alpha tocopherol improves functional outcomes and decreases caregiver burden,' concluded the study.

Vitamin E slows Alzheimer's progression

New York: A daily dosage of vitamin E can slow functional decline and reduce caregiver time in assisting Alzheimer's patients.

Researchers have found that alpha tocopherol - a fat-soluble vitamin (E) and antioxidant - in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) was shown to be effective in slowing clinical progression.

'We examined the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E and memantine (a drug used for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type) in patients who were taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (a chemical that increases the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine),' said Maurice W. Dysken of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

The trial included 613 patients at 14 medical centres. Participants received either 2,000 IU/day of vitamin E, 20 mg/day of memantine, a combination of both vitamin E and memantine or placebo - a substance containing no medication and prescribed to reinforce a patient's expectation to get well.

They found that participants receiving vitamin E had slower functional decline than those receiving placebo. Neither memantine nor the combination of vitamin E and memantine showed clinical benefit in this trial, claimed the study published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

'Because vitamin E is inexpensive, it is likely these benefits are cost-effective as alpha tocopherol improves functional outcomes and decreases caregiver burden,' concluded the study.

27 killed in Maharashtra accident

Thane (Maharashtra):At least 27 passengers were killed and 18 injured when a state transport bus fell into a 400 feet deep ravine in the Malshej Ghats here Thursday morning, police said.

The accident occurred around 10.30 a.m. when the Thane-Ahmednagar bus belonging to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) went off the road and plunged into the narrow gorge. 

According to preliminary investigations, the bus driver lost control of vehicle at a steep curve on the treacherous ghat roads, and the bus with 45 passengers fell into the ravine, an officer of the Thane rural police said.

Helped by local villagers, police and fire brigade personnel from Thane and Pune are engaged in the rescue operations which are hampered by the steep mountain slopes. Several wounded people were rushed to hospitals in Murbad and Thane. The toll is likely to go up, police said.

27 killed in Maharashtra accident

Thane (Maharashtra):At least 27 passengers were killed and 18 injured when a state transport bus fell into a 400 feet deep ravine in the Malshej Ghats here Thursday morning, police said.

The accident occurred around 10.30 a.m. when the Thane-Ahmednagar bus belonging to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) went off the road and plunged into the narrow gorge. 

According to preliminary investigations, the bus driver lost control of vehicle at a steep curve on the treacherous ghat roads, and the bus with 45 passengers fell into the ravine, an officer of the Thane rural police said.

Helped by local villagers, police and fire brigade personnel from Thane and Pune are engaged in the rescue operations which are hampered by the steep mountain slopes. Several wounded people were rushed to hospitals in Murbad and Thane. The toll is likely to go up, police said.

'Australian gang targeted people of Indian appearance': Melbourne Cou

'Melboune:  An Australian teenager, charged with brutally attacking and robbing a 20-year-old Indian student in Melbourne, was part of a gang that targeted people of Indian appearance, a court heard Thursday. A 17-year-old Sydenham boy was denied bail by a children's court after being arrested for the Sunday attack on Manrajwinder Singh following which he remains in an induced coma in a hospital in Melbourne.

Singh, in Australia to study accounts, was bashed up by thugs in Birrarung Marr near Princes Bridge, as he and two other friends waited for a train. He suffered serious head injuries in the incident. The offenders, perceived to be of African appearance, assaulted Singh by kicking him on the head and hitting him with a stick. They also punched his friend on the face.

The teenager, charged with intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and theft, was refused bail when it emerged he was on bail at the time following an alleged assault and robbery on another Indian victim in November. He was remanded to return to court later this month. Victoria Police opposed the gang member's bail application on the grounds he allegedly committed the offence while on bail and would be a danger to the public if released, the Herald Sun reported.

The court heard the boy, his twin brother and their younger brother were named by another of those arrested as being responsible for attacking the two men, The Age reported. The boy's brothers were still at large and their father had little control over his sons despite trying to help investigators. The court was told the 17-year-old is a member of a gang of men known as 'KYR' - an acronym for 'Kill Your Rivals'. CCTV footage has captured eight men approaching the victim.

"Intelligence suggests that he and other associates are in a gang called KYR. They target vulnerable groups and they target Indians," a Victoria Police officer told the court. Two other teens were arrested in connection with the attack while a search is on for five others.The victim's brother Yadwinder Singh today said his sibling was still in induced coma but was responding well to medicines. "He is not out of danger but he is responding well to the medicines. However, right now our main concern is the recovery of our brother," Singh said. Officials at the Indian consulate in Melbourne are also in regular touch with Singh's family and helping them to speed up the visa process of his parents who are currently in India.

 

'Australian gang targeted people of Indian appearance': Melbourne Cou

'Melboune:  An Australian teenager, charged with brutally attacking and robbing a 20-year-old Indian student in Melbourne, was part of a gang that targeted people of Indian appearance, a court heard Thursday. A 17-year-old Sydenham boy was denied bail by a children's court after being arrested for the Sunday attack on Manrajwinder Singh following which he remains in an induced coma in a hospital in Melbourne.

Singh, in Australia to study accounts, was bashed up by thugs in Birrarung Marr near Princes Bridge, as he and two other friends waited for a train. He suffered serious head injuries in the incident. The offenders, perceived to be of African appearance, assaulted Singh by kicking him on the head and hitting him with a stick. They also punched his friend on the face.

The teenager, charged with intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and theft, was refused bail when it emerged he was on bail at the time following an alleged assault and robbery on another Indian victim in November. He was remanded to return to court later this month. Victoria Police opposed the gang member's bail application on the grounds he allegedly committed the offence while on bail and would be a danger to the public if released, the Herald Sun reported.

The court heard the boy, his twin brother and their younger brother were named by another of those arrested as being responsible for attacking the two men, The Age reported. The boy's brothers were still at large and their father had little control over his sons despite trying to help investigators. The court was told the 17-year-old is a member of a gang of men known as 'KYR' - an acronym for 'Kill Your Rivals'. CCTV footage has captured eight men approaching the victim.

"Intelligence suggests that he and other associates are in a gang called KYR. They target vulnerable groups and they target Indians," a Victoria Police officer told the court. Two other teens were arrested in connection with the attack while a search is on for five others.The victim's brother Yadwinder Singh today said his sibling was still in induced coma but was responding well to medicines. "He is not out of danger but he is responding well to the medicines. However, right now our main concern is the recovery of our brother," Singh said. Officials at the Indian consulate in Melbourne are also in regular touch with Singh's family and helping them to speed up the visa process of his parents who are currently in India.

 

Don’t link Aadhar with LPG: CPI-M

New Delhi: The CPI-M Thursday denounced as "totally unjustified" the hike in prices of unsubsidized gas cylinders and asked the government not to link LPG supply with Aadhar cards. The Communist Party of India-Marxist said the price hike of Rs.220 on every unsubsidized liquefied petroleum gas cylinder by oil companies "will be an intolerable burden on people".

"Since there is a ceiling on subsidized cylinders at nine, people have to now buy gas cylinders at exorbitant prices." It said that the oil companies' insistence that Aadhar identification number was required for getting subsidized gas cylinders "is illegal and unauthorized". 

"It is another way to deprive households from access to gas cylinders. It goes against the Supreme Court judgement to keep the Aadhar use in abeyance till a final verdict. "The union government should immediately step in to stop this linkage of supply of subsidized gas cylinders with Aadhar."

Don’t link Aadhar with LPG: CPI-M

New Delhi: The CPI-M Thursday denounced as "totally unjustified" the hike in prices of unsubsidized gas cylinders and asked the government not to link LPG supply with Aadhar cards. The Communist Party of India-Marxist said the price hike of Rs.220 on every unsubsidized liquefied petroleum gas cylinder by oil companies "will be an intolerable burden on people".

"Since there is a ceiling on subsidized cylinders at nine, people have to now buy gas cylinders at exorbitant prices." It said that the oil companies' insistence that Aadhar identification number was required for getting subsidized gas cylinders "is illegal and unauthorized". 

"It is another way to deprive households from access to gas cylinders. It goes against the Supreme Court judgement to keep the Aadhar use in abeyance till a final verdict. "The union government should immediately step in to stop this linkage of supply of subsidized gas cylinders with Aadhar."

Musharraf rushed to hospital with 'heart problem': Police

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a "heart problem" on his way to court for a hearing in his trial for treason, police and an aide said.

The 70-year-old had been summoned to the special tribunal after failing to show up for two previous sessions due to security threats against him. Jan Mohammad, a senior police official told the court in Islamabad that Musharraf had fallen ill while being transported to the hearing under heavy security.

"He has been shifted to Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology after he got heart problem," Mohammad said.

An aide to Musharraf, who is facing a series of criminal cases dating back to his 1999-2008 rule, told AFP the retired general was in "bad shape".

Musharraf rushed to hospital with 'heart problem': Police

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a "heart problem" on his way to court for a hearing in his trial for treason, police and an aide said.

The 70-year-old had been summoned to the special tribunal after failing to show up for two previous sessions due to security threats against him. Jan Mohammad, a senior police official told the court in Islamabad that Musharraf had fallen ill while being transported to the hearing under heavy security.

"He has been shifted to Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology after he got heart problem," Mohammad said.

An aide to Musharraf, who is facing a series of criminal cases dating back to his 1999-2008 rule, told AFP the retired general was in "bad shape".

IIT Kharagpur creates record, more than 1,000 students get jobs

Kolkata: IIT Kharagpur has set a record among all IITs with more than a thousand of its students securing cushy jobs in the first phase of campus placements, officials said today.

Around 1,010 students of the Kharagpur campus accepted job offers in the first round of placements, which ended in December. At IIT Mumbai, there were 900 offers while IIT Delhi got about 750 offers and IIT Kanpur had around 700 offers.

IIT officials said, Kharagpur has achieved a new record with the maximum number of students getting jobs in the IIT system in one phase. In addition to big names like Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Shell, Deutsche Bank, ITC, Schlumberger, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Abbott and EXL, start-ups like Flipkart and Housing.com were the ones who made multiple offers in dual figures.

The highest package offered was from a US-based company which has signed an IITian for an annual salary of USD 1.25 lakh (around Rs. 77 lakh). The highest domestic package was of Rs. 37 lakh. Two new dual degree programs - Financial Engineering and Engineering Entrepreneurship - proved to be a big hit with 85 per cent students from those courses being placed.

'The programs not only demonstrated acceptability by the industries, but projected the vision of IIT-Kharagpur for launching novel initiatives,' said Professor Sudhir Kumar Barai, in-charge of training and placement, of the institute.

The number of companies offering placements have also increased this year with 195 organisations coming this time. Barai said another 79 engineering students have accepted pre-placement offers from other companies.

IIT Kharagpur creates record, more than 1,000 students get jobs

Kolkata: IIT Kharagpur has set a record among all IITs with more than a thousand of its students securing cushy jobs in the first phase of campus placements, officials said today.

Around 1,010 students of the Kharagpur campus accepted job offers in the first round of placements, which ended in December. At IIT Mumbai, there were 900 offers while IIT Delhi got about 750 offers and IIT Kanpur had around 700 offers.

IIT officials said, Kharagpur has achieved a new record with the maximum number of students getting jobs in the IIT system in one phase. In addition to big names like Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Shell, Deutsche Bank, ITC, Schlumberger, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Abbott and EXL, start-ups like Flipkart and Housing.com were the ones who made multiple offers in dual figures.

The highest package offered was from a US-based company which has signed an IITian for an annual salary of USD 1.25 lakh (around Rs. 77 lakh). The highest domestic package was of Rs. 37 lakh. Two new dual degree programs - Financial Engineering and Engineering Entrepreneurship - proved to be a big hit with 85 per cent students from those courses being placed.

'The programs not only demonstrated acceptability by the industries, but projected the vision of IIT-Kharagpur for launching novel initiatives,' said Professor Sudhir Kumar Barai, in-charge of training and placement, of the institute.

The number of companies offering placements have also increased this year with 195 organisations coming this time. Barai said another 79 engineering students have accepted pre-placement offers from other companies.

Two killed, 29 injured in Quetta bus attack

Islamabad: At least two people were killed while 29 injured in Pakistan's Balochistan province when a pilgrims' bus was attacked in Quetta city Wednesday evening.

"So far, there have been two deaths, while the count of the injured has risen to 31," reported Geo TV citing Abdul Raheem, the information minister for Balochistan.

As per initial reports the target of this sectarian terrorist act was a bus full of pilgrims coming from Iran. The blast struck the bus at the city's Akhtarabad bypass. 

The bus had just entered Quetta after crossing Pakistan-Iran border carrying about 30 to 35 pilgrims who were coming back home after visiting holy places in Iran, said a police official Abdul Razzaq Cheema.

Gunshots were also fired after the bomb went off, a source said. The bus caught fire after the explosion.

After conducting initial investigation, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) declared it was a suicide attack.

"About 80-100 kg of explosive was used in the bomb. It is surmised that a suicide-car-bomber rammed into the fateful bus and blew it up," a BDS official said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain strongly condemned terrorist attack.

Sharif, in his condolence message, said the perpetrators of such heinous crimes were doing no service to Islam and the country. "My sympathies are with the families of the victims. I pray for the departed souls and for early recovery of those injured in the tragic incident".

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali also decried the attack in the strongest of words.

(IANS)

Two killed, 29 injured in Quetta bus attack

Islamabad: At least two people were killed while 29 injured in Pakistan's Balochistan province when a pilgrims' bus was attacked in Quetta city Wednesday evening.

"So far, there have been two deaths, while the count of the injured has risen to 31," reported Geo TV citing Abdul Raheem, the information minister for Balochistan.

As per initial reports the target of this sectarian terrorist act was a bus full of pilgrims coming from Iran. The blast struck the bus at the city's Akhtarabad bypass. 

The bus had just entered Quetta after crossing Pakistan-Iran border carrying about 30 to 35 pilgrims who were coming back home after visiting holy places in Iran, said a police official Abdul Razzaq Cheema.

Gunshots were also fired after the bomb went off, a source said. The bus caught fire after the explosion.

After conducting initial investigation, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) declared it was a suicide attack.

"About 80-100 kg of explosive was used in the bomb. It is surmised that a suicide-car-bomber rammed into the fateful bus and blew it up," a BDS official said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain strongly condemned terrorist attack.

Sharif, in his condolence message, said the perpetrators of such heinous crimes were doing no service to Islam and the country. "My sympathies are with the families of the victims. I pray for the departed souls and for early recovery of those injured in the tragic incident".

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali also decried the attack in the strongest of words.

(IANS)

Kerala launches lottery to fund poor women's marriages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a New Year gift to poor women in Kerala, the state government Wednesday launched a special lottery where the revenue will go to a fund that will provide a marriage aid of Rs.30,000 each to 
"This programme was announced in the last state budget and the entire revenue generated through the Mangalaya Lottery would go to every women in the below poverty line category when she gets married," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The programme would also cover families in the above poverty line category but whose annual income does not exceed Rs.1 lakh.

The government decided to go ahead with this new scheme after the success of a similar scheme named Karunya Lottery launched in 2011 by the Chandy government.

The Karunya Benevolent Fund has so far funded the medical expenses of around 22,000 patients to the extent of Rs.286 crore.

The fund is providing financial assistance to underprivileged people suffering from cancer, haemophilia, kidney and heart diseases.

The state-owned lottery in Kerala has never made a loss since its inception in 1967. The total revenue from lottery sales then was Rs.20 lakh.

The total sales of the lottery in the last fiscal stood at Rs.2,778.80 crore, with a profit of Rs.681.76 crore.

Currently, there are more than 35,000 authorised agents and over 100,000 retail sellers in the state who sell lottery tickets.

Kerala launches lottery to fund poor women's marriages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a New Year gift to poor women in Kerala, the state government Wednesday launched a special lottery where the revenue will go to a fund that will provide a marriage aid of Rs.30,000 each to 
"This programme was announced in the last state budget and the entire revenue generated through the Mangalaya Lottery would go to every women in the below poverty line category when she gets married," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The programme would also cover families in the above poverty line category but whose annual income does not exceed Rs.1 lakh.

The government decided to go ahead with this new scheme after the success of a similar scheme named Karunya Lottery launched in 2011 by the Chandy government.

The Karunya Benevolent Fund has so far funded the medical expenses of around 22,000 patients to the extent of Rs.286 crore.

The fund is providing financial assistance to underprivileged people suffering from cancer, haemophilia, kidney and heart diseases.

The state-owned lottery in Kerala has never made a loss since its inception in 1967. The total revenue from lottery sales then was Rs.20 lakh.

The total sales of the lottery in the last fiscal stood at Rs.2,778.80 crore, with a profit of Rs.681.76 crore.

Currently, there are more than 35,000 authorised agents and over 100,000 retail sellers in the state who sell lottery tickets.

Make your fitness resolution a success

London: The most common New Year resolution is to focus on fitness. Here's how you bring about a positive change. Joe Turner, personal trainer and lead tutor at www.thetrainingroom.com shares tips to help you materialise your New Year fitness resolutions: * Ask a personal trainer to prepare a realistic programme for you.

* Change your programme every four to six weeks. * Set precise goals. For instance, "I want to lose 10 kg in four weeks". It shouldn't be "I want to lose weight". * Take an expert's advice on the right nutrition. The best exercise routine will fail if your diet lacks healthy food items. * Find a training buddy and commit to get fit together. 
* Tell others what you are doing--in person and on social networking sites. This makes you accountable.

Make your fitness resolution a success

London: The most common New Year resolution is to focus on fitness. Here's how you bring about a positive change. Joe Turner, personal trainer and lead tutor at www.thetrainingroom.com shares tips to help you materialise your New Year fitness resolutions: * Ask a personal trainer to prepare a realistic programme for you.

* Change your programme every four to six weeks. * Set precise goals. For instance, "I want to lose 10 kg in four weeks". It shouldn't be "I want to lose weight". * Take an expert's advice on the right nutrition. The best exercise routine will fail if your diet lacks healthy food items. * Find a training buddy and commit to get fit together. 
* Tell others what you are doing--in person and on social networking sites. This makes you accountable.

Kolkata to host intl kite festival on Jan 5

Kolkata: Hundreds of giant fancy kites of myriad shapes and sizes, crafted by Indian and international kite-flyers will dot the city skyline on Jan 5 at the Vokatta International Kite Festival 2014. "Woh katta" refers to downing a rival's kite. Shapes ranging from giant wheels with spikes to psychedelic patterns, and cartoon figures will be seen in the sky Jan 5 morning at the sprawling 480-acres Eco Park here.  After sunset, special kites that can be flown in darkness will carry on the day-long aerial display.

Headlined by Barbara Meyer, the president of the American Kite Association, the event will bring renowned flyers from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Britain, France, Indonesia, and enthusiasts from across India. The 2014 edition is the second such. "As many as 50 well-known kite flyers will join the locals this year. Last year we started off at the national level whereas this year it is international...a first for eastern India," founder of the festival Santosh Kumar Jaiswal says.

With each participant bringing their special kites to the city, Jaiswal said the emphasis this year would be on fancy kites. "They would be judged on the best aerial fancy kite display," he said. The kites to look out for include the 10m by 5m Inflatable Delta by Johan Van Eeckhout from Belgium, the 30m circular rotating kites by Edo Borghetti from Italy as well as the spectacular designs by British avionics engineer Bob Cruikshanks 
Hot air balloon rides have been arranged for children below 14 years at the festival.

(IANS)

Kolkata to host intl kite festival on Jan 5

Kolkata: Hundreds of giant fancy kites of myriad shapes and sizes, crafted by Indian and international kite-flyers will dot the city skyline on Jan 5 at the Vokatta International Kite Festival 2014. "Woh katta" refers to downing a rival's kite. Shapes ranging from giant wheels with spikes to psychedelic patterns, and cartoon figures will be seen in the sky Jan 5 morning at the sprawling 480-acres Eco Park here.  After sunset, special kites that can be flown in darkness will carry on the day-long aerial display.

Headlined by Barbara Meyer, the president of the American Kite Association, the event will bring renowned flyers from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Britain, France, Indonesia, and enthusiasts from across India. The 2014 edition is the second such. "As many as 50 well-known kite flyers will join the locals this year. Last year we started off at the national level whereas this year it is international...a first for eastern India," founder of the festival Santosh Kumar Jaiswal says.

With each participant bringing their special kites to the city, Jaiswal said the emphasis this year would be on fancy kites. "They would be judged on the best aerial fancy kite display," he said. The kites to look out for include the 10m by 5m Inflatable Delta by Johan Van Eeckhout from Belgium, the 30m circular rotating kites by Edo Borghetti from Italy as well as the spectacular designs by British avionics engineer Bob Cruikshanks 
Hot air balloon rides have been arranged for children below 14 years at the festival.

(IANS)

Six Indian tourists killed in jeep accident in Nepal

NEPAL: Six Indian tourists have been killed when a jeep carrying them plunged into a river in Nepal's Tanahun district. The incident occurred yesterday night when the jeep carrying 10 Indian tourists was heading for Kathmandu from tourist city Pokhara on the New Year's Eve.

The vehicle fell into the Marsyangdi River near Chunpahara area in Bandipur village, 152 km from Kathmandu, at 11 pm (local time), according to the police. The dead have been identified as Binay Kumar Tiwari (58), Hemanta Tripathi(13), Kalawati Tiwari(56), Poonam Tripathi(33), Neha Tripathi(20), and Milan Tripathi(36).
All of them are from Calcutta.

Five persons including the driver have been injured in the accident. The injured, including two children, have been admitted to Laxmi Hospital in Dumre in Udayapur District for medical treatment.
The bodies have been kept at the same hospital for the post-mortem.

Six Indian tourists killed in jeep accident in Nepal

NEPAL: Six Indian tourists have been killed when a jeep carrying them plunged into a river in Nepal's Tanahun district. The incident occurred yesterday night when the jeep carrying 10 Indian tourists was heading for Kathmandu from tourist city Pokhara on the New Year's Eve.

The vehicle fell into the Marsyangdi River near Chunpahara area in Bandipur village, 152 km from Kathmandu, at 11 pm (local time), according to the police. The dead have been identified as Binay Kumar Tiwari (58), Hemanta Tripathi(13), Kalawati Tiwari(56), Poonam Tripathi(33), Neha Tripathi(20), and Milan Tripathi(36).
All of them are from Calcutta.

Five persons including the driver have been injured in the accident. The injured, including two children, have been admitted to Laxmi Hospital in Dumre in Udayapur District for medical treatment.
The bodies have been kept at the same hospital for the post-mortem.

Kerala launches lottery to fund poor women's marriages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a New Year gift to poor women in Kerala, the state government Wednesday launched a special lottery where the revenue will go to a fund that will provide a marriage aid of Rs.30,000 each to families of weaker sections.

"This programme was announced in the last state budget and the entire revenue generated through the Mangalaya Lottery would go to every women in the below poverty line category when she gets married," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The programme would also cover families in the above poverty line category but whose annual income does not exceed Rs.1 lakh. The government decided to go ahead with this new scheme after the success of a similar scheme named Karunya Lottery launched in 2011 by the Chandy government.

The Karunya Benevolent Fund has so far funded the medical expenses of around 22,000 patients to the extent of Rs.286 crore. The fund is providing financial assistance to underprivileged people suffering from cancer, haemophilia, kidney and heart diseases.

The state-owned lottery in Kerala has never made a loss since its inception in 1967. The total revenue from lottery sales then was Rs.20 lakh. The total sales of the lottery in the last fiscal stood at Rs.2,778.80 crore, with a profit of Rs.681.76 crore. Currently, there are more than 35,000 authorised agents and over 100,000 retail sellers in the state who sell lottery tickets.

Kerala launches lottery to fund poor women's marriages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a New Year gift to poor women in Kerala, the state government Wednesday launched a special lottery where the revenue will go to a fund that will provide a marriage aid of Rs.30,000 each to families of weaker sections.

"This programme was announced in the last state budget and the entire revenue generated through the Mangalaya Lottery would go to every women in the below poverty line category when she gets married," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The programme would also cover families in the above poverty line category but whose annual income does not exceed Rs.1 lakh. The government decided to go ahead with this new scheme after the success of a similar scheme named Karunya Lottery launched in 2011 by the Chandy government.

The Karunya Benevolent Fund has so far funded the medical expenses of around 22,000 patients to the extent of Rs.286 crore. The fund is providing financial assistance to underprivileged people suffering from cancer, haemophilia, kidney and heart diseases.

The state-owned lottery in Kerala has never made a loss since its inception in 1967. The total revenue from lottery sales then was Rs.20 lakh. The total sales of the lottery in the last fiscal stood at Rs.2,778.80 crore, with a profit of Rs.681.76 crore. Currently, there are more than 35,000 authorised agents and over 100,000 retail sellers in the state who sell lottery tickets.

No hike in LPG prices: Chandy

Kochi: Chief minister Oommen Chandy said that there has been no hike in LPG prices. Following reports of cooking gas cylinder price increase, Chandy had called up Petroleum minister Veerappa Moily and A K Antony and the petroleum ministry had negated the reports.

The Petroleum minister had conveyed that no decision on price hike has been taken. The CM said if there is any increase, the govt would strongly protest against this.

The minister has also assured that more time would be given for aadhar cards to be made mandatory for getting LPG subsidy. The govt has extended the deadline for linking the gas connection with the consumers Aadhaar number. 

Meanwhile, there were reports that the price of cooking gas cylinders witnessed a steep hike on New Year's day with the price of domestic LPG increasing by Rs 230.16 to Rs 1293.50. Commercial cylinders prices will increase by Rs 385 and would cost Rs 2185.

No hike in LPG prices: Chandy

Kochi: Chief minister Oommen Chandy said that there has been no hike in LPG prices. Following reports of cooking gas cylinder price increase, Chandy had called up Petroleum minister Veerappa Moily and A K Antony and the petroleum ministry had negated the reports.

The Petroleum minister had conveyed that no decision on price hike has been taken. The CM said if there is any increase, the govt would strongly protest against this.

The minister has also assured that more time would be given for aadhar cards to be made mandatory for getting LPG subsidy. The govt has extended the deadline for linking the gas connection with the consumers Aadhaar number. 

Meanwhile, there were reports that the price of cooking gas cylinders witnessed a steep hike on New Year's day with the price of domestic LPG increasing by Rs 230.16 to Rs 1293.50. Commercial cylinders prices will increase by Rs 385 and would cost Rs 2185.

Application for transfer of Devyani to UN still under review: US

WASHINGTON: The US is still reviewing the application for the transfer of senior Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade to UN and issue the necessary documents for full diplomatic immunity, a top official said here, giving no timeline for its decision.

'It is under review. We cannot predict when that review will be complete,' said a state department spokesperson on Tuesday in response to a question on the status of the UN request to grant full diplomatic status to Khobragade.

The state department had received her application from the United Nations in New York on December 20. Normally, the state department takes a decision on this very quickly, but this time the US is taking an unusually long time. 
'We cannot compare this to previous requests as each request is evaluated on its own merits,' the spokesperson said.

Khobragade was arrested on December 12 on charges of visa fraud and misrepresentation. At the time of her arrest, she was deputy consul general at the Indian Consulate in New York. The US says, in this capacity, she did not had full diplomatic immunity.

Days after her arrest, the Indian government has transferred Khobragade to the permanent mission of India to the United Nations (UN), with the view that this would give her the necessary diplomatic immunity from arrest.

India has strongly objected to her arrest, and in protest has withdrawn many of the diplomatic privileges granted to the American diplomats in India.

As one enters the New Year, the Indian diplomat continues to remain in the US without diplomatic immunity. She is currently on bail bond of $250,000 and her passport is in possession of the court.PTI

Application for transfer of Devyani to UN still under review: US

WASHINGTON: The US is still reviewing the application for the transfer of senior Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade to UN and issue the necessary documents for full diplomatic immunity, a top official said here, giving no timeline for its decision.

'It is under review. We cannot predict when that review will be complete,' said a state department spokesperson on Tuesday in response to a question on the status of the UN request to grant full diplomatic status to Khobragade.

The state department had received her application from the United Nations in New York on December 20. Normally, the state department takes a decision on this very quickly, but this time the US is taking an unusually long time. 
'We cannot compare this to previous requests as each request is evaluated on its own merits,' the spokesperson said.

Khobragade was arrested on December 12 on charges of visa fraud and misrepresentation. At the time of her arrest, she was deputy consul general at the Indian Consulate in New York. The US says, in this capacity, she did not had full diplomatic immunity.

Days after her arrest, the Indian government has transferred Khobragade to the permanent mission of India to the United Nations (UN), with the view that this would give her the necessary diplomatic immunity from arrest.

India has strongly objected to her arrest, and in protest has withdrawn many of the diplomatic privileges granted to the American diplomats in India.

As one enters the New Year, the Indian diplomat continues to remain in the US without diplomatic immunity. She is currently on bail bond of $250,000 and her passport is in possession of the court.PTI

Chennithala joins Chandy cabinet

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala today joined the UDF ministry headed by Oommen Chandy as part of a move to boost prospects of the coalition in the coming Lok Sabha polls by setting factional and equations correct.

In a limited cabinet expansion, Governor Nikhil Kumar administered oath of office and secrecy to 57-year-old
Chennithala.

He is tipped to get the Home portfolio in the ministry, replacing his party colleague Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, who has been retained in the cabinet. Chief Minister Chandy, his cabinet colleagues, senior party functionaries, leaders of the UDF partners and deputy
leader of opposition in the assembly Kodiyeri Balakrishnan were present at the function.

A thinking has been strong in Congress in Kerala that induction of Chennithala will help Congress firm up its support base among the majority community in general and the Nair community in particular to which he belongs to.

Influential Nair outfit NSS had in the past had come down heavily on UDF alleging that the coalition leadership breached its poll-eve promise of giving Chennithala a 'key position' in the cabinet, in which nominees from Christian and Muslim communities outnumber those from various Hindu sections.

The idea to rope in Chennithala, mooted by the party high command, was endorsed by the state unit yesterday after senior leader and Defence Minister A K Antony conveyed it at a leadership meeting attended by Chandy, Chennithala and others.

Chennithala will continue as the KPCC chief till the organisational and a ministerial shuffle after the budget session of the state assembly, beginning on January 3, is concluded.PTI

Chennithala joins Chandy cabinet

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala today joined the UDF ministry headed by Oommen Chandy as part of a move to boost prospects of the coalition in the coming Lok Sabha polls by setting factional and equations correct.

In a limited cabinet expansion, Governor Nikhil Kumar administered oath of office and secrecy to 57-year-old
Chennithala.

He is tipped to get the Home portfolio in the ministry, replacing his party colleague Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, who has been retained in the cabinet. Chief Minister Chandy, his cabinet colleagues, senior party functionaries, leaders of the UDF partners and deputy
leader of opposition in the assembly Kodiyeri Balakrishnan were present at the function.

A thinking has been strong in Congress in Kerala that induction of Chennithala will help Congress firm up its support base among the majority community in general and the Nair community in particular to which he belongs to.

Influential Nair outfit NSS had in the past had come down heavily on UDF alleging that the coalition leadership breached its poll-eve promise of giving Chennithala a 'key position' in the cabinet, in which nominees from Christian and Muslim communities outnumber those from various Hindu sections.

The idea to rope in Chennithala, mooted by the party high command, was endorsed by the state unit yesterday after senior leader and Defence Minister A K Antony conveyed it at a leadership meeting attended by Chandy, Chennithala and others.

Chennithala will continue as the KPCC chief till the organisational and a ministerial shuffle after the budget session of the state assembly, beginning on January 3, is concluded.PTI