Malayalam films set for change: With release of Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam flick Akashagopuram, Kerala's film industry seems poised for a change in treatment of subject, language and a whole new way of marketing films, all aimed at its large non-resident community. Following the footsteps of Telgu or Tamil industry, the film which is being billed as the costliest Malayalam film will see a simultaneous release in theatres worldwide, something that is unheard of in Kerala's film industry. The film is a classic and needed realistic background to support the script. When you compare the budget of this film with Tamil or Telgu film, it is still much smaller, says director K P Kumaran.

With an international crew comprising Emmy Award, winning musician John Altman and other technicians from Hollywood, the film based on Norwegian playwright Ibsen's play Master Builder is also an effort to break away from conventional storylines that are usually set in Kerala's villages or fast-paced action flicks. In our industry, it is the first time that so much money have been invested on shooting, locales and international artists This is also the first south Indian film entirely was shot in UK, says lead actor Mohanlal. Subtitled in English, the film is slated for simultaneous releases in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Coimbatore on August 22. There is also talk of releasing in Dubai and North America, says Kumaran.

Three youths washed away: Three youths were washed away in the Valapattanam river while taking bath at Varam Kadavu, about eight km from Kannur, police said. The youths Kamalraj (19), Nithin (19) and Sharon (18) were swept away while taking bath along with five others, a senior police official, who is supervising the search operations, said. The incident occurred around 1600 hours when two youths jumped into the water after one of their friends was swept away in the current. However, they were also swept away, police, quoting eyewitness, said. Meanwhile, fire force personnel assisted by the locals were engaged in operations to trace the youths.

Officers in SBI, associate banks to strike work today: Officers of the State Bank of India and seven Associate Banks in the country will strike work today to protest the move to merge the State Bank of Saurashtra with SBI.Ahead of the one-day strike, the officers in branches working on Sundays stayed away from duty, an SBI Officers' Association (Kerala Circle) release said. The strike was jointly called by All India State Bank Officers Federation and Associate Bank Officers Association. About 80,000 officers in 15,000 branches of these banks would participate in today's strike, the release said. The Government and the SBI management were going ahead with the merger plans by flouting the assurances given to unions that their concerns would be taken into account before taking any decision on the matter, General Secretary of SBIOA (Kerala Circle) K Rajeevan said in a statement .The merger move was part of concerted plan to amalgamate major public sector banks and then surrender them to foreign monopolies, the association alleged.

Two workers die after inhaling noxious gas: Two workers died after inhaling noxious gas while cleaning the septic tank of a house at Vallappuzha near Pattambi in Palakkad district, police said. Another man, who tried to rescue them, was admitted to hospital in a serious condition, the sources said. The dead were identified as Krishnankutty (50) and Chandran (41).

Malayalis usher in traditional New Year: Looking ahead to a season of peace, prosperity and plenty, Keralites celebrated their traditional New Year ushering in the month of Chingam of the Malayalam calendar. Setting aside their anxieties and worries, people cutting across religious barriers welcomed the season which makes the ever-green settings of Kerala all the more attractive with a profusion of fresh shoots and flowers. The traditional New Year also signalled the countdown for Onam, the biggest festive occasion for the Malayalis.Onam--- which commemorates a mythical past of prosperity, equality and justice under King Mahabali-- falls this year on September 11.Coming after the lean month of Karkitakam, the New Year also marks season of harvests, weddings, launch of new ventures and house warmings for the tradition-bound society.

The New Year is also celebrated as Farmers' Day under the government patronage, signifying the key role played by agriculturists in sustaining Kerala's economy over the centuries. There was heavy rush in major temples across the state, where special poojas were held to usher in the season. Governor R S Gavai, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy greeted Keralites on the occasion.

Attempt to foil food safety will not be tolerated: Land mafia's bid to foil the food safety programme will not be tolerated, said Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan. Inaugurating a function in Kollam, the chief minister said the government needs the support of the farmers and the people to increase the procurement price of rice.

Insurance for govt hospitals: The government hospitals of the state will obtain the insurance scheme of the labour department by December, said Health Minister P K Sreemathi. The minister said the posts of nurses lying vacant will be filled within 24 hours. She said this during the inaugural function of the new OP Block of General Hospital in Ernakulam.

Parties change stand according to situation: All political parties have changed their attitude according to the situations, said NCP state president K Muraeleedhran.NCP is a national party and the media had wrongly misinterpreted my statement that the national leadership will decide with whom we should join hands. He said this inaugurating the TV news channel of the NCP in the capital city.

Pastoral letter against govt: The Changanassery diocese is up in arms once again over what they describe as the anti-minority provisions in the education policy of the LDF government in the state. The diocese issued a pastoral letter against the LDF Government criticizing them for not withdrawing the controversial seventh class textbook. Mobile tracer launched in state: A mobile tracer scheme was launched in the state to effectively tackle mobile handset theft. Talking to newspersons in Kannur K Suraj, marketing manager of the Vadodara-based Kalyan Mobile Security, said even if one changed the SIM card, the lost mobile could be easily traced under the scheme. He said that for availing the facility a user should purchase a mobile tracer card worth Rs 350 and furnish details like the IMEI number of the mobile and his address.

Motor cyclist dies in accident: A motor cyclist was killed when a bus struck his vehicle at Chamravattom near Tirur in Malappuram district. The dead has been identified as Salman Pharis (23), native of Chamravattom.

HAL unit in Kasargod, says Antony: The foundation stone for the Kasargod unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be laid on August 23, said Defence Minister A K Antony. The company with an investment of Rs 66.31 crores in the first phase will start functioning within fifteen months. Antony said the state government will provide 200 acres of land for a lease of 99 years. With the establishment of the HAL unit, the only airline company in the country will strengthen the industrial development of Malabar sector. The unit will later turn into a major unit of HAL.

Co-operative loan fraud: The state co-operative bank director board has decided to reinstate seven officers, including senior manager, who had been suspended for creating huge financial debts by allowing loans unlawfully. Angered against this move, the organization of a group of officers in the board belonging to the ruling front has filed a complaint to Minister G Sudhakaran. Moreover, vigilance probe against them are still on.

Power charge to go up by paise 50 per unit: Electricity in Kerala will become dearer by 50 paise per unit for all categories of consumers except those in the lower grades consuming upto 80 units per month. Faced with a grim power crisis triggered by monsoon failure, the additional levy would be realised as fuel surcharge from August 20.The state Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) accepted the Kerala State Electricity Board proposal in this regard.KSEB was forced to go in for surcharge as the state was now heavily depending on costly thermal power bought from outside sources like the NTPC.Earlier, the board had imposed certain restrictions including differential rates for high power and extra high power consumers.

Also 30 minutes peak time load shedding for domestic consumers had been in force for the last one month. Rainfall received by the state after the onset of the monsoon had been defecient by 20 to 24 per cent. This had resulted in depletion of water level in major reservoirs compared to last year, affecting hydel power generation. Drastic cut in state's share from centre the pool had worsened the situation. According to an SERC release, the board had actually recommended a surchage of 50 paise to Rs.Two per unit. However, levy was fixed at 50 paise based on the hearing held by the commision and public views on the matter.

No abnormality detected in Abhaya case: The CBI informed the Kerala High Court that no new facts had emerged after the narco analysis test was conducted on two priests and a nun, but it would not leave any stone unturned to unravel the mystery surrounding sister Abhaya's death and bring the culprits to book. This was stated by CBI Investigating officers -- R M Krishna, SP, and K Aggarwal, DYSP, who appeared personally before the court persuant to the court's order. Even though the CBI was convinced that Abhaya had been murdered, it was unable to trace the assailants so far, they said.The body of Abhaya, an inmate of the St Pius Convent at Kottayam, was found in the well of the convent a few years ago.

The officers informed that the copy of the original narco analysis CD was given to the court. He also submitted written answers to the queries raised by the court regarding details of investigation. Two priests Father Thomas Kottoor and Jose Puthrikkayl and sister Sephy were subjected to Narco test by CBI. The Narco CDs submitted to the court had not been tampered with, they said. Father Kottoor and Father Puthrikkayl were thoroughly interrogated at New Delhi. They had, however, denied having any role in the unnatural death of Abhaya even though they were subjected to Polygraph test at CFSL, New Delhi. Justice V Ram Kumar posed some questions to the investigating officers directly regarding the case. The case will be considered today at 1.45 pm and the officers have been directed to be present also.

HC dismisses bail application of godman: Kerala High Court dismissed the bail application of 'godman Amritha Chaitanya in four cases of rape of minor girls. Dismissi the application, Justice K Hema said if the bail was granted at this stage, it would deny fair trial to the alleged victims. air trials was an assurance which the criminal justice system gave not only to the accused but to the victim also, the judge said.The accused was sponsoring the studies of the 'victims', who have poor economic background.Chaitanya alias Santosh Madhavan was arrested on May 13. He was granted bail in the case filed by an NRI woman, Serafin Edwin, from whom Madhavan had allegedly swindled about Rs 45 lakh. However, since the rape cases were pending, he could not come out of the jail.

China not concerned about India-US nuke deal: China has no concern over the Indo-US civil nuclear deal so long as New Delhi fulfilled relevant international obligations, Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan said. India can enjoy right to peaceful nuclear energy provided it fulfils international obligations. Provided it does not undermine international nuclear non-proliferation regime.If the concerns of the international community are taken care of, then, I think you can achieve your objective," Zhang Yan, on a visit to Kerala, said. Asked if China was worried over India moving closer to the United States, he said .It is your foreign policy. How can I say anything about it." On Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's decision to step down, he said he did not have any comment on it. I do not have any comment on it. It is news to me, he said. Asked whether Musharraf's exit would have any impact on fundamentalist trends in Pakistan, he said I prefer not to discuss. We will watch the developments.

Chinese envoy visits AKG centre: Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan, on a three-day visit to Kerala, visited the CPI-M state headquarters AKG Centre and the EMS Academy on the outskirts of the city. He was received at the office by state party Secretary and Politbureau member Pinarayi Vijayan, Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and other leaders. Earlier, he visited the EMS Academy and promised aid to expand the library and develop the playground there. Chinese periodicals would also be made available to the library. Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan hosted a banquet in his honour this evening.

Chandy opposes surcharge: Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy criticized the state government's decision to levy additional surcharge of 50 paise per unit from all those who consume over 80 units of power a month. Describing it as 'an anti-people' measure which would hurt common man, he told reporters here that during the UDF's tenure, the power tariff had been reduced by 20 paise per unit. Chandy said if the government does not withdraw the decision, the UDF would be forced to launch a series of agitations.KPCC President, Ramesh Chennithala also came down on the LDF Government for the decision. The government's decision will affect the industrial zone in Kochi, industry sources said.

Traders protest raids at shops: Traders owing allegiance to the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi closed down their shops in the city following `sudden' checks conducted by Commercial tax officials here, police said. Officials of the Department of Commercial Taxes raided a textile shop located adjacent to the moffusil bus stand in the morning to which the traders raised objection, they said. Even as the officials carried on the raids at other shops, the traders shut down shops in the area as a mark of protest. Claiming that the action was `arbitrary' and `illegal' as no advance notice issued before conducting such checks, they said the raids were allegedly aimed at 'realizing huge taxes' under the compounding system of the value-added tax. Most of the jewellery shops in north Kerala remained closed on July 16 in response to a shutdown call given by the Bullion Dealers Association in protest against similar raids conducted at the shops in the region.

Bodies of two missing youths recovered: The bodies of the two youths swept away in strong currents in the Valapattanam River were recovered, police said.The body of Amalraj (19) and Sharoon (18) were recovered this afternoon after intense search by the Navy and fireforce personnel assisted by the fishermen and local divers. The two along with another person had gone to the river at Varam Kadavu, about eight km from Kannur, for a bath. While the body of 20-year old Nithin was recovered last night, a search was on for the other two.

Ravi Pillai chosen for P V Sami Award: Middle East-based Nasser Al Hajri Corporation Managing Director Ravi Pillai has been chosen for the fourth P V Sami Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to industry and socio-cultural fields. The award would be presented to him by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi at a function here on September 1, P V Chandran and P V Gangadharan, office bearers of P V Sami Memorial Trust which instituted the award in the memory of the founder of the KTC Group of Companies, told reporters .Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandareswari would give the citation while Kozhikode Mayor M Bhaskaran would present the 'ponnada,' they said. Irrigation Minister N K Premachandran would inaugurate a seminar on the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, organized as part of the programme, they said.KPCC General Secretary M I Shanavas would present paper on the subject while Dr Sebastian Paul, MP and BJP General Secretary M T Ramesh would speak.Leela Group of Hotels Chairman Krishnan Nair and Businessmen M A Yoosef Ali and Rajeev Chandrasekhar were the recipients of the award earlier.

Actor Dilip bereaved: Actor Dilip's father Padmanabha Pillai of Sarovaram in Aluva Thottakkattukara passed away at 9 am this morning. He breathed his last at the Guest House of the actor in the Palace Road. Cremation will take place later. Pillai is survived by wife Sarojam and children Dilip, Anoop (film producer) and daughter Sabitha.

Two women killed, 15 injured in bus-lorry collision: Two women were killed and at least 15 others injured when the private bus in which they were traveling collided with a lorry at Odiyapadam at nearby Athani this morning. One of the dead was identified as Sobha (30), a lecturer of the private Presentation College at Puthanvellikara, police said. The other woman was yet to be identified.The injured have been admitted to the little flower hospital at Angalamally.

Translation of book: The SCERT recommended to the state government to take action against four college lecturers, who translated the controversial seventh class social science textbook. They recommended for the action as some errors have been noticed in the translation.

Man hacks wife to death, commits suicide: A middle-aged man committed suicide after hacking his wife to death at Elavanchery in the district. Kumaran (41), a toddy tapper, Monday night hacked his wife Rajani (30), seriously injuring her. The neighbours who gathered at the house hearing the cries of the woman and her two children rushed her to hospital in a serious condition.Kumaran later hanged himself on the branch of tree near his home. His wife succumbed to injuries in the hospital, police sources said.The cause of his action was not known.

Indian biologist gets IUCN award for amphibian conservation: A reader in Delhi University S D Biju has been selected for the prestigious Sabin Award of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for his studies and research in amphibian conservation in Western Ghats biosphere.Biju was selected for the award, which carries a prize money of USD 25,000, for his contribution to amphibian conservation and research over the last 15 years. The award recognizes Biju's extreme dedication to discovering and conserving the amphibian fauna of the rapidly vanishing Western Ghats biosphere hotspot, the IUCN (amphibian specialist group) release said.

Biju has discovered several new species of frogs. His discovery and description of an entirely new frog family (Nasikabatrachidae---Indian Purple Frog) a few years back had attracted worldwide media attention. He has been closely associated with IUCN's amphibian specialist group from 2002 on categorisation of the Western' Ghats and Sri Lankan amphibian fauna as part of global amphibian assessment. A reader in University of Delhi, he now heads a research group working on Systematic Conservation of Indian Amphibians. The award will be presented to Biju at a function in New York on September 17.

Karunakaran shifted to Sree Chithira hospital: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran, under treatment in a private hospital here for the last ten days, was shifted to the Sree Chithira Tirunal Medical Centre in the city after his condition worsened. According to hospital sources, though the condition of the 90-year old Karunakaran was stable at present he would be under close observation for the next 24 hours. The assessment of the doctors attending on him was that his health condition was caused by an internal bleeding he suffered when he met with a car accident one month back.We are keeping a close watch on him taking into account all aspects of his condition. Anything definite on his health could be said only after 24 hours of observation, a senior doctor in the hospital told reporters.

The nonagenarian leader and four-time chief minister had met with an accident about a month back at Malappuram when his car collided with a pick-up van. He had no external injury then and continued his journey to the Guruvayoor temple. However, he was admitted to a private hospital in the city 10 days back following uneasiness, which the doctors diagnosed was caused by drop in sodium level in the blood. Afternoon he was shifted to the Sree Chithira Tirunal Hospital.

Vigilance to make direct recruitment: The 50% posts lying vacant in the vigilance department will be directly recruited, said Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.Inaugurating the new office of the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau in Kottayam, the minister said attempts were made to sabotage the investigation of corruption involving famous persons of the previous government.

Abhaya case: Hints obtained: The CBI investigating the Sister Abhaya murder case yesterday said they have obtained hints regarding the accused in the case. They told the court that they cannot arrest the accused as there is no sufficient evidence. CBI DySP Agarwal and SP R M Krishna informed the court that nobody forced them to sabotage the case investigation. The court ordered an immediate probe by the High Court registrar on the different CDs produced.

Former SIMI activists still being questioned: Two former SIMI activists, picked up by police Monday night, were still being questioned, police sources said .Abdul Rehaman of Ulliyanoor and Ashraf of Vedimara were picked up from Veliyathnadu for questioning by police Monday based on their past links with the SIMI.Rehman has been participating in the activities of 'Darul Quran', a charitable society, which distributes scholarship to 150 needy students in Ernakulam, the sources said.

The previous activities of the duo were counter-checked and their computer hard discs were being verified in their presence, the sources said. If nothing incriminating was found the two will be released, the sources said. Meanwhile, an urgent meeting of rural DYSPs was convened by Rural SP, M Padmanabhan morning, to intensify combing operations in the area.

Gangan Prathapan given temporary post of Kerala VC: CUSAT vice chancellor Dr Gangan Prathapan has been given the temporary post of vice chancellor of Kerala University. He was given the post following the retirement of Kerala vice-chancellor Dr Ramachandran Nair.

12% spent from plan fund :The functioning of the plan has been excelled in the state when compared to last year, said Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.In the first phase, 12% has been spent this year from the 9% of last year. He said this while inaugurating the evaluation meet of the planning board. The total amount during 2007-08 was Rs 6950 crores and later it was fixed to Rs 6693 crores. After including some centralized projects, the amount was raised to Rs 7964 crores. The total amount for the year 2008-09 is Rs 7700 crores and 12% of it has been spent amounting to Rs 938 crores.

Strike by central trade union politically motivated: The CPI-M led LDF government in the state was all set to convert the 24-hour general strike called by central trade unions today as a government sponsored bandh in the state, opposition leader Oommen Chandy said. Talking to media, described the strike as 'politically motivated. It was the duty of the government to provide protection to those who want to attend offices. But, government had not taken any steps in this regard, he said.The CITU's call to private vehicle owners to keep away from roads was a clear indication of the nature of the strike, he pointed out.Chandy said it was ridiculous that the state government which increased power tariff, bus fares and milk price was supporting the strike called against price rise of commodities. Stating that there was no justification for government's decision to hike power tariff by 50 paise per unit for consumption above 80 units, Chandy said Kerala state electricity board's inefficiency was the cause for the present power crisis.

Adoor municipality former chairman dies: Former chairman of Adoor municipality and DCC general secretary Chakkanattu K Rajendra Nath (55) passed away at a private hospital morning. Cremation will take place at the premises of his house .

Two more held for travelling on forged passports: Two more passengers from United Arab Emirates were arrested for travelling on forged passports at Karippur International Airport. Immigration Department sources said Harif (26) of Kasargod and Kannur native Mohammed Rafi (44), who arrived on a RAK Airways flight from Ras-al-Khaima, were nabbed early morning. They were handed over to Kondotty Police after preliminary investigation.Many passengers from the UAE were nabbed at the airport in the last couple of weeks for travelling on fake passports.

Rs 100 crore fake notes flow to Kerala every year: The Intelligence Wing received information of the massive intrusion of about Rs 100 crore per year into the God's own Country. Centred at Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumbassery and Karippur airports, a large mafia group is operating with the motto of distributing fake currencies throughout the state. This mafia group gets help from some customs officers at the three airports. The Intelligence wing estimates that without the help of customs officers, the smuggling will not take place. The currencies are carried on small boxes. Customs officers usually do not check these boxes. Since the inspection is carried out on the influence of mafia-supporting customs officers, it will become a farce. As a solid proof to this, the Intelligence wing cited that among those who were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Department at Karipur last day for carrying fake currency notes of Rs 72.5 crore, a customs officer was also detained.

Left unions strike state sponsored: Leader of the opposition in Kerala assembly Oommen Chandy lashed out against the VS Achuthanandan government for giving full protection to hooligans during the nationwide general strike called by Left trade unions against rising food prices and the India-US nuclear deal. Never before has such irresponsible attitude by the police taken place in the state. The police gave full protection to those who stopped trains. Hooligans attacked several people all across the state who came for work. The media also came under severe attack at many places, Chandy told reporters.

Most vehicles kept off the roads. Twenty two trains in Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram divisions were cancelled, while several trains were delayed with the strikers blocking tracks at various places. Hundreds were affected as train services were hit. In Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, agitators started squatting on rail tracks from early in the day. The protest did not affect flights. Our operations are normal, an official at the Kochi airport told IANS.Shops and commercial establishments across the state did not open. Educational institutions were also closed. For the first time last (Tuesday) evening a police official wrote to the Techno park authorities asking them to direct IT companies to see that no one works after 10 p.m because they sensed trouble. The protesters cordoned off the main gate of the IT campus. Such a thing has never happened before, but the employees were able to reach their offices through a different route. The Left says they are seeking Rs.25, 000 crores (Rs. 250 billion) investment, but who is going to come if they have this attitude said Chandy.

Shutdown keeps mother from dying son: It was a scene that many at the railway station here would not forget quickly as Rodia, a beautician by profession, was wailing as she could not travel to Kochi to be with her four-year-old dying son because of the nationwide shutdown. Rodia, who hails from Kottayam, had arrived Thiruvanthapuram Tuesday to find out if her son, who was suffering from blood cancer, could get expert treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre after treatment at a Kochi hospital did not produce any results. Late Tuesday night, she received a call from Kochi saying that her son's condition was worsening. She reached the railway station early morning to take the first train to Kochi around 5 a.m.But she got the shock of her life when she realised that no train was moving toward Kochi, thanks to the Left-sponsored trade union shut down.

Sitting in the railway station, she was praying that the trains start moving but nothing happened and then came the bad news that her son had passed away. Soon after the local media was alerted, leader of opposition Oommen Chandy got into action and contacted Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.By 10.45 a.m., Rodia was sitting on a train to Kottayam because she was told that her son's body has been transported to their home from the hospital at Kochi.Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who was watching the story unfold on TV, contacted the police and told them to ensure that Rodia was transported from the railway station to her home at Kattachira.At Kottayam station, there was a vehicle for her that was arranged by local Congress leaders, and also a police vehicle. She got into the police vehicle and reached her home, where she broke down after seeing her son's body. This is really cruel. Like everyone has the right to strike, there are others who wish not to be disturbed in their daily chores. See the mental tension and trauma this young mother had to undergo for several hours. A line has to be drawn to ensure such things do not happen again,' Chandy told reporters.

Acting with Bharat Gopi one of the best moments of life: Malayalam actor Mohanlal said one of the best moments of his life was having acted along with the late Bharat Gopi in the big budget film Akashagopuram, which will be released on August 22.Speaking to reporters after a preview of the film, Mohanlal, who plays the hero, said he considered it an honour to have acted along with Bharat Gopi, one of the greatest Malayalam actors. Aakashagopuram is an adaptation of the Henrik Ibsen classic 'Master Builder. The entire film was shot in England. The film Director K P Kumaran said that the intriguing psychological insights into human nature, as well as the experiences of the characters in situations of conflict in Ibsen's play were what attracted him to it. That lifts the play from the level of the mundane; he said.Kumaran said Malayalam literature and Malayalis have a special relation with Isben.

The pioneers of Malayalam prose drama such as N Krishna Pillai, who revolutionized the stage with his plays Bhagna Bhavanam and 'Kanyaka' (young Girl), were inspired by Ibsen, he said. Adapting Master Builder is the greatest tribute I can pay to the playwright, whose dramas have always inspired me, he said.The films tells the story of Albert Samson (Mohanlal), a middle-aged architect who slowly makes his way up in his profession and becomes one of the most sought after persons. The film producer Manu S Kumaran said about Rs 10 crore had been spent on making the film. The film also stars Sreenivasan, Swetha Menon, Manoj K Jayan, Geethu Mohandas and newcomer Nithya.

Spices Board plans six processing parks in the country: In a major initiative to boost value-addition and export of spices and condiments, Spices Board has planned to set up a chain of six spice processing parks to be set up across the country. The locations identified for setting up the parks are Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Chindwara (Madhya Pradesh), Jhalarpatan and Brahmanvada (Rajasthan), Bydagi (Karnataka) and Idukki (Kerala). The park in each location would be focussing on the spice for which that area is reputed. The focus of these facilities would be on improving the processing capabilities and upgrading levels in all ranges of products, a Spices Board release said

The Board had invited Expression of Interest from the processors and exporters to set up the facilities. This was significant since the demand for value-added products like spice oils, oleoresins, curry pastes and powders, and mint products were on the increase.The spices park in Chindwara would be focussing on dehydration of garlic and extraction of green chillies. The thrust of the parks in Jhalrapatan in Jhalwar and Brahmanvada in Rajasthan would be on seed spices. The globally famed Byadagi chilli reputed for its red colour would receive greater attention in the park to be set up in Byadagi in Karnataka. The spices park in Kerala would be focussing on a range of spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, mace and cinnamon.

Scribe, TV crew roughed up: A journalist and three crew members of private TV channels were roughed up, allegedly by pro-strike activists in various places, when they were covering the general strike, called by Leftist trade unions, police said. Amrit TV Chief Reporter Deepak Dharmadam was traded blows by a group of persons when he was moving around with his crew at Arayadathupalam this morning, the sources said.The TV channel's cameraman Amarjeet was injured in his legs in stone-pelting as he attempted to get down from his vehicle, they said. India Vision TV channel's cameraman Shafi and driver Ajayan were also injured in incidents of stone-throwing in the city, police said.

Supporters of the strike also reportedly waylaid the crew of 'Manorama News' and prevented them from carrying out their works in the city area, they said. Police had recorded the statements of the injured persons after admitting them in various hospitals for necessary treatment, the sources said. Reports reaching here from neighboring Wayanad district said Sainuddin, photographer of popular Malayalam daily 'Chandrika' was prevented from doing his duty allegedly by a group of pro-strike volunteers at Kalpetta.In other incidents, a shop was attacked at Olavanna in the morning while a teacher was assaulted when he was on his way to the Kuppadi Government School at Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.The protestors also forced closure of some banks in neighboring Malappuram district..

CBI officer directed to appear in court on Aug 26: The Kerala High Court directed the Investigating officer in the Sister Abhaya murder case to appear before the court again on August 26.The direction in this regard was issued by Justice V Ram Kumar in view of certain subsequent developments K Aggarwal, CBI DYSP, who is the investigating officer, was present in the court Tuesday. Justice Ram Kumar said he had to ask some more queries to the officer .The CBI had Tuesday informed the court that though they had obtained sufficient clues regarding the accused in the case, it was not sufficient to arraign the suspects as accused. After viewing the three CDs sent by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Bangalore, where narco analysis test of two priests and a sister were conducted, the court had said it contained more information than the CD produced by the CBI in court. The court had also directed Registrar General to ascertain whether the three CDs sent by FSL and CDs produced by CBI are the same. The body of Abhaya, an inmate of the St Pius Convent at Kottayam, was found in the well of the convent, a few years ago.

Cash, gold stolen in Ollur: Rs 14 lakhs and 60 sovereigns of gold were stolen after attacking a goldsmith in Ollur early morning. The injured identified as Xavier, native of Avinisseri, has been admitted at the Elite Hospital in Koorkkanjeri.

Normal life affected due to strike in Kerala: Normal life remained paralysed in Kerala as the general strike, called by Leftist trade unions against UPA's economic policies, evoked total response in the state. Rail services were severely hit as the protesters picketed trains in various parts of the state, forcing the railways to cancel or rescheduled many of them, officials said. According to a report from Palakkad, trains which were stranded for more than six hours at different stations under the Division started moving in the afternoon. However, it did not affect flight services from Thiruvananthapuram Airport. The strike was peaceful and no untoward incident reported from any part of the state till the last reports came in, police said. A near bandh like situation prevailed as all business establishments, markets and educational institutions remained closed throughout the state.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation did not operate its services and private buses, autorickshaw and taxies kept away from roads. Only a few private vehicles and two-wheelers were seen on roads.Functioning of state government offices, including the secretariat was affected. Attendance in central government offices was also very thin.
The industrial belt in Kanjikode in Palakkad was affected by the strike. But, it had virtually no impact on central public sector units like the Indian Telephone Industries and Instrumentation Ltd. The strike also did not affect the state-run Malabar Cements. The functioning of Walayar Check-post boarding Kerala- Tamil Nadu, the biggest commercial entry point to state, was also affected due to the strike.

SEZ only after discussion with central leaders: As discord over the Special Economic Zones persisted among LDF partners, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that the Central leadership of the CPI-M would be consulted before finalising the government's policy. We will discuss the matter with the CPI-M central leadership since there are different views in the coalition over the matter, he told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. His comments came even as youth outfits of leading partners CPI (M) and CPI came out with conflicting views on the issue. The matter also would be discussed in the liaison committee of the LDF to build consensus.Coalition partners CPI and the RSP struck a cautious note over the SEZs while sections of the CPI-M held a favorable view asserting that the Zones were unavoidable for attracting investment to the industrially backward state. The SEZs were entitled to several concessions including tax relaxations. Considering this, there was a strong opinion among some section in the coalition that government should have certain controls over them, he said.CPI (M) in particular, and the Left block, in general, had already formulated their approach on the matter. Now, the state government would examine how to harmonise the state's policy with the line of the central leadership, he said.

Meanwhile, the CPI (M)'s youth outfit DYFI and the youth wing of CPI, AIYF, expressed different views on allowing SEZs in the state. While DYFI held that SEZs were necessary to attract big investment in the state, AIYF argued that such facilities were reputed for anti-labour practices and not conducive for Kerala. It would be difficult to speed up industrialization and create employment opportunities without allowing SEZs as most of the investments these days came through such facilities, DYFI state president M B Rajesh and state secretary T V Rajesh told a press meet .

As a youth outfit, which was deeply concerned about mounting unemployment it would be difficult for DYFI to take a blind stand on issues like this just to win applause from the gallery, they said.AIYF state president P S Supal, on the other hand, said workers in SEZs enjoyed no security whatsoever and the circumstances in the state did not warrant them as inevitable. The views expressed by DYFI leaders were widely seen as reflection of the stand of the powerful faction in the CPI-M led by state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan.The state committee of the party recently asked the government to immediately submit to the Centre nine pending applications for SEZs in the state. The issue of land utilisation including those for the SEZs had caused some strains in the party with Achuthanandan last week coming out with certain strong remarks apparently against his detractors.

Stamp on Bismillah Khan released: The Postal Department has released a commemorative stamp on shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. At a function held at the Philatelic Bureau. Director of Postal Services, MervinAlaxemander, released the presentation album carrying the stamp; anofficial press release said.The information brochure and the first daycover were received by Prof Rajalekshmi, Principal of Swathi Tirunal College of Music. The information sheet and the first day covers would be available for sale at the Philatelic Bureau of General Post Office and Head post offices in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode.

Oil Merchant Association's appeal to govt: The abolition of import duty on palm oil by the Centre and the decision to provide subsidy for palmoil and distribute it through ration shops during Onam season would adversely affect the coconut farmers, Cochin Oil Merchant's Association, said .In a release, M J Kuriakose, President, Cochin Oil Merchant's Association, said the decision of the centre will result in steep fall in the prices of coconut oil and would push the coconut farmers into a crisis. As a result of the withdrawal of coconut oil and copra from the purview of VAT system, the prices of the coconut oil which was Rs 43 for a kilogram had risen to Rs 66. This had given a new encouragement to the coconut market, the release said.

Government plans campaign on food security programme: Along with paddy, dairy products, meat and vegetables also would be included in the Food security programme of the LDF government envisaged to increase agriculture production in the state. Talking to reporters after a cabinet meeting Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said a massive campaign would be launched at district level. A monitoring committee also would be formed at district level for the success of the programme, he added. The Cabinet gave approval for the proposed Medical College planned by ESI Corporation at Kollam, Achuthanandan said. It was also decided to establish the headquarters of the proposed Medical University at Thrissur, he said.

Kerala not in favour of import subsidy on edible oil: Protesting the Center's decision to provide subsidy for importing edible oil, the Kerala government said the move would badly hit the coconut farmers in the state. This decision to subsidies imported edible oil, including palm oil, is a mortal blow to millions of coconut farmers. The state registers its strong protest at the Centre for taking the decision, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. Pointing out that instead of subsidising import of edible oil, the Centre should provide this kind of concession for coconut oil; he said this considered view of the state would be conveyed to the Centre. According to state Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac, the subsidy scheme proposed by the Food Ministry in the name of containing price hike in edible oil would, in reality, hit cultivators of all sorts of oil seeds including coconut. Isaac said the subsidy was pegged at Rs 15 per kg of imported edible oil. Bulk palm oil was now selling at Rs 15 a kg in the state. With the subsidy coming into effect, the price of palm oil would go down further. This would seriously dent the sale of coconut oil, now priced at Rs 65 a kg.

RSS activist hacked to death, 3 injured in separate incidents: A 24-year-old RSS activist was hacked to death by a three member gang and three others were injured in separate incidents in Thrissur district, police said. The dead, Biju, an autorickshaw driver, was in a tyre shop at Pavaratty when he was attacked by three persons who came on a motorcycle. He was rushed to a private nursing home here but succumbed to his injuries, police said. In another incident, three persons were injured when they were attacked by unidentified persons.Police said while Kabir (30) was attacked at Kalani under the Pavaratty police limits, a couple -- Ali (49) and his wife Najeema were also attacked while they were travelling on their motorcycle. Police suspect that the attack on Biju was a sequel to the clash between RSS and NDF activists at Pavaratty on Aug 17 A tense situation was prevailing in the area for the last some months following clashes between the BJP and CPI-M activists, police added.

Cabinet approves report for restructuring KSEB: Kerala Cabinet approved the report for restructuring Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) prepared by a committee headed by Power Secretary. Addressing a press conference, after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said reforms would be carried out but the Board would remain as a public sector unit. The three functions - production, transmission and distribution - would be carried out by a single company as recommended by the committee, he said.The Cabinet entrusted the electricity department to take necessary steps to implement the recommendations, he said. Justifying the government's recent decision to impose 50 paise fuel surcharge per unit for consumption above 80 units, Achuthanandan said the government cannot provide any subsidy to the Board to tide over the crisis faced by it. Power situation was grave due to monsoon failure, he said and rejected the Congress led UDF allegation that Board's mismanagement and sale of power to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore was the main reason for the present situation.

Along with paddy, dairy products, meat and vegetables also would be included in the Food security programme of the LDF government envisaged to increase agriculture production in the state. Talking to reporters Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said a massive campaign would be launched at district level. A monitoring committee also would be formed at district level for the success of the programme, he added. The Cabinet gave approval for the proposed Medical College planned by ESI Corporation at Kollam, Achuthanandan said It was also decided to establish the headquarters of the proposed Medical University at Thrissur, he said.

Law education reform: Madhava Menon appointed Chairman: The state government appointed prominent legal expert Prof. N R Madhava Menon as the chairman of a nine-member committee for performing the law education reforms in the state. Madhava Menon is a famous legal educator who was instrumental in setting up the National Law School of India University in Bangalore, and was its founder-director. He is the Founder Vice-Chancellor of two of the leading law universities of India (National Law School of India University, Bangalore and National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata.

  Friday

Achuthanandan comes under criticism in party document: As inner-party wrangling continued in the Kerala unit of CPI-M, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has come under sharp criticism in the review report of the last state party conference which was recently conveyed to lower-level party units. In the review report, which highlights the deliberations of the party meet held in Kottayam in February last, Achuthanandan had been criticised on a host of issues including the stance he took during the formation of the LDF ministry. The party document, which was reported to district and area committees at the third procurement this year with four lakh tonnes of rice stocked in Kerala alone, he said. The Centre has completely denied the above poverty line category rice quota due to the state with the argument that there is no sufficient rice stock, he said. Instead of auctioning the surplus rice and wheat in open market, Centre should restore the state's share with immediate effect, he said.

Centre auctioned PDS rice: Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan accused the Centre of auctioning the rice meant for public distribution in theopenmarket. Even when there were buffer stocks of rice and wheat, theCentre had not restored the slashed rice quota of the state andwasattempting to sell the surplus rice and wheat in open market,Achuthanandan said here in a statement. The Centre's move would only destroy the PDS in the state, Achuthanandan said. Rice and wheat procured by states and Food Corporation of India were still piled up in FDI godowns. It was a record procurement this year with four lakh tonnes of rice stocked in Kerala alone, he said. The Centre has completely denied the above poverty line category rice quota due to the state with the argument that there is no sufficient rice stock, he said. Instead of auctioning the surplus rice and wheat in open market, Centre should restore the state's share with immediate effect, he said.

TN-Ker talks on PAP water sharing inconclusive: Official level talks between Kerala and Tamil Nadu on sharing of water from Parambikkulam Aliyar Project (PAP) for the current water year held in the city failed to reach a settlement and both sides agreed to have government level talks to sort out the differences. While Kerala demanded that it should get 5 tmc of water, Tamil Nadu's position was that it was prepared to release 4.9 tmc during the current water year, official sources said.Kerala held that it received 6.83 tmc water in the previous year from the Parambikkulam group of dams, Tamil Nadu said Kerala had actually received more than what it claimed. This was the first meeting of the Joint Water Regulatory Board of PAP for the current water year represented by Irrigation and Power secretaries from two sides Kerala side was led by N Saji, state irrigation secretary, and Tamil Nadu team was led by its Irrigation secretary K Nagaraj.

Santhosh Madhavan's aide held: A woman, alleged to be an accomplice of self-styled god man Santosh Madhavan alias Amrita Chaitanya has been arrested for helping him in the drafting of a fake document, police said. The women, Radhamani, hailing from Pathanamthitta district was arrested, police said.Radhamani, in the fabricated document, had said that the Santhitheeram Charitable Society, in which Madhavan is the president, at a meeting had authorised Madhavan to handle the society's bank accounts.Santosh Madhavan was arrested on May 13 from Kochi in connection with some rape cases and a case relating to defrauding an NRI woman of about Rs 45 lakh.

No innocent persons should be harassed in blast cases: Peoples Democratic Party Chairman Abdul Nasser Madhani said if any individual or Muslim organisation is found to be involved in the recent serial blasts in the country they should be isolated and brought to book but no innocent person should be harassed. If any individual or Muslim organisations are found to have been involved in the serial blast they should be isolated and brought to book through impartial enquiry but harassing some people just because they happened to be former leaders of the now banned Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) cannot be accepted at all, Madhani told a press conference.

A person was kept in custody by the interrogating officials for five days in Aluva near Kochi just because he happened to be a former leader of the banned SIMI; he alleged adding that the entire investigation process including the narco analysis tests should be supervised by no less than a High Court Judge. Maintaining that the Indo-U.S. Deal forced India to succumb to imperialistic designs and went against nation's sovereignty, he said his party would continue its relentless campaign against the deal. As a part of a campaign against the deal, the PDP would distribute leaflets to all households from Sept one, he said. Stating that there was scope for forming a third front in Kerala, he said his party would make groundwork to form such a political formation in the state by seeking support of all marginalised sections including the dominant Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Sangham with whom the party had held parleys on the issue.

HC grants police protection to MG University VC: Kerala High Court ordered police protection to Mahatma Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Dr Jancy James. The direction in this regard was issued by a Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Basheer, on a petition by the VC seeking police protection. The court directed the police to give appropriate protection to the life and property of the petitioner. If there is any default, the court will view it seriously. According to Dr Jancy James, on August 18 some unruly students tried to block her path as she came out of her office. An SFI activist violently shook her shoulder and tried to push her, she alleged. When she sought police protection, it was not granted following which she approached the High Court, it was submitted.

Award for journalist Sathyavrathan: Senior Malayalam journalist N N Sathyavrathan has been selected for this year's Rahim Mechery award instituted by the Malappuram Open Forum.Sathyavrathan, who served in Mathrubhumi and Kerala Kaumudi in his long stint in the career, was chosen for the award in view of his outstanding contribution to journalism. The award carries Rs 25,000, citation and memento. The award was announced by Panakkad Haidarali Shihab Thangal on behalf of Open Forum .The honour was instituted in memory of veteran journalist late Rahim Mechery, who was editor of Chandrika daily.

Malappuram RDO held: The vigilance arrested Malappuram RDO K Y George for keeping illegal money in hand. The vigilance officials are questioning him.

Keralite dies in Bangalore: A Keralite engineer working in a private IT company in Bangalore died after collapsing. He has been identified as Bosvin (28), native of Mala in Thrissur district.

Rs 3000 crore project for development of coastal areas: Rs 3000 crore project has been planned for the development of all the coastal areas of the state, said Fisheries Minister S Sarma. The basic facilities of the coastal areas will be transformed, he said. The project will be completed in March 2009.

Bomb threat at Sree Krishna Temple: The Sree Krishna Temple received a bomb threat from SIMI, a terrorist organization. The letter received by the temple authorities stated that the bomb will explode. A large posse of police has been deployed in the temple following the threat.

Marad: Verdict to be pronounced on Nov 29: The verdict on the Marad carnage will be pronounced by the special court on November 29. Nine persons were killed in the Marad riots on May 29, 2003. There are altogether 139 accused in the case.

Aryadan attacks CPI (M): Aryadan Mohammed attacked the CPI (M) for converting the KSEB into a company. He said they have some special interests behind the conversion and after doing it, the party wants to hand over the power sector to the societies controlled by the CPM. He said this at a programme launched by the KSEB solidarity forum in the capital city.

Driver dies: A driver was killed when the JCB overturned when he tried to save a cyclist. The dead has been identified as Gopi (38), native of Olamattom in Thodupuzha. The accident happened at Palakkuzha Junction morning.

Three killed as bus hits electric post: Three persons were killed and five injured two of them critically, when the rear part of the bus they were travelling in hit an electric post at Kundara near kollam morning. The dead have been identified as Mathew Panicker (21), Sreekumar (28) and Sabu (47). Sabu is survived by his wife Suma and daughter Anupama. The dead and injured were standing on the footboard of the bus overcrowded with rush-hour commuters plying between Kottarakkara and Kollam.Two critically injured were rushed to the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and three others with serious injuries admitted to the district hospital here, police sources said.

SC rejects government-management agreement on fees: The Supreme Court rejected the consensus between the government and managements of six self-financing medical colleges on fee structure. The petition of the court directing the government to seek advice from Justice Mohammed Committee on fee structure was withdrawn after the plea by the government. This decision was taken by the Supreme Court bench comprising of Justice D K Jayan and Justice Thakar. The court, which agreed with the government's power to make agreements with managements, disagreed with the view that the deal needs the court's consent.

JD (S) national council to meet in Delhi: The national executive and the national council of Janata Dal-S Surendra Mohan faction will meet in Delhi on August 26 and 27 respectively to take stock of the political situation in the wake of the UPA government winning the trust vote over the India-US civil nuclear issue. The meetings would focus on the possibilities of evolving a national alternative against both the Congress and the BJP, JD (S) All-India general secretary Dr Varughese George said in a statement in the capital city. The party's firm stand against the nuclear deal, globalisation and communalism had increased the "acceptability of JD (S) as a true socialist platform in the country," George said. Party leaders from 10 states would be attending the meetings to be held at Viswa Yuvak Kendra at Chanakyapuri, he said.

Satyabhama presented Guruvayoorappan prize: Eminent classical dance exponent Kalamandalam Satyabhama was presented the prestigious 'Sree Guruvayoorappan Puraskaram' in view of her outstanding contribution to promotion of classical and traditional dance forms. Speaker of Kerala Assembly, K Radhakrishnan, presented the honour to Satyabhama, a leading exponent of Kerala's dance form 'Mohiniyattam.' The award, instituted by Guruvayoor Devaswom, carried a cash prize of Rs 10001 and citation. Devaswom Chairman Thottathil Raveendran presided over the function.

Inter-state transport agreement to be signed on Aug 25: Kerala and Karnataka would sign the new inter-state transport agreement on August 25 at Bangalore. An official press release said as per the agreement approved by the Kerala cabinet, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation would operate services on an additional 14,301 km route. Fifteen more services would be operated daily to Bangalore. A chain service would be operated in the Kasaragod-Mangalore route introducing 13 new buses. Karnataka RTC would operate services on an additional 14,342.9 km route. The problems of passengers to the IT capital of Bangalore would be largely solved by the current agreement, the release said. The agreement would be signed by the transport secretaries of both the states in the presence of Kerala Transport Minister Mathew T Thomas and Karnataka Transport Minister R Ashok.

Processions, pageantries mark Ashtami Rohini: Colourful processions and pageantries with children re-enacting memorable moments of lord Krishna marked the Ashtami Rohini in Kerala, celebrated as birth day of Lord Sreekrishna. Thousands of children clad as Sree Krishna, Gopikas and other mythological characters took part in Sobha Yatras organised throughout the state as people in large numbers turned up to street to have a glance of the spectacle. Devotees in large numbers turned up to offer prayers in Krishna temples across the state including the famed Guruvayoor shrine where special poojas and processions were held. A special "prirannal sayda" (birth day feast) was held in Guruvayoor temple. In most places, the processions were organised by Balagokulam, a Sangh parivar sponsored children's forum.

Couple back home after two years in Saudi Prison: After over two harrowing years behind bars in a Saudi Arabian prison following their Nepali maid's death, a Keralite couple, who were released recently, returned home. Relatives and friends had gathered in large number to greet the couple--Roy Joseph and Biji Thomas. Their two year old twins, who were left alone following their parents imprisonment in Riyad, had been brought to Kerala by the couple's friends last year. Joseph thanked his friends who worked tirelessly for their release.

Their Nepali maid, Durga Lakshmi had left home without their knowledge in July 2006 and was later found murdered. Roy Joseph's mobile phone was found near the maid body, which led to the arrest of the couple. The Josephs had to give about Rs 100,000 Riyal to the family of the Nepali maid as 'blood money' for their release. The couple, hailing from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, was arrested on July 6, 2006.

IT act to be amended to help detection of cyber crimes: Centre plans to amend the Information Technology Act by incorporating provisions to treat as evidence in a court of law, cyber forensics devices and tools used for cracking cyber crimes, Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology A Raja said in the capital city. Speaking after dedicating to the nation the full-fledged Resource Centre for Cyber Forensics under Centre for Development of Advances Computing here, Raja said necessary amendments to IT act would be brought in the next session of parliament. On the activities of the Forensic centre, Raja said the main objective was to develop indigenous cyber forensics technology to make the country self-reliant in combating cyber crimes.

Raja also commissioned the Mobile Telemedicine Facility and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based programme for 'Rehabilitation Officials and Special Teachers.' It is aimed at establishing infrastructure facility to impart distant training to special educators and professionals engaged in the education and rehabilitation of mentally challenged children. Development of tools for cyber forensics, state-of-the-art training in cyber forensics and technical services like cyber crime analysis, and cyber crime investigation were some of the activities of the centre.

Emailtracer, Cyber investigator, PDA analyser, Trueimager, Truelock, cyberchek and Trueback were some of the tools developed by the Resource Centre for detecting various types of cyber crimes. C-DAC Director General S Ramakrishnan, M Madhavan Nambiar, Special IT secretary Department of Information Technology were among those present on the occasion.

Appeal to PM to bring to book guilty: The Syro Malabar synod appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Andhra Pradesh government to bring to book as early as possible those behind the killing of Father Thomas Pandipilli. The priest was murdered at Nizambad in Andhra Pradesh recently. The appeal was made at the ongoing synod here being attended by 35 catholic bishops. The synod also expressed concern at the frequent attacks against the Christian community in various parts of the country. The faithful in all the parishes were asked to pray for the priest.

India ready to face any eventuality, says Antony: Faced with increased instances of firing from across the border and infiltration, India asked Pakistan not to encourage such acts and said that it has taken a serious note of all such incidents. "India appeals to Pakistan not to encourage infiltration and the recent cross-border firing, in which we lost lives of a few armed personal, is viewed with all seriousness and the Indian armed forces are prepared to face any eventuality," Defence Minister A K Antony told a press conference. Antony, who was here to lay the foundation stone of the Rs 200 crore strategic electronic unit of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, said the armed forces have been asked to remain ever vigilant to defeat any attempt of infiltration aimed at creating trouble along the borders.

On a question whether a war like situation prevailed in the face of recent firing incidents along the borders, he replied "not at all." "But such developments during the last two months are viewed with all seriousness," he said adding the armed forces have been asked to exercise vigilance and alertness. "India is on the process of constant and systematic modernisation of the armed forces and we are taking series of steps to improve the working conditions of armed personnel and the country's armed forces do not lag behind any other nation," he said. Stating that his upcoming tour to the United States was a "courtesy visit," he said the tour has nothing to do with the proposed Indo-US nuclear deal. "The United States like Russia and China are our friends and a joint armed exercise with China will take place soon," Antony said.

HAL plans to embark on civilian airport project: Stating that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) occupies a prime place in country's defence development programmes, Union Defence Minister A K Antony said HAL is planning to enter into an ambitious project to manufacture civilian aircraft. The HAL has embarked upon a project to manufacture passenger aircraft and the required paper works are being carried out, he said after laying the foundation of the Rs 200 crore strategic electronic unit at the sleepy hamlet of Seethangoli, providing the much needed momentum to all round industrial progress of north Kerala. Stating that the HAL plays a big role in setting up defence facilities of the country, Antony said the Navaratna Company was having work orders to the tune of Rs 15,000 crore by entering into strategic tie up with various countries.

The HAL's 20th plant is coming up in the industrially backward Kasargod in north Kerala nearly a quarter century after the Amethi plant in Uttar Pradesh was commissioned way back in 1984, Antony said. He said the state-of-the-art Ezhimala Naval Academy near Kannur, will be commissioned early next year and Centre has made special allocation of Rs 221 crore for expediting the remaining works which began in 1987 when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation. The unit, which would commence its operation in 18 months, would provide much needed fillip for the speedy development of the region by generating vast opportunities for the local people.

Antony asked political leaders to sink their differences in matters of developement so that the state could keep pace with other fast developing states, adding his ministry would favourably consider setting up of more defence projects in Kerala. The strategic electronic unit is directly controlled by the HAL's Hyderabad-based Avionic Division to manufacture a variety of communication equipment, radar, navigation system, mission computers and early warning systems for fighter aircrafts like LCA, ALH, SU-30. The unit being set up in the 200 acre land provided by the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) here will be an extension of the Hyderabad division, HAL Chairman A K Baweja said. The new project would manufacture fifth generation aircraft Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft and other ones such as light combat helicopter, light utility helicopter and medium lift helicopter. The initial investment envisaged for the project is estimated to be around Rs 70 crore, Baweja said.

Presiding over the function, state Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said the HAL unit in Kerala comes just a year after the Brahmos Aero Space Unit was commissioned in Thiruvananthapuram and the state has emerged as a leader in matters of facilities for national security. Kareem said the LDF government is planning to bring in comprehensive industrial development and would hold a meeting of MPs from the state with top corporate officials on August 28 in New Delhi to lure more investments to the state. Prime Minister's Principal Secretary T K A Nair was also present on the occasion.

Two held with fake passport in Karipur: The emigration authorities detained two passengers with fake passports at the Karipur airport. The two arrived from Raza al Khaima on RAK Airways flight yesterday morning. Those held have been identified as Mohammed Ashraf, native of Kasargod and Aznar, native of Mangalapuram.

Health insurance scheme for workers, says Minister: A health insurance scheme will be implemented for the workers with the help of the LIC, an insurance company, said Minister M Vijaya Kumar. Special legal proceedings will be brought for the scheme implemented with the help of the centre. The minister said this at the inaugural function of the two-day medical camp in the capital city

19-year old beaten to death: A nineteen year old boy was beaten to death over a dispute between two neighbours in connection with water flowing from the roof. A case has been registered against a tenth class student in connection with it. The incident happened Friday night at 10.30 pm at Vallakulam near Thiruvalla. The dead has been identified as Sujesh (19), son of Thankappan of Valiya Parambil. Sajesh was an auto driver of Nannur Junction.

Two killed in separate accidents in Alappuzha: Two persons have been killed in two separate accidents in the district. In the first incident, one person was killed and four injured when a container lorry collided with a car at Pathirappally. The dead has been identified as Thomas Kutty (24), son of Sunny of Paravoor in Punnapra. The cleaner of a lorry died and the driver injured when their vehicle overturned at Poorakkat. The dead has been identified as Binu, native of Thuravoor. The injured driver has been admitted to a hospital.

Management to reduce fees in govt medical seats: The association of six self-financing medical colleges' management which entered into an agreement with the state government informed that they would reduce the high fees forced on the 50 per cent government seats. The decision was taken after discussion with Education Minister M A Baby and Health Minister P K Sreemathy. The Supreme Court had earlier directed to consult the Justice Mohammed Committee in order to get approval for the agreement on fees. The management association said that imposing Rs 2.40 lakh - 2.60 lakh fees (fixed by the Mohammed Committee) in the government seats is against social ethics. Moreover, students from lower classes of the society could not bear the fees. The association said the Mohammed Committee may decide the fees. Discussion with the government only comes after that.

Fort Kochi beach goes under the sea: The famous Fort Kochi beach in the state is no more to be seen. The beach has been submerged under the sea due to sea erosion. The beach has been witness to the arrival of Portuguese, Dutch and the British colonial powers in India. It was once a wide beach stretching few kilometers on both the ends filled with deep-sea water but now only a part of it is left. Residents said that earlier they had to walk long to reach the other end of the beach, but now all that is gone and only the signboard is there as a proof of its existence. "Till last year, we used to roam around the beach, though there was very little sand area left on the beach that too till the Gunnery point. But now one can only see the name on the tourism sign board. There is nothing left of the beach here," said Abdul Nazer, a resident. The residents lament the disappearance of the beautiful beach that has been lost to the sea mainly due to erosion and also partly because of global warming and climate change.

"Now, there is absolutely no beach. Many foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists come here and ask where the beach is and where is Fort Kochi?," said Austin Paul, President, IFCHAT-International Forum for Cultural Heritage and Tradition, Kochi. During the pre-colonial Kerala, the place was a small fishing village. It was christened as Fort Kochi after the territory was donated by the then Raja of Kochi to the Portuguese who build a fort on the beach. The Portuguese built Fort Emmanuel was later destroyed by the incoming Dutch colonizers and it is from the fort that the beach derived its name. Only few remains of the Fort like the old Gunnery survive as a mute testimony to the turbulent past of the beach by Juhan Samuel.