LDF strike for ban on Endosulfan today

The LDF has called for a 12-hour state wide strike to ban the use and production of the harmful pesticide Endosulfan.

Indu's body to be cremated today

The body of Indu, who was missing from 25th April 2011 during a train journey, is to be cremated in Trivandrum today.

Missing woman Indu's dead body found from Periyar River

The body of a 25-year-old woman (research scholar at the National Institute of Technology) who had gone missing from the Mangalore-bound Thiruvananthapuram- Mangalore Express on Sunday night, was found from Periyar river in Aluva.

The police had been searching for the missing woman for the past few days. The woman’s body was found from Chengamanadu near Kandamthurathu by one of the local residents, police told.

K. Indu, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, had boarded the train from the Pettah station around 8.50 p.m. on Sunday.

She was found missing by a passenger, K. Subash, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electronics, NIT-C, at Kallayi around 6 a.m. on Monday.

He had boarded the train from Thiruvananthapuram Central and last saw her when the train reached the Kayamkulam station at 11 p.m. They had occupied the upper and lower berths on the AC three-tier coach.

More than 30 people, including passengers, the AC mechanic, and the coach attendant on the train; colleagues; teachers; parents; and relatives; have been interrogated. Prof. Subash was questioned for several hours to extract more details about the woman. The baggage of the woman, her purse, and mobile phone were found intact on the berth. Indu had been an ad hoc lecturer for two years at NIT-C before taking up research a year ago.

SSLC RESULT 2011

4,58,559 students who appeared for the SSLC examinations in March,418967 were qualified for higher education.
Minister for Education M A Baby who announced the results here today said this year's pass percentage is 91.37%.


Kottayam district has the highest pass percentage of 97.02% and Thiruvananthapuram the lowest of 85.93%.


The pass percentage registered in the Scheduled Caste is 82.25% and 80.94 % in Scheduled Tribes.


Application forms for plus two admissions will be distributed from May 4. The minister said from this year onwards single window facility will be arranged for VHSE.


5821students got A+ grade in all subjects and 18,323 got A grade. 577 schools recorded 100% pass. 155 government schools registered 100% pass. 216 aided and 206 unaided have also recorded 100% pass.


Those failed in two subjects can write the SAY exams to be held on May 16. The result of it will be announced in the first week of June.

FOR RESULT CLICK THE SIDE LINK " SSLC RESULT "

Satya Sai Baba laid to rest at Puttaparthy

Sathya Sai Baba has been laid to rest with state honours in Puttaparthi today. The last rites were performed by his nephew RJ Ratnakar guided by priests.

PhD student missing during train journey

Indu, a native of Thiruvananthapuram and a PhD student at NIIT Kozhikode, has been found missing while traveling in Mangalore Express.

Endosulfan victims in Idukki plantations

Watch how the use of pesticide Endosulfan has crippled the people living near Idukki plantations for their life.

India to oppose ban on Endosulfan at Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention would discuss the global ban on Endosulfan in Geneva today. Sources reveal that India would oppose a global ban of the pesticide at the convention and is said to be working for a consensus in the Asia-Pacific group on the issue

Anti-endosulfan day to be observed today

Kerala government has declared observation of Anti Endosulfan Day today ,Kerala Chief Minister (CM), V S Achutanandan, has observed fast from 10 am to 5 pm today near the memorial for martyrs built at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram."At least 81 countries have banned the chemical. Kerala and Karnataka have also banned it. But the Union government has so far taken a pro-endosulfan stand at the international level. It should be corrected immediately

The state government is spearheading a campaign to ban endosulfan, which reportedly has claimed hundreds of lives and turned the lives of scores of others into pathetic existence through physical and mental deformities, diseases, and other ailments. The government claims that the drug, sprayed to cashew plantations through helicopters for two decades, had left behind a trail of devastation in the lives of the people residing in or near these plantations. While the state has been claiming that this fact has been scientifically proved, the union government and the company producing endosulfan have been claiming otherwise.

MP, P Karunakaran, is scheduled o flag off a rally beginning at the government guest house in Pilikunje today in this connection. The rally will culminate at the new bus stand, where a public meeting, to be inaugurated by health minister, P K Srimati Teacher, will be organized. MLA, C T Ahmedali, will preside. A release by the district committee of All India Lawyers’ Union said that the lawyers in the district will be wearing black badges while on duty today, to pledge solidarity to the anti endosulfan campaign.

Prithviraj weds Supriya Menon

The south indian film actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has tied the knot with Supriya Menon, a mumbai based journalist. The marriage was held at her home town of Palakkad in the early morning o April 25,2011. It was a pleasant surprise to the fan association and others. Supriya belongs to he famous family Thenkurissi Kandathu house and she is the daughter of Vijayakumar Menon and Padmaja. The family is settled in Delhi. There were many rumours about Prithvi from the industry and his marriage was a surprise to all. Prithvi, son of the famous malayalam movie actors late Sukumaran and Mallika Sukumaran. His brother Indrajith is also a known name in the malluwood.Prithviraj was born in 1982 and made his debut film in 2002. This year, he had turned as a producer and a promising actor for the malayalam industry through the film Urumi.The wedding was done in a hush hush manner without much hype and hoopla.

Prithviraj and Supriya Menon, who is a BBC journalist know each other for four years and finally got married today with their elders consent. Supriya interviewed Prithvi few years ago and that is when he felt that she is the right partner for him.

Prithviraj marriage photos aren’t officially out yet. Stay tuned for the wedding pics. Let’s wish the versatile actor and Supriya Menen a happy wedded life.

Sathya Sai Baba passes away

The 86-year-old Sathya Sai Baba, who was hospitalized on March 28 following problems related to heart and respiration, passed away on Sunday morning.Sai Baba, who was 85, breathed his last at 7.40 am at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, its Director A N Safaya said in a bulletin.

"Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7:40 am due to cardio-respiratory failure," it said.

The body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday, it said, adding that arrangements will be made for darshan after 6:00 pm today at the Hall. The mortal remains of Baba will be buried at Puttaparthi on Wednesday and a samadhi will be erected. However, the burial will be in the presence of the members of the trust and family members apart from some Andhra Pradesh government ministers and officials.

"We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital, but to remain calm and have Darshan in an orderly manner," it said. Baba was admitted to Sathya Sai Baba super speciality and was in a critical condition since 28 days.

Devotees across the world mourn his death. He is described by his devotees as an avatar, godman, spiritual teacher and miracle worker.

Baba was born as Sathyanarayana Raju to Eswaramma and Peddavenkama Raju Ratnakaram in the village of Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh on November 23 in 1926.

Mass caesareans in govt hospital Chearthala

The state health department today began a probe into mass caesareans performed on pregnant women in a brief two day span in a government hospital here, allegedly to suit the 'holiday' plans of gynaecologists.

Adding a serious dimension, health experts alleged that the number of caesareans performed every year in the state far outstrips the limit set by WHO.

While the UN health agency has fixed caesarean section not to exceed 15 per every 100 deliveries, it is as high as 45 in Kerala, a public health expert said here.

The District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr K M Sirabudeen started gathering information on the incident from authorities of the Cherthala Taluk hospital on the shocking incident.

DMO sources said the official would visit the hospital today to take statements of affected women, their relatives and hospital employees.

Four doctors including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who had the charge of Superintendent, at the Cherthala Taluk Hospital, might be suspended in connection with the mass caesareans performed allegedly to suit the 'holiday' plans of gynaecologists.

The other three doctors are Dr. Siciliamma Thomas, Dr. Vimalamma Joseph and Dr. Khayarunisa. The four doctors were found guilty by the Director of the Health Department, Dr. Kumari G. Prema, who conducted the primary investigation on the issue. The investigation report recommended that the expert doctors at Medical College should be ordered to conduct a probe into the case.

The probe will be started on Monday after removing the four doctors from their posts. They may be most probably suspended. The Director’s report finds a serious lapse in medical ethics. Nine caesareans were conducted on April 19 at the hospital. Normal delivery numbered five. On April 20, 12 caesareans and a normal delivery were conducted; on April 21, one caesarean and a normal delivery were conducted. It was on the light of these circumstances that the decision to conduct a probe by expert gynaecologists.

Meanwhile, R. Natarajan the State Human Rights’ Commission has taken a suo motto case on the issue.

ADGP sends notice to Balakrishna Pillai for violating parole conditions

The Jail ADGP on Thursday sent notice to Kerala Congress (B) leader R Balakrishna Pillai for violating the conditions of parole.Pillai had violated the conditions of parole by strongly criticising Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, in front of the media

PK Srimathi has condemned the statement of Sharad Pawar

PK Srimathi has condemned the statement of union agriculture minister
Sharad Pawar that ban on endosolfan was impossible

Sai Bava in serious condition

The condition of ailing Sathya Sai Baba continues to be very critical with all his vital organs showing minimal response to treatment, doctors attending on him said today.
"The response shown to the treatment continues to be minimal by all the vital organs and his heart rate and blood pressure continue to be low and supported by drugs," A N Safaya, Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences said in a medical bulletin here.

There is no significant change in his overall clinical condition since yesterday.

The doctors, however, are continuing round-the-clock treatment of 86-year-old Sai Baba, Safaya said.

Sai Baba was hospitalized on March 28 following problems related to heart and respiration. As a precautionary measure, the state government has deployed additional police forces in Anantapur district particularly Puttaparthi town to maintain law and order.

More agencies should probe black money in foreign banks: SC

The Supreme Court has stated that more than one investigating agencies should be assigned to probe black money stashed in foreign banks by individuals

BJP leader BK Shekhar's funeral today

The funeral of BJP leader BK Shekhar who died yesterday would be held today at Thycadu crematorium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Endosulfan ban not practical: Agriculture ministry to NHRC

The agricultural ministry has informed NHRC that a ban on Endosulfan is not practical as another low cost pesticide to substitute Endosulfan is yet to emerge.

EFFECTS OF ENDOSULFAN IN HUMAN BODY

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ENDOSULFAN

BY VAKKOMSEN

VICTIMS OF ENDOSULFAN

Between 1976 and 2000, more than 50,000 villagers of Kasargod district in Kerala, India have been exposed to endosulfan, a persistent organic pesticide, sprayed on the cashew plantations owned by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala. More than 3000 people living near, downstream and downwind of the estate were affected by debilitating rare diseases like mental retardation, cerebral palsy, cancer etc. In response to the peoples’ agitation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) mandated the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) to investigate the issue in 2001. NIOH observed that “aerial exposure” to endosulfan was responsible for delay in sexual maturity among the adolescents. In the final report submitted to NHRC and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, NHRC categorically stated that they did not see any serious diseases like cancer or mental retardation in the villages they went. They recommended a detailed epidemiological study and long term monitoring for cancers of the endocrine system in the affected villages

I would like to invite you to Kerala-famously known as God’s own country. Kerala in South India is flanked by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Sahayadri’s on one side and as a result this South Indian state has a lot to offer nature buffs in terms of exotic flora, natural greens and of course birds and wild animals. Evidently Kerala, South India is a land of immense natural beauty and offers undulating stretches of lush green forests generously sprinkled with gurgling waterfalls, colorful blooms, animals and chirping birds. All this and more add to the natural beauty of this picturesque state. Famous for its greenery and natural beauty Kerala is a world famous tourist spot. Kerala has uppermost literacy rate in the nation. But Education and lust to earn more have made keralites fools. They have started clearing paddy fields and coconut farms and turned into cash crops such as rubber and cashewnuts. In the run to greater yield Malayalees are using unethical and harmful pesticides in cashew plantations.

Now let’s visit a district in Kerala – Kasaragod, once known for its greenery today Kasaragod is haunted by diseases and tragedy. Thanks to hamlets of cashew plantations spread along the district. The diseases are side effects of Endosulfan a deadly pesticide sprayed in these plantations. The UNO classifies Endosulfan as highly dangerous insect killer and banned in 62 countries
Endosulfan should be completely banned.We have to study from experiences. but the Central Govt is supporting the corporates and the policy makers are the agents of the corporates. The use of endosulfan will damge the the soil fertility also. The microorganisms of the soil will be completely damaged and in few years our agriculture will be utter failure.

The insect killer was sprayed aerially with in particular used helicopters. As the plantations are mostly in mountainous areas, the pesticide drains and gets washed down the slopes during rains into drinking water below. Consuming this water will result in diseases ranging from physical deformities, cancers, birth disorders and damages to brain and nervous system. During 2000-2001 the victims got huge media introduction and resulted in Study on the victim’s. The study of Endosulfan effects showed larger abnormality such as mental retardation, cancer and infertility in the victims. But the pesticide and fertilizer industries were very fast to refuse the studies. Endosulfan is manufactured and distributed in India by Hindustan Fertilizers limited. Endosulfan has been banned in Kerala. People are still facing the side effects of Endosulfan in Kerala and Karnataka but the Indian Government has not yet banned the deadly chemical. The Pesticide is still used for cotton and Cashew plantations in many parts of the nation Karnataka, Punjab, Assam and Andhra Pradesh. India needs an effective chemical norm and should ratify a chemical & pesticide policy which would help people affected from chemical accidents & disasters; also stop usage of deadly pesticides for agriculture. Even during the Bhopal gas tragedy Government did nothing for the victims. The victims of Endosulfan also were turned down by the Government. It is clear that all these chemical disasters are due to ignorant and negligent policies from the Government.
The Exposure Pathways
All the environmental media studied have been contaminated with endosulfan. The main routes of entry into the human body are:
1. From mother’s body to foetus via placenta– 36 weeks – Placental Exposure
2. From mother’s milk to baby – 36 months – Maternal Milk-borne exposure
3. From locally grown plant and animal foods – egg, milk and meat – chronic, perennial – Food borne exposure
4. From water – Chronic and perennial – Water borne Exposure
5. From air through breathing and through skin – Few hours till the vapour remains suspended in air. – short duration. – Aerial Exposure
Those who are exposed through the first three pathways, will also be exposed to metabolites – stress chemicals – that are generated by the living systems in response to the exposure. Cattles with congenital anomalies and cancers are more likely to be sold for slaughter

: Union Minister K.V Thomas’ statement backing Endosulfan pesticide is humiliating the hapless victims of Endosulfan disaster in eleven Panchayaths in Kasargod district, states P Mujeeb Rahman, State Head of the Solidarity Youth Movement. K.V Thomas earlier said that Endosulfan did not have any adverse affects in Kasargod.
POSTED BY VAKKOMSEN

Centre's stand on Endosulfan deplorable: VS

VS Achuthanandan has said that the Centre's stand on Endosulfan is deplorable and added that he would bring up the issue at international conventions including the Stockholm convention.

Rice for 2 rupees BPL & APL

Rice 1kg per 2 rupees available on tommorrow onwords in kerala.

Funeral of Chitra's daughter Nandana today

The nine-year-old daughter of popular Indian playback singer K.S. Chithra died after falling in a swimming pool at a Dubai villa this morning.
Sources said Nandana, who drowned in a pool at a villa in Emirates Hills, was rushed to a hospital in Jebel Ali, but could not berevived.

Popularly known as ‘Little Nightingale’ of South India, Chithra has sung songs in films of more than 10 languages and has received six national awards among other laurels. Chithra and her husband Vijayashankar were blessed with their daughter after eight years of marriage.

Singer KS Chitra's daughter Nandana dead
The singer and her troupe are in Dubai to participate in a musical extravaganza to celebrate the compositions of Oscar winner music director A. R. Rahman at Sharjah Cricket Stadium today.
The funeral of singer Chitra's daughter Nandana, who died yesterday in Dubai, would be held today at their residence in Chennai.

HISTORY OF VISHU , Malayalees celebrated Vishu with lot of joy and mirth

Vishu is a new year festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is similar to the New Year festivals observed elsewhere in India like Baisakhi(Punjab), Bihu(Assam), Naba Barsha(Bengal), Bisu (Tulu Nadu region in Karnataka) and Puthandu(Tamil Nadu). Vishu generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian calendar. This occasion signifies the Sun’s transit to the zodiac – Mesha Raasi (first zodiac sign) as per Indian astrological calculations and astronomically represents the vernal equinox. “Vishu” in Sanskrit means “equal”. Therefore Vishu is more probably denoting one of the equinox days. Although Vishu (first of Medam) is the astrological new year day of Kerala, the official Malayalam new year falls on the first month of Chingam (August – September). However, 1st of Chingam has no significance either astrologically or astronomically. Chingam is the harvest season in Kerala and southern parts of coastal Karnataka.
Rituals and Traditions

Most important ritual of the day is called 'Kani Kanal', the literal translation of this is 'first sight'. In Kani Kanal there is a prescribed list of items, which a person must see first thing on a Vishu morning to bring good luck. This include a cadjan leaf book, gold ornaments, fresh white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts and yellow cucumber. All these things are kept in a big pot and behind this pot is kept the bell metal mirror and a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna. Two standing oil lamps are also placed before the deity.

Vishu Traditions and Customs

Traditional people of Kerala celebrated Vishu with lot of joy and mirth. One very interesting custom of Vishu is Vishukani or Kani Kanal (first sight). Under this tradition there is a prescribed list of items that people see first thing on a Vishu morning. The custom stems from the strong belief of the people of Kerala that good things seen on the New Year day brings good luck for the entire year. Ladies of the house make preparation for Vishukani on a previous night. They would keep prescribed items including a cadjan leaf book, gold ornaments, fresh white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts and yellow cucumber in a big pot. Behind this pot is kept the bell metal mirror and a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna. Two standing oil lamps are also placed before the deity. Master of the house is the first person to take a look at auspicious things. Children are brought blind folded from their rooms to watch Vishukani. Many people in Kerala prefer to perform Vishukani in temples. Vishukani is offered to Gods and is later distributed amongst poor and needy.


Children are given gifts or small amount of cash on the Vishu Day in a belief that it ensures prosperity for children. This tradition is called Vishu Kaineetam.

Vishu Celebrations

To celebrate the auspicious festival of Pooram Vishu people of Kerala wear kodi vastram (new clothes). People sing, dance and make merry. Patassu (firecrackers) are also burst to mark the New Year day. Another attractive feature of the festival is the grand sadya (feast) prepared by the ladies of the house.

Special dishes are prepared using jackfruits, mangoes, pumpkins and gourd besides other seasonal vegetables and fruits. Characteristic feature of a Vishu meal is that the food items consist of roughly equal proportions of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items. Popular feast dishes include ‘Veppampoorasam' (a bitter preparation of neem) and ‘Mampazhapachadi' (a sour mango soup).


In villages of Kerala, young men and women dress up as the 'chozhi' by wearing a skirt of dried banana leaves and masks on their faces. These entertainers would then move from house to house and collect reward for their performances. The money collected by them is spent in Vishuwela or the New Year Fairs.


BY VAKKOMSEN

VS calling Rahul Gandhi amul baby.

V.S.ACHUTHANANDAN calling Rahul born and brought up an amul baby

Singer KS Chitra's daughter Nandana dies

Nandana, the daughter of renowned singer KS Chitra, has died after she fell into a swimming pool in Dubai.

G.O ( P ) No: 180/2011/Fin dt 11.04.2011 KERALA GOVT.SANCTIONED 6% DA WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2011

KERALA GOVT.SANCTIONED 6% DA TO ALL STATE GOVT.EMPLOYEES WITH EFFECT FROM 01/01/2011 Vide
G.O.( P )No:180/2011/Fin dt 01.01.2011

LDF would come back to power: VS, Pinarayi

VS Achuthanandan has said in Malampuzha that LDF would come back to power in Kerala.

Vote to fight corruption, rape and inflation: VS.Achuthanandan

VS Achuthanandan has asked voters to cast their votes to the right candidate so as to fight corruption, inflation and rape

Sindhu Joy 'attack story' fabricated: Pinarayi

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VS's remark against Lathika not a breach of poll code: EC

After analysing the video clips of VS's speech, the EC has said that his remarks against Lathika Subhash do not amount to violation of poll code of conduct

Protest against Malayalam actors' support for UDF

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Years of UDF rule in Kerala was marked by corruption: Karat

Prakash Karat, while inaugurating an election rally, said years of UDF rule in the state was marked by corruption on a scale that was not seen before.

Thousands gather for VS's election rally in Malappuram

Malappuram was flooded with LDF supporters as VS Achuthanandan arrived in Malappuram to campaign for elections.

Brinda Karat speaks on P Sashi controversy

CPIM politburo member Brinda Karat, in an exclusive interview to India Vision, said that any wrongdoing either from P Sashi or any others, of any nature, will not be permitted in CPIM.