News and Views

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala celebrated Republic Day with flag hoisting and other ceremonies across the State on Tuesday.

The Governor P. Sathasivam unfurled the national flag at a ceremonial parade in Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor urged that legislative business should be carried out in a meaningful manner to fulfill the aspirations of the common man.  Against the background of frequent disruptions of legislative functioning, the Governor also called for discipline and gradual achievement of maturity.

Joint Action Council of Victims of Endosulfan began a hunger strike here on Tuesday to press for its demands.

Each day, five persons will offer fast. Opposition Leader V. S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the stir.

Centre has ignored almost all the names recommended by Kerala for Padma Awards which were announced in New Delhi on Monday.

Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi Chairman P. P. Gopinathan, who was recommended for Padma Bhushan by Kerala Government, gets Padma Shri. Former Comptroller and Auditor General of India Vinod Rai, who is an IAS Officer from Kerala cadre, is awarded Padma Bhushan.

Thiruvananthapuram:  Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the judicial commission, enquiring into the solar scam and alleged involvement of the Chief Minister’s office in it, that he might have met one of the accused in the scam Saritha S. Nair thrice before her arrest. But no meeting had taken place in connection her solar business.

Kerala Yatra led by Muslim League leader P. K. Kunjalikutty began from Manjeswaram in Kasaragod on Friday evening with League president Panakkad Syed Hyderali  Shihab Thangal flagging off the march.

The march, being organised as a prelude to Assembly election campaign, will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on February 11 after traversing all the districts.