Current Affairs

Kerala government submitted a memorandum to the Centre on Tuesday seeking assistance for relief and rehabilitation of victims of Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy.

The memorandum notes that the accident, which claimed 107 lives, had caused an actual loss of Rs. 117.35 crores. More than 1000 persons had been injured and experts had opined that the region would require a long term rehabilitation plan including psycho-social care. So, the accident should be treated as a national calamity.

Kerala government is refusing to provide information on several hundred decisions taken by the Cabinet prior to the declaration of elections in the State.

Several of these decisions, which had been leaked out, have become controversial and the KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran himself had to demand their withdrawal.

Some of these decisions had since been withdrawn while the details of other decisions are kept confidential.

Thiruvananthapuram: Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson P. J. Kurien precipitated a crisis of sorts in his home turf this week by opposing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Assembly election in Thiruvalla constituency of Kerala. However, he withdrew all his objections on Saturday afternoon after talks with Kerala Congress (Mani) leader K.

Kerala Kerala Government will not support total ban of fireworks, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said after an all-party meeting favoured controlled used of pyrotechnics.

It has been clarified that fireworks on competitive basis and high decibel crackers would not be allowed.  A fund would be formed for the relief of those affected by the Paravoor fireworks tragedy.

The government is taking steps to facilitate Thrissur Pooram.

Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor  Radhakrishnan has asked the Chief Conservator of Forests to withdraw his circular specifying conditions for parading elephants and hold discussions with the devaswom authorities with a few to facilitate the fair.