News and Views

Kozhikode: The police locked up Bureau Chief of Asianet television channel Binnu Raj and two of its employees in the Kozhikode Police Station on Saturday, leading to widespread protests by media.

The incident happened as a sequel to happening at the district court premises in the morning when the police detained reporters who had come to the court to report proceedings. The police took them to the station along with the outside broadcasting van of Asianet.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan that both Kulachal and Vizhinjam ports were required for the nation’s development and competition in this sector would be beneficial.

The Prime Minister conveyed this view to the Chief Minister when the latter called on Mr. Modi expressing concerns over clearance granted by the Centre for port at Kulachal which was only 35 km from Vizhinjam.

Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF has won seven seats in the by-elections held in 15 wards of local self-governments in 11 districts of the State on Thursday. The UDF won in five seats and BJP in three.

The UDF could retain control of Kasaragod district panchayat as UDF candidate Shanawaz Padur won the by-election from Uduma ward. The Front would have lost majority if it candidate had failed to win.

The Motor Vehicles Department collected more than Rs. 10 lakhs in fines from 3058 vehicles during State-wide checking of number plates of motor vehicles on Thursday.

Many vehicles were found to have displayed number plates that were not according to specifications.

Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday cleared proposals for raising funds for massive capital investment plan proposed in the Budget for the current year through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board.

The Board is to raise funds through different types of bonds with government guarantee. An Ordinance will be brought to give legal backing for the scheme. The law will provide for earmarking cess on petrol and a certain share of motor vehicles taxes to the Board.