Kalam cancels New Year146;s celebrations

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh will cut short his six-day visit to the Gulf and return here from Dubai on Wednesday, in view of the Tsunami disaster. According to an official announcement, Singh was scheduled to visit Bahrain after meeting leaders in Oman and UAE.

HUDCO announces Rs 2,000-cr package

NEW DELHI: The government-owned Housing and Urban Development Corporation HUDCO today earmarked a sum of Rs 2,000 crore for construction and rehabilitation work in the tsunami-affected coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Anadaman-Nicobar islands. Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation Sheilja Kumari said that the regional HUDCO offices are already in touch with the state governments for the rehabilitation of the affected population.

Free ration for a month: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said free ration will be given for a month to all residents of tsunami-hit coastal areas. He said the Government would convene a meeting of scientists to discuss the possibility of setting up a permanent monitoring body. He spoke of a special package for Alappad panchayat in Kollam district and Arattupuzha in Alappuzha district.