Kerala announces special lottery to raise funds
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 24: To raise additional funds towards the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) following the floods in Kerala, Finance Minister Thomas Issac on Friday announced a special lottery.
Isaac told the media that each ticket would cost Rs 250 and the draw would take place on October 3. The entire proceeds of the lottery will go to the CMDRF.
"The lottery has been named ‘Ashwas' and there would be a first prize of Rs 1 lakh in each series and Rs 5,000 on 108,000 tickets," said Isaac.
According to a source in the know of things, in all there would 96 lakh tickets that would be printed in nine series.
"The target of this special lottery is to raise Rs 100 crore, which will be the net profit for the state government after meeting all expenses of this special lottery, if all the 96 lakh tickets are sold," said the source who did not wish to be identified.
The floods have killed some 370 people -- since the monsoon rains began on May 29 -- and caused widespread destruction.
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Kerala Court issues arrest warrant against Baba Ramdev over misleading advertisements
Palakkad: A Kerala court has issued a bailable arrest warrant against self-styled yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balakrishna following allegations of misleading advertisements for Patanjali Ayurved products. The Palakkad district court took the action on Thursday, January 16, based on a complaint filed by the state’s drug regulators.
The case stems from allegations that advertisements claimed certain Patanjali products could cure ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes, which is prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
The complaint was initiated by Kannur-based ophthalmologist Dr. K.V. Babu, who filed grievances with state and central authorities in 2022. He also approached the Prime Minister’s Office in January 2024. Acting on these complaints, Kerala’s drugs control department directed its offices across the state in November 2023 to pursue legal action against Patanjali.
Court records from January 16 state, “Complainant absent. All accused served. Bailable warrant to all accused.”
This development follows a warning from the Supreme Court to states and Union Territories regarding contempt action if they fail to act against misleading advertisements.
