Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Dec 21 : The ongoing global economic meltdown has pulled down liquor sales in Kerala, one of the highest liquor consuming states of the country.

The beeline at counters of beverages corporation during peak hours in the evening has dried up. Barely more than five to six people are seen at leading shops in Thiruvananthapuram.

Biju Ramesh, owner of the leading liquor giant in the state, owing about 20 bars here, said that he is facing about 20 per cent decline in his sales.

New Delhi, Dec 17 : To highlight the issues of farmers and the serious crisis faced by the agriculture sector, hoards of farmers from Kerala held a protest march here today.

The protest was organised under the aegis of Karshaka Sanghatana Aikya Vedi (KSAV).

The prices of agricultural products have reduced sharply, but the over all cost of produce has increased, which adds to the farmer''s woes.

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Kochi, Dec. 12 : Volvo has launched the market''s first coach with a multi-axle configuration, taking the inter-city luxury AC coach segment to its next level, which is coinciding with the Volvo Ocean Race in Kochi.

The auto manufacture company Volvo on Thursday offered a special signature series in memory of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Kochi.

Kochi, Dec. 11 : The countdown to Christmas has started. Traders in gift items and cakes are waiting for the demands to pick up.

The local markets used to witness a heavy demand by this time ahead of Christmas till last year by corporate companies or local customers. But the response is dull.

For Keralaites, the Christmas and New Year celebrations are like Deepawali, the biggest festival of Hindus. The State has a considerable number of Christians.

Most of the people here are Christians and many of them are in Gulf countries, who return to homeland during Christmas holidays.

A call received on Sunday evening, issuing a threat to Congress President Sonia Gandhi when she visits the state to attend the state Congress meet in Kochi on December 16, has sent the Kerela police into high alert mode.

Congress President will reach Kerela on December 15. She will stay in Kochi that day and address the PCC general body convention the next day to be attended by 5,000 party delegates.