Spice exports from the country have increased both in terms of quantum and value during April-November period of this fiscal. It increased 15 per cent in rupee value and 6 per cent in quantity as compared to the same period of last year.

According to the data of Spice board in Kochi, spice oils and oleoresins, including mint products, contributed 42 per cent of the total export earnings while Chilli contributed 21 per cent, cumin 8 per cent, pepper 8 per cent and turmeric 5 per cent.

Kochi (Kerala), Dec 30 : Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora has said the Government has decided to bring down the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG further following the fall in international oil prices.

Deora added that the announcement could be made in a few weeks.

He was speaking here during a function to facilitate Hibi Eden, who was recently elevated as president of the National Student Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress.

Deora said oil prices in the international market had come down to 37 dollars to 38 dollars a barrel.

Kochi, Dec. 16 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday urged all party workers to tighten their belts and work hard to get victory in next year''s general elections.

Addressing the inaugural function of the KPCC state conference here, where thousands of local and state Congress party workers were attending, Gandhi said that the people now want a change, they are fed up of governance. She urge Congress party workers to put all they can to win in the Lok Sabha elections.

Kochi, Dec 16 : Congress Party President will inaugurate a party delegates meet at the three-day Kerala State Conference here today.

About 5000 party workers and elected members of various local bodies including Non-resident Kerala (NRI) representatives are expected to attend the meet.

The six resolutions moved at the party state executive will be discussed during the meet.

Later, UPA Chairperson is scheduled to attend a function organised to mark the third death anniversary of former Union Minister P M Sayeed in Lakshadweep.

Kochi, Dec 16 : Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi has lashed out at the Mumbai attackers, by saying that they would have to pay a price for their barbarism.

"There is a price to be paid for these barbaric attacks. Let nobody take us for granted and, let nobody underestimate our resolve to defeat these diabolic designs of these forces," said Gandhi at a Congress rally here on Monday.

This was Gandhi''s first public meeting after the party''s success in Assembly polls in three states.

K