Matsya Shakthi project aims to transform coastal minority communities Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying and minority affairs George Kurian inaugurated a training-cum-awareness programme under the Matsya Shakthi project in Kochi on Wednesday. The initiative, aimed at empowering coastal minority communities, focuses on skill development, leadership training, and fisheries-based livelihood technologies. Kurian highlighted the project’s role in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods for fisher communities. The programme is implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of India’s ministry of minority affairs. Kurian stated that the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building efforts for minority fisher communities in Thiruvananthapuram. During the inauguration, he presented certificates to participants who completed Phase I of the training. Under the project, 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day course to become fishery hatchery production workers. The training covers topics such as broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene, and biosecurity. Another 180 beneficiaries are being trained in cage culture fish farming, with a focus on sustainable mariculture practices. In addition, 420 women will receive exclusive leadership development training. The programme includes modules on communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, awareness of government schemes, and collective action. Kurian emphasized the importance of empowering women to emerge as entrepreneurs and community leaders.#thiruvananthapuram #matsya_shakthi_project #george_kurian #pradhan_mantri_vikas #kochi

Kerala Lottery Results: Dhanalekshmi DL-42 Weekly Draw Winners Announced The results for the Dhanalekshmi (DL-42) weekly lottery draw held on March 4, 2026, have been officially released. The first prize of ₹1 crore was claimed by ticket number DU 274794, sold through the agent Shaju E X in Irinjalakkuda. The second prize of ₹30 lakh was won by ticket DO 232045, with agent Naseer H in Thiruvananthapuram. The third prize of ₹5 lakh was secured by agent Arjun U S. The consolation prize of ₹5,000 was distributed to multiple ticket numbers, including 0675 0937 1172 1354 1620 2334 2377 2381 3129 3692 3716 4897 4906 5200 6359 7729 7952 8110 8499 and additional numbers listed in subsequent lines. These tickets matched the winning numbers in the other 11 series of the lottery. The Dhanalekshmi (DL-42) Weekly Lottery is organized by the Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries and is drawn every Wednesday, excluding national holidays. Each ticket costs ₹50 and is printed in 12 series: DN, DO, DP, DR, DS, DT, DU, DV, DW, DX, DY, DZ. A total of 1 crore and 8 lakh tickets were sold in this draw, generating a total value of ₹42,18,48,000. The draw typically takes place in Thiruvananthapuram. Prize distribution for the draw includes: 1st prize: ₹1,00,00,000 (awarded once) 2nd prize: ₹30,00,000 (awarded once) 3rd prize: ₹5,00,000 (awarded once) 4th prize: ₹5,000 (awarded 20 times, once per series) 5th prize: ₹2,000 (awarded 6 times for the last four digits) 6th prize: ₹1,000 (awarded 30 times) 7th prize: ₹500 (awarded 76 times) 8th prize: ₹200 (awarded 94 times) 9th prize: ₹100 (awarded 144 times) Consolation prize: ₹5,000 (11 prizes) Tax deductions apply to the first prize, with 30% withheld as tax and 10% deducted as agents' commission.#kerala_state_lotteries #shaju_e_x #naseer_h #arjun_u_s #thiruvananthapuram
