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Rasika Dugal was recently seen in Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of her much-awaited project Manto, directed by Nandita Das and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role.

The story is based on the life of the Indo-Pakistani author, Saddat Hassan Manto in the post-independence period.

Rasika plays the role of Manto’s wife, Safia and the film premiered to a packed audience at Cannes who lauded the lead pair's performance.

Nandita’s pet project also stars Rajshri Deshpande as the celebrated author, Ismat Chugtai and the movie has&nbsp;guest appearances of several actors including Shabana Azmi, Purab Kohli, and Chandan Roy Sanyal.

Rasika, who had to do a great deal of preparation for her role as the noted author’s wife, recently revealed that she did not require any prosthetics or makeup to look like Safia.

The stylists made sure that the clothes and hairstyle from that era would be enough to give viewers an authentic replication of a real-life person, in a respectful manner. Interestingly the results of her look are more than uncanny as when compared to images of the real-life Safia.

All this was managed to be achieved without any use of heavy makeup or prosthetics. It’s a usual practice in several real-life stories and biopics for makers to resort to the art of makeup to make the actors come as close as possible to looking their real people.&nbsp;

Speaking about the process, Rasika said "Srikant and his team did a fabulous job of designing the look of the characters. On most days I shot with no makeup.&nbsp;The team just found ways to tweak small things to show a change in the look over the years, since the story of the film is over six years and Manto and Safia go through a lot in those years.&nbsp;They are the tiniest of changes but, in my opinion, make a strong impact and affect the look of the character. And also really helped enhance the performance.&nbsp;We really didn't use any makeup or prosthetics. But the smallest of details were looked into by Nandita."&nbsp; 
 
Manto is scheduled to release in India later this year. 
&nbsp;

'Manto's' story is based on the life of the Indo-Pakistani author, Saddat Hassan Manto in the post-independence period

Rasika Dugal was recently seen in Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of her much-awaited project Manto, directed by Nandita Das and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role. The story is based on the life of the Indo-Pakistani author, Saddat Hassan Manto in the post-independence period. Rasika plays the role of Manto’s wife, Safia and the film premiered to a packed audience at Cannes who lauded the lead pair's performance. Nandita’s pet project also stars Rajshri Deshpande as the celebrated author, Ismat Chugtai and the movie has guest appearances of several actors including Shabana Azmi, Purab Kohli, and Chandan Roy Sanyal. Rasika, who had to do a great deal of preparation for her role as the noted author’s wife, recently revealed that she did not require any prosthetics or makeup to look like Safia. The stylists made sure that the clothes and hairstyle from that era would be enough to give viewers an authentic replication of a real-life person, in a respectful manner. Interestingly the results of her look are more than uncanny as when compared to images of the real-life Safia. All this was managed to be achieved without any use of heavy makeup or prosthetics. It’s a usual practice in several real-life stories and biopics for makers to resort to the art of makeup to make the actors come as close as possible to looking their real people. Speaking about the process, Rasika said "Srikant and his team did a fabulous job of designing the look of the characters. On most days I shot with no makeup. The team just found ways to tweak small things to show a change in the look over the years, since the story of the film is over six years and Manto and Safia go through a lot in those years. They are the tiniest of changes but, in my opinion, make a strong impact and affect the look of the character. And also really helped enhance the performance. We really didn't use any makeup or prosthetics. But the smallest of details were looked into by Nandita." Manto is scheduled to release in India later this year.

For 'Manto', Rasika Dugal stayed away from makeup and prosthetics!

The BJP on Wednesday observed a 'black day' against the Congress-JD(S) government headed by HD Kumaraswamy ahead of its swearing-in, and gave a call to the "sidelined" Congress leaders in the new coalition to join the saffron party.

The BJP warned that it would hold a statewide 'bandh' if the new coalition government fails to fulfill its election promises.

Addressing the party workers who had gathered in large numbers to stage a demonstration near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Anand Rao Circle, BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa condemned the coalition government as "an opportunistic alliance."

"There is a farm loan of Rs 53,000 crore. You have said you will waive all the loans. Let us see whether you will actually waive all the farm loans. If you fail, we will observe a bandh all over the state," he said.

The state BJP chief said the Congress should immediately distance itself from the JD(S) or else the dream of Congress-free India will be a reality soon.

"Congress has lost its base in the state. With whom will the Congress go tomorrow? Will you go with Kumaraswamy?," said Yeddyurappa.

He also gave a call to Congress leaders, who felt offended for being sidelined in the new scheme of things in the coalition government, to join the BJP.

"Congress leaders must wake up. Those who felt cheated can come to BJP. If there is any party, which has faith in democracy, it is BJP. Let us build Karnataka as a model state. I flay this coalition government," said Yeddyurappa.

Slamming the BJP for observing the "black day", JDS leader Kumaraswamy said, "Having no concern for public is BJP's style of functioning. Their politics revolved around misleading people by organising events like black day, some kind of Yatra and fomenting passions. You cannot expect anything better from them."&nbsp;

Yeddyurappa had stepped down as Karnataka chief minister within three days of assuming office after failing to muster enough numbers, without facing the floor test on May 19.&nbsp;

The BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the assembly elections, with a fractured mandate.&nbsp;

With Yeddyurappa failing to take the floor test, the Congress and JD(S) claiming the support of 117 MLAs was invited to form the government by Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Former deputy chief minister R Ashok, MP Shobha Karandlaje and BJP leader Jaggesh also participated in the protest.&nbsp;

The BJP warned that it would hold a statewide 'bandh' if the new coalition government fails to fulfill its election promises.

The BJP on Wednesday observed a 'black day' against the Congress-JD(S) government headed by HD Kumaraswamy ahead of its swearing-in, and gave a call to the "sidelined" Congress leaders in the new coalition to join the saffron party. The BJP warned that it would hold a statewide 'bandh' if the new coalition government fails to fulfill its election promises. Addressing the party workers who had gathered in large numbers to stage a demonstration near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Anand Rao Circle, BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa condemned the coalition government as "an opportunistic alliance." "There is a farm loan of Rs 53,000 crore. You have said you will waive all the loans. Let us see whether you will actually waive all the farm loans. If you fail, we will observe a bandh all over the state," he said. The state BJP chief said the Congress should immediately distance itself from the JD(S) or else the dream of Congress-free India will be a reality soon. "Congress has lost its base in the state. With whom will the Congress go tomorrow? Will you go with Kumaraswamy?," said Yeddyurappa. He also gave a call to Congress leaders, who felt offended for being sidelined in the new scheme of things in the coalition government, to join the BJP. "Congress leaders must wake up. Those who felt cheated can come to BJP. If there is any party, which has faith in democracy, it is BJP. Let us build Karnataka as a model state. I flay this coalition government," said Yeddyurappa. Slamming the BJP for observing the "black day", JDS leader Kumaraswamy said, "Having no concern for public is BJP's style of functioning. Their politics revolved around misleading people by organising events like black day, some kind of Yatra and fomenting passions. You cannot expect anything better from them." Yeddyurappa had stepped down as Karnataka chief minister within three days of assuming office after failing to muster enough numbers, without facing the floor test on May 19. The BJP had emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in the assembly elections, with a fractured mandate. With Yeddyurappa failing to take the floor test, the Congress and JD(S) claiming the support of 117 MLAs was invited to form the government by Governor Vajubhai Vala. Former deputy chief minister R Ashok, MP Shobha Karandlaje and BJP leader Jaggesh also participated in the protest.

BJP observes 'black day' against JD(S)-Congress coalition govt

The current surge in petrol prices across the country has drawn the ruling government a lot of flak. Interestingly, celebrities who are known to be vocal about trending topics on their social media platforms have not reacted the increase in petrol prices.&nbsp; 
 
Akshay Kumar, who has off late been picking up films that talk about real issues, has also kept mum on the rise in petrol prices. The actor, in a bid to balance it out perhaps, has gone ahead and deleted his tweets from 2012. The actor, back then, criticising the UPA government, had tweeted condemning the increase in price rise.&nbsp; 
 
The tweet that the actor deleted read, "Guys, I think it’s time to clean up your bicycles and hit the road! As per sources, expecting another petrol price hike."

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Wonder why .<a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> deleted this tweet. 
 
Maybe he doesn't have the STREANH to face public with increasing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/petrolpricehike?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#petrolpricehike</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/wkAZYsYj5T">pic.twitter.com/wkAZYsYj5T</a>
— Mr Certitude (@Swapzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swapzz/status/998432050540670976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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But Akshay kept the other tweets that he had tweeted around the same time about the same issue.

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When I saw Rs. 62 trending, I thought it must be either the reduced petrol price or some new scam of Rs. 62 crores but… <a href="http://t.co/tJBnnZwG">http://t.co/tJBnnZwG</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/224389097664430081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2012</a></blockquote>
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Couldn't even get to my house at nite for all of Mumbai was queuing up for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/petrol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#petrol</a> before the prices rocketed again.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/70023060769607680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2011</a></blockquote>
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A Twitter user pointed out that not just Akshay Kumar but even celebrities like Vivek Agnihotri, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher had criticised the&nbsp;then ruling government for the increase in petrol prices.&nbsp;

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The price of petrol and diesel in the Modi government is skyrocketing, inflation is at its peak level, 
 
Before 2014, Amitabh, Ashok Pandit, Vivek Agnihotri, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher, who oppose rising prices of petrol and diesel, why silent? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelLootBySuitBoot?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelLootBySuitBoot</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IYC</a> <a href="https://t.co/aL6CyLmvYz">pic.twitter.com/aL6CyLmvYz</a>
— संजीव शर्मा (@SanjeevINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanjeevINC/status/998797488143323136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, these said stars have not reacted to the current rise in petrol prices. In fact, barring a few actors, most have kept mum on the recent hike. Actor Farhan Akhtar did tweet about the hike as he wrote:&nbsp;

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₹84 per litre mubarak to you and your loved ones. 
Actual cost I believe is ₹31, based on info i could find online (do correct me if I’m wrong, happy to learn) .. the rest are central & state taxes, cess & commissions. Just so you know that the price can be brought down.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarOutAkhtar/status/999138333048455168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-diesel-prices-hit-new-high-third-in-3-days-139059">Petrol costs on Wednesday</a> morning were registered at Rs 77.17 a litre in Delhi, Rs 84.99 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 79.83 in Kolkata, and Rs 80.11 per litre in Chennai.&nbsp;

Most celebrities have maintained silence over the current rise in petrol prices.

The current surge in petrol prices across the country has drawn the ruling government a lot of flak. Interestingly, celebrities who are known to be vocal about trending topics on their social media platforms have not reacted the increase in petrol prices. Akshay Kumar, who has off late been picking up films that talk about real issues, has also kept mum on the rise in petrol prices. The actor, in a bid to balance it out perhaps, has gone ahead and deleted his tweets from 2012. The actor, back then, criticising the UPA government, had tweeted condemning the increase in price rise. The tweet that the actor deleted read, "Guys, I think it’s time to clean up your bicycles and hit the road! As per sources, expecting another petrol price hike." Wonder why .@akshaykumar deleted this tweet. Maybe he doesn't have the STREANH to face public with increasing #petrolpricehike ? pic.twitter.com/wkAZYsYj5T — Mr Certitude (@Swapzz) May 21, 2018 × But Akshay kept the other tweets that he had tweeted around the same time about the same issue. When I saw Rs. 62 trending, I thought it must be either the reduced petrol price or some new scam of Rs. 62 crores but… http://t.co/tJBnnZwG — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 15, 2012 × Couldn't even get to my house at nite for all of Mumbai was queuing up for #petrol before the prices rocketed again. — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 16, 2011 × A Twitter user pointed out that not just Akshay Kumar but even celebrities like Vivek Agnihotri, Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher had criticised the then ruling government for the increase in petrol prices. The price of petrol and diesel in the Modi government is skyrocketing, inflation is at its peak level, Before 2014, Amitabh, Ashok Pandit, Vivek Agnihotri, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher, who oppose rising prices of petrol and diesel, why silent? #FuelLootBySuitBoot @IYC pic.twitter.com/aL6CyLmvYz — संजीव शर्मा (@SanjeevINC) May 22, 2018 × Interestingly, these said stars have not reacted to the current rise in petrol prices. In fact, barring a few actors, most have kept mum on the recent hike. Actor Farhan Akhtar did tweet about the hike as he wrote: ₹84 per litre mubarak to you and your loved ones. Actual cost I believe is ₹31, based on info i could find online (do correct me if I’m wrong, happy to learn) .. the rest are central & state taxes, cess & commissions. Just so you know that the price can be brought down. — Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) May 23, 2018 × Petrol costs on Wednesday morning were registered at Rs 77.17 a litre in Delhi, Rs 84.99 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 79.83 in Kolkata, and Rs 80.11 per litre in Chennai.

As petrol prices rise, Akshay Kumar deletes a six-year-old tweet on an old hike

Five civilians were killed and nine others injured as Pakistani troops rained mortars and opened heavy fire on Indian villages and BoPs along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts today. 
 
Today is the 9th day of continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the IB and LoC in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.

A senior police officer said two civilians were killed and six injured in the shelling and firing in Samba that started at 9 am.

Pakistani Rangers also targeted civilian areas and posts in Kathua district.

"There was heavy firing and shelling on civilian areas and posts along the IB in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district before dawn", a senior police officer told PTI.

In the firing and shelling, three persons were injured and one of them succumbed to injuries on way to hospital, he said adding the injured have been admitted to hospitals.

He said over 100 border dwellers have been evacuated and put in safe shelters and an operation to evacuate others is going on with use of bullet proof vehicles. The shelling is going on, he said.

In R S Pura, Arnia, Bishnah of Jammu district and Ramgarh and Samba sectors firing and shelling is going on since last night.

"In heavy shelling by Pakistan this morning, a civilian was killed in R S Pura sector and another injured in Arnia sector", a police officer said. The injured person later succumbed to injuries.

A large number of people have been evacuated from various villages in these sectors since last night, he said.

Yesterday, 20 civilians were injured when Pakistani troops shelled Indian villages with mortar bombs.

Arnia town, which has been badly hit in Pakistani shelling, is deserted as most of the people have left their houses and taken shelter either in government camps or at the homes of their relatives.

Educational institutions in the affected areas remained closed.

A senior BSF official said firing and shelling continued unabated overnight and has spread to all sectors along the border.He said Pakistani Rangers suffered several casualties with a number of their bunkers getting hit in the exchanges. 
Over 500 people have reported at these camps set up in educational institutions and other government buildings.Adequate facilities are available at these camps.

The latest round of shelling started on May 15 when the BSF foiled two infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed infiltrators in Samba sector and intensified a day after Pakistan?"pleading" with the BSF to stop firing after being pounded with heavy artillery that left a trooper dead across the border on May 20.

The state has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) this year. Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left over 40 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.

Today is the 9th day of continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the IB and LoC in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts

Five civilians were killed and nine others injured as Pakistani troops rained mortars and opened heavy fire on Indian villages and BoPs along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts today. Today is the 9th day of continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the IB and LoC in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. A senior police officer said two civilians were killed and six injured in the shelling and firing in Samba that started at 9 am. Pakistani Rangers also targeted civilian areas and posts in Kathua district. "There was heavy firing and shelling on civilian areas and posts along the IB in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district before dawn", a senior police officer told PTI. In the firing and shelling, three persons were injured and one of them succumbed to injuries on way to hospital, he said adding the injured have been admitted to hospitals. He said over 100 border dwellers have been evacuated and put in safe shelters and an operation to evacuate others is going on with use of bullet proof vehicles. The shelling is going on, he said. In R S Pura, Arnia, Bishnah of Jammu district and Ramgarh and Samba sectors firing and shelling is going on since last night. "In heavy shelling by Pakistan this morning, a civilian was killed in R S Pura sector and another injured in Arnia sector", a police officer said. The injured person later succumbed to injuries. A large number of people have been evacuated from various villages in these sectors since last night, he said. Yesterday, 20 civilians were injured when Pakistani troops shelled Indian villages with mortar bombs. Arnia town, which has been badly hit in Pakistani shelling, is deserted as most of the people have left their houses and taken shelter either in government camps or at the homes of their relatives. Educational institutions in the affected areas remained closed. A senior BSF official said firing and shelling continued unabated overnight and has spread to all sectors along the border.He said Pakistani Rangers suffered several casualties with a number of their bunkers getting hit in the exchanges. Over 500 people have reported at these camps set up in educational institutions and other government buildings.Adequate facilities are available at these camps. The latest round of shelling started on May 15 when the BSF foiled two infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed infiltrators in Samba sector and intensified a day after Pakistan?"pleading" with the BSF to stop firing after being pounded with heavy artillery that left a trooper dead across the border on May 20. The state has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) this year. Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left over 40 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.

5 civilians killed as Pakistani troops shell border villages, posts

A police bus was set ablaze on Wednesday in Thoothucorin&nbsp;by unidentified persons, a day after the town saw widespread violence as police and protesters, agitating against the Sterlite copper smelting plant, clashed. Eleven people died as the police opened fire on the protesters and 70 people are injured. Those who died include women and children.

Fresh clashes also broke out today as the locals clashed with the police outside General Hospital in Tuticorin where people who were injured in Sterlite protest yesterday are undergoing treatment.&nbsp;

CPI(M) organised a protest at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu against the death of 11 people in anti-Sterlite protest.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>: Forces deployed outside General Hospital in Tuticorin. A bus was set ablaze outside the hospital by protesters earlier <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/PgdAP8OKgj">pic.twitter.com/PgdAP8OKgj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999208108013621248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Actor-turned-politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and DMK president M K Stalin and MDMK leader Vaiko and several others condemended the police atrocities.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPKov0Ln2O">pic.twitter.com/XPKov0Ln2O</a>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/999196821422460928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After meeting the victims, Kamal Haasan said merely announcing compensation isn't the solution. This industry must be shut and this is what people demand, he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government today appointed a one-person Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired judge of the Madras High Court to probe the violence at Tuticorin in which ten people were killed.

The inquiry will cover the "law and order incidents following the siege of the District Collectorate by thousands of persons violating prohibitory orders," an official release here said.

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TamilNadu: A bus was set ablaze by protesters outside General Hospital in Tuticorin <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/kmX4tn9G3v">pic.twitter.com/kmX4tn9G3v</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999204470419611648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Fresh clashes also broke out today as the locals clashed with the police outside General Hospital in Tuticorin where people who were injured in Sterlite protest yesterday are undergoing treatment.

A police bus was set ablaze on Wednesday in Thoothucorin by unidentified persons, a day after the town saw widespread violence as police and protesters, agitating against the Sterlite copper smelting plant, clashed. Eleven people died as the police opened fire on the protesters and 70 people are injured. Those who died include women and children. Fresh clashes also broke out today as the locals clashed with the police outside General Hospital in Tuticorin where people who were injured in Sterlite protest yesterday are undergoing treatment. CPI(M) organised a protest at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu against the death of 11 people in anti-Sterlite protest. #SterliteProtest: Forces deployed outside General Hospital in Tuticorin. A bus was set ablaze outside the hospital by protesters earlier #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/PgdAP8OKgj — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Actor-turned-politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and DMK president M K Stalin and MDMK leader Vaiko and several others condemended the police atrocities. #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/XPKov0Ln2O — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 23, 2018 × After meeting the victims, Kamal Haasan said merely announcing compensation isn't the solution. This industry must be shut and this is what people demand, he said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government today appointed a one-person Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired judge of the Madras High Court to probe the violence at Tuticorin in which ten people were killed. The inquiry will cover the "law and order incidents following the siege of the District Collectorate by thousands of persons violating prohibitory orders," an official release here said. TamilNadu: A bus was set ablaze by protesters outside General Hospital in Tuticorin #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/kmX4tn9G3v — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 ×

Tamil Nadu anti-Sterlite protests: Clashes break out again, police bus set on fire

Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja has said that medicine to treat the Nipah virus outbreak will be flown in from Malaysia.&nbsp;

The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can reportedly, to some extent, control the virus.&nbsp;

Nipah is a zoonosis, or a disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals.

The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala.&nbsp;

One of them was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-offers-government-job-to-husband-of-nurse-who-died-from-nipah-virus-139133">nurse</a> who had been looking after people who had contracted Nipah.&nbsp;

The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can, to some extent, control the virus

Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja has said that medicine to treat the Nipah virus outbreak will be flown in from Malaysia. The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can reportedly, to some extent, control the virus. Nipah is a zoonosis, or a disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals. The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala. One of them was the nurse who had been looking after people who had contracted Nipah.

Nipah virus: Medicine to be flown in from Malaysia, says Kerala Health Minister

Indian health officials were checking on Wednesday if a rare, brain-damaging virus had spread to a second state after two suspected cases reported in southern Karnataka, as the death toll in adjacent Kerala, where the outbreak began, rose to 11.

The world's second most populous country suffers hundreds of deaths from infectious diseases every year because of weak disease surveillance and infection control systems, leading health experts to worry about the risks of such outbreaks.

There is no vaccine for the&nbsp;Nipah&nbsp;virus, carried by fruit bats and spread through contact with bodily fluids, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809">outbreak</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-may-spread-to-mumbai-goa-all-travellers-from-kerala-to-be-checked--138809"> in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa</a>

Treatment for the virus, which has a mortality rate of about 70 percent, is supportive care.

Symptoms of the virus surfaced in a 20-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man in the port city of Mangalore after they travelled to neighbouring Kerala and had contact with infected patients, said Rajesh BV, a health official in Karnataka.

"They are not confirmed&nbsp;Nipah&nbsp;cases yet, so there is no need to panic," he said by telephone. "The situation is under control."

The patients are being treated and samples of their blood have been sent for screening, with results expected by Thursday, he added.

Health officials investigating the outbreak in Kerala, where the first death happened on Friday, have traced it to a well infested with bats from which the victims drew water.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus has been recorded in previous outbreaks in India that killed as many as 50 people.

Travel to Kerala, a popular tourist destination, was declared safe by Rajeev Sadanandan, a state health official, who said the outbreak "remains highly localised", with all cases linked to one family.

He declined to comment on the Mangalore cases but identified the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad for tourists in Kerala to avoid, as being close to the outbreak and under scrutiny by health officials.

"Since there are many foreigners who travel to Kerala, we are advising they can avoid these districts for abundant caution," he told.

A nurse who treated three of the Kerala victims succumbed to the infection on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told a news briefing, where she announced payment of compensation to her family and others who lost family members to the infection.

At least 17 patients are under treatment, Shailaja added.

"All steps to prevent the spread of the virus have been taken," she added, urging people not to destroy colonies of fruit bats.

The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala. The World Health Organisation says there is no vaccine

Indian health officials were checking on Wednesday if a rare, brain-damaging virus had spread to a second state after two suspected cases reported in southern Karnataka, as the death toll in adjacent Kerala, where the outbreak began, rose to 11. The world's second most populous country suffers hundreds of deaths from infectious diseases every year because of weak disease surveillance and infection control systems, leading health experts to worry about the risks of such outbreaks. There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, carried by fruit bats and spread through contact with bodily fluids, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Also read: After outbreak in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa Treatment for the virus, which has a mortality rate of about 70 percent, is supportive care. Symptoms of the virus surfaced in a 20-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man in the port city of Mangalore after they travelled to neighbouring Kerala and had contact with infected patients, said Rajesh BV, a health official in Karnataka. "They are not confirmed Nipah cases yet, so there is no need to panic," he said by telephone. "The situation is under control." The patients are being treated and samples of their blood have been sent for screening, with results expected by Thursday, he added. Health officials investigating the outbreak in Kerala, where the first death happened on Friday, have traced it to a well infested with bats from which the victims drew water. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has been recorded in previous outbreaks in India that killed as many as 50 people. Travel to Kerala, a popular tourist destination, was declared safe by Rajeev Sadanandan, a state health official, who said the outbreak "remains highly localised", with all cases linked to one family. He declined to comment on the Mangalore cases but identified the districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad for tourists in Kerala to avoid, as being close to the outbreak and under scrutiny by health officials. "Since there are many foreigners who travel to Kerala, we are advising they can avoid these districts for abundant caution," he told. A nurse who treated three of the Kerala victims succumbed to the infection on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told a news briefing, where she announced payment of compensation to her family and others who lost family members to the infection. At least 17 patients are under treatment, Shailaja added. "All steps to prevent the spread of the virus have been taken," she added, urging people not to destroy colonies of fruit bats.

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus reported from Karnataka

The DMK has called the deaths of 11 protesters in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin a "Jallianwala Bagh-type massacre".&nbsp;

The comment was made&nbsp;by DMK leader Saravanan, who also called Tamil Nadu a "police state" and a "fascist regime".&nbsp;

“A recent survey shows that maximum protests happen in TN. That’s because of the inefficiency of the government. This is a Jallianwala Bagh-type of massacre. The government should pack up and go," news reports quoted Sarvanan as saying. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Stalin, the DMK's Working President, also slammed the government.&nbsp;

"Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing?" he tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tutincorin.&nbsp;

Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area.&nbsp;

Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity.&nbsp;

Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOTamilNadu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOTamilNadu</a> on the situation?
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/999124439169089536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks

 
&nbsp;

The comment was made by DMK leader Saravanan, who also called Tamil Nadu a 'police state' and a 'fascist regime'

The DMK has called the deaths of 11 protesters in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin a "Jallianwala Bagh-type massacre". The comment was made by DMK leader Saravanan, who also called Tamil Nadu a "police state" and a "fascist regime". “A recent survey shows that maximum protests happen in TN. That’s because of the inefficiency of the government. This is a Jallianwala Bagh-type of massacre. The government should pack up and go," news reports quoted Sarvanan as saying. Stalin, the DMK's Working President, also slammed the government. "Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing?" he tweeted. Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tutincorin. Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area. Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group. The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine. The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity. Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest. On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion. Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during #SterliteProtest? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and @CMOTamilNadu on the situation? — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018 × And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings. The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks

'Jallianwala Bagh-type massacre,' says DMK after 11 killed in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin

Extending a helping hand to the family of nurse Lini Puthussery, who died after contracting Nipah from her patients, the Kerala government today decided to give a government job to her husband and Rs 10 lakh each to two of their children.

A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here.

Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications.

Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said.

Of the amounts sanctioned for Lini's children, Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in their bank accounts. The remaining Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in such a manner that the interest amounts can be utilised by the guardian for the needs of the children, the release added.

The government also decided to give Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the nine others who have lost their lives to Nipah.

Lini, who was working in the Perambra Taluk hospital, had contracted the deadly virus from her patients who had sought treatment at the hospital in the initial days.

Sajeesh, who was working in Bahrain, had rushed to Perambra on hearing about her illness, two days before her death.

Lini, who was aware of the seriousness of her illness, had scribbled an emotional last letter to Sajeesh saying, "I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you. You should look after our children well," which had gone viral in the social media.

As Sajeesh struggles to come to terms with the loss, he gathered himself to thank the government for this gesture.

Three patients of a family from Soopykada village in Permabra had been initially admitted at the Perambra taluk hospital for treatment, where Lini was a nurse.

The government also decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin who died of Nipah virus.

The virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

Two more persons who died of high fever are suspected to have contracted the virus.

Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications. Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said

Extending a helping hand to the family of nurse Lini Puthussery, who died after contracting Nipah from her patients, the Kerala government today decided to give a government job to her husband and Rs 10 lakh each to two of their children. A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here. Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications. Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said. Of the amounts sanctioned for Lini's children, Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in their bank accounts. The remaining Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in such a manner that the interest amounts can be utilised by the guardian for the needs of the children, the release added. The government also decided to give Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the nine others who have lost their lives to Nipah. Lini, who was working in the Perambra Taluk hospital, had contracted the deadly virus from her patients who had sought treatment at the hospital in the initial days. Sajeesh, who was working in Bahrain, had rushed to Perambra on hearing about her illness, two days before her death. Lini, who was aware of the seriousness of her illness, had scribbled an emotional last letter to Sajeesh saying, "I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you. You should look after our children well," which had gone viral in the social media. As Sajeesh struggles to come to terms with the loss, he gathered himself to thank the government for this gesture. Three patients of a family from Soopykada village in Permabra had been initially admitted at the Perambra taluk hospital for treatment, where Lini was a nurse. The government also decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin who died of Nipah virus. The virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Two more persons who died of high fever are suspected to have contracted the virus.

Kerala offers government job to husband of nurse who died from Nipah virus

The Meteorological Department today stated that the heatwave condition is likely to prevail across north India for the next 4-5 days.&nbsp;

"Heatwave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, the temperature will be above 45 degrees," Kuldeep Shrivastava from the department told ANI.&nbsp;

The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on May 24.&nbsp;

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Heat wave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, UP & Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, temperature will be above 45 degrees. Parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & UP will experience dust storm on May 24: Kuldeep Shrivastava, India Meteorological Department <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/8YXHMt25Ts">pic.twitter.com/8YXHMt25Ts</a>
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The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heatwave warning for the next five days after Delhi recorded the highest temperature of the season. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius.

On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius at around 4:30 in the evening.

Just a week back, the national capital was battered by dust storms which also hit parts of north India claiming over 100 lives.

 
&nbsp;

The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh on May 24

The Meteorological Department today stated that the heatwave condition is likely to prevail across north India for the next 4-5 days. "Heatwave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, the temperature will be above 45 degrees," Kuldeep Shrivastava from the department told ANI. The MeT department also notified about a dust storm that could hit Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on May 24. Heat wave condition to prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, UP & Rajasthan for next 4-5 days, temperature will be above 45 degrees. Parts of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan & UP will experience dust storm on May 24: Kuldeep Shrivastava, India Meteorological Department #Delhi pic.twitter.com/8YXHMt25Ts — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heatwave warning for the next five days after Delhi recorded the highest temperature of the season. According to the warning, the maximum temperature may shoot up to 48 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, Delhi temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius at around 4:30 in the evening. Just a week back, the national capital was battered by dust storms which also hit parts of north India claiming over 100 lives.

Heatwave to prevail across north India, temperatures to stay above 45 degrees: IMD

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is set to take oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha, around 4:30 p.m. today.

Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Vajubhai Vala will administer an oath of office and oath of secrecy to the Chief Minister Designate. Minister designates to take oath as well.

On the much-awaited day, Kumaraswamy will be leaving for Mysore in the early hours to visit the Chamundi Temple and Chamundeshwari Temple. He will return to Bengaluru by noon for the swearing-in ceremony.

A day before, top leaders from Congress and JD(S) met to discuss the portfolio sharing between the allies, and decided that 22 out of 34 ministries would be helmed by the Congress and 12 ministries including the Chief Minister would go with the JD(S).

Congress` KR Ramesh Kumar will be the Speaker of Karnataka`s Vidhana Soudha, while the deputy speaker will be appointed from the JD(S).

The speaker will be elected on Friday, May 25, with the floor test expected to take place after that.&nbsp;

Rest of the ministry and portfolio allocation will be decided after the floor test which is due to be held on May 24.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP</a>

With opposition parties across the country extending their support to a non-BJP government in the state, the ceremony is being touted as a grand affair. Among the confirmed attendees are United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan.

The high-voltage Karnataka polls were seen as the election that sets the tone for the 2019 general elections, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which bagged the highest number of seats, dealt with a heavy blow after the Congress and JD(S) joined hands following the poll results. The BJP that dubbed the union of Congress and JD(S) as an "unholy alliance" has announced to observe May 23 as "Anti People`s Mandate Day".

"The Congress and JDS hijacked the people`s mandate and entered into an unholy alliance. On the day this unholy coalition government takes office, that is tomorrow, Wednesday, 23.5.2018, the BJP has decided to observe this day as "Anti People`s Mandate Day," an official release from the party stated.

The BJP functionaries will stage black flag demonstration throughout the state led by state party president BS Yeddyurappa at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bengaluru`s Ananda Rao Circle. Kumaraswamy was invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala on May 19, to form the government in the state, after B.S. Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

Kumaraswamy was earlier expected to take oath on May 21, but the ceremony later got pushed to May 23 due to the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The election result for 222 out of 224 assembly constituencies had resulted in a fractured mandate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats, only nine seats short of the simple majority mark of 113.

On the other hand, Congress with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, formed a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.However, the Governor invited Yeddyurappa to form a government on May 16, and gave him 15 days to prove majority, amid huge uproar by the opposition.

On May 18, the Supreme Court, on the plea of the Congress and JD(S), shifted the floor test to May 19. Unable to garner the required number by the deadline, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the post of the chief minister before the floor test could be conducted, mere two days after he was sworn in. Kumaraswamy had earlier served as the chief minister of the state from February 2006 to October 2007.

In the recent elections, he won from both the constituencies he contested in - Channapatna and Ramanagara - by a comfortable margin. JD(S) ally, Congress bagged more seats out of the two, but its chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah lost the Chamundeshwari seat to G T Deve Gowda of JD(S) and won in Badami only by a little over 1,600 votes.

The hung assembly in Karnataka led to an unlikely alliance of the two rival parties, but both sides now maintain that they have set aside their differences in the people`s interest.&nbsp;

The Congress' G Parameshwara will take be sworn in as deputy chief minister. It was decided on Tuesday that 22 of Karnataka's 34 ministries will go to the Congress, and 12 to Kumaraswamy's JD(S)

Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is set to take oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Karnataka at the Vidhana Soudha, around 4:30 p.m. today. Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Vajubhai Vala will administer an oath of office and oath of secrecy to the Chief Minister Designate. Minister designates to take oath as well. On the much-awaited day, Kumaraswamy will be leaving for Mysore in the early hours to visit the Chamundi Temple and Chamundeshwari Temple. He will return to Bengaluru by noon for the swearing-in ceremony. A day before, top leaders from Congress and JD(S) met to discuss the portfolio sharing between the allies, and decided that 22 out of 34 ministries would be helmed by the Congress and 12 ministries including the Chief Minister would go with the JD(S). Congress` KR Ramesh Kumar will be the Speaker of Karnataka`s Vidhana Soudha, while the deputy speaker will be appointed from the JD(S). The speaker will be elected on Friday, May 25, with the floor test expected to take place after that. Rest of the ministry and portfolio allocation will be decided after the floor test which is due to be held on May 24. Also read: Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP With opposition parties across the country extending their support to a non-BJP government in the state, the ceremony is being touted as a grand affair. Among the confirmed attendees are United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan. The high-voltage Karnataka polls were seen as the election that sets the tone for the 2019 general elections, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which bagged the highest number of seats, dealt with a heavy blow after the Congress and JD(S) joined hands following the poll results. The BJP that dubbed the union of Congress and JD(S) as an "unholy alliance" has announced to observe May 23 as "Anti People`s Mandate Day". "The Congress and JDS hijacked the people`s mandate and entered into an unholy alliance. On the day this unholy coalition government takes office, that is tomorrow, Wednesday, 23.5.2018, the BJP has decided to observe this day as "Anti People`s Mandate Day," an official release from the party stated. The BJP functionaries will stage black flag demonstration throughout the state led by state party president BS Yeddyurappa at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bengaluru`s Ananda Rao Circle. Kumaraswamy was invited by Governor Vajubhai Vala on May 19, to form the government in the state, after B.S. Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly. Kumaraswamy was earlier expected to take oath on May 21, but the ceremony later got pushed to May 23 due to the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The election result for 222 out of 224 assembly constituencies had resulted in a fractured mandate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats, only nine seats short of the simple majority mark of 113. On the other hand, Congress with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, formed a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.However, the Governor invited Yeddyurappa to form a government on May 16, and gave him 15 days to prove majority, amid huge uproar by the opposition. On May 18, the Supreme Court, on the plea of the Congress and JD(S), shifted the floor test to May 19. Unable to garner the required number by the deadline, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the post of the chief minister before the floor test could be conducted, mere two days after he was sworn in. Kumaraswamy had earlier served as the chief minister of the state from February 2006 to October 2007. In the recent elections, he won from both the constituencies he contested in - Channapatna and Ramanagara - by a comfortable margin. JD(S) ally, Congress bagged more seats out of the two, but its chief ministerial candidate Siddaramaiah lost the Chamundeshwari seat to G T Deve Gowda of JD(S) and won in Badami only by a little over 1,600 votes. The hung assembly in Karnataka led to an unlikely alliance of the two rival parties, but both sides now maintain that they have set aside their differences in the people`s interest.

Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as Karnataka CM today, floor test expected on Friday

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help.&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them."&nbsp;

The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">hospital</a>

Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms."&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added.

As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-almost-on-the-way-cant-meet-you-kerala-nurse-who-died-treating-nipah-patients-writes-to-husband-138928">Sister Lini</a>) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus.&nbsp;

Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year.&nbsp;

News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders.&nbsp;

The UP government had denied the allegation.&nbsp;

The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal.&nbsp;

Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty.&nbsp;

He was given bail in April this year.&nbsp;

He says he has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">framed by the </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">UP</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437"> government</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

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'I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause,' Dr Khan said. 'There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them,' Vijayan wrote back

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help. "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post. Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them." The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent. Also read: If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to hospital Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms." "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added. As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (Sister Lini) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus. Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year. News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders. The UP government had denied the allegation. The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal. Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty. He was given bail in April this year. He says he has been framed by the UP government. (With inputs from PTI)

Nipah virus: Dr Kafeel Khan offers to help, Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan accepts

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have never admitted their relationship status but their affection towards each other have always told a different story. They have heaped praises for each other and the PDA during any event is hard to miss.&nbsp; 
 
Deepika, in her recent interview, stated that how Ranveer occupies a special place in her heart. Yes, you read it right. The actress was pretty candid about her feelings when she was asked about Ranveer by a film magazine recently.&nbsp; 
 
"Ranveer Singh is dependable, trustworthy and my go-to person," adding, "Everything other than the most obvious. I am bored when people say they love his energy. The man has so much more! He is an extremely good human being. He is kind and good to people. He is very real, emotional and sensitive. He is a man who is not afraid to cry and I love that about him. He is a man!” 
 
Rumours suggest that the couple will tie the knot later this year. A source close to the couple spoke to a daily recently and said how the wedding will be a private affair. "Both Ranveer and Deepika are extremely private and do not wish to have a lavish wedding with a long guest list. The ceremony will be away from the media glare, classy and intimate, with only family and close friends in attendance. That’s the plan," the source was quoted as saying.&nbsp; 
 
Ranveer and Deepika met during the filming of 'Ram Leela' and have been dating since then. The two, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has delivered three back to back blockbuster hits and are regarded as one of the most popular onscreen pairs in Bollywood.

Deepika, in her recent interview, stated that how Ranveer occupies a special place in her heart. Yes, you read it right. The actress was pretty candid about her feelings, when she was asked about Ranveer by a film magazine recently.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have never admitted their relationship status but their affection towards each other have always told a different story. They have heaped praises for each other and the PDA during any event is hard to miss. Deepika, in her recent interview, stated that how Ranveer occupies a special place in her heart. Yes, you read it right. The actress was pretty candid about her feelings when she was asked about Ranveer by a film magazine recently. "Ranveer Singh is dependable, trustworthy and my go-to person," adding, "Everything other than the most obvious. I am bored when people say they love his energy. The man has so much more! He is an extremely good human being. He is kind and good to people. He is very real, emotional and sensitive. He is a man who is not afraid to cry and I love that about him. He is a man!” Rumours suggest that the couple will tie the knot later this year. A source close to the couple spoke to a daily recently and said how the wedding will be a private affair. "Both Ranveer and Deepika are extremely private and do not wish to have a lavish wedding with a long guest list. The ceremony will be away from the media glare, classy and intimate, with only family and close friends in attendance. That’s the plan," the source was quoted as saying. Ranveer and Deepika met during the filming of 'Ram Leela' and have been dating since then. The two, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has delivered three back to back blockbuster hits and are regarded as one of the most popular onscreen pairs in Bollywood.

Ranveer Singh is my go-to person: Deepika Padukone

According to reports, at least six civilians were injured in a grenade attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag's Bijbehara area on Wednesday.&nbsp

The area is cordoned off, more details are awaited.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Six civilians injured in a grenade attack in Anantnag's Bijbehara. The area is cordoned off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999182305678774272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan continued with heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Hiranagar sector killing one and injuring two.&nbsp

Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continued in Jammu's RS Pora district on Wednesday morning.

One more civilian was reported injured in Tuesday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector.&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan continued with heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Hiranagar sector killing one and injuring two

According to reports, at least six civilians were injured in a grenade attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag's Bijbehara area on Wednesday. The area is cordoned off, more details are awaited. #UPDATE Six civilians injured in a grenade attack in Anantnag's Bijbehara. The area is cordoned off #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan continued with heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Hiranagar sector killing one and injuring two. Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continued in Jammu's RS Pora district on Wednesday morning. One more civilian was reported injured in Tuesday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector. (With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir: Grenade attack injures 6, area cordoned off

MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has called for an all-party protest on May 25 over ongoing anti-Sterlite clashes in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

As many as 11 people were killed in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries yesterday.

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DMK calls for an all party protest on May 25 over the matter where 11 people were killed in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/AOfgF04TyS">pic.twitter.com/AOfgF04TyS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999172832729841664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, the police allegedly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-in-tns-thootukudi-where-11-died-police-allegedly-used-assault-rifles-to-shoot-at-protesters-139084">used assault rifles</a> to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where 11 people died on Tuesday. &nbsp;

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Clashes between locals and police outside General Hospital in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> where people who were injured in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a> yesterday are undergoing treatment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/G5PPprq072">pic.twitter.com/G5PPprq072</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999183758115966976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed the plant's planned expansion. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within a fortnight.&nbsp;

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National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issues notice to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> Chief Secretary and Director general of police (DGP) over police firing during anti-sterlite protest in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> that claimed 11 lives, seeks report within two weeks <a href="https://t.co/fWfC6czAfP">pic.twitter.com/fWfC6czAfP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999191459424325633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Tamil Nady government has appointed retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe police firing during the anti-Sterlite protest.&nbsp;

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Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> government to probe police firing during anti-sterlite protest in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> that claimed 11 lives
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999184042003193856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed the plant's planned expansion

MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has called for an all-party protest on May 25 over ongoing anti-Sterlite clashes in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. As many as 11 people were killed in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries yesterday. DMK calls for an all party protest on May 25 over the matter where 11 people were killed in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries yesterday. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/AOfgF04TyS — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × According to reports, the police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where 11 people died on Tuesday. Clashes between locals and police outside General Hospital in #Thoothukudi where people who were injured in #SterliteProtest yesterday are undergoing treatment. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/G5PPprq072 — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed the plant's planned expansion. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings. The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within a fortnight. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issues notice to #TamilNadu Chief Secretary and Director general of police (DGP) over police firing during anti-sterlite protest in #Thoothukudi that claimed 11 lives, seeks report within two weeks pic.twitter.com/fWfC6czAfP — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × The Tamil Nady government has appointed retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe police firing during the anti-Sterlite protest. Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed by the #TamilNadu government to probe police firing during anti-sterlite protest in #Thoothukudi that claimed 11 lives — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

11 dead in anti-Sterlite clashes: DMK calls for all-party protest on May 25

According to reports, Pakistan continued with heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Hiranagar sector on Wednesday morning which killed one and wounded two.&nbsp;

Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continued in Jammu's RS Pora district on Wednesday morning. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-more-injured-in-ceasefire-violation-in-jks-arnia-sector-139011">One more civilian was reported injured</a> in Tuesday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector.&nbsp;

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One dead, two injured after heavy shelling from Pakistan in Kathua's Hiranagar sector. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/AoX19bBEHN">pic.twitter.com/AoX19bBEHN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999126421653123074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani troops on Tuesday resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control in Arnia sector, Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

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Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continues in Jammu district's RS Pora. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/L36fQPkwSe">pic.twitter.com/L36fQPkwSe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999134559353487360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, an 8 month-old infant was killed during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keri Battal area of Akhnoor near the Line of Control yesterday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continued in Jammu's RS Pora district on Wednesday morning

According to reports, Pakistan continued with heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Hiranagar sector on Wednesday morning which killed one and wounded two. Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continued in Jammu's RS Pora district on Wednesday morning. One more civilian was reported injured in Tuesday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector. One dead, two injured after heavy shelling from Pakistan in Kathua's Hiranagar sector. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/AoX19bBEHN — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Pakistani troops on Tuesday resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control in Arnia sector, Jammu and Kashmir. Ceasefire violation by Pakistan continues in Jammu district's RS Pora. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/L36fQPkwSe — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × According to reports, an 8 month-old infant was killed during the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keri Battal area of Akhnoor near the Line of Control yesterday. (With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir: Heavy shelling by Pakistan in Hiranagar kills one, two wounded

Cricketers in India and their stories of struggle and success often serve as a great plot for filmmakers, see the most recent examples being that of MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. While films on the big screen are great, the new-age medium of entertainment that is, the subscription-based video-on-demand channels are the new game changer.&nbsp;

Ekta Kapoor’s Alt Balaji, under Balaji Telefilms Limited, is reportedly in talks to produce a biopic based on Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s finest captains and cricketer as a whole.&nbsp;

According to a report published in a leading daily, the film will be based on the book ‘A Century is not Enough’, co-authored by Ganguly. The report said that Ganguly had recently confirmed talks with Balaji but added that nothing was finalised as of yet.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Ganguly was quoted: “I have had a few discussions with Balaji, though nothing is final yet. I’ll have more details once we take this forward.”

Ganguly's book ‘A Century is not Enough’ details the pivotal moments in the cricketer's long career and chronicles his journey in the world of cricket.&nbsp;

Ekta Kapoor’s Alt Balaji, under Balaji Telefilms Limited, is reportedly in talks to produce the biopic

Cricketers in India and their stories of struggle and success often serve as a great plot for filmmakers, see the most recent examples being that of MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. While films on the big screen are great, the new-age medium of entertainment that is, the subscription-based video-on-demand channels are the new game changer. Ekta Kapoor’s Alt Balaji, under Balaji Telefilms Limited, is reportedly in talks to produce a biopic based on Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s finest captains and cricketer as a whole. According to a report published in a leading daily, the film will be based on the book ‘A Century is not Enough’, co-authored by Ganguly. The report said that Ganguly had recently confirmed talks with Balaji but added that nothing was finalised as of yet. Reportedly, Ganguly was quoted: “I have had a few discussions with Balaji, though nothing is final yet. I’ll have more details once we take this forward.” Ganguly's book ‘A Century is not Enough’ details the pivotal moments in the cricketer's long career and chronicles his journey in the world of cricket.

Ekta Kapoor planning Sourav Ganguly biopic on book co-authored by him

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;

Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government.&nbsp;

Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014.

Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-put-on-high-alert-after-rare-nipah-virus-kills-9-138503">died in Kozhikode</a> in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine.&nbsp;

"The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats.&nbsp;

The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.

Nine people have died in Kerala from confirmed or suspected cases of the virus. Goa's Health Department has asked authorities to keep hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government. Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014. Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine. "The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats. The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.

After outbreak in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who is leading the Indian delegation at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, said India is committed to achieving universal health coverage for its citizens as mentioned in the National Health Policy 2017.

Addressing the plenary meeting of the 71st World Health Assembly yesterday, Nadda spoke on the theme: 'Health for All: Commit To Universal Health Coverage'.

He said India has fast-tracked initiatives aimed at achieving the tenets of universal health coverage - strengthening health systems, improving access to free medicines and diagnostics and reducing catastrophic healthcare spending.

He said the government recently launched the Ayushman Bharat programme, which rests on the twin pillars of health and wellness centres, and the National Health Protection Mission for 100 million families covering 500 million individuals.

"We are reaching out to approximately 40 percent of the country's population who will be provided with an insurance cover of Rs 500,000 per year. This will be the largest government-funded health protection scheme in the world," he said.

Nadda told the participants that in line with India's ambitious plan to end TB by 2025, the government has started the implementation of a national strategic plan and allocated 550 million dollars.

"Apart from rapid scale-up of diagnostics and treatment, we have introduced supplementary nutrition for patients for the duration of treatment," he said.

He also addressed the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly. He spoke about the global fight against the non-communicable disease.

He said interventions for prevention and control of NCDs are to be prioritised and are to be integrated at all levels of healthcare delivery systems.

"India's National Health Policy 2017 commits to achieving a target of raising public health expenditure to 2.5 percent of the GDP in a time-bound manner by 2025 and the government is committed to providing the resources for achieving universal health coverage," he said.

Nadda inaugurated a 'Walk the Talk' event and gave the call 'health for all, yoga for all'.&nbsp;

JP Nadda added that India is committed to accomplishing universal health coverage. He made his comments in Geneva, Switzerland

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who is leading the Indian delegation at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, said India is committed to achieving universal health coverage for its citizens as mentioned in the National Health Policy 2017. Addressing the plenary meeting of the 71st World Health Assembly yesterday, Nadda spoke on the theme: 'Health for All: Commit To Universal Health Coverage'. He said India has fast-tracked initiatives aimed at achieving the tenets of universal health coverage - strengthening health systems, improving access to free medicines and diagnostics and reducing catastrophic healthcare spending. He said the government recently launched the Ayushman Bharat programme, which rests on the twin pillars of health and wellness centres, and the National Health Protection Mission for 100 million families covering 500 million individuals. "We are reaching out to approximately 40 percent of the country's population who will be provided with an insurance cover of Rs 500,000 per year. This will be the largest government-funded health protection scheme in the world," he said. Nadda told the participants that in line with India's ambitious plan to end TB by 2025, the government has started the implementation of a national strategic plan and allocated 550 million dollars. "Apart from rapid scale-up of diagnostics and treatment, we have introduced supplementary nutrition for patients for the duration of treatment," he said. He also addressed the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly. He spoke about the global fight against the non-communicable disease. He said interventions for prevention and control of NCDs are to be prioritised and are to be integrated at all levels of healthcare delivery systems. "India's National Health Policy 2017 commits to achieving a target of raising public health expenditure to 2.5 percent of the GDP in a time-bound manner by 2025 and the government is committed to providing the resources for achieving universal health coverage," he said. Nadda inaugurated a 'Walk the Talk' event and gave the call 'health for all, yoga for all'.

India will raise spending on health to 2.5% of GDP by 2025: Health Minister

Four minor girls and two women were rescued by the RPF while they were being allegedly trafficked at the Rangia railway station in Kamrup district, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued the six persons from a platform of the railway station while they were waiting to board a Mumbai bound train yesterday, they said.

On being interrogated they said that they had left their homes without their parents' knowledge and were planning to go to Mumbai for employment.

The police informed their guardians who later came and took them back home to Mainajuli Tea Estate near Rangapara under Sonitpur district.

RPF personnel rescued nine minor girls and seven women from traffickers in Rangiya railway station in the last one week, the police said.

The girls and two women were allegedly being trafficked. They were rescued from Rangia railway station by the Railway Protection Force

Four minor girls and two women were rescued by the RPF while they were being allegedly trafficked at the Rangia railway station in Kamrup district, the police said. Acting on a tip-off, a team of Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued the six persons from a platform of the railway station while they were waiting to board a Mumbai bound train yesterday, they said. On being interrogated they said that they had left their homes without their parents' knowledge and were planning to go to Mumbai for employment. The police informed their guardians who later came and took them back home to Mainajuli Tea Estate near Rangapara under Sonitpur district. RPF personnel rescued nine minor girls and seven women from traffickers in Rangiya railway station in the last one week, the police said.

Assam: About to board Mumbai train, 4 minor girls rescued from railway station

US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges.&nbsp;

Kansas-based Purinton had already pleaded guilty to state charges for murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in prison last month. The local prosecutor said at the time that Purinton will not be eligible for parole for 50 years.

The sentencing is scheduled for July 2, the Justice Department said both federal prosecutors and the defence are seeking the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Adam Purinton is accused of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas City last year. 52-year-old Purinton was charged with first-degree murder of Kuchibhotla. He was also charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of Kuchibhotla's friend, Alok Madasani, and a bystander who had chased Purinton after he fled the bar.

According to reports, Purinton, yelled, "Get out of my country," before shooting Kuchibhotla, who succumbed to injuries and was declared dead.

The 33-year-old victim, Srinivas, hailed from Hyderabad and moved to the US to study engineering at the University of Texas. He worked as an aviation systems engineer at Garmin. Srinivas used to meet his friends customarily at Kansas's Austin's Bar and Grill where the tragic incident occurred on February 22 last year.&nbsp;

Srinivas' murder sparked international outcry and raised debates over hate crimes and racial bullying in the country shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration.&nbsp;

Another incident of racial bullying surfaced in the United States when a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-new-york-lawyer-threatens-to-deport-cafe-workers-for-speaking-in-spanish-137967">Manhattan-based lawyer</a> was seen hurling racial slurs at Spanish speaking staff of a restaurant.&nbsp;

The video of the incident has gone viral and shows the man threatening the staff and shouting at them for speaking in Spanish. "The clients of your staff are speaking Spanish to customers when they should be speaking English," the man said in the video.&nbsp;

"I pay for their welfare, I pay for their ability to be here. The least they could do is speak English," the man shouted and threatened to deport the cafe workers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Adam Purinton is accused of killing Kuchibhotla in a racially-motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas City last year

US Navy veteran Adam Purinton who killed an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges. Kansas-based Purinton had already pleaded guilty to state charges for murder and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in prison last month. The local prosecutor said at the time that Purinton will not be eligible for parole for 50 years. The sentencing is scheduled for July 2, the Justice Department said both federal prosecutors and the defence are seeking the maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Adam Purinton is accused of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas City last year. 52-year-old Purinton was charged with first-degree murder of Kuchibhotla. He was also charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of Kuchibhotla's friend, Alok Madasani, and a bystander who had chased Purinton after he fled the bar. According to reports, Purinton, yelled, "Get out of my country," before shooting Kuchibhotla, who succumbed to injuries and was declared dead. The 33-year-old victim, Srinivas, hailed from Hyderabad and moved to the US to study engineering at the University of Texas. He worked as an aviation systems engineer at Garmin. Srinivas used to meet his friends customarily at Kansas's Austin's Bar and Grill where the tragic incident occurred on February 22 last year. Srinivas' murder sparked international outcry and raised debates over hate crimes and racial bullying in the country shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration. Another incident of racial bullying surfaced in the United States when a Manhattan-based lawyer was seen hurling racial slurs at Spanish speaking staff of a restaurant. The video of the incident has gone viral and shows the man threatening the staff and shouting at them for speaking in Spanish. "The clients of your staff are speaking Spanish to customers when they should be speaking English," the man said in the video. "I pay for their welfare, I pay for their ability to be here. The least they could do is speak English," the man shouted and threatened to deport the cafe workers. (With inputs from Reuters)

US gunman accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla pleads guilty to hate crime

The long-delayed adaptation of The Jungle Book titled Mowgli is finally here and it’s darker than ever before. All previous films that we have seen on the same lines have always had a lighter tone to it, exploring broader themes of childhood fantasy, unlike this film that delves into a dark twist.&nbsp;

The trailer that came out on Tuesday is two-and-a-half minutes long. While the characters remain the same, the film promises to tell the other side of the story, as to why the jungle boy had to leave it and settle into a village life with humans, leaving all animals behind.&nbsp;

Even in the village, cruelty follows Mowgli&nbsp;as the men and women of the town consider him an outsider, banishing him from their area of residence.&nbsp;

The trailer looks eerily similar to another Warner Bros. film, The Legend of Tarzan.&nbsp;

Mowgli has a star-lit cast as Christian Bale voices Bagheera, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Shere Khan and Cate Blanchett plays Kaa. Serkis, a veteran of motion capture acting, plays Baloo, while Rohan Chand plays Mowgli.

The film’s live-action cast includes Serkis’ Planet of the Apes co-star, Freida Pinto.&nbsp;

Mowgli is scheduled for release on October 19.

Watch the trailer:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gi4hZXkCIZg" width="970"></iframe>

The first trailer for Warner Bros and Andy Serkis’ 'Mowgli' released today

The long-delayed adaptation of The Jungle Book titled Mowgli is finally here and it’s darker than ever before. All previous films that we have seen on the same lines have always had a lighter tone to it, exploring broader themes of childhood fantasy, unlike this film that delves into a dark twist. The trailer that came out on Tuesday is two-and-a-half minutes long. While the characters remain the same, the film promises to tell the other side of the story, as to why the jungle boy had to leave it and settle into a village life with humans, leaving all animals behind. Even in the village, cruelty follows Mowgli as the men and women of the town consider him an outsider, banishing him from their area of residence. The trailer looks eerily similar to another Warner Bros. film, The Legend of Tarzan. Mowgli has a star-lit cast as Christian Bale voices Bagheera, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Shere Khan and Cate Blanchett plays Kaa. Serkis, a veteran of motion capture acting, plays Baloo, while Rohan Chand plays Mowgli. The film’s live-action cast includes Serkis’ Planet of the Apes co-star, Freida Pinto. Mowgli is scheduled for release on October 19. Watch the trailer:

First 'Mowgli' trailer: Darker than any Jungle Book film we have seen!

The four actors will be seen in 'Veere Di Wedding' that hits theatres on June 1.

'Veere Di Wedding' promotions: Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania come out dressed to kill

The BSE Sensex rebounded over 83 points in opening trade today, breaking its five-session losing streak on value-buying in select blue-chips amid a strengthening rupee.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher, tracking strong closing in the US market overnight as investors applauded easing of trade tensions between the US and China, traders said.

The 30-share BSE index jumped 83.74 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 34,699.87 in early trade.&nbsp;

The NSE Nifty too rose by 24.25 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 10,540.95.

Sectoral indices, including capital goods, consumer durables, infrastructure and oil and gas, advanced up to 0.46 per cent.

The Sensex had lost 940.58 points in the previous five sessions as investors rushed to unwind bets following post-poll instability in Karnataka amid discouraging global cues.

Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) made purchases worth Rs 1,190.56 crore while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 496.03 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.

Major gainers were Dr Reddy's, Bajaj Auto, ONGC, Coal India, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, NTPC, L&T and HDFC Ltd, rising up to 1.47 per cent.

Among the Asian bourses, Singapore was up by 0.04 per cent, Taiwan inched up 0.08 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.01 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.47 per cent in early trade.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.21 per cent higher yesterday.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher, tracking strong closing in the US market overnight as investors applauded easing of trade tensions between the US and China

The BSE Sensex rebounded over 83 points in opening trade today, breaking its five-session losing streak on value-buying in select blue-chips amid a strengthening rupee. Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher, tracking strong closing in the US market overnight as investors applauded easing of trade tensions between the US and China, traders said. The 30-share BSE index jumped 83.74 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 34,699.87 in early trade. The NSE Nifty too rose by 24.25 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 10,540.95. Sectoral indices, including capital goods, consumer durables, infrastructure and oil and gas, advanced up to 0.46 per cent. The Sensex had lost 940.58 points in the previous five sessions as investors rushed to unwind bets following post-poll instability in Karnataka amid discouraging global cues. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) made purchases worth Rs 1,190.56 crore while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 496.03 crore yesterday, as per provisional data. Major gainers were Dr Reddy's, Bajaj Auto, ONGC, Coal India, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, NTPC, L&T and HDFC Ltd, rising up to 1.47 per cent. Among the Asian bourses, Singapore was up by 0.04 per cent, Taiwan inched up 0.08 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.01 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.47 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.21 per cent higher yesterday.

Sensex breaks losing streak, opens in the green

With record fuel prices creating a "crisis situation", the government will work on an appropriate solution to ease the burden on common man, top officials said.

While Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that he has aired concerns about high oil prices, a senior official said the government will come out with "some steps" this week to deal with record high petrol and diesel rates.

"I have loudly spoken about concerns (about high oil prices)," Pradhan said, adding that "appropriate steps" will be taken. He did not elaborate.&nbsp

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh said there is no direction from the government for moderating prices and the three week hiatus before the Karnataka poll was to avoid sharp spike in retail rates.

"We believed that fundamentals did not support such sharp spikes witnessed so we decided to moderate prices," he told press conference on the fourth quarter earnings.

Asked what changed their mind, he said fuel retailing runs on narrow margins and no company can continue to sell at below cost for long.

The government may not rely only on cutting excise duty, which makes up for a fourth of the retail selling price, said the official cited earlier, but he too did not elaborate on the various steps being considered.

"Rising fuel price is a crisis situation for government and it has to be handled with combination of steps. Finance ministry is consulting the petroleum ministry on rising crude prices," he said.&nbsp

More than a week after the state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs. Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15.

Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals.

The official said the government has to be mindful of its fiscal maths while dealing with the option of cutting excise duty.

"We cannot rely on excise duty cut alone, although I am not ruling out a possibility of cutting excise duty. We have to be mindful of any fiscal impact of any excise cut on fuel," the official said.

Both the Centre and states, where VAT makes up for 20-35 per cent of the retail cost and have gained from the rising oil prices, need to take measures, he said.

"Some steps to deal with rising oil prices are likely to come this week," he added.

The rupee, which has fallen to 16-month low of 67.97 against the US dollar, is also playing a role in high oil bill, he said.

IOC Chairman said the companies have freedom to revive prices and they took a call in the best interest of consumers.

The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state. Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up.&nbsp

In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre, and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April. Today it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel.&nbsp

Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore.

The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.&nbsp

Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call.

In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped government's excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.&nbsp

In last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15

With record fuel prices creating a "crisis situation", the government will work on an appropriate solution to ease the burden on common man, top officials said. While Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that he has aired concerns about high oil prices, a senior official said the government will come out with "some steps" this week to deal with record high petrol and diesel rates. "I have loudly spoken about concerns (about high oil prices)," Pradhan said, adding that "appropriate steps" will be taken. He did not elaborate. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh said there is no direction from the government for moderating prices and the three week hiatus before the Karnataka poll was to avoid sharp spike in retail rates. "We believed that fundamentals did not support such sharp spikes witnessed so we decided to moderate prices," he told press conference on the fourth quarter earnings. Asked what changed their mind, he said fuel retailing runs on narrow margins and no company can continue to sell at below cost for long. The government may not rely only on cutting excise duty, which makes up for a fourth of the retail selling price, said the official cited earlier, but he too did not elaborate on the various steps being considered. "Rising fuel price is a crisis situation for government and it has to be handled with combination of steps. Finance ministry is consulting the petroleum ministry on rising crude prices," he said. More than a week after the state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs. Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15. Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals. The official said the government has to be mindful of its fiscal maths while dealing with the option of cutting excise duty. "We cannot rely on excise duty cut alone, although I am not ruling out a possibility of cutting excise duty. We have to be mindful of any fiscal impact of any excise cut on fuel," the official said. Both the Centre and states, where VAT makes up for 20-35 per cent of the retail cost and have gained from the rising oil prices, need to take measures, he said. "Some steps to deal with rising oil prices are likely to come this week," he added. The rupee, which has fallen to 16-month low of 67.97 against the US dollar, is also playing a role in high oil bill, he said. IOC Chairman said the companies have freedom to revive prices and they took a call in the best interest of consumers. The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state. Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up. In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre, and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April. Today it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore. The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call. In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped government's excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

Steps to deal with rising petrol, diesel prices likely this week: Official

The Food and Drug Administration raided three different places in Mumbai including Kandivali, Dahisar and busted places that were making ice cream without license.

According to reports, people were making ice cream illegally were using expired raw material, flavours and colours.

In Kandivali a company named 'Dipti Desert' was also raided from which, samples of cream and butterscotch has been taken to the lab.

Apart from this, 10 kg of cream cheese, which costs Rs 3750, 178 litres butterscotch ice cream, which is priced at Rs 48,950, has been seized.

According to the FDA department, there were violations regarding hygiene. The FDA also noticed Label contraventions.&nbsp;

Few pictures were also released which shows people working in extremely dirty conditions.

<img alt="download (3).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="413" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/download%20(3).jpg" width="551" />

<img alt="download (2).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="734" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/download%20(2).jpg" width="550" />

According to reports, people who were making ice cream illegally expired raw material, flavours and colours

The Food and Drug Administration raided three different places in Mumbai including Kandivali, Dahisar and busted places that were making ice cream without license. According to reports, people were making ice cream illegally were using expired raw material, flavours and colours. In Kandivali a company named 'Dipti Desert' was also raided from which, samples of cream and butterscotch has been taken to the lab. Apart from this, 10 kg of cream cheese, which costs Rs 3750, 178 litres butterscotch ice cream, which is priced at Rs 48,950, has been seized. According to the FDA department, there were violations regarding hygiene. The FDA also noticed Label contraventions. Few pictures were also released which shows people working in extremely dirty conditions.

Watch: Feeling the heat? Don't have ice-cream from this company

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