<p>With the monsoon landing in Kerala on Thursday, parts of the state received isolated heavy rainfall with yellow alert being issued in nine districts of the state and orange alert in one.</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Kozhikode district for the day. An orange alert means very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm of rain and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The onset of monsoon in Kerala was announced earlier in the day by the IMD which said it was delayed by a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, experts are of the view that delay in onset of monsoon in Kerala is not a matter of concern as it is not the first time and expressed hope that the rains in the next 2-3 weeks would make up for the deficit at the beginning. Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), said the monsoon has just set in the state and "we have to wait and see how it unfolds". "It is just the beginning," he said.</p>

<p>"We hope that the rain will catch up and whatever deficit has occurred due to the delay, will be compensated in the next 2-3 weeks," he added. At the same time, he also said that the first Orange alert, after the monsoon was declared to have arrived in Kerala, was issued for Kozhikode for today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 40 kmph is likely at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts and light rainfall is likely at one or two places in Kasaragod district of Kerala," a KSDMA release said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuriakose further said that while Cyclone 'Biparjoy' in the Arabian Sea may have affected the onset of the monsoon, it would not have much of an impact on its intensity. "In fact, IMD has forecast higher than usual rainfall in Kerala this monsoon season," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warnings have been issued since last week in coastal areas asking fishermen not to venture out to sea, he said. Besides that, warnings related to thunderstorms and lightning were also issued during the day in several districts after the onset of monsoon in Kerala was announced by IMD.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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With the monsoon landing in Kerala on Thursday, parts of the state received isolated heavy rainfall with yellow alert being issued in nine districts of the state and orange alert in one.

With the monsoon landing in Kerala on Thursday, parts of the state received isolated heavy rainfall with yellow alert being issued in nine districts of the state and orange alert in one. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Kozhikode district for the day. An orange alert means very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm of rain and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The onset of monsoon in Kerala was announced earlier in the day by the IMD which said it was delayed by a week. However, experts are of the view that delay in onset of monsoon in Kerala is not a matter of concern as it is not the first time and expressed hope that the rains in the next 2-3 weeks would make up for the deficit at the beginning. Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), said the monsoon has just set in the state and "we have to wait and see how it unfolds". "It is just the beginning," he said. "We hope that the rain will catch up and whatever deficit has occurred due to the delay, will be compensated in the next 2-3 weeks," he added. At the same time, he also said that the first Orange alert, after the monsoon was declared to have arrived in Kerala, was issued for Kozhikode for today. "Thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 40 kmph is likely at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts and light rainfall is likely at one or two places in Kasaragod district of Kerala," a KSDMA release said. Kuriakose further said that while Cyclone 'Biparjoy' in the Arabian Sea may have affected the onset of the monsoon, it would not have much of an impact on its intensity. "In fact, IMD has forecast higher than usual rainfall in Kerala this monsoon season," he said. Warnings have been issued since last week in coastal areas asking fishermen not to venture out to sea, he said. Besides that, warnings related to thunderstorms and lightning were also issued during the day in several districts after the onset of monsoon in Kerala was announced by IMD. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Monsoon lands in Kerala, isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the state

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<p>Indians are waiting for the annual rains that are so crucial to the economy. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kerala coast might receive monsoon in 48 hours. The IMD forecast mentioned that the latest meteorological features related to the onset of the monsoon in Kerala depict a persistence of westerly winds over the south Arabian Sea. It also said that the westerly winds reached the tropospheric levels, and clouds are over the southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and Kerala coasts. The onset of the southwest monsoon could delay the sowing of&nbsp;<em>Kharif</em>&nbsp;crops, especially paddy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regular rainfall is critical for India's agricultural economy, as 52 per cent of the net cultivated area relies on it. It is also crucial for rejuvenating water reservoirs important for drinking water apart from power generation across the country. Around 40 per cent of India's total food production depends on rain, making it a crucial contributor to India's food security and economic stability.</p>

<h2><strong>Monsoon forecast &amp; warning</strong></h2>

<p>Kerala, Lakshadweep, and south interior Karnataka might witness light or moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning or gusty winds. According to the IMD forecast, there might be isolated or scattered activity over coastal and north interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh over the next five days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manipur and Mizoram might witness isolated heavy rainfall on June 7. IMD has also predicted isolated heavy showers over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya on June 10 and 11, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on June 11. On June 7, West Rajasthan might witness a thundersquall of 50-60 km/h.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June, most parts of India can expect 'below normal' rains during the four-month southwest monsoon season, ending in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-biparjoy-to-intensify-in-next-24-hours-heres-how-it-will-impact-monsoon-in-india-601567">Cyclone 'Biparjoy' to intensify in next 24 hours, here's how it will impact monsoon in India</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Heatwave warning</strong></h2>

<p>According to the latest IMD forecast, Northwest India might see a two to four-degree Celsius rise in maximum temperature during the next five days. Central India might also witness a rise in maximum temperature. Heatwave conditions will continue in some regions of Bihar, West Bengal, east Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for the next five days.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy'</strong></h2>

<p>Cyclone 'Biparjoy,' last recorded over the east-central and southeast Arabian Sea, is expected to shift northwards. It may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cyclone might impact the weather in the southwestern states of India. The winds might intensify to 100km/h in the areas adjoining to west-central and south Arabian Sea and the northern coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indians are waiting for the annual rains that are so crucial to the economy. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kerala coast might receive monsoon in 48 hours.

Indians are waiting for the annual rains that are so crucial to the economy. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kerala coast might receive monsoon in 48 hours. The IMD forecast mentioned that the latest meteorological features related to the onset of the monsoon in Kerala depict a persistence of westerly winds over the south Arabian Sea. It also said that the westerly winds reached the tropospheric levels, and clouds are over the southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and Kerala coasts. The onset of the southwest monsoon could delay the sowing of Kharif crops, especially paddy. Regular rainfall is critical for India's agricultural economy, as 52 per cent of the net cultivated area relies on it. It is also crucial for rejuvenating water reservoirs important for drinking water apart from power generation across the country. Around 40 per cent of India's total food production depends on rain, making it a crucial contributor to India's food security and economic stability. Monsoon forecast & warning Kerala, Lakshadweep, and south interior Karnataka might witness light or moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning or gusty winds. According to the IMD forecast, there might be isolated or scattered activity over coastal and north interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh over the next five days. Manipur and Mizoram might witness isolated heavy rainfall on June 7. IMD has also predicted isolated heavy showers over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya on June 10 and 11, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on June 11. On June 7, West Rajasthan might witness a thundersquall of 50-60 km/h. In June, most parts of India can expect 'below normal' rains during the four-month southwest monsoon season, ending in September. ALSO READ | Cyclone 'Biparjoy' to intensify in next 24 hours, here's how it will impact monsoon in India Heatwave warning According to the latest IMD forecast, Northwest India might see a two to four-degree Celsius rise in maximum temperature during the next five days. Central India might also witness a rise in maximum temperature. Heatwave conditions will continue in some regions of Bihar, West Bengal, east Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for the next five days. Cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' Cyclone 'Biparjoy,' last recorded over the east-central and southeast Arabian Sea, is expected to shift northwards. It may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. The cyclone might impact the weather in the southwestern states of India. The winds might intensify to 100km/h in the areas adjoining to west-central and south Arabian Sea and the northern coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Weather update: Monsoon might arrive in Kerala in next 48 hours, says IMD forecast

The monsoon missed its onset date in Kerala on June 4 with the India meteorological department (IMD) anticipating a further delay of three to four days.

India: Monsoon onset delayed by 2-3 days

<p>Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again&nbsp;in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu. This shows the irony of the situation, where human settlements in forests and forest fringe areas are on the rise, but in the name of “Conservation and Protection” wild animals are being translocated from their rightful home.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In 37days, this wild tusker has been hit with multiple tranquilliser darts, hauled onto trucks, translocated dozens of kms..First, it was the turn of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> forest dept, now it is the turn of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
<br />
We continue to eat into forests&amp; fringes, while animals are shunted out! <a href="https://t.co/4ViAM6PMwD">pic.twitter.com/4ViAM6PMwD</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1665589603129257984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Arikomban the wild tusker was safely tranquillised early hours today in Cumbum East Range by a team of Forest Veterinary Surgeons and Forest Department Officials. The elephant is being translocated to a suitable habitat where the Tamil Nadu Forest department will continue to monitor him,” Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, had tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the wild tusker became 'Arikomban'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The wild tusker's only innocent mistake is that he had developed a fondness for rice and began to raid ration shops and settlements to gorge on some carbs. While there are no recorded instances of violent actions by the tusker, it was claimed by the Kerala Forest Department that the tusker&nbsp;killed seven people in recent months&nbsp;near his original habitat in Idukki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was also pressure from local residents to relocate the elephant. Based on this, it was proposed that the Kerala Forest Department would capture and turn 'Arikomban'&nbsp;(as he was popularly known among locals in Idukki) into a semi-wild, trained elephant (a cruel process meant to break the elephant's natural ways and make him a captive).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following staunch opposition from activists and others who stated that the elephant was harmless and had not killed any humans, the Kerala High Court declared that the tusker would be translocated. Amid tight security, in the last week of April, the tusker was tranquilised, radio-collared and then translocated from Idukki to the Periyar Tiger Reserve(a drive of nearly 100 kms). While both locations are in Kerala, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Crossing over from Kerala to Tamil Nadu</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Arikomban was released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve region on April 29th and by the first week of May, he had crossed over into the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location in real time. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala's 'Arikomban'&nbsp;got an equivalent Tamil name "Arisi Komban"&nbsp;and he began to make forays into human settlements in his new habitat as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, forest officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Forest department teams have also advised those staying in the region to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. Forest department personnel are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the elephant started frequenting towns in Cumbum, the Tamil Nadu forest department decided to capture him again and relocate him deeper into the forests, into an undisclosed location on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thereby, the entire process of tracking, tranquillisation, using trained 'kumki'&nbsp;elephants to haul the semi-conscious tusker onto the modified truck and then ferrying him away for release deep in the forest - all had to be carried out once again. While many see such translocations as a heroic effort, it must be remembered that translocations can have an adverse impact on the elephant's health and well-being.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu.

Thirty-seven days after he was first tranquillised, hauled onto a truck and translocated from his natural habitat in Kerala, 35-year-old wild tusker ‘Arikomban’ (rice-eating tusker in Malayalam) is now undergoing the same ordeal again in the adjoining state Tamil Nadu. This shows the irony of the situation, where human settlements in forests and forest fringe areas are on the rise, but in the name of “Conservation and Protection” wild animals are being translocated from their rightful home. In 37days, this wild tusker has been hit with multiple tranquilliser darts, hauled onto trucks, translocated dozens of kms..First, it was the turn of #kerala forest dept, now it is the turn of #TamilNadu We continue to eat into forests& fringes, while animals are shunted out! pic.twitter.com/4ViAM6PMwD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 5, 2023 × “Arikomban the wild tusker was safely tranquillised early hours today in Cumbum East Range by a team of Forest Veterinary Surgeons and Forest Department Officials. The elephant is being translocated to a suitable habitat where the Tamil Nadu Forest department will continue to monitor him,” Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, had tweeted. How the wild tusker became 'Arikomban' The wild tusker's only innocent mistake is that he had developed a fondness for rice and began to raid ration shops and settlements to gorge on some carbs. While there are no recorded instances of violent actions by the tusker, it was claimed by the Kerala Forest Department that the tusker killed seven people in recent months near his original habitat in Idukki. There was also pressure from local residents to relocate the elephant. Based on this, it was proposed that the Kerala Forest Department would capture and turn 'Arikomban' (as he was popularly known among locals in Idukki) into a semi-wild, trained elephant (a cruel process meant to break the elephant's natural ways and make him a captive). Following staunch opposition from activists and others who stated that the elephant was harmless and had not killed any humans, the Kerala High Court declared that the tusker would be translocated. Amid tight security, in the last week of April, the tusker was tranquilised, radio-collared and then translocated from Idukki to the Periyar Tiger Reserve(a drive of nearly 100 kms). While both locations are in Kerala, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Crossing over from Kerala to Tamil Nadu Arikomban was released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve region on April 29th and by the first week of May, he had crossed over into the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location in real time. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala's 'Arikomban' got an equivalent Tamil name "Arisi Komban" and he began to make forays into human settlements in his new habitat as well. Earlier, forest officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS. Forest department teams have also advised those staying in the region to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. Forest department personnel are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official had said. As the elephant started frequenting towns in Cumbum, the Tamil Nadu forest department decided to capture him again and relocate him deeper into the forests, into an undisclosed location on Monday. Thereby, the entire process of tracking, tranquillisation, using trained 'kumki' elephants to haul the semi-conscious tusker onto the modified truck and then ferrying him away for release deep in the forest - all had to be carried out once again. While many see such translocations as a heroic effort, it must be remembered that translocations can have an adverse impact on the elephant's health and well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India | Tranquillised, translocated twice in 37 days: Sad plight of wild tusker ‘Arikomban’

<p>Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal, the bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in the northern Indian state of Punjab.&nbsp;The bishop had been accused of repeatedly raping a nun over a two-year period in Kerala but was acquitted last year. The Vatican made the announcement on Thursday, providing no additional details regarding the decision.</p>

<p>"Today, 1 June 2023, the Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation submitted by the Rt Rev Franco Mulakkal as Bishop of Jullundur," the Apostolic Nunciature (top-level diplomatic mission of the Holy See) in India said in a statement.</p>

<p>"In this regard, the Apostolic Nunciature wishes to specify that the Holy See respects the verdict of the Additional District and Sessions Court, Kottayam, Kerala, acquitting Bishop Mulakkal from the allegations concerning him, as well as the appeal against the acquittal, which has been admitted by the Kerala High Court," it added.</p>

<p>Bishop Franco Mulakkal said that the Holy See has accepted his resignation today, 1 June 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given the still divisive situation about the aforesaid matter in the Diocese of Jalandhar, the resignation has been requested from the Rt Rev Mulakkal not as a disciplinary measure imposed upon him, but as pro bono Ecclesiae, especially for the good of the Jalandhar diocese, which needs a new bishop," the Apostolic Nunciature's statement added.</p>

<p>Mulakkal as per reports played victim as he expressed his gratitude thanking those who were by his side to lend him their support.&nbsp;"May our sufferings and pains and the tears I have shed before the Almighty be the reason for the renewal of the church, the strengthening of faith, my own sanctification, and the glory of God," the bishop said.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Franco Mulakkal?</strong></h2>

<p>Franco Mulakkal, aged 59, was appointed the bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in Punjab state in 2013. He gained significant media attention and controversy due to the allegations of sexual abuse made against him.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-decorated-australian-soldier-loses-case-against-media-giants-amidst-grave-war-crimes-allegations-599163">Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations</a></p>

<p>In 2018, a Catholic nun accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of raping her thirteen times between 2014 and 2016 while he visited St. Francis Mission Home in Kuravilangad town in Kerala.&nbsp;He temporarily stepped down from his position in 2018 after the allegations were levelled against him. The accusations sparked widespread protests and outrage, both within and outside the Catholic community in India.</p>

<p>The nun claimed that the police were neglecting her complaint while focusing on the one filed by Mulakkal against her brother.&nbsp;In a distressing turn of events, the church removed the nun from her position as Mother Superior. Despite these setbacks, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tragedy-in-indias-haryana-minor-girl-strangulates-younger-brother-as-she-felt-parents-loved-him-more-599137">Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more</a></p>

<p>In July 2018, the nun provided an in-camera statement to a first-class magistrate in Changanassery, responding to a request from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after, women leaders from various Delhi-based organizations submitted a memorandum to the Vatican's ambassador in Delhi, urging the Pope to intervene and remove Bishop Mulakkal from his pastoral responsibilities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details</strong></p>

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<p>On August 8, 2018, the SIT initiated an investigation into Bishop Mulakkal. Around the same time, the bishop's security guards allegedly mistreated the media and damaged their cameras.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Outraged by these events, the Joint Christian Council staged a hunger strike in Kochi on August 30, 2018, demanding the immediate arrest of Bishop Mulakkal.</p>

<h2><strong>Bishop Mulakkal requested Pope to relieve him&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a letter to the pope two weeks later, Bishop Mulakkal requested to be relieved of his duties to focus on the then-ongoing legal proceedings involving the nun. Following his request, he underwent a seven-hour interrogation at the Thrippunithura Police Women's Cell office.</p>

<p>Finally, on September 22, 2018, the police arrested Bishop Mulakkal after a three-day inquiry and subsequently remanded him into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Acquitted in Kerala nun rape case&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Although Mulakkal was acquitted by a court in January 2022, both the investigating officer and the nun have appealed the verdict. The nun moved the Kerala High Court against the trial court verdict in the case.</p>

<p>Reports from Indian media suggested that Pope Francis met with Mulakkal in February, but the Vatican did not disclose any information about the meeting. It is customary for bishops to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75.</p>

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Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal, the bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The bishop had been accused of repeatedly raping a nun over a two-year period in Kerala but was acquitted last year.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal, the bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The bishop had been accused of repeatedly raping a nun over a two-year period in Kerala but was acquitted last year. The Vatican made the announcement on Thursday, providing no additional details regarding the decision. "Today, 1 June 2023, the Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation submitted by the Rt Rev Franco Mulakkal as Bishop of Jullundur," the Apostolic Nunciature (top-level diplomatic mission of the Holy See) in India said in a statement. "In this regard, the Apostolic Nunciature wishes to specify that the Holy See respects the verdict of the Additional District and Sessions Court, Kottayam, Kerala, acquitting Bishop Mulakkal from the allegations concerning him, as well as the appeal against the acquittal, which has been admitted by the Kerala High Court," it added. Bishop Franco Mulakkal said that the Holy See has accepted his resignation today, 1 June 2023. "Given the still divisive situation about the aforesaid matter in the Diocese of Jalandhar, the resignation has been requested from the Rt Rev Mulakkal not as a disciplinary measure imposed upon him, but as pro bono Ecclesiae, especially for the good of the Jalandhar diocese, which needs a new bishop," the Apostolic Nunciature's statement added. Mulakkal as per reports played victim as he expressed his gratitude thanking those who were by his side to lend him their support. "May our sufferings and pains and the tears I have shed before the Almighty be the reason for the renewal of the church, the strengthening of faith, my own sanctification, and the glory of God," the bishop said. Who is Franco Mulakkal? Franco Mulakkal, aged 59, was appointed the bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in Punjab state in 2013. He gained significant media attention and controversy due to the allegations of sexual abuse made against him. Also Read | Highly-decorated Australian soldier loses case against media giants amidst grave war crimes allegations In 2018, a Catholic nun accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of raping her thirteen times between 2014 and 2016 while he visited St. Francis Mission Home in Kuravilangad town in Kerala. He temporarily stepped down from his position in 2018 after the allegations were levelled against him. The accusations sparked widespread protests and outrage, both within and outside the Catholic community in India. The nun claimed that the police were neglecting her complaint while focusing on the one filed by Mulakkal against her brother. In a distressing turn of events, the church removed the nun from her position as Mother Superior. Despite these setbacks, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice. Also Read | Tragedy in India's Haryana: Minor girl strangulates younger brother as she felt parents loved him more In July 2018, the nun provided an in-camera statement to a first-class magistrate in Changanassery, responding to a request from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case. Shortly after, women leaders from various Delhi-based organizations submitted a memorandum to the Vatican's ambassador in Delhi, urging the Pope to intervene and remove Bishop Mulakkal from his pastoral responsibilities. Watch | Singer Sia reveals Autism diagnosis, reflects on personal journey | Details × On August 8, 2018, the SIT initiated an investigation into Bishop Mulakkal. Around the same time, the bishop's security guards allegedly mistreated the media and damaged their cameras. Outraged by these events, the Joint Christian Council staged a hunger strike in Kochi on August 30, 2018, demanding the immediate arrest of Bishop Mulakkal. Bishop Mulakkal requested Pope to relieve him In a letter to the pope two weeks later, Bishop Mulakkal requested to be relieved of his duties to focus on the then-ongoing legal proceedings involving the nun. Following his request, he underwent a seven-hour interrogation at the Thrippunithura Police Women's Cell office. Finally, on September 22, 2018, the police arrested Bishop Mulakkal after a three-day inquiry and subsequently remanded him into custody. Acquitted in Kerala nun rape case Although Mulakkal was acquitted by a court in January 2022, both the investigating officer and the nun have appealed the verdict. The nun moved the Kerala High Court against the trial court verdict in the case. Reports from Indian media suggested that Pope Francis met with Mulakkal in February, but the Vatican did not disclose any information about the meeting. It is customary for bishops to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pope accepts resignation of bishop of Jalandhar Franco Mulakkal accused of raping nun

The Indian Space Research Organisation conducted the fifth launch of 2023 as it lifted off a 2232-kilogram satellite, part of its NavIC series, into space. The NVS-1 launched onboard GSLV F12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

ISRO launches GSLV in text-book mission, deploys next-gen NVS-1 Navic satellite

<p>A major whale vomit&nbsp;(ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities&nbsp;seized 18.1 kg of ambergris worth $3.8 million (Rs 31.67 crore) in the black market off the Tuticorin coast in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bust was conducted by the&nbsp;Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after receiving a tip-off. Acting on the intel, the authorities laid a trap and managed to apprehend five people in a vehicle near the&nbsp;Harbour Beach coast of Tuticorin on the night of May 18.</p>

<p>Upon searching the vehicle, the officers managed to unearth 18.1 kg of ambergris, while the five smugglers confessed to their involvement in the case. Of the five smugglers four hailed from Kerala while only one was a native. They all have been remanded to judicial custody, the DRI&nbsp;informed in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-whales-help-store-planet-heating-carbon-emissions-544848"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions</strong></a></p>

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<p>The smuggling of&nbsp;whale vomit has become a major black market activity in recent years, especially in India. DRI has seized around&nbsp;&nbsp;40.52 kg of ambergris valued at $6.5 million (Rs&nbsp;54 crore) in the international market in the last two years alone - all of which was being smuggled out of India via the Tuticorin coast.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instances&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In September last year,&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) busted a similar whale vomit smuggling racket. During the raid, STF managed to recover 4.12 kg of&nbsp;ambergris which was thought to be worth $1.2 million (Rs 10 crore).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/megalophobia-activated-giant-whale-sinks-44ft-boat-in-pacific-ocean-574543"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean</strong></a></p>

<p>In June 2021, Mumbai police seized nine kg of ambergris in two separate cases from smugglers in the Mulund area of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is&nbsp;ambergris?</strong></h2>

<p>Generally referred to as whale vomit,&nbsp;ambergris is derived from&nbsp;old French words<strong>&nbsp;</strong>'amber' and 'gris', roughly translating to grey amber.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A whale produces this solid waxy substance as a form of vomit which fishermen often find floating in the sea. It is called Treasure of the Sea or Floating Gold as perfume companies use the&nbsp;ambrein alcohol extracted from ambergris to sustain scent.</p>

<p>The rarity of the commodity is the reason it is banned in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. In India, the possession and sale of ambergris is forbidden under the&nbsp;&nbsp;Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-can-help-fight-the-climate-change-scientists-say-544934"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A major whale vomit (ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities seized 18.

A major whale vomit (ambergris) smuggling racket has been busted in India which threatened to pose a significant threat to the country's flora and fauna. The authorities seized 18.1 kg of ambergris worth $3.8 million (Rs 31.67 crore) in the black market off the Tuticorin coast in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The bust was conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after receiving a tip-off. Acting on the intel, the authorities laid a trap and managed to apprehend five people in a vehicle near the Harbour Beach coast of Tuticorin on the night of May 18. Upon searching the vehicle, the officers managed to unearth 18.1 kg of ambergris, while the five smugglers confessed to their involvement in the case. Of the five smugglers four hailed from Kerala while only one was a native. They all have been remanded to judicial custody, the DRI informed in a statement. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions × The smuggling of whale vomit has become a major black market activity in recent years, especially in India. DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of ambergris valued at $6.5 million (Rs 54 crore) in the international market in the last two years alone - all of which was being smuggled out of India via the Tuticorin coast. Previous instances In September last year, Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) busted a similar whale vomit smuggling racket. During the raid, STF managed to recover 4.12 kg of ambergris which was thought to be worth $1.2 million (Rs 10 crore). ALSO READ | Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean In June 2021, Mumbai police seized nine kg of ambergris in two separate cases from smugglers in the Mulund area of the city. What is ambergris? Generally referred to as whale vomit, ambergris is derived from old French words 'amber' and 'gris', roughly translating to grey amber. A whale produces this solid waxy substance as a form of vomit which fishermen often find floating in the sea. It is called Treasure of the Sea or Floating Gold as perfume companies use the ambrein alcohol extracted from ambergris to sustain scent. The rarity of the commodity is the reason it is banned in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. In India, the possession and sale of ambergris is forbidden under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. ALSO READ | Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Whale vomit worth $3.8 million seized in Tamil Nadu, five smugglers arrested

<p>Translocating a wild animal in the hope of reducing potentially adverse man-animal interactions need not always yield effective results. The best example of this is the recent case from Kerala, where a wild tusker was translocated to a different region, after complaints of the elephant being a threat to the local people. Barely a few days after being tranquillized, hauled onto a truck and then transported a distance of more than 80 kilometres, the wild tusker has again begun to venture close to human settlements - now in the adjoining state of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>‘Arikomban’ (translates to ‘rice-tusker’) in Malayalam, earned the moniker for his raids on rice shops and settlements in the Idukki district in Kerala, where he originally belonged. There were also some claims that the wild tusker had fatally attacked a handful of individuals there, thus prompting those living in the region to demand for his relocation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is often reported that wild elephants venture out into towns, raid crops and cause damage to property. However, this points to the larger issue of habitat destruction, towns and settlements coming up on forest fringes and natural vegetation not being available in abundance for wildlife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it is being claimed that this particular elephant killed a few people, there are no clear indications in this regard. However, the demands of the local people were taken cognisance of and the Kerala Forest Department planned to capture the wild tusker and turn him into a trained semi-wild elephant, a gruesome and painful process that takes months. Vehement opposition from activists and a court decision ensured that the only way ahead was to go for a translocation.</p>

<p>Finally, the tusker was translocated from Chinnakanal in Kerala's Idukki district to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (ferried a distance of nearly 80 km), close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The entire operation was carried out by the Kerala forest department, with police vehicles ensuring the smooth movement of the convoy and avoiding any untoward incidents along the way. While a hostile reaction was anticipated, those living in the regions close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (where the elephant was being released) had even performed a traditional 'Puja' to welcome the new inhabitant of the wild.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barely a few days after being released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the pachyderm ventured into the estates in the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, Forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location real-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, during the wee hours, the tusker got back to his old ways and ventured close to a ration shop in Megamalai and attempted to break open a window, possibly to get hold of the rice stored within. Later, the tusker is said to have ventured back into the forest. Images from the area showed the tusker's giant footprints in the vicinity of the settlements and the ration shop. Carrying on the moniker from Kerala, those in Tamil Nadu refer to the wild tusker as 'Arisi Komban' (translates to rice tusker in Tamil).</p>

<p>Forest Officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS. Those staying in the region have been advised to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. We have forest staffers who are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official added.</p>

<p>Since the time the tusker ventured into the Megamalai region, the district administration has temporarily suspended tourism and increased the number of Police personnel at the checkposts that lead to Megamalai.<br />
<br />
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Translocating a wild animal in the hope of reducing potentially adverse man-animal interactions need not always yield effective results. The best example of this is the recent case from Kerala, where a wild tusker was translocated to a different region, after complaints of the elephant being a threat to the local people.

Translocating a wild animal in the hope of reducing potentially adverse man-animal interactions need not always yield effective results. The best example of this is the recent case from Kerala, where a wild tusker was translocated to a different region, after complaints of the elephant being a threat to the local people. Barely a few days after being tranquillized, hauled onto a truck and then transported a distance of more than 80 kilometres, the wild tusker has again begun to venture close to human settlements - now in the adjoining state of Tamil Nadu. ‘Arikomban’ (translates to ‘rice-tusker’) in Malayalam, earned the moniker for his raids on rice shops and settlements in the Idukki district in Kerala, where he originally belonged. There were also some claims that the wild tusker had fatally attacked a handful of individuals there, thus prompting those living in the region to demand for his relocation. It is often reported that wild elephants venture out into towns, raid crops and cause damage to property. However, this points to the larger issue of habitat destruction, towns and settlements coming up on forest fringes and natural vegetation not being available in abundance for wildlife. While it is being claimed that this particular elephant killed a few people, there are no clear indications in this regard. However, the demands of the local people were taken cognisance of and the Kerala Forest Department planned to capture the wild tusker and turn him into a trained semi-wild elephant, a gruesome and painful process that takes months. Vehement opposition from activists and a court decision ensured that the only way ahead was to go for a translocation. Finally, the tusker was translocated from Chinnakanal in Kerala's Idukki district to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (ferried a distance of nearly 80 km), close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The entire operation was carried out by the Kerala forest department, with police vehicles ensuring the smooth movement of the convoy and avoiding any untoward incidents along the way. While a hostile reaction was anticipated, those living in the regions close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (where the elephant was being released) had even performed a traditional 'Puja' to welcome the new inhabitant of the wild. Barely a few days after being released in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the pachyderm ventured into the estates in the Megamalai range in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Known to walk dozens of kilometres every day, wild elephants move across regions in search of food and water. Thanks to a radio collar around his neck, Forest department officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been able to monitor the elephant's location real-time. Earlier this week, during the wee hours, the tusker got back to his old ways and ventured close to a ration shop in Megamalai and attempted to break open a window, possibly to get hold of the rice stored within. Later, the tusker is said to have ventured back into the forest. Images from the area showed the tusker's giant footprints in the vicinity of the settlements and the ration shop. Carrying on the moniker from Kerala, those in Tamil Nadu refer to the wild tusker as 'Arisi Komban' (translates to rice tusker in Tamil). Forest Officials from Theni in Tamil Nadu told WION that the radio collar placed on the elephant's neck is operational and the movement of the animal is being tracked both by radio telemetry and GPS. Those staying in the region have been advised to not venture out unnecessarily and particularly have been advised against venturing out late in the evenings. We have forest staffers who are monitoring the elephant's movement round-the-clock and alerting those in the region, the official added. Since the time the tusker ventured into the Megamalai region, the district administration has temporarily suspended tourism and increased the number of Police personnel at the checkposts that lead to Megamalai. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: From 'Arikomban' in Kerala to 'Arisi komban' in Tamil Nadu- A wild tusker's journey

India is facing a new threat. Some scientists view India's Kerala as a ‘global hotspot’ for the potential emergence of a new coronavirus. Another virus too emerged here in 2018, called the Nipah virus. The virus is again finding new ways to enter in the human body.

How a bat virus from India's Kerala found new ways to infect people

<p>The boat tragedy in southern Indian state of Kerala made news everywhere. But it has caused profound grief for Kunnummal Saithalavi, who lost 11 members of&nbsp;his family in the accident. Twenty-two people lost lives in the boat tragedy. This means half of those dead were relatives of Kunnummal Saithalavi.</p>

<p>The family members had gone to Thooval Theeram, a tourist attraction in Kerala's Malappuram district where the boat tragedy took place. As the news of the boat accident began doing the rounds, Kunnummal Saithalavi tried calling the family members on their mobile phones.</p>

<p>"I tried them on three different mobile phones they used [but got no response]," he said, as quoted by BBC.</p>

<p>Kunnummal Saithalavi and his brother Kunnummal Siraj stay with their family and their mother in Puthankadappuram, a few kilometres away&nbsp;from the site of the tragedy.</p>

<p>The family decided to visit Thooval Theeram as Saithalavi's sister had come visiting. The family also invited his adopted brother Kunnumal Jabir and his family along with their neighbour Ashifa and her two children. The group now comprised 19 people.</p>

<p>"I warned them not to take the boat ride as I was sure boating at that time would not be safe," he told BBC.</p>

<p>Neighbour of his family&nbsp;Ashifa was quoted by BBC as saying that when the group decided to head back home, the boat operator started offering huge discounts on ticket prices and even free tickets for children.</p>

<p>"It was an attractive offer," said Ashifa.</p>

<p>"We accepted it but I changed my mind because of safety concerns."</p>

<p>There were reportedly 50 people on the boat, almost double of&nbsp;its capacity when it overturned. The operator of the boat did not have permission to take the boat into the water after dark.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-doctors-protest-after-22-year-old-doctor-is-stabbed-to-death-by-patient-591131">India: Patient stabs to death 22-year-old female medic in Kerala, doctors protest</a></strong></p>

<p>After the boat overturned and Saithalavi couldn't reach his relatives' mobile phones, he rushed to the site close to the water and took a boat docked there to reach the exact location of the tragedy. Saithalavi jumped into the water and even pulled up a body, only to realise it was his niece.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only four persons in the family from the group that had gone to Thooval Theeram came back.</p>

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The boat tragedy in southern Indian state of Kerala made news everywhere. But it has caused profound grief for Kunnummal Saithalavi, who lost 11 members of his family in the accident.

The boat tragedy in southern Indian state of Kerala made news everywhere. But it has caused profound grief for Kunnummal Saithalavi, who lost 11 members of his family in the accident. Twenty-two people lost lives in the boat tragedy. This means half of those dead were relatives of Kunnummal Saithalavi. The family members had gone to Thooval Theeram, a tourist attraction in Kerala's Malappuram district where the boat tragedy took place. As the news of the boat accident began doing the rounds, Kunnummal Saithalavi tried calling the family members on their mobile phones. "I tried them on three different mobile phones they used [but got no response]," he said, as quoted by BBC. Kunnummal Saithalavi and his brother Kunnummal Siraj stay with their family and their mother in Puthankadappuram, a few kilometres away from the site of the tragedy. The family decided to visit Thooval Theeram as Saithalavi's sister had come visiting. The family also invited his adopted brother Kunnumal Jabir and his family along with their neighbour Ashifa and her two children. The group now comprised 19 people. "I warned them not to take the boat ride as I was sure boating at that time would not be safe," he told BBC. Neighbour of his family Ashifa was quoted by BBC as saying that when the group decided to head back home, the boat operator started offering huge discounts on ticket prices and even free tickets for children. "It was an attractive offer," said Ashifa. "We accepted it but I changed my mind because of safety concerns." There were reportedly 50 people on the boat, almost double of its capacity when it overturned. The operator of the boat did not have permission to take the boat into the water after dark. Also Read | India: Patient stabs to death 22-year-old female medic in Kerala, doctors protest After the boat overturned and Saithalavi couldn't reach his relatives' mobile phones, he rushed to the site close to the water and took a boat docked there to reach the exact location of the tragedy. Saithalavi jumped into the water and even pulled up a body, only to realise it was his niece. Only four persons in the family from the group that had gone to Thooval Theeram came back. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kerala boat tragedy: This man lost 11 members of his family, just four returned

<p>A drunk patient who was brought to a hospital for treating his wounds stabbed to death a 22-year-old doctor and injured many others in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Sandeep, 42,&nbsp;a suspended school teacher, was reportedly undergoing de-addiction therapy and was taken to the hospital by police personnel after he had created ruckus at his residence and injured himself.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a gruesome incident from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> , an inebriated man(undergoing de-addiction therapy) stabbed 22yr old Dr. Vandana to death and injured a handful of cops, hospital staff<br />
<br />
After he got violent&amp; injured himself at home, cops took him to the hospital..there he committed murder <a href="https://t.co/lpOPxo2MXK">pic.twitter.com/lpOPxo2MXK</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1656235558254055424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The violent attack took place at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday. After his wounds were dressed by a nurse, Sandeep reportedly picked up a pair of surgical scissors and went on a stabbing spree. He is said to have attacked the police personnel who brought him to the hospital and then went on to stab Dr. Vandana Das, a final year medical student serving as a house surgeon there. She sustained injuries to her head, neck and spine. He then went on to injure other hospital staff, vandalised the hospital till he was finally overpowered and restrained by security staff and other bystanders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Medical fraternity in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> protests and demands action in the aftermath of an incident where a 22yr old lady doctor was brutally stabbed to death by an inebriated, violent patient who was brought for treatment by the Police<br />
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Reports say the patient was a drug/alcohol addict <a href="https://t.co/zILAphHn22">https://t.co/zILAphHn22</a> <a href="https://t.co/u7HUhlH4XX">pic.twitter.com/u7HUhlH4XX</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1656237698997452800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Severely injured, the young doctor was immediately moved to a hospital in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, where she succumbed to her injuries. The incident has raised several questions and prompted protests from across the medical fraternity in Kerala.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A drunk patient who was brought to a hospital for treating his wounds stabbed to death a 22-year-old doctor and injured many others in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

A drunk patient who was brought to a hospital for treating his wounds stabbed to death a 22-year-old doctor and injured many others in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Sandeep, 42, a suspended school teacher, was reportedly undergoing de-addiction therapy and was taken to the hospital by police personnel after he had created ruckus at his residence and injured himself. In a gruesome incident from #kerala , an inebriated man(undergoing de-addiction therapy) stabbed 22yr old Dr. Vandana to death and injured a handful of cops, hospital staff After he got violent& injured himself at home, cops took him to the hospital..there he committed murder pic.twitter.com/lpOPxo2MXK — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 10, 2023 × The violent attack took place at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday. After his wounds were dressed by a nurse, Sandeep reportedly picked up a pair of surgical scissors and went on a stabbing spree. He is said to have attacked the police personnel who brought him to the hospital and then went on to stab Dr. Vandana Das, a final year medical student serving as a house surgeon there. She sustained injuries to her head, neck and spine. He then went on to injure other hospital staff, vandalised the hospital till he was finally overpowered and restrained by security staff and other bystanders. Medical fraternity in #kerala protests and demands action in the aftermath of an incident where a 22yr old lady doctor was brutally stabbed to death by an inebriated, violent patient who was brought for treatment by the Police Reports say the patient was a drug/alcohol addict https://t.co/zILAphHn22 pic.twitter.com/u7HUhlH4XX — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 10, 2023 × Severely injured, the young doctor was immediately moved to a hospital in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, where she succumbed to her injuries. The incident has raised several questions and prompted protests from across the medical fraternity in Kerala. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Patient stabs to death 22-year-old female medic in Kerala, doctors protest

<p>The Kerala boat accident that killed 22 and injured many has opened a can of worms about regulatory malpractice, oversight, and negligence that culminated into one of the state’s deadliest accidents.</p>

<p>On Sunday night, the operator of the tour boat, Atlantic, not only kept its services open well beyond the stipulated hours but also let greed take over as the vessel was overcrowded with tourists, including women and children.</p>

<p>Police officers said that the vessel, which was initially a fishing boat, carried at least 30-40 passengers onboard.</p>

<p>Eyewitnesses told local news outlet Manorama that the boat operators continued to invite more people to join saying that it was the ‘last trip of the day’, despite the boat being overloaded.</p>

<p>PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), told PTI that the boat violated the rule of vessels not being allowed to operate after 6 pm.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 7 pm (local time) near an estuary in Thooval Theeram Beach in the Tanur area.</p>

<p>On Monday, police caught the owner of the boat from the Kozhikode beach area after a 24-hour manhunt.</p>

<p>A senior police officer of Malappuram district confirmed to PTI news agency that the boat owner, Nasar, has been caught.</p>

<p>"He has been caught from the Calicut (Kozhikode) beach area. He has not been arrested formally. He will be brought here (Malappuram)," the officer, who has not been named, was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala boat tragedy: 22 dead after houseboat capsizes&nbsp;</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>How did the tragedy happen?</strong></h2>

<p>Police officers said that the boat was carrying 40 passengers, well beyond its capacity, which made it tilt to one side, and eventually, it capsized.</p>

<p>The accident happened in the backwaters of Thooval Theeram, which is situated on the banks of the estuary of the Poorapuzha River joining the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>The beach was crowded with visitors due to the holiday. The accident happened while passengers were returning from the trip.</p>

<p>The first rescue boat took almost 15 minutes to reach the spot due to a lack of light.</p>

<h2><strong>Was it really a ferry boat?</strong></h2>

<p>No. According to officials, the double-decker boat was initially a fishing boat. It is alleged that the owner modified it into such a boat for tourism and illegally bought a licence to run it as a passenger boat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-boat-capsize-kills-22-indian-navy-deploys-two-helos-and-15-divers-590191">Boat capsizes in Kerala, killing 22; Indian Navy deploys two helos and 15 divers</a></p>

<p>According to local reports, several complaints were made against the Atlantic boat owner and even senior government officials were notified of its illegal activity, but none paid heed.</p>

<p>It has been claimed that the owner, Nasser, used his political clout to suppress any complaint and made sure that his business ran uninterrupted.</p>

<p>Moreover, it has been reported that the boat lacked adequate safety measures, like lifejackets, which resulted in a high number of casualties.</p>

<p>The boat was not given a safety certificate which is mandatory for tourist boats, and it entered the waters late in the evening on Sunday despite a ban on boat rides post-sunset.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What has the government done?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite several fatal boat accidents in Kerala over the last 100 years and three Commission of Inquiry reports recommending preventive measures, lack of government intervention resulted in the boating tragedy, reports PTI news agency.</p>

<p>A district disaster management authority in a meeting in February this year reportedly warned of illegal boat operations.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday visited the Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the boat tragedy near the Tanur coast were admitted.</p>

<p>The Kerala government also ordered a judicial probe into the incident. The chief minister announced Rs one&nbsp;million compensation to the kin of victims and said the government will bear the treatment expense of the injured people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Kerala boat accident that killed 22 and injured many has opened a can of worms about regulatory malpractice, oversight, and negligence that culminated into one of the state’s deadliest accidents.

The Kerala boat accident that killed 22 and injured many has opened a can of worms about regulatory malpractice, oversight, and negligence that culminated into one of the state’s deadliest accidents. On Sunday night, the operator of the tour boat, Atlantic, not only kept its services open well beyond the stipulated hours but also let greed take over as the vessel was overcrowded with tourists, including women and children. Police officers said that the vessel, which was initially a fishing boat, carried at least 30-40 passengers onboard. Eyewitnesses told local news outlet Manorama that the boat operators continued to invite more people to join saying that it was the ‘last trip of the day’, despite the boat being overloaded. PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), told PTI that the boat violated the rule of vessels not being allowed to operate after 6 pm. The incident took place around 7 pm (local time) near an estuary in Thooval Theeram Beach in the Tanur area. On Monday, police caught the owner of the boat from the Kozhikode beach area after a 24-hour manhunt. A senior police officer of Malappuram district confirmed to PTI news agency that the boat owner, Nasar, has been caught. "He has been caught from the Calicut (Kozhikode) beach area. He has not been arrested formally. He will be brought here (Malappuram)," the officer, who has not been named, was quoted as saying. Kerala boat tragedy: 22 dead after houseboat capsizes How did the tragedy happen? Police officers said that the boat was carrying 40 passengers, well beyond its capacity, which made it tilt to one side, and eventually, it capsized. The accident happened in the backwaters of Thooval Theeram, which is situated on the banks of the estuary of the Poorapuzha River joining the Arabian Sea. The beach was crowded with visitors due to the holiday. The accident happened while passengers were returning from the trip. The first rescue boat took almost 15 minutes to reach the spot due to a lack of light. Was it really a ferry boat? No. According to officials, the double-decker boat was initially a fishing boat. It is alleged that the owner modified it into such a boat for tourism and illegally bought a licence to run it as a passenger boat. Also read | Boat capsizes in Kerala, killing 22; Indian Navy deploys two helos and 15 divers According to local reports, several complaints were made against the Atlantic boat owner and even senior government officials were notified of its illegal activity, but none paid heed. It has been claimed that the owner, Nasser, used his political clout to suppress any complaint and made sure that his business ran uninterrupted. Moreover, it has been reported that the boat lacked adequate safety measures, like lifejackets, which resulted in a high number of casualties. The boat was not given a safety certificate which is mandatory for tourist boats, and it entered the waters late in the evening on Sunday despite a ban on boat rides post-sunset. What has the government done? Despite several fatal boat accidents in Kerala over the last 100 years and three Commission of Inquiry reports recommending preventive measures, lack of government intervention resulted in the boating tragedy, reports PTI news agency. A district disaster management authority in a meeting in February this year reportedly warned of illegal boat operations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday visited the Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the boat tragedy near the Tanur coast were admitted. The Kerala government also ordered a judicial probe into the incident. The chief minister announced Rs one million compensation to the kin of victims and said the government will bear the treatment expense of the injured people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kerala boat tragedy: Oversight, corruption resulted in one of state's deadliest accidents

<p>The owner of the boat that capsized killing 22 in southern Indian state of Kerala has been caught by the police, reported Press Trust of India. Those dead in the tragedy include 15 children. As per reports, the owner of the boat was arrested from Kozhikode beach area.</p>

<p>PTI reported that a senior police officer of Malappuram district confirmed that the boat owner, Nasar, has been caught.</p>

<p>"He has been caught from the Calicut (Kozhikode) beach area. He has not been arrested formally. He will be brought here (Malappuram)," the officer said as quoted by PTI.</p>

<p>According to Tanur police, in whose jurisdiction the tragic incident occurred, the owner of the boat had been absconding. A case was registered against on Sunday. The owner of the boat reportedly did not have a license to operate it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The double-decker boat was ferrying the passengers when it turned turtle and sank. Twenty two&nbsp;dead from the tragedy include 15 children.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 7 pm local time (+530 GMT) near an estuary in Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area. Survivours were admitted to Taluk Hospital, Thirurangadi in Malappuram district. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the hospital. It has been reported that around 35-40 passengers were in the boat when it sank.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 (US $2,400 approx.) to the family members of each victim.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," tweeted Prime Minister's Office.</p>

<p>The state of Kerala &nbsp;declared official mourning on Monday for the victims. Official functions were cancelled.</p>

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The owner of the boat that capsized killing 22 in southern Indian state of Kerala has been caught by the police, reported Press Trust of India. Those dead in the tragedy include 15 children.

The owner of the boat that capsized killing 22 in southern Indian state of Kerala has been caught by the police, reported Press Trust of India. Those dead in the tragedy include 15 children. As per reports, the owner of the boat was arrested from Kozhikode beach area. PTI reported that a senior police officer of Malappuram district confirmed that the boat owner, Nasar, has been caught. "He has been caught from the Calicut (Kozhikode) beach area. He has not been arrested formally. He will be brought here (Malappuram)," the officer said as quoted by PTI. According to Tanur police, in whose jurisdiction the tragic incident occurred, the owner of the boat had been absconding. A case was registered against on Sunday. The owner of the boat reportedly did not have a license to operate it. The double-decker boat was ferrying the passengers when it turned turtle and sank. Twenty two dead from the tragedy include 15 children. The incident took place around 7 pm local time (+530 GMT) near an estuary in Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area. Survivours were admitted to Taluk Hospital, Thirurangadi in Malappuram district. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the hospital. It has been reported that around 35-40 passengers were in the boat when it sank. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 (US $2,400 approx.) to the family members of each victim. "Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," tweeted Prime Minister's Office. The state of Kerala declared official mourning on Monday for the victims. Official functions were cancelled. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kerala boat tragedy: Police nab owner of the sunken vessel

India's southern state of Kerala witnessed a boat capsize. At least 22 people died, including 15 children. What has the government done about the incident? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Boat capsizes after overloading in Kerala

<p>At least 22&nbsp;people, including children&nbsp;and women, drowned after a double-decker boat ferrying passengers turned turtle and sank in the southern Kerala state on Sunday.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 7:00pm (local time) near an estuary close to Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived&nbsp;at Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors were admitted. The district administration noted that 22 people lost their lives. The death toll might rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 35-40 passengers were said to be inside the boat when it capsized while making the last trip of the day.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Kerala: So far 18 people are dead after a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district of Kerala. Rescue operations are underway. <a href="https://t.co/hEJVDA4PHw">pic.twitter.com/hEJVDA4PHw</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1655288199894429696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said the toll is expected to go up as rescue operations continue.</p>

<p>"It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident," the former minister said.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 (US $2,400 approx.) to the family members of each victim.</p>

<p>"Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of&nbsp;₹2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," PM Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1655262858639294465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Local reports stated that the boat operator did not have permission to enter the water in the night hours, but still continued the service due to the heavy rush of visitors on Sunday evening.</p>

<p>The state government declared official mourning on Monday for the victims and cancelled all official functions for the day.</p>

<p>Vijayan, while condoling the deaths, had earlier directed the district collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation.</p>

<p>Fire and police units, officials from the Revenue and Health departments and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation, the statement said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 22 people, including children and women, drowned after a double-decker boat ferrying passengers turned turtle and sank in the southern Kerala state on Sunday.

At least 22 people, including children and women, drowned after a double-decker boat ferrying passengers turned turtle and sank in the southern Kerala state on Sunday. The incident took place around 7:00pm (local time) near an estuary close to Thoovaltheeram beach in the Tanur area. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived at Taluk Hospital, Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors were admitted. The district administration noted that 22 people lost their lives. The death toll might rise. Around 35-40 passengers were said to be inside the boat when it capsized while making the last trip of the day. #WATCH | Kerala: So far 18 people are dead after a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district of Kerala. Rescue operations are underway. pic.twitter.com/hEJVDA4PHw — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023 × PK Kunhalikutty, an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), said the toll is expected to go up as rescue operations continue. "It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident," the former minister said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 (US $2,400 approx.) to the family members of each victim. "Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased," PM Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Prime Minister's Office. Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023 × Local reports stated that the boat operator did not have permission to enter the water in the night hours, but still continued the service due to the heavy rush of visitors on Sunday evening. The state government declared official mourning on Monday for the victims and cancelled all official functions for the day. Vijayan, while condoling the deaths, had earlier directed the district collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation. Fire and police units, officials from the Revenue and Health departments and local residents from Tanur and Tirur were involved in the rescue operation, the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least 22 drown after tourist boat sinks in India’s Kerala state

At least three women and four children were reportedly among the dead or killed when a houseboat capsized in the Indian state of Kerala on Sunday evening, killing at least 21 people. The incident happened in Kerala's Malapuram District near the tunnel coast.

India: Vessel carrying 30 passengers overturns in Kerala

The death toll from a tourist boat disaster near Thoovaltheeram beach in Kerala has increased to 22, according to officials on Monday. According to local officials, eight individuals were rescued when the boat capsized on Sunday evening and are being treated at separate hospitals.

Kerala boat tragedy: 22 dead after houseboat capsizes near Thoovaltheeram beach | India News | WION

From Dior coming to India to pay tribute to the country's artisans to Indian designers showcasing their work at the prestigious Paris haut couture week, India has been making its presence felt in the fashion world like never before. This year, a number of Indian celebrities also made heads turn at the met gala, but what many people don't know is that iconic red carpet that stars like priyanka chopra jonas and alia bhatt walked on, was also made in India.

Met Gala`s India connect: Kerala artisans weave magic into Met Gala`s red carpet

<p>Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar.&nbsp;The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State.<br />
<br />
After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS.<br />
<br />
“What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked.<br />
<br />
“Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baps-swaminarayan-temple-vandalised-in-sydney-by-khalistan-supporters-reports-589067">BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports</a></p>

<p>The bench remarked that&nbsp;Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in&nbsp;umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences.<br />
<br />
"There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh.<br />
<br />
After hearing all parties at length, the court&nbsp;refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition.<br />
<br />
"As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said.<br />
<br />
Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality.&nbsp;The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-regional-bank-western-alliance-quashes-report-of-exploring-potential-sale-589038">US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale</a></p>

<p>This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter.&nbsp;The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries</strong></p>

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<p>Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events.</p>

<p>It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community.&nbsp;All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story".<br />
<br />
"Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said.</p>

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Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film.

Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar. The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State. After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS. “What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked. “Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report. Also Read | BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports The bench remarked that Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences. "There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh. After hearing all parties at length, the court refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition. "As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said. Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality. The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law. Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P. Also Read | US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'. Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter. The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state. Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries × Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events. It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community. All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body. Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story". "Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala HC refuses to stay release of ‘The Kerala Story’, says allegation against ISIS not religion

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the grand old party of opposing the film that he said&nbsp;is based on terror conspiracy and&nbsp;'shows the ugly truth of terrorism'. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted.</p>

<p>"'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… <a href="https://t.co/qlUQlc3qQf">pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1654414222816866305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further added, "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank."</p>

<p>"The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10.</p>

<p>The prime minister said that to make Karnataka the number one state of the country, security system, law and order is the most important requirement.</p>

<p>"It is equally important for Karnataka to remain free from terrorism. BJP has always been tough against terrorism. But Congress gets stomach ache whenever action is taken on terrorism," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala HC refuses to issue a stay order on release of 'The Kerala Story'</strong></h2>

<p>The Kerala High Court, on Friday, refused to impose a ban on the film 'The Kerala Story'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High Court asked petitioners how the movie, which it observed is fiction and not history, would create sectarianism and conflict in society, claiming that secular Kerala will accept the film for what it is.</p>

<p>"Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizen the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?", the court observed while considering a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the censor certificate of the film.</p>

<p>"So many movies have already come out about such organizations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in society?", the court observed.</p>

<p>The film's trailer claims young girls from non-Muslim communities disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State.</p>

<p>Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics. Further reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the grand old party of opposing the film that he said is based on terror conspiracy and 'shows the ugly truth of terrorism'. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted. "'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said. #WATCH | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × He further added, "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank." "The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10. The prime minister said that to make Karnataka the number one state of the country, security system, law and order is the most important requirement. "It is equally important for Karnataka to remain free from terrorism. BJP has always been tough against terrorism. But Congress gets stomach ache whenever action is taken on terrorism," he said. Kerala HC refuses to issue a stay order on release of 'The Kerala Story' The Kerala High Court, on Friday, refused to impose a ban on the film 'The Kerala Story'. The High Court asked petitioners how the movie, which it observed is fiction and not history, would create sectarianism and conflict in society, claiming that secular Kerala will accept the film for what it is. "Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizen the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?", the court observed while considering a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the censor certificate of the film. "So many movies have already come out about such organizations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in society?", the court observed. The film's trailer claims young girls from non-Muslim communities disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State. Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’, slams Congress for nurturing terror elements

Due to a rise in human-animal conflict in the Indian state of Kerala, a killer elephant has been relocated from its natural habitat to a tiger reserve. This has led to a debate with many activists.

Wild elephant captured for raiding rice fields, killing people in India

<p>Indian elephant infamous for raiding rice shops and killing locals in the southern state of Kerala has been finally relocated to a tiger reserve 80 km away. The elephant Arikomban, which means ‘rice tusker’ in Malayalam, was tranquillised Saturday and shifted to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "Mission Arikkomban" | Taskforce located the rogue elephant "Arikkomban" earlier today in Chinnakanal, Kerala. It was later captured and shifted to another location. <a href="https://t.co/iRa7sjNAsW">pic.twitter.com/iRa7sjNAsW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1652337522385768449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala is so beautiful and enchanting. 💜👍<br />
<br />
Watch the send off for 'Arikomban', the elephant who created fear for local people in Chinnakanal, Idukki from Aanaerangal Dam to Periyar forest wildlife reserve near Kumili in Kerala tonight. <a href="https://t.co/ZZJ2ocqjPX">pic.twitter.com/ZZJ2ocqjPX</a></p>
— GEORGE KALLIVAYALIL (@KALLIVAYALIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KALLIVAYALIL/status/1652359607459926017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Konni Surendran,kunki elephant of Kerala who contained dangerous <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arikomban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Arikomban</a><br />
<br />
Kunkis are specially trained to contain Rouge wild elephants which are dangerous to people<br />
<br />
K.Govt got Surendran when he was only 2 years old when his mother died on 1999,he got training from TN <a href="https://t.co/0xIBVAnGCz">pic.twitter.com/0xIBVAnGCz</a></p>
— Godfather 💙 (@orgasamist) <a href="https://twitter.com/orgasamist/status/1652928044502331392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Government calls the mission a success</strong></h2>

<p>The Kerala government has called this mission a success, and it is monitoring the 30-year-old elephant’s movements through a radio collar attached to it. It lived near the Devikulam forest range in the Idukki district for decades. However, locals in the area were demanding Arikomban’s removal from the site for months now. According to the government, Arikomban has killed seven people so far, apart from sporadically&nbsp;raiding local rice shops and causing a menace to the shopkeepers.</p>

<h2><strong>Move met by resentment from animal welfare associations</strong></h2>

<p>According to animal welfare activists, the issue is related to the wider debate around human-wildlife conflict, which can’t be taken care of by simply getting rid of the animals. Indian Express also quoted local sources to claim that the elephant became hostile only after human population in the area grew massively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: At least 5 elephants died of electrocution in Tamil Nadu</strong></p>

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<p>The elephant began damaging buildings and concrete houses to forage for rice, and that’s how the years-old conflict between Arikomban and tribals started. To solve the issue, the Kerala Forest Department initially wanted to capture Arikomban and make him a permanent captive. However, the animal welfare organisations vehemently opposed the suggestion and moved to Kerala High Court.</p>

<p>The high court then formed a five-member committee to resolve the issue, which recommended the elephant be moved to another location where such human-wildlife conflict can be avoided. The committee suggested the authorities shift the elephant to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in the Palakkad district. However, this sparked a protest by locals in the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, it was decided that Arikomban will be shifted to Periyar Tiger Reserve.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-at-least-5-elephants-died-of-electrocution-in-tamil-nadu-in-20-days-581133">Also Read |&nbsp;India: At least 5 elephants died of electrocution in Tamil Nadu in 20 days</a></strong></p>

<p>The government had formed a task force of 150 officials to capture and track Arikomban. It was tranquillised and then transported to the tiger reserve in a truck. The authorities had imposed a curfew in the area to stymie protests by locals. However, as per a report by BBC, the arrival of the elephant was met with cheers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Animal welfare activists wanted to keep the elephant in its original habitat. However, later they realised the people in the area had become hostile, and the problem could only be solved if the elephant is permanently relocated. &nbsp;</p>

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Indian elephant infamous for raiding rice shops and killing locals in the southern state of Kerala has been finally relocated to a tiger reserve 80 km away. The elephant Arikomban, which means ‘rice tusker’ in Malayalam, was tranquillised Saturday and shifted to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Indian elephant infamous for raiding rice shops and killing locals in the southern state of Kerala has been finally relocated to a tiger reserve 80 km away. The elephant Arikomban, which means ‘rice tusker’ in Malayalam, was tranquillised Saturday and shifted to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. #WATCH | "Mission Arikkomban" | Taskforce located the rogue elephant "Arikkomban" earlier today in Chinnakanal, Kerala. It was later captured and shifted to another location. pic.twitter.com/iRa7sjNAsW — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023 × Kerala is so beautiful and enchanting. 💜👍 Watch the send off for 'Arikomban', the elephant who created fear for local people in Chinnakanal, Idukki from Aanaerangal Dam to Periyar forest wildlife reserve near Kumili in Kerala tonight. pic.twitter.com/ZZJ2ocqjPX — GEORGE KALLIVAYALIL (@KALLIVAYALIL) April 29, 2023 × This is Konni Surendran,kunki elephant of Kerala who contained dangerous #Arikomban Kunkis are specially trained to contain Rouge wild elephants which are dangerous to people K.Govt got Surendran when he was only 2 years old when his mother died on 1999,he got training from TN pic.twitter.com/0xIBVAnGCz — Godfather 💙 (@orgasamist) May 1, 2023 × Government calls the mission a success The Kerala government has called this mission a success, and it is monitoring the 30-year-old elephant’s movements through a radio collar attached to it. It lived near the Devikulam forest range in the Idukki district for decades. However, locals in the area were demanding Arikomban’s removal from the site for months now. According to the government, Arikomban has killed seven people so far, apart from sporadically raiding local rice shops and causing a menace to the shopkeepers. Move met by resentment from animal welfare associations According to animal welfare activists, the issue is related to the wider debate around human-wildlife conflict, which can’t be taken care of by simply getting rid of the animals. Indian Express also quoted local sources to claim that the elephant became hostile only after human population in the area grew massively. Watch: India: At least 5 elephants died of electrocution in Tamil Nadu × The elephant began damaging buildings and concrete houses to forage for rice, and that’s how the years-old conflict between Arikomban and tribals started. To solve the issue, the Kerala Forest Department initially wanted to capture Arikomban and make him a permanent captive. However, the animal welfare organisations vehemently opposed the suggestion and moved to Kerala High Court. The high court then formed a five-member committee to resolve the issue, which recommended the elephant be moved to another location where such human-wildlife conflict can be avoided. The committee suggested the authorities shift the elephant to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in the Palakkad district. However, this sparked a protest by locals in the area. Later, it was decided that Arikomban will be shifted to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Also Read | India: At least 5 elephants died of electrocution in Tamil Nadu in 20 days The government had formed a task force of 150 officials to capture and track Arikomban. It was tranquillised and then transported to the tiger reserve in a truck. The authorities had imposed a curfew in the area to stymie protests by locals. However, as per a report by BBC, the arrival of the elephant was met with cheers. Animal welfare activists wanted to keep the elephant in its original habitat. However, later they realised the people in the area had become hostile, and the problem could only be solved if the elephant is permanently relocated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Over dozen police vehicles, one lorry, 122-km trip - how India's Kerala moved tranquilised tusker 'Arikomban'

<p>A rogue elephant named 'Arikomban', which broke into homes&nbsp;and ration shops&nbsp;to steal rice and caused massive destruction in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been tranquilised and shifted to the deep interiors of Periyar Tiger Reserve. In the local Malayalam language, 'Arikomban' stands for 'rice tusker'.</p>

<p>Dr Arun Zachariah, the senior veterinary officer who led the team of forest officials behind this capture, said, “Arikomban was brought to Kumali in the Idukki district around 121 kilometres away from Chinnakkanal. Section 144 was declared in the Kumali area and restricted electricity supply on the way it was transported.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another official said that the elephant has been radio-collared and that the signals from it will be monitored from the tiger reserve.</p>

<p>"We are getting signals from the radio collar. His location will be monitored from the tiger reserve. He is very healthy," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-security-breach-at-narendra-modis-mysuru-rally-phone-thrown-at-indian-pms-convoy-587639">Massive security breach at Narendra Modi's Mysuru rally, phone thrown at Indian PM's convoy</a></strong></p>

<p>Sharing details about the 'Arikomban' mission, a forest official said that on the first day of the operation, their team 'wasn't lucky' and that on the second day, they were able to tranquilise the tusker after another elephant, who was Arikomban's competitor, brought the rice-favouring elephant before the forest officials.</p>

<p>Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran, on April 19, directed the forest officials to discover a new place for shifting the rice-eating tusker after it created destruction in the Idukki district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala High Court asked the state government on April 20 to relocate the wild elephant within a week and stated that if the tusker is not relocated within a week, it will be transferred to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-gets-its-first-cable-stayed-rail-bridge-with-96-cables-587599">Watch | India gets its first 'cable-stayed rail bridge' with 96 cables</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking to reports, the Kerala forest minister said, “As a government, we have to act according to the decisions of the courts of justice. We will not shy away from it. That would not be good practice. It is not a democratic practice. The officials of the forest department have been directed to find a new place to shift the Arikomban. They will give it by tomorrow morning. It will inform the High Court which is the best proposal”.</p>

<p>“We do not intend to prolong it indefinitely. Had elephant lovers not questioned the government’s decision, a solution could have been found by the 12th of last month. Unfortunately, it couldn’t,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A rogue elephant named 'Arikomban', which broke into homes and ration shops to steal rice and caused massive destruction in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been tranquilised and shifted to the deep interiors of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

A rogue elephant named 'Arikomban', which broke into homes and ration shops to steal rice and caused massive destruction in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been tranquilised and shifted to the deep interiors of Periyar Tiger Reserve. In the local Malayalam language, 'Arikomban' stands for 'rice tusker'. Dr Arun Zachariah, the senior veterinary officer who led the team of forest officials behind this capture, said, “Arikomban was brought to Kumali in the Idukki district around 121 kilometres away from Chinnakkanal. Section 144 was declared in the Kumali area and restricted electricity supply on the way it was transported.” Another official said that the elephant has been radio-collared and that the signals from it will be monitored from the tiger reserve. "We are getting signals from the radio collar. His location will be monitored from the tiger reserve. He is very healthy," he said. Also read | Massive security breach at Narendra Modi's Mysuru rally, phone thrown at Indian PM's convoy Sharing details about the 'Arikomban' mission, a forest official said that on the first day of the operation, their team 'wasn't lucky' and that on the second day, they were able to tranquilise the tusker after another elephant, who was Arikomban's competitor, brought the rice-favouring elephant before the forest officials. Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran, on April 19, directed the forest officials to discover a new place for shifting the rice-eating tusker after it created destruction in the Idukki district. The Kerala High Court asked the state government on April 20 to relocate the wild elephant within a week and stated that if the tusker is not relocated within a week, it will be transferred to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Also read | Watch | India gets its first 'cable-stayed rail bridge' with 96 cables Talking to reports, the Kerala forest minister said, “As a government, we have to act according to the decisions of the courts of justice. We will not shy away from it. That would not be good practice. It is not a democratic practice. The officials of the forest department have been directed to find a new place to shift the Arikomban. They will give it by tomorrow morning. It will inform the High Court which is the best proposal”. “We do not intend to prolong it indefinitely. Had elephant lovers not questioned the government’s decision, a solution could have been found by the 12th of last month. Unfortunately, it couldn’t,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian forest officials tranquilise, capture rogue rice-raiding tusker 'Arikomban'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Kerala, flagged off the state's first Vande Bharat Express train from here on Tuesday. Modi flagged off the train from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station here at 11.10 AM.</p>

<p>Prior to flagging off the Vande Bharat Express from platform 1 of the railway station, he interacted with a group of school children inside one of the coaches of the train.</p>

<p>Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor were also present with the PM as he interacted with the students inside the train.</p>

<p>The children showed Modi paintings and sketches of him and the Vande Bharat train made by them.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people also gathered on the opposite side platform to see the PM flag off the train.</p>

<p>The Vande Bharat Express, which will connect the state capital with the northernmost Kasaragod district of Kerala, has been projected by many as an alternative to the LDF government's ambitious semi-high-speed rail corridor, SilverLine.</p>

<p>The PM flew down from Kochi in the morning and was given a grand reception by BJP leaders and workers on his arrival at the Thiruvananthapuram airport here.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Kerala: PM Narendra Modi along with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Pinarayi Vijayan and MP Shashi Tharoor arrives at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station where he will be flagging off the Vande Bharat Express train. <a href="https://t.co/i5eVgSSrl2">pic.twitter.com/i5eVgSSrl2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1650735147610783744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First Vande Bharat Express of Kerala, water metro in Kochi and other initiatives launched today will further the state's development journey. <a href="https://t.co/9mrLOSG1Wy">pic.twitter.com/9mrLOSG1Wy</a></p>
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<p>The entire state capital was under a tight security net, with the deployment of hundreds of police personnel and stringent traffic restrictions, as the PM travelled from the airport to the railway station.</p>

<p>His entire nearly six km journey from the airport to the railway station was akin to a road show with the PM standing on the footboard of his vehicle and waving to the people on the roadside as they showered him with flowers.</p>

<p>After the flagging off of the train, he is scheduled to launch several other developmental projects, including the Kochi Water Metro service, from the Kerala Central Stadium here.</p>

<p>He will lay the foundation stones of various projects, like the electrified Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section and the country's first Digital Science Park, and dedicate them to the nation at a ceremony to be held at the Central Stadium here.</p>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Kerala, flagged off the state's first Vande Bharat Express train from here on Tuesday. Modi flagged off the train from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station here at 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Kerala, flagged off the state's first Vande Bharat Express train from here on Tuesday. Modi flagged off the train from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station here at 11.10 AM. Prior to flagging off the Vande Bharat Express from platform 1 of the railway station, he interacted with a group of school children inside one of the coaches of the train. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor were also present with the PM as he interacted with the students inside the train. The children showed Modi paintings and sketches of him and the Vande Bharat train made by them. Hundreds of people also gathered on the opposite side platform to see the PM flag off the train. The Vande Bharat Express, which will connect the state capital with the northernmost Kasaragod district of Kerala, has been projected by many as an alternative to the LDF government's ambitious semi-high-speed rail corridor, SilverLine. The PM flew down from Kochi in the morning and was given a grand reception by BJP leaders and workers on his arrival at the Thiruvananthapuram airport here. #WATCH | Kerala: PM Narendra Modi along with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Pinarayi Vijayan and MP Shashi Tharoor arrives at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station where he will be flagging off the Vande Bharat Express train. pic.twitter.com/i5eVgSSrl2 — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023 × First Vande Bharat Express of Kerala, water metro in Kochi and other initiatives launched today will further the state's development journey. pic.twitter.com/9mrLOSG1Wy — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 25, 2023 × The entire state capital was under a tight security net, with the deployment of hundreds of police personnel and stringent traffic restrictions, as the PM travelled from the airport to the railway station. His entire nearly six km journey from the airport to the railway station was akin to a road show with the PM standing on the footboard of his vehicle and waving to the people on the roadside as they showered him with flowers. After the flagging off of the train, he is scheduled to launch several other developmental projects, including the Kochi Water Metro service, from the Kerala Central Stadium here. He will lay the foundation stones of various projects, like the electrified Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section and the country's first Digital Science Park, and dedicate them to the nation at a ceremony to be held at the Central Stadium here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi flags off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. &nbsp;The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before inaugurating the services, PM Modi said that Kochi Water Metro would be a "significant enhancement" to the port city's infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The water metro service will provide electrically propelled hybrid ferries which will connect the mainland to the islands in Kochi, &nbsp;benefitting more than a lakh residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the inauguration, PM Modi said, "Today, Kerala got its first Vande Bharat Train while Kochi got its water metro. Various connectivity and development projects were inaugurated as well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kerala is a state of aware and educated people. Hard work and humility of people here are part of their identity," said the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-flags-off-keralas-first-vande-bharat-express-train-585901">PM Modi flags off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train</a></p>

<p>"Kochi Water Metro is a Made in India project, it's unique, I would like to congratulate Kochi Shipyard for making the ships. This project would create Inter Water Connectivity between the Jetty, Bus Terminals and Metro Network. It would also boost Backwater Tourism," &nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the inauguration, the prime minister shared a video of the warm welcome he received in Kochi. PM Modi wrote, "People from all walks of life came to shower their blessings in Kochi. Here are some glimpses. Unparalleled affection in Kochi. Have a look."</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Kochi Water Metro project?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Kochi Water Metro project has been implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL) along with the assistance of Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, a German funding agency.</p>

<p>The project includes boats which are air-conditioned, &nbsp;battery-powered, hybrid and disabled-friendly among other features. The water metro will travel through water bodies, similar to any other traditional boat or ferry service, but will have modern facilities, enhanced security and safety measures.</p>

<p>How is the metro rail linked to the water metro?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kochi Water Metro has been imagined as Kochi metro rail's feeder service. The metro rail has been operational since 2017. The officials have designed the boats as Kochi Metro's coaches, meanwhile, the passenger entry and exit gates, boat terminals, safety measures and ticket counters have features similar to that of the metro rail service.</p>

<p>Electronic display boards have been installed in all jetties which inform about the boat service. Announcements will be made in Malayalam, Hindi and English when the services are operating in full swing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | PM Modi to launch India's first water metro in the city of Kochi</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-to-launch-indias-first-water-metro-in-the-city-of-kochi-585841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>First phase of water metro's commercial operation</strong></h2>

<p>The water metro boat services' commercial operation will start on April 26. The initial operation will be carried out on two routes which are Vyttila to Kakkanad and High Court to Vypin stretches. Eight boats will cover the two routes, each coming at the port at an interval of 15 minutes from 7 am to 8 pm.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system. Before inaugurating the services, PM Modi said that Kochi Water Metro would be a "significant enhancement" to the port city's infrastructure. The water metro service will provide electrically propelled hybrid ferries which will connect the mainland to the islands in Kochi, benefitting more than a lakh residents. During the inauguration, PM Modi said, "Today, Kerala got its first Vande Bharat Train while Kochi got its water metro. Various connectivity and development projects were inaugurated as well." "Kerala is a state of aware and educated people. Hard work and humility of people here are part of their identity," said the prime minister. ALSO READ | PM Modi flags off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train "Kochi Water Metro is a Made in India project, it's unique, I would like to congratulate Kochi Shipyard for making the ships. This project would create Inter Water Connectivity between the Jetty, Bus Terminals and Metro Network. It would also boost Backwater Tourism," he added. Before the inauguration, the prime minister shared a video of the warm welcome he received in Kochi. PM Modi wrote, "People from all walks of life came to shower their blessings in Kochi. Here are some glimpses. Unparalleled affection in Kochi. Have a look." What is the Kochi Water Metro project? The Kochi Water Metro project has been implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL) along with the assistance of Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, a German funding agency. The project includes boats which are air-conditioned, battery-powered, hybrid and disabled-friendly among other features. The water metro will travel through water bodies, similar to any other traditional boat or ferry service, but will have modern facilities, enhanced security and safety measures. How is the metro rail linked to the water metro? Kochi Water Metro has been imagined as Kochi metro rail's feeder service. The metro rail has been operational since 2017. The officials have designed the boats as Kochi Metro's coaches, meanwhile, the passenger entry and exit gates, boat terminals, safety measures and ticket counters have features similar to that of the metro rail service. Electronic display boards have been installed in all jetties which inform about the boat service. Announcements will be made in Malayalam, Hindi and English when the services are operating in full swing. WATCH | PM Modi to launch India's first water metro in the city of Kochi First phase of water metro's commercial operation The water metro boat services' commercial operation will start on April 26. The initial operation will be carried out on two routes which are Vyttila to Kakkanad and High Court to Vypin stretches. Eight boats will cover the two routes, each coming at the port at an interval of 15 minutes from 7 am to 8 pm. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi inaugurates India's first water metro in Kochi

<p>Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;To track down violations of the law, the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has installed up 726 AI cameras.</p>

<p>The violations that the AI camera will pick up on first are riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, riding with more than two passengers, using a phone while driving, and speeding through traffic lights.</p>

<p>In order to detect legal offences through cameras as part of the "Safe Kerala" project, the Motor Vehicle Department has opted to implement the "Fully Automated Traffic Enforcement System," claiming that roadside policing makes life difficult for the general public.</p>

<p>The AI cameras are solar-powered, and 4G LTE SIM is used to send data. The visual processing unit in the camera box will examine every vehicle. The control room of the Motor Vehicles Department will receive photos of the vehicles that violated traffic laws as well as the driver. A system is in place to gather six months' worth of infraction footage. According to the Motor Vehicles Department, up to 30,000 penalty notifications may be delivered in a single day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shab-e-qadr-prayers-held-in-srinagars-jamia-masjid-thousands-in-attendance-584072">Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands in attendance</a></p>

<p>Traffic violations will be checked and examined by motor vehicle inspectors before warnings are issued.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Kerala needs to take road safety more seriously?</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The reasons for the rise in road accidents in Kerala are poor adherence to safety regulations and improper infrastructure development. According to statistics, two-wheelers are the most dangerous on Kerala's roads, and two-wheeler riders suffer the most injuries, reported india Today.&nbsp;</div>

<p>Kerala reported 13,334 two-wheeler accidents in 2022. These mishaps resulted in 1,288 fatalities. In 10,154 two-wheeler accidents in 2021, 1,069 persons lost their lives.</p>

<p>4,317 people died and 34,638 were injured in a total of 43 910 traffic accidents in the state in 2022, according to government figures.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/schools-in-parts-of-india-disrupted-due-to-heatwave-584127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A total of 33,296 accidents resulted in 3,429 fatalities in 2021. 10,280 people suffered minor injuries compared to 26,495 serious injuries.</p>

<p>The district of Ernakulam in Kerala had the most accidents, 4,047 in total.</p>

<p>According to officials, people do not follow the regulations of the road, and carelessness (such as drunk driving or driver negligence) leads to accidents.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala.

Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala. To track down violations of the law, the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has installed up 726 AI cameras. The violations that the AI camera will pick up on first are riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, riding with more than two passengers, using a phone while driving, and speeding through traffic lights. In order to detect legal offences through cameras as part of the "Safe Kerala" project, the Motor Vehicle Department has opted to implement the "Fully Automated Traffic Enforcement System," claiming that roadside policing makes life difficult for the general public. The AI cameras are solar-powered, and 4G LTE SIM is used to send data. The visual processing unit in the camera box will examine every vehicle. The control room of the Motor Vehicles Department will receive photos of the vehicles that violated traffic laws as well as the driver. A system is in place to gather six months' worth of infraction footage. According to the Motor Vehicles Department, up to 30,000 penalty notifications may be delivered in a single day. ALSO READ | Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands in attendance Traffic violations will be checked and examined by motor vehicle inspectors before warnings are issued. Why Kerala needs to take road safety more seriously? The reasons for the rise in road accidents in Kerala are poor adherence to safety regulations and improper infrastructure development. According to statistics, two-wheelers are the most dangerous on Kerala's roads, and two-wheeler riders suffer the most injuries, reported india Today. Kerala reported 13,334 two-wheeler accidents in 2022. These mishaps resulted in 1,288 fatalities. In 10,154 two-wheeler accidents in 2021, 1,069 persons lost their lives. 4,317 people died and 34,638 were injured in a total of 43 910 traffic accidents in the state in 2022, according to government figures. ALSO WATCH | Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave A total of 33,296 accidents resulted in 3,429 fatalities in 2021. 10,280 people suffered minor injuries compared to 26,495 serious injuries. The district of Ernakulam in Kerala had the most accidents, 4,047 in total. According to officials, people do not follow the regulations of the road, and carelessness (such as drunk driving or driver negligence) leads to accidents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Kerala to install 726 AI cameras to monitor roads, catch traffic offenders. Details here

<p>Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’ is a fascinating place. Not only do its lush green environs, beautiful beaches and other allied natural forms of beauty inspire but so do its people and culture. Much is known about Kerala’s physical and natural beauty but not so much about its people and culture. While I am neither a sociologist nor an anthropologist, and thereby cannot develop a theory of the region’s culture but I do have some striking observations to make about it.</p>

<p>Let me begin with facts.</p>

<p>By the parameters of the Human Development Index (HDI), Kerala is the leading state in India. For those who are unfamiliar with HDI, devised by the UNDP. It is a distilled measure, and according to the same organisation, it is,‘ A summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development : a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and having a decent standard of living. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions'. On the face of it, this metric, measure or parameter should capture the nature of life and living in Kerala but what does it mean in practice?</p>

<p>Dis-aggregated, Kerala’s high HDI score (which does not correlate with per capita income-something that is, by a comparative yardstick low for the region) can be attributed to the nature of the state, governance and politics of the region- both in historic, comparative terms. But while not underplaying and demeaning these important variables, there’s more to Kerala than these. And that is its people and the philosophical grid that they are informed and inspired by. Before according the proverbial flesh to this assertion, let me delineate and describe the tenor of daily life in Kerala. &nbsp;It would then be easy to infer the philosophy that guides Keralites in their lives.</p>

<p>I will begin by making a general observation: a place is as good as its people and the vibes they exude. In this schema, the people of Kerala send out a positive vibe. It is neither overdone nor underdone; it is what it is-a very natural vibe that meshes with the tenor of life here- relaxed, non-aggressive and even happy or content. You can see some people walking barefoot with the lungis peculiar to this region just hanging over their groin areas. While you won't go unnoticed in Kerala as an outsider, but you will neither be glared at, nor stared at. Touts will not harass you nor will so-called guides or storefront people. In this sense, as an outsider, you just blend in. If you get lost in some area, and then ask for directions, a store owner will leave his premises and actually walk with you to ensure you will find your way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Invariably, people acknowledge you in a polite, non-aggressive way and smile at you (These are not fake smiles.). There are hardly any beggars in Kerala. The very few visible ones are often times from other states. The nature and flow of traffic is smooth. I did see or observe any instance of road rage, not even blaring honking of horns. Women are ubiquitous in public life- from hotel receptionists, to clerks in government departments, to kiosk owners to managers and, yes, in public protests that are as polite and civil as can be.</p>

<p>Walk into a store and you will not be accosted by either a sulking, brooding salesperson or an aggressive one. The salesperson will be there for you in an unobtrusive, non-aggressive manner ready to help when you ask for it but will leave you alone if you don’t want it. In general, the people of Kerala are unassuming precisely like their dwellings (mostly observed in and around the town and city of Trivandrum). You will not see garish multi-storeyed buildings that are a throwback to conspicuous consumption nor will you see flashy huge cars. The houses are usually modest- mostly two-storey ones and motor cars are typically the ones owned and used by the middle classes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall there is a relaxed tone to life here in Kerala. Peak hours - morning and evening- are rush hours like everywhere else but there is no rashness, or madness to these hours. There is flow and there is discipline. Yes, generally, zebra crossings are not respected but this is the glaring exception to an otherwise outstandingly and extraordinarily decent place.</p>

<p>These are everyday snippets of life in Kerala. But these are unusual for cities anywhere. What, the question is, explains the extra-ordinariness of Kerala? Yes, governance, the state’s HDI and so on all are relevant factors and variables. I will hark back to my hypothesis and assertion to put this into perspective: A place, any place is as good as its people and the energy they exude. This energy is a reflection of what is within, the shining light at the heart of people’s consciousness (and to the contrary the dark matter within if there is negative energy). It is this shining light within Keralites that makes Kerala extraordinarily special. But this shining light cannot be accrued on its own. There has to be a guiding philosophical beacon for this to emanate. I believe- strongly and firmly- that this beacon, the philosophy from which emanates this radiant and positive energy is the matra that appears to inspire every Keralite: Simple living and High thinking.</p>

<p>I am about to leave Kerala but I can already sense and feel that I have absorbed the positivity of the place. I feel lighter and relaxed. I will visit again with a prayer and a hope: May you Kerala always remain like this!</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’ is a fascinating place. Not only do its lush green environs, beautiful beaches and other allied natural forms of beauty inspire but so do its people and culture.

Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’ is a fascinating place. Not only do its lush green environs, beautiful beaches and other allied natural forms of beauty inspire but so do its people and culture. Much is known about Kerala’s physical and natural beauty but not so much about its people and culture. While I am neither a sociologist nor an anthropologist, and thereby cannot develop a theory of the region’s culture but I do have some striking observations to make about it. Let me begin with facts. By the parameters of the Human Development Index (HDI), Kerala is the leading state in India. For those who are unfamiliar with HDI, devised by the UNDP. It is a distilled measure, and according to the same organisation, it is,‘ A summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development : a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and having a decent standard of living. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions'. On the face of it, this metric, measure or parameter should capture the nature of life and living in Kerala but what does it mean in practice? Dis-aggregated, Kerala’s high HDI score (which does not correlate with per capita income-something that is, by a comparative yardstick low for the region) can be attributed to the nature of the state, governance and politics of the region- both in historic, comparative terms. But while not underplaying and demeaning these important variables, there’s more to Kerala than these. And that is its people and the philosophical grid that they are informed and inspired by. Before according the proverbial flesh to this assertion, let me delineate and describe the tenor of daily life in Kerala. It would then be easy to infer the philosophy that guides Keralites in their lives. I will begin by making a general observation: a place is as good as its people and the vibes they exude. In this schema, the people of Kerala send out a positive vibe. It is neither overdone nor underdone; it is what it is-a very natural vibe that meshes with the tenor of life here- relaxed, non-aggressive and even happy or content. You can see some people walking barefoot with the lungis peculiar to this region just hanging over their groin areas. While you won't go unnoticed in Kerala as an outsider, but you will neither be glared at, nor stared at. Touts will not harass you nor will so-called guides or storefront people. In this sense, as an outsider, you just blend in. If you get lost in some area, and then ask for directions, a store owner will leave his premises and actually walk with you to ensure you will find your way. Invariably, people acknowledge you in a polite, non-aggressive way and smile at you (These are not fake smiles.). There are hardly any beggars in Kerala. The very few visible ones are often times from other states. The nature and flow of traffic is smooth. I did see or observe any instance of road rage, not even blaring honking of horns. Women are ubiquitous in public life- from hotel receptionists, to clerks in government departments, to kiosk owners to managers and, yes, in public protests that are as polite and civil as can be. Walk into a store and you will not be accosted by either a sulking, brooding salesperson or an aggressive one. The salesperson will be there for you in an unobtrusive, non-aggressive manner ready to help when you ask for it but will leave you alone if you don’t want it. In general, the people of Kerala are unassuming precisely like their dwellings (mostly observed in and around the town and city of Trivandrum). You will not see garish multi-storeyed buildings that are a throwback to conspicuous consumption nor will you see flashy huge cars. The houses are usually modest- mostly two-storey ones and motor cars are typically the ones owned and used by the middle classes. Overall there is a relaxed tone to life here in Kerala. Peak hours - morning and evening- are rush hours like everywhere else but there is no rashness, or madness to these hours. There is flow and there is discipline. Yes, generally, zebra crossings are not respected but this is the glaring exception to an otherwise outstandingly and extraordinarily decent place. These are everyday snippets of life in Kerala. But these are unusual for cities anywhere. What, the question is, explains the extra-ordinariness of Kerala? Yes, governance, the state’s HDI and so on all are relevant factors and variables. I will hark back to my hypothesis and assertion to put this into perspective: A place, any place is as good as its people and the energy they exude. This energy is a reflection of what is within, the shining light at the heart of people’s consciousness (and to the contrary the dark matter within if there is negative energy). It is this shining light within Keralites that makes Kerala extraordinarily special. But this shining light cannot be accrued on its own. There has to be a guiding philosophical beacon for this to emanate. I believe- strongly and firmly- that this beacon, the philosophy from which emanates this radiant and positive energy is the matra that appears to inspire every Keralite: Simple living and High thinking. I am about to leave Kerala but I can already sense and feel that I have absorbed the positivity of the place. I feel lighter and relaxed. I will visit again with a prayer and a hope: May you Kerala always remain like this! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Blog | Simple living, high thinking explains Kerala ‘s extraordinariness

<p>The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered the capture, radio-collaring, and translocation of Arikomban, a rogue wild elephant wreaking havoc in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara regions of Idukki district.</p>

<p>The court has also instructed the district collector of Idukki to personally oversee the tusker's transfer to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.</p>

<p>An expert committee appointed by the High Court to recommend steps to keep Arikomban from roaming among human settlements released a report advocating the animal's capture and translocation.</p>

<p>The HC said, “No celebrations or beating of drums or bursting of crackers shall be allowed anywhere near the animal after its capture or during its transport.”</p>

<p>The Kerala High Court had rejected the plea of the forest department to tranquilise and capture the wild elephant on March 29.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Kerala High Court scheduled a special night session for the first time to hear petitions from campaigners to preserve the rights of wild animals and to halt an operation to capture Arikomban, a wild elephant, till March 29.</p>

<p>Kerala's forest department had planned to employ four Kumki elephants, Kunju, Konni Surendran, Suryan, and Vikram, to catch 'Arikomban,' the rogue&nbsp;wild elephant causing havoc in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara region, a hilly section of Kerala's Idukki district. Arikomban was given the name of a wild tusker. (Ari: rice, Kombam: tusker).</p>

<p>The decision was reached by a division bench comprised of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and P Gopinath.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered the capture, radio-collaring, and translocation of Arikomban, a rogue wild elephant wreaking havoc in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara regions of Idukki district.

The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered the capture, radio-collaring, and translocation of Arikomban, a rogue wild elephant wreaking havoc in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara regions of Idukki district. The court has also instructed the district collector of Idukki to personally oversee the tusker's transfer to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. An expert committee appointed by the High Court to recommend steps to keep Arikomban from roaming among human settlements released a report advocating the animal's capture and translocation. The HC said, “No celebrations or beating of drums or bursting of crackers shall be allowed anywhere near the animal after its capture or during its transport.” The Kerala High Court had rejected the plea of the forest department to tranquilise and capture the wild elephant on March 29. Earlier, the Kerala High Court scheduled a special night session for the first time to hear petitions from campaigners to preserve the rights of wild animals and to halt an operation to capture Arikomban, a wild elephant, till March 29. Kerala's forest department had planned to employ four Kumki elephants, Kunju, Konni Surendran, Suryan, and Vikram, to catch 'Arikomban,' the rogue wild elephant causing havoc in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara region, a hilly section of Kerala's Idukki district. Arikomban was given the name of a wild tusker. (Ari: rice, Kombam: tusker). The decision was reached by a division bench comprised of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and P Gopinath. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Court orders capture, radio-collaring, translocation of rogue elephant Arikomban

The Indian Space Research Organisation on Sunday successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX). The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka, the national agency headquartered here said.

India's unmanned autonomous space vehicle, as light as an SUV

<p>Three people lost their lives and several others suffered burn injuries after an unidentified person set his co-passengers on fire after pouring inflammable oil on them inside Alapuzha-Kannur Express' &nbsp;D-1 coach around 9.50 pm on Sunday after the train departed from Kozhikode railway station in north Kerala, said the police. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The police discovered three bodies, including one of an infant, on the railway tracks as they suspected that the people may have jumped out of the moving train in panic. Two, of the three killed, were identified as Toufiq and Rehana.</p>

<p>Terrorism angle was not ruled out by the police as a bag was discovered from the tracks which contained another bottle of petrol, as well as, two mobile phones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per an eyewitness, just after the train halted on a bridge along the Korapuzha river, a man who appeared in his thirties, jumped out of the train and fled on a bike which was present there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/keralas-first-transgender-lawyer-padma-lakshmi-aspires-to-be-the-voice-of-the-poor-574308">Kerala's first transgender lawyer: Padma Lakshmi aspires to be the voice of the poor</a></p>

<p>The visuals of the assailant have been recovered by the police from CCTV footage of a neighbourhood house and the incident was suspected of a well-planned attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the passengers who suffered injuries told the police that the accused suddenly took out a bottle filled with an inflammable substance and started spraying it on co-passengers. Before anyone could react, he lit the fire and fled from the scene.</p>

<p>As per reports, the man had an argument with one of his co-passengers after which he poured the petrol.</p>

<p>"Anilkumar from Thalasseri, his wife Sajisha, their son Advait, Ruby from Kannur and Prince from Thrissur, are among the passengers who were injured," said sources, as per news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Kerala: Anonymous donor donates huge sum for child's treatment | India</strong></p>

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<p>The train was halted at Elathur and the fire incident was reported to the railway authorities.</p>

<p>The incident took place between &nbsp;Elathur and Koyilandi railway stations.</p>

<p>A press conference will be held by the Kozhikode police commissioner later in the day. As per reports, central intelligence agencies have asked for the details of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Three people lost their lives and several others suffered burn injuries after an unidentified person set his co-passengers on fire after pouring inflammable oil on them inside Alapuzha-Kannur Express' D-1 coach around 9.

Three people lost their lives and several others suffered burn injuries after an unidentified person set his co-passengers on fire after pouring inflammable oil on them inside Alapuzha-Kannur Express' D-1 coach around 9.50 pm on Sunday after the train departed from Kozhikode railway station in north Kerala, said the police. The police discovered three bodies, including one of an infant, on the railway tracks as they suspected that the people may have jumped out of the moving train in panic. Two, of the three killed, were identified as Toufiq and Rehana. Terrorism angle was not ruled out by the police as a bag was discovered from the tracks which contained another bottle of petrol, as well as, two mobile phones. As per an eyewitness, just after the train halted on a bridge along the Korapuzha river, a man who appeared in his thirties, jumped out of the train and fled on a bike which was present there. ALSO READ | Kerala's first transgender lawyer: Padma Lakshmi aspires to be the voice of the poor The visuals of the assailant have been recovered by the police from CCTV footage of a neighbourhood house and the incident was suspected of a well-planned attack. One of the passengers who suffered injuries told the police that the accused suddenly took out a bottle filled with an inflammable substance and started spraying it on co-passengers. Before anyone could react, he lit the fire and fled from the scene. As per reports, the man had an argument with one of his co-passengers after which he poured the petrol. "Anilkumar from Thalasseri, his wife Sajisha, their son Advait, Ruby from Kannur and Prince from Thrissur, are among the passengers who were injured," said sources, as per news agency PTI. WATCH | Kerala: Anonymous donor donates huge sum for child's treatment | India The train was halted at Elathur and the fire incident was reported to the railway authorities. The incident took place between Elathur and Koyilandi railway stations. A press conference will be held by the Kozhikode police commissioner later in the day. As per reports, central intelligence agencies have asked for the details of the incident. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kerala: Man sets co-passengers on fire in train, 3 killed

The Indian space agency has announced that its largest rocket LVM3 will be launched at 9am on March 26 from the second launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This will be the rocket's sixth mission overall and its second commercial mission.

India's largest rocket LVM3 to perform second commercial mission on March 26

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