<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 />
<br />
&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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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>
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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>

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<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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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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 />
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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

<p>Kerala's Padma Lakshmi registered as an advocate with the state's Bar Council, becoming the first transgender lawyer in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I ignore all forms of negativity, be it people or their comments. I focus on the positive. I believe that is one of my advantages. If I focus on the negativity, I will have time only for that and will never move forward in life," she told PTI.</p>

<p>P Rajeev, the state's industries minister, expressed&nbsp;his delight&nbsp;and posted a photo of the lawyer on his official Instagram handle.</p>

<p>As per the minister's post, Padma Lakshmi was one of the more than 1,500 recent law graduates who received their bar enrolment certificates on Sunday at an event hosted by the Bar Council of India. Padma Lakshmi received her law degree from Ernakulam Government Law College, as per PTI reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajeev applauded the young lawyer's perseverance in his Instagram post, noting that she had to navigate a society that was not quite supportive or kind to her.</p>

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<p>"Congratulations to Padma Lakshmi who overcame all the hurdles of life and enrolled as the first transgender advocate in Kerala. Becoming the first is always the hardest achievement in history. There are no predecessors on the way to the goal. Obstacles will be inevitable. There will be people to mute and discourage. Padma Lakshmi has written her name in the legal history by overcoming all this," Rajeev said in the post translated from Malayalam to English, as reported by NDTV.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-nisha-desai-biswal-indian-origin-woman-nominated-by-biden-as-deputy-ceo-of-us-finance-agency-574279">Meet Nisha Desai Biswal: Indian-origin woman nominated by Biden as deputy CEO of US finance agency</a></p>

<p>The heartwarming tweet thrilled users, and several of them used the red heart emoji to express their happiness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congrats and welcome to the Advocate community,"&nbsp;said one user in response to the minister's post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media users are praising Padma Lakshmi's accomplishment in the wake of Joyita Mondal, who was appointed as India's first transgender judge in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Kerala's Padma Lakshmi registered as an advocate with the state's Bar Council, becoming the first transgender lawyer in the state. "I ignore all forms of negativity, be it people or their comments.

Kerala's Padma Lakshmi registered as an advocate with the state's Bar Council, becoming the first transgender lawyer in the state. "I ignore all forms of negativity, be it people or their comments. I focus on the positive. I believe that is one of my advantages. If I focus on the negativity, I will have time only for that and will never move forward in life," she told PTI. P Rajeev, the state's industries minister, expressed his delight and posted a photo of the lawyer on his official Instagram handle. As per the minister's post, Padma Lakshmi was one of the more than 1,500 recent law graduates who received their bar enrolment certificates on Sunday at an event hosted by the Bar Council of India. Padma Lakshmi received her law degree from Ernakulam Government Law College, as per PTI reports. Rajeev applauded the young lawyer's perseverance in his Instagram post, noting that she had to navigate a society that was not quite supportive or kind to her. View this post on Instagram A post shared by P Rajeev (@prajeevofficial) × "Congratulations to Padma Lakshmi who overcame all the hurdles of life and enrolled as the first transgender advocate in Kerala. Becoming the first is always the hardest achievement in history. There are no predecessors on the way to the goal. Obstacles will be inevitable. There will be people to mute and discourage. Padma Lakshmi has written her name in the legal history by overcoming all this," Rajeev said in the post translated from Malayalam to English, as reported by NDTV. ALSO READ | Meet Nisha Desai Biswal: Indian-origin woman nominated by Biden as deputy CEO of US finance agency The heartwarming tweet thrilled users, and several of them used the red heart emoji to express their happiness. "Congrats and welcome to the Advocate community," said one user in response to the minister's post. Social media users are praising Padma Lakshmi's accomplishment in the wake of Joyita Mondal, who was appointed as India's first transgender judge in West Bengal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kerala's first transgender lawyer: Padma Lakshmi aspires to be the voice of the poor

With the establishment of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1963 at Thumba, a location close to the magnetic equator, there was a quantum jump in the scope for aeronomy and atmospheric sciences in India.

WION at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space centre

ISRO launches 'RH-200' sounding rocket. WION gets this exclusive report from the ISRO centre in Kerala, India.

ISRO launches 'RH-200' sounding rocket

"VSSC's main job is to develop space transportation systems. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre has also designed and developed the crew module for Indian astronauts", says Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, in conversation with WION's Sidharth MP on key activities and more.

WION reaches ISRO's centre in Kerala, India

Attukal Pongala, the largest festival of women in the world, began in the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. This year, the festival is witnessing huge participation of devotees.

WION at Attukal Pongala - World's largest gathering of women

<p>For five days firefighters in India’s southern Kochi city in Kerala state have been battling to douse the fire at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram.</p>

<p>Authorities on Monday said that the fire has been brought under control as the efforts are on to contain the smoke billowing out from the burning plastic garbage.</p>

<p>Though it is unclear what led to the massive blaze, a firefighter told the PTI news agency that heaps of plastic had heated up underneath the mounds of waste.</p>

<p>Such massive landfills are prone to natural fires, mostly because of the methane generated as the waste decomposes.</p>

<p>The toxic smoke is also affecting the operation as firefighters are coming down with nausea and dizziness. According to reports, at least 20 officials from the fire department had developed breathing issues from exposure to the smoke.</p>

<p>In light of these developments, civic authorities shut down schools for young children, and have advised residents to say indoors and use N-95 masks while stepping out.</p>

<p>The Brahmapuram waste plant, which is located at the outskirts of Kochi city, is known for its massive mounds of waste. The plant is owned and operated by Kochi city authorities.</p>

<p>Kerala’s health minister said that the administration has made all the arrangements in the city’s hospitals to treat patients with respiratory diseases. He, however, said that no major health issues had been reported so far.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, state agencies, including Kerala High Court and the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have taken up the issue following media reports on health issues due to smoke in different parts of the city and adjoining areas.</p>

<p>A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court will consider the issue on Tuesday after the opposition leader VD Satheesan brought up the issue in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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For five days firefighters in India’s southern Kochi city in Kerala state have been battling to douse the fire at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram. Authorities on Monday said that the fire has been brought under control as the efforts are on to contain the smoke billowing out from the burning plastic garbage.

For five days firefighters in India’s southern Kochi city in Kerala state have been battling to douse the fire at the waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram. Authorities on Monday said that the fire has been brought under control as the efforts are on to contain the smoke billowing out from the burning plastic garbage. Though it is unclear what led to the massive blaze, a firefighter told the PTI news agency that heaps of plastic had heated up underneath the mounds of waste. Such massive landfills are prone to natural fires, mostly because of the methane generated as the waste decomposes. The toxic smoke is also affecting the operation as firefighters are coming down with nausea and dizziness. According to reports, at least 20 officials from the fire department had developed breathing issues from exposure to the smoke. In light of these developments, civic authorities shut down schools for young children, and have advised residents to say indoors and use N-95 masks while stepping out. The Brahmapuram waste plant, which is located at the outskirts of Kochi city, is known for its massive mounds of waste. The plant is owned and operated by Kochi city authorities. Kerala’s health minister said that the administration has made all the arrangements in the city’s hospitals to treat patients with respiratory diseases. He, however, said that no major health issues had been reported so far. Meanwhile, state agencies, including Kerala High Court and the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have taken up the issue following media reports on health issues due to smoke in different parts of the city and adjoining areas. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court will consider the issue on Tuesday after the opposition leader VD Satheesan brought up the issue in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Massive fire breaks out at Kerala's solid waste plant,  operations delayed due to toxic smoke

<p>A temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala has taken a revolutionary step by introducing a robot elephant to do religious rituals. This move towards holding religious events in a "cruelty-free manner" comes after years of concerns by animal activists. As per a BBC report, the mechanical robot has been donated to the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and actress Parvathy Thiruvothu. The robot, which is made of an iron frame, is 11 feet tall and weighs 800 kg. The initiative is reportedly part of a pledge to stop using live animals for festivities.</p>

<p>Animal welfare organisations have for years flagged the "cruel" treatment temple animals face. Just last week, the Centre for Research on Animal Rights wrote to Kerala's chief minister regarding the increasing mortality of captive elephants in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages?</strong></p>

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<p>The letter alleged that between 2018 and 2023, the mortality of the large mammal increased significantly, with over&nbsp;138 captive elephants&nbsp;dying over the period of five years.</p>

<p>"It's high time we made stronger and more impactful strides towards stopping such abuse and letting animals have respectful and dignified lives," said the organisation.</p>

<p>Take a look at the realistic robot elephant here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mechanical elephant Irinjadappilly Raman will be used in the temple’s rituals.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElephantRobotRaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElephantRobotRaman</a> <a href="https://t.co/lUUnFEVBaN">pic.twitter.com/lUUnFEVBaN</a></p>
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/1629824167867711489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/parvatweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parvatweets</a> has given her seal of approval, too!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElephantRobotRaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElephantRobotRaman</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ukav8anw0J">pic.twitter.com/Ukav8anw0J</a></p>
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/1629830867437887489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/120-billion-wiped-out-in-seven-days-of-indian-stocks-meltdown-566701">$120 billion wiped out in seven days of Indian stocks meltdown</a></strong></p>

<p>Rajkumar Namboothiri, a priest at the temple while talking to Indian Express newspaper, said that they were happy with the donation.</p>

<p>"We hope other temples will also think about replacing elephants with robotic elephants for their rituals," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-19-year-old-indian-teenager-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-while-dancing-566663">VIDEO | 19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing</a></strong></p>

<p>However, not everyone is happy with the step. Some people on Twitter were quick to label it an experiment with Hindu culture. Others hailed the move. As one user put it, "who says science and religion cannot come together?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala has taken a revolutionary step by introducing a robot elephant to do religious rituals. This move towards holding religious events in a "cruelty-free manner" comes after years of concerns by animal activists.

A temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala has taken a revolutionary step by introducing a robot elephant to do religious rituals. This move towards holding religious events in a "cruelty-free manner" comes after years of concerns by animal activists. As per a BBC report, the mechanical robot has been donated to the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and actress Parvathy Thiruvothu. The robot, which is made of an iron frame, is 11 feet tall and weighs 800 kg. The initiative is reportedly part of a pledge to stop using live animals for festivities. Animal welfare organisations have for years flagged the "cruel" treatment temple animals face. Just last week, the Centre for Research on Animal Rights wrote to Kerala's chief minister regarding the increasing mortality of captive elephants in the state. Watch | 'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages? The letter alleged that between 2018 and 2023, the mortality of the large mammal increased significantly, with over 138 captive elephants dying over the period of five years. "It's high time we made stronger and more impactful strides towards stopping such abuse and letting animals have respectful and dignified lives," said the organisation. Take a look at the realistic robot elephant here: Mechanical elephant Irinjadappilly Raman will be used in the temple’s rituals.#ElephantRobotRaman pic.twitter.com/lUUnFEVBaN — PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 26, 2023 × .@parvatweets has given her seal of approval, too!#ElephantRobotRaman pic.twitter.com/Ukav8anw0J — PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 26, 2023 × Also read | $120 billion wiped out in seven days of Indian stocks meltdown Rajkumar Namboothiri, a priest at the temple while talking to Indian Express newspaper, said that they were happy with the donation. "We hope other temples will also think about replacing elephants with robotic elephants for their rituals," he said. Also read | VIDEO | 19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing However, not everyone is happy with the step. Some people on Twitter were quick to label it an experiment with Hindu culture. Others hailed the move. As one user put it, "who says science and religion cannot come together?" (With inputs from agencies) 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.

When science and religion come together: Indian temple unveils realistic robot elephant. Watch it here!

Call it the power of the internet or height of human benevolence, this incident from India's Southern state of Kerala is sure to warm your heart. A couple looking to raise a huge sum of money for their child's treatment received more than 70 percent of that sum required from a single donor.

Kerala: Anonymous donor donates huge sum for child's treatment | India

A transgender couple gave birth to a baby at a government hospital. However, the trans couple has not disclosed the gender identity of the newborn. Ziya Paval, 21, and her partner Zahad, 23 were in the process of gender transition when they decided to have a baby.

India's first Trans biological parents

<p>A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral</p>

<p>Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Announcing the delivery, Paval uploaded a photo of the baby who was born almost a month before the due date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/transgender-cops-to-partake-in-indias-republic-day-parade-in-chhattisgarh-555888">Transgender cops to participate in India’s Republic Day parade in Chhattisgarh</a></p>

<p>Paval said that both Zahad and the baby are healthy and doing fine. Paval and Zahad, have stated that becoming parents was their dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their pregnancy has been called a rarity in India because "no one else has called themselves a biological parent in the transgender community as far as we know", the couple had said while speaking to the BBC earlier this week.</p>

<p><img alt="pr" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e8f5426-60fc-4ceb-b6f2-e2544f562b6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_3.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Transgender couple plans a bright future</strong></p>

<p>When the couple decided to have a baby, one-and-a-half years ago, the two were at different stages of their respective gender transition processes. As per the doctor's advice, they had paused their hormone therapy.</p>

<p>Sharing the photo of the baby on Wednesday, the couple expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers sent by their well-wishers.</p>

<p>After the birth of the baby was announced, the couple's social media pages have been flooded with congratulatory messages.</p>

<p>The couple had earlier stated that after the baby is born, they will have to find more jobs to make ends meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="ps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="220d1fb6-1d1f-4e9a-bb88-71ffda468bf8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_3.png" /></p>

<p>"It is very difficult to survive," Paval said, further adding that she will add more dance students to her class.</p>

<p>"Zahad will go back to work about two months after the baby is born. Then I will take care of the baby," Paval added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest</strong></p>

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<p>The couple stated that their pregnancy was welcomed very warmly by the transgender community.</p>

<p>"Of course, there are people both within the transgender community as well as outside who believe in stereotypes. They think a trans man cannot be carrying a baby. [But] it doesn't matter," Paval stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="pk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="898daee7-5e3d-45e6-a066-14eaf885d652" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_3.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Story so far&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Three years ago, Zahad and Paval had met, at a time when both of them had estranged relations with their families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am from a conservative Muslim family which never allowed me to learn classical dance. (My parents) were orthodox to the point that they used to cut my hair so that I did not dance," Paval narrated</p>

<p>She said that she had left her home to take part in a youth festival and after that, she never returned. She received training in dance at a transgender community centre and now she teaches the art to students in Kozhikode.</p>

<p>Zahad is an accountant and belongs to a Christian family from Thiruvananthapuram's fishing community. Currently, he is employed at a supermarket.</p>

<p>After coming out as a transgender, he left his family. However, after pregnancy, the couple was accepted by his family. "They are helping Zahad during the pregnancy," Paval said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning.

A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning. Announcing the delivery, Paval uploaded a photo of the baby who was born almost a month before the due date. ALSO READ | Transgender cops to participate in India’s Republic Day parade in Chhattisgarh Paval said that both Zahad and the baby are healthy and doing fine. Paval and Zahad, have stated that becoming parents was their dream. Their pregnancy has been called a rarity in India because "no one else has called themselves a biological parent in the transgender community as far as we know", the couple had said while speaking to the BBC earlier this week. Transgender couple plans a bright future When the couple decided to have a baby, one-and-a-half years ago, the two were at different stages of their respective gender transition processes. As per the doctor's advice, they had paused their hormone therapy. Sharing the photo of the baby on Wednesday, the couple expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers sent by their well-wishers. After the birth of the baby was announced, the couple's social media pages have been flooded with congratulatory messages. The couple had earlier stated that after the baby is born, they will have to find more jobs to make ends meet. "It is very difficult to survive," Paval said, further adding that she will add more dance students to her class. "Zahad will go back to work about two months after the baby is born. Then I will take care of the baby," Paval added. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest The couple stated that their pregnancy was welcomed very warmly by the transgender community. "Of course, there are people both within the transgender community as well as outside who believe in stereotypes. They think a trans man cannot be carrying a baby. [But] it doesn't matter," Paval stated. Story so far Three years ago, Zahad and Paval had met, at a time when both of them had estranged relations with their families. "I am from a conservative Muslim family which never allowed me to learn classical dance. (My parents) were orthodox to the point that they used to cut my hair so that I did not dance," Paval narrated She said that she had left her home to take part in a youth festival and after that, she never returned. She received training in dance at a transgender community centre and now she teaches the art to students in Kozhikode. Zahad is an accountant and belongs to a Christian family from Thiruvananthapuram's fishing community. Currently, he is employed at a supermarket. After coming out as a transgender, he left his family. However, after pregnancy, the couple was accepted by his family. "They are helping Zahad during the pregnancy," Paval said. (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

Tears of joy | Kerala's transgender couple, whose pregnancy photos went viral, welcomes baby

A strange case has surfaced wherein a Kerala-native man, who reportedly went missing seven months ago and was presumed dead and even cremated, was found alive and well in Goa.

36-year-old Deepak who reportedly died in Kerala, found in Goa

<p>The police and the Excise department have carried out a series of drug hauls in the Indian state of Kerala which led to a sharp increase in cases related to banned tobacco products, liquor and narcotics in 2022, indicating the state's new and escalating problem of drugs.</p>

<p>As per the data, 26,629 cases were registered by the police under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2022, which is an increase of 300 per cent compared to 5,924 cases registered in 2016 and 188 per cent when compared to 9,245 cases registered in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-legalise-use-of-mdma-and-magic-mushrooms-for-treating-depression-post-trauma-stress-558658">Australia to legalise use of MDMA and magic mushrooms for treating depression</a></p>

<p>As the data reflects, the cases have steadily increased since 2016, and have only witnessed a dip in the numbers in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, and now the numbers have sharply shot up in 2022.</p>

<p>The Excise data's analysis shows that there was an 87.47 per cent increase in the number of people arrested in the cases filed under the NDPS Act between 2016 and 2022, from 3,217 to 6,031, as the number of cases registered between the same years increased by 104 per cent.</p>

<p>The number of cases increased steadily even though there was only a marginal increase in the number of raids from 1,39,366 in 2016 to 1,44,200 in 2022.</p>

<p>The cases registered under the NDPS Act by the Excise department also reflect the steady increase from 2016, as the highest number of cases get registered in 2019 in a span of six years.</p>

<p>Drug offences are handled by both the Excise departments and police under the NDPS Act, as the quantum of punishment varies on the quantity of drugs seized.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: British Columbia decriminalises hard drugs</strong></p>

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<p>Additional Director-General Police and Excise Commissioner S Ananthakrishnan said that such an increase in drug-related cases in the state is a factor of both “strict enforcement and raids” and the contraband's easier access.</p>

<p>“Accessibility of synthetic drugs such as MDMA and LSD has increased. Youngsters are now aware about the availability of synthetic drugs. There is also peer pressure to explore these drugs,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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The police and the Excise department have carried out a series of drug hauls in the Indian state of Kerala which led to a sharp increase in cases related to banned tobacco products, liquor and narcotics in 2022, indicating the state's new and escalating problem of drugs.

The police and the Excise department have carried out a series of drug hauls in the Indian state of Kerala which led to a sharp increase in cases related to banned tobacco products, liquor and narcotics in 2022, indicating the state's new and escalating problem of drugs. As per the data, 26,629 cases were registered by the police under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2022, which is an increase of 300 per cent compared to 5,924 cases registered in 2016 and 188 per cent when compared to 9,245 cases registered in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. ALSO READ | Australia to legalise use of MDMA and magic mushrooms for treating depression As the data reflects, the cases have steadily increased since 2016, and have only witnessed a dip in the numbers in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, and now the numbers have sharply shot up in 2022. The Excise data's analysis shows that there was an 87.47 per cent increase in the number of people arrested in the cases filed under the NDPS Act between 2016 and 2022, from 3,217 to 6,031, as the number of cases registered between the same years increased by 104 per cent. The number of cases increased steadily even though there was only a marginal increase in the number of raids from 1,39,366 in 2016 to 1,44,200 in 2022. The cases registered under the NDPS Act by the Excise department also reflect the steady increase from 2016, as the highest number of cases get registered in 2019 in a span of six years. Drug offences are handled by both the Excise departments and police under the NDPS Act, as the quantum of punishment varies on the quantity of drugs seized. WATCH | Gravitas: British Columbia decriminalises hard drugs Additional Director-General Police and Excise Commissioner S Ananthakrishnan said that such an increase in drug-related cases in the state is a factor of both “strict enforcement and raids” and the contraband's easier access. “Accessibility of synthetic drugs such as MDMA and LSD has increased. Youngsters are now aware about the availability of synthetic drugs. There is also peer pressure to explore these drugs,” he said. (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's drug issue escalates, as cases jump by 300 per cent in six years

The man identified as Deepak, 36, a resident of Meppayur, Kozhikode was reported missing on July 7, 2022, from his home and was untraceable for months. A man from Kozhikode (Calicut) in Kerala, who was missing for eight months and presumed dead, was found alive and well in Goa on Wednesday, police said. Watch this video to know more.

Declared dead and cremated, Kerala man shows up in Goa

<p>India’s southern Kerala state on Monday recorded two cases of norovirus— a gastrointestinal zoonotic disease that is transmitted through close contact who have already been infected.</p>

<p>According to PTI news agency, two students of Class 1 and 2 of a school at Kakkanad were found to be infected with the virus.</p>

<p>Following the detection of two cases, around 62 students of the school and a few parents developed similar symptoms after which two samples were sent for testing at the State Public Laboratory.</p>

<p>“The health condition of the children is stable. The Health Department personnel inspected the school which is now temporarily closed. We are holding online awareness sessions to the children and parents. The classrooms and the toilets have now been sanitised," the District Medical Officer said in a statement.</p>

<p>This is the second time that the state has reported norovirus outbreak. Last year, two children were found infected with the same virus at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<h2><strong>What is norovirus?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the World Health Organisation, norovirus is a viral illness which is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis globally with symptoms including acute onset diarrhoea and vomiting.</p>

<p>The virus is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated water, food and surfaces.</p>

<p>According to the state health department, initial symptoms include vomiting and/or diarrhoea, head and body aches.</p>

<p>Though the virus usually has mild effects on healthy people, it can cause severe abdominal illness in young children, the elderly, and people with other medical conditions.</p>

<p>The first case in Kerala was recorded in the Alappuzha district in June last year. In 2021, around 950 cases linked to norovirus were reported from the same locality and adjoining areas. The outbreak lasted for one-and-a-half months.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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India’s southern Kerala state on Monday recorded two cases of norovirus— a gastrointestinal zoonotic disease that is transmitted through close contact who have already been infected.

India’s southern Kerala state on Monday recorded two cases of norovirus— a gastrointestinal zoonotic disease that is transmitted through close contact who have already been infected. According to PTI news agency, two students of Class 1 and 2 of a school at Kakkanad were found to be infected with the virus. Following the detection of two cases, around 62 students of the school and a few parents developed similar symptoms after which two samples were sent for testing at the State Public Laboratory. “The health condition of the children is stable. The Health Department personnel inspected the school which is now temporarily closed. We are holding online awareness sessions to the children and parents. The classrooms and the toilets have now been sanitised," the District Medical Officer said in a statement. This is the second time that the state has reported norovirus outbreak. Last year, two children were found infected with the same virus at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram. What is norovirus? According to the World Health Organisation, norovirus is a viral illness which is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis globally with symptoms including acute onset diarrhoea and vomiting. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated water, food and surfaces. According to the state health department, initial symptoms include vomiting and/or diarrhoea, head and body aches. Though the virus usually has mild effects on healthy people, it can cause severe abdominal illness in young children, the elderly, and people with other medical conditions. The first case in Kerala was recorded in the Alappuzha district in June last year. In 2021, around 950 cases linked to norovirus were reported from the same locality and adjoining areas. The outbreak lasted for one-and-a-half months. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Multiple cases of norovirus found in India’s Kerala. Here’s all you need to know about the zoonotic disease

<p>Many universities in India’s southern Kerala state have decided to extend menstrual leave&nbsp;to female students.&nbsp;Earlier, the Kerala government said it was considering giving menstrual leaves to female students in all state universities coming under the Department of Higher Education.</p>

<p>"Taking into consideration the mental and physical difficulties faced by female students during menstruation, necessary steps will be taken to implement&nbsp;menstrual leave in all universities," higher education minister R Bindu said in a Facebook post on Monday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The move came after the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University decided to grant menstrual leave for girl students.</p>

<p>In CUSAT, girl students have been given a 2 per cent relaxation in attendance requirements. This means that while students, in general, are required to maintain 75 per cent attendance to appear for examinations, girls will now be required to hold only 73 per cent of attendance.</p>

<p>The decision was taken after requests from the students’ union. CUSAT has over 8,000 students and more than half of them are girls.</p>

<p>"Having considered the requests for menstruation benefits to female students, the Vice-Chancellor has ordered to sanction an additional 2 per cent of condonation of shortage of attendance to female students, in each semester, subject to reporting to the Academic Council," a recent order issued by the joint registrar of CUSAT had said.&nbsp;The education minister hailed the order.</p>

<p>Following CUSAT’s order, female students in other universities in the state also raised similar demands. In December, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kerala’s Kottayam became the first university in the state to grant maternity leave&nbsp;of 60 days to degree and postgraduate students of 18 years and above.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Many universities in India’s southern Kerala state have decided to extend menstrual leave to female students. Earlier, the Kerala government said it was considering giving menstrual leaves to female students in all state universities coming under the Department of Higher Education.

Many universities in India’s southern Kerala state have decided to extend menstrual leave to female students. Earlier, the Kerala government said it was considering giving menstrual leaves to female students in all state universities coming under the Department of Higher Education. "Taking into consideration the mental and physical difficulties faced by female students during menstruation, necessary steps will be taken to implement menstrual leave in all universities," higher education minister R Bindu said in a Facebook post on Monday. The move came after the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University decided to grant menstrual leave for girl students. In CUSAT, girl students have been given a 2 per cent relaxation in attendance requirements. This means that while students, in general, are required to maintain 75 per cent attendance to appear for examinations, girls will now be required to hold only 73 per cent of attendance. The decision was taken after requests from the students’ union. CUSAT has over 8,000 students and more than half of them are girls. "Having considered the requests for menstruation benefits to female students, the Vice-Chancellor has ordered to sanction an additional 2 per cent of condonation of shortage of attendance to female students, in each semester, subject to reporting to the Academic Council," a recent order issued by the joint registrar of CUSAT had said. The education minister hailed the order. Following CUSAT’s order, female students in other universities in the state also raised similar demands. In December, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kerala’s Kottayam became the first university in the state to grant maternity leave of 60 days to degree and postgraduate students of 18 years and above. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In India’s southern Kerala state, many universities grant menstrual leave to students

<p>A 52-year-old Indian man in the United Kingdom's (UK) Kettering has been charged with murdering his wife and their two children. According to the Northamptonshire Police on Saturday, Saju Chelavalel has been charged with the murders of &nbsp;Anju Asok, aged 35, Jeeva Saju, aged six and Janvi Saju, aged four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mr Chelavalel, of Petherton Court, Kettering, was arrested by officers who were called to his address at 11.15 am on December 15," the police said in a statement. He will appear at the Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-june-case-indian-american-mother-arrested-charged-543984">Baby June case: Indian-American mother arrested for tossing infant girl in seaside inlet</a></strong></p>

<p>On attendance, officers found Anju, Jeeva and Janvi with serious injuries, the statement said, adding that despite the best efforts of the paramedics, hospital staff and police officers, the three died a short time later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the post-mortem examination, all three died as a result of asphyxiation.</p>

<p>Anju and Saju got married in 2012 and they moved to the UK last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Anju, Jeeva and Janvi, who we are determined to seek justice for," Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Simon Barnes said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We will continue to have members of our Neighbourhood Policing Team on patrol in the area and I urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to them,” Barnes added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anju Asok, who belonged to the Indian state of Kerala, was a nurse by profession and had been working at the Kettering General Hospital since last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tributes started pouring in for Asok with the hospital's chief executive Deborah Needham saying that she was a committed and compassionate staff nurse, who was loved and respected by her dear friends and colleagues, according to a report by the Guardian on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All our thoughts are with her friends and family as they come to terms with this sudden loss,'' Needham added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A 52-year-old Indian man in the United Kingdom's (UK) Kettering has been charged with murdering his wife and their two children. According to the Northamptonshire Police on Saturday, Saju Chelavalel has been charged with the murders of Anju Asok, aged 35, Jeeva Saju, aged six and Janvi Saju, aged four.

A 52-year-old Indian man in the United Kingdom's (UK) Kettering has been charged with murdering his wife and their two children. According to the Northamptonshire Police on Saturday, Saju Chelavalel has been charged with the murders of Anju Asok, aged 35, Jeeva Saju, aged six and Janvi Saju, aged four. "Mr Chelavalel, of Petherton Court, Kettering, was arrested by officers who were called to his address at 11.15 am on December 15," the police said in a statement. He will appear at the Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday. ALSO READ | Baby June case: Indian-American mother arrested for tossing infant girl in seaside inlet On attendance, officers found Anju, Jeeva and Janvi with serious injuries, the statement said, adding that despite the best efforts of the paramedics, hospital staff and police officers, the three died a short time later. According to the post-mortem examination, all three died as a result of asphyxiation. Anju and Saju got married in 2012 and they moved to the UK last year. "Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Anju, Jeeva and Janvi, who we are determined to seek justice for," Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Simon Barnes said on Saturday. ''We will continue to have members of our Neighbourhood Policing Team on patrol in the area and I urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to them,” Barnes added. Anju Asok, who belonged to the Indian state of Kerala, was a nurse by profession and had been working at the Kettering General Hospital since last year. Tributes started pouring in for Asok with the hospital's chief executive Deborah Needham saying that she was a committed and compassionate staff nurse, who was loved and respected by her dear friends and colleagues, according to a report by the Guardian on Sunday. "All our thoughts are with her friends and family as they come to terms with this sudden loss,'' Needham added. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Indian man from Kerala charged with killing nurse wife, two children in Kettering, UK: Cops

<p>The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off on November 20 after a lot of hype. This is the first time that it is being held in the Middle East. While there have been only three days since the commencement of the tournament, it has griped the football fans across the globe. In India, despite the national football teams still being far away from qualifying in the mega event, there are plenty of ardent fans across the nation. Recently, a video of fans, in Kerala, made heads turn as there were people donning Brazil and Argentina's jerseys and at war amid the action in Qatar WC.</p>

<p><strong>Here's a video of the fans being engaged in a fist-fight while donning the jersey of their favourite sides:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In Kerala, India, fans of Brazil and Argentina are at war - India doesn’t have a world class team yet to play <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> but fans have become already world class. <a href="https://t.co/EnM97l6fTI">pic.twitter.com/EnM97l6fTI</a></p>
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashoswai/status/1595019239433330689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-to-leave-manchester-united-with-immediate-effect-536561"><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United with immediate effect</strong></a></p>

<p>While the video certainly shows how NOT to behave as fans, it also implies that even though India's national teams are still trying to grow further and compete at such big-ticket events, there remains plethora of football fans in India and many follow World Cups rigorously.&nbsp;Talking about Argentina, their fans had a forgettable start as Lionel Messi &amp; Co. lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener on Tuesday (November 22). Despite a lead from Messi, the 2014 runners-up surrendered the momentum and an inexperienced Saudi line-up made the most of it to strike twice, courtesy of&nbsp;Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, took their side to a famous win.</p>

<p>Brazil, on the other hand, are placed in Group G and will open their campaign versus Serbia on November 25 (Friday). Their group also comprises Cameron and Switzerland. Both Brazil and Argentina are considered the top contenders for the elite title.</p>


The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off on November 20 after a lot of hype. This is the first time that it is being held in the Middle East. While there have been only three days since the commencement of the tournament, it has griped the football fans across the globe.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off on November 20 after a lot of hype. This is the first time that it is being held in the Middle East. While there have been only three days since the commencement of the tournament, it has griped the football fans across the globe. In India, despite the national football teams still being far away from qualifying in the mega event, there are plenty of ardent fans across the nation. Recently, a video of fans, in Kerala, made heads turn as there were people donning Brazil and Argentina's jerseys and at war amid the action in Qatar WC. Here's a video of the fans being engaged in a fist-fight while donning the jersey of their favourite sides: In Kerala, India, fans of Brazil and Argentina are at war - India doesn’t have a world class team yet to play #FIFAWorldCup but fans have become already world class. pic.twitter.com/EnM97l6fTI — Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) November 22, 2022 × Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United with immediate effect While the video certainly shows how NOT to behave as fans, it also implies that even though India's national teams are still trying to grow further and compete at such big-ticket events, there remains plethora of football fans in India and many follow World Cups rigorously. Talking about Argentina, their fans had a forgettable start as Lionel Messi & Co. lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener on Tuesday (November 22). Despite a lead from Messi, the 2014 runners-up surrendered the momentum and an inexperienced Saudi line-up made the most of it to strike twice, courtesy of Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, took their side to a famous win. Brazil, on the other hand, are placed in Group G and will open their campaign versus Serbia on November 25 (Friday). Their group also comprises Cameron and Switzerland. Both Brazil and Argentina are considered the top contenders for the elite title.

WATCH: Chaos in Kerala as fans donning Brazil, Argentina jerseys at war amid FIFA World Cup 2022

<p>The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition got underway in Qatar on November 20 (Sunday). While only a handful of games have gone by, the hype around the World Cup has caught everyone's attention. Even in India, while the national sides are far from qualifying for the mega event, the craze for football knows no boundaries. In Kochi, as many as 17 fans crossed boundaries to make their experience of watching the FIFA World Cup a memorable affair by buying a house, worth INR 2.3 million (INR 23 lakhs), to be able to watch the proceedings together.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Love for soccer has no boundaries!</strong></p>

<p>PK Harris, one of the buyers of the house told ANI, “Because no match is enjoyable without loud cheering and fun. Most of the open spaces we used to screen were either sold or built on." Harris, who is a PWD contractor, revealed, "That’s when we came to know about the sale and pooled in money to buy the house."</p>

<p>It is to be noted that the group of ardent football fans are mostly supporting Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and France. In this regard, Harris said, "The idea of investing in the property is to celebrate every world cup season as we did for the past 15 or more years, and for the coming generation.&nbsp;A 50-inch television and internet facility has been set up here. Everyone in the area is welcome to watch the match."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-chaos-in-kerala-as-fans-donning-brazil-argentina-jerseys-at-war-amid-fifa-world-cup-2022-536642">WATCH: Chaos in Kerala as fans donning Brazil, Argentina jerseys at war amid FIFA World Cup 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (November 22), the FIFA WC saw Lionel Messi-led Argentina open their campaign with a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia. Sharing what the atmosphere was like during the game, Harris stated, "The fun of teasing while the other person’s team losing and also cheering for our favourite team is the best part of the season,” said Harris. “It’s all friendly banter with each other." Two among the 17 friends are working abroad. Revealing their plans going ahead, Harris pointed out, "After the world cup season, we plan to construct a three-storey building. The first and second floors will be rented out to the needy to either set up a shop or anything, and the top floor will be dedicated space for screening the world cup in the coming years and setting up a sports club-like area for the coming generation."</p>

<p>The FIFA WC, which started with a lot of negative hype, is now set to come up with many such interesting stories of fans, which just depict the unreal craze and affect&nbsp;the beautiful game has across the globe.&nbsp;</p>


The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition got underway in Qatar on November 20 (Sunday). While only a handful of games have gone by, the hype around the World Cup has caught everyone's attention.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition got underway in Qatar on November 20 (Sunday). While only a handful of games have gone by, the hype around the World Cup has caught everyone's attention. Even in India, while the national sides are far from qualifying for the mega event, the craze for football knows no boundaries. In Kochi, as many as 17 fans crossed boundaries to make their experience of watching the FIFA World Cup a memorable affair by buying a house, worth INR 2.3 million (INR 23 lakhs), to be able to watch the proceedings together. Love for soccer has no boundaries! PK Harris, one of the buyers of the house told ANI, “Because no match is enjoyable without loud cheering and fun. Most of the open spaces we used to screen were either sold or built on." Harris, who is a PWD contractor, revealed, "That’s when we came to know about the sale and pooled in money to buy the house." It is to be noted that the group of ardent football fans are mostly supporting Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and France. In this regard, Harris said, "The idea of investing in the property is to celebrate every world cup season as we did for the past 15 or more years, and for the coming generation. A 50-inch television and internet facility has been set up here. Everyone in the area is welcome to watch the match." Also read: WATCH: Chaos in Kerala as fans donning Brazil, Argentina jerseys at war amid FIFA World Cup 2022 On Tuesday (November 22), the FIFA WC saw Lionel Messi-led Argentina open their campaign with a shocking 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia. Sharing what the atmosphere was like during the game, Harris stated, "The fun of teasing while the other person’s team losing and also cheering for our favourite team is the best part of the season,” said Harris. “It’s all friendly banter with each other." Two among the 17 friends are working abroad. Revealing their plans going ahead, Harris pointed out, "After the world cup season, we plan to construct a three-storey building. The first and second floors will be rented out to the needy to either set up a shop or anything, and the top floor will be dedicated space for screening the world cup in the coming years and setting up a sports club-like area for the coming generation." The FIFA WC, which started with a lot of negative hype, is now set to come up with many such interesting stories of fans, which just depict the unreal craze and affect the beautiful game has across the globe.

Would you buy a house to watch FIFA World Cup? 17 fans from Kerala did just that!

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