At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations.

Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents in the southern state where dams in many districts are nearing its full capacity and small towns and villages in the hilly areas are totally cut off from the outside world.

Many hilly areas of Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta are experiencing almost similar to that of the situation the state faced during the time of devastating floods of 2018 and 2019 but authorities said everything was under control and there was no need for any panic.

However, the rescue teams of the state police and fire force could not reach the affected areas due to floods and adverse weather conditions prevailing there.

"The situation is serious", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. He, however, said the latest weather forecast indicates that the situation is not going to get worse.

Officials said personnel of the Army, Airforce and the Navy were on the way to Koottickal and Peruvanthanam--the two hilly villages falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively--where an overflowing river swept through houses, displacing and isolating many.

State Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, who reached the neighbourhood of these landslide-hit villages, said bodies of two women and a child who died, were recovered while search was on to recover the body of a man who also lost his life in the incident.

He said at least 12 people are missing from these villages.

In a separate rain related incident, a man and a woman--both 30-years-old-- died as their car was swept away in the flood waters in Kanjar in Idukki district, police said. Their bodies have been recovered, they said.

According to a defence spokesperson, Mi-17 and Sarang Helicopters are already in standby mode to meet the requirements but they could not start operations as the weather at Kottayam is still bad. Air Force assets are still at Sulur in a standby mode, she said.

"All the bases under Southern Air Command have been put on high alert in view of the prevalent weather situation at Kerala," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"The Indian Army has already deployed army personnel to the flood affected areas. One column consisting of One Officer, 2 JCOs and 30 other ranks of army personnel already moved to Kanjirappally, Kottayam District from Pangode Military Station...," she said.

The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy said it is fully ready for assisting local administration in rescue operations.

"Diving&amp;Rescue teams are ready to be deployed at short notice.Helicopters stand-by to be launched once weather is conducive for Air Ops,", it said in a tweet.

Earlier, Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and some people feared missing.

"At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in the Koottickal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes," the Minister told PTI.

According to the latest update of the India Meteorological Department, 'Red Alert' was sounded for six districts--Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.

Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night.

Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in floodwater and locals rescuing passengers from it.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in the evening to review the rain situation and decided to strengthen rescue operations in all affected areas.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said all government agencies have been directed to take necessary steps to rescue people from the affected regions and evacuate those living in areas prone to landslides and floods. Vijayan also directed the district collectors to open relief camps to relocate the affected people.

He said the camps should function strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol.

In the wake of warning that the rains would continue till October 19, the meeting also decided not to allow pilgrims to trek to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, situated in a dense forest in Pathanamthitta district, till October 18. The temple was opened at 5pm today for 'Thula masam' poojas.

Higher educational institutions, which were scheduled to open on October 18, will start on October 20, the statement said.

Appealing to the people of the state to keep extra vigil in the next 24 hours, the CM said in a Facebook post that the rains have already hit the south and central districts and it would intensify in the northern districts also by the evening as per the weather forecast.

The water level in some rivers is expected to rise and shutters of certain dams are likely to be opened, he said, adding that those living in its catchment areas should be ready to follow the instructions of authorities.

The CM also said a Red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki.

Meanwhile, two children had a miraculous escape after a portion of the wall of their house collapsed in incessant rains on Friday night at Chempakamangalam in the capital district where rains have been battering the city and rural areas alike since last night.

The wall collapsed on the bed, where the children were asleep, but they escaped with minor injuries, family sources said.

Government authorities have advised people against visiting tourist places and going near rivers and other water bodies in view of heavy rains in Thiruvananthapuram.

Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the 'rice bowl' of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

The Thrissur district administration urged people living in low-lying and other disaster prone areas and on the banks of rivers to move to safer places.

Fishing boats have been prohibited from venturing into the sea, they added. 
A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department.

Revenue Minister K Rajan said necessary precautions have been taken."We have asked the district collectors to issue warnings to people residing along the river banks," Rajan said.&nbsp;

At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations.

At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents in the southern state where dams in many districts are nearing its full capacity and small towns and villages in the hilly areas are totally cut off from the outside world. Many hilly areas of Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta are experiencing almost similar to that of the situation the state faced during the time of devastating floods of 2018 and 2019 but authorities said everything was under control and there was no need for any panic. However, the rescue teams of the state police and fire force could not reach the affected areas due to floods and adverse weather conditions prevailing there. "The situation is serious", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. He, however, said the latest weather forecast indicates that the situation is not going to get worse. Officials said personnel of the Army, Airforce and the Navy were on the way to Koottickal and Peruvanthanam--the two hilly villages falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively--where an overflowing river swept through houses, displacing and isolating many. State Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, who reached the neighbourhood of these landslide-hit villages, said bodies of two women and a child who died, were recovered while search was on to recover the body of a man who also lost his life in the incident. He said at least 12 people are missing from these villages. In a separate rain related incident, a man and a woman--both 30-years-old-- died as their car was swept away in the flood waters in Kanjar in Idukki district, police said. Their bodies have been recovered, they said. According to a defence spokesperson, Mi-17 and Sarang Helicopters are already in standby mode to meet the requirements but they could not start operations as the weather at Kottayam is still bad. Air Force assets are still at Sulur in a standby mode, she said. "All the bases under Southern Air Command have been put on high alert in view of the prevalent weather situation at Kerala," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The Indian Army has already deployed army personnel to the flood affected areas. One column consisting of One Officer, 2 JCOs and 30 other ranks of army personnel already moved to Kanjirappally, Kottayam District from Pangode Military Station...," she said. The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy said it is fully ready for assisting local administration in rescue operations. "Diving&Rescue teams are ready to be deployed at short notice.Helicopters stand-by to be launched once weather is conducive for Air Ops,", it said in a tweet. Earlier, Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and some people feared missing. "At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in the Koottickal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes," the Minister told PTI. According to the latest update of the India Meteorological Department, 'Red Alert' was sounded for six districts--Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night. Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in floodwater and locals rescuing passengers from it. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in the evening to review the rain situation and decided to strengthen rescue operations in all affected areas. In a statement, the Chief Minister said all government agencies have been directed to take necessary steps to rescue people from the affected regions and evacuate those living in areas prone to landslides and floods. Vijayan also directed the district collectors to open relief camps to relocate the affected people. He said the camps should function strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol. In the wake of warning that the rains would continue till October 19, the meeting also decided not to allow pilgrims to trek to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, situated in a dense forest in Pathanamthitta district, till October 18. The temple was opened at 5pm today for 'Thula masam' poojas. Higher educational institutions, which were scheduled to open on October 18, will start on October 20, the statement said. Appealing to the people of the state to keep extra vigil in the next 24 hours, the CM said in a Facebook post that the rains have already hit the south and central districts and it would intensify in the northern districts also by the evening as per the weather forecast. The water level in some rivers is expected to rise and shutters of certain dams are likely to be opened, he said, adding that those living in its catchment areas should be ready to follow the instructions of authorities. The CM also said a Red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki. Meanwhile, two children had a miraculous escape after a portion of the wall of their house collapsed in incessant rains on Friday night at Chempakamangalam in the capital district where rains have been battering the city and rural areas alike since last night. The wall collapsed on the bed, where the children were asleep, but they escaped with minor injuries, family sources said. Government authorities have advised people against visiting tourist places and going near rivers and other water bodies in view of heavy rains in Thiruvananthapuram. Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the 'rice bowl' of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The Thrissur district administration urged people living in low-lying and other disaster prone areas and on the banks of rivers to move to safer places. Fishing boats have been prohibited from venturing into the sea, they added. A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department. Revenue Minister K Rajan said necessary precautions have been taken."We have asked the district collectors to issue warnings to people residing along the river banks," Rajan said.

Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala

India's Space journey began on a bicycle in a sleepy village in Kerala. Cattle sheds were turned into a lab, a church into Space Center. 58 years later, India has reached Mars. It is also looking to build its own station in space. Palki Sharma takes you down the history lane.

Gravitas: India's Space journey

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities&nbsp;and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques.

Monson Mavunkal, a Kerala-based Youtber and a resident of Cherthala, was arrested from Alappuzha district by the crime branch team on Sunday based on a complaint from six people after he duped them of Rs 10 crore (100 million rupees) in 2017.

According to police, the 52-year-old conman told his clients that he will be getting Rs 24 crore (240 million rupees) after selling antiques to the royal family in the Middle East and that he needs some money to clear legal hurdles to get the amount transferred from his foreign bank account to his Indian account. He would then lure the victims by promising them a partnership in a huge museum project that he claimed was in the pipeline to be made in Kochi.

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According to reports, the conman was planning a new fraud where he had convinced people that he was planning to buy 93 antiques worth Rs 15,000 crores (150 billion rupees)&nbsp; for the antique museum in Qatar.

But his plan got backfired this time and he was arrested. The police have been on the hunt for a few months after six cheated victims filed a complaint with the state’s Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan in July this year.

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The complaint against Mavunkal by victims said he showed them the so-called staff of Moses, the sword of Mysore King Tipu Sultan, scriptures inscribed in gold, Bhagwad Gita of Chhatrapati Shivaji, India’s Mughal king Aurangzeb’s ring among others.&nbsp;

Mavunkal’s shenanigans weren’t limited to him posing as an antique collector alone. It is being said that Monson also dipped into other professions to find unique ways to con people. He used to pretend as a doctor, philanthropist, actor and promoter of world peace and considered himself to be a ‘jack of all trades’.

(With inputs from agencies)

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques.

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques. Monson Mavunkal, a Kerala-based Youtber and a resident of Cherthala, was arrested from Alappuzha district by the crime branch team on Sunday based on a complaint from six people after he duped them of Rs 10 crore (100 million rupees) in 2017. According to police, the 52-year-old conman told his clients that he will be getting Rs 24 crore (240 million rupees) after selling antiques to the royal family in the Middle East and that he needs some money to clear legal hurdles to get the amount transferred from his foreign bank account to his Indian account. He would then lure the victims by promising them a partnership in a huge museum project that he claimed was in the pipeline to be made in Kochi. Also read | Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana According to reports, the conman was planning a new fraud where he had convinced people that he was planning to buy 93 antiques worth Rs 15,000 crores (150 billion rupees) for the antique museum in Qatar. But his plan got backfired this time and he was arrested. The police have been on the hunt for a few months after six cheated victims filed a complaint with the state’s Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan in July this year. Also read | Wandering turtle on runway causes delay at Tokyo airport The complaint against Mavunkal by victims said he showed them the so-called staff of Moses, the sword of Mysore King Tipu Sultan, scriptures inscribed in gold, Bhagwad Gita of Chhatrapati Shivaji, India’s Mughal king Aurangzeb’s ring among others. Mavunkal’s shenanigans weren’t limited to him posing as an antique collector alone. It is being said that Monson also dipped into other professions to find unique ways to con people. He used to pretend as a doctor, philanthropist, actor and promoter of world peace and considered himself to be a ‘jack of all trades’. (With inputs from agencies)

A doctor, antique dealer & Youtuber: India’s conman who sold fake artefacts for millions of rupees held

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;

The liner became the first luxury cruise to anchor at the state-of-the-art terminal, after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, said a press release.&nbsp;

The department of Kerala tourism said, "The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning."&nbsp;

An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests and the tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater.&nbsp;

The Kerala Tourism Department accorded a warm welcome to the guests with martial Velakali dancers and women in traditional off-white dress greeting them.&nbsp;

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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cordelia cruises, the first cruise vessel to call at Cochin Port since the onset of pandemic, was given a traditional welcome by <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaTourism?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeralaTourism</a> at Sagarika, the new International Cruise Terminal at Cochin Port. <a href="https://twitter.com/shipmin_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shipmin_india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_ShipMin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_ShipMin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tourismgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tourismgoi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CordeliaCruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CordeliaCruises</a> <a href="https://t.co/m9T9QOXd00">pic.twitter.com/m9T9QOXd00</a>
— Cochin Port Trust (@cochin_port) <a href="https://twitter.com/cochin_port/status/1440565875359182860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning. An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests. The tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cruise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cruise</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tourism</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaTourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaTourism</a> <a href="https://t.co/rR2U69mGZq">pic.twitter.com/rR2U69mGZq</a>
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaTourism/status/1440655900021190663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said the arrival of domestic tourists marks a promising start to the full-scale resumption of Kerala Tourism, overcoming the pandemic-induced crisis.

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;"This trend is set to gain pace in the coming days. Kerala is a safe and secure place for the lock-down weary vacationers to come as we have put in place an efficient and meticulous bio-bubble model to create protective layers of inoculated service providers to receive and host tourists," Minister said.

“Cordelia Cruises is grateful for the kind and warm reception extended to us by Kerala Tourism. Together, we hope to bring new dawn on the travel and hospitality industry in India and do hope the world takes notice and travels to our Subcontinent to experience our offerings which are, both, international quality and have a local soul," the company said in a release.&nbsp;

"With promising collaborations such as these, we will bring a new way of touring breathtaking locales along with enjoying fresh flavours of entertainment for our guests. We are tirelessly curating a plethora of experiences for the same," the release further said.

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The liner became the first luxury cruise to anchor at the state-of-the-art terminal, after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, said a press release. The department of Kerala tourism said, "The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning." An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests and the tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater. The Kerala Tourism Department accorded a warm welcome to the guests with martial Velakali dancers and women in traditional off-white dress greeting them. IN PICS | UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead Cordelia cruises, the first cruise vessel to call at Cochin Port since the onset of pandemic, was given a traditional welcome by @KeralaTourism at Sagarika, the new International Cruise Terminal at Cochin Port. @shipmin_india @PIB_ShipMin @tourismgoi @CordeliaCruises pic.twitter.com/m9T9QOXd00 — Cochin Port Trust (@cochin_port) September 22, 2021 × The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning. An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests. The tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater #cruise. #Tourism #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/rR2U69mGZq — Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) September 22, 2021 × Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said the arrival of domestic tourists marks a promising start to the full-scale resumption of Kerala Tourism, overcoming the pandemic-induced crisis. "This trend is set to gain pace in the coming days. Kerala is a safe and secure place for the lock-down weary vacationers to come as we have put in place an efficient and meticulous bio-bubble model to create protective layers of inoculated service providers to receive and host tourists," Minister said. “Cordelia Cruises is grateful for the kind and warm reception extended to us by Kerala Tourism. Together, we hope to bring new dawn on the travel and hospitality industry in India and do hope the world takes notice and travels to our Subcontinent to experience our offerings which are, both, international quality and have a local soul," the company said in a release. "With promising collaborations such as these, we will bring a new way of touring breathtaking locales along with enjoying fresh flavours of entertainment for our guests. We are tirelessly curating a plethora of experiences for the same," the release further said.

Luxury cruise liner MV Empress arrives in Kochi, gives a boost to pandemic-hit tourism in Kerala

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme.&nbsp;

Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus.&nbsp;

Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours.&nbsp;

In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality.&nbsp;

Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money.&nbsp;

In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges.

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It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers.&nbsp;The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right.

Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs.&nbsp; 
Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs.&nbsp;

The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility.&nbsp;

A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound.&nbsp;

Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly.

It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala.&nbsp;

It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours.&nbsp;

The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population.

This is despite having acquired land from there.

It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of

Rupees are also handed to the locals.&nbsp;

According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing.&nbsp;

Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”.

The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s.

The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess.

It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue.&nbsp;

It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred. VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme. Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus. Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours. In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality. Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money. In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers. The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right. Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs. Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs. The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility. A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound. Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly. It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala. It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours. The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population. This is despite having acquired land from there. It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of Rupees are also handed to the locals. According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing. Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”. The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s. The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess. It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue. It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

Head-load workers and locals block ISRO’s cargo and demand money for unloading

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths.

This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common.

"With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala.&nbsp;

India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

"A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose.

The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season.

India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season. Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths. This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common. "With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala. India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent. "A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose. The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season. India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent.

With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states.

The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-ida-pummels-louisiana-power-lines-in-new-orleans-destroyed-409278">Also read |&nbsp;Hurricane Ida pummels Louisiana; power lines in New Orleans destroyed</a>

The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent.

Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days.

52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research.

As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year.

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent. With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states. The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases. Also read | Hurricane Ida pummels Louisiana; power lines in New Orleans destroyed The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent. Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days. 52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research. As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reports 42,909 new COVID-19 infections, Kerala logs 29,836 cases

Political parties in Kerala are clashing over the Taliban's return in Afghanistan. Islamist groups in the state are openly cheering the events in Kabul. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the Kabul shake-up is affecting Kerala.

Gravitas: Taliban's return triggers debate in Kerala

Football star Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain after ending 21-year ties with Barcelona. Several PSG fans greeted the Argentine star and welcomed him to France.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/football-here-is-how-much-lionel-messi-will-be-%20making-at-paris-saint-germain-check-out-the-mind-blowing-figures-404840" hreflang="en">Football: Here is how much Lionel Messi will be making at PSG - Check out the mind-blowing figures</a>

Among the thousands of fans, there were few Indians who wanted to catch the glimpse of the football star. The Indian fans, who were on the adjacent balcony called out Messi's name, and the footballer acknowledged them. They uploaded the video of this 'unforgettable' moment on social media.&nbsp;

The video of Messi acknowledging the Indian fans spread like a wildfire on social media.&nbsp;

Here's the clip of the moment:&nbsp;

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A Malayali’s ecstasy on having seen Lionel Messi on the balcony just beside his in Paris… <a href="https://t.co/lb0oJF77Kb">pic.twitter.com/lb0oJF77Kb</a>
— Ashlin Mathew (@ashlinpmathew) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashlinpmathew/status/1425492321118740491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian fan kept screaming Messi's name and&nbsp;was shocked when the football icon&nbsp;acknowledged him. The overjoyed fan screamed "can't believe this" before he switched to his native language (Malayalam) and said: "Watch on sons, the king of football."

"There's nothing I&nbsp;want more than this", he said and thanked the star.

Lionel Messi said on Wednesday that he is 'extremely happy' after joining star-packed French football club Paris St Germain and added that his aim is to win the Champions League for the team.

The 34-year-old superstar signed a two-year deal with PSG on Tuesday with the option of an additional year.

"Everything about the club matches my football ambitions," said Messi, who was given a hero's welcome by the PSG fans when he arrived in the French capital on Tuesday.

"I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes."

The move will add the Argentine, one of the best players of his generation, to an already formidable PSG attack that includes Brazil's Neymar and French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe.

The arrival of Barcelona's record scorer, with 672 goals, will boost Qatari-owned PSG's ambitions to win the prestigious, and lucrative, European Champions League for the first time.

Nasser al-Khelaifi, the president and CEO of Paris St Germain, said it was an "amazing and historic day" to present Lionel Messi as a player for the French soccer powerhouse.

"He makes football magic, beautiful. He is a winner," al-Khelaifi told a news conference.

French Football League president Vincent Labrune hailed the surprise arrival of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner as "extraordinary news for the exposure of Ligue 1 internationally".

PSG wasted little time in targeting Messi after the heavily indebted Catalan club made clear it could not afford to keep him because of La Liga's financial fair play rules.

Football star Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain after ending 21-year ties with Barcelona. Several PSG fans greeted the Argentine star and welcomed him to France.

Football star Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain after ending 21-year ties with Barcelona. Several PSG fans greeted the Argentine star and welcomed him to France. ALSO READ: Football: Here is how much Lionel Messi will be making at PSG - Check out the mind-blowing figures Among the thousands of fans, there were few Indians who wanted to catch the glimpse of the football star. The Indian fans, who were on the adjacent balcony called out Messi's name, and the footballer acknowledged them. They uploaded the video of this 'unforgettable' moment on social media. The video of Messi acknowledging the Indian fans spread like a wildfire on social media. Here's the clip of the moment: A Malayali’s ecstasy on having seen Lionel Messi on the balcony just beside his in Paris… pic.twitter.com/lb0oJF77Kb — Ashlin Mathew (@ashlinpmathew) August 11, 2021 × The Indian fan kept screaming Messi's name and was shocked when the football icon acknowledged him. The overjoyed fan screamed "can't believe this" before he switched to his native language (Malayalam) and said: "Watch on sons, the king of football." "There's nothing I want more than this", he said and thanked the star. Lionel Messi said on Wednesday that he is 'extremely happy' after joining star-packed French football club Paris St Germain and added that his aim is to win the Champions League for the team. The 34-year-old superstar signed a two-year deal with PSG on Tuesday with the option of an additional year. "Everything about the club matches my football ambitions," said Messi, who was given a hero's welcome by the PSG fans when he arrived in the French capital on Tuesday. "I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes." The move will add the Argentine, one of the best players of his generation, to an already formidable PSG attack that includes Brazil's Neymar and French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe. The arrival of Barcelona's record scorer, with 672 goals, will boost Qatari-owned PSG's ambitions to win the prestigious, and lucrative, European Champions League for the first time. Nasser al-Khelaifi, the president and CEO of Paris St Germain, said it was an "amazing and historic day" to present Lionel Messi as a player for the French soccer powerhouse. "He makes football magic, beautiful. He is a winner," al-Khelaifi told a news conference. French Football League president Vincent Labrune hailed the surprise arrival of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner as "extraordinary news for the exposure of Ligue 1 internationally". PSG wasted little time in targeting Messi after the heavily indebted Catalan club made clear it could not afford to keep him because of La Liga's financial fair play rules.

Watch: 'I dont want anything more': Indian fan screams after Messi waves at him from Paris balcony, video goes viral

Kerala reported 13,049 fresh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases pushing the total infection caseload to 35,65,574, with the number of people succumbing to the virus rising to 17,852 after 105 more deaths.

As many as 20,004 people have been cured of the infection since Sunday, taking the total recoveries to 33,77,691 and the number of active cases in the state to1,69,512, a state government release said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-hit-hard-by-drop-in-remittances-as-12-million-workers-return-world-bank-384905">Kerala hit hard by drop in remittances as 1.2 million workers return: World Bank</a>

In the last 24 hours, 98,640 samples were tested and the TPR was found to be 13.23 per cent.

So far, 2,86,12,776 samples have been tested, it said.

Some of the worst affected districts in the state are Malappuram (2052), Thrissur (1762), Kozhikode (1526), Palakkad (1336), Ernakulam (1329) and Kannur (944).

Of the new cases, 58 are health workers, 64 had come from outside the state and 12,300 were infected through contact with the source of contact being not clear in 627 cases, the release said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-confirms-fourth-case-of-zika-virus-397910">Kerala confirms fourth case of Zika virus</a>

There are currently 4,86,836 people under surveillance in various districts of the state.

Of these, 4,57,494 are in-home or institutional quarantine and 29,342 in hospitals.&nbsp;

Kerala reported 13,049 fresh COVID-19 cases pushing the total infection caseload to 35,65,574, with the number of people succumbing to the virus rising to 17,852 after 105 more deaths.

Kerala reported 13,049 fresh COVID-19 cases pushing the total infection caseload to 35,65,574, with the number of people succumbing to the virus rising to 17,852 after 105 more deaths. As many as 20,004 people have been cured of the infection since Sunday, taking the total recoveries to 33,77,691 and the number of active cases in the state to1,69,512, a state government release said. Also read | Kerala hit hard by drop in remittances as 1.2 million workers return: World Bank In the last 24 hours, 98,640 samples were tested and the TPR was found to be 13.23 per cent. So far, 2,86,12,776 samples have been tested, it said. Some of the worst affected districts in the state are Malappuram (2052), Thrissur (1762), Kozhikode (1526), Palakkad (1336), Ernakulam (1329) and Kannur (944). Of the new cases, 58 are health workers, 64 had come from outside the state and 12,300 were infected through contact with the source of contact being not clear in 627 cases, the release said. Also read | Kerala confirms fourth case of Zika virus There are currently 4,86,836 people under surveillance in various districts of the state. Of these, 4,57,494 are in-home or institutional quarantine and 29,342 in hospitals.

Kerala Covid cases tally: 13,049 fresh COVID-19 cases, 105 more deaths

Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts.

"Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30. Thereafter the lockdown restrictions shall be uniform in all districts of the state," according to an official order.&nbsp;

However, the state government allowed industrial establishments and production centres (including cash, coir and mining) to function with minimum staff not exceeding 50 per cent of staff strength.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter saying, "Lockdown extended for all of Kerala till 9 June, with certain relaxations. All industries can function with minimal staff, not to exceed 50 per cent strength.&nbsp;

Banks will continue on Mon, Wed, Fri. Time extended till 5 pm. Triple lockdown in Malappuram will stand repealed from 30 May."According to Union Health Ministry Kerala has 2,38,210 active COVID-19 cases. The total number of recoveries has reached 22,24,405 and fatalities have mounted to 8,257.

Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts. "Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30.

Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts. "Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30. Thereafter the lockdown restrictions shall be uniform in all districts of the state," according to an official order. However, the state government allowed industrial establishments and production centres (including cash, coir and mining) to function with minimum staff not exceeding 50 per cent of staff strength. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter saying, "Lockdown extended for all of Kerala till 9 June, with certain relaxations. All industries can function with minimal staff, not to exceed 50 per cent strength. Banks will continue on Mon, Wed, Fri. Time extended till 5 pm. Triple lockdown in Malappuram will stand repealed from 30 May."According to Union Health Ministry Kerala has 2,38,210 active COVID-19 cases. The total number of recoveries has reached 22,24,405 and fatalities have mounted to 8,257.

Kerala extends COVID-19 lockdown till June 9

Kerala has been hit hard by the drop in remittances from the Gulf countries from where about 1.2 million workers returned to the state due to the Covid-driven layoffs, according to the World Bank. 
 
Overall, the total remittances from Indian workers abroad was $8.3 billion in 2020, a drop of only 0.2 per cent from the previous year, the Bank`s Migration and Development Brief released on Wednesday revealed. 
 
India`s remittances from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a steep decline of 17 per cent, but it was offset by resilient flows from the US and other host countries, it said. 
 
India remains the world`s top recipient of remittances in total value, a status it reached in 2008, according to the brief. 
 
However, remittances to India are nowhere near the top when it comes to their share of the gross domestic product (GDP). 
 
Remittances make up a far more important share of the GDP for smaller countries like Tonga and Lebanon. 
 
The exodus of foreign workers from the seven-member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) last year hit Kerala hard, according to the brief. 
 
The Bank said that in "Kerala, an estimated 1.2 million migrant workers, out of more than 4 million who worked in the GCC countries and contributed 30 per cent of the state`s income, returned in 2020 after the global pandemic left them jobless. Low-skilled workers were the hardest hit". 
 
In that state the monthly remittances to families receiving them fell on average by $267, the brief said. 
 
The brief listed the US as the largest source of remittances, followed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. 
 
For the South Asian region, remittances rose by about 5 per cent because of increased flows to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, according to the brief. 
 
Like India, Nepal also experienced a small drop in remittances, it added. 
 
For next year, the bank projected the remittances to the region to dip slightly to 3.5 per cent "due to a moderation of growth in high-income economies and a further expected drop in migration to the GCC countries". 
 
The main factor in the level of remittances holding up was family loyalties and the stimulus payments in some countries where the workers were located. 
 
The author of the report, Dilip Ratha said: "The willingness to help family members was enabled by fiscal measures in almost all host countries that resulted in better-than-expected economic performance. 
 
"A second enabling factor was that businesses in many host countries were better prepared for remote work and remote provision of services which also supported employment."

Kerala has been hit hard by the drop in remittances from the Gulf countries from where about 1.2 million workers returned to the state due to the Covid-driven layoffs, according to the World Bank.

Kerala has been hit hard by the drop in remittances from the Gulf countries from where about 1.2 million workers returned to the state due to the Covid-driven layoffs, according to the World Bank. Overall, the total remittances from Indian workers abroad was $8.3 billion in 2020, a drop of only 0.2 per cent from the previous year, the Bank`s Migration and Development Brief released on Wednesday revealed. India`s remittances from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a steep decline of 17 per cent, but it was offset by resilient flows from the US and other host countries, it said. India remains the world`s top recipient of remittances in total value, a status it reached in 2008, according to the brief. However, remittances to India are nowhere near the top when it comes to their share of the gross domestic product (GDP). Remittances make up a far more important share of the GDP for smaller countries like Tonga and Lebanon. The exodus of foreign workers from the seven-member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) last year hit Kerala hard, according to the brief. The Bank said that in "Kerala, an estimated 1.2 million migrant workers, out of more than 4 million who worked in the GCC countries and contributed 30 per cent of the state`s income, returned in 2020 after the global pandemic left them jobless. Low-skilled workers were the hardest hit". In that state the monthly remittances to families receiving them fell on average by $267, the brief said. The brief listed the US as the largest source of remittances, followed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. For the South Asian region, remittances rose by about 5 per cent because of increased flows to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, according to the brief. Like India, Nepal also experienced a small drop in remittances, it added. For next year, the bank projected the remittances to the region to dip slightly to 3.5 per cent "due to a moderation of growth in high-income economies and a further expected drop in migration to the GCC countries". The main factor in the level of remittances holding up was family loyalties and the stimulus payments in some countries where the workers were located. The author of the report, Dilip Ratha said: "The willingness to help family members was enabled by fiscal measures in almost all host countries that resulted in better-than-expected economic performance. "A second enabling factor was that businesses in many host countries were better prepared for remote work and remote provision of services which also supported employment."

Kerala hit hard by drop in remittances as 1.2 million workers return: World Bank

Amid a massive surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>cases, the southern Indian state of Kerala on Thursday announced a complete lockdown from May 8.&nbsp;

The decision comes as Kerala on Wednesday recorded nearly 42,000 infections, the state's highest single-day cases so far.&nbsp;

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the lockdown will be imposed in the state from May 8 at 6 am and will remain in place to May 16, as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Vijayan had on Wednesday hinted at tightening restrictions as he expressed concerns over a "very serious situation".&nbsp;

"The state is going through a very serious situation and Covid is spreading rapidly. All figures are increasing and the test positivity rate is not reducing either. In these circumstances, we need to strengthen the restrictions," Vijayan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. &nbsp;

The chief minister also said that as cases are rising, the oxygen stock is decreasing "very rapidly," urging the central government to address the issue.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/experts-make-dire-projections-amid-second-covid-wave-as-india-faces-medical-shortages-383084">Experts make dire projections amid second Covid wave as India faces medical shortages</a>

"In this scenario, we need the Centre's help in maintaining adequate stock of oxygen. I have requested the prime minister to provide 1,000 MT of imported liquefied medical oxygen to the state," Vijayan said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India on Thursday witnessed another grim milestone with a daily record of 412,262 new infections.

With 3,980 fresh fatalities, India's death toll stands at 230,168.&nbsp;

Amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases, the southern Indian state of Kerala on Thursday announced a complete lockdown from May 8. The decision comes as Kerala on Wednesday recorded nearly 42,000 infections, the state's highest single-day cases so far.

Amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases, the southern Indian state of Kerala on Thursday announced a complete lockdown from May 8. The decision comes as Kerala on Wednesday recorded nearly 42,000 infections, the state's highest single-day cases so far. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the lockdown will be imposed in the state from May 8 at 6 am and will remain in place to May 16, as reported by news agency ANI. Watch | Vijayan had on Wednesday hinted at tightening restrictions as he expressed concerns over a "very serious situation". "The state is going through a very serious situation and Covid is spreading rapidly. All figures are increasing and the test positivity rate is not reducing either. In these circumstances, we need to strengthen the restrictions," Vijayan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The chief minister also said that as cases are rising, the oxygen stock is decreasing "very rapidly," urging the central government to address the issue. Also read | Experts make dire projections amid second Covid wave as India faces medical shortages "In this scenario, we need the Centre's help in maintaining adequate stock of oxygen. I have requested the prime minister to provide 1,000 MT of imported liquefied medical oxygen to the state," Vijayan said. Meanwhile, India on Thursday witnessed another grim milestone with a daily record of 412,262 new infections. With 3,980 fresh fatalities, India's death toll stands at 230,168.

COVID-19 in India: Southern state of Kerala announces complete lockdown

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power.&nbsp;

The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of&nbsp;seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account.

Assam

In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another.

Puducherry

In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account.

Tamil Nadu

The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more.

Kerala

In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power. The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account. Assam In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another. Puducherry In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account. Tamil Nadu The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more. Kerala In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

Trinamool scores hat-trick in Bengal, BJP retains Assam, LDF keeps Kerala

An Indian jewellery advertisement is catching everyone's attention for all the right reasons. The ad features a transgender model and explores her journey of becoming a woman.&nbsp;

The brand- Bhima Jewellers- is based in Kochi, a city in the Indian state of Kerala and features transperson and activist Meera Singhania in the lead. 
&nbsp; 
The advertisement shows the journey of a young nervous boy transforming slowly into a confident young woman. Her family gifts jewellery at various junctures in her life as she discovers her true identity and ends with the family gearing up for her wedding, adorned in the finest gold jewellery.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NtaLr_r8R2E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The ad has so far crossed over 600,000 views on YouTube and is being hailed by Twitterati.&nbsp;

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I'm not crying, you're crying. <a href="https://t.co/sHgaRhCZWX">https://t.co/sHgaRhCZWX</a>
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevirdas/status/1382622546374316035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Posting this again because needs to be amplified 
♥️ <a href="https://t.co/4CppEqtNW1">https://t.co/4CppEqtNW1</a>
— Shruti Seth (@SethShruti) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethShruti/status/1382744843022061568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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One of the best things I saw while scrolling through this app in the last 2 days. 
 
Brilliant ad-making and a message which is welcoming 
 
For better days :)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBTQAwareness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGBTQAwareness</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tv0W5fTYTb">https://t.co/Tv0W5fTYTb</a>
— Sharath M (@sharannavala) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharannavala/status/1383835415489093640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not sure if it is a model who actually transitioned but I loved this ad. I am not into gold at all but next time I go to India I might buy something in gold for me or my son from Bhima. <a href="https://t.co/tWza7WeE4R">https://t.co/tWza7WeE4R</a>
— LoudPotato (@LoudPotato) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoudPotato/status/1383823907346522120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Such a beautiful and progressive ad ❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaJewellary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaJewellary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PureAsLove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PureAsLove</a> <a href="https://t.co/gTeFYlAPLs">https://t.co/gTeFYlAPLs</a>
— helly_admirers (@AdmirersHelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdmirersHelly/status/1383497124545916930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Advertising as social communication. Inclusive and empathetic <a href="https://t.co/vPL2sDN1qo">https://t.co/vPL2sDN1qo</a>
— Kulveen Trehan (@kulveentrehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kulveentrehan/status/1383128926348660741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The advertisement is not only important as it's a first to have a trans person playing the lead, but it also beautifully highlights the importance of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;

Model Meera Singhania shared a few glimpses of the ad on her Instagram page and recalled how it was tough to play her older self and how she took it up as a challenge.&nbsp;

"People asked me my favourite shot in the entire film. Now don't get me wrong, the bus shot is really pretty, except I find this more comforting. As someone who goes through dysphoria, ( Google dysphoria, I'm not doing the labour) its not an easy task for a post op transwoman, to act in her pre op self. It can be a little heavy mentally, given the baggage. I took this role as a challenge, and I think I didn't act. Maybe I didn't have to. Despite the hectic shoot schedule, and the annoying makeovers, I think I pulled it off. I've never felt as happy as I did, after packup. I did it. I thought I'd make a fool, instead I feel like I breathe better," wrote Meera as she shared her favourite still from the ad.&nbsp;

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The advertisement has been directed by Bharat Sikka and written by Sheetal Raghav.&nbsp;

An Indian jewellery advertisement is catching everyone's attention for all the right reasons. The ad features a transgender model and explores her journey of becoming a woman.

An Indian jewellery advertisement is catching everyone's attention for all the right reasons. The ad features a transgender model and explores her journey of becoming a woman. The brand- Bhima Jewellers- is based in Kochi, a city in the Indian state of Kerala and features transperson and activist Meera Singhania in the lead. The advertisement shows the journey of a young nervous boy transforming slowly into a confident young woman. Her family gifts jewellery at various junctures in her life as she discovers her true identity and ends with the family gearing up for her wedding, adorned in the finest gold jewellery. The ad has so far crossed over 600,000 views on YouTube and is being hailed by Twitterati. I'm not crying, you're crying. https://t.co/sHgaRhCZWX — Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 15, 2021 × Posting this again because needs to be amplified ♥️ https://t.co/4CppEqtNW1 — Shruti Seth (@SethShruti) April 15, 2021 × One of the best things I saw while scrolling through this app in the last 2 days. Brilliant ad-making and a message which is welcoming For better days :)#LGBTQAwareness https://t.co/Tv0W5fTYTb — Sharath M (@sharannavala) April 18, 2021 × Not sure if it is a model who actually transitioned but I loved this ad. I am not into gold at all but next time I go to India I might buy something in gold for me or my son from Bhima. https://t.co/tWza7WeE4R — LoudPotato (@LoudPotato) April 18, 2021 × Such a beautiful and progressive ad ❤#BhimaJewellary #PureAsLove https://t.co/gTeFYlAPLs — helly_admirers (@AdmirersHelly) April 17, 2021 × Advertising as social communication. Inclusive and empathetic https://t.co/vPL2sDN1qo — Kulveen Trehan (@kulveentrehan) April 16, 2021 × The advertisement is not only important as it's a first to have a trans person playing the lead, but it also beautifully highlights the importance of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Model Meera Singhania shared a few glimpses of the ad on her Instagram page and recalled how it was tough to play her older self and how she took it up as a challenge. "People asked me my favourite shot in the entire film. Now don't get me wrong, the bus shot is really pretty, except I find this more comforting. As someone who goes through dysphoria, ( Google dysphoria, I'm not doing the labour) its not an easy task for a post op transwoman, to act in her pre op self. It can be a little heavy mentally, given the baggage. I took this role as a challenge, and I think I didn't act. Maybe I didn't have to. Despite the hectic shoot schedule, and the annoying makeovers, I think I pulled it off. I've never felt as happy as I did, after packup. I did it. I thought I'd make a fool, instead I feel like I breathe better," wrote Meera as she shared her favourite still from the ad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meera Singhania Rehani (@meerasinghaniarehani) × The advertisement has been directed by Bharat Sikka and written by Sheetal Raghav.

Indian jewellery ad featuring a transwoman is winning the Internet for all right reasons

The Election Commission on Friday announced the election dates for 824 assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four states and one union territory.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said that West Bengal will go to polls in 8 phases and Assam in three phases while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry will have a single-phase election.&nbsp;

As many as 18.68 crore voters will be eligible to cast their votes at 2.7 lakh polling stations for 824 assembly seats across Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The elections for the five assemblies are expected to witness a determined attempt by the BJP to put a strong show, including in Assam where it is already in power, as well as in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the saffron party has been pushing hard in recent years.

Elections in Assam will be conducted in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6, while polling in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will take place in a single phase on April 6.

Elections for the West Bengal assembly will be held in eight phases, up from seven last time, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said while announcing the poll schedule.

The second phase of West Bengal's assembly elections has been scheduled for April 1 and will cover 30 constituencies, followed by the third phase on April 6 for 31 seats, the fourth on April 10 for 44 constituencies, the fifth on April 17 for 45 seats, sixth for 43 seats on April 22, seventh phase on April 26 for 36 seats and last and eighth phase on April 29 for 35 seats, Arora said.

The Election Commission will appoint two special observers for West Bengal and a third can also be sent if required, Arora said in response to queries on whether enough arrangements are in place for the polls in the state, where many have been raising questions about political violence.

Arora also said everyone on election duty for the upcoming polls will?be vaccinated against COVID-19 before polling day.

Voting will take place for 126 seats in Assam, 234 in Tamil Nadu, 294 in West Bengal, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.

Arrangements will be put in place for candidates to file their nominations online. Voting will be allowed for an additional hour, keeping in mind COVID-19 safety guidelines, he said.

Also, webcasting arrangements will be in place at polling stations in critical and vulnerable areas, while adequate CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) deployment will be ensured, Arora said. All critical and vulnerable areas have been identified and advance teams have been already deployed across the four states and one union territory, he added.

He said door-to-door campaigning will be restricted to five persons, including the candidate, while roadshows will be allowed with a maximum of five vehicles.

According to Arora, the nationwide vaccination drive has made the situation more conducive for conducting elections and the Health Ministry has declared everyone on poll duty as frontline workers for vaccination purposes.

All poll officials will be vaccinated before the elections, Arora said.

Arora, who will demit office on April 13, also said all must be congratulated for the successful conduct of elections in Bihar last year despite the COVID-19 challenges and he is confident of success once again.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission on Friday announced the election dates for 824 assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four states and one union territory. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said that West Bengal will go to polls in 8 phases and Assam in three phases while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry will have a single-phase election.

The Election Commission on Friday announced the election dates for 824 assembly constituencies that will go to polls in four states and one union territory. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said that West Bengal will go to polls in 8 phases and Assam in three phases while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry will have a single-phase election. As many as 18.68 crore voters will be eligible to cast their votes at 2.7 lakh polling stations for 824 assembly seats across Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The elections for the five assemblies are expected to witness a determined attempt by the BJP to put a strong show, including in Assam where it is already in power, as well as in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the saffron party has been pushing hard in recent years. Elections in Assam will be conducted in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6, while polling in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will take place in a single phase on April 6. Elections for the West Bengal assembly will be held in eight phases, up from seven last time, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said while announcing the poll schedule. The second phase of West Bengal's assembly elections has been scheduled for April 1 and will cover 30 constituencies, followed by the third phase on April 6 for 31 seats, the fourth on April 10 for 44 constituencies, the fifth on April 17 for 45 seats, sixth for 43 seats on April 22, seventh phase on April 26 for 36 seats and last and eighth phase on April 29 for 35 seats, Arora said. The Election Commission will appoint two special observers for West Bengal and a third can also be sent if required, Arora said in response to queries on whether enough arrangements are in place for the polls in the state, where many have been raising questions about political violence. Arora also said everyone on election duty for the upcoming polls will?be vaccinated against COVID-19 before polling day. Voting will take place for 126 seats in Assam, 234 in Tamil Nadu, 294 in West Bengal, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry. Arrangements will be put in place for candidates to file their nominations online. Voting will be allowed for an additional hour, keeping in mind COVID-19 safety guidelines, he said. Also, webcasting arrangements will be in place at polling stations in critical and vulnerable areas, while adequate CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) deployment will be ensured, Arora said. All critical and vulnerable areas have been identified and advance teams have been already deployed across the four states and one union territory, he added. He said door-to-door campaigning will be restricted to five persons, including the candidate, while roadshows will be allowed with a maximum of five vehicles. According to Arora, the nationwide vaccination drive has made the situation more conducive for conducting elections and the Health Ministry has declared everyone on poll duty as frontline workers for vaccination purposes. All poll officials will be vaccinated before the elections, Arora said. Arora, who will demit office on April 13, also said all must be congratulated for the successful conduct of elections in Bihar last year despite the COVID-19 challenges and he is confident of success once again. (With inputs from agencies)

Voting in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry between March 27 and April 29, results on May 2

At an age when many people pursue their higher education, Arya Rajendran is all set to reportedly become India's youngest mayor.&nbsp;

The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) has selected Rajendran as its mayor candidate after the party won a majority in the 100-member council.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Rajanedran, BSc Mathematics student, is the first-time councillor from Mudavanmugal division of Thiruvananthapuram corporation.

"It's the decision of the party and I abide by it. During the elections, people preferred me as I am a student and the public wanted their representative to be well educated. I will continue my education and will discharge my duties as a Mayor," Rajendran told media persons.&nbsp;

CPI-M's district and state committees have put forward her name for the role of mayor as the party seeks to bring more educated women in the leadership role. &nbsp;

With this, Rajendran will become reportedly the country's youngest mayor.&nbsp;

In the local body election, CPI-M became the largest party after claiming 51 seats.

BJP will be the main opposition with 35 seats and Congress-led UDF alliance was in the third spot with 10 councillors.&nbsp;

News agency IANS said that the name of Gayatri Babu, 23-year-old councillor, also came up for the post of mayor, but Rajendran was given nod as she heads the state's "Balasangam", the party`s children`s wing and also is the CPI(M) area committee member. 
&nbsp;

At an age when many people pursue their higher education, Arya Rajendran is all set to reportedly become India's youngest mayor. The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) has selected Rajendran as its mayor candidate after the party won a majority in the 100-member council.

At an age when many people pursue their higher education, Arya Rajendran is all set to reportedly become India's youngest mayor. The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) has selected Rajendran as its mayor candidate after the party won a majority in the 100-member council. Rajanedran, BSc Mathematics student, is the first-time councillor from Mudavanmugal division of Thiruvananthapuram corporation. "It's the decision of the party and I abide by it. During the elections, people preferred me as I am a student and the public wanted their representative to be well educated. I will continue my education and will discharge my duties as a Mayor," Rajendran told media persons. CPI-M's district and state committees have put forward her name for the role of mayor as the party seeks to bring more educated women in the leadership role. With this, Rajendran will become reportedly the country's youngest mayor. In the local body election, CPI-M became the largest party after claiming 51 seats. BJP will be the main opposition with 35 seats and Congress-led UDF alliance was in the third spot with 10 councillors. News agency IANS said that the name of Gayatri Babu, 23-year-old councillor, also came up for the post of mayor, but Rajendran was given nod as she heads the state's "Balasangam", the party`s children`s wing and also is the CPI(M) area committee member.

At 21, Arya Rajendran is all set to become India's youngest mayor

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday.

This comes a day after Vijayan announced that coronavirus vaccine will be provided free of cost in the state. The announcement comes at a time when local body elections are going on in the state.

"By announcing that free vaccine will be provided, Vijayan has violated the election code of conduct. The Central Government had already announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost to the entire country. Kerala Chief Minister is trying to take credit of the Centre`s project," Surendran said while addressing a press conference.

BJP`s Kerala unit chief also alleged that the stand taken by Chief Minister in the gold smuggling case is to derail the probe by central investigation agencies.

"Chief Minister had earlier written to the Prime Minister asking him to let the central agencies investigate gold smuggling case. Now, when investigation agencies are making progress and probe is being carried out against those involved in Chief Minister`s office, he is turning against investigation agencies," he said.

BJP state president said that Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to challenge the legal system.

"The stand of the Chief Minister is ridiculous. When the CM is about to be caught in the gold smuggling case, he is trying to intimidate the central agencies. This cannot be allowed," he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday. This comes a day after Vijayan announced that coronavirus vaccine will be provided free of cost in the state. The announcement comes at a time when local body elections are going on in the state. "By announcing that free vaccine will be provided, Vijayan has violated the election code of conduct. The Central Government had already announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost to the entire country. Kerala Chief Minister is trying to take credit of the Centre`s project," Surendran said while addressing a press conference. BJP`s Kerala unit chief also alleged that the stand taken by Chief Minister in the gold smuggling case is to derail the probe by central investigation agencies. "Chief Minister had earlier written to the Prime Minister asking him to let the central agencies investigate gold smuggling case. Now, when investigation agencies are making progress and probe is being carried out against those involved in Chief Minister`s office, he is turning against investigation agencies," he said. BJP state president said that Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to challenge the legal system. "The stand of the Chief Minister is ridiculous. When the CM is about to be caught in the gold smuggling case, he is trying to intimidate the central agencies. This cannot be allowed," he added.

BJP lodges complaint against Kerala CM for announcing free Covid-19 vaccine amid local polls

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted, "The cyclonic storm `Burevi` over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 18 kmph during past six hours and lay centered at 0830 hours IST of today, the 2nd December, 2020 over Southwest Bay of Bengal near Lat. 8.6°N and Long. 83.0°E, about 200 km east of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 420 km east-southeast of Pamban (India) and 600 km nearly east-northeast of Kanyakumari (India). It is very likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours."

"It would then move nearly west-southwestwards very close to coast slowly and cross south Tamil Nadu coast between Kanniyakumari and Pamban during 3rd December night and 4th December early morning as a Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph", the tweet added."Two teams of NDRF are deployed at Thoothukudi, in view of Cyclone Burevi. Burevi is expected to cross South Tamil Nadu between Kanniyakumari and Pamban on the morning of December 4," as per IMD.NDRF teams were also deployed in Kerala`s Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu`s Kanniyakumari.

"Cyclone Burevi will likely hit Thiruvananthapuram district tomorrow. We`ve asked fishermen to return and have completely banned fishing and regulated movement in hilly areas. We are expecting very high rainfall with wind speeds of 75- 80 kmph," said Navjot Khosa, District Collector, Thiruvananthapuram."Yesterday, we had a special District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting with defence forces that are stationed here. Unit heads of these forces attended the meeting and we planned rescue, relief and search operation strategies, if the need should arise," Khosa added."Cyclone Burevi will be over 1,300 km away from Odisha. So, there will be no direct impact here. We have not issued any warnings across the districts. The next five days will see dry weather prevail over the state," the IMD of Odisha said.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted, "The cyclonic storm `Burevi` over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 18 kmph during past six hours and lay centered at 0830 hours IST of today, the 2nd December, 2020 over Southwest Bay of Bengal near Lat. 8.6°N and Long. 83.0°E, about 200 km east of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 420 km east-southeast of Pamban (India) and 600 km nearly east-northeast of Kanyakumari (India). It is very likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours." "It would then move nearly west-southwestwards very close to coast slowly and cross south Tamil Nadu coast between Kanniyakumari and Pamban during 3rd December night and 4th December early morning as a Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph", the tweet added."Two teams of NDRF are deployed at Thoothukudi, in view of Cyclone Burevi. Burevi is expected to cross South Tamil Nadu between Kanniyakumari and Pamban on the morning of December 4," as per IMD.NDRF teams were also deployed in Kerala`s Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu`s Kanniyakumari. "Cyclone Burevi will likely hit Thiruvananthapuram district tomorrow. We`ve asked fishermen to return and have completely banned fishing and regulated movement in hilly areas. We are expecting very high rainfall with wind speeds of 75- 80 kmph," said Navjot Khosa, District Collector, Thiruvananthapuram."Yesterday, we had a special District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting with defence forces that are stationed here. Unit heads of these forces attended the meeting and we planned rescue, relief and search operation strategies, if the need should arise," Khosa added."Cyclone Burevi will be over 1,300 km away from Odisha. So, there will be no direct impact here. We have not issued any warnings across the districts. The next five days will see dry weather prevail over the state," the IMD of Odisha said.

NDRF teams prepare as Cyclone Burevi set to strike coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu tomorrow

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that a cyclone brewing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to affect Tamil Nadu and Kerala, less than a week after cyclone Nivar wreaked havoc in the southern states. 
 
The cyclone will cross the Sri Lanka coast on December 2 and bring heavy rain over Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it said in the bulletin. Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast by Monday. 
 
The depression in southeast Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during next 12 hours and into a cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours. "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the Sri Lanka coast during evening or night of 2nd December," the IMD said. 
 
The cyclone is very like to move nearly westwards thereafter and emerge into Comorin area on December 3 morning, it added. Once it attains strength, it will be called `Burevi`. 
 
It will bring isolated extremely heavy falls over south Tamil Nadu in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga areas on December 2 and 3. In south Kerala, it will bring showers at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzah areas on December 3. 
 
Fishermen are advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal from November 30 to December 1, southwest Bay of Bengal and along and off east Sri Lanka coast from December 1 to 3. 
 
They have been asked not to venture into Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and south Tamil Nadu-Kerala coasts from December 2 to 4 and over Lakshadweep-Maldives area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea from December 3 to 4. The IMD advised total suspension of fishing operation during November 30 to December 4 over the areas. 
 
On November 25, severe cyclone Nivar had hit near Karaikal and brought along extremely heavy rain over Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that a cyclone brewing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to affect Tamil Nadu and Kerala, less than a week after cyclone Nivar wreaked havoc in the southern states.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that a cyclone brewing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to affect Tamil Nadu and Kerala, less than a week after cyclone Nivar wreaked havoc in the southern states. The cyclone will cross the Sri Lanka coast on December 2 and bring heavy rain over Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it said in the bulletin. Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast by Monday. The depression in southeast Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during next 12 hours and into a cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours. "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the Sri Lanka coast during evening or night of 2nd December," the IMD said. The cyclone is very like to move nearly westwards thereafter and emerge into Comorin area on December 3 morning, it added. Once it attains strength, it will be called `Burevi`. It will bring isolated extremely heavy falls over south Tamil Nadu in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga areas on December 2 and 3. In south Kerala, it will bring showers at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzah areas on December 3. Fishermen are advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal from November 30 to December 1, southwest Bay of Bengal and along and off east Sri Lanka coast from December 1 to 3. They have been asked not to venture into Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and south Tamil Nadu-Kerala coasts from December 2 to 4 and over Lakshadweep-Maldives area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea from December 3 to 4. The IMD advised total suspension of fishing operation during November 30 to December 4 over the areas. On November 25, severe cyclone Nivar had hit near Karaikal and brought along extremely heavy rain over Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

After Nivar, cyclone 'Burevi' to hit Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala.

"Going to sea from the coast of Kerala will be completely banned from midnight on November 30 as the sea is likely to be very rough from December 1. Those who are currently out fishing should reach the nearest safe shore by midnight on November 30th. These warnings should be strictly followed as there is a slight risk of low pressure turning into a hurricane," said Kerala Chief Minister.

He said according to weather forecast heavy rains and strong winds are likely in southern Kerala as the impact of low pressure is expected in Kerala as well.

"Currently, extreme caution is required in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts as per the weather models. However, from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, caution is advised and further warnings should be followed," he added.

Chief Minister said that Revenue and Local Government Departments have been directed to prepare for starting relief camps by December 2 in case of strong winds.

"Those who live in unoccupied houses and those whose houses do not have strong roofs should be prepared to relocate for safety in the light of warnings of the coming days," he added.

The State Disaster Management Authority and the Indian Meteorological Department are closely monitoring the development and trajectory of the low-pressure area.As per the weather forecast, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts will receive very heavy rain on December 1.

On December 2, very heavy rainfall is predicted for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala. "Going to sea from the coast of Kerala will be completely banned from midnight on November 30 as the sea is likely to be very rough from December 1. Those who are currently out fishing should reach the nearest safe shore by midnight on November 30th. These warnings should be strictly followed as there is a slight risk of low pressure turning into a hurricane," said Kerala Chief Minister. He said according to weather forecast heavy rains and strong winds are likely in southern Kerala as the impact of low pressure is expected in Kerala as well. "Currently, extreme caution is required in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts as per the weather models. However, from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, caution is advised and further warnings should be followed," he added. Chief Minister said that Revenue and Local Government Departments have been directed to prepare for starting relief camps by December 2 in case of strong winds. "Those who live in unoccupied houses and those whose houses do not have strong roofs should be prepared to relocate for safety in the light of warnings of the coming days," he added. The State Disaster Management Authority and the Indian Meteorological Department are closely monitoring the development and trajectory of the low-pressure area.As per the weather forecast, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts will receive very heavy rain on December 1. On December 2, very heavy rainfall is predicted for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

Heavy rains likely in Kerala over next few days due to low-pressure formation in Bay of Bengal

ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday.

Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown.

In the season-opener, ATK Mohun Bagan secured a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters. During the first-half of the game, both the side gave each other a tough competition, restricting one another from taking a lead. After a goal-less first half, both sides started playing aggressively in the second half.

However, it was ATK Mohun Bagan that managed to take advantage. Roy Krishna netted the goal in the 67th minute, putting his side ahead of the Kerala Blasters.

The match did not witness more goals and ATK Mohun Bagan came victorious. For his match-winning performance, Krishna won the Hero of the Match award. After guiding his team to the victory, Krishna said he is happy to get on the scoresheet.

"I am happy to play for this team, especially for this club. It is a privilege. I will not take all the credit. I think we defended really well. I had a few chances in the first half, disappointed. But happy to get on the scoresheet," he said in a video posted by ATK Mohun Bagan on Twitter.&nbsp;

ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday. Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown.

ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday. Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown. In the season-opener, ATK Mohun Bagan secured a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters. During the first-half of the game, both the side gave each other a tough competition, restricting one another from taking a lead. After a goal-less first half, both sides started playing aggressively in the second half. However, it was ATK Mohun Bagan that managed to take advantage. Roy Krishna netted the goal in the 67th minute, putting his side ahead of the Kerala Blasters. The match did not witness more goals and ATK Mohun Bagan came victorious. For his match-winning performance, Krishna won the Hero of the Match award. After guiding his team to the victory, Krishna said he is happy to get on the scoresheet. "I am happy to play for this team, especially for this club. It is a privilege. I will not take all the credit. I think we defended really well. I had a few chances in the first half, disappointed. But happy to get on the scoresheet," he said in a video posted by ATK Mohun Bagan on Twitter.

ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan get off to winning start, defeat Kerala Blasters 1-0

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours. 
 
In October, there were days when the positivity rate crossed the 15 per cent-mark. 
 
In a statement issued here, state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja said on Tuesday that 6,698 people turned Covid negative in the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries in the state to 4,15,158. 
 
There are 78,694 active cases in the state as on Tuesday, while 28 deaths in the past 24 hours took the state`s death toll to 1,742. 
 
There are 3,16,359 people under observation at various centres across the state, including 19,318 at various hospitals. The state at present has 616 hotspots.

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours.

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours. In October, there were days when the positivity rate crossed the 15 per cent-mark. In a statement issued here, state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja said on Tuesday that 6,698 people turned Covid negative in the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries in the state to 4,15,158. There are 78,694 active cases in the state as on Tuesday, while 28 deaths in the past 24 hours took the state`s death toll to 1,742. There are 3,16,359 people under observation at various centres across the state, including 19,318 at various hospitals. The state at present has 616 hotspots.

Kerala's COVID positivity rate falls below 11%

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive.

The state needs to maintain "extreme vigil" in the coming days as the daily cases have been crossing 3,000, Health minister K K Shailaja said.

The toll touched 410, with 14 deaths during the past few days being confirmed due to COVID-19, she said. 
Of the positive cases, 2,738 were infected through contact and the source of infection of 285 people were not known.

Forty five of those infected had come from abroad and 134 from other states.

Fifty two health workers were among those who tested positive today-- the highest from Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, with 15 each, the minister said in a press release.

While 73,904 have so far recovered from the disease, including 1,326 whose samples returned negative today, 27,877 are presently undergoing treatment.

A total of 2.03 lakh people are under observation,of whom 21,492 are in hospitals, including 2,689 admitted today.

In the last 24 hours 35,056 samples have been tested and so far 20,53,801 samples have been sent for testing. 
Thiruvananthapuram reported 494 cases, followed by Malappuram 390, Kollam 302, Ernakulam 295, Kozhikode 261, Kannur 256, Kottayam 221 and Alappuzha 200.

The minister said that for the last seven months, the state has been strongly waging a battle against the pandemic.

Health workers and all government machinery are engaged in tirelessly fighting the disease, she said. 
Though the Covid tally touched the one lakh mark, the toll was only 410 and many have recovered, which speaks volumes about the state's excellent health care sector, the minister said, adding this is also due to the sincere work of the health workers.

In many other states, the toll was between 4-10 per cent of the total number of cases, while in Kerala it was only 0.4 per cent, she said.

The first Covid case in India was reported from Thrissur on January 30 when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive for the virus.

The second and third cases were also Wuhan returnees from the state.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive.

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive. The state needs to maintain "extreme vigil" in the coming days as the daily cases have been crossing 3,000, Health minister K K Shailaja said. The toll touched 410, with 14 deaths during the past few days being confirmed due to COVID-19, she said. Of the positive cases, 2,738 were infected through contact and the source of infection of 285 people were not known. Forty five of those infected had come from abroad and 134 from other states. Fifty two health workers were among those who tested positive today-- the highest from Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, with 15 each, the minister said in a press release. While 73,904 have so far recovered from the disease, including 1,326 whose samples returned negative today, 27,877 are presently undergoing treatment. A total of 2.03 lakh people are under observation,of whom 21,492 are in hospitals, including 2,689 admitted today. In the last 24 hours 35,056 samples have been tested and so far 20,53,801 samples have been sent for testing. Thiruvananthapuram reported 494 cases, followed by Malappuram 390, Kollam 302, Ernakulam 295, Kozhikode 261, Kannur 256, Kottayam 221 and Alappuzha 200. The minister said that for the last seven months, the state has been strongly waging a battle against the pandemic. Health workers and all government machinery are engaged in tirelessly fighting the disease, she said. Though the Covid tally touched the one lakh mark, the toll was only 410 and many have recovered, which speaks volumes about the state's excellent health care sector, the minister said, adding this is also due to the sincere work of the health workers. In many other states, the toll was between 4-10 per cent of the total number of cases, while in Kerala it was only 0.4 per cent, she said. The first Covid case in India was reported from Thrissur on January 30 when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive for the virus. The second and third cases were also Wuhan returnees from the state.

Kerala's COVID-19 tally touches one lakh mark

Coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the travel and hotel industry, however, a luxury resort in southern Indian state has started a new economic activity to save the business sinking because of the crisis.&nbsp;

Aveda Resort in the state of Kerala has turned its 150-metre (500-feet) pool into a fish farm and the resort is planning to export the harvest to the Middle East.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-over-61000-cases-death-toll-rises-to-57542-322669">COVID-19: India records over 61,000 cases; death toll rises to 57,542</a>

The resort is generally packed with European travellers, but the pandemic has forced the owners to use its pool with 7.5 million litres of water for pearl spot fish farming.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rise-in-covid-19-cases-in-india-due-to-flouting-of-norms-by-people-lt-governor-kiran-bedi-322614">Rise in COVID-19 cases in India due to flouting of norms by people: Lt Governor Kiran Bedi</a>

"We have had zero revenues, so in June, we put around 16,000 two-month-old pearl spot fish in the pool," said Aveda's general manager Jyotish Surendran to news agency AFP.

"We plan to harvest by November and will export to the Middle East," he said.&nbsp;

The fist is fondly eaten in Southern India and the Middle East and Surendran claims the value of four tonnes of pearl spots growing in the pool could worth $40,000 on the market.

The general manager says that the money generated from the farm could not compensate the losses they suffered due to the pandemic, but he was hopeful that the money would help them keep the business running until tourists return.&nbsp;

"We can't continue with this farm in the pool, but we are trying to find alternative land where we can build up this knowledge for bigger projects," Surendran said.

Coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the travel and hotel industry, however, a luxury resort in southern Indian state has started a new economic activity to save the business sinking because of the crisis.

Coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the travel and hotel industry, however, a luxury resort in southern Indian state has started a new economic activity to save the business sinking because of the crisis. Aveda Resort in the state of Kerala has turned its 150-metre (500-feet) pool into a fish farm and the resort is planning to export the harvest to the Middle East. Also read | COVID-19: India records over 61,000 cases; death toll rises to 57,542 The resort is generally packed with European travellers, but the pandemic has forced the owners to use its pool with 7.5 million litres of water for pearl spot fish farming. Also read | Rise in COVID-19 cases in India due to flouting of norms by people: Lt Governor Kiran Bedi "We have had zero revenues, so in June, we put around 16,000 two-month-old pearl spot fish in the pool," said Aveda's general manager Jyotish Surendran to news agency AFP. "We plan to harvest by November and will export to the Middle East," he said. The fist is fondly eaten in Southern India and the Middle East and Surendran claims the value of four tonnes of pearl spots growing in the pool could worth $40,000 on the market. The general manager says that the money generated from the farm could not compensate the losses they suffered due to the pandemic, but he was hopeful that the money would help them keep the business running until tourists return. "We can't continue with this farm in the pool, but we are trying to find alternative land where we can build up this knowledge for bigger projects," Surendran said.

Amid pandemic, luxury resort in Kerala turns swimming pool into fish farm

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total cases of coronavirus infections mounted to 29, 05,824, while the death toll climbed to 54,849 with 983 new fatalities being reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Testing in India has steeply increased to more than 9 lakh tests per day. This is bolstered with all States/UTs testing more than 140 tests/day/million population as advised by WHO (World Health Organization).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded various steps taken by authorities in Gujarat to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, said a top government official on Thursday.&nbsp;

And to spread awareness about the coronavirus pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday launched a first-of-its-kind, interactive video game and two new promotional videos urging people to adhere to key COVID-19-appropriate behaviours.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total cases of coronavirus infections mounted to 29, 05,824, while the death toll climbed to 54,849 with 983 new fatalities being reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. According to the Union Health Ministry, Testing in India has steeply increased to more than 9 lakh tests per day. This is bolstered with all States/UTs testing more than 140 tests/day/million population as advised by WHO (World Health Organization). Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded various steps taken by authorities in Gujarat to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, said a top government official on Thursday. And to spread awareness about the coronavirus pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday launched a first-of-its-kind, interactive video game and two new promotional videos urging people to adhere to key COVID-19-appropriate behaviours. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours

The Sabarimala temple on Sunday reopened for five-day monthly prayers in the Malayalam month, which is known as Chingam.

The puja will start from tomorrow morning and will be held without the presence of devotees.

Temple will close on August 21 evening after monthly puja.

Earlier, Travancore Devaswam president N Vasu said the annual festival pilgrimage season for Sabarimala starts from November 16.

"This is an event which has been going on for decades. The government, as well as the Travancore Devaswam board, is eager to see that the event takes place this year also but with limitations and restrictions," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Sabarimala temple on Sunday reopened for five-day monthly prayers in the Malayalam month, which is known as Chingam. The puja will start from tomorrow morning and will be held without the presence of devotees.

The Sabarimala temple on Sunday reopened for five-day monthly prayers in the Malayalam month, which is known as Chingam. The puja will start from tomorrow morning and will be held without the presence of devotees. Temple will close on August 21 evening after monthly puja. Earlier, Travancore Devaswam president N Vasu said the annual festival pilgrimage season for Sabarimala starts from November 16. "This is an event which has been going on for decades. The government, as well as the Travancore Devaswam board, is eager to see that the event takes place this year also but with limitations and restrictions," he said.

Kerala: Sabarimala temple reopens for five-day monthly prayers

As many as 266 prisoners lodged in Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kollam district jails have tested COVID-19 positive prompting prisoners authorities to start separate COVID-19 isolation wards inside jail premises, reported news agency ANI.

Santhosh S, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Prisons (Headquarters), said that 50 inmates of Poojappura Central Jail have tested positive on Saturday taking the total COVID-19 cases here to 200.

"Another 66 inmates in Kollam jail also have tested positive. So far both jails combined 266 jail inmates have tested COVID-19 positive," he added.

Santhosh said that three officials in Central Jail have detected positive for the virus.

"About 114 prisoners were tested in Central jail and the results of 50 of them have confirmed COVID-19 positive. Out of the 21 officials tested, results of three officials are COVID-19 positive," he said.Regarding the treatment strategy adopted by the jail authorities, he said.&nbsp;

"All these cases are not symptomatic and so we are currently isolating them within the jail premises. If anyone shows any symptoms than the person will be sent to COVID hospital for the treatment."A total of 1,608 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Kerala today.The number of active cases is now at 14,891 while 27,779 patients have recovered, according to the state health department.&nbsp;

As many as 266 prisoners lodged in Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kollam district jails have tested COVID-19 positive prompting prisoners authorities to start separate COVID-19 isolation wards inside jail premises, reported news agency ANI.

As many as 266 prisoners lodged in Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kollam district jails have tested COVID-19 positive prompting prisoners authorities to start separate COVID-19 isolation wards inside jail premises, reported news agency ANI. Santhosh S, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Prisons (Headquarters), said that 50 inmates of Poojappura Central Jail have tested positive on Saturday taking the total COVID-19 cases here to 200. "Another 66 inmates in Kollam jail also have tested positive. So far both jails combined 266 jail inmates have tested COVID-19 positive," he added. Santhosh said that three officials in Central Jail have detected positive for the virus. "About 114 prisoners were tested in Central jail and the results of 50 of them have confirmed COVID-19 positive. Out of the 21 officials tested, results of three officials are COVID-19 positive," he said.Regarding the treatment strategy adopted by the jail authorities, he said. "All these cases are not symptomatic and so we are currently isolating them within the jail premises. If anyone shows any symptoms than the person will be sent to COVID hospital for the treatment."A total of 1,608 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Kerala today.The number of active cases is now at 14,891 while 27,779 patients have recovered, according to the state health department.

266 prisoners in Kerala test positive for COVID-19

With a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths, the coronavirus tally in the country rose to 24,61,191 while death toll crossed 48,000-mark.

India has recorded a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24 hours on Friday. The coronavirus tally in the country has increased to 24,61,191 including 6,61,595 active cases.&nbsp;

The number of people who have improved has increased to 17,51,556. &nbsp;The death toll, on the other hand, has mounted to 48,040 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare website.

It can be seen that India's cumulative coronavirus caseload makes it the third worst-hit country in the world after the United States and Brazil. However, the government maintains that the situation across the country is improving as more number of people are getting cured.

At present, India's recovery rate is over 70 per cent while the death rate stands at 1.95 per cent, among the lowest across the globe.

India had tested 8,48,728 samples for Coronavirus taking the total number of testing to 2,76,94,416, India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths, the coronavirus tally in the country rose to 24,61,191 while death toll crossed 48,000-mark. India has recorded a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24 hours on Friday.

With a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths, the coronavirus tally in the country rose to 24,61,191 while death toll crossed 48,000-mark. India has recorded a spike of 64,553 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24 hours on Friday. The coronavirus tally in the country has increased to 24,61,191 including 6,61,595 active cases. The number of people who have improved has increased to 17,51,556. The death toll, on the other hand, has mounted to 48,040 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website. It can be seen that India's cumulative coronavirus caseload makes it the third worst-hit country in the world after the United States and Brazil. However, the government maintains that the situation across the country is improving as more number of people are getting cured. At present, India's recovery rate is over 70 per cent while the death rate stands at 1.95 per cent, among the lowest across the globe. India had tested 8,48,728 samples for Coronavirus taking the total number of testing to 2,76,94,416, India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

India tally crosses 24 lakh-mark with 64,553 new cases in last 24-hours

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.77 per cent in the country, according to the Union health ministry.

The death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 47,033 with 942 people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, health ministry data updated at 8 am showed.

On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases.

The case fatality rate in the country has declined to 1.96 per cent.

There are 6, 53,622 active COVID-19 cases in the country presently, which account for 27.27 per cent of its total caseload.

At the global front, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally reached 20,807,726 on Thursday, according to Worldometer. However, this number represents only the status of infection as captured through testing, as only lab-confirmed infections are counted as confirmed cases. This implies the true extent of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread could only be gauged by testing a lot.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.77 per cent in the country, according to the Union health ministry. The death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 47,033 with 942 people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, health ministry data updated at 8 am showed. On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases. The case fatality rate in the country has declined to 1.96 per cent. There are 6, 53,622 active COVID-19 cases in the country presently, which account for 27.27 per cent of its total caseload. At the global front, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally reached 20,807,726 on Thursday, according to Worldometer. However, this number represents only the status of infection as captured through testing, as only lab-confirmed infections are counted as confirmed cases. This implies the true extent of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread could only be gauged by testing a lot. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally nears 24-lakh mark with record spike of 66,999 cases; over eight lakh tests carried out in last 24 hours

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2, 60, 15,297 samples tested up to 11th August 2020 for COVID19. Of these, 7, 33,449 samples were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to increase coronavirus testing in Gujarat because of the "high positivity rate" prevailing in the state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths.

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2, 60, 15,297 samples tested up to 11th August 2020 for COVID19. Of these, 7, 33,449 samples were tested yesterday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to increase coronavirus testing in Gujarat because of the "high positivity rate" prevailing in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 60,963 fresh cases in last 24-hours, inches towards 23.3 lakh-mark

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