The second confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus has been reported from Kerala where a person has been tested positive with the deadly virus.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Second case of deadly virus confirmed in Kerala

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Kumar reaffirmed India's preparedness to tackle the virus. He said that the government is in contact with Indians in China and is trying to evacuate those in the Hubei province.&nbsp;

China is yet to respond to India's request, New Delhi awaits Beijing's approval, Kumar added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-in-india-kerala-reports-first-confirmed-case-277500">First confirmed case of coronavirus in India, Kerala student tested positive</a>

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Spox of Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong: Chinese side pays close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> in India &amp; will cooperate with the Indian side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention &amp; control. <a href="https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU">https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU</a>
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"The government of India has been conducting a regular review of the situation arising due to the outbreak of coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Kumar also confirmed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to India from February 8 to 11.&nbsp;

"He will arrive on 7th February. 8th February will be main engagement day where he will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Kumar told media.&nbsp;

After his official engagement in Delhi, the Sri Lankan PM will travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati, Kumar said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/health-ministry-reviews-states-preparedness-for-prevention-management-of-novel-coronavirus-277412">Health Ministry reviews states' preparedness for prevention, management of novel coronavirus</a>

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MEA: Govt of India has been conducting regular review of situation arising due to the outbreak of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side. <a href="https://t.co/hxKCzCTeD2">pic.twitter.com/hxKCzCTeD2</a>
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Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong, has said that China is paying close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by coronavirus in India and that Beijing is ready to cooperate with India side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention and control, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close communication with the Indian government, timely briefed on the development of the epidemic and China’s efforts in epidemic prevention and control," Rong said.&nbsp;

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Indian health officials on Thursday confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in Kerala.&nbsp;

The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added.

"The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said.

Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day. Kumar reaffirmed India's preparedness to tackle the virus. He said that the government is in contact with Indians in China and is trying to evacuate those in the Hubei province. China is yet to respond to India's request, New Delhi awaits Beijing's approval, Kumar added. Also read: First confirmed case of coronavirus in India, Kerala student tested positive Spox of Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong: Chinese side pays close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by #coronavirus in India & will cooperate with the Indian side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention & control. https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2020 × "The government of India has been conducting a regular review of the situation arising due to the outbreak of coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side," Kumar said. Kumar also confirmed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to India from February 8 to 11. "He will arrive on 7th February. 8th February will be main engagement day where he will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Kumar told media. After his official engagement in Delhi, the Sri Lankan PM will travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati, Kumar said. Also read: Health Ministry reviews states' preparedness for prevention, management of novel coronavirus MEA: Govt of India has been conducting regular review of situation arising due to the outbreak of #coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side. pic.twitter.com/hxKCzCTeD2 — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2020 × Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong, has said that China is paying close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by coronavirus in India and that Beijing is ready to cooperate with India side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention and control, news agency ANI reported. "Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close communication with the Indian government, timely briefed on the development of the epidemic and China’s efforts in epidemic prevention and control," Rong said. × Indian health officials on Thursday confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in Kerala. The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added. "The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said. Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed.

India is ready to tackle coronavirus, maintaining close contact with Indians in China: MEA 

India has confirmed its first case of the new Coronavirus. A student from the southern Indian state of Kerala has tested positive for the virus. The patient is a student at Wuhan University in China who recently returned to India.

Breaking News: India Confirms First Coronavirus Case

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">high voltage drama</a> with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-governor-seeks-explanation-from-state-chief-secretary-over-governments-moving-sc-against-caa-275285">displaying anti-CAA</a> posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today.

MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">escort the governor</a> to his podium.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had accompanied Khan into the House when UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address.

MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.&nbsp;

He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today.

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today. MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium. Also Read: After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had accompanied Khan into the House when UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan.

Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he would still read out the 18th paragraph, the portion regarding the CAA, in his policy speech only to "honour the wish of Chief Minister" Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Now I come to Para 18, I have been corresponding with the honourable chief minister for the last few days, I have my reservations because in my view...I am going to read it, I am going to read this Para because the Honorable CM wants me to read this," said Khan giving the Governor's customary policy speech in the House on the opening day of the Budget Session.

"Although I hold the view that this doesn't come under the definition of policy or program. The CM has himself said in his letter that this is the view of government. I disagree, but to honour his wish I am going to read this para," he added.

Further, he read the para, "Our citizenship can never be on the basis of religion. The august house has passed a resolution requesting the central government to abrogate the CAA which my government believes goes against cardinal principles and line of our constitution....."

Also Read:&nbsp;

Before his address to the House, the Assembly witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters and banners against Khan as soon as he arrived in the House for his address.

MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan had accompanied Khan into the House when Congress-led UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House.

Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly.

Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan read out a portion against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he would still read out the 18th paragraph, the portion regarding the CAA, in his policy speech only to "honour the wish of Chief Minister" Pinarayi Vijayan. "Now I come to Para 18, I have been corresponding with the honourable chief minister for the last few days, I have my reservations because in my view...I am going to read it, I am going to read this Para because the Honorable CM wants me to read this," said Khan giving the Governor's customary policy speech in the House on the opening day of the Budget Session. "Although I hold the view that this doesn't come under the definition of policy or program. The CM has himself said in his letter that this is the view of government. I disagree, but to honour his wish I am going to read this para," he added. Further, he read the para, "Our citizenship can never be on the basis of religion. The august house has passed a resolution requesting the central government to abrogate the CAA which my government believes goes against cardinal principles and line of our constitution....." Also Read: Before his address to the House, the Assembly witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters and banners against Khan as soon as he arrived in the House for his address. MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan had accompanied Khan into the House when Congress-led UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Governor expresses reservation but reads out anti-CAA portion in Budget address to honour Kerala CM's wish

Over 100 people have been kept under observation in Kerala and Maharashtra following screening for a possible exposure to novel coronavirus (nCoV)

Coronavirus Outbreak: 80 people in Kerala under observation

The mortal remains of eight Indian tourists, including four minors who died of possible asphyxiation in their room at a mountainous resort in Nepal, were flown back to their hometowns in Kerala on Thursday, senior officials said.

All formalities, including the postmortem, were completed on Wednesday night and the bodies were flown on two separate Air India flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi, according to sources at the Indian Embassy here.

The mortal remains of Praveen Krishnan Nair, his wife Saranya Sasi and their three children will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi, and of Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, his wife Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and their son to Kozhikode from Delhi.

"This was a very tragic incident," a senior Indian Embassy official told PTI here.

The victims were among a group of 15 tourists from Kerala who had checked into a resort in Daman, a popular tourist spot in Makawanpur district, some 70-km south of Kathmandu.

The group, after travelling to Pokhara -- a popular mountainous tourist destination -- was on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman on Monday night.

According to the manager at the resort, Shiva KC, the families arrived in a reserved vehicle and were supposed to stay in the resort for only one night.

Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater for warmth, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

All eight of them were found unconscious the next day morning when hotel staff went to deliver morning bed coffee. Doctors declared them brought dead when they were rushed to a hospital in Kathmandu on a helicopter.

Their postmortem was conducted at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital here on Wednesday.

The tragedy occurred as the two-decade-old resort does not have air conditioners, said Labsher Bista, the mayor of Thaha Municipality in the district.

Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has condoled the death and said he was deeply shocked to learn about the incident. He offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, government and people of India.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Department of Tourism has formed a five-member committee to investigate whether there were any lapses in the safety of tourists by the resort administration. The committee is required to submit the report within 15 days.

An official said that out of the seven who survived, two stayed back to accompany the bodies while others left.

Nair and Ranjit, both IT professionals, were engineering college classmates and the tour was arranged after a get-together with old friends in Delhi, a family member said.

Nair, who hails from Chempazhanthi in Thiruvananthapuram, was an engineer in Dubai, while his wife, Saranya, staying in Kochi along with 3 children and was a nursing student.

Ranjit was working in an IT firm at Thiruvananthapuram, while his wife, Indu, was an accountant in a cooperative bank at Kozhikode, a family member said. Ranjit's elder son Madhav had a lucky escape as he was sleeping in another room.&nbsp;

The mortal remains of eight Indian tourists, including four minors who died of possible asphyxiation in their room at a mountainous resort in Nepal, were flown back to their hometowns in Kerala on Thursday, senior officials said.

The mortal remains of eight Indian tourists, including four minors who died of possible asphyxiation in their room at a mountainous resort in Nepal, were flown back to their hometowns in Kerala on Thursday, senior officials said. All formalities, including the postmortem, were completed on Wednesday night and the bodies were flown on two separate Air India flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi, according to sources at the Indian Embassy here. The mortal remains of Praveen Krishnan Nair, his wife Saranya Sasi and their three children will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi, and of Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, his wife Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and their son to Kozhikode from Delhi. "This was a very tragic incident," a senior Indian Embassy official told PTI here. The victims were among a group of 15 tourists from Kerala who had checked into a resort in Daman, a popular tourist spot in Makawanpur district, some 70-km south of Kathmandu. The group, after travelling to Pokhara -- a popular mountainous tourist destination -- was on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman on Monday night. According to the manager at the resort, Shiva KC, the families arrived in a reserved vehicle and were supposed to stay in the resort for only one night. Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater for warmth, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside. All eight of them were found unconscious the next day morning when hotel staff went to deliver morning bed coffee. Doctors declared them brought dead when they were rushed to a hospital in Kathmandu on a helicopter. Their postmortem was conducted at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital here on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred as the two-decade-old resort does not have air conditioners, said Labsher Bista, the mayor of Thaha Municipality in the district. Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has condoled the death and said he was deeply shocked to learn about the incident. He offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, government and people of India. Meanwhile, Nepal's Department of Tourism has formed a five-member committee to investigate whether there were any lapses in the safety of tourists by the resort administration. The committee is required to submit the report within 15 days. An official said that out of the seven who survived, two stayed back to accompany the bodies while others left. Nair and Ranjit, both IT professionals, were engineering college classmates and the tour was arranged after a get-together with old friends in Delhi, a family member said. Nair, who hails from Chempazhanthi in Thiruvananthapuram, was an engineer in Dubai, while his wife, Saranya, staying in Kochi along with 3 children and was a nursing student. Ranjit was working in an IT firm at Thiruvananthapuram, while his wife, Indu, was an accountant in a cooperative bank at Kozhikode, a family member said. Ranjit's elder son Madhav had a lucky escape as he was sleeping in another room.

Mortal remains of 8 Indian tourists flown back to Kerala from Nepal

Fifteen tourists from Kerala died&nbsp;after they fell unconscious due to gas leak from a heater in their room at a resort in Nepal.

Soon after they were found unconscious in their room, authorities airlifted them to a Kathmandu hospital where the staff declared them dead.

"All eight were airlifted and brought to hospital in Kathmandu. A doctor from the Indian mission was also immediately sent to the concerned hospital to check on the welfare of patients and to provide necessary assistance," the Indian Embassy stated. "We have now been informed that all eight patients did not survive," they added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-retains-top-spot-in-sdg-index-bihar-ranks-last-niti-aayog-271251">Kerala retains top spot in SDG Index, Bihar ranks last: NITI Aayog</a>

The victims were identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said. On the basis of the directions given by the Chief Minister, NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have got in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

The bodies are expected to be brought to the state tomorrow after post-mortem, the statement added.

The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination.

They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night. According to the manager at the resort, the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm.

Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

The Indian mission has assured all necessary assistance to the family members of the victims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fifteen tourists from Kerala died after they fell unconscious due to gas leak from a heater in their room at a resort in Nepal. Soon after they were found unconscious in their room, authorities airlifted them to a Kathmandu hospital where the staff declared them dead.

Fifteen tourists from Kerala died after they fell unconscious due to gas leak from a heater in their room at a resort in Nepal. Soon after they were found unconscious in their room, authorities airlifted them to a Kathmandu hospital where the staff declared them dead. "All eight were airlifted and brought to hospital in Kathmandu. A doctor from the Indian mission was also immediately sent to the concerned hospital to check on the welfare of patients and to provide necessary assistance," the Indian Embassy stated. "We have now been informed that all eight patients did not survive," they added. Also Read: Kerala retains top spot in SDG Index, Bihar ranks last: NITI Aayog The victims were identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said. On the basis of the directions given by the Chief Minister, NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have got in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. The bodies are expected to be brought to the state tomorrow after post-mortem, the statement added. The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination. They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night. According to the manager at the resort, the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm. Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside. The Indian mission has assured all necessary assistance to the family members of the victims. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala CM expresses 'deep grief' after 8 Indians die due to possible gas leak in Nepal

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">Kerala </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-join-kerala-in-supreme-court-over-citizenship-amendment-act-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-274934">Punjab</a>, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-citizenship-amendment-act-absolute-power-comes-with-responsibility-269329">Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act</a>, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly.

Speaking to ANI, Congress spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bringing-real-estate-under-gst-will-be-a-disaster-congress-22376/amp">Raju Waghmare</a> said: "Our senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat has also shared his stand on the CAA. Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that we are against the CAA. As far as the resolution against CAA is concerned, our senior leaders of MVA will sit together and decide."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor</a>

If this happens, then Maharashtra will be the third state to pass a resolution against CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-musharrafs-death-penalty-on-hold-275103">Pakistan</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-deal-with-us-can-be-signed-before-end-of-this-month-report-275100">Afghanistan,</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-govt-muzzling-voices-of-dissent-274983">Bangladesh</a>, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Emphasising that CAA is 'unconstitutional,' senior lawyer and Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-cannot-be-used-to-suppress-freedom-of-speech-kapil-sibal-273479">Kapil Sibal </a>has said that every state Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek CAA's withdrawal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-citizenship-amendment-act-caa-is-different-from-nrc-and-npr-274608">How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR</a>

He added that it would be problematic to oppose the CAA if the law is declared to be 'constitutional' by the Supreme Court.

"I believe the CAA is unconstitutional. Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek its withdrawal. When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it/The fight must go on!" Sibal tweeted.

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I believe the CAA is unconstitutional 
 
Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek it’s withdrawal 
 
When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it 
 
The fight must go on !
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1218685599198003200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival on Saturday, the Congress leader had said that constitutionally no state can say that it will not implement the amended Citizenship Act, as doing so will be "unconstitutional".

Kerala government has also approached the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-why-supreme-court-is-not-likely-to-quash-citizenship-amendment-act-268142">Supreme Court</a> against the CAA following the passage of a resolution against it in the state Assembly.

Punjab Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-join-kerala-in-supreme-court-over-citizenship-amendment-act-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-274934">Amarinder Singh</a> has also announced that the Congress state government is going to join<a href="/search?query= Kerala"> </a>Kerala in the Supreme Court in the case.

After Kerala and Punjab, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly.

After Kerala and Punjab, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) government is also mulling over a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in Maharashtra Assembly. Speaking to ANI, Congress spokesperson Raju Waghmare said: "Our senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat has also shared his stand on the CAA. Even Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that we are against the CAA. As far as the resolution against CAA is concerned, our senior leaders of MVA will sit together and decide." Also read: States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor If this happens, then Maharashtra will be the third state to pass a resolution against CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Emphasising that CAA is 'unconstitutional,' senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal has said that every state Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek CAA's withdrawal. Also read: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR He added that it would be problematic to oppose the CAA if the law is declared to be 'constitutional' by the Supreme Court. "I believe the CAA is unconstitutional. Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek its withdrawal. When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it/The fight must go on!" Sibal tweeted. I believe the CAA is unconstitutional Every State Assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek it’s withdrawal When and if the law is declared to be constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it The fight must go on ! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) January 19, 2020 × Earlier speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival on Saturday, the Congress leader had said that constitutionally no state can say that it will not implement the amended Citizenship Act, as doing so will be "unconstitutional". Kerala government has also approached the Supreme Court against the CAA following the passage of a resolution against it in the state Assembly. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has also announced that the Congress state government is going to join Kerala in the Supreme Court in the case.

After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;

According to the survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Kerala's Malappuram tops the list as world's fastest-growing city, Kozhikode stands on the fourth spot and scenic Kollam bags the tenth spot.&nbsp;

Other Indian cities on the list include Kerala's Thrissur at number 13, Gujarat's Surat at the 27th spot and Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur at 30th position.&nbsp;

The top five fastest cities in the world include Can Tho in Vietnam, China's Suqian and Abuja in Nigeria.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Alphabet, Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat</a>

Industrialist Anand Mahindra took note of the report and tweeted out saying, "Good to see that the fastest growing in India are not the monster metropolises, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata etc. When smaller towns &amp; cities grow it signals that a wider distribution of wealth &amp; job opportunities is underway. We need more smaller towns to Rise!"

Last year, according to a study, the world's fastest-growing cities by GDP between 2019 and 2035 were predicted to be in India.

Research institute Oxford Economics found that Surat will have the world's fastest economic growth in the world followed by Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Nagpur.&nbsp;

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala.

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala. According to the survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Kerala's Malappuram tops the list as world's fastest-growing city, Kozhikode stands on the fourth spot and scenic Kollam bags the tenth spot. Other Indian cities on the list include Kerala's Thrissur at number 13, Gujarat's Surat at the 27th spot and Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur at 30th position. The top five fastest cities in the world include Can Tho in Vietnam, China's Suqian and Abuja in Nigeria. Also read: Alphabet, Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat Industrialist Anand Mahindra took note of the report and tweeted out saying, "Good to see that the fastest growing in India are not the monster metropolises, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata etc. When smaller towns & cities grow it signals that a wider distribution of wealth & job opportunities is underway. We need more smaller towns to Rise!" Last year, according to a study, the world's fastest-growing cities by GDP between 2019 and 2035 were predicted to be in India. Research institute Oxford Economics found that Surat will have the world's fastest economic growth in the world followed by Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Nagpur.

Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)."

While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws.

"This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added.

"You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added.

The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254. On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)." While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws. "This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added. "You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said that the state will join Kerala and move Supreme Court on the Citizenship Amendment Act issue.&nbsp;

Punjab Assembly has already passed a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

"We have sent a draft to Centre to make changes necessary to make CAA acceptable to everyone. Census is being carried out now, It will be done on old level. Every citizen will be counted whether he is Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian or anybody," the Chief Minister said today.&nbsp;

"We are going to join Kerala in Supreme Court on this issue," he added.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has already moved the apex court on the matter and had passed a resolution on the same.&nbsp;

Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">'breach' of protocol</a>.&nbsp;

Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports.&nbsp;

On Friday, Khan said that he will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-governor-to-seek-report-from-state-government-for-moving-sc-against-citizenship-act-274910">seek a report in connection</a> to the matter from the state government.

The new citizenship law seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said that the state will join Kerala and move Supreme Court on the Citizenship Amendment Act issue. Punjab Assembly has already passed a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said that the state will join Kerala and move Supreme Court on the Citizenship Amendment Act issue. Punjab Assembly has already passed a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). "We have sent a draft to Centre to make changes necessary to make CAA acceptable to everyone. Census is being carried out now, It will be done on old level. Every citizen will be counted whether he is Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian or anybody," the Chief Minister said today. "We are going to join Kerala in Supreme Court on this issue," he added. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has already moved the apex court on the matter and had passed a resolution on the same. Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol. Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports. On Friday, Khan said that he will seek a report in connection to the matter from the state government. The new citizenship law seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Will join Kerala in Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh 

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

The Governor also said that his duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery does not collapse in the state.

"The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters.

He read out the clause of Rule of Business and said he was informed about the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA</a>

"My role is to see the business of the government is transacted in accordance with the Constitution. I am there to ensure that the Constitution is respected and followed in letter and spirit," Khan said, adding he was not claiming supremacy and that no one is above the law.

"I was not even informed that the government is going to challenge a Central law which is none of the concern of the State government. The CAA is a subject of the Central list as specified in the Constitution," he said.

The Governor further said, "The government cannot issue any order without the approval of the Governor. If the government wants to issue an order to go to the Supreme Court, they should first seek approval from the Governor. The Rule of Business is clear. My duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery is not collapsed."

Khan later told ANI that there are no differences between him and the Kerala government.

"There are no differences between us. It is my responsibility to ensure that things do not reach a stage where there is a collapse of the constitutional machinery," he said.

The Vijayan-led government has moved the top court against the new citizenship law alleging it violates the basic principle of secularism.

The Kerala Assembly had also passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 
&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law and said he will seek a report in connection to the matter. The Governor also said that his duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery does not collapse in the state. "The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters. He read out the clause of Rule of Business and said he was informed about the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Also read: Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA "My role is to see the business of the government is transacted in accordance with the Constitution. I am there to ensure that the Constitution is respected and followed in letter and spirit," Khan said, adding he was not claiming supremacy and that no one is above the law. "I was not even informed that the government is going to challenge a Central law which is none of the concern of the State government. The CAA is a subject of the Central list as specified in the Constitution," he said. The Governor further said, "The government cannot issue any order without the approval of the Governor. If the government wants to issue an order to go to the Supreme Court, they should first seek approval from the Governor. The Rule of Business is clear. My duty is to ensure that the constitutional machinery is not collapsed." Khan later told ANI that there are no differences between him and the Kerala government. "There are no differences between us. It is my responsibility to ensure that things do not reach a stage where there is a collapse of the constitutional machinery," he said. The Vijayan-led government has moved the top court against the new citizenship law alleging it violates the basic principle of secularism. The Kerala Assembly had also passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Kerala Governor to seek report from State government for moving SC against Citizenship Act

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-floods-kerala-tourism-nets-over-rs-36000-crore-in-2018-197507">Kerala Tourism</a> on Wednesday shared a recipe for a popular meat dish in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, Beef Ularthiyathu, which is a special delicacy in the region.

Taking to its Twitter handle, the Kerala Tourism wrote, "Tender chunks of beef, slow-roasted with aromatic spices, coconut pieces, and curry leaves. A recipe for the most classic dish, Beef Ularthiyathu, the stuff of legends, from the land of spices, Kerala."

The State Tourism also shared the recipe of the delicacy with Twitteratis.

The tweet which has garnered 3.5 thousand likes so far had received a mixed response

While some said "beef is not Kerala's culture", others termed the recipe 'a match made in heaven".

Dr. Vireandta Jilowa wrote, "Surprised to see it, that beef is being consumed despite BJP government in the Centre."

"We are not slaves of BJP at the Centre people eat whatever they like in this state, including beef, pork, mutton and fish," another user Tatheesh Vijayakumar wrote.

In 2017, The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.

Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject.

In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition to the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.

Porotta and Kappa biriyani with beef are counted as delicacies by Keralites.

Kerala Tourism on Wednesday shared a recipe for a popular meat dish in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, Beef Ularthiyathu, which is a special delicacy in the region.

Kerala Tourism on Wednesday shared a recipe for a popular meat dish in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, Beef Ularthiyathu, which is a special delicacy in the region. Taking to its Twitter handle, the Kerala Tourism wrote, "Tender chunks of beef, slow-roasted with aromatic spices, coconut pieces, and curry leaves. A recipe for the most classic dish, Beef Ularthiyathu, the stuff of legends, from the land of spices, Kerala." The State Tourism also shared the recipe of the delicacy with Twitteratis. The tweet which has garnered 3.5 thousand likes so far had received a mixed response While some said "beef is not Kerala's culture", others termed the recipe 'a match made in heaven". Dr. Vireandta Jilowa wrote, "Surprised to see it, that beef is being consumed despite BJP government in the Centre." "We are not slaves of BJP at the Centre people eat whatever they like in this state, including beef, pork, mutton and fish," another user Tatheesh Vijayakumar wrote. In 2017, The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes. Regulating animal trade is a state business, but animal welfare is a central subject. In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition to the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification. Porotta and Kappa biriyani with beef are counted as delicacies by Keralites.

Kerala Tourism shares recipe of beef delicacy on social media

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.&nbsp;

Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports.&nbsp;

"This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-withdrawal-of-caa-271267">Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA</a>

"I have no issue with them going to the Supreme Court but they should have informed me first. I, being a constitutional head came to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp," he added.&nbsp;

This comes after the Kerala government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the lew citizenship law which seeks to grant&nbsp;citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Kerala government, in its petition, stated that the act violates "Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India" and is violative of the basic structure - the principle of secularism as well.

The state Assembly had previously passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the citizenship law. Chief Minister Vijayan had also written to counterparts in 11 states to consider passing a similar resolution against the CAA.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol. Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports. "This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan told reporters. Also read: Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA "I have no issue with them going to the Supreme Court but they should have informed me first. I, being a constitutional head came to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp," he added. This comes after the Kerala government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the lew citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Kerala government, in its petition, stated that the act violates "Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India" and is violative of the basic structure - the principle of secularism as well. The state Assembly had previously passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the citizenship law. Chief Minister Vijayan had also written to counterparts in 11 states to consider passing a similar resolution against the CAA. (With inputs from ANI)

Breach of protocol: Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA

As a major development in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/larger-constitution-bench-of-supreme-court-to-sabarimala-review-petitions-in-january-269501">Sabarimala temple case</a>, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-cannot-be-used-to-suppress-freedom-of-speech-kapil-sibal-273479">Supreme Court</a> will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers&nbsp;in the shrine.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-the-corridors-of-judiciary-supreme-court-verdicts-that-held-nations-attention-in-2019-270230">apex court</a> had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing. 
 
On December 13, the Supreme Court had said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refers-sabarimala-case-to-larger-constitution-bench-261956">seven-judge bench</a>, which, it had said, will be constituted soon. 
 
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-likely-to-hear-bindu-aminis-plea-on-sabarimala-entry-next-week-266448">Bindu Ammini</a> and Fathima A S, seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. 
 
"There is a judgment (allowing women entry) in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-devotees-pay-obeisance-at-sabarimala-temple-262681">violence</a>," the court had observed. 
 
The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. 
 
In November, a man had sprayed chili and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tight-security-arrangements-sabarimala-temple-opens-for-prayer-262585">Sabarimala</a> temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. 
 
The apex court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. 
 
The apex court had in the year 2018 allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-visit-sabarimala-temple-as-it-is-our-constitutional-right-trupti-desai-264546">Lord Ayyappa temple</a> at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. 
 
Allowing their review petitions, the court had referred the matter to a larger bench.

As a major development in Sabarimala temple case, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers in the shrine.

As a major development in Sabarimala temple case, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hear the batch of petitions seeking considerable review of the 2018 judgement which alllowed girls and women of all age groups to visit and offer prayers in the shrine. The apex court had on January 6 issued a notice informing about the listing. On December 13, the Supreme Court had said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which, it had said, will be constituted soon. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S, seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. "There is a judgment (allowing women entry) in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court had observed. The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. In November, a man had sprayed chili and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. The apex court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. The apex court had in the year 2018 allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. Allowing their review petitions, the court had referred the matter to a larger bench.

Nine-judge Supreme Court bench to hear issue of women's entry in Sabarimala temple from today

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-should-resign-and-say-i-dont-have-trust-in-constitution-says-gvl-narasimha-rao-271248">resolution seeking withdrawal</a> of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715">RSS</a>, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people."

"Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said.

He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong

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Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people." "Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said. He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong ×

Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Kerala retained its rank as the top-performing state in the country by being a front runner with a score of 70, while Chandigarh also retained its top spot among the Union Territories with the same net score.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa and Sikkim were the other states that achieved above 65 points, taking the total tally to eight with Sikkim showing the highest improvement among them by jumping from 58 to 65 points.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Bihar performed the lowest on the report with a score of 50 even after graduating as a performer, followed by Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh with a score of 53. While Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir shared the bottom spot at the list for Union Territories with 59 points each.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Uttar Pradesh marked as the highest gainer for increasing its overall score from 42 in 2018 to 55 in 2019 while observing the biggest improvement in Goal 7 of attaining affordable and clean energy by jumping by 40 points.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Odisha took the second spot in overall improvement, with an increase of 7 points, from 51 to 58 and Sikkim came in third with an improvement from a score of 58 to 65. 
&nbsp; 
India’s overall score improved from 57 to 60 this year, indicating the country’s progress in achieving the goals. However, the report urged special attention to the goals of attaining zero hunger and gender equality, where most states fall short, with India scoring 35 and 42 points in these goals respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The report attributed the significant improvement in Goal 6 to the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan which is aimed at eliminating open defecation, and that of Goal 7 to extensive coverage of LPG for households and saturation of electricity connections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Two goals – 2 (zero hunger) and 5 (gender equality) demand special attention, as the overall country score is below 50,” the report said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
SDGs signify global aspirations and efforts to push the frontiers of development. They represent the agenda for governments to achieve social, economic and environmental progress&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“It is now universally acknowledged that the SDGs represent an elaborate agenda for governments, that necessitates achieving progress simultaneously across social, economic and environmental pillars,” said the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India holds the global key to the achievement of SDGs that are intended to be achieved by 2030, due to its vast population that incorporates 17 per cent of the world’s population. According to the report, it is conducive for the country to come up with innovative solutions to solve the problems it presently faces, says the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Today, the country faces multiple challenges in several sectors of development, be it health, nutrition, education, sanitation and infrastructure. However, these challenges also make India conducive for developing innovative solutions to address them and also provide a useful lens for solving similar problems in other parts of the world,” said the report.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
To evaluate the overall progress of India in the mentioned frontiers, the federal structure of the country makes it imperative for the report to assess the individual advancement made by all States and Union Territories as they are best placed to put people first and are essential stakeholders in the realisation of the goals.

By Mallika Singh NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

By Mallika Singh NITI Aayog on Monday released its latest SDG India Index 2019, assessing each state and Union Territory’s progress on the sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Kerala retained its rank as the top-performing state in the country by being a front runner with a score of 70, while Chandigarh also retained its top spot among the Union Territories with the same net score. Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa and Sikkim were the other states that achieved above 65 points, taking the total tally to eight with Sikkim showing the highest improvement among them by jumping from 58 to 65 points. Bihar performed the lowest on the report with a score of 50 even after graduating as a performer, followed by Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh with a score of 53. While Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir shared the bottom spot at the list for Union Territories with 59 points each. Uttar Pradesh marked as the highest gainer for increasing its overall score from 42 in 2018 to 55 in 2019 while observing the biggest improvement in Goal 7 of attaining affordable and clean energy by jumping by 40 points. Odisha took the second spot in overall improvement, with an increase of 7 points, from 51 to 58 and Sikkim came in third with an improvement from a score of 58 to 65. India’s overall score improved from 57 to 60 this year, indicating the country’s progress in achieving the goals. However, the report urged special attention to the goals of attaining zero hunger and gender equality, where most states fall short, with India scoring 35 and 42 points in these goals respectively. The report attributed the significant improvement in Goal 6 to the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan which is aimed at eliminating open defecation, and that of Goal 7 to extensive coverage of LPG for households and saturation of electricity connections. “Two goals – 2 (zero hunger) and 5 (gender equality) demand special attention, as the overall country score is below 50,” the report said. SDGs signify global aspirations and efforts to push the frontiers of development. They represent the agenda for governments to achieve social, economic and environmental progress “It is now universally acknowledged that the SDGs represent an elaborate agenda for governments, that necessitates achieving progress simultaneously across social, economic and environmental pillars,” said the report. India holds the global key to the achievement of SDGs that are intended to be achieved by 2030, due to its vast population that incorporates 17 per cent of the world’s population. According to the report, it is conducive for the country to come up with innovative solutions to solve the problems it presently faces, says the report. “Today, the country faces multiple challenges in several sectors of development, be it health, nutrition, education, sanitation and infrastructure. However, these challenges also make India conducive for developing innovative solutions to address them and also provide a useful lens for solving similar problems in other parts of the world,” said the report. To evaluate the overall progress of India in the mentioned frontiers, the federal structure of the country makes it imperative for the report to assess the individual advancement made by all States and Union Territories as they are best placed to put people first and are essential stakeholders in the realisation of the goals.

Kerala retains top spot in SDG Index, Bihar ranks last: NITI Aayog

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-urges-state-leaders-mamata-vijayan-to-not-stop-updating-npr-270061">Pinarayi Vijayan</a> should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister."

"In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added.

The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">CAA</a> is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019</a> has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">protests</a>. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution.

After the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP GVL Narasimha Rao said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should resign and say that he does not have trust in the Constitution. When asked about the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, Rao said, "CAA is Central law passed by both Houses of Parliament. If you are passing a resolution against it that means you are making a mockery of the Indian Constitution through which you are the Chief Minister." "In this case, Pinarayi Vijayan should resign from the (state) government and say I don't have trust in the Constitution," Rao added. The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution on Tuesday. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targeted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Kerala CM should resign and say I don't have trust in Constitution, says GVL Narasimha Rao

In a bid to change the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">public opinion</a> regarding the Citizen Amendment Act, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday launched an event in favour of the new law.

The seminar titled 'Jana Jagratha Sadas' was held in Thiruvananthapuram, which was inaugurated by Rajashekaran.

Former Calicut University vice-chancellor M Abdul Salam was one of the speakers of the seminar.

Speaking to ANI, senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajashekaran said that the party will launch seminars, discussion forums, and solidarity marches in support of CAA and against the campaign by Congress and CPI(M) over the same issue.

Also Watch: Congress holds protest at Rajghat against CAA

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"In Kerala, the CPI(M) and Congress have joined hands to oppose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-stalin-leads-dmk-allies-in-the-rally-against-caa-eps-says-beware-of-false-propaganda-269712">CAA</a> launching a false campaign. We will be opposing this propaganda by making people aware of the CAA," he said.

The former Mizoram Governor said the BJP central leadership has asked to launch the campaign in Kerala as part of the party's efforts to create a formidable opposition to the "false campaign by Congress, CPI (M)" and other parties against the Centre.

In a bid to change the public opinion regarding the Citizen Amendment Act, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday launched an event in favour of the new law. The seminar titled 'Jana Jagratha Sadas' was held in Thiruvananthapuram, which was inaugurated by Rajashekaran.

In a bid to change the public opinion regarding the Citizen Amendment Act, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday launched an event in favour of the new law. The seminar titled 'Jana Jagratha Sadas' was held in Thiruvananthapuram, which was inaugurated by Rajashekaran. Former Calicut University vice-chancellor M Abdul Salam was one of the speakers of the seminar. Speaking to ANI, senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajashekaran said that the party will launch seminars, discussion forums, and solidarity marches in support of CAA and against the campaign by Congress and CPI(M) over the same issue. Also Watch: Congress holds protest at Rajghat against CAA × "In Kerala, the CPI(M) and Congress have joined hands to oppose CAA launching a false campaign. We will be opposing this propaganda by making people aware of the CAA," he said. The former Mizoram Governor said the BJP central leadership has asked to launch the campaign in Kerala as part of the party's efforts to create a formidable opposition to the "false campaign by Congress, CPI (M)" and other parties against the Centre.

Kerala: BJP holds first event to change public opinion on CAA

TV personality, model and celebrity chef Jagee John was found dead on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp; 
 
According to the police, Jagee John's body was found in the kitchen of her residence at around 4 pm by one of her friends, who then alerted the police about the same. 
 
Police said that the cause of death is yet to be established and there were no visible injury marks on the body. 
 
"We are investigating the case. An inquest and postmortem will be conducted on Tuesday after which we will be able to get more details," police said.&nbsp; 
 
According to local reports, Jagee John used to live with her mother.&nbsp; 
 
Active on Facebook and social media, Jagee John was known for her cookery show called 'Jagee's Cookbook' on Malayalam channel called Rosebowl. She also appeared as a celebrity judge in multiple reality TV shows.&nbsp; 
 
On Instgram, she posted a New Year's wish last on Sunday. It said, "May the tears you cried in 2019 water the seeds you're planting for 2020."

TV personality, model and celebrity chef Jagee John was found dead on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the police, Jagee John's body was found in the kitchen of her residence at around 4 pm by one of her friends, who then alerted the police about the same.

TV personality, model and celebrity chef Jagee John was found dead on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the police, Jagee John's body was found in the kitchen of her residence at around 4 pm by one of her friends, who then alerted the police about the same. Police said that the cause of death is yet to be established and there were no visible injury marks on the body. "We are investigating the case. An inquest and postmortem will be conducted on Tuesday after which we will be able to get more details," police said. According to local reports, Jagee John used to live with her mother. Active on Facebook and social media, Jagee John was known for her cookery show called 'Jagee's Cookbook' on Malayalam channel called Rosebowl. She also appeared as a celebrity judge in multiple reality TV shows. On Instgram, she posted a New Year's wish last on Sunday. It said, "May the tears you cried in 2019 water the seeds you're planting for 2020."

TV personality Jagee John found dead at her home in Kerala

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists -- Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S -- seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine.

"There is a judgment [allowing women entry] in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court observed.

The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists.

In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine.

The court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter.

The top court had last year allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed.

Allowing their review petitions, the court had last month referred the matter to a seven-judge bench. It is yet to be constituted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that its 2018 order on Sabarimala temple issue was "not final" as the matter is pending before a seven-judge bench, which it said will be constituted soon. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde made these observations while passing an order on a petition filed by two activists -- Bindu Ammini and Fathima A S -- seeking safe passage for women inside the shrine. "There is a judgment [allowing women entry] in the Sabarimala temple, but it is equally true that the issue has been referred to a larger Bench. We do not want any violence," the court observed. The apex court, however, granted police protection to the two activists. In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. Fathima had also tried to enter the shrine. The court refused to pass any other order in connection to the matter. The top court had last year allowed girls and women of all age groups to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala, following which a batch of review petitions was filed. Allowing their review petitions, the court had last month referred the matter to a seven-judge bench. It is yet to be constituted.

Sabarimala case: Seven-judge bench to be constituted soon, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../will-visit-sabarimala-temple-as-it-is-our- constitutional-right-trupti-desai-264546">Sabarimala temple</a>.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said that the court will hear it likely next week, along with the one petition already pending before it.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the matter before the apex court on Thursday, seeking an urgent hearing into the case.

In the plea, MS Bindu, popularly known as Bindu Ammini, said she was allegedly attacked by a mob outside the police commissioner's office recently.

In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu Ammini's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple.

She was not given help and assistance to enter into the Sabarimala temple, the plea said.

The activist also said that the Supreme Court judgement allowing entry of women of menstruation age in the temple was being flouted.

To this, the CJI Bobde said, "There's a larger bench now on the issue. The September verdict is not the last word in this issue."

On Wednesday, the court agreed to hear next week the plea of one Fathima AS seeking directions to the Kerala government to provide safe passage to women into Sabarimala temple.

In September last year, the court allowed the women of menstruating ages to enter and offer prayers at the shrine.

Subsequently, a series of review petitions were filed challenging the order of the court. The petitioners asserted that the deity is a celibate and centuries-old beliefs should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers.

The top court had last month referred these review petitions to a larger seven-judge bench.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter Sabarimala temple.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear a plea of activist Bindu Ammini next week, seeking its direction to Kerala police to provide her security to enter Sabarimala temple. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said that the court will hear it likely next week, along with the one petition already pending before it. Senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the matter before the apex court on Thursday, seeking an urgent hearing into the case. In the plea, MS Bindu, popularly known as Bindu Ammini, said she was allegedly attacked by a mob outside the police commissioner's office recently. In November, a man had sprayed chilli and pepper on Bindu Ammini's face when she was on her way to Sabarimala temple. She was not given help and assistance to enter into the Sabarimala temple, the plea said. The activist also said that the Supreme Court judgement allowing entry of women of menstruation age in the temple was being flouted. To this, the CJI Bobde said, "There's a larger bench now on the issue. The September verdict is not the last word in this issue." On Wednesday, the court agreed to hear next week the plea of one Fathima AS seeking directions to the Kerala government to provide safe passage to women into Sabarimala temple. In September last year, the court allowed the women of menstruating ages to enter and offer prayers at the shrine. Subsequently, a series of review petitions were filed challenging the order of the court. The petitioners asserted that the deity is a celibate and centuries-old beliefs should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. The top court had last month referred these review petitions to a larger seven-judge bench.

Supreme Court likely to hear Bindu Amini's plea on Sabarimala entry next week

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7.

According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4.

He will inaugurate Indira Gandhi Memorial Bus stand cum shopping complex at Edakkara, new block at GHSS Karuvarakundu at Wandoor, a project in Kodenchery Grama Panchayat at Mariyam Auditorium, Kodenchery, Thiruvambadi and cultural conference at Mahadeva Temple, Kodencherry on December 5.

He will also visit the Nilambur Assembly convention at OCK Auditorium, Wandoor Assembly convention at Eriyad auditorium, Love share, a school for special children and Thiruvambadi assembly convention at Shangrilla auditorium, Mukkam on the same day.

On December 6 he is scheduled to attend Late M I Shanavas remembrance meeting at Cholayil auditorium, Meenangadi, Kalpetta assembly convention at Chandragiri auditorium, visit the family of Shehala Sherin, the child who died of snakebite.

He will also visit Sarvajana HSS School, the school where the snakebite episode occurred at Sultan Bathery.

Inauguration of new block Vythiri government hospital and newly constructed MSDP block at Vakeri High School will be done on the same day by Rahul Gandhi.On the last day of his visit on December 7, he will meet with 400 newly trained disaster management volunteers at Zilla Panchayat auditorium, Kalpetta and distribute 'Muttathe Mulla'&nbsp;loan to SHG's (Kudumbashree) by Manathawadi farmer's service co-operative bank.

Rahul will also inaugurate a new department block of Psychiatry and de-addiction at Assumption Hospital, Sultan Bathery on the same day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7. According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4.

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7. According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4. He will inaugurate Indira Gandhi Memorial Bus stand cum shopping complex at Edakkara, new block at GHSS Karuvarakundu at Wandoor, a project in Kodenchery Grama Panchayat at Mariyam Auditorium, Kodenchery, Thiruvambadi and cultural conference at Mahadeva Temple, Kodencherry on December 5. He will also visit the Nilambur Assembly convention at OCK Auditorium, Wandoor Assembly convention at Eriyad auditorium, Love share, a school for special children and Thiruvambadi assembly convention at Shangrilla auditorium, Mukkam on the same day. On December 6 he is scheduled to attend Late M I Shanavas remembrance meeting at Cholayil auditorium, Meenangadi, Kalpetta assembly convention at Chandragiri auditorium, visit the family of Shehala Sherin, the child who died of snakebite. He will also visit Sarvajana HSS School, the school where the snakebite episode occurred at Sultan Bathery. Inauguration of new block Vythiri government hospital and newly constructed MSDP block at Vakeri High School will be done on the same day by Rahul Gandhi.On the last day of his visit on December 7, he will meet with 400 newly trained disaster management volunteers at Zilla Panchayat auditorium, Kalpetta and distribute 'Muttathe Mulla' loan to SHG's (Kudumbashree) by Manathawadi farmer's service co-operative bank. Rahul will also inaugurate a new department block of Psychiatry and de-addiction at Assumption Hospital, Sultan Bathery on the same day.

Rahul Gandhi to pay four-day visit to Wayanad on December 4

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case. 
 
The searches were conducted based on the warrants issued by Ernakulam's special NIA court. In June earlier this year, a raid was conducted in Coimbatore following which two people, namely, Mohammed Azarudheen and Shiek Hidayathulla were arrested. 
 
"...the accused persons and their associates have been propagating the ideology of the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS (Daish) on social media with intention of recruiting vulnerable youth and carrying out terrorist attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the agency said in a statement. 
 
Today, the search was conducted at the associates of the two arrested accused. The NIA recovered digital devices including two laptops, six mobile phones, one pen drive, one hard disc, one memory card, one axe and seventeen documents from the spot. 
 
"The seized items including the digital devices will be submitted to the NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, and the digital devices will be sent for forensic examination," it stated. 
The agency said that the suspects are being examined to ascertain their association with the arrested accused and involvement in any unlawful activity.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli districts in connection with a Tamil Nadu-Kerala ISIS module case. The searches were conducted based on the warrants issued by Ernakulam's special NIA court. In June earlier this year, a raid was conducted in Coimbatore following which two people, namely, Mohammed Azarudheen and Shiek Hidayathulla were arrested. "...the accused persons and their associates have been propagating the ideology of the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS (Daish) on social media with intention of recruiting vulnerable youth and carrying out terrorist attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the agency said in a statement. Today, the search was conducted at the associates of the two arrested accused. The NIA recovered digital devices including two laptops, six mobile phones, one pen drive, one hard disc, one memory card, one axe and seventeen documents from the spot. "The seized items including the digital devices will be submitted to the NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, and the digital devices will be sent for forensic examination," it stated. The agency said that the suspects are being examined to ascertain their association with the arrested accused and involvement in any unlawful activity.

ISIS case: NIA conducts searches at two locations in Tamil Nadu

A court in Kerala's Kottayam district on Saturday extended the bail of former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal in a nun rape case and also adjourned the matter till January six&nbsp;next year. 
 
Mulakkal had earlier today moved an application seeking an extension of his bail ahead of the commencement of his trial in the rape case. 
 
Mulakkal was arrested last year after a nun levelled allegations that he repeatedly raping her at the Kottayam's Kuravilangad convent between 2014 and 2016. He was earlier granted bail by the court. 
 
Kerala police had filed a charge sheet in the case earlier this year. Mulakkal, who faces charges of rape, can get life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than seven years if found guilty.

A court in Kerala's Kottayam district on Saturday extended the bail of former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal in a nun rape case and also adjourned the matter till January six next year.

A court in Kerala's Kottayam district on Saturday extended the bail of former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal in a nun rape case and also adjourned the matter till January six next year. Mulakkal had earlier today moved an application seeking an extension of his bail ahead of the commencement of his trial in the rape case. Mulakkal was arrested last year after a nun levelled allegations that he repeatedly raping her at the Kottayam's Kuravilangad convent between 2014 and 2016. He was earlier granted bail by the court. Kerala police had filed a charge sheet in the case earlier this year. Mulakkal, who faces charges of rape, can get life imprisonment or imprisonment of not less than seven years if found guilty.

Kerala: Court extends Franco Mulakkal's bail in nun rape case

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram.

People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months.

"I bought onions today because we cannot avoid using it. It is difficult to buy onions for 100 rupees. We are labourers and something has to be done to reduce the price. For the last two months, the price of onions has been really high. We are trying to minimise its usage. The government is not intervening. It should take action to reduce the price," a customer Seethalekshmi told ANI.

In the market, the wholesale rate of onion is Rs 97- Rs 100 per kilogram. In retail shops, they sell for 100-110 a kilogram.

"The price of onions has crossed 100 rupees and shallots cost 55 rupees for 1/4 kilogram. People can't avoid it so they have reduced their consumption to half. Some people used to buy five kilograms a month, and now they buy only two kilograms," Noufal, a trader said.

The price of onions has shot up in many parts of the country. Earlier on November 20, the union cabinet approved the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes onion in view of its high prices in the market.

"The cabinet has given its approval to the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of onion," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet.

The government has also been holding regular meetings on ways to check the rising price of onions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram. People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months.

Consumers have been badly hit by the rising price of onions in Thiruvananthapuram which crossed Rs 100 per kilogram. People are now trying to cut down on the kitchen staple whose price has been going up for the past two months. "I bought onions today because we cannot avoid using it. It is difficult to buy onions for 100 rupees. We are labourers and something has to be done to reduce the price. For the last two months, the price of onions has been really high. We are trying to minimise its usage. The government is not intervening. It should take action to reduce the price," a customer Seethalekshmi told ANI. In the market, the wholesale rate of onion is Rs 97- Rs 100 per kilogram. In retail shops, they sell for 100-110 a kilogram. "The price of onions has crossed 100 rupees and shallots cost 55 rupees for 1/4 kilogram. People can't avoid it so they have reduced their consumption to half. Some people used to buy five kilograms a month, and now they buy only two kilograms," Noufal, a trader said. The price of onions has shot up in many parts of the country. Earlier on November 20, the union cabinet approved the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes onion in view of its high prices in the market. "The cabinet has given its approval to the import of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of onion," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet. The government has also been holding regular meetings on ways to check the rising price of onions.

Kerala: Onion prices shoot up in Thiruvananthapuram, consumers seek government action

Women rights activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-visit-sabarimala-next-unannounced-using-guerilla-tactics-trupti-desai-177797">Trupti Desai </a>on Tuesday said that she will visit Sabarimala temple as it is her Constitutional right.

Speaking to ANI, Desai said: "Today is the Constitution Day and on this day, we will go to Sabarimala temple as it is our right."

Accompanied by several other women, She said, "The rights under the Constitution allow us to pray to God and the right to equality, which is somewhere taken away from us despite the Supreme Court's order that there is no stay on women's entry in Sabarimala temple. So we will go inside the temple today."

"No one can stop us whether it is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-wont-give-protection-to-women-visiting-sabarimala-temple-says-kerala-devaswom-board-minister-262448">local police or government</a> because if they stop us then it is a contempt of court. Even if they want to stop us then they should give that in writing to us that we cannot go inside the shrine," she said.

The activist said, "They ask to us bring the court's order if you want to enter the shrine, well I say to them to show us the order that says we are not allowed to enter the temple. This is an attempt to diminish the voice of women, we have come from different states and we will not go back till we enter the Sabarimala temple."

On being asked if she had asked for her security and protection from the government, Desai said, "I have written to Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Kerala Chief Minister and the DGP here demanding security. Whether we get that or not we will visit the temple today."

The Supreme Court had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-sabarimala-temple-to-reopen-today-tight-security-in-place-262519">lifted a traditional ban</a> on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year.

Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Women rights activist Trupti Desai on Tuesday said that she will visit Sabarimala temple as it is her Constitutional right. Speaking to ANI, Desai said: "Today is the Constitution Day and on this day, we will go to Sabarimala temple as it is our right.

Women rights activist Trupti Desai on Tuesday said that she will visit Sabarimala temple as it is her Constitutional right. Speaking to ANI, Desai said: "Today is the Constitution Day and on this day, we will go to Sabarimala temple as it is our right." Accompanied by several other women, She said, "The rights under the Constitution allow us to pray to God and the right to equality, which is somewhere taken away from us despite the Supreme Court's order that there is no stay on women's entry in Sabarimala temple. So we will go inside the temple today." "No one can stop us whether it is local police or government because if they stop us then it is a contempt of court. Even if they want to stop us then they should give that in writing to us that we cannot go inside the shrine," she said. The activist said, "They ask to us bring the court's order if you want to enter the shrine, well I say to them to show us the order that says we are not allowed to enter the temple. This is an attempt to diminish the voice of women, we have come from different states and we will not go back till we enter the Sabarimala temple." On being asked if she had asked for her security and protection from the government, Desai said, "I have written to Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Kerala Chief Minister and the DGP here demanding security. Whether we get that or not we will visit the temple today." The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year. Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Will visit Sabarimala temple as it is our Constitutional right: Trupti Desai

A 105-year-old grandmother has proved that age is not a barrier to get education as she became the "oldest learner" of Kerala government's literacy mission by appearing for the fourth standard exam. &nbsp;

Bageerathi Amma, a mother of six and grandmother of 16 children from Parakulam village of Kollam district in Kerala, had to stop her education when she nine as she was required to take care of her younger siblings. Kerala State Literacy Mission took the initiative and is helping Bageerathi to realise her dreams. Bageerathi's exams began on Sunday and were completed yesterday.&nbsp;

"She is a real motivation for others who want to learn," said CK Pradeep Kumar district co-ordinator of State Literary Mission.&nbsp;

Kerala has a literacy rate of 94 per cent, highest amongst the Indian states.&nbsp;

The state's literacy mission aims to develop literacy skills of each and everyone interested in learning. The literacy mission aims to ensure secondary-level education to everyone in the state especially the illiterates, neo-literates, school drop-outs and those interested in life long education.&nbsp;

(with inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

A 105-year-old grandmother has proved that age is not a barrier to get education as she became the "oldest learner" of Kerala government's literacy mission by appearing for the fourth standard exam.

A 105-year-old grandmother has proved that age is not a barrier to get education as she became the "oldest learner" of Kerala government's literacy mission by appearing for the fourth standard exam. Bageerathi Amma, a mother of six and grandmother of 16 children from Parakulam village of Kollam district in Kerala, had to stop her education when she nine as she was required to take care of her younger siblings. Kerala State Literacy Mission took the initiative and is helping Bageerathi to realise her dreams. Bageerathi's exams began on Sunday and were completed yesterday. "She is a real motivation for others who want to learn," said CK Pradeep Kumar district co-ordinator of State Literary Mission. Kerala has a literacy rate of 94 per cent, highest amongst the Indian states. The state's literacy mission aims to develop literacy skills of each and everyone interested in learning. The literacy mission aims to ensure secondary-level education to everyone in the state especially the illiterates, neo-literates, school drop-outs and those interested in life long education. (with inputs from ANI)

105-year-old grandmother appears for Class 4 school exam in Kerala

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-women-returned-from-sabarimala-temple-after-learning-rituals-district-collector-nooh-262648">Sabarimala temple</a> was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning. 
 
A puja was held in the Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala, which was opened amid tight security for the annual pooja on Saturday. 
 
On Saturday, at least 10 women, aged between 10 to 50 years, were sent back from Pamba base camp which is nearly 6 km downhill from the temple.

The police did not let the women,&nbsp;all residents of Andhra Pradesh, trek up to the temple.

Notably, the Kerala government has made it clear that it would not provide security to any woman of menstruating age visiting the shrine, as per Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/traditions-have-to-be-followed-sabarimala-devotees-say-women-should-not-enter-shrine-262615">The opening of the shrine</a> comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling.

The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group.

The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year.

Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

A day after Sabarimala temple was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning.

A day after Sabarimala temple was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning. A puja was held in the Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala, which was opened amid tight security for the annual pooja on Saturday. On Saturday, at least 10 women, aged between 10 to 50 years, were sent back from Pamba base camp which is nearly 6 km downhill from the temple. The police did not let the women, all residents of Andhra Pradesh, trek up to the temple. Notably, the Kerala government has made it clear that it would not provide security to any woman of menstruating age visiting the shrine, as per Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran. The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year. Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Kerala: Devotees pay obeisance at Sabarimala temple

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.

 
"These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI.

The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple.

The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises.&nbsp; 
 
Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. 
 
"All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said.

The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2.&nbsp;

In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old).

(With inputs from ANI)

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh. "These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI. The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple. Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple. The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises. Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. "All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said. The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2. In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old). (With inputs from ANI)

Many women returned from Sabarimala temple after learning rituals: District collector Nooh

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