Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday.

"There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death.

Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner.

Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief.

"When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post.

"No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said.

The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident.

The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car.

Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved.&nbsp;

Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital.

In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend.

However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace. Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday. "There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death. Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner. Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief. "When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post. "No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said. The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident. The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car. Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved. Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital. In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend. However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

Will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in workplace: Kerala CM Vijayan

A man from Kerala, who joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-islamic-state-sniper-charged-in-new-york-justice-department-237202">Islamic State (ISIS)</a> in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-in-afghanistan-aspires-to-attack-us-marine-general-frank-mckenzie-226736">Afghanistan</a> on July 18.

According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan.

Bakistani was a highly trained Pakistani terrorist, who radicalised several Indian youths.

The news of Muhammad Muhasin`s death was communicated to his family in Kerala via a WhatsApp message from an unidentified number from Afghanistan.

The text in the Malayalam language said, "Your brother was seeking martyrdom. Allah has fulfilled his wish as per his aspiration. He was martyred 10 days ago in a drone attack by the American forces".

"Please do not reveal this to the police, otherwise they will come to your home and start bothering you. Your brother doesn`t want this", the message read.

Several people from the state, both men and women, have joined ISIS over the last few years. According to government data, accessed by ANI, the majority of people who have joined ISIS from Kerala are from the Kannur city of the state.

As on June 15, nearly 40 people including eight women, from Kannur, have joined the ISIS.

The data further reveals that over the last few years 98 people from Kerala joined the Islamic State, out of which 38 were killed and 60 are still alive and fighting for the terrorist organisation.

Besides Kannur, some misguided people from Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Eranakulam and Thrissur have joined ISIS.

A majority of them were influenced by ISIS through social media. According to sources, most of the pro-ISIS accounts of Malayalee groups are operated from the Gulf countries.&nbsp;

These groups specifically target Muslims from Kerala. The ISIS, which has made inroads in southern India, could potentially extend support to several radical groups like it did in Sri Lanka.

A man from Kerala, who joined the Islamic State (ISIS) in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in Afghanistan on July 18. According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan.

A man from Kerala, who joined the Islamic State (ISIS) in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in Afghanistan on July 18. According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan. Bakistani was a highly trained Pakistani terrorist, who radicalised several Indian youths. The news of Muhammad Muhasin`s death was communicated to his family in Kerala via a WhatsApp message from an unidentified number from Afghanistan. The text in the Malayalam language said, "Your brother was seeking martyrdom. Allah has fulfilled his wish as per his aspiration. He was martyred 10 days ago in a drone attack by the American forces". "Please do not reveal this to the police, otherwise they will come to your home and start bothering you. Your brother doesn`t want this", the message read. Several people from the state, both men and women, have joined ISIS over the last few years. According to government data, accessed by ANI, the majority of people who have joined ISIS from Kerala are from the Kannur city of the state. As on June 15, nearly 40 people including eight women, from Kannur, have joined the ISIS. The data further reveals that over the last few years 98 people from Kerala joined the Islamic State, out of which 38 were killed and 60 are still alive and fighting for the terrorist organisation. Besides Kannur, some misguided people from Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Eranakulam and Thrissur have joined ISIS. A majority of them were influenced by ISIS through social media. According to sources, most of the pro-ISIS accounts of Malayalee groups are operated from the Gulf countries. These groups specifically target Muslims from Kerala. The ISIS, which has made inroads in southern India, could potentially extend support to several radical groups like it did in Sri Lanka.

Kerala man, who joined ISIS, dies in US drone strike in Afghanistan

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-predicted-in-andhra-pradesh-karnataka-237268"> predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall</a> at isolated places in the state today.

An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-237689">IMD</a> has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today. An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki. A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts. IMD has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Kerala: Red alert issued for Kannur, Kasaragod

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state.

In a letter dated July 21, Vijayan stated, "I have learnt from great concern from media reports that crew of the British Oil Tanker seized by Iran Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz comprises Indians, including four persons from Kerala. I also understand that your ministry is making interventions in this matter."

The Chief Minister has also sought complete details of the stranded crew so that their family members can be contacted at the hour of crisis.

"I request that all possible efforts to ensure the safety of the crew be made and the relevant details of persons may be shared with the State Government so that their family members can be contacted and we can be of help in their hour of crisis."

Two ships were seized by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday - the UK-flagged Stena Impero and a Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar.

Iranian media reported that the British vessel was captured after an accident with a fishing boat, while the IRGC said that the vessel was held for "violating international regulations."

While the Liberian-flagged ship was let off by Iran, Stena Impero has been taken to Iran's Bandar Abbas Port. Even though the ship was registered in the UK, there were no Britons on board. The 23-man crew was made up of people with Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality.

India is currently in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals onboard the detained UK-flagged vessel.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state. In a letter dated July 21, Vijayan stated, "I have learnt from great concern from media reports that crew of the British Oil Tanker seized by Iran Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz comprises Indians, including four persons from Kerala. I also understand that your ministry is making interventions in this matter." The Chief Minister has also sought complete details of the stranded crew so that their family members can be contacted at the hour of crisis. "I request that all possible efforts to ensure the safety of the crew be made and the relevant details of persons may be shared with the State Government so that their family members can be contacted and we can be of help in their hour of crisis." Two ships were seized by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday - the UK-flagged Stena Impero and a Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar. Iranian media reported that the British vessel was captured after an accident with a fishing boat, while the IRGC said that the vessel was held for "violating international regulations." While the Liberian-flagged ship was let off by Iran, Stena Impero has been taken to Iran's Bandar Abbas Port. Even though the ship was registered in the UK, there were no Britons on board. The 23-man crew was made up of people with Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality. India is currently in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals onboard the detained UK-flagged vessel.

Kerala Chief Minister seeks Jaishankar's intervention to repatriate stranded crew of British oil tanker in Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-24-below-average-rainfall-this-week-india-meteorological-department-230768">India's monsoon rains</a> were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-meghalaya-likely-to-receive-heavy-rainfall-india-meteorological-department-235428">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops.

Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth, as about 55 per cent of India's arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture forms about 15 per cent of a $2.5 trillion economy that is the third biggest in Asia.

Soybean- and cotton-growing central regions received 68 per cent less rainfall in the week, while the rubber- and tea-growing southern state of Kerala received 71 per cent lower rainfall, data from the weather office showed.

Overall, India has received rains that were 16 per cent less than average since the monsoon season began on June 1.&nbsp;

India's monsoon rains were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops.

India's monsoon rains were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops. Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth, as about 55 per cent of India's arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture forms about 15 per cent of a $2.5 trillion economy that is the third biggest in Asia. Soybean- and cotton-growing central regions received 68 per cent less rainfall in the week, while the rubber- and tea-growing southern state of Kerala received 71 per cent lower rainfall, data from the weather office showed. Overall, India has received rains that were 16 per cent less than average since the monsoon season began on June 1.

India gets rainfall 20 per cent below average in latest week: IMD

With summer holidays beginning in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glacier-the-size-of-britain-could-disappear-and-drown-low-lying-coasts-study-234708">Britain</a> this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-agents-prepare-to-arrest-thousands-migrants-live-in-fear-235693">immigration agents</a> and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India.

A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion.

After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident.

But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain.

Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain.

"She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight.

'No winners here'&nbsp;

Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders.

Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 &nbsp;a 47 percent increase from the year before.

The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg.

Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports.

"It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP.

Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families.

Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate.

A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women.

West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan.

"There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins.

Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution.

"Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu.&nbsp;

"Our focus is to safeguard young people."

Like being 'buried alive'

The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike.

As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive".

"I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues.&nbsp;

Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative.

"We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain.

The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur.

"It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages. At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, immigration agents and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India. A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion. After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident. But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain. Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain. "She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight. 'No winners here' Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders. Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 a 47 percent increase from the year before. The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg. Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports. "It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP. Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families. Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate. A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women. West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan. "There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins. Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution. "Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu. "Our focus is to safeguard young people." Like being 'buried alive' The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike. As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive". "I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues. Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative. "We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain. The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur. "It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

As holidays begin, UK looks out for forced marriages

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barry-weakens-but-us-officials-warn-of-heavy-rains-floods-tornadoes-236039">Heavy rains</a> continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state.

According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets.&nbsp;

The remaining days are expected to record moderate to heavy amounts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353">Monsoon rain</a>.

The weather forecasting agency has also said that this spell may lead to the flood-like situation due to which red alert has already been issued by the state authorities.

Places which are likely to observe flooding rains are Punnalur, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

According to weather experts, Southwest Monsoon has been very disappointing so far as June ended with a deficiency of 44 per cent of rainfall.

Besides, the deficiency of the rainfall between June 1 to July 17 in the region is a whopping 47 per cent.

The weather experts believe that Kerala now requires heavy rains to fulfil the deficient figures if any. "But with the forecast of some really good rains, we could see the rainfall deficiency in the state coming down to some extent."

Heavy rains continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets.

Heavy rains continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets. The remaining days are expected to record moderate to heavy amounts of Monsoon rain. The weather forecasting agency has also said that this spell may lead to the flood-like situation due to which red alert has already been issued by the state authorities. Places which are likely to observe flooding rains are Punnalur, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad. According to weather experts, Southwest Monsoon has been very disappointing so far as June ended with a deficiency of 44 per cent of rainfall. Besides, the deficiency of the rainfall between June 1 to July 17 in the region is a whopping 47 per cent. The weather experts believe that Kerala now requires heavy rains to fulfil the deficient figures if any. "But with the forecast of some really good rains, we could see the rainfall deficiency in the state coming down to some extent."

Red alert in Kerala, heavy rains to lash several areas

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-rejects-keralas-offer-of-20-lakh-litres-drinking-water-229085">Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu </a>amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening&nbsp;Mullaperiyar Dam.

Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this."&nbsp;

Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works.

"I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said.

"The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply,"&nbsp;he added.

"Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that&nbsp;drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation. Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening Mullaperiyar Dam. Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this." Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works. "I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said. "The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply," he added. "Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said. The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai water crisis: Palaniswami welcomes Kerala's water offer, asks for more cooperation

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing.&nbsp;

With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government."

Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter."

Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left."

He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand.

"Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI.

Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.&nbsp;

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government." Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter." Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left." He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand. "Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI. Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.

Families of 243 people missing from Kerala seek government's help

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent&nbsp;lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-faces-severe-water-crisis-chief-minister-k-palaniswami-says-not-a-big-issue-228613">worsening drought</a>.

This shortfall could have a major impact on consumer demand, the overall economy and financial markets.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast average rainfall in 2019, while the country's only private forecaster Skymet has predicted below-normal rainfall.

What are the monsoon types?

A normal, or average, monsoon means rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 cm in total during the four-month monsoon season from June to September, according to the IMD's classification.

Rainfall below 90 per cent of the average is classified as deficient, the same as a drought. In 2018, India received 9 per cent lower rainfall than normal, although in some regions the deficit was as high as 37 per cent.

Rainfall above 110 per cent of the average would mean an excessive monsoon, which could cause flooding and reduce the yields of certain crops.

Watch: Monsoon delayed, heatwave persists as temperature hover around 50°C

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The monsoon season starts with rains on the southern Kerala coast around June 1, and usually covers the country by the middle of July.

What is the progress this year?

The monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 8 versus the usual June 1. However, Cyclone Vayu developed in the Arabian Sea and that drew moisture from the monsoon and weakened its progress. The monsoon typically covers half of India by mid-June but this year has covered just a quarter of the country.

Does the delay mean lower rainfall?

There are instances when the monsoon delivered average or above average rainfall even after arriving late or progressing slowly.

In 2016, the monsoon landed in Kerala on June 8 but covered the entire country by July 13 and delivered average rainfall. Other times, rainfall deficits in June were fully offset by a week of raining in July.

The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and determines the yield of rice, wheat, sugarcane and oilseeds, such as soybeans. Farming makes up about 15 per cent of India's $2.5 trillion economy but employs more than half of its 1.3 billion people.

Rising farm output from a decent monsoon boosts demand for consumer goods in rural regions.

A stronger economic outlook tends to lift the stock prices of companies focused on selling products in rural areas.

India is self-sufficient in rice and wheat, but a drought would increases imports of pulses and edible oils, such as palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil. Monsoon rains replenish reservoirs and groundwater, allowing better irrigation and more hydropower output. Higher rainfall can trim demand for subsidised diesel, which is used to pump wells for irrigation.

Why is the monsoon key for Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

PM Modi has promised to double farmers' income over five years and promised to boost the economy. Makers of consumer products are reporting poor rural demand. Depleting reservoirs have forced cities including Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad to cut water supplies.

How does the monsoon affect prices and RBI policy?

Food makes up nearly half of India's consumer price index, which the Reserve Bank of India monitors when deciding on monetary policy, including interest rates. Bumper farm output would keep food prices under control.

The government has paid farmers during past droughts, straining the fiscal deficit. A good monsoon will limit that kind of government spending. A drought would raise vegetable and pulse prices, requiring increased spending on welfare schemes.

How reliable are monsoon forecasts?

The IMD issues its first forecast typically in mid-April.

On average, its forecast has been accurate only once every five years over the past two decades, even after taking into account an error band of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

The IMD's 2017 forecast was the most accurate since 2008. In 2018, it forecast 97 per cent rainfall but India received only 91 per cent. Even during normal monsoon years, some parts of India face drought while others flood.

In 2018, Kerala had it worst flooding in about 100 years even as the western state of Maharashtra had a drought. The IMD releases its second monsoon forecast in the last week of May or first week of June with an update in the middle of the monsoon season.

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a worsening drought.

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a worsening drought. This shortfall could have a major impact on consumer demand, the overall economy and financial markets. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast average rainfall in 2019, while the country's only private forecaster Skymet has predicted below-normal rainfall. What are the monsoon types? A normal, or average, monsoon means rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 cm in total during the four-month monsoon season from June to September, according to the IMD's classification. Rainfall below 90 per cent of the average is classified as deficient, the same as a drought. In 2018, India received 9 per cent lower rainfall than normal, although in some regions the deficit was as high as 37 per cent. Rainfall above 110 per cent of the average would mean an excessive monsoon, which could cause flooding and reduce the yields of certain crops. Watch: Monsoon delayed, heatwave persists as temperature hover around 50°C The monsoon season starts with rains on the southern Kerala coast around June 1, and usually covers the country by the middle of July. What is the progress this year? The monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 8 versus the usual June 1. However, Cyclone Vayu developed in the Arabian Sea and that drew moisture from the monsoon and weakened its progress. The monsoon typically covers half of India by mid-June but this year has covered just a quarter of the country. Does the delay mean lower rainfall? There are instances when the monsoon delivered average or above average rainfall even after arriving late or progressing slowly. In 2016, the monsoon landed in Kerala on June 8 but covered the entire country by July 13 and delivered average rainfall. Other times, rainfall deficits in June were fully offset by a week of raining in July. The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and determines the yield of rice, wheat, sugarcane and oilseeds, such as soybeans. Farming makes up about 15 per cent of India's $2.5 trillion economy but employs more than half of its 1.3 billion people. Rising farm output from a decent monsoon boosts demand for consumer goods in rural regions. A stronger economic outlook tends to lift the stock prices of companies focused on selling products in rural areas. India is self-sufficient in rice and wheat, but a drought would increases imports of pulses and edible oils, such as palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil. Monsoon rains replenish reservoirs and groundwater, allowing better irrigation and more hydropower output. Higher rainfall can trim demand for subsidised diesel, which is used to pump wells for irrigation. Why is the monsoon key for Prime Minister Narendra Modi? PM Modi has promised to double farmers' income over five years and promised to boost the economy. Makers of consumer products are reporting poor rural demand. Depleting reservoirs have forced cities including Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad to cut water supplies. How does the monsoon affect prices and RBI policy? Food makes up nearly half of India's consumer price index, which the Reserve Bank of India monitors when deciding on monetary policy, including interest rates. Bumper farm output would keep food prices under control. The government has paid farmers during past droughts, straining the fiscal deficit. A good monsoon will limit that kind of government spending. A drought would raise vegetable and pulse prices, requiring increased spending on welfare schemes. How reliable are monsoon forecasts? The IMD issues its first forecast typically in mid-April. On average, its forecast has been accurate only once every five years over the past two decades, even after taking into account an error band of plus or minus 5 percentage points. The IMD's 2017 forecast was the most accurate since 2008. In 2018, it forecast 97 per cent rainfall but India received only 91 per cent. Even during normal monsoon years, some parts of India face drought while others flood. In 2018, Kerala had it worst flooding in about 100 years even as the western state of Maharashtra had a drought. The IMD releases its second monsoon forecast in the last week of May or first week of June with an update in the middle of the monsoon season.

In India, all eyes on a monsoon that is critical for the economy

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.&nbsp;

As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-tamil-nadu-isis-module-3-terror-suspects-sent-to-judicial-custody-227435">sent to judicial custody on Saturday</a>.

Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, &amp; other religious places in Coimbatore
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They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim.

In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered. As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were sent to judicial custody on Saturday. Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported. Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, & other religious places in Coimbatore — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2019 × They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim. In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession. (With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu: 3 arrested in connection to ISIS module, remanded to judicial custody till June 28

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody.

Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence.

They were arrested in connection with the ISIS module case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media.

They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim.

A search was conducted at their residence and digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody. Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence.

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody. Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence. They were arrested in connection with the ISIS module case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media. They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim. A search was conducted at their residence and digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module: 3 terror suspects sent to judicial custody

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-four-suspected-of-nipah-virus-discharged-from-isolation-ward-in-kochi-225645">Nipah virus</a>.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr&nbsp;Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food.

World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals.

Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.

The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus.

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food. World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea. The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.

Scientists arrive in Kerala to find source of Nipah Virus outbreak

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on the world's biggest democratic nation's exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

Watch: India Watch, 13th June 2019

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-mastermind-of-isis-tamil-nadu-module-after-searches-226661">ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case</a>.

After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim.

Officials from the revenue and police departments are carrying out searches at the houses of three other people-Mohammed Hussain, Shahjahan and Hayatulla- from as early as 4.30 am Thursday, police sources said.

NIA had registered cases on May 30 against Azarudeen, Sheik Hidyathullah, Akram Sindhaa, Aboobacker M, Sadham Hussain and Ibrahim alias Shahin, all from Coimbatore, for their involvement in recruiting youth and planning terrorist attacks in south India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The officials had seized a number of devices like mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and incriminating documents during the searches on Wednesday.

The intention of those detained was to recruit vulnerable youth into the ISIS or Daish for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA had said in a release last night.

Azarudeen was the leader of the module and has been maintaining a Facebook page 'KhilafahGFX', through which he had been propagating the ideology of ISIS, it said.

The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of suicide bomber Zahran Hashim and other members of the module have also been sharing radical contents attributed to Hashim, over the social media.

The officials are likely to take Azarudeen to Kochi in connection with the case and the other five have been asked to appear before a court in Kochi, the sources said.

The ISIS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case. After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim.

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case. After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim. Officials from the revenue and police departments are carrying out searches at the houses of three other people-Mohammed Hussain, Shahjahan and Hayatulla- from as early as 4.30 am Thursday, police sources said. NIA had registered cases on May 30 against Azarudeen, Sheik Hidyathullah, Akram Sindhaa, Aboobacker M, Sadham Hussain and Ibrahim alias Shahin, all from Coimbatore, for their involvement in recruiting youth and planning terrorist attacks in south India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The officials had seized a number of devices like mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and incriminating documents during the searches on Wednesday. The intention of those detained was to recruit vulnerable youth into the ISIS or Daish for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA had said in a release last night. Azarudeen was the leader of the module and has been maintaining a Facebook page 'KhilafahGFX', through which he had been propagating the ideology of ISIS, it said. The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of suicide bomber Zahran Hashim and other members of the module have also been sharing radical contents attributed to Hashim, over the social media. The officials are likely to take Azarudeen to Kochi in connection with the case and the other five have been asked to appear before a court in Kochi, the sources said. The ISIS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved.

NIA searches continue for second day in ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case

Watch: India Watch, 12th June 2019

There was no relief from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/avoid-tea-coffee-and-alcohol-stay-indoors-government-issues-advisory-as-india-reels-under-heatwave-223958">heatwave conditions in north</a> and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday.

The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions for Monday as well in the city with clear skies.

The weatherman has warned that heatwave conditions will prevail in north and central India next week and predicted "severe heatwave" in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next two days.

On Sunday, Sri Ganganagar in western Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 48.5 degrees Celsius, while Churu and Kota districts of the state followed close behind, recording a maximum temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius each.

Heatwave conditions continued in Punjab and Haryana as Narnaul (Haryana) settled at 47 degrees, four notches above normal limits, while Bhiwani and Hisar also sizzled at 45.9 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7 degrees Celsius.

In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a hot day at 44 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. Ludhiana and Patiala also recorded four notches above the normal maximum temperature at 44 degrees Celsius and 44.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Dry weather conditions prevailed in Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.

Allahabad was the hottest city in the state, where the mercury settled at 47.7 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the normal. Kanpur recorded a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius, while in Varanasi it was 45 degrees Celsius.

Jammu reeled under heatwave conditions, recording a high of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh heatwave conditions prevailed, despite rains in isolated parts in the Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Kalpa received 4 mm rain, followed by Dalhousie at 3 mm, Kufri at 1 mm and Bhuntar at 0.6 mm.&nbsp;

Una continued to be the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, there was moderate rainfall in several parts of the state on Sunday, a day after monsoon arrived, even as a low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea.

The Meteorological Department said the low pressure was expected to intensify into a depression in the next two days and subsequently, into a cyclone.

The weather report also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6-204.4 mm) in isolated places of northern Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 12.

After a delay of a week, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. This has also delayed its arrival in different parts of the country.

A delay in the arrival of monsoon has pushed the country's rainfall deficiency in the first nine days of June to 45 per cent, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

There was no relief from the heatwave conditions in north and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday. The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.

There was no relief from the heatwave conditions in north and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday. The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions for Monday as well in the city with clear skies. The weatherman has warned that heatwave conditions will prevail in north and central India next week and predicted "severe heatwave" in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next two days. On Sunday, Sri Ganganagar in western Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 48.5 degrees Celsius, while Churu and Kota districts of the state followed close behind, recording a maximum temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius each. Heatwave conditions continued in Punjab and Haryana as Narnaul (Haryana) settled at 47 degrees, four notches above normal limits, while Bhiwani and Hisar also sizzled at 45.9 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a hot day at 44 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. Ludhiana and Patiala also recorded four notches above the normal maximum temperature at 44 degrees Celsius and 44.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. Dry weather conditions prevailed in Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. Allahabad was the hottest city in the state, where the mercury settled at 47.7 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the normal. Kanpur recorded a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius, while in Varanasi it was 45 degrees Celsius. Jammu reeled under heatwave conditions, recording a high of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh heatwave conditions prevailed, despite rains in isolated parts in the Saturday evening. Kalpa received 4 mm rain, followed by Dalhousie at 3 mm, Kufri at 1 mm and Bhuntar at 0.6 mm. Una continued to be the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, there was moderate rainfall in several parts of the state on Sunday, a day after monsoon arrived, even as a low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea. The Meteorological Department said the low pressure was expected to intensify into a depression in the next two days and subsequently, into a cyclone. The weather report also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6-204.4 mm) in isolated places of northern Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 12. After a delay of a week, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. This has also delayed its arrival in different parts of the country. A delay in the arrival of monsoon has pushed the country's rainfall deficiency in the first nine days of June to 45 per cent, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

North, central India reel under heatwave, monsoon advances in Kerala

&nbsp;It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-visit-his-parliamentary-constituency-wayanad-today-225162">Rahul Gandhi</a> hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala.

The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning.

Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family.

Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them.

As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970.

The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him.

When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face.

Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again.

An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years.

"I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters.

"I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said.

When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born.

She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands.

"I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said.

Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted.

Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse.

After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.&nbsp;

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital. Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala. The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning. Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family. Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them. As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970. The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him. When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face. Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again. An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years. "I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters. "I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said. When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born. She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands. "I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said. Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted. Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse. After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.

Rahul Gandhi meets Kerala nurse who held him in her hands as a baby

Scaling down the fear of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-sample-of-7th-person-suspected-to-be-infected-tests-negative-225183">Nipah virus that gripped Kerala</a>, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday.

"Of the 11 suspected cases of Nipah virus who were admitted in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, four patients have been shifted to the observation ward after their condition improved significantly," Kerala government in its latest health bulletin said.

The condition of the seven who are still in the isolation ward is stable. However, over 325 people who are in contact with the virus affected patients are under the surveillance of the doctors, it further said.

Various medical experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and NIMHANS are examining the current situation in the state and are handling the sanitation drive.

According to the officials, while Nipah helpline has received 39 calls on Saturday itself, a total of 557 phone calls were received by the control room so far.

The training programmes that are being given at the block level will be expanded to the panchayat and municipal levels to fight the Nipah virus, it added.

On June 4, a 23-old-man had tested positive for Nipah virus infection, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year.As of now, a total of 15 people are under observation in the state.Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja had on Friday met Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and discussed the status and preparedness of her state for containment and management of Nipah Virus disease.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan had on June 4 said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.&nbsp;

Scaling down the fear of Nipah virus that gripped Kerala, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday.

Scaling down the fear of Nipah virus that gripped Kerala, four suspected cases of Nipah virus who had been kept in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, have been shifted to the observation ward here on Sunday. "Of the 11 suspected cases of Nipah virus who were admitted in the isolation ward at Kalamassery Medical College, four patients have been shifted to the observation ward after their condition improved significantly," Kerala government in its latest health bulletin said. The condition of the seven who are still in the isolation ward is stable. However, over 325 people who are in contact with the virus affected patients are under the surveillance of the doctors, it further said. Various medical experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and NIMHANS are examining the current situation in the state and are handling the sanitation drive. According to the officials, while Nipah helpline has received 39 calls on Saturday itself, a total of 557 phone calls were received by the control room so far. The training programmes that are being given at the block level will be expanded to the panchayat and municipal levels to fight the Nipah virus, it added. On June 4, a 23-old-man had tested positive for Nipah virus infection, which killed 17 people in Kerala last year.As of now, a total of 15 people are under observation in the state.Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja had on Friday met Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and discussed the status and preparedness of her state for containment and management of Nipah Virus disease. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan had on June 4 said that the Centre had rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and then spreads through people to people contact, causing respiratory illness. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.

Kerala: Four suspected of Nipah virus discharged from isolation ward in Kochi

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality.

During his brief stopover visit on Saturday, Modi hailed the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) for being the world's first fully solar-powered airport, a statement issued by the CIAL said here on Sunday.

During a discussion with CIAL Managing Director VJ Kurian, the prime minister endorsed the effort in tapping green energy for operating the airport, which has won it the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, the statement said.

The CIAL model of solarisation should inspire all other high-energy consumers, Modi said, adding that the possibilities of laying solar panels at probable locations needed to be explored. He also suggested that the roof of the galleries of stadiums could be used for that.

"Achieving power neutrality for big energy consumers is important for our country," the CIAL statement quoted the prime minister as having said.

Modi also instructed the CIAL to render its expertise for a massive deployment of solar energy, in tune with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an organisation of 78 countries which was formed by his initiative.

As part of the ISA's project, envoys of 40 countries visited the CIAL's solar power plants last month.

The prime minister was in Kerala on Saturday. He offered prayers at the famous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-is-as-significant-to-me-as-varanasi-pm-modi-in-guruvayur-225392">Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Thrissur</a> district.

Modi met the CIAL officials before leaving for Maldives from the airport here on Saturday afternoon.

The CIAL at present is one of the largest green energy companies in the country with a total installed capacity of 40 MWp.

The airport, on an average, receives 1.62 lakhs units of power a day from the solar plant, whereas the daily consumption stands at around 1.52 lakhs units.

The airport achieved the status of power neutrality in August, 2015.

\The statement said Kurian handed over a memento and a brochure to the prime minister, which includes his tweets on the CIAL.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and state police chief Loknath Behra were also present during Modi's meeting with the CIAL officials, it added.&nbsp;

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality.

Impressed by the fully solar-powered operations at the Cochin International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it should be an inspiring model for energy guzzlers and suggested that stadiums can tap the natural resource for achieving power neutrality. During his brief stopover visit on Saturday, Modi hailed the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) for being the world's first fully solar-powered airport, a statement issued by the CIAL said here on Sunday. During a discussion with CIAL Managing Director VJ Kurian, the prime minister endorsed the effort in tapping green energy for operating the airport, which has won it the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, the statement said. The CIAL model of solarisation should inspire all other high-energy consumers, Modi said, adding that the possibilities of laying solar panels at probable locations needed to be explored. He also suggested that the roof of the galleries of stadiums could be used for that. "Achieving power neutrality for big energy consumers is important for our country," the CIAL statement quoted the prime minister as having said. Modi also instructed the CIAL to render its expertise for a massive deployment of solar energy, in tune with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an organisation of 78 countries which was formed by his initiative. As part of the ISA's project, envoys of 40 countries visited the CIAL's solar power plants last month. The prime minister was in Kerala on Saturday. He offered prayers at the famous Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayur in Thrissur district. Modi met the CIAL officials before leaving for Maldives from the airport here on Saturday afternoon. The CIAL at present is one of the largest green energy companies in the country with a total installed capacity of 40 MWp. The airport, on an average, receives 1.62 lakhs units of power a day from the solar plant, whereas the daily consumption stands at around 1.52 lakhs units. The airport achieved the status of power neutrality in August, 2015. \The statement said Kurian handed over a memento and a brochure to the prime minister, which includes his tweets on the CIAL. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and state police chief Loknath Behra were also present during Modi's meeting with the CIAL officials, it added.

PM Modi impressed by solar-powered Kochi airport; asks high-energy guzzlers to emulate it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a brief stop in Kerala today, on his way to the Maldives, which is his first international visit since becoming prime minister for his second term. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: PM Modi performs traditional pooja at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur district of Kerala to offer prayers. Watch full video to know more.

Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur

Continuing his attack on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">prime minister</a> on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-president-rahul-gandhi-arrives-in-wayanad-for-three-day-visit-225247">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday.

A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route.

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle.

Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. 
Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons".

He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents.

"At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta.

At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together.

"My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said.

Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes.

After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body.

Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats.

On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor.

Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP".

"The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added.

The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.&nbsp;

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection. On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday. A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route. Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle. Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons". He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents. "At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta. At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together. "My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said. Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes. After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body. Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats. On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor. Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP". "The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added. The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.

Modi's Lok Sabha poll campaign filled with 'lies, poison and hatred': Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">in Kerala's Guruvayur town</a>. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.&nbsp;

"I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country".

"It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said.&nbsp;

He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

"Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. <a href="https://t.co/w3lFrJy6QZ">pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ</a>
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He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one.&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur.&nbsp;

The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday.&nbsp;

Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-prime-minister-narendra-modi-offers-prayers-at-sri-krishna-temple-in-guruvayur-of-thrissur-225376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. &nbsp;

"Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections. "I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country". "It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said. He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. "Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said. PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one. PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday. Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. "Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.

Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi: PM Modi in Guruvayur 

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country.

"Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Several parts of Kerala have started receiving a good amount of rainfall. 
The news will augur well for the country as large parts have been witnessing agriculture distress and water levels in reservoirs in west and south India have dipped to low levels.

Most of rural India depends on the four-month monsoon season, which accounts for 75 per cent of the annual rainfall, due to a lack of adequate alternative source of irrigation. A good monsoon has a direct impact on the economy as agriculture remains the major contributor to India's GDP.

The north Indian plains, central India and parts of south India have been recording temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. Mercury has soared to over 50 degrees in parts of Rajasthan.

On Thursday, IMD said the arrival of monsoon in Delhi is likely to be delayed by two-three days from its usual onset on June 29. However, Skymet said it may take at least a week longer.

The city is likely to receive normal monsoon. Northwest India too is likely to have normal monsoon.

The IMD declares onset of monsoon over Kerala if after May 10, sixty per cent of the available 14 stations "Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore" report rainfall of 2.5 millimetres or more for two consecutive days.

This is one of the important parameters to declare the onset of monsoon. The other two factors are speed of the westerlies and long-wave radiation. 
In 2016, monsoon arrived on the same day.

The IMD has made a forecast of 96 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) which falls on the border of normal and below normal rainfall. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1951-2000 is 89 cm.

It has, however, maintained monsoon will be "normal" for 2019.

The rains in June are likely to be impacted due to El-Nino, although a weak one. It is generally believed that El-Nino, associated with the heating of Pacific waters, has an impact on monsoon.

The delay in monsoon has no co-relation to the overall quantum of the rainfall. However, monsoon will be late in other parts of the country due to its overall delay.

Monsoon arrived in the south Andaman Sea, its first Indian outpost before it reaches the mainland, on May 18.

Last month, the IMD said monsoon will reach Kerala on June 6, a delay of six days from its usual onset. However, conditions were not favourable for its progress.

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. "Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

After a delay of a week, monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. "Monsoon has made an onset over Kerala today (June 8)," said India Meteorological Department's Director General-designate Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Several parts of Kerala have started receiving a good amount of rainfall. The news will augur well for the country as large parts have been witnessing agriculture distress and water levels in reservoirs in west and south India have dipped to low levels. Most of rural India depends on the four-month monsoon season, which accounts for 75 per cent of the annual rainfall, due to a lack of adequate alternative source of irrigation. A good monsoon has a direct impact on the economy as agriculture remains the major contributor to India's GDP. The north Indian plains, central India and parts of south India have been recording temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. Mercury has soared to over 50 degrees in parts of Rajasthan. On Thursday, IMD said the arrival of monsoon in Delhi is likely to be delayed by two-three days from its usual onset on June 29. However, Skymet said it may take at least a week longer. The city is likely to receive normal monsoon. Northwest India too is likely to have normal monsoon. The IMD declares onset of monsoon over Kerala if after May 10, sixty per cent of the available 14 stations "Minicoy, Amini, Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur, Kollam, Allapuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, Kudulu and Mangalore" report rainfall of 2.5 millimetres or more for two consecutive days. This is one of the important parameters to declare the onset of monsoon. The other two factors are speed of the westerlies and long-wave radiation. In 2016, monsoon arrived on the same day. The IMD has made a forecast of 96 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) which falls on the border of normal and below normal rainfall. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1951-2000 is 89 cm. It has, however, maintained monsoon will be "normal" for 2019. The rains in June are likely to be impacted due to El-Nino, although a weak one. It is generally believed that El-Nino, associated with the heating of Pacific waters, has an impact on monsoon. The delay in monsoon has no co-relation to the overall quantum of the rainfall. However, monsoon will be late in other parts of the country due to its overall delay. Monsoon arrived in the south Andaman Sea, its first Indian outpost before it reaches the mainland, on May 18. Last month, the IMD said monsoon will reach Kerala on June 6, a delay of six days from its usual onset. However, conditions were not favourable for its progress.

After delay of a week, monsoon hits Kerala coast

BJP drew blank in Kerala, you may ask why Modi selected Kerala for his first political speech. Kerala is as important as Varanasi,” said PM Modi. Watch full video to know more.

‘Kerala is as much mine as Varanasi’ says PM Modi in Guruvayur

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-karnataka-sounds-alert-after-man-infected-with-virus-in-kerala-224932">potentially deadly virus</a> have tested negative.

One more person currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Medical College Hospital in Kochi has tested negative, the minister told reporters in New Delhi.

The government had Thursday announced that samples of six people, including three nursing staff, who had initially attended on a college student infected with Nipah virus, had tested negative.

The health of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah virus, has improved, government said here Thursday evening.

He is being treated at a private hospital here.

"He is taking food. He spoke to his family members through intercom. Fever has subsided," a government bulletin said here.

Shailaja, who is in Delhi to meet Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, said the state will continue to remain alert till July 15.

"There is no need for any concern. Result of the sample of the seventh person is also negative," she said.

They are currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, here.

The minister said she will seek more funds from the central government to set up a virology institute at least of Level 3 standard in Kerala.

The government has also urged the people to continue to take precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease.

A total of 316 people, who were in touch with the infected person, have been kept under observation.

State Health Principal Secretary Rajan N Khobragade said out of the 316 people, 33 have been put in the high risk category.

The Union Health Ministry has deployed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities.

A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward established at the Government Medical College in Ernakulam, the Health Ministry had said in a statement Tuesday.

Isolation facilities have also been ensured at medical colleges at Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kottayam.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis.

Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the potentially deadly virus have tested negative.

Concerns related to the spread of Nipah in Kerala were allayed further, with Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on Friday saying samples of one more person suspected to be infected with the potentially deadly virus have tested negative. One more person currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Medical College Hospital in Kochi has tested negative, the minister told reporters in New Delhi. The government had Thursday announced that samples of six people, including three nursing staff, who had initially attended on a college student infected with Nipah virus, had tested negative. The health of the college student, diagnosed with Nipah virus, has improved, government said here Thursday evening. He is being treated at a private hospital here. "He is taking food. He spoke to his family members through intercom. Fever has subsided," a government bulletin said here. Shailaja, who is in Delhi to meet Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, said the state will continue to remain alert till July 15. "There is no need for any concern. Result of the sample of the seventh person is also negative," she said. They are currently being treated at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, here. The minister said she will seek more funds from the central government to set up a virology institute at least of Level 3 standard in Kerala. The government has also urged the people to continue to take precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease. A total of 316 people, who were in touch with the infected person, have been kept under observation. State Health Principal Secretary Rajan N Khobragade said out of the 316 people, 33 have been put in the high risk category. The Union Health Ministry has deployed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities. A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward established at the Government Medical College in Ernakulam, the Health Ministry had said in a statement Tuesday. Isolation facilities have also been ensured at medical colleges at Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kottayam. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection and encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Nipah: Sample of 7th person suspected to be infected tests negative

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.

He will stay in his constituency till Sunday during which he will meet party workers and citizens.&nbsp;

"I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens and Congress Party workers. It`s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul had on May 24 expressed gratitude to the people of Wayanad for choosing him as their representative in the Lok Sabha.

On May 31, Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting him to order an enquiry into the `suicide` of a debt-ridden farmer from Wayanad.

Gandhi also urged him to extend financial support to the family of the deceased.

Gandhi, who netted 7,05,034 votes in Wayanad, won by 4,31,063 votes against his nearest rival Left Democratic Front (LDF)`s PP Suneer in the constituency.&nbsp;

However, the Congress President lost his family stronghold Amethi parliamentary constituency by BJP leader Smriti Irani.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon. This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is slated to visit his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Friday afternoon. This will be Gandhi`s first visit after he won the seat in the recently held Lok Sabha polls. He will stay in his constituency till Sunday during which he will meet party workers and citizens. "I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens and Congress Party workers. It`s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days," tweeted Rahul Gandhi. Rahul had on May 24 expressed gratitude to the people of Wayanad for choosing him as their representative in the Lok Sabha. On May 31, Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting him to order an enquiry into the `suicide` of a debt-ridden farmer from Wayanad. Gandhi also urged him to extend financial support to the family of the deceased. Gandhi, who netted 7,05,034 votes in Wayanad, won by 4,31,063 votes against his nearest rival Left Democratic Front (LDF)`s PP Suneer in the constituency. However, the Congress President lost his family stronghold Amethi parliamentary constituency by BJP leader Smriti Irani.

Rahul Gandhi to visit his parliamentary constituency Wayanad today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-reviewing-defeat-of-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-223343">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for&nbsp;a three-day visit.

The&nbsp;visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.31 lakh votes.

Earlier today, Gandhi tweeted, ''I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens &amp; Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days.''

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I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens &amp; Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days. <a href="https://t.co/1r71RsgI9X">pic.twitter.com/1r71RsgI9X</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1136821998724689920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of party workers and leaders were at the airport to receive Gandhi, who is attending a public function for the first time after the general elections.

The Congress president is scheduled to participate in at least 15 public receptions across the constituency.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at Kalikavu in Malappuram district in Kerala. Today, he begins his three-day visit to the state after Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/e2tTizHIff">pic.twitter.com/e2tTizHIff</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1136949794671386624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A senior Congress leader from the constituency told media&nbsp;that Gandhi's visit will boost the morale of the party workers to fight the Assembly bypolls.

"Rahul Gandhi will also take part in roadshows at Nilambur and Eranad," senior Congress leader and Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for a three-day visit. The visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday arrived at his Parliamentary constituency Wayanad for a three-day visit. The visit comes after Gandhi won from Wayanad by a margin of over 4.31 lakh votes. Earlier today, Gandhi tweeted, ''I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens & Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days.'' I will be in Wayanad, Kerala starting this afternoon and till Sunday to meet citizens & Congress Party workers. It’s a packed schedule with over 15 public receptions planned over the next 3 days. pic.twitter.com/1r71RsgI9X — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2019 × Thousands of party workers and leaders were at the airport to receive Gandhi, who is attending a public function for the first time after the general elections. The Congress president is scheduled to participate in at least 15 public receptions across the constituency. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at Kalikavu in Malappuram district in Kerala. Today, he begins his three-day visit to the state after Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/e2tTizHIff — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2019 × A senior Congress leader from the constituency told media that Gandhi's visit will boost the morale of the party workers to fight the Assembly bypolls. "Rahul Gandhi will also take part in roadshows at Nilambur and Eranad," senior Congress leader and Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi arrives in Wayanad for three-day visit

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-people-suspected-of-nipah-virus-in-hospital-kerala-health-minister-224734"> Nipah virus</a>, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic.

The 21-year-old college student's case is this year's first in Kerala. Last year, Nipah virus killed 17 people in the state.

"I urge the people not to panic as the government is leaving no stone unturned to remedy the situation. I am personally reviewing the situation with Health Minister of Kerala, K K Shailaja, on a regular basis,"Vardhan said.

The key focus of Wednesday's review meeting was updating of contact list (line listing with contact details), daily follow-up for symptoms and self-monitoring, the health ministry said in a statement.

The team also discussed SOPs for quarantine of symptomatic contacts, sample collection or testing and dedicated isolation facility with trained health staff for care of cases and epidemiological investigation by multi-disciplinary central team to ascertain the possible source of infection and history of exposure.

The Centre had on Tuesday rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities.

The team also stressed on the need for proper record-keeping in the district control room with daily sharing of information, the statement stated.

A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward has been established at Government Medical College Ernakulam, the statement said.

Isolation facilities have also been ensured at Medical Colleges at Calicut, Thrissur and Kottayam, it said.

All healthcare facilities have been asked to ensure high index of suspicion in cases with similar symptoms and also ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral, the ministry said.

The statement said that the condition of the college student, a resident of Paravur, is now stable and a total of 314 contacts are being followed up on daily basis.

Five symptomatic contacts have been admitted in quarantine facility at the medical college and samples have been sent for testing, it said.

According to the statement, the student got fever on May 23 when he was in district Thrissur. He visited a physician there but returned to his family in Ernakulum as he had high fever.

"He consulted a private hospital in Ernakulum on May 25 and was treated with antibiotics. He was referred to another private hospital on night of May 30 as he developed slight disorientation and gait imbalance," it said.

"Throat swab, CSF blood and urine samples were sent to the National institute of Virology Alapuzha on June 2 which tested Nipah positive. The patient is stable, conscious and oriented at present. All three other family members are healthy," it added.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans.

It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.

Some people can also experience a typical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress.

Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for Nipah virus, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who reviewed the public health measures put in place in Kerala after a college student tested positive for Nipah virus, Wednesday said the situation is under control and people need not panic. The 21-year-old college student's case is this year's first in Kerala. Last year, Nipah virus killed 17 people in the state. "I urge the people not to panic as the government is leaving no stone unturned to remedy the situation. I am personally reviewing the situation with Health Minister of Kerala, K K Shailaja, on a regular basis,"Vardhan said. The key focus of Wednesday's review meeting was updating of contact list (line listing with contact details), daily follow-up for symptoms and self-monitoring, the health ministry said in a statement. The team also discussed SOPs for quarantine of symptomatic contacts, sample collection or testing and dedicated isolation facility with trained health staff for care of cases and epidemiological investigation by multi-disciplinary central team to ascertain the possible source of infection and history of exposure. The Centre had on Tuesday rushed a six-member team comprising an epidemiologist to Kerala to conduct contact tracing for early detection of suspects and review of isolation facilities. The team also stressed on the need for proper record-keeping in the district control room with daily sharing of information, the statement stated. A designated control room has been established at the district collector's office and an isolation ward has been established at Government Medical College Ernakulam, the statement said. Isolation facilities have also been ensured at Medical Colleges at Calicut, Thrissur and Kottayam, it said. All healthcare facilities have been asked to ensure high index of suspicion in cases with similar symptoms and also ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral, the ministry said. The statement said that the condition of the college student, a resident of Paravur, is now stable and a total of 314 contacts are being followed up on daily basis. Five symptomatic contacts have been admitted in quarantine facility at the medical college and samples have been sent for testing, it said. According to the statement, the student got fever on May 23 when he was in district Thrissur. He visited a physician there but returned to his family in Ernakulum as he had high fever. "He consulted a private hospital in Ernakulum on May 25 and was treated with antibiotics. He was referred to another private hospital on night of May 30 as he developed slight disorientation and gait imbalance," it said. "Throat swab, CSF blood and urine samples were sent to the National institute of Virology Alapuzha on June 2 which tested Nipah positive. The patient is stable, conscious and oriented at present. All three other family members are healthy," it added. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus is a newly emerging disease that can be transmitted from its reservoir (natural wildlife host), the flying foxes (fruit bats), to both animals and humans. It takes its name from Sungai Nipah, a village in Malaysia where it was first identified. Symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis. Infected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience a typical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Nipah virus: Harsh Vardhan reviews public health measures, says situation under control

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-people-suspected-of-nipah-virus-in-hospital-kerala-health-minister-224734">Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease</a> which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact.&nbsp;

Signs and symptoms

Human infections range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis, involving inflammation of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Infected people initially develop symptoms, including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat.

This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.&nbsp;

The incubation period -- interval from infection to the onset of symptoms -- mostly ranges from four to 14 days.&nbsp;

Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long term neurological conditions have been reported in survivors.

The WHO estimates the case fatality rate at 40 per cent to 75 per cent.&nbsp;

Past outbreaks&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-karnataka-sounds-alert-after-man-infected-with-virus-in-kerala-224932">Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999</a> during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia.&nbsp;

It was also recognised in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since. The disease has also been identified periodically in India. Last year, the virus killed 17 people in Kerala.

Transmission

During the first recognised outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues, according to WHO.

Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal.

In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection.

There are currently no studies on viral persistence in bodily fluids or the environment.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus has also been reported among family and caregivers of infected patients.

During later outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, the Nipah virus spread directly from human-to-human through close contact with people's secretions and excretions.&nbsp;

"Once humans consume it, the virus transfers to their body. So, the virus never went anywhere in the first place. This is just a case of seasonal reactivation," explained Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon.

"Avoid travelling to those areas where the Nipah virus has been detected. The cases are localised to particular areas and are not widespread," he told PTI.&nbsp;

Unlike swine flu, its transmission rate is very low, Krishnan said.

Diagnosis

Initial signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus infection are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation.

This can hinder accurate diagnosis and create challenges in outbreak detection, effective and timely infection control measures, and outbreak response activities.

The main tests used are real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Other tests used include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and virus isolation by cell culture.

Treatment

There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for the infection although WHO has identified the virus as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development "There is no vaccine available for Nipah right now.&nbsp; 
Ribavirin, an antiviral, may have a role in reducing mortality among patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus disease," said Dr Deepak Verma Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital in Ghaziabad.&nbsp;

"Quarantining infected people and culling infected animals remain the first response. For healthcare professionals, following standard operation procedure and maintaining hygiene are the important steps to prevent human to human transmission',' said Verma.

According to a recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, an experimental Ebola drug, remdesivir, protected monkeys against Nipah infection.&nbsp;

Intensive supportive care is recommended for treating severe respiratory and neurologic complications.

Natural host: Fruit bats

Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae -- particularly species belonging to the Pteropus genus -- are the natural hosts for Nipah virus.&nbsp;

Outbreaks of the Nipah virus in pigs and other domestic animals such as horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs were first reported during the initial Malaysian outbreak in 1999.

Prevention

If an outbreak is suspected, the animal premises should be quarantined immediately.

Culling of infected animals -- with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses -- may be necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to people.

Restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease.

In the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce or prevent infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus.&nbsp;

Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact.

Nipah, a rare and often deadly disease which is back in the news with a student in Kerala diagnosed with the infection, is a zoonotic virus which means it is transmitted from animals such as bats or pigs to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food and people-to-people contact. Signs and symptoms Human infections range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis, involving inflammation of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Infected people initially develop symptoms, including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. The incubation period -- interval from infection to the onset of symptoms -- mostly ranges from four to 14 days. Most people who survive acute encephalitis make a full recovery, but long term neurological conditions have been reported in survivors. The WHO estimates the case fatality rate at 40 per cent to 75 per cent. Past outbreaks The Nipah virus was first recognised in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. It was also recognised in Bangladesh in 2001, and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since. The disease has also been identified periodically in India. Last year, the virus killed 17 people in Kerala. Transmission During the first recognised outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues, according to WHO. Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal. In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection. There are currently no studies on viral persistence in bodily fluids or the environment. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has also been reported among family and caregivers of infected patients. During later outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, the Nipah virus spread directly from human-to-human through close contact with people's secretions and excretions. "Once humans consume it, the virus transfers to their body. So, the virus never went anywhere in the first place. This is just a case of seasonal reactivation," explained Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon. "Avoid travelling to those areas where the Nipah virus has been detected. The cases are localised to particular areas and are not widespread," he told PTI. Unlike swine flu, its transmission rate is very low, Krishnan said. Diagnosis Initial signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus infection are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation. This can hinder accurate diagnosis and create challenges in outbreak detection, effective and timely infection control measures, and outbreak response activities. The main tests used are real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Other tests used include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and virus isolation by cell culture. Treatment There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for the infection although WHO has identified the virus as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development "There is no vaccine available for Nipah right now. Ribavirin, an antiviral, may have a role in reducing mortality among patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus disease," said Dr Deepak Verma Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital in Ghaziabad. "Quarantining infected people and culling infected animals remain the first response. For healthcare professionals, following standard operation procedure and maintaining hygiene are the important steps to prevent human to human transmission',' said Verma. According to a recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, an experimental Ebola drug, remdesivir, protected monkeys against Nipah infection. Intensive supportive care is recommended for treating severe respiratory and neurologic complications. Natural host: Fruit bats Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae -- particularly species belonging to the Pteropus genus -- are the natural hosts for Nipah virus. Outbreaks of the Nipah virus in pigs and other domestic animals such as horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs were first reported during the initial Malaysian outbreak in 1999. Prevention If an outbreak is suspected, the animal premises should be quarantined immediately. Culling of infected animals -- with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses -- may be necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to people. Restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease. In the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce or prevent infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the Nipah virus.

Nipah virus: How it spreads, past outbreaks, what to watch out for

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