An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects.

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said.

The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said.

Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said.

The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state.

Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there.

Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds.

However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far.

Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also.

The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people.

The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state. Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects. Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said. The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said. Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said. The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state. Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there. Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds. However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far. Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also. The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people. The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

Advisory panel set up for rebuilding flood-hit Kerala

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa.

The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court.

"We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum.

He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".

Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday. The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa. The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court. "We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum. He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling. On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals.

A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict.

On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for.

He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination.

While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition.

Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group."

The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.

The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.&nbsp;

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple. Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals. A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict. On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for. He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition. Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group." The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.

Kerala: Ayyappa devotees take to the streets, oppose Sabarimala verdict

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which decided to implement the ruling, held a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to evaluate the preparations carried out for pilgrims arriving at the temple which will open for monthly poojas on October 17 evening.

Though the government has not reacted to Desai's planned trip to the temple yet, it has evoked sharp reactions from Ayyappa devotees and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is campaigning against the entry of women into the hill shrine.

Padalam royal family member, Sasikumar Varma criticised Desai and urged the social activist to refrain from making any "provocative' move. 
He also asked the Left government to take steps to prevent any law and order situation.

Desai, the 'Bhumata Brigade' leader, said in Mumbai that she along with a group of women would visit the temple "shortly" to offer prayers.

"We will visit Sabarimala shortly. The ongoing agitation by devotees is the violation of the Supreme Court verdict. I appeal the agitating devotees to welcome those women who come for worship at the hill shrine," she told Malayalam TV channels.

"I want to ask the Congress and the BJP whether they are against the fundamental rights of women. The parties should also explain their stand on this," Desai said.

Holding placards bearing pictures of Lord Ayyappa and chanting his hymns, the protesters marched through the busy roads of Kochi, the state's commercial hub, after launching the stir from the famed Shiva temple there.

The faithful, a large number of them women, urged both the Central and the state governments to intervene in the matter to protect the sanctity of the centuries-old rituals and traditions of the hill shrine.

Meanwhile, the 'Long March' led by BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached Kollam district Saturday.

Party state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai, who lead the rally, said Desai was visiting Sabarimala as she perceived it to be a challenge rather than a pilgrimage.

"It is a dangerous approach. She should desist from visiting the shrine and should not make Sabarimala a tension zone," he said.

"I do not know whether she is a devotee or not. But she is coming to add fuel to the fire," Pillai added.

Claiming that the NDA rally was getting tremendous support from all sections of people, the leader said the march would reach the state capital on October 15.

It was because of the success of the NDA long march that the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF was forced to launch counter campaigns and family get-togethers to explain the Left government's stand on the Sabarimala issue, Pillai added.

Activist Rahul Easwar, who already announced hunger strike at Sabarimala during the five-day monthly pooja period, said they would stop Trupti Desai if she attempts to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple.

"Ours will be a Gandhian mode of protest. Hundreds of devotees will lay down on roads leading to Sabarimala if Trupti Desai attempts to visit the shrine," he said.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits against the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to implement the apex court order without going for any review petition.

Besides BJP, the opposition Congress was also against the government's decision not to go for review and extended support to the devotee's stir.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.&nbsp;

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon.

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which decided to implement the ruling, held a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to evaluate the preparations carried out for pilgrims arriving at the temple which will open for monthly poojas on October 17 evening. Though the government has not reacted to Desai's planned trip to the temple yet, it has evoked sharp reactions from Ayyappa devotees and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is campaigning against the entry of women into the hill shrine. Padalam royal family member, Sasikumar Varma criticised Desai and urged the social activist to refrain from making any "provocative' move. He also asked the Left government to take steps to prevent any law and order situation. Desai, the 'Bhumata Brigade' leader, said in Mumbai that she along with a group of women would visit the temple "shortly" to offer prayers. "We will visit Sabarimala shortly. The ongoing agitation by devotees is the violation of the Supreme Court verdict. I appeal the agitating devotees to welcome those women who come for worship at the hill shrine," she told Malayalam TV channels. "I want to ask the Congress and the BJP whether they are against the fundamental rights of women. The parties should also explain their stand on this," Desai said. Holding placards bearing pictures of Lord Ayyappa and chanting his hymns, the protesters marched through the busy roads of Kochi, the state's commercial hub, after launching the stir from the famed Shiva temple there. The faithful, a large number of them women, urged both the Central and the state governments to intervene in the matter to protect the sanctity of the centuries-old rituals and traditions of the hill shrine. Meanwhile, the 'Long March' led by BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached Kollam district Saturday. Party state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai, who lead the rally, said Desai was visiting Sabarimala as she perceived it to be a challenge rather than a pilgrimage. "It is a dangerous approach. She should desist from visiting the shrine and should not make Sabarimala a tension zone," he said. "I do not know whether she is a devotee or not. But she is coming to add fuel to the fire," Pillai added. Claiming that the NDA rally was getting tremendous support from all sections of people, the leader said the march would reach the state capital on October 15. It was because of the success of the NDA long march that the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF was forced to launch counter campaigns and family get-togethers to explain the Left government's stand on the Sabarimala issue, Pillai added. Activist Rahul Easwar, who already announced hunger strike at Sabarimala during the five-day monthly pooja period, said they would stop Trupti Desai if she attempts to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple. "Ours will be a Gandhian mode of protest. Hundreds of devotees will lay down on roads leading to Sabarimala if Trupti Desai attempts to visit the shrine," he said. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits against the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to implement the apex court order without going for any review petition. Besides BJP, the opposition Congress was also against the government's decision not to go for review and extended support to the devotee's stir. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Mass rally against Sabarimala verdict; Trupti Desai to visit soon

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

Announcing the decision to conduct the five-day long 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged that the LDF government was trying to divide Hindus to "defeat" the movement of Lord Ayyappa devotees against the government's decision to hurriedly implement the Supreme Court order.

The long march --Save Sabarimala Yatra-- beginning October 10 from Pandalam, the place where Lord Ayyappa's palace is situated, would conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, Pillai said.

"The Government is trying to implement the Supreme Court order by suppressing the Hindu faith and sentiments of the faithful," the BJP state chief said after the core committee meeting of the party here.

He said the NDA's 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' would be an agitation based on Gandhian principles.

Pillai said the government was going ahead with the decision to implement the SC order without giving time to the spiritual authorities of the hill shrine to find a solution to the problem based on 'Tantra Sastra' .

He alleged that the CPI(M), a party based on atheist principles, had been trying to destroy Sabarimala for the past 50 years, but those who tried to do so have never succeeded.

Meanwhile, former BJP leader P P Mukundan has shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention to save Sabarimala from the "hands of non believers,whose sole intention is to plunder the temple wealth and revenue."

In his letter, the former South Indian Organising Secretary of BJP, said "the Ayyappa devotees are looking at you, seeking your effective intervention to Save Sabarimala.

"The Centre may take over Sabarimala through special ordinance, declare it a National Pilgrim Centre, depoliticise the temple administration and set up a Tirupati-model Devaasthanam for its proper upkeep and administration," he said in his letter.

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. Announcing the decision to conduct the five-day long 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged that the LDF government was trying to divide Hindus to "defeat" the movement of Lord Ayyappa devotees against the government's decision to hurriedly implement the Supreme Court order. The long march --Save Sabarimala Yatra-- beginning October 10 from Pandalam, the place where Lord Ayyappa's palace is situated, would conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, Pillai said. "The Government is trying to implement the Supreme Court order by suppressing the Hindu faith and sentiments of the faithful," the BJP state chief said after the core committee meeting of the party here. He said the NDA's 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' would be an agitation based on Gandhian principles. Pillai said the government was going ahead with the decision to implement the SC order without giving time to the spiritual authorities of the hill shrine to find a solution to the problem based on 'Tantra Sastra' . He alleged that the CPI(M), a party based on atheist principles, had been trying to destroy Sabarimala for the past 50 years, but those who tried to do so have never succeeded. Meanwhile, former BJP leader P P Mukundan has shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention to save Sabarimala from the "hands of non believers,whose sole intention is to plunder the temple wealth and revenue." In his letter, the former South Indian Organising Secretary of BJP, said "the Ayyappa devotees are looking at you, seeking your effective intervention to Save Sabarimala. "The Centre may take over Sabarimala through special ordinance, declare it a National Pilgrim Centre, depoliticise the temple administration and set up a Tirupati-model Devaasthanam for its proper upkeep and administration," he said in his letter.

'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Wednesday over Kerala govt's 'hasty move' to implement SC order: BJP

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20.

The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today.

Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail.

The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail.

The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days. The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20. The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today. Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail. The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail. The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Rape accused Bishop's judicial custody extended by 14 days

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media.

The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted.&nbsp;

"Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added.&nbsp;

State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm.&nbsp;

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It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&amp;then move northwestwards&amp;develop into a cyclonic storm&amp;again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> Meteorological Department <a href="https://t.co/5VN2h83zrG">pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG</a>
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Kerala Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-offing-kerala-cm-issues-warning-red-alert-sounded-3-districts-169236">Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities</a> against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported. "Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media. The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted. "Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added. State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm. It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&then move northwestwards&develop into a cyclonic storm&again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director #Kerala Meteorological Department pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Kerala to receive very heavy rainfall for next 5 days: MeT department

Heavy rain alert in Kerala again confirms Met department

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said.&nbsp;

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning.

Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said.

Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday.

Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

 
&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8. Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea. Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning. Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday. Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala 

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail.

Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case.

The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application.

He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.&nbsp;

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail. Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case. The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application. He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Kerala nun rape case: High Court dismisses Bishop Mulakkal's bail plea

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.&nbsp;

They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity.&nbsp;

The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them.

On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states.

In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night. They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity. The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them. On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states. In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

Five member Rohingya family detained by Kerala police

5 members of a Rohingya family arrested in Kerala

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16.

Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state.

It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him.

The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter.

The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine.

"It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here.

He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order.

On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine.

"When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added.

After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition.

"We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said.

Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps.

Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees.

"The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste.

The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged.

He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa.

Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue.

Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine.

They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.&nbsp;

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself. A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16. Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state. It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him. The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter. The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine. "It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here. He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order. On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine. "When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added. After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition. "We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said. Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps. Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees. "The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste. The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged. He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue. Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine. They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places. Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.

Sabarimala verdict: Kerala government, TDB not to challenge Supreme Court's order

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

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IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/DegbBci0SY">pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047472670210777088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. &nbsp;

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District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/UeJqHXGAd1">pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1</a>
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He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted.

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Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&amp;asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/BUgvI85rtv">pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv</a>
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Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted. Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Cyclone in the offing? Kerala CM issues warning, red alert sounded in 3 districts 

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests.

In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass.

Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police.

The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here.

In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day.

A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict.

Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi.

The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala. The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests. In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass. Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police. The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here. In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day. A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict. Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi. The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees block roads in Kerala protesting SC verdict

The&nbsp;Railway Protection Force&nbsp;(RPF) has alerted the&nbsp;Kerala&nbsp;authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to&nbsp;Kerala.

The RPF has issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;are mostly moving from the northeastern states.

In a letter sent by the&nbsp;Chief Security Commissioner&nbsp;of&nbsp;Southern Railway&nbsp;to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand the Rohingyas over to police if they are found travelling on rails.

"If found in these trains, they may be handed over to the local police. An action taken report should be sent," the letter read.

A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in&nbsp;India&nbsp;and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF has issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from the northeastern states. In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand the Rohingyas over to police if they are found travelling on rails. "If found in these trains, they may be handed over to the local police. An action taken report should be sent," the letter read. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

Railway police alerts Kerala over movement of Rohingyas

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala.

The scheme has a provision for MPs to contribute funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the areas affected by severe calamity.

On August 24, an appeal to all MPs was issued by the Minister of Statistics Programme Implementation, DV Sadananda Gowda, to contribute from their MPLADS fund for the rehabilitation work, after the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the flood situation in Kerala as severe in nature.

As per guideline of the scheme, an MP can contribute upto Rs 1 crore from MPLADS fund for rehabilitation works in affected areas.

Out of the total MPs, 56 are from the Rajya Sabha, who have contributed Rs 29.82 crore while the rest Rs 13.84 crore came from 44 Lok Sabha members.

30 MPs have contributed Rs 1 crore including AK Antony, KTS Tulsi, Amar Singh, Prem Chand Gupta, Suresh Prabhu and M J Akhbar among others, 12 MPs contributed Rs 50 lakh or more and 12 MPs contributed Rs. 25 lakh.

Rest of the MPs have contributed between Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 25 lakh.

Out of the total 100 MPs, six are from Kerala, 14 of Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, nine of Bihar, seven MPs of Gujarat, four each from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, three MPs each from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, two MPs each from Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and one MP each of Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

A separate bank account has been already opened by the Government of Kerala to receive this amount.

A month ago, Kerala was hit by the worst floods in nearly a century, which claimed lives of more than 400 people and caused damage to the tune of nearly Rs 20,000 crore.&nbsp;

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala.

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala. The scheme has a provision for MPs to contribute funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the areas affected by severe calamity. On August 24, an appeal to all MPs was issued by the Minister of Statistics Programme Implementation, DV Sadananda Gowda, to contribute from their MPLADS fund for the rehabilitation work, after the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the flood situation in Kerala as severe in nature. As per guideline of the scheme, an MP can contribute upto Rs 1 crore from MPLADS fund for rehabilitation works in affected areas. Out of the total MPs, 56 are from the Rajya Sabha, who have contributed Rs 29.82 crore while the rest Rs 13.84 crore came from 44 Lok Sabha members. 30 MPs have contributed Rs 1 crore including AK Antony, KTS Tulsi, Amar Singh, Prem Chand Gupta, Suresh Prabhu and M J Akhbar among others, 12 MPs contributed Rs 50 lakh or more and 12 MPs contributed Rs. 25 lakh. Rest of the MPs have contributed between Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 25 lakh. Out of the total 100 MPs, six are from Kerala, 14 of Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, nine of Bihar, seven MPs of Gujarat, four each from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, three MPs each from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, two MPs each from Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and one MP each of Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. A separate bank account has been already opened by the Government of Kerala to receive this amount. A month ago, Kerala was hit by the worst floods in nearly a century, which claimed lives of more than 400 people and caused damage to the tune of nearly Rs 20,000 crore.

Kerala: MPs give over Rs 40 crore fund for flood relief

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal.

Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order.

Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday.

Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course.

He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP.

"I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said.

Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister.

"I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said.

The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP.

Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party.

"But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. 
BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. 
"Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.&nbsp;

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal. Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order. Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday. Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course. He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP. "I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said. Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister. "I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said. The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP. Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party. "But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. "Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.

Kerala: Two prominent Syrian church priests join BJP

Noted violinist Balabhaskar and his wife were critically injured when the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside tree at Pallippuram near Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The accident proved to be fatal for the couple's two-year-old daughter.&nbsp; 
 
According to the police, the accident occurred when the family was returning home from Thrissur&nbsp;in their car. 
 
The driver lost control of the vehicle which hit a tree in the early hours of Tuesday. 
 
The musician's daughter, Tejaswini Bala (2) was declared brought dead by the private hospital, where Balabhaskar, his wife and car driver are undergoing treatment for injuries. 
 
Balabhaskar is known for his stage performances in and outside Kerala. Balabhaskar became the youngest musician to compose for Malayalam film at the age of 17 for the movie Mangalya Pallakku. He has collaborated with many big names including Ustad Zakhir Hussain, Sivamani, Louis Banks, Vikku Vinayakram, Hariharan, Mattannoor Sankarankutty, Ranjit Barot and Fazal Qureshi.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Noted violinist Balabhaskar and his wife were critically injured when the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside tree at Pallippuram near Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

Noted violinist Balabhaskar and his wife were critically injured when the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside tree at Pallippuram near Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The accident proved to be fatal for the couple's two-year-old daughter. According to the police, the accident occurred when the family was returning home from Thrissur in their car. The driver lost control of the vehicle which hit a tree in the early hours of Tuesday. The musician's daughter, Tejaswini Bala (2) was declared brought dead by the private hospital, where Balabhaskar, his wife and car driver are undergoing treatment for injuries. Balabhaskar is known for his stage performances in and outside Kerala. Balabhaskar became the youngest musician to compose for Malayalam film at the age of 17 for the movie Mangalya Pallakku. He has collaborated with many big names including Ustad Zakhir Hussain, Sivamani, Louis Banks, Vikku Vinayakram, Hariharan, Mattannoor Sankarankutty, Ranjit Barot and Fazal Qureshi. (With PTI inputs)

Violinist Balabhaskar and wife critical, two-year-old daughter dead after a road accident in Kerala

Why are officers of the Israeli police force travelling all the way to a nondescript town in north Kerala in frequent intervals?

Because, their elegant light blue, long-sleeve uniform shirts are being stitched at an apparel unit in Kannur, which has the glorious tradition of handloom making and textile export.

Hundreds of tailors at the Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited, operating at the industrial park at Valiyavelicham in the district, are toiling hard to get the smart looking uniforms ready for the Israel police force.

They not only stitch the double-pocket shirts but also design and attach the trademark emblems on its sleeves.

The local dressmakers have been supplying nearly one lakh shirts annually to the Israeli police for the last three years.

Owned by Thodupuzha-based businessman Thomas Olickal, the company also bagged the orders for supplying uniforms for Kuwait's fire service and national guard.

If everything goes as planned, the Maryan Apparel would soon start stitching uniforms for the Philippine Army, a top company official said.

"We are supplying uniform shirts to the Israeli police- both men and women officers- for the last three years," Sijin Kumar, accounts and administration manger of the company said.

"Earlier, we used to supply trousers also. But, the order for it was bagged by a Chinese firm recently. We hope that we will get the contract back at the earliest and discussions are going on in this regard," he said.

Launched at the state-run Kinfra Park here in 2006, the company specialises in uniforms of army men, police personnel, security officers and health service workers of various countries across the globe.

It also supplies school uniforms, dress for supermarket staff, doctors' coats, coveralls, corporate wears and so on.

In 2008, the apparel unit was shifted to Kannur with an objective to provide employment to local people who had become jobless due to the decline of the traditional beedi sector there.

Kumar said the Israeli officials are very particular about the quality of the material and even the minute details of the stitching and embroidery.

"They visit the stitching unit at frequent intervals to monitor the process. Recently, they entrusted the task of monitoring with a company in Tamil Nadu and their team come here once in a month to check the quality of the work," Factory Manager, Shaneesh T V said.

The number of uniforms stitched at the unit would depend on their requirements.

Generally, it would be between 50,000-1,00,000 annually, he said.

The material for the uniform of Israel police is imported from the US.

The cloth, produced at the company's own mill in Mumbai, would also be used at times.

The apparel unit that employs 850 people, majority of them women, are planning to expand its operations in the coming years.

But, the lack of sufficient trained and skilled manpower is a major cause of concern for the company authorities.

Why are officers of the Israeli police force travelling all the way to a nondescript town in north Kerala in frequent intervals? Because, their elegant light blue, long-sleeve uniform shirts are being stitched at an apparel unit in Kannur, which has the glorious tradition of handloom making and textile export.

Why are officers of the Israeli police force travelling all the way to a nondescript town in north Kerala in frequent intervals? Because, their elegant light blue, long-sleeve uniform shirts are being stitched at an apparel unit in Kannur, which has the glorious tradition of handloom making and textile export. Hundreds of tailors at the Maryan Apparel Pvt Limited, operating at the industrial park at Valiyavelicham in the district, are toiling hard to get the smart looking uniforms ready for the Israel police force. They not only stitch the double-pocket shirts but also design and attach the trademark emblems on its sleeves. The local dressmakers have been supplying nearly one lakh shirts annually to the Israeli police for the last three years. Owned by Thodupuzha-based businessman Thomas Olickal, the company also bagged the orders for supplying uniforms for Kuwait's fire service and national guard. If everything goes as planned, the Maryan Apparel would soon start stitching uniforms for the Philippine Army, a top company official said. "We are supplying uniform shirts to the Israeli police- both men and women officers- for the last three years," Sijin Kumar, accounts and administration manger of the company said. "Earlier, we used to supply trousers also. But, the order for it was bagged by a Chinese firm recently. We hope that we will get the contract back at the earliest and discussions are going on in this regard," he said. Launched at the state-run Kinfra Park here in 2006, the company specialises in uniforms of army men, police personnel, security officers and health service workers of various countries across the globe. It also supplies school uniforms, dress for supermarket staff, doctors' coats, coveralls, corporate wears and so on. In 2008, the apparel unit was shifted to Kannur with an objective to provide employment to local people who had become jobless due to the decline of the traditional beedi sector there. Kumar said the Israeli officials are very particular about the quality of the material and even the minute details of the stitching and embroidery. "They visit the stitching unit at frequent intervals to monitor the process. Recently, they entrusted the task of monitoring with a company in Tamil Nadu and their team come here once in a month to check the quality of the work," Factory Manager, Shaneesh T V said. The number of uniforms stitched at the unit would depend on their requirements. Generally, it would be between 50,000-1,00,000 annually, he said. The material for the uniform of Israel police is imported from the US. The cloth, produced at the company's own mill in Mumbai, would also be used at times. The apparel unit that employs 850 people, majority of them women, are planning to expand its operations in the coming years. But, the lack of sufficient trained and skilled manpower is a major cause of concern for the company authorities.

Read to know why Israeli police officers are frequent visitors of Kerala town

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits.

He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision.

"We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said.

The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M).

However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold.

Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated.

The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency.

The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on&nbsp;July 1.

Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again.

Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour.

The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF.

Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Saturday downplayed the protest among party workers over its decision to forgo a Rajya Sabha seat in favour of the Kerala Congress (M), which returned to the UDF coalition after a gap of two years. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, KPCC president MM Hassan said the protest over the decision was natural in a democratic party but cautioned that it should not cross limits. He said the party leadership also understood the workers' sentiments and their pain over the decision. "We are also pained by the decision... But it was taken with a view to strengthen the party-led UDF and democratic forces to take on the BJP and the LDF in the state," Hassan said. The Congress party would issue a whip asking its MLAs to vote for Jose K Mani, the RS candidate of the KM Mani-led KC(M). However, the KPCC chief admitted that the KC(M) insisted on the seat as a condition for its re-entry into the UDF fold. Meanwhile, rumblings in the party over the RS seat issue continued with former KPCC president V M Sudheeran saying that party workers felt that they were being cheated. The senior leader also alleged that the decision lacked transparency. The seat is currently held by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurian of the Congress, who is set to retire on July 1. Two young Congress MLAs, V T Balaram and K S Sabarinathan, who were among those who asked AICC chief Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the decision, expressed their displeasure again. Balaram, in a Facebook post, called for a leadership change in the party and said people with vision and those who understood the pulse of the grassroot-level workers were the need of the hour. The decision to field Jose Mani, son of K M Mani, as the candidate was taken at a KC(M) meeting held last night in Pala, near Kottayam, hours after the party rejoined the UDF. Jose K Mani is currently the party's lone member in the Lok Sabha from the Kottayam parliamentary constituency.

Kerala Congress downplays protest over Rajya Sabha seat

The Union Health Ministry today said that bats cannot be ruled out as the primary source of Nipah outbreak, nearly two weeks after a central medical team told it that samples collected from bats in two Kerala districts, where 17 people have died of Nipah infection, tested negative.

The need for new tests to determine the source of Nipah outbreak deepens the mystery behind the spread of the virus.

On May 26, the medical team in its report to the ministry said samples collected from insectivorous bats in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts tested negative.

But Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey said today new samples of 55 fruit bats were collected two days ago and sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

The test results of the fresh samples are awaited.

R R Gangakhedkar, head of Division of Epidemiology Communicable Diseases, Indian Council for Medical Research, said the previous samples were from insectivorous bats, which are not known to be Nipah carriers,&nbsp; 
and not from fruit bats.

Gangakhedkar said an NIV team has collected samples of 55 fruit bats two days ago.

The Nipah virus stays for a short duration in the body of fruit bats as their system is quite capable of fighting it. So even if a bat has been infected by virus earlier, their samples may test negative later.

"Thus, there is a need for a larger sample for testing," he explained. 
The Indian Council of Medical Research has suggested that samples of excreta of fruit bats be collected for testing.

MoS Choubey urged people not to panic as the infection has been contained.

The central medical team is examining the travel history of Mohammad Sabith, 26, the first person to die in the Moosa family that lost four members to the virus infection.

He had travelled to Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a helper and returned to India sometime back.

The central medical team in its report last month had also ruled out pigs to be the primary source of the virus.

A total of 21 samples, including from seven species of bats, two species of pigs, one bovine, and one caprine, were sent to National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal and National Institute of Virology in Pune.

These included samples of bats found in the well near a house in Kerala's Perambra from where the initial death was reported.

Seventeen people - 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in Malappuram - have died due to Nipah virus so far.

The need for new tests to determine the source of Nipah outbreak deepens the mystery behind the spread of the virus

The Union Health Ministry today said that bats cannot be ruled out as the primary source of Nipah outbreak, nearly two weeks after a central medical team told it that samples collected from bats in two Kerala districts, where 17 people have died of Nipah infection, tested negative. The need for new tests to determine the source of Nipah outbreak deepens the mystery behind the spread of the virus. On May 26, the medical team in its report to the ministry said samples collected from insectivorous bats in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts tested negative. But Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey said today new samples of 55 fruit bats were collected two days ago and sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. The test results of the fresh samples are awaited. R R Gangakhedkar, head of Division of Epidemiology Communicable Diseases, Indian Council for Medical Research, said the previous samples were from insectivorous bats, which are not known to be Nipah carriers, and not from fruit bats. Gangakhedkar said an NIV team has collected samples of 55 fruit bats two days ago. The Nipah virus stays for a short duration in the body of fruit bats as their system is quite capable of fighting it. So even if a bat has been infected by virus earlier, their samples may test negative later. "Thus, there is a need for a larger sample for testing," he explained. The Indian Council of Medical Research has suggested that samples of excreta of fruit bats be collected for testing. MoS Choubey urged people not to panic as the infection has been contained. The central medical team is examining the travel history of Mohammad Sabith, 26, the first person to die in the Moosa family that lost four members to the virus infection. He had travelled to Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a helper and returned to India sometime back. The central medical team in its report last month had also ruled out pigs to be the primary source of the virus. A total of 21 samples, including from seven species of bats, two species of pigs, one bovine, and one caprine, were sent to National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal and National Institute of Virology in Pune. These included samples of bats found in the well near a house in Kerala's Perambra from where the initial death was reported. Seventeen people - 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in Malappuram - have died due to Nipah virus so far.

Bats not ruled out as primary source of Nipah outbreak: Health Ministry

Going beyond the call of duty, a doctor here performed the role of a pall bearer to conduct the last rites of some of those who lost their lives to the deadly Nipah virus.

With close relatives staying away due to fear of contracting Nipah, Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him.

"I was a pall bearer for 3 bodies and performed their last rites too," the 41-year-old Gopakumar told PTI.

Nipah virus has claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in neighbouring Malappuram since its outbreak last month.

Yesterday, the state government had updated the toll to 17 after including the death of Mohammed Sabith, the first victim, whose samples had not been tested for Nipah.

Gopakumar said he performed the last rites of a 17-year-old boy who died of Nipah as his mother was in the isolation ward for suspected virus infection.

She could not even see her son for one last time and permitted Dr Gopakumar to perform the exequies.

"I was saddened that during his last journey there was none of his dear ones to perform last rites. I did not have to think twice.. And I decided to perform all Hindu rites for the boy as I wanted him to go on his final journey with all the dignity. It was my duty...," he said.

After relatives of a 53-year-old man, who died of Nipah, informed him that they were not participating in the funeral, he conducted the final rites for him too.

Another last journey which tugged his heart was when he assisted the husband of a 19-year-old woman.

The woman, who had allegedly consumed poison, had been brought to a hospital here from Karnataka when some persons who were later found to be positive for Nipah, were treated near her bed.

However, the woman's samples were found to be negative later.

Extreme care and standing operating procedures laid down by the experts of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were followed for handling Nipah affected bodies during the cremation and burial as exposure to Nipah virus (NiV) is highly hazardous.

Secretion and excretion from a deceased person are considered equally infectious like that of a living infected person.

As part of the standard procedures, the bodies should not be sprayed, washed or embalmed and personnel handling remains have to wear protective equipment like gloves, gowns, N95 masks, eye protection shield and shoe cover.

Gopakumar said he had overseen the funeral of of 61 year-old Moosa, whose two sons and brother's wife had fallen prey to Nipah virus.

It is suspected that during the ritual of bathing of Sabith's body, Moosa and his younger son might have contracted the virus, he said.

A 10-feet pit was dug and 5 kg of bleaching powder was spread inside the pit. The body was packed in an air-tight plastic double body bag and then lowered into the pit.

Dr Reshma Sahay, Scientist from the National Virology Institute, Pune was present as she had handled Ebola cases earlier.

"We followed Ebola protocol for the burial," Dr Gopakumar said.

Of the 12 bodies, 8 were Nipah positive cases and four were suspected cases which later turned out to be negative.

Patients' relatives performed rites for nine of the bodies.

There were situations when the staff in Kozhikode crematorium refused to perform the last rites of some Nipah victims due to fear.

The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.

The body was in the ambulance for few hours after which people from Ivor madom, who conduct funeral rites on the banks of Bharatha puzha, had to be called to do the final rites, he said.

The issue was discussed by the Kerala Assembly yesterday and Health minister, K K Shylaja was all praise for the selfless service of Dr Gopakumar.&nbsp

Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him

Going beyond the call of duty, a doctor here performed the role of a pall bearer to conduct the last rites of some of those who lost their lives to the deadly Nipah virus. With close relatives staying away due to fear of contracting Nipah, Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him. "I was a pall bearer for 3 bodies and performed their last rites too," the 41-year-old Gopakumar told PTI. Nipah virus has claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in neighbouring Malappuram since its outbreak last month. Yesterday, the state government had updated the toll to 17 after including the death of Mohammed Sabith, the first victim, whose samples had not been tested for Nipah. Gopakumar said he performed the last rites of a 17-year-old boy who died of Nipah as his mother was in the isolation ward for suspected virus infection. She could not even see her son for one last time and permitted Dr Gopakumar to perform the exequies. "I was saddened that during his last journey there was none of his dear ones to perform last rites. I did not have to think twice.. And I decided to perform all Hindu rites for the boy as I wanted him to go on his final journey with all the dignity. It was my duty...," he said. After relatives of a 53-year-old man, who died of Nipah, informed him that they were not participating in the funeral, he conducted the final rites for him too. Another last journey which tugged his heart was when he assisted the husband of a 19-year-old woman. The woman, who had allegedly consumed poison, had been brought to a hospital here from Karnataka when some persons who were later found to be positive for Nipah, were treated near her bed. However, the woman's samples were found to be negative later. Extreme care and standing operating procedures laid down by the experts of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were followed for handling Nipah affected bodies during the cremation and burial as exposure to Nipah virus (NiV) is highly hazardous. Secretion and excretion from a deceased person are considered equally infectious like that of a living infected person. As part of the standard procedures, the bodies should not be sprayed, washed or embalmed and personnel handling remains have to wear protective equipment like gloves, gowns, N95 masks, eye protection shield and shoe cover. Gopakumar said he had overseen the funeral of of 61 year-old Moosa, whose two sons and brother's wife had fallen prey to Nipah virus. It is suspected that during the ritual of bathing of Sabith's body, Moosa and his younger son might have contracted the virus, he said. A 10-feet pit was dug and 5 kg of bleaching powder was spread inside the pit. The body was packed in an air-tight plastic double body bag and then lowered into the pit. Dr Reshma Sahay, Scientist from the National Virology Institute, Pune was present as she had handled Ebola cases earlier. "We followed Ebola protocol for the burial," Dr Gopakumar said. Of the 12 bodies, 8 were Nipah positive cases and four were suspected cases which later turned out to be negative. Patients' relatives performed rites for nine of the bodies. There were situations when the staff in Kozhikode crematorium refused to perform the last rites of some Nipah victims due to fear. The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. The body was in the ambulance for few hours after which people from Ivor madom, who conduct funeral rites on the banks of Bharatha puzha, had to be called to do the final rites, he said. The issue was discussed by the Kerala Assembly yesterday and Health minister, K K Shylaja was all praise for the selfless service of Dr Gopakumar.

With relatives staying away, Kerala doctor performs last rites of Nipah virus victims

Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda on Tuesday downplayed the Nipah virus outbreak, assuring that the situation was under control.

"Within 12 hours of the Nipah virus outbreak, a team of doctors reached Kerala, discussed the disease's management and controlled it in a time-bound manner. Health Ministry and I are personally monitoring the situation. There is no need to panic," said Nadda.

Earlier, Nadda had claimed that the outbreak of the virus was a result of "tampering with nature".

Nadda further noted that scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak.

Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 17 have died while two are recovering well.&nbsp;

Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has banned frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala amid concerns over the deadly Nipah virus outbreak.

The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis - a dangerous swelling of the brain - and common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, the Gulf News reported on Monday.

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. UAE officials announced that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was prohibited from entry.

He further noted that scientists from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak

Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda on Tuesday downplayed the Nipah virus outbreak, assuring that the situation was under control. "Within 12 hours of the Nipah virus outbreak, a team of doctors reached Kerala, discussed the disease's management and controlled it in a time-bound manner. Health Ministry and I are personally monitoring the situation. There is no need to panic," said Nadda. Earlier, Nadda had claimed that the outbreak of the virus was a result of "tampering with nature". Nadda further noted that scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak. Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 17 have died while two are recovering well. Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has banned frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala amid concerns over the deadly Nipah virus outbreak. The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis - a dangerous swelling of the brain - and common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, the Gulf News reported on Monday. The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. UAE officials announced that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was prohibited from entry.

Nipah virus controlled within 12 hours, no need to panic: Union Health Minister

A 32-year-old man, who abandoned his newborn baby at a church in Kochi, allegedly committed the offence out of fear that he would be shamed socially for siring a fourth child, police said on Saturday.

Bitto and his wife Prabitha (28), from Thrissur district, were arrested this morning for abandoning their newborn child at St George Forane Church in Edappally last evening, they said.

The two, having four kids including the abandoned two-day-old infant, were traced from Wadakkancherry, they added.

The woman allegedly joined her husband in committing the crime after being discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur, where she delivered the baby.

During the preliminary probe, Bitto told the investigation team that the offence was committed out of fear that they would be shamed socially for siring a fourth child, police said.

They were allegedly laughed at by friends and locals for Prabitha being continuously pregnant.

Police, however, said a detailed investigation was required to reach a final conclusion in the case.

The two have been charged under IPC Section 317(exposure and abandonment of child under 12 years, by parent or person having care of it) and Juvenile Justice Act, Section 75 (punishment for cruelty to child), police said.

CCTV camera footage aired by television channels and circulated on social media since last night showed a couple leaving the child in the premises of the church.

The security staff of the church noticed the child at around 8.30 pm and immediately alerted the police.

In the footage, the couple along with another child was seen walking into the church around 8.15 pm with the baby wrapped in an orange sheet.

The father kissed the baby on its forehead before carefully placing the infant on the ground of the church.

The baby was admitted to a private hospital immediately after the incident.

Hospital sources said the infant was healthy.

The couple were allegedly laughed at by friends and locals because the wife was continuously pregnant. They abandoned their baby at a church in Edappally

A 32-year-old man, who abandoned his newborn baby at a church in Kochi, allegedly committed the offence out of fear that he would be shamed socially for siring a fourth child, police said on Saturday. Bitto and his wife Prabitha (28), from Thrissur district, were arrested this morning for abandoning their newborn child at St George Forane Church in Edappally last evening, they said. The two, having four kids including the abandoned two-day-old infant, were traced from Wadakkancherry, they added. The woman allegedly joined her husband in committing the crime after being discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur, where she delivered the baby. During the preliminary probe, Bitto told the investigation team that the offence was committed out of fear that they would be shamed socially for siring a fourth child, police said. They were allegedly laughed at by friends and locals for Prabitha being continuously pregnant. Police, however, said a detailed investigation was required to reach a final conclusion in the case. The two have been charged under IPC Section 317(exposure and abandonment of child under 12 years, by parent or person having care of it) and Juvenile Justice Act, Section 75 (punishment for cruelty to child), police said. CCTV camera footage aired by television channels and circulated on social media since last night showed a couple leaving the child in the premises of the church. The security staff of the church noticed the child at around 8.30 pm and immediately alerted the police. In the footage, the couple along with another child was seen walking into the church around 8.15 pm with the baby wrapped in an orange sheet. The father kissed the baby on its forehead before carefully placing the infant on the ground of the church. The baby was admitted to a private hospital immediately after the incident. Hospital sources said the infant was healthy.

Scared they would be shamed for having 4th child, Kerala couple abandon baby

Veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy hailed CPI(M)-led LDF's victory in Chengannur Assembly bypoll in Kerala but said a "deeper introspection" is needed in West Bengal, where the Left is seen to be yielding political space to the BJP.

The CPI General Secretary termed the win in Kerala a "very good positive" response from the people, who reposed their confidence in the Left government.

"The victory margin (20,956 votes) is fantastic," Mr Reddy said.

The ruling CPI(M)-led LDF's Saji Cheriyan won the Chengannur seat, polling 67,303 votes. The Congress-led UDF candidate D Vijaykumar got 46,347 votes and BJP's P S Sreedharan Pillai came third with 35,270 votes.

"That's true," he said on perception that the BJP is gaining ground in West Bengal at the cost of the Left. "We need to do deeper introspection on this issue (in West Bengal)."

Like in some of the recent elections in West Bengal, the BJP pushed the CPI(M) to third spot in Maheshtala assembly bypoll, where the TMC emerged victorious.

Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy termed the win in Kerala a "very good positive" response from the people, who reposed their confidence in the Left government.

Veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy hailed CPI(M)-led LDF's victory in Chengannur Assembly bypoll in Kerala but said a "deeper introspection" is needed in West Bengal, where the Left is seen to be yielding political space to the BJP. The CPI General Secretary termed the win in Kerala a "very good positive" response from the people, who reposed their confidence in the Left government. "The victory margin (20,956 votes) is fantastic," Mr Reddy said. The ruling CPI(M)-led LDF's Saji Cheriyan won the Chengannur seat, polling 67,303 votes. The Congress-led UDF candidate D Vijaykumar got 46,347 votes and BJP's P S Sreedharan Pillai came third with 35,270 votes. "That's true," he said on perception that the BJP is gaining ground in West Bengal at the cost of the Left. "We need to do deeper introspection on this issue (in West Bengal)." Like in some of the recent elections in West Bengal, the BJP pushed the CPI(M) to third spot in Maheshtala assembly bypoll, where the TMC emerged victorious.

Left needs 'deeper introspection' in West Bengal: CPI General Secretary

The deadly Nipah virus has claimed one more life in Kerala taking the death toll to 15 today. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a soldier in Kolkata died due to suspected Nipah virus infection, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20.&nbsp;

The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Death toll due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NipahVirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NipahVirus</a> rises to 15.
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No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other states have issued a health advisory.&nbsp;

The virus scare has wreaked havoc for fruit sellers in the state. Fruit sellers in Kerala have faced the brunt of the deadly Nipah virus. They say their incomes have been reduced as customers fear that fruits might be infected with the virus.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where the Gulf state said on Tuesday.

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also notified other local authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of its emirates, to prevent the entry of any fresh produce from Kerala, it said in a statement.

No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state

The deadly Nipah virus has claimed one more life in Kerala taking the death toll to 15 today. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a soldier in Kolkata died due to suspected Nipah virus infection, reports said. As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20. The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur. #Kerala: Death toll due to #NipahVirus rises to 15. — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other states have issued a health advisory. The virus scare has wreaked havoc for fruit sellers in the state. Fruit sellers in Kerala have faced the brunt of the deadly Nipah virus. They say their incomes have been reduced as customers fear that fruits might be infected with the virus. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where the Gulf state said on Tuesday. The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also notified other local authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and the municipalities of its emirates, to prevent the entry of any fresh produce from Kerala, it said in a statement.

Nipah virus scare: One more dead, death toll mounts to 15 in Kerala

Dealing a body blow to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday emerged victorious in 9 out of 10 Assembly seats even as the BJP asserted that the PM -- which it described as 'P' for performance and&nbsp; 'M' for Mehnat (hard work) -- would decide the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Figures for the 10 assembly bypolls came as a big setback for the ruling party which could win just one (in Uttarakhand). The Congress bagged three (in Meghalaya, Karnataka and Punjab) and others got six -- JMM two in Jharkhand CPI (M), SP, RJD and Trinamool one each in Kerala, UP, Bihar and West Bengal, respectively.

The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates.

The party, which retained RR Nagar assembly in Karnataka and another in Meghalaya, termed the bypoll results as the people's mandate against four years of the Modi rule and the beginning of the end of the BJP empire.

"The writing on the wall is clear. The BJP's exit and success of the Congress and its allies are guaranteed," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters.

The BJP and its allies failed to retain Noorpur in UP and Shahkot in Punjab, while Congress, CPI (M), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Trinamool retained their respective seats.

The BJP retained Tharali in Uttarakhand, but lost Noorpur in UP. SP's Naeemul Hasan trounced BJP's Avni Singh in Noorpur.

In Bihar, RJD won minority-dominated Jokihat by defeating BJP ally JD(U) by a huge margin.&nbsp;

A buoyed Tejashwi Yadav of RJD said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who dumped the RJD and Congress last year to join hands with the BJP to form a new coalition government in the state, should resign if he has some conscience left.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulating all the winners said valuable lessions to be learnt from the victories and defeats for all the parties.

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Congratulations to all the winners in the by polls, across India. Valuable lessons to be learnt from the victories & defeats for all parties. I want to thank all the workers & leaders of the Congress party for their hard work & dedication in these elections. God bless you all.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1002206574918688768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap and the BJP is "going to take a massive leap."

BJP's Subramanian Swamy, however, had a word of caution for the party and said the "this huge setback in by polls is due to Hubris".

"But the trend is easily reversible if party stops rewarding sycophancy and has more participatory decision-making ethos amongst those leaders whom the public find credible. BJP has the infrastructure to bounce back but needs a new ethos," he said.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the results reflect the anger against the Modi government.

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called the results "a defeat of divisive politics" and congratulated all opposition parties for the results.&nbsp;

RLD's Jayant Chaudhary said the opposition unity will continue and the results showed that "Jinnah hara, Ganna jeeta" -- referring to the recent controversy over the Pakistan founder's portrait and the problems being faced by sugarcane farmers.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri said BJP's loss at its "laboratory of communal and hate politics", Kairana, clearly showed that people did not accept the ruling party's politics but warned that the loss could push the RSS-BJP to spread communal tensions to consolidate the "Hindutva vote bank".

In Punjab, Congress' Hardev Singh Ladi wrested Shahkot from the Shiromani Akali Dal.&nbsp;

Trinamool's Dulal Das won Maheshtala bypoll in West Bengal, defeating BJP's Sujit Kumar Ghosh. The Left came third.

In Kerala, Left's Saji Cheriyan won Chengannur bypoll. The Congress came second and the BJP third.

JMM retained Silli and Gomia seats in Jharkhand. In Gomia, JMM's Babita Devi defeated AJSU nominee Lambodar Mahto, while BJP came third. In Silli, JMM's Seema Mahto defeated AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates.

Dealing a body blow to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday emerged victorious in 9 out of 10 Assembly seats even as the BJP asserted that the PM -- which it described as 'P' for performance and 'M' for Mehnat (hard work) -- would decide the Lok Sabha polls next year. Figures for the 10 assembly bypolls came as a big setback for the ruling party which could win just one (in Uttarakhand). The Congress bagged three (in Meghalaya, Karnataka and Punjab) and others got six -- JMM two in Jharkhand CPI (M), SP, RJD and Trinamool one each in Kerala, UP, Bihar and West Bengal, respectively. The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates. The party, which retained RR Nagar assembly in Karnataka and another in Meghalaya, termed the bypoll results as the people's mandate against four years of the Modi rule and the beginning of the end of the BJP empire. "The writing on the wall is clear. The BJP's exit and success of the Congress and its allies are guaranteed," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters. The BJP and its allies failed to retain Noorpur in UP and Shahkot in Punjab, while Congress, CPI (M), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Trinamool retained their respective seats. The BJP retained Tharali in Uttarakhand, but lost Noorpur in UP. SP's Naeemul Hasan trounced BJP's Avni Singh in Noorpur. In Bihar, RJD won minority-dominated Jokihat by defeating BJP ally JD(U) by a huge margin. A buoyed Tejashwi Yadav of RJD said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who dumped the RJD and Congress last year to join hands with the BJP to form a new coalition government in the state, should resign if he has some conscience left. Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulating all the winners said valuable lessions to be learnt from the victories and defeats for all the parties. Congratulations to all the winners in the by polls, across India. Valuable lessons to be learnt from the victories & defeats for all parties. I want to thank all the workers & leaders of the Congress party for their hard work & dedication in these elections. God bless you all. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 31, 2018 × Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap and the BJP is "going to take a massive leap." BJP's Subramanian Swamy, however, had a word of caution for the party and said the "this huge setback in by polls is due to Hubris". "But the trend is easily reversible if party stops rewarding sycophancy and has more participatory decision-making ethos amongst those leaders whom the public find credible. BJP has the infrastructure to bounce back but needs a new ethos," he said. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the results reflect the anger against the Modi government. Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called the results "a defeat of divisive politics" and congratulated all opposition parties for the results. RLD's Jayant Chaudhary said the opposition unity will continue and the results showed that "Jinnah hara, Ganna jeeta" -- referring to the recent controversy over the Pakistan founder's portrait and the problems being faced by sugarcane farmers. CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri said BJP's loss at its "laboratory of communal and hate politics", Kairana, clearly showed that people did not accept the ruling party's politics but warned that the loss could push the RSS-BJP to spread communal tensions to consolidate the "Hindutva vote bank". In Punjab, Congress' Hardev Singh Ladi wrested Shahkot from the Shiromani Akali Dal. Trinamool's Dulal Das won Maheshtala bypoll in West Bengal, defeating BJP's Sujit Kumar Ghosh. The Left came third. In Kerala, Left's Saji Cheriyan won Chengannur bypoll. The Congress came second and the BJP third. JMM retained Silli and Gomia seats in Jharkhand. In Gomia, JMM's Babita Devi defeated AJSU nominee Lambodar Mahto, while BJP came third. In Silli, JMM's Seema Mahto defeated AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto. (With PTI inputs)

Assembly bypoll results: Opposition scoops 9 leaving one seat to BJP

Nipah virus has claimed one more life raising the death toll to a total of 16 after one more passed away due to the infection in Calicut on Thursday.&nbsp;

This comes the same day after another victim was pronounced dead this morning in Kerala with a 28-year-old man succumbing to the deadly virus, a health department official said today.&nbsp;

Akhil, a native of Karassery, who was undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical college hospital (KMCH) since May 29, died last night, the official said.&nbsp;

Two more persons confirmed of having contracted the virus are being treated at KMCH, he said.&nbsp;

Besides, 1,353 people who had been in contact with the affected persons before the confirmation of the disease, are under observation, the official said.&nbsp;

Yesterday, Madhusudhanan (55) of Nellikode in the district, who was undergoing treatment in a private hospital here also breathed his last.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/preview/article/140956">a soldier died in Kolkata</a> due to the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The outbreak of the Nipah virus infection, a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well in Perambra which was infested with bats.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

This comes the same day after another victim was pronounced dead this morning in Kerala with a 28-year-old man succumbing to the deadly virus here, a health department official said today

Nipah virus has claimed one more life raising the death toll to a total of 16 after one more passed away due to the infection in Calicut on Thursday. This comes the same day after another victim was pronounced dead this morning in Kerala with a 28-year-old man succumbing to the deadly virus, a health department official said today. Akhil, a native of Karassery, who was undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical college hospital (KMCH) since May 29, died last night, the official said. Two more persons confirmed of having contracted the virus are being treated at KMCH, he said. Besides, 1,353 people who had been in contact with the affected persons before the confirmation of the disease, are under observation, the official said. Yesterday, Madhusudhanan (55) of Nellikode in the district, who was undergoing treatment in a private hospital here also breathed his last. On Wednesday, a soldier died in Kolkata due to the deadly virus. The outbreak of the Nipah virus infection, a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well in Perambra which was infested with bats.

Nipah virus: Death toll mounts to 16 as one more dies in Calicut

After Kerala cut prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 1, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed all the states to reduce the fuel price.&nbsp;

Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

''I welcome it. One must also note that Kerala is one of the highest tax-collecting states and when we appealed(for fuel price cut), their finance minister refused, but now they took responsibility, I thank them for it,'' the petroleum minister said.

On the petrol price faux pas earlier in the day, he said since we moved to the mechanism of daily price change, prices have gone up and down by 1 paisa, 12 paise, 27 paise etc, it is not for the first time that there has been a change of 1 paisa. However, today one of our employees made a mistake and we accept it,'' he said.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone.

However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error".&nbsp;

As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and&nbsp;59 paise in Mumbai.

Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said.

After Kerala cut prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 1, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed all the states to reduce the fuel price. Kerala did well by reducing the price and all states, whether governed by BJP or opposition, should try to reduce fuel prices but each state has different priorities and responsibilities, he said. ''I welcome it. One must also note that Kerala is one of the highest tax-collecting states and when we appealed(for fuel price cut), their finance minister refused, but now they took responsibility, I thank them for it,'' the petroleum minister said. On the petrol price faux pas earlier in the day, he said since we moved to the mechanism of daily price change, prices have gone up and down by 1 paisa, 12 paise, 27 paise etc, it is not for the first time that there has been a change of 1 paisa. However, today one of our employees made a mistake and we accept it,'' he said. Earlier in the day, Indian Oil had declared that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone. However, the euphoria of price cut short-lived as hours after announcing cut in fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation said the revised price was actually 1 paisa and not 60 paise as previously reported blaming it on "clerical error". As a result, petrol prices have now have been revised down by just 1 paisa and not 60 paise in Delhi and 59 paise in Mumbai.

Petroleum minister hails Kerala fuel price cut, wants all states to follow suit

A solider on Wednesday died in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus infection which has left a total of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-death-toll-from-nipah-virus-rises-to-14-140144">14 dead in Kerala</a> till now, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20 and died on Sunday.&nbsp;

The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travelers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-scare-hunt-for-origin-of-mysterious-brain-damaging-virus-stepped-up-140813">A fresh round of tests </a>have begun to trace the origin of the infection, a health official said on Monday. The initial tests on animals suspected of carrying the Nipah virus showed no sign of the disease.

All animal samples, including those from bats, cattle, goats and pigs from Kerala, sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were negative for Nipah, said animal husbandry officer A Mohandas.

No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-bihar-sikkim-mp-puducherry-issue-advisories-for-people-140107">states have been put on high alert</a>.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-nipah-virus-hampers-tourism-locals-blame-media-139619">Kerala: Nipah virus hampers tourism, locals blame media</a>

There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday.

Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travelers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities.

The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said.

South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans

A solider on Wednesday died in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus infection which has left a total of 14 dead in Kerala till now, reports said. As per reports, the soldier was from Kerala and was posted at Fort William. He was admitted to the hospital on April 20 and died on Sunday. The brain-damaging infection first broke out in Kerala. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travelers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur. The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats and pigs, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. A fresh round of tests have begun to trace the origin of the infection, a health official said on Monday. The initial tests on animals suspected of carrying the Nipah virus showed no sign of the disease. All animal samples, including those from bats, cattle, goats and pigs from Kerala, sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were negative for Nipah, said animal husbandry officer A Mohandas. No confirmed cases of the virus have been found outside the state. However, Goa, Maharashtra, Himachal, Chhatisgarh and many other states have been put on high alert. Also read: Kerala: Nipah virus hampers tourism, locals blame media There is no vaccine for the virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Kerala where 13 people have died due to an outbreak of the rare brain-damaging Nipah virus, the Gulf state said on Tuesday. Last week, the UAE consulate in Kerala advised travelers to take precautions and follow safety instructions issued by the Indian authorities. The Gulf state has also banned imports of live animals from South Africa, based on a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the registration of Rift Valley Fever disease, the ministry said. South Africa's Department of Agriculture said on May 16 that an outbreak of the disease had been confirmed in sheep on a single farm in the central Free State province and that further investigations were being conducted.

Solider dies in Kolkata due to suspected Nipah virus

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