<p>A 27-year-old man in Kerala&#39;s Palakkad district was beaten to death by a mob after complaints of alleged stealing.</p>

<p>The mob also shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident, which has&nbsp;gone viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The mob also shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident. (WION)</p>
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<p>The victim, identified as Madhu,&nbsp;was allegedly beaten with sticks and was handed over to the police.</p>

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<p>According to reports, the man was an accused of theft in 2016 and was infamous for stealing rice and other food items from shops. (WION)</p>
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<p>The police took him to the hospital after his health deteriorated but&nbsp;the doctors&nbsp;declared him dead on arrival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the man was accused of theft in 2016 and was reportedly infamous for stealing rice and other food items from shops.</p>

<p>However, a report&nbsp;quoted the mother of the 27-year-old deceased saying that Madhu was not a thief, instead, he was of &quot;unsound mind&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police have registered an FIR under section 174 CrPC against unknown people.</p>

<p>They have also launched an investigation into the matter. The police will also conduct the postmortem of the body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also reacted to the incident saying &quot;This heinous act is a blot on Kerala&rsquo;s progressive society&quot;. He also added that two suspects&nbsp;were in police custody.&nbsp;</p>

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Kerala Chief Minister also responded to the incident saying 'This heinous act is a blot on Kerala’s progressive society'. He also added that two suspects from the seven were in police custody

A 27-year-old man in Kerala's Palakkad district was beaten to death by a mob after complaints of alleged stealing. The mob also shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident, which has gone viral on social media. The mob also shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident. (WION) × The victim, identified as Madhu, was allegedly beaten with sticks and was handed over to the police. According to reports, the man was an accused of theft in 2016 and was infamous for stealing rice and other food items from shops. (WION) × The police took him to the hospital after his health deteriorated but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. According to reports, the man was accused of theft in 2016 and was reportedly infamous for stealing rice and other food items from shops. However, a report quoted the mother of the 27-year-old deceased saying that Madhu was not a thief, instead, he was of "unsound mind". The police have registered an FIR under section 174 CrPC against unknown people. They have also launched an investigation into the matter. The police will also conduct the postmortem of the body. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also reacted to the incident saying "This heinous act is a blot on Kerala’s progressive society". He also added that two suspects were in police custody. ×

Video: 27-year-old man beaten to death in Kerala, CM Vijayan calls it 'blot on progressive society'

<p>The Supreme Court on Thursday asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the &quot;issue of consent&quot; between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of &#39;love jihad&#39;, was justified.</p>

<p>The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case.</p>

<p>&quot;What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry,&quot; the bench said.</p>

<p>Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added.</p>

<p>&quot;Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing,&quot; the court said.</p>

<p>Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had on Tuesday filed an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-a-muslim-want-to-remain-muslim-says-hadiya-in-affidavit-to-supreme-court-33507" target="_blank">affidavit before the top court</a> claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan.</p>

<p>The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court&#39;s order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents&#39; custody. On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents&#39; custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya&#39;s father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.</p>

<p>&quot;In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court&#39;s jurisdiction,&quot; Divan said.</p>

<p>Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala High Court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of &#39;love jihad&#39;.</p>

<p>The top court had earlier ordered an NIA probe into a &quot;pattern&quot; where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam.</p>

<p>Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution.</p>

<p>In her affidavit, the woman told the court that &quot;horrendous sufferings&quot; were meted out to her for converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.</p>

<p>The apex court had on January 23 made it clear that the National Investigation Agency cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.&nbsp;</p>

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'What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry,'the bench said.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the "issue of consent" between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified. The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case. "What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry," the bench said. Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added. "Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing," the court said. Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan. The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents' custody. On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents' custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution. "In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court's jurisdiction," Divan said. Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala High Court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of 'love jihad'. The top court had earlier ordered an NIA probe into a "pattern" where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam. Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution. In her affidavit, the woman told the court that "horrendous sufferings" were meted out to her for converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man. The apex court had on January 23 made it clear that the National Investigation Agency cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.

Supreme Court asks if Kerala High Court was justified in annulling Hadiya's marriage

<p>Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said the six &#39;enjoining hands&#39; symbol of his new political party &#39;Makkal Needhi Maiam&#39; represents six southern states.</p>

<p>While speaking at the launch of the party, for which Haasan has &quot;picked ideologies from everyone&quot;, the actor-turned-politician said he had kept his party&#39;s name &#39;Maiam&#39; (Centre) because he did not belong to either Left or Right.</p>

<p>The six southern states Haasan was referring to are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and one Union Territory Andeman and Nicobar Islands.</p>

<p>&quot;People ask me what is Maiam, and if I am a Left or a Right. This is why I have kept my party&#39;s name &#39;Maiam&#39;, which means centre. The six hands in my party symbol represent six states and the star in the middle represents people,&quot; Haasan said.</p>

<p>He said his party would work on providing quality education to all and diminishing caste and religion difference in the society.</p>

<p>&quot;We will work on many issues including these. We will set an example; fight corruption together. People have unfortunately sold their votes for merely Rs 6,000. People ask me if I will give them money. My answer is no, I will not. If you accept money, you cannot ask your representative for anything,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Haasan said that all these years he was in people&#39;s heart and now he wants to be a part of their residence, &quot;I am the lamp in your house, which does not flicker in winds of corruption.&quot;</p>

<p>When asked who his inspiration is -- Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi or Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, the former actor said he liked and was inspired from all, including Arvind Kejriwal, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Barack Obama.</p>

<p>Haasan said he wanted to start his party silently and move slowly towards campaigning.</p>

<p>&quot;There is no starvation for money, but for good-hearted people.&quot;</p>

<p>On the Supreme Court&#39;s verdict on the Cauvery dispute, Haasan said Tamil Nadu could get water if there was good dialogue with Karnataka. &quot;I can even get blood (donated blood, not violence).&quot;</p>

<p>He said his two daughters - Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, who were present at the launch event, were free to decide whether to join him in this new journey or not.</p>


The six southern states Haasan was talking about are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and one union territory, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said the six 'enjoining hands' symbol of his new political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' represents six southern states. While speaking at the launch of the party, for which Haasan has "picked ideologies from everyone", the actor-turned-politician said he had kept his party's name 'Maiam' (Centre) because he did not belong to either Left or Right. The six southern states Haasan was referring to are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and one Union Territory Andeman and Nicobar Islands. "People ask me what is Maiam, and if I am a Left or a Right. This is why I have kept my party's name 'Maiam', which means centre. The six hands in my party symbol represent six states and the star in the middle represents people," Haasan said. He said his party would work on providing quality education to all and diminishing caste and religion difference in the society. "We will work on many issues including these. We will set an example; fight corruption together. People have unfortunately sold their votes for merely Rs 6,000. People ask me if I will give them money. My answer is no, I will not. If you accept money, you cannot ask your representative for anything," he said. Haasan said that all these years he was in people's heart and now he wants to be a part of their residence, "I am the lamp in your house, which does not flicker in winds of corruption." When asked who his inspiration is -- Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi or Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, the former actor said he liked and was inspired from all, including Arvind Kejriwal, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Barack Obama. Haasan said he wanted to start his party silently and move slowly towards campaigning. "There is no starvation for money, but for good-hearted people." On the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery dispute, Haasan said Tamil Nadu could get water if there was good dialogue with Karnataka. "I can even get blood (donated blood, not violence)." He said his two daughters - Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, who were present at the launch event, were free to decide whether to join him in this new journey or not.

Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam party symbol explained

<p>Hadiya, the 24-year-old&nbsp;woman in connection to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-all-love-marriages-are-love-jihads-observes-kerala-high-court-22629" target="_blank">Kerala &quot;Love Jihad&quot; </a>has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala &#39;Love Jihad&#39; case: Hadiya files an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim. She also stated that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965915713209856000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan.</p>

<p>It was alleged that Hadiya was recruited by the Islamic State&#39;s mission in Syria and Shafin Jahan was only a stooge.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-sc-orders-hadiyas-father-to-produce-her-before-it-23125">Hadiya has been in the news</a>&nbsp;after her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hadiya-finally-gets-to-speak-to-her-husband-shes-relieved-from-depression-says-college-dean-25508">conversion to Islam</a>&nbsp;and marriage with Shafin Jahan in Kerala. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage and called it an instance of &#39;love jihad&#39;.</p>

<p>Her&nbsp;husband had approached the Supreme court while she stayed at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The apex court later freed her from her parents&#39; custody and allowed her to travel to Tamil Nadu for her studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While hearing the case on January 23, the Supreme Court had said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot go into the marital status of Hadiya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 22.&nbsp;</p>


She also said that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan

Hadiya, the 24-year-old woman in connection to the Kerala "Love Jihad" has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim. She also said that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan. Kerala 'Love Jihad' case: Hadiya files an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim. She also stated that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2018 × Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan. It was alleged that Hadiya was recruited by the Islamic State's mission in Syria and Shafin Jahan was only a stooge. Hadiya has been in the news after her conversion to Islam and marriage with Shafin Jahan in Kerala. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage and called it an instance of 'love jihad'. Her husband had approached the Supreme court while she stayed at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The apex court later freed her from her parents' custody and allowed her to travel to Tamil Nadu for her studies. While hearing the case on January 23, the Supreme Court had said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot go into the marital status of Hadiya. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 22.

'I am a Muslim, want to remain Muslim' says Hadiya in affidavit to Supreme Court

<p>Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumed charge Monday as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandit has specialised in anti-submarine warfare and has commanded the INS Nirghat, the INS Vindhyagiri, the INS Jalashwa and the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron at Mumbai.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Pandit has been the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has also been Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandit was Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet at Mumbai prior to taking over the Indian Naval Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral today.</p>


Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare

Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumed charge Monday as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare. Pandit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London. Pandit has specialised in anti-submarine warfare and has commanded the INS Nirghat, the INS Vindhyagiri, the INS Jalashwa and the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron at Mumbai. Pandit has been the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has also been Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. Pandit was Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet at Mumbai prior to taking over the Indian Naval Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral today.

Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumes charge as Commandant, Indian Naval Academy

<p>The Supreme Court <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-verdict-bus-services-between-karnataka-tamil-nadu-curtailed-33040">today delivered its verdict on</a> the decades-old Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-refuses-to-release-cauvery-water-to-tamil-nadu-29432"> judge directed Karnataka to</a> get additional 14.75&nbsp; thousand million cubic(TMC) water and Tamil Nadu to now get 177.25 TMC&nbsp;water instead of 192 TMC.</p>

<p>SC directed Karnataka to release 177.25 TMC&nbsp;of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from its inter-state Biligundlu dam.</p>

<p>Bengaluru will get additional 4.2 TMC&nbsp;water, India&#39;s highest court said. There is no change in allocation for Kerala and Puducherry, the court declared.</p>

<p>The apex court also allowed Tami Nadu to draw an additional 10 TMC&nbsp;&#39;groundwater&#39; from a total of 20 TMC&nbsp;beneath the Cauvery basin.</p>

<p>It said the increase in share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft is because of the 10 tmcft groundwater and 4.75 tmcft drinking water requirement for Bengaluru residents.</p>

<p>The pre-Independence verdict is valid, the top court said in its verdict, adding that no state can claim&nbsp;&quot;exclusivity&nbsp;over rivers.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court said there should be &quot;no deviance&quot;&nbsp;of the order by any state.</p>

<p>The Court also directed the Cauvery water dispute management to be set up. The Supreme Court order will remain in force for the next 15 years.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade had urged the court to initiate a &ldquo;fundamental change&rdquo; in the water sharing arrangement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection.</p>


The Supreme Court today delivered its verdict on the decades-old Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

The Supreme Court today delivered its verdict on the decades-old Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The Supreme Court judge directed Karnataka to get additional 14.75 thousand million cubic(TMC) water and Tamil Nadu to now get 177.25 TMC water instead of 192 TMC. SC directed Karnataka to release 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from its inter-state Biligundlu dam. Bengaluru will get additional 4.2 TMC water, India's highest court said. There is no change in allocation for Kerala and Puducherry, the court declared. The apex court also allowed Tami Nadu to draw an additional 10 TMC 'groundwater' from a total of 20 TMC beneath the Cauvery basin. It said the increase in share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft is because of the 10 tmcft groundwater and 4.75 tmcft drinking water requirement for Bengaluru residents. The pre-Independence verdict is valid, the top court said in its verdict, adding that no state can claim "exclusivity over rivers." The court said there should be "no deviance" of the order by any state. The Court also directed the Cauvery water dispute management to be set up. The Supreme Court order will remain in force for the next 15 years. Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade had urged the court to initiate a “fundamental change” in the water sharing arrangement. The Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection.

Supreme Court verdict on Cauvery dispute: Karnataka to get additional water, no change for Kerala

<p>The Supreme Court is likely to deliver the verdict&nbsp;on decades-old Cauvery water dispute between south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.</p>

<p>On September 20, 2017, the final day of the hearings in the appeals, Tamil Nadu appealed to the Bench &mdash; comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A.M. Khanwilkar &mdash; to not reduce it to the state of a beggar before Karnataka.</p>

<p>A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud then reserved the verdict on the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing of water.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, urged the court to initiate a &ldquo;fundamental change&rdquo; in the water sharing arrangement. &ldquo;Several years have gone by... the river is perennial, but the litigation should not be,&rdquo; it submitted.</p>

<p>Naphade made it a point to express scepticism about the Central government&#39;s initiative in resolving the decades-long Cauvery dispute. Tamil Nadu said it wanted a judicial order and did not want to depend on a Centre that took six years to publish the Tribunal award in the gazette in 2013.</p>

<p>The decades-old Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection.</p>

<p>The final award makes a yearly allocation of 419 tmcft to Tamil Nadu in the entire Cauvery basin, 270 tmcft to Karnataka, 30 tmcft to Kerala and 7 tmcft to Puducherry.</p>

<p>The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict.</p>

<p>The apex court had in January said the verdict would be pronounced within a month, adding that the matter has already created enough confusion for decades.</p>

<p>The top court during the course of pendency of appeals of the neighbouring states against the arbitral award of 2007, had passed several orders directing Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>On September 30, 2016, the Supreme Court had pulled up Karnataka for its repeated &quot;defiance&quot; in flouting its orders for releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and said no one would know when the &quot;wrath of the law&quot; would fall on it.</p>

<p>Later, Karnataka had moved a review petition in the apex court against its three orders on on the issue and direction to the Centre to create the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB), saying &quot;grave miscarriage of justice&quot; had been caused to it following the three apex court orders of September 20, 27 and 30, by which it was directed to release water.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu had earlier also alleged that Kerala was drawing water in excess of what has been allocated to it by the tribunal.</p>

<p>The apex court had on December 9, 2016 upheld the maintainability of appeals filed by the riparian states saying it has the &quot;jurisdiction to decide the parameters, scope, authority and jurisdiction of the tribunal&quot;.</p>

<p>The Court had rejected the Centre&#39;s objection that the CWDT award amounted to a final decree and it had no jurisdiction to hear the appeals against the award.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)</em></p>


The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict.

The Supreme Court is likely to deliver the verdict on decades-old Cauvery water dispute between south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. On September 20, 2017, the final day of the hearings in the appeals, Tamil Nadu appealed to the Bench — comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A.M. Khanwilkar — to not reduce it to the state of a beggar before Karnataka. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud then reserved the verdict on the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing of water. Tamil Nadu, represented by senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, urged the court to initiate a “fundamental change” in the water sharing arrangement. “Several years have gone by... the river is perennial, but the litigation should not be,” it submitted. Naphade made it a point to express scepticism about the Central government's initiative in resolving the decades-long Cauvery dispute. Tamil Nadu said it wanted a judicial order and did not want to depend on a Centre that took six years to publish the Tribunal award in the gazette in 2013. The decades-old Cauvery water dispute was decided unanimously by CWDT in 2007, after determining the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site, including 14 tmcft for environmental protection. The final award makes a yearly allocation of 419 tmcft to Tamil Nadu in the entire Cauvery basin, 270 tmcft to Karnataka, 30 tmcft to Kerala and 7 tmcft to Puducherry. The top court had earlier clarified that any other forum could touch the matter relating to the Cauvery river basin only after it gives its verdict. The apex court had in January said the verdict would be pronounced within a month, adding that the matter has already created enough confusion for decades. The top court during the course of pendency of appeals of the neighbouring states against the arbitral award of 2007, had passed several orders directing Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. On September 30, 2016, the Supreme Court had pulled up Karnataka for its repeated "defiance" in flouting its orders for releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and said no one would know when the "wrath of the law" would fall on it. Later, Karnataka had moved a review petition in the apex court against its three orders on on the issue and direction to the Centre to create the Cauvery Water Management Board (CWMB), saying "grave miscarriage of justice" had been caused to it following the three apex court orders of September 20, 27 and 30, by which it was directed to release water. Tamil Nadu had earlier also alleged that Kerala was drawing water in excess of what has been allocated to it by the tribunal. The apex court had on December 9, 2016 upheld the maintainability of appeals filed by the riparian states saying it has the "jurisdiction to decide the parameters, scope, authority and jurisdiction of the tribunal". The Court had rejected the Centre's objection that the CWDT award amounted to a final decree and it had no jurisdiction to hear the appeals against the award. (With PTI inputs)

Cauvery water dispute: Supreme Court likely to pronounce verdict today

<p>The Supreme Court heard the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-nia-submits-100-page-report-on-hadiya-25262">Kerala Love Jihad case</a> earlier today observing that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot go into the marital status of Hadiya.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala &#39;Love Jihad&#39; case: Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Shefin Jahan asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge as ordered by the previous bench.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955675729164886017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Supreme Court, the NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of the legitimacy of the marriage between Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by the Kerala High Court.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supreme Court observed that NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of her legitimacy of marriage of Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by HC.<br />
Supreme Court to hear the matter on February 22.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955677603779653632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Hadiya&#39;s husband Shefin Jahan, asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge. The same was ordered by the previous bench.</p>

<p>&quot;We expect the NIA to file a report &amp; the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let&#39;s see what happens,&quot; A. Raghunath, one of the counsels of Hadiya&#39;s father noted after the hearing. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala &#39;Love Jihad&#39; case: A Raghunath, one of the counsel of Hadiya&#39;s father said, &quot;We expect the NIA to file a report &amp; the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let&#39;s see what happens&quot; <a href="https://t.co/lSfKyZqfhF">pic.twitter.com/lSfKyZqfhF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955678396159160320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another SC hearing is scheduled on February 22.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-sc-orders-hadiyas-father-to-produce-her-before-it-23125">Hadiya has been in the news</a> after her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hadiya-finally-gets-to-speak-to-her-husband-shes-relieved-from-depression-says-college-dean-25508">conversion to Islam</a> and marriage with Shafin Jahan in Kerala. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage and called it an instance of &#39;love jihad&#39;.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-questioned-hadiyas-husband-shafi-jahan-25860">Hadiya&#39;s husband</a> approached the Supreme court while she stayed at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The apex court later freed her from her parents&#39; custody and allowed her to travel to Tamil Nadu for her studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NIA was investigating the case so far.&nbsp;</p>


The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra

The Supreme Court heard the Kerala Love Jihad case earlier today observing that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot go into the marital status of Hadiya. Kerala 'Love Jihad' case: Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Shefin Jahan asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge as ordered by the previous bench. — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra. According to the Supreme Court, the NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of the legitimacy of the marriage between Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by the Kerala High Court. Supreme Court observed that NIA probe will have no bearing in deciding the aspects of her legitimacy of marriage of Hadiya and Shafin Jahan which was annulled by HC. Supreme Court to hear the matter on February 22. — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × Former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Hadiya's husband Shefin Jahan, asked for an investigation under the supervision of a retired judge. The same was ordered by the previous bench. "We expect the NIA to file a report & the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let's see what happens," A. Raghunath, one of the counsels of Hadiya's father noted after the hearing. Kerala 'Love Jihad' case: A Raghunath, one of the counsel of Hadiya's father said, "We expect the NIA to file a report & the court to permit the girl to continue her studies. We are happy that she is safe. Let's see what happens" pic.twitter.com/lSfKyZqfhF — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × Another SC hearing is scheduled on February 22. Hadiya has been in the news after her conversion to Islam and marriage with Shafin Jahan in Kerala. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage and called it an instance of 'love jihad'. Hadiya's husband approached the Supreme court while she stayed at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The apex court later freed her from her parents' custody and allowed her to travel to Tamil Nadu for her studies. The NIA was investigating the case so far.

Kerala love jihad case: NIA cannot go into marital status of Hadiya, says Supreme Court

<p>An Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) worker was hacked to death in Kannur on Friday, the Peravoor police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the police, the man was hacked to death by a gang of masked men who stopped him mid-way while he was on his bike on Friday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim has been identified as Shyam Prasad, 24, who was studying at the Industrial Training Institute in Kakkayangad. He was the mukhya sikshak of a local RSS shakha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports say that Prasad tried to escape and run away but the attackers chased him down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, Prasad was heading home to Chittaruparamb from Kankkayangad when he was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four Social Democratic Party of India (<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=%3Ca%20href=" search="">SDPI</a>)&nbsp;activists have been arrested by police in Kannur in connection with Prasad&#39;s murder.</p>

<p>After the news of the incident broke out, the BJP in the district has called for a dawn to dusk hartal on Saturday. The party has stated that vehicles will be exempted from the hartal.</p>

<p>The police said he the doctors declared him brought dead.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As per the police, the man was hacked to death by a gang of masked men who stopped him mid-way while he was on his bike on Friday evening

An Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) worker was hacked to death in Kannur on Friday, the Peravoor police said. As per the police, the man was hacked to death by a gang of masked men who stopped him mid-way while he was on his bike on Friday evening. The victim has been identified as Shyam Prasad, 24, who was studying at the Industrial Training Institute in Kakkayangad. He was the mukhya sikshak of a local RSS shakha. Reports say that Prasad tried to escape and run away but the attackers chased him down. As per media reports, Prasad was heading home to Chittaruparamb from Kankkayangad when he was attacked. Four Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) activists have been arrested by police in Kannur in connection with Prasad's murder. After the news of the incident broke out, the BJP in the district has called for a dawn to dusk hartal on Saturday. The party has stated that vehicles will be exempted from the hartal. The police said he the doctors declared him brought dead.

ABVP worker hacked to death in Kerala, four activists arrested

<p>NITI Aayog&#39;s Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index.</p>

<p>Mizoram ranked first among small states&nbsp;followed by Manipur and Goa.</p>

<p>In terms of annual incremental performance measured in larger states, Jharkhand, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh appeared as the top three states.</p>

<p>NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant released the report stating that the Health Index will act as a tool to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism. He also hoped that the Index will help in accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes.</p>

<p>NITI Aayog member Vinod Paul said that the Health Index measures the absolute and incremental changes in health outcomes and will facilitate&nbsp;cross-learning between states.</p>

<p>NITI Aayog&#39;s initiative -- in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare -- aims at enabling better assessment of health outcomes across the country.</p>

<p>The report explicitly focuses on the outcomes of health systems.</p>

<p>The index consists of 24 indicators including&nbsp;health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs or processes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All Indian states and union territories were categorised into larger states, smaller states, and union territories. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Among union territories, Lakshwadeep islands emerged on top of the health index. The UT was also listed as the highest annual incremental performer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index

NITI Aayog's Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer. Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index. Mizoram ranked first among small states followed by Manipur and Goa. In terms of annual incremental performance measured in larger states, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh appeared as the top three states. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant released the report stating that the Health Index will act as a tool to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism. He also hoped that the Index will help in accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes. NITI Aayog member Vinod Paul said that the Health Index measures the absolute and incremental changes in health outcomes and will facilitate cross-learning between states. NITI Aayog's initiative -- in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare -- aims at enabling better assessment of health outcomes across the country. The report explicitly focuses on the outcomes of health systems. The index consists of 24 indicators including health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs or processes. All Indian states and union territories were categorised into larger states, smaller states, and union territories. Among union territories, Lakshwadeep islands emerged on top of the health index. The UT was also listed as the highest annual incremental performer. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala tops NITI Aayog's Health Index, Uttar Pradesh worst performer

<p>Kerala: A Malayalam actress was allegedly molested on a moving train from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night.</p>

<p>According to news agency ANI, the actress was asleep when a man sleeping right opposite to her tried to molest her.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;I was sleeping and this guy was sleeping right opposite me. I felt somebody rubbing my lips. When I opened my eyes, his hand was on my lips,&#39;&#39; she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was sleeping &amp; this guy was sleeping right opposite me. I felt somebody rubbing my lips. When I opened my eyes, his hand was on my lips. I caught his hand, switched on lights &amp; called for help. Nobody came. I went to see TT. He called for police, who took him with them: Actress <a href="https://t.co/6yQ5mgqKCR">pic.twitter.com/6yQ5mgqKCR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959091260354170880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actress caught hold of the molester&#39;s hand and&nbsp;switched on lights and called for help but nobody turned up. Later, she went to see Travelling Ticket (TT)&nbsp;Examiner who called the police, who took him with them, &nbsp;the news agency reported quoting the actress.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The actress informed the TT about the molestation bid who called the police, who took him with them

Kerala: A Malayalam actress was allegedly molested on a moving train from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night. According to news agency ANI, the actress was asleep when a man sleeping right opposite to her tried to molest her. ''I was sleeping and this guy was sleeping right opposite me. I felt somebody rubbing my lips. When I opened my eyes, his hand was on my lips,'' she said. I was sleeping & this guy was sleeping right opposite me. I felt somebody rubbing my lips. When I opened my eyes, his hand was on my lips. I caught his hand, switched on lights & called for help. Nobody came. I went to see TT. He called for police, who took him with them: Actress pic.twitter.com/6yQ5mgqKCR — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × The actress caught hold of the molester's hand and switched on lights and called for help but nobody turned up. Later, she went to see Travelling Ticket (TT) Examiner who called the police, who took him with them, the news agency reported quoting the actress.

Kerala: Malayalam actress allegedly molested on moving train

<p>Acclaimed Ottamthullal dance artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan died on Sunday while he was performing on stage in Thrissur, Kerala.</p>

<p>58-year-old, Geethanandan was performing at Avittathur Mahavishnu temple in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, when he collapsed on stage, though he was rushed to the hospital immediately but he could not be saved.</p>

<p>A video circulating on social media shows Geethanandan performing and later collapsing on stage.</p>

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<p>Geethanandan had&nbsp;retired as head of Thullal Department of Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture. He had been&nbsp;performing the dance form since the age of nine.</p>

<p>He had also performed over&nbsp;5,000 stages across the country.&nbsp;Geethanandan was also the first artist to perform Ottamthullal at Paris.</p>

<p>He debuted with Kamaladalam, Geethanandan and went on to act&nbsp;in several Malayalam films, like Thooval Kottaram, Manasinakkare, Narendran Magan Jayakanthan Vaga, Irattakuttikalude Achan among others.</p>

<p>Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolences at the sudden death of the veteran artist.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolence over the demise of the Ottanthullal maestro Kalamandalam Geethanandan. <a href="https://t.co/0jbjoXijP0">pic.twitter.com/0jbjoXijP0</a></p>
&mdash; CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/957867569146310656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Social media reacted almost immediately to his death.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Acclaimed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ottamthullal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ottamthullal</a> artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan is no more. While his death is an irreparable loss, he attained the highest form of Nirvana, passing away on stage performing the art that he so devoted his life to at Avittathur Mahavishnu Temple in Thrissur, Kerala. ???????? <a href="https://t.co/Ao0UDbkcNc">pic.twitter.com/Ao0UDbkcNc</a></p>
&mdash; Ravin Ramachandran N (@aguyindcity) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguyindcity/status/957830728498135040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened, shocked at the untimely demise of Ottanthullal artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan.He died while performing at Avittathoor Maha Vishnu Temple, Thrissur.<br />
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Pranaams. <a href="https://t.co/okVbd3tMkx">pic.twitter.com/okVbd3tMkx</a></p>
&mdash; KummanamRajasekharan (@Kummanam) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kummanam/status/957821933294256128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The legendary Ottanthullal artiste Shri Kalamandalam Geethanandan passes away on stage, right in the middle of his performance in Avitatthur temple in Kerala! What a dream death for any performing artiste! Prayers and condolences! Atma Shanti! ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/PCLnP760Xf">pic.twitter.com/PCLnP760Xf</a></p>
&mdash; मङ्गलम् (@veejaysai) <a href="https://twitter.com/veejaysai/status/957640631672803330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Homage to Kalamandalam <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geethanandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geethanandan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottamthullal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottamthullal</a> maestro who passed away on stage during his performance at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Avittathur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Avittathur</a> temple!<br />
<br />
A video of his past performance: <a href="https://t.co/TZfdD585Pa">https://t.co/TZfdD585Pa</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMVcWvEuL1">pic.twitter.com/FMVcWvEuL1</a></p>
&mdash; Kerala Temple History (@templefable) <a href="https://twitter.com/templefable/status/957672569481478144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Geethanandan was rushed to the hospital immediately but could not be saved.

Acclaimed Ottamthullal dance artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan died on Sunday while he was performing on stage in Thrissur, Kerala. 58-year-old, Geethanandan was performing at Avittathur Mahavishnu temple in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, when he collapsed on stage, though he was rushed to the hospital immediately but he could not be saved. A video circulating on social media shows Geethanandan performing and later collapsing on stage. × Geethanandan had retired as head of Thullal Department of Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture. He had been performing the dance form since the age of nine. He had also performed over 5,000 stages across the country. Geethanandan was also the first artist to perform Ottamthullal at Paris. He debuted with Kamaladalam, Geethanandan and went on to act in several Malayalam films, like Thooval Kottaram, Manasinakkare, Narendran Magan Jayakanthan Vaga, Irattakuttikalude Achan among others. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolences at the sudden death of the veteran artist. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolence over the demise of the Ottanthullal maestro Kalamandalam Geethanandan. pic.twitter.com/0jbjoXijP0 — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) January 29, 2018 × Social media reacted almost immediately to his death. Acclaimed #Ottamthullal artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan is no more. While his death is an irreparable loss, he attained the highest form of Nirvana, passing away on stage performing the art that he so devoted his life to at Avittathur Mahavishnu Temple in Thrissur, Kerala. ???????? pic.twitter.com/Ao0UDbkcNc — Ravin Ramachandran N (@aguyindcity) January 29, 2018 × Saddened, shocked at the untimely demise of Ottanthullal artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan.He died while performing at Avittathoor Maha Vishnu Temple, Thrissur. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Pranaams. pic.twitter.com/okVbd3tMkx — KummanamRajasekharan (@Kummanam) January 29, 2018 × The legendary Ottanthullal artiste Shri Kalamandalam Geethanandan passes away on stage, right in the middle of his performance in Avitatthur temple in Kerala! What a dream death for any performing artiste! Prayers and condolences! Atma Shanti! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/PCLnP760Xf — मङ्गलम् (@veejaysai) January 28, 2018 × Homage to Kalamandalam #Geethanandan, #ottamthullal maestro who passed away on stage during his performance at #Avittathur temple! A video of his past performance: https://t.co/TZfdD585Pa pic.twitter.com/FMVcWvEuL1 — Kerala Temple History (@templefable) January 28, 2018 ×

Video: Ottamthullal dancer Geethanandan collapses on stage, dies

<p>Women will now have to provide an age proof document for visiting Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, where the entry for women between ages 10-50 is banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions.</p>

<p>&quot;The decision was taken in view of a number of women belonging to the banned age group trying to visit the shrine recently,&quot; TDB President A&nbsp;Padmakumar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although, this will not be a proper verification. Only the ones suspicious will be asked to show the necessary documents - which could be any ID approved by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Carrying an authentic age proof document will help avoid unnecessary arguments between women pilgrims and the police and Devaswom officials who carry out checks,&quot; Padmakumar&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>However, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja slammed the temple authorities, saying that the directive was a violation of the rights of women to worship.</p>

<p>&quot;It is once again denying the rights of women to worship any God. Women were actually demanding entry into the Sabarimala Temple, but it is unfortunate that the temple authorities deny and are now demanding age proof,&quot; Raja said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;God does not discriminate between man and woman but these custodians of God are denying the women their rights to worship,&quot; she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from ANI)</p>


The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions

Women will now have to provide an age proof document for visiting Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, where the entry for women between ages 10-50 is banned. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, passed the order during an ongoing pilgrim session following the increasing number of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions. "The decision was taken in view of a number of women belonging to the banned age group trying to visit the shrine recently," TDB President A Padmakumar said. Although, this will not be a proper verification. Only the ones suspicious will be asked to show the necessary documents - which could be any ID approved by the government. "Carrying an authentic age proof document will help avoid unnecessary arguments between women pilgrims and the police and Devaswom officials who carry out checks," Padmakumar said. However, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja slammed the temple authorities, saying that the directive was a violation of the rights of women to worship. "It is once again denying the rights of women to worship any God. Women were actually demanding entry into the Sabarimala Temple, but it is unfortunate that the temple authorities deny and are now demanding age proof," Raja said. "God does not discriminate between man and woman but these custodians of God are denying the women their rights to worship," she added. (With inputs from ANI)

Age proof mandatory for women to worship at Lord Ayyappa Temple

<p>The famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala would continue to be known by the name &quot;Sabrimala Sree Dharma Sashtha Temple&quot; as its management today decided to reject its rechristening as proposed by the previous body constituted by the UDF regime.</p>

<p>The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple that attracts lakhs of devotees, met here and resolved to quash the decision of the previous board taken in 2016 to rename the shrine as &#39;Sree Ayyappa Swami Temple&#39;, TDB President A Padmakumar told reporters here.</p>

<p>The previous board&#39;s decision to rename the shrine was then seen as a move to ensure a favourable verdict for the TDB in a case pending in Supreme Court seeking entry of all women into the temple, where women in the age group of 10-50 are banned.</p>

<p>It was then felt that a unique name for Sabarimala shrine would help the TDB&#39;s cause as there were many temples in the name of &#39;Dharma Sastha&#39; in the state where women are allowed, which could be cited by the litigants in support of their demand.</p>

<p>When asked about the present TDB&#39;s stand on women entry, Padmakumar said as per the existing rule women in the age group of 10-50 were not allowed and &quot;we stand by it&quot;.</p>

<p>On the case in the apex court, he said let the legal matter take its course and &quot;there is no justification to change the name of the temple&quot;.</p>

<p>The present TDB was reconstituted by the CPI-M led LDF government, which had opposed the decision of the previous board headed by Prayar Gopalakrishnan.</p>

<p>Padmakumar said the decision to rename the temple was taken by the previous board without proper discussions and there was no rationale behind it.</p>

<p>On other decisions taken today at the TDB meeting, he said the work on the proposed rope-way to carry cargo to the hill shrine would be started soon.</p>

<p>The four-km rope-way would connect the Pamba, at the foothills, and Manimandapam at the hill temple complex.</p>

<p>Lakhs of Ayyappa devotees across the country and abroad visit the shrine during the three-month Mandala-Makaravillaku festival season from November to January.</p>

<p>The first phase of Mandala festival of the current season ended on December 26 last and Makaravillku is on January 14.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala would continue to be known by the name 'Sabrimala Sree Dharma Sashtha Temple' as its management today decided to reject its rechristening as proposed by the previous body constituted by the UDF regime

The famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala would continue to be known by the name "Sabrimala Sree Dharma Sashtha Temple" as its management today decided to reject its rechristening as proposed by the previous body constituted by the UDF regime. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple that attracts lakhs of devotees, met here and resolved to quash the decision of the previous board taken in 2016 to rename the shrine as 'Sree Ayyappa Swami Temple', TDB President A Padmakumar told reporters here. The previous board's decision to rename the shrine was then seen as a move to ensure a favourable verdict for the TDB in a case pending in Supreme Court seeking entry of all women into the temple, where women in the age group of 10-50 are banned. It was then felt that a unique name for Sabarimala shrine would help the TDB's cause as there were many temples in the name of 'Dharma Sastha' in the state where women are allowed, which could be cited by the litigants in support of their demand. When asked about the present TDB's stand on women entry, Padmakumar said as per the existing rule women in the age group of 10-50 were not allowed and "we stand by it". On the case in the apex court, he said let the legal matter take its course and "there is no justification to change the name of the temple". The present TDB was reconstituted by the CPI-M led LDF government, which had opposed the decision of the previous board headed by Prayar Gopalakrishnan. Padmakumar said the decision to rename the temple was taken by the previous board without proper discussions and there was no rationale behind it. On other decisions taken today at the TDB meeting, he said the work on the proposed rope-way to carry cargo to the hill shrine would be started soon. The four-km rope-way would connect the Pamba, at the foothills, and Manimandapam at the hill temple complex. Lakhs of Ayyappa devotees across the country and abroad visit the shrine during the three-month Mandala-Makaravillaku festival season from November to January. The first phase of Mandala festival of the current season ended on December 26 last and Makaravillku is on January 14.

Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa shrine to retain its name

<p>The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala on Tuesday suspended DGP Jacob Thomas, the senior-most IPS officer in the state cadre, for alleged anti-government remarks.</p>

<p>Thomas allegedly made the remarks during a function at Thiruvananthapuram on December 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A week-long investigation into the suspended DGP&#39;s remarks on Cyclone Ockhi by the state government concluded that they were &ldquo;prejudicial to the security of the State&rdquo;.</p>

<p>The suspension order was issued following the direction of the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the relevant sections of All India Service Rules as some of his recent remarks had shown the state government in poor light.</p>

<p>In its order ((G.O (RT) no: 8044/17/GAD, dated 19/12/2017), the government said that it found that Thomas&#39;s statements at a public meeting at the Press Club on December 9 were &quot;certainly inflammatory in nature&quot;. They were &quot;prima facie aimed to exacerbate such feelings, which could have had serious repercussions on the law and order and peace along the coast&rdquo;.</p>

<p>Thomas &ldquo;had made some blatant and provocative comments against various activities, policy decisions, and functioning of the State Government in power&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also accused the government of not &quot;properly handling&quot; the cyclone Ockhi situation.</p>

<p>Stating that all &quot;corrupt forces&quot; were united in the state and were in positions of power, the official said that there was a conscious attempt to silence those who stood against corruption.</p>

<p>&nbsp;However, reacting on his suspension order, Thomas said he had only talked about corruption on the Anti-Corruption Day and that he cannot be silenced with this action.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;There has been a general trend worldwide to silence people when they talk about corruption. But, I am not prepared to remain silent,&quot; he told reporters here.</p>

<p>&quot;I am still swimming with big sharks. In this context, it is normal to face such action. But I will continue to swim,&quot; he added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Thomas was already facing disciplinary action for penning his bare-all autobiography &quot;Sravukalkkoppam Neenthumpol&quot; (Swimming Along With Sharks), which he wrote without seeking any permission from the prior government.</p>


On International Anti-Corruption Day, DGP Jacob Thomas lashed out at the state government saying there had been a total breakdown of law and order situation in the state

The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala on Tuesday suspended DGP Jacob Thomas, the senior-most IPS officer in the state cadre, for alleged anti-government remarks. Thomas allegedly made the remarks during a function at Thiruvananthapuram on December 9. A week-long investigation into the suspended DGP's remarks on Cyclone Ockhi by the state government concluded that they were “prejudicial to the security of the State”. The suspension order was issued following the direction of the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the relevant sections of All India Service Rules as some of his recent remarks had shown the state government in poor light. In its order ((G.O (RT) no: 8044/17/GAD, dated 19/12/2017), the government said that it found that Thomas's statements at a public meeting at the Press Club on December 9 were "certainly inflammatory in nature". They were "prima facie aimed to exacerbate such feelings, which could have had serious repercussions on the law and order and peace along the coast”. Thomas “had made some blatant and provocative comments against various activities, policy decisions, and functioning of the State Government in power". He also accused the government of not "properly handling" the cyclone Ockhi situation. Stating that all "corrupt forces" were united in the state and were in positions of power, the official said that there was a conscious attempt to silence those who stood against corruption. However, reacting on his suspension order, Thomas said he had only talked about corruption on the Anti-Corruption Day and that he cannot be silenced with this action. "There has been a general trend worldwide to silence people when they talk about corruption. But, I am not prepared to remain silent," he told reporters here. "I am still swimming with big sharks. In this context, it is normal to face such action. But I will continue to swim," he added. Thomas was already facing disciplinary action for penning his bare-all autobiography "Sravukalkkoppam Neenthumpol" (Swimming Along With Sharks), which he wrote without seeking any permission from the prior government.

Kerala suspends top cop for anti-government remarks

<p>&quot;Our rescue efforts will never fall short,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the families of the people still missing because of Cyclone Ockhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Government of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short and we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was speaking in Poonthura, Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gov of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short &amp; we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas: PM Modi in Kerala&#39;s Poonthura <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzxU5aEOSP">pic.twitter.com/jzxU5aEOSP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943088380639789056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi meets families affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> in Kerala&#39;s Poonthura, says, &#39;govt will do everything possible to bring back the missing people&#39; <a href="https://t.co/oqR0Ix35FW">pic.twitter.com/oqR0Ix35FW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943087229496311810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi also reviewed relief operations in Thiruvananthapuram along with&nbsp;Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi reviews relief operations in Kerala&#39;s Thiruvananthapuram. CM Pinarayi Vijayan also present, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zy5PKEi0fI">pic.twitter.com/Zy5PKEi0fI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943098265045626880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi had previously visited Kanyakumari,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-over-180-people-rescued-off-lakshadweep-coast-26206">Lakshadweep</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/the-wrath-of-cyclone-ockhi-at-least-18-killed-in-tamil-nadu-kerala-7117">Tamil Nadu</a> to meet families affected and take note of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi meets cyclone affected fishermen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kanyakumari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kanyakumari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/ak41YOrj4j">pic.twitter.com/ak41YOrj4j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943056253374181376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi met families of victims affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a>&#39;s Kavaratti <a href="https://t.co/Nbgb1Cne1N">pic.twitter.com/Nbgb1Cne1N</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943030486917455872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">PM Narendra Modi reviews <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> relief operations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kanyakumari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kanyakumari</a> . Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also present <a href="https://t.co/dQk1x8N3H7">pic.twitter.com/dQk1x8N3H7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943051382210170880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cyclone Ockhi recently hit the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-at-least-16-dead-several-missing-as-cyclone-ockhi-nears-lakshadweep-sri-lanka-25598">southern half of the country</a>, leaving a number of people dead and several missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771">30 died due to Cyclone </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771">Ockhi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771"> :</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771"> Report</a></p>

<p>A search and rescue operation was launched by the Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.</p>

<p>As of December 14, 700 fishermen had been rescued. They included five Sri Lankan nationals.&nbsp;</p>


"Our rescue efforts will never fall short," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the families of the people still missing because of Cyclone Ockhi. "Government of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short and we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas," he said. Modi was speaking in Poonthura, Kerala. Gov of India is with you in every way, our rescue efforts will never fall short & we will help you in every way, I am here to assure you about this. We pray that all those missing, can return home before Christmas: PM Modi in Kerala's Poonthura #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/jzxU5aEOSP — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × PM Narendra Modi meets families affected by #CycloneOckhi in Kerala's Poonthura, says, 'govt will do everything possible to bring back the missing people' pic.twitter.com/oqR0Ix35FW — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi also reviewed relief operations in Thiruvananthapuram along with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. PM Narendra Modi reviews relief operations in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. CM Pinarayi Vijayan also present, #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/Zy5PKEi0fI — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi had previously visited Kanyakumari, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu to meet families affected and take note of the situation. PM Narendra Modi meets cyclone affected fishermen in #Kanyakumari #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/ak41YOrj4j — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi met families of victims affected by #CycloneOckhi in #Lakshadweep's Kavaratti pic.twitter.com/Nbgb1Cne1N — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × . PM Narendra Modi reviews #CycloneOckhi relief operations in #Kanyakumari . Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also present pic.twitter.com/dQk1x8N3H7 — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Cyclone Ockhi recently hit the southern half of the country, leaving a number of people dead and several missing. Also read: 30 died due to Cyclone Ockhi : Report A search and rescue operation was launched by the Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. As of December 14, 700 fishermen had been rescued. They included five Sri Lankan nationals.

'Our rescue efforts will never fall short,' PM Modi tells Ockhi-affected families

<p>The National Investigation Agency registered a case against five people in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/about-100-keralites-suspected-to-have-joined-islamic-state-kerala-police-24004" target="_blank">Kerala for their alleged links to the IS</a>.</p>

<p>The case was registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act.&nbsp;A person is charged under the aforementioned section if he is found to be having&nbsp;a link with a terrorist organisation with an intention to expand its activities in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case was registered against the suspects in Kochi on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: NIA registered a case against 5 people with suspected ISIS links in Kochi under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act yesterday.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942241696338685954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Kerala police had in November alleged that about 100 Keralites have joined the Islamic State.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police based its arguments on the basis of evidence collected from 300 voice clips and messages from Whatsapp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, PTI reported.</p>

<p>NIA is investigating the cases of people disappearing in Kerala.&nbsp;These people had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances and are suspected to have joined the ISIS.</p>


The case is registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act

The National Investigation Agency registered a case against five people in Kerala for their alleged links to the IS. The case was registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act. A person is charged under the aforementioned section if he is found to be having a link with a terrorist organisation with an intention to expand its activities in the country. The case was registered against the suspects in Kochi on Saturday. Kerala: NIA registered a case against 5 people with suspected ISIS links in Kochi under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act yesterday. — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × The Kerala police had in November alleged that about 100 Keralites have joined the Islamic State. The police based its arguments on the basis of evidence collected from 300 voice clips and messages from Whatsapp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, PTI reported. NIA is investigating the cases of people disappearing in Kerala. These people had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances and are suspected to have joined the ISIS.

Kerala: NIA registers case against 5 for alleged IS links

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

<p>In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas.</p>

<p>The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14.</p>

<p>Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi demanded comprehensive special financial package for, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi. In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas. The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14. Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.

Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, demands special package for cyclone-hit victims

<p>The official spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra on Sunday tweeted a picture of alleged Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) poster featuring a picture of Kim Jong-un in Kerala.</p>

<p>Sambit Patra also wrote, &quot;Hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS, BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kim Jong-un finds place in CPM&rsquo;s posters in Kerala!!<br />
No wonder they have converted Kerala into Killing fields for their opponents!<br />
Hope the left is not planning to launch ?? missiles at the RSS,BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda! <a href="https://t.co/6LHf1dVtAy">pic.twitter.com/6LHf1dVtAy</a></p>
&mdash; Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/942236295517978625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to media reports, the poster is an invite to all CPI-M cadres to attend the party meet in Nedumkandam.</p>

<p>Media quoted CPI-M&#39;s district secretary as saying that the poster must be a mistake made by the party&#39;s local group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poster is being removed.</p>

<p>Patra&#39;s tweet was referring to the killing of BJP and RSS members in the state.</p>

<p>In October, an RSS activist, Nenmini Anand was hacked to death by an unknown person.</p>

<p>BJP President Amit Shah also reacted to the incident alleging that CPI-M workers were behind the attack.</p>

<p>The CPI-M has also accused the RSS of causing a communal tension in the state.</p>

<p>According to a report released by CPI-M in October, from 2000 to 2017, 85 CPI-M workers and 65 RSS workers were killed.</p>

<p>Kim Jong Un has also said in the past that he would nuke the United States with missiles.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The official spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra on Sunday tweeted a picture of alleged Communist Party of India-Marxist poster featuring a picture of Kim Jong-un in Kerala

The official spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra on Sunday tweeted a picture of alleged Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) poster featuring a picture of Kim Jong-un in Kerala. Sambit Patra also wrote, "Hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS, BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda." Kim Jong-un finds place in CPM’s posters in Kerala!! No wonder they have converted Kerala into Killing fields for their opponents! Hope the left is not planning to launch ?? missiles at the RSS,BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda! pic.twitter.com/6LHf1dVtAy — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) December 17, 2017 × According to media reports, the poster is an invite to all CPI-M cadres to attend the party meet in Nedumkandam. Media quoted CPI-M's district secretary as saying that the poster must be a mistake made by the party's local group. The poster is being removed. Patra's tweet was referring to the killing of BJP and RSS members in the state. In October, an RSS activist, Nenmini Anand was hacked to death by an unknown person. BJP President Amit Shah also reacted to the incident alleging that CPI-M workers were behind the attack. The CPI-M has also accused the RSS of causing a communal tension in the state. According to a report released by CPI-M in October, from 2000 to 2017, 85 CPI-M workers and 65 RSS workers were killed. Kim Jong Un has also said in the past that he would nuke the United States with missiles.

Kim Jong Un on CPI-M poster in Kerala

<p>Social media took to trolling again when a video featuring hijab-clad girls dancing in public at Malappuram, Kerala went viral on Monday. The video features three girls, who are believed to be students at a local dental college, dancing to the popular number, &#39;Jimikki Kammal&#39;. Reportedly, their act was a part of AIDS Day celebrations observed in the area, conducted by the district health department. The video has raked much controversy in a span of less than 24 hours with many trolling the girls for disrespecting Islam by their act.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Three girls dance in a flash mob in Kerala&#39;s Malappuram (4.12.17) <a href="https://t.co/niyNtIGXn5">pic.twitter.com/niyNtIGXn5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937566343041228800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>So far, the video has hundreds of shares and uncountable reactions. The same was posted on Facebook as well and was deleted later on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the &#39;dancing act&#39; has been condemned by many of social media, calling it as an inappropriate and &quot;shameless&quot; act, many others reason how dancing, or making a performance has very little to do with religion or one&#39;s devotion to the same -- here&#39;s taking a look at the conundrum that continues to simmer on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They were not dancing for cheap popularity. The dance was a part of the AIDS awareness campaign of the Malappuram District Health Administration. I don&#39;t why you found it cheap when it was for a good cause.</p>
&mdash; keshav kumar (@keshavk08371405) <a href="https://twitter.com/keshavk08371405/status/937574777329475584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People should become religious when it comes to girls. Religion is same for all.<br />
One should do some introspection before abusing these girls.</p>
&mdash; Shakeel_Hamid (@ShakeelSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShakeelSpeaks/status/937568260349988864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More and more girls should come forward and celebrate the openness which India as a country bestows as a right to its citizens. India.Kerala should become the best example for liberated, yet decent women working for the best interests of the society promoting openness.</p>
&mdash; Renju (@renjusd) <a href="https://twitter.com/renjusd/status/937710947073847296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The three girls, believed to be students of a Malappuram dental college, danced to the popular number 'Jimikki Kammal'

Social media took to trolling again when a video featuring hijab-clad girls dancing in public at Malappuram, Kerala went viral on Monday. The video features three girls, who are believed to be students at a local dental college, dancing to the popular number, 'Jimikki Kammal'. Reportedly, their act was a part of AIDS Day celebrations observed in the area, conducted by the district health department. The video has raked much controversy in a span of less than 24 hours with many trolling the girls for disrespecting Islam by their act. #WATCH: Three girls dance in a flash mob in Kerala's Malappuram (4.12.17) pic.twitter.com/niyNtIGXn5 — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2017 × So far, the video has hundreds of shares and uncountable reactions. The same was posted on Facebook as well and was deleted later on. While the 'dancing act' has been condemned by many of social media, calling it as an inappropriate and "shameless" act, many others reason how dancing, or making a performance has very little to do with religion or one's devotion to the same -- here's taking a look at the conundrum that continues to simmer on Twitter. They were not dancing for cheap popularity. The dance was a part of the AIDS awareness campaign of the Malappuram District Health Administration. I don't why you found it cheap when it was for a good cause. — keshav kumar (@keshavk08371405) December 4, 2017 × People should become religious when it comes to girls. Religion is same for all. One should do some introspection before abusing these girls. — Shakeel_Hamid (@ShakeelSpeaks) December 4, 2017 × More and more girls should come forward and celebrate the openness which India as a country bestows as a right to its citizens. India.Kerala should become the best example for liberated, yet decent women working for the best interests of the society promoting openness. — Renju (@renjusd) December 4, 2017 ×

Kerala: 3 hijab-clad girls dance to popular number, Twitter reacts

<p>Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that, so far, 357 fishermen who had been stranded at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi&nbsp;had been rescued.</p>

<p>Sitharaman had reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation.</p>

<p>Ockhi has ravaged the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Lakshadweep Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It had also been expected to hit the coast of Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ockhicyclone-may-now-hit-gujarat-coast-25758">Also read: Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast</a></p>

<p>&quot;Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force are still engaged in rescue operations to save the lives of fishermen affected by Cyclone Ockhi,&quot; ANI reported Sitharaman as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Information has also been passed to an international safety network and foreign ships to help rescue our fishermen. Meanwhile, 68 boats have reached Maharashtra coast out of which two boats were from Tamil Nadu and others from Kerala,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/30-died-due-to-cyclone-ockhi-report-25771">30 die&nbsp;due to Cyclone Ockhi </a></p>

<p>Sitharaman added that the search area was being widened since a number of coastal villages were reporting that fishermen who had ventured out to sea as much as 15 days ago had not yet returned.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-likely-to-weaken-indian-meteorological-department-25709">Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken, says Indian Meteorological Department</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Nirmala SItharaman had reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that, so far, 357 fishermen who had been stranded at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi had been rescued. Sitharaman had reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation. Ockhi has ravaged the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Lakshadweep Islands. It had also been expected to hit the coast of Gujarat. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast "Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force are still engaged in rescue operations to save the lives of fishermen affected by Cyclone Ockhi," ANI reported Sitharaman as saying. "Information has also been passed to an international safety network and foreign ships to help rescue our fishermen. Meanwhile, 68 boats have reached Maharashtra coast out of which two boats were from Tamil Nadu and others from Kerala," she added. Also read: 30 die due to Cyclone Ockhi Sitharaman added that the search area was being widened since a number of coastal villages were reporting that fishermen who had ventured out to sea as much as 15 days ago had not yet returned. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken, says Indian Meteorological Department

Cyclone Ockhi: 357 fishermen rescued so far, says defence minister

<p>The cyclone Ockhi&nbsp;is likely to lose its intensity gradually from Sunday, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).</p>

<p>&quot;The very severe cyclonic storm &#39;Ockhi&#39; over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of December 2, 2017 over the southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 11.1&ordm; N and Longitude 69.7&ordm; E, about 330 km west of Amini Divi. The system is very likely to weaken gradually from today the December 3, 2017, morning,&quot; said IMD.</p>

<p>Moderate rain is also expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu &amp; Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu &amp; South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, India Meteorological Department</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Moderate rain is expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu &amp; Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu &amp; South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, MET department <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/n06CR1giuC">pic.twitter.com/n06CR1giuC</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937222597896372224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The storm has so far claimed 18 lives&nbsp;and has affected&nbsp;Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Kerala and Tamil Nadu have declared compensation to the families of those who died in the storm.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also decided to ask the Centre to declare the Ockhi cyclone as a &#39;national calamity&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala govt has decided to ask the Union government to declare <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OckhiCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OckhiCyclone</a> a national calamity. The Chief Secretary has been entrusted to prepare the memorandum in this regard: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/pyCrT3dkva">pic.twitter.com/pyCrT3dkva</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937006103254130688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Saturday, several stranded fishermen were rescued during the massive search operations carried out by INS ships.</p>

<p>Along with air effort, six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed for the rescue operation, confirmed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman further added that, 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from Tamil Nadu have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977995469791232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari, made its way to Lakshadweep islands on Saturday morning causing massive destruction and claiming 14 lives.</p>

<p>It has intensified into &quot;severe cyclonic storm&quot;&nbsp;with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.</p>

<p>The deadly storm had also killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.</p>


The storm has so far claimed 18 lives and has affected?Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka.

The cyclone Ockhi is likely to lose its intensity gradually from Sunday, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). "The very severe cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of December 2, 2017 over the southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 11.1º N and Longitude 69.7º E, about 330 km west of Amini Divi. The system is very likely to weaken gradually from today the December 3, 2017, morning," said IMD. Moderate rain is also expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu & South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, India Meteorological Department Moderate rain is expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu & South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, MET department #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/n06CR1giuC — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × The storm has so far claimed 18 lives and has affected Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have declared compensation to the families of those who died in the storm. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also decided to ask the Centre to declare the Ockhi cyclone as a 'national calamity'. Kerala govt has decided to ask the Union government to declare #OckhiCyclone a national calamity. The Chief Secretary has been entrusted to prepare the memorandum in this regard: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/pyCrT3dkva — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × On Saturday, several stranded fishermen were rescued during the massive search operations carried out by INS ships. Along with air effort, six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed for the rescue operation, confirmed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sitharaman further added that, 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from Tamil Nadu have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon. Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari, made its way to Lakshadweep islands on Saturday morning causing massive destruction and claiming 14 lives. It has intensified into "severe cyclonic storm" with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km. The deadly storm had also killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.

Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken: Indian Meteorological Department

<p>According to a report released by the State Revenue Control Room, about 690 people have been rescued so far from the Ockhi&nbsp;cyclone in Tamil Nadu while 197 from Kerala.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total number of people that died due to the natural disaster was reported to be 19 in Tamil Nadu while 11 in Kerala.</p>

<p>Further, the report indicated 96 missing and 63 hospitalised&nbsp;in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>About 74 houses were completely damaged while 1122 were partially damaged due to the Ockhi&nbsp;cyclone that hit the Indian states- Tamil Nadu and Kerala on November 30.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A total of 690 people have been rescued so far. Total number of deaths 19, 96 missing, 63 hospitalised, 74 houses fully damaged, 1122 housed partially damaged.: State state Revenue control room <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937314492358078464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: Rescue operation underway in Trivandrum. A total of 197 people have been rescued and 11 deaths have been reported so far in the city. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/7XAN1QGsc4">pic.twitter.com/7XAN1QGsc4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937320273346420736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Torrential rain pounded the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala after a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal transformed into &#39;Cyclone Ockhi&#39; on November 30.</p>

<p>Subsequently, the cyclone became a severe cyclonic storm on the next day, moving to the Arabian Sea.</p>


The total number of people that died due to the natural disaster was reported to be 19 in Tamil Nadu while 11 in Kerala

According to a report released by the State Revenue Control Room, about 690 people have been rescued so far from the Ockhi cyclone in Tamil Nadu while 197 from Kerala. The total number of people that died due to the natural disaster was reported to be 19 in Tamil Nadu while 11 in Kerala. Further, the report indicated 96 missing and 63 hospitalised in Tamil Nadu. About 74 houses were completely damaged while 1122 were partially damaged due to the Ockhi cyclone that hit the Indian states- Tamil Nadu and Kerala on November 30. A total of 690 people have been rescued so far. Total number of deaths 19, 96 missing, 63 hospitalised, 74 houses fully damaged, 1122 housed partially damaged.: State state Revenue control room #TamilNadu #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Kerala: Rescue operation underway in Trivandrum. A total of 197 people have been rescued and 11 deaths have been reported so far in the city. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/7XAN1QGsc4 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Torrential rain pounded the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala after a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal transformed into 'Cyclone Ockhi' on November 30. Subsequently, the cyclone became a severe cyclonic storm on the next day, moving to the Arabian Sea.

30 died due to Cyclone Ockhi : Report

<p>As Heavy rains continue&nbsp;to batter in Kerala, several <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-navy-deployed-for-rescue-operations-25555">naval ships were deployed</a> on for the rescue operations on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain lashed Tirunelveli. Traffic halted on the Karupanthurai - Melapalyam link road as the low-lying bridge was submerged in Thamirabarani river (01.12.2017) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/OiLSbWNErZ">pic.twitter.com/OiLSbWNErZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936783696882831361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to latest media reports around 200 fishermen have been rescued.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-at-least-16-dead-several-missing-as-cyclone-ockhi-nears-lakshadweep-sri-lanka-25598">Cyclone Ockhi nears Lakshadweep, at least 16 dead in India, Sri Lanka</a></p>

<p>No official statement has been made about how many people are&nbsp;still missing&nbsp;in the sea.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government has said it will soon seek central funds for the damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the southern parts of the state, with Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts being the worst hit.</p>

<p>This was conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister K Palaniswami during a telephone conversation between the two leaders last night, a state government release said.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;India Meteorological Department and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that the cyclone may further intensify in the next 24 hours.</p>

<p>Six warships and two&nbsp;coast guard ships were deployed along with additional air effort.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rescue effort by a helicopter of the Southern Naval Command over the seas off Kerala <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/the_hindu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@the_hindu</a> <a href="https://t.co/J3H1ZsQhYy">pic.twitter.com/J3H1ZsQhYy</a></p>
&mdash; S Anandan (@Anandans76) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anandans76/status/936658129705566209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cyclone Ockhi that has created massive destruction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is and has&nbsp; also affected Lakshwadeep Islands.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-batters-lakshwadeep-coast-killing-14-many-missing-25662">Cyclone Ockhi batters Lakshwadeep coast killing 14, many missing</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Early morning visuals from Lakshadweep; destruction caused by strong winds &amp; high tides. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/kO26bbSjlK">pic.twitter.com/kO26bbSjlK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936830628393136128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/possible-track-of-cyclone-ockhi-25605">Possible track of Cyclone Ockhi</a></p>


Total 6 warships & 2 coast guard ships were deployed along with additional air effort

As Heavy rains continue to batter in Kerala, several naval ships were deployed on for the rescue operations on Friday. Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain lashed Tirunelveli. Traffic halted on the Karupanthurai - Melapalyam link road as the low-lying bridge was submerged in Thamirabarani river (01.12.2017) #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/OiLSbWNErZ — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × According to latest media reports around 200 fishermen have been rescued. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi nears Lakshadweep, at least 16 dead in India, Sri Lanka No official statement has been made about how many people are still missing in the sea. The Tamil Nadu government has said it will soon seek central funds for the damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the southern parts of the state, with Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts being the worst hit. This was conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister K Palaniswami during a telephone conversation between the two leaders last night, a state government release said. The India Meteorological Department and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that the cyclone may further intensify in the next 24 hours. Six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed along with additional air effort. Rescue effort by a helicopter of the Southern Naval Command over the seas off Kerala #CycloneOckhi @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/J3H1ZsQhYy — S Anandan (@Anandans76) December 1, 2017 × Cyclone Ockhi that has created massive destruction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is and has also affected Lakshwadeep Islands. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi batters Lakshwadeep coast killing 14, many missing Early morning visuals from Lakshadweep; destruction caused by strong winds & high tides. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/kO26bbSjlK — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people. Also read: Possible track of Cyclone Ockhi

Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department

<p>The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-batters-lakshwadeep-coast-killing-14-many-missing-25662">Ochki cyclone</a>&nbsp;has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala&amp; 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe.<br />
Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977824375644160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977995469791232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into &#39;severe cyclonic storm&#39; with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.</p>

<p>&quot;The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea,&quot; the Coast Guard informed in a press release.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&amp;neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs&amp; expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. <a href="https://t.co/7gh2OvltLq">pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936964894917779456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-will-further-intensify-in-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-25653">Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department</a></p>

<p>Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.&nbsp;</p>


Reports further confirm that only 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the Coast Guard is?at the scene

The death toll in Ochki cyclone has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin. Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari. According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board. In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala& 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe. Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations. Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm' with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km. "The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea," the Coast Guard informed in a press release. Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs& expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Also read: Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.

Cyclone Ockhi: Toll rises to 18 with 5 more deaths in Kerala

<p>Some locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba seeking relief measures even as c<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/25662" target="_blank">yclone Ockhi</a> barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The highway was blocked for almost five hours as locals demanded better relief measures and rescue of six fishermen missing from the area.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> Locals have blocked National Highway for last five hours in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba, demand better relief measures &amp; rescue of 6 fishermen missing from the area <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rcTY0gyDty">pic.twitter.com/rcTY0gyDty</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936925247894274050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, three rescued fishermen had been brought to the Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cyclone has left 14 dead. Several fishermen missing, who ventured into the sea before the cyclone struck, are still missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


3 rescued fishermen brought to Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment

Some locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking relief measures even as cyclone Ockhi barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday. The highway was blocked for almost five hours as locals demanded better relief measures and rescue of six fishermen missing from the area. #Kerala Locals have blocked National Highway for last five hours in Trivandrum's Thumba, demand better relief measures & rescue of 6 fishermen missing from the area #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/rcTY0gyDty — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Earlier, three rescued fishermen had been brought to the Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment. The cyclone has left 14 dead. Several fishermen missing, who ventured into the sea before the cyclone struck, are still missing. Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.

Cyclone Ockhi: NH blocked for 5 hours in Thiruvananthapuram demanding relief measures

<p>As many as 14 people were killed - 10 in Tamil Nadu and four in Kerala - as torrential rain pounded the southern districts of both the States after a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal transformed into &#39;Cyclone Ockhi&#39; on Thursday and became a severe cyclonic storm on Friday, moving to the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>Even though the sea continued to be rough, rescue operations are going on in full swing. The Navy is putting in &quot;maximum effort&quot; to rescue fishermen from the sea which is very rough under the influence of Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu government today said over 1,200 persons affected by Ockhi cyclone in Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts have been lodged in relief camps, as Chief Minister K Palaniswami took stock of the situation.</p>

<p>At a review meeting here, the Chief Minister asked officials to expedite all works undertaken in the affected areas, even as scores of personnel have been deployed to address various issues, including restoring the power network.</p>

<p>Following the torrential downpour, many water bodies in the aforesaid districts were brimming and therefore the Chief Minister has asked all flood-prevention measures be in place. These included monitoring lakes and shutters of water bodies.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore, the Chief Minister said senior IAS officials and Ministers have been deputed to Kanniyakumari to oversee rescue and rehabilitation efforts.</p>

<p>He also denied any laxity in the rescue works.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Lakshadweep, orders have been issued to evacuate people from low-lying areas.</p>


Even though the sea continued to be rough, rescue operations are going on in full swing

As many as 14 people were killed - 10 in Tamil Nadu and four in Kerala - as torrential rain pounded the southern districts of both the States after a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal transformed into 'Cyclone Ockhi' on Thursday and became a severe cyclonic storm on Friday, moving to the Arabian Sea. Even though the sea continued to be rough, rescue operations are going on in full swing. The Navy is putting in "maximum effort" to rescue fishermen from the sea which is very rough under the influence of Cyclone Ockhi. Tamil Nadu government today said over 1,200 persons affected by Ockhi cyclone in Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts have been lodged in relief camps, as Chief Minister K Palaniswami took stock of the situation. At a review meeting here, the Chief Minister asked officials to expedite all works undertaken in the affected areas, even as scores of personnel have been deployed to address various issues, including restoring the power network. Following the torrential downpour, many water bodies in the aforesaid districts were brimming and therefore the Chief Minister has asked all flood-prevention measures be in place. These included monitoring lakes and shutters of water bodies. Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore, the Chief Minister said senior IAS officials and Ministers have been deputed to Kanniyakumari to oversee rescue and rehabilitation efforts. He also denied any laxity in the rescue works. Meanwhile, in Lakshadweep, orders have been issued to evacuate people from low-lying areas.

Cyclone Ockhi: 14 killed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala as heavy downpour continues

<p>Torrential rains pounded southern districts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala crippling life and claiming eight lives -- four each in the two states -- as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm &#39;Ockhi&#39; on Thursday.</p>

<p>Both the state governments put the official machinery on high alert as the cyclone, lying 60 kms south of Kanyakumari, was forecast to dump more rains in south Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the next 24 hours.</p>

<p>The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2.</p>

<p>A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department said gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph was very likely along and off South Kerala during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours.</p>

<p>Fishermen in coastal regions in southern parts of the two states were advised not to venture into sea for the next 24 hours, it said.</p>

<p>Madhavan Rajeevan, Secretary in the Earth Sciences ministry, said in New Delhi that Lakshadweep in the southern part of the Arabian Sea will start experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds from tomorrow. &quot;It will hit the islands on December 2,&quot; Rajeevan said.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu government deployed state and national disaster response force teams in Kanyakumari district, which bore the brunt of the rain fury.</p>

<p>It asked officials to shelter people living in low lying areas in the southern districts in multi-purpose evacuation centres.</p>

<p>Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who reviewed the situation, said in Chennai state Ministers and senior IAS officials have been assigned to affected districts to monitor relief work.</p>

<p>Also, electricity personnel with necessary equipment have been rushed to restore power distribution that was affected due to trees falling over electric poles, Palaniswami said.</p>

<p>Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management R B Udhaya Kumar, deputed to Kanyakumari to take up relief work on a war footing, said people in the affected areas have been shifted to safer places.</p>

<p>He said nearly 3,000 electric poles have been uprooted in the district, affecting power supply.</p>

<p>Besides Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts were among those battered by the rains.</p>

<p>Educational institutions remained closed in southern districts such as Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Viruthunagar and Thanjavur.</p>

<p>Three men and a woman were killed when trees fell on them in different areas in Kanyakumari district, officials said.</p>

<p>In Kerala, the state government put the official machinery on a high alert and ordered the evacuation of people living within 100 metres from the coast and also sought help from the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force to assist people in distress.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions through video conferencing with the Collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Pathnamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts and gave them necessary directions to take steps by coordinating various government agencies.</p>

<p>The state reported four rain-related deaths, including an elderly couple who were electrocuted when they came into contact with a snapped live wire in front of their house at Kattakada near Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>The rains accompanied by gusty winds left a trail of destruction in Kanyakumari district, in the southernmost tip of the country, uprooting more than 500 trees, State Disaster Management Agency said.</p>

<p>&quot;Do not come out of homes in Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, and Tirunelveli stay safe indoors and take precautions do not panic,&quot; it said in a tweet.</p>

<p>Southern Railway said it has partially cancelled some trains in Tirunelveli-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram sector.</p>

<p>Due to bad weather, a scheduled two-day programme of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, which was to begin tomorrow in Kerala, has been cancelled, party sources said. Thiruvananthapuram and its coastal stretch were witnessing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds since this morning. In several places, electric posts got uprooted.</p>

<p>Vizhinjam coastal police said they received information that at least 57 fishermen, who had put out to sea from Thumba to Pozhiyur since yesterday, were yet to return.</p>

<p>Twentynine traditional boats which had set out from Poonthura were also out in the sea, police said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A Kochi report said Navy deployed four ships and two aircraft to assist in the search and rescue of fishermen onboard six boats and a marine Engineering vessel reported to be missing in the sea near Vizhinjam.</p>

<p>The Southern Naval Command was also gearing up for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief that may be required in view of the cyclone in the southern parts of Kerala, a Defence release said.&nbsp;</p>


The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2

Torrential rains pounded southern districts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala crippling life and claiming eight lives -- four each in the two states -- as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' on Thursday. Both the state governments put the official machinery on high alert as the cyclone, lying 60 kms south of Kanyakumari, was forecast to dump more rains in south Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the next 24 hours. The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2. A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department said gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph was very likely along and off South Kerala during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours. Fishermen in coastal regions in southern parts of the two states were advised not to venture into sea for the next 24 hours, it said. Madhavan Rajeevan, Secretary in the Earth Sciences ministry, said in New Delhi that Lakshadweep in the southern part of the Arabian Sea will start experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds from tomorrow. "It will hit the islands on December 2," Rajeevan said. Tamil Nadu government deployed state and national disaster response force teams in Kanyakumari district, which bore the brunt of the rain fury. It asked officials to shelter people living in low lying areas in the southern districts in multi-purpose evacuation centres. Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who reviewed the situation, said in Chennai state Ministers and senior IAS officials have been assigned to affected districts to monitor relief work. Also, electricity personnel with necessary equipment have been rushed to restore power distribution that was affected due to trees falling over electric poles, Palaniswami said. Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management R B Udhaya Kumar, deputed to Kanyakumari to take up relief work on a war footing, said people in the affected areas have been shifted to safer places. He said nearly 3,000 electric poles have been uprooted in the district, affecting power supply. Besides Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts were among those battered by the rains. Educational institutions remained closed in southern districts such as Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Viruthunagar and Thanjavur. Three men and a woman were killed when trees fell on them in different areas in Kanyakumari district, officials said. In Kerala, the state government put the official machinery on a high alert and ordered the evacuation of people living within 100 metres from the coast and also sought help from the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force to assist people in distress. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions through video conferencing with the Collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Pathnamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts and gave them necessary directions to take steps by coordinating various government agencies. The state reported four rain-related deaths, including an elderly couple who were electrocuted when they came into contact with a snapped live wire in front of their house at Kattakada near Thiruvananthapuram. The rains accompanied by gusty winds left a trail of destruction in Kanyakumari district, in the southernmost tip of the country, uprooting more than 500 trees, State Disaster Management Agency said. "Do not come out of homes in Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, and Tirunelveli stay safe indoors and take precautions do not panic," it said in a tweet. Southern Railway said it has partially cancelled some trains in Tirunelveli-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram sector. Due to bad weather, a scheduled two-day programme of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, which was to begin tomorrow in Kerala, has been cancelled, party sources said. Thiruvananthapuram and its coastal stretch were witnessing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds since this morning. In several places, electric posts got uprooted. Vizhinjam coastal police said they received information that at least 57 fishermen, who had put out to sea from Thumba to Pozhiyur since yesterday, were yet to return. Twentynine traditional boats which had set out from Poonthura were also out in the sea, police said. A Kochi report said Navy deployed four ships and two aircraft to assist in the search and rescue of fishermen onboard six boats and a marine Engineering vessel reported to be missing in the sea near Vizhinjam. The Southern Naval Command was also gearing up for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief that may be required in view of the cyclone in the southern parts of Kerala, a Defence release said.

Cyclone Ockhi: Rain pounds Tamil Nadu, Kerala, 8 dead

<p>A depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal will bring heavy rains to south Tamil Nadu, the regional weather office said on Thursday (November 29).</p>

<p>The system lay centered at around 500 km south-south east of Kanniyakumari, the Regional Meteorological Centre said in a release here.</p>

<p>It was likely to move northwestwards in the next two days and under its influence, heavy to very heavy rains were likely in one or two places in South Tamil Nadu such as Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Viruthunagar, it said.</p>

<p>Heavy rains were also likely in parts of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur, it added.</p>

<p>Further, squally winds reaching 45-55 kmph was very likely along and off South Tamil Nadu during the next 48 hours, and the sea would be rough, it said.</p>

<p>&quot;Fishermen are advised not to venture&quot; into the sea for their vocation, it added.</p>

<p>According to RMC weather data at 1730 hrs of today, Pamban in Ramanathapuram district recorded 2.9 cm of rainfall, followed by Karaikal at 2.6 cm.</p>


Heavy to very heavy rains were likely in one or two places in South Tamil Nadu such as Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Viruthunagar

A depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal will bring heavy rains to south Tamil Nadu, the regional weather office said on Thursday (November 29). The system lay centered at around 500 km south-south east of Kanniyakumari, the Regional Meteorological Centre said in a release here. It was likely to move northwestwards in the next two days and under its influence, heavy to very heavy rains were likely in one or two places in South Tamil Nadu such as Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Viruthunagar, it said. Heavy rains were also likely in parts of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur, it added. Further, squally winds reaching 45-55 kmph was very likely along and off South Tamil Nadu during the next 48 hours, and the sea would be rough, it said. "Fishermen are advised not to venture" into the sea for their vocation, it added. According to RMC weather data at 1730 hrs of today, Pamban in Ramanathapuram district recorded 2.9 cm of rainfall, followed by Karaikal at 2.6 cm.

Tamil Nadu to get heavy rain from Bay of Bengal depression

<p>The Supreme Court has adjourned the Kerala &quot;love jihad&quot; case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the case was conducted in the presence of Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra.</p>

<p>During the hearing today, Hadiya told the Supreme Court that she wants her freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added&nbsp;that she wanted to continue with her studies but not on &quot;state expense&quot;. She said she will study further only when her husband can take care of her.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&#39;Do you want to continue your studies on state&#39;s expense?&#39; asks CJI. Hadiya replied &#39;I want to but not on state&#39;s expense when my husband can take care of me&#39;</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935110527218458624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme Court has directed that Hadiya be&nbsp;taken to college for her studies and that the college should provide her hostel facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Investigating Agency had submitted a 100- page probe report to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-hadiya-to-present-her-side-of-story-before-supreme-court-bench-today-25218" target="_blank">Supreme Court in the &quot;love jihad&quot; </a>case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kapil Sibal appearing on behalf of Hadiya&#39;s husband Shafi Jahan told the Supreme Court that the court should &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/love-jihad-case-woman-says-she-wants-to-be-with-husband-25120" target="_blank">listen to Hadiya and not the NIA</a>&quot;.&nbsp;He said that Hadiya is entitled to make decisions of her life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further&nbsp;said, &quot;instead of asking Hadiya on what she wants, we are talking about the venom filled in news channels.&quot;</p>

<p>The counsel for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hadiyas-statements-cannot-be-taken-at-face-value-fathers-lawyer-25176" target="_blank">Hadiya&#39;s father</a> in Supreme Court, on the other hand, said that first the&nbsp;matter submitted&nbsp;by&nbsp;NIA should be looked into first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added&nbsp;that&nbsp;there is an &quot;operational&nbsp;apparatus&nbsp;existing for&nbsp;conversion&quot;.</p>

<p>Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan.</p>

<p>The NIA, which is probing the case has alleged that Hadiya was &quot;indoctrinated&quot;&nbsp;and she may be incapable of &quot;giving free consent to her marriage.&quot;</p>

<p>The NIA had said there was a &quot;well-oiled machinery working in Kerala that has indoctrinated and radicalised her.&quot;</p>

<p>A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud had asked Hadiya&#39;s father&#39;s advocate to ensure she is produced before them to ascertain whether she had married of her own free will.</p>

<p>Earlier the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-all-love-marriages-are-love-jihads-observes-kerala-high-court-22629" target="_blank">Kerala High&nbsp;C</a>ourt had struck down Hadiya and Shafin&#39;s marriage, calling it a &quot;sham&quot;.</p>

<p>The husband later approached the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Supreme Court has postponed the next hearing for&nbsp;the third week of January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The counsel for Hadiya's father in Supreme Court, on the other hand, said that first the?matter submitted?by?NIA should be looked upon and Hadiya should be?talked?regarding that.?He also said that?there is an 'operational?apparatus?existing for?conversion'

The Supreme Court has adjourned the Kerala "love jihad" case. On Monday, the case was conducted in the presence of Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra. During the hearing today, Hadiya told the Supreme Court that she wants her freedom. She added that she wanted to continue with her studies but not on "state expense". She said she will study further only when her husband can take care of her. 'Do you want to continue your studies on state's expense?' asks CJI. Hadiya replied 'I want to but not on state's expense when my husband can take care of me' — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × The Supreme Court has directed that Hadiya be taken to college for her studies and that the college should provide her hostel facilities. The National Investigating Agency had submitted a 100- page probe report to the Supreme Court in the "love jihad" case. Kapil Sibal appearing on behalf of Hadiya's husband Shafi Jahan told the Supreme Court that the court should "listen to Hadiya and not the NIA". He said that Hadiya is entitled to make decisions of her life. He further said, "instead of asking Hadiya on what she wants, we are talking about the venom filled in news channels." The counsel for Hadiya's father in Supreme Court, on the other hand, said that first the matter submitted by NIA should be looked into first. He added that there is an "operational apparatus existing for conversion". Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan. The NIA, which is probing the case has alleged that Hadiya was "indoctrinated" and she may be incapable of "giving free consent to her marriage." The NIA had said there was a "well-oiled machinery working in Kerala that has indoctrinated and radicalised her." A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud had asked Hadiya's father's advocate to ensure she is produced before them to ascertain whether she had married of her own free will. Earlier the Kerala High Court had struck down Hadiya and Shafin's marriage, calling it a "sham". The husband later approached the Supreme Court. Supreme Court has postponed the next hearing for the third week of January.

Kerala 'love jihad': I want freedom, Hadiya tells Supreme Court

<p>Kerala woman Hadiya, who will depose before the Supreme Court on November 27 in an alleged case of &quot;love jihad&quot;, said on Saturday that nobody forced her to convert to Islam and that she wanted to be with her husband.<br />
<br />
&quot;I am a Muslim. I want to go with my husband. Nobody forced me to convert,&quot; shouted Hadiya as she was whisked away by her parents and security personnel to board a flight to Delhi amid tight security.</p>

<p>Hadiya and her parents are likely to stay at the Kerala House in New Delhi, sources told PTI. (Also Read -<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/love-jihad-sheffin-claims-attempts-made-to-reconvert-hadiya-to-hinduism-25108"> &#39;Love jihad&#39;: Sheffin claims attempts made to reconvert Hadiya to Hinduism</a>)</p>

<p>Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan.</p>

<p>The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case has alleged that Hadiya was indoctrinated and she may be incapable of giving free consent to her marriage.</p>

<p>Represented by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, the NIA had said there was a well-oiled machinery working in Kerala that was indoctrinating and radicalising society in the state.</p>

<p>As many as 89 cases of similar nature have been reported from the southern state, the ASG had said.</p>

<p>It was alleged that Hadiya was recruited by the Islamic State&#39;s mission in Syria and Shafin Jahan was only a stooge.</p>

<p>Advocate Shyam Divan, representing Hadiya&#39;s father KM Ashokan, claimed that Shafin Jahan was radicalised and several organisations like the Popular Front of India were involved in the radicalisation of society.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, counsel for Shafin Jahan, had opposed the NIA&#39;s submission and that of the woman&#39;s father.</p>

<p>A Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, had asked Hadiya&#39;s father&#39;s advocate to ensure she is produced before them to ascertain whether she had married of her own free will.</p>

<p>On October 7, the Kerala government told the Supreme Court that its police conducted a &quot;thorough investigation&quot; into Hadiya&#39;s conversion and subsequent marriage to Shafin Jahan and did not find material warranting the transfer of probe to the NIA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shafin Jahan had on September 20 approached the Supreme Court seeking recall of its August 16 order, directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of Hadiya&#39;s alleged conversion and marriage.</p>

<p>He had moved the Supreme Court after the Kerala high court annulled his marriage, saying it was an insult to the independence of women in the country.</p>


'I am a Muslim. I want to go with my husband. Nobody forced me to convert,' shouted Hadiya as she was being taken inside the airport

Kerala woman Hadiya, who will depose before the Supreme Court on November 27 in an alleged case of "love jihad", said on Saturday that nobody forced her to convert to Islam and that she wanted to be with her husband. "I am a Muslim. I want to go with my husband. Nobody forced me to convert," shouted Hadiya as she was whisked away by her parents and security personnel to board a flight to Delhi amid tight security. Hadiya and her parents are likely to stay at the Kerala House in New Delhi, sources told PTI. (Also Read - 'Love jihad': Sheffin claims attempts made to reconvert Hadiya to Hinduism) Hadiya, originally a Hindu, converted to Islam and married a Muslim man Shafin Jahan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case has alleged that Hadiya was indoctrinated and she may be incapable of giving free consent to her marriage. Represented by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, the NIA had said there was a well-oiled machinery working in Kerala that was indoctrinating and radicalising society in the state. As many as 89 cases of similar nature have been reported from the southern state, the ASG had said. It was alleged that Hadiya was recruited by the Islamic State's mission in Syria and Shafin Jahan was only a stooge. Advocate Shyam Divan, representing Hadiya's father KM Ashokan, claimed that Shafin Jahan was radicalised and several organisations like the Popular Front of India were involved in the radicalisation of society. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, counsel for Shafin Jahan, had opposed the NIA's submission and that of the woman's father. A Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, had asked Hadiya's father's advocate to ensure she is produced before them to ascertain whether she had married of her own free will. On October 7, the Kerala government told the Supreme Court that its police conducted a "thorough investigation" into Hadiya's conversion and subsequent marriage to Shafin Jahan and did not find material warranting the transfer of probe to the NIA. Shafin Jahan had on September 20 approached the Supreme Court seeking recall of its August 16 order, directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of Hadiya's alleged conversion and marriage. He had moved the Supreme Court after the Kerala high court annulled his marriage, saying it was an insult to the independence of women in the country.

'Love jihad': Nobody forced me to convert, says Hadiya

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