<p>Over 900 people have been detained in Kerala in connection with the April 16 strike, said police on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case.</p>

<p>Earlier, Widespread violence was witnessed in Kerala on Monday after protesters poured into the streets to enforce a shutdown on the people demanding justice for the eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir despite the fact that no recognised organisation had given a call for the protest.</p>

<p>Several incidents of stone-pelting, blocking of vehicles, clash with the police and forced closure of shops were reported from different places, especially in the northern Malabar region, even as the departure of flights got delayed from the Kozhikode International Airport as pilots got trapped in traffic blocks created by the protestors.</p>

<p>Shop-owners chose to keep the shutters of their outlets down and vehicles kept off the roads in areas known as strongholds of the Muslim League and SDPI in Kannur. An official with the Kannur police said the protests in the district seemed well-coordinated despite the fact that there was no formal call for a hartal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case.

Over 900 people have been detained in Kerala in connection with the April 16 strike, said police on Wednesday. The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case. Earlier, Widespread violence was witnessed in Kerala on Monday after protesters poured into the streets to enforce a shutdown on the people demanding justice for the eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir despite the fact that no recognised organisation had given a call for the protest. Several incidents of stone-pelting, blocking of vehicles, clash with the police and forced closure of shops were reported from different places, especially in the northern Malabar region, even as the departure of flights got delayed from the Kozhikode International Airport as pilots got trapped in traffic blocks created by the protestors. Shop-owners chose to keep the shutters of their outlets down and vehicles kept off the roads in areas known as strongholds of the Muslim League and SDPI in Kannur. An official with the Kannur police said the protests in the district seemed well-coordinated despite the fact that there was no formal call for a hartal. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over 900 taken into custody after violent protests in Kerala

<p>India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike.</p>

<p>The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Protest held over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unnao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unnao</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/u3aCXue1fE">pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985496803574460417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/JPAAiIgKMT">pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985495235777179648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala

India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes. Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala. The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road. Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..." The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike. The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock. In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly. The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime. The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice. The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout. Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case. Protest held over #Unnao & #Kathua rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 × Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

India stands up to protest against Kathua, Unnao gang rapes

<p>In a shocking incident, a two-day-old baby girl was flushed down the toilet at a clinic in Kerala.</p>

<p>The incident came to light after the choked toilet was being plummed after a female worker at the clinic complained about the clogging. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The plumbers noticed a 'ball-like' object in the passage and later discovered it to be a baby girl. The infant's dead body had not decomposed when it was found by the plumbers.</p>

<p>According to reports, the placenta was still attached to the baby and the passage was also full of blood.</p>

<p>The local police suspect that the mother must have delivered in the commode and left the clinic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police are in the process of verifying the details of all the patients who had visited the clinic recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The body of the infant girl has been sent to the nearest medical college in Thrissur for the post-mortem. The incident happened at Dr Abdul Rahman's clinic in Palakkad’s Malappuram, Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The plumbers noticed a 'ball-like' object in the passage and later discovered it to be a baby girl

In a shocking incident, a two-day-old baby girl was flushed down the toilet at a clinic in Kerala. The incident came to light after the choked toilet was being plummed after a female worker at the clinic complained about the clogging. The plumbers noticed a 'ball-like' object in the passage and later discovered it to be a baby girl. The infant's dead body had not decomposed when it was found by the plumbers. According to reports, the placenta was still attached to the baby and the passage was also full of blood. The local police suspect that the mother must have delivered in the commode and left the clinic. The police are in the process of verifying the details of all the patients who had visited the clinic recently. The body of the infant girl has been sent to the nearest medical college in Thrissur for the post-mortem. The incident happened at Dr Abdul Rahman's clinic in Palakkad’s Malappuram, Kerala.

Kerala: 2-day-old baby girl found flushed down clinic toilet

<p>Dalit organisations staging fresh protests and called for a strike in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday over alleged&nbsp;dilusion of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strike call&nbsp;was called by 30 Dalit organisations, reports said. It was also reported that the protestors blocked vehicles and shutdown shops, Dalit activists are laying siege on road at Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Police arrested Dalit activist and Aadivasi Gothra Mahasabha leader Geethanandan and held 15 others as well for allegedly blocking vehicles at Kochi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scheduled-caste-and-scheduled-tribe-act-why-the-dalits-are-protesting-127874">Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act: Why the Dalits are protesting</a></p>

<p>Police have beefed up security across the state with reports of violence expected as&nbsp;a result of the strike-call. Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti refused to support the strike&nbsp;and announced shops will be open on Monday, reports said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Members of Dalit community organisations stage protest in Thiruvananthapuram over SC/ST Act issue. <a href="https://t.co/WstiaLqCmA">pic.twitter.com/WstiaLqCmA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983181439738015744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-dalit-community-being-tortured-during-bharat-bandh-bjp-lawmaker-udit-raj-129068">Dalit community being 'tortured' after Bharat Bandh: BJP lawmaker Udit Raj</a></p>

<p>As the Dalit agitation continued on Sunday, Congress leader Nitin Raut said Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line.</p>

<p>Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community.</p>

<p>Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-reaches-out-to-dalit-community-says-no-one-respected-ambedkar-the-way-our-govt-has-128296">Narendra Modi </a>on April 4 had said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had.</p>

<p>Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs.</p>

<p>The violence swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act.</p>


Dalits have been protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

Dalit organisations staging fresh protests and called for a strike in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday over alleged dilusion of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The strike call was called by 30 Dalit organisations, reports said. It was also reported that the protestors blocked vehicles and shutdown shops, Dalit activists are laying siege on road at Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, Police arrested Dalit activist and Aadivasi Gothra Mahasabha leader Geethanandan and held 15 others as well for allegedly blocking vehicles at Kochi. Also read: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Act: Why the Dalits are protesting Police have beefed up security across the state with reports of violence expected as a result of the strike-call. Kerala Vypari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti refused to support the strike and announced shops will be open on Monday, reports said. #Kerala: Members of Dalit community organisations stage protest in Thiruvananthapuram over SC/ST Act issue. pic.twitter.com/WstiaLqCmA — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × Also read: Dalit community being 'tortured' after Bharat Bandh: BJP lawmaker Udit Raj As the Dalit agitation continued on Sunday, Congress leader Nitin Raut said Dalits, who are "angry" with the NDA government, will play a key role in deciding the country's next prime minister a year down the line. Newly-appointed chairman of the Congress' SC department Raut said Dalit youth will get attracted to Gandhi's leadership for a positive future than other non-BJP/NDA leaders, including those representing the community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4 had said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had. Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs. The violence swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act.

SC/ST Act: Dalit organisations call for shutdown in Kerala

<p>Former Cricketer&nbsp;Virender Sehwag&nbsp;has sent a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakhs to the mother of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-27-year-old-man-beaten-to-death-in-kerala-33820">tribal who was killed in Kerala's Palakkad district</a> in February 2018.</p>

<p>Activist Rahul Easwar will handover the cheque to the mother of the deceased on April 11.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Activist Rahul Easwar confirms that he has received a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakhs sent by Virender Sehwag for the mother of Madhu(a tribal man who was beaten to death in Palakkad earlier this year). Rahul Easwar will hand over the cheque on April 11 <a href="https://t.co/a5sGeCHqai">pic.twitter.com/a5sGeCHqai</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981154705844916224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A 27-year-old man in Kerala's Palakkad district, Madhu, 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 had gone viral on social media.&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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A 27-year-old man in Kerala's Palakkad district, Madhu, was beaten to death by a mob after complaints of alleged stealing

Former Cricketer Virender Sehwag has sent a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakhs to the mother of the tribal who was killed in Kerala's Palakkad district in February 2018. Activist Rahul Easwar will handover the cheque to the mother of the deceased on April 11. Activist Rahul Easwar confirms that he has received a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakhs sent by Virender Sehwag for the mother of Madhu(a tribal man who was beaten to death in Palakkad earlier this year). Rahul Easwar will hand over the cheque on April 11 pic.twitter.com/a5sGeCHqai — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × A 27-year-old man in Kerala's Palakkad district, Madhu, 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 had gone viral on social media. According to reports, the man was accused of theft in 2016 and was reportedly infamous for stealing rice and other food items from shops.

Virender Sehwag hands over Rs 1 lakh cheque to Kerala tribal's mother who was beaten to death

<p>A former radio jockey from Kerala's capital city Trivandrum was reported dead last night. According to the local police, Rajesh was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at his studio in Madavoor, Trivandrum late last night.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rajesh, 36, worked as a radio jockey with Red FM for years and later joined Voice of Kerala FM station in Doha, Qatar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: A former radio jockey named Rajesh was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at his studio in Trivandarum's Madavoor late last night. One other person was injured in the incident, police investigation underway. <a href="https://t.co/Jq5W7YS5oj">pic.twitter.com/Jq5W7YS5oj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/978485348895424512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to police, the incident happened late night at around 2 am at the studio owned by Rajesh.&nbsp</p>

<p>Another person was reported injured in the incident, a police investigation is underway.</p>


Another person was reported injured in the incident, a police investigation is underway

A former radio jockey from Kerala's capital city Trivandrum was reported dead last night. According to the local police, Rajesh was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at his studio in Madavoor, Trivandrum late last night. Rajesh, 36, worked as a radio jockey with Red FM for years and later joined Voice of Kerala FM station in Doha, Qatar. Kerala: A former radio jockey named Rajesh was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at his studio in Trivandarum's Madavoor late last night. One other person was injured in the incident, police investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/Jq5W7YS5oj — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2018 × According to police, the incident happened late night at around 2 am at the studio owned by Rajesh. Another person was reported injured in the incident, a police investigation is underway.

Kerala: Radio jockey hacked to death in Trivandrum studio

<p>NIA court in Kochi has sentenced ISIS recruiter Yasmeen Mohammed Zahid to 7 years imprisonment in connection with the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-nia-suspects-5-people-to-have-links-with-isis-registers-case-26965" target="_blank"> missing people from Kerala</a>.</p>

<p>The people missing from the state travelled to&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/about-100-keralites-suspected-to-have-joined-islamic-state-kerala-police-24004" target="_blank">About 100 Keralites suspected to have joined Islamic State: Kerala Police</a></p>

<p>The court has awarded the sentence of 7 years&nbsp;under Section 125 and 7 years under section 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A fine of Rs 25,000 has also been imposed on the accused.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Court has awarded sentence of 7 yrs under Section 125 &amp; 7 years under section 38, 39 &amp; 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on accused: Arjun, Public prosecutor after NIA court sentenced ISIS recruiter YM Zahid to 7 yrs in prison <a href="https://t.co/zZl0gdjHSt">pic.twitter.com/zZl0gdjHSt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977436384255410178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</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 court has awarded the sentence of 7 years under Section 125 and 7 years under section 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A fine of Rs 25,000 has also been imposed on the accused

NIA court in Kochi has sentenced ISIS recruiter Yasmeen Mohammed Zahid to 7 years imprisonment in connection with the missing people from Kerala. The people missing from the state travelled to Afghanistan. Also read: About 100 Keralites suspected to have joined Islamic State: Kerala Police The court has awarded the sentence of 7 years under Section 125 and 7 years under section 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A fine of Rs 25,000 has also been imposed on the accused. Court has awarded sentence of 7 yrs under Section 125 & 7 years under section 38, 39 & 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on accused: Arjun, Public prosecutor after NIA court sentenced ISIS recruiter YM Zahid to 7 yrs in prison pic.twitter.com/zZl0gdjHSt — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2018 × 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 ISIS case: ISIS recruiter Yasmeen Mohammed Zahid sent to 7 years jail

<p>A father in Kerala stabbed his daughter to death for marrying a Dalit man on Thursday in Areekode in Malappuram district of Kerala.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old woman named Athira Rajan Palathingal belonged to the Thiyya community and was set to marry an army man belonging to the scheduled caste community on Friday.</p>

<p>Her father though gave her the consent but remained opposed to the wedding.</p>

<p>However, on Thursday an argument broke out between the father who was in drunk condition and daughter after which the father reportedly stabbed Athira multiple times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, the daughter was taken to the hospital but was declared brought dead by the doctors.</p>

<p>The father has been arrested by the police and a murder case has been registered.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The 22-year-old woman named Athira Rajan Palathingal belonged to the Thiyya community and was set to marry an army man belonging to the scheduled caste community on Friday

A father in Kerala stabbed his daughter to death for marrying a Dalit man on Thursday in Areekode in Malappuram district of Kerala. The 22-year-old woman named Athira Rajan Palathingal belonged to the Thiyya community and was set to marry an army man belonging to the scheduled caste community on Friday. Her father though gave her the consent but remained opposed to the wedding. However, on Thursday an argument broke out between the father who was in drunk condition and daughter after which the father reportedly stabbed Athira multiple times. After the incident, the daughter was taken to the hospital but was declared brought dead by the doctors. The father has been arrested by the police and a murder case has been registered.

Kerala: Bride-to-be stabbed to death by father on the eve of her wedding

<p>A group of teachers and non-teaching staff at the Farook College in Kozhikode trashed up some students who were celebrating Holi inside the campus.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: 2 students of Farook College in Calicut injured after being allegedly assaulted by the college administration while the students were celebrating Holi in the college campus this evening. The 2 students admitted to hospital. Case registered, investigation underway. <a href="https://t.co/u7LoqCoLVw">pic.twitter.com/u7LoqCoLVw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974314524722565120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>They attacked the students using rods and pipes. It is reported that the argument regarding the celebration of Holi inside the campus led to the attack.</p>

<p>One of the students whose eyes were critically injured has been admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College. Three other students have also sustained injuries.</p>

<p>The students allege that the teachers got provoked as the students celebrated Holi by defying the ban on celebrating the festival on college premises.</p>

<p>The students allege that teachers and hostel employees circled and attacked them using pipes and sticks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The students say that they were first attacked in the hostel. The teachers and non-teaching staff assaulted them at the bus stop also, the students alleged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


The students say that they were first attacked in the hostel. The teachers and non-teaching staff assaulted them at the bus stop also, the students alleged.

A group of teachers and non-teaching staff at the Farook College in Kozhikode trashed up some students who were celebrating Holi inside the campus. Kerala: 2 students of Farook College in Calicut injured after being allegedly assaulted by the college administration while the students were celebrating Holi in the college campus this evening. The 2 students admitted to hospital. Case registered, investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/u7LoqCoLVw — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × They attacked the students using rods and pipes. It is reported that the argument regarding the celebration of Holi inside the campus led to the attack. One of the students whose eyes were critically injured has been admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College. Three other students have also sustained injuries. The students allege that the teachers got provoked as the students celebrated Holi by defying the ban on celebrating the festival on college premises. The students allege that teachers and hostel employees circled and attacked them using pipes and sticks. The students say that they were first attacked in the hostel. The teachers and non-teaching staff assaulted them at the bus stop also, the students alleged. (With inputs from Agencies)

Students assaulted in Kerala's Farook College for celebrating Holi

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the Kerala government will initiate further steps regarding implementation of the second phase extension of the Kochi Metro project once they get necessary clearance from the Centre.</p>

<p>The state had been asked to re-submit its Detailed Project Report (DPR) incorporating changes on the basis of the new Metro policy announced by the Centre, Vijayan said while replying to a submission by V P Sajeendran of the Congress.</p>

<p>The DPR, prepared in February this year, is under the state government&#39;s consideration, he said.</p>

<p>After the report is submitted to the Centre, and necessary permission is received, further steps with regard to the project will be taken, he said.</p>

<p>Administrative sanction for Rs 2,577.25 crore had been granted in may last year and a DPR had been submitted for the Centre&#39;s final clearance.</p>

<p>However, later the union government had come out with a new metro policy, he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, for the initial activities of the second phase of the project from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark, the state government had sanctioned Rs 189 crore and necessary administrative sanction for land acquisition had also been given, he said.</p>

<p>The district administration was also in the process of initiating steps for the environmental impact study.</p>

<p>For land acquisition, Rs 20 crore has been set apart as per September 20, 2017, government order, he said.</p>


The district administration was also in the process of initiating steps for the environmental impact study

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the Kerala government will initiate further steps regarding implementation of the second phase extension of the Kochi Metro project once they get necessary clearance from the Centre. The state had been asked to re-submit its Detailed Project Report (DPR) incorporating changes on the basis of the new Metro policy announced by the Centre, Vijayan said while replying to a submission by V P Sajeendran of the Congress. The DPR, prepared in February this year, is under the state government's consideration, he said. After the report is submitted to the Centre, and necessary permission is received, further steps with regard to the project will be taken, he said. Administrative sanction for Rs 2,577.25 crore had been granted in may last year and a DPR had been submitted for the Centre's final clearance. However, later the union government had come out with a new metro policy, he said. Meanwhile, for the initial activities of the second phase of the project from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark, the state government had sanctioned Rs 189 crore and necessary administrative sanction for land acquisition had also been given, he said. The district administration was also in the process of initiating steps for the environmental impact study. For land acquisition, Rs 20 crore has been set apart as per September 20, 2017, government order, he said.

Work on Kochi Metro phase II extension after Centre's nod: Kerala

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-speaks-to-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-after-he-orders-two-tdp-ministers-to-quit-modis-cabinet-35109" target="_blank">Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening.&nbsp;The two TDP ministers in Modi&#39;s cabinet &mdash; Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary &mdash; later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-approves-state-flag-to-seek-approval-from-centre-35106" target="_blank">Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre</a></p>

<p>The Karnataka&#39;s Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday.&nbsp;The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem &ldquo;Ganda Bherunda&rdquo;, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">Kerala &#39;love jihad&#39; case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya&#39;s marriage, strikes down </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">high</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank"> court order</a></p>

<p>In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">security</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank"> threat to India</a></p>

<p>Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/curfew-in-sri-lankan-tourist-town-of-kandy-to-be-temporarily-lifted-35060" target="_blank">Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted</a></p>

<p>A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening. The two TDP ministers in Modi's cabinet — Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary — later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him. Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre The Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday. The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem “Ganda Bherunda”, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle. Kerala 'love jihad' case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya's marriage, strikes down high court order In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter. Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

WION Evening News Brief, March 8, 2018

<p>Model, poet, writer Gilu Joseph is making headlines for posing on the cover of a fortnightly Malayalam magazine, Grihalakshmi. The 27-year-old artist who hails from Kerala&#39;s Kumily town of Idukki district is seen on the cover breastfeeding her child.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with IE Malayalam, Joseph notes that she was not reluctant in picking up the project and featuring on the cover of the magazine. Joseph identifies motherhood as a beautiful feeling that lets a woman celebrate and enjoy a wonderful bond with her offspring. Breastfeeding is often identified as an act of nurturing which comforts the child and strengthens the bond between a mother and her child.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gilu proudly exclaims her right over her body and that showcasing the beautiful, nurturing act of breastfeeding -- which is otherwise often sexualised -- gives her immense joy and satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a first, the magazine doles out a strong messaging that reads, &quot;Do not stare at us while we breastfeed&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In many ways, the magazine&#39;s edition and Gilu&#39;s appearance is beyond historical. Not only does it shake the patriarchal bedrock that refuses to budge over the centuries, it also aims to make women embrace and be proud of their bodies and shatter taboos. Joseph, a practising Christian, appears as a Hindu mother on the cover, another attempt at blurring the societal divides.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Translation - &quot;Do not stare at us while we are breastfeeding&quot;<br />
<br />
Really glad to see Grihalakshmi a leading magazine is breaking the Society norms without sexualizing it<br />
<br />
I love the way Gilu Joseph (Model) stares at the reader straight in to your eyes. The message is a bang on! <a href="https://t.co/SFYvNgDQrS">pic.twitter.com/SFYvNgDQrS</a></p>
&mdash; The Great Dictator.! (@tittoantony) <a href="https://twitter.com/tittoantony/status/968805785185800192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, as India takes baby steps at realising women&#39;s right to breastfeed fearlessly, without facing any stigma, Australia also had its first similar incident last year -- only that the woman here breastfed her child in a parliament full of MPs and not just on a magazine cover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, an Australian MP shook the world when she addressed the Parliament while breastfeeding her baby. The incident marked the first for the island country as well where Larissa Waters, a Greens MP, addressed the chamber while feeding 14-week-old &nbsp;baby girl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Twitter gave mixed reactions to Gilu Joseph&#39;s bold avataar, most lauded her attempt of trying to normalise a &quot;natural phenomenon&quot; in a society that often sexualises the act.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Malayalam magazine Grihalakshmi, from <a href="https://twitter.com/mathrubhumieng?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mathrubhumieng</a>, has this new cover. It says, &quot;Mothers tell Kerala, &quot;please don&#39;t stare, we need to breastfeed&quot;&quot;.<br />
<br />
WOW. Unusually bold. <a href="https://t.co/Nwz6nAF0Fk">pic.twitter.com/Nwz6nAF0Fk</a></p>
&mdash; Vivek S Nambiar (@ivivek_nambiar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ivivek_nambiar/status/968744180087390208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hats off Gilu Joseph|Gilu Joseph mam.<br />
for being part of this great initiative|respect.???? <a href="https://t.co/Tma8LTZl6O">https://t.co/Tma8LTZl6O</a></p>
&mdash; Emil Mathew (@emilmathewjohn) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilmathewjohn/status/968576922887143424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hats off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiluJoseph?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiluJoseph</a> and all others behind this campaign. <a href="https://t.co/RBJPNbh7MA">https://t.co/RBJPNbh7MA</a></p>
&mdash; Anish Antony M (@AnishAntony_M) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnishAntony_M/status/968741654806106113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a first, the magazine doles out a strong message that reads, 'Do not stare at us while we breastfeed'

Model, poet, writer Gilu Joseph is making headlines for posing on the cover of a fortnightly Malayalam magazine, Grihalakshmi. The 27-year-old artist who hails from Kerala's Kumily town of Idukki district is seen on the cover breastfeeding her child. In an interview with IE Malayalam, Joseph notes that she was not reluctant in picking up the project and featuring on the cover of the magazine. Joseph identifies motherhood as a beautiful feeling that lets a woman celebrate and enjoy a wonderful bond with her offspring. Breastfeeding is often identified as an act of nurturing which comforts the child and strengthens the bond between a mother and her child. Gilu proudly exclaims her right over her body and that showcasing the beautiful, nurturing act of breastfeeding -- which is otherwise often sexualised -- gives her immense joy and satisfaction. In a first, the magazine doles out a strong messaging that reads, "Do not stare at us while we breastfeed". In many ways, the magazine's edition and Gilu's appearance is beyond historical. Not only does it shake the patriarchal bedrock that refuses to budge over the centuries, it also aims to make women embrace and be proud of their bodies and shatter taboos. Joseph, a practising Christian, appears as a Hindu mother on the cover, another attempt at blurring the societal divides. Translation - "Do not stare at us while we are breastfeeding" Really glad to see Grihalakshmi a leading magazine is breaking the Society norms without sexualizing it I love the way Gilu Joseph (Model) stares at the reader straight in to your eyes. The message is a bang on! pic.twitter.com/SFYvNgDQrS — The Great Dictator.! (@tittoantony) February 28, 2018 × Meanwhile, as India takes baby steps at realising women's right to breastfeed fearlessly, without facing any stigma, Australia also had its first similar incident last year -- only that the woman here breastfed her child in a parliament full of MPs and not just on a magazine cover. Last year, an Australian MP shook the world when she addressed the Parliament while breastfeeding her baby. The incident marked the first for the island country as well where Larissa Waters, a Greens MP, addressed the chamber while feeding 14-week-old baby girl. While Twitter gave mixed reactions to Gilu Joseph's bold avataar, most lauded her attempt of trying to normalise a "natural phenomenon" in a society that often sexualises the act. Malayalam magazine Grihalakshmi, from @mathrubhumieng, has this new cover. It says, "Mothers tell Kerala, "please don't stare, we need to breastfeed"". WOW. Unusually bold. pic.twitter.com/Nwz6nAF0Fk — Vivek S Nambiar (@ivivek_nambiar) February 28, 2018 × Hats off Gilu Joseph|Gilu Joseph mam. for being part of this great initiative|respect.???? https://t.co/Tma8LTZl6O — Emil Mathew (@emilmathewjohn) February 27, 2018 × Hats off #GiluJoseph and all others behind this campaign. https://t.co/RBJPNbh7MA — Anish Antony M (@AnishAntony_M) February 28, 2018 ×

Kerala model breastfeeds on local magazine cover, gets praised on Twitter

<p>Two days after a Kerala tribal man was beaten to death for theft in Attappadi, sixteen people accused in the murder case were arrested and charged with several sections of murder on Saturday.</p>

<p>As per media reports, all the accused will be produced before a special court on Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sixteen people accused in the murder case of a tribal youth in Attappadi have been arrested &amp; charged with sections of murder, will be produced in court tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967396768798294022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The postmortem report confirmed that the man had died of trauma caused by the torture.&nbsp;It also confirmed that he was beaten up and had internal injuries and injuries to his head and back.</p>

<p>The death of tribal man sent shockwaves across the country after a group of people attacked him with sticks for allegedly stealing valuables and food items from the house of a local person.</p>

<p>The mob even shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident, which went viral on social media on Friday.</p>

<p>The victim was brutally thrashed and was handed over to the police.</p>

<p>After his health started deteriorating, the police took him to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The postmortem report confirmed that the man had died of trauma

Two days after a Kerala tribal man was beaten to death for theft in Attappadi, sixteen people accused in the murder case were arrested and charged with several sections of murder on Saturday. As per media reports, all the accused will be produced before a special court on Sunday. Sixteen people accused in the murder case of a tribal youth in Attappadi have been arrested & charged with sections of murder, will be produced in court tomorrow #Kerala — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2018 × The postmortem report confirmed that the man had died of trauma caused by the torture. It also confirmed that he was beaten up and had internal injuries and injuries to his head and back. The death of tribal man sent shockwaves across the country after a group of people attacked him with sticks for allegedly stealing valuables and food items from the house of a local person. The mob even shot videos and clicked selfies of the brutal incident, which went viral on social media on Friday. The victim was brutally thrashed and was handed over to the police. After his health started deteriorating, the police took him to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Kerala tribal's murder: 16 people arrested, to be produced before special court tomorrow

<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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'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>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>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>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

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