<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">India on Monday (Sep 23) reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. The strain was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, reported an Indian news agency citing official sources.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}">Clade 1b strain has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district. The man, as per reports, had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:226,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}">Mpox strain Clade 1b</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">According to reports, the 38-year-old patient was stable and "this was the first case of the current strain that led to the World Health Organization declaring Mpox a public health emergency last month for a second time".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:720,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:720,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/monkey-attack-saves-6-year-old-girl-from-sexual-assault-in-ups-baghpat-accused-on-the-run-761057">'Monkey attack' saves 6-year-old girl from sexual assault in UP's Baghpat, accused on the run</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2116}">Previously, a case of another Mpox strain, the West African Clade 2 strain, was reported from the Indian National Capital. The patient was identified as a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:329,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2166}">Just last month, the WHO declared the Clade 1b strain a public health emergency. Before that, in 2022, the global body declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:382,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2219}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:382,&quot;w&quot;:471,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2219}">Kerala Health Minister's appeal to the public</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:427,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2264}">Kerala Health Minister Veena George has previously appealed to the public, including those returning from abroad, to inform the authorities in case of any symptoms. &nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2313}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:719,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2313}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:719,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2313}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-joins-farooq-abdullah-for-the-final-day-of-campaigning-in-2nd-phase-of-jk-assembly-elections-761233">Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&amp;K assembly elections</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:526,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2363}">In a post on Facebook, the health minister shared a list of state-run hospitals in various districts where treatment and isolation facilities for people affected by the infection have been arranged.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:576,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:636,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:576,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:635,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" bis_chainid="1" bis_depth="1" bis_id="fr_fbr6n4iwsz6znylvbzsx2m" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:119,&quot;y&quot;:576,&quot;w&quot;:500,&quot;h&quot;:631,&quot;abs_x&quot;:152,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}" frameborder="0" height="631" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fveenageorgeofficial%2Fposts%2F1070655127758933&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:576,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1227,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3064}">George mentioned that the state health department has already heightened airport surveillance following the Centre's guidelines due to the Mpox outbreak in several African countries.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1227,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3064}">She added that individuals coming from countries with reported infections have been advised to report any symptoms at the airport.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1227,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3064}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1227,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3064}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India on Monday (Sep 23) reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. The strain was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, reported an Indian news agency citing official sources.

India on Monday (Sep 23) reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. The strain was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, reported an Indian news agency citing official sources. Clade 1b strain has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district. The man, as per reports, had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. Mpox strain Clade 1b According to reports, the 38-year-old patient was stable and "this was the first case of the current strain that led to the World Health Organization declaring Mpox a public health emergency last month for a second time". Also read | 'Monkey attack' saves 6-year-old girl from sexual assault in UP's Baghpat, accused on the run Previously, a case of another Mpox strain, the West African Clade 2 strain, was reported from the Indian National Capital. The patient was identified as a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar. Just last month, the WHO declared the Clade 1b strain a public health emergency. Before that, in 2022, the global body declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Kerala Health Minister's appeal to the public Kerala Health Minister Veena George has previously appealed to the public, including those returning from abroad, to inform the authorities in case of any symptoms. Also read | Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections In a post on Facebook, the health minister shared a list of state-run hospitals in various districts where treatment and isolation facilities for people affected by the infection have been arranged. × George mentioned that the state health department has already heightened airport surveillance following the Centre's guidelines due to the Mpox outbreak in several African countries. She added that individuals coming from countries with reported infections have been advised to report any symptoms at the airport. (With inputs from agencies)

India: First case of mpox Clade 1b strain detected in Kerala

<p>A 38-year-old man who landed in the Indian state of&nbsp;Kerala from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week, was diagnosed with Mpox on Wednesday (Sep 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, and flu-like symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The youth was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Kerala's Manjeri on Monday after he had symptoms of the disease.</p>

<p>State Health Minister Veena George said that the samples collected from him were tested at the virology lab at the government medical college hospital in Kozhikode.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-confirms-first-mpox-case-in-traveller-who-returned-from-africa-757167"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India confirms first Mpox case in traveller who returned from 'country experiencing virus transmission'</strong></a></p>

<p>George further appealed that all those returning from abroad seek treatment if they develop Mpox symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"His samples have been sent for testing and the results are awaited," the minister told reporters in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Following this, isolation wards were made ready at 14 hospitals in Kerala, including medical colleges to handle the situation further.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India confirms first travel-related mpox case</strong></p>

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<p>Last week, the youth reached home at Othayi village in Mallapuram. After he recognised the symptoms, he initially went into self-quarantine at home.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Another suspected case in Delhi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A patient with suspected Mpox symptoms was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kerala has already been on alert for Mpox since August after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it&nbsp;a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, which is the highest level of alert by the organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 38-year-old man who landed in the Indian state of Kerala from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week, was diagnosed with Mpox on Wednesday (Sep 18). Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

A 38-year-old man who landed in the Indian state of Kerala from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week, was diagnosed with Mpox on Wednesday (Sep 18). Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, and flu-like symptoms. The youth was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Kerala's Manjeri on Monday after he had symptoms of the disease. State Health Minister Veena George said that the samples collected from him were tested at the virology lab at the government medical college hospital in Kozhikode. Also read: India confirms first Mpox case in traveller who returned from 'country experiencing virus transmission' George further appealed that all those returning from abroad seek treatment if they develop Mpox symptoms. "His samples have been sent for testing and the results are awaited," the minister told reporters in New Delhi. Following this, isolation wards were made ready at 14 hospitals in Kerala, including medical colleges to handle the situation further. Watch | India confirms first travel-related mpox case × Last week, the youth reached home at Othayi village in Mallapuram. After he recognised the symptoms, he initially went into self-quarantine at home. Another suspected case in Delhi A patient with suspected Mpox symptoms was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi last week. Kerala has already been on alert for Mpox since August after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, which is the highest level of alert by the organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

First Mpox case confirmed in Kerala man who arrived from UAE

<p>In another distressing incident of sexual assault on women, a 70-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Kerala’s Alappuzha district during an attempted robbery at her house on Saturday night (Aug 24).</p>

<p>A 29-year-old man named Dhanesh is alleged to have stolen around seven sovereigns&nbsp;of gold from the elderly woman and was caught while trying to sell the ornaments. The police have arrested the man from Kanakakunnu in connection with Saturday’s incident.</p>

<p>According to the police, after the man got to know about the elderly woman living alone in the house, he tried to target her. The 70-year-old victim was raped after the accused threw chilli powder and threw the old lady off balance.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-doctor-slapped-abused-a-day-after-protests-end-over-kolkata-rape-murder-case-753339">Delhi doctor slapped, abused, a day after protests end over Kolkata rape-murder case</a></p>

<p>"He left after locking the door from outside. He also took her mobile phone. She was unable to contact others. The neighbours found her this morning and took her to the hospital and informed us," police said.</p>

<p>A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the law, police said. Further investigation into the case is also underway.</p>

<p>This is the second such case of rape that has made headlines after the Kolkata rape-murder case of a government hospital resident doctor. Once again, the chilling details of the case have jolted the country, especially the young population against the rising crime against women.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Hema committee report on sexual abuse of female actors in the Malayalam movie industry has rocked the southern state of Kerala. The disgusting findings in the report, which aims at widespread sexual abuse of women by industry bigwigs, have been increasing pressure on the Kerala government to take action.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hema-committee-report-kerala-forms-police-team-to-probe-sexual-misconduct-in-malayalam-film-industry-753284">Hema Committee report: Kerala forms police team to probe sexual misconduct in Malayalam film industry</a></p>

<p>On Saturday, the LDF government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a team of women IPS officers to probe widespread accusations of sexual abuse that have surfaced in mainstream and social media. The government had to back down from its earlier position that the lack of a specific complaint was holding back prosecution.</p>

<p>Actor Siddique quit as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) following allegations of sexual assault by a young female actor. Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Ranjith submitted his resignation after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of inappropriate behaviour during a project discussion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In another distressing incident of sexual assault on women, a 70-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Kerala’s Alappuzha district during an attempted robbery at her house on Saturday night (Aug 24).

In another distressing incident of sexual assault on women, a 70-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Kerala’s Alappuzha district during an attempted robbery at her house on Saturday night (Aug 24). A 29-year-old man named Dhanesh is alleged to have stolen around seven sovereigns of gold from the elderly woman and was caught while trying to sell the ornaments. The police have arrested the man from Kanakakunnu in connection with Saturday’s incident. According to the police, after the man got to know about the elderly woman living alone in the house, he tried to target her. The 70-year-old victim was raped after the accused threw chilli powder and threw the old lady off balance. Also Read | Delhi doctor slapped, abused, a day after protests end over Kolkata rape-murder case "He left after locking the door from outside. He also took her mobile phone. She was unable to contact others. The neighbours found her this morning and took her to the hospital and informed us," police said. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the law, police said. Further investigation into the case is also underway. This is the second such case of rape that has made headlines after the Kolkata rape-murder case of a government hospital resident doctor. Once again, the chilling details of the case have jolted the country, especially the young population against the rising crime against women. Meanwhile, the Hema committee report on sexual abuse of female actors in the Malayalam movie industry has rocked the southern state of Kerala. The disgusting findings in the report, which aims at widespread sexual abuse of women by industry bigwigs, have been increasing pressure on the Kerala government to take action. Also Read | Hema Committee report: Kerala forms police team to probe sexual misconduct in Malayalam film industry On Saturday, the LDF government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a team of women IPS officers to probe widespread accusations of sexual abuse that have surfaced in mainstream and social media. The government had to back down from its earlier position that the lack of a specific complaint was holding back prosecution. Actor Siddique quit as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) following allegations of sexual assault by a young female actor. Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Ranjith submitted his resignation after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of inappropriate behaviour during a project discussion. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala horror: 70-year-old woman raped during robbery, burglar blinded her with chilly powder

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has demonstrated a strong market presence in Kerala by orchestrating a significant delivery event on the first day of Chingam, the Malayalam New Year. The company handed over 101 cars to customers across various models, showcasing its commitment to the Kerala market and its ability to align with local cultural celebrations.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">In addition to this large-scale delivery, Volkswagen reported receiving 55 bookings for its newly launched Onam Edition cars - the Taigun and Virtus - within just 10 days of their introduction. This rapid uptake suggests a positive reception for these special edition models among Kerala consumers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">The delivery event was not confined to a single location but spread across Kerala, indicating Volkswagen's extensive network and reach within the state. By choosing to conduct this event on a culturally significant day, the company demonstrated its understanding of and respect for local traditions, potentially strengthening its connection with the Kerala market.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">Volkswagen's strategy of introducing special edition models tailored to regional preferences appears to be paying off. The Onam Edition cars, designed to appeal specifically to the Kerala market during the Onam festival season, have garnered considerable interest. This approach of creating region-specific editions is part of Volkswagen's broader strategy to engage more deeply with local markets and traditions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">The Taigun Onam Edition, based on the high-end GT Line variant, offers a range of premium features. These include an all-black interior and exterior, 17-inch 'Cassino' alloy wheels, an 8-inch digital driver display, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, a powered sunroof, ventilated front seats, and automatic climate control. The Virtus Onam Edition, built on the Highline variant, shares most of these features but does not include a sunroof.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">Interestingly, Volkswagen has priced these special editions at the same level as the variants they're based on, potentially increasing their appeal. Both models are powered by a 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and offer the choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">This event and the introduction of the Onam Edition models appear to be part of a concerted effort by Volkswagen to deepen its engagement with the Kerala market during a culturally significant period. By aligning its product offerings and marketing activities with local festivals and preferences, Volkswagen aims to strengthen its brand presence and appeal in the region.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0cm; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto"><span style="text-decoration:none">The success of this approach, as evidenced by the substantial number of deliveries and the quick uptake of bookings for the special edition models, suggests that Volkswagen's strategy of tailoring its offerings to local tastes and traditions is resonating well with consumers in Kerala. This localised approach could serve as a model for the company's engagement in other regional markets across India.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>


Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has demonstrated a strong market presence in Kerala by orchestrating a significant delivery event on the first day of Chingam, the Malayalam New Year.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has demonstrated a strong market presence in Kerala by orchestrating a significant delivery event on the first day of Chingam, the Malayalam New Year. The company handed over 101 cars to customers across various models, showcasing its commitment to the Kerala market and its ability to align with local cultural celebrations. In addition to this large-scale delivery, Volkswagen reported receiving 55 bookings for its newly launched Onam Edition cars - the Taigun and Virtus - within just 10 days of their introduction. This rapid uptake suggests a positive reception for these special edition models among Kerala consumers. The delivery event was not confined to a single location but spread across Kerala, indicating Volkswagen's extensive network and reach within the state. By choosing to conduct this event on a culturally significant day, the company demonstrated its understanding of and respect for local traditions, potentially strengthening its connection with the Kerala market. Volkswagen's strategy of introducing special edition models tailored to regional preferences appears to be paying off. The Onam Edition cars, designed to appeal specifically to the Kerala market during the Onam festival season, have garnered considerable interest. This approach of creating region-specific editions is part of Volkswagen's broader strategy to engage more deeply with local markets and traditions. The Taigun Onam Edition, based on the high-end GT Line variant, offers a range of premium features. These include an all-black interior and exterior, 17-inch 'Cassino' alloy wheels, an 8-inch digital driver display, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, a powered sunroof, ventilated front seats, and automatic climate control. The Virtus Onam Edition, built on the Highline variant, shares most of these features but does not include a sunroof. Interestingly, Volkswagen has priced these special editions at the same level as the variants they're based on, potentially increasing their appeal. Both models are powered by a 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and offer the choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This event and the introduction of the Onam Edition models appear to be part of a concerted effort by Volkswagen to deepen its engagement with the Kerala market during a culturally significant period. By aligning its product offerings and marketing activities with local festivals and preferences, Volkswagen aims to strengthen its brand presence and appeal in the region. The success of this approach, as evidenced by the substantial number of deliveries and the quick uptake of bookings for the special edition models, suggests that Volkswagen's strategy of tailoring its offerings to local tastes and traditions is resonating well with consumers in Kerala. This localised approach could serve as a model for the company's engagement in other regional markets across India.

Volkswagen delivers 101 cars in Kerala on Malayalam New Year

In India's Wayanad, residents gave a heartwarming send-off to the Indian army personnel who were engaged in rescue operations, following the deadly landslides that struck the state Kerala district last month, killing over 350 people. The personnel were accompanied by their canine units.

Wayanad landslide:  Indian army's 10 day rescue operation

<p>People from various walks of life gathered in Kerala's Wayanad district to bid farewell to Indian Army personnel for their heroic efforts in the recent landslide rescue operations. The soldiers, who braved nature's terror&nbsp;to save lives, were met with an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude from the local community and beyond.</p>

<p>The Kochi Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) said in an official statement:&nbsp;"We are deeply grateful to our brave heroes who risked everything during the landslide rescue operations. Your courage and sacrifice won't be forgotten."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kerala’s Wayanad Deadly Landslide: WION's Ground Report</strong></p>

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<p>The rescue mission saw Indian Army soldiers working to save those trapped by the devastating landslides.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, as the Indian Army personnel prepared to leave Wayanad, the soldiers were greeted with emotional farewells, with residents, officials, and well-wishers lining the streets to offer their heartfelt thanks.</p>

<p>In a video shared by the PRO, soldiers are seen being warmly greeted by the people of Wayanad. The Wayanad district administration also organised a special farewell ceremony for the soldiers who played a critical role in the rescue operations.</p>

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<p>With the Indian Army completing a ten-day-long rescue mission, the operation will now be handed over to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Force, and Kerala Police.</p>

<p>Around 500 soldiers from battalions based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Bengaluru are set to return, although the maintenance team for the Bailey Bridge, temporarily constructed by the Army, will remain on-site.</p>

<p>Col Paramvir Singh Nagra, who led the Army's Wayanad mission told ANI: "This was a joint operation carried out under the leadership of Major General Mathew, with the invaluable support of local residents and administration. Volunteers came not just from Wayanad but from all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu to assist us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


People from various walks of life gathered in Kerala's Wayanad district to bid farewell to Indian Army personnel for their heroic efforts in the recent landslide rescue operations.

People from various walks of life gathered in Kerala's Wayanad district to bid farewell to Indian Army personnel for their heroic efforts in the recent landslide rescue operations. The soldiers, who braved nature's terror to save lives, were met with an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude from the local community and beyond. The Kochi Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) said in an official statement: "We are deeply grateful to our brave heroes who risked everything during the landslide rescue operations. Your courage and sacrifice won't be forgotten." Also watch | Kerala’s Wayanad Deadly Landslide: WION's Ground Report × The rescue mission saw Indian Army soldiers working to save those trapped by the devastating landslides. Earlier this week, as the Indian Army personnel prepared to leave Wayanad, the soldiers were greeted with emotional farewells, with residents, officials, and well-wishers lining the streets to offer their heartfelt thanks. In a video shared by the PRO, soldiers are seen being warmly greeted by the people of Wayanad. The Wayanad district administration also organised a special farewell ceremony for the soldiers who played a critical role in the rescue operations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × With the Indian Army completing a ten-day-long rescue mission, the operation will now be handed over to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Force, and Kerala Police. Around 500 soldiers from battalions based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Bengaluru are set to return, although the maintenance team for the Bailey Bridge, temporarily constructed by the Army, will remain on-site. Col Paramvir Singh Nagra, who led the Army's Wayanad mission told ANI: "This was a joint operation carried out under the leadership of Major General Mathew, with the invaluable support of local residents and administration. Volunteers came not just from Wayanad but from all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu to assist us." (With inputs from agencies)

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As rescue and relief operations progressed in landslide-hit Wayanad. Kerala govt courted controversy following a move to discourage the scientific community from visiting the affected region. They were also asked to refrain from sharing their opinions and study reports on the Wayanad landslides with the media.

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The Indian state of Kerala is grappling with full scale devastation. At least 308 people have been killed and over 200 have been reported injured after massive landslides struck the Wayanad district on Tuesday.

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The Indian state of Kerala is grappling with full scale devastation. At least 308 people have been killed and over 200 have been reported injured after massive landslides struck the Wayanad district on tuesday.

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Over 300 people have died and around 200 are still missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad. Watch in for more details!

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