<p>People in the Indian state of Kerala (living in the state as well has overseas) have rallied together to raise money to save a state native sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, a report by the news agency PTI on Friday (Apr 12) said. Abdul Rahim was jailed in Saudi Arabia in 2006 for allegedly killing a specially-abled boy he was taking care of.</p>

<p>Rahim was sentenced to death in 2018 after the boy's family refused to grant amnesty.</p>

<p>The PTI report said that an action committee was formed to release Rahim. Until five days ago, the committee could raise only a meagre amount but as the campaign intensified, help poured in from Keralites&nbsp;across the world.</p>

<p>The committee said that the appeals were rejected by the top courts but later the family agreed to pardon Rahim if he paid the "blood money."</p>

<p>Till now, $4.06 million (Rs 34 crore) has been raised for the man's release. Speaking to reporters, a committee organiser said, "More than 75 organisations in Riyadh, Kerala-based businessman Bobby Chemmannur, various political organisations in the state, and the common people all helped us to raise the money."</p>

<p>The action committee had created a mobile application to ensure transparency in the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chemmanur organised multiple events in the past few days to raise money. He also organised the sale of one of his products and donated the whole amount to the cause, the report added.</p>

<p>Rahim's mother, meanwhile, said that she never thought such an amount could be raised. "I had no hope as we have no means to raise Rs 34 crore. But somehow it was all made possible," she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


People in the Indian state of Kerala (living in the state as well has overseas) have rallied together to raise money to save a state native sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, a report by the news agency PTI on Friday (Apr 12) said.

People in the Indian state of Kerala (living in the state as well has overseas) have rallied together to raise money to save a state native sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, a report by the news agency PTI on Friday (Apr 12) said. Abdul Rahim was jailed in Saudi Arabia in 2006 for allegedly killing a specially-abled boy he was taking care of. Rahim was sentenced to death in 2018 after the boy's family refused to grant amnesty. The PTI report said that an action committee was formed to release Rahim. Until five days ago, the committee could raise only a meagre amount but as the campaign intensified, help poured in from Keralites across the world. The committee said that the appeals were rejected by the top courts but later the family agreed to pardon Rahim if he paid the "blood money." Till now, $4.06 million (Rs 34 crore) has been raised for the man's release. Speaking to reporters, a committee organiser said, "More than 75 organisations in Riyadh, Kerala-based businessman Bobby Chemmannur, various political organisations in the state, and the common people all helped us to raise the money." The action committee had created a mobile application to ensure transparency in the matter. Chemmanur organised multiple events in the past few days to raise money. He also organised the sale of one of his products and donated the whole amount to the cause, the report added. Rahim's mother, meanwhile, said that she never thought such an amount could be raised. "I had no hope as we have no means to raise Rs 34 crore. But somehow it was all made possible," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Keralites raise money to release state native facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia: Report

<p>J S Sidharthan, a second-year veterinary student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode, Wayanad, was reportedly subjected to severe ragging and assault, allegedly by SFI leaders. Sidharthan was found hanging in his hostel bathroom on February 18. The SFI, however, has refuted these allegations.</p>

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the death of J S Sidharthan, whose body was found within the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) campus in Pookode, Wayanad.</p>

<p>According to information provided by Kerala police in the case file transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the veterinary student from Kerala had endured continuous assault for nearly 29 hours from seniors as well as classmates prior to his suicide.</p>

<p>Central government had issued a notification for a CBI investigation into Sidharthan's death. The CBI issued a notification announcing that they are taking over the case following a directive from the Kerala High Court.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-announces-dry-days-for-religious-festivals-and-lok-sabha-polls-see-the-complete-list-708720">Delhi government announces dry days for religious festivals and Lok Sabha polls. See the complete list</a></p>

<p>Upon receiving the notification, the agency re-registered the FIR filed at the Vythiri police station in Waynad against 20 individuals. The accused face charges under various sections of the IPC, including abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, and Kerala’s anti-ragging law.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-congress-vows-to-conduct-wealth-redistribution-survey-if-voted-to-power-708718">Lok Sabha elections: Congress vows to conduct wealth redistribution survey if voted to power</a></p>

<p>Sidharthan’s father, Jayaprakash, has been summoned by the CBI to provide his statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-space-prowess-and-possibilities-isro-chief-dr-s-somanath-708746">India's space prowess and possibilities - ISRO Chief Dr S Somanath</a></strong></p>

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<p>Sub-inspector Prashobh P V of Vythiri police station, in a document pertaining to the case,&nbsp;wrote that&nbsp;Sidharthan was&nbsp;“physically and mentally tortured”.</p>

<p>“…They assaulted Sidharthan on February 16 from 9 am to 2 pm till February 17 continuously with hand and using a belt and subjected him to cruel ragging. This made him in an utter stage of mental stress and feeling that he can neither continue study in the Institute and complete this course nor go home dropping the course. As he is so mentally stressed, he felt that there is no option for him other than suicide, he committed suicide by hanging himself in the bathroom of men’s hostel in between 12.30 pm and 13.45 pm on February 18,” the report had added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


J S Sidharthan, a second-year veterinary student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode, Wayanad, was reportedly subjected to severe ragging and assault, allegedly by SFI leaders.

J S Sidharthan, a second-year veterinary student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Pookode, Wayanad, was reportedly subjected to severe ragging and assault, allegedly by SFI leaders. Sidharthan was found hanging in his hostel bathroom on February 18. The SFI, however, has refuted these allegations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the death of J S Sidharthan, whose body was found within the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) campus in Pookode, Wayanad. According to information provided by Kerala police in the case file transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the veterinary student from Kerala had endured continuous assault for nearly 29 hours from seniors as well as classmates prior to his suicide. Central government had issued a notification for a CBI investigation into Sidharthan's death. The CBI issued a notification announcing that they are taking over the case following a directive from the Kerala High Court. Also Read | Delhi government announces dry days for religious festivals and Lok Sabha polls. See the complete list Upon receiving the notification, the agency re-registered the FIR filed at the Vythiri police station in Waynad against 20 individuals. The accused face charges under various sections of the IPC, including abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, and Kerala’s anti-ragging law. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections: Congress vows to conduct wealth redistribution survey if voted to power Sidharthan’s father, Jayaprakash, has been summoned by the CBI to provide his statement. WATCH | India's space prowess and possibilities - ISRO Chief Dr S Somanath × Sub-inspector Prashobh P V of Vythiri police station, in a document pertaining to the case, wrote that Sidharthan was “physically and mentally tortured”. “…They assaulted Sidharthan on February 16 from 9 am to 2 pm till February 17 continuously with hand and using a belt and subjected him to cruel ragging. This made him in an utter stage of mental stress and feeling that he can neither continue study in the Institute and complete this course nor go home dropping the course. As he is so mentally stressed, he felt that there is no option for him other than suicide, he committed suicide by hanging himself in the bathroom of men’s hostel in between 12.30 pm and 13.45 pm on February 18,” the report had added. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI takes over probe into death of Kerala veterinary student, who endured assault for 29 hours

<p>Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. This is the first time since 2004 when Rahul will not contest from a former Congress stronghold of Amethi in northern India, the constituency he represented for three consecutive terms between 2004 and 2019 when he was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Kerala: Congress party's sitting MP and candidate Rahul Gandhi files his nomination from Wayanad<br />
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His sister and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also present with him.<br />
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CPI has fielded Annie Raja from this seat and BJP has… <a href="https://t.co/NoFpSbcLto">pic.twitter.com/NoFpSbcLto</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1775430935854383169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He kicked off his road to nomination with a massive roadshow in Wayanad ahead of filing his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Accompanying him was his sister and the party's general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2019 Parliamentary elections, Rahul Gandhi secured victory in the Wayanad constituency by an impressive margin of more than 4,00,000 votes. According to the party, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Muppainad, a village within Wayanad, via helicopter and then proceeded by road to Kalpetta.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive crowd gathers for <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> road show in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wayanad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wayanad</a> <a href="https://t.co/UgEi1kZ2dK">pic.twitter.com/UgEi1kZ2dK</a></p>
— archana prasad (@prasadarchana27) <a href="https://twitter.com/prasadarchana27/status/1775409885452120167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>At approximately 11 am, he conducted a roadshow&nbsp;starting from Kalpetta, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das, AICC's National Students' Union in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and acting president of KPCC MM Hassan, as stated by the Congress.</p>

<p>Many party members and supporters turned out to join the procession. The roadshow was to end&nbsp;near the Civil Station around noon, following which Rahul Gandhi was set to present his nomination papers to the District Collector, according to the party.</p>

<p>In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won with 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197. His closest rival, CPI's PP Suneer, received only 2,74,597 votes. This year, voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 26.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and fifth-generation scion of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, filed his nomination for upcoming general elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. This is the first time since 2004 when Rahul will not contest from a former Congress stronghold of Amethi in northern India, the constituency he represented for three consecutive terms between 2004 and 2019 when he was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party's Smriti Irani. #WATCH | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Kerala: Congress party's sitting MP and candidate Rahul Gandhi files his nomination from Wayanad His sister and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also present with him. CPI has fielded Annie Raja from this seat and BJP has… pic.twitter.com/NoFpSbcLto — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024 × He kicked off his road to nomination with a massive roadshow in Wayanad ahead of filing his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Accompanying him was his sister and the party's general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In the 2019 Parliamentary elections, Rahul Gandhi secured victory in the Wayanad constituency by an impressive margin of more than 4,00,000 votes. According to the party, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Muppainad, a village within Wayanad, via helicopter and then proceeded by road to Kalpetta. Watch the video here: Massive crowd gathers for @RahulGandhi road show in #Wayanad pic.twitter.com/UgEi1kZ2dK — archana prasad (@prasadarchana27) April 3, 2024 × At approximately 11 am, he conducted a roadshow starting from Kalpetta, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Das, AICC's National Students' Union in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar, as well as Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and acting president of KPCC MM Hassan, as stated by the Congress. Many party members and supporters turned out to join the procession. The roadshow was to end near the Civil Station around noon, following which Rahul Gandhi was set to present his nomination papers to the District Collector, according to the party. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won with 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197. His closest rival, CPI's PP Suneer, received only 2,74,597 votes. This year, voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from southern India's Wayanad

In the I.N.D.I.A bloc where a key member Pinarayi Vijayan stepped up his criticism of the Congress. Well, the Marxist leader and Kerala chief minister lashed out the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for contesting the Parliamentary election from Wayanad.

India elections 2024: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan hits out at Rahul Gandhi

Supreme Court refused interim relief to the Indian state of Kerala. Kerala wanted to raise additional borrowing of Rs 10,722 crores for the financial year 2023-24. Watch this video for all details.

India's Supreme Court snubs Kerala over financial trouble, refuses interim relief

The SDPI has announced it will be giving support to the Congress led UDF in the state. However V D Satheesan the leader of the opposition in the State Assembly clarified that the UDF has not forged any agreement with the SDPI. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: SDPI announces support for Congress led-UDF bloc in Kerala

The Kerala Kalamandalam has taken a historic decision. The state's premier cultural university has lifted the gender curbs to learn the classical dance form Mohiniyattam. It has decided to admit males as well for Mohiniyattam. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Kerala Kalamandalam lifts gender curbs to learn Mohiniyattam

<p>In a historic move to promote gender neutrality in art forms, a university in India’s southern Kerala state&nbsp;opened admissions for boys to learn Mohiniyattam- a classical dance form generally considered female-oriented.</p>

<p>The groundbreaking decision was taken at the Kalamandalam Deemed University situated in Thrissur city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The committee members at the Kalamandalam administration met Wednesday and passed the decision unanimously to allow boys to study the ancient dance form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vice-Chancellor of the university, B Ananthakrishnan said boys will now be admitted in the dance form from the next academic year at all levels- high school, degree and postgraduation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supriya-shrinate-fails-to-make-it-to-congress-candidates-list-after-kangana-ranaut-controversy-705036">Supriya Shrinate fails to make it to Congress candidates list after Kangana Ranaut controversy</a></p>

<p>The move came after the Ramakrishnan vs Sathyabhama row that started a heated discussion in the state on male dancers performing Mohiniyattam.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ramakrishnan-Sathyabhama row&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ramakrishnan is a former student of Kalamandalam and a dance teacher; he is one of the most graceful dancers of the Mohiniyattam art form. But him being a male dancer in this art form, doesn’t sit well with Sathyabhama, another renowned dancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In one of her interviews given to a YouTube channel, she opined it is annoying to see men performing Mohiniyattam.</p>

<p>On top of it, she also hurled racist slurs at Ramakrishnan, calling him a man with the “colour of a crow”.</p>
<img alt="Ramakrishnan-Sathyabhama" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="756694a8-d0a0-4dd3-9d54-cd57739eef04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-03-28T114403.926.png" />
<p>"The person who performs Mohiniyattam should be 'mohini' (enchanting). He has the colour of a crow. This is an art form that requires a stance that keeps the legs wide apart. There is nothing more repulsive than a man who performs with his legs wide apart in this manner," said Sathyabhama in the interview.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-reacts-to-india-summoning-diplomat-on-arvind-kejriwals-arrest-speaks-about-opps-frozen-accounts-705013">US reacts to India summoning diplomat on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, speaks about Opp's frozen accounts</a></p>

<p>As the video of the interview went viral on social media, Ramakrishnan alleged that Sathyabhama targeted him with racist remarks and also lodged a police complaint against her.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Historic move</strong></h2>

<p>Soon after the hullabaloo over the interview and silence from the university over the row, Kalamandalam hosted Ramakrishnan’s Mohiniyattam recital on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the latest decision by Kalamandalam, Ramakrishnan said, “It is the most welcome news. I am particularly happy that this decision was taken the very next day I was allowed to perform at Kalamandalam, for the first time.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lone-aap-lok-sabha-mp-sushil-rinku-who-protested-against-bjp-for-months-joins-saffron-party-705045">Lone AAP Lok Sabha MP Sushil Rinku, who protested against BJP for months, joins saffron party</a></p>

<p>Ramakrishnan also said that the founder of Kalamandalam, the late Vallathol Narayan Menon, expressed wish&nbsp;in the past to rename Mohiniyattam as "Kairali Nritham", a more gender-neutral term for the dance form to prevent the taboo against males performing it.</p>

<p>As per Reginald Massey, a cultural historian, Mohiniyattam’s history is unclear.</p>

<p>The earliest evidence of the dance form is found in temple structures of Kerala which have female dancers in Mohiniyattam pose.</p>

<p>However, some historians believe that the dance form was also performed by men in the contemporary period.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a historic move to promote gender neutrality in art forms, a university in India’s southern Kerala state opened admissions for boys to learn Mohiniyattam- a classical dance form generally considered female-oriented.

In a historic move to promote gender neutrality in art forms, a university in India’s southern Kerala state opened admissions for boys to learn Mohiniyattam- a classical dance form generally considered female-oriented. The groundbreaking decision was taken at the Kalamandalam Deemed University situated in Thrissur city. The committee members at the Kalamandalam administration met Wednesday and passed the decision unanimously to allow boys to study the ancient dance form. Vice-Chancellor of the university, B Ananthakrishnan said boys will now be admitted in the dance form from the next academic year at all levels- high school, degree and postgraduation. Also Read | Supriya Shrinate fails to make it to Congress candidates list after Kangana Ranaut controversy The move came after the Ramakrishnan vs Sathyabhama row that started a heated discussion in the state on male dancers performing Mohiniyattam. Ramakrishnan-Sathyabhama row Ramakrishnan is a former student of Kalamandalam and a dance teacher; he is one of the most graceful dancers of the Mohiniyattam art form. But him being a male dancer in this art form, doesn’t sit well with Sathyabhama, another renowned dancer. In one of her interviews given to a YouTube channel, she opined it is annoying to see men performing Mohiniyattam. On top of it, she also hurled racist slurs at Ramakrishnan, calling him a man with the “colour of a crow”. "The person who performs Mohiniyattam should be 'mohini' (enchanting). He has the colour of a crow. This is an art form that requires a stance that keeps the legs wide apart. There is nothing more repulsive than a man who performs with his legs wide apart in this manner," said Sathyabhama in the interview. Also Read | US reacts to India summoning diplomat on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, speaks about Opp's frozen accounts As the video of the interview went viral on social media, Ramakrishnan alleged that Sathyabhama targeted him with racist remarks and also lodged a police complaint against her. Historic move Soon after the hullabaloo over the interview and silence from the university over the row, Kalamandalam hosted Ramakrishnan’s Mohiniyattam recital on Tuesday. Responding to the latest decision by Kalamandalam, Ramakrishnan said, “It is the most welcome news. I am particularly happy that this decision was taken the very next day I was allowed to perform at Kalamandalam, for the first time.” Also Read | Lone AAP Lok Sabha MP Sushil Rinku, who protested against BJP for months, joins saffron party Ramakrishnan also said that the founder of Kalamandalam, the late Vallathol Narayan Menon, expressed wish in the past to rename Mohiniyattam as "Kairali Nritham", a more gender-neutral term for the dance form to prevent the taboo against males performing it. As per Reginald Massey, a cultural historian, Mohiniyattam’s history is unclear. The earliest evidence of the dance form is found in temple structures of Kerala which have female dancers in Mohiniyattam pose. However, some historians believe that the dance form was also performed by men in the contemporary period. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohiniyattam, a dance generally seen as feminine, will now be taught to boys also in Kerala university

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena and her IT company over alleged illegal payments. Watch in for more details!

India: ED files money laundering case against Kerala CM's daughter Veena Vijayan

<p>At a time when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal languishes in jail after raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency has now launched a money laundering investigation against the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, her IT company, and several others.</p>

<p>Media reports said that the probe is in connection to the alleged illegal payments of Rs 1.72 crore ($203k) from a private mineral firm - Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL) - to Veena Vijayan's company, Exalogic Solutions.</p>

<p>The alleged payments were reportedly made between 2018 and 2019 even as no services were rendered by the IT company to the private firm.&nbsp;ED reportedly registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and will now issue summons to individuals linked with the case.</p>

<p>This action comes after the agency took note of the investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), a wing of the Union corporate affairs ministry.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/uttarakhand-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-704791">Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates; all you need to know</a></p>

<p>The SFIO is probing into transactions suspected to be illicit gratuities for favours granted by the Kerala government to the mining firm for mineral sand extraction from Alappuzha and Kollam coastal areas.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-mayors-daughter-goes-missing-during-goa-retreat-found-after-2-days-704743">Nepal mayor's daughter goes missing during Goa retreat, found after 2 days</a></p>

<p>In response to the ED's move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) accused the agency of functioning as a tool of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>However, the political party Congress has dismissed it as a mere diversionary tactic to conceal the alleged CPI(M)-BJP alliance in Kerala.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arvind-kejriwal-arrested-delhi-assembly-adjourned-as-aap-mlas-protest-704792">Arvind Kejriwal arrested: Delhi Assembly adjourned as AAP MLAs protest</a></strong></p>

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<p>Congress' V D Satheesan also alleged the involvement of spiritual guide Sri M as a mediator in the purported CPI(M)-BJP and RSS alliance. He suggested that Kerala government leased four acres of land to Sri M. The developments comes political tensions in Kerala have intensified ahead of the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, following a probe ordered by the Centre, SFIO had set up a six-member team to initiate the investigation. In February, a SIFO&nbsp;team raided CMRL corporate office in Aluva.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Registrar of Companies (RoC) in a report had stated that Exalogic neglected to provide the requested documents. Additionally, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) came under scrutiny as the government-owned PSU holds shares in CMRL.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At a time when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal languishes in jail after raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency has now launched a money laundering investigation against the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, her IT company, and several others.

At a time when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal languishes in jail after raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency has now launched a money laundering investigation against the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, her IT company, and several others. Media reports said that the probe is in connection to the alleged illegal payments of Rs 1.72 crore ($203k) from a private mineral firm - Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL) - to Veena Vijayan's company, Exalogic Solutions. The alleged payments were reportedly made between 2018 and 2019 even as no services were rendered by the IT company to the private firm. ED reportedly registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and will now issue summons to individuals linked with the case. This action comes after the agency took note of the investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), a wing of the Union corporate affairs ministry. Also Read | Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates; all you need to know The SFIO is probing into transactions suspected to be illicit gratuities for favours granted by the Kerala government to the mining firm for mineral sand extraction from Alappuzha and Kollam coastal areas. Also Read | Nepal mayor's daughter goes missing during Goa retreat, found after 2 days In response to the ED's move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) accused the agency of functioning as a tool of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the political party Congress has dismissed it as a mere diversionary tactic to conceal the alleged CPI(M)-BJP alliance in Kerala. Watch | Arvind Kejriwal arrested: Delhi Assembly adjourned as AAP MLAs protest × Congress' V D Satheesan also alleged the involvement of spiritual guide Sri M as a mediator in the purported CPI(M)-BJP and RSS alliance. He suggested that Kerala government leased four acres of land to Sri M. The developments comes political tensions in Kerala have intensified ahead of the general elections. Earlier, following a probe ordered by the Centre, SFIO had set up a six-member team to initiate the investigation. In February, a SIFO team raided CMRL corporate office in Aluva. The Registrar of Companies (RoC) in a report had stated that Exalogic neglected to provide the requested documents. Additionally, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) came under scrutiny as the government-owned PSU holds shares in CMRL. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala CM’s daughter, her IT firm under ED radar as agency launches money laundering probe

India: ED files money laundering case against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena

<p>In an unusual move, the Kerala government has petitioned the Supreme Court against President Droupadi Murmu withholding assent to four bills passed by the state assembly.</p>

<p>The plea, filed through advocate CK Sasi, said the matter relates to the acts of the Kerala governor in reserving seven bills, which he was required to deal with himself, to the President. Not one of the seven bills had anything to do with Centre-state relations.</p>

<p>The state government said these bills had been pending with the governor for as long as about two years and his action "subverted" the functioning of the state legislature, rendering its very existence "ineffective and otiose".</p>

<p>"The bills include public interest bills which are for the public good, and even these have been rendered ineffective by the Governor not dealing with each one of them “as soon as possible” as required by the proviso to Article 200," the plea said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-ed-custody-of-k-kavitha-till-march-26-in-excise-pmla-case-703534">Delhi court extends ED custody of K Kavitha till March 26 in excise PMLA case</a></p>

<p>The state government said that on February 23 and 29, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed it that the president has withheld assent to four of the seven bills–University Laws (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021, the Kerala Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and the University Laws (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2022.</p>

<p>The petition urged the court to declare as unconstitutional the president not granting assent to these bills without assigning a reason.</p>

<p>The Constitution is silent on how much time the president can take in granting assent to a bill passed by a state legislature and referred to the Rashtrapati Bhavan for presidential consideration or for denying consent.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-and-all-you-need-to-know-703540">Bihar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats and all you need to know</a></p>

<p>The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has made the Union government, the Secretary to the President of India, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and his additional secretary the parties to the case.</p>

<p>Article 361 of the Constitution says the president, or the governor of a state shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his office or for any act done or purporting to be done by him in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties.</p>

<p>Besides several other reliefs, the state government has urged the court to declare as "illegal" Governor Arif Mohammed Khan reserving a total of seven bills, including these four, for the consideration of the president.</p>

<p>"The conduct of the Governor in keeping Bills pending for long and indefinite periods of time, and thereafter reserving the Bills for the consideration of the President without any reasons relatable to the Constitution is manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution," the plea said.</p>

<p>Equally, it added, the aid and advice tendered by the Union of India to the president to withhold assent to the four bills, which are wholly within the domain of the state, while disclosing no reason whatsoever, is also manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-hands-over-35-somali-pirates-to-mumbai-police-703526">Indian Navy hands over 35 Somali pirates to Mumbai police</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Additionally, the actions impugned defeat the rights of the people of the State of Kerala under Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution, by denying them the benefits of welfare legislation enacted by the State Assembly," it said.</p>

<p>The plea said not dealing with the bills presented for assent for periods as long as 24 months, or seven months to sixteen months, the governor has rendered ineffective and otiose the functioning of a limb of the State under the Constitution, the legislative assembly. "The very existence of the legislative assembly of the State has been rendered meaningless by the Governor, though the Governor is a part of the Legislative Assembly," it said.</p>

<p>The actions of the governor are clearly lacking in bona fides and in good faith, it said. "The actions of the Governor subvert the delicate balance envisaged by the Constitution between the three organs of State, by rendering the functioning of the elected executive, which has drafted and introduced the Bills, and then the State legislature, which has passed the Bills, wholly ineffective and otiose. The actions of the Governor also subvert the federal structure of the Constitution, by reserving for the President (acting on the aid and advice of the Union Cabinet) Bills which are wholly within the domain of the State under the Constitution," it said.</p>

<p>The plea said the governor has often been addressing the media and making public criticism of the state government and the chief minister in particular.</p>

<p>"Whether the reservation for the President is as a result of this (criticism) or not, to refer Bills which have been pending before the Governor for as long as two years to the President is a grave injustice to the post that the Governor holds and to his constitutional duties as well. One can only say that at no cost was the Governor prepared to allow the Government of Kerala and the State legislative assembly to function in accordance with the Constitution and the laws," it added.</p>

<p>The state government said the governor carried out what was his constitutional duty only after it had approached the top court last year by granting assent to one bill, while referring the rest of the seven bills to the president on November 28, 2023.</p>

<p>It said, the president has thereafter withheld assent to four of these bills.</p>

<p>"The actions of the Union Government, in advising the President of India to withhold assent to Bills which had been passed by the state legislative assembly as long as 11-24 months back, and which were wholly within the domain of the state government, subverts and disrupts the federal structure of the Constitution of India, and is a grave encroachment into the domain entrusted to the state under the Constitution," it said.</p>

<p>While the Constitution is silent about when the president should give or deny assent to a bill, Article 200 says: When a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, has been passed by both Houses of the Legislature of the State, it shall be presented to the Governor and the Governor shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President.</p>

<p>"Provided that the Governor may, as soon as possible after the presentation to him of the Bill for assent, return the Bill if it is not a Money Bill together with a message requesting that the House or Houses will reconsider the Bill or any specified provisions thereof and, in particular, will consider the desirability of introducing any such amendments as he may recommend in his message and, when a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider the Bill accordingly, and if the Bill is passed again by the House or Houses with or without amendment and presented to the Governor for assent, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom," it says.</p>

<p>"Provided further that the Governor shall not assent to, but shall reserve for the consideration of the President, any Bill which in the opinion of the Governor would, if it became law, so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger the position which that Court is by this Constitution designed to fill," it adds.</p>

<p>The apex court had in December 2023 questioned the delay on the part of Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi in disposing of the bills submitted for his assent since January 2020, asking why should state governors wait for parties to move the top court with their grievances.</p>

<p>Like Kerala governor Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Ravi has had frequent run-ins with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In an unusual move, the Kerala government has petitioned the Supreme Court against President Droupadi Murmu withholding assent to four bills passed by the state assembly.

In an unusual move, the Kerala government has petitioned the Supreme Court against President Droupadi Murmu withholding assent to four bills passed by the state assembly. The plea, filed through advocate CK Sasi, said the matter relates to the acts of the Kerala governor in reserving seven bills, which he was required to deal with himself, to the President. Not one of the seven bills had anything to do with Centre-state relations. The state government said these bills had been pending with the governor for as long as about two years and his action "subverted" the functioning of the state legislature, rendering its very existence "ineffective and otiose". "The bills include public interest bills which are for the public good, and even these have been rendered ineffective by the Governor not dealing with each one of them “as soon as possible” as required by the proviso to Article 200," the plea said. Also Read | Delhi court extends ED custody of K Kavitha till March 26 in excise PMLA case The state government said that on February 23 and 29, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed it that the president has withheld assent to four of the seven bills–University Laws (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021, the Kerala Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and the University Laws (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2022. The petition urged the court to declare as unconstitutional the president not granting assent to these bills without assigning a reason. The Constitution is silent on how much time the president can take in granting assent to a bill passed by a state legislature and referred to the Rashtrapati Bhavan for presidential consideration or for denying consent. Also Read | Bihar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats and all you need to know The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has made the Union government, the Secretary to the President of India, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and his additional secretary the parties to the case. Article 361 of the Constitution says the president, or the governor of a state shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his office or for any act done or purporting to be done by him in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties. Besides several other reliefs, the state government has urged the court to declare as "illegal" Governor Arif Mohammed Khan reserving a total of seven bills, including these four, for the consideration of the president. "The conduct of the Governor in keeping Bills pending for long and indefinite periods of time, and thereafter reserving the Bills for the consideration of the President without any reasons relatable to the Constitution is manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution," the plea said. Equally, it added, the aid and advice tendered by the Union of India to the president to withhold assent to the four bills, which are wholly within the domain of the state, while disclosing no reason whatsoever, is also manifestly arbitrary and violates Article 14. Watch | Indian Navy hands over 35 Somali pirates to Mumbai police × "Additionally, the actions impugned defeat the rights of the people of the State of Kerala under Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution, by denying them the benefits of welfare legislation enacted by the State Assembly," it said. The plea said not dealing with the bills presented for assent for periods as long as 24 months, or seven months to sixteen months, the governor has rendered ineffective and otiose the functioning of a limb of the State under the Constitution, the legislative assembly. "The very existence of the legislative assembly of the State has been rendered meaningless by the Governor, though the Governor is a part of the Legislative Assembly," it said. The actions of the governor are clearly lacking in bona fides and in good faith, it said. "The actions of the Governor subvert the delicate balance envisaged by the Constitution between the three organs of State, by rendering the functioning of the elected executive, which has drafted and introduced the Bills, and then the State legislature, which has passed the Bills, wholly ineffective and otiose. The actions of the Governor also subvert the federal structure of the Constitution, by reserving for the President (acting on the aid and advice of the Union Cabinet) Bills which are wholly within the domain of the State under the Constitution," it said. The plea said the governor has often been addressing the media and making public criticism of the state government and the chief minister in particular. "Whether the reservation for the President is as a result of this (criticism) or not, to refer Bills which have been pending before the Governor for as long as two years to the President is a grave injustice to the post that the Governor holds and to his constitutional duties as well. One can only say that at no cost was the Governor prepared to allow the Government of Kerala and the State legislative assembly to function in accordance with the Constitution and the laws," it added. The state government said the governor carried out what was his constitutional duty only after it had approached the top court last year by granting assent to one bill, while referring the rest of the seven bills to the president on November 28, 2023. It said, the president has thereafter withheld assent to four of these bills. "The actions of the Union Government, in advising the President of India to withhold assent to Bills which had been passed by the state legislative assembly as long as 11-24 months back, and which were wholly within the domain of the state government, subverts and disrupts the federal structure of the Constitution of India, and is a grave encroachment into the domain entrusted to the state under the Constitution," it said. While the Constitution is silent about when the president should give or deny assent to a bill, Article 200 says: When a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, has been passed by both Houses of the Legislature of the State, it shall be presented to the Governor and the Governor shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President. "Provided that the Governor may, as soon as possible after the presentation to him of the Bill for assent, return the Bill if it is not a Money Bill together with a message requesting that the House or Houses will reconsider the Bill or any specified provisions thereof and, in particular, will consider the desirability of introducing any such amendments as he may recommend in his message and, when a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider the Bill accordingly, and if the Bill is passed again by the House or Houses with or without amendment and presented to the Governor for assent, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom," it says. "Provided further that the Governor shall not assent to, but shall reserve for the consideration of the President, any Bill which in the opinion of the Governor would, if it became law, so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger the position which that Court is by this Constitution designed to fill," it adds. The apex court had in December 2023 questioned the delay on the part of Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi in disposing of the bills submitted for his assent since January 2020, asking why should state governors wait for parties to move the top court with their grievances. Like Kerala governor Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Ravi has had frequent run-ins with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

India: Kerala goes to Supreme Court against president withholding assent to bills

<p>In Kerala, where nearly 30 per cent of the land is forested, human-wildlife conflicts are commonplace. A&nbsp;recent episode unfolded during the Arattupuzha Pooram festival in Thrissur district, where an elephant, part of the festival's rituals at Mandarakadavu, attacked another elephant on Thursday (Mar 21).</p>

<p>A viral video captured the chaos, showing a decorated elephant charging and hitting another as spectators panicked. Reports also mention another elephant behaving aggressively. Two people&nbsp;were injured while fleeing, and several vehicles were damaged.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An elephant brought for the arat ritual at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mandarakadavu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mandarakadavu</a> attacked a fellow elephant. The incident happened in Thrissur, Kerala.<br />
Credit: X <a href="https://t.co/q02LgcLOP8">pic.twitter.com/q02LgcLOP8</a></p>
— Sanat Singh (@sanat_design) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanat_design/status/1771435507773267974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Cultural significance of Arattupuzha Pooram</strong></h2>

<p>Arattupuzha Pooram, celebrated at the Sree Sastha Temple in Thrissur, holds immense cultural importance as Kerala's oldest pooram festival. Spanning seven days annually, it is revered as a sacred gathering of deities.</p>

<p>Despite its modest size, Kerala faces challenges with human settlements encroaching upon forested areas. Rapid urbanisation and agricultural expansion further blur the lines between humans and wildlife.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elephant-charges-at-safari-truck-lifting-it-off-the-ground-watch-703235">Also read |&nbsp;Elephant charges at safari truck, lifting it off the ground: WATCH</a></p>

<h2><strong>Escalation of conflicts</strong></h2>

<p>Recent years have seen a spike in incidents where human lives are endangered due to encounters with wild animals. Recognising the gravity of these situations, the Kerala cabinet designated human-animal conflicts as a state-specific disaster.</p>

<p>In a similar situation of human-elephant confrontation, during a recent safari expedition in South Africa's Pilanesberg Game Reserve, the safari guide found himself in a harrowing confrontation with an enraged elephant. The incident took place at the Rathlogo Bird Hide within the reserve, where tourists are allowed to disembark from their vehicles and explore the area under specific guidelines.</p>

<p>As the guests were taking a break, the safari guide noticed an elephant bull approaching their location. One of the tourists captured footage of the encounter, which later spread on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Plastic's devastating impact on wildlife</strong></p>

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<p>While elephants generally avoid confrontations with humans or vehicles when given adequate space, their behaviour can become unpredictable, particularly when they enter a heightened hormonal state known as musth, marked by increased aggression.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In Kerala, where nearly 30 per cent of the land is forested, human-wildlife conflicts are commonplace. A recent episode unfolded during the Arattupuzha Pooram festival in Thrissur district, where an elephant, part of the festival's rituals at Mandarakadavu, attacked another elephant on Thursday (Mar 21).

In Kerala, where nearly 30 per cent of the land is forested, human-wildlife conflicts are commonplace. A recent episode unfolded during the Arattupuzha Pooram festival in Thrissur district, where an elephant, part of the festival's rituals at Mandarakadavu, attacked another elephant on Thursday (Mar 21). A viral video captured the chaos, showing a decorated elephant charging and hitting another as spectators panicked. Reports also mention another elephant behaving aggressively. Two people were injured while fleeing, and several vehicles were damaged. Watch the video here: An elephant brought for the arat ritual at #Mandarakadavu attacked a fellow elephant. The incident happened in Thrissur, Kerala. Credit: X pic.twitter.com/q02LgcLOP8 — Sanat Singh (@sanat_design) March 23, 2024 × Cultural significance of Arattupuzha Pooram Arattupuzha Pooram, celebrated at the Sree Sastha Temple in Thrissur, holds immense cultural importance as Kerala's oldest pooram festival. Spanning seven days annually, it is revered as a sacred gathering of deities. Despite its modest size, Kerala faces challenges with human settlements encroaching upon forested areas. Rapid urbanisation and agricultural expansion further blur the lines between humans and wildlife. Also read | Elephant charges at safari truck, lifting it off the ground: WATCH Escalation of conflicts Recent years have seen a spike in incidents where human lives are endangered due to encounters with wild animals. Recognising the gravity of these situations, the Kerala cabinet designated human-animal conflicts as a state-specific disaster. In a similar situation of human-elephant confrontation, during a recent safari expedition in South Africa's Pilanesberg Game Reserve, the safari guide found himself in a harrowing confrontation with an enraged elephant. The incident took place at the Rathlogo Bird Hide within the reserve, where tourists are allowed to disembark from their vehicles and explore the area under specific guidelines. As the guests were taking a break, the safari guide noticed an elephant bull approaching their location. One of the tourists captured footage of the encounter, which later spread on social media. Also watch | Plastic's devastating impact on wildlife While elephants generally avoid confrontations with humans or vehicles when given adequate space, their behaviour can become unpredictable, particularly when they enter a heightened hormonal state known as musth, marked by increased aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Fully decorated Kerala temple elephant goes berserk upon spotting another tusker

The electoral battle for each of the 129 seats in the regionwill be closely watched in this video. We will tell you about the key constituencies where the contest is particularly.

India elections 2024: Key contests in Kerala: Will BJP open its Lok Sabha seat tally in Kerala

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<p>An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.</p>

<p>The footballer, identified as Dairrassouba Hassane Junior, alleged in the police complaint that the incident took place on March 10 in Areekode, a village in the district where he had arrived to play in a Sevens Football tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sevens Football is a renowned sporting event in the state where matches are held in packed local stadiums, usually between November and May. Junior was representing Jawahar Mavoor club and the tournament was organised by a local association called Town Team Chemrakkattur.</p>

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<p>Junior said the attack started when he went to the corner flag to take the kick while his team was leading in the match.</p>

<p>“Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag for taking the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey. One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head," said Junior in the complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/fifa-chief-calls-for-automatic-forfeit-of-games-for-teams-whose-fans-get-involved-in-racism-during-games-682122" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games</strong></a></p>

<p>A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Junor being assaulted by the mob. According to reports, if it wasn't for the intervention of a few players who took Junior to safety, the consequences could have been severe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ said Junior in the complaint.</p>

<p>Notably, such incidents of violence are extremely common in the amateur football landscape of Kerala. Last year, a football tournament in the state's Kozhikode district turned ugly after a massive brawl erupted between players of the two teams over a foul.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The footballer, identified as Dairrassouba Hassane Junior, alleged in the police complaint that the incident took place on March 10 in Areekode, a village in the district where he had arrived to play in a Sevens Football tournament. Sevens Football is a renowned sporting event in the state where matches are held in packed local stadiums, usually between November and May. Junior was representing Jawahar Mavoor club and the tournament was organised by a local association called Town Team Chemrakkattur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Football News India (@football_news_india) × Junior said the attack started when he went to the corner flag to take the kick while his team was leading in the match. “Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag for taking the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey. One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head," said Junior in the complaint. "When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.” Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Junor being assaulted by the mob. According to reports, if it wasn't for the intervention of a few players who took Junior to safety, the consequences could have been severe. "They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ said Junior in the complaint. Notably, such incidents of violence are extremely common in the amateur football landscape of Kerala. Last year, a football tournament in the state's Kozhikode district turned ugly after a massive brawl erupted between players of the two teams over a foul. (With inputs from agencies)

African footballer allegedly racially abused and beaten by mob in India - Video

The increasing human animal conflict it's emerged as a major election talking point at least nine lives have been lost in Idukki & Wayanad districts in the last 3 months. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: How is human-animal conflict affecting political landscape in Kerala?

More and more females are traveling overseas from India's Southern State of Kerala. A survey on youth student migration from Kerala says that this Indian state has the maximum number of female passport holders in line with the visible shift in the migration pattern. Watch to know more!

India: Kerala tops India's female passport issue chart

<p>Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days. The governor has also written to the state high court to conduct a judicial probe into the matter.</p>

<p>J S Sidharthan was allegedly tortured by the students after he reportedly danced with senior women students on Valentine’s Day. So far, 11 people have been arrested by police, including four leaders of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the state’s ruling Communist Party (Marxist).</p>

<h2><strong>Governor blasts VC</strong></h2>

<p>In his suspension order, Governor Khan stated that the VC was not acting with “desired sincerity” in the&nbsp;matter.</p>

<p>He alleged affairs in the university are not being attended by the VC with the “desired sincerity, gravity and promptness” as mandated in the acts/statutes of the university and other relevant regulations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures</strong></p>

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<p>“The indifferent, negligent and callous attitude of the VC towards his duties and responsibilities especially against the background of the unfortunate incident is revealed from his report. There was gross dereliction of duty on the part of the VC during the period that led to the unfortunate incident,” the suspension order further read.</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala’s left government in tight spot</strong></h2>

<p>The governor’s action in the J S Sidharthan suicide case has put the state’s Left Front government in a tight spot, whose student wing stands in the dock.</p>

<p>This comes ahead of the crucial general elections. The CPM is in a fix as it can neither oppose nor condemn Khan for his actions as it would be seen as&nbsp;government’s tacit support for the alleged murderers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj6wKfOzdeEAxVns1YBHaLjDzYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-karnataka-congress-govt-for-compensating-kerala-man-killed-by-elephant-692013" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-karnataka-congress-govt-for-compensating-kerala-man-killed-by-elephant-692013&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6wKfOzdeEAxVns1YBHaLjDzYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">BJP-Congress politics in Karnataka, Kerala over man reportedly killed by elephant. Here's what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the boy’s father Jayaprakash has accused the ruling side of protecting the accused students.</p>

<p>The governor earlier visited the boy’s family in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (Mar 1) and assured them of action against the culprits.</p>

<p>“I never knew the governor had such powers,” said Jayaprakash on the suspension of the VC by Khan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days.

Arif Mohammed Khan, the governor of Kerala state, suspended the vice-chancellor (V-C) of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday (Mar 2). Dr M R Saseendranath was suspended after a student in the college reportedly died by suicide after he was allegedly tortured by senior students on campus for two days. The governor has also written to the state high court to conduct a judicial probe into the matter. J S Sidharthan was allegedly tortured by the students after he reportedly danced with senior women students on Valentine’s Day. So far, 11 people have been arrested by police, including four leaders of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the state’s ruling Communist Party (Marxist). Governor blasts VC In his suspension order, Governor Khan stated that the VC was not acting with “desired sincerity” in the matter. He alleged affairs in the university are not being attended by the VC with the “desired sincerity, gravity and promptness” as mandated in the acts/statutes of the university and other relevant regulations. Watch: India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures × “The indifferent, negligent and callous attitude of the VC towards his duties and responsibilities especially against the background of the unfortunate incident is revealed from his report. There was gross dereliction of duty on the part of the VC during the period that led to the unfortunate incident,” the suspension order further read. Kerala’s left government in tight spot The governor’s action in the J S Sidharthan suicide case has put the state’s Left Front government in a tight spot, whose student wing stands in the dock. This comes ahead of the crucial general elections. The CPM is in a fix as it can neither oppose nor condemn Khan for his actions as it would be seen as government’s tacit support for the alleged murderers. Also read: BJP-Congress politics in Karnataka, Kerala over man reportedly killed by elephant. Here's what happened Meanwhile, the boy’s father Jayaprakash has accused the ruling side of protecting the accused students. The governor earlier visited the boy’s family in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (Mar 1) and assured them of action against the culprits. “I never knew the governor had such powers,” said Jayaprakash on the suspension of the VC by Khan. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala Gov Arif Mohammed Khan suspends VC in student suicide case, puts ruling CPM in spot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Isro's second spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekaranpattinam, facilitating more efficient rocket launches, on February 28, said Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.

PM Modi to inaugurate new spaceport in Tamil Nadu on Feb 28

India: PM Modi to inaugurate Isro's second spaceport in Tamil Nadu on Feb 28

Inspired by the idea of using AI in education, the KTCT Higher Secondary School, an educational endeavour of Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust, in collaboration with MakerLabs Edutech Private Limited, introduced Iris, Kerala's first AI teacher. Watch in for more details!

India: Kerala introduces its first humanoid robot teacher

In the Indian state of Kerala, an unconventional development has tranformed the classroom experience for students. Now, imagine having a teacher who could effortlesly explain everything under the sun. Watch the video to know more.

India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures

India's election dates are expected to be announced shortly, some say as early as next week. All parties are gearing up for the big contest while the ruling party - Bhartiya Jan Party - is confident of securing a third straight term.

Will Congress leader Rahul Gandhi contest from Wayanad, Kerala?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27). Among these facilities is the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which marks a milestone in the country's aerospace capabilities. Additionally,&nbsp;PM&nbsp;Modi is revealed the names of four test pilots selected for India's first human spaceflight mission, 'Gaganyaan,' during his visit.</p>

<p>Modi will inaugurate the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at the Isro propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. These facilities represent significant advancements in India's space technology and infrastructure.</p>

<p>The VSSC, serving as the lead centre of ISRO, is responsible for spearheading the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The inauguration of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC underscores India's commitment to advancing aerospace research and development.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-finance-minister-initiates-monthly-rbi-meetings-with-fintech-firms-to-foster-regulatory-compliance-694262">Also read |&nbsp;India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Trisonic wind tunnel: Advancing aerospace research</strong></h2>

<p>The Trisonic Wind Tunnel is a critical asset for evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics and refining the designs of rockets and aircraft. With a test section size of 1.2 metres, it can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, reaching up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0), as confirmed by ISRO sources.</p>

<p>The Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at Mahendragiri is a world-class facility designed to handle large flows of propellants. Standing at a towering height of 51 metres with a flame deflector depth of 30 metres, it signifies India's strides in propellant technology.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: Azad Yousaf Kumar's family alleges he was forcibly recruited in Russia during Ukraine war</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-azad-yousaf-kumars-family-alleges-he-was-forcibly-recruited-in-russia-during-ukraine-war-694227/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The PSLV Integration Facility at Sriharikota is instrumental in increasing the launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP). With essential systems like the Integration Building, Service Building, Rail Track, and associated infrastructure, it is poised to bolster India's space launch capabilities.</p>

<p>In addition to the official programmes, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the conclusion ceremony of the 'padayatra' organised by the BJP's state unit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27). Among these facilities is the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which marks a milestone in the country's aerospace capabilities. Additionally, PM Modi is revealed the names of four test pilots selected for India's first human spaceflight mission, 'Gaganyaan,' during his visit. Modi will inaugurate the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at the Isro propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. These facilities represent significant advancements in India's space technology and infrastructure. The VSSC, serving as the lead centre of ISRO, is responsible for spearheading the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The inauguration of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC underscores India's commitment to advancing aerospace research and development. Also read | India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance Trisonic wind tunnel: Advancing aerospace research The Trisonic Wind Tunnel is a critical asset for evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics and refining the designs of rockets and aircraft. With a test section size of 1.2 metres, it can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, reaching up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0), as confirmed by ISRO sources. The Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at Mahendragiri is a world-class facility designed to handle large flows of propellants. Standing at a towering height of 51 metres with a flame deflector depth of 30 metres, it signifies India's strides in propellant technology. Also watch | India: Azad Yousaf Kumar's family alleges he was forcibly recruited in Russia during Ukraine war The PSLV Integration Facility at Sriharikota is instrumental in increasing the launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP). With essential systems like the Integration Building, Service Building, Rail Track, and associated infrastructure, it is poised to bolster India's space launch capabilities. In addition to the official programmes, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the conclusion ceremony of the 'padayatra' organised by the BJP's state unit. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi's Kerala visit: Indian PM to inaugurate three major ISRO facilities

The Indian state of Kerala has begun intense patrolling and is banking on hundreds of cameras after two people died in attacks by elephants in the last 3 weeks. In recent times at least four districts across Kerala have been witnessing a spike in man-animal conflicts that have led to loss of life.

Karnataka government faces heat at home for relief to Kerala's elephant victim

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district. Notably, Wayanad in Kerala is the home constituency of MP Rahul Gandhi, the de-facto leader of Congress.</p>

<p>BJP's Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra on Monday (Feb 19) claimed that the Karnataka government was misusing taxpayers' money "to curry favour" with the former party president.</p>

<p>"Illegally allocating state fund of ₹ 15 lakh to a deceased individual from Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad constituency, falsely blaming an elephant from Karnataka, is an appalling betrayal," Vijayendra, a legislator from Shikaripura, said on social media.</p>

<p>He also said that while the state was struggling from crippling drought, leading many farmers to commit suicide, the government is busy plundering every last rupee of the state's coffers.</p>

<h2><strong>How the controversy erupted?</strong></h2>

<p>It all started when an elephant killed Ajeesh Joseph Panachiyil on February 10 in Wayanad. The elephant, however, originally belonged to Karnataka before being captured in November 2023 and translocated to the Bandipur Forest area.</p>

<p>The elephant later made its way into Wayanad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: No change in developmental cooperation with Maldives | India-Maldives tensions</strong></p>

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<p>The death of Ajeesh Joseph triggered tensions between residents of Pulpally and state forest authorities.</p>

<h2><strong>Visit of Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>Sensing the tensions, the Wayanad MP broke away from his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ (United India Justice March) and visited the family of the deceased on February 17.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi later called upon the Karnataka government to compensate the family of Ajeesh Joseph since the elephant was radio-collared in Karnataka.</p>

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<p>“Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi called up the minister and spoke to him and said that on humanitarian grounds compensation should be paid to the family of the victim since an elephant radio-collared in Karnataka is involved in the incident. He requested payment of compensation on humanitarian grounds. An amount of Rs 15 lakh has been allocated,” officials in the Karnataka Forest Ministry were quoted as saying by Indian Express.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district. Notably, Wayanad in Kerala is the home constituency of MP Rahul Gandhi, the de-facto leader of Congress. BJP's Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra on Monday (Feb 19) claimed that the Karnataka government was misusing taxpayers' money "to curry favour" with the former party president. "Illegally allocating state fund of ₹ 15 lakh to a deceased individual from Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad constituency, falsely blaming an elephant from Karnataka, is an appalling betrayal," Vijayendra, a legislator from Shikaripura, said on social media. He also said that while the state was struggling from crippling drought, leading many farmers to commit suicide, the government is busy plundering every last rupee of the state's coffers. How the controversy erupted? It all started when an elephant killed Ajeesh Joseph Panachiyil on February 10 in Wayanad. The elephant, however, originally belonged to Karnataka before being captured in November 2023 and translocated to the Bandipur Forest area. The elephant later made its way into Wayanad. Watch: India: No change in developmental cooperation with Maldives | India-Maldives tensions × The death of Ajeesh Joseph triggered tensions between residents of Pulpally and state forest authorities. Visit of Rahul Gandhi Sensing the tensions, the Wayanad MP broke away from his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ (United India Justice March) and visited the family of the deceased on February 17. Rahul Gandhi later called upon the Karnataka government to compensate the family of Ajeesh Joseph since the elephant was radio-collared in Karnataka. Also read: Indian PM seeks to boost growth during Jammu visit through projects worth billions “Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi called up the minister and spoke to him and said that on humanitarian grounds compensation should be paid to the family of the victim since an elephant radio-collared in Karnataka is involved in the incident. He requested payment of compensation on humanitarian grounds. An amount of Rs 15 lakh has been allocated,” officials in the Karnataka Forest Ministry were quoted as saying by Indian Express. (With inputs from agencies)

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