<p>Union Minister for Social Justice Thawar Chand Gehlot on Wednesday said West Bengal has the highest number of beggars and vagrants in India, according to news agency ANI.</p>

<p>The country in total has over four lakh beggars, with the highest 81,000 beggars in West Bengal, while Lakshadweep merely has two vagrants.</p>

<p>At least 4,13,670 beggars reside in India, which consists of 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females, the report further said.</p>

<p>Gehlot in a written reply to Lok Sabha quoted a 2011 census and mentioned that Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh stood at second and third positions, with 65,835 and 30,218 beggars respectively.</p>

<p>The union territories have the least number of beggars.</p>

<p>As per the government report, there are only two beggars in Lakshadweep, while Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and the Andaman and Nicobar islands have 19, 22 and 56 vagrants respectively.</p>

<p>Amongst the UT&#39;s New Delhi and Chandigarh have the largest numbers of beggars. In the national capital, there are 2,187 beggars and whereas the city beautiful homes 121.</p>


Lakshadweep has the lowest number of panhandlers — only 2

Union Minister for Social Justice Thawar Chand Gehlot on Wednesday said West Bengal has the highest number of beggars and vagrants in India, according to news agency ANI. The country in total has over four lakh beggars, with the highest 81,000 beggars in West Bengal, while Lakshadweep merely has two vagrants. At least 4,13,670 beggars reside in India, which consists of 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females, the report further said. Gehlot in a written reply to Lok Sabha quoted a 2011 census and mentioned that Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh stood at second and third positions, with 65,835 and 30,218 beggars respectively. The union territories have the least number of beggars. As per the government report, there are only two beggars in Lakshadweep, while Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and the Andaman and Nicobar islands have 19, 22 and 56 vagrants respectively. Amongst the UT's New Delhi and Chandigarh have the largest numbers of beggars. In the national capital, there are 2,187 beggars and whereas the city beautiful homes 121.

Over 4 lakh beggars in India, West Bengal tops chart with 81,000

<p>A Maersk container ship, with 27 crew members on board including 13 Indians, caught fire in the Arabian Sea near the Lakshadweep Islands last night, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While 23 crew members have been rescued, four have been reported to be missing, one of whom was an Indian. The Indian Navy has launched a rescue mission from Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu using Boeing P8 with a Search &amp; Rescue kit&nbsp;(SAR kit) to find the&nbsp;missing crew members.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maersk Container Ship with 27 crew members on-board caught fire following an explosion at sea at 340 nautical miles from Agatti in Lakshwadeep Islands; 23 rescued, search operation for 4 missing members underway by Indian Coast Guard &amp; Maritime Rescue Coordination Center <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/1SaqhV52nT">pic.twitter.com/1SaqhV52nT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971250196100386816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Casualties are feared in the disaster that struck on the high seas around 9.45 pm&nbsp;on Tuesday. The cause of the incident which occurred off the south-west coast of India, is not yet known, the official said.</p>

<p>The captain is also an Indian and the remaining crew are Philipino, British, Romanian and Thai.&nbsp;The crew had abandoned the ship as fire spread beyond their control.</p>

<p>The 330-metre-long Maersk Honam, which was en route to Suez from Singapore, caught fire last night with flames from the main deck of the ship rising up to its bridge (a height of about 25 metres), it said in a statement. The vessel reported an explosion and fire on board and requested immediate assistance.</p>

<p>The ship was at a distance of 570 km (340 nautical miles) from Agatti in the Lakshwadeep Islands. The Coast Guard has pressed into action its assets for the rescue operation, it said. &ldquo;The ship had 27 crew members on board, of whom four are missing. Out of the 27 crew members, 13 are Indians including the captain of the ship,&rdquo; the ICG said.</p>

<p>After getting information about the mishap, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai immediately alerted all the merchant ships near the location through the satellite-based communication network, the International Safety Net (ISN), ICG said.</p>

<p>The ICGS Shoor, patrolling near Lakshadweep Islands was diverted to assist the distressed vessel. ICGS Shoor is an Offshore patrol vessel with specialised fire fighting equipment on board.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The search operations are on and the Coast Guard assets have been pressed into action,&rdquo; said Inspector General K R Nautiyal, the commander of the Coast Guard West region. &ldquo;It is our priority to save and rescue the four missing crew and also continue our efforts to salvage the vessel with the assistance of specialised vessels, which are being arranged,&rdquo; he added.</p>


The Indian Navy has launched a rescue mission from Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu using Boeing P8 with a Search & Rescue kit (SAR kit) to find the missing crew members

A Maersk container ship, with 27 crew members on board including 13 Indians, caught fire in the Arabian Sea near the Lakshadweep Islands last night, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said today. While 23 crew members have been rescued, four have been reported to be missing, one of whom was an Indian. The Indian Navy has launched a rescue mission from Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu using Boeing P8 with a Search & Rescue kit (SAR kit) to find the missing crew members. Maersk Container Ship with 27 crew members on-board caught fire following an explosion at sea at 340 nautical miles from Agatti in Lakshwadeep Islands; 23 rescued, search operation for 4 missing members underway by Indian Coast Guard & Maritime Rescue Coordination Center #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/1SaqhV52nT — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2018 × Casualties are feared in the disaster that struck on the high seas around 9.45 pm on Tuesday. The cause of the incident which occurred off the south-west coast of India, is not yet known, the official said. The captain is also an Indian and the remaining crew are Philipino, British, Romanian and Thai. The crew had abandoned the ship as fire spread beyond their control. The 330-metre-long Maersk Honam, which was en route to Suez from Singapore, caught fire last night with flames from the main deck of the ship rising up to its bridge (a height of about 25 metres), it said in a statement. The vessel reported an explosion and fire on board and requested immediate assistance. The ship was at a distance of 570 km (340 nautical miles) from Agatti in the Lakshwadeep Islands. The Coast Guard has pressed into action its assets for the rescue operation, it said. “The ship had 27 crew members on board, of whom four are missing. Out of the 27 crew members, 13 are Indians including the captain of the ship,” the ICG said. After getting information about the mishap, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai immediately alerted all the merchant ships near the location through the satellite-based communication network, the International Safety Net (ISN), ICG said. The ICGS Shoor, patrolling near Lakshadweep Islands was diverted to assist the distressed vessel. ICGS Shoor is an Offshore patrol vessel with specialised fire fighting equipment on board. “The search operations are on and the Coast Guard assets have been pressed into action,” said Inspector General K R Nautiyal, the commander of the Coast Guard West region. “It is our priority to save and rescue the four missing crew and also continue our efforts to salvage the vessel with the assistance of specialised vessels, which are being arranged,” he added.

Maersk ship catches fire near Lakshadweep, 4 missing

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


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

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

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at Lakshadweep to chair a review meeting on the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lakshadweep: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a review meeting on the aftermath of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/gIVfqrJ2bg">pic.twitter.com/gIVfqrJ2bg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942981818080411648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi arrived at Mangalore late last night and travelled to Lakshadweep early morning today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mangalore (Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Lakshadweep to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> affected areas <a href="https://t.co/EKwdVHrn3I">pic.twitter.com/EKwdVHrn3I</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942947731537932288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi will be visiting Cyclone-hit Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and review the situation arising in the aftermath and the status of relief and rehabilitation operations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earlier today, youngsters of Lakshadweep extended a warm welcome to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/bVcVDcOU75">pic.twitter.com/bVcVDcOU75</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/942992129625808896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modi will be visiting Cyclone-hit Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and review the situation arising in the aftermath and the status of relief and rehabilitation operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at Lakshadweep to chair a review meeting on the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi. Lakshadweep: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a review meeting on the aftermath of #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/gIVfqrJ2bg — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi arrived at Mangalore late last night and travelled to Lakshadweep early morning today. Mangalore (Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Lakshadweep to visit #CycloneOckhi affected areas pic.twitter.com/EKwdVHrn3I — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × Modi will be visiting Cyclone-hit Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and review the situation arising in the aftermath and the status of relief and rehabilitation operations. Earlier today, youngsters of Lakshadweep extended a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/bVcVDcOU75 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 19, 2017 ×

Watch: Modi chairs review meeting at Cyclone-hit Lakshadweep

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


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

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

30 died due to Cyclone Ockhi : Report

<p>A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas.</p>

<p>Heavy winds hit the island&rsquo;s southern, western and south-central areas.</p>

<p>&ldquo;At the moment, there are reports of seven deaths, five missing, and more than 20,000 affected,&rdquo; said Pradeep Kodippili, spokesman for the state-run Disaster Management Centre.</p>

<p>The government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas on Thursday.</p>

<p>Floods and landslides killed more than 200 people each year in Sri Lanka. Flash floods and landslides in May killed at least 122 people.</p>

<p>The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s south is usually from May to September.</p>


A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas.

A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas. Heavy winds hit the island’s southern, western and south-central areas. “At the moment, there are reports of seven deaths, five missing, and more than 20,000 affected,” said Pradeep Kodippili, spokesman for the state-run Disaster Management Centre. The government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas on Thursday. Floods and landslides killed more than 200 people each year in Sri Lanka. Flash floods and landslides in May killed at least 122 people. The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka’s south is usually from May to September.

Watch: Tropical storm hits Sri Lanka, at least 7 dead

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradeshs-siang-river-turns-black-flows-as-the-blackened-brahmaputra-in-assam-25522">Watch: Locals enraged as Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh turns black</a></p>

<p><br />
Arunachal Pradesh was recently in the headlines when Siang river in Pasighat was reported to have turned black. WION has gathered that Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the east Constituency has already written to PM Modi seeking his intervention on the issue.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-ockhi-approaches-lakshadweep-south-india-on-alert-580">Cyclone Ockhi approaches Lakshadweep, south India on alert</a></p>

<p>A depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone on Thursday. The Indian weather department has warned cyclone Ockhi is approaching Lakshadeep. There have reports of heavy rainfall in most of the isolated places of south Tamil Nadu &amp; south Kerala, which will likely to continue for the next 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/london-mayor-asks-trump-to-delete-far-right-retweets-and-apologise-to-british-people-25527">London Mayor asks Trump to delete far-right retweets and </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/london-mayor-asks-trump-to-delete-far-right-retweets-and-apologise-to-british-people-25527">apologise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/london-mayor-asks-trump-to-delete-far-right-retweets-and-apologise-to-british-people-25527"> to British people</a></p>

<p>London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday accused the United States president Donald Trump of using Twitter to promote a &#39;&#39;vile and extremist group&#39;&#39; after latter retweeted three inflammatory videos posted online by a British far-right group. &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-the-questions-a-parliamentary-panel-is-expected-to-ask-bhansali-prasoon-joshi-today-25509">Padmavati row: The questions a Parliamentary panel is expected to ask Bhansali, Prasoon Joshi today</a></p>

<p>Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi are expected to meet a Parliamentary panel today. There have been strong protests against Bhansali&#39;s movie Padmavati, which Rajput and Hindu groups say disrespects Rajput history.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-im-lashkars-biggest-supporter-they-like-me-too-25405">I am Lashkar&#39;s biggest supporter, I know they like me: Pervez Musharraf</a></p>

<p><br />
Pervez Musharraf has said that he is banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba&#39;s (LeT) &quot;biggest supporter&quot; and that he is aware that they &quot;like&quot; him too. In an interview with Pakistan&#39;s ARY News, Musharraf said that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Watch: Locals enraged as Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh turns black Arunachal Pradesh was recently in the headlines when Siang river in Pasighat was reported to have turned black. WION has gathered that Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the east Constituency has already written to PM Modi seeking his intervention on the issue. Cyclone Ockhi approaches Lakshadweep, south India on alert A depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone on Thursday. The Indian weather department has warned cyclone Ockhi is approaching Lakshadeep. There have reports of heavy rainfall in most of the isolated places of south Tamil Nadu & south Kerala, which will likely to continue for the next 24 hours. London Mayor asks Trump to delete far-right retweets and apologise to British people London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday accused the United States president Donald Trump of using Twitter to promote a ''vile and extremist group'' after latter retweeted three inflammatory videos posted online by a British far-right group. Padmavati row: The questions a Parliamentary panel is expected to ask Bhansali, Prasoon Joshi today Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi are expected to meet a Parliamentary panel today. There have been strong protests against Bhansali's movie Padmavati, which Rajput and Hindu groups say disrespects Rajput history. I am Lashkar's biggest supporter, I know they like me: Pervez Musharraf Pervez Musharraf has said that he is banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) "biggest supporter" and that he is aware that they "like" him too. In an interview with Pakistan's ARY News, Musharraf said that he is similarly appreciative of LeT co-founder and the man thought to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Hafiz Saeed.

WION Evening News Brief

<p dir="ltr">&quot;I knew Maldivians will be receiving us with a warm welcome, But it was beyond expectation, It was just unbelievable,&quot; said Ibrahim Manikufaanu, the leader of a group of 26 people from the India&rsquo;s Minicoy Island, locally known as Maliku, in the union territory of Lakshadweep. The island is just off India&rsquo;s southern state of Kerala.<br />
<br />
&quot;It felt like I was on my own island, surely we do belong to one bloodline,&quot; he told WION.<br />
<br />
India&rsquo;s Maliku is like a long lost cousin of Maldives, and actually was officially a part of Maldives centuries ago.<br />
<br />
This was the first time in decades a group of Maliku people visited Maldives. The trip was arranged by a non governmental organisation (NGO) called Ihavandhoo Masveringde Gulhun (IMAGU) from Ihavandhoo, an island of a northern atoll in Maldives. The trip celebrated the NGO&rsquo;s 20th anniversary.<br />
<br />
IMAGU&rsquo;s president Adnaan Mohamed told WION that they decided to invite the people of Maliku because it&rsquo;s a dream for Maldivians to meet Malikuns.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;People from other Atolls and Islands came to Ihavandhoo just to meet these people from Maliku,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The Malikuns were in Maldives for a week to celebrate Eid Al Adha with Maldivians. The special visitors made the holidays extra festive.<br />
<br />
<strong>Historic ties and separation&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Minicoy is an Indian island, but is situated closer to Maldives than to any part of India. Minicoy was the northernmost atoll of the kingdom of Maldives before the mid 16th century. Since then, Maliku has fallen under Indian administrations.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
India held a plebiscite in Minicoy in 1956 to determine whether or not its people wished to join the Indian Union. The majority decided to join, and Maliku was incorporated into the Union Territory of Laccadive, renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A 1970 Pakistan Times article alleged that Maldivian government officials harboured great resentment against India for not returning Minicoy Island, &quot;taken over&quot; long ago by an Indian Maharaja. Muslim inhabitants of the island were clamouring to join Maldives.<br />
<br />
Even the recent media reports says Islamabad supports Minicoy Island as being part of the Maldives, and rejected India&rsquo;s territorial claim. But both India and the Maldives seems to ignore these media reports from Pakistan press.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In December 1976, India and Maldives signed a maritime boundary treaty under, which Minicoy was placed on the Indian side of the boundary.<br />
<br />
However, in a public speech on Maldivian independence day, 1982, the Minister of Atolls Abdulla Hameed, also the half-brother of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, claimed that Minicoy was a part of Maldives.<br />
<br />
This ambiguous statement was interpreted as an official claim over the island, and caused a minor diplomatic crisis between India and Maldives.<br />
<br />
President Gayoom had to clarify that Maldives did not intend to make a political claim over the island, and Hameed&#39;s speech only meant to highlight the linguistic, cultural, and religious ties between Maldives and Minicoy.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In 2015, at the official function celebrating the 50th anniversary of Maldives&rsquo; independence, President Yamin Abdul Gayoom described losing Maliku as one of the dark experiences in Maldives&rsquo; history.<br />
<br />
&quot;The long history of the Maldives shows that Maliku or Minicoy was once part of the Maldives,&quot; he said. Whereas roughly the same comment ignited a diplomatic row in the 80s, this time absolutely nothing happened.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ethnographic Similarities</strong><br />
<br />
The culture of Minicoy Island is very different from the other Indian islands of Lakshadweep. Even today, it is believed that the language, religion, ethnicity and culture of Maliku people closely resembles that of Maldives.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Ashraf Ali, the president of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy of Maldives (an institution that protects, promotes and develops Dhivehi language), told WION that the Maldivian people are proud that their language and way of life is connected to a culturally rich country like India.<br />
<br />
&quot;The language they use, Mahal bas, is just a dialect of Dhivehi Bas (a Maldivian language). Their culture, eating habits, language are very similar to Maldivians,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Ali said Indian institutions devoted to preserving Mahal Bas and Maldives provide language trainings to Manicoys.<br />
<br />
IMAGU President Mohamed said his Maldivian hosts and their Indian guests have noticed the similarities between the two during the recent trip.&nbsp;&quot;Maldivians have this bond with the people of Maliku. We did not feel like they are from some other country. Other than Maldivians they are the only people who have Maldivian language as their mother tongue.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Ibrahim Manikufaanu, who is devoted to maintaining the culture, traditions and language of Minicoy Island, said Minicoy will always resemble Maldives. &quot;Maldivian customs and traditions are still very visible in Maliku. We are from one origin, one bloodline&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Connectivity</strong><br />
<br />
Though the nearest island to India&rsquo;s Minicoy is the Maldivian island of Thuraanuku, the Indian government has forbidden the direct travel between the two islands since 1956, despite their geographic proximity and ethnographic similarities. A special permit from the Indian government is still needed to enter Minicoy.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;It was not easy to travel between Maliku and Maldives. We were not allowed to travel directly. We rarely meet Maldivians,&quot; Manikufaanu said.<br />
Difficulty visiting Maldives did not stop Minicoys from giving up Maldivian customs and traditions. Maldivian media connected Minicoys to Maldives ever since they started getting the radio signal of the Voice of Maldives, the Maldives&rsquo; state broadcaster&rsquo;s station. Manikufaanu says that over the years, Maldivian media played a huge role in Minicoy to keep Maldives alive in their heart.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;Now Maliku people have access to public service broadcaster, as well as some private broadcasters, and they read the online news websites of Maldives&quot; he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
To make it easier to travel between Maliku and Maldives, two months ago a travel agency called Under Water Travel and Tours introduced a tour package which connects the two islands. &quot;We need a passport copy of the passenger, we get the permits from the authorities. We arrange everything,&quot; said director of Under Water Travel and Tours, Mohamed Imthiyaaz, to WION.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Before 1956, people of Minicoy and people from Maldives&rsquo; northern atolls used to travel often across the islands. Even today, both<br />
Maldivians and Malikun wish to travel directly between the islands. But since 1956, the journey of few hours has become long; it takes 12 hours to reach Cochin city of the Indian state of Kerela in a ferry, and it&rsquo;s around a two hour flight to reach Ibrahim Nasir International Airport of Maldives &mdash;&nbsp;from there it will take more hours to reach the northern atolls, depending on the travel arrangements. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
However Imthiyaaz said they are trying to make direct travel possible from Maldives to Maliku in a near future.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are negotiating with both Maldivian and Indian government. We are hoping this happens soon,&quot; he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
This is surely long-awaited good news for both Maldivians and Minocoys.<br />
Hopefully soon the cultural cousins won&rsquo;t need to wait for Eid to be together again. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
(WION)</p>


India?s Maliku is like a long lost cousin of Maldives and actually was officially a part of Maldives centuries ago

"I knew Maldivians will be receiving us with a warm welcome, But it was beyond expectation, It was just unbelievable," said Ibrahim Manikufaanu, the leader of a group of 26 people from the India’s Minicoy Island, locally known as Maliku, in the union territory of Lakshadweep. The island is just off India’s southern state of Kerala. "It felt like I was on my own island, surely we do belong to one bloodline," he told WION. India’s Maliku is like a long lost cousin of Maldives, and actually was officially a part of Maldives centuries ago. This was the first time in decades a group of Maliku people visited Maldives. The trip was arranged by a non governmental organisation (NGO) called Ihavandhoo Masveringde Gulhun (IMAGU) from Ihavandhoo, an island of a northern atoll in Maldives. The trip celebrated the NGO’s 20th anniversary. IMAGU’s president Adnaan Mohamed told WION that they decided to invite the people of Maliku because it’s a dream for Maldivians to meet Malikuns. "People from other Atolls and Islands came to Ihavandhoo just to meet these people from Maliku," he said. The Malikuns were in Maldives for a week to celebrate Eid Al Adha with Maldivians. The special visitors made the holidays extra festive. Historic ties and separation Minicoy is an Indian island, but is situated closer to Maldives than to any part of India. Minicoy was the northernmost atoll of the kingdom of Maldives before the mid 16th century. Since then, Maliku has fallen under Indian administrations. India held a plebiscite in Minicoy in 1956 to determine whether or not its people wished to join the Indian Union. The majority decided to join, and Maliku was incorporated into the Union Territory of Laccadive, renamed Lakshadweep in 1973. A 1970 Pakistan Times article alleged that Maldivian government officials harboured great resentment against India for not returning Minicoy Island, "taken over" long ago by an Indian Maharaja. Muslim inhabitants of the island were clamouring to join Maldives. Even the recent media reports says Islamabad supports Minicoy Island as being part of the Maldives, and rejected India’s territorial claim. But both India and the Maldives seems to ignore these media reports from Pakistan press. In December 1976, India and Maldives signed a maritime boundary treaty under, which Minicoy was placed on the Indian side of the boundary. However, in a public speech on Maldivian independence day, 1982, the Minister of Atolls Abdulla Hameed, also the half-brother of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, claimed that Minicoy was a part of Maldives. This ambiguous statement was interpreted as an official claim over the island, and caused a minor diplomatic crisis between India and Maldives. President Gayoom had to clarify that Maldives did not intend to make a political claim over the island, and Hameed's speech only meant to highlight the linguistic, cultural, and religious ties between Maldives and Minicoy. In 2015, at the official function celebrating the 50th anniversary of Maldives’ independence, President Yamin Abdul Gayoom described losing Maliku as one of the dark experiences in Maldives’ history. "The long history of the Maldives shows that Maliku or Minicoy was once part of the Maldives," he said. Whereas roughly the same comment ignited a diplomatic row in the 80s, this time absolutely nothing happened. Ethnographic Similarities The culture of Minicoy Island is very different from the other Indian islands of Lakshadweep. Even today, it is believed that the language, religion, ethnicity and culture of Maliku people closely resembles that of Maldives. Ashraf Ali, the president of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy of Maldives (an institution that protects, promotes and develops Dhivehi language), told WION that the Maldivian people are proud that their language and way of life is connected to a culturally rich country like India. "The language they use, Mahal bas, is just a dialect of Dhivehi Bas (a Maldivian language). Their culture, eating habits, language are very similar to Maldivians," he said. Ali said Indian institutions devoted to preserving Mahal Bas and Maldives provide language trainings to Manicoys. IMAGU President Mohamed said his Maldivian hosts and their Indian guests have noticed the similarities between the two during the recent trip. "Maldivians have this bond with the people of Maliku. We did not feel like they are from some other country. Other than Maldivians they are the only people who have Maldivian language as their mother tongue." Ibrahim Manikufaanu, who is devoted to maintaining the culture, traditions and language of Minicoy Island, said Minicoy will always resemble Maldives. "Maldivian customs and traditions are still very visible in Maliku. We are from one origin, one bloodline" he said. Connectivity Though the nearest island to India’s Minicoy is the Maldivian island of Thuraanuku, the Indian government has forbidden the direct travel between the two islands since 1956, despite their geographic proximity and ethnographic similarities. A special permit from the Indian government is still needed to enter Minicoy. "It was not easy to travel between Maliku and Maldives. We were not allowed to travel directly. We rarely meet Maldivians," Manikufaanu said. Difficulty visiting Maldives did not stop Minicoys from giving up Maldivian customs and traditions. Maldivian media connected Minicoys to Maldives ever since they started getting the radio signal of the Voice of Maldives, the Maldives’ state broadcaster’s station. Manikufaanu says that over the years, Maldivian media played a huge role in Minicoy to keep Maldives alive in their heart. "Now Maliku people have access to public service broadcaster, as well as some private broadcasters, and they read the online news websites of Maldives" he said. To make it easier to travel between Maliku and Maldives, two months ago a travel agency called Under Water Travel and Tours introduced a tour package which connects the two islands. "We need a passport copy of the passenger, we get the permits from the authorities. We arrange everything," said director of Under Water Travel and Tours, Mohamed Imthiyaaz, to WION. Before 1956, people of Minicoy and people from Maldives’ northern atolls used to travel often across the islands. Even today, both Maldivians and Malikun wish to travel directly between the islands. But since 1956, the journey of few hours has become long; it takes 12 hours to reach Cochin city of the Indian state of Kerela in a ferry, and it’s around a two hour flight to reach Ibrahim Nasir International Airport of Maldives — from there it will take more hours to reach the northern atolls, depending on the travel arrangements. However Imthiyaaz said they are trying to make direct travel possible from Maldives to Maliku in a near future. "We are negotiating with both Maldivian and Indian government. We are hoping this happens soon," he said. This is surely long-awaited good news for both Maldivians and Minocoys. Hopefully soon the cultural cousins won’t need to wait for Eid to be together again. (WION)

Maldivians and Indians reunite to celebrate joint heritage

lakshadweep

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