Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Situated in the northernmost part of <keyword id="28504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="Orion">Kerala</keyword>, India, lies the picturesque district of <keyword id="6364104" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kasargod" source="Orion">Kasargod</keyword>. Often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Kasargod quietly preserves its natural beauty, rich heritage, and cultural diversity. From serene beaches to historic forts, and lush hills to tranquil backwaters, Kasargod offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveller. Let's go on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Weather Around the Year in Kasargod" comment="subhead" text="Weather Around the Year in Kasargod">Weather Around the Year in Kasargod</cmsannotation> Kasargod enjoys a tropical climate year-round, characterised by hot and humid weather. The region experiences three distinct seasons: Summer (March to May): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The weather can be sultry, especially during April and May. Monsoon (June to September): Kasargod receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which rejuvenates its lush greenery. The southwest monsoon brings significant precipitation, making this period ideal for experiencing the region's natural beauty in full bloom. Winter (October to February): Winter is the most pleasant time to visit Kasargod, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rich Cultural Heritage" comment="subhead" text="Rich Cultural Heritage">Rich Cultural Heritage</cmsannotation> Kasargod is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by its proximity to Karnataka and the coastal heritage of Kerala. The region is renowned for its Theyyam performances, a traditional ritual art form unique to Northern Kerala. Theyyam, with its vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and rhythmic music, provides a fascinating insight into the local folklore and religious customs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bekal Fort" comment="subhead" text="Bekal Fort"><keyword id="21507523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bekal-Fort" source="keywords">Bekal Fort</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Bekal Fort" msid="110031734" hostid="261" sizebytes="73130" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bekal fort is the largest fort in Kerala and one of the most popular travel destinations.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>One of the most iconic landmarks of Kasargod is the majestic Bekal Fort, situated along the Arabian Sea coast. This centuries-old fort, with its towering walls, secret tunnels, and observation towers, offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. A visit to Bekal Fort is a journey through time, where history whispers tales of conquests, trade, and cultural exchanges. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Serene Beaches" comment="subhead" text="Serene Beaches">Serene Beaches</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Beaches" msid="110031790" hostid="261" sizebytes="83356" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt; children play football in the sandy beach of Bekal in Kasargod.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Kasargod boasts a coastline dotted with pristine beaches, offering solitude and tranquillity away from the bustling crowds. <keyword id="14328440" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bekal-beach" source="Orion">Bekal Beach</keyword>, with its golden sands and swaying palm trees, is a popular spot for sunset strolls and water sports enthusiasts. Other hidden gems include Kappil Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, and Pallikere Beach, where you can unwind nature's splendour. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Scenic Backwaters" comment="subhead" text="Scenic Backwaters">Scenic Backwaters</cmsannotation> The backwaters of Kasargod offer a serene escape into nature's embrace. The tranquil network of rivers, lagoons, and canals meandering through lush greenery creates a picturesque setting for houseboat cruises. Glide along the tranquil waters of Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba Backwaters, witnessing the simple joys of village life and marvelling at the breathtaking landscapes. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Wildlife Sanctuaries" comment="subhead" text="Wildlife Sanctuaries">Wildlife Sanctuaries</cmsannotation> For nature enthusiasts, Kasargod is home to several wildlife sanctuaries teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, Located in the Western Ghats, is a haven for trekkers and birdwatchers. Explore the dense forests and grasslands of this sanctuary, and you may encounter species like elephants, deer, and various avian wonders. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Unforgettable Cuisine" comment="subhead" text="Unforgettable Cuisine">Unforgettable Cuisine</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Food" msid="110031820" hostid="261" sizebytes="173076" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;South Indian cuisine: Dosa, Idli, Medu vada&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>No visit to Kasargod is complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Influenced by Malabar, Mangalorean, and Tuluva traditions, the local fare tantalises the taste buds with its rich flavours and aromatic spices. From sumptuous seafood delicacies to mouthwatering vegetarian dishes like Puttu and Kadala curry, Kasargod promises a culinary journey like no other. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Offbeat Experiences" comment="subhead" text="Offbeat Experiences">Offbeat Experiences</cmsannotation> Beyond its popular attractions, Kasargod offers a plethora of offbeat experiences for intrepid travellers. Explore the quaint villages of Nileshwar and Kanhangad, where time seems to stand still in rustic charm and hospitality. Engage in traditional activities like coir making, pottery, and weaving, and immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of Kerala. Kasargod is a <keyword id="8708883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hidden-gem" source="Orion">hidden gem</keyword> waiting to be discovered by discerning travellers seeking authenticity and tranquillity. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kasargod offers a truly immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. So, pack your bags and take on a journey to unravel the secrets of this enchanting destination, where every moment is a memory to cherish forever. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best time to visit Kasargod? The best time to visit Kasargod is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions such as beaches, forts, and backwaters. 2. How do I reach Kasargod? Kasargod is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 60 kilometres away. Kasargod also has its own railway station with regular trains connecting it to major cities like Kochi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. State-run and private buses ply between Kasargod and neighbouring cities and towns. 3. What are the must-visit attractions in Kasargod? Some of the must-visit attractions in Kasargod include Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandragiri Fort, and Ananthapura Lake Temple. Each of these places offers a unique experience, blending history, nature, and spirituality. 4. Is Kasargod safe for solo travellers and families? Kasargod is generally considered safe for solo travellers and families. The local population is known for its hospitality and friendliness towards tourists. However, as with any destination, it's advisable to take standard precautions regarding personal safety and belongings. 5. What are the local delicacies to try in Kasargod? Kasargod offers a delectable array of culinary delights influenced by Malabar, Mangalorean, and Tuluva cuisines. Some must-try dishes include seafood specialties like Meen Curry (fish curry), and Karimeen Pollichathu (spicy fish preparation), as well as vegetarian dishes like Puttu and Kadala Curry, Pathiri, and Ney Pathal. Don't miss out on savouring the authentic flavours of Kasargod during your visit.

Discovering Kasargod: Kerala's hidden paradise

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 20 (): "Kerala is more safe"were the parting words of an Italian tourist who testedpositive for COVID-19 and was discharged on Monday from ahospital here after after making a full recovery.Roberto Tonizzo, in his forties, tested positive on March13 while on a visit to nearby Varkala. The results came out negative on March 26 and was underquarantine at the General Hospital here."I am so happy. I thank everybody, all doctors and otherstaff. Once everything is over, I would like to come back. Kerala is like my home. It's more safe here. Now I have togo back to my country, but I will come back," Tonizzo toldmedia.The state government arranged a vehicle for him to go toBangalurufrom where he will travel to Italy with otherItalian nationals later.Earlier, on April 9, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hadsaid that seven nationals fromthe United Kingdom and anItalian national hadrecovered and cured of COVID-19.The seven people, admitted in the Ernakulam medicalcollege, were part of the group which had on March 15 tried toleave the country without permission while being underobservation at Munnar, a hill station in the state. RRTAPRRAVINDRANATH RRTAPRRAVINDRANATH

"Kerala is more safe," says Italian tourist cured of COVID-19

<keyword id="11101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="britain" source="Orion">Britain</keyword>'s prime ministerial candidate <keyword id="221875" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rishi-sunak" source="Orion">Rishi Sunak</keyword> has insisted that he would rather lose the <keyword id="107792" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="conservative-party" source="Orion">Conservative Party</keyword> leadership race to replace <keyword id="6380867" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="boris-johnson" source="Orion">Boris Johnson</keyword> than win on a false promise on how he plans to tackle the economic crisis. In an interview with the <keyword id="60684" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bbc" source="Orion">BBC</keyword>, the British Indian former Chancellor said he was committed to helping the most vulnerable families with the cost-of-living crisis and felt a "moral responsibility to go further" and provide "extra help" over the winter. The issue has become the key dividing line between him and his rival, Foreign Secretary <keyword id="2420812" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="liz-truss" source="Orion">Liz Truss</keyword>, who has pledged tax cuts which the former finance minister insists will benefit wealthier households rather than those who need it most. I would rather lose than win on a false promise, Sunak, 42, said. "What I'm determined to do is help people across this country through what will be a very difficult winter. My first preference is always not to take money off people in the first place," he said. As the candidates continue to be grilled by Conservative Party members who will be voting in the election in hustings up and down the UK, the issue of soaring inflation and prices has dominated the agenda. "People can judge me on my record, reiterated Sunak in his BBC interview on Wednesday night, referring to his work as Chancellor through the COVID lockdown. "People can judge me on their record - when bills were going up by around 1,200 pounds earlier this year, I made sure the most vulnerable received around 1,200 pounds," he pointed out. Sunak also promised to "go further" than what he has already announced if elected Prime Minister. I know millions of people are worried about inflation, particularly the cost of their energy bills. What I've said if I'm Prime Minister I will go further in supporting those families who most need support because the situation is worse than when I announced those measures earlier this year," he said. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/flood-hit-kerala-villages-to-launch-digi-lockers-to-keep-their-valuables-safe/articleshow/93491650.cms">Flood-hit Kerala villages to launch digi-lockers to keep their valuables safe</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/up-hospitals-to-now-have-dedicated-wards-for-transgenders/articleshow/93491517.cms">UP hospitals to now have dedicated wards for transgenders</a>

Rishi Sunak says he would rather lose than win on a false promise

Is it just us or does it feel like we are all starring in Stranger Things and living in ‘the Upside Down’? We sure are living in stranger times and dealing with unpredictable plot twists almost every other day. <div type="image" title="Stranger Things" msid="93786051" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stranger Things&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> On August 24, 2022, India reported 10,649 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-logs-in-8586-new-covid-infections-active-cases-decline/articleshow/93723223.cms">new </a>cases of the novel <keyword id="1754604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus" source="Orion">coronavirus</keyword>. <div type="image" title="COVID-19 new case additions and deaths" msid="93786058" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;COVID-19 new case additions and deaths&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While the once-novel disease keeps coming back in waves, it isn’t the only one that the country is battling today. New <keyword id="25927" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diseases" source="Orion">diseases</keyword> such as <keyword id="7616951" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="monkeypox" source="Orion">monkeypox</keyword> and <keyword id="13885432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tomato-Flu" source="Orion">tomato flu</keyword> are also plaguing the whole world. Tomato flu: Symptoms and precaution <div type="image" title="Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with Tomato flu" msid="93786076" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with Tomato flu&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> A new infection named Tomato flu has been reported from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Odisha. It is now determined to be a clinical variant of the hand-foot-mouth disease, caused by a group of enteroviruses or viruses transmitted through the intestine. Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with the disease. As per Lancet Respiratory Medicine, tomato flu could also ‘be a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged 1–5 years and immunocompromised adults.’ The infection results in tomato-shaped blisters on the body and causes skin irritation, dehydration, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea, discolouration of hands, knees and buttocks, vomiting, and fatigue. While it is yet to be ascertained if it affects only children, the Union Health Ministry has issued a set of guidelines on how to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/tomato-flu-outbreak-in-keralatamilnadu-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-infection/articleshow/91496289.cms">protect </a>children from the infection and its treatment course. In children with these symptoms, the advisory said, ‘molecular and serological tests are done for diagnosis of dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes; once these viral infections are ruled out, a diagnosis of tomato flu is considered’. If you develop some of these symptoms, the first and foremost thing to do is consult a doctor immediately. The guidelines also state that if children develop symptoms, they should be isolated. Their belongings such as utensils, clothing and bedding must be regularly sanitised. Children should also stay hydrated, and the blisters caused by the infection must be cleaned with warm water. The infected person must avoid scratching the rashes or blisters. With the schools reopening, one must proceed with caution and not panic because the situation is not alarming yet. Monkeypox: Origin and symptoms <div type="image" title="Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease" msid="93786087" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> First discovered in 1958 in the colonies of monkeys kept for research, monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. The first human case of monkeypox was reported from Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. Monkeypox virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana. Monkeypox starts with an unexplained acute rash. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, body aches and profound weakness. As of August 24, there were 9 active cases of monkeypox in India, with 4 in Delhi and 5 in Kerala. If infected, patients are advised to isolate to prevent further transmission, while the authorities have been advised to provide optimal clinical care, identify and manage contacts, protect frontline health workers, take effective control and preventive measures based on the identified routes of transmission. Swine flu <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296723">Swine flu is not a new</a> outbreak, it had first appeared in 2015 and Rajasthan and Gujarat were among the worst-hit states. Around 218 people had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296723">succumbed </a>to the flu back in 2015. With the current weather, cases of swine flu or H1N1 flu and monsoon-related diseases are on the rise again in Maharashtra. In July, a total of 6 deaths were reported from Mumbai – 2 deaths// each// were caused by dengue and swine flu and 1 death each due to malaria and leptospirosis. During the same period, Mumbai reported 35 swine flu cases. Zika virus <div type="image" title="Zika virus" msid="93786113" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Zika virus &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In July, cases of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296702">Zika virus were silently</a> spreading across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi. Zika virus spreads mostly through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, headache, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and rash. Experts recommend that the only way to curb the spread is to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296702">control breeding of mosquitoes</a>, which commonly happens in stagnant water. As the world grapples with new variants of Covid-19, tomato flu and monkeypox, There are 200 more active viruses, and bacteria in the air, thanks to climate change, said a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/there-are-200-more-active-viruses-bacteria-in-the-air-thanks-to-climate-change/articleshow/93445722.cms">report </a>by Nature Climate Change. It could only worsen in years to come. <div type="image" title="Stay safe, mask up!" msid="93786150" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stay safe, mask up!&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The research <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/there-are-200-more-active-viruses-bacteria-in-the-air-thanks-to-climate-change/articleshow/93445722.cms">revealed </a>that warming, precipitation, floods, drought, storm, land cover change, ocean climate change, fires, heatwaves and sea level changes were all found to influence diseases triggered by viruses, bacteria, animals, fungi, protozoans, plants and chromists. Pathogenic diseases were primarily transmitted by vectors. So, to stay safe, mask up people! Disclaimer: This content, including the advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Please contact a medical professional for more information.

SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know to keep yourself safe from the newly emerging diseases

<ul><li><keyword id="125587" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-N-Balagopal">K N Balagopal</keyword> thinks giving emphasis on <keyword id="6354525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare">healthcare</keyword> is the best way to revive the state’s economy.</li><li>In the state budget, it was announced that a ₹100 crore venture capital fund was set up to help startups and small and medium scale businesses.</li><li>The <keyword id="6355261" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-minister">finance minister</keyword> also says that under the GST regime, states are not getting ‘enough freedom’.</li></ul>A lot of states have been releasing their own stimulus packages to compensate for the strict lockdowns. Kerala, however, was the first to announce a relief package even before the central government did, in March last year. After the pandemic’s second wave, though, the newly elected state has decided to focus more on vaccinations than economic stimulus. They are vaccinating district by district, and in the meanwhile releasing ration kits to help the poor to tide over the bad times. Kerala ranked 11th among all Indian states for its vaccination rate, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1222266/india-cumulative-coverage-of-covid-19-vaccine-across-india/">as of June 28 </a>. The finance minister of the state, K N Balagopal, discussed the troubles of small businesses and their policies with Sriram Iyer, as part of Business Insider’s <keyword id="4106334" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="msme-exchange">MSME Exchange</keyword>, a virtual event dedicated to small businesses in the country. Edited excerpts: You released a relief package of ₹20,000 crore in your latest budget. While a few hail it as a countercyclical measure, was it the intent? The second COVID wave is much more serious than expected. There are reports that there is a chance for a third wave where new areas like pediatrics need to be strengthened. So, we thought that our emphasis should be mainly on health where we gave maximum emphasis and allotted ₹2800 crores in the budget itself. This was for universal vaccination, and more facilities to the hospitals and especially pediatrics. This is an infectious disease, which requires a lot of infrastructure. So, we planned to combat and have the COVID situation covered. Then, our people will be safe enough to work. Our industry will work. Our service sector will work. Our agriculture industry and also our major area of activity ⁠— <keyword id="20048" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism">tourism</keyword> where people feel safe to go to. In our plan, first comes health, and second is on agriculture and industry which includes MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises]. We are also providing food kits to all families. We have also cleared pending bills for contracts, which were lagging behind for six months or even a year. All this money will go to people. Those who do not receive pensions will also be paid. So your plan is to declare a few districts as Covid-free. And that everybody is vaccinated, so tourists start coming in and, therefore, everything else like hotels, transport and small enterprises start moving. Not just the tourists, though they are very important. We have around 33 million people working outside and now 1.4 million are back here. It’s a very tricky point for you. Putting the million plus people returning from the Gulf countries to work. Kerala has many things to be proud of like primary healthcare, education and tourism, but its manufacturing industry is not its greatest strength. How are you going to employ these people? We have a programme to help industry and agriculture. We are announcing some schemes like MSMEs with loans [sic] with lower interest rates. Have you announced these, or are you going to announce? We already announced them. Is it the Chief Minister's entrepreneurship scheme? Not just that. We are providing ₹10,000 crores [of] subsidised loan. We are planning to provide ₹2,000 crores to agricultural cooperatives like societies, which can do agriculture related industry or set up such units. Are small businesses even taking loans? They seem to be worried about demand, and are choosing to be cautious. It is a serious issue. That is why I said if your economy is not active, you cannot do anything with this. If our industries are producing something and nobody is there for purchasing, so there is no need. Then it's a very long discussion on how to create demand. What we are doing with [the] stimulus package is to ensure that people get money via loan schemes. Many people might want some loan, if an interest subsidy is there. If industry is working, and there is some money coming in, the demand will come. I would add that it is not a fast process. How will the state be able to finance these schemes? Especially, since remittances are going to take a hit with the return of people who were working in the Gulf countries and sending money back to Kerala. It is not [only] Kerala, but other governments are also facing this problem. The central government has everything with it [sic], be it GST [goods and services tax] or taxes or petroleum cess - it’s all with them. The central government has to make a very serious plan to help the states. And not just the states, but their subjects, common people, the industrialists. There should be some plan. Otherwise, the economy will not be revived. In your recent statements about I know you have a lot of anger, a lot like a lot of other state governments because they're not getting their share. They have to wait and all of that. But do you really believe that the sum total of GST’s impact on the economy has been really that bad that it should be repealed? Even the harshest critics of the Modi government would say that the idea is good, but implementation was lacking. And do you really think that India can sustain another shock of going through a complete overhaul of the tax regime one more time in just three years? No, no, that’s not what I said. The experience of GST in the country shows that it is not implemented properly. We gave a dissent note on behalf of the Left. These issues mainly raise the question of federalism. And now, state governments are not getting enough freedom. But there's a thinking among the people who supported GST earlier, who supported GST earlier that it's very detrimental to the interest of the state governments. And, if this feeling grows, it will not help the unity of the country. I had written this in the dissent note that the control will be with the central government. <h1 style="line-height:1.44;border-bottom:solid #eeeeee 0.75pt;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;background-clip:padding-box;padding:0pt 0pt 11.25pt 0pt;"></h1>

Kerala Finance Minister believes in just one economic stimulus ⁠— vaccines

<ul><li>Kerala is discouraging public gatherings but is yet to shut down its liquor shops.</li><li>People waiting in queues outside these state-run establishments are being directed to stand at least a meter apart by the local authorities.</li><li>One man who tried to petition the Kerala High Court for home delivery of alcohol was fined ₹50,000.</li></ul>Coronavirus may be on the prowl but Kerala isn’t shutting down its liquor shops — and demand doesn’t seem to be shrinking either. The one thing that has changed is social distancing. People standing in queues outside state-run establishments are maintaining a distance of a few feet between them to reduce the chance of an infection. A few videos also surfaced of guards asking people to maintain at least a meter of space between them. <div type="javascript" title="Facebook" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[

]]></cdata></div>

 However, some reports suggest that the videos of social distancing at liquor stores is only optics. Reporters with <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/covid-19-videos-social-distancing-kerala-liquor-shops-just-optics-120723">TNM</a> saw a very different picture on the ground. One brave soul petitioned the Kerala High Court to make way for the home delivery of alcohol. Instead, he was slapped with a ₹50,000 fine as per <a href="https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/online-liquor-delivery-to-home-154132">LiveLaw</a>’s report. The case for home delivery of alcohol The petitioner argued that since alcohol shops were crowded during peak hours, it’s not safe for him to go out and actually buy what he needed. Instead, he suggested alternative ways in which delivery would be feasible during the Coronavirus outbreak. 
 <div type="image" title="kerala3_edited" msid="74732924" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Liquor bottles being arranged at the renovated BEVCO outlet on the power house&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 However, Judge Nambiar was not amused. “It is with a deep sense of exasperation and a tinge of disgust that I write this judgment,” he said. “The petitioner's conduct in filing this frivolous petition at a time like this, while making a mockery of the salutary concept of access to justice — which this institution strives to guarantee — also ridiculous the functioning of this noble institution,” he added before instructing the petitioner to address the costs and send them to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. Liquor makes the government money Even though the state government has called for people to avoid leaving the house and restrict public gatherings — there is no plant to shut down liquor shops. Revenue from liquor sales in a major source of income for Kerala. 
 <div type="image" title="kerala4_edited" msid="74732939" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Staff unloading liquor bottles at a bar in Kozhikode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 During 2018-19, sales reached an all-time high of ₹14,508 crore, which means the government gets a cut of around ₹2,521 crore as excise duty. Sources at the Kerala State Beverages Corporation told the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/covid-19-keralas-liquor-shops-open-for-revenue-813994.html">Deccan Herald</a> that despite the emergency around Coronavirus, there hasn’t been much of a fall in liquor sales. Others within the government feel that the shutting down of liquor shops may trigger alcoholics to drink copious amounts of alcohol in the name of stocking up before stores shut down. This could lead to a more dangerous situation, sources told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-scare-social-distancing-for-keralas-tipplers/articleshow/74731096.cms">ET</a>. To ensure that necessarily precautions are taken, local authorities have posted additional guards at every Indian-made foreign liquor outlet to enforce social distancing. The police have distributed masks, gloves and hand sanitizers for the staff at these shops. <div type="javascript" title="Facebook" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[

]]></cdata></div>

 See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/while-pm-modi-called-for-a-janata-curfew-the-kerala-government-implemented-some-serious-steps/articleshow/74717250.cms">While PM Modi called for a 'janata curfew', the Kerala government implemented some serious steps</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-updates-in-india-and-steps-taken-by-narendra-modi-government/articleshow/74723667.cms">A look at Indian government response to coronavirus, so far, shows some quick reactions but not enough foresight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/stages-of-coronavirus-and-how-they-determine-the-status-of-a-country/articleshow/74728639.cms">Stages of Coronavirus and how they determine the status of a country</a>

Coronavirus isn’t shutting down liquor shops in Kerala, and cheeky home delivery suggestions earn a ₹50,000 fine

As the assembly polls in <keyword id="6354915" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="assam">Assam</keyword>, <keyword id="28504" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, <keyword id="20154" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, <keyword id="6357783" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-bengal">West Bengal</keyword> and <keyword id="6354306" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puducherry">Puducherry</keyword> inch closer, Twitter on Wednesday said it is implementing significant product, policy, and enforcement updates to keep the service safe from attempts to manipulate the platform. While a global cross-functional team with local, cultural, and language expertise will run the election integrity work, Twitter said it is taking proactive measures to prevent prohibited political advertising through comprehensive and nuanced enforcement mechanisms. "These include identifying and blocking ads from referenced candidates, parties, and other election-related content," the company said in a statement. Twitter said it will label synthetic and manipulated <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword> and link it to a Twitter Moment to give people additional context and surface-related conversations "so they can make more informed decisions on the content they want to engage with or amplify". When people attempt to retweet <keyword id="6406419" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tweets">tweets</keyword> with a synthetic and manipulated media label, they will see a prompt pointing them to credible information. "These Tweets won't be algorithmically recommended by Twitter, which further reduces the visibility of misleading information," the company announced. Twitter will also launch an events page dedicated to the <keyword id="6372146" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="assembly-elections">assembly elections</keyword> on voting days and for the election results day. The page will include a timeline of Tweets from credible accounts to provide the latest information on the days of voting and election results. "These will be visible to account holders in India in the Explore Tab, and will provide continuous updates and context throughout the election period with multiple language videos from a variety of news partners in the carousel," the company informed. "We are taking extra steps to ensure people have context to what's trending for them and will include a representative <keyword id="6354904" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tweet">Tweet</keyword>, Twitter Moment or description to the top trends". SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/peter-thiel-backed-vc-firm-valar-ventures-invests-in-indian-fintech-startup-velocity/articleshow/81663073.cms">Peter Thiel-backed VC firm Valar Ventures invests in Indian fintech startup Velocity</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/anupam-rasayan-ipo-lists-at-520-per-share-on-the-india-stock-exchange/articleshow/81663145.cms">Anupam Rasayan fails to dazzle on its stock market debut – shares down by nearly 8% below the issue price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/inshorts-backed-social-networking-app-public-raises-300-crore-in-latest-funding/articleshow/81663873.cms">Inshorts-backed social networking app Public raises ₹300 crore in latest funding</a>

Twitter gears up for assembly elections in India — announces measures to 'prevent prohibited political advertising'

Thiruvananthapuram, June 30 (): Kerala-based tech start-up Skyislimit Technologies has launched 'Fokuz',a video conferencing platform, to cash in on virtual interactions that were increasing due to the COVID-19 situation. The unprecedented times have pushed businesses across the world to shift to remote working, and given the rise in demand for a safe and hassle-free platform, Fokuz was developed in four months, the company said ina press release. It promises unparalleled user experience like simple click schedule meetings, high quality video and audio, secure experience, go live option to any social media handles, effortless screen shares and built-in recording feature, among others. Fokuz would be available across Android and iOS devices as well as Windows and macOS computers thus enabling new seamless experience for all meeting attendees. Unlike any other such platforms, Fokuz features the option of unlimited participants. It would be available free of cost for the coming two months and can be accessed from round the globe. "Working remotely has posed a huge challenge in the way we work and video conferencing has become an integral part of our daily life," founder &amp; CEO (sales, Fokuz), Skyislimit Technologies Pvt Ltd Manodh Mohan said. Increased use of such platforms has given rise to issues like security threat, lag, constant disconnection, interruptions, poor audio or video quality, limited features and many others, according to Mohan. UD NVG NVG

Kerala startup launches video conferencing platform 'Fokuz'

Thiruvananthapuram, May 13 () In a sharp spike,ten people, four of them who had flown infrom abroadrecently, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kerala onWednesday as the numbers of those under treatment for theinfection climbed to 41. Of this, three are from Malappuram, two eachfrom Wayanad and Palakkad districts and one each fromKottayam, Kannur and Kozhikode districts. While four of the infected had come from abroad,two from Chennai and four had been infected through contact, agovernment press release said. Two police personnel of the Manathavadypolicestation in Wayanad have tested positveand are contacts ofthe truck driver who had returned from Koyambedu market inChennai and infected 10 people. Wayanad district collector Adila Abdulla saidsamples of all those who had come in contact with the truckdriver would once again be tested. The driver's wife and daughter and grand child wereamong those who were infected.His daughter's samples hadearlier been negative. The sample of a man from Kollam has returned negativeon Wednesday. According tothe release, 490 people have been curedin the state and 41 are presently under treatment in varioushospitals. At least 34,447 people are under observation,494 in various hospitals,it said. It said 39,380 samples (including Augmentedsamples) were sent for testing of which results of 35,509samples received are negative. Besides this, as part of 'sentinel surveillance',(health and migrant workers and those having high socialcontact) 4,268 samples were collected of which 4,065 werenegative. There are no new hotspots in the state onWednesday. The state has so far reported three COVID-19fatalities, including a four-month old baby girl. Kerala has been wintessing a steady increase inthe coronavirus cases with non-resident Keralites, strandedabroad and other states, returning to the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has saidelaborate arrangements for testing those coming to the stateby road, rail, flights and ships would be made. "We are entering a new phase of COVID-19prevention as 'Pravasi' (expatriates) Malayalaees arereturning.It will be a big challenge to keep those coming fromhotspots safe," Vijayan said on Tuesday.For several days in recent weeks, the state hadreported either nil or fresh cases in single digits. UD BN WELCOME WELCOME

Spike in COVID-19 cases in Kerala;10 test positive

Kochi, Apr 14 () Kerala Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan deputed top cop Vijay Sakhare to the northern districtof Kasaragod as a special officer on March 23, when it wasemerging as India's biggest COVID-19 hotspot. Three weeks down the line, the district is slowly turninginto a safe haven for people, paving the way for a discussionon "Kasaragod Initiative of the Kerala Police"-- a model thatcould be emulated in other heavily-hit areas in the country.On March 31, the number of COVID-19 cases in Kasargod hadtouched 106.They became 164 on April 6 and now in the last six daysonly 14 cases have been reported, a significant drop in thenumber of cases in the district."It was possible only because of our containmentstrategy.Basically our strategy was based on three locks-- Lock 1,Lock 2, and Lock 3 to ensure that the people do not mix up andinfection does not spread,"Sakhare, who is the commissionerof Kochi city police told .Taking the charge as special officer, the InspectorGeneral rank officer enforced three locks in the district inline with the lockdown measures taken by the central and stategovernments to arrest the spread of the deadly virus there.The locks were put as part of a three-pronged strategy tocompletely isolate the persons who were primary and secondarycontacts of the COVID-19 positive persons came from abroad,particularly Gulf countries, Sakhare said."Lock 1 was implemented doing traditional policingmethods like road block and mobile patrolling and all.Through this measure we were able to control the peoplecoming out of their homes", he said.The second strategy was implementation of Lock 2,creating a Geographical Infromation System, mapping all thepositive cases, all home quarantined persons, all theexpatriates who came from the foreign countries and primaryand secondary contacts of the positive persons. "Very interesting picture emerged. We saw that all thepositive cases are concentrated only in seven areas of thedistrict spread over five police stations.We isolated those areas by cordoning them off. All roadsleading to the areas were blocked and nobody was allowed to goin or come out," the IPS officer said.The police then put the third lock, declaring the sevenareas as Covid Containment Zones to isolate the worst-affectedplaces from rest of the district.Based on the inputs that COVID-19 positive persons whocame from abroad had stayed at their homes, met their friendsand mingled with family members, the police included all ofthem in the list of primary contacts and secondary contacts."After identifying these contacts, we put them under theThird Lock.They were locked in isolation using technology as well astraditional policing methods," Sakhare said."As part of the third lock, we put police guards in frontof their homes. We created a beat patrol policing covering 10to 12 houses of the affected persons.Visiting their homes, the police personnel educated thepeople on importance of staying their homes", he said.Besides, all the houses, where the primary and secondarycontacts resided were brought under the drone surveillance,Sakhare said.He said COVID-19 safety apps were also installed in thephones of the primary and secondary contacts."If somebody tries to leave his home, then we get analert. In that case, we go and shift such people to governmentquarantine facilities besides initiating legal actions againstthem.Three days after implementing the third lock, we havemoved 107 people into government quarantines because theiractions were dangerous to the society.The app was installed in the phones of over 10,700 homequarantined people," the officer said. The district police launched home delivery service inCOVID containment zones to deliver essential items at thedoorsteps of the people to ensure that they remained indoor.The door delivery programme was later extended to allparts of the district.The police also launched a 'Kasargod Suraksha App' toprovide telemedicine to those isolated and wanted to consultwith doctors for their various ailments. The top police official said after April 14 upto April21st "we expect 12 to 14 cases only" in the district.It will further come down to single digit by the monthend and "four weeks from now I expect the case will be zero.No report of COVID cases," he added.Out of the 166 who were infected in the district, 73 gotcured. No fresh cases were reported on Monday. TGBROH ROH

Police efforts to enforce lockdown in Kerala's Kasaragod bears fruit

New Delhi, Apr 11 () A hugely popular footballer in his home state of Kerala, India and Jamshedpur FC winger C S Vineeth has joined a government helpline centre there to advice people on how to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Vineeth, who has played for the national team and was a part of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League 2019-20, was contacted by the Kerala Sports Council about the helpline in Kannur and he immediately jumped into the thick of things. "After I came back here (in Kerala), I got a call from the Kerala Sports Council, asking whether I would like to help with the COVID-19 helpline, so I joined in," Vineeth said. "Whatever little I could do to help during an emergency," he said in an All India Football Federation release. The 31-year-old, who is adored by fans in Kerala, said he intends to continue working at the helpline centre till the end of the lockdown. He began working at the centre on March 28. "The plan is that we would continue this help-line till the dangers of the Coronavirus are averted, and the lockdown comes to an end. The situation in Kerala is much-improved now, of course," the crafty winger said. Though Vineeth and his co-workers at the helpline centre were not directly in touch with people, they are taking all the precautions. "Of course, we are following the guidelines prescribed by the Government, while commuting to and from the call-centre," said Vineeth. "We are provided with gloves, masks, and sanitisers, which we use quite often. But those of us working here are not exactly exposed. We all just go home, and come here." The Jamshedpur FC attacker feels that the curve has indeed flattened in Kerala, with the number of cases going down over time. The number of calls that he has been getting have also decreased, since the time he started working at the centre. "Before, we used to get over 150 calls per day. Now, that number has gone down a lot. The number of cases are also going down in the state. We just need to stay strong and wade through these troubled times," Vineeth said. "I would like to urge everyone to stay at home and follow the government's guidelines. It's a good time to spend with your family. Stay safe people, and take care." PDS PDS AHAH

India footballer Vineeth joins COVID-19 helpline centre in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 22 () Expatriates from Keralasettled in various countries, especially the Gulf, shouldcarry mandatorily a COVID-19 negative certificate if they wantto return home once the Centre gives it's nod for bringingthem back, the state government has said.Keen to avoid fresh overseas cases after successfullycontaining coronavirus spread in the state, the government hasissued an order stating that expats who possess certificatesshowing that they tested negative for coronavirus can registerwith NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) department. "We will allow only those people who carry the COVIDnegative certificate (to travel to the state). Only afterwhich they can register with NORKA", state Home Secretary DrVishwas Mehta told in an interview.After the Non-Resident Keralites register themselves, thegovernment would draw up a list on how to bring them back asper priority, he said.The order, issued late on Tuesday, specifically mentionsthat the registration is for arranging quarantine facilitiesin the state for the NRKs, if necessary, and not for gettingany priority in flight bookings.As per the guidelines prepared by state government forthe return of NRKs, they will have to get themselves testedfrom the country where they are before emplaning for Keralaand should also be having COVID-19 negative certificates. Mehta, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary, saidthe government has drawn up a strategy to accommodate up to 10lakh symptomatic people, including NRKs, for the purpose ofquarantine if there was a huge surge. "Our strategy is NRKs should get themselves tested andcome to the state with a COVID-19 negative certificate. Oncethey reach the state, they will be tested at the airports. Ifthey are found symptomatic, they would be shifted to COVIDcare centres. Those without any symptoms will be sent home,but they will be under observation for 14 days", he said.According to official estimates, there are least 33 lakhNRKs who are residing in various countries, including 22 lakhin the Gulf region, and the government is expecting aroundthree to 5.5 lakh of them to come back within 30 days oncethe flight services are resumed.There has been a huge demand from the Non ResidentKeralites, settled in various parts of the globe, especiallythe Gulf, where lakhs of people from the state are employed,to return to the state due to the COVID-19 situation.Those with expired visas, the elderly, pregnant women,children, critically ill patients, students who have completedtheir courses, and others are among the large number of peoplewho are waiting to come back.The government is expecting a huge influx of NRKs andalso Malayalees from other states in the country to returnonce the lockdown, in force till May 3 now, is lifted and airservices resume.Kerala was the first state in the country to reportCOVID-19 cases when three students from Wuhan in China testedpositive on their return home early this year.The state did well in not only ensuring their recoverybut also in containing the spread of the virus after morepeople who returned from affected countries like Italy andGulf region before the lockdown testing positive for thedeadly infection.The treatment model adopted by Kerala has won globalappreciation with some foreigners, who were treated here,saying the state was more safe.Of the total 426 cumulative cases, there were only 117active COVID-19 patients now under treatment with as many as307 people having been discharged as of Tuesday. There wereonly two deaths due to the disease in the state.But, the state is now keeping its fingers crossed asthere had been a surge in COVID-19 cases in contrast to singledigit cases for several days.Of the 19 positive cases reported on Tuesday, as many as13 had returned from abroad, three from Tamil Nadu, one fromUttar Pradesh and two had been infected through localtransmission.On quarantine facilities, Mehta said in the event of asurge in the coming months, the government has identifiedplaces like schools, hotels and resorts to accommodate atleast 10 lakh people. "Around 27,000 institutions, including hotels, resorts,hostels, schools, lodges, stadiums and even auditoriums havebeen identified where we can accommodate around 10 lakhpeople, including NRKs. Space has been found. Stadiums andauditoriums will be used as a last resort," he said. However, what is likely to give the government nightmaresis keeping track of everyone reaching the state when inter-state train and bus services are resumed after lockdown. "For such people coming into the state in buses and trainsonly thermal screening can be done to a certain extent. Wewill have to draw up a strategy for them," the Home Secretarysaid.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already written toPrime Minister Narendra Modi to show 'special consideration"and arrange special flights to the Gulf for airlifting NRKsstranded there due to the lockdown.The Centre has informed the Supreme Court and other highcourts that as of now it has no plans to carry out evacuationof Indians stranded in different countries due to lockdownTalking about hospital capacity, Mehta said about 1.4lakh beds have been identified in government and privatehealthcare facilitates in the state. "When the number of patients multiply there are chancesthat the hospital system might collapse. Even the developedcountries lack facilities to accommodate a huge surge innumbers," Mehta said.The Public Works Department (PWD) has also begun theprocess of physical examination of the facilities identifiedto be used as COVID care centres, he said.Kerala has four international airports atThiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur which used tooperate at least 92 flights in a day. Once the lockdown islifted, the centre will decide on the number of flights totransport NRKs to the state. It is not only the Keralites residing abroad who arewanting to return, but also those in other states, includingMaharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which have witnessed high numberof COVID-19 cases."We do not have the exact figures of Keralites in otherstates as of now. We cannot stop anyone from returning totheir state", the official said. UD RRTVS VS

Expats need to carry COVID-19 negative certificate to return: Kerala govt

<ul><li>Intense violence has tainted Kerala' politics in recent years.</li><li>Simmering tensions between the UDF, LDF, and the BJP may affect voter turnout.</li><li>If people decide to avoid voting to stay safe, it may skew the results.</li></ul>The southern state of Kerala, famous for its scenic backwaters and high literacy rate, has seen one of the most violent election campaigns in the country. If people decide to sit at home to avoid getting caught in any sort of violence, it may skew the results in favour of one party or the other. <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/kerala/news/violent-end-to-vibrant-poll-campaign/articleshow/68987461.cms">More than 30 people</a>, including a policeman, were injured at Thiruvalla where the activists of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) clashed on the last day of the campaign (April 21). That was only one of the many violent clashes that have caught headlines in the state that boasts of 94% literacy, according to the 2011 census. Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), better known by its acronym CPI(M), said that the party had 13 workers in the last one year. However, police <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/kerala-rss-workers-murder-data-reveals-record-of-political-killings-1733728">records verified by NDTV</a> showed that 14 people from the RSS, BJP, and the left parties have been murdered for political reasons since February 2018. The count of similar deaths between 2000 and 2017 escalates to over 170, according to the same report. The increasingly restive political air in Kerala only shows how tight the fight is going to be. 26 million voters are enlisted for voting on April 23, the <keyword id="2211307" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Third-phase-of-polling">third phase of polling</keyword> in the ongoing elections for the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The voter turnout in the state was a record 73.6% in 2014, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/elections-news/election-2014-kerala-records-73-6-per-cent-voter-turnout-highest-since-1991-556911" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">the highest since 1991</a>. The United Democratic Front led by the Indian National Congress bagged 12 seats while the remaining eight went to the LDF led by the communist party-led coalition. However, the BJP is expected to be a strong contender this time around, more than it has been ever before. The threat from the BJP is seen as the strongest in some regions that have strong Hindu majority, where people are peeved by a 2018 Supreme Court verdict that allowed <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/supreme-court-allows-women-to-enter-sabarimala-temple/articleshow/65989807.cms">women into the Sabarimala Temple</a>. Tradition did not allow women of menstruating age into the temple until the court verdict. The <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/kerala/news/will-do-everything-to-protect-sabarimala-shah/articleshow/68971697.cms">BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh</a> (RSS), milked the issue and kept the anger alive to turn it against the incumbent Parliamentarians. Hindus make up for only 54% of the state’s population, according to the 2011 Census, compared to 80% nationally. 26% of Kerala’s population are Muslims and 18% are Christians. However, the RSS has had a strong support base in Kerala for years but the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/rss-strengthening-base-in-kerala-number-of-shakhas-rising/articleshow/57147070.cms">hindu natioanlist organisation</a> is now stronger in the state than ever before. The odds of BJP getting more votes than before are higher but <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/article/opinion-poll-for-lok-sabha-election-2019-live-times-now-vmr-survey-for-bjp-congress-narendra-modi-rahul-gandhi/384850">most opinion polls</a> have still pegged it as a two-way fight between the UDF and the LDF in the state. A big factor working in favour of the LDF is the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-will-set-an-example-in-rebuilding-rehabilitation-pinarayi-vijayan/articleshow/65481744.cms">elevated reputation of state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan</a>. He won accolades for effectively managing a devastating flood in the state in 2018. The state also has a long history of leftists dominating state politics. Kerala’s first chief minister in 1957, EMS Namboodiripad, was one of the world’s first communist leaders to head an elected government. On the other hand, UDF led by Congress is trying to squeeze the BJP out by supporting the protests against the entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple. “Well, you cannot afford to write off the votes of the majority in times of political interest,” <a href="https://qz.com/india/1601119/election-2019-congresss-tharoor-battles-modis-bjp-in-kerala/">Congress leader Shashi Tharoor</a> fighting to defend the state capital Thriuvananthapuram told Quartz. The margin for error has shrunk significantly for Tharoor who swept the seat with 100,000 more votes than the second candidate in 2009. By 2014, it had shrunk to 14,000 and this time it is expected to be even tighter. Given that tensions are running high, voter turnout may become a deciding factor. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-election-2019-3rd-phase-polling-live-updates/liveblog/68999100.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">LIVE BLOG: Voting in 117 constituencies underway</a>

You Searched For "safe kerala" and got 13 results

Discovering Kasargod: Kerala's hidden paradise

Ayush Mehrotra

"Kerala is more safe," says Italian tourist cured of COVID-19

PTI

Rishi Sunak says he would rather lose than win on a false promise

PTI

SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know to keep yourself safe from the newly emerging diseases

Kerala Finance Minister believes in just one economic stimulus ⁠— vaccines

Sriram Iyer

Coronavirus isn’t shutting down liquor shops in Kerala, and cheeky home delivery suggestions earn a ₹50,000 fine

Prabhjote Gill

Twitter gears up for assembly elections in India — announces measures to 'prevent prohibited political advertising'

IANS

Kerala startup launches video conferencing platform 'Fokuz'

PTI

Spike in COVID-19 cases in Kerala;10 test positive

PTI

Police efforts to enforce lockdown in Kerala's Kasaragod bears fruit

PTI

India footballer Vineeth joins COVID-19 helpline centre in Kerala

PTI

Expats need to carry COVID-19 negative certificate to return: Kerala govt

PTI

Voter turnout may be tested in India’s most literate state that has seen one of the most violent election campaigns

Sriram Iyer

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides