u/Hayagrivan

According to a circular issued by the island administration on Wednesday, tourists will no longer need a local sponsor to apply for entry permits.

However, travellers must still apply for permits at least 14 days in advance and clearly mention the specific islands and travel dates in their application.

The administration has also made it mandatory for applicants to include all islands they plan to visit or pass through.

Source: Mira Road horror: Man stabs 2 security guards after he asked them if they could recite Kalma

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A 31-year-old Muslim man, identified as Zaib Zubair Ansari, stabbed two security guards on duty at an under-construction site in Mira Road, Maharashtra, around 4 a.m. on Monday

Ansari approached the guards, questioned them about their religion, and demanded they recite the Kalma (an Islamic declaration of faith). When they refused or were unable to comply, he attacked them with a knife.

One of the victims sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, while the second suffered minor injuries and later filed a complaint. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the area and were able to identify and arrest the accused within an hour.

A case has been registered under sections related to attempt to murder, along with provisions concerning promoting enmity between groups. The investigation, initially handled by the Thane Anti-Terrorism Squad, has now been transferred to the Mumbai ATS. Authorities have not confirmed any specific motive and have urged the public to avoid speculation as the probe continues.

This snippet is from an old Malayalam geography textbook titled "Thiruvithamkoor Bhoomishasthram" (Geography of Travancore), specifically Part 2, which was intended for 4th Standard students in the Princely State of Travancore dated 1936

The section shown is the opening chapter titled "Kidappum Athirukalum" (Location and Boundaries).

English translation as follows :

Location and Boundaries

​This land lies at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent (Bharathakhandam), the abode of Hindus, situated on the western side of the Sahyadri mountains (the Western Ghats), stretching from north to south. Its eastern boundary is the Sahyadri mountains, and its western boundary is the sea. The districts of Madurai and Tirunelveli lie on the eastern side of these mountains. The northern side is also mostly comprised of mountains. Beyond the mountains to the north lie the Coimbatore district and the Kochi State.

​As the western coastline goes further south, it gradually curves eastward and ends as a cape jutting out into the sea at the southeastern tip. This is the famous 'Kanyakumari' Cape. In short, the north and east of the state are bordered by mountains, while the south and west are bordered by the sea.

​In the northwestern corner, a small portion of Travancore extends into the Kochi State. In that same corner, there are also some enclaves of Kochi located within Travancore. On the eastern side, approximately in the middle and beyond the mountains, a portion of Travancore (Shenkottai) juts into Tirunelveli.