The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,44,72,153 and the national recovery rate stands at 98.81 per cent, according to the ministry's website. (PTI Photo)Bengaluru News Live Updates (December 26): Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Monday said that the Cabinet sub-committee of the state government is scheduled to meet on December 26. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) regarding additional measures to be taken for the management of the Covid-19 situation in the state. He also indicated that there will be no imposition of any restrictions as of now, while stressing the need for people to remain cautious or take precautions.
Karnataka on Monday reported 125 fresh cases of Covid-19 and three new coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours. This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 436. Among the reported cases, 20 have been detected in Bengaluru city, 4 in Mysuru, 3 in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar. The state has reported 31 cases of the new variant JN.1. The positivity rate in the last 24 hours, as of Monday, was at 3.96 per cent and the fatality rate stood at 2.4 per cent.
Meanwhile, a senior citizen died and more than 130 people were hospitalised after allegedly partaking prasadam distributed by a temple in Bengaluru Rural district recently. The deceased has been identified as Siddagangamma, a resident of Kaveri Nagar. According to a police officer, devotees visiting the Anjaneya temple on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadashi Saturday were given laddoos. Siddagangamma’s husband had also visited the temple and brought home the laddoos, which were later eaten by other family members. On Sunday, both his wife and daughter complained of vomiting and dysentery. They were shifted to Silicon City Hospital, where Siddagangamma died during treatment.
Narmada and Mahanadi most prone to widespread flooding: study
River basins in peninsular India are more prone to flooding, a new study by researchers from IIT-Gandhinagar has found.
Riverine floods are complex and are often driven by several factors like the rainfall quantum and its distribution, characteristics of the catchment area, reservoirs, soil moisture and retention capacity, among others.
Widespread floods experienced in the Indian subcontinent’s seven major river basins — Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Cauvery — were examined between 1959 and 2020. Read the full story here
In Pics | CM Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy flag off non A/C electric buses
(Express Photos)
BMTC launches 921 non A/C electric buses in collaboration with Tata Motors
BMTC, in collaboration with Tata Motors, launched 921 non A/C electric buses for Bengaluru. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy flagged off 100 such buses from the steps of Vidhana Soudha.
Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express trial run flagged off
The trial run of the Mangaluru-Madgaon semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express was flagged off at the Mangaluru central railway station on Tuesday.
The flag-off ceremony was conducted in the presence of Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, local MLAs and railway officials. The train which departed Mangaluru central at 8.30 am will reach Madgaon at 1.15 pm. On its return, it will leave Madgaon at 1.45 pm and reach Mangaluru at 6.30 pm. The train has stops at Udupi and Karwar.
The regular operations of the Vande Bharat Express will start on December 30. (PTI)
🌤️Weather update
The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 28 and 16 Degrees Celsius respectively in Bengaluru today, as per IMD.
All flyovers in Bengaluru will be closed on new year eve: Police
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has announced the closure of all city flyovers on new year's eve. With the exception of the International Airport elevated flyover, all other flyovers will be shut down from 11 pm on December 31 to 6 am on January 1.
Deputy CM Shivakumar pays homage to former CM S. Bangarappa on his death anniversary
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar paid his respects on the death anniversary of former Chief Minister Shri S. Bangarappa.
Taking to X, he wrote, "I pay my respects on the death anniversary of the leader of backward classes, former Chief Minister Shri S. Bangarappa. His contributions to the development of the state are unforgettable."
Registration process of 'Yuvanidhi' scheme to start from today
The registration process of Karnataka government's 'Yuvanidhi' scheme, which provides monthly unemployment allowance assistance to unemployed graduates and diploma graduates, will start from today.
"I request the unemployed youths who are in search of their dream job amid economic hardship to benefit by enrolling in the scheme," CM Siddaramaiah said.
Karnataka reports 3 deaths and 31 cases of Covid-19’s new variant; no restrictions on New Year celebrations
Karnataka reported 31 cases of the new variant JN.1 and three related deaths on Monday, amid an uptick in Covid-19 infections across the country.
Among the reported cases in Karnataka, 20 have been detected in Bengaluru city, 4 in Mysuru, 3 in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar. Of the three deaths, two were in Bengaluru and one in Ramanagara district.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare said genome sequencing results of 60 samples are available as of date, out of 192 samples submitted. The results of the remaining positive cases may be available by Wednesday.
The positivity rate in the last 24 hours, as of Monday, was at 3.96 per cent and the fatality rate stood at 2.4 per cent. Bengaluru city alone has 360 active Covid-19 cases.
Read more
Know Your City: The hobby museum tucked away in the streets of Banashankari
To anyone walking down the road intersecting 29th cross in Banashankari Stage 2, a museum might not be the first thing on their minds. But behind a gate and a shutter lies one of the more unique private museums of the city: the Kalaspoorthi Hobby Museum, run by PD Ravindra (85), an engineer who was the head of HAL’s maintenance division.
Spread out over three floors of the building where Ravindra also maintains his office, the museum, largely populated by various hand-built inventions, has been a passion project for him since 1991. One of his objectives, he says, is to impress upon children the practical side of science. “In this country, we learn a lot of theory. But we cannot pick up a spanner and work,” he says. Read more
Karnataka logs 125 fresh Covid-19 cases, three new deaths
Karnataka on Monday reported 125 fresh cases of Covid-19 and three new coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours. This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 436, a Health bulletin said.
According to the bulletin issued by the Health department, in the last 24 hours, as many as 30 patients have been discharged, total of 3,155 tests have been conducted including - 2,072 RT-PCR and 1,083 Rapid Antigen tests. The positivity rate stands at 3.96 per cent while case fatality rate stands at 2.4 per cent.
The new three Covid-19 related deaths were reported in Dakshina Kannada on December 22, in Hassan on December 23 and in Dakshina Kannada on December 24. All patients complained of breathlessness, it said. (PTI)
Owaisi slams Karnataka govt for not lifting hijab ban, says it takes just 30 minutes to issue orders
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday slammed the Karnataka Government for not issuing orders lifting the hijab ban in the state even after the Congress party came to power seven months ago.
Speaking to reporters here, while condemning the killing of four Indian Army personnel by Pakistani terrorists in Kashmir, the Hyderabad MP demanded the arrest of the personnel allegedly involved in the "killing" of three civilian people whose bodies were found after they were reportedly picked up for questioning.
"Why has it taken them (Congress government in Karnataka) seven months and why are they going back? After addressing a public meeting, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that they can wear whatever you want and then he tells within one hour that we are yet to take a decision. It is very unfortunate. The Muslims of Karnataka are feeling let down," he said.
The AIMIM chief wondered what is stopping the Congress Government in Karnataka from issuing such orders which will take just 30 minutes. (PTI)
35 cases of Covid's JN.1 variant detected in Karnataka: Health Minister
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said about 35 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the state so far.
A few recent deaths because of comorbidities along with COVID infection, too were found to be infected by JN.1, he said, the new sub-variant's infection spread is neither surprising or a sudden development, and asked people not to worry, but to be cautious and take precautions.
"We will share the detailed information tomorrow, exact figures, along with the breakup, as we have the COVID related cabinet sub-committee meeting. According to the report we have got, there are around 35 JN.1 positive cases in the state," Rao said. Speaking to reporters, he said, most of the cases are in Bengaluru, along with places like Mysuru among others.
"This was expected, as JN.1 is most prevalent and is spreading across the world now. The WHO, central government and the state government has been speaking about JN.1 infections...we had information about JN.1 infections, but for confirmation genome sequencing was done and through that we have come to know about 35 cases," he said, adding that the exact ratio and details will be shared later. (PTI)
Watch | Deputy CM Shivakumar meets Archbishop Peter Machado on Christmas
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar met Archbishop Peter Machado, in Bengaluru, on the occasion of Christmas.
Karnataka cabinet sub-committee on COVID to meet tomorrow to decide further measures
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said the state government's Cabinet sub-committee will meet on December 26 to discuss on the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken to manage COVID-19 situation in the state.
He also indicated that there will be no imposition of any restrictions as of now, while stressing the need for people to remain cautious or take precautions.
"As we increase COVID tests, cases will increase. Our TAC has met yesterday and has held discussions, the cabinet sub-committee which is meeting tomorrow will look into their suggestions or recommendations and decide on what further measures need to be taken," Rao said. (PTI)
In Pics | Karnataka BJP chief meets Arch-bishop of Bengaluru on Christmas
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra along with PC Mohan met Dr Peter Machado, Arch-bishop of Bengaluru on the occasion of Christmas.
One dead, 70 hospitalised due to alleged food poisoning in Karnataka
A woman died and 70 others were hospitalised in a suspected case of food poisoning in Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural limits, police said on Monday.
Police said they suspect the cause of food poisoning to be an edible offering at a place of worship in the area.
Some of those hospitalised have been discharged while others are still undergoing treatment. The health department is closely monitoring the situation.
As of now, it is suspected to be a case of food poisoning, but since the investigation is in the initial stage, the exact cause cannot be ascertained at present, they added. (PTI)
BJP names Poojari as Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council
The Karnataka BJP on Monday announced the appointment of senior party MLC and former Minister Kota Shrinivas Poojari as the Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council, and MLA Arvind Bellad as Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.
The BJP also has also appointed its MLCs Sunil Vallyapure and N Ravikumar respectively as the Deputy Leader of Opposition and its Chief Whip respectively in the legislative council -- the upper house; while party MLA Doddanagouda G Patil has been named as the Chief Whip in the lower house of the state legislature.
Farmers wish for drought to get loans waived, says Karnataka minister Shivanand Patil, draws flak
Karnataka minister Shivanand Patil has come under fire for his remarks that farmers wish for drought so that their loans are waived. Opposition BJP and Janata Dals (Secular) demanded an unconditional apology from the minister on Monday, even as Patil argued that his statements were taken out of context.
At an event held at Chikkodi, Belagavi district, Patil – who holds the Sugarcane Development and Textiles portfolio in the Siddaramaiah cabinet, had said, “Water from River Krishna is free. Electricity is free. Many CMs gave seeds and fertilisers (to farmers). Now, farmers have only one wish – that drought recurs. It is because (farm) loans will be waived.”
“You should not wish for that. Even if you don’t wish for it, there will be a drought year every three or four years…. When it is a distress year, governments can come to your aid. But, it will be difficult if aid is sought all the time,” he had said. Read more
Pregnant woman dies, son critical after gas geyser leak in Bengaluru; second incident this year
A 23-year-old pregnant woman died and her son, 4, is in critical condition after reportedly inhaling carbon monoxide from the gas geyser installed in their residence in Bengaluru on Saturday.
According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Ramya J, a resident of Ashwathnagar in Sadashivanagar, and the wife of a vegetable vendor Jagadish.
Their son, Samrat, is undergoing treatment at M S Ramaiah Hospital, they added. Read the full story here.
Some South Western Railway trains cancelled/rescheduled. Here's the list.
A few South Western Railway trains have been regulated, cancelled and/or rescheduled. Here's the list:
Commuters advised to plan accordingly due to traffic congestion on Bellary service road
Commuters have been advised to plan accordingly because of huge influx of public to the Mall of Asia on Christmas, which may lead to traffic congestion on the Bellary service road.
After Kolar, state-run school headmistress in Bengaluru arrested for forcing students to clean toilets
Days after the principal of a government-run school in Karnataka’s Kolar was arrested for allegedly forcing students to clean the septic tank, the headmistress of another state school in Bengaluru was held on Saturday for reportedly making school children clean their toilets.
Last Sunday, the principal of Morarji Desai Residential School in Kolar’s Malar Taluka and other staff were arrested after a video went viral showing a few students cleaning the septic tank in the presence of the principal and a teacher. Read more here.
Second wife of Indian Railways employee also entitled to pension: Karnataka High Court
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that the second wife of a deceased Indian Railways employee is also entitled to a share of the pension, according to the rules governing the grant of pension.
The order was passed by Justice M Nagaprasanna on December 20.
The second wife had approached the high court against an earlier order that allocated 50 per cent of the family pension to the first wife and her children, pending disposal of the application, without considering her claim.
Amid uptick across country, Karnataka sees 73 new Covid-19 cases
Amid an uptick in Covid-19 cases across the country, Karnataka, on Sunday, recorded 73 new infections, according to the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 344, with four Covid deaths reported since December 15.
The Karnataka government had on Friday constituted a four-member cabinet sub-committee headed by state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to monitor the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Weather update today 🌦️
Bengaluru is likely to witness fog or mist early Monday, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The minimum and the maximum temperatures are likely to be around 16 and 28 degrees Celsius respectively.
🚦Traffic Advisory
Substantial traffic delays were observed at the Mall of Asia and Byatarayanpura junction towards the airport due to the extended Christmas holidays and the long weekend. Commuters and visitors have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and consider using alternative routes.
Solving Crime: A day out, a kidnapping and futile search; how Bengaluru cops cracked 2011 murder of Bihar engineering student
Almost a week after engineering student Tushar Kumar, 22, went missing in 2011, his father Pramod Mehta, with the help of the police, managed to pay the ransom demanded by his kidnappers – only to receive his decomposing body later. A week-long search led investigators to the culprits, but when the killer was asked about his exact motive, his response was baffling.
The murder of Patna native Tushar, who arrived in Bengaluru to study engineering, shocked even the officers who were investigating his missing case as they were certain that he would be found alive.
Read the full story here
Weather update
The maximum temperature in Bengaluru will hover around 30°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 15°C.
'Karnataka govt has not lifted ban yet...': KTR slams Congress' 'U-turn' on hijab ban
As the hijab controversy flares up in Karnataka, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao slammed the Congress-led Karnataka government on Sunday, saying that the Siddaramaiah government has not lifted the ban on hijab yet in the state and they are still thinking about it.
"They have not lifted the ban on hijab yet and the CM has said that they are thinking about it. People are seeing the behaviour of Congress that what they say before coming to power and how they change after getting power," KTR said.
The debate on hijab issue was again rose to prominence after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced in a public meeting that his government will lift the ban on hijab imposed by the previous BJP government in the state.
"We are thinking of withdrawing the decision (of hijab ban). We will discuss it. I have said this in response to a question. We have not done it yet," the Chief Minister added. (ANI)
Samyukta Kisan Morcha to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 'Delhi Chalo'
Farmers' outfit Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) on Sunday said it has given a call for "Delhi Chalo" on February 26 with seven major demands, and in the run-up to it, 15 more "Kisan Mahapanchayats" will be organised in various parts of the country in next one and half months.
Six Kisan Mahapanchayats (mega conclave of farmers) have already been organised in different parts of the country, like -- Indore - Madhya Pradesh, Bhubaneswar - Orissa, Ludhiana and Moga - Punjab, Palakkad - Kerala, Chennai - Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru - Karnataka -- in the last 15 days, it said.
Sharing these details with the media, farmers' leaders also stressed that democratic and secular values of the country must be protected. (PTI)
Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway face severe traffic jam
As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, thousands of tourists are flocking to Mysuru and Kodagu. The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway is experiencing significant traffic congestion, particularly near the toll plaza.
Caste census not done systematically, fresh survey should be done: Yediyurappa
Veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Sunday said state's Socio-Economic and Education Survey, popularly known as the "caste census," was not done systematically, and urged the Congress government in Karnataka to get a fresh survey done and present the facts before the people.
Karnataka's two dominant communities -- Vokkaliags and Lingayats -- too have expressed disapproval about the survey, calling it unscientific, and have demanded that it be rejected and a fresh survey to be conducted.
"There is a feeling in everyone's mind that the survey has not been done systematically. I too have a similar opinion. So, a fresh cast census has to be done and facts have to be made known to people. I urge the government to make honest efforts in this regard," Yediyurappa said.
(PTI report)
People will decide whether I'm patriot or a traitor: Simha on Parliament security breach
BJP Lok Sabha member Pratap Simha on Sunday speaking on the Parliament security breach case said people will ultimately decide whether he was a patriot or a traitor, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Not wanting to divulge anything regarding the incident and the probe, he said, will leave it to the gods and his reader fans to decide on the alleged "traitor" allegations made against him.
The protesters who had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and set off smoke canisters, had entered Parliament on passes issued on the recommendation of Simha's office.
"Whether Pratap Simha is a traitor or a patriot -- mother Goddess Chamundeshwari sitting on the hills of Mysuru, mother Goddess Cauvery who is sitting on Brahmagiri, my reader fans across Karnataka who have been reading my writings for the last twenty years, and people of Mysuru and Kodgu who have seen my work for 9.5 years and my conduct on issues related country, dharma and nationalism -- will give their verdict through votes in Lok Sabha polls to be held in April, 2024," Simha said.
(PTI report)
After Kolar, state-run school headmistress in Bengaluru arrested for forcing students to clean toilets
Days after the principal of a government-run school in Karnataka’s Kolar was arrested for allegedly forcing students to clean the septic tank, the headmistress of another state school in Bengaluru was held on Saturday for reportedly making school children clean their toilets.
Last Sunday, the principal of Morarji Desai Residential School in Kolar’s Malar Taluka and other staff were arrested after a video went viral showing a few students cleaning the septic tank in the presence of the principal and a teacher.
Read more.
Mangaluru Airport ushers in Christmas spirit in style
The Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has ushered in the spirit of Christmas in style with a three-day celebration which began at the airport on Saturday.
Passengers travelling through the airport will be treated to mellifluous Christmas carols including 'Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells' by a group of talented artistes. Santa Claus too will be present to charm the passengers during the three days, a release from the MIA said here Sunday.
This bag of goodies of 'Santa Claus' with its supply of red and white Christmas hats on Saturday brought smiles on the faces of passengers who keenly sported the same as they embarked on their journey to their respective destinations.
The airport has set up a 360-degree photo booth on the first floor of the domestic security hold area. This booth will enable the passengers capture rich memories of the ongoing celebration, the release said.
(PTI report)
Pregnant woman dies, son critical after gas geyser leak in Bengaluru; second incident this year
A 23-year-old pregnant woman died and her son, 4, is in critical condition after reportedly inhaling carbon monoxide from the gas geyser installed in their residence in Bengaluru on Saturday.
According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Ramya J, a resident of Ashwathnagar in Sadashivanagar, and the wife of a vegetable vendor Jagadish. Their son, Samrat, is undergoing treatment at M S Ramaiah Hospital, they added.
A police officer said the incident came to light when Jagadish returned home and found the door locked.
Read full story.
Second wife of Indian Railways employee also entitled to pension: Karnataka High Court
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that the second wife of a deceased Indian Railways employee is also entitled to a share of the pension, according to the rules governing the grant of pension.
The order was passed by Justice M Nagaprasanna on December 20.
The second wife had approached the high court against an earlier order that allocated 50 per cent of the family pension to the first wife and her children, pending disposal of the application, without considering her claim.
Continue reading.
Hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts adopt varied species of animals & birds at Bengaluru zoo
Are you an animal lover and want to do your bit to conserve wildlife? In that case you can join the animal adoption programme of the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) here which through the scheme managed to raise over Rs 27 lakh from April to November this year.
To further create awareness, the BBP is also planning to rope in social media influencers to promote the programme.
According to a data shared by the BBP with PTI, over 400 people adopted animals and birds of varied species this year through which it collected Rs 27,65,623 during the April-November period. Through its one-day feeding programme, it collected Rs 1,56,128.
Started in 2007, through its animal adoption programme, the BBP provides an opportunity to adopt animals. The money collected through the programme is used to cover food, maintenance, and veterinary healthcare expenses, officials said.
(PTI report)
Bengaluru to soon be Sports Hub of India: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports
Australi opens Consul-General in Bengaluru
Covid update: Karnataka sees 104 cases logged on Saturday
Amid an uptick in Covid-19 cases across the country, Karnataka, on Saturday, recorded 104 new infections. This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 272, with four Covid deaths reported since December 15.
Weather today🌥️
Christmas Eve day in Bengaluru is likely to be cloudy with a misty morning. Temeperatures will soar to 29 degrees celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be around 17 degrees celsius.
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