Congress Karnataka president D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Congress Karnataka president D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said his party will not sit quiet until action is taken against ruling BJP leaders, who violated COVID-19 curbs.

Faced by multiple FIRs against its leaders for organising padayatra demanding implementation of Mekedatu project, in violation of COVID restrictions, the Congress party has been demanding similar action against BJP leaders, who allegedly indulged in similar acts.

“We are not meeting (CM), I’m waiting for Siddaramaiah (Congress Legislature Party leader), he has gone to Mysuru, we will do what ever fight we need to…I’m writing a letter to the Chief Secretary to take action, our leaders will give it to him and the DGP,” Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “we will not say what we will do next, we will discuss, but I will not sit quietly.”

Later in the day, a delegation of Congress leaders led by its state working president Saleem Ahmed met Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar, and handed over to him a letter signed by Shivakumar which sought filing of FIRs and appropriate legal action against BJP leaders for allegedly violating COVID curbs, and disciplinary action against government officials for not acting against them.

Pointing out that several FIRs have been booked against him, Siddaramaiah and several other Congress leaders, Shivakumar in the letter has listed several instances of ‘COVID curbs violation’ by BJP leaders including events attended by Aland MLA Subhash Guttedar, Honnali MLA M P Renukacharya, Minister B Sriramulu, among others.

The letter also refers to a large-scale gathering at the swearing-in of newly elected MLCs at Vidhana Soudha that was attended by Legislative Council Chairman, Chief Minister, Ministers among others and also an event held at Home Minister Araga Jnanendra’s constituency.

Noting that these events were held in violation of COVID guidelines, without masks, social distancing and use of hand sanitizers, the KPCC chief wanted FIRs to be registered and legal action be taken against them.

He also sought disciplinary action against officials for showing negligence and failing to take action in accordance with law against those violating rules.

With limited options before it amid surging COVID cases, the government prohibiting movement of people, and High Court observations, the Congress state unit on January 13 had temporarily halted its padayatra from Mekedatu to Bengaluru on its fifth day.

Police have filed four FIRs against Congress leaders, including Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, for taking out the march defying COVID-19 curbs.

Tesla’s billionaire founder and CEO Elon Musk

Bengaluru: Joining the growing list of Indian states wooing Tesla’s billionaire founder and CEO Elon Musk to start a manufacturing unit, Karnataka on Tuesday projected itself as the “Electric Vehicle (EV) hub” of India and an ideal destination to set up a plant.

Several Indian states like Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have already invited Musk to set up shop.

“With over 400 R&D centres, 45+ EV startups & an EV cluster near Bengaluru, Karnataka has emerged as EV hub of India. Mr @elonmusk, Karnataka would be an ideal destination to set up @Tesla plant. Bengaluru is already Tesla’s maiden address in India,” Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium-scale Industries Murugesh R Nirani tweeted.

Musk had recently tweeted that the US-based firm is working through a lot of challenges with the government to launch its products in India.

“Still working through a lot of challenges with the government,” Musk tweeted in reply to a Twitter user, who asked: “Yo @elonmusk any further update as to when Tesla’s will launch in India? They’re pretty awesome and deserve to be in every corner of the world!”

In January 2021, Tesla registered its Indian arm amid indications that the company is set to enter the country’s automobile market.

According to a regulatory filing, the firm registered Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd with RoC (Registrar Of Companies) Bengaluru.

The company has been registered as an unlisted private entity with a paid-up capital of Rs 1 lakh.

In February 2021, the then Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa too had said that “American firm Tesla will set up the car-manufacturing unit in Karnataka.”

Last year, Tesla had sought a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India.

The union heavy industries ministry had asked the electric car major to first start manufacturing its iconic electric vehicles in India before any tax concessions can be considered.

The government sources had noted that they were not giving such concessions to any auto firm, and giving duty benefits to Tesla will not send a good signal to other companies that have invested billions of dollars in India.

At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty, ranging from 60 to 100 per cent, depending on the engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value less or above USD 40,000.

Nasheman news

Bengaluru, 12th January 2022: On the outset of rising COVID-19 variant Omicron, the government of
India decided to prioritise the coverage of vaccination of 15-18 year children. In response to the same,
Orchids – The International School’s Bangalore campuses zeroed down on conducting vaccination
drives for the students of their schools.

Starting from the 4 th of January 2022, the Vijayanagar, Sahakar Nagar and BTM Layout have started
the vaccination drive. Nearly 300 students have received the first dose of their vaccination to date. 
Keeping in mind the guidelines issued by the government authorities, the respective campuses have
taken utmost care in abiding by the guidelines and maintaining social distancing. The management has
ensured complete sanitization of the premises along with optimum seating arrangements for the
convenience of their students.

Commenting on the vaccination drive, Mr. Kapil Sharma, Head – Academic Implementation, Orchids
The International Schools said, “Providing a healthy and hygienic environment to the students has
always been our first priority and we are glad to be a part of Govt’s Vaccination drive to ensure our next
generation is safe from this fatal disease. We are maintaining all Covid-19 protocols and guidelines in all
60+ branches of Orchids International Schools across India. The vaccination process of the students also
includes recording the temperature of the students at the entrance along with the consent forms. For
verification and our records, we have been asking for the Aadhar card details & the copy, followed by the
registered mobile number.”
Along with the respective branch Principal, the school authorities have deputed dedicated Coordinators
and Admin Staff for carrying out the vaccination drive smoothly. The schools then connect with the
respective state authority to cite the date for planning the vaccination drive. On freezing the dates as
per the availability of the Covaxin does, the school submits the count of the students to the state
authority, so that they carry the same quantity.

About Orchids – The International School:

Orchids-The International School is one of the leading international school chains in India
started its journey in 2002 with its first branch in Hyderabad. In less than two decades it has grown into
60+ branches spread over 7 cities across India in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad,
Chennai, Gurgaon, and Kolkata. Modern physical infrastructure, ensuring personalized attention by
following 1:12 teacher-student ratio, and carefully curated curriculum provide uniformity in all Orchids
schools. Orchids follow CBSE and ICSE curriculum infused with international teaching methodologies to
provide a strong emphasis on personality development along with academic excellence.
Orchids’ core anthem is “Shaping minds, Touching lives, Building Second Homes” and it has over
30000+ students and 3000+ teaching and non-teaching staff.

Parmesh S Jain

In a two seperate incidents two jewellers were threatened by muggers and robbed in broad day light the miscreants made away with 63.5 lakhs.

Senior officer with other officers rushed to spot to inspect the spot after visiting the spot he said,Since last Monday muggers robbed two jewellers on the busy streets of Nagarpete and made away with gold valuables and cash total worth Rs 63.5 lakh in separate cases .

On Wednesday Prabhuram, employee of Chethan Laksmilal Jain jewellers situated in Rajajinagar was walking with 1.6 kgs of gold jewels worth Rs 60 lakh was robbed near Banaras sweets CT street off Avenue road in broad day light when two men confronted him.

Before Prabhuram could realize they dragged him to isolated place and threatened with dire consequences and escaped with the bag containing jewels Pabhuram had come to get Hallmarks for the jewels,when the incident occurred .

He tried to follow the accused but they disappeared in crowd,he said in his complaint .

Earlier miscreants picked the bag of Meharam, jeweller from Chikkaballapura who was walking on the busy SP road with Cash Rs 3.5 lakh along with 28 grams of gold valuables on Monday .

Meharam had come to city to buy gold bar and walking wih the cash bag when miscreants followed him and managed to cut the bag with a blade and took away the valuables .

Few minutes later Meharam realized the bag is weighless and found that the valuables were missing and the bag was torn.

The Halasuru Gate police have registered a case and are verifying the CCTV footages from in and around to identify the accused and further investigation is on he added.

Parmesh S Jain

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai chaired a Covid review meeting today with TAC Committee, experts,and Health officials and other senior officers and issues instructions to focus more on OPDs in Bengaluru & deploying more personnel, increase home isolation calls & ensuring medicinal kits are effectively delivered to home isolated cases.

A high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday decided to give more importance for OPD treatment in Bengaluru by appointing more staff and also restrict people from getting admitted to triaging.

As the COVID cases surge in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, state minister R Ashoka on Monday said the third wave, driven by the Omicron variant, will reach its peak next week.

However, he said that the weekend curfew imposed in state might be extended, but there won’t be a complete lockdown.

Instructions issued for focussing more on OPDs in Bengaluru and deploying more personnel.

CM suggested the officers to control people getting admitted for Triaging.

Increase Home Isolation calls.The comorbidities cases should be contacted atleast once in a day and enquire about their health to instill a sense of confidence in them.

Precautionary measures to be taken to ensure that it does not spread to other members of the family.

Medicinal kits should  be effectively delivered to home isolated cases.

Negative attitudes of the people should be removed by involving voluntary service organisations.

Local doctors should be involved for consultation.

Infected children,especially in rural areas should get top priority, parents should be counseled and medical kits should be distributed.Separate medical kits should be prepared for children.

Instill confidence among the rural populace.

Instructions issued to get Oxygen plants ready for use any time along with necessary personnel and fuel.

Arrange Generator systems in hospitals.

Greater monitoring of children and senior citizens.

Speedy completion of vaccination drive.

Medicines should be procured immediately and they should be reached to hospitals well in time.

Spread awareness among the people about Covid appropriate behaviour through the media. 

The CM instructed graded type testing as per the ICMR norms under the government of India guidelines.

It was also decided to hold a Video Conference with DCs and CEOs of districts which are lagging behind in second dose vaccination.

To intensify vaccination drives for 15-18 age group he added.

To continue weekend curfew a decission will be taken on Friday meeting with experts,and ministers he added.

Parmesh S Jain

CM Bommai takes stock of the preparations for the launch

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said the ambitious ‘Grama One’ programme that is aimed at providing services of various departments at the citizens’ doorsteps would be a reality from Republic Day in rural areas of 12 districts.

Bommai had held a virtual meeting to review the preparations for the launch of the programme. It would be implemented in 12 districts of the state from January 26. About 3,000 ‘Grama One’ service centres would be opened for the purpose, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Speaking at the virtual meeting Bommai said, for now it would be launched in 12 districts and it would cover all the districts in the coming days.

He instructed the officials to ensure that services of prominent departments should be made easily available for people in rural areas.

It would be launched in Bidar,Koppal,Ballari, Belagavi,Haveri,Vijayapura,Davangere, Shivamogga,Tumakuru,Chikkamagaluru,Udupi and Kodagu districts on January 26. 

About 100 services related to Revenue,Food, Health,labour departments would be available through ‘Grama One’ service centres.

They would be provided with uninterrupted power and internet connectivity, the officials said.

Parmesh S Jain

House within 4 months for the old lady whose house was washed away in floods

It was a harsh Ganesha festival for Kamalavva who had lost the roof over her head due to heavy rains and flooding.

The old lady had poured out her woes to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai who was passing on the spot instructions for relief during a private television ( public tv) channel about 4 months ago.

Both my sons have died. Please get me a house built,” Kamalavva had pleaded and the Chief Minister consoling Kamalavva has delivered what he had promised–to ensure that she celebrates Sankranti in her own house.

A resident of Manchanakoppa village in Bommai’s own constituency Shiggavi, Kamalavva Thimmanagoudra had requested the Chief Minister for a house.

Bommai responding positively had instructed the district administration to take action to mitigate her plight.

Accordingly the house was built within 4 months and handed over to Kamalavva on the occasion of Sankranti, making it a special day in her life.

Assistant Commissioner of Savanur Annapurna Mudukamma handed over the house which was built by Habitat Centre.

Karnataka is set to play a big role in the nation’s economy in the future. It is a matter of pride that out of 54000 Startups in the country 13,000 are in Karnataka.

Karnataka government has taken a slew of measures to encourage setting up of Startups. Guidance and scientific support is being provided by the government,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Bommai in his online message on the occasion of ‘National Startup Day’ said that the idea of New Karnataka for New India would be made a reality.

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s wish the Startup Day has been celebrated in a meaningful manner in the state.

In the coming days the state government would provide a big boost for startups,innovation, scientific thinking and entrepreneurship,he said.

Thanks to the long term vision of the Prime Minister the number of startups which was around 500 has crossed the 54000 mark now.

He has given a big push for innovation and startups by setting up a forum to help them and freeing them from the restrictions of the government.

The Prime Minister has been the inspiration for the highest growth of startups in the state, Bommai said and thanked the Prime Minister for this on behalf of the state’s youth.

Karnataka the topper in India’s ITBT

Karnataka is in the numero uno spot in IT BT sector in the country. The first software company in Karnataka was started in 1980.

It has seen a rapid growth since then and the state has the maximum share in IT BT exports, Bommai said.

Financial assistance for Startups

Financial assistance is being provided through programmes like Elevate 100, Elevate Unnati for setting up startups by SC ST communities.

Under the Amrit Startup programme financial help is being provided for 75 Startups by OBC and minority community members.

Similarly 25 Startups from women are being provided the assistance. About Rs120cr has been granted for 482 startups in the state, he said.

Beyond Bengaluru

State government is mulling to take startups to various districts of the state under its ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ project.

A new Research and Development Policy would be unveiled to encourage setting up startups from a small garage to big scientific research and industrial units, Bommai said.

Strong foundation in schools for research and startups

It has been decided to encourage scientific thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship by including them as subjects in school syllabus. About 150 ITIs have been upgraded.It has been decided to upgrade Diploma colleges.

State government would bring an ambitious programme to lay a strong foundation in schools and colleges for scientific thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship, he said.

There are over 180 science and research institutions in various fields in Bengaluru.

Government is keen to see more startups coming in agriculture, horticulture and sericulture which generate more employment.

Bommai wished more startups coming with social responsibility towards education, health, social welfare and women’s empowerment.

Karnataka will play a major role in realising Prime Minister Modi dream of making India a $5 Trillion economy.

Through startups a New Karnataka would make a significant contribution for the economy of New India, he said and congratulated the Prime Minister for encouraging the youth to inculcate scientific thinking to face new challenges.

Parmesh S Jain

The immigration official caught a 44-year-old sales executive who worked in Saudi Arabia and visited Yemen as part of his work for a week in January this year .

Kashinath Durai,immigration officer at Kempegowda International Airport caught Irfan Khan,after he arrived at the airport from Sharjah on December 14.

Upon verification of documents the officials found Irfan had visited Yemen for a week and had taken exit visa from Yemen to come to Bengaluru.

Inquiries revealed that Irfan, a native of Chikkamagaluru was working as sales executive for a motor company in Riyadh and using his residential permit he had gone to Jejan a border town on work in January.

However due to emergency curfew Irfan was stranded and forced to stay back in the town for a week and later with the help of a local , he managed to get exit visa using which he returned to Bengaluru.

The Airport police have questioned Irfan an recorded his statement for further investigation.

According to the officials, the central government gazette notification issued on September 2017, barred indian citizen from visiting Yemen. However Irfan violated the rule and travelled to Yemen, liable for penal action he added.

Parmesh S Jain

The JC Nagar police on Sunday arrested a rowdy-sheeter who had 16 criminal cases pending against him.

The accused has been identified as,Tabrez Pasha.

Senior officer told reporters,a complaint was filed in JC Nagar police station by a private firm employee who stated in his complaint that he works as a executive of a private finance company and as on December 17th.

While he was returning after collecting money as finance money from a bakery near CBI Junction one unknown person came in bike and confronted him by abusing and threatened him to give cash and belongings which he have and robbed the executive at knife point.

Based on complaint two special teams were formed by ACP,JC Nagar, Sub-Division,Smt.Reena Suvarna a team headed by PI,JC Nagar and his teams swung into action and visited the crime spot and after collecting information.

A team collected the CCTV footage from the neighbouring areas and during analysing the CCTV footage the team got the identity of the accused and using police technology skilled the team zeroed in on him.

During investigation the accused confessed the crime and based on his statement the team recovered Rs.10,000 and vehicle used to commit offence has been seized and further investigation is on.

With his arrest the police have solved 11 criminal cases.The accused had jumped bail and on the run for five years has been Finally nabbed and is now cooling his heels in jail.

Finally Bengaluru Police Commissioner,Kamal Pant has appreciated Addl CP West,Sandeep Patil,DCP North,Vinayak Patil,ACP,Smt.Reena Suvarna,PI,DH Muniyappa,PSIs,as, Raghupati,Ajith Kumar,and crime staff as,Arase Gowda,Thimmachari,Srinivasmurthy,Jagadish MB,Mallikarjun,Basavaraj,Naveen Kumar, Sridhar,Srimanth Rathod,Ramesh Thondihal,and Santhosh Kumar has been appreciated for the excellent investigation and exemplary work done by them a suitable reward will be given to the whole team for their excellent work in nabbing the absconding accused he added.