Archives for 2021

‘There could be differences among the political parties in Tamil Nadu, but when it comes to the rights of the state, all parties and leaders have to raise their vocie,’ said O Panneerselvam.

CHENNAI: Expressing surprise at the continued silence maintained by Chief Minister MK Stalin over Kerala’s move to reverse its earlier decision to allow Tamil Nadu to cut 15 trees in Mullaiperiyar dam site to strengthen the baby dam, AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam, on Saturday, urged the Chief Minister to exert pressure on Kerala government in getting permission for removal of the trees. 

The AIADMK coordinator said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who thanked his Kerala counterpart immediately for giving permission to cut the trees for strengthening the baby dam, has been maintaining silence about the developments that took place after that.  

Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan gave a wishy-washy reply saying Tamil Nadu cannot intervene in a row between Kerala Minister and his officials. 

“Moreover, DMK’s alliance parties are also hesitating to raise their voice against this lifeline issue of the State. Though the silence of DMK’s allies can be construed as ‘alliance dharma’, won’t it amount to a betrayal of the people of Tamil Nadu?”, Panneerselvam wondered.

The AIADMK leader also said there could be differences among the political parties in Tamil Nadu, but when it comes to the rights of the State, MPs, and MLAs of all parties and the Ministers have to raise their voice.

“Keeping silence on this issue will be tantamount to giving up Tamil Nadu’s rights to Kerala. An all-party meeting should be convened to take a united stand on this issue and when the hearing on Mullaiperiyar dam issue comes up before the Supreme Court, the government should effectively argue our case,” Panneerselvam added.

Parmesh Jain

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday met a delegation of global aerospace major Lockheed Martin and assured that Bengaluru has immense potential and offers huge opportunities for aerospace technology.

Additional Chief Secretary of IT,BT department Dr. E.V Ramana Reddy, Commissioner of Commerce and Industries department Gunjan Krishna were present.

He said Bengaluru has immense potential and offers huge opportunities for Aerospace Technology.

State government would provide all necessary co-operation for Lockheed Martin company to set up its base in the city,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai assured here on Friday.

The assurance came when a delegation of global aerospace major,Lockheed Martin led by its Vice President,International Supply Chain and Industrial Development Mr.Vincent Panzera called on the CM.

“India is the fastest growing and 6th largest economy in the world. Karnataka and Bengaluru are the technology powerhouses of the future,” Bommai said on the occasion.

Lockheed Martin is a leading defence technology company in the world. Bengaluru offers huge potential for the growth of aerospace industries.

The investor-friendly policies of the state government had created conducive environment for setting up industrial units here, Bommai said.

Parmesh Jain

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is set to participate in the Coordination Conclave of Chief Ministers of Southern States to be chaired by Union Home minister Amit Shah in Tirupati on November 14.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with senior officials on Friday to discuss on the issues to be raised at the meeting with Mr.Shah.

Informing this to media persons after a function to felicitate Justice Aravind Kumar, who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court, Bommai said that a committee headed by retired Additional Chief Secretary MR Srinivasa Murthy would be constituted to suggest measures for rejuvenation of all Road Transport Corporations and a similar committee headed by retired Additional chief secretary K Jairaj would be constituted for rejuvenation of all ESCOMs.

Srinivasa Murthy who had served as Principal Secretary of Transport department would come out with report suggesting measures for the reforms to be undertaken to improve the service of the Road Transport Corporations and measures to turn them profitable,Bommai said.

K Jairaj has vast experience in Energy department.The proposed committee headed by him would suggest ways and means for raising the efficiency of electric supply companies, improve their financial condition and ensure better service for the public,Bommai said.

Union Finance minister, Nirmala Sitaraman is scheduled to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Bommai on November 16 on issues related to ease doing business for investors in the infrastructure projects.We discussed about it too at my meeting with the officials,Bommai added.

Ban on Religious conversions

Seers of various mutts have appealed to state government for implementing the Act to Ban Religious Conversions in the state.

State government is already studying the laws passed by some states in this regard.Karnataka would soon come out with its own Act,Bommai said.

Replying to a question on the issue, the Chief Minister said that the Constitution is clear against conversions by means of force and inducements.I have spoken against this in the past too.”

Referring to the letter from opposition leaders on the damage caused to life and property due to incessant rains in the state in the last few days, Bommai said that he would reply soon after getting complete details from the officials.

Parmesh Jain

Countering those who are making a big issue out of the alleged Bitcoin scam, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has challenged them to elaborate as to what exactly is the alleged scam and submit the documents,if any,to the investigation agencies which are already conducting the probe into the issue.

Speaking to media persons after the function to felicitate Justice Aravind Kumar,who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court,Bommai said,I will not like to react on the issue every day.

Replying to questions from the reporters on the issue, Bommai said, “let those who are making the allegations explain what exactly is the scam and who are involved in it.

The case has been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate 8-9 months ago.Interpol Cell of the CBI too has been informed about the case which has international dimension.

Divergent figures are being quoted about the amount involved in the alleged scam.

There was no documentary backing for the allegations.Our government has an open mind about the issue.

There is no question of shielding anybody.None of us are involved in it. Let them submit the documents in their possession to the investigation agencies,let the truth come out,” Bommai said.

When asked about claims of the opposition leaders that the alleged scam would force him to quit, “it is a politically motivated allegation,” Bommai replied.

Parmesh Jain

City court has permitted the Jeevan Bheema Nagar (JB Nagar) police to subject four laptops seized from hacker Sri Krishna alias Shriki for digital forensic analysis.

The JB Nagar police had arrested Shriki and his friend Vishnu Bhat on November 6, following a complaint by an employee of star-hotel, who had accused the duo of assaulting him.

As part of the probe,the police had searched Shriki’s room and had seized four laptops.

As there are several cases of hacking against Shriki, it was necessary to retrieve data from his laptops to know whether he is involved in any fresh cyber crimes including hacking.

We had sought permission from the court to subject his laptops for digital forensic examination.

On Thursday,the court has granted us permission for the same.Now, the laptops will be sent to the cyber forensic laboratory,”a senior police officer said.

Shriki, who is at the center stage of the bitcoin scam, was released from Bengaluru Central Prison on Wednesday.

Vishnu Bhat remanded in Judicial custody

Meanwhile,Vishnu Bhat has been remanded in judicial custody till November 20. As the police custody of Bhat ended on Thursday,he was produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate (Traffic Court -1) at Mayo Hall.

As further extension of police custody was requested, the court remanded him in judicial custody till November 20 he added.

Parmesh Jain

Under Universal Immunization programme,PCV was introduced and launched by Special Commissioner (Health), BBMP on 12-11-2021 “World Pneumonia Day” at Dasappa hospital (near Town hall) to spread awareness and to reduce mortality and morbidity by Pneumonia.

On this occasion,Dr. K V Trilok Chandra,IAS, Special Commissioner, (Health),BBMP,Chief Health Officers, (Public & Clinical),District RCH officer,CPMO-NUHM,HOs,respective MOHs & MOs and representatives from World Health Organization,JSI & UNICEF were present.

Pneumococcal disease is the name of a group of diseases caused by a bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

Streptococcus pneumoniae is leading cause of bacterial pneumonia in children under 5 years of age. Young children (particularly those under 2 years of age), elderly, immune suppressed, malnourished are at increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease.

Over 1.2 million children die before their 5th birthday in India. Nearly 15.9% deaths are due to pneumonia. In 2015, Streptococcus pneumonia is estimated to have caused around 1.6 million cases of severe pneumococcal disease,(including severe pneumonia and meningitis) and nearly 68,700 deaths in 1-59months old children.

PCV is Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease.PCV reduces incidence of pneumonia, meningitis and other serious bacterial infections caused by pneumococcus.

PCV also provides protection to children too young to be immunized, adults with substantial risk of pneumococcal disease (e.g., HIV infected), and adults.Other causes of pneumonia and/or meningitis may be prevented through immunization including with Hib, pertussis, measles and influenza vaccines.

PCV was first launched in 2000 in USA. As of 2020 June, 146 countries have introduced PCV. Kazakhstan is the first country in Asia to introduce PCV in 2011.

In India, PCV vaccine was introduced in the year 2017, in phase-wise manner (Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh).Now PCV introduction has been planned in whole country across all States/UTs.

PCV has been in use in private sector for several years although uptake has been limited to a small population that can afford the vaccine.

NTAGI recommended the vaccine be included in the UIP based on disease burden, safety and efficacy, cost-effectiveness, sustainability,and global evidence.

PCV schedule: 2 primary doses at 1 ½ months and 3½ months (6 weeks and 14 weeks) and 1 booster dose at 9 months of age.

In the Karnataka State,PCV was launched on 22 October 2021 at KIMS, Hubli by Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai.

Parmesh Jain

A Joint meeting was held by Chief Commissioner, Gaurav Gupta,along with MLA Ravi Subramanya, DCP,South, Harish Pandey and other officials participated in the preparation meeting held by BBMP Chief to review the preparation of annual a historic groundnut Mela which is a 500 year old groundnut Mela.

As due to Covid19 from past 2 years there was no celebration as it is a historic groundnut Mela and footfall of public will be huge lakhs of public visit to see this peanuts Mela.

During the last Monday of Karthika Masa,the historic Kadalekai Parishe takes place in the city and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner has asked all the officials to take necessary precautions in today’s preparation meeting which took place.

In the State’s cultural event which will be held on November 29,the Kadalekai Parishe will take place in the same traditional and cultural manner.

Since many people are going to visit, necessary facilities, police force for the security and over 700 staff from BBMP will be deployed to ensure there is no untoward incident takes place,said commissioner to all department officials.

Parmesh Jain

Prime Minister,Narendra Modi has asked the Karnataka government to implement the recently launched state education scholarship scheme for farmers’ children successfully so that it can be replicated in the rest of the country, chief minister,Basavaraj S Bommai said on Thursday.

Bommai,who met the Prime Minister in Delhi,told reporters after the meeting that PM Modi also appreciated the state government’s move to set up a panel to scrutinise government tenders, giving a plot for homeless people as well as the implementation of the New Education Policy.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai could heave a sigh of relief on the Bitcoin row as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him not to bother about the issue and devote his focus on welfare works for the people of the state.

The gesture reflects the solid support from the Prime Minister for Mr.Bommai’s leadership.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi after meeting the Prime Minister and discussing with him about 100 days of his administration after assuming office, Bommai said,the Prime Minister did not wish to dwell much on the Bitcoin issue.

However I myself raised the issue.The Prime Minister assured me not to bother much on the Bitcoin issue.Just focus on working for the welfare of the people with integrity and boldness, and things will fall in place.

Don’t worry much on the Bitcoin issue.”

Prime Minister Modi’s assurance and encouraging words has conveyed an indirect message of his support and appreciation for Bommai’s leadership.

Bommai, who also called on BJP National President JP Nadda in the National Capital said that he presented details of the deliberations of the BJP State Core Committee meeting held in Bengaluru recently.

“I urged our Mr.Nadda to finalise the party candidates for the forthcoming MLC polls as early as possible as it would help the party to prepare better for the poll battle,Bommai said.

Bommai also stated that Nadda had obtained details about the proposed tour of state leaders in four teams and right now he(Nadda) was busy with preparations for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.But Karnataka too is very important state for us.

So I will make time and come to Karnataka soon on a one day visit and hold meeting with BJP state president and other office bearers of the party,” Nadda said during the interaction according to Bommai.

Referring to his meeting with union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister said, “I could not discuss much with him as the interaction was brief. The issue of Bitcoin did not come up during the interaction. He would have had much information on the issue,” Bommai said replying to a question.

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ category on Saturday morning, with the AQI being recorded at 473. The air quality index of neighbouring areas of Noida and Gurgaon was recorded at 587 and 557 respectively.

The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 473 at 10 am. In Delhi, the air quality index of Lodhi Road, Delhi University, IIT Delhi, Pusa Road l, and Delhi airport was recorded at 489, 466, 474 and 480 and 504 respectively, according to SAFAR.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

Authorities on Friday had advised people to limit outdoor activities and told government and private offices to cut vehicle use by at least 30 per cent as air quality in Delhi-NCR inched towards the emergency level amid a rise in emissions from farm fires and unfavourable meteorological conditions.

Over 4,000 farm fires, accounting for 35 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Friday, played a major role in pushing the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) to 471 by 4 pm. It was 411 on Thursday.

A sub-committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) said meteorological conditions will be highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants till November 18 and agencies concerned must be fully ready to implement measures under ’emergency’ category.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11.1 degrees Celsius, three notches below the season’s average, on Saturday.

The relative humidity was recorded at 90 per cent.

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to exempt vehicles travelling to Bhopal to attend the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ tribal convention, to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, from paying the toll.

Buses ferrying tribals to the rally, to be held at the Jamboree Maidan, will also have mechanics onboard to ensure quick repair in the event of the buses developing a snag during the journey.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to take stock of the preparations for Monday’s programme in a meeting held on Friday, an official statement said.

All the vehicles coming for the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ programme in Bhopal will be free from (paying) toll tax, the statement quoted Chouhan as saying.

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet had decided to declare November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ to mark the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and honour the contributions of the members of Scheduled Tribes to Indian history and culture.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also directed officials to ensure that an ambulance accompanies the vehicles coming for the programme from distant and remote districts of the state.

The officials were also directed to ensure that the buses carrying tribals for the rally are fit for travel and subject drivers to breath-analyser tests.

This programme is being discussed in the entire country. There should be no shortage in the arrangements for safe transportation of all participants, their accommodation and food. It is our responsibility that the tribal brothers and sisters coming from different districts should arrive and reach back to their homes safely, Chouhan said.

According to BJP insiders, the saffron party was trying to ensure the participation of 2.50 lakh tribals in the event.

Though the government is so far silent on the budget of the forthcoming convention, Congress MLA and tribal leader Hiralal Alawa had on November 11 alleged that CM Chouhan was diverting funds meant for health, education and development of adivasis for Modi’s publicity for the event.