Biden’s quest to beat back the pandemic is at a critical juncture.
from Health Care https://ift.tt/3owAjX1
via IFTTT
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Friday, January 29, 2021
Communal violence cases against MLAs and MPs withdrawn in Karnataka, court asks how
This is in context of an August, 2020 order passed by the BS Yediyurappa-government.
PTI
In a setback for the BJP in Karnataka, the High Court on Friday reiterated that certain cases of communal violence and cow vigilantism against elected leaders and others cannot be dropped mechanically. This is in context of an order passed by the BS Yediyurappa-government in August 2020 through which 61 cases were set to be dropped. The state government had wanted to withdraw the cases applying Section 321 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) which gives power to the Public Prosecutor or the Assistant Public Prosecutor to drop cases. Taking cognizance of an Indian Express report, the Karnataka HC said the earlier stay on the matter issued on December 21, 2020 will continue to be in place as part of the public interest litigation filed by People’s Union for Civil Liberties. In that order, the state government was prohibited from taking any further action in accordance with the August, 2020 order. The HC on Friday also asked the state government to produce all material on record of every action taken with respect to the August, 2020 state government order. Indian Express on Friday had reported that one of these cases involved Pratap Simha who was booked by the police officers in 2017. Simha, the Lok Sabha MP from Mysore-Kodagu constituency had allegedly driven his car into the police barricade in Hunsur. Mysuru. He was booked for disobeying a public order, rash driving, preventing a public servant from doing his duty, and voluntarily hurting a public servant among other charges. The IE report said that the case was withdrawn by the trial court in Hunsur on October 10.
from Karnataka https://ift.tt/36pHrOJ
via IFTTT
Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72 percent effective in U.S. trial
The highly anticipated vaccine has several logistical advantages over authorized shots from Moderna and Pfizer.
from Health Care https://ift.tt/3pyLBLN
via IFTTT
from Health Care https://ift.tt/3pyLBLN
via IFTTT
Bengaluru Metro wants to resume full seating: What commuters have to say
BMRCL officials said that the move comes in light of easing restrictions on bus travel, as well as schools and colleges.
IMAGE FOR REPRESENTATION: PTI
The officials of the Bangalore Metro Rail Metro Corporation Limited (BMRCL) have approached the Union government with a proposal seeking permission to remove seating limits on the metro rail, which they say will be beneficial in freeing space for the commuters. Meanwhile, the alternate seating rule or one-meter seating distance is being followed, as per the COVID-19 guidelines, to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection. According to officials, the proposal was sent to the Union government on January 28. Yeshwanth Chavan, chief PRO of BMRCL, told TNM, “We have approached the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs because we are thinking of the commuters’ convenience. With the gradually increasing ridership, we want to be able to provide them with the safest and most comfortable commute.” He added that many have to stand during their commute, which has been contributing to an increase in crowding. Chavan further reasoned that their move came in light of easing restrictions on other modes of transport like BMTC buses, and also limitations being eased in institutions like schools and colleges. “The metro is recording daily ridership of 1.4 lakh on weekdays,” Ajay Seth, Managing Director of BMRCL, told TOI. “We also want to slowly open up like others are. The proposal has just been sent to the ministry and we have not received any confirmation from them yet. Once we do get a confirmation, we will also work on setting the standard operating protocols (SOPs). The ministry will also be recommending changes in SOPs if they approve the proposal. In spite of that, thermal checks and wearing a mask will be mandatory,” added Chavan. He also mentioned that the reducing number of COVID-19 cases has also prompted them to make the decision to remove the seating limit. “We will hold meetings and briefly discuss how we can minimize the risk of getting infected and tackle the fear of asymptomatic carriers. Most importantly, we will need public support. If the public in a disciplined fashion maintains hygiene, uses sanitiser and wears their masks, we will be able to run Namma Metro with full capacity,” he said. Some commuters have expressed their concerns over the removal of the seating limit. A graphic designer by profession, Shyam travels regularly by metro. When questioned if he will still travel without seating limits, he said, “I wouldn’t consider travelling in the metro if the seating limit is not there. But many in the city who find travelling by metro convenient still would consider travelling. It also depends on the frequency of the trains. If they increase the frequency with existing SOPs, the issue of crowding can be solved to an extent, but [removing the seating limit] is inevitable.” He further added that the timings also matter and that as a commuter, one would avoid entering already crowded trains, over the fear of infection. Another commuter Anoop, however, feels differently. "It is a welcome move given the increase in people, and if someone is not comfortable with sitting in close proximity then they can choose to stand. The [train] frequency should ideally increase now that extension lines are also in operation. But the bigger issue is people not following the SOPs and wearing masks incorrectly during the travel. When the train comes to the station, the guards used to shout from outside but no security staff travels inside. They should get some regular travellers to volunteer," he said.
from Karnataka https://ift.tt/3cnPy2m
via IFTTT
Darshan's 'Roberrt' faces release issues in Andhra, pro-Kannada activists protest
The President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, however, told TNM that the activists were not connected to the KFCC.
On Friday, pro-Kannada activists gathered outside the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in Bengaluru, protesting over reports that Sandalwood actor Darshan's Roberrt was facing obstacles for release in Telugu in Andhra Pradesh. They asked the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce (APFCC) not to indulge in linguistic politics, and added that they would not allow Telugu films to release in Karnataka if their demand was not met. Darshan's Roberrt is scheduled to be released in theatres on March 11 and the star wanted the Telugu dubbed version to release on the same date. However, the AFPCC reportedly said that the film cannot be released on the said date. Following this, Darshan, director Tharun Sudhir and producer Umapathy Srinivasa Gowda approached the KFCC to file a complaint. Speaking to TV9 Kannada, Avinash, an activist who was leading the protest, said, “If Darshan’s film Roberrt is not allowed to release in Andhra Pradesh, we will not allow any Telugu films to release here [Karnataka]. That is why we have gathered here to protest. The Film Chamber should prove that they are proud of being Kannadigas and work for the betterment of actors from Karnataka. Those opposing the films of our actors in different states should not have stooped so low." When TNM reached out to Jairaj, President of KFCC, he said, “Some people were protesting and creating a ruckus. But in no way are we [KFCC] or the APFCC connected to it. Actor Darshan and the makers of Roberrt have submitted a written complaint regarding the issue to us, and the President of the APFCC has assured us that he will look into the matter and resolve it quickly.” He further added that the two film chambers are amicable with each other and that this is just a passing cloud. The protesters sat outside the KFCC for a couple of hours and left, he said. Meanwhile, actor Darshan in a media interaction said, “The KFCC has agreed to our requests. It has said that it will solve the problem. Producers trust us to make money; it is our obligation to fight for the same. That does not mean that we will stall the release of Telugu cinema in our state. We do not involve linguistic politics in our cinema."
from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2MBClb0
via IFTTT
Karnataka second year pre-university exam dates announced
A day ago, the Karnataka Education Minister had announced dates for the SSLC examinations.
Image for representation
The second-year pre-university examinations in Karnataka will be held between May 24 and June 10, the state’s Education Minister Suresh Kumar announced on Friday. This announcement comes a day after the tentative dates for the state’s Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Board (Class 10) examinations for the academic year 2020-21 were announced. According to the dates announced by the Education Ministry, the exams for SSLC students this year will begin on June 14 and will end on June 25. Education Minister S Suresh Kumar asked the students to submit their objections to the tentative time table, if any. Read: Karnataka govt orders schools to slash fees for academic year 2019-20 Minister Suresh told reporters that the students who wish to submit objections to the tentative timetable can send them to the Director of Examinations of the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board till February 26. He added that the classes for students of Class VI to first Pre-University Course (PUC) or Class 11 will commence from February 1. Read: Karnataka schools for classes 9 and 11 to resume from Feb 1 The classes for students of Class 10 to PUC II (Class 12) will begin on full day basis from February 1. And the classes for students of Classes 6 to 8 under the Vidyagama programme will continue as before, the minister said. "Vidyagama classes for sixth to eighth standards on alternative days will be continued as it is. A decision regarding opening other classes will be taken after reviewing the situation during the second week of February and holding discussions with experts," he explained. Earlier in the day, he held a meeting with Health Minister K Sudhakar and technical committee experts. A total of 75% students of PUC and 70% students of SSLC are attending classes. Around 45% of the students from Classes 6 to 9 are attending the Vidyahama classes. The minister maintained that there was no major outbreak of the pandemic after classes commenced for PUC and SSLC students, so one need not worry. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure will be published on conducting classes from February 1 considering the interest of students. (With IANS input) Read: KPSC exam paper leak: Karnataka police make two more arrests
from Karnataka https://ift.tt/39t9oHg
via IFTTT
Karnataka govt orders schools to slash fees for academic year 2019-20
If parents have already paid the full fees, school managements have been ordered to adjust the amount in the fee paid for the next year.
Representational image
The Karnataka government on Friday ordered all schools - following either central or state syllabi - to reduce tuition fees for the current academic year by 30% due to COVID-19. The government has also said that no development fees or other fees apart from tuition fee can be charged. The state government has also said that if parents have already paid the full fees, school managements will have to adjust the amount in the fee paid for the next year. This decision by Karnataka’s Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar comes two weeks after a section of parents had held a protest in front of his residence over the issue. Karnataka Private School Parent Organisation Coordinating Committee took to sweeping the street in front of the minister's residence in Bengaluru’s Basaveshwarnagar demanding that schools reduce the fees in the backdrop of the pandemic. On January 5, Associated Management of Primary and Secondary School (KAMS) had passed an advisory calling for reduction in school fees by its member schools in light of the COVID-19-induced economic slowdown. The advisory issued by KAMS suggested that schools whose fee structure is more than Rs 25,000 per annum can reduce 20% to 25%. For schools which have fees less than Rs 25,000 but more than Rs 15,000 a year, KAMS suggested that special development fees be relaxed for the current school year. Further, for schools whose annual fee is less than Rs 15,000, they can reduce their term fee to a maximum of 10% of their whole tuition fee. Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of KAMS, said, “The 30% of the tuition fee reduction that has been ordered, in reality will be in tune of 40-50%.The government has asked not only to reduce tuition fee but also directed us not to collect any fess for laboratory, sports and computer education. ” “There are parents who have not paid the fees for the past two years and the government had asked the schools to not take fees for the current academic year. The government should have issued guidelines for the parents as well instead of only regulating the schools. Or the government could have helped the schools who have already reduced their fees by 20-25 percent by directing the parents towards those schools,” he added.
from Karnataka https://ift.tt/3thy4dY
via IFTTT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)