Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: What does the State advisory on Covid JN.1 subvariant say, and more
On December 19, the Karnataka Health Department issued an advisory asking people aged 60 and above, those with comorbidities, pregnant women, and lactating mothers to wear a face mask outdoors. They were also urged to avoid closed and poorly ventilated spaces, and crowded areas. The advisory came following reported cases of Covid-19 JN.1 subvariant in neighbouring Kerala.
Those with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, cold, and running nose shall seek medical consultation early, and, they should wear face masks, it said. The government advisory requests people to follow good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing. The government has also issued a circular to authorities in districts bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu to maintain vigilance, conduct sufficient testing, and report Covid cases.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on December 19 and sought ₹18,177.44 crore as assistance from the Central government for undertaking drought relief work in the State. He was accompanied by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the State Government sought input subsidy of ₹4,663.12 crore, gratuitous relief of ₹12,577.86 crore, ₹566.78 crore for drinking water, and ₹363.68 crore for animal husbandry intervention, totaling ₹18,177.44 crore.
The Karnataka government has taken steps to scientifically reduce the burden of school bags by cutting 50% of textbooks for students of classes 1 to 10 from the academic year 2024-25.
Instead of providing textbooks once for the entire year, it has decided to give two books per year, divided into two parts, (Summative Assessment) SA-1 and SA-2. The State government has issued an official order in this regard.
The top portion of an under-construction concrete box for a twin railway under bridge (RuB), beneath the Mangaluru-Shoranur line, at Mahakalipadpu caved in on December 18, injuring two workers.
Bombay High Court grants bail to Chetan Patil in Shivaji statue collapse case; sculptor Jaydeep Apte's plea pending.
Deadly rinderpest outbreak devastates Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the threat of diseases from domestic cattle to wild populations.
Suryanarkoil Mutt's history, traditions, and leadership succession explained in detail with references and comparisons to other Saivaite Mutts.
Upalokayukta takes action against officials for neglecting century-old Kelageri Tank in Dharwad, setting 20-day deadline for rejuvenation.
On World Fisheries Day, India launches projects for marine and inland aquaculture, aiming to transform the fisheries sector and blue economy.
Lokayukta police raid uncovers ₹26.6 crore in assets from government officials in Karnataka, leading to investigations and cases filed.
Court boycott by advocates in Tamil Nadu demands Advocates Protection Bill for safety, affecting litigants from remote villages.
Army faces allegations of harassment and torture in Kishtwar, Jammu; probe ordered, sparking concerns over human rights violations.
Karnataka’s software and services exports crossed ₹4.11 lakh crore during fiscal 2023-24 (March 2024) from ₹3.2 lakh crore a year ago, marking a 27% year-on-year growth, Minister for IT&BT, Priyank Kharge, said here on Thursday quoting Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) data.
Continuous rainfall in Thoothukudi has caused severe hardship for residents as rainwater has inundated several areas. Efforts to drain stagnant water in the city have been intensified
Indictment details Adani bribery scheme to secure solar power contracts, involving Adani Green Energy and Azure Power executives.