15 women, 7 children among 30 killed as bus falls into canal in Mandya

New Delhi, Mar 7: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the bail granted by Karnataka High Court to 21 Popular Front of India (PFI) members accused in connection with violence that erupted during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Karnataka's Mangaluru in December 2019.

On February 17, the High Court had granted bail to the accused on the bail petition filed by Mohammed Ashik.

A bench consisting Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notice to the accused on Friday after taking cognisance of the plea filed by Karnataka government against the bail granted by the High Court.

Appearing for the state government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticised the High Court's order stating that at least 56 policemen sustained injuries during the violent protests.

Two persons identified as Jaleel (43) of Kudroli and Nousheen (49) of Bengre had died at a private hospital following the bullet injuries they sustained in an alleged police firing during a protest against CAA 2019.

Bengaluru, Apr 24: Karnataka is likely to start Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19 patients, who are critical, from tomorrow, Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said here on on Friday. "We have already got approval for Convalescent Plasma Therapy.

There is no need for any special permission for it....when I was in BMC (Bangalore Medical College) I spoke to We may probably start it for the first patient from tomorrow itself. The donor has also agreed," Sudhakar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the convalescent Plasma Therapy was only for patients who are critical, in Intensive Care Units or on ventilator. According to the latest update, five COVID-19 patients are in ICUs in the state.

After attending video conferencing by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan with health and medical education Ministers of all states, Sudhakar said the Minister lauded the good practices adopted by Karnataka in its fight against COVID-19 and asked to share the same with other states.

Responding to a question, he made it clear that COVID-19 is something that was not going to end by May 3 or by May end and like other viruses, would continue to exist. Sudhakar, who is leading the government's efforts against COVID-19 in Bengaluru and is in charge of the state war room, said many people are treating corona as a social stigma, which was not right.

There was no reason to get frightened about it as the infection can be cured, he said. "We have to take precautions so that it doesn't spread further....like fever, cold and cough- corona also can be cured... 97% people it can be cured, those with comorbidity and those above 60 years have to take some precautions. We have to bring in certain changes in our lifestyle and maintain social distancing," he added.

Bengaluru, May 17: Amidst mounting demand form Kannadigas across the world for repatriation flights in the wake of covid-19 lockdown, Dr Arathi Krishna, former Deputy Chairman of the NRI Forum of Karnataka government, has written to Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of Civil Aviation to operate more special flights to Gulf repatriate Kannadigas from gulf countries. 

Dr Arathi Krishna’s first request in the letter was to add flights from Kuwait, Bahrain and Jeddah to Bengaluru as many (from Karnataka) are stranded in these cities in precarious situations.

In addition, she also requested for a couple of flights from Dammam and Riyadh to Bengaluru as there are more than 3780 Kannadigas registered to return from Saudi Arabia and members of Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry are requesting the same. Any number of flights from Dubai to Bengaluru and Mangaluru will also help the stranded people, the letter stated. 

“Old and sick people, pregnant women and others are in urgent need to connect with the world are looking up to you for getting flights from different comers of the world. Indian communities are hopeful that you will use your position to help them to get the much needed mobility at this time,” the letter stated. 

She also said that the people in Karnataka are grateful to you (Mr Hardeep Singh Puri) for adding two flights from Dubai to Bengaluru in the last two schedules and one flight each from Riyadh, Dammam, Muscat and Doha.

Dr Arathi Krishna is currently serving as the Chairman of the NRI Cell of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and Secretary of Indian Overseas Congress.