Kerala CM hails Army's plan to induct women in military police

Udupi, Jul 21: Udupi Court complex has been sealed down for two days for sanitisation after a judge tested positive for Covid-19, a source said on Tuesday.

The Covid cases in Udupi district which had reduced recently are once again seeing a spurt. On Monday, as many as 98 have tested positive taking the total cases in the district to 2,321.

Kalaburagi, Mar 3: Former Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday in a letter requested Karnataka Assembly Speaker Sri Vishveshvaraya Hegade Kageri that the restricted media coverage in Assembly Budget session was not the right thing and it will be danger of for healthy democracy.

The letter written by Mr. Kharge to the Karnataka Assembly speaker which available to the press said that the fourth pillar of democracy 'Media' ban from covering assembly proceedings was not a healthy move and requested to immediately withdraw the government order in this regards, he said.

Bengaluru, May 3: Erection of barricades and drawing up of boxes or circles aimed at maintaining social distancing were seen in front of liquor shops in different parts of Karnataka on Sunday, a day ahead of their reopening after a gap of over 40-days, due to the lockdown.

Karnataka Excise Commissioner on Saturday had ordered that only CL-2 (retail shops) and CL-11C (state-run retail shops like Mysore Sales International Limited) would open from May 4.

It had permitted liquor sale liquor between 9 am and 7 pm only in areas that are outside COVID-19 containment zones.

Reports of barricades being erected to ensure that people stand in line and drawing of boxes or circles in front of shops to maintain social distancing in front of retail and MSIL shops have emerged from across the state, including the state capital.

Also reports about shop keepers doing special poojas outside liquor shops in Kolar and some even illuminating their outlets with lights from outside have surfaced from other parts of the state.

Meanwhile, officials were engaged in checking stocks ahead of the shops opening on Monday morning.

"We are making all preparations to ensure that government rules are followed. We also seek the cooperation of the people and police," the manager of a shop said.

Another said there may be a rush initially, after which things may get back to normal.

"We expect things to go on smoothly," he added.

Calling for number of customers to be limited to five at a time while ensuring that they maintain social distancing of not less than six feet distance, the order states that customers and the staff will have to wear masks and sanitizers should be used at the shops.

Only stand alone CL-2 and CL-11C shops are allowed to commence liquor sale and not those at malls and super markets, it said.

Officials in Bengaluru said liquor sale is prohibited in 26 containment zones in the city, while in other places rules that have been prescribed need to be followed.

In case of any violation, strict action would be taken, including imposing of penalty, they said.

There was pressure on the government to kick start economic activities, including allowing sale of liquor, to boost the state's finances as excise is the key area which generates revenue.

State Excise Minister H Nagesh had recently pegged the losses at Rs 60 crore per day because of closure of liquor shops, due to the lockdown.