'Vittoria 2014' gets underway with pomp and fervour at St Agnes College

Bengaluru, Jan 18: The Karnataka state government has reportedly initiated the process to ban organizations like Popular Front of India (PFI).

State Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday evening said that instructions have been given to the police and officers concerned to gather information about the activities of such organisations so that necessary inputs can be sent to the Center.

He made it clear that the action would not be limited against PFI and SDFI (Social Democratic Front of India), rather any organisation which is involved in such activities, would meet the same fate.

Bengaluru, May 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that his government will re-open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31.

"We are going to open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31, he said while speaking to media in Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister added that the "guidelines will be followed" as suggested by experts for opening the worship places.

"We have no objections to open malls and cinema halls, but we are waiting for the guidelines of the central government, Prime Minister will take decisions to allow malls and cinemas to open," he added.

Yediyurappa has said that people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu will not be allowed in the state till May 31.

Bengaluru, Mar 19: Medical Education Minister Dr Sudhakar on Wednesday said that the government is increasing the number of labs for COVID-19.

"For the last two months, screening has been done at airports. Quarantine is also being done. The situation was reviewed by the state cabinet. All passengers from abroad will be home quarantined or they can stay at government facilities or budget hotels or resorts or private hospitals," Sudhakar said in the Assembly.

"We have issued many advisories. Until 31st March, pubs, and hotels, religious events, should not have an assembly of more than 100 persons. Two bulletins will be issued twice a day. All those who arrive from abroad will be stamped that they have arrived from abroad. Covid-19 is growing at a phenomenal pace. We need not panic but we need to be cautious," he said.

Sudhakar continued: "There are 54 labs in the country. Karnataka has five labs, the most among all states. We are increasing the number of labs. In our country, we have tested less than 10 per cent. In Karnataka, we should conduct test on more people."

The minister said the government will devise a way to be able to track down all those home quarantined through their mobile phones.

"Karnataka stands fourth after Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. We are in the second stage. The next 2-3 weeks are detrimental. This is a pandemic situation. People have to also take responsibility. Social distancing is the real solution and key to eradicating this COVID-19. In the larger interest of the health of the state, we have to take drastic measures," he said.

"We are now in the 2nd stage. The next 3 weeks are very important. If we take care, the state can escape what's happening worldwide," he said.

Congress MLA UT Khader demanded action against those people who do not follow rules.

"Only shutting airports will not help. What about domestic passengers? Coronavirus must come under Ayushman Bharat. Keep isolated patients away from normal people in the ICU in government hospitals. Take action against those who do not follow the rules," he said.

Congress MLA Dr Yathindras said that screening is not enough and travelers need to be lab tested.

A total of 151 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.

Thirteen positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka till today.