14-day Karnataka ‘close down’: What’s allowed, what’s not – key questions answered

News Network
April 27, 2021

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The two-week long ‘close down’ imposed by the government of Karnataka to control the second wave of covid-19 is set to commence tonight (from April 27 night till May 12). 

What is open and what is not?

During 14-day close down, shops selling essential commodities and other essential shops will be allowed to remain open only from 6 am to 10 am. Hospitals and pharmacies will be open. Liquor shops, restaurants and hotels can stay open but only for takeaway.

The agriculture and horticulture sector, manufacturing sector, construction sector and medical and essential sectors will continue to operate. But no permission has been granted to garments factories as the workers are in close proximity in these facilities.

Who can step out?

Essential workers, healthcare workers, and food delivery workers can carry out their work during the lockdown. Those involved in agriculture, construction and garment sectors can step out as well.

The Chief Minister has said that essential services like banking among others would continue to operate. “It has been decided to postpone all elections for six months,” he added.

Will buses and public transport ply?

No. Public transport including buses and metro will not ply during the 2-week lockdown. “When people aren’t allowed to step out, why will buses ply?,” Yediyurappa said while announcing the lockdown. But there are no restrictions on the movement of goods and essential services.

Can I order food?

Yes, food delivery executives are exempted from the lockdown and are permitted to pick up and deliver food during the next 14 days. 

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News Network
January 13,2025

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Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted a grand Indian Community Interaction Program at its auditorium in the Diplomatic Quarter, attended by the Honorable Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju. The event, which commenced at 6 PM (KSA time) brought together a vibrant gathering of Indian community members, Embassy officials and dignitaries.

The Minister was warmly welcomed by the Indian community steering committee with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl, symbolizing Indian cultural richness and diversity. The Honorable Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, shared the dais. 

In his address, Shri Kiran Rijiju emphasized the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, describing it as critical for fostering mutual growth and supporting the well-being of the Indian diaspora. He remarked, “India and Saudi Arabia share ancient ties, which have evolved into a robust partnership spanning trade, education, technology and culture.”

“The Kingdom is not only home to 2.6 million Indians but also a key ally in advancing global stability and prosperity,” he said. With the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia being the second-largest globally, Shri Rijiju equated their number to the population of many nations.

Shri Rijiju underscored the shared commitment to strengthening cultural and economic links, which directly benefit the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and their families in India. 

He captivated the audience with his thoughtful address, expressing gratitude to the Indian diaspora for their invaluable contributions. Reflecting on his earlier visits to the Kingdom as a Member of Parliament and individual basis, he emphasized the significance of this trip as Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs and it’s going to be helpful to the people, especially Hajjis and all Indian diasporas, who are living in the Kingdom. 

Hajj 2025 Preparations & Increase in Hajj Quota

A major highlight of Shri Rijiju’s address was the Government of India’s efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He announced an increase in the Hajj quota for 2025 and introduced new guidelines aimed at ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort, especially for elderly pilgrims, women and others. 

The Minister emphasized India’s collaboration with Saudi authorities to streamline travel, accommodation, and healthcare facilities for pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling experience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Hajjis, reflecting India’s proactive approach to catering to the needs of its citizens abroad.

Rising Global Stature of India

Shri Rijiju also emphasized and spoke about India’s emergence as a global power. “Unlike a decade ago, India today is a center of global influence with strong ties to almost every nation; India is becoming a global center of power, linked to almost every nation,” he said. The world’s perception of India and Indians has transformed positively, and every Indian can now feel a profound sense of pride,” he stated.

Commendation for Embassy and Cultural Performances

The minister praised the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for their exceptional works including managing one of the busiest workloads among Indian missions globally, such as issuing around 600 passports daily. He also praised their active involvement in promoting bilateral relations.

The evening featured cultural performances by students from Indian International Schools in Riyadh. Classical dances, along with a special performance marking Vishwa Hindi Divas, captivated the audience. Shri Rijiju applauded the students for showcasing the richness of India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, emphasizing equal respect for all Indian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marati, Rasthani, Manipuri, Dogra etc. 

The event concluded with the Minister distributing prizes to winners of various competitions, leaving attendees inspired and proud of their shared cultural roots. Dinesh Setia, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, ensured the program’s seamless flow as the master of ceremonies.

The Indian community expressed gratitude to Shri Rijiju for his inspiring vision and praised the Embassy for hosting a memorable evening.

(Inputs from P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)

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News Network
January 15,2025

The US consulate in Bengaluru will hold its ‘site-dedication ceremony’ on January 17, with officials confirming that the location of the upcoming consulate will be disclosed during the event. Sources indicate that the site could be in either the Central Business District or Whitefield.

While the consulate building is under development, visa services may temporarily begin at the JW Marriott hotel, which currently houses the United States Commercial Service (USCS) office.

Bengaluru has long advocated for the establishment of a US consulate, and with its opening, residents of the city and Karnataka will no longer need to travel to other states for their US visa applications.

It was in January of the previous year that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Bengaluru, expressed his intention to urge the US Ambassador to India to establish a consulate in the city. This move follows the announcement during Prime Minister Modi’s June 2023 visit to the US, where it was revealed that two new US consulates would open in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and India would set up a mission in Seattle.

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News Network
January 24,2025

Bengaluru, Jan 24: The BJP has sparked controversy by opposing a meeting between Muslim community leaders and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, where increased budgetary allocations for minorities were discussed. The BJP labeled the demands as "religion-based budgeting," accusing the Congress-led government of minority appeasement.

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s National Information and Technology Department, claimed on social media platform X, “This kind of Muslim assertion and religion-based demands led to India’s partition along religious lines in 1947. We can’t afford it again.”

The meeting, attended by Ministers Rahim Khan, Zameer Ahmed Khan, and Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, focused on enhanced funding for minority welfare. Malviya criticized it as a "brazen display of minority appeasement," alleging that the Congress was catering to its vote bank in return for support.

The Congress government allocated Rs 3,000 crore for minority welfare in its 2024-25 State Budget, drawing fire from opposition parties. However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the allocation, stating, “In a Rs 3.71 lakh crore budget, can’t we allocate even 1 per cent for Muslims? This funding supports schools and development programs. What’s wrong with that?”

Meanwhile, BJP and JD(S) leaders accused the Congress government of sidelining Hindus while failing to address pressing issues like rising crime and fiscal mismanagement. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the government for planning to borrow Rs 1 lakh crore to fund its "five guarantee" schemes and other initiatives, questioning the state's development progress.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present the 2025-26 State Budget in March, which is expected to cross Rs 4 lakh crore, marking his 16th budget as Finance Minister. The Congress government faces growing opposition from BJP leaders, who claim its policies prioritize appeasement over governance.

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