16 percent have developed antibodies against covid in Karnataka: Health Minister

News Network
November 4, 2020

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Bengaluru, Nov 4: A serological survey carried out to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 in Karnataka has revealed that while 16.4 percent of the 15,624 samples studied had developed antibodies against Covid, 12.7 percent had a current (active) infection.

Minister for Health and Medical Education Dr K Sudhakar, speaking after releasing the results on Wednesday, said that the overall adjusted prevalence of COVID-19 in the State was 27.3 percent (IgG and active infection combined).

The survey from September 3 to September 16 included the proportion of people who have recently had a Covid-19 infection and those who currently have an active infection with SARS-CoV-2. The sample population studied were aged 18 years and above in all the 30 districts, including eight BBMP areas, were included in the survey. The survey was carried out in 290 hospitals and in some population settings.

The study used the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and RT-PCR for the diagnosis of acute infection. Serum IgG antibody tests have also been performed to understand the protection offered by the immune response. Standard ICMR protocols and the state-approved ICMR network of labs were used, he said.

“Although 16,585 people were surveyed covering the three risk categories (low, moderate and high), the analysis was performed on the results of 15,624 people including the results of the RAT antibody tests plus RT-PCR and COVID Kavach ELISA corresponded to the lineage list.

Giridhar R. Babu, a member of the state’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), said up to 19 districts have a high case-to-infection ratio (more than 40). “There is a need to improve case detection through a syndromic approach here, to improve testing and ensure that other public health actions (avoiding 3Cs and tracking 3Ws) are implemented effectively”.

The 19 districts covered by the survey are Vijayapura, Belagavi, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Raichur, Ramanagar, Haveri, Chamarajanagar, Bidar, Davanagere, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Kolar, Kodagu, Mandya, Chikmagalur, Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Hassan.

Districts with a low case-to-infection ratio (BBMP Bommanahalli, BBMP East, BBMP West, BBMP South, Mysuru) suggest that the strategy employed for testing is reasonable and can be replicated in other districts, he added.

Out of about 7.07 crore population in Karnataka, the study estimates that 1.93 crore (27.3 per cent) are either currently infected or already infected in the past, as of September 16, 2020. he declares.

According to the second round of ICMR serological surveys, the weighted and adjusted prevalence among people aged ≥ 10 years was 6.6 percent, urban slums comprising 15.6 percent and urban non-slum areas 8.2 percent.

At the state level, it was estimated that there were 40 undetected infected people for each case confirmed by RT-PCR, resulting in a case-to-undetected infection (CIR) ratio of 1:40. The case / infection ratio varied from 10 to 111 depending on the unit. In the national seroprevalence survey conducted by the ICMR, the CIR was 81.6 to 130.1 in the first round (May), which improved in the second round to 26 to 32 infections per case.

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News Network
January 8,2025

Bengaluru: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of eight government officials across eight districts on Wednesday. The raids, part of ongoing investigations into disproportionate assets cases, targeted over 20 locations linked to these officials.

According to Lokayukta sources, the coordinated operation spanned Bengaluru, Mandya, Bidar, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Ballari, and Raichur. Properties of the following officials were under scrutiny:

Shobha – Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Transport Department

S. N. Umesh – Health and Family Welfare Officer, Kadur

Ravindra – Inspector, Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Sub-Division, Bidar

Prakash Sridhar Gaikwad – Tahsildar, Khanapur

S. Raju – Retired RTO Officer, Tumakuru

Huchesh alias Huchappa – Assistant Executive Engineer, Gadag Municipality

R. H. Lokesh – Welfare Officer, Backward Class Department, Ballari

Huliraja – Junior Engineer (Electric), Raichur

Lokayukta officials are thoroughly examining documents, assets, cash, and other valuables found during the raids.

This operation is the Lokayukta’s first major crackdown in 2025. Notably, on December 12, the watchdog had unearthed disproportionate assets worth Rs 48.55 crore in raids on properties belonging to 10 government officials.

The Lokayukta’s intensified efforts signal its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant development, Mescom has proposed a phased electricity tariff hike starting with Rs 0.70 per unit for the fiscal year 2025-26. The proposal has been submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for approval, signaling a potential increase in electricity costs for consumers.

Mescom emphasized that the current tariff structure is insufficient to meet operational expenses and manage revenue effectively. To address this, the company has invited public objections to the proposed hike.

Currently, the electricity supply cost is Rs 9.23 per unit, while the consumer tariff stands at Rs 8.53 per unit, leading to a shortfall of Rs 0.70 per unit. For the financial year 2023-24, Mescom reported revenue of Rs 5,924.73 crore against an expenditure of Rs 6,310.39 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 367.66 crore. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, projected revenue is Rs 5,850.81 crore, with an actual requirement of Rs 5,961.63 crore, creating a deficit of Rs 110.82 crore.

In a first, Mescom has submitted a multi-year tariff revision proposal to KERC. The plan outlines a hike of Rs 0.70 per unit for 2025-26, followed by Rs 0.37 per unit for 2026-27 and Rs 0.54 per unit for 2027-28.

"An increase in electricity tariff is inevitable," stated Jayakumar R, Managing Director of Mescom. "Mescom has submitted a proposal in this regard to KERC."

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News Network
January 13,2025

Udupi: A resident of Karkala in Udupi district has accused five individuals of defrauding him of nearly Rs 2 crore under the guise of business partnerships.

Dawood Hakim, a resident of Ennehole in Marne village, Karkala, has filed a complaint stating that he operated a mobile sales and service business on Karkala Market Road for 15 years. He had known the accused for over two decades and trusted them implicitly.

According to Dawood, the accused convinced him to invest in multiple business ventures, including land dealings and a travel business, promising substantial returns and partnership benefits. Believing their assurances, Dawood reportedly handed over cash, gold, and a vehicle.

However, the promised profits never materialized, and the accused allegedly failed to return the money or assets. Dawood claims this deception has caused severe financial distress to him and his family, amounting to a loss of around Rs 2 crore.

A case has been registered at the CEN police station, and investigations are underway.

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