‘Fever cases rising in Karnataka’s capital due to weather change, not coronavirus’

coastaldigest.com news network
March 1, 2021

Bengaluru, Mar 1: In Karnataka’s capital, most fever cases received by pulmonologists over the last few days are seasonal flu or viral infections, but not Covid-19.

Though 458 H1N1 cases and three deaths were reported last year, none have been reported two months into 2021, the health department has said.

While some say the non-Covid fever cases are not alarming, others expect to see a decline in such cases as summer is fast approaching and fever cases are seen mostly in November, December and January.

 “A number of outpatients arrive with viral symptoms, but not all are Covid,” Dr Prasanna Kumar, pulmonologist at MS Ramaiah Hospital, said. 

“The flu season starts in November and flares up in December and January. But once the summer starts, it should ideally go away. A small spike of fever cases is seen during the transition between winter and summer. I think that is what we are seeing now.”

He said the OPD numbers are matching the pre-Covid levels, while the hospital hardly saw five or 10 fever cases during Covid. But the numbers have increased to double digits in the last two weeks.

Senior Pulmonologist Dr K S Satish, member of the state Covid Expert Committee and president of Karnataka Pulmonologists' Association, confirmed that the rise is not unusual. “It is not a cause for great worry,” he added.

“We are seeing (fever) cases now that we usually see in December and January probably because there is still some chill in the air. This is due to usual weather changes and the flu season,” Dr Satish further added, noting that patients report even the slightest symptoms due to increased Covid awareness.

Dr Padma Sundaram, pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital, is not seeing a definite rise in fever cases, though an occasional patient shows up. “One to two cases per day could be seen during the transition months from winter to summer,” she said. “Wearing a mask is probably making a difference since it is also controlling other viral infections.”

She said Influenza A, Influenza B, excess asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are common during the winter season, but not this time. “Since children are not going to school and transmitting (the virus) to their grandparents, the elderly are also protected,” Dr Padma added.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: A price storm is brewing in Mangaluru’s hotel and restaurant industry. Faced with skyrocketing raw material costs and mounting overheads, hoteliers are preparing to hike food prices by up to 10% within a month — a move that could hit the pockets of thousands of diners across Dakshina Kannada.

From milk and oil to LPG and staples like rice and toor dal, prices have surged, pushing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian establishments to the brink. Over 65% of hotels operate in rented spaces, and labour shortages are adding fuel to the fire.

Swarna Sunder of Dinki Dine says running a hotel without burdening customers is becoming near-impossible. “Costs are rising daily. We’re trying to strike a balance, but a hike is inevitable,” he said, calling Mangaluru a highly price-sensitive market.

Industry leaders, including the Dakshina Kannada Hotel Owners Association, are expected to meet soon to formalize the revision.

Meanwhile, hoteliers blame "unhealthy competition" for further disrupting the sector. “Some serve unlimited fish meals under ₹60 — it’s unsustainable and unfair,” said a hotelier, adding that such practices are forcing smaller eateries to shut shop.

Chandrahas Shetty, president of the district association, confirmed that rising input costs have left them with little choice but to revise menus.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: The long-standing demand for a separate Beary Development Corporation has hit a wall — the Karnataka government has officially stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Beary-speaking people, mainly settled across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kodagu, have been urging the government to set up a dedicated body for the welfare of their community and the promotion of their unique 1,200-year-old language. But during the recent legislative session, Minority Affairs Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that his department has not received any proposal on this matter.

The clarification came in response to a question by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who highlighted the community’s cultural richness and a population of over 25 lakh. “The community has raised this demand several times to support education and social upliftment, but the government hasn’t taken any concrete steps,” he said.

In his reply, the minister pointed out that the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) already runs various welfare schemes for Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Since Beary speakers are considered part of the Muslim community, they are eligible for benefits under these existing programs, he added.

Still, many in the Beary community feel that without a separate development body, their identity, language, and specific needs risk being overlooked.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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