‘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
March 21,2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly on Friday passed Bills doubling the salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and legislators, adding an annual burden of ₹62 crore on the exchequer.

The CM's monthly salary will increase from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while ministers will see a 108% hike, from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh. MLAs and MLCs will get ₹80,000 per month, up from ₹40,000, and their pension will rise from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.

The Karnataka Ministers Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill were passed without debate, as the Opposition BJP protested in the well of the House.

The Bills cited the rising cost of living as justification for the hike. The Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council chairperson will now receive ₹1.25 lakh per month, up from ₹75,000.

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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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