Shivamogga, Jan 22,2021: In a tragic incident at least six persons killed and several others injured an explosion of a truckload of explosives, suspected to be meant for mining, killed at least in the district late last Thursday night.
Police said on Friday the victims were reportedly transporting the explosives meant for mining when the incident happened. The vehicle was badly mangled and the bodies of the victims were dismembered beyond recognition.
Senior district and police officials including the superintendent of police of Shivamogga have rushed to the spot
the massive explosion took place near a gravel and boulder crushing facility, sending shockwaves not only in Shivamogga, but also in neighbouring Chikkamagaluru and Davangere districts.
So strong was the blast that window panes shattered while many houses and even roads developed cracks, said police
As the jolt was mistaken to have been caused by an earthquake, geologists were contacted, who ruled out recording tremors in any of their observatories.
Due to the explosion, the adjoining villages of Hunasodu were engulfed in thick nauseating smoke. “The intensity of the blast was such that the entire truck was blown to pieces killing six labourers on the spot while injuring others. The road leading to Abbalagere developed major cracks,” said an official from Shivamogga district administration.
police officer said, “There has been a blast in a truck carrying gelatin. Six labourers in the truck were found dead. The vibrations were felt locally.”
He added that the death toll might increase.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) , January 21,2021: In a major boost to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the State, the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday observed that the provision in the ordinance relating to ban on cow slaughter is constitutionally valid.
A batch of petitions was filed by Mohammed Arif Jameel and others, challenging the constitutionality of the ordinance. Advocate General Prabhuling Navadgi appeared for the State before the High Court.
The state government contended before the court that the ordinance was in consonance with the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution. The State further contended by filing a preliminary statement of objections that the cattle population over the past eight years has substantially reduced from 95,16,484 in the 2012 census (19th livestock census) to 84,69,004 in 2019 (20th livestock census), and that as per the 2019 census 2,38,296 cattle are being slaughtered every year and on an average, it works out to 652 per day.
Under the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) Scheme of the Central government, ear tagging of cattle is undertaken using Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) conforming to Bureau of India Standards, and out of total cattle population of 1,15,53,564, about 96,00,000 cattle are ear-tagged and the work is in progress, the government pointed out.
In its statement, the state government further submitted that there are 4,212 veterinary institutions throughout the State headed by veterinary officers and inspectors who are available on call and there are 176 mobile clinics.
After hearing the Advocate General, the Court observed that the issue relating to the ban on cow slaughter has been affirmed by the Supreme Court in Mirzapur’s case as being constitutionally valid.
The court, however, observed that the government must ensure that no coercive action is taken against farmers who transport animals for animal husbandry, agriculture, and other bona fide purposes until Rules are framed under the provisions of the ordinance. The development in the High Court today clears hurdles for the Government to effectively implement the cow slaughter ordinance.
The anti-cow slaughter law came into effect in Karnataka from January 18, the state government said in a notification.
“All provisions of The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020 comes into force from January 18,” the Karnataka government said.
According to the order, three and seven years jail and (or) a fine up to Rs 5 lakh will be imposed under this law and subsequent offences can invite fines up to Rs 10 lakh and a jail term of up to seven years.
New Delhi , January 21,2021: In order to boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme, the Central Government is looking forward to bringing a law that will make it mandatory to pay the dues of MSMEs within 45 days, said Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday.
Addressing the members from All India Association of Industries, Gadkari said, “All MSME receivables should be paid within 45 days. Delayed payment is a major problem faced by MSMEs. We are thinking to bring a law to protect their interests.”
The Minister said the government is looking forward to introducing legislation mandating public sector undertakings to settle the dues of MSMEs within 45 days of sale.
New Delhi, Jan 20,2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, on his birth anniversary.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, “I bow to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the pious occasion of his Parkash Purab. His was a life devoted to creating a just and inclusive society. He was unwavering when it came to upholding his principles. We also recall his courage and sacrifices.
The Guru Sahibs have a special Kripa on me that the 350th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji took place during the tenure of our Government. I recall the grand celebrations in Patna, where I also had the opportunity to go and pay my respects.”
New Delhi , January 20,2021: Lakshadweep reported its first case of COVID-19 on January 18, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The person had come to Lakshadweep from Kochi on January 4 and initially, 31 primary contacts of the case were traced and quarantined of which 14 tested positive and were isolated.
As many as 56 contacts of positive cases were traced and quarantined.
A Central multi-disciplinary team has been sent to Lakshadweep.
“A Central multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry; National Institute of Virology, Pune and Regional Office of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sent to Lakshadweep,” Health Ministry stated in an official release.
The UT Administration has initiated disinfection procedures and intensive risk-communication activity has been operationalised.