Andhra Pradesh government takes action to control diarrhoea outbreak in Vizianagaram district
In response to a diarrhoea outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of four individuals in Gurla mandal, approximately 20 km from the Vizianagaram district headquarters; the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a series of measures aimed at controlling the situation.
Authorities have ordered the closure of open bore wells in the village after the rural water supply and health departments identified contaminated water as the primary cause of the outbreak, which has hospitalised nearly 140 people. Those affected are receiving treatment at a special medical camp established in the village.
Uma Shankar, the Superintending Engineer of the Rural Water Supply department, stated that water samples from five private bore wells have been collected and sent to laboratories for testing. "We expect to receive the reports within a few days. The department will take necessary actions to ensure the supply of purified water in all other areas to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases," he said.
To address the immediate needs of the residents, purified water in cans is being distributed to all households, alongside a special sanitation drive. Officials are also distributing packets of bleaching powder to help purify water at home, and all fish and meat shops in the village and surrounding areas have been closed as a precautionary measure.
District Medical and Health Officer Bhaskara Rao informed the media that patients are advised not to return home immediately, as they require observation for a few more days. "The number of cases has increased from an initial 80 to 140. However, the situation is now under control," he noted, emphasizing that diarrhoea is communicable, which necessitates continued monitoring.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Chairperson of the A.P. State ST Commission and a medical professional, urged district officials to maintain the medical camp for an additional week to ensure complete normalcy in the village. He engaged with senior medical staff to inquire about the treatment being administered to patients. District Collector B.R. Ambedkar has also submitted a detailed report to the government outlining the measures taken to restore normalcy in the affected village.
Meanwhile, Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad Chairperson Majji Srinivasa Rao recommended extending the special sanitation drive to all villages, as reports of waterborne diseases have emerged in multiple locations.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
