Bengaluru: The Christian community in Karnataka has expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, for the historic decision to elevate the Christian Development Council (CDC) to the status of Christian Development Corporation. Additionally, the community extended sincere thanks to the government for the generous allocation of Rs. 100 Crore towards the progress and upliftment of the Christian community in the state.

The elevation of the Christian Development Council to the Christian Development Corporation is seen as a significant step that reflects the progressive and inclusive vision embraced by the Karnataka government. This move recognizes the invaluable contributions and specific needs of the Christian community.

The allocation of Rs. 100 Crore to the Christian Development Corporation is a commendable stride towards fostering comprehensive development within the Christian community in Karnataka. These funds will play a crucial role in implementing a wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the community. They will contribute to improving access to quality education, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and overall socio-economic growth. However, members of the community believe that an increased allocation of funds would have further benefited the marginalized and underprivileged, a press statement from the Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore stated.

Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, further expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah and the Government of Karnataka for their proactive approach in recognizing the contributions and aspirations of the Christian community. This gesture reaffirms the government's unwavering commitment to fostering harmony, inclusivity, and the overall well-being of all communities residing in Karnataka, the statement added.

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.



Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.

The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.

On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."

His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.

In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”

Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”

Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.

After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.

“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.

“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”

Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.

Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay. 

Chaotic end to a poor season

===================

The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.

It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.

Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.

Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.