Siddaramaiah urges youth to stay away from divisive forces misusing religion, caste
Davangere (Karnataka), Jan 5: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that divisive forces are misusing religion and caste to disrupt peace in Karnataka and the country, which hampers progress, and called upon the youth to stay away from such harmful influences and safeguard their future.
Speaking after inaugurating the state-level Yuvajanotsava (youth festival) programme here, he emphasised the importance of youth developing a socially responsible outlook.
"When youth grow with social consciousness, they become assets to the nation. To achieve this, they must pursue scientific and rational education, create equal opportunities, and contribute to society's progress," Siddaramaiah said.
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Urging young people to shape their future with a resolve to be assets rather than liabilities to the nation, he said, "The essence of the Constitution must be understood by everyone. It ensures economic, social, and political freedom for all citizens and allows everyone to practice their faith freely. It is because of this Constitution that I could become the chief minister. Protecting the Constitution is our responsibility."
The CM further stressed that "Instead of asking what the nation has done for us, we should reflect on what we have contributed to the nation. Many divisive forces misuse religion and caste to disturb peace and derail progress. Youth must distance themselves from such influences, cultivate humanity, and grow socially responsible. This will help preserve and strengthen democracy."
Highlighting the government's support for unemployed graduates, he said, "We have transferred funds to the accounts of 1.62 lakh young beneficiaries under the Yuva Nidhi scheme and are providing skill training. A budget of Rs 213 crore has been allocated for this. The government is committed to standing firmly with educated unemployed youth."
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
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
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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.
