Surge in COVID-19 cases in Bengaluru unexpected: Minister K Sudhakar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar on Wednesday said the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases that the city is witnessing now was expected by July end, but there is no need for worry as the government is prepared to handle the situation.
"In Bengaluru we were aware that there would be a surge in the number of infections when we relaxed the lockdown, but the information that came to us did not show that it will be to this extent," Sudhakar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "These numbers were expected by July- end, but it has happened a bit earlier. There is no need to worry, we are making all the necessary arrangements and there is no need for anyone to worry."
As of July 7 evening, cumulatively 26,815 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 416 deaths and 11,098 discharges, and out of this 11,361 infections are from Bengaluru urban.
Nearly 800 out of 1,498 fresh cases reported in the state on Tuesday were from Bengaluru urban alone.
Sudhakar was speaking to reporters after attending a meeting chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa regarding the management of COVID Care Centres. "We have informed the Chief Minister about beds available at the COVID Care Centres and measures taken in that regard, also about the over 10,000-bed facility coming up at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.
The CM is likely to visit there on Thursday," he said. Not only providing basic infrastructure, but how to manage it, food facilities, cleanliness, availability of Doctors and paramedics at COVID Care centres, all those things have been discussed.
Noting that COVID Care centres with over 2000 bed facilities are already functional, Sudhakar said, every day 200-300 patients are getting admitted and as many patients who were there about 10 days ago are getting discharged and going home every day after recovery.
He said asymptomatic patients don't need ambulances to be shifted to COVID Care Centres, hence alternative vehicle arrangements are being made for them.
Observing that all information regarding beds and ambulances will be made available on the dashboard at the war room, the Minister said, once someone tests positive they will get a call from the war room asking to be ready and the vehicle will come and either shift them to a hospital or COVID Care Centre, depending on the case situation.
The Chief Minister has asked us to make all the necessary arrangements scientifically, not giving room for any chaos or mess and see to it that people don't suffer, he said. Sudhakar said doctors and medical staff will be required at these COVID Care Centres, and at the 10,000-bed facility coming up at BIEC we will need about 1000 doctors working in shifts, so a meeting has been called to discuss about it.
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Govt's reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in coming times: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the government's reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times as it is committed to boosting 'Ease of Living'.
The prime minister made this observation on a series of posts by the central government on its various reform initiatives.
"Ours is a Government committed to boosting 'Ease of Living' and this thread below gives examples of how we have worked in that direction. Our reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times," Modi said.
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With the hashtags #ReformInAction & #GoodGovernance, the central government said in the posts that the real test of reform is whether it reduces stress for people and 2025 marked a clear shift in governance, with reforms focused on outcomes, not complexity.
Simpler tax laws, faster dispute resolution, modern labour codes, and decriminalised compliance reduced friction for citizens and businesses alike. The emphasis was on trust, predictability, and long-term growth, showing how well-designed policy can quietly improve everyday life, the posts by MyGovIndia said.
For millions of Indians, tax relief became real. Incomes up to Rs 12 lakh attract zero tax. Middle-class families now retain more of what they earn, giving them flexibility to spend, save and invest with greater confidence, it stated.
It said the Income Tax Act, 2025 streamlined compliance and brought clarity, transparency, and fairness to the direct tax system, making it more taxpayer friendly and aligned with today's needs.
Small businesses can now grow without fear of losing benefits. Higher investment and turnover limits allow MSMEs to expand while retaining access to loans and tax incentives. This encourages scaling up, hiring more workers, and building stronger local enterprises
Rural employment now creates assets, not just wages. With extended guaranteed employment and a focus on village infrastructure, rural labour is now building permanent assets that strengthen communities and livelihoods, it said.
It observed that workers no longer need to navigate dozens of laws as 29 labour laws were simplified into four clear codes covering wages, safety, social security, and relations.
Rights are clearer, compliance is easier, and women benefit from assured maternity and workplace protections, it stated.
The government also stated that GST has been made simpler for businesses and consumers alike.
With streamlined tax slabs, easier registration, automated processes, and faster refunds, the next generation of GST reforms is improving ease of doing business.The impact is clear in record Diwali sales of Rs 6.05 trillion and the strongest Navratri shopping in over a decade, it said.
It also said that businesses can now bring products to market faster.
With rationalised Quality Control Orders, Indian manufacturers face lower compliance costs, improved efficiency, and greater strength in global markets. More room to grow for Indian businesses, the government said in the posts.
The expanded definition of small companies reduced compliance burden and costs, allowing enterprises with turnovers up to Rs 100 crore to focus on innovation and expansion, it added.
