Mangalorean doctor Sunil Rao terminated from Bahrain Hospital over anti-Palestine tweets
Bahrain: Mangaluru Dr. Sunil Rao, an Indian-origin specialist in internal medicine, has been terminated from his position at the Royal Bahrain Hospital after posting inflammatory remarks on social media regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The controversial comments expressed support for Israel during the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Rao's posts, shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), caught the attention of Bahraini authorities after being reported by a concerned user. The hospital issued an official statement on X, clarifying that Dr. Rao's views were personal and did not align with the institution's values. The hospital confirmed that his statements violated their code of conduct, leading to his immediate termination.
In response to the controversy, Dr. Rao issued an apology on X, acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks. He expressed regret, stating, "I would like to apologize for the statement I posted on this platform. It was insensitive given the current events. As a doctor, I value all lives. I deeply respect this country, its people, and its religion, as I have been here for the past 10 years."
Dr. Rao, an alumnus of Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam and Kasturba Medical College in Mangaluru, Karnataka, had approximately 20 years of experience in the medical field. His profile has since been removed from the hospital's official website.
This incident occurs amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in a significant loss of life on both sides. The conflict began following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, prompting Israel to initiate a counteroffensive named 'Operation Iron Swords.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated the intention to launch a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, vowing to eradicate Hamas entirely.
I would like to apologized about the statement that I posted on this platform.
— SUNIL J RAO (@shilpasunil_rao) October 19, 2023
It was insensitive in the context of the current event. As a doctor all lives matter. I respect this country its people and its religion deeply as I have been here for past 10 years.
كلماتي و افعالي
— RoyalBahrainHospital (@RBHospital) October 19, 2023
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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