Transport shutdown affects normal life in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7 : Starting Tuesday midnight private buses, auto rickshaws, taxis, freight vehicles, state-owned KSRTC buses -- all have gone off Kerala roads in solidarity with a day-long strike organised by the All India Motor Transport Organisation.
Even all workshops and spare parts shops have remained closed, turning it into a total shutdown.
With this 24-hour strike, the transport body is demanding the withdrawal of the proposed Motor Vehicle (MV) Amendment Bill. Barring the Bhartiya Janata Party backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), all the other trade unions are taking part in the protest.
Private vehicles, though, have continued to ply across the state as usual, leading to thin attendances in offices.
Students' attendance at almost all educational intuitions was practically nil, even though it was not an official holiday. Even teachers' attendances was also very low. Given the situation, there was a huge rush reported on the Kochi Metro.
Although shops and establishments were open in several districts in major markets but due to non-arrival of lorries ferrying consumables, they wore a deserted look.
People arriving at railways stations had a tough time. The police officers on duty tried their best to ensure transport for patients in need of emergencies.
Minor skirmishes were reported from a few places between protesters and drivers of taxis and auto-rickshaws who tried plying their vehicles despite the shutdown-call.
The proposed Motor Vehicle (MV) Amendment Bill, has been passed by the Lok Sabha, and is now awaiting the Rajya Sabha's nod. The protesters are also demanding reduction in insurance premium, besides the frequent price hike of petroleum products.
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NRI Kannadiga community should achieve greater accomplishments: Dr. Arathi Krishna
Bahrain: Dr. Arathi Krishna, Vice President of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Forum, Government of Karnataka, participated as the Guest of Honour at the prestigious Global Women’s Economic Forum and Exhibition held on January 13, 2025 in Bahrain.
The international event, known for its pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals, provided a unique platform for showcasing business innovations and fostering leadership among women.
During the event, Dr. Krishna emphasized the significance of women’s contributions to entrepreneurship and technological advancements. She noted that the forum's dynamic workshops, panel discussions, and expert speeches offered specialized insights into innovative practices, financial management, and the adoption of new technologies. These knowledge-sharing opportunities are designed to support emerging women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Highlighting the transformative power of such initiatives, Dr. Krishna remarked on the growing achievements of women entrepreneurs in traditionally male-dominated sectors. She acknowledged that the event not only celebrated success stories from across the globe but also inspired young women to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership roles. The participation of women-led businesses from diverse nations underscored the universal nature of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
Dr. Krishna also engaged in thoughtful discussions with successful women leaders and interacted with representatives of various Kannada associations in Bahrain. She reiterated her appeal to the global NRI Kannada community to strive for excellence and greater accomplishments in their respective fields.
