CM Siddaramaiah emphasizes creating Kannada-centric atmosphere in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated the importance of fostering a Kannada-centric environment in Karnataka during a ceremony organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture. The occasion marked the Bhoomi Puja for the construction of a bronze statue of Goddess Nada Devi Bhuvaneswari Devi, near the western entrance of Vidhana Soudha, as part of the Karnataka Namakarana Suvarna Mahotsava.
Addressing the gathering, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the significance of preserving Kannada language, culture, and heritage, urging all residents to prioritize Kannada in their daily lives.
"Speaking in Kannada should be a matter of pride for every individual residing in Karnataka," he stated passionately.
Highlighting the need for Kannadigas to embrace their mother tongue, Siddaramaiah compared the linguistic pride observed in other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. "We must cultivate a similar reverence for Kannada," he urged, urging all residents to learn and communicate in Kannada within the state.
Regarding the statue's construction, CM Siddaramaiah set a deadline for completion by November 1, 2024, expressing confidence in the project's progress and funding. The proposed 25-foot bronze statue is expected to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Vidhana Soudha.
The ceremony was attended by Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Horatti, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Thangadagi, and several MLAs.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
