Karnataka government decides to shut state borders
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to shut state borders, also postpone all exams including SSLC (class 10), aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 virus, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Sunday.
Streets in the capital city and other parts of the state wore a deserted look as the 'Janata curfew' proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help check the spread of coronavirus began.
The Chief Minister complimented and thanked people of the state for supporting the Prime Minister's call for observing the 'Janata Curfew'.
Appealing to people in the cities not to travel to villages for the next 15 days to control outbreak in rural areas, Yediyurappa said a decision has also been taken to screen all domestic passengers henceforth at airports.
"We have decided to completely shut state's borders, we request cooperation of every one in this regard. All examinations includingLC (class 10 that was scheduled from March 27) have been postponed, however only one PUC (class 12) paper scheduled for tomorrow will be held," Yediyurappa told reporters here.
The chief minister said he held detailed discussions with Narayana Health Chairman Dr Devi Shetty, senior Ministers and officials of his government this morning regarding certain important measures need to be taken.
A 1,700-bed facility at Victoria Hospital in the city will be converted as a special hospital for COVID related cases with immediate effect, he added.
"It has been decided to postpone all elections that was scheduled...most importantly I appeal to people residing in the cities not to travel to villages for fifteen days, as there are no problems there, cases are in the cities," he added.
Yediyurappa said already all international passengers are being screened, and it has been decided toscreen all domestic passengers at airports from now on.
He said Balabrooie Guest House in the city will be converted into "Corona War Room" and all related measures will be monitored and implemented from there under his leadership.
"The War Room will function round-the-clock and all task force meetings and video conferencing will happen from there," he added.
The Chief Minister asked people not to fear or panic and go for stocking of food grains and other essential substances and said "the government has taken care in this regard."
Noting that it has been decided to immediately increase the number of labs to test for COVID-19 virus, Yediyurapp said, all those who have come into contact with infected persons whether they show symptoms or not, will be tested.
"Facilities are being made ready to testat least 200 out of every 10 lakh people. With the help of ICMR and NIV we have decided to get permission to as many government and private labs to test COVID-19," he said.
To support the COVID task force that has been formed with senior Ministers as members, a team of senior officials has been constituted, and they have already started functioning, he added.
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RSS chief raises concern over illegal immigration, reiterates push for three-child policy
Mathura (UP) (PTI): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwant on Tuesday raised concerns over illegal immigration in India, asking people to keep a close watch to identify intruders and report them to authorities.
He also reiterated his push for a three-child policy, stressing the need for higher birth rates, while also discouraging "forced" religious conversions.
Speaking after inaugurating an ashram here, Bhagwat highlighted the issue of illegal immigration and said, "People need to keep a closer watch to identify foreigners and ensure that they do not receive employment here."
He, however, said that there should be no discrimination against Indian citizens.
Bhagwat's remarks on intruders come at a time when assembly elections are due in multiple states -- including Assam and West Bengal, where the issue of illegal immigrants has garnered a lot of traction of late. The BJP has also been talking about it frequently.
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On family health and population, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief said doctors recommend three children for sound family health, as childhood interactions help individuals develop social skills and the ability to adjust within a group.
He said population studies warn that a fertility rate below three poses long-term risks.
"Countries with low birth rates have actively sought to increase their population above three," he said.
Bhagwat urged reconsideration of India's population policy, stressing that while legal measures can be applied, public understanding is crucial first.
A humanitarian approach requires families to aim for three children rather than two, he said, asserting that this is essential for the welfare of society.
Bhagwat also called for an end to forced religious conversions.
"The government may legislate, but society must stop this on its own. Many who converted to other religions are descendants of Hindus and may wish to return. Those willing should be welcomed back," he said.
The RSS chief also cited the "aggressive" nature of countries like the US and China, and hailed India as more accommodating of others' viewpoints.
"The US may come around and say that our economic model is the best, and everyone should follow it. China may say our model is best suited for everyone. However, India's approach is not about imposing on others; it believes everyone's viewpoint is correct. It is about living according to dharma, truth and cultural pride. The world may be aggressive, but our model emphasises ethical conduct, which the global community can learn from," he said.
Bhagwat said he had come to inaugurate the ashram out of "affection", as ashrams play a crucial role in shaping life perspective, promoting pride in one's religion and culture while discouraging aggression.
They are necessary in today's times, he said, pointing out that the term "ashram" is unique to Indian culture, without an equivalent translation in any other language.
"An ashram is first a school where life knowledge is taught. Those who stay disciplined and study here can serve society effectively for decades while nurturing their own character," he said.
Bhagwat highlighted that the ultimate human pursuit is moksha, or liberation. He explained the four types of human endeavours, with the fourth being dharma, which is imparted through ashram education and holds immense importance.
He also compared traditional Indian education with global systems, noting that even Finland's acclaimed education model mirrors the Gurukul-ashram approach.
"Here, real knowledge is gained, not just the ability to fill one's stomach," he said, adding that the ashram system instils perseverance and makes life more meaningful through education.
He asserted that India's ancient cultural values and Sanatan Dharma have relevance in today's "turbulent world", and ashrams will remain central in preparing society to uphold these values.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and several seers were among those present at the event.
