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Karnataka Today newsletter: Zika virus detected in mosquito species in Chikkaballapura, and more

Zika virus has been detected in Aedes mosquito species — mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus — from Talakayalabetta waterbody in Chikkaballapura district, following which blood samples of people with high fever have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for examination, officials said on November 2.

The virus was detected after samples from six waterbodies in Chikkaballapura were collected and sent for examination in August last week. Following confirmation of the presence of the virus, an alert was issued in a 5 km radius of the area as a precautionary measure to contain the breeding. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said no person has been tested positive for Zika virus. 

Despite the Centre’s approval for suburban rail project in Bengaluru, K-RIDE — the implementing agency — has not yet issued the tender for KSR Bengaluru–Devanahalli line connecting Kempegowda International Airport. This has caused dissatisfaction among railway activists, who say a strong rail network linking the airport would benefit air passengers and airport workers.

In June 2021, K-RIDE decided to deprioritise the project as the BMRCL had already initiated the tender process for its airport line. Consequently, K-RIDE opted to focus on developing other unconnected routes instead, according to sources in K-RIDE. The airport line of the suburban rail project is called Sampige Line, which has a length of 41.4 km and will have 16 stations.

Former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the Z-category security that has been accorded to him. While the Z-category security to the octogenarian leader was given in the wake of reported threat perception to him, the announcement came days ahead of Mr. Yediyurappa’s scheduled State tour. 

The issue has set off speculations within the BJP that there could be threat to Mr. Yediyurappa from radical forces during his State tour or during the 2024 Lok Sabha poll campaign travel. Another section of leaders feel it could be a ploy to monitor his political movements. 

With no daily train service from Mangaluru towards Karwar/ Madgaon between 3.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., patrons have urged the Railway Ministry to provide at least one service leaving Mangaluru at around 5 p.m. towards Karwar to benefit regular travellers.