Active Covid-19 cases cross 400; 7 dead
OB Bureau
Covid-19 cases in the state have risen to 451 with 61 fresh infections and one death on Thursday, pushing the overall toll this year to seven.
Health department officials said the latest fatality involved a patient with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), who had underlying conditions including hypertension and diabetes.
The man was admitted to a government hospital on May 24 with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, and breathlessness. He passed away on May 31 due to cardiopulmonary arrest and complications arising from aspiration pneumonia and septic shock. Covid-19 was later confirmed as an incidental finding.
The total number of Covid cases in Karnataka this year has now reached 796, with 338 recoveries. On Thursday alone, 45 patients were discharged.
Testing numbers remain modest, with 644 samples tested in the past 24 hours. The state’s test positivity rate stands at 9.4 per cent, while the case fatality rate is currently at 1.6 per cent.
Most patients are recovering at home, with 446 under home isolation. Five individuals are hospitalised, including two in intensive care at private hospitals. Three others are being treated in general wards across both government and private facilities.
Though the situation is not yet considered alarming, health authorities are closely monitoring the trend amid growing concerns about a possible seasonal uptick in cases.
Egg-citing times ahead at Indira Canteens!
OB Bureau
Government-run Indira Canteens are set to include eggs in their meal offerings soon, responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s call to enhance the nutritional value of food served to the working class, according to reports in local press.
The Indira Canteen initiative, launched in 2018 under Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure, provides affordable meals primarily for daily wage workers and lower-income groups. However, many of these canteens faced closure following the 2018 elections, with 80 of the 174 outlets shutting down before Siddaramaiah’s recent return to power.
Nutrition experts had advised the government that adding eggs, an inexpensive and protein-rich food, would greatly benefit meal quality. Officials have indicated that eggs are likely to be served three days a week as part of the updated menu.
With the Congress government now focusing on revitalising the scheme, Siddaramaiah has announced plans to expand the number of operational Indira Canteens in Bengaluru to 250—ensuring each municipal ward hosts one outlet. This move aims to provide better access to affordable, nutritious food across the city.
The inclusion of eggs is expected to mark a significant step in the government’s effort to improve public health and support economically disadvantaged communities.
Snakebites kill 36 in 5 months
OB Bureau
Snakebites have claimed 36 lives across Karnataka in the first five months of 2025, marking a twofold increase from the 18 deaths reported during the same period last year. Data from the state’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) also shows that snakebite cases have risen sharply — with 4,786 incidents logged so far, compared to 3,268 by May 2024.
Health officials attribute this surge to a combination of improved reporting and a genuine rise in encounters, driven by changing weather patterns and more frequent interactions between people and wildlife.
Shivamogga has reported the highest number of snakebite cases this year with 289 incidents, closely followed by Mandya at 256. Other districts with a high case load include Hassan and Dakshina Kannada. Chamarajanagar has recorded the most deaths so far, with five fatalities, while Dharwad and Udupi have each reported three. In Bengaluru, 41 cases have been documented.
A health officer from Shivamogga pointed out that the region’s proximity to forests and the reliance of many communities on forest-based livelihoods make snake encounters more likely. He warned that traditional healing methods are still used in some areas, which can delay proper treatment and increase the risk of death.
Urbanisation has also emerged as a contributing factor. A senior health department official noted that ongoing construction near forested zones, lakes, and farmlands is displacing snakes. “We’re seeing more snakes in residential drains, low-lying areas, and even homes, especially during rain, when their habitats flood,” the official said.
Authorities are urging the public to be cautious during the rainy season and seek prompt medical care if bitten, rather than turning to unverified remedies. Health officials stressed the importance of awareness and access to antivenom in reducing fatalities.
9.6 L & counting!
Namma Metro smashes ridership record on day of RCB chaos
Namma Metro logged its highest-ever daily ridership on Wednesday — the same day the city was rocked by a deadly stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives and injured 75 others.
As tens of thousands of fans made their way to Vidhana Soudha and M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the grand celebrations, the metro system witnessed an unprecedented surge in commuters, clocking a record 9,66,732 passengers in just one day.
According to a release from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), ridership nearly tripled across all lines, driven largely by heavy movement to and from the city centre.
The Purple Line was the busiest, ferrying 4.78 lakh passengers, while the Green Line recorded over 2.84 lakh riders. The Majestic interchange station alone saw more than two lakh footfalls — one of its highest ever.
The spike was most noticeable at Central Business District stations like Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, MG Road, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya — all located near the epicentre of the celebrations.
With crowds swelling around Chinnaswamy Stadium, BMRCL was forced to shut down Purple Line stations at Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and MG Road on Wednesday evening. Officials said the move was a precautionary measure to prevent overcrowding and ensure commuter safety.
While the metro played a crucial role in moving massive crowds swiftly across the city, the day’s tragic turn underscored the urgent need for better crowd management during major public events.