National

Karnataka Partners with German Company to Enhance Eyecare in Rural Areas

Published

11 months ago

March 7, 2025

On Thursday, the Karnataka government forged a partnership with ZEISS India, a leading German optical systems and optoelectronics manufacturer, to enhance eye-care services in the state’s rural regions. An MoU was signed to implement the Vidya Drishti Program, aimed at improving eye health among schoolchildren and the underprivileged.

As part of this initiative, a mobile eye screening unit will examine 532,000 schoolchildren aged 5 to 16 and provide prescription glasses to those who require them. Additionally, nearly 600,000 underprivileged individuals above the age of 39 will also benefit from eye screenings as part of this drive.

The collaboration will also focus on skill development for eye-care professionals in the area, with the goal of fostering professional growth, expanding career opportunities, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in the Kalaburagi district.

Speaking at the event, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the pressing need to bolster healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to quality eye care is limited. He described the partnership with ZEISS India as a pivotal move toward addressing this gap.

“Good vision is crucial for a child’s education and overall development. Through the Vidya Drishti Project, we aspire to ensure that over 500,000 schoolchildren receive essential eye care. Furthermore, by extending this initiative to aid almost 600,000 underprivileged adults in Kalaburagi, we are adopting a comprehensive approach to eye health. I commend ZEISS India for their commitment to this cause and am confident that this initiative will have a lasting, positive influence on many lives in our district,” Kharge stated.

He added that clear vision should be a right for every child, not a privilege, as poor eyesight can hinder effective learning.

“The Karnataka government is dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness and providing accessible eye care for all. Our ‘Asha Kirana’ initiative has already made significant progress in delivering eye care services directly to citizens. This collaboration with ZEISS India further fortifies our efforts, introducing advanced vision care for the children of Kalaburagi. Through innovative technologies and comprehensive screening programs, we aim to ensure every child has the visual clarity they deserve,” remarked Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Mr. Miguel Gonzalez Diaz, Managing Director of ZEISS India, expressed, “At ZEISS, we are dedicated to making quality eye care accessible to everyone. This initiative aims to positively impact the lives of children in rural areas by providing vital vision care support. Clear vision is essential for education and overall development, and we are honored to contribute to this initiative that empowers children to learn and grow.”

Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, added that focusing on eye care in rural areas addresses a crucial healthcare need and enhances the quality of life for citizens. He noted that such initiatives not only provide immediate medical benefits but also aid in the long-term development of the state’s healthcare infrastructure and professional expertise.

This collaboration builds upon previous discussions between ZEISS India and the Karnataka government, which were initiated during the inauguration of the ZEISS India Global Capability Center in November 2024. This MoU is a significant step in realizing the vision of extending affordable eye care to the rural and underserved populations of the state.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.