Traders bundh: No impact in city; CPI(M) stages protest

December 1, 2011

Mangalore, December 1: The nation-wide bundh call given by the Confederation of All India Traders against the Foreign Direct Investment in retail sector, had hardly any impact in this coastal city, as most of the shops remained open on Thursday.

The fight against Union Cabinet's decision to allow foreign direct equity into the retail market was confined to protests in front of the Office of Duty Commissioner by left and right parties in Mangalore.

Although Communist party of India and Bhartiya Janata Party have openly extended their support to the bundh call, its impact was not visible in any part of the city.

On Thursday, under the banner of Dakshina Kannada District Committee of CPI (M) a rally was taken out from Town Hall at 11 am, before the local leftist leaders addressed the protesters in front of the DC office.

DYFI State Vice President Muneer Katipalla and CPI(M) City Convener Sunil Kumar Bajal flayed the UPA government for going ahead with allowing the FDI in retail bypassing the views of some senior ministers like A K Antony.

“We oppose the measure 'tooth and nail' as it poses a serious threat to the livelihood of crores of traders and their families”, they said.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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