Inequality a counter product of corruption'

[email protected] (CD Network, Photo by Ahmed Anwar)

December 19, 2011

Mangalore, December 19: Inequality and increasing gap between rich and poor in the country are the counter products of widespread corruption, opined Marline Martice, director of Development Education Service Mangalore.

She was speaking at a symposium on 'How Can Corruption Be Eradicated?' organised at Town Hall, here on Sunday evening. The programme was organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind as part of its state wide campaign, 'towards corruption free society'.

She said that 10% of affluent people in this country have managed to accumulate the wealth of over 50% of their poor counterparts and the gap between rich and poor is increasing with every passing.

“In the past we had movement to 'abolish poverty', but, now there is a strong movement to 'eliminate poor'”, she said adding that planning commission too cheating the poor people.

She said that the money of corruption was sufficient to eradicate poverty from this country, if it was used in a proper way.

Taking about the evils in the society, she cautioned that the women would be the first victim of evils. “We should collectively strive to establish an evil free society”, she added.

P Kishor Rao, Lions Club district governor was the chief guest. Mohammed Mubeen Ullal delivered introductory address. A K Kukkila, editor, Sanmarga Weekly, presided over the programme.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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