Page 24 - Karnataka

News updates: AAP claims Kejriwal's car was attacked with stones during campaigning in New Delhi

Stay with us for all the major news updates from around the globe

UGC should hold talks with states before regulation changes: K'taka min

Karnataka Minister M C Sudhakar has written to Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan expressing his opposition to the recently published draft UGC Regulations, 2025. He said UGC should be engaging in a dialogue with state governments before proposing any changes. The University Grants Commission (UGC) called for public consultation of its draft for Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education Regulations. In a letter dated January 13, Karnataka Minister for Higher Education Sudhakar said the state strongly opposes certain provisions related to the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, which he said, strike at the root of the higher education system and powers of the state government. According to the minister, the draft guidelines provide no role for the state government in selecting the Vice-Chancellor of a university. "The guidelines provide

Karnataka caste census report likely to be placed before cabinet on Jan 16

With the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the 'caste census,' likely to be placed before the state cabinet on January 16, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stressed that its contents should be made public. He said, any decision based on the report is the prerogative of the government and it will be taken after analysing it. Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under its then Chairman K Jayaprakash Hegde had submitted the report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 29 last year, amid objections raised by certain sections of society and voices against it from within ruling Congress. "It was decided the sealed cover (of report) will be opened before the cabinet, otherwise it may lead to leakage of information....whether there will be a discussion on it or not, I cannot speak about it now, once opened at least abstract information will be known to us," Parameshwara told reporters here replying to a question. To a question on the ...

Karnataka HC defers hearing on plea for CBI probe in MUDA scam till Jan 27

Karnataka High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing into the plea to transfer MUDA scam case to the CBI, till January 27. Justice M Nagaprasanna who heard the petition filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna seeking a CBI probe into the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allocation scam directed Lokayukta to submit the investigation report to court by January 27. Senior Advocate Ravivarma Kumar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while Maninder Singh represented the petitioner. During the argument, Singh alleged that original files are missing from Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The court said, "We will deal with everything. But first the Lokayukta had to give details of everything on record so far. All details of the investigation made so far." Finally the court directed Lokayukta to submit the investigation report to court by January 27. In the MUDA case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to ...

No differences within party, CM chair not vacant, says Siddaramaiah

He further claimed that the state government was a united government committed to fulfilling its guarantees

Centre steps in as Karnataka's new mining taxes threaten steel sector

The Centre is exploring legal measures in response to Karnataka's new mining taxes, which could impact the mining and steel industries; the taxes, awaiting Governor's assent, have raised concerns

Will follow party's direction: Shivakumar rules out political turn with CM

Seeking to downplay the power tussle within the Congress, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the people of the state have blessed the ruling party for five years and that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue functioning as per the directions of the high command. With supporters hailing him as the 'next Chief Minister' on his arrival here, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said he does not need anyone's support and will abide by what the party tells him. "No one should worry; there is no need for any political turn. People have blessed us and given us an opportunity, and we will continue for five years. All the talks going on are without any value. The Chief Minister and I will continue functioning as per the directions of the party," Shivakumar told reporters in response to a question. Asked about workers or supporters demanding that he should be the next CM, Shivakumar said, "I don't want anyone to demand anything from me

Passenger traffic at Bengaluru airport grows 9% to 40.73 mn in 2024

Passenger traffic at Bangalore International Airport grew 9 per cent year-on-year to 40.73 million in 2024, driven by higher air traffic movements and the addition of new destinations, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has said. The airport handled 37.2 million passengers in January-December 2023, BIAL said. The airport also reported its highest-ever annual cargo tonnage of 496,227 MT in 2024, reflecting strong performance in international and domestic segments, it added. Bangalore Airport welcomed 40.73 million (4.07 crore) passengers in 2024 compared to 37.2 million (3.72 crore) in 2023, with the highest number of passengers in a single day getting recorded at 1,26,532 on October 20, the private airport operator said. Additionally, the airport recorded a peak of 782 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) on October 17, 2024, with an annual average of 723 ATMs per day. Stating that the facility witnessed robust growth in both passenger and cargo traffic during 2024, BIAL said this

Kannada actor Yash's Toxic release plans: Makers to go for pan-India tour

Yash, a Kannada actor, is now filming his next movie, Toxic. To appeal to the actor's fan base throughout India, the producers have decided on a strategy to conduct a pan-India tour

MSIL forays into tourism sector, K'taka minister launches travel packages

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil unveiled a range of travel packages on Wednesday, marking a milestone for Mysore Sales International Ltd (MSIL). A Karnataka state government enterprise, MSIL has taken a significant leap by venturing into the public tourism sector. Previously, MSIL was conducting study tours exclusively for government officials over the past two decades, said a press release from the Ministry for Large and Medium Industries. Speaking at the launch event here, Patil said MSIL's offerings blend affordability with quality, ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability for the public. MSIL's reputation as a government enterprise ensures trust and reliability, and is likely to make it a preferred choice for Indian families. With this foray into public tourism, MSIL aims to redefine affordable travel while upholding the highest standards of service, he added. For individual travellers, particularly senior citizens, MSIL offers a door-to-door ...

All need to take those precautions: Karnataka home minister on HMPV cases

The doctors and the specialists are saying that this is not a dangerous one but precautions have already been instructed by the health department, G. Parameshwara said

HMPV outbreak: 5 children test positive, Nadda says 'no reason to worry'

Five infants tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat on Monday, the first reported cases of the virus in India. Union Health Minister J P Nadda sought to assuage fears, saying the government is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to worry. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups. While the Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm, the Delhi government directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urging the Centre to act swiftly to prevent a potential health crisis. Two cases were detected in Karnataka by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for .

Amazon, Flipkart pleas against CCI probe order transferred to Karnataka HC

A single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court is likely to hear the case on January 15

HMPV cases: Karnataka CM directs officials to take precautionary measures

With two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he has directed the health and medical education departments to take all the precautionary measures. "There is information on HMPV or China virus infection in Karnataka. I have instructed the health department to take precautionary measures, I have also spoken to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. We -- Health and Medical Education departments -- will take all the precautionary measures to control it," Siddaramaiah said. Briefing reporters here, he said the infections have been detected in two children. "Though it is not a dangerous virus, precautionary measures need to be taken." "Whatever measures the health department suggests, the government will support all those measures." The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union health ministry earlier said on

Bengaluru techie suicide: Court refuses to quash complaint against wife

The Karnataka High Court has refused to stay order on abetment of suicide complaint filed against Atul Subhash's wife and family

CM Siddaramaiah challenges Kumaraswamy to prove corruption charges

With Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy accusing his government of corruption and ministers of extracting commission, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday challenged the JD(S) leader to prove his allegations with evidence. He said allegations should not be made without documents and proof. "Let him prove it. Ask him to prove that 60 per cent commission is taking place and there is corruption. Let him prove it. Not just making allegations, one has to prove it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here, responding to a question. He said the opposition's job is not only to make the allegations, they should also prove it with evidence and documents. Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy targeted the Siddaramaiah-led government and accused it of corruption and extracting commission, while alleging that ministers themselves are involved in this. "Contractors supporting them (Congress party) are themselves saying that it (commission) has crossed 60 per cent and

K'taka govt likely finding excuses to halt guarantee schemes: Kumaraswamy

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of finding ways to discontinue its flagship guarantee schemes, while "burdening" the common people with increased costs such as the recent 15 per cent hike in public transport bus fares. Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said, "The Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) is someone who has presented the most number of budgets in the state, as he has also held a finance portfolio, with his consent the five guarantee schemes were implemented and they (Congress) claim that they have walked the talk, but to walk the talk they are playing with the lives of the common man." Expressing concern over the fare hike, he said it impacted farmers, labourers, and the working class. By increasing bus fares by 15 per cent, what has this government achieved? These hikes affect the lives of the common people, not the wealthy or ministers' families, he said, adding that the hike reflects the government's insensitivity towards

Six fraudsters posing as ED officials loot Rs 30 lakh in Karnataka

A group of six unidentified individuals, posing as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), allegedly raided a house in Bantwal town, Dakshina Kannada district, and fled with nearly Rs 30 lakh in cash, along with five mobile phones, police said on Saturday. The incident took place on the night of January 3. According to the complaint lodged by Mohammad Iqbal (27), a resident of Kolnadu and an agriculturist, the accused arrived at his residence at around 8.10 pm in a vehicle with a Tamil Nadu registration. Introducing themselves as ED officials, they claimed to have orders to search the house. After entering the premises, they confiscated five mobile phones from the family members before searching. "During the inspection, the accused allegedly took away Rs 25-30 lakh in cash that had been kept in a cupboard for business purposes. They reportedly told the family that keeping such a large sum of money at home was not permitted and threatened to arrest Iqbal," a senior police .

Karnataka Lokayukta unearths Rs 16.85 cr scam in SC/ST land allotment

A land allotment scam worth Rs 16.85 crore has come to light in the Vijayapura District Ambedkar Development Corporation, where bogus documents were created for land that was meant to be distributed to landless women from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In the wake of the recent revelation of financial irregularities in Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation to the tune of Rs 88 crore, the scam in the Ambedkar Development Corporation was uncovered after Lokayukta sleuths raided several officers' offices based on a complaint. According to a statement issued by the Lokayukta on Saturday, a person had lodged a complaint alleging that the Vijayapura District Ambedkar Development Corporation did not distribute land to landless women agricultural workers from the Scheduled Castes under the Land Ownership Scheme from 2014 to 2018. Instead, they created fake purchase documents in the names of the beneficiaries and purchased the land without paying the .

Karnataka cabinet hikes govt bus fares by 15%, effective from Jan 5

The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to increase the bus fares in the state-owned transport corporations by 15 per cent. The decision was taken in view of the substantial hike in operational costs such as increase in spending on fuel prices and staff, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said. The cabinet has decided to revise the bus fare of the four state transport corporations of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) by 15 per cent, Patil said while briefing reporters here. The Minister said the decision will come into effect from January 5. According to him, the BMTC bus fares were increased on January 10, 2015 when the diesel prices were Rs 60.90 per litre. The daily diesel consumption was Rs 9.16 crore 10 years ago by the four corporations, which has now increased to Rs