He describes guarantee schemes as development schemes that have helped increase the States per capita income
Lingayats, Vokkaligas hold meetings ahead of re-enumeration of castes in Karnataka
The earlier surveys, including that of SCs for internal quota, have relied on census data and voter list
Public hearing sees many expressing concern over proposed Keni port in Karnatakas Uttara Kannada
Rahul calls Modi vote chor, questions PMs silence on election fraud charge during Bihar visit
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence over alleged vote theft in Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, saying the Prime Minister had failed to answer his questions on the issue. Responding to Modis remarks on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during his visit to Gaya in Bihar, Rahul alleged that the Prime Minister was deliberately silent on the contentious matter. The SIR is an attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the EC to steal your votes. They are trying their best to snatch your voting rights. The 'vote chor' came to Gayaji, but he did not say even a word on his government's attempt to steal votes with the help of the EC, Gandhi said during his Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bhagalpur. The truth is that the Prime Minister, along with the Election Commission of India and the Bharatiya Janata Party, are bent on destroying democracy and the Constitution, and snatching away the votes of the people, he said. Rahul accused Modi of seeking to dismantle the constitutional principle of one person, one vote. He cited the example of a Congress supporter whose name was deleted from the electoral rolls during the first phase of the revision exercise. With SIR, the Modi government, in collusion with the Election Commission of India, was disenfranchising people who are supporters of Congress or RJD, the Lok Sabha LoP said. Vote Chori is an attack on the Constitution of India. The INDIA bloc will not allow the BJP to steal voting rights of the people of Bihar, he added. Speaking at a rally in Bihar, Modi in an indirect reference to SIR said, There is one more threat -- that of infiltrators (ghuspaithiye) that our nation faces, which I also spoke about in my Independence Day speech. They cannot be allowed to partake of the resources of our country. I have, therefore, called for a demography mission. But the Congress and the RJD want to protect these infiltrators for the sake of their vote bank politics. The allusion was to one of the stated objectives of SIR being the removal of names of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar from the electoral rolls. The EC, which has ordered the exercise in Bihar ahead of assembly polls, has made it clear that SIR will be undertaken across the country in due course. However, the INDIA bloc has been alleging that the exercise in Bihar was aimed at helping the BJP-led NDA in assembly polls through wrongful deletion of names of voters. During a stopover near Nathnagar in Bhagalpur, Rahul introduced a former Agniveer, Amarnath Jaiswal, who had suffered a serious hand injury and lost a finger in the line of duty. Jaiswal was discharged from the Army within two years, without any of the benefits that a regular soldier would have received in such circumstances. Rahul said the Modi government had closed avenues for the youth, calling the Agniveer scheme ill-advised and pointing to Jaiswals plight as an example of how recruits were left without support after service, even in cases of disability. He also said the government had crippled small and medium businesses through demonetisation, compounding unemployment. On the sixth day of his Yatra, the march passed through Bhagalpur, where large crowds gathered, chanting 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor' in reference to alleged electoral fraud in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Monkey menace in Chittapur taluk addressed with special ops, safety measures
Karnataka HC finds no fault in compulsorily retiring civil judge for threatening police inspector
We find no infirmity with either the procedure adopted nor find that thepunishment imposed is highly disproportionate, the bench observed in its order
Students take to the streets, demanding road repair
Hubballi-Dharwad police extern 22 more rowdy-sheeters
Teppotsava celebrated by devotees braving floods
KMF opens Nandini outlet at Majestic metro station plans seven more in two months
KMF has set up 175 parlours across Karnataka over the past five years. Managing Director and CEO Shivaswamy B told businessline that the cooperative is in discussions with BMRCL for rights to additional metro locations.
PM did not utter a word on 'vote chori' during visit to Bihar: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to steal votes through the Election Commission during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. He criticized Modi's silence on alleged irregularities in Maharashtra, Karnataka polls, and the Manipur issue. Gandhi asserted that the BJP is dismantling the Constitution and depriving people of their rights.
Karnataka to bring out White Paper on allocations received for centrally-sponsored schemes
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleges that the Central share has dwindled under Narendra Modi government and the Central allocations are not proportionate to the Budget size
Kodagu has immense potential in food processing sector: KAPPEC MD
Karma Yogi Award for six in Kalaburagi today
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence visits HAL facilities
Karnataka lost close to 80,000 crore owing to illegal iron ore extraction
Karnataka suffered close to 80,000 crore in losses in the illegal iron ore extraction scam, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil informed the Legislative Council
75 single window centres created to obtain permission for Ganesha idol installation in Bengaluru
Bear finally caught after it roamed residential areas in Hosapete for months
Agricultural labour dies in Hosanagara taluk
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to join Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are set to participate in Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. Shivakumar will join the march on Saturday and Sunday, while Siddaramaiah is scheduled to participate on August 29.
Farmers, fishermen cautioned as Krishna water levels increase
Water discharge from Maharashtra crosses 2.4 lakh cusecs at the inter-State border gauge at the Kallol barrage
E-Aasthi: Mysuru tops Karnataka in property registrations
KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the opposition INDIA bloc, including the TMC, of shielding corruption and resisting legislative moves aimed at ensuring probity in public life. Addressing a rally here, Modi made indirect references to the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in Parliament earlier this week, which seeks to bar prime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers from holding office if they remain in jail for 30 days or more. Citing the provisions of the proposed law, the PM said, We decided to bring in a law that provides for dismissing a corrupt chief minister, or even the prime minister, if he or she spends 30 days in jail. But when we brought in a stringent law, the TMC, the Congress started protesting. They are angry because they are scared of facing punishment for their own sins. In an apparent dig at former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Modi said, It is a shame that even a chief minister, after going to jail, has been running government from there. Targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bengal, the PM said, Two TMC ministers, even after going to jail on corruption charges, were not willing to give up their posts. He was referring to former state education minister Partha Chatterjee, arrested in connection with the teachers recruitment scam, and Jyoti Priya Mallick, arrested in the ration distribution scam. Those who are arrested on corruption charges, how can they be part of the government and remain in their posts? Modi will not allow this, the PM thundered. Defending his governments move, Modi said the new Bill was necessary to plug glaring loopholes in the system. Look at the situation, nowadays some people have stooped so low that they are trying to run the government from jail, Modi added. Highlighting his governments records, the Prime Minister said, For the past 11 years, the country has been waging a determined battle against corruption. In this regard, we have taken a significant step forward by introducing an anti-corruption Bill in the Lok Sabha. Under existing laws, if a government employee is caught and incarcerated without securing bail within 50 hours, they are automatically suspended from their position. However, no such provisions exist for a chief minister, a prime minister, or a minister. This loophole has allowed some leaders to stoop so low that they attempt to govern from behind bars. Of the 30 chief ministers in the country, 12 of them, or 40 percent, declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a new report by poll rights body ADR. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has declared 89 cases against him, the highest, followed by Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, who declared 47. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu declared 19, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah declared 13, and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren declared five cases. Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Sukhvinder Singh declared four cases each, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan declared two, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared one case. According to the report by the Association for Democratic Reforms, 10, or 33 per cent, of the chief ministers have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation against them. The ADR said it analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 30 sitting chief ministers in state Assemblies and Union Territories. This data is from affidavits they filed prior to contesting their last elections.
IDEATHON My Mysuru: Vision 2030 launched
KSRTC to run 1,500 special buses for festival rush on Aug 26, 27, 31
Bangalore: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Friday announced that it will operate 1,500 special buses from Bengaluru to various destinations across the state to meet the festive rush during Gowri and Ganesha festivities on August 26 and 27. In addition to the regular schedules, special services will also be operated on August Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
BengaluruChennai Expressway faces delays over land and clearance hurdles
P.C. Mohan says since the project has faced several bottlenecks, it is now expected to be completed between December 2025 and March 2026
Sensory kiosks recreate Multiple Sclerosis symptoms at Bengaluru event
IAS Association condemns 'personal attacks' on CEC family amid 'vote chori' allegations
NEW DELHI: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Association has objected to the online trolling of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's family members amid 'vote chori' campaign launched by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders . The association said it strongly deprecates such personal attacks unconnected with the discharge of official duties. In an X post, the officers' forum said, The IAS Association notes with concern that unwarranted criticism has been directed against the family members of the Chief Election Commissioner, who also happen to be well-reputed civil servants. Further condemning the personal attacks, it said, The IAS Association strongly deprecates such personal attacks unconnected with the discharge of official duties. We stand for dignity and integrity in public service. The family members of the CEC Kumar, particularly his daughters, have faced trolling by a section of social media users. Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the Kerala cadre of the 1988 batch and had superannuated from the service in 2024. After two months of his retirement, he was appointed as an election commissioner. He became the CEC after his predecessor Rajiv Kumar demitted the officer after completing his tenure in the poll panel. Partnership between EC-BJP; we'll not allow even one vote to be stolen in Bihar: Rahul Gandhi Alleging gross irregularities in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and a constituency in Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi has claimed the poll panel is engaged in vote chori to benefit the ruling BJP, which the Commission and the CEC have denied. In a press conference on Sunday, Kumar also said Gandhi should either submit an affidavit stating that his allegations are true or apologise. An affidavit will have to be given or an apology will have to be made to the country. There is no third option. If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless, Kumar had said. More than 1 crore officials, over 10 lakh booth-level agents and over 20 lakh polling agents work for a Lok Sabha election. Can anyone steal votes in front of so many people and with such a transparent process? Some allegations of double voting were made, but when we asked for proof, we got nothing. Such allegations can scare neither the Election Commission nor any voter, he had asserted.
We failed to control garbage mafia in Bengaluru: DKS
Koracha community opposes internal reservation matrix finalised by Karnataka govt.
Undeclared emergency under Modi more dangerous, claims CPI(M) State secretary
He delivers a special lecture on Emergency Then and Now at the CPI(M) office in Kalaburagi
JSS AHER, Mysuru, signs MoU with Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre
Five cases cracked with the arrest of nine accused in Bidar
Dharmasthala case: Progressive groups in Mysuru seek fair, time-bound SIT probe
Mandya ZP CEO visits Amruthadhare centre in Bengaluru
Labourer mowed down by lorry near Byadarahalli in west Bengaluru
According to SWR officials, this is a first-of-its-kind initiative within the zone, aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and accuracy in freight-handling.
Demand for core engineering courses on the rise in Mysuru amid uncertainty in IT sector
Police book Girish Mattannavar and others for obstructing the arrest of Mahesh Shetty Thimarody
Brahmavar PSI told Belthangady police that Mattannavar and others, forming an unlawful assembly, attempted to prevent them from discharging duty.
Bengaluru stadium stampede: Chief Minister blames police, mass hysteria; refuses to apologise
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lists over a dozen stampedes in BJP-ruled States from 2008 to 2025 and said 39 people died during the Kumbh Mela stampede alone at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh this January
From Singing The RSS Anthem To Eyeing The CM Throne: The Politics Of DK Shivakumar
Shivakumar sparked a surprise by reciting the RSS anthem, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome, inside the Karnataka assembly
DY Patil Stadiums Track Record As Womens Sports Venue A Big Reason Behind Getting ODI WC Games
The Greenfield International Stadium: Once it became clear that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru would not host the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup games due to a lack of timely clearances from the Karnataka government following the June 4 stampede, several alternative venues were under consideration for the eight-team tournament. The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram initially emerged as the frontrunner to host Bengalurus share of ODI World Cup fixtures. Sources had also told IANS on August 12 that the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) assured the BCCI of preparing the venue on time and making all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the games. However, on Friday, the ICC confirmed DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as the fifth venue for the ODI World Cup. According to the revised schedule, the DY Patil Stadium, located about 50 km east of Mumbai, will host three league matches from October 20, including Indias games against New Zealand and Mumbai. It is also lined up to stage the semifinal and final on October 30 and November 2, respectively. Sources familiar with the venue change process told IANS on Friday that DY Patil Stadium featured in the alternative venues list in the initial draft itself, adding that two key factors tipped the scales in its favour: its reputation as a womens sports-friendly venue, and being located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Navi Mumbai has always attracted a great crowd for women's cricket games -- whether it was WPL 2023 or India womens international matches, especially in the series against Australia. It was also a good hosting venue for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup, the sources said. Whenever DY Patil has hosted womens cricket games, it has always got a great response from spectators, and that in turn added more heft to its good reputation of being a womens sports-friendly venue in India. Navi Mumbai has always attracted a great crowd for women's cricket games -- whether it was WPL 2023 or India womens international matches, especially in the series against Australia. It was also a good hosting venue for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup, the sources said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With Navi Mumbai joining ACA Stadium in Guwahati, ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Holkar Stadium in Indore, and the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the focus now shifts to the cricketing action in the tournament set to run from September 30 to November 2. Article Source: IANS
ED raids Karnataka MLA, others in 'illegal' betting case
The Enforcement Directorate raided multiple locations across several states, including Karnataka, Goa, and Mumbai, in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal betting involving Congress MLA K C Veerendra 'Puppy'. The searches targeted over 30 locations, including five casinos in Goa allegedly connected to Veerendra, and focused on online betting sites he is accused of running.
Joint survey in Yadgir to assess crop damage due to rain in Karnataka
Officials of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Revenue departments began the joint survey on August 21 following some respite from rain
KSRTC to operate 1,500 special buses for Gowri-Ganesha festival rush in Karnataka
The special services will run between August 25 and 26 for outbound passengers while return services are scheduled on August 27 and August 31
Ganja worth Rs 4 lakh seized at Bengaluru Cantonment railway station
Railway Protection Force discovered 5.22 kilograms of Ganja at Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station. The estimated value of the seized contraband is Rupees Four Lakh. The Ganja was found in an unclaimed bag at the station yard. Excise officials confirmed the substance. A case is registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Karnataka HC says govt can take action as per law against aggregators offering bike taxi services
BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Friday orally told the Advocate General (AG) that authorities can take any action as per law against aggregators offering bike taxi services on their platform. The court's words came after the AG's complaint that the aggregators are offering bike taxi services, although the court did not give such liberty. The court also told the AG K Shashikiran Shetty that they should not harass individual bike taxi owners or drivers. A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi orally clarified it when the AG complained that aggregators like Uber, Ola and Rapido have started offering bike taxis on their platforms even though the court had not given any such liberty to them while hearing the matter on August 20. Clarifying that it had asked the AG on August 20 to instruct the authorities not to take any precipitative action against individual bike taxi owners or drivers for operating their vehicles, the court orally told the AG that they can take any action as per law against the aggregators. Meanwhile, the counsel for the Bike Taxi Welfare Association pointed out that the authorities of the transport department were seizing individual bike taxis and taking action against the drivers of those taxis despite clear instructions from the court that no coercive action should be taken against them. The court told the AG that it can pass an order in writing to ensure that individual bike taxi owner-drivers are not harassed by the authorities. In reply, AG told the court that he would instruct the authorities appropriately. The court was hearing appeals filed by the Bike Taxis Welfare Association along with Ola, Uber and Rapido and owners of the two wheelers against the order passed by a single bench judge on April 2, that the aggregators cannot offer bike taxis on their platform unless the state government notifies the guidelines. The Advocate General, on August 20, submitted before the court that a serious thought would be given to the issues raised in the present matter at the government level. In this view, the court deferred the matter to September 22 and asked the Advocate General to instruct the authorities not to take any precipitative action against individual bike taxi owners or drivers for operating their vehicles.
The Karnataka government has announced a 50% rebate (waiver) on pending traffic penalties beginning on August 21, 2025, in an effort to ease the burden on the public and expedite the settlement of pending traffic infraction cases throughout the state.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah recalls 20 stampedes happened in BJP-ruled states
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said 20 stampedes took place in the BJP-ruled states, and blamed mass hysteria for the Chinnaswamy stadium incident in June that killed 11 people. Replying to a discussion in the Assembly on the June 4 stampede, the Chief Minister read out the list of stampedes starting from the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Online gaming case: ED raids premises linked to Karnataka MLA
Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted multiple searches at the premises linked to Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Pappy and some others as part of an online gaming and betting-linked money laundering case, official sources said. Pappy is a legislator from the Chitradurga assembly seat. Also ReadRose Valley case: ED attaches fresh assets Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Karnataka CM in Assembly: 20 stampedes took place in BJP-ruled states
The stampedes he referred to include the one that had taken place in Ratangarh in 2013, Haridwar in 2021, Sehore in MP in 2023, and Hathras in UP, in which 121 people were killed in 2024
'20 Stampedes Happened In BJP-Ruled States': Siddaramaiah On Chinnaswamy Stadium Tragedy
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled the Prayagraj stampede during the Kumbh Mela in January this year that took 39 lives and asked if CM Yogi resigned after that.
Women's World Cup: Mumbai replaces Bengaluru as fourth Indian venue
The matches have been shifted after the Karnataka State Cricket Association failed to secure the necessary permissions from the authorities
Bengaluru, a lakhpati hub: Karnataka beats all states to top taxpayer charts
Karnataka leads India with the highest percentage of taxpayers earning between 12 lakh and 50 lakh annually. Bengaluru's thriving IT, startup, and financial sectors are key drivers. Telangana and Jharkhand follow closely behind. The Ministry of Finance shared the data in the Lok Sabha. Gujarat is at the bottom, possibly due to a larger tax base.
20 stampedes happened in BJP-ruled states: CM Siddaramaiah in Assembly
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended his government's response to the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede, attributing it to mass hysteria following an RCB victory. He cited numerous stampedes in BJP-ruled states, questioning why resignations weren't demanded then. Siddaramaiah expressed sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need to respect public sentiment in a democracy, referencing his attendance at the RCB victory celebration.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attributed the Bengaluru stadium stampede, which resulted in 11 deaths, to mass hysteria following an IPL victory. He defended his presence at the celebration, citing the need to respect public expectations in a democracy. Siddaramaiah also pointed out numerous stampedes in BJP-ruled states, questioning the accountability of leaders in those instances.
Karnataka: Shivakumar Sings RSS Anthem, Stuns Assembly
The opposition welcomed the anthem by thumping the table but there was an absolute silence in the Congress camp
The MLA is believed to have stakes in casino businesses in Goa
Karnataka Assembly session: CM Siddaramaiah recalls 20 stampedes that happened in BJP-ruled states
The Karnataka CM spoke about the Prayagraj stampede during Kumbh Mela in January this year as well as the Gujarat Morbi bridge collapse in 2022.
Stampedes Not Limited To ...: DK Shivakumar Snaps At BJP Over RCB Tragedy
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar - both under heavy fire over the June 4 stampede at Bengaluru's MA Chinnaswamy Stadium, in which 11 people were killed - have responded to the BJP's demands they resign.
'I am a born Congressman': DK Shivakumar clarifies after RSS anthem video; rules out crossing over
Karnataka's Deputy CM, DK Shivakumar, clarified his recitation of the RSS anthem in the Assembly, stating it was for understanding rival organizations, not a political alignment. He emphasized his Congress allegiance and knowledge of the RSS's activities in Karnataka.
The court gave this clarification when the A-G complained that aggregators had started offering bike taxis on their platforms even though the court had not given any such a liberty to them
Kannada play Java to explore love, loss and a unique narrator
Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar sings RSS anthem, stuns Assembly
Karnataka's Deputy CM D K Shivakumar surprised the Assembly. He sang the RSS anthem during a debate. This followed accusations about his role in a stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium. BJP legislators alleged he caused frenzy. Shivakumar defended his actions. He mentioned his KSCA involvement and Bengaluru minister role. The incident sparked amusement and silence in the House.
The farmers raised slogans against what they called the governments delaying tactics
DKS springs a surprise, sings RSS anthem in Karnataka Assembly
When the BJP sought his and Siddaramaiahs resignation, the Deputy Chief Minister wondered if other Chief Ministers resigned after a stampede in their States.
Kerala to set up yarn bank to tackle coir fibre shortage, safeguard jobs of two lakh workers
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant intervention to revive Keralas struggling coir sector, the state government has announced the formation of a yarn bank to tackle the acute shortage of coir fibre. Industries and Coir Minister P. Rajeeve said the project, with an allocation of Rs 5 crore, is intended to ensure a steady supply of fibre to units across the state and safeguard the livelihoods of more than two lakh workers, nearly 80 percent of them women. The yarn bank will be jointly managed by the Kerala State Coir Corporation Ltd and the Kerala State Co-operative Coir Marketing Federation Ltd (Coirfed). It will stockpile coir fibre for a year, enabling small and large units to access raw material at affordable rates. Government sources added that the final decision on the location of the yarn bank will be taken shortly, but officials confirmed that it will be established in a region with large-scale coir activity to maximise impact. The announcement comes at a crucial time. Keralas traditional coir industry, which once stood as a global leader, is reeling under the pressure of scarce raw material and soaring fibre prices. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, there are about 9,000 registered coir product manufacturing units in Kerala, with about 80 per cent concentrated in Alappuzha and the rest in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Most of these earlier units depended on fibre sourced locally from Vaikom and Thiruvananthapuram. However, in recent years, fibre extraction in these areas has dwindled, forcing manufacturers to rely heavily on supplies from Tamil Nadu. Over the past 18 months, the cost of fibre has skyrocketed. A year ago, Vaikom coir cost Rs 40 a kilogram. Now it is sold at Rs 5060, but even at that rate it is hard to get. The Anjuthengu coir fibre, once priced at Rs 100Rs 120, is now unavailable even at Rs 180 Rs 200, said Maheshan, who runs a spinning unit in Kollam. The crisis has also weakened Keralas export performance despite rising international demand for coir products such as mats, pith, geotextiles, and other products. In 202324, Indias coir exports were valued at Rs 1,285.11 crore, reaching more than 100 countries, including the US, Australia, EU nations, China, and Japan. But Keralas contribution during the same period was a mere Rs 10.05 crore, according to records from the Directorate of Coir Development. In India, apart from Kerala, coir industries are dominant in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Sources said that any delay in setting up the yarn bank will only strengthen these states, which are already posing tough competition to Kerala in the international market. Exporters warn that unless fibre prices are stabilised, Keralas presence in the sector will shrink further. We can adjust for up to a 10 per cent rise in raw material costs. But if it crosses 2030 per cent, exporters shift to Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh, said Manoj Kumar, an exporter from Cherthala. The fallout has been severe on workers, particularly women in Alappuzhas cooperative spinning units, who are now struggling to find steady employment. Many workers are leaving for construction and daily-wage jobs, as there is no guarantee of work in coir anymore, said Sumathi, a worker in the spinning sector. Ironically, this Onam, Keralaonce proudly known as the land of coconutsis grappling with two coconut-related crises. On one hand, soaring coconut oil prices have forced the government to intervene to ensure an affordable supply in the market. On the other hand, the shortage of coconut fibre has put thousands of coir workers on the brink of losing their livelihood. Government sources said efforts are underway to address both troubles simultaneously, with the yarn bank expected to provide a long-term solution for the coir industry. With this initiative, the state government hopes to restore stability to the coir sector, ensure raw material security, protect exports, and safeguard the future of over two lakh workers in one of Keralas oldest traditional industries. Export data of Coir products 2019-20 : Rs 14.25 crore 2020-21 : Rs 14.13 crore 2021-22 : Rs 17.31 crore 2022-23 : Rs 16.40 crore 2023-24 : Rs 10.05 crore Source: Directorate of Coir Development, Govt of Kerala
DK Shivakumar Sings RSS Anthem In Karnataka Assembly, Then Clarifies
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday stoked controversy after he sang the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)'s anthem in the state assembly.
Karnataka High Court comes to aide of age-barred widow to get job on compassionate grounds in NWKRTC
The court considered it as a special case as Lakshmavva of Gadag, who had lost her husband who was employed in NWKRTC, had no means to earn a livelihood. The couple have no children, who could have been considered for appointment instead of her as she had crossed the age limit for the post.
They argued that the FRS, which requires beneficiaries facial data to be scanned before distribution of foodgrains and nutritional supplements, violates the spirit of the National Food Security Act, 2013, whose core objective is to ensure that no individual goes hungry
'Namaste Sada Vatsale': DK Shivakumar 'sings' RSS anthem at Karnataka assembly; watch video
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar created a stir by singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem in the state assembly. This action, captured in a viral clip, is notable because Shivakumar is a senior Congress leader. The Congress party has historically been a strong critic of the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP.
Special offer on Kashi darshana tour on Bharat Gaurav tourist train by government of Karnataka
The Kashi Darshana Tour will be operated for 9 days from September 21 to 29
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bengaluru plans self-defence classes for doctors. This is due to rising cases of assault in hospitals. The classes will teach doctors to defend themselves and manage aggressive situations. The university will also offer digital and financial literacy classes. Security at hospital entrances will be increased. Only two attendants per patient will be allowed.
Parole reports: Karnataka HC directs DGP to provide training for officers
BENGALURU: The grant of parole is a valuable right of a convict, which would also be a right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It would require police authorities to apply their mind properly and pass a reasoned order on a case-to-case basis, rather than reproducing the same grounds in all reports submitted to prison authorities, the Karnataka High Court said, directing the Director General of Police to look into the matter and take steps to impart training to all police officers concerned. Taking note of reports submitted by police in several cases of parole, which are identically worded without application of mind by police officers, the court said jails are overcrowded by undertrial prisoners and convicts. One of the objectives of punishment is reformation, which cannot be achieved if the convict is distanced from society. On release, the convict would have to be integrated into society. For this reason, there is a requirement to apply the mind while considering an application for parole as per principles laid down in the Karnataka Prison Manual, the court observed. Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while directing prison authorities to release the son of the petitioner, Chotti Bee from Bidar, on parole for 60 days, to take care of her. Chotti moved court as her application for the release of her son Saddam for 90 days due to her illness, was not considered by prison authorities because of the mechanical report filed by police denying her request, though prison authorities recommended his release. According to the government advocate, Saddam is serving a sentence for murder. An appeal filed by him against conviction and sentence is pending. An application for suspension of sentence or bail is also pending. Citing it, police submitted the report to prison, hence he was not released on parole.
Big relief for Bengaluru commuters: Bike taxi service returns to city roads after 2 months
Bike taxi services like Uber, Rapido, and Ola have resumed in Bengaluru after a two-month ban, offering commuters affordable transport options. This follows a Karnataka High Court adjournment regarding the ban. While fares have slightly increased, customers find bike taxis more economical than auto rides.
Bike taxis back on Bengaluru roads after Karnataka HC hearing
BENGALURU: App-based transport platforms Uber, Rapido and Ola have resumed bike taxi services in Bengaluru after a two-month ban. Operations were suspended after the state government imposed a ban on June 16, which led to vehicle seizures and penalties. Operations were resumed a day after the Karnataka High Court adjourned hearings on related appeals to September 22, directing the government to review the matter on Wednesday. Following resumption of app-based bike services, the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations met Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging him to initiate contempt proceedings against Rapido and other bike taxi aggregators for continuing operations despite court directions. In a letter submitted on Thursday, the federation said Rapido misused the High Courts oral observation to not take precipitate action as if it were a stay, though there is no interim stay. The federation alleged Rapido continues onboarding, advertising and deploying private two-wheelers for hire, amounting to contempt. They also demanded that the government file a civil contempt petition, seek clarification from court, and issue directions to aggregators to disable bike taxi services in Karnataka. It also called for strict enforcement jointly by the transport and traffic police departments. However, a senior transport department official said the High Court had asked the government to consider framing a bike taxi policy within a month, and noted that the court had not granted permission for services to resume. Any action on enforcement will be taken only after discussions and in line with further court directions. Adi Narayan, president of Bike Taxi Welfare Association (BTA), welcoming the observations by the High Court said, The Karnataka High Court delivered important observations during the hearing on the ongoing bike taxi matter, significantly contradicting the State governments position and highlighting the legality and necessity of bike taxis in modern urban transport. Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru observed that the States argument that bike taxis are prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act, is a thin and untenable position. The court noted that bike taxi operations are legally permitted in 13 states across India, establishing that the business is a recognized and lawful trade, he added. Rahul supports riders Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi assured full support to Karnatakas bike taxi riders during a meeting with members of the BTA in Parliament. Riders highlighted severe hardships after services were halted, leaving over 6 lakh pilots without income. Gandhi said he had spoken to CM Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging swift action on a regulatory framework. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also expressed solidarity, BTA stated. The Association highlighted its proposals to the state, including best practices from 17 other states where bike taxis are regulated, and adoption of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which provides a clear roadmap for safe and legal operations.
Isha Gramotsavam 2025 begins in Thiruvananthapuram on August 23
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 17th edition of Isha Gramotsavam, one of the largest rural sports festivals, will kick off in six districts of the state from August 23. Over 700 players from across the state are expected to participate, forming more than 140 teams. Matches will be held in Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The festival unfolds in three stages: cluster level, divisional level, and the grand finale. The cluster-level matches will take place on August 23-24 in Thrissurs Varandarappilly and Ernakulams Ambalamugal. Kasaragods Cheruvathur will host matches on August 28-29, followed by Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram and Vellachal-Makreri in Kannur on August 30-31. Palakkads Ayiloor will host matches on September 1-2. Nationally, Isha Gramotsavam will span over 35,000 villages across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and, Odisha. More than 50,000 rural participants, including over 5,000 women, are competing this year, forming over 6,000 teams. The grand finale will take place before the iconic Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, on September 21. Competing teams stand a chance to win from a prize pool of Rs 67 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh each awarded to the winners in both mens and womens categories.
Jharkhand beats Delhi, Maharashtra in share of 'lakhpati' taxpayers
Jharkhand has surprisingly emerged as a leading state in terms of high-income taxpayers, surpassing Delhi and Maharashtra. Nearly 19.5% of Jharkhand's income tax filers reported annual incomes between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, placing it third nationally behind Karnataka and Telangana. Gujarat reported the lowest proportion of taxpayers in this income bracket.
KSPCB chief seeks local administrations support to enforce ban on Plaster of Paris idols
BENGALURU: We need support from the local administration to strictly enforce and implement the ban on sale, storage and manufacture of Plaster of Paris idols, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairman and MLA MP Narendra Swamy said. He said there is a 70 per cent staff crunch in the Board, due to which it is becoming difficult to implement the ban. Swamy said a petition was filed before the Karnataka High Court to highlight the district administrations role in enforcing a ban on POP idols and implementing orders issued by the National Green Tribunal and state government. He told the media that circulars were issued to district administrations, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and police, but they dont have the required support. The NGT had issued orders in May 2013, banning the manufacture, sale and transportation of POP idols. KSPCB issued a circular in 2016 on the same, and added that harsh artificial colours that harm the environment should not be used. It also started the promotion of eco-friendly idols. The state government in September 2023 issued orders banning POP idols and use of harsh artificial colours. Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre said that if three districts -- Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi -- can implement the ban, other districts can too. He directed the Ganesha festival committees of all districts to ensure that they give permission only if POP idols are not used. Khandre also said that as per NGT directions, only green crackers should be used during festivities, which are not higher than 125 decibels, and crackers should be burst only between 8pm and 10pm.
More 'lakhpatis' in Bengaluru than anywhere else, Karnataka tops rankings; check full list
Karnataka leads India with over 20% of its income tax filers earning at least 1 lakh monthly, placing them in the 12-50 lakh annual income bracket. Telangana and Jharkhand closely follow, with Tamil Nadu and Delhi also among the top five states with high-income taxpayers. Gujarat has the lowest proportion, potentially indicating a broader tax base across various income levels.
DK Shivakumar sings RSS anthem in Karnataka Assembly, video goes viral - Hindustan Times
DK Shivakumar sings RSS anthem in Karnataka Assembly, video goes viral Hindustan Times
BENGALURU: The All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) on Thursday concluded its 50-lakh signature campaign at Freedom Park, demanding the preservation of government schools. The signatures collected from across Karnataka were handed over to Primary Education Department Director Anita Nazare, along with a memorandum listing shortages of teachers and infrastructure. The government is favouring private schools and offloading its burden by closing government schools. This is ruining the future of children from poor families, shared A Murigeppa, former V-C of Hampi Kannada University. He stressed that if government schools are closed on the pretext of low enrollment, it will be impossible for the children of ordinary people, who struggle to even afford one meal a day, to attend private schools. The government schools should not be closed, regardless of the number of students. Instead, the governments primary duty should be to resolve the lack of teachers and basic infrastructure that government schools face and thereby increase enrollment, he added. AIDSO Central Council secretary Shibashish Praharaj said governments have been commercialising education since Independence and stressed the need for students to unite against lack of facilities. Anita received the 50 lakh signatures from across the state. A memorandum was also submitted, urging the government to address teacher shortage and the lack of basic infrastructure.
11-Year-Old Girl On Way To School Run Over By Bengaluru Bus After Bike Skids
An 11-year-old girl was run over by a Karnataka government-run bus in Bengaluru on Friday morning.
Bengaluru Traffic: Karnataka offers 50% waiver on pending e-challan fines till September 12
The Karnataka government is offering a one-time 50% waiver on traffic penalties issued through the Police Department's e-challan system from August 23 to September 12. This initiative aims to reduce the backlog of unpaid fines and promote responsible driving. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah encourages citizens to utilize this opportunity to settle dues and adhere to traffic regulations.
The Karnataka government has announced a 50% concession on penalties for pending traffic violation cases recorded through the Police Departments mobile e-challan system. Effective from August 23 to September 12, this one-time offer aims to promote road safety and law-abiding behavior.
LEAP to be a blockbuster initiative to boost AI talent pool: Sankanur
