Karnataka / The Times of India
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 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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approving an Indian Air Force air show during the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Siddaramaiah invited Singh to attend the event, highlighting that the air show would enhance the festival's grandeur and inspire pride among visitors.
A 19-year-old student, Varshita, was found murdered near Chitradurga. Her body was partially burnt. Police investigation revealed that the girl's boyfriend, Chetan, confessed to the crime. He admitted to assaulting her during an argument. The family protested, demanding justice. The district minister provided compensation. Police have arrested Chetan and are investigating the case further.
Bengaluru strengthens its position in Apple's global manufacturing plans. Foxconn has commenced iPhone 17 production at its new Bengaluru facility. This unit represents Foxconn's second-largest operation outside China. The facility was built with a substantial investment. Apple aims to increase its production in India. This move highlights Bengaluru's growing importance in the tech giant's manufacturing ecosystem.
Uber and Rapido have restarted bike taxi services in Bengaluru after a two-month ban imposed by the state government on June 16. The Karnataka High Court adjourned a hearing on the ban until September 22, urging the government to consider the impact on livelihoods.
In a tragic incident at the Jayanagar BMTC bus terminal, 64-year-old P Sampangi, a daily-wage worker, was fatally run over by an electric bus. He was attempting to board the bus when the driver closed the doors prematurely, causing him to lose balance and fall under the wheels.
Following a tragic stampede at an RCB victory celebration that caused 11 deaths, the Karnataka government has introduced a bill to regulate public gatherings. The proposed legislation seeks to hold organizers accountable for safety, mandating permissions, clearances, and indemnity bonds.