Lucknow tops clean-air rankings; Delhi betters Mumbai and Bengaluru
Lucknow secured the top position in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 rankings. Madhya Pradesh cities like Indore, Jabalpur, and Bhopal also performed well. Odisha cities showed significant progress among smaller population categories. National capital Delhi improved its air quality ranking to 30th place. Overall, 108 out of 130 cities improved PM10 levels.
Ktaka rolls out mandatory two-stage medical screening for Haj 2027 pilgrims
South Corpn gets new commissioner
HC calls KPSC scam systematic fraud, denies anticipatory bail to ex-chairman
Consider shifting Pavitra to less crowded barrack: Court
Bengaluru ranks 32nd in clean air survey, trails Mumbai & Hyderabad
Nine, including 4 of Mysuru family, die in accidents in 24 hrs
Laptops, mobiles stolen from unlocked PG room
26-year-old killed at KG Halli as turf war turns ugly
A pothole in Bengaluru caused a serious accident that left private-sector employee Aishani Khanna with a crushed ankle and deep injuries. She required emergency surgery and was left with a hospital bill of nearly Rs 2 lakh.
Karnataka transport department makes taxi meters mandatory for cabs
SIR notices in Karnataka: Citizens seek easier hearings for voters abroad
Two Siddaramaiah loyalists fight over bungalow on Bengalurus Crescent Road
Bengaluru gets Circular Textile Lab to keep fabric waste out of landfills
George announces 50L for power infra at Padubidri Beach
SIR officers recall notice, go to Hajabbas house, fix gaps
108 Ambulance workers of Karnataka set govt 15-day deadline
Ahead of cabinet meet, Koragas press CM on land, jobs
Inquiry ordered into touch healing claims
Food safety raids under way in Karnataka; medicine inspections to continue: Khader
Bengalurus fashion sense? Sakkath, maga
NCB, Bengaluru police detain 5 foreign nationals over illegal stay, suspected drug links
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) Bengaluru Zonal Unit, in coordination with Bengaluru City Police, has detained five foreign nationals suspected of being involved in drug-related activities and found to be staying illegally in the city, the official statement said on Monday. The action was carried out as part of a special drive undertaken during the first fortnight of September 2026, following intelligence inputs regarding foreign national settlements in Bengaluru allegedly linked to drug trafficking activities. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Deputy Commissioners of Police (East) and Whitefield, with the NCB and police teams carrying out checks in their respective jurisdictions. During the operation, five foreign nationals from different countries were intercepted in the Krishnarajapura and Kammanahalli areas. According to the NCB, the individuals had been placed under discreet surveillance following intelligence inputs. The surveillance reportedly indicated that they were not engaged in any legitimate business, employment or educational activity and were suspected of involvement in drug-related activities. Further verification established their identities, while the NCB said no criminal antecedents were found against them. However, they were found to be staying illegally in India and were subsequently handed over to the jurisdictional police for necessary action under the Foreigners Act and initiation of deportation proceedings as per law. The NCB said the operation also highlighted the responsibilities of landlords providing accommodation to foreign nationals. Under Section 7 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, landlords are required to report details of foreign tenants to the police or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) through Form-C within 24 hours of providing accommodation. Non-compliance with the provision is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years under Section 14 of the Act, the NCB added. The latest operation comes amid intensified efforts by the NCB to identify and deport foreign nationals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and those staying illegally in India. The NCB said that, in addition to the latest operation, eight foreign nationals -- seven African nationals and one Yemeni national -- had already been deported in 2026 on similar grounds of illegal stay and suspected involvement in drug trafficking activities through coordinated efforts of the Bengaluru Zonal Unit. The NCB urged citizens to cooperate with authorities in efforts to achieve a drug-free India and encouraged the public to share information about the sale, transportation or trade of narcotic drugs through the MANASNational Narcotics Helpline on the toll-free number '1933'.
GCL Season 4: Alpine Pipers crush American Gambits to go on top of the standings
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers took the top spot in the standings despite losing one of their two matches on Monday, while CheQ Mumba Masters and PBG Alaskan Knights continued their revival on Day 3 of Season 4 of the Global Chess League (GCL) in Bengaluru. Alpine APL Pipers, playing with white pieces for the first time in the competition, went down 7-9 against the Alaskan Knights in the first match of the day, only to bounce back with a resounding 15-3 win over FYERS American Gambits to climb to the top of the leaderboard with three match wins. In the other match of the day, Mumba Masters registered a dominant 12-3 win over Ganges Grandmasters to move up to second spot. But the day belonged to the Pipers as they bounced back in style after the initial reversal to register the biggest victory margin of Season 4. Vidit Gujrathi and Koneru Humpy were once again the stars for the team as they registered their third win in four matches. Vidit was clinical in dismantling Daniil Dubov despite being under time pressure, while Humpy defeated Sara Khadem in 29 moves. On the prodigy board, Volodar Murzin outplayed MarcAndrea Maurizzi to make it three wins for the team. In the morning game it was equal, but I got time pressure. There was pressure in the second game, but I am happy that I could win, said Player of the Match Gujrathi after the win. Earlier, the main attraction of the days opening clash was the icon board face-off between world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. It was the Norwegian who came on top as the Indian legend lost on time in a tight bishop-pawn endgame. But Carlsens win was not enough for the Pipers to avoid their first loss in the competition as both Vidit Gujrathi and Koneru Humpy, who had won their earlier two games, went down against PBG Alaskan Knights. Player of the Match Nino Batsiashvili gave the Knights their first win by beating Humpy in 44 moves, and then Vidit lost on time as 15-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus built pressure with solid positional play. In the second match of the day, Ganges Grandmasters' decision to play black after winning the toss backfired as CheQ Mumba Masters won three of the six games and drew the other three to register their second win in four matches. Carrisa Yip began Mumba Masters' march with a win over Stavroula Tsolakidou, and then Player of the Match M Pranesh kept his cool during the last-minute scramble to force the experienced Levon Aronian to resign after 65 moves. Bardiya Daneshvar then scored three more game points for his team as Leon Luke Mendonca ran out of time on the prodigy board to take the Mumba Masters to the top of the leaderboard until the next game between FYERS American Gambits and Alpine APL Pipers.
NCB Busts Drug Trafficking Network in Bengaluru, Five Foreign Nationals Arrested
The Narcotics Control Bureau arrested five foreign nationals in Bengaluru linked to drug trafficking, highlighting ongoing anti-drug efforts. NCB Busts Drug Trafficking Network in Bengaluru, Five Foreign Nationals Arrested
US envoy launches TRUST Fellowship in Bengaluru
The fellowship will bring together U.S. and Indian researchers to work on critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology
Bengaluru founder says 20-30 lakh savings can reduce stress: Nothing calms your nervous system more
NCB steps up crackdown on foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking in Bengaluru
Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of Young Boy in Bengaluru
A five-year-old boy died in Bengaluru after a road accident involving a tipper truck while riding with his mother. The driver fled the scene. Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of Young Boy in Bengaluru
Radiologist booked for allegedly drugging, raping woman at diognistic centre in Bengaluru
Radiologist booked for allegedly drugging, raping woman at diognistic centre in Bengaluru
Arnya RealEstates launches 750-crore fund in partnership with Casagrand
The fund will focus on real estate opportunities across Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with investments ranging from 75 crore to 200 crore across 8-10 projects
Toxic Delhi ranks ahead of Srinagar, Bengaluru in govt's clean-air ranking
Toxic Delhi ranks ahead of Srinagar Bengaluru in govts cleanair ranking
Two killed, three others injured in separate road accidents in Bengaluru
Karnataka: OBC event minus 3 Ahinda leaders spark speculations of realignment around Siddu
A recent Ahinda gathering in Bengaluru has sparked speculation about political shifts. Three senior leaders were notably absent from the event, raising questions about future leadership. Siddaramaiah emphasized the demand for increased reservation for backward communities and Dalits. This comes after his replacement as chief minister and the rise of other leaders. The movement's future direction is now a subject of discussion among its members.
Bengaluru Traffic Police register over 500 drunk driving, over-speeding cases in a week
udaan acquires Swiggys LYNK Logistics for 500 crore, gets Swiggy as shareholder
The acquisition adds LYNKs distribution network across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata
On way to school, 5-year-old boy run over by tipper lorry in Bengaluru
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) A five-year-old schoolboy was killed after he was run over by a tipper lorry while he was travelling on a scooter with his mother to school near Uttarahalli in Bengaluru on Monday. The incident took place near Savanadurbar Ashram. The deceased has been identified as five-year-old Bhaveen. According to the police, Bhaveen was travelling with his mother, Shubhalatha, who was taking him to school on a scooter. She had reportedly dropped another child at school shortly before the accident and was proceeding to drop Bhaveen when the incident occurred. The tipper lorry allegedly brushed against the scooter, causing Bhaveen to fall onto the road. The lorry then ran over the child, resulting in his death on the spot. Following the accident, the tipper driver allegedly fled from the spot. The Kengeri Traffic Police have registered a case and seized the vehicle. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the driver. The police are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident and are examining the movements of the tipper lorry and the events preceding the incident. Earlier, in two separate road accidents in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka, seven people were killed, including four members of a family who were returning to Bengaluru after visiting the Tirupati temple on Monday. In the first incident, four pilgrims from Bengaluru were killed after their car reportedly lost control and overturned near Dodda Kari village in KGF taluk of Kolar district on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway. The deceased have been identified as Sharadamma, 70, Deekshita, 25, Devendra Kumar, 41, and Jishnu, 13. They were residents of Vidyaranyapura in Bengaluru. The family members had travelled to Tirupati for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara and were returning to Bengaluru when the accident occurred. The Toyota car reportedly lost control and hit the median before overturning, resulting in the deaths of four occupants on the spot. A case has been registered at the Bethamangala Police Station, and further investigation is underway. In a separate incident in neighbouring Chikkaballapur district, three women were killed after an Omni car carrying agricultural labourers collided with a mini goods vehicle near Kothanur Gate in Shidlaghatta taluk. The accident occurred when 10 labourers from Mallikarjunapura village were being taken in an Omni car by a man identified as Ramachandrappa to Hujuguru village for flower harvesting. Three women from Mallikarjunapura were killed on the spot in the collision.
Karnataka to discuss new guidelines on online sale, pricing of medicines
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Monday said the state government was adopting a two-pronged approach to strengthen inspections and enforcement in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, amid complaints regarding expired medicines, mislabelling, and exorbitant prices. Speaking to reporters here, Khader noted that officials of the Drugs Control Department had taken action based on complaints received from the public and had imposed fines on establishments found violating regulations. I have called a meeting with officials on Tuesday to discuss why medicinal centres dealing with drugs are resorting to such practices and how they can be controlled, he said. Khader said the government was also concerned about the growing sale of medicines through e-commerce platforms and the storage of medicines at unlicensed premises. He said an important meeting with Drugs Control Department officials had been convened to discuss the issue, including the possibility of introducing new guidelines for the online sale of medicines. The meeting assumes significance following raids conducted at warehouses associated with a major e-commerce company on Sunday. During the raids, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized medicines worth around Rs 4.2 lakh from two locations for being stored without the required licence. Officials seized medicines worth Rs 2.45 lakh from a premises at Tattanahalli in Anekal taluk and medicines worth Rs 1.57 lakh from a facility in the Devanahalli Aerospace area. Khader said the medicines at both locations were being stored without the necessary licence. The minister said the government has introduced barcodes to facilitate the filing and tracking of complaints related to medicines. There have been complaints about expired drugs, mislabelling and increased prices. We need to address these issues systematically, he said. Khader said price control of medicines was primarily under the purview of the Union government and called for a more proactive approach by the Centre. He pointed out that in some cases medicines were being sold without the mandatory Maximum Retail Price (MRP) being properly displayed, leading to confusion among consumers. He also cited instances where hospitals charged significantly higher prices for medicines compared to medical shops. You go to a hospital, and they charge one rate, while medical shops may provide the same medicine at almost half the price. There is confusion among people in this regard, and we need to address it, he said. The minister said the issue had a direct bearing on the financial well-being of patients and their families, particularly those from economically vulnerable sections. Many people who are in the Above Poverty Line (APL) category are being pushed into the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category after spending heavily on hospital treatment. They do not know what the margin is whether it is 50 per cent or 500 per cent, he said. He said the government would take action against establishments found violating the rules, while stressing that stronger monitoring was necessary to identify those operating without being detected. We have taken action against those who were caught, but there are many who are operating without being caught. These are matters directly concerning people's health and have an impact on their everyday lives, he said. Khader said the upcoming meeting would examine measures to strengthen inspections, regulate the storage and online sale of medicines, and ensure greater transparency in the pricing and distribution of drugs.
Woman killed, 4 injured as speeding pickup truck rams car on Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway
SKUAST-K, Bio-Enzyme Academy Join Hands to Turn Waste into Wealth in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has partnered with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, to promote bio-enzyme entrepreneurship as a waste-to-wealth opportunity and create self-employment avenues for students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir. The collaboration was formalised on Monday with the signing of a Memorandum []
Bengaluru Bioinnovation Centre turns Kalaburagi pulses into energy bars
Bengalurus Bioinnovation Centre has developed six energy bar variants using pulses grown in Kalaburagi as part of Karnatakas Kalyana Karnataka Bio-Economy Mission.
The Supreme Court-constituted Committee on reforms concerning the use of stock witnesses held its South Zone Consultation in Bengaluru on September 5 and 6, bringing together judges, prosecutors, police officials, lawyers and administrators to examine ways to curb the practice in criminal investigations. At the valedictory session, Justice Vivek Agarwal of the Madhya Pradesh High [] The post Technology alone cannot end stock witness practice: Justice Vivek Agarwal at Supreme Court panel consultation appeared first on India Legal .
Karnataka: Former Minister B. Nagendra appears before ED in tribal welfare scam case
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Former Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bengaluru on Monday in connection with the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, after the agency issued a notice summoning him for questioning. Nagendra appeared before the ED officials at the agency's office in Bengaluru's Jalahalli. According to officials, the ED has summoned him to gather further information following the filing of a chargesheet in the case. The questioning is expected to focus on alleged money laundering, financial transactions and bank accounts linked to the case. The agency is also likely to examine Nagendra's statements in the context of the evidence gathered during its investigation. Sources said the ED is likely to file an additional chargesheet in the case after completing further investigation. Nagendra had resigned as the Minister following sustained protests by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular over his alleged involvement in the scam. He had served as Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Scheduled Tribes Welfare before stepping down amid the controversy. The ED had earlier arrested Nagendra in connection with the case, and he subsequently spent around three months in jail before being granted bail. Officials said the possibility of his arrest during Monday's questioning was low, as Nagendra is currently out on bail. However, the agency is continuing its probe into the alleged financial irregularities and money-laundering aspects of the case. The case pertains to alleged illegal transfer and diversion of funds belonging to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The ED is investigating the alleged movement of funds and financial transactions associated with the scam. B. Nagendra served as the state's Tribal Welfare Minister when the scandal came to light. He resigned from his post, faced intense political pressure, and was later jailed during the probe. After a brief return to the state Cabinet, he resigned a second time. Three major groups are investigating the case: the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and a state Special Investigation Team (SIT). Authorities have raided multiple locations, frozen several bank accounts, arrested key corporate and bank officials, and sought official sanction to prosecute the implicated leaders. Part of the stolen money has been recovered by investigators. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said on the floor of the House that investigators found that around Rs 84 to Rs 89 crore was siphoned off into unauthorised accounts. The BJP is claiming that money between Rs 184 crore to Rs 187 crore reserved for Dalits have been looted and utilised for elections across India.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 7
US Says NASA Invited ISRO to Join Moon Base Program
Speaking at Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said NASA has officially invited ISRO to join the Moon base program, highlighting deeper India-US cooperation in lunar exploration.
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) The 108 free ambulance service drivers have given the Karnataka government a 15-day deadline and threatened to collectively resign if their demands are not met. Health and Family Welfare Minister, U.T. Khader, on Monday warned that strict action would be taken if any protest affected patients and asked the drivers to speak to the firm engaged by the government to manage them, in order to address their demands. It can be noted that the 108 ambulance service (known as Arogya Kavacha) is completely free in Karnataka for medical, trauma, and accident emergencies. Karnataka has a total fleet of around 711 to 715 ambulances under the free 108 Arogya Kavacha network. The ambulance drivers have demanded several measures, including an annual review of their salaries and hikes, deployment of ambulances in three shifts and scrapping of the zonal-wise salary system. They have sought a uniform salary structure for all drivers. The drivers have also demanded that the compensation paid to the families of ambulance drivers who die in accidents be increased to Rs 50 lakh. They have sought salary based on seniority and in accordance with Labour Department guidelines. They have further demanded that salaries be credited within seven days of every month, rest rooms be constructed for ambulance drivers and changes be made to the existing shift system. The drivers have warned that if the government fails to address their demands within 15 days, they will collectively resign. Responding to the issue, Khader said the operation and management of the 108 ambulance service was the responsibility of the private company engaged by the government and that the company was responsible for providing vehicles, salaries, training, cleanliness, uniforms and other facilities. We will not manage it. The company will provide the vehicles, salary, training, cleanliness, uniform and everything else. If the drivers have any issues, they have to sit with the company and discuss them. They can also bring the matter to our notice, Khader said. He said the government would intervene if the company failed to pay the salary that had been promised to the drivers in writing at the time of their appointment. If they have been promised a particular salary in writing at the time of appointment and are not being paid that amount, they can inform us, he said. Khader maintained that the government had no direct involvement in the company's employment-related matters and said the company would be held accountable for any lapses in providing the contracted services. He also said the government would not be concerned if the drivers staged a dharna or protest, but warned that any disruption affecting patients would not be tolerated. We are not bothered if the drivers sit for a dharna or protest. The company is accountable to us. But if the people and patients are affected, strict action will be initiated, Khader warned.
Want India by our side: Sergio Gor on US-India moon mission, co-creation at Bengaluru Space Expo
Want India by our side: Sergio Gor on US-India moon mission, co-creation at Bengaluru Space Expo
Former PM Deve Gowda Questions Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor Project Decisions
H.D. Deve Gowda challenges Karnataka CM over land allocations in Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor, alleging favoritism towards private interests. Former PM Deve Gowda Questions Bengaluru-Mysuru Corridor Project Decisions
HerSpace raises $50 million from Gray Matters Capital to expand worker housing
The Bengaluru-based company plans to deploy the capital across southern India as manufacturers grapple with a shortage of suitable housing for industrial workers.
8th Pay Commission Chennai visit starts today: 5 key updates for central employees and pensioners
8th Pay Commission's Chennai consultation began on September 7 2026, covering fitment factor, salary, and pension reforms. No official fitment factor confirmed yet. Next stops: Puducherry (September 9), Chandigarh (September 16-18), Bengaluru (October 7-8).
US, India moving beyond cooperation in space sector: Amb Sergio Gor
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday said that the United States and India were moving beyond cooperation in the space sector towards co-creation, with the two countries jointly designing instruments, funding startups and co-authoring the future of human discovery. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the ninth edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX), being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with ISRO, IN-SPACe and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), from September 7 to 9 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Referring to the ninth US-India Civil Space Joint Working Group recently held in Bengaluru, the US Ambassador said that those discussions affirmed that our partnership is no longer just about cooperation; it is about co-creation. We are no longer just sharing data; we are co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery, he said. Reflecting on the US-India ...
Were Going Back To Moon: US Wants India By Its Side, Says Envoy Sergio Gor
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has said Washington wants India to join the US as it returns to the Moon. Speaking at Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, Gor revealed that NASA has officially invited ISRO to participate in its Moon base programme under Artemis. He also highlighted NISAR, the Axiom-4 mission, astronaut training, Indian space startups and growing India-US cooperation on global space governance.Tags
US India Space Ties Deepen With Co-Creation Focus
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, highlighted the evolving US-India space partnership, moving from cooperation to co-creation at the Bengaluru Space Expo. He emphasised joint design, funding, and co-authoring the future of human discovery, citing the NISAR satellite and India's participation in the Artemis Accords as key examples of this growing synergy.
Seven killed in two separate road accidents in Chikkaballapur, Kolar
Bengaluru: Seven people were killed in two separate road accidents reported in Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts on Monday, September 7, with three women dying after an Omni carrying farm labourers collided with a mini goods vehicle and four others being killed after a car overturned on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway. In Chikkaballapur district, three women were 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 .
US Ambassador Sergio Gor launches TRUST Fellowship for collaboration on critical technologies
US Ambassador Sergio Gor launches TRUST Fellowship for collaboration on critical technologies Bengaluru: United States Ambassador Sergio Gor has launched the TRUST Fellowship, a new public-private initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between American and Indian researchers in critical technologies, an official statement said on Monday. In his address at the US missions National Day reception [] The post US Ambassador Sergio Gor launches TRUST Fellowship for collaboration on critical technologies appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Bengaluru woman suffers injuries after scooter falls into pothole
Bengaluru: A woman suffered serious injuries after falling from her scooter into a water-filled pothole on WhitefieldVarthur Road, alleging that she underwent plastic surgery and incurred a hospital bill of Rs 1.97 lakh. hidden pothole on Varthur road cost me a crushed ankle, emergency plastic surgery, 5 days in hospital, and1.97L.This could happen to ANY 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 .
ISRO Chief Calls for Industry, Startup Push to Scale Space Sector
Addressing the 9th edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, Narayanan said India's space programme was entering a new phase marked by increasing private-sector participation
Bengaluru Airport may soon pick up your luggage from home
Four Tirupati pilgrims among 7 killed in 2 separate Karnataka road accidents
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Seven people were killed in two separate road accidents in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka, including four members of a family who were returning to Bengaluru after visiting the Tirupati temple on Monday. In the first incident, four pilgrims from Bengaluru were killed after their car reportedly lost control and overturned near Dodda Kari village in KGF taluk of Kolar district on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway. The deceased have been identified as Sharadamma, 70, Deekshita, 25, Devendra Kumar, 41, and Jishnu, 13. They were residents of Vidyaranyapura in Bengaluru. The family members had travelled to Tirupati for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara and were returning to Bengaluru when the accident occurred. The Toyota car reportedly lost control and hit the median before overturning, resulting in the deaths of four occupants on the spot. Three others travelling in the vehicle Vikas, Neethu and Advika sustained injuries and were shifted to the Bangarpet government hospital for treatment. A case has been registered at the Bethamangala Police Station, and further investigation is underway. In a separate incident in neighbouring Chikkaballapur district, three women were killed after an Omni car carrying agricultural labourers collided with a mini goods vehicle near Kothanur Gate in Shidlaghatta taluk. The accident occurred when 10 labourers from Mallikarjunapura village were being taken in an Omni car by a man identified as Ramachandrappa to Hujuguru village for flower harvesting. Three women from Mallikarjunapura were killed on the spot in the collision. Several others sustained injuries and were shifted to the Shidlaghatta Taluk Hospital for treatment. A case has been registered at the Shidlaghatta Rural Police Station in connection with the accident. The two separate accidents have claimed seven lives and left several others injured in the two districts.
The Peenya flyover witnessed a total of 1,126 breakdown incidents, while the airport road flyover reported 1,100, and the B.G.S. flyover on Mysuru Road witnessed 1,090 incidents
4 of family killed, 3 others injured after car crashes into stone culvert in Karnataka
US wants India by our side as NASA returns to the Moon, says envoy
Speaking at Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, the envoy highlighted joint missions, human spaceflight cooperation and opportunities for Indian space startups.
Were going back to Moon and want India by our side: US Ambassador Sergio Gor
BENGALURU: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said that Washington wants India by our side as the United States returns to the Moon, revealing that NASA has officially invited ISRO to join its Moon base programme. India is a proud signatory of the Artemis Accords, and NASA has officially invited ISRO to join us in []
Bengaluru airports expansion takes a capex detour
Aera approved one-third of Bengaluru airports 20,920 crore capex proposal for FY27-FY31, while shifting some projects to a recovery model that starts only after assets are completed and put to use.
Can Dogs Sniff Cancer? Asks AI-Powered Dognosis in Bengaluru
A growing body of global research suggests dogs can be trained to detect cancer and other human illnesses, from Parkinson's to Covid-19
Bengaluru techie dies after speeding BMW RR sports bike hits car
Bengaluru firm Pixxel raises $100 million to build infrastructure for a changing planet
The funding will accelerate Pixxels expansion beyond hyperspectral imaging as it builds planetary infrastructure spanning advanced sensing satellites, earth intelligence software, sovereign space systems, and satellite manufacturing
K'taka HM Kharge questions BJP's silence on KPSC scam accused, rejects calls for his resignation
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister, Priyank Kharge, on Monday questioned the BJPs demand for his resignation over the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment irregularities and alleged that the partys leaders had no clear answer when asked why he should step down. He also questioned the BJPs silence over Basavaraj Kannale, one of the key accused in the case and suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar. Kharge has also released arrested BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale's pictures with prominent state party leaders including with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka. It can be noted that Minister Kharge is son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. In a post on social media platform X, Kharge said the BJP should answer several questions instead of merely demanding his resignation, asserting that shouting loudly would not conceal the truth. If I ask the BJP leaders who are demanding my resignation why I should resign, they have no clear answer, Kharge said. He questioned the BJPs silence over Basavaraj Kannale, who is one of the key accused in the KPSC scam, and asked why BJP leaders had not spoken about him. It can be noted that Kannale has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and is currently being questioned by CID sleuths. Kharge alleged that Kannale had appeared at official BJP meetings and accompanied BJP leaders on national and international tours. He also claimed that Kannale had been seen receiving the blessings of his Appaji and that BJP leaders had participated in his birthday celebrations. The Minister further alleged that BJP leaders had been seen inaugurating Kannales business ventures and sharing meals with him. Despite all this, the BJP is demanding only my resignation, Kharge said, questioning why BJP leaders were silent over the alleged attempt by Kannale to flee the country. Kharge also questioned the BJPs response to suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar. When it comes to suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, why has their mouth remained shut? he asked. Raising a broader allegation, Kharge asked how much money BJP leaders had taken to facilitate the appointment of people as KPSC members and chairman. And the bigger question: How much money have BJP leaders taken to make people KPSC members and chairman? he asked. Kharge also questioned how many BJP leaders had actually spoken about the KPSC scam or demanded accountability in connection with the case. His remarks came amid the BJP and JD(S) parties mounting pressure on the Karnataka government over the alleged KPSC recruitment scam and its demand for accountability from the government. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has launched scathing attack on Minister Kharge made direct allegations against him regarding his role in KPSC case.
A Bengaluru taxpayer faced a 1.23 lakh tax demand after his consultant mistakenly filed Form 10-IEA for the old tax regime. ITAT Bangalore accepted the new regime chosen in his ITR and directed the tax authorities to recompute his liability.
Sergio Gor pitches for expanding opportunities for US businesses in India
New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday said that he pitched expanding opportunities for American businesses in India and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. American innovation is a powerful force around the world, Gor said in a post on X after a discussion with Amazon executives on the company's India footprint and expanding opportunities for US business and strengthening US-India economic ties. In addition, Gor -- who was in Bengaluru on Sunday -- also highlighted the broader economic partnership between the two countries. Across South India, our partnership is driving innovation, expanding investment and strengthening critical supply chains, he said in a post marking 250 years of American independence. He also said US-India ties were gaining momentum in Karnataka across space technology, artificial intelligence and trade. Through initiatives like Pax Silica and TRUST, we are creating opportunities for American and Indian industry alike, Gor said after meeting Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Apart from that, the US envoy also met Bengaluru South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, saying the two discussed how the US-India partnership could continue to drive growth, innovation and opportunity. Earlier in September, he stated that Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to the United States later this month to attend the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting and hold discussions on the ongoing bilateral trade deal negotiations. In his address at the 66th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Gor stated that India and the United States are working closely to strengthen their trade relationship and have made significant progress in negotiations. Additionally, the US envoy said Goyal would visit the US in the coming weeks as Washington hosts the G20 talks and added that both governments are working towards a trade relationship that is fair, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.
No rain in 122 taluks for three weeks; 50% crop losses likely in Karnataka
Sergio Gor Meets Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Highlights U.S.-India Space Cooperation
India-U.S. space and defense ties were in focus on Sunday, September 6, as U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru.
A Bengaluru woman earning Rs 26 lakh annually is considering whether to buy a home or continue renting for Rs 27,000 a month. Amit Arora shared that she has Rs 24.5 lakh across savings, mutual funds and PF, with no existing loans. However, supporting her parents and the burden of a large EMI have made her consider waiting two to three years.
With Sergio Gor in presence, DK Shivakumar pitches Bengaluru as India-US tech bridge
With Sergio Gor in presence DK Shivakumar pitches Bengaluru as IndiaUS tech bridge
Don't Need Anyone Else: Rajat Patidar's Stunning Virat Kohli Revelation After Getting RCB Captaincy
Rajat Patidar opened up on how Virat Kohli supported Royal Challengers Bengaluru's decision to make him the captain.
Patidar Makes Stunning Revelation On Kohli After RCB Handed Him Captaincy
Rajat Patidar opened up on how Virat Kohli supported Royal Challengers Bengaluru's decision to make him the captain.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Thinking
The defining challenges of the twenty-first century often cannot be understood through one subject alone. There are several factors to be accounted for, such as climate change, which is affecting agriculture and water resources. Cybersecurity brings together computing, economics, law and even healthcare. Sustainable development depends on science, engineering, public policy and the social sciences. These challenges are interconnected, and understanding them often requires knowledge from different fields. Perhaps nowhere is the imperative for interdisciplinary thinking clearer than in modern health and medicine. For generations, healthcare was largely viewed through a strictly biomedical lens, focused on treating pathogens, prescribing pharmaceuticals and performing surgeries. Today, however, the most pressing health challenges facing humanity are far too complex for clinical medicine alone to resolve. True health outcomes are shaped by a dynamic web of biology, human behaviour, technology, environmental factors and socioeconomic policy. Consider the rapid rise of digital health and precision medicine. Developing wearable cardiac monitors or artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic tools requires clinicians to work side by side with computer scientists, data engineers and material designers. Yet bringing these innovations to patients requires more than clever technology. Bioethicists must ensure algorithmic fairness and data privacy. Behavioural psychologists must design interfaces that encourage daily patient compliance, and health economists must develop policy models that make these life-saving technologies accessible and affordable rather than allowing them to widen health disparities. Similarly, global health crises, from emerging pandemics to rising rates of chronic lifestyle diseases, demand a multidisciplinary approach. Tackling an outbreak requires epidemiology to trace transmission, immunology to develop vaccines, anthropology and communication science to address vaccine hesitancy within local communities, and supply chain logistics to distribute medicines efficiently under tight constraints. On an individual level, managing conditions such as diabetes, clinical depression and neurodegenerative diseases requires an integrated ecosystem: physicians managing physiology, neuroscientists studying brain chemistry, sociologists addressing structural poverty, and urban planners designing walkable, green community spaces that support mental and physical well-being. This holistic approach lies at the heart of the emerging One Health framework, which recognises that human health is inextricably linked to animal health and the shared environment. Environmental scientists, veterinarians, toxicologists and public policy experts are joining forces to study how deforestation, climate change and agricultural practices drive zoonotic disease spillovers and antibiotic resistance. By dismantling traditional silos between clinical medicine, technology, the social sciences and environmental studies, interdisciplinary health research shifts the core mission of medical science from merely treating disease to proactively promoting lifelong human well-being. Universities are increasingly encouraging students and researchers to work across different disciplines while building strong knowledge in their own fields. Interdisciplinary learning builds on specialised knowledge by bringing together different perspectives, methods and areas of expertise. This enables a deeper understanding of complex problems and supports more informed and effective solutions. Interdisciplinary thinking does not mean learning a little about every subject. It means becoming skilled in one field while understanding how it connects with others. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, communication and openness to new ideas. In today's world, where information is available almost instantly, the ability to connect ideas is becoming just as important as the ability to find information. This approach is reflected in the work of several internationally respected universities, research centres and scholars. At Harvard University, Professor Veronica Boix Mansilla and Project Zero have shown how interdisciplinary thinking can be developed by helping learners connect ideas, methods and evidence from different disciplines. T he Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) supports interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives such as the MIT Human Insight Collaborative, bringing together experts from engineering, computing, the humanities, the arts and the social sciences to encourage human-centred innovation. Stanford University promotes interdisciplinary research through Bio-X, the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school), and the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, where researchers from different fields work together on healthcare, sustainability and other complex challenges. The University of Oxford encourages interdisciplinary research through the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH), the Institute for Ethics in AI and the Oxford Martin School. The University of Cambridge supports collaboration through Cambridge Zero and the Centre for Science and Policy. University College London (UCL) promotes interdisciplinary teaching and research based on communication, collaboration and openness. Arizona State University has expanded flexible academic programmes that encourage students to study real-world challenges from different perspectives. India is also strengthening interdisciplinary education and research. The National Education Policy 2020 encourages multidisciplinary higher education and greater flexibility in learning. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, supports interdisciplinary research through centres and programmes in areas such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, data science, energy and public policy. IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) are also encouraging collaboration among science, engineering, the social sciences and the humanities. Although these universities and institutions have different histories and strengths, they share a common understanding. Strong knowledge in one subject remains essential, but many important questions are better understood when people from different disciplines work together. Collaboration complements expertise by bringing together different knowledge, methods and ways of thinking. Students, educators and researchers can draw a simple lesson from this. Learning one subject well will always be important. Equally important are curiosity, critical thinking, communication and the willingness to learn from other disciplines. These qualities help people adapt to change, work well with others and continue learning throughout life. Take Home Message Knowledge is growing faster than ever before, but no single discipline has all the answers. Some of the world's most significant discoveries and innovations emerge when ideas from different fields come together. Interdisciplinary thinking is therefore more than an educational approach. It is a practical way of understanding an increasingly connected world. By combining deep knowledge with collaboration, openness and lifelong learning, universities, research institutions and healthcare organisations can help prepare future generations to solve complex problems with creativity, responsibility and wisdom. (Prof Upendra Kaul is a renowned Cardiologist and Founder Director of Gauri Kaul Foundation. Feedback at: kaul.upendra@gmail.com . And Er. Suhaib Bakshi is a Columnist and can be reached at: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Machete attack: Man assaulted for mediating family dispute in Bengaluru
US envoy meets Indian astronaut, says his journey shows US-India space cooperation
New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, on Sunday met Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station and said his journey showcases US-India space cooperation. Enjoyed meeting Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station. From training at NASA to piloting Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, his journey showcases US-India space cooperation at its best, Gor said on social media platform X. Gor also met Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday and noted that US-India ties are gaining momentum in Karnataka across space technology, AI, and trade. Great to reconnect with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru. US-India ties are gaining momentum in Karnataka across space technology, AI, and trade. Through initiatives like Pax Silica and TRUST, we're creating opportunities for American and Indian industry alike, the US envoy said on X. Last week, Gor described the collaboration between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the co-production of the Javelin All Up Round (AUR) as a major step forward for the US-India defence partnership. He said that the initiative would open new opportunities for US companies while strengthening India's manufacturing capabilities. Taking to his official X account, Gor added, A major step forward for the US-India defense partnership. This collaboration between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited will create new opportunities for US companies, strengthen America's defence-industrial base, and boost India's manufacturing capabilities. Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Javelin AUR co-production in India, a press statement issued by Lockheed Martin said. It noted that following an evaluation of multiple companies based on capability and expertise, Tata Advanced Systems has been selected by the JJV as the prime partner for future in-country co-production efforts.
Ganges Grandmasters stopped the winning juggernaut of American Gambits while defending champions Alpine APL Pipers registered their second consecutive win in the Global Chess League (GCL) in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Krishna Byre Gowda pulls up absent pourakarmikas of Bengaluru: First work, then seek regularisation
From saplings to plogging, Bengalureans go green this Sunday
IISc Bengaluru develops more effective method to extract uranium from seawater
Kolkata/Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have found a more effective way of extracting uranium from seawater. The method will also help in the removal of uranium from groundwater in a more effective manner. Developing efficient technologies to extract uranium from seawater could offer a promising long-term pathway toward securing a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel. At the same time, uranium contamination of groundwater is an important environmental and public health concern, the institute has said. With land-based uranium deposits depleting fast, the focus is now on extracting uranium from seawater. As compared to about 7.5 million tonnes of uranium on land, seawater has about 4.5 billion tonnes of the vital material needed for nuclear power plants. Over the years, researchers have developed a wide range of materials for capturing uranium from aqueous environments and seawater, including porous organic polymers and functional nanomaterials. Many of these materials rely on strong chemical interactions between functional groups and uranyl ions to selectively capture uranium. However, achieving highly selective uranium separation in the chemically complex environment of seawater remains a major challenge due to the high concentrations of competing ions, the IISc has said. A recent study from the Department of Physics, IISc, presents a new approach to addressing this challenge. The team has shown that specially designed slipped covalent organic framework (COF) membranes can completely reject uranyl ions while allowing common seawater ions to pass through, it said. The researchers investigated the molecular-level mechanisms responsible for this selective separation. Their analysis of ion hydration structures, free-energy barriers, and membrane-induced friction revealed how the structural arrangement of the COF layers controls the movement of different ions through the membrane. Unlike conventional approaches that often depend on extensive chemical functionalization to introduce selective binding sites, the new strategy exploits the intrinsic structural confinement created by slipping the COF layers. This provides a way to control ion transport across the membrane primarily based on its nanoscale structure, rather than relying solely on strong chemical interactions with uranium, the institute has said. The findings provide important insights into how the architecture of layered COF membranes can be engineered to control ion transport pathways and free-energy landscapes. Overall, the work demonstrates the potential of combining advanced molecular simulations with rational membrane design to develop highly selective separation technologies for challenging environmental and energy-related applications. The research was carried out by Yogendra Kumar and Binu Varghese, under the mentorship of Prabal K Maiti, and carried out in collaboration with Accenture Labs, Bengaluru.
NHAI retenders 25km TN section of Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway
Bengaluru's warmth sets it apart: British Diplomat Chandru Iyer
Art, money and the joy of collecting
Car catches fire on Bengaluru-Mysuru NH, occupants safe
Power shock at 11 kV line: 2 Bescom workers injured in Bengaluru
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar cancels two-day visit to Delhi
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's proposed two-day tour programme to New Delhi from Monday has been called off, an official in the Chief Minister's Office on Sunday. B.S. Sridhar, Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister, in a note issued, said, The proposed tour programme of Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to New Delhi on September 7 and 8 has been cancelled. Apart from discussions on party affairs with Congress High Command, Chief Minister Shivakumar's now-cancelled Delhi programme was being seen as a crucial development for the government's efforts to give a memorandum to the Centre and seek drought relief. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to help drought-hit farmers in the state. Taking to his official X account, Chief Minister Shivakumar said, Determined to wipe away the tears of the farmers. Scenes examining the real situation of the drought conditions in Bagalkot district. Our (Congress) government will always respond to your hardships, stand behind you. Recently, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara had also hinted at the state seeking Centre's help over drought. Parameshwara said the state government had declared 101 taluks as drought-affected and would continue assessing the situation for another 15 days. More taluks could be added to the drought-hit list based on the assessment, he added. We will submit the drought memorandum to the Centre by the end of this month or the first week of September. Crop losses are being assessed and the memorandum will be prepared based on the assessment. Subsequently, Central teams will visit the state to conduct a survey, following which drought relief will be released, he said. Parameshwara added that providing adequate drinking water, fodder for livestock and employment opportunities to prevent migration would be the state government's top priorities. We will decide on the compensation to be provided to farmers per acre. Drinking water, fodder for livestock and taking up works to prevent migration are our first priorities. We have already initiated measures in this regard, he said. Recalling the drought in Karnataka in 2023, Parameshwara noted that the state had suffered losses estimated at Rs 39,000 crore and had submitted a proposal seeking Rs 18,000 crore in relief. We went to Delhi and staged a protest. Following the directions of the Supreme Court, Rs 3,500 crore was released. This time, such a situation should not arise, he said.
From Gun to Gram Sabha: What real rehabilitation looks like
New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS) For decades, the story of Left-Wing Extremism was written through ambushes, landmines, armed squads and funerals. Today, in parts of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, another story is being written. Its images are quieter -- a former Maoist discussing Gram Sabha rights, surrendered cadres rebuilding their homes, young people entering classrooms and workplaces, and men and women once trained for conflict learning to live without fear. This is what the return to the mainstream begins to look like. I recently interviewed Sonu, also known as Bhupathi or Venugopal, over a video call. The conversation offered an unusual glimpse of a man trying to understand his place in a world he had opposed for decades. He spoke about PESA, Gram Sabhas, forest produce and the development unfolding across Gadchiroli. He also spoke about the responsibility he has now been given and the work by which he wants to be judged. Taraka, Sonu's wife, will soon travel to Bengaluru along with around 100 others to attend yoga and meditation sessions at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living ashram. The programme may appear modest beside the scale of the conflict they have left behind. Its meaning, however, is considerable. For someone who has spent years or decades inside an underground armed organisation, surrender is only the first physical act. The habits of secrecy, suspicion, violence and constant danger do not disappear when a weapon is deposited before the police. A person must learn again how to live within a family, make ordinary choices, trust institutions, earn a livelihood and imagine a future that is no longer governed by the next encounter. Yoga and meditation cannot perform this entire task. They can still play a valuable role within a wider rehabilitation programme by creating space for discipline, emotional stability and relief from prolonged stress. Sending Taraka and others to Bengaluru therefore carries a message larger than a wellness programme. The State is telling those who have surrendered that it is invested in their lives after surrender. That investment is already visible in Gadchiroli. Rehabilitation has moved beyond the one-time surrender cheque. Former cadres are being assisted with housing, healthcare, education, vocational training, employment, agriculture and self-employment. Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, bank accounts, e-Shram cards, driving licences and voter registration may sound like routine paperwork to an urban citizen. For someone who has lived underground, these documents open the door to lawful work, welfare, mobility and civic participation. Initiatives such as the Navjeevan rehabilitation colony and Project Sanjeevani give this policy a human form. Sanjeevani has helped former cadres who were subjected to sterilisation within the Maoist organisation obtain reversal procedures. The significance is profound. Rehabilitation here restores far more than income. It returns the possibility of family, parenthood and personal choice. During our video interview, Sonu spoke at length about PESA, Gram Sabhas and the economic rights of Adivasi communities over forest produce. He referred specifically to bamboo and tendu leaves, and to the transformation through which local communities and Gram Sabhas have gained a greater role in managing and benefiting from produce that was earlier controlled through departments and contractors. PESA, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, extends local self-government to tribal areas covered under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. It recognises the Gram Sabha as a central decision-making institution and gives it important authority over community resources and minor forest produce. The Forest Rights Act also includes bamboo and other non-timber forest produce within the framework of recognised forest rights. This matters because the strongest answer to Maoist claims of representing Adivasis is effective democratic power in Adivasi hands. When a Gram Sabha can make decisions, manage community resources, receive income from forest produce and question the administration, constitutional governance becomes something people can see, understand and use. If development and tribal welfare were truly the objectives of the movement, there should be no objection to achieving them through constitutional laws and democratic institutions. In fact, this route must be embraced. The gun consumed enormous time, energy and human life. Over the years, the movement gradually shifted away from working with the people. Military planning, recruitment, weapons, ambushes and attacks on security forces began to dominate its functioning. Protecting the organisation became more important than improving the lives of the people in whose name the war was being fought. Now that Sonu and several of his former comrades have surrendered, their knowledge of the forest, tribal culture and local problems can be used constructively. They can work on the issues they once claimed to fight for without forcing another generation of Adivasis into an armed conflict. Sonu also acknowledged the development taking place in Gadchiroli. He spoke about bridges being constructed in places that had remained inaccessible for years. In such a region, a bridge represents far more than concrete and steel. It connects villages to markets, children to education, patients to medical care and remote communities to the administration. Coming from a man who spent more than four decades inside the Maoist movement, this acknowledgement deserves attention. The movement repeatedly justified violence through the absence of governance. As administration, connectivity, rights and economic opportunities reach previously isolated regions, the space for that justification shrinks. Sonus rehabilitation has attracted criticism, particularly over his appointment as a coordinator at Gondwana University. Such questions are legitimate. His past cannot simply be wished away, the suffering of civilians and security personnel cannot be erased, and no former cadre should be placed beyond scrutiny. At one point during our video call, Sonu turned his phone around and showed me his office. Then he showed me the chair on which he now sits. His happiness was impossible to miss. After decades in the jungle, he had been entrusted with a responsibility through which he could work openly for his people. There was pride in that moment, along with a clear awareness that his performance would be watched closely. The appointment is temporary. Sonu knows that people want to see what he actually delivers before deciding whether he deserves to continue. He does not appear afraid of that test. He promised to discharge the responsibility with honesty and efficiency and said he wanted his work to speak for him. More than anything, he wants the opportunity to continue doing meaningful work for the people among whom he spent so many years. His response to those questioning his appointment was direct: examine his work and ask the Adivasi communities among whom he is working. That is a fair test. His contribution must be judged through transparent conduct, measurable public benefit and continued adherence to the Constitution. If he fulfils his responsibility honestly and effectively, his work should be recognised. If he fails, he must face the same scrutiny as anyone else holding a position of public responsibility. Permanent exclusion may appear to be the easier political response. It would also send a damaging message to those still carrying guns: that surrender offers no meaningful path back into society. A credible state must be strong enough to defeat violence and confident enough to reintegrate those who genuinely renounce it. Security operations create the conditions for surrender. Rehabilitation helps ensure that the surrender lasts. This is why the governments efforts deserve serious encouragement. Money alone cannot undo decades of indoctrination, fear and displacement. Housing, employment, healthcare, psychological support, family reunification, community acceptance, civic documents and a meaningful social role must follow. The police and civil administration must remain involved long after the surrender ceremony and the cameras have gone. The Bengaluru programme should be viewed within this broader framework. Men and women who have lived with constant danger may carry memories of encounters, executions, hunger, separation and the deaths of close companions. Some entered the movement when they were barely old enough to understand the ideology they were being asked to defend. Leaving the jungle does not automatically remove the jungle from the mind. Yoga, meditation and breathing practices can help them rediscover mental balance, discipline and a sense of inner stability. Such programmes can become a valuable part of the larger process of healing and reintegration when they are supported by employment, professional counselling and sustained institutional assistance. Tarakas journey to Bengaluru therefore represents more than a visit to an ashram. It is the journey of a woman stepping out of the shadow of an armed movement and beginning to rebuild herself as an individual. Perhaps, this is what rehabilitation looks like in real life. It begins with ordinary things that most of us barely notice: having an identity, entering an office without fear, learning a skill, earning an honest livelihood, building a home and planning a family. For someone emerging from the underground, these ordinary freedoms can feel extraordinary. A man who once lived by the discipline of an armed organisation is now discussing PESA, Gram Sabhas and forest rights from an office. His future will be judged through the work he chooses to do. Criticising every opportunity offered to surrendered Maoists may be emotionally satisfying to some, but it serves no long-term national purpose. If those who abandon violence are denied every opportunity to rebuild their lives, what message are we sending to the cadres who are still carrying guns? Encouraging rehabilitation does not excuse the bloodshed of the past. It reduces the possibility of fresh bloodshed in the future. Security forces have paid an enormous price in this conflict. Their sacrifices created the pressure under which the Maoist structure weakened. Rehabilitation carries that achievement forward by ensuring that surrendered cadres do not return to the jungle and that the next generation is never drawn into it. The governments initiatives should therefore be encouraged, strengthened and carefully monitored. Every programme must have measurable outcomes. Every person given public responsibility must remain accountable. Every surrendered cadre must be supported in building a lawful and independent life. Peace cannot survive on surrender ceremonies alone. It requires patient work long after the weapons have been handed over. For decades, India invested men, money and military strength in fighting Maoist violence. It must now show equal seriousness in securing the peace. The final defeat of Maoism will not be measured only by the number of cadres killed, arrested or surrendered. It will become visible when the gun loses both its power and its appeal; when an underground cadre chooses a home, a livelihood and a family; when forest rights are discussed inside a Gram Sabha instead of being enforced through an armed squad; and when the State demonstrates that it can protect, correct and rebuild. Taraka and the others travelling to Bengaluru are taking one more step towards that future. Instead of opposing such efforts, India should encourage them. (The writer is a bestselling author and independent researcher on internal security and Left-Wing Extremism. Views expressed in the article above are her own) bhaavna/khz
