How bartenders are crafting cocktails and breaking barriers in Bengaluru
Bartending is now an accepted profession and seen even as a skill and an art form in a city like Bengaluru. However, the job comes with its own challenges
Gold At Month's High Of Rs 79,600 Check Rates In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai And More
Gold price today saw a sharp rise compared to Tuesday's prices, as it rose by Rs 700.
Karnataka: BJP MLAs irked by infighting, want top brass to intervene
BENGALURU: With internal bickering within the opposition BJP on the rise, party legislators and parliamentarians who attended a crucial meeting at the state party office here on Tuesday expressed their displeasure and called upon the central leadership to intervene and resolve the crisis. They said that while they stressed on working unitedly, a few leaders are embarrassing the party that needs to be addressed. Many leaders also extended their support to BY Vijayendra for BJP state president. However, MLAs from the rebel camp, including Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi, were absent. The meeting, held under the leadership of BJP national general secretary Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, Pon Radhakrishnan and co-incharge Sudhakar Reddy, was attended by more than 50 MLAs, MPs and MLCs. During the meeting, many elected representatives expressed their displeasure over how certain leaders were giving anti-party statements and also allegedly indulging in anti-party activities. They sought the high commands intervention to clear the disputes, which are damaging the party. Gulbarga Rural MLA Basavaraj Mattimud told the media, We are unitedly working under Vijayendras leadership. We also told Agarwal that a few BJP leaders working against the party are trying to mislead the high command. This has to be addressed. He added that most of the MLAs and MPs stand united, and the same message was conveyed to the party leaders. The MLAs reportedly told Agarwal that they are taking up many issues against the state government, including scams, but lack of cooperation within BJP is slowing down their purpose. BJP sources said that during the meeting, they also spoke in favour of Vijayendra, pointing out that NDA won 19 seats in the state in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. LoP R Ashoka said the issue of party organisation was also discussed. Under the BJP party bylaw, the state president can be chosen through elections or can be elected unopposed, he said.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to auction properties of chronic tax defaulters
Have you heard? Randeep Hooda`s 2nd Hollywood film; Yash`s Toxic in legal soup
Randeep Hooda reportedly flew to Budapest to begin shooting for an international film; Makers of Yashs Toxic are facing trouble for illegally felling trees during Bengaluru shoot
BWSSB building illegally occupied by real estate businessman in Bengaluru
Minister Ashok Singhal hosts Investors Roadshow in Bengaluru
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Jan 21: Minister of health & family welfare and irrigation Ashok Singhal successfully hosted an Investors Roadshow in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Organised as a precursor to the highly anticipated Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, scheduled for February 25 and 26 in Guwahati, the event served as a platform to []
KR Market sexual assault: Werent there rapes during your regime, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah asks BJP
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah rebuffed BJP's critique of the state's law-and-order situation, questioning if rape cases did not occur during their regime. Following the sexual assault of a woman in Bengaluru's KR Market, he vowed stringent action against anti-social elements. The BJP demanded home minister G Parameshwara's resignation, citing a rise in recent crimes.
Mluru bank heist: Suspect injured in cop firing after failed escape bid
No change in state president for now: BJP
3 Pvt firms shortlisted for surveillance satellites for strategic needs
Honnavar cow slaughter case: Police detain 5 for questioning
Erode East bypoll: Bengaluru-based candidates nomination rejected
Fortune-teller held for robbing woman on pretext of performing puja
Planetarium to bring in scientists, showcase inventions and more
Burglar who stole valuables from Spaniards flat held
Flight changes at KIA from Feb 5-14
Cant withhold gratuity sans recovery proceedings: HC
Commuters cheer express buses on NICE Rd
New nursing colleges unlikely to open in state in 2025-26
Can Bengaluru FC return to winning ways?
The Blues will look to bounce back and stay in the hunt for the first spot, though they now trail the top-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant (36) by eight points (28), slightly undoing their impressive run in the earlier parts of the season.
Two workers held for raping, robbing woman in KR Market area
Tax dues: Four properties to be auctioned on Feb 5, 6
Ahead of CET, KEA to launch chatbot for students
Karnatakas heritage in peril: CAG finds 13 of 94 audited sites missing
TOIs route check: 34-60 mins to cover 10km in Blurus choke points
Man enters KIA with forged ticket to assist friends, held
Bilingual dictionary seeks to makeEnglish familiar in Kannada schools
Fortune-teller held for robbing 2 women of gold on pretext of puja
FIR against Munirathna for casteist slur, slum demolition
Neglect turns East Lalbagh into desolate patch
Kuwait returnee trying to buy SUV loses 5.4L to airport-friend
Singhal woos investors at Bengaluru roadshow
Gang-rape case: Ktaka BJP demands resignation of Ktaka Home Minister
Gang-rape case: Ktaka BJP demands resignation of Ktaka Home Minister Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP has demanded the resignation of Home Minister G. Parameshwara following the reporting of a gang-rape incident involving a woman on Tuesday morning in the state. The BJP has also expressed concerns over the increasing number of criminal incidents in the state. [] The post Gang-rape case: Ktaka BJP demands resignation of Ktaka Home Minister appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Karnataka's political scene heats up as BJP criticises the Congress-led government over a gang-rape incident in Bengaluru. Chief minister Siddaramaiah defends his government, questioning the BJP's record on women's safety. Investigation updates confirm arrests, fueling political tensions over governance and law enforcement.
60 pc commission memory fair, not Congress convention, claims Ktaka BJP
60 pc commission memory fair, not Congress convention, claims Ktaka BJP Bengaluru: Coming down heavily on Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Convention by the Congress party, Karnataka BJP said on Tuesday that the event held in Belagavi was a 60 per cent commission memory fair and not a convention. The Congress party held the [] The post 60 pc commission memory fair, not Congress convention, claims Ktaka BJP appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Bengaluru FC vs Odisha FC, ISL 2024-25: Match Preview, Live Streaming, Predicted XI and Full Squads
ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC face off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
No Rapes In BJP Tenure? Siddaramaiah On Alleged Bengaluru Gangrape
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah - under fire from the BJP over the alleged rape of a woman in Bengaluru last week - hit back with an ill-advised attempt at deflection, asking if no rape had been reported when the saffron party was in power.
ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC eye reclaiming early-season glory against struggling Odisha FC
Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC will host Odisha FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Wednesday. The Juggernauts are currently seventh on the table with 21 points from 16 games, while the Blues sit third with 28 points from as many matches as the Sergio Lobera-coached team. Odisha FC have won []
Zepto eyes 10-min medicine delivery space
The pilot programme Zepto Pharmacy is introduced in select locations across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad
Assam boosts momentum for Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit with Bengaluru roadshow
The Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd, collaborating with FICCI, hosted a roadshow in Bengaluru, highlighting the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in 2025. Minister Ashok Singhal emphasized Assam's strategic location, economic growth, infrastructure projects, and commitment to sustainable development and business-friendly policies.
Bhaav 2025, a cultural summit, is set to celebrate Indian art, spirituality, and talent at the Art of Living International Center. Bhaav 2025 is not just a cultural festival, but a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, a platform for marginalized communities, and a testament to the power of art in bridging divides.
Republic Day: Top Restaurants With Special Menus In Bengaluru - MSN
Republic Day: Top Restaurants With Special Menus In Bengaluru MSN
Bengaluru Extends Meat Ban for Aero India 2025
Meat sales banned in a 13-km radius of Yelahanka AFS for Aero India 2025 from Feb 10-14 to avoid bird hits
Aero India Show 2025 in Bengaluru: From airspace closure to non-veg ban, everything you need to know
Bangalore International Airport announces airspace closures from February 5-14, 2025, due to the Aero India Show. Historical precedents of airspace closures highlight the importance of staying informed and adjusting travel plans.
Bengaluru police suspend Kannada actor Darshans gun licence
In December, the R.R. Nagar police had written to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) that the actor is an accused in a murder case and there is a chance of him using the firearm to threaten witnesses
Indian Space Association bats for key reforms, seeks infra sector status for Space
The Indian Space Association (ISpA) has proposed the designation of the space sector as critical infrastructure, which would bring benefits such as GST rebates and tax exemptions. They also suggest expanding the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and extending GST exemptions to crucial space components. Proposals also include reduced foreign borrowing tax rates and reasonable spectrum charges.
The accused allegedly manhandled the women and kicked them when they fell at their feet pleading mercy, the victim said in her complaint.
Ironhill opens newest branch at Bengalurus Kanakpura Road
20-year-old woman files complaint against Bengaluru MLA Munirathna for casteist abuse
BENGALURU:In fresh trouble for Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency BJP MLA Munirathna, a 20-year-old daily wage labourer has filed a complaint against him and six others for allegedly abusing construction workers, demolishing temporary sheds, and outraging the modesty of women. The police have filed a case under the Prevention of Atrocities Act against him. The accused have been identified as Munirathna, Vasanthkumar, Chanakesava, Naveen, Sreerama, Peenya Kitty, and Peenga Ganga. According to the FIR, Geetha and others, residents of Akkamahadevi Slum near Peenya Degree College in SRS Circle, Peenya, stated that over 60 families were staying in the slum and working as daily wage labourers and construction workers. On Monday, around 11 am, MLA Munirathna, along with his associates, arrived at the slum with earthmovers and demolished the temporary sheds. When the residents approached him to question the action, Munirathna allegedly started abusing them, ordered them to leave and return to their native places in north Karnataka, and manhandled and kicked the women on the chest, the FIR states. The RMC Yard police said that a case has been registered against the MLA and six others under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as sections 324 (mischief ), 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of an offense committed in prosecution of a common object) of the BNS and further investigation are on.
Watch: Bengaluru techie shares stage with Coldplay's Chris Martin at Mumbai concert
Chris Martin made a Bengaluru techie's dream come true by inviting him to sing on stage during a Coldplay concert in Mumbai. Nihar Chitnis shared his incredible experience, which gained wide attention on social media, where he expressed joy for realizing his wish of performing with his idol.
In a first in Karnataka, BBMP to establish animal rescue centres in Bengaluru
The BBMP will also treat abandoned pets, and will coordinate with the NGOs for adoption
Flight disruptions at Bengaluru airport from February 5 to 14 due to Aero India - Deccan Herald
Flight disruptions at Bengaluru airport from February 5 to 14 due to Aero India Deccan Herald
Bengaluru: 37-year-old woman waiting for bus gangraped & robbed; BJP, Congress trade barbs
Following a gangrape incident in Bengaluru, where a 37-year-old woman accused two men of assaulting her and stealing her phone and money, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned BJP's stance on rape cases.
Chess World Cup 2025 set to be hosted in India, confirmation soon
CHENNAI: The official announcement may take a few more days but, in reality, India was pencilled in to host the 2025 World Cup by FIDE (chess governing body) last year itself. Theres always talk with India, Sutovsky had told select Indian media on the sidelines of the chess World Championship in Singapore in November. The dates are already announced by FIDE -- between October 31 and November 27. Its incredibly important for us. We are in constant talks with the All India Chess Federation (AICF), and theres a connection with Tamil Nadu as well. You know that (Arkady) Dvorkovich met (Chief Minister) M.K. Stalin the two met before the Olympiad in Mahabalipuram in 2022. I believe that maybe already in 2025, we will have a very major event in India. Im not saying in Tamil Nadu, but in India. Going forward, with such a huge interest, its only logical that India would host more and more top events. While Chennai may be a logical destination to host the 2025 World Cup, a glamorous biennial event where the top three earn themselves coveted spots in the 2026 edition of the Candidates, it is believed that the All India Chess Federation (AICF) are cognisant of the need to take the board game to other parts of the country. They could well host it in New Delhi or Bengaluru or Ahmedabad or Chennai. When FIDE published the 2025 events calendar on Monday evening, they had India against 2025 edition of the World Cup but the India disappeared soon after. However, this isnt some last minute oversight. There will be an official announcement in the next 2-3 days, was how one All India Chess Federation (AICF) official put it. I cannot say much about it till then. Its likely that Magnus Carlsen, the defending champion, will give the tournament a miss. But there will be plenty of other overseas stars in action including Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattarov and Anish Giri. The Indian contingent will be spearheaded by world champion D Gukesh and the likes of Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa. The latter had qualified to the 2024 edition of the Candidates after reaching the final.
Chris Martin invites Bengaluru techie on stage at Coldplay's Mumbai concert to sing along with him. Video Hindustan Times
Havent rapes taken place during BJP regime: Karnataka CM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday wondered whether there were no rapes during the BJP regime. He was reacting to BJPs allegation about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state in the wake of a woman raped at KR Market in Bengaluru on Sunday night. The victim who was waiting for a 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 .
Woman waiting for bus gang-raped, robbed in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: In a shocking case, a woman waiting for a bus in Bengalurus K.R. Market was gang-raped, and robbed of her jewellery, cash and mobile phone. The woman lodged a complaint with the Womens Police Station in the Central Division, said officials on Tuesday. According to sources, the incident took place on Sunday at around 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 .
Comic Con brings all your favourite characters to Bengaluru
Over 5,000 cosplayers and comic enthusiasts turned up for the event
Rahul Gandhi Unwell, Unlikely To Take Part In Gandhi Bharat Event, Says Congress
Bengaluru, Jan 21: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to take part in the Gandhi Bharat event on Tuesday at Belagavi as he is unwell, sources in the ruling party said. While Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told PTI Videos in Belagavi that the entire leadership of the Congress party will take part in the function, which is set to commence soon, sources here said that Rahul Gandhi was unwell and hence, he is likely to skip the function. Mallikarjun [] The post Rahul Gandhi Unwell, Unlikely To Take Part In Gandhi Bharat Event, Says Congress appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pritam Kotal set to make Chennaiyin FC debut
CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC will face league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday for a high-stakes Indian Super League clash. The match will present the first opportunity for the Chennaiyin fans to see new signing Pritam Kotal in action after the defender joined from Kerala Blasters FC. Should he make an appearance, Kotal will face his former side Mohun Bagan and assistant coach Noel Wilson is hoping for a quick impact from the Indian defender. Most of this season we have not had a settled defence. We have been forced into changes due to injuries or suspensions. Owen (Coyle) knows better but Pritam (Kotal) coming in will help us better in defence. I am sure Pritam will make our defence stronger, said Noel Wilson on Monday. Anirudh shines All round display by P Anirudh (3/11, 44 n.o) propelled SBOA (Anna Nagar) to beat Ebenezer MHSS (Korattur) by nine wickets in the final of the CSK-Thiruvallur DCA U-15 inter-school cricket tournament. Brief scores: Final: Ebenezer MHSS (Korattur) 119 in 29.5 ovs (K Krish 34, P Anirudh 3/11) lost to SBOA (Anna Nagar) 120/1 in 26.2 ovs (P Anirudh 44 n.o). Sriram stars in Jayendra win Riding on A Srirams 58, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Kovai defeated Holy Saint, Bengaluru by two runs in a thrilling match of the Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 championship played at ICL grounds, Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli. Brief scores: Shree Ram Vidya Mandir, Colvale, Goa 49/9 in 15 ovs (N Karthik Verma 4/ 8) lost to ACA School, Andhra 50 for no loss in 6.2 ovs; St Bedes, Chennai 193/6 in 15 ovs (Josh Shane Francis 66, M Saravana Sangeeth Rajan 3/ 29) bt Sri Jayendra SGJ, Tirunelveli 78/8 in 15 ovs (M Saravana Sangeeth Rajan 29); Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Kovai 111/6 in 15 ovs (A Sriram 58, Krushna V Rao 3/13) bt Holy Saint, Bengaluru 109/5 in15 ovs (K Vedaraj 35); MS Dhoni Global, Hosur 87/3 in 12 ovs (Lalit Arjun 41 n.o) lost to Nellai Nadar, Chennai 91/4 in 10.1 ovs. CFC & Norwich City FC inter-school championship Chennaiyin FC, partnering with Norwich City FC will organise the CFC-NCFC inter-school football championship to be held at MCC School (Chetpet) from Friday, Jan 24, 2025. About 64 teams will be competing in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories. The initiative is to promote football at the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu. The tournament provides the players a platform to showcase their skills to the club (CFC) academy scouts. With the additional support of the Reliance Foundation, the tournament is part of a wider partnership initiated in April 2024 between Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC, focused on talent cultivation, promoting a vibrant football culture in the area, and enhancing the grassroots development of the sport. In the future, we aim to expand this initiative beyond Chennai to other districts such as Coimbatore, Trichy, and Salem. Gradually we envision making this a Tamil Nadu-wide championship, uniting young footballers from across the state, said CFCs Head of Marketing, Neel Jayaram, on Monday.
Bengaluru experienced its first significant rainfall of the season, bringing temperatures down to 21.4C. The rain was caused by a trough in the Southwest Bay of Bengal. Light rain is expected in parts of Dakshina Kannada district. Bengaluru's weather will stay partly cloudy with fog or mist in the early mornings.
Merak Brewhouse at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Celebrates Indias Unity with a Special Republic Day Brunch APN News
Bengaluru Woman, Going To Her Brothers House, Raped By 2 Men Who Gave Her Lift
The woman was near the KR Market bus station at around 11:30 pm as she was looking to head to her brother's place in the Yelahanka area.
Karnataka hosts the sixth edition of the International Millets Festival in Bengaluru
A symposium titled Transformation of agrifood systems through agri-ecology: A Global Perspective is being organised as part of the festival.
Zepto Ropes In Smartworks To Manage New HQ In Bengaluru
As part of shifting its base from Mumbai to Bengaluru, quick commerce unicorn Zepto has reportedly selected IPO-bound coworking startup
Yash's Toxic In Trouble? Makers Get Notice Over Illegal Felling Of Trees On Forest Land During Shoot
In October 2024, Khandre alleged that hundreds of trees were illegally cut down on forestland within the HMT premises in Bengaluru, during the filming of Toxic.
When you have the option to save a life, why would you go to a breeder?
Lets Live Together Charitable Trust, a Bengaluru-based nonprofit focusing on finding homes for indie puppies
Experts oppose education reform panels headed by MLAs
BENGALURU: The Peoples Alliance for Fundamental Right to Education (PAFRE) has opposed the Karnataka governments decision to form education reform committees led by MLAs. The association has called the move a violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and has demanded that the government immediately withdraw it. PAFRE said that mixing politics with school management will harm the education system and that past controversies, like the hijab issue, have already caused significant problems in schools. The order, issued on January 13 and the follow-up memorandum on January 18, instructed officials to set up these committees at the taluk level. PAFRE stated that this decision goes against the RTE Act, which assigns key responsibilities such as establishing schools, ensuring education for all children, and maintaining school facilities to local bodies like gram, taluk and zilla panchayats. The government is taking away the powers of local authorities and giving them to MLAs. This is against the law and disrupts how schools are managed, Prof Niranjanaradhya VP, development educationist and facilitator for PAFRE, said. They said the MLA-led committees could disrupt the work of School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), which were set up to ensure schools function democratically, the forum said. AIDSO condemns Hub & Spoke model As part of the Education Reform Committee at taluk level, the government also revealed plans to implement the Hub and Spoke model, which involves merging government schools with low attendance. This has drawn sharp criticism from the All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO). The AIDSO Karnataka State Committee claims that it is a step towards shutting down over 4,000 government schools.
BENGALURU: In a short time, Bengaluru has gone from being a sleepy city to the IT capital of India with people across the nation coming here to build successful careers. But how does the city fare in supporting working women? A recently released survey conducted by the Avtar Group put Bengaluru right at the top overtaking Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to become the best city for working women in India, based on criteria like city liveability, safety, womens representation in employment, inclusivity of women in organisations across industries, transport, quality of life, and more. We asked professionals is Bengaluru really the best place for working women? KM Chaitanya, film director The Kannada film industry has to go a long way in terms of inclusion. While we have a lot of women actors; technicians and women directors are few. The scenario is changing now with more and more women stepping in and becoming cinematographers, editors, associate directors and quite a few successful directors. In terms of creating a safe working environment, theres much that needs to be done. We need a committee of women who will oversee complaints about any kind of harassment at the workplace in the film industry. Lahari, advertising professional Within the creative industry in Bengaluru, theres an expectation to put in extra hours regardless of your gender. But when you end up staying in the office until midnight, there are no provisions to get home safely. This is especially uncomfortable for women who travel great distances to get to work. Corporations tend to have better facilities for women employees but the contrast is very stark. Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar, chef I have worked all over India in Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bengaluru. In the F&B industry, the ratio of women working as chefs is very low its a very male-dominated field. But Bengaluru has more possibilities. When I worked in Goa, no bus was available after 6pm so we would give earlier shifts to women. But here, there are women in my team who take the bus home at 10pm and feel safe doing so and we have not had any issues. Athul Madhav, programme manager, IISc Bangalore When it comes to work opportunities for women, Bengaluru is far better than Thrissur, Kerala, where I grew up. The representation and opportunities women receive are actually positive, and theyre doing a really great job. However, when it comes to safety, Im sceptical. Numerous horrific incidents involving working women have been reported in the media over the last two years. Personally, I know colleagues and friends who have experienced similar incidents. How can such a city be considered safe for women? Preethi Srinivasan, tennis coach As a tennis coach, I was definitely better recognised in Bengaluru compared to Chennai. I was not as guarded and didnt have to worry too much about how others perceived me because people were minding their own business. The remuneration was also better in Bengaluru because of the higher standard of living. The traffic is really bad but you can plan around that and still have a good work-life balance. Sneha Nair, student in Chennai I moved to Chennai from Bengaluru and can say that Bengaluru is definitely more inclusive. I live in a hostel for masters students and working women. Even though theyre taking rent from the working women, they demand that parents be present for admission and call parents if they break curfew. Its also common for flat owners to ask about their parents if renting to working women. They seem to think of women as dependents and not as individuals. Subhashree M, student One can see women from different cultural backgrounds in Bengaluru which is very comforting for women who are trying to live away from their homes. People in Bengaluru are also usually less judgemental than people in Chennai. A woman can go out partying, wear what she wants or even go for a jog in the morning without feeling judged.
Three floors of Legal Metrology dept locked, many officers absent
BENGALURU: In a shocking revelation, three out of the four floors of Mapana Soudha, the administrative office of the Legal Metrology Department on Ali Asker Road remained locked on Monday, during a surprise inspection by Lokayukta Justice BS Patil and Upa Lokayuktas Justice KN Phaneendra and B Veerappa. Even the Controller of the Department arrived at his office only at 1 pm, while the offices of the Assistant Controller and Inspectors were closed until 2.50 pm. The officers responsible for regulating weights and measurements and safeguarding the interests of consumers and traders are conducting themselves in this manner. There is no attendance register or movement registers to prove that absent officers are on the field. We have visited several other offices in the recent past but this is the worst-managed office so far, Upa Lokayukta Justice Phaneendra said. Justice Patil added that when questioned about their work, officials failed to produce records of cases, fines, actions taken and proceedings initiated. If this is the situation, we will take stringent action, he warned. Echoing the same, Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa said they have video-recorded the situation in Mapana Soudha to ensure accountability and build a foolproof case against erring authorities. On Monday, 40 teams of judicial and police officers conducted surprise checks across locations, including Mapana Soudha on Ali Asker Road, Hoskote, Doddaballapura and Devanahalli. When questioned about his absence, the Controller claimed he had been to meet the Secretary of the Department. Other officers replied that they were not given sufficient staff like Group D personnel to keep the offices open when they go outside.
47 candidates in fray in Tamil Nadu's Erode; NTK gets mike symbol again
ERODE: Eight candidates withdrew their nominations on Monday to contest the by-poll in Erode East, leaving 47 contestants in the fray. Among those who withdrew nominations was Senthil Murugan of MGR youth wing who has been expelled by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for defying the partys boycott of the election. The voting will take place on February 5 and result will be declared on February 8. After the deadline for withdrawing nominations ended at 3 pm, the process for the allotment of symbols to candidates took place. Symbols were first allocated to recognised political parties the DMK and the NTK. NTK was allotted the mike symbol again, which the party had contested under in the previous Vikravandi bypoll, as per its wish. NTK candidate MK Seethalakshmi said, We had submitted a letter to the Election Commission seeking sugarcane-farmer or mike symbol for the by-election. The sugarcane-farmer symbol was not given to anyone here as it was allocated to a party in another state. We were given the mike symbol. We are happy as this is the symbol that made us a recognised political party in the state. The symbol has already reached people to some extent and will make campaigning easy. Earlier in the day, Erode police registered a case against Seethalakshmi and several NTK members for campaigning without permission. Speaking to reporters, Returning Officer Manish Narnaware said, As per norms, symbols were first allotted to parties and then independents. There are two recognised political parties and 14 registered political parties. Including NOTA, 48 symbols will be affixed on EVMs. One EVM can fit up to 16 symbols. Thus, three voting machines will be used in each booth. an officer said. Nomination of woman from Bengaluru accepted Among those in the fray is V Padmavathi (48) from Bengaluru who filed her nomination on behalf of Indian Political Congress Party. While her nomination has been accepted, several independents complained to Returning Officer Manish Narnaware during the symbol allocation process that Padmavathis candidature violated EC norms as she is from another state. Due to this, the symbol allocation process was suspended and did not resume even after 9 pm on Monday.
Khandre launches KSPCB online meeting module
BENGALURU: Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Monday launched an online meeting module as part of comprehensive and simple faceless services offered by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). A committee comprising Debabratha Das, Director, International Institute of Information Technology, Chandrashekhar Ramanathan, Professor and Dean, IITB, and officials from the forest department and Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre developed the module. This online module will ensure transparency in the functioning of KSPCB officials. It will also speed up the process of clearing applications. They will be cleared within 30 days. The module will also help improve the functioning of the Extended Green None (XGN) software and applicants can download consent and authorisations, he said. On the HMT land case, Khandre said it is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The apex court will be informed about the decision taken at the recent cabinet meeting and the reply to a show cause notice filed by four IFS officers.
65 Ozone Urbana flats double sold, owners helpless
BENGALURU: With Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) highlighting on its website that Bengaluru-based Ozone Group and its sister concerns were the biggest defaulters, with 201 cases filed against them by home buyers and nearly Rs 178.83 crore compensation yet to be paid, flat owners of its project Ozone Urbana in Devanahalli share their agony over 65 flats allegedly being double sold by the builder. The 1,800-flat project was to be handed over to buyers in 2018, but is only partially complete seven years post the deadline. Bipul Bhattacharya, a buyer, told TNIE, I bought a 2BHK flat in Avenue block for Rs 87 lakh in 2017, of which Rs 68 lakh was a bank loan. Just 55% of the work is completed, and was stopped in 2018. Ozone Group had inadvertently sent home buyers a mail, in which the fact that 65 units had been re-sold was mentioned. Many are still paying EMIs for their home loans. Another house owner, on condition of anonymity, said, I bought three 3BHK flats at Ozone Urbana in 2014 for Rs 70 lakh, Rs 80 lakh and Rs 1.3 crore. I have already paid in full for two of them and Rs 60 lakh for the Rs 1.3 crore flat. In 2024, I learnt that the flats I had paid for in full have been sold for over Rs 1.2 crore each one to a senior citizen couple and another to one of their vendors to whom they owe dues. I confronted them and they acknowledged it, and suggested I take a new flat in exchange for them. Nearly 200 owners have occupied their flats here, though there is no Occupancy Certificate, permanent electricity or water connection, he added. Rohit Patel, another owner, said, The builder did not honour the tripartite agreement to pay the pre-EMI until handover. I took a home loan of Rs 67 lakh and am still paying it. RERA has not given the project an extension either. I am feeling cheated and will not invest in real estate in Bengaluru hereafter. A representative of Ozone Urbana Buyers Welfare Association said, Despite the tahsildar issuing an order on December 7, 2024, that a recovery amount of Rs 109.98 crore be deposited with the District Revenue Officer within seven days, the builder has not done it. The property of Ozone Infra would be auctioned, though no action has been taken yet. In an official response, Ozone Group said, We understand the concerns of home buyers and are taking proactive steps to address them. We have identified potential investors and new customers who have expressed interest in purchasing the remaining units, providing an opportunity for existing investors to exit if they wish. Additionally, the company has applied for a RERA extension and is awaiting approval, which will enable us to approach banks and financial institutions for home loans and secure project financing to expedite the completion of the project...
Three men on bike crash,rifle misfires, injures one
BENGALURU: A 32-year-old man is being treated at a hospital after a single-barrel rifle he was carrying misfired, badly injuring his left leg. The victim and his friends were on their way to hunt wild boars in a forest area near Magadi on the outskirts of the city when the rifle went off. All three were going on the same bike and the victim who was sitting in the centre was holding the rifle. En route, the rider lost control and all three fell from the bike. Even as they were falling, the rifle misfired. The police have now registered a case under the Arms Act against all the three and the owner of the rifle. Two of them have been arrested. The victim, Lingaraju alias Paapa, is a resident of Aralepet in Magadi Town. The incident occurred at Kalya between TC Palya and Subba Shastry Palya Road early on Sunday morning. Lingaraju, a driver, had gone to his friend Muralidhars house. The two then picked up another friend, Karthik, and decided to go hunting. Muralidhar had borrowed the gun from his friend, Muniranganna. Karthik rode the bike, Lingaraju sat in the middle and Muralidhar at last. When the bike skidded, the misfired bullet hit Lingarajus left leg. The leg was badly injured. He underwent a surgery and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city. He is out of danger. His brother, 34-year-old Jeevan Kumar, has filed a complaint. An FIR has been registered against Karthik, Lingaraju, Muralidhar and Muniranganna. Karthik and Muralidhar have been arrested. Search is on for Muniranganna, who handed over the weapon illegally. Lingaraju will be taken into custody after his treatment. We are checking if Muniranganna had a licence for the gun and the purpose for possessing the gun, said an officer. The Magadi police of Ramanagara district registered a case under the Arms Act and causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others (BNS 125(a)). Further investigations are on.
Ex-IAF man jumps on to Metro track at Jalahalli station, rescued
BENGALURU: Metro services were disrupted for 25 minutes on the Green Line on Monday morning after a 49-year-old former Air Force employee jumped onto the railway tracks at Jalahalli Metro Station in the face of an approaching train. Quick action by women guards on Platform 2 in stopping the train through emergency systems saved the mans life. He did not sustain any major injury. The man, a native of Bihar, jumped on the tracks at 10.25 am when a train coming from Silk Institute was heading towards Madavara, read a press release from the BMRCL. Two women guards sprang into action as soon as they witnessed his action. A Home Guard on the platform pressed the Emergency Stop Plunger switch located on the platform. She broke the glass window and activated it. This switch results in complete emergency brakes applied for the train by using the signalling system, a source said. Simultaneously, another woman private security guard pressed the Emergency Trip System and this which stopped the power supply to the train completely, the source added. After the train came to a halt, BMRCL staff rushed and pulled the man out of the tracks, he added From 10.25 am up to 10.50 pm, BMRCL operated short loop trains which ran between Yesvantpur and Silk Institute. Normal train services were restored on the Green Line by 10.50 am. A spate of suicide bids rocked Bengaluru Metro last year with BMRCL planning to install platform screen doors (PSDs) at Sir M Visvesvaraya and Kempegowda Metro stations. The plan is being finalised. We have to call for tenders in this connection, BMRCL MD Maheswar Rao told TNIE. In BMRCLs upcoming Pink line of Phase-2 from Nagavara to Kalena Agrahara, it has already contracted the installation of PSDs to Alstom Transport India for its 13 underground stations apart from platform screen gates, which will be half the height of PSDs, at six elevated stations. The Blue Line comprising both Phase 2A will have PSGs at 30 elevated stations.
Karnataka govt notification on retiring IPS officers creates a stir
BENGALURU: A government notification to senior Indian Police Service officer and Director General of Police (DGP), Prisons & Correctional Services, Malini Krishnamurthy, and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ballari, BS Lokesh Kumar to submit their application for pension, gratuity etc has reportedly created confusion among the IPS cadre in the state. According to informed sources, who didnt wish to be named, there are three IPS officers including Head of Police Force (HoPF), Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Alok Mohan, who are scheduled to superannuate this year. But why was the DPAR notification dated July 10, 2024, issued only to these two IPS officers? asked sources on condition of anonymity. Mohan was appointed DG&IGP in May 2023 after his predecessor Praveen Sood was appointed Director, CBI. The formers appointment was, however, regularised in August that year. All three -- Mohan of 1987 batch, Krishnamurthy of 1993 batch and Kumar of 2005 batch of IPS -- are superannuating this year. As per the civil list, Mohan and Kumar are scheduled to retire on April 30, and Krishnamurthy on July 31. As per the All India Service (AIS) (DCRB) Rules, 1958, the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR) issues a notification almost a year in advance to Class One officers retiring in the next year, to submit their applications for pension, gratuity, commutation of pension, group insurance, among other benefits to the DPAR, six months before the retirement date. This enables the department to send a No Dues Certificate to the principal accountant general, Karnataka, for authorising pensioner benefits at an appropriate time.
Runway closure at Bengaluru to impact Mumbai-bound flights
The Aero India Show will trigger daily six-hour closures from February 5 to 8 and two closure blocks from February 13 to 14
Beer prices up in Karnataka, breweries told to cut down on sugar content
BENGALURU: Beer prices have been revised in the state. The revised prices came into effect on Monday. The state government issued a draft notification regarding increase in duty on beer on August 23, 2024. The final notification on the same was issued on January 8. Beer prices will, henceforth, depend on the content of alcohol. It has been categorised into two slabs, depending on the alcohol content. The Excise Duty (ED) on mild beers with alcoholic content less than or equal to 5% v/v has been pegged at Rs 12 per bulk litre (pbl) and Rs 20 pbl for stronger beers containing 5-8% alcohol. Earlier, the ED on beer was Rs 10 pbl, irrespective of alcohol content. Minimum price of all strong beers will not be lower than Rs 145. Legend beer, which was priced the lowest, at Rs 100 for a 650ml bottle, will now cost a minimum Rs 145. There wont be much difference in premium beer pricing, sources said. In a first, the government has made it mandatory for breweries to prepare beer -- fermented liquor from malt or grain with or without sugar and hops, and include ale, black beer, porter, stout and spruce beer and ensuring that the sugar content is not more than 25% by weight. All breweries will, henceforth, have to mandatorily declare the ingredients of beer. Sugar content can be zero, but not above 25% by weight. The new rates came into effect today. For the new labels, the Excise Department has given time to breweries till February 1, the sources said. One of the reasons for higher pricing is to restrict youth from getting initiated into drinking, which usually starts with beer, sources said. Strong beers contribute 75% of the total beer sales in the state and some of them ferment using high sugar content instead of malt. This is injurious to health, informed sources said. This is the third revision in beer prices by the Congress government in the state since July 2023. The first hike was in the July 2023 budget in which the CM announced a 10% hike in Additional Excise Duty (AED) on beer and 20% hike in AED on all the then 18 slabs of Indian Made Liquor (IML). In January last, AED on beer was increased by 10% from 185% of the declared price to 195% of the declared price, the sources said. Though the government rationalised IML prices last year, collection of Excise revenue for 2024-25 has been tardy. Increase in beer prices is also a move to bridge the gap and increase revenue collection. Around five to 10% of IML consumers had shifted to strong beer post 2023 budget. With hike in beer prices, the effort is to wean this segment of consumers back to IML. The first four slabs (lowest) of IML are the major revenue generators and contribute 78% towards Excise revenue, the sources said.
Skywatch time as rare celestial show begins; seven planets to align in March
BENGALURU: In a rare celestial event, seven planets of the Solar System will align by March this year. Six of the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will begin to come into alignment on Tuesday (January 21), while Mercury will join on February 28. While Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope to observe the alignment, which is called the planetary parade. Dr BR Guruprasad, Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, explained to The New Indian Express that a planetary parade is a phenomenon in which multiple planets appear in the sky at the same time from the perspective of observers from Earth, more clearly visible in the evening/night sky. Highlighting the importance of this event, Guruprasad said while a few planets align when they cross paths in their orbits, having as many as seven align at once is rare. Among these planets, Venus will be the brightest and the most eye-catching. Mars, with its red hue, will resemble a glowing bulb. Saturn will appear as a tiny dot in the western sky, while Jupiter will look similar, but positioned in the southern sky, Guruprasad said. Uranus and Neptune will appear like small bright dots, but not be visible to the naked eye as they are much farther compared to the other planets in the alignment. Their distance from Earth reduces the amount of sunlight they reflect, making them difficult to spot without the help of a telescope, he said. Interestingly, this year, March 8 will mark the maximum elongation, with Mercury reaching its farthest point from the Sun. Moreover, by March 12, Saturn will dip below the horizon for a while, but from February 28 to March 12, the planetary alignment will be at its peak, offering the best view of the celestial event. Five planets will be visible to the naked eye However, as the name parade suggests, the planets will not line up side by side in a straight line next to each other, but will appear at different points in the sky, all visible to the observer, five visible to the naked eye and two with the help of telescopes, he explained. The alignment happens along the ecliptic, which is an imaginary line that marks a path that Earth and other planets follow while orbiting the Sun. All seven planets travel along this imaginary plane but at different speeds. Since each planet is at varying distances from the Sun, their orbital speeds vary, but come in alignment at rare times like this, Guruprasad said.
Kantara Chapter-1 makers fined Rs 50k for forest violation
BENGALURU/HASSAN : Shooting of Kannada film Kantara Chapter-1, the prequel to 2022 blockbuster Kantara, promoting forest protection and human and wildlife co-existence, has come under the forest departments scanner with the production house Hombale Films being slapped with a fine of Rs 50,000 for illegally dumping film set items into Sakleshpur forest before starting ongoing shooting from January 7-25. The film unit has also been accused of blasting and axing of trees, during the shooting of the film directed by Rishab Shetty, who is also starring it. The shooting is going on in the deemed forest patch of Yaslur, Sakleshpur forest, survey number 131. Hassan Conservator of Forests, V Yedukondalan told The New Indian Express, before the film unit was given permission, they had dumped material inside the forest. This is equivalent to trespassing, and under the Karnataka Forest Act, they have been penalised Rs 50,000. A few days later film shooting started. Hassan DCF Saurabh Kumar said the unit applied for permission on January 1, but they dumped material inside the forest even before approaching the department. The site was inspected on January 3, and an FIR was filed January 4 before the penalty was slapped. A detailed investigation is being conducted and the final report will be submitted to the government, following which the next course of the film shooting will be decided, the official added. Probe on, report to be given to govt Hassan Deputy Conservator of Forests, Saurabh Kumar said the unit applied for permission on January 1, but they dumped material inside the forest even before approaching the department. The site was inspected on January 3, and an FIR was filed January 4 before the penalty was slapped. Permission was given for film shooting from January 7- 25, 2025. They are using forest and adjoining gomal land. Preliminary reports show crackers were burst to create a smoke-effect. Also artificial materials were used to create tree stumps. The land where shooting was permitted was a barren land. Reports from the stationed fire and emergency and police departments have also been taken, he said. A detailed probe is being conducted and the final report will be submitted to the government, following which the next course of the film shooting will be decided, the official added. In October, 2024, Yash-starrer Toxic, had also come under forest departments lens for alleged felling of trees and destroying forest to create a film set on the contentious HMT land in Peenya. Khandre had then visited the spot. Taking note of the ground situation, he had ordered that the film shooting be stalled. On the progress of that case, Khandre said the film unit obtained a stay from the Karnataka High Court on the case filed by the forest department.
CBSE Conducts Surprise Inspection In Schools, Issues Show-Cause Notices
The inspections were carried out in schools in Delhi on December 18 and in Bengaluru, Patna, Bilaspur, Varanasi and Ahmedabad on December 19, 2024.
In 3rd case of cruelty against cows in Karnataka, pregnant animal dismembered, fetus killed
In a shocking instance of animal cruelty, a pregnant cow was brutally killed and its unborn calf mutilated in Salkod village, Karnataka. The cow's owner, Krishna Achari, has filed a police complaint. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the act. This incident follows recent attacks on cows in Bengaluru and Mysuru, prompting calls for swift action from local leaders.
CM names new fin secy ahead of budget
Candidature of Bengaluru-based woman in Erode East byelection challenged
Techie gifted mobile with cloning app, loses Rs 2.8cr
3 digital arrest frauds held forextorting Rs 12 cr from techie
Ex-servicemans wife put under digital arrest, scammed of Rs 35L
Man sues interior firm for failing to start flat work, gets back Rs 2.2L advance
2k sign campaign to oppose nod for traffic on Sundays
