Karnataka SIR: BJP man admits to filling Form 7s. All of Muslims
Bengaluru: Amid furore over alleged mass deletions of voters of the minority community with rampant use of Form 7 in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Karnataka, a new audio clip is doing the rounds on social media where a BJP worker can be heard discussing deletions with a local 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 .
Eleven, including a couple, held in assault case in Bengaluru
Bengaluru PG theft news: A man pretending to be a tenant in a Bengaluru paying guest accommodation stole two laptops and cash. After agreeing to pay monthly rent, he left the owner claiming he needed rest. The owner returned to find the room ransacked and immediately alerted the police. The investigation is ongoing, with nearby CCTV footage being reviewed for further leads. Authorities warn PG owners to verify tenants and ensure compliance with regulations.
Bengaluru man stages own kidnapping, demands Rs 90L from father
Bengaluru: The RR Nagar police have arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding Rs 90 lakh from his father as ransom. The accused has been identified as Manish. According to the police, he allegedly planned the fake kidnapping with the help of two associates to extract money from his father, 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 .
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service likely to start this month, to operate six days a week
The service, numbered 27652 from KSR Bengaluru to CSMT and 27651 in the return direction, has been approved based on the minutes of a meeting held on February 16, 2026, as per the Railway Board communication accessed by The Hindu
Ozone Urban Infra MD held over Rs 927 cr buyers
Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Ozone Urban Infra Developers Pvt Ltd Chairman and Managing Director S. Vasudevan in a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged Rs 927.22 crore financial fraud involving homebuyers. The ED arrested Vasudevan on September 30 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. He was subsequently produced before 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 .
Mumbai-Bangalore Vande Bharat Sleeper news: The Vande Bharat Sleeper service aiming to connect Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to launch later this month. This new service will significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities. It is planned to operate six days a week, covering the route in under 16 hours. Current travel options require approximately 24 hours, highlighting the need for faster transportation.
On Instagram, Koushik Kharvis incredible journey from being a food delivery agent to becoming a successful entrepreneur went viral. The engineering graduate said that he once hid his job from his friends, as he did not want to be seen as a delivery boy.
SIR: BJP seeks FIR on Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar, other ministers for staging dharna at ECI office
The BJP has urged Bengaluru Police to register an FIR against Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his cabinet colleagues over their protest outside the Election Commission office, alleging violation of court-mandated rules for public demonstrations.
Trains between Bengaluru and Mangaluru to be regulated on October 3, October 4
Two Indians serving life in UAE after job scam by travel agent
Bengaluru: Two Indian men from Karnataka are serving life imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being convicted in a narcotics case, following claims that a travel agent deceived them with promises of jobs in Sharjah. Jaffer Raza and Jurath Ali, both from Alipur in Karnataka, had travelled to the UAE after being offered 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 .
11 Held in Bengaluru, Including Woman, for Two Murder Attempts on Same Man
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to their involvement and told police that the attacks were carried out due to previous enmity
Tirupati-vijayapura special train service announced for festive season
Bengaluru: In view of the expected passenger rush during Navaratri and Durga Puja, South Western Railway has announced special weekly train services between Tirupati and Vijayapura. The trains will operate for four trips in each direction from October 4 to 25. Train No. 07419 Tirupati-Vijayapura Weekly Special Express will leave Tirupati at 8.15 am every 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 .
No protection for Dalits in Karnataka, says Union Minister Narayanaswamy
No protection for Dalits in Karnataka, says Union Minister Narayanaswamy Bengaluru: Former Union Minister A. Narayanaswamy on Friday alleged that Dalits were not being provided adequate protection in Karnataka and demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge resign if the government was unable to ensure their safety. Addressing a press conference [] The post No protection for Dalits in Karnataka, says Union Minister Narayanaswamy appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Nike lays a big long-term bet on India with new Bengaluru campus to serve athletes and drive growth
Nike Inc plans to open a new campus in Bengaluru by FY28 to strengthen its operations in India. This campus will be crucial for supporting Nike, Jordan, and Converse brands. The decision is part of Nike's broader strategy to enhance global growth and manufacturing capabilities. The location of the campus will be disclosed next calendar year.
Oprah Winfrey has shared four books for a holiday weekend, reflecting her belief that reading can offer escape, perspective and a way to articulate difficult emotions. Her picks include Leila Slimanis unsettling psychological tale The Perfect Nanny, Shoba Narayans Bengaluru-set The Milk Lady of Bangalore, Hanne Orstaviks tense Norwegian novel Love and Danielle Lazarins Back Talk, which explores womens desires, relationships, grief and emotional boundaries.
Puja-Deepavali season: KSRTC to operate special inter-State services
Additional services to connect Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chennai with various destinations in Keralam
Retail space leasing in malls falls 38% in Q3 across top 8 cities: Cushman
Leasing of retail space in shopping malls fell 38 per cent to 0.71 million square feet in July-September across eight major cities due to supply constraints, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Data from real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield showed that gross leasing of retail space in high-street locations rose 33 per cent to 1.51 million sq ft in the third quarter of the 2026 calendar year. The eight cities are -- Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad. Including shopping malls and high-street locations, total retail space leasing fell nearly 5 per cent to 2.22 million square feet in the latest September quarter from 2.33 million sq ft in the year-ago period. High street retail locations dominated leasing activities in the September quarter of 2026, accounting for 68 per cent of the total gross leasing. The share of shopping malls stood at 32 per cent of overall leasing. Of the eight cities, leasing activities were down only in ...
Karnataka records 35 pc monsoon rainfall deficit
Bengaluru: The southwest monsoon officially ended on Thursday, October 1, with Karnataka recording a 35 per cent rainfall deficit during the June-September period. The deficit has raised concerns over drought conditions across the state, with several districts recording significant shortfalls in seasonal rainfall. Karnataka normally receives around 852 mm of rainfall during the southwest monsoon 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 .
Election commission tightens scrutiny of bulk form-7 applications
Bengaluru: The Election Commission has tightened scrutiny of Form-7 applications following allegations of misuse of the form to delete eligible voters from electoral rolls in Karnataka. The commission has directed all district election officers and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) election officials not to accept Form-7 applications submitted in bulk. The direction comes amid reports 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 .
Congress' vote theft charge like Bhagavad Gita from demons mouth: Kumaraswamy
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 2 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of hypocrisy over its protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the ruling party had itself committed widespread irregularities during the initial stages of the exercise. In a statement, Kumaraswamy said it was shameful that the Congress party was now speaking against irregularities in the SIR process. He also criticised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues for staging a protest on the streets instead of attending the Cabinet meeting. He demanded that the police immediately register cases against Congress leaders who, he alleged, had disrupted traffic and caused inconvenience to the public by staging the protest. Congress unnecessarily making a commotion over vote theft is like the Bhagavad Gita coming from the mouth of a demon, Kumaraswamy said. He alleged that Congress workers had gathered in large numbers at various places, including marriage halls, community halls and houses, during the electoral roll revision process. We have seen them gathering people in groups at marriage halls, community halls, houses and various other places and getting the electoral rolls revised. The Janata Dal (Secular) had complained to the Election Commission against this. Later, all the leaders of the NDA alliance also approached the Commission and submitted a complaint, he said. Kumaraswamy said the government had remained silent when the complaints were submitted, but was now raising the issue of alleged irregularities in the SIR process. Despite this, the Congress leaders who committed irregularities themselves are now repeatedly talking about irregularities. The government remained silent when we submitted complaints, and is speaking now. They have started this drama after their leaders in Delhi put pressure on them, he alleged. Kumaraswamy also alleged that Chief Minister Shivakumar had brought the SIR issue to the forefront to divert public attention from allegations concerning the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (NICE) project. He said that three days earlier, he had held a press conference on the NICE project and made allegations, supported by documents, against the Chief Minister and his family members regarding the alleged acquisition of project land in collusion with the company. While this issue is being widely discussed politically and publicly, the Chief Minister has brought the SIR issue to the forefront to divert people's attention, Kumaraswamy alleged. He said the alleged irregularities were evident and did not require further proof. Kumaraswamy concluded by reiterating his criticism of the Congress government and used the hashtag CongressFailsKarnataka in his statement. It can be recalled that CM Shivakumar on Thursday staged a dharna at the Chief Electoral Officers office in Bengaluru, demanding the registration of a criminal case and a probe into the alleged conspiracy to delete eligible voters' names through Form 7 applications. After the protest, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar directed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across the state to take action against applicants found to have knowingly made false declarations while filing claims and objections related to electoral rolls.
Bengaluru techie Shivank Goel shared how living alone helped him discover and accept his default settings. He revealed that he used to frantically clean his apartment before friends visited, hiding laundry and washing mugs. He eventually stopped preparing for guests, only for friends to call out his messiness and quirky habits. The experience taught him that independence also means meeting yourself honestly, accepting your habits and making space for solitude.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 2 (IANS) BJP workers will not be intimidated by threats of FIRs or political pressure for submitting Form-7 applications, Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said on Friday, asserting that the party will legally fight any cases registered against its workers. Vijayendra further challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to prove the allegations he made against the BJP, failing which he should resign as Chief Minister. Chief Minister Shivakumar has alleged that the BJP and JD(S) had conspired to delete the names of 50 lakh voters belonging to minority and oppressed communities from the electoral rolls. He, along with cabinet colleagues, staged a dharna on Thursday in front of the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar, following which the CEO issued a written order directing officials to initiate criminal cases against individuals found to be submitting bulk Form-7 applications seeking deletion of names. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Friday, Vijayendra said threatening BJP workers or exerting political pressure on them merely for submitting Form-7 applications was not appropriate. If anyone has submitted an application by providing false information, the Election Commission should verify it and initiate legal action. But the BJP will not tolerate threats of filing FIRs targeting its workers for political reasons, he said. Vijayendra said the Chief Minister had put pressure on the Election Commission and threatened to have FIRs registered against BJP workers. He alleged that the Chief Minister was trying to turn the entire state into an FIR state and asserted that the BJP would not bow to such pressure. He said the BJP had the strength and capability to face all such threats. Even if a thousand FIRs are registered, there is no question of being afraid. We will fight such FIRs in court, he said. He said the party would, through legal means, face any case that needed to be contested within the framework of law. Vijayendra said questions similar to those raised in Mysuru's Narasimharaja Assembly constituency had also emerged in other constituencies, including Bengaluru. Complaints related to electoral rolls had also been received from border areas of Dakshina Kannada, he said, urging the Election Commission to examine all such complaints. He said before levelling allegations against the BJP, CM Shivakumar and the Congress should also clarify complaints related to electoral rolls involving local Congress workers and representatives. If anyone has violated the rules in the Form-7 or SIR process, whether they belong to the BJP, Congress, JD(S) or any other organisation, the Election Commission should take action according to law, he said. Our position is clear: the rights of eligible voters must be protected, and if there are ineligible names, they should be verified, Vijayendra said. Vijayendra alleged that Shivakumar was politicising the SIR issue to divert public attention from other issues facing the state. He said the government was facing several serious questions, including those related to KPSC recruitment, allegations by contractors, drought and the state's financial situation. At a time when the government should answer all these questions, staging a protest before the Election Commission and levelling allegations against the BJP is an attempt to divert public attention, he alleged. Vijayendra said the SIR process was being conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission and called for every Form-7 application to be examined irrespective of which political party or organisation had submitted it. The Election Commission should act in such a way that the names of eligible voters remain on the rolls and ineligible names are removed according to the rules, he said. He said the Chief Minister should cooperate in ensuring a transparent electoral process instead of exerting political pressure on the Election Commission. Vijayendra said a Chief Minister making allegations that there was a conspiracy to delete the votes of Dalits, backward classes, and minorities should produce documents supporting the charges. When a Chief Minister accuses a political party of conspiring to delete the votes of Dalits, backward classes and minorities, he must provide documents to support the allegation. It is not possible to simply make allegations and walk away. The responsibility to prove the allegation rests with the Chief Minister, he said. Vijayendra once again challenged Shivakumar to prove his allegations against the BJP. He said protecting the rights of eligible voters was the BJP's responsibility and that cleansing the electoral rolls was necessary for the electoral process. He said the Election Commission and the BJP were working to prevent irregularities in the SIR process. However, he alleged that Rahul Gandhi was threatening the Election Commission, an autonomous institution. Vijayendra said that Rahul Gandhi appeared to be under the illusion that the Congress would come to power at the Centre after every election. Looking at his situation, one feels sorry for him, he said. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis popularity was continuing to grow and that the people of the country had accepted his leadership.
CM Shivakumar falsely claims BJP submitted 50 lakh Form 7: Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra
Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Friday rejected Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's allegation that the BJP was involved in a conspiracy to delete around 50 lakh voters, including those belonging to minority, Dalit and backward classes, from electoral rolls, saying the party had not submitted the number of Form 7 applications claimed by the Chief Minister. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said around 25,000 Form 7 applications had been submitted across various Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, according to information available with the BJP, and claimed that the forms had been submitted by different political parties. The allegation of DK Shivakumar, the allegation made by the Chief Minister, is that the Bharatiya Janata Party has indulged in a conspiracy of deleting around fifty lakh voters belonging to minority communities, that is Muslims, Dalits and backward class. So the allegation is that the BJP is trying to delete the names of the Dalit community...
K'taka BJP challenges CM Shivakumar to prove conspiracy allegation over deletion of 50 lakh voters
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 2 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to prove his allegation that the BJP had conspired to delete the names of around 50 lakh voters from the electoral rolls, and demanded that he resign if he failed to substantiate the charge. Speaking to the media, Vijayendra said CM Shivakumars allegations against the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and Form-7 applications were serious, particularly his claim that the BJP was conspiring to remove the votes of Ahinda communities, Dalits, backward classes and minorities. As the Chief Minister himself has made such a serious allegation, he should prove it with documentary evidence. Otherwise, he should resign from the post of Chief Minister, Vijayendra said. Shivakumar has alleged that there was a conspiracy to remove the names of around 50 lakh voters. However, Vijayendra said the Chief Minister had not publicly produced any specific documents or evidence to support the allegation. Vijayendra said Form-7 was not a special instrument available only to the BJP. Under Election Commission rules, it is a legal provision through which objections can be filed against names in the electoral rolls in cases involving ineligible, deceased, shifted or duplicate voters. He said if the BJP or any other political party or eligible individual submitted Form-7 applications with the intention of helping clean up the electoral rolls, the final decision would rest with the election authorities. Submission of Form-7 does not automatically result in the deletion of anyones name from the electoral roll, he said, adding that portraying the right to file Form-7 objections as illegal was incorrect. Vijayendra said Shivakumar should place before the people the documents and evidence on which he had based his allegation that the BJP was conspiring to delete 50 lakh voters. According to the information available to the BJP, he said, the number of Form-7 applications filed across the state was much lower than the figure alleged by the Chief Minister. He also said Form-7 applications had not been filed only by BJP workers. Representatives of various political parties, Booth Level Officers and members of the public had also submitted objections. Vijayendra said different figures regarding the number of Form-7 applications had been reported recently and that the Election Commission should clarify the final official figure. He said the power to add or delete names from electoral rolls or decide on objections rested with the competent election authorities. The BJP has no authority to directly delete anyones name from the electoral roll. A name does not get deleted merely because a Form-7 application is submitted. A decision is taken only after the prescribed process, including verification, objections and inquiry, he said. He said the Chief Ministers direct allegation that the BJP was deleting voters names was contrary to these facts. Vijayendra said verification of electoral rolls was an essential part of the democratic electoral process to find names of deceased persons, duplicate registrations, voters who had shifted residence or people who were otherwise ineligible. If there are irregular names, they should be identified and verified. At the same time, not a single eligible voter should be unfairly removed. The Election Commission should transparently ensure both these aspects, he said. Vijayendra also sought verification of the increase in the number of voters in the Narasimharaja Assembly constituency in Mysuru. He said the BJP had raised the issue of an increase of around 1.30 lakh voters in the constituency over the last two elections. He also said information had come to the partys attention about questions being raised locally regarding some people who had approached authorities during the SIR process to get their names added to the electoral roll. There are questions about some people who are residing in other constituencies but are coming here to register their names, he said. Vijayendra said that if such cases existed, the Election Commission should conduct a comprehensive verification without considering which political party the individuals were associated with. CM Shivakumar on Thursday staged a dharna at the Chief Electoral Officers office in Bengaluru, demanding the registration of a criminal case and a probe into the alleged conspiracy to delete eligible voters' names through Form 7 applications. After the protest, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar has directed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across the state to take action against applicants found to have knowingly made false declarations while filing claims and objections related to electoral rolls.
Bengaluru woman quits IT job to drive Rapido auto, says she now earns more
The insights shared by Shivank Goel regarding life in Bengaluru have stirred considerable conversation on social media about salaries and living costs. He warned that those making below 1 lakh should think twice before moving due to the city's steep expenses. Goel noted that the commercialization leads to high costs for leisure and housing while commuting adds further financial stress.
PM E-DRIVE scheme enables 26.59 lakh EV sales, helps expand charging infra
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) The PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in September 2024, has enabled 26.59 lakh EV sales (as of June 2026), accelerating EV adoption, expanding charging infrastructure and strengthening the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, according to an official statement. With an outlay of Rs 11,900 crore and implementation extended until March 2028, the scheme supports multiple EV categories and infrastructure. It supports incentives for 28.30 lakh EVs, and also supports e-buses, charging stations and testing facilities, advancing cleaner, sustainable mobility across India, said the government factsheet. About Rs 4,391 crore has been allocated for the deployment of 14,028 e-buses under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Of these, 14,000 e-buses have been allocated (as of August 2026). About 13,800 e-buses have been allocated to seven cities Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune and Surat. Grant support is also available for EV public charging stations (EV PCS) and upgradation of testing agencies. Nearly Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked for nationwide EV PCS across India. Rs 851 crore has been approved for deployment of 8,147 chargers to three oil marketing companies and 10 states (as of September 28, 2026). Moreover, Rs 780 crore has been allocated for modernisation and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies. Electric mobility is gathering pace, driven by targeted policies, financial incentives and supportive measures. The scheme provides demand incentives and infrastructure support across various vehicle categories and associated components. The categories covered include e-2 Wheelers (e-2Ws), e-3 Wheelers (e-3Ws), including registered e-rickshaws and e-carts and L5, e-Ambulances, e-Trucks, e-Buses, charging infra, and upgradation of testing agencies. Registered e-2Ws receive an incentive of Rs 2,500/kWh (capped at Rs 5,000 per vehicle). This applies to vehicles priced up to Rs 1.5 lakh ex-factory, with a total fund allocation of Rs 2,767 crore. The scheme aims to support 45.79+ lakh registered e-2Ws. Target sales for the sub-component registered e-3W (L5) have been achieved, and the segment was closed on December 26, 2025. Support for e-3Ws (e-rickshaws and e-carts) continues until March 2028, said the factsheet.
Bengalurus upcoming Naturally Dyed Handmade Festival celebrates khadi and natural dyes
Launching on Gandhi Jayanti, the three-day festival will showcase khadi, naturally dyed textiles, handmade crafts, and eco-friendly products from 23 brands, alongside workshops on traditional crafts
Karnataka drought-hit Taluks rise to 217 after 40 added
Bengaluru: The number of drought-affected taluks in Karnataka has risen to 217 after the state government added another 40 taluks to the list. The latest decision means that just 23 of the states 240 taluks are currently outside the drought-hit category. The 40 taluks added in the latest phase are Channapatna, Kanakapura, Harohalli, Jagalur, Piriyapatna, 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 .
KPSC recruitment case: SC puts stay on SIT headed by Alok Kumar
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the Karnataka High Courts order constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Alok Kumar to investigate alleged irregularities in the KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment case. The apex court was hearing a challenge filed by the Karnataka government against the High Courts September 21 order. 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 .
Oil prices surged on Thursday after a report said the US was sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, raising concerns over potential disruptions to crude supplies.
Police bust inter-state drug network in Sgr; eight arrested
Srinagar, Oct 01: In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Jammu & Kashmir Police have busted a well-established interstate narcotics network operating from downtown Srinagar, arresting eight persons and recovering a massive consignment of banned pharmaceutical drugs, cash, gold and a pistol, while initiating action against properties and financial assets linked to the accused. Addressing a press conference here, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy said the investigation had exposed a network allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs, with supply-chain linkages extending beyond J&K. It was not an ordinary module but a well-organised chain. Investigations are still underway, and more arrests will be made. From the source to destination, we will not leave anybody, he said. The scale of the seizures, particularly the quantity of pharmaceutical drugs and the recovery of substantial cash and gold, has brought the financial dimension of the racket into focus, with investigators now working to establish its complete supply chain and identify those operating behind it. The operation has so far resulted in the seizure of approximately 2,19,425 tablets and capsules containing Tapentadol, 1,200 Pregabalin capsules and 414 Tramadol tablets and capsules. Srinagar police also recovered 3.830 kg of codeine-containing liquid, including its container, and approximately 40 grams of a heroin-like substance, he said. A pistol, along with other incriminating material, was also seized. The SSP said that the financial investigation has led to the recovery of approximately Rs 90 lakhin cash and gold articles, including 108 gold coins, which is almost one kilogram, along with other items. We have also identified approximately Rs 1.07 crore in multiple bank accounts linked to the accused and other persons under investigation stands frozen, he said. He said that investigators have searched two bank lockers maintained in the name of one of the accused at Axis Bank's Bemina branch after obtaining the requisite court orders. Police are examining the source of the seized cash, gold and other assets, besides tracing financial transactions and possible links with the wider drug supply network. As part of the action, police have attached a residential house belonging to an accused at Patlipora, Chattabal, and two vehicles under the relevant provisions of law. The investigation, registered under FIR No. 135/2026 at Police Station Safakadal, has also taken police teams outside J&K. Raids and enquiries were conducted in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala, where pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies were examined. Investigators have collected invoices, bills, goods receipts and other documents to establish how the drugs were procured and transported. SSP Chakravarthy said the case was not a routine narcotics matter but involved an established network. He indicated that enquiries were continuing at pharmaceutical companies outside J&K and that those found involved would face action under the law. One of the accused was traced through technical surveillance and apprehended in Bengaluru, Karnataka, indicating the geographical spread of the investigation. Police also identified two persons who remain absconding and said efforts are under way to apprehend them and establish their precise roles. Digital devices seized during the investigation are being analysed to reconstruct communications and establish the procurement, transportation, distribution and financial links of the alleged network, he said. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The latest operation comes amid intensified efforts by Srinagar Police to dismantle the drug supply chain by targeting not only street-level peddlers but also suppliers, financial channels and those facilitating the movement of prohibited substances. The investigation will now focus on identifying the source of the seized pharmaceutical drugs, tracing their intended distribution and establishing the full extent of the alleged network. SSPChakravarthy, replying to a query, added, Based on human and technical inputs, an investigation was launched to unearth the module. About whether the properties of the accused would be attached. We have attached one property of the accused, and I am sure properties of other accused will be attached as well, he said. Asked whether there was a Pakistan role in the module, the SSP said so far there was no foreign role, but since investigations are on, an outside role can't be ruled out. Criminals from three to four states are involved in this module and more arrests will be made as and when investigations widen further. A few accused are absconding and they will also be arrested soon, he said. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Humanitys greatest leaps have begun with tools that allowed people to do more. The plough increased the farmers strength. The steam engine multiplied human strength. Electricity redefined life. The computer changed how humanity handled information. Now artificial intelligence and robotics are opening another chapter. AI can learn from information, recognise patterns and help generate ideas, while robots can see, move and perform tasks in the physical world. Together, they may expand human capability. This emerging field is being explored worldwide. MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley and the University of Toronto are working on AI, robotics and machines that can learn and act. Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, EPFL and Imperial College London are also advancing research. Scientists are developing machines that can understand surroundings, learn and work with people. The goal is to create useful tools for everyday challenges. Researchers are exploring how AI and robotics can become more useful. At MIT, Professor Daniela Rus studies robotics and AI, including ways to make machines learn and work with people. At Stanford, Professor Chelsea Finn researches how robots learn through experience. At Carnegie Mellon, Professor Howie Choset develops robotic systems for medicine, manufacturing, disaster response and space. At Oxford, Professor Ingmar Posner studies how robots can learn, adapt and assist people. Their work reflects a broader effort to make intelligent machines increasingly useful in everyday life. This growing field is also reshaping scientific research. AI can examine enormous amounts of information, identify patterns and help scientists explore difficult questions. Robots can assist with repetitive or physically demanding work. Automated laboratories can help scientists conduct experiments with greater speed and precision. Research teams are exploring AI-assisted discovery in medicine, materials and energy. Still, the human role remains central. Technology does not replace curiosity. It gives curiosity new tools to explore, examine and discover. This is where an age of amazing abundance becomes interesting. Abundance does not mean every problem disappears, or every need is automatically met. It means technology could create more useful knowledge, products, services and opportunities. If AI makes certain work easier, more people could benefit. If robots improve particular tasks, production could become more efficient. If machines take on routine work, people could have more space for creativity, curiosity and imagination. An even broader possibility emerges when AI and robotics come together. AI can help robots understand their surroundings, plan actions and learn. Robots can turn digital intelligence into physical action. Better machines can support production and open new possibilities. Each improvement can become the foundation for another. A positive cycle can emerge: better tools create possibilities, and new possibilities inspire better tools. Over time, this could accelerate discovery and widen access to these technologies. Institutions are studying this change. The OECD has examined how AI may affect productivity, skills and employment. The International Labour Organisation has studied how generative AI could change different kinds of work and reshape the tasks people perform. The World Economic Forum has examined how technology is changing work and skills. The next chapter is about what people can do with capable machines. The changing world of work is shaped by both technology and human adaptation. Some tasks may change, some may become automated, and new forms of work may emerge. A researcher may use AI to explore possibilities. An engineer may use intelligent software to develop and test designs. A teacher may use digital tools to support learning. A worker may use a robot to assist with repetitive tasks. The important question is not only what machines can do, but what new possibilities people can create with them. Education remains an important part of adapting to technological change. As machines become better at finding and processing information, acquiring knowledge can involve more than memorising facts. Knowledge, sound judgement, creativity, communication, teamwork and problem-solving will continue to matter. People may also need to develop new skills as technology advances and new areas of knowledge emerge. A strong educational foundation can help people build the understanding and abilities needed to participate purposefully in an evolving technological landscape. India is building capabilities in this field. Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs have been established across academic institutions, working in areas including AI, robotics and smart machines. IISc Bengaluru, IIT Hyderabad and IIT Delhi are involved in work related to robotics, navigation and machines that can work with people. India is advancing AI research, skills and innovation. These efforts are creating a foundation for intelligent technologies. The greatest possibility may not be a smarter robot or a more powerful AI system. It is time, one of the few resources that cannot be manufactured, stored or recovered. By handling routine and physically demanding tasks, these technologies could give people more room for family, creativity, research, art, learning and community. This is one dimension of abundance: greater access to knowledge, productive capacity, opportunity and time. As intelligent systems advance, they could accelerate discovery, improve precision and help address challenges that once demanded far more human effort. Machines may increasingly do more with less, expanding the possibilities for human activity. The real measure of progress may not be how closely machines imitate human abilities, but how effectively people can use technology to expand what is possible. If intelligent systems contribute to knowledge, productivity, creativity and greater flexibility in daily life, they could open new possibilities in everyday life. That is the defining promise of an age of amazing abundance: more knowledge, greater capability, wider opportunity and more room for human possibility. (The author is a Columnist. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )
Demand for road widening in Kothrud to ease traffic snarls near MumbaiBengaluru highway link
CEOs order ends six-hour dharna by CM DK Shivakumar over alleged voter deletion of eligible voters
State govt to order probe into MRPL blast: Khader
Fake currency racket busted: Seven held, 4.3k notes seized in Bengaluru
From Roja to Deewaana Deewaana: Why AR Rahmans music never gets old
Going back to our roots: Families are turning forgotten rituals into art
C-Camp selects 11 startups for climate solutions
EC assured action over false Form 7 applications: Shivakumar
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 1 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday night said the Election Commission had assured action against those who knowingly file false claims or objections in electoral forms, following complaints over the alleged bulk submission of Form 7 applications seeking the deletion of voters. Shivakumar, accompanied by members of his Cabinet and senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, met officials at the Election Commission office and submitted a detailed representation on the issue. He subsequently staged a protest. Addressing reporters later, Shivakumar alleged that thousands of Form 7 applications had been generated and distributed at the grassroots level, containing details such as EPIC numbers and voters' names. He alleged that attempts had been made to use these forms to delete eligible voters from the electoral rolls. We have found many cases. Many issues have come to my notice, Shivakumar alleged, claiming that leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] had been involved in fraud, illegal activities and a criminal conspiracy against eligible voters. He claimed that attempts to delete voters had been reported in several constituencies, with the number of applications in some places running into thousands. He also alleged that the exercise disproportionately targeted minorities, backward classes, Dalits and economically weaker sections. According to Shivakumar, several voters had already lodged complaints and FIRs in different districts after finding their names or voting rights affected. He also claimed that some political leaders had admitted to receiving Form 7 applications from senior party leaders. The Chief Minister said BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka had stated that around 25,000 forms had been distributed. Whether it is one, 10, 25,000 or 25 lakh, the investigation will take its own course. Where were these forms printed? How were they printed? Who distributed them? he asked. Shivakumar said the Election Commission had subsequently directed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) not to approve Form 7 applications except in cases involving death or duplicate entries. For deletion on account of death, uploading a death certificate is now compulsory. At the same time, in cases of duplicate entries, the second EPIC number must be mentioned in the BLO remarks, he said. The Chief Minister also said the Election Commission had assured him it would take action against applicants who knowingly make false statements or declarations in Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8. According to the communication cited by Shivakumar, EROs have been directed to take action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, against applicants who knowingly make false statements or declarations. Such action, it said, would be preceded by an inquiry under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Shivakumar said he had cancelled a Cabinet meeting and remained at the Election Commission office while seeking action on the complaints. It is my bound duty as Chief Minister to protect the votes of the citizens of the state. It is my bound duty to protect every section of the people, he said. He added that the police would investigate the FIRs already registered and that the government would not interfere in the process. The law will take its own course. It is my bound duty to protect every voter, Shivakumar said.
Student union polls: Universities direct colleges to begin process in Karnataka
Ranya Rao & the gold of Arabia: Inside customs hunt through glitter, cash & clues
Mobile phone, sim cards and cash found again in Bengaluru Central Prison
CMO push moves long-pending Doddamara Road upgrade; PWD seeks Rs 7.6cr
BDA open-house sessions are a great hit, say citizens
Mentally ill man booked for remarks against Kannada, religion
Karnataka Cricket Teams In New Jersey For 2026-27 Season
The partnership was formally announced at a ceremony at M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru: Reports
Co-accuseds plea bargain wont affect others defence: HC
KSRTC announces dasara package tours from Mangaluru
Emergency first responders on two wheelers launched
When an emergency call is received on the helpline (080-22221111), the emergency room doctor and command centre assess the situation and dispatch the nearest bike ambulance along with a regular ambulance
Shivakumar moves to put lid on Urdu festival row
40 more taluks declared drought-hit, total rises to 217
BJP, JD(S) behind plot to strike off 50 lakh from rolls: Shivakumar
Monsoons late surge cuts Karnatakas daily power demand by 25%
Man follows woman home, robs mangalsutra
10 years on, Karnataka transport department set to rewrite taxi aggregator rules
BTS craze: 13-year-old girl runs away from home to meet K-Pop band, found at Metro station
Jamshedpur scam prompts ComedK to tighten exam security
Drug peddler held in Bengaluru; MDMA, ganja seized
Bengaluru student stabbed to death after clash
The deceased has been identified as Yogesh, son of Papanna, a resident of Nagadevanahalli; he was studying at Mahesh PU College in Nagarbhavi
BMTC steps in to support KSRTC, to run 150 additional outstation buses on October 1
According to an order issued by BMTC on Wednesday, the additional services will be operated from Kempegowda Bus Station and Mysuru Road Bus Station to cater to passengers travelling from Bengaluru to various parts of Karnataka.
Seven held in Bengaluru for printing and circulating fake 500 notes worth 21.68 lakh
41.5-crore housing complex for 128 Bengaluru police constables inaugurated
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: Herbalife India has released a new episode of its flagship podcast, Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, hosted by Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India. The episode features Paralympic medallist, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr Deepa Malik in a candid conversation on resilience, adaptability, self-belief and the ability to rebuild when life changes unexpectedly.
Tulu Sahitya Academy awards to be presented on October 4 in Bengaluru
Tulu Sahitya Academy awards to be presented on October 4 in Bengaluru
A Bengaluru apartment hunt has sparked a debate after a Reddit user described a 2BHK near their office priced at around Rs 70,000 a month, with a Rs 3-4 lakh deposit and a proposed 7-8% annual rent hike. The tenant said the flat had tiny bedrooms and limited furnishings, offered Rs 65,000 instead and walked away after the owner refused.
Karnataka CM stages sit-in outside CEO
Bengaluru, Oct 1 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, along with his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, staged a sit-in outside Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumars office on Thursday, demanding an FIR over alleged electoral fraud during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls. The CM said he would not leave the place until an inquiry was ordered and an FIR registered. Shivakumar held a meeting with Anbukkumar for about two-and-a-half hours before announcing the sit-in demonstration. I will remain here until I get the satisfaction that, under the law, I can protect the people through our fight, Shivakumar told reporters.
No Urdu Day event allowed on Vidhana Soudha steps: Ktaka CMO
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 1 (IANS) Following the backlash over the proposed celebration of an Urdu festival to mark Urdu Day on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka Chief Ministers Office (CMO) on Thursday clarified that no non-government programme, including the proposed Urdu Day celebration, has been permitted on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha. In a statement, the CMO said there was no scope to hold any non-government programme on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha. It is completely false to project in some sections of the media that a private programme is being held on the steps of Vidhana Soudha. The government has not permitted for any such programme, the CMO said. The clarification comes amid a political controversy over reports that the state government planned to organise an Urdu Day celebration, or Urdu Habba, on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha on November 9. The reported proposal had drawn strong objections from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with party leaders questioning the choice of Vidhana Soudha as the venue for an Urdu-language celebration. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra had accused the Congress government of indulging in divisive politics to appease minorities. He questioned why Kannada, the states official language, should not be given prominence at the venue. Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Waqf and Minority Affairs U.T. Khader had earlier said the government would discuss whether to hold the programme and was ready to make adjustments based on opinions received. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara had said the matter had not come to his notice and that he did not have information about the programme. The CMOs clarification now makes it clear that the government has not granted permission for any non-government programme to be held on the Vidhana Soudha steps. The statement also seeks to counter reports portraying the proposed celebration as a private event being organised at the historic government building. Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Waqf and Minority Affairs, U.T. Khader, stated that the government would seek opinions and was ready to make adjustments. Minister Khader had earlier announced that the government would organise the first-ever Urdu Habba (Urdu Festival) on November 9, 2026, to mark Urdu Day. The event is intended to showcase the Urdu language, literature, heritage, books, cuisine and diverse art forms to people across communities. The decision has drawn criticism from the BJP, which questioned the choice of Vidhana Soudha, regarded as a symbol of Karnatakas Kannada identity, as the venue for the celebration. Critics also questioned why Kannada language and literature had not been given a similarly prominent platform.
Centre 'examining' flydubai incident, may tweak safety norms; full-body scanners being tested
India's aviation security authority is currently conducting trials of full-body scanners at Bengaluru and Cochin airports to collect critical data. These scanners are being adapted to reflect common Indian customs regarding jewelry and attire. Results from these trials will inform whether they are implemented across eight specified airports. Furthermore, Indian officials are assessing a recent incident involving a Flydubai pilot injury, with potential security advisories to follow internal consultations.
Karnataka CM stages sit-in against CEO, claims
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, along with his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, staged a sit-in outside Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V Anbukkumars office on Thursday, October 1, demanding a first information report (FIR) over electoral fraud during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Shivakumar also put Cabinet meeting on hold to 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 .
WPL 2027: Klinger Counts On Scouting And Camps To Navigate Auction Preparation
Renuka Singh Thakur: Gujarat Giants (GG) head coach Michael Klinger is placing his faith in intensive off-season camps and a broad scouting network to build squad depth in the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) mini-auction to be held in Kochi on October 28. Unlike previous editions in which the players' auction took place after the women's domestic season began, this year's WPL auction happens just two days after the start of the 2026/27 Indian womens domestic season on October 26. GG, who have made it to the Eliminator twice in the last two WPL seasons, retained 15 players and have to fill only three spots, one of which is for an overseas player, with a purse of Rs 1.25 crore. Obviously, last domestic season, we were following really closely. You see a lot of players in the WPL, and a few quality players have been released. We're currently having a camp now actually in Bengaluru with our local contracted players, and also some invited players to scout, not only for this auction, but potentially for the next couple of auctions over the next year or two as well, with a mega-auction coming in the following year, Klinger told IANS in a virtual interaction organised by the franchise on Thursday. So we've only got either two or three picks in terms of local players in the auction. We're pretty confident with what we've got in options in the starting eleven, so probably looking to build some depth in the squad and we have a luxury, I think, of having most skill sets covered, he said. With a majority of the core retained, GG are targeting specific backup roles, particularly in fast bowling and batting. So it's going to be areas, I think, that we can add depth - that could be fast bowling. It could be an extra spare batter, if we feel like that as well. So we're doing some scouting at the moment to work out what we're going to go with at the end of October, added Klinger. This is the off-season time in the WPL, and GG have been quick in getting camps up and running, as well as have a close eye on performances of domestic stars like Yastika Bhatia and Anushka Sharma, who are currently with the India A team. We keep tabs on all our players. We watch them really carefully in domestic cricket. This year probably is a little bit different because in previous years, the player auction has been sort of a month or even more after the start of the domestic season, he said. This year, it's only two days after. So we're probably not going to get, I suppose, the feedback from good performances from players in domestic cricket, both ours and also potential buyers in the auction. But we've held two camps just in the last six weeks. We held one about six weeks ago with all our local players and a few invited players that we're sort of looking to scout potentially for whether it's this auction or auctions in the future. I'm in Bengaluru as we speak, holding a camp now with all our retained players, plus a couple we released and who we invited to come to the camp to make sure that we keep an eye on them either potentially for this auction coming up or the mega auction next year, added Klinger. He also credited team management with investing heavily in year-round player monitoring. Our management have been fantastic in investing in these sorts of training camps to keep tabs on our own players. We've got our physios and strength and conditioning coaches here to see how they're all traveling physically as well. But also just to see what else is out there and keep an eye on it. We've got a great scouting program where we have people going to watch all the domestic competitions and that information getting fed back to me is extremely helpful coming into an auction. Klinger also provided an encouraging progress report on fast bowler Kashvee Gautam, who has been out of action since the T20I tour of South Africa due to a knee injury and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Her recovery is going well. She's at the CoE at the moment here in Bengaluru, so she's unable to train with us because obviously she's under the BCCIs guidance. But her return to play is likely to be sometime in October. She's actually been bowling multiple overs regularly. So I think its six plus overs at the moment per session. But I think India are trying to get her to build up her loads to be able to play 50-over cricket as well, and she's doing that at the moment. So its going well - she's batting well in the nets. I feel probably more middle to late October, when they give her the green light to play. I know there's an India A series versus an England A series at the end of this month (December), which she's targeting. So hopefully everything keeps going in the right way, and she's back for that, and that'll give her a good six weeks of competitive cricket before WPL. Then obviously, hopefully she can break into that Champions Trophy team with some good cricket coming into that as well, he revealed. Beyond the auction, the inclusion of a fully fit Yastika gives GG further tactical freedom to tweak their overseas combination. Bhatia was picked up by Gujarat in the previous auction despite being ruled out of the season due to left ACL surgery, and her return will bolster the top order. You've got Yastika now, who I thought was a really good buy for us in the last auction, even knowing she wasn't going to be available this year. That really strengthens our squad and our starting 11 this year. So it gives us options with our overseas players as well. We could go with the same four with multiple all-rounders, or we could go with an out-and-out fast bowler. Part of my role, I feel, as a franchise coach is two things: one is to win a trophy, and the second one is to help develop local players to play for their country. So we'll be doing everything we can during the WPL to help players like Yastika, Anushka (Sharma), and Renuka (Singh Thakur) as well... to get back into that Indian starting eleven. Addressing squad departures, Klinger explained that fast bowler Titas Sadhu, who was released after not playing WPL 2026 due to a hand injury, is in attendance at GG's off-season camp. There's no reason we may not look to get her back, but it will also give us a chance to look at some other options as well, he said. On releasing Danni Wyatt-Hodge due to schedule overlaps with national duties, Klinger added, I'm not sure if she's going to enter the auction or not, but she was quite keen to play that series for England around that same time as well. So probably for both parties, it was the best way to go. Reflecting on the broader evolution of domestic talent in WPL, Klinger highlighted noticeable athletic and physical improvements among Indian fast bowlers since coming on board, especially with GG having options in Kashvee, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, and Renuka Singh Thakur. I feel we've got some really good Indian bowlers within our ranks. Overall, domestically, I think that's probably the area in Indian cricket where they can keep building that depth. There's certainly been a big change from when I sort of started in this role a few years ago, where I feel that, seeing the fast bowling around the country, they're physically better. You look at them and watch them bowl, and in the field, they're physically fitter. They're more versatile, they can move better, they're more agile. So I think that's definitely been a difference that I've seen from when I first started, and that's only going to help them be able to maintain their pace and aggression for longer periods of time without injury. I feel we've got some really good Indian bowlers within our ranks. Overall, domestically, I think that's probably the area in Indian cricket where they can keep building that depth. There's certainly been a big change from when I sort of started in this role a few years ago, where I feel that, seeing the fast bowling around the country, they're physically better. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Karnataka CM meets CEO, seek action over alleged bid to delete voters through pre-filled Form 7
Karnataka CM meets CEO, seek action over alleged bid to delete voters through pre-filled Form 7 Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, and his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday submitted a representation to State Chief Electoral Officer Anbukumar, urging him to register a case against those allegedly involved in a conspiracy to delete genuine voters belonging [] The post Karnataka CM meets CEO, seek action over alleged bid to delete voters through pre-filled Form 7 appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Bengaluru witnessesdriestmonsoon in decades
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, between June 1 and September 30, the Bengaluru city station recorded 313 mm rainfall with a departure of -236 mm.
Re-route weekend special between Bengaluru and Madgaon via Mangaluru, MLC tells Railways
P.V. Mohan also seeks a comprehensive review of railway timetable and services serving Mangaluru region
Re-route weekend special between Bengaluru and Madgaon via Mangaluru, MLC tells Railways
P.V. Mohan also seeks a comprehensive review of railway timetable and services serving Mangaluru region
ACKO launches three products across motor, health and travel
Digital insurer ACKO has rolled out three innovative offerings designed for motor insurance, healthcare, and travel needs. The DriveCam is a cutting-edge dashcam that captures driving footage, boosting safety and providing critical evidence. ACKO Clinic enables Bengaluru residents to access healthcare services, including doctor consultations and health check-ups. Meanwhile, AirPass is a travel subscription service that assists domestic flyers in handling delays and cancellations, aiming to proactively engage customers.
Urdu festival at Vidhana Soudha creates controversy, CMO clarifies
Bengaluru: The Karnataka governments proposal to hold an Urdu festival at the Grand Steps of Vidhana Soudha has triggered controversy, prompting the Chief Ministers Office to issue a clarification saying that no such permission has been granted. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) president Narayana Gowda had earlier questioned the decision and warning that the programme could 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 .
'Rs 12 lakh salary feels like Rs 4 lakh': Bengaluru professional's viral take on city's rising costs
Bengaluru may be known as India's Silicon Valley, with a large population of IT professionals and high-paying jobs, but the city's rising cost of living is becoming a growing concern for young professionals. A recent...
Massive markup on high-cost drugs: Raids to continue, Karnataka writes to Centre
The next phase of raids will focus on antiretroviral drugs, higher-generation and critical antibiotics, medical devices, and hospital consumables with significant financial implications for patients
Full Body Scanners Under Trial For Indian Airports
Aviation security watchdog BCAS is conducting trials of full body scanners at Bengaluru and Cochin airports. The trials aim to collect data to refine algorithms, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring the technology is suitable for Indian passengers before wider deployment across airports.
CM stages dharna at CEOs office, demands criminal case over alleged voter deletions through Form 7 Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday staged a dharna at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Bengaluru, demanding the registration of a criminal case and a probe into an alleged conspiracy to delete the [] The post CM stages dharna at CEOs office, demands criminal case over alleged voter deletions through Form 7 appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
SatLeo Labs on TAPAS-1 mission, Series A and satellite manufacturing plans
SatLeo Labs is set to launch TAPAS-1, its first thermal-imaging payload, aboard SpaceXs Falcon 9 Transporter-18 mission via Dhruva Spaces LEAP-2 platform on October 1, 2026. The mission is intended to validate the Bengaluru-based startups thermal-sensing technology, which captures temperature patterns across the Earths surface and can support applications such as crop-stress monitoring, urban heat mapping and forest-fire detection. On the sidelines of the launch, Dataquest spoke to Urmil Bakhai, Chief Strategy Officer at SatLeo Labs , where he excusively talked about the companys commercial plans, letters of intent worth more than US$50 million, a planned Series A fundraise, and a proposed satellite manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad. The company is also working towards a larger satellite constellation through its planned TAPAS-2 and PYRO missions. What distinguishes TAPAS-1 from existing government satellites with infrared imaging capabilities, and what is the mission expected to demonstrate? India, through ISRO, already has thermal sensing capabilities on some satellite missions, primarily for climate monitoring and government applications. TAPAS-1 is different because it is a commercial technology demonstrator for our broader thermal intelligence platform. It will help us validate our sensor capabilities and data-processing pipeline in orbit. Our flagship mission, PYRO, is planned to combine medium-wave infrared (MWIR), long-wave infrared (LWIR) and optical sensors to generate an opto-thermo-fused dataset.TAPAS-1 carries a relatively small payload weighing approximately 1.5 kg, while PYRO is planned as a microsatellite in the 150 kg class. The TAPAS-1 mission is the first step towards building a commercially accessible thermal intelligence platform for applications including agriculture, forest fire monitoring and urban heat mapping. What can thermal imagery reveal that conventional optical satellite imagery cannot, and what are the key specifications of TAPAS-1 and the planned PYRO mission? Optical imagery shows what is present on the Earth's surface, while thermal imagery adds information about how the surface behaves. For instance, optical imagery can identify buildings, roads and industrial facilities, whereas thermal data can help identify heat patterns across urban areas and changes in the thermal profile of infrastructure.Thermal sensing also works at night because it measures emitted infrared radiation rather than relying on reflected sunlight. TAPAS-1 has a native spatial resolution of approximately 60 metres, and our immediate focus is on validating the sensor and data quality. PYRO is being designed for sub-10-metre resolution, with super-resolution algorithms potentially enabling outputs at around five metres. Our target temperature accuracy is approximately one Kelvin. Who are SatLeos prospective customers, and how does the company plan to commercialise its thermal intelligence data? We have received letters of intent worth more than US $50 million from partners across different regions, including India, Italy and other Western markets. These include agricultural and downstream companies, as well as data aggregators such as Australia's ArthiSpace and Space Button 2, a Middle Eastern space intelligence company. These letters of intent are generally non-binding and represent prospective business rather than confirmed revenue or signed commercial contracts. We have also conducted pilot projects to validate our data insights platform. Rather than simply selling raw satellite images, we want to provide actionable information. Customers will be able to select their area of interest and purchase processed insights through our platform.For agricultural customers, for example, these could include drought monitoring, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) alerts, vegetation health indicators, water stress levels and crop stress information at the farm level. What were the Ahmedabad and Tumakuru municipal corporation projects focused on, and how was thermal intelligence used in each case? In Ahmedabad, we conducted a pilot with the municipal corporation during peak summer. We combined publicly available datasets with ground-validated information from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and drones. We provided ward-wise temperature information and a predictive model covering the following three days. For the Ahmedabad pilot, we used open-source satellite data and applied super-resolution algorithms to generate ward-level temperature information at a 30-metre 30-metre resolution. Drone imagery and data from some Internet of Things (IoT) devices were also used to support and improve the super-resolution process. The reported temperature forecast performance of 2C to 3C refers to the comparison between forecasts and actual temperatures, which were checked through ground-truth measurements. Citizens could scan a QR code to identify heat-prone areas. The corporation could then prioritise interventions, including drinking water points, shade and the distribution of medicines in the most heat-vulnerable wards. In Tumakuru, we monitored the solid waste dump and landfill area using drones equipped with thermal cameras alongside satellite data. We developed an analytics platform that allowed the municipal corporation to monitor conditions across the landfill and identify areas requiring attention.The company said methane leakage was directly measured using thermal data, with algorithms used to analyse temperature variations and identify relevant patterns. A single satellite has limitations in coverage and revisit frequency. What is your constellation plan, and when do you expect to deploy the next missions? We plan to deploy 1215 PYRO satellites over the next three to four years, alongside four to five TAPAS satellites. Our aim is to cover the global land surface twice a day once the constellation is operational.TAPAS-1 alone will not provide that frequency of coverage. As we add more satellites, we expect to improve temporal resolution and revisit locations more frequently.TAPAS-2 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, around April or May. For PYRO, we are targeting late 2027, depending on launch availability, or early 2028 at the latest. How are you using AI and machine learning to convert satellite data into actionable insights, and what capabilities are planned for future missions? We use proprietary and open-source algorithms to process sensor data, correct alignment and radiometric and geometric errors, clean up the data, and convert it into useful information for customers. From TAPAS-2 onwards, we plan to introduce edge computing, allowing the satellite to process data onboard and transmit only relevant information. For example, in forest fire monitoring, the satellite could identify when certain thresholds are crossed and transmit an alert rather than the entire dataset.We plan to incorporate an AI chip onboard TAPAS-2 to support this capability. TAPAS-1 will use machine learning at the platform level, rather than onboard processing. How is SatLeo funding its expansion, and when do you expect the missions to begin contributing more significantly to revenue? We have raised a total of US $6.7 million across three funding rounds. Our first round was US $3.3 million in pre-seed funding, followed by a US $2.2 million seed round and US $1.2 million in pre-Series A funding. This capital is intended to support TAPAS-1, TAPAS-2 and PYRO. Following the TAPAS-1 launch, we plan to raise a Series A round to support the constellation and our proposed satellite manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad. We currently generate a small amount of revenue from pilot projects, and our focus is on converting these into larger engagements. TAPAS-1 itself is not expected to contribute significantly to revenue; TAPAS-2 is where we expect a more direct link to revenue generation. Initially, we expect a larger share of our business to come from government customers. Defence is a key area of interest, although some discussions remain ongoing. Beyond the launches, what are your priorities over the next 12 to 24 months? We plan to establish partnerships with downstream companies across different regions and expand the reach of our data and analytics offerings. We are also planning to establish our own satellite manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad.Our focus will be on expanding our go-to-market operations, particularly in international markets, and building a stronger sales presence outside India.TAPAS-1 is an important milestone for us. The team has developed the payload in approximately six to eight months, and we are proud of the work that has gone into the mission.
Renaissance Solar to invest Rs 5,000 crore in Karnataka
Renaissance Solar and Electronic Materials has announced plans to invest Rs 5,000 crore in Karnataka. The company aims to establish a 5 GW solar ingot and wafer manufacturing facility by mid-2028. This facility will be located in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor in Tumakuru. RSOLEC has requested 100 acres of land, along with 80 MW of power and 10 million litres per day of water.
Conspiracy to delete around 50 lakh more voters from Karnataka rolls by BJP, JD(S): CM Shivakumar
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 1 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Thursday alleged that BJP and Janata Dal (S) leaders and workers were involved in a criminal conspiracy to delete around 50 lakh eligible voters from the electoral rolls through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He demanded that the Election Commission register cases against those allegedly attempting to exclude eligible voters belonging to minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections from the electoral rolls using pre-filled Form 7 applications. CM Shivakumar claimed that 1.07 crore voter names had already been excluded during the SIR process in Karnataka and that notices had been issued to 45 lakh voters. Despite this, he alleged, an attempt was now underway to delete another 50 lakh voters from the rolls. Addressing a press conference at his home office Krishna, CM Shivakumar alleged that BJP and Janata Dal (S) workers had submitted Form 7 applications containing pre-filled voter details to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in several Assembly constituencies with the intention of getting voters names deleted. This is a criminal conspiracy and a systematic attempt to create communal hatred and disturb communal harmony, he alleged. CM Shivakumar claimed that more than 1,600 such applications had been submitted in Babaleshwar, while 14,000 applications were submitted in Vijayapura and 3,244 in Bhalki. He said similar attempts had been detected in Bhalki, Narasimharajapura, Belagavi and several other constituencies. According to the Chief Minister, attempts had also been made in some constituencies to delete 5,000 to 10,000 voters. Members of a civil society group led by actor Prakash Raj had visited polling stations and collected information, he said. Official BJP workers have submitted hundreds of such Form 7 applications in their own names. In some places, BJP workers have admitted their mistakes, CM Shivakumar said. He questioned where the forms containing pre-filled information were being printed and who was behind the alleged exercise. He urged the Election Commission to identify everyone involved and initiate strict legal action. He urged the State Election Commission to immediately register FIRs, conduct a comprehensive investigation and take legal action against those responsible. Our government is committed to protecting the voting rights of every citizen of the state, he said, adding that the police would register cases and investigate the alleged conspiracy. CM Shivakumar said he would lead a delegation of ministers to the State Election Commission office to submit a memorandum seeking immediate action. He warned that ministers would stage a sit-in at the office until the Commission took appropriate action. Alleging that the BJP and Janata Dal (S) were resorting to such tactics because they could not win elections, CM Shivakumar said Karnataka would not allow such activities. He also reiterated his demand for the cancellation of the SIR, describing the exercise as a major fraud. He questioned how such activities could take place without the knowledge of the Chief Electoral Officer. CM Shivakumar said the state government had extended full cooperation to the Election Commission since the SIR began and had appointed 54,000 BLA-2 representatives. He urged the authorities to protect every eligible voters right to vote, arrest those involved in the alleged exercise and initiate criminal proceedings against anyone found to have exerted pressure on BLOs.
Karnataka Deputy CM urges Centre to expedite drought relief
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara has sought immediate central assistance for drought-affected areas, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to speed up the relief process. In separate letters, Parameshwara said the worsening drought had severely affected farmers and rural livelihoods and called for close 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 .
