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ET Family Business Dialogues: Freedom, family roots & patient capital are shaping Indias next-gen entrepreneurs

Second-generation entrepreneurs are increasingly using the experience, support and capital available within family businesses to pursue independent interests and build new ventures, business leaders said at The Economic Times Family Business Dialogue in Bengaluru.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 12:22 am

Landlord, 60, sexually harasses student at flat in Bengaluru

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 11:24 pm

HC orders CID probe into IndusInd Bank fake gold loan case

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 11:23 pm

Augmont raises Rs 246 cr from anchors ahead of IPO

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 11:13 pm

Manipal Hospitals Q1 revenue up 38%, profit falls 4%

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 11:13 pm

Udupi bizmans 800km padayatra to Tirupati enters 16th year

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 10:55 pm

IIM graduate from Bengaluru shares peak Bengaluru moment: I want to ask flatmate to pay my rent

Bengaluru is a city of not just opportunities and startups but surprises too. Recently, a LinkedIn member shared a funny incident on how she discovered that her flatmate was actually a pretty successful founder with a thriving business valued at multiple crores. She commented that this was a peak Bengaluru moment.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 10:48 pm

Post-monsoon session cabinet rejig could seal Nagendras fate

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 10:33 pm

Only two districts have received normal southwest monsoon in Karnataka

South interior Karnataka has received a deficit of -40%, with the coastal districts at -24%, north interior Karnataka at -20 to 30% and Bengaluru city at -50%

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 10:11 pm

The Standard expands India GCC, targets nearly 400 employees by year-end

The Standards India GCC operations were established in November 2025, while the Bengaluru office was inaugurated in April 2026

The Hindu Businessline 20 Aug 2026 9:48 pm

Video: Bengaluru Rider Almost Run Over By Tanker After Bike Hits Pothole

As he lost control, a tanker approaching from behind appeared to fail to notice the rider and subsequently ran over the motorcycle.

NDTV 20 Aug 2026 9:23 pm

Shaurya Bhattacharya Maintains Two-Shot Lead at Kolar Open 2026

Bengaluru, August 20: Shaurya Bhattacharya has successfully retained his two-shot lead after the third round of the Kolar Open 2026, held at the Zion Hills Golf County in the outskirts of Bengaluru. The tournament features a prize pool of 1 crore. Starting the day with a three-stroke advantage, the 23-year-old golfer from Delhi scored one-under ... Read more Shaurya Bhattacharya Maintains Two-Shot Lead at Kolar Open 2026

Morningstar 20 Aug 2026 9:20 pm

Akhil Joyans mortal remains to reach Kasaragod on August 24

The body will be transported by road from Ukraine to Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, and from there flown to Mangaluru via Istanbul by Turkish Airlines. The remains are scheduled to reach Bengaluru on August 23. They will then be transported by ambulance to Akhils home at Vellarikundu in Kasaragod on August 24.

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 8:58 pm

XPLANE: Should every fever result in a swine flu test? A woman's death sparked nationwide uproar.

Swine Flu Advisory: The death of a woman in Indore is a warning. 1,344 cases in Delhi, 500 sick at a school in Bengaluru, and advisories in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh are signs that swine flu is spreading rapidly.Why is there turmoil across the country?On Wednesday evening, August...

Kalam Times 20 Aug 2026 8:47 pm

Kolar Open 2026: Shaurya Bhattacharya holds two-shot lead

Kolar (Karnataka), Aug 20 (IANS) Shaurya Bhattacharya shot a one-under 71 to retain a two-shot lead after the third round of the second edition of the INR 1 crore Kolar Open at the ZION Hills Golf County on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Thursday. The 23-year-old Delhi golfer, who began the day three strokes clear, []

bhaskarlive 20 Aug 2026 8:32 pm

No IIT. Bengaluru Gen Z techie who earned Rs 18 lakh per month at just 17 from AI, shares his secret: Dont focus on deep learning but

He taught himself the basics of AI when he was just 13. Before he hit 19, he built a business which was earning him over Rs 1 crore a month. And whats most astounding is that Ayush Singh achieved all of this without even a formal tech degree.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 8:08 pm

Hariprasad challenges BJP to sing national anthem at RSS shakhas

Bengaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad stepped up his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) amid the ongoing political debate over Vande Mataram on Thursday, August 20, challenging the Hindutva leaders to sing the national anthem at shakhas instead of the organisations traditional prayer. Welcoming the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 20 Aug 2026 7:48 pm

Bengaluru: IPS officer C. Vamshikrishna to head SIT in spurious drugs case

Officials had seized medicines worth 4.91 crore from an unlicenced repacking facility at a farmhouse near Bidadi

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 7:48 pm

U20 India Draws Yemen In Friendly

The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

Rediff 20 Aug 2026 7:44 pm

Karnataka to build 1,582 toilets in 1,250 govt schools: Minister Madhu Bangarappa

Karnataka to build 1,582 toilets in 1,250 govt schools: Minister Madhu Bangarappa Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to construct 1,582 toilets in 1,250 government schools across the state during 2025-26 under the State Sector Scheme, School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The minister was responding to a [] The post Karnataka to build 1,582 toilets in 1,250 govt schools: Minister Madhu Bangarappa appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 20 Aug 2026 7:35 pm

NISM, SEBI Bring National Financial Literacy Quiz to Young Minds in Bengaluru

Strengthens awareness of financial markets and responsible investing.

Deccan Chronicle 20 Aug 2026 7:33 pm

Dubai Chambers signs two MoUs in Bengaluru to boost agentic AI, India ties

The agreements were signed with the National Association of Software and Service Companies and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry

The Hindu Businessline 20 Aug 2026 7:32 pm

USFDA clears Strides manufacturing unit in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru facility is Strides flagship manufacturing site and caters to regulated and other international markets

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 7:23 pm

GBAsFreedom from Waste campaign: Will it be enough to keep Bengalurus 1,616 blackspots from reappearing?

Each blackspot represents the larger interaction between collection efficiency, waste processing capacity, enforcement, and institutional coordination. Thus, clearing these blackspots may remove the symptom, only for it to reappear within a short time.

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 7:09 pm

GBAsFreedom from Waste campaign: Will it be enough to keep Bengalurus 1,616 blackspots from reappearing?

Each blackspot represents the larger interaction between collection efficiency, waste processing capacity, enforcement, and institutional coordination. Thus, clearing these blackspots may remove the symptom, only for it to reappear within a short time.

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 7:09 pm

Viral video involving woman cop sparks controversy, plaint filed

Bengaluru: A video allegedly showing a woman police officer interacting with a jailed inmate through a WhatsApp video call has triggered controversy after it surfaced on social media. The officer has now approached the Cubbon Park police, alleging that the video was recorded and circulated by two history-sheeters. According to the complaint filed on Thursday, 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 .

The Siasat Daily 20 Aug 2026 7:06 pm

Dubai Chambers Signs Two MoUs in Bengaluru to Advance Agentic AI Collaboration and Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties With India

7,579 new Indian companies joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2026

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 5:56 pm

Bengaluru BBA student works as app-based bike taxi driver for 3 months, shares what he earned and learned about gig economy

A Bengaluru BBA student spent three months working as a Rapido captain during his college vacation to understand the gig economy from a worker's perspective. He said he earned up to Rs 1,200 on a good day and turned to food deliveries during slow periods. His earnings reached Rs 16,660 in June, while the experience exposed him to fuel costs, waiting time and platform pressures.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 5:35 pm

Bengaluru AI Hiring Week: Encore 26, Top Roles, and Essential On-Ground Prep for 2026

Unlock career opportunities during Bengaluru

CareerIndia 20 Aug 2026 5:24 pm

AI Hiring Boom in Bengaluru: How to Secure Your Spot at the August 22 Conference

Ready to land a high-paying AI role? Discover essential tips for the AI Career Conference in Bengaluru on August 22, 2026. Learn how to showcase your GenAI and MLOps skills to recruiters and avoid common hiring scams at the event.

CareerIndia 20 Aug 2026 5:24 pm

HMT watches clock 35 lakh sale in one day: How Jawaharlal Nehru's 1953 PSU became India's 'Timekeepers to the Nation' before Titan

HMT watches clocked 35 lakh in sales in a single day in Bengaluru on Independence Day, highlighting the enduring popularity of a brand that began as a machine-tool maker in 1953. HMT entered watchmaking in 1961 with Japan's Citizen Watch Co. and went on to become one of India's most recognisable watch brands before Titan emerged as a major player.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 4:22 pm

How Sainath Ganuwads self-funded Marathi short brings rebellion in the classroom

Zadavar Korleli Gosht (A Story Carved on a Tree) recently won the Best Film award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival. The filmmaker, Sainath Ganuwad, discusses infusing political ideas in the film, and the conversation that it sparked at the festival.

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 4:22 pm

Celebrate Kerala's much loved harvest festival Onam with Onasadhya By Kappa Chakka Kandhari on august 25-26, 2026, in Chennai & Bengaluru

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) / Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 20: Celebrate the homecoming of Kerala's legendary mythical King Mahabali with fervour and feasting this year. No Onam festivity is complete without the traditional Onasadhya and this harvest season, award-winning Kerala speciality restaurant Kappa Chakka Kandhari (Chennai & Bengaluru), brings you a sumptuous traditional Onasadhya. The specially curated Onasadhya for dine-in comprises twenty-five traditional vegetarian dishes prepared by cooks from Kerala, is on offer by Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Chennai and Bengaluru, on August 25 and 26, 2026, for lunch only. In addition, there is the Onasadhya Box comprising the complete meal for 5-6 persons and a selection of traditional Onam Special Payasams for take-away on August 25 and August 26, 2026, to enjoy the much-loved festival with friends and family at home. Make your reservations for Onasadhya in advance or book our special take-away offerings, exclusively through our

Business Standard 20 Aug 2026 4:00 pm

Karnataka Health Minister Urges Public to Report Fake Medicines with Reward Scheme

Bengaluru, August 20: Karnatakas Health Minister U.T. Khader has made a significant appeal to the public. He urged citizens to report any instances of counterfeit medicines being supplied or sold. According to the minister, individuals providing credible information about such activities could receive rewards ranging from 10,000 to 50,000. This initiative aims to expose the ... Read more Karnataka Health Minister Urges Public to Report Fake Medicines with Reward Scheme

Morningstar 20 Aug 2026 3:35 pm

Duleep Trophy final moved from Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to Chennai

The decision was taken by the BCCI to ensure that more spectators can watch the September 6-10 contest, while the preliminary matches will be played as scheduled at the CoE from August 23

Mid Day 20 Aug 2026 3:28 pm

Two killed as bus hits signboard in Karnatakas Mandya district

Two people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a luxury private bus travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru crashed into a roadside signboard on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway in Karnatakas Mandya district

Mid Day 20 Aug 2026 3:09 pm

Razorpay Launches Multi-Currency Account, Helping Exporters Retain International Earnings in Foreign Currencies

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 20: Razorpay, India's Omnichannel Payments Platform for Businesses, today announced the launch of the Multi-Currency EEFC Account, enabling exporters and international businesses to receive payment settlements directly into their Exchange Earners' Foreign Currency (EEFC) accounts in the original transaction currency.

Business Standard 20 Aug 2026 3:05 pm

Bengaluru Weather Today: IMD predicts rain for next 7 days; Check daily forecast, temperature and rain advisory

Bengaluru Weather Today: Bengaluru is expected to see generally cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle throughout the upcoming week. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 21C and 30C, while minimum temperatures are expected to stay between 21C and 22C. Light rain or drizzle is forecast across all seven days, with no significant weather warnings issued by the meteorological department.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 2:33 pm

Vande Mataram row: Karnataka Congress backs two-stanza decision; BJP criticises move

Bengaluru, Aug 20 (IANS) The Congress and BJP in Karnataka have clashed over the Congress Working Committees (CWC) decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, with Congress leaders welcoming the move and the BJP accusing the party of showing disrespect to the countrys culture and the national movement. Speaking to reporters []

bhaskarlive 20 Aug 2026 2:32 pm

BJP, JD(S) disrupt Karnataka Assembly for fourth day; Ashoka alleges govt misled House on Nagendra case

Bengaluru, Aug 20 (IANS) BJP and JD(S) members continued to disrupt proceedings in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra over the alleged Tribal Welfare Corporation case. The Opposition members raised slogans against the Karnataka government and demanded that Nagendra step []

bhaskarlive 20 Aug 2026 2:32 pm

Warner Music Group to open Bengaluru technology hub

Warner Music Group is opening a new technology hub in Bengaluru next month. This facility will support global engineering, data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Mahesh Rao is leading the expansion, focusing on core data and audience products. The company is investing in local leadership and modern technology stacks. Bengaluru will play a central role in WMG's global engineering strategy.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 1:29 pm

Duplicate keys, hi-tech tools used to steal luxury cars across states

Bengaluru: The city police have arrested two people, including a woman from another state, for allegedly stealing luxury cars from different parts of the country using duplicate keys and sophisticated equipment and selling them in Rajasthan. Police have recovered a Toyota Fortuner worth around Rs 35 lakh from Rajasthan based on information obtained during the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 20 Aug 2026 12:52 pm

Newlywed woman found dead in well; two arrested in Chitradurga

Chitradurga: Police have arrested two persons in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a newlywed woman whose body was found in a deserted well near Mahadevapura in Chitradurga district on Wednesday, August 19. The deceased, identified as Sumalatha, had gone missing from her house in Chikka Ullarthi village of Challakere taluk on August Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 20 Aug 2026 12:51 pm

From Classroom to Rapido Driver: A Bengaluru BBA Student's 3-Month Gig Economy Experiment

A second-year BBA student in Bengaluru spent his summer vacation logging into the Rapido captain app at 8 am and clocking off at 4.30 pm, six days a week, for three months. He wasn't broke, and he didn't need the money

Boldsky 20 Aug 2026 12:47 pm

Botticellis Madonna and Child comes to Bengaluru

The Renaissance painting is part of One Mother, Many Mother Tongues, a new exhibition, co-curated by Naman Ahuja and Andrea Anastasio, which explores how the visual motif of mother and child migrates across borders, changing identity according to region, religion, language, and culture

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 12:46 pm

Quick commerce babycare platform Peeko raises Rs 67.4 Cr in Series A led by Chiratae Ventures

Bengaluru-headquartered Peeko said it will utilise this funding for business expansion, technology development, and hiring.

Your Story 20 Aug 2026 12:35 pm

Gold Rate Today, Aug 20: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad

22, 24 carat Gold prices up across Indian cities on August 20

The Hindu Businessline 20 Aug 2026 12:23 pm

Tragic Road Accidents in Karnataka Claim Five Lives, Injure Over 23

Bengaluru, August 20: In Karnataka, two separate road accidents in the districts of Haveri and Mandya resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with over 23 others injured. In a different incident in Udupi district, a private bus caught fire near Brahmavar, but fortunately, seven passengers escaped unharmed. In Haveri district, a car ... Read more Tragic Road Accidents in Karnataka Claim Five Lives, Injure Over 23

Morningstar 20 Aug 2026 12:10 pm

Two Killed After Bus Hits Roadside Signboard in Karnataka

The bus, belonging to a private travels, was proceeding to Bengaluru from Mangaluru, when the accident occurred near a toll gate on the highway

Deccan Chronicle 20 Aug 2026 11:58 am

'Hafta Protest In Bengaluru: Men Take To Streets In Gunny Bags

Traders in Bengaluru staged a late-night gunny-bag protest against alleged 'hafta' collection in KR Puram, demanding police action. Led by Ele Srinivas, the protesters sought to meet the Police Commissioner but were detained by police.

NDTV 20 Aug 2026 11:28 am

KshatraLabs is building a drone that catches other drones

The Bengaluru-based company develops autonomous aerial interceptors designed to detect, track and bring down hostile unmanned aircraft, including swarms.

Your Story 20 Aug 2026 11:26 am

Strides Pharma Science shares jump 9% after USFDA EIR for Bengaluru facility

Strides Pharma Science shares rise sharply on Thursday after the USFDA issued an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) for its Bengaluru facility, concluding a recent cGMP inspection. The inspection ended with five observations, which the company addressed through corrective actions. The regulatory closure offers relief after the stocks recent weakness.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 11:09 am

World's Top Chess Stars Set For Action In Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, with Bengaluru set to host six global franchises from September 5 to 13.

NDTV 20 Aug 2026 11:02 am

Power play? The many silences of Siddaramaiah

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 10:31 am

Bengaluru Engineer Uses AI to Hunt Potholes and Expose the Contractors Behind Bad Roads: Here's How It Works

Bengaluru's pothole problem has become a familiar frustration for commuters, but a local engineer is attempting to tackle the issue using artificial intelligence and government data. Engineer Gaurav Sen has developed a mobile application called Potholes Detector, which turns an ordinary

Gizbot 20 Aug 2026 10:25 am

Priyanka Pulla And The Business Of

For a journalist who claims to champion science, Priyanka Pulla has spent an awful lot of time peddling falsehoods. The Bengaluru-based freelance writer, whose work has appeared in The Wire, Science Magazine, the BMJ, and Mint, has built her career on a single-minded mission: tearing down Indias achievements. And she has had plenty of help [] The post Priyanka Pulla And The Business Of Science Journalism: How Thakur Foundation Grants Funded Attacks On Covaxin, CDSCO And India appeared first on The Commune .

The Commune Mag 20 Aug 2026 10:10 am

Strides Pharma surges 11% on USFDA EIR for flagship facility in Bengaluru

The successful closure of the inspection further strengthens Strides' regulatory track record and reinforces the company's commitment to supplying high-quality pharma products to patients across globe

Business Standard 20 Aug 2026 10:08 am

Bengaluru to host India International Coffee Festival in February 2027

The third edition of IICF will bring together growers, roasters, caf brands, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and coffee consumers on a farm-to-cup platform

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 9:59 am

India GCCs move from execution hubs to strategic centres as AI reshapes work, talent and workspace

India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are assuming control over product ownership and advanced tech initiatives. They are becoming key players in high-level problem-solving and pioneering research and development efforts. By 2026, the AI talent in these centres is expected to nearly double. Additionally, the demand for office leasing is on the rise, particularly in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, highlighting the trend towards flexible workspaces that emphasize agility and responsiveness.

The Economic Times 20 Aug 2026 9:13 am

Bengaluru student spends 3 months as Rapido rider, shares earnings and learnings

Bengaluru student spends months as Rapido rider shares earnings and learnings

India Today 20 Aug 2026 8:54 am

Sharing circles launched in Bengaluru as part of Manotsava 2026

Some of the issues which are being discussed in these circles include adoption, managing family expectations, finding support systems, reflecting on midlife, negotiating difficult family dynamics, and supporting caregiving

The Hindu 20 Aug 2026 8:33 am

KUs E-YUVA centre holds workshop on transforming scientific ideas into successful ventures

The BIRAC E-YUVA Centre at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir (KU), organised a one-day national workshop on Beyond Laboratory: Transforming Scientific Ideas into Successful Ventures at the Main Campus. The workshop aimed to familiarise college students, graduates and aspiring innovators with the fundamentals of scientific entrepreneurship and equip them with the knowledge and skills required to translate laboratory research and scientific ideas into viable, market-oriented ventures. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, emphasized the importance of creating stronger linkages between scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Scientific knowledge must not remain confined to laboratories; it should be translated into solutions that address real-world challenges. By nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among our young students and researchers, we can create an ecosystem where innovative ideas are turned into meaningful ventures and contribute to the development of society, she said. Coordinator, BIRAC E-YUVA Centre, KU, Dr. Asif Amin, provided an overview of the Centre and its initiatives for promoting student-led innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology and life sciences. Earlier, Head, Department of Biotechnology, KU, Prof. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, in his welcome address, emphasised the need to expose students and young graduates to opportunities beyond conventional academic and research pathways. The workshop featured four technical sessions focusing on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, student-to-startup transition, life-science enterprise development, vision and business-model development, and the skills required to take scientific ideas beyond the laboratory. The sessions were led by Dr. Bhavisha Wala, Lead, Entrepreneurship Advancement Programs, C-CAMP, Bengaluru, and Dr. Nadeem Shabir, Faculty and Innovator at SKUAST-K. The interactive sessions provided participants with practical exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling them to understand the process of developing scientific ideas into solutions with social and commercial potential. The E-YUVA Centre was established with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and commenced its operations in 2025 with the objective of nurturing young innovators, encouraging problem-solving and translating scientific ideas into viable solutions. It currently hosts five E-YUVA fellowship teams comprising 19 fellows from various colleges and universities across Kashmir and Ladakh, providing them mentorship, research support and exposure to the wider innovation ecosystem. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Asif Amin, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Chief Coordinator, BIRAC E-YUVA Centre, KU, Prof. Mahboob-ul-Hussain.

Greater Kashmir 20 Aug 2026 7:12 am

Invasive pest threatens Kashmirs poplar, willow plantations

Pulwama, Aug 19:An invasive pest identified as Drosicha turkistanica has emerged as a growing threat to poplar and willow plantations in parts of south Kashmir, leaving farmers worried over the possible impact on trees that form an important source of livelihood for many families. Farmers in the Hanjipora area of Pulwama district said they first noticed unusual snow-white, cotton-like masses covering poplar and willow trees nearly two years ago. What initially appeared to be a fungal infection gradually spread to more trees, with some affected plants showing signs of weakening and drying. Concerned farmers initially treated the infestation as a fungal disease and sprayed fungicides, but the measures failed to bring any visible relief. We have seen such a thing for the first time. Initially, we thought it was some fungal disease, so we sprayed fungicides, but nothing changed, said Bilal Ahmad, a farmer from the area. Since then, similar infestations have reportedly been noticed in several areas of south Kashmir, including parts of Kulgam and Anantnag, raising concerns among growers who depend on poplar and willow cultivation. We rely on poplar and willow cultivation. If the trees start dying, our income will be badly affected. Many families here depend on these trees directly or indirectly, Ahmad said. Another farmer, Ashiq Hussain, said the rapid spread of the infestation had added to their concerns. At first, we saw it on only a few trees. Within a short time, the white mass appeared on trees in neighbouring areas. We do not know how to control it, he said. Farmers said they were particularly concerned about younger trees, which they fear could be more vulnerable to prolonged infestation. If this continues for another few years, we could lose a large number of trees. Poplar and willow are not just trees for us; they are a source of livelihood, said Mashkoor Sajad, another farmer from Pulwama. Experts said similar cases have been reported from other parts of south Kashmir and described the pest as an invasive species that was first reported from the Arwani area of Kulgam. Professor Bashir Ahmad Rather, a scientist at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, said the pest was new to Kashmir and was initially suspected to have characteristics similar to other invasive pests. Rather told Greater Kashmir that samples were sent to the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru, for identification. Samples were sent to the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru, where the pest was identified as *Drosicha turkistanica* (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae), he said. According to Rather, the pest is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on trees and can progressively weaken them. In cases of severe infestation, prolonged feeding could potentially result in the death of affected trees. The pest has tremendous reproductive potential, which makes it particularly concerning, Rather said. He said the pest may have entered Kashmir through imported planting material, underscoring the need for greater caution in the movement of nursery and planting material. The pest has been brought into the Valley through imported planting material, he said, advising farmers to seek expert advice before applying pesticides. Experts have also cautioned against indiscriminate pesticide use, particularly when the nature of the infestation has not been established, as inappropriate chemical treatment may prove ineffective while creating additional risks for the surrounding environment. For farmers, however, the emergence of the pest has already become a source of anxiety, particularly because poplar and willow require years to mature and cannot be quickly replaced if plantations are lost. We have seen many problems affecting crops, but this is different. If our trees are lost, replacing them will take years, Ahmad said. Farmers are now seeking intervention from the agriculture and horticulture authorities for field-level assessment, technical guidance and an effective management strategy to prevent the pest from spreading further across Kashmirs poplar and willow plantations.

Greater Kashmir 20 Aug 2026 6:29 am

Petrol, Diesel Prices On August 20: Check New Fuel Rates In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata And More

For India, which imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, a sustained rise in global oil prices could widen the import bill and add to inflationary pressures.

NDTV 20 Aug 2026 6:17 am

Fake drugs worth Rs5cr seized in Bidadi

The Times of India 20 Aug 2026 1:33 am

Karnataka Government Orders Continuation of Pensions for Eligible Beneficiaries

Bengaluru, August 20: The Karnataka Revenue Department has issued an order to continue pensions for eligible beneficiaries under the Social Security Pension Scheme. This applies to individuals whose annual income, after verification, falls between 32,000 and 1,20,000. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara announced this decision, highlighting that the income limit for various ... Read more Karnataka Government Orders Continuation of Pensions for Eligible Beneficiaries

Morningstar 20 Aug 2026 12:45 am