Technical Issue Delays Bengaluru-Vijayawada Flight, AP Minister On Board
The flight developed a technical issue after take-off, following which it returned to the Bengaluru airport.
TechSparks 2026: Meet the speakers shaping conversations around The New Tech Order
The New Tech Order will bring together leaders from government, academia, startups, technology, and finance at TechSparks 2026, YourStory's flagship summit in Bengaluru from October 13-15.
A Bengaluru ITAT ruling shows that missing Form 67 does not automatically extinguish a genuine foreign tax credit claim. A taxpayer who earned 14.42 lakh in Belgium and paid 4.53 lakh tax there was given another chance to prove his 3 lakh FTC claim despite a 1,687-day appeal delay.
Dont use Premium FAR to regularise unauthorised constructions: SC
Ktaka rejects Ghats report, seeks 1-year survey window
10km ride, nearly 2 hours on the road every day for schoolkids in Bengaluru
Resort-led real estate gains traction as buyers seek lifestyle beyond second homes
Hospitality-led real estate developments are becoming popular as buyers seek resort-like lifestyles near metro cities. Developers are offering sale-and-leaseback models to cater to these demands in various locations. The evolving preferences of homebuyers emphasize lifestyle choices and integrated living environments that include hospitality elements. Multiple projects around Bengaluru are gaining traction due to the growing demand for quality experiences in residential developments.
Theatre review: Enchantment - A maestros journey told through music and movement
Family at hospital, thieves break into Bengaluru home and steal 500 grams of gold
Karnataka high court defers plea on Vande Mataram order
ITBP personnel dies in road accident in Karnataka
From stage to strings: Bengaluru artists head to Indonesia for puppet festival
Kolar city municipal council to penalise owners of neglected sites
Agency says it canceled 315,000 Obamacare health plans last month
By Bo Erickson and Christy Santhosh WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is halting enrollment in Obamacare health plans for more than 760,000 people it believes were fraudulently signed up, Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday, part of an anti-fraud effort he estimated would save $2.2 billion in taxpayer money. The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services canceled about 315,000 plans last month, citing unverified citizenship or immigration documentation and suspected improper enrollments. The agency will bar 569 brokers it accused of submitting statistically implausible rates of plan year 2026 applications without necessary applicant information such as a Social Security number. The plans, created by Democratic President Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act, offer income-based subsidies. Republican President Donald Trump sought unsuccessfully in his first term to overturn the law and has proposed changes that would make the plans less comprehensive. Millions dropped coverage this year as rising medical costs and the expiration of extra COVID-era subsidies made monthly premiums unaffordable. Vance described the canceled group as a mix of both phantom people, but also real people who just don't meet the eligibility requirements, including some he said who were signed up by brokers without their knowledge. Vance said the administration would further verify between 419,000 and 450,000 more people to confirm they are legal US residents meeting income thresholds. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said the enrollees were treated as phantoms because officials believe most either do not exist or were unaware they had coverage, having never filed a claim and being unreachable despite repeated contact attempts. BROKER REGISTRATION FREEZE The administration is using an emergency-style rulemaking process to impose an immediate, industry-wide freeze on new Obamacare broker registrations, bypassing the usual advance notice-and-comment period. Oz called it a temporary national moratorium for six months, saying most fraud was concentrated among such agents. CMS said some brokers have allegedly enrolled people without genuine consent, changed people's plans without permission, used inaccurate information, or created questionable applications to receive commissions. The agency said brokers without a 2026 registration will be frozen out until February 1, 2027. The freeze could weigh on insurers that rely on brokers to sign up customers, analysts said. ENROLLMENT IMPACT WARNING Because brokers are key to how people enroll, the freeze may negatively affect enrollment and potentially margins related to higher risk pool in a market that is already contracting as enhanced subsidies expire, said Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback. A blanket moratorium would punish legitimate professionals instead of targeting the bad actors responsible for fraud, said Mychal Walker, president of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, a trade group that urged CMS to adopt targeted safeguards instead. CMS said unauthorized Obamacare enrollments could cost up to $6.6 billion in improper federal spending for the 2026 plan year. The cancellations were led by Vance's anti-fraud task force, which includes Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Oz and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson. Oz said the $2.2 billion in savings would climb, calling it the tip of the iceberg. It was not immediately clear whether the $2.2 billion represented money the government had already recovered or payments it expected to avoid going forward. Vance described the sum as taxpayer money that we're saving and money we're stopping from going to fraudsters, while Oz said officials collected that money back. A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson referred questions to the Office of the Vice President, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An HHS report released earlier this year estimated nearly half of new Obamacare enrollments between 2021 and 2024 may have been improper, phantom or fraudulent. CMS said more than 1 million enrollees received coverage without providing a Social Security number. (Reporting by Bo Erickson and Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington, Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Bill Berkrot) This article originally appeared on Reuters at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/us-says-canceled-315-000-143133907.html
Cash crunch: FD flags fiscal stress, warns CM of budget cuts
Homebuyer funds row: Karnataka HC declines relief for developer
SC stays HCs inquiry order against official
Illegal racket busted, 7 arrested with 5 pistols
Shantinagar launches dementia-friendly initiative
Drought list likely to touch 200, Gadag inclusion gives oppn fresh ammunition
e-Aasthi 2.0: Online khata bifurcation from Sept 28, owners must ensure road connectivity
Commuters struggle as road awaits whitetopping for 6 months
2 chain-snatching cases cracked, 3 held
K'taka targets 30% cut in salt intake by 2030
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar objects to high court naming IPS officer for KPSC probe
Karnataka governor asks CM DK Shivakumar to reconsider truncating Vande Mataram
Karnataka finance department urges spending restraint, warns of cuts across departments
Madhya Pradesh Prioritizes Telecom Manufacturing and Innovation, Says CM Mohan Yadav
CM Mohan Yadav emphasizes telecom manufacturing and innovation as key priorities for Madhya Pradesh during talks with investors in Bengaluru. Madhya Pradesh Prioritizes Telecom Manufacturing and Innovation, Says CM Mohan Yadav
Despite the largest share of the proposed protected area being in Karnataka, the officials have not made the draft available in Kannada, and it is available only in English and Hindi
Oktoberfest: Lufthansa crew onboard Bengaluru-Munich flight sport traditional costume
This is the first time the crew onboard the flight on this route will be dressed in the traditional costume.
Bengaluru: Three arrested for sandalwood theft at Railway Wheel Factory in Yelahanka
The RPF recovered the entire sandalwood tree which had allegedly been cut and stolen, along with the cutting implement and car used in the offence.
Bengaluru commuters seek action over surge pricing by cab, auto aggregators
Commuters say that while they understand fares can increase during periods of high demand, the pricing mechanism used by app-based aggregators is often unclear
Bengaluru commuters seek action over surge pricing by cab, auto aggregators
Commuters say that while they understand fares can increase during periods of high demand, the pricing mechanism used by app-based aggregators is often unclear
Zetwerk, Ayr Energy settle legal dispute, seek termination of USITC probe
Global settlement resolves disputes spanning Texas courts, Bengaluru proceedings and USITC investigation
Anekal police bust illegal gun-dealing gang; seven arrested, five country-made pistols seized
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Dawood, a suspected kingpin from Bed Ghat village in Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly supplying firearms to the Bengaluru network.
Anekal police bust illegal gun-dealing gang; seven arrested, five country-made pistols seized
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Dawood, a suspected kingpin from Bed Ghat village in Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly supplying firearms to the Bengaluru network.
Indian man in Sharjah found murdered, body cut into nine pieces
Dubai/Udupi: An Indian working in Sharjah for nearly 20 years was found murdered and his remains found in nine pieces inside the boot of his car. Prakash Kundar from Kundapur in Udupi district, Karnataka, was employed at an agency associated with Sharjah Airport. The case came to light after his family became concerned over his 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: ITBP soldier dies after bike crashes into tractor near Kanakapura
Stuck Forever: School bus speeds drop to 6kmph, students spend 112 mins in traffic everyday
Chaos at public hearing over felling of 89 trees for Kudmul Ranga Rao memorial
Gurugram collapses in rains, Great Noida better-planned: SC
The Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding Bengaluru's Premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) scheme, questioning its impact on urban infrastructure. The court cited Gurugram's infrastructure collapse during rains as a cautionary tale, contrasting it with Greater Noida's planned development. The scheme allows property owners to purchase additional construction rights, but petitioners argue it strains existing infrastructure and could regularise illegal constructions.
Platform of Papas Inspires Fathers Towards Intentional Fatherhood
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 22: September 22: Family structures and workplace expectations are changing, and more fathers are rethinking what it means to be present in their children's lives while pursuing career goals.
Call for dementia-friendly Mangaluru on World Alzheimers Day
'I'm Burnt Out': Techie, 28, Contemplates Quitting Job For Health, Wife And Travel
A Bengaluru techie with six years of experience and earning Rs 30-35 lakh plans a 3-6 month break due to burnout.
GBA cracks down on Domlur building over setback violation
Joshi Takes Commanding Lead At Bengaluru Open
Khalin Joshi, fresh off a win, shot a career-low 11-under 61 to take a four-shot lead at the Bengaluru Open 2026. The local golfer's bogey-free round included an eagle and nine birdies. Teenager Manoj S is in second place, while the tournament is crucial for players to retain their playing rights on the DP World PGTI tour.
Greater Bengaluru Authority launches e-Aasthi 2.0
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who launched the system, said Bengaluru has more than 35 lakh properties, of which around 2324 lakh property records have already been digitised and draft e-Khatas issued.
Bengaluru: Governor Asks State Government to Reconsider Truncated Version of National Song
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued specific orders relating to the National Song and the National Anthem of India and has prescribed the official version of Vande Mataram for purposes of rendition.
India and Japan discuss strengthening defence technology collaboration
New Delhi [India], September 22 : India and Japan on Tuesday held discussions concerning the enhancement of bilateral defence technology partnerships, joint military drills, and regional security coordination to foster peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. The meeting took place between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and a visiting delegation comprising Japanese parliamentarians belonging to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), spearheaded by Taro Kono, in New Delhi. Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met Director General, International Cooperation, LDP, Japan, Mr Taro Kono in New Delhi on September 22, 2026. They held a productive exchange of views on strengthening bilateral defence technology collaboration, joint exercises and regional security cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the Ministry of Defence posted on X while sharing details about the meeting. Earlier on Monday, the visiting contingent of Japanese MPs met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, with discussions centring on sustaining upward momentum across multiple bilateral domains, encompassing defence, economic security, supply chain hardening, commerce, investments, technology, innovation, and interpersonal bonds. The delegation is visiting India under the India-Japan Distinguished Visitors Programme from 18-22 September 2026. Other MPs who are part of this delegation are Mr Kenji Nakanishi, Deputy Chairperson of the LDP Policy Research Council; Ms Karen Makishima, Acting Director of the LDP International Bureau and Deputy Chair of the Committee for the Promotion of a Digital Society; and Mr Sakon Yamamoto, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) mentioned in a statement. The Japanese delegation observed the rapid advancements registered by India's deep-tech enterprise, research, and innovation ecosystem. They lauded the pace and scale of national economic expansion, highlighting industrial manufacturing strengths and mutual opportunities generated for allied nations. To fortify risk mitigation and supply chain dependability, both administrations evaluated imperatives for a heightened economic security framework. Given the rapid global economic and political churn, both sides underlined the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership built on the foundations of political trust, mutual goodwill and a common strategic outlook as an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They appreciated the need to move quickly to enhance the scope and depth of India-Japan engagement guided by the directions set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Takaichi during the 16th Annual Summit, the MEA mentioned in a statement. Before journeying to the national capital, the Japanese lawmakers inspected key technological installations in Bengaluru, incorporating the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Bharat Electronics Limited. The Indian Embassy in Japan observed that the legislative interaction exemplifies ongoing bilateral synergy and future prospects. This India-Japan Visit Program began in Bengaluru, where the members of parliament visited the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Bharat Electronics Limited, the Indian Embassy in Japan posted on X. India-Japan cooperation in the fields of AI, technology, space, defence, and startups is an important aspect of the special strategic global partnership between the two countries, and this exchange reflects the depth of ongoing cooperation and the possibilities for the future, it added. The outreach initiative is designed to brief Japanese lawmakers on contemporary domestic developments, grant firsthand exposure to grassroots realities, and cultivate direct dialogues with primary stakeholders. (ANI)
Bengaluru triple murder: 2,085-page chargesheet filed against techie, live-in partner
Police have stated that further investigation will continue, and a supplementary chargesheet will be filed if additional evidence or findings emerge.
Chefs Ranveer Brar and Abinas Nayak on the versatility of Odia cuisine
Shivakumar Lauds KEONICS' AI Initiative For Rural Children
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar lauded KEONICS' initiative to provide AI-based KEO computers to rural children, marking the institution's golden jubilee. The KEO computers, developed in Karnataka, aim to bridge the digital divide. Shivakumar also highlighted government efforts to promote IT beyond Bengaluru, enhance industry-oriented skills, and digitise property records, emphasising the state's commitment to technology and skill development.
Petition seeks end to Electronics City flyover toll after concession period ends
The nearly 10-km Electronics City Flyover, located along Hosur Road between Bommanahalli near the Central Silk Board and Electronics City, was initiated in 2006 and inaugurated on January 22, 2010.
Karnataka Lokayukta raids multiple officials, recovers cash, gold
Karnataka Lokayukta raids multiple officials, recovers cash, gold & 80 liquor bottles Bengaluru: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Tuesday conducted simultaneous raids at the properties of serving and retired government officials in different parts of the state following complaints of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income, recovering cash, gold jewellery, liquor bottles, property [] The post Karnataka Lokayukta raids multiple officials, recovers cash, gold & 80 liquor bottles appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
BJP, JDS walk out after heated exchanges in legislative council
Bengaluru: The second day of the Karnataka Legislative Councils special session witnessed a stormy debate on Tuesday, September 22, after a statement by KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to sharp protests from BJP members. The issue arose during a discussion on the farm loan waiver and the financial difficulties faced 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 .
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 22
Car removed from his Assembly spot, Siddaramaiah grills DCP
Bengaluru: A brief confrontation reportedly took place at Vidhana Soudha after former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah found that his car had been moved from its usual location near the Kengal Gate while he was returning from the Assembly. Siddaramaiah, who had completed his participation in the legislative proceedings, exited through the western side of the building. 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 .
Interference with authority: Govt objects to HC choosing officers for SIT probe into KPSC case
Interference with authority: Govt objects to HC choosing officers for SIT probe into KPSC case Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday objected to the High Court naming the officers for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the KPSC scam, stating that while the state was not objecting to the courts direction to set up [] The post Interference with authority: Govt objects to HC choosing officers for SIT probe into KPSC case appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Karnataka CM considering closing down KPSC in light of alleged irregularities in recruitment
He stated that thieves have joined the commission
KEONICS turns 50, takes Karnatakas tech story beyond Bengaluru
KEONICS marks 50 years with plans to expand technology infrastructure, AI skilling and digital services across Karnataka.
Experts Caution Parents Against Viral Kids-Care Hacks
Dr. Sayed Mujahid, well known consultant pediatrician, neonatologist, and parenting coach based in Bangalore, Dr Ramya Nagaraj, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, and KT Kids MD & CEO Dhruv Sayani join 100+ mom creators in Bengaluru to discuss children's product safety and ingredient consciousness
IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar remanded to 6-day ED custody amid KPSC recruitment exam row
60.5 cr in an hour: 25 student startups turn investor heads in Bengaluru
25 student-led startups have secured soft funding commitments of around 60.5 crore at the first Masters' Union Ventures Demo Day in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Business Wire India
Puravankara enters NCR with Rs 340 crore Greater Noida land buy, eyes Rs 5,200 crore GDV
Bengaluru-based Puravankara has entered the Delhi-NCR real estate market with the acquisition of a 13.44-acre Greater Noida land parcel for Rs 340 crore. The site has 4.57 million sq ft of saleable potential and an estimated Rs 5,200 crore GDV, making it the developers largest land transaction in FY27 so far.
0.6 Gram Seizure, 2,000 km Chase: How Kerala Police Cracked A Drug Network
Investigators continued examining phone records, financial transactions and movements patterns before tracing Tabu to Bengaluru, where he was arrested.
Gold rate today: Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.
Bengaluru Woman Shocked By Rs 60,000 Rent, Shares Struggles To Find A Home
Anamika said that although she has been living in Bengaluru for the past four to five years, house hunting has helped her know the city much better.
Man alleges fraud after paying Rs 60 lakh for PSI post
Yadgir: Eight people have been booked by Kembhavi police following a complaint alleging that Rs 60 lakh was collected from a man on the promise of securing a Police Sub-Inspector post for his relative. The complainant, Devendra from Tallalli (B) village in Surpur taluk, alleged that his brothers wife was preparing for the PSI recruitment 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 veterinary recruitment probe traces cash trail
Bengaluru: The CID investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commissions recruitment of veterinary officers has uncovered a substantial money trail involving candidates, middlemen and officials, with investigators examining alleged payments made to secure government jobs. The probe has so far questioned around 40 candidates and traced financial transactions linked to the recruitment 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 Law and Society Committee (LawSoc) of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has decided to call off the proposed screening of filmmaker Lalit Vachanis documentary Prisoner No. 626710 is Present, centred on jailed activist Umar Khalid. The student committee communicated the decision to the NLSIU student community after discussions with the [] The post NLSIU student committee cancels Umar Khalid Documentary screening citing threats of criminal action, harassment appeared first on India Legal .
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 22 (IANS) Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Tuesday criticised the state government over the impending crisis involving staff of the 108 Arogya Kavacha free ambulance service, who have reportedly warned of mass resignations demanding revision of their salaries and changes to their daily duty schedules. He also criticised Health Minister U.T. Khader over repeated meetings being held with the ambulance service workers without any resolution in sight. The Karnataka 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance staff association set a 15-day deadline ending on September 22, warning of an indefinite service shutdown and mass resignations starting tonight if their pending salary revisions and service demands are unfulfilled. Ashoka said the situation had raised concerns over the possibility of the 108 emergency ambulance service being completely disrupted across the state and questioned whether the lives of people had no value for the government. Is there no value for peoples lives? Ashoka asked, accusing the government of negligence, and administrative failure. He questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the alleged failure to address the grievances of ambulance employees who work round the clock to provide emergency services. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, can you not see the difficulties faced by ambulance employees who rush to serve people during emergencies, day and night, irrespective of rain or wind, while you make hollow speeches about public service? Ashoka asked. He also criticised Health Minister alleging that repeated meetings were being held in the name of finding a solution without resolving the employees concerns. Health Minister U.T. Khader, instead of holding meeting after meeting and giving excuses in the name of resolving the issue, when will justice be delivered to the employees? Ashoka asked. Ashoka further alleged that the governments contractual dispute with GVK was affecting an essential emergency service used by the public. He urged the government to stop what he described as playing with the lives of poor people and resolve the issue at the earliest. He said bringing the situation to a stage where a basic life-saving service meant for poor people during emergencies could be disrupted was evidence of the alleged incompetence of the Congress government. Ashoka demanded that the government immediately fulfil the just demands of the 108 ambulance employees and ensure that the emergency ambulance service continued without interruption. He warned that failure to resolve the issue would lead to public resentment against the government. The government must immediately fulfil the legitimate demands of the 108 employees and ensure that the ambulance service continues without any disruption. Otherwise, the people of Karnataka will teach this insensitive government a fitting lesson, Ashoka said.
Berger Paints ramps up expansion to fend off Birla Opus, JSW Dulux
Berger is strengthening teams in its weaker markets of Mumbai and Pune in the west, and Chennai and Bengaluru in the south
Bengaluru Traffic: City Witnesses Waterlogging On Several Roads After Heavy Rain
Heavy overnight rain caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions across Bengaluru, slowing movement near Thubarahalli, Varthur Kodi and BGS Flyover, while temperatures fell to 20.4C after 15.9 mm of...
Weather Forecast Today: Weather on September 22 is expected to remain mixed across India. Delhi is likely to stay dry, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad may receive rain. Gujarat faces thunderstorm activity, and parts of Maharashtra are under heavy rain warnings. Odisha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh face the strongest rainfall alerts.
The Paradise: Bengaluru court orders removal of targeted posts against film
A Bengaluru civil court has granted interim protection to Nani-starrer The Paradise after its makers flagged alleged coordinated posts targeting the film. The court ordered removal of specific URLs but clarified that genuine reviews and criticism remain unaffected
Rain slows movement on several Bengaluru roads
Bengaluru Open 2026 Set to Tee Off with
The Bengaluru Open 2026 will feature 132 golfers competing for a 1 crore prize from September 22-25 at the Karnataka Golf Association. Bengaluru Open 2026 Set to Tee Off with 1 Crore Prize Fund
14yrs on, SC orders fresh probe into Dharmasthala rape-murder
12cr spurious drugs sold since Feb 2025: SIT
Pavithra Gowda allotted another cell in Bengaluru Central Prison
Teachers oppose AI replacing third language in high schools in Karnataka
Ktaka govt to speed up UKP-3 land acquisition, compensation priority for affected families
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has directed officials to expedite compensation for beneficiaries whose land is pending acquisition under the first and second phases of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP), while beginning land acquisition for UKP Stage-3 on a proportionate basis as per government rules. The minister issued the directions during a meeting at Vidhana Soudha on Monday to discuss acquisition of land belonging to 184 villages expected to be submerged by the backwaters of the Almatti reservoir. He instructed officials to follow government guidelines and strictly avoid arbitrary decisions. Ministers and legislators from constituencies under the project area may also submit written suggestions regarding various stages of acquisition. Cheluvarayaswamy said the government had already fixed compensation rates per acre under an order issued last year. If officials are confused about building compensation, they should write to the department for clarification. He added that the issue would be brought to the Chief Ministers notice for appropriate guidelines. The responsibility of identifying land for rehabilitation has been entrusted to gram panchayats. Cheluvarayaswamy also warned of legal action over allegations of sale agreements involving rehabilitation centres for amounts running into crores of rupees. A separate meeting on R.C. shelters will be convened shortly in the interest of project-affected families. Officials held detailed discussions on prioritising 79 villages where acquisition is already at various stages among the 184 villages facing submergence. The government will take up acquisition of another 87 villages, for which notifications are yet to be issued, based on flood-affected status. In contrast, villages in the final stage will be considered later. The government has set a target of distributing compensation for around 15,000 acres out of the total 75,563 acres this year. Of the 5,600 acres in Babaleshwar, compensation should be provided immediately for at least 1,000 acres, Minister M.B. Patil urged. He pointed out that although funds had already been released for 18 villages, those in Vijayapura district were not included. Responding, Cheluvarayaswamy assured that the proposed Rs 3,000 crore would be distributed equally among six Assembly constituencies covered by the project, with Rs 500 crore allocated to each. The UKP Stage-3 envisages raising the height of the Almatti dam gates from 519.60 metres to 524.256 metres, enabling storage of an additional 100 TMC of water, besides implementing nine sub-projects. The project requires acquisition of 1,33,867 acres of land. Compensation, earlier fixed at Rs 2 lakh per acre, was increased last year to Rs 40 lakh per acre for irrigated land and Rs 30 lakh per acre for dry land. Land acquisition has already been completed in 18 villages, while acquisition remains pending for 71,284 acres covering 166 villages. Some court cases are being resolved through Lok Adalats. Ministers Vijanand Kashappanavar and Laxman Savadi, former minister R.B. Thimmapur, Water Resources Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta and senior officials of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) attended the meeting. Later, Cheluvarayaswamy held a meeting on land acquisition in Govindapalli and Karadigudda villages in Devadurga taluk, affected by the backwaters of Ramadurga tank. He assured farmers that steps would be taken regarding compensation. Officials were directed to study the affected villages and submit a report for providing compensation for 243.43 acres of land.
Bengaluru, Chandigarh girls win basketball competition
South Bengaluru to face Cauvery water supply disruption today
Train mows down student using earphones, locals demand footbridge
Ktaka BJP urges NGT extension for Kasturirangan survey
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday urged the Karnataka government to seek a one-year extension from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to conduct a physical survey of areas covered under the Kasturirangan report, instead of merely passing a resolution against the Centre during the special Assembly session. Speaking in the session, Vijayendra said the government should take the lead in protecting the Western Ghats as well as farmers, families and livelihoods in forest-fringe areas. The Western Ghats must be protected, rivers must be protected, and the environment must be protected. At the same time, the people living on the forest fringes, farmers and their livelihoods must also be protected. It is the responsibility of the government to strike a balance between the two, he said. He stressed that the session should not be used merely to level allegations against the Centre but should provide a platform to find a permanent solution to the concerns of people living in the affected areas. Passing a resolution and sending it to the Centre will not solve the problem. We have to see what happens before the NGT and also face the judicial process. Therefore, the state government must move forward with complete preparation, he said. Vijayendra questioned the reliance on satellite surveys conducted several years ago, saying land-use patterns and ground realities had changed considerably. He argued that plantations, agricultural land, forests and settlements must be verified on the ground before decisions affecting peoples lives are taken. He demanded that Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) maps at the survey-number level be prepared for all 1,476 villages under the Kasturirangan proposal and made available to the public in Kannada. He suggested that the Revenue and Forest departments jointly conduct the survey with gram panchayats and local representatives, and that special gram sabhas be held in every affected village to record residents views. Vijayendra said it would not be possible to complete such a large-scale survey and prepare documentation before the October 25 deadline. He urged the government to deploy a strong legal team before the NGT and seek at least one year to complete the exercise. Get an extension, conduct the physical survey, prepare an alternative map, obtain resolutions from the gram sabhas and formulate clear measures to protect peoples livelihoods. Then submit a comprehensive report before the NGT, he said. He also called for time-bound disposal of pending applications under Bagair Hukum and Section 94A provisions to address concerns of people living on forest fringes. He suggested setting up a separate task force to resolve disputes relating to forest and revenue boundaries. Vijayendra urged the government to take seriously complaints that forest officials were causing unnecessary difficulties for residents. People are already facing conflict with wild animals. At the same time, a situation of conflict with forest officials has also developed. There are complaints that people face difficulties even in bringing firewood for funerals and constructing toilets. The Chief Minister has said that he would tighten the screws on officials. That should now be implemented, he said. He criticised ruling party legislators and ministers for undertaking padayatras with people over the Kasturirangan issue while the government maintained that it would not politicise the matter. Do not turn peoples concerns into a political programme. Work to find solutions to their problems, he said. Vijayendra concluded that the Western Ghats, forest-fringe villages and livelihoods must all be protected while ensuring development. The Western Ghats must be protected. The villages on the forest fringes must survive, peoples lives and livelihoods must be protected, and development must continue. The state government should act immediately instead of simply passing a resolution and washing its hands of the issue, he said.
2.3km Hebbal tunnel to gobble up 1,128 trees. Or, 490 trees for 1km of quick travel
