US firms contribute 33 pc of total office demand in Indias top 7 cities in 2022-24: JLL
NEW DELHI, Jun 14: US companies have rented 64.5 million square feet of office space during 2022-24 across Indias seven major cities, contributing over one-third of the total leasing of workspaces, according to JLL India. Real estate consultant JLL India data showed that the total gross leasing of office space during 2022-24 calendar years stood at 190 million sq ft across seven major cities Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. Out of this, US firms have taken [] The post US firms contribute 33 pc of total office demand in Indias top 7 cities in 2022-24: JLL appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lucky draw fraud: Bengaluru wins Rs 1.5 lakh refund from travel agency
Businessman celebrates 47th birthday on Bengaluru main road, lands in soup
India To Host Womens T20 Cricket World Cup For The Blind In November 2025
T20 Cricket World Cup: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) successfully conducted its 15th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on Saturday at the state-of-the-art Samarthanam Art Centre, HSR Layout, Bengaluru. Delegates from 23 states and Union Territories gathered for a day of in-depth discussions, strategic planning, and collective visioning for the future of Blind Cricket in India. A central theme of this years AGM was the upcoming first-ever Womens T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind, scheduled to be held in India from November 5 to 25, 2025. The event, a global milestone in inclusive sport, will feature teams from six nations, offering a powerful platform to celebrate ability, resilience, and international camaraderie. The AGM witnessed passionate deliberations on logistical preparations, outreach strategies, sponsorship mobilisation, and national team selection processes. Members also discussed the broader roadmap for developing grassroots programs to encourage more female participation in Blind Cricket across India. Mahantesh G.K., Founding Trustee of Samarthanam and Chairman of CABI, addressed the members, stating: This World Cup is not just a sporting eventits a movement. Its about breaking stereotypes, inspiring future generations, and creating equitable opportunities for visually impaired women athletes. CABI also used the platform to acknowledge the ongoing support from state associations, sponsors, volunteers, and the international Blind Cricket community, all of whom are integral to the success of this pioneering tournament. Mahantesh G.K., Founding Trustee of Samarthanam and Chairman of CABI, addressed the members, stating: This World Cup is not just a sporting eventits a movement. Its about breaking stereotypes, inspiring future generations, and creating equitable opportunities for visually impaired women athletes. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS
Citizens report card examines performance of Bengaluru MPs and MLAs
BCCI forms committee to prevent incidents like Bengaluru stampede
Guidelines to be established in 15 days following board's apex council meeting on Saturday
Bengaluru stampede: BCCI forms committee to formulate guidelines for victory celebrations
Following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during victory celebrations that resulted in 11 deaths and 56 injuries, the BCCI has formed a three-member committee. Headed by secretary Devajit Saikia, the committee also includes Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Rajeev Shukla. The committee's mandate is to formulate comprehensive guidelines to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Nirmala Lakshman to discuss The Tamils at BIC on June 17 )
Kruthi Vittal to perform in Koramangala on June 15
Pollution awareness campaign for motorists at traffic signals in Bengaluru
Karnataka govt seeks to target Hindu activists,BJP workers through Special Action Force: Vijayendra
Minister: Residential school for cancer-affected children in Bengaluru from current academic year
Police reluctance: Bengaluru man forced to wait 15 days to register complaint for motorcycle theft
Bengaluru-Tumakuru merger idea finds fewtakers, chief minister says unaware of proposal
US companies are the biggest drivers of India's office space demand, leasing over 64 million sq ft between 2022 and 2024. Approximately 70% of this space is for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), particularly in Bengaluru. Technology and BFSI firms are leading this trend, drawn by India's skilled talent and favorable business environment.
Domestic help arrested for stealing cash, valuables worth over 70 lakh in Bengaluru
Rangoli Metro Art Centre to celebrate World Music Day on June 21, 22
The anatomy of a stampede in Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengalurus IPL victory celebration in Bengaluru turns tragic with a stampede, leaving 11 dead and 56 injured; K.V. Aditya Bharadwaj and Jahnavi T.R. analyse how multiple things went wrong in 24 hours
Uber, Rapido must close bike taxi operations by June 16: Karnataka HC
The Karnataka High Court on Friday, June 13, ordered all app-based cab aggregators companies (like Ola, Uber, Rapido, etc.) to stop two-wheeler service by June 16 across the state. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar rejected interim relief to the petitioners, Uber and Rapido, who had challenged 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 .
In a first, Kattaikuttu Sangam launches a diploma programme, details
To the untrained eye, the thundering of Kattaikkuttu might seem like a whisper from the past. But it is not a ghost, it is almost a deity in defiance. People think its a dying art form when you go to Chennai, says Swathi Sudhakaran, researcher-in-residence at the Kattaikkuttu Sangam. But its not a dying art form. It is thriving in the villages. When I go to see Koothu here, its packed, more packed than any auditorium in Chennai, she says. Swathi speaks from the Sangams campus in Kanchipuram, a seven-acre haven where one of Tamil Nadus most vibrant theatre traditions continues to flourish. The Sangam, run entirely by rural artistes, has been championing Kattaikkuttu for 35 years, not just preserving it, but innovating within it. Art in full bloom Founded by P Rajagopal in 1990, the organisation began with just 17 performers. It was a very modest beginning. Over time, it grew gradually, like how a tree grows from a small plant, says Rajagopal. Today, the Sangam is a democratically run collective with over 250 members artistes, musicians, playwrights united by their dedication to keeping Koothu alive. And it is alive. Not just in rural temple festivals that stretch across the Tamil calendar, but also in new scripts, urban collaborations, and training programmes. Every year, from the Tamil month of Thai, until Sivaratri, there are performances happening, nonstop. People in Chennai may not see it, so they assume it doesnt exist. But they need to come and see for themselves, says Rajagopal. For those who do, the Sangams annual festivals are an eye-opener. The most recent one, bridged the urban-rural divide, ran every weekend from November to January and drew audiences from both the city and countryside. Performances ranged from Kattaikkuttu to Sufi music, Carnatic-Koothu collaborations, and urban theatre from Chennai. It was a way to challenge the misconception. And it worked. People came from Bengaluru, Chennai, and beyond, says Swathi. But awareness is only part of the battle. Transmission is the real challenge. Senior artistes are dwindling, and there is no formal institute in Tamil Nadu to train the next generation in Kattaikkuttu. The Sangams long-running gurukulam a residential school blending Koothu training with formal education had to pause in 2020 due to pandemic. Rajagopal started the gurukulam out of a deep understanding of the cost of choosing between art and education. I came into this tradition because of my father. I told him, I want to do Kattaikkuttu, and he said, Then you cant go to school. So I dropped out. Later, I realised how important education was. Thats why I began the gurukulam to give children both. It was also one of the first places to bring women into Kattaikkuttu formally. In 1996, Rajagopal sir trained a group of women performers, says Swathi. And when the gurukulam started in 2002, girls were formally included as part of the system. That was a turning point. Even after the gurukulam closed, the spirit of training continued through workshops. Swathi herself attended one before joining as a researcher. Even for someone like me, who came from an academic background, training with a guru changed how I understood the art. You cant get that kind of knowledge sitting in a classroom. The Sangam has never confined itself to tradition for traditions sake. Its productions have included plays like Maya Kuthirai, about aliens and school children, and Paarvai, a modern piece staged in Koothu style by gurukulam alumni. Theres a lot of experimentation. But even the traditional stories, when performed with rigour, are powerful and relevant, says Swathi. That rigour is what Rajagopal wants to preserve. Some people say they dont like Kattaikkuttu. Thats fine, not everyone will. But if they really listen, theyll realise these songs follow classical ragas and talas. The structure is solid. People just need to see it with an open mind. In a world quick to box art forms and rank them, Kattaikkuttu Sangam chooses to grow from within.
Santosh Lad was accompanied by MLA N.H. Konaraddi, Additional DC Geeta C.D., Assistant Commissioner Shalam Hussain, Hubballi tahsildar K.R. Patil and others
They solve Bengalurus traffic crisis: Chorus grows online as Karnataka bans bike taxis Hindustan Times
Kangana Ranaut Visits Shivoham Shiva Temple In Bengaluru Surrounded By Tight Security
Kangana Ranaut visited Bengaluru's Shivoham Shiva Temple, met spiritual leader AiR-Atman in Ravi, and spoke about peace and self-realisation.
Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex: For years, Mohit Khatri has been disturbed by the fact that despite representing the country for years and leading it at the Asian Rugby Championships, he was not recognised by fans and media, whereas cricketers, footballers, shuttlers and those from other sports were mobbed. He knew the answer was somewhere in the fact that he represented India in rugby, which was a little-known sport and rarely made it to the television screens or back pages of the newspapers. But such was his passion that Khatri has pursued rugby since the age of 13 and is now the biggest star of Indian rugby. When we used to go to play tournaments, we also used to feel that 'yes, we are players of the Indian team'. But when we used to compare it with cricket or any other sport, we felt how far we were. There were no fans, not much support from the media, Khatri told IANS in an exclusive interview. Even my relatives didn't know much about the sport I pursued, that I was representing India at the international level, that too is almost at the same level as those in other sports. If you look at any other sport, then at that time it used to feel a little different, said Khatri, who led India in the Asian Tournament in Nepal in 2024. Though there was a massive difference in the scene in rugby and other sports in India, Khatri never had regrets for choosing to pursue it instead of picking football or cricket, which he played as a child. His belief in rugby is now looking to pay off with the upcoming Rugby Premier League (RPL), the world's first city-based franchise league in the sport, which is set to kick off on Sunday (June 15) at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex) in Mumbai. Khatri is confident that the rugby scene in the country is going to metamorphose, and the little-known sport of rugby sevens is going to be broadcast on television and live-streamed on OTT platforms. He feels that RPL will have the same effect on rugby as the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had on cricket. When I started representing India, I felt that yes, the level of India has reached a stage, where we should take it further, and for that, however much hard work is needed, we should do that. So slowly, slowly, the Indian team is becoming better, and like the IPL has made a difference for cricket, RPL will have foreign players, and we will get a chance to play with them. We will get opportunities, we will get a chance to learn things and improve to a great extent. I think that rugby in India will go to greater heights, and avenues will open up for them so that they can progress better in the future, said Khatri. Khatri, who emerged as the most expensive Indian player in the RPL auction, will be representing Bengaluru Bravehearts, one of the six teams in the fray, while the other five franchises in the fray are Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers. RPL has roped in 30 marquee international players from powerhouse Rugby 7s nations like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, and Spain. Each team will comprise five foreign players, five domestic players, and three from bridge nations - countries in the second and third tier in the world rugby hierarchy. Each match will be of 16-minute duration divided into four quarters. With the clock being stopped for each transgression, decision, and injury, each match will be of 23-30 minutes duration. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to experience high-class rugby playing with some of the top stars of rugby 7s. We want to learn from these matches and watch top-level players and top-level teams perform. By watching and reviewing their matches, we learn what we can do and what we cannot. And through RPL, which GMR Sports has arranged, we will get a chance to with top-level stars, Olympians. Learn the tactics from top international coaches. We will also understand where we stand in world rugby. We will get to know how much difference there is between World Rugby and Indian Rugby and what steps we can take to reach there. We can see that after this RPL, said Khatri. Khatri says the RPL format is such that each team will have five marquee players from top nations like Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland, and Wales besides five Indian players and three from emerging nations like Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong. It is going to be the first time that players from different countries will be part of the same team and play together. So, for the teams, it is kind of a test and trial period, allowing the players to gel into a team. Let's see how the combination works. But we are ready to give our best, said Khatri of his team Bengaluru Bravehearts. Born in the village of Kundli in the Sonipat district of Haryana, Khatri took to rugby when he was in sixth class after watching a friend from his village play the game. He took it up on the advice of his friend but got hooked on it. Khatri says his family has supported his decision to pursue rugby as a profession, putting his Chartered Accountancy studies on hold. The sport has also got him a job as a Senior Postal Assistant in the Indian Postal Department, which he joined in February this year. It is going to be the first time that players from different countries will be part of the same team and play together. So, for the teams, it is kind of a test and trial period, allowing the players to gel into a team. Let's see how the combination works. But we are ready to give our best, said Khatri of his team Bengaluru Bravehearts. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS
14 Interview Rounds? Developers Wipro Selection Story Triggers Online Discussion
Antara Mandal, in a now-edited post, claimed that she cleared 14 rounds of interviews before bagging the job of a developer at a Bengaluru company.
Bengaluru climbs to 14th place in Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025
Released by Startup Genome at the VivaTech summit in Paris, the report credits Bengalurus rise to a series of billion-dollar exits in 2024most notably Swiggys $12 billion valuationalong with robust activity in deep tech, AI, and consistent government investment.
For every 1 we give, Karnataka gets only 0.15 back: Siddaramaiah seeks 1.15 lakh crore for Bengaluru Hindustan Times
Dak Adalat to address postal grievances on June 17, in Bengaluru
The Adalat aims to address unresolved postal complaints from the South Karnataka Region, which includes districts such as Mysuru, Tumakuru, Hassan, Kodagu, Udupi, and others
US firms deepen commitment to Indias office market as GCCs expand footprint
American companies are increasing their office spaces in India. Global Capability Centers are expanding beyond IT. US firms leased 34.2% of India's office space between 2022 and Q1 2025. The year 2024 saw record leasing activity. Bengaluru leads in US leasing, followed by Hyderabad and Delhi NCR. BFSI and manufacturing GCCs are growing strongly.
Caravaggios Magdalene in Ecstasy travels to Bengaluru
This painting, which is believed to have been painted in 1606, while Caravaggio was in hiding, will be displayed at the National Gallery of Modern Art till July 6
MLC 2025: Sanjays Journey from Bengaluru to the Bay Area - Observer Voice
MLC 2025: Sanjays Journey from Bengaluru to the Bay Area Observer Voice
Curiosity, sensitivity, creativitytips for success from the KCP National Art Festival
In this photo essay from the Namma Art Bengaluru exhibition at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, we share more festival highlights and artistic insights.
IPL 2025 final's TV viewership surpasses IND vs PAK in 2021 T20 WC: BARC data
The IPL 2025 final witnessed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic win against Punjab Kings, drawing a record 169 million viewers in India. Surpassing the India vs Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup match, it achieved an impressive TVR of 11. The match generated 15 billion minutes of watch-time, exceeding previous records.
Lemon prices crash, worried Nellore farmers and traders seek government intervention
NELLORE: Lemon prices have declined sharply over the past week, leaving farmers and traders in distress. Lemon is now being sold at just Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, marking a steep fall in prices. During the peak season, as many as 20 truckloads of lemons used to be exported daily to northern states, bringing bustling activity to the local markets. However, the once-thriving trade is now facing a dramatic slump. In Nellore district alone, lemon crop is cultivated in over 17,000 hectares. Podalakur lemon market yard, known for its high quality produce, supplies lemon to both national and international markets. Gudur lemon market also plays a key role in large scale exports. Traders are now expressing concern over the sudden market collapse. With exports coming to a halt, they are still compelled to purchase the incoming produce from farmers, despite the lack of demand. Even though there are no buyers in the export market, we have to continue procuring lemon from farmers, said a local trader, reflecting the growing anxiety in the lemon business community. The unexpected downturn is affecting not only the income of lemon growers but also the sustainability of the supply chain. Stakeholders are urging authorities to intervene and explore avenues to revive the export market or provide relief measures to stabilise prices. Traditionally, lemon is exported in large volumes from Andhra Pradesh, especially from major markets like Podalakur, Gudur, Eluru and Tenali, along with dozens of small yards. However, lemon cultivation has expanded significantly in other States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar this year, resulting in higher yield and overproduction. Combined with a bumper harvest from local orchards in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a massive supply of lemon is now flooding the markets. According to sources, wholesale buyers from cities such as Delhi, Mathura, Roorkee, Varanasi, Gokalpur, Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have issued advisories not to send any more lemon consignments, citing excess stock. Some are even rejecting the lemon consignments already sent to them, leaving local traders in a bind. As a result, prices have plummeted, but traders are unable to refuse lemon produce brought in by farmers. This has led to lemon being stockpiled across market yards, with no immediate buyers in sight. We are in a terrible situation. Truckloads of lemons are arriving at the market. We cant turn farmers away during such a difficult time, but there is little hope for price recovery. The crisis is real. Only if exports pick up again can we survive this phase, said BK Reddy, a trader at Podalakur lemon market yard. With no signs of relief from the ongoing supply, and stagnating demand, both farmers and traders are now urging the government to intervene with support mechanism or facilitate export channels to stabilise the market.
Potholes and unscientific speed breakers ruin fun: Highs and lows of owning supercar in Bengaluru
Bengaluru's supercar owners face challenges like potholes and traffic, impacting their driving experience despite paying premium road taxes. They find joy in car enthusiast gatherings, fostering community and sharing knowledge. These events, organized by groups like Team Clutches, offer camaraderie and insights into the unorganized supercar market, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
'Kantara 2' star Kalabhavan Niju pases away at 43
Tragedy struck the 'Kantara 2' team as mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju, aged 43, passed away in Bengaluru due to a heart attack while filming. This marks the third death associated with the film's production, following the recent passing of Kannada actor Rakesh Pujari and a drowning incident involving a junior artist during 'Kantara: Chapter 1' production.
Dr. Prateek Joshi, an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) and Sri Devaraj Urs Academy, along with his family, tragically died in an air crash, shocking both Belagavi and Kolar communities. Remembered as a brilliant and dedicated doctor, Dr. Joshi was set to begin a new chapter in London.
Five dead as AP bus rams truck while overtaking
BENGALURU: Five passengers, including two children, died and 15 others sustained injuries when an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus coming to the city from Tirupati rammed into a truck at Gottipura Gate in Hosakote taluk on the Old Madras Road around 1.50 am on Friday. The police said the bus driver was attempting to overtake the truck while speeding and rammed into it. The right portion of the bus, where all the victims were seated behind the driver, was completely damaged. Of the five, four were declared dead on arrival at hospitals, while one succumbed to injuries at a private hospital in Hosakote around 1 pm. The condition of the bus driver, V L K Babu, is critical. The injured are undergoing treatment in various private hospitals in Hosakote. The bus driver, who was speeding, was unable to overtake the lorry properly and hit it from the right side. The bodies were shifted to the Hosakote Government Hospital for postmortem, said an officer. The deceased have been identified as Keshavulu Reddy (44), Tulasi alias Tanu (21), a B. Tech student; eleven-month-old Yuthwik, son of Hari Babu; Pragathi (4), daughter of Janardhan Reddy, a laborer; and Sharada (43), a homemaker. All the deceased were from Chittoor and were staying in JP Nagar and Jayanagar in the city. Madan Mohan Reddy, a passenger, told the media that they boarded the bus in Chittoor at 11 pm. The bus was supposed to arrive at 9 pm, but it came two hours later. Many passengers were fast asleep when a loud sound woke them up. Four of them died on the spot in the collision, he added.
Karnataka allocates Rs 12 crore for child hearing aid scheme
BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has approved the redesign and implementation of the Shravana Sanjeevini scheme for this year, with an allocation of Rs 12 crore. The revised scheme aims to strengthen early detection and intervention for hearing loss in children, including support for cochlear implant surgeries and maintenance of devices. The scheme will be implemented only in empanelled hospitals under strict performance and outcome-based conditions. The scheme will restrict cochlear implant surgeries to children up to 2 years of age. However, in exceptional cases, surgeries may be approved based on the recommendation of an expert panel. The implants will come with a minimum warranty of four years, and an extended warranty of up to six more years will be separately arranged to ensure long-term device support. It will cover the replacement of essential spare parts throughout the warranty period, with these items provided through empanelled network hospitals. If there is a need to replace the processor during this time, the government will offer at least 50% support. Auditory verbal therapy support will be extended for three years, or more, to aid in the rehabilitation of children. Children identified with hearing impairment before the age of 18 months will also be eligible for bilateral cochlear implants. While families will have to bear the cost of the second implant, the additional surgical expenses will be covered by the government through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST), based on the standard procedure cost fixed by the state.
Man stabs friend to death, nabbed
BENGALURU: A 30-year-old man was arrested for stabbing his friend to death after learning that he was going to marry his girlfriend. The accused, Venugopal, a street food vendor, stabbed Darshan, 24, a bank employee, 20 times in Gollahalli,Nelamangala Rural police limits last Friday. Venugopal met Darshan around 9.30 pm after learning that his girlfriend was going to marry him. After an argument, Venugopal stabbed Darshan and fled. Darshan, who was bleeding profusely, called the girl and informed her that Venugopal had stabbed him. After stabbing Darshan, Venugopal fled to Kunigal and from there to Tirupati by train. After shaving his head to hide his identity, he travelled from Tirupati to Mandya, where he planned to live at his relatives house. However, a police team traced Venugopal to Mandya and managed to arrest him. Investigations revealed that the accused was in love with the girl. But she distanced herself from Venugopal after meeting Darshan. Meanwhile, Darshan got the girls parents consent for their wedding. Enraged by this, Venugopal invited Darshan for a discussion and stabbed him to death.
Newlywed man killed, wife critically injured in accident
BELAGAVI: In a heart-wrenching incident, a man who was married just eight days ago lost his life in a road accident, while his wife sustained serious injuries, near Agasganj on the BelgaumRajgoli road on Thursday afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Birappa Laxman Saibannavar, 25, a resident of Kalammanagar, Kurbarhatti, Dhamane. His 22-year-old wife, Sridevi, was critically injured in the accident and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Belagavi. According to the police report, the couple was returning from Rajgoli to Belagavi on a bike, when they were struck by a speeding tipper truck. The impact left both of them gravely injured. They were rushed to a nearby private hospital, but tragically, Birappa succumbed to his injuries around 3.30 pm on the same day. The Kakati police were alerted about the incident, and Inspector Suresh Shinge, along with his team, visited the scene and initiated an investigation.
All buildings to have stilt floor parking
BENGALURU: After Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumars recent statement that the state government is coming up with a new law to ban basement parking in buildings/apartments located in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the Urban Development Department issued a draft notification on June 12 to consider the ground floor as stilt floor and reserve that space completely for vehicle parking, in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) limits. It is said the idea is to address traffic congestion due to street-side parking, especially in residential areas, and also to avoid damage to vehicles in flooding during heavy rain. The new rule is part of zoning rules of the Revised Master Plan of the Bangalore Local Planning Area, 2015. The ground floor of buildings already constructed, which have proposal for modification, buildings under construction and to be constructed in BBMP and BDA limits will have to include stilt parking floor, and its height shall not exceed 4.50metres, the notification stated. As per the notification, the stilt floor shall be used for vehicle parking only, and its misuse shall not be permitted under any circumstances. In case of misuse of the stilt floor, action shall be initiated as per law against such violations, including closure of the stilt floor, and Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) shall not provide service connections for such buildings, it said. In non-residential buildings, if a stilt floor is misused for any purpose other than parking, trade licences shall be confiscated or not even issued. However, the Bengaluru Apartment Federation (BAF) called the idea a knee-jerk reaction. We are in 2025 and there is no point going back. The stilt parking rule is only a knee-jerk reaction, they should take data, check for permanent parking, and check if it is domestic parking. The traffic police, UDD, BBMP should sit together and come up with a holistic solution. The city is facing infrastructure problems due to which traffic is hit, said Vikram Rai, BAF president. R Rajagopalan from Bengaluru Coalition said increasing the height of the stilt floor, as announced in the BBMP budget 2025-26 without public consultation or prior notice, is purportedly meant to discourage street parking. The lack of enforcement of current bye-laws being so abysmal, it does not help in providing open-ended, unconditional allowance to exceed height limits. These should be strictly applicable for future plan sanction and plotted developments, and where road width is greater than 40 feet, he stated. The UDD has called for objections and suggestions to be sent to its office at Vikasa Soudha, within 30 days from the date of publication of the draft notification.
Report: Elders, youth share loneliness fear
BENGALURU: Studies show that loneliness is no longer limited to the elderly, but that youngsters also feel isolated and lack empathy from others. According to a report by HelpAge India released ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, both generations, youth and elders, share the common fear of loneliness in old age. The report stated that 69% of youth fear loneliness, while 88% expect to live with their families as they grow old. Similarly, 68% of elders reported a fear of loneliness, and 83% highlighted the importance of continuing family-based living arrangements. Additionally, 67% of youngsters fear poor health in old age, while 62% expressed concerns about financial insecurity. The study was conducted in 10 metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Madurai. A total of 5,798 individuals were surveyed, 70% aged 1830 and 30% aged 60 and above. The study aimed to explore the emotional, relational, and psychological dimensions of intergenerational ties in urban India. According to the report, 56% of youth associate elders with loneliness, while others see them as dependent (48%), wise (51%), and respected (43%). The report also suggested introducing school-based interventions, such as age-sensitisation programmes or curricula, and recommended the creation of a National Intergenerational Engagement Mission. It also advocated for youth-led community care initiatives and the development of elder care systems involving youth volunteers. Highlights of the report The Value and Respect score among youth is 63.59/100, with non-metros scoring 65.18 and metros 62.52. 49% of youth interact with grandparents, 45% with parents. Elders engage with sons (50%) and grandsons (40%). Face-to-face remains the primary mode of inter-generational communication (88%), with the digital divide evident, 71% of elders use basic phones, only 13% use the internet, and 5% access online services. 14% of elders use no digital tools 66% elders find technology confusing and 51% fear errors. Youth serve as key enablers, with 54% of children and 52% of grandchildren acting as digital guides.
Students from outside Karnataka face issues over tight deadline
BENGALURU: Students from outside Karnataka seeking admission to PU colleges in the state are facing difficulties as private PU institutions have made it mandatory to submit documents such as transfer certificates, migration certificates, and other records by Saturday. Parents and students, however, have pointed out that many schools in their states are closed for summer vacation and are expected to reopen only by late June or early July, making it hard to obtain the required documents in time. They have urged the authorities to extend the deadline, calling the current timeline too short and impractical. In most CBSE schools, Class 11 admissions are already done. If Karnataka colleges dont wait till July, when schools reopen and documents can be issued, students will have no choice but to either compromise on their options or be left with nothing, Rahul Kumar, a parent from Patna trying to secure a PU seat for her daughter in Bengaluru, said. Many PU colleges in Karnataka have made submission of these documents mandatory by June 14, and are reportedly refusing to confirm admissions without them. Parents say this leaves out-of-state students with little recourse and puts their academic year at risk. Parents also demand the government to look into it and check if institutes through these means are creating an urgency, so parents, to save their childs future, pay more. However, department officials told TNIE that theres no such deadline. A senior official said that the department will check and take action accordingly.
Took policy decision not to frame rules allowing bike taxis, Karnataka govt tells HC
BENGALURU: The state government on Friday informed the High Court of Karnataka that it has taken a policy decision not to frame rules and guidelines to allow bike taxi services through Ola, Uber and Rapido. Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty made this submission before a division bench of acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar. As a policy, we do not want to frame rules for operation of bike taxis and only eight states have permitted bike taxis in the country. The court was hearing the appeals filed by Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, ANI Technology Pvt Ltd, Varikruti Mahendra Reddy, and others. They offer bike taxi services through Ola, Uber and Rapido. They had appealed against the order passed by a single judge on April 2. The single judge declared that unless the state government notifies guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, the petitioners cannot operate as aggregators offering bike taxi services and the transport department cannot issue directions to register motorcycles as transport vehicles or issue contract carriage permits. The single judge gave time till June 15 for the taxi aggregators to stop bike taxi services and directed the state to ensure that all bike taxi operations are stopped after this. Meanwhile, the division bench declined to pass an interim order at this stage on the request of the appellants to either extend the deadline for operating bike taxis for a short period or to direct the state government not to take coercive steps till the next date of hearing. The bench will hear the appeals on June 24. Nasscom has urged Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy for his immediate intervention on the issue of bike taxi operations in the state, following the Karnataka High Courts recent judgment prohibiting aggregator-based bike taxi services in Bengaluru, effective from June 15. In its submission, Nasscom has urged the state government to provide interim relief by extending the June 15 deadline to prevent largescale livelihood disruption, while simultaneously initiating a consultative process to develop a balanced regulatory framework for a long-term solution. Drawing from existing models in Delhi, Telangana and Rajasthan, Nasscom reiterated its commitment to work closely with the government to craft a forward-looking policy that supports innovation, ensures commuter safety, and promotes inclusive growth.
Bengaluru ranks 14 in global startups, fifth in AI and big data
BENGALURU: Bengaluru has jumped seven spots to rank 14 in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2025, up from 21 last year. The city ranked fifth globally in AI & Big Data. The GSER 2025, published by Startup Genome and released at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, evaluates ecosystems across key parameters, performance, funding, market reach, talent and experience, and knowledge along with a new focus on AI-native capabilities. At VivaTech 2025, Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge spoke at a high-level panel discussion on AI disruption and startup ecosystem futures. This ranking is not just a number; it reflects the structural resilience and readiness of Karnatakas innovation economy, Kharge stated. He detailed Karnatakas multi-pronged strategy; including Innoverse open innovation platform, Beyond Bengaluru regional startup mission, and Nipuna Karnataka, a skilling initiative targeting over a million professionals. The state is also fostering enterprise-startup collaboration via its growing Global Capability Center (GCC) network and supporting Deep Tech with dedicated funding for AI, biotech and robotics. Bengaluru now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global hubs like Paris (rank 12), Philadelphia (13), and Seattle (15), marking a significant shift in global innovation trends and placing Karnataka firmly on the global Deep Tech map.
KEA publishes draft engineering seat matrix
BENGALURU: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the draft seat matrix for engineering admissions to private colleges and universities for the current academic year. The matrix includes newly introduced courses and increased intake that have received government approval or a no objection certificate (NOC) as per regulations, said KEA Executive Director H Prasanna. The draft matrix includes government, aided, unaided engineering colleges, and government and private universities in Karnataka that have received All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approval for undergraduate engineering courses for the academic year 202526. Courses that do not have a valid NOC from the government, despite having AICTE approval, have been excluded. If such colleges obtain the NOC and submit it in time, those courses will be considered in the final seat matrix. Public and educational institutions can submit objections or suggestions in writing to the secretary, department of higher education, or via email: ugseatmatrix2025@gmail.com within seven days.
Adi Shankaracharya lauds AOLs work
BENGALURU: Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, 70th pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, visited The Art of Living International Centre on Kanakapura Road on Friday. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar welcomed the Shankaracharya with traditional honours. During the visit, he acknowledged Sri Sri Ravi Shankars humanitarian initiatives, commitment to preserving Indias ancient knowledge systems and ability to make spiritual practices accessible and relevant to people from all walks of life. The Shankaracharya also visited the Gurukul, Gau Shala and various spiritual learning spaces within the ashram. Reflecting on his relationship with Gurudev, the Shankaracharya said, From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the service efforts by The Art of Living have addressed the root causes of unrest. Those who once carried weapons have been drawn toward peacetransformed through love and devotion.
Mango price: CM Siddaramaiah wants Union Minister Shivrajs intervention
BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan for price deficiency payment and market intervention scheme for mango farmers in Karnataka. In his letter, Siddaramaiah has said that this year price of mangoes has come down from Rs 12,000 to Rs 3,000 per quintal. The Karnataka State Agriculture Price Commission has recommended Rs 5,466 per quintal. He demanded the central government to intervene and implement Price Deficiency Payment scheme (Its a direct payment to farmers for the price difference between MSP and market price). He said this sharp mismatch between production costs and market realisations has placed the farming communities under acute financial stress. The CM said mango is one of Karnatakas major horticultural crops, cultivated over 1.38 lakh hectares with production of 8-10 lakh tones grown in Bengaluru rural, Bengaluru urban, Chikkaballapura, Kolar and other parts of the state. I am writing to draw your immediate and personal attention to the severe distress being faced by mango farmers across Karnataka to a sharp and unsustainable decline in market prices during the current harvest season, he said. The CM said that thousands of small and marginal mango growers are unable to recover even their basic input costs, leading to widespread protests and growing agrarian anxiety. Unless prompt and effective intervention is undertaken, this crisis may lead to serious socio-economic consequences in the region, he said. The CM also urged Chouhan to issue necessary directions to designated central procurement agencies to initiate procurement operations at an appropriate intervention price, ensuring that farmers receive at least the minimum cost of cultivation as a safety net.
Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders back new SES but plan own digital census over accuracy concerns
BENGALURU: The leadership of the two dominant communities in Karnataka the Veerashaiva Lingayats and the Vokkaligas has welcomed the announcement of a fresh Socio-Economic Survey (SES), but is preparing to conduct parallel digital censuses of their respective communities. While they support the governments initiative, both community leaders have expressed concerns about the possibility of under-representation. They plan to counter any discrepancies in the official data with their own figures. Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha secretary H M Renuka Prasanna told TNIE that software is being developed to facilitate their independent survey. In every village, individuals will be covered and data will be uploaded to our website. The Mahasabha units at the village level will be equipped to upload regular updates on the birth and death of community members, he said. A meeting will soon be convened under the chairmanship of Mahasabha president Shamanuru Shivashankarappa to discuss the initiative further. Similarly, State Vokkaligara Sangha president B Kenchappa Gowda announced that the Sangha would conduct a digital census under the guidance of Adichunchanagiri Mutt head, Dr Sri Nirmalanandanath Swamiji. We will oppose any inaccuracies in the caste census being conducted by the state government. It must be scientific to ensure communities receive the entitlements they deserve. If the data is scientifically gathered, we will accept the findings even if the numbers vary, he stated. He also congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for initiating the new survey. Gowda suggested that a retired judge should head the survey exercise to ensure fairness and transparency. He also argued that the 90-day timeframe announced by the Chief Minister was insufficient and should be extended. The Sanghas General Secretary, T Konappa Reddy, recommended that the new caste census be linked with Aadhaar and incorporate geo-tagging to include accurate economic details of each family. He also proposed that village accountants and Panchayat Development Officers be involved to enhance the credibility of the data collection. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Pradesh Kuruba Sangha has urged the government to clarify its position on the Kantharaju Commissions SES-2015 report and the recommendations of Jayaprakash Hegde, former chairman of the commission. For the sake of a khal nayak in the government, the Congress high command sacrificed the SES-2015 report, which was in favour of providing social justice, alleged Sangha president K M Ramachandrappa, in a veiled criticism of a cabinet colleague of Siddaramaiah who had opposed the earlier report. He demanded that the government make public its plans for the SES-2015 report and ensure the recommendations are not discarded. Ramachandrappa also said the fresh survey must be completed and published within a specific timeframe and should be conducted in a scientific and accurate manner. He proposed forming a joint committee comprising peoples representatives and community leaders from all backgrounds to supervise the survey, as well as an expert panel to prevent future errors. If the survey is delayed or mishandled, the oppressed communities will be forced to launch widespread agitations, he warned.
Technical issues ground 2 Air India Express planes
Air India Express faced disruptions Friday as two Surat-bound flights encountered technical issues. A Bangkok-Surat flight was grounded after a suspected bird hit upon landing in Bangkok, stranding approximately 180 passengers who were provided accommodation and rebooking options. Separately, a Jaipur-Bengaluru-Surat flight experienced delays due to an AC failure, a runway closure, and later, reported engine overheating, causing further inconvenience.
Conduct single investigation by retired judge: Former Karnataka CM M Veerappa Moily
BENGALURU: Former Karnataka CM M Veerappa Moily urged CM Siddaramaiah to expedite the probe into the stampede during RCBs IPL victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives and take swift and measured action to restore the confidence among the cricket fans in the state. In a letter to Siddaramaiah, Moily said instead of multiple probes, a single investigation by a retired judge should be conducted and appropriate measures should be taken to restore confidence among the cricket fans. Moily said the government ordered a magisterial probe by the DC, an inquiry by a retired judge of Karnataka HC, and a probe by CID. Action has also been taken against many policemen. Stating that hasty decisions by the administration could tarnish governments reputation, Moily said the CM should reconsider it. Stating that the stampede impacted the reputation of the cricket ecosystem in the state, Moily urged the CM to restore the city and states reputation by ensuring proper probe. He urged the CM to take special care of the families of the victims and those injured as only providing compensation is not enough. Terming speculations over shifting cricket matches from Bengaluru to other places as unhealthy, he said precautionary measures should be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur, and assurance should be given for hosting matches in Bengaluru. He said people of the state are proud of RCBs win, but instead of celebrating, fingers are pointed at each other, which is not correct.
Karnataka CM to Finance Commission: ensure justice for all states in devolution of taxes
BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday urged the 16th Finance Commission in its forthcoming recommendation to the Centre to ensure that no state, including Karnataka, faces injustice in the devolution of taxes, and the cess and surcharges should be brought under the divisible pool. The Centre collects cess and surcharge on various commodities, but keeps the entire thing for itself as it does not come under devolution of taxes. We suggested the cess surcharge should not exceed 5 percent, and if it does should be shared with states. During 2024, Rs 5,41,709 crore was collected, and all the states incurred losses to the tune of Rs 2,22,101 crore, with Karnataka alone losing Rs 8,084 crore. We dont have any objection to collecting, but if you (Centre) collect more than 5 percent, it should be in the divisible pool, he told reporters after his meeting with the chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Dr. Arvind Panagariya, and members in New Delhi. The Centres discretionary grants should not exceed 0.3 per cent, the CM suggested to the 16th FC. Karnataka annually contributes Rs 4.5 lakh crore in taxes to the Centre but getting only 15 paise against 1 rupee in devolution of taxes; this injustice should not happen in the 16th FC recommendation. Because our tax share, which was 4.713 in the 14th FC recommendation, has been reduced to 3.647 per cent in tax devolution cut by 1.1 per cent, causing Rs 68,275 crore loss in five years(2021-2026), the Chief Minister explained. Siddaramaiah said that among the 31 districts, six in Kalyan Karnataka region have per capita income less than the national average and are on par with Rajasthan, Odisha and West Bengal. The 15th FC had recommended the Centre to give special grants of Rs 5,495 crore to Karnataka, Telangana and Mizoram, but the Centre refused, he alleged. The state-specific grants to the tune of Rs 11,495 crore against peripheral ring road and water bodies were also denied, he added. The CM said since Bengaluru is growing fast, the special grants (Rs 1.15 lakh crore) are crucial. Seven Kalyana Karnataka districts and the Malnad region in Western Ghats, which face floods and landslides too need funds, he said. We do not say backward states should not be given special grants, but it should be rationalized. Is it justifiable and enough for Karnataka to receive 15 paise against 1 rupee collected and given to the Centre? the CM questioned. He felt that the meeting, which lasted for 1 hour and 15 minutes, was cordial with the chairman of the 16th FC and its members were very receptive to Karnatakas proposals. Replying to a query on skipping the Niti Aayog meeting recently, he said that he was busy with the pre-scheduled programmes. Chief Ministers Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Ritesh Kumar Singh, Chief Ministers Secretary Anjum Parvez, and Finance Secretary Dr PC Jaffer also attended the meeting.
KSEAB declares SSLC exam-2 results with 27.67% pass rate, down nearly 4% from last year
BENGALURU: The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the results of SSLC Exam-2 on Friday, with the overall pass percentage, including repeaters and private candidates, standing at 27.67%. This is a dip of nearly 4% compared to 2024 which recorded a pass percentage of 31%. This year, 87,330 passed out of more than 3.15 lakh candidates who appeared. The SSLC Exam-2 was conducted from May 26 to June 2. The number of students who failed in SSLC Exam-1 increased as the grace marks - which allowed an increase of up to 20% - were not given. The pass percentage for freshers, however, stood at 30.39% and improvement percentage was recorded at 56.14%, with 6,635 students reporting improvements out of 11,818 who appeared. Of the total candidates who appeared for improvements, four students - Lakshmi B Bidarahalli, S Sriram Shetty, Sanjana S and Shivendu Shreekar S, from Vijayanagar, Udupi, Shivamogga and Tumakuru, respectively, secured perfect scores. Government schools recorded the highest pass rate among freshers at 36.65%, followed by unaided schools at 32%. SSLC Exam 3 KSEAB announced that SSLC Exam-3 will be conducted from July 5 to July 12 for students who were marked as Not Completed in either Exam-1 or Exam-2, as well as for those seeking to improve their scores and repeat candidates. Regular school students who failed in Exam-2 will be exempted from paying exam fees.
Lokayukta raid fear: ex-cop extorts crores from officials, invests in crypto
BENGALURU: A former police head constable allegedly converted into cryptocurrency several crores of rupees he reportedly collected by blackmailing government officials and leaking advance information on possible raids by Lokayukta police. He also secured tip-offs on impending raids from his sources within the Lokayukta office. The ongoing interrogation of G Ningappa, also known as Ningappa Sawanth (46), from Chitradurga arrested by the Lokayukta police under the Prevention of Corruption Act on 2 June has revealed that the money he allegedly extorted from government officials was invested in cryptocurrency wallets registered under multiple names, including those of certain IPS officers serving in the Lokayukta. Lokayukta police have written to nearly 25 companies to ascertain the total amount Ningappa invested through centralised and decentralised cryptocurrency transactions. Ningappa, who had been posted in Chitradurga, was dismissed from service for misconduct a few years ago. According to sources, Ningappas mobile phone was sent to the CID cyber wing for mirror imaging and examination of cryptocurrency transactions. The initial probe revealed that he invested Rs 4.19 crore in eight cryptocurrency exchange platforms, including Binance and Bitget. The investments were made in his name, his wife Chandrakalas name, and the names of some officers. The Lokayukta police also seized approximately 90 grams of gold ornaments from his residence in Chitradurga, along with several incriminating documents. Modus operandi: Using fake IPS contacts and caller IDs Ningappas modus operandi involved saving phone numbers in his contacts under the names of IPS officers and even the Lokayukta himself. He would then send screenshots to officials whose names had been leaked to him by his sources within the Lokayukta, to create the impression that he was closely associated with top officials. His messages included alerts like, Today morning 7 districts Lokayukta raid. Be alert. According to excise officials who appeared before the Lokayukta police for questioning, Ningappa had also purchased SIM cards and saved them under the names of specific IPS officers from the anti-corruption watchdog and Lokayukta. These names would appear in caller ID apps when he contacted officials, adding to the illusion of authenticity. He targeted officials in the Excise Department, Regional Transport Offices, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and allegedly collected amounts ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25 lakh. Investigations have revealed that he collected approximately Rs 58 lakh from excise officials alone. Frequent visits to Lokayukta HQ raised suspicions Ningappas impersonation as a Sub-Inspector of Lokayukta came to light after informants tipped off Lokayukta police about government officials receiving dubious calls from someone claiming to have links with senior officers. It was also discovered that Ningappa regularly visited the Lokayukta headquarters in Bengaluru, meeting certain IPS officers. These officers reportedly provided him with confidential information about pending reports and upcoming raids targeting officials suspected of possessing disproportionate assets. After receiving this information, Ningappa would contact the targeted officials and demand money to help them evade the raids. In some cases, he received the bribes through UPI transfers. He then either handed the cash over to intermediaries or transferred it digitally to their bank accounts, which was subsequently converted to dollars and transferred into his cryptocurrency wallets. Lokayukta office under scrutiny These revelations have caused concern at the Lokayukta office, which is still in the process of rebuilding its reputation after a major corruption scandal a few years ago involving former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, his son, and others. Justice B S Patil, the current Lokayukta, held a meeting with Bengaluru Lokayukta police officials on Friday and conveyed a strong message that he would not tolerate any officer who fails in their duties. Justice Patil confirmed Ningappas arrest and interrogation and stated that the case is one among 40 registered recently following reports that individuals were collecting money in the name of the Lokayukta, Upa Lokayuktas, and other police officers. However, he declined to share further details of the ongoing investigation. Justice Patil also stated that he has written to the government requesting the creation of a dedicated Vigilance Wing within the Lokayukta, with a sitting district judge to maintain continuous oversight of police activities.
More children falling prey to online sexual abuse in Karnataka
BENGALURU: A growing number of children in Karnataka are falling prey to online sexual exploitation and abuse, but most parents, teachers, and even government officials remain unequipped to handle or prevent such threats, a state-level study has found. Released by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) in partnership with ChildFund India, the study, focused on online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, raises red flags about childrens online safety, especially following the Covid pandemic, which, as per the findings, saw increased screen time and unsupervised internet use among children. The report was released on Friday by Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council. The study covered 903 school-going children aged 818 years across five Karnataka districts Bengaluru, Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi using multi-stage random sampling. Six schools from each district were selected, and 30 students from each school were interviewed, spanning three age groups - 811, 1214, and 1518 years. As per the findings, driven by the need for social validation and the pull of digital popularity, one in six teenagers in the past one year in Karnataka has reported connecting with strangers online and one in ten (17% of boys and 4% of girls) has even gone on to meet them in person. A higher number of children in rural areas (12%) than urban (9%) were found to have met strangers offline. Even more concerning, the findings reflected that 1% of children across gender admitted to sharing intimate photos or videos with online strangers and that 7% of children had shared personal information with strangers online, including their full name, phone number, personal photos, home address, and even personal videos. Ages 1518 most vulnerable to unsafe interactions As per the findings, the age group of 15-18 was also found to be most vulnerable to unsafe interactions. About 5% of them reported feeling unsafe or embarrassed due to online experiences with Instagram accounting for 77% of such cases. While 53% said the perpetrator was a stranger, 35% said it was someone they knew, and 12% experienced both. However, only 34% of parents took formal action like reporting to the police. Instead, most preferred to block the offender or delete chat histories.
Karnataka mango farmers struggle as pulp demand falls, prices crash, and export hurdles mount
BENGALURU: Mango no longer tastes sweet for farmers in the statethere are not enough pulp industries, the AP government has banned mangoes from Karnataka and there are no signs of an ending to the conflict in the Middle East, a major export market for Indian mangoes. Karnataka grows mangoes in 1.39 lakh hectares and produces an average of 11 lakh tonnes during a normal year. Of which, around four lakhs mangoes are sold to consumers directly, the remaining are used by industries to make byproducts, including juice, jam and pickles. Since mango is a seasonal fruit, pulp is extracted by industries and is sold to the industries making byproducts. Nearly 500-gram pulp can be extracted from one kilo mangoes. The AP governments decision to ban mangoes from the state has caused hardship to the growers as number of pulp industries in Karnataka is much less compared to the neighbouring state. Market price for fruit not steady in Karnataka Mango growers say the AP government established an Agri Economic Zone for pulp industries with all facilities, while such facilities are not there in the state. Raja Reddy, a farmer from Srinivasapura in Kolar, said in Karnataka, there are 11 pulp industries of which only three are fully operational. Even if anyone wants to start pulp industry in Karnataka, he has to go to many departments to get clearance as against single window clearance in AP, he said. Mango growers are largely dependent on other states and outside India. But ever since conflict in Gaza, transportation of pulp to European countries or other countries has become expensive as flights are taking longer routes, Reddy said. Ban on Karnataka mangoes may lead to retaliatory steps, Karnataka CM tells Andhra counterpart Srinivasa Reddy, a mango grower, said that a couple of industries in Karnataka had procured a large quantity of mangoes and they stored pulp last year. Pulp extracted last year has not been sold. They are not procuring fresh ones this year. Shelf life of pulp is two years, he said. Chinnappa Reddy, president, Kolar District Mango Growers Association, said production cost per tonne of mangoes is Rs 12,000, of which farmers are getting Rs 4000. In AP, the government has announced a minimum price of Rs 4,000 per tonne, he said. This year, in Karnataka mango has arrived late and harvest season has been extended till June-end. By June, mangoes will arrive in North Indian states and thus there will be less demand for Karnataka mangoes now, Raja Reddy said. Pradeep Kanur, Director, Excel Foods Pvt Ltd, said the Karnataka mango market price is not steady. We send our puree to Japan and US too. Demand from Middle Eastern countries has come down due to inflation, he said.
A Bengaluru entrepreneur's LinkedIn post detailing unfair security deposit deductions by his landlord has sparked widespread outrage. He faced unclear charges for repainting and damages, receiving only a fraction of his deposit back. Many others across Indian cities shared similar experiences of exploitation, highlighting the need for rental reforms and greater transparency in landlord-tenant relations.
Into The Limelight: Caravaggio Comes To Bengaluru
Lost for hundreds of years after it was created sometime in the early 1600s and known only through recreations until re-discovered in 2014, artist Caravaggios Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy draws the viewer into an unguarded moment with this biblical figure. Here, she sits, heads thrown back, arms folded over her belly, cloth slipping from her shoulder, a mystic who appears intimately human, neither a penitent sinner nor a haloed saint. It depicts Mary Magdalene in a way that was never done before because she was usually depicted either in penitence or after redemption when she was ascending to the heavens. But at this moment, he depicts her in between a divine ecstasy and a very earthly ecstasy her divine bliss was also felt physically so she sheds a small tear, she opens her mouth. This depiction had an enormous influence on art that followed, explains Alfonso Tagliaferri, the consul general of Italy in Bengaluru. He, along with the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) , The Italian Cultural Centre at the Italian Embassy, Delhi, and The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, with support from prominent business people Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Geetanjali Kirloskar, and Rezwan Razack, have brought this iconic Baroque painting to the city after its stint in Delhi last month. Opening to visitors today at the NGMA, the painting will be in the city until July 6. Immense care has been taken in how the painting is displayed, in an arched grey niche invoking Baroque architecture. The lighting, too, is deliberate yet simple, complementing Caravaggios signature use of the chiaroscuro technique of using intense light and dark contrasts to create depth and drama. Tagliaferri explains, The illumination is only from the top left, all of Caravaggios paintings are illuminated this way it is a sort of divine light. We also ask visitors to look at the paintings slightly from the left to recreate exactly what he imagined. Along with viewing the painting, visitors can learn more about the legendary Italian artists life through an interactive VR set-up feturing material from Romes Galleria Borghese. Visitors use VR headsets to learn about Caravaggio Last valued at approximately 48 million (around `477 crore), the painting, apart from being of immense cultural value, is precious cargo, the safety and care of which is a top priority. As Priyanka Mary Francis, the director of the NGMA explains, The handling is always done by experts. The gallery is temperature-controlled and also equipped for relative humidity control between 55 to 60 per cent, ideal for paintings. Security has also been amped up with additional security from the Karnataka State Police. Francis notes the excitement already building among Bengalureans over a Caravaggio in the city, saying, The reception has been great, weve been getting a lot of queries and attention on social media handles a lot of curiosity has been generated around this. Many people feel contemporary art is beyond their appreciation. We want more and more common people to come in, and hope that this painting is beginning to change all the inhibitions people have.
From Rome with love: Caravaggios $50-million painting debuts in Bengaluru
Drowsy driver rams bus with 30 onboard into truck in Hoskote; 5 killed, 16 injured
Karnataka parents raise alarm over rampant online child exposure & abuse
Bengaluru: Newly asphalted road dug up in Mahalakshmi Layout - Deccan Herald
Bengaluru: Newly asphalted road dug up in Mahalakshmi Layout Deccan Herald
Draft engineering matrix for 2025 sees drop in available seats in Karnataka
The state has also sought support of Rs 1.15 lakh crore investment to bolster Bengaluru's infrastructure and address regional disparities in Kalyana Karnataka and Malnad
More than 200 artists gather at renovated Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru
After burglary attempt, girl, 18, falls fatally from sixth-floor flat in Bengaluru
Caretaker held for stealing jewellery, cash worth Rs 1.5 crore from employers house in Bengaluru
Community groups to conclude digital surveys before Karnataka government exercise
Karnataka demands its fund devolution share raised to 50%
Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni surrenders, shifted to central prison
Bike taxis must obey Karnataka high court order: Transport department
DIG C. Vamsi Krishna appointed as Joint Commissioner (West), Bengaluru
Thug Life petition abuse of law process: Kannada Sahitya Parishat
Karnataka Lokayukta tells cops to leave if they cant work with honesty, integrity
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UTT 6: Promising Yashaswini making notable strides
AHMEDABAD: Yashaswini Ghorpade's career has been on an upwards trajectory. After conquering the junior level of table tennis, she has transitioned to the senior level. The 20-year-old won the senior nationals in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh last September before shining again in her hometown Bengaluru in December. A noteworthy moment of her nascent career, however, came when she defeated the Chinese paddler, World No 35, Fan Siqi last week in the season six of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. Donning the orange and black jersey of U Mumba TT, Yashaswini displayed mental fortitude, edging past Siqi, who represented the Chennai Lions. That she won from a 2-7 deficit in the deciding tie, against an unbeaten opponent then, made it extra special. It was a very important match for me as well as for my team (against Chennai). I did believe in myself for that match and I kept going, despite going 2-7 down. I kept winning the points as well. The celebration was amazing. I didn't believe it, she recalled. Yashaswini's victory was a significant one as U Mumba TT went on to qualify for the playoffs after beating Dabang Delhi on Thursday. It's been great playing with the team. We have bonded really well for almost three weeks already, she said. Working under the guidance of a familiar face in John Murphy, the head coach of U Mumba TT, has helped. The Irishman is renowned for bringing Australia to the top-100 rankings during his tenure there. I have known John since my youth. He used to travel with the Australian team. He has been quite helpful in the camps there as well. Knowing him quite well from before has also helped us in bonding very well this year. He is a great coach, she added. Prior to the UTT 6, which started on May 31, Yashaswini made her debut in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Championships mid-May. She paired with paddler Diya Chitale and lost in the pre-quarterfinals in the women's doubles event. This run came amidst forgettable outings for other Indian paddlers. However, it was a great learning experience for the youngster. It was a great feeling playing with high-level players. This tournament (World C'ships) is second only to the Olympics. Myself and Diya played really well and gave our best, she said. Transitioning to the senior level of any sport comes with a lot of challenges for young players. Yashaswini explained her transition. I have learnt that the pressure that we feel before the match, many people don't get to feel it. We are very lucky to feel it. I like the pressure going forward. I have learnt along it (transition to senior levels) to believe in myself and to continue the process and enjoy the moment, she said. Twelve weeks after being inducted into the ranking system of the ITTF, she is ranked 79. After UTT concludes, Yashaswini will be focussing on improving her game before next year's Asian Games. I will be taking part in the Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar in October, she signed off. Yashaswini's level of performance is a welcome boost for Indian table tennis. Come Saturday, she will be hoping to inspire U Mumba during their semifinal encounter against defending champions Dempo Goa Challengers. Jaipur Patriots enter final It all came to the final, and the most-awaited match between Sreeja Akula and Diya Chitale to decide the winner of the semifinal tie between Jaipur Patriots and Dabang Delhi on Friday. In the second and final womens singles match, Sreeja Akula got things running by taking the first set home 11-9. Chitale remained determined and took the second set 6-11. Sreeja seemed unfazed by the pressure of the deciding set and guided the Patriots to Sunday's final.
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