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Hubballi to host Ranji final; Chinnaswamy not yet ready

ESPNcricinfo understands the KSCA had the option of hosting the fixture between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir either in Bengaluru or Hubballi

Espn CricInfo 19 Feb 2026 8:52 pm

BJP vows to return to power in 2028 in Karnataka, attacks Congress at executive committee meet

BJP leaders in Bengaluru have strongly criticized the Congress government in Karnataka. They expressed confidence in returning to power in the 2028 Assembly elections. The party passed resolutions on corruption, drug menace, and Bengaluru's garbage crisis. Leaders urged workers to prepare for upcoming polls and highlight government failures.

The Economic Times 19 Feb 2026 8:43 pm

Netherlands PM Dick Schoof to visit Traffic Management Centre in Bengaluru on Friday to review ASTraM

He will be visiting the city to review ASTraM, a tech-driven approach to analysing and managing Bengaluru city traffic, developed in collaboration with a Dutch company

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 6:59 pm

Puravankara launches Purva Silversky in Bengalurus Electronics City

Offering 3-, 4-, and 5-BHK units ranging from 1,864 sq ft to over 5,300 sq ft, the project includes a 17,700 sq ft clubhouse and over 45 amenities

The Hindu Businessline 19 Feb 2026 6:59 pm

Bharatesh GDs solo show in Bengaluru cuts through layers of pain

Bengaluru-based artist Bharathesh GD talks about his solo show Pain Corporation of India

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 6:32 pm

RCB ownership battle heats up as Man United's Glazer said to have bid $1.8 billion

Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer is reportedly making a bid for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricket team. The offer is around $1.8 billion. Other potential buyers include Blackstone, Carlyle, and Indian tycoons. Diageo, the current owner, is seeking to sell part or all of the franchise. The Glazer family has previously shown interest in cricket investments.

The Economic Times 19 Feb 2026 5:56 pm

Bengaluru Doctor Waits 10 Years, Moves High Court To Donate Kidney To A Stranger

She wanted to donate a kidney to anyone who needed it. No relative, no friend, no emotional bond. Just a stranger whose life might continue because of her choice.

News18 19 Feb 2026 5:28 pm

Bengaluru police rescue by city police seconds before drowning in Bellandur Lake

The 23-year-old woman called the emergency helpline Namma 112 stating that she intended to end her life due to distress caused by frequent domestic disputes with her husband, a water-tanker driver.

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 5:17 pm

UHA Breaks Ground in Delhi NCR and Bolsters Team with Two New Senior Associates

UHA, a global architecture and design studio, today announced the appointments of Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar as Senior Associates, bolstering its senior team with nearly 60 years of combined Indian experience. The hirings mark a significant milestone in UHAs growth with the companys long-awaited establishment of a hub in the capital region. From left to right: Gurvinder Singh Chowdhury and Ashwin Navelkar Since its launch in India in 2012, UHA has delivered projects across the country, adding to the urban vocabularies of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow and Gurugram. With more than 25 projects currently on site in Delhi NCR, these new appointments point to UHAs expanding footprint. We may be London-based, but our beginnings truly are in India, and this expansion of team and geography further validates our work and success here , said Jonas Upton-Hansen, the firms Founding Partner . Weve worked with both Ashwin and Gurvinder over the years as partners, and their market expertise and networks are a boon to UHA. Were very much set up for further success, and it says a lot about the work were doing that were attracting such prestigious talent . Along with the growth of its Mumbai team, UHAs recent focus has been establishing a presence in the capital to reflect its growing collaborations in the region. UHA recently exhibited its pop-up pavilion, Pentad, at India Art Fair 2026, and has also designed Delhis tallest residential tower. Chowdhury, a graduate of SPA Delhi with more than 30 years experience working across the full value chain from design to delivery, will serve as Regional Director for Delhi NCR, bringing his technical rigour and timeless aesthetics to sectors including high-rise, residential, commercial and hospitality. What excites me most is UHAs honest design ethossensitive to the Indian context while delivered to international standards. This resonates deeply with my belief that architecture must be guided by sensibility and sustainability, creating spaces that are human, inclusive, and futureready , Chowdhury said. Navelkar completed his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai and has worked with top design firms including Bijoy Jain + Associates, KAPl & DPA-Mumbai, as well as with real estate firms like RNA Corp, Runwal and K Raheja on high-rise residential, hotels, commercial offices and IT parks. He will be joining the expanding Mumbai team. Having collaborated previously with UHA on projects across India, I know both the expertise and creativity they bring to projects , Navelkar said, And it brings me immense pleasure to have the opportunity to join the studio firm on this next journey of expansion . Its an exciting moment for the firm for us to appoint our first Delhi-based leader as its obviously a key market for us , said Zachary Dominitz, UHAs Head of India . Gurvinder and Ashwin bring the wisdom and field experience only time can teach. Even more, they bring a commitment to mentorship thats fundamental for growth. Our Mumbai team is exceptionally talented, and wonderfully driven, and adding the likes of these two gentlemen to the office will exponentially increase what were able to offer our clients in terms of skill, creativity and service. Were thrilled . About UHA UHA designs and delivers projects that vary in context, function, and scale, encompassing architecture, masterplanning, landscaping, environmental services and interior design. From concept design to turnkey challenges, we have projects on-site from London to Taipei, covering boutique residential towers and luxury villas to high-tech workspaces and educational institutions. Our asynchronous approach means that somewhere we are always open. Distributed across seven time zones, our team of architects, designers, urbanists, visualisers, sustainability consultants, and project managers design and deliver projects around the clock. As office hours draw to a close in Tokyo, work continues in Mumbai and construction sites open in London. With multiple projects currently under construction across three continents, our multi-nodal studio provides a variety of services within an accelerated timeline. www.uha.global For press inquiries and interview requests, please write to mumbai@uh-architects.com

News Voir 19 Feb 2026 4:53 pm

The Immediate Aim Is To Do Well In The Junior Grand Slams, Says Maaya Revathi At ITF Womens Open W100

Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi: Rising Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is continuing her steady progression on the international circuit as she competes in the ITF Womens Open W100 Bengaluru. The 16-year-old from Coimbatore suffered a first-round exit in the singles main draw after going down in three sets to fifth seed Polina Iatcenko. However, she remains in contention in the doubles competition, partnering close friend and compatriot Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty to defeat an Indian pair and advance to the quarterfinals. Having recently featured in tournaments in Mumbai and Pune, Maayas continued presence in professional events reflects her growing experience and development. Her progress has been shaped by strong early foundations in India and advanced training at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Maayas journey in tennis began in Coimbatore, where she was introduced to the sport at a young age with encouragement from her parents. With access to quality coaching facilities nearby, she gradually shifted from playing recreationally to pursuing tennis professionally. I started taking tennis more seriously when I was 10 years old. Winning the Under-12 Nationals in 2022 was an eye-opener, it made me feel that maybe I could do something with the sport because I was enjoying it and felt happy on court. And when I entered the ITF juniors, I had a 25-match winning streak, won four tournaments in a row, and reached major quarterfinals and semifinals. Winning the J300 in Delhi also brought me closer to the Grand Slams, so it had been a great start for me so far, she recalled. Despite the singles setback in Bengaluru, Maaya views the current phase as an important period of growth. I feel its been a good period of positive growth. Right now, the focus is on amassing experience, competing against better players, and growing physically and mentally. Rankings and results will follow, she reflected on her recent outings in the country. The teenager also spoke about her connection with Bengaluru, a city that has played an important role in her early career. My first-ever tennis tournament was in Bangalore, an Under-10 tournament. I lost in the first round, but I still had a lot of fun and stayed at the venue the entire day. Ive always liked playing in Bangalore. In the Under-14s, I had one of my better results here, and most of the times Ive played these courts, its been very good for me. The teenager also spoke about her connection with Bengaluru, a city that has played an important role in her early career. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The environment is great at the Rafa Nadal Academy because you are surrounded by athletes, and I study there as well. Its turned into a second home. I will now look to play more on clay courts, with the French Open coming up. The immediate aim is to do well in the Junior Grand Slams, she stated. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 19 Feb 2026 4:40 pm

GalaxEye's OptoSAR satellite will use AI to process Earth observation data

In an exciting leap for Earth observation, Bengaluru's GalaxEye is set to unveil Mission Drishti. Armed with NVIDIA's Jetson Orin technology, this satellite will provide swift data analysis of our planet.

The Economic Times 19 Feb 2026 4:14 pm

Retired ISRO employee allegedly strangles wife to death in Bengaluru

A 65-year-old retired ISRO employee was taken into custody after allegedly strangling his wife to death with a towel at their home in Avalahalli. The incident was reported around 11 am. Police said the accused, reportedly undergoing treatment for depression

Mid Day 19 Feb 2026 3:49 pm

Karnataka tribals arrested in Ghana for selling unregistered Herbal products

Twenty-six members of Karnataka's Hakki-Pikki tribal community were arrested in Ghana for allegedly selling unregistered herbal products. The group, including 12 women, was taken into custody in Tumu after local residents reported their activities. While some had work permits, others did not. Indian authorities have been alerted and are investigating the matter.

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 3:44 pm

Bengaluru's corporate dream falling apart? Viral 'I quit' post lists all the problems

Bengaluru professional's viral Reddit post detailing their decision to quit corporate life due to burnout, poor work-life balance, and city challenges has ignited widespread discussion. The user cited traffic, inflation, and infrastructure issues as key factors, prompting varied responses from empathy to cautionary advice on entrepreneurship.

The Economic Times 19 Feb 2026 3:29 pm

80-year-old man charred to death in fire at home in Kengeri in south Bengaluru

According to the complaint lodged by Ramya (32), grand-daughter of the deceased, the victime was living alone in a house adjacent to her residence

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 1:19 pm

Who Is Param? Forget Galgotias Chinese Robodog, Bengalurus Authentic Version Masters Traffic | Watch

A Bengaluru startup showcased its indigenous robot dog Param at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in Delhi.

News18 19 Feb 2026 12:57 pm

GT Batter Sai Sudharsan Recovers From Rib Injury, Begins IPL 2026 Preparations Alongside Captain Gill

Miraj International Cricket Stadium: Gujarat Titans batter B Sai Sudharsan, who faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a right rib fracture during Tamil Nadu's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in Ahmedabad last December, has started his preparations for the IPL 2026 alongside skipper Shubman Gill. GT have begun their IPL 2026 preparations in full swing with a pre-season camp led by head coach Ashish Nehra and assistant coach Parthiv Patel at Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara. Sudharsan, who has played six Tests and three ODIs for India, has fractured the anterior cortex of the seventh right rib while diving to complete a run in the match. The southpaw then checked in at the BCCIs Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he underwent rehab. The left-hander has formed a successful opening partnership for Gujarat Titans alongside captain Gill, making his availability crucial to the franchise's plans, especially considering he was the leading run-getter in IPL 2025. Titans had retained as many as 20 players, including Gill and Sudharsan, who played pivotal roles in guiding the team to the IPL Playoffs last season. Apart from Gill and Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan and Nishant Sindhu will once again don the Titans jersey. The left-hander has formed a successful opening partnership for Gujarat Titans alongside captain Gill, making his availability crucial to the franchise's plans, especially considering he was the leading run-getter in IPL 2025. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 2022 champions strengthened their squad with five new additions as they roped in West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, Englands wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton, talented Indian fast bowler Ashok Sharma, England left-arm pacer Luke Wood and uncapped Indian speedster Prithvi Raj during the mini auction held last December. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 19 Feb 2026 12:44 pm

MAHE Partners with OpenAI to Integrate Artificial Intelligence Across Teaching, Learning, and Research

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools across teaching, research, and academic administration. This collaboration aims to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research productivity, and equip students and faculty with critical AI skills for a rapidly evolving global workforce. MAHE will implement AI-powered tools and resources across its academic programs to support personalised learning, boost critical thinking, and encourage ethical AI use. Faculty will also gain access to advanced AI tools for curriculum planning, research, and innovation. MAHE Partners with OpenAI to Drive Responsible and Ethical AI in Higher Education Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.), MAHE , said, "MAHE has always been guided by academic excellence and innovation. Our partnership with OpenAI represents a strategic step toward embedding AI as a transformative enabler across teaching, research, and administration. By integrating advanced AI tools responsibly, we aim to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research impact, and prepare our students for leadership in an AI-driven world." The collaboration will focus on building AI literacy across disciplines , ensuring that students from Health Sciences, Technology & Science, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences , and allied fields gain practical exposure to AI applications relevant to their domains. MAHE will also promote interdisciplinary research and innovation using AI to address complex real-world challenges.MAHE will also establish structured AI governance guidelines to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent governance use of artificial intelligence across academic functions. The partnership aligns with MAHEs long-term digital transformation roadmap and reinforces its commitment to innovation, industry relevance, and societal impact. With this collaboration, MAHE reinforces its vision of becoming a globally benchmarked, AI-enabled university committed to shaping responsible innovation and future-ready leaders. About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

News Voir 19 Feb 2026 12:29 pm

Intruder breaks into Bengaluru home, slits womans throat as mentally challenged husband sleeps beside her

A 70-year-old woman was brutally murdered in her Bengaluru home while her mentally challenged husband lay beside her. Police arrested a wholesale shop owner, Shivakumar, alleging financial distress as the motive for the attack. Investigators believe the suspect sought gold ornaments and cash. CCTV footage and vehicle tracing led to the arrest.

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 12:27 pm

Retired ISRO employee strangles wife, attempts to end life in Bengaluru

Police sources said the accused allegedly believed that there would be no one to take care of his wife after his death. He allegedly first killed his wife and then attempted to take his own life.

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 12:10 pm

Bengaluru Woman Slaughtered In Bed As Husband Lies Clueless Inches Away

A 70-year-old woman was murdered in her home in Bengaluru's Nelamangala while her mentally challenged husband lay beside her, apparently unaware of the attack.

NDTV 19 Feb 2026 11:46 am

OpenAI taps Tata for 100MW AI data center capacity in India, eyes 1GW

OpenAI also plans to expand its presence in India with new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru later this year.

TechCrunch 19 Feb 2026 11:04 am

NCB Seizes 4.7 Kg Cocaine Worth Rs 23.88 Crore At Bengaluru Airport, Brazilian Held

The accused was taken into immediate custody at the airport. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

News18 19 Feb 2026 10:25 am

Meet Param, 'Powerful' Made-In-India Robodog Developed By Bengaluru Startup

The startup has previously exhibited the robot dog in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month at a programme marking a decade of the Startup India initiative.

NDTV 19 Feb 2026 9:08 am

Poop is a metadrive of information: Shweta Taneja

The Bengaluru-based writers latest book, The Big Book of Wild Poop, explores how digestive waste tells stories of how animals live, think, feel, migrate, communicate and evolve

The Hindu 19 Feb 2026 8:56 am

2 men suffocate to death while cleaning septic tank in Bengaluru

Two friends, Shivakumar Nandurkar (51) and Ratan Hotkar (58), died of suspected asphyxiation while manually cleaning a septic tank in Madarasanahalli. Nandurkar entered the tank first and became unable to exit, prompting Hotkar to enter, where both tragically succumbed. An unnatural death case has been registered.

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 8:43 am

Cocaine soaked into clothes: NCB arrests Brazilian at Bengaluru airport; drug worth Rs 24 crore seized

A Brazilian national was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 4.77 kg of cocaine, valued at approximately Rs 24 crore. The drugs were discovered soaked into clothes hidden within four handbags. The accused had arrived from Sao Paulo via Doha.

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 8:33 am

4.7 kg cocaine worth Rs 23.88 cr seized at Bengaluru Airport

Hyderabad: Based on specific information, officers of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bangalore Zonal Unit, intercepted and caught a passenger at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) during the early hours of Tuesday. A total of 4.776 kg of cocaine worth Rs 23.88 crore (street value) was seized from a Brazilian national passenger. The accused travelled Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 Feb 2026 8:24 am

Ranji Trophy final set to be played at Hubballi

Bengaluru, Feb 18: The upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir is set to be played at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi, from February 24. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has received conditional nod from the Karnataka state cabinet to host domestic, IPL and international matches after being on the sidelines since []

The Shillong Times 19 Feb 2026 6:20 am

Friend uses Bengaluru auto drivers account for cybercrime

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 1:47 am

SOPs for govt colleges to check fake certs

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 1:44 am

HC: Lingayat and Ganiga notmutually exclusive identities

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 1:25 am

Success is about giving your best for the country: Pankaj Advani

In the past year, Pankaj Advani won his 36th national title and 10th mens snooker crown, claimed Asian gold in Doha and finished runner-up at the IBSF World Billiards Championship. As a Bangalore Times Headliner, he reflects on momentum, maturity and the mindset that keeps him at the top while staying rooted

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 12:00 am

Coming to India again is like coming back home: Scorpion

During the conversation, the band fondly recalled their last performance at Palace Grounds, even asking how far the new venue, NICE Grounds, was from the iconic space where they had previously performed at

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 12:00 am

A walk through Bengalurus attar territory

The Times of India 19 Feb 2026 12:00 am

Road transport corporation employees call for Bengaluru Chalo protest despite partial arrears release

JAC urged all KSRTC employees to participate in the protest in large numbers and clarified that there was no change in the Bengaluru Chalo programme

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 11:23 pm

Karnataka sees major decline in farmer suicides

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 11:23 pm

US Commerce Dept's ITA delegation visits Bengaluru to strengthen AI partnership

The International Trade Administration delegation engaged with American and Indian tech companies to understand how AI is being leveraged to grow businesses.

Your Story 18 Feb 2026 10:45 pm

Three killed in separate accidents in Bengaluru

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 10:32 pm

Bengaluru firm unveils two AI language models

Launch of the much-anticipated models at the summit is seen as a milestone for AI development in India; these are not yet available to the public; Sarvam AI says Vikram beats other comparable models from around the world on various counts

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 10:31 pm

Bengaluru airport ships 60m rose stems

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 10:29 pm

Bengaluru youth dies on birthday as truck hits bike

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 10:10 pm

Safari in Bandipur and Nagarahole to resume with fewer trips

Earlier safaris were operating for eight hours in a day which has been reduced to five hours now

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 8:43 pm

Festo opens Bengaluru global capability centre, plans 600 jobs

The facility near Electronics City, Bengaluru, currently houses more than 250 employees and has 50 open positions

The Hindu Businessline 18 Feb 2026 8:30 pm

How some Bengaluru residents are bridging the Kannada language gap in their localities

A look at how Pai Layout Residents Welfare Association took a proactive approach to learning Kannada

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 6:59 pm

Remembering S Ramachandra: Cornerstone of Kannadas parallel cinema

Ramachandra, popularly known as Ramu, blended technical precision with artistic depth to shape the visual language of Kannada cinema

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 6:56 pm

Over 50 pc of India's AI jobs in Bengaluru, DelhiNCR

Bengaluru and Delhi NCR together account for over 50% of India's AI job openings, with Bengaluru at 25.4% and Delhi NCR at 24.8%, according to a CBRE South Asia report. Mumbai holds 19.2%, and the three cities together cover nearly 70% of AI roles.

IBTimes 18 Feb 2026 5:09 pm

Confused By Water Bills? Bengaluru To Get AI Smart Meters For Accurate Billing

Traditional mechanical meters can fail to record usage correctly when water pressure fluctuates or when flow is very low. This can result in inaccurate bills.

News18 18 Feb 2026 4:38 pm

Bengaluru Family Forgets Sleeping Child In Cab, Police Reunite Him Late Night

Unaware that a child remained in the car, cab driver Kiran drove away. He reportedly completed two more pick-ups and drop offs while the boy remained asleep in the rear seat.

News18 18 Feb 2026 4:02 pm

Sula Vineyards promoter holding rises to 24.5%, first purchase since IPO in 2022. Check details

Promoter activity returned at Sula Vineyards as Rajeev Suresh Samant lifted his stake to 24.5%the first increase since the 2022 IPO. The move comes despite weak Q3 numbers, with profits hit by tactical destocking in Karnataka and softer demand in Bengaluru.

The Economic Times 18 Feb 2026 3:39 pm

'Was anxious about her future after my death': Former Isro employee murders wife inside Bengaluru flat

A former ISRO employee, Nagesh Ishwar Rao, was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly strangling his wife, Sandhya Shri, to death. Police revealed Rao cited anxieties about his wife's future as his motive. The couple's daughter, residing in the US, has been notified. An investigation into the tragic incident is ongoing.

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 3:13 pm

'Stop mourning the H-1B': Shark Tank's Anupam Mittal says India is finally collecting interest on its brain drain

India's tech talent pool is booming, attracting top professionals back home. Serial entrepreneur Anupam Mittal notes a dramatic shift from scarcity to world-class candidates, fueled partly by stricter foreign immigration policies. This 'involuntary gift' is seeing talent return, transforming Bengaluru and Mumbai into hubs of innovation. The question remains whether this is a lasting change or a temporary phase.

The Economic Times 18 Feb 2026 3:04 pm

Karnataka govt seeks to regulate media presence in Vidhana Soudha; BJP cries press freedom

A fresh row has erupted at Vidhana Soudha as the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms seeks to regulate media movement within the legislature complex, citing security concerns. Journalists will be restricted to a designated portico area to obtain reactions, a move criticized as an attempt to curb press freedom.

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 2:29 pm

Mpower Announces "Mpowering Minds Summit 2026 Advancing Women's Mental Health as a National Priority"

Mpowering Minds Womens Mental Health Summit , a national full-day forum to be held in Bengaluru on 27 February 2026. The event will be led by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, and graced by Chief Guests Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister of Women and Child Development, and Disabled and Senior Citizens Empowerment, Government of Karnataka, Prathima Murthy, Director and a Senior Professor of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a Co-founder and Director of EkStep each of whom has championed women-centric progress in health, policy, and community empowerment. Anchored in the pillars of Acceptance, Action and Advocacy, the 2026 edition places womens wellness at the heart of the countrys journey toward a Viksit Bharat, recognising that sustainable national progress is possible only when womens mental and social well-being is secured. Mpowering Minds Women's Mental Health Summit 2026, organised by Mpower Mpower , said, As India accelerates its growth trajectory, safeguarding womens mental health must be integral to our national priorities. This summit is designed to translate awareness into measurable action by building stronger support ecosystems, influencing policy conversations and encouraging institutional accountability for womens psychological well-being. The 2026 edition reinforces our belief that investing in womens emotional health is an investment in the countrys long-term social and economic resilience . This years summit will bring together globally respected clinicians, mental-health practitioners, policy advocates, researchers, and lived-experience speakers to examine womens mental-health needs across life stages. The agenda includes conversations on intergenerational trauma featuring leading international experts Eamon McCrory, CEO, Anna Freud and Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, UCL, and Peter Fonagy, CBE Professor of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science at UCL. Their participation will provide a research-driven foundation for understanding how early experiences shape lifelong mental health. A powerful conversation on resilience and overcoming adversity will feature trans rights activist Dr. Akkai Padmashali and Olympian Anju Bobby George, offering deeply personal perspectives on identity, stigma, and perseverance. Maternal mental health, reproductive well-being, and life-stage transitions will be discussed by experts such as Dr. Janhavi Nilekani, Founder of the Aastrika Foundation; Dr. Duru Shah, renowned gynaecologist and reproductive health specialist; Dr. Padmaja Samant, Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at KEM Hospital; and Dr. Meghna Singhal, founder of Raising Family Academy. These discussions will highlight the critical need for early intervention, perinatal support, and long-term mental-health care for mothers. Policymakers and public-health experts such as Sarah Fathima (IPS) DCP Southeast Division Bengaluru City and Jasmine Kalha (Co-Director and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy,) will address the broader need for gender-responsive mental-health systems that reach women across socioeconomic and geographic contexts. ; Sr. Psychiatrist & Advisor on adolescent and youth mental healthan urgent priority as young women navigate complex emotional, academic, and digital landscapes. Mpowers mission is to create an inclusive platform that fosters mental well-being and empowers changemakers to redefine mental health in society. This vision was exemplified at its flagship Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, held in Mumbai and focused on youth mental health, which convened global and national leaders from institutions such as Harvard Medical School, NIMHANS, the World Economic Forum, and Mental Health First Aid International, among others, to advance dialogue on systemic reform and scalable solutions. The Mpowering Minds Womens Mental Health Summit 2026 will further accelerate national momentum toward advancing womens mental health as a national priority. About Mpower Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming India approach to mental health. Founded 10 years ago, Mpower has emerged as a leading force in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and delivering holistic mental health care. With a robust team of over 200 trained professionals, Mpower impacts more than 121 million lives across seven cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Kota and Pune. Operating through five key verticalsMovement, Clinical Care, Outreach, Academia, and Mpower 1 on 1Mpower offers a comprehensive range of services. The Movement focuses on changing cultural perceptions and alleviating stigma. Clinical Care provides world-class mental health services through the Centre, the Foundation, and the Cell, catering to various needs from holistic care to affordable support for the underprivileged. The Outreach vertical drives awareness and capacity-building through IGNITE Programs for schools, colleges, NGOs, and corporates. Academia equips individuals and professionals with skills to handle mental health crises and foster empathy. The Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support, while special projects like Samvedana enhance mental health care in primary health centers. Mpowers integrated approach and collaboration with government agencies underscore its commitment to creating a supportive and stigma-free mental health landscape.

News Voir 18 Feb 2026 2:04 pm

Maid trouble no more: Urban India switches to a new mode of house help hiring

Domestic help apps: What began as a convenience-led trial is now gaining scale across parts of Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi NCR, fuelled by repeat usage and rapid supply expansion, alongside routine tasks such as dishwashing and laundry.

The Economic Times 18 Feb 2026 1:35 pm

Bengaluru HDFC Bank employee killed by speeding Bullet biker while crossing road for lunch, CCTV captures crash

A tragic accident on Dr Rajkumar Road in Bengaluru claimed the life of 27-year-old HDFC Bank employee Yogeshwari. She was struck by a speeding Bullet motorcycle during her lunch break. The 22-year-old rider, Deepan, also sustained head injuries. Police have registered a case of causing death due to negligence and are investigating the incident.

The Economic Times 18 Feb 2026 1:02 pm

Open Day at Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru on February 21

The institute will showcase a large number of demonstrations and interactive experiments on astronomy and basic physics, along with films, photographs, and walk-through exhibits about research at IIA and space sciences

The Hindu 18 Feb 2026 12:49 pm

Bengaluru Braces For Harsh Summer: Intense Heat Likely For 2 Months

This years summer is expected to be severe across the state, with temperatures in North Karnataka likely to touch 47C. The IMD has also warned of rising heat levels in Bengaluru.

News18 18 Feb 2026 12:12 pm

Nothing is secret: DK Shivakumar says decision on CM already taken amid Karnataka leadership buzz

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that a decision regarding a change in leadership has been made, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expected to announce it. Shivakumar indicated that discussions involving Siddaramaiah, the Congress high command, and himself have concluded, and the Chief Minister will convey the message to the public at the right time.

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 8:35 am

Nigerian caught peddling drugs for third time in Bengaluru

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 3:42 am

Principal booked for abetting teachers suicide in Bidadi

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 3:10 am

Bengaluru shocker: Man beaten to death with baseball bat by son over property dispute

A 70-year-old retired BMTC conductor, Munikrishna, succumbed to injuries after being allegedly assaulted with a baseball bat by his elder son, Mohan Kumar, over a property dispute. The incident occurred in Indiranagar while the victim was walking his dog. Police have arrested Mohan and are investigating the younger son's involvement.

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 3:09 am

SSLC & II PU exam preparation in full swing in schools

The Times of India 18 Feb 2026 2:51 am

KPCC Chief Doubts Lapses In Electoral Rolls, Demands Corrective Measures From Elections Commission

In a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, Karnataka State Election Commission, Bengaluru, Shivakumar, also the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) drew the attention of the Election Commission stating a significant number of genuine voters have been removed from the rolls without due notice or verification.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Feb 2026 2:40 am