BENGALURU: After a gap of six years, the states own luxury express train Golden Chariot chugged off from the Yeshwanthpur Railway Stations Platform-6 to Kochi on Saturday. The trip Jewel of the South was flagged off by Karnataka Tourism Minister HK Patil with 38 international tourists on board, while the train has 80-bed capacity. It is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) along with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Rai

BENGALURU: Bengaluru is poised to become the second city in India, after Mumbai, to introduce a dedicated climate budget, set to roll out in the 2025-26 financial year. Speaking at the Friends of Climate Action Cell (CAC) meeting on Saturday, BBMP Special Commissioner for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and head of Climate Action Cell (CAC), Preeti Gehlot revealed that the team is currently analysing the corporation budget of the last two years to ascertain how much funds can be allocated

BENGALURU: Cyclones especially tropical cyclones, are large-scale phenomena with destructive impacts. A study by researchers from IISc shows that the mixing of oceans and cyclones is reducing the sea surface temperature and this is reducing evaporation, which will potentially increase the intensity of future cyclones. In the study titled- Enhanced Ocean Mixing During the Passage of Tropical Cyclone- the researchers explained that temperatures are dropping by 0.5 degrees Celsius and the sea surfa

BENGALURU: Enthused by the growing trend of health-conscious consumers increasingly being aware about what they eat and from where it is sourced, Simpli Namdhari is aiming to tap this opportunity and is strengthening its omnichannel presence by enhancing its e-commerce platform and launching new stores. Currently, the company operates over 25 stores across Bengaluru and Hyderabad and plans to add 8-10 stores in the next 12 months, with more Simpli formats in the pipeline. Initially, USD 20-30 mi

BENGALURU: BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath instructed officials to identify suitable locations for constructing public toilets in Mahadevapura zone. During the Chief Commissioners Walk in the Zone, a citizen requested the construction of public toilets in specific areas. Responding to the same, Girinath assured that steps were being taken to construct 200 new high-tech public toilets in the corporation limits. He also said that officials have been directed to identify vacant land and cal

BENGALURU: CCB sleuths arrested three men for allegedly cheating four people from Vijayapura by issuing fake ticket collector employment orders of Indian Railways. They are among eight accused. Incidentally, the victims are relatives of the main accused, and had paid Rs 80 lakh to get the posts. The victims were taken to Nashik in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and were given fake training to make them believe it was a genuine employment process. The incident came to light when the four victims w

BENGALURU: MICO Layout police on Friday registered a case against IIM-Bangalore Director Rishikesh T Krishnan and seven others for caste-based harassment and workplace discrimination. The case was filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2014, for insulting or intimidating an SC/ST person (Section 3(1)(r)) and abusing an SC/ST person by caste name (Section 3(1)(s)), and under Sections 351(2) and 351(3) of BNS. The complaint was registered after an inq

BENGALURU: The Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC) has acted against more than a dozen educational institutions in Karnataka for charging fees beyond the government-mandated structure. Institutions including Dr Ambedkar Institute of Technology, T John College of Pharmacy, and several others were directed to refund excess fees collected from students, with strict warnings issued to ensure compliance. Among the cases addressed, Dr Ambedkar Institute of Technology refunded Rs 2.12 lakh to a student afte

BENGALURU: Professor Ashish Verma from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) raised concerns over the proposed 18-km tunnel road and double-decker corridor projects in Bengaluru, calling them a waste of public money. Verma stated that his report to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Rail Infrastructure Development (Karnataka) Limited (KRIDE) highlights how these projects could reduce ridership of the existing Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS), while encouraging private ve

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court directed National Law School of India University (NLSIU) to implement directions issued by the Supreme Court in NALSAs (National Legal Services Authority) case, by formulating reservation along with measures for providing financial aid to transgenders in education before commencement of the admission process for next year. Until then, NLSIU has to provide reservation of 0.5 per cent (half the percentage of reservation provided for transgenders in employment un

HONNAVAR : As many as 34 students and teachers sustained minor injuries when the private bus in which they were travelling overturned near Aroli Cross in Honnavar taluk, Uttara Kannada district, late Thursday night. The bus was carrying 40 people and was returning to Kolar from an educational trip to Gokarna, when the accident took place. The students and teachers who suffered minor injuries were shifted to Honnavar Government Hospital with the assistance of police and locals. Among them, two bo

BENGALURU: Sania Mirza, the former doubles World No 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, is a name synonymous with excellence and empowerment. Mirza, who was recently in the city to unveil carpet wall art pieces, inspired by paintings created by children on an autism spectrum, shares insights that go beyond the court, offering a glimpse into the mind of a champion who continues to inspire millions around the world. The tennis star, who is also seen promoting other causes like inclusivity and equa

BENGALURU: The United States will open a Consulate in the city by January 2025, and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said that his country is working to fulfil its commitment to open a Consulate in Bengaluru in the said period. The US had earlier announced plans to establish consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, Garcetti said during a session hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) in New Delhi. We are committed to opening the Consulate in Bengaluru, and we hope to make an announcem

BENGALURU: The Congress on Friday staged protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his Ambedkar remarks and against BJP MLC C T Ravi for his alleged derogatory remark against Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. The AAP and various Dalit organisations also staged a series of protests separately demanding the resignation of Shah. Led by women Congress president Sowmya Reddy, party workers laid siege to the BJP office in Malleshwaram. They urged that Ravi should be dismissed

Observe Bengaluru closely. You will wonder whether there is any scientific basis at all in a city of its scale and magnitude. It is much-touted as a global city, even science city because of its link to science. But quite apparently theres none of it in the way the city functions. While the government, local authorities, and civic and mobility experts have been appealing for reliance on public/mass rapid transport, walking and cycling, there is a conspicuous lack of facilities for the latter. Th

BENGALURU: In the wake of an online campaign by civic activist Kathyayini Chamaraj, citizens and civil service groups in Bengaluru are now rallying against a proposed big-ticket project championed by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar. Activists are gearing up to hold seminars and discussions to oppose the project, which they consider an ill-planned, ad-hoc initiative. Former additional chief secretary A Ravindra revealed plans to submit a memorandum to CM Sid

BENGALURU: For more than 55 years, one mans unyielding passion has evolved into a spectacular historical treasure -- a paper currency museum, Rezwan Razacks Museum of Indian Paper Money, Brunton Road, in Bengaluru. It stands testimony to his remarkable journey. The museum has gold mohurs from the Mughal era, radiant silver coins and an astonishing collection whose value today could easily run into thousands of crores. So profound is this collection that even the Reserve Bank of India took notice

BENGALURU: Members of Dalit Vidyarthi Parishat, Bangalore University Research Scholars Association, Ambedkar Students Association of GKVK, All India Students Association and others protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his alleged remarks against Dr BR Ambedkar. The protest was held at Freedom Park on Thursday. Protestors demanded the resignation of Amit Shah by issuing a public apology. Shah must issue an unconditional apology to the nation for his offensive remarks. Anything les

BELAGAVI: Terming waste management authorities in Bengaluru city a mafia, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday told the Legislative Council that the government plans to set up four large-scale plants to convert waste to energy in BBMP jurisdiction. Replying to a question by members Keshav Prasad S and HS Gopinath on solid waste management problems in BBMP, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said governments, whether JDS, BJP or Congress, had failed to resolve the issue because of the ga

BENGALURU: Questioning the conduct of the State Government in neither summoning nor securing the accused in the alleged Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation scam even though a case was registered 20 months ago, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday sought to know why the case should not be handed over to independent investigating agencies such as CBI. Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the order after hearing the petitions filed by some of the accused to quash the proceedings against them. The coun

BENGALURU: Traffic was affected for more than an hour on the NICE-Hosur Road near White Feather Convention Centre after the driver of a Nagaland registered 16-wheel truck parked the truck in the middle of the road and fled. Sources said the truck was denied entry into the city, owing to the ban on the entry of heavy goods vehicles from 4.30 pm to 8 pm. The driver is also said to have argued with the policemen who tried to convince him to park the truck on the service road. As the driver had fled

BENGALURU: The director, dean, and six other faculty members of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) have been accused of violating the constitutional rights of minority students and staff, with serious allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment. These charges stem from a report, submitted to the principal secretary of the Social Welfare Department of Karnataka on November 26, by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), which confirms that caste atrocities

BENGALURU: Clarifying that completion of investigation for offences in which punishment is up to 10 years, is undoubtedly 60 days, and the rest of the offences -- be it death, life imprisonment of 10 years and more -- would be 90 days, the Karnataka High Court said if investigation is to be completed within 60 days, the period of police custody will run from day 1 to day 40 of registration of the crime. If it is 90 days, it would run from day 1 to day 60, the maximum period in both cases is 15 d

BENGALURU: Call it Toxic film impact. The newly elected Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president wants all production houses to strictly adhere to rules and regulations of the Forest Act while filming. M Narasimhulu, who was elected KFCC president on December 14, said that crews of all films intending to shoot in forests and places of biodiversity should mandatorily obtain permission from the forest department and also submit a copy to the film chamber. Production houses should be car

BENGALURU: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) South Zone Commissioner directed the officials to crack a whip against building owners for deviation and unauthorised construction. Following the directions, the Executive Engineer of Chickpet assembly has listed 29 such buildings for demolition. According to BBMP officials, 29 such buildings with violations are from ward number 163 (VV Puram), 164 (Vidya Peeta) and 165 (Hombegowda Nagar). The Assistant Engineers and Assistant Executive En

BENGALURU: BJP MLAs in the city have written to Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, asking him to release a special grant of Rs 50 crore to each assembly constituency for fixing crumbling basic infrastructure, such as ward roads, side drains and others. In the letter from Opposition Leader R Ashoka, signed by all the city BJP MLAs, they have stated that Bengaluru city is crumbling by the day and attracting the attention of foreign countries for the wrong reaso

BENGALURU: The finalisation of the contract to build the first elevated rotary flyover for the city near Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli is a big question mark now. With complications arising due to exorbitant quotes made by bidders in the second round of tendering, the State government might be forced to accept the minimum bid or go in for a re-tendering. A decision on this could be taken by the Cabinet in a weeks time. The flyover, to come up at the IOC junction, was sanctioned

BENGALURU: After spending 48 days in a private hospital in Kengeri for spinal-related treatment, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was discharged on Wednesday. He was seen taking support of his son Vinish while coming out of the hospital. Darshan went to his wife Vijayalakshmis flat in Hosakerehalli. Darshan was arrested on June 11 in connection with the kidnap and brutal murder of his fan 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga. The victim was murdered at a shed in RR Nagar on June 8 and his body was

BENGALURU: Three persons, including a man from Jharkhand died in three separate accidents in and around the city. The cases have been registered by the Harohalli police in Ramanagara district, Kengeri and Hebbal traffic police in the city. Kanaka Madara (19), a native of Bagalkot, died in an accident on the NICE Road in Kengeri traffic police limits on Wednesday morning. The victim who was working in a private firm at Mayasandra in Attibele was travelling for work on his bike, when the incident

Sinatra Tunes Experience the magic of Frank Sinatras classics with Nilanjanaas soulful vocals, Cannans smooth keyboard & drums, and Hiroks melodic guitar. Let timeless melodies take you on a nostalgic journey under the stars. When: December 21, 8pm Where: Gillys Resto Bar, St Marks Road Details: insider.in Dance Vibes Groove to electrifying beats with Novak, the Afrohouse and House music sensation. Let the viral DJ/Producer elevate your night with infectious rhythms and high-energy tracks. When:

BENGALURU: Even in an era celebrated for its unparalleled digital connectivity, the world paradoxically feels more isolated than ever. However, the post-pandemic reality has also sparked conversations around this sense of isolation and the anxieties brought on by a global crisis. Now, one of the biggest names in alternative medicine and wellness, Indian-born American author and wellness guru Dr Deepak Chopra has decided to bring an AI version of himself, a digital twin designed to democratise ac

BENGALURU: In a world that often feels fragmented, art serves as a bridge to something greater a higher power of sorts. Few art forms encapsulate this transcendence better than Sufi music. Bengaluru witnessed this ethereal connection as the KM Sufi Ensemble, part of maestro AR Rahmans prestigious KM Music Conservatory, enthralled the audience with the Kun Faya Kun Concert, bringing the 700-year-old Sufi musical tradition of qawwali to the stage recently. Sufi music is powerful and moving with i

BENGALURU: A prayer for my future self, unbound by shame, radiant: Let me enter every room with the power of suns burning bright, unimpeded by the light in the eyes that once cast shadows upon me. These words, spoken by French poet Jamal Ouazzani with power and bold defiance while looking into the eyes of those watching, encapsulate the buzzing energy in the room when the Queer Caravan took the stage. On Sunday at the Bangalore Literature Festival, their showcase was a moving and eclectic mix of

BENGALURU: As someone who has to write articles and perform jokes regularly, my work depends on getting ideas. After a point, one feels like an exploitative Amrish Puri exaggerating or lamabsting this beautiful, whimsical world for a few copper coins. Actually, even the above line is an exaggeration. We are drunken pollen bees, or idiosyncratic worker ants, picking up titbits and bringing them back to our hives. But where do ideas come from? I always envied creative people who did multiple thin

BENGALURU: In one of the biggest hauls of MDMA crystals in the state, the narcotics wing of the CCB arrested a foreign national and recovered MDMA worth Rs 24 crore. A Nigerian woman running a confectionery shop at TC Palya in KR Puram for Africans and other foreign nationals, was reportedly selling the drugs. The accused is said to have been procuring the drugs from another African woman in Mumbai. The woman peddler has been identified as Roseline, 40. On credible information, CCB sleuths raide

BENGALURU: The much-awaited green signal from the State Cabinet to fund its share of the revised cost of Rs 40,614 crore of the Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 project failed to come through earlier this month. This has sent alarm bells ringing at Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The escalation of nearly Rs 10,000 crore for the 75.06-km network needs to be borne equally between Karnataka and the Centre. However, the delay in funding approval for the increased cost has the potential to s

BENGALURU: Three months after a surprise inspection by the Lokayukta, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has finally completed the rejuvenation of Doddanekundi Lake, spanning 114 acres. The initiative is part of a broader flood mitigation effort aimed at addressing the flooding of upstream areas like Basavanagar, Talacauvery Layout and Rajanna Colony. On August 20, Lokayukta Justice BS Patil, accompanied by his two deputies visited Vibhuthipura and Doddanekundi lake. During the visit, he

BENGALURU: A recent study revealed how the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is tackling its carbon footprint in the race to become a net-zero campus. The study, titled Institutional Greenhouse Gas Assessment: A Case Study of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore Campus, conducted by EcoMorphosys, a sustainability consultancy, offers an in-depth analysis of the campus greenhouse gas emissions. The study covers various aspects from electricity usage to waste generation, explo

BENGALURU: Post cyclone Fengal that ravaged parts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu in the first week of December, Bengaluru is now grappling with a mosquito menace. Residents of areas such as Chandra Layout, Annasandra Palya in HAL, Vignana Nagar, Bellandur, Wilson Garden, Vinoba Nagar and others raised alarms, citing an increase in mosquitoes and urged civic authorities to swing into action to control the situation. Many residents linked the issue to the accumulation of garbage in various black spo

BENGALURU: A 29-year-old man was murdered by his wifes relatives after he allegedly threatened to kill her and their 20-day-old baby. The incident took place in Siddapura police station limits early on Tuesday morning. The police have arrested three accused. The deceased has been identified as Salman Khan, a factory worker. Khan had six cases against him at the Siddapura police station. The accused have been identified as Umar (40) and Syed Ansari (36), both relatives of the victim, and Mohammed

BENGALURU: The North CEN police busted an online investment fraud racket operating in the city and arrested 10 individuals, including three who provided their bank account details to the fraudsters. The police are working to recover the defrauded money. The arrested are Srinivas Reddy (43), Akash GM (27), Prakash H (43), Sunil Kumar (45), Kishor Kumar (29), Ravi Shankar (24), Suresha V (41) and the bank account holders are Madhusudana Reddy (41), Obul Reddy (29), and Sai Prajwal (38), all reside

BENGALURU: Bengaluru City police commissioner B Dayananda on Tuesday said the police department is in the process of filing an appeal in the Supreme Court against bail granted to the accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. We will be sending a proposal to the government in this regard, Dayananda said, during a press conference at his office. Reacting to a question whether the Goonda Act would be invoked against actor Darshan and others involved in the case, the commissioner said there is no such

BENGALURU: A suitable provision in law to facilitate an option to record the statement by the testator-will executor and the attesting witnesses in a court, testifying about the execution of a will, with necessary measures or safeguards to ensure confidentiality, will go a long way in assisting the courts in discharging its function in adjudicating the dispute surrounding the execution of the will, said the Karnataka High Court. While disposing of the dispute involving the will, the court noted

BENGALURU: The Harohalli police in Ramanagara district, investigating the case of a premature baby found flushed in a toilet at Dayanand Sagar Hospital, arrested a Nepalese couple in connection with the incident. The accused, Amrutha Kumari, 20, and Surendra Mehra, 21, initially claimed that they were married. However, further investigations revealed that the couple was unmarried and had been living together for over two years. Both Amrutha and Surendra were working as labourers at an industry i

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court ruled that the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointments, etc.) Act, 1990 does not take away its jurisdiction to decide an election dispute questioning the caste of a returned candidate (a candidate who has been declared elected) to the legislative assembly. Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde passed the order while rejecting the interlocutory application filed by B Devendrappa, who was elected from Jagalu

BENGALURU: Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is accused in the kidnap and murder case of Renukaswamy, appeared before the magistrate court on Monday and completed bail formalities, following the Karnataka High Court granting him bail on Friday. Darshan is accused number two (A2) in the Renukaswamy case. He had been hospitalised for severe back pain for over six weeks at a private hospital in Kengeri. He left the hospital and arrived at the court to sign documents related to bail. Since Satu

BENGALURU: The Fare Fixation Committee appointed to recommend the appropriate fare revision for Bengaluru Metro held a final meeting with BMRCL officials on Monday. A final report on the exact fare hike will be submitted within two weeks, said government sources. The three-member committee was given a deadline of December 15 to submit its recommendation to BMRCL and its report would be binding on Metro. Headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice R Tharani, the Additional Secretary of the

BENGALURU: The crown of the iconic Queen Victorias statue at Queens Circle in the city has been damaged. The statue was installed in 1906. Heritage Beku, which first raised an alarm, in its X post said, We are deeply shocked to find the crown missing from the statue. Weve informed the authorities, including the BBMP commissioner and the Cubbon Park ASI. We hope its not a case of vandalism, and that the crown is returned and restored. Dr Umesh, president of Cubbon Park Walkers Association, said,

BENGALURU: The state government agencies are currently reviewing base maps and preparing ground survey reports to determine the extent of lake land loss across Karnataka. The goal of this exercise is not just to update government records but to revise them to reflect the actual situation. According to Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA), there are 40,998 lakes in the state, of which 202 are in Bengaluru. This data was recently submitted to the High Court. However, there

BENGALURU: Agonised over neither getting his completed home nor the compensation ordered by a regulatory court, a distraught home buyer has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking justice. The NHRC has written to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) asking them to take appropriate action. The SHRC, in turn, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru Urban) to submit a report to it before January 9, 2025, on the action taken to help the home buyer. This i