The Times of India

Karnataka has been selected by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to host an executive course on wildlife conservation. Senior officials from 23 countries will visit Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves to learn from the state's successful tiger and elephant conservation strategies. This program serves as a precursor to the global IBCA summit in 2026.

In a troubling incident in Gangavathi, four Muslim youths have been apprehended following their alleged assault on salesman Venkatesh Avalamand. The salesman reported that after confronting him about his association with a Muslim woman, the youths invaded his privacy by checking his phone, demanding he profess love, and recording the encounter.

Attention Namma Metro riders! Brace yourself for a 5% fare increase taking effect on February 9th, with minimum fares climbing to 11 and maximum fares hitting 95. The Bengaluru Metro authorities have based this decision on the Fare Fixation Committee's suggestions to ensure a balanced budget and dependable service. However, smart card users can still enjoy some exciting discounts!

A Belagavi court has sentenced 12 individuals, including six women, to five years of rigorous imprisonment for the shocking Hosavantamuri stripping and assault case. The crime, which occurred in December 2023, saw the victim paraded and assaulted after her son eloped with an engaged girl. The swift conviction followed a fast-track trial initiated by the Karnataka High Court.

A crucial power upgrade project for Bengaluru's tech corridor has received wildlife board approval, enabling the replacement of a nearly 40-year-old transmission line. The project, which faced conservationist concerns regarding elephant safety within Bannerghatta National Park, will see taller towers and increased ground clearance to minimize environmental impact and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

In a dramatic turn of events, opposition members from the BJP and JD(S) convened a lengthy protest within the halls of the Karnataka Assembly, calling for the resignation of Excise Minister R B Timmapur amid troubling allegations of a Rs 6,000 crore corruption scandal linked to liquor license approvals.

Karnataka High Court has set a limit on fines in cheque bounce cases, stating trial courts cannot impose penalties exceeding double the dishonoured cheque amount. This ruling came as Justice V Srishananda partly allowed an appeal by an agriculturist fined Rs 7.65 lakh after her Rs 3.8 lakh cheque bounced.

Namma Metro is facing a growing nuisance from commuters playing loud music and occupying priority seats without earphones. BMRCL is launching an awareness drive with increased home guard presence to caution passengers, as fines are not yet being imposed. Similar issues are also reported on BMTC buses.

Bengaluru police face scrutiny from child rights commission after an 11-year-old boy alleged torture to confess gold theft. The boy's parents released social media videos claiming police intimidation and assault. While police deny allegations and ordered an internal inquiry, no formal case was registered as the complainant did not file a complaint.

In a heated exchange, Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara has accused Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot of intentionally forwarding the Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill to the President, ostensibly to stall its rollout. The bill, which has already gained approval from the state legislature, is now under fire for 28 contentious points.