Karnataka / The Times of India
Prahlada Ramarao, mentored by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, led the Akash missile defense system project. Overwhelmed with pride, Ramarao witnessed Akash successfully intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles along the western border. Developed indigenously with a budget of Rs 500 crore, Akash proved its effectiveness in its first real-world combat test.
Haveri district experienced unexpected summer rainfall, alleviating water scarcity concerns. The increased precipitation boosted groundwater levels and filled lakes, aiding water distribution efforts. Farmers and officials express optimism as the rainfall has reduced the strain on water resources, ensuring adequate supply for both humans and livestock, and preventing borewells from drying up.
The Karnataka High Court has postponed Sonu Nigam's petition hearing regarding an FIR filed against him to May 15. The FIR stems from allegations that Nigam made controversial remarks during a Bengaluru concert when asked to sing Kannada songs.
Karnataka Congress stirred controversy again by posting a map of Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir as part of its territory, while criticizing the IMF's loan. This incident, following a similar map error in December 2024, drew immediate backlash.
Bengaluru police arrested F Navaz, a 25-year-old AC mechanic, for allegedly posting a seditious video containing hateful remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Navaz questioned why bombs weren't falling on Modi's house, referencing India's actions against terrorists in Pakistan. Police acted suo-motu, registered a case, and remanded him to judicial custody.
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath addressed Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion on his podcast WTF, hosting police officials B Dayananda and MN Anucheth. They discussed the city's explosive growth post-IT boom, with vehicle density far outpacing infrastructure development. Commissioner Dayananda emphasized that solutions require time, involving better public transport, smarter roads, and increased infrastructure investment
Tension gripped Belagavi after unidentified individuals stole and burned holy books from an under-construction place of worship in Santibastwad. The incident sparked widespread protests, with community members blocking roads and demanding immediate action. Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbanianag assured protestors that the culprits would be apprehended within three days, condemning the act as an attack on humanity.
A significant fire erupted at an MDS Oil lubricant godown near Nelamangala RTO on Tumakuru Road, Bengaluru, in the early hours of Tuesday. No casualties were reported, but the blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, engulfed the 30,000-square-foot facility, resulting in estimated losses in crores. Fire tenders are working to completely extinguish the fire.