The Times of India

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot drastically shortened his 43-page address to the state legislature to just three lines, walking out before the national anthem. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the act as unconstitutional and stated the state is considering approaching the Supreme Court.

Passport issuance times in India vary significantly by region, with some areas like Goa and Kerala averaging just four to five working days, while others, such as Chhattisgarh's Raipur, can take up to 40 days. Even within states, disparities exist, with delays also noted in the crucial police verification stage, impacting overall applicant experience.

Bike taxis are now permitted to operate in Karnataka following a high court ruling that overturned a previous single-bench order. A division bench directed the state government to consider applications for vehicle registration as transport vehicles and grant permits. This decision allows aggregators to apply for licenses, paving the way for wider bike taxi services across the state.

Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot walked out of the legislature after reading only two lines of his address, refusing to read cabinet-approved paragraphs critical of the Centre. This triggered a political storm, with the government accusing the BJP of influencing the Governor and the opposition alleging politicization of the address.

A South Korean businesswoman was allegedly sexually assaulted by an airline ground-handling employee at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. The 32-year-old woman reported being subjected to manual frisking by the staff member under the guise of a baggage issue. The accused, identified as Mohammed Affaann Ahmed, has been arrested and charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Karnataka's Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot has reportedly refused to deliver his customary address to the legislature unless portions critical of the Centre are removed. The state government has rejected this demand, insisting the speech reflects cabinet-approved concerns about perceived injustice from the Union government. This standoff mirrors similar disputes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Karnataka witnesses a massive surge in cybercrime helpline calls, jumping from 1.3 lakh in 2022 to 24 lakh in 2025, indicating heightened public awareness. While prompt reporting within the 'golden hour' aids fund recovery, quick victim response remains a challenge, with significant losses despite increased reporting.

Bengaluru has been ranked the world's second most congested city in 2025, a significant jump from previous years. Commuters now face an average speed of just 13.9 kmph during rush hour, losing a staggering 168 hours annually. This alarming trend, attributed to rising vehicle numbers and stalled infrastructure, places Pune and Mumbai also among the top congested Indian cities.