The Times of India

In a year that could have marked a quiet farewell, Sunil Chhetri chose purpose over pause. After retiring from international football in 2024 as Indias all-time leading scorer, he returned when the national team called a comeback driven not by milestones, but responsibility. Beyond the records and resilience, what makes him a Bangalore Times Headliner is his enduring bond with the city hes called home for 13 years

A shocking incident unfolded in Ramanagara where a 21-year-old woman, Sinchana, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Renukaiah. Driven by suspicions of infidelity, he reportedly attacked her with a stone after an argument fueled by alcohol. The accused fled the scene, and police are actively searching for him.

A Vande Bharat train between Bengaluru and Goa is being considered. South Western Railway, Southern Railway, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited have submitted a proposal to the railway board. The train would run six days a week from Yeshwantpur to Madgaon. This new service aims to reduce travel time between the two cities. The railway board is reviewing the proposal.

Karnataka's government has launched 'Mobile Bidi Pustaka Hidi,' a statewide campaign targeting 50 lakh government school students. The initiative aims to combat declining reading and learning abilities caused by excessive gadget use. Schools will promote safe and moderate phone usage through co-curricular activities, fostering a love for reading and developing responsible citizens.

Karnataka's school education department is proposing common question papers for government schools in classes 6-9 from the current academic year. This initiative aims to standardize assessments and facilitate early learning interventions, easing pressure on students by class 10. While valuation remains at the school level without detentions, private schools can opt-in.

A Bengaluru woman fell victim to an online loan app scam, losing over Rs 1.1 lakh. After taking a small emergency loan, fraudsters morphed her photos, shared them with contacts, and extorted money despite repayment. The app allegedly accessed her personal data, leading to severe harassment and blackmail.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah appealed for peace after stone-pelting during a Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Bagalkot. The incident injured a Hindu activist and a police constable, leading to eight arrests. Authorities are investigating, reviewing footage, and have deployed security. Miscreants also set fire to pushcarts, causing losses. A prohibition order is in effect.

Tension gripped Belagavi's Macche village after a black substance was found smeared on the Sangolli Rayanna statue. Police are investigating the incident, collecting samples for forensic analysis and reviewing CCTV footage. Kannada organizations have condemned the act, demanding swift action.

A stone-pelting incident occurred during a Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot, Karnataka. Stones were thrown at participants and police personnel, though no injuries were reported. Authorities have assured that culprits will be identified and strict action will be taken.

A debt-ridden grocery shop owner fatally stabbed his 60-year-old neighbour after she caught him stealing gold ornaments from her home. The victim's paralyzed husband was a helpless witness to the brutal attack. The accused then fled with the stolen jewelry, but was later apprehended by police.

A Bengaluru divorcee lost over Rs 1.3 lakh to cyber fraudsters posing as a foreign doctor and customs officials. Lured by promises of love and gifts on Valentine's Day, she transferred money for alleged customs and clearance charges, only realizing she was duped when demands continued.

Bengaluru-based dancer and choreographer Madhu Nataraj is a leading contemporary classical voice, taking her company to international festivals and earning a distinguished arts honour in New York in 2025. She is rooted in Indian classical traditions yet global in expression, making her a Bangalore Times Headliner

Swiss choreographer Nicole Morel explores the tension between permanence and fragility by using a simple brick