The Times of India

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has been appointed as a senior party observer for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Shivakumar stated he has no option but to comply with the party's directives, emphasizing his commitment as a Congressman.

Bengaluru has once again been crowned India's top city for women, according to Avtar's 2025 report. The city excels in creating a balanced ecosystem, particularly strong in industrial inclusion and career enablement. Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai follow closely, showcasing consistent performance in both social and industrial aspects. Gurugram also saw a significant jump in the rankings.

A Zepto delivery executive was assaulted by two scooty riders after a minor collision in Mahadevpura. The attackers reportedly used a helmet and punches, leaving the executive vulnerable. An elderly bystander intervened, confronting the assailants and helping to end the attack. Police are investigating the incident.

Karnataka has strongly opposed Kerala's Malayalam Bhasha Bill, 2025, which mandates Malayalam as a compulsory first language in schools, including Kannada-medium ones in Kasaragod. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah deemed the bill unconstitutional and an attack on linguistic freedom, vowing to protect Kannadigas' rights in the border district.

A 22-year-old software professional fell victim to a sextortion scam after connecting with a deepfake girlfriend on a dating app. Coerced into a video call and secretly recorded, he was then blackmailed for Rs 1.5 lakh. Police are investigating the AI-generated scam and urge users to exercise caution.

Karnataka High Court has ruled that neighbours cannot be arbitrarily implicated in dowry harassment cases. The court quashed proceedings against a Bengaluru resident, emphasizing that individuals outside the immediate family cannot be drawn into Section 498A IPC charges. This decision aims to prevent the misuse of law and ensure justice.

A 35-year-old farmer in Chitradurga district allegedly beat his father to death after an argument over his own unarranged marriage. The accused, S Ningaraja, was reportedly angry that his father, who had married twice, had not arranged his own wedding. The victim was attacked with an iron rod while sleeping.