The Times of India

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off a new bi-weekly direct express train connecting KSR Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai. This service aims to benefit passengers on a busy route and boost Karnataka's development. The state also anticipates a Vande Bharat Sleeper train on this corridor soon.

The Kerala Congress leadership change has fueled speculation in Karnataka, with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's supporters pushing for his elevation to the top post. While the party high command has publicly backed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar's camp sees the Kerala development as a hopeful precedent. The approaching three-year mark of the government's term intensifies the debate over leadership transition.

Karnataka Youth Congress will protest at Raj Bhavan on May 21 over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, demanding accountability from the Centre. Senior Congress leaders will join the march, supporting students affected by the controversy and urging no re-examination in unaffected states.

TNN

World Hypertension Day (May 17)

Grab Handle Snaps, Leaving Man Bloodied

Bengaluru's monsoon woes have escalated beyond potholes, with dangling and snapped cables now posing a severe public safety risk. Heavy rains expose the city's neglected infrastructure, turning roads and footpaths into death traps. Residents and traders blame unregulated cable installations, demanding urgent action and a shift to underground wiring to prevent potential fatalities.

For many women in Bluru, travel is no longer just about ticking destinations off a list. Curated trips offer a balance between safety and autonomy, allowing them to explore destinations, connect deeply and have meaningful travel experiences

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis traveled economy class to Bengaluru, aligning with PM Modi's call to conserve fuel amid the West Asia conflict. Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, prioritize work from home, and adopt Swadeshi products. Several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers have also reduced their convoy sizes.

The Supreme Court has given Kannada actor Darshan a year to approach for bail if his trial in the Renukaswamy murder case shows no substantial progress. The court directed the Karnataka government to ensure 60 witnesses are examined within this period, urging the trial court to avoid adjournments on flimsy grounds.

NCRB Data Shows Residential Fires Accounted For 1.9k Deaths in Karnataka In 5 years, Far Outstripping Fatalities In Commercial Buildings, Schools & Public Spaces