The Times of India
Elections 2026Karnataka / The Times of India
Karnataka has established a Committee on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI), becoming the first Indian state to formally address the ethical deployment of AI. This initiative aims to leverage the state's significant AI talent and companies to become a future AI capital, ensuring AI's responsible, transparent, and accountable integration into governance and public services.
Infosys employees in Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai face menu limitations and suspended live counters due to a commercial LPG shortage. Food courts are offering reduced options, sourcing some meals externally, and increasing use of electrical appliances and biofuel. The company urges employees to bring food from home to manage the disruption.
A Blinkit delivery worker was arrested in Bengaluru after allegedly assaulting a customer in Koramangala. The dispute began when the executive reportedly went to the wrong floor for a delivery. The argument escalated at the customer's residence, leading to the worker punching the customer and fleeing the scene.
Bengaluru's Empire Restaurant in Koramangala is using biogas from household waste to power its kitchen. This initiative helps the eatery operate unaffected by the state's LPG cylinder shortage. The biogas plant, a joint project, converts waste into cooking fuel. This situation highlights the potential of biogas plants, which are now gaining attention. The restaurant plans to expand its biogas usage.
Karnataka government is considering a single airport for Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts due to mixed results of the Centre's Udan scheme. Infrastructure Minister MB Patil highlighted struggles of regional airports post-Udan support, aiming to avoid a 'white elephant' project. The state is examining a viable model for the Kalyana Karnataka region, with land already acquired for a Ballari airport.
A young schoolgirl in Belagavi has uncovered a centuries-old hero stone, previously worshipped as a local deity. The intricately carved stone depicts a warrior defending cattle, with celestial beings guiding him to heaven. This discovery challenges existing beliefs about the stone's origin and its connection to local legends, potentially predating the era of Veera Rani Belawadi Mallamma.
India faces a severe crunch in liquefied natural gas and commercial LPG supplies due to West Asian conflict disruptions. The government is reallocating gas, prioritizing domestic use. This has led to reduced industrial supply, impacting restaurants and hotels nationwide, forcing menu changes and even temporary closures as black marketing emerges.

27 C