KARNATAKA

BJP MPs seek law to undo religion-based quota, slam K'taka
BJP members in Lok Sabha opposed Karnataka government's 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, deeming it unconstitutional. They demand the Centre to introduce a law to annul such religion-based reservations, alleging that it aims to create divisions and encourage conversions to Islam.

NGO Prashanthi Balamandira launches public issue to raise Rs 18 crore for hospital
Karnataka-based Prashanthi Balamandira Trust launched a public issue on the Social Stock Exchange to raise Rs 18 crore for an Emergency and Trauma Care Wing in a new free-of-charge hospital. The minimum subscription amount is Rs 10,000. Trustee RK Subramanya emphasizes their mission to provide free, high-quality emergency care in resource-limited settings.

Karnataka assembly passes resolution against Centre's Waqf Bill amid BJP walkout
The Karnataka assembly passed a resolution opposing the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill while BJP members walked out in protest. The ruling government urged immediate withdrawal of the bill, citing constitutional violations, while the BJP accused it of Muslim appeasement and ignoring farmers' issues.

Karnataka schools, colleges, offices, and banks will be closed on March 22: Here’s what’s open and what’s not
Karnataka Bandh on 22 March is causing uncertainty for schools during exam season, with some refusing to cancel exams to avoid disruption. Transport issues are anticipated as cab and auto services will be limited. Schools are adopting a 'wait and watch' approach, advising parents and students to stay updated with school authorities.

Scrap Karnataka law granting 4% reservation to Muslims in contracts: BJP members in LS
BJP members in the Lok Sabha demanded the withdrawal of the Karnataka government's bill granting four percent reservation to Muslims in government contracts, arguing it could lead to division along religious lines. They accused Congress of fostering religious conversions and undermining social harmony for political gain. Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.

IT firms exploiting young engineers: Karnataka deputy opposition leader Bellad
Arvind Bellad alleged that IT companies make campus offers to fresh BE graduates but keep them waiting for 2-3 years and fire them after keeping them employed for a few months. He may be referring to Infosys, which recently sacked hundreds of freshers from its Mysuru campus, and currently faces backlash.
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Karnataka launches Digital Detox Initiative
The initiative will offer structured solutions through short, medium, and long-term objectives. It will provide immediate support for those struggling with digital addiction, as well as integrate digital detox programmes into mainstream healthcare, the IT-BT department said.
Electronic signature bill among many tabled in Karnataka Assembly
The Karnataka government introduced several amendment bills in the assembly on Tuesday, including provisions for digital e-stamping, mandatory registration of power-of-attorney documents for property transfer, and measures to prevent land grabbing. Enhanced penalties and stringent norms to ensure accountability among revenue officials were also proposed.
Industry body ISMA sees sufficient sugar availability to meet India's demand
The Indian sugar industry body ISMA ensures sufficient sugar availability for the 2024-25 season, with a projected closing stock of 54 lakh tonne. Despite regional output fluctuations, ISMA remains confident about meeting domestic demand. The government's export policy has also benefitted the industry and farmers significantly.
Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Husband makes SHOCKING claim in court as he seeks arrest exemption
Jatin Hukkeri, husband of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, has sought exemption from arrest in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. He claims he separated from Rao just a month after their marriage in November 2024. The Karnataka High Court has granted him temporary relief until March 24, when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will file an objection. Meanwhile, Rao, arrested for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold, has been denied bail and has alleged misconduct by DRI officials.
CM Siddaramaiah's remarks on RSS leads to adjournment of Assembly
Bengaluru's Karnataka Assembly observed chaos as BJP MLAs protested against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's comments on RSS and Bajrang Dal. The BJP demanded the CM retract his statement, accusing him of siding with provocative entities. This led to the House being adjourned twice amid ongoing disruptions.
4% quota for Muslim contractors: BJP to challenge K'taka's 'unconstitutional move' in court
The BJP has criticized Karnataka's proposed 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, calling it an unconstitutional move aimed at appeasement. Tajasvi Surya vowed legal and parliamentary action to stop the proposal. The BJP argues the decision threatens national unity and contradicts the constitution, citing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's budget provisions for the Muslim community.
Most unicorn founders not natives, Pai says, urging CM not to create illiberal environment
Venture capitalist Mohandas Pai cautions Karnataka's chief minister Siddaramaiah against creating an illiberal environment that could stifle Bengaluru's growth. He highlights high taxes and infrastructural issues as primary concerns. Pai emphasizes the urgent need for economic reforms and responsible governance to ensure the city's prosperity.
Commercial exploitation: HC notices to Centre, 4 states for 'illegal' use of woman's pic
The Bombay High Court has criticized the unauthorized use of a woman's photograph in government advertisements and has summoned the Centre and four state governments. The woman's photo was uploaded on Shutterstock without her consent and misused by several entities for promotions, which she claimed violated her fundamental rights.
Let BJP make Chrisitians, Muslims RS members or union ministers: Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, rebutting BJP's opposition as politically motivated. He emphasized the Congress government's commitment to all citizens, including minorities, and challenged BJP to appoint more minorities to significant positions to prove their stance on equality.
Delimitation based on population will be injustice to southern states: Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge warns that delimitation based on population would be unfair to southern states, reducing their representation in the Lok Sabha. Speaking at a centenary event, he criticizes the central government for neglecting education and filling institutional vacancies.
Severe heatwave alert grips Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha & Maharashtra as temperatures surge across India
A severe heatwave has escalated in states including Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Odisha, with temperatures surpassing 40°C. Authorities have issued advisories and alerts, urging public safety measures. Relief is expected after required rains and thunderstorms predicted by the India Meteorological Department from late March.
Quota for Muslims contractors in Karnataka height of appeasement: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai criticized Karnataka's ruling Congress for reserving 4% of government contracts for Muslims, labeling it as appeasement. Sai called on Congress leaders to revoke the decision, stating it contradicts the Constitution and jeopardizes the rights of marginalized communities.
Karnataka heatwave alert: IMD issues warning, government urges caution
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged people in north Interior Karnataka to avoid outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3 pm, as temperatures have soared to 42.8 degrees Celsius. Government employees and schools should take precautions. The IMD has predicted further temperature rise and issued a heatwave warning for March 18-19.
Karnataka Cabinet approves amendment to KTPP Act for 4% quota for Muslim contractors in tenders
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved an amendment to the KTPP Act to provide 4 per cent reservation in tenders to Muslim contractors. It also sanctioned the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill to issue 'B' khatas for unauthorized rural properties. Additionally, it discussed land allocation for IFAB and funding for Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre.
Karnataka’s tech platform bags gold at national e-governance awards
According to the award citation, over 4,12,546 citizens have used the state government's web applications and mobile apps, and over 25,000 departmental officers have gained from the platform.
Pocso Case: HC stays trial court order seeking Yediyurappa’s appearance
The Karnataka High Court stayed a trial court's order summoning BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa in a sexual harassment case under the Pocso Act. The FIR was based on allegations from a woman that he assaulted her 17-year-old daughter. While the High Court refused to quash the case, it did grant Yediyurappa anticipatory bail.
Karnataka HC provides relief to former CM BS Yediyurappa in POCSO case, stays summons issued by lower court
The Karnataka High Court has stayed the summons issued to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a POCSO case. He was supposed to appear in court on March 15 following a CID charge sheet alleging sexual assault. The High Court directed the special court to revisit CID’s final report. The mother of the 17-year-old victim had accused Yediyurappa of assault.
Sidda supports Stalin's march 22 meeting
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah supports TN CM MK Stalin's initiative to unite like-minded political parties on constituency delimitation. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will attend the meeting in Chennai on March 22. Siddaramaiah emphasizes the significance of discussing state autonomy and population benchmarks for constituencies, underlining the commitment to federal principles and state rights.
Karnataka govt mulls raising retirement age for doctors in super-speciality hospitals
Karnataka government is contemplating increasing doctors' retirement age from 60 to 65 in super-speciality hospitals to retain experienced professionals. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil emphasized the need for this change to enhance healthcare services. Additionally, plans to introduce an insurance scheme and allocate funds for robotic surgery at Jayadeva Institute were announced.
Karnataka treading cautiously with AI in govt processes, says state minister Priyank Kharge
Karnataka is leveraging artificial intelligence for various administrative functions including online gram panchayat meetings, employee attendance monitoring, and mapping real estate. The state has successfully conducted over 136,000 online meetings with substantial public participation, and is cautiously exploring further AI applications to enhance government processes.
Karnataka govt faces political heat as BJP alleges public funds used to pay state Congress workers
Karnataka's Congress government faces criticism for allocating Rs 60 crore annually to pay 4,000 Congress workers overseeing five guarantee schemes. Opposition parties allege misuse of public funds to reward supporters. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defends the decision, attributing it to Congress workers' role in election victory. Protests from BJP and JD(S) members continue.
Hampi rape case: Delhi HR manager dies trying to save Israeli woman, homestay owner from sexual assault in Karnataka
Bibhas Nayak, a 29-year-old HR manager, died defending two women from a sexual assault in Karnataka's Koppal district. The attackers overpowered him and threw him into a canal. Bibhas, known for his adventurous spirit, was on a trip with fellow travellers. His family and friends are devastated, calling for a thorough investigation and justice.
Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Karnataka govt orders investigation, actress' friend now in custody
The Karnataka government has initiated an investigation into alleged gold smuggling involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao and senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao. Gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Rao at Bengaluru Airport. This has sparked a political controversy between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The results of the investigation are expected within a week.
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