Bengaluru Travel Operators Raise Alarm Travel operators in Bengaluru have raised serious concern over the possible impact of increasing work-from-home practices on their livelihood. The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association has urged the Centre to protect the employee transport sector, saying the industry supports lakhs of jobs across India. The association said corporate cab and bus services continue to play an important role in helping IT, corporate an

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the new Bengaluru–Mumbai Express train on Sunday, May 17, 2026, marking a major boost to rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The new service is expected to benefit passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai, two of India’s busiest urban and business hubs. According to officials, the train strengthens direct connectivity and addresses a long-pending demand from passengers in both South and North Karnataka.&

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn the controversial 2022 order linked to restrictions on wearing hijab in educational institutions, allowing students to wear headscarves again in schools and colleges across the state. The latest decision has reopened nationwide discussions around religious freedom, dress code policies, student rights, and education politics in India. The hijab issue first became a major national controversy in early 2022 af

Big Rail Boost: Bengaluru to Get Vande Bharat to Mangaluru, 2 New Mumbai Trains Soon In a major step to strengthen railway connectivity across Karnataka and neighbouring states, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the launch of three new train services from

Ranveer Singh submitted a revised affidavit before the Karnataka High Court on Saturday (April 25) during a hearing, expressing his unconditional apology over his mimicry of a character from Kantara: Chapter 1 at a public event last year. The court, after taking note of the affidavit, indicated that it is likely to dispose of the matter by recording the actor’s undertaking and closing the proceedings. The hearing pertained to Singh’s plea seeking to quash an FIR registered against him following remarks made during the International Film Festival of India in Goa. At the event, the actor had mimicked a role portrayed by Rishab Shetty and allegedly made references that hurt religious sentiments associated with a temple deity. The FIR invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to promoting enmity and outraging religious beliefs. During the proceedings, counsel representing Singh informed the court that the affidavit had been revised to include an unconditional apology and an acknowledgment of the sentiments involved. The bench noted that the actor had also undertaken to visit the concerned temple within a specified period, and this assurance would be recorded while disposing of the case. The complainant, however, argued before the court that the matter involved a larger issue of faith and should not be treated as a routine legal dispute. The court responded by stating that it would issue an admonition, emphasizing that public figures must remain mindful of their words and actions, especially in matters linked to religious sensitivities. Earlier, the court had declined to stay the FIR, observing that celebrity status does not grant immunity from accountability. With the submission of the revised affidavit during the hearing and the acknowledgment of concerns raised, the court signaled that it would formally conclude the matter without engaging in a detailed legal examination.

How did Dr. Rajkumar influence Kannada cinema and earn top honors? remains a defining question in understanding Indian cinema, particularly in southern India. Dr. Rajkumar, born on April 24, 1929, in Karnataka, India, rose from a theater background to become one of the most respected actors in Kannada cinema. Raised in a family of stage performers, his early exposure to acting shaped a disciplined and values-driven career that spanned decades. Early life and rise in Kannada cinema Rajkumar’s upbringing in rural Karnataka and his work in traveling theater troupes laid the foundation for his entry into films. He made his cinematic debut in the 1950s with Bedara Kannappa, a mythological film where he portrayed a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The film marked a turning point in Kannada cinema and established him as a leading actor. Over time, he went on to act in more than 200 films, earning widespread recognition Film career success and lasting impact Over the course of his career, Rajkumar became synonymous with Kannada cinema, often referred to as “Annavru.” His films consistently performed well at the box office and carried strong social messages. One of his most influential works, Bangarada Manushya, portrayed a man returning to agriculture, inspiring many toward rural development and farming. Decades later, Jeevana Chaitra highlighted his enduring appeal, where he played an elderly villager reflecting on changing societal values. Contributions as a playback singer In addition to acting, Rajkumar was an accomplished playback singer. His songs, often rooted in classical traditions, gained widespread popularity. His performance in “Nadamaya” from Jeevana Chaitra earned him national recognition, further establishing his versatility in Indian cinema. Awards, honors, and public recognition Rajkumar received numerous prestigious honors for his contributions to cinema and culture. He was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995, India’s highest recognition in film. He also received the Padma Bhushan in 1983, one of the country’s top civilian honors. In 1992, he was conferred the Karnataka Ratna, recognizing his profound influence on the state’s cultural identity. Role in Gokak protest and personal principles During the Gokak agitation in the 1980s, Rajkumar played an active role in advocating for the primacy of the Kannada language in education. His involvement brought widespread attention to the movement and reinforced his position as a cultural leader. Strict on-screen rule against smoking and alcohol portrayal One of his most defining personal principles was his conscious decision to never smoke or consume alcohol in his on-screen roles. Given his immense popularity and influence, he believed audiences—especially younger fans—might imitate his behavior. This deliberate choice reflected his sense of responsibility as a public figure and strengthened his reputation as a disciplined and value-driven icon. Rajkumar’s legacy continues to influence Indian cinema and cultural identity, making his life and career a lasting point of reference for artists and audiences alike.

A shocking incident involving a foreign tourist has surfaced from Karnataka’s Kodagu district, raising serious concerns about visitor safety in popular travel destinations. According to police reports, a woman from Washington, United States, was allegedly assaulted by a staff member at a homestay where she was staying. The accused, identified as a worker employed at the property, has been taken into custody along with the homestay owner, who is accused of complicity in the aftermath of the

The Karnataka High Court has clarified that SSLC students will be awarded marks, not grades, for the third language in the current academic year. The court emphasised that any changes to examination rules, including the introduction of a grading system, can only be implemented from the next academic session and not midway through an ongoing year. The court further directed the state government to evaluate the recently concluded Senior School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations s

A new chapter in Karnataka's ongoing power struggle unfolded when Pranavananda Swamiji, a prominent seer, made claims regarding the state budget. The Swamiji alleged that mutts, or Hindu monasteries, that had supported Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s bid to take over as the state’s chief minister were deliberately sidelined in the budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. According to the seer, not a single rupee was allocated to these mutts, despite their vocal backing of Sh

In a historic move, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 during the state’s 2026–27 Budget presentation. This decision is driven by growing concerns about smartphone addiction, online safety risks, and excessive screen exposure, which have become major issues for young users. Karnataka is now the first state in India to take a definitive stance on regulating children’s access to social media, with other states lik

Karnataka BJP Chief BY Vijayendra launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government, accusing them of "lying and cheating" instead of addressing the state's critical issues. Speaking at a press conference, Vijayendra questioned the long-standing leadership of Siddaramaiah, who has presented the state budget a record-breaking 16 times, and demanded that the CM provide solutions to the burning problems facing Karnataka, rather than continuing to offer excuses.

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia’s appointment as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, specifically for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap, has sparked a political storm in Karnataka. This is not an isolated case, as it is a common practice for state governments to appoint prominent celebrities to promote certain sectors. For instance, Samantha was previously appointed as the Telangana handloom brand ambassador. However, Tamannaah’s appointment has triggered a wav

A migratory seagull carrying a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found along Karnataka’s Karwar coast, raising questions due to the location’s proximity to the strategic INS Kadamba naval base. Locals first spotted the bird near Timmakka Garden in Uttara Kannada district and alerted the marine division of the forest department. The discovery drew attention because INS Kadamba hosts key Indian Navy assets and is undergoing expansion that will make it one of the largest naval bases in th

Karnataka deputy chief minister and senior Congress MLA DK Shivakumar has stirred a new political flashpoint by challenging the BJP-led central government to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s image from Indian currency notes. His remarks came during a protest against the Centre’s decision to alter the rural employment scheme named after Gandhi, a move Congress leaders argue undermines the legacy of the Father of the Nation. Shivakumar accused the BJP of playing with constitutional values

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday put a temporary halt to the State government's order that mandated one day of paid menstrual leave per month for women employees across industries. The policy, issued through a notification on November 20, extended paid menstrual leave to permanent, contractual and outsourced women workers employed in establishments covered under the Factories Act, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, the Plantation Labour Act, the Motor Transport Workers

A fresh wave of political tension has emerged in Karnataka as Congress leaders await the high command’s final decision on a possible change of chief minister before the December 1 Parliament session. Amid growing speculation, Rahul Gandhi has finally responded to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after a week of continuous attempts from the Karnataka leader to speak with him. According to party sources, Rahul replied through a brief WhatsApp message saying, “Please wait, I will call you

Every year on November 1, several Indian states and union territories mark their foundation day, celebrating the day they were officially reorganized or granted statehood. The date holds unique historical significance as it marks the outcome of India’s post-independence administrative restructuring — a process that reshaped the nation’s map to reflect linguistic and cultural identities. While most people associate November 1 with Kannada Rajyotsava, commemorating the birth of Karnataka,

In a major relief to the Kannada entertainment industry, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered the lifting of the seal on the Bigg Boss Kannada house, located in Jollywood Studios, Bidadi. This decision comes just days after the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued a closure notice to the premises due to alleged environmental violations. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), DK Shivakumar stated that he has directed the Deputy Co

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that voters in Congress strongholds were deliberately deleted during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. According to him, thousands of voter IDs were removed through fake logins and phone numbers originating from outside the state, and the entire exercise was coordinated via centralised software rather than individual manipulation.

Global star Ram Charan, who is currently in Mysore shooting a massive song for his upcoming film Peddi, took time to pay a courtesy call on Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The meeting was arranged at the cordial invitation of the CM, where Ram Charan presented him with a shawl as a mark of respect and appreciation. The two shared a warm discussion about the film, with Ram Charan providing Siddaramaiah some insight into the movie's pro