Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: Four investigations underway in Hope Farm electrocution case, and more
1. Hope Farm electrocution: Four investigations underway, 15-day deadline to remove unruly cables in Bengaluru CBD
Following the electrical accident which led to the death of 23-year-old Soundharya and her nine-month-old daughter near Hope Farm in Bengaluru on November 19, Energy Minister K. J. George has set a 15-day deadline for businesses that have put up Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) in the Central Business District to remove unruly cables from pavements.
The accident created panic among citizens, who took to social media to post pictures of wires dangling from poles, trees and on footpaths, demanding immediate action from the Karnataka government. Following this, Mr. George said four separate investigations will be taken up to determine the cause of the electrocution, and the findings will be used to prevent future accidents.
Observing that disallowing surrogacy through donor gametes as a condition in the consent form to undergo surrogacy is contrary to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Rules, the Karnataka High Court has permitted 12 couples to opt for surrogacy through donor female gametes.
The court pointed out that clause (1)(d) of Form No-2 of the surrogacy regulations, amended with effect from March 14, 2023 (allowing surrogacy using both gametes from the intending couple only and not through donor gametes) is ‘blatantly contrary to law’ and takes away the right of the eligible couple to undergo gestational surrogacy using donor gametes. However, it refrained from declaring the amendment as illegal.
Flight operations connecting Shivamogga airport to Hyderabad, Goa and Tirupati were launched on November 21. Star Air is operating the three routes approved under UDAN-RCS scheme.
Since August 31, Indigo airlines has been operating on the Bengaluru-Shivamogga route, which has an average occupancy of 78-79%. With Star Air launching three more routes, people can travel to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa and Tirupati from Shivamogga airport.
Iranians are using Elon Musk's Starlink to bypass internet blackouts amid ongoing protests and government crackdowns.
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Chennai Metrowater aims for continuous water supply in Adyar zone, boosting daily supply to 50 million litres in two years.
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“Walk for Equality was aimed at creating a movement to crush the forces attempting to divide the people along religious line, said Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko. Concluding his 140-kilometre ‘Samathuva nadai payanam’ from Tiruchi to Madurai on Monday, Mr. Vaiko said, “The Hindutva forces are actively attempting to drive a wedge between communities through various incidents, most notably the Thirupparankundram deepam controversy, using identity-based politics to achieve their divisive motives.”
The Tamil Nadu government paid ₹1,237.80 crore for the CMCHIS, covering over 1.45 crore families with enhanced health benefits.