Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: SSLC, PUC exams to be held under CCTV surveillance, and more
The Karnataka government’s announcement of ₹15 lakh compensation to the kin of Ajeesh, from Wayanad in Kerala, who died following an attack by an elephant from the State, has now triggered a controversy. Opposition BJP questioned the rationale behind the “illegal allocation” and released a letter to show that it was done at the behest of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
On social media platform X, BJP Karnataka unit president B.Y. Vijayendra posted a letter from Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to Rahul Gandhi, who is an MP from Kerala. In the letter, the Minister informs that he has released compensation, as per the advise of Mr. Gandhi, after taking consent from CM Siddaramaiah.
A group of advocates staged a protest in front of the Ramanagara DC’s office on February 20 demanding the suspension of Sub-Inspector Tanveer Hussain of Ijoor station over an FIR filed against 40 advocates. Earlier, police had arrested advocate Chand Pasha following a complaint against an alleged derogatory post targeting a judge in Varanasi, which led to a clash between two groups of advocates last week.
While Chand Pasha was arrested, the police also filed an FIR against a group of 40 advocates based on a counter-complaint. The protesters accused the district administration of buckling under pressure from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and MLA H.A. Iqbal Hussain.
To root out malpractices, the Karnataka government has decided to conduct the first annual exam of SSLC and II PUC under the surveillance of CCTV cameras across the State. Earlier CCTV cameras were used only in corridors and entrances in sensitive areas.
The II PUC examination will be held from March 1 to 22 in 1,124 centers and SSLC exams from March 25 to April 6 in 2,747 exam centers.
IndiGo will launch daily direct flights from Bengaluru to Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia on March 29. This will cater to the substantial surge in Indian tourists travelling to the island of Bali.
Government Women's Polytechnic in Nellore faces urgent repairs, yet funds remain unrequested due to budget constraints, risking student safety.
Author Salma and ‘Ervadi’ S. Radhakrishnan honored with Kaviko award at a ceremony in Vellore, receiving recognition and cash prize.
Mangaluru police arrest four individuals and seize half a kg of MDMA worth ₹50 lakh intended for local youth.
Uddhav Thackeray calls for appointing Leaders of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, stressing the need for constitutional compliance ahead of the Winter Session.
Shashi Tharoor highlights English's significance in India, emphasizing its enriched lexicon through Indian word borrowings at a literature festival.
Cricket fans in Vizag enjoyed a thrilling ODI as Kohli, Rohit, and Jaiswal delivered memorable performances for Team India.
Congress leaders, including Kharge and Gandhi, meet to address the Karnataka leadership struggle, planning further discussions.
Kerala's local body polls focus on regional issues and candidates, not a referendum on the LDF government, experts say.
A 74-year-old man and his sister lose ₹80.5 lakh in a digital arrest scam by cyber fraudsters posing as police.
Social Justice Minister honors Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary, joined by top officials in floral tributes and reflections.
NPCIL is to blame for storage of radioactive waste on site of Kudankulam nuclear power plant: Appavu
Tamil Nadu Speaker Appavu criticizes NPCIL for unsafe nuclear waste storage at Kudankulam, urging better solutions for public safety.
Raghavasimhan Sankaranarayanan’s AI innovation, Hathaani, blends the soul of Carnatic music with cutting-edge technology.
Banu Mushtaq discusses the power of storytelling in dismantling societal norms at the Bengaluru Literature Festival.