Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: HC notice to banks on Vijay Mallya’s plea seeking debt recovery details, and more
The Karnataka High Court on February 5, 2025, ordered issue of notice to the debt recovery officer and 10 banks on a petition filed by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya seeking directions to provide statement of accounts for the total amount, along with accrued interest, owed by him, the United Breweries Holdings Ltd., (UBHL) and other certificate debtors, and the amount recovered so far in the process of recovery of debts of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines Ltd.
Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Mr. Mallya, pointed out that the winding up order against Kingfisher Airlines and its holding company UBHL (which is under liquidation) as well as the parallel process for debt recovery for a sum of ₹6,200 crore from primary debtor Kingfisher and its guarantor, UBHL, had attained finality in law. However, the debt has been recovered multiple times over since 2017, he contended.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) president Badagalpura Nagendra has urged the State Government to clarify its position on withdrawing the amendments to Land Reforms Act and APMC Act introduced by the previous BJP government. There is a concern that the agricultural policies of the ruling Congress government seem to be a continuation of what was pursued by the BJP.
In a letter, farmer leaders pointed out that the ruling Congress government had fulfilled none of the promises made in its 2023 election manifesto, which included repealing the ‘’anti-farmer laws brought by the BJP, dropping politically motivated cases against farmers, implementing MSP, increasing the amount of interest-free loans,” etc.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has helped another family facing alleged harassment by a microfinance company in Belagavi district. Loan recovery officers had evicted the family of Basavaraja Maruti Kondaskoppa in Basarikatti three months ago. He had taken loans totalling ₹7 lakh from a private financial institution.
The farmer had approached the Minister’s office seeking assistance. The Minister’s personal secretary Mahantesh Hiremath spoke to employees of the company and instructed them to provide two months’ time for loan repayment. The Minister also spoke to officials of the company and warned private financial institutions not to harass borrowers unnecessarily.
Members of Samana Manaska Sanghatanegalu (like-minded organisations) sat on a dharna demanding abolition of toll collection on Mangaluru-Bengaluru NH 75 at Brahmarakootlu near B.C. Road, speedy completion of ongoing National Highway projects in Dakshina Kannada district, and other demands, at Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru, on February 5.
Pinarayi Vijayan criticizes Rahul Gandhi and Congress for allegedly aiding BJP's rise in various states during Kerala polls.
Sonia Gandhi is responding well to treatment for a systemic infection and remains under observation at a Delhi hospital.
J&K Police's Counter Intelligence Wing conducts raids in three districts linked to a transnational terror module operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Vaccination policies must prioritize saving human lives over individual choice amid rising vaccine skepticism, asserts scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan.
Seven Indian fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, sparking protests and calls for government intervention.
Kerala cyber police file a case against X for an AI video allegedly defaming PM Modi and the Election Commission.
iKure and Izawa Co. partner to combat avoidable blindness by integrating innovative eye care technology into rural healthcare networks.
Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.