Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: Belagavi-based IT firm challenges US-based namesake Anthropic, and more
A Belagavi-based IT company has filed a civil case against US-based AI major Anthropic PBC, claiming that the latter has violated laws protecting its brand name and online identity. Anthropic Software Private Limited (ASPL), with its office in Bauxite Road in Belagavi, had registered the name of the company with the appropriate authority in India in 2017. It has claimed that it is suffering daily losses as the US-based company is driving away all its online traffic.
In a case filed with the district court, Ayyaz Mulla, one of the founder-directors of ASPL, has alleged that its “online visibility has been displaced, with search and AI-based platforms prioritising” the US company’s name. They have accused the US Anthropic of passing off, misrepresentation, and erosion of the Indian company’s brand identity. Mr. Mulla’s petition has requested the court to restrain the company from using the name Anthropic, not to operate in India with that name, and pay damages of around ₹1 crore.
The Supreme Court on February 12, 2026, refused to intervene in a Karnataka High Court decision refusing to grant anticipatory bail to BJP MLA B.A. Basavaraj (Byrathi Basavaraj) in the July 2025 murder of Shivaprakash alias Bikla Shiva, a realtor-cum-rowdy-sheeter, while highlighting the close nexus between land-grabbers and politicians.
“Land-grabbers have political protection. It is true the public perception is that land-grabbers have one or the other protection,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked. The Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, gave the MLA liberty to apply for regular bail after surrendering in the case.
Thousands of workers and trade union activists gathered at Town Hall in Bengaluru in response to the general strike called by the joint committee of trade unions against the four labour codes on February 12. Trade unionists from CITU, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, AICCTU, TUCC and HMKP took part in the protest.
The workers who demanded repeal of the labour codes and reinstatement of MGNREGA, were detained, arrested and removed from the spot by the police. The police removed close to 10 busloads of workers from the Town Hall area. Many of the arrested protesters were taken to the CAR police grounds in Adugodi, where they continued the protest.
Dalit Ministers seek consensus on internal reservation ahead of Karnataka Cabinet meeting amid division among Scheduled Castes.
Chennai Metro Rail introduces portable ramps for wheelchair users, enhancing accessibility at all platforms this month.
Edwin Lutyens ultimately secured near-exclusive credit for New Delhi’s design not just because he was talented, but because he was an exceptional public-relations strategist
Green Climate Team promotes water access for birds and animals, arranging clay pots to support wildlife during summer.
Palaniswami meets AIADMK district secretaries in Chennai to discuss election preparations and seat-sharing arrangements with the BJP.
The DMK and Congress finalize a crucial seat-sharing deal thanks to key negotiations by Kharge, Chidambaram, Kanimozhi, and Karti.
Justice Swaminathan allows time for the Thirupparankundram temple trustees to respond to his suggestion regarding Karthigai Deepam prayers.
New Zealand secures a dominant T20 World Cup final spot, led by Finn Allen's explosive century against South Africa.
Central government allocates ₹64 crore for PM Ekta Mall project in Puducherry, promoting local artisans and crafts.
Farmers demand NAFED procurement of maize to secure Minimum Support Price amid declining market rates.
Four workers fainted from toxic gas exposure at a Ranipet effluent treatment plant; all are now stable after treatment.
Textiles Minister inaugurates ₹35 crore Bypass Road in Ranipet, enhancing traffic flow and connecting key highways for efficient travel.
P. Sibin takes charge as the new Superintendent of Police for Ranipet, succeeding Ayman Jamal.