High Court Stays Karnataka’s Cinema Ticket Price Cap
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted the government’s controversial regulation that capped cinema ticket prices at ₹200 (excluding GST) across all theaters and multiplexes in the state. Justice Ravi V. Hosmani issued an interim order on September 23, following petitions filed by prominent industry bodies like the Multiplex Association of India and leading film production houses such as Hombale Films, Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films.
The petitioners argued that the State Government lacks the authority under the Karnataka Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1964, and its accompanying rules, to dictate or restrict cinema ticket prices. They contended that the Act primarily governs the licensing of cinema theaters, not the control of ticket costs.
Privacy Concerns Mount Over Karnataka’s Social and Educational Survey
A contentious debate unfolded in the Karnataka High Court on September 23, 2025, regarding the state government’s Social and Educational Survey. Petitioners argued that linking caste details with personal identifiers such as Aadhaar, ration card numbers, electricity RR numbers, mobile numbers, and geo-tagging households constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to privacy, as guaranteed by Article 21 of the constitution.
In response, the State government countered that the exercise is not a ‘caste census’ but rather a data collection initiative designed to identify eligible beneficiaries for various welfare schemes. They asserted that denying the state this right would undermine its ability to function effectively within a federal system, dismissing the petitioners’ claims as a mischaracterization of the survey’s true intent.
Technical Glitches and Teacher Protests Plague Karnataka Survey
The Social and Educational Survey in Karnataka continues to face significant challenges, with technical glitches persisting into its second day. School teachers, who have been appointed as enumerators, reported considerable difficulty in accurately entering data into the mobile-based application due to delayed responses. In some instances, it took them up to an hour to complete the enumeration for a single family.
Adding to the survey’s woes, teachers in Belagavi staged protests, refusing to perform door-to-door survey duties. They cited mandatory duty slips issued by Education Department officials despite their illnesses, old age, or disabilities, and demanded exemptions. Their demonstration took place in front of the tahsildar’s office, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among enumerators.
IIIT-Bangalore Pioneers Smart Panels for Enhanced 5G and Future 6G Networks
In a breakthrough for telecommunications, researchers at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) have developed Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) – innovative panels designed to address common mobile network issues like slow speeds and dropped signals in areas with poor coverage. Rather than relying on expensive new towers or extensive infrastructure, these ‘smart walls’ can redirect and focus signals, significantly improving network performance.
This technology promises faster and more energy-efficient networks and is poised to play a crucial role in shaping future 6G systems. A key advantage of RIS is its seamless integration into existing 5G-Advanced networks; these panels can be easily mounted on walls or poles to fill coverage gaps in hotspots, offering a plug-and-play upgrade without requiring major infrastructural overhauls.
IAF’s Sarang Helicopter Team to Dazzle at Mysuru Dasara
The renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team, serving as the esteemed brand ambassador of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is set to enthrall audiences in Mysuru as part of the vibrant Dasara festivities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the team will perform captivating aerial displays over the Bannimantap ground in Mysuru.
With a remarkable record of over 1,200 performances at more than 386 locations across India and globally, the Sarang team operates the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).