1. Karnataka High Court Upholds Government’s Choice for Mysuru Dasara Inauguration
The High Court of Karnataka has chosen not to intervene in the state government’s decision to invite acclaimed writer and activist Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival in 2025. The festival is scheduled to commence on September 22.
This ruling comes after former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and three others from Bengaluru filed petitions challenging Ms. Mushtaq’s invitation. Their primary arguments centered on her alleged “anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada” remarks made during a literary event in 2023, and the perceived lack of consultation with representatives of the Mysuru royal family. However, a division bench dismissed these petitions, affirming the government’s prerogative.
2. CBI Intensifies Probe into Valmiki Corporation Case with Raids Across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a series of raids on 16 premises spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. These actions are part of an ongoing investigation into the Valmiki Corporation case, a significant alleged scam.
Sources indicate that the raids targeted several associates of former minister B. Nagendra, who previously resigned in connection with the scandal, as well as alleged beneficiaries of the diverted funds. While these individuals and their properties were covered, Mr. Nagendra himself was not included in the recent search operations. A statement from the CBI confirmed that funds from the ST Welfare Department, which Mr. Nagendra formerly headed, were reportedly transferred illegally and ultimately ended up in the accounts of his associates and relatives, including his sister, brother-in-law, and personal assistant.
3. Kannada Actor Upendra and Wife Priyanka Fall Victim to Phone Hacking and Cyber Fraud
Kannada film star Upendra and his wife Priyanka have lodged a complaint with the Sadashiva Nagar police in Bengaluru following a cyber fraud incident. Their mobile phones were hacked, and the fraudsters used their compromised devices to send messages to their contacts, urgently soliciting money.
Many of their friends and relatives received messages requesting financial assistance via UPI, citing an emergency and promising prompt repayment. Ms. Priyanka explained to the media that she received a message about an undeliverable order, instructing her to dial a specific number containing symbols. After both she and Upendra called this number from their phones, their devices were compromised and blocked, leading to numerous acquaintances inadvertently transferring money to the scammers.
4. Tungabhadra Farmers Face Second Crop Loss Due to Jammed Gates and Government Inaction
Farmers within the Tungabhadra reservoir’s command area are facing a dire situation, forced to skip their second crop this year. This predicament is attributed not to natural drought, but to faulty crest gates and a perceived lack of action from the Karnataka government.
Several crest gates, specifically numbers 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, and 28, are currently jammed. This malfunction has compelled authorities to limit the reservoir’s water storage to approximately 80 tmcft, significantly below its full capacity of 105.788 tmcft at the Full Reservoir Level of 1,633 feet. This restriction is necessary to alleviate pressure on the compromised gates, inadvertently impacting agricultural livelihoods.
5. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Unveils ‘Pulse Rewards’ Loyalty Program
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has introduced an innovative loyalty program named “Pulse Rewards.” This initiative aims to provide passengers with a seamless experience for earning and redeeming points across various services within the airport premises.
According to Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), every transaction made by a customer at participating outlets will now translate into tangible rewards. Members of the program will earn points equivalent to 2% of their total spending, with each point valued at ₹1. The program encompasses retail stores, food and beverage establishments, duty-free shops, lounges, and engagement through the dedicated BLR Pulse app.