1. Mysuru Dasara Sets Guinness World Record with Spectacular Drone Show
The evening drone display at Mysuru’s Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap on September 28 captivated onlookers and also secured a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. A staggering 2,983 drones created a breathtaking artwork of a tiger, surpassing the previous record of 1,985 drones.
Munigopal Raju, Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), the organizer of this Dasara festival highlight, revealed that the number of drones was significantly increased from 1,500 in 2024 to 3,000 this year, aiming for this impressive feat.
Beyond the tiger, the drone show featured a diverse array of stunning visual formations, including the solar system, a world map, an Indian soldier, a peacock, a dolphin, an eagle, Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, ‘Mother Cauvery’, and a map of Karnataka highlighting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, alongside the state’s five key guarantee schemes, the iconic Ambari elephant, and Goddess Chamundeshwari.
2. CM Siddaramaiah Criticizes BJP’s ‘Double Standards’ on Karnataka’s Social and Education Survey
On September 29, 2025, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned State BJP leaders for their opposition to the ongoing Social and Educational Survey in Karnataka. He labeled their objections as “self-contradictory and politically motivated.”
In a powerful statement, the Chief Minister clarified that the survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, is comprehensive, encompassing the entire population of nearly seven crore people in Karnataka, irrespective of caste or religion.
He emphasized its inclusive nature, stating, “This is not against anyone; it is for everyone. The sole purpose is to foster social, economic, and educational equality by ensuring equal opportunities and shares for all citizens.”
3. Katti Family Continues Dominance in Hukkeri Taluk Power Cooperative Elections
In a significant local election on September 29, the ‘self-respect’ panel, jointly led by Ramesh Katti and former minister A. B. Patil, successfully secured all 15 seats in the Rural Electric Co-operative Society Limited in Hukkeri, Belagavi district. This victory extends the Katti family’s longstanding control over the society, which they have headed since the 1980s.
Notably, this marks the first contested election in 25 years, as previous polls saw no opposition. The September 28 elections were a fierce battle between the Katti family’s panel and a formidable alliance formed by Anna Saheb Jolle with the influential Jarkiholi brothers.
4. Tributes Pour in for Renowned Kannada Playwright, Actor, and Director Yashwanth Sardeshpande
Bengaluru mourns the loss of acclaimed Kannada playwright, actor, and director Yashwanth Sardeshpande, who passed away on September 29 at the age of 60. Known for his popular comedy plays, family sources confirmed he succumbed to cardiac arrest at a private hospital in the city. He is survived by his wife, Malati (also an actor), and their daughter.
Originally from Ukkali in Basavana Bagewadi taluk of Vijayapura district, Yashwanth’s early passion for theatre led him to the prestigious Ninasam theatre school in Heggodu. After overcoming initial challenges in his theatrical career, he founded the repertory ‘Guru Samsthe’ in Hubballi. His fame truly soared with ‘All The Best’, a highly successful play he adapted from Marathi.