Udupi

Chikkamagaluru district administration provides free transport to villages near Bhadra Tiger Reserve for Lok Sabha elections. Amid fears of wild animal attacks, residents of Sringeri, Kalasa, and Mudigere taluks can avail of free vehicles to reach polling stations. The initiative aims to enhance voter turnout in areas prone to low participation due to wildlife threats.

BJP candidate Kota Srinivas Poojary, along with MLA Suresh Shetty and party leader Lalaji R. Mendon, received court summons for allegedly violating the Election Code of Conduct by holding a campaign meeting without permission. Meanwhile, candidates from Congress and BJP are targeting voters in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where many coastal residents' voting rights remain registered.

Residents of Jakkannakki village in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka are boycotting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to long-standing grievances over inadequate infrastructure. With over 600 eligible voters, the village faces challenges such as poor roads and limited transportation. Despite past assurances, residents feel neglected by elected representatives and demand concrete solutions over empty promises.

Researchers and scientists are amazed by the groundbreaking discovery of a rare species of frog in a lake near Karkala in the Udupi district of Karnataka, with mushrooms growing on its body. Researchers have reported that this extraordinary find, detailed in a report published in the scientific journal 'Reptiles and Amphibians', represents the first observed instance of such a phenomenon in the animal kingdom. 
 

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders CID probe into alleged irregularities in Parasurama theme park construction in Udupi district. Allegations include malpractice, encroachment, and authenticity concerns regarding the Parashurama idol. Pressure mounts for investigation amid protests.

Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts in Karnataka are on high alert due to a resurgence of Naxal activity. With the approaching anniversary of Naxal leader Saket Rajan's death, authorities are increasing vigilance, conducting combing operations, and urging residents to report suspicious activities.

Private bus operators in Karnataka are doubling fares ahead of Makar Sankranti and Republic Day, causing concern among travellers. With holidays on January 13-15 and January 26-28, passengers are likely to face exorbitant prices, especially on routes like Shimoga, Mangaluru, Hubli, and Belgaum. Prices have surged to 1.5-2.5 times the regular rates, posing a significant burden on commuters planning trips on Thursday and Friday nights.

Karnataka prepares for the launch of the Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express, promising a 4.15-hour swift commute, luxurious amenities, and top speeds of 160 km/h. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this high-speed train, enhancing connectivity between the vibrant destinations.

The Mulky market area in Karnataka's Udupi witnessed a day of chaos and near-tragedy as a mines truck, out of control due to rash driving, wreaked havoc on the morning commute.

CM Siddaramaiah orders a probe into the controversy surrounding Lord Parashurama's bronze statue in Karkala. Concerns arose about its authenticity during the BJP government's tenure. Allegations suggest fibreglass instead of bronze material. Udupi District Congress urged the investigation, citing misappropriation concerns in the statue's construction.

Pro-Hindu groups in Karnataka are protesting the Karnataka Examination Authority's decision to allow students to wear hijabs during government exams. The protests at Freedom Park aim to pressure the government to withdraw this order, evoking memories of the Udupi hijab controversy, which led to communal tensions and clashes last year. The issue continues to divide religious and social groups in Karnataka, raising concerns about potential religious conflicts.

In a surprising turn of events, former Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai and former Minister Sriramulu have been implicated in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of funds in exchange for BJP tickets for the Hagaribommanahalli Assembly Constituency.
 

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) permits hijabs during exams amidst religious tensions in the state. The decision follows prior controversies over hijab-wearing in educational institutions. KEA provides guidelines for hijab-wearing candidates during the upcoming exams, and they are urged to arrive an hour early for inspection. The issue was previously raised in the Udupi Hijab controversy in 2021, sparking debates on religious expression and dress codes in Indian schools.

Karnataka's Navratri celebrations are a fascinating blend of spirituality and culture, where devotion mingles with colorful festivities. The temples in this enchanting state offer not only divine solace but also a unique cultural experience during the festival.

Pramila Prabhu, a nurse from Herga village near Udupi working in Tel Aviv, Israel, described the tense situation after a rocket attack by Hamas terrorists. She shared her experience witnessing rocket strikes and expressed concern for the safety of the people. Pramila and fellow Indians have informed the Indian Embassy and expect government support.