Karnataka Government

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the Ashwamedha Classic Buses in Bengaluru, launching 100 of the 800 buses. With a focus on safety and comfort, the buses feature point-to-point express operation, spacious seating, enhanced visibility, and advanced safety measures. The government emphasizes women's safety with panic buttons.  

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka government will stage a protest in Delhi on February 7th, highlighting the alleged injustice the state faced in the Union Budget. Addressing a media conference at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar alleges that the BJP government at the Centre has subjected it to "step-motherly treatment" in budget and other fund allocations.
 

Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, famed for the Ram Lalla statue in Ayodhya, faces neglect from the Karnataka government. Despite his global acclaim and diverse works, including the Wodeyar statue, he's awaited promised payments for eight years. MLA Basavanagowda Patil Yatnal exposed the issue on social media, urging quick resolution and highlighting the disrespect towards Yogiraj's talent and historical contributions.

The Karnataka Excise Department is considering a 10% increase in beer excise duty, leading to a potential price surge of Rs 8 to 10 per bottle. This would be the second hike in six months, following recent increases by liquor companies. The proposed change may take effect in late January or February, sparking concerns among consumers. A seven-day grace period is provided for submitting objections to the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department.

Shiv Sena activists, aligned with Uddhav Thackeray, protested in Kolhapur against the Karnataka government's mandate for 60% Kannada on shop nameplates in Belgaum. Tensions escalated as activists tore down Kannada signage, leading to public disorder. Sanjay Pawar, a prominent Shiv Sena leader, accused Karnataka of suppressing Marathi culture, demanding the inclusion of Belgaum in Maharashtra. He warned against introducing Kannada nameplates.

The state government introduced K-Smart, developed by the Information Kerala Mission for the Local Self-Government Department, on January 1.  MB Rajesh said that the Karnataka government has come forward with the request of the state government's K Smart application.

Karnataka's Congress government's decision to reopen 30-year-old cases linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement led to arrests in Hubballi, sparking political tension. BJP leaders strongly criticized the move, citing its timing around the Ram Mandir inauguration. Selective reopening of cases and arrests of elderly individuals involved in historical incidents fuelled controversy in the state.

Amidst the accusations levied by MLA Basan Gowda Patil Yatna regarding a purported COVID scam, BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra has taken a bold stance, challenging the Karnataka government to conduct a thorough investigation. The political arena in Karnataka is currently ignited with a war of words between the administration and the opposition, triggered by Yatna's claims of financial irregularities to the tune of 40 thousand crores during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa.
 

Karnataka is witnessing a surge in tensions as the arrest of 29 activists, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President Narayana Gowda, during a protest demanding the installation of Kannada nameplates has ignited a verbal war between pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Nagaraj has issued a 24-hour deadline to the government, warning of widespread protests if the arrested activists are not released by the deadline.
 

Karnataka's Education Minister plans 500 public schools this year, aiming for 3000 in three years. Siddaramaiah's support for education enhancements, nutritional programs, and a new college receives acknowledgement at Sriranganath Kala Utsav-2023. Bangarappa honours father S. Bangarappa's impactful legacy in welfare and social initiatives.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport introduces an Indira Canteen, offering affordable meals at Rs 10 for lunch and dinner and Rs 5 for breakfast, catering to diverse tastes. This initiative aims to provide economical, quality dining options, extending the success of similar canteens across Karnataka and promoting inclusivity at the airport.

Karnataka Forest Minister extends wildlife parts return by three months, emphasizing destruction and plans for Linganamakki Dam land allocation. Proposal for Additional Forest Settlement Officers to resolve pending cases and prevent land encroachments discussed in a meeting targeting forest preservation.

Karnataka's Health Minister, Dinesh Gundurao, mandates ramping up daily COVID-19 tests to 5,000, emphasizing testing for symptomatic individuals and travellers. Measures include ensuring medical equipment availability and convening meetings to address hospital readiness. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah plans a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee. Union Health Minister Mandaviya calls for a virtual meeting with state Health Ministers to discuss nationwide strategies. T

Karnataka issues stringent COVID guidelines in response to the JN.1 variant, emphasizing increased testing without border restrictions. Specific cases mandate genome sequencing. Advisory urges masks, caution in crowds, immediate medical attention for symptoms, and vigilance during international travel, prioritizing public safety measures.

The Karnataka government rejects altering school and factory timings to ease traffic in Bengaluru, citing minimal impact and potential harm to children. The High Court postponed the hearing following the joint report by Education and Labor Departments, responding to a PIL and facing opposition from private schools and parents.