Karnataka News

Bengaluru experienced its driest April in 41 years, with no rainfall recorded and temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius. The anomaly is attributed to factors including global warming and the El Nino phenomenon. However, there's hope for relief as experts predict a transition to La Nina conditions, potentially bringing normal to above-normal rainfall in the upcoming monsoon season.

Recent scorching temperatures in Raichur, Karnataka, reaching 45.6 degrees Celsius, signal a concerning trend of rising heat levels in the region. Neighbouring districts also affected, with temperatures soaring to 45.3 degrees Celsius in areas like Kalaburagi, Yadgiri, and Vijayapur. Meteorological Department forecasts hot winds to persist, urging precautionary measures against heatstroke.

Former car driver Kartik accused lawyer Devaraje Gowda of involvement in the leaked video scandal implicating MP Prajwal Revanna. Kartik, who suffered injustices from Revanna's family, trusted Gowda with the footage for legal purposes but now faces accusations of dissemination. He appeared before the Special Investigation Team with evidence to support his claims.

Water levels in Karnataka's reservoirs have plummeted to just 10.83% capacity, raising concerns about water scarcity in Bengaluru and surrounding districts. Compared to the previous year, there's been a drastic 45-46% decrease in storage. Failure of a sand barrier project has worsened the situation, leading to protests and disruptions in water supply.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for 17 districts in northern Karnataka due to an intense heatwave, with temperatures forecasted to rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. Residents, especially vulnerable groups, are advised to stay indoors and hydrate. The heatwave, part of a broader rise in global temperatures, has affected several Asian countries.

Outrage spreads nationwide over MP Prajwal Revanna's alleged involvement in the "Hassan pen drive case" of sexual abuse. Protests erupt in Karnataka, including at HD Kumaraswamy's residence, demanding Revanna's arrest. Social media amplifies calls for action, with Congress leaders condemning JDS and BJP's response. HD Kumaraswamy and PM Modi face criticism.

In Bengaluru, a man was arrested for placing QR codes in metro station men’s toilets, which when scanned, led to Instagram pages and ads, including for a chocolate brand. Though the content was harmless, the method sparked security concerns. The incident, occurring across multiple stations, highlighted the need for stricter security to prevent misuse of digital tools like QR codes.

This revelation surfaces amidst a video scandal that engulfed Prajwal Revanna just days before the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. The explicit videos purportedly featuring him went viral on social media, sparking a massive controversy.

Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) mandates aerator installation on taps by April 30, following extensions from March 31 to April 7. Aerators can save 60-85% water and failure to comply incurs a Rs. 5,000 fine, with a Rs. 500 daily penalty. The rule applies citywide, reflecting a joint commitment to water conservation. Compliance is crucial for Bengaluru's sustainable water usage.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is confident in winning 9-10 seats out of the first phase's 14 constituencies, attributing this to successful state programs and failures of the Modi government. He rebuts Modi's claims about Muslim reservations and accuses him of misleading the public and unjustly withholding drought relief, all while Congress prepares for the election results under the INDIA alliance.

After five years of closure due to metro construction, Kamaraj Road in Bengaluru reopens, connecting MG Road to Cubbon Park. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited confirms the completion of the Nagwara-Kalena Agrahara line, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity. This development brings relief to commuters and residents.

V. Srinivasa Prasad, the Chamarajanagar MP, passed away at 76 due to a heart attack after battling health issues in Bangalore. A prominent figure in Indian politics, he served multiple terms as MP and MLA and held ministerial roles in both state and central governments. He is survived by his wife and daughters. His body will be laid in state for public homage in Mysore.

A Bengaluru resident won a legal battle against Swiggy, securing Rs 5,000 compensation for a failed ice cream delivery. Despite Swiggy's claim of intermediary status, the court ruled in favour of the customer, citing deficient service and unfair trade practices. This underscores the significance of accountability and consumer rights in online food delivery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming campaign event in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, is marred by the absence of MP Anantkumar Hegde and MLA Shivaram Hebbar. Their missing photos from banners and lack of contact raise concerns within the BJP, especially given Hebbar's past affiliations with the Congress. Party leaders are optimistic but acknowledge potential divisions.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced that 95% of the tunnelling work for the Pink Line metro, connecting Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, is complete. Divided into three phases, significant progress has been made, with tunnelling machines named Tunga and Bhadra drilling towards Nagawara. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.