Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured that all areas facing genuine drought conditions will be reviewed, amid concerns from districts left out of the state's first drought-hit list.The assurance comes after the Karnataka government declared 101 taluks as drought-affected for the Kharif 2026 season, based on prescribed drought-management criteria. Of these, 89 taluks were classified as severely affected and 12 as moderately affected.The state has said the drought situation will continue to be assessed and that additional taluks can be included if subsequent assessments establish that they meet the required criteria.

32 more taluks under review

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said 32 additional taluks were under consideration for drought-hit status. The areas include parts of Bengaluru Rural, Davangere, Mandya, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Uttara Kannada districts.The government has made clear that drought declaration is not based solely on rainfall deficiency. Officials are also examining crop losses, soil moisture, groundwater levels and other prescribed indicators.The situation in Kalaburagi has emerged as one example. Farmers and local representatives have sought inclusion of the district's taluks after reporting significant rainfall shortages and crop damage. Officials have been conducting field-level assessments before a final decision.

Karnataka records significant rainfall deficit

The drought concerns follow a substantial rainfall shortfall during the 2026 monsoon.According to the state government, Karnataka received 465 mm of rainfall against a normal 666 mmbetween June 1 and August 26, representing a deficit of around 30 per cent. South Interior Karnataka recorded a 41 per cent deficit, while Malnad, North Interior Karnataka and the coastal region recorded deficits of 35 per cent, 31 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.The government has also reported stress across agricultural and water resources. Soil-moisture deficiency was recorded in 178 taluks, vegetation stress was detected in 165 taluks through satellite assessment, and groundwater levels had declined in 132 taluks.

Crop loss and drinking water remain concerns

The government has directed district authorities to conduct joint crop-loss assessments and submit reports promptly. Relief measures can be undertaken under State Disaster Response Fund norms in areas formally declared drought-affected.Drinking water supply is another priority. The state has reported that water is being supplied to affected villages through tankers and private borewells, while funds have been released for drinking-water measures.The government is also monitoring fodder availability and employment opportunities to prevent distress migration from drought-affected areas.

More areas could be added

The drought declaration remains in force for six months unless revoked earlier. Officials have been asked to continue monitoring rainfall and crop conditions, meaning the current list is not necessarily final.The government is also preparing to seek financial assistance from the Centre. Karnataka is expected to submit a memorandum seeking drought relief, following the state's assessment of losses and affected areas.For farmers and districts currently outside the notified list, the immediate focus will therefore be on field assessments and whether subsequent data establishes eligibility for drought-hit status.

The search for 31-year-old Indore resident Adwait Upadhyay, who went missing while trekking in the Shivagange hills near Nelamangala in Bengaluru, entered its seventh day on Thursday, with rescue teams yet to locate him.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire department teams continued searching different sections of the approximately 4,500-foot-high Shivagange hills. Drones are also being used to scan difficult and inaccessible stretches of the terrain.

At the same time, Bengaluru Police have expanded the investigation beyond the search operation. Adwait's mobile phone and drone were found near Shantala Drop, prompting investigators to examine his mobile location history, call detail records (CDR), SIM connections, digital activity and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Mobile, SIM Connections Under Scanner

Adwait's mobile phone was recovered near Shantala Drop. Investigators are examining its location data, call records and other digital activity.

Police are also checking whether another SIM card had been issued in Adwait's name. Investigators are looking into the possibility of any additional number or SIM connection that could have been used by him or could provide information about his contacts before he went missing.

The objective is to establish a detailed timeline of his movements and communications.

Police Examine August 6-7 Calls

The call records from August 6 and 7 are being treated as important parts of the investigation. Police are checking whom Adwait contacted during these two days, apart from his fiancée.

Investigators are also examining his interactions with female friends and other acquaintances. Officials are trying to determine who was in contact with him before his disappearance and whether any conversation provides clues about his movements, state of mind or reason for visiting the hills.

Police have not identified anyone as a suspect and have not confirmed any dispute. These contacts are being examined as part of the investigation.

Drone Purchase Becomes Key Lead

Adwait's drone was also recovered near Shantala Drop. Police are now investigating when and where the device was purchased and whether anyone accompanied him at the time.

Investigators are seeking information from the drone manufacturer, local dealers and others involved in its sale. They are checking the purchase date, payment details and other transaction records.

The police are also examining the drone's technical data to determine when it was last flown and whether photographs or videos stored on the device could provide clues about Adwait's movements.

Difficult Terrain Complicates Search

The Shivagange hills are characterised by rocky terrain, steep sections and narrow trails. Rain has also made several stretches slippery and difficult to access.

Multiple SDRF, police and fire department teams are searching different parts of the hill. Drones are being deployed to survey areas where rescue personnel cannot easily reach.

Special attention is being given to the Shantala Drop area because Adwait's mobile phone and drone were recovered there. His bag and sweater had also reportedly been found near the same broader area earlier.

Digital Searches Raise Questions

Investigators have found indications that Adwait may have visited Shivagange on August 4, despite his fiancée's complaint stating that he left for trekking on the morning of August 7.

Police are therefore examining his activities between August 4 and August 7 to establish why he may have visited the area earlier.

His laptop search history reportedly contained searches related to the height of Shivagange hills, routes leading to Shantala Drop and different trekking paths.

Police also found searches using an AI tool concerning how long a person could survive after falling from a height and what could happen to the body following such a fall.

Investigators are considering whether this could indicate a possible self-harm angle. However, police have stressed that search history alone cannot establish what happened and that it must be assessed alongside CDRs, CCTV footage, mobile data and other circumstantial evidence.

Last Contact With Fiancée

According to the missing-person complaint, Adwait called his fiancée at around 7:30 am on August 7 and told her that he was going trekking in the Shivagange hills.

He subsequently stopped responding to calls.

His fiancée filed a missing-person complaint at the Kadugodi police station in Bengaluru's Whitefield subdivision at around 8 pm on August 7. The case was later referred to Nelamangala Police as the search area was identified around Shivagange.

Family Awaits Breakthrough

Adwait is the only son of his family. His father, Professor Pramod Upadhyay, died of a heart attack in 2016. His mother later received a compassionate appointment in the accounts department and subsequently took voluntary retirement. She currently lives alone in Indore.

Adwait had been living in Bengaluru for several years and was working as an engineer at a finance company. He had previously worked as a software professional.

His family remains deeply concerned as the search continues. Relatives have reportedly avoided speaking to the media while waiting for updates from the rescue teams and investigators.

Adwait's fiancée also declined to comment when contacted by Dainik Bhaskar, asking that questions about the case be directed to Bengaluru Police.

Vijayvargiya Speaks to Family

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has also spoken to Adwait's family and assured them that he would contact Bengaluru Police and help coordinate efforts to locate him.

Indore Crime Branch is also in touch with Bengaluru Police. Information relating to Adwait's family and contacts in Indore is being shared as part of the investigation.

For now, the search and investigation are proceeding on two fronts — rescue teams are scanning the difficult terrain of the Shivagange hills using personnel and drones, while police are examining mobile data, SIM connections, CDRs, digital searches and the history of Adwait's drone purchase.

No definitive conclusion has yet been reached about what happened to Adwait.

The Karnataka Hakki Pikki Tribal Organisation has urged the Central Government to intervene after nine members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community were arrested in Ivory Coast for allegedly selling herbal oil without the required permission.

The nine tribal members, including six men and three women from Karnataka's Shivamogga and Mysuru districts, have reportedly been lodged in jail for the past four days after being detained by local authorities in the West African nation.

According to local police and community representatives, the group had travelled to Ivory Coast around six months ago as part of their traditional business of selling herbal massage oils, a livelihood that many members of the Hakki Pikki community have pursued across African countries for years.

Arrest Over Business Activity

Police identified the detained individuals as Prabhudev, Nirveni, Shahajan, Shanthi, Girish, Lakshmi, Pappu P, Pappa and Simbran.

The arrests were reportedly made after authorities alleged that the group was selling herbal oil without obtaining the necessary local permissions.

Community leaders said the group was detained while conducting business in Abengourou, located nearly 200 kilometres from Ivory Coast's commercial capital, Abidjan.

Organisation Appeals for Government Intervention

The Karnataka Hakki Pikki Tribal Organisation has appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Ivory Coast to take immediate steps to secure the release of the detained tribal members and facilitate their safe return to India.

State President of the organisation, Puneeth Kumar R., urged the Centre to intervene diplomatically, stating that the group has been unable to continue its business and remains stranded in prison.

Family Claims Documents Were Available

Speaking from prison to The Indian Express, one of the detainees, Nirveni, said the group was arrested on July 29 despite informing the police that one member possessed the required business-related documents.

According to her, local authorities allegedly did not consider their explanation before taking them into custody.

The group has remained behind bars since the arrest and is unable to return home.

Traditional Livelihood Abroad

Members of the Hakki Pikki tribe have traditionally travelled to several African countries to market herbal oils and other natural products. The business has become an important source of income for many families from the community.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the legal and documentation challenges faced by small traders working overseas.

The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrests or any diplomatic engagement with the authorities in Ivory Coast.

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has cancelled his scheduled comedy shows at a venue in Bengaluru's Whitefield following protests by Hindu organisations that opposed his performances over alleged remarks on Hindu deities and recent controversial statements.

According to Bengaluru Police, Kamra visited the Whitefield Police Station on Sunday and informed officials that he would not be going ahead with the scheduled performances at the venue after protests intensified.

A senior police officer said the comedian decided to withdraw the Whitefield shows in view of objections raised by Hindutva organisations, which had expressed concerns over maintaining law and order.

Shows Shifted to Koramangala

Kamra later announced on social media platform X that his performances scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday had been shifted to a venue in Koramangala.

He also informed ticket holders that bookings for the cancelled Whitefield shows would be refunded through BookMyShow and urged audiences to book tickets for the new venue, noting that seating capacity there is limited.

Earlier, Kamra had also responded to criticism on social media and indicated that he would visit the police station regarding the issue.

Objections Raised by Hindu Organisations

The controversy escalated after the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti submitted a representation to Bengaluru Police seeking cancellation of Kamra's scheduled show.

The organisation alleged that the comedian had repeatedly insulted Hindu deities in his performances and argued that allowing the event could disturb communal harmony and create law-and-order issues.

Following the objections, security agencies assessed the situation before Kamra eventually decided to cancel the Whitefield performances.

Ram-Sita Remarks Sparked Fresh Controversy

The latest dispute also stems from remarks Kamra allegedly made during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 15.

During the event, Kamra allegedly made comments concerning Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, drawing allegations of hurting religious sentiments.

Subsequently, Punjab and Haryana High Court advocate Vibhu Veerbhadra Saini filed a complaint seeking legal action against the comedian. During the hearing, the court sought a report from Chandigarh Police, asking whether the allegations disclosed grounds for registration of an FIR. The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 18.

Series of Earlier Controversies

Kunal Kamra has remained at the centre of several controversies over the past few years.

In 2025, he faced an FIR after referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor" during a stand-up performance, following which supporters of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) vandalised a Mumbai comedy venue.

The same year, he also drew criticism over jokes referencing actor Salman Khan's legal cases.

Earlier, his 2022 Gurugram show was cancelled following protests by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. In the same year, he was criticised for sharing an edited video involving a child who had performed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2020, Kamra faced contempt proceedings over comments related to the Supreme Court and was temporarily barred from flying by multiple airlines after confronting journalist Arnab Goswami aboard an IndiGo flight.

Police Monitoring Situation

Police officials said the situation in Whitefield remained peaceful after the cancellation of the shows. Authorities continue to monitor developments while the comedian proceeds with performances at the alternative venue in Koramangala.

Speaking at a program in K.R. Pet on Sunday, Siddaramaiah said politics today has become thoroughly corrupted, and that it was in this environment that he had decided not to contest the 2028 polls. He was quick to clarify, however, that stepping back from electoral contests doesn't mean stepping away from politics altogether — he said he intends to keep raising his voice on public issues going forward.

Siddaramaiah, now 79, explained that by the time the current government's term concludes, he would be 81 or 82 years old, and that he no longer carries the same energy he once did for active campaigning. He noted that 2028 would mark 50 years since he entered politics, a journey that began in 1978 when he became a Taluk Board member.

He also addressed pressure from his own constituency, saying voters in Varuna wanted to see him contest one more time. Despite that, he said he had made up his mind not to contest any future election. He reflected on how election dynamics have shifted over the decades, saying that in earlier years, the public used to actively support candidates, but that the environment has since changed — candidates today are expected to spend money to win votes, he said, adding that space for honest politics keeps shrinking, which he cited as a key reason behind his decision.

Siddaramaiah stepped down as Chief Minister on May 28, 2026, with the Karnataka Governor accepting his resignation the following day. D.K. Shivakumar subsequently took over the Chief Minister's post. Sunday's announcement is being read as another significant marker in Siddaramaiah's long political career, coming just two months after his exit from the state's top office.

Congress has not issued an official statement responding to Siddaramaiah's announcement, and it remains to be seen how the party plans to navigate Varuna's leadership question, given the continued public pressure from his own constituency for him to run again.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved two major infrastructure and industrial development proposals, including the expansion of the Ballari–Guntakal railway section and a ₹3,030-crore BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme for setting up three dedicated chemical parks across the country.

Announcing the decisions after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, improving logistics, attracting industrial investment, and generating employment as part of the government's broader Viksit Bharat vision.

Ballari–Guntakal Railway Project Gets Cabinet Nod

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Ballari–Guntakal section, which passes through parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The project has an estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore and is expected to significantly enhance rail capacity on one of the region's important freight and passenger corridors.

According to Vaishnaw, the project has been developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated infrastructure planning, multimodal connectivity, and improving logistics efficiency across the country.

The expansion will add nearly 46 kilometres to the Indian Railways network and improve the movement of passengers, freight, and essential services.

Improved Connectivity for Three Districts

The railway project will cover three districts across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and is expected to improve connectivity for approximately 99 villages with a combined population of around 700,000 people.

The increased rail capacity will facilitate smoother passenger services and faster freight movement, helping industries in the region reduce transportation costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

The government also said the project would strengthen rail access to several tourist destinations, including Ballari Fort and the Shri Kumaraswamy Temple, encouraging tourism and regional economic development.

₹3,030-Crore BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme Approved

The Cabinet also approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan (Bharat Industrial Development Scheme – Chemicals), a new initiative announced in the Union Budget for FY 2026-27.

The scheme aims to establish three dedicated chemical parks equipped with modern common infrastructure and essential utilities to promote investment in India's chemical manufacturing sector.

The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹3,030 crore, of which ₹3,000 crore will be used for creating common infrastructure within the parks, while ₹30 crore has been allocated for administrative expenses.

The scheme will remain operational for five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Centre to Provide Up to ₹1,000 Crore Per Park

Under the scheme, the Central Government will provide financial assistance of up to ₹1,000 crore for each chemical park.

However, the grant will be conditional on the respective state government contributing at least ₹500 crore toward the project.

Vaishnaw said the initiative is expected to create world-class industrial infrastructure that will attract substantial private investment. Each chemical park has the potential to host industrial units involving investments ranging between ₹15,000 crore and ₹20,000 crore, significantly expanding India's manufacturing capabilities.

Focus on Employment and Industrial Growth

The government expects the chemical parks to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while strengthening India's position as a global manufacturing hub.

Modern shared infrastructure will reduce the cost of setting up industries, improve operational efficiency, and encourage both domestic and foreign investors to establish manufacturing facilities in the parks.

Officials believe the initiative will enhance India's competitiveness in the global chemicals sector while supporting the country's long-term industrial growth strategy.

Supporting the Viksit Bharat Vision

The Cabinet's decisions reflect the government's continued emphasis on infrastructure expansion and industrial development as key drivers of economic growth.

While the Ballari–Guntakal railway project is expected to improve connectivity, freight movement, and regional development, the BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme aims to accelerate industrialisation by creating modern chemical manufacturing clusters with strong infrastructure support.

Together, the two projects are expected to strengthen logistics networks, attract investment, generate employment, and contribute to India's ambition of becoming a developed economy in the coming years.

A tourist sustained serious injuries after falling nearly 40 feet during a zipline ride at an adventure resort in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. The incident occurred when the safety locking mechanism reportedly opened while the rider was suspended in mid-air, causing him to fall to the ground. The accident was captured on video by people present at the site, and the footage has since drawn widespread attention on social media.

The injured tourist has been identified as Kuber Surpur, a resident of Vijayapura, Karnataka. He was enjoying the adventure activity with his family when the accident took place. According to initial reports, Kuber suffered multiple fractures in his arms and legs, along with serious nerve injuries. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the incident unfolded within seconds. As Kuber moved along the zipline, the safety lock attached to his harness reportedly disengaged unexpectedly. With no secondary support preventing the fall, he plunged approximately 40 feet to the ground. Family members who were present at the resort witnessed the incident and rushed toward the accident site along with resort staff and other visitors.

People nearby quickly responded to the emergency and reached the injured tourist within moments. Resort personnel and bystanders assisted in providing immediate help before he was transported to a medical facility for further treatment. Doctors are monitoring his condition, and reports indicate that he sustained significant orthopedic injuries requiring specialized care.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety standards at adventure tourism destinations. Ziplining has become one of the most popular recreational activities offered by resorts and tourism operators across India. Such activities require strict adherence to internationally accepted safety procedures, regular equipment inspections, and continuous supervision by trained professionals.

Following the accident, Kuber Surpur's family alleged that the resort management failed to maintain the zipline equipment properly. According to family members, the safety locking mechanism opened unexpectedly while the ride was in progress, resulting in the fall. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and called for accountability if negligence is established.

The family also claimed that parts of the zipline equipment showed signs of rust and poor maintenance. They alleged that routine inspections and timely servicing of the adventure equipment had not been carried out adequately. According to them, proper maintenance and safety checks could have prevented the accident.

Adventure tourism experts often emphasize that zipline systems should undergo regular inspections before operations begin each day. Harnesses, locking mechanisms, cables, helmets, and braking systems must be carefully examined to ensure that every ride meets required safety standards. Even minor equipment defects can pose serious risks if not detected promptly.

In response to the allegations, the resort management acknowledged that the accident had occurred but denied that it resulted from employee negligence. The resort manager stated that the incident appeared to be caused by a technical issue rather than operational carelessness. He added that the management was taking the matter seriously and was fully committed to supporting the injured tourist and his family.

The manager further said that representatives of the resort would travel to Vijayapura to meet Kuber Surpur personally and discuss the incident with his family. He assured that the management would cooperate with any official investigation and review the circumstances that led to the accident. The resort also indicated that internal assessments of the equipment and operational procedures would be conducted.

Authorities are expected to examine whether all mandatory safety protocols were followed before the ride commenced. Investigators may inspect the zipline equipment, maintenance records, staff training procedures, and operational guidelines to determine the exact cause of the accident. The findings could help establish whether the incident resulted from equipment failure, human error, or another technical factor.

The accident has once again highlighted the importance of safety in India's rapidly growing adventure tourism industry. As more travelers seek outdoor recreational experiences, experts continue to stress the need for rigorous safety audits, certified equipment, trained instructors, and emergency preparedness at all adventure facilities.

Tourists are also advised to carefully follow safety instructions, wear all recommended protective gear, and ensure that harnesses and locking systems are securely fastened before participating in high-risk activities. While adventure sports offer exciting experiences, proper safety measures remain essential to minimizing risks.

As Kuber Surpur continues his recovery, authorities are expected to complete their inquiry into the incident. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether additional action is required and whether further safety measures should be implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future.

A 65-year-old woman has been arrested in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district for allegedly performing a black magic ritual inside a courtroom in an attempt to secure a favourable verdict in a pending family civil dispute. The incident, which reportedly took place on July 9, came to light after court officials reviewed CCTV footage and lodged a police complaint.

The accused, identified as Manjula, was produced before a local court after her arrest and has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Police said they are also investigating whether any other person was involved in the alleged act.

Mustard Seeds Found on Judge's Desk

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 9:40 am inside the courtroom of the First Additional Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class in Chikkaballapur.

Investigators alleged that the woman entered the courtroom during working hours and scattered white mustard seeds, believed to have been used in a ritual associated with black magic, on the judge's chair and the dais.

Court staff later noticed the mustard seeds on the judge's desk, prompting officials to examine CCTV footage installed inside the courtroom.

CCTV Footage Led to Identification

The court administration stated that CCTV footage allegedly captured the woman entering the open courtroom and placing the mustard seeds around the judge's chair.

Following the discovery, the Chief Administrative Officer of the court lodged a formal complaint with the Chikkaballapur Town Police, based on which a criminal case was registered.

Police subsequently traced and arrested the accused.

Investigation Underway

Officials said preliminary questioning indicated that the woman allegedly believed the ritual would influence the outcome of a family-related civil case pending before the court.

Police, however, are continuing their investigation to determine whether she acted alone or if anyone encouraged or assisted her in carrying out the alleged ritual.

Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the pending civil case.

Similar Incident Reported in Delhi

The incident has drawn comparisons with a case reported last year at Delhi's Tis Hazari Court, where a doctor facing a murder trial allegedly scattered rice grains inside a courtroom before proceedings began.

The act disrupted court proceedings for nearly 20 minutes, with some lawyers describing it as an attempt at black magic or witchcraft. The presiding judge imposed a ₹2,000 fine on the accused and remanded him to court custody for one day before he paid the penalty.

Case Under Judicial Process

The Karnataka Police have said the investigation remains in progress and further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe.

Meanwhile, the accused will remain in judicial custody as investigators examine all aspects of the case, including the motive behind the alleged ritual and whether it involved any larger conspiracy.

Janaki breathed her last on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mysuru after suffering age-related health complications. Her family later confirmed the news, following which tributes poured in from political leaders, film personalities and music lovers across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her demise, describing her passing as an "irreparable loss" to Indian music. In his condolence message, he said S. Janaki's timeless voice transcended languages and generations, leaving behind a musical legacy that would continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.

The Karnataka government announced that the legendary singer would be accorded full state honours during her final rites. Her mortal remains were kept for public homage at the Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru before the funeral, allowing admirers from across the country to pay their last respects. The final rites are scheduled to take place later in the day with state honours.

Fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India," S. Janaki enjoyed one of the longest and most distinguished careers in Indian playback singing. She recorded thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, becoming a household name through her remarkable versatility and expressive singing style.

Her ability to effortlessly adapt to different musical genres and emotions made her the preferred voice for generations of leading actresses. From classical compositions and romantic melodies to devotional songs and folk music, Janaki's recordings became an integral part of Indian cinema's golden era.

The news of her passing triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the entertainment industry. Actors, filmmakers, composers and fellow singers remembered her as one of the greatest playback artists India has ever produced. Several public figures described her contribution to Indian music as irreplaceable, recalling how her songs became part of countless personal memories over the decades.

Her granddaughter, while announcing the news, remembered Janaki as a loving grandmother whose warmth and humility were cherished by the family, while acknowledging that the world knew her as an iconic singer whose voice became the soundtrack of millions of lives. The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Throughout her illustrious career, S. Janaki received numerous national and state honours for her extraordinary contribution to Indian music. Despite achieving legendary status, she remained known for her simplicity and dedication to her craft, qualities that earned her immense respect within the film and music fraternity.

Her songs continue to enjoy enduring popularity across generations, with many remaining staples on radio, television and digital streaming platforms. Music critics have often credited Janaki with redefining playback singing through her vocal range, flawless diction and emotional depth.

With her passing, Indian cinema has lost one of its most influential and beloved voices. Even as the nation bids farewell, S. Janaki's music is expected to live on through thousands of recordings that continue to resonate with audiences across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

The SIR exercise, conducted by the Election Commission to verify and update voter lists, is aimed at ensuring that electoral rolls remain accurate and free from duplication, ineligible entries or outdated records. Such revisions are considered a crucial part of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process ahead of major elections.

Political observers note that opposition parties, which have often criticized electoral procedures in the past, appear relatively comfortable with the current revision exercise. Governments led by opposition parties in states like Punjab and Karnataka have not raised significant objections to the process and have largely cooperated with election authorities during voter verification drives.

The emerging political narrative has drawn attention because the BJP has traditionally positioned itself as a strong advocate of voter list purification and electoral transparency. However, party leaders and supporters have expressed concerns in some areas regarding the implementation of the revision process, alleging that genuine voters should not face inconvenience during verification and documentation procedures.

Election officials maintain that the objective of SIR is not to remove legitimate voters but to ensure that electoral rolls accurately reflect eligible citizens. The process typically involves door-to-door verification, scrutiny of records and opportunities for voters to submit claims and objections if discrepancies are found.

Experts point out that electoral roll revisions often become politically sensitive because changes in voter lists can influence electoral calculations. As a result, parties across the political spectrum tend to scrutinize the process closely, particularly in states heading toward important elections.

The current debate has also highlighted how political positions on electoral reforms can shift depending on regional circumstances and electoral considerations. While opposition-ruled states have largely accepted the ongoing revision exercise, BJP leaders have emphasized the need for transparency and safeguards to prevent the exclusion of eligible voters.

Election Commission officials have reiterated that the revision process follows established legal procedures and includes mechanisms for citizens to challenge any errors in the voter rolls. Authorities have urged voters to participate actively in the verification process and ensure that their details are correctly recorded.

As the SIR exercise progresses, political parties are expected to continue monitoring its implementation closely. The issue is likely to remain part of the broader discussion on electoral reforms, voter registration and the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.

A disturbing child-abuse case has surfaced from a daycare centre inside Capgemini’s HAL campus, where videos allegedly show toddlers being locked in bathrooms and placed inside a washing machine drum. Police have registered a case against five female caregivers, and the daycare has now been temporarily shut down.

The videos, which reportedly surfaced on 29 June, show a 2-3-year-old child crying inside a toilet, being splashed with water from a toilet jet, and sitting inside the drum of a front-load washing machine. The footage has sparked outrage because the children involved are reportedly the children of IT professionals working on the campus.

What happened

According to police, the daycare operated within the company campus and was being used by employees during work hours. The alleged mistreatment appears to have been caught on video by a staff member, and the clips quickly spread on social media.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Saidulu Adavath said the matter is being treated as serious, and investigators are still trying to determine whether the daycare was run directly by Capgemini or through an outside agency. The five caregivers are being questioned, but no arrests have been made so far.

Company response

Capgemini said employee and family safety is its top priority and that it is fully cooperating with investigators. As a precaution, it has closed the daycare facility on the Bengaluru campus for now.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken note of the case and will seek a report while conducting its own inquiry. That adds another layer of scrutiny to an already sensitive incident involving very young children.

What parents can do

If a child is mistreated at a daycare, parents should immediately inform the local police and report the matter to child protection authorities or the Child Welfare Committee. A medical check-up can also be important if there are signs of injury, fear or trauma.

Parents should also monitor daycare centres closely by making surprise visits, speaking regularly with their children, and staying in touch with staff about daily routines. Sudden behavioural changes, unexplained bruises or injuries should never be ignored.

Why this case matters

This case has raised serious questions about safety standards in workplace daycare centres, especially because parents trust them with very young children during office hours. It also underscores the need for stronger monitoring, CCTV review, staff vetting and clearer accountability in child-care facilities.

The investigation will likely focus on how long the alleged abuse continued, who knew about it, and whether any other children were affected. For now, the viral videos have left many parents deeply alarmed about daycare safety in corporate campuses.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced his resignation on Thursday, clearing the path for Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to assume leadership of the Congress government in the state.

Breakfast Meeting Confirms Transition

Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues about the decision during a breakfast meeting at his official Bengaluru residence this morning. Law Minister H K Patil confirmed that ministers present at the gathering approved Shivakumar's name as the successor.

The outgoing Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan at 2:30 PM to submit his resignation papers, followed by a press conference at 3 PM. Visuals from the breakfast meeting showed Shivakumar touching Siddaramaiah's feet in a traditional gesture, after which the two leaders embraced—images that political circles interpreted as a signal of unity within the Congress.

Governor Out of Bengaluru

Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to formally tender his resignation. However, officials confirmed the Governor is currently in Indore due to personal reasons. Under constitutional provisions, the Chief Minister can submit his resignation in writing to Raj Bhavan officials even in the Governor's absence. Siddaramaiah will remain in office until the resignation is formally accepted.

 The 2.5-Year Formula Takes Effect

Speculation over a leadership change has shadowed the Karnataka Congress ever since it formed government in May 2023. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were strong contenders for the top post at the time. According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi and the high command brokered an informal rotational arrangement—Siddaramaiah would serve the first half of the term, and Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years.

Though Siddaramaiah's supporters repeatedly denied any formal agreement, the Shivakumar camp consistently maintained the deal existed. The government completed two-and-a-half years in November 2025, after which pressure from Shivakumar's faction intensified. A six-hour meeting in Delhi on May 26 finalised the transition plan.

 Major Cabinet Reshuffle Expected

The leadership change is likely to trigger a significant cabinet overhaul. Sources indicate 15 to 20 ministers could be dropped or replaced. Discussions are underway regarding two Deputy Chief Minister posts to balance caste and regional equations—one position may go to a Dalit leader, another to a Lingayat or OBC face. Siddaramaiah's son is also expected to be accommodated in the new cabinet.

 BJP Launches Attack

The opposition BJP quickly criticised the Congress over the developments. State BJP president BY Vijayendra claimed internal infighting had paralysed governance and accused the Siddaramaiah government of pushing Karnataka into heavy debt. The BJP has repeatedly attacked the Congress over leadership speculation since 2023, arguing the state government remained distracted by power struggles.

The Congress Legislature Party is expected to meet on Friday to formally elect Shivakumar as its leader before staking claim to form the new government.