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Forest officials ignoring medical waste dumping, say activists

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Gundlupet: Allegations that hazardous medical waste from Keralam hospitals is being illegally dumped along National Highway 766 near Gundlupet have sparked anger among residents and activists, who fear the consequences for public health and the environment. The waste is reportedly being thrown near Bolu Gudda in the Bandipur forest area by goods vehicles returning from Keralam. Lorries and vehicles that transport vegetables and other commodities are allegedly unloading the waste along the highway before disappearing. Activists said the dumping had continued despite the presence of police and forest department checkposts at Moolehole and Maddur. Muneer Pasha warned that the foul smell emanating from the waste had become a cause for concern, particularly for villagers living nearby, who fear possible infections. Ashok alleged that enforcement agencies had failed to prevent the movement and disposal of the waste. He pointed out that members of the public had previously caugh...
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Diwali Rush: Private buses charge 8 times more in Bengaluru

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Bengaluru: Diwali travel has turned into an expensive affair for thousands of people leaving Bengaluru for their hometowns, with private bus operators sharply increasing ticket prices. Fares on several popular routes have risen two to three times, and in some cases substantially more, compared with regular days. Amid growing passenger demand, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced 2,600 additional buses to facilitate festival travel. The Kempegowda Bus Station at Majestic witnessed a heavy rush on Friday, November 6, as people began travelling to their native places ahead of the festival, which begins on Sunday, November 8. KSRTC Chief Traffic Manager Prabhakar Reddy said additional buses had been arranged to cater to the increased passenger movement. “From today, 2,600 additional vehicles will operate from Bengaluru to various destinations within Karnataka and outside the state. These services will depart from Kempegowda Bus Sta...
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Samples in Karnataka show over 30 pc ethanol in E20 fuel: Minister

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Bengaluru: Congress minister Rizwan Arshad has alleged that petrol samples collected from seven districts in Karnataka contained ethanol in excess of the prescribed 20 percent blend, raising concerns over fuel quality, vehicle performance and consumer rights. Citing test results, Arshad claimed that samples collected from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) outlets showed ethanol content of 31.2 per cent and 30.5 per cent, respectively. He alleged that the findings indicated a serious violation of standards and called for immediate intervention by the authorities. Describing the alleged excess blending as a breach of public trust, the minister demanded strict action against the oil marketing companies if the violations were established. He said consumers should not be made to bear the financial burden of problems arising from fuel that does not conform to declared specifications. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On the ...
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Safety lapses suspected after factory collapse kills three workers

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Hosur : Alleged safety lapses at an under-construction factory near SIPCOT in Hosur resulted in a major accident on Friday, November 6, leaving three workers dead and four others seriously injured. The incident took place at the premises of Balaji Gears, where construction workers were engaged in pouring concrete into a mould. The wooden centring supports suddenly collapsed, unable to withstand the load, bringing down the structure and burying several workers beneath the debris. The deceased were identified as Kumareshan (39), Michael (26) and Srinivasan (26). The injured were admitted to a private hospital for treatment. Emergency rescue operations were launched immediately. Cranes were deployed to remove the collapsed material and retrieve the bodies of the trapped workers. District Collector Dinesh and SP Anita visited the factory and reviewed the rescue operation. Preliminary inspection suggested that the structure lacked sufficient supporting pillars and the ne...
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e-Aasthi software misuse: 2 GBA revenue officers face suspension

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Bengaluru : In a major crackdown on alleged irregularities in property documentation, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has suspended two senior revenue officials for issuing illegal e-khatas to more than 100 flats by exploiting a special facility in its e-Aasthi software. Basavaraj Magi, in-charge revenue officer of Bengaluru East City Corporation, and Lokamatha D.S., in-charge revenue officer of Bengaluru West City Corporation, were placed under suspension following the discovery of violations in property records in the KR Puram and Kengeri zones. The alleged fraud involved misuse of a software provision designed to facilitate the transfer of properties sold through bank auctions under the SARFAESI Act. Banks can seize and auction properties of loan defaulters under the Act, and the software had a special facility to process such transactions based on valid sale certificates. Instead, the officials allegedly used ordinary sale deeds and other documents to approve e-kha...
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Bengaluru cab driver held for murdering seven family members

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Bengaluru : In a gruesome case of multiple murders, a cab driver allegedly killed seven members of his wife’s family, including a seven-year-old boy, following a prolonged domestic dispute. The accused, identified as Indushekhar, has been arrested by Rajajinagar police. The killings, believed to have taken place two days ago, came to light during an investigation into a missing-person complaint. The victims were identified as Rupavathi, her daughter Sunitha, sons Shivakumar and Shankar, daughters-in-law Divya and Nalini, and seven-year-old Puneeth. According to police sources, the accused allegedly attacked the victims with a grinding stone before disposing of their bodies at different locations. Indushekhar had married Sunitha around 20 years ago. Investigators suspect that he was unhappy with her continued relationship with her parental family. Frequent quarrels reportedly took place between the couple, with the accused allegedly resenting the support Sunitha received...
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Prioritise locals in jobs, no moral policing, says DK Shivakumar

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Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged private companies in Karnataka to ensure a fair share of employment for local candidates, saying that talented Kannadigas must get priority in recruitment without compromising merit-based selection. Addressing concerns over alleged discrimination against Kannadigas in private sector employment, particularly in information technology (IT) and biotech companies, Shivakumar said the state government wanted to resolve the issues through constructive engagement with employers. “There are plenty of talented Kannadigas in Karnataka. They must get the opportunities they deserve. I once again appeal to companies to ensure fair employment opportunities for local people,” he said. ‘Will not allow anyone to take law into their hands’ The Chief Minister said the government would support Kannadigas seeking legitimate employment opportunities but would not allow anyone to take the law into their hands. He warned tha...
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