bangalore news times

Mangaluru: A massive “explosion” occurred at the MRPL oil refinery near Jokatte in Mangaluru on Wednesday, September 30, local residents claimed, with houses shaking and people reporting “tremor-like” sensations. Reports said a loud explosion was followed by a large plume of thick black smoke that was apparently visible from far away. The explosion reportedly occurred in the Jokatte area, where the refinery’s third plant is located. A large fire and thick smoke were seen emerging from the facility. However, there was no official word from the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) regarding the incident. A massive "explosion" occurred at the MRPL oil refinery in Mangaluru on Wednesday, local residents claimed, with houses shaking and people reporting "tremor-like" sensations. Reports said a loud explosion was followed by a large plume of thick black smoke that was apparently… pic.twitter.com/bJ4hOTJKfF — Th...

Bengaluru : The Karnataka government has initiated steps to introduce Shakti smart cards for women beneficiaries of its flagship Shakti scheme, aimed at preventing alleged misuse of the free bus travel facility. The Shakti scheme was launched on June 11, 2023, providing free bus travel to women across the four state-run transport corporations. However, complaints have emerged alleging that women from other states are using fake or fraudulent Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of the benefit, resulting in financial losses to the transport corporations. To address the issue, the government has floated a tender at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore to provide smart cards to around one crore women beneficiaries across Karnataka. The cards are expected to be introduced first for women passengers of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), before being extended to the remaining transport corporations. Officials have proposed issuing the cards based on identity ...

Bengaluru: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday, September 29, launched a fresh attack on Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alleging that the Chief Minister’s family benefited from questionable land transactions involving areas connected to the NICE/BMIC project. Addressing reporters at a private hotel in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy released documents which he said supported his allegations. He claimed Shivakumar’s family assets had increased sharply between 2003 and 2023 and alleged that changes in land-use permissions played a role in the increase. Kumaraswamy specifically referred to land within the NICE project area and alleged that members of Shivakumar’s family had purchased parcels that had earlier been notified for government projects. He cited a parcel of around 10 acres and claimed that the land had been notified as early as 1997 before being purchased through family-linked transactions. The Union Minister further alleged that more than 150-200 acres, incl...

Karnataka: A school-going girl stood defiantly in front of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus after the driver did not stop at the stop. The incident took place at B Hosahalli village, Tumkur district. The Hatti-Mundargi bus was on its way towards Koppala city. When it reached the B Hosahalli village bus stop, the girls waved at the driver to stop, but he did not. This angered the children, who also had an examination to attend. They reportedly followed the bus and managed to stop it down the road. One of them stood in front of the heavy vehicle and confronted the KSRTC bus driver and conductor about their behaviour. “We have an exam at school today. If you don’t stop, how are we supposed to reach school? Who will be responsible if we miss the exam?” she asked. A school-going girl stood defiantly in front of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus after the driver did not stop at the stop. The incident took ...

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), now under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), to pay compensation of Rs 2. 77 crore to an individual who suffered severe injuries after a tree branch fell on him, observing that the civic body failed to act despite having prior information about the danger. Justice Suraj Govindaraj, who heard the petition filed by G Chandan, directed payment of the compensation with six per cent annual interest. The amount already paid by the BBMP as Rs 5 lakh will be deducted from the total compensation. The remaining amount, along with interest calculated from March 7, 2024, until the date of payment, has to be deposited through RTGS within 12 weeks of receiving a copy of the order. The High Court also issued several directions to the state government and civic authorities concerning public safety and the removal of dangerous trees and branches in Bengaluru. The court rejected the BBMP’s c...

Bengaluru: Former IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi emphasised self-discipline, personal responsibility and a positive approach to life’s challenges while speaking on the fundamentals of happiness at India’s first World Happiness Summit in Bengaluru. Addressing the gathering at New Horizon College of Engineering, Bedi said happiness should not be viewed simply as the result of achieving one’s desires. She urged people to first examine whether they genuinely deserve what they seek and, if not, work towards earning it. “Before you desire something, ask yourself, ‘Do I really deserve it?’ If you don’t, put it off, work for it and earn it,” Bedi said. She said developing the right attitude towards difficulties was equally important for maintaining happiness. According to Bedi, problems should not always be seen as setbacks. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning can help individuals discover their abilities and understand their own potential. “If w...