Karnataka

A senior prison official in Bengaluru has been transferred, and two others have been suspended following the circulation of viral videos showing inmates dancing and using mobile phones inside a high-security jail. The footage, which raised serious concerns over security breaches and administrative negligence, prompted swift disciplinary action from the Karnataka Home Department.

A tragic incident in Karnataka has resulted in the deaths of a father and his young daughter in what authorities believe to be a case of murder-suicide. According to preliminary police findings, the man allegedly took the child’s life before ending his own, reportedly distressed after his wife left the household with another individual. The situation has shocked the local community and prompted renewed discussions around mental health, emotional distress, and support systems within families facing domestic conflict.

In a gripping Ranji Trophy encounter, Arjun Tendulkar showcased resilience and composure as he steadied Goa’s innings against a formidable Karnataka attack. The young all-rounder, under constant scrutiny due to his lineage, demonstrated technical maturity and temperament beyond his years. His crucial partnership in the middle order helped Goa recover from early setbacks and mount a credible fightback. While Karnataka’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, Arjun’s measured batting turned the tide, earning respect from critics and fans alike.

Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has declared a dividend of Rs. 135 crore to the Karnataka government, reflecting robust financial performance and strong operational efficiency. The payout underscores KSDL’s continued profitability amid competitive pressures in the FMCG sector, particularly in the soaps and personal care segments. The dividend will provide a meaningful boost to the state’s finances while reinforcing the government’s stake in a profitable public-sector enterprise.

The Karnataka government has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at propelling India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem by funding the top 50 AI companies across the country. With a strategic focus on fostering innovation, commercialization, and global competitiveness, this program seeks to provide financial support, infrastructure, and mentorship to high-potential startups and scale-ups. Analysts note that the initiative could significantly accelerate AI adoption in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and manufacturing, while also strengthening India’s position as a global AI hub.

Karnataka cricket has announced key selections for its domestic campaigns, with Anvay Dravid, son of legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid, named captain for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The leadership role marks a significant milestone in Anvay’s budding cricket career, reflecting both his talent and the expectations tied to his legacy. In parallel, seasoned batter Karun Nair is set to return for the Ranji Trophy, bolstering Karnataka’s squad with his experience.

India’s coffee sector, long celebrated for its shade-grown plantations and premium Arabica and Robusta beans, is now witnessing a transformative shift. Planters across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are diversifying their estates by introducing alternative crops and revenue streams. Rising production costs, climate-related uncertainties, and volatile global coffee prices are driving growers to embrace diversification strategies ranging from pepper and avocado cultivation to eco-tourism and value-added coffee products.

India’s whiskey market is witnessing a significant regional shift, with South India emerging as the dominant force in FY25. Industry estimates indicate that states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have become the largest consumers of whiskey, collectively accounting for a substantial portion of nationwide sales. This surge reflects both cultural preferences and rising disposable incomes in the southern states, where premium and mid-segment whiskey categories are seeing sharp growth.

Karnataka has successfully secured a substantial investment of ₹4,000 crore from Japanese companies, marking a significant milestone in the state’s industrial and economic development. The investment aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen bilateral trade relations. This inflow reflects investor confidence in Karnataka’s policy framework, infrastructure, and business-friendly ecosystem.

In a landmark move aimed at making cinema more accessible, the Karnataka government has announced a cap on movie ticket prices, limiting them to a maximum of ₹200 across all theaters in the state. The policy, applicable to both single-screen cinemas and multiplexes, seeks to encourage higher footfall, support local theaters, and make entertainment affordable for a broader audience.