Timeline India

Author: NewsDesk

  • Vidhana Soudha: Karnataka Assembly Passes Child Marriage Prohibition (Amendment) Bill

    Bengaluru, August 18, 2025: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Child Marriage Prohibition (Amendment) Bill on Monday, presented by Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. The bill introduces stringent measures to combat child marriage, a persistent social issue in the state, with the goal of eradicating it at the grassroots level.

    Speaking after presenting the bill, Hebbalkar highlighted the severity of child marriage as a social evil that successive governments and laws have struggled to eliminate. She noted that in 2024-25, the Women and Child Development Department identified 1,828 child marriage cases, successfully preventing 1,460 of them. However, 369 cases still occurred, leading to the filing of FIRs. The minister emphasized the department’s commitment to rooting out the practice entirely.

    Under the amended law, stricter enforcement will be applied, including legal action against those involved in arranging child engagements. Offenders face a penalty of ₹1 lakh and up to two years of imprisonment. “Our department’s primary objective is to eradicate child marriage at its core,” Hebbalkar stated, underscoring the need for robust measures to protect young girls and boys from early marriages that hinder their education and well-being.

    The passage of the bill marks a significant step in strengthening Karnataka’s legal framework to address child marriage, aligning with broader efforts to promote gender equality and child welfare.

  • Udupi: Schools and PU Colleges Closed on August 19 Due to Heavy Rainfall, Red Alert Issued

    Udupi, August 18, 2025: In response to persistent heavy rainfall and a red alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre, Bengaluru, the Udupi district administration has announced a holiday for all anganwadis, primary and high schools, pre-university colleges, and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) on August 19, 2025. The red alert, effective from August 18 to August 19, warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph) and high sea waves in the Arabian Sea, posing risks of flooding and landslides in coastal areas.

    High waves near the seawalk | Photo Credit: Waqqas Kazi

    The IMD forecast indicates heavy rainfall across Karnataka’s coastal regions, including Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada, for the next five days, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers expected on August 20. The District Disaster Management Authority has issued the following precautionary guidelines:

    • Public Safety: Residents, tourists, and fishermen are urged to avoid rivers, water bodies, and the sea. During heavy rain, winds, or lightning, people, especially children and workers, should seek shelter in safe buildings and refrain from outdoor activities.
    • Avoid Hazardous Areas: Stay away from weak or old buildings, trees, power poles, and severed electrical wires to prevent accidents.
    • Landslide Precautions: In areas prone to landslides, residents should contact the nearest Tahsildar’s office or Gram Panchayat and relocate to relief centers in advance.
    • General Advisory: For the next seven days, avoid unnecessary travel due to expected heavy rain and winds. Those in vulnerable buildings should move to nearby relief centers.

    For assistance, contact the District Disaster Management Control Room or respective Taluk Tahsildar offices. District and taluk officials, nodal officers, and local disaster management committee members are directed to remain stationed and actively manage potential crises.

    This decision follows multiple school closures in Udupi due to heavy rainfall earlier this year, with measures like full-day Saturday classes introduced to compensate for lost instructional time. The administration is on high alert, with emergency services ready to respond to any incidents caused by the severe weather conditions.

    Gangolli fishermen preparing to fish | Photo Credit: Waqqas Kazi

  • Udupi: Criminal Prosecution Approved Against Brahmavar Sugar Factory Board for ₹13.92 Crore Loss in Machinery Sale

    Udupi, August 18, 2025 – The Karnataka government has granted permission for criminal prosecution against the management board, tender-cum-auction technical committee members, and former managing directors Praveen B. Nayak and G.N. Lakshminarayana of the South Kanara Cooperative Sugar Factory in Brahmavar, Udupi district, following a ₹13.92 crore loss in the sale of old machinery. Minister for Textiles, Sugarcane Development, Sugar, and Agricultural Marketing, Shivanand Patil, announced the decision, citing an investigation report that held the board and former directors responsible for the financial loss due to negligence and irregularities in the tender process.

    The factory, operational from 1985 until 2002-03, ceased sugarcane crushing due to a shortage of cane and working capital. After 17 years of disuse, the machinery and buildings deteriorated, prompting the board to seek government approval for their sale through a tender-cum-auction process. The board sold the assets to New Royal Traders, Chennai, but allegations of irregularities led to complaints from Legislative Council member Manjunath Bhandari and the Udupi District Raitha Sangha, triggering an investigation by retired district judge K. Radhakrishna Holla.

    The investigation revealed violations in the tender process, including the board’s decision to sell scrap on a lot basis instead of per kilogram, as initially stipulated, following a request from New Royal Traders. This breached tender rules, which required a ₹50 lakh security deposit and a ₹5 crore bank guarantee. Records showed discrepancies in the quantity of scrap transported, with New Royal Traders claiming 1,139.37 metric tonnes in 46 truckloads, while 2,245.65 metric tonnes were moved in 83 loads. An outstanding ₹12.63 crore remains unpaid, and building materials worth ₹1.28 crore were also removed. The government has directed the recovery of the loss from those responsible and recommended a departmental inquiry against Nayak and Lakshminarayana.

  • Udupi: Vidushi Deeksha V Aims for Golden Book of World Records with 216-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon

    Udupi, August 18, 2025 – Vidushi Deeksha V, a young and accomplished Bharatanatyam artist from Munkinjaddu, Brahmavar, is gearing up to attempt a historic 216-hour continuous Bharatanatyam performance to secure an entry in the Golden Book of World Records. The marathon event, titled Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, will take place from August 21 to August 30, 2025, at the Dr. G. Shankar Women’s First Degree and Postgraduate Studies Centre, Ajjarkad, Udupi. The performance, organized under the banner of Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, aims to celebrate the nine emotions (Navarasa) of Bharatanatyam while showcasing Deeksha’s dedication to the classical dance form.

    Speaking at a press conference on August 17, Deeksha shared her journey and inspiration, crediting her mentor, Vidwan Sridhar Rao, for guiding her. “Initially, I was unsure of what to do, but my teacher advised me to complete my Vidwath and then pursue this goal. I was inspired by Vidwan Yashwanth M G’s 24-hour singing record, which motivated me to attempt a world record in Bharatanatyam,” she said. Deeksha, who began learning the dance at age two and has trained rigorously since age four, emphasized her extensive preparation, including nutritional guidance and a disciplined regimen. She will perform following the Marga Paddhati, taking a 15-minute break every three hours as per the rules.

    The event, supported by former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat and led by Mahesh Thakur of Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, will commence on August 21 at 2:00 PM with an inauguration, followed by the performance starting at 3:30 PM. It will conclude with a valedictory function on August 30. Deeksha, an alumna of Little Rock Indian School, Amrutha Bharathi PU College, and Dr. G. Shankar Women’s College, is currently pursuing a B.Ed. at Dr. TMA Pai College of Education, Kunjibettu. Her multifaceted talents extend to Yakshagana, Veena, Chende, Maddale, and painting.

    The press conference was attended by Vidwan Sridhar Rao, Vidushi Usha Hebbar, and Ashwini Mahesh Thakur, who expressed their support for Deeksha’s ambitious endeavor. If successful, this nine-day performance will mark a significant milestone, surpassing the recent 170-hour Bharatanatyam record set by Remona Evette Pereira in Mangaluru, and will bring global recognition to Udupi’s cultural heritage.

  • Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme Enters Golden Book of World Records for transporting 500 Crore Women Passengers

    Bengaluru, August 18, 2025 – The Karnataka government’s flagship Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has secured a prestigious entry in the Golden Book of World Records for enabling 5,04,94,76,416 (over 500 crore) women passengers to travel between June 11, 2023, and July 25, 2025. Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy described the achievement as a moment of immense pride and joy, attributing it to the collective efforts of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

    In a press statement, Reddy highlighted the scheme’s role in empowering women socially, educationally, economically, and professionally, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He dedicated the milestone to the transport corporations’ staff, management, and labor leaders, acknowledging their dedication and honest service. The minister also thanked the media for their support and constructive suggestions since the scheme’s inception.

    The Shakti Scheme faced significant challenges at its launch, with transport corporations grappling with outdated fleets, no new recruitments, and financial burdens. Despite these hurdles, Reddy noted that the government added 5,800 new buses, recruited 10,000 staff, and provided ₹2,000 crore to clear debts, leading to increased ridership and transformative changes in the transport sector.

    A study by the Sustainable Mobility Network, titled Beyond Free Rides, conducted across 10 Indian cities, revealed that the scheme increased women’s workforce participation by 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi-Dharwad, contributing to a rise in per capita income. The initiative has also inspired other states to adopt similar programs under different names, underscoring its national impact.

    Reddy emphasized that while challenges like fleet shortages and connectivity issues in rural areas persist, the government remains committed to addressing them. The scheme’s success has earned Karnataka’s transport corporations 185 national and international awards, solidifying its status as a model for gender-inclusive public transport.

  • Kundapur: Maruti Car Collides with Bolero Pickup on Haladi-Bidkal Katte State Road, Injuring Workers

    Kundapur, August 18, 2025 – A severe accident occurred around 3:00 PM today on the Haladi-Bidkal Katte state road near Bajaj Motor Service in Haladi, Kundapur taluk, Udupi district. A Maruti S-Cross car, driven by youths from Shirala Koppa, Shivamogga district, collided with a Bolero pickup goods vehicle, causing serious injuries to laborers standing at the rear of the pickup. The car was reportedly returning from Shri Brahmalingeshwara Temple in Maranakatte when the high-speed collision occurred.

    Preliminary reports suggest the three youths in the Maruti S-Cross were under the influence of alcohol and driving recklessly, leading to the crash with the oncoming Bolero pickup. The impact caused severe injuries to the laborers, who were immediately rushed to Kundapur Government Hospital for treatment.

    Sub-Inspector Hiregowda from Shankar Narayana Police Station visited the site and conducted an inspection. A case has been registered at the Shankar Narayana Police Station, and further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

  • Bengaluru: Home Minister Parameshwara Issues Stern Warning to YouTubers Over Misinformation

    Bengaluru, August 18, 2025 – Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara issued a strong warning to YouTubers during a Legislative Assembly discussion, responding to complaints from opposition leaders about baseless propaganda videos targeting individuals, organizations, religious centers, and the state government. He urged YouTubers to cease such activities, warning that failure to comply would result in stringent legal action, as unregulated reporting could harm societal well-being.

    Addressing the Assembly, Parameshwara expressed concern over YouTubers violating confidentiality and spreading misinformation without evidence, stating, “YouTubers must stop here, or we will take tough measures.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining confidentiality, noting that ministers are bound by an oath of secrecy and cannot disclose sensitive information as demanded by some members. Responding to dissatisfaction from certain legislators about his replies, he retorted, “I have answered responsibly. Some call it evasive, but former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Law Minister Suresh know the internal protocols. I assumed you understood the Lakshman Rekha.”

    On the topic of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Parameshwara welcomed the opposition’s support for its formation and assured that any shortcomings would be addressed to uncover the truth. He noted that the SIT has been instructed to submit its report as soon as possible, though the timeline could range from one to six months depending on the investigation’s complexity.

    Concluding his remarks, the Home Minister reiterated the need to regulate YouTubers’ activities, emphasizing that unchecked reporting could disrupt social harmony. “We have noticed individuals, organizations, and the government being targeted with unverified reports. This must stop, or we will be forced to act,” he warned, underscoring the government’s resolve to maintain order and protect public trust.

  • Hoode: SIO Organizes Tarbiyathi Programme “Talluk Billah” to Strengthen Spiritual Connection with Allah

    Hoode, August 18, 2025: The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) organized a Tarbiyathi Programme titled “Talluk Billah” at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind office in Hoode, Udupi district. The programme was designed to foster a deeper spiritual connection with Allah among the youth, emphasizing self-purification (tazkiyah), sincere ibadah (worship), and cultivating a constant awareness of Allah in daily life.

    The sessions included interactive workshops and talks by scholars, focusing on practical ways to strengthen faith, enhance moral and spiritual discipline, and align everyday actions with Islamic principles. The programme drew inspiration from similar initiatives by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, which has a history of conducting Tarbiyati programs to promote ideological clarity and spiritual growth, as seen in their past events like the Markazi Tarbiyatgah and Zonal Heads Training Program.

    Participants, primarily young members of the community, engaged in discussions on how to embody the values of Islam through conscious living and dedication to worship. The event underscored the importance of spiritual rejuvenation and self-development, aligning with the broader mission of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind to nurture a morally grounded and socially responsible youth cadre.

  • Uttara Kannada: Linganamakki Reservoir Water Release Scheduled, Red Alert Issued

    Karwar, August 18, 2025 – The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has announced that excess water will be released from the Linganamakki Reservoir starting at 10:00 AM on August 19, 2025, due to heavy inflows caused by continuous rainfall in the Sharavathi River catchment area. The Indian Meteorological Department and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre, Bengaluru, have issued a red alert for coastal taluks in Uttara Kannada district until 8:30 AM on August 20, 2025.

    As of 1:00 PM on August 18, the reservoir’s water level reached 1815.50 feet, nearing its maximum capacity of 1819.00 feet, with an inflow exceeding 59,891 cusecs. If the inflow continues at this rate, the reservoir is likely to reach full capacity soon, necessitating the release to ensure dam safety. The Executive Engineer of KPCL, Linganamakki, has urged residents in low-lying areas along the Sharavathi River, particularly in Honnavar taluk, to exercise caution and relocate to relief centers with their valuables.

    Honnavar Police Station Announcement

    The public is hereby informed that the Linganamakki Reservoir is completely filled, and water may be released at any time. Once released, flooding is likely in villages situated along both banks of the Sharavathi River. Residents living near the river are advised to move to safer areas with their livestock. Crossing the river during floods is strictly prohibited.

    Anyone found standing near the river to take selfies or record reels will face appropriate legal action.

    The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority Chairperson K. Lakshmipriya, has activated relief centers for residents in flood-prone zones. Fishermen, tourists, and the public are strictly advised to avoid entering the river, its surrounding areas, or the sea until conditions stabilize. For emergency assistance, the public can contact the 24/7 control room at the toll-free number 08382-229857 or WhatsApp number 9483511015.

  • Uttara Kannada: Holiday Declared for Tuesday in Most Taluks

    Uttara Kannada, August 18, 2025 – The district administration of Uttara Kannada has announced a holiday for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, for schools, anganwadis, and pre-university colleges across 11 taluks, excluding Mundgod, in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall. This decision comes after a similar announcement on Sunday, August 17, 2025, when a holiday was initially declared for 10 taluks, excluding Mundgod, and later extended to include Haliyal.

    The holiday aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid adverse weather conditions in the region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided as needed. Parents and institutions are advised to stay informed through official channels for any additional announcements.