Timeline India

Author: NewsDesk

  • Byndoor Taluk Farmers’ Union to Protest on Sept 19 Against Rural Areas’ Merger into Town Panchayat

    Byndoor, September 18, 2025: The Byndoor Taluk Farmers’ Union, along with local residents, will stage a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Manipal on Friday, September 19, opposing the unscientific inclusion of rural areas into the Byndoor Town Panchayat limits and demanding their immediate exclusion. Farmers’ Union President Deepak Kumar Shetty announced this during a press meet in Udupi today.

    Shetty criticized the authorities for forming the Town Panchayat five years ago without consulting locals or political parties, noting that elections have not yet been held despite the announcement of reservations for its 20 wards. The Town Panchayat spans 54 sq km, with 47% classified as dense forest and rural land. This merger has deprived residents of various government schemes meant for rural areas.

    “We have already submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner requesting the exclusion of rural segments. The DC has proposed a new 11-ward Byndoor Town Panchayat to the government. We demand its implementation and the declaration of the remaining rural areas as Gram Panchayats,” Shetty said. He recalled a major protest last Friday in front of the taluk office and affirmed that tomorrow’s demonstration will continue the demand.

    Byndoor and surrounding areas include 23 sq km of 14 hamlets where agriculture is the primary livelihood. However, the merger under the guise of development has denied farmers basic facilities, Akrama Sakrama benefits, and agricultural amenities, forcing them to travel to Udupi even for minor tasks. “The district administration has yet to respond to this issue,” Shetty added.

  • Tragic Road Accident Near Ankola: Two Dead, Nine Injured in KSRTC Bus-Tanker Collision

    Ankola, September 18, 2025 – A horrific accident on National Highway 52 near Adlur in Ankola taluk claimed two lives and injured nine others when a KSRTC bus collided head-on with a tanker lorry. The tanker driver and one bus passenger died on the spot, with the bus overturning and being severely damaged.

    The KSRTC bus (KA 31 F 1247), traveling from Makki Gadde to Ankola, and the tanker (KA 29 C 2998), heading from Ankola to Yellapur, crashed in front of Taranga Hotel. The tanker driver, Sharappa S. from Muddebihaal, succumbed at the scene. The passenger who died was Bhaskar Ganvkar from Keni in the taluk.

    The bus driver, Ratnakar Naik from Aversa Dandebaag, suffered leg injuries, along with eight other passengers. The injured include school teacher Veena Venkataramana from Makki Gadde, Pragna Pradeep Naik Alageri and her daughter Sanvi, Savitri Daaku Gowda Okkal Belase, Raksha Raghavendra Banavali from Aversa, bus conductor Chandrashekar Narayana Naik Kodkani, Shridhar Ishwara Harikant from Balale, Radhakrishna Mahabaleshwar Naik from Makki Gadde, and another passenger who self-transported to Karwar District Hospital. Ambulances from Ankola, Ramanguli, Gokarna, and Gullahpur rushed the injured to taluk and district hospitals for treatment.

    The crash occurred when the tanker, attempting to overtake, lost control and slammed into the oncoming bus, causing it to flip and shatter into pieces. PSIs Gurunath Hadimani and Sunil Hullolli arrived to oversee the investigation and legal proceedings.

    SP Deepan M.N., en route to a Sharavati Pumped Storage hearing in Gerusoppe, rushed to the scene and Ankola Government Hospital upon learning of the accident. CPI Chandrashekar Mathapati coordinated with senior officials. KSRTC Divisional Officer Shivanand and others inspected the site.

    Highway patrol ASI Devidas and constable Umesh, 112 emergency staff, police, and Home Guard personnel managed traffic and cleared the road using cranes to move the vehicles. Social workers Vijayakumar Naik from Kanasi Gadde and Bommayya Naik assisted in transporting bodies to the taluk hospital mortuary. Locals like Ganapati Naik from Moolmane, Manjunatha, and residents from Agasur, Adlur, and nearby areas provided humanitarian aid.

  • Delhi Court Quashes Ex-Parte Gag Order Restraining Four Journalists From Reporting on Adani Group

    New Delhi, September 18, 2025 – The Rohini District Court has quashed an ex-parte interim injunction issued on September 6 by a lower court, which had restrained journalists from publishing allegedly defamatory content about the Adani Group. District Judge Ashish Aggarwal allowed an appeal filed by four journalists—Ravi Nair, Abir Dasgupta, Ayaskant Das, and Ayush Joshi—ruling that the original order was unsustainable due to the lack of a hearing opportunity for the defendants.

    Judge Aggarwal observed that the articles and posts in question had been in the public domain for a substantial period, and the civil judge should have granted the journalists a chance to be heard before directing their removal. “While articles and posts spanning a substantial period were questioned by the plaintiff through the suit, the court didn’t deem it fit to grant opportunity of hearing to defendants before passing the impugned order,” the judge stated. He emphasized that without a hearing, declaring the content defamatory and ordering takedowns was premature, and restoration of removed material would be infeasible if later found non-defamatory.

    The judge set aside the order without commenting on the merits of the case, noting that the trial court should decide after affording the defendants a hearing. Notably, another judge in the same court has reserved judgment on journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta’s similar appeal against the gag order.

    Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the four journalists, argued that most impugned publications dated back to June 2024, with no emergent circumstances justifying the “extraordinary and exceptional relief” of an ex-parte injunction months later. “Why the rush? Why no notice could have been given to us for two days? Majority of publications are from June 2024 onwards. How have they explained the delay is their burden,” Grover contended. She criticized the lack of reasoning for deeming the articles unverified or defamatory, citing examples based on official Kenyan government statements and Swiss judgments.

    Grover further described the order as a “blanket John Doe” injunction, leading to the removal of hundreds of videos and posts, including satirical content. “Is there any law in this country which can ask anyone, particularly the press, that you won’t write or question any entity? That is not what the law allows. Tsunami orders of takedown already happened… Would the heavens have fallen if notice had been given to me?” she submitted, underscoring the impact on freedom of speech and expression.

    In response to Adani Enterprises’ counsel Vijay Aggarwal’s justification of the urgency—citing a recent August podcast share and ongoing “republications” via likes and retweets—the court orally queried, “Can you tell me what was the hurry that the order had to be passed?” Aggarwal argued it was a strategic campaign by the journalists, who are under NIA probe for alleged Chinese funding, and that ex-parte orders are legally recognized under Order 39 Rule 4 of the CPC. He noted the Supreme Court’s clearance of Adani in the Hindenburg report context and claimed the articles lacked details on favoritism allegations.

    Grover also challenged Adani Enterprises’ locus standi, pointing out that Gautam Adani himself was not a party to the suit, questioning the company’s right to sue on his behalf.

    The journalists were represented by advocates Vrinda Grover and Nakul Gandhi.

  • Rahul Gandhi accuses Gyanesh Kumar of shielding ‘vote chori’ in Karnataka

    New Delhi, September 18, 2025: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of protecting those weakening Indian democracy. Speaking at a press conference at Indira Bhawan on Thursday.

    Referring to Karnataka’s Aland Assembly constituency, Gandhi alleged an attempt to delete 6,018 voter names, stating, “This is not mere speculation; there is solid evidence.” He explained that a booth-level officer grew suspicious when her uncle’s vote was deleted, and upon investigation, the irregularity was uncovered. “The exact number of votes deleted in Aland is not yet clear, but an attempt was made to delete 6,018 votes,” he said.

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urges, “Gyanesh Kumar ji, do your job, and you have taken an oath. Give the details to the Karnataka CID.” Talking about the “Hydrogen bomb” of revelation, Mr. Gandhi says, “We will demonstrate the Hydrogen bomb.” “I told my team that I won’t go up that stage unless we have 100% proof,” says Mr. Gandhi. “We will take 2-3 months to complete these presentations, and you will have no doubt that in State after State, elections are being stolen in India,” he adds. 

    Rahul Gandhi gives deadline to CEC, demands release of data, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says, “I want to tell the youth of India that they are defending the murderers of democracy.” 

    Rahul Gandhi says, “Our demand is that CEC Gyanesh Kumar has to release the details/data of these forms, OTPs within a week.” 

    This statement comes 40 days after Gandhi questioned the results of the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency. Previously, he had alleged over one lakh votes were stolen in Mahadevapura Assembly constituency and criticized the Election Commission for colluding with the BJP.

    During the closing ceremony of the ‘Voter Rights Yatra’ on September 1, Gandhi raised the same issue, stating that once evidence of “vote theft” is revealed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to face the public. Last month, citing 2024 Lok Sabha election data, he claimed over one lakh votes were stolen in Mahadevapura, calling vote theft an “atom bomb on our democracy.”

  • Shiruru: Launch of Guarantee Scheme Convention and Adalat Program

    Shiruru, September 18, 2025 – The five guarantee schemes of the Congress government are designed with women at the center, recognizing the continuous labor of women, said Udupi District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor. He inaugurated the Guarantee Scheme Convention and Adalat program organized by the Byndoor Taluk Panchayat, Byndoor Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, and Shiruru Gram Panchayat at the Venkataramana Temple hall in Shiruru Pete on Thursday.

    Kodavoor emphasized that the guarantee schemes have not caused any setback to the state’s welfare programs. “Governments allocate funds for development from time to time, and these schemes have boosted per capita income, increased economic transactions, and benefited the public,” he added.

    Byndoor Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee President Mohan Poojari Uppunda presided over the event. Attendees included Byndoor Constituency Akrama Sakrama Committee President and former MLA K. Gopal Poojari, District Guarantee Committee Member Aravinda Poojari, Shiruru Gram Panchayat President Nagarathna Acharya, Vice President Noor Mohammad, Taluk Panchayat EO Rajakumar, Guarantee Committee members, and officials from various departments.

    Mohan Poojari delivered the introductory remarks, and Ganesh Poojari moderated the program.

  • Udupi Student Tanushree to Break Her Own Yoga Record in Bahrain on September 24

    Udupi, September 18, 2025 – Tanushree Pitrodi, a second-year PU student at St. Cecelia’s School, is set to create history by performing 300 yoga asanas in one hour at the Bahrain Kannada Sammelana on September 24, earning a place in the Golden Book of Records. Her father, Udaykumar, announced this during a press conference, highlighting her determination to surpass her previous achievement.

    In 2023, Tanushree had already made headlines by completing 245 yoga asanas in 45 minutes, securing a spot in the Golden Book of Records. This upcoming feat will not only break her own record but also mark her first international accomplishment abroad.

    The event will feature participation from India’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Vinod Chakko, adding official recognition to the performance. Bahrain Kannada Sangha President Ajit Bangeri noted that the sammelana brings together numerous talents from the Karavali region, honoring their contributions.

    Kurkalu Gram Panchayat member Pravin Kumar Kurkal and Tanushree Pitrodi were present at the press meet.

  • Indian Government Orders Removal of 138 YouTube Videos, 83 Instagram Posts on Adani, Citing Delhi Court Gag Order

    New Delhi, September 18, 2025 – The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued notices to journalists and media outlets, including Ravish Kumar, Ajit Anjum, Dhruv Rathee, Newslaundry, The Wire, HW News, and Aakash Banerjee’s The Deshbhakt, to remove 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts referencing the Adani Group. The directive, dated September 16, invokes an ex-parte interim injunction by the Rohini district court in a defamation suit filed by Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), ordering the removal of allegedly defamatory content within five days.

    Scope of Takedown Notices

    The flagged content spans investigative reports, satirical pieces, and incidental mentions of Adani. Notable examples include:

    • Newslaundry: 42 YouTube videos, including episodes of TV Newsance on the Adani-NDTV takeover, Dharavi project reports, and podcasts like NL Hafta, NL Charcha, and NL Tippani. A subscription appeal video with an Adani screenshot and an interview with comedian Kunal Kamra joking about censorship were also targeted.
    • The Wire: Interviews by Sreenivasan Jain with NCP leaders Sharad and Ajit Pawar, confirming Gautam Adani hosted a 2019 meeting discussing potential NCP-BJP alignment.
    • Others: Three videos by Atul Chaurasia on U.S. cases against Adani, and content from The News Minute hosted on Newslaundry’s channel, including episodes of South Central and Let Me Explain.

    The MIB claims non-compliance with the court’s September 6 order, demanding action within 36 hours and notifying Meta Platforms Inc. and Google Inc. under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

    Court Order and Legal Context

    The gag order, issued by Senior Civil Judge Anuj Kumar Singh, stems from a defamation suit by AEL against journalists like Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and websites such as paranjoy.in, adaniwatch.org, and adanifiles.com.au. AEL, represented by senior advocate Jagdeep Sharma, alleged that repeated “baseless and malicious” reports, including references to the 2023 Hindenburg Research allegations of financial irregularities, damaged its brand, delayed projects, and eroded investor confidence. The court noted that unverified reports could “wipe off billions worth of investor’s money” and cause “loss of goodwill and reputation” globally.

    The ex-parte injunction, issued without hearing the defendants, restrains named journalists (Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Ravi Nair, Abir Dasgupta, Ayaskant Das, Ayush Joshi, and others) from publishing defamatory material. However, it clarifies that “fair and accurate reporting based on substantiated and verified material” on investigations and court proceedings is protected.

    Reactions and Criticism

    The broad scope of the takedown order, targeting entities not named in the suit, has sparked outrage:

    • Paranjoy Guha Thakurta defended his reporting as “verified, factual, fair, balanced, unbiased, and in the public interest,” noting this as his seventh defamation case from Adani since 2017. He plans to challenge the order, expressing faith in India’s judiciary.
    • Indira Jaising, senior advocate, criticized the MIB’s involvement, stating, “The court knows how to implement its own orders; the Ministry is preempting the judicial process.” She questioned the government’s role in a civil suit, noting defendants have filed appeals.
    • Editors Guild of India expressed “deep concern” over the “John Doe” injunction’s chilling effect on free speech, urging due process.
    • Aakash Banerjee remarked on X, “A man who owns one of India’s biggest media conglomerates is discovering that news content creators… have one thing that money can’t buy.”
    • Ravish Kumar quipped on X that September 17 should be “Adani Video Takedown Day.”

    On September 17, the Delhi court declined an urgent hearing on appeals against the order, prolonging the legal battle.

  • Udupi: Police Arrest Man for Public Sale of MDMA and Ganja; Seize Drugs Worth ₹43,800

    Udupi, September 16, 2025 – Udupi City Police arrested a 33-year-old man, Iqbal, for illegally selling MDMA (Ecstasy) and ganja in a public area near John Haven Construction on 1st Cross, Garadi Road, Moodanidamboor village, Udupi taluk. Acting on a tip-off, a police team seized drugs and related items worth ₹43,800 from his scooter (KA-20-HC-0462).

    The operation, conducted on September 16, 2025, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabhu T. and Inspector Manjunath V. Badiger of Udupi City Police Station. The team, including Sub-Inspectors Bharatesh Kankanwadi and Gopal Krishna Jogi, and constables Surendra D. and Harish Naik, raided the location after receiving information about drug trafficking. During interrogation, Iqbal confessed to selling ganja and MDMA in the Udupi-Manipal area.

    A search of his TVS Jupiter scooter revealed:

    1. 205g of ganja (₹12,600)
    2. 0.49g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹1,000)
    3. Another 0.49g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹1,000)
    4. 0.33g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹500)
    5. ATOM silver-colored weighing machine (₹200)
    6. Black box (₹200)
    7. 52 zip-lock plastic covers (₹10)
    8. Electronic vape and 3 plastic filters (₹10)
    9. Black OPPO mobile phone (₹8,000)
    10. Cash of ₹4,760 in a brown purse
    11. Brown purse
    12. Weighing machine (₹600)
    13. Handbag
    14. Yellow handbag
    15. TVS Jupiter scooter (KA-20-HC-0462)

    The total value of seized items amounts to ₹43,800. A case has been registered at Udupi City Police Station under Crime No. 172/2025, invoking Sections 8(C) and 20(b)(II)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The accused was produced before the court.

  • Sirsi’s Dr. Rashmi Hegde Appointed Captain in Indian Army’s Military Hospital

    Sirsi, September 17, 2025: Dr. Rashmi Hegde, a proud daughter of Sirsi taluk, has been commissioned as a Captain in the Indian Army’s Military Hospital. She will serve in the General Medicine department at the Military Hospital in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, providing medical care to soldiers defending the nation and their families.

    A graduate of MBBS from Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Hegde completed her MD at KMC Hubballi. Daughter of Boppanahalli residents Smt. Rohini and Dr. Lakshminarayana Hegde, she has become an inspiration for young doctors aspiring to serve in the armed forces.

    Dr. Hegde received her primary education at K.L.E. Society in Gokak and completed PU at Chaitanya Mahavidyalaya in Sirsi. In the 2015 PU board exams, she secured first place in the district and fourth in the state, marking her early academic excellence.

    Her achievement brings immense pride to Sirsi taluk and the entire region.

  • Atradi: BJP Honors Auto Driver Gopal Krishna Acharya for Displaying Modi’s Banner on Vehicle for Five Years

    Atradi, September 17, 2025 – On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations, BJP workers in Atradi honored auto driver Gopal Krishna Acharya, a veteran party activist from the Jan Sangh roots, for his unwavering dedication. For the past five years, Acharya has been operating his auto-rickshaw with a banner of PM Modi affixed to it, symbolizing his support for the leader.

    The felicitation was led by Udupi District BJP President Kuttyaru Navin Shetty, who draped a shawl over Acharya in a ceremonial gesture at a local event. The program is part of the extended birthday observances from September 17 to October 2, aligning with Modi’s birth anniversary and Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.

    The event saw participation from prominent figures, including District BJP Office Secretary Satyananda Naik (Atradi), District Executive Member Pravin Poojari, Panchayat President Harish Shetty, Vice President Sharada Shettigar, former Panchayat Presidents Ratnakara Shetty and Prameela Shettigar, members Gangadhara Prabhu Jadd, Harini Shetty, Ayyappa Seva Samiti President Sadhu Poojari, Cheni Betta Naga Brahma Sthana Moktesar Vasanth Shetty (Cheni Betta), Balakrishna Hegde (Beerbetta), Muralidhara Halobi, Devendra E. Kamath, Sadasiva Naik, Harish Medical, Devadas Naik, Devendra Naik Madaga, Shridhara Shettigar, Umesh Acharya, Jai Hanuman Sangha President Uday Naik, Satish Naik, Puneet Parik, Naveen Poojari Parik, Ramesh Hegde, Hari Mam, auto driver Kamalax Kamaath, Gurudath Malya Madaga, Gopal Naik (Atradi), and others.