Author: NewsDesk

  • Uttara Kannada Police Arrest Burglary Accused, Recover 48g Gold Mangalsutra Worth ₹4.8 Lakh

    Karwar, September 17, 2025: In a swift investigation, Chittakula Police Station in Uttara Kannada District has arrested Ramesh Mahadev Methar, accused of burglarizing a residence in Maja Gabitwada village, Karwar Taluk. The theft, which occurred between 13:00 and 18:00 on August 7, 2025, involved breaking into the complainant’s home, tampering with the main door latch, and forcing open an iron almirah in the puja room to steal gold bangles. Police recovered 48 grams of gold mangalsutra valued at ₹4,80,000 from the accused, who has been remanded to judicial custody.

    The case was registered under Crime No. 51/2025 at Chittakula Police Station, invoking Sections 331(3) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following leads from the investigation, police apprehended the accused and seized the stolen items.

    The operation was conducted under the directions of SP Deepan M.N. (IPS), Additional SP-1 Krishnamurthy G., and Additional SP-2 Jagadish M. It was guided by DySP Girish S. of the Karwar Subdivision. The team included PI Prakash Devadiga (Circle Inspector, Kadra Circle), ASI Sunita Kadwadkar, CHC 1414 Rajesh Naik, CPC 703 Vinay Kanakonkar, CPC-1046 Ajit Iru Gowda, CPC 1142 Pravin Gavonkar, CPC 924 Kumaresh R. Lamani, HC 1343 Satish Ganvkar, and APC 503 Jagadish (Jeep Driver, Circle Inspector’s Office, Kadra Circle).

    All officers and personnel involved in the rapid detection and arrest have been commended for their exemplary work.

  • Sharavati Nadi Kanive Horata Samithi Strongly Opposes Pumped Storage Underground Hydro Project

    Honnavar, September 17, 2025 – The Sharavati Nadi Kanive Horata Samithi has vehemently opposed the Sharavati Pumped Storage Underground Hydroelectric Project, labeling its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report as “completely false, misleading, and biased in favor of the project.” The committee has submitted detailed objections to the district administration ahead of the public hearing scheduled for September 18 in Uppinangady, Gerusoppe, urging residents to attend and voice their concerns.

    In a strongly worded statement, the committee dismissed the EIA as a “bundle of lies,” accusing it of ignoring the project’s devastating impacts on downstream villages, farmers, fishermen, and the river ecosystem from Gerusoppe onwards. “The report fails to even minimally address the adverse effects on the Sharavati river basin, local communities, and riparian environment,” it stated.

    The committee highlighted several critical issues: saltwater intrusion from the Arabian Sea, already affecting 15 km of the river during summer due to mismanagement of Gerusoppe reservoir water levels by Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC), exacerbating salinity for thousands of farmers and residents. Scientists warn that the pumped storage project could reverse river flow, allowing saltwater to penetrate further upstream to Gerusoppe, a risk the EIA and Central Review Committee (CRZ) authority have overlooked.

    Furthermore, the underground tunneling—30 feet in diameter over 14 km using explosives—poses severe threats of land subsidence and earthquakes, endangering lives, infrastructure, and dams. The committee estimates the project could displace or devastate livelihoods for over 100,000 farmers and fishermen, leading to crop failures, fish scarcity, and forced consumption of brackish water.

    The group questioned the timing of the public hearing, noting that contractors have already been appointed for implementation, suggesting the process is a mere formality. It demanded a comprehensive review, including seismic studies, before any approvals from the Pollution Control Board or district administration. Forest diversion and NGT clearance are still pending, yet the project has advanced to the hearing stage.

  • Shivamogga: Youth with Severe Fever and Multi-Organ Failure Transferred to Manipal in Zero-Traffic Ambulance Corridor

    Shivamogga, September 17, 2025: In a life-saving operation, a 21-year-old youth from Thirthahalli taluk, suffering from severe fever leading to multi-organ failure, was transported from Shivamogga Metro Hospital to Manipal Hospital under a zero-traffic corridor on Wednesday. The swift police-escorted ambulance run ensured minimal delays, highlighting inter-agency coordination for critical medical emergencies.

    Shreyank (21), a resident of Shankarahalli village in Huncha hobli, Thirthahalli taluk, was admitted to Shivamogga Metro Hospital on Tuesday after developing high fever and subsequent organ complications. Medical assessments confirmed his critical condition, prompting doctors to inform his parents and recommend advanced treatment at Manipal Hospital.

    Following the advice, Shreyank’s family arranged the transfer with police assistance. Under the leadership of PSI Thirumalesh from Shivamogga West Traffic Police Station, a zero-traffic corridor was established, clearing the route from Shivamogga to Manipal for the ambulance to proceed without interruptions.

  • Bhatkal Rural Police Arrest Two Accused in Temple Hundi Theft Case

    Bhatkal, September 17, 2025 – Bhatkal Rural Police Station has arrested two individuals accused of breaking into the hundi (donation box) at Shri Arikal Jatakeshwar Temple in Hebbale village and stealing cash. The arrests were made following a case registered on September 14, 2025, under Crime No. 125/2025, Sections 500 and 331(4), 305(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

    The accused have been identified as Amir (father: Hasan Byari), a resident of Shirali, and Mohammed Imran (father: Abdul Gafar), a resident of Bhatkal. Both have been produced in court and remanded to judicial custody.

    During the investigation, police seized property worth ₹2,21,295 from the accused, including two motorcycles used in the crime. The operation was led by the Police Inspector of Bhatkal Rural Police Station.

  • Vaishali Rameshbabu Makes Chess History: Back-to-Back Champion at FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025

    Samarkand, Uzbekistan, September 16, 2025 – Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali Rameshbabu has cemented her legacy by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025, becoming the first player—male or female—to claim the prestigious title consecutively. Securing 8 out of 11 points, Vaishali clinched victory with a hard-fought draw against former Women’s World Champion GM Tan Zhongyi of China in the final round, edging out Russia’s GM Kateryna Lagno on tiebreaks. The triumph earns her a spot in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, positioning her as a frontrunner to challenge for the world title.

    The 11-round Swiss-system tournament, held from September 5 to 15 in Samarkand, featured 103 of the world’s top female chess players vying for supremacy and qualification. As the defending champion from the 2023 Riga edition, Vaishali faced intense pressure but started strongly with three consecutive wins. A mid-tournament stumble, including a Round 8 loss to Kazakhstan’s GM Bibisara Assaubayeva, briefly jeopardled doubts. However, the 24-year-old from Chennai showcased resilience, defeating Ukraine’s GM Mariya Muzychuk in Round 10 to regain joint lead.

    In the crucial final round, Vaishali, playing Black, employed a Sicilian Defense to hold Tan Zhongyi to a 42-move draw. Lagno’s simultaneous draw against Azerbaijan’s GM Ulviyya Fataliyeva left both players at 8 points, but Vaishali’s better tiebreak—calculated by the average rating of opponents, excluding the lowest-rated—secured her the title. Assaubayeva claimed third place after drawing her final game.

    “This win means everything,” Vaishali said at the closing ceremony. “After a tough phase in Chennai with seven straight losses, I nearly withdrew. My brother Praggnanandhaa and family kept me going. With three Indian women—me, Divya Deshmukh, and Koneru Humpy—in the Candidates, 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for Indian chess.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vaishali on X, stating, “Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours.” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich presented her with the winner’s trophy, with her brother Praggnanandhaa, a participant in the open section, by her side.

    Vaishali’s qualification strengthens an already formidable Women’s Candidates lineup, alongside Deshmukh and Humpy, following their all-Indian Women’s World Cup final in July. As India’s chess prowess surges, Vaishali’s back-to-back triumphs signal the rise of Indian women in the global arena.

  • Vitla: Four Ganja Peddlers Arrested with Bike and Contraband Worth ₹17,000

    Bantwal, September 16, 2025: In a targeted operation, Vitla Police apprehended four individuals attempting to sell ganja near Alike village, seizing a motorcycle and contraband valued at ₹17,000. The arrests were made during routine patrols in the Erumbu Road area of Alike village, Bantwal Taluk.

    The accused have been identified as Sanath Kumar (23), a resident of Mangalpadavu; Mohammed Razik (23), son of Abdul Razak; Chetan (23), a resident of Kodapadavu; and Dhyan Kerkera (23), from Ennemajalu. Police Sub-Inspector Ramakrishna and his team, while on rounds, spotted the suspects acting suspiciously near a two-wheeler and detained them for questioning.

    The interrogation revealed that the group was transporting ganja in their motorcycle for illegal sale to local consumers. A search yielded 6.27 grams of ganja, three mobile phones, and the vehicle bearing registration KA19EA7018.

    Vitla Police have registered a case under Crime No. 126/2025, invoking Sections 8(b) and 20(b)(ii)(A) of the NDPS Act, along with Section 3(5) of the BNS 2023.

  • Koppal: FIR Filed Against BJP MLA Yatnal for Allegedly Insulting Dalit Women

    Koppal, September 16, 2025 – An FIR has been registered against Vijayapura BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Dalit women during a public statement on a private TV channel. The complaint, filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, accuses Yatnal of insulting the Dalit community in the context of the ongoing controversy over the Mysuru Dasara inauguration.

    https://twitter.com/CheKrishnaCk_/status/1967964897704378656

    Mallikarjun Poojar, the Koppal district convener of the Dalit Vimochane Human Rights Forum, lodged the complaint at the local police station on Tuesday. Poojar highlighted a viral video from Suvarna TV where Yatnal, opposing Booker Prize-winning author Bhanu Mushtaq’s invitation to inaugurate the Dasara festivities, stated that even Dalit women are not allowed to offer flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, reserving the right only for followers of Sanatan Dharma.

    The incident stems from Yatnal’s comments made on September 12 during a visit to Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, amid protests against Mushtaq’s selection due to her Muslim identity. Poojar condemned the remarks as an open insult to Dalit women and the entire community, arguing that such statements reflect a “vile mindset” and promote communal discord. He demanded Yatnal’s immediate arrest under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, citing the MLA’s history of inflammatory speeches that allegedly incite youth and demean Dalits.

    Yatnal, who was expelled from the BJP earlier this year but continues as an MLA, has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including recent FIRs for provocative speeches in Mandya and Maddur. In those cases, he faced charges under sections related to promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings.

    Police have confirmed the FIR and stated that investigations are underway. Yatnal has not yet responded to the latest allegations, but in similar past incidents, he has defended his remarks as upholding religious traditions.

  • Bengaluru Mogaveera Sangha Elects Entrepreneur Shankar Kundar as New President

    Bengaluru, September 16, 2025: The Bengaluru Mogaveera Sangha (Regd.), a prominent community organization serving the Mogaveera community for over four decades, has elected entrepreneur Shankar Kundar as its new president. The election, held during a recent executive committee meeting, aims to strengthen community welfare initiatives amid growing membership.

    Established in 1973 and registered in 1974-75, the Bengaluru Mogaveera Sangha has been instrumental in uniting Mogaveera families in the city, providing job assistance for newcomers, matrimonial support, scholarships for underprivileged students, cultural and sports events, and blood donation camps.

    Alongside Shankar Kundar, Lohith K Kanchan was elected as the General Secretary. The vice presidents include Uday Kawradi and Ravindra Kundar. Gaurish Kateel was chosen as Treasurer, with Raghavendra Kundar serving as Joint Treasurer.

    The executive committee members elected are: Gunakar K, Chetan G, Umesh Kundar, Sudhakar Sural, Nitin Kanchan, Raju Shriyan, and Sunil Suvarna.

  • AFMS Recruitment 2025: Golden Opportunity for MBBS & PG Holders to Join Indian Armed Forces as Medical Officers

    New Delhi, September 16, 2025: The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has opened applications for 225 Medical Officer positions in the Indian Army, offering a prestigious career path for aspiring doctors. Eligible candidates with MBBS or postgraduate (PG) qualifications can apply online via the official website, with the last date set for October 3, 2025. This recruitment drive, starting from September 13, emphasizes service in the armed forces while providing competitive benefits and job security.

    The AFMS, a vital component of India’s defense healthcare system, is recruiting Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Medical Officers across various specialties. Out of the 225 vacancies, 169 are reserved for men and 56 for women, ensuring gender inclusivity. The basic pay is set at ₹61,300, along with allowances typical of armed forces service.

    Eligibility criteria are stringent to ensure high standards. Applicants must hold an MBBS degree registered under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, with permanent registration from any State Medical Council/NMC/MCI. For PG holders, the degree must also be recognized. Crucially, candidates must have appeared for the NEET PG exam in 2024 or 2025; those who have already completed their postgraduate degree are not eligible. Age limits are 30 years for MBBS graduates and up to 35 years for PG holders, calculated as of the last date of application. Candidates who required more than two attempts to pass their final MBBS exams are ineligible.

    The selection process involves shortlisting based on NEET PG scores, followed by interviews commencing on November 11, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will undergo medical examinations and document verification.

    The application fee is ₹200, payable online via net banking, credit, or debit card. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official portal at join.afms.gov.in.

    How to Apply for AFMS Medical Officer Recruitment 2025:

    • Visit the official website: www.join.afms.gov.in.
    • Click on “New Registration” and complete the one-time registration.
    • Fill in all personal, educational, and NEET PG details accurately.
    • Scan and upload the following documents:
      • Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, up to 100 KB).
      • 10th certificate/birth certificate (PDF, up to 200 KB).
      • Final MBBS Part I and II attempt certificates.
      • Internship completion certificate.
      • NEET PG scorecard.
      • PG degree certificate (if applicable).
      • Aadhaar card.
    • Pay the ₹200 application fee online.
    • Review all details and click “Submit.”

    Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the full eligibility norms on the website to avoid disqualification. This recruitment presents a unique chance to serve the nation while advancing a medical career in a dynamic environment.

  • UN Inquiry Labels Israel’s Gaza War as Genocide, Holds State and Leaders Accountable

    Geneva, September 16, 2025: A United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has declared Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza a genocide, marking a historic finding after nearly two years of conflict. The report, released on Tuesday, holds the State of Israel and its senior leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, responsible for actions constituting genocidal intent against Palestinians in Gaza.

    Navi Pillay, chairwoman of the commission and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, detailed the findings in an interview with Al Jazeera. “We’ve identified the president, the prime minister, and the former minister of defense based on their statements and the orders they’ve given,” Pillay said. “As agents of the state, under international law, the State of Israel is held responsible for committing genocide.”

    The commission’s report, covering the period from October 7, 2023, to July 31, 2025, cites “explicit statements” from Israeli officials, including Netanyahu’s calls for a “holy war of total annihilation” and Gallant’s reference to Palestinians as “human animals,” alongside circumstantial evidence such as mass civilian casualties, deliberate starvation policies, and attacks on healthcare facilities. It identifies four of the five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention: killings, causing serious harm, creating life conditions aimed at physical destruction, and preventing births. Over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, including 18,430 children and 9,735 women, and the displacement of 2.3 million residents were documented.

    Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the report as “fake” in a statement on X, accusing the commission of acting as “Hamas proxies” and relying on “Hamas falsehoods.” The ministry called for the commission’s immediate abolition, labeling the findings “distorted and false.” Israel’s UN representative, Daniel Meron, further denounced the report as a “scandalous, fake, and libellous rant.” Israel maintains its actions are lawful self-defense against Hamas, with efforts to minimize civilian harm.

    The report recommends an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and prosecutions at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Pillay urged global action, warning that delays cost lives and erode international credibility. The findings have ignited debates on X, with hashtags like #GazaGenocide and #StopArmingIsrael trending, while pro-Israel voices criticize the report as biased.