News without the noise · Bengaluru Edition
Updated 4h ago · 28 stories
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that no new practices will be allowed in the uniform policy for educational institutions. In response to questions about allowing saffron shawls and turbans, he stated that only existing practices would be permitted, and new symbols would not be introduced alongside uniforms.
Officials in Bidar have been instructed to remain vigilant regarding drinking water issues as summer approaches, with reports of shortages in 68 villages across 38 gram panchayats. The State government has allocated ₹4 crore to address these problems and is preparing a ₹7,000-crore project to supply water from the Narayanpur Reservoir to 370 villages in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts. Water is currently being supplied through tankers and hired borewells in affected areas, and officials are expected to resolve any reported issues within 24 hours.
US efforts to resolve the ongoing war with Iran faced a setback following the seizure of a commercial vessel near the United Arab Emirates, which is now heading towards Iran. This incident raises concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to leverage its relationship with Iran to help reopen the strait, as the current situation threatens economic stability in the region.
Farmer groups have expressed strong criticism regarding the Indian government's recent decision to impose a ban on sugar exports, questioning the inconsistency of such a policy change within a short span of three months. This move has raised concerns among agricultural stakeholders about the potential impact on the sugar market and farmers' livelihoods.
Over the past 36 to 48 hours, relentless rain, lightning, and thunderstorms in Uttar Pradesh have resulted in at least 104 fatalities, according to state officials. The storm caused falling trees and collapsing structures, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order immediate relief operations and compensation for victims. Continuous monitoring and assistance efforts are being coordinated through a 24-hour Integrated Control and Command Centre, with updates being provided every three hours from affected districts.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay secured a confidence vote in the Assembly with 144 votes, supported by various parties including 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs. The vote followed a walkout by DMK legislators, and the AIADMK is experiencing internal divisions as Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed 26 rebel functionaries from their positions. Vijay emphasized that his government aims to prioritize public welfare and social justice.