Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: CLP meeting sets target of 20 seats in Lok Sabha polls, and more
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah this morning, set a target of winning at least 20 parliamentary seats in Karnataka in the 2024 general elections. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar added that the other challenge before the legislators was to also ensure a majority of seats in BBMP polls.
Following the meeting, the CM and Deputy CM are expected to leave for New Delhi to discuss Cabinet expansion, even as the two leaders are not seeing eye-to-eye on many choices. Against the sanctioned strength of 34, there are too many aspirants for ministerial berths.
Former Minister and five-time MLA U.T. Khader was unanimously elected Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 24. Mr Khader is the 23 rd Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
The 54-year-old is the second-youngest Speaker of the Assembly after K.R. Ramesh Kumar, who was elected to the post at the age of 43 in 1994 when H.D. Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister. Mr. Khader is the first Muslim to serve as Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
Sri Vijay Mahantesh Ayurvedic College in Bagalkot’s Ilkal has issued a circular compelling its students to watch the controversial Hindi film, The Kerala Story. College principal Keshav Das asked all students of BAMS and PG Ayurvedic medicine courses to watch the movie’s free screening on May 24, giving them half the day off. Maintaining that it was not mandatory, Mr. Das said the movie was being shown as it carried a great message for society.
The three-day free screenings have been organised by Veeranna Charantimath, former MLA and BJP leader in Bagalkot. Meanwhile Vijayanand Kashappanavar, Congress MLA from Hungund constituency where Ilkal is situated, said he had no idea about the circular.
Udupi’s Kaup police have booked four persons for performing stunts on four-wheelers between Moodabettu and Moolur on National Highway 66.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.
Transport Minister flags off private and KSRTC buses from Goshree islands to Kochi city, improving public transportation.
TSPSC clarifies Group-I Mains exam evaluation process, releases key statistics, and addresses misinformation, ensuring fairness and transparency.