Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Karnataka Today newsletter: HC notice to banks on Vijay Mallya’s plea seeking debt recovery details, and more
The Karnataka High Court on February 5, 2025, ordered issue of notice to the debt recovery officer and 10 banks on a petition filed by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya seeking directions to provide statement of accounts for the total amount, along with accrued interest, owed by him, the United Breweries Holdings Ltd., (UBHL) and other certificate debtors, and the amount recovered so far in the process of recovery of debts of erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines Ltd.
Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Mr. Mallya, pointed out that the winding up order against Kingfisher Airlines and its holding company UBHL (which is under liquidation) as well as the parallel process for debt recovery for a sum of ₹6,200 crore from primary debtor Kingfisher and its guarantor, UBHL, had attained finality in law. However, the debt has been recovered multiple times over since 2017, he contended.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) president Badagalpura Nagendra has urged the State Government to clarify its position on withdrawing the amendments to Land Reforms Act and APMC Act introduced by the previous BJP government. There is a concern that the agricultural policies of the ruling Congress government seem to be a continuation of what was pursued by the BJP.
In a letter, farmer leaders pointed out that the ruling Congress government had fulfilled none of the promises made in its 2023 election manifesto, which included repealing the ‘’anti-farmer laws brought by the BJP, dropping politically motivated cases against farmers, implementing MSP, increasing the amount of interest-free loans,” etc.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has helped another family facing alleged harassment by a microfinance company in Belagavi district. Loan recovery officers had evicted the family of Basavaraja Maruti Kondaskoppa in Basarikatti three months ago. He had taken loans totalling ₹7 lakh from a private financial institution.
The farmer had approached the Minister’s office seeking assistance. The Minister’s personal secretary Mahantesh Hiremath spoke to employees of the company and instructed them to provide two months’ time for loan repayment. The Minister also spoke to officials of the company and warned private financial institutions not to harass borrowers unnecessarily.
Members of Samana Manaska Sanghatanegalu (like-minded organisations) sat on a dharna demanding abolition of toll collection on Mangaluru-Bengaluru NH 75 at Brahmarakootlu near B.C. Road, speedy completion of ongoing National Highway projects in Dakshina Kannada district, and other demands, at Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru, on February 5.
“Earth Day celebrations have already started in Bengaluru, with campaigns at various colleges such as St. Josephs, and Christ University where life-size elephants made from the invasive species, Lantana Camera, have been travelling to spread the message of conservation and coexistence, along with expert talks from WWF India and Ravi Chellam of Metastring Foundation,” said the release.
Challenge BJP and RSS ideology with Left politics, socialism, and gender equality for exploitation-free society, says U. Vasuki.
Cafe Niloufer's largest tea café in India, located at Hitech City, offers a unique dining experience for over 700 guests.
Stakeholders advocate for collaborative efforts in implementing effective tobacco control policies to protect public health in India.
State government and Tasmac challenge ED searches at Madras High Court, alleging violation of federalism principles.
Centre slashes educational scheme allocations for Muslims, impacting literacy rates and sparking controversy over madrasa reforms.
Vijayawada and Vizag metro rails: Centre approves appointment of SYSTRA MVA Consulting for preparing mobility plans. The New Delhi-based consultant has emerged as the successful bidder for preparing CMPs for both the projects. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has sanctioned DPRs for construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail for a length of 46.23 km in three corridors at an estimated cost of ₹11,498 crore and the Vijayawada Metro Rail for a length of 38.40 km in two corridors at a cost of ₹11,009 crore.
Commuters demand action to regulate excessive parking fees at Pudukkottai two-wheeler parking lot near bus stand.
Budget is progressive for minorities: Shabbir Ali
At 5 p.m. on March 20, if you happen to be on the Poonamallee Bypass, look up, and you will witness the trial run of Chennai Metro Rail’s three-coach train. This will be the first time the train travels on the viaduct from Poonamallee Bypass to Mullaithottam, a distance of about 2.5 km.
Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara distributes orders for operating mini-buses on 39 routes in the district under new scheme.
District Collector aims to increase Aavin's milk procurement to 70,000 litres daily by forming milk cooperative societies in villages.
Join CUK's Department of Public Administration for a national seminar on Indigenous Administrative Practices in India.