1. Permit only EVs in public transport in Karnataka: Dinesh Gundu Rao writes to Ramalinga Reddy
Highlighting the adverse effects on health due to pollution created by vehicles running on conventional fuels, the Karnataka Health Minister has written to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stating that it is advisable to permit only electric public transport vehicles (EVs) in future. Such a measure is essential to prevent Bengaluru from experiencing pollution levels similar to those in some major cities in North India.
Pointing out that emissions from vehicles running on conventional fuels are a global concern with well-documented adverse effects on public health, Mr. Gundu Rao asserted: ”It is the Health Department’s opinion that only electric autos, cabs, taxis, goods carriers, and solid waste collection vehicles should be permitted to operate in Bengaluru. There is a need to procure only electric buses for intra-city transport too.”
2. WATCH | If cow theft cases recur, accused will be shot in public: Karnataka Minister Mankal Vaidya
Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal S. Vaidya has warned that if cases of cow theft recurred in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, he would order for the accused to be shot in public. The Minister is in-charge of Uttara Kannada district
The Minister said that cases of cow theft were being reported in the district for the last few years, and he had directed the police to take strict action. His statement came in the wake of outrage over the slaughtering of a pregnant cow near Honnavar.
3. Karnataka transport department cracks down on tax evasion, seizes 30 luxury cars
In a major crackdown on tax evasion, the Karnataka Transport Department launched a special drive to identify luxury car owners who haven’t paid road taxes. During a single-day operation recently, officials seized 30 high-end cars and recovered approximately ₹3 crore in unpaid taxes.
A senior transport official highlighted that vehicle owners were misusing loopholes in the system. “Many owners register their high-end cars in other States to bypass Karnataka’s higher road tax but continue to use them here. This not only results in revenue loss but is also illegal,” the official said.
4. CFTRI announces food hackathon for aspiring student entrepreneurs
BioNEST Incubation Centre at CSIR’s Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and Siddaganga Incubation Foundation will be jointly organising a food hackathon for students passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation in food and agriculture.
Students will have to work on real-world challenges in food technology, food science and nutrition, agricultural technology, and post-harvest technology. Inter-disciplinary approaches such as AI-based or app-based solutions are also welcome.
