Author: ADAC GTMasters
In a chilling reminder of the fragile coexistence between humans and wildlife, a leopard fatally attacked a pilgrim at the foothills of Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. The incident has prompted the state forest department to deploy drone cameras along the popular trekking routes, marking a first in the region’s history of human‑wildlife conflict. Background/Context MM Hills, a sacred site for Hindus, draws thousands of devotees every year, especially during festivals such as Shivarathri, Ugadi and Deepavali. Pilgrims traditionally trek through dense forest corridors to reach the temple, a practice that has long been accepted by local authorities.…
Bengaluru’s bike‑taxi regulation debate heats up as commuters rally for safer, cheaper rides while auto‑rickshaw drivers demand a ban. The High Court’s Friday ruling, which upheld the legality of bike‑taxi services, has sparked a new wave of calls for comprehensive regulation. With the city’s metro network expanding and last‑mile connectivity still a challenge, the debate has moved beyond legality to practical governance and rider protection. Background/Context Bengaluru’s rapid urban growth has outpaced its public transport infrastructure. The city’s 96‑km metro network, with 83 stations, is set to add another 79 km in the next three years. Yet for many commuters,…
In a chilling reminder of how quickly digital promises can turn into financial nightmares, a 61‑year‑old resident of Bengaluru has lost a staggering Rs 5.1 crore in a forex trading scam that began with a LinkedIn message. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was lured into a sophisticated online scheme that promised high returns on foreign exchange trading, only to discover that the platform, the profits, and the people behind it were all fabricated. Background/Context Online trading frauds have surged in India, with cyber‑crime units reporting that more than 6,000 people were cheated of over $35 million in 2024 alone. The…
At 81, Prabha Mallesh is still standing before her easel, brush poised, breathing life into the Mysore painting style with a vigor that defies age. Her latest exhibition, “Rooted in Gold – The Times Art of Mysore Painting,” unveiled this Sunday in Bengaluru, showcases over 600 canvases that blend traditional iconography with a fresh, subdued palette and subtle three‑dimensional depth, redefining a centuries‑old art form for a contemporary audience. Background and Context Prabha’s journey began in the quiet village of Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru, where the rhythms of rural life and the stories her father narrated about mythological epics seeded her artistic curiosity.…
In a surprising policy shift, the Karnataka government has announced that the state’s SSLC toppers will receive a ₹50,000 cash prize instead of the previously promised laptops. The decision, unveiled by the School Education Department, will see the award distributed via direct bank transfer to the students’ Aadhaar-linked accounts. Background and Context The original plan, introduced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during Children’s Day celebrations, had earmarked laptops for the top three students in every district and taluk. The move was intended to bridge the digital divide and equip bright young minds with modern learning tools. However, the Department of School…
In a landmark move, 113 police officers have been awarded a combined cash prize of Rs 35 lakh for their pivotal role in solving two high‑profile cases – the rape case against former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna and the bank dacoity in Davanagere. The announcement, made by the Karnataka Home Department, marks the first time such a substantial monetary incentive has been distributed to a large cohort of law‑enforcement personnel for a single investigative effort. Background and Context The Prajwal Revanna case, which culminated in a life sentence for the former MP’s grandson, drew national attention due to the political stature of…