Author: ADAC GTMasters

In a surprising turn that has rattled Karnataka’s political landscape, the Congress-led state government has announced a return to ballot paper voting for all upcoming local body elections, a move that critics say signals a retreat from the digital era and a step back in electoral transparency. Background and Context Since 2019, Karnataka has been a pioneer in deploying electronic voting machines (EVMs) for municipal and panchayat polls, a strategy that was lauded for its speed and accuracy. However, a series of high-profile incidents—ranging from alleged tampering to technical glitches—has eroded public confidence. In September last year, the state’s Election…

In a bizarre turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), a 52‑year‑old British national was arrested after handing his boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger in a men’s washroom, hoping to smuggle the latter onto a flight to London. The incident, which unfolded on January 18, has sparked fresh scrutiny over boarding pass fraud at Bengaluru airport and raised questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols. Background and Context Boarding pass fraud is a growing concern for airports worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines reported a 12% increase in fraudulent boarding pass incidents…

In a bizarre turn of events at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), a 52‑year‑old British national was arrested after handing his boarding pass to a Sri Lankan passenger in a men’s restroom, a move that has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny over boarding pass fraud Bengaluru airport. The incident, which unfolded on January 18, has led to the detention of both men and a renewed focus on airport security protocols. Background/Context Boarding pass fraud Bengaluru airport is not a new concern. In recent years, airports across India have reported a rise in cases where travellers attempt to use forged or…

A 23‑year‑old Kerala youth has been arrested in Bengaluru for stealing women’s lingerie, wearing the stolen items, and posting selfies online, authorities said on Monday. The incident, which unfolded in the Hebbagodi area, has sparked outrage across the city and raised questions about safety, online privacy and the growing trend of “selfie‑theft” among young offenders. Background / Context In recent months, Bengaluru has seen a surge in petty thefts targeting personal belongings, especially in residential and paying‑guest accommodations. Police reports indicate that the city’s youth unemployment rate has climbed to 18%, a figure that has been linked to an uptick…

Leopard sightings Nelamangala have turned a quiet Bengaluru suburb into a scene of alarm and uncertainty, as villagers report a series of aggressive encounters with the elusive big cat over the past three months. The animal has reportedly stalked livestock, attacked stray dogs, and even taken two pet dogs from a local household, sparking fears of a potential human threat. Background/Context Nelamangala, a rapidly developing taluk in Bengaluru’s northern district, sits on the fringes of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot that hosts a variety of wildlife, including leopards. Historically, the area has seen sporadic leopard sightings, but the recent…

Bengaluru welcomes double‑decker buses back for a new hop‑on hop‑off tour – the city’s streets will soon echo with the familiar rumble of iconic red buses, a first since 1997. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched a pilot Bengaluru double‑decker bus tour that lets visitors hop on and off at key landmarks, promising a panoramic view of the city’s heritage and modernity. Background / Context After a failed attempt by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to reintroduce double‑deckers a few years ago, the idea seemed almost nostalgic. Yet the city’s rapid growth, coupled with a surge in domestic…