Bengaluru Imposes Ban on Non-Drinking Use of Potable Water, ₹5k Fine for Violations
As summer approaches, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has imposed a ban on using potable water for non-drinking and non-cooking activities such as vehicle washing, gardening, and construction work. Violators will face a fine of ₹5,000, with an additional ₹500 penalty per day for repeated offenses. The ban aims to prevent a repeat of last year's water crisis, driven by declining groundwater levels and insufficient rainfall. The BWSSB has also urged residents to use Cauvery water and report violations to its helpline, stressing the importance of water conservation as Bengaluru faces an escalating water shortage.
Bengaluru Flooding: Karnataka Govt Advises Work from Home for IT Employees on Oct 16
Bengaluru is under an orange alert for heavy rain, prompting the Karnataka government to advise IT-BT and private firms to allow employees to work from home on October 16. The recommendation comes as significant rainfall is expected to cause traffic congestion and potential flooding across the city. The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society emphasized the need for employee safety, noting that transportation disruptions could pose risks for commuters. Additionally, all schools and colleges in Bengaluru will remain closed on Wednesday. Manyata Tech Park is currently flooded, complicating commutes, and the Hebbal flyover is experiencing severe traffic delays.
MUDA case: “ED Files Direct Case Against Siddha Ramaya”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the MUDA land allotment issue, along with his wife Parvathi and others. This action follows a recent FIR from the Karnataka Lokayukta. Parvathi announced plans to return 14 controversial land sites to MUDA in light of the case. The FIR names several individuals, including Siddaramaiah and his brother-in-law, and alleges irregularities in the allotment of compensatory sites to Parvathi in a high-value area of Mysuru. Siddaramaiah maintains that he is being targeted for political reasons and insists he will fight the allegations legally. The Congress party has condemned the actions of the ED, claiming it is being used as a tool for political harassment.
Karnataka HC Puts Investigation Against Nirmala Sitharaman in Poll Bonds Case on Hold
On Monday, the Karnataka High Court stayed the investigation against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior BJP leaders concerning alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped poll bonds scheme. Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the interim order following a petition from BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, named in the FIR. The case, prompted by a complaint from Adarsh Iyer of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane (JSP), alleges that Sitharaman and others orchestrated an extortion racket under the guise of electoral bonds, pressuring corporate entities to purchase them. The Supreme Court had previously struck down the scheme in February, citing violations of the right to information and freedom of speech.
“Bengaluru Court Orders FIR against Nirmala Sitaraman” Over Extortion Involving ‘Electoral Bonds’
A Bengaluru court has ordered the registration of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over allegations of extortion related to the now-abolished electoral bonds scheme. The complaint, filed by Adarsh Iyer from the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, claims that Sitharaman and others misused the scheme for extortion. Following the court's directive, the police have registered the FIR. The electoral bonds scheme, aimed at enhancing transparency in political donations, was deemed "unconstitutional" by the Supreme Court earlier this year. I
