Karnataka

According to the latest 'Roti Rice Rate' report by Crisil, home-cooked meal prices have seen a slight decline due to lower vegetable costs. The report reveals that the price of a vegetarian thali fell marginally, while non-vegetarian thalis saw a more significant drop in May 2025 compared to April 2025 and the same period last year. The decrease is largely attributed to a sharp fall in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, as well as a drop in broiler prices. However, certain costs like vegetable oil and LPG saw a rise, partially offsetting the overall decline.

Thales, the French multinational corporation specializing in aerospace, defense, and electronics, has inaugurated its first-ever lab in India, located in Bengaluru. The facility focuses on inflight experience and aviation global services, providing an advanced space for engineers to work on cutting-edge projects in avionics, air traffic management, and flight management.

A major security breach at Canara Bank’s Managuli branch in Karnataka’s Bijapur district has resulted in the theft of nearly 59 kilograms of pledged gold and over Rs. 5 lakh in cash, valued at over Rs. 53 crore. Discovered during routine cleaning on May 25, the incident has triggered a high-level investigation into security lapses and unusual elements found at the crime scene, including signs of possible ritualistic activity.

Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has made a forceful declaration that actor Kamal Haasan's films will be banned in the state unless he apologises for his recent remarks about the Kannada language. During promotional events for his upcoming film Thug Life, Haasan's comment that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" has incited anger among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has also announced that it will not permit the release of Haasan's film unless an apology is issued by May 30.

In a significant move to bolster industrial development and employment generation, the Karnataka government has cleared six major investment proposals amounting to Rs. 15,441.17 crore. Announced during the 65th meeting of the State High-Level Clearance Committee chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the proposals include four new projects and two amendments to existing ones. These ventures are projected to create over 5,000 job opportunities across the state.

India’s cement industry is on the brink of a transformative phase, driven by a sharp rise in infrastructure development and housing demand. According to Moody’s Ratings, the sector is witnessing rapid consolidation, with large players acquiring smaller firms to boost capacity and improve efficiency. The top 10 producers have acquired 140 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in the last five years, worth approximately Rs. 890 billion.

In a strategic move underscoring India's commitment to clean energy, state-owned GAIL (India) Ltd has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Karnataka to explore the development of renewable energy projects totaling up to 1 gigawatt (GW) over the next five years. The collaboration supports GAIL's broader objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 and aligns with Karnataka’s ambition to position itself as a national leader in sustainable energy.

Foxconn’s latest facility near Bengaluru is nearing operational readiness, with commercial iPhone shipments from the region expected to commence as early as June. Situated in the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) of Devanahalli, the plant underscores India’s rising prominence in global electronics manufacturing amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. With a reported capital investment of Rs. 21,911 crore and government incentives totaling Rs. 6,970 crore, the project is a major milestone for Karnataka’s industrial ambitions.

Karnataka is poised to benefit from the Union Government’s PM E-Drive Scheme, with the allocation of electric buses set to occur in a phased and prioritized manner. Union Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy confirmed the development following a formal request by the Karnataka government to bolster urban transport infrastructure. The Rs. 10,900 crore scheme, running from April 2024 to March 2026, aims to distribute over 14,000 electric buses across nine major cities.

The Karnataka High Court on May 15, 2025, issued an interim order restraining Bengaluru police from initiating coercive action against noted singer Sonu Nigam, provided he cooperates with the ongoing investigation into an FIR filed against him. The case stems from a complaint alleging that Nigam made objectionable remarks during a college concert, following audience demands for Kannada songs. The Court permitted Nigam to appear via video conferencing for questioning, while also questioning the legal merit of the FIR.