Ramanagara District In-charge Minister Balakrishna has issued a stern warning to officials regarding weekend leaves. He stated that since he visits the constituency during weekends, all officials must remain present in the district on Saturdays and Sundays. He suggested that those who insist on weekend holidays should seek transfers to other districts. However, he mentioned that officials could take leave on Mondays if necessary. This directive has sparked a significant debate in political and administrative circles. https://publicnext.com/news/district/ramanagaram/politics/kn/ramanagara-weekend-holidays-cut-for-officials-if-you-want-leave-go-to-another-district-minister-balakrishna-1284913

Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar announced that the pending Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections will be completed by December this year. Speaking in Madikeri, he emphasized strengthening the party and announced a special grant of Rs 10 lakh for each village panchayat for local development works. He also mentioned the formation of 'Bharat Jodo Youth Units' at the village level to organize youth and propagate party ideologies. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/politics/zilla-panchayat-and-taluk-panchayat-election-by-december-announcement-by-cm-dk-shivakumar-gkn/articleshow-wnr8vze

YouTube has announced significant changes to its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) eligibility rules starting February 1, 2027. New creators must now achieve 8,000 watch hours in a year (up from 4,000) or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days (up from 10 million). The 1,000 subscriber requirement remains the same. These changes aim to promote original content and curb low-quality AI-generated videos. Existing YPP members are not affected by these new criteria. https://tv9kannada.com/business/youtube-sets-new-criteria-for-content-creators-here-are-few-rule-changes-1225899.html

The Kalaburagi District Congress Committee organized a protest condemning the 'purification' of a stage where AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had recently delivered a speech in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Protesters marched from the Congress office to Annapurna Cross, burning tires and shouting slogans against the BJP and RSS. Leaders including Jagadev Guttedar and Allamaprabhu Patil demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, stating that such acts reflect deep-rooted casteism and untouchability, which are against the principles of the Constitution. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/kalaburagi-congress-protests-against-the-purification-of-the-stage-where-kharge-spoke-2268466

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar clarified in Bhagamandala that the government is not targeting any specific organization, including RSS, with new laws. He emphasized that the administration is merely following court orders and maintaining legal standards. He cited examples of his own party seeking court permission for rallies to show that the law applies to everyone equally, regardless of who is in power. https://publicnext.com/news/district/kodagu/politics/kn/no-law-is-being-made-to-target-anyone-dks-in-bhagamandala-1284907

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for appearing in surrogate advertisements for Vimal Pan Masala. The FDA alleges that the 'Vimal Elaichi' ad promotes a prohibited brand under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. The actors have been given 15 days to explain why legal action should not be taken against them. Maharashtra has banned the sale and promotion of tobacco and pan masala since 2012. https://tv9kannada.com/entertainment/maharashtra-fda-give-notice-to-shah-rukh-khan-ajay-devgan-and-tiger-shroff-1225911.html

Senior artist Dr. Ashok Shettakar emphasized the need for objective criticism in the visual arts field, similar to literature and theatre, during the inauguration of artist Aminreddy's 'Black Flower-4' exhibition in Kalaburagi. He suggested that honest feedback helps artists improve their work. During the event, Karnataka Lalitkala Academy member Dr. Basavaraj Kalegar urged the government to build an art gallery in Yadgiri, as local artists currently lack a proper venue. The program also included a tribute to the late National Award-winning sculptor Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/kalaburagi-objective-criticism-is-essential-in-the-field-of-visual-arts-too-dr-ashok-shetkar-2268468

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project sanctioned ₹2 lakh for the construction of a school hall at Karnataka Public School, Bidkalkatte. The grant was handed over by Sudhir Hangalur to the school vice-principal. The project aims to improve rural education by providing infrastructure, furniture, and teachers. So far, 17 schools in Kundapura taluk have received a total of ₹47.25 lakh in aid. Free tuition classes for SSLC students are also provided under this initiative. https://www.kannadigaworld.com/news/topnews/480327.html

Former Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized Minister Priyank Kharge over his statements regarding imposing strict rules against RSS. Kumaraswamy labeled RSS as a patriotic organization and accused the state government of using such controversies to hide its failures. He urged the government to focus on development rather than creating societal unrest through political tactics. https://kannada.news18.com/videos/bengaluru-urban/hd-kumaraswamy-on-priyank-kharge-rss-psp-2470924.html

Karnataka State Farmers' Association President Mahantagouda Nandihalli has alleged corruption and use of sub-standard materials in the Mallabad Lift Irrigation project in Kalaburagi. He claimed that despite budgets of ₹148 crore and ₹153 crore for canal works, contractors are using inferior quality stones and cement. He demanded a high-level probe and action against officials, threatening to protest in front of the Water Resources Minister's residence in Bengaluru if demands are not met. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/kalaburagi-2268467