Hold ethical hackathon to clear doubts over EVMs: IT?minister

April 5, 2017

Bengaluru, Apr 5: Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge has requested the Election Commission of India to hold an ethical hackathon on electronic voting machines (EVMs) to dispel doubts that they can be tampered with.

Kharge has said Karnataka is ready to host the hackathon if the ECI is willing. He has also tweeted his opinion in this regard.

The minister, who is busy in campaigning for the Assembly bypolls, said on Tuesday, “I will be writing to Chief Election Commissioner after April 9. As technology minister, I have faith in technology. I am not doubting the technology employed for operating EVMs. But it is the responsibility of the government to dispel apprehensions about the machines. If they are faulty, then the same could be rectified.”

The Congress party at Delhi level has asked the ECI to introspect and consider using ballot papers in future elections. The demand came up after a faulty voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machine used in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, came to light. The machine dispensed slips with the BJP’s poll symbol.

This has made the Congress and Aam Admi Party to demand the ECI to probe the ‘tampering’ of the EVMs.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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Mangaluru police issue alert over fake traffic fine payment Apps and links

coastaldigest.com news network

December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

• Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

• Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

• Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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