Astrology shows: Siddaramaiah govt to hold meeting with TV channel heads

December 22, 2015

Bengaluru, Dec 22: As part of the Karnataka government’s plans to curb proliferation of blind beliefs and superstitions in the state, authorities are expected to hold a meeting with private TV channels.

A highly placed source said that the government has appointed officials to hold a meeting with heads of various private regional TV channels, which air astrology-based shows, to arrive at a consensus on whether it was misleading people.

It can be recalled here that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently hinted at “banning” such shows.

The State government, which is facing allegation of “playing safe” over the Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill-2015, will also look into recommendations made by the “non-governmental committee” headed by Veerabhadra Channamalla Swami of Nidumamidi Mutt.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs T.B. Jayachandra told presspersons on Monday that the committee had held two meetings so far. It will submit a report shortly. “We will put up the recommendation in public domain after that,” he said.

He said, “It is difficult to bring in legislation to curb superstitions by drawing a line between ‘belief’ and ‘blind belief’. The idea was to protect people from exploitation.” “I assure you that the Bill was neither in favour nor against any religion,” the Minister said. The Karnataka Panchyat Raj Bill-2015, which got consent from Governor Vajubhai R. Vala, will be notified shortly.

The model code of conduct will not come in the way of the notification and the elections to the zilla and taluk panchayats will be held in accordance with provisions of this Bill, which makes voting compulsory in panchayat polls.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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Udupi NRI duped of Rs 12.25 lakh in Telegram investment scam

News Network

December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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