‘More scams to be unearthed’: Siddaramaiah warns HDK, BSY, Vijayendra, R Ashoka

Mangaluru: Political drama unfolded at the inauguration of the new Praja Soudha (DC office complex) on Friday, May 16, when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a direct jab at local BJP MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, questioning the delay in the building’s inauguration during the previous BJP regime.

MLA Kamath, in his earlier speech, had credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government’s Smart City Mission for the completion of the office complex. But the CM wasn't having it.

“Work on Praja Soudha had stalled for four years under BJP. It was only completed after the Congress returned to power. Why didn’t the BJP release Smart City funds when it was in charge?” Siddaramaiah fired back, challenging Kamath in full public view.

The sharp exchange added a political edge to the otherwise administrative event. The CM didn’t stop there — he reminded the audience that development doesn't happen with mere speeches but with political will and execution.

The tense moment underscored ongoing friction between the state government and local BJP leaders, turning what was meant to be a celebratory occasion into a subtle political showdown.

Joining the CM on stage were ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and Byrathi Suresh, who kept a noticeably low profile during the verbal sparring. 

Black flag to CM

BJP Mangaluru North block workers and Yuva Morcha activists showed black flags to chief minister Siddaramaiah at Yeyyadi as they protested what they alleged as PFI involvement in rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty's murder. 

The protesters demanded an NIA investigation into the murder and sought govt compensation for Suhas' family. Police later detained the protesters.

Mangaluru, May 15: Dr Ninaad Lasrado, a young scientist hailing from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, has earned a place in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Health Science List for 2025. He is currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Dr Lasrado achieved a remarkable academic milestone by completing his PhD in viral immunology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, at the age of 24. He later joined Harvard Medical School, part of Harvard University, where he continues his advanced research in immunology.

With a strong foundation in scientific research, Dr Lasrado has authored over 20 research papers in internationally acclaimed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Science, and Scientific Reports (Nature group). His work has earned him numerous awards and fellowships, recognizing his contributions to health science.

His academic journey began at Sudana Residential School, followed by PUC at Ambika PU College, and a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.

Dr Lasrado is a member of Mai De Deus Church, Puttur, and is the son of Stella Sequeira and Dr H R Lasrado, retired deputy director of the Karnataka Animal Husbandry Department. The family currently resides in Puttur.

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has achieved its highest-ever passenger traffic in the financial year 2024-25, handling 2.32 million passengers—surpassing its previous all-time high of 2.26 million recorded in FY 2017-18.

This marks a 15.34% year-on-year increase from FY 2023-24 (2.01 million passengers), with an additional 3.09 lakh passengers. Compared to the pre-COVID year of FY 2019-20 (1.87 million), this represents a robust 24.1% growth, underscoring MIA’s post-pandemic recovery and sustained expansion.
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Passenger Growth: Domestic and International Segments

•    Domestic passengers:

FY 2024-25: 1.61 million
FY 2023-24: 1.40 million
Growth: 14.55%

•    International passengers:

FY 2024-25: 7.15 lakh
FY 2023-24: 6.10 lakh
Growth: 17.15%
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Increase in Air Traffic Movements (ATMs)

MIA handled 16,816 total air traffic movements (ATMs) in FY 2024-25, an 11.26% increase from 15,113 ATMs in the previous year.

•    Domestic ATMs:

12,244 in FY 2024-25, up 8.94% from 11,239 in FY 2023-24

•    International ATMs:

4,286 in FY 2024-25, up 22.14% from 3,509 in the previous fiscal
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Cargo Operations Continue to Expand

•    Domestic cargo:

3,864.1 metric tonnes handled in FY 2024-25, compared to 3,706.02 MT in FY 2023-24
(Domestic cargo operations began at the Integrated Cargo Terminal on May 1, 2023)

•    International cargo:

1,347.07 metric tonnes handled between July 2024 and March 2025
(Including 1,346.27 MT outbound and 0.79 MT inbound)
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Strong Start to FY 2025-26

MIA began FY 2025-26 on a high note, managing 2,17,893 passengers in April 2025—the highest monthly total since October 31, 2020. This included 1,43,117 domestic and 74,776 international passengers, spread across 1,182 domestic and 392 international ATMs. 
The airport also set a new single-day passenger record on April 12, 2025, handling 8,103 passengers, surpassing the previous high of 8,086 recorded on February 22, 2025.
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Outlook

With sustained growth across domestic and international sectors, increased air traffic movements, and expanded cargo handling, Mangaluru International Airport has firmly established itself as a key aviation hub in the region. FY 2024-25 stands as a milestone year, marking a full recovery and setting a strong foundation for future growth.