On February 26, 2026, the Supreme Court of India did an unusual – banned a school textbook. It was not for misrepresenting historical facts nor for printing mistakes, but for containing a chapter on corruption in the judiciary. 

The book in question, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, a Class 8 Social Science textbook published by NCERT, had a section entitled “Corruption in the Judiciary”. Corruption, massive backlogs, and a scarcity of judges are some of the critical challenges facing the judicial system in India, according to the passage. That is civic education on paper. In practice, it led to one of the most dramatic courtroom moments in recent educational history. 

A Calculated Move — or Just Poor Judgement? 

The Supreme Court did not view this to be an editorial slip that was innocent. The Supreme Court did not treat this as an innocent editorial oversight, with Chief Justice Surya Kant deeming it a “deep-rooted, well-orchestrated conspiracy” to malign the judiciary and stating that the institution was “bleeding” from the “gunshots” being fired at it by way of a children’s textbook. The bench described the inclusion as being a “calculated move to undermine institutional authority.” ” paragraph The Supreme Court did not consider this a “careless editorial error” and referred to the incident as a “deep-rooted, well-orchestrated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary with the institution being described to be “bleeding” after “gunshots were fired at it through a textbook for kids.” The bench also referred to the inclusion as a “calculated move to undermine institutional authority.” On the other hand, NCERT defences the contents first, a reaction that the court deemed “contemptuous and reckless”. NCERT only issued a regret, stating that it was an “error in judgement, after enough pressure was mounted on them. The Centre issued an unconditional apology via Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and assured that those responsible for drafting the offending chapters would not be employed by NCERT, UGC, or any Ministry in the future. 

The CJI was not satisfied: “They fired the gunshot, the judiciary is bleeding today!” 

But Here's the Real Question 

Let us take a step back to look at the bigger picture. Why would someone include a chapter of judicial corruption in a Class 8 textbook in the first place? 

The Indian judiciary does have many serious problems such as backlogs of cases running into crores, lack of access to the judiciary for the poor, and proven incidences of corruption at various levels. These are not hidden secrets. They are openly debated every day in the Parliament, in the media and in the academic institutions. 

So why is it controversial to discuss them with 13-year-olds? 

The Supreme Court’s argument is that impressionable young minds should not be exposed to “biased narratives” without the full context of the judiciary’s contributions – its role in upholding the basic structure of the Constitution, its history of holding powerful officials accountable, its work in legal aid and access to justice. 

That is a valid point. That is a fair point, the chapter did lack balance by most accounts. That chapter, by most accounts, lacked balance. 

But the bigger question that lingers is, who approved this content and why? The court wants names, minutes of meetings and accountability. Heads, the CJI warned, “must roll”. 

What Happens Next? 

All physical and digital copies of the book have been ordered to be seized immediately. Schools and states must submit reports of compliance within two weeks. 

The case is next heard on March 11, and at this point, the courts may decide to establish a panel that will be responsible for fixing responsibility. PM Modi has also been reportedly displeased and has demanded that responsibility be fixed. 

Whether this was a rogue editorial decision, an institutional failure, or something more sinister is yet to be seen. But one thing is clear — someone, somewhere, thought it was a good idea to subject the Indian judiciary to such scrutiny in a Class 8 classroom. The Supreme Court wants to know who that person is. 

Anthropic’s Rocket-Fueled Growth

Anthropic launched in 2021, started by Dario and Daniela Amodei after their stint at OpenAI. They talked a lot about AI safety at first, but wasted no time turning the company into a commercial heavyweight. Their Claude models are everywhere now—running agentic AI tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork, which handle coding, debugging, and even drag ancient systems into the modern era. Stuff that used to take teams of engineers.

Today, these tools generate about 4% of all public GitHub commits worldwide. That’s helped Anthropic hit a $14 billion annual revenue run-rate, with Fortune 500 companies jumping on board to cut costs. Backers include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The result? A $380 billion valuation by February 2026, leaving legacy firms in the dust.

Shaking Up the Old IT Giants

For years, Indian IT companies and IBM made their money by hiring huge teams to handle coding, testing, and maintenance for clients around the world. Anthropic’s AI turns that model on its head. Now, a single AI agent can do what used to take floors full of junior engineers. Costs plummet.

The fallout’s been brutal. Indian IT stocks have crashed over 20% in just a month, wiping out $50 billion in value. Nifty IT is at a 30-month low, thanks to fresh AI threat reports. IBM took a big hit too, after Anthropic rolled out COBOL analysis tools that update legacy code faster and cheaper than any consultant. People are calling this the “SaaSpocalypse”—because when AI can securely handle proprietary data, traditional SaaS and IT services suddenly look shaky.

A Boon: Supercharging Innovation
Still, Anthropic’s rise isn’t just a death knell—it’s a wake-up call. Legacy firms have to stop tweaking the old ways and start doing something new. With tools like Claude, companies can get products out faster and even build new revenue streams from AI-powered services.

What’s wild is that smaller players can now access world-class coding tools without hiring massive teams. That boosts productivity everywhere. Investors are on board too: they’re moving money toward true AI disruptors and away from companies stuck in the past.

A Curse: The Threat to Old-School Operations

But let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s rough for the old guard. Indian IT firms are losing contracts as clients bring AI in-house. IBM and others are watching their bread-and-butter modernization projects dry up, since AI can now do in a few months what teams of humans needed years for.

Millions of jobs in routine coding and testing are on the line. Unless there’s a serious push for retraining, the gap between winners and losers will only get wider. The market’s already spooked: Nifty IT is way down, and U.S. software stocks are sliding too.

How Legacy Firms Can Survive

Still, it’s not game over for the old players—if they move fast. IBM’s betting on Watsonx. Indian firms are testing out AI partnerships. The sweet spot could be hybrid models: AI tools plus human experts who bring deep domain knowledge.

Anthropic’s rise makes one thing clear—companies need to innovate or risk fading away. Governments should step in with training programs, while businesses need to rethink how their teams and workflows can work alongside AI.

Looking Ahead
Anthropic is the perfect example of AI’s double-edged sword: it’s a huge win for progress, but a real threat for anyone stuck in the old ways. With Anthropic now 40% bigger than India’s Big Four combined, the pressure’s on legacy companies to embrace agentic AI fast. Today’s stock drops—like IBM’s—are a warning. But with smart moves, what looks like a threat right now could actually open the door to a new era of opportunity.

ನೀವು ಆಹಾರ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಲು ಬಯಸುತ್ತೀರಾ?
FSSAI ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ಏಜೆಂಟ್‌ಗಳು ಸಾವಿರಾರು ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಕೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆನಾ?
ಅದರ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ! ನೀವು ಸ್ವತಃ ಫೋಸ್‌ಕೋಸ್ (FoSCoS) ಪೋರ್ಟಲ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಕೇವಲ ₹100ಕ್ಕೆ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದು.

 ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಹಾಕುವ ವಿಧಾನ:

1. FoSCoS ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಪೋರ್ಟಲ್ ತೆರೆಯಿರಿ.

2. “Apply for License/Registration” ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ. (ಫೀ ₹100 ರಿಂದ ₹7,500 ವರೆಗೆ ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ವ್ಯವಹಾರದ ಗಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಅವಲಂಬಿಸಿ).

3. ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಆಯ್ಕೆಮಾಡಿ:

   • ಬೇಸಿಕ್ ರೆಜಿಸ್ಟ್ರೇಶನ್ (Form A): ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಟರ್ನ್‌ಓವರ್ ₹12 ಲಕ್ಷಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಕಡಿಮೆ. ಫೀ: ₹100.

   • ಸ್ಟೇಟ್ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ (Form B): ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಟರ್ನ್‌ಓವರ್ ₹12 ಲಕ್ಷದಿಂದ ₹20 ಕೋಟಿ ವರೆಗೆ.

   • ಸೆಂಟ್ರಲ್ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ (Form B): ₹20 ಕೋಟಿ ಮೇಲ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಅಥವಾ ಇಂಪೋರ್ಟ್/ಎಕ್ಸ್ಪೋರ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡುವವರಿಗೆ.

4. ನಿಮ್ಮ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ವ್ಯವಹಾರ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿ, ನಂತರ ಅರ್ಜಿ ನಮೂನೆ (Form A ಅಥವಾ B) ಭರ್ತಿ ಮಾಡಿ.

5. ಅಗತ್ಯ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅಪ್‌ಲೋಡ್ ಮಾಡಿ: ಆಧಾರ್, ವಿಳಾಸದ ಪುರಾವೆ, ವ್ಯವಹಾರದ ವಿವರಗಳು, ಲೇಔಟ್ ಪ್ಲಾನ್, ಭದ್ರತಾ ಯೋಜನೆ ಮೊದಲಾದವು.

6. ಆನ್‌ಲೈನ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಫೀ ಪಾವತಿಸಿ – ಬೇಸಿಕ್ ರೆಜಿಸ್ಟ್ರೇಶನ್‌ಗೆ ಕೇವಲ ₹100.

7. 17 ಅಂಕಿಗಳ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ (UARN) ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ – ಇದರಿಂದ ಅರ್ಜಿಯ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನು ಟ್ರಾಕ್ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು.

8. ಅರ್ಜಿಯ ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ – FoSCoS ಪೋರ್ಟಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಿಂದ.

9. ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ (Inspection) – ಸ್ಟೇಟ್ ಅಥವಾ ಸೆಂಟ್ರಲ್ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಸ್ಥಳ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು.

10. ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ದೊರೆಯುತ್ತದೆ – ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ, 14 ಅಂಕಿಗಳ FSSAI ಪ್ರಮಾಣಪತ್ರ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅಂಶಗಳು:

• ಮಧ್ಯವರ್ತಿ ಬೇಡ: ಕೇವಲ ₹100ರಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವತಃ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಹಾಕಬಹುದು.

• ಸರಳ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ: ಬೇಸಿಕ್ ಅರ್ಜಿಗಳನ್ನು 7 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

• ಗ್ರಾಹಕರ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸ: ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಇದ್ದರೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ವ್ಯವಹಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾನೂನು ಬಲವಿದೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಲ್ಲಿ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಮೂಡುತ್ತದೆ.

The incident came to light on August 21, when an anganwadi worker grew suspicious while registering a four-day-old baby girl under the Poshan Tracker scheme. Something didn’t add up, and her quiet alert to the Child Development Project Office (CDPO) set the wheels of investigation in motion.

Police soon discovered that Prabhavati and her husband, Ramesh Moolya, from Kallugudde in Kaup taluk, had falsely claimed the infant—delivered at Colaco Hospital in Mangaluru—as their own. The heartbreaking truth was that the baby’s mother, a 22-year-old rape survivor struggling with mental health issues, had been coerced into the shadows of this conspiracy.

At the center of the plot stood Vijayalakshmi alias Vijaya, who ran a PG in Mangaluru. The survivor had been staying there with her mother during her pregnancy. What’s more, the network included Dr. Somesh Solomon, who allegedly misused his medical practice to facilitate the illegal adoption, and Navaneeth Narayan (25), who had assaulted the young woman and fathered the child.

The scheme was disturbingly well-orchestrated: Aadhaar details of the Kaup couple were used during medical scans, and Prabhavati’s ID was submitted to hospital records, effectively erasing the mother’s identity. For this “service,” Vijayalakshmi and Dr. Somesh reportedly received ₹4.6 lakh.

“This is not just a crime against a child—it’s a betrayal of humanity itself,” said an investigating officer, visibly disturbed by the revelations.

The survivor, initially discharged without proper care, is now receiving medical attention with police assistance. Meanwhile, the baby remains in state custody. Police confirmed the arrests of Dr. Somesh, Vijayalakshmi, and Navaneeth, while the couple is cooperating with the probe. Priyanka, a relative who acted as a go-between, has also been questioned.

The case has been filed under Section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2016, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Authorities are probing whether similar rackets may have operated in the region earlier.

That said, the larger question looms: how many more silent stories of coercion, exploitation, and false hope remain buried beneath the layers of our healthcare and welfare systems?

FAQs

Q1. What triggered the investigation into the child procurement racket in Udupi?
The case came to light when an anganwadi worker grew suspicious during the registration of a four-day-old infant under the Poshan Tracker scheme and alerted authorities.

Q2. Who are the main accused in the case?
Those arrested include Dr. Somesh Solomon, PG owner Vijayalakshmi, and Navaneeth Narayan. The couple, Ramesh and Prabhavati Moolya, are cooperating with police investigations.

With over three fruitful decades shaping young minds—34 years for Bhat and 37 for Shetty—their stories intertwine tradition and innovation in elegant harmony.

Satish Bhat, headmaster of Sri Ramakunjeshwara High School in rural Ramakunja, has woven a tapestry of academic excellence in a setting often overlooked. Under his guidance, students surpassed 90% success in mathematics and science year after year. As a district-level resource in mathematics, he orchestrated hundreds of workshops that rippled through the teaching community. He also embraced holistic education—teaching yoga, producing over 72 educational videos viewed by thousands, and mentoring students to secure 111 NMMS and NTSE scholarships. His establishment of modern math, science, and language labs breathed life into learning.

Jagadish Shetty A of Government Higher Primary School in Amblamogaru charted a path of transformation too. His visionary leadership turned a modest primary school into a thriving educational hub. With a remarkable ₹1.3 crore grant, he helped build a high school on 2.3 acres of land. Enrollment more than doubled from 106 to 217 students. He introduced bilingual education (Class I–VIII), free school bus services, honorary teaching staff, and digital tools—smart TVs and computers—through generous donor support. The school was celebrated for its discipline and cleanliness, and Shetty earned the Long Service Scouting Award for 35 years of inspiring young scouts.

In a world hurtling toward change, these two educators stand as timeless beacons—roots anchored in tradition, eyes fixed on tomorrow. Their service is a living poem, a testament to how steadfast guidance and nurturing souls shape futures.

Karkala, Aug 15: A slight dip in rainfall has brought an unexpected surge in fever cases across Karkala taluk, unsettling both residents and health workers. What seemed like a brief relief from heavy showers has instead given way to stagnant puddles, buzzing mosquitoes, and anxious families rushing to local clinics.

In both the town and the surrounding villages, residents are reporting the familiar symptoms of fever, chills, and body aches. On paper, the situation looks worrying: this year alone, 42 dengue cases and 17 leptospirosis infections have already been confirmed. Doctors warn the numbers could climb further if preventive measures slip.

What’s more, the atmosphere in waiting rooms has grown tense. Parents clutch children with mild fevers, unsure if it’s something seasonal or the start of something more serious. Some, fearing long queues at government hospitals, have turned to private clinics, even if it stretches their budgets.

“The danger isn’t just in the fever itself—it’s in the delay of treatment. People think a few tablets from the medical shop will do. But by the time they come to us, complications have already set in,” said Dr. Shashikanth, a physician at the taluk hospital.

The mosquito menace has become a talking point at tea shops and bus stops alike. While the health department, municipality, and gram panchayats have launched drives to clean drains and fog mosquito-prone areas, the problem persists in pockets—particularly in labour colonies, construction sites, and quarry settlements, where conditions for breeding are far from under control.

That said, not everything is bleak. Municipal president Yogeesh Devadiga insists sanitation workers are on the ground daily, clearing stagnant water and urging shopkeepers and residents to keep their surroundings tidy. “We’re warning traders too,” he emphasized, “because public spaces can’t become breeding hubs.”

Still, uncertainty hangs in the air. Some residents believe the measures will work, while others quietly admit they expect the fever season to drag on until rains stabilize.

Local Reactions

• “It feels like every year we go through the same story—mosquitoes, fever, then hospital runs. Why can’t this be solved once and for all?” – A frustrated shopkeeper in Karkala market.

• “Our colony was sprayed yesterday. At least that gives us some peace of mind. But the kids still fall sick so quickly.” – A mother of two in a rural ward.

By late Tuesday night, Lingottugudde was silent except for the occasional hum of a scooter passing on the main road. In one of the narrow lanes, behind a row of modest homes, the quiet broke—sharply, violently—inside the small bedroom of 35-year-old painter, Vinay Devadiga.

According to police, three men—once his friends—forced their way into his home around 11:45 p.m. on August 12. They weren’t there to talk. Witnesses say the group moved with purpose, heading straight to Vinay’s bedroom. Within minutes, the man who had spent the day running errands in Udupi and sharing dinner with his family lay bleeding on the floor.

The Spark Behind the Fury

The alleged trigger? Not money. Not land. Not an age-old feud. But a viral audio clip.

Police sources say Vinay had circulated a recording in which another man, Jeevan, hurled abuses at one of the accused, Akshendra. In the social-media age, insults travel fast and burn deep. What might once have been an exchange of heated words in a tea shop was now a digital wound replayed in countless phones.

“That clip was everywhere,” said a neighbour, shaking her head. “You can’t measure how badly words can cut someone when the whole town hears them.”

What’s more, no one is certain whether Vinay meant harm—or if it was careless forwarding that lit the fuse. That said, in tightly knit communities, even perceived disrespect can escalate beyond reason.

The Night of the Attack

Investigators believe the accused—Ajith, Akshendra, and Pradeep—arrived on a scooter, parking a short distance away. They entered Vinay’s home without warning, armed with lethal weapons. The assault was swift and merciless. By the time family members realised what was happening, it was too late.

Afterwards, the men fled, leaving behind a scene of horror that would be replayed in whispers across Udupi the next morning.

A Town Left Wondering

The Udupi Town Police have registered a case and are combing through CCTV footage and mobile records. Yet, even if the accused are caught, the larger question remains: how does a bond between friends collapse into something this savage?

Some blame the growing culture of public shaming online. Others point to personal grudges that simmer beneath the surface until one careless act brings them boiling over.

One elderly resident summed it up quietly:

“Friendship is not what it used to be. These days, one click can kill.”

FAQs

Q1: What is known about the victim?
Vinay Devadiga, 35, was a painter by profession and a resident of Lingottugudde, Subrahmanya Nagar, Udupi.

Q2: Have the suspects been caught?
As of now, police have registered a case and are actively searching for the three accused, reviewing evidence and witness statements.

By Our Investigations Desk, Mangaluru

On a sweltering July afternoon last year, a crowd gathered outside a modest building in Katipalla, Surathkal. Brightly-coloured handbills were being passed around, each one a little slice of hope. “Just ₹1,000 a month,” they read, “and you could walk away with ₹12,000 in cash and maybe even a car.”

It wasn’t the first time this coastal town had heard such promises. But this one came wrapped in familiarity—run by locals, in the heart of the neighbourhood, out of the BMR building everyone knew.

Police now say it was all a mirage.

How the Trap Was Set

The so-called New India Royal Scheme operated with remarkable simplicity. Proprietor M Mohammed Ashraf and his manager, Haneef, didn’t bother with banks or formal contracts. People paid their first ₹1,000 in cash, the rest through Google Pay. The scheme was neat, tidy, and, on the surface, perfectly believable.

They weren’t selling stocks or cryptocurrencies—things most here wouldn’t touch. They were selling trust.

“Everyone knew someone who claimed to have got their payout,” recalls Abdul Rauf, a local tea stall owner. “You saw pictures of winners with bikes and gold rings. Who was I to doubt it?”

The hook was irresistible: ten months of modest payments, a tidy profit at the end, and a lottery-style shot at something bigger.

The Cracks Appear

By April 2025, murmurs began. People who had reached the end of their ten months were told to “wait just a bit longer.”

Two months later, the waiting ended—with silence. The shutters were down, the office stripped bare, and Ashraf’s phone switched off.

That’s when the scale became apparent. Police believe over 10,000 investors had poured in their money, collectively losing more than ₹10 crore.

A Familiar Pattern

Coastal Karnataka has seen this before. In 2017, a jewellery-linked chit fund promised gold returns and vanished overnight. In 2020, an agro-investment scheme collapsed under similar circumstances.

Experts say the signs were there.
“If you’re being promised returns far higher than any bank, and prizes on top, that’s a red flag,” says financial consultant Priya Shetty. “But these schemes exploit social proof—when neighbours or relatives invest, skepticism fades.”

The Aftermath

Now, the victims are left with little more than scraps of paper and screenshots of payments. Some have pawned jewellery to cover what they lost. Others quietly avoid talking about it, embarrassed they were taken in.

“People think it’s greed that drives these investments,” says one retired schoolteacher who lost ₹30,000. “But for most of us, it’s desperation. Banks won’t give you such returns. And we believed because it was our own people running it.”

Police have booked the two accused under laws against unauthorised deposit schemes. Whether the victims will see their money again is unclear.

In the Streets of Katipalla

The once-bustling BMR building now stands locked, its faded signboard a reminder of the promises it once made. Children still play cricket in the lane outside, but older residents glance at it with quiet resentment.

As one local shopkeeper put it, shaking his head: “When the scheme was alive, it brought us together in excitement. Now, it’s brought us together in loss.”

FAQs

Q1: What exactly is an ‘unauthorised deposit scheme’?
An unauthorised deposit scheme is any investment program that collects money from the public without the necessary licences or regulatory approvals, often promising unrealistic returns.

Q2: What should victims do now?
Victims should file a formal complaint with the police and provide all receipts, payment proofs, and promotional materials they received. Joining collective legal action can strengthen their case.

Udupi, August 6, 2025 — A fresh wave of online frauds has hit Udupi, with three separate complaints lodged involving fake job offers and KYC update scams, leading to a combined financial loss of over ₹10.8 lakh.

Instagram Job Scam: Woman Loses ₹7.63 Lakh

In one of the most severe incidents, a woman named Renuka fell victim to a job scam originating on Instagram. On July 18, while watching job-related content, she clicked a link that redirected her to a Telegram channel.

Renuka was asked to submit her personal details, bank account information, and complete online "tasks" as part of the so-called job. Initially, she was repaid small sums to gain her trust. But over time, the scammers tricked her into transferring a total of ₹7.63 lakh.

A case has been registered at the Manipal Police Station, invoking:

• Sections 316(2), 318(4), 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

• Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act

Fake Job Offer via Phone: Man Loses ₹2.86 Lakh

In another complaint filed on July 24, Mallappa, a resident of Udupi, alleged he was contacted by a person posing as a representative from a company called Rent.com. The caller promised a job and instructed Mallappa to transfer funds via UPI and RTGS.

Believing the offer to be genuine, Mallappa sent:

• ₹50,000 via UPI

• ₹1.36 lakh via RTGS

• Another ₹1 lakh via RTGS on August 1

After receiving no job offer or refund, a case was registered at the Udupi Town Police Station under:

• Section 318(4) of BNS

• Section 66(D) of the IT Act

KYC Fraud: ₹33,700 Lost Over Fake SBI Credit Card Update

In a third case reported on July 31, a man named Praveen received a call claiming his SBI credit card KYC needed updating. He was sent a link and asked to enter his details and OTP.

Soon after, ₹33,700 was debited from his credit card account.
A case was filed under:

• Section 318(4) of BNS

• Section 66(D) of the IT Act
  at Udupi Town Police Station

Police Advisory & Next Steps

Udupi Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially when dealing with unsolicited links, job offers from unknown numbers, or any request to share OTPs.

They advise:

• Never share bank or card details over WhatsApp, Telegram, or unknown links

• Verify any job offer or KYC request via official channels

• Report suspected scams immediately to the nearest police station or cybercrime helpline (1930)

Summary of Losses:

Udupi, August 6, 2025 — The iconic Sri Krishna Math, the spiritual soul of Udupi, is set to unveil a resplendent new architectural feature — a beautifully crafted wooden Yali (Suthupauli), symbolizing strength, tradition, and divine artistry. Under the divine guidance of Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada of Puttige Math, this intricate coastal-style marvel — valued at approximately ₹1 crore — brings together the grace of yesteryears and the spirit of devotion.

 A Legacy Reimagined

Stretching gracefully from the Kanaka Gopura to the Madhva Sarovara, and weaving through the sacred Chandrashala, the redesigned roofing revives temple architecture with intricate wooden elegance, rooted in the coastal temple traditions of Tulunadu.

The Yali, an ancient symbol of protection and power in Indian temple design, has been reinterpreted through fine craftsmanship, adding both beauty and symbolism to the already majestic math.

Grand Inauguration on Poornima (Full Moon Day) — August 9

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for August 9 at 10:00 AM, following the Maha Puja on the auspicious full moon day.

Union Finance Minister and Rajya Sabha member Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the wooden Yali, joined by Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murthy and retired Chief Justice Dinesh Kumar.

The announcement was made by Srimatt Diwan Nagaraj Acharya and Secretary Prasannacharya.

The gathering will also witness the spiritual presence of:

• Puttige Mathadhish Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada

• Adamaru Mathadhish Sri Vishwapriyatirtha Sripada

• Puttige Junior Swamiji Sri Susrindratheertha Sripada

 Empowering Women through Tradition: Mahila Vidyapeeth Launch

A highlight of the day will be the launch of Mahila Vidyapeeth at Geeta Mandir, an inspiring initiative by Puttige Math. Inaugurated by Nirmala Sitharaman and Sudha Murthy, the programme is aimed at reviving and nurturing traditional spiritual practices among women.

The Vidyapeeth will offer training in:

• Chanting sacred texts like Bhagavad Gita, Lakshmi Shobhane, and devotional shlokas

• Cultural arts such as rangoli, pushpa-alankara (floral decoration), and deepa-kattu (lamp wick crafting)

This effort seeks to deepen women's connection to India's spiritual and cultural roots, while building a vibrant, participatory community spirit.

 A Day of Grace, Heritage & Hope

This momentous day marks a harmonious blend of spiritual upliftment, architectural brilliance, and cultural empowerment — ensuring that the divine essence of Udupi Krishna Math continues to inspire generations to come.

Mangaluru/Udupi, August 4, 2025 — In a monumental stride toward educational transformation, 37 government schools from Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts have been selected under the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme — a prestigious central government initiative designed to elevate government schools into model institutions equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and holistic development programs.

This selection forms part of a larger vision under the National Education Policy (NEP), with 665 schools from across Karnataka having earned their place under the scheme. Each selected school is poised to receive funding ranging from ₹10 to ₹15 lakh over the next five years, to enhance academic infrastructure, teaching quality, and student enrichment activities.

A Transparent, Technology-Driven Selection Process

The selection process unfolded in six rigorous phases during the academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25. Schools across districts were required to submit detailed data via the PM SHRI app, outlining their infrastructure, academics, and administration.

• In Dakshina Kannada, 230+ schools submitted their applications.

• In Udupi, 165 schools participated.

But after multi-tiered evaluation — starting at the district level, progressing to state, and finally undergoing central scrutiny — only schools that scored over 70 marks on the PM SHRI evaluation scale were shortlisted.

What the Selected Schools Will Receive

Under the PM SHRI scheme, the selected institutions will be nurtured into centers of excellence with support that includes:

• Salaries of pre-primary teachers and support staff (ayahs) fully covered by the central government

• ₹500 per student per year for field visits and real-world learning exposure

• ₹25,000 annually for vibrant eco-club activities

• Special developmental grants over five years to build better infrastructure, integrate technology, and foster inclusive learning environments

These schools will be held as model examples, embodying the spirit of modern education enriched by cultural values — a beautiful fusion of tradition and technology.

Selected Schools in Udupi District (14):

• Shirur Government School, Byndoor

• Chitturu High School

• Kuvempu Model School, Thekkatte, Kundapur

• Government School, Vadeyarhobli

• Kukkehalli GHPS, Brahmavar

• Santhekatte GHPS

• Hanumanthnagar GHPS

• Chitrapadi Government School

• Hebri Model GHPS

• Charad Navodaya Vidyalaya

• Mallaru General Government School, Kaup

• Hejamadi GHPS

• Perwaje GHPS, Karkala

• Maal Koodabettu Government School

Selected Schools in Dakshina Kannada District (23):

• Daddalkadu Government English Medium High School, Bantwal

• Sooribailu GHPS

• Mulki Model GHPS

• Nellyadi Model GHPS, Kadaba

• Bajire GHPS, Belthangady

• Belthangady Model GHPS

• Bolanthimogaru GHPS, Vittal

• Vittal GHPS

• Hoohakuvukallu GHPS, Ullal

• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mudipu

• Ombattukere GHPS

• Kallabettu GHPS, Moodbidri

• Moodumarnad GHPS

• Kemminje GHPS, Puttur

• Veeramangala GHPS

• Kodanje GHPS, Bantwal

• Uchchillagudde GHPS, Someshwara

• Guthigaru Model HPS, Sullia

• Sullia Model GHPS

• Nelyadipadavu Model GHPS, Mangaluru

• KPS, Muthooru, Kulooru

• Two Kendriya Vidyalayas in Mangaluru

The Road Ahead

With this recognition, these schools now bear the torch of transformation — entrusted with nurturing future generations through inclusive, modern, and value-based education. The PM SHRI initiative is more than a funding scheme; it is a movement to reimagine India’s public education system, one school at a time.

Let the classrooms of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi echo with newfound purpose and possibility.

Dharmasthala | August 4 — In a significant twist to the ongoing investigation into the high-profile Dharmasthala case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) discovered human skeletal remains at an unexpected location deep within the forest on Monday.

According to reliable sources, the SIT was originally en route to the previously identified 11th search spot when an anonymous individual accompanying the team urged them to divert toward an upper forested area. The individual's identity and their connection to the case remain undisclosed at this time.

During the deviation, investigators reportedly stumbled upon skeletal remains resembling that of a male body. Initial observations suggest the possibility of suicide, though forensic confirmation is awaited. Clothing and a rope were found near the remains, further intensifying the inquiry.

A detailed mahazar (spot inspection) was conducted throughout the day, culminating at around 6:30 PM. The discovery has added a new layer of complexity to the case, which has already seen multiple search operations across rugged terrain.

It remains unclear whether the SIT will continue with its planned investigation at the 11th location or shift focus to other unexplored areas on Tuesday, August 5. Official statements are expected following the forensic examination of the newly discovered remains.

This development has once again thrust the Dharmasthala case into the spotlight, with many awaiting answers and justice.

Mangaluru, July 24:
The skies opened up once again over the coastal belt of Karnataka, soaking Mangaluru and its surrounding towns in a steady, sometimes ferocious, downpour. By late Wednesday night, it was clear—this wasn’t your usual monsoon rhythm.

The district administration, acting swiftly on the IMD’s warning of continued heavy rainfall, declared a holiday for all anganwadis, government, aided and private schools, and pre-university colleges in the Dakshina Kannada district on Thursday, July 24. While some sighed in relief, others worried the rains might only intensify.

“By 4 a.m., water had already started pooling near our compound,” said Ravi Shetty, a resident of Kotekar. “I’ve never seen this much water come in so fast, not even last year.”

The rains, which began early Wednesday, didn’t relent even as the clock ticked past midnight. Streets in low-lying areas were flooded, and traffic was either crawling or completely halted in places like Ullal and Moodbidri. Social media was flooded too—this time not with reels, but with real-time videos of submerged roads, overflowing drains, and stranded auto-rickshaws.

“Is this rain or a rehearsal for a swimming competition?” posted one local on X, accompanied by a picture of a flooded schoolyard.

Another commented, “Hope the holiday is extended. Not risking my child’s safety when the road outside looks like a river.”

The taluk-level officers have been asked to report to headquarters without fail, while nodal officers are on alert, keeping a close watch on local conditions and attending to distress calls. Fishermen, in particular, have been urged not to venture into the sea. The tides may be beautiful, but today they’re treacherous.

What’s more concerning is the uncertainty. While rains offer some respite from the heat, the unpredictable surges risk triggering landslides or power outages. Yet, amid the tension, there’s also a shared resilience. Mangaluru has weathered worse—quite literally.

The district authorities have also requested that parents keep children away from lakes, riverbanks, and seashores—areas that may look deceptively calm but can be perilous with sudden surges.

“We’re not just dealing with water, we’re dealing with unpredictability,” noted a tahsildar from Bantwal taluk, urging citizens to remain cautious and informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will schools remain closed beyond July 24 in Dakshina Kannada?
As of now, the holiday is for Thursday, July 24 only. Authorities will assess rainfall and safety conditions before making further announcements.

Q2. Can fishermen venture out after the rain eases?
Fishermen are advised to stay ashore until further notice, as high tides and strong winds pose serious safety risks even after the rains slow down.