Karnataka: Two dead in separate rain-related incidents in Uttara Kannada
Karwar, Jun 15 (PTI): Two rain-related fatalities were reported in Uttara Kannada district as heavy monsoon rainfall continued to impact normal life along the Karnataka coast.
In the first incident, a two-year-old child died after accidentally falling into a roadside drain near their residence in the Jali area of Bhatkal town on Saturday. CCTV footage captured the moment the child slipped and fell into the water-filled drain.
In a separate incident, a 50-year-old man identified as Madewa Narayana Devadiga drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Gulme Belalkhanda, Bhatkal taluk. He was walking home when he lost his balance in the rising water. Police have registered a case at the Bhatkal Rural Police Station in both cases.
The incidents come amid continued heavy rainfall in coastal Karnataka, where all coastal districts have been under red and orange alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Heavy monsoon showers in Uttara Kannada district have led to a series of landslides across multiple locations, disrupting road connectivity and raising fresh concerns over the stability of hill slopes altered for infrastructure development.
In the latest incident, a major landslide was reported late Friday night and again on Saturday at Devimane Ghat along the Shirsi–Kumta highway, blocking the movement of light vehicles. Officials said landslides occurred at four different points on the stretch, prompting authorities to temporarily halt traffic on the route.
Landslides were also reported near Raghavendra Math in Habbuwada and along National Highway-66 near Binaga and Baithkol. While no casualties were reported, waterlogging in low-lying areas has inundated homes and shops in parts of Karwar following three consecutive days of rain.
Civic rights activists of the district have expressed concern over what they allege are unscientific hill-cutting practices undertaken for road construction. Many believe that the reckless excavation of slopes without adequate reinforcement has made the region more vulnerable to monsoon-triggered landslides.
"There is an urgent need to restore damaged slopes and increase vegetation cover in landslide-prone zones. The forest department must also step in to ensure ecological stability," locals said.
The incidents come even as the India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for several coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
