Govt monitoring rainfall deficit in Karnataka closely: Minister Krishna Byre Gowda admits panic
Bengaluru: The newly elected Congress government in Karnataka is growing increasingly worried as the monsoon season kicks off with a sluggish start. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has openly acknowledged the government's "panic" as all districts in the state are experiencing a shortage of rainfall.
The monsoon season holds immense importance for the livelihood of many people, and Gowda has emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation. If there is no significant improvement in the coming days, discussions regarding the declaration of drought may become necessary.
Even as the monsoon arrived in Karnataka a week behind schedule, several areas in the state continue to face drinking water problems. The delayed progress of the monsoon has also adversely affected the agriculture sector. Gowda cited one of the contributing factors for the rainfall deficit as Cyclone Biparjoy, which drew moisture away from South India.
Despite the challenges, the government remains hopeful that the situation will improve. Gowda highlighted that coastal regions like Udupi, Mangaluru, and Karwar have received rainfall in the past 24 hours, providing some relief. Additionally, scientists have previously predicted a weak monsoon in the third week of June, with expectations of its gradual intensification by the end of the month. They have also forecasted an upturn in monsoon activity in the Kalyana Karnataka region starting from Tuesday.
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Second PUC results: Life convict clears exam with distinction, DGP lauds effort
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Bengaluru: A life convict lodged in Ballari Central Prison has successfully cleared the second PUC examination.
Ashok Kumar S, who appeared for the examination under prison escort, secured 481 marks out of 600, registering 80.1 percent.
Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Alok Kumar (IPS), shared the development on his official ‘X’ handle, commending the inmate’s achievement.
In his post, he stated that it was heartening to see a life convict score over 80 percent in the examination, adding that the inmate had appeared from Ballari Central Prison under escort.
It’s heartening to see that one of our life convict prisoners Ashok has obtained 80.1% marks in PUC exam. He appeared under Prison escort from Ballari Central Prison for his exams.
— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) April 9, 2026
Glad to see that Walls of the prison has not subdued his hopes for a better future. pic.twitter.com/Nzlcy076SR
He further noted that the achievement reflected that the “walls of the prison have not subdued his hopes for a better future.”
Alok Kumar in his post also shared the result sheet of Ashok.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the second PUC results for 2026 on April 9.
A total of 6,32,200 students appeared for the examination across all streams, of whom 5,46,698 passed, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.48 per cent.
