Karnataka High Court Paves Way For Lokayukta Probe In Kharge Family Land Row

A major political controversy erupted following a hand gesture made during an assembly address regarding historical emergency events. Opposition parties and alliance members strongly condemned the action, alleging that it mocked past police brutality and amounted to body shaming. Following widespread condemnation across the political spectrum over the remarks and gestures in the house, an official clarification was issued stating that the body language displayed during the response speech on departmental grant requests was inadvertent, was not intentional, and was not meant to cause personal hurt to anyone.

Apple is set to announce its latest hardware lineup at its upcoming event, with major updates expected across devices and leadership. The event is anticipated to feature the debut of Apple's first book-style foldable smartphone, reportedly named iPhone Ultra, featuring a slim build, reduced screen crease, side-mounted Touch ID, and dual 48-megapixel cameras. The flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to introduce the two-nanometre A20 Pro chip, a reduced dynamic island, variable aperture camera lenses, and larger batteries. Standard iPhone 18 models may be moved to a spring launch window. Additional anticipated unveilings include the Apple Watch Series 12, an Apple Watch Ultra 4 ceramic edition, AirPods 5 with heart rate tracking, and a dedicated smart home hub. The event could also mark a significant executive shift with Tim Cook transitioning to executive chairman and John Turners taking over as Chief Executive Officer.

The Karnataka High Court has issued a significant order regarding land allotments to the Siddhartha Vihar Trust associated with the Kharge family, paving the way for a Lokayukta probe. Quashing an earlier order under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the High Court directed the special court for elected representatives to reconsider the matter under Section 175(3) of the BNSS and pass appropriate orders after obtaining a fresh certificate. Complainant Vijay Raghav Marathe challenged the previous proceedings, seeking an investigation by the Lokayukta police over allegations of improperly obtaining concessions and land at the Devanahalli Aerospace Park and BDA land in BTM Layout.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has made a striking claim about his electoral support in Nagpur, saying he received a higher share of votes from areas associated with criminals, underworld elements and the red-light district than from some of the city’s highly educated localities.