Breaking News Live Updates: Police resort to lathicharge protesting Hyderabad university students; HC to hear PILs on Kancha Gachibowli land today

Breaking News Live Updates: BRS leader K Kavitha blames Congress for Hyderabad University land auction

Breaking News Live Updates: Police resort to lathi charge as Hyderabad University students, faculty protest 400-acre land auction

Police resorted to a lathi charge on students and faculty of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) who were protesting against the government's decision to auction 400 acres of land in Gachibowli on Wednesday. A large number of police personnel were deployed inside and outside the campus, with barricades set up near the east campus to prevent anyone from reaching the forest area, which was being cleared. As students attempted to cross the barricades, they raised slogans such as “Police go back,” “Ladenge Jeetenge,” and “Awaaz Do Hum Ek Hain.” Read more

Breaking News Live Updates: Telangana HC to hear PILs challenging 400-acre land clearing in Kancha Gachibowli

The Telangana High Court will hear two public interest litigations (PILs) on Wednesday against the ongoing clearance of 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli. Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul assured petitioners that their pleas, which seek legal protection for the disputed land near the University of Hyderabad (survey number 25), would be taken up on priority.

Breaking News Live Updates: Petitioners alert HC on rapid land clearance despite 'deemed forest' status

Retired scientist Kalapala Babu Rao and environmental group Vata Foundation have raised concerns over large-scale excavation at the site, allegedly carried out using multiple excavators. They informed the court that despite the land being classified as a 'deemed forest' with legal protections, the clearing continues at a fast pace. While Babu Rao has filed a fresh PIL, Vata Foundation’s case is already pending before the court.

Breaking News Live Updates: Police resort to lathi charge at University of Hyderabad campus on Wednesday as faculty joins students in protest against govt's 400-acre land auction in Gachibowli.

Breaking News Live Updates: UoH students launch indefinite strike over land auction

Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have begun an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate removal of police and excavators from the campus. The protest is against the state government's decision to auction 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli. Students have vowed to continue their agitation, boycotting classes and holding demonstrations day and night until their demands are met.

Breaking News Live Updates: Key demands of students

The protesting students are demanding transparency in land-related documents, the release of minutes from the executive committee meeting on the issue, and a written assurance that the university will ensure the land is officially registered in its name.

Breaking News Live Updates: Protests intensify on campus

On Tuesday, students staged a boycott and accused the university administration of siding with the government by allowing police intervention and land clearance. Hundreds marched from ‘North Shopcom’ to the administration building, where they held a sit-in protest, expressing their frustration over the lack of response from university officials.

Breaking News Live Updates: Students block main entrance

With no engagement from the administration, the protest has now shifted to the main gate, where students are blocking the entrance. “We will continue our protest here until our demands are met,” said Gauri V, an integrated master’s student.

Breaking News Live Updates: Heavy police presence & movement restrictions

Students report a significant police presence on campus, with rapid clearing of forested areas. Movement restrictions have been imposed, with barricades preventing access beyond East Campus. Students from certain departments, including Economics, Management, and Mathematics, are being allowed through only after identity verification and justification of their movement, said Mohith G, a student leader. Meanwhile, organisations such as the Communist Party of India, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and students from Osmania University have extended their support to the protest.

Breaking News Live Updates: Karnataka LoP slams govt over price hikes, says protests will continue

Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy says, "Another of our protests is ongoing in the Freedom Park against the price hikes... After giving the guarantee, they (the Karnataka government) are taking fivefold more money from the people... If their price hike ways become commonplace, then our protesting will also become regular... How much are they giving to the farmers after increasing the price of milk by Rs9? They are fooling both the people and the farmers."

Breaking News Live Updates: Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy gives a speech during the Karnataka BJPs protest outside the Vidhana Soudha over the suspension of 18 MLAs from the state assembly for 6 months amid the 'honey-trap' row.

Breaking News Live Updates: Karnataka BJP protests suspension of 18 MLAs, vows boycott of committee meetings

Breaking News Live Updates: BJP’s CT Ravi slams Congress over price hikes, says ‘only air left to tax’

Breaking News Live Updates: Karnataka Dy CM defends price hikes, accuses BJP of playing politics

On Karnataka BJP to hold a protest today against price hike across multiple sectors in the state, Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar says, "We have reduced electricity prices, but the BJP is not talking about that... (Dairy) Farmers will receive additional financial benefits (from the hike in milk prices), but the BJP is against farmers... There is an unavoidable necessity to increase water prices, but we cannot raise them excessively as it would affect the poor... Water losses amount to Rs 1,000 crore, and we have taken this decision to ensure sustainability for the next phase... Regarding waste management, we have not increased prices; it was the BJP that implemented the law in 2022... Our government understands the people's concerns, but the BJP is only playing politics."

Breaking News Today Live Updates: Karnataka BJP chief attacks Congress govt over tax burden

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of imposing excessive taxes to fund its guarantee schemes. He claimed that the government is taxing everything as if it has run out of funds.

Speaking to reporters, Vijayendra said, "They are taxing on everything as they're failing to fulfill the amount for guarantees. State government gives in the name of guarantee in one hand and in other all ways its looting the people, we are protesting against it."

The Karnataka BJP has intensified protests against the Congress government over rising prices and taxation policies.

Breaking News Today Live Updates: BJP announces statewide protest on April 2

BJP President Vijayendra further criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling him and his government "arrogant." He asserted that the opposition must create awareness among the people regarding these financial burdens.

He announced a massive BJP protest on April 2 at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, against the rising cost of living. "BJP is carrying out massive protest against ruling Congress government on April 2. All our MLAs, MLCs, former MLAs, we are protesting against the price hike at Freedom Park in Bengaluru."

Breaking News Today Live Updates: Jana Aakrosh Yatra to begin on April 7

Vijayendra also revealed that the BJP will launch the 'Jana Aakrosh Yatra' from April 7, marking the second phase of protests. "In second phase, on April 7 onwards, entire BJP team, all our MLAs, MPs, Central Ministers, we have already planned and announced Jana Aakrosh Yatra. This yatra will start from April 7 from Mysuru. Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate this yatra."

The yatra is aimed at protesting against the 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts and various taxation policies of the Congress government. Vijayendra accused the state leadership of misusing their majority and stated, "This government and CM is very arrogant. They believe if they have majority they can do anything, but, today people are cursing Siddaramaiah and the government, so it is responsibility of opposition BJP to take up this issue and create awareness among people."

Breaking News Today Live Updates: BBMP announces garbage cess rates for homes & businesses

The BBMP has set different garbage cess rates based on property size and usage:

Hotels: Previously paid Rs 5 per kg of garbage, now increased to Rs 12.

Residential Buildings:

• Up to 600 sq. ft: Rs 10 per month
• 600 - 1000 sq. ft: Rs 50 per month
• 1000 - 2000 sq. ft: Rs 100 per month
• 2000 - 3000 sq. ft: Rs 150 per month
• 3000 - 4000 sq. ft: Rs 200 per month
• Above 4000 sq. ft: Rs 400 per month

BBMP has announced that the cess will be collected annually along with property tax. The civic body aims to generate Rs 600 crore annually through this move, filling its revenue deficit by imposing new charges.

Breaking News Today Live Updates: BJP slams Congress govt over 'garbage cess'

Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP MLA R Ashoka has slammed the Congress government for imposing the garbage cess. He accused the administration of failing to manage Bengaluru's waste disposal and using taxation to fill its coffers.

Taking a direct jibe at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Ashoka suggested that the tax might have political motives.

Breaking News Today Live Updates: Ashoka questions motive behind BBMP's new tax

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Ashoka criticized the Congress government, stating, "The government, which failed to dispose of Bengaluru's garbage and turned Silicon City into a garbage city @INCKarnataka has now fixed fees for garbage collection as well. It seems that they have decided to fill their coffers in the name of garbage disposal by promising to make Bangalore City a garbage-free city. DCM @DKShivakumar Sir, they robbed in the name of brand Bangalore, now they loot in the name of garbage too? Is this Bihar election expenditure or a bribe to get the CM's chair?"

Breaking News Today Live Updates: IMD places Mumbai under yellow alert for thunderstorms and rainfall

Mumbai, along with Palghar, Thane, and Raigad, is under a yellow alert today, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rainfall. The IMD's yellow alert signals moderate to severe weather conditions, advising residents to remain cautious.

Breaking News Today Live Updates: IMD issues orange alert for 13 districts in Maharashtra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 13 districts across western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds today. The affected districts include Satara, Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Chandrapur, and Gondia. An orange alert indicates that residents should be prepared for significant weather activity.

Telangana Weather Live Updates: IMD issues orange alert for heavy rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in Telangana, warning of heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming days. The alert applies to Adilabad, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Medak, and Kamareddy, while a yellow warning has been issued for the rest of the state.

Telangana Weather Live Updates: Thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds expected

IMD officials have cautioned that thunderstorms will be accompanied by lightning, winds reaching 40-50 kmph, and possible hailstorms in some areas. The anticipated rainfall is expected to bring much-needed relief from the scorching heat, with temperatures soaring beyond 41°C in several parts of the state.

Telangana Weather Live Updates: Severe storms to peak in North Telangana on April 3-4

Weather expert T. Balaji has predicted that severe thunderstorms will begin affecting Telangana from April 2, with the most intense weather expected in North Telangana on April 3 and 4. Central and South Telangana will also experience strong storms later in the period. Hyderabad is likely to witness at least two major thunderstorms during this spell. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to official advisories.

Karnataka Protest Live Updates: BJP slams Congress government over price hike

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra launched a strong attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of excessive taxation to cover financial shortfalls in fulfilling its guarantees. Speaking to reporters, he said, "They are taxing on everything as they're failing to fulfill the amount for guarantees. State government gives in the name of guarantee in one hand and in other all ways its looting the people, we are protesting against it." The Karnataka BJP has organized a series of protests across the state against the rising prices and financial burden imposed on citizens.

Karnataka Protest Live Updates: BJP plans statewide agitation against govt policies

Vijayendra criticized chief minister Siddaramaiah and his administration, calling them "very arrogant", and asserted that the opposition must inform people about their policies. He announced that "BJP is carrying out massive protest against ruling Congress government on April 2. All our MLAs, MLCs, former MLAs, we are protesting against the price hike at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. In second phase, on April 7 onwards, entire BJP team, all our MLAs, MPs, Central Ministers, we have already planned and announced Jana Aakrosh Yatra. This yatra will start from April 7 from Mysuru. Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate this yatra. We will protest against the 4 per cent reservation for Muslim in government contracts. This government and CM is very arrogant. They believe if they have majority they can do anything, but, today people are cursing Siddaramaiah and the government, so it is responsibility of opposition BJP to take up this issue and create awareness among people." The BJP has pledged to continue its protests, rallying support across the state.

Hyderabad University Protest Live: Students launch indefinite strike against land auction

Students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have begun an indefinite strike against the state government's plan to auction 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli. Demanding the immediate removal of police and excavators from the campus, they have vowed to continue their protest, including night sit-ins, until their demands are met. Protesters are boycotting classes and insisting on the release of executive committee meeting minutes, transparency in land-related documents, and a written commitment from the university to secure legal ownership of the land.

Hyderabad University Protest Live: Campus rally and sit-in against administration’s actions

On Tuesday, students staged a rally from ‘North Shopcom’ to the administration building, followed by a sit-in protest. They accused the university administration of betraying them by allowing the state government to clear the land and enabling a police crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. With no response from university officials, protesters escalated their demonstration by blocking the main gate. “We will not stop until our demands are accepted,” said Gauri V, an integrated master’s student.

Hyderabad University Protest Live: Heavy police presence, barricades restrict student movement

Students reported a strong police presence on campus, with rapid clearing of forested areas. Movement beyond East Campus has been restricted with barricades, and students are required to show ID cards and justify their need to cross. “Even students from departments like Economics, Management, and Mathematics & Statistics are being questioned before being allowed through,” said Mohith G, a student. The protest has gained support from other organisations, including the Communist Party of India and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, as well as students from Osmania University.