Chemistry paper leak: PU dept director Pallavi Akurathi transferred

executive@coastaldigest.com (DHNS)
April 2, 2016

Bengaluru, Apr 2: The state government on Friday transferred Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) Director Pallavi Akurathi, a day after the II PU?Chemistry re-exam was cancelled due to question paper leak.

Akurathi
The 2009-batch IAS officer had taken charge in February. Transport Commissioner Rame Gowda has been given the additional charge as DPUE director, the post which he had held a few years ago. Akurathi has been posted as deputy secretary DPAR.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) intensified the probe into the question paper leak and questioned about 20 students and some officials of the DPUE.

Some students had got the question paper at least 15 hours before the start of the re-examination on March 31. They also shared it through WhatsApp.

A few of these students were questioned to ascertain if they knew anybody in the DPUE. Besides, the CID probing the “links” between some suspended officials and some top coaching centres, sources added.

“The CID questioned about 20 students on Saturday and may question some more. The team also questioned some of the DPUE officials who were suspended on Thursday. We need to question all 40 officials who have been suspended and the questioning will resume on Saturday,” DIG?(CID)?Sonia Narang told DH.

The investigators also suspect a larger conspiracy behind the leak. “There could be a plan to defame the DPUE?and Akurathi.?She initiated a slew of measures to ensure transparency in the department and examination processes. Some insiders could have masterminded the leak twice to target her,” sources said.

Students protest for 2nd day

Students protested outside the DPUE office for the second day on Friday against the Chemistry re-examination paper leak, DHNS reports. Students and parents raised slogans demanding Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar's resignation. Some ABVP activists got into a scuffle with the police. The protesters also tried to break a barricade and enter the DPUE?office. The police detained some protesters and bundled them into vans. Some protesters were also caned.

Initial probe has confirmed that Bengaluru is one of the three centres where the question paper was leaked and other two could be Tumkauru and Ballari.

The CID suspects the paper was leaked even before it was printed. Efforts are on to gather evidences against those who monitored the entire process of printing the question papers and transporting the bundles to strong rooms.

Narang said there has been a lot of progress in the investigation and what remains to be ascertained is the people who masterminded the leak.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: A price storm is brewing in Mangaluru’s hotel and restaurant industry. Faced with skyrocketing raw material costs and mounting overheads, hoteliers are preparing to hike food prices by up to 10% within a month — a move that could hit the pockets of thousands of diners across Dakshina Kannada.

From milk and oil to LPG and staples like rice and toor dal, prices have surged, pushing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian establishments to the brink. Over 65% of hotels operate in rented spaces, and labour shortages are adding fuel to the fire.

Swarna Sunder of Dinki Dine says running a hotel without burdening customers is becoming near-impossible. “Costs are rising daily. We’re trying to strike a balance, but a hike is inevitable,” he said, calling Mangaluru a highly price-sensitive market.

Industry leaders, including the Dakshina Kannada Hotel Owners Association, are expected to meet soon to formalize the revision.

Meanwhile, hoteliers blame "unhealthy competition" for further disrupting the sector. “Some serve unlimited fish meals under ₹60 — it’s unsustainable and unfair,” said a hotelier, adding that such practices are forcing smaller eateries to shut shop.

Chandrahas Shetty, president of the district association, confirmed that rising input costs have left them with little choice but to revise menus.

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News Network
March 27,2025

nandini.jpg

The Karnataka government has announced that Nandini milk will become ₹4 costlier per litre starting April 1, 2025. This is the second price hike this year.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna and Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh said the increase is meant to support dairy farmers by covering the rising costs of producing and processing milk.

Officials also said that:

>> The extra money from the price hike will go directly to the milk producers.

>> The earlier ₹2 price hike (announced on June 26, 2024) will be withdrawn.

>> The new price hike of ₹4 will apply to both 500 ml and 1-litre packets.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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