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International

US Submarine Strike on Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka: What We Know

Prathiban DC 

Tensions in international waters intensified after reports confirmed that a United States Navy submarine struck and sank an Iranian naval vessel near the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The incident, which reportedly occurred close to the port city of Galle, has raised fresh concerns about escalating military friction involving Iran and the United States.

According to officials in Washington, the Iranian ship involved was the IRIS Dena, a warship believed to be operating in the Indian Ocean region at the time of the attack. United State defense authorities stated that the submarine engagement was a deliberate military action carried out in international waters. The Pentagon has not disclosed operational details such as the exact submarine involved or the weapons used, but sources indicate that torpedoes were deployed.

Sri Lankan authorities confirmed that a distress signal was received from the damaged vessel, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation. Naval and emergency teams from Sri Lanka rushed to the scene and managed to rescue several crew members. Initial reports suggest that roughly 180 personnel may have been onboard the Iranian ship. More than 30 survivors have reportedly been hospitalized in Galle, while many others remain unaccounted for, raising fears of significant casualties.

The United States maintains that the strike was conducted within the framework of ongoing regional security operations amid heightened tensions with Iran. However, Iranian officials have strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an act of aggression and warning of potential consequences. Tehran has not yet released a full casualty figure but has indicated that investigations are underway.

Security analysts note that this development marks a rare instance of a modern naval vessel being sunk by submarine action in a real-world conflict scenario, underscoring the seriousness of the current geopolitical climate. Maritime observers are also closely watching commercial shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean and nearby regions, as any escalation could disrupt vital global trade routes.

Sri Lanka has so far positioned itself strictly in a humanitarian role, focusing on rescue and medical support for survivors. The government has not indicated any military involvement.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels expected to become active in the coming days.

International observers warn that further escalation between Washington and Tehran could have broader implications for regional stability, energy markets, and maritime security.

National

EC Directs 22 States, UTs to Prepare for Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls from April

By Prathiban DC, Editor

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed 22 states and Union Territories to complete preparatory arrangements for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is expected to begin in April.

In an official communication issued on Thursday, the Commission emphasized the urgency of completing groundwork to ensure a smooth rollout of the revision exercise. Once the first phase is completed, the SIR will be implemented across the country.

The directive has been sent to the Chief Electoral Officers of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura, Telangana and Uttarakhand.

The Election Commission noted that a nationwide SIR of electoral rolls had already been ordered in June last year as part of efforts to enhance voter roll accuracy and transparency.

So far, the SIR process has been completed in Bihar and is currently underway in nine states and three Union Territories. In Assam, however, the Commission conducted a “special revision” instead of a full SIR, which concluded on February 10.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive electoral roll update exercise aimed at:

• Removing duplicate and ineligible voters

• Adding newly eligible voters, especially first-time voters

• Updating address and demographic changes

• Ensuring cleaner electoral rolls ahead of major elections

The Election Commission considers SIR crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, particularly ahead of large-scale national or state polls.

Why Are Opposition Parties Raising Concerns?
Several opposition parties have expressed reservations about the timing and scope of the SIR exercise, citing multiple concerns:

1. Timing Before Elections
Opposition leaders argue that conducting intensive revisions close to key elections could lead to confusion among voters and administrative disruptions. Some claim it may disproportionately affect certain voter groups.

2. Risk of Voter Deletions
There are fears that large-scale roll revisions could result in wrongful deletions of legitimate voters due to documentation errors, migration, or verification gaps — an issue raised in past revision exercises.

3. Allegations of Political Misuse
Some opposition parties have alleged that electoral roll revisions could be misused to selectively target regions where ruling parties face strong competition, though the Election Commission has repeatedly denied such claims.

4. Transparency and Verification Concerns
Critics are demanding greater transparency in the verification process, including clearer guidelines on data matching, field verification, and grievance redressal for voters whose names are removed.

5. Precedents in Certain States
Opposition leaders have pointed to past controversies over voter roll revisions in some states, where large numbers of deletions led to legal and political disputes.

EC’s Stand
The Election Commission has maintained that the SIR is a routine and legally mandated exercise aimed solely at ensuring free and fair elections. It has reiterated that safeguards, including public verification, claims and objections windows, and appeals mechanisms, will be in place to prevent wrongful exclusions.

Bangalore

Fire Breaks Out in Garbage Area Near Bharat Petrol Bunk at Ramamurthy Nagar Signal

Bengaluru | February 3, 2026

A fire broke out in a garbage dumping area next to Bharat Petrol Bunk near Ramamurthy Nagar Signal on Tuesday evening, creating panic among commuters and nearby shop owners.

The incident occurred at around 8:00 PM, and the fire was considered highly dangerous due to its close proximity to the petrol bunk. Flames and thick smoke were visible from a distance, briefly affecting traffic movement at the busy signal.

Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information and successfully brought the fire under control within a short time.

Officials confirmed that no one was harmed or injured in the incident. The timely action by the fire department prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and fuel storage areas.

Local residents pointed out that vacant plots left unused without any construction often turn into dumping grounds for garbage. Over time, the accumulation of waste grows into large garbage heaps, which become vulnerable to catching fire and leading to such dangerous incidents. Residents have urged GBA (civic body) officials to take strict action against illegal dumping and ensure proper maintenance of vacant sites to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. Authorities have advised caution in the area and emphasized the need for proper waste disposal practices to avoid such incidents in the future.

Lifestyle

‘Green Horamavu’ Campaign Launched in Banjara Layout

Bengaluru: A “Sapling Plantation Drive and Free Sapling Distribution Programme for Green Horamavu” was formally launched today in Horamavu Ward of the K.R. Puram Assembly Constituency by senior Congress leader and Horamavu Ward aspirant, Agar Prakash.

Although Horamavu Ward-2 is one of the fastest-developing areas, it continues to face a severe lack of basic infrastructure. Roads have not been asphalted for several years, and the problem of potholes is worsening day by day. Dust pollution has made daily life difficult, leaving the entire locality constantly affected by poor environmental conditions.

In this backdrop, the launch of the sapling plantation drive under the vision of ‘Green Horamavu’ on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India has brought a sense of relief among the public. The campaign began at Banjara Layout and was later continued near Agar Lake, around Millennium School, and across various localities of the ward, where saplings were planted and distributed free of cost.

Speaking on the occasion, Agar Prakash said, “With the meaningful resolve of ‘One sapling today – a green future tomorrow’, we have organized this plantation drive along with free sapling distribution. Our intention is to celebrate Republic Day not merely through flag hoisting, but by marking the occasion with a meaningful contribution to nature.”

He further added, “If nature survives, we survive. If trees are protected, human life is protected. The responsibility of ensuring clean air, pure water, and a green earth for future generations lies with all of us. Though planting a sapling may appear to be a small act, it is indeed a great contribution towards the future.”

Along with Agar Prakash, the campaign witnessed the participation of senior congress leader Agar Suresh, former Gram Panchayat member Chandrappa, R.Purushotham, social media activist D.C.Prakash, R.Devaraj, Shafi, Mohan, and a large number of residents of Banjara Layout.

National

Election Commission part of ‘vote theft’ plot, not guardian of democracy: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of playing an active role in a “well-planned and organised vote theft” under the guise of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly in Gujarat.

Gandhi alleged that the SIR process has been deliberately turned into a tool to undermine the constitutional principle of “one person, one vote”, allowing the BJP to determine electoral outcomes rather than the electorate. He claimed that wherever SIR has been implemented, instances of vote manipulation have followed.

Posting in Hindi on X, Gandhi said the exercise being carried out in Gujarat is not a routine administrative procedure but a strategic operation aimed at disenfranchising voters. He described it as a systematic attempt to remove voters selectively from communities and polling booths perceived to support the Congress.

Calling the situation “shocking and dangerous”, Gandhi alleged that thousands of objections were filed under the same names, pointing to large-scale irregularities. He further claimed that voters were deliberately deleted in areas where the BJP anticipated electoral defeat.

He said similar patterns were previously witnessed in Aland and Rajura, and alleged that the same “blueprint” is now being replicated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other states where SIR is underway. According to Gandhi, the Election Commission has ceased to function as an independent constitutional authority and has instead become a participant in what he termed a conspiracy to steal votes.

Gandhi’s remarks followed a social media post by the Gujarat Congress, which alleged that after his exposure of vote manipulation, the BJP adopted a more advanced model of election rigging. The party claimed that the ECI, after releasing the draft electoral rolls post-SIR, invited objections with January 18 as the deadline. While only a limited number of objections were received initially, the Congress alleged that millions of objections-mainly through Form 7-were suddenly submitted in the final phase as part of a coordinated plan.

According to the Gujarat Congress, when the Election Commission released data showing 1.2 million objections, it became evident that electoral rules were being violated to target specific castes, communities, and regions. The party alleged that multiple objections were filed under the name of a single individual with varying signatures, while the ECI failed to intervene.

The Congress also claimed that despite writing to the Election Commission seeking details about the objections, it received no response, which, it said, exposed the extent of election manipulation. The party accused the ECI of surrendering its independence, responsibility, and accountability to the ruling BJP.

Karnataka

Discriminatory Attitude of the Centre Towards a Non-BJP Government: Modi Government’s Betrayal of Karnataka!

Bengaluru: “The sole reason the central government led by Narendra Modi is pursuing a policy of betrayal against Karnataka is that a non-BJP government is in power in the state,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly alleged.

“In the last two and a half years, the central government has not only cheated Karnataka by denying its rightful share of taxes, but has also neglected Kannadigas by refusing funds and approvals for all kinds of development projects, including irrigation, railways, and highways,” he said.

“Siddaramaiah criticised that the threat issued by BJP national president J.P.Nadda during the Assembly elections – that those who do not vote for the BJP will be denied Prime Minister Modi’s blessings – appears to have now been put into practice by the central government.”

“Leaders from Karnataka who won as BJP MPs and became ministers at the Centre have neither the courage to speak against this discriminatory attitude in front of the Prime Minister nor any concern for the people who voted for them. While they spread hate in a loud voice on public platforms, their hands and legs tremble the moment they face Modi,” he remarked sarcastically.

“Even as injustice is being meted out to Kannadigas, the conduct of the JD(S) and its leader H.D.Kumaraswamy – who are behaving like subordinates of the central government purely for self-interest instead of raising their voice against it – is disgusting. Must one bow down so much just for a ministerial post? This is not my question alone; it is the question of every aggrieved Kannadiga,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified.

International

Greenland Row Sends Shockwaves Through US-European Trade Ties

New Trade Confrontation
Tensions between the United States and several European countries have intensified after Washington announced new trade tariffs linked to a growing diplomatic dispute over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory governed by Denmark.

The U.S. administration has confirmed that it will impose additional import duties on goods coming from eight European nations, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands. The initial tariff rate is set at 10 percent, with a warning that it could rise sharply in the coming months if negotiations fail.

According to U.S. officials, the decision is tied to national security concerns surrounding Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic region. The island is seen as increasingly important due to rising geopolitical competition, expanding military interests, and its proximity to key Arctic shipping routes and missile-defence zones.

However, European leaders have strongly rejected Washington’s approach, calling the use of tariffs political pressure through trade. Denmark and Greenland’s local government have reiterated that Greenland’s future is not open to external negotiation and that any decision regarding the territory lies solely with its people.

The European Union has responded by signalling unity among member states and warning that counter-measures are being considered if the tariffs are implemented. Officials have also expressed concern that the move could undermine existing trade agreements and strain long-standing transatlantic partnerships.

Greenland’s leadership has taken a firm public stance, stating that the island is not for sale and that its political status is based on democratic self-determination. Public demonstrations and official statements from Greenland have reinforced opposition to any foreign control.

The dispute has already begun to impact broader diplomatic relations. Planned trade discussions between the U.S. and the European Union have slowed, and global markets are watching closely for signs of escalation. Analysts warn that continued tensions could lead to a wider trade confrontation at a time when global economic stability remains fragile.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, both sides have left the door open for dialogue. European diplomats have called for diplomacy over confrontation, while U.S. officials insist negotiations remain possible if security concerns are addressed.

As the tariff deadline approaches, the Greenland issue has emerged as more than a regional disagreement – it now represents a significant test of U.S.–European relations and the future balance between security, sovereignty, and global trade.

Karnataka

No One Is Above the Law: DGP Probe, Border Dispute & Opposition Politics – CM Siddaramaiah

Belagavi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday made it clear that disciplinary action will be taken against DGP Ramachandra Rao following allegations of inappropriate behavior with women, stating that no one is above the law, irrespective of their position.

Speaking to the media in Belagavi, the Chief Minister said an investigation will be conducted into the matter and appropriate action will follow based on the findings. “Just because someone is a high-ranking officer does not place them beyond the purview of the law,” he asserted.

Responding to accusations from the opposition, Siddaramaiah targeted Janardhana Reddy, saying he was responsible for looting the state’s wealth and had gone to jail. “His case is still pending before the Supreme Court. He has no moral authority to make allegations,” the Chief Minister said.

He accused opposition parties of indulging in false propaganda and misleading the public. With the legislative assembly session set to begin on January 22, Siddaramaiah urged the opposition to raise their concerns on the floor of the House instead of making baseless allegations outside. “If they have issues, they should debate them directly during the session,” he said.

On the Karnataka–Maharashtra border dispute, the Chief Minister said the state’s legal team is fully prepared to contest the petition filed by the Maharashtra government. He questioned whether Maharashtra has the jurisdiction to approach the court on the issue and said this fundamental question must be resolved first.

Siddaramaiah reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting Karnataka’s interests through legal and constitutional means.

Bangalore

Bengaluru Marks Thiruvalluvar Day with Floral Tribute by Health Minister-Dinesh Gundu Rao

Bengaluru: On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao offered floral tributes to the statue of the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on the banks of Halasuru Lake and paid his respects.

The statue of the renowned poet Thiruvalluvar in Bengaluru stands near Halasuru Lake. It was installed in 2009 by the then Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa and was jointly inaugurated along with the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi. The statue is maintained by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Thiruvalluvar Day is observed every year on January 16. On this day, not only Tamilians but also Tamil and Kannada organisations that revere Thiruvalluvar come together to honour him by garlanding the statue.

In this context, on behalf of the Karnataka government, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited the site today along with a large gathering and paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar by offering a floral garland. Former Mayor Sampath Kumar, former corporator Anand Kumar and T.K.Damodharan, Byappanahalli Ramesh, Sampath, Rajasekhar, and several others were also present on the occasion.

National

‘Persistent confusion’ over Karnataka CM post; Siddaramaiah seeks meeting with Rahul Gandhi

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought clarity from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing “persistent confusion” surrounding leadership speculation in the state, sources said.

According to party sources, Siddaramaiah expressed his desire to expand the state Cabinet and requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi amid renewed rumours of a possible leadership change in Karnataka.

The development comes even as the Congress high command has repeatedly dismissed reports of internal discord within the party’s Karnataka government. Speculation over a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has continued to surface despite consistent denials from both leaders.

Last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge downplayed reports of leadership tension, stating that there was no confusion at the level of the party’s central leadership. “The high command has not created any confusion,” Kharge had said, adding that any internal matters should be addressed by the state leadership.

Kharge also cautioned party leaders against claiming individual credit for the Congress’ electoral victory in Karnataka, stressing that the party’s success was the result of decades of collective effort by its workers.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have firmly rejected claims of discord. Siddaramaiah has reiterated that he enjoys the confidence of the party leadership and will complete his full five-year term, dismissing speculation about a rotational chief minister arrangement.

Shivakumar, too, has termed reports of rifts as media speculation and opposition propaganda. “Aren’t the Chief Minister and I working like brothers? I have no differences with any Congress leader,” he had said earlier, adding that any decision on leadership would be taken by the party high command at an appropriate time and would be accepted by all.

The speculation largely revolves around an alleged internal understanding that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for 2.5 years. Siddaramaiah was sworn in on May 20, 2023, and a leadership change was widely anticipated around November last year when the government crossed the halfway mark of its term. When no such change occurred, some MLAs considered close to Shivakumar reportedly travelled to Delhi to press their demands.

However, the Congress has repeatedly denied the existence of any power-sharing agreement and has maintained that Siddaramaiah will complete the full term as Chief Minister.

Responding to reports of MLAs visiting Delhi, Shivakumar said factionalism was not in his nature and reaffirmed his support for Siddaramaiah’s continuation. “All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. Groupism is not in my blood. Both the Chief Minister and I have always said we abide by the high command,” he stated.

He also noted that it was natural for legislators to meet the party leadership to seek positions ahead of a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the BJP has continued to target the Karnataka Congress leadership, alleging that the ruling party is consumed by an internal power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar instead of focusing on governance.