Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Conflict in West Asia hits foundries of Shivamogga, industries fear temporary closure

Medium-scale industries manufacturing metal castings in Machenahalli Industrial Area near Shivamogga are severely hit by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Facing the shortage in the supply of raw materials, along with rising logistics costs, industrialists fear they may have to halt production if the conflict continues for a few more weeks.

The industrial area is known for foundry and allied industries. About 120 units have been active in the area, providing direct employment to about 8,000 people. Altogether, about 12,000 families are dependent on the industrial activity. These units export their products to the USA, Europe, Australia and other countries.

2. Mysuru railway division registers record passenger revenue, strong commercial growth

Mysuru division of South Western Railways (SWR) has recorded exceptional performance during the financial year 2025–26, achieving several milestones across passenger, freight, and non-fare revenue segments. The division registered its highest-ever passenger revenue of ₹449.13 crore, surpassing the previous record of ₹419.89 crore.

Ticket checking earnings reached an all-time high of ₹9.75 crore, exceeding both the previous best and the annual target. In the non-fare revenue streams, significant growth was observed with the division earning record earnings in commercial publicity (₹3.17 crore), parking (₹4.02 crore), and catering (₹2.61 crore), all surpassing previous financial year figures.

3. There will be no let-up in efforts to trace and arrest murder accused: Mangaluru Police Commissioner

Indirectly referring to the recent murder of crime accused Arif Hussain in Ullal, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that there will not be any let-up in efforts to trace the culprits. “The city police will not allow this incident to slow down the work of catching absconding accused and execution of non-bailable warrants…” he said.

Mr. Reddy said, “There is clear instruction from my side to trace and arrest the actual accused persons.” Stating that it is not in the hands of the police to prevent any crime, he said, “What is important is to catch the culprits and book them for the crime. The accused should be afraid of the law.”

4. Traffic diverted from old bridge to new bridge across Kabini river on Mysuru-Nanjangud stretch of NH 766

Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru G. Lakshmikant Reddy issued orders on April 2, 2026, to temporarily divert vehicular traffic from the old bridge to the new bridge across river Kabini along National Highway 766 near Nanjangud town to facilitate the reconstruction of the old bridge.

The National Highway 766 from the border of Kerala state towards Kollegal section near Nanjangud town has two major bridges across river Kabini, one of which is new and the other is old. Traffic from Mysuru to Nanjangud currently moves over the newly constructed bridge while the traffic from Nanjangud to Mysuru is using the old bridge.