The Karnataka government has introduced a new option in the Midday Meal Scheme for students in government schools — allowing parents to choose between eggs or bananas for their children.
This decision is aimed at addressing the dietary preferences and nutritional needs of students across the state. While eggs are a rich source of protein, bananas are preferred in vegetarian households and provide essential energy and micronutrients.
Under this scheme, parents will be asked to indicate their preference for their child’s midday meal, ensuring that the food served aligns with cultural, religious, and personal choices. The move is expected to improve meal acceptance rates and reduce wastage in schools.
Karnataka has been one of the states to offer eggs in the midday meal menu, but this has sometimes faced resistance from vegetarian communities. The introduction of a fruit alternative is seen as a balanced solution to meet both nutritional and cultural needs.
The government is working with school authorities to roll out the choice-based menu in a phased manner, starting with districts where the midday meal program already includes eggs.
This step is part of the state’s broader push to enhance child nutrition and education outcomes, ensuring that every student has access to healthy meals that suit their preferences.
In a significant development for urban mobility, the Karnataka High Court has upheld a state government directive mandating the cessation of bike taxi services, including those operated by major aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. This ruling, effective from June 16, 2025, has brought an abrupt halt to bike taxi operations across the state, impacting thousands of commuters and gig workers.
The Karnataka High Court’s decision followed a directive from the state government, which had previously ordered bike taxi operators to halt services. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that failure to comply would result in strict enforcement actions. The government maintains that using privately registered two-wheelers for commercial purposes is illegal, a stance it has upheld throughout ongoing legal proceedings
📉 Industry Response and Impact
Rapido, a prominent player in the bike taxi segment, announced the suspension of its services in Karnataka in compliance with the court’s order. The company expressed its commitment to abiding by the directive while highlighting the adverse effects on its operations and the livelihoods of its riders .
Similarly, Ola and Uber have ceased their bike taxi services in the state. Users attempting to book bike rides through these platforms are now redirected to alternative services or informed of the unavailability of bike taxis in Karnataka.
💼 Gig Workers and Public Sentiment
The ban has sparked widespread protests from gig workers who rely on bike taxi services for their livelihoods. Many riders have expressed concerns over the sudden loss of income, with some urging political leaders to intervene and seek a reversal of the ban
Public sentiment has also turned against the ban, with commuters voicing frustrations over the loss of an affordable and convenient mode of transportation. The hashtag #KarnatakaWantsBikeTaxis has gained traction on social media platforms, reflecting the widespread discontent among the public .
⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Context
The Karnataka High Court’s decision aligns with the state’s position that bike taxi services operate in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. The court had previously granted aggregators six weeks to cease operations, with the final deadline expiring on June 15, 2025 .
The government’s stance has been further reinforced by the withdrawal of the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme in 2024, citing safety concerns and misuse of the scheme by operators
🔄 Looking Ahead
As the ban takes effect, stakeholders from various sectors, including the technology and transportation industries, are calling for a structured policy framework to regulate bike taxi services. Advocacy groups like Nasscom have urged the government to develop clear guidelines that balance safety, fairness, and innovation in urban mobility
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between the government, industry players, and worker associations. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the future of bike taxi services in Karnataka and potentially set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.
Bengaluru – June 2025: In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.
“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.
The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.
The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.
While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:
Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.
If approved, the relocation would involve:
Identification and acquisition of suitable land
Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site
The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.
As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.
