Entertainment

DRI Slaps โ‚น102 Crore Penalty on Kannada Actress Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case


National | September 1, 2025

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has imposed a staggering penalty of โ‚น102 crore on Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with a gold smuggling case that surfaced earlier this year.

According to officials, the investigation revealed her alleged involvement in facilitating large-scale smuggling operations, with links traced across international routes. The penalty is among the most significant financial actions taken against a public figure in recent years.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Details of the Case

  • The case came to light in early 2025 when DRI intercepted a series of smuggling consignments.
  • Investigations reportedly pointed towards financial and logistical support traced back to the actress.
  • The penalty of โ‚น102 crore has been imposed under customs and anti-smuggling regulations.

The action has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film industry, where Ranya Rao had built a name for herself with key performances.

Industry and Public Reaction
While the actress has yet to release an official statement, legal experts suggest she may appeal the penalty in higher courts. The case has reignited discussions on the intersection of glamour, finance, and crime in Indiaโ€™s entertainment sector.

Why This Matters
This development underscores the seriousness with which Indian authorities are cracking down on financial crimes, particularly smuggling operations with international linkages. It also places celebrities under heightened scrutiny given their influence and visibility.

๐Ÿ“– Stay tuned for updates on this case and more enforcement news at allycaral.com

EduConnect

Karnataka Offers Parents a Choice in Midday Meals: Eggs or Bananas


The Karnataka government has introduced a new option in the Midday Meal Scheme for students in government schools โ€” 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 childโ€™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 stateโ€™s broader push to enhance child nutrition and education outcomes, ensuring that every student has access to healthy meals that suit their preferences.

EduConnect

Bengaluru University Renamed to Manmohan Singh University in Honor of Former PM


The Karnataka government has announced the renaming of the iconic Bengaluru University to Manmohan Singh University, honoring the legacy of the former Prime Minister and renowned economist, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The decision was made official during a state education reform summit, where government officials highlighted Dr. Singhโ€™s pivotal role in modernizing Indiaโ€™s economy and advocating for inclusive education. The university, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Karnataka, will retain its academic structure and curriculum, but will now operate under the new name starting the upcoming academic year.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, widely respected for initiating Indiaโ€™s economic liberalization in 1991 as Finance Minister, has also been credited with strengthening higher education and promoting evidence-based policymaking during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

State Education Minister R. Venkatesh stated, โ€œThis renaming is not just symbolic. It reflects our commitment to the values of intellectual excellence, integrity, and nation-building that Dr. Singh represents.โ€

The move has sparked a mix of reactions. While many have welcomed the decision as a fitting tribute, others have questioned the renaming of a historically regional institution after a national leader.

Regardless, the university community is preparing to embrace the change with a series of academic events, lectures, and public discussions dedicated to Dr. Singhโ€™s contributions.

#TravelwithAllycaral ๐Ÿ‘’

Auto Rickshaw Fares in Bengaluru Hiked After 4 Years: What Commuters Need to Know


In a significant update for daily commuters, the Karnataka government has approved a hike in auto rickshaw fares in Bengaluru. This is the first such revision in almost four years, aimed at addressing the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, as well as demands from auto unions.

New Fare Structure:

  • Base Fare: โ‚น36 for the first 1.9 kilometers
  • After 1.9 km: โ‚น18 per kilometer

This fare hike comes after multiple representations by auto drivers’ associations, who argued that operational costs had increased substantially over the years due to fuel prices, maintenance charges, and inflation.

Why the Hike Now?

The last fare revision took place nearly four years ago, in a pre-COVID era. Since then, both fuel prices and the cost of living in Bengaluru have gone up significantly. Auto drivers have been pushing for an increase to keep up with rising expenses, and this latest revision is seen as a move to balance their needs with commuter affordability.

Public Reaction

Commuters have expressed mixed reactions. While some agree that the hike was long overdue and justified, others are concerned about the rising cost of travel in a city already known for its expensive transportation options.

Whatโ€™s Next?

Transport officials have assured that meters in auto rickshaws will be calibrated soon to reflect the new fare structure. Authorities are also encouraging commuters to report any overcharging or fare violations through the appropriate channels.

As Bengaluru continues to grow, the cityโ€™s transport systemsโ€”including autosโ€”are adapting to economic realities. While this fare hike might pinch a bit, it’s also a step toward sustainable urban mobility for drivers and commuters alike.

#TravelwithAllycaral ๐Ÿ‘’

Karnataka Government Considers Relocating Chinnaswamy Stadium: CM Siddaramaiah


Bengaluru โ€“ June 2025:
In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnatakaโ€™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 Indiaโ€™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.

โ€œWe are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,โ€ 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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.