Latest news with #DKShivakumar


Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka's Nandini holds strong as one of India's top food & beverage brands in 2025 rankings: Report
Nandini, the flagship dairy brand of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), has once again cemented its position among India's elite in the food and beverage space. In the latest 2025 rankings released by global brand valuation firm Brand Finance, Nandini retained its fourth spot, standing tall alongside industry heavyweights like Amul, Mother Dairy, Britannia, and Dabur, news agency PTI reported. Customers at a Nandini milk shop in Bengaluru.(PTI) ALSO READ | Fresh row erupts over Amul kiosks at Bengaluru metro stations "In its latest report, Nandini has demonstrated remarkable progress, climbing from 43 in 2024 to 38 in 2025 among the Top 100 Most Valuable Indian Brands. The brand's valuation rose to USD 1,079 million, reflecting an impressive increase of USD 139 million in brand value over the previous year," the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) said in a statement accessed by news agency PTI. KMF expressed pride in Nandini's continued presence among the top-tier, with the brand trailing only behind Amul (#1), Mother Dairy (#2), and Britannia (#3), while staying ahead of several other major players including Dabur (#5). ALSO READ | DK Shivakumar says Nandini will get space in 8 metro stations, amid political row over Amul outlets in Bengaluru These rankings, which reflect not just financial value but also intangible factors like consumer trust, market share, goodwill and brand loyalty, serve as a benchmark for brand strength and influence. A high position on this list is a signal of enduring consumer confidence and competitive edge, the report stated. Nandini's consistent climb in valuation highlights its growing resonance with consumers, particularly in South India, reinforcing its reputation for quality and reliability in a crowded marketplace. ALSO READ | From Nandini milk to Namma Metro: How Bengaluru's cost of living has skyrocketed in a year "We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued consumers, dedicated farmers, trusted partners, and committed teams. Your continued trust and unwavering support have been the driving force behind Nandini's growth and recognition. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering value, nourishment, and reliability--every single day. Together, we will continue to strengthen Nandini's legacy and reach new milestones," KMF's MD B Shivaswamy said, as quoted by the agency. (With inputs from PTI)


Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru commuters brace for toll hikes on elevated expressway starting July 2025: Report
Starting July 1, 2025, commuters on the Bengaluru Elevated Expressway, which runs from Central Silk Board to Electronics City and further toward Attibele near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, will need to pay higher tolls. The revised rates are based on inflation-linked adjustments using the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as of March 31, 2025, The News Minute reported. Bengaluru elevated expressway toll hike: At the Attibele toll plaza, charges apply only to four-wheelers and larger vehicles. (Parveen Kumar/ HT Photo)((Representative image)) The hike affects both the elevated portion (8.765 km to 18.750 km) and the ground-level stretch extending 33.130 km up to Attibele, the report stated. Under the new toll structure, cars, jeeps, and vans will now pay ₹ 65 for a one-way trip, ₹ 95 for a same-day return, and ₹ 1,885 for a monthly pass, according to the report. ALSO READ | BESCOM announces 7-hour power outage across Bengaluru on Sunday. Check areas list: Report Two-wheelers, allowed only on certain stretches, will be charged ₹ 25 per single trip. Buses and trucks face a sharper hike, with charges of ₹ 175 for a single journey and ₹ 5,275 for a monthly pass. Multi-axle vehicles (MAVs) must pay ₹ 350 per trip and ₹ 10,550 monthly. At the Attibele toll plaza, located at the 32.7 km mark, charges apply only to four-wheelers and larger vehicles. Cars will be billed ₹ 40 per trip and ₹ 1,130 monthly. MAVs will need to pay ₹ 265 per trip and ₹ 7,915 for a monthly pass. Meanwhile, two-wheelers continue to be exempt at this toll point. ALSO READ | Bengaluru to get new stadium with 60,000 seating capacity, says DK Shivakumar. More details These revised tolls have been released by Bangalore Elevated Tollway Pvt Ltd (BETPL), the agency overseeing the operation and upkeep of this section of National Highway 44 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the report added.


Hans India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Kempegowda led a life of Vishwamanava: DKS
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has lauded Bengaluru's founder Kempegowda as a 'Vishwamanava'. Speaking at an event organised to celebrate the 516th birth anniversary of Kempegowda, he said, 'Kempegowda was born a Vokkaliga but he lived a life of a 'Vishwamanava'. He has left an indelible mark on our society.' He also laid the foundation stone for Kempegowda Bhavana and awarded Kempegowda awards. 'Bengaluru is making waves around the world, but we should not forget that Kempegowda was the one who laid the foundation for the modern Bengaluru. He spread the message of secularism by giving opportunities to all sections of the society.' 'I would like to send out a message to our community. Nobody seeks to be born in a particular community. Dharma must be part of politics, but politics has no place in dharma. Kempegowda belongs to all communities, he is an asset of the society.' 'Managing Benglauru is not an easy task. I have been trying to give the city a new shape keeping in mind the scale and size of the city. Tunnel road and elevated roads are getting ready. Projects worth over Rs one lakh are being planned for Bengaluru.' 'We are planning a new 60,000-seater stadium. A land parcel of 50 acres has been identified for the purpose. We are also fighting the garbage mafia. Our government is trying to do whatever it takes to develop the city,' he said. 'We should not forget three Ks- Kempegowda the founder of Bengaluru, Kengel Hanumanthaiah who built the Vidhana Soudha and SM Krishna who built the Vikasa Soudha,' he said. 'We got the approval of the Cabinet for five-acre land for Kempegowda Bhavana in just one week. We have allocated Rs 100 crore for the Kempegowda Bhavana, a few architects have submitted the design concepts. This will be brought to the attention of Sri Nirmalananda Swamiji,' he noted. 'When I was the Energy minister, we worked out the modalities for celebrating Kempegowda jayanthi. Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji cleared the air about the exact date of Kempegowda's birthday. This effort was the prelude to these celebrations today. I would like Kempegowda Jayanthi to be celebrated across the state,' he added.


Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru electricity board makes smart meters mandatory for new rural connections from July 1
Starting July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) will enforce a new rule mandating smart meter installations for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction. The move follows directives from the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), aimed at modernising the power distribution system across the state. Bengaluru electricity board makes smart meters mandatory for new rural connections from July 1 Also Read - Bengaluru to get new stadium with 60,000 seating capacity, says DK Shivakumar. More details According to a statement released by BESCOM, the initiative to roll out smart meters began in Bengaluru and other urban areas under its control on February 15, 2025. With this latest announcement, the utility is now expanding the programme to cover its rural regions as well. Consumers applying for new or short-term electricity connections in rural areas will be required to purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets before completing the connection process. The company clarified that this shift aligns with KERC's official guidelines issued on March 6, 2024, and that smart meter implementation has been proceeding in a phased manner since then. Also Read - Safety scare: Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru halts due to 'hot axle'. What is it and how it happens What are smart meters? Unlike conventional meters, smart meters come equipped with GPRS or RF-based communication systems, enabling them to transmit real-time usage data through cloud and server connections. Powered by Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the devices allow seamless two-way communication between BESCOM and consumers. Smart meters also offer significant advantages for end users. Through a dedicated mobile application, consumers can track their electricity usage, voltage levels, and power factor in real time. Prepaid functionalities allow users to recharge for a specific duration, providing greater control over consumption. In case of disconnection due to non-payment, power can be instantly restored upon bill settlement. Additionally, BESCOM is gearing up to introduce a new digital platform to improve transparency and responsiveness in handling consumer complaints. This portal, aimed at strengthening the grievance redressal system, was first announced in May by BESCOM Managing Director N Sivashankar during a workshop held in collaboration with KERC and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall.


Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru to get new stadium with 60,000 seating capacity, says DK Shivakumar. More details
In a significant development following the tragic stampede at Bengaluru's iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this month, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday announced plans for a brand new stadium in the city. The upcoming venue, which will seat 60,000 people, is aimed at easing congestion and improving crowd management during major public events. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. (PTI) Also Read - College student conned by cab drivers at Bengaluru airport, pays ₹ 4,220 for ride till JP Nagar: Report Though the exact location of the new stadium has not been disclosed yet, Shivakumar confirmed that the government has identified a suitable land parcel and will reveal full details soon. 'We have finalised land for a new stadium in Bengaluru. The proposed capacity is 60,000 seats. More information will be shared shortly,' he said, speaking to reporters. This move comes in the wake of a deadly stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebration on June 4 near Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed the lives of 11 people and left several others injured. The incident sparked outrage across the state and prompted strong criticism of the authorities for inadequate crowd control. Chinnaswamy Stadium, located in the heart of the city, has long been a bottleneck during cricket matches and large-scale public events. With a capacity of around 35,000, the stadium was overwhelmed on June 4 when more than three lakh fans reportedly gathered in and around the venue, far exceeding official crowd estimates and police preparedness. The resulting chaos led to a deadly crush and a political storm over administrative lapses. Also Read - Kannadiga man shares 'concern' as he predicts locals may disappear from Bengaluru in 10 years In the aftermath, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged the need for decongesting the city centre. He had hinted at plans to relocate the cricket stadium to a more accessible and less crowded location. 'The government will examine options for shifting the stadium. Such a tragedy should never happen again. It has deeply pained me,' he said after the incident. To prevent such disasters in the future, the state government has also undertaken disciplinary action. Several senior police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, were suspended, a move that has drawn both public and political scrutiny. As part of a broader ₹ 1 lakh crore investment in Bengaluru's infrastructure, the new stadium will be built alongside projects such as flyovers and tunnel roads. 'Kempegowda envisioned a world-class Bengaluru. With his vision as our inspiration, we are committed to making this city better,' Shivakumar added.