(PTI)Kannada activists have withdrawn their bandh call after meeting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday, as proceedings in the state Assembly commenced.
The Cauvery water dispute remains a politically sensitive issue in Karnataka, with farmers' groups and Kannada organisations repeatedly staging protests over the matter.Karnataka Bandh Today: Security was increased in protest-sensitive Mandya district.(PTI)Kannada activists have withdrawn their bandh call after meeting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday, as proceedings in the state Assembly commenced. "All the Kannada activists met me. They have withdrawn their bandh call," Shivakumar told news agency ANI.The Chief Minister also noted that Thursday marked the first day of the Assembly session. "Today is the first day of the Assembly after I took over as the Chief Minister. I thank all the activists," he said.The statewide bandh in the southern state over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute was called by Kannada organisations. Protests were reported in Mandya district, while normal life remained largely unaffected in Bengaluru and Mysuru.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe Karnataka bandh was called off after Kannada activists met with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who acknowledged their concerns and thanked them for withdrawing the protest as the state Assembly session commenced.The Cauvery water dispute centers on the allocation of river water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Karnataka seeking to meet its own water needs while Tamil Nadu relies on the river for agriculture in its fertile delta.Normal life remained largely unaffected in major cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru, although protests were reported in Mandya district, indicating a mixed impact from the bandh.CM Shivakumar emphasized the need to protect Karnataka's farmers while also complying with court orders related to the Cauvery water-sharing directives.Kannada organizations have stated their stance is not against sharing water with Tamil Nadu but advocate for actions to ensure Karnataka's water needs are safeguarded, including improvements to water storage and infrastructure.The Cauvery water dispute remains a politically sensitive issue in Karnataka, with farmers' groups and Kannada organisations repeatedly staging protests over the matter.Earlier, demonstrations were reported from multiple parts of Karnataka after the bandh was announced. Police stepped up security and deployed additional personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.In rural Bengaluru, authorities put preventive arrangements in place, particularly in areas along the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border and on key routes linking the two states.The protesting groups said their stand was not against sharing Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu. However, they sought steps to safeguard Karnataka's water needs, including progress on the proposed Mekedatu project and measures to strengthen the state's water storage and supply infrastructure.The bandh was called off after representatives of the Kannada organisations met Shivakumar and held discussions with him. The Chief Minister later thanked the groups for withdrawing the protest call.The decision came as the Karnataka Legislative Assembly began its session, with water-related concerns and other demands from various sections of the state continuing to feature among the key issues before the government.Shivakumar's remarks indicate that the bandh has been withdrawn for now following discussions between the government and the Kannada groups.What is the Cauvery row?The Cauvery dispute centres on the sharing of water from the river between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, particularly the quantity Karnataka is required to release to its neighbouring state.The Cauvery originates in Karnataka, passes through Tamil Nadu and eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal. Karnataka maintains that it must retain sufficient water to meet the drinking and irrigation needs of its people, particularly during periods of poor rainfall and low reservoir levels. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, relies on the river for farming in its fertile Cauvery delta and insists that Karnat
A government notification issued in Karnataka has caused some confusion. Here's what it actually says, and doesn't say.The Commissioner of Food Safety issued this order in Bengaluru on 15 June 2026. It was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety Act. This is read alongside Regulation 2.3.4 of related sales rules. The ban became effective on 10 August while the authorities made the official announcement on 12 August.The notification prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of specific items. First, it bans gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. These are chewing tobacco products commonly sold across India.Second, it targets a specific workaround some sellers use. Products marketed separately but designed for consumer mixing are also banned. This includes items packaged individually yet deceptively sold together.The intent is clear: prevent sellers from deliberately splitting banned products. They cannot sell tobacco and masala separately to dodge the law.This restriction currently covers the entire state of Karnataka. It remains effective for one year from the date of issuance.A press note dated 12 August 2026 confirmed the same. It described ongoing enforcement drives against tobacco-containing products broadly. However, the underlying legal order remains focused specifically on gutkha and pan masala.Meanwhile, many people are wondering if cigarettes are banned in Karnataka. After all, thousands of smokers live and work in the state capital, Bengaluru, the premier IT hub in the country.So, are cigarettes banned in Karnataka?No, cigarettes are not banned under this notification.This order falls under food safety regulations, not tobacco law. Gutkha and pan masala are legally classified as food products. This happens because they're directly chewed or ingested by consumers.Cigarettes work differently, as they're smoked rather than eaten. This places them under an entirely separate regulatory framework instead.The relevant law for cigarettes is the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), enacted back in 2003. It's a central law, not a state food safety measure.COTPA regulates cigarette advertising, packaging and mandatory health warnings nationally. It also governs smoking bans in public places across India. Sales to minors and near schools are similarly restricted under it.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare administers COTPA at the national level. Enforcement happens locally through State and District Tobacco Control Cells. In Karnataka, the Health and Family Welfare Department specifically handles this.Essentially, India runs two separate regulatory systems for tobacco products. Chewable products like gutkha are subject to food safety rules. Smoked products like cigarettes fall under COTPA instead.This explains how Karnataka's recent notification excludes cigarettes. It simply isn't the right legal tool for regulating cigarettes.One point remains slightly unclear, worth flagging. Loose tobacco sold specifically for hand-rolling could arguably fit the "separate mixing" clause. However, no official clarification currently confirms this interpretation.Manufactured pre-rolled cigarettes, though, remain clearly outside the scope of this notification. They continue to be sold and regulated exactly as before.Therefore, Karnataka's notification bans gutkha, pan masala, and similar mixable tobacco products. Cigarettes remain legal. No new restrictions on cigarette sales have been introduced through this order.About the AuthorSounak MukhopadhyaySounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storyt
Recently, the Food Safety and Drug Administration took action after a surprise inspection at the Zepto Warehouse in Bengaluru. The unit was sealed over multiple violations of food safety norms, added a press release obtained by ANI.Zomato warehouses witness inspections in Bengaluru- here's what we knowJust a day after sealing a Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru over alleged unhygienic conditions and safety violations, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department have reportedly inspected Zomato's warehouse in the city on Wednesday. This comes after a report claims that the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) also visited a Hyperpure by Zomato unit at Sakalawara on Tuesday.Inspection at Hyperpure by ZomatoNDTV reported that the officials reached the Hyperpure by Zomato facility located on Bannerghatta Road to inspect the food items. However, no official statement has been issued by the team.Previous alleged violationsEarlier, Times of India reported that the FDA team flagged lapses in labelling, licensing and storage of several items at the Sakalawara facility, which was supplying food and other products to multiple hotels. However, it was said that the premises of the warehouse were found to be clean and tidy during the inspection, added the department.During the inspection, officials reportedly found 146 kg of chicken without the FSSAI licence number of the manufacturer, while 40 kg of garlic was said to be sourced from a manufacturer whose FSSAI licence was not valid. The team also found alleged mislabelling on 300 kg of rice, 20 kg of dry fruits and 15 kg of masala in the packaged products of the facility. Besides these, 10 kg of imported radish pickle was reportedly not stored in a refrigerated area, as per requirement.The report added that the department collected 40 samples, consisting of five legal samples and 35 survey samples, for further investigation. Reportedly, the FDA has issued a notice to the Zomato Hyperpure unit, adding that further legal action would be taken as per provisions.Zepto warehouse sealed: What is happening in BengaluruFood safety officials have stepped up their inspections in recent days.The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has sealed a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district following a surprise visit.The inspection was carried out to check the quality, safety, storage, labelling and handling of food products as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and FSSAI Rules, 2011, reported ANI.As per the official release, due to the unhygienic conditions observed at the warehouse, the department sealed the facility with immediate effect."The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department will take strict legal action against food business operators found violating food safety regulations," the news agency quoted the Commissioner from the release.The department aims to continue conducting special inspection drives to ensure public access to safe, quality and hygienic food.About the AuthorSneha BiswasSneha Biswas specialises in covering entertainment and pop culture, with a specialisation on Bollywood, Hollywood, OTT platforms, K-pop, K-dramas, and major developments in the US entertainment industry. She believes in telling stories that balance speed with substance, and in making entertainment journalism contextual, culturally aware, and reader-first rather than purely reactive. With over six years of experience in digital media, Sneha currently serves as a Deputy Chief Content Producer at Live Mint. She has spent more than three and a half years with the HT Group and returned to the organisation in February 2025, joining Live Mint to uplift the entertainment section. Over the past year, she has been closely involved in entertainment coverage including breaking news, explainers, trend reporting, box office reports and analysis for the audience. Sneha is Google News certified, having completed training focused on newsroom be
Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration has issued a detailed 12-point advisory to hotels, restaurants and catering services, directing strict compliance with hygiene and food safety norms amid intensified inspections across the state.Circular Directs Strict Compliance With Hygiene, Storage And Waste Management Norms(X/@harishupadhya)The Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Karnataka, has issued a 12-point advisory to hotels, restaurants, catering services and other food business operators, directing them to strictly comply with food safety and hygiene norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2011 and FSSAI rules.The circular, dated August 11, comes amid intensified inspections across the state and outlines guidelines relating to food handlers, premises, storage, transportation and waste management.Hygiene And Storage GuidelinesThe department directed food business operators to ensure that food premises are clean, hygienic and properly maintained, while food-contact surfaces, utensils and equipment are cleaned regularly. Food handlers have also been advised to wear clean uniforms, headgear and gloves and maintain personal hygiene.The advisory stated that only good quality raw materials should be used and that ingredients must be stored in clean and hygienic conditions. Expired and substandard ingredients should be discarded, while food items should be properly labelled and stored.It directed operators to prepare food hygienically and keep cooked and raw food separately to prevent contamination. Hot food should be maintained above 60 degrees Celsius, while cold and frozen food should be kept below 4 degrees Celsius and minus 18 degrees Celsius, respectively. Separate utensils and containers should be used for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.Health Checks And Staff RequirementsThe department also directed food handlers to undergo health check-ups and said sick workers should not handle food. Frequent handwashing was emphasised, while a designated Food Safety Supervisor with FoSTaC certification must be appointed.Transportation And Water StandardsThe advisory further stated that food transportation vehicles should be clean and covered, with separate transportation for raw and cooked food advised. Temperature control should also be maintained during transit.Only potable water approved for drinking should be used for cooking and cleaning, and water tanks should be cleaned and tested regularly. Clean toilets with proper handwashing facilities should be provided for staff and customers.Pest Control And Waste ManagementThe department directed food establishments to remain free of pests and undertake regular pest control. Waste bins should be covered and cleared regularly, with open dumping prohibited and waste disposed of only through authorised agencies.Food operators were also instructed to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food and immediately discard food showing fungal growth. Details of allergens should be displayed, while nutritional information should be provided wherever applicable.The advisory also stated that used cooking oil must not be reused and should be disposed of only through authorised agencies.Warning Of Legal ActionThe department warned that violations would attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act."All hotels, restaurants, canteens and catering units must follow these guidelines. Non-compliance will lead to legal action including closure and penalties," the Commissioner stated in the release.The advisory has been circulated to all district food safety officers for implementation and public awareness.About the AuthorAnjali ThakurAnjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-
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