Karnataka Home Minister and IT Minister Priyank Kharge
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
1. U.S. Green Card curbs could accelerate India’s shift to high-value tech work: Karnataka’s IT Minister
The Donald Trump administration’s suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for major IT outsourcing companies could pose challenges for Indian technology firms operating in the United States, but may also accelerate India’s emergence as a global hub for research, product development, and artificial intelligence, IT Minister Priyank Kharge said.
In a post on X, the Minister said the move could have ‘complex and potentially far-reaching’ consequences for India’s technology industry. For Indian IT services companies, the Minister said, the developments could translate into higher operating costs in the US, difficulties in retaining experienced professionals, and reduced flexibility in moving Indian employees to client locations.
2. Lakshadweep, Pune, Ras Al Khaimah in winter schedule of Mangaluru International Airport
Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) will offer passengers an expanded network and enhanced travel options under the forthcoming Winter schedule starting in the last week of October. Compared to the ongoing summer schedule, the winter schedule will witness an increase in overall weekly flight movements from 181 to 195, a net addition of 14.
On the international front, the winter schedule marks a significant capacity enhancement across the Gulf sector. Air India Express will resume flights to Kuwait, and add Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE as a new sector from Mangaluru. The airline will increase frequency of flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, and Bahrain, increasing weekly departures from Mangaluru from 34 to 45.
3. NIMHANS launches online course to train faculty as student well-being ambassadors
To strengthen campus mental health support and facilitate timely referrals for students in distress, NIMHANS-Bengaluru will launch an online certificate course for Student Wellbeing Ambassadors in higher education institutions. To be launched on World Mental Health Day on October 10, the self-paced course will be offered through the NIMHANS Digital Academy by the institute’s Department of Clinical Psychology.
The first batch will accommodate up to 350 participants, with applications open until October 30. Classes are scheduled to begin in November. The course is open to faculty members from any discipline, wardens, deans, and student welfare officers who have at least three years of service remaining, and are nominated by their institutions.
4. Expired products seized during inspection of ice cream units in Karnataka
Expired food products were seized from two ice cream establishments in Bengaluru during a Statewide inspection drive on October 8 covering 45 manufacturing units. Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officials also found unhygienic conditions at a unit in Raichur, and labelling violations at units in Bengaluru and Mysuru.
The officials collected 70 samples of ice cream and ingredients, including milk, milk powder, flavouring substances, sugar, and food additives, for testing in government laboratories. The drive was conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, according to the department. Inspections would continue across Karnataka.
5. Dasara book chariot sets out to promote Kannada literature
A chariot carrying the message of reading books and promoting Kannada literature was flagged off by writer and State Intelligence Department DIG Dr. Dharanidevi Malagatti in Mysuru on October 9 as part of the Dasara celebrations.
The Dasara Kannada Book Fair chariot was flagged off in front of Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple by the Kannada and Culture Department, Mysuru Dasara Mahotsava Committee, and Kannada Book Authority.
Published – October 09, 2026 06:08 pm IST
