News without the noise · Bengaluru Edition
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · 13 stories
Customs officers at Kempegowda International Airport seized 26.2kg of hydroponic ganja from passengers arriving from Bangkok, with an estimated illicit market value of Rs 9.1 crore. The contraband was intercepted through targeted operations based on risk profiling, leading to arrests under the NDPS Act.
A man armed with a pickaxe attempted to vandalize the statue of former chief minister R Gundu Rao at Shantala Circle. An assistant sub-inspector sustained a facial injury while intervening, and the suspect was arrested with public assistance. Police stated the accused was intoxicated and had no clear motive for the act.
Industrial workers in Bengaluru report that wage increases have not kept pace with rising living costs, leading to protests. Several factories remain closed following these demonstrations.
The Maharashtra state government has announced plans to enforce stricter licensing requirements for taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers, including a mandate for proficiency in the Marathi language. This policy aims to regulate the transport sector more effectively, potentially affecting driver eligibility and operations in the state.
India will host Foreign Ministers-level meetings of both the BRICS grouping and the Quad alliance in May 2026. The BRICS meeting will mark the first face-to-face encounter between Iranian and United Arab Emirates officials since conflict began with a U.S.-Israel attack on Iran in February 2026.
An Israeli strike on the Shati refugee camp in Gaza resulted in multiple fatalities on Tuesday night. Victims were recorded being transported to medical facilities following the attack.
A boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, with about 250 people reported missing. The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine individuals on April 9, and the incident was attributed to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.
The Chennai Super Kings cricket team secured consecutive victories for the first time since April 2024. Samson led the team in scoring, while bowler Noor Ahmad contributed with figures of 3 wickets for 21 runs.