News without the noise · Bengaluru Edition
Monday, April 20, 2026 · 119 stories
The India Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures in Bengaluru could reach 38°C in the coming days, exceeding the city's typical April average. A study by the Indian Institute of Science identifies at least 65 wards as water-stressed this summer due to falling groundwater levels, with nearly half of the city's borewells having run dry, particularly in peripheral areas.
The Karnataka government plans to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding bike taxi regulations, seeking to resolve legal uncertainty after conflicting high court rulings. Uber's data indicates bike taxis complement rather than replace auto-rickshaws in Bengaluru, with over 500,000 users taking their first Uber trip on a bike since 2024.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has questioned the Union government over delays in the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged completion within 40 months in 2022, but the deadline has now been extended to 2030. The project, approved in 2020 for a 148-km network, has faced setbacks including contract terminations and disputes over land acquisition and technical expertise between state and central authorities. Recent tenders have been awarded for parts of Corridor-2, while other corridors remain pending.
Japan was hit by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, issuing a tsunami warning for waves up to three metres (10 feet). A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings,Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Monday.
A mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana resulted in the deaths of eight children aged between 1 and 14 years. Police responded to a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the victims, with some reported to be related to a deceased man also at the scene. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspected gunman or the victims.
BJP leader Anurag Thakur stated that southern states' combined Lok Sabha representation would increase from 23.76% to 23.90% after delimitation, countering opposition claims that the process would disadvantage the region. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, he provided projected seat increases for southern states including Karnataka, which would gain 14 additional seats under the proposed formula.
Iraq's largest parliamentary bloc, the Shia Coordination Framework, faces an April 26 constitutional deadline to nominate a prime minister amid internal divisions. The selection process involves balancing influence between the U.S. and Iran, with the U.S. opposing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy. Iran's Quds Force head visited Baghdad to mediate, as the outcome could affect Iraq's economy and security amid regional tensions.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns the risk of a larger earthquake, potentially measuring 8.0 or higher, is elevated for the next week. Thousands were evacuated, bullet trains were affected, and 100 homes lost power, though no major damage or injuries were immediately reported.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake off northern Japan prompted tsunami alerts, which were later downgraded. Authorities advised a higher risk of a mega-quake in the following week compared to normal times, though the immediate tsunami threat has passed.
Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-1 in a Premier League match, reducing the gap to the league leaders to three points with a game in hand. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, ending his league scoring drought since February.
A Paraguayan football match between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño was suspended after 29 minutes due to clashes between fans and police, resulting in injuries. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas in response to violence sparked by firecrackers smuggled into the stadium, leading to about 100 detentions and at least six officers injured.
The combination of Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett and Vijaykumar Vyshak gives PBKS variety in their bowling attack at IPL 2026.