belagavi l tuesday l september 08, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 14 l late city EDITION LPG refill booking gap cut to 25 days for domestic consumers The Centre has directed oil marketing companies to revise inter-refill booking interval for domestic LPG consumers in rural areas to 25 days Move follows dip in refill backlog U.S. now largest supplier of lpg imports The earlier interval for refill booking for rural consumers was 45 days. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Monday that the decision follows an improvement in LPG supply situation and a reduction in refill backlog. He shared a copy of the letter issued by Petroleum Ministry to OMCs to immediately implement the decision ■ ■ Owing to the West Asia situation, LPG was the worst-hit fuel as India imports nearly 60% of its domestic requirement, with around 90% of those imports sourced from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait Recently, India significantly diversified its LPG imports, with the United States emerging as the country’s largest supplier | P12 63,810 tonnes a day is india’s daily lpg production CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Defence ministry Feels like summer... Bengaluru sizzles at 32°C clears purchases worth `1.1 lakh cr B o s k y K h a nn a @ B e n g a l u r u Forces to get advanced choppers, radars; Su-30MKI fighter jets to get major upgrades J AVARIA RA N A @ New Delhi THE defence ministry on Monday cleared military hardware purchases worth `1.1 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Approximately 98% of the procurement by value will come from Indian industry . The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or inprinciple administrative approvals, for the defence acquisitions. For the Air Force, the DAC cleared “various proposals to enhance the war-fighting capability of fighters, transports and helicopters”. Sources said these include the overhaul of 40 Su-30MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics, twice the number the PSU had earlier proposed. IAF operates around 260 Su-30MKIs, its mainstay fighter fleet. The DAC had earlier cleared the overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates. The approval seeks to address a gap in the IAF’s long-range beyond-visual-range capability with Operation Sindoor underscoring the , requirement. The overhaul covers modifications to allow the Sukhois to fire the RVV-BD, the export version of Russia’s R-37M missile. Weighing 510 kg and carrying a 60-kg warhead, the missile has a range of 200 km and is designed to engage AWACS aircraft, aerial refuellers and other high-value airborne assets. For the Navy, the DAC cleared the design, development and subsequent procurement of a marine gas turbine in the 24-28 MW class, with the ministry saying the propulsion system “will reduce dependency on foreign vendors”. India currently imports turbines for several frontline destroyers and frigates. The Navy will also get Arudhra radars, which “will replace the existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations”. Developed by the DRDO, Arudhra is a four-dimensional active phased-array radar with an instrumented range of 400 km whichis able to detect a two-square-metre target at up to 300 km. The Army stands to get more HAL-built advanced light helicopters, or Dhruv, to “execute complex missions across all terrains and operational situations”. A `8,073 crore deal for 34 ALH Mk-III was signed with HAL in March 2024. It is supposed to be summer with cloudy skies, rain and cooler weather in Bengaluru. But this September, it has been more like summer than the expected pleasant weather, because of clear skies and soaring temperatures. To top it off, the weatherman has sounded alerts for high ultraviolet (UV) radiation along with hot weather for most parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, over the next few days. Bengaluru city has been recording a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius over the last few days, while the average is around 28 degrees Celsius for September. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the city on Monday DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity to various acquisition proposals at an estimated cost of `1,10,000 cr Defence ministry CBRN recce vehicles The Army is set to get Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear recce vehicles, high mobility vehicles, self-propelled mechanical mine layers, advanced light helicopters, and trawl tanks Acceptance of Necessity AoN is the first step in defence acquisition. The process involves tech evaluation, trials as well as negotiations. Big acquisitions will require more govt approvals recorded a maximum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius, while on Sunday it was 32.2 degrees Celsius. The Kempegowda International Airport recorded 33.4 and 33.2 degrees Celsius, on Monday and Sunday respectively , . N Puviarasan, Director incharge, IMD Bengaluru, said, “September temperatures have made the month feel like April, when summer is peaking. Poor monsoon has contributed to the rise in temperature.” The city has been experiencing no rain, low wind, no cloud cover and less humidity , contributing to the hot weather. While a heat wave alert has been sounded for neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, high temperatures have been forecast for file pic Karnataka. On the ultraviolet (UV) alert, Puviarasan said hot weather Moving From co-operation to co-creation US market open for Indian space startups, says Sergio Gor PA D M I N I D HR U VARA J & B OSKY KHA N N A @ Bengaluru US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday said that the American market is open for Indian space startups as the two countries move towards ‘co-creation’ from ‘cooperation’ and data-sharing. Stressing that NASA and ISRO will work together on the Moon Base Programme, he said: “Make no mistake: we are going back to the Moon, and we want India by our side.” Gor said the US-India space relationship is moving towards joint technology development, investment in startups and future space missions. “We are no longer just sharing data; we are co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery he ,” said, referring to discussions between the two countries on expanding their civil space partnership. Pixxel raises $100 mn Bengaluru-based planetaryinfrastructure company Pixxel on Monday announced the close of its $100-million Series C funding round, marking the single-largest funding round organised by a spacetechnology company in India. The round brings Pixxel’s total funding to $195 million “The American market is open to you. Our investors are watching. Our ecosystems welcome you. We are here to help you make that leap,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Bengaluru Space Expo. India’s space sector reforms have ignited a commercial awakening. Innovators like Pixxel and GalaxEye are redefin- ing Earth observation. Digantara is leading the way in space situational awareness. Bellatrix is propelling space forward. Pioneers like Skyroot and Agnikul are building next-generation launch capabilities, he said. He said the US wants to build a direct commercial corridor between American industry and Indian innovators. “The US and India are working together on multiple sectors and at unthinkable working levels.” Gor’s remarks come as India seeks to expand the role of private firms in its space programme. The government opened the sector to greater private participation in 2020, and companies have since increasingly entered rocket manufacturing, satellite development and spaceb a s e d services. has nothing to do with the radiation. As Bengaluru is at an elevation of 3,000ft and there is 7 killed in 2 accidents in Kolar, Chikkaballapur E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Kolar/Chikkaballapur Seven persons were killed in two separate road accidents in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts on Monday . KGF Superintendent of Police Shivanshu Rajput said a car going from Tirumala to Bengaluru hit a roadside drainage wall on Express Corridor 07 and overturned near Doddakari village under Bethamangala police limits. Two persons died on the spot, while two others succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital. Four others were injured in the accident. The deceased have been identified as Sharadha Bai (70), Devendra (44), Deekshitha (20) and Jishnu Sai (12). The injured are driver Vikas (43), Kavitha (36) Advika (5) and Neethu (43). Bethamangala police have registered a case. In the other accident reported at Sidlaghatta in Chikkaballapur district, three women died on the spot, while 12 other persons reportedly sustained injuries. The police said Owner of deadly Delhi hostel held from Rajasthan; 5 officials suspended I f r a h M u f t i & U d aya n K i s h o r e @ New Delhi Candlelight vigil People light candles and pray during a day of mourning for those killed in the August 26 floods in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday. The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal surged to 1,356 on Monday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas. At least 4,994 people remain missing | AP/PTI A day after seven persons were killed when a multi-storey paying guest accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, its alleged owner Hariram Gupta was arrested in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, on Monday. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court ordered a one-week audit of PGs and hostels across the city . Gupta, the 81-year-old retired Indian Air Force Sergeant, was apprehended by Delhi Police teams following a case registered against him for culpable homicide and negligence in maintaining the structure and endangering the safety of others. A lookout notice had also been issued against Gupta. PG-owner Hariram Gupta (left) with his son after their arrest on Monday | X Gupta, a long-time resident of Gurugram, allegedly owns several properties and a hardware shop. Police said the collapsed property was registered in the name of his 75-year-old wife, Ur mila Gupta, while Gupta and their 52-year-old son, Mahesh Gupta, were managing and running the premises. Gupta reportedly had electricity connections for two floors of the building in his name, police said. Police also arrested his son and his wife. Police are now searching for the PG operators and the labour contractor. Their roles in the construction and operation of the premises will be examined and action taken accordingly . Meanwhile, the MCD suspended five officials of its South Zone, including Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and four building department officials, with immediate effect, with disciplinary proceedings pending against them. SC judge shoots off 4th letter to CJI against Rajasthan HC’s Justice Sharma S U CHITRA KALYA N M OHA N TY @ New Delhi THE internal war in higher judiciary has intensified with Supreme Court’s Justice Sandeep Mehta writing his fourth consecutive letter to Chief Justice Surya Kant against Rajasthan High Court’s acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, levelling fresh charges of interfering in an internal judicial enquiry and misconducts. Quoting CJI Surya Kant’s earlier remark that judges should not try to “hit sixes” before retirement, Justice Mehta in his fourth letter on August 30 wrote in a reference, “Justice Sharma seems to be possessed of a licence to hit sixes ever since he took over as Acting Chief Justice.” According to sources in the Supreme Court registry, the said internal judicial enquiry relates to allegations that a Judicial corruption at HC In his fourth letter dated August 30, Justice Mehta said he has “material” against Justice Sharma regarding arbitrary rule changes, judicial interference and corruption and administrative breakdown at Rajasthan HC High Court judicial officer displayed indecent photographs of a lady judicial officer on his phone. A committee was formed, but Justice Sharma allegedly interfered and leaked confidential proceedings. “Justice Sharma has made direct intervention in the enquiry proceedings, hampering the independence of the c o m m i t t e e. . . ” Justice Mehta wrote. He alleged Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma that the committee, comprising three female judges of the Rajasthan High Court, recorded the minutes and refused to proceed with the enquiry . Justice Mehta had earlier also written similar letters on August 2, 10 and 17 accusing Justice Shar ma Justice Sandeep Mehta no cloud and water vapour, the radiation and moisture evaporation is high, making it hot in the state capital. As per IMD data, the southwest monsoon is weak over coastal and north-interior Karnataka and dry weather prevails over south-interior Karnataka. Most regions in the state, including Karwar, Honnavar, Dharwad, Gadag, Shivamogga, Chitradurga and Mandya, recorded the maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius on Monday Mysuru recorded 34.2 . degrees Celsius, Bagalkot 34.5 degrees Celsius and Chintamani 34 degrees Celsius. Kalaburagi recorded the highest maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius, while Ballari and Vijayapura clocked 35 degrees Celsius. of serious misconduct and of “maladministration, malpractices, nepotism and favouritism.” Justice Sharma, however, termed the allegations as baseless and proceeded on leave. Justice Mehta said he received several complaints on Sharma’s integrity . On August 31, the Supreme Court collegium had recommended Justice Sanjay K Agrawal as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The mangled remains of the car near Doddakari on Monday | Express all the victims were daily wage workers and were heading from Mallikarjuna village to Ujuguru village. Near Hosahalli Gate, two vans collided head-on, killing Roopa (25) Rathnamma (45) and Munikrishnamma (48), all residents of Mallikarjuna village under Sidlaghatta police limits. Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Padmini Sahoo, who visited the spot, said the collision took place near a curve. Three of the injured women have been kept under observation, while others have been discharged after treating them as outpatients. E x p r e s s Re a d Modi appraises ministers of state New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a review meeting with a group of ministers of state, taking stock of their performance and timely completion of projects | P9 National Film Awards moves out of Delhi New Delhi: For the first time in its 72-year history, the National Film Awards will be held outside New Delhi. Kevadia in Gujarat will host the event, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards on September 22 | P9 20 dead in Bihar floods, Ganga begins to recede Patna: At least 20 people have died and more than 22 lakh were affected by floods in 12 Bihar districts, even as the Ganga began receding on Monday. However, the flood situation stays critical | P10 CJP role should not be of a political party Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on 26day fast in protest against paper leak, says he wants to avoid getting involved in any political party dynamics | P9