A statewide Karnataka Bandh is being observed today, Saturday, March 22, following a call by several pro-Kannada organisations, in response to the alleged assault of a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi. The shutdown, scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM, highlights ongoing tensions in the Karnataka-Maharashtra border region over linguistic identity.

The conductor was reportedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, sparking widespread anger among Kannada groups and reigniting long-standing regional disputes. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus was travelling from Belagavi to Balekundri when the incident occurred last month.

Political and security response

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday stated that the state government does not support the bandh, emphasizing that it could disturb students appearing for exams. He assured efforts to persuade organisers against the shutdown.

Despite this, tight security arrangements have been made in Belagavi and other sensitive areas across the state to prevent any unrest. The bandh, led by the Kannada Okkuta, seeks action against pro-Marathi activists and has demanded a ban on groups inciting linguistic discord.

What’s affected during the bandh?

Bus services: Both KSRTC and BMTC staff unions have extended support to the bandh, likely affecting bus availability while metro, rail, and air travel services remain unaffected.

Banks are shut due to the regular Saturday holiday while some schools and colleges might declare holidays, no official directives have been issued.

However, the government offices and essential services will function normally, including healthcare facilities but the restaurants and cinema halls have offered symbolic support but are expected to stay open.

Long-standing border language dispute

This bandh adds to the ongoing Karnataka-Maharashtra border conflict, especially around Belagavi, a region claimed by Maharashtra post-independence due to its Marathi-speaking population. The issue has resurfaced multiple times over decades, with language politics at its core.

The attack and the subsequent reaction have once again drawn attention to the fragile linguistic fabric in border regions, even as authorities urge restraint and communal harmony.

As the world observes the 33rd World Water Day on March 22, 2025, the United Nations has highlighted Glacier Preservation as this year’s theme, emphasizing the critical role glaciers play in sustaining freshwater resources. Held annually since 1993, World Water Day aims to bolster awareness around water conservation and support Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

This year’s theme arrives at a crucial moment, as global glacier loss reaches at an alarming levels. Data from the UN World Water Day Report, released on March 21, underscores the urgency: nearly 2 billion people rely on freshwater sourced from melting glaciers, yet glacier mass loss from 2022 to 2024 has been the highest ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Glaciers: vital yet vanishing freshwater reservoirs

Glaciers, formed from compacted snow that accumulates and transforms into ice over time, store about 70% of the Earth’s freshwater. However, of all water on Earth, only 2.5% is freshwater, and less than 0.3% of that is usable. Despite their crucial role, glaciers are retreating at an accelerated pace due to global warming, seasonal imbalances, and pollution-driven black carbon deposits that reduce their ability to reflect heat. However ,  the rising sea levels, threatened biodiversity, and disrupted freshwater supply are just a few of the consequences of glacier retreat. Initial surges in river flow due to melting can eventually reverse, resulting in water scarcity that affects billions.

Glacier loss in China highlights broader trend

China’s glacier landscape mirrors the global trend. As per the Third Chinese Glacier Inventory, released recently, China had about 69,000 glaciers covering 46,000 square kilometers as of 2020. But since the 1960s, the glacier area has declined by 26%, with an alarming 7,000 small glaciers disappearing entirely.

To address these challenges, China is hosting its 38th “China Water Week” from March 22 to 28, featuring various public awareness campaigns nationwide. These efforts align with the UN’s global call for sharp reductions in carbon emissions and reinforced climate action.

With nearly 2.7 billion people facing severe water scarcity globally, World Water Day 2025 underscores the urgent need for glacier protection as a cornerstone of freshwater conservation strategies.

As Kolkata Knight Riders prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a series of significant rule changes that will come into effect from this season.

Second ball rule to tackle dew

In a bid to address the impact of dew in night matches, the BCCI has introduced a new provision allowing the bowling side in the second innings to request a change of ball once after the 10th over. The decision, approved unanimously by all franchise captains in a recent meeting, aims to aid bowlers—particularly spinners—who often struggle to grip the wet ball.

According to the new rule, the bowling captain can request a ball change, even if dew is not visibly present. Umpires will be required to replace the ball with one that is similarly worn, although teams will not have the option to choose the replacement ball.

KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy welcomed the move, saying it may help spinners regain control in crucial middle overs. RCB coach Andy Flower also backed the change, highlighting the strategic flexibility it provides to captains.

Saliva ban officially lifted

Another key update for IPL 2025 is the removal of the ban on using saliva to shine the ball. The ban, originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and later made permanent by the ICC, has now been reversed by the IPL following discussions with all 10 teams. Bowlers can now return to traditional ball-shining methods starting this season. However, both Varun Chakravarthy and Andy Flower downplayed its significance in the T20 format during pre-match press interactions.

New Code of Conduct with demerit points

The BCCI has also rolled out a new Code of Conduct that introduces a demerit points system and suspension points valid for a span of 36 months. This replaces the earlier rule where captains could be banned for one match after three over-rate violations.

DRS expanded to include wide and no-ball reviews

The Decision Review System (DRS) has been upgraded as well. Teams will now be able to challenge height-based no-ball calls and off-stump wide deliveries. Advanced technology like Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking will be used to assist the third umpire in reviewing these decisions.

Golden Badge for champions

In a symbolic move, the BCCI has introduced a ‘Golden Badge’ for defending champions. This year, KKR will be the first team to don the golden emblem on their shirts throughout the season, recognising their 2024 title win.