Belagavi’s higher education institutions have secured notable positions in the latest International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) India Rankings 2026, with KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), KLS Gogte Institute of Technology and several other institutions earning national recognition across university, engineering, management, medical and allied health disciplines.

The International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) is an India-based organisation that publishes annual rankings of higher education institutions. According to IIRF, its India Rankings evaluate more than 2,500 institutions across universities, engineering, management, law, architecture, medicine and allied health sciences using multiple performance indicators including academic reputation, research, graduate outcomes, employability and institutional development.

Belagavi institutions in IIRF India Rankings 2026

Among the institutions from Belagavi that featured in the rankings are:

Among these, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research emerged as the highest-ranked comprehensive university from Belagavi, securing 66th place nationally among deemed universities and 8th in Karnataka.

VTU also maintained a strong presence, ranking 51st nationally among government engineering institutions while its Centre for Post Graduate Studies secured 59th place in the business school category.

KLS Gogte Institute of Technology continued its performance in engineering education by securing 34th rank among autonomous and affiliated engineering colleges, while its Department of Architecture ranked 39th nationally.

In the healthcare sector, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College achieved an impressive 22nd national rank, while KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, KLE College of Pharmacy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, and KLE Society’s Institute of Nursing Sciences also figured prominently in their respective categories.

What is IIRF?

The International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) is a private ranking organisation, registered under the Companies Act, 2013. It states that it evaluates institutions using eight broad parameters including:

• Academic Reputation
• Graduate Outcomes & Employability
• Research Output
• Demand Ratio
• Employer Reputation & International Outlook
• Institutional Development
• Peer & Alumni Feedback
• Public Perception and Data Verification

The rankings are published annually and cover universities as well as discipline-specific institutions across India.

How significant are IIRF rankings?

While the IIRF rankings have gained visibility in higher education circles and are widely publicised by participating institutions, they do not carry the same official standing as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which is published by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NIRF remains the country’s most widely recognised government-backed ranking system for higher education.

Education experts generally advise students to use IIRF rankings as one of several reference points when evaluating colleges, alongside NIRF rankings, accreditation status, faculty strength, placements, research output, infrastructure and alumni outcomes.

Disclaimer: The above list has been compiled from the IIRF India Rankings 2026 using “Belagavi/Belgaum” as the search criteria. There may be additional institutions from the district that feature in other categories or under different institutional names but were not identified during this compilation.

The rollout of electric buses in Belagavi has moved a step closer, with the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) floating a ₹10.24 crore tender for the construction of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Depot at Depot No. 2 under the Central Government’s PM-eBus Sewa Scheme.

The project has been estimated at ₹10.24 crore, with a completion period of nine months, excluding the monsoon season.

The tender covers the development of a modern depot equipped with all the infrastructure required for operating electric buses. The scope of work includes construction of a two-storey administrative building, workshop and store building, concrete parking and circulation areas, compound and retaining walls, drainage network, septic tank, underground and overhead water tanks, security cabin, fire protection system, high-mast lighting, electrical works, road markings and signages. It also includes dismantling of existing administrative buildings and repair bays to make way for the new facility.

The largest components of the project are the workshop and store building (₹2.83 crore), parking and circulation area (₹2.29 crore) and the administrative building (₹1.90 crore).

Earlier this month, the Karnataka Transport Department sanctioned ₹25.83 crore for electric bus infrastructure across ten cities under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. The funding includes ₹14.96 crore from the Central Government and ₹10.87 crore from the State Government.

Belagavi has been allocated ₹2.95 crore under this package, comprising ₹1.71 crore from the Centre and ₹1.24 crore from the State Government, to support depot modernisation and associated infrastructure.

The Centre has already sanctioned 100 electric buses for Belagavi under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, which aims to deploy 10,000 air-conditioned electric buses across more than 100 cities nationwide to promote sustainable urban mobility.

The floating of the depot tender is a significant milestone, as the availability of charging, parking and maintenance infrastructure is a prerequisite before the electric buses can be introduced into the city’s public transport fleet.

The EV depot at Belagavi’s Depot No. 2 will serve as the operational hub for the new fleet, with facilities for bus parking, charging, maintenance and administrative operations, marking a major step towards cleaner and greener public transport in the city.

In a renewed push to curb plastic waste, the Belagavi City Corporation has directed hotels across the city to stop using plastic carry bags and parcel containers and switch to biodegradable alternatives from Friday, July 4.

The move comes as part of the Corporation’s campaign around Plastic Bag-Free Day, observed on July 3. Municipal health inspectors have been visiting hotels to create awareness about the new initiative and ensure compliance.

The Corporation has also held meetings with wholesale plastic bag dealers, urging them to gradually discontinue the sale of plastic carry bags and stock biodegradable alternatives instead. Officials believe that improving the availability of eco-friendly products will encourage wider adoption among businesses.

Hotel owners were given advance notice to make the transition to biodegradable containers and bags for takeaway and parcel services. The civic body expects most hotels in Belagavi to begin using environmentally friendly packaging from Friday.

The initiative is part of the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastic in the city. While cloth bag vending machines installed earlier have seen limited success, the latest drive focuses on working directly with businesses that use and supply plastic products.

The Corporation has also appealed to citizens to support the campaign by carrying reusable or cloth bags while shopping and reducing their dependence on single-use plastic.

A 20-year-old from Belagavi, Aditya Satpati, drowned while bathing at the Barajan waterfall near Sural, located in the core protected zone of the Mhadai Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, recently. His body was recovered on Monday, and on Tuesday the Goa Forest Department registered a case against five Belagavi youths who had accompanied him for entering the restricted area without authorisation.

The Mhadei Sanctuary, including its buffer zone, is officially closed to visitors, yet a group of six young tourists from Belagavi is reported to have entered the area illegally. Aditya drowned while bathing at the waterfall, and news of his death has caused shock in the region. The incident has also renewed concerns over safety measures at the site. Despite signboards placed at multiple points across the sanctuary warning against entry, it appears that tourists from Belagavi and other places continue to enter illegally and indulge in unruly behaviour.

The Goa Forest Department has booked the five youths who accompanied Aditya under the Wildlife Protection Act for unauthorised entry into the sanctuary. Officials have also announced a complete ban on entry to the sanctuary and the waterfall following repeated violations of this kind.

Reports indicate that on Sunday, hundreds of young visitors from Karnataka and Goa, including several from Belagavi, arrived at the waterfall for recreation. Forest personnel on duty initially stopped them from entering, but sources allege the group was later let through. This has raised serious questions about the forest department’s role and accountability in enforcing the entry ban.

Passengers in Belagavi have expressed disappointment after the daily flight service to Delhi was reduced to just three flights a week. The revised schedule, effective from July 1 until October, is reportedly the result of rising fuel costs and other financial considerations.

Under the new timetable, flights between Belagavi and Delhi will operate only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. While the departure and arrival timings remain unchanged, the reduced frequency is expected to make travel planning more difficult for passengers.

The Belagavi-Delhi route is widely used by business travellers, government officials, students, and tourists. With the daily service no longer available, many passengers may have to rely on connecting flights or alternative travel options. Some concerns reduced availability could lead to higher airfares, adding to the cost of travel.

The latest reduction comes soon after another setback for air travellers. From June 15, one of the two daily flights on the Belagavi-Bengaluru route was withdrawn, leaving passengers with fewer travel choices. The cut in Delhi services has only added to the growing frustration among frequent flyers.

Other Routes Yet to Return

Belagavi currently has direct flight connectivity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi. However, several other routes that were suspended over the past year are yet to be restored.

With connectivity gradually shrinking, passengers fear that more services could be reduced if demand and operational challenges persist. Many residents are now urging the authorities and airline operators to prioritise passenger convenience and restore flight frequencies wherever possible.

Travellers using Belagavi Airport frequently ask about parking charges, free pick-up/drop-off time, and the fees applicable if they stay beyond the permitted duration. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has notified the parking tariff for vehicles using the airport parking area.

One of the most important points to note is that private vehicles get only 10 minutes of free time for pick-up and drop-off. Any vehicle exceeding this permissible time is charged according to the parking tariff.

10 Minutes Free for Private Vehicles

Private vehicles entering Belagavi Airport for dropping or picking up passengers can enter and exit within 10 minutes (including dwell time) without paying any parking fee.

However:

• The 10-minute free period is applicable only for private vehicles.
• It is calculated from entry to exit, including the time spent waiting.
• Parking charges apply if the vehicle exceeds 10 minutes.
• Commercial pick-up vehicles do not get any free time.
• The free period does not apply inside the designated parking area.

Belagavi Airport Parking Charges (Up to 30 Minutes)

Belagavi Airport Parking Charges (30 Minutes to 120 Minutes)

Important Rules for Airport Visitors

Passengers and visitors should keep the following points in mind:

• Private vehicles: First 10 minutes are free for pick-up/drop-off.
• Beyond 10 minutes: Parking charges become applicable.
• Commercial pick-up vehicles: No free entry time is allowed.
• Parking area: The free 10-minute rule does not apply once a vehicle enters the designated parking area.
• The permissible time is measured from entry gate to exit gate, including any waiting time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is parking free at Belagavi Airport?

Yes, but only for private vehicles that complete their pick-up or drop-off and exit within 10 minutes.

How much is parking for a private car?

• Up to 30 minutes: ₹30
• 30 to 120 minutes: ₹40

What is the parking fee for two-wheelers?

• Up to 30 minutes: ₹10
• 30 to 120 minutes: ₹15

Do commercial taxis get free time?

No. Commercial pick-up vehicles do not receive any free permissible time and applicable charges are levied.

Does the 10-minute rule apply in the parking lot?

No. The free permissible period is not applicable in the designated parking area.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re only dropping off or picking up a passenger, ensure your vehicle exits the airport within 10 minutes to avoid parking charges. If you expect to wait longer, park your vehicle in the designated parking area and pay the applicable tariff based on the duration and vehicle category.

The updated tariff provides clear guidance for private motorists, taxis, commercial vehicles and larger transport vehicles using Belagavi Airport, helping passengers plan their visit and avoid unnecessary parking charges.

The Belagavi RTO (KA-22) registered 3,640 new vehicles in June 2026, a modest increase over May’s 3,532 registrations, indicating a stable vehicle market after the March year-end surge.

With June’s additions, the total number of vehicles registered in Belagavi during 2026 has reached 23,951.

2026 Vehicle Registrations So Far

• January: 3,831
• February: 3,356
• March: 5,510 (highest so far)
• April: 4,082
• May: 3,532
• June: 3,640

Two-Wheelers Continue to Dominate

Motorcycles and scooters once again accounted for the bulk of registrations, with 2,693 new two-wheelers added during June—nearly three out of every four vehicles registered.

The next highest categories were:

• Motor Cars: 496
• Goods Carriers: 166
• Three-Wheeler (Passenger): 67
• Mopeds: 67
• Agricultural Tractors: 63
• Motor Cabs: 34

At the other end of the spectrum, only one registration each was recorded for Commercial Trailer, Ambulance, Construction Equipment Vehicle and Adapted Vehicle, making them the least-registered vehicle classes during the month.

Petrol (E20) Remains the Preferred Fuel

Fuel-wise, Petrol (E20) continued to dominate with 1,414 registrations, followed by:

• Petrol: 947
• Pure EV: 655
• Diesel: 335
• CNG Only: 76
• Petrol (E20)/CNG: 74

Electric mobility continued its steady rise, with 655 pure electric vehicles registered during June—an increase over May’s 628 EV registrations, indicating sustained consumer interest in EVs across Belagavi.

Honda Takes a Clear Lead Among Manufacturers

Unlike May, when TVS and Honda were separated by just one vehicle, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India emerged as the clear market leader in June with 617 registrations.

The top manufacturers were:

1. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India – 617
2. TVS Motor Company – 555
3. Hero MotoCorp – 522
4. Suzuki Motorcycle India – 446
5. Bajaj Auto – 251
6. Maruti Suzuki India – 187
7. Ather Energy – 105
8. Royal Enfield – 101

Among electric vehicle makers, Ather Energy remained the leading EV two-wheeler brand with 105 registrations, followed by River Mobility (42), Ola Electric (28), Greaves Electric Mobility (24) and Simple Energy (23).

June Trends

A few interesting trends emerge from the June data:

• Registrations increased slightly compared to May (3,640 vs. 3,532), suggesting the market has stabilised after the financial year-end fluctuations.
• Honda significantly widened its lead over TVS after the neck-and-neck battle seen in May.
• Pure EV registrations climbed to 655, continuing the gradual upward trend despite an overall moderate market.
• Two-wheelers remained the undisputed choice, accounting for nearly 74% of all registrations, while commercial and specialised vehicles continued to form only a small share of the market.

Source: Vahan Dashboard

A 38-year-old software engineer who lead a sedentary lifestyle was getting ready for work when he felt a familiar burning sensation in his chest. Like most people, he assumed it was acidity. He opened his medicine cabinet, swallowed an antacid, and left for work.

For a while, the discomfort settled. But by afternoon, the burning returned. This time, it was accompanied by profuse sweating, radiating pain in the left arm, breathlessness and unusual tiredness. His colleagues noticed that he looked pale and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

An ECG was performed within minutes. The diagnosis surprised everyone. It was not acidity. He was having a Heart attack (Myocardial infarction). Fortunately, he reached the Hospital in time and received prompt treatment. A delay of another hour or two could have changed his life forever. Stories like this remind us of an important truth: our bodies often whisper before they cry for help. Unfortunately, many of us choose to silence those whispers with over-the-counter medicines instead of finding out what is actually wrong.

Self-medication has quietly become a part of our daily lives. A headache is treated with a painkiller, a fever with leftover antibiotics, stomach pain with an antacid, and a cough with medicines recommended by friends or social media. While these medicines may provide temporary relief, they can also hide serious illnesses and delay the right treatment.

Not every headache is due to stress. Not every fever is viral. Not every stomach pain is acidity. And not every burning sensation in the chest is caused by excess acid. Sometimes, these are warning signals that deserve immediate medical attention.

Doctors today are also deeply concerned about the increasing misuse of antibiotics. Taking antibiotics without proper medical advice, or stopping them without completing the course, is creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As a result, infections that were once easily curable are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to treat. Painkillers, too, are often taken casually. Few people realise that excessive use can damage the Kidneys, Liver, Stomach, and even the Heart. Medicines are among the greatest discoveries of modern medicine, but only when they are used prudently.

This Doctors’ Day, the greatest tribute we can pay to the medical profession is not by wishing doctors alone, but by becoming responsible patients. Listen to your body. Ask questions. Seek medical advice when symptoms persist or seem unusual. A doctor’s consultation may take only a few minutes, but it can prevent lifelong complications.

Follow these Simple Tips –

– Do not ignore persistent chest pain or burning.
– Never take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
– Avoid using old prescriptions for a new illness.
– Read medicine labels carefully and follow the recommended dose.
– Consult a qualified doctor if symptoms do not improve or become worse.

Medicines can relieve symptoms, but they cannot replace a proper diagnosis. The next time you reach for an over-the-counter medicine, pause for a moment and ask yourself: “Am I treating the disease, or merely hiding its symptoms?” That one question could save your life.

About the Author: Dr. Pramod N Sulikeri, Ph.D

Quality Manager & Sr. Transplant Coordinator, CentraCare Hospital, Belagavi

98443 66188

Karnataka’s Gruha Jyothi beneficiary verification drive begins from July 1, 2026, with electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) launching a door-to-door survey across the state to verify beneficiaries and identify ineligible consumers.

The verification aims to ensure that only eligible households continue to receive free electricity benefits under the Gruha Jyothi scheme while preventing misuse caused by changes in ownership, tenancy, or beneficiary details.

What is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme?

Launched on July 1, 2023, the Gruha Jyothi Scheme provides free electricity to eligible domestic consumers in Karnataka.

Under the scheme:

• Free electricity is available up to the consumer’s monthly eligible units, calculated based on the 2022-23 annual average consumption.
• The maximum limit remains 200 units per month.
• Consumers exceeding their eligible units must pay for the excess consumption up to 200 units.
• If monthly consumption exceeds 200 units, the consumer must pay the entire electricity bill.

The government later revised the calculation for homes consuming less than 48 units per month by adding 10 units instead of a 10% increase.

Step-by-Step: What Will Happen During Verification?

Step 1: ESCOM officials will visit your home

Beginning July 1, authorised ESCOM staff will visit registered Gruha Jyothi households across Karnataka.

Step 2: Existing registration details will be checked

Officials will verify information already submitted during registration, including:

• Electricity account (RR) number
• Aadhaar number
• Name on Aadhaar
• Registered mobile number
• Whether the applicant is the owner or tenant

Step 3: Additional information will be collected

Officials will also record the following details in the Seva Sindhu system:

• Type of ration card (APL/BPL/No Card)
• BPL card number (if applicable)
• Karnataka voter status
• EPIC (Voter ID) number
• Recent photograph of the applicant
• Beneficiary category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Others)
• Profession (Government employee, private employee, business, farmer, labourer, etc.)
• Whether the applicant pays Income Tax
• PAN number (if applicable)

Step 4: Owner or tenant confirmation

The applicant will be asked to confirm that the information provided is correct before it is updated in the Seva Sindhu database.

Step 5: Verification will be completed within two months

The government has directed all ESCOMs to complete the verification drive within two months while submitting daily progress reports.

Why is the Verification Being Conducted?

The government said the exercise is necessary because several beneficiary records may have changed since registration, including:

• Death of the registered beneficiary
• Change of tenant
• Sale or purchase of the property
• Change in ownership
• Other beneficiary details that were never updated

The verification is intended to ensure that benefits reach only eligible, living beneficiaries.

Chief Minister’s Direction

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed officials that no genuine beneficiary should face hardship, while action should be taken only against ineligible beneficiaries and misuse of government guarantee schemes.

The government has also highlighted irregularities found in welfare schemes, including payments made to deceased beneficiaries, multiple beneficiaries linked to a single bank account, and other anomalies. According to the Advocate General, around ₹60 crore was paid through nearly three lakh instalments because of such discrepancies.

What Consumers Should Keep Ready

To make the verification process smooth, keep the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card
• Electricity bill (RR Number)
• Registered mobile number
• Ration Card (APL/BPL)
• Voter ID (EPIC)
• PAN Card (if applicable)

Important Points to Remember

• Verification starts: July 1, 2026
• Who will visit: Authorised ESCOM staff
• Where data is updated: Seva Sindhu portal
• Purpose: Verify eligible Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries and remove ineligible cases
• Scheme rules: No changes have been made to the existing Gruha Jyothi eligibility conditions. Only beneficiary verification is being carried out.

If a Booth Level Officer (BLO) visits your home over, don’t ignore the visit.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the House-to-House Enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls across Karnataka. The exercise will be conducted from June 30 to July 29, 2026, covering more than 5.54 crore electors across the state.

The objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll while keeping the rolls accurate, complete and up to date.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

SIR is a special voter verification exercise in which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household in their assigned polling area to distribute Enumeration Forms to electors whose names appear in the electoral roll as on June 16, 2026.

Unlike regular voter registration or correction drives, no documents will be collected during this house-to-house enumeration phase.

Step-by-Step: What Every Voter Should Do

Step 1: Receive the Enumeration Form

A Booth Level Officer will visit your home and hand over an Enumeration Form if your name is already on the electoral roll as of June 16, 2026.

Step 2: Fill in the Details

Verify your personal details, complete the Enumeration Form carefully and sign it.

Step 3: Submit the Form

Return the completed form to the BLO when they revisit your home. To ensure no voter is left out, BLOs will make up to three visits, wherever necessary, to collect the completed forms.

Step 4: Submit Online if You Prefer

From June 30, voters can also fill and submit the Enumeration Form online through:

– https://voters.eci.gov.in/
– ECINET mobile application

What Do the Stickers on Houses Mean?

During the survey, BLOs will paste coloured stickers on houses:

– Violet square sticker: The Enumeration Form has been delivered.
– Red round sticker: The house was found locked or closed during the BLO’s visit.

Important: Don’t Miss the Deadline

The Election Commission has made it clear that only electors who submit their duly completed Enumeration Form within the prescribed period will be included in the Draft Electoral Roll.

If the Enumeration Form is not received, the elector’s name will not be included in the Draft Electoral Roll.

All completed forms will be digitised by the Election Commission after collection.

What if You Have Just Become Eligible to Vote?

Citizens who have recently turned 18 or have otherwise become eligible to vote can apply for inclusion in the electoral roll by submitting Form 6 along with the prescribed declaration, as per the ECI’s instructions.

Important Dates

– June 30, 2026: House-to-house enumeration begins and online submission of Enumeration Forms starts.
– July 29, 2026: House-to-house enumeration and collection of forms conclude.
– October 7, 2026: Final Electoral Roll to be published.

The Election Commission describes the Special Intensive Revision as a participative, transparent and citizen-centric exercise. Voters are advised to cooperate with Booth Level Officers and submit their Enumeration Forms within the stipulated period to ensure their names are included in the Draft Electoral Roll and subsequently in the final electoral roll.