2025 was a year full of buzz for Karnataka. Rumours about leadership changes spread across the state. Bengaluru updated its governance after nearly 20 years. The city logged a mixed crime record with strong police actions. Bengaluru also ranked fifth among the top 50 global AI ecosystems according to the Global Start-up Ecosystem Report 2025. Karnataka introduced its own State Education Policy (SEP), rejecting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Kannada film industry struggled as star films underperformed but new filmmakers showed fresh ideas. To stop cheating in II PUC practical exams, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) started web streaming the exams. CCTV cameras will be installed in all centers, and marks will be uploaded online. This move comes after reports of students scoring high practical marks but low theory marks, and some unfair mark awards. As Bengaluru prepares to welcome 2026, traffic police announced key diversions and parking rules. Over 10 lakh people are expected on New Year’s Eve in busy areas like M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, and Koramangala. Metro and BMTC bus services will run late into January 1. Police will use 10 drones, 249 cobra vehicles, and 400 traffic wardens for crowd control and safety. In Dakshina Kannada, MP Captain Brijesh Chowta announced the railway electrification of the 55 km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Ghat section. This electrification allows cleaner, faster, and reliable train travel between the coast and inland Karnataka. The upgrade improves line capacity and sets the stage for new high-capacity trains, including Vande Bharat, which he has long advocated for the region. Published - December 31, 2025 05:52 pm IST