Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Dubai authorities stepped in, Indian embassy absent: MLC Bhojegowda after return from West Asia conflict zone

Janata Dal (Secular) Member of the Legislative Council S.L. Bhojegowda, who found himself stranded in Dubai amid the escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has alleged that the Indian Embassy failed to extend any support during the crisis and credited the Dubai administration for ensuring his safe return.

Speaking to reporters after landing in Bengaluru late on Monday (March 2, 2026) night, Mr. Bhojegowda said, “It was the Dubai government, and not Indian diplomatic officials, that facilitated the evacuation of Indian passengers when flight operations were disrupted.” He was among 213 travellers, including badminton star P.V. Sindhu, who reached India after services gradually resumed.

2. Dubai-bound Emirates returns to Bengaluru, 42 flights cancelled on March 3, help desk set up in KIA

An Emirates flight EK 569 from Bengaluru to Dubai, which departed at 4.30 a.m. on March 3 from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with 56 passengers on board, returned to KIA due to closure of airspace in West Asia. Flight operations from the West Asia region to Bengaluru resumed on March 2 night with an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi landing at the KIA.

Earlier on March 2, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) had stated that Emirates will operate an A388 aircraft from Dubai to Bengaluru, and that it will return back to the UAE. While flight EK 568 landed in Bengaluru, flight EK 569 bound for Dubai took off from KIA at 4.30 a.m., but returned back.

3. Iran-Israel war: Eight Mangalureans stranded in Dubai expected to board a return flight on March 4

Eight members of two families from Mangaluru, who are stuck in Dubai (UAE) due to the Israel-US-Iran conflict, are expected to board return flights on March 4. Also, a person from Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, has sought help for return of his 28-year-old relative stranded in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty said he has spoken to family members of Kasturi Sadashiva Pai. “They are all safe and are expected to board a return flight on March 4,” he told The Hindu. Sources in the State Disaster Management Authority said Shrinath Shetty and his family were also expected to board a return flight to Mangaluru on March 4.

4. M.G. Road in Bengaluru to be asphalted from March 5, brace for traffic snarls in CBD for 15 days

Commuters passing through the Central Business District (CBD) of Bengaluru will have to brace for 15 days of traffic snarls as Bengaluru Central City Corporation (BCCC) plans to take up the much-awaited asphalting of M.G. Road from March 5, 2026. “Preparations are underway to begin the work on March 4 evening,” said Vijayakumar Haridas, Chief Engineer, BCCC.

Asphalting will be carried out on a 2.2 km stretch between Trinity Circle and Cubbon Park Police Station Circle, with a 15-day deadline to complete the work. Initial work, including milling, which involves removing the damaged top layer of the road and creating a uniform base for resurfacing, will be taken up in the evenings, after peak hours, to minimise traffic disruption.