Below the Line - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 77,569.39+ 67.27NIFTY 24,206.90+ 244.10CRUDEOIL 6,809.00 -45.00GOLD 143,500.00 -1,800.00SILVER 222,800.00 -3,577.00SENSEX 77,569.39+ 67.27NIFTY 24,206.90+ 244.10NIFTY 24,206.90+ 244.10CRUDEOIL 6,809.00 -45.00CRUDEOIL 6,809.00 -45.00GOLD 143,500.00 -1,800.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar under pressure from MLAs for Cabinet berths | Photo Credit: SHAILENDRA BHOJAKLobbying in KarnatakaWith nearly 20 Cabinet berths yet to be filled up in the new DK Shivakumar-led administration in Karnataka, intense lobbying has started. The Congress, with 135 members in the Assembly, is finding it hard to satisfy all aspirants. The new CM had to publicly rebuke delegations of ‘supporters’ either calling on him or protesting wherever he goes, demanding that their leader be given a Cabinet berth.Some legislators have even started wooing and paying ‘respects’ to the CM’s personal astrologer in the hope that he will put in a good word on their behalf. Their belief is if supporters are not able to swing the deal maybe the astrologer will.Fuel for thoughtAn ethanol conference hosted by an agriculture industry body last week suffered an unusual outbreak of what might politely be called ‘simultaneous illness’. A string of high-profile invitees — including senior names from the auto industry — who had confirmed their attendance until the previous day suddenly developed pressing reasons not to show up. The timing raised eyebrows, coming amid mounting controversy over ethanol-blended petrol, with social media awash with complaints from vehicle owners alleging damaged fuel pipes and tanks.An organiser quipped: “They had all confirmed till yesterday. Then, suddenly, they were all unwell. Remarkable that they fell ill at exactly the same time.” Sometimes, the toughest question with regard to a conference is whether to attend it at all.Saree specialA brand strategist was recently overheard saying, “In Andhra Pradesh, government departments don’t just follow Chandrababu Naidu. They follow him, bookmark him, and set him as their homepage.”Seems true! It is not the first time that weaves from Andhra Pradesh are being showcased in Delhi but what makes it different is the promotional push.The press statement not only talks about the rich heritage that the State has — Andhra Pradesh is one among the few States producing rich colourful hand-woven fabrics with 1,77,447 handloom weavers — but also that the 35 handloom products of the State are identified as ‘ODOP’. Uppada Jamdhani Sarees, Mangalagiri Sarees, Venkatagiri Sarees and Dharmavaram Silk Sarees & Pavadas have got Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, which reflect the region’s vibrant culture and artistic traditions. Enough to attract shoppers!Published on July 13, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }