Karnataka First

His regular journey as a crossword creator began around 1989-90, when he received an opportunity to create a daily crossword for a leading Kannada daily.

What began as a college student’s curiosity in the 1970s has grown into a five-decade-long journey of creating Kannada crosswords for generations of readers. At 74, AN Prahlada Rao has crossed the 52,000-mark and continues to create around three crosswords a day.

Rao’s interest in crosswords began when he was studying at Government College, Kolar, between 1972 and 1975. Initially, he experimented with arranging a few words across and down. After working as a journalist in Kolar, he moved to Bengaluru in 1983 after joining the Information Department.

His regular journey as a crossword creator began around 1989-90, when he received an opportunity to create a daily crossword for a leading Kannada daily.

At a time when Kannada newspapers largely carried crosswords in weekly publications, Rao began producing them for daily newspapers. Over the years, his crosswords have appeared in several leading Kannada dailies, magazines and periodicals.

“I was a very big fan of English crosswords. When I got the opportunity to write a daily crossword in Kannada, I started it,” Rao said.

Over the years, Rao has created crosswords on a wide range of subjects, including Kannada cinema, history, science, food, crime and general knowledge. Cinema, however, became one of his major areas of interest after magazines began asking him to create film-themed crosswords. “I started collecting film data. Because of that collection, I was able to write cinema-related books and crosswords. Many magazines also asked me to write cinema crosswords,” he said.

His work has included cinema-themed crosswords for several publications. The extensive information he collected on films, actors and personalities also became the basis for books. Rao said he has written several books related to Kannada cinema and personalities, with his publications on crosswords and related subjects now numbering around 30.

Creating thousands of puzzles has also required him to constantly expand his knowledge and find different ways of framing clues. While the same Kannada word may appear more than once, he said the challenge is to provide a different clue or context each time.

Rao also keeps track of crossword practices in English publications to understand how crossword creators elsewhere develop their puzzles. The process has changed considerably with technology. Earlier, he would draw the grids on paper and write the clues by hand. A crossword could take around two-and-a-half hours. With computers, the process has become much faster, and he said a 9×9 or 11×11 crossword can now take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Despite the scale of his work, Rao says the response from readers remains his biggest motivation. He has seen students, senior citizens and homemakers regularly spend time solving his puzzles.

“I am very proud of this crossword writing. So many people like it and are satisfied when they are able to solve all the clues,” he said.

His contribution has also received formal recognition. Rao’s name was included in the Limca Book of Records in 2016 for his achievement as a crossword creator in an Indian regional language. He said the record continued to appear for three years. In 2024, he also received a Karnataka State Award.

Rao believes Kannada has a large community of crossword solvers, although there are comparatively few people creating such puzzles. He feels this presents an opportunity for more people to enter the field.

On the growing use of artificial intelligence, Rao said he has experimented with AI-generated crosswords but found limitations in the quality of clues and word arrangements. However, he does not rule out a larger role for technology in future. For Rao, the journey from manually drawn grids in Kolar to computer-created puzzles has been one of constant adaptation. After more than five decades, the crossword remains a daily exercise both for him as a creator and for the Kannada readers who continue to solve his puzzles.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, R.R. Hanchinal, has emphasised the need for the conservation of traditional crop varieties that had been preserved and cultivated by previous generations.

Inaugurating the Seed Mela organised as part of the annual Krishi Mela at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad on Friday, Prof. Hanchinal said that the traditional varieties continue to be cultivated because of the efforts of the previous generations, and these varieties could grow by absorbing the salinity in the soil and did not require the use of chemical fertilizers.

Emphasising the need to create more awareness about seeds, he said that there are more than two lakh varieties of rice. Good yields could be obtained by sowing quality seeds in fertile soil. Sowing traditional varieties could increase yields by 18% to 20%, and the yield could be enhanced further through the use of chemical and farmyard manure, he said.

Stressing that seed production with farmers’ participation would benefit everyone, he said that seeds produced here had been exported to Rajasthan, Assam, and even Indonesia.

He said that patents had also been obtained for some farmers’ varieties. He said that greater importance should be given to crop variety research and urged the farmers to adopt organic farming practices.

The Vice-Chancellor of UAS, Dharwad, N.B. Prakash, said that the university’s seed unit had completed 25 years since its establishment and added that seed production would be taken up with farmers. He also listed the achievements of the seed unit, which had received several national awards and an international award.

Earlier, the annual Krishi Mela began with the inauguration of the Seed Mela, a Fruit and Flower Exhibition, and a Fascinating World of Insects Exhibition by Prof. Prakash.

About 2.9242 lakh farmers, extension workers, and department officials participated on the first day of the Krishi Mela, and about 165 quintals of rabi seeds and 27 kg of vegetable seeds worth ₹16,28,200 were sold, the university said in a release.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

 Fuwu Innovations Pvt Ltd, founded by Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) faculty members Dr Fahizah A and Dr Reuben A Jacob, has been recognised among the Top 10 startups at Mangaluru BLUE 2026. More than 110 startups applied for the programme.

Both co-founders attended Mangaluru TechnoVanza 2026, where Dr Fahizah led Fuwu’s pitch. She presented SteriBrush, a battery-free, self-disinfecting manual toothbrush that the company is developing to address the challenge of keeping toothbrush bristles clean between uses.

SteriBrush features a button-activated, refill-based system designed to deliver disinfectant to the bristles after brushing. The product is currently under development, with Fuwu working to turn the concept into a practical oral care product for everyday use.

Fuwu already has a presence in the oral care market through Yalmae SensiFix, its sensitivity-relief toothpaste. The company aims to build on this experience as it develops SteriBrush and other oral care solutions.

The Top 10 recognition marks a milestone for the founders and highlights the potential of faculty-led entrepreneurship at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). With support from the Yenepoya Technology Incubator, Fuwu is working to translate dental expertise and product ideas into solutions that can reach the wider community.

About Fuwu Innovations Pvt Ltd

Fuwu Innovations Pvt Ltd is an oral care company founded by Dr Fahizah A and Dr Reuben A Jacob. Its products include the marketed Yalmae SensiFix toothpaste and SteriBrush, a manual toothbrush currently under development. The company is supported by the Yenepoya Technology Incubator.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The theme for the festival, this year, is ‘Stories from the Heart’, which pays tribute to the idea that books can help open up conversations and create lasting connections, says festival director Karthika Gopalakrishnan.

For Kavita Sabharwal, Founder and Head of School at Neev Schools, the Neev Literature Festival (NLF) has always had a straightforward raison d’être. “We wanted to make reading cool,” says the NLF co-founder, whose 10th edition will be held at the Neev Yemalur campus on September 26 and 27.

Reading, according to her, is hard work, which, unlike walking or talking, does not come naturally to human beings. “But once a child is hooked on reading, there is nothing like it,” says Kavita, who believes it fosters travel, curiosity and empathy. “It leads to strong writing, scientific thinking, debates and perspective. That is why we stay committed to it.

Kavita and her team are carrying this commitment forward through this festival, whose lineup will include 80 delegates, 105 sessions for children across different age groups with special events for parents and educators, and over 2,000 curated titles at the children’s book marketplace.

Some national and international stalwarts of children’s literature will speak on this occasion, including M.T. Anderson, Corinna Luyken, Frances Hardinge, Angie Kang, Anushka Ravishankar, Priya Kuriyan, and Bijal Vachharajani, among others. “We also have Amish (Tripathi), who is just getting into children’s books, doing a closing session for us,” says Karthika Gopalakrishnan, Head of Reading at Neev Academy and the festival’s director. The book, Dhruv-Tara & The Great Indian History Quiz, is the first of a seven-part series and “an attempt to get children to discover Indian history in an interesting manner.”

In addition to on-stage interactions, NLF will feature a mix of masterclasses for children and adults on writing, illustration, production, and publishing trends, book readings and signings, and the unveiling of the Neev Book Award for the best Indian children’s book, as well as the finals of the national NLF Reading Challenge Quiz, in which the top four teams, from a total of over 700, compete for a grand prize. “We launched the reading challenge during the pandemic, and that has exploded and become a national reading challenge,” says Kavita, who believes it is an interesting way for readers to connect. “The reading challenge has become an interesting way for kids who are readers to find community. And seeing that grow has been thrilling.”

For Karthika, the festival’s biggest appeal is seeing families together, spending time with books, buying books, and talking to authors. “This whole atmosphere of fun and celebration around books is really why we do what we do,” she says, adding that she has seen families return every year. “It has become a big part of their family calendar, where they all look forward to NLF because the children have such a good time here. It is exhilarating to be in the room.”

As always, the festival is organised around a specific theme, which underlines the transformative power of books and reading. “The theme this year is ‘Stories from the Heart’, where we are basically paying tribute to the idea that books can help open up conversations and create lasting connections,” says Karthika, who would like to see people encountering some great new books, being impressed by a new author or illustrator and stepping out of the festival with new thoughts, ideas and conversations. “The idea is to create lasting memories around books and reading that people can take back with them.”

The Neev Literature Festival will be held at the Neev Yemalur campus on September 26 and 27. To know more, log in to neevliteraturefestival.org

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mr. Govindaraj invited Ms. Coventry to visit Bengaluru in the future in connection with sports activities.

Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) president, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia president and MLC K. Govindaraj met International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry during the 20th Asian Games in Japan and held discussions on various issues, including sports development in Karnataka.

Mr. Govindaraj met Ms. Coventry during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games and briefed her about the programmes and initiatives being taken by the KOA to promote sports in Karnataka. He invited Ms. Coventry to visit Bengaluru in the future in connection with sports activities, according to a release.

He said Bengaluru is emerging as a hub for basketball and other sports in the country and had already hosted more than 12 international basketball tournaments. He also informed her that the FIBA Asia Women’s Basketball League would be held in Bengaluru next month, the release added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Sgt Vriddhi Sharma of 14 KAR Battalion NCC, a Grade 10 student of Manasarowar Pushkarini Vidyashrama, Mysuru, won a bronze medal in the Group Firing Competition at the prestigious All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) 2026.

The national-level camp was held in New Delhi from Aug.31 to Sept.11, bringing together NCC cadets from across the country.

Vriddhi’s selection for the prestigious camp was the result of several months of dedicated training, relentless hard work, discipline, determination and perseverance, said Unit Commander Third Officer N. Ravikumara.

“Winning a medal at this prestigious national-level camp is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Manasarowar Pushkarini Vidyashrama,” stated a press release from the school.

Secretary K.S. Swaroopini, Principal Harshida Harikumar, Vice-Principal Susie Pinto and her mother Rashmi Sharma have expressed immense pride and happiness over Vriddhi’s outstanding achievements.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

N.A. Haris was, a long-time football administrator, hopes to strengthen the pathway from grassroots football to the competitive level.

For Shantinagar MLA and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) chairman N.A. Haris, the love for football came well before he entered politics. His association with the sport began during his college years and has since grown into a lasting passion.

His long stint as a football administrator has now taken him to a new plane, with his appointment as vice-president of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). Mr. Haris will play a key role in efforts to develop football across the region.

In his new role, Mr. Haris is keen to take the sport to every corner of South Asia.

“I hope to contribute meaningfully to the development of football in South Asia and help create more opportunities for players, especially young talent,” said Mr. Haris.

Strengthening grassroots football

Mr. Haris said he was particularly interested in strengthening the pathway from grassroots football to the competitive level, identifying talent at an early age and providing young players with the right opportunities to develop.

As the All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president and Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) president, Mr. Haris brings considerable experience as an administrator.

“Football has always been very close to my heart. The energy of the game, the discipline it demands and the way it brings people together have always inspired me,” he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka bagged the third position with a score of 73 points in the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025 released by NITI Aayog on Saturday. The awards were announced during the launch of the IEMI 2025 in Delhi.

The state was also listed as one of the leading large states classified as top performers, alongside Maharashtra, reflecting its progress in advancing electric mobility.

According to NITI Aayog, Delhi topped the overall ranking with a score of 84, followed by Maharashtra at 78. Karnataka secured the third position with 73, followed by Chandigarh (71) and Goa (65). The Index classifies jurisdictions scoring 65 and above as top performers.

Karnataka recorded a score of 97 in the ‘Charging Infrastructure Readiness’ category, the highest in the country. This, officials in the energy department said, highlighted the state’s progress in developing the infrastructure required to support electric vehicle adoption.

Additional Chief Secretary, energy department, Gaurav Gupta said, “Karnataka’s electric mobility initiatives include BESCOM EV Mithra, a unified electric vehicle charging application, a single-window clearance system and an EV accelerator cell. Karnataka was also the first state in India to introduce a dedicated electric vehicle policy in 2017, covering vehicle sales, charging infrastructure and dedicated manufacturing zones.”

“Karnataka accounts for 8.81% of India’s overall EV registrations. The state ranks second in both two-wheeler and four-wheeler registrations, after Maharashtra. In e-bus registrations, Karnataka ranks third, after Delhi and Maharashtra,” Gupta said.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The decision was taken at a special Cabinet meeting held at the coastal city of Mangaluru.

A special Cabinet meeting held at the coastal city of Mangaluru on Friday accorded Tulu the status of second additional official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, among other announcements. Tulu, one of the five Dravidian languages, is spoken primarily in the coastal districts of Karnataka. During the meeting, the Cabinet also approved projects worth Rs 32,611 crore, the Coastal-Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026 and a 150-acre fisheries park.

Addressing a news conference following the meeting, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that around Rs 16,000 crore of the approved amount would be spent on rural roads, rural development and infrastructure, while the remaining amount would cover various projects in the coastal districts. Commenting on the decision regarding Tulu, Shivakumar said the government was responding to a demand that had been pending for several years.

“Tulu will be the second additional official language of Karnataka, and the decision will apply to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, ” he said.

Addressing a news conference, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that around Rs 16,000 crore of the approved amount would be spent on rural roads, rural development and infrastructure. (File photo)

He recalled the efforts of former minister Ramanath Rai, who had raised the demand to elevate the status of Tulu.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district. Shivakumar said that the government would seek public opinion before taking a final decision. “A draft notification will be issued and one month will be given for people to submit their views,” he said. On the new tourism policy for coastal districts, he said it would be different from the earlier policies and would offer substantial support to investors, including more time for loan repayment. Tourism projects in the coastal and Malnad regions would be treated as infrastructure projects, he said, adding that various incentives would be offered to encourage investment.

Other decisions

Other decisions included establishing a Fisheries and Blue Economy University. The intake at the existing Fisheries College in Mangaluru will be increased from 60 to 200 seats, he said, adding that a 150-acre fisheries park is also part of the projects approved by the Cabinet. Another major demand of the coastal district fulfilled during the meeting was setting up a medical college in Dakshina Kannada. Shivakumar said the Cabinet had approved Rs 549 crore for the project at Puttur.

Procession in open bus

Prior to the meeting, Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues were taken in a procession in an open bus in parts of the city before the meeting started at around noon in the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner””s office.

Cultural troupes and party workers welcomed the Cabinet along the route. Traffic snarls were also seen in parts of the city during the procession ahead of the maiden Cabinet meeting at Mangaluru.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Om Nirmalkar, a Grade 11 student of 10X International School, Mysuru, has been selected for the 2026-27 Junior Academy of the New York Academy of Sciences, an international STEM programme that brings together students from across the world to work on real-world scientific and technological challenges.

As part of the 10-week Innovation Challenge, Om will collaborate virtually with an international team, taking part in research, ideation, solution development, analysis and final presentation of a project.

Students who complete the prescribed challenge milestones receive a certificate and Young Membership of the Academy while selected projects may progress to external evaluation.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)