Category: Amazing Feats

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FESTIVALS : DASARA 2024: Tableaux showcase vibrant Karnataka

This year’s grand Dasara concluded with a spectacular procession featuring 52 tableaux that celebrated the rich culture and traditions of our State.

For the first time, the number of tableaux exceeded 50, a significant increase compared to previous years, where it ranged from 28 to 35. This year, not only districts but also various Boards and Corporations participated with their tableaux.

Among the highlights of the procession was the tableau from Yadgir, showcasing the Thinthani Mouneshwara Temple, while Kodagu district highlighted the Harangi Reservoir, land conservation, coffee, pepper, and elephant camps.

Raichur district presented the Mudgal Fort, and the Chamarajanagar tableau captured attention by showcasing Soliga tribal culture. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) raised awareness for its ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ and ‘Ksheera Sanjeevini’ schemes, and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents displayed products highlighting Mysore Sandal Soap.

The newly formed Vijayanagara district transported spectators back to the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The audience also enjoyed the Bengaluru Urban district’s portrayal of the iconic Vidhana Soudha as the ‘Power House,’ while Bidar highlighted Kannada Pattadevaru. Koppal showcased traditional Kinnala art, and the Tourism department’s tableau presented the State’s tourism spots under the title ‘Ondu Rajya Halavu Jagattu.’

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Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd. featured Lidkar products, Uttara Kannada district displayed the Murudeshwara Temple, and Bengaluru Rural showcased Ramadevara Betta and Heggunda.

Karnataka Silk Industries Limited (KSIL) presented various silk products under the theme ‘Karnataka Reshme Namma Hemme,’ while Davanagere district spread a message of humanity with its tableau themed ‘Naavu Manujaru.’

Udupi showcased its rich culture and coastal heritage, Shivamogga district highlighted the ‘Kaitabheshwara Temple’ located in Kotipura, Soraba taluk, and Ballari district presented the   Kurugodu Temple.

The Mysuru district administration’s tableau, themed ‘Manavakulada Samanathe,’ emphasised the significance of unity among humanity. Other noteworthy tableaux included Bagalkote district’s ‘Rannana Kavya Gadayudha,’   Haveri district’s ‘Elakki Kampinadu’ and ‘Santara-Sahitigala Nelebidu’, and Ramanagara district’s portrayal of diversity.

Kalaburagi district showcased its commitment to development, while Vijayapura district featured Basavana Bagevadi. Belagavi district highlighted the 200 years of the Kittur War, and Chitradurga district presented its famous Fort and windmills.

Additionally, Chikkaballapura district showcased the Nandi Ropeway, Hassan district highlighted Belur and Halebidu and Tumakuru district featured Siddarabetta. Beyond the districts, various departments also participated, including Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Information and Publicity, Police, Minority Welfare, and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, all highlighting different Government schemes. Notably, the Health Department’s tableau raised awareness about female foeticide.

Institutions such as the Central Food Technological and Research Institute (CFTRI), All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) also presented their contributions through tableaux. The Indian Railways tableau showcased the Vande Bharat Express, which has been popular since its launch.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL : NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS : International equestrian event returns to India after 14 years with ‘The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B) in Bengaluru, October 11-13

International-level equestrian events will return to India after a gap of 14 years on Friday with the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) hosting an FEI-approved Asian-level Showjumping event for youth riders. The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup-Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B), will be held in Bengaluru from October 11-13.

To create more competitive opportunities for young Indian riders, the AEF Youth Cup will ensure world-class competition at home. The competition will see a total of 11 countries, including hosts India competing at Bengaluru’s Surge Stable, which has state-of-the-art facilities.

The format of the competition is of borrowed horses with an age limit of 16-21 years for the riders having a 115 cm maximum jump level.

India will have two participants – E. Suryaa Aaditya and Avik Bhatia, as they topped the selection trials held at Surge Stable in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was attended by 11 riders.

“The EFI is proud to have successfully brought this FEI-approved international tournament to India after a 14-year hiatus. Hosting such a prestigious and competitive event is not just a point of pride for us at EFI; it’s a tremendous opportunity for Indian riders to experience top-tier competition right at home,” said EFI Secretary General Col. Jaiveer Singh.

“This tournament allows us to showcase India as a promising destination for international equestrian events, enhancing our status in the emerging global equestrian market. Moreover, it provides local riders with the chance to excel in familiar conditions, further elevating the sport in our country,” he added.

The other 10 participating countries — Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan — will put up one rider each, the EFI informed in a release on Thursday.

Both Surya and Avik have risen through the EFI junior rank competitions. Surya was a silver medallist at the Junior National Equestrian Championship (JNEC) in both Dressage and Jumping events in 2022. He has also won a silver medal at the Grade III NEC event last year.

Avik was adjudged the best junior rider (2023) and the best young rider this year at the Delhi Horse Show. He is also a medal winner at the junior and senior Nationals.

source/content: ianlive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FILMS :‘Will have 50 per cent women in team’, Filmmaker Kiran Rao on her feature film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ being India’s offical entry for the 2025 Oscars, and more

Ladies, go for it! Go for it!” says film director, producer, and writer Kiran Rao, giving a message to young women joining the film industry and looking to make strides. Rao has recently been in the news for her film Laapataa Ladies which has surpassed 28 other Indian films to be the country’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 2025 Oscars.

“India’s entry in itself is an award for me. I am so humbled and we will do our best to make everyone proud,” says Rao. The film, set in rural India, explores themes such as marriage, patriarchy, and societal norms. Two veiled, red saree-donning brides, Phool (Nitanshi Goel) and Jaya (Pratibha Ranta), undertake an adventurously arduous journey of self-discovery after being mistakenly exchanged during a train ride to their respective homes after marriage.

Though both of them go through very different experiences, they learn, unlearn, and wake up in their own ways. Rao says, “The idea of the veil is a great physical metaphor showing that there is a dayra or limit that circumscribes their potential. We did not critique any type of veil; at the end of the film, they are still wearing veils and it doesn’t matter because it is their choice.”

The original story, called Two Brides, was written by Biplab Goswami. Rao tweaked several aspects of this story for her film and also introduced a character called Manju Mai, a quirky middle-aged woman Phool meets at a train station. “Manju Mai symbolises women’s independence, living on her own terms.

The women in our lives our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters have done so much for us. Yet their work is not valued and Manju Mai really essays that as a character,” says Rao, who, going forward ‘plans to have 50 per cent of women in her filmmaking team’.

Further, Rao highlighted the need for more women, queer people and those from marginalised backgrounds to be in filmmaking. “But I do believe there are sensitive male directors as well; just look at The Great Indian Kitchen! And as someone raising a son, the human that he is speaks about who I am! So, raising empathetic boys is important,” she says.

Rao is also working on films in the comedy, dark drama and supernatural horror categories. Signing off she says, “When you have humour, it creates a space for conversation.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospave (FWDA) announces successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft

 Bengaluru-headquartered Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) on Tuesday announced the successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B.

Classified as a Medium Altitude (15,000 feet) Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing, the FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda told reporters here.

“The aircraft’s aerodynamics design, airframe, propulsion systems, controls systems, electronics are all made in India at FWDA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of 12,000 sq.ft built on 1.5 acre land, located at Electronic City, Bengaluru,” he said.

FWD 200B features a wingspan of five metres and a length of 3.5 metres. It has a maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg, the company said.

It can fly at a cruise speed of 152 kms per hour, with a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. Its runway requirement is just 300 metres allowing it to operate from shorter airstrips, Tejaskanda said.

“With an endurance of seven hours and a range of 800 km, the FWD 200B ensures extended mission capabilities, providing substantial coverage without the need for frequent refueling or landing,” he said.

PTI GMS RS RS

source/content: thebengalurulive.con (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL: Epione Bengaluru branch celebrates one year in Bengaluru, treating over 1,200 patients

This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

Epione, a pain relief centre, successfully completed one year in Bengaluru, providing care and relief to over 1,200 patients. This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, Epione has treated more than 50,000 patients across its centres in South India and is recognised for introducing plasma therapy (PRP) for pain relief in the country.

The Bengaluru branch has been pivotal in offering specialised therapies that help patients manage chronic pain and enhance their quality of life through advanced, non-invasive treatments.

Founder and Managing Director and Chief of Pain Medicine Dr Sudheer Dara said, “Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of people suffering from chronic pain. Our first year in Bengaluru has exceeded our expectations in terms of patient response and clinical success.

We are committed to expanding our services to reach more people in need.” Moreover, to meet the growing demand for services, Epione plans to open two additional branches in Bengaluru next year. Clinical Head Dr Vidya Bandaru, highlighted the centre’s progress over the past year and the commitment to expanding patient-centric care.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS / LIFTING: Pradeep Kumar, Shalan Pinto win Gold & Shalan Pinto Awarded ‘Best Lifter Title’ at 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship,South Africa

 Pradeep Kumar and Shalan Pinto made India proud by winning gold medals at the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship, held in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4.

Pradeep Kumar clinched gold in the 83 kg category, lifting an impressive 237.5 kg. His victory came after a tough contest with Tom Morgan from New South Wales, with Pradeep successfully clearing all his lifts to secure the top spot.

In the 47 kg category, Shalan Pinto also took home the gold, lifting 65 kg. In addition to her gold medal, she was awarded the ‘Best Lifter’ title. Shalan has been training under Pradeep Kumar at Kasharp Fitness.

Expressing his gratitude, Pradeep Kumar thanked the Karnataka Powerlifting Association for the opportunity, Kasharp Fitness for its world-class facilities, Balanjneya Gymnasium for their guidance from the start, and Team India for their unwavering support.

Shalan Pinto, daughter of the late Alexander Pinto and Lydia Irene Lobo from Yeyyadi, Mangaluru, has had a stellar year. Her selection for the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship followed a series of strong performances in key competitions. She secured first place in the 47 kg junior category at the National Bench Press Championship in Maharashtra in January 2023 and earned second place in the same category at the National Bench Press Championship in Bengaluru in November 2023. Shalan also finished second in the 47 kg junior individual bench press at the National Powerlifting Championship in Punjab in June 2024.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA FIRST: TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY / HOTELS: K Syama Raju, first from Karnataka to head Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India

K Syama Raju, Managing Director of Hotel Maurya, Bengaluru and President of the
Southern India Hotel & Restaurant Association (SIHRA), has been elected as the
President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). 

He is the first person to be elected from Karnataka as FHRAI President in the last 50 years.

The election took place at the Federation’s Annual General Meeting held in Delhi, where Raju and other Managing Committee members were chosen for a one-year term.

In addition to his new position, Syama Raju also serves as President of the
Karnataka Tourism Society.

Upon assuming office, Raju outlined FHRAI’s priorities, including securing industry status for the hospitality sector, obtaining subsidies, and addressing human resource challenges.

He further stressed the Federation’s commitment to collaborating with state and union governments to support hoteliers and facilitate new investments, as the tourism industry is expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years.

FHRAI Office Bearers for 2024-25 are as follows:

President: K Syama Raju
Vice President : Pradeep Shetty
Vice President : Surendra Kumar Jaiswal
Vice President : Nitin S Kothari
Hon. Secretary : K Nagaraju
Hon. Treasurer : Garish Oberoi
Jt. Hon. Secretary : Nirav Gandhi
Jt. Hon. Secretary : Ashoke Singh, according to Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI.

source/content: mysoorunews.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: 02nd October – Gandhi Jayanti: Badanavalu: Where Gandhjii’s legacy inspires a thriving khadi industry

The rhythmic hum of spinning wheels — Charaka — still reverberates through the air in Badanavalu, a village in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru District, that etched its place in history during India’s freedom struggle.

Sanctified by the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi (whose 155th birth anniversary was celebrated yesterday), this humble village embraced his ideals and clung to its legacy of cottage industries, preserving them with pride to this day.

The soft, distant clatter of spinning wheels, tirelessly weaving Khadi threads, echoes through the fields. It was here, following Gandhi’s two iconic visits in 1927 and 1934, that hundreds of women found empowerment, shaping their lives around the art of weaving Khadi.

Gandhi first arrived in 1927, amidst his fight against the Simon Commission. His visit to the Mysore kingdom brought him face-to-face with freedom fighter Tagadur Ramachandra Rao.

Beacon of self-reliance

Upon witnessing the Khadi and Village Industries Centre, established by the Maharaja of Mysore in Badanavalu, Gandhi’s heart swelled with hope. His inspiration spurred the growth of more cottage industries, a movement that would transform the village into a beacon of self-reliance.

To commemorate Gandhi’s visit, a stone was laid at the very spot he set foot, with the inscription ‘Badanavalu Spinning Region.’ This simple act sowed the seeds for the formation of the Badanavalu Khadi Village Industries Cooperative Society.

A stone dating back to 1927, etched with the image of a spinning wheel, still stands as a symbol of his presence. Under local leadership, a bust of Gandhi and a pavilion were erected, with a plaque proudly noting its inauguration by the then Chief Minister, Veerendra Patil.

A hub of rural industry

In 1934, Gandhi returned to the Mysore region as part of his donation campaign for the ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh.’ Seizing the moment, he revisited Badanavalu to check on the progress of the spinning centre he had once inspired.

Following Gandhi’s initial visit, and with the enthusiastic backing of Maharaja of Mysore, Badanavalu blossomed into a hub of rural industry. Matchstick production, hand-made paper crafting, carpentry, blacksmithing, grain processing and making of puffed rice, beaten rice and fibre products were all successfully established.

Additionally, training for rural oil and fibre industries was introduced, creating a vibrant cottage economy that provided employment for around 500 villagers. Locals fondly recall Gandhi’s delight at witnessing the thriving industries during his second visit, a testament to the enduring spirit of self-reliance he had instilled.

Government support

At present, the Khadi industry is the only operational enterprise at Badanavalu, with the centre now under the management of the Khadi and Village Industries Society from Holenarasipura, Hassan district.

Supported by Government incentives, the workers spinning Khadi garments earn Rs. 35 per piece, with an additional Rs. 3 for each spool of thread and Rs. 7 per metre of fabric as bonus wages from the Khadi and Village Industries Board.

On average, women earn between Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per day, utilising their spare time after household chores to engage in this craft.

Sabarmati Ashram model

The centre, sprawling across 5 acres, is seeing a renewed focus on development. A compound wall is under construction and the Karnataka State Tourism Department, through KRIDL (Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited), is building a structure modelled after the Sabarmati Ashram. The project is well underway.

Plans are also in motion to transform the park into a tribute to Gandhi’s legacy, with statues depicting his Dandi March and other figures emphasising village self-governance and self-reliance.

Meanwhile, the building erected in 1950 on the very spot where Gandhi addressed the villagers in 1927 has fallen into disrepair. Plans are underway to restore this historical structure, preserving it as a monument for future generations to remember and honour Gandhi’s profound connection with the village.

Badanavalu village, nestled in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district, is strategically situated along the route from Nanjangud to Chamarajanagar, boasting robust road connectivity.

Earlier Narasambudhi

Notably, railway records refer to this village as Narasambudhi. According to the 2011 census, Badanavalu is home to 632 families, with a population totalling 2,784. While it once drew attention due to caste conflicts, today the village thrives in a spirit of communal harmony.

In his 2024-25 State Budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a native of the Mysuru district, unveiled plans to enhance Khadi activities in Badanavalu — an area historically significant for its connection to Mahatma Gandhi.

He also proposed the development of the village as a National Memorial and a dedicated Development Committee has already been established to oversee this initiative.

The Badanavalu centre has attracted numerous dignitaries, including activist Medha Patkar political leaders, Ministers, elected representatives, and a host of film actors, all drawn by the village’s rich heritage and ongoing development.

The original Kannada report, written by D. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Mysuru, was sent to Star of Mysore to be published on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (Oct. 2).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: FIRST: Karnataka unveils India’s first-ever Global Capability Centre policy, aims for 500 new centres and 3.5 lakh jobs by 2029

The policy has also set an ambitious $50 billion economic output target for Karnataka from GCC operations by 2029.

The Karnataka Government Friday unveiled the draft of India’s first-ever Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy.

The policy outlines a vision to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and creating 3.5 lakh jobs. The draft policy is now open for public comment and the government has invited inputs to refine and strengthen the policy.

A GCC is an offshore facility that provides services to a parent organisation, most often a multinational corporation.

Karnataka is home to over 30 per cent of India’s GCCs and accounts for 35 per cent of the country’s workforce in this sector.

GCC policy objectives

The policy has also set an ambitious target for the state to aim for an economic output of $50 billion from GCC operations by 2029. The new GCC policy also aims to create an investor-friendly environment to attract GCCs and facilitate their expansion in Karnataka; position Karnataka as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), promote research and development tailored for GCCs; foster a research and development-driven environment focused on deep-tech and emerging technologies and provide platforms for collaboration between GCCs and the local innovation ecosystem, helping to generate cutting-edge solutions. Moreover, the policy also encourages decentralised growth through the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative, spreading GCCs across various regions in the state.

Innovation and Infrastructure Focus

The policy places a heavy emphasis on creating Global Innovation Districts in Bengaluru and beyond. These districts will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and businesses. The government has also proposed creating Centers of Excellence (CoEs) focused on emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. Karnataka already houses 21 such CoEs and aims to expand further through public-private partnerships.

Support for GCCs Beyond Bengaluru

Recognising the need for balanced regional development, the government’s ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative promotes the growth of GCCs in cities like Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Tumakuru, and Shivamogga. Companies that set up operations in these areas will receive a special package of financial incentives, including rent reimbursements, internet cost subsidies, and property tax exemptions. The policy also supports the establishment of Nano GCCs, which require fewer employees, making it easier for companies to set up operations.

AI and Research Development

A Center of Excellence for AI will also be established in Bengaluru, focusing on the research and development of artificial intelligence. The policy also introduces an AI Skilling Council to develop AI-specific curricula, which will be implemented across the state’s educational institutions. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore to support joint research between GCCs and academic institutions, with a focus on solving real-world business and societal challenges.

Special Incentives for ER&D

Engineering Research and Development (ER&D) is a focus area within the policy. Karnataka is already contributing over $34 billion to India’s GCC market size. The government aims to foster innovation and encourage collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate product development in ER&D.

Talent Development

To strengthen Karnataka’s rich talent pool, the government will provide recruitment assistance, skilling reimbursements, and support for leadership development. Internship programs aimed at providing hands-on experience to local talent will also be a key part of the policy.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: RECORDS OF PESTS : Bengaluru-based ICAR-NBAIR discovers 63 new insect species

ICAR-NBAIR said in a statement it was granted five patents in the last financial year, further establishing its leadership in innovative pest management solutions.

The ICAR – National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR) has said it has discovered 63 new insect species in 2023-2024, significantly enhancing scientific understanding of agriculturally-important insects.

ICAR-NBAIR said in a statement it was granted five patents in the last financial year, further establishing its leadership in innovative pest management solutions, including — Herbal-based repellent for termites on woody trees, Protocol for alcohol-free plywood-laced melon fly attractant, and ‘Dorsa Lure’, a plant volatile composition to increase the trap efficiency in mango fruit flies.

Additional biological control agents were released across various areas, greatly reducing the impact of pests, the institute said.

“ICAR-NBAIR achieved groundbreaking progress in gene silencing technology by developing dsRNA constructs, which resulted in up to 85-89 per cent mortality in cotton whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The institution also completed genome assemblies for four insect species, focusing on critical traits such as insecticide resistance and abiotic stress tolerance,” it stated.

ICAR-NBAIR also commercialised 47 technologies, including microbial pesticides, pheromones, and insecticidal formulations. during the year.

“These technologies generated Rs 32.5 million in revenue, and the Bureau signed over 112 licensing agreements to promote their widespread use across industries,” the statement said.

ICAR-NBAIR also developed and commercialised biological control agents to manage pests such as the fall armyworm and white grubs. These include novel insecticidal formulations and microbial pesticides, now available in the market, it was stated.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)