Udupi: Sharina Alisha Mathias crowned Miss South India 2024

Sharina Alisha Mathias, a 20-year-old from Perampalli, Udupi, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious Miss South India 2024 title.

The event, hosted by CLM Modeling Agency, took place at Poornima Regency in Bengaluru on December 29, 2024. Sharina emerged victorious among 13 contestants, impressing the judges with her poise, confidence, and charismatic personality.

Sharina, the daughter of Sunil and Anitha Mathias, is a final-year student at Poornaprajna College, Udupi. Her journey to the crown includes notable achievements, such as being crowned Miss Tulunad 2023 2nd runner-up and Miss Coastalwood 2023 1st runner-up.

The event celebrated beauty, grace, and talent, with contestants from across South India competing for the coveted title. Sharina’s impressive performance secured the top spot, bringing immense pride to her hometown.

Speaking about her victory, Sharina expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

Sharina’s achievement has brought pride to her college and community, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of beauty and talent.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: MARINE & FISHERIES: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Scientists Facilitate Successful Cultivation of Indian Pompano through Cage Fish Culture in Padhthonse Village, Udupi district

A team of scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mangaluru, has facilitated successful cultivation of Indian Pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) for the first time in Karnataka in the Swarna estuary at Padhthonse village, Udupi district, and its harvest was done from June 2 to June 26.

The pilot project began last November under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan Programme, wherein the beneficiaries got hands-on training in various aspects of cage culture.

Indian Pompano fingerlings, measuring 2-3 cm, were procured from the marine finfish hatchery of the Vishakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI.

About 4,000 fingerlings, each weighing 3-4 gm, were released into cages at a density of 40-50 fishes per cubic metre after acclimatising them to the local condition.

The fingerlings were fed pelleted floating feed twice a day, amounting to 5% of their body weight, said a release from CMFRI-Mangaluru.

After a five-month grow-out period, the Indian Pompano was harvested in batches between June 2 and 26. The average growth observed during this period was 400-450 gm, resulting in a total harvest of 1,300 kg with survival rate of 90%.

The beneficiaries sold the harvested fish locally, fetching prices ranging from ₹450 to ₹490 per kg generating ₹6.1 lakh revenue. With expenses at ₹3.75 lakh, the net profit earned was ₹2.35 lakh in six months.

Success of the pilot would not only provide alternative livelihood for SC families, but also help other local communities. The success has demonstrated the rapid growth rate of Indian Pompano to reach the preferred table-size in six months and the favourable market demand for the same.

Cage cultivation of fish in coastal Karnataka began in 2009-10 in coastal rivers with over 900 cages being installed in estuaries till now.

The Fisheries Department, the National Fisheries Development Corporation etc., extended financial support to over 500 families. Seabass, Red Snapper and Snubnose Pompano were among the species grown in cages.

The research programme was led by A.P. Dineshbabu and his team of scientists comprising Sujitha Thomas, Geetha Sasikumar, Rajesh K. M., and Divya Viswambharan.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)