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His art is noted for its engagement with social and political themes, often reflecting concerns of justice, identity, and human values.

Kalaburagi-based artist M. G. Doddamani has been selected for the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy’s Honorary Award for 2024-25, in recognition of his contribution to the visual arts. The award carries a cash prize of ₹50,000.

The Karnataka Lalithakala Academy announced the list of awardees on April 28.

An accomplished artist and educator, Mr. Doddamani has been actively engaged in mentoring young artists and contributing to contemporary art discourse. His work has been exhibited widely in India and abroad, and are part of collections in several countries, including Mexico, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the United Kingdom.

His art is noted for its engagement with social and political themes, often reflecting concerns of justice, identity, and human values. Several of his artwork draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and constitutional ideals.

Mr. Doddamani is a native of Kannur village in Kalaburagi district. He secured first rank in his Bachelor of Fine Arts from M.M.K. College of Visual Art, earning a gold medal from Gulbarga University. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in Graphics from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan in West Bengal.

The recognition has been welcomed by artistic circles in Kalaburagi, acknowledging Mr. Doddamani’s sustained commitment and contribution to the field of visual arts.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KSDL announced that under the ‘Grow More Sandalwood’ initiative, sandalwood plantations will be developed over 10,000 acres in 10 years.

 Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) announced on Tuesday that it grossed a revenue of Rs 2,016 crore in the financial year 2025–26 with profit after tax at Rs 507 crore. At an event to commemorate the achievement, Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil asked KSDL officials to consider providing incentives to workers in recognition of their contribution.

“While it took KSDL 105 years to reach a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, it doubled this figure to Rs 2,000 crores in just four years. From Rs 1,375 crore in 2022–23, the company has grown to Rs 2,016 crore in three years since the present government assumed office,” he said. Of the Rs 507 crore profit, Rs 157 crore will be paid as dividend to the government and Rs 5 crore will be contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Patil said.

A new manufacturing unit will be set up on a 50-acre land in Vijayapura, for which Rs 229 crore has been sanctioned. Tenders worth Rs 15 crore have been floated to purchase new machinery, he added.

KSDL announced that under the ‘Grow More Sandalwood’ initiative, sandalwood plantations will be developed over 10,000 acres in 10 years. Farmers will receive an incentive of Rs 500 per sapling over a period of three years. Sandalwood research chairs will be established at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Bengaluru, and Agricultural University in Vijayapura.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The system currently supports more than 10 languages — Indian languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali and Assamese, along with international languages like Spanish, French and Arabic.

t Bengaluru Police Commissioner office, in Bengaluru on January 11, 2023. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Bengaluru City Police have launched a multilingual AI-powered upgrade to its emergency response system, Namma 112, aimed at breaking language barriers during distress situations.

The city police introduced the Multilingual Voice AI for Nationwide Key Interventions (VANKI), an advanced solution that enables callers to communicate in their preferred language while seeking emergency assistance. The system can interpret and relay information in real time, helping call handlers respond faster and with greater accuracy.

Over 10 languages integrated

The initiative comes in response to Bengaluru’s diverse and global population, where residents include people from across India and abroad. Officials noted that language differences often delay emergency response, and the new integration ensures that such barriers no longer hinder access to help.

Developed in collaboration with Monday Ventures and Aeos, the system currently supports more than 10 languages. These include Indian languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali and Assamese, along with international languages like Spanish, French and Arabic. Authorities said additional languages will be introduced in phases.

Police officials said the upgraded system will significantly improve response time, clarity in communication and accuracy in deploying emergency services, especially in high-pressure situations.

With this move, Bengaluru City Police said they have reinforced their focus on inclusive and citizen-centric policing, leveraging technology to make emergency services more accessible, efficient and responsive for all sections of society.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Installed in painted stainless steel and measuring 500 x 319 x 375 cm, the sculpture reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and global outlook, said a statement from the Foundation.

‘Bengaluru’s Soul’, a sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, was unveiled today at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.

The sculpture, which has been facilitated by Biocon Foundation in collaboration with KIA, has been installed at the Arrival Forecourt of Terminal 2.

The installation was unveiled by H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, in the presence of Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and Information Technology & Biotechnology, with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, and Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in attendance, alongside artist Jaume Plensa.

Installed in painted stainless steel and measuring 500 x 319 x 375 cm, the sculpture reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and global outlook, said a statement from the foundation.

Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw said the installation “captures the spirit of a city where ideas, cultures, and innovation converge”. Public art humanises civic spaces and fosters a shared sense of identity, she said.

“At the Biocon Foundation, we believe building resilient cities requires not just infrastructure, but investment in culture and creativity.”

Mr. Marar remarked that Terminal 2 is envisioned as a cultural gateway, where infrastructure and artistic expression come together seamlessly and ‘Bengaluru’s Soul’ reflects this vision.

“As millions pass through the BLR Airport, our Art Programme creates memorable first and last impressions, reinforcing Bengaluru’s identity,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

A team of forest officials has launched work on restoring structures built in the British era at Belagavi’s Nagargali forest without disturbing their original charm.

Nestled in the scenic expanse of Belagavi district, Nagargali is a breathtaking blend of dense forest, rich biodiversity, and historical legacy.

Far from urban hustle and bustle, this lesser-known region stands as a sanctuary for nature and heritage. From flourishing flora and fauna to century-old structures such as bridges, temples and forest offices, Nagargali offers a unique glimpse into a harmonious coexistence between nature and mankind.

What truly sustains this hidden treasure is not just its natural wealth, but relentless efforts of the forest department staff and the unwavering support from local residents. Together, they serve as guardians of this biodiversity-rich forest.

In the Nagargali forest range, the responsibility of foresters goes far beyond their official duty. They have been working for years with dedication and often under challenging conditions. What sets them apart is their emotional bond with the forest.

Nagargali is teeming with wildlife, making it an ecologically sensitive and vibrant region. Sloth bears, wild dogs, elephants, tigers and other animals are sighted here. The region is also steeped in history. The forest guesthouse, built in 1914 during the British era, is a symbol of the region’s past. Interestingly, when it was constructed, the forest was much less dense than it is today — a testament to how conservation efforts have paid off. Other heritage structures include the old timber depot, roads and Lakadi Pool Bridge, all of which date back to the colonial times.

Chief Conservator of Forests Manjunath Chavan and Deputy Conservator of Forests NE Kranthi have launched projects to restore them, while the work on the old timber depot office and the guesthouse have been completed.

Tourism

Assistant Conservator of Forests Shivanand Magadum said Nagargali’s pristine beauty has begun attracting tourists and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors often trek through the dense forest, exploring hidden spots such as the Vajra Waterfalls and sacred sites like Handi Bhadangnath Temple.

However, the department has imposed restrictions on entry into the forest. As Nagargali is a reserved forest, there is no scope for unauthorised access. Such measures are necessary to prevent ac idents and to protect visitors as well as wildlife, he said.

Challenges

Forest staff here keep regular track of movement of animals such as elephants, sloth bears and tigers.

They face a major challenge during summer when elephants from nearby regions, including Dandeli, migrate to Nagargali in search of water and food. Their movement often leads to conflicts with local residents.

To address this issue, the department recently dug a 4.5-km trench to prevent elephants from straying into villages.

The forest department conducts regular awareness campaigns, village meetings, and collaborative activities to earn the goodwill of local residents. The department also provides employment to local people, including tribals, living in and around the forest.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The service currently covers Bengaluru within a radius of about 40 km from the institute and is delivered through two dedicated teams conducting daily home visits.

Home-based palliative care services introduced by the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) have received a positive response, with 112 patients availing the facility since its launch on March 3.

The initiative, aimed at supporting terminally ill cancer patients unable to travel for follow-up care, is being implemented under a programme that combines home visits with telemedicine support.

M.K. Yadhuraj, who heads the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at Kidwai, told The Hindu that the service currently covers Bengaluru within a radius of about 40 km from the institute and is delivered through two dedicated teams conducting daily home visits. Each team comprises a palliative care physician, nurse, social worker, physiotherapist and support staff, who provide comprehensive care at patients’ doorsteps, he said.

All required medicines, drugs and consumables are supplied free of cost by the institute and delivered directly to patients during home visits. Following the visits, patients are monitored through telemedicine consultations, with subsequent home visits scheduled based on clinical need. In addition to routine consultation and symptom management, the teams are also performing procedures that were earlier largely limited to hospital settings, the doctor said.

The service, supported under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, is intended for patients who have already undergone treatment at Kidwai but find it difficult to return for follow-up care.

Helplines

A helpline, ‘Neravina Kare’ (90084 41708), has been set up to facilitate access to the service, along with teleconsultation based on urgency. Patients from across the State can call this number for telemedicine support. For home-based palliative care, available only in Bengaluru as of now, patients can call 91875 90629 and register.

Dr. Yadhuraj said more than 250 patients have registered so far since March 3, reflecting the growing demand. The institute, which sees between 2,500 and 3,000 outpatients daily and admits 650 to 750 inpatients, registers around 23,000 new cancer cases every year, while over 3.7 lakh patients visit for follow-up treatment.

Nearly 20% of these patients face difficulty in travelling to the hospital, underscoring the need for such home-based care services.

Pain management 

Kidwai director (additional charge) Naveen T. said the initiative has helped improve quality of life for patients by managing pain and symptoms in a familiar environment, while also reducing the physical and emotional strain associated with repeated hospital visits. The programme is expected to ease the burden on both patients’ families and hospital infrastructure, he said.

Plans are under way to expand the service across Greater Bengaluru area by increasing the number of teams to four in the next phase, with a long-term goal of scaling up to five teams covering south, north, east, west and central zones of the city. The institute is also working on developing a dedicated mobile application to streamline access to home-based palliative care services.

The expansion, Dr. Yadhuraj said, is aimed at ensuring more equitable and accessible palliative care across the city, while strengthening continuity of care through a combination of in-person visits and telemedicine support.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The partnership particularly focuses on regions beyond Bengaluru, including Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi–Dharwad–Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, and Shivamogga.

The Karnataka government, through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Naukri.com to support new Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the State with the hiring process.

The partnership, which particularly focuses on regions beyond Bengaluru, including Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi–Dharwad–Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, and Shivamogga, will provide structured access to talent during the early stages of GCCs.

Under this collaboration, Naukri.com will extend a customised GCC Starter Package to newly established GCCs registered with KITS, offering zero-cost access for an initial period of 90 days. The package includes employer branding, assisted hiring services, and premium talent sourcing tools.

“Karnataka’s strength in the GCC ecosystem is driven by the depth of our talent pool and the strength of our innovation ecosystem. Through KATALYST, we have built a robust, end-to-end support system that enables GCCs to set up, scale, and innovate from day one. This partnership with Naukri.com adds another important layer by enabling faster and more efficient access to high-quality talent,” said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & Biotechnology.

“As GCCs increasingly evolve into centres that are innovating and building for the world, our focus is to ensure they have the right talent and ecosystem to move up the value chain. At the same time, we are committed to expanding this growth beyond Bengaluru, creating strong talent hubs across Karnataka and ensuring more inclusive, distributed growth,” he added.

Manjula N., Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology, noted that the insights generated through the partnership will help the government to better understand talent demand patterns across regions and align skilling initiatives and institutional partnerships more closely with industry needs, especially in emerging clusters beyond Bengaluru.

The MoU is effective for a period of two years. KITS, through the KATALYST cell, will facilitate awareness of the incentives to eligible GCCs, while Naukri.com will ensure onboarding, training, and ongoing support during the incentive period.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has announced the recipients of its prestigious honorary awards and book awards for the year 2025, recognizing eminent personalities for their significant contributions to Konkani literature, art, and folklore. The award presentation ceremony will be held on April 26, at 5 pm at the Udyavar Church premises, Udupi.

Joachim Stany Alvares, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, addressing the press conference held on April 23 at Udupi Press Club, said, “Minister for backward classes welfare and Kannada & culture, Shivraj S Tangadagi, will inaugurate the programme. The event will be presided over by academy president Joachim Stany Alvares. Kaup MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme and Apostolic administration.

Briefing about the awards, Joachim Stany Alvares, stated, the 2025 Honorary Awards will be conferred on Ron Roche Cascia for Konkani literature, Ramadas Dattatreya Gulvady for Konkani art, and Sairu (Muralidhar) Putthu Naik for Konkani Folklore.

The Book Awards for 2025 have been announced for Andrew L D’Cunha for his poetry work “Ujwadache Vengenth”, Roshan Melki Sequeira for the essay collection “Konkani Circus”, and Richard Alvares for the short story collection “Fithuri.”

The ceremony will also feature a range of cultural programmes, including traditional dances of the Kharvi, Siddhi, and Kudubi communities, a brass band performance, and a Konkani musical evening.

The press conference was attended by Naveen Lobo, member; Prakash Noronha, Parichay Pambur Organisation; Steven Colaco, Nirantar Udyavar Organisation; Melvin Noronha, vice president, Udyavar Church and Wilfred D’Souza, secretary, Udyavar Church.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 In a landmark achievement for Karnataka, K S Somashekhar from Kolar district has been appointed as secretary in the Rajya Sabha secretariat, becoming the first Kannadiga to occupy the prestigious post.

Describing the position as one of immense responsibility, Somashekhar expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He told The New Indian Express that he would always remember the guidance of H Hanumanthappa in helping him prepare for the secretariat examination, and the support extended by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda throughout his career.

Somashekhar hails from Neelaturu, a small mango-growing village in Srinivasapura taluk of Kolar district. He completed his schooling at a government school in Ronur before graduating from Government College, Kolar.

He went on to earn a PhD from Kuvempu University, where he undertook a comparative study on farmers’ distress. In addition, he holds MPhil and MA (Literature) degrees and began his professional journey as a guest lecturer in Chintamani.

After clearing the secretariat examination, he entered government service and went on to hold several key positions. These include serving as deputy resident commissioner at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, joint director (administration) in the Department of Information Technology, and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the deputy chief minister of Karnataka during 2018–19.

Fluent in English, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil, Somashekhar noted that his bond with his mother tongue Kannada remains strong.

Looking ahead, he said he hopes to return to his native village after retirement, focus on agriculture, and engage in teaching activities for the younger generation, following in the footsteps of his father, a retired government school teacher.

He added that his wife is a railway officer, his daughter is pursuing medical education, and his son has completed a law degree.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)