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While preferences have shifted due to the smartphone era, the timeless values of life remain unchanged.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Akashvani Dharwad, a cultural icon of North Karnataka’s oral tradition.

A unique voice of the 20th century, the broadcasting service was launched with the rendition of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’, by a team led by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Akashvani Dharwad was the beloved medium of acclaimed artistes like Da Ra Bendre, Mallikarjun Mansur, Rajguru, Chennaveera Kanavi, Girish Karnad, Balappa, Gangubai Hangal and many others. Radio legends like Kaka, Nani Kaka and Akkamma became special stars, especially among rural audiences.

Bendre Ajja, while walking through the streets of Sadhanakeri after dinner on Wednesdays, would listen to plays aired on radio before reaching home. Even today, many start their daily activities with the ‘Vandana Chintana’ broadcast.

“In the 21st century, amid the dominance of modern media, the radio seems to struggle to retain its charm and connect, especially with rural audiences. While preferences have shifted due to the smartphone era, the timeless values of life remain unchanged. Amid this media noise, values seem to fade away, yet Dharwad stands steadfast, evidenced by the overwhelming number of letters received every week and countless phone calls,” said Sharanabasava Cholin, programme head, AIR Dharwad.

“This celebration carries forward its legacy with the aspiration that Akashvani Dharwad continues to shine like a golden light for generations to come,” he added.

The once-robust programme division now faces challenges with fewer than 10 permanent staff. However, its remarkable programmes, like the 175+ episodes of Vachanamrutha and 120 episodes of Krishi Shodhane Sadhane remain treasures.

Shows like Angaiyalli Ayurveda, Jeevamrutha, Vanitha Vihara and Valmeeki Nela Jala Jagriti continue to educate and entertain. The technical and administrative divisions work tirelessly despite limited staff, while temporary announcers and assistants contribute significantly. The archives, digitized through relentless efforts, are recognized as unique treasures of Akashvani Dharwad.

Radio Dharwad, now available through FM and the NewsOnAir app, has reached global audiences, gaining appreciation from Kannada associations abroad. Interestingly, the demand for radios is reportedly rising in Dharwad, and Akashvani Dharwad is active on social media platforms too.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Karnataka has the highest number of public charging stations, followed by Maharashtra with 3,728 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,989.

Karnataka has taken the lead in India’s electric vehicle eco-system network — it has the highest number of 5,765 public charging stations, which account for 23 per cent of the national total.

The state also ranks among the top three in the sale of electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to 9 per cent of India’s total sales in 2024. Karnataka recorded sales of over 1.7 lakh EV units, the maximum being two- and three-wheelers.

“This unprecedented growth in EV sales and charging infrastructure in 2024 sets a strong foundation for Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM’s E-Drive) scheme to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable and net-zero future,” said the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) report released on Friday.

Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan Dashboard and Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency showed Uttar Pradesh leading in EV sales, contributing to 19% of the national total, followed by Maharashtra at 12%. Karnataka has the highest number of public charging stations, followed by Maharashtra with 3,728 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,989.

The launch of the Rs 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme in October 2024 includes Rs 2,000 crore for public charging stations, to accelerate reach and usablity. While Rs 500 crore is allocated for electric trucks, the first ever to address heavy-duty transport emissions, Rs 4,391 crore is set aside for electric buses. It also allocates Rs 2,000 crore for strengthening charging infrastructure.

ICCT says the PM’s scheme will bolster Karnataka’s ecosystem. Funding for e-buses aligns with Bengaluru’s push for green public transport, and capital grants for charging stations will reinforce Karnataka’s leadership in infrastructure. It will also help Karnataka in the race to meet the net zero emission benchmark.

“EV incentive policies, including Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) and PM’s E-Drive, have been major drivers of the initial rise in EV uptake and charging infrastructure in India. The year 2025 will be crucial as India forges ahead in its transition towards clean mobility, with the potential introduction of supply-side regulations such as fuel economy standards, which is imperative for the country to achieve its climate objectives,” said Sumati Kohli, researcher, ICCT.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Krishna Valley cow breed also being conserved here.

Buffalo breeding centre at Tegur in the taluk has Karnataka’s only he-buffalo production unit where semen is collected and processed semen straws are supplied to veterinary institutions and artificial insemination centres across the state.

Informing this, buffalo breeding centre Deputy Director Basavaraj Naregal stated that the breeding of Murra and Surti varieties of buffalo take place at the centre.

When Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu GRJ visited the centre on Friday, he stated that he-buffalo semen straws from here are being used by all veterinary institutions and artificial insemination centres in the state. Many farmers prefer buffaloes from here as they give more milk, Dr Naregal said.

‘Krishna Valley’ cow

Veterinary Department Deputy Director Ravi Saligoudar said conservation of ‘Krishna Valley’ cow breed is taking place at this livestock breed development centre here since 2019-20, and this breed on the verge of extinction is shifted here from Munirabad in Bidar district.

The centre also has North Karnataka region’s first pig breeding unit, which is supplying hybrid piglets to pig farms, said Dr Anil of the unit.

Divya Prabhu instructed the officials to conduct guidance programme on dairy farming and pig rearing at the centre for farmers.

Farmers can also take up dairy farming and pig rearing to increase their income, and the centre would offer information to them. Officials are instructed to educate farmers about fodder management also, she added.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

During the inauguration of the academic session of Bengaluru Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE), he noted the absence of the Planning Commission, and appreciated the city’s contribution to education and development.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh , who passed away on December 26, 2024, contributed to the growth of Karnataka in many ways, but what stands out is him saying that ‘people see India through the prism of Bengaluru’.

As prime minister in UPA-1, he provided debt relief to farmers through waiver of entire overdue interest and rescheduling of overdue loans as on June 30, 2006. He had waived off crop loans amounting to ₹72,000 crore during the UPA-I regime.

Relief to six districts in Karnataka

Under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package, Karnataka received ₹2,689.64 crore for providing relief to small farmers in Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Hassan, Kodagu and Shimoga districts. The package benefited many small farmers.

During his visit to Bengaluru, when Dharam Singh was leading a coalition government in Karnataka, Dr. Singh interacted with farmers in an auditorium of the Bangalore University. He provided several inputs to farmers and expressed his government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and the poor.

Later, for development of agriculture, Dr Singh set up a National Commission on Farmers, headed by scientist M.S. Swaminathan, which recommended measures to boost the rural economy. This contributed to the revision of minimum support price.

Replicated RUDSETI model

Following the success of the Rural Development & Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) set up in 1982 at Ujire in Dakshina Kannada district, by D. Veerendra Heggade with the support of Canara Bank and former Syndicate Bank, the Manmohan Singh government replicated the model at the all-India-level. He suggested that the Union Rural Development Ministry establish one Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI) in each district in 2008-09. RSETIs aim to train rural unemployed youth to take up self-employment ventures. Now, India has close to 600 RSETIs.

To monitor the work of RSETIs promoted by different banks, a National Centre for Excellence of RSETIs (NACER) was established in 2011 in Bengaluru. The Centre has bestowed on Dr Heggade the honour of being the co-chairman of the NACER Committee of RSETIs.

Connections with Bengaluru

Former Chief Minister late S. M. Krishna, who served as External Affairs Minister in the UPA government, always used to recall Dr Singh’s statement that ‘people see India through the prism of Bengaluru’.

On October 4, 2017, Dr. Singh inaugurated the academic session of Bengaluru Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) at Ambedkar Bhavan, and noted the absence of the Planning Commission. He appreciated Bengaluru’s contribution to education and development.

During his visit in 2017, Dr Singh appreciated the development model adopted by the government of Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He said that Karnataka was the first State to implement the Food Security Act enacted by the UPA government.

Dr Singh inaugurated the Kempegowda International Airport in 2008, and flagged off the city’s first metro train from Baiyappanahalli to M.G. Road in 2011.On December 27, 2001, Dr Singh visited the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru to participate in a seminar on ‘Life and Works of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao’. Being a former Union finance minister, he lauded Prof. Rao’s contributions in various areas of economics, and as an institution builder.In June 2006, Dr Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of elevated highway connecting Bengaluru city with the Electronic City.

Life and times of Manmohan Singh

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Shubha Sanjay Urs (centre), Founder-Director of Mysuru Literature Festival, was honoured with Karnataka Women Achievers Award (KWAA) for Literary Excellence during a grand ceremony held at Taj Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru on Dec. 15.

Shubha Urs, also Founder-Chairperson of Mysuru Books Club-2015, is seen with KWAA President Spoorthi and actress Pooja Gandhi, who presented the award.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Bengaluru Dialogue was flagged off with a video message by Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group of publications.

It was an evening of insightful conversations and stimulating exchange of ideas at the Lit for Life Dialogue 2025, which witnessed a packed auditorium at Christ (Deemed to be University), in Bengaluru on December 20, 2024.  

A prelude to The Hindu’s Lit for Life 2025 literature festival, Dialogues are being held for the first time ever in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as a teaser to the main event in Chennai on January 18 & 19, 2025.  

The Bengaluru Dialogue was flagged off with a video message by Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group of publications and Founder & Chair of The Hindu Lit for Life. “It’s an exciting chapter for us as we build on our relationship with the people of the city [Bengaluru], bringing distinguished writers, creative thinkers, and inspiring intellectuals to interact with an engaged audience.”  

Murder She Wrote

The evening began with acclaimed author Anita Nair and speaking to Jayapriya Vasudevan about her new book, Hot Stage. The book is the third in her crime fiction series on Bangalore detective Borei Gowda set in the Garden City. “He emerged in my mind riding a bullet,” the author said speaking of the protagonist. 

Recalling moving to the city in 1989 and witnessing its growth over the years, Ms. Nair said the books are “an exploration of Bengaluru through Gowda, an epitome of the city and how it has changed.” Reading excerpts from her book, she spoke of how noir is not about crime committed and crime solved but also social commentary.    

Sculpting Song into Clay

Writer and art curator Ina Puri’s conversation with ceramic sculptor G Regu was a meditation on art and its practice. Dwelling on his humble beginnings in Kerala’s Kilimanoor  town, Mr. Regu spoke of how his formative days and his interactions with the people of rural Kerala bled into his art.  

“Every artist has a specific identity they lend to their work. My themes revolve around rural life,” he said. 

From playing with terracotta to sculpting with ceramic, he traced an artistic journey heavily influenced by his association with renowned architect Laurie Baker and his wife, Elizabeth Baker, as well as the Gandhian philosophy they espoused. He also fondly recalled his year of making art in Rangayana, the theater repertory space in Mysuru. 

A Life in Cinema

Legendary actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar’s interaction with film writer Balaji Vittal was a fitting end to the evening as they gave the audience a glimpse of the former’s memoir, Viewfinder. 

Mr. Palekar spoke of his unconventional choice of pursuing a life in fine arts, his accidental entry into theatre and the lasting impression left behind by his mentors in cinema. 

“All the great people who helped me understand theatre and films, the craft and grammar, gave me not only their love but also their knowledge without any reservations…” he said, and quipped, “Surprisingly all of them happened to be Bengali.” 

He named cinema giants like Basu Chatterjee, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Tapan Sinha and Biplab Roy Chowdhury along with theatre greats like Sombhu Mitra and Badal Sircar in this list. 

To a question on feeling like an outsider in both films and theatre, he said “In both these fields, one tries to be a top star. I don’t relate to how much money a film or thetare production makes. We only talk about commercial success. I never ever believed in that. I don’t think a work of art or a human being can be assessed only by this yardstick,” he said. 

The event also saw book signings by Ms. Nair and Mr. Palekar. 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

“Vocal for Local” will first target Bengaluru and Karnataka, then expand to other states, with plans to collaborate with local brands in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune in the next phase.

Simpli Namdhari’s Launches ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative to Champion Grassroots FMCG Brands in Karnataka.

Enthused by the growing trend of health-conscious consumers increasingly being aware about what they eat and from where it is sourced, Simpli Namdhari is aiming to tap this opportunity and is strengthening its omnichannel presence by enhancing its e-commerce platform and launching new stores.

Currently, the company operates over 25 stores across Bengaluru and Hyderabad and plans to add 8-10 stores in the next 12 months, with more Simpli formats in the pipeline. “Initially, USD 20-30 million is the amount that will help us look beyond the South, at least in the first phase. We feel slightly larger stores would give a better experience and help us stock wider assortments,” informed Simpli Namdhari’s Marketing Head Hema L. As part of its roadmap, Simpli Namdhari’s is looking at strategic partnerships, in the form of either established industry players or financial partners.

Simpli Namdhari is India’s only 100% vegetarian omni-channel retailer, offering a plethora of residue-free, premium vegetarian options to customers. “This niche market aligns with shifting consumer preferences toward plant-based lifestyles. Our positioning allows us to build trust and loyalty while tapping into expanding opportunities in health-focused FMCG products, dairy and fresh produce. This space holds immense potential for innovation and differentiation,” Hema told TNIE.

With farming at the core of Simpli Namdhari’s, its differentiator resides in an integrated seed-to-plate model, alongside premium customer experiences across online and offline channels. Additionally, on the tech front, it is leveraging AI assistants at its stores to provide detailed product insights, helping customers make informed decisions.

The company recently launched a ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, which offers grassroots FMCG brands shelf space at zero listing fees, allowing them to showcase their offerings to a broader audience. “The initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, local sourcing and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems in India,” Hema said, adding that the idea is to collaborate with small-scale brands offering artisanal, or niche vegetarian products, including snacks, ready-to-eat and beverages. “We actively scout such brands while welcoming them to approach us directly. Selected brands undergo a rigorous quality check to ensure alignment with Simpli Namdhari’s values of purity and excellence,” she mentioned.

“Vocal for Local will initially focus on markets across Bengaluru and Karnataka. In the next phase, we aim to collaborate with bootstrapped, innovative local brands from other states, gradually expanding to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune,” Hema said.

India’s organised grocery market is projected to reach ~$1.1 trillion by 2030, with significant growth driven by increasing online penetration and expansion of modern retail chains. Simpli Namdhari’s has consistently achieved double-digit growth. Last year, the retail segment clocked annual turnover of Rs 150 crore, while this year, it expects to maintain its double-digit trajectory, buoyed by a wider product range, stronger omni-channel presence, and more stores.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

ProjectHero, a construction tech start-up which had previously raised $3.6mn from Ankur Capital, Omidyar Network, and Titan Capital, has introduced HomeRun, a quick commerce platform offering 60-minute delivery of construction materials. 

HomeRun addresses the problems faced by customers who typically depend on local retailers and vendors for ad hoc construction material supplies of cement, hardware, plywood etc. “Due to small quantities, traditional vendors are not able to fulfil these orders, HomeRun, on the other hand, eliminates these hurdles by offering no-minimum-order deliveries,” said a release from the start-up.

For instance, customers requiring just one or two bags of cement can now place an order on HomeRun without incurring high transportation costs.

“HomeRun isn’t just a platform; it’s how we are solving the massive inefficiencies in material procurement for the contractors and homeowners,” said Satya Vyas, Founder of HomeRun.

Krishnan Neelakantan, Partner at Ankur Capital, said, “ProjectHero’s entry into quick commerce via HomeRun, addresses a critical gap in the construction market – a sector where delays can have significant cost implications.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Nishali, a student of masters, St Aloysius (deemed to be University) was selected as one of the top five finalists in the Mr and Miss Mogaveera International 2024 grand finale. Adding to her accolades, she was awarded the esteemed subtitle of Miss Grand Mogaveera 2024. The event, organized by Mogaveera Sangha Bengaluru, celebrated talent, culture, and heritage in a vibrant showcase of Mogaveera excellence.

The pageant included multiple rigorous rounds, starting with the interview round and introduction round, followed by the talent round and culminating in two splendid walk rounds — one showcasing traditional attire and the other highlighting western fashion. The participants were groomed under the expert guidance of Naveen Billava, director of NB Model Management, with walk training led by Yashasvini Devadiga, Miss Teen Super Globe International 2023.

The event was a part of the Suvarnapatha celebrations commemorating the golden jubilee of Mogaveera Sangha Bengaluru. Under the presidency of Gunakar Kokkarne and B N Narasimha, Suvarnapatha president, the Sangha has been hosting a series of sports and cultural events over the past two months to mark this significant milestone. These events included a blood donation camp, Mogaveera athletics, throwball tournaments, badminton and chess competitions, and cricket tournaments.

Raghavendra Kunder, Yuva Moga Plan & Execution head, played a pivotal role in organizing these grand celebrations, culminating in the highly anticipated YuvaMoga event held on December 14.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The Mid-Year Review of State Finances shows Karnataka’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) registered a growth of 10.2%.

Karnataka stood third in the country for foreign investments attracted in the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year, while securing the second position in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection. Foreign investments amounted to $3.5 billion, according to the government’s Mid-Year Review of State Finances.

The report said that gross state domestic product (GSDP) registered a growth of 10.2 per cent in nominal terms in the previous fiscal year. “The growth trajectory of the state economy is likely to continue at a steady pace with a positive outlook in the agriculture sector, which has significantly picked up due to a good Southwest monsoon,” the report said.

Revenue receipts for the state in the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year were described as “exceptional”, growing by 13.8 per cent compared to the same period last fiscal year. “The state continues to hold the second position in total GST contributions to the country. A growth of 11 per cent has been achieved in total GST revenue generated from the state in the first half of 2024-25 compared to 2023-24,” the report said.

GST revenue collected in the first half of the current fiscal year reached Rs 37,298 crore, compared to Rs 33,818 crore in the corresponding period in the last fiscal year. Similarly, the state’s own tax revenue also saw a significant increase. For instance, commercial taxes collected until September 2024 totalled Rs 49,264 crore, approximately 10 per cent more than the Rs 44,831 crore collected from April to September 2023.

The revenue generated from the stamps and registration department saw a notable increase owing to revisions in guidance value and stamp duty. For the first half of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the department collected Rs 11,920 crore in revenue, around 28 per cent more than the Rs 9,344 crore collected during the same period in the last financial year.

Revenue deficit

“Increase in committed expenditure mainly on account of pay revision to state government employees and state’s commitment to welfare schemes have increased the revenue expenditure of the state, resulting in revenue deficit for 2024-25. However, the state has taken up several measures to reduce the revenue deficit by mobilising revenue receipts like long-pending revision of rates of state’s own taxes and rationalising non-tax revenues by revising fees & user charges for the services provided by the government to the public,” the report said.

The Budget Estimate (BE) of the revenue deficit in the 2024-25 fiscal year is Rs 27,354 crore.

The report said the total liabilities “in absolute numbers” are expected to increase from Rs 5,81,228 crore in the Revised Estimate of 2023-24 to Rs 6,65,095 crore in the BE of 2024-25. The total liabilities, meanwhile, accounted for 23.24 per cent of the GSDP and remained within the norms stipulated under the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, it noted.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)