Karnataka First

She’s just 16, yet she has already brought laurels to Mysuru and Karnataka. Representing the Indian U-16 Women’s Team, that clinched the championship title at the recently concluded FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur) U-16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025 (Division B) in Malaysia, Shravani Shivanna has swiftly made her mark in India’s basketball circuit.

Class XI student at Excel Public School, Mysuru, Shravani aspires to captain the senior Indian Women’s Team. Recognising her achievement, the school management honoured her with the Prof. M.H. Dhananjaya Scholarship, offering a 75 percent concession on tuition fees.

he is the daughter of Vanishree, a teacher at Excel Public School, and Shivanna, a basketball coach. The family resides in Kuvempunagar, and her elder brother, Sagar Shivanna, is a musician.

Star of Mysore caught up with Shravani for a conversation about her journey, experiences and aspirations in basketball. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): What made you choose basketball as the sport of your interest?

Shravani: I draw inspiration from my father, who was a national-level player. He used to take me to the basketball court when I was very young, and I always wanted to make him proud.

It began as a hobby, but after my first Nationals in 2022, when I represented the Karnataka team, I realised I wanted to take it seriously. My dad also began giving me extra coaching sessions, and that motivated me to take the road less travelled.

SOM: Now that you’ve been part of the India U-16 team, how do you feel about the journey so far?

Shravani: The journey has been quite tough. Basketball isn’t a sport that receives widespread support, but my parents have always encouraged me to pursue what I love. In the beginning, I didn’t find basketball very enjoyable — it was hard balancing academics and training.

But once I truly fell in love with the game, everything became easier to handle. Honestly, I never imagined I’d make it to the Karnataka team, let alone the Indian camp. But I grabbed every opportunity that came my way, and that’s what led me here.

SOM: What’s your daily routine like, and how do you balance basketball with academics?

Shravani: That’s actually a tough question! To be honest, I barely study. My basketball routine is very intense — I train for about five and a half hours every evening, from 5 pm to 10.30 pm.

Before joining the India camp, I also practiced athletics in the mornings to build my speed and stamina. It was pretty hectic, especially when I was preparing for my Class X Board exams. Now that I’m in Class XI and most events are done, I plan to take a month or two to catch up on the studies I’ve missed.

SOM: The growth of basketball compared to other sports in Karnataka?

hravani: Basketball has definitely been improving in Karnataka over the last five to ten years. Of course, cricket remains the favourite for most people, but I believe parents should let their children follow their passion if they want to succeed.

To make basketball more popular, we need to organise more tournaments and provide better facilities. In countries like USA, players get to compete every week or month, but here, we hardly get to play four or five tournaments a year at the district or national level.

SOM: How have your parents and school supported you in your endeavours?

Shravani: My school has supported me from day one. Both Principal K.G. Mathew and Vice-Principal Gubain Mathew have been incredibly encouraging, always allowing me to attend every camp I was selected for. They’ve been kind enough to provide me with the necessary attendance and academic support, which has helped me focus on the court with a clear and positive mind to give my best for the State and the Country.

As for my parents, they have been my strongest pillars of support. My mother has been my emotional anchor, while my father has been the driving force behind improving my basketball skills. I truly wouldn’t have reached this level without their constant support and guidance.

SOM: Can you share your experience at the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asia Cup?

Shravani: It has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. For the first time, I truly felt the intensity of international-level competition — playing alongside incredible players and learning from some of the best coaches. I’m really proud to have been part of an Indian team that maintained its unity and fighting spirit till the very end. Personally, I’m happy with my performance. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament.

SOM: Now that you’ve represented the country at the junior level, what are your future goals?

Shravani: I’ve always dreamed of becoming the captain of the senior Indian Women’s Team. My long-term goal is to help India qualify for the Olympics by progressing through Division B and A. In the short term, I aim to represent India in the U-18 Women’s Team at the 2028 Asian Cup. I want to give my absolute best and keep improving to reach the next level.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

In a pioneering step toward digital governance, Nanjangud has become the first City Municipal Council (CMC) in India to digitise its civic data through ‘Civinc’, a first-of-its-kind mobile application and online portal developed at Ashoka University.

The innovative platform consolidates information and contact details of local elected representatives and municipal employees onto a single, easy-to-use interface, enabling citizens to directly connect with officials responsible for addressing civic issues.

An initiative spearheaded by Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan, the project allows residents to scan QR codes installed in each locality to instantly access details of officers handling tasks such as garbage clearance, road repair, water supply or voter ID changes and even contact them via phone with a single click.

This digitisation drive marks a significant milestone for non-metro cities, setting an example for technology-driven, transparent and accountable governance across India.

Official launch in Nanjangud

The ‘Civinc’ portal was officially launched in Nanjangud on Friday by MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan in the presence of Aishwarya Sunaad, Head of Concept Development and Research at Civinc; Srikanta, President of Nanjangud CMC; Vijaya, Municipal Commissioner and B.N. Mythravathi, Assistant Executive Engineer (Environment).

Employees of Nanjangud City Municipal Council, dignitaries and members of local citizen groups and NGOs also attended the event.

Conceptualised by Ashoka University alumna Aishwarya Sunaad under the mentorship of Dr. Debayan Gupta, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Ashoka University, Civinc — a portmanteau of ‘civic’ and ‘link’ — was designed to bridge the gap between citizens and their governing bodies.

Transparent governance

The platform provides direct access to the contacts of Corporators, Councillors, ward-level department heads and municipal employees responsible for essential civic services such as sanitation, garbage collection, road maintenance, property tax, and building licenses.

Unlike traditional grievance portals, Civinc fosters real-time, transparent communication between citizens and officials. It uses ward-specific QR code boards placed across the city; when scanned, they display contact details of officials handling specific civic issues. Citizens need not download the app separately to raise grievances.

Additionally, Civinc empowers users to update or correct outdated information and features a unique performance review system for municipal employees, promoting civic engagement and administrative accountability.

Speaking after the launch, Darshan Dhruvanarayan said: “Nanjangud is proud to lead the way as the first non-metro city in the country to digitise its civic data. Giving citizens direct access to officials responsible for essential services makes governance more transparent, responsive and efficient.”

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Karnataka’s flagship luxury train, The Golden Chariot, is set to expand its royal journeys beyond the southern circuits to include new destinations in western India. Operated by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in collaboration with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the opulent train is now gearing up to extend its services to Mumbai and Aurangabad, adding the famed Ajanta and Ellora caves to its itinerary. The new Bengaluru–Mumbai circuit is expected to commence operations in the next financial year.

“In the new Mumbai package, the plan is to include Mysuru and Hampi. Discussions to add Goa to this five-night, six-day itinerary are still ongoing,” a source told The New Indian Express. “Tour and travel operators have suggested several other circuits, including short ones covering unique, lesser-known destinations preferred by tourists. We need to consider logistics, including train routes and bus arrangements. Cooperation from private tour operators and government agencies is essential. Partnerships with hotels and travel agencies are also being planned,” the source added.

At present, The Golden Chariot connects major tourist destinations across Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, depending on the selected itinerary. The train currently offers three packages — Pride of Karnataka, Jewels of South, and Glimpses of Karnataka — with journeys ranging from four to seven days.

Reflecting the grandeur of Dravidian heritage, the 18-coach luxury train combines tradition with modern comfort. It features deluxe wooden cabins with private washrooms, two fine-dining restaurants, an Ayurvedic spa, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a conference hall. With 44 guest rooms, the train can accommodate around 84 passengers.

Bookings for The Golden Chariot can be made through the official website (www.goldenchariot.org) or via authorised travel agents. Fares vary according to itinerary and cabin category. For Indian nationals, prices range from Rs 2.65 lac for the Glimpses of Karnataka journey to Rs 3.98 lac for the longer Pride of Karnataka and Jewels of South tours.

The all-inclusive fare covers accommodation, meals, guided sightseeing, and entrance fees to monuments and parks. However, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and spa treatments are generally not included in the package.

With the upcoming expansion to Mumbai and Aurangabad, The Golden Chariot aims to redefine luxury travel across southern and western India, offering passengers a regal experience steeped in history, heritage, and comfort.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The system comprises three subsystems — stationary, on-board, and a backbone communication network — ensuring real-time coordination between trains and signals.

Bengaluru-based NOVA Control Tecnologix, a deep-tech subsidiary of e2E Transportation Infrastructure Limited, on Thursday announced its official launch as India’s full-stack Rail Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). NOVA is in a strategic partnership with Tata Elxsi to co-develop Kavach 4.0, the next generation of India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

Speaking at the launch, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said, “We have nearly a lakh kilometres of railway network and over eight billion journeys a year. In the past decade, we’ve had close to 800 accidents, over 2,500 injuries, and about a thousand lives lost — lives that could have been saved. What has been built here today can revolutionise not just Indian Railways but rail systems globally.”

“The technology and product unveiled today offer immense value to Indian Railways. With Kavach 4.0 already rolled out on 1,600km and set to cover 100,000km in the next few years, I urge NOVA, e2E Rail and Indian Railways to consider setting up a Centre of Excellence for Railway Mobility here in Karnataka,” he stated.

Speaking during the launch, CEO Sourajit Mukherjee said, “With NOVA, we are setting a new benchmark — for the first time in India, a signalling system integrator has also become an original equipment manufacturer… Kavach is not just another product; it is a national mission to make train travel in India safer than ever before,” he added.

Kavach 4.0, India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system, is designed to enhance safety as train speeds increase.

The system comprises three subsystems — stationary, on-board, and a backbone communication network — ensuring real-time coordination between trains and signals. “If a loco overspeeds or crosses its limit, Kavach automatically applies brakes,” explained a design engineer, while a design lead added that its “two-out-of-two CPU design” and diversified hardware-software architecture ensures the highest safety integrity. Kavach integrates safety, communication and intelligence into one compact system, stated the designers.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BTS 2025 will once again showcase the very best of what the state and country have to offer. He said Karnataka continues to lead India’s digital transformation.

With the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) set to be held in the city from November 18 to 20, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge held a review meeting with the organising team and his department officials on Thursday. “This year’s summit is shaping up to be our most ambitious and disruptive edition yet,” Kharge said.

He said from a curated list of global speakers, industry leaders and leading venture capitalists to sectoral dialogues on technology, policy and innovation, every element has been designed to raise the bar. “We’re also hosting our biggest ever gathering of entrepreneurs and futurepreneurs under the Future Makers Conclave, alongside key announcements on policy and mega projects,” he said.

For the first time, BTS 2025 will also witness the launch of something groundbreaking, a piece of technology that they have quietly been building, Kharge said, adding, “It will redefine how we think about computing.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called upon industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to join the BTS 2025 and said the summit, on the theme ‘Futurise’, will bring together more than 1 lakh delegates, over 600 speakers and innovators from over 60 countries. He saod Bengaluru has become the centre of India’s innovation journey, leading the way with its ideas, talent, and technology,

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BTS 2025 will once again showcase the very best of what the state and country have to offer. He said Karnataka continues to lead India’s digital transformation.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) achieved a historic milestone on October 20 by operating 316 trains in one day, including 38 on-demand services—its highest ever daily tally. This feat was accomplished during the heavy travel period of Diwali and Chhath festivals, successfully transporting over 1.2 lakh passengers through major hubs like Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), KSR Bengaluru (SBC), and Yesvantpur (YPR).

To handle the surge, the railway set up holding areas at key stations with a combined capacity of over 4,000 passengers. These areas were well-equipped with seating, restrooms, drinking water, and CCTV surveillance. A divisional war room monitored live footage to promptly address any issues. Additional personnel, including staff and Railway Protection Force, were deployed to manage ticketing, queues, and crowd control.

Divisional Railway manager Ashutosh K Singh recalled a remarkable incident on October 18 when nearly 1,000 passengers crowded the holding area for the Bhagalpur Express at SMVT. To manage the overflow, six BMTC buses were arranged within half an hour to ferry passengers to Yelahanka, where they boarded a special train arranged for them.

SWR also utilized the ‘Trains of Demand Forecast’ feature within the Passenger Reservation Information Management Enhanced System (PRIME) to predict passenger volumes and optimize resource allocation, ensuring smooth operations during the peak festive season.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

A recent study by scientists of JSS Medical College in Mysuru has explored the therapeutic potential of sodium butyrate on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a major type of liver cancer.

The study recently published in a peer-reviewed journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (BBRC) shows how short-chain fatty acid sodium butyrate, a natural compound produced by gut microbioata (bacterial population) in the human intestine holds potential for prevention of growth of liver cancer.

“Regular intake of sodium butyrate through fiber-rich daily diet by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps the gut to produce this protective compound naturally. Such simple dietary habits can strengthen liver health, reduce cancer risk, and support long-term health and wellness,” said a statement by Prasanna K. Santhekadur, professor, Department of Biochemistry, CEMR Lab, JSS Medical College. He led the study with his research students O.C. Samanmitha S. and Shreyas H.K., along with collaborators Rohit Mehtani and Divya Prasanna Kumar.

Liver is one of the largest and vital organs of the human body and acts as a major powerhouse organ, which also controls the function of the brain and heart, and plays an important role in 500 different functions in the human body, silently working day and night to keep us alive and healthy, the statement said.

According to recent research, liver cancer, particularly HCC, is a growing public health concern in India and across the globe, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, excess alcohol consumption, and related metabolic disorders, the statement added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Kasaragod Chinna has been chosen for the 21st Kalakar Puraskar, an award jointly instituted by the Carvalho family of Kundapur and Mandd Sobhann to honour artistes who have made significant contributions to Konkani performing arts.

D Vedavyas Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru South, will present the award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, at a ceremony on November 2 at 6 pm at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar. Linguist Dr Pratap Naik and Stanley Fernandes, a businessman and patron of art from Muscat, will be the guests of honour. Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto will preside over the function.

Srinivasa Rao S (68), popularly known in the theatre fraternity as Kasaragod Chinna, holds a DFA (Diploma in Fine Arts) with a gold medal in acting. Since his entry into theatre in 1969, he has acted in over 400 plays in Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam and English. He has directed and translated several plays and has showcased his talent on All India Radio and Doordarshan.

He has performed hundreds of shows through experimental formats like Lorry Naataka, Geeta Sangeetha Ratha, Yaksha Teru, Kannada Swara and Mime. He has also ventured into film direction and acting. The Konkani feature film Ujwadu, which he directed, received the honour of Best Regional Film in 2011.

As the president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, he organised numerous programmes. Through the unique Ghor Ghor Konkani (Konkani in Every Home) campaign, he instilled pride in the language among Konkani-speaking communities. Through the Ranga Chinnari Trust he founded, he continues to conduct various cultural activities.

He has also contributed to literature. His translated collection Tees Kaniyo (Thirty Stories) received the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Book Award. He has received the Konkani Academy’s Honorary Award, Karnataka Nataka Academy Award, Kerala Rajyotsava Award, and several other state and national-level honours in the field of theatre, along with numerous awards from across the country and abroad.

Following the award ceremony, the 287th programme of the Monthly Theatre series will feature the 17th Maxim Nite, a musical concert by Maxim Pereira and his team.

The Kalakar Puraskar was established in 2005 in the name of the Carvalho family, in association with Mandd Sobhann, to honour Konkani artistes. To date, the award has been presented to Arun Raj Rodrigues (Drama), Joel Pereira (Music), Harry D’Souza (Brass Band), Fr Charles Vas (Devotional Music), Anuradha Dhareshwar (Music), Sant Bhadragiri Achyutadas (Harikatha), James Lopes (Brass Band), Norbert Gonsalves (Music), Francis Fernandes Cassia (Drama), Roshan D’Souza (Music), Christopher D’Souza (Drama), Avil D’Cruz (Dance), M Gopala Gowda (Folk Art), Dolla Mangaluru (Drama), Irene Rebello (Wedding ‘Sobhane’ Songs), Anita D’Souza (Singing), Nihal Tauro (Singing), Melvyn Peris (Music), Apolinaris D’Souza (Singing) and Roshan Bela (Music).

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the first Indian woman to win international skiing medals

While many youngsters influenced by Bollywood dream of entering the world of glamour and fame, here is a girl who chose a very different path — the icy slopes of the mountains. Inspired by adventure and driven by determination, she turned her passion for mountaineering into a historic achievement, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at an international-level cross-country skiing championship.

A native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda defied all odds to make not just her hometown, but the entire State and Nation proud. She clinched bronze medals in the 5 km distance race and 1.3 km sprint at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held at Corralco, Chile, in September this year.

Bhavani has represented India at several prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. A multiple medal winner at the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship, she is now rigorously training to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu, Bhavani draws her strength from her roots and family support. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, works for a private firm in Bengaluru.

Star of Mysore caught up with the trailblazing athlete to learn more about her journey, challenges and preparations for the upcoming Olympics. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): How did your journey in cross-country skiing begin?

Bhavani: It all started after I watched the movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. That’s when I first learned about the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which inspired me to join the NCC Air Wing during my college days.

In 2014, I attended a mountaineering camp in Manali — that was my first encounter with snow, something we never see back home in Kodagu. The experience changed my life completely. I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing so I could glide down the peaks I climbed. Over time, I discovered cross-country skiing and fell in love with it for the endurance, precision, and mental strength it demands.

SOM: What inspired you to pursue adventure sports, and cross-country skiing in particular?

Bhavani: I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure. But my biggest inspiration came from Marit Bjørgen of Norway — one of the greatest cross-country skiers in history. Her strength, determination, and consistency truly motivated me. Watching her made me want to follow that path and represent India in a sport that very few from our country have even attempted.

SOM: Cross-country skiing is known for its toughness. How did you master such a demanding sport?

Bhavani: It’s been a long and challenging journey. I had no background in snow sports and limited access to proper facilities in the beginning. But I stayed consistent — training first in India, then in New Zealand, and later in Europe. Each season taught me something new — from refining my technique to building endurance and mental resilience. It’s a constant process of learning, and even today, every single day on the snow feels like an opportunity to improve.

SOM: How does it feel to be the only Indian woman to win cross-country skiing medals at an international event?

Bhavani: It’s an incredibly proud and emotional feeling. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life. But beyond the medals, it’s about proving that Indian athletes can compete in winter sports at the highest level. I hope my journey inspires more youngsters, especially girls, to explore lesser-known sports and believe that nothing is impossible.

SOM: How have your parents supported you throughout your journey?

Bhavani: My parents have been my biggest strength. Even though they didn’t fully understand the sport initially, they always believed in me and supported my dreams. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue such an unconventional path. Every achievement of mine belongs to them as much as it does to me.

SOM: Now that you have reached the international stage, what is your next goal?

Bhavani: My primary focus is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. I want to qualify and represent India with strong performances on the world stage. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about winter sports and help build better infrastructure in India, so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have.

SOM: What advice would you give to youngsters wanting to take up cross-country skiing?

Bhavani: I would say, just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities. Passion and perseverance can take you a long way. Cross-country skiing challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches resilience, patience, and self-belief. If I could do it, coming from a small town in South India, anyone can.

source/content : starofmysore.com (headline edited)

South India has emerged as the stronghold of the Asian elephant, with Karnataka topping the list of Indian states hosting the largest wild elephant population, according to a new nationwide survey.

The recently released report, titled ‘All-India Elephant Population Estimate Based on DNA’, confirms that Karnataka leads the country with 6,013 elephants, followed by Tamil Nadu with 3,136 and Kerala with 2,785. Together, these three southern states account for 53.16% of India’s total elephant population.

The report, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Project Elephant, and the Wildlife Institute of India, reveals that India is home to 22,446 wild elephants as of 2025 — a decrease from 27,312 elephants recorded in 2017.

The study marks the first time DNA-based fingerprinting techniques have been used to estimate elephant populations in the country. Scientists collected 21,056 dung samples across 3.1 lakh dung plots spanning over 6.7 lakh sq km of forest terrain. The genetic analysis helped identify individual elephants, similar to how human ancestry is traced through DNA.

According to officials, the use of DNA fingerprinting and satellite-based mapping offers a new scientific foundation for future monitoring and conservation strategies. “This is the first time elephant dung samples were used for DNA analysis. The findings will serve as a benchmark for future population assessments. Wildlife wardens from across the country were consulted in this multi-phase process,” an official said.

The Western Ghats region alone hosts 11,934 elephants, underscoring its critical importance as an elephant habitat.

Among other states, Assam ranks second nationally (and first in northern India) with 4,159 elephants, surpassing both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Other regions recorded the following numbers:

• Central India and Eastern Ghats: 1,891 elephants
• Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains: 2,062 elephants
• Northeastern Hills and Brahmaputra Floodplains: 6,559 elephants

The survey began in 2021 and was released this week after four years of fieldwork and analysis. The report also highlights the historic relationship between elephants and humans, dating back to the Harappan civilisation, where elephants played a vital role in both the economy and military.

As the country with the largest Asian elephant population, India holds a crucial role in the species’ global conservation. With Karnataka at the forefront, this survey reaffirms the southern states as the core custodians of India’s wild elephants, offering a data-driven roadmap for better protection and habitat management in the years to come.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)