Karnataka First

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)

The landmark episode was filmed live in front of an audience, aiming for a Guinness World Record.

Popular Kannada quiz show Thatt Antha Heli celebrated its 5,000th episode with an event at the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore’s GKVK campus on Saturday (October 11, 2025).

Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre lauded the show, calling it a fusion of knowledge and memory that sharpens intellect and emotion. Airing on DD Chandana for over 23 years, the show has posed over 75,000 questions to more than 15,000 participants, becoming a beacon of infotainment.

The 5,000th episode was filmed live in front of an audience, aiming for a Guinness World Record. Noted personalities such as Dr. Na. Someshwar, Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah, participated on the occasion.

Mr. Khandre praised the show’s role in public awareness on nature and wildlife, calling it a “treasure trove of knowledge.” The landmark episode will be telecast on Monday (October 13, 2025).

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Garodi Thimappa Alva, a veteran who served in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, passed away at his residence in Lohith Nagar, Mangaluru, on October 16 evening. He was 85.

Family members have informed that his mortal remains will be donated to K S Hegde Hospital, Derlakatte.

Recently, Alva’s war memoir titled Garodi Maneyinda Sena Garadige (From Garodi House to the Army Camp) was published, narrating his remarkable life journey.

Born into an agrarian family in Tulunadu, Alva joined the Indian Army as a young man and participated in the 1971 war. During a mission in a helicopter to a war camp, his aircraft came under attack from Pakistani forces near Chittagong. He miraculously survived after crash-landing in the forest and battling against all odds — an experience he later chronicled in his book.

The 1971 Indo-Pak war was a defining moment in Indian history, marking a resounding victory for the nation. Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with the strategic brilliance of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and the courage of thousands of soldiers, India emerged as a global symbol of democracy and military resolve.

Garodi Thimappa Alva, who had also participated in all three wars India fought against Pakistan, was among those who brought pride to the nation through his service and sacrifice.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The highlight of this year’s Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Mysuru on November 1 will be a tableau commemorating the centenary of ‘Nada Geethe’ (State anthem).

Among the tableaux planned for the grand celebration here, one will depict the State anthem, while others will showcase the glory and heritage of the Kannada language and culture.

During a recent preparatory meeting for the Rajyotsava celebrations at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shivaraj directed that all government employees must compulsorily participate in the event and added that their attendance will be recorded. “The celebrations will be meaningful and held in a grand manner,” he said.

The district-level Rajyotsava celebration will be held at the Oval Grounds at 9 a.m., where Minister in charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa is scheduled participate.

Prior to the stage event, a puja will be offered to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari at the Mysuru Palace premises at 8 a.m. Dr. Mahadevappa will later flag off the Rajyotsava procession. The procession will begin from the Oval Grounds, pass through K.R. Circle, and return to the venue. Cultural troupes, police bands, and tableaux representing various themes will participate.

The Mysuru City Corporation will handle necessary arrangements, while the Department of Kannada and Culture will provide cultural troupes for the procession.

On the occasion, students who secured the highest marks in Kannada in the SSLC and PUC examinations in the previous academic year will be felicitated. Eminent achievers from various fields in the district will also be felicitated, Mr. Shivaraj added.

Community leaders and members of various organisations who spoke on the occasion urged star hotels and malls to prominently display name boards in Kannada and cinema theatres to screen more Kannada films. They demanded that at least 60% of all shop and mall signboards should be in Kannada and suggested that the city corporation ensure this condition while granting trade licenses and approvals.

Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture M.D. Sudarshan, officials from various departments, and leaders of Kannada organisations attended the meeting.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

While the national average stands at 1.2 buses per 1,000 people, Karnataka provides 3.81 buses per 1,000 people, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

With a fleet of 7,067 buses, Bengaluru has the largest number of public sector buses among Indian cities, followed by Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Karnataka leads at the State-level, operating 26,054 buses, which translates to 3.81 buses per 1,000 people. This puts it ahead of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

As many as 18,987 buses operate in the State excluding 7,067 buses operating in Bengaluru.

The Minister made these remarks amid ongoing calls from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, former Infosys CFO T.V. Mohandas Pai, and Yulu co-founder R.K. Misra, who have all suggested that the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) should be privatised.

Mr. Reddy firmly rejected these suggestions, describing them as “commercially motivated” and contrary to public interest. “Karnataka and Bengaluru lead the country in the number of buses, passenger ridership, and service quality. Those advocating privatisation have vested interests and are not thinking about the welfare of commuters,” he said.

3.81 buses per 1,000 people

According to Mr. Reddy, in Bengaluru, BMTC operates 7,067 buses, including 1,799 electric buses, catering to nearly 48 lakh passengers every day, the highest ridership for any city-run public transport system in India. “Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation follows with 3,651 buses (230 electric), ferrying around 34 lakh passengers daily. Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operates 3,794 buses, including 1,121 electric and 2,340 leased vehicles, carrying about 25 lakh commuters daily. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs 3,222 buses (2,526 electric) serving 24 lakh passengers each day. In contrast, Kolkata has a fleet of only 750 buses catering to about six lakh passengers,” he said.

“This data itself shows how effectively BMTC serves the people of Bengaluru. Now some people want to privatise this system so that private organisations can make profits. The government’s focus is on service, not on profit,” Mr Reddy added.

The Minister also highlighted Karnataka’s dominance in public transport across India. “While the national average stands at 1.2 buses per 1,000 people, Karnataka provides 3.81 buses per 1,000 people. This clearly reflects our commitment to public mobility,” he said.

The State operates 26,054 buses through its four corporations, namely Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Comparing figures from other States, Mr. Reddy said Tamil Nadu has 20,912 buses (2.70 per 1,000 people), Maharashtra 16,900 (1.32), Uttar Pradesh 13,031 (0.54), and Andhra Pradesh 11,111 (2.07). “In every parameter, the number of buses, passengers carried, and service reliability Karnataka stands first,” he asserted.

Feasible options

Recalling past efforts to improve city roads, the Minister said that during the tenure of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, road widening projects were taken up to reduce traffic congestion. “Those road widening projects helped ease traffic. Unfortunately, later governments did not continue them. Now, with limited funds and high land compensation costs, road widening has become difficult,” Mr. Reddy explained, adding, “Given the present situation, the only feasible options are tunnel roads and flyovers.”

Citing Andhra Pradesh as an example, he said that years ago when Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had implemented extensive road expansion projects which subsequent governments continued, traffic was managed effectively. “In Karnataka, lack of continuity in such projects by the next governments has worsened congestion,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)