Karnataka First

Bengaluru-based musician Rudy talks about the reinvention of her music, her visual aesthetic and playing live.

After a long journey to the Ziro Festival of Music in Arunachal Pradesh, Bengaluru artiste Rudy Mukta (who goes by Rudy as an artiste) got on stage with her band for the first time on September 27, debuting new songs and new versions of songs. While Ziro does get cool in September, it was sunny when Rudy made her entrance on the bamboo stage wearing a long, hooded coat, which she soon realised it was too hot for.

Running through songs with her band comprising bassist Niya Rose, drummer Rhema George and keyboardist Leeanne Besterwitch, Rudy performed ‘Morbid Bop,’ ‘Weathering,’ ‘Checkmate,’ ‘Time’ and more. Among them was ‘Funny,’ the first song Rudy ever made and ‘Love & Limerence,’ the latest she released via Universal Music India’s imprint IndieA on September 9. By the end, an attendee even got on stage to offer her a bouquet, much to everyone’s bewilderment.

A week prior to performing at Ziro, Rudy spoke to The Hindu about a reinvention of her music, her visual aesthetic with the ‘Love & Limerence’ music video and playing live. Last year, Rudy graduated from Bengaluru’s Mount Carmel College, majoring in economics and sociology. “Suddenly, I have so much time and it’s good. I’m slowly centered and getting into a routine. In the beginning, it was I was, ‘Oh my God, now my life is in my hands and I have to do something with it’,” she says over a call.

It was soon after she graduated that she and her longtime producer Kalmi — who many know as the beatmaker for Hanumankind’s breakout hit ‘Big Dawgs’ — got together for sessions in Hyderabad and came up with ‘Love & Limerence,’ an R&B/pop song that is emotionally heavy and builds up in sonic intensity as it goes. Rudy recalls, “He wrote a piano piece, and I just sang over it, and it came to be. We posted on Instagram right after we made it. After that, we built on it with the production and everything else.”

As regular collaborators — Kalmi also worked on Rudy’s 2021 EP Broke My Slumber , the singer-songwriter says they have both arrived at a “mature sound” with ‘Love & Limerence’ and current material. He also called on Rudy to contribute vocals to Hanumankind’s ‘Cause’ from his recent mixtape Monsoon Season.

The creative process between them has often been about “making new sounds” without thinking about whether it will be material they have to release, Rudy notes. “It is because we spent so much time making new sounds and not dropping them for a certain amount of time, that I was just excited to put things out at one point.”

The title of her new song, specifically “limerence” came from Rudy’s habit of noting down “cool words or phrases” whenever she comes across them. She says, “I jot them down in my Notes app, and leave it for later. Then, when I sit down to write, I’ll pick it up and think, ‘I like this, let me build on it. I am going to come up with a concept around it.’ I think a reel mentioned limerence, and I thought, ‘Oh, this is such a nice word’.”

The haunting, seemingly goth-inspired music video directed by Deepika Menon (her directorial debut, Rudy reminds us) with Lendrick Kumar as executive producer is a deep dive into the artiste’s psyche as she grapples with love, longing and emotional distance. Rudy says, “This was my first major music video with a full-fledged set and a crew. I learned a lot by being on set and was inspired after seeing everyone be so good at what they do there. They made the whole process easy and comfortable.”

After Ziro Festival of Music, Rudy is heading to Lollapalooza India in Mumbai on January 25, 2026. Previously only performing solo, she says there is now more freedom with having a band, more so an all-girl band.

“We get to experiment with ideas that aren’t in the studio version of the song. I am able to add to certain pockets and make it more high energy, for instance, changing the groove somewhere in the middle. It is super fun,” she says.

In the run up to the next festival performance, Rudy says there may or may not be more new songs. “Let’s see. Ideally, I would like to drop some, but if not, there still is music being made, and there still is music waiting to come out.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Launched on June 11, 2023, as the first of the Congress government’s five guarantees, the Shakti scheme allows women, including transgender persons and students, to travel free of cost on non-premium State-run buses.

The Shakti scheme, the flagship women empowerment initiative of the government of Karnataka, has achieved another global milestone by entering the International Book of Records – World Record of Excellence. Over 500 crore free tickets have been issued since the launch of the scheme, which offers free bus travel for women.

This recognition comes close on the heels of the scheme being listed in the Golden Book of World Records.

Launched on June 11, 2023, as the first of the Congress government’s five guarantees, the Shakti scheme allows women, including transgender persons and students, to travel free of cost on non-premium State-run buses.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed gratitude to the officers, employees, and labour union leaders of the four State Road Transport Corporations for their role in this achievement. He said, “The scheme has empowered women not just economically but also socially and professionally, providing them greater mobility and opportunities.”

Mr Reddy noted that the successful implementation of the initiative across the State highlights its wide impact. “It is a matter of pride that the scheme has now another world record to its credit. I extend my congratulations to all women passengers,” he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Tasmai Cariappa of Mysuru topped the podium by winning the Round 3 of BricSP Superbike 400CC Category Championship held at Chang International Racing Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, from Sept. 26 to 28.

A resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Tasmai is the son of Dr. Monnanda Nalini Somaiah, Professor, Department of Studies in Botany, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Karnataka was among the four states shortlisted by Airbus to build the single-engine helicopter in the country.

Airbus on Wednesday announced that it will set up a production line for the H125 helicopters in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at Vemagal in Karnataka, the fourth such facility in the world and India’s first helicopter final assembly line in the private sector.

Karnataka was among the four states shortlisted by Airbus to build the single-engine helicopter in the country.

“The ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter will help develop new civil and para-public market segments and also meet the Indian armed forces’ requirement for a light multi-role helicopter, especially on the icy heights of the country’s Himalayan frontier. Plans include a military version, the H125M, to be offered out of this Indian factory with high levels of indigenised components and technologies,” Airbus said.

The first H125 is expected to roll out of the facility in early 2027, and the choppers built in India will be exported to south Asian countries too.

“India is an ideal helicopter country. A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help develop this market and position helicopters as an essential tool for nation-building,” said Airbus India and South Asia president Jurgen Westermeier.

The final assembly line (FAL) in India will initially produce 10 H125s a year, with production being ramped up as orders grow. Airbus has projected a demand for 500 light helicopters of the H125 class in the country and south Asia during the next 20 years.

“Tata Advanced Systems is proud to be the first private sector company in India to build helicopters. This will bolster both civil and defence requirements. This is our second FAL (the other being for C-295 aircraft) in collaboration with Airbus and further reinforces the partnership between Tata and Airbus for India. Tata Advanced Systems is well placed in the Indian aerospace sector with capability to build and deliver fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters for the nation’s requirements,” said TASL CEO Sukaran Singh.

The partnership between Airbus Helicopters and TASL to assemble the H125 helicopters in the country was announced in January 2024 during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The 2,8-tonne H125 can carry up to six passengers, fly at a maximum altitude of 23,000 feet, has a range of 630 km and a top speed of 250 kmph. The roles it is suited for include commercial transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services, disaster management, offshore industry and firefighting.

These helicopters are currently produced only in France, the US and Brazil.

At the Indian FAL, TASL will handle major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, flight controls, hydraulic circuits, fuel system and the engine; with support and guidance from Airbus Helicopters, including the training of Indian personnel in France.

The H125’s engine and gearbox will come from France, the main airframe (supplied by Mahindra) will come equipped from Germany, and the tail boom from Spain.

This will be the second FAL to be set up in India by Airbus. It is jointly executing a ₹21,935-crore project with TASL to equip the Indian Air Force with 56 C-295 aircraft to modernise its transport fleet. In September 2021, the defence ministry signed the contract with Airbus Defence and Space to strengthen self-reliance in the key sector. The European aircraft maker has delivered 16 planes in fly- away condition to the IAF, while the rest will be assembled in India at a Tata facility in Gujarat’s Vadodara city. The first ‘Made in India’ C-295 will roll out of the facility in September 2026 and the remaining over the next six years.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Over the past 15 years, Lalitha Prasad has handcrafted more than 1,500 dolls on over 20 different themes, ranging from Yoga and Surya Namaskara to depictions of women critics, marriage ceremonies, mythology, and history.

For Lalitha Prasad, 70, Dasara is not just a festival to display dolls, but an occasion to make dolls herself. Over the past 15 years, she has handcrafted more than 1,500 dolls on over 20 different themes, ranging from Yoga and Surya Namaskara to depictions of women critics, marriage ceremonies, mythology, and history.

Her cotton-stuffed dolls have hand-stitched costumes and jewellery, including minute details like earrings and bindi. Ms. Prasad makes new dolls every year and painstakingly arranges them at her house in Bengaluru. Though she has received offers to display her dolls both outside the State and the country, she has turned them down and continues to display them only at her house during the Navaratri festival.

Preserving Tradition

Not just making new dolls and displaying them, but preserving them for years is also a key task that requires a lot of work as the dolls have to be restitched and repacked after the celebrations are over.

Ms. Prasad’s daughter Rashmi Manohar said that making these dolls was her mother’s great passion. “She talks to her dolls, she sings for them. She sees them not as objects, but as carriers of stories and traditions. The main reason she puts this much effort in making the dolls is to make sure future generations understand what Dasara dolls, known as Pattada Gombe, truly signify, and the legacy that they carry,” Ms. Manohar said. 

Despite health and age-related challenges, including recurring back and shoulder pain, Ms. Prasad continues to nurture her craft. Her daughter admits that the family has requested her to slow down, but her dedication remains constant. “For her, this is not just an art form, but a way of keeping culture that fosters creativity and community spirit alive,” Ms. Manohar said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Anekal cow comes first producing highest 38.150 litres of milk in Dasara State-level Cow Milking Contest.

Ajay from Anekal taluk of Bengaluru won the first prize for his cow yielding 38.150 litres of milk in the State-level Cow Milking Contest, organised as part of Dasara Festival, by Raitha Dasara Sub-Committee in association with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, at J.K. Grounds in the city yesterday.

Ajay received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh for the first prize, as his cow collectively produced over 38 litres of milk, including morning and evening hours. In the morning session, the cow produced 21.500 litres and in the evening 16.650 litres totalling 38.150 litres of milk.

C.S. Sanjeev of Chittenahalli, Periyapatna taluk, won second prize of Rs. 80,000 for his cow yielding 37.150 litres of milk (20.150 litres in the morning and 17 litres in the evening).

Harshit Gowda, from Benchkal Palya, Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, won third prize of Rs. 60,000, as his cow yielded 37.10 litres of milk (19 litres in the morning and 18.10 litres in the evening).

Nishant Shivaramu from Ganjam in Srirangapatna taluk, won fourth prize, pocketing Rs. 40,000, as his cow yielded 36.850 litres of milk (17.800 litres in the morning and 19.050 litres in the evening).

Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh, who distributed the prizes, said that the State Government is committed to provide all possible encouragement to promote animal husbandry. The farmers should make judicious use of the Government schemes.

In all, 15 cows from different parts of the State had taken part in the contest. The owners of those cows, which didn’t secure a place, were rewarded with Rs. 10,000 and a memento.

Veterinary Department Deputy Director Dr. Nagaraju, Dr. Poornananda, Karnataka Milk Federation Managing Director B. Shivaswamy and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (Jayadeva Hospital) Financial Advisor J. Chaitra were present at the event.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

In a remarkable display of dedication and excellence, Sunil Pandeshwar has graduated as an associate NCC officer from the prestigious NCC Officers Training Academy, Kamptee, receiving the coveted Gold Medal and Director General’s Baton Award for overall achievement during the Passing Out Parade (PRCN 183).

The Gold Medal and DG Baton were presented to Pandeshwar by the director general of NCC during the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in his diverse career that spans theater, education, and sports.

Sunil Pandeshwar is no stranger to excellence, having established himself as a versatile personality across multiple domains. Known primarily as a theater artist and comedian, he has also earned recognition as a national-level award-winning actor, photographer, and physical education director.

His educational journey reflects his commitment to learning and growth. Starting from Mudahadu Senior Primary School, he progressed through BCM Boys Hostel Udupi for his high school education, completed his pre-university education at Viveka Pre-University College Udupi, and earned his Diploma in Physical Education (DPED) from MK Anantaraj Physical Education College, Mudabidre.

Pandeshwar’s academic excellence continued at SMS College Brahmavar, where he received the ‘Most Outstanding Student Award’ during his graduation. He further pursued a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) from Rani Chennamma University, Belagaum.

The multi-faceted personality has made significant contributions to Kannada theater, performing in numerous plays including acclaimed productions like ‘Aradirali Belaku,’ ‘Huliya Neralu,’ ‘Agni Loka,’ and ‘Aragina Betta.’ His performance in ‘Suryastadinda Suryodayadavarege’ earned him the Best Actor Award at the state-level drama competition.

Beyond serious theater, Pandeshwar has been a prominent figure in comedy theater, with over 1,000 performances across various comedy competitions, reality shows, and amateur Kundakannada plays including ‘Preeti Ninnallada Mele,’ Dubai Hudga,’ and ‘Yaru Sama Illa.’

His commitment to community service is evident through his roles as secretary of Brahmavar Rotary Club, secretary of South Kanara Photographer Association Brahmavar Division, and his four-year tenure as secretary of the SMS Degree College Brahmavar Alumni Association.

Pandeshwar’s expertise in physical education has yielded remarkable results in sports coaching. He guided a under-14 boys’ volleyball team to a silver medal at the national level SGFI competition, demonstrating his ability to nurture young talent.

Currently serving as a physical education teacher at Vidyodaya Public School Udupi, he continues to inspire and train the next generation of athletes while balancing his artistic pursuits.

The Gold Medal and DG Baton Award from the NCC Officers Training Academy represent the culmination of Pandeshwar’s diverse talents and unwavering commitment to excellence. These prestigious awards are testament to his leadership qualities, discipline, and dedication that have been evident throughout his varied career.

The achievement adds another distinguished chapter to the remarkable story of a man who has successfully bridged the worlds of arts, education, sports, and now military training, proving that excellence knows no boundaries when pursued with passion and determination.

Sunil Pandeshwar’s journey from a village school in Mudahadu to receiving the highest honors at one of India’s premier military training institutions serves as an inspiration to aspiring individuals across all fields of endeavor.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The award is given to top performing districts under the campaign, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain; Bidar will get ₹25 lakh in cash.

In a landmark achievement, Bidar district has emerged as a winner of the Centre’s Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award given to top performing districts under the campaign, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain.

The district will receive ₹25 lakh in cash from the Centre, acknowledging its outstanding contribution to water conservation and community participation under the campaign.

Bidar district is one among the top 80 districts selected under category 3 of the campaign. A total of six districts from Karnataka bagged the award and Bidar alone from the Kalyana Karnataka region.

This recognition not only highlights the district’s commitment to sustainable water management but also serves as an inspiration for other regions to adopt similar practices.

This national-level initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, aims to promote community-driven water conservation and groundwater recharge efforts across India.

As a part of the campaign for conservation of water, Bidar has taken up construction of small check dams, gabion structures, gully plugs, percolation ponds, soak pits and traditional rain harvesting and recharge systems such as taankas and stepwells.

Earlier, the zilla panchayat took up desilting works under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and trenches in agricultural fields.

Empowering communities

The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative is designed to foster active participation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, industries, NGOs and resident welfare associations.

By promoting groundwater recharge and water conservation practices, the campaign seeks to address the challenges of water scarcity and groundwater depletion.

The award serves as a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in driving change.

Bidar’s achievement

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole has said that Bidar district’s achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished through collective action and community engagement.

As the nation strives to meet its water conservation goals, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award serves as a powerful motivator.

Dr. Badole said that social and community participation plays a vital role in accomplishing initiatives like Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari to drive transformative change in water conservation.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)