Know Your City: Stone commemorating an ancient hero of Hebbal, over 12 centuries later
When one thinks of the earliest residents of Bengaluru, the name of Kempe Gowda pops up immediately. While he might be the first one to build a large settlement in the area, it had already long been host to many smaller towns and villages.
One of the oldest settlements from the era is Hebbal — though its ancient residents did not know it by that name. One of the older attestations of this is an inscription at the Nageshvara Temple in Begur, which refers to a battle fought in Bengaluru sometime around 890 AD.
The stone, which is currently displayed under a crowdfunded mandapa in Hebbal along with three younger inscriptions found near it, is a hero stone commemorating a local resident, Kittaya. According to the inscription on the stone, sometime around 750 AD, during the reign of King Sripurusha of the Ganga Dynasty, which ruled the region, the Rashtrakutas attacked the village, intending to raze it to the ground. Kittaya had died while repulsing the invaders, and the stone was installed in his memory. (Read more)
Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal rushed to Agartala hospital after falling sick
Out-of-favour India opener and current Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal was rushed to a local hospital after falling ill just before his New Delhi-bound flight was about to take off, state cricket association sources said on Tuesday.
He is believed to be out of danger.
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Mayank, who has played 21 Tests for India, led Karnataka to a 29-run win against Tripura on Monday.
"He (Agarwal) is not in any kind of danger. He is under observation currently in a hospital at Agartala, and we will fly him back to Bengaluru once we get an update from the doctors, which we are expecting tonight," a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
However, Agarwal will not play the next Ranji Trophy game against Railways in Surat.
"He will not be playing in Karnataka's next match (against Railways at Surat from February 2). But other than that, there is no truth in any rumours going around. He is stable now, and we are in touch with doctors and other state officials," the official said.
Nikin Jose is expected to take over the team's captaincy in the next match as he is the designated vice-captain. (PTI)
People from Karnataka are expecting in basic infrastructure in terms of roads and metro developmental works: Keerthan Kumar, CEO of Soundarya Group of Institutions
Karnataka govt imposes temporary ban on treks without online booking
In the wake of the visit of thousands of trekkers to Kumara Parvata trek in Pushpagiri forest of Karnataka on January 26 on a single day, the government has imposed a temporary ban on trekking paths without online booking system to avoid crowding inside the forest.
Karnataka Forest Department ordered a temporary ban on trekking in forest areas from February 1, till standard operating procedures are framed. However, trekking will be allowed in 23 places where online booking is operational.
In this regard, the Minister of Forests, Biology and Environment, Ishwar Khandre has given a clear instruction to the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief of the Forest Task Force.
He said that if thousands of trekkers arrive every week to the densely forested hilly areas, especially the Western Ghats, which are full of valuable biodiversity, the environment and water will also be damaged. Sources are also polluted, so it has been suggested that such treks should be curtailed.
In a note sent to the head of the forest task force, the trend of trekking in the forested mountain peaks has recently increased among the youth of the state, which has led to overcrowding on weekends. (PTI)
Approximately 175 Bishops from across India are expected to participate in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is set to commence its 36th General Body Meeting on January 31, 2024, at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore. His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, will inaugurate the meeting. Approximately 175 Bishops from across India are expected to participate in the meeting.
This year's central theme, "Church’s Response to the Current Socio-Political Situation in the Country and the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence," highlights the Church's commitment to engaging with the pressing issues of our time. The theme aligns with the recently published message by Pope Francis for World Communication Day.
The meeting's agenda includes a range of critical issues, such as, the current socio-political situation, reflecting on the outcomes of the Synod in October 2023, the present status of Manipur, and examining the overall situation of Christians in India.
On the 6th of February, an election will be held for the office bearers of the CBCI, including the posts of President, Two Vice-Presidents, and the Secretary-General.
NABARD projects priority sector credit target of Rs 3.97 lakh cr for Karnataka in 2024-25
NABARD has estimated a credit potential of Rs 3.97 lakh crore for priority sector lending in Karnataka during 2024-25, its Chief General Manager (CGM) T Ramesh said here on Tuesday.
Speaking during the State Credit Seminar for Karnataka at their Regional Office, the NABARD CGM said the estimated credit potential is 10.67 per cent higher than the previous years' credit projection.
“Of the total, the share of agriculture sector including agri-infrastructure and ancillary activities is Rs.1.85 lakh crore (46 per cent), MSME sector is Rs.1.58 lakh crore (40 per cent) and other priority sector activities is Rs.0.54 lakh crore (14 per cent),” a statement issued by NABARD quoted him as saying. (PTI)
Mandya flag row: Panchayat official suspended, CM says Godse's 'descendants' are disturbing peace
A panchayat official has been suspended in connection with the flag controversy in a Mandya village, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blamed "Godse's descendants" for disturbing peace in the state.
Tension had earlier gripped the Keragodu village over the removal of a "Hanuman Dhwaja," but normalcy has been restored, officials said on Tuesday.
When asked about the tense situation in Mandya, Siddaramaiah said attempts are being made to disturb peace.
"Those disturbing peace are the descendants of Godse," he said in an apparent reference to Gandhi's killer.
"People should live with love and trust for peace in the society. No one should try to inflame communal passions," the chief minister said.
Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Keragodu Panchayat had granted permission to hoist tricolour or Karnataka flag only and not any religious or political flag.
Meanwhile, Mandya Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Tanveer Asif suspended the Panchayat Development Officer of Keragodu village on Monday.
In the order, he said permission was granted only to hoist the Indian tricolour in the village. However, the PDO not only gave an opportunity to the people to hoist the Hanuman flag, but also did not take steps to remove it, it said. (PTI)
Karnataka Minister airs concern over growing malnutrition among pregnant women, children
Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Dr Sharan Prakash Patil on Tuesday acknowledged the challenge of growing malnutrition among women and children and urged the people to make use of the central and state government schemes to address the issue.
He expressed concern over the growing malnutrition among pregnant women and children in 'Kalyana Karnataka' region, and stressed on the need to eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the society to get rid of malnutrition.
The minister was addressing the gathering here after inaugurating a two-day workshop on Food, Nutrition, Health-Hygiene & Wash organised by National Livelihood Mission.
"In order to address malnutrition among the children, our government is providing eggs to schoolchildren twice a week and those who don't consume eggs would be provided bananas and 'chikki'," Patil said. (PTI)
BJP is not actually following Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka CM writes to Union FM requesting inclusion of an AIIMS in Raichur in budget
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting her to include in the forthcoming budget a State's proposal for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raichur district.
Sitharaman is slated to present the interim budget on February one.
'Raichur is an aspirational district, coming under Kalyana Karnataka region, where healthcare, education and per capita income levels are still subpar as compared to other regions of Karnataka. Raichur district is in an urgent need to establish a high quality referral medical centre,' Siddaramaiah said in his January 29 letter.
Noting that the proposal of establishing an AIIMS in Karnataka is pending for quite some time, he said, 'the State Government, on consideration of possible locations, is of the view that Raichur is the most suitable place to establish an AIIMS. I would, therefore, request you to include the establishment of AIIMS at Raichur in the forthcoming Budget of 2024-25.' The Chief Minister has also enclosed a copy of his letter dated June 17, 2023 addressed to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh L Mandaviya, in this regard. (PTI)
Hanuman flag row: CM Siddaramaiah says Godse''s "descendants" are disturbing peace
In the midst of a row over the removal of a Hanuman flag, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said "descendants" of Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathuram Godse are disturbing peace in the State.
As Mandya witnessed a massive demonstration by the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) to protest the removal of the saffron flag flying from the 108 feet flagstaff at Keragodu village in Mandya district on Monday, Siddaramaiah said the agitation by the opposition was aimed at gaining political mileage.
"There are people amongst us who worship Godse though they speak about Mahatma Gandhi as well," he told reporters after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary.
When asked about the tension in Mandya, Siddaramaiah said attempts are being made to disturb peace.
"Those disturbing peace are the descendants of Godse. People should live with love and trust for peace in the society. No one should try to inflame communal passions," the Chief Minister said. (PTI)
Mandya Hanuman flag issue: Panchayat official suspended for dereliction of duty
The panchayat development officer (PDO) of the Keragodu grama panchayat was suspended by the Mandya district administration over Hanuman flag issue. As per the order issued on January 29, Jeevan B M was suspended for dereliction of duty and a departmental inquiry was initiated against him.
The official has been accused of permitting Sri Gowrishankar Seva Trust to construct a flagpole on government land, which was in violation of law. Permission to lease, sell or transfer government land cannot be done without prior consent from the government, Zilla or Taluk Panchayat, the proceedings of the Mandya Zilla Panchayat read. Read more
Row over removal of Hanuman flag: Kumaraswamy blames Congress govt in Karnataka
JD(S) State President H D Kumaraswamy on Monday joined the protest against the removal of a saffron flag bearing Lord Hanuman's image from Keragodu village near here. He blamed the state's Congress government for creating the fraught situation and failing to handle it effectively, news agency PTI reported.
The state government clarified a day ago that the Hanuman flag was removed as permission was only sought to hoist the national Tricolour and the Karnataka State flag. However, the replacement of the Hanuman flag with the National Flag has led to a confrontation between the government and the opposition in the state.Hitting out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy, whose party is an ally of the opposition BJP, accused him and his government of playing politics on the issue, and instigating the people by using police force to quell the public unrest over the removal of the 'Hanuma dwaja'.
Whitefield hosts Karnataka State Scrabble Association Indian Open; Nigel Richards dominates Division A
From January 24 to 28, Whitefield hosted the Karnataka State Scrabble Association Indian Open, India’s largest international Scrabble tournament. The event took place at the offices of Mu Sigma, the sponsors of the tournament. Across four divisions labeled A, B, C, and D, participants came from all walks of Scrabble expertise. These ranged from players such as Nigel Richards, the many-time World Champion regarded as the best Scrabble player in the world, to Lennie and Rex D’Souza, who were among the first pioneers of competitive Scrabble in Bengaluru, and newcomers.
The tournament featured around 170 participants across all four divisions, with forty playing in the top A division, consisting of players above the WESPA skill rating of 1200. International participants represented eleven nations, including Denmark and the UAE. The more skilled players in the A and B divisions played across all four days of the event, engaging in a total of 33 games each, while the latter two divisions played on the last two days of the tournament. The prize pool of Rs 11 lakh was distributed among all four divisions. Read more
Mandya Hanuman flag row: Key Highlights
? Following the Hanuman flag controversy in Karnataka’s Mandya district, the BJP, JD(S) and Hindu right-wing outfits on Monday took out a march from Keragodu village to the deputy commissioner’s office demanding action against him for removing the saffron flag.
? After some protesters pelted stones and tore up ruling Congress’s banners along the march’s route, police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. The march was part of the BJP’s statewide protest against the incident that had led to tension in Mandya.
? For its part, the Congress accused the BJP of resorting to “such tactics” to create a base in Mandya district, where the saffron party has struggled to make inroads over the years.
? The controversy erupted on Sunday after officials of district administration arrived in the village to remove the Hanuman flag hoisted atop a 108-ft pole by the Sri Gowrishankar Seva Trust. The action followed a complaint that the trust had hoisted the saffron flag despite receiving the local grama panchayat’s permission to hoist only the national or state flag, as the flagpole was installed on government land.
? Protests erupted in the village soon and Leader of the Opposition R Ashok visited the spot and announced a statewide agitation against the removal of the saffron flag.
? On Monday, following the march, a protest was held in front of the Mandya deputy commissioner’s office, where JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy participated holding a saffron flag. “This issue could have been sorted out in two minutes. Your (Congress) leaders have created this situation,” he said, accusing the district officials of creating the controversy by removing the saffron flag.
? BJP leader CT Ravi demanded the state government publicly apologise and allow the saffron flag to be hoisted again on the pole. “This is a sin committed by the district administration,” he said.
? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the BJP created such controversies when it lacked an issue to fight elections on. “If they (the trust) acted as per permission, why would the district administration interfere? The trust had said that it would hoist either the national or state flag,” he told reporters at Tumakuru. He added that the trust had also assured that it would not hoist any religious flag.
Congress wants to remove Hanuman flag and install Taliban flag: CT Ravi
In Mandya, Karnataka, BJP leader CT Ravi on Monday asserted that the Congress aimed to replace the Hanuman flag with the Taliban flag.
"Today the Congress wants to remove the Hanuman flag and install the Taliban flag... We will install the Hanuman flag today. The times of Taliban flags have passed..." he said.
Suchana Seth absent after arrest in Goa for son’s murder, Bengaluru court adjourns domestic violence case she filed
A local court in Bengaluru on Monday adjourned the hearing in a domestic violence case filed by Suchana Seth, accused of killing her four-year-old son in Goa, after she did not appear.
The Bengaluru court adjourned the case, which is at the state of providing evidence, for evidence by the petitioner to April. Noting the absence of Seth and her legal representative and the presence of her husband P R Venkataraman’s lawyer, the court said, “no response by petitioner side, counsel for the respondent is present.”
Suchana Seth, the CEO of the startup Mindful AI Lab in Bengaluru, was arrested on January 8 by the Goa Police for the murder of her son at a serviced apartment in Goa on January 7. Read more
Watch: BJP and JD(S) workers protest with Hanuman flags in Mandya
Workers from the BJP and JD(S) staged a protest in Mandya, displaying Hanuman flags, following a controversy over the removal of a saffron flag featuring Lord Hanuman's portrait in Keragodu village on Sunday.
The Karnataka unit of the BJP, joined by Janata Dal (Secular), organised a foot march (padayatra) today to express their dissent.
Unveiling Heritage: Grand entrance gate and statue of Field Marshal Manekshaw at Parade Ground
A grand entrance gate and statue dedicated to the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was unveiled at the Parade Ground in Bangalore by Lieutenant General KS Brar, AVSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area on Monday.
This Parade Ground is where the annual parade for the Republic Day and Independence Day is held under the supervision of the Governor and Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Central to the Grand Gate stands an inspiring 7ft Iron Frame statue of Field Marshal SHFJ Sam Manekshaw, MC, flanked by the insignia of Southern Command and Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area.
4 students killed in road accident as school annual day turns tragic in Karnataka’s Bagalkot
Four students were killed and 20 others injured after a school bus collided with a tractor in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district on Sunday night, said the police. They added that the students were returning home after the annual day celebrations at the Vardhamana Mahavira school near Algur village.
The deceased were identified as Govind Jambagi, 13; Shweta Patil, 13; Sagar Kadakol, 17; and Basavaraj Kotagi, 17. The first two were Class 9 students, and the other two were pre-university students. Read more
'There is no protest. It is only a political game': D K Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today said that BJP's 'saffron flag' protest is a 'political game.'
"There is no protest. It is only a political game. All of them have lost their deposits in BJP. That is why they have embraced with JD(S). They’re creating confusion in the minds of people. Nothing will happen," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
HC asks 85-year-old Kodagu woman’s son and granddaughter to pay her Rs 14 lakh in annual maintenance
The Karnataka High Court has ordered the son and granddaughter of an 85-year-old woman living on a family coffee estate in Kodagu to continue to pay Rs 14 lakh per annum in maintenance as was done between 2016 and 2019.
A single-judge bench passed the order in favour of Apparanda Shanthi Bopanna on December 20, 2023, after she approached the court over her son and granddaughter, to whom she gifted 11 acres each of the coffee plantation in 2016, stopping the payment of maintenance.
In 2021 the elderly woman approached the Madikeri assistant commissioner, who is empowered to adjudicate maintenance issues under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, over the stopping of the payments. Read more
Watch | Glimpses from the protest
BJP and JD(S) workers are holding a protest in Mandya district over the removal of the saffron flag on Sunday.
'They want to establish a political foothold in Mandya,' says D K Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar today said that BJP's 'saffron flag' protest is politically motivated. "They want to establish a political foothold in Mandya. They are just creating confusion in the minds of the public. Nothing will happen. The people of Mandya are very tolerant and secular... This is pure politics. And they wanted to destabilize the peace of the state. We want peace, let us maintain peace...'' he told news agency ANI.
CM Siddaramaiah responds to BJP's 'saffron flag' row, says permit was taken to host national, Kannada flags
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of politicising the "saffron flag" removal issue as elections approach, adding that permission was taken to host only the national flag and the Kannada flag.
In photos: BJP protests in Bengaluru
What is the latest flag controversy?
In case you missed it, here's a quick primer to the ongoing 'saffron flag' controversy that prompted the padayatra.
? The Mandya district administration allegedly removed a saffron flag hoisted in Keragodu village on Sunday morning. The flag, known as 'Hanuma dwaja' reportedly bore Lord Hanuman's portrait.
? The district administration said that the flag was hoisted in violation of rules in Keragodu village panchayat as permission is mandatory for hoisting any flag. Sri Gourishankar Seva Trust of the village, which had received permission from the Gram Panchayat to hoist the national flag and the Kannada flag, had hoisted the saffron flag in violation of the conditions, as per reports.
? Former village panchayat vice president, Virupaksha told news agency ANI that when the "request letter" was written, it was mentioned that the flagpole would also be used for religious purposes.
? However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed it a politically motivated controversy. "It is no accident that the Hanuman flag is hoisted where the national flag should have been hoisted, deliberately violating the rules and protesting against the government," he said, adding that his government is "not against any particular caste, religion, or community" and is committed to maintaining peace and order in society.
BJP launches ‘padayatra’ protesting ‘removal’ of a saffron flag in Mandya
The Karnataka unit of the BJP today launched a padayatra (foot march) in protest against the ‘removal’ of a saffron flag in Keragodu village under Mandya district. The Janata Dal (Secular) has also announced its support for the agitation. The foot march will traverse a distance of around 14 km.
In Keragodu, the protesters have gathered as many BJP leaders are expected to participate. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and BJP workers are expected to stage a protest in Bengaluru.