Madan Mallu is very angry. New artists Rashmi and Monica have launched complaint in the police station against him. This news bomb, which was exploded by chitralokha.com, has been featured in Lankesh Patrike also. Instead of apologizing, MM has asked for an unconditional apology from Rashmi and Adarsh. He has accused them of tarnishing his image. In reaction to this, Adarsh has said that he won't change his statement. He has told the truth and he will stick on to what he says. Prior to this MM gave Rashmi a cheque (140053) for Rs. 35, 000 and he has stopped payment for the same. They have been able to cash only Rs. 15, 000. When questioned about the same he said that due to some tax problems, he has stopped payment. He promised that on the last day of shooting he would clear all the dues. On May 17th, MM's brother gave her Rs. 40, 000 cash and took back the cheque. He also owes Adarsh Rs. 10, 000. Though Adarsh and Rashmi have stirred the hornet's nest, both of them are very scared. Will they get justice?
Meese Chiguridaga
Friday, May 30, 2003
Cast: Teja, Shri, Durga Shetty Music:Kripakar Director: Parveen MEESE CHIGURIDAGA does not have any novel story. It has the same old recipe, same ingredients and finally the director has cooked the same old dish. Our hero is a young guy. His parents want to get him married. His wedding was fixed at a very young age. The girl is his maternal uncle's daughter. She on the other hand loves him. So what? Ok the catch here is, our hero loves another girl. She calls him home one night. What next? If you are keen on knowing, we suggest that you watch the film. The initial scenes of the film are fun. The circus hero does to patoafy the lead girl. Campus story with a bit of masala creates interest. Post interval the film has so much of sentimental scenes that it literally creates a mental block. The later half of the film shows strong resemblance to the yester years film BOBBY. But one thing we must praise the director for is that he does know the pulse of the youth. New hero Teja is very much likeable because of his innocent acting. Sometimes he has acted as if there is no camera in front of him. Village lass Shri, is okay. Durga Shetty has no idea what acting is. Of the tunes, three of them are good. Rest are better if not heard. Technically the film is okay. Script is a little lose, yet dialogues are good. By the way this is a swamake movie. So the director does need a pat on his shoulder.
Dweepa is showered with accolades
Friday, May 30, 2003
Dweepa is showered with accolades It is a triple whammy for Dweepa (Island) this year. Apart from the Filmfare Best Film Award 2002 (Kannada) it also got Soundarya the Filmfare Best Actress 2002 (Kannada) and Filmfare Best Director Award 2002 (Kannada) for Girish Kasaravalli. But what all the people involved probably find most gratifying is that the much feted Dweepa, an offbeat film in true Kasaravalli style, has been recognised by a popular award like the Filmfare. Dweepa has Soundarya in a beautifully etched author backed role. The character she portrays, Nagi, belongs to a marginalized section of the Dakshin Karnataka society. The film deals with the displacement of the people of the area who inhabit an island on which Rama and Sita lived during their exile. The lives of the people are thrown asunder because of a dam that threatens to submerge the beautiful terrain. When the entire village vacates the area, Nagi is forced to stay on with her husband and father in law, who belongs to the old school of thought and refuses to leave the only place he calls home. The film, shot during the monsoons, lyrically moves towards Nagi’s faith and courage against all odds, the various trials and tribulations that nature and society throw her way, and her triumph against all odds, when she more or less singlehandedly keeps her family going and ultimately doesn’t lose her home. The film, shot on the banks of the Sharavati river, has another important character – water. Says director Girish Kasaravalli, The water element was very important to the film, which is why for many scenes, especially long shots, I needed real rain.We’ve worked under conditions, where we went without a generator, proper accommodation and transport.We would sometimes travel for two hours by boat for a locale. In fact, a lot of the shooting took place on boats, with both the actors and the camera crew cruising along. But the stunning visuals more than justify the behind the scenes discomfiture. Under Girish’s intelligent guidance and cinematographer H Ramachandra’s brilliant work (he won a National Award for it), the film comes alive almost like poetry. Soundarya, who fitted like a glove in the role of Nagi, goes back to her Kannada roots with Dweepa. Many believe that she did the film for an award. But Girish says, When I was working on Dweepa, Soundarya approached me with another idea. I told her about Dweepa and she wanted to produce this film instead. I asked her if she was doing this for an award, but she said it was only because she was interested in doing meaningful cinema. While Girish has been likened to the legendary Satyajit Ray very often, the last few minutes of Dweepa brings the comparison alive. In an unbelievably subtle ending, when Nagi and her husband Ganapaiyya celebrate the fact that the now functional dam has not drowned them out of their existence, the movie goes on to show how Ganapaiyya does not even acknowledge his wife’s contribution to their survival, thanking God instead. In that one instant, Nagi is shattered and you can see the loneliness and pain in her face. And that’s when the actual Dweepa becomes a symbolic Dweepa for her. Though Dweepa is slightly slow paced, the narrative is very engaging and keeps your emotional juices flowing. And soon, a wider audience will get to watch this evocative film which has won many national and international awards, when it comes out in its English version.
Touch their heart, make them cry
Friday, May 30, 2003
Telephone gelathi (friend); Welcome welcome. This song from the recent Kannada release, Khushalave Kshemave, gives you a hint of what it’s all about. It is an emotional love story that happens over the telephone, states actor Ramesh Aravind who plays the lead in the movie. Thanks to the fabulous music, the audio company has already recovered its money, he says in the midst of answering his many phone calls. The versatile actor has been leading a jet-setting life over the past few years, what with working in over 10 releases each year. Yes, it’s been very hectic, he admits. I realise today that while I have worked very hard over the years, I could have worked smarter as well. I could have been where I am today even if I had not taken up so many projects. Though, of late, spending more time with his wife, daughter and son seems to be his top priority. About his roles in his forthcoming movies, Ramesh says, My work in tearjerkers like Amrutha Varshini, Yajamana or Kanasugara, was well appreciated by the audience. Over the past two years I concentrated on downright comedies and had the audience in splits. Khushalave Kshemave marks my return to emotional cinema. There is humour in the film, but I play the role of an emotional man in love. The storyline is similar to the Ananth Nag-starrer Beladingala Baale, where the female in the lead role is never seen. This film is a tribute to Beladingala Baale, though there are many differences between the two. We have the hero tracing the heroine through various telephone conversations, but here, the hero succeeds and the two eventually meet, says Ramesh. According to Ramesh, the industry needs to work towards bringing audiences back to the theatre. The weightage given to success in this industry is unbelievable. But once you get there, the audience expects you to maintain the standard. You need to work even harder to make sure the audience is not disappointed, he says. Ask him for some acting tips, and Ramesh says, I have always been as natural as possible on screen. I really have to make an effort to overact. But the real challenge lies in your ability to be natural and at the same time interesting. It also helps to be updated. The subject that made sense only four years back won’t make sense today as it would be outdated. It is necessary to be as exposed and alert as possible. As for new faces, they work excellent as a ‘surprise element’ in any film. And if the performance is good, the actor is bound to make his mark. Ramesh adds, You cannot become an actor just because you can afford to be one. If you manage to get on screen, you better be good. Are the newcomers listening? play the role of an emotional man in love. The storyline is similar to the Ananth Nag-starrer Beladingala Baale, where the female in the lead role is never seen. This film is a tribute to Beladingala Baale, though there are many differences between the two. We have the hero tracing the heroine through various telephone conversations, but here, the hero succeeds and the two eventually meet, says Ramesh. According to Ramesh, the industry needs to work towards bringing audiences back to the theatre. The weightage given to success in this industry is unbelievable. But once you get there, the audience expects you to maintain the standard. You need to work even harder to make sure the audience is not disappointed, he says. Ask him for some acting tips, and Ramesh says, I have always been as natural as possible on screen. I really have to make an effort to overact. But the real challenge lies in your ability to be natural and at the same time interesting. It also helps to be updated. The subject that made sense only four years back won’t make sense today as it would be outdated. It is necessary to be as exposed and alert as possible. As for new faces, they work excellent as a ‘surprise element’ in any film. And if the performance is good, the actor is bound to make his mark. Ramesh adds, You cannot become an actor just because you can afford to be one. If you manage to get on screen, you better be good. Are the newcomers listening?
Sudeep - Hottest star on Kannada screen
Friday, May 30, 2003
Sudeep: Filmfare Best actor award 2002 (Kannada) - Nandi There may be some people who claim awards are just an added perk of being in the film industry, and don't really matter. But not Sudeep. Easily one of the hottest actors on the Kannada cinema block, Sudeep makes no bones about the fact that the Filmfare Best Actor Award 2002 (Kannada) means one helluva lot. He grins ear to ear, "It's the second consecutive year that I have won this award and believe me, it feels absolutely great. The Filmfare Award is considered the most prestigious award and that definitely adds to the honour." It was the superhit film Huccha (for which he won the Filmfare last year), that gave the reigning heartthrob his first taste of glory, and it left him wanting more. "I'm not into false modesty - last year, I knew I could get the award, I was very happy with my performance. And while it's clichéd to say that I worked really hard on Nandi too, I didn't expect an award this year, what with the hot competition. Also, you tend to believe that you won't get the award two years in a row." But he vividly remembers discussing a certain something with Gurukiran, Best Music Director for last year as well as this. He smiles, "Our conversation went like - 'Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Filmfare Awards. If we don't get one, we must buy one!'" Well, it sure didn't come to that for him. And success tastes sweeter after the bitter struggle he's been through. Sudeep started off his filmi sojourn with bit roles. In spite of a privileged background (his father is a well-off businessman), it took five years and a Huccha, to catapult him to fame. Cutting back to the present, in an industry starved of young, good-looking, talented blood, Sudeep, known as Kannada film's angry young man, has carved a special niche for himself. If he played a fiery young man on a crusade against injustice in Nandi, he can also cut it as a romantic hero, as his next film Paartha is all set to prove again. As for the immediate future, Sudeep is going to take the next two months slightly easy. And leisure time means, "working with my directors and script writers on forthcoming projects." It's this hands on attitude to his projects that sets him apart in an industry that mostly runs erratically, and on star power. He signs off, "I do only one film at a time, and never more than 2 to 3 in a year. I don't believe in breaks - I find pleasure in my work."
'Dweepa is special to me' -Girish Kasaravalli
Friday, May 30, 2003
'Dweepa is special to me' Girish Kasaravalli, Filmfare Best Director, Dweepa (Kannada) Girish is the man who needs no introduction, at least to watchers of meaningful cinema. He's also the man to whom awards have become almost second nature, what with the four Swarna Kamals and hordes of national and international awards he has tucked away under his belt. Yet, it is apparent that the Filmfare award is rather special to this quiet legend in the making. He enunciates, "I feel very happy about winning this award. Actually, I was quite confident that Dweepa would win this year, especially as it did well at the box office too." In fact, though Girish was doubtful of making it to Hyderabad because of ill health, he couldn't stay away. Says Girish, "The Filmfare award has the stamp of popularity, and considering that my film is not really mainstream, the award is very satisfying." Drawing a parallel between his National awards and this he says, "With the National Award, it's a few people who sit on the jury, who make the decision. But with a Filmfare, it's a different kind of appreciation. I make a film with aesthetics and something that will please me as a filmmaker. But ultimately, you have to communicate with some section of the audience, if not with everybody. In that sense, the Filmfare means both the audiences and the jury recognise and appreciate the effort." In fact, for Girish, this award was sort of like a homecoming, as his previous film Thai Saheba also swept three Filmfare awards in the same category some years ago. Dweepa delves into the mental, emotional and physical ravages of displacement, thanks to a big dam coming up in a village in Karnataka. The exquisite performances and sheer lyricism of the film are stunning. The maker himself, known for his penchant for perfection, says, "Though one of my favourite films is Ghatashraddha, Dweepa is very special. The film flows like poetry and I have never attempted such rhythm and grandeur before. I'm happy about how the film has unfolded." He's also full of praise for his cast, especially Soundarya. "Dweepa was held up twice, in 2000 due to the Rajkumar kidnapping and the next year, because of lack of rains. Rain is one of the most important elements of the film, and I shot many scenes in actual rains. In spite of long waits and rearrangement of schedules, they all cooperated and performed wonderfully." Right now, Girish has his hands full with his first television splash, Grihabhanga. As for his next film, all we can say is, the wait will be worth it.
The pride of Kannada filmdom
Friday, May 30, 2003
Vishnu Vardhan - Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award 2002 (Kannada) He is the doyen of Kannada cinema - for 31 years this actor par excellence has been spinning celluloid magic. It was a saga that began in 1972, with his raw performance as the angry young man in Nagarahaavu, his debut, which won him a Filmfare award for best actor. Life seems to have come full circle now, with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award 2002 (Kannada). Kannada filmdom’s pride and joy modestly says, This is quite a surprise for me, something I wasn’t expecting at all. As far as achievements are concerned, I still have a long way to go. Though awards have been heaped on me, I have never really craved for them. The ceremony is something he’s really looking forward to. I’m honoured to be sharing a stage with someone like Raghavendra Rao (the other recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award), who deserves every inch of the award." In reminiscent mode, he remarks, I can never forget the experience of winning a Filmfare Award in 1974 for my debut film. In those days, the awards for South were given in Mumbai, and I got to see all the people I admire on screen – from Amitabh Bachchan to Rajesh Khanna. Auspicious beginnings indeed. But for Vishnu, his biggest award has been the unstinting support of his enormous fan following, which has seen him through more than three decades in the industry, and about 184 films. I love my people for tolerating me. I’ve been a rather difficult man, with my many moods and idiosyncrasies. Many times, I’ve felt that I’ve been a square peg in a round hole. In fact, when I did Nagarahaavu, I wanted to do just one film to see how the industry works. He went on to become a legend.
Amma Nanna O Tamil Ammai
Friday, May 30, 2003
STARRING Ravi Teja, Asin (Debut), Jaya Sudha, Prakash Raj DIRECTOR Puri Jagannath MUSIC Chakri LANGUAGE Telugu Overview: Raghuram In the flash back, the couple Raghu (Prakash Raj) and Laxmi (Jayasudha) has a son Chandu (Ravi Teja). Raghu’s ambition is to become a boxing champion. Raghu goes on to the extent of leaving his family to fulfill his ambition. Even after fulfilling his ambition Raghu happily settles down in the life by marrying another lady (Aishwarya). Laxmi takes the responsibility of bringing up Chandu, without revealing the details about his father. Even Chandu develops the ambition of becoming a boxing champion. At the same time he also has hatred towards his father as he left both he and his mother. Chandu has to go to his father Raghu (unwillingly), to fulfill the last wish of lakshmi who dies of an heart attack. He starts working in his father Raghu’s KickBoxing School. The rest of the story revolves round the son and the father and how Chandu gets closer to his father and his family.
Cyber-savvy Kalam to travel in high-tech saloon
Friday, May 30, 2003
Lying unused for the past 26 years, the Presidential railway saloon is all geared up with state-of-the-art electronic gadgets to receive APJ Abdul Kalam who will board it at Harnaut and travel 60 km to Patna tomorrow. Mr. Kalam will of course fly to Patna from Delhi tomorrow. When Dr Kalam disembarks after the two-hour journey from Harnaut, a sleepy hamlet and home town of Railway Minister Nitish Kumar, he will become the first Indian President after Dr Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy to have travelled in the exclusive saloon which boasts of all the trappings of royal opulence. The president will travel in this special train which had a test run on Wednesday. AFP At Harnaut, the President is scheduled to inaugurate a state-of- the-art rail coach maintenance factory, built at a cost of Rs one crore. More than 2,000 coaches, both diesel and electric, can be maintained here at any given time. Between Jammu and Patna, this will be the third maintenance factory, the other two being at Lilua in Kolkata and Alambagh in Lucknow. Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President to travel in the saloon from New Delhi to Kuruskshetra. Dr Reddy was the last to do so in 1977. ''The custom was that when an Indian President retired from office, he was taken to his native place, bag and baggage, in the Saloon. After Dr Reddy's travel the custom was given a go-by because of security considerations, '' said the official. During the 19th century, the President's Saloon was known as the Vice Regal Coach and kept at Calcutta station. It was equipped with Persian carpets, sinking sofa, hot and cold water, but did not have air conditioning facility. Instead, 'Khus' was used for cooling . When Delhi became a full-fledged capital of British India in 1927, the coach was brought to Delhi. Disclosing the salient features of the refurbished President’s Saloon, railway sources told Deccan Herald here today that in tune with the cyber-savvy President, the authorities have ensured that the coach will have satellite- based internet system, sat-phone, a CD-MP3 player etc. It has a bedroom, a drawing room and a conference room with a bathroom with both hot and cold water facility. The coach has a pantry attached and to cater to the taste of the President, a chef and butler from Rashtrapati Bhavan have been summoned to prepare the South Indian dishes. They will help the railway catering staff who will also dish out Mughlai and continental variety. With the President agreeing to travel by train, the railway authorities have left no stone unturned in renovating it.
CET begins amid anxiety, confusion
Friday, May 30, 2003
The Common Entrance Test will begin today (May 30) amidst a general feeling of anxiety among students and parents over the ongoing controversy on seat-sharing and fee structure. About 1 lakh students are believed to be taking the exams in nine centres across Karnataka. Today’s exams will include Biology from 10:30 am to 11:50 am and Mathematics from 2:30 pm to 3:50 pm, although students are expected to be in their seats at 10:15 am and 2:15 pm, respectively, to complete formalities such as ID verification, finding allotted seats, etc. On Saturday (May 31), the Physics exam will be held from 10:30 am to 11:50 am, while Chemistry exam will be held from 2:30 pm to 3:50 pm. Officials at the CET Cell have advised students not to listen to any rumours or encourage touts, but to get doubts cleared either at the Cell or exam centres. Meanwhile, confusion prevailed in the minds of many, when discrepancies were found regarding the date on which the Kannada Language Test (KLT) will be held for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadigas. According to a printed brochure provided by the CET Cell, the KLT will be held on June 3, but the official website www.cet.kar.nic.in which was last updated on May 21.
State Govt sets up panel to suggest fee structure
Friday, May 30, 2003
In a significant decision, the State Cabinet today while approving the admission rules for selection of students for Engineering, Medical, Dental and Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy Colleges has decided to constitute a fee regulatory committee to suggest fee structure for professional courses. The decision to constitute a committee to suggest a uniform fee structure comes in the wake of Centre’s guidelines and a day prior to the commencement of Common Entrance Test on May 30. The Centre had asked all state governments to constitute a separate standing committee to recommend a uniform fee structure besides making it mandatory for 75 per cent seats to be filled through CET with the balance 25 per cent to be filled by managements. Briefing reporters about the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Kagodu Thimmappa said that a decision was taken to modify Rule 18 regarding determination of fee structure for various professional courses for Government and University Colleges and aided institutions. The powers and functions of the committee and its procedure, besides the members of the committee would be specified in the notification. Mr Thimmappa said that the fees for government and university colleges and aided institutions will be fixed by the government through a notification. The Committee, which will be constituted soon, will examine and suggest the free structure after taking into consideration social aspects of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, other backward classes (OBCs), rural and other economically weaker sections and all other relevant factors into account including the suggestions made by the managements of such colleges. ‘The managements, while proposing the tuition fee shall ensure that it is reasonable and fair without any element of profiteering and otherwise in compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court in TMA Pai Foundation and others against State of Karnataka and others’, he said. The Committee will function in accordance with the terms of reference notified by the Government. In recommending the fee, the committee should function in accordance with the terms of reference notified by the Government, he said. Besides, the Committee should also ensure that the private managements make adequate provision for providing financial assistance to Category-1 of Government seats, he said. The Government may accord approval for the fee recommended by the Committee with changes and modifications as it may deem fit. The minister said that the members of the fee regulatory committee would be notified within 10 days. In the wake of criticisms in a section of the media about the Government not according permission to the Lokayukta to prosecute officials facing graft charges, the minister explained with statistics the measures taken by the Government in this regard.
Farmers stay upbeat
Friday, May 30, 2003
Farmers in Gulbarga seem to be running high on optimism. The failure of pre-monsoon showers, drought-like situation, acute drinking water scarcity in many villages and the fact that the district has not received any rain since last November has not deterred the farmers. A farmer on the outskirts of Gulbarga getting his field ready in anticipation of the monsoon. AFP The officials have also predicted that the monsoon would arrive on time, around June 10. Sources in the agriculture department stated that even in the event of the pre-monsoon showers failing completely, farmers could get their fields ready after the monsoon enters the district. This would not hamper sowing activities as it starts late in the district as compared to other regions in the State. With the first showers, sowing of green gram, black gram, sesame and bajra could be taken up to some extent. Sowing of tur (red gram) too would be taken up, it is learnt. Last year, though the district had delayed monsoons, the delay was made up for during the rabi season. The total yield of crops was not affected in the district. Farmers cultivating tur and sunflower had a bumper crop last year. Scores of villages are facing acute drinking water shortage. But, according to the zilla panchayat office, so far the need for supplying water through tankers has not arisen. Sources also said that only 213 villages in the district had been identified as problematic as they do not get adequate drinking water. Severe drinking water scarcity is seen in many villages in the taluks of Afzalpur, Chincholi, Sedam, Surpur and Chittapur. The problem is particularly severe in the tandas (hamlets) dotting the Konchavaram region of Chincholi taluk. Except for Jewargi taluk, the underground water table had receded considerably in the other nine taluks. As for Gulbarga City and other towns and villages situated on the banks of the Bheema, the impact of water scarcity has not been much.
Tankers banned on NH at night from June
Friday, May 30, 2003
MANGALORE: The movement of tankers, transporting billets, LPG and other petroleum products, has been banned from 10 pm to 5 am on the Bangalore-Mangalore National Highway 48, effective from June 1. The order passed by the district administration brings relief to harried passengers who have often been caught in dreadful situations due to these monsters blocking NH48 — either due to its slow-moving nature or parking them in the middle of the ghat section because of breakdowns. The tankers have been provided parking bays at Gundya near Dakshina Kannada border, where vehicles have to remain stationary from night till dawn. Though this type of order was implemented for a few months in 1999, it was flouted repeatedly and for no apparent reason no action was forthcoming from the district administration or from the police. The parking bays were constructed in the beginning of 1999. This was after the DK District Road Safety Committee in July 1998 recommended to the state government to instruct the oil companies in Mangalore, transporting petroleum products through tankers to Bangalore and other places, to regulate the movement of tankers by constructing parking bays at each end of the Shiradi Ghat — with a view to decongesting traffic on the NH 48. According to the order, bays were to be constructed by the oil companies at Nelyadi and Sakleshpur at the starting and ending point of the ghat section on the land provided by the government. There was also a proposal to have mobile patrol vans, equipped with wireless communication and a high-powered towing machine, to tow vehicles in case of breakdowns — both of which have not materialised till now. The administration has directed tankers to stop only at Gundya as parking bay is available only there with food facilities. The non-completion of the Mangalore-Bangalore Petroleum Product Pipeline (MBPPP) has aggravated the situation. Now that the pipeline is likely to be commissioned by June this year, the movement of tankers may reduce by 75 per cent as the products would move through the pipeline.
Kannada weekly editor attacked, opens fire
Friday, May 30, 2003
BELLARY: Ravi Belagere, editor of Kannada weekly Hai Bangalore, opened fire when he was attacked on Thursday by the inmates of Koracharahatti settlement near Harapanahalli in Davanagere district bordering Bellary district. One person was injured in the leg in the firing. Koracharahatti is a settlement of hard core criminals. They snatched the gold chain and a mobile of the editor. Harapanahalli police are investigating the incident. SP Hemanth Nimbalkar said the area of offence fell in the jurisdiction of Harapanahalli police in Davanagere district. Ravi Belagere who spoke to this website's newspaper from Harapanahalli said he had gone to Koracharahatti to write on the inmates. Instead of giving information, they attacked him and snatched his gold chain and mobile. In retaliation he opened fire at one of the persons who was running with the gold chain and the mobile. Ravi said he was on his way to Gadag to meet Gopal Godse for an interview. As he was doing a story on Koracharahatti settlement, he re-routed his tour via Harapanahalli.
Cloud-seeding was once done with a Dakota in Linganamakki
Friday, May 30, 2003
Cloud-seeding was once done with a Dakota in Linganamakki SHIMOGA: Cloud seeding is not a new concept in Karnataka. The Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB) had done a similar experiment 28 years ago in Linganamakki area of Sagar taluk in Shimoga district. Cloud seeding done then was not successful because of high ridges and the clouds floating below 4000 ft level in the catchment area. Besides this, the clouds drifted away from the catchment area after the seeding was done. Impact of cloud seeding could not be assessed accurately here. Although efforts were made to do seeding properly, a statistical design of the experiment was not done. So observations made here had its own limitations. People in the catchment area too were not co-operative to this experiment. So the results could not be recorded properly. Scientists felt that its results could be seen only after conducting the operations continuously for a few more years. But that never happened. Cloud seeding was discontinued after 1975 though the KEB held a meeting on September 3, 1975 at the KEB chairman’s chamber in Bangalore. Linganamakki Reservoir, built across river Sharavathi, is a major source of water for Sharavathi Hydro-electric Project, which was then contributing atleast 90 percent to the power requirement of Karnataka. Monsoons had failed in the previous two years and there was no hope of good rain in 1975 too. So the then chairman of KEB K S Shivaprakasam, with the Government approval, decided to go for cloud seeding in Linganamakki area. The efforts actually started in 1974. But due to non-availability of suitable aircraft and pre-occupation of the concerned scientists it was deferred to next year. Through an order number KEB/A13/1506/74-75 dated May 24, 1975, approval was given for cloud seeding at an estimate of Rs 12 lakh and the operation began on June 21, 1975. Director General of Observatories, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, India Meteorological Department with the KEB planned a programme on cloud seeding. Since it is an area specific experiment lots of ground work had to be made. Belgaum and Bangalore were chosen as the observation camps and a Dakota DC-3 equipped with a gadget for dispensing the seeding material and adequate space to stack it was hired for the purpose. Two pilots, a team of four engineers, three loaders, four scientific officers from the IITM and IMD were put on the aircraft. KEB had provided insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh to the staff engaged in this experiment. Belgaum was the base camp for the aircraft. Apart from getting regular feedback on weather conditions from the observatories in Poona, Madras, Bangalore, Mangalore, Goa, Rathnagiri, Gadag and Belgaum two more temporary observatories were established –– one at a site close to Linganamakki reservoir and the other at Thumri at the catchment area of the dam. Non-directional Beacon (NDB) was also set-up in the catchment area of Linganamakki to make sure of the location for the aircraft while doing cloud seeding operation. Aircraft used to identify the location where it has to do cloud seeding based on the signals it had received from the NDB. NDB was the reference point for the aircraft. Arrangements were made so perfectly that even minute details of the cloud seeding operation was discussed on a daily basis and action was taken immediately. The warm process was used for cloud seeding. Growth of rain drops takes place by the mechanism of collision and coalescence which requires the presence of a giant cloud drop amid a multitude of smaller ones. Supply of fine sized salt particles in the range of 5 to 10 microns can produce salt solution droplets of 25 to 50 microns by absorbing the water vapour present in the cloud or by colliding with the cloud droplets. These giant droplets then trigger collision and coalescence processes which produce the required rain droplets and fall out of the cloud. The seeding material consisted of micro-fine mixture of common salt and soapstone in the ratio 10:1. Northern Minerals Ltd, Faridabad, Haryana supplied 150 tonnes of seeding material. These supplies packed in 50 kg bags were transported to Belgaum by train and stored in electrically heated rooms. The flying charges for the Dakota DC-3 aircraft was Rs 2,800 per hour. The aircraft was engaged for a four month period commencing from June 1975. Cloud seeding was done by flying the aircraft in rectangular shape in the air over the catchment area. Seeding material was released at 150 kg per minute. Seeding was done 500 ft above the base of the cloud. Kodachadri hill ranges is 4500 ft above sea level and therefore flying the aircraft below 5,500 ft was unsafe. So seeding conducted on clouds whose base was below 5000 ft was not successful.
Potable water only for drinking: CM
Thursday, May 29, 2003
BANGALORE: The usage of treated tap water will soon be restricted to drinking while industries and gardens will have to do with recycled waste water, Chief Minister S M Krishna said on Wednesday. Inaugurating the country's largest and fully automated tertiary treatment plant at Vrishabhavati here on Wednesday, Krishna said the departments concerned would be asked to take measures to make the usage of non-potable recycled water mandatory for industries and gardening. Though the river basins and reservoirs have gone dry, there is no need to panic, Krishna said. He said if the situation goes out of control, the State Government has contingency plans to retain normal supply of water. However, Krishna declined to reveal the plans. On the decision to supply water once in three days to Bangalore city, Krishna said "that would be decided later. As of now normal supply of water will continue." Krishna said efforts are on to mandate rain-water harvesting throughout the State. He asked the Department of Mines and Geology to enhance the pace of work to revive ground-water table. Stating that Lake Development Authority has laid programmes to revive Ulsoor and Sankey tanks, Krishna said the major reason for the accumulation of silt was allowing sewerage water to flow into the tanks. Steps should be taken to allow natural water to flow into tanks, Krishna said.
Setback to Karnataka BJP; Sankeshwar quits
Thursday, May 29, 2003
BANGALORE: In a major political setback to Karnataka BJP, the party’s influential MP from Dharward South Vijay Sankeshwar has announced his resignation from the primary membership. Sankeshwar, who hails from the political powerful Lingayat community, stunned the state BJP leadership by suddenly announcing his decision at a news conference in Hubli to quit the party and float his own regional political outfit ``to protect the state’s interests and pride.’’ It is, however, not clear whether he has also tendered his resignation to Lok Sabha membership. A successful transport operator with a huge fleet of buses and trucks with annual turnover of several crores under his VRL banner, Mr Sankeshwar entered the newspaper publishing business with his Kannada daily `Vijay Karnataka,’ which bagged the top slot in terms of circulation through its editions in almost all major towns in the state. Though he chose not to blame either the state or national party leadership for BJP’s decline in Karnataka, Mr Sankeshwar claimed that the party was ``steadily losing round and sinking day by day without showing any signs of recovery.’’ Mr Sankeshwar, who had caused several embarrassing moments for the BJP leadership over contentious issues like setting up the railway zone for Karnataka and location of its headquarters in Hubli as also over the inclusion of cash-rich Bellary-Ananthpur rail sector, had threatened to quit over these issues in the past.
Here’s yet another reason to park yourself at Cubbon Park
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Here’s yet another reason to park yourself at Cubbon Park BANGALORE: Some people visit Cubbon Park just to feed pigeons near the Karnataka High Court, but most others walk in for more rigorous pastimes. While early morning walkers or joggers have been using the park for ages, it is a new initiative by Bangalore-based Road Runners Athletics Club that has now caught the eye of fitness freaks. Come 6.30 a.m., and one part of the park’s vast green expanse gets filled with 100-odd people, gathered there for a vigorous yet fun-filled bend-and-stretch camp. As everyone from saree-clad women to little children sweat it out, founder Arockiaswamy Jayaraj holds forth with instructions and motivational one-liners. ‘‘I am a professional marathon runner myself, having participated at the international level. I used to train aspiring athletes and later came up with the idea of offering free fitness training to the common public,’’ says Jayaraj, who started the club in 1985 on being inspired by the North Germany Road Runners and Fitness Club. His recommended exercise regimen includes fundamentals which can be tackled by all age groups. At a later stage, he teaches specialised exercises for specific body parts. Jayaraj also makes it a point to explain the importance and benefit of each exercise to his students. This, besides the fact that the two-month camp is free, makes it all the more viable and attractive for citizens. ‘‘I have undergone athletics training since the age of five and have come up through many hardships. So I decided that whatever training I offer should be free of cost. Besides, I am an employee with ITC and the salary there takes care of my needs,’’ Jayaraj says, adding that he chose Cubbon Park because any other venue would have come at a cost. Contrary to popular opinion, there are adequate facilities for aspiring athletes in India, feels Jayaraj who has been a member of the Dope Test Committee at the National Games. ‘‘It’s just that people are not making ample use of the opportunities. We are a country where academics is put ahead of everything else,’’ he says. The camp at Bangalore will last till July 15, after which the same will be conducted in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
Religious tourism new mantra for Karnataka's vacation planners
Thursday, May 29, 2003
BANGALORE: Karnataka Tourism is embarking on a novel concept to attract tourists from the Middle East and Africa by flaunting parts of the State they may have never heard of, but have a definite link with. "We have a strong link with Muslim countries in the Gulf as many dynasties that flourished here came from the Middle East and Istanbul. They will be interested in religious tourism,'' Tourism Minister D B Inamdar told our websites' newspaper. The Department will entice the new target group to visit historically important places in Gulbarga, Bijapur, Bidar, Srirangapatna and others where the Nizams, Adil Shahis and Mughals flourished. The idea had its genesis at the recent Dubai International Travel Mart that Inamdar attended. He said many Arabs were interested in visiting the famous mosque in Gulbarga -- Khwaja Bansde Nawaz Durgah -- the Gol Gumbaz and Buland Darwaza in Bijapur, Tipu Sultan's forts and historical places in Srirangapatna. There are also Islamic influences in local architecture that is very visible, he added. ``If we can package their interest along with the regular beach, monument and urban circuits -- around the coast, Hampi and Mysore -- the number of foreign arrivals will improve dramatically. Basically, we have to cater to what they want and not what we want them to see,'' Inamdar said. The new thinking seems to be just that as the Government wants to cater to specific interests. In this context, the Dubai Tourism Mart was an eye-opener for tourism managers of the State. There, they interacted with several tourism promotion councils and boards from many countries. The Germans were also interested in beach tourism. But they were aware of the lack of facilities in coastal Karnataka though we boast of beautiful beaches. I have promised to intimate them as soon as we complete boarding and lodging facilities at Malpe beach,'' Inamdar said. Karnataka Tourism will also improve transport facilities between various tourist centres. There are a lot of enquiries about monuments like Hampi, Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal. There is also demand from anglers across the globe to fish for the elusive Mahaseer at Bheemeshwari on the Cauvery River.
Drought stares at Karnataka, India
Thursday, May 29, 2003
For the consecutive third year, Indian farmers in the state of Karnataka are going to suffer. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned the Karnataka State Government in India that the state is going to be hit by a 60 % deficit in rainfall this year. It is an indication that the prevailing drought will continue into its third consecutive year. The rainfall deficit is increasing from time to time, as it was 19 % in 1987 and 32 % in 2002. The State Government had declared 158 taluks as drought-hit areas. The farmers in the state are panic stricken at the news as they are going to be swallowed by the fury of nature that will eventually affect their livelihood. Vanilla, Ginger, Pepper and Chillies are main spice varieties grown in the State and all of them need water for better results. It is reported that the dry spell that is progressing in the State will affect all the crops.
Karnataka looking at better Ginger output
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Ginger, a tropical plant, is adapted for cultivation even in regions with sub-tropical climate like the high ranges. Ginger cannot be cultivated continuously in the same field, as it absorbs all the nutrients from the soil. Also, the crop cannot withstand water logging and so well drained soil conditions are preferred for optimizing the results from the field. The important varieties used by the farmers are Rio-de-Janeiro, Maran, Wynadan local, Mananthavady, Himachal. Among this Rio-de-Janeiro is used for extraction of oleoresin. Crop Scenario In Karnataka, ginger, grown both as rainfed and irrigated, is cultivated in the areas of Kodagu, Sakleshpur, Virajpet, Madikeri, Somawarpet, Tholpetty, Kutta, Chikmangalur and Shimoga. In these areas, ginger is cultivated both as an inter-crop with coconut, arecanut and coffee and as a mixed crop with ragi, red gram and castor. In this area, about 50-60% of farmers irrigate the crop. For successful cultivation of the crop, a moderate rainfall is needed from sowing time till sprouting of the rhizomes. During the growing season, a fairly heavy and well-distributed shower is needed. This year, planting started during the first week of April. 95% of planting is completed, till date. Rest of the planting is expected to be completed in two weeks time. Last season, ginger was cultivated in an area of about 4500 hectares. This year, our correspondent noticed an increase in area of about 5-10%. This increase is due to the good prices received by the farmers last season. Another reason is the shift by the farmers, from Coffee to Ginger, since coffee prices were too low to be profitable to the farmers. During January-February 2003, the Ginger (fresh) fetched a price of Rs. 25 – 26/kg. In Coorg, arrival of dried ginger is low. Most of the Fresh Ginger is collected by farmers from Kerala, who peel, dry and sell it in Kerala. At present, fresh ginger is coming to the market and fetching a price of Rs.20/kg. The traders and farmers pointed that only about 85-90% of last year’s crop was harvested and the remaining will be harvested within a month’s time. 15-20% of crop got destroyed due to a dry spell last year. Problems As per the prediction of Indian Meteorological Department, Karnataka is going to be affected by a drought for the 3rd consecutive year. A dry spell has been witnessed in these areas after planting. As ginger need adequate water for growth, a dry spell will definitely affect the crop. At present farmers who are having their own irrigation facility are irrigating their land. But the main problem they are facing is the cost of irrigation and they are unsure, whether they will be able to recover the expense from the crop next year. Ginger is marketed in different forms like raw ginger, dry ginger, bleached dry ginger, ginger powder, ginger wine, ginger squash, ginger oil, ginger candy, ginger oleoresin, ginger beer, brined ginger, gingerale and ginger flakes. The Indian ginger is exported to Middle East, USA, UK and Netherlands.
Cauvery row likely to blow up on June 6
Thursday, May 29, 2003
New Delhi, May 28. (PTI): With the harsh summer months ahead and predictions of less rainfall, the Cauvery river waters row is once again likely to come centre stage with a crucial meeting of Cauvery Monitoring Committee (CMC) meeting slated for June 6 to discuss the sharing of water between the basin states. The meeting would be chaired by Union Water Resources Secretary A K Goswami and attended by Chief Secretaries and senior officials of four riparian states -- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry. The meeting is likely to discuss, among other things, inflow into Mettur reservoir in Tamil Nadu and storage in the four reservoirs in Karnataka. The CMC oversees implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's order on release of water. Sources in the Water Resources Ministry said that there might be a possibility of a meeting of Cauvery River Authority (CRA), headed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, in July.
Naidu hits out at Karnataka govt
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government and slammed its attitude in not extending a helping hand to the drought-hit people of the State. In an hard hitting two-hour long speech on the inaugural day of the three-day Mahanadu (the ruling TDP's general body meeting) here yesterday, Naidu devoted most of his time in criticising the Congress leaders of the State. He came down heavily on the Karnataka government for ignoring the water problem in Andhra Pradesh and said it was going ahead with the construction of dams. In this regard, he cited the Almatti dam issue. Referring to the 'Paragodu' project taken up by the S M Krishna government, Naidu said, 'though we appealed a number of times to the Karnataka government not to go ahead with its construction as it would result in losses and hardship to more than 750 villages in Anantapur district, it ignored all the water sharing agreements and was proceeding with the construction work, which he termed as nothing but an inhumane attitude. He went hammer and tongs against Congress president Sonia Gandhi and State leaders of the party. He also said that during her visit to Anantapur last year, Sonia termed his government as anti-farmer. Naidu asked Sonia and the Congress leaders of Andhra Pradesh as to why they were silent when Karnataka where the Congress is in power was doing injustice to farmers here. He urged the Congress president to impress upon the Karnataka government the need to stop construction in the Paragodu project.
Krishna rejects Andhra Pradesh’s claim on Chitravathi dam
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Taking exception to objections raised by the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to the construction of check dam across Chitravathi river in Paragodu of Kolar district, Karnataka has decided to submit a memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam explaining the facts about the project. Announcing this at a public function here today, Chief Minister S M Krishna declared that Karnataka will not withdraw from the construction of check dam across Chitravathi and that it is ready to face all the opposition to the project. The entire water from the project would be used only for drinking water purpose in about 100 villages of the surrounding area which were reeling under severe drought, Mr Krishna said in an obvious reference to Andhra Pradesh allegations that the water was being misused. The drinking water situation in these areas which came under Gudibande and Bagepally taluks were so bad that it was not possible to tap groundwater even after digging 1,000 feet, he said. When the situation is so serious, shouldn’t the government carry out its responsibility of undertaking such projects to provide drinking water or not, Mr Krishna asked the Centre. We want to send a message that Karnataka government will not go back on its responsibility of providing drinking water. Andhra Pradesh, which shares water of Krishna river with Karnataka, has contended that the project would come in the way of the state getting its share of water as Chitravathi is a tributary of Krishna river. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been issuing statements against the project frequently while his party has decided to take up the issue with the Prime Minister. Mr Krishna made it clear that Karnataka was not interested in competing with Andhra Pradesh in taking up the matter with the higher ups. The Prime Minister has hundreds of other works. However, we are submitting a memorandum to the President to clarify our position in the wake of the opposition to the project. Mr Krishna said he would stop the construction of drinking water project if Andhra Pradesh came out with an alternative for providing drinking water to these areas. I am ready to learn if the ‘experienced and efficient’ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister showed me an alternative, he said.Union Minister from the State, Mr Ananth Kumar, who was also present on the occasion defended the project. Mr Krishna expressed confidence that Mr Kumar would draw the attention of the Centre to the State’s problem.
IBM launches toll-free service centre
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Bangalore, May 28: IBM India announced on Tuesday the launch of "India Smart Centre", a virtual toll-free service centre to provide services and support to the small and medium businesses in metros and small towns. The centre, the first of its kind, will provide easy-to-use repair and restoration services for IBM desktops and notebooks, an IBM statement said. The India Smart Centre provides a large infrastructure of toll-free telephonic support and is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled "products specialists" to help resolve service and technical issues telephonically, it said. The centre extends service support to customers through 170 service outlets across 64 locations for desktops in India, it added.
Implement Mahajan report: Parishats
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Implement Mahajan report: Parishats Mangalore, May 28: The Kannada Sahitya Parishats of Keral and Karnataka, along with personalities involved in the promotion of Kannada in the neighbouring Kasaragod district, have urged deputy prime minister L K Advani to settle the border dispute between the two states by expediting the Mahajan report. In a memorandum submitted to Advani, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president od the DK district unit of KSP, Dr Lalitha Bhat, president Kerala unit of KSP and B V Kakkillaya, president of Karnataka Samiti, Kasargod, urged Advani to initiate a favourable action. The signatories to the memorandum drew the attention of the deputy prime minister to the fact that the 70th All India Kannada Conference, conducted by KSP in Belgaum, passed a unanimous resolution requesting the centre to implement the Mahajan report. The sammelan hoped that the centre, which had acted in accordance with the wishes of the people elsewhere by forming three more states and deciding other major issues, would settle the Kasargod issue too. Besides the merger issue, other issues mentioned in the memorandum are: inclusion of Tulu language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution, include Marathis in Kasargod district in the list of Scheduled Tribes, to appoint local persons in various departments like railways, ports, posts etc, where the personnel are in direct contact with the local people, and to include Kannada as one of the subjects in the Central Board curriculum. Drawing attention to the language barrier issue, Kalkura said that many staff appointed in various central department offices and other departments like railway, LIC postal department, ports etc in Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts, were ignorant of Kannada and Tulu languages, which had put people into severe inconvenience. He requested the officers and staff and all classes of employees coming in contact with the public, appointed to various departments to compulsorily know Kannada and Tulu, which would greatly help the people.
State to oppose talks on Bachawat A scheme:S.M.Krishna
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Mysore, may 28 - Chief Minister S.M.Krishna said that the Government will oppose any discussions on the Bachawat ‘A’ scheme as the State has implemented it in toto, to utilise its share of Krishna water. Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, he ruled out sharing of the state’s surplus water under scheme ‘A’ or discussion on the same. He favoured constitution of a tribunal only to discuss the Bachawat ‘B’ scheme on sharing water earmarked under it. It may be recalled that under the Bachawat A scheme, the Tribunal constituted by the Centre had directed Maharshtra, Andhra and Karnataka to reach an agreement on the sharing of surplus water. Asked about the plea by Andhra Pradesh for a fresh discussion on the A scheme, he said Karnataka would not be a party on the Bachawat ‘ A’ scheme. He said all states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharastra were in favour of the constitution of a tribunal to deal with the Bachawat ‘B’ part. He also disclosed that the State Government has written a letter to the Union Government to constitute a tribunal to deal with the ‘B’ scheme award. He felt that there was no need to lead a delegation to the Union Government, as the letter is as good as a resolution explaining the state’s stand and the need for the implementation of the B scheme. When asked about the TDP delegation urging the Prime Minister and President to restrain Karnataka from constructing a barrage across Chitravathi river in Bagepalli taluk in drought-hit Kolar district, he said state governments should stop politicising the drinking water crisis. He said Bagepalli and neighbouring taluks in Kolar district were as dry as any village in Ananthpur district. Drinking water was a basic necessity, he said. Krishna said he was suprised ‘‘how they (TDP members) approached the President and others, when the construction of an anicut across Chitravathi river was not for irrigation purposes’’. He said the Government would start work on the Nugu lift irrigation project in Heggadevana kote and take up development works in the Cauvery basin through the newly constituted Cauvery Jala Nigam.
Lankesh Patrike
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Cast : Vasundhara Das, Darshan Tugudeep, Anant Nag Certificate : U/A Type : Action Kannada Producer : K Manju Director : P L Indrajith P L Indrajith, the publisher of the renowned Kannada tabloid Lankesh Patrike, has named his second directorial venture after the tabloid. Vasundhara Das plays a young, dashing journalist who encounter many bad elements in her fight against corruption and injustice. Her boyfriend, Darshan Tugudeep, lends her a helping hand. She is also supported by her editor, Anant Nag, who publishes all her investigative reports in his mission to clean up society. Foot-tapping music, love, fall-outs and more masala make up the rest of this movie.
Cauvery: Minister blames TN
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Cauvery:Karma Minister blames TN Bangalore, May25 - Karnataka government has accused Tamil Nadu of refusing to resolve the vexed Cauvery water dispute through talks. Water Resources Minister of Karnataka H K Patil said in Bellary that the state government wants to resolve the Krishna and Cauvery water issues amicably through dialogue. Karnataka Water Resources Minister Patil said that Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna had extended an invitation to his Tamil Nadu counter part for talks on Cauvery issue. He said Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has rejected the offer. Patil reiterated that Karnataka is always ready for talks. The Minister said the initiative of Karnataka farmers in holding talks with Tamil Nadu farmers on the Cauvery water issue was an achievement.
Gingee Ramachandran quits over graft case
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Minister of State for Finance Gingee Ramachandran today resigned from the Cabinet following the arrest of his personal assistant yesterday for accepting bribes for transfer of an Indian revenue service officer. Ramachandran today made a brief appearance at his office in North Block before leaving in a hurry from the rear entrance to the building. The director of the Central Bureau of Investigation today briefed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani on the contours of the case. Meanwhile, a special court today remanded the two accused, including Perumalsamy, to 10 days’ police custody for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 4 lakh to transfer the IRS officer, Anurag Vardhan, as deputy commissioner from Delhi to Mumbai. Special Judge Prem Kumar, passing the order, said since it was said to be a case of racket of transfers and postings of high-ranking officials by charging huge sums of money, involving even the personal assistant of minister of state for finance, it had wider ramifications. The judge also observed that the searches conducted at several places in Delhi and Chennai were yet to be scrutinised and the entire conspiracy was yet to be unearthed. Other officials of the finance ministry said to be involved in the racket are yet to be identified, he said. The court also remanded co-accused Anurag Vardhan to CBI custody for four days.
Govt hospitals bag ISO 9002 quality certification
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Bangalore: Six Government hospitals in Karnataka have achieved the distinction of becoming the first State-run hospitals in the country to be awarded the ISO 9002 quality certification. The district hospitals in Belgaum, Mangalore, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Davanagere and Tumkur are part of the quiet revolution taking place in the Government hospital services, City Corporation Special Commissioner Mahendra Jain told the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics. The six institutions are among the 204 Government hospitals in the State under the World Bank-aided Karnataka Health Systems Development Project, which was earlier administered by Jain. The hospitals were audited for maternity care, blood bank services and equipment maintenance by the British Standards Institute. "As a result of the dramatic improvement in health services rendered by Government hospitals, some smaller private nursing homes are closing down," he claimed. The complete overhaul of the hospitals envisaged in the project, which began in 1999, was expected to be completed at all 204 hospitals by July. Of the Rs 660 crore project cost, 85 percent had been borne by the World Bank, he said. The success of the programme was the fact that the bed occupancy rate in Government hospitals had doubled from 36.68 percent in 1996 to 75.30 percent in 2002 despite the addition of 6,000 beds during the period. Likewise, the percentage of surgeries increased from 4.84 percent in 1996 to 23.40 percent in 2002, while admissions during the period rose from about 6.28 lakh to 14 lakh. No user charges were levied for people below poverty line, he added. "So far, we have been able to collect Rs nine crore as user charges, which will be retained at the hospital level itself," he said.UNI
Karnataka showcases IT in development
Sunday, May 25, 2003
The Karnataka government’s Bhoomi project, aimed at computerising 20 million land records for 7 million farmers, will revolutionise agricultural practices in the state. The project provides a vast array of information, including the crop pattern, the sources of irrigation, the crop yield and even the number of mortgages on a single piece of land. The entire data is updated three times a year. With the kind of data we have, the possibilities are enormous. We can tailor information for farmers and advise them on the crops they can grow, Rajeev Chawla, special secretary in charge of the Bhoomi project, said. Nearly 10 million copies of land records had already been collected by the farmers, Chawla added. Chawla was speaking at a session of the World Bank conference on development economics, which concluded here today. Chawla said the project, which had a billion entries, took 20,000 man-months to complete and cost Rs 20 crore. However, Rs 18 crore has already been recovered from users, who have to pay Rs 15 to obtain a copy of their land titles. Chawla said the project would not only reduce corruption but also speed up the process as certificates had to be given within 15 days. During the session, Mahendra Jain, special secretary in charge of the department of health, also gave a presentation on the huge improvement in health services in the state. Jain said bed-occupancy in the 252 secondary-level hospitals across the state went up from 37 per cent in 1996 to 75 per cent in 2002. In the same period, the number of patients admitted rose from 6,30,000 to 14,30,000. Jain said much of the improvement had to do with the introduction of the hospital management information system. This system helps in maintaining information on bed-occupancies and ambulance utilisation across all the hospitals in the state on a daily basis. Moreover, the state government outsourced most non-clinical services and raised the number of doctors by hiring retired doctors on a temporary basis, Jain said. Another presentation showcased the gains made by the transport sector in the state. K Jairaj, managing director of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, said the utility, which had made losses of Rs 94 crore in 1996-97, was now one of the country’s few profitable state road transport corporations, with a profit of Rs 61 crore. Gobind Nankani, who heads the World Bank’s Poverty Reduction and Economic Management network, said the development experience in the nineties had highlighted the role of good governance and the Karnataka model of development was therefore to be especially welcomed. Nankani also referred to the role of civil society in the development process and highlighted the part played by non-governmental organisations like the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) and PROOF in making the state government more accountable. The Bangalore municipal body, for instance, provides quarterly statements of their financial performance to PROOF which includes parameters like cost-per-student and student-teacher ratios in government-run schools.
Five drown in river
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Bangalore, May 24 (PTI): Five persons, including two seven-year- old boys, met with a watery grave in two separate drowning incidents in Udupi district, the police said today. In the first incident, two teenagers drowned today in a river near Kundapura, where they had gone for fishing. Their bodies have been recovered, the police said. In the other incident which happened yesterday, a teenager and two boys, who had come to attend a religious programme, drowned in a river at Hiriyadaka. They had gone there to take a bath, the police said.
AP to move PM over project in Karnataka
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments are embroiled in a fresh altercation over the latter's decision to construct an irrigation project over the Chitravati river at Paragodu. As part of stepping up pressure on Karnataka to retract its move, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has decided to depute a delegation of its parliament members to the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, to seek his intervention for resolving the dispute. The delegation will also represent the grievance of Andhra Pradesh to President APJ Abdul Kalam. In addition to exploring political solutions, the state government is also actively considering the last recourse to legal action if the upper riparian state does not rescind its decision to go ahead with the project. Andhra Pradesh contends that if the project is completed, it will seriously affect the interests of the Rayalaseema region and even turn the region into a desert. Disclosing this at a media briefing, TDP parliamentary party leaders, K Yerran Naidu, C Ramachandraiah and R Chandrasekhar Reddy alleged that the Karnataka government was "acting in violation of the federal spirit of the constitution and inter-state agreements." The Karnataka government is unilaterally pursuing the construction of Chitravati project, negating the spirit of the inter-state river water agreements arrived at in 1892 and 1933 which mandate taking the consent of other riparian states before taking up any irrigation project.
Plan to develop tourism in coastal areas
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Byndoor, May 24: Compared to Kerala and Goa, tourism in Karnataka is still in its infancy. Kerala is effectively using its backwaters to develop tourism. Tourism in that State has not only helped the country to earn valuable foreign exchange, but has also provided employment to local people, said Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Manorama Madhvaraj here on Friday. She was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar jointly organised by District Youth Service and Sports Department and Coastal Adventure Sports Association at Turtle Bay Beach Resort, Trasi. Despite possessing a long and beautiful coastline of 320 kms, Karnataka has not paid any attention to develop tourism along the coast. Hence a comprehensive plan had been prepared for the development of the coastal belt, at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore, and sent to the Centre for approval, she explained. MP and member of the Travel and Tourism Standing Committee, Vinayakumar Sorake, presided over the seminar. He expressed hope that plans to develop tourism in the State in a big way would succeed. In his presentation, well-known economist and environmentalist, Dr N Murari Ballal, said that tourism did not harm nature in any way and hence it could be developed profitably and, at the same time, it would also enable man to understand nature better. He deplored the trend of converting villages into cities in the name of progress, and trying to measure nature’s beauty in terms of money. B Damodar Achar, S Madanakumar, Srinivasa Avabhruta, Richard D’Almeida and others participated in the discussion and offered suggestions. S Janardhan welcomed the gathering. Srinivasa Avabhruta proposed a vote of thanks. Sanjeeva Hosadu conducted the programme. Port and Fisheries Department Engineer, Shankaranarayana, and District Tourism Director, Nagaraja, were present on the dais.
NASSCOM sets up Foundation to promote IT for the common man
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Bangalore, May 24: India's software industry body NASSCOM has set up a foundation which will work on developing technology applications for the common man. "The kind of applications we are thinking are- how can you get a system where an illiterate farmer can access information that he needs through a query by voice," National Association of Software and Services Companies President Kiran Karnik told reporters here on Friday. Though these type of (text to voice) technologies were prevalent in the US and Europe, he said, "we needed it desperately and our R&D efforts should be highly focussed on this." "Use of IT does not mean use of computers. Using the pay as you use the public call office model, which revolutionised telecommunications, is a model I like. You don't need a computer. What you need is access to it," Karnik said on the sidelines of "Media, Information Technology and Grassroots Development," organised by the Press Institute of India here. The intention of NASSCOM Foundation, a non-commercial body, was to promote projects which are good for the country and indirectly beneficial to the industry. "We have set the ball in motion with the foundation. Let us start in a small way. Our aim is to think big, start small and scale up rapidly," Karnik said.
NASSCOM fears more visa restrictions against IT professionals
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Bangalore, May 24: In the face of a sluggish economy, the Europe and the US are likely to increase visa restrictions on foreign IT professionals, NASSCOM said on Friday. "World economy is slow. Job growth is slow. You are going to get these type of protectionist measures", National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) President Kiran Karnik told reporters here. "Any constricting of the visa process, in whatever name like more care, security and processing time, is bad for the industry", he said. He said that though domestic firms were outsourcing software work, on an average, 40 per cent of the work was done on site and any bottlenecks for the flow of people would affect the industry. Early this week, a legislation was introduced in the US House of Representatives to stop firms from outsourcing their L-1 visa-holders to client sites. L-1 visa allows firms which have subsidiaries abroad to transfer from foreign countries to the US as intra-company transferees, subject to them having been employed with the company for at least six months. Karnik said NASSCOM was working with the government for relaxation in the visa rules, bilaterally with countries and under the GATT treaty in the World Trade Organisation. "Talks are under way, but it is a slow process", he said.
Tamil Nadu has refused talks to resolve Cauvery issue, says Karnataka Minister
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Bellary, May 24 - Karnataka government has accused Tamil Nadu of refusing to resolve the vexed Cauvery water dispute through talks. Water Resources Minister of Karnataka H K Patil said in Bellary that the state government wants to resolve the Krishna and Cauvery water issues amicably through dialogue. Karnataka Water Resources Minister Patil said that Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna had extended an invitation to his Tamil Nadu counter part for talks on Cauvery issue. He said Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has rejected the offer. Patil reiterated that Karnataka is always ready for talks. The Minister said the initiative of Karnataka farmers in holding talks with Tamil Nadu farmers on the Cauvery water issue was an achievement.
'CM wants to develop small towns too'
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Udupi, May 23 - Chief minister Krishna’s mission is to make even smaller towns and medium cities grow and have all modern facilities like Bangalore, law and parliamentary affairs minister D.B. Chandre Gowda said here. After laying the foundation stone for a bus-stand and commercial complex in the heart of the town, Gowda said the Udupi CMC had been sanctioned Rs 48 crore for taking up developmental works. Under the scheme, infrastructure facilities would be developed and the second stage drinking water project, supplying river from the Swarna River, would be taken up. Minister for fisheries and ports Vasanth Salian laid the foundation stone for another commercial complex in Santhekatte near Kalianpur.
Volleyball: Karnataka beat Madhya Pradesh
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Huvina Hadagali (Karnataka), May 23: Karnataka girls defeated Madhya Pradesh 25-17, 25-18, 25-12 in a Group-B encounter in the 11th Mini National Volleyball Championship being held here. Shyamala and Rachana played a key role in the victory of Karnataka, which came out with excellent field placing and passes. In the boys section, Haryana defeated Tamil Nadu 21-6, 27-25, 25-17, while Assam beat Rajasthan 25-10, 25-14, 25-16. Following are results in different groups: Boys section: Manipur bt Jammu & Kashmir 25-23, 25-22, 25-14. Girls section: Rajasthan bt Goa 25-7, 25-13, 25-16; Uttar Pradesh bt Pondicherry 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9. (Agencies)
Bandh cripples banking sector
Friday, May 23, 2003
Hubli, May 22 - The strike call given by the All India Bank Employees Association and other organisations paralysed banking services in Hubli Dharwad on Wednesday as bank employees boycotted work and staged demonstrations in the twin-cities. The agitating employees under the banner of Hubli Dharwad Bank Employees Association took out a procession in Hubli. Anand Hegde, general secretary of the association addressed the members and attacked the BJP-NDA government. The union leader said removal of ceiling on voting rights in banks had enabled a stranglehold of vested interests. Hegde added that the entire working class had joined together to defeat the policies of the NDA government which had ruined the country and its economy. Seshu Shety, president of the association and others participated in the protest. Dharwad: Bank employees also held a demonstration in Dharwad in front of the Canara Bank in which the employee union leaders participated. The agitators raised slogans on the which included halt to privatisation of profit-making and potentially viable public sector undertakings, no change in labour laws in favour of employers and against the interest of workers, immediate enactment of comprehensive legislation for agricultural workers. Officers and employees of LIC, GIC, nationalised banks and grameena bank also observed the one-day strike in Dharwad under the banner of Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions, Hubli-Dharwad to protest against the ‘disastrous economic policies’ of the BJP-led state government. The employees and officers joined the protest demonstration on Wednesday morning in front of the LIC -Nationalised Office, State Bank of India (main) and Canara Bank (main), Dharwad. Works in LIC offices and GIC offices came to a standstill as a result. Meanwhile, the office-bearers of the state government employees under the banner of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, Hubli unit staged a dharna before the thasildar’s office demanding salary equal to the central government employees. The unit president S.B. Patil and T.R. Shirol led the agitation.
Karnataka CM sets clock in motion for National Youth Games
Friday, May 23, 2003
Bangalore, May 23: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday set the clock ticking for the country's maiden National Youth Games to be held here from January 4 to 11 next year. Krishna clicked a mouse to start the build-up for the Games in the presence of Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, representatives of various sports federations, ministers and top officials at a function here. "I am very happy that the first National Youth Games has been allotted to Karnataka and the state would strain its last nerve to see that the Games become a big success," he said. With 4000 athletes descending on the city, it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bangalore and Karnataka, and inspire the youth of the country, he said and expressed the hope that the event would boost sports in the state. Krishna said much of the infrastructure facilities created for the 1997 National Games, hosted by Karnataka, were in place and needed only upgradation in certain areas. Kalmadi said 14 events would be staged during the Games in athletics, basketball, badminton, fencing, football, hockey, kho-kho, lawn tennis, rifle shooting, swimming, taekwondo, volleyball and kabaddi. The host state would have the privilege of including an event of its choice. Kalmadi thanked Krishna for staging the Games and said "Karnataka has emerged as the sports state of India after its wonderful conduct of National Games in 1997." The country hitherto did not have the tradition of organising youth sports events at the national level, as was being done in other countries, and this event would give impetus to sports in schools and colleges. Kalmadi appealed to industries to come forward to support Olympic sports in a big way asking them to look beyond cricket. He said IOA was now concentrating on promotion of sports at the school and college level, where the encouragement was only negligible now. Kalmadi also complimented the novel initiative of the Karnataka government in directing its local bodies to set apart one per cent of their total budget for sports promotion. IOA had sent this proposal to all states to adopt and at least six states had responded positively. With the commencement of National Youth Games, the country would stage mega sporting events annually, including the National Games.
Lok Ayukta can take action in only 10 cases
Friday, May 23, 2003
Lok Ayukta can take action in only 10 cases Bangalore, May 23 - The government has permitted the Lok Ayukta to prosecute officers in only 10 of the 131 cases concerning 237 ‘tainted’ government servants, including seniors. The Lok Ayukta needs the government’s permission to launch prosecution against erring government servants in cases falling under Lok Ayukta Act or Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. The Lok Ayukta had written to the government seeking permission, but the latter dilly-dallied for weeks, and finally gave the sanction only for 10 cases. Some of the officers are seniors of gazetted rank. The charges pertain to misuse of power, favouritism, maladministration, corruption and nepotism. Lok Ayukta sources said thorough investigation was done into all the cases and the officers were found prima facie guilty. In some cases, the anti-corruption body recommended punishments, including ouster from service, demotion, salary-cut or compulsory retirement.
RBI comfortable on rupee appreciation over dollar
Friday, May 23, 2003
Bangalore, May 23: Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday said that it was "rather comfortable" on the appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar. "We are rather comfortable. We feel that the movement of exchange rate is adequate looking at what is happening in the international market and the kind of currency alignments taking place internationally," RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan told reporters here. The rupee closed on Tuesday at a two-year high of Rs 46.90 against the dollar with the forward premiums crashing to an all-time low of 0.35 per cent for six months and 0.38 per cent for the one-year forward. "The kind of currency alignments taking place internationally and today, we feel that the Indian market and the currency market is responding quite adequately to the things taking place," Mohan said. He said the RBI was interested in maintaining orderly conditions and stability in the market. Asked whether RBI was mopping up dollars to increase its value, Mohan said "we will continue to act so that there is no instability". He said the RBI had not set any target for the exchange rate and maintained that its role would be to ensure stability in the market.
ABJD rally against ‘anti-people policy’ of State
Friday, May 23, 2003
Hanagal(Haveri dt), May 22 - The taluk unit of the Akhila Bharat Janata Dal had organised a huge rally here to protest against the ‘anti-people policy’ of the State government. More than 5000 people participated in the rally which was taken out from the local Viraktamath to the taluk office. The president of the State unit of ABJD C Byre Gowda, former minister C M Udasi and other leaders of the party led the protest march. A public meeting was held later at the local marketing society ground. Addressing the meeting Mr C Byre Gowda alleged that the Congress government in the State had failed in administration. The corruption was widespread in all government departments. The government had become bankrupt and was unable to clear the bills of the contractors and subsidies due to the small scale industries in the State. The State president of ABJD also alleged that the payment of crop insurance to the ryots was being delayed thanks to non-payment of the amount by the State government. He called upon people to start an anti-corruption movement in the State. The General Secretary of the party Basavaraj Rayareddy, B C Patil, legislators B S Horatti, Basavaraj Bommai, S S Patil and others addressed the gathering. Presiding over the meeting former minister C M Udasi urged the State government to provide compensation to the ryots under the crop insurance scheme before the end of May. Taluk unit president Padmanabha Kundapur, B S Akkiwalli, Siddanagouda Patil, ryot leader A S Bellary and others also spoke. Later a memorandum was submitted to the government through the tahsildar.
BCC team to meet CM
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Belgaum, May 21 - All corporators, the mayor and the deputy mayor have sought an appointment with Karnataka chief minister Krishna on May 24 to discuss the superseding notice received by the Belgaum city corporation (BCC) two weeks ago. The BCC commissioner-in- charge Sarfaraz Khan said that the corporators would meet Karnataka urban development minister Shivkumar on May 23, before meeting the chief minsiter. The council on May 16 replied to the government on the charges levelled in the showcause notice. They denied the charges in the notice. The mayor also said that a case was pending against a lady corporator concerning her action. She had locked the doors of the office of the BCC commissioner sometime ago. The situation will be clear only after the meeting with chief mini Krishna.
Renovated Malpe port to be opened on May 22
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Udupi, May 20: Fisheries and Ports Minister Vasanth Salian said here on Sunday that the second stage of works at the all-season port of Malpe had been completed and would be inaugurated by Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes on May 22 at 3 pm. Addressing the media, he said that the first stage of the works on the fishing port was started in 1976 at a cost of Rs 5.46 crore. With a 50-50 contribution from the State and the Centre, 118-metre and 160-metre jetties, auction area, drinking water supply and sewage system had been provided. Salian said that the second phase of the works was taken up when he was the fisheries minister in the Veerappa Moily cabinet, at an estimated cost of Rs 21.6 crore. The State government had contributed Rs 12.72 crore and the Centre had released Rs 5.90 crore and is yet to release another Rs 4.8 crore. Salian said that he, Oscar Fernandes and others had urged Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to impress on the Union Government to release the remaining amount. The second phase of works include a 540-metre pier, three jetties of 140 metres, a 1500-sqmt auction place, 20,000-sqmt basin, water supply at a cost of Rs 12 lakh, sewage facilities at a cost of Rs 50 lakh and electricity at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. Oscar Fernandes had sanctioned Rs 7.93 lakh under the MP Area Development scheme for toilets and a women’s rest room. The minister said that in the last two years, the state government had released Rs 34 crore to fishermen in the form of diesel subsidy without any help from the centre.He stressed the need to maintain the new facilities well and called on fishermen to make the best use of the facilities.
‘Nagabrahma’ sculpture found in Karkala taluk
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Udupi, May 20: An ancient ‘Nagabrahma’ sculpture, carved in a single stone, has been found in Sooda village of Karkala taluk. T Murugeshi, lecturer of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology in Sundaram Shetty College at Shirva, has excavated this sculpture, buried in the soil in the midst of bushes, with the help of his students. The front portion of the sculpture has a man sitting in meditation with closed eyes. There are hoods around his head. The figure in the sculpture has a necklace, earrings, bracelets and other jewels in the form of ‘Rudrakshimani’. He has a twisted moustache. There are two women (maids) to the left and right of the man. The back of the sculpture also has the structure of a Naga (cobra). The body of the cobra at the back in abstract form and another cobra in the front portion of the sculpture can be seen. This helped in deciding that it was a sculpture of Nagabrahma, said Murugeshi. As the hoods in the sculpture resemble those in the sculptures of ‘Chutukulananda Nagashree’ of Banavasi and the women in the sculpture represent the ancient sculptures belonging to the period of the Chalukyas of Badami, this sculpture may be of fifth or sixth century vintage, Murugeshi said.
SDM ayurvedic hospital inaugurated
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Mangalore, May 20: The new ayurvedic hospital of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education Trust, constructed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh near KSRTC bus-stand in Bijai area of Mangalore, was inaugurated by Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade on Saturday. The new hospital, the third by the trust after those in Udupi and Hassan, has a 50-bed capacity and six doctors with experts from Udupi Ayurveda College assisting them, special air-conditioned rooms, well-equipped laboratory and scanner. Heggade said the establishement of the hospital was in fulfillment of a long-standing public demand for a full-fledged unit for treatment of serious ailments like diabetes, bronchitis, rheumatism and sterility in the Indian system of medicines. The increasing number of patients visiting ayurvedic hospitals in the region reflected the popularity of the Indian system of medicines, which needed to be more amendable to the masses. He also stressed the need for systematisation of the study and practice of ayurvedic system of medicines to make it compete with other system of medicines. Retired district surgeon Dr P N Arig, Shafi Ayurvedic Hospital director Dr Hammanabba, industrialist Radhkrishna Mallya and L D Mallya were the guests. SDM Trust Secretary D Harshendra Kumar welcomed.
Job-seekers can now rely on CAMPU
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Bangalore, May 18 - The State government yesterday launched its Computer Aided Manpower Placement Utility (CAMPU), a website to provide quick and efficient global level service to job seekers and employers. Addressing the press after launching the website, Labour Minister Qamarul Islam said that the facility is an unique one and a model to other states. CAMPU envisages creation of a central data base for job-seekers and provides help to service seekers through the highly user-friendly software which could be used worldwide through the internet. He said that CAMPU would be implemented on a pilot basis in Bangalore and also in the Employment Exchanges of Mysore, Mandya, Hubli and Gulbarga districts. The programme would be extended throughout the State after the evaluation of the system for six months and ensuring that it was foolproof and beneficial to those who register fresh during the experimentation period, he said. Mr Islam said that CAMPU reduces processing time, gives scope for better utilisation of manpower, eliminates middlemen and throw open global employment opportumities for organised and unorganised sector. CAMPU provides a platform for software professionals and other technocrats to seek better opportunities worldwide, he said adding that it was convenient for the users to register, renew or utilise the services from any of the employment exchanges in the State once these were enabled by CAMPU. He said this would also facilitates people to register from any of the exchanges in the State. The classified website will also help in meeting manpower needs in times of national calamities and contingencies, he added. There was a need to redefine the Employment Exchanges to become proactive and responsive to the changing needs of the society in the context of rapid strides in technology, he said.
Touchtel plans to invest Rs 75 crore in Karnataka
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
PTI BANGALORE: Touchtel, the Bharti group's fixed line service provider, on Monday announced that it would invest Rs 65-75 crore in Karnataka in the next six months. "We are investing between Rs 65 crore to Rs 75 crore to expand our business in the State," Touchtel Karnataka chief operating officer, Prem Pradeep told reporters. The company had over 40,000 subscribers in the State, of which nearly 80 per cent were in Bangalore, he said. Pradeep said the firm planned to roll out its services in 27 new areas of which four were in rural and the rest in semi-urban areas like Hubli, Manipal and Udupi. Touchtel has invested close to Rs 200 crore in its land line operations in the State. The company announced eight new plans for its subscribers with rentals ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 1,650 per month and free calls ranging from 50 to 1,800 pulses. Pradeep said an unlimited local call plan for heavy users at a fixed rental of Rs 1,100, besides a plan of up to 200 free units every month to a mobile number in the country had been introduced.
Centre advises Karnataka not to go ahead with Paragodu project
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
New Delhi, May 20 - The Central Government has advised the Karnataka Government not to proceed ahead with the construction of Paragodu project across Chitravathi river. In a letter to Karnataka Government last week, the Union Water Resources Ministry advised it to abide by the provisions of Madras-Mysore agreement of 1892. The Centre recalled its similar advise to Karnataka Government in 2001. The Centre's advise to Karnataka gave a boost to the arguments of Andhra Pradesh against the construct of Paragodu project across Chitravathi river. Andhra Pradesh Government has already filed a petition in Supreme Court seeking direction to Karnataka Government to stop construction of Paragodu project immediately. One may recall that the Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna had laid the foundation stone for Paragodu project recently. The Commissioner of Union Water Resources Ministry R K Sharma wrote a letter to the Principle Secretary of Karnataka Government on May, 12. Union Water Resources Ministry said that Madras-Mysore agreement of 1892 covers the rivers Cauvery basin, Pennar basin, Pallar basin, Southern Pinakini and partly Krishna basin. It said that the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal has supreseded the agreement of 1892 as well as 1933 between Madras and Mysore as far as it relates to the Krishna system. The legal and constitutional validity of the 1892 and 1933 agreements relating to the river system other than the Cauvery and Krishna is neither supreseded by any order of the Tribunal not challenged before any Tribunal, it added. Union Water Resources Minister also clarified that the agreements have also not been replaced by any new agreement between the Government of Karnataka and Government of Andhra Pradesh so far as it relates to river systems other than Cauvery and Krishna. Therefore, it advised Karnataka to abide by the agreement.
Veerappan very much in Karnataka jungles: Govind
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Coimbatore May 19. The Director-General of Police, I. K. Govind, today said the forest brigand, Veerappan, and his gang were still in Karnataka jungles. Talking to reporters here, he said the Tamil Nadu Special Task Force was trying to adopt new strategies for nabbing the brigand. Pointing out that the STF morale was high and that there was no let-up in the operations, Mr. Govind, however, said ``there is no accurate intelligence so far in getting at the gang''. Having implemented new strategies for fine-tuning the intelligence machinery, ``the Tamil Nadu STF was waiting for pointed intelligence on the movements of the gang and if the force ensures instant reaction, we would be getting at him at the earliest''. The brigand had not ventured into the Tamil Nadu jungles and still remained inside Karnataka. The DGP said his Karnataka counterparts had also confirmed this position. A lot of information was coming in but it lacked in accuracy. The focus now was more on improving the quality of intelligence, and there was no need to augment manpower. To a query on increasing cases of robbery and murder for gain, the DGP, referring to the recent incident at Vellore, said the crime occurred in districts contiguous to neighbouring States as criminals from other States gained entry into Tamil Nadu. The weapon used in the Vellore killings was a rare one, seen only in Mumbai and Bangalore. To a query on setting up exclusive wings at the police commissionerates and in ranges to tackle cyber crimes, the DGP said a separate wing had already started functioning in Chennai. Cyber crime had not been reported in any other place. On manpower shortage and other constraints facing the Special Investigation Unit of the CB-CID, prosecuting agency in the Coimbatore serial blasts case, Mr. Govind said he would examine the problem.
Tayi Illada Tabbali
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Cast: Radhika, Shivdwaj, Asha Latha, Avinash, Sadhu Kokila. Producer: Ramesh Yadav Director: Sai Prakash All the miseries in the world strike the females. A woman sheds tears, a man melts and the director laughs. This is director Sai Prakash's mantra and this time he has used Radhika. Radhika is now TAYI ILLADA TABBALI. Her mother dies even before she is a year old. Stepmother ill-treats her. Then she marries Shivdwaj, but she is kicked from his house. Reason being that she signed all her property in someone else's name. Her father comes to know this and dies of heart attack. From now on she is tande illada tabbali. From then on her stepmother's ill treatment continues. Stepmother even tries to kill the child in her womb. Brother-in-law tries to rape her. Yet Radhika does not utter a word. She cries and bears everything. The film is a classic example as to how the director can cut Karalu and in what all angle he can twist it. And how many tmc's of water can flow from every woman who watches this film. This story would have been written some thirty years ago. But these are the types of stories, which would run even in another thirty years. The film makes you cry, but then it does not bore you. Radhika has cried well throughout the film. One look at her you get the feeling that she was born with glycerin. Yet she shows good signs of improvement. Srinivas Murthy, Avinash, Asha Latha and Lakshmi Devi have performed well. Rajesh in his villainous role is too good. Sadhu Kokila is very funny. Shivdwaj has hardly anything to do. Technically the film is good. Music gels well with the film. Overall a good film.
Kushalave Kshemave
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Cast: Ramesh, Shree Lakshmi, Sharan, Ram Kumar, Darshan Thugudeepa Producer: S. Mahendar. Its happy time for Ramesh. For sometime we had lost our Ramesh in the Kathe, Kothi, Kuri fiasco. But KUSHALAVE KSHEMAVE is something different. It reminds us a lot of our old Ramesh. The role of an innocent loverboy suits Ramesh very much. This film is a remake of the Tamil film KALAVELLA KADALVAYUGA. The film has traces of years old hit film BELADINGALA BAALE. Well let's get to the storyline of the film. She loves music. He is an unemployed singer. She listens to him sing and a new confidence oozes in her. She sends greeting cards. He mistakes her concern for love. He goes crazy in her love to an extent that he starts starving. What next? You must watch the film for this. The film has some loopholes. The hero would never have seen the leading lady. Yet he reaches a stage where he is almost going to die of starvation. Ever heard of love like that? The funny thing is that the heroine would never have proposed her love. Yet when our hero is sad and feels desolate, none of the audience feel anything for him. Performance wise Ramesh has delivered his best. Sharan-Micheal-Madhu make you laugh. And then there is the heroine; god alone knows from which corner of the world they brought her. Ramkumar and Darshan Tugudeepa give a guest appearance. They have nothing much to do. It could be called a multi-starrer film because it has the presence of so many stars.
May Boxoffice
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Who will be the winner? ABHI? Its okay. KUTUMBA? Very much family oriented. PARIS PRANAYA? Average. These are the type of reports we get in Gandhinagar, on the much hoped and hyped films. And even before this subsides, three films are ready to hit the screen this weekend. LANKESH PATRIKE, VIJAYA SHANTHI AND BLACK AND WHITE are the films, which will be released on the 16th of May. LANKESH PATRIKE is directed by Indrajeet. For several reasons this film has been in news. Firstly the name of the film is intriguing. Secondly this is Vasundhara Das's first Kannada film. Indrajeet's first film TUNTATA was a hit, so a lot of hopes are pinned on LANKESH PATRIKE. Second in the list is VIJAYA SHANTHI, directed by AMERICA AMERICA fame G Nanda Kumar. This film has all the possible masala from Telugu cinema. The director bets that all those who love fights and stunts would just love this film. In between these two films the third film, which is trying to breathe, is BLACK AND WHITE. Music director Rajesh Ramnath, is acting for the first time. This is his fiftieth film as a music director. Another specialty of this film is that Sudeep has sung a song in this film. Promos say that LANKESH PATRIKE would emerge as the winner. Yet lets wait and watch what will happen this weekend.
2003 state awards
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Huge competition at 2003 state awards 2003 state awards for cinema has a huge competition. The number of films in competition is simply unbelievable. The number has already crossed 40. And this is happening for the very first time. Never before did we have such a massive competition. Couple of films in the competition is of good quality so the competition is going to be all the more severe. The list is as follows: MAUNI, BIMBA, KSHAMA, SINGARAWWA, OLAVE, BALANAVIKA, ODU, THAVARIGE BAA THANGI, HELLO, SAINIKA, KICHHA, APPU, PARIS PRANAYA, HOLLYWOOD, BALAGALITTU VALAGE BAA, PREETI NEENILLADHE NA HEGIRALI, THUNTATA, PARAMPARE, MARMA, KATTEGALU SAAR KATTEGALU, DON, KARMUGILU, DOMBEE, NANAGE NEENU NINAGE NAANU, PURUSHA, LAALIHAADU, KALARAWA, ARTHA, DEVARA MAKALU, BLACK AND WHITE, INDIAN POLICE, JHOOT, ADHU, DHAD DHAH, HEART BEATS, NANDI, NAGABHARANA, MOORU MANASU NOORU KANASU, GANDHINAGAR AND DHARMAYODHARU. Twelve films in this list have not been released as yet.
Abhi
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Cast: Puneet Rajkumar, Ramya, Satya Raj, Umashri, Sumitra, Raju AnantSwamy, Saahukar Janaki. Music: Guru Kiran Direction: Dinesh Babu "We won't compromise on quality," said Puneet Rajkumar. One year after the release of APPU we get to see ABHI. When scribes asked Puneet if one film a year was his policy, he spoke about quality. Reasons to like ABHI: ABHI is a meeting point of an art and typical commercial film. Apart from dancing and singing, Puneet has delivered dialogues excellently. He performs better than the ace performers of today. From one angle the heroine looks like a bollywood belle, and what's good about her is the performance. Does that mean that Sandalwood has got one more heroine? The technical person in Dinesh Babu has done a better job than the director in him. ABHI also has several reasons as to why the audience may not like it. People have still not forgotten the tragedy that struck an intercaste couple last year in Bangalore. The reason for the murder of these couple was that they belonged to different caste. Dinesh Babu has woven the story on this tragedy. This film does equal justice to all unlike APPU. So it's a positive point when compared to APPU. Puneet Rajkumar has done justice to the film. Slowly and steadily he is turning out to be a rising star. Sathyaraj and Sumithra have given excellent performances. Rest have lent adequate support. Overall a good film. The best part is that after a long time we get to see a swamake film.
Collection of Dr Raj's songs
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Collection of Dr Raj's songs Do you like songs sung by Dr. Rajkumar? If yes, here is a golden opportunity for you. There are 75 of his evergreen tracks for you. Yeno moha, Oh Priyathama, Sada kannali, Naliyutha hrudya, Sarasa sambhashane, Jenina holeyo, Kannadave Nithya, Bhagyada lakhsmi baramma, are some of the tunes. It is a collection of totally eight CD's. Songs have been selected from films like KERALIDA SIMHA, NEE NANNA GELLALARE, DRUVATHARE, JWALAMUKHI, JEEVANA CHAITRA, SHRAVANA BANTHU, BHAGYADHA LAKSHMI BARAMMA, VADAHUTTIDAVARU etc., Apart from this the collection has selected devotional songs. Crescent Musical House has organized the music collection. (http://movies.indiainfo.com/)
WorldTel COO among 3 killed in mishaps
Monday, May 19, 2003
BANGALORE May 18. Three persons were killed and three others injured in road accidents in the City in the past 24 hours. One person was killed in a serial accident involving four vehicles near Indian Oil Circle on Banaswadi Main Road in Bangaswadi Police Station limits on Sunday. Police said Mohan (45), two-wheeler rider, was killed on the spot when two two-wheelers and two lorries, including the Bangalore Mahangara Palike's garbage van, hit one another from behind. Rizvan from Shivajinagar was injured in the accident. Police said Manja, alias Kolimanja (30) of Bapujinagar, who was riding a motorcycle, was killed on the spot while the pillion rider, Lokesh, was injured when the vehicle was hit by a car near R.V.College on Mysore Road in Kengeri Police Station limits around 10 a.m. on Sunday. The driver of the car was also injured in the accident. The injured persons were admitted to hospital. The Byatarayanapura Traffic Police have seized the car and are investigating. WorldTel COO dies in mishap: R.Samir Singh, Chief Operating Officer of WorldTel, was fatally knocked down by a bus near MEG Centre on Kensington Road in Ulsoor Police Station limits on Saturday. The Ulsoor Police have arrested the driver of the bus. Arrested: Byappanahalli Police arrested two persons who stole video cassettes at night using duplicate keys. A colour television set, video compact disc players, compact discs, decks, car stereos, and sound boxes and other electronic articles, worth about Rs. 50,000 have been recovered from the accused. The police said the arrested persosns, Srinivas (36) and Suresh (26) of Krishnayyanapalya, had looted a videocassette shop in Byappanahalli two months ago and another cassette library in Krishnayyanahapalya only four days ago. They were arrested while they were attempting to sell the television set and VCDs in Nagawarapalya on Friday around 9 p.m.
Home appliances launched
Monday, May 19, 2003
Bangalore May 18 . Birla Electricals Ltd. rolled out its Birla Lifestyle range of home appliances in the City on Saturday. The new range comprises of food processors, electric kettles, blenders, and espresso coffee machines. According to Shailesh Agarwal, Vice-President, Birla Electricals, the company plans to set up a network of 150 retailers in City.
Govt. hospitals less patronised: Kagodu
Monday, May 19, 2003
Bangalore May 18. More and more people are shying away from admitting themselves to even the better equipped government hospitals as in-patients. At the most, they go to those hospitals for treatment as out-patients. The Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Information, Kagodu Thimmappa, himself admitted this here today while inaugurating a "free health check-up camp" for members of the Bangalore Reporters' Guild. The camp had been conducted by the Panacea Hospital at Basaveshwaranagar here. The minister said that 50 per cent of the beds at the two major government hospitals in Bangalore, the Victoria and the Bowring and Lady Curzon, were lying vacant at any point of time. The same was the case with the K.C.General Hospital and the Hajee Sir Ismail Sait Gosha Hospital and many of those in the districts. One reason for the underutilisation of the facilities was the lack of administrative abilities and infighting among doctors working in those hospitals. The special wards in the government hospitals for which nominal charges were being collected were very often empty. There were also practices such as the senior doctors going on "hospital rounds" instead of attending to the out-patients which were to be blamed for people distancing themselves from government hospitals. Commending the journalists and the private hospital for organising the health check-up camp, the minister said that government hospitals would be directed to organise annual medical check-up camps at the district, taluk, and hobli levels. The camps enabled the people to be examined by specialist doctors at one place. Otherwise, they would have to go from hospital to hospital for screening or treatment. Mr. Thimmappa said that a preliminary inquiry had revealed malpractices in the purchase of drugs by the Bangalore Rural District health authorities. Action would be taken after the final report was received. It had to be gone into whether the purchase had been made at the rates specified in the rate schedule and whether any drugs past their expiry dates had been bought. The minister agreed to consider requests from the president of the guild, K.R.Prahalada, and the general secretary, Padmaraj Dhandawati, for providing free treatment to journalists in government hospitals. It could be extended to journalists accredited to the State Government. He would also consider earmarking wards or beds for journalists in government hospitals.
Edible plant vaccine for rabies soon
Monday, May 19, 2003
Bangalore, May 18: Two scientists here, working on an edible plant vaccine for rabies, are awaiting the nod from the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) to conduct trials on dogs before these can be conducted on human beings. Trials on the effectiveness of the vaccine have already been conducted on mice and found to be highly immunogenic, Dr P H Ramanjini Gowda, associate professor, Department of Biotechnology, University of Agriculture Sciences (UAS), who carried out the research, along with Dr S N Madhusudan, NIMHANS, said. "Already a Tamil Nadu-based biotech company has approached us and we are holding talks with leading companies from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad for research collaboration and commercial production." Some pharmaceutical companies in USA have also evinced interest to produce the rotavirus vaccine, Gowda said. Rabies, a major problem in developing countries, cannot be controlled by conventional immunisation methods among wildlife and domestic dogs. "At present, we require five doses at a cost of Rs 300 per dose for immunisation. This can be brought down to Rs 5 per dose," he said. By producing these vaccines in large quantities in muskmelon, which can be made into dog biscuits that can be administered at home itself, this problem could be eradicated at a low cost, he said. (Agencies)
Tamil film wall posters burnt in Bangalore
Saturday, May 17, 2003
PTI BANGALORE: Alleged Kannada activists tore and burnt wall posters of a Tamil film at a theatre here on Friday, in protest against screening of a movie from the neighbouring state, police said. About 50 protesters, under the banner of "Kannada rakshana vedike" (Kannada protection forum), laid siege to the "Anjan" talkies, removing posters and setting them on fire. They demanded that only Kannada films be screened at the theatre, reopened only recently after renovation. The theatre was screening a Kannada film for morning show but a Tamil movie was to be showed in the remaining three shows. Police rushed to the spot and succeeded in persuading the agitators to disperse, the sources said.
Now Banglore-based tech firm will help you send SMS from landline
Saturday, May 17, 2003
BANGALORE: With landline tariffs rocketing through the roof, you’ll have to think twice before dialling mobile numbers. However, a new device is expected to bring some cheer to users of the humble old telephone. A city-based company has come out with a device which, when attached to your fixed phone, will enable Short Messaging Service (SMS) to other landlines and mobiles across networks at a fraction of the cost. Not just that, if the receiving phone does not have this SMS-enabling device, an audio message will do the job for you. ILI Technologies, a Bangalore-based service provider, is claiming to be the first in India to demonstrate successful delivery and receipt of SMS and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) via fixed line networks. ‘‘An external gadget can be attached to the telephone and SMS can be sent. And, if the receiver does not have this device, it will be routed through our server and the text will be converted into audio,’’ says Arun Bapu, from ILI Technologies, which is involved in advanced natural speech technologies and biometrics. Devices that are SMS/MMS-enabled can be issued to new telephone subscribers and connections too. Also available is an external device that can connect a parallel line to any existing fixed line telephone. These devices have a keypad from which an outgoing message can be keyed in with a display screen for viewing incoming messages. ‘‘With BSNL jacking up prices, landline users are going to have to cough up astronomical sums for calls made to mobiles or ISD calls. Our SMS service from landlines will cost 10 per cent or 1 per cent of what customers would otherwise pay,’’ says Bapu. Commercial venture has not started as yet, and all the company will reveal is that it ‘‘should be in use in a couple of months.’’ The hurdle that has come in the way of a swift market launch was the absence of SMS and MMS-compatible fixed-network devices. The company hopes to tie up with a telecommunication major to resolve the dearth of equipment. With the new device, 42 mn landline users are expected to jump on the quick messaging bandwagon.
Sify service for board exam results
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Sify service for board exam results BANGALORE: Internet service provider Sify announced that students who have appeared for the X standard and XII standard board exams at the Central and State levels and are members of its i-way service would be able to access results on-line at 900 cyber cafes across the country. Each student would be allowed to take one free print-out of the results. They could also leave their roll numbers at i-way and the franchisee would keep the mark sheet printouts ready, Sify said in a release here on Wednesday. Home access users would be able to view results on Sify.com, the release added.
Mangalore may soon have SEZ, international airport: Advani
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Mangalore may soon have SEZ, international airport: Advani MANGALORE: The Government would consider establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and an international airport at Mangalore with a view to boosting the economy of the region, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said here on Thursday. "I will discuss with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and the Planning Commission and expedite the issue," Advani said after receiving the first shipment of crude from Sudan at the MRPL refinery here. He was responding to the request made earlier by the Union Urban Development Minister Ananth Kumar in this regard. Advani said security in energy, oil and health sectors was crucial for the country's progress. "Together with these, there should be roads, river and electronic connectivity as, without them, the dream of President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to make India a developed country cannot be achieved," he said. While the 20th century belonged to UK, US, Russia and Japan, the 21st century should be an Indian century, the deputy premier asserted. He said though there were some reservations about an oil tie-up with Sudan, the Union cabinet had approved the proposal resulting in India getting the oil. "This is Indian oil abroad which has been brought here and we can sell it also," Advani said. Striking a nostalgic note, Advani said while he stayed mostly in Delhi as Deputy Prime Minister and went to Gujarat as his constituency was there, Bangalore too was important as he spent 19 months here during the emergency.
10 AIDS deaths in 2 years
Saturday, May 17, 2003
10 AIDS deaths in 2 years DAVANAGERE: Ten people have died due to AIDS in the district in the last two years and 334 persons were suffering with HIV infection, said district health officials at a meeting with principal secretary Usha Ganesh here on Wednesday evening. District Health officials said the patients who were infected with HIV prior to last two years were not included in the list. To a question on how many AIDS patients were detected in the district, they had no information. During 2002-03, 114 HIV infected patients were detected and in the previous year, 220 cases were reported, the meeting was told. There was no suspected SARS case in the district, the District Health Officer said. However, many north Indian students were visiting Davanagere city which had a number of professional colleges and care was to be taken about the disease, Usha instructed the health officials. Drinking water crisis was found in 470 villages in the district. It was solved in 216 villages. In all, 820 borewells were drilled, said Chief Executive Officer Prabhakarappa. In all, 382 works were completed in Davanagere division and utilisation certificate for foodgrains distribution would be sent to the State Government shortly, said Deputy Commissioner Ravishankar.
TP members injured in group clash
Saturday, May 17, 2003
SOMWARPET: Mavoji Ganesh, Somwarpet taluk panchayat member and Santosh Kumar suffered minor injuries in a group clash in Chowdlu village near here on Friday. Chengappa, a resident of Nagaroor encroached upon devarakadu which belongs to Chowdlu village. The villagers protested the illegal encroachment and removed the fence. While removing the fence, Santosh Kumar, son-in-law of Chengappa and Mavoji Ganesh objected to it resulting in a clash. Two persons were injured.
Priority sought for water schemes while supplying power
Saturday, May 17, 2003
CHITRADURGA: Chitradurga zilla panchayat chairperson Sowbhagya has said that the KPTCL (BESCOM) officials have to ensure power supply to the drinking water projects in rural areas. Reviewing the Karnataka Developmental Programmes and 20-point programme progress at a district-level officials’ meeting in Chitradurga, she said more than 100 drinking water supply projects were awaiting their turn to get power connections. The amount spent on these projects so far had become waste and the drinking water situation was getting worse, she pointed out. Soubhagya instructed the ZP engineering department officials to fix hand pumps to the borewells soon after they were drilled and make provision for the supply of drinking water through at least hand pumps. Intervening, ECO Shivaswamy made it clear that the officials had to respond to the requirements of the public immediately and arrange drinking water facility to those villages where there is water scarcity. Sowbhagya said the women and child welfare department had not taken any welfare measures since 1997 to help those who married devadasis in the district. She instructed the officials that the department had to conduct a detailed survey and identify the devadasis in the district and take measures to provide assistance to the needy. She said she had received complaints that the department had failed to identify properly the beneficiaries of yellow rations cards and many poor families were left out of the list and some rich families included. Such defects should be rectified immediately, she told the officials. Sharanabasappa, deputy director of food and civil supplies department, clarified that the public can apply for ration cards till May 17 and the beneficiaries should have annual income of less than Rs 12,000 in rural areas and Rs 17,000 in urban areas. She said the commercial banks in the district were not properly distributing loans to the beneficiaries selected under various government schemes and the lead bank had to direct the banks in this direction properly. She directed CEO Shiva Swamy to take disciplinary action against officials who abstained from the review meetings. The progress of the agriculture department, social welfare department, education department and other departments were reviewed at the meeting.
Opposition rakes up dust over CM’s Mandya package
Saturday, May 17, 2003
MANDYA: The recent special development package announced by Chief Minister S M Krishna at his home district has come under criticism from the opposition camp. It may be recalled that, Krishna, during his recent visit to his home town Maddur had unveiled various development projects which were long overdue there. The move was seen by opposition groups more as a political gimmick. It may be recalled that the opposition, till recently, was targeting the Government for its failure in reaching out to the rural masses. However, reacting to these sentiments, the Chief Minister during his recent Maddur visit, came down heavily on those who singled out the Congress for criticism. M.S.Sidharaju, former Congress MLC, who has recently turned a staunch critic of Krishna, had claimed that all the projects which were unveiled by the Chief Minister were not ‘‘his own contribution’’. Sidharaju had claimed that Krishna has woken up to the needs of the people only with a view to capture votes as ‘‘elections to the Assembly was fast approaching.’’
Mangalore Taluk Panchayat chief hacked to death
Saturday, May 17, 2003
MANGALORE: Mangalore Taluk Panchayat president M.D. Jabbar was hacked to death by a gang of assailants inside the Taluk Panchayat office here on Friday. No arrests had been made till late evening, and the police said the assailants had not been identified. Section 144 has been imposed for three days from Friday night, in the city, Vamanjoor, Farangipet and Mallur. Eyewitnesses said three persons, aged around 35, swung machetes at Jabbar’s neck, when he was leaving for namaz along with his wife and daughter. He collapsed, wounded mortally, and the assailants fled as a crowd started gathering. Nobody tried stopping the criminals, who were running away with machetes dripping with blood. One of them ran towards the main road, while others fled towards the railway station. The taluk office premises were deserted at the time of the incident, as many of Jabbar’s supporters were away at namaz and other staff were having lunch. Eyewitnesses noticed a revolver on the ground after the assailants fled. It might have belonged to Jabbar. By the time the police arrived, few supporters of Jabbar had started stoning buses and shops. About four buses were damaged. Immediately, buses stopped plying. Skeletal services were noticed late in the evening. Majority of the shops in the entire Balmatta area and Hampanakatta were shuttered down. There was high drama at the morgue after the post-mortem, when Jabbar’s supporters demanded that the police arrange buses for them to take the body in a procession to Mallur, his residence, in the outskirts of the city. The police assented and arranged for the buses. On Falnir Road there was a mild lathicharge when Jabbar’s supporters, who were in these buses, started creating trouble. Around 7 pm, the Kankanady area, too, shut down. Media attacked: Two reporters of a Kannada daily and cameraman of a local cable channel were attacked by the mob at the morgue. They have sustained injuries. Following this the press association has lodged a complaint with SP Seemanth Kumar Singh. One of the assailants, who attacked the media persons, was seen being guided away by zilla panchayat vice-president M.S. Mohammed.
Terrorism is the biggest curse of democracy, says Advani
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Terrorism is the biggest curse of democracy, says Advani UDUPI: All terrorists involved in the attack on the Parliament House on December 13, 2001, and those who harboured them in India were arrested and legal action was taken against them. ‘‘This quick action has boosted the confidence of the people in democracy,’’ said Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. He was speaking after presenting Justice K S Hegde Award of Rs 1 lakh cash to the next of kin of the martyrs who laid down their lives in defending the Parliament. He said that if the security personnel had not stopped the terrorists from entering Parliament the terrorists would have either taken the members of Parliament hostage or would have shot dead all of them as the watch and ward department was not armed. ‘‘The members of Parliament would have been sitting ducks before the terrorists,’’ Advani added. Terming terrorism as the biggest curse of democracy, Advani congratulated the members of Justice K S Hegde Charitable Foundation for presenting the awards at a faraway place like Nitte in Udupi district to the martyrs who were from states like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Chief Minister S M Krishna inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Nitte Education Trust. He said all-round development was possible only when private educational institutions joined hands with the government’s efforts. ‘‘Qualitative education only can boost the confidence of the nation,’’ he stated. Nitte Education Trust president N.Vinay Hegde welcomed the gathering and announced to contribute Rs 1 crore to any developmental project suggested by the Karnataka Government. Prem Yadav, wife of late Jagadish Prasad Yadav, Bimladevi (Om Prakash), Kalpadevi (Matbar Singh Negi), Avadesh Kumar, husband of late Kamalesh Kumari, Karamveer Singh, son of Rampal, Gangadevi wife of Nanakchand, Vipin Singh, son of Bijendra Singh and Sundar Singh son of late Ghanshyam received the awards from the Deputy Prime Minister. Minister for Petroleum K Ram Naik, Union Minister for Urban Development K Ananth Kumar, Supreme Court Judge Justice N Santhosh Hegde, former chief minister M Veerappa Moily, Minister for Transport B Ramanath Rai, Udupi district in-charge Minister Vasanth V Salian, Member of Parliament from Udupi Vinay Kumar Sorake, Chikmagalur MP D C Srikantappa, BJP State president Basavraj Patil Sedam, D S Shankarmoorthy, K R Shetty, N V Adyanthaya, B R Hegde and Capt N P Hegde were among those who were present at the function.
Lankesh Patrike
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Cast : Vasundhara Das, Darshan Tugudeep, Anant Nag Certificate : U/A Type : Action Producer : K Manju Director : P L Indrajith About Lankesh Patrike P L Indrajith, the publisher of the renowned Kannada tabloid Lankesh Patrike, has named his second directorial venture after the tabloid. Vasundhara Das plays a young, dashing journalist who encounter many bad elements in her fight against corruption and injustice. Her boyfriend, Darshan Tugudeep, lends her a helping hand. She is also supported by her editor, Anant Nag, who publishes all her investigative reports in his mission to clean up society. Foot-tapping music, love, fall-outs and more masala make up the rest of this movie.
Ramaswamy Krishnaswamy
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Cast : Mohan, Naveen Mayur, Sargam, Chitra Certificate : U Type : Comedy Nationality : Indian Director : P Annayya About Ramaswamy Krishnaswamy This out and out comedy features almost all comedians of the Kannada screen. Mohan and Naveen Mayur as two unemployed youth are in the lead. The story is all about how they make-it in the face of considerable odds. Sargam and Chitra add some spice in the glamour department.
S. P Balasubramaniam
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Music is divine no doubt. But the voice that brings the seven notes to life plays a major role in demarcating the ordinary from the ethereal. SP’s voice belongs to this genre. Our interview of the week presents the singer in full form. Profile S. P Balasubramaniam well known in the field of film music over three decades was born on June 4, 1946 in a village called Konetammapeta, Andhra Pradesh. In the year 1996 while doing his ITI in Engineering he used to sing in Orchestra held at neighbouring Nellore. On one occasion P Kodandapani, Music Director of Telugu was impressed by SP’s singing provided him opportunity to sing for the first time in Telugu film `Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramann’ which was a turning point in his life and later offers poured in from all the languages. Balu’s biggest ever break came with the MGR-starrer `Adimai Penn’ which had music by K V Mahadevan. Music Director M Ranga Rao by providing an opportunity to sing in his film Nakkare Aade Swarga introduced him to Kannada film industry. In 1980 he bagged the National Award for `Shankarabharanam’, semi classical movie in Telugu. Later he received number of awards in other languages. Balu’s wish to become a music director was fullfilled when Dasari Narayana Rao gave him a break as composer in `Kanya-Kumari’. Since then, he has composed the music for about 50 films in Telugu. Balu has also recorded the background score for a Kannada film `Sambandha’ which had no songs. He achieved success as a director to some extent by directing music for films in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. He has entered the Guiness Book of Records for recording 19 songs at a stretch in a day without any trace of exhaustion. And much before Shankar Mahadevan. he rendered a song in one breath in the Tamil film `Keladi Kanmani’. Balu has accompanied Latha Mangeshkar in her live shows in the US and UK, He had the rare distinction of meeting the US President Bill Clinton along with Lathaji at the White House. Balu has built `Kodandapani Audio Laboratories’ in his mentor’s name in Chennai. It is one of the most modern sound recording theatres in the country, Balu calls it his dream temple. Singing is a passion for this veteran and nobody can do it better. He is also very passionate about cricket and is a keen watcher of the game as and when time permits him to do so. He is happily married to Savithri with two children Pallavi and Charan. You sing in various languages, which is the one you enjoy the most? I have a liking for all languages. According to me it is difficult to sing in a particular language till you know that language properly. If one knows the language then he enjoys singing a song in that language. I like melody in music. Language is not a problem, lyrics should be good that is the important thing. You have made a good name in Tamil movies but have not made much name in the Malyalam films why is it so ? As I said earlier the problem is language. I do not know Malyalam. Jesudas is the number one singer in Malyalam. Even though I do get a chance it is very rarely because there are lot of singers in Malyalam and Jesudas enjoys the position. If I get an opportunity I will definitely sing but I will not compete for it. I have not made an effort to learn Malyalam because I was busy with other languages like Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. From beginning you have involved yourself in composing music for films. Why didn’t you continue ? Yes, but nobody gives me a chance for it. In the beginning chances were plenty. Now I have understood why they don’t give me a chance because I am not equipped to give the kind of music this generation is looking for. I always pressurize my producer and director for melodious music. I am against remixing. But today’s generation seem to enjoy this music. You have earned a lot of name and fame in this field, what about your children. Do you have any plans of getting them to this field ? I have not planned anything My daughter is married and settled down. But A R Rehman thought she can sing and provided her lot of opportunities to sing. Besides this she did not have any special interest. My son Charan has done his Business Management in America. I did not know that he was interested in music. He has sung for many Tamil, Telugu and some Kannada films. He is now learning music with interest. I can only encourage him. He has already given lot of programmes in the South and has done some albums. We should wait and see what happens later. You have acted in many films, didn’t this effect your musical profession? Definitely not, because every singer is an actor. Singing in front of the microphone involves a bit of acting. Singing is a lot difficult than acting because we should understand the sequence and sing accordingly. Acting is a hobby for me. I am not a talented actor. I am involved in acting just for a change because I am involved in the field of singing for the past 35 years. I was provided the opportunity to act in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. This is only a hobby. You are a unique singer because you sing according to the voice of the actor how is this possible ? I do not sing to suit the actor’s voice. I only match the style of the actor and not the voice. But for a comedian I change my voice a bit while singing. I sing in the same voice for Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Amrish and also the new actors like Ravichandran and Upendra. I think it is God given talent to me. Which field do you love more acting or singing ? I love singing more than anything else. Acting is only a hobby. Who is your favourite singer and actor in the film industry ? Mohammed Rafi is my favourite singer. I like his voice and style of singing. I am a great fan of his. Favourite female singer is Lata Mangeshkar obviously. But in the South it is Janaki. Actors, there are a long list and I cannot name one person. What is your opinion on the film industry ? It is an industry which feeds us. It is like our dear mother. But everything changes according to time. There is lot of difference between films of today and 10 years back films. Address S P Balasubramaniam No 16, Kamdhar Nagar Chennai – 600034 Phone Number – 8272757 (Source: Udyavani)
Rs one lakh crore by 2004 on GQP, Port connectivity and roads
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Mangalore, May 13: The Centre would invest Rs one lakh crore by 2004 for constructing four and six lane roads, port connectivity, rural roads and completion of the Golden Quadrilateral Project (GQP), Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Major General B C Khanduri said on Monday. Of this amount, Rs 60,000 crore would be spent on the GQP, while the balance would be spent on development, infrastructure and road improvements, he told reporters here. He was speaking after dedicating to the nation, the Rs 17 crore Nethravathi bridge, about 20 kms from here, connecting Mangalore and Bangalore. He said Rs 1,000 crore would be provided to each state this year for maintaining roads, state and National Highways. They would also be allocated Rs 2500 crore for improving and developing rural roads. About 10,000 kms of roads would be added to the National Highways, apart from the existing 14,000 kms, Khanduri said. The government, he said, had identified about 10,000 kms of National Highways for widening into four lanes, to boost development of non-National Highway Development project routes, with private sector participation, which included 850 kms in Karnataka. Later, addressing reporters, Khanduri said the GQP was expected to be completed by 2004. Union minister for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Ananthkumar, who was the chief guest, said the new bridge would ease traffic between Mangalore and Bangalore. District in-charge and Transport Minister, B Ramantha Rai, presided.
Doctors urged to uphold ethics
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Mangalore, May 13: Doctors should uphold ethics and play the role of missionaries and not mercenaries, said eye surgeon Dr C R Kamath. Dr Kamath was speaking at ‘Strabismas-2003’, a two-day seminar and live surgery workshop jointly organised by the department of ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore and Karnataka Ophthalmic Society on Saturday. In his presidential address, KMC Dean, Dr H S Ballal said that these scientific and educative sessions were organised as part of the on-going golden jubilee celebrations of MAHE and for the benefit of practising doctors, faculty members and post-graduates in view of the latest techniques and progress made in medicine. The inauguration was followed by audio-visual programmes and lectures. Dr Sumitra Agarkar of Shankara Nethralaya, Chennai, ophthalmology department chief Dr Elizabeth Joseph and others spoke on the occasion.
Regularise forest land, Gowda tells state
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Udupi, May 13: Former prime minister and Janata Dal(S) supremo H D Devegowda on Sunday criticised Karnataka government and chief minister S M Krishna for failing to regularise encroachment on forest land and, instead, evicting hapless small land owners. Gowda told reporters that when he was the chief minister, he had sought regularisation of encroachment of forest land from the then forest minister Kamal Nath. He said that he was dismayed to find that his successors J H Patel and S M Krishna had not pursued the issue which had resulted in the present imbroglio. Gowda was in Udupi to attend a party meeting after his visit to Kollur Mookambika temple. Gowda also took a dig at the NDA government’s lack of direction on foreign policy. He said that deputy prime minister L K Advani had no right to talk about the deep politicisation of centre-state relationships when the Attorney-General had filed a modified affidavit on POTA in the apex court only to appease the NDA partners. Though VAT was a good system, the Centre did not seem to have done its homework well, Gowda felt. Janata Dal(S) leader Siddaramaiah, Prof Lakshmisagar, D T Jayakumar and Ravishankar Shetty were also present. Gowda also addressed a public meeting conducted by district Janata Dal(S) Udupi unit.
Karnataka decides to close down NGEF and Mysore Lamps
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Bangalore, May 13: Karnataka Government has taken a final decision to close down two of its perennial loss-making Public Sector Undertakings, New Government Electric Factory (NGEF) and Mysore Lamps. The review committee of PSUs, which met recently has decided to wind up these two units as they cannot be revived, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, D B Chandregowda, who heads the committee, told reporters here on Monday. About 119 employees in NGEF and 523 in Mysore Lamps would be offered VRS, he said adding if the employees reject the offer their services would be terminated with effect from May 31. To a question on rural weightage, as uncertainty prevailed over the fate of 13,500 employees in the wake of the Supreme Court order, Gowda said the government was seriously considering various options to help them. He said the government was weighing options such as appointing them on contract, among others. The Supreme Court in a recent order has struck down the rural weightage policy of the Karnataka government and has ordered for removal from service of those appointed under the said policy. The Apex court has given eight weeks time to the government to implement its decision.
Vacant doctors posts to be filled soon: Kagodu Thimappa
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Koppa(Chikmagalur dt), May 11 - Health Minister Kagodu Thimappa has said that 495 posts of doctors have been filled and 136 are still vacant. However, 76 expert doctors will be appointed shortly. Doctors will appointed to the remaining posts on contract basis, he said. Mr Thimappa was speaking to reporters after reviewing the government hospital here today. Out of the 55 posts in the district, 12 are still vacant. They will soon be filled. Steps have been taken to establish blood banks in all taluks of the district including Koppa, Sringeri and Narasimharajapur. Efforts will be made to get grants sanctioned from the MPs and Legislators Local Area Development Fund and Consumers’ fund for the establishment of these blood banks, he said. The doctors of the rural primary health centres have been instructed to reside in the villages to which they have been posted to. The government will make the necessary arrangements by providing quarters or rented houses and stern action will be taken against those doctors who fail to live in these houses, he added. Mr Thimappa who visited the hospitals in every ward in the taluk, instructed the officials concerned to provide the patients with proper bedding, right kind of treatment, medicine and to maintain a log book listing the medicine and treatment administered on each and every patient. The problems of the gynaecologists, anesthetics and the canteen staff were brought to the notice of the minister. The minister who was unhappy with the administration of the hospital said: the elected representatives should act with more responsibility and show their leadership qualities during times like this. Only then can the problems of the residents be solved. They have concentrated on getting roads and drainages repaired, instead of improving hospitals as well. District Health Officer Bhagyalakshamma, Taluk Medical Officer Lakshminarayan, Indian Medical Association Secretary Uday Shankar and others had accompanied the minister.
TN governor to present Lalithakala awards
Monday, May 12, 2003
Tamil Nadu Governor P S Ramamohana Rao will be in the city on May 25 to present the Lalithakala awards for the year 2003. Sri Lalithakala Academy Foundation, Mysore has selected Mrs Leela Venkataram (art critic), Mrs Anitha Ratnam (dance), Vidwan R K Suryanarayana (Veena), Pandit Ranganatha Visweswran (Santhoor) and A Sambandam Chidambaram Nat-yanjali Trust (organiser) for the awards-2003. The governor will present the awards at Kalamandira here during Natyanjali-2003 to mark the birthday centenary celebrations of Padmavibhushana Rukmin-idevi. Kannada and Culture Minister Rani Satish will be the chief guest, said a press release from B S S Rao. Mrs Sudharani Raghupathi, Mrs Anita Ratnam and Mrs Chitra Visweswran will present dance ballets and Mr Visweswran will perform san-thoor during the three-day festival.
Infosys strikes deal in sexual abuse suit
Monday, May 12, 2003
Infosys Technologies has reached $3 million (approximately Rs 14 crore) out-of-court settlement with its former employee Reka Maximovitch who had filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Mr Phaneesh Murthy, a former member of the board and the company. In what can be considered as the biggest pay-offs in a sexual harassment case by an Indian firm, the company would pay $1.5 million and the balance would be paid by a consortium of three insurance firms under the company’s Directors and Officers’ insurance cover. Mr Phaneesh Murthy is not paying any amount towards the settlement but he is likely to face charges from the company. Under the terms of settlement with Ms Reka Maximovitch, the company retains all rights to proceed with legal action against Mr Phaneesh Murthy. In a statement mailed from the US today, Mr Phaneesh Murthy has claimed that he was not party to the settlement and said Infosys had retained rights of legal action against him in retaliation to a legal battle waged by him against it. However, Infosys has the right to take legal action against Mr Phaneesh Murthy for his conduct and his lack of contribution to the settlement, Infosys Chairman and Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy told reporters here on Sunday. Mr Murthy said the legal costs of $9,00,000 (Rs 4 crore) would be borne to the extent of 80 per cent by the insurers. He also made it clear that the settlement did not materially impact the earnings per share or guidance either this quarter or in the full financial year. Mr Murthy said while the settlement was arrived at on April 25, other legal issues were finalised yesterday. We have 35 days to make the payment, and within three days of payment, she will withdraw her lawsuit. He also said Mr Phaneesh Murthy had consented to the settlement. In July 22, 2002, Mr Phaneesh Murthy who was credited with having taken the parent company's revenues to the present half-a-billion dollars from a mere $1 million a decade ago, resigned following the lawsuit, alleging wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Commenting on the settlement, a relieved Mr Murthy said, "It is a composite settlement. We want to put the case behind us. It means that Ms Maximovitch has withdrawn case against Mr Phaneesh Murthy too. He complimented the top executives and the legal team for getting the corporation out of such a mess and added that the compensation demanded by Ms Maximovitch was several multiples of what was finally agreed upon. Reasoning for opting for an out-of-court agreement, Mr Murthy said the allegations were serious and under California law, the company was also liable for the conduct of Mr Phaneesh Murthy because he was an officer and a member of the board. If the legal case had continued it would have sapped the senior management’s time, which could now be productively utilised for Infosys. Mr Murthy said Mr Phaneesh Murthy had failed to disclose all facts to the company and had initially concealed that he did have a relationship with Ms Maximovitch apart from the fact that restraining orders and a charge of discrimination was made against him. Infosys Chief Executive Officer Nandan Nilekani said Mr Phaneesh Murthy had brought to his notice in January 2002 that there would be possibility of sexual harassment charges being framed against him. However, in July later that year, Mr Phaneesh Murthy informed about charges made against the company, he said. A sum of $5,70,000 (Rs 2.6 crore) had also been paid to Mr Phaneesh Murthy, who was the highest paid Infosys executive with an annual take-home pay of $4,00,000 (Rs 1.8 crore), as settlement of dues, which included salary, leave encashment and bonus, Infosys Chief Financial Officer T V Mohandas Pai said.
Soundarya Ties The Knot
Sunday, May 11, 2003
South Indian actress Soundarya got married to a software professional at a resort on the outskirts of Bangalore, on Sunday. It was a very private function, sources confirmed. Family members and a few select friends were present at the event. Soundarya, a national award winner, has acted in several films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Her recent Malayalam film Yathrakkarude Shradhakku with Jayaram is a superhit.
Now Simputer goes retail
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Now Simputer goes retail BANGALORE: The palmtop for poor people has finally made it to retail sales in India with public sector giant Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the start-up of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) professors Picopeta Simputers on Friday announcing market entry of the product. Details of price, retail strategy and brand positioning of the Simputer were still being worked out and would be made public soon, a BEL spokesperson said. ``The unique technologies developed by Picopeta Simputers makes the BEL-Picopeta Simputers as easy to use as pen and paper,'' Picopeta Simputers chief technology officer Prof V. Vinay said. Prof Vinay is one among the four IISc colleagues who developed this product along with techies from city infotech firm Encore, under a Simputer Trust project. BEL tied up with Picopeta Simputers last year to manufacture and market a range of Simputers, which had gained world attention as a versatile hand-held device that could be priced at less than Rs 10,000. Simputer, that can wrap up a bundle of applications including programmes for rural micro-credit banking, storing farm data and for literacy lessons on a Linux platform, won international acclaim and media attention for its simplicity. Simputers captured the attention of the public at the ongoing PC-expo in the city and BEL managers said that the Indian market was ready for a quality product off the beaten track. ``We are enthused about the new market opportunities,'' BEL CMD V.K. Koshy said. Recently, the Karnataka government roped in BEL, which won a tender to supply Simputers for the extended version of the award-winning e-governance project `Bhumi'. ``The challenge no longer is a technological one but one concerning marketing and retail distribution,'' Picopeta CEO Swami Manohar said.
54 contacts of Manipal SARS victim screened
Sunday, May 11, 2003
BANGALORE: Over 50 people who came in contact with the CEO of an Indo-Malaysian joint venture who tested positive for SARS have been thoroughly screened by Health Department officials at Manipal, a senior official said on Saturday. ‘‘About 54 persons, including doctors and nurses who interacted with the CEO during his stay, have been identified and screened,’’ Karnataka SARS nodal officer and Additional Director of Communicable Diseases Dr. R.K. Kumaraswamy said. Ranjan Pai, the victim, has been quarantined at home and advised to stay indoors until a second test report from the National Institute of Virology comes through next week. ‘‘He wanted to go back to Malaysia, but we cannot permit him to leave for another few days,’’ Dr. Kumaraswamy told this website's newspaper. Authorities in Sikkim and Nepal had been asked to screen three doctors who sported contact with Pai during a conference at Manipal, he added. The three doctors left Manipal for their different places of work after the conference concluded. Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy has advised that passengers arriving by domestic flights, who have travelled from SARS-affected countries, also be screened. After the discovery of the Manipal case, all domestic passengers arriving in Mangalore were being subjected to tests, he said.
Vidhana Soudha block up by March 2004: CM
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Bangalore, May 10 - By March next year, the new south block of Vidhana Soudha will be ready for use, according to Chief Minister S.M. Krishna. The Rs 100-crore project, which commenced on Sep 1, 2001, will be completed five months ahead of schedule. The eight-deck structure will have chambers for eight Ministers and 22 Secretaries to the State Government. On Friday morning, Krishna inspected the project site along with Public Works Minister Dharam Singh and Urban Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Later, the Chief Minister told reporters that he was satisfied with the pace of work. The structure, with a total floor area of 58,274 square metres, is being built by B.G. Shirke Construction Technology Limited. The building will have three basement, one ground and four upper floors. Krishna, in fact, called the speed of the work ‘‘commendable’’. Significantly, the total project cost is expected to remain at Rs 100 crore even after the State Government recently cleared four domes atop the new building. The Government will attach importance to cleanliness in the new building and levy user charges on those who use the toilets, Krishna said. This is necessary to raise funds for the daily maintenance of the building, he added.
Govt staff plan dharna on May 21
Sunday, May 11, 2003
BANGALORE: Members of the Karnataka State Government Employees Association will stage a dharna on May 21 demanding parity in pay with Central Government employees. Association president K. Sippe Gowda told reporters here on Friday that the members would stage dharna in all taluk and district offices, and in the State capital. They will submit a memorandum to the government stating their demands, including parity in pay with Central Government employees and payment of dearness allowance instalments among others. Regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment on rural weightage, Gowda said the association had not yet received a copy of the judgment. ``However, the association will hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss the impact of the judgement,'' Gowda said, adding, ``We will also request the State to protect the interests of more than 13,000 employees recruited under the weightage scheme.''
Firm launches single-shot typhoid vaccine for Rs 175
Sunday, May 11, 2003
BANGALORE: Chief Minister S. M. Krishna on Friday launched Typbar, a single-shot typhoid vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited, a Hyderabad-based firm in city. Speaking at the launch, Krishna said technology was of no use if it did not help the common man. He highlighted Karnataka's efforts to reach the common man through projects such as Bhoomi. ``I am proud of being called a hi-tech Chief Minister,'' he said. ``We are a State for bio-technology and believe in cost-effectiveness in everything, including vaccines.'' ``We need such talents coming to Bangalore,'' the Chief Minister said, welcoming the company to Bangalore. Industrialist Adikeshavulu said Bangalore was a potential area for biotechnology. Science and Technology Minister Nafees Fazal was also present on the occasion. Chairman and managing director of Bharat Biotech Dr Krishna Ella said the company wanted to set up a manufacturing base in Bangalore, and contribute to development in the area of biotechnology to help agriculture and floriculture.
IBM, Karnataka sign pact
Saturday, May 10, 2003
BANGALORE - IBM India and the Karnataka government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote e-learning based on open source technology. Under the MoU, IBM will develop an e-learning platform for the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES) for higher technical and educational institutions in Karnataka. IBM will also participate, along with BITES and the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB), in creating an IBM Center of Excellence devoted to the development of open source software. The MoU was signed by Karnataka IT secretary Vivek Kulkarni and Frank Luksic, country executive, software group and developer relations, IBM India, in the presence of Karnataka chief minister S M Krishna and Steve Mills, senior vice president and group executive, software group, IBM Corporation. With this initiative, Mills said IBM would leverage local talent through educational programs and bring existing syllabus, faculty and students on a par with the emerging technologies in IT. "We are excited about this investment and committed to open standards and open source," he said. Krishna said the initiative "opens up very exciting prospects for Karnataka" and it was a "new era in skill building". To a query, Mills said IBM had "long term expectations" from India, where, he said, they had invested more people than in China. (Asia Pulse/PTI)
KERC rejects appeal on tariff review
Saturday, May 10, 2003
BANGALORE May 9. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has rejected the power supply companies' appeal on tariff review. The companies, especially the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL), are likely to file an appeal before the High Court of Karnataka. The KPTCL managing director, K. N. Srivastava, had hinted such a possibility at a hearing before the KERC earlier. At that time, he had sought a six per cent to eight per cent increase in tariff, as the two per cent increase in tariff allowed by an order issued on March 10 was not enough. In today's order, the KERC said the companies had not brought "any new and important matter or evidence" before it, as was required in the review provisions under the Civil Procedure Code. Hence, the petition was not admissible. The KERC said Mr. Srivastava had "narrated the merits of the grounds for review and difficulties encountered by the KPTCL", though he was asked to limit his arguments to legal issues. Financial problems Mr. Srivastava had fervently sought a solution to the financial problems of the KPTCL/electricity supply companies, but the KERC felt he had not produced any new data. Extra data as a ground for revision would be available only after the monsoon, it said. "The sales achieved by the power supply companies for financial year 2003 is 19,793 million units and, taking a loss level of 28 per cent (as set by KERC), input requirement should have been 27,490 million units. But total power purchase for the financial year 2003 (by the KPTCL) is 28,904 million units, as the power supply companies did not follow the commission's efficiency norms," it noted. The commission said the KPTCL could approach it in October "when hydro inflows will be largely known" with details of extra funds needed for power purchase. The KPTCL had to seek a review even if the monsoon was good so that "the benefit of better than normal (hydro) availability can be passed onto consumers," the KERC added. Plea rejected Meanwhile, the commission also rejected a plea from the companies to discontinue their Rs.3.50 a unit special scheme for high-tension industrial customers because it "violated specific provisions of the Karnataka Electricity Reform Act". The companies filed the petition last year after the KERC served them a suo motu notice for failing to inform it of their decision to discontinue the scheme. Today's order is more of a formality as the KERC had already ordered that the scheme be discontinued. When contacted, Mr. Srivastava said the companies had no option but to immediately approach the High Court to save themselves from a financial crisis. They would cite "palpable omissions" in their appeal, he said. According to him, the KERC has omitted to take the previous year's figures into account. "I cannot understand how that can be glossed over." He said the KPTCL would also approach the commission. About the KERC's observation on his submission at the hearing, Mr. Srivastava said: "The notice they sent us only referred to a hearing. It said nothing about the `admissibility' of the petition. So I naturally went to present my case."
15 tested for SARS in Manipal
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Manipal, May 9 (PTI): Fifteen people who came in contact with a CEO of an Indo-Malaysian joint venture whose blood samples tested positive for the SARS virus have been subjected to medical examination here. "Over 15 persons including doctors and nurses who attended a conference in which the CEO participated recently have been tested for SARS virus by doctors," Udupi District Health Officer Dr Chandramouli, said here today. The CEO, who arrived from Malaysia with a transit halt in Sri Lanka last month, was the first person to test positive for SARS virus in Karnataka. Chandramouli said the CEO, who is also a medical practitioner, is healthy and recovering.
Kannada varsity may prepare plans for Bellary
Friday, May 9, 2003
The fourth meeting of the District Planning Committee held here on Tuesday decided to request the Department of Studies in Development of the Hampi Kannada University to formulate a development plan for the district. A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting presided over by the Zilla Panchayat President Sanna Hanumakka. Prof T R Chandrashekhar of the Department of Studies in Development presented the final report of the draft plan of Krishnanagar village in Sandur taluk selected for the village-level development plan at the meeting. Development officer Veerashivashankarareddy presented an evaluation report of the villages and remarriage of Devadasis conducted as part of the Swachcha Grama Scheme. Zilla Panchayat former President Venkat Rao Ghorpade, Zilla Panchayat Vice-President K S L Swamy, MLC K C Kondaiah, and Economist Dr B Sheshadri took part in the discussion. Bellary ZP Chief Executive Officer Harsha Gupta who assumed charge on the same day was introduced to the meeting. Development Officer Veerashivashankarareddy welcomed. Deputy Secretary-2 Annadanaiah proposed a vote of thanks. Office-bearers of various standing committees of the ZP, members of planning committee and officials were attended the meeting.
Dial 95 to speak anywhere in State
Friday, May 9, 2003
Now you don’t need to subscribe to Subsciber Trunk Dialling (STD) facility to make STD calls within the State. You can do so by just pre-fixing ‘95’ to the telephone number you are dialling. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has extended the ‘95’ facility which was hitherto applicable to distances below 200 km to the entire circle (that is Karnataka) from May 1. With this, one can call up any City or town within the State even though your landline telephone connection does not have the STD facility. All these days, this facility was available only for distances between 50 km and 200 km. According to Chief General Manager of Karnataka Circle K Padmanabhan, this facility will be available within Karnataka. This scheme will be applicable only for calls from basic to basic and basic to WLL mobile phones and vice versa. The scheme will not be applicable for public call offices, coin booths and other local pay phones including those provided to handicapped persons.
Mob attacks Sriramapuram police station
Friday, May 9, 2003
BANGALORE: The police on Thursday resorted to a lathi charge and lobbed teargas shells to quell a mob which attacked the Sriramapuram police station with stones and pushed around the policemen, including a deputy commissioner of police. Four policemen sustained injuries in the stone pelting. The police have taken 12 persons into custody. Trouble broke out after a group of over 300 Tamil-speaking persons gheraoed the police station asking for protection from Kannada activists. They pelted stones at the policemen, accusing them of not providing security to their lives and property. Sriramapuram has been witnessing some tension since Sunday night, after miscreants took out a religious procession and burnt a Kannada flag in Dayananda Nagar slum in Sriramapuram police limits. In protest, Kannada organisations staged a protest on Monday and Tuesday, demanding that the miscreants be arrested. Two persons were arrested on Tuesday. Not satisfied with the action, Kannada organisations took out another procession in protest on Thursday morning, from Govindaraja Nagar Road to Venkatachala Circle in Sriramapuram. It turned violent with a few persons pelting stones at houses and at Sujatha theatre where Tamil movies are screened. The processionists also removed posters and banners of a person identified as Palaniswamy, who had contested BCC elections in the past. An irate crowd set off on a protest march and gheraoed the Sriramapuram police station asking for protection. They also accused the police of being mute spectators. DCP (North) M.C. Narayana Gowda and other officers rushed to Sriramapuram with additional troops, and Gowda tried to persuade the Tamilian mob to disperse. The mob flared up and pelted stones at the policemen and police station, eyewitnesses told reporters.
First SARS case confirmed in Karnataka
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Bangalore, May 08 - Karnataka on Wednesday reported its first confirmed SARS case, with the blood tests of an Indian national who returned from Malaysia in April showing positive, a senior health official said. Thirty-year-old Dr Ranjan Pai, chief executive officer with a Indo-Malaysian joint venture, has been quarantined at the Manipal Hospital in Manipal after tests at the National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed positive for the SARS virus, Karnataka SARS Nodal Officer Dr C K Kumaraswamy said. He said Ranjan Pai was likely to recover in the next two or three days.
State inks MoU with IBM for e-learning drive
Thursday, May 8, 2003
State inks MoU with IBM for e-learning drive BANGALORE: The Karnataka Government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global IT major IBM to promote an e-learning initiative based on open source technology. As per the MoU, IBM would develop an e-learning platform for BITES (Board for IT Education Standards) for higher technical educational institutions in Karnataka. IBM along with BITES and the Indian Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IITB) will gather in Hubli to create an IBM center of excellence devoted to the development of open source software. The MoU was signed by Karnataka IT Secretary Vivek Kulkarni and Frank Luksic, country executive, software group and developer relations, IBM India, in the presence of Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and Steve Mills, senior vice-president and group executive, software group, IBM Corporation. The initiative, Mills said, would help IBM leverage local talent through educational programmes and bring existing syllabui, faculty and students on par with requirements posed by emerging technologies. ‘‘We are excited about this. We are committed to open standards and open source,’’ he said.
Govt to issue final CET notification on May 15
Thursday, May 8, 2003
BANGALORE: The Karnataka Government on Wednesday said it would issue a final notification on May 15 on sharing of seats and fee structure for professional courses even as the stalemate over these contentious issues with private college managements remained to be sorted out. Private college managements have filed their objections to the State government order on seat sharing formula and fee structure, and the deadline set for filing objections would end on May 10, Karnataka Minister for Higher Education Dr. G. Parameshwara told reporters here. He said the government would scrutinise the objections and issue a final notification on May 15. As the private college managements opposed government intervention on admission of students through CET and demanded higher fee structure, the government last month came out with an order stipulating that 75 per cent of the total intake in all private colleges shall be filled by students selected by common entrance test and also announced a new fee structure ranging from Rs 16,500 to Rs 1.2 lakh. When the college managements dared to go ahead with their own admissions to be done through a single window agency, the government retaliated declaring that any admission outside the CET purview would not be regularised by respective universities. Parameshwara said preparations were underway for conducting CET exam on May 30 and 31 for selection of students for the courses, including medical and engineering. Parameshwara said he had learnt that the Medical Council of India (MCI) and Dental Council of India (DCI) were working out a formula on seat sharing on the lines of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). AICTE, based on an Act of Parliament, has set that 85 per cent of the seats should be allotted to merit students and the remaining 15 per cent be given to the managements as their quota. Asked if the government was willing to negotiate further with the managements on the fee structure he said, ``None have approached me with any proposal''. The fee structure evolved by the government was justified keeping in mind ensuring social equity and justice to merit students, he said. Parameshwara said 1.5 lakh students had applied for CET exam including 70,000 from outside the State.
‘Safe to school’ is the only hope now for Bangalore kids
Thursday, May 8, 2003
BANGALORE: Schools will reopen from June 2 and, hopefully, no more children will die on their way to classes. Shocked? Well, consider this: 24 little ones died on Bangalore roads while on their way to school and back home this year. It was the same story last year too, according to traffic police statistics, with 69 children losing their lives in 12 months. So what's the solution? The answer, many fervently hope, lies in the joint initiative called `Safe to School', which will get going from this academic year. That the `deadly' figures have shaken the State awake is obvious from the line-up of those backing the unique campaign -- Education Department, City Police, Bangalore City Corporation, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF). The campaign proposes special buses for school children from specific areas. ``Before school hours and after, the traffic on roads gets congested putting to risk the safety of children,'' says joint director, Public Instruction, K. Joseph. Commissioner of Public Instruction V.P. Baligar adds that the project, though in initial stages, will surely raise the safety level of children on roads. ``Though many schools in the city have huge premises, children are let out and picked from the gate, which only increases the risk levels. Allowing vehicles transporting children inside school premises will go a long way in addressing the issue,'' he says. There are 3,538 schools in the city with nearly 13 lakh students. And, their mode of transport usually depends on the economic status of their parents -- cars, autorickshaws, matador vans, buses, etc. BATF member Kalpana Kar, who is passionate about `Safe to School', stresses that the ultimate success of the campaign depends on the co-operation extended by parents. The BMTC has also offered all help from its side. According to BMTC MD Upendra Tripathy, the Corporation will operate a fixed number of special buses at concessional fares during peak hours to help children reach home safely. ``Schools should change their timings to begin and end during off-peak hours. If school timings are rescheduled for classes to start at 8.30 a.m., it will help a great deal,'' he suggests. The BMTC, he adds, operates 2,931 buses in and around the City every day through its network of 20 depots.
Deve Gowda’s remarks may spark clash of seers
Thursday, May 8, 2003
BANGALORE: On Sunday, Prime Minister A. B. Vajpayee garlanded a statue of Basaveshwara, the 12th century philosopher and social reformer revered by the Veerashaiva community (Lingayats). On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani inaugurated the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research complex, run by Vibhudesha Thirtha Swamiji, seer of Admar Mutt, which identifies itself mainly with Brahmins. Later on that day, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda took the lead in celebrating the silver jubilee of the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Peeta while taking part in a `Guru Vandana’ programme at the ashram of Kumara Chandrashekhar Swamiji. Caste and community groups have always been considered basic vote banks in Indian politics. More so in Karnataka, where the Vokkaligas and Lingayats top the list of such `banks’. It is against this backdrop that the recent outburst by Deve Gowda at the Sunday function threw up a serious poser. With elections barely a year away, are the heads of these vote `banks' likely to issue directives based on religious lines to voters in their fold? This question arose after Gowda charged his former mentor, head of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Balagangadhara Swamiji, with trying to destroy him. Gowda alleged that the Swamiji favoured the Congress and Chief Minister S. M. Krishna -- also a Vokkaliga. Apparently, Gowda had once enjoyed a good relationship with the mutt seer. But after being dethroned as Prime Minister, he became upset at the Swamiji's support for Krishna -- or so he perceived. The Vokkaliga community has a sizeable population in the old Mysore-Karnataka area, which has several constituencies. And, this was evident in the recent Parliamentary by-election in Kanakapura where most parties had put up Vokkaliga candidates, including Krishna's ``right hand man'' D.K. Shivakumar, a strongman of the Karnataka cabinet. But the defeat of the CM's candidate seems to have bolstered Gowda's effort to `end the virtual monopoly' of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt over the Vokkaliga conscience. Sunday's function was, hence, used by Deve Gowda to `launch' a rival to Adichunchanagiri in the form of Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Peeta. While the Adichunchanagiri Mutt itself is of recent origin, the Peeta appears to have just sprung up, even if the Sunday function was supposed to mark its `silver jubilee'. Significantly, the Peeta that Gowda is now trying to promote flaunts the Vokkaliga tag prominently in its name, unlike the more subtle approach of the Lingayat and Brahmin mutts or peetas. The Sunday function was virtually a Janata Dal (Secular) rally with Gowda obviously striving to consolidate his position among the Vokkaligas. But political analysts are not surprised that Gowda chose the caste platform for political consolidation. For, although there has never been an Indian version of the Magna Carta, which separates the Crown from the Church, the synergy between some religious heads and those in power here has always thrived. However, after Gowda's outburst, it was left to a few old-timers to point out that it was not befitting the stature of a former prime minister to make such a factional appeal. That politics should not be mixed up with religion may be their ideal, but vote banks are a harsh reality.
State ready to implement VAT from June 1, says CM
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
BANGALORE: Chief Minister S. M. Krishna on Tuesday made it clear that the Karnataka was ready to implement the value-added tax (VAT) system from June 1 if the State’s VAT Bill received the President's assent by May 25 and the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers gave the go-ahead. He told reporters here that the non-implementation of the VAT would not affect the State's revenue position. ``The State will achieve its revenue targets, irrespective of the status on VAT,'' he said. Replying to a question on the latest drug scam, the Chief Minister said the Government would initiate action against the officials involved in the scandal, once the Lokayukta completed its probe.
Line gives way, Krishna cancels video-conference with Tiptur villagers
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
BANGALORE: Chief Minister S. M. Krishna’s ‘Janaspandana’ (people contact) programme with Tiptur villagers had to be put off on Tuesday following a technical snag in establishing a two-way communication with the venue. The villagers, who gathered at Anagondanahally in Tiptur taluk of Tumkur district, managed to only hear the CM briefly. His image, however, eluded them. Krishna regretted that he had to cancel the programme but told them he would get back to them later. The CM was scheduled to address and hear from the villagers through a video-conference at his home office Krishna at 4 p.m. But even after 30 minutes, the technical staff could not establish a two-way contact, and the video images never came through. However, the audio at the other end was working, and the CM made use of the opportunity to convey his desire to talk to them. But he was not even able to do that because of technical problems. Later, Krishna told reporters that the video-conference was not possible due to lack of bandwidth. Sources said that hectic online trading of coconut, for which Tiptur is famous for, kept the telephone lines busy in the taluk. As a result of which, the programme suffered. At Anagondanahally, more than 300 people had gathered to see the programme but returned home disappointed. Later, the Tumkur district in-charge Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwara promised the people at the venue that the programme would be organised again after the technical problems are sorted out. But he did not say when. Of the 38 questions the officials received from the villagers, 16 were finalised to be posed to the CM. Tumkur deputy commissioner M.B. Dyabery, MLA Shadakshari, SP R. Hitendra and other officials were present at the venue. The programme that had been planned for Tuesday was the second one in the Janaspandana series. The first, held with the villagers of Keragodu taluk in Bellary district, was a successful event.
Ganguly tops line-up at Dravid reception
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
BANGALORE: Despite top batsman Rahul Dravid’s decision to keep his wedding reception here on Tuesday a private affair, there was intense media glare at the entrance of the Taj West End. In fact, the cameras, people and commotion near the hotel gate caused quite a few commuters to stop and stare. A slew of cars zipped past waiting lensmen into the venue, the closed and tinted windows adding to the air of secrecy. You could, however, spot Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly, who was one of the early entrants. Among the other guests were Indian cricket stars Mohammed Kaif, Zaheer Khan and former spin legend B.S. Chandrashekar. Chief Minister S.M. Krishna was among those in the list. ‘‘Laloo Prasad Yadav has also sent his regards,’’ said Rajeev Shukla, MP and top Indian Cricket Board official, who spared a few words for the media on behalf of Dravid. The security arrangements were being closely monitored, what with policemen and other personnel taking positions from the entrance to the main part of the venue.‘‘We have been instructed to check all invites,’’ said a security officer. Preparations for the grand event included arrangement of separate food counters for a variety of cuisines -- South Indian, North Indian, Continental, South Asian and Mexican. On the menu? Vietnamese chicken, baby corn in sweet chilli sauce, chilli garlic noodles, enchilladas with chicken and bean filling, sarfelle and penne with roasted pepper sauce and tomato basil sauce, gulab jamun ki sabzi, dal khus khus, kanchipuram chicken stew and desserts like spicy caramel custard and assorted cheesecakes. Meanwhile, Dravid and his bride Vijeta Pendharkar have been basking in the hospitality of the Taj West Ends’ honeymoon suite since Monday. The groom has even been spotted strolling on the lawns. The Indian cricket star had tied the knot with Vijeta, a Nagpur-based doctor, in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony at Yelahanka on Sunday. There was a reception for close friends later that day. Another function is slated for May 10 in Nagpur.
Lalbagh will soon become better, but it will cost you double
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
BANGALORE: When Hyder Ali built a garden in the heart of Bangalore, he found an abundance of red flowers in it, prompting an instant royal christening of the place as ‘Lalbagh’ (red garden). But patrons of this ‘royal’ garden could soon be seeing red for a different reason as they may have to pay more than double for entry. The Horticulture Department has decided to hike entry fee to the city’s flowery getaway from Rs 2 to Rs 5, with effect from May 15. The entry fee will be collected from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from visitors, including tourists. The new fee is not applicable to regular walkers, who are allowed during morning and evening hours -- they will be given identity and entry cards. As a ‘bonus’ to tourists, the new entry ticket will sport colourful images of the Lalbagh, covering its horticultural diversity, including the bonsai park and several rare species. Director at the Horticulture Department Vasanth Kumar told this paper that the hike is aimed at generating more revenue so that the garden could be maintained better. ‘‘We are awaiting the State Government’s approval and the new fares will be implemented from May 15,’’ Kumar said. Chief Advisor of the Lalbagh garden, Srinivas -- lovingly called ‘bonsai’ Srinivas -- said that nowhere in the world are visitors allowed in for such a low fee into a botanical garden. ‘‘Maintenance of the garden is a costly affair and if one enters here after paying for it, one will have more responsibility,’’ he said. Every day 4,000 to 5,000 tourists visit the garden, giving the Department an average monthly revenue of Rs 3,00,000. ‘‘But Rs 50 lakh is spent on maintaining the garden every month,’’ an official said. This gap in revenue collection and maintenance expenditure needs to be set right at least to some extent, officials said. Incidentally, the Department is revising the entry fee after four years. But those who walk down the garden path regularly, whom the Department prefers to call the ‘‘friends of Lalbagh’, have no reason to worry. ‘‘We have already held talks with regular walkers and most of them have agreed (to the proposed system),’’ Vasanth Kumar said. Every day, over 8,000 to 10,000 people are use the garden as their regular walking place.
Rare celestial event on Wednesday
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Bangalore, May 7: In a rare celestial event, Mercury will transit the Sun as viewed from the earth on Wednesday. On an average, there are 13 such transits of Mercury in a century and the event would be visible from India between 10.43 am to 4 pm on Wednesday, an Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) release said here on Tuesday. "Though not as exciting as a solar eclipse or a comet, this event is of interest in its own right. It is very difficult to observe as the planet is small (2,438 km mean radius compared to 6,95,950 km of the Sun) and will appear as a very small dot against the bright disc of the Sun. It will be virtually indistinguishable from a sunspot," IIA said. The institute has asked people to use adequate filters before viewing the celestial event from a telescope. Transits of only Mercury and Venus are visible from earth and the transit of Venus, which is bigger in size, is rarer. "Interestingly, there is a transit of Venus due on June 8, 2004 and it will be visible from India," it said.
Karnataka CM refuses to join issue with Jayalalithaa
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Bangalore, May 7: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday refused to join issue with his Tamil Nadu counterpart Jayalalithaa on the Cauvery issue, but said there was no change in the State's stand of finding a negotiated settlement to the dispute. Reacting to Jayalalithaa's statement turning down Karnataka's invitation for talks on the matter, he told reporters here "I have made known the State's stand very clearly from the beginning." On certain personal allegations reportedly made by Jayalalithaa against him, he said "I don't want to comment on personal issues raised by her." At a separate press conference, Karnataka Minister for Water Resources H K Patil also reiterated that the State was in favour of resolving inter-state river water sharing disputes with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala amicably through dialogue. "This has been the Congress government's stand since 1999 after it assumed office in the state," he said. Patil regretted that Tamil Nadu's response was not "positive" and described Jayalalithaa's stand on Cauvery issue as "disappointing." Karnataka was also keen that the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal should pronounce its final verdict as early as possible, he said.
Seven killed in road mishap
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Bangalore, May 06 - Seven workers were killed and around 12 injured when they were thrown off the lorry in which they were travelling on the Bangalore-Chintamani Road near Elachanayakanapura, under Hoskote police station limits, on Monday evening. The deceased are Subramani, Ambika, Kumudavalli, Sudha, Sona, Mani and lorry driver Kuppuswamy. Police said the deceased, all residents of Krishnarajapuram, had been returning towards city from a quarry in Kondlahalli with a load of stones. The mishap occurred around 7 p.m., near Elachanayakapura, 4 km from Hoskote, when the lorry driver attempted to overtake a tractor carrying eucalyptus poles, police said. On seeing an oncoming vehicle, the lorry driver swerved off the road and hit a ditch, throwing off the workers who were travelling along with the load. Police said that the workers had to be extricated as they were buried under the stones. The injured have been shifted to hospitals in Hoskote and Bangalore, police said. Bangalore Rural SP K. Srinivas and Hoskote circle inspector V. Ramachandrappa visited the spot.
People flock CM’s Janata Darshan
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Over 800 applications were received by Chief Minister S M Krishna seeking redressal of grievances from people who had arrived here from different places for a Janata Darshan (public contact) programme which was resumed after a gap of about eight months. Though the Janata Darshan commenced at 9 am, people had started queuing up before his home office Krishna, the venue of the programme, much earlier. The chief minister spent about one and a half hour with the visitors and senior officials of various departments were also present to assist him. While he quickly collected the complaint letters from people, patient hearing was given to physically handicapped and senior citizens. The nature of grievances varied from delay in allotment of sites by BDA to police harassment; allocation from CM’s relief fund for getting medical treatment, transfer of officials, cancellation of suspension, proper garbage disposal system for preventing rat menace etc. In fact, the chief minister lost his cool against a BDA official when a physically handicapped poor senior citizen told him that the authority was yet to give him a ‘replacement site’ after it acquired his site in Hanumanthnagar 20 years ago. His daughter lamented that the family’s finances were in shambles after his father’s leg was amputated and that they did not even have money for his medical expenses. When the Bangalore Development Authority official tried to give an explanation, the chief minister lambasted him. You know only to acquire (the land)...you take immediate action to give him a site. In another instance, Auto Raja, who is running an ashram near Hennur Bande to take care of destitutes, sought support from the government to continue his service. Deputy Commissioner (Bangalore Urban) Ashwath asked him to make a formal application for allotment of land and also assured him of providing two tricycles within few days. Interestingly, the Janata Darshan was not without party issues as a Congress leader from Shimoga used the forum to draw Mr Krishna’s attention on internal problems in the party district unit. He alleged that he was ignored for the post of Shimoga Urban Development Authority and a BJP leader was appointed to the post. Mr Krishna did not make any assurances in this regard. There were some light moments also with a city-based artist presenting him a pen having his own picture painted on it. Meanwhile, Mr Mahendra, a physically disabled person, came to the programme to thank the chief minister for granting his request of helping him get a STD booth.
IBM to set up Linux center in Karnataka
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Global IT major IBM Corporation will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka government to set up a "Linux software development centre" at Hubli, a top government official said on Monday. "We will sign a MoU with IBM in two to three days," IT Secretary Vivek Kulkarni told reporters after Chairman of the $81 billion corporation Samuel J Palmisano met Chief Minister S M Krishna here. Krishna said the Government had received a positive response to its proposal to Palmisano to set-up a Linux centre at Hubli in North Karnataka. "Palmisano expressed IBM's intention to expand its operations in Karnataka and beyond Bangalore," Krishna said. Kulkarni said the Government had asked IBM to relocate its two facilities in Bangalore, a software development centre and a call centre, to a campus environment, besides investing in the proposed Hardware Park at Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bangalore. He said the Linux development centre at Hubli would be beneficial for students in the region. Over 5,000 engineering students pass out of colleges in North Karnataka, Kulkarni said adding nearly 100 students were developing applications on Linux at the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (located at Hubli). Palmisano, who had a close-door meeting with Krishna, declined to speak to the media. Palmisano is also expected to raise the pitch for Linux and open source software in India, especially by the government departments, during his talks with IT and Communications Minister Arun Shourie in New Delhi. He would meet Shourie on Tuesday to discuss IBM's open source initiatives in e-business, according to an IBM spokesman. His other engagements in the capital could not be confirmed. IBM officials refused to comment on Palmisano's plans during his India visit. IBM has over 3,600 employees working in India and had revenues in 2002 of over Rs 1,800 crore. This will probably rank as one of the most low profile visits to the country by a high profile CEO of a global company. This will be the first ever visit by an IBM chairman to India. IBM is keeping Mr Palmisano's India trip totally under wraps. Palmisano succeeded Louis Gertsner as IBM chairman. He was elected to that post by the board in October 2002 and took over the job effective January 1, 2003. He has served as IBM's chief executive officer (CEO) since March 2002. Prior to that Mr. Palmisano was president and chief operating officer (COO). Palmisano, who joined IBM in 1973, has held a number of key leadership positions in the company. But the one that really caught everybody's attention was his stint as senior vice president and group executive for IBM Global Services, with responsibility for the worldwide operations of the largest and most diversified IT services organisation in the industry. He is also credited with turning around the company's troubled Personal Systems (personal computers) Group and pushing IBM aggressively into the strategic outsourcing business which gives the company the highly stable and lucrative annuity business.
Contribute to promoting peace: PM
Monday, May 5, 2003
Bangalore, May 5: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday asked the people to contribute towards promoting peace, harmony, goodwill and cooperation "in our diverse society". "Let us follow the path englightened by seers and social reformers like Basaveshwara", Vajpayee said in a message after garlanding the statue of the 12th century social reformer on the occasion of "Basava Jayanti" here. Paying tributes to Basaveshwara, Vajpayee said he inaugurated a "powerful social revolution" by campaigning against discrimination on the basis of caste, class and gender and reaffirming the true ideals of religion. "The message of social equality, justice and dignity of labour that he preached more than 800 years ago carries eternal and universal appeal. Which is why, he is still revered as a Jagadguru-- teacher of humanity", he said. Vajpayee noted that he had unveiled an impressive statue of Basaveshwara in the precincts of Parliament last week. Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi, Chief Minister S M Krishna and Union Urban Development Minister Ananth Kumar were also present.
Vasanthi A Pai passes away
Monday, May 5, 2003
Manipal, May 5: Vasanthi A Pai, wife of late T A Pai, former railway Minister, died in the KMC hospital here on Sunday. T A Pai was the Chairman and Managing Director of the Syndicate Bank and Chairman of the Life Insurance Corporation. Vasanthi Pai (67) was in coma and had been admitted to the Kasturba Medical College (KMC) hospital in Manipal, family sources said. She was looking after the Bharathiya Vikas Trust (BVT) following the death of her husband T A Pai, who started the BVT organisation.
HAL conquers Indian skies with Tejas
Monday, May 5, 2003
BANGALORE : Two gleaming white aircraft with green noses stood waiting on the tarmac. As soon as the PM was seated, the pilots `Chotu' and `Soggy' strapped inside the cockpit of the Light Combat Aircrafts (LCAs) took to the air in close formation. The next few minutes were proud moments in India's aviation history as the two aircrafts demonstrated their awesome capabilities with some breathtaking manoeuvres. A clear blue sky on Sunday morning added to the perfect setting where the PM had come to christen the LCA. The aircrafts gleamed as they performed rolls, flew in arrowhead formation and took teardrop turns. The gleaming aircraft was rightly named Tejas (radiance) a short while later. The birds performing in tandem, staged a fly past at 600 km per hour and just 200 feet above the tarmac. One of them even waggled a salute to the dignitaries watching the performance. As they performed rolls and loops, a delighted scientist community, present on the occasion, clapped in appreciation of their baby's performance. The Technology Demonstrator-I was flown by Group Captain Rakesh `Chotu' Bhaduria and the TD-II by Squadron Leader Suneet `Soggy' Krishna. And both finished their adventure with grace. Even as the LCAs landed, five Advance Light Helicopter (ALH), now called Dhruv, flew past. It was a demonstration of HAL's prowess to manufacture indigenous helicopters that has already been inducted into the the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Following them was Wing Commander Pillai in his ALH who demonstrated the machine and handled it with ease. Pillai performed superb and delicate manoeuvres normally not done by helicopters. While he performed yaw turns (180 degree turns) with amazing dexterity, the pirouette manoeuvre where the nose is pointed in a certain direction while turning a full 360 degree, stole the show. The pilot also showed off his skill at backward manoeuvres and return to target manoeuvres which certainly impressed the gathering. The `stall' turn where the copter shoots up into the sky, stalls, and drops towards the ground, was breathtaking. Next was the turn of HAL's Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) which took off on its 17th flight with Squadron Leader Baldev Singh at the controls. Singh, HALs chief test pilot, flew the dark blue aircraft at 750 kmph and kissed the skies up to nine km. In a short demonstration, HAL showed that it was capable of compressing the time frame for the development of the IJT which will replace the Kiran trainers.
Lady teacher murdered, ornaments stolen
Monday, May 5, 2003
DAVANAGERE: A lady teacher who had gone for an evening walk with her sisters was hacked to death by a four-member gang which escaped with their gold ornaments at Nandigavi village in Harihar taluk on Friday evening. According to SP Rajappa, Kavitha (28), a Sanskrit teacher working at Harapanahalli and native of Nandigavi village, had come here to spend her vacation. Kavitha along with her sisters Primala and Sunanda had gone for an evening walk near a sugarcane field when four people assaulted them with stones and knives and forcibly took away gold ornaments worth Rs 50,000, the SP said. Kavitha died on the spot and her two sisters escaped with minor injuries. A dog squad was pressed into service for tracking down the criminals. The police checked all vehicles passing through Honnali, Harihar, Kumarpatnam and Davanagere border. The villagers of Nandigavi have expressed shock and grief over the killing. THREE BODIES FOUND: Three unidentified bodies were found on the railway track near DCM railway gate, Karur gate and Harihar on Friday. According to the railway police, the body of a 30-year-old person was found near DCM railway gate, his head smashed when a train ran over him. Another person, aged about 40 years, was run over by a train near Harihar. His white shirt had the label of JK tailors, Ranebennur. The body of a 35-year-old person wearing a green pant and white shirt was found near Karur railway gate, the police said.
GSLV launch on May 8
Monday, May 5, 2003
Bangalore, May 5: Indian Space Research Organisation on Friday set 1730 hours on May 8 for the launch of indigenous Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D2), ISRO sources said. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of senior officials of the Bangalore-headquartered space agency on Friday, sources told PTI. GSLV-D2 would carry on board the second technology experiment satellite GSAT-2. The launch would be from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at the spaceport of Sriharikota. It comes more than two years after the first launch of GSLV on April 18, 2001. The development of GSLV is the most challenging programme undertaken by Indian space scientists till date. The launch of GSLV-D2 is significant as it would mark another major step by New Delhi towards making the country's space programme self-reliant. GSLV is expected to be commissioned after the third successful development flight. With this launch, India is expected to save considerable foreign exchange as it would then be in a position to launch heavier satellites on its own.
A host of VIPs, a cricket star’s wedding keep cops on their toes
Monday, May 5, 2003
Today will be a very happening Sunday for Bangalore. Unlike normal Sundays, the City is being flooded with VIPs and celebrities, thanks to a coincidence of several events. The City police are on their toes, making all efforts to leave nothing to chance. For one thing, the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and Defence Minister George Fernandes will be in town to attend several functions. India’s star batsman Rahul Dravid will also tie the knot tomorrow. In what comes as a sigh of relief to the city police authorities, the cricketer has chosen the premises of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Yelahanka, on the outskirts of Bangalore, to tie the knot. Security for the event will be taken care of by the BSF authorities. Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s main programme —the naming of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will be held in HAL premises, which is an already closely guarded area. The prime minister will begin his day by garlanding a statue of Basaveshwara in Basaveshwara Circle at 10 am. Security around the statue has already been beefed up from tonight and traffic in and around the circle will be affected in the morning. He will then proceed to HAL on Airport Road where the naming ceremony of the LCA will be held at 10:30 am. Mr Vajpayee will then leave for Raj Bhavan at 12:20 pm where he will rest and start from the Raj Bhavan at 3:55 pm and leave for New Delhi at 4:25 pm from the airport. Mr L K Advani will participate in the LCA naming ceremony and proceed to Bidalur at Devanahalli, on the outskirts of Bangalore, to inaugurate Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research, at 12:20 pm. Bangalore rural police authorities have beefed up security arrangements in Bigalur. As many as eight platoons of the KSRP and 16 platoons of CAR will be deployed in the city as part of precautionary measures, according to Joint Commissioner of Police J A Gaonkar. The roads where traffic movement will be affected between 9:10 am and 1:30 pm are Raj Bhavan Road, Cubbon Road, Dickenson Road, M G Road, Trinity Road, Domlur Road and Airport Road.
Karnataka to meet Andhra Pradesh in U-19 final
Monday, May 5, 2003
Karnataka entered the finals of the junior Nationals being played at The Devi Lal Cricket Stadium, Panchkula, Chandigarh. On Saturday, Karnataka defeated Madhya Pradesh by 8 wickets thereby avenging its narrow 6 runs loss in the semi- finals of the same tournament last year at Karim Nagar, Andhra Pradesh. While it was extreme wind in the quarter-finals, the players had to brave DUST STORMS for most part of the day during the semi-finals. Put in to bat, Madhya Pradesh was shot out for exactly a 100 runs in 39.1 overs. Skipper Revathi and Sukhada who scored 21 each put on a 48 run stand for the 5th wicket while Nidhi remained not out on 15. Karuna Jain was the pick of the bowlers claiming three for 10 while left-arm medium pacer Pooja Shah had 2 for 21 and Sahana Hiremath claimed 2 for 22 Sindhu. Shilpa Batra opened the batting for Karnataka and put on 70 runs before Sindhu was run out for a well-made 37. Shilpa followed soon, LBW to one which kept very low. Shilpa made 27. Karuna Jain and Rashmi Shivshankar saw Karnataka home safely into the finals where it meets Andhra Pradesh. Sindhu A was declared the player of the semi-finals Brief Scores: Madhya Pradesh 100 all out in 39.1 overs.; Sukhada 21, Revati 21, Nidhi 15 not out. Karuna Jain 3 for 10, Pooja Shah 2 for 21 and Sahana Hiremath 2 for 22. Karnataka 103 for 2 in 31.1 overs; Sindhu A 37, Shilpa Batra 27, Rashmi Shivshankar 17 not out, Karuna Jain 6 not out. In the earlier match on Friday, Karnataka entered the semi- finals of the Junior Nationals women's Championship being held at Chandigarh by defeating the hosts Haryana by a comprehensive margin of nine wickets at the picturerisque Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula. It was brilliant teamwork by the Karnataka lasses which helped them win under extreme windy conditions. The sightscreens on both the ends were blown off by the strong breeze and the cricketers had to really make an effort against the winds to move on the field. Fielding first, Karnataka was well served by its consistent left- arm medium pacer Pooja Shah who picked 3 wickets conceding 31 runs off her 7 overs. A majority of the runs conceded by her were wides; thanks to the cross winds. Pooja was well supported by leg spinner Deepika Babu who also picked up 3 for 15 off her 8 overs. Through some good fielding, Karnataka girls effected two run outs while off spinner Sahana Hiremath picked up one wicket. For Haryana skipper Anju Sharma was the top- scorer with 17. With the help of 32 extras, Haryana reached 89 in 32.4 overs Karnataka had a poor start losing Karuna Jain early. But opener Sindhu A along with Rashmi Shivshankar put on a fighting 75 runs stand to see Karnataka through. Sindhu remained not out with 26 while Rashmi was unconquered on 36. Brief scores. Haryana 89 all out in 33.2 overs; Anju Sharma 17, M Gill 15, Pooja Shah 3 for 31 and Deepika Babu 3 for 15. Karnataka 91 for 1 in 27 overs ; Sindhu 26 not out and Rashmi 36 not out
Slithering training for STF begins at Sulur airbase
Sunday, May 4, 2003
Coimbatore May 3. The Air Force has begun a training session in slithering operations for a group of Special Task Force personnel at the Sulur airbase here. The Tamil Nadu STF is the first police force in the country undergoing training in slithering operations and that too in a defence airbase. The week-long training, begun on Thursday, is aimed at having a core operations team ready at the STF base camp at Sathyamangalam in the event of a close encounter with the forest brigand, Veerappan, or his gang members. Airlifting of reinforcements is aimed at minimising loss of time in reaching a spot, following pointed intelligence on the movements of the bandit. Instant reaction and rushing of teams is expected to enhance the prospects of a positive result, say STF officials. When contacted, R. Nataraj, Additional Director-General of Police (Tamil Nadu-STF) told The Hindu that 35 personnel had been chosen to undergo the training imparted by IAF instructors and experts in air-aided operations. This core operations team led by N. K. Senthamaraikannan and Shanmugavelu, Superintendents of Police, comprises constables, sub-inspectors, inspectors and DSPs. The curriculum includes ground training as well as ground surveillance training while being air-borne. An MI-8 chopper was also being used for imparting training. The 8-12 hour training a day included three hours of theory and instructions on dos and dont's while flying and while descending from the chopper. The personnel would be airdropped from a height of 30 metres with a rope. But, it was not like slithering down a building or between two buildings with a waistband, which provided grip, besides the climber himself firmly to holding to the rope. In airdropping, the men would have to use a special type of glove and a rope to minimise friction. They would have to slither down the rope carrying not only their own weight but also 10-15 kg haversack bags with binoculars and communication equipment, besides puffed rice, flat rice, water cans and basic medicines. All these in addition to weapons and ammunition. On completion of training, these men would fly sorties for fine-tuning their skills. The teams would be kept in a state of preparedness at the base camp for being airlifted to the spot where the movements of the Veerappan gang were noticed, said the ADGP. On the heels of the training for the Tamil Nadu STF, the Karnataka STF was likely to follow suit, STF sources said.
SC asks Maharashtra to release water for Karnataka
Sunday, May 4, 2003
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today declined to disturb its earlier order directing the Maharashtra government to release 200 cusecs of water into the river Bhima to meet the urgent requirement of drinking water of villages on the river Bank in Karnataka. A Bench of Justice S Rajendra Babu and Justice GP Mathur asked the Maharashtra government to implement its last week's order as early as possible. The court had directed the Maharashtra government to release 200 cusecs of water into the river Bhima so as it reached Karnataka villages, which had no drinking water. The direction of the court came when it was informed that at a meeting of the states concerned, convened by the Central Water Commission on March 28 at Hyderabad, Maharashtra had agreed to release 200 cusecs of water into the river. The court rejected the pleas of the Maharashta government that it was facing acute shortage of drinking water and it was, there fore, not possible to release the water. The court described as an afterthought the statement of the Maharashtra government that it had ever agreed to release the water. United News of India
K-RIDE Projects in Karnataka
Sunday, May 4, 2003
As a sequel to the Shareholder Agreement between the Ministry of Railways and the Government of Karnataka to operationalise K-RIDE in November 2002, four ongoing sanctioned railway projects have been identified under K-RIDE. These are Hubli-Ankola New Line, Solapur-Gadag gauge conversion, Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion and Guntakal-Hospet doubling. As for Hubli-Ankola New Line, final location survey has been completed. Land acquisition plans have been submitted to the State Government for part length of 47.75 kilometres. Earthwork and bridgework are in progress where land is made available. For Solapur-Gadag gauge conversion, work has been taken up on phases. Solapur-Hotgi (16 kilometres) and Hotgi-Bijapur (94 kilometres) have been completed. Earthwork, bridgework and ballast collection are in progress on rest of the section from Bijapur-Gadag. In the area of Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion, Arsikere-Hassan-Saklespur section has been completed and commissioned. Work is in progress in balance length. Track linking is in advanced stage between Kankanadi-Kabakaputtur. Subramanya Road-Kabakaputtur section is targeted for completion during the current financial year 2003-2004. For Guntakal-Hospet doubling, final location survey has been completed. Thirty kilometre long Bellary-Tornagallu is being given priority and targeted for completion in the current financial year. Earthwork, minor and major bridges are in progress. Solapur-Gadag gauge conversion will be done on cost sharing between Ministry of Railways and Government of Karnataka. Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion project will be taken up under Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) route.
Paris Pranaya by Timescity
Saturday, May 3, 2003
Cast : Raghu Mukarjee, Minal Patel Type : Romance Director : Nagtihalli Chandrashekhar Duration in minutes : 150 About Paris Pranaya It is all about amour in the French capital. Poorvi (Minal Patil), a young girl from a traditional family, goes to Paris at the request of her brother-in-law Aditya (Sharath Lohithashwa) to record for a music company run by his friend Hari (Harnath). There she enrolls in a music school and falls in love with fellow-student Krishna (Raghu Mukherjee), who also happens to be a Kannadiga. At the height of their proximity, Raghu who is used to western mores, proposes sex before marriage. But Poorvi is offended by the hint. Upset, she returns to her village in India. Raghu, however, cannot forget her. He comes to India too and wins over the heart of her grandfather H.K. Master (Rajesh), mother Pavani (Sudha Belawadi) and father Krishnappa (Sundararaj). At the same time, though, Aditya’s boss Hari wants to marry Poorvi. The story takes a twist when we learn that Krishna, who is living with his mother (Sumalatha), continues to keep his father’s identity a secret. Times Review : How do you spot an entertaining movie which has excellent performances, foot-tapping music, lush foreign locales and eye-catching camerawork? The one with a Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar touch, definitely. His global touch was evident in two of his earlier hits America, America and Nanna Preethiya Hudugi, both shot extensively in the US. This time around, Nagathihalli pans his camera to the splendour of Paris and tells another love tale with a blend of Indian and European cultural mores. (Source: Timescity.com)
Kutumba by Chitraranga
Saturday, May 3, 2003
Kutumba - Upendra as saviour of the family By Chitraranga.com After four months of big gap Upendra is back through Kutumba. Though the failure of Naanu Naane, Superstar and Hollyhood had brought KAHI, its expected this film may bring back SIHI days to Uppi. Upendra has a different role in Kutumba, where he fights for the saviour of his family. Its happy to see Upendra considering his days back to normal acting. Kutumba - the name suggests that this an sentimental story. Kutumba has sentiments, action, jeleousy and as well as comedy. Kutumba which literally means family, where many blood shared relatives, may be brothers, sisters, parents live and lead an happy life. As per story - Vijay (Upendra) is an unemployed youth, born in an middle class family. He stays along with his grandma Parvathi (Lakshmi Devi), brother Vidyadhara and elder brother Ashok along with elder sister-in-law and their two young children. Despite they have a burden of loan on them , no one comes fprward to help this family. By circumstances Vijay for the sake of his family, takes the crime, which he has not commited on his head and will be imprisoned. Indeed, he will be helped by Doddanna, for whom Vijay has helped by taking crime done by his (doddanna) daughter on his head. Vidyadhara studies well and becomes Deputy Collector.One day Shankar Patil (B C Patil) and Jayraj Patil both of them murders a person, for which Ashok is eyewittness. Knowing this those patil brothers, plan to kill Vijay's brother Ashok. What happens rest, better to watch on big screen. There are some comical roles of Kutumba, where Upendra tries to entertain viewers by geting back to flashback of her grandma and grandpa. Good Movie. More Reviews at http://www.chitraranga.com/
Flying into the realm of blissful joy
Saturday, May 3, 2003
MANGALORE: Kites have long been a part of Indian folklore and a popular sport too. It is perhaps the only hobby that finds patrons all over the country, irrespective of the state they belong to. Kite flying needs the minimum amount of preparation, at least for the one who flies it, and translates into moments of joy. It is a pleasure to watch kites made of paper come alive once they are up in the air among clouds. Kite flying is a hobby that transcends the barriers of age. It is as popular with kids as it is with the elderly. Almost everybody has memories of his or her kite soaring to the highest possible altitude, of chasing the opponent's kite and ultimately snapping its string. Skirting pot holes, ditches and turning a deaf ear to shouts from elders only to grab a beautiful kite on its descent from the heavens above is blissful experience. Team Mangalore was formed by one such motley bunch that had one common binding factor __ their love for kite flying. According to the founder Sarvesha Rao, an electrical engineer by profession, he had visited an international kite festival in Gujarat five years ago. There, he was struck by the awe-inspiring kites of all shapes, sizes and colours attempting to outfly each other. Once home, he began to collect kites as a hobby. Some were also gifted by his friends. Soon, he had a huge collection of impressive kites from all over the world. The fact that he built his house too in the shape of a kite speaks volumes for his passion for them. Around the same time, he started `Team Mangalore', a group of kite enthusiasts in the city. The first kite created by the group was the Indian Fighter Kite series or the train kite, 500 kites tied in a row to a single thread, which drew a huge crowd of admirers when flown at a beach. The group is one of the two from Karnataka chosen to participate at the annual International Kite Festival held in January, the other one being from Bangalore. Only 10 teams from India and around 10 more international teams take part, informs member Prashanth, an MRPL employee. A remarkable aspect about the group is that there is no heirarchy in it. Nor do they have an admission fee for any newcomer. The idea is to bring kite flying enthusiasts under one fold, he says. According to the group, there is a pressing need to revive kite flying which is dying a slow death with people becoming couch potatoes and spending hours in front of the television. The group aims to take kite flying to greater heights, literally. As a measure to achieve this goal, Team Mangalore has been organising kite festivals annually. This year, the fifth fest will be held at Panambur beach on May 4 at 4 pm. There is no entry fee and kite lovers can just turn up, buy a kite and fly it, says Prashanth. Several kites created by Team Mangalore members will be also be showcased during the fest, like Yakshagana, Kathakali, `Volcano', `boat', `Aeroplane', `Delta Kite', `Fighter train kite', `Pakki', `Karvalo' and `Bat' kites. Last year, the festival was a big hit with an attendence of around 4,000 people. This year too the group expects a huge turnout. ``We are expecting around 8,000 to 10,000 enthusiasts this year'', says Prashanth.
Govt ready to talk with managements on CET
Saturday, May 3, 2003
BANGALORE: Adhering by its decision to go ahead with the Common Entrance Test (CET) for admissions to professional courses as per the notification, Chief Minister S.M.Krishna on Friday said the Government was not averse to talks with the managements of professional colleges if they so desired. Krishna told reporters here that the Government is willing to clear the confusion, if any, with regard to the admissions. He said the managements were free to move court against the notification. ``How often should I repeat the same decision,'' Krishna shot back when asked about the ongoing tussle between the Government and managements of unaided colleges on admission and fee structure. When asked whether any action would be taken against Congress leaders who were defying the Government's stand on the issue, he said Government and educational institutions were two different entities. It was dubious to call some of these educational institutions as Congress institutions. He said there are no restrictions on Congressmen owning and running educational institutions. ``I have to take certain decisions as head of the Government and they take certain stands as heads of educational institutions,'' Krishna said adding that it was not right to relate such things. In the wake of an impasse, Government had last week notified draft rules, retaining 75 percent of the seats and leaving the rest to managements in professional courses, including medical, engineering and dental. Over the move to defer implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) system, Chief Minister expressed disappointment saying that there must be ``certain definitives'' in tax matters. Reacting to Centre's clear indications about deferring the VAT system, Krishna said ``it is unfortunate that a reform of this magnitude and sweep get involved in such uncertainties and confusion. It does not augur well,'' he added.
Dravid cuts talk on maiden catch
Saturday, May 3, 2003
BANGALORE: Rahul `The Wall' Dravid's status as the most sought-after bachelor in the Indian 11 is about to change. And one would think that would have him smiling from ear to ear. But Dravid looks edgy and irritated. Pre-marriage nerves? Not exactly. The 69-Test veteran, with 14 centuries to back him, is facing something worse than a Brett Lee delivery. The inquisitive, prying eyes of his fans led by a nosey media. And why not, he's our favourite blue-eyed boy. But Dravid would rather talk about his cricketing exploits than his maiden catch. ``Why are you guys behind me? Leave me alone... don't invade my privacy,'' is all he has to say. A solemn promise by the photographers that they'll leave after taking a shot, gives way to a long-faced, I-give-up look. ``Just one picture, that's it,'' he warns. He's also made sure that none of his friends divulge any details about his new ``partnership'' with Nagpur-based Vijeta Pendharkar, who reached here on Wednesday. A call to former India paceman and Dravid's Ranji mate Venkatesh Prasad only confirms his invitation to the wedding, which is taking place in the most secluded of locations, in Yelahanka, far away from the hustle-bustle of the city and inquisitive fans. And being the loyal friend that he is, just like the rest of the group, Prasad refuses to comment. In fact, the slightest hint of any media or media-related persons lurking around `Srishti', the Dravids' Indiranagar residence, gets the guests to retreat back into the house. And strangely, there are no signs of any celebration at `Srishti' -- no huge crowds, no gaudy decorations, nothing that suggests a marriage is on the cards. It rather looks like the house is done up for Diwali or Christmas, with a few paper-star lanterns and decorated lights edging the balcony. As for the bride-to-be, Vijeeta arrived here via the Jaipur Express and is currently ensconced in an ``undisclosed location''. Incidentally, the two will tie the knot on ``Akshaya Tadige'', an auspicious day in the Hindu calender. Following the wedding is a reception -- also quiet and simple -- at Taj West End on May 6.
Officials make all efforts to see that Hampi retains world heritage tag
Saturday, May 3, 2003
BELLARY: It was in 2001 that UNESCO declared that the Hampi monuments were ‘‘world heritage sites in danger’’. Construction activities were carried out in full swing in and around Hampi which has harmed these heritage sites. Stone quarrying, construction of a housing layout named after M.P.Prakash, construction of a hanging bridge behind Virupaksha temple connecting the other side of the river bank with the Virupapura Gadda island, construction of the Rs.5 crore two-way bridge near Talavara Ghatta to connect Hampi with Anegundi were some of the activities going on in the vicinity of Hampi. At the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee held at Cairns, the Australia Committee had appreciated the efforts of the Karnataka Governments Task Force which studied the ICOMOS-UNESCO mission recommendations. They had requested the State Government to demolish and relocate the two bridges which could have an adverse impact on the site. The construction of the two bridges was stopped and the State Government decided to dismantle and relocate the footbridge connecting Virupaksha temple and Virupapura Gadda island. The Bellary Deputy Commissioner had also ordered the removal of all encroachments. At the recent Buddha Utsav, the Avalokana samithi of the UNESCO appreciated the follow-up action taken by the administration on Hampi. The Avalokana Committee appreciated the work by the Hampi Development Authority in fulfilling the conditions of the UNESCO in developing and protecting ancient monuments in Hampi. This was disclosed by Hampi World Heritage Area Nirvahana Authority Chairman and DC Jawaid Akthar here on Friday. Speaking to this website's newspaper, Jawaid said all efforts were made to see that Hampi was retained in the list of World Heritage Sites. An action plan for Rs.33.24 crore was prepared and was approved by the Centre. A site was already identified near Papinaikanahalli (10 km to Hampi) to establish an airport. The Civil Aviation Department officials who inspected the area had given a positive report. The proposal is now with the Union Aviation Ministry. Jawaid said the State Government had already made budgetary allocations for this proposal. A sum of Rs.5 crore has been allocated for providing infrastructure and civic amenities to tourists on 11 acres in Hampi. Parking space for vehicles, lavatories, cafeteria, ticket counters, guide facility, details on monuments and other facilities would be provided. Jawaid said the work of putting up a barbed wire fencing around the identified monuments, removal of wastes and dirt from the river bank behind Virupaksha temple, shifting of people who are staying in Virupaksha mantapas already begun. Lavatories were under construction around Virupaksha temple, Lotus Mahal, Vijaya Vittala temple and Rani Park. Jawaid said fibre lighting would be put at Sasivekaalu Ganesha and Kadlekalu Ganesha temples and efforts would be made to see that the colours inside the Virupaksha temple were protected. The Central Electricity Board is thinking of laying underground electricity cables around Vijaya Vittala temple. Survey on this was on. Jawaid said around 225 acres around the Hampi monuments would be acquired and for this Rs.200 lakh has been earmarked. The Hospet-Kampli road via Kamalapur has been developed at a cost of Rs.135 lakh.
Love tragedy: Two commit suicide
Saturday, May 3, 2003
MOODBIDRI: In a love tragedy shrouded in mystery in Valpadi village near here, a 16-year-old girl, unable to bear the humiliation of her lover being soundly thrashed in her very presence, committed suicide while her elder sister disappeared from the place. And as if this was not enough, a 22-year-old youth of another house in the village, who had an acquintance with the run-away girl, committed suicide by hanging from a tree two days later. According to the police, Bharati, younger of the two daughters of Sadhu Poojary Panappila, was in love with a youth of another community, a lorry driver. Some activists of an organisation objected to their love and, on finding them unrelenting, bashed the boy in the girl's presence. Unable to bear the insult, Bharati, on returning home, consumed poison. She was admitted to a hospital in Moodbidri where she died the next day. Meanwhile, just a few hours before her death, her elder sister Nalini, who was attending on her in the hospital, left the place on the pretext of bringing medicines for Bharati. But she never returned. Tragedy struck another family in the village two days later when 22-year-old Suresh committed suicide by hanging from a tree. It was later found that Suresh, who was working in a shop near Nalini's house, had acquainted with her and was in love with her. He was said to have resorted to the extreme step fearing exposure of his love to her after what had happended to her sister. What has lent mystery to the tragic episode is the disappearance too of deceased Bharati's lover from the village causing panic among his family members. Police have registered a case and are investigating.
7-digit phone numbers in Hubli from May 24
Saturday, May 3, 2003
HUBLI: All six-digit telephone numbers in Hubli-Dharwad, which come under the jurisdiction of Telecom Dharwad District, will be converted into seven digits from May 24, said L Kannan, general manager, Telecom Dharwad District, Hubli. Speaking to newsmen here on Friday, Kannan said that at present six-digit numbers were being used in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. These will be converted to seven digit numbers by using ‘2’ before each number from May 24. (For example, if the telephone number is 443366, it will become 2443366). Similarly, STD codes would also be removed after May 24. All telephone users should use code 95 instead of the STD code numbers of their respective districts to make STD calls to any district or City in the State, he said. He said the new telephone directory would soon be issued to customers. It was for the first time that the Telecom District was bringing out a telephone directory in Kannada for the convenience of the public. He said that there was no change in duration of local calls as 180 seconds was fixed for local calls and there was also no changes in the rate of calls from mobile to landline telephones. But there has been some changes in the rate of calls made to mobiles from landline telephones as 30 second is considered as one unit. The rate of calls made to distant areas have been reduced as 60 second will be considered as one unit for long-distance calls. The reduction in long-distance calls would help the public, he said. He said there were 10,444 landline telephone connections in the district. Of these, 6000 connections were in the City. The District Telecom has 18,000 customers for BSNL mobile. He said that a commission-based telephone bill payment system would be implemented in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad from June. Under this, agents would be appointed in each area to collect telephone bills and suitable commissions would be given to agents for collecting bills. To attend to customer complaints, call centres would be opened in all places in the district, he said.
