Karnataka News Archive: September 2005

Mysore Palace readying for the Dasara visitors
Friday, September 30, 2005 | MP

Mysore is an enthralling destination for travelers, especially during Dasara. The illuminated Mysore Palace during the Dasara celebrations draws tourists from all over the world. Nearly Rs. 1 crore every year is spent towards maintenance of its illumination alone and more than 25,000 bulbs are replaced every year just before the Dasara festivities.The elephants for the Dasara processions are also undergoing training for the grand day. 12 Dasara jumbos will march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day.

Dharwad scientists discover organic remedy for sugarcane pests
Friday, September 30, 2005 | MP

Scientists from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad discovered an organic solution to the White Woolly Aphid, a pest that affects the sugarcane crop across the State. The white whooly aphid that had entered Karnataka’s Belgaum district couple of years ago had caused great menace among the farmers, damaging thousands of hectars of sugarcane fields. UAS scientists had discovered a predator insect which was found swallowing the aphid pests and identified them as micromus igorotus. On confirming that they are harmless to humans, they started producing these insects in bulk and distributing to the farmers free of cost.

Mangalore tries to eliminate leprosy
Thursday, September 29, 2005 | MP

The Dakshina Kannada District Leprosy Society is all set up to eliminate leprosy from Manglore city. The Urban Leprosy Elimination Committee is seeking help from publicity department, social and religious groups. The Committee will conduct publicity campaigns through the media, including the All India Radio, for 6 months and also plans to set up information cells in schools. It also asked the people in the City to get themselves checked up by skin specialists if they have skin patches and loss of sensation, and avail free multi-drug therapy (MDT) treatment. Even though leprosy cases are on the decline, around 7-8 cases are detected in Mangalore every month.

Asia-Pacific Award for Kasturirangan
Thursday, September 29, 2005 | MP

Recognising his achievements in the development of space systems, Dr K Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman has been awarded the Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2005. APSCC an international association aims at promoting satellite communications and broadcasting through regional cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. The award was presented in Singapore in a function held during the 8th Asia Pacific Satellite Communication and Space Conference Exhibition.

Audio sales of Jogi, Auto Shankar scoring high
Wednesday, September 28, 2005 | MP

The popular Kannada film music director, Guru Kiran is raging high in the markets with the audio sales climbing even before the films releases. More than a milion cassette had been sold out of ‘Jogi’ in the first 6 months of the movie’s release. Also songs like "Naanu Auto Shankar", "Kachchi Kachchi Ninna Thinnala" and "Kabaddi Kabaddi" from Auto Shankar have become so popular among the masses. The audio sales of Namma Basava also said to be doing well.

10-paise hike in power tariff in urban areas
Wednesday, September 28, 2005 | MP

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission had announced 10 paise per unit hike effective from October 10 for consumers in areas of urban centers. This includes the Bangalore metropolitan area and the Mysore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Hubli-Dharwad and Mangalore city corporation limits. The power tariff for thre rest of the state remains unchanged. The 10 paise increase will be imposed for consumption of power over 200 units a month. The order has also set a lower tariff for rural areas.

Eminent economist, Dr Nanjundappa is dead
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 | MP

Eminent economist and former Dy. Chairman of Karnataka State Planning Board, Dr D M Nanjundappa died of heart attack at Narayana Hrudalaya in Bangalore on Monday morning. He was 75. He is survived by wife Shanta and 3 daughters. Following sickness, he was hospitalised since Sept7 and was suffering from cardiac complications. Dr Nanjundappa had won the Sir Hugh Daly Gold Medal for distinction in Economics and also the Indira Gandhi National Unity award. . He was also awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava award for his honourable services to the state.

Partial Solar Eclipse on Oct 3
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 | MP

A 40 percent solar eclipse will be visible from Bangalore as the annular solar eclipse is to occur on October 3. Indians could view only a partial eclipse on this day, while the full version could be seen from parts of Africa where the sun appears as a ring around the dark disc of the moon. This could be watched from 4.22 pm on Oct 3 and could continue past sunset. Hence those who want to watch the eclipse are advised to do so only during sunset so that it won’t be harmful to the eye.

Boy Friend
Monday, September 26, 2005 | MP

The film is all about an NRI girl who falls in love with a boy from poor family and the various difficult situations they got to face when they decide to get married. Dilip Raj promises to be an upcoming star, while heroine Rathi does justice with her role. Rangayana Raghu’s performance is superb. Music by K M Indra is notable. Camerawork by R V Nageshwara Rao seems okay.

Hassan hosts Ahinda convention
Monday, September 26, 2005 | MP

Arrangements are being made at the Hassan’s district stadium which is to host the Ahinda convention today. Many Congress leaders are expected to participate in the meet. Legislators of JD(s) are also to attend the meet. The meet holds significance with speculation that the former deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah would announce his future political plans during the meet.

Accenture plans Tech Lab in Bangalore
Sunday, September 25, 2005 | MP

Accenture Technology Labs, the R&D organisation of Accenture, has plans to set up its fifth technology lab in India. The other three being in US and one in France, the company might opt for Bangalore for its technology innovations. Many other MNC’s like HP, Microsoft, IBM, Bell Labs, GE and Sarnoff already have their R&D units in Bangalore. Accenture’s move certainly brings out the confidence that the company has in India’s talent pool.

Meera Jasmine in Kannada again
Sunday, September 25, 2005 | MP

Malayali actress Meera Jasmine is back to Kannada film again. Meera's first Kannada movie 'Mourya' along with Puneet Raj Kumar did well in the theaters. However she didnt take any Kannada film offers after that. Her new movie which is yet to be named will be produced by K. Manju. Meera is to pair opposite Anirudh and will be playing superstar Vishnuvardhan's sister.

BMP seeks World Bank aid for road works
Saturday, September 24, 2005 | MP

The Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BMP) has submitted clarifications for upgradation of 139kms of road work to the World Bank. The World Bank has approved a loan of Rs 140 Crore for roads in four high density corridors. The work will be divided in four packages one each for the northern, southern, eastern and western zones of the Bangalore city. The World Bank is expected to respond to the quotes in a couple of week’s time.

'Mission Heart Life' launched
Saturday, September 24, 2005 | MP

To mark the World Heart Day on Sunday, the Wockhardt Hospital and Heart Institute and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. have jointly launched "Mission Heart Life". Athlete Ashwini Nachappa has launched it on Friday as a part of the corporates social responsibility programme. Under the programme, LPG cylinder delivery boys will distribute brochures on healthy heart among their customers which includes information on the daily calorie intake recommended for people across various age groups depending on their type of occupation. The corporation will hold sessions on cardiac care for its dealers.

Baraguru to inaugurate Mysore Dasara 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005 | MP

Renowned writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa will inaugurate the Dasara 2005 festivities in Mysore. Kannada Actress Tara will declare open the cultural festivities. This was informed by the Chief Minister Dharam Singh on Thursday. Eminent national award artists and musicians would perform various cultural activities during the Dasara event. The CM had earlier released the Dasara Gold cards. The card holders will be given free entry to all the cultural programmes besides getting discounts in shopping, food and beverages.

Bangalore IT.in: IT firms to log in
Friday, September 23, 2005 | MP

After threatening to boycott Bangalore IT.in event, Bangalore Chamber of Industries and Commerce (BCIC) withdrew their decision to boycott the event after the government has agreed to set up a panel to monitor progress of infrastructure. The government also agreed to remove traffic bottlenecks by banning the movement of trucks within the city during the rush hours. However Bangalore Forum for Information Technology (BFIT) had decided to limit its participation to only sponsoring a seminar on infrastructure during the event.

State awards: Murali, Shruti best actors; Monalisa best film
Thursday, September 22, 2005 | MP

‘Monalsia’ directed by Indrajit Lankesh gets the best film award for the year 2004-05 by the State Government. ‘Beru’ directed by P Seshadri and ‘Gowdru’ directed by S Mahendar have been adjudged the second and third best film respectively. Actors Murali and Shruti have been pronounced as the best male and female actors for their roles in ‘Kanti’ and ‘Gowdru’ respectively. The national award winning ‘Hasina’ directed by Girish Kasarvalli got the award for the best film with a social message. ‘Mithai Mane’ was selected as the best children’s film. The Rajkumar award for the year went to M P Shankar, while A T Raghu got the Puttanna Kanagal award for renowned director.

ONGC to invest 16,000 crore on MRPL project
Thursday, September 22, 2005 | MP

The Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) plans to build a 15 million tonne refinery at Mangalore. This is in addition to the expanding of the exisiting capacity of the Mangalore Refineries and Petroleum Limited (MRPL). ONGC will invest Rs 16000 crore on the new MRPL project. The new refinery will take MRPL’s capacity to 30 million tones per annum. The Center has approved the project and preliminary works on the project is said to have already begun.

Lalbagh to get a face lift
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 | MP

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is expected to get a face lift at a cost of Rs 9.39 crore with improved facilities to the visitors. The Public Works Department would execute the works, Horticulture Minister R Srinivas informed on Tuesday. Besides Lalbagh would also have an insectivorous house, orchidarium, anthurium house with collections of thousands of varieties of anthuriums. It would also have a rock garden with waterfalls at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore as announced earlier.

Workers killed in Hiriyur power plant blast
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 | MP

A container burst open at a bio- mass power plant near Hiriyur in Chitradurfa district, killing two workers and injuring another on late Monday night. When the incident took place the labourers were loading bio mass to the container. District in carge Minister D Manjunath said the ill-fated power plant has witnessed several such mishaps in the past claiming as many as 12 lives. The company has distributed Rs 1 lakh each to the family of the victims.

Shradhananda’s death sentence upheld
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 | MP

The Karnataka High Court on Monday upheld the order of a lower court sentencing Shradhananda, to death for murdering his wife, Begum Shakereh Namazi, granddaughter of Sir Mirza Ismail, former Dewan of Mysore. A Division Bench comprising Justice S.R. Bannurmath and A.C. Kabbin rejected the petition by Shradhananda (69) against the order of death sentence. The court said age factor and conduct in jail, as pleaded by Shradhananda, cannot come to his rescue as these were only meant to mask his diabolic mind.

Sewage treatment in a scientific way
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 | MP

Sewage can in fact be purified and treated to yield clean water. The idea may sound a bit shocking. But it’s true that the waste water which we dispose off could be a very valuable resource - fresh water. As a step towards dealing with the sewage in an innovative manner, Degremont Ltd, part of the French multinational ‘Suez’ was commissioned to build a sewage treatment plant at Cubbon Park, Bangalore. The state of art ‘Membrane bio Reactor (MBR) Technology’ was used in the building of this plant, and Cubbon Park is the first plant in India to use this technology. The new sewage treatment plant in Cubbon Park recycles 1.5 million litres of water a day. This will offset the water requirements of 10,000 people.

Vishnuvardhan celebrates 56th birthday in style
Monday, September 19, 2005 | MP

Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan celebrated his 56th birthday along with thousands of fans at the Sir M Visvesvaraya stadium in Mandya. The actor and his wife Bharathi cut a huge cake brought for the occasion by his fans. The celebrations held were also picturised for the film ‘Vishnu Sene’. Among those who were present in the occasion were actors Ambarish, Shivrajkumar, Ramesh, Naveen Krishna, Gurleen Chopra, and Vinaya Prakash.

Hasina
Monday, September 19, 2005 | MP

This latest movie of Girish Kasarvalli has won him national acclaim. Hasina is based on Bhanu Mustaq’s short story which potrays the struggle of a Muslim woman against people of her community and how she discovers that struggle is the only way to live. Tara in the title role does an outstanding performance which earned her the Best Actress National Award with this film. Ishrat Nissar (national award winner for best costumes) and M N Swamy (editing) have done an excellent job. S Ramachandran’s camera work is superb. Dialogues by Lakshmipathy Kolara and B Hanif are catchy.

Amruthadhare
Sunday, September 18, 2005 | MP

Produced by Nagathihalli Cine Creations, the movie potrays the love and affection shared by a young couple despite their differences on silly issues. Puru (Dhyan) and Amrutha (Ramya) are married middle class couple who quarrel over everything. She is a spendthrift while he is stingy. Their life takes a turn when Puru comes to know that his wife is suffering from brain tumour. Dyan is lively and does well but its Ramya who steals the show with an extra ordinary performance. Bachchaan though a minor role, leaves a lasting impression. Highlight of the movie is Krishna Kumar’s brilliant camerawork capturing the glory of India from Kanyakumari to Ladakh. Directed by Nagathihalli, also does a brilliant narration handling the dialogues as well as lyrics wonderfully. Mano Murthy’s music is superb.

Davangere set to eradicate child labour
Sunday, September 18, 2005 | MP

In a significant effort to eradicate child labour in rural sector, Davangere Zilla Panchayat has decided to set up “Child Right’s Protection Committees” in all the 230 Gram Panchayats under its purview. Recently the Davangere Taluk with the help of Unicef and Norad has set up such committees in 33 Gram Panchayats on pilot basis. With its success the Davangere ZP has now extended the scheme to all GPs’ and if the plan works out, Davangere will earn the distinction of being the first Zilla Panchayat to establish Child Rights Commission in all its GPs.

IT forum to support Government initiatives
Saturday, September 17, 2005 | MP

The Bangalore Forum for Information Technology (BFIT) has agreed to support IT.in but its participation would be in the nature of anchoring and sponsoring a session, if held by the Government, on improving Bangalore's infrastructure. The announcement by BFIT came following the governments assurance that the city’s infrastructural needs would be looked into. The BFIT said this measure clearly showed that the IT companies were willing to support the Government initiatives. Convenor of BFIT C.N. Kumar said investor confidence would no doubt perk up if the Government proactively provided a platform to discuss issues and comes up with solutions for improving the physical infrastructure.

Silk production touches all-time high of 900 tonnes
Saturday, September 17, 2005 | MP

The country’s silk production this year is said to have touched 900 tonnes, the highest so far. Silk production in the country last year was 600 tonnes. H. Bhaskar, chairperson, Silk Mark Organisation of India, and member secretary, Central Silk Board said this in an event held in Bangalore on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of the "Silk Mark" for silk fabrics and clothing. . If the trend continues, in another five to 10 years the demand gap of 9,000 tonnes annually can be bridged and imports reduced, he said. Bangalore will be hosting the Indian Silk Conference supported by the France-based International Sericulture Commission between December 15 and 18.

Spin camp: 3 from state included
Friday, September 16, 2005 | MP

Three promising spinners from Karnataka Ryan Ninan, K P Appanna and M R Darshan were included in the two- week long spin camp that started at the National Cricket Academy on Thursday. The camp is held under the guidance of E A S Prasanna , Bishan Singh Bedi and V V Kumar. Prasanna said that four spinners who were part of the last camp went on to play in the India ‘A’ side while eight others represented their respective states.

Spin camp: 3 from state included
Friday, September 16, 2005 | MP

Three promising spinners from Karnataka Ryan Ninan, K P Appanna and M R Darshan were included in the two- week long spin camp that started at the National Cricket Academy on Thursday. The camp is held under the guidance of E A S Prasanna , Bishan Singh Bedi and V V Kumar. Prasanna said that four spinners who were part of the last camp went on to play in the India ‘A’ side while eight others represented their respective states.

DRDO for BrahMos enhancement programme
Friday, September 16, 2005 | MP

India plans to enhance its capabilities of the BrahMos cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) has indicated that the programme modifications of the BrahMos for fitting it on the Su-30 combat jets used by both the countries has started. The modified design of BrahMos will be lighter than the current missile. The Russian-Indian cruise missile has also entered production this month. All important software and guidance systemfor the missile is designed by the DRDO.

Gastroenteritis claims 10 in Belgaum
Thursday, September 15, 2005 | MP

As many as 10 people are reported to have died of gastroenteritis in parts of Hukkeri taluk of Belgaum district. All of them have died due to consumption of contaminated water released to their villages and towns without filtration from Hidkal reservoir. 128 others are being treated for similar symptoms in hospital in Hukkeri, of which conditions of 28 persons are reported to be critical. The district administration has released Rs 12.5 lakh to get the fiter unit at Hidkal dam repaired so as to ensure clean water supply to the residents of the Hukkeri taluk.

Eight 33/11-kV substations in Dakshina Kannada
Thursday, September 15, 2005 | MP

Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. (MESCOM) has announced a number of system improvement works aimed to be undertaken at an estimated Rs. 38.89 crores for providing better services to its customers. The measures include establishing eight 33/11-kV substations in Dakshina Kannada at an estimated cost of Rs. 13.99 crores. MESCOM has also urged the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to allow it to hike power tariffs as per its proposal submitted before the commission.

Hire more Kannadigas: CM tells IT sector
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 | MP

Bangalore: Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh said that he will hold talks with industrialists in the information technology (IT) sector about providing employment opportunities to Kannadigas in their companies. On the criticism from the IT sector about lack of infrastructure in the city, the Mr Singh said: "We cannot provide the required infrastructure overnight. The State Government is committed to providing all facilities in the city." Stating that he is aware that there are not enough employment opportunities for Kannadigas in IT companies, he said: "I will talk to the industrialists to provide jobs for Kannadigas in the 1,200 IT companies in the city."

Preeti in B’lore for polygraph test
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 | MP

Starlet Preeti Jain and Naresh Pardesi accused of conspiracy to kill filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar were brought to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Madiwala in Bangalore on Tuesday for a polygraph test. She was made to go through a pre-interview session comprising of a set of preliminary questions following which she was subjected to lie detector test. Sources report that during the tests Jain said that Bhandarkar had become an obstacle to her career in movies. From some of her statements it was constructed that she had decided to eliminate him.

B’lore hospitals reporting dengue cases
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 | MP

Dengue cases have been reported from hospitals including Manipal Hospital and M S Ramaiah hospital. While government hospitals claim that they have not received any cases this month, Manipal hospital reports 14 such cases. M S ramaiah Memorial Hospital is presently treating 4 cases of confirmed dengue. However no deaths have been reported so far. Meanwhile BMP chies health officer maintains that no case of dengue has been reported in the city. The dreaded disease comes with symptoms of high fever, body pain, dark stool, nasal bleeding and feelingsof nausea.

Auto Shankar
Monday, September 12, 2005 | MP

Produced by Ramu, and directed by D. Rajendra Babu, Auto Shankar is an eye opener to life’s reality especially on life of lower middle class people. The movie casts Upendra in the title role as a do good auto driver. Shilpa Shetty plays the leading female role as Maya, daughter of Baadi Kaalamma who controls the entire colony by offering loans to people to meet their needs. The film potrays the mother-daughter duo’s reign of terror. Screen play by Ajaykumar is heavily influenced by Telungu overtones. Shilpa shetty’s acting skills are overshadowed by her skin show. Music by Gurukiran has some catchy songs.

Namma Basava
Monday, September 12, 2005 | MP

Puneeth Rajkumar plays the role of Bassava the street lad who engages in fight with neighbourhood rowdy. His brother wants to get him married but Basava believes in falling in love. He falls in love with music student Gauri and rest of the story goes on with his efforts to capture her heart. Puneeth though getting better with each film needs sone help in his dialogue deliveries. Newcomer Gauri looks pretty. Art Director Arun Sagar’s set erections are remarkable.Veteran Telungu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao plays the main villain in the movie. Gurukiran’s music notable.

State seeks special status for backward regions
Monday, September 12, 2005 | MP

A delegation from Karnataka would call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding special facilities to backward regions of the State on the lines of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh by amending Article 371 of the Constitution, Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh has said. "I understand the problems of underdeveloped areas such as Hyderabad Karnataka. We are seeking special status under Article 371 for the region. That facility can be extended to areas such as Chitradurga also. A delegation will go meet Dr. Singh in this regard," he said.

Mysore Luxury Train delayed
Sunday, September 11, 2005 | MP

The much talked about luxury trains, on the lines of Rajasthan’s ‘Palace-on-wheels’ for the promotion of Karnataka tourism has been put off till March 2006. A joint venture project of Dept of Tourism Govt of India and Karnataka Statre Tourism Development Corporation, will be the third such endeavor in the country after the Palace on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey of Maharastra. With this new venture, th plan is to link Mysore to other heritage centres in Karnataka, including Belur, Halebeedu, Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Badami, and Bijapur, with the final destination in Goa, all covered in a week long tour.

CM blames lobbying
Sunday, September 11, 2005 | MP

Chief Minster Dharam Singh on Saturday alleged that a “systematic propaganda” was being carried out against him on the infrastructure facilities. When queried on whether some political leaders were provoking the IT leaders to criticize the government, Mr Singh evaded a direct reply. “Groupism exists everywhere, including the IT sector”, he added. On Friday, the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) with 540 members had decided to stay away from the IT.in event, in protest against the government’s apathy towards the infrastructure problems plaguing Bangalore.

More firms to boycott Bangalore IT.in
Saturday, September 10, 2005 | MP

This year’s Bangalore IT.in, an event held to showcase the State’s achievement in Information Technology (IT) loose much of its charm with more firms opting to boycott the event which is scheduled for Novemeber. The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) on Friday announced its decision to to stay aaway from the event to protest governments apathy towards Bangalore’s problems like traffic bottlenecks, power shortage and poor infrastructure at airport etc. Earlier athe Bangalore Dorum for IT(BFIT) had decided to boycott the event. The BCIC team consists of 450 members of which 135 belong to the IT and IT Enabled Services segments.

Rabies outbreak in Nagerhole National Park
Saturday, September 10, 2005 | MP

The outbreak of rabies in the border villages of Antharasanthe Forest Range in Nagerhole National Park is posing severe threat of infection to the wildanimals. Anti-rabies vaccine has been procured in large quantities and infected as well as healthy domestic cattle have been vaccinated. The vet department officials are assessing the extent of infection caused to the cattle in G M Halli where cattle deaths due to rabies had been noticed. Blood samples of infected cattle had been sent to the Institute of Animal and Veterinary Biologicals in Bangalore for tests.

4 laned B’lore-Mysore Road soon
Friday, September 9, 2005 | MP

The State Government on Thursady announced that four laning of the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway will be completed by September 30. In order to ensure speedy completion, the stretch from Jnanabharati to Kengeri will be made one way from September 12-22. Barring the works on the 7 major bridges along the highway, the civil works will be completed by month end, Public Works Minister H D Revanna had told.

Bus fares likely to go up
Friday, September 9, 2005 | MP

Following the hike in prices of petrol and diesel, bus fares are likely to go up in State. The BMTC and KSRTC are working out proposals on fare revision to submit to the State Governqment. According to BMTC official the fuel price will cost the BMTC Rs 17 crore more per annum. “As per Government circular if the hike creates a burden of over Rs 11.7 crore on the corporation we can revise the fare.The hike is inevitable if we need to meet our expenses”, he added. However the revised fare structure is said to be framed within the maximing upper limit allowed by the Government.

VTU aims at curbing private tuitions
Thursday, September 8, 2005 | MP

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has come up with e-plans to provide the students the option to enroll for the varsity run free online tution classes. VTU brings these free online tuitions as a method to curb the tendency of students paying excessive fees for undergoing private tuitions. I Semester engineering students can avail this facility by enrolling the web based tuitions. Unlike private tuitions these virtual classrooms are accessible round the clock. Learing materials are prepared by experts and available as per a fixed time table set by VTU’s e-learning center. VTU plans to launch the new initiative on Sept 19 to coincide with the commencement of I Semester classes in engineering clolleges across the state.

Wipro signs up with Karnataka Bank
Thursday, September 8, 2005 | MP

Wipro Infotech has signed a contract with Karnataka Bank for the implementation of a solution for asset liability management. The solution would help Karnataka Bank improve reporting, performance management and corporate governance. Wipro will deploy Oracle's financial services application for the purpose, which will become operational early next year, a release said.

Karnataka Bank revises interest for Non residents
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 | MP

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) has revised interest rates on its non resident (external) rupee deposit scheme with effect from Sept 2. The revised rates of interest for 1 year to less than 2 years is 4.80% from 4.70%. Interest on deposits for 3 to 5 years have been decreased from 5% to 4.9%. The bank has over 380 branches in across the country.

Pollution free immersions on Ganesh Chaturthi
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 | MP

On Ganesh Chathurthi, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board(KSPCB) , Bangalore Development Authority(BDA) and BMP are aiming to protect lakes and other water bodies from pollution due to the immersion of painted Ganesha idols. The BMP has made special arrangements in the form of Kalyanis at the lake s and mobile immersion tanks at designated areas. Immersions are permitted till 10pm. BDA will station decorated immersioin tanks filled with water at the entrance of Lalbagh, Basavanagudi gate from the evening of Sept 7 for a week.

Residents block Dharam's visit
Tuesday, September 6, 2005 | MP

Bangloreans affected by rain fury expressed their ire when Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh visited the rain-hit areas on Monday. They started shouting slogans against the administration and demanded that the Chief Minister walk down the streets and see the conditions for himself. The angry people blocked his vehicle which the CM and officials were travelleing in near JP Nagar Puttenahalli Lake. The people in this area were marooned after heavy rain in the recent days resulted in clogged drains and the lake overflowing. People complainted to the CM, about nobody wanting to take the responsibility.

Let Sonia decide govt’s fate: Gowda
Tuesday, September 6, 2005 | MP

With Congress alleging that JD(S) President, Deve Gowda was attempting to weaken the party, Gowda responded saying that let Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi decide the coalition government’s fate. “Let Sonia get information about what is happening here. If she feels that Gowda is weakening her party or is acting against secular and democratic forces, she is welcome to tell me that our partnership has met a dead end. I will bow to her wishes”, he said. Earlier 70-80 Congress legislators met to express concern over the orderly weakening of the Congress in Karnataka and pointed it to Gowda’s supremacy.

Manipal Hospital to conduct stem cell trials
Monday, September 5, 2005 | MP

Bangalore’s Manipal Hospital's Research Centre is to conduct stem cell-related clinical trials for neurological problems. The trials that will start from October will be performed on persons with myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, peripheral arterial disease and optic nerve injury. For the trials, the researchers are taking only those patients who suffered the problems recently as for those who had the problem for long, the cells could be damaged and researches are uncertain whether the stem cells will work in these conditions. The Hospital’s Research Centre will also start its own embryonic stem cell lines by the end of the year.

New thrust to fisheries activity
Monday, September 5, 2005 | MP

Karnataka Jala Samvardhane Yogana Sangha (JSYS)has placed an order with Fisheries Department for 20 lakh advanced fingerlings to be delivered by October 31. JSYS is the driving force behind this new measure. The stunted and advanced fingerlings would give a better yield in a shorter time and also spell a better survival rate of the stock introduced into the water body. The Fisheries Department is faced with space constraint in producing these special fingerlings and is therefore treating the order from JSYS as a special case.

Airport-Kundalahalli Gate road to be 4 lane
Sunday, September 4, 2005 | MP

Bangalore: The Government has agreed to convert a stretch of the road between HAL Airport and Kundalahalli Gate into a four-lane one. The work on the 5.12 km stretch, which forms part of Bangalore-Varthur Road, will be taken up immediately at a cost of Rs. 5.84 crores. The road, which was under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department, has been handed over to the BDA. The four-lane road will not only provide a big relief to people living on Airport Road and at Marathahalli and Whitefield, but also to a number of industries in the area. An overpass across Bangalore-Salem railway line at Marathahalli is also said to form part of this stretch. The work will be simultaneously undertaken at a cost of Rs. 5.50 crores. The BDA is ready to undertake this work if the Railways agrees with it.

Liveband
Sunday, September 4, 2005 | MP

Directed by B R Keshava and produced by Creative Visuals, Liveband is the story of 5 girls working abroad in a liveband. The film reveals the darker side of the life of liveband dancers. The dilemma of the liveband dancers and their humane side portrayed by the director is creditable. However the editing errors and rash music background spoil the film. The cast includes Sarika, Mohan, Nagesh Mavya and new comers like Mischel, Anupama, Sneha, Pooja. The film has no songs. Cinematography is average.

Brain Bank to research on suicidal tendencies
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

JSS Medical College in Mysore has set up a unique “Depression Brain Bank” to conduct research on suicidal tendencies. The country’s first of its kind, the bank which is a part of the college’s Anatomy Department that will study the various reasons that force people to commit suicide. Research will be done on the functioning of human anatomy including the person’s genes and diet. Currently the bank has collected 20 normal human brains and 20 brains of suicide victims who have committed suicide due to depression. The Institute is also planning to have tie-up with the world’s largest brain bank at Netherlands.

State level National Talent Search Exam on Nov 27
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

The Department of State Educational Research and Training has invited applications for this years(2005-06) State level National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) to be held on Nov 27. Students in 10th standard during 20005-06 are eligible to apply. The last date for submitting the application is Sept 30. Details available on: www.dsert.kar.nic.in

Farmers protest on Center’s move to reduce Almatti water level
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

Farmers' associations in Bijapur district on Friday protested against the Centre's instruction to the Karnataka Government to bring down the water level in the Alamatti Dam to 509.1 m as against the full reservoir level of 519.6 m. Protesters staged a dharna at the entrance to the Deputy Commissioner's office and alleged the Union Government for getting influenced by Maharashtra's propaganda. President of the samiti Basavaraj Kumbar urged the State Government to reject the directive given by the Union Minister for Water Resources on the issue. He also blamed Maharashtra for its unscientific way of storing water in its reservoirs and release of water for causing the floods.

BMP need to demolish 87 buildings: HC
Friday, September 2, 2005 | MP

According to the petitions filed in the Karnataka High Court, the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike(BMP) has to remove 87 buildings put up on the residential sites in violation of zonal regulations in the Koramangala area. The bench directed the BMP commissioner to be personally presented in the court to inform the court regarding the timeframe within which these illegal buildings be removed by the BMP as per the law. The bench came up with this opinion after going through the sample survey conducted by the BMPon the court’s directions.

Kurla Express collides with maxicab near Bangalore
Thursday, September 1, 2005 | MP

Coimbatore-Kurla Lokmanya Tilak Express collided with a maxicab at an unmanned level crossing in Inglur off Anekal main Road on the outskirts of the Bangalore City on Wednesday killing 5 people and injuring 2 of the people traveling in the cab. An unidentified woman is in critical condition at St John’s hospital in Koramangala. The maxicab which was coming down a path parallel to the railway track moved into the unmanned crossing and was hit by the train. The train after hitting dragged the vehicle up to about 15 meters.

Kannada books to go digital
Thursday, September 1, 2005 | MP

To mark the states’s golden jubilee year, the Department of Libraries will digitise 1-lakh Kannada books by November 2006. Karnataka will begin the celebrations of 50 years of formation in November this year; the age-old books at the State Central Library within the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, Cubbon Park, Bangalore will get a promotion. “As part of this, a scanning centre will be set up at the State Central Library within Seshadri Hall. But the Hall is being renovated currently and is likely to be completed in about a month’s time. So we expect the digitisation project to begin by October,” says Mr P Y Rajendra Kumar, Director, Department of Libraries.

Archive: 2004, 2003