Author: NewsDesk

  • Kundapur: Saraswati Vidyalaya College Women’s Throwball Team Secures First Place in Dasara Sports Meet

    Kundapur, August 17, 2025 – The women’s throwball team from Saraswati Vidyalaya Pre-University College, Gangolli, emerged victorious by securing first place in the taluk-level Dasara Sports Meet held for Byndoor and Kundapur taluks on August 17, 2025. The event was organized by the Udupi district administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, featuring a variety of competitions for both men and women, showcasing athletic talent across the region.

    Men’s Throwball Victory

    The Sahara Team from Gangolli delivered an exceptional performance in the men’s throwball category, securing first place. This achievement has earned them the opportunity to represent Kundapur at the upcoming district-level Dasara Sports Meet.

    Event Details

    The sports meet included a range of individual and team events:

    • Men’s Events: Athletics (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, long jump, high jump, shot put, triple jump, javelin throw, discus throw, 110m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay) and team sports (volleyball, kho-kho, kabaddi, football, throwball).
    • Women’s Events: Athletics (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, long jump, high jump, shot put, triple jump, javelin throw, discus throw, 100m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay) and team sports (volleyball, kho-kho, kabaddi, throwball).

    Women’s Throwball Victory

    The Saraswati Vidyalaya Pre-University College women’s throwball team delivered an outstanding performance, securing first place in the women’s throwball category. This victory has earned them the opportunity to represent Byndoor and Kundapura at the upcoming district-level Dasara Sports Meet.

    Qualification for District-Level Meet

    Participants who secured first and second places in individual events and teams that clinched first place in group events, including the Saraswati Vidyalaya Pre-University College women’s throwball team, have qualified to compete in the district-level Dasara Sports Meet.

  • Weather Alert for August 18, 2025: Heavy Rainfall Expected in Karnataka, School Closures Announced

    Bengaluru, August 17, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extremely heavy rainfall in Karnataka’s coastal and south interior districts on August 18, 2025, prompting a red alert for Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga. An orange alert has been issued for north interior districts, including Hassan, Kodagu, Haveri, and Belagavi, while a yellow alert covers Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, Vijayanagara, Yadgir, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Kolar, and Mysuru. Rainfall is expected to persist across the state until August 23, with the Tunga River flowing above danger levels, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.

    School Closures

    • Chikkamagaluru District: Due to torrential rains in the Malenadu region, the district administration has declared a holiday for anganwadis and schools on August 18 in Mudigere, Kalasa, Sringeri, Koppa, Narasimharajapura, and specific hoblis in Chikkamagaluru taluk (Jagar, Khandya, Aldur, Vastare, Avathi). District Collector Meena Nagaraj issued the order as a precautionary measure.
    • Uttara Kannada District: With a red alert in place, the district administration has announced a holiday for primary and high schools across Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Dandeli, and Joida taluks. District Collector Lakshmipriya issued the directive to ensure safety.

    Public Advisory

    The Udupi District Disaster Management Authority has urged residents, tourists, and fishermen to avoid rivers, water bodies, and the sea due to high waves and strong winds expected in the Arabian Sea. People are advised to stay indoors during rain, wind, or lightning, avoid agricultural activities, and steer clear of unstable trees, power lines, or weak structures. Residents in landslide-prone areas should contact tahsildar offices or gram panchayats for relocation to care centers. Emergency contacts include the toll-free number 1077 and the Udupi District Control Room at 0820-2574802.

    The public is requested to adhere to these safety measures to mitigate risks during this period of intense weather activity.

    Heavy rain forecast | Maravanthe | Photo:Waqqas Kazi
  • Brahmavara: Udupi District Farmers’ Association-Backed Group Secures Full Majority in Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Sugar Factory Board Election

    Brahmavara, August 17, 2025 – In the election held on August 17, 2025, for the new board of directors of the Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Sugar Factory, Brahmavara, the group supported by the Udupi District Farmers’ Association secured a full majority. The election, conducted under the supervision of Assistant Development Officer Sunil Kumar C.M. from the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies’ office, saw robust participation and oversight by Deputy Registrar Smt. Lavanya K.R.

    From the general category, Bhujanga Shetty (Brahmavara), Sanjeeva Shetty (Sampigedi), Satish Kini (Belve), K. Doru Sadananda Shetty, and H. Hariprasad Shetty were elected with a majority. Manjunath Giliyar was elected from the Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies category. Additionally, seven candidates were elected unopposed: Ranganayak (Scheduled Tribe reserved seat), Shivaram Haladi (Scheduled Caste reserved seat), Bhoja Kulal (Belanje, Backward Class), Uday Kumar Shetty (Adikodlu, Backward Class B), Chaitra Adapa (Women’s reserved seat), and Girija Poojarthi (Amasebailu, Women’s reserved seat).

    K. Pratapchandra Shetty, president of the Udupi District Farmers’ Association, congratulated all elected candidates, emphasizing the victory as a testament to the farmers’ collective strength and commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sugar factory. This outcome follows the association’s prolonged protests against alleged corruption in the factory, including a 50-day dharna that ended in April 2025 after government assurances of action.

  • Honnavar: Dr. Shanthi Nayak Leaves a Legacy Through Body and Eye Donation

    Honnavar, August 17, 2025 – Dr. Shanthi Nayak, a distinguished litterateur, folklorist, and former district president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, passed away on the night of August 15, 2025, at the age of 85 due to age-related ailments. Honoring her noble wish, her family donated her body to Karwar Medical College for medical research on August 16, 2025, and her eyes to the Lions Charitable Trust’s Revankar Eye Hospital in Kumta on the night of her passing, exemplifying a meaningful contribution to science and society even in death.

    A native of Belekeri in Ankola taluk, Dr. Shanthi Nayak was the wife of renowned litterateur Dr. N.R. Nayak. Holding an M.A. degree, she served as a teacher and gained widespread recognition for her extensive research and writings on folklore. Her literary contributions enriched the cultural landscape of Karnataka, making her a cherished figure in the literary community. Her demise is an irreplaceable loss to the district’s literary sphere.

    On August 16, 2025, from early morning until 11:00 AM, arrangements were made for the public to pay their final respects at her residence in Honnavar. Hundreds of dignitaries, litterateurs, educationists, and members of the public gathered to offer their tributes, reflecting her profound impact on the community.

  • Udupi: District Disaster Management Authority Issues Heavy Rain and Wind Alert for August 18-19, 2025

    Udupi, August 17, 2025 – The Udupi District Disaster Management Authority, led by Deputy Commissioner Swarupa T.K., has issued a press release based on forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Bengaluru, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in coastal Karnataka, including Udupi, from August 18 to August 19, 2025. The IMD predicts intense winds and significantly high sea waves in the Arabian Sea during this period, posing risks of coastal erosion and wave surges.

    Public Safety Guidelines:

    • Avoid Water Bodies: Residents, tourists, and fishermen are strictly advised not to venture near rivers, water bodies, or the sea.
    • Seek Shelter: During rain, wind, or lightning, stay indoors in sturdy buildings and avoid outdoor movement.
    • Agricultural Precautions: Farmers should refrain from agricultural activities during heavy rain or lightning.
    • Avoid Hazardous Areas: Stay clear of unstable trees, electric poles, or exposed power lines. Secure buildings by trimming dangerous branches or tiles.
    • Landslide Risk: Due to potential landslides in heavy rain-prone areas, residents in vulnerable zones should contact the Tahsildar’s office or Gram Panchayat and relocate to nearby care centers.

    Precautionary Measures:

    • Avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe buildings. Those in weak structures should seek shelter in designated care centers.
    • Emergency contact numbers:
      • Toll-Free: 1077
      • District Disaster Management Control Room: 0820-2574802
      • Taluk Tahsildar Offices:
        • Udupi: 0820-2520417
        • Kundapura: 08254-230357
        • Karkala: 08258-230201
        • Kapu: 0820-2551444
        • Brahmavara: 0820-2560494
        • Byndoor: 08254-251657
        • Hebri: 08253-250201
      • Udupi City Municipal Helpline: 0820-2593366 or 0820-2520306

    Instructions for Officials:

    • District and taluk-level officials, designated nodal officers, and local disaster management committee members must remain stationed at their headquarters and be prepared to manage any emergencies.

    The authority urges the public to strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.

    Heavy rain forecast | Maravanthe | Photo:Waqqas Kazi
  • World Breastfeeding Week Celebrated in Gangolli

    Gangolli, August 17, 2025: A World Breastfeeding Week awareness program was conducted on August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Shri Sharada Mantapa, Gangolli, under the joint auspices of the Women and Child Development Department, Udupi, Child Development Project Kundapur, Gangolli Gram Panchayat, Rotary Gangolli, and JCI Gangolli. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and promote healthy mother-child bonding in the community.

    The program was presided over and inaugurated by Jayanti Kharvi, president of Gangolli Gram Panchayat and Dr. Amitha delivered the introductory address. Key guests included:

    • Vijendra K., Project Director, District Child Labour Project Society, Udupi
    • Krishna Poojari, President, Rotary Club, Gangolli
    • Roshan Kharvi, President, JCI Gangolli
    • Anoop Shet, Secretary, Gangolli Gram Panchayat
    • Zahir Ahmad Nakhuda, Member, Kundapur Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, Karnataka Government
    • Rekha, Women and Child Welfare Department, Kundapur

    The event was compered by Philomina Teacher. Attendees included Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Gangolli Gram Panchayat officials, and development officers. The program successfully highlighted the significance of breastfeeding and its role in fostering maternal and child health. The organizers expressed gratitude to all contributors for the event’s success.

  • Udupi: Anganwadi Golden Jubilee Celebrations Planned for October 2, Says Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar

    Udupi, August 17, 2025: During the inauguration of a newly constructed Anganwadi building at Durga Nagar, Yellur, on August 15, 2025, Minister for Women and Child Development and Udupi District In-Charge Lakshmi Hebbalkar announced that Karnataka is preparing to celebrate the golden jubilee of Anganwadis on October 2, 2025. The event, marking 50 years of the Anganwadi initiative, will be a grand celebration, with plans to host it at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, as confirmed in discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

    inauguration of a newly constructed Anganwadi building at Durga Nagar, Yellur

    The minister emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing pre-primary education by introducing LKG and UKG classes in Anganwadi centers, a move that will make Karnataka the first state in India to implement such a program at this level. She noted that the state’s 70,000 Anganwadi centers are being developed in phases to improve infrastructure and services.

    The new Anganwadi building, constructed through the collaboration of Udupi district administration, Udupi Zilla Panchayat, the Women and Child Development Department, and Kaup Taluk Panchayat, aims to provide better facilities for early childhood education and care. Hebbalkar also highlighted the state’s efforts to support Anganwadi workers, including a ₹1,000 honorarium increase in the last budget and recognition of 3,800 mini Anganwadi centers by the central government, the highest in the country.

    The event was attended by Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLC Kishore Kumar, District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Deputy Commissioner Swarupa T.K., Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, Assistant Commissioner Rashmi, Tahsildar Dr. Prathiba, Taluk CEO James Dsilva, and other department officials.

    inauguration of a newly constructed Anganwadi building at Durga Nagar, Yellur
  • Gangolli: Police Raid Gambling Den, Arrest Three in Harkuru

    Gangolli, August 17, 2025: On August 15, 2025, at 4:30 PM, Gangolli police, under the leadership of PSI Pavan Nayak, conducted a raid in a public place near Balehitlu in Harkuru village, following a tip-off from beat constable Mallappa about illegal card gambling. The operation, carried out with staff in the presence of witnesses, led to the arrest of three individuals:

    1. Chittaranjan (53)
    2. Mahabal Kuppayya Poojari (56)
    3. Ganesh Ganiga (55)

    Three others, identified as Chandra, Rajendra Devadiga, and Balaraj, fled the scene during the raid. The police seized ₹6,220 in cash, 52 playing cards of various types, and one polythene sheet used for the gambling activity. A case has been registered at Gangolli Police Station under Crime No. 87/2025, Section 87 of the Karnataka Police Act. Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend the absconding individuals.

  • Amasebailu: Police Raid Gambling Den, 10 Arrested

    Amasebailu, August 17, 2025 – Acting on a tip-off, Amasebailu police, under the leadership of PSI Ashok Kumar, conducted a raid on August 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM in a public shed near Gopal Poojari’s residence in Kela Salamakki, Amasebailu village. The operation targeted an illegal gambling activity where 10 individuals were caught playing the card game “Andar-Bahar” for money on a plastic sheet.

    The arrested individuals include:

    1. Gopal Poojari
    2. Gopal Kothari
    3. Kumar Poojari
    4. Satish Poojari
    5. Suresh Kothari
    6. Uday Poojari
    7. Shankar Poojari
    8. Pradeep Shetty
    9. Surendra Naik
    10. Uday Naik

    All residents of Amasebailu village. The police seized ₹9,450 in cash, 52 playing cards, one plastic sheet, and four mobile phones used in the gambling activity.

    A case has been registered at Amasebailu Police Station under Crime No. 28/2025, Section 87 of the Karnataka Police Act. The operation was supported by police staff Raghavendra, Mallesh, Vinod Kumar, Sachin Kulal, and Sampath Kumar. Further investigations are underway.

  • Udupi: Independence Day celebration by Womens’ India Movement

    Udupi, August 17, 2025: The Women India Movement (WIM) Udupi district unit marked the 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with a series of programs under the theme “Women’s Safety is the Measure of Freedom.” Flag-hoisting ceremonies were organized across various locations, including Udupi, Hoode, Adi Udupi, Kandlur, Gangolli, Kapu, Kombagudde, Malpe, Mulur, and Kundapura.

    The events featured educational sessions on “The Role of Women in the Freedom Struggle and the Current Status of Women in India,” highlighting their contributions and challenges. Additionally, sports and competitive activities were held for women and children to foster community engagement and empowerment.

    The programs were attended by key WIM Udupi district leaders, including President Naziya Nasrulla, General Secretary Rahamatunnisa, Vice President Naseem Mubeen, and field committee leaders Haseena Udupi, Farzana Kapu, Naseema Fatima, Nousheen Kandlur, Nasira Kundapur, and Ayisha Nahreen Gangolli, along with other members.