Udupi, September 10, 2025: The District Sunni Coordination Committee, an umbrella body of 10 Sunni organizations in Udupi, has announced a grand Milad Jatha to commemorate the 1500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The event, organized under the theme of unity and devotion, will feature a Maulid Majlis and a procession through key streets of Udupi city.
In a press conference held at Udupi Press Club on September 10, K.A. Abdurrahman Razvi Kalkatte, President of the Committee, detailed the program. The day will begin with a Maulid Majlis (recitation session) at Anjuman Masjid at 2:30 PM, followed by the Milad Jatha starting at 3:30 PM from the masjid. The procession will proceed via Service Bus Stand, K.M. Marg, and Court Road, concluding at Hutatma Bhavan near Ajjarkad Chowk. The route is designed to pass through prominent areas, symbolizing the Prophet’s message of peace and harmony.
Spiritual leaders Assayyid Jafar Assakhaaf Thaal, B.A. Ismail Madani Mavinkatte (President, Udupi District Ulema Okkuta), Assistant Qazi Abdurrahman Madani Moodlooru, and Maulana Shaukat Razvi Udupi (President, Hafize Millat Academy) will lead the Majlis recitations. The procession’s flag will be handed over to district Sunni organization presidents by Assayyid Ibrahim Junaid Arrifai Thaal Ranginakeri, President of the Milad Welcome Committee.
The concluding program at Hutatma Chowk will feature speeches by Maulana Mufti Badruddin Misbahi Karkala and Ahmed Sharif Saadi Al Kamil Killelooru. The committee expects around 5,000 participants, including high-ranking ulema, sadats, and scouts, with attractive dhol performances adding to the festive atmosphere.
Razvi emphasized the event’s significance in promoting the Prophet’s teachings of compassion and unity, inviting all community members to join. The Milad Welcome Committee’s convener Abdul Wahid Anjuman and Umar Farooq R.K. were also present at the press conference.
Rajgir, September 7, 2025: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team triumphed in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, defeating defending champions South Korea4-1 in the final at Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar, on September 7, 2025. This victory marks India’s fourth Asia Cup title (2003, 2007, 2017, 2025) and earns them a direct qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Singh, India showcased a dominant performance. Sukhjeet Singh scored within the first 30 seconds, followed by Dilpreet Singh’s brace in the 28th and 45th minutes, and Amit Rohidas’s goal in the 50th minute. South Korea’s lone goal came from Dain Son in the 51st minute, but India’s robust defense and clinical attack sealed the win.
Goal Timeline
Time
Scorer
Team
Type
0:30
Sukhjeet Singh
India
Field Goal
28:00
Dilpreet Singh
India
Field Goal
45:00
Dilpreet Singh
India
Penalty Corner
50:00
Amit Rohidas
India
Penalty Corner
51:00
Dain Son
South Korea
Field Goal
India’s campaign was marked by consistent performances, addressing a key concern highlighted by head coach Craig Fulton. After their 7-0 rout of China in the Super 4s, Fulton told PTI, “Always the hardest thing in sport is back-to-back matches. We got to repeat our performance. But at the same time, the guys are in a good place, they are playing well, and they are playing for each other, which is more important than anything else.” He emphasized the need for clinical execution, adding, “The hardest part was getting here, and now we need to just play the match and not the occasion, but you need to think about tomorrow. You need to be clinical.”
India’s journey included topping Pool A with victories over China (4-3), Japan (3-2), and Kazakhstan (15-0), followed by a 2-2 draw against South Korea and a 4-1 win over Malaysia in the Super 4s. Their commanding performance against China secured their final berth.
The victory, India’s first Asia Cup title in eight years, was celebrated by fans nationwide, with the team’s teamwork and consistency earning praise.
Gangolli, September 5, 2025: The coastal town of Gangolli is vibrant with preparations for the Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, marking the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. The festivities, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, have been shifted from Friday due to the festival coinciding with weekly congregational prayers, as decided by the organizers.
The town’s streets are adorned with lights, banners, and festive decorations, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm. Jamiya Mohalla is illuminated in festive colors, and the Sultan Mohalla Duff Team, Kalandar Shah Duff Committee Manipura Kaup, Noorul Huda Duff Committee Kodi and Shiroor Duff team is set to captivate crowds with a highlight performance during the grand rally on Sunday Morning. The rally will commence from Jamiya Mohalla, proceed through the main street towards Gangolli’s last bus stop, pass through Badriya Mohalla, and return. Community members have actively contributed by installing banners across Gangolli, showcasing their support and devotion.
The Eid Milad Committee, led by President Abdul Rasheed (Sultan Mohalla), Vice President Ibrahim Khaleel (Jamiya Mohalla), Secretary Fawaz Khalife (Mubarak Mohalla), Joint Secretary Zaheer Ahmed Nakhuda (Nakhuda Mohalla), and Treasurer Mohammed Jalal (Rahmania Mohalla), is overseeing the elaborate arrangements. The young and old of Gangolli are particularly active, infusing the town with a festive spirit.
This year’s celebration holds special significance as it commemorates 1500 years since the Prophet’s birth, making it a major event for the Muslim community in Gangolli. The rally and associated events are expected to draw large crowds, fostering unity and reverence for the Prophet’s teachings.
Udupi, September 5, 2025: In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Udupi District Police have dismantled two sophisticated online trading scams, arresting six suspects and recovering ₹6 lakh in cash along with multiple mobile phones used to deceive investors. The operations, led by a specialized team under Inspector Ramachandra Nayak, highlight the increasing prevalence of frauds exploiting fake trading platforms and social media networks.
Case 1: Telegram-Based Stock Market Scam
Teertharaj Shenoy (51) from Perampalli Ambagilu, Udupi, lost ₹44 lakh between December 19, 2024, and January 7, 2025, after being lured into fake Telegram groups named Capital Gains Crew and Fidility Institutional Partners F-101. Scammers promised high stock market returns, prompting Shenoy to transfer funds from his and his mother’s accounts. When no returns materialized, he reported the fraud to the Udupi Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police.
Acting on directives from Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, IPS, Additional SP Sudhakar Nayak, and DySP Dr. Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, the police apprehended Shoeb Ahmed (28) and Muddasir Ahmed (40), both from Rahmat Mohalla, Hunsur, Mysuru district. Authorities seized ₹2 lakh in cash and incriminating mobile devices, while other suspects remain at large.
Case 2: Facebook-Linked Gold Trading Fraud
In a separate case, Jossy Ravindra D’Cruz (54) from Shankarpura, Kapu, was defrauded of ₹75 lakh after connecting with a woman named Arohi Agarwal on Facebook in February 2025. She persuaded him via WhatsApp to invest in FXCM Gold Trading, promising substantial returns. D’Cruz transferred the amount in multiple installments before realizing he was scammed.
A special police team arrested four individuals: Mohammed Kais (20) from Prem Nagar, Kodikere village, Surathkal; Ahmed Anveez (20) from Manjatota, Hejamadi; Safwan (30); and Taseer (31), both from Bantwal taluk. The police recovered ₹4 lakh in cash and mobile phones used in the fraud. The masterminds behind this scam are still absconding.
Police Advisory
These arrests underscore the growing threat of online trading scams exploiting social media and messaging platforms. The Udupi District Police urge the public to:
Verify platforms before investing, ensuring they are registered with RBI/SEBI.
Avoid sharing sensitive information like bank details or OTPs.
Report suspicious activities immediately to the Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 or https://cybercrime.gov.in.
Udupi, September 4, 2025: Henry D. Almeida (69), a resident of Udupi, has fallen victim to an online investment scam, losing a staggering ₹1,32,90,000 between July 22, 2025, and September 1, 2025. The scam began when Almeida came across an investment trading advertisement on Facebook on July 19, 2025. Clicking the ad led him to a website, in.*******-***.*om, and he subsequently received messages on WhatsApp urging him to invest in trading.
A person identifying themselves as Ankita Ghosh contacted Almeida, providing information about investment opportunities and adding him to a 725 B*B C**S WhatsApp group. The group contained messages from various numbers promising high returns on investments. Trusting these claims, Almeida contacted the 725 B*B C**S customer care service via WhatsApp, where he was provided with multiple bank account details for transferring funds.
Over the period from July 22, 2025, to September 1, 2025, Almeida transferred a total of ₹1,32,90,000 in phases to the provided accounts, believing he would receive profits. However, neither the invested amount nor any returns were provided, and Almeida realized he had been deceived, resulting in significant financial loss.
The Udupi CEN (Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics) Crime Police Station has registered a case under Crime No. 46/2025, invoking Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and identity theft through digital means. The police are investigating the incident.
New Delhi, September 3, 2025: The GST Council, in its 56th meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved a landmark overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, reducing the four main slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to two slabs of 5% and 18%, effective from September 22, 2025, the start of Navratri. A special 40% slab will apply to “sin goods” like tobacco and luxury items, while cigarettes and similar items retain 28% plus compensation cess until loan repayments are cleared.
The reforms aim to boost consumption ahead of the festive season, address inverted duty structures in textiles and fertilizers, ease MSME compliance, and counter export challenges from US tariffs. Sitharaman emphasized that the changes prioritize the “common man and middle class.” GST on individual life and health insurance policies (term, ULIP, endowment, family floaters, senior citizens) and reinsurance is now exempt (0%), enhancing affordability.
“This is a simpler, growth-oriented GST reform,” Sitharaman said. “We’ve corrected inversions, removed disputes, and ensured economic momentum with state support.”
Key Changes: What’s Cheaper and What’s Costlier Nearly 99% of items in the 12% slab move to 5%, and 90% in the 28% slab shift to 18%. Essentials like paneer, Indian breads (roti, paratha), and namkeens are now at 0% or 5%, while luxury goods like large cars and tobacco face 40%. Below is a table of major rate changes (sourced from the Ministry of Finance):
GST Rate Changes Table
Description
From (%)
To (%)
Condensed milk
12
5
Butter, ghee, oil
12
5
Cheese
12
5
Paneer or chenna
5
0
Dates
12
5
Fish and caviar, prepared and preserved
12
5
Shrimps and prawns, prepared and preserved
12
5
Refined sugar (flavored/colored), sugar cubes
12
5
Confectionery
18
5
Cocoa powder
18
5
Chocolates and other food preparations
18
5
Pasta
12
5
Pastry, cakes, biscuits, bread
18
5
Pizza bread
5
0
Khakhra, chapathi, roti
5
0
Jams and fruit jellies
12
5
Tender coconut water
12
5
Coffee extracts
18
5
Coffee
12
5
Mustard, mayonnaise
12
5
Soups and broth
18
5
Ice cream
18
5
Paratha, parotta, other Indian breads
18
0
Namkeens
12
5
Pan masala
28
40
Diabetic foods
12
5
Drinking water
12
5
Mineral/aerated waters
18
5
Aerated beverages with sugar
28
40
Non-alcoholic beverages
18
40
Plant-based milk
18
5
Soya milk drinks
12
5
Fruit juice
12
5
Carbonated beverages with fruit juice
28
40
Beverages containing milk
12
5
Caffeinated beverages
28
40
Cigars and cigarettes
28
40
Bidis
28
18
Tobacco
28
40
Retail medicines
12
5
Bandages, dressing
12
5
Talcum powder, face powder
18
5
Hair oil, shampoo
18
5
Dental floss, toothpaste
18
5
Tooth powder
12
5
Shaving cream, lotion, aftershave
18
5
Agarbatti
12
18
Toilet soap
18
5
Candles, tapers
12
5
Handcrafted candles
12
5
Silicon wafers
12
5
All diagnostic kits
12
5
Tyre for tractors
18
5
Handbags
12
5
Wood, stone idols
12
5
Handicraft
12
5
Exercise books, graph books, notebooks
12
0
Maps
12
0
Carpets
12
5
Handmade/hand embroidered shawls
12
5
Apparel over Rs 2,500
12
18
Footwear less than Rs 2,500 per pair
12
5
Umbrellas
12
5
Mathematical/geometry/colour boxes
12
5
Wind mills
12
5
PV cells
12
5
ACs
28
18
Solar water heater
12
5
Dishwashing machines
28
18
TVs
28
18
Motor cars (other)
28
40
Petrol cars (≤1200cc, ≤4000mm)
28
18
Diesel cars (≤1500cc, ≤4000mm)
28
18
Ambulances
28
18
Three-wheeled vehicles
28
18
Hybrids (≤1200cc, ≤4000mm)
28
18
Hybrids (>1200cc or >4000mm)
28
40
Bodies for motor vehicles
28
18
Parts and accessories (auto)
28
18
Bumpers and parts for tractors
18
5
Motorcycles (≤350cc)
28
18
Motorcycles (>350cc)
28
40
Bicycles, non-motorized
12
5
Yachts, vessels for pleasure/sports
28
40
Glucometer and test strips
12
5
Contact lenses, spectacle lenses
12
5
Spectacle frames, mountings
12
5
Spectacles, corrective
12
5
Thermometers
18
5
Revolvers and pistols
28
40
Pencils, crayons
12
0
Smoking pipes
28
40
Combs, hair pins
12
5
Additional Notes:
Exemptions: GST on 33 life-saving drugs reduced to 0% from 12%; 3 cancer/rare disease drugs to 0% from 5%; several drugs to 5% from 12%. All individual life/health insurance policies (term, ULIP, endowment, family floaters, senior citizens) and reinsurance now 0% from 18%.
Agriculture and Handicrafts: Tractors, agricultural machinery, 12 bio-pesticides, natural menthol, handicrafts, marble/granite blocks to 5% from 12%. Cement to 18% from 28%.
Textiles and Fertilizers: Man-made fibre to 5% from 18%, yarn to 5% from 12% (textile inversion fix). Sulfuric/nitric acid, ammonia to 5% from 18% (fertilizer fix).
Renewable Energy: Biogas plants, windmills, PV cells, solar heaters to 5% from 12%.
Tobacco: Retains 28% plus cess until loan repayment; transition to 40% to be set by FM.
Broader Impacts The reforms introduce pre-filled returns, automated refunds, and simplified registration for MSMEs. The end of compensation cess by March 2026 frees fiscal space, though states like Jammu & Kashmir flagged revenue concerns. Experts estimate a ₹5.31 lakh crore (1.6% GDP) consumption boost, countering export risks from US tariffs. The second meeting day on September 4 will finalize transition details.
Gujjadi, September 3, 2025:Amit P. Mesta, son of Jyoti Prakash Mesta from Gujjadi village in Kundapur taluk, has achieved a remarkable feat by being crowned Champions of Champions at the Mr. Karnataka Bodybuilding Championship held in Bengaluru on August 24, 2025. His outstanding performance across multiple categories has earned him the prestigious Mr. Karnataka 2025 title, inspiring young athletes in the region.
Amit secured gold medals in both the Men’s Physique and Classic Physique categories, while clinching a silver medal in the Bodybuilding category. His excellence in the Classic Physique division led to the highest honor of Champions of Champions, solidifying his position as the overall winner of the state-level event.
Bhatkal, September 3, 2025: The newly inaugurated hi-tech fish market on Hospital Road, Bhatkal, is now bustling with activity, drawing large crowds of buyers and vendors just days after a lackluster opening on September 1. The modern facility, constructed by Bhatkal Municipality at a cost of ₹1.38 crore, is being hailed as a significant upgrade over the old, congested fish market, offering world-class amenities including dedicated parking, proper vendor stands, and advanced cleaning equipment.
The market’s opening day was marked by disappointment, with no vendors showing up until noon due to a reported boycott by some sellers. However, the tide has turned, and the facility is now seeing a surge in participation. A diverse range of fresh fish, including kingfish and prawns, is available at competitive prices, attracting buyers from across the region.
Local residents and leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the market, urging the community to embrace the change. “The government has provided us with a beautiful, hygienic facility, but people need more awareness to fully utilize it,” said a community member. “The old market had severe parking issues and was unhygienic. We complained about the lack of government action, and now that we have this new market, we must support it.”
Another resident praised the market’s cleanliness and infrastructure, stating, “The facilities here are world-class—clean, spacious, with ample parking. Fresh fish is readily available, and I encourage all Bhatkal residents to visit and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A community leader thanked Bhatkal Tanzeem and Bhatkal Municipality for their efforts, emphasizing the health risks posed by the old market. “The old fish market was surrounded by garbage, leading to diseases like typhoid and malaria. This new market offers a clean environment and a wide variety of fresh fish at affordable prices. Our goal is to make this one of the most prominent fish-selling hubs in coastal Karnataka.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A Long-Awaited Demand Fulfilled
The new fish market addresses a demand that dates back to 2018, driven by the poor conditions of the old market, which was cramped and posed health risks. Advocate Santosh Nayak, former president of Bhatkal Taluk Block Congress, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “The old market was in a deplorable state, with no proper arrangements for sellers or buyers. The new facility is a game-changer for both. Initially, there was resistance, as seen in similar transitions like Shirale’s fish market, but vendors will gradually move here and reserve their spaces.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A municipality leader added, “After years of pressure and government procedures, we successfully opened this ₹1.38 crore facility on September 1. It’s a clean, hygienic space designed to benefit the entire community.”
Overcoming Initial Challenges
On the opening day, the absence of vendors left early customers disappointed, with only one seller arriving by midday to offer kingfish and prawns, which sold out quickly. Municipal in-charge president Altaf Kharuri acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic, stating, “Despite some vendors backing out due to external discouragement, we are committed to making this market a success. We appeal to residents to support this initiative as more sellers join.”
A Bright Future for Bhatkal’s Fish Trade
With its modern infrastructure and growing popularity, the new fish market is poised to transform Bhatkal’s fish trade. The facility not only addresses long-standing issues of hygiene and space but also positions Bhatkal as a potential hub for fresh, affordable seafood in coastal Karnataka. Community leaders and residents alike are calling for continued support to ensure the market’s success.
With inputs from Fikrokhabar Bhatkal and Bhatkalnews
Udupi, September 3, 2025: The Dalita Sangharsha Samiti (Jai Bhim Nilipade, Gangolli, Kundapur) has submitted a request to the Karnataka government to confer the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award upon Dinesh Kharvi, a renowned diving expert and lifeguard at the Gangolli Lighthouse. The committee emphasized recognizing Kharvi’s selfless social service through this prestigious honor.
Dinesh Kharvi has been engaged in selfless community service for several years, transcending caste, religion, and creed. As a skilled diver, he has retrieved more than 200 bodies from seas, rivers, waterfalls, wells, and ponds, handing them over to grieving families. His efforts have provided immense solace to affected families, establishing him as an exemplary figure in society.
In this regard, representatives of the Dalita Sangharsha Samiti submitted a written petition to Sri U.T. Khader Farid, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The letter urges the government to honor Kharvi’s invaluable contributions by awarding him the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award.
Bengaluru, September 1, 2025:Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, has announced a significant initiative, “RCB Cares,” aimed at supporting the families of 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The franchise revealed on August 30, 2025, via its official X account (@RCBTweets), that it will provide ₹25 lakh to each bereaved family as part of this initiative, marking a substantial increase from the initial ₹10 lakh compensation announced shortly after the incident.
The stampede occurred during celebrations following RCB’s historic first IPL title win, a six-run victory over Punjab Kings on June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. An estimated crowd of nearly 3 lakh fans gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate, leading to severe overcrowding and chaos near the stadium gates. The tragedy claimed 11 lives, including a child, and injured over 50 others, casting a dark shadow over RCB’s long-awaited triumph. The Karnataka government and a formal inquiry later blamed the franchise for inadequate crowd management, with reports highlighting that the stadium’s infrastructure was deemed unsafe for such large gatherings.
In response to the tragedy and subsequent public criticism, RCB launched “RCB Cares” to provide not only financial aid but also long-term support for affected families and the broader fan community. The franchise issued a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families. Not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care.”
The initiative outlines several key objectives:
Providing holistic support beyond financial assistance.
Ensuring safer environments for fans at future events.
Funding independent research on crowd safety measures.
Creating opportunities in sports for communities.
Preserving the memories of fans in meaningful ways.
Investing in the next generation through sports development.
RCB’s initial response to the tragedy—a brief condolence message and ₹10 lakh per family—drew criticism for being inadequate, with many fans and analysts labeling it as “damage control.” The franchise acknowledged the backlash, noting that their prolonged silence was a period of “grief, listening, and learning.” The enhanced ₹25 lakh compensation and the launch of “RCB Cares” aim to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to accountability. The team emphasized that this is “the beginning of a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honoring their memory.”
The Karnataka government’s inquiry, led by the Deputy Commissioner, highlighted lapses in planning by RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). A report submitted to the Karnataka High Court declared Chinnaswamy Stadium“unsafe” for large gatherings, leading to the relocation of events like the 2025 Maharaja Trophy and Women’s ODI World Cup matches. The state government also announced ₹10 lakh compensation per family and covered medical expenses for the injured, but faced criticism from opposition leaders for poor crowd control measures.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on X. While some praised RCB’s increased aid and long-term vision, others felt the response was delayed. “Nothing can fill the void of a life lost, but this is the least they can do,” wrote one user. Another post lauded the initiative, with fans welcoming “RCB Cares” as a step toward genuine care and responsibility.
As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 season, “RCB Cares” aims to strengthen the bond with its “12th Man Army” by prioritizing fan safety and community welfare. More details about the initiative’s rollout are expected soon, with the franchise promising actions that “reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve.”
