Category: Udupi

  • Udupi: Udupi Sahabalve Demands Action Against MLA Yashpal Suvarna for Threatening Remarks

    Udupi, August 26, 2025 – The Udupi-based Sahabalve organization has strongly condemned Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna for his conduct, alleging he exceeded his constitutional responsibilities as an elected representative. In a statement, Sahabalve’s Chief Coordinator K. Phaniraj demanded immediate action from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker, citing Suvarna’s inflammatory remarks made on August 24, 2025, against YouTuber Sameer M.D. Suvarna reportedly said in a media interaction, “If Sameer had come to Udupi, we would have played football with him at Malpe Beach. No matter the government, we won’t spare him without teaching a lesson,” statements Sahabalve described as “terror-inducing” and unbecoming of a legislator.

    Sahabalve argued that elected representatives take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and any behavior contrary to this, such as Suvarna’s alleged rowdy-like threats, renders them unfit for office. The organization highlighted Suvarna’s history of actions that disrupt social harmony, claiming his latest remarks insulted the Constitution and the people of Udupi. Such behavior, they stated, is a criminal offense in a constitutional democracy, particularly from someone in a constitutional position, and is “unforgivable.” They urged the Speaker to exercise supreme authority to impose punitive measures, potentially including disqualification, to set a precedent against such conduct.

  • Udupi: Mandatory Formation of Internal Complaints Committee in Workplaces

    Udupi, August 25, 2025: In compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and Supreme Court directives, the Udupi district administration has mandated that every organization employing 10 or more workers must establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address workplace sexual harassment complaints. The directive follows findings that several organizations in the district have failed to form ICCs or report their compliance.

    Organizations that have not yet established an ICC must do so immediately and submit a copy of the formation order to the District Collector’s office. Additionally, a copy must be sent to the Labour Officer’s office, Udupi Sub-Division, located at Rajatadri, 1st Floor, No. A-201, Manipal, Udupi District.

  • Udupi: Liquor Sales Banned on Ganesha Festival Days to Ensure Public Order

    Udupi, August 26, 2025: To ensure public peace and order during the Ganesha festival, Udupi District Magistrate and District Collector Swaroopa T.K. (IAS) has imposed a liquor sale ban across the district on August 27, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and in Udupi city on August 29 and 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The order, issued under Section 21 of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, and Rule 3 of the Karnataka Excise (Sale of Indian and Foreign Liquor) Rules, 1968, mandates the closure of all bars, restaurants, and wine shops holding liquor sale licenses during these periods.

    The decision follows a report from the Udupi District Superintendent of Police (Letter No. 175(11)/SB/General/Ganesha.BB/UJI/2025, dated August 22, 2025), highlighting the risk of disturbances by inebriated individuals during Ganesha idol immersion ceremonies if liquor outlets remain open. The ban aims to prevent potential law and order issues, particularly during the festive processions, which attract large crowds in Udupi, a key religious hub.

    Dry Day Schedule:

    • August 27, 2025: Across Udupi district, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
    • August 29 and 31, 2025: Udupi city limits, 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
    Udupi: Liquor Sales Banned on Ganesha Festival Days to Ensure Public Order
  • Udupi: Applications Invited for Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities

    Udupi, August 25, 2025 – The Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Udupi, has announced the implementation of several welfare schemes for persons with disabilities in the current fiscal year. Eligible candidates in Udupi district are invited to apply for benefits such as:

    • Fee Reimbursement: For students with disabilities pursuing higher education.
    • Marriage Incentive: For individuals marrying a person with a disability.
    • Battery-Operated Wheelchair: To enhance mobility for eligible persons.
    • Niramaya Scheme: Health insurance coverage for persons with disabilities.
    • Spardha Chetana Scheme: Training support for competitive examinations.

    Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025. Application forms and further details can be obtained from the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, C Block, Ground Floor, near Syndicate Bank, District Panchayat Division, Rajatadri, Manipal. Contact numbers: 0820-2574810 and 2574811. The announcement was made by the District Welfare Officer for Persons with Disabilities.

  • Udupi: Cyber Fraudster Dupes Woman of ₹47,191.50 Posing as Nykaa Representative

    Udupi, August 25, 2025: Jaheen Ayesha, a 27-year-old resident of Udupi, fell victim to a cyber fraud on August 21, 2025, losing ₹47,191.50 to an unidentified individual who contacted her at 4:30 PM. The caller, claiming to be from Nykaa, an online shopping company, informed her that her order was stalled due to an incorrect PIN code and urged her to make an advance payment to activate it, promising a refund. Trusting the caller, Jaheen transferred the amount to the provided bank account. When no refund was received, she realized she had been scammed.

    A case was registered at Udupi Town Police Station under Crime No. 158/2025, invoking Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for cheating (punishable by up to seven years imprisonment) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, for cheating by personation using a computer resource (punishable by up to seven years and a fine).

  • Udupi District Police Announces Civilian Rifle Training Course for September 2025

    Udupi, August 23, 2025 – The Udupi District Police Unit has announced a Civilian Rifle Training Course (CRTC) scheduled for September 2025, to be held at the District Armed Reserve (DAR) Parade Ground in Udupi and various taluk centers. This training is mandatory for individuals seeking a firearm license under the Indian Arms Act, 1959, and is also open to licensed weapon owners interested in enhancing their skills.

    Interested citizens, particularly those residing in Udupi district, can obtain application forms from any police station or DAR center in the district. Completed forms must be submitted promptly to the respective police station or DAR center. The training will cover basic rifle drill, firing positions, weapon handling, aiming techniques, and firearm safety protocols, as outlined in similar past programs by the Udupi District Police.

    For further inquiries, the following contact numbers are provided:

    • Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Armed), Udupi: 9480805406
    • Office of the Inspector of Police (Armed), Udupi: 9480805464
    • Police Armorer: 9448946930

    Application Process:

    1. Form Collection: Available at all Udupi district police stations and DAR centers.
    2. Submission: Return filled forms to the respective police station or DAR center immediately.
  • Udupi: Vinay Kumar Sorake Emphasizes Consensus in Waqf Board Chairman Selection

    Udupi, August 23, 2025: Amid ongoing speculation and competition for the Udupi District Waqf Board Chairman position, former minister and senior Congress leader Vinay Kumar Sorake clarified that the selection will prioritize consensus among party leaders. Speaking to the media, Sorake emphasized that the decision will be made after discussions with district Congress MLAs, leaders, and the district in-charge minister, ensuring a suitable candidate is chosen.

    Sorake revealed that he has already consulted with Zameer Ahmed Khan, the state’s Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare Minister, on the matter. “We will sit together with Congress MLA candidates and district leaders to finalize the decision,” he said, underscoring the importance of internal harmony. He firmly ruled out any proposals to appoint individuals from outside the Congress party, stating, “There is no discussion about giving the post to anyone else besides Congress members.”

  • Udupi: Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar Urges Development Under ‘Brand Karavali’ for Coastal Districts

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – Karnataka’s Minister for Women and Child Development and Udupi District In-Charge, Laxmi Hebbalkar, called for a concerted effort to develop the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada under the banner of ‘Brand Karavali.’ Speaking at a meeting in Udupi, she highlighted the favorable environment for progress in these regions, citing their cultural and tourism potential as key drivers for economic growth.

    Hebbalkar noted that the abundance of temples in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada makes them ideal for boosting tourism. She urged entrepreneurs from the coastal region, particularly those based in other states, to invest in their hometowns, stating, “If coastal-origin industrialists invest here, we can witness holistic development in the next two to three years.” The minister’s vision includes leveraging the region’s unique identity to attract investment and enhance infrastructure, positioning ‘Brand Karavali’ as a symbol of progress.

    The meeting was attended by Ministers H.K. Patil, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Mankal Vaidya, along with MLAs, MLCs, and senior officials from the coastal districts. The discussions focused on strategies to harness the region’s potential for tourism, industry, and sustainable development.

  • Udupi: Dr. Shivarama Karanth Birth Anniversary Celebrations with Competitions

    Udupi, August 22, 2025: To commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned Kannada litterateur Dr. Shivarama Karanth, the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Trust, in collaboration with the Karnataka Department of Kannada and Culture, has announced a series of district-level competitions for students and the public. The events aim to celebrate Karanth’s contributions to literature, culture, and social reform.

    Competition Details:

    • Primary School Students: Drawing competition based on illustrations from Karanth’s Balaprapancha (Children’s World), to be drawn on-site.
    • High School Students: Rangoli competition using Balaprapancha illustrations, to be created on-site.
    • Pre-University Students: Speech competition on the topic “Karanth’s Life and Writings Through My Perspective.”
    • College Students, Postgraduate Students, and General Public: State-level essay competition on any one of Karanth’s works, with a word limit of 2,000 words on full-scape paper.

    Prizes: First, second, and third-place winners in each category will receive books and certificates of appreciation.

    Submission Details: Essays must be sent by September 15, 2025, to the Member Secretary, Dr. Shivarama Karanth Trust, Assistant Director’s Office Premises, Department of Kannada and Culture, Shivarama Karanth Kalagrama, Pragathinagar, Alevoor, Udupi – 576104.

    Contact Information: For more details, contact the Udupi Department of Kannada and Culture or call 9964583433, as stated in the Trust’s press release.

  • Udupi: Vidushi Deeksha V Begins 216-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon for Golden Book of World Records

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – Vidushi Deeksha V, a young Bharatanatyam artist from Munkinjaddu, Brahmavar, has begun an ambitious 216-hour continuous dance marathon to etch her name in the Golden Book of World Records. The nine-day event, titled Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, commenced on August 21, 2025, at 3:30 PM at the Postgraduate Auditorium of Dr. G. Shankar Women’s College, Ajjarkad, Udupi, and is set to conclude on August 30, 2025. The performance, supported by Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, follows the Marga Paddhati style, with Deeksha taking a 15-minute break every three hours as per the record attempt rules.

    The event was inaugurated by former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat and dignitaries through a ceremonial lamp-lighting. Deeksha’s guru, Vidwan Sridhar Rao Bannaje, praised her dedication, stating, “My student Deeksha is striving to create a Golden Book of World Records, and she deserves everyone’s blessings. When she approached me, I advised her to complete her Vidwath exam and prepare thoroughly. Having such a dedicated student validates our teaching efforts.” Yashwanth M.G., who previously set a record by singing for 24 hours, inspired Deeksha and was present at the event, noting the challenges and the importance of audience encouragement in alleviating mental stress during the marathon.

    Deeksha, a B.Ed. student at Dr. TMA Pai College of Education, began learning Bharatanatyam at age two and has trained rigorously since age four. She is also skilled in Yakshagana, Veena, Chende, Maddale, and painting. Her attempt follows a recent record by Remona Evette Pereira, who performed Bharatanatyam for 170 hours in Mangaluru. The Asian Head of the Golden Book of World Records will oversee the event to ensure compliance with guidelines, with video documentation capturing every moment of the performance.

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