Sweet corn turns into money-spinner for him

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Basavaraj Arjun Rao Patil taking a look at the sweet corn crop in his field at Udnur, a village on the outskirts of Kalaburagi, on Monday.— PHOTO: ARUN KULKARNI
Basavaraj Arjun Rao Patil taking a look at the sweet corn crop in his field at Udnur, a village on the outskirts of Kalaburagi, on Monday.— PHOTO: ARUN KULKARNI

Basavaraj Arjun Rao Patil has earned a profit of Rs. 50,000 from one acre of land

For progressive farmer Basavaraj Arjun Rao Patil, the cultivation of sweet corn on his 14-acre agriculture plot has turned out to be a virtual money spinner.

While a majority of the farming community is reeling under heavy loss by taking up the cultivation of traditional crops due to failure of rain, it has been a windfall for Mr. Patil, who reaped a profit of Rs. 50,000 from one acre of land by taking up the cultivation of sweet corn.

He has turned out to be a benevolent seller of green fodder to needy farmers at a time when the farmers are facing severe shortage of fodder to feed their cattle. Talking to The Hindu in his agricultural field, Mr. Patil said that the market for sweet corn was very good and the traders come to his agriculture field to purchase the crop which was in great demand in Kalaburagi and outside. .

Average income

He said that the average income by selling the fodder and the sweet corn in an acre was around Rs. 55,000 to 60,000 and after deducting the cost of the cultivation the average profit from one acre of land was around Rs. 50,000. Mr. Patil said that the green fodder was edible and mixed with jaggery and salt water, the fodder would be more acceptable to the cattle.

Mr. Patil said that the maintenance and cultivation of the sweet corn was very easy compared to other crops.

Another added advantage was that it was a short duration crop and the harvest of the crop can be done after 75 days. The only costly thing in the cultivation of the sweet corn was the seeds, he said. “I used to cultivate sugarcane and banana.

The average income generated was around Rs. 50,000 per season and the duration of the cultivation of these crops was one year, whereas sweet corn is a short duration crop,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka/ by T.V. Sivanandan / Kalaburagi – December 01st, 2015

Carnatic musician S. Krishnamurthy passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Nonagenarian vocalist S. Krishnamurthy, grandson of renowned composer Mysore Vasudevacharya, passed away on Saturday morning at his residence in the city. He was suffering from lung congestion for the last few weeks.

Krishnamurthy, who retired as the Station Director of Dharwad Akashavani in 1980, had served AIR for more than three decades at various places in Karnataka and outside. After he retired from Akashavani in 1980, he served at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan as its programme director.

Born in 1922 in Mysuru, Krishnamurthy was an economics graduate who spent nearly four decades with his grandfather Mysore Vasudevachar who was then the Mysore Palace Vidwan. After his graduation, when he was supposed to go over to Bombay to take up a job, it was Vasudevacharya who had requested the Mysuru king Jayachamaraja Wadiyar to provide him a job in the city. That was how he came to be appointed in Akashavani Mysore as Additional Programme Assistant, a job created specially for him then.

“My father’s sense for music was paramount as he was not just a Carnatic vocalist but a trained Western Classical musician too,” says his daughter Kusuma, an art and craft enthusiast. At the palace, young Krishnamurthy had been trained in Western Classical by musicians of the London Trinity School. He also played the piano and the jal-tarang. He was adept at the English numbers played by the western music orchestra there.

It was this kind of variety musical nurturing that earned him a unique place during Jayachamaraja Wadiyar’s time when Krishnamurthy helped translate several musical lessons from Vasudevacharya into Western staff notations for the king.

Musician S. Shankar recalled that his Krishnamurthy’s English transliteration of Mysore Vasudevachar’s kritis was released only recently. One of S. Krishnamurthy’s close colleagues in AIR, N.S. Krishnamurthy, recalled the time when he and Krishnamurthy, with stalwarts such as R.K. Srikantan and Selvapillai Iyengar, delved into newer formats and experimentations when radio was a new medium.

While Krishnamurthy’s distinguishing career saw him producing several musical programmes, directed ensembles and musical-dramas, he also wrote several books. His “Vaggeyakara Vasudevacharya” is a well-known book.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – December 05th, 2015

Dancers set Guinness Record

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Kuchipudi dancer Roopa Rajesh’s accomplishment of performing an eight-minute Kuchipudi Tarangam piece with 1,054 dancers from her Noopura Fine Arts Academy, performed in 2013, has bagged a place in the Guinness World Records.

“The process of verification by Guinness authorities took a long time. This year, we received the Certificate from Guinness World Records,” says Ms. Roopa who trained, directed and guided the entire dance capsule.

The academy will distribute the Guinness World Record certificate to the participants at its annual fest at NMKRV College on December 5 at 10.30 a.m.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – December 05th, 2015

PSLV bags two more US launch orders

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

To lift weather company PlanetiQ’s first two satellites next year.

Two more U.S. satellite launch contracts have come the way of ISRO’s PSLV rocket, this time from commercial weather satellite company PlanetiQ.

A couple of space industry observers noted this as an inevitable trickle of business, if not a flow yet, from a top space market such as the U.S. to the now proven Indian player.

PlanetiQ, the Colorado-based commercial weather satellites operator, recently signed a deal with Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s marketing arm, for launching its first two weather satellites. Its final fleet totally will have 12 to 18 satellites.

Secondary passengers

The two spacecraft, just 10 kg each and carrying a special sensor to glean weather data globally, are planned to be put in space in the last quarter of 2016 as secondary passengers of a PSLV, according to the company.

PlanetiQ quoted its Chairman and CEO Chris McCormick mentioning “the stellar track record of the PSLV” in its Thursday night’s announcement of the contract.

The global launch market scene for small satellites and PlanetiQ’s keenness for the Indian launcher may well bring its remaining weather fleet also to the PSLV, said ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar on Friday.

Antrix has bagged nine such U.S. launch orders for 2015-16.

The PlanetiQ satellites are small bites for the PSLV, which can launch up to 1,200 kg to medium distances (36,000 km) and 1800-kg satellites to low-Earth (below 2,000 km) orbits.

Until about a year ago, U.S. satellite operators could not conceive of launching from India because of a longstanding U.S. policy bar. In recent years, established U.S. launch companies have moved on to lifting far heavier satellites [ten tonnes and beyond], leaving a demand for launchers that can put smaller satellites in space.

In September, US operator Spire Global became the PSLV’s first US customer by getting four 4-kg-each Lemur satellites from Sriharikota. Antrix, which has won around 55 foreign launch orders to date, a bulk of them small ones, prefers to get bigger foreign satellites to launch from here.

Lobbying works

Susmita Mohanty, co-founder and CEO of Earth2Orbit, the country’s first space start-up, who is familiar with the Indian and U.S. space industry scenes, said: “[US] companies can benefit tremendously now that PSLV has been added to their portfolio of international launch options. This has been made possible by the companies themselves lobbying for access to the PSLV, the export control reforms introduced by the Obama administration and the efforts of “NewSpace companies” such as hers.

Russia’s converted missile launcher, Dnepr, Soyuz and the newer European vehicle Vega are in the same category as the PSLV.

Space industry tracking agency Euroconsult estimated in February this year that by 2020, governments and private operators would launch a total of 510 small satellites. The biggest number of small satellites is foreseen to come from the U.S. in the next five years. That country has also launched almost half of 600-plus smallsats in the last decade, the report says.

This article earlier mentioned PlanetiQ as a Maryland-based company. It is a Colorado-based firm.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National / by Madhumathi D.S. / Bengaluru – December 06th, 2016

Workshop on papaya farming on Dec. 8

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

The University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, will hold a workshop on papaya farming at the varsity on December 8.

A release said that 250 papaya growers had registered for the event which would be inaugurated by progressive farmers and the former Minister Ajaykumar Sarnaik. Vice-Chancellor D. L. Maheshwar would be present. An interaction programme between farmers and experts would be held and farmers could share their views and seek clarifications from the experts.

Second session

The second session would deal with pest management in papaya plantations and the last session would deal with the equipment required for papaya farming, preservation of the fruit and its marketing.

Exhibition

A special exhibition of material related to papaya cultivation too would be held, the release said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Bagalkol – December 07th, 2015

V.S. Malimath dead

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Justice V.S. Malimath, Chairman of the Karnataka Border Protection Commission and former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts, breathed his last at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday. He was 86 years old and survived by wife Prema Devi V. Malimath, a son and four daughters.

Family members told The Hindu that Malimath was admitted to the hospital following viral bacterial infection about a week ago. The last rituals would be held at Chamarajpet graveyard in Bengaluru on Thursday morning at about 10-30 a.m.

According to official information, V.S. Malimath, born on June 12, 1929, secured the first rank in LL.B. and a postgraduate Diploma in Public International Law from the University of London in 1952. He began practising in the High Court of Bombay in 1952 and shifted to Bengaluru in late 1956. He was appointed as Advocate General in 1968 and as Judge of the Karnataka High Court in March, 1970. He was appointed as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court on February 2, 1984. He was transferred to Kerala in same position in 1985. Post-retirement he was appointed as Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal and later as Member of the National Human Rights Commission. Malimath also headed the Committee on Reform of Criminal Justice System in India and was the United Nations Representative to monitor human rights enforcement in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. He also served as an International Observer to oversee the referendum in Sri Lanka. During his service, he represented India in several international conferences.

In recognition of his yeoman services, he was conferred with the National Citizen’s Award by the President of India, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka and Honorary Doctorate of Law by Karnataka University.

He was appointed as chairman of the Karnataka Border Protection Force by the Karnataka Gvernment in June this year to provide legal counselling on the boundary dispute with Maharashtra and also to look into the issues and problems of the people living in boundary areas of Karnataka, particularly in north Karnataka.

Belagavi District Kannada Organisation Action Committee President Ashok Chandargi and veteran leaders including former Mayor Siddangouda Patil and Raghavendra Joshi have expressed their condolences and decided to hold a public condolence meeting in the city on Sunday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belagavi – December 23rd, 2015

President pays tribute to HK region’s cultural legacy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, All
Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Karnataka H.M. Maheshwaraiah felicitating President Pranab Mukherjee in Kalaburagi on Tuesday. —Photo: Arun Kulkarni
Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Karnataka H.M. Maheshwaraiah felicitating President Pranab Mukherjee in Kalaburagi on Tuesday. —Photo: Arun Kulkarni

‘Karnataka is a land of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual nature’

President Pranab Mukherjee has paid rich tributes to the unique features of Karnataka and its rich historical background and termed the State as the land of “a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual nature”.

He also spoke very highly about the rich cultural legacy of the Hyderabad Karnataka region, while delivering the convocation address of the Central University of Karnataka at the ESIC Medical Education Complex auditorium here on Tuesday.

The President said that religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, Veerashaivism (Lingayatism) and Islam flourished in the region. The Vachana movement, Sufi movement, keertanakars and thatva padakars had shaped the hearts and minds of the people, Mr. Mukherjee said.

The Hyderabad Karnataka region had its own indigenous identity as Urdu and Persian literature along with Kannada folk literature flourished here.

“The land also carries with it a rich legacy of diverse educational experiments and experiences,” he said.

Mr. Mukherjee said that the region was the seat of two universities in the past –Anubhava Mantap of the 12th century and Mahmud Gawan’s Madarsa which attracted intellectuals from across the country and abroad. The ancient Buddhist centre of learning was located at Sannati in Chitapur taluk in Kalaburagi district and Nagavi Ghatikasthan too was located at Chitapur. “It is incumbent on the contemporary educational institutions in the State to take forward this tradition of knowledge.”

Mr. Mukherjee said that the Central University of Karnataka could set its educational priorities in its nascent stage itself to achieve the lofty ideals set by the seers and educationists.

The university, which had a modest beginning, made tremendous progress in a short period of time, the President said.

He said that the university was proceeding in the right direction to mould the destinies of the youth of this region. Mr. Mukherjee paid compliments to the university authorities for waiving the fees of girl students from economically weaker sections of society.

Mr. Mukherjee said that the students passing out with merit from the university had been provided with implements to shine wherever they go and flourished whatever they do. The students should comprehend the hopes and expectations of their relatives, society and nation at large and they were duty bound to uplift the underprivileged and the alleviate the burning problems of society.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by T.V. Sivanandan / Kalaburagi – December 23rd, 2015

Sandesha Foundation announces annual Sandesha Award to eight including Venkatesha Murthy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mangaluru :

Eminent writer H S Venkatesha Murthy is among eight achievers selected by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, Mangaluru to receive the Sandesha Awards 2016. The foundation for the past 24 years has been honouring personalities who have made significant contribution to Kannada, Konkani and Tulu literature, art and culture and in these years has honoured 223 persons, institutions with the award in 10 different categories.

Announcing the awards here, writer Na D’Souza, president of the Sandesha Awards jury said the jury only went by the merit of the names placed before it and did not receive any applications in this regard. The jury comprised on Na Damodhar Shetty, Sara Abubakkar, Chandrakala Nandavar, Eric Ozario and Richard Louis. The awards that consists of Rs 10,000 cash, citation and memento will be presented at an awards ceremony to be held at Sandesha on January 16, 2016.

While Venkatesha Murthy has been selected for Sandesha literature award, Gladys Rego has been selected for Sandesha Konkani literature award, actor-dramatist Devdas Kapikad for Sandesha Tulu literature award, Sugantha Sathiaraj for Sandesha best teacher award, Ustad Rafique Khan from Sandesha Art award, Alexander Joel Pereira for Sandesha Konkani music award, Thomas D’Souza for Sandesha media award and G S Jayadeva for Sandesha music award.

EOM/December 14, 2015

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / December 14th, 2015

Udupi man generates power from tidal waves

Science & Technology

Udupi :

Even as the world looks to generate power from alternative energy sources, environmentalist and engineer Vijay Kumar Hegde, head of the Susi Global Research Centre, Udupi has successfully generated power from tidal energy through his small projects after 30 years of dedicated effort. He recently got a patent for his power plant design.

Hegde said, “With government approval, a single commercial plant will be set up within two years to produce 10MW. The project costs around Rs 6 crore per MW and it’s the lowest compared to hydro, thermal or nuclear plants. It’ll be one of the world’s most cost-effective power project. Udupi has a 360-km coastal belt, of which 60km is a thickly populated area used for fishermen. However, a 300-km stretch is free and even if half of that,150 km, is used for tide plantation, 15,000MW can be generated. The state requires 3,000MW additional energy. The proposed plant will have the capacity to distribute power for less than Rs 5 per unit to the government.”

The sea waves are continuous in motion with no pause in their movement so expected power capacity is 100 plus. The proposed plant produces much greater amount of energy at a lesser cost. He has plans to set up five small plants with the same design. Two have already been installed and in January, a third plant will be installed, and the others will be installed within three months. A fifth plant will generate highest capacity of 100kW power.

It is a clean energy project, without artificial dam, turbines and minimal transmission loss.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The  Times of India / News Home> Hubballi / TNN / December 03rd, 2015

Royal Family wins case in SC against MUDA

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

• MUDA asked to return unused 16 acres land and pay compensation for 78 acres.

• JSS Mahavidyapeetha to lose 15 acres at SJCE campus.

Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs & Aerial view of land to be returned.
Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs & Aerial view of land to be returned.

Mysuru :

The Supreme Court (SC) today ruled in favour of the legal heirs of late Sirdar K.B. Ramachandra Raje Urs, who had accused the MUDA of illegally acquiring 94 acres of his property during 1985-88. The 94 acres of land is question is the area next to the Premier Studio and the SJCE campus.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning after the judgement, son of late Ramachandra Raje Urs, Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs said that in 1984 the MUDA had acquired their lands by simply sending preliminary notices and never the final notice. He also said that the MUDA did not even pay them any compensation.

Continuing, Kanthraj said that, suddenly they noticed that fencing work had begun on their properties and it was only then they realised that the MUDA had acquired 94 acres of their family land and had allotted 55 acres of it to the JSS Mahavidyapeetha. In the remaining 30 acres, 22 acres was illegally acquired and houses were built by many Government officials and the remaining 16 acres next to the Premier Studio now lies vacant.

Kanthraj added saying that the 16 acres was left vacant because by the time illegal houses cropped up, his father late Ramachandra Raje Urs filed a case in 1994 and brought a stay.

In 2001, a Single Judge Bench passed a ruling in favour of late Ramachandra Raje Urs and his legal heirs. Immediately, MUDA and JSS went in appeal before a Division Bench of the High Court in 2001 and the appeal was allowed.

After this, Kanthraj Urs moved the Supreme Court in 2004.

This morning the Supreme Court ruled that in the 55 acres that MUDA had allotted to JSS on which SJCE is established, the unused 15 acres be taken back by MUDA.

It also ruled that MUDA should pay the legal heirs of late Ramachandra Raje Urs compensation for 78 acres as per the market value that was prevailing on Jan. 1, 2001 and also return the unused 16 acres of vacant land next to the Premier Studio to them.

The legal heirs of Ramachandra Raje Urs are his son Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs, daughters Tripurasundari Devi (biological mother of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar), Deepa Malini Devi and Kirti Malini Devi.

When Star of Mysore spoke to the MUDA Commissioner in this regard this morning, he also confirmed that the case was ruled in favour of the legal heirs of late Ramachandra Raje Urs.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Wednesday – December 16th, 2015