Category Archives: Karnataka (under research project)

Meet Mangaluru’s Mubeena Banu who secured government job after 13-year-long legal battle

Hokkodgoli (Arambodi Village, Belthangady Taluk) Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru:

In a remarkable tale of perseverance and determination, Mubeena Banu, a Muslim woman from Hokkodigoli in Arambodi village, Belthangady taluk, has secured a government post after a 13-year-long legal battle.

Mubeena Banu, the tenth child of Muhammad H, a beedi contractor, and D. Zainaba, pursued her education in her village from 1st standard to 2nd PUC. She later completed her graduation from a private college in Moodbidri and earned her post-graduation (MA) from Mangalore University, Konaje. In 2008, with the aim of fulfilling her parents’ dream, she applied for the post of Supervisor in the Women and Child Welfare Department.

Despite her qualifications, she faced a setback when she was not selected for the post in 2010. Undeterred, Mubeena Banu investigated the reason for her exclusion and discovered a discrepancy in her marks. Her BA degree marks were recorded incorrectly as 71.79% instead of the actual 75.36%. Despite facing resistance from senior officers, Mubeena persisted in her efforts, seeking support from former MLAs Vasant Bangera and Ramanatha Rai.

Having relocated from Mittabailu to Melkar and working as a lecturer in a private educational institution, Mubeena approached Speaker UT Khader for assistance in her final attempt. She filed a complaint with the Lokayukta and approached the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT). Through persistent efforts, KAT ruled in favor of Mubeena Banu.

On January 10, 2024, the Women and Child Welfare Department issued an appointment order to Mubeena Banu for the position of Supervisor at the Office of Child Development Project Officer, Bantwal Taluk. Mubeena, who initially applied from Arambodi village, is now in Sajipa Muda village of Bantwal taluk with her husband, marking the culmination of her arduous journey.

Reflecting on her journey, Mubeena expressed gratitude to her late father, a social worker who emphasized education, and her mother for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the financial assistance from her parents and husband Ismail Khader during her numerous trips to Bangalore Vidhana Soudha and departmental offices. Mubeena also highlighted the crucial support from Lokayukta officer Amanullah, Speaker UT Khader, and his close assistant Libzat.

In her own words, Mubeena Banu said, “UT Khader always supported my persistence and struggled to get that government post, which I missed due to the mistake on the part of the officials. Maybe it can be said that after he intervened, the path of my struggle became easier.”

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 22nd, 2024

Padma Awards 2023: Who is scientist Khadar Valli, ‘India’s Millet Man’, left high-paying US job for healthier society?

Proddutur Town, (Kadapa District), ANDHRA PRADESH / Mysuru, KARNATAKA:

Dr Valli is the scientist who made the world realise the importance of food grains

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He had a comfortable US job that he left to return to India and make it healthy. More than two decades since he launched his mission, India’s ‘Millet Man’ Dr Khadar Valli Dudekula was recognised by the government of India with the civilian honour Padma Shri during the 74th Republic Day celebrations on Thursday, January 26. 

Dr Valli is the scientist who made the world realise the importance of food grains. He has numerous researches to his name and has worked extensively for revival of grains over 20 years. As per The Better India, Dr Valli woke up to the problem of diet-related consequences in society around 1986-87 when he came across the case of a girl who had started menstruating at 6 years of age. Shocked by this, he decided to return to his country in 1997 and settled in Mysuru to work towards a healthy society rather than in a foreign nation. 

Dr Valli is an independent scientist and food expert. In his pioneering work, he has revived five types of disappearing millets. He is a leading advocate of Millet cultivation and use. He was born in a humble background in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh. He pursued his BSc (Education) and MSc (Education) from Regional College of Education, Mysuru before earning a PhD in Steroids from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Besides being an agricultural scientist, he is also a homoeopath. 

After completing education in India, he became a postdoctoral fellow in environmental science at Beaverton, Oregon for three years. He then worked as a scientist with Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) for four years before working with DuPont for a year in India and four plus years in the US. He discovered medicinal properties of grains during his research and named 5 specific types of grains he prescribed as “Siridhanyalu”. 

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> India / by DNA Web Team / January 28th, 2023

Prestige International School’s Safin Mustafa enters Noble Book of World Records

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru :

Safin Mustafa from Mangaluru made an entry into the Noble Book of World Records for floating on water for 2 hours 30 minutes and 13 seconds, on Saturday January 13.

The previous best was by Karanam Snehit Simha of Andhra Pradesh in 2023, who clocked 2 hours 21 minutes 53 seconds.

The record breaking event was held at the swimming pool of Prestige International School, Jeppinamogaru here in the wee hours of Saturday. The 14 year old Safin is class 8 student of Prestige International School, one of the reputed educational institutions in the city.

Displaying the clock to the reporters, Safin said that he was coached by Aromal A S. He also thanked the teachers and the management of Prestige International School for their support and guidance in making the achievement.

Speaking to media, coach Aromal said, “Unexpectedly, I discovered swimming talent in Safin. During the learning phase, he demonstrated remarkable proficiency, comfortably swimming for 15-30 minutes. Inspired, I extended his training hours, and today he has set a world record. I am thrilled by his performance and incredibly proud of him.”

Expressing his joy over Safin’s world record, Haider Ali, chairman, Prestige International School said, “The management, staff and students of our school are proud of Safin Mustafa. He is the icon for us all. Our institution always supports and encourages the students to exhibit and to be experts in their talents. Along with academics, the generation should enjoy their age and climb heights in their fields of interest.”

Safin’s parents Abdul Lathif and Safiya Banu, officials of Noble Book of World Records, witnessed the record breaking moment.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network -Mangaluru (SB) / pix by Dayanand Kukkaje / January 13th, 2024

UAE Chapter of UAE-India Business Council established, Faizal Kottikollon appointed Chairman

INDIA / U.A.E :

Abu Dhabi (UAE): 

The UAE-Indian business council has been established on the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) deal signed by India and the United Arab Emirates. The formation of the council is aimed at increasing investment and bilateral trade between the two countries.

The UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) was launched in Dubai by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, in the presence of Ambassador of India to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India in Dubai Dr. Aman Puri and founding members of the UBIC-UC.

 (Faizal Kottikollon)

NRI businessman Faizal Kottikollon was appointed as the chairman of the council. Faizal Kottikollon said the main purpose of the council was to build trust.

“In the past, several UAE companies have taken some poor decisions while investing in India because they were not confident to invest large amount of money,” he said. “We will act as a channel partner and a bridge. The basis of any business is trust. When you develop trust, everything becomes easier.” He was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

With both countries growing rapidly, Faizal, who is the chairman of KEF Holdings, said this council was the need of the hour. “UAE has become the centre of the world after Covid,” he said. “India has got so much knowledge, but we need a lot of capital. UAE got a significant amount of capital. So, if you can marry these two things, it’s a powerhouse. What this council does is identifying projects in both the countries and bring investment through this channel.”

Faizal confirmed that there are several projects already in the pipeline. “We are very confident that there’ll be three large investments coming into India soon,” he said. “We will announce the details in due course of time, but I can assure you that it is indeed a very exciting time.”

“This is a very significant thing,” said Sunjay Sudhir. “We want to bring together their experience of doing business in both countries so as to further lubricate the investment and business corridor between both countries. They will discuss ideas on how to further generate trade and investment opportunities.”

The founding members of the UIBC-UC from the UAE side are Mubadala, Wizz Financial, DP World, Emaar, Emirates airline and Emirates NBD. From the Indian side, conglomerates such as Tata, Reliance, and Adani are represented, as well as tech innovators like OLA, Zerodha, Udaan, and EaseMyTrip, along with prominent Indian entrepreneur-led corporations based in the UAE such as KEF Holdings, Buimerc Corporation, Apparel Group, EFS and Lulu Financial.

Siddharth Balachandran, executive chairman and CEO of Buimerc Corporation Ltd said the UIBC-UC will further strengthen the growth of India-UAE relationship. “To channelise the various investments, we need channels like these,” he said. “It will add a layer of credibility and give investors a channel to verify investment opportunities.”

Rizwan Soomar, CEO & MD (India Subcontinent) at DP World, will serve as the Co-Chairman of UIBC-UC. Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, who serves as the Chairman of the UIBC India Chapter, will also hold the position of Vice Chairman of UIBC-UC.

The council will have its office in Abu Dhabi and will be a pan-UAE body focusing on promoting trade and investment relations between the UAE and India. Membership to UIBC-UC will be by invitation only, and institutional members will be invited over time.

An India chapter of the business council was established in New Delhi in 2015 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the late Sushma Swaraj, who was then Minister of External Affairs of India, during the 11th Session of the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 18th, 2023

Zach Faizal’s Peec Mobility, BEEAH, SRTIP forge partnership for sustainable mobility in Sharjah

KERALA / Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai , U.A.E:

In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transportation, BEEAH has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Peec Mobility and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

The collaboration aims to revolutionize local electric vehicle production by repurposing end-of-life petrol vehicles, fostering recycling practices to support a circular economy, and driving research and skill development in the burgeoning field of sustainable mobility.

The partnership agreement, signed at the BEEAH Headquarters, saw the participation of key figures, including Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of SRTIP; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH; Zach Faizal, Founder of Peec Mobility; and HE Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP.

Zach Faizal’s brainchild, Peec Mobility, has been at the forefront of innovation since its inception in 2022. The Dubai-based startup specializes in the repurposing of retired petrol vehicles, seamlessly transforming them into electric vehicles with a remarkable 30% cost reduction and an 80% decrease in manufacturing time compared to the production of new electric vehicles.

Faizal, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, envisions Peec Mobility’s technology as a game-changer for the region. He emphasizes that their re-engineering process offers a more cost-effective, quicker, and environmentally friendly transition to electric mobility than investing in entirely new electric vehicles.

“Today, re-engineering is quicker, smoother, and greener than buying new EVs, and proves cost-efficient,” Faizal stated during the announcement. “Peec’s vehicles are aimed to be priced at 30 per cent to 50 per cent lower with the volumes we’re looking at, thus solving the affordability challenge in the sector,” he added.

Peec Mobility’s focus extends beyond individual cars, with ambitious plans to repurpose entire fleets of ICE buses, cars, and trucks on UAE roads. Faizal believes in the efficacy of reusing existing vehicles, stating that “waste is minimized, and a new life cycle begins.”

The partnership seeks to support Sharjah’s transition to sustainable mobility while minimizing the environmental impact of the production and repurposing processes. The overarching goal is to contribute to national and global objectives for zero-waste, circularity, sustainable transport, and decarbonization.

Zach Faizal expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Conversion is the most pragmatic route to Net-Zero. Once we succeed with our business strategy here, we will take it to other countries to redefine the used-car market.”

As part of the collaboration, Peec Mobility and its partners plan to unveil the first lineup of repurposed mid-sized sedans and buses at the UN Climate Change Conference, showcasing the innovative technology and commitment to sustainable practices.

With the support of the government, Peec Mobility aims to implement the conversion at scale, creating a replicable model not only for the UAE but potentially for other countries. Faizal proposes a policy to repurpose 5.0% of existing vehicles on the road annually for the next seven years, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero goal.

As of now, Peec Mobility is on track to introduce at least 500 repurposed EVs on Dubai roads by 2024, offering a tangible solution to the affordability challenge associated with electric vehicles.

Zach Faizal is the son of Faizal Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal, a well-known Indian entrepreneur couple based in the UAE. The couple is not only known for their business endeavors but also for their philanthropic contributions.

Shabana hails from Mangaluru in the Karnataka state of India. She is the only daughter of prominent businessman and socio-religious leader Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen who founded the prestigious BA Group of Businesses in Thumbay near Mangaluru.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 13th, 2023

13-year-old Armaan Mohammed Asif bags bronze at Junior National Equestrian Championship

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

In a remarkable feat of equestrian prowess, a young talent from Mangaluru Armaan Mohammed Asif galloped his way to victory, clinching a bronze medal at the Junior National Equestrian Championship held in Bengaluru on December 22 and 23.

He rode his horse Tara from Covai stables and clocked timing of 47.12 seconds, enabling him to win the Bronze in children 1 category.

It was national championship where a total of about 800 plus entries from all over India had reached to participate.

The Junior National Equestrian Championship is India’s biggest national equestrian championship where the top riders of the country compete with their best horses to get the top positions.

Armaan is the first rider from Mangaluru who won the national equestrian championship whose name is now etched in the annals of equestrian history, displayed a perfect blend of skill, finesse, and a deep connection with his equine partner. The duo maneuverer through challenging courses with grace and precision, earning accolades from spectators and judges alike.

The bronze medal not only symbolizes the individual triumph of the Mangalorean rider but also reflects the growing prominence of equestrian sports in India. As the sport gains traction, such achievements contribute to the broader narrative of the nation’s prowess in diverse fields of competition.

The entire community in Mangaluru is celebrating this victory, proud of their local hero who has made a mark on the national equestrian stage. This accomplishment not only brings glory to the rider but also shines a spotlight on the rich potential that exists in smaller towns and cities across India, reinforcing the belief that talent knows no geographical boundaries.

Armaan is in his 7th grade and the son of Mohammed Asif and Sajida.

Armaan received his initial training at Mangaluru Horse Riding Academy by Avinand Anchanahalli. Since two years, he is been riding and getting trained for nationals in Bengaluru under guidance of Abdul Rahman Shariff and Rajan Diwakar.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / December 29th, 2023

L.K. Atheeq to be new Additional Chief Secretary to Karnataka CM

KARNATAKA:

Atheeq L.K. (image credit: Deccan Herald)

Bengaluru:

The Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) to the Government of Karnataka L.K.Atheeq has been transferred as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka with immediate effect.

A order issued on Monday stated that Atheeq will be replacing Dr. Rajneesh Goel as Additional Chief Secretary to the Karnataka CM. Dr. Rajneesh Goel will be the new Chief Secretary of the state.

The press release added that Atheeq, a 1991-batch IAS officer, will also hold concurrent charge as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department till further orders.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / November 27th, 2023

Kundapur: B Appanna Hegde agriculture award to be conferred on Asma Banu on Dec 24

Kundapur, KARNATAKA:

Kundapur : 

“Asma Banu, collector of seeds of various paddy breeds, helping in social and farming activities will be felicitated with B Appanna Hegde agriculture award during an award program on the birthday of religious leader and former MLA B Appanna Hegde on December 24,” said trust president B Rama Kishan Hegde.

He further said, “Asma who works saying that work is worship is collecting various paddy breeds that are on the verge of extinction from various states. She has collected and grown more than 840 varieties of paddy this year. She is conducting a study about those seeds and creating awareness about their benefits to health. She has been selected for the award considering her rare achievements.

“The award programme will be held by Basrur Appanna Hegde Prathistana in the premises of Sharada college, Basrur. Monetary help will be distributed to students, the sick and weak during the program.

“The award will be presented by Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji of Adamar math. Karnataka backward class commission president K Jayaprakash Hegde will preside over the programme,” he said.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Silveste D’Souza / Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP) / December 20th, 2023

37 government school teachers in Yadgir, Kalaburagi district felicitated during Best Teachers Awards

Yadgir, Kalaburagi District, KARNATAKA:

Kalaburagi: 

26 teachers from Government Primary Schools and 11 teachers from Government High Schools from Yadgiri and Kalaburagi districts were felicitated during the Best Teachers Award Ceremony held at Vintage Palace Function Hall, Kalaburagi on November 16.

The awardee teachers were shortlisted after screening under three criteria – Commitment and Dedication to the profession, Should not be recognized elsewhere with awards and preference was given to teachers working in remote rural areas –

“Purpose of this award program to recognize and felicitate teachers who are doing significant work in Government schools which ultimately helps to improve the outcome of Govt. schools and helps inspire other teachers to do still better” an official statement stated.

Best Teacher Awardees felicitated on event day are :

Kalaburagi (North) – Nusrat Parveen, Moinoddin, Raisa Sultana, Ahmadi Begum, Ameena Sultana, Jameel Fatima, Somangouda Vitlapur

Kalaburgi (South) – Fouziya Begum, Saiqua Hassan

Chittapur: Yaqub Ali, Shahana Anjum, Shaikh Saira Banu, Zaibunissa Begum

Sedam: Md Abdul Faheem, Nayeem Sultana, Sujata Hiremat, Asha Taskeen

Chincholi: Umar Huddar, Rizwana Begum, Mubeen Fatima

Jewargi – Md Yousuf, Sarfaraz, Rudrappa Gouda

Afzalpur- Asma Shalam, Shabana Begum, Mohammed Asif Attar

Aland- Seema Rubee, Merajunnisa Begum

YADGIR District: D Subiya, Venkatesh Nayak, Khudeja Begum, Mukhtar Ahmed J Mulla, Zareena, Kasim T

SPIRIT OF EDUCATION AWARD given to three teachers (out of 37 teachers) – Sameena Farzana, Zohra Khanum, Masoom Khan for their outstanding contribution to education beyond schools and school timings.

There were five academic achievers (Dr. Saba Sultana, Zeenat Begum, Nazneen, Md Shujath Hussain, Md Shakir Ahmed) were felicitated and one for Social cause (Jb Jainuddin Shirnifarosh) also felicitated for outstanding social services.

Smt. Surekha Jagannath Dengi, Govt High School Bandarwad, Tq Afzalpur, Dist. Kalaburgi

The program presided by PM Qutubuddin, other guests/speakers invited were Kashif Raza, Dr. Abdul Qadeer (Shaheen Bidar), Mazhar Hussain(Sr Lecturer), Surekha Dengi (National Awardee Teacher 2020), and Mohammed Ali  & Mohammed Faiyazuddin (Vintage Palace Function Hall).

The program was a joint initiative of Ummeed Welfare Association, GURMITKAL Yadgir Dist. and Helping Hands Foundation, GURMITKAL Yadgir Dist.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / December 11th, 2020

Mohammed Aashiq Wins MasterChef India 2023, Takes Home Rs 25 Lakhs

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

The winner of ‘MasterChef Season 8’ is Mohammed Aashiq, who fought against Suraj Thapa, Rukhsaar Sayeed, and Nambie Jessica Marak in the finale.

MasterChef India 2023: Mohammed Aashiq Wins And Takes Home Rs 25 Lakhs Mohammed Aashiq Wins MasterChef India 2023, Takes Home Rs 25 Lakhs
MasterChef India Season 8 unveiled the winner on Friday. ( Image Source : X/@ranveerbrar )

New Delhi: 

The long-running Indian cooking competition MasterChef has finally come to an end. After eight weeks of delicious challenges, Mohammed Aashiq emerged as the winner of the show. The talented home chefs are mentored by Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra in thrilling competitions.

Mohammed Ashiq, a 24-year-old contestant, wins MasterChef India’s eighth season. He takes home a coat, the trophy, and a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh. Rukhsaar Sayeed and Nambie Jessica, two home chefs, and Suraj Thapa competed in an exciting finale. Nambie and Rukhsaar won second and first runner-up, respectively.

On social media, judge Ranveer Brar sent his congratulations to Mohammed Ashiq. He wrote, “From an inspirational start to a challenging journey, you never stopped daring for more. Congratulations on becoming the MasterChef Mohd. Ashiq!”

Aashiq sent a press statement and discussed his feelings.  “I am immensely grateful for the whirlwind journey I’ve had on MasterChef India. From facing elimination to holding the trophy, every moment was a profound lesson. This experience has completely reshaped my life, and winning this esteemed title feels surreal.”

He added, “Coming back with stronger determination after narrowly missing out last season was tough, but I devoted myself entirely to the culinary craft. This victory isn’t just mine; it’s for every dreamer who defies the odds to chase their aspirations. I owe immense gratitude to the judges- Chef Vikas, Ranveer, and Pooja, fellow contestants, the audience, and all the renowned chefs who pushed me to perform better with each passing day in the kitchen. I’ve grown significantly and noticed a remarkable shift in my cooking skills, all thanks to an incredible boot camp experience.”

Mangaluru lad Mohammed Aashiq is now now a MasterChef | udayavani
Instagram ashiqrex

Who is Mohammed Aashiq? 

Mohammed is originally from Mangalore, Karnataka. At the time when Aashiq entered the MasterChef India competition, he was the owner of a juice shop in his village called Kulukki Hub. By combining his passion for cooking with his talent for creating one-of-a-kind meals, Mohammed has been able to support his family financially.

source: http://www.news.abplive.com / ABP Live / Home> Entertainment> TV / by ABP News Service / December 08th, 2023