KARNATAKA

R. Sharath Jois, a renowned Ashtanga Yoga teacher and grandson of the legendary K. Pattabhi Jois, passed away in Virginia, USA, on Monday. Sharath Jois, who inherited the Ashtanga Yoga tradition from his grandfather, was known for his dedication to teaching and spreading the practice globally. He established the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysuru and travelled extensively, conducting workshops and classes. His sudden death, reportedly due to complications during a hike, has shocked the yoga community. Tributes have poured in from fellow yogis and prominent figures, acknowledging his significant contribution to the world of yoga. Sharath Jois is survived by his wife, two children, and his mother, Saraswathi Jois.

The 18th Kannada Science Congress (Kannada Vijnana Sammelana) will be held in Chamarajanagar from December 19th to 21st, 2024. Organized jointly by Chamarajanagar University, Swadeshi Vijnana Andolana-Karnataka, and Karnataka State Open University, the conference will feature presentations by teachers, researchers, and students on various scientific subjects. The event will also include a science exhibition and participation from nationally and internationally renowned scientists. The conference aims to provide a platform for scientific discourse and showcase the achievements of the scientific community in Karnataka, while also offering a unique opportunity for the newly formed Chamarajanagar University to host a prestigious event. Schools, colleges, and the general public are encouraged to participate in this significant scientific gathering.

The scenic waterfalls of Chunchankatte, near K.R. Nagar, are set to be the backdrop for the ‘Dhanushkoti Cauvery Jalapata Utsav’ on November 30 and December 1. The event, decided upon at a meeting chaired by K.R. Nagar MLA D. Ravishankar, aims to showcase the area’s beauty and attract tourists. The festival will feature cultural programs, an exhibition, local vendor stalls, and a health camp. The MLA has also requested the lighting up of the road from K.R. Nagar to Chunchanakatte to create a festive atmosphere. The Deputy Commissioner has instructed officials to ensure cleanliness, repair potholes on the road, and build a grand stage for the event. The event aims to highlight the tourism potential of Chunchankatte, which boasts scenic waterfalls and a rocky terrain, but currently lacks adequate tourist facilities.

A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has discovered a novel way to combat antibiotic resistance by targeting the protective biofilms formed by bacteria. They identified a specific enzyme, GH-B2, found in the rumen of cows, which effectively breaks down the polysaccharide-rich matrix of biofilms produced by the dangerous bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This enzyme, synthesized in the lab, successfully disrupted biofilms in four different strains of K. pneumoniae, demonstrating its broad effectiveness against this opportunistic pathogen. This breakthrough offers a promising new strategy for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The Department of Horticulture in Karnataka has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 3F Oil Palm to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kalaburagi. This partnership aims to empower rural communities by providing access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies, comprehensive training programs, and vital resources. The initiative will enhance productivity and contribute to the growth of Karnataka’s horticultural sector. 3F Oil Palm plans to introduce advanced cultivation techniques, including area expansion, nursery development, sprout procurement, and seedling cultivation within the designated zones. The company emphasizes its commitment to collaborating closely with the farming community to ensure the success of this initiative.

The three-day Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha festival, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, concluded on Sunday with a promise of greater publicity and expansion. Inspired by the Thiruvaiyaru music festival in Tamil Nadu, the event aims to celebrate Karnataka’s rich Carnatic and Indian classical music heritage, positioning Mysuru as a cultural tourism hub. The festival, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will become an annual event, with similar events planned for Kerala starting next year. The festival not only showcased Carnatic music but also highlighted Karnataka’s diverse handicrafts, handloom, and culinary traditions, offering an immersive experience for visitors. The Ministry of Tourism plans to advertise the festival internationally to attract a wider audience and further promote the cultural legacy of Karnataka.

ITI Limited, a leading telecom manufacturing company in India, has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the prestigious BharatNet Phase-3 Project in Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This project, with a total order value of ₹3,022 crore, aims to connect all 6,40,000 villages, blocks, and gram panchayats across India with high-speed broadband internet connectivity. ITI Limited, with its consortium partner, will be responsible for executing the project in these states. The company emphasizes the project’s significance in empowering rural India, bridging the digital divide, and creating job opportunities. ITI Limited, with its extensive experience in executing similar projects, is already working on BharatNet projects in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, further solidifying its commitment to the government’s initiative of connecting India seamlessly.

Bengaluru’s Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) will inaugurate the city’s first digital population clock on November 8th. This joint project between ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) will display real-time population estimates for Karnataka and India, updating every 1 minute 10 seconds and 2 seconds respectively. The clock aims to raise awareness about population growth and provide researchers with accurate data. It features a satellite connection for precise timekeeping and operates autonomously. Alongside the clock, a Census Data Research Workstation has been established, offering researchers and students access to comprehensive census data for in-depth demographic analysis. This initiative is part of a nationwide program by MoHFW to set up population clocks and research workstations in 18 Population Research Centers across India.

The article explores the historical significance of Bidar, a city in Karnataka, India, which served as the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate for over a century. The shift of the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1422 by Ahmad Shah I was a strategic move, offering better administrative control, security due to its hilly terrain, and access to trade routes. Despite facing internal strife, Ahmad Shah I fostered a flourishing intellectual environment, attracting scholars from across the world and establishing the renowned Mahmud Gawan Madrasa. The article highlights the architectural marvels of the Bidar Fort, including the Rangeen Mahal, Takht Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, and Solah Khamba Masjid, showcasing the fusion of Persian, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. It also delves into the contributions of Khaja Mahmud Gawan, a prominent minister who introduced administrative reforms, promoted education, and boosted trade during the 15th century. The article concludes by describing the Ashtur Tombs, the royal necropolis of ten Bahmani rulers, showcasing the grandeur of Deccani and Asian art. The article emphasizes the rich history and cultural heritage of Bidar, highlighting its importance as a center of power, learning, and architectural excellence.

The Karnataka Sahitya Academy has announced its prestigious awards for 2022, recognizing outstanding contributions to Kannada literature. Agrahara Krishnamurthy, along with writers R.K. Hudgi, Ramzan Darga, Indira Hegade, and Tumbadi Ramaiah, received the honorary award for their significant service to the field. The Sahityashree award was bestowed upon ten other writers, including Banjagere Jayaprakash, Rumi Harish, and M.G. Manjunatha, for their exceptional work in creative and non-creative literature. The academy also recognized one individual for their efforts in promoting Kannada literature. This year’s awards highlight the diverse talents and contributions of Kannada writers, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of the literary landscape.