BENGALURU: Former Hubballi Dharwad East BJP MLA Veerbhadrappa Halaharavi and former MLC S L Ghotnekar, a close aide of former minister R V Deshpande, and Kochimul director Vadaguru Harish Gowda from Bagepalli joined the JDS, giving a shot in the arm for former CM H D Kumaraswamy. 

“There is a chance of winning at least four seats out of six in Uttara Kannada district. In 2023, Ghotnekar and Halaravi will be elected to the Assembly. Even in Belagavi district there, is an atmosphere of winning six out of eighteen seats,” predicted Kumaraswamy, alleging that BJP government has failed to deliver benefits for farmers and did not even waive off farm loans. 

Claiming that he had pooled in Rs 25,000 crore against the farm loan waiver scheme in 2019, when he was the chief minister, he alleged that the BJP government has not released Rs 1,800 crore that was part of the scheme as yet. 

“It is a shame on the BJP government which has been going to polls without addressing the farmers’ issue. As soon as JDS comes to power, we will release Rs 1,800 crore with interest against the loan waiver scheme that will help 2.35 lakh farmers’ families,” he said.    

The valedictory of the Pancharatna programme would be held either in the Mysuru-Mandya or Hassan region, with over 10 lakh people expected to attend the rally, he said.

BENGALURU: Seeking to woo farmers in an election year, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday announced an increase in the limit of interest-free short-term loans given to farmers from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh from the coming financial year.

This would ensure the availability of hassle-free and need-based loan facilities for making necessary preparation for farm-related activities, Bommai, who also holds the finance portfolio, said presenting the 2023-34 budget in the state Legislative Assembly.

“This year, a loan of Rs 25,000 crore will be distributed to more than 30 lakh farmers,” he said.

A ‘majestic’ temple dedicated to Lord Ram will be built in Ramadevara Betta of Ramanagara district, the Chief Minister said.

The government, Bommai said, decided to give an additional subsidy of Rs 10,000 in the year 2023-24 under a new scheme ‘Bhoo Siri’ for ‘Kisan Credit Card’ holders.

This would facilitate the farmers to purchase seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other farm inputs in times of exigencies, the Chief Minister said.

The state would contribute Rs 2,500 and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) would give Rs 7,500.

“This will benefit around 50 lakh farmers of the state,” he said.

Assembly elections in Karnataka are expected to be held during April-May. The Chief Minister, in the budget, also announced ‘Shrama Shakthi’ scheme that would provide financial assistance of Rs 500 per head every month to landless women farm labourers through direct benefit transfer (DBT).

Aimed at enabling all children who graduate from high school to continue their higher education, he announced free education in Government Pre-University and Government Degree Colleges under the ‘CM Vidya Shakti Scheme’.

This will benefit eight lakh students of the state, he added. Noting that for the first time in the state, post-COVID pandemic, revenue receipts are estimated to be more than revenue expenditure by Rs 402 crore, Bommai said this is a “revenue-surplus” budget.

HUBBALLI:  CLP leader Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that the state will witness a “civil war” if the BJP comes back to power after the Assembly polls. Speaking after inducting several JDS workers into the Congress party, he called upon the people to defeat “communal forces” and warned that if they came back to power, it will threaten peace in society.

“Those responsible for protecting the lives and properties of public are inciting violence by giving provocative statements,” he said The former CM held the JDS responsible for the growth of the BJP in the state and pointed out that if JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy had not tied up with the BJP, the latter would not have been in the position they are in today. “After making an alliance with communal forces, Kumaraswamy is now projecting himself as secular leader,” he charged. 

Higher Education Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan’s “finish off” Siddaramaiah remark rocked the Assembly on Thursday, but later clarified he meant “no vote for Congress”, and regretted what he said. 

Koppal (K’taka): Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel stoked a controversy by saying the people of Yelburga in Koppal district who sing devotional songs on Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman should stay here, and not those who love 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.

Kateel was speaking at a public meeting on Tuesday in the run-up to the Karnataka assembly election, which is less than three months away.

“We are the devotees of Rama and Anjaneya (Hanuman). We do the work of Anjaneya. We are not the children of Tipu Sultan. We are the ones who will drive home Tipu’s children,” Kateel said.

He then asked the cheering crowd, “I want to ask the people of Yalaburga whether you worship Anjaneya or sing praises of Tipu Sultan. Won’t you drive away those singing praises of Tipu to the forest?”

The BJP leader invoked the name of Anjaneya in Koppal district, which is believed to be ‘Kishkindha Kshetra’, the monkey kingdom as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The place is also believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman at Anjanadri the hill of Hanuman’s mother Anjana.

“Take oath whether you want Tipu’s children or the devotees of Lord Rama and Anjaneya in this state. I am asking you this question in the holy town of Anjaneya that those who love Tipu should not stay in this land. Only those who sing Rama Bhajan (devotional songs) should remain here,” the BJP leader said.

Kateel accused Congress state president D K Shivakumar of having a soft corner for Mangaluru cooker blast accused Mohammed Shariq, who was injured along with the driver when the alleged cooker bomb he was holding exploded in an autorickshaw on November 19, last year.

He alleged that when Shariq was arrested, Shivakumar had called the accused as innocent and naive.

Kateel took a jibe at the Congress leader saying that he has intense love for two cookers — one is Belagavi cooker and another is Mangaluru cooker.

Kateel was referring to the free distribution of cookers in Belagavi allegedly by a Congress leader aspiring to contest the upcoming assembly election.

Kateel also mocked stalwart Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah by claiming that the “mass leader” has not found a constituency for himself to contest the election.

He challenged Siddaramaiah to contest the polls from Badami where the Congress leader had won the 2018 assembly election with a thin margin.

“You are a leader who had ruled the state for five years. You call yourself the mass leader of Congress. Why the mass leader does not have a constituency (to contest election)? Are you the mass leader who is groping in the dark without a constituency?” Kateel sought to know.

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday showcased India as an attractive destination for investment in the defence manufacturing sector, and said it will move towards becoming one of the leading exporters of military hardware globally.

Modi made the comments in his address after inaugurating the 14th edition of Aero India at the Yalahanka Air Force station complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The five-day exhibition is being participated by over 700 defence companies and delegates from 98 countries, officials said.

This edition of Aero India is showcasing the country as an emerging hub for manufacturing of military aircraft, helicopters, military equipment and new-age avionics.

They said around 250 business-to-business agreements are expected to be firmed up at Aero India which is estimated to unlock investment to the tune of around Rs 75,000 crore.

“New India” of 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor will there be any shortage in its hard work, Modi said.

The prime minister said India today is not only a market but also a potential defence partner for so many countries, adding the nation is moving towards becoming one of the leading exporters of military hardware globally.

“Today, Aero India is not only a show, but it is also reflection of India’s self confidence and capabilities,” he said in the presence of top executives of various global defence majors and delegates from a significant number of countries.

He said Aero India’ reflects India’s new strength and aspirations.

Today, our successes are a proof of India’s potential, he said, noting that the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft is an example of it.

A plethora of aircraft of the Indian Air Force displayed their aerial prowess in an air show at the event.

The theme of Aero India is “The runway to a billion opportunities” and is aimed at projecting India’s growth and capabilities in the defence and aerospace sector.

The focus of the event is to showcase indigenous equipment and technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies, in line with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of the government, officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Aero India will act as a catalyst in further growth of the aerospace sector in India.

Singh will host a Defence Ministers’ conclave on Tuesday on the theme “Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence (SPEED)”.

The major exhibitors at Aero India include Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.

The Ministry of Defence is organizing a ‘CEOs Round Table’ on 13th February, the inaugural Day of Aero India 2023, under the chairmanship of Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh. The platform, with theme “Sky is not the limit: opportunities beyond boundaries”, is expected to lay the foundation of a more robust interaction between the Industry Partners and Government with an eye on bolstering the ‘Make-in India’ campaign. It is further expected to increase ‘Ease of doing business’ in India and also provide a favorable platform to OEMs for manufacturing in India.
The Round Table will see participation from officials,delegates and global CEOs from 26 countries including global investors such as Boeing, Lockheed, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Liebherr Group, Raytheon Technologies, Safran, General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) etc.Domestic PSUslike Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), BEML Limited, MishraDhatu Nigam Limited will also participate in the Round Table. Premier private Defence and Aerospace manufacturing companies from India such as Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, Dynamitic Technologies, BrahMos Aerosapceare also likely to be part of the event.

This would engage industries for co-development and co-production to make India a commercial manufacturing hub and base for global product support. It will explore Indian and Global markets; create opportunities for industries to not just ‘Make in India’, but ‘Make in India’ for the world.
India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies globally,providing the world with a thriving and stable environment for investments and trade. The growing focus on India can be attributed to its business environment and pursuit of cost-effective competitiveness.

Today, India has the 3rd largest military in the world and the Government plans to spend USD 130 billion for fleet modernization over the next 5-7 years. A series of policy initiatives such as De-licensing, De-regulation, Positive Indigenization Lists for import substitution, Export Promotion, FDI Liberalization and Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors amongst others have been taken by the Government to boost “Self-reliance”in the Indian defence manufacturing eco-system.

A premier exhibition in the global aviation industry, Aero India, is India’s Aerospace and Defence exhibition, held biennially at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in a total area of around 35,000 sqm. This year marks the 14th edition of the exhibition since its inception in 1996 and provides a unique opportunity to the industry to showcase its capabilities, products and services. In this edition of Aero show, a total 731 exhibitors have participated across the world.
The five-day event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and will include aerial displays by aircrafts along with a large exhibition and trade fair of aerospace companies. This year, the exhibition is expected to be the biggest airshow with the highest rate of participation and will feature top international think-tanks, major aerospace companies and world leaders.

As India is emerging as a promising Aerospace and Defence manufacturing hub, global companies are discovering new partnerships for mutual goal. The Aero India show provides numerous platforms for firms within the Aerospace and Defence industries to forge partnerships to address the present and future needs of this sector.

The Hon ‘ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot visited the National Academy of
Customs, Indirect Ta xes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Bengaluru as Chief Guest of the event DIKSUCHI 2023
and addressed the 74th Batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers and the Customs Officers of the
Raval Government of Bhuta

2. During his visit, the Hon’ ble Governor emphasized the role of Customs and GST department in shaping
   the country’s economy. Today, our economy is the fifth largest in the world, and it is on its way to
   becoming a $5 trillion-dollar economy. The Hon’ ble Governor congratulated the 74th Batch of IRS trainee
   officers for joining the Government at a momentous tim e where the country is celebrating the Azaadi Ka
   Arnrit Mahotsav as well as holding the Chairmanship of G20. He also urged the young officers to imbibe
   the Panchpran (five resolutions) envisaged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to achieve the objectives of New
   India during the Amrit Kaai leading to 100th year of independence . He also appreciated the NACIN for
   providing holistic training to the young officers.
3. The officers from the CBIC fraternity, the Principal Chief Commissioner Smt. Ranjana Jha (IRS), the
   Principal Director General (Systerm) Shri . S. R Baruah (IRS) and the Additional Director General of NACIN
   Bengaluru Shri G. Narayanaswamy (IRS) were also present during the event.
   4- :l~e Hon’ble Governor’s visit to NACIN was a significant event, and it was attended by several senior
   officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. The visit was also an opportunity for the
   Bhutanese customs officials to gain insights into the functioning of the Indian Customs Administration and
   to exchange best practices.

Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar

Shivamogga (K’taka): Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said he has been asked by the ED to appear before it on February 22, while his daughter has been served notice by the CBI.

The former Minister, who is currently undertaking “Praja Dhwani Yatre” as part of the party’s preparations for the coming Assembly polls due by May, alleged that the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation are “directed” only at opposition leaders and not at those from the ruling party.

“Everyday notices are coming, yesterday it has come to my daughter, it has come to our college, regarding fees paid, exam passed. CBI has issued the notice. What should I say? If they are questioning me about college fees payment, imagine what all they are asking. I leave it to (god),” said Shivakumar, who appeared frustrated with the developments, throwing up his hands in apparent despair.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “I have answered to ED and come back regarding what I have given to ‘National Herald’, now again they are asking me to appear before ED on February 22. What to do? Should I go ahead with ‘Praja Dwani Yatre’ or appear before the ED, I’m thinking.”

“It (ED and CBI inquiries) is only against opposition parties and not the ruling party, irrespective of the thousands of crores they may have amassed, no ED questions them,” he added.

Shivakumar had earlier appeared before the ED in Delhi for questioning in the National Herald money laundering case.

The Kanakapura MLA first got into the ED crosshairs when he was arrested by the agency on September 3, 2019 following multiple rounds of questioning in a case that emerged from an Income tax department action against him.

The Delhi High Court had granted him bail in October of that year.

In May last year, the agency filed a charge sheet against him and some others linked to him in this case.

He was questioned by the ED in September, in another money laundering case linked to the alleged possession of disproportionate assets.

The 2019 case was registered after taking cognisance of a charge sheet (prosecution complaint) filed by the Income Tax Department against them the previous year before a special court in Bengaluru on charges of alleged tax evasion and hawala transactions worth crores.

The I-T department has accused Shivkumar and his alleged associates of transporting huge amounts of unaccounted cash on a regular basis through hawala’ channels with the help of three other accused.

CBI officials had earlier conducted searches in educational institutions run by Shivakumar in connection with a case of disproportionate assets which is under investigation.

Shivakumar is the chairman of the National Education Foundation (NEF) and his daughter D K S Aisshwarya is trustee secretary, while other family members are trustees.

Bengaluru: Days after his controversial statement that Union Minister Pralhad Joshi belonged to a sect of Brahmins which desecrated the Sringeri Shankaracharya Peeth and assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said his statement was misconstrued as he had not blamed all Brahmins.

The second-in-command of Janata Dal (Secular) also said he always had the portraits of some iconic religious leaders who belonged to the Brahmin community.

“I never did caste-based politics. I never asked people their caste whenever they approached me for help. I am not the one who insults people for their caste. The Brahmin community is leading life in a cultured manner,” Kumaraswamy clarified days after the statement sparked a controversy drawing criticism.

Explaining further, the JD(S) leader said he had only referred to those who had attacked the Chandramauleshwara temple in Sringeri, a section which assassinated Mahatma Gandhi and Maratha ruler Shivaji.

He said those who were behind these incidents were not from Karnataka but neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

Kumaraswamy also said his outburst was due to the poor way the border dispute pertaining to Belagavi was handled.

“The way you are taking Belagavi, all these things keeping in mind, I had given a statement. My statement was not to hurt any community,” Kumaraswamy said.

Showing the portrait of Adiguru Shankaracharya, who had established the Sringeri Peeth, which adorns his office, the JD(S) leader said, “You can see whose photographs we have in our office. The same photographs you can find in my bedroom as well.”

Two days ago, Kumaraswamy had claimed that RSS was “conspiring” to make Joshi, who is Union Minister for Coal and Mines, the chief minister of Karnataka along with eight deputies after the Assembly polls, and alleged the latter belonged to a category among Brahmins, who lacked culture and divides society.

Coming down heavily on Joshi for criticising JD(S)’ dynasty politics and its ‘Pancharatna Ratha Yatra’, the former Chief Minister had said he (Joshi) belongs to a Brahmin sect to which Maratha Peshwas belonged that had allegedly destroyed Sringeri Math, established by Adi Shankaracharya and desecrated the idol there, and also that killed Gandhi.

To a question, Kumaraswamy exuded confidence that his party will get a clear majority in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Regarding Hassan Assembly constituency where his sister-in-law Bhavani Revanna is keen to contest election despite the first family’s unwillingness to field her, Kumaraswamy said, “There is no confusion. An easy solution will come out regarding Hassan.”

He blamed a ‘section’ which was creating confusion, who are always there on all the occasions.

“How much ever that section tries, it will never succeed. I know how to set right things. We have the backing of divine power, which led to the formation of our government twice though we were in minority.”

BENGALURU: Researchers who gathered in a training programme on “Health in a Changing Climate: Empowering health professionals” at the Indian Institute of Science brought to light the high radon content in groundwater used for drinking in some areas in the outskirts of Bengaluru.  This radon emanates from radioactive granites. Radon when ingested over an extended period can increase the risk of lung cancer.

According to experts, radon derives naturally from uranium through radioactive decay to radium and radon.

Radon is found to be 50 to 100 times the permissible limit of 11.1 Bq per litre as per initial studies by the researchers.  This finding has drawn increased attention to the study of radon in drinking water.

As radon comes naturally from uranium, the researchers realised uranium content could be high too. They found high content of uranium in groundwater, in some part in the outskirts of Bengaluru, including Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Chintamani and Pavagada.

Researchers said the level of uranium is found to be up to 300 micrograms per litre in the water against the permissible limit of 60 micrograms per litre, in some parts of city outskirts. In Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Chintamani it ranges from 5000-6000 micrograms per litre. “The measure of radon is being studied as it is a matter of concern,” the reaearcher said.

Radon in the air is not a major matter of concern if the area is well-ventilated. It should not accumulate indoors, said Prof R Srinivasan, from Divecha Centre for Climate Change (DCCC), IISc. He was speaking to The New Indian Express on the sidelines of the first day of the two-day-long training programme.

Radon in air, and uranium in water can cause cancer of lungs and kidneys.

The presence of radon in air and water leads to damage of lung tissues, threatening cancer of the lungs while the presence of uranium affects the urinary tract leading to kidney cancer.

No further studies on radon: Officials 

Dr. H. Paramesh, World Health Organization Consultant and Professor at DCCC also confirmed that initial studies have found uranium in some places at Chikkaballapur to be 1000, against the permitted levels of 30-60 micrograms per litre.

Interestingly while some officials at Groundwater Board, now retired had studied the presence of Radon in water, present working officials admitted that they have not taken up further studies on it.

Srinivasan said attention was also being paid on how to dispose off waste water after treatment as it also has high content of uranium.

He said studies on the wastewater of reverse osmosis (RO) units have found high content of Uranium and has been a matter of concern.

Researchers also said that uranium comes from minerals like pitchblende, zircon, monazite among others in the rocks of the region.