Colourful procession marks inauguration of Abbakka Utsava

February 11, 2012

Mangalore, February 11: The ninth edition of two-day festival in honour of Rani Abbakka, the Ullal queen who fought against the Portuguese rule five centuries ago, began at Uchila Bovi School ground at Sankolige, Someshwar near here, on Saturday.

The main attraction of the inaugural function was a colourful procession from Kotekar to the venue. A woman riding a horse signifying Rani Abbakka led the procession that comprised various folk arts such as “Keelu Kudure”, “Yakshagana Gombe”, “Gombe Balaga”, “Navilu Nrutya” and “Daapu”. Mangalore MLA U T Khader inaugurated the procession.

Addressing the gathering at the formal function, Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that he had asked the Union Government to rename the New Mangalore Port Trust after Rani Abbakka, whom he admired as a model for every woman of Tulu Nadu.

Energy Minister Shoba Karandlaje laid emphasis on the importance of preserving the independence and culture of the country. “Elected representatives bear a great responsibility in this regard”, she said.

She also called upon the new generation to be inspired from the life of Rani Abbakka.

She also suggested the State Government to extend the Abbakka Utsava to different parts of Karnataka, instead of confining it to Ullal and surrounding areas.

Mr Khader said that we should utilize the platform of Abbakka Utsava to spread the message of communal harmony.

MLC Ganesh Karnik, former president of Karnataka Sahithya Parishath Harikrishna Punarooru were present among the others.

While the seven editions were organized by Veerarani Abbakka Utsava Samiti with help and support from philanthropists and donors, the Utsava has received state support in the last two editions, including the current one with a funding of Rs 25 lakh.

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News Network
March 21,2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly on Friday passed Bills doubling the salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and legislators, adding an annual burden of ₹62 crore on the exchequer.

The CM's monthly salary will increase from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while ministers will see a 108% hike, from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh. MLAs and MLCs will get ₹80,000 per month, up from ₹40,000, and their pension will rise from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.

The Karnataka Ministers Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill were passed without debate, as the Opposition BJP protested in the well of the House.

The Bills cited the rising cost of living as justification for the hike. The Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council chairperson will now receive ₹1.25 lakh per month, up from ₹75,000.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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coastaldigest.com news network
March 20,2025

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), Karnataka’s second busiest airport, has seen 148.5kg of gold smuggled between 2019 and December 2024, with 90% arriving from the UAE. Customs officials recorded 346 cases, averaging 30kg of gold seized per year (2.5kg per month). Most smugglers are from Kerala and Bhatkal.

A senior customs officer revealed that MIA sees at least five gold smuggling cases per month. Numbers dropped during the pandemic but surged after flights resumed. Many offenders are first-time carriers, while some are habitual smugglers. With fewer flights, customs thoroughly checks passengers, making smuggling harder.

Smugglers constantly innovate concealment methods. Hiding gold in the rectum remains common, but gold is also found in trolley bags, mobile covers, chocolate boxes, milk powder, biscuit packets, and clothing layers. Electronic devices like car speaker magnets, LED bulbs, AirPods, wristwatches, and ballpoint pens have been used.

Unusual tactics include hiding gold in a woman’s hairband, a baby’s diaper, and even a kheer mix packet (347g). In one case, a passenger attempted to smuggle 100g in his mouth under a mask but was caught.

Officials note that while the UAE remains a key source, smugglers now bring gold from other Gulf countries, continuously adapting to evade detection.

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