Mangaluru: K MC Manipal lifts Medi Quiz 2019 trophy

Mangaluru, May 31:  Even as the worst locust attack on India in recent years raised concerns over its impact on crops, swarms of locusts have triggered panic in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada too. 

Farmers in the coastal district were taken aback when they found the swarms of locusts, which they feared as the arrival of desert locusts in the region.

According to reports, Renjalady village under the limits of Nuji Baltila Gramp Panchayats in Kadaba taluk and Shirlalu village in Belthangady taluk witnessed locust attacks in last couple of days. 

“Locust swarms were seen in many areas. We have also alerted agriculture department. Already insects have destroyed crops of many farmers,” said a farmer in Shirlalu village.  

Joint director of Dakshina Kannada district agriculture department MC Seetha confirmed that officials have received information from villagers about the locust scare and entemologists have already visited the place to collect more information.

Not Desert Locusts?

“We contacted entemologists and forwarded the pictures that farmers sent to us. Looking at the picture, entemologists have opined that it may be calotropis locust or colour grasshopper. Desert locusts usually arrive in lakhs,” said Ms Seetha. Desert locusts that are destroying crops in other parts of India may not come to Dakshina Kannada, she added.

Bengaluru, Feb 2: The monthlong budget session beginning on Monday, which will mark BS Yediyurappa’s maiden budget in his fourth term as chief minister, is expected to be a fiery one.

The opposition JD(S) and Congress have already threatened to stall proceeding until BJP legislator Basangouda Patil Yatnal apologises for his controversial remarks against freedom fighter and centenarian HS Doreswamy. Yatnal had called him a fake and a Pakistani agent.

Disruptions are also likely to pose a threat to speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri’s novel idea of having a two-day discussion on the Constitution of India to commemorate 70 years of the country’s Independence.

Both opposition parties have scheduled legislature party meetings early on Monday and they could coordinate on issues on the floor of the house to put the BJP — especially Yediyurappa — on the backfoot.

Yatnal is not known as a “hardliner”, but his attack on Doreswamy has garnered support from several ministers including CT Ravi, KS Eshwarappa and V Somanna. Yediyurappa may have a hard time defending his party’s line.

The BJP is yet to schedule its legislature party meeting, but MLAs suggest the party will allow the issue to be raised and debated in the legislature. “Both have expressed their point of view. Let there be a discussion on the matter, but not allowing the house to function will only be a waste of the state’s time and money,” said deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan.

Besides the Doreswamy issue, Yediyurappa will also deliver his reply — postponed from February 20 — to the debate on the governor’s address. The issue of student Amulya Leona Narona’s arrest on a charge of sedition, the Bidar sedition case involving a parent of a school student, pro-Pakistan writings on walls in places in north Karnataka, introduction of NPR and the anti-CAA stir is also likely to feature during the lengthy session.

The Alumni Association members along with the members of Women’s Cell organized a programme to celebrate Women’s day and felicitate the student achievers in various fields.

The programme began with a prayer song by the members of the Women’s cell. Among the dignitaries were Sr Dr M Jeswina A.C, Principal, St Agnes College, Mrs Geanette Dsouza, Vice President, Agnesian Alumni Association, Ms Vivid Dsouza, Convenor of the programme and Secretary Agnesian Alumni Association, Mrs Jyothi Cutinha, Joint Secretary Agnesian Alumni Association. 

The college president, Ms Jerusha Maben welcomed the gathering followed by a welcome dance. The student achievers of the college were honoured by the Agnesian Alumni Association;

Agnesian Outstanding Leader Award sponsored by Mrs Carol Pais in honour of her parents Mr Philip and Mrs Mariette Pais is awarded to Ms Jerusha Maben of III BCom.

Agnesian All-Rounder Award sponsored by Mrs Marjorie Texeira is awarded to Ms Anna Una Crasta of II MA English.

Agnesian Scholar Award sponsored by Dr Meera Aranha is awarded to Ms Shane Joveeta Jovet of III BCom.

Agnesian Best Sports Woman Award sponsored by Mrs Daisy Coelho is awarded to Ms Anusha K.J of III BSc.

Agnesian Best NSS Volunteer is awarded to Nerissa Clementina Noronha of III BCom.

Agnesian Best NCC Cadet Award (Army Wing) is awarded to CPL Melani Lobo of III BCom.

Agnesian Best NCC Cadet Award (Air Wing) is awarded to CWO Vanditha Anusha Dsouza of III BSc.

Sr Dr M Jeswina AC presided over the programme congratulated all the student achievers and wished them the best.

Mrs Carol Pais compered the programme and Ms Vivid Dsouza, Secretary of Alumni Association proposed the vote of thanks.