Two killed in gang attack at Farangipet; three others injured

Feb 26: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday claimed that it prevented Karnataka from discussing the contentious Mekedatu reservoir issue at the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting held in New Delhi.

Besides the representatives of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at the fifth meeting of CWMA, presided over by Central Water Commission Chairman R K Jain, officials of Kerala and Puducherry also participated.

CWMA member and TN PWD Secretary K Manivasan told reporters after the meeting that the state government prevented Karnataka from discussing the dam issue by pointing out the pending petitions in the Supreme Court against the project filed by the E Palaniswami government.

"We have told participants of the meeting that Mekedatu reservoir will be against the interests of Tamil Nadu and its farmers. Our consistent stand is that it should not be built at any cost. Finally the issue was not discussed in the meeting," Manivasan said.

The Mekedatu reservoir is proposed to be constructed by Karnataka across Cauvery river near Mekedatu, about 110 km from Bengaluru, in Kanakapura taluk.

It was first proposed along with Shivanasamudra hydro power project at Shimsa in 2003 with an intention to use the water for a hydro power station and supply drinking water to Bengaluru city. It was designed to store 67 tmc feet of water.

While Tamil Nadu is claiming that the construction of a balancing reservoir will disturb Cauvery water flow to the state affecting irrigation, Karnataka says the project is basically designed to take care of the drinking water needs of Bengaluru after releasing water to Tamil Nadu as per the quantum specified by the Cauvery water disputes tribunal.

Shivamogga, Jun 30: The organic farmers' market in Shivamogga in Karnataka has seen a rise in the demand for organic fruits and vegetables in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents of nearby areas frequently visit the market to get fresh produce.

According to Sridhar, a farmer who sells his produce in the market, the demand for organic fruits and vegetables was very low before the coronavirus outbreak.

"I have been involved in organic farming for the last two decades but there was no real market. Since these days everyone is trying to boost their immunity, we are getting a lot of positive response from the locals," he told news agency.

Sridhar and other farmers come from villages near the city. They are authentic organic farmers under the Vikas Trust and Savayava Krishi Parivar, a federation of organic farmer's families based in Karnataka, and they promote pesticide and fertiliser free agriculture.

Gurumel Singh, who often comes to the local market said, "My family has started eating more organic fruits and vegetable now because of the pandemic. We have been told it is important to take care of our health and organic fruits and vegetables are good immunity boosters. The fruits I buy from the organic market are also much sweeter than the ones I get elsewhere."

Mangaluru, Mar 10:  Country’s economic condition is not permanent. All young entrepreneurs can be forward looking persons, because all bad times are followed by good times. In fact, it is good time to start your own industry, said Nitte Deemed to be University Chancellor Dr. N Vinaya Hegde. 

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating a three-day entrepreneurship symposium organized by Mangalore University and Department of M. Com and MBA, University Evening College at University College Mangalore here on Monday, he said that entrepreneurship is something you enjoy. You should belief that there is something in you to achieve your area of choice. You should get pleasure out of it. 

Ex-MLC Capt. Ganesh Karnik believed that our population is definitely a resource, but symposiums are needed to convert ideas to implementation. Coastal Karnataka is best example for successful entrepreneurship in health, education sector, he added. 

Presiding over the function, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof. P Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya said that students should be universally compassionate before being an entrepreneur. There will be challenges, failures in entrepreneurship. One should trust himself, and should have courage and confidence to be innovative. One should have aspiration and passion for excellence, he added.

Young scientist, international awardee Swasthik Padma was felicitated on the occasion. Evening college Principal Dr. Ramakrishna B M, Coordinator  Dr. Yathish Kumar were present among others. Kavya P Hegde mastered the ceremony, Venkatesh Nayak presented vote of thanks.