1. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Pushes for Swift Completion of Social and Educational Survey
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a firm directive to all Deputy Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat CEOs, urging them to accelerate the state’s ambitious Social and Educational Survey. Despite technical hurdles causing slow progress over the past four days, the Chief Minister has explicitly ruled out any extension to the deadline. With initial glitches now resolved, he emphasized the need to achieve a daily progress rate of at least 10% to meet the overall target. The survey aims to cover all 1.43 crore families across Karnataka, but currently, less than 2% of this goal has been accomplished, with only 2.76 lakh families surveyed to date. Regional Commissioners and district in-charge Secretaries have been tasked with actively monitoring and reviewing the progress to ensure timely completion.
2. Renowned Kannada Writer S.L. Bhyrappa Laid to Rest with State Honors in Mysuru
Saraswathi Samman awardee and celebrated Kannada writer S.L. Bhyrappa, who passed away in Bengaluru on September 24, was accorded full State honors during his cremation in Mysuru on September 26. His mortal remains were transported from Bengaluru to Mysuru the day prior, allowing countless admirers and members of the public to pay their last respects at Kalamandira. On the day of the cremation, his body was brought to his long-time residence in Kuvempunagar, giving local residents a final opportunity to bid farewell. In adherence to State protocols, police fired three rounds into the air, and the national flag draped over his body was ceremoniously removed and presented to his family as a mark of profound respect.
3. Cauvery Aarti to Offer Free Entry and Laddoos at Brindavan Gardens
In anticipation of the upcoming Cauvery Aarti program at the KRS reservoir, authorities have announced a waiver of entry fees for visitors and vehicle tolls for Brindavan Gardens in Mandya. This special concession will be effective from September 26 to October 2. The Brindavan Gardens, stunningly illuminated for Dasara, is expected to draw over 8,000 tourists to witness the aarti. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is set to inaugurate the event on September 26, has also arranged for complimentary laddoos to be distributed to all attendees. Modeled after the iconic Ganga Aarti, the Cauvery Aarti will enchant visitors for five days, from September 26 to 30.
4. Ten New Tech Companies Boost Coastal Karnataka’s Digital Economy
Coastal Karnataka’s tech landscape is expanding with the launch of ten new enterprises across Mangaluru and Udupi-Manipal. These innovative companies include Ojas Quest Private Limited, Manasija Technologies, Entrupy, Sophrosyne Semiconductor, Sitaara, Anvation Labs, Truelift AI, XFactr AI, Telloquent, and IndiVillage. According to the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), the Mangaluru Cluster – which encompasses Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Kodagu districts – now hosts over 250 tech firms, collectively employing approximately 28,000 individuals. This latest influx further solidifies the region’s reputation as a growing technology hub.
5. Mysore Sandal Soap Forges Unique Partnership with ‘Kantara – Chapter 1’ as Fragrance Partner
The Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), makers of the globally recognized Mysore Sandal Soap, is embarking on an innovative promotional venture. The state-owned enterprise has officially become the “fragrance partner” and co-sponsor for Hombale Films’ highly anticipated movie, ‘Kantara – Chapter 1,’ starring Rishab Shetty. Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil confirmed the agreement, stating that KSDL’s products will be prominently showcased and promoted at every screening of the film, marking a creative new strategy to engage audiences.