Monthly Archives: June 2025

Kodava Hockey Premier League – 2025: MTB Royals, Kakot Strikers on top at end of Day 1

Mysuru:

MTB Royals and Kakot Strikers ended up in the top of Pool A and Pool B respectively after winning both their matches on Day-1 of three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) organised by Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru at Chamundi Vihar Stadium     here yesterday.

In their first match, MTB Royals defeated Team Kodava Tribe 1-0 and in their second match, they overcame Coorg Titans 1-0 to top the Pool A. Meanwhile, Kakot Strikers also won both their matches in Pool B. They defeated Connecting Kodavas 1-0 in their first match and South Side Rangers 2-1 in their  second match.

On Day-2, this morning, Coorg United defeated MTB Royals 2-1, Kodavu Warriors overcame Kakot Strikers 2-1 and Coorg Titans reigned supreme over Team Kodava Tribe 2-0.

Yesterday’s Results

Coorg Titans 1   beat       Coorg United 0

Kakot Strikers 1                beat       Connecting Kodavas 0

Team Kodava Tribe 1      beat       MTB Royals 0

Anjigeri Naad 4 beat       Kodavu Warriors 3

 (penalty shootout) 

Pale Taluk 3        beat       Coorg United 0 (shootout)

South Side Rangers 2     beat       Kakot Strikers 1

Coorg Titans 1   beat       MTB Royals 0

Connecting Kodavas 1   beat       Kodavu Warriors 0

Pale Taluk 1        beat       Team Kodava Tribe 0

South Side Rangers 4     beat       Anjigeri Naad 3

 (penalty shootout)

Day 2  Results

Coorg United 2 beat       MTB Royals 1

Kodavu Warriors 2          beat       Kakot Strikers 1

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 28th, 2025

KHPL-2025 off to flying start

Date :  June 27 – June 29 / Time : 7 am to 5.30 pm / Venue : Hockey Grounds, Chamundi Vihar Stadium

Mysuru:

The three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) – 2025 was off to flying start with Coorg United taking on Coorg Titans in the inaugural match held Chamundi Vihar Stadium in Nazarbad, here this morning.

In the inaugural match, Coorg Titans defeated Coorg United 1-0. Kuttimada Bhuvan Ponnanna scored the lone goal of the match for the Titans. In another match, Connecting Kodavas   overcame Kakot Strikers 1-0. Mukkatira Poonacha scored for Connecting Kodavas. In the third match, MTB Royals defeated Team Kodava Tribe. Chekkera Varun Madappa scored the only goal of the match for the Royals.

The 3-day Franchise-based Kodava Hockey Tournament, organised by Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and Hockey Mysore, will feature a total of 24 matches including the finals to be held on June 29. 

A total of 10 teams including  Coorg United, Kodavu Warriors, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Team Kodava Tribe, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Coorg Titans, Kakot Strikers and MTB Royals are competing in the tournament which promises some best action. Matches are played in a short format with 34 minutes allotted to each match with two quarters of 17 minutes each.

KHPL-2025 mandates each team to include one female player and two emerging players under 18. This step brings gender inclusivity and youth empowerment to forefront, ensuring 10 women and 20 young talents shine on Kodava hockey stage.

Hockey Karnataka Hon. Secretary and ex-Olympian Anjaparvanda B. Subbaiah, Hockey Mysore President Konganda Dilip Biddappa, Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna, Hockey Mysore Vice-President Kotera Muddaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club ex-President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, Youth Wing President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Assn. President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 27th, 2025

Minister directs officials to tackle human-animal conflict on the rise in Kodagu

Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju, A.S. Ponnanna, MLA, and others visiting rain-affected areas at Napoklu in Kodagu on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu district in-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju on Friday instructed the Forest Department officials to devise effective, long-term measures to tackle the growing human-animal conflict in the district.

Presiding over the district-level Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) tri-monthly review meeting in Madikeri, the Minister said that the conflict with wild elephant continues unabated, and he called for scientific and permanent solutions.

He spoke to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre over the phone, suggesting a meeting in Bengaluru with Kodagu MLAs and senior forest officials to discuss forest-related challenges.

A.S. Ponnanna, MLA, raised concerns over the increasing elephant attacks that result in human casualties. While barricades and trenches have been created, elephants continue to raid villages in groups. Mantar Gowda, MLA, criticised the lack of coordination among forest officials, and said that elephants are merely chased from one area to another without addressing the root problem.

MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda suggested scientific interventions, preservation of forest ponds, and replacing eucalyptus and acacia trees with fruit-bearing and bamboo species to provide adequate food for wildlife within forests.

Issues like permanent rehabilitation for flood-affected families in Karadigodu village, reparation of rain-damaged roads, etc. were discussed at the meeting. Directions were also issued to the Escom officials to remain alert in case of power disruptions during monsoon.

The Minister directed the officials to address grievances of aided schools and ensure basic facilities. The Agriculture Department was asked to ensure timely distribution of seeds and fertilisers for paddy and maize this season.

Later, Mr. Boseraju, along with Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, visited Cheriyaparambu in the Napoklu region to inspect the rain-affected places.

The Minister inspected the bridge built across the Cauvery river and assessed the surrounding areas. Mr. Boseraju instructed the officials to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety and road connectivity, if the bridge gets cut-off in case of floods in the river.

Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 27th, 2025

Coffee futures prices soar on frost threat in Brazil, recovering from last week’s lows in both markets

Stirring up the markets were weather updates from Brazil, where a cold front of polar air is approaching. This could bring frost to some areas of Paraná, São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais, although not comparable, according to forecasters, to the winter 2021 events, which caused significant damage to crops.

Roasted coffee beans (credits: Ri Butov from Pixabay)

In the first winter session (austral winter, of course), fears of frost in Brazil caused coffee futures to surge, with a strong recovery seen yesterday, Monday 23 June 2025. In New York, the September contract gained over 3.6% (+1,150 points) to close 326.55 cents. In London, the September contract soared to $3,904, nearly 4.5% higher than the previous session’s settlement.

Stirring up the markets were weather updates from Brazil, where a cold front of polar air is approaching.

This could bring frost to some areas of Paraná, São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais, although not comparable, according to forecasters, to the winter 2021 events, which caused significant damage to crops.

Analysts expect New York coffee futures to trade within the 320–360 cent range in the near future.

According to Safras & Mercado, 43% of the Brazilian harvest was complete by 18 June. This figure is slightly lower than last year (44%), but higher than the five-year historical average (40%).

As for Robusta, Gil Barabach, analyst at S&M, reports “harvesting operations have progressed at a good pace in the last week, helped by favourable weather conditions”.

The Robusta harvest is 58% complete, compared to 62% last year. It should be noted that this year’s harvest is expected to be a record one.

The Arabica harvest advanced eight percentage points in one week reaching 34% of the estimated total. This is slightly below last year’s figure of 35%, but well above the historical average of 30%

“Overall, this year’s crop profile remains positive compared to last year, with an improvement in terms of coffee screen size,” added Barabach.

Meanwhile, Indian exports are booming. The Coffee Board of India reports that exports in FY2024/25 increased in value by 40.2% to over $1.8 billion. The main destinations included Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the UAE and the US.

source: http://www.comunicaffe.com / International Comunicafe / Home> Markets & Trade> Reports & Statistics / June 24th, 2025

India’s coffee exports soar with 125% growth in shipments

As per the data, exports stood at $1.28 billion in 2023–24, compared to $1.14 billion in 2022–23. Europe continues to be the top destination for Indian coffee, with key markets including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Middle East nations, South Korea.

India’s coffee exports have surged by 125 per cent over the past 11 years, touching $1.8 billion in 2023–24, up from $800 million in 2014–15, according to central government data. The rise in exports has been attributed to a series of policy measures implemented by the Coffee Board of India, including digitalisation of permits, export incentives, and support for value addition in processing.

As per the data, exports stood at $1.28 billion in 2023–24, compared to $1.14 billion in 2022–23. Europe continues to be the top destination for Indian coffee, with key markets including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Middle East nations, South Korea and Japan.

To bolster exports, the Coffee Board has taken steps such as digital issuance of RCMC, export permits and certificates of origin, regular engagement with exporters to address bottlenecks, and providing global market intelligence. Additionally, the government has introduced transit and freight assistance, offering Rs 3 per kg for value-added exports and Rs 2 per kg for high-value green coffee shipments to far-off markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, and Nordic countries. To further aid domestic processors and entrepreneurs, the Board offers 40% subsidy on machinery costs, capped at Rs 15 lakh, for roasting, grinding and packaging units.

India, the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with a 3.5% share, ranks fifth in exports with a 5% global share. The country produces about 3.6 lakh tonnes of coffee annually, with Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu being top growers. The sector directly and indirectly supports around 2 million people.

source: http://www.maritimegateway.com / Maritime Gateway / Home> Government> Exim / June 24th, 2025

A veggie paradise of taste

With its plant-based cuisines, Twisted Basil is a sanctuary for vegetarian travellers to Coorg.

Perched amidst the verdant embrace of Timbertales Luxury Resort in Coorg, Twisted Basil stands out as a feast for both the eyes and the palate—a pure‑vegetarian sanctuary where plant‑based cuisine is elevated to an art.

If you are looking for an interesting tasting menu on your next trip to Coorg, look no further than Twisted Basil that offers a choice of tasting menu that include Pan Asian, Continental as well as a Chef’s Choice option, which is a mix of what is in season and fresh produce of the day.

Food: The continental menu starts with the first course called ‘starting savoury’. The Creamy Carrot Soup is hearty, served with a hint of basil oil. The Carpaccio Di Barbabietola salad with roasted beetroot carpaccio, navel orange and goat cheese is delicious. Next up is the Frittelle Di Zucchine e Parmigiano—crispy fritters made with grated Zucchini and Parmesan cheese, served with a tangy tomato and basil dip. It hits the right spot with its mellow flavours. The Cannelloni Spinach—a tender coconut and pineapple granita is a perfect for the main course. For dessert, the Barretta Di Cioccolato Croccante, a crunchy chocolate bar with salted caramel and white pearls, is a sweet end to the meal.

Service: The service is excellent with the staff explaining each course and ingredients well.

Décor: Set over water, framed by lush bamboo and ambient fountains, the restaurant pairs bold, globally inspired flavours with a serene, tropical backdrop—perfect for travellers seeking a refined and memorable dining adventure.

Price: The price is on the higher end, a meal for two costs Rs 10,000 without taxes.

Address: No. 94/2, Kedakal Post, Modur, Madikeri, Karnataka – 571237.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Food / by Bindu Gopal Rao / June 22nd, 2025

Nitin Kushalappa wins Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Kodagu-based author and engineer Mookonda P. Nitin Kushalappa has been awarded the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his latest work, Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold, published by Puffin Books in 2023.

The awards were announced in New Delhi on Wednesday (June 18), and Nitin is among 24 writers to receive the Bal Puraskar this year.

The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, is the country’s central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion, and is the only organisation to conduct literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.

These distinguished literary honours recognise exceptional contributions to Indian literature across multiple languages, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the country’s rich linguistic heritage.

Presented annually, the awards honour authors whose works exemplify outstanding literary merit and cultural relevance. This year’s selection showcases a rich tapestry of genres — from poetry and novels to short stories and criticism — highlighting both emerging and established voices.

“Although I have authored seven other books so far, this is my first book for children. Winning this award was unexpected, and I am grateful that my current work has found such recognition. I thank the Sahitya Akademi for conferring the Bal Sahitya Puraskar on me. I am also thankful to my publishers, book agents, relatives, friends, and everyone who supported me on this journey,” Nitin Kushalappa told Star of Mysore.

An engineer by profession, Nitin is widely known for his deep interest in Kodagu’s local history, folklore and fiction. His notable publications include ‘The Early Coorgs’, ‘Long Ago in Coorg’, ‘1785 Coorg’, ‘Kodagu Principality vs British Empire’, ‘The Major Who Kept His Cool’, ‘The House of Awadh’ and ‘The Gandhi of Kodagu’.

His latest work, ‘Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold’, reflects his signature storytelling style, which blends regional history with creative retelling. Award winners will each receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 at a special ceremony on a later date.

A native of Kodagu, Nitin is the son of Mookonda K. Poonacha (Sunny) and M.P. Damayanthi (Pushpa), residents of Ammathi. He is married to Deepthi Belliappa from the Ketolira family.

He completed his education at Clarence High School, St. Joseph’s Pre-University College, CMR Institute of Technology (B.E.), Kuvempu University (M.A.) and Alliance University (Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Management).

2019 award

In 2019, Codanda Devika Cariapa received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for her book ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’, published by Penguin Random House India.

The book is a compilation featuring 100 objects that hold significant relevance in Indian history, from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations.

Devika is the daughter of Lt. Gen. Biddanda Chengappa Nanda  (late) and Leela Nanda, and wife of Indian Air Force Group Captain (Retd.) Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2025

Sainik School Kodagu holds parade to celebrate U-17 football team’s victory

The Under-17 Junior Football Team of Sainik School Kodagu, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, with the dignitaries after a victory parade on the school campus at Kudige recently. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sainik School Kodagu held a victory parade to celebrate the achievement of its Under-17 Junior Football Team, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, also known as the Pre-Subroto Cup, held at Sainik School Bhubaneswar from June 9 to 15.

The cadets marched with their trophy, marking the school’s first-ever podium finish at the national level. Cadet Aryan, who was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, received an individual achiever’s trophy for his performance.

The victory parade commenced from Old Kudige and concluded on the school campus, drawing participation from cadets, teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC units, and local residents.

The Sub-Junior and Girls’ football teams took part in the procession, celebrating the collective spirit of sportsmanship, a press release said.

Principal Col. Amar Jeet Singh, administrative officer Wing Commnander Prakash Rao, vice-principal Squadron Leader Mohammad Shaji, and others attended the event. Girl cadets clad in traditional Kodava attire welcomed the players with flowers, while cultural performances such as ‘Dollu Kunita’ and the school’s ‘Tamate’ ensemble added vibrancy to the event, the release added.

The team was felicitated with citations and certificates. Col. Singh praised the team’s determination, skill, and resilience, and commended the dedicated efforts of coach Shek Ajjed and the entire coaching staff.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu /Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 20th, 2025

Metro Station in Bengaluru to be named after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: CM

Bengaluru:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured that one of the metro stations in Bengaluru will soon be named after Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief.

He made this announcement on Sunday during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Kodava Samaja Bengaluru at the Kodava Samudaya Bhavana in Vasanthnagar. The event honoured Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar for allocating seven acres of land to the community in the State capital.

He said that the proposal to name a metro station after Field Marshal Cariappa will be placed before the Cabinet, and a final decision will be taken shortly.

For years, the Kodava community has been urging the State Government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to honour Cariappa’s legacy in this manner.

In July 2024, members of Kodava Samaja formally submitted a request to BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, reiterating the demand to name a metro station after the iconic military figure. Praising the Kodava community’s contributions, Siddaramaiah lauded its inclusive spirit, highlighting that Kodavas respect all Indians regardless of caste or religion.

He also expressed confidence in the political future of Kodagu MLAs A.S. Ponnanna (Virajpet) and Dr. Manthar Gowda (Madikeri), describing Ponnanna as an emerging firebrand leader comparable to the late A.K. Subbaiah and M.C. Nanaiah, known for their socially conscious speeches in the legislature.

Deputy CM Shivakumar appealed to the Kodava community to continue supporting Congress government. “Our government has initiated many programmes for you. We have allotted land to families of Armed Forces personnel, appointed Kodavas to Rajya Sabha and ensured representation in the legislature. Recognising this legacy, we request your continued support,” he said.

He pointed out that the Government’s decision to allot seven acres of land in Bengaluru to Kodava Samaja comes with only nominal financial concessions, underscoring that no price tag can match the community’s discipline, sacrifice and patriotism.

“We must safeguard our traditions and culture. Your dedication is beyond monetary value,” he added.

The event was attended by Ministers K. J. George, Krishna Byregowda, Byrathi Suresh, MLA Rizwan Arshad, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Dr. Manthar Gowda and Bengaluru Kodava Samaja President Karavattira Pemmaiah, among others.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 19th, 2025

Codava meet on geo-political autonomy and tribal rights

HIGHLIGHTS

Madikeri: In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar…

Madikeri:

In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar on June 18 highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people.

Speaking to Hans India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC’s core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community.

The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.

The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland’s claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified.

Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance, also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York. The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India’s federal structure.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / June 17th, 2025