Bopanna-Ebden clinch Miami Open title, return to world No. 1 ranking

With the win, Bopanna surpassed his record created last year when he won the Indian Wells title at the age of 43, and also reclaimed the top spot in the doubles ranking.

Ace Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna rewrote his own record to continue to be the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion as he and his Australian partner Matt Ebden clinched the men’s doubles crown at the Miami Open here.

Continuing their fine run this year, the 44-year-old Bopanna and Ebden fought back from a set down to pull off an exhilarating 6-7(3), 6-3, 10-6 win over Crotia’s Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

With the win, Bopanna surpassed his record created last year when he won the Indian Wells title at the age of 43, and also reclaimed the top spot in the doubles ranking.

“It’s amazing. As long as you are doing well in these big events, it’s what we play for,” Bopanna said after the win.

“I want to do well in the Masters 1000s and the Grand Slams. It’s good to keep that record going and keep giving everyone else a run for their money,” added Bopanna, who won his maiden doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year.

This was Bopanna’s 14th ATP Masters 1000 final. Overall, it was the veteran Indian player’s 63rd ATP Tour level final and 26th doubles title.

Bopanna also achieved a rare feat as he became the second Indian after Leander Paes to reach the final of all nine ATP Masters events.

Bopanna and Ebden, the top seeds for the tournament, tapped into their deep reservoir of experience to fetch the final six points of the summit clash. They had three set points on serve at 6-5 in the opening set but their second-seeded opponents warded off all three to force a tiebreaker before taking a 1-0 lead.

“It’s tough. These guys, they fight back in tough moments,” said Ebden.

“Last time we played them it was similar, it’s a bit of a see-saw. They return so well, make so many balls and we missed one or two shots when we were up [at the end of] the first set. They played a great tie-break, and then we just reset.” Bopanna and Ebden then staged a comeback as they broke their opponent early in the second set which helped them level the game.

Like the opening two sets, the tiebreaker was also fought on an even keel with the reigning Australian Open champions emerging victorious.

Following the Australian Open triumph, Bopanna climbed to the world No.1 spot in the ATP rankings, becoming the oldest player to do so. But slipped to the second spot in the doubles rankings after a quarterfinal loss at the Dubai Championships and a round-of-32 exit at the Indian Wells Masters.

But with the win here, the pair will be back to the top spot.

source:http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / March 31st, 2024

Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinappa

Obituary

Statistician and author Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinappa, aged 89 years and a resident of Covai@ Tapovan Solace in Sharadadevinagar, Mysuru, passed away at a private hospital here this morning. She leaves behind two daughters. 

Cremation took place this afternoon at Harishchandra Ghat at the foot of Chamundi Hill. Her husband Boverianda M. Chinnappa (89), an Engineer and Consultant in India and Canada, passed away on Mar. 10, 2023

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obiturary / March 31st, 2024

Mathigodu Elephant Camp In Karnataka’s Kodagu District Decalred A Tourist Spot

Mathigodu Elephant Camp has been developed at a cost of Rs 1 crore by the state government.

There are currently 17 domesticated elephants in the camp.

Mathigodu Elephant Camp near Thithimathi in the Kodagu district of Karnataka is now open for tourists, according to reports. The camp, which was earlier limited to only rearing and taming elephants, has now turned into a tourist destination. This camp is famous for sheltering elephants who were invited during the Dasara celebration in Mysuru city. One elephant named Abhimanyu from this camp acted as the leader in Dasara celebrations in 2022. He carried the 750 kg Golden Howdah alongside two female elephants. Arjuna, the eldest elephant during the celebrations, was also from Mathigodu Elephant Camp. Apart from the infamous Dubare Elephant Camp in Coord, now Mathigodu Elephant Camp is all set to showcase the daily life of elephants to tourists.

Mathigodu Elephant Camp has been developed at a cost of Rs 1 crore by the state government. As per media reports, there are currently 17 domesticated elephants in the camp. It has an elephant shelter, feeding stations, a parking facility and an information centre located within the camp. Now, tourists will be able to witness the daily life of elephants at Mathigodu Elephant Camp. The population of elephants was high in this camp, but some died due to ailing age, while others became the victim of accidents.

Last year, a 50-year-old elephant named Subramani – who was being trained in a Kraal at Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Anechowkur Wildlife Division – died of illness in 2023. She was suffering from multi-organ failure, Osteoarthritis and Septicaemia, according to the vets, who performed the post-mortem.

The Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg has been a favourite destination spot for elephant lovers for a long time. The tourists are given a chance to watch the daily lives of elephants. It includes watching them having a scrub bath in the river, rituals like oil massaging on their forehead, and tusks and other aspects of elephant grooming. After the bath, you can also witness how the tusker’s food is prepared. The Mahouts also demonstrate how elephants obey commands in Dubare Elephant Camp. The same activities or more are expected to be included in Mathigodu Elephant Camp for the tourists.

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source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> News> India / by News Desk. Local 18, Bengaluru, India / March 16th, 2024

Mahesh Nachaiah Is New Kodava Sahitya Academy President

Madikeri:

Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah has been appointed as the new President of Kodava Sahitya Academy by the State Government.

Mahesh Nachaiah, a native of Virajpet taluk, is a staunch lover of Kodava language                           and is the editor of Kodava  weekly magazine ‘Poomale’. Apart from being a journalist, he is actively associated with many organisations. The government is yet to appoint members for the Kodava Academy

The State Government has also appointed Sadananda Mavaji, a native of Dakshina Kannada, as the President of Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruti and Sahitya Academy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 19th, 2024

Historic Milestone in Coffee Industry: Robusta Prices Surpass Arabica, Reach All-Time High

HIGHLIGHTS

In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages.

Historic Milestone in Coffee Industry: Robusta Prices Surpass Arabica, Reach All-Time High

Bengaluru:

In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages. The farmgate price of robusta green coffee berries soared to a record ₹172 per kg in the Wayanad market, on Wednesday marking a significant increase from ₹115 per kg during the same period last year. Additionally, the spot price of Robusta Parchment coffee beans skyrocketed to an all-time high of ₹315 per kg, compared to ₹220 per kg in March 2023. Notably, in March 2022, the rates for raw fruits and parchment stood at ₹80 and ₹145 respectively.

In the Kodagu market, the price of robusta parchment surged to Rs 14,700 per 50 kg bag, setting a new milestone. This marks the first time that the price of cherry and parchment coffee has surpassed that of Arabica. Arabica cherry coffee is currently priced between 8000-8200 per 50 kg bag, while robusta commands a higher price of over 8600 -8700 rupees.

Experts attribute this remarkable surge in prices to a combination of factors, including a surge in global demand and crop failures in leading coffee exporting countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam due to extreme weather conditions. Despite challenges in yield, India’s coffee production is expected to reach 3.54 lakh tonnes, slightly up from last year’s production of 3.52 lakh tonnes, according to officials from the Coffee Board.

Former Coffee Board member, Dr. Sannuwanda Kaveerappa, predicts a further rise in robusta coffee prices, attributing it to crop destruction in Vietnam and Indonesia and the superior quality of Indian coffee compared to other regions. With Karnataka leading the way, accounting for 71% of the country’s coffee production, followed by Kerala (21%) and Tamil Nadu (5%), India remains a significant player in the global coffee market.

As coffee prices soar, it is anticipated that prices in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops will witness an upward trend in the coming months, potentially impacting consumers. This price hike may prompt consumers to shift towards other alternatives like tea. Additionally, the rise in robusta prices may lead Arabica growers to consider transitioning to robusta cultivation due to its lower maintenance costs and rarity of borer infestation. Market analysts anticipate further increases in coffee prices in the coming days, with the possibility of maintaining stability even in the face of minor fluctuations.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Coovercolly Indresh / Hans News Service / March 28th, 2024

Coorg Unveils Exquisite Event Management Services, Purple Events Promises Unmatched Excellence

In the vibrant realm of event management, a brilliant new luminary is making waves amidst the picturesque backdrop of Coorg.

Meet Sampath, a dynamic entrepreneur whose debut onto the scene promises to captivate clients with an unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier services. Driven with a deep passion for crafting unforgettable moments, Sampath brings a fresh perspective to every occasion, drawing inspiration from Coorg’s natural splendor.

With an unwavering dedication to excellence, Sampath’s enterprise promises a flawless innovation and precise focus on intricacies. From conceptualization to execution,  his team stands ready to transform any occasion into a stunning masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from Coorg’s rich cultural heritage, Sampath aims to infuse each event with a unique charm that reflects the region’s hospitality and warmth.

Clients can anticipate a seamless and stress-free event planning experience, as Sampath guarantees his innovative approach with a commitment to delivering beyond expectations. As the scene is set for exciting projects, Sampath shines as a brilliant young talent in the event management Industry , ready to redefine the standards of luxury and sophistication. 

What: Event Planner

Where: At Coorg/Kodagu, Karnataka

Service: Event Planning, Event Management

For further details contact – 8431972797

source: http://www.hospibuzz.com / Hospibuzz.com / Home> Buzzing News> Hotels News / March 26th, 2024

Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath leads $10 mn round in coffee specialty brand Subko

Subko, a brand known for its premium coffee, baked goods, and bean-to-bar chocolate, has secured a significant investment round of $10 million.

Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder & Chief Investment Officer, True Beacon and Zerodha

Subko, a Mumbai-based brand known for its specialty coffee, craft-baked goods, and bean-to-bar chocolate, has secured a significant investment of $10 million. Leading the round is renowned investor and co-founder of Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath, valuing the company at approximately $34 million post-money.


Kamath is also an investor in Third Wave Coffee.

Subko competes with several players including Third Wave Coffee, Slay Coffee, Blue Tokai, Sleepy Owl Coffee, Hatti Kaapi, and Rage Coffee.

The latest funding round highlights Subko’s growing appeal.  The company’s focus on celebrating South Asian culture through its products, coupled with its design-driven experiential approach, has attracted a diverse range of investors.These include the Blume Founders Fund, The Gauri Khan Family Trust, Priya &  John Abraham, Sangita Jindal, Srinivas & Pallavi Dempo, The Mehta International Mauritius Limited Group etc.

The funds will fuel Subko’s expansion plans. Key areas of focus include:

  1. Building a strong team
  2. Developing innovative customer experiences through technology
  3. Investing in research and development for new products and design
  4. Strengthening farm-level infrastructure for specialty coffee and cacao beans
  5. Launching ready-to-drink coffee products

Subko also plans a strategic rollout of flagship experience cafes with different formats. These cafes will be carefully curated and launched in select Indian cities and potentially even global capitals. The aim is to showcase South Asian craftsmanship and the region’s exceptional agricultural resources.”Nikhil’s participation is a testament to our brand’s potential,” said Rahul Reddy, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Subko. He emphasizes Kamath’s alignment with Subko’s mission: empowering homegrown Indian brands and navigating the complexities of the consumer market.

“I am deeply impressed by Subko’s commitment to showcasing the finest Indian craftsmanship on a global platform. It is paramount that a distinctive Indian brand like Subko leads the way in delivering our unique, curated experiences to the world. My journey with Subko, transitioning from a customer to an investor, has given me unique insights into the brand’s evolution and potential. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the brand’s narrative unfold and flourish in the coming years,” said Nikhil Kamat.

Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters and Craft Bakehouse is a coffee roastery, bakehouse, and experiential cafe concept in Mumbai that focuses on the Indian subcontinent’s origin stories across a variety direct-to farmer sourcing efforts.


“Zerodha founders just doubled down on coffee in a big way..Nikhil Kamath already had a small stake in Third Wave Coffee, which is sort of the leading challenger brand competing with Starbucks India today. And now, a firm fully owned by the two brothers (NKSquared) has acquired a massive 25% stake in a smaller competitor.With the existing investment in Third Wave Coffee, the Kamaths would have surely gotten much insights about the functioning and the potentila of the space,” said Jayant Mudhra of Dexter Capital Advisors. 

Subko sources specialty coffee, fine cacao, and wheat, directly from farmers and emphasizes hyper-traceability, which involves tracking and documenting every step in the supply chain, including recent block-chain enabled coffee and pioneering direct tipping systems for coffee farmers. 

The brand works in direct trade relationships with coffee estates and smallholder farmers harvesting and processing coffee and cacao, roasting and transforming the agricultural produce into fine specialty finished goods, and along with its bakehouse, showcases the products in flagship cafes and ‘mini’ pop up stores in addition to shipping products pan-India, and globally.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business-Standard / Home> Companies> News / by Sunaina Chadha, New Delhi / March 26th, 2024