India’s biggest IPO in 3 years fully subscribed

October 22, 2015Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Girls sit at the window of a Cafe Coffee Day outlet in Mumbai, February 25, 2015. The firm behind Cafe Coffee Day, India’s biggest homegrown coffee chain, is set for a market debut that could value it at almost $1 billion, even as the country’s burgeoning cafe culture draws global giants Starbucks and McDonald’s. Cafe Coffee Day, a cafe pioneer in India, aims to list a 20 percent stake, raising roughly $200 million, within the next quarter, sources with direct knowledge of the plans said. Picture taken February 25, 2015. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade / @ Reuters

New Delhi (NewsRise):

The owner of India’s largest coffee chain received bids for 1.2 times the shares it offered in the nation’s biggest initial public offering in three years, indicating that investors remain bullish on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to revive economic growth.

Coffee Day Enterprises, which runs the Cafe Coffee Day outlets, received 31.3 million bids for the 25.8 million shares it offered, according to provisional data on the National Stock Exchange. The company aims to raise as much $176 million via the IPO.

A slew of companies, including India’s largest discount airline, have filed for IPOs this year, betting that Modi’s reforms and easing interest rates will revive growth in Asia’s third-largest economy. As many as 16 companies filed their draft prospectus with markets regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India between July and September, the highest quarterly filing in four years, Business Standard newspaper reported.

“Improvement in the economic situation means that the appetite will pick up,” said Deven Choksey, managing director at K.R. Choksey Shares and Securities. “If quality papers come at a reasonable price, investors will be more than happy to purchase.”

Until Thursday, Coffee Day Enterprises had received bids for 75% of its shares on offer. Demand picked up after a lukewarm response on Wednesday, the opening day for subscription, led by bids from the so-called Qualified Institutional Buyers that included local banks and insurance companies.

Discount carrier IndiGo’s parent InterGlobe Aviation is likely to open the 25 billion rupee ($385 million) initial public offer on Oct. 26, Economic Times reported. Mumbai-based L&T plans to sell 17.5 million shares, or nearly 11% of outstanding stock of unit Larsen & Toubro Infotech. L&T, which currently holds 161.25 million shares in the unit, plans to raise around 15 billion rupees via the share sale.

Coffee Day Enterprises has been expanding outlets in recent years, betting that rising disposable incomes and increasing coffee consumption in the world’s second-most populous nation will boost revenues.

Analysts had largely advised investors to be cautious about the company’s financials and its complex structure, which includes a range of businesses from real estate to software services. Coffee Day’s other businesses have a history of weak returns on capital, they said.

From January to September this year, 15 companies had raised $992 million through IPOs in India, compared with $197 million last year and $235 million in 2013. The market is still a fraction of what it was in 2010, when 64 firms raised $8.34 billion, according to Prime Database.

source: http://www.asia.nikkei.com / Nikkei Asia Review / Home> Markets> Equities / October 16th, 2015

21

October 22, 2015Uncategorizedadmin

20

October 22, 2015Uncategorizedadmin

Thousands witness Teertodbhava

October 19, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Devotees thronged to collect teertha after the Teertodbhava at Talacauvery in Kodagu on Sunday.

Several devotees reached Talacauvery ahead of the scheduled event

The annual spectacle of ‘Teertodbhava’, symbolising the emerging of holy water from the ‘Brahmakundike’, a tiny niche at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Hills at Talacauvery in Kodagu, occurred at 12.15 a.m. amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns by priests on Sunday. The Cauvery originates from Talacauvery.

Thousands thronged the spot to catch a glimpse of the occurrence. Many devotees had reached Talacauvery much ahead of the scheduled event. “Everything went off well,” Manu Muthappa, president of the Bhagandeshwara-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee, said.

Devotees streamed into Bhagamandala to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangama, offer prayers and proceed towards Talacauvery, located about eight km away. The district police had a tough time controlling devotees. Priests sprinkled ‘teertha’ on the devotees as soon as it emerged from the Brahmakundike.

The water is not allowed to overflow from the niche, since it is considered inauspicious.

Distribution of teertha will take place on Sunday evening and Monday morning. The entire area had a festive appearance with people scrambling to carry ‘teertha’ from the birthplace of the river.

There is also a tradition of the devout performing rites in memory of the deceased and adequate arrangements were in place to cater to the devotees. Public representatives, administration and police officers were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by V. Paneesha And / Madikeri – Mysuru, October 19th, 2015

Talacauvery geared up for Theerthodbhava tonight

October 18, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Madikeri (Kodagu) :

Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery in Kodagu district, is all set for Cauvery Theerthodbhava to occur at 12.15 am (Sunday).

Inspecting the preparations, Kodagu DC Meer Anis Ahmed and Additional DC Satish Kumar yesterday visited the pilgrim towns of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery.

DC Ahmed, speaking to media persons, said that about 700 cops and 47 officers, 42 women constables and 150 Home Guards would be posted on security duty during the Theerthodbhava in which thousands of devotees from the State and neighbouring States will take part.

Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga will serve breakfast to the devotees, he said and added that temporary toilets had been built for the convenience of visitors at both Talacauvery and Bhagamandala.

This apart, the KSRTC will run special bus services from Madikeri to Talacauvery today.

Traffic regulation:
In an effort to avoid congestion of traffic on the occasion of the Theerthodbhava, the district administration has regulated movement of vehicles towards Talacauvery and Bhagamandala on NH-275 by imposing one-way rule.

All vehicles traveling towards Talacauvery and Bhagamandala on Mysuru-Bantwal NH-275 have been asked to take a right turn near Thalathamane and pass through Appangala-Bettageri.

Likewise vehicles returning from Talacauvery and Bhagamandala have been instructed to pass through Bettageri-Appangala-Katakeri road to join Mysuru-Bantawal Highway and the restrictions would be in force till 6 pm on Sunday.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / October 17th, 2015

Coffee Board of India Recruitment 2015 for 06 Junior Assistant Posts

October 16, 2015Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Uncategorizedadmin

Under Special Recruitment Drive for Persons with Disabilities, the Coffee Board of India has invited applicants to apply for six posts of Junior Assistants.

Interested and eligible candidates need to apply through prescribed application format before November 15, 2015.

Selection of the candidates would be made based upon performance of the candidates in the written test, typing test/skill test and personal interview round conducted by the concerned requirement authority.

Due to the World War during the 1940’s the state of Coffee industry was miserable in India and this is the time when the Government of India established the ‘Coffee Board’ though the “Coffee Act VII of 1942” under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The board is responsible since its inception to develop the status of coffee marketing, finance, research and development.

Research and development undergoes in various substation and research centres of the Coffee Board around the nation to improve the quality and standards of the Indian Coffee.

Vacancy details:
Name of the post: Junior Assistant
Total number of posts: 06
Pay scale: Rs. 5200- 20200/- with Grade Pay of Rs. 1900/-
Eligibility:
Educational qualification:
Candidates having passed 12th Class from any recognized board/institute along with a typing speed of 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on computer can apply for the post.
Age limit: Candidates must be between 18 to 27 years age.

For official notification, click here.
Selection procedure:
Selection of the candidates would be made based on the performance of the candidates in written test, typing test/skill test and personal interview round, conducted by the concerned recruitment authority.
How to apply:
Interested and eligible candidates need to apply through prescribed application format which can be downloaded from the official website from October 14, 2015 onwards.

Candidates need to pay Rs. 100/- in the form of Indian Postal Stamp addressed to the Deputy Secretary (Adminstration), Coffeee Board, No. 1, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru- 560001, in order to get the application form by post.

Filled in application form along with all the requisite documents, certificates, passport size photograph and other testimonials should reach the “Deputy Secretary (Administration), Coffee Board, No.1, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru- 560001” before November 15, 2015.

source: http://www.prepsure.com / PrepSure.com / Home> Jobs> Government Jobs / by Editorial Team / October 15th, 2015

Continue exemption to possess firearms, demand literary bodies

October 15, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leadersadmin

The Kodava Sahitya Academy and Arebhashe Samskriti Mathu Sahitya Academy will urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to continue the exemption to possess firearms under Section 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act.

At a meeting convened on Wednesday, to collect public opinion on the issue, the Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah said that a delegation under the leadership of MP Prathap Simha would be taken to Delhi to impress upon the Home Ministry.

“The public should give their opinion on exemption to possess firearms in writing. All the written opinions will be compiled and submitted to the Central government,” he said.

Arebhashe Samskriti Haagu Sahitya Academy President Kolyada Girish said, “There are several burning issues in Kodagu. Now, the issue of exemption to possess firearms has appeared. We are not ready to lose the exemption given to us.”

Napoklu Kodava Samaja President Uthappa demanded, “Exemption to possess firearms by every person of Coorg race and every Jamma holder should be continued.”

P J Ayyappa said the circular issued by the British rules mentions the term ‘Coorg race.’ There is a need to define the term ‘race’ to make the officials and the government understand, he insisted.

Kudukuli Bharath said, “All the traditional dwellers of Kodagu come under Coorg by race. I had availed exemption to possess firearms way back in 1976.

“The exemption is not restricted to Kodavas alone. It is related to all the traditional dwellers of Kodagu. We have to protect our rights.”

Kodagu Gowda Vidya Sangha member and Advocate Dayanand concurred, “The exemption to possess firearms has been given to ‘gallant people of Coorg’, according to a circular issued by the British Commissioner Cubbon in 1861. The circular does not mention one community alone.

“The ‘Coorg race’ is not restricted to one caste or creed alone. The circular on Coorg race has been misunderstood by the officials. The exemption enjoyed by the traditional dwellers of Kodagu prior to 1976 should be continued.”

Codava Makkada Coota President Bolajjeera Ayyappa said, “Coorg, by race, is only Kodava community. There is no need to create confusion in this regard.”

List of communities
Kodava Bhashikara Sangha District President Sara Changappa said, “When K G Bopaiah was the Speaker of the Assembly, the State government had submitted a list of communities that come under ‘Coorg by race’ to the Kodagu deputy commissioner. The list includes all the traditional dwellers of Kodagu.”

Advocate Yaladaalu Manoj Bopaiah said, “The exemption given by the British regime is continued by the Central government through a circular. The exemption is not a legislation passed in the Parliament. In case the government feels that the exemption will create discrimination among communities, then it will be withdrawn. The right is not bestowed on a particular community. Instead, it is given to the residents of a geographical area. There is a need to convince the government that the exemption has been availed by the Codavas, Arebhashe Gowdas and other community members in the district.”

Legislators K G Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan should impress upon the Home Ministry through Union Minister for Law Sadananda Gowda, he said and added, “As we do not have time, we have to act swiftly.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madideri – October 15th, 2015

New gorgeous coffee tree species from Honduras is critically endangered

October 14, 2015Coffee News, World Opinionadmin

Amid the challenging terrain of north-western Honduras, where Dr. Kelly’s team faced rugged and steep forest areas cut across here and there by a few trails, a gorgeous tree with cherry-like fruits was discovered. Being about 10 metres (33 ft) high and covered with cream-colored flowers, it was quickly sorted into the Coffee family (Rubiaceae), but it was its further description that took much longer. Eventually, it was named Sommera cusocoana, with its specific name stemming from its so far only known locality, the Cusuco National Park. The study is available in the open-access journal PhytoKeys.

This is a branch of Sommera cusocoana showing flower and developing fruits Credit: A. C. Dietzsch

During a plant diversity study in the Cusuco National Park, conducted by Drs. Kelly, Dietzch and co-workers as a part of a broader survey by Operation Wallacea, an international organisation dealing with biodiversity and conservation management research programmes.

A couple of curious findings in the past decade provide a strong incentive to further work. The place turns out to be not only of high biodiversity, but to also contain rare and hitherto unknown plant and animal species.

For instance, the tree Hondurodendron (from Greek, ‘Honduras Tree’) and the herbaceous plant Calathea carolineae are another two endemic species discovered as a result of the Operation Wallacea survey.

In 2013, two individuals of another unknown, 10-metre high (33 ft) tree with cream-colored flowers and red, cherry-like fruits were found by Daniel Kelly and Anke Dietzsch from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland. The two were aided by local guide Wilmer Lopez.

The multinational collaboration did not stop then and there. Although the scientists quickly figured that the tree belonged to the Coffee family, they needed some additional help to further identify their discovery. Thus, they were joined by two leading specialist in this plant group, first Charlotte Taylor from Missouri Botanical Garden and then David Lorence from the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii.

It was actually David who was the first to recognise the unknown tree as a member of the Sommera genus, a group of nine known species of trees and shrubs. Later, the team decided to name the new plant Sommera cusucoana to celebrate its singular locality, the Cusuco National Park.

“Sadly, there has been extensive logging in the vicinity in recent years, and we fear for the future of our new species,” the authors stressed. “According to the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it must be regarded as Critically Endangered.”

“We hope that the publication of this and other discoveries will help to galvanize support for the conservation of this unique and beautiful park and its denizens,” they concluded.

source: http://www.yubanet.com / YubaNet.com / Home> Enviro / by Pensoft Publishers / October 13th, 2015

Forest dept may acquire land in Kodagu to reduce man-elephant conflict

October 13, 2015Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Natureadmin

To reduce man-elephant conflict, especially in Kodagu, the Forest Department is keen to acquire land from people and has joined hands with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in this regard.

The department wants to acquire about two kilometre of land belonging to the Huvinkadu and Faith coffee estates, which is part of the Kutta-Tiranahalli corridor, which in turn is part of the Nagarahole-Brahmagiri elephant corridor link. “Elephants use this stretch and we want to acquire it to reduce man-animal conflict,” Manoj Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kodagu, told reporters here on Friday on the sidelines of a workshop on ‘Dealing with leopards and elephants in human-use landscape’ here organised by Wildlife Conservation Society-India Programme (WCSIP).

“Landowners are demanding Rs 20 lakh for an acre. Hence, we have approached the WTI to map the area, ascertain land width and find out if that is necessary because there is another route through Wayanad which is also frequented by elephants,” he said.

To further reduce man-elephant conflict, the Forest Department will soon hold meetings with officials in forest departments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on how to strengthen the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The 6,000-sq km biosphere reserve presently houses 6,000-odd elephants. The last meeting in this regard was held in December 2014.

“We will hold meetings with the deputy and assistant conservators of forests of the two states to assess ground reality and undertake research. There is a need to know how many elephants can the biosphere hold and for how long. It’s crucial since this is the only habitat left for elephants. That will also help strengthen corridors,” Kumar added.

Prithviraj Fernando, Trustee and Scientist at the Centre for Conservation and Research, Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of ensuring safe habitats for elephants. “Case studies in India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have shown that elephant relocation has not been very successful. Relocation is temporary and shifts the problem from one area to another,” he said while speaking on human-elephant interaction.

Fernando, who has been working on elephant conservation in Sri Lanka for many years now, said there was a huge population of jumbos in the island nation, and 70 people and 250 elephants died in conflict every year.

Vidya Athreya, Senior Research Fellow at WCSIP, spoke on human-leopard interaction and Ranjeet Jadhav, a journalist at Mid-Day, Mumbai, spoke on ‘Reporting human-leopard interactions in Maharashtra: A case study’.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS, Bengaluru – October 10th, 2015

Who said Kannada heroines are not glam?

October 12, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

In her few years as an actress, Harshika Poonacha has been a part of Kannada, Kodava and Konkani films and won a state award for her work in Thamasu. Now, with a Telugu film in the offing and with her currently shooting for an untitled multi-lingual thriller, she is set to make her Tamil debut too. Harshika tells us about the challenges the film industry has put forth before she could make headway.

Is branching out of the Kannada film industry to work on films in other languages the only way for a south actress to make a mark today? I don’t think actresses here can be blamed if they work towards making a mark elsewhere. We move out because, at times, filmmakers here fail to see the potential in local, Kannadiga actresses. See the number of films that are being made here each year — most of them have heroines from various other states. This, even when there are so many talented local actresses right here. I have often heard people say that heroines from here are not on par with, say, heroines from Bollywood or other south industries. They say we don’t look glamourous enough or are not bold enough. But that is not true. Actresses here can transform to play any role and I am not speaking for myself when I say that. Take a look at the many actresses from here that have gone on to make a mark in other languages. It is unfortunate that makers tend to notice potential only when an actress has ventured out and proven herself.
Tell us about the multi-lingual thriller you are shooting for… I have been shooting right through the nights for this film at a huge house on the outskirts of Bengaluru for the last one month. It is a thriller, directed by Venugopal,which is being made in four south languages simultaneously. So the cast for all are on the set together as we are required to shoot our scenes one after the other. While it is being made in Kannada too, I am not part of the Kannada version. This will mark my Tamil debut instead, in which I star opposite Mahat Raghavendra.

Do you find yourself facing language issues when it comes to such projects? Going to a school where you have friends who speak so many different languages is a huge advantage. I can speak most south Indian language fluently. While I dub for all my Kannada films, it is up to the director to decide if my Tamil is fluent enough for me to dub. Though, dubbing for your own films does give you an advantage, in terms of portraying your character to the fullest, as well as when you are being considered for State awards. There are not many actresses in the Kannada film industry who can dub for themselves. I am part of three Kannada films that are being shot in the coming year, and I will, of course, dub for all these films myself.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by Kavya Christopher, TNN / October 11th, 2015

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas