The 18-year-old from Karnataka is making giant strides on the big circuit.
Karnataka’s Unnathi Aiyappa is headed to the World Athletics U20 Championships to be held in Lima, Peru in August after qualifying in both the women’s 100m hurdles and 200m events. Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru:
Unnathi Aiyappa is in the midst of a transitional period. It is a phase where every decision the teen athlete makes in the present is to help her leapfrog towards cementing future goals. Her recent results are a testimony to this.
After having already qualified for the women’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships 100m hurdles to be held in Lima (Peru) from August 27-31, the 18-year-old from Karnataka breached the qualification mark for the 200m race as well by winning the gold at the National Senior Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar on Monday with a personal best timing of 23.85 seconds.
Less than a month ago, the youngster had finished with a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Dubai.
“Our main goal is to get Unnathi to become a 400m hurdler,” says father and coach BP Aiyappa. “Whatever we are doing now with the 100m hurdles and 200m is a preparation towards that goal,” he adds.
Speaking about the races over the last few days, Unnathi, who ran a mistake-laden semifinal where she was slow off the blocks and in the curve, focussed on overcoming the flaws in the final where she was chasing time more than the gold. The ‘unexpected win was extra special, says the girl from Kodagu as she beat seasoned sprinter Srabani Nanda in a photo finish for her first medal at a senior meet.
“We will get her to compete in four more events before the World Juniors and based on the progress in both the events (200m and 100m hurdles), my idea is to enter in only one event in Lima. I don’t want to put too much load on her body as a junior and she will focus on these two disciplines for another year-and-a-half. We will completely switch to 400m hurdles only after that,” explained Aiyappa.
“The 400m hurdles has a rhythm to it which is addictive. But 400m is just going all out. It’s boring,” says the daughter of Olympian Pramila Aiyappa.
If fine-tuning her running skills or blazing the tracks is her primary vocation, the teen is part of a growing brigade of Indian women athletes who enjoy upping the fashion quotient while competing or off it.
“I recently learnt how to braid my hair. I wore some eye-liner and lipstick and did some nail art for the first-time while racing in Dubai and here. It is important to look pretty when you win. No?!,” reasons Unnathi, who takes inspiration from USA’s sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Hita Prakash / May 15th, 2024
M. Deepali Gowda, a student of Kodagu Model School, Vidyashankar Layout, Mysuru, who emerged school topper and also a topper among rural schools in Mysuru district in the SSLC exams by securing 614/625 marks, was felicitated by the school management recently.
Kodagu Model School, run by Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysuru East, has secured cent percent results in SSLC this year.
Deepali Gowda is seen with Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah, Committee Member Mollera Kavitha Appanna, Association Secretary Kademada M. Belliappa, Kodagu Model School Education Council Chairperson Chowrira K. Seethamma and Association Treasurer Coluvanda M. Chengappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 16th, 2024
Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched a gold medal in the men’s doubles category with a commanding 2-0 victory in the HCL Nationals Doubles Championship here on Wednesday (May 15).
In the women’s doubles category, Pooja Arthi and Rathika Seelan secured the top spot with a thrilling 2-1 win. Abhay Singh teamed up with Joshna Chinappa to clinch gold in the mixed doubles category.
The HCL Nationals Doubles Championship, a collaborative effort between HCL and the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), concluded with resounding success at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai from May 13th to May 15th, 2024.
Marking a significant milestone in India’s squash history, this event, part of the HCL Squash Podium Program, revived the Doubles Squash Championship after a hiatus of 17 years.
The winners were honoured by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Dr Atulya Misra, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government, and Thulasimathi Murugesan, the gold medalist from the Asian Para Games 2022, who graced the finale ceremony as the guest of honour.
India’s recent success in doubles squash on the international stage, particularly at the Asian Games, served as a catalyst for HCL to reintroduce the Doubles Squash Championship. This initiative aimed to inject renewed enthusiasm into the sport and provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills in doubles play.
Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL, expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation of squash players in the championship. He congratulated all the winners and participants, highlighting HCL’s commitment to supporting Indian players and elevating squash to new heights through initiatives like the Squash Podium Program.
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of SRFI, hailed the resurgence of doubles squash in India, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of SRFI and HCL. He stressed upon the significance of nurturing talented players and expressed confidence in the bright future of Indian squash.
“I am truly excited to see the renaissance of doubles squash in India, thanks to the mutual efforts of SRFI and HCL. It was truly thrilling to see the clashes between the double pairs. I believe that Indian Squash has a bright future and the stars of tomorrow will emerge from these events. Our association with HCL has been monumental for the sport and our combined efforts will continue to nurture talented players,” said Poncha.
Abhay Singh, who emerged victorious in both the men’s and mixed doubles categories, expressed his gratitude to HCL and SRFI for organising the championship. Looking ahead, he expressed determination to excel at the Asian Doubles Championship in Malaysia.
Abhay Singh, said, “I have always been interested in playing in the doubles category. I thank HCL and SRFI for organising this championship after a long time in India. I have played with Velavan in Commonwealth but this was my first time playing doubles with Joshna. It is such an honour to team up with her. I was sure that I would win in both categories but now it’s time to win gold at the Asian Doubles Championship in Malaysia.”
The championship showcased gripping matches, including the finals contested by pairs such as Abhay Singh & Velavan Senthilkumar, Rahul Baitha & Suraj Chand in the men’s category, Pooja Arthi & Rathika Seelan, and Janet Vidhi & Nirupama Dubey in the women’s category, and Abhay Singh & Joshna Chinappa, and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu & Rathika Seelan in the mixed doubles category.
The HCL National Doubles Championship not only celebrated sporting excellence but also marked a significant step forward in the resurgence of doubles squash in India, promising an exciting future for the sport and its talented athletes.
Its game time – play now!
source: http://www.mykhel.com / MyKhel.com / Home> MyKhel Sports / by MyKhel Team / May 15th, 2024
Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, proudly announces the prestigious recognition of its Madikeri resort as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The Triple Net Zero acknowledges Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 Club Mahindra is committed to innovating and inspiring change.
More about Net Zero Certifications:
• Net Zero Energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. Through optimum utilization of Solar Energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, the resort focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.
• Net Zero Water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.
• Zero Waste to Landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for Net Zero Waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve zero waste
The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square meters, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square meters. Further, incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. Additionally several other energy-saving initiatives such as Motion sensor-controlled washrooms, Regulated Geysers, Timer controlled external lights, Heat Pumps, and BLDC fans have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort further emphasizing the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, the Mahindra Hariyali project has led to the planting of thousands of trees, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.
Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognize the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalizing nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility for safeguarding diverse ecosystems and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond, as part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey.”
Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804 kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 Rainwater Harvesting Pits constructed. For zero waste, the resort utilizes a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste and LPG costs
With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breath-taking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.
In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.
Trees axed inside Padinalkukadu Reserve Forest area Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Thousands of trees were illegally felled inside the reserve forest area close to Talacauvery sanctuary in Kodagu. The incident came to light after Kodagu Ekikarana Members highlighted the issue after visiting the spot. Suspecting involvement of foresters in the act, they have filed a complaint in this regard with the Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.
Located on the edge of Talacauvery Sanctuary, Mundrote Forest Range of Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest area is home to over 6,000 species of trees and plants. However, thousands of trees have been axed illegally inside the reserve forest area and three accused have been booked in the case.
In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.
When Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga forum members visited the spot, they found that over 5 acres of reserve forest land was allegedly cleared by the encroachers.
Virajpet DCF Jaganath shared that the department is still ascertaining if the chopping was carried out in the reserve forest area or at the private land touching the reserve forest area.
Nevertheless, FIR filed by the department states that the incident took place in the reserve forest area. “Stringent action will be taken against the culprits,” DCF added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 11th, 2024
India may be famous for its fragrant, spice-infused chai, but in Bengaluru (Bangalore) and elsewhere across South India, another hot caffeinated drink reigns supreme.
Walk past any local breakfast joint in Bengaluru and you’ll see swarms of people standing at stainless steel tables washing down fluffy idlis (South Indian spongy, round, fermented rice cake) and crispy masala dosas with piping hot cups of filter coffee, also known as filter kaapi.
The strong brew – milky, sweet, blended with chicory and often frothy – is a way of life for many Bangaloreans. Whether enjoyed at home, in vintage or contemporary coffee houses or at quick-service darshini cafes (vegetarian fast food spots), South Indian filter coffee fuels a city that’s always on the go.
“It is bold, it is intense and it is a small, short cup [of coffee],” says Suhas Dwarkanath, founder and owner of Benki Brewing Tools , a Bengaluru-based company that sells a wide variety of tools for expert home coffee brewing and also runs a coffee shop in the city.
South Indians’ love of coffee goes way back. Legend has it that Baba Budan, a 16th-century Sufi saint, brought coffee to India from Yemen on his way home from the hajj. Though it was illegal to take green coffee beans from the Arabian Peninsula, he smuggled seven of them to plant in the Chandradrona Hills, outside of Bengaluru, and so coffee cultivation in South India began.
Recent genetic studies on the origins of Indian coffee indicate there’s very little or no genetic variation, with possibly only one or two original plants, says Kurush F Dalal, an archaeologist and culinary anthropologist in Mumbai. “That suddenly puts the spotlight back on the Baba Budan story and makes a lot of people in the field wonder whether there is actually some truth in the legend.”
Thanks to Baba Budan or not, by the 20th century, coffee had become hugely popular throughout the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala . Today, Karnataka produces more than 70% of India’s coffee – much of it for export – and many of its coffee cultivation areas, including Coorg and Chikmagalur, are now travel hot spots.
It’s no wonder then that Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, is also considered to be the coffee capital of India. Bengaluru is not only home to some of the most iconic places to get filter coffee, it’s also the birthplace of modern coffee shops like Cafe Coffee Day , the country’s largest coffee chain, and Third Wave Coffee , which is among the biggest specialty coffee chains in India.
Bengaluru became the go-to place for all things coffee in the 1940s, when the Indian government set up the Coffee Board of India’s headquarters there. Economic reforms in 1991 opened up India and slowly ushered in a new coffee era with the launch of large coffee chains and, more recently, an explosion of high-end and hip specialty coffee houses. While this may be putting pressure on filter coffee growers and roasters, filter coffee isn’t going away any time soon in South India.
“Having had the best coffees in the world, the most expensive coffees, and coffees from so many different countries, I still crave that chicory South Indian filter coffee some days because there’s so much nostalgia,” says Dwarkanath, whose company is also affiliated with the Specialty Coffee Academy of India, an education center that helps locals perfect their brewing techniques. Both companies are contemporary proof of a long tradition, and also a testament to how seriously Bengaluru takes its coffee.
Filter coffee is usually a blend of dark roasted coffee and chicory. Making it is a slow process. First, you need an Indian coffee filter that’s composed of two cylindrical metal cups on top of each other. Finely ground coffee is added to the upper cup, which has small holes on the bottom, and then lightly tamped with a plunger. Next, boiled water is poured into the cylinder. It takes 10 to 15 minutes for the brewed coffee, called a decoction, to collect in the lower cup.
Once the decoction is ready, boiled milk and sugar or jaggery are added. If you have filter coffee the traditional way, it’ll usually be served in a brass or stainless steel tumbler that sits in a shorter metal container. This tumbler/container set can also be used to cool the coffee and mix the ingredients together by pouring the liquid back and forth between the two. If you’re lucky, you might catch a skilled filter coffee maker quickly pouring the coffee from the highest heights.
It’s likely that everyone you ask in Bengaluru will suggest a different favorite filter coffee spot. The list of places to enjoy it is almost endless, from iconic haunts like Koshy’s to more modern coffee chains like Hatti Kaapi. Even Starbucks now serves filter coffee.
Brahmins’s Coffee Bar
This popular institution in Basavanagudi has been serving filter coffee since the 1960s. With standing tables only, prices are low for both coffee and a limited menu of South Indian specialties, including idli and vada (doughnut-shaped deep-fried lentils) with coconut chutney. The name of this institution has generated some controversy for its reference to one of India’s castes, but all guests are welcome.
Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)
MTR has been a staple of Bengaluru’s dining scene for almost a century. With numerous locations around town (and globally), filter coffee is a highlight of its menu, which includes a wide range of South Indian dishes such as dosas, rava (semolina) idli and upma (rava cooked with onions, spices, chili peppers and coconut).
Veena Stores
This charming, no-frills eatery in Malleshwaram started off as a local condiments store in 1977. You’ll probably have to wait in line to try its filter coffee and South Indian breakfast items, which come with unlimited mint coconut chutney, but it’ll be worth it.
Indian Coffee House
This historic spot is great for old-school charm. Opened in the 1950s, its Church Street location still maintains blue and pink walls and staff in red and white uniforms. Grab a coffee along with South Indian or other dishes, like mutton cutlets and omelets.
Rameshwaram Cafe
With three locations in Bengaluru , this newer quick-service eatery has become popular fast. The Indiranagar location, for instance, is always teeming with people eating and waiting for the cafe’s filter coffee and specialties such as ghee pudi idlis, dosas, lemon rice and more.
source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com / Lonely Planet / Home> Travel Stories / by Juhie Bhatia / May 29th, 2024
8 AM Metro can be streamed on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium now
A still from 8AM Metro. (Courtesy – PR)
Laapataa Ladies has been the talk of the town ever since it released. Now that people have witnessed Gulshan Devaiah and Saiyami Kher’s film 8 A.M. Metro, they cannot help but feel the same sweet vibe from the movie. Netizens have unanimously praised the Raj Rachakonda directorial. Here are some reactions to note…
Netizens have sweet comments on the film
While one user called 8 A.M. Metro as sweet as Laapataa Ladies, another wrote, “Unexpected person, idelible memories.” A third user called the film impeccable. A fourth one called it therapy. Basically, the film has touched one-and-all. It is to be noted that this was also the case with the critics, back when the movie was out in theatres.
More about the film
8 A.M. Metro is the story of Preetam, played by Gulshan Devaiah and Iravati (Saiyami Kher). They each face fears after their sudden interaction in the train from Nanded to Hyderabad. Iravati gets panic attacks while travelling in a train. Preetam, on the other hand, is depressed and haunted by his past. The two explore more about themselves and each other during their journey. The film is now out on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium.
8 A.M. Metro also stars Umesh Kamat, Kalpika Ganesh, Nimisha Nair, Dheer Charan Srivastav, Jay Jha, Madhu Swaminath and Saurabh Dixitz apart from Gulshan and Saiyami. The movie was made on an estimated budget of Rs. 4 crores and was mainly shot inside a train.
Zee5’s latest offering
8 A.M. Metro is Zee5’s latest offering. Prior to this, the OTT platform was trending owing to The Broken News S2 release. The show starred Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar in the lead roles. The second season saw what the highs and lows which came with Radha Bhargava (Shriya) and Dipankar Sanyal (Jaideep). Sonali played the role of Amina Qureshi, who ensured Radha’s safety in jail and her bail from the place.
source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Reema Chhabda / May 10th, 2024
This summer, treat yourself to a remarkable culinary adventure at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield’s Coorgi Food Festival. Under the expert guidance of Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda, a master of spice, embark on a gastronomic journey to the lush landscapes of Coorg with a menu that brilliantly showcases the region’s bold and aromatic spices.
Kick off your dining experience with delightful starters such as the fragrant Chekke kuru fry, the tender Mathi meen barthad, and the unique Kadambutt stuffed with bamboo shoots. Cleanse your palate with the refreshing nallamalu kanni soup and the comforting aadkaal soup.
Dive deeper into the culinary heritage with signature dishes like the iconic Pandi curry, the aromatic Meen curry, and the robust Keema curry. These are thoughtfully paired with cherished dishes like Cheemen pulav, Mutton pulav, otti, Nool puttu, or Thaliyaputt.
For those who prefer vegetarian fare, there is an impressive selection of dishes including the rich Avare kuru curry, the enticing Baimbale curry, and the seasonal kaad Mange curry, accompanied by delightful sides like paalputt and double beans pulav.
This May, gather your loved ones and head to Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield for a mesmerizing exploration of Coorg’s kitchen traditions with Chef Bopanna’s exceptional culinary creations. Experience the essence of Coorg, where each dish celebrates the region’s flavors and heritage.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World / Home> Hotel News / May 09th, 2024
The innovative, interactive film has been selected as part of the Let’s Spook Cannes event. The film stars Varsha Bollamma in the lead role.
Varsha Bollamma-starrer Iruvam has been developed by ManMar Games.
The bilingual film Iruvam, made in both Tamil and English, has been selected as one of the four entries worldwide for the Let’s Spook Cannes event as part of the Cannes Film Festival . The film, which sees Varsha Bollamma as the lead, is innovative because it’s interactive.
Varsha excited for Cannes
Industry tracker Ramesh Bala made the announcement of the film’s selection on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, “.@Manmargames innovative project @iruvam_ManMar has been officially selected for the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival’s “Let’s Spook Cannes” event. A Landmark Indian Entry in the World’s Premier Film Festival #Iruvam starring @VarshaBollamma.” An excited Varsha re-tweeted the post, writing, “Super super super excited for this one!!! Eeeeeeeeepppp!!!!”
About Iruvam
Iruvam is an interactive film that blurs the line between film and gaming. The innovative full motion video (FMV) will offer a narrative where the viewers’ choices will impact the film’s storylines and the outcome, which will offer numerous endings. The description sounds similar to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Directed by Manoj Annadurai, who is known for the independent English film Get Happy, the film will feature Sidhu Kumaresan, Shanmathi and Bala Guru.The film will be unveiled at Cannes between May 17-20 and will be subsequently released on a mobile platform.
Upcoming work
Varsha was recently seen in the Telugu film Ooru Peru Bhairavakona with Sundeep Kishan and is yet to announce her upcoming projects. The actor, who debuted with the 2015 film Sathuran got fame when she starred in Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha’s 2018 film 96. She debuted in Malayalam the same year with Kalyanam. In 2020 she debuted in Telugu with Choosi Choodangaane, which also starred Shiva Kandukuri, and in Kannada with Mane Number 13 the same year. She has since acted in films like Jaanu, Middle Class Melodies and Akka Kuruvi.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / by HT Entertainment Desk / May 08th, 2024
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
