Scientists have discovered and described three new centipede species in the genus Rhysida from Southern India, bringing the country’s total to 23. Led by researchers from the Western Ghat Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India in Kozhikode and Malabar Christian College, the find highlights the extraordinary, yet undiscovered biodiversity of the region.
Researchers uncovered the specimens through morphological examination of unidentified centipede specimens housed in the National Zoological Collection at the Zoological Survey of India. They used microscopes and digital cameras to analyse fine anatomical structures, such as tarsal spurs, coxopleural spines, body segments, and antennal counts, and compared them with established taxonomic records in global databases like ChiloBase 2.0.
The newly discovered species are named after their unique physical traits or geographical origins. The first species, Rhysida quadrispinosa, gets its name from the Latin-derived term quadrispinosa, highlighting its unique biological feature: the presence of four ventrolateral spines on its ultimate leg prefemur. The second species, Rhysida coorgensis, is named after Coorg in Karnataka, where researchers first collected the specimen. Similarly, researchers named the third species, Rhysida neyyarensis, after the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, where they discovered it.
Each species possesses distinctive physical characteristics that separate it from other known centipedes. Rhysida quadrispinosa features 18 antennal articles, unique body segment margination starting from tergites 7–11, and a distinct arrangement of spines on its ultimate legs. Rhysida coorgensis stands out due to specific paramedian suture starting points on its back plates and unique coxopleural spine configurations, closely resembling R. ikhalama but differing in internal structural details. Meanwhile, Rhysida neyyarensis is distinguished by its specific pattern of tarsal and tibial spurs, possessing two tarsal spurs on legs 1 through 19, alongside its own distinct spinal formula on the ultimate legs.
The discovery underscores the vital ecological importance of the Western Ghats, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot teeming with unique and vulnerable ecosystems. By uncovering these three distinct macroarthropod predators, the research deepens our understanding of invertebrate evolution, soil ecology, and regional endemism, emphasising the urgent need for continued conservation efforts in South India’s vanishing natural habitats.
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurates the `4.84 crore power project at Cheeni Hudlu Haadi in Kodagu district. (Photo | EPS)
Located on the forest fringes of Thithimathi, these four tribal settlements are home to over 185 families across three tribal communities: Jenu Kurubas, Paniyera Yeravas, and Panjari Yeravas.
Madikeri :
For as long as anyone can remember, sunset marked the end of the day for the tribal settlements near Thithimathi in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. For generations, darkness was not just the absence of light in the village; it was a way of life. This narrative, however, changed forever this week after a 4.84 crore power project was inaugurated, finally lighting up the tribal settlements of Jungle Haadi, Ayur Suruli Haadi, Cheeni Hudlu Haadi and Chombu Kaadu Haadi.
“We never thought we would live to see our homes shine like this. All of us were jubilant when our houses lit up with the flick of a switch,” said Paniyeravara C Ramu, a resident of Cheeni Hudlu Haadi. He said that although the project was completed four months ago, the inauguration was delayed. “While we were always in the dark, we could not keep calm after the completion of the project. We persuaded our MLA to inaugurate the unit, and you should have seen the happiness on all our faces when our houses received electricity,” he added.
Located on the forest fringes of Thithimathi, these four tribal settlements are home to over 185 families across three tribal communities: Jenu Kurubas, Paniyera Yeravas, and Panjari Yeravas.
Having lived here for generations, residents say they are only now witnessing real development. “Earlier, we used to light diyas with kerosene received through our ration cards. But kerosene supplies stopped after the forest department started providing LPG, leaving us struggling to light lamps in our houses,” explained Ramu.
He noted that while the settlements later received solar lights, they failed because they were not durable. The children in the settlements struggled to study, but the arrival of electricity has now resolved these major hardships.
Yeravas, however, in the settlement still wait for permanent shelters, as many continue to live in tarpaulin huts now equipped with electricity meter boards. According to Ramu, Jenu Kurubas, classified as an indigenous Adivasi community, receive government facilities on a priority basis from the ITDP department. In contrast, Paniyera Yeravas and Panjari Yeravas, who were previously under the ITDP department, were shifted to the Valmiki Corporation and are now under the Alemari Corporation.
“While Jenu Kurubas receive facilities on priority, the Yerava community in the settlement is still waiting for permanent houses. Over 25 houses sanctioned to Yeravas in 2012 remain incomplete. Running from one department to another, we feel like true ‘Alemaris’ (nomads) even to this day,” he concluded.
Nevertheless, Ramu said the settlement has seen considerable progress, including good roads thanks to the current MLA’s efforts, and he hopes permanent shelter, like electricity, is no longer out of reach.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / October 13th, 2026
Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda visited the residence of international athlete Machhettira Poovamma in Mangaluru and felicitated her for bringing glory to India and Karnataka through her historic gold medal-winning performance at the Asian Games.
Congratulating Poovamma on her remarkable achievement, Dr Mantar Gowda praised her as a proud daughter of Kodagu and said her exceptional contribution to the field of sports had brought immense pride to the entire region.
During the interaction, the MLA also extended a warm invitation to Machhettira Poovamma to attend the prestigious Madikeri Dasara celebrations as the chief guest.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by DaijiWorld Media News Network – Mangaluru (NJC) / October 03rd, 2026
“Instead of migrating elsewhere for jobs, people of the Coastal and Malnad regions should start businesses in your own hometowns utilizing local natural resources. To empower you, the Congress government has formulated a special Tourism Policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions,” called upon CM D. K. Shivakumar.
Shivakumar was speaking at the Kail Muhurat Jambara 2026 event held on Sunday at the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Hall in Ullal, Bengaluru.
“All of you have come from Kodagu and are residing in Bengaluru. If you forget your roots, you will not achieve success. Just as roots are essential for a tree, faith is essential for a human being. It gives me immense joy to see you all come together, building such a magnificent structure by bringing together your culture, hometown, heritage, and community. My congratulations to everyone who worked hard and encouraged this effort,” he said.
Kodagu has a rich history of valor, culture, and spirituality
“Kodagu has a history in the fields of valor, culture, and spirituality. We can never forget its history of raising heroes in every household. Mother Cauvery, who originates here, feeds us all the way to Puducherry. This time, there has been a severe drought. Even the Malnad region has lacked rainfall this year. I am anxiously waiting for the lakes and the KRS dam to fill up,” he stated.
“I have decided to conduct the Cauvery Aarti every year, and instructions have been issued to celebrate it during the Dasara festival this year as well. Kodagu district is the Kashmir of Karnataka. The entire world is attracted to this region. Preserve your heritage; it is a great human quality. In my own experience, people migrate from villages to cities for education and livelihood. If education and employment were available in the villages, you would not have come here. You are organizing yourselves and trying to do good for the village people, and you have presented several demands to me,” he said.
Build businesses in your own hometowns
“We recently held a special cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, where a separate tourism policy was formulated for the Malnad and Coastal regions. The talent of the people from this region must be recognized. People from this district have left their mark in sports and the defense sector. Educational institutions and banks were established in the Coastal region, but they have now declined. Protecting them is our duty. It has been decided to utilize the 327 km-long coastline for tourism, similar to Goa and Kerala,” he noted.
“Looking at Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, there isn’t even a single five-star hotel. I do not wish to talk politics about why this happened. It is our desire to leave behind a meaningful contribution during our tenure. We are not permanent in politics. God gives neither blessings nor curses; He only gives opportunities. What we do with the opportunities we get is what matters,” he expressed.
“The Tirupati Temple Trust approached us asking for land to build a good temple. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to allot 10 acres of land in Mangaluru to the TTD Board. There are already temples like Kukke Subramanya, Kollur Mookambika, Kateel, and Dharmasthala in that region. This decision was taken to help those who cannot travel to Tirupati visit the Venkataramana temple here instead,” he said.
“Our decision regarding the Tulu language has been discussed worldwide; it is a symbol of self-respect. We have framed a special tourism policy combining the Coastal and Malnad regions. Rather than going outside for employment, this should enable the people of this region to build businesses right at their doorstep. We arrived at this decision so that you become entrepreneurs rather than remaining employees. No one can erase your coffee, spices, and culture. To protect them, an infrastructure policy has been integrated into this tourism policy. If you start a tourism-related business in this region, the repayment tenure for loans offered by banks can be extended from 5–6 years to up to 20 years. Financial strength must be provided to those starting businesses,” he explained.
Meeting with entrepreneurs in Mangaluru shortly
“I will visit Mangaluru again and sit down to hold discussions with all entrepreneurs. I invite you as well; please participate. Instead of outsiders coming and starting businesses here, set up businesses yourselves and build assets. I am making efforts to give strength to this initiative,” he informed.
Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them
“You have shown special affection toward me, and I believe in principles over caste to take everyone along together. Victory to human values; peace to the world through righteousness. We must follow the message given by our National Poet Kuvempu in the state anthem to live with humanity without hurting anyone’s feelings. We are building our lives for the unity, integrity, and peace of the nation. Let us work together for this.
Representatives from Mysuru have submitted a memorandum regarding land, and I have instructed Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda to present this matter before the Cabinet. I will extend whatever help is possible from my end and look into the remaining demands to provide assistance,” he assured.
“When I was in difficult times, all of you stood by me in support, praying and fighting for me. As I always say, efforts may fail, but prayers never fail. You all expressed the desire for this D. K. Shivakumar to be around for a longer time to serve the state. I will govern without compromising your feelings, thoughts, and respect. This D. K. Shivakumar is a son of your household. Protect me as you would protect your own children. There are two MLAs here—Manthar and Ponnanna—who are like the two eyes of Kodagu district. Give them strength too. They are active, young, and working with honesty. Some people feel envious of their growth. There is no cure for envy. Those who are strong and perform well will always have critics and enemies,” he said.
Protect your voting rights
“If we are stronger, we will have more enemies; if we are less strong, fewer enemies; if we aren’t strong at all, there will be no enemies. Envy exists toward those who work actively. Therefore, you must protect these two MLAs. Protecting them is equivalent to protecting me and giving me strength. Protect your votes. You are seeing it yourselves—we are fighting day and night to safeguard your right to vote. Now, the Election Commission has directed that no names should be removed from the voter list unnecessarily.
“Let them revise the names of those having more than one vote or those who have passed away. But the rights of genuine, eligible voters must be protected. The right to vote is the right to life; it is the power granted by the Constitution,” he said.
Celebrating Dasara differently this time
“You have celebrated Ayudha Puja with great joy, and we will accord the respect due to the history and Gowda heritage of Kodagu. You are preserving both agricultural and cultural traditions. Our culture is the asset of our nation. We are trying to celebrate Dasara differently this time—troops from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy should participate in the Dasara procession to honor the soldiers who have served the nation. Artists from various regions, the film industry, and all communities should be included, and we are moving forward to conduct the event with discipline,” he stated.
I am with you, stand with us “Ambassadors from several nations and Chief Ministers of other states have been invited to this tradition that has been carried forward since the era of the Maharajas. Opportunities have also been provided for your traditions and culture in the procession. This D. K. Shivakumar will be with you on all occasions. Utilize me as much as you can. May good things happen to you. I am with you; stay with us,” he assured.
source: http://www.megamedianews.com / MegaMedia News / Home> Regional News / by Editor / October 05th, 2026
Dr. K.P. Lalitha (Rashmi Nanjappa Kallichanda) has been selected for the 24th Kodagina Gowramma Endowment Award of the Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Parishat for her book ‘Kodagina Janapada Kathegalu’ (Kodagu Folk Tales).
The award has been instituted by B.G. Vasanth, son of writer Kodagina Gowramma, to honour outstanding works by women writers of Kodagu. So far, 23 women writers have received the award.
Dr.Lalitha has worked extensively in translation research and folklore studies. She has served as Head of the Kannada Department at BMS Women’s College, Bengaluru and as Deputy Director of Mysore University’s Prasaranga. She is currently the Executive Editor of Prasaranga.
A native of Kodagu, Dr.Lalitha graduated from Mangalore University and secured a gold medal in her postgraduate studies at the University of Mysore.
Her doctoral thesis on Kodagu place names was subsequently published by the Sahitya Akademi.
Her research works include ‘Vivaksha’, ‘Vivechane’, ‘Jeevantha Paleyulikegalu’ (On Living Relics), ‘Kodagina Bhashe Mathu Samskruthi’ (Kodagu’s Language and Culture), ‘Kodagina Janapada Kathegalu’ and ‘Shodhaneya Haadiyalli’ (On the Path of Research). She has also authored ‘Oororme,’ a collection of research essays in English.
Her play, ‘Pommodeera Ponnappa,’ based on the history and folklore of Kodagu, was staged 11 times to full houses at Rangashankara in Bengaluru. It was later translated into English and performed in New York, Sydney and New South Wales.
Dr.Lalitha has published 29 research papers in reputed international journals and has presented papers at State, National and International Seminars. Her research work has also earned her the Abdul Kalam National Award from NITI Aayog.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 04th, 2026
Food safety officials conducting a surprise inspection of several hotels and bakeries in Kodagu. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In the wake of complaints from the public, Food safety officials carried out surprise inspections of several hotels and bakeries in Madikeri, Virajpet, Gonikoppal and Kushalnagar areas of Kodagu during September 2026 .
In the wake of complaints from the public, Food safety officials carried out surprise inspections of several hotels and bakeries in Madikeri, Virajpet, Gonikoppal and Kushalnagar areas of Kodagu during September 2026 .
In Gonikoppal and Virajpet, seven bakeries and hotels were inspected and notices were issued. “As many as 20 food samples were collected for testing, including six food samples originating from Kerala,” the statement said.
The designated Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) official Anil Dhawan said all the hotels and bakeries inspected had been instructed to maintain hygiene, provide clean drinking water.
The establishments were also asked to ensure medical examination of food handlers, refrain from using artificial colours in food products, and comply with proper labelling requirements for food items.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 01st, 2026
India finally ended its wait for an athletics gold medal as the women’s 4×400 mts relay quartet of Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramaraj produced a composed run to clinch the gold at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.
The Indian team clocked 3:29.69 in the final to finish first, with Bahrain taking silver in 3:30.21 and China claiming bronze in 3:31.02. The victory was India’s first athletics gold of the Games and came after the country had collected a string of silver and bronze medals in track and field.
The quartet held its composure in a closely contested race, with Bahrain and China staying in contention before India pulled clear in closing stages. The victory underlined the depth of India’s women’s quarter-mile programme.
Poovamma of Kodagu brought considerable experience to the quartet, while Kiran, Prachi and Vithya combined to maintain the pressure through the four legs. Poovamma and Vithya had earlier been part of India’s mixed 4×400 mts relay silver-medal winning team, making yesterday’s gold another significant achievement for the two runners.
The women’s 4×400 mts relay triumph finally put India atop an athletics podium at Aichi-Nagoya and provided a fitting highlight to a day of multiple track and field medals.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 30th, 2026
The Annual Kodava Convention of North America brought together more than 500 guests in Houston, Texas, from Sept. 4 to 6, with 141 Kodava families from 116 cities and three countries taking part.
This was the third time Texas hosted the event, following earlier gatherings in Austin and Dallas. Preparations began more than 14 months ago, with Kodava families from the Greater Houston area involved.
The Convention opened on Sept. 4 with a ‘Meet the Hosts’ gathering, allowing participants to reconnect with friends and families from across North America and overseas.
The celebrations on Sept. 5 had a distinct Texas flavour, with optional morning run/walk and shooting range activities, followed by a pre-convention celebration at a ranch-style venue. The programme featured Bollywood and Western line dance performances by Houston hosts and a Mexican folk dance by guest artistes.
On Sept. 6, participants visited NASA’s Johnson Space Centre before attending the Main Convention programme centred on the theme, ‘What does it mean to be a Kodava today?’
Kodagu brought to Houston
The Convention venue featured a Kodava heritage exhibition displaying traditional jewellery, clothing, household and cookware items, along with storyboards on Kodava history and identity. Tables were named after villages in Kodagu, while traditional Kodava proverbs were used for an interactive quiz.
The décor also reflected Kodagu’s landscape, incorporating coffee beans, paddy, anthuriums, banana stems and flowers.
The main programme began with a traditional prayer song and ceremonial lamp lighting by members of the Baduvamanda and Gummatira families. Traditional ‘Ummathat’ by Kodava women and ‘Bolkaat’, the martial dance performed by Kodava men, were among the highlights. A contemporary dance by Kodava women and a children’s skit, ‘Two Boots, One Beat’, exploring the cultural similarities and contrasts between Texas and Kodagu, were also presented.
Tradition takes centre stage
A multigenerational panel discussion, ‘One Heritage, Many Journeys: Being Kodava Today’, brought together five Kodavas from different generations to discuss identity, traditions and the challenges of preserving their heritage while living away from Kodagu. Live polling also allowed the audience to share their views.
The convention also saw the introduction of ‘arivāme’, a Kodava heritage and language app aimed at supporting the preservation and teaching of Kodava Thakk.
The programme concluded with an update from Kodava Koota on its activities and plans, followed by dinner featuring Kodava and Indian cuisine. The evening ended with music and Kodava Vaalaga, with guests joining the celebrations on the dance floor.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 30th, 2026
Image: India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra (Source: X)
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, has highlighted the deepening India–Australia relationship and its historic foundations while addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra.
Singh was the distinguished guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on the longstanding connections between the two countries, their shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the growing breadth of the bilateral partnership.
He also highlighted the enduring legacy of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and played a pivotal role in establishing the Commonwealth Club in Canberra in 1954.
High Commissioner of India @nageshsinghIFS addressed the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner as the distinguished guest speaker. Reflected on the historic connection between India and Australia, deepening partnership, shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the… pic.twitter.com/QshgwLstYp
Cariappa arrived in Australia in 1953 and envisioned a neutral and welcoming space where diplomats and members of the local community could meet and interact as equals.
In January 1954, he presented the idea to then Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, who encouraged the initiative. Cariappa subsequently brought together community members to establish what became the Commonwealth Club.
The club went on to attract 116 foundation members and welcomed women as members from its beginning. Its first premises were at historic Old Canberra House before it moved to its present Yarralumla location in 1965.
Today, the Commonwealth Club describes itself as a longstanding meeting place for Canberra’s diplomatic, political and community circles, continuing the tradition of connection established by its founders.
Cariappa’s contribution came during an important period in India–Australia relations.
Well-known Australian historian Prof. David Walker has observced that India was among the most persistent international critics of Australia’s White Australia policy during the 1950s, with India’s concerns contributing to wider debate within Australia.
Despite the difficult political environment of the era, Cariappa developed strong personal connections in Canberra and became a well-known figure in Australian social and diplomatic circles.
Cariappa, a distinguished military officer and later India’s first Field Marshal, was also known for his interest in Indian philosophical traditions, including the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
He arrived in Australia in September 1953 accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter, Nalini, and his niece Sagari Chengappa, who assisted him as hostess at official functions.
The Commonwealth Club’s history reflects Canberra’s evolution from a small early settlement into Australia’s national capital and the development of its diplomatic and community networks.
More than seven decades after its establishment, the club continues to promote the values of connection, diplomacy and community that shaped its foundation.
Singh’s address brought that history into the context of contemporary India–Australia relations, as the two countries continue to expand cooperation across trade, education, defence, technology, critical minerals and the broader Indo-Pacific.
source: http://www.theaustraliatoday.com / The Australia Today / Home> News / by Amit Sarwal / September 26th, 2026
The Indian duo won a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles event at the Asian Games. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Indian squash mixed doubles players Joshna Chinappaand Velavan Senthilkumarsecured a bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games2026 at Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.
The duo lost went down to Hong Kong China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong 1-2 (10-11, 11-2, 10-11) in the semifinals.
Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a cash prize of INR 30 lakh for the two athletes.
“My heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to squash players Joshna Chinnappa and Velavan Senthilkumar, who have brought pride to India and Tamil Nadu by winning the bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles category of Squash at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan,” he said via a statement on X.
“In appreciation of the great achievement of these heroes, the Tamil Nadu Government will provide a high incentive of Rs. 30 lakhs each. Their victory will give new inspiration and hope to the young generation of athletes of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Vijay had earlier announced cash rewards for athlete Baranica Elangovan, badminton player A. Hariharan, cricketer G. Kamalini, and relay runners Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Asian Games 2026 / by Sportstar News Desk / September 26th, 2026
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