Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) arrived at Bhagamandala in Kodagu amidst rains this morning. This is his first visit to Kodagu after becoming the CM.
The Chief Minister was welcomed at the helipad in Cauvery College grounds by his Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna, District Minister Narendra Swamy, Deputy Commissioner Somashekar, IGP (Southern Range) Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah, Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindu Mani, Kodagu District Congress President Dharmaja Uttappa, Guarantee Schemes State Vice-President Meharoz Khan, Arun Machaiah and others.
Shivakumar, who visited Bhagandeshwara Temple at Bhagamandala along with his wife Usha, performed puja and had the darshan of the deity.
He will later fly to Madikeri in a chopper to take part in the wedding of former Karnataka Youth Congress President Mohammed Haris Nalapad, son of Shantinagar MLA N.A. Haris, being held at a private resort in Mekeri near Madikeri.
The wedding of Nalapad is being held from Aug. 15 to 20 and the Nikah ceremony is scheduled to take place today at the resort.
Nalapad is reportedly entering into marriage for the second time. He is set to marry the third daughter of S.I. Muneer, a Congress leader from Kodagu, who is associated with the Kodagu District Congress Committee.
The wedding celebrations are expected to continue over several days at the private resort, with guests from political and entertainment circles likely to attend the functions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 16th, 2026
In the previous government, Ponnanna was then chief minister Siddaramaiah’s legal adviser.
A S Ponnanna / Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru:
Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna, whom the Congress had picked as its nominee for deputy speaker in the Assembly, was appointed Wednesday as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s political secretary with a Cabinet rank.
Ponnanna, a first-time MLA, was sulking after being chosen for the deputy speaker’s position instead of a ministerial position. In the previous government, Ponnanna was then chief minister Siddaramaiah’s legal adviser.
Now, the Congress may propose former minister Mankal Vaidya for the deputy speaker’s position. Vaidya, who belongs to the Mogaveera (fishermen), was dropped from the list of Cabinet inductees at the last minute, replaced by SS Mallikarjun.
Meanwhile, senior Congress lawmaker RV Deshpande has been re-appointed as chairperson of the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission with a Cabinet rank. This makes him the only Brahmin holding a Cabinet-rank position.
On Wednesday evening, Shivakumar held a meeting with his deputy G Parameshwara, Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad, ministers KJ George, MB Patil, KH Muniyappa, UT Khader, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, former speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and former Legislative Council chairperson VR Sudarshan to discuss strategy for the upcoming legislature session.
According to sources, Shivakumar said in the meeting that he would helm the government’s defence over the Oppostion’s attack on the Bidadi township project.
Shivakumar also urged lawmakers to back Planning Minister B Nagendra, whose induction will be questioned by the Opposition BJP and JD(S) for the Bellary MLA faces corruption allegations.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Bharath Joshi / August 12th, 2026
Second seeded pair Diya Bheemaiah and Baruni Parshwal won the Girls’ Doubles title at the Kotak Junior International Badminton Tournament in Hyderabad, defeating third seeds Lakshmi Devineni and Ananya Manikandan in a closely contested final.
Diya and Baruni won the match 21-18, 14-21, 22-20. After taking the opening game, they lost the second as Devineni and Manikandan levelled the contest. The deciding game went down to the wire, with Diya and Baruni eventually prevailing 22-20 to secure the title.
The victory marks another achievement for Diya on the junior badminton circuit as she continues her competitive journey. She currently is training at the prestigious National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Guwahati, Assam, under the tutelage of former All England champion and coach Ivan Sozonov.
Diya is the daughter of Boppanda P Bheemaiah and Kusuma K K (Thamane Kambiranda).
source: http://www.clnnews.in / CoffeeLandNews /Home> Sports / by CLN Newsdesk / August 24th, 2026
A special survey will cover about 2,500 acres of coffee plantations in 35 villages in Araku Valley and Dumbriguda mandals to assess the extent and intensity of Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) infestation, the Alluri Sitharama Raju district administration said on Thursday.
District Collector T. Nishanthi directed the Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, DRDA, Coffee Project, APCNF, and Coffee Board to coordinate measures to detect the pest early and minimise losses to coffee farmers.
Fifty teams, each comprising a Coffee Liaison Worker, an Internal Community Resource Person (ICRP), and a Village Organisation Assistant (VOA), will inspect plantations and record the presence, intensity, and affected area. Each team has been assigned 20 acres a day, with the survey scheduled over four days.
Officials will identify areas with higher infestation for focused intervention. Based on the survey findings, Broca Traps, lures, and Beauveria bassiana will be made available in areas requiring treatment, the administration said. Farmers and field staff have been sensitised on identifying affected berries.
A field inspection was also conducted at Doravalasa village under Chinalabudu panchayat. The survey data will be consolidated at the mandal and district levels and submitted to the Collector for further action, the administration said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Andhra Pradesh / by The Hindu Bureau / August 20th, 2026
Boxing needs a bigger push in South India, says Indian men’s boxing head coach C.A. Kuttappa.
Hailing from Kokeri village in Napoklu, Kodagu, the land known for producing Olympians and brave hearts, Chenanda Achaiah Kuttappa (C.A. Kuttappa) is an internationally known boxing coach who has been credited with shaping some of the best Indian boxers, including Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Suranjoy Singh, Shiva Thapa and Amit Panghal, among others..
An ex-serviceman, Kuttappa, who retired as a Subedar from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) earlier this year, is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team that won two gold and two silver medals at the recently held Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa training one of the boxers during the preparatory camp for Commonwealth Games-2026 which concluded recently.
A Dronacharya Awardee (2018), Kuttappa previously worked with the Indian men’s boxing team as head coach from 2018 to 2021, during which an Indian boxer won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships.
Kuttappa (standing second from right) seen with the Indian men boxers at Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa was also part of the Indian boxing support staff during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Vijender Singh won a bronze medal. He was also the head coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
After a break of a year, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) re-appointed him as the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Kuttappa flanked by his wife P.U. Ashwini (right) and daughter C.K. Yudhi.
A resident of Gokulam 1st Stage in Mysuru city, Kuttappa is married to P.U. Ashwini and the couple has a daughter, C.K. Yudhi
Star of Mysore caught up with C.A. Kuttappa during his recent visit to Mysuru following the heroics of the Indian boxing team at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): Sir, firstly, thank you for talking to Star of Mysore. The recent achievements in boxing at the Commonwealth Games-2026 have been spectacular compared to previous Games. What do you have to say about that?
C.A. Kuttappa: The achievements have been remarkable. We have been able to achieve success because of our hard work and the efforts of the coaches and supporting staff, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and others.
SOM: How was the preparation for the Commonwealth Games? Winning seven gold medals in boxing is a great achievement.
Kuttappa: After the Nationals, we went for build-up competitions in Spain and the Czech Republic, where we won a lot of medals. Later, we got good opportunities to participate in other international boxing events in which our top boxers selected for the Commonwealth Games took part. We also keep track of the progress being made by lower-ranked boxers who are in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.
They play a crucial role as backups in case the top-ranked players miss the main event due to injuries or other reasons. We have been able to achieve good results because of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), as they provided us with the much-needed exposure and opportunities to prove our potential, which we did at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Compared to previous years, the Government of India has been encouraging sports. How do you think it has helped sportspersons?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are getting a good budget for boxing as well. People always compare other sports with cricket. It is a different sport. They have done extremely well and we cannot be compared with them.
We also need to do well at the international level. If we want to be considered at the same level as cricket, we need to work hard, plan well and execute those plans to win more medals at the international level.
SOM: What was the feeling when the boxers you coached were winning gold medals at Glasgow?
Kuttappa: As a coach, it is a completely different feeling. We always plan before the bouts. Watching videos of the opponents and discussing their styles, attacks and movements are some of the things we do. It is important as it helps our boxers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
There are times when we change our strategies and tactics during the bout. When our execution goes according to our plans, the results will be satisfactory, just like at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: With the Commonwealth Games mission accomplished, the next target is the Asian Games. How are the preparations?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are now preparing for the Asian Games to be held in Japan from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Compared to the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games is a tougher competition. Countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are among the top-ranked boxing countries in the world, will be competing as well.
They are really good in terms of technique and tactics. The intensity of the bouts will be high and mentally demanding. Come what may, we are confident of doing well in the Asian Games, similar to what we achieved in the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Talking about boxing, most of our boxers are either from North or Northeast India. Where is South India lacking?
Kuttappa: Most of our boxers are indeed from the North or Northeast. People there think of boxing as a sport, but here it is considered fighting. I always tell my boxers not to take the punch but to hit the punch. We need to educate parents and children about boxing as a sport in South India.
In the North or Northeast, the situation is entirely different. People take up boxing as a profession. There are boxers earning a good Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month. The State Governments have been extending all necessary help, with sponsors also coming forward to support top-ranked and high-performing boxers.
In the South, importance is given to very few sports and people insist on getting their children educated rather than allowing them to pursue sports as a profession.
SOM: Speaking about yourself, you come from Kodagu, which is famous for hockey and producing soldiers for the Indian Army. How did boxing happen to you?
Kuttappa: I started my boxing career in 1992. Before that, there was a selection process for only three sports disciplines: Swimming, volleyball and boxing. Since I was good at athletics and sports, I passed the physical fitness test and they asked me to choose between the three games. I asked them for some time and told them I would like to try all three sports before making a choice. I tried all three and finally selected boxing.
In fact, one of my father’s cousins, C.C. Machaiah, who is an Arjuna Awardee in boxing, had also told me about how boxing as a profession would be useful and help me financially.
In the first year, there were no results as I was still in the learning process. In the next two years, I won the sub-junior and junior titles for Karnataka and the junior national championship. After joining the Indian Army, I represented Karnataka in many national-level competitions and also won a bronze medal at the National Games held in 1997.
After I was injured and stopped boxing, I was thinking about what to do next when my senior officers advised me to continue with boxing. So, I completed my diploma in boxing and joined the national camp as a coach. I have trained Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Akhil and other top boxers and continue to train boxers even today.
SOM: How does it feel to be awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award at a young age?
Kuttappa: It is satisfying. I believe it is a result of hard work and sacrifice. You should ask my wife and my mother. They both know the amount of time I have dedicated to my profession.
I only get to spend one or two months at home. Most of the time, I am travelling with the team, preparing them for competitions. I have taken up the responsibility of the national team and it is my duty to ensure they do well and bring laurels to the country.
SOM: Sir, thank you so much for your time and all the best for the Asian Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Kuttappa: Thank you.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Special Interview / by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers / August 12th, 2026
Coffee Board Secretary and CEO Kurma Rao shared the export statistics.
Coffee Board’s Chairman MJ Dinesh confirmed that 45% of India’s total coffee is exported to the European Market.(Photo | X, @CoffeeboardI)
Madikeri :
Coffee Board of India has requested coffee growers to register on the India Coffee App to align with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Speaking at a conference, the Board’s Chairman MJ Dinesh confirmed that 45% of India’s total coffee is exported to the European Market.
In the event organised by the Coffee Board in Kudumangalore near Kushalnagar on Saturday, Dinesh said that 29 European coffee-growing countries have come together to implement the EUDR rule with the aim of protecting the environment by keeping global warming in mind.
He detailed that the European Union is a primary importer and re-exporter of all coffee, including the green, roasted and instant varieties and said that 45% of the total coffee exports reach the European market, with 16% being exported only to Italy.
He shared that under EUDR mandates, EU importers must prove their coffee was grown on land that has not undergone deforestation after December 31, 2020. He confirmed that India is currently classified under the EUDR low-risk category and only 1% of Indian coffee exports undergo global quality checks.
“By providing this platform natively, the Coffee Board helps growers bypass private third-party services that charge up to 35 dollars per tonne of exported coffee. Using a government-backed app also protects national agricultural data and security,” he said.
Coffee Board Secretary and CEO Kurma Rao shared the export statistics.
Dr Pradeep Babu, Deputy Director of Research, conducted a lecture and interactive session with local growers and industry stakeholders.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 17th, 2026
Kruti Coffee has opened its first UK cafe on Tooting High Street in south London. The launch signals the Odisha brand’s global push and a wider showcase for Indian speciality coffee.
Kruti Coffee, a speciality coffee brand that began with tribal coffee farms in Odisha, has launched its first UK cafe in south London, marking the start of its global expansion. The company opened the outlet on Tooting High Street this week after receiving its first coffee consignment from Kolkata following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement last month.
The cafe is designed to offer a full speciality coffee experience, with manual brewing methods and espresso-based drinks made using Kruti Coffee’s signature 100 per cent Arabica house blend. The company said the outlet is meant to introduce the diversity and quality of Indian speciality coffee to an international audience.
“What began as an effort to revive a forgotten coffee plantation in Koraput has grown into a journey of showcasing the incredible potential of Indian specialty coffee to the world,” co-founder Jeeta Mona said. “Opening our first international cafe in London is a proud milestone-not just for Kruti Coffee, but for the farmers and communities whose dedication makes every cup possible. We look forward to sharing the richness, diversity, and story of Indian coffee with coffee lovers from across the globe,” she said.
Founded in 2013 as an impact initiative to revive a neglected coffee plantation in the remote hills of Koraput in Odisha, Kruti Coffee describes itself as a farm-to-cup speciality coffee venture focused on quality, sustainability and social impact. Over the past decade, the company said it has partnered with some of India’s finest coffee producers while continuing to champion coffees from its home region.
The company said its coffees are roasted at the Select by Kruti Coffee roastery in Bhubaneswar, following standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. Among its best-known offerings is Kindiriguda Naturals, which was recognised as Best Arabica Naturals at the Fine Cup Award during the World Coffee Conference. “Visitors to the new London cafe will now have the opportunity to experience this award-winning coffee alongside an extensive selection of Indian single-origin coffees, carefully crafted blends, and seasonal microlots,” the company said in a statement.
Mona said London was chosen for the brand’s first international store because of the city’s global influence, strong cafe culture and growing interest in speciality coffee. “The new outlet marks the beginning of the brand’s global expansion and its mission to establish Indian specialty coffee among the world’s finest coffee origins,” she added.
At a launch event attended by British Indian parliamentarians and community leaders on Thursday, Mona was joined by Kruti Coffee’s Head Roaster and Barista Pabitra Sahoo, who presented a series of speciality manual brews. With the opening of the London cafe, the Odisha-founded brand has taken its first step in showcasing Indian speciality coffee to a wider global market.
With PTI Inputs
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> World / by India Today World Desk / with PTI Inputs / August 21st, 2026
The Annual Kail-Poldh Festival-2026 get-together will be held on Sept. 6 (Sunday) at 9.30 am at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here.
It comprises Ayudha Puja, Sports and Games, Lucky Dip, honouring eminent Kodavas and distribution of Scholarship.
Scholarships will be awarded to Kodava students who have studied in Mysuru and passed the respective examinations. Children of Samaja members are eligible for scholarships irrespective of their place of study and Kodava students who have studied in Mysuru are also eligible.
Scholarship applications are invited for 1st & 2nd positions under the following category — Class 10: CBSE, State, ICSE; PUC: CBSE, State, ICSE; Degree: Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, MBBS, Nursing, Home Science/ Hotel Management & Engineering; Post Graduation in the above category, Civil Services; Doctorate degrees from the Government recognised Universities and Sports: Represented State, National and International level.
Applications for the award of scholarship and honouring of eminent Kodava members of the Samaja for their achievements in various fields should be sent to the Hon. Secretary, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, along with xerox copies of the relevant marks cards and certificates before Aug. 18 by 5 pm.
For details contact the Samaja on Mob: 93533-80260.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 17th, 2026
Aiyanna is seen with his wife Tulsi, daughters Priya and Preethi, son-in-law Ranjan Nanaiah and the Sangha members.
Gokulam Kodava Sangha honoured its senior member and past President Wing Commander Mundumada D. Aiyanna (retd.) at its AGM held at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar recently in recognition of his service to the nation and his achievements in golf.
A notable veteran golfer, he has won multiple trophies and prizes in golf tournaments hosted in Mysuru, including the 39th Edition of the Air Force Golf Cup 2025-26 (Stableford Net Senior Golf tournament).
Aiyanna is seen with his wife Tulsi, daughters Priya and Preethi, son-in-law Ranjan Nanaiah and the Sangha members.
Annarkanda Prathima Thimmaiah compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / August 19th, 2026
The third edition of IICF will bring together growers, roasters, café brands, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and coffee consumers on a farm-to-cup platform.
Visitors check varieties of coffee during the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2026 in Bengaluru on February 12, 2026. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J
Organised by the Coffee Board of India in association with the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), the third edition of IICF will bring together growers, roasters, café brands, baristas, equipment manufacturers, and coffee consumers on a farm-to-cup platform.
The event comes as domestic coffee consumption shows significant room for expansion. While cities account for nearly 70% of consumption and southern India contributes 75-80% of the country’s coffee consumption, coffee is gaining popularity in northern, western and eastern markets. India’s per-capita coffee consumption remains at just 0.07 kg annually, compared with the global average of 1.3 kg.
“IICF has become an important platform for India’s coffee community at a time of remarkable growth,” said Kurma Rao M., CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board of India. “As café culture spreads across India and a new generation embraces coffee, the home market holds enormous potential, even as Indian coffee earns its place on the world stage.”
“India has grown some of the finest coffee on Earth for generations, and now, at last, India is drinking it,” said Hamsini Appadurai, President, SCAI and organiser, IICF.
A key attraction at the conference will be the National Coffee Championships, including the 26th National Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, Indian Filter Coffee Championship, Latte Art Championship, and, for the first time, Coffee in Good Spirits. Winners will represent India at corresponding World Coffee Championships.
The championship qualifiers will be held in Bengaluru, Delhi and Navi Mumbai between August and October 2026, ahead of the national finals in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>India> Karnataka /by The Hindu Bureau / August 20th, 2026
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