SLN Coffee to set up Rs 3,500 crore food processing unit in Andhra Pradesh, its first plant outside Karnataka
Bengaluru police recover M.M. Somaya’s 1980 Olympic gold medal, seven other international medals; two arrested
Police also recovered a traditional dagger of the Kodava community, a camera and an Olympic kit bag, along with the two-wheeler allegedly used to commit the offence.
MM Somaya with the gold medal won at the hockey tournament during 1980 Moscow Olympic games. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
The Indiranagar police have arrested two habitual offenders and recovered eight international sports medals, including a gold medal won at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which were stolen from the residence of former hockey player M.M.Somaya at B.M. Kaval in Bengaluru.
The recovered medals include the Olympic gold medal won at the 1980 Moscow Games, a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games, a bronze medal from the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, a bronze medal from the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam and a gold medal from the Loiano tournament in Italy. The collection also included participation medals from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, besides a silver medal associated with the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh.
Police also recovered a traditional dagger of the Kodava community, a camera and an Olympic kit bag, along with the two-wheeler allegedly used to commit the offence.
A collage of the recovered medals, including the Olympic gold medal won at the 1980 Moscow Games and seven other medals. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
The peeche kathi, a traditional dagger of the Kodava community, that was among the items stolen from M.M. Somaya’s house. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
How the medals were stolen
The theft took place when Mr. Somaya and his family were away in their native Kodagu district. According to the complaint filed on October 28, the family had left Bengaluru on October 25. When they returned, they found that the front door lock had been broken and unidentified persons had entered the house and stolen the medals, gold and silver articles and cash.
The Indiranagar police registered a case and formed eight special teams to investigate the burglary. Acting on intelligence inputs, the police arrested two accused near Hagalahalli Cross in Ramanagara on November 9, along with the two-wheeler allegedly used in the crime.
The arrested accused: Manikya alias Manikanta (left) and Bharat (right). | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to committing the theft along with another associate. The arrested accused have been identified as Manikya alias Manikanta (31), a labourer, and Bharat (25). Police said Manikanta has 33 criminal cases registered against him, including 25 in Karnataka and eight in Tamil Nadu. He also has three proclamation proceedings and six non-bailable warrants pending against him. Bharat is involved in two criminal cases.
The accused were produced before a court on November 10 and taken into eight days of police custody.
Two medals sold, recovered
During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had sold one gold medal and one silver medal to a gold-buying company in Rajajinagar. The remaining six medals and other stolen articles had been kept at the residence of one of the accused in Hoskote.
The police recovered the two medals from the Rajajinagar establishment and the remaining six medals, traditional dagger of the Kodava community, camera and Olympic bag from the accused’s residence.
Police said the theft was a random selection, with the accused allegedly breaking into the house without knowing the significance and value of the medals. Efforts are on to trace the third accused, who remains absconding.
‘I feel like I have won the medals all over again’
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh hands over the recovered prized possessions that were stolen from Mr. Somaya’s house. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Expressing gratitude to the Bengaluru City Police, Somaya thanked City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and the entire police team for recovering his prized possessions.
“I am particularly thankful to the Indiranagar Police Inspector, who reassured me from day one that the valuables would be recovered. I feel like I have won the medals all over again,” Somaya said.
City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh announced a cash reward of ₹1 lakh for the police team for cracking the case. The investigation is continuing to recover the remaining stolen property and apprehend the absconding accused.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / November 11th, 2026
Delhi filmmaker Jai Batra’s Hitchcock-inspired short Homemade begins its international festival run
A 26-minute psychological drama in which the image drains, shot by shot, from colour to black-and-white
Independent filmmaker Jai Batra has completed HOMEMADE (2026), a 26-minute Hindi/English psychological drama, and launched its festival run, with submissions to festivals including Berlinale Shorts, Oberhausen, Tampere, Fribourg and Vienna Shorts. The film’s world premiere is still available.
HOMEMADE follows Aadil (Vheer), a meticulous fine-dining chef who cooks dinner at home for his partner Maya (Dayana Erappa), a corporate executive. Over one evening, small details stop adding up, and the version of their life together that he believes in starts to come apart. As his certainty fails, the film’s colour drains from the frame, returning only at the very end. Batra borrows Alfred Hitchcock’s visual grammar throughout: voyeur framing, Vertigo zooms and characters who look straight into the lens.
“I wanted to make a film about the moment certainty breaks. A chef’s kitchen is a place of total control. I was drawn to a man who brings that control home, and to what happens when the person across the table no longer fits the recipe,” says Batra.
Batra wrote, directed, produced, shot and edited the film, and composed its original score. His previous short, Paharganj to Phuket (2026), won Best Short Film at the Mumbai International Film Awards and Best Indian Competition – Short Film at the Rameshwaram International Film Festival. His earlier films The Meeting Point (2025) and Wohhh (2025) screened at festivals across India, with The Meeting Point receiving an Honourable Jury Mention at the Noida International Film Festival.
Runtime: 25 min 36 s · Language: Hindi / English · Country: India, 2026 · Genre: Psychological drama
IMDb: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt50137613/&source=gmail&ust=1794284384821000&sa=E
Letterboxd: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://letterboxd.com/film/homemade-3/&source=gmail&ust=1794284384821000&sa=E
Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/jaivheerumotionpictures/&source=gmail&ust=1794284384821000&sa=E
source: http://www.thecurb.com.au / The Curb / Home/ by Press Releases / November 10th, 2026
How the Coffee Board of India Supports Coffee Farmers and Exports
Coffee forms an important crop for Indian plantations, providing a living to a lot of farmers as well as contributing to a significant extent to the agricultural exports of India. Indian coffee is noted for being shade grown arabica and robusta and has gained a reputation globally for its distinct taste and superior quality. While India produces only about 3.5% of global coffee, it is the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world and a major exporter of the product. Rising domestic demand for coffee and growing demand for premium and special coffees are helping to propel growth in the industry.
The organization that is central to this entire industry is the Coffee Board of India, which is a statutory body within the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, set up according to the Coffee Act of 1942. It has been over the years evolving into an organization that has not only helped in regulating the coffee trade but also helped it to become more competitive in the global market.
India’s Coffee Market Overview
India has become one of the major producers of coffee worldwide owing to the favorable agro-climatic conditions, well-developed plantation system, and the increasing recognition of quality arabica and robusta beans. The coffee production is primarily prevalent in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu regions, but it has been gradually shifting towards Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and North-eastern regions of India. The shade grown Indian coffee is internationally renowned for its unique taste and eco-friendly farming methods.
As per IMARC Group the market size of India coffee reached US$ 9.53 billion in 2025 and will grow up to US$ 17.31 billion in 2034 with a CAGR of 6.86% between the period 2026-2034. This growth is determined by the increasing consumption of coffee, urbanization trends, growing demand for high quality and specialty coffees, development of organized cafe chains along with growing investments into cultivation and processing.
India exports nearly 70% of its coffee production. During FY 2025–26, exports reached approximately 4.05 lakh tonnes, valued at over US$ 2.12 billion, with shipments to more than 125 countries, including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Growing demand for sustainably produced coffee has further strengthened India’s position in global markets.
As the sector expands, institutional support remains essential to improve productivity, quality, farmer incomes and export competitiveness. In this regard, the Coffee Board of India plays a pivotal role in connecting growers, researchers, processors and exporters.
Coffee Board of India: Strengthening the Coffee Ecosystem
Founded through the Coffee Act, 1942, the Coffee Board of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry tasked with the development and growth of the Indian coffee industry.
Research work is carried out by the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), Balehonnur, Karnataka, which celebrated 100 years of coffee research in 2025. The CCRI works on breeding new varieties, weather-resistant technologies, and pest and disease management along with post-harvest techniques for coffee.
Key Functions of the Coffee Board of India
The Coffee Board strengthens the Indian coffee industry through the key functions of the board which are as follows:
- Research and Innovation: Creates improved planting material, climate-proof technologies, and sustainable farming techniques through the CCRI and its network of research institutions.
- Extension Services: Provides scientific advice, demonstration of technology, training to farmers, and technology transfer to increase efficiency and encourage sustainable farming.
- Quality Improvement: Assists in quality testing, grading, processing and certification to help Indian coffee meet international standards of quality.
- Market Information: Provides production, export, and market statistics along with up-to-date information on domestic and international coffee market trends.
- Domestic and Export Promotion: Conducts international exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, branding campaigns, and promotional drives to increase the profile of Indian coffee in domestic as well as foreign markets.
- Entrepreneurship and Sustainability: Encourages value addition, innovation, and sustainable coffee production along with meeting international sustainability requirements.
In recent times, the Coffee Board has been more concerned about building the sustainability and resiliency of the coffee industry in India. In 2026, the Board made concerted efforts towards the adoption of the Indian Coffee Sustainability Standard and Certification Scheme, sustainable cultivation methods and helping growers and exporters meet the international standards of traceability. The board also increased its participation in the international trade show, which included the India TPR exhibition at WTO, Geneva. The board also advocates for specialty coffee, value addition, and sustainable production systems.
How the Coffee Board Supports Coffee Farmers
The Indian coffee industry comprises primarily of small and marginal farmers; hence, providing help to farmers is an essential mission of the Coffee Board. The Board through research, extension services, financial help and sustainability programs ensures increase in productivity, quality of coffee and resilience of farms while adapting to the changing climatic and market conditions.
How the Coffee Board Promotes Coffee Exports
Around 70% of the coffee production is exported from India, making the export of coffee one of the basic pillars of the Indian coffee industry. The Coffee Board of India has an important contribution in increasing the international presence of India by promoting Indian coffee, providing access to the market, and helping exporters meet the international standards of quality, sustainability, and traceability. This is done through trade promotion activities, market intelligence, and branding.
The Road Ahead: Building a Sustainable and Globally Competitive Coffee Sector
The Indian coffee sector stands to benefit from future growth and development due to increasing domestic consumption, export prospects, and increased international demand for sustainably produced premium coffee. Efforts to add value, produce specialty coffee, increase quality, and expand markets will play a critical role in helping India maintain its position in the global coffee industry.
The Coffee Board of India is set to play an instrumental role in this shift through research and development, promotion of climate-smart coffee production, digital advice provision, and sustainability and traceability. Continued efforts to enhance productivity, support coffee farmers, and create international markets will help make Indian coffee more competitive in the global market.
In the future, efforts by the Coffee Board, through its collaborative effort to involve coffee growers, researchers, processors, exporters, and other stakeholders in the creation of the new coffee eco-system, will play an instrumental role in creating a resilient and innovative coffee industry that is able to compete globally.
FAQs
What is the current size of the India coffee market?
According to IMARC Group, the India coffee market was valued at US$ 9.53 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 17.31 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.86% during 2026–2034. The market is being driven by rising domestic consumption, increasing demand for premium and specialty coffee, urbanisation and the expansion of organised cafe chains.
How does the Coffee Board support coffee farmers?
The Coffee Board assists coffee farmers through research-based technologies, training programmes, extension services, plantation development support, digital advisory services and initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices, helping improve productivity, quality and farm resilience.
What is the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI)?
The Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI), located at Balehonnur in Karnataka, is the research arm of the Coffee Board of India. It develops improved coffee varieties, climate-resilient cultivation technologies, pest and disease management practices and post-harvest innovations.
Why is the Coffee Board important for India’s coffee industry?
The Coffee Board connects growers, researchers, processors and exporters to strengthen the entire coffee value chain. By promoting innovation, sustainability, quality improvement and global market access, it plays a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of India’s coffee industry.
What are the key functions of the Coffee Board of India?
The Coffee Board supports the coffee value chain by conducting scientific research, providing extension services to growers, improving coffee quality, publishing market intelligence, promoting Indian coffee in domestic and international markets, and encouraging sustainable coffee cultivation and value addition.
source: http://www.ibef.org / IBEF -India Brand Equity Foundation / Home> Exports / by IBEF / September 28th, 2026
The Leela Appoints Rajesh Namby as General Manager of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has appointed Rajesh Namby as General Manager of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, the brand’s first forest sanctuary.
Namby brings more than three decades of experience across luxury hotels, destination resorts, food and beverage, and hotel operations. His appointment also marks a new leadership chapter at the Coorg property, which represents The Leela’s entry into the forest sanctuary segment.
Leadership at The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary
As General Manager, Namby will lead operations at The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, bringing his experience across luxury hospitality and destination-led resorts to the property.
The appointment comes as The Leela continues to develop its presence in distinctive leisure destinations, with the Coorg property representing a new format within the brand’s portfolio.
More Than Three Decades in Luxury Hospitality
Namby’s career spans more than 30 years across luxury hotels, destination resorts, food and beverage and broader hotel operations.
His professional experience has included leadership across different areas of hospitality, providing a combination of operational and commercial exposure relevant to the management of a destination resort.
His association with The Leela also adds continuity to his appointment as he takes charge of the brand’s first forest sanctuary.
Building the Coorg Experience
Commenting on his appointment, Rajesh Namby said, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this important chapter in The Leela’s journey. I look forward to working with the team to create experiences that feel deeply personal, meaningful and true to the spirit of Coorg and the values of the brand.”
At The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, Namby will lead the team as the property develops its positioning around Coorg’s destination character while maintaining the operational standards associated with The Leela.
source: http://www.hotelierbuzz.com / Hotelier Buzz / Home> Appointments / by Ayra / October 05th, 2026
ICAR-KVK, Kodagu Organizes Training-cum-Awareness Programme on Export Markets for Agricultural Processed Products
In the present agricultural scenario, improving market access, promoting value addition and exploring export opportunities are essential for enhancing farmers’ income and strengthening agricultural enterprises. To address this need, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kodagu, organized one-day training-cum-awareness programme on “Export Markets for Agricultural Processed Products” today at KVK, Kodagu, in collaboration with the Regional Offices of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Bengaluru.
The programme aimed to sensitize farmers, planters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and rural entrepreneurs to export opportunities for agricultural and processed products, quality standards, regulatory requirements, documentation and compliance procedures. Emphasis was laid on exploring export markets, promoting value addition and strengthening market linkages to enhance farmers’ income and the economic viability of agricultural enterprises.
The technical session on “Opportunities and Compliances for Export of Agricultural and Processed Products” highlighted potential export avenues, essential procedures and compliance requirements for accessing domestic and international markets. The session also emphasized the importance of quality assurance, appropriate processing and meeting market-specific standards for improving the competitiveness of agricultural products.
The role of ICAR-KVK Kodagu in promoting market-oriented agriculture through technology dissemination, capacity building, technical guidance and extension services was also highlighted. An interactive question-and-answer session enabled participants to clarify their queries and exchange views with the resource persons on export opportunities and market access.
Representatives from NABARD, the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, scientists and technical staff of ICAR-KVK Kodagu, farmers, planters, FPO representatives and entrepreneurs also participated in the programme. The initiative provided a platform for knowledge sharing and strengthened awareness of export-oriented agricultural development, value addition and market diversification in Kodagu district.
More than 100 participants attended the program.
(Source: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kodagu)
source: http://www.icar.org.in / ICAR / Home / by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Kodagu / October 15th, 2026
Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad: Know Your Vote Organised at Coorg Institute of Technology
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Kodagu, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in coordination with the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), Ponnampet, organised “Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad: Know Your Vote” on November 4, 2026. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Shri Varun Arya, MY Bharat Ambassador and Youth Icon, addressed the students and interacted with them on various aspects of democracy and electoral awareness.
During the session, Shri Arya sensitised students about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the importance of democracy and various stages of the electoral process. He emphasised the importance of making informed decisions based on facts rather than mere opinions. He also encouraged students to develop a deeper understanding of democratic responsibilities and active citizenship.
Shri Akhil P., District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, delivered a presentation on MY Bharat, its initiatives and activities, and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, highlighting the various opportunities available for youth participation, leadership and nation-building. As part of the programme, students took the Democracy Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values and responsible citizenship.
Dr. M. Basavaraj, Principal, Coorg Institute of Technology, Ponnampet, graced the occasion. More than 200 students, faculty members and staff attended the programme. The interactive session also provided students with an opportunity to raise questions and clarify their doubts regarding India’s electoral process and democratic system.
source: http://www.pib.gov.in / PIB Bengaluru / by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports / November 05th, 2026
Olympic gold, Asian Games silver and other valuables stolen from former India hockey captain MM Somaya’s home
CCTV footage from a neighbour’s house reportedly showed two unidentified men breaking open the door and entering the residence.
Somaya was a member of India squad that won the gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. (Courtesy: Hockey India)
Synopsis: Four international medals won by former India hockey captain MM Somaya, including his gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, were stolen when burglars broke into his Bengaluru house on October 28 while he and his family were away in Kodagu. CCTV footage from a neighbour’s house reportedly showed two unidentified men breaking open the front door and entering the house at 2.34 am. The burglars also stole gold and silver valuables and ₹30,000 in cash.
Four international medals, including the gold medal won by former India field hockey captain MM Somaya at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, were stolen when burglars broke into his house in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 28 October.
The burglary took place at Somaya’s house in HAL 3rd Stage, New Thippasandra, under the Indiranagar police station limits, while the 67-year-old and his family were away in Kodagu.
The stolen medals include the gold medal from the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, a bronze medal from the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul and another bronze medal from the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam.
Besides the medals, the burglars stole valuables worth ₹3.5 lakh. These include a 10-gram gold bangle, an eight-gram gold coin, two silver cups weighing 144 grams, six silver spoons, an 80-gram silver pot and ₹30,000 in cash.
CCTV footage from a neighbour’s house reportedly showed two unidentified men breaking open the door and entering the residence at 2.34 am.
The burglary came to light hours later at around 7.15 am when the neighbour, Narayanan, noticed that the front door of the house was open and alerted Somaya.
The Indiranagar police have registered a case under Sections 331(4) (house trespass or house-breaking) and 305 (theft in a dwelling house, means of transportation or place of worship) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Varsha Gowda)
source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / The South First /Home> The South First> Karnataka / by The South First Desk / November 04th, 2026
‘My first reaction was disbelief ,’ fashion and textile curator Prasad Bidapa on Rajyotsava Award
Prasad Bidapa
Having received the Kannada Rajyotsava Award this year, fashion and textile curator Prasad Bidapa reflects on his journey in reviving traditional textiles.
“A decorative mirror work covering made for a camel’s hump, sarees for my mother, block printing, mirror work, a lot of lehariya dyeing and bandhini – I picked up small, not very consequential pieces but I still treasure them,” says fashion and textile curator Prasad Bidapa, remembering how his love for traditional textiles began as a 17-year-old studying at the National Institute of Design. For someone who had grown up as an Army kid, the richness of the art he was encountering was instantly captivating. What followed was a career as a fashion stylist and choreographer that repeatedly pulled him into working with handloom textiles and reviving them, which the Karnataka government recently recognised by conferring Bidapa the Rajyotsava Award. “My first reaction was disbelief. It only truly sank in when I saw the government gazette notification,” says Bidapa, adding, “For me, this award is not personal, it represents recognition for Karnataka’s artisans and textile heritage.”
While most may know him for discovering and training top model-actors like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta and more, one of Bidapa’s first major projects was for Mysore Silks in the 1980s, starting his long and continuing relationship with Karnataka’s coveted fabric. “The government sent me to Delhi to put up a fashion show showcasing all the diverse beauty of Mysore silks, and that’s when I realised how much promotion was needed. Later on, I worked on the same project with the former Maharaja and Maharani who were very interested in reviving silk and especially the Gandaberunda motif. Weavers of Mysuru were specially commissioned to make these very beautiful ombre-dyed sarees with the gold motif,” he recalls.
Since then, Bidapa has worked with several states, putting together the Rajasthan Heritage Week for five years, connecting top designers with artisans to breathe new life into traditional designs. Recently, he recreated a similar concept with Ashtalakshmi, an initiative by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), showcasing the region’s diverse textiles
“Top designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Abraham & Thakore and Rohit Bal chose a particular textile in Rajasthan and worked directly with artisans to create something new. It started a movement which continues till today, a lot of contemporary designs in Kota Doria were invented because artisans started creating new designs themselves. Sarees which used to be sold at ₹8,000 are going for ₹80,000 today – their real worth,” he says.
Right here in Bengaluru, Bidapa curated the Festival of Handmade. Being in the fashion space since the ’80s, Bidapa notes that the awareness and use of handloom has grown drastically but more could be done, and the answer, for him, lies in tourism. “Individuals and organisations like The Crafts Council of Karnataka, people like Pavithra Muddaya and Prasanna Heggodu have done stellar work. But you cannot expect the private sector to shoulder this responsibility entirely. The government must charge the textile and tourism departments to revive and create a tourism attraction with these awesome products. Textiles represent Indian luxury, rarity and centuries-old skills. We need to monetise and promote this heritage,” he says.
With this award, he hopes to push for a project weaving travel and Karnataka’s silk production process together to further draw attention to the craft. He shares, “Something I would very much like to create is a travel experience down Karnataka’s silk route (Ramanagara, Channapatna, Srirangapatna and Mandya), bringing tourists to see how silk is farmed, spun, woven, dyed and embellished. So many people would come from all over the world!”
Weaves of wonder
When it comes to Karnataka’s diverse textiles, Bidapa has three recommendations for pieces that every woman should own: the Ilkal saree, Molakalmuru saree and Dharwad cotton saree. He says, “An Ilkal saree is woven using a three-shutter loom. The body is made of cotton and the pallu of silk; it looks so beautiful. One of the unsung textiles of Karnataka is the Molakalmuru, similar to Kanjivaram but different, having an extremely heavy weave. Finally, the cotton sarees of North Karnataka are soft and lovely for summer.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Mahima Nagarajan / November 02nd, 2026
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