April 3, 2026

NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri represented India in a meeting that was hosted by the UK on Thursday to discuss efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. More than 60 countries participated in the meeting that discussed diplomatic and political, instead of military, measures to restore freedom of navigation through the key energy route.In the meeting, Misri underlined the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways, according to an Indian readout. The government said he also emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf.“He (Misri) also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties,” said the Indian readout on the meeting.The UK meeting followed US President Trump’s assertion that the responsibility of keeping the strait open must be shouldered by Asian and European nations more reliant on oil and gas passing through that chokepoint than the US. Washington was reported to have skipped the virtual meeting that was chaired by British foreign minister Yvette Cooper.While India participated in the meeting, it has not yet endorsed a joint statement signed earlier by the UK and 35 other countries that expressed readiness in the document to contribute to “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.India continues to back its direct talks with Tehran to resolve the issue that, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar said earlier, have yielded some results. Iran has so far allowed 6 India-flagged vessels to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri represented India in a meeting that was hosted by the UK on Thursday to discuss efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. More than 60 countries participated in the meeting that discussed diplomatic and political, instead of military, measures to restore freedom of navigation through the key energy route.In the meeting, Misri underlined the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways, according to an Indian readout. The government said he also emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf.“He (Misri) also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties,” said the Indian readout on the meeting.The UK meeting followed US President Trump’s assertion that the responsibility of keeping the strait open must be shouldered by Asian and European nations more reliant on oil and gas passing through that chokepoint than the US. Washington was reported to have skipped the virtual meeting that was chaired by British foreign minister Yvette Cooper.While India participated in the meeting, it has not yet endorsed a joint statement signed earlier by the UK and 35 other countries that expressed readiness in the document to contribute to “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.India continues to back its direct talks with Tehran to resolve the issue that, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar said earlier, have yielded some results. Iran has so far allowed 6 India-flagged vessels to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news


Foreign secretary Vikram Misri represents India as 60+ nations discuss Hormuz crisis

NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri represented India in a meeting that was hosted by the UK on Thursday to discuss efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. More than 60 countries participated in the meeting that discussed diplomatic and political, instead of military, measures to restore freedom of navigation through the key energy route.In the meeting, Misri underlined the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways, according to an Indian readout. The government said he also emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf.“He (Misri) also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties,” said the Indian readout on the meeting.The UK meeting followed US President Trump’s assertion that the responsibility of keeping the strait open must be shouldered by Asian and European nations more reliant on oil and gas passing through that chokepoint than the US. Washington was reported to have skipped the virtual meeting that was chaired by British foreign minister Yvette Cooper.While India participated in the meeting, it has not yet endorsed a joint statement signed earlier by the UK and 35 other countries that expressed readiness in the document to contribute to “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.India continues to back its direct talks with Tehran to resolve the issue that, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar said earlier, have yielded some results. Iran has so far allowed 6 India-flagged vessels to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.



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On a weekday afternoon at a govt college in central Karnataka, the student notice board is crowded with circulars on examinations, scholarships and cultural events. What’s missing, however, are printed campaign posters, and hand-written appeals for votes or calls for debates that once defined campus life in the state. It has been nearly four decades now since college corridors in Karnataka have fallen quiet, and stopped reverberating with passionate chants from the student community either protesting or rallying over a myriad causes. Student union elections have remained banned across colleges and universities in Karnataka, which, some would argue, has left campuses politically subdued compared to earlier decades.The ban & a ‘talent crunch’That long silence may now be nearing an end — after nearly 37 years, the Congress govt in Karnataka has announced its plans to revive student union elections across the state’s colleges and universities, reopening a chapter that was abruptly closed in 1989. Faced with concerns over violence, politicisation and academic disruption, it was also a Congress govt led by chief minister Veerendra Patil that put an end to campus politics. When CM Patil announced the ban, it was meant to be a temporary measure, but it continued. Soon, nominated or advisory student councils replaced ‘politically’ elected unions. Though students could still raise issues related to fees, hostels and examination delays, formal representation weakened over time.But the ban and its aftermath have kept alive a debate touching on democracy, discipline and the role of educational institutions in shaping future political leadership. They have also kept the spotlight on the state’s once-vibrant student movements, their decline, and the political calculations surrounding a possible revival.The current Congress govt’s announcement to revive campus politics, which came as a surprise to many, was made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. “We need to tap young political talent. It is possible with campus elections,” says deputy CM D K Shivakumar.An EVM for campus pollsFor many in Karnataka, the govt’s attempts at reviving campus politics have stirred memories of a period when campuses were lively spaces of democratic practice. In 1982, students of MES College in Bengaluru queued up to vote in a student union election that would later enter the state’s electoral lore — electronic voting machines, then a novelty, were tested in the college election on a pilot basis. A year later, EVMs were introduced in assembly elections.At the time, universities were more than places for lectures and examinations. Institutions such as Mysore University, Karnatak University in Dharwad and Bangalore University were known for intense debates on land reforms, linguistic identity, social justice and reservation policies. Student unions functioned as representative bodies elected through regular polls, negotiating with the administration on hostels, scholarships, transport facilities and examination reforms.”Campus elections were our first lessons in democracy,” says MLC and govt chief whip in the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, a former student leader who later entered mainstream politics. “We learnt how to campaign without money, how to speak to people and how to accept defeat.”The 1970s and 1980sStudent politics in Karnataka during the 1960s and 1970s often mirrored broader social movements. While political parties maintained informal links with student groups, campuses also saw independent collectives focused on academic and welfare issues. For students from marginalised communities, unions provided an institutional platform to articulate concerns that might otherwise have gone unheard.By the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, the nature of campus politics began to shift. Student organisations affiliated with mainstream political parties grew stronger, and elections increasingly reflected state-level rivalries. Allegations of money power, external interference and the involvement of non-students became common. Ideological and caste-based divisions sharpened, occasionally erupting into violence.Rising through the ranksFor some big names in contemporary politics, campuses were the launchpad. Long before D K Shivakumar became deputy CM and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, his political education began not in party offices or election war rooms, but in college corridors. At Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College in the early 1980s, Shivakumar emerged as a visible student leader affiliated with the National Students Union of India (NSUI), at a time when campuses were active arenas of debate, mobilisation and electoral competition. That exposure, he has repeatedly said, gave him his first lessons in leadership, organisation and public engagement.A few kilometres away, and a decade earlier, B K Hariprasad, now a former AICC general secretary and MLC, began his political journey as a student activist at MES College, Bengaluru, in 1972. Rising through the ranks of student and youth organisations, Hariprasad went on to serve as vice-president of the All India Youth Congress, AICC general secretary and a four-term Rajya Sabha member. His work among backward classes and grassroots networks earned him recognition from senior Congress leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, an eight-time MLA, also rose from student activism as the secretary of the students’ union at Govt Science College in Bengaluru. He was also a member of the student council at Bangalore University. In 1977, he became the student union president at the university.Their trajectories — from student politics to the highest levels of party and govt — are now at the centre of a renewed policy debate in Karnataka. “I myself came up through campus politics. Being a student leader helped me in my political career,” Shivakumar says. “Student elections are essential to nurture young political talent.”Feasibility & other questionsTo examine the framework, feasibility and implications of reintroducing campus polls, the govt has constituted a high-level 11-member committee. Medical education minister Sharanprakash Patil has been appointed convener. The panel includes higher education minister Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and B Shivanna, MLCs Saleem Ahmed, Basanagouda Badarli and Puttanna, Karnataka Youth Congress president H S Manjunath and NSUI president Keerthi Ganesh.The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days, Shivakumar said in a letter dated Dec 27. Among the questions before it are whether student elections should be conducted under political party banners or in a non-political format, and whether reservations should be extended to women, OBCs, SC/STs and students with disabilities.Retired academic Bandu Upadhya, who worked as college principal during some of the tumultuous years of campus politics, recalls the atmosphere then vividly. “Candidates were openly sponsored by political parties. There were sharp divisions among students, frequent arguments and sometimes clashes. Anti-social elements also entered campuses,” he says.Academic calendars used to be frequently disrupted, police presence during campus elections became routine, and administrators struggled to maintain order. In 1989, under the Congress govt headed by the then CM Veerendra Patil, student union elections were banned across Karnataka.Arguing for & against the banWhat was initially described as a temporary measure became an entrenched policy. Elected student bodies were dismantled and replaced with nominated or advisory councils. Over time, student participation in institutional governance became largely symbolic. Generations of students passed through colleges without ever voting for a class representative, let alone a union president.Supporters of the ban argue that it brought in stability. “After the ban, there were fewer disruptions, and academic schedules became predictable,” says a former university administrator.Critics counter that the silence came at a cost. “Banning student elections reflects a lack of trust in our youth,” says Ravindra Reshme, political commentator and former president of the Federation of Karnataka University and College Teachers’ Association. “It denies students practical democratic training.”Despite the ban, political engagement did not disappear from campuses. Students continued to organise protests around issues such as fee hikes, delays in examinations, hostel facilities and reservation policies. Political parties maintained informal networks among students, particularly during state and national elections. But these activities lacked the structure, accountability and continuity of elected unions.In some private and autonomous institutions, limited forms of student councils were permitted, largely restricted to cultural activities and kept formally non-political.Student organisations remain divided on the issue. “Campus elections are the first exposure many students get to democracy,” says Adarsh M, an NSUI office-bearer from Bangalore University. “Elections help identify leaders early and train them in accountability, debate and organisation.”AISF activist Srinath Rao says elected unions provided students from marginalised backgrounds with a legitimate platform. “Without elections, representation becomes symbolic and dominated by nominations,” he said.Campus Front member Mohammed Sajid argues that student polls are about participation beyond party politics. “Even non-party students benefit when administrations are forced to listen to elected representatives,” he says.The ABVP expresses some reservations. “Campuses exist primarily for academics,” points out Mahendra K, an ABVP functionary. “We have already seen that in the past, elections often led to disruptions, violence and outside interference. Reviving them without strict safeguards will harm students’ academic interests.”SFI leader Bharath Krishna raises concerns about political influence. “There is a danger that campus elections will become extensions of ruling party politics,” he warns, calling for strict enforcement of expenditure limits and prevention of external interference.Political observers say the Congress govt’s move is also driven by organisational considerations. “Unlike the BJP, which has the RSS as a pipeline, the Congress lacks institutional channels to groom grassroots leadership,” says political strategist Vishwas Shetty. “Campus elections offer one such route.”Political analyst M N Patil points to a brighter side of campus politics. “Student leaders learn how to organise, strategise and question authority. In their absence, democracy becomes transactional,” he says.Opposition parties have reacted cautiously. BJP leaders have warned against politicising educational institutions. “Colleges should focus on academics,” senior BJP MLA and deputy opposition leader in the legislative assembly Aravind Bellad has said. “If elections are revived, there must be strict safeguards.” The JD(S), meanwhile, has taken a more nuanced position. “Student movements have shaped leaders across parties, but campuses should not become battlegrounds,” a party functionary has said when contacted. About the AuthorManuAiyappa KanathandaManu Aiyappa has been with The Times of India for over two decades, currently serving as the Political Editor. His reporting focuses on politics, public policy, and in-depth features that aim to inform and engage a broad readership. Over the years, his work has been recognised by both the Press Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Media Academy for its clarity, credibility, and relevance to public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

On a weekday afternoon at a govt college in central Karnataka, the student notice board is crowded with circulars on examinations, scholarships and cultural events. What’s missing, however, are printed campaign posters, and hand-written appeals for votes or calls for debates that once defined campus life in the state. It has been nearly four decades now since college corridors in Karnataka have fallen quiet, and stopped reverberating with passionate chants from the student community either protesting or rallying over a myriad causes. Student union elections have remained banned across colleges and universities in Karnataka, which, some would argue, has left campuses politically subdued compared to earlier decades.The ban & a ‘talent crunch’That long silence may now be nearing an end — after nearly 37 years, the Congress govt in Karnataka has announced its plans to revive student union elections across the state’s colleges and universities, reopening a chapter that was abruptly closed in 1989. Faced with concerns over violence, politicisation and academic disruption, it was also a Congress govt led by chief minister Veerendra Patil that put an end to campus politics. When CM Patil announced the ban, it was meant to be a temporary measure, but it continued. Soon, nominated or advisory student councils replaced ‘politically’ elected unions. Though students could still raise issues related to fees, hostels and examination delays, formal representation weakened over time.But the ban and its aftermath have kept alive a debate touching on democracy, discipline and the role of educational institutions in shaping future political leadership. They have also kept the spotlight on the state’s once-vibrant student movements, their decline, and the political calculations surrounding a possible revival.The current Congress govt’s announcement to revive campus politics, which came as a surprise to many, was made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. “We need to tap young political talent. It is possible with campus elections,” says deputy CM D K Shivakumar.An EVM for campus pollsFor many in Karnataka, the govt’s attempts at reviving campus politics have stirred memories of a period when campuses were lively spaces of democratic practice. In 1982, students of MES College in Bengaluru queued up to vote in a student union election that would later enter the state’s electoral lore — electronic voting machines, then a novelty, were tested in the college election on a pilot basis. A year later, EVMs were introduced in assembly elections.At the time, universities were more than places for lectures and examinations. Institutions such as Mysore University, Karnatak University in Dharwad and Bangalore University were known for intense debates on land reforms, linguistic identity, social justice and reservation policies. Student unions functioned as representative bodies elected through regular polls, negotiating with the administration on hostels, scholarships, transport facilities and examination reforms.”Campus elections were our first lessons in democracy,” says MLC and govt chief whip in the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, a former student leader who later entered mainstream politics. “We learnt how to campaign without money, how to speak to people and how to accept defeat.”The 1970s and 1980sStudent politics in Karnataka during the 1960s and 1970s often mirrored broader social movements. While political parties maintained informal links with student groups, campuses also saw independent collectives focused on academic and welfare issues. For students from marginalised communities, unions provided an institutional platform to articulate concerns that might otherwise have gone unheard.By the late 1970s and early 1980s, however, the nature of campus politics began to shift. Student organisations affiliated with mainstream political parties grew stronger, and elections increasingly reflected state-level rivalries. Allegations of money power, external interference and the involvement of non-students became common. Ideological and caste-based divisions sharpened, occasionally erupting into violence.Rising through the ranksFor some big names in contemporary politics, campuses were the launchpad. Long before D K Shivakumar became deputy CM and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, his political education began not in party offices or election war rooms, but in college corridors. At Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College in the early 1980s, Shivakumar emerged as a visible student leader affiliated with the National Students Union of India (NSUI), at a time when campuses were active arenas of debate, mobilisation and electoral competition. That exposure, he has repeatedly said, gave him his first lessons in leadership, organisation and public engagement.A few kilometres away, and a decade earlier, B K Hariprasad, now a former AICC general secretary and MLC, began his political journey as a student activist at MES College, Bengaluru, in 1972. Rising through the ranks of student and youth organisations, Hariprasad went on to serve as vice-president of the All India Youth Congress, AICC general secretary and a four-term Rajya Sabha member. His work among backward classes and grassroots networks earned him recognition from senior Congress leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, an eight-time MLA, also rose from student activism as the secretary of the students’ union at Govt Science College in Bengaluru. He was also a member of the student council at Bangalore University. In 1977, he became the student union president at the university.Their trajectories — from student politics to the highest levels of party and govt — are now at the centre of a renewed policy debate in Karnataka. “I myself came up through campus politics. Being a student leader helped me in my political career,” Shivakumar says. “Student elections are essential to nurture young political talent.”Feasibility & other questionsTo examine the framework, feasibility and implications of reintroducing campus polls, the govt has constituted a high-level 11-member committee. Medical education minister Sharanprakash Patil has been appointed convener. The panel includes higher education minister Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and B Shivanna, MLCs Saleem Ahmed, Basanagouda Badarli and Puttanna, Karnataka Youth Congress president H S Manjunath and NSUI president Keerthi Ganesh.The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days, Shivakumar said in a letter dated Dec 27. Among the questions before it are whether student elections should be conducted under political party banners or in a non-political format, and whether reservations should be extended to women, OBCs, SC/STs and students with disabilities.Retired academic Bandu Upadhya, who worked as college principal during some of the tumultuous years of campus politics, recalls the atmosphere then vividly. “Candidates were openly sponsored by political parties. There were sharp divisions among students, frequent arguments and sometimes clashes. Anti-social elements also entered campuses,” he says.Academic calendars used to be frequently disrupted, police presence during campus elections became routine, and administrators struggled to maintain order. In 1989, under the Congress govt headed by the then CM Veerendra Patil, student union elections were banned across Karnataka.Arguing for & against the banWhat was initially described as a temporary measure became an entrenched policy. Elected student bodies were dismantled and replaced with nominated or advisory councils. Over time, student participation in institutional governance became largely symbolic. Generations of students passed through colleges without ever voting for a class representative, let alone a union president.Supporters of the ban argue that it brought in stability. “After the ban, there were fewer disruptions, and academic schedules became predictable,” says a former university administrator.Critics counter that the silence came at a cost. “Banning student elections reflects a lack of trust in our youth,” says Ravindra Reshme, political commentator and former president of the Federation of Karnataka University and College Teachers’ Association. “It denies students practical democratic training.”Despite the ban, political engagement did not disappear from campuses. Students continued to organise protests around issues such as fee hikes, delays in examinations, hostel facilities and reservation policies. Political parties maintained informal networks among students, particularly during state and national elections. But these activities lacked the structure, accountability and continuity of elected unions.In some private and autonomous institutions, limited forms of student councils were permitted, largely restricted to cultural activities and kept formally non-political.Student organisations remain divided on the issue. “Campus elections are the first exposure many students get to democracy,” says Adarsh M, an NSUI office-bearer from Bangalore University. “Elections help identify leaders early and train them in accountability, debate and organisation.”AISF activist Srinath Rao says elected unions provided students from marginalised backgrounds with a legitimate platform. “Without elections, representation becomes symbolic and dominated by nominations,” he said.Campus Front member Mohammed Sajid argues that student polls are about participation beyond party politics. “Even non-party students benefit when administrations are forced to listen to elected representatives,” he says.The ABVP expresses some reservations. “Campuses exist primarily for academics,” points out Mahendra K, an ABVP functionary. “We have already seen that in the past, elections often led to disruptions, violence and outside interference. Reviving them without strict safeguards will harm students’ academic interests.”SFI leader Bharath Krishna raises concerns about political influence. “There is a danger that campus elections will become extensions of ruling party politics,” he warns, calling for strict enforcement of expenditure limits and prevention of external interference.Political observers say the Congress govt’s move is also driven by organisational considerations. “Unlike the BJP, which has the RSS as a pipeline, the Congress lacks institutional channels to groom grassroots leadership,” says political strategist Vishwas Shetty. “Campus elections offer one such route.”Political analyst M N Patil points to a brighter side of campus politics. “Student leaders learn how to organise, strategise and question authority. In their absence, democracy becomes transactional,” he says.Opposition parties have reacted cautiously. BJP leaders have warned against politicising educational institutions. “Colleges should focus on academics,” senior BJP MLA and deputy opposition leader in the legislative assembly Aravind Bellad has said. “If elections are revived, there must be strict safeguards.” The JD(S), meanwhile, has taken a more nuanced position. “Student movements have shaped leaders across parties, but campuses should not become battlegrounds,” a party functionary has said when contacted. About the AuthorManuAiyappa KanathandaManu Aiyappa has been with The Times of India for over two decades, currently serving as the Political Editor. His reporting focuses on politics, public policy, and in-depth features that aim to inform and engage a broad readership. Over the years, his work has been recognised by both the Press Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Media Academy for its clarity, credibility, and relevance to public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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Bengaluru’s pollution isn’t dramatic; it’s daily: no smog alerts, no panic buying of masks — just traffic, dust and air that feels normal. The city does not shut down schools for smog, nor does it disappear under a grey blanket each winter. If you ask experts at ‘Air Quality Sector’ of Bengaluru-based research think tank CSTEP to explain this in numbers, they would say for the period between 2019 and 2024, Bengaluru’s annual average PM2.5 levels (particulate matter in the air with a diameter of 2.5 or less) have largely remained in the range of 30-35 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre). In simple terms, it would mean Bengaluru’s air has a ‘moderate but constant’ level of fine pollution throughout the year. The WHO’s air quality guidelines recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.What does it mean?While the PM2.5 concentrations have decreased in some cities, such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, its exposure remains high across cities, exceeding the annual limit of 40 μg/m3 for PM2.5, set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for India. Seasonal patterns offer some relief, but only temporarily. In Bengaluru, the seasonal mean PM2.5 concentration is highest during winter (Dec–Feb) where it averages at 43 μg/m3, exceeding the limits set by NAAQS. It is lowest during monsoon (June–Sept), at 19.8 μg/m3. Particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 or less penetrates deep into the body, damages lungs and the cardiovascular system, and raises risks of major chronic diseases, making it a critical public health concern.”Except for Chennai, which has slightly lower PM2.5 concentrations than Bengaluru, the other metros exhibit relatively higher concentrations than Bengaluru,” says Prakash Doraiswamy, sector head, air quality, at Center for Study of Science, Technology & Policy (CSTEP). Preliminary analysis for 2025 has shown unusually lower concentrations compared to previous years. “Analysis is under way to determine the reasons,” he adds.When measured against global health benchmarks, the gap widens sharply. The World Health Organization’s guideline for annual PM2.5 exposure is 5 µg/m³, a level that none of India’s major cities currently meet. “Bengaluru, like other metros, exceeds the WHO guideline several times over,” notes Nirav Lekinwala, a senior associate at CSTEP, describing the guideline as a long-term public health goal rather than a standard Indian cities are close to achieving. “Bengaluru’s relatively benign reputation is also shaped by how pollution is officially measured. Using data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s continuous monitoring stations, experts point out that Bengaluru crossed the Indian daily PM2.5 standard of 60 µg/m³ on roughly 27% of days in recent years,” he adds. WHO recommends that daily (24-hour) PM2.5 shouldn’t exceed approximately 15 µg/m³. “Comparisons with WHO daily limits are difficult, because India’s AQI framework is based on national standards,” he explains, adding that by WHO measures, exceedances are common across the country.Understanding the sourceWhen it comes to what actually dirties Bengaluru’s air, transport dominates. The most recent source-apportionment study shows that vehicles contribute about 40% of PM2.5 concentrations in the city, says Doraiswamy. Resuspended road dust and windblown soil together account for roughly 25%, reflecting the impact of traffic movement on poorly maintained roads. Secondary particles — sulphates and nitrates formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases — contribute another 16%, pointing to emissions from coal-based sources beyond city limits.Other contributors are smaller but still present. “Wood burning contributes around 4% of PM2.5,” says Nirav. Construction activity, often blamed by residents, appears to play a limited role in fine particulates. “Construction contributes less than 1% of PM2.5 concentrations, though it accounts for around 6% of PM10,” he noted, emphasising that these figures are based on pollution measured at monitoring locations after pollutants have mixed in the atmosphere.Emission-based estimates (focusing on the sources of pollutants rather than their concentration in the atmosphere) tell a similar story. Transport remains the largest source of PM2.5 emissions, followed by diesel generator sets and waste burning. Construction activity contributes an estimated 3% of PM2.5 emissions and about 11% of PM10 emissions, based on 2019 data, excluding large infrastructure projects such as metro construction.When the data walks into the clinicDr Ravindra Mehta, founder of Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic in Bengaluru and an innovator in interventional pulmonology, raises concerns over the accuracy of the city’s air-quality measurements, calling it a “fallacy” to assume that Bengaluru’s air is acceptable. “While Bengaluru benefits from moving air, which prevents conditions from becoming as severe as Delhi’s, the AQI has been steadily increasing over the last two years due to a significant rise in traffic intensity. This upward trend, or ‘uptick’, in pollution is worrying and should trigger immediate action from all sections of society — civil society, politicians, planners and policymakers — instead of waiting for a catastrophe,” he warns.Dr Mehta says he has observed clear patterns in respiratory illnesses in the city over the years. “Respiratory illnesses are much more common now. India already carries the unfortunate tag of being the asthma capital of the world. Asthma affects around 5–10% of the general population, and severe asthma accounts for around 10% of that. We are seeing much more allergy, asthma, lung function issues and related conditions.””This season in particular — with a combination of weather changes, increasing traffic, pollution, and high levels of travel and social mixing — our numbers have been the highest seen in years. What has also changed is that people don’t recognise symptoms early, they postpone treatment, cough for longer durations, and require more investigations and more treatment than earlier,” he explains. Data collected through screening programmes conducted by the Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic among traffic police, bus workers and construction workers reflects this trend. “We now have data from around 9,000 to 10,000 individuals, and nearly 29% of them show lung capacity issues. All of this reflects a progressive increase in pollution in the city,” he says.On the main sources of pollution, Dr Mehta says the problem lies in a mix of factors, with traffic playing a central role. “From a medical point of view, it’s a mix — all the problems lie in that mix. It starts with traffic, and there are multiple issues there. It’s not just the volume of traffic, but slow-moving traffic. When vehicles are idling or barely moving, pollutants concentrate in the air because engines continue to emit, leading to greater exposure and impact.”When pollution becomes routineThe Garden City doesn’t wake up to smog alerts or gas masks. Its air problem is quieter — steady, familiar, and easy to ignore. Its pollution story may lack the visual drama of northern Indian cities, but experts warn against equating visibility with risk. The damage here is cumulative, shaped by everyday exposure and gradual health impacts — the kind that rarely make headlines, but linger long after the traffic clears.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Bengaluru’s pollution isn’t dramatic; it’s daily: no smog alerts, no panic buying of masks — just traffic, dust and air that feels normal. The city does not shut down schools for smog, nor does it disappear under a grey blanket each winter. If you ask experts at ‘Air Quality Sector’ of Bengaluru-based research think tank CSTEP to explain this in numbers, they would say for the period between 2019 and 2024, Bengaluru’s annual average PM2.5 levels (particulate matter in the air with a diameter of 2.5 or less) have largely remained in the range of 30-35 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre). In simple terms, it would mean Bengaluru’s air has a ‘moderate but constant’ level of fine pollution throughout the year. The WHO’s air quality guidelines recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³.What does it mean?While the PM2.5 concentrations have decreased in some cities, such as Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, its exposure remains high across cities, exceeding the annual limit of 40 μg/m3 for PM2.5, set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for India. Seasonal patterns offer some relief, but only temporarily. In Bengaluru, the seasonal mean PM2.5 concentration is highest during winter (Dec–Feb) where it averages at 43 μg/m3, exceeding the limits set by NAAQS. It is lowest during monsoon (June–Sept), at 19.8 μg/m3. Particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 or less penetrates deep into the body, damages lungs and the cardiovascular system, and raises risks of major chronic diseases, making it a critical public health concern.”Except for Chennai, which has slightly lower PM2.5 concentrations than Bengaluru, the other metros exhibit relatively higher concentrations than Bengaluru,” says Prakash Doraiswamy, sector head, air quality, at Center for Study of Science, Technology & Policy (CSTEP). Preliminary analysis for 2025 has shown unusually lower concentrations compared to previous years. “Analysis is under way to determine the reasons,” he adds.When measured against global health benchmarks, the gap widens sharply. The World Health Organization’s guideline for annual PM2.5 exposure is 5 µg/m³, a level that none of India’s major cities currently meet. “Bengaluru, like other metros, exceeds the WHO guideline several times over,” notes Nirav Lekinwala, a senior associate at CSTEP, describing the guideline as a long-term public health goal rather than a standard Indian cities are close to achieving. “Bengaluru’s relatively benign reputation is also shaped by how pollution is officially measured. Using data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s continuous monitoring stations, experts point out that Bengaluru crossed the Indian daily PM2.5 standard of 60 µg/m³ on roughly 27% of days in recent years,” he adds. WHO recommends that daily (24-hour) PM2.5 shouldn’t exceed approximately 15 µg/m³. “Comparisons with WHO daily limits are difficult, because India’s AQI framework is based on national standards,” he explains, adding that by WHO measures, exceedances are common across the country.Understanding the sourceWhen it comes to what actually dirties Bengaluru’s air, transport dominates. The most recent source-apportionment study shows that vehicles contribute about 40% of PM2.5 concentrations in the city, says Doraiswamy. Resuspended road dust and windblown soil together account for roughly 25%, reflecting the impact of traffic movement on poorly maintained roads. Secondary particles — sulphates and nitrates formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases — contribute another 16%, pointing to emissions from coal-based sources beyond city limits.Other contributors are smaller but still present. “Wood burning contributes around 4% of PM2.5,” says Nirav. Construction activity, often blamed by residents, appears to play a limited role in fine particulates. “Construction contributes less than 1% of PM2.5 concentrations, though it accounts for around 6% of PM10,” he noted, emphasising that these figures are based on pollution measured at monitoring locations after pollutants have mixed in the atmosphere.Emission-based estimates (focusing on the sources of pollutants rather than their concentration in the atmosphere) tell a similar story. Transport remains the largest source of PM2.5 emissions, followed by diesel generator sets and waste burning. Construction activity contributes an estimated 3% of PM2.5 emissions and about 11% of PM10 emissions, based on 2019 data, excluding large infrastructure projects such as metro construction.When the data walks into the clinicDr Ravindra Mehta, founder of Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic in Bengaluru and an innovator in interventional pulmonology, raises concerns over the accuracy of the city’s air-quality measurements, calling it a “fallacy” to assume that Bengaluru’s air is acceptable. “While Bengaluru benefits from moving air, which prevents conditions from becoming as severe as Delhi’s, the AQI has been steadily increasing over the last two years due to a significant rise in traffic intensity. This upward trend, or ‘uptick’, in pollution is worrying and should trigger immediate action from all sections of society — civil society, politicians, planners and policymakers — instead of waiting for a catastrophe,” he warns.Dr Mehta says he has observed clear patterns in respiratory illnesses in the city over the years. “Respiratory illnesses are much more common now. India already carries the unfortunate tag of being the asthma capital of the world. Asthma affects around 5–10% of the general population, and severe asthma accounts for around 10% of that. We are seeing much more allergy, asthma, lung function issues and related conditions.””This season in particular — with a combination of weather changes, increasing traffic, pollution, and high levels of travel and social mixing — our numbers have been the highest seen in years. What has also changed is that people don’t recognise symptoms early, they postpone treatment, cough for longer durations, and require more investigations and more treatment than earlier,” he explains. Data collected through screening programmes conducted by the Vaayu Chest and Sleep Speciality Clinic among traffic police, bus workers and construction workers reflects this trend. “We now have data from around 9,000 to 10,000 individuals, and nearly 29% of them show lung capacity issues. All of this reflects a progressive increase in pollution in the city,” he says.On the main sources of pollution, Dr Mehta says the problem lies in a mix of factors, with traffic playing a central role. “From a medical point of view, it’s a mix — all the problems lie in that mix. It starts with traffic, and there are multiple issues there. It’s not just the volume of traffic, but slow-moving traffic. When vehicles are idling or barely moving, pollutants concentrate in the air because engines continue to emit, leading to greater exposure and impact.”When pollution becomes routineThe Garden City doesn’t wake up to smog alerts or gas masks. Its air problem is quieter — steady, familiar, and easy to ignore. Its pollution story may lack the visual drama of northern Indian cities, but experts warn against equating visibility with risk. The damage here is cumulative, shaped by everyday exposure and gradual health impacts — the kind that rarely make headlines, but linger long after the traffic clears.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
Surpur style of painting is an artistic tradition unique to Kalyana Karnataka region, comprising seven districts in the northeastern part of Karnataka. It has a history of about 400 years, says artist and history enthusiast Rehaman Patel. “It emerged during the rule of Bedar Nayaks, who ruled the Surpur kingdom between 1636 to 1858. Surpur kings, right from the founder Raja Gaddi Pidda Nayak and his successors like Hasarangi Pamanayaka, Immadi, Venkatappa Nayak and Mummadi Devendra Venkatappa Nayak encouraged the art form in their courts,” he says.The tradition, he says, peaked during the regime of Raja Nalvadi Venkatappa Nayak who ruled the kingdom between 1843 and 1858. “The art form lost its patronage after 1858,” he adds. The roots of original Surpur (or Shorapur) painting are a fascinating blend of survival, royal patronage and a unique “hybrid” aesthetic. Shorapur or Surapura is a historically significant town in Yadgir district, known for its role in resisting British rule. Surpur paintings didn’t emerge in a vacuum but likely was the result of artists fleeing a collapsing empire to find a new home in North Karnataka.”These paintings are believed to have gained popularity in the region when a group of painters migrated there following the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire after the Battle of Talikota in 1565,” says the online encyclopaedia managed by Bengaluru-based Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). The painting style bears strong similarities to Mysore and Tanjore styles, including the use of gesso, bright colours and embellishments such as gold leaf and semi-precious stones, according to the MAP website. The convergence of styles may go back to the turbulent years after the Battle of Talikota. When the Vijayanagara Empire collapsed, its master artists scattered, seeking new courts to support their craft. It is likely that Mysore welcomed some, Tanjore took in others, and a significant contingent eventually reached Surpur.Surpur paintings were initially done as murals or miniatures on white paper, wood and other surfaces. “Natural pigments, stone, leaf and soil were used to make miniatures. These were brought from Rajasthan. Now it’s also done on canvas, normally in the size 6×8, using acrylic paint,” says Rehaman. Though Nayaks preferred their portraits and those of deities, scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata too got priority in the works of their times, he adds.Banaiah Garudadri, considered as the master artist of Surpur paintings, was the principal artist at the court of Raja Venkatappa Nayaka. His works are on display at various museums. “Scholar Jaya Appaswamy has recognised his legacy in her works. The Surpur style shaped by Garudadri blends Deccani, Mughal and South Indian aesthetics, standing apart from Mysore and Thanjavur traditions through its spiritual depth and distinctive visual language,” points out Rehaman.The second Banaiah Garudadri was posthumously honoured with the National Award for Master Craftsmen in 1967 by the President of India.Artist Vinod Raghuveer says that Surpur art was studied by veteran artists like Vijay Hagargundagi for decades. “Despite its limitation of being practised by just a few artists, Surpur paintings can be seen hanging in Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, Jaganmohan Palace in Mysuru and National Craft Museum in Delhi.”The office of development commissioner (handicrafts) brought out a coffee-table book on Surpur paintings in 2025.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Surpur style of painting is an artistic tradition unique to Kalyana Karnataka region, comprising seven districts in the northeastern part of Karnataka. It has a history of about 400 years, says artist and history enthusiast Rehaman Patel. “It emerged during the rule of Bedar Nayaks, who ruled the Surpur kingdom between 1636 to 1858. Surpur kings, right from the founder Raja Gaddi Pidda Nayak and his successors like Hasarangi Pamanayaka, Immadi, Venkatappa Nayak and Mummadi Devendra Venkatappa Nayak encouraged the art form in their courts,” he says.The tradition, he says, peaked during the regime of Raja Nalvadi Venkatappa Nayak who ruled the kingdom between 1843 and 1858. “The art form lost its patronage after 1858,” he adds. The roots of original Surpur (or Shorapur) painting are a fascinating blend of survival, royal patronage and a unique “hybrid” aesthetic. Shorapur or Surapura is a historically significant town in Yadgir district, known for its role in resisting British rule. Surpur paintings didn’t emerge in a vacuum but likely was the result of artists fleeing a collapsing empire to find a new home in North Karnataka.”These paintings are believed to have gained popularity in the region when a group of painters migrated there following the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire after the Battle of Talikota in 1565,” says the online encyclopaedia managed by Bengaluru-based Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). The painting style bears strong similarities to Mysore and Tanjore styles, including the use of gesso, bright colours and embellishments such as gold leaf and semi-precious stones, according to the MAP website. The convergence of styles may go back to the turbulent years after the Battle of Talikota. When the Vijayanagara Empire collapsed, its master artists scattered, seeking new courts to support their craft. It is likely that Mysore welcomed some, Tanjore took in others, and a significant contingent eventually reached Surpur.Surpur paintings were initially done as murals or miniatures on white paper, wood and other surfaces. “Natural pigments, stone, leaf and soil were used to make miniatures. These were brought from Rajasthan. Now it’s also done on canvas, normally in the size 6×8, using acrylic paint,” says Rehaman. Though Nayaks preferred their portraits and those of deities, scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata too got priority in the works of their times, he adds.Banaiah Garudadri, considered as the master artist of Surpur paintings, was the principal artist at the court of Raja Venkatappa Nayaka. His works are on display at various museums. “Scholar Jaya Appaswamy has recognised his legacy in her works. The Surpur style shaped by Garudadri blends Deccani, Mughal and South Indian aesthetics, standing apart from Mysore and Thanjavur traditions through its spiritual depth and distinctive visual language,” points out Rehaman.The second Banaiah Garudadri was posthumously honoured with the National Award for Master Craftsmen in 1967 by the President of India.Artist Vinod Raghuveer says that Surpur art was studied by veteran artists like Vijay Hagargundagi for decades. “Despite its limitation of being practised by just a few artists, Surpur paintings can be seen hanging in Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, Jaganmohan Palace in Mysuru and National Craft Museum in Delhi.”The office of development commissioner (handicrafts) brought out a coffee-table book on Surpur paintings in 2025.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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Coffee enthusiast couple, Anjan Babu and Sanjana Sudarshan brews Liberica coffee at home, sourcing the beans from the roasters usually at Blue Tokai or Drip and Drop Coffee. Sanjana says the couple had their first Liberica coffee at the Ground Up Cafe. “We just fell in love with it the first time we had it. We got a packet of Liberica beans for home, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since. It has a jackfruit flavour to it,” she says.Bharath Raghavan, a product manager, began his journey into coffee over 10 years ago. He started with research on filter coffee, a popular variant in Bengaluru, before exploring other coffees and beans from his friend who runs a barista, the Dialogues Cafe. Bharath sources beans from different parts of India and the world during his travel. He says Liberica is slightly lesser-known in Bengaluru’s coffee scene. “I would say less than 5% of available beans are Liberica. It is very rare to find them in India. I came across Liberica first at Araku Estate,” he says.The ‘smoky’ coffeeLiberica is a strain that tends to polarise interest. Bharath says he likes a few things about it — Liberica has a slightly smoky flavour and more body, which is very specific to it. “I like my coffee to be full-bodied, jammy, and tart, so I started exploring coffees in that space.”Some of his friends who have similar tastes love Liberica for its body. “Others dislike it because the smokiness is too overwhelming for them. For Liberica, I personally use an Origami dripper and a pour-over method on a Hario V60. I’ve found that this gives me the best result for my palate. Liberica has such a heavy body, you need a more refined brewing method. I tried using a French press, but as that method adds more texture, it became too thick and difficult on my palate. A pour-over was more refined and worked really well,” says Bharath. “I think Liberica will pick up in Bengaluru because people who appreciate 100% Arabica are now starting to understand different brewing and grinding methods,” he says. Temperature and grind size changes play a big role with Liberica because it is a sensitive bean. Unlike Robusta, where you can usually get a decent cup regardless, Liberica’s profile varies quite a bit depending on the temperature and the press you use, he adds. A green coffee wave?Speaking about the growing trend of green coffee, Khyyum Khan, sales head, Benki Brewing Tools, says: “Compared to Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is much cleaner and has its own unique characteristics. When you consume or grind Liberica, it has intense flavours that pop out. We are not used to drinking it, so when I give you something very different, people catch onto it as an individual trend. That is how Liberica and Excelsa started trending.”Adhi Savla, senior manager for Coffee Community at Blue Tokai says a lot of people are aware of ‘climate-resilient Excelsa’. Sunalini Menon, president of Coffeelab, Bengaluru, notes that Liberica and Excelsa have been cultivated not only in countries like the Philippines, or Malaysia, but also in Sierra Leone where it was first discovered. “It has also been here in India for decades. It’s just that we were cultivating it not as coffee but as a plant to demarcate the boundary of one farm from another,” she says.Komal Sable, founder, South Indian Coffee Company (SICC), says though Arabica and Robusta are the main crops for any producers in India at the moment, there is a gradual growing demand for Excelsa. “We definitely do get requests from specialty coffee roasters specifically, who are looking into climate-resistant species. As you may know, there are 133 different coffee species.” Excelsa has a fruity profile in the cup. “It’s naturally low in acidity and quite sweet, which makes it a great entry point for people who don’t usually enjoy very acidic coffees,” she says.Khyyum Khan says Benki Brewing is considering discontinuing sale of Liberica. “The problem with Liberica is that it changes very fast. For us, the sweet spot for a regular cafe is somewhere between 30 to 45 days. For coffees like Liberica, we store it in a colder atmosphere in single servings, but they still change every single day. For a commercial setup, changing recipes and training staff often is very difficult,” he says.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Coffee enthusiast couple, Anjan Babu and Sanjana Sudarshan brews Liberica coffee at home, sourcing the beans from the roasters usually at Blue Tokai or Drip and Drop Coffee. Sanjana says the couple had their first Liberica coffee at the Ground Up Cafe. “We just fell in love with it the first time we had it. We got a packet of Liberica beans for home, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since. It has a jackfruit flavour to it,” she says.Bharath Raghavan, a product manager, began his journey into coffee over 10 years ago. He started with research on filter coffee, a popular variant in Bengaluru, before exploring other coffees and beans from his friend who runs a barista, the Dialogues Cafe. Bharath sources beans from different parts of India and the world during his travel. He says Liberica is slightly lesser-known in Bengaluru’s coffee scene. “I would say less than 5% of available beans are Liberica. It is very rare to find them in India. I came across Liberica first at Araku Estate,” he says.The ‘smoky’ coffeeLiberica is a strain that tends to polarise interest. Bharath says he likes a few things about it — Liberica has a slightly smoky flavour and more body, which is very specific to it. “I like my coffee to be full-bodied, jammy, and tart, so I started exploring coffees in that space.”Some of his friends who have similar tastes love Liberica for its body. “Others dislike it because the smokiness is too overwhelming for them. For Liberica, I personally use an Origami dripper and a pour-over method on a Hario V60. I’ve found that this gives me the best result for my palate. Liberica has such a heavy body, you need a more refined brewing method. I tried using a French press, but as that method adds more texture, it became too thick and difficult on my palate. A pour-over was more refined and worked really well,” says Bharath. “I think Liberica will pick up in Bengaluru because people who appreciate 100% Arabica are now starting to understand different brewing and grinding methods,” he says. Temperature and grind size changes play a big role with Liberica because it is a sensitive bean. Unlike Robusta, where you can usually get a decent cup regardless, Liberica’s profile varies quite a bit depending on the temperature and the press you use, he adds. A green coffee wave?Speaking about the growing trend of green coffee, Khyyum Khan, sales head, Benki Brewing Tools, says: “Compared to Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is much cleaner and has its own unique characteristics. When you consume or grind Liberica, it has intense flavours that pop out. We are not used to drinking it, so when I give you something very different, people catch onto it as an individual trend. That is how Liberica and Excelsa started trending.”Adhi Savla, senior manager for Coffee Community at Blue Tokai says a lot of people are aware of ‘climate-resilient Excelsa’. Sunalini Menon, president of Coffeelab, Bengaluru, notes that Liberica and Excelsa have been cultivated not only in countries like the Philippines, or Malaysia, but also in Sierra Leone where it was first discovered. “It has also been here in India for decades. It’s just that we were cultivating it not as coffee but as a plant to demarcate the boundary of one farm from another,” she says.Komal Sable, founder, South Indian Coffee Company (SICC), says though Arabica and Robusta are the main crops for any producers in India at the moment, there is a gradual growing demand for Excelsa. “We definitely do get requests from specialty coffee roasters specifically, who are looking into climate-resistant species. As you may know, there are 133 different coffee species.” Excelsa has a fruity profile in the cup. “It’s naturally low in acidity and quite sweet, which makes it a great entry point for people who don’t usually enjoy very acidic coffees,” she says.Khyyum Khan says Benki Brewing is considering discontinuing sale of Liberica. “The problem with Liberica is that it changes very fast. For us, the sweet spot for a regular cafe is somewhere between 30 to 45 days. For coffees like Liberica, we store it in a colder atmosphere in single servings, but they still change every single day. For a commercial setup, changing recipes and training staff often is very difficult,” he says.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesGold jewellery vs solid gold investment: Which is a smarter investment choice today?From reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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