'ARSO', Konkani fortnightly to be launched on Nov 28

November 25, 2013

Mangalore, Nov 25: Renowned critic, poet and short story writer for more than 28 years in Konkani, Henry Mendonca popularly known as H M Pernal is all set to launch Konkani fortnightly in Kannada script.

Named as “ARSO”, the periodical will be officially launched in a formal function at Milagres Parish Hall on November 28, at 4.30 p.m. by famed Kannada litterateur Dr Na. D Souza.

Rev Fr Richard Coelho, administrator of Fr Muller Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore will be chief guest on this occasion.

Successfully editing and publishing interactive Konkani literary website , kittall.com for past three years, about the decision to start a print edition, H M Pernal says, “ Printed text always carry weight. Though web media is instant and effective it only reaches to a section of the people who have internet facility. But a remarkable section of Konkani readers come from villages and they still prefer to read Konkani in print. To reach them paper is the only way out.”

Speaking about editorial policies of ARSO and how it is different from present Konkani periodicals, H M Pernal said “ARSO is more of a platform to express opinions freely without any inhibitions. Pro-humane editorial policy of ARSO will always subscribe to rational ideas. Literature will be selected on the same grounds. The focus will be on rational thinking, younger generation and new ideas,” he said.

Yearly subscription for ARSO is Rs.250 and those who wish to subscribe online can do so by filling a simple form on Kittall.com. Initially the periodical will be 8 pages in tabloid size; gradually the number of pages will be increased to 12 to 16.

So far, H M Pernal has four published books to his credit. He had won many prizes in literary competitions organized by periodicals like Raknno and associations like Konkani Kutam, Bahrain. He has been awarded Daaiz poet of the year for 2006.

He is the owner, publisher, editor of kittall.com, premier Konkani literary website and Editor of Evershine Publications which recently published Fr Denis Castelino's book'Pallam Ani Mullam'.

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Elusive bamboo shrimp resurfaces in Mangaluru estuary after 70 years

News Network

December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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Mangaluru police issue alert over fake traffic fine payment Apps and links

coastaldigest.com news network

December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

• Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

• Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

• Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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