Bengaluru boy develops world's first live online debating platform

[email protected] (CD Network)
December 5, 2016

Bengaluru, Dec 5: Siddharth Pandiya, a student of Grade 12 at Greenwood High International School, Bangalore, has developed the world's first live debating platform which allows debaters from around the globe to engage in an intellectual discussion of relevant topics. Siddharth, an avid debater and a Model UN participant, took the reins to start the initiative called Debate for Change, the first and only live voice debate platform in the world.

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The 16 year-old is an avid debater and has participated in debates and Model UN conferences since middle school. Having noticed the glaring absence of a quality debate platform to debate with people on the same level, he started Debate for Change to fill this very void.

“I realized that people who are interested in debating for joy, do not have a practice ground to learn from others and discuss the pertinent issues facing the world today, every day. Moreover, existing debates which we watch on TV and the internet often devolve into chaos, diluting the quality of debate. That is what inspired me to develop Debate for Change – as a platform for the exchange of ideas among people of all ages, across the world,” said Siddharth Pandiya about his initiative.

The website, https://www.debateforchange.com, has many unique features which set it apart from other text-based debate websites. Participants sign up, choose a topic and debate against people worldwide in the presence of a moderator, who judges the debate and decides a winner. Based on the number of participations and wins, debaters attain a worldwide ranking. The participants can discuss any topic with anyone registered.

Siddharth's other notable triumph was when he founded MUNdreas, India's premier Model UN (MUN) delegation, which has consistently won the country's most prestigious MUN, Harvard MUN, in 2015 and 2016. He is also a tech enthusiast, and aims to pursue Computer Science during his higher education. Moreover, he has quizzed at the national level, and is a footballer, having represented his school as a central defender. He wishes to become a tech entrepreneur and start something of his own in this arena. Debate for Change is clearly a leap in that direction.

Niru Agarwal, Trustee, Greenwood High International, said, “Provided with due encouragement, students will rise to the challenge to solve any impending problem. Greenwood High is proud to have had the chance to harbor such talent that inspires generations of students to reach for something great.”

Comments

suresh
 - 
Monday, 5 Dec 2016

Recently student who created braille system encouraged by our PM in his speech, printed currency by inspiration of make in India and caught.

Well Said
 - 
Monday, 5 Dec 2016

Indian brain always Rock but our dirty Politics never let to grow. Gandhi Raj Neethi, Gandhi Kel.

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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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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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