UP cop killed by saffron extremists was investigation officer in Akhlaq lynching case

Mangaluru: Mangaluru’s skyline is set for a high-end transformation as the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada prepares to shed its reputation for lacking premium hospitality. In a massive show of confidence, entrepreneurs have committed nearly ₹500 crores toward the construction of four new five-star hotels, a move experts say will finally plug the "luxury leak" to neighboring states.

For years, Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has served as a gateway for high-net-worth travelers who, upon landing, promptly departed for Kerala or Kodagu due to a dearth of elite accommodation in the city. These new projects, three of which are backed by local visionary investors, aim to turn Mangaluru into a destination rather than just a transit point.

Mapping the Luxury Boom

The expansion is already in motion, with two major landmarks leading the charge:
•    Gurupura Property: Construction is already underway on a premier resort-style hotel.
•    Kuloor Hub: A sophisticated urban luxury hotel has been proposed for this strategic area.
•    Timeline: All four projects are slated for completion within the next 24 months, promising to fundamentally alter the region's tourism profile by 2028.

Why Now? The Investor Demand

The push for five-star infrastructure isn't just about tourism; it’s a direct response to the city’s industrial and academic evolution. Stakeholders from the IT and corporate sectors have long flagged the lack of premium suites as a hurdle for international business investments.

"Mangaluru is an powerhouse of mega-industries, medical excellence, and a burgeoning IT scene," noted a senior Tourism Department official. "It is an anomaly that a city with this much economic muscle has lacked a five-star anchor. By offering premium hospitality, we aren't just housing tourists; we are inviting global investors to stay, engage, and invest more deeply in our coast."

Strategic Retention

The "drain" of visitors to the neighboring state of Kerala has been a long-standing grievance for local businesses. With these new properties, the district administration expects a significant multiplier effect—benefiting local sightseeing, high-end retail, and the burgeoning medical tourism sector. As Mangaluru accelerates on its development trajectory, the message to the world is clear: the coast is finally ready to host you in style.

Bengaluru, Jan 14: Adding to speculation over a possible power tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday shared a cryptic message on social media platform X.

In a Kannada post accompanied by his photograph, Shivakumar wrote, “Even if the effort fails, the prayer does not fail.”

The post came a day after his brief meeting with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport runway, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also present.

According to sources, Gandhi spoke separately with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for a few minutes each, before holding a short joint interaction with both leaders.

A Congress leader said Siddaramaiah discussed preparations for the upcoming state Budget and the need for a Cabinet reshuffle during his interaction with Gandhi. The leader added that Shivakumar may have raised the issue of the government completing two-and-a-half years in office and the alleged promise of making him Chief Minister.

However, Siddaramaiah denied that any political matters were discussed during the meeting. Responding to speculation about a possible leadership change, he dismissed it as media conjecture, saying there was “no such issue within the party,” while adding that he would abide by whatever decision the party high command takes.

Mangaluru: The pristine landscapes of Pilikula Nisargadhama are set to become a haven for avian enthusiasts as the 12th edition of the Karnataka Bird Festival (popularly known as Hakki Habba) kicks off this Friday. Organized by the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the Forest Department, the three-day event (January 9–11) aims to pivot the state’s tourism narrative from "tiger-centric" to a more inclusive appreciation of its diverse winged inhabitants.

A Majestic Mascot for Coastal Conservation

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the White-bellied Sea Eagle, a formidable raptor of the coastal skies, which has been designated as the festival’s official mascot. Board Chairperson Shalet Pinto emphasized that the choice highlights the region's unique maritime biodiversity and the urgent need for environmental protection through sustainable eco-tourism.

Global Knowledge, Local Roots

The festival will be officially inaugurated by Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a critical bridge between seasoned naturalists and the next generation.

Anthony Mariappa, DCF of the Mangaluru Division, noted that the festival is designed as an "outreach and knowledge-sharing powerhouse." More than 180 students from six prestigious colleges, including St. Aloysius and Mangalore University, will trade their classrooms for the field, gaining hands-on experience in bird spotting and documentation.

The "Big Twelve": Habitats Under the Lens

Ornithologists and participants will fan out across twelve strategically identified locations representing four distinct ecosystems:

•    Wetlands: Kenjar, Kavoor, Polali, and Jokatte.
•    Forest Patches: Pilikula and Mangalore University campus.
•    Shorelines: Mukka and Sasihitlu.
•    Estuaries: Bettampady.

With over 420 species recorded in the Dakshina Kannada district—including 40 migratory visitors—this edition of the Bird Festival promises to be a milestone in documenting India's western flyway.