Dr Afla Rafeeq of KS Hegde Medical Academy has secured the 21st All India Rank in the NEET-PG 2026 examination, scoring 614 marks out of 720.
According to data released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), 2,73,096 candidates registered for the examination, while 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the test.
Dr Afla is currently pursuing her MBBS internship at KS Hegde Hospital. During her MBBS course, she secured 13 gold medals. She now aims to pursue postgraduate studies in Radiology.
Originally from Bajpe, Afla completed her schooling up to Class 8 at Ansar School in Bajpe. She later completed her SSLC at St. Mary’s High School, Mangaluru, securing 97% marks.
She subsequently studied at Sri Chaitanya PU College, Mangaluru, where she secured 96% marks and achieved a top rank.
Dr Afla Rafeeq is the daughter of Mohammed Rafeeq and Fathima Rafeeq.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 25th, 2026
Seventeen police officers from Karnataka have been conferred the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2026. | Photo Credit: File Photo
Seventeen police officers from Karnataka have been conferred the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2026.
H.N. Dharmendra, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer, has been awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
Recipients of the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service include Sara Fathima, currently the Superintendent of Police (Railways). Among DSPs, the medal has been awarded to Mahadeva T. and Pramanad P. Ghodake.
Recipients of the medal among inspectors include Nayeem M., Shanmugha Varma K., Bavuddeen Rukmuddeen Gaddekar, and Guru Prasad Gopalnaik. The medal has also been conferred on Thomas Mathew P.M., Commandant, and Sreeinivasa M., Sub-Inspector.
Among constables, the recipients are S.A. Manohara, Maria Joseph Dinesh Kumar F., Nagesh Manchaiah, Abdul Kamal Abdul Hameed, Mahadevaswamy, Chandrashekar G. Chikkannanavar, Abdul Rabbani, and Gyanadev Naval Tarase.
In the Fire Department, the medal has been conferred on Shivakumar Swamy H., Regional Fire Officer, and Basavaraju M., Assistant Fire Station Officer. In the Home Guards Department, the medal has been awarded to Meerasab MaboobSabmulla, Senior Platoon Commander, and Raghavendram, Platoon Commander.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 14th, 2026
A delegation of the Aim India Forum (AIF), led by Founder President Shaikh Muzaffer, held an introductory meeting with Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, at the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
Muzaffer was accompanied by AIF Convener Mohammed Azeem, Vice President Mohammed Niyaz, Secretary of Community Welfare Ismail and Coordinator of Community Welfare Jangam Balakrishna.
The meeting focused on introducing the forum’s objectives and ongoing community initiatives and discussing ways to strengthen support for Indians living across the UAE.
Key issues discussed included the welfare of blue-collar workers, labour awareness, community awareness programmes, assistance to distressed Indians and initiatives for the wider Indian community.
The AIF delegation also stressed the need to create greater awareness among Indian nationals about their rights and responsibilities, government services, legal procedures and available support mechanisms.
Speaking during the meeting, Shaikh Muzaffer said, “We don’t want to be another organization that comes to the Consulate with problems; we want to come with solutions.”
He said the forum’s vision was to ensure that the Indian community becomes the most informed and updated community in the UAE. This includes greater awareness about labour rights, government services, legal procedures, safety, financial literacy and other issues affecting Indian nationals.
Muzaffer also appreciated the leadership of Consul General Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, describing him as an energetic, dynamic and passionate leader with an interest in understanding community issues and engaging with different stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that further opportunities would emerge to strengthen community outreach and welfare initiatives under Reddy’s leadership.
The AIF team conveyed its willingness to work with the Consulate General of India and other relevant authorities on initiatives aimed at supporting Indian nationals in the UAE.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation on the welfare, awareness and empowerment of the Indian community.
The forum reiterated its guiding principle: From Problems to Solutions — From Awareness to Empowerment.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / August 22nd, 2026
The 679th Foundation Day of the Bahmani Empire was observed at the tomb of Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, the founder and first ruler of the Sultanate, in Kalaburagi city on Monday.
The event, organised by the Bahmani Foundation, brought together historians, artists, intellectuals and social activists, who recalled the contributions of the Bahmani Sultanate to the cultural and architectural heritage of the region during its nearly two-century rule from 1347 to 1527 AD.
Speaking on the occasion, advocate Jabbar Gola said the Bahmani rulers played an important role in promoting art, culture and architecture, leaving behind a rich legacy reflected in the monuments and traditions of the region.
Bahmani Foundation president Qazi Rizwan-Ur-Rahman Siddique said the organisation has been commemorating the Foundation Day for several years through seminars, cultural programmes and competitions aimed at creating awareness among students about the history and heritage of the Bahmani period.
Artists Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel and Rehaman Patel, Numismatist Mohammad Ismail and others were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 18th, 2026
A mass singing of Vande Mataram was organised on Friday at the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) at Border Security Force (BSF) Bengaluru as part of the nationwide commemoration of 150 years of the national song. The programme was organised under the directions of the union Ministry of Home Affairs and the BSF headquarters Photo | Express
Bengaluru :
The list includes 18 police personnel: one selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 17 for Meritorious Service.
The government will honour 22 personnel from Karnataka Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards and Civil Defence departments with service medals on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
The list includes 18 police personnel, of whom one has been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 17 for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MMS).
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central Crime Branch) HN Dharmendra has been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Two personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services – Regional Fire Officer Shivakumar Swamy H M and Assistant Fire Station Officer Basavaraju M – have been selected for the MSM.
Similarly, two Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel – Senior Platoon Commander Meerasab Maboob Sabmulla and Platoon Commander Raghavendram – have been selected for the MMS.
17 cops to get MMS
Sara Fathima, SP, Railways, Bengaluru
Thomas Mathew PM, Commandant, 9th Battalion, KSRP, Bengaluru,
T Mahadev, ACP, Southeast Traffic Sub-Division, Bengaluru City.
Pramanand P Ghodke, DySP , Raichur District
K Shanmuga Varma, Inspector, Police Training School, Mysuru
Bavuddin Rukmuddin Gaddekhar, Inspector, Malmaruti PS, Belagavi City
Guruprasad Gopal Nayak, Inspector, CID, Bengaluru
Nayeem M, Reserve Police Inspector, Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru
Srinivasa M, SI, KP Agrahara Police Station,
Mahadevaswamy, Head Constable, Vidhana Soudha Security
Mariya Joseph Dinesh Kumar, Head Constable, KSRP
Jnanadev Naval Tarase, Special ARSI, 3rd Battalion, KSRP, Bengaluru
Chandrashekar G Chikkanavar, SRHC, 4th Battalion, B’luru
Abdul Kamal Abdul Hameed,Head Constable, Tarikere Sub-Division, C’magaluru
Nagesh Manchayya, APC, CID, Bengaluru
SA Manohar, Police Constable, Hunsur Town Police Station, Mysuru District
Abdul Rabbani, Armed Police Constable, Chikkamagaluru
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 15th, 2026
Major (Retd) D.M. Nizamuddin, a respected former Indian Army officer, war veteran and long-time Treasurer of Bolar Juma Masjid, passed away on Monday. He was 86.
Born on October 6, 1939, Major Nizamuddin was the son of late D.M. Shamshuddin and a resident of Faiq House at Yemmekere Cross Road in Bolar, Mangaluru.
Major Nizamuddin had a distinguished career in the Indian Army and served the nation during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1972. He sustained injuries while fighting in the 1972 war.
After retiring from the Army, he remained actively involved in community service. He served as the Treasurer of Bolar Juma Masjid for many years and was known for his commitment and sincerity in carrying out his responsibilities.
The mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Faiq House, Yemmekere Cross Road, Bolar, for the public to pay their last respects until 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Janazah (funeral prayers) and burial (Tadfeen) will be held after Duhr prayers on Tuesday at Bolar Juma Masjid.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 03rd, 2026
Renowned miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa, a native of Gadag district and currently residing in Karkala, was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu after participating in the Artist-in-Residence programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The 10-day programme brought together 12 artists from across India, representing traditional art forms such as Banaras mural, Thangka, Nayak, Kerala mural, Basohli, Surpur and Mysuru styles.
Kamal Ahmed has been practising miniature painting for nearly three decades. He has drawn inspiration from the Vijayanagara Garudadri style and has developed a distinctive style of his own.
As part of the programme, he created an artwork at Rashtrapati Bhavan and displayed two artworks in total. One of the works was based on stories from the Panchatantra.
President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the participating artists and viewed their works. She appreciated their contribution towards preserving India’s traditional art forms and passing them on to future generations.
The Artist-in-Residence programme was organised to celebrate India’s artistic heritage and promote traditional art forms while strengthening the country’s cultural identity. Malekoppa’s selection has also brought national recognition to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting tradition.
Kamal Ahmed previously worked as an art teacher for 18 years at Government High School in Shivapura, Hebri taluk, Udupi district. His artworks are displayed on the walls of government office buildings in Hebri and at various institutions.
Speaking about his selection for the programme, Malekoppa expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He described the experience as an unforgettable moment in his life and said the recognition had brought national attention to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting style and its place in India’s artistic heritage.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 20th, 2026
Syeda Reha Khadri has been awarded a gold medal for scoring 8.65 CGPA in MSc Chemistry. She is a student of Dr. G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Post Graduate Study Centre, Udupi. Reha scored high ranks in the post-graduate exams conducted by Mangalore University for the academic year 2022-23.
“I put in my efforts, and Allah gave me the result,” Reha expressed gratefully, emphasizing the importance of dedication, focus, hard work, and prayer.
She conveyed a powerful message to the upcoming generation: “Whatever you do, put in a lot of dedication and effort. It’s not just about the result but about being satisfied with the amount of effort you put into any activity. Be righteous, truthful, and honest and grab every opportunity, despite any hindrances, and excel in it.”
Reha Khadri shared her study routine and the factors contributing to her success. “I always made sure to keep up with my classes and prepare my notes,” she explained. “I would wake up early in the morning to prepare, be attentive in class, and understand every topic thoroughly before attending. Reading a lot of books and the support from my college in providing resources were key. My teachers and parents have always been supportive and ready to help.”
Reha credited the eco-friendly and supportive environment of her college for fostering her academic growth and encouraging her participation in various competitions. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to excel and create good opportunities for her future, especially in her Ph.D. studies at MIT Manipal, where she is focusing on renewable energy under the guidance of Dr. Murti Dharma Pura.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / June 15th, 2024
The Humanitarian Relief Society (H.R.S.), a Karnataka-based volunteer-driven organization known for its swift emergency and disaster relief work, inaugurated a new Rescue Equipment Room in the Yeshwanthpur area of Bengaluru.
The addition marks another milestone in the organization’s growing network of response facilities across the state, with similar units already operational in Mangalore, Hubli, and Gulbarga.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Yeshwanthpur Islamic Center auditorium, was attended by key civil defence and community leaders, highlighting the increasing integration of civil society efforts with formal emergency infrastructure. Mr. Najeeb Ahmad, Civil Defence Officer and recipient of the Chief Minister’s Gold Medal, served as the chief guest. In his keynote address, he praised H.R.S. for its consistent and impactful humanitarian services:
“We saw during the COVID-19 pandemic how vital community organizations can be when working alongside government initiatives. H.R.S. has emerged as a model for such cooperation, with trained volunteers who are quick to respond in times of crisis.”
He stressed the importance of access to professional-grade rescue equipment, citing instances where the absence of proper tools had led to preventable loss of life or injury. Commending H.R.S. for identifying and addressing this critical gap, he added:
“This Rescue Equipment Room is not just a facility for H.R.S. but a resource for the entire community. Residents of Yeshwanthpur and neighboring areas should make full use of it.”
Mr. Ahmad also encouraged H.R.S. volunteers to consider formal registration with the Home Guards, which would enable them to expand their reach and gain official recognition in disaster response operations.
The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Hyder Ali, Assistant Secretary of H.R.S., who outlined the organization’s mission and expanding capabilities.
He was followed by Mr. Suhail Ahmad, local President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Yeshwanthpur, who provided an overview of H.R.S.’s recent relief and rescue initiatives across Karnataka.
The presence of General Secretary Mohammed Markada, who was seated on the dais, underscored the strategic importance of the Bengaluru expansion. He noted that the Yeshwanthpur facility would serve as a vital hub in the city’s western corridor, enhancing H.R.S.’s ability to respond rapidly within Bengaluru’s urban landscape.
Senior members and field operatives in attendance included: • Ameer Siddiqui, Commander, H.R.S. • Abrar Ahmad, Assistant Commander • Dr. Aftab Wasim, Zonal Leader • Mujeeburrahman, along with captains, assistant captains, group leaders, and trainers Veteran community leader Mr. Murad Saab also graced the occasion.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / August 04th, 2025
The district unit of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations (FKMO) will organise the Karnataka Muslim Convention at Sabha Function Hall in Kalaburagi on June 7.
Addressing a press conference at the Kalaburagi Press Club, FKMO leader Ibrahim Patel said the convention has received support from various Muslim organisations, associations, institutions and members of the public. Thousands of people are expected to participate in the event.
He said the convention will feature the presentation of a report prepared by members of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations and experts from different fields.
According to Patel, the report examines the promises made to the Muslim community by Congress, the commitments that have been fulfilled and those that remain pending. The convention will also deliberate on issues relating to political representation and the key demands of the community.
He said that after its release at the Karnataka Muslim Convention in Bengaluru, the report is now being presented in Kalaburagi. Similar programmes will also be organised in Mysuru, Davangere and Mangaluru.
Community leader Afzal Mehmood said several assurances given by the Congress government are yet to be implemented. He urged the government to address ten major demands of the community, including restoration of reservation, action against hate speech, adequate budget allocation, political representation, Waqf-related issues, repeal of the cow slaughter prohibition law, withdrawal of the anti-conversion law and scholarship-related concerns.
He also expressed disappointment over the absence of a Muslim candidate in the upcoming Legislative Council elections despite demands for at least two seats for the community. He called for representation through at least one Rajya Sabha seat and four Cabinet berths.
The organisers clarified that no political leaders have been invited to the convention. They said the event is not a political programme but a democratic platform aimed at urging the government to fulfil its promises to the community in accordance with constitutional principles.
Retired Tahsildar Syed Nisar Ahmed Wazir, Feroz Khan Wadi and others were present at the press conference.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / June 04th, 2026
