The Karnataka government has appointed retired IAS officer L K Atheeq as the financial advisor to chief minister D K Shivakumar. The department of personnel and administrative reforms issued an official notification announcing the appointment. The post carries the salary and benefits equivalent to that of the chief secretary.
Atheeq, who is currently serving as chairman of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, will continue to hold that position concurrently. A 1991-batch IAS officer, he has held several key positions in the state and central governments, including additional chief secretary to the chief minister, finance department, and principal secretary to former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
During his distinguished career, Atheeq served as director in the Prime Minister’s Office, represented India on the board of the World Bank Group in Washington DC, and held leadership roles in rural development, education, health, and governance reforms. He has also served on the boards of several state-run corporations and played a significant role in shaping major national initiatives in education, health, and food security.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 04th, 2026
The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.
Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan (Photo | EPS
Bengaluru :
With members of the Federation of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations set to release a report on the performance of the Congress-led government under Siddaramaiah in implementing promises made in the party manifesto, there is a growing sentiment among sections of the community that the collective Muslim leadership within the government has failed.
Tanveer Ahmed of the organisation said the Congress has been in power for three years, and had released its manifesto in 2023. “We have done research on whether they have fulfilled their manifesto promises,’’ he said.
The report, to be released on Saturday, will include ten points, including the promise to act against organisations spreading communal hatred, take up the cow slaughter law, 4 per cent Muslim reservation (category B) promise, anti-conversion law, budget for minority educational institutions, and other issues. The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.
According to Ahmed, these promises were are not fulfilled. Asked if the convention has been organised due to the brouhaha over denial of the Davanagere South bypoll ticket to a Muslim candidate, and the party’s action against Muslim leaders, he said there is no link.
“We have been preparing this report for the past eight months,’’ he said. However, he said the issue could come up during the convention.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders are alleging that this convention is backed by Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLC Naseer Ahmed. Post the Davanagere bypolls, Naseer was removed from the post of CM’s political secretary, and a section of leaders had also criticized Zameer Ahmed for not actively campaigning for the party candidate.
Tanveer Ahmed said their convention is not people centric, but focuses on issues. “The collective Muslim leadership has failed. They were elected by the same Muslim community, but have done nothing in return,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 16th, 2026
Business leader and social activist Syed Mumtaz was awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in recognition of his contributions to social service, community development, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
The award, instituted by the Sanatan Foundation, honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions toward peace, social harmony, public service, and national unity in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.
The award was presented during a special programme titled “Gandhi Smriti: Our Steps towards Gandhian Principles” held at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Auditorium in Bengaluru. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, attended the event as the chief guest and presented the honour to Syed Mumtaz.
Syed Mumtaz is the Chief Executive Officer of Rug-Rail Components and Systems Private Limited and currently serves as the President of the Karnataka chapter of the RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He is also a member of the organisation’s Central Advisory Committee.
According to the organisers, Mumtaz was chosen for the award in recognition of his sustained efforts toward the betterment of society and his initiatives aimed at empowering youth and entrepreneurs. Through his leadership roles, he has been actively involved in mentoring startups, conducting business workshops, and creating networking and mentorship platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Mumtaz has emerged as a prominent voice in promoting inclusive business growth and community-oriented development. His initiatives through RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries have focused on encouraging ethical entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for young professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Mumtaz said that success should always contribute toward larger social goals. He noted that he plans to launch more people-centric projects in collaboration with RIFA in the coming months to strengthen community empowerment initiatives.
The organisers stated that the award ceremony aimed to inspire citizens to uphold Gandhian values such as harmony, service, compassion, and national integration. Several social activists, business leaders, community representatives, and dignitaries attended the event.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is regarded as a notable recognition for individuals who work beyond their professional domains to contribute meaningfully to society. This year’s ceremony highlighted the growing role of entrepreneurs and community leaders in addressing social challenges and promoting collective progress.
Syed Mumtaz is an engineering graduate and a distinguished student of Islamia Arabic College, Mansoora in Karnataka. He discharged the duties as unit president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, BTM Layout in Bangalore for one term earlier.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation>Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2026
Renowned Islamic scholar, writer, and editor Syed Iqbal Zaheer passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates.
He was widely regarded as a significant contemporary voice in Islamic scholarship, known for his extensive writings, intellectual depth, and commitment to presenting Islam in an accessible yet authentic manner. His passing marks the end of a decades-long contribution to Islamic literature, education, and thought.
Born in 1944 in Hyderabad, India, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was trained as an engineer but went on to establish himself as a prolific author and researcher in Islamic studies. Over the years, he became particularly known for his ability to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with modern intellectual inquiry.
Among his most notable works is Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma‘ani, a fourteen-volume English commentary on the Qur’an, considered one of the most comprehensive original English tafsir works. He was also the author of An Educational Encyclopedia of Islam, a widely regarded reference work aimed at making Islamic knowledge accessible to both adults and children.
In addition to his books, he served for over three decades as the editor of Young Muslim Digest, an English-language Islamic monthly that reached readers across several countries. More than just a magazine, it became a formative intellectual space for generations of young Muslims, many of whom encountered Islamic thought, identity, and contemporary issues through its pages. Its widely read “Letters to the Editor” section, in particular, stood out for its candid, thoughtful, and often deeply nuanced responses, addressing complex personal and theological questions with clarity and balance. Through his editorials, Syed Iqbal Zaheer demonstrated remarkable intellectual depth, engaging with modern challenges while remaining firmly rooted in classical scholarship. For many readers, the magazine was not merely informative but transformative.
Despite his influence, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was known for maintaining a low public profile. He rarely appeared in public or media, preferring to focus on writing, research, and teaching. Those who knew him often highlighted his humility and his emphasis on sincerity in seeking knowledge.
Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to the study of the Qur’an, Arabic language, and Islamic sciences, encouraging generations of readers to pursue knowledge with depth and discipline.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from students, readers, and members of the wider Muslim community, many of whom credit his works for shaping their understanding of Islam.
Syed Iqbal Zaheer is survived by his family and leaves behind a rich intellectual legacy that continues to benefit readers around the world.
From Facebook posts to life-saving campaigns, he built a community rooted in purpose
Bengaluru :
Do you remember when Instagram was just about pictures, with no reels, stories, or videos? Suhail Rasool vividly remembers it; it feels like yesterday. A Bengaluru-based content creator, Suhail began his digital journey on Facebook in 2009, long before the term ‘influencer’ became common, and carried that momentum onto Instagram, where he carved out his own space.
Currently known online as @suhailrasool on Instagram, he has grown into one of Bengaluru’s most recognised digital storytellers. What sets him apart is not just the numbers but the heart behind his work. His content brims with energy, relatability and an unmistakable sincerity. From lifestyle and travel to personal vlogs, Suhail weaves stories that feel lived in and real. He has consistently mobilised his audience to support medical treatments, social causes, and relief efforts, proving that influence can spark genuine change when guided by empathy.
Stormy start “I had a Facebook page in 2009-10. Most of the posts on that page reached nearly 60,000 likes,” recalls Suhail. He joined Instagram on March 10, 2014, when the platform was still basic. “There were no Reels, no IGTV, no collaborations, no links, just photos,” he explains the struggle of the lack of features. Later, Instagram added 10-second videos.
“You had to fit everything into those 10 seconds, and there was no sharing option. People had to follow you to watch.” “In 2016, Snapchat introduced Stories, and Instagram quickly adopted the feature. That’s when I really started posting daily Stories, 10 to 15 a day,” he says. “I’ve kept it up ever since. Back then, I was a lot more energetic too,” he laughed and highlighted how consistency is key on social media.
Using platform for a purpose Suhail Rasool began raising funds in 2020, focusing on life-saving procedures such as heart, kidney, liver, and lung transplants. Over the years, these efforts grew into a community movement that helped save countless lives. Looking back, he sums it up simply: “We saved a lot of lives.” During the peak of the COVID crisis, he and his team mobilised resources at an extraordinary scale.
They distributed nearly 7,500 ration kits, each worth about Rs 1,200, raising close to Rs 75 lakh in just three days. “Every Bangalorean who was in trouble with COVID made sure they reached us,” he recalls. Beyond food relief, the team organised ventilator beds, ICU beds, and other essential medical support for those in urgent need. Suhail also mentioned how a friend’s trust, later taken forward in his memory, enabled them to expand their efforts.
Among the initiatives was donating ambulances, made free of cost at a time when prices had soared and access was limited. “Even now, that ambulance has been kept free of service in our area,” he says, a lasting reminder of their work during the pandemic.
A creator who speaks He admits inspiring many followers through his platform to speak out on sensitive issues, particularly around communal harmony. He emphasises that political agendas have created unnecessary divides and distracted the youth from focusing on progress. His message remains consistent and simple: “We are all one. It is one country, and we need to stand together for its development.”
“I’m very active on my Stories, I have the highest reach there, and even on IGTV. I still call it IGTV,” says Suhail with a smile. His Instagram Stories draw some of the largest audiences in Karnataka and even across South India. On average, each story is watched by nearly 1,80,000 people, and even his daily updates often cross the one lakh mark. Unlike many creators, he focuses less on Reels or posts and instead relies on the consistency of his Stories, which his followers watch religiously. This is how he has managed to build a strong base of loyal followers.
Idea over a chai “Mehfil is one big concept in my life,” said Suhail. For years, he and his friends, Fazal and Fanoos, created lighthearted content, but as they grew older, they wanted something more sustainable. At the time, few brands believed in Instagram marketing, yet Suhail kept supporting small businesses and young influencers. By 2021, his Stories reached nearly 1,50,000 viewers, and creators constantly sought his support. That inspired him to bring everyone under one roof.
Along with his friends, he registered a company and built a platform for bakers, designers, makeup artists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work. “As we are gathering everyone, I called it Mehfil,” he says with pride. The first gathering took off like a rocket, with a sea of people storming in and all the businesses booming. Then they held three more Mehfils, and the next one is at the end of this year. By forging his own path, he has not only built his own success but also opened doors for countless aspiring creators online.
source: http://www.newstrailindia.com / News Trail / Home / by Bhavana M / September 07th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid his last respects to Hazrat Maulana Sagheerr Ahmed Khan Rashadi, Amir-e-Shariat of Karnataka and rector of Darul Uloom Sabilur Rashad, expressing deep grief over his passing. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience during the period of mourning.
Recalling the life and work of the late scholar, the Chief Minister said Maulana Rashadi devoted his entire life to Islamic education, moral guidance, and the cause of communal harmony. He described him as a respected religious scholar and social leader whose influence reached far beyond classrooms and institutions. According to Siddaramaiah, the Maulana’s scholarship and counsel shaped generations of students and earned respect across religious and social communities.
Several senior leaders and officials attended the prayers, including Ministers K J George and Zameer Ahmed, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, and Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Pervez. Their presence underlined the regard held for the late Maulana within the administration and public life.
Community leaders also joined the gathering. Among them were Dr Belgami Mohammed Sa’ad, state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, Maulana Ifteqar Qasmi, president of Jamiat ul Ulema Karnataka, along with scholars and representatives from different walks of life.
The mortal remains of Maulana Sagheerr Ahmed Khan Rashadi were laid to rest at the burial ground within the Darul Uloom Sabilur Rashad campus.
The funeral prayer drew thousands of students from across Karnataka, fellow scholars, and members of the public.
His son, Maulana Zubair Ahmed Khan, led the prayer in an atmosphere marked by grief and reverence.
Speakers described the late Maulana as a symbol of knowledge, humility, and lifelong service whose legacy will guide future generations.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 14th, 2026
The residents of these slums are prone to infection. Lack of water could cause dehydration in residents. Hence, we took up this initiative.”
‘Active Bengaluru’ supplies water to a slum in North Bengaluru. It has come as a saviour to the residents of several slums in the city Photo | Express
Bengaluru :
‘Active Bengaluru’, a non-profit organisation, has come as a saviour to the residents of several slums in the city this summer. The organisation is supplying water to these residents to tide over this harsh summer.
‘Active Bengaluru’ is supplying 50,000 litres of water at the doorsteps of the residents of slums in North Bengaluru, including in areas like Thanisandra, Hegde Nagar, and Saraipalya, every alternate day.
Like other parts of the city, close to 6,000 public borewells in these areas have gone dry this year. Members of ‘Active Bengaluru’ supply water in four water tanks (2,500-litre capacity each) mounted on mini-tempos.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Tauseef Ahmed, a volunteer with ‘Active Bengaluru’, said, “Under ‘Project Zam Zam’, the slum population in North Bengaluru is being supplied water free of charge. The project began in March, and till date, over 12 lakh litres of borewell water has been supplied. The residents of these slums are prone to infection. Lack of water could cause dehydration in residents. Hence, we took up this initiative.”
“The water is collected from good Samaritans from their borewells, and the same is then supplied to the slums. The residents have been told to call the emergency number of the NGO to place a request. Based on the number of calls received from an area, a vehicle is sent. In each tank, about four taps are fixed, and residents are asked to come in a queue and collect water,” said another member of ‘Active Bengaluru’.
“The NGO mostly deals with policy issues, women’s empowerment, health, and education. Shortage of water directly impacts the health and education of children. We decided to do our bit to address the same and joined hands to supply water to the needy,” said another member of the organisation.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Mohammed Yacoob / April 23rd, 2024
The winners in various categories, standing from left, Shonal, Rivaan, and Shiv Tummala. Sitting: Ishaan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ishaan Madesh, a seven-time National champion across various categories, held off his sibling Rohaan in both the Pre-Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double in the second round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.
Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune’s Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre-Finals respectively in the Junior Max category.
Expectedly, Chennai’s Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre-Finals to complete a double, as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing), who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class, where he comfortably held off his rivals.
When she joined the Indian Combat Academy (ICSA) on Bannerghatta Road to learn Jujitsu and self-defence, little did Nabila Birjis (29), know that this would be a turning point in her life.
Bengaluru :
When she joined the Indian Combat Academy (ICSA) on Bannerghatta Road to learn Jujitsu and self-defence, little did Nabila Birjis (29), know that this would be a turning point in her life. On April 2, she turned out to be the only girl selected from Karnataka to compete in the South Asia Open Jujitsu Championship 2019, in Chennai.
Born and brought up in Mysuru, she moved to Bengaluru seven years ago to work for an architecture firm. At the age of 25, after undergoing rigorous training under coach Jitesh Banjan, she started competing seriously. So far, she has won six golds at the national-level JAI Jiu Jitsu events under 68kg and 70 kg categories; two silver medals at South Asian Championships; and gold at Body power Expo Open Weight.
She is also the only Indian woman to have secured two silver medals at South Asia Open Jujitsu Championship 2019. “I always wanted to achieve something in sports. My mother Noor Fathima Khan, HOD and professor at Maharanis Science College, Mysuru wanted me to complete my graduation before pursuing sports. I started my sporting career only at 25.”
It was not easy for Birjis in the field. She has quit her job, moved cities, so she could be able to devote more time for training. “I remember when I travelled for three hours just to be able to train for an hour. After struggling for years, I now seem to have struck some sort of balance between being an architect and an athlete,” she added.
Jujitsu is a team sport, and the biggest challenge she finds is to keep up with the energy levels of younger athletes. To stay fighting fit, she follows a strict sports diet. For Birjis, losing teaches more than winning. “My loss at the South Asia Championship has taught me how to move forward. My teammates have always encouraged me to do better. I will learn from my previous experiences,” she added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by K Rathna / August 20th, 2019
“There is growing concern among communal forces regarding the progress of the Muslim community, and this has led to them being increasingly targeted,” said Maulana Syed Tanveer Hashmi, a member of the Karnataka State Waqf Board and All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He stressed that the community must intensify its efforts towards educational and overall development, especially encouraging the youth to aspire for civil services.
He was addressing a seminar titled “Current scenario and our responsibilities” organised by the Udupi District Muslim Federation at the mini auditorium of the Udupi Town Hall on Tuesday.
Maulana Hashmi highlighted the need to integrate Islamic values deeply into daily life to reform the challenges prevailing in society. “The community must actively engage in social service, extend help to the underprivileged, and foster harmonious relationships with people of other religions. During festivals, we must invite our non-Muslim brothers and share the joy of the celebration with them,” he said.
He further emphasised that Muslims should fully practice religious values and instil Islamic principles within their families, including children, women, and men. Education must be prioritized, with awareness cultivated within the community to promote academic growth.
Cautioning against objectionable behaviour on social media, he urged the youth to be responsible and avoid provocative posts. “We must stay away from the hateful narratives of ‘Godi Media’, communal provocations, and toxic online environments,” he stated.
Sulaiman Khan Sahib from Bengaluru, assistant general secretary of the All India Milli Council and Karnataka co-coordinator of the “Save Waqf, Save Constitution” movement, also addressed the gathering.
The event was presided over by Udupi District Muslim Federation president Muhammad Wawla. During the seminar, a book titled ‘Dharmadharma’ authored by federation member and writer Mustaq Hennabail was released.
The stage was graced by senior vice president Rafiq Kundapur, vice presidents Shabhi Qazi, Fareed Sheikh, and Fayyaz Byndur. The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Udupi Jamia Masjid Imam Maulana Rasheed Umri.
The event was welcomed by Maulana Zamir Ahmad Rashadi. Former district president M P Modinabba delivered the introductory address.
General secretary Ismail Hussain Katapady extended the vote of thanks, while Yaseen Kodibengre compered the event.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media News Network – Udupi / July 29th, 2025
