Yallappa Kurbar Belgaum Mayor: Jyoti Bhavikatti Dy.Mayor: Kannada group
3:57 PM Posted by ukmad
Kurbar Yallappa Sidarai of Ward No.57 (Kanbargi, Ahsraya Colony) has been elected the Mayor of Belgaum
Jyoti Rajshekhar Bhavikatti (Ward 53) has been elected the Deputy mayor.
This is for the 3rd time that Belgaum is seeing a Kannada Mayor. Earlier in 1994 & 2008 Belgaum had seen Kannada mayors and all the rest years there were Marathi Mayors.
The Marathi group which was supposed to be a surprise winner this time could not make up the magic figure of 32, there are 27 Marathi corporators. To the common man what difference does it make anyways? Every year one mayor is elected but what does that Mayor do for Belgaum or has done for Belgaum is the question.
Yallappa Kurbar most likely Mayor
1:41 PM Posted by ukmad
Kurbar Yallappa Sidarai of Ward No.57 (Kanbargi, Ahsraya Colony) is most likely to be elected the Mayor of Belgaum.
The Kannada group seems to have won it this time also. Still wait for the final result tough.
The Kannada group seems to have won it this time also. Still wait for the final result tough.
VHP supports Varun’s statements
11:28 AM Posted by ukmad
VHP international general secretary Praveen Togadia said that every Hindu in the country must speak like Varun to safeguard the interests of Hindutva. However, Togadia did not defend Varun Gandhi who denied his own remarks later due to criticism.
VHP will not support any political party in the upcoming elections; they will support those who will support Hindutva.
On the saffron flag issue, Togadia said that it’s a symbol of Hindutva and that a Saffron flag must be hoisted atop all buildings.
Praveen Togadia was here to address a meeting at the Sambhaji Udyan.
AMARSINH VASANTRAO PATIL is Congress candidate for Belgaum
10:06 AM Posted by ukmad
AMARSINH VASANTRAO PATIL will be contesting from the Belgaum Loksabha constituency from the ticket from the Congress.
He was the runner up in 2004 with 36.48% votes and was the MP for Belgaum in 1999 general elections.
He was the runner up in 2004 with 36.48% votes and was the MP for Belgaum in 1999 general elections.
Belgaum Election observers contact numbers
10:02 AM Posted by ukmad
Observing and reporting on the fairness of elections and monitoring the expenditure of candidates, political parties and their leaders will be the job of the observers.
The Commission has asked the Chief Electoral Officers of the States to appoint micro observers, who will monitor election activities, particularly illegal use of money power by candidates and parties and election expenditure of the candidates at the booth level, and report to the respective central election observers. They would not to be under the control of Collectors (district election officers) or the returning officers of the respective constituencies.
Normally two general observers and one election expenditure observer are appointed in each constituency.
Anyone can complain to the below, even and sms would be followed up. So if you guess there is an violation of the code of conduct you know where to contact.
Observers for Belgaum:
Rahul Bhandari, IAS will be in charge of Belgaum Uttar, Belgaum Dakshin & Belgaum Rural
Nodal Officer of GOI
Govt. of Karnataka Shri. K.R. Srinivasa
Secretary to the Govt. of Karnataka DP&AR, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore, Karnataka
080-22251425, 22033335 (O)
080-22256371 (Fax)
Mobile No.09945357990 &
09448290819
E-mail prs-dpar@karnataka.gov.in
List of Nodal Officer appointed by the CEOs:
Shri. B V Kulkarni Jt. Chief Electoral Officer,
Karnataka, Bangalore.
080-22868768 (O), 080-22865339 (F)
09880409588 (M)
Belgaum’s Kunda sweet sensation fairy-tale
4:25 PM Posted by ukmad
These sweets are mainly prepared by Rajasthani families who migrated to Belgaum over six decades ago and normally called Purohits.
Kunda is produced in large quantities everyday in Belgaum. Belgaum kunda, a sweet prepared from milk and khowa, is a clear favorite and is produced by several local sweet merchants besides the Purohits.
Belgaum kunda also has an interesting history that can be traced back to the times of Gajanan Mithaiwala in Vitthal Dev Galli, Shahpur who set up his sweet shop six decades ago in Belgaum. Referred to as Jakku Marwadi Mithaiwala, he came from Rajasthan and set up a sweet shop at Shahpur area. (The shop is still there and running and serving great Kunda)
Kunda is prepared purely from milk and khowa. A correct quantity of khowa and sugar has to be mixed in milk before boiling it. Once the mixture starts boiling, it has to be continuously stirred until it takes a solid form.
The discovery of this sweet was quite incidental. Once, Jakku Marwadi was boiling milk in his kitchen. In a hurry, he forgot to switch the stove off and the milk continued boiling for a long time. Gradually, the milk had taken a solid form by the time Jakku Marwadi came back to switch the stove off.
When he tasted the solid form of milk, it tasted sweet. Then, he mixed some khowa into the milk and started boiling it for long hours. This time the taste was even better. A happy Marwadi gave the sweet a name — calling it Kunda.
After Jakku Marwadi discovered it was followed up by the Purohits and the one camp became famous for its cleanliness and good quality. With time the packing of the Kunda has changed over time. From the old box packing to the latest canned Kunda with a shelf life of up to 6 months to the tetra pack. Now Sugar free Kunda is also available at Camp Purohit and Kalyani Sweets.
All those visitors who come to Belgaum must have to take back this KUNDA with them. During the recent assembly session held in Belgaum more than 6000 kgs of Kunda was sold in 10 days time.
The prices of Kunda normally range in between Rs.150 to 200. The sugar free costs a bit more.
My bet for the best Kunda in Town: Gajanan Mithaiwala in Vitthal Dev galli, Shahpur, Camp Purohit on High Street and Kalyani Sweets in Camp & Atul Purohit, College Road.(not in any particular order)
Never freeze or store the Kunda in a refrigerator as it tends to become hard and it loses its tastes.
Kunda Recipe Ingredients:
Milk 2 liters, sugar according to taste, cardamom powder 2 teaspoon, curd 1 cup (which is not too sour), dry fruits chopped 1 cup.
Method:
First of all boil the milk and bring it to the 1/8th quantity till it is cooked to make a nice paste of the milk. Now add the sugar and stir it well. It turns to a nice golden brown color and now add the curd and stir well. When it is cooked enough finally add the cardamom powder and also the chopped dry fruits and pour it in the serving dish and serve it chilled.
Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama to build an auditorium
12:50 PM Posted by ukmad
Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama to build an auditorium
In order to facilitate the smooth execution of the multifarious- activities of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Belgaum they have started the construction of an auditorium in the Ashrama premises (fort). They also plan the construction of gopurams for the existing Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna.
The estimated cost for the constructions of the Sabhangana & the gopurams are Rs. 2 crores & Rs. 15 lakhs respectively. The Mission has made an appeal to all to contribute towards these 2 projects according to your means & mite.
In order to facilitate the smooth execution of the multifarious- activities of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Belgaum they have started the construction of an auditorium in the Ashrama premises (fort). They also plan the construction of gopurams for the existing Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna.
The estimated cost for the constructions of the Sabhangana & the gopurams are Rs. 2 crores & Rs. 15 lakhs respectively. The Mission has made an appeal to all to contribute towards these 2 projects according to your means & mite.
Cloth shop in Khade Bazar gutted
10:09 AM Posted by ukmad
No human loss is reported but financial loss could be huge as the complete shop was burnt down. The fire fighters brought the fire under control later.
Happy Gudi Padwa & Ugadi
11:13 AM Posted by ukmad
Happy Gudi Padwa & Ugadi to all readers. A very happy new year to all. May all your wishes be fulfilled!Gudi Padwa (गुड़ीपाडवा) is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, and is celebrated as New Year's Day. It is the same day on which great king Shalivahana defeated Sakas in battle.
This is also first day of Marathi Calendar. This festival is supposed to mark the beginning of Vasant (spring).
According to the Brahma Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth. This is one of the 3 and a half days in the Indian Lunar calendar called "Sade-Teen Muhurt", who’s every moment is considered auspicious in general to start a new activity.
Gudhi Padwa is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Legend states that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the corronation of Rama after his return to Ayodhya from 14 years of exile. The gudi is a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudi is also displayed as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house.
A bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) is tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gathi(a type of sweet), neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. This is then hoisted by placing a silver or copper pot placed in the inverted position over it. Beautiful designs with special powder of soft, white stone (rangolis) are drawn on the floor in front of it.
Ugadi (Kannada: ಯುಗಾದಿ, from yuga+aadi, yuga is era, aadi means 
Start. (The start of an era) While the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh use the term Ugadi for this festival. Ugadi is celebrated on a different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with the month of Chaitra (March/April) and Ugadi marks the first day of the New Year.
The word Ugadi derives from the word Yugadi. 'Yuga' is the word for 'epoch' or 'era', and 'aadi' stands for 'the beginning'. Yugadi specifically refers to the start of the age we are living in now, Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga started the moment when Lord Krishna passed away. Maharshi Vedavyasa describes this event with the words 'Yesmin Krishno divamvyataha, Tasmat eeva pratipannam Kaliyugam'. Some Indian historians date the beginning of Kali Yuga to 3102 BC.
The day, however, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture of -
Neem Buds/Flowers for bitterness
Raw Mango for tang
Tamarind Juice for sourness
Green Chilli/Pepper for heat
Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness
Pinch of Salt for saltiness
This mixture with all six tastes (called "Bevu-Bella"( ಬೇವು-ಬೆಲ್ಲ ) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) , which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious almanac (Panchangam) of the coming year, and to the general forecast of the year to come.
Source: Wikipedia
Movies as on 27-03-2009
10:34 AM Posted by ukmad
| Theatre | Movie | Timings |
| Big Cinemas | ||
| Ritz Srikrishna | Made inChina (Marathi) | 12.30,3.30,6.30,9.30 |
| Nirmal | Kiran Bedi | 12.15pm,3.15,6.15,9.15 |
| Huns | Pallaki | 12,3,6,9 |
| Arun | 12.30,2,4,7 | |
| Roopali | Nammanna | 12.15,3.15.6.15,9.15 |
| Balkrishna | Underworld 3 (hindi) | 12.30,3.30,6.30,9.30 |
| Chitra | Rajkumari (K) | 12,3,6,9 |
| Swaroop | 12,3,6,9 | |
| Hira | Zaherele Insaan | 12.15,3.15,6.15,9.15 |
| Prakash | Drona | 12.15pm,3.15pm,6.15pm,9.15pm |
| Nartaki | Aa Dekhen Zara | 12,3,6,9 |
| Santosh | Mourya | 12.15pm,3.15pm,6.15pm,9.15pm |
| Globe | 12.15,1.45,3.45,6.45 | |
| Kindly check the excat timings with the theatres | ||
Car ablaze all commuters safe
8:04 PM Posted by ukmad
A Maruti van of Goa registration coming from Mapusa, Goa suddenly caught fire near Union Gymkhana today it was LPG driven.
All the commuters were safe as they had come out when they smelled the leaking of the gas. The fire fighters came in time and extinguished the fire. The car was turned in to ashes within minutes. No one was injured in the incident.
But this again raises questions on how safe it is to use LPG in cars?
Now say Cheers with a bigger hole to your pocket: liquor retailers also hit badly
12:13 PM Posted by ukmad
Having refrained from announcing duty hikes for liquor and related products in his budget, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa succumbed to the pressures of a sharply depleted treasury, and, said that additional excise duty (AED) would be increased on alcoholic beverages while the profit margin of liquor retailers would be decreased. The structure of AED on the IMFL (Indian made foreign liquor) would be revised.
Presently, in the state, the retailers are entitled for a profit margin of 20%. This will come down with the new move. It isn’t consumers alone who will have to fork out more. Liquor retailers will have to settle for lower profits as new tax measures that erode their bottom-line will be introduced.
The retailers have to pay annual renewal license fees of Rs.3 lakhs for wine shops and 5.5 lakhs for bars. No doubt the inflation number has come down and tomorrow it will be in negative for sure but the costs for running the business is growing day by day.
A bar owner told this blog, how do we recover this 5.5 Lakhs paid as license fees when our margin is brought down from 20%. We have so many other expenses of running the bar, where will we get that from and to add to all this the number of Dry days have increased to about 25 days in a year, which is a great loss to us. He added, how one can sustain a business when you have just 10 % margin and pay a fee of Rs.600 a day.
Price Calculation methodology:
A bottle of KF would cost Rs.65 MRP which was sold by wine shops for Rs.70. so landing price = 65 -20%= 52 Plus tax
Now after the new AED same becomes 67 -10%= 61.00rs Plus tax
So in short the retailer’s margin is reduced by Rs.9 plus tax
So KF beer which was 65+5 =70 is now 70+9+5 =84. The additional Rs.5 is normally taken for chilling.
MRP is applicable for Wine shops as they have to sell as retail outlets. As a bar one can charge higher as they have Service and other overheads.
Moreover in Belgaum a lot of Military stuff (Liquor from Military canteen) is sold illegally. So the retailers pay taxes and they go without any thing.
Prices of few brands of IMFL:
KF Beer –Old rate Rs. 70 New rate 84
Knock Out – Old rate 80 New rate Rs.95
Fosters – old rate 80 New rate 90
DSP - (180ml) old rate 68 New rate 80
DSP Black – (180 ml) Old rate 75 New rate 90
8pm – (180ml) Old rate 70 New rate 75
Smirnoff – Old rate Rs.150 New rate 160
Disclaimer: Neither this blog nor the author is in favour of drinking nor do they intend to promote drinking. This is just an aspect of life which many don’t know.
Union Bank of India will operate the Bankers Clearing house in Belgaum
11:44 AM Posted by ukmad
Times have changed and also newer technology has come in all the fields, the same is with the Banking industry.
Yesterday a new MICR cheque processing centre and Bankers clearing house run by the Union Bank of India (UBI) was inaugurated yesterday by Mr.Mohindar Kumar, Dy.General Manager RBI & Mr.K V A Balaji Registrar of VTU presided over the function.
Till date the bankers clearing house in Belgaum was run by the SBI at its Kirloskar road branch and from today the clearing will done by UBI at its new MICR centre at Khanapur Road behind Lengade Hostel.
More about clearing house:
The place where the exchange of instruments occurs and the claims are settled is known as the Clearing House.
In India, the clearing system is local and confined to a defined jurisdiction covering all the banks and branches situated in the area under a particular zone. The clearing house is a voluntary association of banks under the management of a bank where the settlement accounts are maintained. Wherever Reserve Bank of India has its office (and a banking department), the clearing house is managed by it. In the absence of an office of the Reserve Bank, the clearing house is managed by the State Bank of India, its associate banks and in a few cases by public sector banks.
The membership of the clearing house includes both direct members and sub-members. All the branches of a member bank within the clearing house jurisdiction are eligible to present and receive cheques drawn on any other member bank/branch within the jurisdiction. The sub-members, who are sponsored by a member bank, participate in clearing in the same way as a branch of a member bank. The membership to the clearing house is through a joint decision of the general body of the clearing house.
Clearing Structure: The dominant feature of the Indian Banking system is its branch-centered banking. The vast network of branches implies that the logistics of collection and delivery of paper payment instruments becomes formidable. The clearing infrastructure is designed to address the movement of instruments between the presenting and drawee branches. Each member bank in a centre is represented in the clearing house by its service branch which collects all the instruments from various branches and consolidates them for presentation to all the banks in the clearing house. Similarly, it receives and distributes among its branches all the instruments drawn upon its branches by other banks in the clearing house. The service branch of a bank performs a crucial intermediary role between the clearing house and the branch of a bank.
If you want to know more about this clearing methodology read this.
Yesterday a new MICR cheque processing centre and Bankers clearing house run by the Union Bank of India (UBI) was inaugurated yesterday by Mr.Mohindar Kumar, Dy.General Manager RBI & Mr.K V A Balaji Registrar of VTU presided over the function.
Till date the bankers clearing house in Belgaum was run by the SBI at its Kirloskar road branch and from today the clearing will done by UBI at its new MICR centre at Khanapur Road behind Lengade Hostel.
More about clearing house:
The place where the exchange of instruments occurs and the claims are settled is known as the Clearing House.
In India, the clearing system is local and confined to a defined jurisdiction covering all the banks and branches situated in the area under a particular zone. The clearing house is a voluntary association of banks under the management of a bank where the settlement accounts are maintained. Wherever Reserve Bank of India has its office (and a banking department), the clearing house is managed by it. In the absence of an office of the Reserve Bank, the clearing house is managed by the State Bank of India, its associate banks and in a few cases by public sector banks.
The membership of the clearing house includes both direct members and sub-members. All the branches of a member bank within the clearing house jurisdiction are eligible to present and receive cheques drawn on any other member bank/branch within the jurisdiction. The sub-members, who are sponsored by a member bank, participate in clearing in the same way as a branch of a member bank. The membership to the clearing house is through a joint decision of the general body of the clearing house.
Clearing Structure: The dominant feature of the Indian Banking system is its branch-centered banking. The vast network of branches implies that the logistics of collection and delivery of paper payment instruments becomes formidable. The clearing infrastructure is designed to address the movement of instruments between the presenting and drawee branches. Each member bank in a centre is represented in the clearing house by its service branch which collects all the instruments from various branches and consolidates them for presentation to all the banks in the clearing house. Similarly, it receives and distributes among its branches all the instruments drawn upon its branches by other banks in the clearing house. The service branch of a bank performs a crucial intermediary role between the clearing house and the branch of a bank.
If you want to know more about this clearing methodology read this.
