Dubai: Gulf Karnatakostava 2023 set to unite accomplished Gulf businessmen to celebrate heritage
Dubai (Press Release): The upcoming Gulf Karnatakostava 2023 is poised to bring together accomplished businessmen from the Gulf region in the vibrant city of Karnataka, India. Scheduled for September 10, 2023, at the prestigious Baniyas Ballroom within the Grand Hyatt, Dubai, this significant event is expected to attract around 1000 attendees. The evening promises a blend of networking, celebration, and cultural experiences, complete with a sumptuous feast featuring authentic Karnataka cuisine.
“The Gulf Karnatakostava 2023 serves as a remarkable platform to recognize and appreciate the achievements, innovations, and significant contributions of these distinguished businessmen in their respective industries. Beyond their financial success, these visionary leaders have played pivotal roles in driving economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and fostering advancement,” a press statement from the organizing committee stated.
A major highlight of the event is the 'Gulf Ratna Awards', where exceptional business icons will be honored for their outstanding achievements. While the event aims to inspire others, it also seeks to foster a sense of unity among people from diverse backgrounds and places.
The Gulf Karnatakostava not only focuses on business recognition but also emphasizes cultural exchange. Attendees will be immersed in Karnataka's rich heritage, enjoying traditional music and savoring delectable cuisine. The event features a star-studded music concert by Santosh Venky, known for his work in 'KGF: Chapter 2', and a side-splitting stand-up comedy act.
The evening will commence with a cultural welcome, followed by Roopesh Shetty, winner of Bigg Boss Kannada OTT Season 1, as the show-stopper. Prakash Thuminad and Deepak Rai Panaje's comedy act adds to the entertainment. Musical performances by Guru Kiran and Chaitra H. G., as well as the energetic Pili Vesha folk dance, are set to captivate the audience. The event will conclude with a lively song and dance performance by Sarah Pinto on the theme ‘Retro to Metro’, celebrating business success and Karnataka's vibrant culture.
A much-awaited highlight of the evening will be the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Member of the Ruling Family, Dubai, and Chairman of MBM Group, as the distinguished chief guest. Known for his dedication to business development, philanthropy, and community betterment, His Highness's presence adds significance to the event and underscores the strong ties between the Gulf and Karnataka.
Beyond the festivities, the Gulf Karnatakostava aims to foster global partnerships and collaborations. By bringing together businessmen, thought leaders, and influencers from diverse backgrounds, the event seeks to establish connections that transcend geographical boundaries, driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development for both the Gulf region and Karnataka.
Set for September 10, 2023, the Gulf Karnataka Event 2023 promises to be a convergence of excellence, culture, and entertainment, all centered around celebrating accomplished businessmen from the Gulf region. As anticipation builds and the event draws closer, attendees can look forward to an experience that celebrates both the world of business and the richness of culture in all its grandeur.
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Heated debate in Karnataka Legislative Council over continued ACC mining in Kalaburagi
Bengaluru (PTI): A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday over alleged non-payment of mining dues and the "unauthorised" continuation of quarry operations by the Adani Group’s ACC Limited, with ruling Congress and the opposition BJP members questioning the government’s handling of royalty recovery and permissions.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of his party MLC Arathi Krishna, alleged that substantial royalty dues remained unpaid even as operations continued.
Krishna wanted to know whether the Karnataka government was aware that the lease period granted to Adani Group’s ACC Ltd for mining in the Kannur Limestone Block at Wadi in Kalaburagi has expired.
“If it is true, what action has the government taken against the said company for allegedly carrying out unauthorised mining at the site without paying the total dues of Rs 850.21 crore towards royalty, rent or penalty payable to the state government?” she asked in the written question.
She claimed that despite the Law department having given a written opinion to the Mines department that the said company should not be permitted to undertake mining activities until it clears all pending dues payable to the government, no legal action has been initiated against ACC, and instead a letter has been written to the central government regarding renewal of the lease in favour of the company.
Krishna questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement between small quarry operators and large corporate entities.
“After the Adani Group took over quarrying, they had to pay Rs 837 crore as royalty. Till today, they have not paid the royalty. What prompted you to exempt them from this royalty?” asked Shivakumar, on behalf of Krishna.
“If there is any small quarry operator, if he does not pay royalty, you do not allow him... You just bring him and seize it.”
BJP MLC C T Ravi echoed similar concerns, questioning the legal and procedural basis for allowing participation in bidding and continuation of operations despite pending dues.
“Do your rules allow those with pending dues to participate? If such a provision exists, under which rule does it exist?” he asked, also seeking clarity on recommendations of the High-Level Committee, Law Department and concurrence of the Finance Department.
Responding to the allegations, Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, replying on behalf of the Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, maintained that no fresh licence had been granted and that the matter involved both an existing mining lease and a separate new application still under process.
He said the company had applied through the bidding route and was given time to complete formalities, which had since been done.
The minister explained that the issue of dues was pending before the court, which has allowed operations to continue subject to certain conditions.
“The old licence is continuing under court direction. It has not been stopped. We are following court direction,” he said, adding that part payment had been made and the balance would be decided through legal proceedings.
Ravi, however, pressed further, arguing that court orders did not prevent recovery of dues.
“The court has not said do not recover dues. What does your legal opinion say? Why have you not recovered?” he asked.
Shivakumar also raised concerns over declining non-tax revenue from mining, citing the state’s own budget observations.
“If Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore is allowed to let go like this, where will non-tax revenue come from?” he asked and sought to know why the government had not fully tapped the sector’s revenue potential.
The Minister reiterated that the due itself was under dispute, making immediate recovery difficult.
“How can we recover when the amount itself is not decided? Until recovery is possible, no further permission will be given,” he said, adding that consultations with the Law Department and Advocate General would be held to explore further action.
He also cited tender conditions, stating, “As per the tender notification dated October 5, 2020, a company must have paid all past dues to be considered a successful bidder.”
Unconvinced, Ravi demanded that the recovery of dues should follow.
