Spectacular formation of UAE Human Flag at the KSCC Fitness Challenge Grand Closing Ceremony
Dubai: As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30, the Karnataka Sports and Cultural Club (KSCC) held its Grand Closing Ceremony of Fitness Activities on Friday, 29th of November at the Al Mamzar Park.
The event was a conclusion of a consecutive four Fitness Activity programs held as part of the month long DFC 30x30 challenge.
The event started with the formation of the UAE human flag, after which the event was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad Mustafa from Emsquare Engineering Consultant, who also released a bouquet of balloons bearing the colors of the UAE National Flag.
A short marathon was held by the participants, forming the UAE human flag at the Al Mamzar Park. A martial arts display by Karate enthusiasts Ayaan, Adaan and Afaan was held at the event, which was then followed by an hour long fitness session by Captain Raducu Dovganiuc, who is a fitness trainer with the Dubai Police Academy. Mr. Raducu conducted a series of exercises and later highlighted the importance of making physical fitness a part of our daily routine in order to lead healthy and more fulfilling lives.
The Chief guest Mr. Mustafa, himself and ardent fitness enthusiast, appreciated the efforts of all the participants and officials and reiterated on the need to be fit and healthy. Other guests and officials included Mr. Hafeez, KSSC Vice President Mr. Ziaduddin, KSCC Manager Mr. Shafi, Event Coordinator Nasir and other event officials.
Mr. Tanveer hosted the closing ceremony program.
The KSCC is a platform for the Indian community in the UAE to exhibit their sports and cultural talents and be part of an active and healthy lifestyle. The KSCC is authorized by the Cultural Development Authority, Government of Dubai. The event was supported by the Community Development Authority, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Municipality.
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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.
