Eminent artist, art educator Syed Asif Ali dies at 54 while on duty in Alake
Mangaluru: Renowned artist and senior art educator Syed Asif Ali passed away following a cardiac arrest in Mangaluru on Monday, January 5, 2026. Ali collapsed while on duty at Mahalasa College of Visual Art, Alake, where he had been serving for nearly three decades. He was 54.
Born on February 8, 1972, in Molakalmuru of Chitradurga district, Ali completed his General Diploma in Fine Art from Ravindra Kalaniketana, Tumakuru, in 1995 and later earned a Master of Visual Art degree from Kannada University, Hampi, in 2008.Ali joined Mahalasa College of Visual Art in 1996 and was heading the Department of Applied Art at the time of his death. Ali was admired as an accomplished artist, he was best known for his vivid, on-location watercolour landscape paintings. As a teacher, he was deeply respected for his close mentorship and personal engagement with students.
During a career spanning over 30 years, Ali participated in several national and regional exhibitions. He featured in the Mysuru Dasara exhibition on ten occasions and took part in Karnataka Lalithakala Academy exhibitions five times, he also conducted and participated in numerous art camps, training young artists across the state.
His contributions to the field were recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy State Award, the Camlin National Award, and nine Mysuru Dasara Awards.
Ali’s mortal remains were kept for public homage at Mahalasa College of Visual Art and later at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture on Tuesday evening, before being taken to his native Molakalmuru for burial as per tradition.
The Mangaluru chapter of INTACH and the Art Kanara Trust expressed deep condolences over the demise of the veteran artist.
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Maharashtra class 12 chemistry paper circulated on social media before exam, leak suspected
Nagpur (PTI): Police are investigating a suspected leak after the class 12 Chemistry question paper was allegedly circulated on social media in Nagpur ahead of the exam being conducted by the Maharashtra board, officials said on Saturday.
The exam malpractice came to light on Wednesday at a high school examination centre after a female student’s frequent visits to the washroom raised suspicion.
Invigilators seized the student's smartphone. Its analysis showed that the question paper had been shared on a WhatsApp group before the exam began, officials said, adding that possible answers were also exchanged in the same group.
Based on the student's statement, another pupil is being questioned.
The preliminary investigation suggests a person linked to a private coaching shared the question paper for money, officials said.
A case was registered at Sadar police station, and an investigation was launched.
