Bengaluru: The state government has granted permission to construct a Kannada Bhavan using more than ₹2 crore of unutilized funds allocated for the 87th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan held in Mandya.

The state government has issued an order stating that funds were collected from various sources for the 87th Sahitya Sammelan. It has now authorized the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district to utilize the unused amount of ₹2,18,68,392 for the construction of a Kannada Bhavan in the district.

The estimated cost of construction and related documents must be submitted to the government. The project should be implemented within the approved grant limit. The order also states that all instructions outlined in relevant government circulars must be strictly adhered to.

Get all the latest, breaking news from Karnataka in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Karnataka.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.

Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.

"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.

Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.

The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.

Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.

In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.

Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.