Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: 160 pairs of buffaloes to participate in Bengaluru kambala, and more

Squadrone Infra and Mining Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based startup that specialises in aerial intelligence for mineral exploration, mining, tunnelling and infrastructure, has joined the rescue operations in Uttarkashi where 41 workers are trapped in a tunnel. The company stepped in following a request by Brigadier Vishal Varma, DDG, Border Roads Organisation, who is spearheading the Silkyara Tunnel rescue mission.

The company is set to deploy two advanced drones, operated by a team of six skilled mining engineers, drone pilots and geotechnical experts. They are capable of manoeuvering drones within tunnels to map the area and assess the probabilities for safe rescue of 41 labourers trapped since November 12.

Karnataka government will come out with a new tourism policy in a few months to address long-pending issues in the sector. The policy will include measures to end disputes between departments, and some between State and Central Government departments, H.K. Patil, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism, told stakeholders, historians and officials.

Meanwhile, several heritage enthusiasts have presented a list of demands and suggestions to the Minister which focuses on the need to get UNESCO heritage tag for the Deccan sultanate circuit, including Vijayapura, Bidar and Kalaburagi. Other issues include the dilapidated condition of monuments, improvement of infrastructure, and provision of amenities like drinking water, toilets.

3. 160 pairs of buffaloes expected to participate in Bengaluru kambala

As many as 160 pairs of buffaloes from the coastal belt are expected to participate in the first competitive ‘kambala’ (slush track buffalo race) to be held at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru. The pairs will be transported in trucks/lorries from Uppinangady in Dakshina Kannada on November 23, and each pair will be accompanied by a team of 15 helpers.

Meanwhile, responding to the controversy over inviting BJP MP and former president of the Wrestling Federation of India Brij Bhushan Singh to Bengaluru Kambala, Dakshina Kannada minister in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao said that Mr. Singh, accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers, will not attend it.