Latest news with #Kasim
Economic Times
19 minutes ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Inside Andhra's monsoon diamond rush: Farmers, fortune-seekers and Rs 5 crore finds
Agencies Inside Andhra's monsoon diamond rush: Farmers, fortune-seekers and Rs 5 crore finds Hundreds stream in on bikes, cling to autorickshaws, or trudge barefoot across the dusty plains of Vajrakarur in Anantapur and the parched farmlands of Jonnagiri, Tuggali and Maddikera in Kurnool. There are no banners or bands here, only whispers carried by the monsoon winds: the diamonds are here. In a special report for The Times of India, Umamaheswara Rao writes that as the first rains of June and July wash away the topsoil, these mandals transform into makeshift treasure fields. The morning after a downpour, hopefuls armed with sieves, sticks, and even kitchen ladles fan out across the land. On a good day, one or two people might unearth stones worth Rs 1–2 lakh, sometimes even up to Rs 50 lakh. Word of each find spreads fast, drawing larger crowds. Unofficial estimates suggest that Maddikera and Tuggali alone yield diamonds worth nearly Rs 5 crore each monsoon season. What began as chance finds by farmers has evolved into a full-blown annual spectacle. Entire families camp under trees or village temples, turning these rural belts into seasonal mining hubs. Traders hover nearby, snapping up stones in discreet cash deals before ferrying them to Mumbai and May 2019, a Jonnagiri labourer unearthed a Rs 14 lakh diamond while tilling his field. That same season, a Peravali farmer sold a Rs 2 lakh stone to a local merchant. Over just three days, neighbouring villages netted diamonds worth Rs 10 lakh. In the Sirivella and Mahanandi zones, locals estimated finds worth Rs 4 2021, the stakes grew higher. Two labourers in Jonnagiri sold stones for Rs 70 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. In July, a driver named Kasim struck a Rs 1.2 crore diamond, while three prospectors camping nearby recovered stones worth Rs 2.4 crore in just two days. The frenzy continued into 2024. In May, four finds in Tuggali and Maddikera fetched Rs 70 lakh collectively. A month later, a Jonnagiri farmer traded a Rs 15 lakh stone for Rs 12 lakh in cash and five tolas of gold. This June, a woman tilling her paddy plot in Tuggali stumbled upon a gem she sold for Rs 10 TOI visited Jonnagiri and Vajrakarur, the influx was evident. Prospectors now come from Telangana and Karnataka, drawn by the promise of life-changing luck. Among them were N Veeresh from Jadcherla, who arrived with his wife and daughter, and 75-year-old Nolli Ramanamma, camping at a temple in Jonnagiri. 'I come every monsoon, hoping this is the year,' said Shaik Akram, a carpenter from all locals welcome the rush. 'Crowds trample over newly sown crops. It's a headache,' said Khayyum Khan, a farmer in Vajrakarur. The Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) spans Anantapur, containing over 45 kimberlite pipes—volcanic conduits that carry diamonds from the mantle. A University of Madras study noted that during the Vijayanagara era (1000–1500 AD), diamonds over 25 carats were reserved for the surveys by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirm high-potential alluvial belts in Jonnagiri, Tuggali, Maddikera, and Vajrakarur. Monsoon runoff erodes soil and reveals colluvial deposits, relics of ancient river systems like the Penna and frenzy traces back to Golconda's famed mines, whose legacy includes the Kohinoor. Stretching 300 km along the Krishna-Tungabhadra basin, these fields once fed a glittering trade that enthralled the world. Today, that history fuels a dream that keeps thousands returning each the rains recede, the crowds vanish, leaving behind trampled earth and unfulfilled hopes. But for many, next monsoon will bring another chance—the promise that somewhere beneath the red soil of Andhra lies a stone that could change their lives. With inputs from ToI
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
UMS launches Kampung Angkat MADANI programme in Rampayan Laut
Kasim officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kampung Angkat MADANI Programme in Kampung Rampayan Laut. KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been entrusted by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to lead the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative in Kampung Rampayan Laut, Sepanggar. It is a national community upliftment programme aims at improving the quality of life of villagers through sustainable and inclusive development. According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor, five key physical development projects will be carried out under the coordination of the university's Centre for Community Sustainability Engagement (Pusat Kelestarian Libatsama Masyarakat, PKLM). 'One of the first projects will be the construction of a village gateway, which will serve as a proud new symbol and landmark, a reflection of the community's maritime spirit and aspirations,' he said. He added that an open hall will also be built, envisioned as a multipurpose space that will serve as the heartbeat of the village, a comfortable and well-organised venue for community gatherings, meetings, planning and celebrations. Prof Kasim was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme held in the village. Also in the pipeline is the construction of a community centre, a space designed to nurture knowledge, skills and potential, particularly among the youth of Kampung Rampayan Laut. 'In addition, solar-powered streetlights will be installed across the village. This not only addresses lighting needs at night, but also promotes environmental sustainability and safety through the use of green technology,' he said. The fifth and final project is the building of a fishermen's jetty, a critical facility to support the local fishing community, making daily routines such as boat docking and fish landings more efficient and accessible. Prof Kasim noted that the projects, with a combined allocation of up to RM1 million, are being implemented in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Finance and KPT. 'This is a significant investment, and we at UMS are committed to ensuring that every ringgit spent brings meaningful returns to the community, in the form of quality infrastructure, impactful programmes, and long-term capacity building. 'These kinds of initiatives are essential to ensuring no village is left behind in the national development agenda. Kampung Rampayan Laut, in particular, holds great economic potential due to its strategic location near the city,' he said. Prof Kasim called on the local residents to fully support the initiative, care for the facilities provided, and seize the opportunities, especially in upcoming knowledge-sharing programmes and skill-based activities. At the ceremony, he also officiated the symbolic groundbreaking for the open hall, to be built on government-owned land in the village. Also present were UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir Dr Rosalam Sarbatly; UMS treasurer Datuk Badrul Hisham Ismail; UMS chief librarian Zawawi Tiyunin; UMS legal advisor Ag Suhaizam Bungso; Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof ChM Ts Dr Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri; PKLM director Ts Dr Ag Sufiyan Abd Hamid; Kampung Rampayan Laut village head Amberen Aliamat and chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee, Amlan Jais.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Sabah selected to kickstart national digital literacy programme
Looking ahead: (Third from right) Fahmi standing alongside Prof Kasim (second from right) during a survey of WiFi coverage at the UMS Digital Department. — Bernama KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has become the first state selected to implement the Nadi ambassador programme. The programme is aimed at promoting the benefits of the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) Smart Services and advancing digital literacy, especially among rural communities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said 50 volunteers, comprising students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were selected to participate in the programme. It is being introduced for the first time by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with UMS and Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa. He said that Nadi ambassadors will also assist MCMC in raising public awareness on cyber safety through the Safe Internet Campaign by engaging with residents' associations and school students in their respective areas to promote responsible and ethical internet use. 'Sabah was chosen, among other reasons, because during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was one of the states which faced significant Internet infrastructure challenges. 'We have been working hard to address these issues, whether through the installation of towers, substations or expanding campus WiFi coverage. 'Therefore, it is fitting for us to continue our efforts by strengthening digital literacy through the Nadi ambassador programme,' Fahmi told reporters after launching the Sabah Nadi ambassador programme at UMS yesterday, Bernama reported. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and MCMC managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali. Fahmi said there are currently 131 Nadi centres across Sabah. He added that the selected ambassadors will undergo a two-day training session to support digital literacy efforts, as well as help extend the benefits of these centres to the wider community. He said that the student volunteers from UMS were drawn from various academic disciplines, with the selection process jointly carried out by MCMC and the university. Fahmi also expressed hope that the participation of UMS students in the programme would serve as a platform for them to provide input and suggestions for improving telecommunications services in Sabah. He said that the Nadi ambassador initiative will eventually be expanded to universities nationwide, in collaboration with student representative councils.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah first to implement NADI Ambassador to boost digital literacy
Fahmi (seated centre) with UMS students at the Sabah NADI Ambassador programme. Kasim is seated second right and Mohamad Fauzi is seated second left. -Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (July 24): Sabah has become the first state selected to implement the NADI Ambassador programme, aimed at promoting the benefits of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) Smart Services and advancing digital literacy, particularly among rural communities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said 50 volunteers, comprising students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were selected to participate in the programme, which is being introduced for the first time by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with UMS and the Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa. He said that the NADI ambassadors will also assist MCMC in raising public awareness on cyber safety through the Safe Internet Campaign, by engaging with residents' associations and school students in their respective areas, to promote responsible and ethical internet use. 'Sabah was chosen, among other reasons, because during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was one of the states which faced significant internet infrastructure challenges. We have been working hard to address these issues, whether through the installation of towers, substations, or expanding campus WiFi coverage,' said Fahmi. 'Therefore, it is fitting for us to continue our efforts by strengthening digital literacy through the NADI Ambassador programme,' he told reporters, after officiating the Sabah NADI Ambassador programme at UMS today. Also present at the event were secretary-general of the Ministry of Communications, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; UMS vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor; and MCMC managing director, Abdul Karim Fakir Ali. Fahmi said that there are currently 131 NADI centres across Sabah, and the selected ambassadors will undergo a two-day training session to support digital literacy efforts, and help extend the benefits of these centres to the wider community. He added that the student volunteers from UMS were drawn from various academic disciplines, with the selection process jointly carried out by MCMC and the university. Fahmi also expressed hope that the participation of UMS students in the programme would serve as a platform for them to provide input and suggestions for improving telecommunications services in Sabah. He said that the NADI Ambassador initiative will eventually be expanded to universities nationwide, in collaboration with student representative councils. Meanwhile, the MCMC, in a statement, announced that selected volunteers who successfully passed the screening process will undergo a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop, beginning tomorrow, at UMS. During the workshop, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of volunteerism, the objectives and functions of the NADI, NADI Smart Services modules, and the key components of the Safe Internet Campaign. Upon completion, they will be appointed as NADI Ambassadors, tasked with delivering briefings to local communities, including primary and secondary school students, parents, teachers, and entrepreneurs, who participate in various programmes at NADI centres. 'This approach is designed to encourage widespread community involvement across all age groups and backgrounds, fostering a better understanding of NADI's role, and helping the public make full use of the services available. MCMC added that 25 NADI centres have been identified and matched with the hometowns of the 50 selected UMS student volunteers, to ensure that the programme remains community-oriented and responsive to local needs. Also present were UMS Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and secretary general of the Communications Ministry, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
UMS, JSK Mantanani to strengthen marine biodiversity conservation
Dr Kasim (third right) with Johnny Wong holding the signed MoA. KOTA KINABALU (July 22): Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and JSK Mantanani Island Resorts Sdn Bhd have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaborative efforts in marine biodiversity research and education focused on the Mantanani Islands. The agreement formalises a partnership that began in 2023 when JSK Mantanani took proactive steps to combat the persistent poaching of nesting sea turtles on the island. UMS Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said the MoU opens new avenues for joint research, technology development, knowledge transfer and specialised training between the university and industry partners. 'This partnership is about more than just conservation. It's about fostering a resilient, informed and science-led approach to marine stewardship,' he said during the signing ceremony at the university on Tuesday. Prompted by growing concerns over declining turtle populations, JSK sought technical advice from UMS, laying the groundwork for a structured conservation initiative. With guidance from UMS marine scientists, JSK successfully secured formal approval from the Sabah Wildlife Department to launch a turtle conservation programme. Several JSK staff members have since been trained and appointed as Honorary Wildlife Rangers, granting them legal authority to monitor beaches, relocate turtle nests and manage the JSK Turtle Hatchery. The initiative has already seen positive outcomes, with two green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests protected so far, achieving a hatching success rate of over 90 per cent. In addition to JSK, four other industry players also signed MoU and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with UMS. They are Sinar Majutera Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Osmosis Nutrition Sdn Bhd, Biocircular Technologies Sdn Bhd and VKL Enterprise. JSK Mantanani, Osmosis Nutrition and Biocircular Technologies will collaborate with the university's Borneo Marine Research Institute, while Sinar Majutera Travel & Tours will work with the Centre for Borneo Indigenous Studies and VKL Enterprise with the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture. Present at the signing ceremony were JSK Mantanani Island Managing Director, Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee; Sinar Majutera Travel & Tours Managing Director, Datuk Seri Nasir Sakaran; Senior Manager of Osmosis Nutrition, Ng Weng Yee; Biocircular Technologies Managing Director, Lam Hua Wei and VKL Enterprise Managing Director, Sharizann Abdul Rahim.
